Rick didn’t react at first. The thought of Kevin’s father having been so close the other night had brought his suspicions up. Then slowly, he did as his friend ordered and sat down. “Talk,” he said flatly.
Steve shook his head. “I’m sorry, buddy, but we’re not marching in there and pulling Cassie out. If you’re ready to listen to reason, I’m ready to talk.” Steve’s brow was raised, as was Rick’s. “Okay, this is what I think. Cassie found something and she alerted us, but I don’t think it meant she wanted to leave yet. If she were afraid, she’d have left already, she’s not stupid. I’ll go back with you tonight and we’ll both watch the place in case something does go down, but if Cassie’s close to something, we ought to let her find it. If anyone suspected her or Kevin, they’d have moved in already.”
Rick started shaking his head in disagreement, but Steve stopped him from speaking by continuing his own thoughts on the subject. “Cassie isn’t a risk taker, well at least not now, with the baby, she isn’t. I think you need to do the one thing you’re always asking her to do, Rick. Have trust. You’re the one who said she’s got good instincts, remember? She knew there was something wrong with Luther early on.”
Rick’s back stiffened. “Don’t say that name.”
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to pour salt in the wounds,” Steve said kindly. “I’m only saying that so far Cassie hasn’t found anything suspicious about anyone until now. And there’s been no indication that the doctor doesn’t trust her or Kevin, right?” Rick made a noise that resembled a yes. “And the biggest point in her favor right now is the fact that she’s making sure you know everything that’s going on. She’s trusting you, now you’ve got to trust her.”
Rick’s jaw twitched, he knew what Steve said made good sense. And, if Cassie was close to finding answers about who was involved then those mothers and babies would be safe that much sooner. Without speaking, Rick agreed to Steve’s terms by sitting back in the chair and picking up the magazine he’d been reading. He didn’t read, but the message was loud and clear.
Steve smiled and stretched. “Well, if you’re not using that bed in there, I sure as hell am. We’ll be there by nightfall, don’t worry.” He waited long enough for Rick to react then walked in the bedroom and shut the door.
Lori sat in front of Rick and crossed her arms. “He’s wrong, you know.”
“No he’s not,” Rick said absently. “Cassie’s got good judgment.”
“I don’t mean that,” Lori said, now walking toward the bedroom. “I’m talking about taking risks. Cassandra Dahlgren Jarrett is the biggest risk taker I’ve ever met next to you.”
“Why?” Rick asked, looking up from the magazine.
“She married you.” She managed to close the door just before Rick’s magazine made contact with it.
* * * * *
The next four nights found Rick and Steve sitting in the bushes. No signs of wrongdoing were seen and neither Cassie nor Kevin mentioned anything was out of the ordinary. In fact, the mood of the house had been happy since Natalie’s baby had been born.
Cassie hadn’t managed to return to Dr. Winthrop’s office, but she had been able to search through Dr. Stanton’s. Again, she found no evidence of foul play within the records for the mothers or babies. Kevin was careful not to leave Cassie alone with any of the doctors since her discovery of the money in Dr. Winthrop’s office. Any or none of these men could be involved. The thought that maybe one of the volunteers could also be involved occurred to them, but they kept quiet about their thoughts. Everyone had to remain suspect.
The daily routines of Greyson House remained quiet and the nights were just as calm. Steve smiled when he first saw Cassie’s ritual of standing at the window, but noticed Rick wasn’t amused.
“You know why they’re called April showers, don’t ya, Rick?” Steve whispered as loud as he dared over the rain pouring down on them.
Rick looked sideways at his stakeout partner. “It isn’t April.”
“Yeah, well, no one told the weatherman.”
Rick sighed and looked through the night goggles. “I’m getting too old for this. This whole thing’s taking too damned long.”
“Nah, you’re not too old, buddy.” Steve grinned. “If anyone else were up there, you’d be sitting here just fine. I mean if Cassie was just another Technician, you wouldn’t care how long this job took. It’s just hard because you happen to be in love with this particular Technician.”
