You Can't Hide (37 page)

“That’s how he got the police photos,” she murmured. “I was wondering. Where did you find all of this evidence?”

“All conveniently hidden behind a ceiling tile.”

“Tidy,” she agreed. “You don’t think he did it.”

“No, I don’t.”

138

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

“I only met the man once, Aidan, but from what I remember, he didn’t strike me as the kind to be so… ruthlessly organized.”

He sighed. “I thought so. Tomorrow we’l have to look a little harder at Mr. Bacon. Now I have to go.”

“Back to work?”

“No, to my dad’s house. I need to talk to Rachel.”

“Is she al right?”

“Dad says so, but I want to talk to her.” He shrugged. “I need to see her myself.”

Tess remembered the way Vito had embraced her this morning, his fear and love palpable, tangible. “I got a thank-you gift for your mother. Will you give it to her?”

“Come with me and give it to her yourself. We’l leave a note for Vito.”

Wednesday, March 15, 9:00 P.M.

As sleazy alcoholic has-been PIs went, Destin Lawe was not half bad. He’d done his job, admirably. Now, he was being prematurely retired.

He got into the car looking impressed. “New wheels?”

“Something like that.” It really was a shame. Lawe, despite his name, had absolutely no problems skirting or breaking it when necessary. He had been the perfect go-between-an amoral man with gambling debts, liquor bills, and an uncanny ability to catch normal y good people doing very bad things. He would be a hard man to replace.

“What’s with the raincoat?” Lawe asked, flicking a glance over the ugly mackintosh that had cost way too much money for a one-time use. “The weatherman said it was going to be clear and cold for a few more days.”

“I’d say it’s going to be getting considerably colder. Did you find her?”

“Of course I did. Though why you wanted a col ege kid is a mystery to me. Here’s her name and address and schedule of classes.” He pul ed a sheet of paper from his pocket and handed it over while examining the radio on the high-priced Mercedes that had been all too easy to steal.
I
haven’t lost my touch after all these years.
That it was a newer model than Ciccotelli’s just made the find that much sweeter.

The student lived on campus near the shoe store Ciccotelli had visited today. Poor girl. Wrong place, wrong time for her. Lawe had returned the photo of the girl as well. Excellent. Joanna Carmichael had been busy snapping pictures of Ciccotelli all over town, eliminating the need for legwork. “She has bad taste in shoes.”

Lawe’s eyes froze, his mouth open on an unuttered reply. Even in the dim light of the street lamps it was obvious that every drop of color had drained from his face. The barrel of a silenced gun had that general effect on people.

“Why?” he asked, his voice hoarse. He thought his movements were stealthy, but his hand going for his weapon was just as obvious as his pallor. A single bul et to his wrist had him screaming, holding his arm in pain. He turned quickly, clawing for the door handle, only to find it gone. He cowered back against the door, breathing hard.

“It’s for your own good, really. Blaine Connell is about to talk.”

He moaned. “He wouldn’t. The cops got nothing on him. I promise.”

“Now they do.”

His eyes widened as cognition struck. “You gave it to them? Why?”

“Because it was either you or me.” The next six shots sank neatly into his heart, the eighth and ninth to his head once he’d fallen forward. “No contest, Mr. Lawe. Given that kind of choice, I’ll always choose me.”

The mackintosh rol ed into a tight little ball, as advertised. That was probably a bonus for campers, who, for reasons forever to remain a mystery, chose to pack their backpacks ful of supplies and… rough it. The little bloody, balled mackintosh would easily get lost in a busy city Dumpster-
A bonus for me
.

139

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

A last look back in the rearview mirror provided a final glimpse of the Mercedes which had not fared nearly as wel , its interior soiled beyond reclaim. Hopeful y the owners had it ful y insured. Because now it was Mr. Lawe’s resting place.

In about thirty seconds Mr. Lawe’s earthly resting place would approach the temperature of his eternal one. Three… two… one. Very nice. The blaze lit up the sky briefly, before settling down to a slow, sure burn.

That took care of nearly all the loose ends. Rivera, Bacon, and Lawe. The Blade boys who’d killed Hughes would need to be watched although the chance of one of them succumbing to any weakness was remote at best. But neglect to ful y appreciate the loyalty of an employee had nearly allowed Bacon to sink the ship. The cops had found him already. Sooner than expected. Reagan was not to be underestimated.

