Crossfire Creek Read online

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll come there. How do we want to do this?”

  He thought for a moment. “You lead in your vehicle. I’ll follow with Ms. Glasser and the bags in Jackman’s truck. It’s enclosed. Less chance of someone spotting her. Can you stay with her while I return the truck and pick up my Jeep? I need to get into the office and take care of the paperwork on this.”

  A loud cough intruded on his conversation. He covered the speaker with his hand and turned to Rue Jackman.

  “Do you have something to add?”

  “It’s too early for me to take Joy-Lynn to the Qualla. And I can’t anyway if you have my truck. Why don’t you go take care of your administrative stuff, and I’ll follow Ranger Painter to the cabin with Marlene and Joy-Lynn? Joy-Lynn and I can hang out there until it’s time to leave. That way the ranger can check in with his daughter or whatever. It’s simpler.”

  It was simpler. But it also meant Rue would know the location of the cabin, which he belatedly realized he was trying to delay. But that was pointless. She had to drive the girl back from the Qualla Boundary. She was going to know where Marlene was at some point. And everyone else involved in this ludicrous arrangement trusted her. He was going to have to set his doubts about her aside if this plan had any hope of working.

  Finally, he bobbed his head, then returned to his phone call. “Luke, you still there?”

  “A-yup.”

  “Small change: Rue will follow you in the truck, while I head to the office. She can stay with the mom until it’s time to go to the Qualla. Gives you time to have dinner with your daughter.”

  “Appreciate that, Pat.”

  “It was her idea.”

  “Still appreciate it. I’ll be there in ten.”

  He ended the call and turned to Rue. “What time did Ellis tell you the center closes?”

  “Not until seven, but she said the only activity on the schedule after five today is a five-thirty counseling appointment that Boyd Caine has. She was going to ask him to reschedule it. So, we could go over there any time after five.”

  “Good. Go right around sunset and try to keep the visit short. I don’t like the idea of the two of you coming back from the Qualla in the dark.” He frowned. “Maybe we should rethink this, rearrange things so I can take her.”

  “We’ll be fine,” she said firmly. “I can take her. I can’t requisition a security detail. Go, do what you have to do.”

  She was right. Again. “Be careful.”

  “Will do.” She gave him a smile and mounted the steps to the camper.

  He watched her disappear inside. Then he pulled out his notepad and copied down the license plate on her truck before jumping into his Jeep.

  19

  “Boyd, there you are! I’ve been looking for you.” Ellis Brown swooped out of her office and grabbed Boyd’s elbow as soon as he’d set foot in the cultural center.

  He blinked at her. He’d been lost in thought, trying to figure out if the park police raid he’d just witnessed had anything to do with the missing Glassers. He was leaning toward no, but the coincidence of the police rushing into a cabin not far from where he thought he’d nearly caught up with Marlene and Joy-Lynn didn’t sit well with him.

  “Um … Sorry, I’m a bit distracted. I hiked longer than I’d intended. I need to get some water, and maybe take a quick shower before my appointment. Can we talk later?”

  “You were supposed to see the Windsong boy tonight, right?”

  “Yes, why?” He hoped this wasn’t about his text to Coraline. He needed cash. It was that simple.

  “That’s what I want to talk to you about. It’ll only take a minute. And I have water.” She smiled and piloted him into her bright and warm office, closing the door behind her.

  He sighed. Ellis rarely took no for an answer. And, in a sense, he did work for her. If she decided not to offer the subsidized counseling sessions through her center, he’d probably lose at least half his Cherokee clients.

  She poured a glass of ice water from the carafe on the small table beside her desk and handed him a glass.

  He took a long gulp before sinking into her sofa. “Thanks. So, what’s up with the Windsongs?”

  “I’ve taken the liberty of calling Coraline and rescheduling Ben’s session for tomorrow. I’m sorry I didn’t wait to talk to you first, but I need to close the center early tonight.”

  He cocked his head in surprise. Ellis never closed early. Ever. “Is something wrong?”

  She looked around the office as if someone might jump out from one of the corners. Then she leaned forward and whispered excitedly, “I found Marlene and Joy-Lynn. Joy-Lynn’s coming in for a visit tonight.”

