Chapter 32

Matt stayed in contact with Tony en route to the store. “Don’t worry, Jess,” he glanced at her briefly. “Sadie’s fine and she’s waiting in a safe place.” He saw relief sweep across Jessie’s face. “She kept her head and called the police first. Your grandmother is one sharp lady.”

“She is at that. I should have known something like this would happen. I said he was going to change his tactics,” she said brokenly, “but I had no clue he would take Katie.”

“You can’t know everything, Jess. Besides, the police are there. They have the store surrounded, and the perimeter is secure.” He signaled and changed lanes. “So far they haven’t heard any demands from Irwin. There’s no word on the hostages either.”

“Is that good or bad?” She fiddled with her badge.

“It tells us very little.” Matt glanced quickly at her. “If Irwin is anything like other perps in a similar situation, he’ll want to control the way it plays out. He’ll make demands when he wants to make them. They surrounded the store, so there’s no way out for him.” Matt frowned. “I wish I knew what he was thinking.”

“The thing is he’s not like others; he doesn’t fit the norms.” Jessie closed her eyes. It was silent in the car, but the atmosphere felt charged. Matt waited. “He’s not in a panic,” she said eventually, her eyes still closed. “I know that much. He’s methodical. He has a plan.” She looked at Matt. “He’s not worried about being caught. Katie was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I don’t feel he’s even thinking about her or about anyone else that might be in there.”

“They’ll just be collateral damage if anything happens to them,” Jeremy spoke from the back seat. “Can’t you go any faster?” He gripped the back of Matt’s seat.

“I’m not in a cruiser, so the answer is no. I’m going too fast as it is, and we have no time to be stopped. Hold tight, we’re almost there.” Matt rounded the corner quickly, slamming on his brakes and skidding to a stop. His door flew open as he leaped out, followed by Jeremy.

“Stay put,” he called to Jessie who was running toward Sadie. Matt spotted Tony and headed toward him. “What are we looking at?”

“This is what I know so far.” Tony motioned to one of his cops to head around to the back of the store. “Irwin followed the owner into the shop when she opened up this morning. He forced the customers waiting for the store to open to go inside at gunpoint. Sadie was in the car and saw him grab Katie and push her in with the others. Sadie said he didn’t seem to recognize Katie. He was acting strangely is how she put it.”

“How long did it take you to get here and set up operations?” His eyes narrowed as he scanned the storefront.

“We were here within five minutes and had the store surrounded.” Tony ran his hands through his hair. “We’ve called to him on the bullhorn. No response, nothing. We have no way of reaching him to talk him down. I’ve tried calling the store, but he’s not picking up.”

“So no demands and no communication.” Matt frowned. “I don’t like the sound of that. Have you had any sight of the hostages?”

“We’ve seen no movement inside the store since we arrived.”

Matt stood with his legs apart; his arms folded across his chest. “It has to be some kind of trap. I wish I knew what was going on in his freaking mind.” He frowned in concentration. “Suicide by cop, do you think? I mean, what are we looking at?”

“He was carrying a bag, Sadie said. It could be a sniper situation. But, he doesn’t seem to play by the same rules.” Tony glanced toward the storefront as he spoke.

Matt noticed Jessie walking toward them. She was wearing that look of hers. “What’s on your mind?”

“I think he’s planning something unusual; an event that’s spectacular in his mind. With his knowledge of the occult, the store’s name is a dead giveaway to me; Strange Artifacts.” She frowned. “I don’t think he’s worried about you guys being out here, which makes me wonder.”

“You’re right. He controls things in a different way.” Matt looked at Tony. “Let’s not give him time to put his plan into action. We need to get the hostages out of there.”

Suddenly a small explosion rattled the glass windows and door. Smoke filled the store. “Let’s use it!” Tony waved them into the shop, and they ran in. Bursting through the door, they spread out, guns drawn.

No fire. No sign of Irwin, just the hostages.

