Page 30

Chapter 30

Tobias

For days, we'd been chasing ghosts. Days of checking every property with multiple cabins within a fifty-mile radius of Whispering Pines. Days of dead ends, false leads, and growing frustration.

The conference room wall was covered with maps, photos, and notes. Our visual representation of a collective failure. My deputies were exhausted, running on caffeine and determination. Law's guys had been accompanying us on cabin searches. Mouse and Keyboard have been information diving as well as processing searches via the satellite. But even these two who typically thrived on all-nighters were showing signs of fatigue. Holly's been above and beyond making sure the break room is filled with various meals, snacks and drinks.

"Nothing at the Mountain View cabins," Brooklyn reported to me. She and Sebastian had finished an early morning search. Dropping her notebook on the table she made her way to the chafing dish full of eggs and bacon. "The property manager confirmed they've been closed for renovations since February. No signs of forced entry, no recent activity. He said they haven't seen any unusual vehicles either."

I nodded, marking another X on our map. "That's the eighteenth location."

"How many more on the list?" Sebastian asked, refilling his coffee mug then grabbing a plate.

When we started this plan, I thought it was safest to have one of Law's crew partnering with one of mine. There's safety in numbers as well as it keeps Law following the rules.

"Seven," I replied. "But none of them fit the pattern as well as the ones we've already checked."

Law appeared and leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. He'd been unusually quiet the past few days, his normal banter replaced by a focused intensity. Our interactions had been strictly professional since our shared realization about the roses. There was no mention of Ruth, no teasing or mention that she called him. Only the cold mechanics of the investigation. Which suited me just fine.

I'd been petty, I could admit that to myself. Refusing Law access to Mickey until today. I'd pulled Brooklyn aside and insisted that she accompany him for the interview. All of it was spite, plain and simple. The childish part of me wanted to deny him something. Because there was no way in hell, I was going to just let him always get his way. Not in my jurisdiction.

"Sheriff? Could I see you in your office?" Holly appeared in the doorway, tablet in hand.

I followed her to my office, where she sat down and put the tablet on my desk.

"As you know I've been working with Mouse and Keyboard. They identified the symbol on the dead lady." Holly turned the tablet to me. "It's the Japanese kanji for 'Emperor'."

"Well, that's not surprising."

"It also has a capital M, done with black light ink," she added. "Custom design, singular purpose."

"A brand," I concluded grimly. "And given what we know about Michael it doesn't shock me. What I want to figure out is was she a worker or what he considered his property?"

"I asked the ladies that. They said this would be used as an ownership mark, like his favorite. Since the tattoo placement is significant. Behind the ear means hidden, intimate. She would have to make an effort to show someone. Emperors of old would mark their women. That way, the women would show others who they belonged to." Holly rolled her eyes. "Disgusting."

"Everything Michael does is disgusting." I said, "Any idea who she is?"

"Nope, not at all. The girls don't think we'll ever know. That he could have bought her from a family or in a market somewhere."

"Great."

"There's something else on a different subject." Holly stood and went out to her office.

Just what I fucking need, something else. I'm up to my damn eyeballs in something else.

Returning with a large manila envelope she retook her seat. "The bank sent this over." She handed me the envelope. "It's paperwork for the money Michael put up for the reward for the missing ladies."

"What do I want with it?"

"According to the president of the bank, it needs to roll over into a different kind of account and since Michael put it into a short term account. And since Michael isn't available, as you know. That means the decision falls on you as the representative of the sheriff's office, your name is the other one on the account."

"Does that have to be done now?" I asked in a more perturbed voice than I meant to.

"Well, no, other than," Holly blinked a few times. "Well, something the bank president said got me thinking."

Feeling like I should be doing anything else other than having a conversation about the millionaire Michael's money. I remained silent, just raising an eyebrow.

"He said that since they weren't notified of someone who qualified as the recipient that it would need to be rolled over." Holly sat up straight, "But we have someone who is qualified."

"Who?" I asked, racking my brain. "To the best of my recollection no one came forward with any helpful information."

"Not in the typical way, no. But, Evelyn Whitacker found Melanie. And their actions resulted in the other women being found. The money should go to Evelyn."

I sat back, that made perfect sense. "You're right, of course, what was the exact wording to qualify for the money?"

Holly opened the envelope, pulled out the paperwork and read. "Payable to any person or persons who present viable information leading to the finding, rescuing or retrieval of," She listed the woman's names with Melanie being one of them. "The sheriff's office of Whispering Springs shall be the sole officiant in the awarding of the funds to the person or persons they deem best meet the qualifications."

"Wow," I thought for a moment. "Michael's own money going to the mother of the family he targeted."

"If you ask me, it's not enough compensation for what that bastard put them through."

"I agree. I think I'll pay the bank a visit." I stood then turned towards Holly. "You know, you never cease to amaze me. You sure you don't want to go to detective school?"

Smiling Holly laughed, "If I did, who would keep all your asses in line?"

An hour later, I stood on the Whitakers' porch, a manila envelope under my arm. The forecast called for rain, and heavy clouds hung low over the hills surrounding their property.

Evelyn answered my knock with a welcoming smile that faltered slightly when she saw my official expression. "Tobias? This is a surprise, is everything alright?"

