Desperate Measures Page 5

  Jennie stepped closer to the desk. Papers nearly covered the surface. To one side was a framed photo of Tess and a little boy with the same shade of sandy hair and brown eyes.

  “That’s Jonathan, my seven-year-old,” she answered Jennie’s unanswered question.

  “He’s cute.”

  “He’s a handful, but I love him.” She folded her hands and rested her elbows on the desk. “Have a seat.”

  Jennie lowered herself into a wide wooden chair that looked as though it might have once been part of an oak dining room set. Tess sat on an old wooden swivel chair that rumbled over a hardwood floor when she moved.

  “How well do you know Scott Chambers, Jennie?” Tess leaned forward, arms resting on the desk.

  “That’s a hard question to answer. We spent some time together while my grandmother and I were vacationing in Florida last May.”

  “How do you feel about ARM? They’re the group taking credit for this.”

  “Taking credit? You mean they admitted it to you?”

  “Terrorist groups often leave a calling card. In this case it was in the form of an email message to me. I’m apparently supposed to back off. They claim everyone involved is long gone.”

  “That’s good news for Scott, isn’t it? That means he’s not part of the group.”

  Tess tapped her pen against her open palm. “So he claims. His arrest record tells a different story.”

  “Oh.” Jennie bit the inside of her cheek. “I don’t think any of the charges were ever proven.”

  “Are you a member of ARM, Jennie?”

  “No.” The question startled her. “I didn’t even know what it was until yesterday.”

  “Have you ever been affiliated with an animal rights group?”

  Jennie shook her head. “I’m not much for organizations like that. Too busy with school and church.”

  “How do you feel about fur farming?”

  Jennie glanced at Tom. “I don’t know. I wouldn’t do it myself. I guess it’s okay for the ones who do. Why are you asking me all these questions?”

  Tess tipped back in her chair, causing it to creak. “Mr. Sutherland thinks you may have been working with Scott as an informant. Perhaps Scott contacted you from Florida and asked if you’d send names and addresses of the fur farmers in the area.”

  “Mr. Sutherland is wrong. I would never do that. Besides, until yesterday I hadn’t heard from Scott since I left Dolphin Island last May.”

  “But he is your boyfriend.”

  Jennie frowned. “He’s a friend.”

  “You don’t really believe Jennie had anything to do with this, do you?” Tom pressed both hands on the desk and leaned toward Tess. “It seems to me you ought to be questioning Aleshia. If anyone is in a position to inform, she is. Knowing her, she was in the thick of it.”

  “I’m well aware of that, Tom, but I need to follow up on the leads I have. Besides, Aleshia has an alibi, and Sutherland doesn’t think she’d perpetrate a raid against her own flesh and blood.”

  “Well, you can forget about Jennie here. She comes from a long line of police officers and federal agents. I’ve known the family for years. Jennie’s more apt to solve crimes than commit them.”

  A thin smile crossed Tess’s features. “I’m well aware of Jennie’s history. Which is another concern. The last thing I need around here is an amateur detective. The only involvement I want from you, Jennie, is for you to give me as much history about Scott Chambers as possible.”

  “I’ve told you all I know about him,” Jennie said. “Is he going to be able to get out of jail?”

  Tess raised her eyebrows. “He’s already gone. I didn’t have enough evidence to hold him.”

  Jennie’s shoulders sagged in relief. “When did he leave?”

  “This morning. I’m surprised you haven’t seen him. Said he was headed back to your place, Tom.” She chewed her lip. “Almost wish I’d held him a little longer, though. Sutherland was here about an hour ago, and when he found out I’d turned him loose, he was none too happy. Just hope he doesn’t do something we’ll all regret.”

  Jennie stared at Tess. The worried look on her face gave Jennie plenty of cause for alarm. Tom Bergstrom didn’t look pleased either. “Come on, Jennie. Knowing Sutherland, he just might be thinking of taking the law into his own hands.”

  7

  “Do you think Scott might have gone back to your place?” Jennie asked.

