Identity Crisis, page 8
Jonah frowned. “Yeah, I heard he was the victim of a gang-initiation prank.”
“Not true.” Gage held Jonah’s gaze with his. “Alyssa was working the trauma room that night. The councilman told her what really happened.” Gage filled in the details.
Jonah’s eyes widened, and he glanced over at Alyssa. “Did you talk to anyone else about this?”
“I don’t know,” Alyssa whispered. “I can’t remember.”
Jonah scowled, his expression clearly saying he didn’t believe her. “You can’t remember anything? Are you sure?”
“Knock it off, Jonah. Her amnesia is real and you need to let me finish. I didn’t take Alyssa’s concerns seriously, and I think she must be in danger.” He hated himself for letting Alyssa down. “And to make matters worse, Mallory is missing.”
“We should file a missing person’s report, right away.” Jonah leaned forward, in full cop mode.
“There’s more,” Gage cautioned. “Earlier today, when Alyssa and I were leaving Mallory’s condo, someone opened fire on us, shooting from the back window of a rusty beige Cadillac. When the police arrived, they told us we were victims of gang violence.”
“Yeah, there have been reports of increasing gang violence in the form of random shootings,” Jonah admitted.
“Both Ray Schaefer and us?” Gage raised his eyebrows in disbelief. “I don’t think so, because the problems don’t stop there. I called my chief project manager, Dan Kirkland. I told him I had serious reservations about the Jefferson project. I explained how Alyssa was convinced it was dangerous. He mentioned he’d found something odd, but he wanted to verify it first. We made arrangements to meet at six o’clock this evening. But we were late. We thought he wasn’t there, but then we stumbled upon his dead body.” His voice turned husky with grief. He cleared his throat and forced himself to continue. “Dan had been stabbed in the chest, his wallet lying empty beside him.”
“Two people associated with the project dead and one attempt on your life.” Jonah slowly summarized the key events, his expression grim. “I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all.”
Relief washed over him. He and Alyssa weren’t alone, not anymore. “Exactly my point. And Schaefer was stabbed, too, just like Dan.”
“Okay, but why call me?” Jonah asked, perplexed. “Why not call the police?”
“Jonah, you’re the only cop I know on a personal level, and to be honest we don’t know who to trust. The Jefferson project was hotly contested and there’s a lot of money on the line. For all we know, anyone could be involved in this.”
Jonah raised his brow. “You mean like the mayor?”
“Possibly. Why not?” He shrugged. “Expensive, luxury condos mean a nice increase in city taxes. Eric Holden has only been the interim mayor for a few weeks, since Mayor Flynn’s unexpected death from a massive heart attack. They’re holding a special election on Tuesday to make things official, aren’t they? The timing is suspicious. Could be someone who works for Holden. Or the city. There could be cops involved.”
“Creepy Crane,” Alyssa said suddenly.
“Who?” Jonah turned in his seat to face her.
“Aaron Crane. He’s a cop.”
Jonah frowned. “And you don’t like him?”
Alyssa slowly shook her head. “I don’t trust him. He was one of the cops who came to the scene outside the condo. The way he stared at me—I can’t describe it.”
“You’re a beautiful woman, Alyssa.” Jonah shrugged diplomatically. “Can’t arrest a guy for being interested in a beautiful woman.”
“No, it wasn’t that.” Alyssa waved a hand in annoyance. “He stared at me as if he’d seen a ghost. He wanted to know my name and asked to see my ID.”
“We always check IDs at the scene of a crime,” Jonah said in exasperation. “So what?”
“They checked mine, too, remember,” Gage added, supporting his friend.
“It was almost as if he knew me,” Alyssa persisted. “And now that I think about it, I gave him Mallory’s ID. Maybe that’s the only reason he let me go.”
Gage was glad she’d seemed to accept she really was Alyssa, but now that she mentioned how Crane looked at her ID, he found he was glad she’d borrowed Mallory’s identity. Especially if it kept her safe.