“She’s not a Technician,” Rick corrected. “She may think she is, but no way am I letting my wife do this kind of work full-time.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Lowering the goggles, Rick closed his eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that the way it sounded. You know how I feel about Lori’s work. I wasn’t putting her down.”
“Yeah, I know,” Steve acknowledged. “And you know something? As much as I hate admitting when you’re right, this assignment has been pretty interesting. Protecting from the outside, I mean. Still, for your sake I wish it wasn’t Cassie in there.”
“You and me both,” Rick said, returning the goggles to his eyes. “I miss her. It seems we’ve hardly spent any time together.”
Steve laughed. “Well, the last time I saw Cassie, she sure looked to me like maybe you’d spent a little time with her. At least once anyway.” In the dark Steve could see Rick’s mouth turn upward. “Well,” Steve continued, “This gig’s a lot better than the one up north. At least you get to see her now and then.”
“And up until now, you’ve been able to go crawl into bed with your wife,” Rick observed sarcastically.
“Jealous?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Cassie and Kevin were awakened by a knock. Motioning Cassie to stay put Kevin walked slowly to the door. “Who is it?”
“Dr. Miller. I’m sorry to bother you.” Kevin opened the door and Dr. Miller stepped in. “I’m really sorry for the late hour, but there’s a small problem I need your help with, Joe.”
“Can’t it wait until morning, Doctor?” Kevin yawned. He wasn’t comfortable with the doctor being in the room. “Erica needs her sleep.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean both of you,” Dr. Miller said. “Let me explain. Dr. Winthrop just called and it seems he’s had a flat tire about five miles down the road. He called for a tow truck, but because of an accident earlier, the soonest anyone could get out there would be three-thirty.”
Kevin looked at his watch. It was nearly two in the morning. “Why don’t you just go pick him up and we’ll get the car tomorrow,” he suggested.
“Joe, it’s a Mercedes. You don’t just leave a Mercedes on the side of the road all night.” Dr. Miller suppressed a laugh. “I’m sorry, but Dr. Winthrop sounded so upset. If you could change the tire, he and I would appreciate it.”
“Go ahead, Joe,” Cassie said, getting up from the bed.
“Could you give us a minute, Dr. Miller?” Kevin asked. When the doctor backed out of the room, Kevin shut the door and walked to Cassie. “I don’t want to leave you,” he whispered.
“It’s perfect,” she answered, also in a whisper. “I’ve already checked Dr. Stanton’s office, now I can check Dr. Miller’s. Take your time with the tire and maybe I can get into that safe in Dr. Winthrop’s office too. Rick’s out there if I need him.”
“All right, but be careful,” Kevin warned. “Rick can only help you if you can scream.” He returned to the door and opened it. “Okay, Dr. Miller, I’ll help you. You’re sure the car’s only five miles down the road?”
“Yes, we’ll be back in thirty minutes,” Dr. Miller answered and looked at Cassie. “I’m sorry for disturbing you, Erica, go back to sleep.”
Kevin kissed Cassie’s forehead and followed Dr. Miller downstairs. A moment later Cassie crept quietly out of her room.
* * * * *
The starting of an engine instantly brought Rick to full awareness. A car appeared from the side street and turned in the opposite di
rection from where he and Steve were hiding. Using the magnifying function of the night goggles, he looked to see who was inside, but raindrops on the back windshield prevented him from determining anything more than that two people occupied the front seat. He knew the car belonged to Dr. Miller and assumed it was he behind the wheel, but couldn’t be sure if the passenger was male or female.
“Steve, wake up,” he whispered urgently.
Opening his eyes immediately, Steve sat up straight, looking at Rick. “What’s up?”
“Dr. Miller’s car just left. Come on, move!”
Cassie was careful as she passed the bedrooms since the girls were sleeping. She stopped in front of Dr. Stanton’s bedroom to listen for any sound before continuing toward the stairs. All three of the doctors’ offices were on the third floor.
Once upstairs, she walked past Dr. Winthrop’s and Dr. Stanton’s offices and continued to the end of the long dark hall to Dr. Miller’s. As before, she found the office to be unlocked.