  Tom turned the key, and the truck roared to life. “I wouldn’t bet on it. If he did, it was probably to collect his stuff. If he’s smart, he’ll clear out and not come back. Even if Scott is innocent, it’s going to take positive proof to convince Sutherland of it. That man won’t rest until we have whoever instigated the release behind bars.”

  “Mr. Sutherland wouldn’t do anything to Scott—” Jennie swallowed hard. “I mean, he wouldn’t hurt him, would he?”

  Tom stopped at the town’s only stop light, then glanced at her. “I don’t know, Jennie. Bob is pretty hotheaded. Tends to fly off the handle more often than not.” The light changed and Tom eased forward. “Take that business with his daughter. He let his temper get the best of him—disowned her, fired Jim. I know he feels bad about it, but he’s a proud man and isn’t likely to back­track or apologize.”

  “Great. That’s just great.” Jennie tipped her head back against the hard vinyl seat, giving her mind partly over to praying for Scott’s safety and partly to figuring out how to keep him out of jail. Or worse, from getting himself killed. Under the best of circumstances, Scott and Mr. Sutherland would butt heads.

  The sun had heated up the cab, and Jennie cranked down the window, letting the brisk morning wind whip around her. Several minutes later Tom turned into the Sutherlands’ driveway. A racy teal Lexus with gold trim sat in front of the house.

  “Looks like they have company.” Jennie unfastened her seat belt when they rolled to a stop.

  “Aleshia.” Tom’s worried look was back.

  Jennie took a deep breath. “I thought Mr. Sutherland kicked her out.”

  “He did. But she still comes to visit.” He slid out of the cab and shut the door, his gaze scanning the outbuildings. “I don’t see Bob’s four-by-four.”

  “If you’re looking for Daddy, he’s gone over to your place.” Aleshia floated down the porch steps, graceful as a deer. With her heavy eye makeup, white poet’s shirt, ornate necklace, and dangly earrings, she could have been walking down a runway at a fashion show. “He came barreling in a few minutes ago, grabbed his hunting rifle, and took off. Mom went too—she’s trying to talk some sense into him.”

  “You sure he went to my place?”

  “Oh, I’m sure. He’s looking for Scott. You’d better hope he finds him, because if he doesn’t I have a feeling he’ll go for the next best target. I called ahead to warn Mary, but no one answered.”

  “Come on, Jennie.” Tom popped back in the truck just as Jennie was getting out.

  Jennie wanted to question Aleshia more about Scott but set the intention aside for later.

  Aleshia neared the truck. “Oh, hi, Jennie. I didn’t realize that was you. Mom said you and Lisa were here. You’ll have to come over later and see some of my new designs.”

  “Sure. I’ll mention it to Megan.” Jennie thought it odd Aleshia would be so calm when her father was packing a gun and seeking revenge. Jennie would have been worried sick. Would have been? You are worried sick.

  Tom shook his head and shoved the truck into gear, backed around, then headed down the driveway.

  “She seems awfully calm.” Jennie glanced back. Aleshia was getting into her car.

  “Humph. Sometimes that girl has about as much common sense as God gave a goose. ‘Course, I suspect she’s gotten used to her dad’s rages by now.”

  Jennie didn’t comment. Instead, she fixe
d her gaze on their destination and prayed that no one would get hurt.

  Tom stopped at the end of the drive to let a semi pass, then burned rubber as he peeled out onto the main road. Jennie held on to the dash, pressing her feet against the floor. He slowed down to pull into the driveway. A mink ran in front of the truck and narrowly missed becoming another victim.

  When they approached the house, Jennie let out the breath she’d been holding. Bob’s red pickup was parked in the driveway, right next to Scott’s Honda. Through the open window in the cab, she could hear them shouting.

  “They’re down by the mink barns.” Jennie pushed open the door and took off running.

  Scott and Mr. Sutherland were just outside the first barn facing off, fists in the air. With Scott’s build and youth, she suspected he would win if they actually came to blows.

  Christine stood several feet away from the men, holding what must have been her husband’s rifle at her side. “Bob, please. Stop this nonsense before someone gets hurt.

