Truth Is Found (24 page)

On the other end of the call, they could hear typing.

Finally, Christina spoke, “It’s registered to a Jerrel Roderick.”

“Great, now cross that name with anyone who works for AngelCake, please.”

There was more typing.

“We have a match. He’s listed as the office manager and head of hiring. I guess you could call him human resources at the winery.”

“Bingo,” she muttered.

“Who is he?” Kane asked.

“He’s sleeping with Daniel Nelms’s wife. She’s having an affair with the competition.”

“Uh oh,” stated Christina. Rule number three in their line of work was that infidelity was never a positive sign. “That can’t be good, can it?”

They laughed. “Not for them, but for us, it’s a good place to start digging. We were running low on leads, and Mrs. Nelms handed us a few to start on.”

“She could be sabotaging her husband. If there’s a prenup, maybe this is her only way out,” stated Tori.

Julian was well aware. “Cheating might exclude her to the payout, but if she wants to dissolve the relationship due to financial hardship, she might get something in the settlement.”

“Yeah, he’s going to be pissed.”

No one could blame him.

“Anything else?” Christina asked.

“I need a cell number ran.”

He gave her the digits, and again, they could hear furious typing on the other end of the phone.

“Got it. I did a reverse search, and it belongs to someone named Richard Woodbury.”

That made total sense. He was the ‘R’ in Pearlie’s phone. “Can you find anything on him?”

Christina went to work. “This is going to take a few. I’ll call you right back,” she stated.

They were good with that.

Hanging up, Julian stared over at his wife. “What now?”

“We need to handle the Justin issue. Vivian has to be frantic. She’s had a bad couple of weeks. That last thing she needs is your brother acting like a fool.”

He agreed. “Let’s call her.”

After dialing, Vivian answered the phone on the second ring. They could tell she’d been crying.

“Oh, Jules, I don’t know what to do!” she gushed, her voice quivering. “I haven’t had any nightmares, so I think he’s okay. I just want him to come home. I don’t know how to do this without him. I need my husband.”

Julian wanted to kick his brother’s ass for doing this to his wife. Before Vivian, he’d been a mess. The woman patched him up, and now he had ditched her to fend for herself.

“Where is he?” Tori asked.

“I wish I knew. He didn't come home. Last thing I knew, he went to work. I stopped in the office, and his truck was there, but he wasn’t. You have to help me, Tori. I’m going insane with all the possibilities.”

She would be too.

“I’ll find him,” Julian stated. “You just have some tea, stay calm, and we’ll get him home, okay?”

“I love you both. Thank you for helping me. I know you’re busy with a case.”

“Viv, you’re family,” Tori stated. “We put blood first. That’s the reason we opened a family business.”

“Please, find my husband.”

They hung up the phone. As soon as they did, Christina’s name came across the screen.

“Great. She has something.”

“Hey, you’re not going to believe what I found,” the woman stated. “The second we hung up, the Megan’s Law site popped a hit.”

That had their attention. Megan’s Law dealt with the sex offender registry.

“What do you have?” Tori asked.

“Well, it seems that Richard has been a bad boy. He’s down for statutory rape of a minor.”

“Crap,” muttered Julian. They were going to have to report this to Daniel Nelms. “What else?”

“He had to register his work and home addresses. I’ll send them both.”

Tori’s phone chimed.

“Wait until you see it.”

When she read it, she actually gasped. “Oh boy. He works at the vineyard. He’s the maintenance man.”

Julian stared at her. “Are you shitting me?”

Tori shook her head.

Add this to their list of things to investigate. Their casework was getting heavier and heavier by the minute.

Christina was oddly quiet.

“What’s up?” Tori asked, knowing how the woman’s mind worked.

“He’s young. You have missing girls dating back twenty years. He’s only twenty-five. If these girls went missing fifteen years ago, he was only ten.”

Shit!

She had a point.

“Boys that young aren’t masterminds. How could he take, kill, and hide three bodies without a trace?”

She was right. It seemed improbable.

“We’re going to have to find him and interrogate him,” Tori said, and by the tone of her voice, she didn't mean nicely. A few things set her off.

This was one of them.

“Yeah, I know. Christina, I need a favor.”

“Okay, boss, shoot.”

