Текст книги "I'll Never Let You Go"

Автор книги: Mary Burton

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Текущая страница: 19 (всего у книги 21 страниц)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Tuesday, January 24, 7 A.M.

Alex struggled as he tried to slide his left arm into his shirt. Pain shot up his arm and across his ribs, and for a moment, his breath caught in his throat as an oath leaked past clenched teeth.

Deke found him cursing when he knocked on the door. “How’s it going?”

Cutting pain banded his ribs. He was almost sorry he’d refused the painkillers when a nurse had offered them to him at five that morning. He needed a clear head today. Too many pieces of this puzzle still missing. A fuzzy mind wouldn’t get the job done. “I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

Positive talk didn’t temper the pain as he slid the arm into the sleeve and slowly pulled it up to his shoulder, inch by painful inch. The second arm promised to be more difficult. “Looks are deceiving.”

Deke came up behind him, set two cups of coffee down on the side table, and lifted the collar of Alex’s shirt so that he could insert his arm into the sleeve. The simple task left Alex’s heart pounding as he reached for the first button and began to fasten it. Not as painful, but miserably slow-going. “Thanks.”

“The doctors said you’re supposed to be on pain meds for a few days.”

“I’m waiting for the aspirin to kick in.” He’d reached for his cuffs and started rolling them up.

“Aspirin? I think something stronger is in order.”

“Not today.”

“Going to be a tough guy?” Deke sipped his coffee, a grin peeking over the cup.

“You’d be wise not to poke the bear today.” Alex left the second cuff unrolled as he accepted the warm cup and took a sip. “Thanks.”

Deke’s mouth lost its grin but the smile remained in his gaze. “Understood.”

“This tastes good. The nurses wouldn’t give me coffee this morning.”

Deke grunted. “That’s just not right on so many levels.”

A half smile tweaked his lips. “A few of them barely escaped with their lives.”

Deke pulled up a chair, flipped it around, and sat. “I also think the doctors aren’t expecting you to leave so soon. Is this a sanctioned escape?”

“No.”

“You haven’t been cleared?”

“Cleared enough. Bruised ribs, no breaks, and no internal damage. And when the aspirin takes hold, I’ll be fine. I just need to get moving.”

“I’m guessing they want you to take it easy for a few days.”

Alex set down his coffee and rolled up the second sleeve. “It’s not about what they want, it’s about what I need to do.”

Deke sipped his coffee. If any arguments crossed his mind, he kept them to himself. “Any thoughts on who would like to beat the hell out of you? I’ve theories, but I’m curious about your ideas.”

“There’s a long list somewhere.”

“Any of Ray Murphy’s pals? Tyler Radcliff should be at the top. And the mysterious Philip Latimer.”

“Radcliff is laying low, from what I’ve heard. He’s taken the week off from work.”

“So no one knows if he’s passed out drunk at home or wandering the streets with a baseball bat?”

Carefully, Alex tucked in his shirt and considered the theory. “Maybe.”

“Do you really think Deidre’s plan to bring Philip Latimer to Nashville worked?”

“Someone has been stalking Leah. She keeps a journal like she did when her ex-husband stalked her.”

“She still keeps notes?”

“She’s the first to admit it’s a bit OCD.”

“Yeah.”

“I read through the journal yesterday. Lots of odd things have been happening to her. Almost as if someone’s been slowly turning up the heat. She thought someone was in her house. Hacked credit cards. Flowers wishing her a happy anniversary. Someone set up movers to move all the stuff out of her house.”

“You think it’s Philip Latimer?”

“If it’s not him, it’s someone just like him.”

“She dated anyone else since him?”

“She says no.”

“Crazy neighbors? Odd coworkers? Stalkers come in all shapes and sizes.”

“I’d agree, if not for Deidre. She’s tied up in this.”

“She nailed the stalker, maybe?”

“I don’t know.”

Deke smoothed out Alex’s crumpled red tie and handed it to him. Then he pulled Alex’s gun from his waistband. “I hung onto this after they admitted you.”

