Captive Justice: A Private Investigator Mystery Series (A Jake & Annie Lincoln Thriller Book 4) (27 page)

The best bet would be to bide his time and wait for a better chance. He was glad Annie had insisted he wear the vest.

Martin seemed to sense Jake’s thoughts and waved the pistol for effect. “You can’t get away, Jake. You must face it.”

Rosemary eased out from behind Jake and took one step toward Martin. “Why were you trying to kill me?”

The pistol moved toward Rosemary. “My dear, dear woman. Surely you must know.”

She shook her head. “I have no idea.”

Martin laughed. “Perhaps you’ll find out why before you die.”

Rosemary jutted her chin. “Go ahead. Shoot me.”

Jake put a hand on her shoulder. “Rosemary, please relax.” He moved in front of her again.

“Well done, Jake. Well done.” Martin chuckled. “Now, please turn around, both of you.”

Jake met Martin’s gaze and glared at him a moment before turning around, careful to keep himself between Martin and Rosemary.

“Walk to my vehicle.”

Martin stayed back a few feet as they moved toward the SUV.

“Now, get down on the ground, both of you, and lay face down.”

Jake turned and scowled at Martin before doing as he was told and then watched as Martin opened the rear door of the SUV, rummaged around and removed a yellow nylon rope. The killer slipped a knife from under his jacket and cut the rope in two. While holding the pistol in one hand, he tied Jake’s hands and feet securely. The knot was pulled tight and Jake was helpless.

Rosemary was next and she put up more of a struggle, but Martin managed to tie her as well. He stepped back and a smile appeared on his face. “This is so much fun,” he said. The smile turned into a laugh as he tucked the pistol under his belt. He leaned down and rolled Jake onto his back, and then Rosemary.

They lay side by side, helpless.

“Why don’t you kill us?” Jake asked.

“In due time, Jake. Please be patient. I have much better plans.”

Martin went to the SUV and returned with a cell phone in his hand. “Smile for the camera,” he said, and the camera clicked. He turned the phone around. “Ah, an excellent shot. You make a great couple. Annie will be delighted to see you two so nice and cozy.”

“Leave her out of this,” Jake roared. “You don’t need her. You have me.”

“But she’s already involved, Jake. I couldn’t leave her out if I wanted to. Besides, that wouldn’t be fair, would it?”

Chapter 58

Saturday, September 3rd, 5:36 PM

ANNIE LEANED against the tree, her phone in her hand. She’d been unable to get a hold of Jake and she was anxious to inform Hank of what she’d discovered. Before she had a chance to make the call, her cell rang. She looked at the caller ID. Unknown Number.

She answered, “Annie Lincoln.”

“Annie Lincoln, I’m so delighted we finally get to talk,” a deep voice said.

It’s him. It’s Eli Martin.

Why would he be calling now and why would he be calling her? Annie said nothing, her mind in a whirl, as breathing came over the line.

“Are you still there, Annie?”

“I’m here.”

“You’ll be happy to hear your husband is safe.”

Whatever did that mean? What was he talking about?

Martin continued, “He and the lovely Rosemary are a little busy at the moment. Perhaps you’d like to see what they’re up to. Wait, I know. I can send you a photo. I happen to have a lovely shot of just the two of them.”

She gasped as an image appeared on her screen; Jake and Rosemary, tied and helpless.

“I’ve always wanted to be a photographer,” Martin said. “I think it’s in my blood.” Silence. “Did you receive my latest masterpiece, Annie?”

“I see it,” Annie said, almost a whisper.

“I’ve no intention of hurting your husband.” More silence, then, “Do you believe in love, Annie?”

“Of course.”

“Your husband thinks a lot of you. He actually offered himself up if I would spare you.”

Annie listened quietly, fearfully.

“Would you do the same for him?”

“Yes.”

“Would you like that chance? A chance to prove your undying love?”

Whatever was he driving at?

“Please forgive me,” Martin said. “I’m a hopeless romantic.”

His low laugh sent a chill up Annie’s spine as she waited.

“It’s your choice, Annie. I’ll spare Jake and take you in exchange. Would you consider that?”

