Long After Midnight (5 page)

“I keep remembering him as a little boy,” Phyliss whispered. “His first day at school. Christmas . . .” Tears flowed down her cheeks. “Isn’t that silly? I can’t think of him as a grown man. All I can think of is that little boy.” She closed her eyes, her face twisted with pain. “They killed my little boy.”

“Phyliss . . .” There wasn’t anything Kate could say to ease her agony. She could only hold her and weep with her and try to make her feel that she wasn’t alone.

It was hours later when Kate was able to leave Phyliss and go to Alan’s to pick up Joshua. He was tearless and silent on the way home. Shock? If it was, she would have to deal with it tomorrow. They all needed to go to bed and try to rest.

She didn’t get Joshua and Phyliss settled until nearly midnight. Finally she was able to close the door of her own room behind her. But she knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep. The hurt was still raw and burning though the tears had been exhausted.

Or maybe not.

She could feel her eyes sting as the desolation washed over her again.

Michael . . .

“We have to go back to the house now.” Kate gently nudged Phyliss away from the open grave. “Some of Michael’s friends are dropping in to see you and pay their respects.”

“Yes.” Phyliss still didn’t move. “It’s not fair. He was such a good man, Kate.”

Kate blinked back a hot rush of tears. “Yes, he was.”

“We didn’t always agree, but even when he was a kid he tried to do what he thought was right. That’s why he became a policeman.”

“I know.”

“And they killed him for it.”

“Phyliss.”

“I’ll shut up. I’m making this hard for you.”

“Talk all you please. Just come away from here now.”

Phyliss looked around her and said dully, “Yes, everybody’s gone, aren’t they? Where’s Joshua?”

“Alan Eblund and his wife took him back to the house.”

“I always liked Alan.”

“We should go too. I’ll bring you back tomorrow.”

“In a minute.” She looked back at the grave. “You go back to the car. I want a little time alone to say good-bye to my son.”

Kate didn’t want to leave her alone. Phyliss had held up wonderfully during the three days since Michael’s death, but Kate could tell she was very delicately balanced. “I’ll wait.”

Phyliss’s gaze never left the grave. “I don’t mean to be unkind, Kate. You’ve been wonderful to me, but I don’t want you here right now.”

Kate flinched and then nodded jerkily. “I’ll wait at the car.” She strode away from the grave and down the path toward the cemetery gates, eyes stinging. Phyliss hadn’t meant to hurt her, but the hurt was there. Hurt and guilt. Phyliss was right. She didn’t belong. Michael was her first love, the father of her child, and she had let their marriage splinter. She should have tried harder. She should have listened instead of gotten angry when he—

A hand encircled her wrist and she was jerked behind a huge oak tree bordering the path.

Her heart leaped with fear as a hard callused palm covered her mouth.

“Don’t scream.” The voice was hoarse, masculine. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

She didn’t scream. Instead she sank her teeth into the hand pressed to her lips. At the same time she kneed the bastard in the groin.

He grunted with pain. “Christ.” He sank against her, but his hold didn’t loosen. “Listen to me.”

“Let me
go.
”

“Just listen to me.” He pushed her back against the tree, glaring down at her. “And, by God, if you knee me again, I’ll strangle—” He drew a deep breath. “I didn’t mean that. I’m not going to rob you or rape you. I just had to—”

“My God,” she whispered, staring up at him incredulously. “But you’re dead.”

“I would have argued that with you a minute ago. Until you almost killed me with that knee,” Noah Smith said.

There was no doubt about it, she realized dazedly. He was dressed in jeans and a gray sweatshirt, not a business suit or yachting outfit. His left cheek was bruised, there was a cut at his hairline, and his hands were bandaged. But the man standing before her was definitely Noah Smith. “You jumped out at me. I thought you were going to—” None of that was important. “What are you doing here?”

“I have to talk to you.” He scowled. “And I couldn’t get near you, dammit. Do you think I wanted to lurk in a graveyard like some kind of ghoul? You weren’t answering the phone and your house was crawling with cops and well-wishers.”

