Page 27

Chapter Twenty-Six

Nate

Fuck, my head hurts. That was such a simplification of the pounding radiating through my head that I might as well have said the Nile’s a short river. Gingerly touching the crown of my head only made that ache worse, and when I pulled my fingers away, they were wet with blood.

I blinked. The car was hot but not sweltering. Facing the floor between the back seats and the front, it was blessedly dark. Light still flared inside my head when I opened my eyes. I had to squint to see properly, and even then, it was iffy.

Slowly backing out of the car, I leaned heavily on its metal surface. Inhaling, I cataloged my body, assessing for further damage and coming up empty. My head was the only problem, but it was a big one. I had no idea if I had a concussion or not, but I figured the odds were good. Whoever whacked me over the head knew what they were doing.

I staggered when I finally released the car. My head had cleared enough for one thought to swim to the fore—Perry.

I sucked in a heated breath and pushed away from the car. I bumped into a couple more on my way through the parking lot. Three cabins swam in the distance, each layered on top of the other, mingling and shifting in and out of frame. I kept stumbling forward, placing one foot in front of the other. I went down once, landing on my hands and knees, scraping the former and jarring the latter. In the distance, through a fog, I thought I heard someone shout my name, but I couldn’t be certain. I’d crawl to the damn cabin if I had to.

“P-Perry,” I ground out as I pushed myself off the ground. My gait turned into a drunken jog as I plowed my way forward. The steps wavered, and I grabbed the handrail. It took me two tries to find the right one in my vision before I had enough balance to ascend.

Slamming into the screen door, I yanked it open and screamed “Perry!” I didn’t wait for an answer. I charged through the rooms like an angry bear.

Empty. Every room was empty, just like my gun case lying on top of the bed. Twirling, I slammed into Delia. I started to push her aside, but her fingers wrapped around my biceps and held on tight. I wasn’t sure if she was stopping me or the only thing holding me up.

Panic warred with rage, and my heart felt like it would explode from my chest at any moment.

“Detective. Nate!” Delia shouted, and I winced. “What happened? Where’s Perry?”

“Gone,” I growled.

“Gone where?” Delia’s tone turned ice cold.

I shook my head, which was an obvious mistake. The room spun, and my vision twisted with it. I tried to tell Delia that I was going to be sick but only managed to turn my head, lunging for a trash can before I emptied my guts. The nausea continued rolling through me, and my sides cramped as I kept heaving. The vomiting did nothing for my aching head.

When I was finally done, a cool washcloth landed on my forehead, a gentle command of “here, take this” easing through my pain.

I leaned back, sitting on my ass, my back to the bed. I was vaguely aware of Delia removing the trash can before she came back and crouched beside me. Her fingers were gentle when she prodded my head. There wasn’t as much blood on her fingers as mine when she pulled away.

“He got you good,” Delia said, tone matter-of-fact.

I didn’t answer, and Delia didn’t act like she expected one. “He’s got Perry,” I said. Those words were empty and lost. “How did this happen?”

Delia sighed before rising. “Stay here. I’m getting Malcom.”

I twisted enough I could see her retreating back. “You sound irritatingly calm.”

Stiffening, Delia turned her head enough for me to see her narrowed eyes. “Trust me, Detective, I am anything but calm.”

With that, Delia Carpenter walked out the bedroom door, leaving me with my aching head and empty heart.

“ N ot exactly like we thought it would go,” Malcom said before taking a sip of coffee. I hadn’t even noticed the power was back on when I’d stormed into the cabin. There were a lot of things I’d missed, like Perry’s phone hooked up to the charger.

The pain medications Delia had pilfered from Perry’s pharmacy were kicking in, and the pounding in my brain had settled. Perry also had some nausea meds for when he got a really bad migraine. Delia had handed me a dose of that, and my stomach finally felt like it wasn’t trying to relocate to California.

“No,” Delia agreed. “However, this is not totally unexpected.” She was sipping tea. Perry told me Delia loved tea and often drank it when she needed to relax or focus. As long as it made Delia Carpenter focused on getting Perry back in one piece, I’d get her all the tea she could drink.

There was so much I wanted to say as Delia and Malcom sat at our little table, patiently discussing Perry’s absence as if it were a television drama they were trying to guess the ending to.

“It’s a bold move,” Malcom said.

“Possibly necessary,” Delia added. “She’s running out of time.”

I blinked, my mind temporarily zoning out before a memory tickled my consciousness. She . Delia hadn’t misspoken. The voice I’d heard, the one that followed me into the darkness, had sounded feminine.