Of course she would, but that wasn’t going to be necessary. At least . . . she hoped it wasn’t. “I would do that,” she answered softly.

A chuckle came over the line, then, “Excellent. So, shall we put it to the test?”

What choice did she have? “Yes,” she answered.

“There’s one condition, Annie. You must come alone. Otherwise, it’ll be impossible for me to keep my end of the bargain, and I’m afraid that would result in a horrendous outcome.”

“I’ll come alone,” Annie said.

“Marvelous. It’ll be amazing to finally get to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you and your marvelous escapades, and now.” A sigh, then, “I have to admit, Annie, I’m a fan.”

“Just tell me where you want me to go and I’ll be there.”

“Well, well, aren’t we just a little bit impatient.” Martin paused. “Very well, then. Do you know where Hamlin Road is?”

“I do.”

“Such a lovely neighborhood. Pleasant and quiet. No nosy people to disturb you. However, once you get out of the suburbs, it’s even more peaceful. One could shout—even scream—as loud as they wanted and would never be heard.”

Silence.

“And that’s where we can meet up, Annie. Hamlin Road soon turns into a long, lonely highway, and just five miles east of the city you’ll go around a rather large curve and then . . . then you’ll be close. Keep your eye on the right hand side for a delightful little laneway. It’s a long lane, beautiful really, all lined with wildflowers and colorful shrubs, but it’ll take you right in to our meeting place.”

“I have the directions,” Annie said. “I’ll be there.”

“Wonderful. And please hurry. I’ll be waiting and so will Jake.”

“What about Rosemary Coleman? Will you release her as well?”

A hesitation and then, “Yes, I will—if you come alone. You have exactly one hour to get here, otherwise I can’t be responsible for the consequences.”

“I’m downtown,” Annie said. “I need a bit longer to get there.”

“Very well. You have one hour and fifteen minutes. Not a second more. Drive carefully now.”

The line went dead.

Annie dropped her phone in her lap, lay back against the tree and closed her eyes. She realized at that moment, she would give her life to save Jake, but even if that were the only answer, Eli Martin could never be trusted to keep his word. Never.

She had to come up with a plan and quickly.

She stood and hurried to her car, wondering if she should call Hank. She decided against it. Martin likely expected her to and would be ready. He was stringent with the rules he’d set and she wasn’t going to take any chances. Lives were at stake. Her husband’s life was at stake.

She climbed in her car and sat still, hatching a plan—a daring plan—but it just might work. It had to work. She would only have one shot at this.

Annie thought about Rosemary Coleman and about Walter Coleman. Should she let him know what was going on? He had every right since his wife was in mortal danger.

She drove faster than usual through town, hoping she wouldn’t get pulled over for speeding and in a few minutes arrived home. She ran into the house and straight to the office.

The iMac came to life when she touched the space bar. She spent a few minutes on Google Maps, made a print out, folded the paper and tucked it into her back pocket.

When she unlocked the side drawer of the desk and gazed at the Smith & Wesson, she wished Jake had taken it with him. But he hadn’t, and so now, she would make good use of it. Jake was in danger and nothing else mattered.

The harness had to be adjusted to fit her, and when she slipped the gun into the holster, it felt heavy. She adjusted the harness again, popped the magazine in, and was thankful Jake had taken the time to show her that much. She knew how to load it, but wasn’t sure how well she could shoot. She hadn’t had much occasion to practice in the past, but was certain it couldn’t be that hard.

Just aim and pull the trigger.

Binoculars. She pulled a pair off the shelf and tucked them into her handbag. A knife. A kitchen knife would have to do. What else? A jacket. Dark green. It was Jake’s and rather large on her, but it would be fine. And a cap. Also Jake’s.

She was ready.

Ready and determined.

She looked at her watch. One last thing to do. Walter Coleman would just be on his way home from work. She picked up the office phone and called his cell number. He answered right away.

She told him who she was and said, “I have some disturbing news for you, Mr. Coleman.”

“Yes?”

Annie explained all she knew, who the kidnapper was and what he was demanding of her.

“You shouldn’t go alone,” he said, concern in his voice. Concern for Annie, but primarily for his wife. “Let me come with you.”

“I must go alone,” Annie said.

“What about the police?”

