Cast the Cards Read online

  Her mother pulled down a mug from the cabinet and began her own coffee routine.

  “We understand how important your work is to you, Savannah. We just worry. You need more than cases in your life. They can’t take care of you when you’re sick, keep you company, or warm your bed.”

  “Mom!” Her face burned.

  “What? I’m old, not dead. Besides, how do you think you got here?” She wiggled her eyebrows.

  “A stork.”

  Her mother laughed. “I’m so glad you got my sense of humor.”

  Savannah leaned in. “Me too,” she whispered.

  Footfalls sounded on the stairs, and a few moments later her father entered the room. The Ex-Navy man was tall and slender with silver hair cropped close to his head and skin the color of warm syrup. Retired, he worked at the V.A. Hospital.

  “There’s my June bug.”

  “Hi Daddy.” She placed her mug on the counter and moved over to hug him. He surrounded her with his arms and rubbed her arm before he stepped back.

  “Good to have you home. How’s work?”

  “It’s good, Dad.”

  “Oh Lord, I thought we agreed to put that talk on the back burner.” Her mother placed her hands on her hips, and narrowed her eyes.

  “What? I was just asking her how things were going, Seleste.” His eyes sparkled with mirth. Her mom had been at him for years about leaving his work at the door. Now that the argument extended to Savannah he loved giving her a hard time.

  “MMhmm. Let me get my coffee before you two drive my blood pressure through the roof.” Her mother turned and picked up the mug, taking a sip.

  “Woman, your blood pressure is fine. You do yoga every day and shovel that leafy green stuff down both our throats like it’s going out of style.”

  Their playful banter made Savannah smile. I’ve missed this.

  “Hmph. What are your plans for today?” her mother asked.

  “I’m actually getting together with Carey Carr at the police station. He’s going to show me around.”

  The atmosphere went from light to heavy.

  “We ran into each other yesterday, buried the hatchet so to speak, and caught up. It bothered me the way I’d left things, so … we’re trying to move forward.” She kept her eyes glued to the light brown liquid in her cup, refusing to look up as their gazes burned a hole in her.

  “That’s good, Savannah,” her mom whispered.

  “Thanks, I wanted you to hear it from me and not someone else. Good news travels fast in this town.” She rolled her eyes.

  “I’m proud of you. I know that wasn’t easy to do.” The compassion in her father’s eyes humbled her.

  “Thank you, Daddy.”

  “Why don’t you two go sit at the table while I get breakfast started?”

  “You sure you don’t need any help?” Savannah asked.

  “No, I’ll be fine, and your father wants to talk shop, I’m sure.”

  Savannah smiled. “All right then, come on Daddy, let’s go get shop-talk out of system.” They walked out of the cozy kitchen into the dining room and sank down on the maple-colored chairs.

  “So tell me how you’re really doing.” The ex J.A.G. member knew all too well how much you brought the job home with you.

  “I’m good, really.”

  He stared into her eyes for few moments and nodded, pleased by whatever it was he’d found. “Excellent, now feed me some harmless morsels.”

  As they talked she could almost allow herself to forget the danger that lurked around the corner, making every second spent with her parents more precious. She’d cheated death the first time. Chances were they’d go through elaborate lengths to make sure she didn’t escape again. The normalcy was the quiet before the storm she prayed she was strong enough to survive.

  Dressed in a pair of gray slacks and a light blue scoop-neck top, she sat outside of the police station and texted Carey. I’m out front.

  Her heart beat faster than normal, and her mouth went dry. Elephants stampeded inside her tummy. She’d passed the point of butterflies the minute she stepped foot outside the door on the way there. She did her best to convince herself it had nothing to do with Carey. I was never really good at lying to myself. If only the boys at work could see me now, losing my cool over a man. A sexy man with a body made for sin, tattoos I want to trace with my tongue, and a past that’s bonded us for life. She played things by the book and made justice her reason for moving mountains to solve cases. It earned her the moniker Sheriff West, which stuck. Lust had no place here.