Katie was sitting propped against the counter with the others, coughing now as the smoke settled to the floor. He had bound their hands behind them and tied their feet together. Matt bent beside her, pulling the tape from her mouth and motioning for her to be quiet. They quickly untied the hostages, helped them up, and hustled them away from the store.

“Where is Irwin,” he asked Katie as he half-carried her out of the building at a near run.

“He went upstairs, but he’s not right in his head.” Katie tilted her head and shrugged.

“What do you mean?”

“It was like he never saw us; he just looked right through us. Once he had us tied up, he never came to check on us again.” She paused and rubbed her wrists. “He had us tie each other up while he held the gun to us. He was chanting and swaying back and forth. I couldn’t understand what he was doing.” Katie shivered. “To tell you the truth, he never needed to come back to check, we were all too afraid to move. I can’t explain it, but we couldn’t have moved if we tried.” Katie turned when she spied Jessie and Sadie.

“Don’t go anywhere. The police will want to question you.” He saw her nod.

More small explosions followed, a few minutes apart, each creating new billows of smoke.

Jessie sat down on a bench across from the store. Matt caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and sat down beside her. “What are you thinking, sweetheart?”

“I thought I would try something. It’s the only idea I have. I’m going to try what I did the two times he came to me. I’m not sure if it will do anything. But in case it does, you guys should be ready to take him down.” Her face was pale, but her gaze was steady. “He’ll be coming after me.”

“Are you sure that’s what you want to do?” Matt studied her face.

“We have to do something.” Her lips tightened. “He’s up to no good.”

“I think you could say that about most bad guys.” He grinned at her and patted her hand.

“True, but I’m talking about something big. And dramatic. We are meant to be here for a reason.” She pushed her hair away from her face.

“I’ll give Tony the heads up. Wait a few minutes until I signal you before you begin. He may want to get some men in position first.” He stood up and then bent to look her in the eyes. “Look, Jess, from the beginning, this whole case was different. This case drew you the moment Evan Foster walked into your store and told you about his dream with you in it. I believe that you’ll be the one to finish it with Irwin.” He noticed her puzzled expression. “What can I say? I’m starting to believe all kinds of unconventional stuff since I started hanging out with you.” He touched her cheek. “Besides, it would be nice if we could get through this day without anyone getting hurt.”

“You sound like Reba.” She grinned at him. He made a face and then smiled.

****

She sat alone and watched for Matt’s signal. He was standing by Tony and a few other officers next to a patrol car. He motioned to her a few minutes later. Suddenly, she saw Tony’s eyes go wide with terror. He stumbled back, grabbed at his neck, and fell to the ground. The shadow power, the one that had nearly killed her. She had to find a way to stop it, to break Irwin’s control over it. The words began to tumble through her mind as Tony writhed on the ground and officers raced to his aid. They couldn’t help him.

She was the gatekeeper. The battle began. Shadowy figures were dancing all around the store, inside and out. Drumbeats filled the air while the shadow dancers moved in ritualistic unison. Each time she said the words to the song, they stopped and stared at her. She heard Tony gasp for air in the distance. He was still alive. But, the shadows moved around him in a frenzy jabbing at his throat with spears. Irwin had worked them up again, and she fought to calm them down. Time stood still. At one point, she felt herself gaining strength and felt theirs start to diminish. Yes! She grew stronger the more she spoke the words. Finally, they stopped, all facing her, eyes tiny sparks of black light. She drew on every bit of strength that she had. Go! She told them. Go away and never do the bidding of this man or any other ever again! For an instant, they stared at her, and her heart trembled. We depart. The whispers filled her head resembling the sound of the wind. Thank you for freeing us. We will honor our word to do as you say. They slunk away into nothingness, no longer moved by Irwin’s bidding. They were gone. She saw Tony struggle to sit up rubbing his neck. His officers would not let him move until the paramedics looked at him.

