Runs Deep (20 page)

CHAPTER 51

J
ulie pulled her hood tighter around her, although there was apparently no way to keep the rain out. Water seemed to be spraying in every direction. She could feel the beads of moisture slipping down her neck, under her jacket.

She jumped over a puddle and jogged up the steps of the police station, then took shelter at the side of the doors.
What exactly is my plan here?

With a shaking hand she took a sip of her coffee, which by some miracle she hadn’t dropped.

Just then two men dashed up the steps. “Julie?”

Russ pulled back his hood as he stepped into the covered area.

“Hey, Russ.”

Russ glanced at the man next to him. Declan Reed, Julie realized with a shock. She’d heard he’d gotten stationed back here when Steve had gotten arrested. But she hadn’t seen him in years.

He nodded at her. “Ms. Granger,” he said, then turned back to Russ. “I’ll see you inside.” He disappeared through the doors.

Russ stood awkwardly next to her. “Um, are you all right?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.” She nodded.

Russ leaned down. “I guess you heard about Mel?”

She saw the concern on his face. He’d always been a good friend. Fact was, she’d had a lot of good friends here. She’d made friends since she left, too, of course, but there was something about the people you grew up with. They knew you from mud pies to prom dates. And no one had been a better friend growing up than she had. Steve. She looked away, blinking back the tears. “Yeah. I heard. I can’t believe it.”

“Me neither.” Russ’s normally calm face was troubled.

With a shock, Julie realized he’d probably seen Mel, been at the crime scene. “Are
you
okay?” she asked.

“I’m supposed to be. But that…” He shook his head. “I wasn’t prepared for that.”

She placed her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry.”

Russ’s chin trembled and he let out a breath. “What are you doing here anyway?

Julie shrugged. “I don’t know. When I heard about Mel, and that Steve had been arrested, I just kind of came here. Can you tell me anything?”

Russ glanced through the glass doors of the station. No one was paying them any attention. “It looks like it happened last night.”

“But I thought they arrested Steve this morning.”

“They did.”

“Wasn’t he locked up all last night?”

“Yup.”

“I don’t understand.”

Russ opened his mouth and then shut it, shaking his head. “The chief has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to Steve.”

“What about Declan? What’s he doing here?”

“Steve called him after he found Mel.”

“And Declan called you?”

“No, actually—” Russ broke off. “I really shouldn’t be telling you any of this.”

Julie raised her hands. “Who am I going to tell? Besides, who has a more vested interest than me?”

“Julie, I know that. But don’t you think it would be better if you just put this all behind you? You don’t need to concern yourself with this now.”

She pictured how Steve had looked at her last night. She had thought seeing him would bring resolution—confirm everything she’d been told for the last ten years—but it had only made everything more confusing. Yet at the same time, she knew in her bones that he couldn’t kill Mel. Even if she could believe he killed Simone or Elise, she’d seen him with Mel. She knew how much Mel meant to him. There was no way.

But Russ was right—she should put it all behind her. Whatever Steve did now had nothing to do with her. The damage to her and her family was done.

She nodded with a sigh. “You’re right. I’ll see you later.” She started to head back for her car, but then turned. “Just let me know if anything happens, okay?”

“Julie…” Russ said, drawing out her name.

She shrugged. “I just want to be kept in the loop. That’s all.”

“That’s all?”

She nodded. “What else would it be?”

Russ gave her a pointed look—one of those looks that only old friends could give one another and convey a world of meaning.

She put up her hands and turned to the car. “Don’t answer that.”

CHAPTER 52

D
eclan nodded at Dee as he crossed through the doors leading into the squad room. He was still a little surprised at seeing Julie Granger. What was she doing here?

He shook off his curiosity. That would have to wait. He needed to see about Steve first.

“Where’s Steve?” he asked Dee.

She gestured toward the cells. “Cell one.”

Declan could feel the eyes of the officers in the squad room on him as he headed to the cellblock. As a state policeman, he already wasn’t popular. But now that he was viewed as helping Steve, he was downright unwelcome.

