Mary Lou swallowed hard. “No.”
“May I take a look around your dad’s house? Maybe there’s something in there that’ll help us figure out what route he took to Midland. And hopefully that’ll bring us one step closer to finding your dad.” Lee slid a glance at Heidi who stood rigid beside him, the hard line of her jaw conveying her frustration and confusion.
“When he didn’t check in with me or the company, I looked around his place but didn’t see anything. But you’re welcome to search for it yourself. You might see something I didn’t think was important. All I want is my dad back.” William Peterson’s daughter headed for the porch.
Lee shifted toward Heidi. “You okay?”
“I just want answers for this woman. For me.”
“I know. We’ll keep looking until we find them.” When he said those words to Heidi, he realized the commitment he was making to her went beyond his duties as a police officer. If something happened to William Peterson outside of Sagebrush, it wasn’t in his jurisdiction. But he felt what happened to William Peterson was closely tied to Heidi somehow.
* * *
At the end of the day, Heidi climbed from Lee’s SUV and walked toward Molly’s house. “I had hoped the trip to San Antonio would produce a lead to William Peterson’s whereabouts.”
“We didn’t completely come up empty-handed. We now know where Peterson went on his way to Midland.” Lee unlocked the front door and held it open for Heidi to enter first then hurried to turn off the alarm system. “I just wish I could have followed the lead instead of turning it over to the sheriff of Tom Green County.”
“It’s comforting to know there are people who’ll mail a man’s wallet back to him with his money still in it.”
Pausing at the bottom of the staircase, Lee frowned. “Yeah, but the fact Peterson didn’t have his wallet doesn’t bode well at all. I’m afraid something bad has happened to him.”
Heidi remembered the fear that had crept into Mary Lou’s face when she’d opened the package she got from her dad’s mailbox right before they left. According to the daughter, she’d checked the mail the week before, so the package had arrived three or so weeks after her father disappeared. “I hope not. I like Mary Lou. It was scary how much we looked alike—at least when I saw her walking toward me. I thought I might have found some answers to who I was.”
Lee started up the steps. “I’ll look into Peterson’s family background and make sure there isn’t a connection.”
Heidi stopped on the staircase. “You don’t trust what Mary Lou said?”
“I don’t trust easily. I’ve learned to check out what people say. In my line of work you have to.”
“I can see that. Some people aren’t who they seem to be,” she murmured, convinced she’d found out the hard way the truth behind that statement.
“The sheriff will let me know what he finds out from the man who returned the wallet.”
“Sagebrush is hours away from Tom Green County. Did I drive William Peterson’s car here by myself? Or was Peterson with me? If so, where is he now?” She sighed impatiently. “You haven’t even found the keys yet...”
“Looking for a set of keys in the Lost Woods is very different from a dead body. We may never find them. The good news is we didn’t find Peterson dead in the woods.”
Exhausted by the long day on the road, Heidi leaned back against the banister, her head throbbing with tension and unanswered questions. “Where’s Molly? I’m surprised she didn’t meet us at the door, wanting to know what we discovered.”
“This is the night she goes to her quilting group. They meet once a week at a member’s house. I’m sure I’ll be quizzed the minute I see her.”
“Unless it’s soon, I’ll be in bed.” Heidi finished her climb to the third floor. “This tired body isn’t used to being on the go for over twelve hours straight. I didn’t get my nap today.”
At the top, Lee took her hand and drew her around toward him. “You’ll be your old self in no time, but it does take the body some time to get back its stamina after a trauma. Take it from someone who knows.”
“How do you know?”
“Three years ago, I was in a serious car accident. I stayed in the hospital a week and was on leave for several months recovering. Molly is the one who kept me sane. She’s wonderful. I owe her a lot.”
“Me, too.” His nearness shredded what composure she had after a long day with still no answers of how she’d ended up in Sagebrush driving William Peterson’s car. “Could he be alive but hurt somewhere near here after the accident?” she asked out loud, voicing her concerns that had been in the back of her mind during the return to Sagebrush.