Her eyes slowly closed as she concentrated her thoughts one more time. Come and get me, Irwin. I’m the one you want, she taunted. His anger was building. She could feel it. Come and get me if you think you’re strong enough. She knew the minute he began to move. He was coming. She opened her eyes just as he came crashing through the door. He picked up speed, shaking his fists in the air, screaming insults. His eyes locked on hers; he rushed toward her, his face contorted in a rage, screaming obscenities at her. Dimly she heard people shouting. Two of the officers tackled him, and he flung them away like toys. He slammed another officer aside, still coming. Matt was running toward her, his gun drawn. She had her gun out; her hand had closed on it without conscious thought. Slowly she lifted it. He was close now, huge, looming over her. Her arm shook as she forced the gun higher and finally, finally squeezed the trigger.

Click!

He was almost on her! Suddenly he fell forward, an officer on his back. She heard herself scream and kicked at his hand as his fingers fastened like a claw around her ankle. It took several police officers to hold him down. Matt had to pry Irwin’s fingers away from her ankle. Finally subdued, Irwin was cuffed and shackled.

Jessie watched a large black shadow lift out of Irwin’s prone body and fly away. Irwin was powerless. She stood up at the same time Matt and Taylor stood Irwin on his feet. She gasped for breath, trembling. She met his hate-filled glare and, one eyebrow rose slightly. “I hardly know you and I don’t understand your hatred.”

“You’ve ruined everything, you and your news articles, your misplaced sense of justice, and your stupid crusades. Look what you’ve done to me.” She jerked her head back slightly as spittle spattered her face. “You’ll never know what you’ve ruined. I didn’t want Mallory to die.” He twisted to scream the words to her as they hauled him to the waiting cruiser. “I wanted you to die.” He started cursing her, struggling at every step.

The screams continued as they forced him into the backseat of the cop car and drove away.

“What the hell did he do? Not one gun would fire.” Matt looked at her face. “Will you be okay?” Matt put his arm around her and pulled her to his side.

“I think so. I just don’t understand his hatred or his power.” She looked up at him, her face pale. “Why me?”

“That’s beyond me, Jess. Hatred is a tricky thing to figure out. There’s often no good reason for it.” He stroked her back. “What did you do to rile him?”

“I’ll explain later…go do what you need to get done. I think I need to sit down for a minute. It was a strange experience, which has left me drained. I hope I never go through this again.” She pulled out of his arms and her lips tightened.

“I want to know what happened.” He frowned at her. “Are you sure you’re okay.”

She nodded at him. “I’m fine. Go on, you need to check on Tony. He should be okay now. They’re gone.” She shivered.

“Who are gone, or should I ask?”

“It’s a little hard to explain, but they’re gone. I’ll tell you later.”

“Are you sure it’s over?” She nodded at him. “I thought he was going to die. He couldn’t breathe.” Matt glanced in Tony’s direction. “None of this makes any sense. You and I, we’ll talk later.” He walked over to where the paramedics were checking Tony, who was still rubbing his neck. His officers huddled off to the side with concerned faces.

Jessie sat with Sadie for a few minutes and then went in search of Katie. She found her locked in an embrace with Jeremy. He was talking to her, and she heard Katie sigh. Jessie backed away and turned so they couldn’t see the big smile on her face. Her two friends, how cool was that? Sweet, at least something good might have come out of this fiasco.

“Sadie, do they still need to question you or can I take you home?

“I’ll talk to the officer and see, but I’m ready to leave if they say I can.” She went to speak to Matt and one of the officers. Jessie saw him nod.

“Grams, this hasn’t been much of a vacation for you.” She linked her arm through Sadie’s as they started for the car. “I think you should come to Blue Cove for my store’s grand opening.”

“I’d planned on it, dear.” Her eyes crinkled, a smile lit up her face. “This has been the most excitement I’ve had in years.”

“Be careful, Grams, it has a way of growing on you.” Jessie smiled at her grandmother. “I moved to Blue Cove for a quiet life and looked what happened to me.”

“It’s put roses in your cheeks, given you a handsome young man, and more excitement than any girl could ask for.” Sadie climbed into the passenger seat of the car and clicked on her seatbelt.

“I want to get away from here and go home.” Jessie fastened her seatbelt too.

“I think we should fly home tomorrow. I’ll call the airlines and see if we can change our tickets.” Sadie patted Jessie’s hand.

