Marked for Murder Read online

  “Okay.” We found a couple of empty seats, and I took the one on the outside edge, wanting to be able to jump up and do something if I needed to. I kept my mind open to all the thoughts surrounding me and felt the beginnings of a headache coming on.

  I listened to each newcomer, most of whom were relatives, cops, or reporters. From most of the cops, I picked up a steadfast devotion to Dimples and his bride, along with a willingness to protect them with their lives. Along with Billie’s newspaper friends, they kept a vigilant eye on the group, alert for anything suspicious. All were determined to do their part to make sure nothing bad happened. My eyes teared up, and I swallowed down the sudden lump in my throat.

  Soon, everyone had arrived. I kept circling the group like a hawk, not wanting to miss anything. Where was Beal? When would he make his move? Would he do something now, or wait until after the ceremony? The suspense filled me with dread. To calm my nerves, I inhaled deeply and slowly let it out.

  The music stopped, catching everyone’s attention, then “Pachelbel’s Canon in D” began to play. Everyone turned their gazes back toward the patio, where the first bridesmaid descended the stairs. There were only three, and they were joined by groomsmen at the bottom of the steps, who ushered them to their places near the trellis in front of the pond.

  Next, a cute little girl wearing a fancy tulle dress, and carrying a basket of rose petals, hopped down the stairs. She smiled with delight and threw the petals enthusiastically all over the stairs and onto the path. As she took her place, all eyes turned to the top of the stairs, and the officiator asked everyone to stand.

  Billie stepped into view. Her face shone with happiness, capturing the beauty of her smile. She stood for a moment, taking it all in. I caught her excitement, tinged with trepidation and overwhelming gratitude for this moment in her life.

  Her gaze shifted to Dimples, and the sight of him looking up at her with so much love brought tears to her eyes. There he stood, waiting for her with that goofy grin, and those amazing dimples that she adored. He looked so handsome and dashing in his black tux. Love for him poured from her heart. Taking a calming breath, she stepped down the stairs toward him, hardly daring to believe that this was the beginning of their life together.

  On a whim, I turned my gaze to Dimples. He was completely focused on Billie. It was as if no one else existed, and they were alone in this moment. His eyes glowed with love and wonder, that this woman was soon to be his, and he vowed to do everything in his power to keep her forever by his side.

  Billie’s father waited for her at the bottom of the steps. She reached him and happily placed her arm in his to finish her slow walk to Dimples’s side. Her father kept glancing at her. His eyes brimmed with sudden moisture and pride for the beautiful woman she had become.

  As they reached Dimples, her father placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. With solemn gratitude, he placed her hand into Dimples’s firm grasp.

  The officiator spoke for several minutes of love and commitment. Then the ceremony began. As they exchanged vows, I listened to the crowd and found everyone’s thoughts completely focused on Dimples and Billie. What a wonderful moment. It amazed me that such a large crowd of people could be united as one in thought and feeling.

  After exchanging rings, the officiator pronounced them husband and wife. With a huge smile, Dimples pulled Billie into a passionate embrace, kissing her soundly. They broke apart, breathless and happy. He whispered into her ear before they separated and turned to the cheering crowd. Everyone clapped and shouted so loudly that I almost missed the one person who wasn’t focused on the happy couple.

  A man in a server’s vest stepped to the edge of the trellis with a potted flower arrangement. He quickly set it down and rushed off, hoping no one had noticed him. Even if they had, he’d been quick, and the two hundred dollars he’d been given to complete the task was totally worth it.

  Already on my feet, I rushed toward the potted plant. “A man in a server’s vest just left a flower arrangement next to the trellis. Stop him. I’m getting the flowers. Something’s wrong with them.”

  I reached the flowers at the same time as Ramos. He picked them up, and I noticed a small, black, box-like device inside the arrangement, with a red light flashing on and off. “Look,” I said, pointing it out to Ramos. At the same time, a whirring sound came from above us in the air.