  Boyd stared at her, stunned. “You found them? I didn’t know you were actively looking for them. Did … how does Marlene sound? And, Joy-Lynn, how is she?”

  “I haven’t actually spoken to either of them yet. I contacted a tracker, a woman called Rue Jackman, and she found them. They’re going to be leaving town or entering protective custody or something of that nature—I don’t know the details—so they’re coming in to say goodbye to me and Joel. Marlene was hoping Joy-Lynn would be able to talk to you, as well.”

  He fell back against the cushion and worked through what she was saying. “Wow … I’m shocked. Of course, I’ll meet with Joy-Lynn. This was Marlene’s idea? She wants Joy-Lynn to talk to me?”

  Ellis gave him a perplexed look. “Why wouldn’t she?”

  “I just … I’m surprised she feels safe coming here, that’s all. It sounds like she’s not in protective custody yet, and, well, you know Chief Wagner.” He felt as though he were stammering.

  “Oh, I see. Marlene isn’t coming with Joy-Lynn. The tracker, Rue, is bringing her in while Marlene gets settled into one of the vacant ranger cabins at the park, just temporarily.”

  He nodded his understanding. “What time will she be here?”

  “Rue just called and said they’re taking Marlene to the cabin now and they’ll be here around six. She wants to get Joy-Lynn back before dark.”

  “Of course.” He checked his watch. It was already after five. He drained the glass of water and stood. “I have an errand to run before I sit down with Joy-Lynn, but I’ll be back here as soon as I can.”

  “Do you have your key? I’m going to lock the doors so nobody else wanders in.”

  He nodded. “I have it. I can’t believe you found them, Ellis.”

  “I know, isn’t it wonderful? I have to go find Joel Pine. I’ll see you soon.” She walked around her desk and gave his arm a squeeze then led him to the door and ushered him out.

  He headed for the building exit in a daze.

  20

  Marlene took in the sparkling clean cabin. It was neat as a pin, but the air smelled musty. Rue must’ve noticed, too, because she went around the space throwing open the windows.

  “There, a little fresh air will do wonders,” she announced.

  Ranger Painter appeared in the doorway with the duffel bag and a brown paper grocery bag in his arms.

  “Sorry about the smell. This place has been closed up tight for a while.”

  “It’s fine. It’s perfect. Thank you.”

  He nodded. He walked into the kitchen area and dropped the grocery bag on the counter. “I brought you a few things, the basics—bread, milk, peanut butter, some apples, soup. Just to tide you over until Pat, er, Special Agent Banks, finds out where you’re headed.”

  The small act of kindness just about cracked her heart open. “Thanks, Ranger Painter.”

  He waved off her gratitude with a laugh. “Don’t mention it. I have a preteen girl, remember? I know how Rory mows through food. Figure Joy-Lynn isn’t any different.”

  Joy-Lynn bopped through the door with the rest of the bags. “Did you say Rory? Is she here? Is she coming?”

  The ranger smiled. “Special Agent Banks said she could come over for a visit later tonight, when you’re back from the Qualla.”


  Joy-Lynn whooped with joy.

  Rue checked her watch. “Speaking of the Qualla, we should go pretty soon. Ranger Painter, could Rory stop and check on Rufus around six thirty? I didn’t have a chance to walk him before we left.”

  “I’ll make sure she does.”

  “Thanks.”

  Marlene’s heart was racing. She knew she had to talk to Rue before she left with Joy-Lynn. This was her opening.

  “Can I talk to you for a minute before you and Joy-Lynn take off?”

  “Sure.”

  Marlene cocked her head toward the bedroom. “In here?”

  The ranger wrinkled his brow but didn’t object. “Come on, Joy-Lynn, you can give me a hand with these groceries.”

  Rue followed Marlene into the back room.

  “What’s up?”

  Marlene straightened her shoulders and blurted out what she had to say. “If something happens to me … please make sure Joy-Lynn’s taken care of.”

  The tracker squinted at her. “Nothing’s going to happen to you, Marlene. You’re safe now. And I’ll keep Joy-Lynn safe until we get back. It’s all over now.”