“Thanks.” He fastened the cuffs of his shirt and, with Deke’s help, eased on his coat. He reached for his wallet, pocket change, and utility knife and slid it in his pockets. He opened his phone and typed in his passcode. The low battery light blinked. One more text from Leah. Maybe she’d scored a few hours of sleep last night.

I RECEIVED A TEXT FROM A FRIEND LAST NIGHT. SHE WAS WITH A MAN. THE MAN’S FACE ISN’T CLEAR BUT HE IS WEARING PHILIP’S RING. I’M FORWARDING THE PICTURE. ALSO FOUND A LISTENING DEVICE IN MY HOME. CALL ME.

Alex studied the picture Leah sent and showed it to Deke as he supplied the backstory.

“A listening device. Like the one found in Deidre’s town house. Someone was tracking them both?”

“I’d say so.”

“Why play cat and mouse?”

Anger churned as he thought about Leah alone and worried over the texted picture. “Control is part of the thrill, the addiction. He gets a kick out of playing games.”

“So who’s in the picture with the mystery man?”

“Her name is Gail. She works at the animal hospital with Leah.”

“And Leah can’t reach her.”

“Not as of the last message, which she sent twenty-two minutes ago.”

Deke handed Alex his badge. When Alex clipped it on his belt, Deke took his coat and held it up. Alex eased the arm of his injured side into the coat first and carefully followed with his second. Painful, but not as bad as the shirt.

“Want me to get a wheelchair?” Deke asked.

“Hell no.”

A nurse swiped back the curtain. She was tall and wore green scrubs and a scowl. She’d tried to convince him to take the pain meds earlier, and when he’d refused, she’d eyed him with suspicion. “I thought you would try to make a break for it.”

Alex braced for a fight. “I am.”

She shook her head, disapproval furrowing her brow. “I brought you these.” She held up a cup with two pills.

“No meds. I need to think.”

“They won’t make you woozy. Not much stronger than aspirin, but they’ll take the edge off better than anything over the counter.”

“You sure they won’t cloud my head?”

“Positive.”

Alex gratefully accepted the pills and tossed them in his mouth. He chased them back with a cup of water from the nurse.

“Try not to get banged up again, Agent Morgan.”

“Will do my best.”

He took a step forward and saw the waiting wheelchair. “I don’t need that.”

“If you want out, that’s your only ticket. I’ve met you halfway; now it’s your turn.”

“Fine.” He lowered himself into the chair and was oddly grateful to be sitting again. With the nurse pushing, Deke led the way. As Alex waited with her at the front entrance curbside, Deke got in his car and drove around front. It was a late-model black four-door that looked like it would move if Deke stomped on the accelerator.

Alex slid into the passenger side and very slowly buckled his seat belt.

“Where to, boss?”

“The vet hospital where Leah works.”

“Will do.”

Alex dialed the hospital and got a recorded message. Halfway into the recording the message stopped and he heard a breathless, “Nelson Animal Hospital.”

“This is Agent Alex Morgan. I’m looking for Leah Carson.”

“She’s in surgery right now. Can I take a message?” Papers shuffled in the background, as if she was searching for a pen.

“Who is this?”

“This is Gail.”

“Ms. Carson called me this morning about you.”

“Yeah, she looked a little freaked out when I poked my head into surgery a few minutes ago.”

“When will she be out of surgery?”

“In about two hours.”

“I’ll be there in two hours, and I’d also like to talk to you.”

“Does it have to do with that guy I went out with last night? I know Leah thinks it’s her ex-husband, but that’s just crazy. His name was Philip, and this guy’s name was Brian Lawrence.”

“Brian Lawrence.” Shit. That was the guy who ordered flowers for Leah.

“Is something wrong,” she asked.

“I’ll explain when I get there.”

“Yeah, sure.”

He hung up. “Leah and Gail are at the clinic.”

“Then why do you look angry?”

“Brian Lawrence. Gail went out with the same guy who sent Leah flowers.”

