No Ordinary Killer (25 page)

Cooper burst out laughing without losing a step.
“Don’t hold back, Dallas. Tell me how you really feel.” He continued chuckling,
then stopped dead in his tracks. “Up ahead,” he pointed. “The dust says someone
is heading our way. Let’s hide in that culvert up there,” again he pointed,
this time a short distance up the road. “We’d better run like hell.” Cooper
grabbed her right hand and led the way. They slid down the slight embankment
together. Squatting, they waddled into the metal cylinder, staying somewhat
close to the edge. A steady stream of cold water splashed against their shoes.

“Damn, if I wasn’t cold before, I sure as hell am
now.”

Cooper nodded and pulled her against him. “Sounds like
the vehicle is getting close.”

“You think it’s the killer? Maybe we should have
stayed at the cabin and set an—”

Cooper held up his hand, then whispered, “It sounds
like they’re stopping. Be ready to fight him.” He noticed her nod in agreement.
Could the killer have seen them duck into the culvert? There was no way, Cooper
told himself.

The truck then engine stopped, a door opened and
closed, followed by a second door opening. “What the hell you stoppin’ here
for, Wayne?”

“I gotta piss, okay?”

“Couldn’t wait until we got to the cabin? Ain’t very
far now.”

“We get there and we need to be on our toes. Them two
might be drugged but they also could be sittin’ in there just waiting to pounce
on us. He said both are trained cops. They’re killers and we got to respect
that. We got to be smart about this.”

“I agree, but what’s that got to do with wanting to
piss here?”

 
“You may be my
brother, Dean, but sometimes you’re about as dumb as rocks. We’re gonna leave
the truck here, then we’re gonna sneak up on them two. We’ll have what they
call the element of surprise on our side.”

Cooper squeezed Dallas’s arm as a steady stream of
urine dropped in front of the culvert. After several squeeze off squirts
landed, he glanced at her. She smirked and shook her head as if to say,
what next
? He couldn’t help finding the
humor in the situation.

“Okay, so I agree that’s smart.” The second truck door
slammed shut.

“You think you could close that door any louder,
Wayne? Damn, must I tell you everything?”

“They didn’t hear that. Look how far up the road that
cabin is from here. You gotta be harpin’ on me every minute of the day, don’t
ya? You ain’t mom or dad.”

“I know that. Ain’t trying to be either. Now shush and
we’ll get this over with.”

“Can I have the gun this time? You always get to do
the shooting. How am I ever going to learn how to fire the damn thing if you
never let me?”

“We’ll see. If you’re quiet and don’t give us away,
maybe I’ll let you shoot the woman.”

“Hey, you think we could poke her first … I mean, why
waste a free one?”

“Now that’s the best idea you’ve had in a long time.
This is going to be one fun and prosperous morning. Now shush, we got us some
hunting to do. Now when …”

Their voices grew faint and Cooper remained still. No
doubt Dallas heard every word he did. If he had a gun, he most likely would have
tried taking them down just for their intent. “I just hope they left the keys
in the ignition,” he whispered.

“I’d like to take a poke at them,” she said, her tone
tight.

“Wait here and I’ll sneak a peek at how far up the
road they’ve gotten. Get ready to move fast.”

“I’m more than ready.”

Cooper inched out of the culvert, and groaned as his
thighs cramped from squatting so long. “After I move away, you’d better edge
out and stretch your legs a bit before running.” She nodded and moved closer to
the edge. “You want me to help you out before—“

“Get moving and stop treating me like a helpless
female.”

He wanted to explain that wasn’t his intention, but
they didn’t have time to waste. He leaned against the embankment and slowly
inched upward, keeping his motion undetectable and his head low. Finally, he
spotted both men, crawling on their bellies, approaching the cabin. Once they
reached it, they simultaneously jumped to their feet and rammed their shoulders
against the front door. Instantly the cabin exploded sky high. Cooper stood up
and Dallas moved alongside him. They watched in disbelief as the cabin went up
in flames.

“My God, that was one hell of a blast. I forgot about
the booby trapped door.”

“You know what, Dallas, I don’t think the killer ever
expected those boys to come back for payment.”

“I think you’re right, he set them up. He didn’t think
we’d wake up before the boys arrived. He rigged it so they would do the dirty
work for him. He’s somewhere making sure he’s seen and couldn’t possibly have killed
us. Then again, maybe he figured we’d escape. He just wanted us to know he
could have killed us.”

Cooper stomped up the embankment and reached out his
hand to help her. It surprised him that she took it. “I see the keys are in the
ignition. Glad the boys didn’t let me down.” She chuckled and he breathed
easier.

“Won’t the killer be surprised when we come back safe
and sound—“

“We stay dead. He may have wanted us dead, or just
scared … either way … we stay dead.” He walked around the truck with Dallas,
opened the door and lifted her into the jacked-up vehicle.

“I think you’re right. We contact the people we know
we can trust. I wish we had gotten that pen to Missoula.”

“Me, too,” he said, sliding behind the steering wheel.
He turned the key and the over-sized rig roared to life. “That is music to my
ears.”

“Cooper, do you think we ought to turn around at the
cabin and make sure the boys aren’t lying around, injured and needing help?”

“I’d say just leave them and let the wolves finish
them off if they aren’t already dead. But, I suppose that sounds a bit
heartless, huh?” He spun the tires forward and circled the drive by the cabin.
Nothing and no one could have survived that blast. “Damn, it’s amazing how fast
that thing burned down.”

“I agree. Maybe the killer had the whole parameter
rigged, not just the door. We might be damn lucky we didn’t trigger that
explosion. Cooper, you know your team. Anyone an explosives expert?”

“All but two guys in our team have military
experience. Sparks, Weaver, Maxwell and Captain Gulchinski have explosives
training.”

