Desperate Rescue (8 page)

“K
aylee’s neighbor, Lois Smith, found him this morning. Poor thing probably died in the night. Before she went to bed, she noticed the broken chain. She figured he’d decided to take off for a run. He’s done that before.”

Eli could barely hear Paul Riggs’ voice over the din of teenagers playing floor hockey. “Lois was pretty upset. She called the police immediately because she knew her nephew was working. He answered the call.”

They stood in one corner. A whistle dangled around Paul’s neck, while Eli held the stopwatch. The two men had decided on two five-minute scrimmages, junior youth against the senior youth. It looked as if the juniors were going to win but, frankly, Eli wasn’t watching the timer in his hand. He scanned the gym for Kaylee and found her across the floor, ducking the small white ball as it whipped past her. She barely escaped being sandwiched between two boys as they fought for possession.

“Big dog?” he asked Paul.

“Not really. I remember when I first visited Lois. He was just an average-sized brown mutt with an annoying high-pitched bark. He was okay once he got to sniff you, but overall, I’d say he was just a chicken in a dog’s body.”

“Does this sort of thing happen a lot here?”

Paul shook his head. “I’ve never heard of it, and I’ve lived here for almost a decade.”

“That dog
was
upset last night. Kaylee said Lois doesn’t always hear it.”

“I’m not surprised. She cranks her TV up because she’s half-deaf. Won’t admit it, though. Jim Reading phoned me, thinking Lois might appreciate a visit after what happened. When I called her this afternoon, she said she thought a bear might have wandered into the village.”

Eli shook his head. “Black bears are apt to leave a potent smell wherever they go. I don’t remember smelling that last night.”

Paul lifted his whistle, then stopped. “How do you know about bears?”

“I’m from rural New York state. Where we lived, we had black bears. Last night, there was no garbage out and most bears would have headed toward downtown to search through the restaurant’s garbage there. Were there any reports of a bear?”

Shaking his head, Paul blew his whistle at some in-fraction. After a moment, the play resumed and he returned to stand beside Eli. “Actually, you’re right to be suspicious. The police think it’s foul play. Someone, not something, killed that dog.”

“To shut it up?”

“My thoughts exactly.” Paul blew the whistle again and shouted out that the time had expired. Eli hadn’t even thought to look down at the stopwatch in his palm.

To shut the dog up? Cold rippled down his back. He leaned slightly toward the pastor. “Did you tell Kaylee?”

“No. We were so busy picking up the kids and getting ready for youth group.” Paul’s expression turned intense. “And I told Lois not to, either. At least not right away. She doesn’t need the worry. But this is a small town. She’s bound to find out.”

Not if he had something to do with it, Eli vowed. He should check out Kaylee’s backyard, anyway. Noah was good at hiding in difficult places, but Eli hadn’t spent all that time working with the police without picking up a few tricks himself. If Noah had been in her backyard, he would find evidence of it. Noah was a good outdoorsman, knowing how to hide his presence, but Eli was good, too.

“Do you know something about this?”

He looked up at Paul’s frown. “No. After Kaylee locked up and we started walking, we heard a dog cry out and then there was nothing. We didn’t know whose dog it was.”

Paul shook his head. “As soon as my wife found out, she decided to keep our dog in. She thinks it was a burglar.”

Eli said nothing.

The rest of the evening was wild, chaotic and typically teen-oriented. Finally, near nine o’clock, the teens had all headed home. By nine-thirty, with Kaylee and Eli to help, the gym, kitchen and lounge were all tidied up.

Paul killed the lights to the gym as they all left. “Thanks, you two. I don’t know what I would have done if I had to look after these kids alone. Will I see you both at church on Sunday?”

“Yes,” Eli answered automatically. Then, catching a glimpse of Kaylee’s tired, doelike expression as she walked past him, contrition swept over him.

He needed to hear from his investigator. And soon.

Sunday morning the church parking lot was full. Eli found a spot at the far corner and as he walked around to open the door for Kaylee, he nodded to an older couple parking near them. Above, the sky seemed as dark as a winter dusk. That tropical storm was due today.

Kaylee climbed out of his car and followed his glance up at the darkening sky. “I’m glad I didn’t bring my car. With the wet weather due, it may not start.”

“What exactly is the car doing?”

“Not starting. It was fine a week ago, but now, it barely cranks. Sometimes all I get is a clicking noise.”

“Your battery is dying. It sounds like you don’t have enough juice to turn over the engine.”

“Great. I can’t afford a new battery. Good thing I live walking distance to work.”

“Maybe it only needs to be charged. I’ll have a look at it, if you’d like?”

