Lillian Duncan - Until Death Do Us Part (19 page)

CHAPTER 48

No one spoke
as the impact of Billy’s words hit full force.

Theresa turned pale and Reggie was sure she’d done the same.
Barely able to breathe, Reggie looked at Billy, then at Dylan. “You don’t really think that’s what this is all about, do you? You think somebody used your computers to find a way to…to…do something to the President.”

Dylan shook his head as if not believing what he was hearing either. “I pray not, but it makes a lot more sense than all this craziness for some white collar crime file.”

“What are we going to do?” Theresa asked.

“
We
aren’t doing anything.” Billy’s voice was firm. “You and Reggie have been through enough. Dylan and I are trained in this sort of thing. We’ll handle it.”

Theresa’s face flushed red and she bit her lip. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot. You two big strong men don’t need the woman folk around in times of trouble. We’re supposed to sit by the window and wait.”

“Now, hon. I didn’t mean it like that. All I’m say—”

Theresa gave a sweet smile. “I know what you’re saying and I know you’re only trying to protect me. And I love you for that, really I do. But—”

Billy held up his hands in surrender. “Let’s not argue. We aren’t even sure if that’s what’s going on. And I’m sure not calling my boss with a crazy theory without some proof.”

“What kind of proof?” Dylan asked as he gathered up the wrappers and cups from breakfast, if that’s what you could call the fast food stuff.

Reggie
smiled. He did the same thing when they went out to eat. He would clean up the tables for the servers.

“We’re going to go out to the house and see what’s left of the computers. It might give us a clue of
some sort. Then, I’m going to need to buy a laptop and see if anyone was messing around on my accounts yesterday.”

Theresa jumped up off the bed. “I’m going, too.”

“I knew you were, hon. I knew you were.” Billy turned toward her. “Anyone else going?”

The moment of truth. She wanted to jump under the covers and pull them over her head. But some things were more important than her own personal safety.
Reggie stood. “Count me in.”

“If she’s going, I’m going.” Dylan’s arms went around her.

She grinned at him. “Yea, as if you weren’t going no matter what I said.”

He winked at her.
“True, but it sounded a lot sweeter the way I said it.”

“My husband, the romantic.”

****

Billy turned into their drive. He l
ooked over at Theresa. “You all right?”

She shrugged. “I’
m fine. It was a great house but home is where the heart is and you’re my home.”

Reggie reached between the seats and patted her friend’s shoulder.
“The fact we’re all relatively healthy after what we’ve gone through the past few days, I’d say God’s been watching out for us.”

“Amen to that.” Theresa’s voice was quite but her eyes spoke volumes.
“Thanks for reminding me.”

“It’s just
a house, babe. I’ll build you a bigger one.”

Theresa reached over and put her hand on her husband’s arm.
“It doesn’t matter. Reggie’s right, you are my home not some silly building.” Her voice was soft but filled with so much love it brought tears to Reggie’s eyes

Reggie bit her lip and wondered if the same could be said about
Dylan and her. She’d been working so hard at being the perfect wife, she’d forgotten the reason why she was trying to be that. In her quest for perfection, Dylan’s needs had been pushed to the back of her mind.

She’d been more worried about what othe
rs thought instead of loving her husband. But no more. That was all going to change.

The bush-disguised gate opened as Billy hit a button on the remote. A few moments later, the cabin or what was left of the cabin came into view.
It still stood, mostly intact. Black scorch marks decorated the front of it. The garage was gone from where her car had exploded.

Reggie’s gazed at Theresa for a reaction.

“Not as bad as I thought. The garage is gone, though.”

“Along with my car.”
Reggie looked over at Dylan. “Speaking of cars, where’s yours?”

“In Ohio. I flew down.”

“Oh, I guess you were in a hurry. How did you get here, then?”

“I took a boat. In fact, it’s probably still moored out on the dock
unless they found it. In which case, I’m going to have a hard time explaining to the rental company why it’s missing.”

