by Midge Bubany
Barb lifted her hand to her mouth and said, “Dear God.”
“How did you find him?” Sydney said.
“I didn’t. He showed up at my door. Norman Kramer let him go. We figured that’s why he was killed.”
“And Paul?”
“We’re not sure why he was killed.”
“He was probably there trying to help Mike escape,” Barb said.
“Possibly.”
“Once the men who kidnapped him are in custody, he should be safe. Right, Cal?” Barb asked.
“We need to know who all the players are before I’d feel comfortable.”
“Did he say why they took him?” Sydney asked.
“Evidently Paul owed them ten grand for drugs stolen out of his garage, and they were extorting him for the replacement cost. Mike can tell you about it later.”
“Oh, my God,” Barb said.
“What was he doing with drugs in his garage?” Tom asked.
“He was storing them for Woody.”
Tom shook his head. “I knew Woody was a crook.”
“Did you tell Cat yet?” Barb asked.
“No, where is she?”
“They’re staying at a place on Dexter Lake until after Paul’s funeral.”
“Give me the address. I’ll run over.”
“I don’t know it. You’ll have to call her for it.”
“I have her number. Unfortunately, you need to keep this good news to yourselves until we get Mike to a safe place. Don’t talk to anyone, especially the media.”
When I left Hawk’s family, they were standing huddled together in the middle of their kitchen. At least one of their boys was safe.
Chapter 26
I turned on the GPS and entered the address where Cat and her family were staying. Dexter Lake sat two miles north of the city by the same name. It had a population of 1,800 and was one of the communities in the county that managed to keep a small police force and a volunteer fire department operating. At the one stoplight in town, I was prompted to turn left (north) onto County 81, then drive another two miles before I was told to turn left in one-quarter mile. The map indicated a single access road circled the small lake.
The voice on the GPS system said, “Uncharted territory,” then shortly thereafter said, “Destination ahead.” But there were no houses visible. I drove until I spotted a T-intersection with two mailboxes, and took a chance and turned left. As I drove beyond the stand of pines screening the property, an immense modern-style house came into view. A silver Lexus, a black BMW 7 series, and a black Tahoe were parked in the circle drive. I knew I was in the right place when I saw Cat standing at the front window.
Before I had a chance to ring the bell, the front door burst open. Cat bounded out onto the stoop. Her eyes were red and puffy, and her face was contorted in agony.
Her face changed as she took in my raccoon look. “What happened to you?”
“Nothing serious. Cat, I apologize. I should have told you on the phone that it’s good news.”
Her brows furrowed. “Really?”
“Michael’s alive.”
She squealed and lunged at me, giving me a tight hug. “Oh, my God. Oh, my God. Well, come on. Let’s go tell everybody.”
I stepped inside to an expansive open space. The décor and furnishings were ultra modern—all metal and glass with cream marble flooring throughout. To my left was a library, and toward the right was a large seating area with two sets of stone-colored leather couches facing a fieldstone fireplace. The kitchen/dining area was in the far right corner.
“Wow,” I said, as I caught sight of the spectacular curved steel staircase. The walls of which were three-foot-high glass panels inset with vibrant geometric stained-glass designs. The front of the house had a cathedral ceiling, while the rear was two-stories, thus the need for the staircase.
“This is quite a shack,” I said. “That staircase is magnificent,” I said.
“Yes, but stop yapping about the frickin’ house and tell me about Michael. Where is he?”
“We’re having him checked out medically…”
“What’s going on?” a voice boomed.
Cat’s father came out from a hallway off the kitchen. He was followed by a man who looked to be right out of a mobster movie. He was dressed in a black suit and shirt, had a short haircut, square jaw, and angular face. His dark, deep-set eyes gave him an angry tough-guy appearance. I had the feeling he had skills—like Bobby Lopez.
“Daddy, Michael’s alive!”
Ames brought his hands up. “That’s wonderful news. Where is he?”
“We think he could be in jeopardy, so we don’t want the media to know he’s been found. We’re having a physician examine Michael before we question him.”
Concern rose in Cat’s eyes. “Is he okay? Was he hurt?”
“He seems to be in good condition—considering.”
“Cal Sheehan, right?” Irving Ames asked me. “You look like a damn raccoon.”
“Yes, I know.”
We shook hands. Then I looked to the mobster.
Ames said, “This is Cheney, my personal assistant.”
“Is Cheney your last name?” I asked.
“No, first,” he said. “My last name’s Martin.”
“Where’s Michael been all this time?”
“He was held against his will at the Kramer farm. Kramer cut him loose. He hitched a ride and came to me.”
Cat knitted her brows. “Why did this happen?”
“Evidently his brother owed some money to the wrong people. They were trying to extort Michael for it.”
“Did they get it?” Ames asked.