  Her phone buzzed. She glanced down at the display screen.

  I’m coming out to get you. Her pussy grew moist. Apparently her body had other plans.

  She stepped out of the car, pocketed her phone, and mentally put on her armor. Damn. Carey was a vision in black as he walked toward her. The shirt highlighted his broad shoulders and the plain black pants featured the round, firm ass, her hand itched to squeeze and fondle. She drank in the sergeant chevrons and badge. Seeing the reformed bad boy in a uniform took her breath away. Desire simmered in her belly.

  Ashamed, she glanced down. How can I be attracted to Carey? It’s the ultimate kick to the nuts to Clark’s memory. Guilt weighed her like an anchor.

  “Hey, you made it.” He smiled.

  “You doubted?”

  “A little. I think a part of me was still waiting to wake up and find this was some alcohol-induced dream, and no, I don’t get plastered often.”

  “You don’t have to explain, Carey. I know what yesterday was.”

  “Yeah… you ready to go in?”

  She adjusted the strap to her satchel. “Did you tell them I was coming?”

  “Yeah, I did. Once I mentioned your name nothing else I said afterward was heard.”

  “That’ll probably work to our advantage.”

  “Yes and no.”

  “What are you trying to say?”

  “They’re excited, Savannah. They want to talk to you, congratulate you on your success. I told them not to crowd you too much, but you know Dale.”

  She closed her eyes. This was a long time coming. The prodigal daughter had returned and for once she was interacting, not holed up in the house. “I expected as much.”

  “Are you going to play nice?” Carey’s concerned expression made her snort. His haughty tone doused the flames of wanting.

  “I’m not a total asshole, Carey.”

  “Hey, I’m just looking out for my people. They don’t deserve any disrespect or alienation.”

  “I know better than to piss in someone else’s pond.”

  His eyes lightened in the sun, turning to a brilliant blue that matched the sadness she saw reflected in the oceanic pools. “This used to be your pond too.”

  The guilt trip triggered her ire. “Are you going to throw stones in a glass house?” Her voice was cool and calm. But on the inside she seethed, ready to rip into him and deliver hurt, have him feel the pain he carelessly inflicted.

  “Hey! I stayed.” he barked. Anger tightened his muscles. His chest stuck out, and his strong jaw clenched.

  “You had your turbulent times too. Why should I be the bad guy because I didn’t rage out loud in actions or words?” She counted to ten. “Listen, we’re not going to get anywhere being at each other’s throats.”

  He sighed. “You’re right. This is petty. I’ll be nice, if you’re nice.”

  “Deal.”

  “We should go inside. I’m sure they’re all watching us.” He turned on his heel and she followed. Reality hit her like a sledgehammer. She was going to see all the gory details up close and in person.

  Can I keep it together? Look at this the same way I would any other case? The pressure pushed down on her. Every step she took became harder than the one previous. A fine sheen of sweat broke out on her forehead. He opened the door to the station, holding it open as she walked inside the mid-sized brick building. The short hallway gave way to a homey atmosphere. The
small desk boasted two computers manned by a burly officer with dark brown skin, a bald head, and a husky build.

  “Sergeant, Agent West.”

  “Savannah, this is Officer Williams.”

  She walked over to the desk and offered her hand. “Nice to meet you, Officer Williams.”

  They shook. His grip was firm and his hand steady.

  “Likewise.” He measured her with an assessing gaze.

  She stepped back, pulled her ID badge off her belt, and set it on the counter. “I know it’s a technicality, but here’s my information to check me in.”

  Officer Williams smiled. Looks like I passed the test. His fingers flew over the keys as he logged in her information.

  “You’re all set, Agent West.”

  “Excellent. Thank you.”

  “Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the place.”

  A few yards away they entered the workspace. Six wooden desks sat in rows of three on a linoleum floor. A couple of offices sat off to the side in the back. Two of the six desks were occupied. A few faces were vaguely familiar.