But they’d found all the right evidence to put their minds at ease and close the case before going on to the next. Pictures, reports, the gun… Brilliant to add the gun.
If I do say so myself. And
I do.
They’d think they’d solved it. They’d tell Ciccotelli she was safe and she’d think it was true. She might even sleep tonight.

Until the next victim fell. Which would be soon.
Be judged by the company you keep.
By the time I’m finished no one will stand with her. She will be alone and finally fully
vulnerable. Then she’ll be mine.

Chapter 15

Wednesday, March 15, 9:45 P.M.

What is this?” Aidan’s mother’s eyes lit up when he walked into her kitchen, then sharpened with interest when Tess came in behind him. Becca and Rachel were sitting at the kitchen table, his mother clipping coupons while Rachel studied chemistry. Aidan put the baked ravioli on the counter and kissed his mother’s cheek. “Tess made dinner.”

Becca gave Tess a smile. “That was thoughtful of you to think of us, Tess.”

Tess held out a box wrapped in foil with a frilly bow. “This is for you, Mrs. Reagan. A thankyou for helping me last night.”

“You didn’t have to do that!” But her fingers made quick work of the wrapping paper, then she sucked in a delighted breath. “Goodness.” She lifted a soft cashmere sweater from the box. She put it down quickly. “It’s too expensive. I can’t accept this.”

“Sure you can,” Tess said easily. “It was on sale.” She winked conspiratorially. “It’s your color, Mrs. Reagan. Go try it on. If it doesn’t fit, I have the receipt.”

Becca hurried off, leaving Aidan perplexed. “I didn’t know she liked cashmere.”

Tess clucked her tongue. “I bet you give her pots and pans for Mother’s Day, don’t you?” She shook her head. “You do. Shame on you, Aidan.” Her cell phone rang and her shoulders stiffened.

“Not again,” she muttered. “One more reporter and I swear to God…” She checked the caller ID

and relaxed. “It’s Vito. He must have woken up and found us gone. Excuse me.” She walked into the laundry room, out of sight and Rachel gave him a curious look.

“She cooked in your kitchen?”

“She made cannoli, too, from scratch.”

Rachel perked up. “Cannoli? Where is it?”

“At my house. You didn’t think I’d bring you any, did you?”

She scowled at him. “Pig. Do you think that sweater was really the same price as one from Wal-Mart?”

Aidan shook his head. “Hell no, but don’t tell Mom that. She looked too happy.” He sat next to Rachel, studied her face. She looked tired. “Rough day?”

140

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

“Yeah. I kept thinking somebody would know it was me that told, but nobody said anything. The cops came during fifth period and took three of the jocks away.”

“So Marie told the police who raped her?”

Rachel closed her eyes. “I guess she must have. She wasn’t in school again, but word on the street was that her father came in after first period and raised holy hell in the principal’s office, so her parents must know now.” She opened her eyes, her stare plaintive. “Did I do the right thing, Aidan?”

He hugged her. “Yeah, honey. You did.” He hoped he was telling the truth. Tess came back, her phone in her hand. “Vito wants to talk to you.”

“Who’s Vito?” he heard Rachel asking as Tess sat down next to her.

“
My
big brother,” Tess answered. She tapped Rachel’s book. “So what is this?”

“Balancing equations.” Rachel grimaced. “I can’t figure it out.”

Tess bent her head over the book. “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away I knew how to do this. Let’s see if I still can…”

Aidan closed the door to the laundry room. “Yeah, Vito? What’s up?”

“Your neighbor kid woke me up.”

“Twelve-year-old? Freckles? He walks my dog when I’m not home.”

“Well, he didn’t come to walk the dog. He nearly called the cops when I opened the door. Wouldn’t believe I was a houseguest.”

“He wants to be a cop,” Aidan said with affection. “He’s a nice kid.”

“Yeah,” Vito said a sarcastic laugh. “To you. He only talked to me after I showed him every piece of ID I owned. He said there was a car sitting a few doors down all afternoon. Big guy, shaved head.”

Aidan’s hair stood up on his neck. Clayborn. “Shit. How did he know Tess was at my house?

How did he get my address?”

“I don’t know. The kid said he was waiting for you to get home to tell you, but he got caught up in a video game and lost track of time.”

“I guess the car isn’t there now.”

“I’ve been around the block twice now and I don’t see anything. Listen, I have a few errands to run. You’l keep her with you?”

“I won’t let her out of my sight. Don’t worry.”

“Did you catch the scum that sent her that CD?”

