Coming back around, he stopped at the end of the street. The detective had already gone inside, but Norman didn’t care. He was there to look over the house for an advantage.
The house was two stories, with white siding, and a gray-shingle roof. The front lawn was mowed, but little time had been spent on landscaping. The exception was a large hedge planted along the side of the driveway.
It ran from the sidewalk all the way back to the side of the house. It appeared to be for privacy from the house next door, and it was perfect for what he needed.
The sun was almost gone, and people were coming home in a steady stream. He needed to leave before he was spotted. He started his car, took a final look, and pulled away.
Chapter 11
Jason pulled into the station parking lot on the morning of the ceremony. Stephanie Morris had taken a turn for the worse last night and, though they stabilized her, she was still in the induced coma. Despite the events of yesterday, the mayor’s decision was to go forward with the ceremony.
Jason didn’t see Vanessa’s Challenger and, though he was rarely late, she almost always beat him in. He came through the station doors and his friend, Sergeant Dave Connor, greeted him from the front desk. “Good morning, Detective”
“Morning Dave. How’s Vicky?”
“Mean as ever.”
“Come on, Dave. She spoils you rotten. If I didn’t have Sandy, I’d steal her from you.”
“You detectives! You think all the women swoon over you.”
“What are you sayin’, Dave. You mean they don’t?”
The sergeant rolled his eyes. “You don’t fool me. That Sandy has you wrapped around her finger.”
“Too true, Buddy, too true. Say hi to Vicky for me.”
“I will.”
The elevator doors closed and reopened a few minutes later on the third floor. Jason walked toward his desk, but Lieutenant Patton was waving at him to come in his office. Jason leaned in and John Patton hung up the phone. “That was Vanessa. She’s not feeling well.”
“Anything serious?”
“No. She said she’s sick to her stomach. I told her she better not be trying to get out of the ceremony this afternoon.”
Jason chuckled, but in the back of his mind, he was worried. She might be having complications. “Did she confess?”
“Nope. In fact, she said she would meet us at City Hall this afternoon.”
“Doesn’t sound too serious. I’m going over to the hospital to check on Stephanie Morris. I’ll meet you there, as well.”
“Don’t be late.”
“Yes, sir.”
*******
Jason got to the hospital in under a half hour. Record time for San Antonio in mid-morning. He parked and made his way up to Stephanie’s room. He checked the spot where he’d found Brooke the other day, but she wasn’t there.
He stopped to talk to the officers guarding the door and they assured him all had been quiet. He went into the room.
Stephanie Morris was still unconscious. Blood seeped through the thick bandage on her chest that looked like it was due to be changed.
Right on cue, a nurse came in. She didn’t appear to be aware of the detective’s presence. She checked the tubes and lines running from Stephanie before looking at each of the monitors. Despite Jason thinking the dressing needed changing, she didn’t begin to remove it. He stepped closer to the girl and stared down at her.
“Watch the transfusion line, please.”
Apparently, she did know he was there. Jason looked down at where he was leaning against the bed and saw he was pinching the line.
“Sorry,” he stepped back. “Has she been awake?”
“Not yet. They still have her sedated.”
“Do you know when they will wake her up?”
“You’d have to ask the doctor to be sure. The chart seems to indicate late tomorrow afternoon or evening.”
The nurse, apparently done with her mission, exited the room as suddenly as she came in. Jason stood looking over the girl.
What do you know? Did you see his face? Do you know his name? Can you take us to his house?
Jason longed to ask her out loud. He’d made a promise to Brooke and he liked to keep his promises. He also wanted this guy off the street.
Hang in there, kiddo. Come back to us.
He turned away from the bed and went outside. Checking his watch, he realized he had time for a quick sandwich before he had to leave for the ceremony. He dialed Vanessa. “Hello.”
“Hey, Vanessa. You doin’ okay?”
“Yeah. Some cramps and a sick stomach.”
“Everything all right?”
“Yes. We called the doc, and he gave me something new for the nausea. It’s not real strong because of the baby, but it’s helping.”
“You still going to make it to the ceremony?”
“Yes.”
“Need a ride?”
“No. I’ll see you there.”
“Okay.”
Jason hung up and drove the four blocks to his favorite sandwich shop. He decided to have coffee with lunch. He might need the caffeine at the ceremony.
*******
Jason pulled in at city hall just before one-thirty and from the parking lot, it was already obvious seating was at a premium. Most of the chairs were filled. The press, as usual, had the front two or three rows. TV cameras were set up at the back of the seating, and photographers were jockeying for best place to set up their tripods.
Jason got out and walked toward the raised stage. The speaker’s podium, at the front of the stage, had a row of chairs in a half moon behind it. At the back of the stage stood three flags. The American, Texas, and San Antonio City flags wafted in a soft breeze. The day was sunny but not overly hot, a fact Jason appreciated when he noticed there was no shade over the seats.
Decked out in his dress uniform, he saw Devin James break free from a conversation, and come toward him.
“JD!”
