23

  Jack woke to the cold emptiness beside him. The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. Reese’s side of the bed was undisturbed, as if she hadn’t been there all night. A knot of unease tightened in his stomach, mingling with the grogginess of sleep. He bolted up, the remnants of sleep vanishing as concern took over. The cool air and the silence of the room heightened his sense of dread, making his heart race faster.

  “Reese?” he called out. There was no response.

  He swung his legs out of bed and stood. There was no sign of her in the room. That’s when he saw it—a note on the nightstand. He hurried over. Her neat handwriting stared back at him. His heart sank as he picked it up and read:

  Jack,

  I’m leaving town. It’s too dangerous here, and I don’t want to put you in any more danger. Every time we’ve tried to be together, circumstances have torn us apart, forcing me into government hiding. I can’t live like that anymore. I need to take control of my life and make my own choices, even if it means walking away from everything, including you.

  You’ve done more for me than I can ever repay, and it’s tearing me apart to leave you like this. But I need to find a way to live on my own terms, without constantly looking over my shoulder.

  Please understand and take this opportunity to leave town, too. You deserve a life free from this chaos.

  Love,

  Reese

  Why had she left so abruptly? What danger was she running from? Hell, he might’ve gone with her if she had just talked to him instead of disappearing. He crumpled the note in his fist, then flattened it out and folded it. He was going to tuck it into the journal, but that was gone, too.

  Jack hurried downstairs, determined to find answers. He found Sam behind the front desk, sorting through some paperwork. The inn was quiet, the calm before the day’s activity began.

  “Sam,” Jack called out as he approached the desk.

  Sam looked up, surprise flashing across his face at Jack’s urgency. “Morning, Jack. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “Tanya is gone,” Jack said. “Did you see her leave?”

  Sam shook his head. “No, I didn’t. I’ve been here a little over an hour and no one’s been down here. She must’ve slipped out before that. I’m sorry, Jack. I wish I could tell you more.”

  Jack rubbed his temples. “She left a note, said she’s leaving town because it’s too dangerous. Did she say anything to you about her plans?”

  “No, she didn’t. Not sure why she’d tell me and not you. She seemed a bit on edge last night, but that’s about it.”

  Jack took a deep breath and tried to think clearly. “I need to find her. She might be in serious trouble.”

  Sam nodded sympathetically. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

  “Thanks, Sam,” Jack said, turning to leave. He had to start somewhere, and Reese’s house seemed like the logical first step.

  Jack drove through the quiet streets of Lewiston. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a pale light over the town. He wished it was would wash over his thoughts. His mind raced with worry and unanswered questions. Reese’s note kept replaying in his head, her words a haunting echo that drove him forward.

  When he arrived at Reese’s house, Jack parked his Jeep a few houses down and approached on foot, staying alert for any signs of danger. The neighborhood was still and silent, the early morning air crisp and cool. The faint glow of the sunrise silhouetted the trees. The occasional chirp of a waking bird the only sound breaking the silence.

  As he walked, Jack noticed a tricycle tipped over on a neighbor’s lawn, its bright red paint gleaming with morning dew. A newspaper lay abandoned in a driveway, the front-page headline about the town’s ongoing construction project. Everything seemed normal, but Jack couldn’t shake the feeling he was being watched.

  When he reached Reese’s house, he took a moment to scan the area. His gaze lingered on a parked sedan with its windows fogged up, an unusual sight for this time of morning. He made a mental note of it as he stepped onto the porch, the creak of the wooden boards under his feet echoing loudly in the stillness.

  He let himself in with the key Reese had given him. He called out for her and received no response. He made his way to her bedroom and immediately noticed the disarray. Clothes were strewn across the bed, drawers stood half-open, and a few personal items scattered on the floor. It was clear she had left in a hurry. Jack’s heart ached at the thought of her rushing out, scared and alone.

