Deadly Dozen: 12 Mysteries/Thrillers (324 page)

“What’s he want with Nikki?” Sarah ignored the grimace, and the questions.

“Damned if I know. Didn’t know he was after the girl until tonight.”

“What else do you know?”

Carl lit a cigarette and puffed on it, blowing the smoke in Sarah’s face. “I know if you don’t get off your ass and get me out of here, you’re gonna have a dead FBI agent on your hands. It’s a wonder Rob ain’t already got here and shot the lot of you. Damn fools.”

Sarah couldn’t ignore the grief that washed over her at the mention of Rob’s name. Carl didn’t know his partner had been shot. Or that he might already be dead. José and Juanita might be dead. So many losses. All of them her fault.

Sarah closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as a single tear slid down her face. “I’m sorry, Mr. Jackson. Matt, Jed, let’s get him back to the house.”

Sarah ignored the urge to run, setting a steady pace, stopping occasionally to check the tourniquet. Her efforts were met with stony glares and bursts of profanity. Relief surged through her at the sight of the three Edgewood police officers headed their way.

“Thank God,” she whispered, hugging Arthur Daniels.

“We got here as quick as we could.” Turning to Matt and Jed struggling under the weight of Carl’s huge frame, he grinned. “Looks like you guys have got your hands full.”

“Everybody’s a fucking comedian,” Carl grumbled.

Ignoring the comment, Daniels turned to Sarah. “What can we do to help?”

Sarah motioned him to walk a short distance away with her. Keeping her voice low she filled him in on what she knew and what had happened so far.

“What happened at the house?” Sarah asked, her heart clenching as she held her breath.

“José and Juanita are fine. Knocked out, but Doc doesn’t think there’s any concussion or anything.” His gaze slid to Carl, and then quickly away. “The other agent died about half an hour ago.”

Closing her eyes Sarah let relief and guilt wash over her. Thank God, José and Juanita were okay. She’d expected the news about Rob, but somehow it hurt so much worse to have someone put it into words.

“Does he know?” Daniels nodded toward Carl.

“I didn’t tell him. Thought it might be better to get him back to the doctor first. I understand they were really close.”

Daniels nodded. “I’ll have Bill and Sam take over for Matt and Jed. They look really bushed.”

“Let Matt and Jed help. He’s lost a lot of blood. Would you mind if I went on ahead?”

“Get on out of here. I can handle this.”

“Thanks, Art. You might want to check the tourniquet before you leave.” As an afterthought Sarah added, “Mr. Jackson’s bark is a lot worse than his bite.”

Daniels smiled. “I think I can handle him.”

Sarah waved, taking off at a steady jog. Arthur Daniels was six foot five inches of solid muscle. There weren’t many people he couldn’t handle.

#

Millie felt the slight tremble in her legs as she approached the door. She was suddenly thankful that Clarence had the gun. And she knew without asking he knew how to use it. The door opened, just as she raised her hand to knock.

“Can I help you?”

“Why, Mr. Thomas, you shocked me. I was just getting ready to knock. I’m Millie Crawford, from the bookstore.” Millie knew she was rambling, but the black eyes had shocked her. She watched as he scanned the driveway, eyes narrowing as they fell on Clarence sitting in the car.

“Can I come in?”

“Perhaps another time, Mrs. Crawford. My wife isn’t feeling well. Perhaps you,” his eyes strayed to Clarence, “and your husband, could come back tomorrow.”

Millie shivered, chills running down her spine. She smiled, hoping her face didn’t reveal the terror she felt inside. It had been a long time since she’d played these games.

“Husband? Oh, no, he’s not my husband. I’m a widow. That’s Mr. Archibald from the flower shop. He’s such a dear. I hate driving, and he was kind enough to offer to drive me over.”

The black eyes narrowed again.

Sticking out the cake, Millie rambled on. “I’m so sorry about Mrs. Thomas. Why, if I’d known I’d have made some homemade soup. Is there anything I can do?”

“No.”

Millie smiled again. “Well then, perhaps you’re right. Tomorrow would be better.”

