Crossing Danger: A Shelby Nichols Adventure (16 page)

“Yes, but I don’t know how we can prove it. I’m not sure his intern knows anything more, but I might be able to find out if I get a chance to talk to him.”

“Hmm...yes, I can see how that might work,” Dimples said, with a gleam in his eyes since he knew my secret. “Or we can just talk to Anthony.”

I nodded. “Why don’t you take a look at the thumb-drive and let me know what you want to do.”

“Sure.”

“There’s something else,” I said, taking a deep breath. “It’s about Chloe. Pete showed up at Holly’s house a couple of hours ago. Did you or Bates tell him where she was?”

“What? Hell no. At least I didn’t. What happened?”

I explained how she got away and was now at my house. “This time Chloe positively identified the cop as Pete. I talked to Holly, and she’s okay with leaving Chloe at my house, but I made her promise not to tell Scott or Kira until I’d talked to you.”

Dimples took out his phone to call Bates, but I stopped him. “Wait. There’s more. I called Pete to see if he’d talk to me and we set up a meeting at the diner just across the street. That’s where I was when I called you.”

“What did he say?”

“That’s just it. He never showed.”

Dimples swore under his breath, thinking it was nuts for me to try and meet with Pete anyway, so it was just as well he hadn’t shown up. He pushed in the numbers for Bates and put him on speaker phone so I could tell him what had happened. Of course, I left out the part where I was supposed to meet Pete.

Bates swore a few times, then said he hadn’t been able to contact Pete like the chief had wanted him to. “I can’t see how Pete found out where Chloe was. Are you sure Shelby didn’t let it slip somehow?”

I gasped, and my mouth dropped open in outrage.

“Yes. I’m sure,” Dimples answered, shushing me before I could say anything. “We need to let Chloe’s parents know. Since I’m not too far from their house, why don’t I talk to them? Chloe is at Shelby’s house right now, so she should be fine, but her parents need to decide what to do next.”

“Fine,” Bates said. “Talk to them and let me know what they want to do. I’ll let the chief know what’s happened.”

Dimples disconnected and shook his head. “I’m sorry for what Bates said, Shelby. He was way out of line. You’d think he’d be over it by now.”

“Ha...I doubt that will ever happen.”

“Probably not,” he conceded. “But I’m glad you didn’t tell him off.” He turned to Billie to say goodbye, which I knew would involve some tender words and a kiss or two if I wasn’t around.

“Okay...well, I’m going home. Let me know what the plan is, and be sure to tell Chloe’s parents that she’s welcome to stay at my house for as long as she needs to. Bye Billie.”

Aside from Bates being such a big jerk, my mood was a little lighter as I left. It was good to share that information and leave things in Dimples’ capable hands. I only wished I knew where Pete was. Why had he changed his mind? Had he made new plans? Whatever it was, I had a feeling something bad was about to happen, and it tied my stomach in knots.

Chapter 9

Since it was on the way home and close to five-thirty, I got a couple of pizzas. Mostly for Josh, but also for me, since I didn’t have anything planned for dinner, and I was too worn out to cook. The smell permeated my car, and my stomach growled in anticipation. I pulled into the garage and brought them into the kitchen.

Expecting to hear the sounds of excited chatter from Chloe and my kids, I froze to hear nothing but dead silence. Oh no! Had something happened to them? Did Pete come and take them all? A giggle erupted from the basement, followed by shouts of laughter, and I let out a huge sigh.

“I’m back,” I shouted. “And I brought pizza.”

With footsteps pounding up the stairs like a herd of elephants, they burst into the kitchen, and I opened the boxes with enthusiasm and got out paper plates and napkins. It wasn’t quite dinner time, but we were all hungry, and I hoped Chris wouldn’t mind too much if we ate without him. Besides, he’d probably be late...again.

“Hey...why don’t we take this downstairs and watch an episode of
Castle
?” I asked. They didn’t seem so eager about that so I added, “Or maybe
The Flash
?”

“Yeah,” Chloe said. “I love that show.”

We grabbed the pizzas and plates and headed downstairs. In a few short minutes, we were watching the latest episode and eating to our hearts’ content. Or at least Josh was shoveling it in, and I hoped Chloe didn’t get too grossed out. Just in case, I listened in and caught that she thought I was the coolest mom ever.

I smiled, even as a wisp of guilt fluttered inside me. I should be a better example but, for now, it was good to unwind and forget about all my troubles.

The show was just reaching its exciting conclusion when my cell phone rang. “Pause!” I yelled. Amid grumblings, Josh pushed the pause button and I quickly answered my phone.

“Hey Shelby, it’s Harris. I talked to Kira and Scott, and they’ve decided to have Chloe stay with Scott for now. He should be coming over to get her in about half an hour. Just wanted to let you know.”

“Okay...thanks. Did you find out any more about Pete?”

“No. He’s still not answering his cell, but Scott’s sure he wants Chloe with him, and I think it’s a good idea.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right. Will you let me know if you hear anything from Pete?”