  He looked for any clues that might indicate where she had gone. On the dresser, he found a necklace he had given her in Texas, perhaps left behind because she couldn’t bear to take it with her. They’d been torn apart twice before. But this time, she made the decision to leave. He picked it up. The cool metal slipped through his fingers. He placed it in his pocket.

  As he was about to check the kitchen, Jack heard a noise outside. His muscles tensed with a mix of anxiety and readiness. Footsteps. Damn, who could that be? He listened carefully, every nerve on edge, his mind racing through the possibilities. Had Hennessey’s men found him? Was it someone looking for Reese? He moved to the window and peered out. His heart pounding in his chest.

  A figure approached the house. His breath caught as he recognized the familiar silhouette. Tilley. What the hell was he doing here? This couldn’t be a coincidence. Tilley was on Hennessey’s payroll, wasn’t he? So what did he want now? Arrest Jack? Take him out? Either way, Jack couldn’t let Tilley get the jump on him.

  Jack cursed under his breath. He had to get out, but it was too late. Tilley was already at the door. Jack backed away.

  The door swung open, and Tilley stepped inside, gun drawn.

  “Jack Noble,” he said. “You’re under arrest.”

  Jack raised his hands slightly. “On what charges?”

  “Obstruction of justice, resisting arrest, and suspicion of involvement in recent criminal activities.” Tilley pulled out a pair of handcuffs. “Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”

  Jack knew he couldn’t let himself be taken in, not now. He had to find Reese and figure out what was really going on. “Tilley, listen to me. You don’t understand what’s happening here.”

  “I understand perfectly,” Tilley said, stepping closer. “Now, turn around.”

  Jack pretended to comply. Once he saw Tilley let his guard down slightly, Jack lunged forward. He caught Tilley off guard. The confined space of the room made it difficult to move. Jack managed to knock the pistol out of Tilley’s hand, sending it skittering across the floor. He punched Tilley in the gut, then shoved him. The officer stumbled backward over a chair.

  Jack grabbed the handcuffs, attached one end around Tilley’s wrist, and the other to the radiator pipe. Then he bolted out the door and sprinted down the street to his Jeep. He heard Tilley shouting after him but didn’t look back. He needed to get away. Needed to regroup and figure out his next move.

  The most logical place he could think to go was Lacy’s. He hurried over and pulled into a spot out front. The place was just opening. They served breakfast Friday through Sunday. He pulled the door open and saw half the tables seated. The normal smell of bison burger had been replaced with bacon.

  Lacy looked as though she had barely slept, which made sense if she took care of Ron all night.

  “Jack, what’s going on?” she asked.

  “Reese is gone,” Jack said.

  “Who?”

  Jack bit down, having forgotten only a few people knew her real identity. “Tanya. She left a note saying she’s leaving town, and encouraged me to do the same. But I think she’s in danger. And Tilley just tried to arrest me at her place. I need to know if you’ve seen her or if you know anything that can help.”

  “I haven’t seen her since you two left last night. She hasn’t said anything about leaving. But if Tilley’s after you, this is serious.”

  Jack nodded. “I need to stay ahead of him and figure out where Reese is. Anything you can tell me might help.”

  Lacy glanced around. All eyes were on them. “Come to the back. We can talk there.”

  Jack followed her to a small back room. The noise of the bar faded as they closed the door behind them. Lacy turned to face him. “Jack, I’ve heard some things about Hennessey’s plans. I had no idea Ron was in so deep. If Reese is caught up in this, you’re both in more danger than you realize.”

  “Tell me everything,” Jack said.

  As Lacy spoke, Jack felt a flicker of hope. She was usually so guarded, but now she was opening up completely.

  “Jack, there’s something you need to know about Hennessey’s plans,” she began. “He’s been using the development project as a cover for his real operations. The spa is just a front. Hennessey’s been laundering money through a network of shell companies tied to the construction and related businesses.”

  “I’m aware of the shell companies. What kind of businesses, though?”