“No. I can’t chance it.”

“Then at least tell me where Rosemary is. I need to know.” He was pleading.

Annie felt deep sympathy for Walter Coleman. Because of this dangerous situation, she could almost feel what it would be like to lose Jake. It would be no different for Coleman.

“They’re about five miles east of the city along Hamlin Road,” she said. “There’s a cabin there where I’m supposed to meet them. But stay away, Mr. Coleman. Rosemary isn’t in any danger at the moment.”

“I can help you.”

“No. There would be twice as much danger with you there and I don’t want to chance it.”

“Then please, call me as soon as possible. As soon as you know anything.”

“I will,” Annie promised.

Chapter 59

Saturday, September 3rd, 5:57 PM

ELI MARTIN stood twenty feet away from where Jake and Rosemary lay on the ground. Jake had turned his head to the side, watching him. While Martin had made a phone call, Jake struggled against his bonds. It was no use. They wouldn’t budge.

Martin put the phone away and came over to them. “On your feet,” he said, brandishing his pistol. “We’re going inside the cabin.”

Jake managed to get to a sitting position. It wasn’t an easy task to get to his feet with his hands tied behind his back but Martin grabbed him by the arm and Jake finally stood upright. His bound feet only allowed him to move forward a few inches at a time.

Martin helped Rosemary to her feet and stepped back. “Let’s go. We have a date with a pretty lady.”

He had called Annie. Jake was sure of it. What was Martin up to?

Jake twisted his head around and glared at his abductor. “You’ll never get away with this. Annie’s too smart for you.”

Martin laughed. “Not this time she’s not.”

“If you harm me, my husband will hunt you down,” Rosemary said.

Martin laughed again and pointed to the cabin. “Go.”

It took a few minutes to get to the cabin door. Martin swung it open and prodded them inside. He pointed to a chair by a massive wooden table and said to Jake, “Over there and sit down.”

Jake did as he was told while Martin shoved Rosemary toward another chair. He pushed her and she fell backwards, landing in a sitting position. She scowled up at him, fire in her eyes. “I might just kill you myself,” she said.

“Not if I get to him first,” Jake said.

Martin returned to Jake and adjusted his bonds, tied him snugly to the chair and wrapped the end around the table leg, making a secure knot. He tied Rosemary the same way and then stood back and observed his handiwork. “That should hold.”

He sat in another chair and leaned forward, a wide smile on his face. “Jake, my friend, you’ll be happy to hear your lovely wife has offered to give herself up in exchange for you.” He sighed and sat back. “It must be such a wonderful thing to experience such undying love.”

“Is that what your problem is?” Jake asked. “You feel so unloved? Is that why you have the desire to kill the way you do?”

“Oh, no. It goes much deeper than that. Much deeper.”

Rosemary had relaxed and she spoke in a calm voice. “If you let me go, let us go, I’m sure my husband will pay any ransom you want.”

Martin chuckled. “And then you’ll go straight to the police. I don’t think that’s a viable option.” He shook his head. “No, I’m afraid I won’t be in the position to let anyone go.”

“What about Mouse?” Jake asked.

“I’ll take care of Mouse soon enough and that’ll just about wrap everything up. And did I mention dear Mrs. Lincoln? Of course, she’ll have to be dealt with as well.” He looked at his watch. “I’m expecting her to be in attendance before long.”

“Annie’ll call the police and they’ll come down on this place like a swarm,” Jake said. “You’ll see.”

“Oh no, I’m sure she won’t.” Martin stood, gave a quick bow and continued, “And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for our company.” He spun around and headed for the door. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back,” he called over his shoulder and then left the cabin, pulling the door shut behind him.

Jake struggled against his bonds, flexing his powerful muscles, but the sturdy cord wouldn’t give. He had little room to move and the nylon rope bit into his wrists. He tugged at the table but it was too heavy. He glanced down. The table legs were bolted to the floor, secured firmly, impossible to move.

He glanced at Rosemary and again admired her spunk. She was more angry than afraid, but now with the both of them helpless, they could only depend on Annie, but she was walking into a trap.

For the first time, Jake felt desperation and totally hopelessness.

Chapter 60

Saturday, September 3rd, 5:57 PM