“No splitting up,” Ben said firmly. “Not again. We’ll drag this sack of crap with us.”
And we did.
Following Shelton’s lead, we cut through the forest, pushing and prodding the detective along with us. Daylight was fading to dusk, giving the forest a sinister, spectral aspect. I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
Hawfield didn’t resist. Answered my questions without expression.
At the cave mouth, I told the boys to wait. Ordered Coop to sit.
Alone, I hurried down the stone steps, through the crawl, and into the tunnel. Following Hawfield’s instructions, I located a hidden niche with both a key and extra lantern.
The cell was through the last opening on the left. I raced inside.
Ella was standing by the bars, having seen the light approach. Spying me, she burst into tears. “Oh thank God!” She reached a hand through the barrier. “I thought it was him again.”
I met her fingers, hugging my friend as best I could. “Told you I’d come back.”
Locating the lock, I inserted the key and opened the cell door. Ella stumbled out.
“Let’s get the hell out of here.” She was holding back sobs.
I wiped away a few tears of my own. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Hand in hand, we hurried from the chamber, ran the whole way back to the surface. Emerging in the failing light, I felt a sudden elation. A sense of fulfillment.
We’d done it!
We rescued Ella. Bagged the kidnapper. Foiled the twins’ awful scam. Even when things looked darkest, we’d kept our cool, using our brains and special skills to solve a crime the police never would have. A total Virals victory.
“Let’s head back to town.” My voice carried a distinct twinge of satisfaction. “I’m sure Detective Hawfield is anxious for a chat with his coworkers.”
My reference to police seemed to snap Hawfield from his funk.
“Release me,” he demanded calmly. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
Ben shoved Hawfield in the back, propelling the detective down a short incline. “We’re dealing with a criminal. Nothing more.”
I followed a pace behind, gun in hand, Coop by my side. Taking no chances.
At the bottom of the slope, Hawfield made his move.
The detective spun, catching Ben with a shoulder that knocked him sideways. His hands were suddenly free. I saw the glint of a second key as it fell to the dirt.
Coop charged. Leaped for the detective’s throat.
Hawfield caught the wolfdog, then crushed his injured paw with one meaty hand. Coop yowled in pain as Hawfield tossed him to the ground.
I gaped like a simpleton. Hawfield moved impossibly quick for a big man.
Shoot him.
But I hesitated for a split second, unprepared in the moment to actually take a life. Hawfield charged me. Slapped the HK45 from my grip.
The weapon flew backward, landing in an uneven pile of leaves.
Shoving me aside, Hawfield ran to the gun. Picked it up. Turned with a smile.
“Amateurs.”
He raised the weapon. Took aim right at me.
My heart stopped beating.
Creeeeeak!
Hawfield glanced down at his feet as the ground beneath him sagged.
A look of horror spread across his face.
CRACK.
Hawfield danced left, but his movement only increased the ripping and snapping sounds.
CRACK. CRACK.
Hawfield’s mouth formed an O.
SNAP.
With a ponderous groan, the ground gave way completely.
The detective disappeared in a whoosh of swirling leaves.
“Nooooooo!”
His scream lasted a three count, then ended with a sickening thud.
Hi crept to the edge of a black, gaping hole where Hawfield had been standing.
He looked down. Whistled.
“That’s pretty deep.” Hi cleared his throat. “I . . . uh . . . don’t think anyone could’ve survived that.”
“What just happened?” Shelton’s voice had risen ten octaves. “Did the earth open up?”
Shaken, I looked at Ella. She nodded grimly.
“It’s an old well,” I said. “Capped by rotting boards. Hawfield must’ve walked right on top of them, and he wasn’t a small man.”
I used the past tense. Knew the detective was dead.
Ben glanced nervously at the forest floor. “Are there any more of those?”
“I don’t think so.” Gently tugging Hiram back from the edge. “The cell Hawfield used is at the bottom of this shaft. The bastard just landed in his own cage.”