She was jolted out of the shock that held her immobile. “I have to get back to the house. I don’t know why you’re—”

“I won’t take long.” He spoke quickly. “I want you to meet me at the King Brothers Motel on Highway 41 tonight. Room 24. Come as soon as you can get away. I’ll be there all evening. Bring your son and pack enough for an extended stay.”

“Why should I do that?”

“To save your life.” He paused. “And maybe your son’s life too.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You’re crazy.”

“Park your car around the corner from your house and be careful when you leave. If you see anything strange, go back in the house and call me.”

“Take Joshua? My son is mourning his father’s death. I’m not dragging him out of the house on a wild-goose chase.”

“Okay, leave him. We’ll try to go back for him. It might be safer for him anyway. Just come yourself.”

She shook her head. “Why doesn’t anyone know you’re alive?”

“I’ll explain that to you tonight.”

“Explain it now.”

“Because I want to stay alive,” he answered simply. “And I want you to stay alive.”

“But I have nothing to do with you and your problems.”

“You have everything to do with me.” He paused. “And our problems are showing a remarkable similarity. My plant was blown up. Your ex-husband’s car was blown up a day later. According to the papers, the police said if you’d followed your usual custom, you and your son should have been in that car.”

“Michael was murdered by drug dealers.”

“Was he? I think he was an innocent bystander. You were the target.”

“Bull.”

“All right. I know it sounds crazy unless you know—Let me think.”

“I can’t waste any more time. My mother-in-law will be—”

“Okay, I’ve got it. According to the newspapers, the timer that set off the bombs at my plant was Czechoslovakian built. Ask the police about the timer that destroyed your ex-husband’s car.” He glanced beyond her. “Someone’s coming. I’ve got to go. Don’t tell anyone you’ve seen me.” He released her wrists and stepped back, his gaze holding hers. “And come tonight. I’m not lying. I’m trying to keep you alive. You’ve
got
to live.”

He turned and walked away quickly.

She stared after him. The man must be totally insane.

“Who was that?” Phyliss was standing beside her, her gaze on Noah Smith’s retreating back.

“Just someone from the lab expressing his condolences.” The lie tumbled out before she had time to think. Why was she protecting him? His story was a wild hodgepodge of crazy—

“He looks familiar.” Phyliss was frowning. “Have I met him?”

She was too upset and confused to deal with Smith or his story. She had no intention of going to him tonight, and there was something distinctly fishy about his not wanting anyone to know he had survived the fire. Still, the raw urgency of his appeal had shaken her.

But worrying about Noah Smith’s wild accusations would have to wait. Right now there were people at the house for the wake, and she had her final duty to perform. “I don’t think you know him.” She took Phyliss’s arm. “Come on, let’s get home to Joshua. He needs us.”

“The kid seems to be holding up pretty well.” Charlie Dodd awkwardly balanced his coffee cup in one hand and a sandwich in the other. “How you doing, Kate?”

Kate’s gaze followed his to Joshua sitting across the crowded room with Alan’s oldest boy, Mark. He looked so pale and grown-up in his blue suit, she thought with a wrenching pang. For once, his hair was neatly combed and he’d tried to plaster down the cowlick. He hadn’t worn the suit since Christmas, and he’d almost outgrown it. She’d have to buy him a new one soon. “We’re both doing well, Charlie. Thanks for coming.”

“Hey, I just wish I could do more. Benny’s being buried in Tucson, but did you hear there was going to be a memorial service for her here on Tuesday?”

She nodded. “I’ll be there.”

“I heard you were taking a week’s leave. I just wondered if you were planning on going away.”

“Familiar surroundings are always a comfort. I just need to spend more time with Joshua and Phyliss right now.”

“Can I do anything? Take over any of your work? Bring anything home for you?”

“No, I’m pretty caught up. I may stop by the office to pick up a few reports later.” Her gaze returned to Joshua. “Not now.”

“Well, just let me know.”

“I will.” She turned and smiled at him. Tall and lanky, Charlie always reminded her of Disney’s rendition of Ichabod Crane, and in his dark suit, he looked even more awkward than Joshua. She could tell this type of situation wasn’t easy for him, and he was really being very thoughtful. Everyone at GeneChem had been very understanding. “But there’s really nothing you can do.”

