Adelle Laudan - Killer Scents

“I’m not seeing things. I know what I saw. At least go along with me on this and check out the place.”

Chief put the truck in drive and eased away from the side of the road. “If, and I mean if you did see him, there’s a good chance he saw you, too. Let’s let him believe we’ve left for good.”

They drove a good distance up the road before pulling over. Chief called in for backup in unmarked cars.

“We don’t want to spook him and give him the opportunity to slip away again.”

“You believe me?” The corner of Randy’s mouth lifted. “I’m going to cut through the woods and see if I can get a look inside.”

His boss reached over him and locked the door. “You aren’t going anywhere without backup. How are you going to feel if you act impulsively and he gets away?”

Randy flopped back in his seat. “How are you going to feel if we get to them a few minutes too late?”

His boss rubbed his scruffy jaw. “Touché. Let’s get out and stretch our legs. I feel like I’ve been driving for days.”

He didn’t need to be told twice. “It will be dark soon. I think that’ll work in our favor in getting a closer look.”

The unmarked cars arrived casually to not draw attention. Things weren’t moving fast enough for Randy’s liking, but he knew how important it was for them all to be on the same page.

If Danny did see me, he’ll be watching for any sign of us.

Chief kept Larry with them since he grew up in the area and knew the land better than most. “I want the rest of you to set up on the others side of the property so you have Danny’s vehicle in sight.”

The team quickly followed the chief’s orders and dispersed. Randy ran close behind Larry through the wooded area while his boss lagged behind a few yards until they reached a cluster of bushes in direct line with the car.

His boss struggled to catch his breath. “I think I’m getting too old for this shit.”

Randy patted his back. “Are you going to be okay, ol’ man?”

He waved Randy off. “It’s been awhile.” He nodded toward the house. “His car is still there.”

“I can get in there and fix it so he can’t make a run for it.” Larry crouched next to them.

“Okay, but any sign of Danny and I want you to take cover. I do not want anyone confronting him alone.”

“Copy that.” Larry set out obscured by the shadows.

Randy looked from the car to the house and noticed an amber glow coming from a room at the front. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

Chief sighed resignedly and drew his gun. “Go check out that light and be careful. I’ve got your back.”

He took the same approach as Larry. He pressed his back against the cool stone wall and gave the chief a thumbs up before crawling under the windows to the front. His heart hammered against his rib cage as he inched his way up to the window ledge.

Atop a stool a lantern sat bathing the room in an amber hue. His gaze settled on a sofa where someone lay perfectly still, but he couldn’t make out whom. Is it Becca? Am I too late?

He let his gaze travel around the poorly lit room. A dark shadow filled the doorway.

The Florist.

Danny walked into the room and over to the side too dark to see what he was doing. There was definitely someone else with him. Randy squinted and made out what looked to be someone sitting in a chair.

We have to get in there and find out if Becca and Jacob are okay.

Randy retraced his steps until he met up with Larry, who had just disabled the car.

“There’s someone on the sofa and someone else sitting on a chair while that whack job walks around laughing his sorry ass off.” He balled his hands into fists. “I can’t tell if they’re alive or dead.”

Their superior joined them behind the car and took out a penlight, holding it out and turning it off and on three times. The signal was returned from the far side of the property.

“Here’s the plan. The other team is going to go in through the front, and we’ll cover the back. Remember, he’s armed and won’t think twice about shooting any one of us.” He slipped the penlight back in his pocket.

Randy’s phone vibrated in his vest. His breath caught as he looked at the caller I.D. “You aren’t going to believe this, but he’s calling my cell.”

Chief looked at the screen to read the perp’s name. “Answer it, but you have to keep your cool, Randy. Becca and Jacob’s lives depend on it.”

He blew out a rush of air. With a definitive nod, he clicked TALK. “Hello?”

“How nice it is to hear your voice. If I knew you were coming I would’ve had Becca bake a cake.”

“Danny? Is that you?”

“Don’t play me for a fool Detective Do-Gooder. I’m a cop and a damn good one. Did you think you could sneak up on me and I’d come out with my hands up?” His laughter sent a shiver up his spine.

Chief put his hand out for the phone and held it between them.

“Danny, this is the chief. Can you tell me if Becca and Jacob are okay?”

“I’ve never been better, thanks for asking. Maybe you should define okay before I answer your question.”

Randy snatched the cell. “You son-of-a-bitch. If you hurt one hair on her head, I swear you’ll wish you’d never been born.”

“You are in no position to threaten me. You’d be wise to remember that.”

He pushed the phone back in the chief’s hand and stormed off. It took everything in him not to knock down the door and go after the pompous ass-wipe himself.

Pull yourself together.

He rubbed his face and looked back at the farmhouse. “I’m here, Becca. I’m coming to get you.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

A glimmer of hope broke through the shroud of despair that encased her. It’s Randy on the other end of Danny’s phone call. Her gaze darted to the sofa where Jacob lay. She thanked God to see the slight rise and fall of his chest. Nothing seemed real after having to watch Danny perform such a despicable act on him, an image sure to haunt her for quite some time. That was if they got out of this nightmare alive.

Sensation slowly returned to her body. Once she was sure Danny wasn’t looking, she lifted each finger in turn. It felt like someone slowly filled her up with hot coffee, setting her nerve endings abuzz. She blinked back tears of relief. He needs to think I still can’t move. Maybe the darkness would give her half a chance of pulling this off. Upon hearing his laughter again, she shivered

Focus...focus...focus....

Danny walked over to the window. He folded his arms across his chest and smirked. “ Always have a plan B.” He turned, facing her. “It looks like we have visitors.” He strode over and kneeled before her.

Becca knew she didn’t have enough strength to knock him down and run for it. No, I have to remain perfectly still. One, two, three, four....

Her captor moved to the zipper of her rain suit and slowly parted it until the cool air hardened her nipples.

“You want to be ready for your lover boy, don’t you?” He chuckled, pushed the jacket off her shoulders, and tossed it on the floor. Next, he freed her arms so they hung limply at her sides.

An ear-popping bang issued from the back of the house. He jumped up and ran from the room. Becca allowed the shudder she’d suppressed to travel through the length of her.

“Sssss....”

Jacob? Is that you? Although he didn’t turn to face her, his hand rose a few inches off the sofa and dropped to the exact same position. Tears clouded her vision. Even after all he’d been through, he wanted her to know the drug was wearing off.