“Log into our business cell phone account. I need you to turn on the GPS on Justin’s phone. Once you do that, I need you to get me an address. I want to know where he is.”

They waited as she typed.

“I got it, Jules. He’s at a bar not far from the office. That can’t be a good thing, can it?”

“No, it’s not. I’ll handle it. Go have some lunch and feed your son, okay?”

She cheered and then hung up.

Julian glanced over at his wife. “I have to go get him and bring him home. If it was me, I’d want the same thing. He needs help, and we have to do it.”

Tori touched his arm. “I’ll do it. He and I have to have a
‘come to Jesus’
talk anyway.”

“Yeah, but he’s in a bar. My wife isn’t going into a bar alone. I’m not crazy, or that afraid of you on a hormone rampage to back down off that rule.”

Tori was amused.

“You’d rather I beat down a sex offender alone? Doesn’t that seem a lot more dangerous?”

That shut him up.

Julian hated when she had a point.

“We have to split up. You need to choose which you deem less dangerous. I know I can handle myself, but I don’t need you running around worried about me. You’ll slip up, and I don’t want the father of my child hurt.”

He got the point.

“Okay, you round up Justin, but use Kane. He’ll help you and watch your back.”

“Deal.”

“I’ll go find this sex offender, and then see if he knows where Pearlie is. Then I have to tell her father what we found.”

“After that?” she asked.

“He’s going to have to pass this one off to the cops. We can’t find her, three dead girls, and top it all off with a cheating spouse who might be sabotaging a business. We’re only two people.”

She agreed.

“I’ll drop you at the winery, and head out.”

“You better be safe, Tori, or I’ll lose my mind. You know how this freaks me out.”

She didn't doubt that for a second.

“Don’t worry, Jules. It’s not my ass that’s going to get kicked. It’s going to be your brother’s.”

“Will you be back later?”

She nodded. “It’s only an hour drive each way, and I should be back later tonight. I can’t imagine it’s going to take me long to hurt Justin for being an ass.”

“Great.”

“Besides, you, Bethany, and I have a date. I need to get those girls’ names for Christina. We have to get a lead into their identity.”

His heart was thumping in his chest in fear for his wife and her safety. Julian couldn’t help it.

Yes, Tori promised she’d be fine, but…

“Yeah, I can’t wait to have that little meeting. It looks like we’re having a threesome.”

Tori punched him, and this time she didn't pull it.

“Shit! Honey! That hurt.”

“I’m well aware. Keep it in mind.”

CHAPTER Eleven

Wednesday Afternoon

It was a great night.

Who would have thought that going to the movies with someone would be this much fun, but it was. Truth be told, Beau had never been out with a woman and had such an easy time relating to her. He didn't have to play games, or try to impress her to get a second date.

Nyx was a pleasure to be around.

She made everything so much easier with her sweet disposition.

It was a great date.

Then, at the thought, he nearly laughed. This wasn’t a date. Who was he kidding? But that didn't negate the way she made him feel. If he had anything to say about it, this wouldn’t be their last movie together.

He loved being near her, and the fact that she clung to his hand, as if it was the end of the world, made it even better. Yes, it was wrong to enjoy it, since not touching him would hurt her, but he loved every second of it.

Sue him.

He couldn’t help it.

“Thank you for taking me to the movies. I know you had to be bored with that chick flick.”

He grinned down at her. “I’ve seen plenty of things being blown up the last ten years. Trust me--it’s nice to not have to look for the bad guy hiding somewhere as he was ready to strike.”

She’d never thought of it that way before.

“What did you do in the military?” she asked as they headed down the sidewalk toward the ice cream place.

“Let’s just say I had a special talent with guns.”

Nyx stopped in the middle of the sidewalk. “You said full disclosure, Beau. It’s only fair.”

“I was in the seventy-fifth Ranger regimen.”

“Somehow, I’m sure that would mean something to a soldier, or your sister, but it’s way over my head.”

“Sniper.”

“Ahhhh.”

“Yeah, that’s a buzzkill for a date, Nyx. That’s the only reason I didn't tell you. Girls don’t like to mix popcorn and cold blooded killing.”

A single word caught her attention. “Date, huh?”

He grinned. “Yep. You heard me right. When you talk about going on a date, what kind of things do you think about?”