My mind tumbled as it ignored the lingering pain. I should be on my way to the hospital, but I’d be damned if I left before Perry was back in my arms. She, she, she… Who else were we missing… “Dr. Schroder?” My head shot up, eyes wide and ping-ponging between my guests. “She’s working with Willie?” It was the only thing I could come up with that made sense.

Delia’s indulgent smile fell just shy of condescension. “Possibly.” Delia glanced in Malcom’s direction, and at his nod, she said, “We’re still unclear on the details. Working with, or more likely, using Willie for her own gains.” Delia gave an apologetic shrug.

My bottom jaw dropped open. “They’ve been in this together?” I ignored the part about who was using who. That bit was inconsequential compared to the larger picture.

“I’m afraid so,” Malcom answered. “It’s why William has been able to evade us for so long.”

My jaw snapped shut, teeth gritted as I processed that information. Finally, I managed to ask, “How long have you known?”

Malcom’s fingers tapped along the table, and his aloof facade dissipated. “Not long enough.” His irritation was plain. “I’m embarrassed to admit that Lydia managed to fool me as well. For a time.”

Delia took pity on me and said, “We do not know the exact date they sealed their pact. We believe it was before Gabriella Sanchez’s murder, but there is no way to be certain.”

I stared at Delia, trying to make sense of what my ears had heard. “Then how do you know they’re working together now?”

“Gabe,” Malcom answered.

“ Gabe? ” Gabe was new to Maverick Insurance, and I’d gotten the impression he’d been hired to both replace Brian VanHorn and to track Willie Slater down. I’d never gotten the impression he’d succeeded in the latter. “Has Gabe seen them interacting?”

“No,” Malcom assured.

“Did he catch them in the act of…” I had no idea how to finish that sentence.

“No.” This time the word was said on an exasperated exhale. “Detective, have you never wondered why no one has seen even a glimpse of Willie in months?”

Oh, I’d wondered. I’d been frustrated as hell thinking about it. “Of course. But—”

“While I understand you are not familiar with all the workings of Maverick Insurance and our subsidiaries, I assure you, not even Willie Slater could do the things he’s done and avoid our agents for this long. Not if he were working alone.” Malcom exuded confidence.

Jaw tight and teeth grinding, I turned to the woman I trusted far more than Malcom. “Delia, is this true?”

She nodded and answered a heart-stopping “Yes.”

“Fuck.” I repeatedly ran my hands through my hair, avoiding the pounding knot on the back of my head. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” The curse bore repeating a million times. “And you just let me believe …let Perry believe…he’s been working in the same damn building with that woman. She’s been helping Willie torment him with photos and threats. How in the hell have you let that shit stand?” My voice rose with every word, and despite the hammering in my head, I didn’t back down. I wanted to rend Malcom Johnson’s flesh from his bones. Pointing a finger at his chest, I said, “You are one sadistic fucker.”

Malcom’s expression went on lockdown. “Detective Harmon, you mistake me for someone I am not. While I care for Perry, my first priority is, and always shall be, my position as HR manager for Maverick Insurance. I have other employees beyond Perry and responsibilities you could never fathom.” Taking a step closer, hands grasped behind his back, Malcom’s eyes narrowed, and he said, “I have allowed you to walk a very fine line, Detective. I have done so out of respect for my mentor, Perry’s father, and out of fondness for his son. While I understand you are under duress, I would ask that you keep my position in mind prior to further outbursts.”

Oh, I want to smash my fist into Malcom’s jaw. I imagined the satisfaction that would bring and barely refrained from pulling my arm back and fulfilling my fantasy. But that wouldn’t get Perry back. I could try and beat the shit out of Malcom when I had Perry safely back in my arms.

Stepping between us, Delia placed a hand on each of our chests. “Might I suggest we save the posturing and dick measuring for later?”

Malcom’s eyes relaxed, and his mouth twisted into a lazy grin. “Apologies, Delia. I forgot myself momentarily.”

I wasn’t nearly as apologetic but did take a step back. Turning, I closed my eyes and counted to ten before turning back around. “You said this didn’t play out like you thought it would. Care to explain?” I tried keeping my tone as neutral as possible.

Thankfully, Delia was the one who answered. “It’s as we said before. We thought you’d be the one taken.”

“By Dr. Schroder or Willie?”

Another shrug. “We were uncertain, even when Lydia went missing . It is an unfortunate snag but doesn’t change the overall plan.”

“And what would that plan be?”

This time, when Malcom grinned, it held an honest, feral quality. I had a feeling that he’d allowed a bit of his true nature to seep through his carefully crafted persona. “To weed out certain undesirable elements in the company. We’ve discussed bait before, Detective. Do you remember?”

