Traces of Guilt

  Gabriel smiled. “I can see it. She had a car accident today, hit a deer, got her brains rattled a bit. I’m trying to get a sense of what normal would look like.”

  “She okay?” Paul asked, instantly serious.

  “Will be. The doc is doing the release paperwork now. Ann’s with her, so I’d say Evie is in good hands.”

  “‘Normal’ for Evie . . . Curious. Funny. Not too serious about anything.”

  “Not words you hear associated with a cop very often.”

  “She doesn’t see a need to be serious. She figures crimes are serious enough. She prefers to enjoy the day and the work and solve the puzzle so there’s justice again. She likes everything there is about being an investigator, even the paperwork.

  “She’s a sunny-mood kind of lady by nature, likes to laugh, and uses that to her advantage. Ann always carried the weight of a grim bloodstained scene home with her. Evie doesn’t. She lets herself put it aside, like a gift of grace to herself. She’s got the rare ability to be a lifer in the job and not burn out. Don’t underestimate her. But to your immediate question, when she’s laughing again, she’s probably edging back to normal.”

  “Thanks. That’s helpful. The one thing I haven’t heard today is laughter.”

  There was a slight pause. Then Paul said, his tone offhand, “She’s seeing someone, I think, a guy by the name of Rob Turney, if that would be useful information to have.”

  So much for being subtle about why he called. “Yeah. Figures. The interesting ones tend to be seeing someone.”

  “He’s not there, and she is, for the next couple of weeks at least.”

  “I’m not one to poach,” Gabriel replied, unwilling to ignore that line even for an interesting woman. “Odd, isn’t it,” he said casually, signaling a shift in the conversation, “how I’m the last one to know there’s interest in our little county up at the governor’s level?”

  “Comes with the territory—having friends among those whom the governor calls. I like the guy. I voted for him. But a word of advice to tuck away? Bliss is persuasive at getting you to say yes to what you didn’t intend to do when you arrived at the meeting. I don’t think Ann had in mind spending Thanksgiving and Christmas helping get a task force organized so the group could be formally announced in January. Ann’s invested in it now, owns it, but you’ve got our next governor to thank for that. He rolled her up neatly in a bow, made it so it became her idea to volunteer. Then he looked at me, and without having to say more than ‘You’ll help her out?’ had the FBI’s assistance, coming out of my budget.”

  Gabriel chuckled. “Nice to know you two can occasionally get snookered like that. Seriously, I’ll send Ann safely back your way tomorrow. I appreciate her being here today. It’s been helpful to hear her point of view. And her help with the aftermath of Evie’s accident was invaluable.”

  “She was glad to come.”

  “Oh, and, Paul, before I let you go—Karen Joy Lewis. Anything you might like to say?”

  “Bravest woman I know. Talk to Ann.”

  “Intriguing redirect. Thanks.”

  “Gabe, don’t forget. You still owe me one decent game of darts and a case of that local root beer.”

  “Come down with Ann one evening, you can collect.” Gabriel hung up with a chuckle, lifted a hand to the attendant pushing Evie out in a wheelchair. Ann had married a good man. He enjoyed watching the dynamics between the two of them, considered both of them his friends now. He thought Evie might join that circle over the next couple of weeks. Ann liked her, and that said a lot. He got out and circled the truck to open the door for his passenger.

  Rather than taking the shortcut, Gabriel drove down Main Street so that Evie could get a sense of the town. He kept an eye on Ann following behind, slowing when she got caught at one of the town’s few traffic lights, then crossing the railroad tracks. If there was a rich and poor side, they were now on the monied side. He turned onto Kearns Road, drove three blocks, parked on the right side of the driveway, leaving room for Ann to pull in beside him.

  Evie hadn’t gone for a small apartment with a few rooms. She’d rented a two-story Victorian on a corner lot, with four bedrooms upstairs and high-ceilinged spacious rooms downstairs. A wide back deck had been added more recently, and a fenced backyard completed the property. Gabriel had been inside the house for several parties over the years. He watched Evie studying it with satisfaction.

