Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from "Blood Ties." They are all Tanya's Huff creations.
Characters thoughts are in italics
Thanks to my beta, Lena! Thanks to everyone who continues to read and review my chapters for this story.
Chapter 10
Sunlight peeked through the curtains, traveled across the floor and came to rest on Vicki's face. She slowly opened her eyes and glanced at the digital clock on her nightstand. It was ten o'clock. She swung her legs to the side, grabbed her glasses off the nightstand and headed to the bathroom. Normally her morning routine took an hour but she was able to reduce that to thirty minutes. She called the cab company and was off to the office.
Vicki was surprised that she had beaten Coreen there. Once she checked her messages, Vicki decided that she would swing past the station to see what Mohadevan had found during her preliminary examination. Hopefully it would lead to Henry. A car door slammed. Vicki walked over to the blinds and peered outside. Coreen had arrived.
Vicki met Coreen halfway down the stairs.
"So we're going to Squeaky Clean to do some interrogating?"
"Change of plans." The Goth looked puzzled. "Will Turner turned up dead this morning. He was found, of all locations, near Norman's place."
"Any witnesses or leads?"
"That's a no on both counts. I figured we'd take a ride down to the station and see what Mohadevan has found."
"Sounds good to me."
They exited the building, got in Coreen's Volkswagen and drove off.
Mike was typing a report when Vicki strolled into the police station. He rose from his desk and headed over to her.
"Find something about Will Turner's death?"
Vicki shook her head back and forth. "No, not yet. I was going to check in with Rajani."
"Well, I'll save you a trip."
He lead Vicki back to his desk while scanning the floor for Crowley.
"The slugs she pulled out of Mr. Turner came from a .45 caliber. She also found a couple of silver hairs along with some brown ones on the body. She's running those through the system to see whether there's a match."
"Thanks for the update, Mike."
Vicki slowly rose from the chair and turned to leave.
"Is that all you're going to say?"
She swiveled around and stood her ground. "What else is there to say? I don't have any information to add. Henry's missing. End of story."
Mike could hear the frustration in Vicki's voice. He rubbed his face. "Look I'm sorry for jumping on you. With what you told me this morning... I just wasn't sure you were telling me everything."
"Well, I guess I can't blame you for thinking that but I'm not holding out on you. I'm sorry that I didn't tell you about the...you know."
"Vicki Nelson admitting she was wrong. I'd better write this down."
Vicki smiled. "Yeah, I know that doesn't happen too often."
They shared a short laugh but very soon Vicki became serious again from the burden of the situation.
"Thanks again, Mike."
She started to leave again.
"Vic, if there's anything I can do, just call."
She nodded. "I'll let you know."
Without looking back, she left.
Making her way back to Coreen's car, Vicki replayed the conversation in her mind. Brown hairs and silver hairs were found on the victim. Will Turner was found near Norman's place. Babette alias Alexandra has silver hair and of course Henry's hair is brown. I don't have definite proof but I am sure that Alexandra is responsible for both Will Turner's murder and Henry's abduction. I wish I could figure out where she took him. There must be a way to track her down. I just haven't found it yet.
She dropped into the passenger's seat of Coreen's black Volkswagen and closed the door.
"So what did you find out?" The girl questioned as soon as the PI managed to fasten the seatbelt.
"It looks like Miss Parker may be responsible for both Will Turner's untimely death and Henry's kidnapping."
"So if that's the case that means that she hired Will Turner to take Henry and then got rid of him."
Vicki nodded in agreement.
The Goth started the car. "Where to?"
"The office," Vicki replied.
They drove off.
Coreen pulled the Volkswagen in front of the red brick building which housed Vicki Nelson Investigations. They exited the car and were preparing to enter the building when they heard a female voice calling Vicki's name. Their heads turned in that direction. The voice was emanating from a white Cavalier across the street. Vicki and Coreen started walking towards the car.
"I only want to talk to Miss Nelson," the older woman yelled.
Coreen returned to her car, leaning against the driver's side with her arms crossed. Vicki walked across the street. It was Alexandra Parker.
Vicki leaned into the driver's side window. "Is this a social call or is there something else that you want?"
She looked at Alexandra's hands. There was a glitter of silver as the old woman played with a ring. One of Henry's rings.
"So you have Henry?"
"Bravo, Miss Nelson. You are so observant."
"What do you want?"
"I really don't want to discuss such matters out in the open. Why don't we go somewhere more private?"
Vicki heard Alexandra unlock the passenger's side door. She rounded the car and flashed Coreen a peace sign before jumping inside. Alexandra took off.
Her employer never gave her the peace sign. Something was wrong. She reached into her purse, seized her cell and dialed.
"Detective Celluci."
"Mike."
Her voice sounded agitated.
"Hi, Coreen. What's wrong?"
"It's Vicki. I think she's in trouble."
There was a brief moment of silence on the line. Then Mike released a resigned sigh.
"Where are you?"
"At Vicki's office."
"I'll be right there."