Suffer (13 page)

24

IT WAS TWILIGHT WHEN GREY pulled up to the security gate of the large seaside home Kate had purchased two days earlier. With a down payment of six million dollars, it was closer to a palace than a house. He left Chief to complete the preliminary security setup to return to his home in Atlanta and gather his things for an extended stay in Florida. He knew Chief was watching him when the wrought iron gates opened.

Kate was due to be transported to her new home in seventy-two hours. Carlos and his team of agents would assist him and Chief with the logistics and security. But once Kate was settled, she would be officially losing her protection detail. Carlos and Chief worked out a plan to have at least one agent on the property at all times. Several of the men assigned to Kate agreed to rotate through the lineup when they were off duty. Most would’ve volunteered without pay, but each man would be compensated very well as consultants for Kate’s new business. She left no room for argument about the large amount each would receive.

Grey was greeted by Chief at the front door. After a brief update on the new security measures and equipment, they grabbed a bottle of bourbon and headed to the backyard. They were both impressed with the accommodations at their new offices.

“This house is something else, huh?” said Chief.

“I’ve only seen places like this in travel magazines,” said Grey, walking toward the boat dock.

“There are seven cameras located in and around the house,” said Chief, continuing his brief. “We’ll have six more installed before Kate gets here. There are both optical and motion sensors around the entire perimeter. Once everyone retires for the evening, we can activate a second layer of sensors that cover every square inch inside these walls.”

“I take it you’ve set up something like this before?”

“Not personally, but I brought one of my longtime friends who owns a company specializing in high-end installations. I trust the guy with my life, so don’t worry about him giving up anything to our buddy.”

“That’s good enough for me,” said Grey, taking a seat in a small pavilion located a few feet from the water. He opened the bottle and handed Chief a glass. Both men sat, looking over the water and enjoying the breathtaking view. “Things have changed quite a bit over the past few weeks.”

“You can say that again,” said Chief, taking a sip. “But from where I’m sitting, the change isn’t all that bad.”

“How much did she offer you?” asked Grey, irritating Chief.

He took a longer draw off his drink to keep from answering with the first words that popped into his head. “More than I made in the last ten years.”

“Is that why you’re here?” asked Grey.

Chief Hill didn’t take another drink to avoid saying what came to his mind. “Watch your mouth. You’re coming dangerously close to getting the boot.”

“You just met her,” said Grey. “You may have talked to her, what, two times since she’s been awake. And then you suddenly flush a thirty-year career and move to Miami to watch over her. That doesn’t sound odd to you?”

“I’m gonna let this one go because sometimes you’re not very smart,” replied Chief. “I have a pretty good idea what you’re doing and I get it. But you need to tread lightly with where you’re going. I like you, Grey. Don’t go changing that because you’ve finally decided to be a big brother to her.”

“Then explain this to me,” said Grey. “What the fuck is going on here? I’m the last one to know what’s happening, but all of you look at me like I’m a piece of shit if I don’t blindly follow Kate’s orders. She had no idea what she’s doing or what she’s asking of you and everyone else. She’s put her family and friends in danger, so don’t even think about telling me I’m overreacting. You saw what that thing out there is capable of doing.”

Chief finished off his drink and poured another. He motioned for Grey to do the same. He complied and both took their fresh drinks to the end of the boat dock.

“I’m only gonna say this once, so listen up,” said Chief, resuming his gaze over the water. “When I saw Kate’s little boy strapped to that chair and covered in blood, something inside me snapped. I’ve seen little bodies before, but the level of brutality and complete disregard for his life is what got to me. You say he did that to send a message. I say he did that because he enjoyed it.”

“I agree with you, Chief.”

“Good,” he replied, turning to face Grey. “I know what she’s asking of me, and I know what I stand to lose if this goes sour. This guy is a pro and he could probably take me out whenever he wants. But until then, I’m gonna hunt that freak until my last breath. I’m gonna see him suffer like he made Caleb, Kate, and Paul suffer.”

“So you’re on the same page as Kate,” said Grey. “You’re not going to find him so he can stand trial. You’re going to find him so she can end him.”

“Bingo.”

“I believe you, Chief. And if you tell me you know what you’re doing, then I won’t bring it up again.”

“I know what I’m doing,” said Chief without hesitating.

“It doesn’t seem like things are spinning out of control to you?” asked Grey.