  “You’re vacationing in style,” he said.

  “Eating out, staying in a nice place—there should be some perks to a vacation besides fresh deer.”

  Remembering Paul’s comments about her, he appreciated the touch of humor. He came around the truck, opened the passenger door. She sat for a moment, and he could see her considering the stepping-down problem. She gave a half-amused smile. “I need to do this for myself, but it might take a while.” She put a hand on his shoulder, took a deep breath and stepped down, then unclenched her jaw and blew out.

  “The stiffness has to show up before it can fade,” Gabe commiserated.

  “Yeah. Got that.”

  “You’ve got keys?”

  “Trina mailed me a set.”

  “Then lead the way.”

  She studied the walk and carefully took a step. He kept a hand near Evie’s elbow just in case she needed help, though he knew the only way past this was to stretch those tight muscles. He gave her serious points for the focused way she went about it. Her back was bothering her, he knew, but it was to be expected at this point. She took the six porch steps with a firm grip on his arm and her other hand on the railing.

  She unlocked the house. It truly was a beautiful historic home, with hardwood floors and a polished banister, long formal drapes highlighting tall multi-pane windows. The furnishings were both formal and modern: long sofas, high-back chairs, bookcases for both books and pottery, cabinetry with clean lines, and fresh flowers everywhere. He looked around with appreciation. “Trina puts out a nice welcome.”

  “She called it her summer-house-style package, with food and drink stocked.”

  “You chose well, Evie. I’m glad you’ll be enjoying this place. It’s one of the nicer homes in town.”

  “Thanks. An added benefit is that Ann won’t fuss about staying with me when she’s here. The dogs will be okay with your brother? I hate to impose any longer—”

  “They’ll be fine,” he assured her. “Rest is going to help.”

  “Yeah,” she said with a small yawn. Then she looked at the staircase.

  “Sorry, there’s no elevator.”

  She gave him a glance and half smile. “I’ll manage.” She took in the stairs again. “I hope.”

  “The couch is long enough and looks comfortable.”

  “Don’t tempt me. I want that hot shower.” She resolutely started up the stairs.

  Ann joined him, watching her progress.

  “I’ll bring in Evie’s luggage,” he said.

  Ann offered keys. “The two black cases in the trunk are hers, and if you could also manage my blue bag, I’d appreciate it.”

  He nodded and went to get them.

  Evie had disappeared by the time he returned. Ann took one of Evie’s bags and indicated he could leave the other two by the bottom step.

  “Anything else I can do, Ann?”

  “We’re good. I’ll be by your place this evening.”

  “Thank you. We need to have that conversation today, even though we’d both no doubt be better off crashing like Evie.”

  “I may catch a brief nap once she’s settled. You?”

  “A yard half-mowed is calling my name.”

  “Life doesn’t stop just because things get complicated.”

  He shared a smile. “How very true. It is good to have you in town, Ann.” He nodded goodbye and headed back to his truck. He looked to the horizon where rain was coming in. It fit the way this day had been going. But, strangely, he found himself kind of pumped. It hadn’t been a boring day. Now, getting t
hat mowing done before the rain hits . . . he’d need to hustle.

  Ann Falcon

  Ann was fixing tea when she heard a knock on the front door, figured Gabriel had forgotten something, or maybe Trina was stopping over to see that all was comfortable for Evie. Out of habit, Ann glanced through the side window first and instinctively moved her jacket over her side arm when she saw who it was. She opened the door wide. “Mrs. Thane,” she greeted the woman with a smile.

  “Marie, please, Ann. The other makes me sound old.” The two women laughed. “Caleb told me what happened, and I thought some supplies were in order—ice packs, my chicken soup, bread out of the oven an hour ago.” She carried a full picnic basket.

  “Evie will appreciate every bit of it, as will I.” Ann invited her inside and accepted the basket. “This also saves me a trip your direction. I was planning on coming out to talk with you soon. Do you have a few minutes?”

  “Of course.”

