Calculated Revenge Read online

  Noah stiffened. “Did he flirt with you?”

  “Not really. Just had that ‘I’m all it’ strut about him.” She wrinkled her nose. “Reminded me of Clayton, only I know that Glen’s a family man.”

  Noah’s gaze narrowed. “He didn’t show extra attention to Briana, did he?”

  Her face paled. “Well, he did seem taken with her. Said something about wishing he had a little girl to round out the family.”

  He frowned and rubbed the arms of the easy chair. That didn’t sound good in light of what he’d discovered.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” Her tone was more of a demand than a question.

  “I called in a favor from a friend in a strategic place.” His gaze met hers. She needed to know everything he did about this guy. “Turns out Crocker dodged an indictment for statutory rape sixteen years ago by skipping the country until the statute of limitations ran out. I got the word today and told Hank already. With a history of involvement with a minor, our up-standing electrician just went to the top of the sheriff’s suspect list. My friend is sending me a packet with the details of the case that never got to court.”

  Air gusted between her lips. “And this man has lived and worked here for years, just a clean-cut family man.” Her tone held an angry edge. “You never know about people, do you?”

  “A criminal history isn’t conclusive, just suggestive. And, trust us, we’ll follow up. Now, tell me about Grace and the day she disappeared.”

  His heart clenched as pain settled over Laney’s fine features.

  Laney wound her fingers together. She’d known this moment would come, but that didn’t make the subject any easier to talk about.

  She closed her eyes. “We lived in the little community of Grand Valley in southeastern Minnesota at the time. Grand Valley is actually smaller than Cottonwood Grove, and everybody knows everybody and pretty much everything about each other.”

  “A lot like here.” Noah’s gentle tones carried to her.

  She nodded, but didn’t open her eyes. “As I told you, I was supposed to walk Gracie home after school, but I ran off to play with friends as soon as we got to our block.” She swallowed a knot in her throat. “When I stepped into my house a couple of hours later, the whole neighborhood was searching for her—and me, too, since I was supposed to be with her.” She barked an acrid chuckle. “Relief at my appearance was short-lived as everyone, including me, realized Grace was out there somewhere alone. Or worse, with someone who had taken here.”

  Laney hugged herself. Foul memories gagged her.

  She swallowed and steeled herself to continue. “The sheriff came the next day to say blood was found in a ravine outside of town. They’d test to see if it was Grace’s, but I think we all knew right then that she was gone. We found out later it was her blood.” She heaved a long breath and opened her eyes. Noah’s compassionate gaze rested on her. “There’s been no trace of my sister again until the backpack.”

  He nodded. “Grace was wearing the pack when she disappeared, so it follows that the perp needed to return to wherever he put her in order to retrieve it.”

  “An unmarked grave.” Laney hung her head. A dark and un-mourned place sweet Gracie would never be if only Laney had been more interested in acting like a big sister rather than indulging her own few minutes of fun.

  “I don’t think she’s in a grave. Something like a tomb maybe.”

  Laney’s head jerked up. “Why do you say that?”

  “If that backpack had been buried in dirt, it would have disintegrated to pulp by now. I’d say it must have been left in a spot with good protection from the elements. Are there any caves around Grand Valley?”

  “Some near the ravine where the blood was found. But they’ve been searched multiple times.” She spread her hands.

  “Then maybe it’s time to look again. The killer might have disturbed something or left fresh evidence when he went to get the pack. Or maybe there’s a cave around there that only the killer knows about.”

  “That would mean he’d have to be someone local.” Laney gripped the arm of the couch. “No one on our current suspect list lived in Grand Valley back then. And I can’t think of a soul from that town who would be capable of such a thing.”

  Noah shook his head. “Didn’t you just say you never know about people?”

  “Why would someone who knew her hurt simple, sweet Gracie?” Horror boggled her mind.

  “That we don’t know yet, but the taunts you’re receiving are purposeful. I think the person we’re looking for knows you, whether you know them or not.”

