Buried cold case secrets, p.1
Buried Cold Case Secrets, page 1
Allison, I’ll find your body. I promise.
Melanie swiped the wetness from her cheeks and lowered herself into the grave. She picked up her trowel and searched for more bones.
An hour later, Melanie’s headache had become unbearable, causing her stomach to roil. Her eyelids grew heavy. Something was off. She sat on the edge of the hole.
“Jason, help.” Her words were slurred. She struggled to stay upright.
Jason knelt and came face-to-face with her. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know.”
“Help me out here. What’s the last thing you did?”
“I—I... Took a break a while ago. Only digging since.”
His gaze flew to a spot behind her.
She wilted into him. Her vision tunneled, and darkness closed in.
“Keith! Grab the cooler and her bag!”
Jason’s frantic voice registered, but her body had shut down.
His warm arms lifted her. Her head bobbed and landed on his shoulder.
His rhythmic breathing was the last thing she heard before the world went dark.
Two-time Genesis Award–winner Sami A. Abrams and her husband live in Northern California, but she’ll always be a Kansas girl at heart. She enjoys visiting her two grown children and spoiling their sweet fur babies. Most evenings, if Sami’s not watching sports, you’ll find her engrossed in a romantic suspense novel. She thinks a crime plus a little romance is the recipe for a great story. Visit her at www.samiaabrams.com.
Books by Sami A. Abrams
Love Inspired Suspense
Buried Cold Case Secrets
Buried Cold Case Secrets
Sami A. Abrams
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
—Ephesians 4:31–32
This book is dedicated to my husband, Darren, and kids, Matthew and Melissa, who are always cheering me on. And to my law enforcement consultant, Detective James Williams, Sacramento Internet Crimes Against Children, who answers all my wild questions. You guys are the best!
Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Dear Reader
Excerpt from Search and Defend by Heather Woodhaven
ONE
Melanie Hutton’s feet struck the dirt trail in a comfortable rhythm. The cool air filled her lungs and relieved the tension building inside her. She’d taken up jogging years ago to help process her pain and calm her panic attacks. The semidaily routine had saved her sanity in the months following her escape from captivity and the disappearance of her best friend Allison’s body.
Grateful the mild winter weather allowed her to pound out her stress on the lake loop, she forced herself to take advantage of her peaceful surroundings before the first snow of the season decided to fall.
Evergreens and bare-limbed trees towered above. A mix of bushes and brambles lined the path, and the light streaming through the foliage warmed Melanie’s skin. Her breathing followed the same pattern as her steps. In, in, out. In, in, out.
A week ago, she’d accepted a job here in Valley Springs, the town that once held fond memories of her childhood. Now, fifteen years later, the horrors of her and Allison’s time shackled and beaten by a deranged man hovered like a raging storm. Her brain refused to release the details, but the terror continued to haunt her. Pure determination had fueled her decision to return. She owed it to Allison to find her remains.
Melanie had intended to slip into town without announcement of her arrival. However, someone had taken it upon themselves to post news of her return on the local social media group for all to see. Looks of pity were not something she wanted. Nor were the glares of accusation. Within days of her escape, the town had taken sides. People either felt sorry for her, for what she’d endured, or they hated her for leaving Allison behind to die. As for her parents, they hadn’t had her back. They’d been too worried about their reputation.
Why had she come home?
Slowing her run to a walk along the wooded trail, she placed her hands on her lower back and sucked in the crisp winter air. Memories of Allie during happier times flooded her mind. The two of them had come to the lake and explored the path often as teens. She missed her friend so much that her chest ached. Her phone buzzed, so she pulled it from her zippered pocket. She glanced at the screen. A text from Sheriff Monroe.
Know you aren’t officially on the job yet. Hikers found some suspicious bones. Can you meet one of my detectives at Myers Trailhead?
Might as well. Melanie was already at the lake, so the jog back to the trailhead would only take ten minutes. Her thumbs flew over the keypad.
Heading there now.
Monroe responded within seconds.
Thanks. I owe you.
She smiled and tucked away her phone...along with the IOU, which she would claim at a later time.
Sparrows screeched and scattered, leaving an eerie silence. She scanned the adjacent brush.
What did the birds know that she didn’t?
A cold shiver snaked down her spine. The bushes rustled, and tree limbs dangled like fingers reaching out to grab her. Her worst nightmare—the fear of captivity—threatened to grab hold and consume her.
“Calm down. Take a deep breath. Don’t let the past control you.” She spoke aloud, the words soft and deliberate. She’d overcome the worst of her post-traumatic stress from her abduction, but on occasion, panic rushed to the surface. This was one of those occasions. The necessity to escape clawed at her.
She spun to face the trail and took her first step.
A strong arm encircled Melanie’s throat from behind and yanked her backward. Her attacker tightened his hold, cutting off her ability to scream.
