“Yeah, it’s why I’m calling. Greg Peters was what? Thirty?”
“Not even. When the officers got to the apartment, he was already dead, and whoever bled all over the place was gone. What happened there last night?”
“When I left it was an argument that got out of hand. The dead guy confessed to killing his girlfriend, and I got my client out of there. Then I called you.”
“Well, I guess the case is closed again. The killer’s dead.”
“But who killed the killer?” And where is Trip?
“Looks like natural causes, but I can request a toxicology report if you want it.”
“Thanks, Lou. I’m headed back to Hamiltown today or tomorrow. Let me know if you need anything before I go, or you can contact me there.”
We sit in silence a moment after I disconnect, and I don’t know what to think.
“Could be congenital if Victor was his uncle.” Scar’s voice is as doubtful as I feel about that possibility.
I’m about to text my brother when the devil beats me to it. My screen lights up before I can unlock it. $25K just transferred back to Blake’s account. Case closed?
Shaking my head, I exhale through my teeth. I don’t know how to answer him. It looks like all the loose ends are tied up, but it’s only left me with more questions.
“So everything’s taken care of, and my nieces are home.” Hugh leans back in his chair, looking satisfied. “You are truly the best in the business, Hutch.”
“I don’t know about that. We still have several unresolved issues.”
“Do we?” He goes down the list, counting on his fingers. “We settled the blackmail situation. Victor’s death is closed, and as an equal bonus, we discovered who murdered the girls’ friend. And he’s now dead as well.”
“Under very questionable circumstances,” I counter.
Hugh leans forward in his chair, lifting a paperweight off his desk. “Does it matter? These men were criminals operating in highly volatile situations. They reaped the consequences of their actions.”
“Sow the wind, reap the whirlwind.” Scar’s deep voice adds gravity to his words.
“Exactly.” Hugh points to my partner. “Not all questions are going to have answers.”
I don’t like it. In my experience, unanswered questions usually lead to new problems down the line.
Hugh rises slowly and closes the space between us. “Most importantly, Blake and Hana are here.” He grasps my shoulder with a smile. “If necessary, we can look out for each other the same way anyone else in the world does. Life is full of hazards.”
My arms are still crossed, and I think about what Trip said. “Why did it happen?”
Hugh’s brow furrows. “I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”
“Why was Victor after Charles’s money? What made him target the van Hamilton estate?”
“Are you asking me what makes criminals choose their victims?” The old man exhales a chuckle. “In this case, it seems pretty obvious. Three wealthy women are left alone, a widowed mother and two beautiful daughters. Along comes an opportunistic monster, and next thing you know…”
“Maybe.” I’m not satisfied it’s as simple as that.
Also, I’ve got a lot of experience with this old man and him keeping secrets. Trip was sending a message.
“Hutch, my boy, you are a true detective.” Hugh starts for the door. “Take my advice and enjoy the successful resolution of this case. Your next problem will arise soon enough.” He pauses before leaving us. “If you’re looking for something to do, I know a young lady who would enjoy a night on the town with you.”
He leaves, and I shake my head, glancing over to my partner. “What do you think about all this?”
Scar’s heavy black boot is propped on the edge of Hugh’s ornate desk. His dark hair is tied back in a small samurai bun, and he’s sliding a silver pocket knife back and forth behind his thumbnail.
“I think your lady’s out of danger.” He flips the knife closed and rises with an exhale to his full height. “You should be grateful for that. I’ve still got an asshole to track down.”
“Right.” I follow him to the door and into the hallway. “Do what you need to do, and let me know how I can help.”
“I will–if I need your help.” He slides the knife into his pocket. “You should do as the old man said and live your life. It’s time.”
“That’s not exactly what he said.”
“Close enough. See you at the game.”
31
Blake
“He’s so beautiful.” I slide my hand along the rich brown hide of Training Day, my uncle’s prized thoroughbred.
“Hold that pose.” The sound of my sister’s camera lens clicks in the quiet barn.
It’s the first time I’ve visited the stables since we came back to Hamiltown, and the familiar smells of leather and hay and the faintly pungent manure reminds me of being a girl here.
“Remember when we would spend every visit riding horses from sunup to sundown?”
“Yeah.” Her voice is quiet.
Resting my face against the soft neck of the powerful, gentle horse eases the pain that resurfaced with Debbie’s text.
Dirk said he couldn't figure out why it appeared on my phone weeks after her death. He said it was possible Debbie’s phone had been switched off before her message was sent, and then it was switched on again for whatever reason, and the text went through. It made me wonder if Greg outed himself by keeping her things or if he summoned me.
“Why did she say she was in Milan?” Dirk had asked, and I told him about the night we’d been out partying, when she’d told me if she ever texted anything about traffic in Milan or traffic anywhere, she was in danger.
I’m still ashamed I thought she was being silly or drunk. I should’ve asked why she would be in trouble. I was so naive, and now she’s gone.
Last night when I said I was showering, I lay on my bathroom floor and cried for a long time. She loved him, and he killed her. He was a monster, and I’m not sorry he’s dead.
“We were never allowed to touch this guy.” Hana slides her hand over Trainey’s velvet nose. “Your colors blend perfectly. Put your cheek beside his again.”
I do as she says, looking down as I slide my hand under his neck. She takes several different angles before she’s satisfied. “These are going to be really good. I can do different effects in the darkroom and blow them up. I’m sure Hutch will want one.”
Her voice is soft, and she glances up at me.
“Maybe,” is all I’ll say to that. “How are you feeling now that we’re back?”
She shrugs. “Scar told me not to be afraid. He’s handling things.”
It’s the first I’ve heard of him being involved. The blackmail money was returned to my account as Hutch promised, but as far as I know, the video is still out there. Ivan X has disappeared into the underground, and I thought it was a lost cause.
But Scar is scary-intimidating. If he says he’s on a case, I feel confident he’ll get his man, especially if Dirk is helping him. I’ve watched that guy with Hana, and he’s motivated to help her.