Billy stopped and put the v
an in park. Everyone sat staring at the house until Theresa stiffened her shoulders and said, “Let’s get this over with.”

Billy led the way. “Be
careful. Some of the embers could still be hot.”

A slight drizzle dampened the yard and house.

Smoke curled up in spots around the yard and the garage. The smoky smell almost gagged Reggie as she remembered her terror. She’d been sure she was going to die in that closet but God had kept her safe.

The group made their way through the
almost non-existent garage and into the kitchen. The smell of smoke and gasoline was even stronger. Black flame marks crawling up the walls testified to the reality of the fire.

They walked into the dining room, a blac
kened shell of a laptop still sat on the table but all the pictures she’d seen when she walked in the first time were ashes. Theresa touched her hand and Reggie followed. Both of their feet sloshed though the soggy carpet.

Dylan picked up the burned laptop.
“There were flames everywhere the last time I was in here. I didn’t think anything would survive. I can’t imagine getting any evidence from this.”

“You’d be surprised what a forensic scientist could get off there, not that it matters. We don’t have the time it takes to find what we’re looking for that way. All we need to do is access my accounts.”

Theresa’s nose wrinkled in distaste. “One thing’s for sure. My clothes are certainly ruined, just from the smell of the smoke. That means one thing, girlfriend. Shopping.”

The two of them laughed. Reggie was so impressed with how Theresa was handling the whole situation.
“What are you looking for?”

A twinkle came into Theresa’s eyes. The first Reggie had seen since learning about the fire. “Come on. I’ll show you.”

They walked into her bedroom and she went to her nightstand. Opening the bottom drawer Theresa’s hands shook. She breathed a sigh of relief as she pulled out a Bible,

Her voice was soft with wonder. “Oh, thank you, God.” She pulled it out and opened it. She
took out a piece of paper and unfolded it and then handed it to Reggie.

“It’s your wedding license.”

“Along with my children’s baptismal records, birth certificates. I prayed all night these things would be safe, but I gave it over to God around two this morning and finally fell asleep in peace, knowing that as much as I wanted these things
to be safe, in the long run, it didn’t matter.”

Reggie hugged her. “Still, I’m so glad He answered that prayer for you.”

Theresa turned to walk out of the room.

“Don’t you want to look for other things?”

She shook her head. “No, you’re right when you said they’re just things.” She left without a glance backwards.

Dylan and Billy were gone when they walked back into the dining room but were back within minutes.
Dylan walked in first. “It looks like they took an ax to Billy Clyde’s computers in the basement.”

“Do you have backups?” Reggie asked.

“Oh, believe me I do. My backups have backups have backups so that’s not a problem. But this makes me believe my theory is probably right.”

“They wanted
you out of the house so they could access your computers and they had no idea I’d be here.” The man had been telling the truth. “I really was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“It looks that way.”
Dylan looked over at Billy. “Are you going to call Mr. Johnson now?”

“Not
quite yet. I need a laptop. All I have to do is log on through my accounts to see what they looked at yesterday. But I’d just as soon they not know what we’re doing and they might still be watching us. So, I’m thinking…”

“We leave the van and take the boat.” Dylan finished his thought for him.

“The boat?” Reggie swallowed hard.

“Is there a problem, Reggie?” Dylan asked.

“No, no. Of course not.”

****

Reggie’s footsteps pounded on the wooden dock reminding her of the horses who clomped their way through Fredericksburg on a regular basis. Her mouth grew dry as she approached the boat.

Billy
and Theresa were already in. They rocked back and forth as the water sloshed around the boat’s frame. Dylan reached out a steady hand to help her in.

She stood staring at his hand and then the river and then back at him. “I didn’t know we’d be taking a boat.”

“Is that a problem?” He arched his eyebrows. “Are you afraid of boats?”

“Well, not exactly.” She moved toward the boat but as Dylan grabbed her arm, she backed away instead of getting in.

