by Smith, C. P.
“Did you send a Deputy to investigate?”
“Got Grady heading over, Jack, but she keeps asking for you.”
“What’s this woman’s name?”
“Stewart, Jennifer Stewart, hold Jack, Amy? Is Ms. Stewart secure?”
Before I could ask why she was asking for me, my blood ran cold when I heard Jenn scream, then plead over the dispatch speaker, “He’s outside, please call Jack, please, please, please.” I didn’t hesitate when I heard her scared voice. “Phil, call Grady, tell him I’m en route and ten minutes out from her location.”
“Will do, Jack.” He replied and hung up.
I whipped my truck around and hit the gas, taking turns on the winding road up the mountain faster than was safe. Within seven minutes, I was bearing down on Old Saw Mill and saw headlights from a truck heading towards me. As I passed, I made a note of the color, light tan, silver or gray, then hanging a right onto Saw Mill, I hit the gas. As I came up on the small cabin, I saw no lights, and no one lurking around. I threw the truck into park and then ran up the steps to the door and pounded.
“Jenn, its Jack, open up….”
Trying the doorknob and finding it locked; I pounded again then heard a noise inside.
“Jack? Oh, god, hold on.”
I heard the lock turn, and the door threw open. Jenn didn’t think twice; she threw herself at me, and wrapped her arms around my neck, then started to cry. I took a step back as her head buried in my neck, and I’ll be damned if that didn’t wash right over me and settle warm in my gut, as the word “Mine” rang in my head. I didn’t hesitate; I wrapped my arms around her and buried my face to her ear and whispered.
“I got you, Baby.”
“Jack, he was in the cabin, he whispered in my ear.”
As natural as if I’d been doing in all my life, I picked Jenn up in my arms, walked into the cabin and slammed the door with my boot. I moved to her couch and sat down, and Jenn never broke her hold.
“Talk to me Jenn.” She pulled back and dried her eyes with the cuff of her shirt, then breathed in, and let it out. In the low light, with messed up hair, red eyes and nose from crying, I realized I’d never seen anyone more beautiful, and I instantly wanted to find this fucker who’d scared her to tears.
“I was sleeping, or I think I was sleeping, anyway, I felt a warm breath on my neck which is what woke me, or not, I’m still not clear on the whole sleeping thing. Then I thought I heard someone whisper, but I’m not sure what he said? So, I laid there for a moment listening, and I heard a floorboard creak. So, I laid there some more, and I heard my front door open and close, then of course I laid there a little longer listening and heard nothing. Then I rolled to the window, and he was there looking down at me, so I called the station; then something loud hit the wall on the outside and then you came.” If the situation hadn’t been so serious, I would have laughed at that explanation. I’m not entirely sure she took a breath during that whole speech? Holding my smile back, I questioned her some more.
“Did you get a good look at this person?”
“It was a man.”
“Then you got a look at him?”
“No.”
“Then how do you know it was a man?”
“It looked like a man”
“How do you know, if you didn’t get a look at him?”
“It just looked like a man. He was tall, bulky; head hit the top of the window. He was dressed in a dark jacket and jeans, a man.” I looked to the ceiling wondering what she considered a good look? She saw everything but the face.
“Ok, Jenn, I’m gonna go outside and look around, you lock the door behind me.”
Jenn moved from my lap and followed me to the door. I heard the lock engage, and I pulled out my flashlight. The ground was too hard for footprints, but when I moved to the window, I found a plant in a ceramic pot, smashed on the porch. It looked like it had been thrown not tipped over. Something slithered down my spine; if this were a random break-in, why throw something in anger? I looked around the porch and noticed hanging pots from the roof trusses. It was possible in their haste to leave when she caught them peeking at her, they knocked it off, and it shattered. A sexy woman alone might attract a Peeping Tom? As for the whispering in her ear, she could have dreamt that. The intruder could have entered the cabin looking for something to steal; when she stirred they left the cabin, and then looked through the window to see if she woke up? When she saw them, they turned and ran, knocking the pot off causing the loud noise. This seemed the likeliest scenario, but I’d make a note for the boys to keep an eye on this area.
