The Harvest Club Read online

  “But thank God, she’ll live. Young man, are you the one that she’s always fighting with?”

  “That would be affirmative.”

  “Let me tell you a secret about my granddaughter. She’s just like me you know.”

  “I wouldn’t doubt it.” He was glad she couldn’t see his grin.

  “The minute you tell her not to do something, she’ll do exactly what you told her not to do. Her dad has tried to run her life, and she wouldn’t have grown into the woman she’s become without defying him and standing on her own two feet. She was an only child, and he never wanted to let her out of his sight.” She paused. “Don’t lecture her or tell her, young man, ask her. She’ll think it through and do what she thinks is right. She really is a remarkable young woman.”

  “Yes, I’ve noticed.” Matt’s grin broadened.

  “Young man, have her call me when she’s up to it. Watch over her and try to appreciate the gifts she brings you. You just might find fate has handed you a treasure. If not, the worst you can do is have a loyal friend, which given the chance, she will become. It isn’t really a test of the strongest will, but how to take two strong people and combine them as a team. I think I like you, Mr. Parker.”

  “Thanks, I take that as a compliment coming from you.”

  “You should. Stay safe and keep her safe.”

  When Matt ended the call, he couldn’t stop smiling. Sadie must have given the boys a run for their money when she was young. Actually, she still probably could. He liked her.

  Keep her safe echoed in his mind. With Jessie’s cooperation, he would!

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Did you get the job done?” Buddy wasn’t dumb. He answered on the speaker and turned on the tape recorder. This was his protection against his boss ratting him out.

  “Yes, sir, it’s done. I mailed a copy of her article about Gina to your office. It should be there by the time you arrive back in town.”

  “Lie low for a while. She might be able to ID you.” He sounded irritated. “This would be a good time for you to leave for a nice warm vacation spot. You know what to do, just get out of the area for a few weeks. We’ll let them think everything is done, and then who knows what might happen? It all depends on where she decides to stick her pretty little nose next.”

  “The police in all of these small towns are no match for us. Hell, we’ve been operating right under their noses for close to five years. They’ll never catch us.”

  “Before you gloat too much, remember I told you to get the hell out of there. If you get caught, you may end up like one of your victims.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll disappear until you want me back. Call me when you need me.”

  “That’s more like it. You know how important this is to so many people who are counting on us. The money is secondary.” He chuckled. “Hell, who am I kidding. It’s the only reason for sticking our freaking necks out. Rick was a damn idiot for bringing her here.”

  “You have to admit she’s a looker.”

  “So was Gina. Pretty women are a dime a dozen. You can find another one just around the corner. I didn’t spare Gina, and I won’t spare Jessie if she gets too close to the truth.” His tone hardened. “You do what you’re told, and you can retire a very rich man. Let me down, and you’ll retire a dead man minus a few parts.” He snickered.

  “You don’t have to worry about me, boss. I’m out of here.” He cursed the man under his breath.

  “Go, but be ready. I may need you back here at a moment’s notice to deal with her or him. Maybe both, it’s my choice.” He chuckled. “I’m not who people think I am, that upstanding elected official or better yet a nondescript little nobody. Even my wife, God rest her soul, used to ridicule my lack of stature, but who’s laughing now?” He snickered. “I made her disappear. The good and moral citizens believed me, the model of propriety, when I told them she had died of a heart attack. They never thought to check and see if there was more to it. There are so many drugs. You can add a little here and a little there, and over time, goodbye, nagging bitch. But you know, Buddy, what I’m capable of.”

  “Yes, sir, I sure as hell do.”

  “When I say jump, you jump, no questions asked. If I say kill, you do it, and if I want you gone, you go.” He laughed as he hung up the phone.

  He was one crazy bastard, and Buddy knew he would be stupid not to fear him. He took the tape and slipped into his pocket. It was going with him.

  ****

  Jessie awoke to find Matt and Dylan still there, the pleasant smell of bacon and eggs filling the air. Her stomach grumbled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten for a while. She tried getting up, groaned, and lay back down. Every part of her body hurt, even her eyelids. Her head felt like a hatchet was buried in the back of it. But the aroma of coffee kept her struggling toward a sitting position.

  “Good morning, sleeping beauty.” Dylan smiled at her. “How are you feeling?”

  “Wrong analogy, I feel more like the wicked witch of the west this morning.”

  “That good, huh?” Matt smiled at her quip.

  “I need to get up.” She reached for the crutches. “I’m surprised you’re still here.” She swayed for a moment, trying to get the hang of the crutches.

  “Everyone has their assignments, and we were waiting for you to get up. You have to come with us.” Matt paused and reached across to turn off the stove. “By the way, you’re not expected back at work until Monday. James said he would take care of a temporary replacement. His wife is arranging to have meals brought in, and your grandmother called. I had a nice talk with her.”

  “I just bet you did.” She frowned. “You didn’t worry her, did you?”

  “She called because she felt something was wrong. She was right, wasn’t she? I was careful what I said. You and she are two peas in pod.” He laughed. “There’s been a change of plans, by the way. You will be our shadow for a few days. I’m afraid you’ll have to tag along with us.”

