“Partners?”
“Maybe,” Von said.
“I’ll ask her about it.” Scott took the sketch from Von. “I have to tell you what she said.” Scott rolled his shoulders. “She said Jake is with his dad.”
Von whistled and stepped back. “That can’t be what she means. Not with Nick.”
“I know. I sure hope not.” Scott scrubbed his hands on his face. “That was before we made this connection to Jeremy. How about observing—listening—while I go back in and see if I can get more out of her.”
Von clapped Scott’s shoulder.
Scott stood in front of the door of the interrogation room. He flexed and unflexed his hands, then opened the door and went inside.
“Let’s try this again.” He sat in the chair across from Libby Braddock. He slid the sketch artist’s rendering in front of her. “Know her?”
Her eyes widened. “Yes.”
“Who is she? What’s she got to do with this?”
Anger flashed in her eyes. “She’s my half-sister. And I have no idea what she’s got to do with anything. We haven’t spoken in over ten years. She’s nothing but bad news, that one. She travels around like a gypsy, pretending to tell the future.” Her face pinched as if she smelled something rotten.
Scott pulled the picture in front of him, and turned it over. “The police spoke to your neighbor the night you left town. She said you’ve been caring for your nephew.”
She nodded.
“How long has he been with you?”
“Since the end of the summer.” Her face had softened, and so did her tone. “He’s a good boy. An angel.”
The word ‘angel’ twisted in Scott’s gut. “Why is he staying with you? Why isn’t he with his mother?”
“I had to help him.”
“Who? Jake?”
“No. Well, yes. Him too, but that woman....”
“I told my brother that woman was out of his league. He was so smitten with her. When he told me they were married, I couldn’t even believe it.”
“What’s your brother’s name?”
“I don’t know why he wanted to marry that rich girl. He was a servant to them. He slaved away for her and that wicked grandmother of hers, too. I told him it wouldn’t last. I warned him.”
“What happened?”
“She left him, and then she wouldn’t let him see his little boy. I had to help him.”
Scott pulled the photo album out of his back pocket. “Is this your brother?”
Her lips pressed together. “Yes. That’s Jeremy. Stupid fool. He still wants that woman back.” She reached for the book. “That’s my personal property.”
He moved the book out of her reach. “Not while you’re in my custody.”
“So you see, I didn’t kidnap anyone. I was helping my brother. He was so upset the day he brought Jake to my house. Desperate. He was crying. I’d never seen Jeremy cry. Never.”
Scott let her keep talking, welcoming the flood of information.
“The little boy was filthy and had scrapes on his arms and cheek.”
Her eyes softened. “It was the first time I’d ever even met my nephew. He was scared. When I held Jake in my arms that day, he cried.”
Her breathing became heavy. “That woman is a terrible mother. She’d do anything to keep Jake from Jeremy. It’s not fair. I had to help him. He has rights.”
“Where is Jake now?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Libby, your brother lied to you.”
She shook her head. “No. He wouldn’t do that. You’re the one lying. You’re trying to take him away from Jeremy.”
“No, Libby, listen to me. Kasey wasn’t married to your brother. She was married to Nick Rolly. You said it yourself: your half-sister is trouble. She’s involved here, too.”
“I have the picture. You saw it.” She blinked. “You’re trying to confuse me.”
“Nick Rolly died in a car accident in August. We found Jake’s car seat at the scene, but not Jake. I think it’s because Jeremy took him that day. I think Jeremy was desperate, and he took Jake to you looking for help. Think about it.”
“I don’t understand how...”
“I’m telling you the truth. He lied to you, and that little boy is not his child.”
“That can’t be true,” her voice wobbled and her face paled. “You’re confusing me.”
“Is Jake alive, Libby?”
“Yes. He’s fine. I love Jake. I’d never hurt him.” She clutched the side of the table, steadying herself.
“Where is he?”
She started breathing heavily, then she mumbled.
“What did you say?” Scott asked.
“I’m dizzy.” She shook her head. “Something’s wrong.” Her hand trembled like that of a junkie needing a fix.
“Libby. Stay with me.” Scott left his seat and crouched in front of her. “You hear me? Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.”
She followed Scott’s instructions.
Once her breathing slowed, he returned to the chair across from her. The color came back to her face.
“Do you need medical assistance?”
“Can I have some water?”
“Sure.” Scott left the room.
Von met him in the hall. “Thank God. He’s alive. Now we just need to find out where he is. What the hell is Jeremy up to? I don’t really know the guy, but he’s always been there for Kasey.”
Scott pulled a paper cup from the side of the water cooler and filled it. “Wish me luck,” he said, then went back in.
Scott handed Libby the cup. The water rippled as she lifted the cup to her lips, her hand trembling.
“Thank you.” She set the cup on the table in front of her.
Scott rubbed the back of his neck, then straightened. “Let’s start over. How do you know Kasey Phillips? She’s never heard of you.”
“Of course not. She doesn’t care about our family, just her own.”
