The Right Call (12 page)

“We’re spread thin on the investigations.”

“I know.” She turned around and leaned on the glass, her arms folded across her chest. “I’ve asked Sam Parker to help us. He’s got the manpower. And he’s thorough.”

“I guess beggars can’t be choosers, but I could go the rest of my life without rubbing elbows with Sheriff Parker again.”

“I want this shooter badly enough that I don’t care who I have to get to help us. And the Natalie Benchfield case is complicated. We need to know who shot her, but we also want to find this Vincent character and find out if she hooked up with him.”

Trent nodded. “We’ve contacted the state police to help us find him from his email address. We’ll get him.”

“In the meantime, we need to follow every lead to help us nail down the shooter.” She looked out the window at the last vestiges of light in the western sky. “I want you and your detectives to meet with the sheriff and me in the morning at nine.”

“Where?”

“My office. Come prepared to give a solid overview of where we are with each of the four victims.”

“Yes, ma’am. Not a problem. Are you geared up to endure the sheriff’s patronizing attitude?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Brill smiled wryly. “I loathe inviting his big boots onto my turf, but the truth is we need him.”

“And he’ll be only too glad to remind you of it.”

Brill arched her eyebrow. “So be it. But even
he
doesn’t have the resources the state police do. That might keep him just humble enough to be tolerable.”

Trent laughed. “Oh, I doubt that. I’ll see you in the morning. Don’t stay too late.”

“I won’t. I just need to get quiet and deal with the feelings I’ve stuffed all day. My daughter came
this close
to dying.” She held up her thumb and forefinger, an inch between them. “My grandson, too. How many times can my family get that close to death and manage to escape it?”

“I guess as long as the Lord allows it, ma’am.”

“I thought you were going to stop calling me ma’am.” She locked gazes with Trent. “You’re right. But it’s my job to do everything in
my
power to keep them safe.”

Chapter 13

Vanessa
nestled with Ethan on the glider on the Jessups’ screened-in porch, her head on his shoulder, her arm linked in his. He hadn’t said ten words in the past half hour. Not that she needed him to talk. She didn’t feel like it either. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Drew’s pallid face and vacant eyes—and the bag of brownies spattered with his blood.

How was she supposed to reconcile that one second Drew was standing there, full of life—and the next he was dead? Or shake the bone-chilling reality that she and Carter were so close to the bullets?

She had only recently stopped having nightmares after being accosted by the ex-con who stalked her mother. But this? Would she ever close her eyes again without looking into the face of death?

Ethan breathed in and let out a long sigh. “Drew’s parents get in from London at ten thirty in the morning.”

“Did you decide to drive to Knoxville to meet their plane?”

“Yes. But I have no idea what to say to them.”

“They probably just want to throw their arms around you. You’re like a second son to them.” Vanessa stroked Ethan’s arm. “I imagine that will be a source of comfort.”

“I don’t know if I can be strong for them.”

“You’ll help each other.”

Ethan was quiet for a moment, then tightened his hold on her. “I can’t believe how close I came to losing you
.
”

“But you didn’t. We’ll get through this together.”

Ethan took off his glasses and set them on the side table, then rubbed his eyes. “I’m overwhelmed. It’s just too much to process.”

“Why don’t you get some rest?”

“It was nice of your parents to offer me your brother’s room tonight. I’m not sure what to do. If I move back in with Uncle Ralph and Aunt Gwen, Drew’s parents might get their feelings hurt. You know my uncles are at odds.”

“Maybe this will bring them together.”

“I wouldn’t count on it. Both are proud and stubborn.”

Vanessa looked up at Ethan, seeing the angst pooling in his eyes. “What started the whole thing in the first place?”

“Uncle Richard went off on Uncle Ralph after Drew’s baby sister died. Richard apologized later and said it was just his grief talking. Ralph wouldn’t accept his apology.”

“Do you know why?”

