Person of Interest (14 page)

“You mean he sweet-talked Denise to keep tabs on me?”

Everett nodded. “That’s a very real possibility.”

But one Natalie didn’t seem to accept. She turned to stare out the window as if lost in thought. Before long, he heard the rhythmic pull of air, signaling she was asleep. The miles passed, and he thought of all that had happened until his cell rang. Frank’s name was on the ID screen.

“Late-night call. What’s up?” He kept his voice low. “Did you locate Mason?”

“He’s at the Lodge getting some much needed sleep, which is what I should be doing.”

“The downside of being in charge. You need to wake him up and haul him in for questioning.”

“He’s not going anywhere.”

“I think he’s already done too much.”

“We’ll get him first thing in the morning. Right now I’ve got other problems.”

Everett’s neck tingled. “Concerning Vernon Ingalls’s death?”

“Negative. Remember Denise Lang?”

“How could I forget? Did you find the boyfriend? Is it Mason?”

“The Freemont police are handling the investigation. As far as I know, the secretive boyfriend remains a mystery.”

“Surely someone’s seen him. Freemont’s a small town. Doesn’t everyone know everyone else?”

“You’d think, only Denise and her honey didn’t stay in town. They must have had a secret rendezvous spot in a neighboring town.”

“Did the police talk to the folks at the restaurant where she worked? She could have confided in one of them.”

“Could have and did are two different things. No one seems to even know about the guy.”

“You don’t sound convinced that he exists.”

“That’s it, Everett. If no one has seen a mysterious boyfriend, if the family hadn’t heard mention of a new man in her life, if she’s never been spotted in town with some new guy, I start to wonder if he wasn’t a figment of someone’s imagination.”

“Denise made him up? But why? So she could claim someone was attracted to her?”

“I don’t think Denise is the one with the imagination.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning the only person who has mentioned a boyfriend is Natalie. Perhaps it was convenient to have another person of interest in the case.”

Anger washed over Everett. He was tired and frustrated with an investigation that wasn’t going anywhere. He and Frank had worked together in the past, and he’d always thought of him as a friend, but the power of being in charge while Wilson was away was messing with his head. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard of in a long time.”

“You’re not seeing things through my eyes, Rett.”

“I’m seeing things very clearly.”

“You want to believe Natalie.”

“Correction, Frank, I do believe her.”

“She’s pretty and somewhat needy.”

Again, he bristled. Of all things, she wasn’t needy. She was determined and forthright and her own woman. She didn’t need him or anyone else for that matter. She relied on her own ability. “She’s strong and self-assured, Frank, and also truthful.”

“It’s that first case you covered. You still blame yourself.”

“I blame a superior officer who told me to end the investigation. As soldiers we’re taught to comply with our commanders, which is what I did. The military code of justice never talks about the guilt when a soldier follows orders that aren’t sound.”

“The sergeant major seemed squeaky clean.”

“Looks can be deceiving. Case in point, Mason Yates. He looks like a competent CID special agent, but he’s got a history of corruption and poor judgments. If you talked to someone in the CID office in Germany, you’d know he isn’t who he seems.”

“Because of the woman who died?”

“Exactly.”

“I have been in communication with our folks in Vilseck. They’re getting the information from the
polizei
.”

“Did they tell you that Mason came on to Natalie after the woman’s death?”

Frank hesitated for a long moment.

“Evidently they didn’t.”

“They told me rumors had circulated.”

“That’s right.”

“Only the rumors said Natalie was the aggressor in the relationship, and Mason was the one who tried to keep her at bay.”

“That’s preposterous.”

“Open your eyes, Everett. See her for who she truly is.”

“I am seeing clearly.”

“There’s something else you need to know.”

The tone in Frank’s voice made Everett’s stomach tighten. He didn’t want more unfounded remarks or rumors about Natalie. “What is it?”

“The Freemont police located video from the apartment complex where Denise and Natalie lived.”

“Did the video show the killer?”

“I’m not sure.” Frank hesitated.

“What’s that mean?”

“A woman was seen hurrying to the apartment Dumpster the day Denise died.”

