Sarah Woods Mystery Series (1-6) Boxed Set

by Jennifer L. Jennings

  On all fours, Mari gave me the go ahead. I placed my foot on her back and hesitated.

  “What’s the matter?” she asked.

  “I can’t do this. I’m going to hurt you.”

  “What other choice do we have?” she said.

  “Maybe we should wait until Joshua comes back. There’s two of us, and only one of him. We could overpower him.”

  “If we try and fail, he’ll kill us. He has my step-son’s revolver.”

  “Maybe, but if he was going to kill you, wouldn’t he have done it by now?”

  Mari moved back to a seated position and brushed the dirt from her hands and knees. “I don’t know. He hasn’t tried to touch me at all. I think he just wants to punish me.”

  “Have you noticed any sounds or voices coming from outside?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “How about the sound of water running?” I asked. “Joshua lives near the river.”

  “You think he’s keeping us near his home?”

  “More than likely. I remember seeing several outbuildings around his property.”

  Mari licked her dry lips. “If I don’t get some water soon, I’m going to pass out. Do you have another plan?”

  I was out of ideas.

  After a few minutes, the sound of shuffling footsteps caused my stomach muscles to tighten. I froze for a moment and held my breath. The shuffling stopped. “Hey Joshua,” I yelled. “Is that you out there?”

  No response. The footsteps receded, and I yelled again. “Hey, is someone out there?”

  I ran to the door and pressed an ear against it. There were sounds, but I couldn’t make out what they were. Finally, I heard the sound of clanging metal and the door slowly creaked open.

  Once my eyes adjusted to the light pouring in, I saw Joshua’s face. I could feel my pulse pounding in my neck.

  “Afternoon, ladies,” he said, entering the small space with a gun pointed at Mari. “Are you two playing well together?”

  “Why are you doing this?” I asked.

  He looked at me like I was an idiot. “Come on, Sarah. You’re smarter than that.”

  “You know you’re not going to hurt us. Why don’t you let me get Mari to a hospital and we can forget this ever happened.”

  He laughed. “Good one. And then they send me off to the loony bin for the rest of my life? No thanks. I’m all set.”

  “You need professional help,” I said. “You need medication.”

  “Mother never believed all the so-called medical experts - the way they poison our bodies with chemicals. It’s not natural.”

  “I understand -”

  “No you don’t,” he said, now pointing the revolver at my head. “You don’t understand because you’ve never been rejected. How could you possibly know what it feels like?” He sighed heavily. “Never mind. Why do I bother telling you anything?”

  “Talk to me,” I said. “Obviously, we’re not going anywhere. This is what you’ve wanted, right? Our undivided attention. Well, now you’ve got it.”

  Joshua started to laugh. “Okay. Maybe you are starting to understand me. Why don’t you tell me what’s going to happen? Come on, Sarah. You’re so smart, tell me what you think my plan is.”

  “I know it doesn’t involve killing us,” I said.

  He laughed again. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I have no intention of killing you. But I sure wouldn’t mind keeping you here as my pets for a very long time. Just remember … some things are worse than death.”

  A cold chill ran through me. I realized Joshua had no intention of releasing us. I needed to act while I still had the energy.

  Joshua tilted his head and regarded me with a curious expression. “What is it Sarah? Cat got your tongue?”

  “I’m thinking,” I said.

  He smiled. “Thinking about how to escape?”

  “No,” I replied, casually. “I’m thinking about my son.”

  “You never told me you had a son.”

  “He’s away at college. I don’t see him very often and I barely get a phone call, but I know if something ever happened to me, it would crush him. That’s what I’m thinking about.”

  Joshua rolled his eyes. “Nice try. You must really think I’m an idiot. Just like all those doctors.”

  “You’re not an idiot,” I said. “You’re sick. Big difference.”

  “It’s all mumbo jumbo. Truth is, I’ve always fantasized about this.” Joshua waved his arms around. “Having my own zoo of beautiful women, caged like animals.”