“The complete opposite,” said Chief. “To me, it seems like she’s in control of the situation in spite of her circumstances. Like her, I have a clear and focused path to resolution and recovery. And that path leads to him. I’ve never been so ready to put my hands on someone in my life. I just find it hard to believe you don’t feel the same way.”

“Are you kidding me?” asked Grey, putting down his drink. “Of course I feel the same way. But I try not to let it overtake my better judgment. You may find this hard to believe, but my priority is keeping her safe. Once I know she is, then I’ll focus on finding him. And I’ll know exactly what to do when I have him.”

“Well, that’s good to hear.”

“Fuck you,” said Grey. “Don’t even think about giving me any kind of approval for what I’m thinking or doing. You haven’t earned the right. I remember who Caleb was when he was alive. I remember who Kate was before she was raped, tortured, and left for dead. Don’t forget you’re at the end of the train that I’m driving. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

“I’m sorry, Grey. You’re right. I apologize…and I don’t do that often. Especially to a new partner.”

“I thought you were my boss?”

“We’ll start that tomorrow,” said Chief with a smile.

“Here’s our biggest problem,” said Grey, changing the subject. “Kate has no idea what she’s doing. It may look like she does from the outside, and I know we all want to bend over backwards to help her, but she’s killing us.”

“How’s that?”

“She broke silence and lost her protective detail,” explained Grey. “She thinks if she throws a ton of money into personal security for this place, it’ll actually be a safe haven. But instead of only having to look out for her, we now have to look out for Abby, her parents, Evan, and anyone else she decides to bring on board. Right now it’s just you, me, and a couple agents that have to watch over this place and them. That doesn’t leave us much time to go after the bad guys. We’re the professionals, Chief, not Kate. We need to be the ones calling the shots from here on out.”

“I agree, but if she feels better being here with her family, then we’re just gonna have to suck it up. But I still believe the best defense is a good offense.”

“What do you mean?” asked Grey.

“You and I are civilians and actually have more power to investigate than if we were still tethered to our jobs. I’ve got a few favors I’m gonna call in to help us with personal security. Right now, you’re just gonna have to trust me on that one. That’ll free up you and me to go balls to the wall after our unsub. It’s about time we put him on his heels instead of being on ours. And we’re gonna start pushing him tomorrow.”

“At this point I’m all ears,” said Grey.

“We already know where to start,” continued Chief. “Kate has granted us access to all of Paul’s business dealings and partners. As soon as reinforcements arrive here, we’re gonna pay some folks a visit.”

“You bringing the boot?”

“I always bring the boot.”

*****

He stepped away from the camera that was equipped with a telephoto lens worth more than many of the automobiles in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. He was the most recent addition to the many vacationers who had to save for years before being able to rent the house he occupied – and it had to be that house.

Two days earlier he had scanned the shoreline from a boat to make sure he selected the rental with the best viewing angle. With the highly sensitive optical equipment set up on the deck, it was as if he were a third person having a drink with Grey and Chief. His only disadvantage was being unable to hear their conversation. It proved difficult finding a device that could pick up their voices five miles away across Biscayne Bay. His solution to that problem would be calling him the next day as scheduled.

He scribbled down several lines of notes and then reviewed the file on the screen of his laptop. He brought his eyes back to the optics, but the two men were walking back toward Kate’s new fortress. The unsub powered down the equipment and turned on a small lamp to better see the pages inside the folders.

Picking up Chief Hill’s file, the unsub leaned back in his chair and stared at his photo. “You’re not as easy as I thought,” he said to himself. “Who do you love, Chief Hill? Who would you do anything for to keep safe?”

After finishing the notes in Chief and Grey’s files, he selected two others from the stack on the table. One had a recent photo of Abby on the cover, and the other was of Evan. He stroked the photo of Abby before opening her file along with a bottle of wine. Inside were more photos, several pages of handwritten notes, and numerous documents chronicling her life over the past several years. If anything she did created a piece of paper or electronic record, he owned it. He whispered to himself after emptying his glass.

“I can’t wait to get my hands on you, pretty lady.”

25

FROM THE BALCONY ON THE third floor of the house, Chief had a bird’s-eye view of the entire front yard and into the neighboring properties. An eight foot wall separated Kate’s new home from the rest of the world. The high walls were only a symbolic gesture of the real security of the fortress. Propped up against the rail of the balcony beside Chief was a high-powered automatic rifle.

