Colton 911--Soldier's Return, page 4
Outside, the wind had picked up. Maybe that had caused the noise. She’d left her phone in the living room. She ran back and grabbed it, trying to decide whether to call 911 or Micha.
Micha? Thoroughly annoyed with herself, she had to admit having him around made her feel safe.
Another thud, louder this time. Deciding not to mess around, she dialed 911. Feeling slightly foolish, she told the dispatcher she thought someone might be trying to break into her house. They promised to send someone as soon as they could. Carly hung up, nerves still on edge. She had to fight the urge to call Micha, which annoyed her to no end. The man had barely been back in her life for half a day. She’d survived on her own for the last two years. She’d managed by herself, thank you very much. And she’d continue to do so now.
A squad car pulled up fifteen minutes later. Carly stayed inside, nervously waiting to see if they found anything. She could hear them moving around in her backyard and saw their flashlights.
Finally, they knocked on her back door. She opened it to find two of Chicago PD’s finest standing on her back stoop.
“We did a complete search of the premises, ma’am,” one of the officers said. “No intruder turned up, but we think we located the source of the noises you were hearing. We found a stray dog trying to get under your storage shed. She’s pretty emaciated. Since Animal Control is closed, we’ll send them around to pick her up in the morning, if that’s okay.”
“A stray dog?” Lately, she’d been thinking a lot about getting a dog. She’d intended to go up to the pound and pick out an older pup but wasn’t sure if her occasional twelve-hour shifts were conducive to having a pet. “Is she friendly?”
“She is,” the other officer chimed in, grinning. “I had a sandwich I’d picked up for lunch and didn’t get a chance to eat. She gulped that thing down. Maybe put some water out for her?”
“Can I see her?” Carly asked instead. Maybe this dog, a homeless stray, was meant to be hers.
“There.” The second guy pointed with his flashlight. “She’s standing right there, watching us.”
Peering into the darkness, Carly spotted a thin, black dog watching them intently, her eyes gleaming in the flashlight beam. Crouching down, acting on instinct, Carly spoke softly, attempting to call the animal over. “Come here, pretty girl,” she crooned. “Would you like to come inside out of the cold?”
To her surprise, the dog inched closer.
“I don’t have any dog food.” Distressed, Carly continued to crouch in what she hoped was a nonthreatening way. “Is it okay if I give her chicken or beef?” As the dog slunk closer, Carly could see all of the canine’s ribs and backbone. “It looks like it’s been a really long time since she had a good meal.”
“Sure. Anything healthy will help fill up her belly. Are you planning on keeping her?”
Startled, Carly look up. “I... I’ve been thinking about getting a dog, so I guess I am. Would that be allowed?”
“You’ll need to have her scanned for a microchip,” Officer One said. “You can do that at any veterinary office or you can bring her by the shelter when it opens. If there’s no chip, talk to the shelter about them letting her serve out her stray hold with you instead of there.”
“Stray hold?”
Officer Two shrugged. “Just in case someone might be looking for her. You never know.”
That made sense.
“I want to do everything by the book,” Carly said. “Thank you so much for checking everything out for me.”
“No problem.” Officer One touched his hat. “We were all sorry to hear about your father and uncle.”
Carly murmured a thank-you. Even to this day, she often found herself startled by how many people had known the two elder Coltons.
“We’ll close the gate behind us,” Officer One said. “It was open, which is how the dog got in.”
She thanked them again, standing on her back stoop while they walked away. The dog, she noticed, turned her head to watch them go, but made no move to follow. Carly crouched down again. “Come here, baby girl,” she crooned. “Let’s get you inside where it’s warm. I’ll find something you can eat, I promise.”
To her shock, the dog slunk closer, posture wary, but nonthreatening. As the skeletal creature climbed the back-stoop steps, Carly almost cried. Taking care not to make any sudden moves, Carly opened the back door and stepped inside, still calling the dog to her. A full tummy and a warm bath might go wonders to helping the poor animal feel better.
Chapter 3
Micha checked the time to make sure it wasn’t too late, and then called the cell phone number of one of his former combat buddies, Charlie Crenshaw, now working stateside for the Chicago PD.
“Hey, man,” Charlie said once Micha identified himself. “It’s great to hear from you. Last I heard, you were laid up in the hospital over at Walter Reed. Are you all better now?”
“I am. Actually, I’m back in Chicago.” He took a deep breath. “As a matter of fact, I wanted to check and see what kind of progress has been made on the Colton murders. Since you’re the only Chicago cop I know, I figured you’d be a good place to start.”
“Why?” Charlie asked, sounding more confused than suspicious.
“I used to be engaged to Ernest Colton’s daughter, Carly. She’s had the feeling that someone’s been following her for the past six weeks and is worried it might be related to the murder.”
“Okay, I get it.” Charlie cleared his throat. “I trust you, Micha, so what I’m about to tell you can’t go any further. All right?”
“Agreed,” Micha responded immediately. “I’ll keep my mouth shut until you give me the go-ahead.”
