Calculated Revenge (7 page)

Laney’s dark mood lasted through an ancient rerun of
Gilligan’s Island,
which they all watched to unwind, followed by the news. In bed that night, she tried to lie still so as not to wake Briana, who slumbered peacefully next to her.
Gracie, we
have
to catch your killer.
Maybe if justice was finally served, she could forgive herself and move on with life, minus the guilt that dragged on her soul like a ball and chain.

T
he next morning, Noah got ready to leave on a flight back to Minnesota and a fact-finding mission to the Thompson’s old stomping grounds where the abduction took place. Last night’s conversation bothered him. Laney couldn’t, or wouldn’t, see it, but something had happened in Grand Valley that neither of her parents wanted to talk about. But that didn’t mean the veiled history was connected to Grace’s disappearance. Surely, Laney’s parents would speak up if there was even a remote chance that it might be.

They seemed a close-knit couple and adored their daughter and granddaughter. When she greeted them at the airport, petite Loretta Thompson had sized him up with a fierce look that told him he’d better be the real deal as an investigator and a stand-up kind of guy in the way he treated her loved ones.
Yes, ma’am!
Noah grinned as he tucked his shaving kit into his carry-on. He wasn’t about to do anything to antagonize a ferocious mama bear.

Roland was actually built like a bear, thick and solid, with a booming laugh and a friendly manner. But he was an astute businessman and as determined as his wife to protect his own. While Laney put Briana to bed last night and Loretta did a few things in the kitchen, they’d retired to the living room for a serious discussion.

“I’ve had you thoroughly vetted,” the man had told him. “My sources tell me you used to be the best, but nobody’s offered me a clear explanation for why you quit.”

Noah shrugged. “I guess there’s only so much tragedy a person can witness until it comes time to change the scenery.”

Roland frowned and nodded. “Fair enough.” His gaze turned assessing. “I suppose the better question would be what drew you out of retirement.”

“I guess you could call it the case that landed in my backyard.” Noah grimaced. “When your daughter asked for my help, I could hardly turn her down.”

The other man grinned. “I never could turn down those big blue eyes of hers, either.”

If Noah could have stopped the heat from rising in his face he would have.

Laney’s father laughed and offered his big bear paw. “Just so you know, I’d pay double your price to get the best for my daughter.”

Noah had gladly shaken Roland’s hand.

Now he zipped his suitcase with a frown. The man didn’t seem like the kind to make lethal enemies, but then, appearances could be deceiving. Of course, anyone could run afoul of a psycho and set him off for no rational reason. Noah would keep an open mind when he started asking questions of the natives in the Thompson’s old hometown.

He pulled his case into the kitchen where the family waited for him, all but Briana, who was still sleeping at the 7:00 a.m. hour. Roland sipped coffee at the oval table with the newspaper spread before him. Loretta stood stirring scrambled eggs. They both looked up and greeted him with smiles. Laney’s dad motioned to a spot next to him.

“You’re all ready?” Laney whisked past him carrying plates and forks toward the table. Her blue gaze held a hint of sadness.

Because he was leaving? Noah’s heart jumped but he commanded it to settle back into place. She had plenty of other reasons to be sad, as well as for the weariness betrayed by the droop of her shoulders.

He touched her arm as he took his seat. “Get some rest while you’re in a safe haven.”

She laughed, and tension retreated from her face. “Is it that obvious? I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a decent sleep since I found that pack.”

Roland grabbed his daughter’s hand. “You just settle in here, honey, and let us look after you. Noah can do the legwork. Maybe he’ll come up with something those duded up FBI agents missed.”

Noah’s chest expanded under warm scrutiny from three pairs of eyes.
God, make me worthy of this trust.
Maybe if he’d leaned more on the Lord, instead of his own abilities, that other case might have turned out better.

The foursome settled at the table over an eggs and toast breakfast. Roland bowed his head and extended his hands. His wife and daughter each took one, while Noah accepted the delicate hands of the women and lowered his head. Noah might have been able to concentrate better on the prayer if an electric charge didn’t seem to run between his and Laney’s joined fingers, but he appreciated this family’s steady faith after what they’d been through. Sometimes families fell apart during tragedy; other times they got stronger. Noah wasn’t sure yet what his deep loss had done to the faith his parents had taught him. He was still on rocky ground, undecided where he was at with God…or God with him.