In the assumption that Dr. Miller and Kevin would be gone awhile, Cassie turned on the lights. Another assumption brought her to the closet where Dr. Miller might also have a safe. She got lucky—not only did she find a safe, it was open.
On her knees, Cassie flipped rapidly through the many papers the safe held. Aware that the papers made rustling sounds, she paused every few seconds to listen for footsteps. Nothing. Good. She went back to work.
“Hello Mrs. Jarrett,” an all-too-familiar voice drifted into the closet.
The voice chilled Cassie to the bone—she knew its owner. She also knew that because she heard it she was probably now a widow.
Cassie stood and turned to the monster with the face of an angel and the soul of a devil—Luther Carstairs.
“It’s been a long time, Cassandra.” Luther’s voice dripped sarcasm. Looking at Cassie’s stomach, he smiled.
Absently, Cassie’s hand covered her child as understanding crashed down upon her. Dr. Miller had deliberately taken Kevin out of the house and Rick was dead. She was alone. Then the baby kicked and in that moment Cassie knew she would never be alone. She carried Rick Jarrett’s child and by all that was holy to her, that child would live.
Her resolve strengthened, Cassie attempted to move out of the closet. She had a much better chance of defending herself if her back wasn’t against the wall.
“I’ve been very anxious about you and the baby,” Luther barely whispered. “This child should be mine, not the spawn of a man incapable of giving a woman what she needs and deserves. And we both know you deserve everything, don’t we, Cassandra?”
Cassie knew Luther—knew his ways of threatening without malice. Knew his impact without touch. She knew she was in the most trouble she’d ever been in. The baby kicked again.
“How did you get out of jail?” she asked, inching closer to the edge of the closet entrance. She spied a coat hanger and thought it could be used as a weapon if she had the time to unwind it.
“Don’t move anymore,” Luther ordered. “This is a little gun, but it is very effective and very quiet. Isn’t it cute? It even has a little silencer. This gun was specially made. A person would have to be shot many times before dying and by that time they most probably would have told me what I wanted to know. However, since I’m not after information from you, I only would have to shoot you once in the abdomen to gain your attention, wouldn’t I?”
“You’d kill this baby after you just said I deserved everything?” Cassie questioned as she looked toward the window.
Luther caught the action. “Your husband isn’t available anymore, my love. And don’t look for Kevin to come back either.”
“Kevin?” she asked cautiously.
“Yes, Kevin Williams,” Luther purred. “Or Joe Jones, whatever you choose to call him. He’s not coming back either.”
A strange inner peace took over Cassie. Somehow she was going to get through this for Rick’s sake. All she could do for the moment was wait for Dr. Miller to undoubtedly return to help Luther. But she knew as long as she was breathing, she had a chance.
“Answer my question,” Cassie demanded. “How did you get out of jail and how did you find me?”
“No small talk,” Luther snapped. Then he smiled. “All right, I’ll tell you. Actually it was so easy I still can’t believe my luck, but then again, luck didn’t have anything to do with it. I’m out because I have a very loyal attorney and many people in my pocket. I found you because I’m very good at what I do. Simply put, I don’t believe in coincidences and when Dr. Winthrop indicated knowing you, I got the lead I needed.”
Cassie’s heart dropped. Even after finding the money in the envelope, she still didn’t want to believe Dr. Winthrop was the kind of monster to be selling babies. She had misjudged him and the situation tonight as well. Please forgive me, Rick, she thought, I really thought I could trust my own instincts.
“Dr. Winthrop told you I was here?” she asked, still touching her belly.
“He didn’t have to,” Luther said. “He was in Dr. Williams’ office at the same time my dear attorney was and saw a picture of a young Kevin Williams. Shelly noticed how the doctor looked at the picture like he recognized the boy. After that, all she had to do was make a few calls. She’s frightfully loyal to me. She found Dr. Miller and after a conversation, knew what he was up to inside here. Dr. Miller agreed to help me in exchange for keeping quiet about his dealings. It’s a nice little enterprise he’s built up here. He doesn’t know it yet, but Dr. Miller has gained a partner. Breeding and selling people as a source of revenue isn’t all that different than dealing in horses.”