• • •
It took forty minutes to get back to the parking lot. The sun set as we walked, forcing us to rely on Hawfield’s lantern.
Hi and Shelton helped Ella along, offering encouragement when her steps faltered.
Reaching pavement, we stopped, somewhat at a loss.
“Soooo.” Shelton scratched his head. “What now?”
Against all odds, I snorted in amusement. “Honestly, I have no idea.”
“We just solved a quadruple kidnapping.” Hi shrugged. “That’s a good day, right?”
I nodded, but felt empty inside. A man had died.
An awful, evil man—one who’d fully intended to kill me. But it felt wrong to celebrate. A part of me was actually upset.
Ella read my mood. “I don’t feel sorry for that maniac. He was going to kill us both. Hawfield got what he deserved.”
“Truth.” But Ben’s eyes gave him away. He was troubled, too.
I was about to respond—with what, I have no idea—when flashing lights appeared in the distance.
“Crap, cops!” Then Hi did a double-take. “Wait, cops! That’s good this time!”
“Why are they out here?” Shelton asked. “Did anyone call them?”
Everyone shook their head.
“The gunshots?” Hi ventured. “Maybe some old lady lives in a shoe around here.”
My mind cleared. The police’s unexpected arrival clarified what to do.
“You three need to leave, right now.” I whistled for Coop, then snagged his collar when he approached. “Take the SUV and go. I’ll stay with Ella and handle the fallout.”
“Out of your mind,” Ben said immediately.
“I’m serious! You especially. There’s no reason for the cops to know you were here.”
“But how?” Hi waved at the driveway. “That cruiser is coming down the only road.”
“There’s a back way off the grounds,” Shelton said quickly. “Farther down this access road. We could drive away without anybody knowing.”
“I’m not leaving Tory to face this alone,” Ben insisted. “Get serious!”
The flashing lights grew closer, red and blue beams reflecting off the forest canopy overhead. A single police car was creeping down the driveway. Would reach the lot in moments.
“She’s right.” Hi stepped to Ben. “You can’t afford more bad publicity. Not again. Not right after the Gamemaster thing. And if you’re going, Shelton and I might as well bolt, too.” He turned. “No offense, Tor, but it makes the most sense for you to stay with Ella.”
“None taken. I completely agree.”
“I won’t tell anyone you guys were here,” Ella promised. “Not one word.”
Ben wagged his head in disbelief. “You’re all nuts.”
I turned to Ella. “Can you give us a minute alone?”
She nodded, strode a dozen yards across the parking lot. Arm-wrapping her body, she watched the cruiser’s cautious approach.
Shelton and Hi began to fidget, no doubt counting down the seconds.
I spoke softly. “The cops will e
at you alive, Benjamin Blue. You have to go.”
Ben tensed, ready to argue.
“Detective Hawfield died. This is going to get serious. It’s way too much heat for you. Please be sensible.”
Ben hesitated. Then his shoulders slumped.
“Maybe you’re right.” Deep breath. “But you’re taking away the other possibility, too.”
“I don’t understand.” I glanced over my shoulder at the approaching vehicle. “What other possibility?”
He smiled wanly. “Ben Blue, The Hero. That kinda would’ve been nice.”
I paused, at a loss for words. My heart broke for him.
“But that’s okay.” Ben dug keys from his pocket. “After all, we’re Virals, not heroes. And that’s fine. Plus, I’m not really the hero type.”
He turned to leave.
Impulsively, I grabbed Ben’s arm. Pulled him close.
Smashed my lips against his.
The kiss only lasted a second, but also an eternity.
Then I stepped back and shoved Ben toward the Explorer.
“Of course you’re the type.” I was grateful the darkness hid my blushes. “Now go.”
Ben stared, stricken, thunderstruck. Hi and Shelton watched, wide-eyed with shock.
“Weirdest birthday ever,” Hi whispered.
“Go!” I shooed them with both hands. “Hurry!”