  “If you keep us in here, we won’t be beautiful for long. We’ll be dead. Then what will you do?”

  He glared at me. “Don’t pretend you care about me. You can both rot in here as far as I’m concerned.” He turned back toward the door.

  I wanted to lunge at him, but I could barely feel my legs from the cold. I knew I’d only piss him off if I tried and failed.

  “Don’t go anywhere,” he said before closing the door. “I’ll be back in a few minutes with some dinner.”

  The sound of locks clanking made me want to throw up. I looked over at Mari. Her vacant expression reminded me of someone who had already given up hope.

  I rubbed my legs briskly in an attempt to stay warm. I had to remain alert.

  A few minutes later I had the solution. When Joshua returned, I wouldn’t hesitate. I would jump him with every ounce of energy I had left. Maybe I’d be able to steal the gun from him, or maybe I’d get shot, but I had to try.

  I continued talking to Mari. I begged her to stay focused and told her of my plan.

  Our conversation was interrupted by the metallic clanking outside the door. Blood rushed to my head as I rose to my feet. I squeezed my fists into balls, ready to strike. I waited for the he door to swing open, then lunged, hitting him with the full force of my one hundred and twenty pounds. We tumbled to the ground ending up outside of his makeshift prison. Sunlight blinded me as I clawed and scratched with the ferocity of an injured animal. He screamed and dropped the gun. I rolled over on my stomach and reached for it, but fell short, my face scraping against the cold hard ground. I felt Joshua straddling my back, his weight crushing me as I growled with fury. A sharp object dug into my lower back. I imagined it was his elbow or knee. Soon, all the air in my lungs was gone as the crushing force intensified. I continued to claw at the ground, searching in vain for an object I could use as a weapon. All I could see was dirt and dead grass. I tried to move my legs, kicking my feet up, but Joshua was too far up on my back.

  The gun was only inches away from my fingertips as I reached. I heard Joshua laughing, like this was some kind of amusing game. It became very apparent that I would not win this wrestling match with strength, so the only other option I could think of was to outsmart him.

  I collapsed my head on the ground, closed my eyes, and played dead.

  After a few seconds, Joshua seemed convinced and got off of me. The pressure in my lungs dissipated. The urge to cough was overwhelming but I kept it together. I opened one eye just enough to see Jacob scrambling on hands and knees toward the gun, but just before he reached it, the distinct sound of gunfire rang out. It didn’t make sense. Joshua’s gun was still on the ground. I struggled to lift my head. Joshua was facing the opposite direction, hands in the air. A voice called out. It sounded like the voice of Detective James, but my vision was blurry. I closed my eyes again. It felt like my brain was on fire. I gasped for air, but it felt like my lungs were on fire, too.

  “Sarah, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

  It was Carter’s voice now. I opened my eyes but couldn’t speak.

  “You’re safe now,” he said, kneeling next to me. “We got him.”

  I lifted my head just in time to see Joshua in handcuffs, led away by two police officers. Detective James carried Mari in his arms. An ambulance slid to a halt, lights flashing and siren blazing. I felt Carter’s strong arms lift me up, and experienced the most profound relief I’d ever felt in my entire life.


  Chapter 18

  Three hours later

  “How does the head feel?” Carter asked when I joined him in the hospital waiting room.

  “Well, I don’t have a concussion,” I said, touching the bandage on my temple. “And Mari is doing well. She should be able to go home once her fluids have been replenished. I stopped by her room to see her. The color has already returned to her cheeks.”

  “So,” Carter said. “How does it feel to be a hero?”

  I laughed as I sat next to him. “Hero? I think not. I’m just glad you showed up when you did. How did you figure out that Joshua had us?”

  “You can thank your bartender friend, Kari Stewart, for that one. She called me when she noticed your car was still parked at the restaurant an hour after you’d left. She tried contacting you several times and got nervous. You’d given her my number and she decided to use it. Told me about some weirdo that showed up at the bar. Said he’s been harassing you. After she’d described him, I sort of put two and two together, and called Detective James. You know, Joshua’s mom had no idea he was keeping prisoners in the shed behind their house.”