Jonah sighed heavily. “I have to admit, I never liked Crane. He’s far too arrogant for his own good. But that doesn’t mean he’s involved in this. We need facts, not gut feelings.” Jonah turned toward Gage. “I don’t suppose you’ve notified the police about finding Dan Kirkland’s body in your office?”
The expression on Gage’s face must have told the whole story.
“Great, just great.” Jonah pushed his fingers through his sun-streaked hair. “I have to call this in, and it’s going to look suspicious that you came here first.”
“Alyssa was upset, shaking. I had to get her out of there,” Gage said slowly. “But you have to tell them she’s Mallory and that we left because we didn’t know if the killer was lurking around somewhere.”
“Okay, that works,” Jonah agreed. “As a homicide detective, I can investigate his death, but that means I need to get over there right away.”
“Thanks, Jonah. I owe you one,” Gage said gratefully.
“Yeah.” Jonah stood. “But hey, what are friends for? Just don’t go anywhere, because after I examine the crime scene I’ll have to officially interview both of you. We need to follow the book as close as possible on this.”
“We’re not going anywhere.” Gage kept his gaze from straying to where Alyssa still sat on the bed. Her hair had dried and now waved softly around her face.
“Okay, then. Give me a couple of hours to get everything I need from the crime scene.” Jonah didn’t appear to mind the prospect of a long night ahead of him. His eyes were bright with interest. Gage knew his buddy loved nothing more than solving a good puzzle.
“Like I said, we’ll be here.” Gage followed him to the door. When he left, Gage called out, “Jonah?” His friend glanced over his shoulder questioningly. “Be careful. If Dan’s death is related to the Jefferson project, you could be in danger, too. Especially if the danger is from inside.”
“Don’t worry, I know how to handle this.” Confident as ever, Jonah raised a hand as he left.
Gage watched him leave, the gnawing in his gut worsening with every step. Jonah was a good cop. One of the best. He could take care of himself. Gage let out a heavy sigh and shut the door, flipping the dead bolt and then looping the chain lock for added security. Both locks were relatively useless against the kind of hit that occurred outside Mallory’s condo, but whoever the bad guys were, they’d have to find them first.
“He’s going to help us,” Alyssa murmured. “He seems like a good man.”
“Yeah. We can trust him to do what’s right.” He looked anywhere but directly at her. “Why don’t you try and get some rest?”
“I will if you will,” Alyssa said softly.
“Shouldn’t be a problem, I’m going on less than four hours of sleep. I’ll be fine.”
She looked at him oddly for a long moment before slipping off the bed and retreating through the open connecting door. “Good night, Gage.”
“Good night.” Gage closed the door between their rooms, but didn’t lock it. He headed for the bathroom, the hot water helping to relax the knotted muscles in his shoulders. He tried not to think of Dan’s lifeless eyes staring at him from the office floor, but the image haunted him.
He must have dozed, because an odd noise had him jerking upright in surprise. He held his breath, his heart hammering in his chest. Was someone trying to break in?
Then he heard the noise again, from Alyssa’s room. He softly padded to the connecting door and hesitantly opened it, waiting for his eyes to grow accustomed to the dim light. He was horrified to find Alyssa standing in front of her motel room door, struggling to unlock it as she mumbled under her breath.
He froze, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. Was she sleepwalking? “Alyssa? Where are you going?”
She didn’t seem to hear him. “Blood—there’s too much blood.”
That was the same thing she’d said in the office after he’d stumbled over Dan’s body. Was she dreaming about it now?
“Alyssa.” He raised his voice and crossed over to place a hand on her shoulder. He gently tried to pry her away from the door. “Wake up. You’re having a bad dream.”
Either his voice or his touch must have gotten through to her, because she stopped struggling. She stood stock-still before turning to glance at him.
“Gage? What happened?”