“A woman?”

“That’s right. She dumped a bag into the trash.”

“She? Who is she?”

“The police dug through the garbage and found the dropped bag. It contained clothing.”

Everett waited.

“Blood-covered clothing.”

“You mean the clothes the killer may have worn?”

“It appears that way.”

“So it was a woman? Did the police identify the person in the video?”

“The clothing was covered with blood that matched Denise’s blood type and Rh. DNA testing is being done.”

“Who was the killer?”

“The clothing belong to Natalie Frazier.”

“What!” Everett wanted to pull the car to the side of the road and pound the steering wheel. Instead, he kept his eyes on the road and the SUV heading north.

“Who the clothes belong to doesn’t have anything to do with being a murderer. Besides, videos can be doctored.”

“Everett, face the facts. It appears Natalie was involved in her roommate’s death.”

“Did you see the video?”

Frank blew out a stiff breath. “I did.”

“Did you see Natalie’s face?”

“I saw enough to know it was her.”

“You didn’t see her face. You saw someone who could have been Natalie but who wasn’t.”

“Everett, you’re parsing words.”

“I’m parsing the truth.”

“She needs to come back to Fort Rickman.”

“Have you hauled Mason in for questioning?”

“Not yet.”

“Then I’m not bringing her back to Fort Rickman. Not until we have more information.”

“You’re not thinking straight. She’s got you hoodwinked.”

“That’s crazy.”

“We don’t have evidence to tie her with Tammy Yates’s death, but this video makes her more than a person of interest in her roommate’s death. I want her back at Fort Rickman.”

“Give me more time, Frank.”

“She needs to be turning herself in on post or to the Freemont police.”

“I’ll take that into consideration.”

“Everett, don’t be foolish.”

“I’ll be in touch, Frank.”

“Don’t make a mistake and let her sway you to do something against good investigative training.”

He disconnected and turned to find Natalie staring at him.

“What did Frank tell you?”

“We’ll talk about it later. Go back to sleep.”

“Sure?”

“Cross my heart.”

She smiled. “My dad used to say that when I was a girl.”

“A nice memory, right?”

She nodded and dropped her head back on the headrest.

Natalie couldn’t have been involved in her roommate’s death. Frank had to be wrong. Everett didn’t believe the video.

Please, Lord, let Frank be wrong.

* * *

Natalie opened her eyes again when Everett turned off the highway. They wound their way along a narrow two-lane road that led to Dahlonega. The road edged a creek and wound up the mountain. In the distance, giant floodlights illuminated the golden spire of one of the university buildings, bringing a sense of welcome to the darkness. Passing the campus on the left, they headed into the small town and circled the square.

Natalie checked the GPS on her phone. “Turn right at the next corner.”

Everett glanced at the few people on the street this late at night, and the city hall in the middle of the square. “Looks like a nice town.”

She nodded. “The university has a great degree program in education. I thought about moving here at one time.”

“But you decided to stay in Freemont?”

“Classes opened in the local area. Teaching jobs are a bit easier to come by in Freemont. I was thinking of my future.” Although she’d probably made a bad decision. If she’d moved to Dahlonega and attended school there, she wouldn’t be in the middle of a murder investigation.

“This used to be a gold-mining town,” she said. “They still have areas where tourists can pan for gold.”

“Sounds like fun.”

“Kids love it the most.”

Everett chuckled. “I’m sure.”

“Turn right at the next intersection. The house should be halfway down the block. Number 210.”

Everett spotted the number on the mailbox and pulled to the curb.

Natalie stared for a long moment at the two-story house with a wide porch and potted flowers. Her heart lurched as she thought of the lovely setting and what she’d hoped her life would include someday. “Nice place. Looks like small-town Americana and happy home.”

Everett eyed her. “Do I note a hint of envy in your voice?”

“Not envy, just admiration for someone who escaped Mason and, from all appearances, made something better of her life. I had hopes for my own, but it doesn’t appear to be shaping up the way I wanted.”

“It’s not over yet, Natalie. Stay optimistic.”