  “You remember Officer Adam and Officer Varney. They went to school with us.” The tow-haired, tall man with pale skin and the man with chin–length, dark hair had been in her classes from the time she was in kindergarten.

  “Nice to see you again.” She gave a polite smile.

  “Same here. Congratulations on your success,” Adams said.

  “We’re proud of you here in Dale.” Varney grinned. The sincerity in the kind words warmed her. One of the perks of small-town living was when one of the town members made good, the whole town felt as if they were a part of it.

  “Thank you.” She flashed a smile.

  “Officer Rodriguez and Officer Nolan are new additions. You’ll meet them later. Chief’s out of the office for the next couple of days, but I’ll take you into mine.”

  She followed him over to the smaller office on the opposite side of the room.

  “Welcome to my office.” The mid-sized room boasted a black desk with a name tag, two chairs, and a filing cabinet. “Have a seat.”

  She sank into the seat and he circled the desk, pulling a key from his pocket. Sitting down, he unlocked his desk drawer. He removed a manila file, placing it on top of the desk.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” His face softened and he lowered his voice.

  Gulping, she braced herself. “As ready as I could ever be.”

  “Is this the first time you’ve seen the file?”

  The abundance of compassion made her squirm. If this continued she wouldn’t be able to get through it. “Yes.”

  “Do you want to be alone?”

  “No. You’re fine. This has to be done correctly. I’ll make sure that happens.” With you here the chances of tears is much less. I’m not about to be some blubbering mess in front of you.

  Her hands were clammy. The file felt cool in her hands, like Clark. The impossibility of the situation had her reeling. Taking a deep breath, she put a tight grip on the meltdown lurking just around the corner in her head and prepared for the gruesome sight that awaited her.

  She peeled open the folder, ignored the pictures gathered at the back with a paper clip. Glancing at the General Report she read. Savannah M. West. Words she could handle. Be objective. The generic jargon listing cause of death, suspected motives, and eye witness reports told her more of what she all ready knew.

  Coroner’s Report. Tension flooded her body. Her mouth salivated. She sucked in air through her nostrils and let it out slow. Heart was removed from the body by a jagged instrument pre mortem. Wings carved onto the back of his skin with a precise instrument, like a scalpel. Interlocked symbols representing the male and female were carved into his wrist.

  Jesus Clark, what did these bastards do to you?” The imagery tugged at her brain, but she couldn’t focus. It was like a snowball rolling downhill. Now that she started on the file, she had to finish, and that meant viewing everything.

  ***

  Carey felt like a peeping Tom. The emotions that crossed Savannahs’ face were powerful. Grief poured off her in oppressive waves, its tendrils reaching out in an attempt to ensnare, wrap up him up in its binding grip. He pushed back from his desk and walked to the window. Peering out at nothing, he regulated his breathing. Automatically his mind began to replay that night. The same way it always did.

  Summer, 2001

  “Savannah and I are going to the carnival tonight. Do you want to go?”

  Carey looked up at his brother from his twin bed and smiled. How could he be so clueless? The way Savannah looked at him was not sisterly. Perhaps if he gave them some time alone nature would take its course. God knew Clark talked about how he felt enough.

  “No, I think I’ll hang back here. See if there’s a party going.” Give you a chance to make your move.

  Clark sighed. “More partying?” The disappointment in his voice stung. It wasn’t like his brother to judge.

  “What?” Carey placed his hands behind his head on the bed. “We’re only going to be young and free once.”

  “Yes, but some mistakes can follow you for a lifetime.” Clark stood from the desk and grabbed the jacket he had draped over the back of his chair.

  “Really, Clark? You preaching to me now?” He rolled his eyes.

  “No, just stating the obvious.” Clark pulled on a brown leather jacket over his shirt. It got cold here at night.

  “Noted, but I’m fine.”

  “Your grades say otherwise.”

  The matter-of-fact statement raised his hackles. It’s not like I’m failing everything.