Roland concluded the prayer, and everyone released hands. Laney’s smooth palm slid away from his, and Noah felt the absence. He kept his eyes averted from hers and concentrated on his plate. The steaming eggs sent delicious smells to his
nostrils. The doorbell rang, and he halted with a forkful of eggs halfway to his open mouth. He exchanged looks with Roland. Who would come calling so early on a Sunday morning?

Laney’s father headed for the door. Murmured voices, Roland’s and an unknown female’s, carried to Noah’s ears. A few seconds later, Roland appeared with a stocky woman beside him. Noah recognized the law enforcement prowl in her walk and the sweep of her eyes across the room, taking in every detail. She was likely on Laney and Briana’s Louisville watch detail. But why had she blown cover to waltz through the front door?

The woman flashed an FBI badge, confirming Noah’s assumption. “I’m here to inform you that an arrest has been made in your case.”

A soft cry came from Loretta, while Laney gripped the edge of the table. “Who?” she burst out.

“Edward Foreman.”

Noah’s heart skipped a beat, and then he frowned. “On what grounds?” The evidence had to be substantial in order to make an actual arrest.

“I’m not at liberty to tell you that, sir. Would you be Noah Franklin Ryder?”

“Guilty.” He lifted a palm.

An almost-smile flickered at the corners of the agent’s mouth. “I have a message for you from Supervisory Special Agent Burns.”

Noah snorted. “I can about guess what that is.”

The agent’s lips curved up another millimeter. “He says to go back to the day job. The professionals have done their work.”

“And you can tell him—” Noah stopped himself from questioning the arrest. “Never mind.”

He wasn’t about to rain on the parade of relieved grins from Roland, Loretta and Laney. But until he knew what evidence they
were charging Eddie on, he wouldn’t be convinced they had the right man. Granted, he had his own doubts about the playground skulker, but a solid case should take longer than this to build.

Roland escorted the agent out while Laney and her mother grabbed each other and wept. Noah studied his cooling eggs.

Laney’s father returned to the table, rubbing his hands together and beaming. “Looks like we won’t need to disrupt your life any further, Noah. We appreciate your willingness to help us out and the care you’ve taken of Laney and the little Bree-bee.” He slapped Noah on the back.

Noah rose and shook the man’s hand, forcing a smile onto his face. “I hope this is the closure your family needs.”

Laney came around the table and touched his arm. Her cheeks glistened with happy tears, but her gaze telegraphed concern. “You look more troubled than happy.”

He sighed. “I have a lot of questions—”

“Oh, me, too!” Laney twirled in a little dance across the tile floor, and Noah’s pulse leaped at her unconscious grace. “Simply to know Gracie’s killer is finally in custody and Briana is safe means everything! I can get my hundred and one questions answered later.”

“At least let me make a phone call to Hank and see if he has an inkling what hard evidence brought about the arrest.”

“Please do.” Loretta gripped the back of her chair. “We’d all like to know.”

Noah took out his cell phone and went into the living room. A few minutes later, he returned to the kitchen. The family had gone back to their seats, but it looked as if the excitement had stolen their appetites. Their plates remained full. Hopeful faces turned toward him.

He awarded them a nod and a smile. “Hank has his own resources for finding out what’s going on with the feds, and the collar looks good to him. Traces of Eddie’s blood were found
on the backpack, and a personal history check shows he had a route delivering office supplies that covered southeastern Minnesota at the time of Grace’s abduction.”

Laney slumped and lowered her forehead to the table, weeping again. “Thank you, Lord Jesus,” she breathed.

“Hallelujah!” Loretta clapped her hands.

Roland grinned bigger than the Cheshire cat. “I guess you’ve got no reason to travel to Grand Valley now. You can head straight for home once you reach Minneapolis.” He looked at his watch. “We’d better get a move on if you’re going to catch your flight.”

“Oh, dear.” Loretta stood, and Laney with her. “I’m sorry you didn’t get breakfast.”

“No problem.” Noah waved a hand. “I’ll grab something at the airport.”

Laney glided toward him and stopped close enough for her fresh scent to wrap around his senses. “Thank you.”

The depth of gratitude in her gaze for the nothing he had done humbled Noah’s soul. “I’m very happy for you. Will I see you in the fall?”

She laughed. “Only if you put in that recommendation for me to the school board.”

