Silent Night Suspect

by Sharee Stover

  She paused. “Where did that come from?”

  “I had it dropped off for us. I don’t want to use Aunt Velma’s car or Trey’s. We need to keep Quenten’s men guessing.”

  They walked out of the house and headed to the jalopy. Slade tugged open the passenger door, and it squeaked an unpleasant response.

  Asia slid into the dusty interior, wrinkling her nose at the stale air. The cracked plastic seats revealed lines where yellowed cushion material peeked through.

  Slade entered the driver’s side, snapped his seat belt then started the engine. A loud screeching whine emitted from under the hood. “Needs a new serpentine belt,” he explained.

  “Are you sure this contraption is safe?”

  “I hope so,” he murmured.

  They headed out of the small town and onto the highway. The lightheartedness they’d shared only moments before faded as they traveled across the rolling hills. The late-afternoon sunshine beat through the spider-webbed windshield.

  Asia reached to turn on the heater, exuding dusty air from the vents. “I know you’re wishing I’ll stop asking, but I won’t. What did Sergeant Oliver say when you talked with him last?”

  Slade worked his jaw. “Not much.”

  “Humor me.” Asia studied his taut expression. The quiet between them and the palpable stress had her anxiety escalating. “I can’t take any more suspense. You have to tell me. Now.”

  “Let’s handle this first area of business, get back to the house and then we can debrief everything to your heart’s content.”

  “That’s not ambiguous at all,” she said sarcastically. “You’re making it worse.”

  He frowned. “Later. I’m working through every scenario where this could go wrong.”

  Asia sighed. He was right, and he was avoiding the topic. Maybe knowing would do more damage than good. Was being overinformed bad? The thin, unrealistic rope anchoring her hope was better than nothing at all.

  The drive went more quickly than she’d expected, and soon they parked in front of the colorful YMCA building, where a red LED sign boasted classes and events.

  Slade turned off the engine and twisted to face her. “Okay, let me give you a final once-over.”

  Asia obeyed, and the full-on view of him had a grin tugging at her lips again.

  “Stop it. Seriously, is anything out of place?” He scanned her too.

  “Nope, you couldn’t look more not like you if you tried,” she responded truthfully.

  “Excellent. Let’s test it out, then.” He shoved open his door.

  Asia did the same, unwilling to wait for his gentlemanly assistance.

  She took his arm, and they strolled along the mostly snow-free sidewalk to the building and entered through the glass doors. A teenage receptionist typed furiously on her phone. After several long minutes of being ignored, Asia cleared her throat, and the girl looked up, perturbed.

  “Welcome to the YMCA,” she mumbled in greeting before returning her attention to her cell.

  “We’d like to see your building’s fine amenities.” Slade stepped forward.

  “Are you a member?” The receptionist continued to text.

  “No, we’re hoping to check the place out first,” Asia offered, fingering the locker key in her jacket pocket.

  She glanced up and sighed at their intrusion on her valuable time. “I can show you around in a few minutes.”

  “That isn’t necessary. You’re obviously busy. Perhaps we could observe the facility for ourselves then see you if we have questions?” Slade asked.

  “It’s against policy.” She sighed again, clearly bored with their discussion.

  Asia opened her mouth to speak, but Slade placed a hand on her shoulder, then leaned over the counter. “I understand. We won’t take long, especially if this place is as fabulous as we’ve heard.”

  Asia recognized his winning-the-girl-over tone.

  Boisterous shrieks interrupted their conversation as a twentysomething woman with three rambunctious kids bounded through the doors. The children all bolted in opposite directions like minitornadoes, knocking over the fake plants in the lobby. They rushed to the windows that encircled the indoor pool and slapped their hands on the glass walls.

  The woman’s ponytail hung askew, and her frazzled expression testified it had been a long day. She ran toward one child, attempting to corral the youngster just as another squealed and sprinted in the opposite direction. “Joey, Suzy, Annie,” she called, chasing after them.

  “Hey, don’t touch that,” the receptionist said, pushing off her chair and moving out from behind the counter. She aimed for the oldest of the children, busy pressing buttons on the keypad that led to the indoor swimming pool. As she turned to deal with the offender, Slade ushered Asia away from the chaos.

  “Act natural and stick with me,” he whispered.

  They hastened down the hallway to where a sign above two bright yellow doors read Men’s Locker Room.

  Slade stepped in front of the entrance. “Wait here.”

  Asia opened her mouth to argue but thought better of it and passed him the key.

  “If you see anything suspicious, beat on the door and call, Max, hurry up.” He disappeared through the sunshiny door.

  Asia leaned to the side and prayed no one came toward her, willing herself to act nonchalant. She bit her fingernail as a member of the rowdy mob bounded across the far end of the hallway.

  Slade poked his head out the door. “Hey.”

  She jerked and pressed her hand to her throat. “You startled me.”

  He passed her a black letter-sized envelope.

  “Let’s get out of here before someone catches us.”

  “Chicken.” Slade winked.

  “Um, no, just respectful,” she retorted, shoving the envelope into her pocket.

  He chuckled, and they rushed down the hallway, nearly colliding with two approaching teenage boys. Asia dived behind Slade. Right, they’ll totally mistake me for a man.

