Suffer (12 page)

22

CARLOS DIDN’T HESITATE TO GIVE Grey an answer to his request. After bringing his new ally up to speed on his day, the two men parted ways with a handshake. The ex-FBI agent left Abby alone with her thoughts in the lobby and walked toward Kate’s room. The new agents posted outside the door gave him a nod, letting him know they knew he was cleared to enter. He walked in as the staff members were helping Kate into a wheelchair.

“So you actually let them go home?” asked Grey, getting smiles from the staff.

“Well, it’s a special day,” said Kate. “It’s your first day home from prison.”

“I’ll chalk that one up to the brain injury,” said Grey, pulling up a chair beside her. “Can you talk for a minute, or do you need to go?”

“All I have is time right now,” replied Kate.

The staff gathered their bags and exited the room. The two agents posted inside followed them out, giving them space to talk. Grey waited for everyone to leave before speaking.

“They follow orders well.”

“They’re all very good to me,” said Kate, sensing his sarcasm. “We’ve all been through a lot these past few weeks.”

“Yes, we have. I resigned from the Bureau today.”

“Really? Why?”

“Because I’m not leaving you again.”

“I don’t understand any of this, Grey,” said Kate, moving in closer. “Why don’t they want you helping me?”

“Sheriff Doyle aside, they would’ve never let me get close to this one. My judgment would’ve been clouded by my relationship with you and your family.”

“What do you think?”

“I quit, Kate. That’s not a good enough answer?”

Kate reached out and took his hands. She pulled him in closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m sorry, Grey. I know how much Paul meant to you. And I know that’s being overlooked because of what happened to me and Caleb. Always remember I’m here if you need anything”

“You’re consoling me?”

“Yes,” said Kate, leaning back in her chair. “I’m not the only one affected. I wanted you to know it’s okay to hurt for him. My God, I wish he was here, but that’s all it’ll ever be; a wish. He left you alone, too.”

“I’m not ready to deal with that one right now,” said Grey. “But what I am ready to deal with is making sure you’re safe. The rest will come after.”

“What do you mean by the rest?”

“Finding who did this to us.”

“So you are going to help me?”

“I am.”

“That makes me very happy, but I have to ask you one more question.”

“Shoot.”

“How far are you willing to go?” asked Kate with an intense stare.

“Farther than he’s willing to run.”

“And when you find him?”

“That’s two questions,” said Grey with a smile. “You said only one.”

“Answer me, please,” said Kate. “It’s important that I know.”

“I’ll hand him over with a bow around his neck, and I’ll be there when he’s put to death.”

“So you’re going to turn him in?”

“Of course, Kate. What do you think I’m going to do?”

“Bring him to me.”

“What?” said Grey, cocking his head. “Kate, you can’t be serious. He’s a monster. There’s no way I’m letting him anywhere near you.”

“He came to the door dressed like a police officer,” said Kate, recalling her attack. “He told me Paul was in a boating accident. When I turned my back on him, he shot me with a Taser. He shot Caleb, too.”

“We don’t have to do this right now,” said Grey.

“When I came around, I was naked and tied down on my bed,” continued Kate. “Caleb was tied to a chair in his underwear. He told me he’d cut his throat if I disobeyed him. So I obeyed.

“He wanted me to pretend he was Paul. I cooked him dinner, and then we all went into the living room to watch television. With Caleb sitting on the other side of him, he made me go down on him. Then he threw me on the living room floor and raped me. When he finished, he took us back upstairs.

“All three of us laid in bed and watched a movie like we were a happy family. When it was over, he used duct tape to hold Caleb down in the chair to make sure he would see him raping me again. If Caleb looked away, he’d make me tell him to watch. He made me yell over and over that I was a whore and I deserved to be punished. When he was close to finishing again, he choked me until I passed out.

“I woke up the second time tied up in bed with my back against the headboard. Caleb was crying, and that monster was kneeling beside him with a huge smile on his face. I looked down and saw blood pouring out of me. I don’t remember when he stabbed me the first time. I also had cuts down my arms and legs. There wasn’t a white spot left on the sheets.

“Still wearing that big smile, he slashed at Caleb’s little legs with the knife. My baby started screaming out to me. I yanked with all my might to get free and managed to break one of the posts. That’s when he really started working on me. He calmly walked to the side of the bed and punched me in the face several times. I was dazed, but I kept trying to fight. I very much remember the second, third, and fourth times he stabbed me.

“I went limp, but I was still conscious. I couldn’t feel or move my legs. He walked back over to Caleb and slashed him across his chest and arms. I saw the blood start pouring out of him.”

“Kate,” said Grey, “we can take this slow. You don’t have to tell me everything tonight. Sometimes it’s better to just cover a little ground at first.”