Jason didn’t mind when his friends and fellow officers called him that, but Devin James didn’t fall into either category, and it annoyed him the reporter took the liberty. “Detective Strong.”
“Oh, sorry,” Devin seemed unfazed by the rebuke. “Detective, do you have any news on the girl these guys saved?”
“No. Her status remains the same.”
“And what would that status be?”
Jason ignored the question.
“Okay, how about the guy who did this to her? Anything more on him?”
“There’s going to be a statement after the ceremony.”
Jason pushed past the reporter and continued on his way to the stage. Jason wasn’t sure what Vanessa’s issue was with Devin James, but he was beginning to feel like he would probably agree with her.
When he got to the steps, the lieutenant met him. “Have you seen Detective Layne?”
“No. I talked to her before lunch, and she said she’d be here.”
“I hope so. The mayor wants the whole team present. Doctor Davis, the police chief, and the captain are already here, that just leaves Layne.”
“I’m sure she’ll be here.” Actually, he wasn’t sure, but no point in arousing the lieutenant’s suspicion.
Jason followed John Patton onto the stage, and took a seat next to the lieutenant, on the left side of the podium. The other chairs were filling up as two o’clock approached.
Jason waved to the two men who were the purpose of this shindig, neither of which looked particularly comfortable. They both gave him a little half wave.
No doubt the last few days have been pretty surreal for you guys.
A city councilwoman got up and started towards the podium. The “privilege” of introducing the mayor had apparently been given to her. Jason didn’t think much of politicians. Usually they were just getting in the way of him doing his job, which is exactly what was happening now. He should be working instead of sitting in the increasingly warm sun.
Jason scanned t
he distant parking lot for a sign of his partner. Sure enough, she was just locking her car and heading full tilt for the stage. She managed to get to the steps as Madame Councilwoman began. “Thank you all for coming out today to honor these two brave citizens. It is my…..”
Jason watched Vanessa try to look small as she waited for the mayor to be introduced. Finally, the mayor was given the podium, and while everyone applauded, Vanessa made her way to her chair. She drew a scowl from both the lieutenant and the captain.
*******
Norman began to get agitated. Everyone is here but the person he’s here to see. The ceremony was about to begin and there was one chair still empty on stage. It had to be hers.
He studied the two men who saved the girl in the woods. He didn’t know how two buffoons like them had been able to surprise him. He would not be so careless again.
A flash out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Long black hair and a police uniform. He watched as her hair waved in the light breeze while she waited by the side of stage.
As always, he found her stunning, and looked forward to their meeting. He always looked forward to the beginning of his next encounter with ‘Marcie’.
He watched for a while as the mayor gave his speech and awarded the medals, but it bored him. Despite having an opportunity to stare at the thin, black-haired woman on stage, he decided leaving before the end was the right choice. He slipped away, unnoticed.
*******
The police chief was the last to speak, and he informed everyone Detectives Strong and Layne would be available for questioning in the City Hall lobby at three-fifteen.
“Oh, great!” It was Vanessa. “Did you know about this?”
Jason held up his hands. “Nope. News to me.”
“We’re not going to get any work done on this case today.”
“It would appear not.”
As the ceremony came to an end, Lieutenant Patton motioned the two detectives to follow him. They walked down a rear set of stairs and into the back of city hall.
“Sorry about the surprise news conference. I only found out just before the ceremony.”
Vanessa felt compelled to share her displeasure. “Jason and I need to be working on this case, not doing more public relations.”
Lieutenant Patton stopped and turned to face the detectives. His eyes rested on Vanessa. “As I recall, you weren’t getting much done today anyway. Feeling better, are you?”
Vanessa realized she’d picked a poor time to rant about press briefings. “Oh, yeah. I do feel better. Must have been something I ate.”
As the lieutenant resumed his pace, Vanessa rolled her eyes in Jason’s direction, and it was all he could do to keep from busting out laughing. Vanessa wasn’t caught off guard very often, and when she was, Jason usually found it good for some teasing. “Probably something in your stomach.”
Vanessa fired a loaded glance at Jason, which he pretended not to notice. A podium had been set up in the lobby and reporters were already milling about. The lieutenant went up, tapped the mic, which responded with a thud. Everyone turned their attention forward.
“I’m going to turn this over to the detectives and let you ask your questions but there will be no name given on our victim from the other night. Her status remains unchanged and we will release another update in the morning.”
He turned and motioned Vanessa and Jason forward.
“Most of you are familiar with Detectives Jason Strong and Vanessa Layne. I’ll let them take it from here.”
Jason and Vanessa came forward and began answering questions. They took turns and tried to remain patient when the same question was asked several times in different ways. They endured it for nearly forty-five minutes before the opening came to shut it down. Jason took it. “Thank you for understanding but Detective Layne and I must go back to work.”
They turned and left the stage to the lieutenant.
Outside in the parking lot Jason loosened his collar and sighed. “I’m glad that’s over.”
Vanessa sat on a bench and looked up at him. “No kidding! I thought we’d never get away. What are you going to do now?”
