Trail of Secrets Read online

  Seth shook his head. “How much more is going to happen to Dan and Callie tonight?”

  The captain exhaled a deep breath. “I don’t know. This is the busiest night we’ve had in a long time, and a lot of what’s happened has centered on Dan.”

  “I know.” Seth glanced around the bystanders. “Where is Callie? I don’t see her anywhere.”

  Captain Wilson pointed toward his cruiser, which sat about halfway down the block. “She’s in my car. Of course she was wearing her robe and pajamas and wasn’t able to save any of her clothes. I told her to sit in there until we could figure out what to do.”

  “I’ll go check on her. Maybe I can help.”

  Captain Wilson nodded. “Thanks.”

  Seth jogged down the street and stopped at the squad car parked there. He opened the front door and leaned in on the driver’s side. Callie sat huddled against the front passenger side door, her head resting against the back of the seat.

  “Callie, are you all right?”

  She opened her eyes and sat up straighter. “Seth, what are you doing here? You should be home getting some rest.”

  He shook his head, climbed in the car and closed the door. “Captain Wilson called me when he got here, and I rushed right over. I wanted to check on you. How did you get out of the house?”

  “The way Uncle Dan taught me when I was a child. Out my window, across the garage roof and down the drainpipe to the ground. I used to get tired of him making me practice, but now I’m glad he did. Otherwise I might be burned to a crisp in that house.”

  “Do you know how the fire started?”

  She gave a wry chuckle. “Well, it wasn’t faulty wiring, that’s for sure.”

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I’m sure the firemen have already discovered the smell of accelerant in the flames.”

  His eyes grew wide. “Are you saying the fire was set deliberately?”

  “Yes.”

  For the next few minutes Seth listened as Callie related what had happened after he’d left her at the house. His heart sank when she described the flames racing across the entry and how she’d had to leap over some of them to get to the staircase. When she’d finished, she directed a somber stare at him.

  “I keep thinking about how Uncle Dan acted after he picked me up at the airport. It was as if he knew somebody was after him. Why else would he have tried to get me to stay at the Peabody Hotel rather than at home?”

  Seth nodded. “The fact that he said he needed to tell me something makes me think he probably had gotten some new information, something that might lead to solving this case. That would mean the shooting attempt was a way to keep him from ever revealing what he’d found out.”

  “Yes, but Uncle Dan didn’t die.”

  “And you foiled the second attempt on his life.”

  Callie let out a long breath. “And now somebody knows I can identify the man who tried to kill Uncle Dan tonight. They want to shut me up for good, too. If I hadn’t escaped the burning house, I’d be dead right now.”

  Seth raked his hand through his hair and he gritted his teeth. “This is my fault. I should never have left you alone. How could I ever face Dan again if I let anything happen to you?”

  Callie reached over and placed her hand on his arm. “None of this is your fault, Seth. I should have known I’d be in danger after seeing the scar and tattoo on that man in Uncle Dan’s room. But I have to admit, I’m glad I was able to find this before they torched the house.”

  He glanced at the notebook that sat in her lap. “You found Dan’s notebook.”

  “Yes. Have you ever looked at it?”

  “Yes. He showed it to me several times. He would be down in the dumps for days after finding out that his latest lead had gone nowhere. Sometimes I’d go over to his house, and he’d have it open to the woman’s picture. I think he spent a lot of time looking at it and wishing she could tell him her secrets. But of course she couldn’t.”

  “I’m glad I was able to save this. Maybe we can look through it tomorrow. There are several things I want to ask you about, but I’m too tired tonight.” She stifled a yawn. “I couldn’t go to sleep earlier, but I feel like I could now. The only problem is I have nowhere to sleep—not to mention no clothes and no money. My wallet burned in the fire. I have no idea where I’m going to stay.”

  “I do. You’re going home with me. My sister’s room is empty since she got married, and my mother and I would be happy to have you stay with us while you’re in Memphis.”

  Her eyes grew wide. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Your mother probably hates me because of what happened between us, and I’m sure it would make you feel uncomfortable to have me in the house, too.”

  His face grew warm, but he tried to laugh. “I thought we had this settled. Our relationship was over a long time ago. I accepted that and so did my mother. Besides, with all Mom’s activities, she’s gone quite a bit.”

  Callie smiled. “So she’s still trying to enjoy life to the fullest.”

  “Yeah. I never know what to expect next from her. I don’t know if she’ll be volunteering at one of the hospitals, going on a mission trip to Ecuador or off on a camping trip with her friends to the Smokies.”

  “I always liked her. Are you sure she won’t mind my staying there for a few days?”

  “She’ll be happy to have you. So, which will it be? I can pay for a hotel room or offer you the hospitality of the Dawtry household.”

  She studied him a moment before she smiled. “Thank you, Seth. It’s easy to say we can let the past go, but it’s really hard to do. I know you’re only doing this because you promised Uncle Dan you’d take care of me, but I appreciate it.”

  He bit down on his lip and pulled his cell phone from his pocket. “I’ll call Captain Wilson and tell him I’m taking you to my mother’s house. I don’t think there’s any reason for you to stay around here any longer.”