“I managed to free my arm tied to the broken post and grabbed at the rope around my other wrist,” continued Kate as if Grey hadn’t said a word. “I think it pissed him off because he didn’t walk so calmly back to the bed. He punched me a few more times and then began to cut on my face. He kept yelling at me, but I don’t remember what he was saying. I just remember he was angry that I was still fighting. Everything went dark for a moment when he stabbed my eye. I didn’t know it was gone until I woke in the hospital and the doctor told me.

“He looked at his watch and cussed. He walked over to Caleb and crouched down behind him. I must have moved or moaned because he looked up at me. He said I was one tough bitch, but he had to go. He knew you guys would be home soon. He pulled Caleb’s head up by his hair and cut his throat. He told me not to worry about it because I’d be dead soon. I watched him murder my baby and then I passed out.”

There was no change in the tone of her voice since she started telling Grey the events of that night. She didn’t shed a tear or hesitate while recalling any of the details. Grey was at a loss for words, but Kate wasn’t.

“That’s the last time I’ll ever tell anyone what happened to us,” said Kate. “Abby and the rest of my family will never hear it. I won’t be telling a cop, a federal agent, a prosecutor, or a jury.

“But most importantly, I won’t be telling the story to his slick defense attorney, who might find a way to get the case thrown out on a technicality. I won’t worry about the prosecutor making a deal to spare his life and save the taxpayers the cost of a trial. I won’t be worrying about any of that. Do you want to know why I won’t be worrying?”

“Why, Kate?”

“Because you’re going to bring him to me,” said Kate with more volume in her voice. “He’s going to worry about how much pain a human can tolerate before dying. He’s going to feel everything Caleb, Paul and I did, and then more – much more.”

“You need to get some rest, Kate,” said Grey, squeezing her hand.

“You need to stop patronizing me.”

“I’m not,” said Grey. “I’m thinking the same things you are. I want to see him suffer more than any human has ever suffered. Although it sounds like a great idea, killing him isn’t going to change anything for us. Caleb and Paul will still be dead.”

“And so will he,” said Kate. “That seems like a better deal, doesn’t it?”

“It does, but then you’ll be the one behind bars.”

“I’m not a child, Grey. Don’t talk to me like I am. If you don’t help me find him, I’ll find someone who will.”

“Who am I talking with right now? Because it sure as hell isn’t the Kate I know.”

“The Kate you know is dead, Grey. She was murdered with her son and then died again when she found out her husband committed suicide. The only reason I’m alive is because the person who did this is still alive. I’m going to change that.”

“You can barely walk,” said Grey. “You’re still healing and will be for a very long time. We’ll talk about revenge when you’re stronger.”

“Tell me the truth,” said Kate, leaning in close to him. “Do you think the system, the system you just gave up on, will make him pay for what he did to me? Do you think we can make a jury understand what it felt like to watch Caleb die? Do you think prison will teach him a lesson and make him see that what he did was wrong?”

For the first time since he’d met her, Grey contemplated lying to her. Everything she was saying made sense to him. He knew the system would let them down as it had for so many others. He remembered the pain and anguish on the faces of victims as they watched their attackers walk out of a courtroom and into freedom.

The reasons they walked had less to do with the law and more to do with who had the smarter lawyer. Case after case began to flicker in Grey’s mind, bringing him back to those moments he wanted to put a bullet in the bad guy and call it a day. Those moments made more sense to him than sitting in court for days and weeks not knowing on which side of justice the jury stood.

“I’m not patronizing you or treating you like a child, but I want to talk more about this tomorrow. You and I both have had a stressful day and a few hours of sleep sounds very good to me. Our heads will be clearer in the morning.”

“Okay, Grey. You win this round. And the only reason you won is because I think your day was actually more stressful than mine. Go get some sleep and I’ll see you bright and early.”

Grey slid his chair even closer to hers to emphasize what he wanted to say. He had difficulty forming the words to go with his intense gaze and only managed a silent half open mouth. Kate raised an eyebrow and turned her head so her ear was in a better position once there was something to hear.

“I love you,” said Grey, breaking the awkward silence. “I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but I love you very much. And I know I never told Caleb or Paul, and now I can’t. I don’t want to make the same mistake with you.”

“If the world only knew what a sweet man you are,” said Kate, reaching up and touching his face.

“I’m not ready for it to know yet.”

“Don’t worry,” said Kate. “Your secret is safe with me. And for the record, I love you, too. Now go get some sleep before you get any sappier.”

“Goodnight, Kate.”

Grey left her alone in her room, but only for a few moments. One of the agents entered and handed her a folded piece of paper. She opened it and reached for the phone.