“Of course,” Dimples agreed. “As long as you do the same.”

“You bet,” I said, and we disconnected.

Now I had to break the news to Chloe. I hoped she was okay with it. “Um...Chloe, your dad’s coming to get you soon. He wants you to stay with him for now.”

“Okay,” she answered. She was relieved to go home to his house, but also slightly disappointed she couldn’t stay here with Josh. “Do we have time to finish the show?”

“You bet.”

I picked up that Josh was a little disappointed she was leaving too, so I was grateful for the distraction.

After the show, the kids helped clean up the pizza and, right after that, Scott came by. He hugged Chloe tight and thanked me for my help. “Your police friend, Harris, told me you’d tried to meet with the cop, but he never showed. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you’ve done.”

“Well, I wish I could tell you more. It’s such a worry with him still out there, but I’ll be sure and let you know if I hear anything. At least the police are looking for him now, so that’s good.”

“That’s true, and they’re keeping a patrol car outside my house for the night,” he said, determined to keep Chloe safe. “I’m taking some time off work for the next few days, so I’ll be working directly with the police until they find out what’s going on.”

“Oh...that’s great news, and I’m sure they will. Please call me if you need anything. And Chloe,” I said to her. “You’re welcome to come over anytime.”

“Thanks, Shelby...thanks for everything.” She gave me a quick hug, thinking she wanted to be just like me when she grew up. That melted my heart a little, and I squeezed her back. She said her goodbyes to Josh and Savannah, telling Josh she could use his help with all the homework she’d missed. He readily agreed, and I knew we’d be seeing more of her.

Things quieted down after they left and, at a little after seven, Chris got home. I gave him a big hug and felt the stress of the last few hours drain away. “I’m so glad you’re home. It’s been a stressful day.”

“Yeah...I can tell.” He was thinking I usually only bought pizza when something bad had happened, and worry tightened the muscles around his eyes. “So what’s going on?” 

“Oh...everything’s fine now. Here...” I pulled out a chair at the kitchen table. “Sit down and have some pizza, and I’ll tell you all about it.” I waited until his mouth was full before I started, mostly because I didn’t want him to interrupt me for details I might not want to share.

“I visited with Billie this morning about the thumb-drive,” I began, purposely leaving the breakfast part for later. “The news broke that Chloe had been found, so I drove over to the precinct.” I explained the press conference and my conversation with Pete. Then the visit with Chloe’s parents and how the chief told me they didn’t need me anymore. “That was mostly because of Bates,” I added. “But it still hurt my feelings.”

Next, I told him of my visit to the newspaper and my interview with the intern. “So at least now we have a lead on who was behind Billie’s break-in.”

“Wow...that’s huge,” Chris said. “You’ve been busy. No wonder you got the pizza.”

“Yeah...well, there’s more.” I told him how Chloe showed up at our house and all of the events that happened after that, ending with Scott coming to get Chloe.

Chris shook his head, barely taking it all in. He didn’t like that I’d tried to meet with Pete, mostly because I could have gotten hurt. That was a huge risk. What was I thinking?

“I can’t imagine how he found out where Chloe was staying,” I said, hoping to take his mind off the risky part. “Do you have any ideas?”

“Well...he might have overheard someone talking about it. Or maybe even you and Bates? Maybe he was listening outside the door or something when you were discussing it. At least now you know it’s him. I wonder what he wanted to talk to you about.”

“I know,” I agreed. “I can’t figure out what he would have told me. He was thinking something that seemed strange after the press conference.”

“What was that?” he asked.

“He thought he was facing some hard choices and needed to do something about the mess.”

“Hmm...maybe he’s working for someone and wants out.”

“That actually makes sense,” I agreed, then sighed with discouragement. “I hope we figure it out soon. I hate to think of Chloe being afraid for her life, but at least she’s with her dad, and the police are looking for Pete.”

Chris was thinking that if anything like that ever happened to Savannah, he’d do whatever it took to keep her safe. “Yeah, she’s better off with him.”

“Although I think Chloe was a little disappointed to leave.” I lowered my voice. “But that’s because she likes Josh.”

“Yeah...I caught that,” Chris agreed, then glanced at me with a frown. “Were you listening to them? I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.”

“Oh...no. I mean, maybe a little, but...not like you think. I only picked up bits and pieces, but I’m really careful not to intrude. At least I’m trying to be careful...but I did hear something from Savannah’s thoughts...that she has a crush on Josh’s friend.”

“Which one?” Chris asked, his eyes narrowing. He didn’t like the ‘older boy’ part of that revelation.

“Uh...Cole. But...don’t worry, he doesn’t look at her like that...so it’s all good.”

Chris sighed, thinking that maybe it was okay that I listened in. Then he wondered how other parents managed without the mind-reading skills I had.

“Hey...relax,” I said. “Our kids are great, you don’t need to be so concerned. We’ve got this.”

“Yeah...you’re right,” he agreed, taking me in his arms. “And we’ve got each other to rely on.”

