Haunted (Michael Bennett 10)

Sandy said, “So you’re saying there are drugs hidden at the top of the closet in the office?”

Two state cops overheard it and raced into the house. Someone would claim a great stat and possibly a cash seizure. It wasn’t in Sandy’s jurisdiction anyway.

Sandy said, “All I’ve gotten out of Sadie is that she was in fear for her life and defending herself. She keeps repeating it like a mantra. If I were the suspicious type, I would think she was coached by a professional.”

“Is that something you want to look into?”

“Not a chance.”

I smiled as I sighed with relief. I said, “My two new partners have some other interesting information for us. I just got a few details, but it’s pretty good stuff. I thought you might want to invite one of your state friends in for a longer interview.”

“What did they say?”

“That the Canadian mob has been trying to corner the market on synthetic drugs. They’ve made a big push into meth, ecstasy, and anything else that can be cooked up in a half-assed lab.”

“Interesting, but will it help with our case at all?”

“It seems that a couple of Quebecers with an attitude came to explain the market to Mr. Streeter around five months ago. During the course of the explanation, Mr. Streeter lost control and shot both of them. For one reason or another he and D.T. and Billy Ray buried the bodies behind the barn. That should be pretty easy to check out. That would also give us a murder rap on good old Dell.”

Sandy let out a little laugh and shook her head. “Could you be any more satisfied with yourself?”

“Not as it relates to this investigation. Neither of these two admitted to shooting Mickey Bale. I didn’t want to scare them off by mentioning something they could be charged with. Maybe during the longer interview, you and one of the state cops can get them to talk about it.”

“I’d say you did all right. At least for a rookie Linewiler cop. Maybe you’ve got a future in this business.”

“It’s funny you say that. I’ve been looking at all my options recently. I’m going to leave it up to other people. I’ve missed out on too many things with my family not to include them in any decision I make about my career.”

“Good for you.” She looked over her shoulder at Sadie, who was swinging gently in the little porch swing.

I said, “Do you think she’s going to be okay?”

“I’ll keep a close eye on her. I think she might have exorcised some of her demons today. But she’s got a lot of healing to do.”

Then Sandy looked me in the eye and said, “Now what? You’ve only got a couple more days of vacation. What’s your plan for that family? You’ve solved all the world’s problems here. Now you’ve got to focus on them.”

“I’ve got big plans for them. Right now I’m going to go home, grab a few hours’ sleep, then run into town for a couple of errands. By this time tomorrow, everyone will have a clear idea of how serious I am about my family’s future.”

Chapter 91

It was late in the afternoon by the time I drove into town. Linewiler was abuzz with rumors and comments about what happened at Dell Streeter’s compound. The best one I heard was that he was running a cult that involved human sacrifice. I hoped that one would keep spreading. I made no comment when I heard a woman in one of the stores I visited say it.

It was big news, and two different TV stations had sent teams to cover it. The fact that there were so many police at the house meant that something big had happened. I watched one quick news report designed as a promo for the evening news. All it said was that a man was being treated for gunshot wounds as a murder investigation was unfolding at a residence outside the city limits. Close enough.

It was only a matter of time before stations up and down the East Coast cruised in for the story. There was too much to ignore. Drugs, guns, bodies. The media would have a field day with this. CNN would give the story its own theme music.

I’d already been through two stores when I found exactly what I was looking for. The man behind the counter agreed with my choice and happily accepted my American Express card.

When I stepped out onto the sidewalk in the quaint little downtown area, I almost ran into a large man in a red-and-black plaid shirt. It took me a moment to realize it was one of the vigilantes from the other night. The guy with a big mouth. Anthony.

It turned out he was obnoxious even without his friends behind him.

He immediately said, “I figured you’d be in here, spending someone’s money. Did you find a stash of cash at Dell Streeter’s house?”

“Look, I don’t know what you want, friend. Dell Stre

eter is in custody. We told you it would happen.”

“All you New Yorkers are the same. You think you’re so much smarter than everyone else around the country. You look at me and just see a country boy who’s not sophisticated enough to know how the world works. I got news for you, Bennett. I went to the University of New Hampshire. I’ve been around. I know how things work.”