“In a manner of speaking. He’s dead. Looks like he killed himself.”

Vito was quiet for a moment. “Looks like?”

“For now. Let’s just say I have a few more questions to answer. Where will you be? Tonight, that is.”

“I’m staying in my hotel.” Vito’s tone changed, going slightly ominous. “Tell Tess I’l pick her up in a few hours. I got her a room there, too, so she can stay with me.”

Aidan’s lips twitched at the barely veiled warning to keep his hands off Vito’s little sister. “I’l tell her.” Whether she did Vito’s bidding was another thing altogether. He went back in the kitchen to find Tess and Rachel deep in conversation. Tess had Rachel’s pencil and was helping her with her homework.

His mother reappeared, fussing with the col ar of the cashmere sweater. “Well?”

Aidan smiled at her. “Tess is right. It’s your color, Mom.”

A car door slammed outside. “Your father’s home,” Becca said, frowning. Aidan caught the look she threw Tess just as his father blustered in from outside. Tess didn’t miss Becca Reagan’s look, either. She looked up warily as a man came in from outside. He was big like Aidan, his black hair threaded with silver, but his eyes were the same intense blue. Suddenly the kitchen took on a palpable tension.

“Dad,” Aidan said. “This is Tess Ciccotelli. Tess, my father, Kyle Reagan.”

Kyle Reagan, the retired policeman. Kyle Reagan who at this very moment scowled at her from beneath bushy gray brows. Tess drew a breath. “It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

141

Karen Rose

[Suspense 5]

You Can't Hide

He stood there a moment, then turned to Aidan. “What is she doing here?”

“Kyle!” Becca chided. “That’s enough.”

With a grunt, he stalked past and headed for the living room. “Don’t worry,” Rachel said lightly. “He wasn’t crazy about Kristen at first, either.” She raised a brow at Aidan. “Neither were you.” But Aidan didn’t respond. His cheeks were flushed, his jaw tight. “I’l be back.”

Tess stood, put a hand on his chest. “Don’t, Aidan. It’s all right. I won’t come between you and your dad.”

“No, it’s not all right.” He went into the living room, his face determined.

“Oh, dear,” Becca murmured. “Sit down, Rachel,” she added when Rachel stood up to listen at the doorway. Rachel rolled her eyes, but obeyed. The men spoke in low voices, but Tess could pick out a word here and there. Most of what she heard, she understood. Most importantly she understood Aidan and her father were arguing and she was the cause. And as…
interested
as she was in Aidan Reagan, she wasn’t about to be the cause of another family rift. Being the cause of her own family’s was bad enough. Quietly she shrugged into her coat. “Thanks for everything, Mrs. Reagan.” She squeezed Rachel’s shoulder. “You’re brother is so proud of you,” she murmured. “You did good, kid.” Then she marched into the living room where Aidan’s father sat in an old recliner, his arms crossed over his chest, his face set in a mutinous frown. Aidan stood before him, feet spread wide, hands on his hips. Their expressions were identical, their harsh voices indistinguishable.

She cleared her throat. “Gentlemen.” They quieted, turning to her. “Mr. Reagan, I don’t know what you think you know about me, but you’ve raised honorable children, so I have to believe they learned it from you. I’m not the person you imagine me to be, and if you gave me a chance you’d see that. But I won’t be the cause of friction in your family. Trust me, Aidan, it’s not worth it. I’l be waiting for you when you’re ready to go.”

She turned on her heel and walked away, trembling inside but determined not to let it show. She gave Becca a wave before walking through the laundry room and outside where the cold wind whipped at her hair. Aidan’s car was parked on the curb. Just a few feet more and-A hand clenched her hair, yanking her to her toes a second before a hand came over her mouth and a gun to her head. “Don’t say a word, Doctor.”

Clayborn. Fucking hell.
Faced with a gun to her head for the second time in two days, something desperate exploded inside her and she clawed at his face, wrenching from his grip like a wild thing. The sharp rip in her scalp had her eyes stinging but she blinked it away as she got free and took a single running step. He grunted in surprise and grabbed her shoulder in a viselike grip and everything seemed to go on autopilot. She brought the heel of her hand hard up into his nose and, before the shriek of pain crossed his lips, fol owed it with a sharp knee to his groin. Breathing like a bellows, she watched him crumple to the ground, his left hand going to his groin, his right still clutching the gun, and with all her weight, crashed the heel of her new boot into his wrist.