“Good, because the chief wants to talk to the Colton family before the news gets out to the general public. There’s been a second set of killings, with the same MO as the twin Colton men, though they weren’t twins. Right now, the theory is serial killers, and the FBI has been called in to help investigate.”
“Damn.” Micha whistled. “Now I’m even more worried about Carly being followed.”
“Give her my number and tell her to call me tomorrow. Once I’ve received an official complaint from her, I can request a protective detail.”
Relieved, Micha thanked him. “I’ll pass the info along to her. Is it okay if I let her know about the new murders?”
“We’d prefer to notify the family first, but if you think she can keep it to herself, go for it. Just remember, you didn’t hear it from me.”
“Got it,” Micha replied. “Thanks again, man.”
“No problem. Let me know when you want to grab a beer and catch up. I work days, so I’m off most nights.”
Micha promised to touch base again soon and ended the call. He sat for a moment, staring at his phone, and ultimately decided to wait until the morning to talk to Carly. He didn’t want to worry her and possibly cause her to lose sleep.
He wondered if she had to work tomorrow. Since he had no idea of her schedule and hadn’t thought to ask, he figured he’d simply show up at her house with coffee in the morning. They could talk and he’d tell her what he’d learned from his friend. Then, if she was open to it, they could make plans to meet up later.
That night, he slept better than he had in years. He’d come back to the vibrant place his soul had always recognized was his true home, and the woman he’d known from the moment he met her was meant to be his.
He was up bright and early the next morning. On his way to her place, he stopped at her favorite coffee shop and got them both lattes, hers with extra whip. He texted her as soon as he got into his car, letting her know he had coffee and asking if it was okay if he gave it to her personally.
A few seconds later, she texted back. Sure, but I have to leave for work in fifteen minutes. I don’t have a lot of time.
He made it to her house in five and rang her doorbell with his elbow, a coffee in each hand. She answered a moment later, her blond hair up in a ponytail and wearing pale blue scrubs.
“Good morning,” he said, handing her the coffee and drinking her in with his eyes.
Accepting it with a half smile, she thanked him.
“How about I drive you to work this morning?” he asked, going on impulse. “That would give us more time to talk.”
She regarded him silently. “But then I wouldn’t have a way to get home when my shift is over.”
The fact that she didn’t decline outright gave him hope.
“I’ll pick you up,” he offered. “Maybe we can go get a bite to eat or something.”
“I can’t. I have to come home and take a stray dog to the vet. I’m having her scanned for a microchip, and if she doesn’t have one, I’m having her checked out.”
A dog. His heart squeezed. Back when they were engaged, he’d hoped to get a dog together as soon as they were married, though he’d never brought it up. “Can I meet her?” he asked, a little too much emotion in his voice.
Carly glanced at her watch. “I don’t have time. I’ve got her a spot all fixed up in my kitchen.”
He nodded. “Okay. Maybe later. Now how about that ride to work?”
“I don’t know.” She regarded him dubiously. “There’s been a lot of water under the bridge in two years, Micha. We can’t simply pick up where we left off before.”
Trying to hide his disappointment, he nodded. “That makes sense. How about we start out as friends instead?”
“Friends?”
Her skeptical tone made him grin. “Sure. And as your friend, how about I drive you to work and pick you up later? I’d love to meet your new dog.”
“As long as you understand that what happened between us yesterday can’t happen again.”
Though this took him by surprise, he realized it wasn’t entirely unexpected. If Carly wanted to take things slow, then that’s what they’d do. “I understand,” he told her. “Now if you’re ready, let’s go. I have something important I want to tell you.”
“Give me just a minute.” Turning, she let herself back into her house, leaving him standing on the front porch. He sipped his coffee while he waited, wondering how he could still feel so strongly for her while she apparently did not feel the same way. It figured, because time had basically stood still for him. He’d been completely disconnected from the regular world for a long time, both while being held captive and then while in the hospital recovering. Despite the aching certainty that he’d finally landed right back where he belonged, he knew he’d need to give Carly time.
She reappeared a moment later, letting herself out and locking the door behind her. “I’m a little worried about Bridget,” she mused as she walked with him to his rental car. “She’s been a stray for a while and I’m guessing she’s not housebroken. I made an area near the back door with newspaper, so I’m hoping she’ll use that. If not, then I’ll just clean it up.”
“How long are you working today?” he asked.
“Unless something happens, I’m only working eight to five,” she replied, getting into his car. “The vet is open until six, so I have to rush home and get Bridget.” She eyed him. “I don’t have a collar or leash or even proper dog bowls. Oh, and I need dog food. Would you mind picking some up for me and I’ll reimburse you?”
“Of course I don’t mind. What about a dog bed? What size dog is she?”
“Maybe forty or fifty pounds, I’m guessing.” Swallowing, she buckled herself in. “Thank you. I really appreciate your help.”
