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Two days later, Bethany was working in the flower beds just outside of the lodge. They did not need weeding, but she refused to have any down time. Two days of little sleep, little food, and a lot of work was taking its toll on her. Gram was staying in the lodge most of the time, not interested in walking around but preferring to putter around inside the house.
On her knees in the dirt, she could feel the urge to cry once more, but fought it off. I was fine before Jack Bryant, and I’ll be fine now!
Just then, a car pulled into the front of the lodge, and she looked up in surprise as her parents waved excitedly at her.
“Mom! Dad!” she cried, jumping up to greet them as they alighted from their car. “You guys didn’t tell me you were coming!”
Her mother moved toward her, arms extended. Blonde hair like Bethany’s, now with a touch of gray, was pulled back away from her face with a clip. Her face was an older version of her daughter’s, still smooth and beautiful. Dressed for comfort, she was in neat jeans and a short-sleeve pink blouse.
Her father followed his wife and as Bethany noted, he was also dressed in jeans and a polo, looking ready to pile up on one of the rocking chairs on the front porch or down by the dock.
Hugging them both, she exclaimed, “Why didn’t you call?” Grabbing the overnight case from her mom, she continued, “Come on in. Gram will be glad to see you.” She halted suddenly and her face sobered. “Well, the truth is, she might not recognize you…but she’ll be happy for the company anyway.”
She noticed her parents shared a look, but she dismissed it in her excitement to have them there.
“Gram?” she called out, walking into the lodge’s main room. “We have visitors.”
Her dad looked over at his mother and noticed the change since he had seen her two months ago. “Mom?” he said, walking over to where she sat looking up with a smile. He kissed her cheek and she said, “You’ll like it here. We got nice cabins.”
Ed looked at his wife quickly and saw her sad expression. She walked over, greeting her mother-in-law with a kiss as well.
“Ann, it’s so good to see you,” Susan added. She blinked back the tears, knowing how hard this was for her husband, and then turned to peer at her daughter. Shocked that she had not noticed it in her eagerness to arrive, she realized Bethany looked...devastated.
Just then, Sally entered the lodge and greeted Ed and Susan. She glanced at Bethany and asked, “You want me to take Ann up and fix her an early lunch?”
Bethany offered her a heartfelt smile of gratitude. The two of them had shared several tearful conversations about Jack in the past two days and it was clear Sally knew that she needed to talk to her parents. Confide in them. Draw strength from them.
“Yeah, that’d be great.”
They watched as Sally assisted Gram upstairs, then heard her puttering in the kitchen while talking softly to Ann.
“We need to talk,” her father began, but before he could say anything else, Susan interrupted.
“I think we need to listen first,” she said, looking at her daughter as only a mother does. “You don’t look happy, and I want to know why.”
The three settled in the comfortable chairs in front of the lodge’s fireplace as they had done on so many trips to Mountville to visit her grandparents over the years.
“So, what’s going on that’s put such a sad look in your eye, baby?” her mom asked. “And I know it’s not all about Gram.”
Shrugging while shaking her head, Bethany said, “A tale as old as time, mom.”
Her father looked confused but wisely kept his mouth shut as he looked to his wife for guidance. Susan nodded in understanding and gently ordered, “Tell us about him.”
“He owns the property next to us and we met under unusual circumstances when Gram wandered away one day. He owns some kind of a security business,” she added, her nose scrunched in thought. “Kind of secret, with government contracts and…well anyway, he was very sweet and even set Gram up with a tracker bracelet so she could be tracked if she wandered again.”
“That’s right, I remember you telling us about that,” her father commented.
“And…” her mother prodded.
“We…well I can’t say we started seeing each other really…but we were together some, and both had feelings for each other, so we decided to follow through on them, and see where they went. I guess I went overboard and…” her voice trailed off sadly.
“You were already falling,” her mother finished for her.
“That sounds so lame,” Bethany confessed. “I’m not some teenager who falls in love at the drop of a hat.” Her parents gifted her with the time to finish her story without butting in.
“But, yeah,” she admitted. “My heart was definitely already involved. He just didn’t feel the same.”
“What happened?” her mother asked.
“He had to leave for business, and I know it was bad. He couldn’t tell me much, but I’m pretty sure that he was working on those college murders.”
“We’ve been reading about those and you’ve no idea how glad we are that you’re no longer in college!” her father added.
“I know his job is stressful and he sees horrible things. I just…I just foolishly allowed myself to believe him when he told me that I meant something to him. ”
Pulling herself up straight in her chair, she said, “But I’ve got responsibilities and a life to live so I’m not going to pine over him anymore.” She knew the words were lies as soon as they left her mouth and one look at her mother told her that she knew they were lies also.
But like a good mom, she played along. “Well, just make sure to take care of yourself and don’t work too hard.”
Offering them what she hoped was a reassuring smile, she agreed. Forcing her mind off her own troubles, she looked at them speculatively. “Okay, guys, enough about me. We talked last week, and you never mentioned flying out here for a visit. What’s the real reason behind this impromptu trip?”