“So Arnott and you don’t?”

“Yep. But I’m not convinced the killer is one of those
four men. We have to consider motive,” he said, down shifting for another hill.
“You see any signs telling us where the hell we are yet?”

“Not one, but this beats walking.”

“You have a point. Check around for a map and while
you’re at it, see if you can find a cell phone.” He rifled through the box
between their seats with half-attention on the road. They hit a dip that sent
both their heads into the cab roof.

“First, slow down, Cooper. I’d rather get there slow
than to wreck this rig and have to start walking again.”

He turned the heat up and slowed the rig some. He
snapped his seatbelt into place. “You’d better put your seatbelt on. Remember,
it’s the law.” She smiled and without comment snapped the belt in place.
“What’s so hard about this is I know these guys. Hell, Sparks is married to my
sister. Weaver is my cousin. Maxwell was my dad’s best friend and he’s actually
my godfather. And there is no approaching Captain Gulchinski. His record speaks
for itself. Where does that lead us?”

“Motive. You have to stop thinking with your heart and
let your head lead you. Forget you have a connection to these men. Look at
facts.”

* * *

 
Megan remained
as still as she could, listening, making sure Dennis wasn’t still in bed with
her. He was an unexpected turn of events. He seemed different somehow. Most
likely it was because he revealed himself. She pulled the mask off, but there
wasn’t a doubt he allowed it. And why now? That wasn’t the only difference. The
way he made love to her was intimate, tender, and exciting. A different
exciting. It felt new and fresh. She could tell he was experiencing it, too.

Certain she was alone, Megan headed for the shower.
She lingered, relaxing, reliving the passion she shared with Dennis. If … when
Cooper found out … there would be hell to pay. His brother-in-law, his sister’s
husband.
My, what a Payton Place I’ve
created.

There was no way she would have guessed Dennis was her
lover. She wouldn’t have intentionally set out to hurt Candy. Cooper on the
other hand, she didn’t give a damn. Why would Dennis expose himself and reveal
he was the one who provided the case files for her first book? It didn’t make sense.
Under oath she couldn’t disclose what she didn’t know. Now it was a totally
different story.

After slipping into a plush robe and slippers, Megan
pulled her hair into a simple ponytail and headed for a cup of almond latte and
bagel she knew would be waiting for her. She grabbed the cup and walked over to
the window and peered out across the street. There he was again, standing and
staring at her. His black hoodie shaded his face just enough to hide his
features. She sipped the coffee and stared back at the figure. He made no
effort to hide. Maybe she should throw on some clothes and go find out what he
wanted. Her bravery lasted only long enough for the thought.

She found no energy for the new day. The second
chapter was nearly finished. The phone rang, reluctantly Megan reached into her
pocket and answered, “yes” in a stern tone.

“My don’t you sound in a good mood?”

“Who is this?”

“It’s me, Jessica. Do you have a TV in your room?”

“Of course, I’m not out in the boondocks. Why?”

“You’ve got to turn on the Kari Winslow Show.”

“And why must I do that?” Megan didn’t take her gaze
from the man across the street.

“They’re talking about you, that’s why.”

“Good grief, now what does Miss Winslow have to say
about me? Please don’t tell me there’s another murder because
Malicious Intent
is fresh out of them.”
She turned from the window and headed for the sitting room. After flipping it
on, she melted into a recliner.

“Ladies and gentlemen, in case you haven’t heard the
latest effort from Megan Reynolds just hit the stands. Yes, you heard me right.
I picked up my copy on the way to work and here is the first installment of
Physical
Evidence
.”

The audience went crazy with applaud. Megan smiled and
hoped Kari would be positive in her presentation.

“Our people have been madly trying to get ahold of Ms.
Reynolds for comment or to have her be our guest once again.”

Again the audience voiced their approval with whistles
and clapping. Megan sipped her latte and waited for Kari to continue.

“We are in for a treat. Mr. Stiles O’Neill, owner of
the O’Neill Publishing House, informed me that they are going to publish
Physical
Evidence
in three installments. Yes, that is right. Today the first release
covers the grisly murder of Ella Burquist. In Ms. Reynolds fashion, this first
murder happens at the old Bannack mining town where she weaves a murderous tale
that grips the 1800s as wells as today. Once I started reading, I just couldn’t
put it down.”

“Did you hear that, Megan? She really liked it. Wow,
that is incredible. I never thought Ms. Winslow liked you much. The book is
going to fly off the shelves. Aren’t you excited?”

“Of course. I’m thrilled. I didn’t think the first
book was due out until the end of the month. You never said a word. Do you
realize I didn’t even get a chance to approve the cover? Why the big rush,
Jessica?”

“Oh, Mr. Stilles was so anxious he couldn’t wait two
more weeks. We’ve sent out over a million copies already.”

“For real? I’m just about done with the second case
but I haven’t begun to think about the third.”

“It’ll come to you, it always does. By the time you’ve
finished all three, we’ll have an appearance and book signing schedule set up
for you all over the states. Mr. Gilles has a friend in England and they’re
discussing having you go there for a major book signing and TV appearance. Talk
about exciting. I truly hope he approves my traveling with you. I’ve always
wanted to see England.”

 
“He’s going to
pay me to go to England? I can’t believe it,” she said, smiling over the turn
of events. “I’ve dreamed of being a world-class writer. I’m so excited.” Megan
suddenly felt rejuvenated.

“How soon will you be sending the next case?”

“I should have it wrapped up either today or tomorrow.
Again, it’s the first draft. Please tell the editors I haven’t read it through
a second time. There’s bound to be some changes and tightening-up.”

“No worries. We know that and are willing to take care
of it.”

“How is your romance going?” Megan held her breath.