  “Something smells good. I’ll be back in a few.” She spoke over her shoulder.

  When she came out of her room, she had managed to get dressed. She had on a simple sundress, thongs, the only shoes she could wear with her toe, and she had pulled her hair into a ponytail.

  She noticed both of them looking at her. “What, isn’t this okay?”

  “Actually, I was thinking how pretty you look,” Dylan stated.

  “Thank you.” She ate and listened to them going over plans as they talked on the phone with their field operatives who were at various locations. The plane from India was due in at three.

  “As soon as you’re through here, I want to get you over to the station to look at mug shots. I would like to believe we’ll have him behind bars this afternoon, but I bet he is already underground,” Matt told her pointedly.

  Dylan got the dishes loaded in the dishwasher, the kitchen cleaned up, and handed her the meds from the doctor. “You should put these in your purse. You may need them to take the edge off the pain. It’s going to be a long day for you.”

  “True. Before the day is over, you’ll be wishing you were back here on this couch. I don’t know how else to watch over you except by keeping you with us. With all the help, we’re still shorthanded.” Matt handed her the crutches, his tone all business.

  “I’ll bring a good book, and I’ll be fine.” She grabbed her book from the table and shoved it in her purse. Matt apparently didn’t have the time or patience for her to hobble to the car. Before she could say no, he picked her up and carried to the car. She fought him all the way, trying to keep her dress from riding up. A struggle ensued getting in the back seat.

  Dylan had a pillow for her head and one for her foot. He tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Matt was already behind the wheel, fidgeting. “Dylan, get a move on it.”

  While Matt drove to the station, Jessie checked the messages on her phone and noticed she had missed several calls. She started returning calls and texts. The last two
she had to take care of were from Katie and Mrs. Morris. “What time should I tell Mrs. Morris to bring dinner?” Jessie threw out the question.

  “I think 6:30 would be a safe bet,” Matt responded.

  “Dylan is going to be on stakeout tonight, and I’ll be with you. Your house will be my command center for a little while. So they’ll be setting up some equipment in there today, if that’s okay.” He looked at her in his mirror.

  “Fine by me.” She smiled in agreement.

  “I’ll need to give them a key.” He glanced back at her.

  “Okay, I have an extra one.”

  Matt and Dylan started talking so she used the moment to call Katie.

  “Hey, it’s me.”

  “Where are you? I just saw Matt’s car go by.”

  “I’m in the backseat of the car on my way to the station to look at mug shots.”

  “Did you take the pain meds the doc gave you so you don’t hurt all day?”

  “No, I need to be clear headed. I’ll take it when I’m done.”

  “Don’t let it get too bad, or it will be hard to get it under control. I’m still upset with you for not telling me about all the things that have happened to you. I just heard about the bizarre notes and Mr. Yamamoto.”

  “Sorry, not telling you is one of the hardest things I ever had to do.” She smiled. “You know me and secrets, Katie. I can’t and never could keep one. I had to tell someone, and it always seemed to be you.”

  “You’ve had an awful week, friend.” Katie’s voice cracked.

  “Mr. Yamamoto was by far the worst. You never told me he died. I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to go into my office again without seeing him in my mind, hanging there.” Jessie paused. “It was awful.”

  “I can’t imagine. Add to that, being chased by some big oaf. It’s amazing you want anything to do with this town.”

  “If it doesn’t kill me first, I think I might actually grow to enjoy living here. Oh, I needed to let you know in case you see someone going into my house that the police will be bringing in some equipment today, and Mrs. Morris will be there at 6:30 with dinner from the ladies at church.”

  “Be careful, Jessie, I’m afraid for you.”

  “They’ll watch over me, and I’ll be fine.” She paused. “Katie, I hope you know I’ll tell you what I can, whenever I can. You are the one person who always gives me perspective.”

  “I know. I’m just bent out of shape. I could have lost you, and that’s not an option for me. You have to be the maid of honor at my wedding.”

  Jessie started grinning. “Are we talking about the near future here?”

  “It’s wishful thinking for now, but I did meet someone who causes my little heart to flutter.”

  “Now, who is the one holding out? Is it who I think it is?”

  “Not Dylan, although I like him, too, but he doesn’t seem too interested. Bruce was a guest at the inn, and we have been emailing back and forth. He’ll be here at the end of July for a visit.”

  “We’re at the station so I need to go. Walking on these crutches is harder than it looks. It takes me forever to get anywhere.” Jessie laughed. “You’ll have to tell me all about him this weekend. By the way, the best way to jump-start something is let someone see there’s some competition.”

  “And people think you’re just a dumb blonde. Talk to you later.”

  As good as her word, Jessie struggled but kept trying to use the crutches to get to the door from the parking lot. She could tell Matt’s patience was wearing thin. He was about to pick her up and carry her, yet again.

  “Don’t even think about it!” she snapped at him. “I need to learn to use these things, and I will even if it kills me.” She worked at it, and by the time she got to the door, she was starting to get the hang of it. Once inside she was also ready to plop down in the nearest chair and hope she didn’t have to move again for a long while. Every drop of spare energy she had in reserve had been used up getting her in the door.

