Captive Justice: A Private Investigator Mystery Series (A Jake & Annie Lincoln Thriller Book 4) (17 page)
Authors: Rayven T. Hill
“But it’s not that damp in here,” Annie said.
“Dry rot doesn’t need much moisture,” Jake explained. “It’s actually fungi that grows and it’s hard to eradicate. Eventually, the decay can cause instability and the entire structure can collapse. That’s what happened here.”
“Then it’s fortunate for Rosemary Coleman they picked this place.”
Jake nodded. “Yes it is. And now, we’d better get out of here.”
They went back upstairs and joined Hank. Jake explained his theory and added. “This place should’ve been torn down long ago.”
Hank said, “It was boarded up but somehow they managed to get in. We’ll soon know who owns this building and that might shed some light on our perps. Maybe.”
Annie doubted it would.
Hank continued, “And now that we know exactly where Rosemary Coleman was abducted, officers are on their way there. Detective King’ll be spearheading that and they’ll go over the wooded area with a fine-toothed comb. They might find something.”
Annie interrupted, “The blue van is gone.”
Hank nodded. “I checked that as well and if it was the kidnapper’s vehicle, he’s gone with it, I presume.”
“He left a lot of his blood downstairs though,” Jake said.
“The hospitals and clinics have been informed in case he shows up for medical aid,” Hank said. “And I already have Callaway cross-checking the records for any registered blue vans.”
Rod Coleman approached. “We’re done here, Hank. It’s too soon to tell what we have, but there are some fingerprints around. Some on the coffee cups, and we might get some DNA from them as well. And of course, the blood downstairs is going to help identify one of them.”
“We have a physical description of the injured perp as well,” Hank said. “Mrs. Coleman was sure she could identify him and once we get him, we’re well on our way.”
“If he talks,” Jake added.
“He’ll talk,” Hank said. “I don’t think he was the brains behind this operation and if the crown offers him a lighter sentence . . . he’ll talk.”
“Then we have to find him before someone else is hurt,” Annie said.
Friday, September 2nd, 2:15 PM
WHEN HANK STEPPED from the store he almost ran straight into Lisa Krunk. She seemed to have been trying to get some information from one of the officers guarding the door, but she spun around when she saw Hank and shoved the microphone at him.
Hank brushed it aside and moved to the front of the boarded up windows, out of the way. Don’s camera followed his moves and Lisa was right behind.
“Detective Corning,” she said. “What can you tell me about the events taking place here?”
Hank paused. Lisa could be a royal pain, but if handled properly, she could be of some help. Besides, she owed him one. He disregarded his annoyance for her and spoke pleasantly for the watching camera.
“Good afternoon, Lisa. I received a call that a second kidnapping victim was held in this building and fortunately, was able to escape. She’s now under protection and we’re well on our way to rounding up the perpetrators.”
“Can you give us her name?” Lisa asked.
“Not at this time. Investigators are still studying the mountain of evidence and rest assured, there’s lots of it.”
“Detective, do you believe this is the work of the kidnapper who abducted and subsequently murdered Linda Gould, three days ago?”
“We have reason to believe so, yes.”
“And was a ransom paid this time as well?”
Hank hesitated and then said slowly. “A ransom was paid.”
Lisa’s mouth flapped. “If the ransom was paid, why would the victim be afraid for her safety?”
“The victim is able to identify her captor. Remember, she wasn’t released, she escaped, so we’re taking every precaution.”
“Do you know who’s responsible for the abductions?”
Hank looked directly at the camera. “We have a good idea who’s responsible and if you’re watching, we advise you to turn yourself in. We have your description and you can’t get away. It’s just a matter of time until you’re caught.”
Jake and Annie had stepped outside but were standing back. Lisa noticed them and motioned toward Don. He spun his camera their way as Lisa stepped over and confronted Jake.
“Jake Lincoln,” she said. “You’re becoming involved in a number of high profile cases lately. Do you have any information on this case you could share with the public?”
Jake frowned and leaned into the mike. “We have no information the police don’t already have and our investigation is parallel to theirs. As we have the same goal, any information we obtain is immediately turned over to them.” He straightened up and crossed his arms. Hank knew Jake wasn’t too happy with Lisa right now and he would have no more to say.