Jason looked at his watch. It was after four.
“I’m going to check on the girl at the hospital, and then head home. See you at the station in the morning?”
“That’s fine. I’m gonna sit for a few, and then head home myself.”
“Okay. See ya’ tomorrow.”
Chapter 12
The next morning Vanessa was up early. The meds she was on were taking effect and for a change, she didn’t feel sick.
She fixed breakfast for her and Rob, which they enjoyed together for the first time in weeks. Vanessa looked over at her husband. “When we have an ultrasound, do we want to know if it’s a boy or a girl?”
Rob smiled. “If it’s a boy, yes!”
“And if it’s a girl?”
“Oh, I guess that would be okay, too.”
She reached over and punched him. He recoiled, but she was too fast, and landed a solid blow on his arm. “Owww!”
“You deserved that.”
“You know I don’t care if it’s a girl or a boy,” he rubbed his arm. “Man, even pregnant, you still pack a punch.”
“And don’t you forget it!”
He laughed, got up from the table, and kissed her.
“I have to get ready.”
“Okay. I’m going to clean up and head for the station.”
In ten minutes, she had the dishwasher running and some meat taken out to thaw for dinner. She grabbed her purse and keys, locked the door behind her, and walked to her car.
Across the street from Vanessa’s home, sat a black pick-up with a white camper top, no driver in it. The detective didn’t notice, she should have, but she didn’t. As Vanessa reached her car and went to unlock it, she heard a voice behind her, and felt a gun in her back.
“Don’t say a word. Turn and walk directly to the black truck across the street. If you try anything, I’ll splatter your insides all over the outdoors. Are we clear? Nod your head.”
Vanessa nodded, trying to remain calm, as the man reached around her waist to remove her gun. Her thoughts went to the life inside her, followed by images of the wineglass crime photos.
A glance at the truck told her this was the same man responsible. She looked up at the bedroom window.
Look out, Rob! See me!
Apparently, her abductor knew what she was thinking.
“Move it! Now.”
They walked quickly toward the black truck. He made her open the driver’s door, slide across the bench seat, and slid in right behind her. The gun never left her side.
He produced a large zip tie formed in a circle. “Put your hands through.”
She hesitated, so he raised the gun to her forehead. “Do it!”
Vanessa saw no choice. She obeyed. He pulled the circle tight and started the truck.
“Behave yourself.”
*******
Rob grabbed a towel from the pile on the shelf next to the shower. He rubbed it over his hair, and then wrapped it around his waist. He ran a comb through his hair and fired up his electric razor.
He hated shaving, but the electric made it less of a chore than using a blade. He’d probably be sporting a beard if it wasn’t for Vanessa. She won’t even kiss him if he gets too shaggy.
Rob finished his shave and slapped on some skin conditioner. A quick look at the bedside clock told him he needed to pick up the pace. Walking over toward the closet, he saw Vanessa’s car through the window.
She should be gone by now.
He looked closer, and a movement across the road caught his eye. A man pushed a woman into a truck. She looked like…
“VANESSA!”
Rob’s scream bounced off the window back at him, unheard. Forgetting he’s in a towel, he rushed down the stairs, and out the door.
“VANESSA!”
He was too late. The truck was driving of
f.
Rob looked around wildly, hoping for a neighbor who could chase the truck. Nobody was around this early. He ran back in the house, grabbed his phone, and dialed 911.
*******
Jason arrived at the station at his usual time, but he’d beaten Vanessa to the station for the second day in a row.
I hope she hasn’t called in sick again.
If she has, he’d tell her she has to reveal her pregnancy to the lieutenant.
He walked through the station door and waved at Dave Connor, but this time he didn’t get the usual friendly response. Dave looked stricken. “Jason, get upstairs fast!”
“Why? What’s up?”
“Something has happened to Detective Layne.”
Jason’s heart skipped a beat. He took off running, ignoring the elevator, in favor of the stairs. Ten seconds later, he burst into Homicide.
Gathered near the lieutenant’s office is a crowd of detectives. When Jason got to John Patton’s door, the others stepped back, as the lieutenant hung up the phone. “Jason, glad you’re here. 911 just got a call from Rob Layne. He said some guy forced Detective Layne into a black truck with white topper.”
“That’s him; that’s wine glass. It has to be.”
“Why?”
“The truck matches the description of his and….” Jason hesitated. He’d realized it before, but didn’t think it posed any real danger. “…Vanessa matches the victim profile.”
John Patton just stared at him. It clearly hadn’t occurred to him that his detective looked like the victims.
“Son of a ….” He moved so quickly, Jason was caught by surprise. The lieutenant was past him and heading for the stairs before Jason could react. “Detective Strong! You coming?”
Jason turned on his heels, and hurried after the lieutenant. They ran back down the stairs and out into the parking lot. Jumping in the lieutenant’s car, Jason planted the magnetic, flashing, blue light on the hood, and they sped out of the lot.
BLOODSTAIN (Det. Jason Strong(CLEAN SUSPENSE Book 2) Page 6