“Even if that’s the case, you can’t take a child from his mother and get away with it. It’s illegal.”
“Jeremy has rights.”
“Even if they were married, matters of custody are for a court to decide. Not you.”
She rested her head on the table.
“I know this is exhausting, but if you’re a Christian, I know you want to do the right thing.”
“Of course.”
“I want to show you something. I’ll be right back.” Scott walked out of the room, went to his desk, and got the case files from the accident and Jake’s disappearance. He walked back in and started reading facts to Libby.
Logic outweighed the story she’d been told by Jeremy. Scott saw the expression on her face change with each fact. He licked a finger and turned to another page, chronicling the last several months of the investigation.
Thirty minutes later, Libby had the whole string of events laid out for her.
Her jaw went slack. She kept muttering, “I can’t believe it.” Her gaze darted, unsettled, as if she was looking for a way out.
Control was finally shifting.
Only one thing could save her now—the truth.
Scott spoke slowly, careful to choose the right words. “Libby, Kasey is a wonderful mother. She lost her husband. She loves Jake. Please help us reunite them.”
“What about Jeremy?”
“Libby, you better worry about yourself right now and doing the right thing.”
She zoned out for a long moment, then turned to Scott. “The address is written inside the cover of a paperback book I was reading. It’s in my car.”
“Who is he with now?” Scott asked. “Is he safe?”
“Oh yes. I’d never have taken him there if I didn’t think so. They’ve been friends of our family for years—they have four kids of their own. I was supposed to go pick him up next weekend. Jeremy was going to visit Jake there.”
“Thank you, Libby.”
“I am so sorry.” She lowered her head. “I had no idea. You’ve got to believe me.”
“I do.” Scott walked out and locked the door behind him. Von shadowed him down the hall while Scott gave orders to move Libby to a holding cell. He and Von located the keys to Libby Braddock’s vehicle, and ran to the cruiser to go back to the hotel and search the car.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Kasey rushed to the processing desk at the station. “Is Scott around?” she asked one of the officers.
“He just left.”
Her shoulders drooped. “How long ago?”
“Ten minutes, maybe?”
She dropped her hands to her side. “Did he leave a message for me? Kasey Phillips.”
The officer shuffled some papers and checked a rack of cubbyholes. “No. I don’t see anything up here for you.”
Kasey tried Scott’s cell phone but it went to voice mail, she left him a message then scribbled a note on a slip of paper and handed it to the gal at the desk. “Can you see that he gets this if he comes back?”
“Sure.”
Kasey thanked her and left for Scott’s house.
Not five minutes later, Von and Scott returned to the station.
A young officer sat at the front desk. “You just missed a visitor. She left a note.”
“She?” Scott reached for the piece of paper. “We just missed Kasey,” he said to Von. “She’s at my place.”
“Go get her,” Von said. “I’ll work with the deputy to get the rest of the address from Libby, and coordinate how we can get Jake home.”
Scott nodded. “Great. I have my phone. Call me if you need me. I’ll bring her up to date and meet you back here.”
“Good luck. She’s not going to want to believe that Jeremy betrayed her. He’s like family to her. Go easy.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Kasey’s cell phone rang just as she pulled next to the curb in front of Scott’s house. She answered and Scott was already talking before she could say hello.
“Got your message,” Scott said. “Where are you?” His voice sounded tight, his words clipped.
“I’m sitting in my car right in front of your house. Is everything okay?”
“There’s a key to the side door, on top of the bird feeder. I’ve got news.”
“Your voice sounds funny.” Her stomach swirled with dread. “The news. It’s not bad is it?”
“No. Not bad. I promise. I’ll explain when I get there.”
“When—” But he’d already hung up. She found the key easily and went to the side door. It took a minute to get the key in the right way, but finally it slipped in the lock and she opened the door.
Inside the house, the room was dark. She patted the wall looking for a light switch, but something brushed against her as she did. She instantly thought of Turtle Mike, but then whatever it was grabbed wrist, pulling her away from the open door. The fear of imminent danger pulsed through her veins, gripping her so tight she couldn’t make a noise.
Kasey scrambled to keep her balance, tugging hard. She slapped and kicked and was able to free her arm, but the door slammed behind her, trapping her inside.
In the darkness of the room, she felt something pass in front of her face, but her eyes hadn’t adjusted and it was too dark to see. A strong hand clamped around her arm. She bent forward and bit down until the intruder screamed, but he didn’t let go. Instead, cool metal settled on her temple.
Her body went rigid. Afraid to move, her temple pulsed under the pressure of the barrel.
She heard a slap on the wall next to her, and the lights came on.
“Kasey?”
“Jeremy?”
They stared at each other for a stunned moment, then she breathed a sigh of relief and stepped away from the gun. “You scared me to death. I thought I was a goner. What are you doing here?”
His jaw moved, but he didn’t respond.
“Jeremy. Why are you here?” She stepped toward him. “Why do you have a gun? What’s going on?”