“Movies, dinner, dancing, and ice cream in the park.”

He grinned as he pointed to the shop up ahead. “It looks like we’re hitting two of the four you just mentioned. I guess my initial comment was correct. This is our first date.”

Her heart flipped in her chest.

“Are you serious?”

“Why do you say that?”

“Maybe because guys like you don’t date women like me,” she offered.

He wasn’t sure if she was insulting him, or her. “Care to explain?”

She rolled her eyes. “It’s not that complicated. You’re strong, sexy, and a guy’s guy. I’m invisible to men like you. I bet you played sports in high school, and dated all the cheerleaders.”

“Actually, I played one sport in high school, and I never dated any cheerleaders.”

That shocked her.

He pointed at his hair.

Obviously, she didn't get it. She was staring at him like he was crazy, so he clarified.

“Girls don’t dig redheads.”

Nyx blinked a few times. “Are you serious? Do you even have red hair? I hadn’t noticed.”

He grinned. “That’s exactly why guys like me, dig girls like you. Not everyone loves a ginger.”

She laughed. “You’re crazy.”

Well, if he was going to be called it, Beau might as well go for it.

As they were stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, ignoring the comments from the passing tourists, he tugged her into his arms. Nyx crashed against his body with a gasp. Without an iota of hesitation, he pulled her mouth to his.

The kiss was heated.

Yes, he’d kissed her before, but the tone of this one was vastly different.

It was as if he was dying to crawl into her body, devouring her from the inside out.

She moaned at the assault of his lips on hers.

When he slowly pulled away, he didn't look away from her for a single second. “That was our first date kiss, and that’s how guys like me kiss a woman like you.”

Nyx swallowed. “I can’t wait to get to the one where you say goodnight.”

That made him laugh.

It totally caught him off guard.

“I didn't expect that. You’re a funny woman.”

“Hey, I’m dead, and this is heaven. I don’t have to worry about what you think of me. I can be a flagrant hussy here. This is my utopia.”

He started walking again, the taste of her on his lips making him crazy. Beau didn't know how many more times he could do that and not lose his mind.

Already, his control was wearing thin, and this was very new to him. As a soldier, he could sit in a blind and wait out his target for days. Never once did he get nervous or agitated.

At that moment, he was feeling both.

Nyx brought that out in him.

“What are you thinking about, Nyxie?”

She wanted to grin like an idiot at the nickname. No one had ever given her one before.

“You.”

“What specifically about me.”

“You’re dangerous.”

That pleased him. He wanted to point out that she had that same power over him. It was the way she felt in his arms, and the way she responded to his touch.

“For the record, so are you.”

“Me? How?”

Beau laughed. “It’s those eerie eyes. The second I saw them at the office, I knew I was screwed.”

His candid answer heated her body. “At the office?”

“We ran you.”

She tensed. “I see.”

He stopped again, but this time he wasn’t going to kiss her. “You recommended us to the Nelms. Of course, we were going to run you. You had to know we’d be thorough, Nyx.”

“And you found out what?”

“You don’t have a parking ticket, you don’t speed, and you’re a genuine psychic.”

She didn't speak.

“Wait! You’re worried about what you’re not telling me, aren’t you?”

Nyx nodded.

“Well, rest assured, if they did an in depth on you, Nyxie, they didn't tell me. I only know what you’ve shared. I like to personally learn about the woman I’m starting a relationship with.”

She nearly tripped. “WHAT?”

He started laughing. “You’re amazing. I can’t wait to get to know everything about you.”

She wanted to be sick.

Beau sensed her trepidation. “When you’re ready, Nyxie. I won’t push you. I promise.”

She relaxed. “Relationship, huh?”

“We’re dead. What do you care?”

Nyx couldn't help it. She began laughing. “You’ve got a very good point. Carry on with your talk of relationships and ice cream.”

He squeezed her hand.

She wouldn’t think about how he was going to leave at some point. If she did, she’d cry. It was unbelievable, but Nyx was getting attached. Glancing down at his hand twined with hers, there was sadness that eventually, she’d be alone again.

“So, what do you want to do after ice cream?” he asked.

She kept her voice neutral. “I would love to head to my store. I want to open it for a while, but I really need a shower.”