“Sweetheart, if you don’t want to get in that’s fine, we’ll figure something else out.” His voice patient as always.

“No, I’m coming. Just hold my hand tight.” I
gnoring her shaking knees, she grabbed both of her husband’s outstretched hands and stepped into the boat. After she plopped down beside him, he pried her fingers away from his hands.

“Y
ou could have—”

“I’m fine, really.” She blew out her nerves and looke
d over and smiled at Theresa and Billy who both had looks of amusement on their faces. Her hands clasped the edge of the bench seat.

“If you say so.” He turned on the motor and moved away from the river’s edge. “I didn’t know you were afraid of water.”

“I’m not. It’s the motion of the boat…” She closed her eyes. “Makes me sick. That’s all.”

Billy Clyde tapped her knee. “It’s ok
ay. We’re all afraid of something. Don’t worry about it.”

“Which way, Billy Clyde?
North to Cumberland or south to DC?”

Billy
closed his eyes. She knew him well enough to know he was praying for guidance. Dylan and Billy were both praying men and believed in the power of prayer. As a fairly new Christian, she struggled with it but was learning to trust in it more every day. When he opened his eyes, he said. “South.”

They motored their way down the Potomac. Surrounded by trees
. She opened her eyes but her head pounded and the trees swayed even though there was no wind. The ripples of the river water pulsated toward her. She knew the signs of an anxiety attack. She clenched her eyes tight once again. “How will you know where to stop?”

Dylan shrugged. “I guess when we see the Washington Monument.”

CHAPTER 49

“OK, folks. Almost there.” Billy announced.

Reggie opened her eyes in relief. About time. The boat trip had felt like
it had taken forever. Queasy, but at least she hadn’t embarrassed herself by throwing up.

A huge sign announced they were at National Harbor.

“We’re on the outskirts of DC but close enough.” Billy looked at the motley crew. “Everyone know their assignments?”

Yes, boss.”
Theresa saluted.

“You’re the one who
wanted to come, babe.” He rolled his eyes. “And besides everyone in this boat knows who the real boss is.”

“Reggie and I will get the hotel room while you and Dylan go get a rental car and a laptop.” Theresa hugged Billy. “And we promise to be careful. Reggie, you are going to love this place.
The stores are awesome.”

“Take your time. You’re going to need some new clothe
s.” He handed a credit card.

“
What a husband.” She leaned on her tippy toes and kissed him.

Dylan hopped out of the boat. Reggie stood up swaying as she did. He lifted her easily out of the boat and hugged her in the process. He whispered in her ear. “You did great, Reggie. I know that wasn’t easy for you.”

She looked into his sweet blue eyes. “It wasn’t all that bad.”

“Really, then why are you green?”
He winked.

She laughed. “Okay
, maybe it was that bad.”

They split up with the men going one way and Theresa and Reggie heading off for the hotels. Reggie’s legs were wobbly and her stomach felt the same but at least she was on dry ground.

They walked up the pier and toward the shopping and hotel area. Local food vendors were crowded with the lunch time crowd. She sniffed. “Smells good.”

“You want something to eat?”

“I think I’ll wait until my stomach settles down a bit.”

“Probably a good idea.”

“Oh, look at that.” Reggie moved closer to get a better view.

“It’s called
The Awakening
.”

It was a sculpture showing a giant emerging from the sand. Only his head, one arm and a hand along with a foot and a bent knee were visible
. For some reason it reminded her of Adam and the creation account.

“
Very cool. Don’t see anything like this in Fredericksburg.” Her arm made an expansive motion encompassing the sculpture and the marina.

“Having some adjustment problems, are we?”

Reggie shrugged. “Not really. I love Fredericksburg and the people are great, but I miss some of the things of a big city. Like museums and other cultural activities. And I don’t always feel like I fit in. I can’t seem to do anything right.”
              A reggae band played in a corner of the marina. Patrons had gathered to listen as they ate their lunch. They walked over. After a minute, Reggie turned to Theresa. “I just don’t fit in with the other women. Don’t get me wrong. They are as sweet as can be. But they quilt and sew and can stuff. I try, but it never works out quite the way I envisioned it.”