The expression in her eyes made his heart thunder in his chest. She was looking up at him as if she recognized him. Did she finally remember? The way he’d proposed marriage? And the way she’d broken up with him? He reined in his emotions with an effort. “I’m here,” he murmured soothingly, brushing a strand of hair away from her damp cheek. “Come away from the door. You’re safe, Alyssa.”
“I don’t remember getting up,” she confessed softly. She shivered and he put a supporting arm around her shoulders. He wasn’t prepared for her to cling to him, burying her face in the hollow of his chest.
“Alyssa,” he murmured helplessly, running a soothing hand down her back. When she lifted her head and glanced up at him, he couldn’t stop himself from capturing her mouth in a sweet kiss.
SEVEN
Her mouth was warm, pliant beneath his. Kissing Alyssa reminded him of the good times they’d had together and how much he cared about her. But as much as he wanted to crush her close and deepen the kiss, he forced himself to ease away.
Alyssa stared up at him, her eyes dazed. “You shouldn’t have done that,” she whispered, lifting a hand to her mouth.
“I’m sorry,” he said, accepting full responsibility for his actions. She was right—he shouldn’t have kissed her like that. As if they were still a couple, when he knew full well they weren’t.
“You don’t even know for sure I’m Alyssa!” Her voice held a note of panic.
“I know you’re Alyssa,” he said soothingly. “But if you don’t believe me, take a look in the mirror. Half your rose and dagger tattoo is missing.”
“It is?” She scrambled from the bed, apparently anxious to see for herself. She spent what seemed like an inordinate amount of time in the bathroom before she returned. “You’re right. This tattoo is fake. I guess I must be Alyssa.”
He nodded and stood, giving her plenty of room to get back into bed. “I’m glad you finally know who you are.”
“I already told you that knowing isn’t remembering. I don’t remember who I am, and I don’t remember you, Gage,” she said in a low anguished tone. “I wish I did, but I don’t.”
“I know.” He tried to smile reassuringly, realizing that by kissing her he’d just ruined the perfect opportunity to start their relationship over. “I didn’t mean to take advantage of the situation, Alyssa. I only came over because you were having a nightmare.”
“Yes. I remember dreaming about blood.” She shivered and clenched her hands together tightly as if to keep them from shaking. “Lots of blood.”
“Don’t force your memory,” he advised, wishing he could do something to ease her torment. “The doctor told you it would return when you’re ready.”
“I think I’m a little afraid to remember,” she admitted in a low whisper. “What if the blood from my dream is real? What if I saw something horrible?”
His heart twisted at the stark anguish in her eyes. “Don’t think about your dream any more tonight. For now, I want you to rest. You’re safe, Alyssa. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
“Thanks, Gage.” She offered a faint smile. “I’m sorry I woke you. I’m sure I’ll be fine now. Good night.”
“Good night, Alyssa.” He didn’t think she’d really be able to go back to sleep, but he sensed she needed to be alone. Thanks to his impatience, she needed space.
Time and distance far away from him.
* * *
Alyssa could hear Gage moving softly around in his connecting room. Ridiculous to feel a sense of loss, considering he was right next door.
Her lips still tingled from his kiss. And if she were honest with herself, she’d admit that Gage’s kiss had felt a little familiar, almost like coming home. She closed her eyes, willing her evasive memories to return. But there was only the infernal swirling mist.
If she was really Alyssa, then it was no wonder she was so attracted to Gage. But it wasn’t just that he was handsome, in a rugged sort of way. She liked what she knew about him so far. He believed in God, which was important to her. He was also polite, considerate and protective. All very positive and admirable qualities. So why couldn’t she remember him?
Her head began to throb, so she closed her eyes and concentrated on breathing. Maybe she didn’t have specific and distinct memories about Gage, but she instinctively trusted him. She believed he’d protect her. Hadn’t she felt safe with him the first time she met him? Back at the hospital, when everyone thought she was Mallory?