* * *
Jenn
Pacing the floor while I waited for Jack to return, I thought about the man in my window. Did I know him? Was there anything familiar about him? I heard Jack knock, and I opened the door. Watching Jack enter, I noticed what a large man he was, how he fills the room with his presence. Tall and bulky, instead of lanky, large muscled arms and broad chest, he just exuded strength. No wonder Naomi doesn’t want to let him go; all that and brains to boot. He broke me from my daydreaming when he started talking.
“Found a broken flower pot on the porch, the intruder probably knocked it off after you caught him in the window.”
“Ok, that makes sense.”
“I think he entered the cabin to steal something, and when you stirred, he left out the front door and then peeked in the window to double check you were still asleep.”
“How did he get in?”
“You sure you locked your door before bed?”
“Yes, no, I’m not sure of anything. I was tired and trying to decide whether to pack and move to Breckenridge when I went to bed.”
“Move to Breckenridge?”
“Um, yeah, I was sure you were going to lynch me after that phone call from Ben.” Jack’s face broke into a smile, and he chuckled. He was a rugged, sexy man, but when he smiled, dazzling.
“I’m glad to see you’re taking me seriously about investigating this killer.”
“Oh, I know how much you don’t want me to investigate, Jack, believe me; I got that message loud and clear. I’m just poking around getting facts so when this guy is caught; I’m already ahead of the game. I’m not stupid; I don’t want to get in the crosshairs of a killer.” Jack studied me for a moment, and something settled in his eyes, something like acceptance.
“Ok, Jenn, you do your research, but no going to press with anything unless I give the OK?”
“I can do that; I promise; I can dig for information, and write my story as it unfolds, then turn it into Bob once you’ve caught this guy.”
“I can live with that, as long as you stay out of my way and, don’t put yourself in danger; you hear what I’m saying? Research only, Babe.”
“Got it Sheriff.”
“Just Jack, remember?” I smiled at that; he’d remembered this afternoon.
“So how’d it go with Naomi? You guys back on again?” He grinned slowly, and then shook his head.
“No, Jenn, we aren’t back on, I don’t like women who try and change who I am. I’m not 9-5 suit material; I wear jeans; I hunt bad guys, and I rescue damsels in distress.”
“Well this damsel is mighty glad you came so quickly just, so you know.” Oh, my god, I’m flirting, where in the hell did that come from? I looked away embarrassed, and heard Jack chuckle.
“Duly noted, glad I could be of service.”
“Me too, Jack. I promise not to call again in the middle of the night if I can help it.” Jack grinned a sexy grin, and I felt my knees get weak.
“You know for a reporter, you’re kinda sweet. Not at all what I expected after this morning. Gotta say, Babe, it’s nice to see.” Wait, I’m not sure that was a compliment? I wanted to be seen as a serious reporter, not sweet?
“I can be a bitch; I can eat up balls, spit them out and then trample them with my boots.” Jack’s eyebrows shot to his forehead.
“Eat up balls and spit them out? Jesus, I’m gonna hav
e to keep a close eye on you. Men will be falling all over themselves to get to your brand of ball-breaking.”
“Keep an eye on me? Why would you have to keep an eye on me?”
Jack’s hand came up and then tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. Watching his hand as he did this, he then curled it behind my neck and slowly drew me to him. I watched his eye come to mine, and on an inhaled breath, he kissed me. Sweet and slow, with liberal amounts of tongue, it was a tentative first kiss, meant to test the waters, but inform you of his intentions, and it definitely left me wanting more.
“That’s what that means.” He breathed against my mouth. Wow, good to know.
“Now lock up behind me as soon as I leave and if you need me again, don’t hesitate to call.” I was still in a trance from his kiss, and just nodded my head as he walked to my door. Jack opened it, then turned back grinning at me.
“See ya, Ball Breaker.”