“That’s because you’re trying to be someone you’re not, girlfriend. God created you just the way you are for a reason. You need to find that reason.”

Reggie nodded. “The doctor told us that I can’t get pregnant.”

“Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry.” Theresa hugged her. “I know that’s tough to hear.”

Tears filled Reggie’s eyes. “It was, but we’ll get through it. With God’s help.”

“I know you will.”

Reggie thought about her words as they walked toward the hotels. Theresa was right about that. She’d been trying to fit herself into someone else’s mold. Maybe it was time to—a man walked by, his body and face covered with tattoos. Her gaze followed the man.

Theresa turned to see why she’d stopped walking. “Interesting look, huh?”

“It’s not that. His tattoos reminded me of something. When the man had me down on the bed, I saw his tattoo. I completely forgot about it. It probably wasn’t all that important, anyway.”

“You never know.” She stopped in front of a hotel that announced it was also a conference center. “This looks like a good place. Let’s get a room and then time to shop.”

*
***

“You get busy with the computer and I’ll call down to room service.” Dylan walked toward the phone in the hotel room. Well, more than a room—a luxury suite was a better way to describe it.

Good thing, Billy Clyde was paying.

“I like the way you think. No telling how long the women will be gone. Theresa had that shopping gleam in her eye.”

Dylan nodded.
“Hopefully, long enough for you to figure out what’s going on. Hamburgers ok with you?”

“No way. Steak with all the trimmings.”

“I like the way you think, Big Man.”

****

Dylan looked at the two laughing women and the packages littering the sofa, floor and table of the sitting room in the hotel and smiled, glad to see Reggie smiling. Apparently, there were no after effects to her ordeal. “So, this is how it is, huh? The big man and I are off saving the free world and you two go shopping.”

“Don’t worry, we bought a few things for the two of you.” Theresa hugged him and pointed at a door. “Your room and a shower
is that way.”

Dylan’s mouth opened up in mock shock.
“Is that a hint? Should I be insulted?”

“It’s neither one. Just a statement of fact.” She han
ded Billy Clyde some packages. “Our room is that way.”

Billy Clyde shook his head. “Do you see, Monroe? Absolutely no respect.”

When Dylan came out from his shower, Billy Clyde was seated back at the new laptop he’d purchased. Reggie and Theresa sat at the table watching him              

Reggie smiled at him as he walked toward the table but then looked back at Billy Clyde.
“So, what’s the next step?”

“If we’re going to stop whatever they’re planning, we’ve got to find out the who, where, and when.” Dylan added.

“Well, we’re going under the assumption that the would-be victim is the president, but the Secret Service does provide protections to others as well.”

Dylan nodded.
“True, but my money’s on the president.”

Billy Clyde looked grim. “Same here.”

“So, now the hard part. Who wants to do harm to the president?”

“A better question is who doesn’t. He hasn’t won many friends lately with all his budget cuts.”

“We’re going to need to narrow that down a bit, Reggie.”

“Well, it has to be someone who knew you might have access to sensitive information.”

Billy Clyde nodded his agreement. “That’s going to narrow it down…a lot.”

Theresa grabbed a pen and held it ready to write. “Well, let’s see. I know but I didn’t kidnap myself. Reggie and Dylan know. Again I think we can cross them off the list. Then, there’s your boss, but he has access to the same information so it’s not him.”

“Our kids don’t know what I do so they couldn’t have told someone by mistake. They just think I’m a computer analyst.”

“You mean you aren’t?” Reggie’s mouth opened in
mock shock.

They laughed

Reggie shook her head. “This is impossible. There’s no way we’re going to figure this out. It’s impossible.”

The other three looked at her and in one voice proclaimed, “With God, all things are possible.”