  Slade whipped her around to face him and pulled her tight against him. He whispered, “Let them think we’re kissing.”

  “Keep the flame alive, old-timer,” the shorter one commented.

  She glanced over Slade’s arm, catching the taller of the pair elbowing his friend. The two pointed and laughed. Heat rose up her neck as the boys passed them and entered the locker room. At last the doors closed.

  Slade still held her in an awkward embrace.

  An unfamiliar flutter in her stomach had her pushing back. “Um, I think we’re good,” she said.

  “Oh right. Sorry.” Slade released his hold. “Great cover. Although an actual kiss would’ve been more believable.” He peered around her into the hallway.

  Embarrassed then riled, she considered retorting, but Slade’s grip on her hand focused her attention. They hurried down the hallway then turned the corner.

  He slowed and yanked her into an alcove.

  Two men stood at the receptionist’s desk, talking to the same girl still texting on her phone. The criminals who’d attacked them on the road.

  Slade and Asia bolted back down the hallway.

  “There’s got to be another door!” he called.

  They sped to a rear emergency exit. Slade triggered the fire alarm, then slammed his hands on the rectangular bar. They burst through the door and ran down the sidewalk to the parking lot.

  The car seemed a hundred miles away, and Asia had to dodge patches of ice and snow. At last, she slid into the passenger seat and the engine roared to life. Slade yanked the wheel, reversing in a J-turn before Asia finished latching her seat belt.

  Her nervous gaze bounced from Slade to the front entrance. “Was that the wisest decision?”

  The alarm continued to blare as the YMCA doors opened. The two men who’d been looking for them
raced outside and scanned the area, caught sight of Slade’s jalopy and lifted their guns.

  The facility patrons stifled their attack, sprouting from everywhere in response to the alarm’s demands. The men were swept up in the chaos of adults and children. Forced to tuck away their weapons, they ran to their vehicle.

  Slade sped out of the parking lot, tires and serpentine belt screeching the entire way.

  “They’re coming!” Asia reported.

  He shoved her down. “Duck!” A series of bullets pelted the car, and glass shattered around her.

  Asia wrapped her arms over her head.

  “Shoot back.” He thrust his Glock at her.

  She collected the weapon and slid up in her seat. Asia zeroed in on the vehicle barreling behind them.

  It had been a long time since she’d fired a gun. Hope it’s like riding a bike.

  She rolled down the window, aimed and squeezed the trigger. The car swerved to the left then regained momentum. Asia released two more rounds.

  Gravel and debris spewed up in front of the approaching vehicle’s hood where the bullets made contact. A ting sounded off the metal bumper.

  She fired again, this time hitting the windshield. The car veered onto the soft shoulder of the road and slid into the ditch.

  Slade rounded the corner and sped away. He made several more turns onto county roads, ensuring he’d lost their pursuers, then headed to the highway.

  Asia peered in the rearview mirror, confirming they weren’t being followed. “I guess our disguises weren’t as good as we thought.”

  * * *

  Slade’s foot pressed so hard against the pedal he worried it would go straight through what remained of the rusted-out floorboard. Why on earth had he agreed to the jalopy? Oh right, it was the only vehicle available in town on short notice.

  They’d barely escaped the men and had been driving for twenty minutes through the country. He’d taken as many twists and turns as possible, ensuring they weren’t followed.

  When he’d put sufficient distance between them, he called Trey. “The creeps found us. Not sure how they tracked our location but I’m tossing the burner. Just wanted to keep you in the loop.”

  “I’ll pick you up. Where are you?” Trey asked.

  “Ten miles north on Highway 20 near Wayne.”

  “Okay, wait for me at the deserted gas station on Highway 20 and County Road 869.”

  “Affirmative.” Slade disconnected and drove to the shoulder. He placed the phone under the tires and the satisfying crunch destroyed the device, ensuring it couldn’t be traced.

  “How did they find us?” Asia asked.

  “The cell was a prepaid, so it shouldn’t have been an issue, but I’m not taking any chances. We’re ditching this bucket of rusted bolts and riding to the house with Trey.”

  “Good.” Asia passed him back the gun.

  “Nice shooting, by the way.”

  “I didn’t hit anything or anyone.”

  “You made a favorable impression.” He drove to a side road. No point in going straight to the gas station, since it would take Trey at least a half hour to reach them.

  “Do you think it’s safe to tear into this thing?” She held up the envelope.

  “Safe? I’m not sure. Necessary? Absolutely.” Slade pulled up behind a grove of trees and parked. He positioned them so he could see any oncoming cars and left the car running.

  “Okay, here goes.” She ripped apart the seal and peered inside. Disappointment and confusion intertwined in her expression.

  “Well?” Slade resisted the urge to snatch the envelope from her hands.

  “This is the card?” Asia held a blue SD memory card between her thumb and forefinger.

  “Not what I expected either. Does the paper explain anything?”

  Asia seemed lost in thought, tracing the sheet with her finger. Was she reading? Was there a picture? He cleared his throat to get her attention, but she sat transfixed by the white document. Several anxious minutes passed.