“You’re insane,” Cassie managed.
“Insane?” Luther’s smile faded. “It would be better for you if I were, wouldn’t it? Maybe then you could reason with me. I’m not insane or stupid. But I may have been too kind. I gave you everything, you know. Everything every woman in the world could want. I gave you my love, Cassie. My love! Do you know how many women have begged for that? How they threatened and whined and begged me to love them? And they all had nothing to give that I couldn’t take. But you did. You had everything to give me and yet I wouldn’t take it. I wanted you to give it. I wanted you to give to me what I saw you give the horses—your love and compassion. Your heart, your soul.”
The ramblings of an obsessed mind flowed from Luther. His usual composure gave way to beads of sweat on his brow and his voice cracked. This wasn’t the same commanding presence of a man Cassie had known. This was a man whittled down by his own self-worth and lack of truly knowing love. He was also a man who was beyond reasoning with.
“I love you, Cassie,” he nearly whimpered. “Love everything about you. And I gave you time when I could have taken you, because I wanted you to love me. I wanted you to adjust to our age difference and what did you do? You married a man almost the same age as me! I was yours first and you were mine! But you stabbed me in the back!” To add credence to his performance Luther drew a knife from his pocket and held it to his chest. “You cut out my heart as surely as if you put the blade to my breast.”
Luther was insane whether he realized it or not, and now Cassie knew what he was talking about. “You’re not planning on killing me, you’re planning on keeping me and raising this baby. Aren’t you?” She couldn’t allow that, it would kill Rick even in death and she hated this despicable man.
Cassie stepped forward just enough for Luther to drop the knife and lift the gun. That was her plan, if the gun were no longer aimed at her midsection the baby wouldn’t be harmed if a shot fired. Before Luther had time to react, Cassie turned her body slightly and ran directly at him. The gun fired, but not before she sent Luther crashing back through the open doorway.
Cassie dropped to the floor. There was a sting in her upper arm and she saw blood. She tried to stand, but Luther gained his composure first and stood up. He still held the gun.
“You did it again!” he gasped, aiming his weapon at Cassie’s stomach. “You stabbed
my heart. And here I was going to let you keep your baby. Oh well, I suppose I’ll just have to make another one with you.”
Though the gun was aimed at her stomach there was no feeling of fear running through Cassie, only emptiness. She struggled to turn away in the hopes of the shot hitting her back, but hope was gone and she knew it.
The room was spinning and Luther seemed to be moving in slow motion. She heard the whistle of a second silenced shot. This time, there was no pain. Her vision blurred, Cassie waited to be hit again. As she was about to close her eyes something appeared on Luther’s chest. No, not on his chest, but coming from it. She rubbed her eyes and stared. What she was seeing? It was there, but how? Then, looking out into the hallway past Luther, Cassie understood.
At the end of the corridor stood Rick, and in his hand he held his gun. Now, Cassie knew what she was seeing. Like a crimson waterfall, life was leaking from Luther’s chest. The second gunshot brought no pain because it had come from Rick, intended for Luther, who had fallen to his knees.
Upon his impact with the ground, Luther dropped his gun and looked at the blood pouring out of him. At first an expression of wonder crossed his face, then he saw Rick and the expression changed. With a twisted smile he turned, and taking his last look at Cassandra Dahlgren, Luther Carstairs fell to the floor.
Instantly, Rick moved forward. Still aiming the gun at Luther, he slowly walked down the hall. Stopping when he reached the crumpled form, he knelt and pressed his fingers against Luther’s throat. No pulse, the devil was dead.
With a loud exhalation Rick holstered his gun then looked at Cassie. “Don’t move,” he said, moving to her side.
“I’m okay,” she said in a shaky voice. “It only hit my arm.” She pulled up the sleeve of her robe to reveal the small wound. “The baby’s fine, don’t worry.”
“We’ve got to get you out of here,” Rick hissed and started to lift her in his arms.
“Wait!” Cassie whispered forcefully. “The papers in the safe—get them.”
My ShadowMy Love Page 19