“I guess it’s possible. But why hasn’t anyone come forward?”
“I don’t know.” She pressed her fingers into her forehead to try to ease her headaches.
He grasped her other hand and held them both up between them. “We’re going to find the answers.”
“Why can’t I remember? I want to remember.” For days she’d half thought she didn’t want to know, but now she realized she needed to find out what happened to her and who she was. Mary Lou needed closure. And I need peace.
“I know this was a tough day. No answers. But I think we’re a little closer to the truth.” He released her hands and brought his up to frame her face. “This can seem overwhelming at times, but take one step at a time. You’re remembering pieces of your life. More will come.”
“How do I know if what I think I remember is right? What if it’s all a lie? A joke I played on myself.”
“No. Nothing in your body language when we talk about what you remember conveys that feeling to me.”
“Maybe I’m just good at hiding my true feelings,” she murmured.
“Hiding feelings and lying are two different things. I often hide mine. I don’t open up much to others.” He bent closer toward her, his warm breath caressing her face. “Relax. Don’t try to force the memories. They’ll come when you’re ready.”
His lips hovered an inch away from hers. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted to feel like she belonged somewhere. That she wasn’t just some nameless person with no past. With no one to care about her. Loneliness deluged her, and she found herself raising up on her tiptoes to kiss him.
The second their mouths connected he took command of the kiss, deepening it. His hands delved into the strands of her hair, holding her head still as his lips ravished hers. For a moment it didn’t matter that she was Heidi with no last name. Lee made her feel special, cherished, totally feminine.
He pulled back all too soon. Although only inches apart, she felt bereaved. But the tickle of his breath fanning her lips left her quivering in his embrace. Wanting more. Needing to feel she mattered to someone. She grasped onto the wonderful sensations still cascading through her.
“I’m sorry, Heidi. I shouldn’t have kissed you. I’m guarding you. You don’t need this added complication to your life.”
“I understand. I’m fine.” The words came automatically before she could process what she was saying because she really didn’t understand all that was happening to her. She stepped to the side and back, breaking any connection between them. “It’s been a long day and...” She was going to tell him she wanted to soak in a hot bath to help ease the tension from her, but decided he didn’t need to know that.
He rotated toward the staircase. “I’ll go get Kip from the backyard. I’ll be right back.”
“Don’t hurry. I have a few—things to do first. I’m not going to sleep right away.”
He grinned. “Call me when you’re ready for Kip. I’ll make sure he’s worn out so he won’t demand too much attention.”
“That’s great. Give me thirty minutes.”
She let herself into her apartment, recalling the kiss as she moved toward the bedroom. After slipping off the light coat Molly had given her, she walked toward the closet to hang it up among the meager items of clothing she had. She needed to buy a few mo
re soon.
When she opened the door, thoughts of that hot bath enticing her to move faster, she absently reached inside for a hanger. She touched something solid, muscular—like a shoulder.
Panic flew through her at the same time a large hulking man barreled into her.
* * *
“Kip, the lady wants a few minutes, so it’s just you and me. How about we play catch?” Lee picked up the tennis ball and threw it the length of the big backyard. His border collie took off with the lightning speed he was known for. Not even half a minute later, he pranced back with his prize clutched between his jaws.
Kip sat in front of Lee, cocked his head and dropped the ball at Lee’s feet. “I know I neglected you today, but I figured I’d give you some quality time with your gal. I hope you used it wisely.”
Kip barked.
“I don’t know if I did. I kissed Heidi. Not sure I should have. She’s confused enough without me adding to it.” Lee again sent the toy sailing through the air.
A few yelps accompanied Kip’s chase. When his dog trotted back for more, Lee tossed the ball and Kip retrieved it several more times.