  “Everything from fake consulting firms to bogus supply companies. He’s funneling money through these entities to make it look legitimate, but it’s all dirty money from drug trafficking and illegal arms deals,” Lacy explained. “He’s been expanding his influence, not just in Lewiston, but across the state. He’s got people in his pocket in law enforcement, local government, even the state legislature.”

  “Ron told you all of this last night?”

  Lacy glanced down at her desk. “I may be more aware than I’ve let on. Shit, Jack, all of us are.”

  This was bigger than he had imagined. “Why hasn’t anyone stopped him?”

  “Because he’s smart,” Lacy said. “He keeps his hands clean, uses intermediaries to do his dirty work. And he’s ruthless. Anyone who gets too close, like Brenda, ends up dead or missing.”

  “Like Ben, too.”

  “And almost Ron.” She shook her head. “Honestly, it would’ve been a favor to me.” She smiled at her own joke, but it faded quickly.

  “Going after him directly isn’t the right play. With no one on my side, it’s too risky. I’ll get slaughtered. We need to expose him. Get enough evidence to bring him down.”

  Lacy nodded. “There’s more. Hennessey’s planning something big. He’s been bringing in shipments through the old warehouse district. Rumor has it he’s got a major deal going down soon, something that could solidify his power. If we can find out what it is, maybe we can stop it and gather the proof we need.”

  “I need to find out when and where this deal is happening. If we can catch him in the act, we can take him down for good.”

  Lacy hesitated. “There’s one more thing. I heard he’s got someone on the inside, feeding him information. That’s why he’s always a step ahead. We need to find out who the mole is and cut off his advantage.”

  “Apparently, that could be anybody.”

  They both turned at the sound of someone yelling from the bar.

  “The hell?” Jack reached for the door, but it whipped open before he grabbed the handle. His heart sank as he saw Tilley standing there, two officers flanking him.

  “Jack Noble, you’re under arrest,” Tilley said. “And this time, you’re not getting away.”

  24

  Jack’s hands were cuffed tightly behind his back as Tilley and the officers led him to the squad car. He didn’t resist. Struggling would only make things worse. The ride to the station was a blur. His mind raced with thoughts of Reese, Hennessey, and the ever-tightening noose around his neck. When they arrived, the routine of booking began. Jack felt a sense of detachment as he was processed, almost as if he were watching from outside his own body.

  The officer at the desk barked commands. “Name?”

  Jack didn’t respond.

  Tilley said, “Jack Noble.”

  “Occupation?”

  Jack ignored the question.

  Tilley said, “Private Investigator.”

  They took his fingerprints. The ink felt cold and sticky on his fingers. The mug shots came next, the bright flash of the camera blinding him momentarily. The officer then gathered his personal effects, including his wallet, phone, and the necklace he had taken from Reese’s house.

  “You’ll get these back when you’re released,” the officer said in a practiced tone that told Jack he’d rather be anywhere else than the station that day.

  Jack felt hollow. An emptiness pervaded his soul, a void that seemed to consume him from the inside out as they led him down the hallway to the holding cells. The sterile, fluorescent lights cast a harsh glare on the cold, concrete walls, and the echo of his footsteps sounded distant and detached. Each step felt heavy, as if he were trudging through thick mud. He barely noticed the officers beside him, their voices a distant murmur as his thoughts spiraled into the dark recesses of his mind.

  The cell door clanged shut behind him. The sound reverberated off the concrete walls. Jack sat on the hard bench and the cold seeped through his clothes. The cell was small, barely big enough for the bench and a metal toilet in the corner. A single overhead light buzzed faintly, casting harsh shadows across the room.

  Jack leaned back against the wall, closing his eyes. His thoughts once again drifted to Reese. Where was she? Was she safe? He replayed the events of the past few days in his mind, trying to piece together any clues he might have missed. Was there anything she said that could hint at where she went? The worry gnawed at him, but he forced himself to stay calm. Panic never helped.

  The cell door creaked open, and a man stumbled in, reeking of alcohol. He was middle-aged, with unkempt hair and clothes that looked like they hadn’t been washed in weeks. The man slumped onto the bench opposite Jack, muttering to himself.