My phone bleeped at me with a text message. “I wonder who that could be?” I checked it and gasped. “Oh my gosh! I totally forgot!”

“What?” Chris asked.

“I’m supposed to go to Uncle Joey’s club tonight, and meet with him and Blake Beauchaine. They’ll be here in fifteen minutes! I’ve got to get ready.”

Chris’ brows drew together in confusion. “When did you schedule this?”

“Uh...he asked me just this morning. With everything else going on, I totally spaced it.”

Chris followed me into our bedroom, thinking there was a lot more to my story than that. I had obviously met with Manetto and hadn’t told him a thing about it.

He was right since I’d left out my appointment with Uncle Joey yesterday, and the breakfast-with-Ramos part of my day today.

“So who’s Blake Beauchaine?”

“He’s the one who left the note at Uncle Joey’s wake...in Seattle?” At Chris’ nod, I continued. “He’s here in town for some reason, which is why I’m going tonight. To find out...you know...what he’s doing here.”

“Is he dangerous?”

“I’m not sure,” I said, quickly throwing on my sexy red dress. “But I’m sure I’ll be fine...” I was about to say that Ramos would be there, but I didn’t since Chris had already figured that out. He didn’t like Ramos much, although he couldn’t say a whole lot against the man since he’d saved my life a few times.

“I’m sorry,” I said, turning toward him. “I should have told you, and I’m sure I would have if I hadn’t been so distracted with Chloe, and then the whole thing with Billie...it’s been a rough day. Please don’t be mad.” I turned around. “Could you zip me up?”

He sighed, thinking I drove him crazy, and he was a saint to put up with me. Especially right now, when I was dressed like this and going to a club...without him. Again. And Ramos would be there. I’d have to do something really nice for him to make up for it...

“I will, I promise.” I hurried into the bathroom and freshened up my make-up. Then I applied an ample amount of my reddest lipstick and spritzed on some perfume. Tousling my hair, I ran back to my closet and grabbed my black stilettos. “I shouldn’t be too late. How about I call you as soon as I’m done helping Uncle Joey. If he’s not ready to leave, maybe you could pick me up?”

Chris shook his head, clearly unhappy. He knew I was trying to calm him, and he wasn’t sure he wanted to be calmed.

“I love you,” I said. “I’ll tell you all about it when I get home.” My phone chirped again. They were here. “Okay...they’re here. Wish me luck?”

Chris struggled to get over the fact that I hadn’t told him about this before now. I was afraid I’d have to leave him like this. Then he closed his eyes and pulled me into his arms. “Just...be careful Shelby, no crazy risks...and come back to me.”

“Of course.” I kissed him passionately, then pulled away, grimacing to see his lips covered in red lipstick. “Um...” I pointed to his mouth. “You might want to fix that before the kids think you’ve gone off the deep end.”

He shook his head and wiped at his lips, smiling in spite of himself.

I hurried out the door to Uncle Joey’s car, where Ramos waited. As he opened the door, he glanced at my lips and his brows scrunched together. “You might want to fix that.”

Alarmed, I quickly sat down inside the car and pulled open my purse, taking out the mirror. “Yikes!” After that kiss I looked a little bit like the joker on steroids.

Uncle Joey chuckled. “How are you, Shelby?”

“I’m good,” I said, grabbing a tissue and dabbing at my mouth. “It’s been a crazy day...but so far I’ve survived.” I got my lips mostly repaired and added some lip gloss that helped tone them down. “That’s better.” I glanced at Uncle Joey and realized I’d just said that out loud. “So how are you doing?”

“Doing well,” he said, his lips turned up in a broad smile. “I’m looking forward to our little meeting.” He was thinking that knowing what Blake was doing here would certainly help him sleep tonight. “Thanks for coming...I hope it wasn’t an inconvenience.”

“Oh...no...I just forgot.” At Uncle Joey’s raised eyebrows, I hurried to explain. “I’ve been really busy. Anyway, I’m glad Ramos texted to remind me.”

Uncle Joey nodded in agreement. “So tell me what you’ve been doing.”

I didn’t think it could hurt, so I told him about Chloe and the bad cop and how she had come to my house to get away from him. “Before that, I was looking at a thumb-drive from the attorney general’s office. He’s as crooked as they come. You wouldn’t believe who’s on his list.”

“Really?” Uncle Joey said, his tone low and sly.

Oops. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that part. “Not that I studied the list all that well. But...at least your name wasn’t on there.” Oh crap. I swallowed and licked my lips, tasting coconut lip gloss.

“Hmm...that’s nice.” He was wondering what I would have done if it was.

“Um...I’m really glad it wasn’t,” I answered. “Anyway...it looks like the authorities will probably investigate the attorney general’s office now. With the evidence on the thumb-drive, they should have a pretty good case.”

“I see,” he said. “Good to know.”

I nodded, deciding to change the subject before it got any worse. “So...you and Blake are old friends. Didn’t you say you were roommates in college?”