“Just that Ralph didn’t think he was sincere.”

“Then why doesn’t Richard try again?”

Ethan shrugged. “Who knows? They’re both stubborn. Sometimes I think they keep the conflict going because it’s all they have still holding them together.”

“How sad. It seems like twins should be close.” Vanessa brushed her fingers through Ethan’s fine curls. “You think Drew’s parents will be able to go back home after what happened?”

“I hope so. It’s still home. That’s where the good memories are. But my parents will invite them to stay at their house as long as they want.”

“The trek back and forth from Maryville is going to get old when they’re arranging their son’s funeral.”

“My parents will help. I don’t want to talk about
them.”
Ethan stroked her cheek and looked into her eyes. “I want to talk about
us
. There’s so much I want to say to you.”

“Like what?”

His eyes welled and his chin quivered. “I’m so sorry you had to see what happened to Drew. But I’m thankful you’re all right …” His voice trailed off.

“At least Drew didn’t suffer. I doubt he knew what hit him.”

“I can only imagine what was going through your
mind.”

“All I could think about was protecting my son.” Vanessa relived the moment, emotion tightening her throat. “I was terrified the shooter might come back looking for us. I’ve never been that scared, not even when that guy who was stalking Mom grabbed me.”

“I wish I’d have been there for you. It kills me to think of you and Carter hiding in my room with the back of a chair wedged under the doorknob.”

Vanessa held more tightly to his arm. “Your being there wouldn’t have softened the horror of seeing Drew shot to death. Be glad you
didn’t
see it.” A tear spilled down her cheek.

“I’m sorry, honey. I really am.”

Ethan pulled her into his embrace, and Vanessa began to cry, and then cry harder, not sure which weighed more heavily on her, what had happened or what almost did.

Brill stood at the bathroom sink, dressed in her ivory silk pajamas, and rubbed cleanser on her face. She rinsed it off and patted her face dry, the raw truth staring back at her in the mirror. She couldn’t miss the fine lines that fanned out from her eyes or the accordion creases around her mouth—or that the expensive night cream she got duped into buying hadn’t “reduced the appearance of wrinkles” to her satisfaction.

Kurt seemed oblivious. His flirting with her made her feel womanly and desirable—in total contrast to how she felt as the buck-stops-here police chief who had zipped up four body bags in as many days.

She couldn’t quite shake the image of Drew Langley’s lifeless stare. How was she supposed to accept that four young people died on her watch? Or that the shooter was still out there and liable to strike again? Or that her daughter had been through another frightening experience—this time with her baby son so close to the line of fire?

And what were the odds Drew and his roommate died randomly by the hand of the same shooter, but on different days and in different locations? And yet everything pointed to a drive-by in both instances. The bullets that killed all four victims came from the same gun.

“You coming to bed?” Kurt stood in the doorway.

“Yes, I’m through in here.”

She started to leave and he blocked the doorway and pulled her into his arms.

“Honey, I’m so sorry these shootings are happening. I can’t believe Ethan’s cousin is dead. Or that Vanessa and Carter were right there when it happened. Sends chills up my spine.”

“That’s two of us.” Brill nestled in his embrace and let it comfort her. “I want us all to avoid being out front until we get this shooter. That includes going out for walks. I don’t want to overreact. I just want everyone out of the line of fire. I’m still not over how close Vanessa and Carter came to being victims.”

“Do you think it was just coincidence that both Drew and his roommate got hit?”

Brill pushed back and looked into Kurt’s eyes. “I don’t know yet. That’s
some
coincidence. Everything points to random shootings. But I think we have to dig deeper.”

“How?”

“Retrace our steps. Talk again to the victim’s friends, coworkers, and family members.”

“Drew’s parents will be here tomorrow.” Kurt kissed her forehead. “Are you going to question them?”

“Of course. They might know something, though I’m not holding my breath. I’ll tell you one thing: I dread looking into the eyes of any more parents who have lost a child. This is one week when I’d gladly give this job to someone else.”