She smiled a thank-you at him as they made their way into the sanctuary. The early service attracted quite a few. The people here all had nice, ordered lives. They worked during the week and fellowshipped on Sunday. He swallowed. His life was too itinerant and it wouldn’t change until he freed Phoebe.

And what about Kaylee? There she was, trying her best to lead a normal life after all Noah had done. Her disgust for him and his cult members was more than obvious and included Phoebe. To her, Phoebe was as responsible for Trisha’s death as Noah was. She wanted to cut them all loose from her memories and start her life again. He was a living, breathing reminder to her.

Kaylee spotted Lois with another elderly woman. Both scooted over to let her and Eli into the pew.

Kaylee chuckled. “All the little old ladies take up these seats in the back. I think they like to watch the congregation come in.”

“No, it’s not that,” Lois beside her stated in a tart tone. “Most of them need hearing aids and use the earphones from the sound system. You have to sit in the back for them. I don’t need one, mind you, but these ladies are my friends.”

Kaylee winked at him before leaning close enough for her low whisper to be heard only by him. “I was expecting Lois to be a bit more pleased I was here, but she seems a bit cranky. I think she’s starting to realize
she
needs a hearing aid.” With a light shrug, she settled back in the pew.

He smiled briefly, grateful for her relaxed mood. Obviously, Lois hadn’t told her about Pepe. But from the woman’s behavior, his death bothered her very much.

The service was short, full of prayer, which allowed Eli’s thoughts to wander to Kaylee. She was a mix of contradictions. Trying to start her life over, oddly serene here in church and yet still wracked with guilt for the things she’d said and done.

She believed God was punishing her for being swayed by Noah and beginning to believe his warped philosophies.

How could she really believe that because she’d been forced to say blasphemous words for Noah, the Lord would never forgive her?

Or was it in part humiliation she felt? To believe a man, only to have him kill her beloved sister?

Eli didn’t know her well enough to guess.

But, he realized with growing concern, he
wanted
to know her that well.

The service ended and after attending the adult Sunday school, Eli and Kaylee returned to the sanctuary for the regular service.

“I told you so,” she whispered with a snicker as they walked up the center aisle, past the back pews now filled with elderly ladies. “All the old ladies take the back seats.”

Eli smiled and nodded back, but he felt his smile quickly drift away. All that had happened still disturbed him. He only half listened to the message and struggled through the prayers, trying to stay focused.

“What’s wrong?” she asked as the service ended and people began to filter out.

What could he say? That he believed his insane brother was hanging around? For the first time in years, she felt safe. Who was he to rob her of that on a suspicion he couldn’t confirm?

And being here was by her good graces. He’d seen Officer Reading eyeing him from across the aisle. Kaylee would only have to say one word to the man and he’d be asked to leave town.

Yet, if he told her what he suspected, she’d most likely take off, probably go home. On the surface, it sounded like a good idea, but what about Noah? What would he do?

And he suspected that Kaylee was closer to leaving than she appeared. She had friends and an aunt in Nova Scotia, people in her hometown that cared for her. He’d heard her talking about them to one of the other parishioners, admitting that it was past time to visit them.

“Hello again!” A voice blasted out from behind him. Eli turned. A tall, thin man with a shock of white hair and a ready smile grabbed his hand and pumped it. “Good to see you here. Did you find the provincial walking trail? You really can’t miss it.”

Confused a moment, Eli frowned. “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

“Well, we haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Hec Haines.”

Eli peered at the man, still unsure why he’d asked about the trail. “I’m Eli Nash. I’m staying up—”

“Yes, up at the motel. You told me.”

“I did?”

“Yesterday. So, did you find the trail?”

Eli felt his frown deepen. “I didn’t ask for directions to the trail yesterday.” Kaylee had told him flat-out that she was planning to sleep in and then do housework all day. He’d taken the opportunity to sleep in himself. The only time he’d been out was for a short drive to the local deli.

“Of course you didn’t
ask
for directions. I offered them. You were looking for a shortcut through town.”

Eli watched Kaylee assist an elderly lady out of the last pew. She was well out of earshot. “When?” he asked.

“Thursday night, late. My dog’s getting old and she has to go out at the oddest times. It had started to warm up with that storm on its way, so I didn’t mind as much. Hate going out in the winter. But then again, I think I told you that.”

Eli straightened and walked out of the pew. “I think you have me…”

Oh. His stomach flipped. He’d been halfway out when he turned back to stare at the man. Someone who looked like him was in town….

Noah.

“I
know I’m not mistaking you for someone else, if that’s what you’re going to say. Not too many men your size around here with that blond of hair.” The man peered at his head. “Mind you, did you get it cut? I thought it was a bit longer.”

Eli swallowed. “How much longer?”

