Page 33 of The Last To Know (Hallowed Halls Series #2)
“H e’s dead.” Hannah returned to Cooper, who stood near the team just outside the underground bunker while ERT and the medical examiner worked inside. “Doctor Hoffman was stabbed to death.”
Cooper shifted toward her. “Noland must have been watching when we went to Hoffman’s place.”
Hannah struggled to shake off the murder. “The police will get in touch if they find anything useful. They’re still searching for Noland. And there’s no record of a movie theater showing any John Wayne movies.”
She watched as the first of the victims was brought out. “How are you handling all this?” Her hand swept the entrance.
“Believe it or not, I’m relieved. Knowing my father survived and was out there living his life after what he did to my mother, well, it was unthinkable.”
She could certainly understand. “So, Pete tracked his siblings down and killed them one by one. Brought them here to keep them and visit from time to time? That’s sick.”
Cooper’s mouth thinned. “They were damaged. From what I’ve read about Larry Albertson, he was a sociopath who did a number on everyone he came in contact with, including his kids and his wife. ”
Many of the siblings suffered from drug addictions—including Tonya the youngest and last to die. Several had mental issues throughout their lives. They’d found Tonya’s burner phone on her person. She was the one Cooper had spoken to. She’d tried to do the right thing, and, in the end, it had gotten her killed.
“What happened to the mother, I wonder?” Hannah asked.
“She died of natural causes after marrying her fourth husband.”
“What a sad story. So many lives were destroyed because of one man’s abuse.”
One by one the bodies were removed until the last—Oliver Ellison—was placed into the back of the ambulance that would take him to the medical examiner’s office.
Once Oliver was loaded, the medical examiner spoke with the team.
“Any idea how long he’s been dead?” Cooper motioned toward the ambulance.
Doctor Ilene Younger gave him a best guess of years. “But one of the female victims died more recently.”
“That was Tonya. How recent?” Hannah asked.
“Within a day or so,” Doctor Younger told her. “I’ll know more once I get them on my table.”
Jack thanked her. “Keep us apprised.”
“That was a drain on time we don’t have, and Detective Siegler is still missing.” Chief Milam watched the ambulance leave, the frustration in his voice clear.
“You’re right.” Jack ran his hand across his eyes. “We can safely rule this property out as the Embalmer’s trophy location. Where else would he keep his victims? I need suggestions.”
They were all frustrated. Every time it appeared they were close to discovering the truth, it faded around them.
Hannah’s thoughts kept returning to the photos Fern’s sister gave them. “What about the house in Pennsylvania?”
“If the house is still standing, it’s less than a hundred miles away.” Cooper asked Zeke if he’d located the place yet .
“I did. I’ll send it to you. We should also check the house where the family moved here in New York. I have that address as well.”
“Thanks. We’ll need to split up to search them both in time. Cooper, you, Hannah, and Zeke go with Detective Jordan to Pennsylvania. Sierra, you’re with me and the chief. We’ll need as many men as you can spare.” Jack waited for Chief Milam’s confirmation before addressing his people again. “Be careful. No one does anything without their team.” His gaze landed on Hannah. “That goes double for you.”
Zeke took over the helm of the Armada while Detective Jordan rode shotgun.
Hannah settled in the back seat along with Cooper. She was tired and pushing herself harder than she should.
“You okay?” Cooper asked, noticing her exhaustion.
“I’m fine. Just the case. Noland.” She had a bad feeling that she and Noland would meet again. And soon.