Grey and an FBI agent were posted outside of the main gate awaiting the arrival of Kate, Abby, Evan, and her parents. They’d be traveling in a van configured to hold a wheelchair. Even though Kate didn’t require it for movement, it was the fastest way to remove her from a bad situation.

Both Grey and Chief doubted the unsub would try to kill her in broad daylight with such a high level of security around her, but they weren’t ready to take any chances. The entire route from the center to the front gate was being covered by an FBI SWAT team. It was quite a spectacle for the neighbors to watch the convoy of black SUVs pull up to the gate and spill out a dozen heavily armed agents.

Grey manually opened the gate, allowing the van to enter the property. The SWAT team remounted their vehicles and left the area as quickly as they arrived. Chief remained at his post on the balcony while Grey walked the fifty yards to where the van was parked in front of the house. The FBI agent remained at the front gate and would be there for the remainder of his twelve-hour shift. Grey approached the van as the electric motor hummed, lowering Kate to the ground in her chair.

“If anything, you’re thorough, Mr. Collins,” said Kate, anxious to touch down and get out of her chair.

“I wanted you to feel special,” said Grey, keeping his eyes on everything but her. “Let’s get you inside before Chief falls off the balcony.”

“Only if you let me walk into my new home instead of roll.”

Grey turned his attention from the perimeter to her. Even with an eye patch and horrific scars on her face, she still managed to disarm him with a beautiful smile. He appreciated her desire to walk through the front door of her new life and slung the rifle over his shoulder. He helped her stand from the chair, handed her the cane, and let her go. He knew she wanted to walk on her own.

“Thank you, sir,” said Kate. “You are my knight in shining armor.”

He found himself in another battle with the lump in his throat. In spite of circumstances that would leave anyone else catatonic in the corner of a rubber room, she was defiant, focused, and getting stronger every day. He had a new respect for his longtime friend who was determined to beat the odds and battle through each agonizing day of her recovery. He thought about how terribly alone she would feel walking up the steps to her home without her baby and her husband. Grey decided to abandon his post and walk beside her.

“This place is amazing,” said Grey. “It’s much nicer than my office in Atlanta.”

“I want you to feel like you’re at home too, Grey,” said Kate. “I know what you’ve given up to be here for me. It means more to me than you’ll ever know.”

“I’m just glad you’re already calling it home,” said Grey, taking her hand. “And it should feel that way with Abby and your parents living here with you.”

“My parents are leaving in a couple of days,” replied Kate. “There really is no reason for them to stay. And to be honest, I don’t want to have to worry about them becoming a target or poking around in our business.”

“He wouldn’t go after them anyway, Kate,” said Grey. “But it’s actually a very good idea that they don’t stick around.”

“I know he won’t go after them,” said Kate. “He knows they wouldn’t turn on me like Dr. Singer did. He won’t go after Abby or you either.”

Grey was startled by her understanding that Evan, Chief, and the FBI agents who volunteered to protect her were the most likely options of manipulation from the killer. In that moment, Grey was convinced of her resolve to find the monster that destroyed her family. Her ability to follow through with destroying him was still a question in Grey’s mind. He knew it would be until the moment she was standing face to face with him.

“After you get settled in, we need to talk about a few of the ground rules as soon as possible,” said Grey. “Rules everyone needs to follow with no exception; my rules, Kate.”

“My dad said there was an amazing view of the bay from the boat dock,” said Kate. “Take me there now. I know there are things you want to discuss with me alone.”

“Are you sure you want to do this now?” asked Grey.

“I am.”

Kate excused herself from everyone in the house and continued to walk through with Grey. He made eye contact with Abby and could see her displeasure. She knew he was about to confront her sister, but didn’t want to cross him as soon as Kate arrived. She made up her mind to deal with Grey later.

“She didn’t look very happy with you,” chuckled Kate as Grey helped her down the stairs leading to the backyard walkway.

“Normally she isn’t,” he replied. “But I think she’s warming up to me.”

“She has some pretty thick armor.”

“One sister at a time, please.”

“Good plan,” said Kate. “He’s probably watching us now, isn’t he?” she asked, startling him again.