She held up her hands. “Okay. Okay. I forgot about that for a moment. Keep going. Who else has seen your little computer lab, Billy?”

“Good
question. Let’s see Denny Reagan and Scooter came for a visit awhile back. And so did Moorehouse.” He held up a finger. “And a few months ago, I had the electrician in to add another fuse box.”

“Honey, you don’t really think it was Jake.” Theresa looked at Dylan. “He’s also our preacher.”

“I’m not ruling him out.” Billy Clyde’s voice had take on a stubborn tone. “He is new to the community.”

“
But you did a thorough check on him before you let the church hire him.” She rolled her eyes. “I mean a thorough check. I know he got detention in seventh grade for throwing a book at another boy. Anyone else?”

“Not that I can think of.”

“Remember what Mrs. Miller said about there being rumors about you. Maybe, you should do some follow up with her.”

“Not a bad idea
, Monroe.”

“
I’ll call her. I should anyway to let her know I’m fine.” Theresa stood and reached out a hand. “Have you got your handy dandy top secret spy phone that can’t be traced?”

He handed it to her without comment.

“Keep talking. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

After sh
e’d left the room, Reggie said. “The kidnappers must be computer savvy themselves, right? If not, what were they doing in your house all that time?”

“True but you said there was more than one person in the house so I think that the person who knew me might not be the one with the computer knowledge.”

They added a few more people to the list by the time Theresa walked back in. “Well, nothing really concrete. Mrs. Miller remembered some people at church laughing about it. Said something about the way you stayed holed up in that cabin made them a little suspicious.”

“Dead end there.”

“Hey, girlfriend, did you tell them what you remembered about the tattoo?”

“I forgot.
It’s probably not important anyway.”

Dylan said.
“You never know what’s going to turn out to be important or not. An investigation is like a puzzle. We need all the tiny bits of information to get the whole picture. What did you remember?”

“When h
e threw me on the bed I saw his tattoo on his chest.” She pointed at her own chest, right below her neck. “It was a Bible verse.” Reggie closed her eyes as she visualized it. “Mark 16: 18.”

“That’s good. A definite identifying feature
if we ever get any serious suspects. Why were Denny and Scooter at your house?”

“Just called me up and said they were in the area and wanted to stop in for a visit.”

“What happened while they were there?”

“They stayed for a few hours, ate lunch, and left.”

“How’d they know where you live?”

“You aren’t the only Marine I stay in touch with, Monroe. I helped Scooter out a few times and he wanted to pay me back the money.”

“Sounds like Scooter. Good kid but not sure how he made it through basic training. Denny Reagan was a whole different story. If he hadn’t quit, he would have been dishonorably discharged sooner or later. He didn’t like to follow rules and he didn’t believe the rules applied to him.”

“They say why they were in the area?”

“They said they were passing through. On the way to some family, but they didn’t say where the family lived. Come to think of it, Denny had Scooter do his dirty work for him more than once.” Billy’s fingers moved on the keyboard.

Dylan turned towar
d the women. “They were both with us in Afghanistan. Scooter wasn’t the brightest of people, but he was a good man.”

“Can’t say the same about Denny Reagan
. He’s the kind of man that could and would manipulate Scooter into doing something like this.” Billy Clyde looked up from the computer with a grim look. “I’ve got big problems.”

“Why?”

“Someone definitely used my accounts to get inside the Secret Service. They accessed several different sites, including the President’s schedule.”

“What else did they look at?”

“Double checked to see if I deleted the file. I’m going have to call Mark Johnson back.”

“What are you going to tell him?”

“Everything.”

“
Even about the deleted file?”

Billy nodded. “No choice in the matter. It’s national security we’re talking about.”

“But you’ll be in trouble.”

“I always intended to tell them what I did. I simply had no choice at the time. Theresa’s life was in danger, but I knew I would have to face the consequences of my actions.”

“But Billy—”

“Don’t worry. God’s got my back, cutie pie. So get the frown off that beautiful bronze face of yours.”