“Not much. A little bit.” The man frowned. “I was sure it was you I spoke to. I don’t usually forget a face. Terrible with names. What did you say yours was?”

“Eli Nash.”

Hec’s face lit up and he nodded vigorously. “Yes, yes, of course. That’s what I thought you’d said. Sorry I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself, but the dog was pretty excited.”

Eli started. “Did your dog get upset?”

“Yes! You remember! Sorry about that. Sheba usually likes everyone. I don’t know what got into her. She was quite snappy at you. She must not have liked the smell of your clothes. Very odd, indeed.”

“I hope she’s better now,” Eli murmured.

“Oh, she was fine after you left. Crazy old dog. Maybe she’s getting senile. After you mentioned that I would definitely be seeing you again, she just let loose, didn’t she?”

Eli stared at the man. “I don’t remember. I’m sorry.” His heart pounded hard in his chest and he could feel the blood draining from his face.

“Oh, nothing to be sorry about. I feel badly that she acted so nasty. But you probably made it worse by laughing at her.”

Laughing? “Um, that was rude of me. I don’t know what to say.” He didn’t. He had no desire to tell this man someone had impersonated him. The guy probably wouldn’t believe him, anyway.

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you were able to make it to church today. We talked about you coming here. Well, only briefly. I had to keep Sheba away from you.”

Eli could hardly breathe. Laughing at an animal, telling a perfect stranger you’d see him again. Ice raced down his spine, delivering a harsh shiver.

“What exactly did he, I mean, I say to you? I’m sorry if I don’t recall the conversation.”

Hec drummed his fingers along the back of the pew. “Not much. Just that you’d planned to go to church. Oh, yes, also something about you being predictable when it comes to Sundays.”

Eli scowled.

As if he felt he’d made a faux pas, Hec hastily glanced over his shoulder. “Well, coffee’s ready. How’s about a cup? We usually fellowship after the service.”

“Thank you. I could use a cup.” Eli followed the man out. If truth be told, he could use way more than a cup of coffee right now. He could feel sweat breaking out on his forehead.

Was it Noah who’d met with Hec? In the darkness, he and his brother could pass for twins. Only the dog got a sense of Noah’s true nature.

Had Noah cut his hair to pass himself off as Eli? Was it possible?

Yes. More than possible, it was downright probable. And knowing Eli would come to church, Noah had grasped the opportunity to send him a message.

I’m here. And people think I’m you.

Kaylee spotted him and smiled before turning her attention back to the older lady she’d helped. She was lovely, her dark hair dancing as she laughed at something the elderly lady said.

A surge of emotion swelled in his throat. She was so oblivious to any danger. And so much in denial. He should tell her. He could make her believe him, but it would send her flying from here.

That would keep her safe, right?

Maybe, maybe not.

What it wouldn’t do was get him closer to Noah. Or Phoebe.

And, he told himself, above everything else, he needed to find Phoebe.

He’d given up everything to find her. He owed it to his parents. They were the ones who’d missed her the most.

Finding and freeing Phoebe would be a big blow to Noah’s control over his cult. With his most ardent follower gone, the rest would really be lost sheep and Noah might be forced to give up this little game.

Eli walked slowly up the center aisle toward Kaylee. He had to find Phoebe.

But with Noah out there impersonating him, would finding Phoebe be at Kaylee’s expense?

Kaylee was nearly dead and desperately needed to go home. Friday night had really drained her, and though she’d spent Saturday resting, exhaustion still lingered heavily. Her doctor had told her that she’d lost a lot of muscle and would tire easily, but it hadn’t been until she tried to get out of bed Sunday morning that she really believed him.

Now, as she hung on to the chair she’d snagged for Lois, who had looked as if she wasn’t feeling well herself, Kaylee noticed Eli making his way to her after talking to Hec Haines. His eyebrows had knitted together and a grim line replaced his mouth. What was the matter? Had he noticed her fatigue, too?

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m absolutely wiped. I was just about to tell Lois not to bother making any tea for me this afternoon, but she’s left with one of the other ladies. They must be going out to lunch.” She frowned. “She usually has me over.”

“You can see her later. Let’s go.” He took her arm with his left hand and thrust open the vestry door with his right.

She threw him a curious look as they weaved through the parked cars toward his. First Lois was acting somewhat short and now Eli was acting as if church was the last place he wanted to be. Had he realized he was losing valuable time here, when he should be heading south?

Did she want him to go?

She refused to answer her own question, choosing instead to study his chiseled features. More refined than Noah’s, Eli’s face bore a warm concern. She let her gaze drift down, along the strong arms and out to his long, tanned fingers.

Why was he here, wasting his time and probably his hard-earned money? Surely not for her?