“Yes,” replied Grey, wanting to remain honest with her. “This will be your first and last visit to your own backyard until we find him. I don’t want to make it easy for him to know your condition or that you’re here on the property.”

“I agree, but I really hope he’s watching me now,” said Kate, looking across the water. “I hope it’s tearing into his gut knowing I’m still here. I hope it’s driving him crazy knowing I’m so close, but he can’t touch me.”

Grey helped her into a chair at the end of the boat dock. The cool breeze off the water was welcomed relief from the hot and humid South Florida summer. He took the seat beside her and waited a moment before speaking. He could tell she was preoccupied with letting the sun warm her face. He realized every day in the sun was a gift to her. He became even more impressed with her will to not only fight, but to fight back.

“You’ll be safe here,” said Grey.

“No, I won’t,” replied Kate. “But I do feel safer with you here. The day I feel truly safe will be the day he’s gone.”

“Kate, I’m going to speak freely here. I have no idea what’s going on in your head. You seem to have a firm grasp on how vulnerable you are, but your actions show me otherwise. This place could have fifty-foot walls, but he’ll find a way inside. He’s going to find a way to get to you, and it’s going to be through someone who you never thought would betray you. That’s what he does.”

“You won’t betray me,” said Kate. “As long as I have you with me, he won’t make his move.”

“He has an advantage over us,” said Grey. “He gets to choose which direction he wants to take. We have to look at every direction and figure out which one it is.”

“Let me stop you here, Grey. There’s nothing you can say that will convince me more that I’m in trouble; I know that. My own doctor came millimeters away from killing me. I know he’s not going away, and he’s going to dictate the rest of my life for as long as I have it.”

“It’s more than that,” said Grey. “Your entire family is at risk.”

“Let me finish,” said Kate with a stern look. “He’s done scaring me. He took my baby and husband from me. Yes, I’m worried about Abby. Yes, I’m worried about you and everyone else. But the only way I’m going to find peace is to find him. Do you agree?”

“Of course I agree –”

“Good,” said Kate, not allowing him to finish. “Then we agree we have to find him. We both know we’re not going to get any help from the police who are supposedly looking for him. I don’t know why they’re not and neither do you, but it doesn’t matter. We’re looking for him now. That’s
all
that matters.”

“God knows I’m with you, Kate. He also knows what I want to do to him when he’s in my grasp, but you don’t need to have those thoughts. All you need to do is get well and focus on living the rest of your life. Let me do this.”

She leaned in closer to him and smiled. “It’s the only thing that keeps me going, Grey.”

“What does?”

“Knowing at some point in the near future, we’re going to make him hurt as much as Caleb and Paul did.”

Grey leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. He knew she was holding back on giving him information until she was convinced he was onboard with her plans. He also knew if he didn’t agree to help her, she would find someone else who would.

“Tell me what you know, Kate.”

“Tell me you’ll bring him to me.”

“I will.”

“Promise me.”

“I promise. Now, tell me.”

“Paul was thinking about keeping the company and not selling,” said Kate. “There were six people who knew that, and I was one of them. That leaves five.”

“How would that start all this?”

“The other five that knew stood to make millions on the sale,” explained Kate. “There are people who were with him since the beginning. They helped him build the company and also helped broker the deal to sell. If he didn’t sell, they’d have to wait longer for the big payoff. As soon as he told me he wanted to keep the business for a few more years, my first thought was about them. I knew some of them would be furious.”

“Why?” asked Grey. “If they were that high up in the food chain, weren’t they making a killing as well?”

“They were,” said Kate. “These guys started at the same time Paul did. They were all working somewhere else, but he convinced them to abandon the security of their stable jobs and take a chance with him. These guys went from making $30,000 to $130,000 in less than three years.”

“So if he sold the company, how much would they make off the deal?”

“All five would walk away with at least two million. A couple of them stood to make more.”

“Kate, do you know who attacked you? Be honest with me.”

“I’ve met all of them, and I know what they look like. They didn’t do this to me,” said Kate, pointing to her face. “I was telling you the truth when I said I don’t know who it was. But I knew you’d be looking for that connection, Grey. I knew you would be since the day I woke up.”

“You’ve been planning this since then, haven’t you?”

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“You seem pretty sure one of them is behind this.”

“And I think you will too when you meet them.”

“When?”

“I’ve invited all five to the house. They’ll be here day after tomorrow.”