He stepped back. “This isn’t....” Jeremy’s voice drifted. Sweat dampened his forehead. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“Why are
you
here?”
“It’s not how it seems.” All the color had drained from his face. “He’s got to pay for this.”
“Who’s got to pay? Scott?” She blinked, shaking her head. “You don’t think Scott had something to do with Jake’s disappearance?”
Jeremy straightened.
“That can’t be. He’s helping me find Jake.”
He scratched his head with the barrel of the gun. “He’s not helping you. He just wants you.”
“Wait. This doesn’t make sense. Did Scott...?” She took a step back.
Scott had said he was there at the accident site. Could I be so wrong about him? “
Do you think Scott did something to Jake?”
“I’m here to make everything right,” Jeremy said. “Don’t worry. I’m going to take care of Calvin and then I’m going to take you to Jake.”
“You found Jake?”
“Yes. I’d do anything for you and Jake. You know that.”
“Of course, you’re like family. Let’s go,” Kasey said and turned to the door.
Jeremy waved the gun and it went off, scaring them both.
“Careful with that thing. Just put it down.”
“Wait! I have to stop Scott first.”
“Why? Is Jake with Scott?”
Jeremy shook his head.
“Then take me to Jake. I just want my baby.” Kasey’s voice became loud and impatient. “Quit standing there. Let’s go. We can let the police take care of Scott.”
“But he is the police.”
“Von will know what to do. Come on.”
The side door swung open and Scott steadied his gun on Jeremy. “Hold it right there.”
Kasey stepped between them. “How could you? I thought you were my friend.”
“Kasey, get out of the way.”
She didn’t budge. “He told me you took Jake.”
Scott scoffed and looked at Kasey. “And you believe that? Kasey, Jeremy was behind your son’s disappearance. Nick’s death, too.” He nodded to Jeremy. “Isn’t that right?”
Kasey turned to Jeremy.
“I’d have been a good Dad to Jake. Before Nick. You know. I would’ve married you and taken care of Jake. Raised him like my own. Like Nick did. I’d have been there for you. Nick’s gone. But I’m not. You know I love, Jake. Right?”
Jeremy raised his gun towards Scott.
Scott steadied his aim. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“Go sit down, Kasey.” Jeremy’s hand shook.
She stepped out of range. “What’s going on? Who is taking me to Jake?”
“
Sit!
” Jeremy yelled. “
Now!
”
She dropped to the floor right where she was.
“
No!
” He shouted, then waved the gun at her. “In there.” He motioned her toward the living room.
She walked backward, afraid to turn her back on him.
His voice rose. “This isn’t how I planned it.”
She backed into the living room. “Planned what? Jeremy. Tell me you didn’t take Jake.”
He rocked from side to side. “He’s going to tell you, but it’s not how it looks.” Jeremy blew out several small breaths in a row, then cocked the hammer.
“Whoa!” She took a step back. “No. Wait. You don’t want to do this. We’re like family, and whatever you think Scott has done.... You killing him isn’t going to better for anyone.”
“Drop it,” Scott ordered.
“Don’t. Both of y’all, stop!” Kasey screamed.
“Family,” Jeremy said, nodding his head, and then he began to cry. “Jake should’ve been mine.”
“He’s not your child. You know that.”
“He wasn’t Nick’s but you let him be. I’ve always loved you, Kasey. Nick had already taken you from me. Then he...he wanted to take you away.” His hand shook.
“Put the gun down.” Scott commanded.
“Whatever you did, it can’t be as bad as you think.” She glanced at the end table. There wasn’t much on it—a magazine, an old horseshoe and a coaster. She dipped and wrapped her fingers around the rusty antique horseshoe. It was heavy in her hand.
Jeremy wiped the sweat from his eyes. “I never meant to hurt you. I love you.” His eyes turned dark. He raised the gun towards his own head. It shook in his hand. “The pictures. I sent them.”
“Kasey, let me handle this,” Scott said. She raised a hand and gave Scott a begging look. He nodded.
“A woman sent the pictures.” Kasey paused, trying to regain control of her emotions and voice.
Smooth and soothing—stay calm and he will.
“Me.” Pain twisted in Jeremy’s face. “I set that up. You said you wanted to know Jake was alive. I wanted you to....” He wiped his face with his sleeve—the gun flailed. “You needed to feel hope. I wanted you to have hope. I never meant this to go so wrong. All I ever wanted was to be in your life.”
She squeezed the horseshoe, praying she wouldn’t drop it.
He leveled his gaze on Kasey. “I didn’t want him to move you away. I only meant to scare him.”
A loud clunk came from down the hall. Jeremy spun toward the noise. Kasey hurled the horseshoe. It flew across the room like a Frisbee. She dove behind the couch and crouched low to the floor.
Jeremy turned just as the horseshoe made contact with his face. He yowled, and a string of expletives followed.
Kasey peered over the couch. Blood dripped down his arms. She must’ve hit him square in the nose. Even with his hands to his face, there was a lot of blood already.
Jeremy stumbled toward her, and the gun went off again.