He should be upset with himself. But he wasn’t. He’d enjoyed the kiss and Heidi had, too, if her response was any indication. Her fervor had matched his. He turned toward the house and glanced up at the third-floor window to Heidi’s bedroom.
What was she doing up there? he wondered. Not that it was any of his business. He decided to give Heidi a little more time to herself before taking Kip up to her apartment to stay with her.
His dog bumped his hand at his side. Barking.
* * *
The man drove Heidi into the bed, the back of her knees hitting its side. For a few seconds she relived Zoller’s attack, then she latched on to the face of her attacker. Thick eyebrows that ran together and a large, crooked nose dominated her vision for that split moment in time. The same man who had assaulted Lee.
Somewhere deep inside, her rage shoved her panic away. She wasn’t going to let this man win. She was tired of being a victim. Clutching him, she dug her fingernails into his biceps, fighting to remain on her feet.
But he was too strong, too large. He dwarfed her, forcing her back onto the bedding, his body covering hers. The sensation of being caged beneath a man flooded her with panic again. His huge hand over her mouth and nose smothered her. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Her breath trapped in her lungs. She plummeted her fists into his back, but it didn’t seem to affect him.
He cackled. “I like a good fight. Too bad I don’t have time to dally before killing you.”
Fear entwined with her panic, overwhelming her to the point she froze.
* * *
“Ready for dinner?” Lee asked Kip.
Kip replied by racing to the back door, planting his behind on the stoop and waiting for him.
With one last glance toward the window, a sigh escaping between his lips, Lee jogged to the small porch and let his dog inside. Kip lodged himself at his bowl while Lee went to get the sack of dry dog food.
When he came out of the walk-in pantry, Kip was gone. Lee put the bag on the floor and looked around. Where is he?
A series of barks echoed through the house.
* * *
Blackness swam before Heidi’s eyes. The pressure on her chest along with her attacker’s hand over her mouth and partially over her nose made it almost impossible to draw any air into her lungs.
I can’t give up, slowly drifted through her thoughts like a heavy fog snaking through the swamp.
Lord, I really need You again. Help me.
When the man shifted to bring more force down on her, she used that second to bite down on the fleshy part of his palm. Surprise widened his eyes, and he jerked back.
She let out a scream while frantic yelping reverberated through the apartment.
* * *
The noises from above propelled Lee into action, running for the stairs and taking the steps two at a time. Kip continued to bark. He could hear his dog attacking Heidi’s door.
When he hit the third floor, he slowed his pace a fraction in order to pull his gun out of his holster and open the door.
Before he had his weapon drawn, the door crashed open and the man he had been looking for plowed right into him, using his forearm to bowl him over. Lee fell back against the hardwood floor. The assailant raced down the stairs.
“Take him down,” Lee called out to Kip as he scrambled to his feet.
He rushed into Heidi’s apartment, the sounds of his dog attacking the man driving him even faster to check on Heidi, then go after her assailant. He had to make sure she was okay first.
Halfway into her place, Lee glimpsed Heidi grasping the doorjamb into the bedroom, the color gone from her face, her whole body shaking.
“I’m okay,” she choked out. “Get him.”
“Call 911.” He pivoted and flew out of the apartment and down the steps.
A whelp, followed by a whine, unnerved Lee and propelled him even faster. The front door opened and slammed as his feet landed on the bottom floor.
Kip lay on his side, but when he saw Lee, he wagged his tail and struggled to stand.
“Stay.” Lee gave him the signal. “Guard Heidi.”
Lee hurried from the house, catching a glimpse of the attacker as he rounded the hedge at the side in the yard. He spurred his pace, going as swift as he could push himself. The man would not escape again. He would get him and bring him to justice.
Thirty feet away, the man sprinted toward the end of the block. Lee pumped his legs faster, determined to catch up.
Twenty feet away. Heidi’s assailant turned down an alley that ran between two houses. Lee urged every bit of speed out of him. His lungs burned. Pain radiated from his chest.
