Secrets Never Told Page 17
Jean ran toward the county police car parked in front of her house, but there didn’t appear to be anyone in it. She ran to the driver’s side and saw the deputy on the ground in a pool of blood. As much as her instincts told her to stop and check on him, she didn’t. Right now, she had to find help.
The closest houses weren’t close at all. People out here valued their land—and their privacy. She had not met any of the neighbors, other than the lonely man down the road who had offered his sympathy and asked her out to dinner. He worked, so she knew he wouldn’t be home.
The intruder staggered from the house and jogged toward her, holding a dish towel on his shoulder wound, blood dripping from his arm. Jean kept running, while glancing over her shoulder.
Suddenly, a pickup truck appeared on the street, headed toward Jean. She waved her arms and stood in its path. The driver slammed on the brakes and got out. “Lady, are you crazy? I could have hit you.”
“Please, help me. A man broke into my house, and a deputy has been wounded.”
The driver appeared to be wrestling with whether to believe her story. “Get in the truck and lock the door.” He pulled his cell phone from his pocket.
Jean got in the passenger side and locked the door. She watched the driver talking to someone and then walk back toward her. He unlocked the driver’s side door and reached under the seat, grabbing a metal lug wrench. “The police are on the way.” The driver walked to the front of the truck after making sure all the doors were locked.
Jean shook all over. The adrenalin that had gotten her past the man and out of the kitchen was now raw fear. The intruder walked toward them. When the driver raised the lug wrench, the intruder turned away and walked toward the woods near the house. Although she wanted to bury her face in her hands and hide, Jean studied the intruder’s gait and every detail that she could.
The driver stood in front of the truck until the county deputy arrived a few minutes later.
“Ma’am, are you alright?” the deputy asked. “Do you need medical care?”
“No, I’m fine. Just check on the deputy over by his car.” Jean clasped her hands to quell the shaking.
“My partner is checking on him now. Can you tell me what happened?”
“The man that killed my father just tried to kill me, too.”
◆◆◆
Enid was nervous as she watched Josh finish preparing dinner. There was something between them that had not been there before. Secrets that separated them. Until now, she had been willing to wait, assuring herself that he would eventually open up and tell her what was going on in New Mexico.
“Almost ready,” Josh said. “I hope you’re hungry.”
“Famished. That smells delicious.”
“My mother’s recipe for bison chili. I’ve had some meat in the freezer waiting on a special occasion.”
“You never talk about your parents much. I know they’re both dead, but how old were you when they passed?”
Josh stirred the pot with a long wooden spoon and then put the cover back on it. “My dad died when I was five. I really didn’t know him that well.”
“What about your mother?”
“She died right after my wife, Serena, was killed. My mother did an amazing job raising us kids.” He paused. “Well, except for Troy. He was the baby, never listened to anyone. I had a sister, Kimi. She left home when she was fifteen. No one has heard from her.”
“Do you stay in touch with Troy?”
“Some.”
“What about your sister? Has anyone tried to find her?”
“They looked some, a few years back, but I don’t think she wanted to be found.” He motioned toward the table on the porch. “Grab those bowls. We’re ready to eat.”
Enid wanted to pull out her phone and take a picture of the setting, but she didn’t want Josh to make fun of her. He had set up a small table on the screened porch. A bottle of wine was ready to pour, and candles were everywhere, flickering in the evening. “This looks great. So romantic.”
Josh came up behind her and grabbed her around the waist. “Not bad for a small-town cop, huh?”
Enid turned to face him, and they kissed until Josh pulled away.
“Let’s eat. We’ve got the whole night to catch up.”
Josh poured the wine and proposed a toast. “To the best damn reporter I know.”
“And to the best police chief I know.” Enid sipped her wine. “This is delicious. What is it?”
“It’s Rioja, a Spanish wine. Glad you like it.”
Over dinner they keep the conversation light, talking about the weather and Madden gossip. Afterward, when they were clearing the dishes, Enid asked, “Have you talked to Cade recently?”
Josh kept working, without looking up. “Not since I’ve been back. Is he still in Madden?”
“No, he left. I’ll call him about the article, to see if he’s still planning on writing it.”
Josh wiped his hands on the dishtowel and took her hands in his. “Come on. I’ll get all this later. Let’s sit on the porch a while.”
They settled into a metal daybed that served as an outdoor sofa. A dozen or more pillows created a snuggle-worthy nest. Josh spoke first. “I know you want to know about what’s going on. I wasn’t intentionally keeping you in the dark. I just had to figure some things out first.”
Enid laid her head on his shoulder. “Can you tell me now?”
Josh kissed the top of Enid’s head and caressed her arm. “Cade had good reason to believe I killed Serena’s killer. I had motive, opportunity, and means. Believe me, I contemplated it many times. I was angry with the legal system that allowed a killer to go free. But I didn’t kill him. I swear.”
“But why didn’t you tell Cade that? He says you never denied it.”
“That would have been too easy.”
Enid put her hand on Josh’s. “I don’t understand.”
“I didn’t do it, but I know who did. Or at least, I’m pretty sure I do.”