Their paralysis broke. United in purpose, the boys piled into the SUV. I pushed Cooper in after them, ignoring his whines of protest.
Ben cranked the engine. Wearing a goofy grin, he spun the tires, then raced down the access road with his headlights off. The Explorer quickly vanished from sight.
Ella hurried back to my side. “What’d you say to convince him?”
My lips quirked. “I opted for surprise instead.”
Ella looked at me curiously, but let the comment slide.
I took a deep breath. “You ready for this?”
Ella flashed a shaky smile. “Absolutely not. Stay close.”
So we waited, holding hands, as the cruiser finally pulled into the lot.
The car rolled to a stop. The door opened. A familiar figure heaved himself out.
“Great day in the morning! It’s true!”
I almost smiled.
Inside, my wheels were spinning.
Maybe.
I strode to the car. “Hello, Captain Corcoran. How’d you end up at Drayton Hall?”
“Expert police work,” he shot back. “What in the world are you doing here? Not being kidnapped, I see.”
“Saving my life!” Ella said hotly. “No thanks to you!”
Recognizing her, Corcoran started. “Aren’t you supposed to be kidnapped?”
“Everyone relax.” I squeezed Ella’s shoulder, then turned my full attention on Corcoran.
“Let’s talk, Captain. We have a lot to tell you. Most of which you aren’t going to like.”
Corcoran frowned. “I’ve got enough problems already.”
“Sorry, but things are about to get worse.” I forced a smile. “But I’ve got a proposal that might interest you.”
Police headquarters was in an uproar.
Microphones and portable lights had been set up on the front steps. Captain Corcoran stood in the glare, fielding questions from the media.
His face was grave, but I could detect the glee hiding behind Corcoran’s carefully neutral expression. This was his moment.
I stood with Ben, Shelton, and Hi at the back of the throng.
Kit had taken Coop for a rest stop.
No one paid any attention to the four of us.
Corcoran had taken the deal.
“The Charleston Police Department has solved the Zodiac kidnappings,” Corcoran announced loudly. “Ella Francis has been returned to her parents, safe and sound. Peter and Lucy Gable are also uninjured.”
A reporter with poufy brown hair and scarlet press-on nails pushed forward. “Is it true that a member of our police force was the Zodiac kidnapper?”
Corcoran glared at the woman. “I can’t comment on that at this time. I will say that a veteran detective in the Major Crimes Division was killed during the rescue of Ella Francis. His involvement in the case is currently under investigation.”
A white-haired man with a strong voice called out. “Was Detective Fergus Hawfield the Zodiac kidnapper? Where are the Gable twins?”
Corcoran’s face reddened. “We aren’t going into specifics on the front steps, Harold!”
A roar of voices erupted in response. Questions flew at the captain.
“He’s not enjoying himself as much now,” Hi observed. “What a douche. When the press learns what Hawfield did, they’re gonna bury this department. Corcoran wanted to be the face of this debacle?”
“He didn’t mention us.” Light glinted off Shelton’s lenses. “That’s good enough for me.”
“Corcoran will survive,” Ben commented sourly. “He always does. We crack the case, he gets to be the hero.”
My head whipped to Ben. Was that bitterness?
I saw no trace. Ben was smiling, relaxed for the first time in days.
Maybe months.
I thought back to my impulsive kiss in the parking lot. Felt my ears burn.
“Ella’s gonna play ball?” Shelton asked. “Keep our secret?”
“No question.” I zipped my Windbreaker, shutting out the cool night air. “She won’t mention we were there.”
“And Corcoran will stick to the script?” Hi shook his head. “The guy’s not a rocket scientist. Or a rock scientist. He’s dumb, is what I’m saying.”
“True, but he’s very ambitious.” I fervently hoped that was enough. “Corcoran will say he tracked Hawfield to the woods, tricked him into emptying his gun, then chased him onto the covered well. Then brave Captain Corcoran entered the slave pen and rescued Ella. She’ll go along with all of it. For our sake.”