“Some by way of his debit and credit cards. It wasn’t Michael using your company credit cards in Vegas. Have you been watching your accounts lately, Cat?”
“I have someone on it,” Ames said.
“You should have your mail stopped, Cat. They forced Michael to withdraw funds from an annuity, and it should be coming by mail any day. You can go online to do it.”
Irving pointed at Cheney. “Go help Cat with it.”
Mrs. Ames came into the room, her beaded flip-flops snapping on tile flooring. She was wearing a short robe that landed a few inches above her knees. Nice legs. She must have been a beauty in her prime because she was still attractive.
“What’s going on?” she asked, hands on her hips.
Cat told her the news, and Mrs. Ames put both hands on her chest and said with a sigh, “Oh, thank God.”
After a brief discussion, the Ames family decided Hawk would stay at the Donavan house, and Irving would hire a security team.
He offered me a cocktail. It was ten thirty in the morning.
“Ah, no thanks. I’m working, and I best be on my way. Michael will be in touch soon.”
Cat hurried to my side and grabbed my arm. “Thank you,” she said. “I’ll never forget everything you’ve done.”
“He’s my best friend,” I said.
She nodded. “I know, he’s mine too.”
As soon as I got back to the department, I went to check in with Patrice on Hawk’s status. Georgia, her secretary, said Patrice was with Hawk in Interview Room Number Three.
I entered the observation room to see Crosby Green was operating the camera. He lifted his head by way of a greeting.
“Hi. How’s it going?”
“Okay, I guess. I think your friend’s lucky he got out of the Kramer place alive.”
“I would agree. I’m rather surprised you’re the only one in here.”
“Sheriff wants to keep it on the down low.”
I took a seat and watched. Hawk was seated, Patrice stood above him as she fired questions.
“Has
she been hammering at him the whole time?”
“Yep, and in the hour they’ve been going at it she’s gone over everything multiple times.”
“Has he changed his story?”
“Not at all.”
She asked him how long he had been at the cabin, who was there, and what transpired. Then she went on to rehash all those days at the Kramer farm and his escape. I began to pace the small room.
I pointed at the observation window. “She’s trying to trip him up. Doesn’t she believe his story?”
“Not sure, but I believe him.”
She stabbed a finger at the photos of Ginty, Wynn, and Hayes. “When did you really meet these men for the first time?”
“I told you I knew Wynn from the warehouse. I saw the other two at Paul’s the day they abducted me.”
“Is it typical for a salesman to know the truck drivers?”
“I didn’t know him. He was just there once when I dropped by the warehouse.”
“What do you know about Wynn’s drug deals?”
“Not a blasted thing.”
I said, “She can’t think he was part of the drug operation?”
Crosby looked at me and hiked his brows. “She has to question him about it. Cal, you know you’re not in there because he’s your best friend.”
“Did you just say that? Is that what you all think? That I’m not able to be objective?”
He shrugged.
“Maybe you’re right, because I get the sense I need to save him.”
I continued to pace as I watched and listened to her work him over for another half hour. Finally, she said, “Well, Michael, I’m sure you’re anxious to see your family.”
He nodded. She led him out in the hall, and I joined them. I hadn’t expected to see Hawk look quite so pale. His face was damp as were the front and underarms of the dress shirt I’d loaned him. He looked pitiful. I fought my urge to reach out and hug him in front of my boss. I was going to appear objective, you see.
He gave me a weak smile and asked to use the restroom. After the door closed behind him, Patrice said, “I need you to stick around until after I make some calls. You keep him out of sight. Take him to your office.”
“Okay.”
She walked off, her high heels clicking on the terrazzo floor.
When he exited the restroom a few minutes later, I asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, but do I need an attorney?”
“You’re the victim, so I wouldn’t think so, but if you’d feel better, you’re entitled.”
I took him up the elevator to my office on the third floor and somehow managed to avoid running into anyone. He sat in Tamika’s chair and asked, “Got any booze in here? I could use a drink.”
“I totally understand, but no. I can get you some soda or water.”
“Water. Thanks.”
When I came back from the squad room he was standing at my desk reading something.
“What are you looking at?”
“Why do you have a list of all of Ames’s companies?”
“Ames’s Companies? What do you mean?”
“This.” He held up my list of the companies who warehoused with North Cross Shipping.
“They’re all Ames’s companies?”
“Yes.”
“What do you know about them?”
“Not much. I’m only involved with Lyman Pumps.”
“Are all them legitimate companies?”
He screwed up his nose. “Yeah, of course.”
“Including North Cross Shipping?”
“Sure.”
“Is there a parent corporation managing all of them?”
“IAE,” he said.
“Acronym for?”
“Irving Ames Enterprises.”
“Did you happen to mention your concerns about Wynn and the drugs to your father-in-law or anyone in IAE?”
“Cheney.”
“Cheney was at the house where your family is staying.”
