Scorched Secrets, page 13
part #1 of Finnegan First Responders Series
“Are you familiar with Rosie’s Diner?” Colin’s question pulled her from her troubled thoughts.
“Yes, I’ve eaten there.”
“Great. I love their pancake breakfast specials.” He really was all about the food. “And Rosie always has fresh baked pastries too.”
She could feel her hips widen just thinking about Rosie’s pastries. But she nodded anyway. “Sounds good to me.”
If not for the fact that they were on the road in some strange guy’s car, with disposable cell phones and not one iota of luggage—unless you counted the laptop case—this was a pretty nice way to spend a Saturday morning.
An experience she longed to repeat once the danger was over.
Far too aware of Faye sitting beside him, Colin forced himself to concentrate on the road, both the cars in front of him and those coming up from behind. He’d stayed in the right lane, driving barely five miles above the speed limit, forcing other travelers to pass him in their hurry to reach their destination.
So far, none of the cars had lingered behind him. Which had been the whole point. They weren’t in a rush to reach Rosie’s. He was hungry, but he knew Mitch needed time to investigate the possibility of setting a trap for the arsonist.
Mitch also wanted to meet with the detective who’d handled Daniel Percy’s suicide. A note had been left behind, but the case would be thoroughly vetted to ensure this wasn’t a homicide staged to look like a suicide.
Hard to believe Jayson would kill his own half brother, but hearing stories from his cop brothers, Colin knew anything was possible. Dysfunctional families had become a big draw in reality TV shows. First responders tended to see that dysfunction up close and personal.
And what his older siblings had experienced over the past eight months when their loved ones were in danger had been worse than anything portrayed on television.
He needed to call Rhy once he and Mitch came up with a plan. His brother would want to be apprised of the details. As a tactical expert, his brother’s input would be invaluable in identifying any potential flaws in their plan too.
Yet Devon’s pregnancy meant Rhy could not be involved at the scene. His oldest brother’s place was at the homestead with his wife and unborn child. If Colin and Mitch needed additional firearm support, he’d rather ask for Aiden’s help.
The trip to Milwaukee proved uneventful. Which was a good thing as that meant their precautions regarding phones and swapping cars had worked. The parking lot at Rosie’s was only half full, and he could see at least two empty tables as he drove by.
“Ready?” He stopped the Explorer and put the gearshift into park.
“Yep.” Faye pushed open her door. “Do you need the laptop?”
He nodded and reached between the seats to snag it. “Mitch is meeting us here in about an hour.”
Inside, he walked straight to the last booth along the line of windows. Rosie’s Diner was an old-fashioned place, but the food was great, and he liked the quaint atmosphere. Rosie gave him a nod, indicating she’d be over shortly.
Faye peered at the plastic menu as he scanned the crowd. Rosie came over with two cups and a pot of coffee. “It’s been a while, Colin. I’ve been worried you found a new hot breakfast spot.”
“Never. You’re my favorite, Rosie.” He beamed at her.
“Ah, lad, you’re always the sweet one, aren’t you?” Rosie’s thick Irish accent made him laugh. She’d been born in the States, just like he had been, but she liked to play up their Irish roots. “Slow down and enjoy your coffee. I’ll be back to take your order.”
“Wow, I didn’t realize you were such a regular here,” Faye teased.
The back of his neck went hot. “It’s not that far from our firehouse. What can I say? I like the food, and Rosie is a gem.”
“I see the pancake special, but that is an awful lot of food.” She shook her head. “I’ll stick with a veggie omelet.”
“They’re good too,” he assured her. “I’ve had just about everything Rosie offers.”
Once they’d placed their order, he savored his coffee. This had to be his last cup, he was already over his self-imposed limit. While they were waiting for their meals, Rosie brought over a large cranberry muffin.
“They’re on special today,” she said by way of explanation. He’d learned to never say no to Rosie’s specials.
“Looks great, thanks,” Colin said.
Rosie winked at him and gave them two small plates and two forks. “You need to share so you have room for breakfast.”