Frowning, Deke reached for a notebook and pen. “Are you sure about that name?”

“Yes.”

Deke’s expression darkened as he rounded a corner and slowed for a yellow light. “Remember what Dad used to say about coincidence?”

“Yeah. No such thing.”

“You hear about those hands and feet we found by the river?”

Alex shook his head. “Vaguely. Didn’t pay too close attention.”

“That guy’s name was Brian Lawrence.”

“Gail,” Leah said. She hadn’t been out of surgery five seconds before she went looking for the receptionist. “What’s the deal with texting me that picture last night?”

Gail yawned, not seeming the least concerned. “I didn’t text you a picture.”

Leah got her phone and showed it to Gail. “You did.”

She frowned as she studied the picture. “I don’t remember sending this to you. He was the one who suggested taking the picture.”

“But that’s you. The text came from your phone.”

“Yeah, so? What’s the big deal? We had a few drinks after we got back to my place. Maybe he sent it.” She reached for a patient form and tucked it back in its file. “Again, what’s the big deal?”

Leah moved closer to the counter. “Who’s the guy?”

Gail looked up, her face flushed with irritation. “I’m sorry if the text bothered you, but why do you care who I spend the evening with?” She dropped her voice a notch. “It’s none of your business.”

Leah might be stepping over the line, but she couldn’t let this go. “He looks like my ex-husband.”

Gail cocked her head, as if she expected a punch line. “Really?”

“Yes, really!”

She dropped her gaze and straightened a stack of invoices. “We ran into each other at a diner. It went from there.”

Leah could feel the earth shift under her as she struggled to keep her voice calm. “If he’s the guy I think he is, he’s pure evil.”

Shaking her head, Gail held up a hand. “He was very sweet and nice. I haven’t had such a good time in forever.”

Leah glanced one last time at the picture and then shut off the phone.

Gail leaned back in her chair, regarding Leah with a weary gaze. “You really think this guy is your ex-husband, and he came back from the dead to take me out?”

“I think he faked his death. I think he’s been waiting to return.” Even as she spoke the words, she understood how crazy she sounded.

“To do what?”

“Wreck my life and everyone I know.”

“That sounds pretty weird, don’t you think?”

“I don’t care if it sounds weird or not.” Hands fisted, she clung to control. “We need to assume that Philip is alive and be careful.”

Gail folded her arms over her chest. “You sound insane.”

She dragged a shaking hand over her hair. “I know. I know. But you have to trust me on this. Philip is a very charming man. He’s attractive, and he knows the right things to say to make a woman feel good.”

“I think you’re losing it. I think the death of your friend Deidre has really upset you, and you’re seeing trouble when there is none. Maybe it’s like one of those flashbacks, the kind soldiers get when a car backfires. They hear a loud noise and think someone is shooting at them.”

“The ring on his hand. It’s exactly like Philip’s.”

Gail flattened her palms on the desk and leaned toward Leah. “It’s a ring, Leah. Give me a break. There must be thousands just like it.

“Philip’s grandfather gave him that ring.”

“You’re stretching things, Leah. I mean, I think your ex-husband did bad things to you, but, really, you think he’d fake his death and then come back just to freak you out?”

“Yes, I do. I’m starting to think Philip had something to do with Deidre’s death as well.”

Gail shook her head, her eyes darkening with concern. “It’s a big stretch, Leah. In fact, I’m kinda worried about you.”

“I know what I’m talking about.”

“Do you have proof?”

“My credit card was skimmed, someone tried to move my furniture out of my house, and remember the anniversary flowers?”

“When’s the last time you saw this guy?”

She rubbed her palms together. The uneven skin of the scars brushed against each other. “It’s been four years.”

“And he suddenly just shows up with a different name and starts killing and shagging your friends.”

If Philip could hear this conversation, he’d be laughing. He loved knowing he could upset her. “But it all feels like Philip.”

“Philip. And my date’s name wasn’t Philip. It was Brian.”

“Brian what?”

She hesitated. “Lawrence.”