He gave a sigh of relief as he set the cup of coffee down. “Then may I go? I know I should stick around and be comforting but I’m really lousy at it.”

She waved her hand. “Go.”

“Thanks.” He bolted toward the door.

Kate set her own empty cup down and glanced at the clock. It was only a little after five. When would they all leave? God, she was tired. Phyliss looked exhausted too. There was such a thing as too much kindness.

“Should I start the mass exit?” Alan was beside her. “I think you need to be rid of the lot of us.”

“You’ve been wonderful, Alan.” Her eyes filled with tears. “You and Betty both. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“You’d have managed. No matter how tough things got, you always managed. Michael was always boasting about how smart you were.”

“He was?” She shook her head. “I don’t think ‘boasting’ is the word you’re looking for.”

“No, he was proud of you. And he always cared about you. You can still admire what you have trouble living with.” He squeezed her shoulder. “But sometimes we all need a little help. If Betty or I can give a hand, call us. Maybe Joshua would like to spend a few days with us.”

“I’ll ask him.” Her gaze went to Joshua. “I’m worried about him.”

“I thought he was acting pretty normal.”

“Too normal. I haven’t seen him cry since you brought him home.”

“You know the department has a psychologist who can help if either you or Joshua have trouble with . . .” He stopped. “Witnessing the death of a loved one is pretty traumatic. Particularly when you see . . .”

“Them blown up before your eyes,” she finished when he broke off again. “I hope that won’t be necessary, but I won’t hesitate if Joshua starts having trouble.” She paused. “Have you found out anything?”

“The school security guard knows most of the parents and saw no one suspicious arriving before the game. Whoever did this must have arrived after everyone was in the bleachers.”

“No leads?”

“We’re exploring the drug connection and we’re rounding up anyone who might have had a grudge against Michael.”

“Any evidence from the explosion?”

“Not much.”

“Did you find the timer?” She hadn’t known she was going to ask the question until it came out.

He nodded. “Very sophisticated.”

“Can you trace it?”

“We’ll trace it. It may take a little time. It’s not a local product. It was made in Czechoslovakia.”

She felt as if she’d been punched in the stomach. It could have been coincidence. It didn’t mean that Noah Smith’s ravings had any basis in fact.

“We shouldn’t be talking about this. You look like you’re ready to pass out.” He turned away. “I’m going to clear these bozos out so you can get some rest.”

“Thanks,” she said faintly.

Czechoslovakia. It didn’t have to mean anything. Michael had died because of his job. It had not been because of her. No one would want to kill her.

“Tough day.” Kate sat down on the bed beside Joshua and carefully tucked him in. “Thanks for being a trooper.”

“S’okay.” Joshua’s eyes were closing. “It will be better tomorrow, won’t it, Mom?”

She nodded. “With each day it’ll get a little better.” Lord, she hoped she was telling the truth. “I’ll miss him. He was one of the very brightest links.”

“What?”

“Your grandfather used to say that nothing is ever lost, that nothing really fades away, that it comes back brighter than ever.”

“You hardly ever talk about Grandpa.”

“Because it hurts, not because I don’t remember him. He’s always with me.” She brushed her lips across Joshua’s forehead. “Just as your dad will always be with you as long as you remember him.”

“I’ll remember him.” He turned his head and looked at the wall. “Why do people have to die? It’s not fair.”

What could she say? “Sometimes bad things happen.” Great, Kate, very profound. That explains everything. That will be a great help to him.

“But you won’t die, will you?”

Her arms closed tightly around him. She whispered, “Not for a long, long time.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Don’t make me a liar, God. He can’t take it right now.

She felt him relax against her. “Shall I turn out the light?”

“Can I have it on tonight? I had a dream last night.”

“Why didn’t you call out? I would have come to you.”

“You were sad.”

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you.” She paused. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“No,” he said sharply. “It’s over. Dad and Benny are dead. What’s there to talk about?”

She felt a ripple of shock at the harshness of his voice. “Sometimes it makes things easier to talk about bad things.”

“It’s over. I don’t want to think about it anymore. I’m not going to ever think about it again.”

Denial. She should have known he was being too controlled. No wonder she had not seen him cry since that day it happened. She must have been blind not to have seen the wall he had built around himself.