When Darkness Falls (27 page)

Sam’s car pulled into the parking lot and he got out of the car. From what Hank could tell, he looked to be alone.

Hank stepped out of the SUV, holding the bag of jewels in his hand. “Where’s Chloe?”

Sam looked surprised. “I figured Garrett would’ve called you by now. He took her.”

How easily the lie flowed from Sam’s lips. Hank’s eyes narrowed. Revulsion rose like bile in his throat as he looked at the worthless piece of scum, standing in front of him.

“But in case you get any ideas about taking the jewels and running … or calling the police, I have a guy that will kill Glory on my command.”

It was all Hank could to maintain his composure. “If you hurt Glory, I swear I’ll kill you!”

Sam held up his hands. “Nobody has to get hurt. Glory doesn’t even realize the guy’s outside her house, and she won’t … as long as you follow my instructions to the letter. Hand over the bag.”

Hank just stood there, glaring at Sam.

“I said hand over the bag!”

Reluctantly, Hank held out his arm. Sam snatched the bag from him and looked inside it. A triumphant smile spread over his face. “It seems I get the jewels and the girl. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you.” He winked. “We’ll be in touch.” He got in his car and peeled off.

Hank got back into his SUV. “Any luck?”

“Yeah, I think I may have something,” Asa said. “Are you familiar with Pineview Reservoir near Ogden?”

It all came together in a hard realization that nearly took Hank’s breath away. He pulled out his phone. “Detective Flores … all went according to plan … I just handed off the jewels. The tracker is on the bag … I have reason to believe they’re taking Chloe to Pineview Reservoir … contact the local authorities … HURRY!”

“
M
y stomach
!” Garrett moaned. “Oh!” he wailed loudly. “Help!”

A younger version of Bill stepped into the room. “What’s the trouble?” he asked suspiciously, pointing a gun at Garrett.

“I’m sick, I need to go to the bathroom!”

He grunted. “V said you might try something. She said to keep you tied up no matter what.”

Garrett doubled over in pain. “I can’t breathe! It hurts so bad! Please! Keep my hands tied. Just let me go to the bathroom!” He began moaning again.

Nolan watched him for a couple of minutes until Garrett began convulsing. “Okay.” Nolan approached him cautiously and began untying his feet. When Garrett made a gagging sound, Nolan wrinkled his nose in disgust and averted his face. “Hey, don’t vomit on me.”

Garrett began coughing as he arose to his feet. Then he stumbled. When Nolan went to catch him, Garrett rammed into him, knocking him back where he landed on the floor with a sickening
thud
. The gun fell to the ground. In a flash, Garrett was on top of the startled man and holding a knife to his throat. He jabbed the tip into the man’s meaty flesh. “I need my phone.” A merciless look came into his eyes. “NOW!”

C
hloe was
in the backseat of the car. It was rolling off a steep embankment. She felt herself falling and then heard a loud crash. The car bounced weightlessly like a toy boat in a bathtub. A suffocating panic rose in her throat as she realized what was happening. The car had gone into the water—water was gushing in around her. She tried to scream, but the gag was still in her mouth. She fought against the ropes that held her hands fast. Horror filled her breast as Lila’s warning came rushing back. She was going to die! It was too dark to see, but the cold water was settling around her. Her body began to shiver uncontrollably, and she sat up and lifted her head to the ceiling in order to capture as much blessed air as she could. The water was up to her neck.

Terror clawed over her. She began sobbing in ragged gulps. Her mother’s words came rushing back.
Pray!
The thought kept ricocheting through her mind, growing until it consumed every part of her. She needed to pray!
Dear Heavenly Father … please! Help me! Forgive me for being so stubborn! Please be with me! Help me!
No sooner had she thought the words then an indescribable feeling of peace settled over her. The coldness faded, and she felt the warmth of being wrapped in loving arms. Was this what it was like to die? An image of her parents floated in front of her. She thought of Hank and all of the love she felt for him. She fought as the water lifted over her head. Then she saw Dan, holding out his hand to her.

T
wo days later
…

When Hank opened the front door to his condo, V rushed into his arms. She buried her head in his chest and erupted into tears. Hank just stood there and let her cry. When all of the tears were spent, she pulled away, embarrassed. “I’m sorry,” she sniffed. “Thanks for letting me come over.”

“You sounded so distraught when you called that I figured it was important.”

“It is. Can I sit down?”

He nodded. “Sure.”

When they sat down on the sofa, she scooted close to him and put a comforting hand on his leg. He got a good look at her then. Her left eye was black, her lower lip swollen and cut. His jaw tightened. “What happened to you?”

“It was Sam.” Tears flowed down her cheeks as her solemn eyes met his. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea what Sam was doing.” She shuddered. “What he was capable of. I had no idea he kidnapped Chloe and forced you to do that job.”

