Pastor John shook his head as if somebody had thrown water into his face. “Agent Snow, Pastor Caine is your father?”
“Apparently,” Laurel said. This was all too strange; she needed some time to herself. Strike that. She needed time with her mother.
“Do you know where he is?” Pastor John asked, his eyes lighting. “Has he contacted you? Is he safe? Where is he?”
Laurel sighed. “I have no idea. Sorry. This is all new to me, and I don’t know where he is.” Although Abigail was once again staying quiet. “Do you, Abigail?”
“Nope.” Abigail drew Laurel toward the outside door. “Laurel is going to drive me home, and Robert, I called for you and Jasmine to come and bring my car home afterward. I am sorry she is sick and hope we can all get together soon, just like the family I always wanted to have.” She tossed a smile over her shoulder. “Pastor John? Do you mind helping Robert drive my car to my home? I’d hate to be without it.”
Pastor John moved woodenly as if his brain wouldn’t catch up with the reality of the day. “I’d be happy to help,” he said, assisting Robert up from the chair. “I’ll drive your car, Robert can drive mine, and then I’ll take him home.” He looked down at his friend. “Are you okay to drive?”
Robert gulped down what was probably bile and looked at his sister. “Yes. I can drive, and then I’m going to bed. I hope I don’t get you sick, Pastor John.”
“See? Family helps family. Maybe the three of us can go on a sibling trip someday.” Abigail leaned into Laurel as they walked through the parking lot to Laurel’s borrowed truck. “Oh. We’re not driving this. We’ll take my Escalade.” She dug out her keys and handed them to Laurel. “Give your keys to Robert.”
Laurel didn’t have the energy to argue. Instead she took her keys from her pocket and handed them to Robert. “If you need to throw up, just open the door.”
“Thanks,” he muttered, not looking at his sister. The guy really was afraid of her, wasn’t he?
Laurel shivered in the cold. “Why didn’t you say anything, Robert? You knew Zeke was my father, and you knew that Abigail is my sister.”
He looked at Abigail and then just shrugged. “I figured you’d be better off not knowing. It’s too late for you now.” Then he moved toward the old truck.
Abigail led Laurel toward her red Escalade. “We really should talk about everything, don’t you think? How about you stay for dinner and I open another bottle of wine? If you let me, I’ll teach you everything about wine. It’s something we could share with each other. Besides blood and genetics, of course.”
Laurel needed to get away from this woman to gain perspective. “I can’t tonight but will take a raincheck.”
Abigail’s mouth pinched. “Is it because of that man? Huck Rivers? I don’t want a man to ever get between us, Laurel. They’re not worth it. Not a one of them is worth it.”
Laurel’s eye started to twitch. “No. It’s not because of Huck. I’m tired, it’s been a long day, and I’m in the middle of a case. I need some rest.”
“Oh. Well, I’ll make you some dinner, then. It’s the least I can do since you’re so tired.” Abigail drew her closer. “I’d hate for a man to even think about getting between us. In fact, I promise I’ll never let that happen. No matter what.”
Laurel stumbled and Abigail straightened her.
“You are clumsy, aren’t you?” Abigail asked. “It’s okay. I’ll take care of you.”
The statement brought bile from Laurel’s stomach, and it was not the flu. “I’ll drop you off, and then I have work to do, Abigail. I have a killer to catch.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
It was almost time to take her. She was the perfect bird, although older than the others. Smart, sexy, and blond. Oh, she had been evasive for the last few nights, but it wasn’t like there had been time to truly watch her. The other bird had to be handled, and leaving that one’s body in the parking lot in front of Laurel’s office building had been a delight. This one would be another present for sweet Laurel.
After she begged for her life like a bird in a wolf’s mouth.
This time the stakes had to be higher. The only way to add more excitement to the match would be to leave her on Laurel’s porch. Maybe wearing a Santa hat and nothing else. The idea was hilarious.
It wasn’t time to end Laurel yet. There were so many chess moves to play first.
Snow battled the moving vehicle as darkness fell. The newest bird, the one who would soon reside in the nest, would get more time. More attention. Tonight would be the night she learned her new destiny—her new fate. Such a pretty blonde, and she appeared to have spunk. Spunk was a good thing and made the endeavor more enjoyable.
Plus, she seemed smart and would provide a good challenge. The last one had felt like a rushed job because she’d been left alone too long in the container. By the time the end came, she’d been so weak, she’d barely put up a fight.
The drive by the river to the nest took longer than usual because of the conditions. Snowbanks were mounded between the trees that bore silent witness to the triumphs and losses of the birds.
So many but not enough. Would they ever be enough? Doubtful.
The nest was tucked against the rock face across from the river; a lovely white cargo hold that was perfect for winter. It was impossible to see unless one knew it was there. White in the winter and a camo wrap for the summer.