"Everything's fine, Evelyn. May I come in?"

She led me to the living room, where I declined her offer of coffee. "I won't stay long," I explained. "I just have some business to discuss. Is Charlie home?"

Evelyn went to the staircase and called to Charlie who came down when he heard I was there.

"Tobias, nice to see you." He stuck out his hand for me to shake.

They sat across from me, "Is this about Michael?" Evelyn asked, looking scared.

"In a way. I'm here for two reasons. First," I placed the envelope on the coffee table between us. "Remember when Michael offered the reward for information leading to the rescue of the three missing ladies?"

They both said, "yes."

I nodded. "That money is still sitting in an escrow account. And according to the terms, as Sheriff, I get to designate who receives it. To tell you the truth I'd forgotten about it till the bank president contacted Holly today."

"Okay," Charlie said. He and Evelyn had confused looks.

"Well, I'm designating you to receive it Evelyn. You're the one who deserves it. You found Melanie and the two of you brought Law in which led my team to the warehouse where the women were."

She shook her head immediately. "No, Tobias. I can't accept that. I didn't do anything special."

"You found Melanie, didn't you?" I asked.

"Well, yes."

"Then you qualify for the money. Don't think of it as Michael's money. Think of it as money paid to help the family he tried to destroy. There's justice in that."

Evelyn was quiet for a long moment, considering. "It should go to Melanie." She looked at Charlie who just shrugged his shoulders.

"Whatever you want. Set up a foundation. Help other families affected by trafficking. Put it toward your grandchildren's education." I said "It's yours, free and clear. He paid it and he put on the account contact that the money was non-returnable."

"Why would he do that?" Charlie asked.

"My guess is he didn't think anyone would come forward. That it was an investment in his safety. If someone had received it he would have known we were closing in on him."

All of us sat quiet for a moment.

"How much was it?" Evelyn broke the silence. "Three hundred thousand?"

"Well, we thought so but the bank president said when Michael opened the account he put five hundred thousand in the account." Evelyn and Charlie sucked in air. "I know, that's a lot of money."

"Goodness, yes." Evelyn looked at Charlie. "I don't think I can make a decision until I talk with Melanie."

"I agree, I think that's fair." He agreed.

"Of course. The paperwork is all there. Take your time." I shifted in my chair. "When you talk to Melanie, oculd you please ask Cameron something for me? I'm curious if he can identify a woman we believe was tied to Michael."

"What woman?" Charlie asked.

"We found a young woman's body. Asian, mid-twenties. We think she might have been connected to Michael. If I sent you a photo, do you think you could get it to Cameron? Maybe he saw her with Michael at some point."

Evelyn's expression tightened. "Send it over, we'll ask when he and Melanie check in. I'll let you know what he says."

"I should warn you that the picture is a bit disturbing."

"Send it to me, I'm sure I've seen worse." Charlie insisted. I sent it, examining the picture Charlie said, "She's pretty, I don't ever remember Michael having her around."

"Me either. We'll for sure ask Cameron."

Back in my cruiser, I called Brooklyn to check on Law's interrogation of Mickey. Her frustration was evident even through the phone.

"Nothing useful, boss. Mickey's either truly ignorant or exceptionally loyal. Law tried everything short of actual torture. Which, had I not been there, I think he would have considered. Law was... intense, but professional. Mickey just isn't talking."

I hung up, a mixture of relief and disappointment settling in my chest. Another dead end, we'd accomplished practically nothing. We were no closer to finding Michael, stopping the break-ins.

As I pulled away from the Whitakers', the first heavy raindrops began to fall. By the time I reached the station, it was pouring. The kind of driving rain that reduced visibility to mere feet and drowned out all other sounds.

The squad room was oddly quiet when I entered, shaking water from my jacket. Most of the deputies were still out following up on leads or patrolling the business district. I grabbed a coffee and made my way to my office, nodding to Holly as I passed.

"How'd it go with Evelyn?" she asked.

"She's thinking about whether she wants Michael's money."

"Understandable. Oh, Law called. Said to tell you Mickey gave them nothing, but they're following up on something else. Wouldn't say what."

I felt a flash of irritation. "Of course he wouldn't."

Holly gave me a searching look. "What's going on with you two?"

"Nothing," I muttered, avoiding her gaze. "He's a tad confused about where his territory ends."

"Mmm-hmm." Her tone made it clear she didn't believe me for a second.

"What?" I asked, eyeing her.

She put her hands in the air, "Nothing, nothing, you have a message about your mandatory appointment. I printed the forms and put them on your desk. From the looks of them it should be a rip roaring good time."

Blowing out a huffed breath I went to my office and hit the play button on my desk phone.

"Sheriff Trenton, this is Dr. Salinger's office calling to confirm your appointment tomorrow. Please remember to bring your completed intake forms. Thank you."

Therapy. In the midst of everything else, I'd almost forgotten about Clark's mandatory referral. The last thing I needed right now was to be gone. The drive to the capital would take hours then having to sit and listen to this Dr. Salinger ask about my feelings on catching a killer. I can't wait. If I see Clark, I'll be explaining to the Dr. why I broke the police commissioner's nose. Now that would be a rip roaring good time.