Her parents shared a look again, further cementing her idea that something was happening. Cocking her head to the side, she waited.
Sighing deeply, her father said, “We wanted to be here to talk to you about Gram. There are some things in the works, but we need your input as well.”
“Okaaaay,” she said slowly, uneasy from the sound of his words.
“There’s an opening at a memory care facility near where we live in Arizona?—”
“No!” Bethany shouted. “You can’t take her that far away. It makes no sense. She’s fine here until an opening comes here.” Jumping up, she paced the room, her mind working furiously. “You’re not even permanent residents of Arizona. What happens when you transfer colleges?”
“Bethany, sit down, please,” her mother begged. “ We’ve made no decision yet. That’s why we’re here—to get your input.”
Chastised, she sat back down, putting her head in her hands. “I’m sorry. What other decision is there?”
“Well,” her father started again, “there is an opening now in the facility that’s close to here.”
At that, Bethany’s head snapped up. “That’s perfect. That’ll be great. Gram will get the safe care she needs and still be close to me.” Looking at her parents’ doubtful faces, she asked, “What’s to discuss?”
“Honey, what about you? Your needs? Your career? We don’t want you locked into staying here just because Gram is nearby. You may want to move back to Richmond and continue with your job there.”
Bethany sat, stunned, realizing she had not considered the possibility of leaving Mountville…and the neighbor next door…and returning to the city to live. She looked around the inside of the old lodge. The one that constantly needed work, compared to her apartment in the city with modern conveniences and was near shopping centers and restaurants. She glanced down at her dirty knees and fingernails, compared to her professional work clothes and weekly manicures. She thought of the loneliness of her social life here compared to the bustling city with co-workers, friends, bars, museums, and concerts…and the opportunity to meet someone who did want to spend time with her.
But she could not escape the glaring reality—this was what she wanted. Her gaze lifted to her parents as she confessed, “I want Gram near here. And I want to stay at Mountville. This is my life now. ”
Her father started to protest, but Susan’s hand on his arm stopped him. She considered her daughter carefully and said, “I want you to sleep on it, sweetheart. The decision needs to be considered thoughtfully. This place is part of your history, but it doesn’t have to be your future. Gram will be taken care of, no matter what. You need to think about you.”
Nodding, she agreed as they rose from their seats for a family hug. Tears hit the back of her eyes as she blinked to keep them at bay. Too many changes in just a few days had her on edge. Pulling back, she plastered a bright smile and said, “Let’s go have lunch with Gram.”
He fingered the wig and mustache carefully before placing them back in the box. Glancing down, he lined them up—the blond, next to the black, next to the brown. Which one next? Which one will it be? He pondered purchasing another one, even considered one with long hair. Perhaps pulled back in a ponytail. Young women like the wild, youthful look. Yes, maybe a new one is needed. But not now. The urge was gone, once more replaced with calm. Breathing deeply, he smiled as he closed the suitcase, placing it back in his hiding place.
He had several hiding places—all carefully planned. He knew he would not get caught even though the newspapers were beginning to talk. He shook his head. Why don’t they get it? I’m taking care of the sluts. That needs to be done.
Hearing noises from inside of his house, he locked the garage and made his way back into his kitchen. Smiling.
Jack once more stood with his coffee mug in his hand, hoping the effects of drinking himself into a stupor two nights ago were no longer noticeable. His men were due soon and he was regretting his stupid decision…all of his stupid decisions.
Friday night and Saturday, he thought of all the reasons his decision to not start a relationship with Bethany made sense. His life was too unpredictable. Too full of violence. Too hard to separate the business from the personal. The more he had tried to convince himself he was right, the more he drank. He had been right at the beginning—she deserved the white picket fence. Kids, dog, and a husband that did not see death and destruction when he went to work.
By Saturday night, when he should have been picking up the beautiful woman for their date, the one who had told him she had a perfect dress for him, he sat, sobering alone in his house. All the reasons from the night before were less clear.
The fact was that it was too late to not start a relationship. He started one from the moment he held her to his body when they were attempting to help her grandmother. He continued the relationship when he brought the bracelet for Ann.And stayed for dinner. And talked on her front porch. And had her place wired for security. And when he raced over there when he had seen there was trouble. And when he first kissed her. And when she came to him with that fuckin’ fantastic cobbler and gave herself and her trust to him.
Rubbing his hand over his face, he saw the first of his men’s vehicles coming down the drive. At least I spent most of yesterday focusing on the case. Stepping inside of his house, he moved to start the business day.
Once more, the eight men sat around the conference table in the SPI command center. While the men had the weekend to recuperate, they all had the hardened expressions of anger that the case was not yet solved.
Monty had been the last to arrive, but his news was the best. “The FBI showed the pictures of the man on the bar stairs with Karen to the friends of Tonya.” Luke projected the pictures to each of their tablets as Monty continued. “They have positively identified him as the person with Tonya, even though his mustache is now brown.”
“Any ID?” Jack asked, but Monty just shook his head. “We’ll get on it,” Jack confirmed. “Who’s up for travel?”