  “Where is Joshua now?” I asked.

  “In custody. He’ll be undergoing a psych evaluation. I’m sure his attorney will submit an insanity plea.”

  “I assume Kenneth has been released?”

  “Yeah. As a matter of fact, he was just here to see his wife, but Mari told the nurse not to let him in. He stormed out, face beet red. I guess she’s done with him.”

  I rested my head on the back of the chair. “What about Alice Rossini?”

  “I called her and explained everything. Lucy is bringing her here to see you guys.”

  “She must have been thrilled when you told her that Mari was okay.”

  Carter nodded and smiled. “I think she started crying out of pure relief. She was worried about you, too.”

  I turned to face him straight on and took his hand. “Thank you, Carter.”

  “For what?” he said, acting coy.

  “For … being you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  I let go of his hand and looked away. “Nothing. I’m just glad you’re watching my back, that’s all.”

  “That’s what partners do.”

  “Well, I guess I should call Max. He wasn’t feeling well this morning and probably has no idea what happened.”

  “I called him, too” Carter said. “He’s also on his way here. In the meantime, you want some coffee or something? I can run down to the cafeteria and get you a drink or food.”

  “I’d love some water. I’m parched. But I can walk down with you.”

  He placed a heavy hand on my shoulder. “You should rest. I’ll be back in a minute.”

  As soon as Carter left, the doublewide doors opened and in walked Max at a brisk pace. When he saw me sitting at the far end of the waiting room, he ran over and took me into his arms.

  “Thank God you’re okay, Sarah. Carter called me and told me everything.” He lightly fondled the bandage on my head.

  I smiled up at him. “I’ll heal. I’m just glad Mari is safe. How are you feeling?”

  Max pointed to his swollen nose. “Oh this? My flu is nothing compared to what you’ve been through. Come on, let me take you home.”

  “Carter should be right back,” I said. “He went to fetch me some water.”

  “Okay, well, why don’t I get the car and pick you up right at the doors.”

  I paused. “Very sweet, but I think I’d like to stick around here for a bit. Alice Rossini is on her way here. I’d like to see her.”

  “Are you sure?” he said. “You could really use some rest.”

  “I’m sure. Why don’t you head back home to bed? I’ll call you later, okay?”

  He kissed my cheek. “I assume you’ll get a ride home with Carter?”

  “Yeah. I’m sure he won’t mind.”

  A few minutes after Max left, Carter returned with my water and an apple. “You need to eat something, Sarah.”

  “Thanks.”

  He checked his watch. “The others should be here any minute.”

  “Max already came and left,” I said.

  He looked around as if he didn’t believe me. “He left already? Why?”

  “He has the flu. It’s not wise to spread his germs around.” I took a long swig of water; cold and delicious. As I bit into the apple, I noticed the doublewide doors open as Lucy wheeled Alice Rossini into the waiting room. Alice was grinning ear to ear. “Sarah, come over here and let me see you, dear. You’re hurt.”

  “Just a few bruises,” I said, leaning down to embrace her. “I’m fine.

  She blinked rapidly as tears formed. “You are such a brave woman,” she said. “I want to thank you for what you did. Mari is alive right now because of you.”

  “Why don’t you go see her? I’m sure she’ll be thrilled,” I said.

  Alice took my hand. “If you or Carter ever need anything from me, please call.”

  I smiled. “Thank you, Alice.”

  * * *

  Carter drove me home around seven. When he pulled up to my apartment, he looked at me with concern. In the darkness his features were tense. “Is Max coming over tonight?”

  “I don’t know. In all honesty, I prefer he stay at his place until he’s over his sickness. Besides, he needs his sleep.”

  “The guy really seems to care about you.”

  “Yeah. He’s a great guy. Just like you.”

  Carter smiled faintly. “Well, then maybe I should make you dinner, since you’re all mangled from your harrowing adventure.”