Lisa looked back and forth from Annie to Jake, obviously hoping for another comment. None was forthcoming. She frowned at Annie. “Mrs. Lincoln, do you agree with that?”
“Absolutely,” Annie said.
Hank motioned toward Lisa. “I’d like to add one more thing.”
Lisa’s eyes lit up and she eagerly swung the mike his way. The camera followed, its red light glowing.
Hank spoke, “The perpetrator we’re looking for has sustained several wounds about his face and neck in an altercation with the victim. He’s of medium build with dark hair. He also might be driving a blue van. I urge the members of the public to call our Crime Stoppers hotline if you see, or suspect, anyone with that description. He might or might not be in the company of others. Do not try to approach him as we have reason to believe he might be armed.”
Lisa held the mike steady as Hank gave the phone number to call and then he paused a moment before adding, “I would also like to repeat my warning from yesterday’s press conference. Please take precautions. Use common sense, be vigilant if in secluded places, lock your doors at night and don’t open it to anyone you don’t know.”
“Do you believe there are more than one kidnapper involved?” Lisa asked. “Is the Merchant of Death actually two people?”
“We believe there’re two and that makes our job easier.” Hank glared at the camera. “We’ll hunt you down, so be afraid. We’re coming for you.”
“Is there anything else you can add, Detective?”
“That’s all for now, Lisa. I’ve got a job to do, so let me get at it.”
Lisa pulled the mike back and motioned toward Don to shut down the camera. “Can I get a shot inside the building?” she asked Hank.
“From the doorway. I can’t let you go inside. It’s still a crime scene and could be dangerous.”
“Dangerous?”
Hank chuckled. “You’ll see.”
Lisa nodded. “Thanks, Detective.” Don followed her to the doorway, the camera humming.
An officer was working on a roll of familiar yellow tape, about to lock the front door and seal it. He looked up when Lisa approached, then looked at Hank. Hank nodded an ok to him and the officer stepped back.
Hank turned to Jake. “Now that I have a better idea of what went on here, I want to have another talk with the Colemans as soon as Mrs. Coleman is released.”
“Anything we can do?” Annie asked.
Hank shrugged. “I don’t believe so. I have people looking into every aspect of this case and unless you can think of something else—”
Jake laughed and put his arm around Annie’s shoulder. “Annie always comes up with ideas, but for now, I hope we can just take a break.”
Annie looked up at Jake. “We’ll take a break later, when Hank does, and the kidnappers are behind bars.”
Jake shrugged and looked at Hank. “See what I mean?”
Friday, September 2nd, 2:30 PM
JAKE POPPED THE clutch and left a little rubber on the asphalt as he pulled away from the curb. He glanced over at Annie. She seemed to be deep in thought, her brow wrinkled, and she didn’t seem to notice the squeal of the tires as the vehicle sprang ahead. After seventeen years of marriage, she was probably used to it by now.
Normally, he didn’t like to park his baby in a neighborhood like this, but with all the police cars around, thieves would have to be pretty brazen to jack it up and swipe his Sportsman S/Rs wrapped around Boze brushed aluminum rims.
“We’ve been so busy lately,” he said. “I haven’t had time to look into that insurance scammer. The company is going to be after us to get something done.”
Annie looked at him, his comment taking awhile to register, then, “They’ll wait. I told them it might be a few days before we get at it. They’re used to that.”
Jake yawned. “Hopefully, we’ll get a rest tomorrow and I can take care of it then.”
“That doesn’t sound like a rest to me.”
“It’s a change anyway. Something different to do.” He paused. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to catch the kidnappers as much as anyone, but a change will give us time to think of a new approach. We’ve little to go on right now anyway.”
“I’m afraid you’re right, but there’s always something. I just haven’t thought of it yet.”
Jake laughed. “Oh, I’m sure you will. Your mind is always working overtime. Maybe you should’ve been a cop.”
“I’m a bit small for that, don’t you think?”
“Yeah, maybe.” Jake glanced at her. “But you do look mean.”
Annie giggled and slugged him on the shoulder. “I do not look mean.”