  A few minutes later with the message delivered to the captain, the two of them walked back to Seth’s car. He opened the passenger door for Callie and held it for her to climb inside. Before she did, she turned her head and stared over her shoulder at the still-burning fire. He heard a little sob in her throat before she ducked her head and got in.

  When he slid behind the steering wheel, he glanced at her. She stared straight ahead through the windshield for a moment before she swiveled in her seat and faced him.

  “I’ve always loved my uncle, but tonight when he was almost taken from me twice, I realized how thankful I should have been all these years for a man who devoted his life to me. I feel so ashamed, Seth, for accepting everything he did for me without letting him know how thankful I was for him.”

  “You shouldn’t. Dan wouldn’t want that.”

  “He wouldn’t, because that’s the kind of person he is. How many people are there who would spend all those years raising their niece or looking for the elusive answers to the identity of a murder victim?”

  Seth rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled. “Not many, but then Dan’s not like other people.”

  “He’s not. And one thing about him that I tried to ignore but shouldn’t have is that he was always a cop at heart, just like my dad.” She sighed. “I’ve been thinking about what Anthony said about me being able to stand up to the bad guys like my father and uncle did.”

  “Why have you thought about that?”

  “Because I never thought my temperament was anything like my father’s or Uncle Dan’s. I’m a lot like my mother. She was a very quiet woman. She never forced herself on anyone, and she was quick to ignore things people did to hurt her. Up to a certain point, that is. She would let harsh words or insults go for a while, but then she reached her breaking point. When that happened, I pitied the person she focused her anger on. It
was like a dam broke, and all her pent-up emotions poured out.”

  “And you say you’re like that, too?” Seth asked.

  She nodded. “Maybe not as much as she was, but to some extent. Not many hours ago I flew into Memphis ready to go on a Hawaiian vacation with my uncle, who was about to retire. Within minutes, we were shot at, trapped in a wrecked vehicle and transported in an ambulance. My uncle then endured extensive surgery, was hooked up to life-saving machines and then nearly smothered by an assailant. That was quite enough, but someone wasn’t through. He then attempted to murder me and burned down our house in the process, leaving Uncle Dan with no worldly possessions left. I think that’s quite enough to exceed my breaking point, too.”

  Seth frowned. “I don’t understand what you’re saying, Callie.”

  She took a deep breath. “I’m saying that because I was there, I’m now on their list, too. Somebody tried to kill me in the wreck and then in the house—not to mention Scarface nearly shooting me before the marshal interrupted.” She gritted her teeth and glared at him. “No way am I going to let these people get away with all they’ve done to my family. Whoever is behind all this has to be stopped. We need to find out who these people are and why they want to kill Uncle Dan and now me. And in finding them, we just might be able to discover Hope’s identity and why someone doesn’t want it revealed.”

  Seth stared at her in disbelief. “Are you saying you want to track down whoever’s done these things to you and Dan?” He chuckled and shook his head. “Callie, you’re a college professor. You know nothing about police work.”

  She nodded. “I know that, but I’m smart, Seth. And I’m determined. I can figure things out, and you understand how to investigate. I think we’d make a good team.”

  “I don’t know, Callie. This is too dangerous for you to get involved in.”

  “I’m already involved, Seth. Somebody welcomed me into this case when he pointed a gun at the car I was riding in. I want to know who it was and why he did it. I think the only way to find out who that was is to first find out who Hope was and how she ended up in the Mississippi River.”

  He stared at her for a moment before he smiled. “Maybe you’re right. I’d sure like to solve Dan’s case. It can’t hurt to give it a try. But first, let’s try to get a few hours’ sleep before we make any decision on this.”

  She buckled her seat belt and smiled. “That sounds good. I just hope I’m able to sleep after facing your mother for the first time since we broke up. I don’t imagine she’s going to be happy to see me on her doorstep.”

  Seth started to protest his mother would welcome Callie into their home, but instead he shook his head. His mother loved her children, and she could be as ferocious as a mother bear in protecting her offspring.

  Uncertain of what awaited them, Seth started the car and headed toward home.

  FOUR

  Seth unlocked the front door of his house and allowed Callie to step inside first. She walked into the entry hall, stopped and looked around. He wondered if she was remembering the last time she’d been here. It had been almost two years ago, and she had come for dinner. His mother and sister had excused themselves after they’d eaten because they knew Seth was planning on proposing.

  He still remembered the white summer dress she was wearing that night and how beautiful she’d looked in the light from the candles. Every time she smiled at him, he would reach down and touch his coat pocket where the ring box rested to make sure it was still there.

  After dinner he and Callie had gone into the den and settled on the couch. It was then she’d turned to him and told him she had decided to take the job at the University of Virginia and would be leaving town at the end of the week. The news had been so completely unexpected he could only stare at her in disbelief.

  “B-but Callie,” he had finally managed to stammer, “I thought you were going to take the job at the University of Memphis. What made you change your mind?”