  Finally, she swallowed, and her lip quivered.

  An unexpected emotion clenched his heart. He wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her. Instead, he gripped the steering wheel and watched for enemies, allowing her a few moments of silence to process whatever had captivated her.

  When he’d counted to a hundred and checked the dashboard clock for the tenth time, he whispered, “Asia?”

  She flinched as if he’d poked her. “Sorry, that caught me off guard.”

  “What did?”

  “Seeing Zander’s handwriting.” Asia took a deep breath, flattened the paper and read aloud for Slade. “‘Deliver this memory card to the man from Mrs. Camp’s favorite Bible story. Only to him. If you fail, everything I did will be for nothing and your life will be in danger.’” She snorted. “He’s a little late on that part.”

  Impatience pricked at Slade. He shifted into trooper mode, distancing himself from the events to gain the information he needed. “Okay, who’s Mrs. Camp?”

  Asia hesitated. “Zander’s childhood Sunday school teacher.”

  Zander had gone to church? Since when? “I don’t remember anyone by that name back home.”

  “No, this was long before he moved to our town. It’s from when he lived in Spencer. Zander loved her. She was very kind and doted on him. She died of cancer when he was nine. Broke his heart. Zander said if there was a God, He’d have healed Mrs. Camp because she was the only person who’d ever loved him.”

  Slade sucked in a breath. “Oh, wow.” Had he even known Zander?

  “Yeah.”

  Back to interrogation mode. “Do you happen to remember her favorite story?”

  “Give me a second.” Asia closed her eyes, then sat up, eyes wide. “Yes! Jonah and the whale. That makes sense now. It’s why he chose the whale figurine.”

  “We’re making progress. Now, who’s Jonah?”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. There’s a number printed at the bottom.”

  “Let’s call.” Slade reached for his phone and slapped the steering wheel. “Forgot I tossed it.”

  Asia studied the note again. “Why would he leave this for me?”

  “Is there anything else in the envelope?”

  She passed the document to him but held on to the card. He inspected it, wishing he’d remembered to handle it without contributing to the fingerprints Evidence would find. Too late now.

  Uncomfortable at the sight of Zander’s familiar scrawl—like it was his voice reaching from the grave—Slade returned the sheet to her, unable to continue reading. She might forgive him someday, but for Slade, there remained regret in everything Zander related.

  Suspicion clawed at him, and questions blasted through his mind faster than he could process them. Had Zander played them? Was Jonah another drug runner? Asia’s history with Zander revealed things he knew nothing about. Maybe conveying Zander’s secret would help them put the pieces together. But how did all this relate to Quenten’s murder?

  He swallowed. No. If he said too much, too soon, his suspicions could do more damage than good.

  “What are you trying not to say?” Asia placed a hand on his arm, whisking him back to the present.

  Slade twisted so he faced her. Her dark eyes filled with questions. He shoved down the ambiguous answers he couldn’t—no, wouldn’t—give her. Yet. His stomach clenched. “It’s been a crazy day. Let’s find out what’s on that card.”

  Asia pressed her lips tightly together, erecting an invisible wall of self-protection. He’d take her disappointment over putting her in further danger.

  Slade glanced out the window. Not a car in sight. He shifted into Drive and turned onto the road. Images of Zander flashed before his eyes, visions of a twisted horror movie. “Honestly, I’m learning more about Zander’s character than I car
e to admit. He was a strong man.”

  “I’m going over everything I remember about the last conversation we had. Zander seemed so sincere. I mean, he’d made promises before, but this time, it was like he was desperate. He’d never been that way before.”

  Slade swallowed hard, remembering his last visit with Zander and the promise he’d made under duress. He refused to meet her eyes.

  “Did he suffer? You know what? Never mind. Forget I asked. I don’t want to know.”

  Good thing, because Zander’s crime scene was the last thing he wanted to discuss.

  Asia shivered and tugged her winter coat tighter. “The night Zander gave me the whale he was nervous. His leg bounced the whole time, and he kept checking his watch.”

  Slade held his breath. Had Zander told her? “Did he say where he was going?”

  “No. Just that things would be different, but there was something vulnerable in him.”

  He released the breath.

  A truck stop on the side of the road caught his eye. He pulled in, parking around the rear of the building. “Wait here.”

  Slade rushed inside and purchased another burner phone. He kept Asia in his line of sight the entire time as he paid the cashier and ran back to the car.

  He tossed the phone to her. “Dial for me, please.”

  “Zander said I needed to contact Jonah.” Her eyes were wide.

  “Trust me.”

  She did as he requested. Two rings and it went to voice mail with an automated response. “Jonah, I have a message from Zander. Call back at this number.” He disconnected.

  “Why not give him your name?”

  “I’m guessing Jonah knows a lot more about us than we do about him. If that’s true, he’s been waiting for our call.”

  EIGHT

  After considerable persuasion and a hint of begging, Asia convinced Slade to withhold the SD card details from Trey. Men’s voices outside the bathroom motivated her to dress quickly after her shower. If the brothers spent too much time together without her present, Slade might succumb.

  “Perfect timing,” Slade said as she entered the living room.