Declan was surprised to find an officer stationed by the holding cells. That was odd.

Only one of the four cells was occupied. Declan looked in and blanched. “Jesus.”

Steve’s face was a mess. There was a laceration on the side of his head, and both his cheekbone and eye were bruised.

Jack looked up from his chair next to Steve’s cot. He rose, walked over to the cell door, pushed it open, and stepped out. Now Declan understood why the officer was stationed there.

Jack motioned for Declan to follow him a little distance away, out of earshot of the officer.

Declan gestured to the cell. “What the hell happened?”

“According to Keith, Steve fell.”

“Yeah, I’m guessing with a little help. He okay?”

Jack shrugged, but his eyes looked worried. “I don’t know. I think he might have a concussion. I’d get him released to a hospital, but of course with the bridge out, that’s not an option. So I’m staying with him. I don’t feel safe leaving him here alone. What about the crime scene? Did you learn anything?”

“Single killer. Almost three dozen stab wounds.” Declan paused. “I think he wanted us to think it was a crazed, angry attack.”

“You don’t think so?”

“No. Actually I think it was pretty unemotional, despite all the wounds. The guy took the time to clean up after himself. And it was done way before Steve showed up. Sometime between midnight and three.”

A smile slowly broke across Jack’s face. “Which means…”

Declan nodded. “I’m heading to Keith now.” He clapped Jack on the shoulder.

Before he walked away, he went back and glanced once more into Steve’s cell. Bad idea. It just made his anger boil. He turned away, his fists clenched.

When he got to Keith’s office, he stopped outside to take a couple of deep breaths and count to ten. But it didn’t work. He was still ready to rip someone apart.

Calm down. You can’t help Steve if you’re all worked up.

He stepped into Keith’s doorway.

Keith looked up with a growl. “I don’t have time for you right now.”

Declan stepped in and closed the door behind him. “Make time.”

Keith glared at him and pointed toward the cellblock. “Kane is staying in that cell.”

“He didn’t kill Mel. Mel died between midnight and three a.m.”

“How the hell could you know that?”

“I did an internal temperature on Mel, and the rigor mortis confirms it.”

Keith smirked. “So, what, you’re a medical examiner now?”

Declan clenched his fist, warning himself not to take the bait. “No. But I’m trained in forensics.”

Keith crossed his arms over his chest. “I still have plenty of cause to keep—”

Declan lashed out. “So what is it you’re suggesting? That while Steve was in your jail cell, he escaped, slipped past every officer on duty, ran down the road, committed a very bloody murder, cleaned himself and the murder scene up, and then slipped back into his cell? Is that your theory?”

Keith’s eyes narrowed to slits.

“Don’t you get it?” Declan said. “The Millners Kill Police Department
is
his alibi. Steve didn’t do it. And the longer you focus on him, the longer the
actual
murderer has to get away.”

“I can hold him for twenty-four hours.”

“To what end?” Declan said, and he knew he sounded exasperated. “It wasn’t him. So during this storm, when you’re stretched for manpower as it is, you’re going to leave an officer here to guard a man you
know
didn’t commit the crime. And a man who needs medical attention at that! Any chance the deputy who drove Steve here can explain that?”

Keith ignored the question. “Kane needs to be watched.”

Declan threw up his hands. “Where do you think he’s going to go? We’re cut off here. And if something happens to Steve while he’s in police custody, I will make it my life’s work to see that
you
are held responsible.” He clamped his mouth shut, even though he wanted to keep ranting. He was afraid that if he didn’t stop now, he wouldn’t be able to keep himself from leaping over Keith’s desk and making Keith’s face look ten times worse than Steve’s.

Keith gritted his teeth and tried to stare Declan down.

Declan met his glare, unflinching.

Keith looked away with a growl. “Fine. He can be released. But if anyone else gets hurt, it’s on your head.”

CHAPTER 53

S
teve opened his eyes and stared at the bright fluorescent lighting. He blinked, and his head pounded. He held a hand over his eyes and groaned.

“He lives.”

