The Harvest Club (22 page)

“Tell him yes. I’ll hide my car, and Gary and I’ll stay put in the other room. You’ve got a nose for news, read between the lines.”

Jessie sent Rick a message telling him he was free to come over. He responded he would be there by 8:00.

True to his word, Rick was there at eight with a bouquet of red roses, which he put into one of her vases, a card, and a journal that he asked her to open after he left.

“How are you?” His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at her. He sat down in the chair across from her.

“Tired, sore, and unable to summon the energy to do anything, but other than that, I’m fine.” She smiled adjusting the blanket around her.

“Can you tell me what happened?”

She had a moment to decide whether to tell him a story or part of the truth. Her instinct told her to tell him what happened. She told him about people talking to her about Gina, meeting with her parents, and writing a human interest story about her. Jessie recounted the story of Buddy chasing her, leaving out the details of his name and her being able to ID him.

Rick was sweating, and his complexion took on an almost gray cast. His eyes darted around the room, and his foot tapped nervously.

“Do you have some place where you can go to be safe until everything blows over?” he asked.

“Until what blows over?” she asked innocently.

“There were people who were angry at Gina. That’s why I didn’t want anyone talking about her. But now I can see it wasn’t a smart choice. I can’t stop these people. I don’t believe anyone can. Just by talking about Gina you’ve become guilty by association.” He stood up and paced. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. I’m sorry for ever bringing you here.”

“I don’t understand.” She questioned him with her eyes. “What people are we talking about?”

“I’ve already said too much. You need to get out of here. It’s too late for me.” He bent his head to a few inches from her face. “I would have loved getting to know you. You’re funny, sweet, and kind. I’ve messed my life up, but I don’t want to add the guilt of destroying yours. Leave while you can.”

“Why don’t you tell the police what you told me? You could be put in protective custody.”

“You don’t get it. I’m in too deep. Death is the only way out for me. I’ve gone against everything I’ve ever known, and I’m an embarrassment to my father. My only defense is that I was told in the beginning I was helping people.” He rubbed his temples and wiped the sweat from his forehead. “If only you’d come into my life sooner. I have to go.” Agitated, he bolted out of her house.

She yelled for Matt, and he came running out of the room. “You have to stop him.” She pointed at the door. Before Matt got the door opened, she heard the gunshot and knew what Rick had done.

Matt and Gary ran outside and found Rick slumped over on a bench with a self-inflicted shot to the head. Jessie had managed to get as far as the door and heard Matt call for an ambulance.

The rest of the evening was a blur for Jessie. Rick had been remorseful, and she knew John would need to know that. That poor church was going to go through yet another tragedy.

She opened the card first and read his note to her.

Jessie,

I’m sorry for bringing you into this mess. The church loves you, and I must admit you’ve been the one bright spot to come into my life in a long time. Seeing you at work the last few weeks inspired me to try and be a better man.

The church is going to fire me and rightly so. I was never a pastor. I’ve been using it as a cover for some illegal activities. You are reading this because I finally made the right decision to end all the pretending. You’re free to give this to the police. Please let my dad know how sorry I am for everything.

Sincerely,

Rick Robertson

When Matt came back in, she handed him the card. His glanced at it. “I guess he couldn’t live with the guilt any longer. What he saw in India had to change everything for him.”

She held up Rick’s journal. “There is some pretty crazy stuff in here about a Harvest Master and Grimm Reaper.” With a shaky voice, she read a passage to Matt.

“Today for the first time since I joined the Harvest Club, I’m scared, really scared. I think I’m going to be
physically sick. I’ve never been in the field before—now I’m in India. The long flight, customs, and the crowded airport—I’m on sensory overload. Gulping for air, I want to escape the pungent aromas of food, exotic spices, and body odors that are making my stomach turn. The visual chaos, bright colors, and noises are battering my senses. I wish I could make it all go away.

I’ve seen the cost of my choices in human terms, and I can’t live with myself. God, I wish for freedom from this awful guilt ripping my insides.”

Jessie stopped reading, handed the journal to Matt. There were no words she could add. She pulled the blanket up around her. She was weary and closed her eyes.