The corners of his mouth went down into a frown. “How did you find out?”

“I heard the news report that she was missing. And then I went to the warehouse where Sam conducted his business. I came across Chloe’s purse.” Her voice trembled as her eyes filled with remorse. “It was horrible,” she whispered. “We had words. Sam accused me of loving you.” She gave him an anguished look. “I tried to tell him that I loved him, but he wouldn’t listen. In a fit of rage, he turned the gun on himself.” She put a shaky hand to her mouth. “I—I’ll never—” Her voice caught, and she tried again. “I’ll never forgive myself for what happened.”

“I’m sorry,” he finally said.

“Me too.”

“Were the jewels there?”

Her eyes grew large as a perplexed expression came over her face. “The jewels?”

“Yes, I gave them to Sam at the exchange. He told me that if I didn’t hand over the jewels, he would go after Glory.” His face went rigid. “What kind of monster threatens to take the life of an old woman?”

A look of indignation came over her. “That’s horrible! There was a side of Sam I never knew. It was right in front of me, but I couldn’t see it.”

Hank studied her, an enigmatic expression on his face. “Yes, I know what you mean.”

Silence settled between them. She touched his face, her eyes going soft. “Hank, I’m so sorry about everything.”

“I appreciate that,” he said tersely.

“Any word on Chloe? Have they found her?” When Hank remained quiet, she continued. “I want you to know that no matter what happens, I’ll be here for you.” Her voice broke. “I know you loved her … and that it will take time.”

“Yes, I do love her. Chloe’s the love of my life. She’s everything I ever wanted and more.” He noted the fury that sparked in V’s eyes. “I don’t know what I would do if I ever lost her.”

“I’m so sorry,” she said mechanically. “I know you loved her, but sooner or later, you’ll have to face the fact that she’s gone.” There was a definite edge to her voice, and her lips had formed a tight, white line. “Let me help you through this,” she urged. “I’m right here.”

He looked thoughtful. “What if I told you that Chloe is alive. That she has been found.”

Her jaw went slack.

“What would you say about that?” he pressed.

“I would say that’s a good thing.” Suspicion clouded her eyes. “Has she been found?”

“Yes, V, she has.” He noticed that her hands had started to shake, this time for real. “Chloe is alive, and she’s doing well. What if I also told you that I was working with the police the entire time … that I put a tracker on the jewels.”

Her face paled as the beautiful mask slipped away, and he saw her for what she really was—conniving and ruthless.

“How long have you known?” she snapped.

“Garrett told me. And then Chloe confirmed it. Of course, getting Nolan’s cooperation was the icing on the cake.”

Her face fell, and then it went white with anger. “His wife had a family emergency in Baltimore, that’s what Nolan told me.”

Hank looked her in the eye. “It bites to be betrayed, doesn’t it? You should be more careful who you trust. Your boy sang like a canary, giving the police more information than they ever hoped to get.”

Rage boiled in her eyes as she stood. “I should’ve put a bullet in Garrett when I had the chance.” She retrieved a gun from her purse and aimed it at Hank. “We could’ve been so good together. I’m sorry it had to end this way.” She hesitated. “I really do love you. I always have,” she finished sadly.

“You don’t know the meaning of the word
love
,” he fired back.

“Goodbye, Hank.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

She jerked around as three police officers stepped out of the adjoining room, each pointing a gun at her.

“It’s over, V.” Hank’s voice sounded as weary as he felt. The whole scene made him sick to his stomach, and he wanted nothing more than to be done.

Tears misted her eyes. “How could you?” She dropped the gun to her side as the officers tackled her to the ground where they cuffed her and began reading her rights. She glowered at Hank. “This isn’t over.”

He merely shook his head and dismissed her.

“You are hereby charged with the murder of Sam Lowden and the kidnapping and attempted murder of Chloe Kensley. You have the right to remain silent …”

When the officers led V out, Detective Jared Flores lingered behind. “Well done,” he said. “The jewels have been traced to a storage facility in Ogden, belonging to V. That was a stroke of brilliance to add the logo of the jewelry house onto the bag. V assumed that you simply left the jewels in the bag they were already in.”

Hank gave him a terse nod and rubbed his aching neck. “I’m ready to put this whole sordid mess behind me.”

“Of course there is still the business with your brother.”

Hank cocked an eyebrow. “What about my brother?”

“Any word from him?”

“I told you, the last I heard from him was when he escaped from the warehouse and told me where they were taking Chloe.” He gave him a meaningful look. “He saved her life, that should count for something.”

“I see. You know, when you called me and told me he was still alive and responsible for the Ghost Thefts, I got the impression that you were going to help me apprehend him.”