Faye’s brows hiked up, and she leaned over the table, keeping her voice low. “Does she always do this?”
“Petty much.” He cut the muffin in half and put it on her plate. Then helped himself. “Don’t argue until you’ve tried it.”
To her credit, Faye took a bite. “Mmm, very good.”
“Told you.” He grinned and ate his portion. “Don’t say no to Rosie.”
When their meals arrived, he reached across the table to take Faye’s hand. She didn’t hesitate to clasp his fingers and bow her head. He was touched by the way she participated in his prayers.
“Lord, thank You for this wonderful meal You’ve provided for us. We also thank You for continuing to keep us safe in Your loving arms. Amen.”
“Amen.” Faye held his gaze for a long moment. “I hope whatever plan you and Mitch come up with keeps you safe, too, Colin. I don’t want anything to happen to either of you. Or anyone else for that matter.”
“Don’t worry about us.” He smiled and dug into his large pancake breakfast, complete with hash browns and bacon. When Rosie returned, he broke his rule about not having more coffee.
If he and Mitch were able to set up the plan he’d begun to formulate, this might be his last meal for a while. He knew better than to get his hopes up, but if planting Faye’s phone to draw out the arsonist worked, they could have this case wrapped up by dinnertime.
And if it didn’t work? He and Mitch would have to come up with a plan B.
As if on cue, his phone rang. Glancing at the screen, he confirmed the caller was Mitch. “Hey, we’re in Milwaukee.”
“Figured. Did you hit Rosie’s?”
“Of course. Are you heading over to join us?”
“Soon. Give me about fifteen minutes. We’re still checking Jayson Sanders’s credit card purchases. So far he hasn’t used it for anything. In my opinion, that’s a big red flag. If this was some innocent vacation, he’d have charges pending.”
“Does he use his card often?” Colin knew some people avoided credit cards, preferring to pay their way as they went along.
“Often enough up until three days ago. About the time the chief gave him the boot.”
“Interesting. Okay, we’ll wait for you here.”
“See you soon.” Mitch paused, then added, “And save some food for me.”
“Ha ha. Later.” He disconnected from the call.
“What’s interesting?” Faye asked.
He explained about the lack of credit card charges for the past three days on Jayson Sanders’s account. “Could be nothing. He may be cautious about spending since he’s without a job.”
“Sounds to me like he’s hiding.” She frowned. “What did you call it? Flying under the radar.”
“Yeah, maybe. But not using a credit card isn’t a crime.” Suspicious? Yeah. But after learning of Daniel Percy’s suicide, he thought it best not to jump to any conclusions. “How’s your omelet?”
“Excellent. Much better than hospital food.” She gave his plate a disparaging glance. “You’re really going to eat all that?”
“Watch me.”
By the time Mitch came in, a solid twenty minutes later, they had finished their meals. Mitch grimaced and said, “You didn’t wait for me.”
“Rosie knows you’re coming,” Colin assured him. Less than two minutes later, Rosie brought Mitch a cranberry muffin and coffee.
Once Mitch had placed his order, he turned the conversation to business. “I’m glad you’re finished eating because I heard from the ME on the way over. He’s working on the autopsy, cause of death is obviously the bullet wound in his temple, but we won’t have the full tox screen for thirty days.”
“Why so long?” Colin asked. “Can’t he put a rush on it?”
“Toxicology screens take time,” Faye said. “Especially in a case where they have no idea what, if anything, has been ingested.”
“She’s right,” Mitch agreed. “Even with a rush on it, a month is the best they can do. I spoke to the detective who caught the case; it’s your brother, Tarin.”
Colin nodded. “What did Tare say?”
“He’s being super cautious, unwilling to give his opinion one way or the other until all the forensics are back.”
Again, Colin wasn’t surprised. Tarin had made a call about a suicide five years ago that had ended up being a homicide. His brother wasn’t about to make the same mistake again. “How long will that take?”