  “Shit.” With a mighty heave, Ramos chucked the flowers away from the crowd as hard as he could. A loud, hissing sound came from above us, and a dark object shot through the air. As the flower arrangement came to the ground, the object hit it, shattering it into a million pieces. The ground around it exploded, spraying grass, rocks and dirt into the air.

  Ramos turned his back to the blast and pulled me to his chest, shielding me from the fallout. Screams of panic came from the crowd, along with the shower of pelting dirt hitting the ground like rain. A heartbeat later, the dirt settled, and Ramos let me go.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  With a nod, he turned to examine the small crater and began to speak into his earpiece. “It was a drone with a small rocket. The flowers had a homing beacon for the target. The rocket wasn’t military grade, but I suggest we get everyone inside.”

  “Roger that.”

  I glanced over the crowd, hoping that no one was hurt. Dimples held Billie protectively in his arms, and several people had fallen to the ground, covering their heads with their arms. Now that the danger was over, they began to stand, shaking the dirt from their hair and clothes. A few guests headed into the building, but most stood there in shock.

  Lorin rushed to Dimples’s side, urging him and Billie toward the building. As they began to move, he ushered more people along, telling them not to panic, but to move inside in an orderly fashion. Chief Winder spoke into his phone, telling someone about the drone and asking if they could track it.

  Chris came to my side. “Are you okay?” At my nod, he continued, “Was that a drone?”

  “Yes.” I told him about the beacon in the flower arrangement. “I didn’t see where the drone went. Do you think Beal’s somewhere close?”

  Chris shook his head. “I don’t know.”

  “The range of a personal drone varies,” Lorin said into my earpiece. “This one was highly sophisticated but, with a small rocket, I’d say the range is probably less than two miles.”

  “Okay. Thanks.” I told Chris what Lorin had said. “Let’s get inside. I want to check on Dimples and Billie.”

  Soothing music played from the speakers, and we found Dimples and Billie surrounded by family, all talking at once. The wedding hostess came to Billie’s side and asked if she wanted to continue or send everyone home. Billie didn’t want the festivities to end, but she wasn’t sure she could ask anyone to stay if it was dangerous.

  She caught sight of me, knowing I’d saved her, and tears filled her eyes. She thought that maybe it was selfish to continue.

  I hurried to her side. “I don’t think anything else is going to happen tonight. The police are out in force, chasing him down, so I think you’re good.”

  Billie threw her arms around me. “Thank you Shelby. Will you stay?”

  “Of course.”

  Billie’s mother wanted to get things underway, so she took charge, getting those who wished to stay to take their places. Most of the guests wanted to stay, but I picked up that many weren’t eager to stay for long. I pulled Billie’s mom aside and told her they might have to cut things short, and she totally agreed.

  Two hours later, with full stomachs and a few drinks, a relaxed atmosphere filled the hall. Some people were even joking about “the drone incident,” as it was being called. After dinner and toasts, Billie and Dimples cut the cake, then began the traditional dancing. A few dances later, they were more than ready to leave.

  I felt bad that it hadn’t been the perfect wedding Billie had wanted, but it was certainly unforgettable. I’d been watchful throughout the evening, so I
wasn’t much of a dinner companion for Chris, but he didn’t complain. Now it was almost over, and I was exhausted.

  The limousine pulled up outside, and everyone lined up to wish the couple a safe journey. The driver stood beside the car to open the door for them, so I moved to his side while we waited. My last job of the night was to make sure he was the real deal, and that Beal hadn’t hired him.

  “Hey,” I said. “Is this your limo?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Do you have a card? I might want to hire you sometime.”

  “Sure.” He reached into his pocket. “Here you go.”

  Not getting much from his mind, I knew I had to ask more questions. “So, where are you taking the newlyweds?”

  His brows scrunched together, and he wondered what my deal was. “Uh… I think that’s something you should ask them.” He was taking them straight to their hotel. Why did I want to know? Was I a stalker or something?

  The irony of that thought hit me like a ton of bricks, and I held back a chuckle. “Okay. Thanks.”