Millie shoved the plate into his hands and struggled to walk slowly to the car, feeling the dark eyes boring into her back. Every nerve in her body screamed run. Reverend Cooper had made her skin crawl, but Philip Thomas gave her the willies. Slamming the door she fastened her seatbelt. “Get us out of here, Clarence.”

Starting the car, Clarence glanced at her pale face. “Where to?”

“José Minguela’s. And step on it.”

#

“There’s an extra gun in the glove compartment.” Joshua glanced over at Gavin McAllister.

Hitting the latch to open the glove compartment, Gavin pulled out the .38 and checked it to make sure it was fully loaded.

“Have we got a plan, or are we just going to play it by ear?”

“Thought we’d park over on Crenshaw. We’ll hike in behind the mill. After that, well I guess we’re playing it by ear.”

Gavin nodded. He’d suspected as much. “Tell me about the mill.”

Joshua shrugged. “Imagine an old barn with windows and a tobacco stripping shed attached, add a big wheel, and you’ve pretty much got an image of the old mill. Haven’t been out there in years.”

“How about inside? Is it rooms, open?”

Joshua frowned, drawing on his childhood memory. “Pretty much open on the bottom floor. Might be a small room or two. Seems I remember some rooms on the second floor, but I’d say the floors are rotted through by now.”

Pulling to the side of the road, Joshua parked and turned to Gavin. “Before we go, I just want to say I’m really sorry about your brother.”

Gavin nodded, trying to swallow the lump stuck in his throat. “Yeah, me too.”

Joshua cleared his throat. “You know dreams as predictions sometimes take a twist or turn. They’re not always exact. And then, you know, sometimes things just have to be the way they are.”

“Rob said something like that. Something about he had to go. I think it was what he wanted.”

Joshua clasped him on the shoulder. They were in this together. “He also wanted to protect Nikki. Let’s go get her.”

“Let’s go.”

The trail to the old mill was overgrown and Gavin found himself fighting not only bugs, but briars that cut into his skin and clothing. He followed Joshua’s lead, and stopped when he held up his hand. From their spot amongst the trees they could see the back of the old Mill. Joshua’s recitation had been perfect. To Gavin it looked just like a dilapidated old barn that might fall in on their heads if they were stupid enough to venture inside.

Movement caught Gavin’s eye and he patted Joshua on the shoulder, pointing in the direction of the man just coming around the side of the mill.

“That’s Cooper,” Joshua whispered, crouching lower and signaling Gavin to do the same. They watched as he dumped something on the ground and proceeded to dig. Gavin glanced at Joshua, fear taking his breath, clutching at his heart. They couldn’t be too late. Not this time. Joshua shook his head and motioned for Gavin to follow him into the forest.

Joshua waited until he was sure they were out of hearing distance. He’d read the fear reflected in Gavin’s eyes. “Too large to be Nikki.”

“Who then?”

“Well, since that’s the good Reverend Cooper, I’d say maybe Mrs. Cooper.”

Gavin was horrified at the thought. “You think he killed his wife?”

Joshua shrugged. “Maybe she wasn’t his wife.”

“You know, you’re beginning to freak me out just a little,” Gavin stated. “My psychiatrist would have a field day analyzing you.”

Joshua grinned, placing a toothpick between his teeth. “That’s why they burned Joan of Arc. Just didn’t understand. Let’s go.”

Gavin followed Joshua through the trees in a different direction until they reached the front of the mill.

“I figure it’s gonna take him a couple of hours to dig that grave. Give me about ten minutes and then you head in. Find Nikki and get out of there. We’ll deal with Cooper after we get her away from here.”

Gavin nodded and glanced at his watch.

“Gavin?”

Gavin caught the keys Joshua tossed his way. “Just in case anything goes wrong. You hear shots, get Nikki, and get the hell out of here.”

Gavin nodded again. “No hero shit, okay?”

Grinning, Joshua stuck the toothpick between his teeth and disappeared quietly into the trees.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

“How are you doing, buddy?” Daniels reaffixed the tourniquet.

“I’ve been a hell of a lot better.” Carl growled, fumbling for his cigarettes. “Shit,” he mumbled, pulling out the empty pack.