  “Great, just what I need,” Jack thought, shifting slightly to give the man some space.

  The drunk mumbled incoherently, his words slurred and barely audible. Jack tried to ignore him, focusing on his own thoughts. But as the minutes ticked by, he couldn’t help but listen to the man’s ramblings.

  “…Hennessey…bastard…ruined everything…”

  Jack’s ears perked up at the mention of Hennessey. He turned his attention to the drunk, who continued to mutter, oblivious to Jack’s scrutiny.

  “… saw them … warehouse … something big…”

  Jack leaned forward. “What did you say about Hennessey?”

  The drunk blinked, his bleary eyes struggling to focus on Jack. “Hennessey? That bastard. Got his fingers in everything, he does. Heard them talking ‘bout some big deal … warehouse district …”

  Could this drunk actually have useful information?

  “When did you hear this? What deal?”

  The man rubbed his face and searched the ceiling for his memories. “Couple days ago, maybe. Was at the bar … Hennessey’s men were talking, didn’t think I was listening. Said something ‘bout a shipment, big money. Couldn’t make out much more.”

  Jack steadied himself, not wanting to show his excitement. This was more than he had expected. “Do you remember which bar?”

  “Yeah, yeah … Lacy’s place. They like to hang out there, think it’s safe. But I hear things, you know?”

  “What kind of things do you hear?”

  The drunk swayed a bit, his eyes glassy. “All sorts of stuff. They think no one’s listening, but I hear ‘em talking ‘bout deals, shipments ... things moving in and out of town.”

  “What kind of shipments?”

  “Dunno exactly,” the drunk slurred. “Just know it’s important. Big money stuff. Hennessey’s boys don’t mess around with small-time deals.”

  “Did they mention any names?” Jack pressed. “People they work with, places they go?”

  The drunk squinted. “Heard ‘em talk ‘bout a guy named Joe. And there’s some place in the old warehouse district they keep mentioning. Think that’s where they move the goods.”

  Joe. The warehouse district. These were pieces Jack could use. “What about Lacy? What did they say about her?”

  The drunk chuckled, a sound that turned into a cough. “Not much, just that she knows more than she lets on. Heard one of ‘em say she’s got her own secrets. But don’t trust a drunk, right?”

  Jack didn’t know whether to trust the information, but it was better than nothing. He needed to follow up on these leads and find out what Lacy might be hiding.

  Before he could ask more, the cell door clanged open, and a cop motioned for him to follow. “Noble, it’s time for your interrogation.”

  Jack needed to get out of there. He needed to find Reese. Needed to figure out what this deal was. But first, he had to deal with Tilley.

  “Noble, let’s go,” the cop said, motioning for Jack to stand.

  He complied, his muscles stiff from sitting on the hard bench. The officer led him down the hallway to an interrogation room. A single overhead light illuminated the room. Tilley sat waiting, his expression unreadable.

  “Have a seat, Jack.” Tilley gestured to the chair opposite him.

  Jack sat, his eyes locked on Tilley’s. “What’s this about?”

  “You know damn well what this is about,” Tilley said, leaning forward. “You’ve been poking around in things you shouldn’t. Making a lot of powerful people very nervous.”

  “I’m trying to stop a man who’s been killing and ruining lives,” Jack said. “Is that what you’re so worried about?”

  Tilley clenched his jaw. “You’ve got it all wrong, Noble. You think you’re the hero in this story, but you’re just a pawn. Christ, we all are. Hennessey’s too powerful. You can’t take him down on your own.”

  “Maybe I’m not alone,” Jack said. “You know nothing about me.”

  “I know you’re playing a dangerous game, and it’ll get you killed. Look at what happened to Mark and Ben. One’s dead, the other missing. Look at Ron. What do you think is gonna happen to you? Hmm?” Tilley paused a beat, leaned back in his chair, wrapped his hands around the back of his head. “Now, tell me everything you know about Hennessey’s operations.”