“Brian Lawrence? That’s the guy who dropped off Charlie. I called him and left him a message.”

“He explained that. Said his mother died. He said he was coming by to settle up the bill with you for Charlie.”

Settle up. Shit. That bastard was sending her a message.

“Just because it feels like Philip doesn’t mean it is Philip. Maybe you need to take a break.” Gail flattened her lips. “Leah, maybe you have PTSD or something?”

“This isn’t PTSD, Gail. I know what I’m talking about.”

Settle down.

“It’s not like I plan to date the guy. It was a fun night.”

Not really listening now, Leah glanced toward the couch at Charlie, who stared at her with sad eyes. The dog sensed her fear and agitation. Philip was coming for her, of that she was certain. “Could you keep Charlie tonight?”

“Why?”

“Like you said, my anniversary is tomorrow, and it would be better if she isn’t around me until I know for sure if this is Philip or not.”

Gail shook her head. “Nothing is going to happen.”

Unshed tears burned in her throat. She wasn’t crazy. She knew what she was talking about. “Will you take her?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Thanks.”

Deke and Alex drove to Brian Lawrence’s address, an older home with brick front steps and a wide front porch. The yard appeared to have been kept up. The hedges were trimmed, and the front sidewalk looked as if it had been patched in the last year.

Alex climbed the front steps and rang the bell, which echoed in the house. He rang again and then pounded. No answer.

“I’ll have a look around back,” Deke said. “Give me a second.”

“Thanks.”

Deke trotted down the stairs and around the house and returned minutes later. “It’s locked up tight. But there’s no sign of anyone. Looks like he’s got a construction project going. There’s quite a bit of lumber stacked in the backyard.”

“Let’s talk to the neighbors.”

They knocked on three different doors before they got an answer. The woman was older, with graying hair and a lined face.

“Ma’am, we’re with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Nashville Police Department. We’re looking for Brian Lawrence.”

She gathered the folds of her sweater at the nape of her neck in fragile, deeply veined hands. “I haven’t seen Brian in a few weeks.”

“Does he travel often?”

“Not this time of year. He owns a tow truck, and this is one of his busiest seasons. People are always getting stuck in the ice and snow. Dead batteries. I hate the cold, but he says he smells green when the temperature drops.”

“He drives a tow truck?”

“Well, the last couple of weeks it’s been his cousin driving the truck. He said Brian had to go home to visit their grandmother. She’s sick. And I think that’s just so sweet.”

“What’s his cousin’s name?”

She cocked her head for a second. “Funny, I don’t know. He must have said it when I introduced myself, but I didn’t catch it. Bob maybe?”

Alex showed her the cell picture. “Is this Brian’s cousin?” She smiled. “Face isn’t clear, but it must be. I recognize his ring.”

“Ring?”

“The one with the L on it. He said their grandfather gave one to him and one to his cousin.”

Deke and Alex thanked the woman and walked back to the car.

“Cousin.” Deke studied the house. “Brian Lawrence, the real one, was an army vet. Served with distinction and started a towing business. Has a solid reputation. He has no connection to Leah Carson that I could find. Who’s the cousin?”

“Care to make a bet? Philip Latimer. He’s back in town, and I would bet money he killed Brian and took over his identity.”

“If it is Latimer, why has he waited all this time to come after Leah? He’s had four years to kill her. Why now?”

“Stalkers can take breaks, but you’re right. That’s one of the puzzle pieces I haven’t placed yet. You check the DNA on the body found at the warehouse?”

“As a matter of fact, I’m having it cross-referenced to the body parts found by the river as we speak.”

“Good.” Everything pointed to Philip Latimer. Everything. And yet the puzzle was missing a key piece.

Deke studied his brother, reached in his pocket, and pulled out a fresh packet of crackers. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks. I feel like a million bucks.”

Deke glowered. “Mom had a dry sense of humor like that. Drove Dad crazy.”