It was a long night for Matt. The next of kin had to be notified, the horrific scene processed and cleaned. Rick’s house was searched, his computer confiscated, his suicide note found. His journal was filled with details of his illicit activities and his part in leading Gina to her death, but no information was found about any other Harvest Club members unless it was on his computer. One could only hope. Even death couldn’t free them from the monster running the group. Who was he and why were all of them so afraid? Grown men afraid of what? Sure, they would go to jail for operating in the black market, but what did he have on them to control them?

He remembered the look on Jessie’s face. She knew what Rick was going to do and afterward she had looked devastated. How much could one person take? She had very little opportunity to adjust from one terrifying event to the next. Brad’s wife was murdered because of his participation in the group, and now Rick had killed himself.

Rick was obviously feeling guilty about Gina’s murder and the attack on Jessie. Without Gina’s death, no one would’ve been any wiser, and the Harvest Club would still be an unknown.

Sitting in the chair across from Jessie with Gary asleep in the other room, Matt watched her face. He could see she was having a troubled sleep. He continued to read Rick’s journal. A plan formulated in his head. She would have to be strong and ready. He knew she was capable of it and much more. Even though at this moment, she was physically and emotionally weary. He wanted to enlist her because he believed it would flush the head guy out once and for all. He also wanted to get her certified to use a gun. She needed to be able to protect herself.

He closed his eyes but jumped any time she murmured or whimpered in her sleep. When he opened them again, she was sitting there watching him. Dressed in a floral skirt and a yellow blouse, she looked great. He was intrigued by how quickly she seemed to recover herself.

“How did you sleep?” He stretched trying to relax his stiff muscles.

“All right. The question is did you get any sleep? You look weary.” She flipped her hair over her shoulder in what he thought was a feminine gesture, pushing a few strands out of her face. “You look like you have something on your mind. What is it?”

“I have a couple of ideas that I’ve been thinking about all night. I would like to give you a few days to recover, and then I want to teach you how to use a gun and get you certified.” He watched her shake her head no. “Yes. I also want to work on a plan to flush these guys out. Are you game?” He stood up and stretched and walked toward the other room before she could answer.

She heard the shower, and when Matt came back his hair was wet, he had changed his clothes, and he looked a little more awake.

“Why do I need to use a gun? I’m a writer, not policewoman.”

“You need to be able to protect yourself if you work on more cases with me. If nothing else, it will give me peace of mind.”

“I don’t know if I can get over my fear of the stupid things.”

“Sure you can.” He nodded. “I’ve got it set up with the chief, and he thinks it’s a good idea. I’ll work with you until you qualify. You won’t be afraid of using a gun when I’m done with you, and you’ll handle it safely. You have my personal guarantee, okay?”

“Okay.” She looked skeptical.

“What was your self-defense class like?” He changed the subject.

“You know, the basic stuff to do to keep safe— awareness of your surroundings, pepper spray, something to make noise, doing everything possible not to be taken in a car against your will, and the big one, never run toward an open field or away from people, but toward them.”

“You might need to relearn that last one.” He chuckled.

“Ha-ha. What else are you thinking about doing?”

“I think you need the rest of the week and weekend to get back on your feet. On Monday, you have to go back to work. The church will be dealing with a lot, and I know you’ll be needed there.” He paused. “I thought you could write an article for the town paper about organ trafficking. I also thought you and I could pay a visit to the mayor of Blue Cove, the not so honorable Jason Cummings, and drop the hint that you have learned about the Harvest Club. I’ll set up an appointment.”

“Okay.” She studied his face as she asked her question. “I want to help in any way I can. Is it possible for Dylan, Gary, or you to take me to the church today and maybe to see John? I need to tell him what his son told me.”

“Are you up to it?”

She nodded. “I need to do it. Is it okay if I let him read Rick’s card to me?”

Matt nodded. “Gary is monitoring the incoming calls, and Dylan is watching Brad. We’re not sure how he will take the news of Rick’s death. I’d be happy to take you. I just don’t want to put you in harm’s way until you’re a little stronger.”