  She propped herself up with the crutches leaning against the wall, hoping she didn’t look as depleted as she felt. If she had to get away from anyone today, she was in deep trouble.

  “Joe, escort Jessie into the conference area, and bring her the book of mug shots to look at. It’ll take her a while to get there.” He looked at her. “I’ll be back to check on you, later.”

  “Go. I’ll be fine. Joe, pay no attention to him.” She grinned. “I’m making good progress for being a new student in the fine art of using crutches and hobbling.”

  Jessie was so happy to reach the conference room and to sit down. She thought she would be content to look at the faces of criminals all day if she didn’t have move again. She spent about thirty minutes looking at every kind of face imaginable, but she knew him the minute she saw the photo of him. His name was Buddy Maxwell, and as she stared at the black and white photo, the saying “a face only a mother could love” came to mind. Buddy’s face looked like it had been worked over several times by a boxer. He was a huge, homely man, all six feet eight inches of him.

  No wonder she’d lost all common sense when she saw his face with the lightning as a background. She shuddered to think of it, now.

  Dylan popped his head in the door. “How’s it going?”

  “I found him.” She pointed at the photo. “I need the ladies’ room, and I really hope it’s not too far away.”

  “It’s right across the hall. I’ll get Matt and meet you back here.”

  She kept them waiting for more than ten minutes. When she finally came in the room, she felt pale and clammy. Her head was pounding. Several guys were standing around looking impatient, but when they got a look at her face, their demeanor changed. She was helped to a chair, a glass of water was brought in, and Dylan grabbed her pain pills out of her purse.

  “Sorry, Jess, we keep forgetting your injuries are only a few hours old. Can you show us the photo?” Matt was all business as she pointed.

  “It’s Buddy Maxwell.” She tried to find a comfortable position, shifting in the chair.

  Matt was on the phone instantly barking out orders, and the room was suddenly empty as officers scrambled to the address given for Buddy. It was at least an hour’s drive from where they now were, but the details of the various agencies cooperating had been worked out in advance because the Harvest Club members involved so many jurisdictions.

  Matt had forgotten she was there, and no one was left in the room but her. She took the pain pill, called her grandma Sadie, and hoped she would remain upright in the chair. She tended to get loopy or fall asleep when she used pain pills. Her last coherent thought was that she hoped Buddy was underground because it would take every one of them and maybe more to take him down.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Buddy lived in small house on the outskirts of Rocky Pointe. Matt had called ahead to Rocky Pointe, and in the time it took his officers to drive there, a judge had issued an arrest and search warrant on probable cause and a witness’s testimony. Officers from Rocky Pointe, the county sheriff’s, and Blue Cove converged on his house. With guns drawn and a sharp shooter on the roof of the house across the street, they entered Buddy’s house.

  Once the house had been cleared, Matt told the officers, “We need to do this search by the book. That means gloves on, tag it, and bag it. We don’t want this guy let out on a technicality. Get it right the first time.”

  Room by room, they systematically made their way through his empty house looking for any potential evidence and anything that might incriminate Buddy. They meticulously documented and photographed the premises, creating their visual record. Dylan helped tag, log, and package evidence, trying to keep it uncompromised and intact.

  Mr. Murphy, Buddy’s neighbor, approached Matt. “I saw him leave with a bag about an hour before you got here. He told me he was taking a trip.”

  “Has he ever caused any trouble?” Matt asked him.

  “To tell you the truth, I hardly ever seen him. He
’s a giant of a guy and a little on the menacing side, always dresses in all black. He basically kept to himself. What did he do?”

  “I can’t talk about the particulars of the case, but thanks for your information. Give your name to Bob standing over there, and tell him what you told me. If you see him come back around, please give us a call.” Matt handed him his card, shook his hand, and walked into the house.

  Mr. Murphy gave his name to the officer and then walked back toward his house, sat down on a chair to watch all the comings and goings.

  The evidence was gathered, including pictures of Gina and Jessie, which Buddy had lining a wall in his office. He must have been watching and photographing them for a while. He also had pictures of the church office and Mr. Yamamoto swinging from the rafter. Buddy’s computer was confiscated, along with several other items. Maybe they would gather some information from his files. Matt could only hope this guy wasn’t as savvy as the rest of the Harvest Club. All his photos were evidence that either he wasn’t too smart or maybe overconfident that he wouldn’t get caught.

  “Man, this place is a dump.” Matt looked around him noticing the trash, dishes in the sink, and clothes lying everywhere.

  “He had a hell of fascination with these two women,” a deputy said.

  “At least he has good taste.”

  “He is one ugly son of a bitch. It’s probably the only way he’d get a woman like this, in a fantasy.”

  By the time Matt returned to Blue Cove, a few hours had elapsed. He found Jessie sound asleep, her head resting on her folded arms on the table. She had to be uncomfortable, but she didn’t stir when he walked into the room and sat next to her.

  He touched her shoulder lightly. “Jess, I can take you home now.”

  She startled, flailing, as she tried to awaken from the drug-induced fog she was in.

  “Easy, it’s okay, Jess.” He tried to calm her as he put his arm around her.