She climbed wearily into the passenger seat of his car. “Oh, dear, I forgot my paycheck at work. I don’t feel like it, but I should stop by and pick it up.”

With a nod, he swung the car around. Minutes later, as they entered the rec center’s office, she stifled a yawn. “Sorry. I really
am
tired.”

“You can rest when you get home.”

“Yes, I will.” She sniffed the air. “It smells funny in here.”

Eli inhaled. “I smell candy.” He sniffed again. “Maybe from that candy store? They must be making a batch of candy.”

“It’s strong today.”

Nodding, Eli scanned the office. She found her own eyes roaming over the desks and chairs and counters.

Several candy wrappers were tossed aimlessly on the floor in front of Jenn’s desk. She must have called in a few kids to read them the riot act for kicking volleyballs. A big no-no in her books.

Kaylee walked over to the mail slots at the far side. Among the pigeonholes was one for items such as scissors and rulers and a magnifying glass because Jenn claimed she wasn’t paid enough to buy reading glasses.

The bright blue scissors that always caught her eyes were gone. She turned, skimming each desk and the credenza. They must be away in a drawer.

“What’s wrong? Your check isn’t there?”

“No.” Absently, she drew out her envelope and waved it. “But the scissors are gone. Jenn must have moved them.”

“Do you need them?”

She cleared her throat. “My fingernails are too short to open the envelope. Phoebe was in charge of making sure all the women’s nails were trimmed, not that we were healthy enough to grow them in the first place.”

When she noticed his darkening look, she added, “The doctor said they’ll grow back, but it may take several months and I’ll probably see a ridge in them when they do. As a result, I’ve taken to using the scissors to open envelopes.”

Eli looked around, then bent over to scoop up some candy wrappers. He dropped them into the wastebasket beside the desk. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Jenn’s hid them away. Kids have a habit of ‘borrowing’ things.”

“That’s a possibility. The kids aren’t supposed to come in here, but Jenn is usually alone in the office, so if she had to leave…” She shoved her paycheck in her small knapsack and walked into the corridor. “I’ll open it at home. It’s no big deal.” She let out a derisive noise. “The most exciting part of my afternoon is reading my paycheck.”

Eli followed her out, shutting off the light and closing the door behind him. She watched him. The smell of candy remained stronger out there, the corridor being closer to the shop next door.

Kaylee locked up in silence. The moment she was done, Eli took her hand to study her short, well-filed fingernails. She tugged back her hand, hating the way her fingers looked.

Eli dropped his arm. “It’s a wonder he didn’t cut your hair.”

“He seemed to favor long hair. He had his long enough.”

Without warning, he wove his fingers through her hair and allowed the strands to slide free. Her breath stalled in her lungs as he spoke. “You have beautiful hair, even after being malnourished.”

Then, as suddenly as he’d fingered her hair, he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’d like to see it in a year.”

Would you? Are you planning to stay that long? Or are you coming back?

She dropped the internal questions as soon as they arrived. The sooner she was done with the Nash siblings, the sooner she’d be able to get her life back on track.

On track to where? Since meeting Eli, she’d never felt so…at loose ends.

At home, after a quick bite to eat, she lay down on the couch. To her surprise, she awoke to find night already settling on her house.

The wind rattled the siding outside. Her house stood high on a knoll and her backyard dipped dramatically into the ravine that arced around the cul-de-sac before making its way down to the river. When coming from the south, as it was doing now, the wind found little opposition until it hit her house. The Saint John River valley acted like a wind tunnel, with her house a block through the middle of it.

Wearily, Kaylee rose. She hadn’t planned to sleep so long. A quick check of the time on the wall clock told her that she’d slept past five. A glance outside on her way to the kitchen told her that a thick blanket of clouds aided the early dusk.

She grabbed some bread, preparing to make a sandwich for herself but stopped at the sink. The kitchen window looked out onto her back deck. She looked forward to next summer when she could sit out there and enjoy the warm sun.

A flicker of bright red danced upward in the breeze. Kaylee stretched up on tiptoes. The wind drove it down and then up, a flashing dance around the wood rails.

Curious, she walked to the sliding door. Finding a break in the clouds, the sun made one last attempt to shine. A single yellow ray struck the house.

The red fluttered again. A ribbon? No, a leash. Lois’s dog leash?

Kaylee stepped onto the deck. The wind buffeted her. She grabbed the leash and tugged, but it had wrapped itself around the rails.

Stooping, she began to untangle it, only to find the knot tighter than she expected.

Something moved under her. Under the deck. She froze. Then, in a moment of bravery that seemed to come from nowhere, she called out, “Eli?”

A familiar voice answered her. “Hello, Kaylee. It’s me.”