Enid pulled away and turned to face Josh. “Who, then?”
“I think Troy did.”
Enid sat up to face Josh. “Your brother? But why?”
“Serena was the big sister Troy needed, a replacement for Kimi. Troy took her leaving harder than anyone.”
“Why would Kimi run away?”
“Life was brutal. We were poor, and my sister wanted a better life. She began dating older men and asking them to take her away. Apparently, someone took her up on it.”
“I’m so sorry. I never realized how difficult things were for you as a child.”
Josh shrugged. “My mom did the best she could. I was the oldest and the most responsible. Troy was always getting into mischief, mostly harmless stuff. But when Serena got killed, he never got over it. And then when her killer got off on a legal technicality, Troy lost it. I tried to get him to see someone to get over his anger, but he refused, kept saying he’d handle everything himself.”
“But you don’t know for sure that he killed that man, do you? Have you confronted Troy?”
“That’s why I went back home. I didn’t ask him directly, but I told him I was being investigated.” Josh pulled Enid back toward him. “Funny thing is that before I met you, I would have taken the fall for him. Troy is still a kid at heart. He won’t last in prison. But now I want my life.” He took Enid’s hand. “I want a life with you.”
Enid fought back tears and was debating how to respond, when her cell phone rang. “Okay,” she said. “I’ll be there as quick as I can. I’m bringing Josh with me.”
Enid stood up. “We’ve got to go. Now. That was Jack. The EMT driver, a friend of Jack’s, called and told him someone just tried to kill Jean Waters. Jack’s going to Boogie’s house now.”
◆◆◆
Jack was sitting in the deputy’s car with Jean when Enid and Josh arrived at Boogie’s house. Even though it was early fall and the air had only a slight chill, Jean was bundled in a blanket and shivering.
The deputy nodded.
Enid got into the back seat. Jack was on one side, with Jean in the middle. “Jean, are you okay? What happened?”
Jean sniffled and dabbed at her nose with a tissue as she told Enid about the intruder.
Enid glanced out the car window and saw Josh talking with one of the deputies. “I thought they had a protective detail assigned to you.”
“They did,” Jack said, “but he was attacked. They took him to the emergency room. He was lying near his police car with a stab wound when help arrived.”
Enid squeezed Jean’s hand. “You’re lucky. Thank God you’re safe.”
Jean nodded.
Enid said to Jack, “If you’re going to stay here with Jean, I’ll go see what I can find out.”
“Go ahead,” Jack said.
Enid walked over to where Josh was standing. “What did you find out?”
“Not much. As you can see, there aren’t any close neighbors and plenty of woods to hide in. They followed the blood trail over there to those trees by the road, but then it stopped. He may have been picked up by someone. And the guy Jean flagged down, the one who called for help, could only give a vague description of the man.”
Enid glanced at the thick pine forest surrounding the house and shivered. “Do you think it was the same guy that killed Boogie?”
“That’s the most likely explanation. Didn’t you say there was a woman involved, too?”
Enid nodded. “But Jean said it was a man who grabbed her in the kitchen.” She looked at all the blue lights on the cars, flashing in the darkness. “What about the deputy? Will he be okay?”
“The knife nicked his heart. He’s in critical condition, but with any luck he’ll make it.” He paused. “You’re shaking. Put this on.” Josh took off his jacket and put it around Enid. “You told me you and Karla went to the 7 Crows Farm, and you talked to a young woman there. I need for you to come in and give me as many details about her as you can.”
“At the time, I had no idea she might be involved, so I wasn’t studying her features. I can give you a general description, but I’ll bet Karla remembers more than I do. I like her a lot, but she can be creepy at times.”
“You stay here. I’m going to talk to the ranking deputy who’s filling in for Boogie and see if he needs help. While they’re focusing on finding Boogie’s killer, maybe we can find the woman who was his accomplice.”
CHAPTER 43
Karla Burke arrived at the police station promptly at 9 a.m., as agreed. Josh accepted Enid’s suggestion that they also invite Lindy, the artist Enid had used to create a drawing of her then-unidentified visitor, who later turned out to be Phyllis in disguise.
“Lindy, thank you for volunteering to help us with this sketch.” Josh then turned to Enid. “Remember, you’re here as a witness, not as a reporter.”
“I understand,” Enid said.
Josh then turned to Karla. “You look familiar. Do I know you?”
“It’s likely our paths have crossed.” She gestured with her arms. “Look around. Not too many Indians here.”
“How long have you lived in the area?”
Karla shrugged. “A while.”
Josh nodded to Lindy. “If you’re ready, we’ll get started on that sketch.”
Lindy asked Enid and Karla about the facial features and other characteristics of the woman they had seen only once. As Enid had predicted to Josh, Karla had far more details in her memory than Enid. When Lindy had the information she needed, she made a few flourishes across the big sketch pad and then turned it around for Enid and Karla to see. “Is that the woman you saw?”
Josh could tell from their expressions, even before they replied, that Lindy had captured the essence of the woman who might be an accomplice to murdering Boogie. “You’re a good artist,” He said to Lindy. “Ever think of working for the police?”