“Bill, give the man a smoke.”

“Yes, sir.” Bill pulled out a pack and handed it to Carl.

“Thanks.”

Daniels grinned as Carl shook out a cigarette and pocketed the remaining pack, huge charcoal eyes daring the young officer to complain. The old man was a fighter.

“You gonna tell me about my partner?” Carl struggled to raise his shaking hands to light the cigarette.

Daniels reached out and steadied his hands, waiting until the cigarette caught and Carl took a deep drag. He’d known the question was coming.

“He didn’t make it.”

Carl nodded, eyes misting over. “Thought so. Seen it in the sheriff’s eyes.”

Daniels knew there was nothing else he could say. Nothing he could do to ease the pain. Jackson was getting weaker from loss of blood, and they needed to move. Reaching out, he patted him on the shoulder. “Ready?”

Carl nodded.

“Okay, guys let’s move.” Daniels watched as the officers carefully lifted Carl, placing one arm over each of their shoulders. Satisfied the tourniquet was holding, he took the lead, his thoughts turning to the loss of his own partner ten years ago. Jackson would never quite be the same. Losing a partner was like losing a part of yourself. You never quite got over it.

#

Gavin waited the full ten minutes before pulling off his shoes and sprinting toward the front of the old mill. Stepping inside, he let his eyes adjust to the dim light change and studied the floor. The patterns in the dust told a gruesome story. He could see where the body had fallen and then dragged across the floor. Easing around the wall, he approached the small room in the far left corner. Small bare feet had stood there. A key hung on the wall just to the right of the door. Not too smart, Cooper. Taking the key, Gavin unlocked the door and pulled it open cautiously. Nikki sat hunched against the wall with her legs pulled up underneath her. Her face was pale, but a small smile creased it when she saw him. Placing one finger to his lips, Gavin smiled, motioning her to join him at the door. Nikki nodded, crept across the creaking floor slowly until she reached Gavin, and placed her small hand in his. Gavin could feel the tremors in the small body and cursed Cooper silently. Squeezing her hand, he motioned for her to walk behind him as he maneuvered them toward the open door. Gavin peered out into the open space, eyes darting from corner to corner. Reaching down, he picked Nikki up, allowing her to wrap her arms around his neck and bury her head in his shoulder. Taking a deep breath, he sprinted back to the trees.

“Are you okay?”

Nikki nodded, reluctant to let go of his neck. Gavin held her tight for another minute, enjoying the feelings of tenderness that filled his body. He untangled her arms, set her down, and slowly checked her to make sure she was really okay.

“The pretty lady said you’d come,” Nikki whispered.

Gavin smiled at her, retying his shoes. “She always was a pretty smart lady. Her name’s Cory.” Gavin glanced at the mill. Still no sign of Cooper. Gavin took off his shirt and wrapped it around Nikki and over her head before picking her up again. “Keep your face down, honey, there’s a lot of briars in here.” Holding her tightly pressed against him, Gavin started in the direction Joshua had gone.

“What are you doing here?” Joshua whispered. “I told you to take her and get out of here.”

“We go together,” Gavin stated emphatically. “No heroes.”

Joshua glanced back to where Cooper was still digging. “I’ll stay and keep an eye on him. You can send reinforcements after you get Nikki out of here.”

Nikki struggled in Gavin’s arms and he set her down. She immediately went to Joshua, holding up her arms.

Joshua knelt down beside her. Her tiny face was grimy and smudged, the tracks of tears clearly visible. He hated Cooper. “You’re going with Gavin, sweetie. Mommy’s waiting for you.” Joshua’s voice cracked, emotion choking him.

Shaking her head, Nikki wound her arms around his neck, refusing to let go.

Joshua held her, glancing over her head. “You put her up to this?”

Gavin smiled at him and shrugged his shoulders. “Nope.”

“Let’s get out of here then.”

Gavin grinned again as Nikki winked at him over Joshua’s shoulder. Five years old and already she knew how to control men. She was going to be a real heartbreaker when she got older.

#

Millie gasped as Clarence pulled slowly into the driveway. She reached for Clarence’s hand and gripped it, seeking comfort.