  “I’m back here in the kitchen,” she explained, motioning her guest toward the room. “Evie wanted a shower and a nap, then dinner, so this is well timed. I was just looking through the items in the refrigerator for meal options, so your basket will do nicely. Would you join me for tea?”

  “Please.”

  Ann emptied the picnic basket, fixed tea for them both, got out cookies Trina had supplied, and joined Marie at the kitchen table. She considered what to say first, how to say it, and finally just went to the heart of the matter. “I’m going to disrupt the lives of your sons, and probably yours too, and I thought it only fair to give you a heads up.”

  Marie smiled. “A bit of disruption every once in a while can be a good thing to my way of thinking. You’re working on the Florist matter with Evie, my husband tells me, so that would be Gabriel’s disruption.”

  “Yes,” Ann said. “Grace Arnett is coming back to town to ask a favor of Josh. And I have some history with Karen that’s going to involve Will.”

  Marie nodded thoughtfully. “It sounds like all three of our sons are going to have an interesting month.”

  Ann finished one of the cookies. “You’re one of the strongest women of prayer I know.”

  Marie looked a little surprised.

  “I’ve got two good friends in Grace and Karen, neither of whom believes in God. That’s not unusual, but there are moments in people’s lives when the topic comes back to the surface, and this is one of those times for both of them. I’m floundering, Marie. I’m not ready for what is coming. Would you please pray for me? And them?”

  The woman’s expression softened. “You know I will, Ann. I understand the weight you feel. I’ve got two sons who believe and one who does not. I love all three, but I admit a special place in my heart for Will and his struggle with faith.”

  Ann hesitated. “Would you mind if Will married someone who also didn’t believe?”

  “If you’re talking about Karen, the answer is no. I’d have two people to pray for then. He softens when she’s around, and that’s a good thing. God loves my son, and He loves Karen. I’ve come to accept the fact that God understands better than I ever will how to seek and save Will. Getting married would be good for him—I have no hesitation on that.”

  “Things are going to get difficult in the coming days—for him, for all your sons,” Ann said, choosing her words with care. “Will is going to find himself in some deep waters. And Josh is going to be asked to carry a very hard thing. They’ll need family during this time.”

  Marie smiled. “A nice way to say they’re going to need their mother.”

  “I wish I could explain further right now, but it’s not my place. I just wanted you to know the need was going to be there, and to let you know how much I would appreciate and covet your prayers these next few days. For me and for them.”

  Marie nodded. “Karen matters to Will today. I can also say that Grace matters to Josh; that might be mostly in the past, but it will hold for the present too.”

  Ann appreciated Marie’s calm and confidence. “I’m grateful for your prayers. It’s been a lot of years since I carried something so heavy as these matters. I don’t want your family to be hurt with what unfolds.”

  Marie’s hand covered hers. “You know us well enough to realize we’re tight as a family, thus your desire to speak with me. Let go of some of that concern you’re carrying, Ann. You’ll do with care what you’ve come here to deal with. I recognize a cop doing her job. You might be retired, but it’s still part of you. I’ve had a sheriff as a husband, now a sheriff as a son, and a soldier who’s come back from multiple tours and not ready to discuss matters. I’m the glue of the Thane family for a reason. My sons will be fine.”

  “I’m glad they have you.”

  Marie laughed softly. “You’ll come to Thanksgiving dinner should you be in town, you and your husband. You’ll join the family for the day. We’d be delighted to have you.”

  “Should we be here, Marie, we’d be honored to join you. Paul would certainly appreciate your cooking over mine.”

  Marie laughed again as she rose. “You just haven’t cared with a passion about food the way you do about people. Now quit fretting, Ann. You’ve done the important first part. You’ve told me enough that I can pray. God and I have plenty of history regarding praying for my sons and the women—or lack of them—in their lives. You’ll tell me should there be specifics you want mentioned, and I’ll make sure God hears it from me that you need extra strength and wisdom for what is coming.”

  Ann rose too and hugged the woman. “Thank you,” she whispered. There was comfort just in talking with the lady she had come to think of as one of her spiritual mothers.