Lindy smiled. “Thanks. I toyed with the idea once, but it’s not my thing.” She looked at Karla. “Is that the woman?”
Karla stared at the sketch, appearing to take in all the details. “Yes, that’s her.”
“I agree,” Enid said.
Josh reached out for the sketch. “Good. I’ll take that and get some copies made to distribute. Hopefully, we’ll get lucky and find this woman, and she’ll lead us to the man.” He thanked Lindy again and offered to pay her a stipend, which she refused.
After Lindy left, Josh said to Enid. “Thanks for your help on the sketch and for getting Lindy involved. If you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to Karla alone.” The formality of his tone didn’t sit well with Enid, he could tell. That line they had drawn in the sand was hard to find sometimes and even harder to manage. Enid said goodbye to them and left Josh and Karla alone in his office.
Before Josh could speak, Karla began. “It’s clear how much you and Enid care for each other, but I’m sure it’s difficult for both of you.”
“We manage, but, yes, it can be a challenge.” Josh stood up. “Coffee? I’m going to get some.”
Karla shook her head. “No, thanks.”
Josh stood at the metal table in the back of the police station and stirred the powdered creamer into his coffee longer than necessary. Something was also stirring in his memory, but he couldn’t nail it. Something about Karla.
He walked back slowly to his office, contemplating what questions he should ask her. She was still sitting in the chair across from his desk, but she had lowered her head and her eyes were closed. She appeared to be napping. When he sat at his desk, she spoke without moving or opening her eyes.
“I knew her.”
Josh dropped the pitted stainless-steel spoon on the floor and leaned to pick it up. “I thought you were asleep.”
“Isn’t it strange that we live in a world where if you’re not talking or moving, everyone assumes you’re asleep or something is wrong?”
Josh tried to regain his composure. “I used to say that very thing, to my sister.”
Karla opened her eyes and looked up at Josh. “I know. She told me.”
Josh held his coffee cup midway to his mouth. His hand trembled as he placed the cup on his desk. “You knew Kimi?”
“She was Heather by the time I knew her.”
Josh leaned forward. “But how? Where?”
Before she could respond, Pete knocked on the door and came in. “I’m sorry to bother you, Chief, but you’ve got a call you need to take.”
“Can’t you handle it?”
Pete looked pale. “Not this one. It’s the governor.”
Karla stood to leave. “We can talk later. I’m not going anywhere.”
Irritated, Josh watched the only connection to his sister walk out of his office. Was his sister alive? If so, where was she?
Pete pointed to the phone on Josh’s desk. “I’ll transfer him to your phone.” The antiquated phone system was overdue for an update.
Josh picked up the phone, wondering if the call could be a hoax. “Governor?” Josh listened for several minutes without saying anything. Not only was he speechless, but the governor didn’t give him a chance to say much. “Yes, two o’clock this afternoon at your office will be fine.”
Josh’s head was spinning. Karla said she knew his sister. And now he was being summoned to the governor’s office.
◆◆◆
Josh sat across from Governor Larkin in his office at the South Carolina state capitol in Columbia. “Thank you for meeting with me this afternoon, Chief Hart, and for making the drive to Columbia. I hope I didn’t inconvenience you.”
“No, sir.” Josh looked around the office. Even in its elegant, historical setting, the office itself seemed spartan. A huge mahogany desk and leather chair took center stage, otherwise, there were few other decorations.
“I’ve never really made this office my own. The former governor displayed a number of items, including a shovel, from a ground-brea
king, I assume. I’ve just never made an effort to add my own décor. My personal office in the governor’s mansion is much more to my taste.”
“I’m sorry to say I’ve never seen the mansion.”
“It’s more than a residence. It houses a repository of treasures, silver, china, furniture, paintings and documents that are part of the rich history and heritage of our great state. Sometimes you feel like you’re in a fish bowl when they’re conducting public tours.” Governor Larkin smiled. “Being head of this great state is both a challenge and an extreme privilege.” He rolled his desk chair closer to the desk. “But I asked you here for a specific reason, so I’ll get right down to business.”
Josh tried to maintain a poker face, but he was nervous. Was he being fired? Had the attorney general in New Mexico contacted him? As he mentally ran through his list of “what if” scenarios, the governor continued.
“You are well respected in Madden, especially for an outsider, so to speak. Your current position is, I’m sure, beneath your abilities. I hate to see any man, or woman, work beneath their capabilities, which is why I’m appointing you as sheriff in Bowman County to take Bernard Waters’ place.”
Josh wasn’t sure he had heard correctly. This whole meeting was surreal to him, and now he thought he had heard the governor make him sheriff.
“That is, Chief Hart, assuming you’re interested.” The governor wasn’t smiling now.
Josh cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, Governor, it’s just that I wasn’t expecting this. I’m a little surprised, that’s all.”
“You shouldn’t be. Your work in New Mexico was exemplary. You were responsible for putting a number of bad people behind bars. My staff and I looked at several possible replacements for Sheriff Waters. His second in command is ready to retire and the next person down is a young man with little experience. In fact, most of his deputies and staff are quite young. I understand the Bowman County sheriff’s office has had a number of retirements in recent years.”