  “Oh, Tom.” She tossed him a pleading look as he and Jennie came alongside her. “I’m so glad you’re here. I tried to stop him, but—”

  “At least you got the gun away from him.” Tom shook his head. “It would serve Bob right if I let Scott beat the pulp out of him.”

  Mr. Sutherland grumbled something Jennie couldn’t hear. “I didn’t release your mink,” Scott yelled back.

  “Then how do you explain your affiliation with ARM? My daughter told me—”

  “I don’t care what she told you. I don’t even know her.”

  “You lying scum …” Sutherland jabbed at Scott’s face. Scott raised his arm to block the punch but didn’t swing back.

  “Leave him alone, Bob!” Tom tried to get between them. “This isn’t going to resolve anything.”

  “You stay out of this. You should be thanking me. He was about to release your mink too.” Sutherland turned back to Scott. “Come on, you coward. You pacifists are all alike.” He started swinging, one punch after another.

  “I wasn’t …” Scott blocked all but the last, which landed square on his nose. He staggered back, holding the back of his hand to his face. It came away bloody. He looked at his blood­streaked fist. Scott did strike out then, landing a blow to Sutherland’s jaw. The older man staggered backward, slipped in the mud, and landed on his backside.

  Sutherland spasmed in pain. “My back—I can’t move.” Christine set the gun on the ground and hurried to her husband’s side. “I was afraid this would happen.” She glanced at Scott. “He has a bad back.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t want to hurt him.” Scott sniffed and brushed more blood away with his shirt sleeve. “He wouldn’t let it go.”

  “It wasn’t your fault,” Christine assured him. “But I think you’d better go take care of that nose.”

  While Tom and Christine helped Sutherland to his feet, Jennie walked with Scott to the house. “I have some tissues in the car.”

  “I don’t need any tissues.” He jerked his arm away from her grasp.

  “Fine, bleed to death, then.” She went to the car anyway, shoved the seat forward, picked up a box of tissues, and rejoined Scott on the steps in front of the old house.

  He had blood all over his shirt and hands. Jennie pressed the tissues to his nose. “Tip your head forward and I’ll pinch the bridge of your nose. Hopefully that will stop the bleeding.”

  “I’m sorry,” he said, obeying her orders. “I shouldn’t have gotten mad at you.”

  “Shush. Don’t try to talk. You can apologize later.”

  She concentrated on Scott’s nose while Tom, Bob, and Christine made their way to the Sutherlands’ truck. Bob was walking unassisted now, bent over and limping.

  “You should have just let me shoot him, Christine. Tess isn’t going to do anything.” He shot Jennie and Scott an angry look.

  “Bob, for heaven’s sake, you’re not thinking straight. Did it ever occur to you that Scott might be innocent? Let it go before Tess ends up arresting you. Even if he did have something to do with the release, you know better than to confront them. You’re lucky he didn’t hurt you worse.” She yanked open the driver’s side door. “You’d better let me drive.”

  “I’m holding you responsible for this, Tom.” Sutherland grimaced as he stepped up into the cab. “If you hadn’t hired him…” The car doors slamming and the sound of the truck’s engine obliterated the rest of their conversation.

  Tom watched them drive away, then came over to where Scott and Jennie were sitting. “How’s the nose?”

  “I’ll live.” Scott brushed Jennie’s hand away and held the tissue himself.

  Concern shadowed Tom’s face. “Maybe we should take you in and have a doctor look at it.”

  Scott shook his head.

  “That might not be a bad idea,” Jennie agreed. “It’s stopped bleeding, but it might be broken. He hit you pretty hard.”

  “It’s been broken before.” He stood and started to go inside. “I’ll just wash up.”

  “When you’re done, come on over to the shop,” Tom said. “We need to talk.”

  “Yeah, sure.” Scott’s tone was sarcastic, and Jennie felt like hitting him.

  “What are you trying to do, get yourself fired?” Jennie asked when Tom was out of earshot. “You really need to work on your people skills.”