  “Come on, math was never my best subject. I can make it up later.”

  “You need to get a handle on your partying and buckle down.”

  “Since when did you become such a stick in the mud?” Carey sat up in bed, disgusted. “Look. You do what makes you happy and I’ll do the same. You’re the golden boy. Be happy with the title and leave me alone.” Last thing he wanted to be was their father’s yes man. I’m out of the house and I’m going to explore everything denied me before. Deal with it.

  “Why do you always say that?” Clark snapped. “We’re equals.”

  “You actually believe that, don’t you?” Carey shook his head. “At the end of the day I’m going to be me. You need to focus on what’s right in front of you before you lose it.” Swinging his legs off the bed, he rose.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Clark frowned.

  “Think about it. You’ll figure it out.” He grabbed his keys off the dresser and walked out the door, laughing at the confused expression Clark wore. For being so smart he was missing the obvious.

  Present

  “I think I’ve found some important clues I can work with.”

  He spun around. Her eyes were glossy. Yet, she managed to hold it together.

  “What do you need from me?”

  “Copies are out I know, so just let me take notes. Have you seen these files?”

  “Yeah… too many times.” He pulled the file out periodically and kept a constant lookout for any similar activity.

  “These markings and the removal of the heart mean something.” She scrunched her face up as if she’d tasted a bitter beer. “I can’t figure out what though. I’m going to plug them into the computer and see what I can come up with.”

  “What do you think about the heart being missing?” Other then the fact that they were sick bastards.

  “Honestly… I think they kept it as a souvenir. It’s not uncommon for these people to keep a memento they can look at and re-live the moment.” Her voice wavered.

  He was grateful for the show of emotions. It confirmed below the surface of her cool, calm exterior, things were happening.

  She picked up her satchel, opened the flap, stuck her hand inside, and froze. “Shit.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I forgot to open this yesterday.” She pulled out a small, manila envelop
e. “Give me a second?”

  “Sure.” He walked away from the window and sank into the chair on the opposite side of his desk. She opened the envelope gingerly and pulled out an item wrapped in red tissue paper and a white card with a giant red heart on the front.

  “Get fan mail often?” Carey asked smugly.

  “You’d be surprised.” She shook her head. “There are a lot of loose cannons out there.”

  She opened the card. The wry smile slid from her face. Her body tensed.

  “What’s wrong?” What the hell was in that letter?

  “It’s them.” The mild tremor in her voice terrified him. Clearly it took a lot to rattle this woman.

  “Who?” It was a struggle to keep his voice even. What Clark said would happen is. They’ve brought the fight to us. The psychic ghost phenomena made him shiver.

  “The killers.”

  “What!” He stood and hurried around the desk to peer over her shoulder .

  “I need gloves. Now.” The mutter was more to herself than him as he read the letter over her shoulder.

  Dear Agent West,

  Last we met you had the sweet bloom of first love all over you, and we knew then and there we had to have a little taste. But you got away. Split our perfect puzzle piece into two. We never forgot you. Imagine our surprise seeing you all grown up and hunting our brethren. It must’ve been destiny. We are slaves to fate in all things. It’s so freeing to cast the cards and follow your path to greatness.

  Now is the time we choose to step from the shadows and claim the masterpieces we’ve created. It’s been a long, fun journey and soon it’ll be complete. Let’s play a game of who can find who first. We’ll be seeing you soon, Agent West. I assure you this time you won’t get away.

  “Fuck! We need our people on this now.” After all this time they’d reached out to her! Alarm bells rang in his head. The letter’s words smacked of stalking. The thought of them watching her undetected for any amount of time made him want to go ape-shit. Too close and right on the heels of his brother’s magic re-appearing trick.

  “No. I want to examine this thing from top to bottom before we get anyone in on it.” She set her jaw and stared him down.

  “Vannah.” His protests died when he saw the determination on her face and the fire that burned bright in her eyes. He’d pry that envelope from her hands if he had to.