Ethan started to turn out the lamp in Ryan Jessup’s bedroom when his cell phone rang. The display indicated Stedman was calling. Should he answer it or wait until tomorrow?

He stared at the number for a moment, then put the phone to his ear. “Hey. Sorry I didn’t call you back. Time got away from me. I thought I’d wait until morning.”

“Not a problem,” Stedman said. “How’re you holding up?”

“I’m numb. I don’t think it’s hit me yet.”

“I’m really sorry, man. Don’t worry about work. You just take care of you. Did your cousin’s parents cut their cruise short?”

“Yeah, they flew from Athens to London, then caught a flight home. I’m picking them up at ten thirty in the morning. How did Uncle Ralph seem after my call?”

“Distracted. A little blunt like he gets once in a while. You think he’ll go to the funeral?”

“I don’t know. He hasn’t spoken to his brother in years.”

There was a long stretch of silence, and he heard Stedman breathing on the other end of the line.

“I was just about to crash when you called,” Ethan said. “I appreciate your checking on me.”

“I heard on the news that the first guy to get killed by this mystery shooter was your cousin’s roommate. Why didn’t you say something?”

“I didn’t want to talk about it.” Ethan set the alarm clock for six. “I figured Tonya already told you.”

“Well, she didn’t. So do the cops think it was just a coincidence that your cousin and his roommate were shot by the same gun?”

Ethan raked his hand through his hair. “I don’t know. They’ll have to pursue it.”

“Pursue it how?”

“That’s their problem, Stedman. Right now, I just want to get some sleep, okay? It’s been a tough day.”

“Yeah, sure. Sorry. Let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“I will. Good night.”

Ethan disconnected the call and set his phone on the nightstand. Of course it was a coincidence. It had to be. Why would anyone deliberately target Drew?

Chapter 14

Ethan
sat at the oak table in the Jessups’ kitchen, looking out the bay window, his hands wrapped around a warm mug of coffee. Between the houses across the street he could see the misty foothills beginning to take shape in the light of dawn. A mockingbird sat atop the bushes, reciting his proud litany of impersonations for an audience of One.

An audience of One
. Ethan thought of Drew and tried to imagine him face-to-face with his Creator—no longer wounded or in pain. It wasn’t fair that his parents were left with only memories and grief and the lifeless shell of their only child.

Ethan was vaguely aware that someone had come into the kitchen. He turned and saw Mrs. Jessup, dressed in her uniform, pouring a cup of coffee.

“Good morning,” he said.

“I tried to be quiet so I wouldn’t bother you.” She put two teaspoons of sugar in her coffee and stirred.

“It’s okay. I’m basically numb.”

She sat at the other end of the table and took a sip of coffee. “I know this probably sounds rote, but I really am sorry for your loss. I can only imagine how hard this must be. I know you and Drew were close.”

“Closest thing to a brother I ever had.” Emotion rose in his throat, and he washed it down with a sip of lukewarm coffee.

“We’re going to find out who’s responsible, lock him up, and throw away the key. But that won’t bring Drew back. I’m so sorry you have to go through this.”

“Thanks. I’m sorry Vanessa had to see it. I can’t even imagine how I would’ve handled it if something would’ve happened to her …” Ethan’s voice cracked, and his eyes welled. “Or Carter.”

“Me, either.” She took a sip of coffee and looked out the window.

How did she stay so cool?

“What time are you leaving for Knoxville?” she asked.

“Nine. Uncle Richard and Aunt Becca get in at ten thirty. I’d rather be early than late. I’m hoping the traffic will thin out by then.”

“It should.”

Ethan felt as if a mountain were sitting on his chest. How was he going to get up, get to his car, and drive? What was he going to say to his aunt and uncle? All he really wanted to do was crawl back under the covers and close his eyes.