“
Chief Hill speaking
.”

“Chief Hill, my name is Kate Freeman. Do you have a moment?”

23

HE COULDN’T REMEMBER THE LAST time there wasn’t a need to set an alarm clock. Grey woke to bright rays of sunlight peeking through his hotel room curtains. He also couldn’t remember the last time he felt so rested. He rubbed his eyes and threw his legs over the side of the bed. It was going to be the first morning in twenty years he’d eat breakfast not being an FBI agent. The thought wasn’t as debilitating as he’d predicted the day before.

He finished his morning routine and looked forward to getting back to the rehab center. When he walked into the parking garage of the hotel, he stopped halfway to his vehicle. He turned and looked in every direction. He knew he was being watched, but couldn’t pinpoint from where or by whom. His instincts brought his hand to the place on his belt where his weapon was normally attached. An uneasy feeling crept over him. If he made it out of the garage, the first item on his checklist was to get that gun.

A car with tinted windows turned the corner and stopped on the top of the ramp. He squinted to identify the person behind the wheel. The distance to his vehicle and the door leading back into the hotel were equal. If the car accelerated toward him, he decided he’d make a dash for his.

Another hotel exit door at the top of the ramp opened, and a woman holding the hand of a young child made her way to the parked car. Grey watched as a young man exited the driver’s side and opened the door for his passengers. He chuckled to himself, thinking about how paranoid he had become. He took a deep breath and made it without incident to his car. What Grey didn’t know was that the eyes he had felt were still watching him.

A second car pulled up behind the family loading bags into their trunk. The young man hurried his pace and waved at the driver waiting to pass. The unsub waived back and smiled. The two vehicles drove toward Grey as he was putting on his seatbelt and waiting for the traffic to clear. The second vehicle slowed as he approached the ex-FBI agent. As the unsub passed in front of Grey, the two men locked eyes. His gut didn’t alert him to the fact he was only a few feet away from the man who had murdered Caleb.

The uneasy feeling subsided during the drive to the rehab center. When he exited the elevator on Kate’s floor, he saw Abby sitting in the exact same position as the day before. Had it not been for her change of clothes, he would’ve believed she had been there all night.

“Good morning, sunshine,” greeted Grey.

“Hi, Grey. You look much better than you did yesterday.”

“A little sleep can change everything. Did you get any?”

“I did. I’m just waiting for my parents and Evan. They should be here any minute.”

“What? That is such a bad idea,” said Grey. “Obviously, Kate couldn’t care less about her security.”

“She cares, but I think she cares more about being around us,” said Abby. “We talked for a little bit this morning. She has a plan.”

“I can only imagine,” said Grey, continuing down the hall to the posted agents. “Is Carlos around?”

“He’ll be here in twenty minutes,” replied the sentry. “He said you might want this.”

He handed Grey a small brown leather pouch. Inside were a holster, semi-automatic pistol, and extra magazines. He clipped the weapon onto his belt.

“That feels so much better,” said Grey, un-tucking his shirt to conceal the gun.

“I bet it does,” said the sentry. “She’s doing some exercises with the staff, but she wanted to see you as soon as you arrived. Go on in.”

“Thanks, again,” said Grey, tapping his weapon. “And thank Carlos for me when you see him.”

He walked inside the activity room to see Kate sitting on a workout bench doing arm curls with a small weight. It was still early in the morning, but sweat was dripping off her red face and she was grunting with each flex. He stood at a distance until she finished.

“Good morning, Grey,” said Kate with a beaming smile. “Did you sleep well?”

“Very. But I can’t say the same for Abby. A little cruel, you making her babysit your parents, huh?”

“I know you’re not a fan of theirs, but it makes me feel better knowing they’re close. I also need their help with a few things.”

“Is this part of the plan Abby was telling me about?”

“Yep,” said Kate, continuing to smile.

“You having a plan is scaring me a little, but it’s good to see you smile, Kate. Very good.”

“Well, come give me a sweaty hug, and I’ll tell you what I need from you.”

He complied and they both took seats at the table near the window. It was a brilliant day, and the view put them both at ease. They shared an affinity for the water, and both were thinking of Paul. Neither of them shared those thoughts.

“My parents are here to finalize the purchase of my new house in Miami. It’s a place Paul and I were thinking of buying this summer before Caleb went back to school. It’s on Key Biscayne just south of Miami Beach. It’s more house than I’ll ever need, but you guys are going to need a place to work.”

“Work?”

The door to the activity room opened. “Did you miss me?”

“Are you kidding me?” asked Grey, turning around while getting to his feet. “What the hell are you doing here, Chief?”

“So you didn’t miss me.”