Jake gave her a wink. “I meant it as a compliment. You’re lean and mean in all the right places.”
“Keep your eyes on the road. There’s time for that later.”
Jake roared with laughter. “I might take you up on that.”
He was still laughing when his cell phone rang. He scooped it from his belt holder.
“Give me that,” Annie demanded, holding out her hand. “You’re driving.”
Jake handed her the phone and she put it on speaker. “Annie Lincoln.”
There was a pause on the line and then a deep voice said, “Hello, Annie Lincoln. It’s nice to talk to you.”
She covered the phone and whispered, “It’s him.”
Jake frowned and reached for the phone but Annie held on. “Did you want to speak to Jake?” she asked.
“If he’s busy I wouldn’t want to interrupt him.”
Annie motioned for Jake to pull over. He thought it was a good idea, considering the nature of the call.
“He’s right here,” Annie said. “Just a moment.”
Jake pulled to the curb, shut down the vehicle and took the phone from Annie. “This is Jake.”
“Jake, my friend, it seems we’ve had a little mishap.”
“Oh?”
“I noticed a commotion going on. Police officers everywhere, the media, you and Annie. It’s a nasty, nasty situation. Very unfortunate indeed and an unexpected turn of events, wouldn’t you say?”
“What did you expect? That the police not be called?”
A sigh on the line and then, “I expect people to play fair. Nobody seems to want to play by the rules anymore. It’s a sad situation when you can’t trust anyone.”
Jake slammed his fist on the steering wheel. “You got your money. Isn’t that enough?”
“I got my money, yes, but Mrs. Coleman neglected to hold up her end of the bargain. She couldn’t wait until our little transaction was completed. Women are so impatient these days.”
Jake glared at the phone and raised his voice. “You weren’t going to let her go. I knew it, you knew it and she knew it.”
“I hadn’t decided that, Jake. But now . . . now, because of the current situation, somebody must pay.” Another sigh, then, “I must decide who’ll pay for this. I don’t mean financially, of course. That’s already been covered, but someone will pay.”
Annie put her hand on Jake’s arm and shook her head slowly, telling him to remain calm, but he found it hard. He took a breath and said, “You’re the one who’ll pay.”
The caller laughed. It was a sinister sound, designed to mock. “I’m getting tired of being so repetitive, Jake. It’s starting to grate on my nerves and I’d hoped you would know the rules by now. I implore you, for the good of everyone involved, please ensure complete compliance next time. Not just from yourself—you’ve actually been rather good about that—but from the others.”
Jake dropped his head back and closed his eyes. Next time. Always a next time. He changed his mind about taking a rest the next day and vowed to never let up until this scumbag was flat on his back.
“Next time will be your last time,” Jake said firmly. “You have my word.”
“Perhaps it will be, Jake. Perhaps it will be.” A pause. “And now, until we meet again, I must bid you goodbye and please, give my fondest regards to your lovely wife. You’re a fortunate man, you know. A woman like her needs to be protected, guarded, defended with your life. It was such a pleasure to speak to her.”
Jake gritted his teeth and glared at the phone. This guy knew just how to get to him and unfortunately, he was letting it happen.
“Until next time,” the caller said, and then the line went dead.
Jake sat a moment and stared quietly out the windshield. This was becoming an extremely stressful job, living every day surrounded with the knowledge of people’s capacity for evil. But the desire to see that evil stopped dead kept him going. Rosemary Coleman might be safe, but Linda Gould was dead and the doctor would have to live with her death on a daily basis. It would never go away.
It had to stop now.
Annie spoke quietly, “We’d better get the recording of this call to Hank. They might be able to make something of it.”
Jake nodded and looked at his watch. “We might not get home before Matty. Maybe you can call Chrissy and let her know to watch for him.”
Annie sighed. “I think you’re right. It seems we haven’t seen much of him in the last few days.”
Jake pushed in the clutch, turned the key and the vehicle roared to life. “We’ll make it up to him,” Jake said. “He’s a smart kid. He’ll understand.” He pulled from the curb, venting some of his anger by leaving behind another patch of rubber.
Friday, September 2nd, 3:18 PM