“Are you going by yourself?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She locked gazes with him. “Ethan, I think it’s time you called me Brill. Every time you call me ma’am I feel like the police chief or just plain old.”

“I’m sorry. I was raised here in the south, and that’s the way I was taught.”

Brill smiled. “So was I. But you’re a friend of the family now. Kurt and I would be very comfortable with you using our first names.”

“I might have to practice.”

“I’ll remind you.”

He nodded and stared at his hands. “I’m worried about Vanessa. I think she’s trying to be strong for me. But what she went through yesterday was horrific. She can’t be all right, just like that.”

“I agree. Vanessa’s barely had time to get over the last ordeal. But her faith is strong. And maybe it helps her to comfort
you
. We all want to be there for you and help you through this.”

“I know you do. I appreciate it.”

“You’re welcome to stay here as long as you want.”

“Thanks, that’s kind of you. But I’ve decided to stick with my original plan and spend the summer with Uncle Ralph and Aunt Gwen. Drew’s folks will understand. And if they don’t … well, I’m not getting in the middle of the feud between Uncle Ralph and Uncle Richard.”

“How does your dad handle his brothers being estranged?”

“He hates it. Dad tried for years to talk sense into Ralph and get him to accept Richard’s apology, but he just wouldn’t do it. And Richard refused to apologize again. So rather than risk losing his relationship with both brothers, Dad decided not to take sides. Should be interesting at the funeral home. I don’t know how many years it’s been since they’ve said a word to each other.”

“It’s unfortunate”—Brill stared out the window—“but maybe Drew’s death will bring the family together.”

“He’d be so happy if it did,” Ethan said. “I wonder if people in heaven know what’s going on down here.”

“I’ve wondered the same thing. I lost both my parents to illness and my in-laws in a tragic automobile accident. All of them were believers so I know where they are. But I wonder about them—what they see and what they know.”

Ethan’s eyes stung, and he blinked to clear them. “When does it stop hurting?”

“Everyone’s different, Ethan. All I can tell you is that it does.”

“Do you ever stop missing them?”

Brill seemed to stare at her coffee mug. “No. But the aching goes away.”

“Good.” Ethan studied her. She really
did
understand the pain he was feeling. But did anyone understand how alone he felt? He couldn’t remember a time when Drew wasn’t part of his life. It was as though he had lost a part of himself.

“I’ll be praying for you today. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.” She downed the last of her coffee and stood. “We’re getting the sheriff’s department involved this morning. The extra manpower may help us speed up the process. We
are
going to find the shooter and make sure he never gets the chance to do this again.”

“Thanks, Brill. I know you’ll do your best.”

“I won’t rest until we get him.”

Vanessa finished dressing Carter, then picked him up and gave him to Emily.

“He always smells good,” Emily said. “Well, except for when he needs his diaper changed.”

“I just gave him a bath and rubbed him down with baby lotion. He’s fresh as a daisy and extremely huggable.”

“I’ll play with him as soon as I get home from school.” Emily’s eyes seemed to search hers. “You look sad.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“I’ve never seen anybody dead before. Was it really awful?”

“Yes, it was really awful. I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Okay.” Emily fiddled with a button on her blouse. “I’m sorry Ethan’s cousin died. But I’m glad you and Carter didn’t. Is that okay? To be glad, I mean?”

“Yes, I’m glad too, but that doesn’t mean I’m not upset and sad about Drew.”

“He didn’t even get to eat the brownies you made.”

Vanessa’s mind flashed to an image of Drew clutching his bloody neck and the bag of brownies falling to the porch. She blinked it away.

Emily sat Carter on the floor and gave him his toy tool bench and plastic hammer, then stood up tall. “I would’ve been soooo sad if you and Carter had gotten shot.”

Vanessa tilted Emily’s chin. “But we didn’t. So let’s not even go there.”

“But I have to. I need to picture it in my mind and then realize it
isn’t
real. That’s how I’ve learned not to be afraid of everything that scares me.”