“A pleasure to finally meet you in person,” said Kate, looking pleased with Grey’s surprise.

“The pleasure is seeing you awake and doing so well,” said Chief Hill, ignoring Grey and walking up to Kate. “You look fantastic.”

“Thank you so much for coming,” said Kate, accepting a hug. “To be honest, I wasn’t sure if you would.”

“It was an offer I’d be an idiot to refuse,” said Chief Hill, turning to acknowledge Grey. “I take it you don’t know.”

“You’d be correct,” said Grey. “If Doyle finds out you’re here, you’re done.”

“I’m already done,” said Chief Hill. “I have a new job now.”

“Please, sit down,” said Kate. “I was just about to fill him in.”

Chief Hill took an open seat at the table and smiled at Grey. He didn’t smile back. The door opened again and Agent Ramirez entered the room. Under his arm, he was carrying several folders. He introduced himself to Chief Hill and sat down at the last open seat. He handed a folder to each of them.

“I highlighted the areas that require your signatures,” said Carlos. “I’ll walk them through the appropriate offices today. I don’t see a problem having everything cleared and approved by tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry, Carlos,” said Kate. “Grey has no idea what you’re talking about.”

“He doesn’t know?”

“I’m sitting right here,” said Grey. “For the love of God, please fill me in.”

“We’re all starting businesses,” said Kate. “Your folder contains all the paperwork needed to apply for a private investigator’s license in Florida. Chief Hill’s folder is for a private security business, but you both will be working for me.”

“Also in each folder is an application to carry a concealed weapon,” said Carlos. “I’ll have that approved for you by the end of the day. That includes yours, Kate.”

“Thank you, Carlos,” said Kate. “Thank you so much for everything. I’d like to speak privately with my employees if you don’t mind. The less you know right now, the better. We’re going to need you in the very near future, and I don’t want there to be any conflict of interest.”

“You’re welcome, Kate. If you need anything else – anything – don’t hesitate. Okay?”

“Okay,” replied Kate.

Kate hugged Carlos and he left them alone in the rehab room. Grey was flipping through his folder. Most of the information required had already been completed.

“What’s this all about, Kate?” asked Grey.

“I’m leaving this place at the end of the week and finishing my first round of rehab at the house on Key Biscayne. My parents are here to help me finalize the purchase today as well as assist you and Chief with whatever you’re going to need.”

“What do we need?”

“To build a fortress,” said Kate. She leaned in closer to him and took his hand. She always had the ability to calm the situation and put people at ease in almost any circumstance. She was being very effective with Grey.

“I need to feel safe again, Grey. I need someplace where I can feel comfortable while I recover and begin to put my life together. I don’t feel comfortable or safe here. And I can’t go back to our house. I’m just not ready to be around the things that made it a home for me and my boys.”

“I understand that,” said Grey, “but you’re trying to do too much too soon.”

“That’s why I need help,” said Kate. “And I need it from people who can’t be manipulated by that monster. I need a place to feel safe, but so does my family, and so do you.”

“I’ve already been to the property,” said Chief Hill. “There’s really only two access points. One is a road leading on and off the Key, and the other access point is the water. The house sits on over three acres and is completely isolated from the neighbors. There’s a lot of money on that Key, so there’s a lot of security as well. We’ll be using that security to our advantage.”

“Okay, let me back this up just a little,” said Grey, trying to catch up. “Did you quit the force?”

“I did,” said Chief Hill, “I’m betting for the same reasons you did. But we’ll talk about that later.”

“So now your job is to secure Kate’s house?”

“Yes, but that’s your job as well,” said Chief Hill. “I just happen to be your new boss.”

“Do I call you boss?” asked Grey, finally managing a slight smile.

“Nope. I’m still kind of partial to Chief if you don’t mind. You can drop the Hill.”

“Okay, Chief,” said Grey.

“My family, but mainly Abby, will be helping me with my recovery and rehab,” said Kate. “I still have a few surgeries scheduled over the next several months, but we’ll cross those bridges when we get to them. The immediate plan is to get the new house squared away so you’ll have a secure place to work, and I’ll have a safe place to rest.”

“Again, work?”

“Yes, work,” said Kate. “You and Chief are going to find the man that did this. Carlos has agreed to help you with any database or forensic support you’ll need. He’s taking a risk, but I think it’s minimal. But I also think it’s very important you still have at least a few of the resources of the Bureau at your disposal. I can support you with the other aspects of the investigation as soon as we move into the new house.”

“What aspects are those?” asked Grey.

“Turning Paul’s life inside out so we can find the connection between him and the bad guys,” said Kate matter-of-factly. “I know it’s how you’re going to find him because I agree with you. Paul knew who did this to us.”