Her fingers pulled at the sweatshirt-covered arm in a frantic attempt to get air.
The hulk of a man pulled her off the trail and into the woods. Her heartbeat pounded like a jackhammer, and black dots clouded her vision. If her assailant succeeded in getting her deeper into the brush, her life was over.
Think, Melanie. Think. Her mind cleared enough to formulate a plan. It was a long shot, but what choice did she have?
She inhaled and released her grip on his arm. Curving her fingers, she reached back and jammed her fingernails into his face, praying she struck his eyes.
His hold loosened as he howled in pain.
Melanie scrambled from his grasp. Her momentum sent her sprawling on the ground. Rocks and bark tore her hands and ripped through her black track pants, scraping her knees. Sucking in precious oxygen, she lifted her head and came eye-to-eye with a man in a ski mask. Hollow orbs stared back at her as he gripped her arm and leaned close.
The man’s breath fanned her face, and his nails dug into her sleeves and pricked the skin on her arm.
Her heart thundered in her chest. She jerked away and gave her attacker a hard shove.
Surprised, he lost his balance and stumbled backward.
She staggered to an upright position and sprinted through the dense woods.
Tree limbs slapped against her. Her breath whooshed with each frantic step. She lost her balance and grasped a nearby tree. The bark sliced her skin, adding to the sting of her already damaged flesh. Tears pricked her eyes. The thought of being abducted again made her gut twist.
The sound of crunching footsteps tormented her as her assailant drew closer.
She prayed she’d chosen the right direction and that the trailhead and her car were not far.
Maybe staying off the path hadn’t been a great idea, but the man-made trail put her out in the open. She had to get away and find help.
Make a plan and do it. Don’t second-guess yourself.
Her pace quickened, and she stumbled on the uneven terrain. Her foot landed in a hole. Her ankle rolled. Landing with a thud, breath whooshed from her lungs. Pushing herself upright, she sprang to her feet and bit back a scream. Fire shot up her leg, but she surged on. She refused to die in the middle of nowhere.
Her gaze darted around the woods. There. Up ahead, a bramble of bushes. Melanie cringed at the thought of tiny thorns stabbing her, but she had limited choices.
Thankful for the protection of her long sleeves and pants, she skirted the edge of the thick blackberry vines and tucked in behind the tangled shrub. The sharp points tore into her skin.
Blood trickled down her arms and legs beneath her clothes. Her face stung from the scrapes she’d endured. But she was alive. So far, anyway.
Silence surrounded her. She strained to listen for a clue to her attacker’s location.
Minutes dragged by. Nothing.
She exhaled and slipped from the prickly vines, receiving more cuts for her efforts. Her ankle throbbed, but she ignored it and too k off in the direction of the parking lot. She hoped.
The sight of the trail ten feet away made her want to weep for joy. Relief flooded her as her location registered. Fifty yards from her car. She was going to make it. Hitting the path, she turned left and ran smack into pure muscle.
Arms closed around her.
She screamed and struggled against the powerful grip.
“Whoa. Take it easy,” a deep baritone voice soothed.
She glanced up and gazed into the most vivid green eyes she’d ever seen.
He released her and stepped back, giving her space. “I’m with the Sheriff’s department. You’re safe with me.”
The man’s flannel shirt and jeans had her mind scrambling to put the pieces together.
Reality hit her like a two-by-four to the stomach and knocked the wind out of her.
He wasn’t her attacker. He was worse.
Her best friend’s brother, Jason Cooper, stood before her. The man who hated her guts.
* * *
The blood drained from the woman’s face. She stared at him as if he’d introduced himself as a serial killer. Her facial features had a familiarity about them.
The air left Jason’s lungs.
Melanie Hutton, his sister Allison’s best friend. The friend who’d left Allie in the hands of a maniac to save her own hide. The desire to walk away flooded him, but Melanie appeared to be in trouble, and duty called him to help.
He fought the urge to cross his arms over his chest. “What happened?”
“Someone attacked me.” Her teeth chattered.
“Explain.”
Words flew from her mouth as she gave an account of being attacked on the trail, then chased through the woods and finally, running in to him. Literally.
Jason unsnapped his holster strap and hovered his hand over the Glock at his side. He scanned Melanie from head to toe. The scrapes and cuts covering her face and body made his heart rate kick up a notch.
“How about we get you back to my truck and take a look at those injuries?” His gaze darted along the edge of the trail. He may not like her, but no one deserved to be hunted like an animal.
“Thank you.” She took a step and stumbled.
He steadied her. “You never mentioned you hurt your leg.”
“I twisted my ankle when I escaped. I guess it stiffened when I stopped running.” She straightened and pulled away.
“Listen.” He pursed his lips. “I’ll be honest. You’re not my favorite person, but you need someone to lean on right now. Let me help you.”