He reached the alley and plunged down the darkened lane. A back porch light illuminated the area halfway down. The man he was after dove into a car. The sound of it starting pushed Lee to bridge the gap between them.
Fifteen feet away. The flash of the headlights came on, blinding Lee momentarily.
Almost within reach the car surged forward. Lee planted his feet, bringing his gun up and squeezing off a shot at the windshield. But the sedan kept coming at him. He leaped to the side, catching a glimpse of the license plate number as the man sped out onto the street, going to the left.
After putting his weapon into his holster, he withdrew his cell and called the station to report the number and description of the car—a beat-up white Taurus, the same as the one leaving the parking lot at Zoller’s apartment.
* * *
Her legs shaking, Heidi made her way to the third-floor landing. She dragged in deep breaths of air. Her chest hurt with the effort. Where was Lee? Kip? She slowly descended the staircase, gripping the railing to steady herself.
When she reached the top of the steps on the second floor, she spied Kip sitting at the bottom facing the front door, which was wide open. She quickened her pace to the dog. Kip’s focus stayed glued to the entrance. She sat on the bottom stair, feeling safe with Kip at her side. She owed the border collie—and Lee—her life.
The sensations of the man pressing into her chest and holding her mouth and nose would haunt her. Not being able to breathe. Not being able to move. She shivered and plastered her crossed arms to her body.
Kip stood.
“What’s wrong?” Heidi pushed to her feet, her heartbeat hammering against her rib cage.
Then she saw Lee mounting the steps to the porch. Kip’s tail wagged, but the dog stayed at her side.
When Lee came through the entrance, Kip limped toward his partner. Lee stooped and examined his dog’s front paw.
“What happened to him?” Heidi asked as she bridged the distance to them, sirens resonating through the night air.
“He tried to stop the assailant.”
“That man was huge.”
“I guess about six and a half feet. But this time I got a good look at him and the licen
se plate on the car he’s driving.”
“I got a good...” An image of her attacker flashed into her mind, but it wasn’t from when he was trying to kill her in her bedroom. It was from the woods. A picture of him standing over a body, staring down at the dead person, a shovel in his hand, drove all other thoughts from her. “I know why he wants me dead. I remember him from the woods.”
The sound of running footsteps intruded. The red and blue flashing lights drew her attention toward the open door.
Lee caught her gaze. “We’ll talk later. I want this man found now.” He stood and faced the police entering the house.
Heidi knelt and put her arms around Kip while Lee talked to the officers. She tuned them out and pulled up the scene from the Lost Woods when she stumbled upon a man digging a grave. Was it one of the graves Lee found? Or was there another man buried out there?
EIGHT
An hour later, Heidi sat on Molly’s couch while she was in the kitchen preparing her some herbal tea to help her sleep. Nothing would help her sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she visualized the man who attacked her, with a shovel in his hand, digging a grave. Three police officers guarded the house—one in the house and two outside. All had dogs so evidently they were part of the K-9 Unit.
Molly carried a tray into the living room and placed it on the coffee table, then took a seat next to Heidi. “This will make you feel better. Nothing is better than this special tea blend I have for calming your nerves.” The landlady poured the brew into two cups, adding sugar to both of them. “When my husband died, I drank this every night to help me sleep. I lived on it for months.” She passed Heidi’s tea to her. “Wow, just listen to me chattering away. I get that way when I’m upset.”
Whereas she went silent—another tidbit Heidi realized about herself. She sipped the special blend, its flavor subtle yet smooth. She didn’t have the heart to tell Molly nothing would help her relax—not until she saw Lee again and she knew Kip was all right.
“I don’t understand how that man got into your apartment. The alarm was left on except when I had the cable company out here. My reception was going in and out yesterday and this morning. Someone came out this afternoon. That was the only person in the house and that serviceman has been here before on a call.”
Detection Mission (Texas K-9 Unit) Page 10