“We can stay there tonight if you’re more comfortable. I have an overnight bag in my trunk.”

“Always prepared to sleep over at someone’s place?” she asked, and the second it was out of her mouth, she regretted it. When he stopped again, and took off his sunglasses to stare into her eyes, Nyx’s whole body shook.

“Actually, if you want the truth, I don’t do one night stands. I was raised by a single mother. She would have kicked my ass if I disrespected women like that. I keep a spare bag in case something happens. It’s the soldier in me. That’s all.”

She swallowed. “Beau, I didn't mean to offend you. I’m sorry.”

His easy grin helped her relax. “There was no offense taken. I was pointing out a fact. We promised to be honest, right?”

“Yes, we did.”

“So about going back to your place--I can stay there, right?” he asked, making sure she was aware he wasn’t leaving her side.

Before she could speak, he stopped her.

“I want an answer based on us not being stuck at the hip. If you didn't have my brother screaming in your head, what would your answer be?”

She didn't hesitate. “You’d be staying.”

He smiled. “I can’t wait. If you need to take a shower, I can hold your hand or wash your back. I’ve already seen you naked, twice now.”

Yeah, and it was weighing on him. Beau wanted nothing more than to run his hands across her skin and feel her beneath him.

God!

He wanted her.

“I was right. You’re dangerous.”

He grinned. “Yes, I am, but is that a yes or a no on the washing your back. I like to plan my night. I get off on bubbles. It’s my deep dark secret.”

Nyx slapped him. “Since we’re being honest, I don’t sleep with men on the first date.”

“Technically, ice cream in the park could be date two, and dinner tonight might be date three. What then?”

She stared over at him. “Are you going to hurt me?” she asked.

It was out of the blue.

It caught him off guard.

The humor in his eyes disappeared. There was a time and a place for it, and this wasn’t it.

She wanted the truth.

“No. I’ll never hurt you, Nyx. I swear on my life. I wouldn’t do that to you. I don’t hurt women.”

Yeah, he wasn’t like his sperm donor.

“We’ll see what happens then.”

He should feel elated, but all he wanted was to wrap her up and keep her safe.

“Later, will you tell me who hurt you?”

“Why?”

“So I can track them down and kill them.”

She gasped. “Beau.”

“Don’t worry, Nyxie. I have some control.”

And he did.

Just not for anyone who hurt the woman he was falling helplessly in love with. If he got their names, they were dead.

And not make believe dead.

They’d be six feet under dead.

       
         
* * *
  L   i   t   t   l  e  m  o  o  n  * * *

Darkwood Monastery

Wednesday Afternoon

After being dropped off, Julian began nosing around. He wanted to find Richard Woodbury to ask him some questions. When he got the man, he wasn’t going to be kind.

While Daniel Nelms couldn’t kick the shit out of him, Julian would rough him up.

Out behind the main house, he found the man working on an air conditioner.

“Are you Richard Woodbury?” Julian asked.

“Yeah, who are you?”

He grinned. “I’m the man who is about to make your life hell.”

The guy looked surprised. “Do I know you?”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “What do you know about naked pictures of Pearlie?”

The man stared as he began backing up. “Hey! I didn't do anything wrong. She sent me the first pictures. I just sent her some in return. That’s not really even my dick. I didn't screw her! I swear!”

Julian moved toward him and grabbed him by the shirt. “Where the hell were you last night after ten?”

He started to shake. “I was at my place. I swear! I left here at six, grabbed some beer, and made a sandwich to watch TV.”

“Alone?”

“No! I had my neighbor over. We watched the game. He took me for twenty bucks when my team got their asses kicked. I swear!”

Julian didn't buy it, but he was only there to scare the man. “Keep your hands off the boss’s daughter. You hear?”

He nodded.

Julian let go of his shirt. He found it odd that the man didn't seem to know that Pearlie was missing. Was he a good actor, or was he telling the truth?

It was nagging him.

Well, it was time to pass this one off to the man who hired them. He wasn’t working Pearlie’s disappearance.

He had other fish to fry, like ghosts and his wife being away. His plate was full.

Heading inside, he found Daniel Nelms. He wasn’t alone. For now, he needed to get him away from the group.

“Mr. Nelms, I need to talk you about our room. My wife and I have an issue.”