Every man volunteered and, not for the first time, was Jack aware his team was the best he could have assembled. “Right. Cam, you and Blaise hit the witnesses on the western part of the state. Marc and Chad, take the Richmond area. Bart and Monty, take the southern campuses. Show that to any roommates, friends, especially anyone who was with the victims at their last known locations. Luke and I’ll coordinate with the FBI in Richmond and see what identification magic Luke can perform.”
The others chuckled, knowing Luke’s software could outperform any of the government’s highest security programs.
“Boss, I saw something this weekend that may have no significance, but it hit me weird.”
“Go on,” Jack responded as the others turned to Cam.
“I was at a bar Saturday night just chilling and was watching a scene in front of me ‘cause I thought I was going to have to intervene. A guy was hitting on a girl, but she wasn’t falling for his pick-up lines and told him politely several times to leave her alone. Just when I was about to step in, she whirled around and poked him in the chest while telling him in no uncertain terms to get away from her. The bouncer stepped in, removed the guy, show’s over. But something about that kept gnawing at me.”
Cam looked at everyone and held up his right index. “She was poking him in the chest with her right index finger to make her point. And he was pissed. Can’t tell you he even heard her words, but he sure felt that finger and I got the feeling he wanted to snap it off.”
A deathly silence descended on the group.
“Shit,” Chad said. Immediately the others began to speak all at once.
Jack called the Saints back to order and he reiterated, “So this guy disguises himself. Follows a girl somewhere or maybe just finds someone, tries to pick her up. Remember Tonya’s friends said he wasn’t young. So, he tries to pick up someone younger who’s not interested, they blow him off or get mad and maybe resort to poking him to make their point. He snaps. After he captures them, subdues them somehow, tortures, rapes, and kills them, then he cuts off the offensive finger.”
“Were they already dead?” Blaise asked, scrolling through his notes.
Jack cursed. “Damn. No, you’re right. The coroner’s report on Tonya, Helena, and Sheila was that the digit was removed before death.”
The silence once more hung about the group.
“The ultimate revenge. I can’t get you interested, so I’ll rape you. You insulted me by poking me with your finger, so I’ll cut it off,” Bart growled.
Blaise shook his head. “This is much more than a man who can’t get a young woman interested. This fucker is sick and is going to keep killing.”
“Spent the weekend at home with my family,” Marc said, gaining the attention of the group. He looked around, his face a mask of frustration. “I’ve got a sister at Dominion College. Sophomore. Pretty. Nice. Decent student. And right-handed.”
“Damn, man,” Luke bit out.
“Spent the weekend with her and my parents and even though she’s home for the summer, we talked about her not going back until this is over with.”
“Some serial killers are not caught for years, Marc,” Jack said.
Nodding, Marc agreed. “Yep, but I’d rather her not be at risk than to take that chance.”
“This is exactly why the governor gave us this task. We’ve got to find this fucker and shut him down.”
As the agenda came to a close, the group made their way upstairs to head to their assignments .
“You have a good date with the beautiful Ms. Bridwell, boss?” Cam asked. “I meant to ask when we came in, but we got to the meeting so quickly.”
Jack looked discomfited as he turned and stared out of the window. The men all shared glances, curious but not wanting to pry.
Finally, Jack spoke, “Decided to call it off.”
“The date…or…” Cam ventured.
“Nope, all of it. Told her it wouldn’t work. Not with my business. Figured I may as well let her down easy now than to have to her let down hard later.”
“So, you took that choice away from her?” Blaise asked.
Jack’s eyes darted to Blaise’s quickly, his eyebrow raised in question.
“You made the decision for her that your life won’t be good enough. You made the decision for her that she can do better. You never gave her the chance to decide for herself if what you have to offer is enough.”
Before the others chimed in, Jack growled, “Appreciate what you’re trying to do, but my personal life is off topic.”
The others quieted, but it was obvious to Jack they were not happy. Sighing heavily, he rubbed his hand over his face, the weight of the unsolved case and his fucked-up, non-relationship with Bethany bearing down on him.
Shaking his head, he said, “Sorry guys. We’re in this together and I’ve never pulled high-handed shit on you before. Not going to start now.” He looked around at the faces that were becoming as familiar to him as his brothers-in-arms while in the Special Forces. Ones that for the last two years had been joining with him, having his back as he had theirs.
“My love life…or lack of it…is not up for debate, but I will say I appreciate your concern.”
The others stayed respectfully quiet, allowing him to gather his thoughts, each of them realizing that none of them were in a committed relationship. More than a few wondered if they, too, were giving up the chance of love by being in this profession.
“Right now,” Jack continued, looking at them, “I have to give one hundred percent to this case. When it’s over? Who knows, but for now I’m doing what I think is best.”
The men nodded as they prepared to leave, each with their assignments. With head jerks as goodbyes, they headed out of the door.
Jack poured a cup of coffee and handed it to Luke before getting a second one for himself. “All right, let’s do some identification magic,” he said, as the two of them walked back downstairs.