  Shivers cascaded through Laney. “I hope you’re wrong. It’s hard enough to think about Gracie’s death being random. I don’t know if I could handle it being personal.”

  “Did your family have any enemies in Grand Valley?”

  “My family?” She stared at Noah. Had the man lost his mind? “My parents were beloved and respected in the community. Deservedly so.”

  “I’m sure they were.” Noah’s tone was soothing. “But jealousy is a powerful motive. Maybe someone at your dad’s place of work? Someone you wouldn’t necessarily be able to identify, but he could?”

  She surged to her feet. “Are you saying that someone was jealous of my dad so they killed his daughter?”

  “I’m not saying anything.” Noah gazed at her askance. “I’m theorizing. Probing for possibilities.”

  “Okay, I get it.” Laney ran a hand through her hair. “I’m just…thrown by this notion that the killer could be someone familiar with our family. All I can tell you is this.” She wagged a finger at him. “We Thompsons have no skeletons in our closets. I should know.”

  Noah didn’t reply, but if someone had invented a nonsensical-notion eraser, Laney would have used it to wipe the skeptical look off his face.

  SEVEN

  The next morning, Noah got out of the shower to hear the phone ringing. Who would be calling this early? A crisis with Laney? Something at the school? He hastily wrapped a towel around his wet body, hustled into the bedroom, and grabbed the extension.

  “You’re really starting to tick me off, Ryder,” a familiar voice growled.

  Burns. Had he found out already that Noah had taken Laney’s case? How? He hadn’t told anyone yet but her, and she wasn’t about to go blabbing her business to her favorite FBI agent. “Feel free to tell me what’s on your mind, Burns.”

  “That’s Supervisory Special Agent Burns to you, pal.”

  Noah could answer, and I’m Principal Ryder to you, but he wasn’t into one-upping. “Are you still in town?”

  A beat of silence followed. “On my way back to headquarters in Minneapolis. But we’ve got our finger on the pulse back there.”

  “Never doubted it.”

  “The sheriff tells me you called in a favor and got some dope on that electrician who’s missing. I thought I told you to stay out of the investigation.”

  So that was it. Of course, Hank would have been obliged to share the information with the federal agents. “Thank you would do fine.”

  “We’ll take it from here, so don’t get any big ideas.”

  “Have at it.” Noah used the towel on his dripping hair. “The quicker this perp is caught, the better.”

  “We’re on the same page with that idea, but let the professionals do their job, Ryder, and you stick to minding the kiddies.”

  “That’s my plan,” Noah answered.

  Just wait until Burns caught wind of how aggressively he intended to play the protective role where Briana and her mother were concerned. The guy would hit the moon, but there’d be nothing he could do about it. Grinning, Noah hung up the phone.

  A few minutes after he arrived at work and before the pre-school madhouse got into full swing, he was on the phone to Laney.

  “’Lo.” Her voice sounded groggy.

  Noah mentally smacked himself. Here he’d given her time off, and he wasn’t letting her sleep in. “Sorry to wake you up.”

/>   “No worries.” Her tone came back more alert. “My body clock has been trying to get me out of the sack for a while now. I keep resisting because I haven’t been sleeping well.”

  “That’s understandable. I’ll keep this brief, and maybe you can catch a few more z’s before the little princess demands your attention.” Noah leaned back in his office chair. “I spoke to our friend Burns this morning, and he’s on his way back to Minneapolis.”

  Laney snorted. “Did you tell him that you’re on our case?”

  Noah laughed. “He was fuming that I’d discovered that stuff about Glen Crocker before his office did, so I didn’t say anything to add fuel to the fire. If he contacts you, don’t feel the need to confess. Let the guy find out some other way, and let me take the heat.”

  “Agent Burns doesn’t scare me.” Her voice went steely. “I’m not a child anymore.”

  No, indeed, you’re not, Lovely Laney. “I noticed how you held your own with him the day he showed up. Just don’t invite trouble. Okay?”

  “You got it. Say, one more thing.” She paused on an audible breath. “Would it be all right for me to come to the school on Friday after class lets out for the year and set my room in order? You know, get it ready for a fresh new school term?” Her words were bright, and the tone held hope, but she had to be wondering if she’d be decorating that same room come fall.