Alex unwrapped the crackers. “Dad liked the slapstick stuff. Falling-on-banana-peels kind of humor. But considering what he saw on the job, I can’t blame him.”

“Mom went for subtle humor. Slightly dark. Like you.”

Alex bit into the cracker, realizing just how hungry he was. “Since when did you become the mother hen?”

“Since you landed in the hospital with bruised ribs. I’ll go back to ignoring you in a day or two.”

Leah arrived home at two. Stressed and unable to concentrate, Dr. Nelson had given her the afternoon off. She had texted Alex a couple of times but hadn’t heard back from him and knew she was on her own. Her skin itched with worry and dark anticipation.

Again, she considered stuffing a bag full of clothes and running. Dr. Nelson would give her some time if she explained. Just a few days to buy time.

Time.

Laying low might chase away some of the biting energy that nipped at her now, but it wouldn’t solve the problem of Philip in the long run.

Philip would find her, and she had no desire to prolong this evil dance. Better to stay. Face the demon. And if he didn’t appear? Or if he were a figment of her imagination? Then she’d begin the long wait until this time next year.

Inside her town house, bright lights waited for her. She shrugged off her coat, dropped her purse on the table by the front door, and hung up the coat. She crossed to the kitchen and made a pot of coffee. Coffee this late in the day would rob her of all sleep, but she didn’t care. She wouldn’t be sleeping tonight.

Remembering the listening device in the living room, she switched on soft music. She checked all the closets in her town house and under her bed. When she was certain they were all empty, she returned to the front door, double-checked the chain, and then checked every window. All locked. Satisfied, she moved into her bedroom and stripped off her work clothes. She turned on the shower, pinned up her hair, and, when the water was hot, stepped into the spray. The heat felt good against her skin, but she didn’t dare linger in the shower. She quickly dressed and moved into the kitchen for her coffee. As she reached for a mug, her front doorbell rang.

She moved slowly toward the front door and looked through the glass. Alex’s stern gaze lifted to hers, as if he knew she was there. He looked tired, his features drawn.

She leaned closer to the door, her fingers poised over the dead bolt. “Alex?”

“Yes. And I’m alone.”

With a trembling hand, she turned the dead bolt and opened the door.

His gaze roamed over her. “May I come in?”

“Sure.” She stepped aside and caught the barest hint of his scent as he passed. “You’re looking a little rough.”

“It’s been a long night and day.”

She closed the door and locked it, double-checking the door handle with a twist of her wrist. If Philip was listening now, he’d be furious that she had a man alone in her place. Good. Let him get an earful. “Did you get my text?”

“I did. I spoke to Gail. I just missed you at the clinic. There’s not much she can tell me about her guy.”

“No. She thinks I’m crazy now for sounding the alarm.”

“Better crazy than dead.”

“Come on in. Sit down. God, you must be sore. Can I get you something to eat? Coffee?”

Carefully, he tugged off his jacket and hung it on the peg beside hers. His gait was almost even, but she noticed it wasn’t as fluid as it was when he ran. “I just made coffee.”

“I’d love a cup of coffee.”

“I can pop a pizza in the oven.”

“That would be great.”

She went into the kitchen to put the pizza in the oven and pour him a cup of coffee. “How do you take it?”

“Black’s fine.”

She handed him his cup and took a seat beside him on the couch. As he sipped, she reached into the side table for a pencil and pad and wrote in clear block letters: REMEMBER, I FOUND A LISTENING DEVICE. SOMEONE IS LISTENING.

Alex read the note as he sipped and nodded. Many men would have been afraid, branded her too much trouble. In a clear voice, he said, “I think Philip Latimer is in Nashville.”

To think it could be true was one thing. To hear it from Alex added frightening depth and meaning. “You’re sure?”

He settled back on the couch, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. He spoke as if they were discussing the recent cold snap. “I think he killed Deidre and a man named Brian Lawrence.”

“Brian Lawrence? Gail’s date was Brian Lawrence. He’s the man who dropped off the dog at the clinic a few days ago and never claimed her. I even called him myself and left him voice-mail messages.”