Amusement flittered over Hank’s face. “Now, detective,” he drawled, “you can’t expect me to do everything for you. I gave you the tip. It’s up to you to follow it. That is what they pay you for.”

He scowled. “Don’t push me.”

“I’m not sure what you’re getting at,” he said innocently.

“Getting back to the heist, the way you hacked into the security system … that took some major know-how. And those tranqs were not the run-of-the-mill variety that can be purchased at a sportsman store. They were designed by an expert.” A challenge sparkled in his eyes. “Who’s your right-hand man?”

Hank flashed an easy smile. “You know my reputation better than anybody, detective, I work alone.” He shrugged. “Let me clarify that—I used to work alone.”

A hopeful expression came over Jared’s face. It was dashed when Hank spoke his next words.

“I’m a changed man. I’m no longer a thief. I’ve cleaned up my act.” His jaw went firm. “And I intend to keep it that way.”

Jared chuckled dryly, but there was a look of admiration in his eyes. “I’ll find out your secrets.” He pointed. “One way or another, I’ll eventually find out. The lure of the chase is too great to resist—even for you.”

Hank laughed. “I do like you, detective. In another life, we could’ve been friends.” He glanced at the clock on the wall. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be.”

H
ank’s nerves
were jumping like a live wire as he balanced the large bouquet of red roses in one hand and punched the doorbell with the other. He laughed inwardly. He was more nervous about meeting Chloe’s parents than he’d ever been about cracking a safe. The door opened, and there stood Darbie. She gave him a toothy grin as she reached for the roses. “For me? You shouldn’t have. Come in,” she said, winking. “There are some people here that are dying to meet you.” She leaned in and whispered. “Word to the wise—mind your Ps and Qs around Chloe’s mom. Underneath that southern belle sweetness, lays a real tiger. But her dad’s nice.”

Hank stepped into the room. Chloe’s mom and dad had been sitting on the couch. They stood in unison. The first thought that came to his mind was that Chloe was a mixture of both her parents. Her mother’s hair was the same color as Chloe’s but short and rounded above her ears. She had the same stubborn chin and was chewing on her bottom lip the way Chloe did when she was nervous. Chloe’s dad was tall and lean, and he had kind eyes like Chloe.

Chloe’s mom was the first to step forward and extend her hand. He could tell from the brazen way she was eyeing him up and down that Darbie was right on the money—she was a force to be reckoned with.

“Hello, I’m Hank.”

“Yes, I’ve heard all about you,” she said dryly in that soft southern accent that was reminiscent of Chloe.

He then shook hands with Chloe’s dad. “Hello, Mr. Kensley.”

“Brian, call me
Brian
. My wife’s name is
Naomi
.”

They were every bit as cultured and classy as he’d pictured them. They sat down and began to chitchat about the weather and every other inconsequential thing known to man until Hank couldn’t take it anymore. Was this how southerners fought their battles—by small-talking people to death? He gave them a direct look. “I know you know all about my past.”

“Yes,” Naomi said stiffly, adjusting her blouse.

He let out a breath. “I want you to know how truly sorry I am for all of the pain and suffering that I’ve put you through.”

Tears gathered in Naomi’s eyes, and Brian took her hand in his. The gesture was simple, but it evoked a tender emotion in Hank. These were good people who cared deeply about their daughter and wanted the best for her.

He continued. “I know there’s nothing I can say that will erase all that has happened, but you need to know that I love your daughter.” His eyes went moist. “I love her more than anything, and I’ll spend the rest of my life, trying to prove that to her and to you.”

Tears began dribbling down Naomi’s cheeks as she nodded.

“Thank you,” Brian said gruffly.

Hank looked up as Chloe stepped into the room. She was dressed simply in jeans and a red sweater and was so stunning that she nearly took his breath away. She gave him a tentative smile as she looked back and forth between him and her parents. “Hey.” She began chewing on her lower lip. “I see y’all have met each other …” Her voice lagged as she twirled a lock of hair around her finger.

Before he had time to process what was happening, he was on his feet. He rushed to her side and gathered her in his arms. He buried his lips in her hair, breathing in the scent of her. “I love you so much.” He’d not gotten to spend more than two minutes with her since she was rescued, and it was driving him berserk.

She looked up at him in surprise. “I love you too.”

He cupped her face and was going to kiss her when her face went cherry red. She pulled back and cut her eyes at her parents. “Maybe we should take this up later … when it’s just us.”

It was Hank’s turn to be embarrassed. He rubbed his neck. “Oh, yeah.” He gave her parents a sheepish look. “Sorry.”

Naomi nervously cleared her throat and began fluffing her hair.

A smile tugged at Brian’s lips. “It’s obvious that you love our daughter.” He motioned. “Perhaps we should sit down and discuss your intentions.”