  She shook her head. “No. It won’t be over until he’s caught.”

  Rue blew out a breath. “Okay, that’s true. But you’re not trespassing in strangers’ cabins and worrying every time the wind blows that he’s coming for you. Special Agent Banks is arranging for real protection for you. And ultimately, you can still go to California or somewhere else, if that’s what you want to do. It’s going to be okay.”

  Marlene mustered up a wan smile. “But if something does happen …”

  “You have my word. I’ll take care of Joy-Lynn.”

  Marlene grabbed the near-stranger and hugged her. It was fast and fierce. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. Was that all you wanted to talk about? Because Joy-Lynn and I should get going.”

  “Could you send her back here for a minute first? It’ll be quick.”

  “Sure.”

  Through the tears swimming in her eyes, Marlene watched her walk back toward the kitchen.

  Mom took Joy-Lynn’s hands in hers and stared hard at her.

  “Mom, can you believe Rory’s going to come over tonight? I can’t wait!”

  She bounced lightly on her feet, unable to stand still with the excitement coursing through her. But it was like Mom hadn’t even heard her.

  “Joy-Lynn, I want you to know I love you very much.” Her voice was tight and strained.

  Joy-Lynn scrunched up her face. “I know, Mom.”

  “Don’t ever forget that.”

  She tilted her head. “I won’t. I love you, too. Hey, maybe we can still go to California after you get paid but for, like, a vacation. So you can see the ocean. That would be fun.”

  Mom smiled dreamily. “That would’ve been fun.”

  “Would be, you mean.”

  “Right. Would be. You be careful on the Qualla. And you listen to Rue. Whatever she tells you to do, do it. No arguments.”

  “I will.”

  “Promise me.”

  “I promise, Mom.”

  Mom was scaring her, just a little bit. She’d been sort of paranoid and uptight ever since Joy-Lynn had come home and told her she’d seen a murder, but this was next level. Before she could ask what was going on, Mom swept her into a very tight, long hug, smooshing Joy-Lynn against her chest.

  “Mom?” she managed. Her voice was muffled by Mom’s top.

  Mom released her. “I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to squish you to death, sugar. I love you and I’m proud of you. I don’t know if you know how proud. Don’t ever stop making art, Joy-Lynn.”

  Forget a little bit scared, now she was terrified.

  “Why are you talking like you’re never going to see me again? Mama, what’s going on?” She reached for her mother’s hand.

  Mom gave Joy-Lynn’s hand a squeeze. She smiled a wobbly smile and said, “Nothing. I’m just worried about you going to the Qualla. That’s all.”

  Joy-Lynn reassured her, “Rue seems really tough and smart. And we trust everyone at the Qualla. I’ll be fine.”

  Mom caressed Joy-Lynn’s cheek. “Yes, you will.”

  From the front of the cabin, Rue called, “Joy-Lynn, are you ready?”

  “Mom, I should go.”

  Mom nodded. “Go.”

  Joy-Lynn shouted a final “love you” as she ran out of the room. Mom was acting weird, but it was probably just stress, like she said. Her excitement at getting to see Ellis, Mr. Pine, and Mr. Caine—and then, later, Rory—pushed her mom’s odd behavior to the back of her mind.

  21

  Joy-Lynn bounded into the truck and situated herself in the passenger seat.

  Aroostine frowned as the shoulder harness crossed over the girl’s throat. She was too small to ride in the front seat, but Joe’s truck (she would probably always think of the truck as Joe’s) didn’t have a back seat, and she didn’t have a booster seat.

  A long-ago memory floated the surface of Aroostine’s consciousness. “I’ll be right back.”

  She hurried out of the truck and into the cabin.

  Ranger Painter turned away from the hall closet with a pile of bed sheets in his arms. “Back so soon?”

  “Is there a Yellow Pages or White Pages here? You know, the telephone book?”

  He handed the sheets to Marlene and pulled out his phone. “I have Internet access. Whose number do you need?”