“Of course. You used Perry to get me here so…” I trailed off as my mind spun. Given what I now knew, that didn’t completely add up. More was going on here. “What are you really after?”

Malcom’s grin broadened, revealing a line of perfect, pearly white teeth. “Everything, Detective. Everything.”

I glanced in Delia’s direction, but her careful expression revealed nothing. “Care to elaborate, or possibly narrow it down?”

With a low chuckle, Malcom shook his head. “I’m sure you understand I can’t give you details regarding the Company.”

That was twice Malcom said that name. “I assume the Company is higher on the food chain than Maverick Insurance.”

“Very astute. In short, the Company is Maverick, as well as several other subsidiaries. Maverick Insurance is but a single business operating under their directive.”

“Shit.” I tilted my head back and stared at the ceiling. “Why am I not surprised.”

“Because you’re no fool,” Delia answered.

Right now, I felt like a fool. I felt worse than a fool.

Ignoring my mental self-loathing, Malcom continued. “I’ve gotten wind of some grumbling within the Company. It seems there are some members on the board that do not agree with my management style.” Malcom waved a dismissive hand in the air. “Oh, there are always disagreements, but they are typically minor and more posturing than threat.”

“But that changed?” I guessed.

“It did.”

“When you hired Perry?” I guessed again.

Malcom’s grin vanished into a thin line of irritation. “Around that time. Let’s just say that the overwhelming consensus was not to keep Perry alive.”

My heated blood instantly froze, and breathing became difficult. “They wanted to kill him.”

Malcom gave a shallow nod. “He was a witness, and at the time, Willie Slater was a valuable employee. While precautions could be taken, Perry was a loose end that was easier to clip than hold together.”

I reached for the back of the couch, needing it to remain standing. My hands were cold and clammy and shook with alarming frequency. Delia’s hand found mine and squeezed. Her sympathetic eyes stared into mine when I finally glanced up.

Hands once more clasped behind his back, Malcom said, “Obviously, I disagreed. HR is my department and I had the final word. There have been some hiccups since his employment, although overall, I have been pleased. I thought the other executives and board members were as well, and then Brian happened.” Malcom sighed. “It was an unfortunate occurrence.”

“ Unfortunate ,” I mocked while shaking my head.

Malcom ignored me and continued. “Brian’s deeds led to further police involvement and scrutiny. While the chances of exposure were slim, it is Company policy to remain below the radar. It has been a very successful business plan.”

Even if I hadn’t been whacked on the head, my brain would have felt like mush by now. The casual way Malcom talked about murder-for-hire was too disturbing for words.

“And then Dr. Schroder showed up,” Delia said, guiding the discussion back to Dr. Lydia Schroder’s current involvement.

“I thought you hired her,” I said.

Malcom toggled a hand in the air. “Depends on who you ask. Lydia’s employment was suggested . While I agreed with the sentiment, I was wary regarding the choice. The Company did not care for my input on the situation.” Malcom frowned, his tone irritated.

“They planted a mole.” It wasn’t a question.

“That was our suspicion,” Delia answered, and Malcom didn’t disagree.

“The situation progressed when Willie went rogue.” Malcom sighed before shrugging. “Hiring Willie was always a gamble. His personality was flawed, but he served his purpose well for a time.”

I rubbed my face. I desperately needed another shave but could have cared less at this point. I could look like Grizzly Adams and I’d still put off self-grooming until Perry was returned.

Legs weak and shaky, I leaned my hip against the couch, hoping it would support me. Forehead in my hands, I tried putting all the pieces together, once again wishing Nat were here with me so I could bounce ideas off her. We often did that, going back and forth until the picture became clear. I felt like I was missing a vital body part without Nat at my side.

Speaking out loud, I tried to make sense of it. “So, Dr. Schroder’s endgame is what?” Lowering my hands, the answer struck me as I stared up at Malcom. “She’s here to evaluate you.”

Malcom’s features blanked before he gave a curt nod. “It would seem so.”

And we all knew what job termination meant at Maverick Insurance. A noncompete clause seemed tame in comparison. “She’s here to take you out.”

Malcom shrugged again. “I doubt she could do so alone. However, she is definitely working for someone within the Company. Someone who would rather I not remain employed.”

Delia’s hip barely missed mine as she, too, leaned against the couch. It groaned slightly but remained firm. “Do you remember when I said someone might have taken out a contract on Perry?”

I did. “You said you weren’t certain, but it was a possibility you were looking into.”