  Marie studied her face. “Close your eyes for a moment, Ann.”

  She did as asked and then felt Marie’s hands come up to cradle her face. Marie said softly, “Jesus, no one understands a heavy load better than you. No one has ever borne heavier. Bear up under this one with Ann, so she will know her only purpose here is to help others, love expansively, and be your hands and feet, your words of advice and wisdom when opportunities present themselves for her to help Grace and Karen. And yes, Josh and Will and Gabriel. Do whatever is necessary for Ann’s success in the days ahead. Show your love to my friend and comfort her by your Spirit. Amen.”

  Ann didn’t bother to wipe her eyes. “The Thane sons have a really great mom,” she said shakily.

  “Thank you. Enjoy that soup and the bread with Evie. You’ll be fine, Ann. In the days ahead, my sons are going to come looking for my counsel, and I’ll pray over them and tell them the same as I’ve told you. It’s the mother in me.”

  Ann walked with Marie to the door and said goodbye, lighter in heart than she’d been for a while. The Thane sons were in good hands—their mother’s and the Heavenly Father’s.

  “God, give me so much of your wisdom it leaks out of me,” she whispered. Will and Josh would have difficult weeks ahead, but it was Gabriel she worried about the most. She would do what had to be done—a lifetime of history for her as a cop had her accepting this. But the reality of what that meant never got easier.

  THREE

  Gabriel Thane

  Gabriel finished his mowing in the rain, came inside shaking water off his jacket, resigned to the fact that if the rain turned heavy it would overflow the gutters he hadn’t had time to clear. He turned on the kitchen television, settling on ESPN’s Saturday-night football game for diversion as he put together a simple meal and sat down at the table to eat. November’s on-again off-again weather would last a few weeks, then December’s grip of winter and blast of arctic air would arrive with a vengeance. Any of his job outdoors would get rather miserable for a few months.

  The fireplace, opening both to the kitchen and living room, had been sufficient to warm the main level the night before. Gabriel stirred the remaining wood, added kindling, new logs, and set a match to it in preparation for Ann’s visit. He had stopped to pick up chocolate chip ice cream, her favorite. He started coffee brewi
ng and sorted through the mail while he waited. He also mentally shuffled work schedules for the coming week to free up time to help on the two cold cases. He was finishing up invoice payments when he heard a car pulling into the drive. He met Ann at the front door. “Evie asleep?” he asked.

  “She’s settled and grateful for the pain pills,” Ann replied as she stepped inside. “I doubt she moves before morning, and even then I’ll encourage her to sleep in. She asked me to pick up saltine crackers, 7-Up, and more Tylenol, so she’s already thinking about dealing with day-after aches and pains—it’s not the first time she’s had a day like this.”

  “I can handle those items with what I’ve got around here. She’s been banged up before?”

  “She took a bad fall a few years back. While chasing a suspect into a tear-down, the floor gave way and dropped her into the basement. And a few years before that, she walked away from a helicopter crash.”

  He winced at the images. “Well, I guess this one gets on the list as another close call.” Gabriel motioned back to the kitchen. “You want to join me for some coffee or would you prefer hot chocolate?”

  “Coffee is fine.”

  Ann settled into a chair at the kitchen table, holding her hands near the fire. He fixed a mug for her, filled his own, took a seat on the other side.

  “A long day,” she said over the mug’s rim.

  He nodded. “I’m thinking we’re both going to have longer ones over the next weeks. This morning my plans were to mow, clean the gutters, have dinner with Will, look at blueprints for his new barn. One phone call and it all turned into something very different. But I already like your Evie Blackwell. In principle I even like the idea for the new task force. The honor of being the first county chosen, though . . . I would have been more comfortable being fourth or fifth.”

  “I suggested this one be first for personal reasons,” Ann confessed. “Evie was planning on going north for her vacation and starting with Bridgewood County, just outside Chicago, with its five cases that fit the profile. But Evie’s got a guy up that way, and he’s in the ‘What do you think about marriage?’ stage of the relationship. She’s not on that page and needed a break from the drama. So we came south instead.”