  “If a bruise on my head renders me a mangled mess, I’d better find a new line of work. Maybe a cozy little desk job will keep me out of trouble.”

  He laughed. “I doubt you could go back to some boring nine to five. At least our job keeps things interesting.”

  “Speaking of interesting, I didn’t know you could cook.”

  He seemed slightly offended. “Why do you say that?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I picture you being TV dinner kind of guy.”

  “Well, then you don’t know me very well, Sarah.”

  “And whose fault is that? You never want to talk personal stuff.”

  He paused, apparently thinking it over. “What do you want to know?”

  I shook my head and opened the car door. “Never mind. I’m kinda tired. Maybe I should just take some Advil and go to bed. I’ll take a rain check on dinner.”

  “Wait.” Carter clasped my arm. I sat back, took my hand off the door handle, and looked at him.

  “What?” I asked.

  He sighed. “I just want you to know one thing about me. It’s very important that you know.”

  I couldn’t read his expression so I just said, “Okay.”

  He swallowed. “You are probably the only woman in my life that I have ever really trusted. I know it sounds hokey, but it’s true. My mom, she was too conniving. My ex-wife was … oh hell; she was a liar and a cheat. I couldn’t even trust my own daughter … all the times she let me down after I tried to help her. So you need to understand, I don’t trust women. Except for you. Right now, that’s all you need to know about me.”

  He looked into my eyes and gave a curt nod. End of discussion.

  I gave a little smile, feeling a warm glow emerge in my chest. It was like finding a lost piece of a puzzle. “Thanks for helping me understand. In that case, you can make come up and make dinner if you still want to. But I’m warning you, I don’t have much food to work with.”

  He shrugged. “That’s okay. I plan on ordering pizza anyway.”

  Chapter 19

  On Friday, November fifth, exactly one year since Beth Steven’s died, Max and I took her ashes to the Seapoint Beach. The sun was shining, rare for New England in November.

  Max carried his sister’s urn on one arm and took my hand in the other. We stopped just short of the water’s edge, w
here he carefully removed the lid. He lifted his face to the sun and smiled as he walked right into the water. It must have been freezing but he didn’t flinch. He gently spread the ashes into the lapping waves until the urn was empty. He gave a little salute and watched for another five or six minutes as the ocean took her away.

  I wiped my cheeks as tears slid down. I didn’t say a thing; just let Max have his private moment.

  Finally, he turned, made his way back to me, his pants and boots completely drenched. “I have an idea,” he said, his expression more playful than sad. “Let’s go get some ice-cream.”

  I laughed through my tears. “Ice-cream? How can you be craving ice-cream when it’s freezing out?”

  “Because it was Beth’s favorite thing. She’d want us to have ice-cream.”

  I took his hand and helped him walk back to the car. “Then ice-cream it is.”

  The end

  The Art of Duplicity

  (A Sarah Woods Mystery Book 6)

  By

  Jennifer L. Jennings

  Copyright © 2013

  Chapter 1

  Wednesday, April 24

  Six months of online classes had finally paid off.

  The Private Investigators license issued by the State of New Hampshire didn't look much different than my driver's license. My photo appeared in the upper right hand corner – as bad as any driver's license photo I'd ever taken – my name; Sarah M. Woods. Birthdate, 3-7-1970. Eye color, blue. Hair color, brown. Weight, 120. Height, 5' 6”.

  Okay, maybe I'd fudged the weight, but I didn't think anyone would notice or care.

  After spending most of my adult life as a massage therapist, I decided a serious career change was in order when my marriage ended. And once my son left for college, there were no more excuses.

  So needless to say, I was feeling pretty good about myself, which is why I decided to order the blueberry pancakes for breakfast with extra maple syrup and butter.

  Carter sat across from me, drinking his coffee. His grey hair was thick and in need of a trim. For a guy in his fifties, he had the body of a thirty-year-old, but not because he went to a gym. He always wore the same leather jacket, jeans, and black boots, even in the summer. “Is that your P.I. license?” He pointed to the card in my hand. “Let me see it.”