He noticed the way she glanced around her neighborhood, an unmistakable hint of apprehension in the stiff set of her shoulders.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
Her sideways glance and rueful smile told him she wasn’t sure. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “It’s been so weird lately. I’m actually glad you offered to take me to work.”
“Do you see anything out of the ordinary?” Curious, he started the engine and pulled away.
“No, not really. I just can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching me.”
“Then they would have seen me on your front porch,” he pointed out. “Maybe if they realize I’m going to be showing up a lot, they’ll move on to something else and leave you alone.”
She sighed, but didn’t argue with his statement, which he found encouraging.
“I called one of my buddies who works for Chicago PD,” he said. “I wanted to know if they’d had any leads in your father’s and uncle’s murders.”
This made her sit up straighter. “Oh, yeah? What did he say?”
“Well, Chicago PD wants to notify your family first. I think they’re planning on doing that today.” He shrugged. “I feel you should be told because this might have some bearing on your own safety, especially since you’ve been feeling as if someone is watching you.”
He took a deep breath. “Are you okay with knowing before but not saying anything until your mother and aunt are told? Because my friend will have my head on a platter if it gets out that he told me.”
“Yes, I am. I have to work, anyway. Why so much secrecy?”
“There’s been another double murder, done in a similar manner to your dad and uncle. Now they’re thinking serial killer, and they’ve called in the FBI to assist.”
She stared at him, her mouth slightly open. “A serial killer?” she asked. “For real?”
“That’s the working theory right now.”
“What’s the common thread?” Arms crossed, she eyed him. “Don’t serial killers usually have a type they kill? Is it because my dad and uncle Alfred were twins?”
“I don’t know. My contact didn’t elaborate. I’m guessing you’ll find out more info once the police department informs your family.”
Slowly, she shook her head. “They’re going to flip. I hope they tell Heath first, so he can break the news to my mother and aunt.”
“There’s more. I told my friend how you felt someone might be following you.” He handed her a slip of paper with Charlie’s number. “He needs you to call him and make an official report. Once they have that, they can start protecting you.”
Accepting the paper, she frowned. “What do you mean by that? Are you talking about a bodyguard or something?”
“No. You have me for that.” He smiled. “More like they can send a patrol car around your neighborhood more often. Maybe have someone parked out in front of your house to keep an eye on things. I doubt they have the resources to do that 24/7, but because of your connection to the murders, it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
He saw the moment she realized. “You think the killer might be targeting me.” A statement rather than a question, but he knew to tread carefully.
“I think we don’t need to take any chances.” A reasonable response. “No need to panic, but just continue to be careful.”
They pulled up to the hospital. He parked at the curb to let her out. “I’ll pick you up here at five.”
Gaze locked on his, she slowly nodded. “Okay. If I can get off earlier, I’ll text you. I really need to check Bridget for a microchip.”
He watched her walk away, her sweet round behind swaying in her scrubs. Unsurprisingly, he had to push away a surge of raw lust. Though he regretted the way things had gotten out of hand between them the day before, if anything the way they’d combusted so quickly told him he still had a chance of making things right with her. He’d just need to be careful to take it slow. The last thing he wanted was for Carly to cut and run.
Now he just needed to find out if someone was stalking her and why. He hoped it had no ties whatsoever to her father’s murder and the two latest killings, but no way in hell was he taking a chance. Not when Carly’s life might depend on it.
* * *
Carly called Micha’s police friend as soon as she got inside. She knew if she waited until she started her shift, she probably wouldn’t have a chance.
The officer picked up on the second ring. “Charlie Crenshaw.”
As soon as she identified herself, his casual tone became more professional. When she told him she’d had the feeling someone had been watching her for the last six weeks, he asked her several pointed questions.
“No, I haven’t actually seen anyone. No, no one has sent me weird emails or written messages. No vandalism or anything like that.” She thought of last night, calling 911 because of the strange noises she’d heard, but figured that would already be on record. And after all, the sound had turned out to be a stray dog.
Listening to herself, even she began to have doubts.
To his credit, when she’d started to feel like she might have been imagining the feeling of being watched, Officer Crenshaw promised to file a report.
“What does that mean?” she asked. “Where do we go from here?”
“We’ll start by having officers patrol your street more often,” he replied. “More frequent drive-bys might help.”
“Thank you.” Relieved that he hadn’t said she’d be put under constant surveillance, she ended the call. Since she wasn’t even positive about being watched, she would have been extremely uncomfortable losing that much privacy. Hearing about the two new murders gave her pause, though. She wondered who would be notifying her and when. Most likely, her eldest brother, Heath, would be tasked with that chore. As president of Colton Connections, he’d become unofficial head of the family with the two eldest Coltons’ deaths.
Expecting his call, she debated whether or not to give him the news about Micha over the phone. It might be easier to do that in person.
Instead of a call, Heath sent her a text. Sunday, cookout in Oak Park at one. Can you make it?
Since she was always off Sundays unless she switched shifts with someone, she texted back in the affirmative. Apparently, Heath wanted to give his news in person, as well.