“Consider it a done deal.” He grinned down at her, then followed Roland toward the door. His smile faded. Should he get their hopes up by telling them the bonus information Hank shared with him? Maybe it would be best if he told Laney’s father only and let him make the call of what to say to his wife and daughter.

They got on the road, and Roland drove intently and quickly. Laney’s father must be itching to get back to his family for a personal time of rejoicing. Running a guest to the airport was a necessary inconvenience. Maybe soon they’d have something more to celebrate.

“I didn’t want to say anything too soon,” Noah began, “but Hank had more to tell.”

Roland glanced at Noah, and the car’s speed slackened. “Good news? Bad news?”

“The dirt on the backpack was consistent with the soil found in the Grand Valley area. The FBI is cautiously optimistic that when this guy confesses, he’ll be able to point them to a grave site near where you used to live.”

Roland pumped a fist. “Finally we can put Gracie properly to rest!”

Noah looked out the side window at glistening hotels and office complexes whisking past. He’d wanted to say “if” the guy confesses. If only Noah could feel as confident as everyone else that the case was closed. Edward Foreman was a stranger to the Thompsons, as was true in many pedophile abduction situations. He would have no personal ties to the family that would create rage in his mind. Why then had the taunts toward Laney been so calculated and vicious?

After church followed by a meal out, Laney walked into the house, yawning. Exhaustion had closed in—partly from poor sleep for many days, and partly as a backlash from euphoria.

Her mother laughed. Laney hadn’t seen her mom so bright and cheerful in years. The woman practically glowed. “You lie down and take a nap, dear. Your dad and I will keep both sets of eyes on the little Bree-bee.”

Her father seconded the motion. He’d joined them at church barely in time for service to start. He swung Briana’s hand in his. “How about we go to the zoo and let your mommy sleep?”

She hopped up and down. “Monkeys. I want to see the monkeys.”

“The ape exhibit can be our first stop.” He tapped the end of his granddaughter’s nose.

“You mind Grandma and Grandpa now,” Laney admonished, shaking her head. Children were so resilient. Her daughter had casually received the information that the bad man had been caught, but she’d pouted about Noah leaving. Now she was excited.

Eyelids drooping, Laney wandered into the bedroom and curled up under a light blanket in the air-conditioned coolness. Her groggy thoughts drifted to Noah. He’d be in the air now, traveling away from her. If only he’d shown half a moment’s interest in staying for a visit. Her folks would have welcomed him, and in a relaxed social setting, maybe she would have stood a chance of catching his interest as more than a colleague or a client.

Ever on the lookout for husband material for her daughter, Mom had read too much into Noah’s promise of a recommendation to the school board. “That man wants to keep you around,” she had said with a knowing nod right before church service got under way. “Of course, he does,” Laney’d whispered back. “Special education teachers aren’t easy to come by.” Mom slanted her an amused look. “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” Then the worship team moved into the opening song, and the subject was dropped.

Laney prayed that by some miracle her mother was right about Noah, and that Noah was wrong in his reservations about Edward Foreman’s guilt. She could tell he still wasn’t satisfied about that when he left. Foreman
had
to be guilty. A stranger abduction made perfect sense. Couldn’t Noah see that? This nightmare needed to be over.
Please, God!

Her consciousness faded with her prayer. The next thing she knew, she opened her eyes, and the bedside clock said three thirty-two. She’d slept for two glorious, refreshing hours. She sat up and stretched her arms. Stone silence in the house indicated that her parents and Briana lingered at the zoo. Wouldn’t it be nice if she had a yummy supper prepared when they got home?

Energized, Laney hopped out of bed. She placed a quick call to her dad’s cell phone. He answered on the third ring and assured her Briana was having the time of her life and never out of their sight. Laney bit her lip. The hard lesson learned with Gracie would never fade, even though her killer was in custody.

“Tell Mom not to worry about supper. I’m on my way to the store for taco fixings.”

Dad chuckled. “Bree’s going to think it’s her birthday. The zoo and now tacos.”

Laney gave an answering laugh. “I’ve got a good guess where she gets her taste buds. Sometimes I think you should have been born south of the border.”

They ended the call. Laney ran a comb through her hair and brushed her teeth, and then grabbed her purse and the keys to her mom’s car from the hook in the laundry room. An hour later, she pulled back into the driveway of her parents’ home with two sacks of groceries sitting next to her in the passenger seat.