She nodded. “You’re right. Maybe Janet will provide another piece in the puzzle so you’ll start to believe me.”

He grabbed her hand. “Haven’t we been down that road before? I believe you. I just need evidence to establish Mason’s guilt.”

She let out a deep breath. “Okay. You’re right. I’m tired and frustrated by all of this and wondering what Janet will provide.”

Everett pulled the key from the ignition and walked around the car to open the door for her. She liked the attention. In fact, there was so much about Everett that she did like, which wasn’t a good thing. She’d steeled her heart for so long and convinced herself she didn’t need a man to make her happy. She could be happy on her own. Except that wasn’t working out for her.

At least not recently.

She shoved the thought aside and stepped to the pavement when he opened the door. A hint of aftershave wafted past her as she hurried to the sidewalk. She needed to distance herself from anything that played havoc with her emotions, which was what she felt at the moment. She blamed it on fatigue and a mix of fear and worry.

She didn’t need anyone in her life, she told herself again. She didn’t need Everett.

But when he put his hand on the small of her back and walked next to her up the stairs of Janet Queen’s lovely front porch, Natalie couldn’t escape the desire of needing more to life than she had.

She wanted a life filled with love and happiness. At this moment, she realized she wanted a good man—like Everett—to be part of that life.

FOURTEEN

E
verett tapped on the front door and stood protectively in front of Natalie. A tall man with a beard and glasses, probably fortysomething, opened the door with a quizzical gaze.

Everett held up his identification. “Sir, I’m Everett Kohl, Criminal Investigation Division, Fort Rickman, Georgia. I’d like to talk to Janet Queen.”

“Fort Rickman? You’re a long way from home.”

Everett nodded. “Yes, sir.”

The guy glanced at his watch. “It’s late. Would you mind explaining why you need to talk to my wife?”

“Sir, it involves an investigation. I’d like to ask her a few questions. I understand it’s late, but we’ve traveled a long way.”

“Neal?” A woman walked up behind the man. Black hair, blue eyes, small frame and moderate height. She reminded Everett of Natalie in her bearing.

“Janet Owens Queen?” Everett asked, holding up his ID again. He repeated the introduction he had given the husband and then introduced Natalie. “We’re investigating a case and need to ask you a few questions.”

Her brow knit. “I don’t understand.”

“Could we come in?”

She glanced at her husband and nodded. He pulled open the door and pointed them to a living area. “You can talk in there.”

“Who is it, Mom?” A young teen with long black hair and eyes as large and as blue as Janet’s peered down at them from the stairway. “What’s going on?”

“It’s okay, honey.” Janet smiled confidently at her daughter. “Finish your homework. These folks just need to ask me a few questions.”

The girl stared at them for a long moment and then shrugged. “Whatever.”

Janet motioned them into a cozy living room with overstuffed furniture and soft lighting from two ceramic lamps. The tables on each side of the couch matched the coffee table and were crafted from a rich, dark wood. The rug was plush, and watercolor paintings of mountain scenes decorated the wall.

“Your art is beautiful,” Natalie said as she admired the paintings.

Janet smile halfheartedly. “Thank you. I dabble at times.”

“You’re the artist?”

The woman nodded. “It’s something I always wanted to do, but never had time until recently.”

“You’re very talented.”

The woman’s face softened, and she motioned them toward the couch, while she sat in an overstuffed chair identical to the one her husband had chosen.

“You mentioned traveling a long way,” Janet said, once they were seated. “Would you care for a cup of coffee or hot tea?”

“We appreciate the offer, ma’am, but we’re fine.” Everett scooted closer to the edge of the couch and stared at Janet a long moment before he spoke.

“Your brother gave us your address, ma’am. He was guarded at first, but eventually realized we in no way wanted to upset you or bring harm to you or your family.”

“What’s this about?”

“Mason Yates.” Everett glanced at her husband and then back at Janet.

She toyed with her wedding band. “Neal is well aware of my first marriage, Special Agent Kohl. I don’t have any secrets from him.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Is Mason in trouble with the law?”

“Why do you ask?”