“At least until tomorrow, maybe Monday.” Mitch sighed. “The only thing he would commit to is that the handwriting on the note looks to be a match to other documents found at the house. However, Tarin said Daniel could have written it under duress.”
Great, so they basically knew nothing more than they had earlier that morning. “Okay, I guess we’ll have to wait to see what Tarin comes up with.”
“Yeah. Between that and the lack of credit card charges, we don’t have much to work with.” Mitch eyed him over the rim of his cup. “You mentioned setting a trap for this guy. I have to tell you, Chief Kimble isn’t on board with that idea.”
Colin frowned. “Did you assure him this trap would not place Faye in harm’s way? That we don’t have many options to find this guy unless we do something significant to draw him out?”
“I did.” Mitch glanced over at Faye seated beside him. “You may need to call your dad again. I think my bringing up the plan rattled him.”
“I will, but I agree with Colin.” She stared into her empty coffee cup. “We need to do something. How much longer does he think we should sit around and wait for someone to find this guy?”
Mitch lifted his hands in surrender. “Hey, don’t shoot the messenger. I’m on your side.”
Colin wished Mitch hadn’t broached the chief until they had nailed down a possible plan. He leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table. “First, we need to stop at a phone store and get a replacement for the one Faye left behind in the motel. Then we need to head over to the American Lodge to talk to Gary.”
Mitch nodded slowly. “You’re thinking Gary can set up a decoy room with Faye’s phone to draw the arsonist out of hiding.”
“Exactly.” His brother Rhy had tried something similar several months ago when his wife Devon had been in harm’s way. Devon hadn’t been his wife at the time, but that hadn’t stopped his brother from putting his life on the line for her. And now they were married and expecting their first child together. God worked in mysterious ways.
“That might work,” Mitch said.
“Gary installed security cameras outside the motel. Rhy saw them back in January when he tried to set a trap there.”
“What happened?” Faye asked. “Did the ruse work?”
“The guy Rhy was trying to draw out saw the cameras and took off.” He shrugged. “So no, it didn’t work. The same thing could happen this time too. Unless we can come up with a way to hide the cameras to avoid detection.”
“Security cameras, huh?” Mitch pondered that for a moment. “I like it, Colin. And I know Gary pretty well. He’ll jump at the chance to help us catch this guy.”
“If he has any empty rooms to spare. It’s summer, and a weekend too.” Colin shrugged. “We might have to wait until Sunday night, but I figure it’s worth a trip over there to talk to him. The sooner we come up with a plan, the sooner we can set it up.”
“But where am I going to be while this trap is set?” Faye asked.
He hesitated, knowing she wouldn’t like it. “You’ll need to stay with your dad and Claire in Brookland, Faye. Leave the American Lodge to me, Mitch, and Aiden.”
She frowned. “I don’t like that idea.”
He’d known she wouldn’t, but that was too darn bad. Because he made a promise to her father to keep her safe.
And he wasn’t about to break that vow.
Chapter Eleven
“The reason I haven’t gone to my father’s house since this nightmare began is because I don’t want to put his wife or my sister in danger. That hasn’t changed.” Faye tilted her chin stubbornly. “I’m sure you and Mitch can figure out some way to have me be in the room too.”
“Not happening.” Colin’s tone was firm.
“She has a point about the danger to the chief’s wife and daughter,” Mitch said. “We can keep her someplace else, like another motel.”
“I’d rather her dad be the one to watch over her.” Colin sighed and rubbed the blond stubble on his jaw. Normally, he was clean-shaven, but they’d been in various motels now, without a razor. “I could see if Rhy can get someone from his team to watch her for us rather than her dad.”
“I’m not helpless.” The words came out sharper than she had intended. She tried to soften them. “I know I’m not a cop, but with you guys watching the motel, I think it’s best if I stay inside the room with my phone. If the arsonist doesn’t see me going inside, he may view it as a trap. Especially if he knows Gary is a retired firefighter. That alone may cause him to be suspicious.”
There was a long moment of silence as Colin stared at her. She could tell he didn’t like it, but he was considering the possibility of failure if they didn’t include her.