  “That’s a good idea. You need to come anyway for the teacher bash.”

  “The what? Oh, yes, Ellen mentioned something about staff bringing in a potluck of treats and getting together after final bell. Do you think they’ll want me there after all the bother and danger I’ve exposed them to? And I’ll have to bring Briana along.”

  Noah’s heart melted. How could she think she wouldn’t be welcome? He hadn’t heard anyone complain about bother or danger. The sentiment was squarely on her side. “Laney, your coworkers will be disappointed if you don’t show. And Briana will be the life of the party.”

  “You got that last one right.” Laney laughed.

  “Mommeeee!”

  The child’s call carried to Noah from a distance.

  “There she is now,” Laney said. “I’ll let you go and talk to you later.”

  “Sure, we’ll stay in close touch.” Noah cradled the receiver.

  Sounds from the outer office reached his ears. Miss Aggie had arrived. He went to the door and poked his head out. “Good morning.”

  His cheerful greeting earned an assessing stare. “You’re here early again this morning.”

  He shrugged. “I had some things to take care of.”

  Miss Aggie humphed. “Wouldn’t have anything to do with the one teacher who will be absent today?”

  “As a matter of fact,” he offered her a sly grin, “I took her case.” His staid assistant let out a whoop. “I’ll take that as approval.”

  She sent him a mock scowl. “It’s about time you came to your senses, young man.”

  He leaned a shoulder against the doorframe. “How did you know about me?”

  “Remember the Bobby Gray case—little boy you restored to his mother from a deadbeat father?”

  Noah nodded. That case had been one of the good ones with a happy ending.

  A tiny grin stole across Miss Aggie’s lined face. “Bobby’s my great-nephew. I knew who you were the day you showed up to interview with the school board, but I kept my yapper shut. Figured if you wanted folks to know, you’d speak up. Since you’ve taken Laney’s case, soon the whole countryside will know, so you can quit stressing and get down to business.”

  “You’re a peach, Miss Aggie.” Noah chuckled at the high color that stole across the older woman’s cheeks. “And speaking of business, I plan to escort Laney and Briana to her folks’ home in Louisville, Kentucky, the day after school closes. Would you be willing to handle those couple of weeks of post-school-year shutdown if I leave it in your capable hands?”

  The woman drew herself to military attention. “If thirty years of working in this office means anything, I could pull it off with my eyes closed.”

  “And one hand tied behind your back, no doubt.” He returned to his desk, laughing.

  Now if he could just get through these next few days without seeing Laney’s lithe form and smiling face in the hallways.

  Well before she reached the cafeteria, Laney could hear the sound of adult laughter and voices of the staff celebrating the end of another school year. Briana skipped up the hallway ahead of her. Laney restrained the impulse to call her daughter back, so she could hold her hand when they entered the party. Would everyone stop talking and stare at them? After Gracie went missing, she’d experienced that reaction from people too many times. Her stomach tightened. How she hated reliving all these little experiences that she’d tried to forget.

  Laney accelerated her pace and caught up with her daughter, who sent her a bright smile. Briana did love parties, and she was never intimidated by a room full of adults. It would be nice if Laney could say the same. They neared the door, and she inhaled a lungful of oxygen. Might as well get this over with.

  They stepped into the cafeteria. The spacious room was half-filled with knots of chattering teachers, aides, office workers and other school personnel. At their appearance, Laney’s worst fear was realized. Heads turned, and a hush fell over the crowd.

  Then Ellen burst from the pack and hustled toward them. “Finally, they’re here!”

  Voices erupted in words of welcome as many surged toward Laney and Briana. Mouth hanging open, Laney was engulfed in a cheerful mob, and with Ellen’s arm around her shoulders, ushered to the serving end of the cafeteria. They stopped before a table laden with goodies, but her eyes widened on the centerpiece—a sheet cake with words written on it in frosting.

  We’re with you, Laney and Briana!