“See ya, Just Jack.” I replied as he walked out the door and down my steps to his truck. I got a chin lift as he climbed in, then he waited for me to close my door. I turned the lock and then watched from my front window as he turned out my drive, and headed back down the mountain. It was after he was gone, and I was thinking about his strong hands and soft lips on mine, when I realized I’d forgotten I’d been broken into, shit, I’d been dazzled...That man was lethal on more than one part of my body.
Moving towards my bed, I saw a business card lying on my table; I picked it up and read the fine print. Jack Gunnison, Sheriff, Gunnison County. I bet there’s a fascinating story behind that name. I grabbed my phone where I left it on the table and punched in the number of his cell. When the cursor flashed for the name, I started to type in “Jack” but stopped, smiling, I typed in “Bossy.” For some reason that just fit him, since the moment I’d met him, he’d been bossing me around.
I decided to send him a text so he’d have my number, why, I have no idea; I needed to keep my distance. Anyone who could kiss me dizzy could not be good for my state of mind. And after Barry told me women don’t last with Jack, I didn’t need to be added to the long list of women he’d dumped. But good manners pushed me to do it, so I hit the fabulous little microphone on my message screen, and spoke into it.
< Thanks for rescuing me; this is Jennifer, in case you rescue more than one damsel in a night >
I put my phone down and headed to the bathroom, not expecting a text back or at all since he was busy, so I was surprised when he texted back quickly.
< You lock your doors? >
< Of course >
< Windows? >
< Yes, Jack >
< Then get to sleep, babe, no thanks necessary, the pleasure was all mine >
< Anyone ever tell you, you were bossy? >
< Nope >
< Interesting >
< Sleep >
< Fine >
No more texts came, so I went to the bathroom and then climbed in bed and curled around my pillow. I thought about the last two hours, and decided Jack was a good guy, but very, very dangerous for my heart.
Chapter Four
It Takes A Village To Solve A Crime
“Jenny, get your ass over here, girl.” I heard Ben shout, as I entered McGill’s. I was getting a to-go order; their pancakes are the bomb, and after the night I’d had, I needed some stick to your ribs comfort food. Ben and Gerry were sitting at their regular table as I walked in, so I turned to them smiling.
“Morning, gentlemen, you doing ok, this morning?”
“What’s this we hear about you having an intruder up at your cabin last night?” Gerry shouted.
“How on earth did you hear about that so soon? Jack just left four hours ago.”
“Nothin’ gets past this town, you know that girl, now answer the question. Did you have someone break into your cabin?” Gerry asked again.
“Unfortunately, but they didn’t take anything but my pride. Jack thinks they were looking for something to steal, and I scared them off when I woke up.”
“Jack you say? Made the call on his night off?” Ben asked surprised.
“He was up already, so he was close when I called the station.”
“He isn’t concerned it was the killer at your place last night?”
“Uh, I don’t think so, why would the killer be after me?”
“You fit the profile.” Ben explained.
“Profile? What profile?”
“The one Gerry and I put together after you left last night.” Oh, good lord, why did I open my notes in front of these men?
“Me and Gerry worked on it last night and figured out these women were all 35-40, brown hair, brown eyes and single. That’s what serial killers do; they find a type and go after them.” Impressed they’d come up with that, I told them.
“Ok, guys, good catch, I’ll pass that along to Jack if I talk to him.”
“If you’re going to be investigating this for a story, Ben and me think we should help you out. We know everyone within five counties; we’d know a killer if we saw one.”
I raised my eyes to the ceiling looking for strength. These men were like crazy uncles, and I loved them dearly. I’d rented my cabin from Ben, and he’d left his cool log furniture so I wouldn’t have to buy new. But I’d promised Jack no interference, and something told me Ben and Gerry putting their two cents worth in might piss Jack off, and I’d seen him bossy, I didn’t want to see him pissed.
“Guys I don’t know what to say, you—”
“Nothin’ to say Jenny; we’re gonna help you on this, and that’s that. Now, we’ll meet here every day after Rosie shuts down. She’s got the inside scoop on the women around here, and maybe we can figure out who the next target is, then Jack can just be waiting to grab this guy when he strikes.” Ben finished, and I stopped right before I could argue against his idea. Opening then closing my mouth, it occurred to me that, that wasn’t a half bad idea. If this guy had a type, then we could figure out who in the county matched it, and feed the info to Jack.
