Page 19 of Her Final Hours (High Peaks Murder, Mystery and Crime Thrillers #3)

H e had countless reasons to postpone, but Maddie said it was urgent.

Inside High Peaks Diner, Noah sat at a booth, anxiously waiting for her.

The lack of sleep from the previous night’s intense review of the missing women’s files weighed heavily on him.

Fortunately, the caffeine from the first cup of coffee started kicking in.

He took a deep breath, soaking in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mixed with the faint scent of bacon and eggs from the kitchen. Patrons of all ages occupied the diner, creating a diverse atmosphere.

Couples sat close together, enjoying their morning roast, while single senior citizens quietly read the newspaper.

The sound of light chatter and the clinking of cutlery blended with the backdrop of a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall behind the counter.

Although inaudible, the news on the screen highlighted an approaching snowstorm, urging people to take precautions and gather supplies.

The meteorologist pointed to areas in High Peaks, locations that had already seen a good dumping of snow. Plows were getting ready to work through the night, and stores and homeowners were making last-minute plans to cope.

Nora Masterson, a waitress Noah recognized from high school, approached the table. With a friendly smile, she asked, “More coffee?” He nodded, and Nora promptly refilled the cup. As she poured, she said, “Natalie Ashford was in last week asking about you.”

“She was?”

Nora nodded.

Intrigued, Noah inquired, “What did she want to know?”

Nora replied, “Mostly general things. She asked about Lena.” After Lena had passed away under mysterious circumstances, initially believed to be an accident but potentially a murder, the Adirondack Daily News had run a few stories that had only added fuel to the flames.

In fact, he’d had to go down to the newspaper and speak with Maggie Coleman.

She came to discover that someone had snuck the articles in, articles that were written by none other than Carl McNeal, a cocky reporter from the Big Apple who had arrived at the newspaper only a few weeks before Lena’s death.

Nora continued, “I might add, I never had the chance to offer my condolences. Lena used to come in here a lot. She will be missed. Any leads on her death?”

Noah shook his head, indicating there hadn’t been any significant breakthroughs. He certainly didn’t want to get into it with someone who earned tips by flapping her lips. Just then, Maddie entered the diner, shaking off snow from her coat. Making a beeline for Noah, she slipped into the booth.

“Can I get you anything, hon?” Nora asked .

She didn’t even glance at her. “Just coffee.”

Noah saw Nora raise an eyebrow as she filled the cup and then walked away. He studied his sister, noticing her disheveled appearance with dark circles under her eyes. Her usual makeup was absent. Concerned, he asked, “You’re not working today?”

Taking a moment to gather herself, Maddie shook her head. “Taking time off.”

He raised an eyebrow, fully aware of her workaholic nature and punctuality. “You look rattled, sis. Everything okay?”

With a frustrated sigh, Maddie responded, “No. No, I’m not. He’s back, Noah.”

Noah tilted his head, seeking clarification. “Who?”

Her words rushed out, barely containing the urgency. “Tommy. Who do you think?”

Noah leaned back in surprise. “They released him already?”

She nodded. “On good behavior. Can you believe that?”

He contemplated the justice system’s flawed nature. Some served their entire sentence while others were granted early release for good behavior.

“I guess you expected this, right?” he said.

She leaned forward. “He blindsided me, Noah. Yesterday morning at High Peaks Park. Slashed my tires,” Maddie revealed.

Nursing his coffee, Noah asked, “Do you have any proof?”

She shook her head, disappointment evident. “But it happened. He used a cell phone blocker so that I couldn’t make a call.”

Concern etched his face as he asked, “Did he hurt or threaten you?”

She raised an eyebrow. “What do you think? He didn’t physically hurt me, but the encounter was a clear threat.”

He nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. He surveyed the nearby patrons, who briefly looked their way due to Maddie’s raised voice. They quickly shifted their attention elsewhere once they noticed he was observing them.

“He’s violated the no-contact order. He could be sent back to jail for this,” she said.

He nodded in agreement, but weariness tinged his response.

“You need physical evidence that he broke the order. What do you have?” he asked.