“Java Joe’s?”

He nodded on the way out and they stopped for coffee. Matt wanted a breakfast burrito.

“Hi, Jessie.” Molly eyed her crutches. “Everyone is talking about what happened to you. And now, Pastor Rick’s suicide. What’s happening to our town?” She winced as she asked it.

“I know it’s crazy.” Jessie frowned. “I hope people don’t associate all this trouble with my coming to town.”

“No, it started with Gina. You just walked into it.” She looked at Matt. “I didn’t mean to ignore you. What can I get you both?”

“I would like a coffee and a breakfast burrito, the number three.” He nudged Jessie. “How about you?”

“I’ll have a decaf coffee with a ham, cheese, and egg croissant.”

“Decaf? What’s the use of drinking coffee at all?”

“I like the taste without the shakes.” She smiled.

Molly handed Matt their coffees while Jessie sat down.

“I suppose you want cream and sugar, too?” His voice was tinged with sarcasm.

“Cream, no sugar.” He sat down beside her and they talked until Molly brought their order. They ate while Molly served a couple of other customers.

She walked back to their table. “Did Kenny ask you to be in our wedding?”

“He sure did. I’d be honored to stand up with him.” He smiled at her. “He also asked about coming to work at the station and what it would take.”

“Jessie and Katie are also going to be in it, too.” She lowered her voice so only they could hear. “It doesn’t seem right to be so happy when so many folks are hurting right now.”

“Of course, you should be happy. This is a special time for the both of you. Enjoy it guilt free. Hard times come and go in everyone’s life. I say enjoy the special moments extra.” Jessie’s smile lit up her face.

They finished and filled their cups one more time to take with them. Molly was serving other customers, and so Jessie waved goodbye and headed for door, where she stopped.

“Wait a minute, you two.” Molly picked up a bag and hurried after them. “Here’s something for later. It’s one of Jessie’s favorites, fresh lemon blueberry scones.” She smiled at Jessie. “Have a good day.”

“Thanks, Molly.” Matt took the bag, opened the door for Jessie, and closed it behind them.

****

Matt pulled the car into the church parking lot, which was already filled with cars. Jessie and Matt made their way slowly up the stairs at the front of the church. The minute Reba saw Jessie, she opened the doors.

“My dear girl, it’s all too much for you and for everyone. Please tell me you didn’t come here to quit today.” Reba looked at her, eyes glistening with moisture.

“I’m not quitting. I came to see if you’re all doing okay. I also want to talk to John. Rick talked to me before it all happened. I think John needs to know what his son had to say.” Jessie sat down in the nearest chair.

“You shouldn’t be out yet. You’re still recovering, yourself.” Reba watched Jessie with a concerned look on her face.

“I’m doing okay. I needed to know all of you are, too.”

“We all sort of migrated here today. It was spontaneous, and we needed to be together. Since Gina’s murder, there have been too many sad things.” She sat next to Jessie patting her hand. “I know we were going to let Rick go tomorrow, but we never could have imagined this. Why? Was it because of his job?”

Silence fell as Pastor John walked into the church with James. His eyes lighted upon Jessie, and he sat down in the chair beside her.

“How are you doing, young lady?” His eyes searched her face.

“I’m improving every day.” She noticed he looked tired and frail.

“I’m so sorry my son drew you into this mess, and then to kill himself at your house on top of it all.” Tears filled his eyes. “He was never any trouble until a few years ago.”

“Your son had come by to apologize to me. He was so remorseful. I think he felt there was no other way out for him.” She handed him the card to read.

“Thank you for letting me read this, Jessie. I felt he had made a decision before he left for India. He was nicer to me than he had been for a while. It was as if he had settled something, and he wasn’t as stressed. He told me we needed to talk when he got back. We never had the conversation. When he arrived on Tuesday, yesterday, it seems so long ago. I told him what had happened to you, and he became agitated and said he needed to make sure you were okay.” His voice quivered. “That’s the last time we talked. Although, he told me when he walked out the door, ‘love you, Dad’. I hadn’t heard it from him in years.”