  I joined Chris in the line, and someone passed out confetti poppers. Soon, Billie and Dimples came out of the building with big smiles and a touch of relief. We cheered and popped confetti all over them, managing to get it all over ourselves as well.

  As we watched them drive away, my shoulders slumped with relief. “We did it.” I turned to Chris. “It’s over. I’m so ready to go home.”

  With both of our cars there, I told Chris to go ahead, and I’d see him at home. I found Lorin and gave him back my ear piece. Ramos had disappeared after the drone strike, so I’d have to talk to him later.

  The chief had cornered the server with the flowers, but he didn’t know anything, only telling us that the delivery guy wore a baseball cap with a florist shop logo on his shirt. After that, the chief and a few other officers had stayed outside, organizing the search for Beal, and I hadn’t seen them since. Maybe I could get an update tomorrow but, right now, I was done.

  I needed to get my purse from the safe before I could take off. After finding Billie’s mother, I ended up helping her put a few things away before we made it to the safe. She thanked me again for coming to the rescue. Slipping my purse over my shoulder, I told her goodbye and hurried to my car.

  Before I turned on the ignition, my phone began to ring. Digging it out of my purse, I quickly answered. “Hello?”

  “Shelby.”

  My breath caught. It was Beal. “What do you want?”

  “I don’t understand,” he said. His voice held a whisper of defeat. “How did you know about the beacon? I wasn’t even there when it was delivered. I didn’t think you’d figure it out so quickly. That’s why I used a drone. But you still got the best of me. How did you do it? I have to know.”

  “Look Beal,” I said, suddenly tired of the whole thing. “It’s a gift. There are some things you can’t explain, and this is one of them. Can we call a truce? I mean… come on… everyone’s looking for you. Is that the way you want to live?”

  “We have to meet so I can talk to you in person.”

  “What? No way. You just tried to kill my friends.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. That tiny blast wouldn’t have killed them.”

  “Look, I’ve got to go. Don’t call me again.” I ended the call. I wasn’t sure that was the best thing to do, but there was no reasoning with this guy. Maybe, if I quit taking his calls, he’d leave me alone.

  I set my phone on the consul so I could start my car, and it began to ring. I heaved out a breath and picked it up. The caller ID said it was an unknown caller, so I knew it was him again. This time, I refused the call.

  Setting my phone down, I started my car. As I shifted into reverse, it rang again. My phone automatically connected to my car system, so it was easy to decline. I began the drive home. Only minutes later, my phone rang with “unknown caller” on the ID, which I quickly declined.

  Five minutes later, it rang again. This time I let it go to voicemail. Needing a distraction, I hit play for some tunes from my playlist. The music calmed me down, and I unclenched my hands from the steering wheel. Suddenly, the music stopped, and my phone began to ring.

  Holy hell! How many times was he going to call? When I got home, I’d have to figure out a way to block his number, because this was driving me crazy. The light at the intersection glowed red, and I slammed on my brakes, so distracted by the phone that I’d nearly run the light.

  While I panted from my near miss, the call finally went to voicemail. Grabbing my phone, I decided to turn it off before I caused an accident. A car honked behind me, and I glanced up to see the green light. Unable to turn it off, I dropped the phone in my lap and pulled through the intersection.

  Not halfway down the block, it started up again. This time I pulled over and put the car in park. Picking up my phone, I barely registered that it was a tune I’d set for Chris, and not my regular ring-tone. My shoulders slumped, and I quickly answered. “Hi Chris.”

  “Honey. Where are you? I thought you’d be home by now.”

  “I had to help Billie’s mom with something before I could leave. I’m about ten minutes away. Is everything all right?”

  “Yes. I was just worried about you.”

  “Can you just stay on the line until I get there?”

  “Sure. Why?”

  “Beal’s been calling me non-stop. I hung up on him and decided not to answer his calls anymore, but now he keeps calling me.” Just then my phone beeped with an incoming call. “He’s doing it again.” I pushed decline, but I wasn’t sure if I’d hung up on Chris or Beal. “Chris? Are you still there?”