“Lying to the police.” Shelton shivered. “I can’t believe she agreed to that.”
I watched Corcoran attempting to field questions without answering them. His face was flushed, his hairline damp with sweat. His eyes darted like a hunted animal.
Enjoy the spotlight, Captain.
“Ella’s a friend,” I said. “She knows what we did for her. And since there won’t be a trial . . .”
I trailed off. None of us liked talking about Hawfield’s death.
The detective had threatened to kill me. Had tried to on at least three occasions. In the end, his own actions had led to his demise. That and a few planks of rotten wood.
If he’d consented to being arrested, he’d still be here.
Hawfield had been every bit as cold-blooded as the Gamemaster.
The man deserved zero pity, especially from his intended victims.
And yet . . .
A hand on my shoulder.
“It’s not our fault,” Ben said quietly. “You shouldn’t feel bad.”
I reached up, covered his hand with my own. “I know. But I do.”
Shelton’s voice startled us apart.
“So the Gable twins called Corcoran?”
I nodded. “Corcoran said he got the call around four. Lucy and Peter were at the airport, although Corcoran didn’t know that at the time. They told him pretty much everything—that the kidnapping was a fake, about Hawfield’s involvement, even the cell’s location.”
Hi snorted. “We’re lucky Captain Crunch took them seriously.”
“It wasn’t luck.” I smiled. “Corcoran thought the call was a prank—but then he remembered you three, in his office, screaming about me being abducted in the same woods. He was still skeptical, and thought maybe you guys were the pranksters. So rather than risk any embarrassment, Corcoran kept the tip to himself and drove out to
Drayton alone for a quick look-see. If he hadn’t, we’d all still be filling out reports.”
Hi straightened, as if a thought had just occurred to him. “The twins saw you, Tor! If they ever get caught—and tell the police their story—you’ll be implicated.”
“I know. But they’re on the run. Corcoran said they flew to London, then on to Prague. The authorities still want to charge them, but with Hawfield having ‘solved’ the Zodiac kidnappings, the police aren’t going to start some international manhunt for two spoiled kids. Except for Hawfield, no one got hurt, and the ransom was never paid. If the twins stay out of South Carolina, they’ll probably never face any charges.”
“I hope they stay abroad forever,” Ben said. “Losers.”
“It won’t be a disaster if they do talk,” I said, hoping I was right. “The twins saw me confront Hawfield in the barn, but they ran before the detective took me hostage. There’s nothing linking me to the cell, Ella’s kidnapping, or Hawfield’s death. Plus, Lucy and Peter had nothing to do with Ella’s abduction. Corcoran buys that—why else would they have called and ratted out the dirtbag?”
Hi pursed his lips. “The twins could be charged with what? Extortion? Lying to the police? Inventing a kidnapping? Accessory to assault?”
“Nothing to sneeze at.” But I frowned. “Those idiots could actually wiggle their way out of trouble, if they stay away long enough, then negotiate a surrender. Corcoran says he’ll stay on their case, and it’s definitely in his interests to keep my name out of any statements the twins might make. I think I’ll be okay.”
Corcoran’s voice boomed from the speakers. “How? Keen police instincts, that’s how. Investigating alone, I was able to locate the place where Ella Francis was being held, overcome her abductor, and free the poor girl.”
Camera flashes strobed. Corcoran adopted a stern, manly countenance, pausing to allow the photographers to get his good side. Unintentionally, his gaze fell on me.
The captain quickly looked away, his expression souring.
I hope they use that face for the morning papers.
“What a buffoon.” Hi covered his eyes. “I can’t watch. He’s taking credit for everything.”
Footsteps behind me.
Kit’s hands fell on my shoulders. Ben edged slightly away.
“We need to get home, kiddo.” He spoke gently. “Coop’s in the car. I’m glad you were able to come down and see your friend, just give me a little warning next time. Whitney and I are thrilled Ella’s safe and sound. And the Gable kids, too, I guess. Although, I swear.”