“I’d like that, and why don’t you come stay with me at the Cove.” Jessie pulled the car out of the parking space.

“Should we wait for Katie and Jeremy?”

“I don’t think so. The police want to question the hostages, and Jeremy will take care of her.” The corner of Jessie’s lip twitched.

“Katie likes him a lot.” Sadie looked out the window. “Even better, I think he likes her, too. He steals glances at her when he doesn’t think anyone is looking. She bewilders him a little. Maybe this little event will awaken him to just how short life is, and he’ll stop dillydallying.”

“I think you may be right about that. It was the perfect wake-up call for him.” She smiled. “I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of Jeremy in Blue Cove. I wouldn’t even be surprised if he moved there.” Jessie smiled and then chuckled when she saw that they were still hugging as she drove past them.

****

Matt stood with Tony as he questioned each of the hostages. Tony let them leave after they gave one of his officers their personal information.

“Are you okay?” Matt noticed Tony’s pale face.

“I checked out okay, but my head still can’t grasp what happened to me.”

“To tell you the truth, I can’t figure any of this out.” Matt frowned.

“I don’t have a clue either.” Tony put his hand to his forehead and rubbed his temple.

“Whatever is upstairs had his undivided attention.” Matt looked at the building. “I hope we can get in there soon to check it out.”

“I know. We’ll know what he was up to in a while. The store is being swept by our explosive expert to make sure it’s clear before the crime team goes in.” Tony checked a text on his phone. “The explosions were the results of some simple chemicals compounds used in magic tricks, according to Carl.”

“Something meant to impress us, I guess.” Matt raised his brows. “I wasn’t impressed, were you?”

“Nope. Although, it did give us the time we needed to get the hostages out of the store.” Tony frowned. “When did you ever hear of the bad guy creating a diversion so the good guys could free his hostages? I wonder, can he do something like this at the jail.” Tony rubbed at his neck. “What are we looking at?”

“I think it’s what Jessie said to me earlier. He wasn’t even thinking of them. Out of sight was out of mind for him. He was controlling them another way. Katie said they were afraid to move.”

“Exactly. I wonder, can he do it again?”

“I don’t think so. Jessie said his power was broken.” Matt read a text that came in on his phone. “I can’t wait to hear what Jessie did to rile Irwin up like that. He had no clue what was going on around him. He only wanted to get to her. I have a theory that Jessie knows more about all of this than any of us.”

“Hell, it’s not normal. I don’t know how to begin to write up the reports. Whatever Jessie did, though, it worked.” He put a hand briefly on his holster. “I’m just glad that more bad guys don’t know how to pull that gun trick.” He shook his head. “I want just one expert to explain what made all our guns misfire, eh? Just one. Crazy.” He shook his head again. “I thought I was going to die. I felt hands around my neck like a vice.” He rubbed his neck and frowned. “What was it? It took all of us to hold him down and get him cuffed and shackled.”

“Jessie was concerned that Irwin was up to something major. And whatever caused the gun thing.” He shrugged. “I have more questions than answers right now. Irwin has the answers, but I doubt he’ll cooperate. Jessie might be our best bet.”

Tony answered his phone on the third ring. “This is Tony. Thanks, we’ll be right with you. Matt, we’re cleared to go in, but he said watch where you’re walking. They haven’t removed all the wires yet.”

Matt followed Tony in the door. “I imagine Henderson will be upset he wasn’t here for this.”

“You’ve got that right.” They approached a tall, sandy-haired officer. “Matt, this is Carl.”

“Nice to meet you, Carl.” Matt shook his hand.

“Tony, you won’t believe what this guy had planned. Those first little explosions were your basic magic tricks. If you guys hadn’t stopped him, a good portion of the city block would’ve been leveled and most of our police force gone with it.” He led the way up into the attic and pointed out where the wires had been rigged and snipped, so the explosives had no triggers. “Plastic. C-4. Not nice stuff. This one had been rigged to detonate by this handheld device.”