“Aren’t the women they found strangers?” I inquired.
“First victim, Jamie Smith, was from over in Ouray, and the one found yesterday was identified as Cindy Baker from Lake City.”
“Ben how do you know this?”
“I got ears, Jenny, I use them.”
Right, how could I forget, these men knew everything that went on in this town. I pondered this information for a moment and then figured what could it hurt? Sitting around in a diner with Ben, Gerry and Rosie, talking the case through could only help clear up ideas, right?
“Ok, guys, you’ve got a deal, I’ll meet you back here at three; that work for you?”
“That it does, Jennifer,” Gerry called out with a smile on his face.
“Orders up, Jennifer,” Rosie shouted, so I headed to the bar, paid my ticket and waved at the boys as I headed to my car. For the first time since I got to Colorado, I felt excited about my job, and then I stopped and turned my thoughts to women who had died and felt like the scavenger Jack said I was. I needed to find a way to help, not just sensationalize the story. There were enough bottom feeders in the press; I didn’t need to become one of them.
* * *
Jack
“That’s right Agent Rowe; two murders in two months, both victims had brown hair, brown eyes, and middle to late thirties.”
Scribbling on my note pad, I waited while Agent Rowe, with the FBI, searched the national database for any killings that matched ours. Forensics had come back on the latest victim. Cindy Baker, from Lake City, was a single woman who worked at the Java Hut in the tourist town. She was divorced with no children and had moved up to Lake City in the last year from Pagosa Springs. The first victim, Jamie Smith, from Ouray, was also a transplant from Denver, explaining why no one had known either woman.
“Sheriff, we don’t have any known murders matching your victims. If you have another body turn up with the same M.O, give me a call back, and I will present the info to my superior and
we can start a profile.”
“Agent Rowe, I’m trying to avoid another victim, you’re supposed to be the experts on serial killers, and I’m inviting you to come to my county to assist.”
“Sheriff Gunnison, I appreciate the position you’re in, but we have thousands of murders we’re investigating at this time, and until it’s clear we have a serial on our hands, my hands are tied.”
“I’ll be sure to pass that along to the next family I notify, when another one of my residents turns up dead.” I bit out. Slamming the phone down, I raked my hand through my hair, “Fucking Feds.” Most small town Sheriffs don’t like them pissing all over their jurisdiction; I could give a fuck if it meant one of my own was safe from this asshole. I needed to find this guy and find him fast. Yanking up the phone, I dialed Drew.
“Drew, you got time to meet with me?”
“Up to my elbows in guts, Jack, what can I do for you?”
“I want to take a look at the lividity marks on the back of Cindy Baker.”
“Ok, I’ve got another two hours’ work in front of me, meet me at the morgue in two and half, that work for you?”
“I’ll make it work, see you then.”
“Grady.” I shouted down the hall to my Deputy. Grady Hall, who had two years on the force and was a competent cop, was also the Mayor’s son. Though only twenty-three, he worked hard and had a sharp mind. I see a future Sheriff in him, and try to include him in all investigations to groom him for this job.
“You bellowed Jack?”
“Get me the phone records of both murder victims, and a timeline for their last-known whereabouts.”
“You got it, Jack.”
“Where’s Barry?”
“He called in, said he was checking on the Stewart woman, making sure she didn’t have any more trouble last night, should be in, in about an hour.”
“Who the fuck told him to do that?”
“I figured you did?”
“Christ.”
Barry was checking on Jenn? Since when did he do a callback, he didn’t take the callout? I felt anger crawl up my gut, and tried to press it down. Did Barry know Jenn before yesterday? Was that why he’d leaked information about the second victim? “Her fucking eyes my ass.” I felt my jaw tighten, and my anger spike. “Fuck.” I grabbed my phone and found Barry’s cell number and hit send.