Steve squinted over at Jack. “Not so sure yet.” He sat up and slowly swung his legs over the edge of the bed.

Jack held out a bottle of water and two aspirin. Steve took them, swallowed the aspirin, and took a long swig of water. He leaned back against the cement wall. “So, are you locked up in here as well, or just visiting?”

Jack smiled. “Just visiting. But I don’t plan on letting you be locked up here for very long.”

Steve started to laugh, but it made his head pound, making him groan instead. “Pretty sure good old Keith is going to keep me in here for a while. How long have I been here?”

Jack glanced at his watch. “Going on four hours now.”

Steve’s stomach growled, but he didn’t want to eat. The idea of food made him think of Mel, and that chased away his appetite. “You know about Mel?”

Jack’s voice softened. “Yeah. Declan took care of him. Mel’s at the funeral home now.”

Steve’s head jerked up. He took in a couple of deep breaths, waiting for the pain to pass. “The funeral home? What about an autopsy?”

“They’ll do one, but not until the bridge is back up.”

The bridge. Right.
He’d forgotten about that little tidbit. “Does Grandma know?”

Jack nodded. “I called her.”

Steve closed his eyes. “Damn. I really wish she didn’t have to know.”

“Well, better from me than someone else.”

That was true enough. “Why are you still here?”

Jack gave him a long look. “I know you didn’t kill Mel. Same way I know you didn’t kill Elise Ingram or Simone Granger. And I don’t trust these deputies. I figure I’ll just hang around and make sure you’re safe.”

Steve stared at him in surprise. He wasn’t used to someone looking out for him. It felt… well, nice. “Thanks.”

“Besides, I don’t think you’ll be here much longer.”

“You always were an optimist.”

Russ appeared at the cell door with Declan beside him. “You’re free to go,” Russ said.

Steve stared. “What?”

Declan pulled the cell door open. “You’re free to go. Although the chief cautions you to stay in the area.” Declan smiled. “So no swimming in raging flood waters trying to escape.”

Jack pulled Steve to his feet. “Come on. Let’s get moving before Keith changes his mind.”

Jack helped Steve into the hall, and Declan helped support him on the other side.

“How?” Steve asked as they walked.

“Seems you have an alibi,” Declan said.

“I do?”

Declan nodded. “The Millners Kill Police Department. Mel was killed while you were locked up.”

Ten minutes later, Steve rested his head on the window of his brother’s car. Jack drove slowly. In part because of the weather, and in part because of him. Steve appreciated it. His head pounded with every turn, and his cheekbones felt like they were swollen to twice their normal size.

“We’re home,” Jack said quietly. Steve opened his eyes. He must have dozed off.

He looked outside. The rain was lashing down. Little rivers of water were flowing down either side of the street. And the porch seemed awfully far away.

“You all right?” Jack asked.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” Steve opened the door and stepped out into the rain. He didn’t even try running to avoid getting wet. Honestly, he wasn’t sure his legs were going to stay under him as it was. He shuffled up the front steps. Jack stood on the porch, patiently waiting for Steve to catch up before opening the front door.

As soon as they entered, Bess came bustling in from the kitchen. “Thank God, I was getting—” She let out a shriek and ran over to Steve.

“Oh, Steve. What did they do to you?” She gently cupped his face. There was a tremble in her hands and she looked pale.

Steve placed his hands over hers. “I’m okay. It’s nothing.”

Tears crested in her eyes. “They can’t do this to you.”

Steve pulled her into his chest. Her shoulders heaved. Damn. Seeing her hurt was worse than actually getting hurt. He pulled her away. “Why don’t you go get a cup of tea? I’m going to get cleaned up.”

“No. I should help you—”

Steve looked over at his brother. “Jack.”

Jack nodded and put his arm around their grandmother. “Come on, Grandma. I’ll get you a cup of tea, and then maybe you can make Steve and me something to eat.”

Steve’s heart broke at the anguish on her face. “But I need—”

Jack began to lead her away. “It’ll be all right.”

She looked up at him. “It’s not fair what they did to him. It’s not right.”