“He couldn’t have done all the work this morning.” He stared at the neat stacks of plastic explosive wired in sequence. “I wonder if this is where he got off to last night. Do you think he hid up here?” Tony leaned against the wall.

“It’s possible.” Matt shrugged. “We didn’t see any sign of forced entry, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t have gotten in. He also couldn’t have done this alone.”

Carl waved at the tangle of wires. “If he worked around the clock for days, he needed someone else to work with him to accomplish all of this. Set on a timer, it’s an elaborate set-up. There’s more going on. It wasn’t just about today, although, I think he had changed his mind and was trying to take this building out today. His schedule might have been pushed up.” Carl pointed to the smaller makeshift bomb rigged to go off. “All this,” he motioned around the room, “has all the earmarks of something bigger.”

“Jessie thought he was planning something big and dramatic. She was obviously right.” Matt squatted down to get a better look at one of the dirty-white bricks of plastic explosive. “I wonder how and where he got his hands on all this stuff.”

“We have a trace going in on the serial numbers. Stolen. This material is illegal to possess. We are talking weapons grade, and the damage could have been phenomenal.” Carl shook his head. “Your perp must have had some training in bomb making. He knew what he was doing. If I don’t miss my guess, I’d say he was a military man at some point.”

“I guess when Uncle Sam trains these boys, he never knows how some of them will end up using their training.” Tony walked around the attic looking at the equipment. “So why take hostages. They weren’t necessary to his plan. And why did he go to the front of the store and risk being seen?”

“I was wondering the same thing. I don’t have an answer. It doesn’t make sense. Even if he had planned for this eventuality, why would he risk it on anything as trivial as a few hostages?” Matt leaned his shoulder against the wall. “Given the right incentive, he might be in the mood to talk when you question him.”

“I doubt it. The text I got earlier was that Irwin is causing problems. He’s going nuts, and no one can calm him down. They’re keeping him cuffed and shackled for the time being.” Tony leaned against the wall.

“He didn’t think they’d catch him. It sounded like he never intended Mallory to die. It surprised him and threw him off his game plan. Or was this his game plan?”

“Damned if I know.” Tony folded his arms across his chest. “I just hope Jessie is right that his power is broken.” He touched his throat nervously. “I never…want to feel anything like that again.”

“If Jessie’s sure they’re gone, you’re safe,” Matt said soberly. “That’s why he wanted Jessie eliminated—he must have guessed she might be able to break his power. But what is this all about?” Matt squatted down to look at one of the timers. “Why multiple timers when the first one will blow everything.” He looked up. “I wonder if any of the other stores have been rigged.”

“We’ll need to check that out. It’s a possibility.”

“Is this the result of a political movement or maybe domestic terrorism? There are more people involved than just Mallory and Irwin.” Matt looked at Carl as he asked it.

“All are real possibilities.” Carl picked up a piece of the wire and looked at it. “It’s been in the works for a while. Someone knows what they’re doing.”

“I wonder how Irwin plays into this.” Tony frowned.

“Who owns that trailer where they found Adriana? That might be a good place to start.” Matt stood, holding a scrap of wire in his hand.

“I’ll check it out when I get back to the station. I’m not sure if we know yet.”

“I bet that when you find the owner, you’ll find someone with some military training, or at the very least, access to this kind of munition.”

“Carl, check the adjacent stores and see if they’ve got explosives hidden anywhere. Call me as soon as you know.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Damn, I moved from New York to get away from this, I guess you can never really get away.” Tony stood and dusted off his knees. “I’m going to check in with Henderson. I’ll let you know, Matt, when we’ll start the interrogation.”

“Thanks, Tony. I appreciate you letting me be a part. We’ve walked into something bigger than a kidnapping.” Matt saw Tony frown and nod his head.

“These guys play it cool for years running under the radar and then something stupid takes down their operations. I’ve seen them do it time and time again.” It was Matt’s turn to nod.

****

When Matt walked in the door, the first thing he noticed was Katie and Jeremy sitting on the couch side-by-side holding hands. He smiled at them. “What took you so long?” He walked on through to the kitchen where Jessie and Sadie were sitting at the table. “Good afternoon, ladies. You two turned out to be the heroines of the day.”

