Chapter 6 - The Call From the Parking Lot
Beth called Ruth just after dark. The number was blocked, but my wife recognized her breathing before she spoke.
"Mom? I didn't want it to go this far."
Ruth turned on the speaker so I could hear. "Then tell Detective Moreno everything. Tell her where Simon is."
"He has my business records. He says I stole from my investors."
"Did you?" Ruth asked.
A pause. "I took money to keep the children's gym open. I thought I could pay it back when the next investor came in. Simon bought the debt and offered me a way out."
"By selling my home?"
"He said you wouldn't miss the money. He said Walter was the only reason you refused."
I almost spoke, but Ruth lifted her hand. "Beth, you told a man to lock us in our own house. Winnie was coming."
"I wasn't thinking about Winnie."
"That's the problem."
Beth cried. I'd heard that sound whenever something went wrong, and for years one of us had rushed to fix it. Not this time.
"Where are you?" Ruth asked.
"Near the pharmacy across from your motel. I can see the green curtains."
My heart lurched. Beth had not been told where we were staying.
"How did you find us?"
"I didn't. Simon did. He sent me a picture."
I took the phone. "Beth, listen carefully. Don't approach us. Go somewhere public and call the detective."
"Walter, I know you hate me."
"I don't. But I don't trust you, and right now those are two different things."
Through the line came a car door opening. Beth sucked in a breath.
"He's here," she whispered. "I have to go."
May you like
The call died. I phoned Detective Moreno immediately. From our second-floor window I could see the pharmacy sign blinking through the rain, and a dark SUV waiting under it.
Its headlights switched off just as a figure stepped toward the driver's door.