Sighing, she replied, “I thought I had a photo of me and him. He tried to take it using my phone, but it wasn’t there. He must have deleted it or never took it. However, there was a witness.”

A glimmer of hope appeared. “Good, so you got a name and contact?” he asked, eager to follow up on any lead that could strengthen her case.

Maddie dipped her chin and groaned in frustration. “No. I just wanted to get out of there. I wasn’t thinking clearly. I went straight to Jake’s workplace and told him about it.”

Noah furrowed his brow. “You left me a message late yesterday. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“Because I knew you were busy,” she replied, her voice dripping with guilt. “I also didn’t want Ray to hear about it. You know how he flew off the handle last time. I was hoping we could keep this between you and me. The last thing I want is for Ray to go ballistic and end up in jail for assault.”

Noah leaned back, contemplating the situation and considering his next steps. “Did you report it?” he asked, his concern evident.

Maddie shook her head.

“Damn it, Maddie. They need a record of it,” he said firmly, emphasizing the situation’s urgency.

“I know. All right. I know.” Looking tired, she sipped her coffee, her hands trembling slightly. It had unnerved her. “I will today. I just needed a moment to collect myself,” she replied, her voice filled with determination .

Silence stretched between them briefly before Maddie broke it, trying to shift the focus away from her trouble and fear. “Anyway, what’s new in your world?” she asked.

He couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony of the question.

He found it amusing that she would ask about his life with everything going on.

“Well, you know I found out who’s behind the house.

Luther Ashford. It seems Dad has had some dealings with him.

According to my last interaction, he plans to sell the house and move into mine. ”

Maddie leaned back, shaking her head in confusion. “Hold on. You live there,” she stated, trying to make sense of the situation.

He nodded. “I’m moving out at the end of the month. After discovering who the family is, I decided it was best.”

“You sure? You have Mia and Ethan to think about.”

“Look at how it has worked out for Ray and Dad. No, it’s better if I find another place. Besides, it’s too big for the three of us.”

“I’m sure they would beg to differ.” Concern laced her reply as she pointed out, “But you don’t have another place to go. I mean, you could stay with Gretchen, but that—”

Noah interrupted. “Would be too much for her. I know. No, I was thinking of running it by Ed. His place is big enough.” A hint of mischief danced in his eyes. “I’m sure he would love having me around, especially since we’re about to become neighbors again.”

Maddie laughed. “Ed? You do know how to stir the pot. I’d probably go with Gretchen. Fewer headaches for both of you,” she said, shaking her head at her brother’s humor.

He smiled, appreciating the lighthearted moment amidst the chaos of both their lives. “He’s a pain in the ass; I’ll give you that. But according to him, so am I. But it’s close to the property I’ll be building on, and…. ”

The conversation was interrupted by Maddie’s phone.

She raised an eyebrow in surprise as she answered the call.

“Uh-huh. All right. I’m on my way.” She hung up, fear masking her expression.

“That was a neighbor of mine. My house has been broken into. It’s him,” she stated, rising to her feet, her voice quivering angrily.

Arriving at her house, their hearts pounded as they noticed the front door ajar and the frame visibly broken. Unease filled the air as they exchanged worried glances. The concerned neighbor, Luanne Tomlin, approached, jogging down the driveway.

“Anything taken?” she asked.

“We don’t know yet,” Maddie replied.

“I came over to leave an invite to my fortieth birthday bash. When I saw the lock on the door was broken, I called right away,” she explained, her voice filled with genuine worry.

Maddie thanked her for her vigilance. Noah’s instincts kicked in. He pulled his service weapon and called out in a firm tone from the doorway, “State Police. If anyone is inside, make yourself known.”

Silence hung heavy. There was no response. Noah directed Maddie and Luanne to stay outside while he carefully cleared each room; his senses heightened as he pressed on into the house, searching for any sign of intruders.

Noah’s eyes widened at the sight that greeted him in the first room.

Black spray paint covered the walls, an act of pure vandalism devoid of any words.

It was a violation of her sanctuary. As he continued the search, he passed by the state-of-the-art appliances in the kitchen and the elegant granite counters.

They were covered in spray paint. Someone wanted to send a message.