Sadie blushed. “I only made a phone call. My granddaughter, on the other hand, baited him to come and get her. As you clearly saw, that’s what he was doing when you guys stopped him.” Sadie poured him a glass of iced tea.

Matt frowned. “Let’s hear it, Jess.” He sat down beside her and took a swig of his tea.

She told him what had happened. He was still frowning. “You’re something, you know. I don’t suppose you ever thought about what would have happened to you if we hadn’t been able to stop him.”

“I was never in doubt of you stopping him. You wouldn’t let anything happen to me.” She smiled sweetly at him.

“I appreciate your faith in me, but as I’ve told you before, there is always a risk. I’ve never dealt with shadows and occult power.” He made eye contact with her. “If you’re not challenging them in newsprint, you’re challenging them in mind games. You’re something; that’s all.”

She gave him an arch look. “I would like to understand just what this something is that you keep talking about.”

“When I fully understand it myself, I’ll explain it to you.” He grinned and grabbed her hand. “Sadie, I hope you don’t mind, but I can’t resist any longer.” He leaned over and kissed Jessie. One long, slow, hot kiss. He could see the smile on Sadie’s face and the pink tint on Jessie’s as he pulled away. “Boy, that was good. I don’t mind if I help myself to another.” He kissed her again and then winked at Sadie, who was still smiling.

“I don’t mind passionate looks, kisses, and love in the air. I remember what it’s like, believe me. You can kiss her anytime she says you can.” Sadie chuckled. “Don’t mind me.”

“What do you think about you guys starting home tomorrow instead of on Sunday?” He looked from one to the other. “I know it’s a day early, but this hasn’t been much of a vacation.”

“We’ve already talked about it and I’ve changed our tickets. I’m going to go back and stay with Jessie. I’ll help her in the store until it opens. I called my son. He wasn’t happy about it at first, but I convinced him that it would be good for his daughter.” Sadie grinned. “He melts like butter when it comes to what’s good for Jessie.”

“I’m telling you, it’s those blue eyes of hers.” He grinned at Jessie when she rolled them at him.

“I’m ready to be home.” She placed her hand on top of his on the table. “I want to see my store.” She tapped his fingers. “By the way, did they clear all the surveillance equipment out of there?”

“Yes, it’s clean as a whistle. They’ve kept an eye on it to make sure no one put any more in.”

“How about you?” Jessie looked at him. “Will you be going home, too?”

“I’m going to stay through the interrogation process. We’re close to knowing more about the Collectors Club. I would like to put a stop to it before it gets a foothold again. Tom Maxwell is already on the case. One thing for sure, I’ll be at your grand opening.” He grinned at her. “I wouldn’t want to miss your big day. I’ll give you plenty of information for a few articles.”

“What’s in it for you?” She sipped her tea and smiled at him.

His pulse quickened. “Let’s see, I’m hoping for a little laughter in my life, an endless supply of kisses, and several dates with the girl of my dreams.”

“I think I can arrange that for you.” Jessie sighed and fluttered her lashes at him.

Sadie laughed and left the room. He chuckled, bent his head, and kissed her again.

She pulled away and looked at him. “I’ve been thinking this new group could be smuggling something. They might have found a new item to collect and sell on the black market.”

“Any ideas?”

“Is it possible they’re involved in gun running and illegal weapons?”

“Jess.” He kissed her cheek. “Now you’re thinking like a cop. If you had seen what Irwin and the others had prepared, you would understand just how realistic your theory is. Irwin knew he wasn’t going to get away, so he decided to move the time frame a little.” He sent off a text to Tony and Jeremy to check on a couple of things and then added Tom Maxwell to the list.

“I guess the only thing we can do now is to wait. Maybe Irwin will want to get it all off his chest.” She looked skeptical. “I can hope.” She stood, and he pulled her into his lap.

“You do that, sweetheart. We wait, but I have a feeling we won’t have to wait too long.” He held her close.