  A sob escaped Laney’s throat, then another and another. Through tears, she barely recognized all the people who hugged her. She did miss one though—Noah. He stood on the fringe, smiling, but made no move to approach. Their gazes met, then his figure was blocked by a pair of male shoulders. She received a quick, tight hug, then looked up to see who had given it.

  Pierce grinned down at her. “You’re a popular lady. As you can see, no one’s getting scared away from you by the boogie man.”

  Laney’s mouth worked into a smile. Pierce meant well. If only this threat were really a figment of childish imagination. “How did you get out of driving bus this afternoon?” She didn’t add, What are you doing at a school staff party? Ellen probably invited him. Her gaze found her friend standing nearby, and the dear, meddling woman had the cheek to wink at her.

  Pierce shrugged. “It’s my weekend to drive, so I had this Friday off. Couldn’t think of anything better to do than lend my moral support to a special person.”

  A genuine smile bloomed on Laney’s face. “I can hardly believe everyone’s kindness.”

  “Come on.” Pierce motioned her to follow him closer to the cake. “Let’s get you the first piece.” He turned. “Oops! I think your daughter beat you to it.”

  Ellen was ushering Briana past them toward a seat. The grinning little girl held a plate with a large chunk of chocolate-frosted marble cake perched on it. Her favorite! Laney shook her head. Ellen at work again.

  Someone handed Laney the second piece, and then Pierce the third hunk. He took her elbow and escorted her at his usual leisurely pace toward the table where Briana and Ellen sat. He seated her, and then gave up his cake to the other woman at the table. The conspiratorial glance between the two wasn’t lost on Laney. Then he withdrew to go back for a serving for himself.

  She dropped her gaze and dug into her cake. Maybe she should consider giving Pierce a chance. He had good manners. She glanced toward him returning with another slice of cake. He was an attractive figure dressed in a striped sport shirt, crisp slacks, and new-looking leather shoes. Plus he was kind and obviously interested—whereas, Noah pointedly lacked that last qualification.


  Where was the school principal? Laney looked around the room. Her gaze found Richard Hodge, who stood on the fringe of the festivities with his arms folded and the usual scowl on his face. Was he thinking about all the extra clean-up after this shindig? Or did he hate the love that was being shown to Laney and her daughter? Why would he feel that way about them? Hairs on her arms prickled. Hopefully, Noah could find something on him soon.

  Laney continued to hunt for Noah, but didn’t spot him anywhere. He’d left the party. She set her fork down, appetite gone. Why did her feelings have to run so strong for a man who saw her merely as a school district employee and now a client in his newly resurrected profession?

  EIGHT

  “That was a nice send-off the staff threw for you yesterday.” From the aisle seat on the airplane, Noah smiled at Laney next to him. He could still see the stunned look on her face when she walked into the cafeteria.

  Laney’s color heightened. “I was totally humbled by the out-pouring of love and encouragement, despite the trouble I brought to the school. Cottonwood Grove has great staff.”

  Noah nodded. “I think it’s fair to say you’re a well-liked team member. Hopefully, we can get this mess resolved soon so you can stay with us.”

  “Amen to that.” Laney clasped her hands together. Then Briana claimed her attention.

  They hadn’t taken off yet, and the little girl had her nose pressed against the window, absorbing the sights on the runway. Laney had said this was Briana’s first flight, and the child had been so proud, pulling her little princess wheeled suitcase to the gate and then onto the plane.

  While Laney answered her daughter’s questions, Noah shifted in his seat, seeking a comfortable position. But he was too wound up to find ease on a feather mattress, much less an airplane coach-class seat.

  He’d observed their FBI tail follow them onto the aircraft—a stocky guy of medium height with dark hair and hard eyes set too close above a thin nose and thinner lips. If Noah didn’t know better, he would’ve pegged the agent for a crook. Developing a similar look as the scum they chased was a hazard of the cop trade. The agent sat across the aisle and several seats behind them. Noah hadn’t spotted anyone else following them, which is what he and the FBI had hoped would happen.