Her mouth fell open. “You want to help me?”
Did he? He sighed. His instincts told him Melanie’s life was in danger, and he had to man up and protect her. “I’m not a monster.”
“Never said you were,” she mumbled.
He wrapped an arm around her waist and waited for her to lean against him.
She stiffened, but then, after a long exhale, she allowed him to take her weight.
As they ambled down the trail toward his vehicle, he scanned the area. He slid his hand into his pocket and clicked the unlock button on the truck remote. Supporting Melanie, he reached across and opened the passenger door.
“Let’s sit you down and take a look at your wounds.” He lifted her and eased her onto the seat.
She collapsed, leaning against the headrest.
Now, in a public area and off the wooded trail, he took inventory of her injuries. She would’ve looked better if she’d gone ten rounds with a grizzly bear.
“Hang on.” He reached behind the seat and retrieved his first-aid bag. Placing it on the ground, he squatted and rummaged through it.
“That’s quite the medical kit.”
Jason met her gaze.
Had her eyes always been that brown and vulnerable?
Get it together, dude. She left your sister to die.
He shook off the thought and pulled out a handful of antiseptic wipes.
“This is gonna sting.” He dabbed the wet cloths on her scrapes and cuts.
She hissed in a breath. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
“I’m sorry.” His grandma had taught him to cherish women and never hurt them. He hated causing her more pain.
“It has to be done.” She bit her lower lip.
Several minutes later, he finished cleaning her wounds and applied cream to the abrasions.
“Time to take a look at that ankle.” He bent and untied her tennis shoe.
“Jason!” Fear strangled her word.
His hand flew to his sidearm. He popped up and spun toward the direction of Melanie’s stare. A shadowed figure ducked into the brush along the edge of the parking lot and out of sight.
So much for safety in a public place. Jason snatched the cell phone from his belt holder and dialed his partner’s number.
“Hey, Keith. I need backup at Myers Trailhead. West entrance.”
“On it,” Keith replied.
Jason had come to Myers Lake Park, following the report of a suspicious find by a group walking the trail. According to the call, hikers had discovered bones near the lake, and he’d drawn the short straw to come investigate.
Jason placed himself between her and the suspect. His instincts told him to pursue the man, but his training said to keep the victim safe. He’d stay by her side, for now.
After one last survey of the area, he turned his attention back to Melanie. He kneeled and wrapped an ice pack on her ankle. “My partner will be here in a few. I need to go check out a possible crime scene. I’ll have him escort you to the hospital.”
“Not a chance.”
He blinked. “Excuse me?” Standing, he leveled his gaze on her.
“I said no.” She brushed the hair from her face. “I’m going with you.”
Of all the ridiculous ideas. Jason fisted his hands on his hips. “You need to see a doctor.”
She slid from the truck and wobbled. He grabbed her arm and stabilized her. “I have a job to do. Maybe you haven’t heard, but I’m the forensic anthropologist your department hired. Besides, the sheriff already asked me to accompany you.”
He clenched his jaw. Yeah, he’d heard she’d taken the job, but he’d convinced himself she’d never return to Valley Springs. The Lord had to be playing a joke on him. Putting him and Melanie together in the same room was like throwing gas on a fire. But to work together?
“Look, if you have a problem with it, talk to your boss,” she challenged.
Keith pulled into the parking lot, saving Jason from having to respond.
How would he survive working with the person who sentenced his sister to death?
* * *
Grateful for the walking stick Jason had begrudgingly found her, Melanie hobbled along the trail.
Keith hadn’t verbally questioned her presence, but she’d seen the look he’d aimed at Jason. Trusting his partner, Keith had positioned himself on one side of her and Jason on the other. The trio walked along in silence, Jason carrying an evidence-recovery kit and Keith a camera.
Happy for the moment of quiet, she took the opportunity to calm her mind. She inhaled the crisp winter air and focused on the beauty of her surroundings. After escaping the brutality of her captor as a teen, she’d experienced horrible flashbacks and panic attacks for years. Over time, she’d harnessed control of her extreme reactions, but she’d never released the guilt of leaving her friend behind.
Maybe she should tell Jason about her PTSD, but that was her own business. Besides, the man hated her. She didn’t want his pity, as well. Her shoulders slumped as she continued the trek.
The sun flashed through the trees, highlighting the spot of her attack. A shiver snaked down her spine. She trudged on to the location of her first assignment.
Three hikers stood on the edge of the trail, huddled together.
“Afternoon, folks.” Jason introduced himself, took their personal information and listened while the group explained what they’d come across. “And where did you find these bones?”
“There.” The woman pointed at the small opening in the thick bushes.
Melanie ducked under the dangling tree limbs and pushed past the brush, adding to her scrapes and cuts.