“Really?”

She nodded her head. “The instant I saw Charlie, I remembered a dog I’d had as a kid. Philip would have known I’d fall for that dog right away.”

“Where’s the dog now?”

“Somewhere safe. I didn’t dare bring her home tonight.”

“You think he’ll strike on the anniversary?”

“I know he will. The date meant a lot to him.”

He set his coffee cup down and reached for her hand. Slowly, he turned it over. Tempted as she was to pull her hand away, she held steady and allowed him to trace the tip of his finger along her palm. A dark frown deepened the lines on his face.

He raised her palm to his lips and kissed it. She closed her eyes, savoring the explosion of warmth that spread through her body. “Very, very brave.”

“I’m afraid. All the time, I expect him to return. I hate that.”

“Philip thinks he’s in charge of the game. He’s not. You are. I am.”

She wanted to believe, but even now, with the two of them alone, they both sensed Philip listening. Lurking.

Having Alex this close gave her a sense of courage. She’d wanted to touch him and kiss him since the first time he’d asked her out. But fear had kept her at bay. No more. She leaned in and kissed him on the lips.

“I told you, it’s bugged. He’ll hear us,” she whispered.

He cupped her face. “I know.”

“You know he’ll come after you again.”

“That’s the plan.”

For her, what was happening between them was based on need. Need for feeling. Need for pleasure. For revenge. “He’ll be enraged,” she whispered in his ear.

He kissed her a second time, injecting a passion that surprised and thrilled her. “And he’ll make a mistake. And when he does that, I’ll be there.”

He kissed her hand again and then rose from the couch. She led him to the bedroom, toward the bed. He cupped her face again, kissing her, making her forget everything but him.

When they’d first met, she’d been afraid of him. She’d recognized the intensity in his gaze and mistaken it for Philip’s. Alex possessed a darkness, but there was also tenderness in his soul, a need for truth and knowledge.

She leaned in and kissed him, slowly unfastening the buttons on his shirt. When she pushed it over his shoulders, his muscles flinched, and she saw the swath of dark bruises that skimmed along his rib cage. Gently, she touched it with her fingertips. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve taken a lick.” Again, he raised her fingers to his lips and kissed the tips. She stepped back, her gaze locked on his as she pulled off her shirt and exposed her naked scars to his gaze. She tensed as she waited for him to see only the scars, but his gaze settled on her breasts seconds before he cupped them in his hands. “So pretty.”

She arched into him, and all the self-consciousness evaporated in the heat of this moment.

He traced the underside of one breast with his finger. Energy shot through her body, and when he gently squeezed her nipple, she sucked in a breath.

She gently touched the bruise on his side, tracing the reds and blues with her fingertip. She knelt down and kissed the bruise.

When she reached for his belt buckle, he hissed in a breath. “Is this business or pleasure?”

He kissed her. “All pleasure.”

She unzipped his pants and slid her hand against him. The moan that rumbled in his chest sounded part animal, and she knew under the cool exterior beat a primitive heart.

When she took him in her mouth, he threaded his fingers through her hair. Again he moaned, closing his eyes and dropping back his head. She savored this womanly power.

Soon, both were naked and on her bed. She straddled above him, tracking her fingertips gently over his bruised ribs. He tensed but didn’t ask her to stop.

His finger grazed the scar on her belly. Anger flashed across his gaze, so quickly she wasn’t sure if she’d imagined it. He traced his fingers lower, and she forgot about shame or worry. She moaned his name and gave in to the sensation.

He sat in the car, listening to the transponder. His hands gripped the steering wheel as Leah called out another man’s name as she climaxed. He’d thought back to when he’d listened to Deidre make love to another man. She’d moaned and cooed like a dog in heat.

He reached for the knife in his pocket, flipped it open, and jabbed the razor-sharp tip into the seat. Leather tore as he slid the blade over the seat cushion. When the blade reached the seatback, he lifted it and drove it into the seat again. As it ripped, he imagined it was skin and muscle.