  “No. I don’t need information. I need something for Joy-Lynn to sit on so the seatbelt doesn’t go over her throat. I thought a phone book would be thick enough.”

  “Hmm. I don’t think I’ve seen a printed phone book in the park in the past five years.”

  “Here.” Marlene went into the bathroom and returned with a plush towel. “Fold it in quarters.”

  She tossed the towel, and Aroostine caught it. “Thanks.”

  She jogged back to the truck and positioned the folded towel on the seat. Joy-Lynn sat down and refastened the seatbelt. It went across her chest. Too high, but at least she wouldn’t be choked to death in the event of a crash.

  The image of her preschool-aged self bouncing along on top of a telephone directory in the Chrysler sedan her biological dad had ‘borrowed’ from his boss spooled through Aroostine’s mind as she started the truck and pulled out onto the road that led to the Qualla. She didn’t remember where they were going or why, but she vividly remembered her excitement at taking a special car ride, just the two of them. And she remembered how cared for she’d felt when he’d stuck that phone book under her bottom, raising her higher. She’d felt so big and grownup.

  Now, driving toward the Qualla Boundary with Joy-Lynn in the passenger seat, the memory was so strong it threatened to overwhelm her. She shook her head to dislodge it and reminded herself that reality was they’d probably been going to the beer distributor or to pay off one of his many debts. Still …

  She cleared her throat. “Did your mom seem okay to you back there?”

  Joy-Lynn whipped her head toward Aroostine. “Not really. Why?”

  “I don’t know her, of course. But she’s obviously distressed—I mean, of course she is; you both are—”

  “But Mom seems extra-weird today, I know. She doesn’t get much sleep. And … if I tell you something, will you promise to keep it a secret?” Joy-Lynn bit her lip.

  Aroostine sucked in her breath. She couldn’t make a blanket promise. The girl might tell her something she needed to divulge for any one of a number of reasons. She had to formulate an answer that would reassure Joy-Lynn, make her feel comfortable telling Aroostine whatever was on her mind, and wouldn’t commit her to keeping a confidence she may not be able to keep.

  “I’m sorry, Joy-Lynn, but I can’t promise that. What I will promise is that I won’t share anything you tell me unless I absolutely have to. And I’ll let you know if I’m going to tell someone else. But, I can’t swear to keep a secret. If what you tell me co
nvinces me that you’re in a dangerous, unhealthy, or unsafe situation—or that someone else is, I have to do something about that and may need to share what you tell me. Does that make sense?”

  After a long moment, she nodded. When she spoke, her voice was so soft Aroostine had to lean to her right to hear her. “I guess that’s fair. My mom has face blindness, too.”

  “She does?”

  “Mmm-hmm. I don’t think she knows. Well, she might suspect it, but she’s never seen a doctor or talked to a counselor like I do. But she doesn’t recognize people any better than I do. I think that’s why she’s so worried about something happening to me.”

  It all made sense. Marlene’s inability to hold down a job, her unfriendly demeanor, and her outburst when Ellis suggested Joy-Lynn needed help. And her extreme agitation and fear. Not only did she not see the murder, she wouldn’t recognize the murderer if she had. But he didn’t know either of those critical facts. Marlene was in even more danger than they’d believed.

  Aroostine almost pulled over to call the cranky ISB investigator. Then she realized she didn’t have Banks’ cell phone number.

  “Sonofa …” She took a deep, centering breath the way her pal Bodhi the Buddhist coroner had taught her. It helped, marginally. She could only control what she could control.

  “How sure are you?”

  “Pretty sure. When Ellis and Mr. Caine first explained about face blindness, they said there are two kinds: the kind you’re born with and the kind you get later, like if you hit your head. I have the first kind. And that kind is … you sometimes get it from your parents.”

  “It’s hereditary?”

  “Right, that’s the word. When Ellis told Mom, she said, no way. And Ellis said I could’ve gotten it from my dad, whoever he is. But …”

  “But just like your mom wears that bracelet so you know who she is, you wear your hair ties for her, right?”

  Joy-Lynn looked over at her with big, serious eyes. “Yeah.”

  That reminded her. “Does Rory wear mismatched socks so you know who she is?”