  “What difference does it make?” Scott stripped off his shirt and went inside. “He’s going to fire me anyway.”

  “How do you know that?”

  Scott turned back around to face her. Gripping her shoulders, he searched her face. “Jennie, I …” He looked away and dropped his hands to his side. “I was wrong to think you and I could pick up where we left off. Sutherland is right about me. I’m nothing but trouble. You’re better off not having me as a friend.”

  “Scott—”

  He held up a hand to silence her. “Just go, okay? And don’t get involved with this. There’s nothing you can do to help.”

  “I already am involved. Maybe I can talk to my dad.”

  “No! You don’t get it, do you, Jennie? I don’t need your help, so just leave me alone.”

  “Fine.” Jennie took a step back. “If that’s what you want.”

  Pausing in the doorway, she turned back around. “Scott, just answer me one question. Last night I saw someone come into the Bergstroms’ yard. Right after Sam fired the rifle off to wake us up. That was you, wasn’t it?”

  Scott’s gaze fell to the floor. “It isn’t what you think, Jennie.”

  Jennie flashed him a disgusted look. “You did it, didn’t you? You released the mink, and you lied to me about being affiliated with ARM. You lied to me about knowing Aleshia, too. All this time I’ve been trying to convince myself and the others that you didn’t do it.”

  Scott looked as if he wanted to cry but didn’t say a word. He turned and headed for the bathroom.

  “Why?” Jennie’s voice caught on the tears lodged in her throat.

  He answered only with the responding bang of the bathroom door as it closed behind him.

  8

  A note on the kitchen table announced that Lisa, Megan, and Mary had gone into town for groceries for the party Megan had planned for Saturday evening.

  “Great. This is just great.” Jennie sank into the chair, wondering what to do next. She’d planned on telling Tom about Scott’s admission of guilt, but he was down at the barns and Jennie didn’t feel like looking for him. Instead, she dragged herself over to the wall-mounted phone near the pantry and grabbed the phone book. “I hate to do this, Scott, but …” Finding the number, she dialed the sheriff’s office.

  “You’ve reached the Linn County sheriff’s office. Sheriff Parker can’t come to the phone just now. If this is an emergency, please hang up and dial 9-1-1. If you’d like to speak with the she
riff on another matter, leave your name, a brief message, and the time and date you called, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

  Was it an emergency? She was about to turn her friend in for a serious crime. “Sheriff Parker, this is Jennie McGrady. I have some information on the Sutherland case. Please call me.” She checked the Bergtroms’ number on the phone and gave it to the machine.

  Jennie hung up, feeling miserable and guilty. Why the guilt, she had no idea. She was doing the right thing by turning Scott in and letting the sheriff know he had been the shadowy figure she’d seen. And she felt badly about not warning Tom and Mary about Scott’s background. Maybe if she’d said something sooner …

  No, it wouldn’t have made any difference. The plan to release the mink had gone into motion long before she’d come—probably long before Scott had arrived. Still, something didn’t feel right. Somewhere in the back of her mind she harbored the notion that Scott couldn’t have released those mink—at least not willingly. But he’d admitted his guilt. And why would he lie about a thing like that? It was probably just wishful thinking on her part.

  She sighed, knowing she should contact the sheriff immediately—before Scott had a chance to leave the area. At the sound of an engine starting up, Jennie ran to the front porch. “Scott, wait!” She raced down the steps. Scott revved the engine and flipped up the kickstand with his booted foot.

  “Don’t try to stop me, Jennie. It won’t do any good.” He put his helmet on and left the strap dangling. “I have to follow this thing through.”

  “So you’re just going to run away?” She stopped just short of him, wishing with all her heart there were something she could do to change the situation.

  Scott’s jaw was set in anger, his green gaze remorseful. He pulled her into his arms, raised his helmet, and kissed her full on the lips, then let her go. “Now, move—the last thing I want to do is hurt you.”

  It’s too late for that, she felt like saying. “I have a call in to the sheriff,” Jennie told him. “I have to tell her.”