“Seems a bit extreme, Emily.”

“Well, it works. If I picture you dead and then I see you standing right there, I’m relieved—and not scared anymore.”

Vanessa tugged her ponytail. “Whatever. Too graphic for me.”

“Of course, I don’t really know what you would look like dead because I’ve never seen anybody dead. But I just use my imagination and—”

“I got it, Shortcake. You don’t have to draw me a picture.”

“I’m
really
glad nothing bad happened to you. I like it so much better now that you’re home. I got lonely when you were at college. But if you hadn’t gone to college, you wouldn’t have had Carter. So I guess it’s good you went.”

“I guess it is.” Vanessa forced herself not to smile at Emily’s rambling. “You’re going to be late for school if you don’t get going.”

“I’m going. Bye, Carter. Auntie Em is going to school now. I’ll see you soon and we’ll play patty-cake.”

Carter flashed a gaping smile that revealed his two bottom teeth and held up his arms, cooing.

“Oh, all right. Who could resist that face?” Emily reached down and picked him up. “I wish I didn’t have to go to school so I could babysit you all day. But I have to go now. Go see Mommy.”

Emily put Carter in her arms. And for a split second, Vanessa was eleven again, passing baby Emily off to her mother.

“The bell rings in ten minutes!” Kurt hollered from the bottom of the stairs.

“Coming!” Emily looked up at Vanessa. “I think you should stay home until Mom gets the shooter.”

Ethan stood at the front door with Vanessa. Why was it so difficult not taking her with him to Knoxville to pick up his uncle Richard and aunt Becca?

Vanessa’s eyes searched his, and it seemed as though she had her foot in the door to his soul. “I wish I could go with you.” She combed her fingers through is hair. “Are you sure you’re up to doing this? Seeing Drew’s parents is going to be emotional.”

“I’m going to have to face them sometime,” he said. “I’d just as soon get it behind me. Frankly, I’m worried about
you.
What you witnessed was gut-wrenching, Vanessa. I don’t want you downplaying what happened to you just because you know I’m hurting.”

“I’ll be all right. What I saw still doesn’t seem real. Maybe it never will.”

“I want to be there for you, if it does.”

He put his arms around Vanessa and held her close, her head resting on his chest.

“I hear your heart racing,” she said.

“See how you affect me?”

She pushed back and looked up at him. “Or your adrenaline is off the chart. I know you’re nervous about what to say to your aunt and uncle.”

“I just don’t want to fall apart, that’s all. They need me.”

“You need each other. All three of you probably
need
to fall apart. Just be real about it. Should be easier after that.”

Ethan kissed her forehead. “You’re starting to sound like me.”

“Well, I’ve been around you long enough. You’re starting to rub off on me.”

“That’s a scary thought.” He smiled in spite of himself.

“So what happens after you pick up your aunt and uncle from the airport?”

“I’ll drive them to the house and get that out of the way, and then I’ll drive them to Maryville. My parents will help them make Drew’s funeral arrangements.”

Vanessa sighed. “It’s going to be awkward for your uncle Ralph. He’s the odd man out.”

“That’s his choice. But he won’t feel that way when I’m around. And I’m going back to work as soon as I can. I need to stay busy, and I need the money.”

“You’d better get going. I’ll be praying that you’re safe on the highway, and that you’ll be a comfort to your aunt and uncle.”

“Thanks.” Ethan traced her eyebrow with his thumb. “Do me a favor … stay inside today.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good. The more I think about Drew and his roommate being shot by the same gun in two separate incidents, the more I question whether this was really random.”

“Then how do you explain the other victims?”

Ethan held her face and looked into her clear blue eyes. “I don’t have answers. It’s just weird, that’s all. But you’re an eyewitness, and
that
makes me nervous.”

“I didn’t see anything. I had my back to the street.”

“Just don’t go out, okay?”