  She’d had trouble meeting his gaze. “It’s quite an honor to be hired at Virginia.”

  “I know. But I don’t want you to go. I want you to stay here and marry me. Have you changed your mind about loving me?”

  A sad look had flickered in her eyes. “No, I haven’t changed my mind. I do love you, but I don’t think it’s going to work out for us. I’m still young, and I’m not ready for marriage and motherhood. I want to concentrate on my career. I can’t do that if I’m married.”

  He’d frowned and shaken his head. “I would never keep you from following your dreams. In fact, I would help you any way I could, and I wouldn’t push you to have children until you were ready.”

  “But I know how important having a family is to you. You want to be the kind of father that you never had, and you need to find somebody who wants the same things you do.”

  “I don’t want anybody else. I want you. Please take the job at the University of Memphis and marry me.” The words had rolled from his mouth like a plea.

  She’d shaken her head. “The program at Virginia is one of the best in the country, and I want to teach there.”

  He’d grabbed her hands and scooted closer. “This is about more than just the school where you’ll teach. Does it have anything to do with the fact that I’m a policeman?”

  She’d tried to pull away from him, but he tightened his grip. “Please, Seth. Don’t make this harder than it already is.”

  He’d struggled to think of something to say that would change her mind. “Is this about your father’s death? If it is, you can’t live the rest of your life afraid the same thing is going to happen to someone else you love.”

  She’d pulled from his grip and slowly risen to her feet. “I’m sorry, Seth. I’m convinced you could never be happy with me. I’ve made up my mind, and nothing’s going to change it.”

  Without another word she’d turned and walked from his house and out of his life. He hadn’t spoken with her again until he’d arrived at the scene of the accident and saw her standing behind the ambulance. Now she was in his house again, and he could hardly believe it. He had to keep reminding himself that he was doing this for Dan. As far as Callie was concerned, he couldn’t wait for her to go back to Virginia.

  He shook his head to clear it of thoughts of the past and stepped inside. A sound in the kitchen caught his attention, and he glanced up to see his mother standing in the door at the end of the hall. Her long gray hair was pulled up in a bun at the back of her head, and she wore the comfortable robe he’d given her last Christmas. Her eyebrows were arched, and she darted a quick glance from Seth to Callie.

  She frowned and settled her gaze on Seth. “I thought you’d gone to bed after you got home from the hospital. I didn’t hear you go out again.”

  “I didn’t want to wake you when I left. I received a call that Dan’s house was on fire. Callie barely escaped with her life.”

  His mother’s eyes darkened, and she stepped forward and grasped Callie’s hands in hers. “How awful for you, my dear. Were you burned or hurt anywhere?”

  Callie shook her head. “No, I was able to get out by going out the window of my bedroom. But it was a terrifying experience.” She glanced at Seth and cleared her throat. “I’m sure you’re surprised to see me here, but Seth insisted I come home with him. I don’t want to be any bother to you. I’ll check into a hotel later today.”

  “You’ll do nothing of the sort. We have an empty bedroom, and you’re welcome to stay here as long as you need.” His mother’s gaze raked Callie, who still wore her gown and robe. “It looks like you’ll need some help with clothes first. I’ll go to the mall as soon as it opens and pick you up a few things until you can get what you want.”

  Tears sparkled in Callie’s eyes. “Thank you, Mrs. Dawtry. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about having me stay. Especially after the last time I was here.”


  His mother put her arm around Callie. “That was a long time ago. I just hope your life has turned out the way you wanted.” She gestured toward the kitchen. “I’m an early riser, and I already have a pot of coffee made, if you want some. With the night you’ve had, I imagine you’re worn out. I’ll fix you some breakfast, or I’ll show you to the guest room if you’d like.”

  Callie rubbed her hand across her eyes. “I think I’d like to go to bed for a while if that’s all right. Please don’t go to any trouble for me.”

  “I won’t, but if you need anything, please let me know.”

  Seth motioned to the stairs. “I’ll show you to your room.”

  His mother shook her head. “I can do that. You go have a cup of coffee. I’ll come back down after I’ve gotten Callie settled.”

  She grabbed Callie by the arm and guided her upstairs before he had a chance to object. Seth watched them go before he walked into the kitchen, poured himself a cup of coffee and sat down at the kitchen table. He stared down into the murky depths of his cup for a few minutes until he heard his mother reenter the room. He looked up as she slipped into the chair across from him. A worried frown wrinkled her forehead.

  “Are you all right, Seth?” she asked.

  He nodded. “Sure. Why would you ask that?”

  She glanced over her shoulder toward the hallway stairs and back at him. “The woman you wanted to marry has just come into our home again. I’m afraid her presence here is going to bring back bad memories for you.”

  He shook his head. “I got over Callie a long time ago. When I saw Dan tonight, I knew he wanted me to watch out for her. I couldn’t very well leave her on the street after his house burned down. How would I ever face him again if I’d done that?”

  His mother nodded. “I know.”

  Seth raked his hand through his hair and swallowed hard. “I have to admit I was worried about bringing her here. You were angry with Callie for a long time after she left town.”