“Not surprised. He’s Irv’s executive assistant. They have to keep the business running.”
“He looks like an assassin.”
Hawk raised his head and snuffed out a laugh. “He runs on the serious side, but he’s a good man.”
“Why not mention your suspicions directly to Irving?”
“Because he doesn’t deal with the small stuff.”
“Cheney does.”
“Yes.”
“Hawk, watch out for Cheney. If you feel threatened, call me, or better yet, call 911.”
“It’s Wynn I have to worry about, not Cheney. How close are you to finding him?”
“We’re trying.”
“When can I see my wife?”
“After we meet again with my boss. You did tell the whole truth, right?”
He scowled. “Of course.”
“I spoke with your neighbors, the Cavaras.”
“We don’t get along with them.”
“No kidding. Your co-workers love you though.”
He nodded. “Good to hear.”
“Do you like your work any better?”
“Nope.”
His terse answers were telling me I’d offended him when I asked him if he was telling the truth.
Patrice appeared at my door.
“Michael, do you want to meet with your wife alone somewhere, or are you okay with seeing her at the home in Dexter Lake? By the way, they’re staying at Sonja Donavan’s vacation house. She’s a friend of mine—and coincidently a friend of your father-in-law. She told me she offered Irving her home when she found out you were missing in my county.”
“I remember her from the wedding. Tall, classy-lookin’ older lady?” Hawk said.
“Yes, you may have heard of her, Cal. She has a radio show.”
“Doesn’t ring a bell.” I turned to Hawk, “So, the sheriff asked you what you wanted to do.”
“I want to be with Cat’s family.”
“Cal, you give him a ride over. Michael, until we pick up Wynn, I’ve arranged for a deputy to be stationed around the clock while you’re in Birch County.”
“Do I need to stay up here for some reason?” Hawk asked.
“Crow Wing County also needs to question you. They’re willing to wait until tomorrow morning at nine o’clock.”
“Then I can go home?” he asked.
“The media will hound you if you do,” I said.
Patrice crossed her arms and said, “After the interview, you’re free to go when you wish, but I suggest you stay out of sight. Sonya’s home is as safe as any. We have an APB out on Wynn, and, hopefully, we’ll have him in custody by the joint press conference tomorrow afternoon at one o’clock—which you can choose to be a part of.”
Hawk leaned forward. “Sheriff Clinton, when you were questioning me, you acted like you didn’t believe me.” His face flushed beet red. He pointed a quivering finger at her. “I was abducted at gun point and treated worse than an animal.”
Patrice nodded. “I do believe you, Michael,” she said. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but I needed to make sure. You’ve given us what we need to arrest Nevada Wynn and his freak-show.”
“Paul’s boss is a part of it too, you know.”
“That’s Crow Wing’s deal,” she said. “I will pass along the information.”
Chapter 27
When Hawk climbed in the front seat of the department Explorer, I said, “I’m sorry if I offended you when I questioned your truthfulness. It’s just that some people leave out details.”
“It’s okay. I’m just kind of an emotional mess right now. I miss my wife so much. I… I can’t wait to see her.”
�
�I could go a hundred with lights and sirens.”
“No.” He smiled.
I let a few seconds pass before I said, “You did good in there, Hawk. Sorry my boss was rough on you.”
“It’s okay.” He wiped tears from his eyes, and said, “Baugh. I’m a crybaby.”
“I can’t imagine how frightening your experience was.”
“I didn’t know if I was going to live to see Cat again.” He gave out a big sigh. “Norm was pretty cool… I wasn’t too worried about him, but every time one of those other dickheads came by, I thought that was it. Thank God for red tape with the annuity, or I’d been shot as soon as the check came.”
“You played it smart.”
“I can’t believe they didn’t take my Mercedes.”
“Nice car. You’re doing well, Hawk.”
“So are you… you know, considering everything that’s happened.”
“It’s been a tough year, but, yeah, things are slowly getting better.”
“Do you believe in karma?” he asked.
“I’m beginning to. You?”
“Yeah. What goes around comes around, you know? They’ll all get theirs in the end.”
“They will.”
“You know I’ve always envied you?”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve always been your own man. I don’t like being beholding to my in-laws.”
“I wouldn’t have my house if I hadn’t inherited life insurance money when my birthmother died.”
“Glad you got something from those deadbeats.”
“Part of me didn’t want to take the money.”
“That’s your stubborn nature, my friend.”
“Stubborn? Me?”
He laughed. “Yeah, you.”
“Maybe the divorce is my fault.”
“Takes two. I thought you would make it, buddy. You looked so happy at the wedding. Well, at least you have kids. You’re lucky there. Oh… I’m sorry. I’m an idiot. What a heartbreaker to have lost Shannon’s son. Cat and I felt terrible. How have things been? Well, not good… if you’re divorcing. Is it for sure?”
“I’m afraid so.”