Delia nodded. “That’s right. And who do you think might have that knowledge?”

My blink was slow, my eyes dry from staying open so long. “Dr. Schroder.”

“Exactly,” Malcom said. “You asked why we didn’t tell you about Lydia’s involvement. Do you understand now? Do you fully comprehend why the ruse was necessary?”

I swallowed, my throat arid and raw. Did I understand? I wasn’t sure, but I thought I was beginning to get an idea. “Dr. Schroder doesn’t realize that you know she’s working with Willie.”

“As far as we can determine,” Malcom agreed.

“And you have proof? That she’s really involved with Willie, that she’s the problem?” My gaze darted between them.

Delia answered, “Gabe’s collected evidence.”

I slumped as the air left my chest. “The scavenger hunt. That’s how Willie knew where to leave the cat.”

“Presumably, Lydia advised Willie which hunting path you’d picked randomly. Lydia also helped me place some of the clues,” Malcom answered. “It would not have been difficult for her to tip him off.”

“And it was really Willie that adopted the cat from the shelter?”

“Yes,” Delia answered. “The description fits, and Gabe snapped a picture of the signature. It appears to be Willie’s handwriting. That’s how we know she hasn’t killed him yet. Or, at least Willie was alive when the adoption took place. While it’s possible Lydia could have hired someone to impersonate Willie, that seems unlikely at this point.” Delia’s jaw ticked, her muscles tight. When I glimpsed her eyes, the promise of violence didn’t so much as lurk as beg for release. “I’m afraid that incident can be laid at my feet.”

“We’ve discussed this, Delia.” Malcom sounded oddly supportive.

Delia held up a halting hand. “I know, but I still feel responsible. If I hadn’t discussed Perry’s cats with Lydia… If I hadn’t expressed my jealousy and desire to have my own and—”

“And nothing,” Malcom cut in. “Dr. Lydia Schroder used her position and skills inappropriately.” Anger slithered through Malcom’s words. “It is another charge she will answer for before the night is over.”

Malcom’s determination and time frame piqued my interest. “Tonight?” I stood up straighter and gave the couch a break. “We’re getting him back tonight?”

“Of course,” Malcom answered. “You told him to keep his bracelet on, no matter what. Correct?”

“I did.” I closed the distance between us as Malcom pulled out his phone and brought up a tracking app.

The gleam in Malcom’s eye turned to disappointment as he said, “It would seem he isn’t far. Just beyond the cabin…”

I didn’t wait. Scrambling out the door and down the steps, I frantically searched. Malcom was right behind me and said, “Behind the cabin.”

We raced in that direction, but I couldn’t see Perry anywhere. In a way, that was good. If Perry were back here, lying on the ground, that wouldn’t indicate anything positive. That would mean he was either unconscious or…I couldn’t complete that thought.

The minutes ticked by until Delia shouted, “Here.” But when I looked in her direction, she only held Perry’s intact wristband.

Malcom reached out, grasping the band and turning it fully around. The frown pulling his lips was disturbing. Almost as disturbing as when he said, “This is unfortunate. I had hoped to get ahead of Lydia. If we knew where she took Perry, then we wouldn’t have to wait for the inevitable trap.”

My relief at finding Perry’s tracker bracelet, sans Perry attached to it, was conflicted. What I wasn’t conflicted about was pulling out my last resort. It was something I hadn’t wanted Perry to know about, a little added security that, at the time, seemed stalkerish and now felt immensely prudent.

Grabbing my own phone, I cursed at the low battery. Hopefully, it would be enough to accomplish what we needed. While tapping in my security code and finding the app I needed, I asked, “I’m assuming you’ve got a plan if we can find Perry before Dr. Schroder and Willie contact us?”

Delia scooted closer to me, her soft “We do” whispering against my skin.

“Good, because I’ve got Perry’s location.” I held up my phone, a small, red flashing blip indicating my fiancé’s whereabouts. Or, at least, his engagement ring’s location.

Malcom’s oily voice filtered into my opposite ear. “Detective, you are just full of lovely surprises.”

“I don’t have a lot of battery life left, so the next surprise needs to happen fast.” The little flashing dot wasn’t moving, but I didn’t know if that would change or not.

“I’ll contact Gabe,” Delia said as she walked away from me.

When I glanced up at Malcom, he wasn’t looking at me, but into the woods. That feral grin was back, revealing the killer he truly was. While my guts were tied up in worried knots, Malcom Johnson appeared joyfully eager.

Rubbing his hands together, Malcom took a step toward the woods and said, “The hunt is on.”