Moving into the living room, the first real sign that it could have been Tommy was photos of Maddie and Jake strewn on the floor.

All the glass was cracked as if someone had deliberately stepped on them.

He crouched, taking out a flashlight and putting on some latex gloves.

He tilted the glass, expecting to see the dust from a footprint, but there was nothing.

Had he worn disposable shoe covers like many service workers did when they entered a home?

He rose and sighed, the sense of invasion and violation growing stronger with each discovery.

Entering the bedroom, his heart sank as he witnessed the intrusion scene.

The duvet was torn back, Maddie’s underwear drawer was open, and intimate panties were laid on the bed, arranged as if someone had fantasized about his sister.

Anger surged within Noah, but he suppressed it, focusing on ensuring his sister’s safety.

After thoroughly checking the basement, every closet, and all the rooms, Noah concluded that the house was clear. Returning outside, he urged Maddie to prepare herself for what she would see, cautioning her not to touch anything but to make a record of anything that might be missing.

Just as he was about to phone the local police to report the break-in, Maddie stopped him, her voice filled with concern. “No. Ray will find out,” she pleaded, her fear of her brother’s tumultuous history evident.

Noah sighed, understanding but knowing they had a duty to involve the authorities. “They have to be notified, Maddie,” he said with a hint of remorse, making the call.

Within a short period, two police cruisers were on the scene, their lights flashing. Officers stepped out. Among them was Ray, his face etched with concern as he charged toward the house, worried about her .

Seeing his distress, Noah intervened, placing a firm hand on his shoulder., “She’s fine, Ray. Just give her some space,” he reassured, attempting to provide a buffer between the emotional encounter and the unfolding chaotic situation.

At the rear of the house beside the pool, Maddie’s voice was shaky as she spoke to Jake, updating him on the break-in and seeking solace and support.

The tension in the air was palpable as they awaited further action and answers in the wake of the violation that had shattered the sanctity of her home.

“Did they take anything?” Ray asked.

“Doesn’t look like it.”

“Has she pissed off someone recently? A client? Or put someone away that….”

Noah sighed; he knew that lying wouldn’t get them anywhere. At least if he told him, he might be able to keep him from flipping out. “We think it was Tommy.”

“Tommy Calhoun? But he’s….”

“Out, Ray. He got out two weeks ago. I phoned the prison.”

“Sonofabitch. I’m going to…”

“You’re going to do nothing. The last thing she needs right now is you losing your cool. We don’t have proof.”

“The hell we do. Look around you. I bet his hair and probably his semen is in the bedroom.”

“Ray. Get a grip. If it turns out to be him, then it’s a win-win.

He goes back, and he likely won’t get out again.

But look at what we do for a living. We have more than enough people who could be gunning for us between the three of us.

No. We do this the right way. With all the crap you’ve been through recently, the last thing you need is this, taking away what little you’ve got left. ”

“Tanya is talking to me again. Did I tell you that?”

“Then there is even more reason for you to keep a low profile. Let one of the other officers handle this. I’ll do some digging. Find out who his parole officer is and where he’s supposed to be staying.”

“When you find out…”

“No, I’m not telling you.”

“Noah. You know I could pick up the phone and make the same call right now.”

“As her brother, I’m asking you to take a backseat on this one.”

“He put her in the hospital last time. If you expect me to sit back waiting for him to do it again, you are sorely mistaken. I appreciate your advice, Noah, but the last time I checked, this is High Peaks, and State Police have no jurisdiction here unless we call you in. If anyone has enough on their plate, it’s you right now. ”

“You and I need to talk.”

“About what?”

“You know what.”

They’d been dodging the conversation for a while.

Ray’s involvement with the Ashfords, his suicide attempt, and his gambling habit.

“From what I recall. I’m older than you, Noah.

So, while I appreciate you paying off my debt, don’t tell me what to do.

You would have been better off letting them squeeze that trigger. ”

With that said, he turned and walked out, only stopping to chat with one of the other officers. Noah turned to find Maddie standing there, arms crossed.

“Thanks, Noah. I told you not to tell him.”

She blew past him, not stopping when Ray tried to speak to her.