  I didn’t get a response. Frustrated, I let out a moan. What was I doing just sitting here? I should hurry home, but now Chris would worry about me. Before I could push re-dial, the words, Go home. Go now, came into my mind.

  I yelped and dropped my phone. Before I could think about it too hard, I sped away from the curb. With my heart racing, I clutched the steering wheel and drove home with my senses wide open and alert. What the freak? Like a bat out of hell, I didn’t care about breaking the speed limit. Luckily, no one pulled me over, and I made it home in record time.

  As I drove into the garage and jumped out of my car, Chris pulled the back door open. I flew into his arms, feeling his worry and relief wash over me. We held each other tightly, and I was overcome with a raw fear that, somehow, I’d just escaped something terrible.

  It took several minutes for my legs to stop shaking. While Chris shut the garage door and locked up, I found my kids and spoke with them briefly about their night. Finding that all was well, I told them goodnight and went upstairs to change my clothes. Chris soon joined me, and I told him about the phone calls and what Beal had said to me.

  “I don’t think you should answer his calls anymore,” Chris said.

  “I totally agree.” I finished washing my face and pulled on my favorite nightshirt. Slipping into bed, I snuggled against Chris, knowing I needed to tell him about the warning voice.

  As he flipped off the light, I let out a sigh. “Something happened after I lost your phone call. I was parked on the side of the road, and I was going to call you back, but I heard a voice in my mind.”

  “What?”

  “Yeah. The voice told me to go home and go now. I think it might have been Ethan.” Now that I’d told Chris, my eyes filled with fresh tears.

  Chris’s jaw dropped open in astonishment. He could hardly believe that Ethan may have saved me from something bad. He should have done more to help Ethan, but if Ethan had kept me safe tonight, maybe it wasn’t so bad that he was dead. Just thinking that sent a wave of guilt through his heart.

  “I know what you mean,” I agreed. “If it wasn’t for his timely help with the ad falling from his fridge, we never would have found Isaac. Maybe since I helped find his killer, he stuck around to help me.”

  Chris held me tightly. “Sounds about right. Who knows what Beal was up to? Maybe he was following y
ou? From what you told me, it sounds like he was pretty upset.” I shivered next to him, and he rubbed my back. “You’re safe now. Try and get some sleep. We’ll figure out what to do in the morning.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Sunday was one of my favorite days of the week, mostly because Chris cooked breakfast, and we all spent the day together. While we cleaned up the breakfast dishes, I realized I’d left my phone in my car. I found it under the seat and carried it inside.

  There were over twenty missed phone calls, all from the same unknown caller. It looked like Beal had lost his cool, and I couldn’t help the tingle of alarm that ran down my spine. I plugged my phone in to re-charge and showed them to Chris. With growing concern, he figured out how to block the calls from that number.

  Somewhat relieved, I got busy cleaning the kitchen. As I started the dishwasher, the ring-tone sounded on my phone, sending panic into my heart. I picked it up and let out a breath. The caller ID said it was the police station.

  “Hello?”

  “Shelby, this is Chief Winder. We have a situation. I need you to come to the precinct.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “We received a bomb threat. We have two hours before it’s supposed to go off. The caller specifically requested that you help us, so I think it’s safe to say that it’s Beal. He said that you’re the only person who can stop it. Will you come?”

  “Of course. I’ll be right there.”

  I hurried upstairs to get dressed. Chris followed me up, and I explained what was going on. He wasn’t happy that I was going. “Are you sure this isn’t a trap?”

  “I don’t know, but I can’t sit here and let it happen. I’ve got to go.” He nodded, then thought that maybe he should come to look after me. “No. I’ll be with the police. I’ll be fine. Besides, if something happens, I need you here with the kids. You know that, right?”

  His lips thinned with frustration, but he nodded, knowing I was right. “Fine. But you need to make sure you have someone with you the whole time.”