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Once the road was calmer, Dan retook the wheel. Ben chatted on Dan’s cell phone. Apparently the guy on the other end was the Tulsa Chief of Police—Ben’s friend and former brother-in-law. Go figure.
Ben covered the phone with his hand. “Mike thinks the attacks in St. Petersburg are related to other murders in other cities.”
“Similar MO?”
“Similar Grim Reaper.”
“Then he believes the Grim Reaper exists? Even though he didn’t show up on my doorbell cam.”
“He doesn’t have any footage from anywhere. Just a few eyewitness accounts.”
“Have they found—”
“No trace.” The voice crackled on the other end, a deep, gruff voice. “Best to Kate.” Ben ended the call.
“Learn anything?”
He placed a hand on Dan’s shoulder. “We’ll find her.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I don’t know much about what’s going on. But I can see that we’re being chased. Hunted. I can see that we’re in the middle of something someone doesn’t want us in. If they can’t capture or kill you, and they still need something from you—they won’t harm Maria. She’s the insurance policy. Plan B.”
“Then why hasn’t someone called me? Threatened me? Asked for a ransom?”
“I don’t know. They may be busy with all the other murders. They may be afraid you’ll mess up the master plan. But their priority is still the master plan. Not you.” He paused. “At least for now.”
Dan’s throat was dry. “I hope you’re right.” He clenched a fist. “I told you she said she had a surprise for me.”
“Right. The surprise.” Ben batted a finger against his lips.
“The more I think about it, I don’t think it’s kitesurfing equipment. That’s not so special or expensive. I think it’s a boat.”
Ben’s eyelids fluttered. “A boat?”
“Sure. Maybe a high-powered Criss-Craft.”
“A yacht?”
“No. A sport boat. We’ve talked about it, but never bought one for some reason.”
“Because watersports are your hobby, not hers.”
“She’s very supportive of my passions.”
Ben sighed. “Did the possibility occur to you that...the surprise could be something else?”
“Like what?”
Ben’s eyes spun in circles. “How is it you and Maria aren’t married? You’ve been together a long time.”
“We don’t need a piece of paper to validate our relationship.”
“Is that something you decided or she decided?”
“Maria has never once pushed for marriage. She’s happy with things just the way they are, thank you very much.”
“Yes,” Ben said softly. “But things never stay just the way they are. Change is built into the tapestry of life.”
“Whatever. If the change is a boat, I’m all for it.”
“And if it isn’t?”
“She might’ve gotten this outdoor pizza oven I’ve been drooling over. Installation would be a bear, but—”
Ben shook his head. “I’ve noticed you’re skittish around small children. Like back in Roswell.”
“Didn’t know them.”
“You were an only child, right?”
“As it turns out, I have a sister. Half-sister, technically. But I only found out about her a few years ago. I was raised alone.”
“And the rest of your family?” Ben asked, eyes strained.
“You know my story. My father died in prison when I was fourteen. My mom has severe cognitive issues.”
“And?”
“And...that’s it.” Another moment passed.
“Have you and Maria considered starting a family?”
Dan waved a hand in the air. “We have plenty of time.”
“No one has plenty of time.”
“We’re going to enjoy being a couple for a while. Focus on the relationship.”
“That’s sensible.” Ben sat up straight. “But you know what? Sometimes life isn’t sensible. Sometimes things just happen and you have to deal with them. And make the best of it.” He turned away. “Sometimes the unexpected development is a blessing. Even if it may not appear that way initially.”
“I’m starting to get the feeling you’re trying to tell me something. Could you explain?”
Ben thought a moment. “When I was younger, I don’t recall ever thinking, boy, wouldn’t my life be better if I had a couple of daughters? Of course, given how awkward I was around women, I never expected to marry, so why would I expect daughters? Chris changed all that. And my life is a thousand times richer as a result.”
“You’ve lived a very full life.”
Ben held up a hand. “You’re talking career. I’m talking life. Yes, I’ve won some cases and helped people here and there. But none of it compares to family. Building a life is good, but building a strong family is a monumental achievement.”
Dan grinned. “Well, if I ever get a hint that Maria wants a ring on her finger, I’ll bear that in mind.”
Ben said nothing.
Dan’s phone buzzed. He glanced down. “It’s for you. Again. If you keep yakking like this, I’m going to charge you a usage fee.”
“Or you could just buy me a new phone. To replace the one you threw out the window in a fit of pique.” He set the sound to Speaker. “Chris?”
“Ben? Is everything ok?”
“Sure. You’re on speaker. Dan’s in the car, of course. What’s up?”
“Just got off the phone with Mike, who told me a crazy tale about you and Dan being in a high-speed car chase.”
“Well...sort of.”
“And a barroom brawl. And someone got murdered in Roswell?”
“It’s not as dramatic as it sounds.”
“It sounds pretty damn dramatic. Why didn’t you mention any of this when we talked a few minutes ago?”
“Because...I was still in shock?”
“Bull. Because you knew I’d chew you out for putting your life at risk. Do I need to remind you that you’re not a young, single, devil-may-care adventurer?”
“Was I ever?”
“I want to give Dan a piece of my mind. Dan, are you listening?”
“Indeed.”
“Then listen up, Buster, and listen up good. I know what you’re going through. But if anything happens to my Ben—”
“I will try not to let anything happen to Ben.”
“Not good enough.”
“I can’t make absolute guarantees when he keeps grabbing the wheel and driving like he’s in a James Bond movie.”
Christina made a noise that sounded like the roar of a caged cocaine bear.
“Listen, boys, I may have something useful. I was going through the Tulsa office, cleaning up and looking for leads, reviewing the files and such. You remember that guy who was running San Diego till he quit about six months ago?”
“Yeah,” Ben replied. “Can’t remember his name, though.”
“Kevin Helm.”
“That was it. What happened to him?”
“We never knew. But he had access to LCL files. And he knew the woman Mike now believes to be the first Reaper victim. She was a social worker in Indianapolis.”
Ben’s eyes seemed to recede into his head. “Curiouser and curiouser. You think he knows anything?”
“It’s worth checking out, don’t you think?”
“Yeah.” Ben glanced at Dan. “One more reason to go to San Diego. Any idea where we might find him?”
“This weekend?” Christina replied. “I do.”
“And that would be...?”
He could hear the smile in her voice. “Keep an eye out for a cape.”