“I know, I know,” he soothed. “I’ll take care of it.”

Steve watched them go, his heart heavy. He leaned back against the wall. Maybe he needed to move out of town and take Grandma with him.
Maybe we could live over on the mainland, and I could just come back for work at the diner.

The thought brought him up short. He no longer had a job. Who knew what would happen to the diner with Mel gone. Maybe Shawn would take over after a while. Maybe it would close for good. It was hard to imagine anyone would ever want to eat there now, knowing what had happened in that room.

I’m unemployed.
The thought struck fear in him.
They’ll send me back to prison.
He felt horrible worrying about that with everything going on, but he couldn’t help it. He’d focused on his release date for years. Now after being out for only four days, he might already be going back.

He closed his eyes.
Mel’s dead, and I’m heading back to prison. How the hell did all of this happen?
Then again, maybe things would be better with him back inside. His release only seemed to bring disaster.

A soft knock sounded at the front door. Steve sighed.
No more bad news
, he prayed.

He debated for a second just ignoring whoever it was, but then he crossed to the door and glanced through the transom glass. Julie.

He opened it. “Hey.”

“Oh my God.”

Steve groaned. He hadn’t actually looked in a mirror yet, but the reaction of his grandmother, and now Julie, told him all he needed to know about his appearance. “It’s nothing. It looks worse than it is.”

“I doubt that.” She swung a backpack off her shoulder. “I brought medical supplies.”

“How did you know?”

“Russ. As soon as you left the station, he called me. Come on. Let’s get you looked at.”

Julie walked past him and headed up the stairs. As Steve followed, memories of the thousands of times they’d pounded up these same stairs to wash their hands before dinner flashed through Steve’s mind.

But he said nothing, just followed her to the bathroom. Right now he was beyond exhausted. It was an effort just to make his feet move.

Julie turned on the shower. “Hop in and warm up. I’ll go grab you some clothes.”

He stripped out of his soaked clothes as soon as she closed the door. He stepped into the shower and felt the relief as the heat from the shower soaked into his bones. He stayed in the hot shower for a long time, his hands leaning against the wall. It was an effort just to stay upright. His eyes had begun to close when he heard the door open. He jerked his head up and winced as pain slashed through it.

“Here are your clothes. Give me a yell when you’re decent,” Julie said before closing the door again.

He closed his eyes again, letting the warmth flow through him. After a while, another knock sounded. “Steve? You all right?” Julie asked.

Steve jerked his eyes open. If he stayed in here any longer he was going to fall asleep. “Yeah. Be out in a minute.”

He turned off the water, toweled off, and pulled on the clothes Julie had left for him. Then he opened the door. “All good.”

Julie stepped into the bathroom and closed the lid on the toilet. “Sit.”

He did as he was ordered. She examined his face with a tsk. “Look up,” she said. He did. “I’m going to need to sew that.”

“Okay,” he said, feeling weariness fall over him.

She cleaned his face with a warm, damp towel, then placed something cold on his cut. “This will numb up the area.” She waited a few seconds. “Can you feel that?”

“No.”

“Good.”

She stood between his legs and began to sew. Steve tried not to focus on the fact that her breasts were right at his eye level. He closed his eyes. She smelled like lavender.

He must have dozed off again, because she patted him on the shoulder. “Steve,” she whispered softly. He looked up into her face. Her hair fell over her shoulder, gently brushing his chin. “You’re all done.”

He nodded.

“Come on.” She put an arm around his shoulders, pulling him up. “You look exhausted.”

She helped him to his room and lay him down on the bed. To Steve, nothing had ever felt so good as that bed. He was so tired, he wanted to weep with joy.

Julie pulled a blanket over him. “I’m sorry about this, but I’m going to have to have someone wake you every hour, to make sure you don’t have a concussion. But for now, get some sleep.”

“Mm-kay. Thanks, Jules,” Steve said, losing the battle to stay awake.

And maybe he imagined it, but he could have sworn she ran her hand through his hair as she whispered, “You’re welcome, Steve.”