The danger surrounding them was all too real. The bullets that had rained around them had been real. Dan’s dead body with the knife protruding from his chest had been real. She was convinced her fear of Officer Crane was real, too.
She felt so helpless. Useless. How could she help Gage if she couldn’t remember what she was so afraid of? Instinctively, a Bible verse from 2 Samuel flashed in her mind, so clearly it was as if she could see the words on the page. It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
Alyssa closed her eyes and opened her heart to prayer. Dear Lord, please give me strength. Guide me and help me to remember. Amen.
* * *
Gage tossed and turned, unable to get comfortable. He still felt guilty for kissing Alyssa. No matter how she’d turned to him when she was afraid, the last thing she needed was for him to crowd her.
Patience, an admirable quality, had always been difficult for him. Alyssa had told him to pray to God for patience. He didn’t have the heart to tell her he doubted praying to God would change his basic personality.
But he could believe that God was testing him. And finding him less than worthy. Guilt, his new constant companion, tightened his chest. He should have told Alyssa the truth about their broken engagement. In the beginning, when he’d thought that she was Mallory, he’d alluded to a relationship between them. He hadn’t come out and claimed to be Alyssa’s boyfriend, but he also hadn’t corrected her obvious assumption.
Now their relationship, or lack thereof, was like a giant elephant in the room. He decided to tell her first thing in the morning. Alyssa should know the truth.
Clearly, Alyssa had been right all along. Hidden land mines of danger surrounded the Jefferson project. But he couldn’t comprehend why. Who else, besides Hugh Jefferson, would benefit from building the Riverside Luxury Condos? And why kill City Councilman Ray Schaefer? Had the councilman’s death been a necessary evil, as Dan’s must have been? A way to silence them so they couldn’t betray the truth?
The truth about what?
Gage tried to ignore the endless fountain of questions. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to push them aside long enough to fall asleep.
Loud, insistent pounding startled him from his thought. Gage staggered to his feet and headed for the door. Peering through the peephole, he recognized Jonah. The light outside their room must have burned out. He could barely make out his friend’s grim features in the early-dawn light.
“Gage?” Alyssa’s voice called out from behind the door to her room. She must not have been sleeping, either.
“It’s Jonah.” Gage undid the locks and opened the door, glancing at his watch. Not quite six yet. He stifled a yawn. “Hey, thanks for coming back. Did you find out anything?”
“Yeah.” Jonah shouldered past him and quickly shut the door. A sharp tingle of fear slithered down Gage’s spine when Jonah shot the dead bolt home and rechained the lock on the door. Jonah wasn’t afraid of anything, but he certainly wasn’t taking any chances now.
“What is it?” Gage didn’t like the grim expression on Jonah’s face. Jonah snagged the chair he’d used earlier, and Alyssa reclaimed her spot on the bed, hugging her knees, her gaze darting between the two of them.
“It’s bad.” Jonah ran a hand over his haggard features. “Worse than I’d expected.” Jonah looked as if he hadn’t slept a wink, and Gage immediately felt bad for sending his friend out to face Dan’s death alone. But he couldn’t have left Alyssa, either.
“You’d better tell me,” Gage said, mentally bracing himself as he dropped into the vacant chair.
“The cops were already at your office building when I arrived.”
Gage blinked and straightened. “What? How could they know about Dan? We didn’t report his death. We didn’t call anyone but you.”
Jonah lifted red-rimmed eyes to meet his. “I’m telling you, they were already there. Gave me some baloney about how they’d gotten an anonymous tip that they’d felt compelled to follow up on. They wanted to know why I was there.”
Fear churned in his gut. The situation was getting worse by the minute. “What did you tell them?”
“That you and I are friends and that you’d called me because you hadn’t heard from your project manager. That I’d promised to do a little digging to see if I could find the guy on my own time.”
A dizzy wave of relief washed over him. “So they bought your story.”
“Possibly, but I wouldn’t bank on it. Your pal, Officer Crane, was there.” Jonah glanced at Alyssa.