“Please, Colin.” She rested her hand on his arm. “Let me do my part to help catch this guy.”
“She’s right about the possibility of the arsonist knowing Gary,” Mitch said. “If he’s at all associated with the fire department, he’ll know Gary would support us in a time of need. Yet, that could work in our favor too. Especially if we make it clear Faye is inside the room and make a show of leaving her behind. That may be enough to draw him out of hiding, goading him into trying again.”
Colin remained silent, sipping his coffee. Finally, he sighed and glanced pointedly at Faye. “Fine. We’ll do it your way. But I’m staying in the room with you.”
“Okay, whatever you think is best.” She wasn’t going to argue.
“It would make the setup more believable,” Mitch agreed. “You still have my backup piece?”
“Yes.” Colin’s expression was grim. “And I won’t hesitate to use it.”
“Okay, then give me some time to get in touch with Gary.” Mitch wiped his face with his napkin. “As you said, he may not have a room until tomorrow night or Monday.”
“I have to work on Monday,” Faye reminded Colin. “You’re on duty too.”
“I know. We’ll see how it goes.” He didn’t smile, clearly still not happy with her. “I would like to find this guy sooner rather than later.”
She looked away, shrugging off his annoyance. She was the one in danger. For whatever reason, the arsonist had fixated on her. Better her than her sister, Annie. At sixteen, her sister wouldn’t be able to protect herself.
Making a mental note to follow up with her father later, to ensure her sister was still safe, she finished her coffee. Colin and Mitch were ready to leave too.
“You’ll let us know what Gary says?” Colin asked as they stood.
“Of course. Where are you spending the day?” Mitch glanced between her and Colin. “Another motel?”
She wrinkled her nose at the thought. “We need to replace my phone first. After that, maybe we can head to a park. Or hang out at the lakefront for a bit. I’m kinda sick of motel rooms.”
“We’ll see.” Colin’s expression was noncommittal. “Take care, Mitch. I hope Gary can make this work.”
“And if not?” Faye asked. “Can’t we just choose another motel?”
“Maybe.” Colin grimaced. “I hate the idea of putting anyone else in danger, though. Gary’s place would be perfect.”
“It’ll work out, you’ll see.” Mitch clapped him on the back as they walked outside. “Have faith, cousin.”
That made Colin smile. “You know I do.”
“Good. Later, Colin. Faye.” Mitch nodded at each of them and headed for his vehicle, leaving them alone.
Colin wordlessly turned toward their borrowed vehicle. She followed, swallowing the urge to apologize. Especially since she wasn’t sorry for sticking up for herself. She only regretted making him angry.
Not that she controlled his emotions. He wanted to protect her just as much as she wanted to protect her family.
She jumped into the passenger seat, keenly aware of Colin beside her. He started the car, then turned to face her. “I promised your father I’d keep you safe. You’re making that incredibly difficult.”
“I know, but you have kept that promise.” She took his hand. “I will assure my dad that this is my decision.”
“Yeah.” He sighed heavily, staring down at their entwined fingers. “That only works if we make it out of this unscathed.”
“We will.” She managed a smile. “You have faith that God is watching over us, right? I do too.”
He surprised her by lifting her hand and kissing her fingers, then letting her go. “Okay, time to hit the road.”
After leaving Rosie’s, Colin headed to the freeway. She was surprised by the amount of traffic along both sides of the highway, people heading to summer lake houses and cabins to spend quality time with their families over the weekend.
Something she hadn’t experienced personally in a long time. But she knew her dad had taken Claire and Annie to a nice lake home for several weeks over the summer months. The realization had her straightening in her seat. “Colin, I have an idea.”
“Yeah?” He glanced at her. “You’ve changed your mind about going to your dad’s house while we spring the trap?”
“No. I don’t know why this didn’t occur to me earlier, but my dad rents a lake house for the entire summer. They don’t stay there the whole time, of course, but often enough. I think we should set up the trap there.”
