Secrets of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 3) Read online

  “I’m a nice guy. You sure are nosy. Haven’t you ever helped a person in need before?” Now that Malory and Tommy were there, they could babysit Michelle. Distraught, hysterical women were not his thing. Dylan turned on his heel and flung open the door. He walked to the desk and asked the nurse on duty. “Do you have a paper bag?”

  Even though that was a strange request, she didn’t bat an eye. More than likely she had heard stranger requests working in the emergency room. She reached under the desk and pulled out a plastic Wal-Mart bag. “This is the best I can do.”

  “Perfect, thank you.” It would just have to do since he didn’t have a paper bag. He walked back to Lacy’s car which he had moved to the parking lot earlier and opened the door. He ran his hand around inside the bag to make sure it wasn’t wet. He placed Lacy’s shoes and clothes inside the bag before tying the ends together and placed the bag in the front seat. That was all he could do until her family arrived.

  Restless and agitated, he decided to go in search of Lacy. While the nurse had her back turned, he snuck by the desk and followed the hall until he came to some rooms. He glanced into several rooms before he finally found her. She was lying in bed propped against the pillows with her eyes closed. The blue of the hospital gown she wore looked bright against her pale skin. The doctor was by the bed checking her vitals. A nurse was inserting an IV in Lacy’s arm. She looked so frail, so weak.

  “You can’t be in here.” The nurse pointed toward the door and gave him a stern look. “You need to leave.”

  “I’m with the FBI. I have a few questions for Miss Reynolds.” By her expression she didn’t believe him. He was wearing jeans and a button up shirt. It was better than what he usually wore when he was undercover, but he still didn’t look like an FBI agent. Since he was undercover, he didn’t have his badge so he doubted they would believe him.

  When Lacy heard his voice, she lifted her head from the pillows and looked at him. “Dylan, what happened? Why am I in the hospital?”

  He was by her side in an instant. He took her clammy hand and held it to his chest. He smiled in sympathy. “I think Bret Robertson slipped ecstasy in your drink.” Her brow creased as she tried to remember.

  The doctor placed his arm on Dylan’s arm. “Son, may I see your badge?”

  “I was undercover at a frat party. Call the bureau and they’ll verify I’m a FBI agent. The lady can vouch for me.”

  Her voice still weak, Lacy explained, “He’s telling the truth. He works at the Raleigh office with my brother-in-law, Special Agent Josh Wilson.”

  Dylan shifted his eyes to the name tag on the doctor’s lapel. “Doctor Marshall, I need the sheet Miss Reynolds was wrapped in when I brought her in. We need to check it for trace evidence.”

  “The attending nurse has the sheet. I’ll make sure it is sent to the crime lab for analysis. Without proof that you are a FBI Agent, I cannot in good conscience give you the sheet.” Emergency rooms could be very hectic. On many occasions evidence had been lost in all the chaos. Dylan would feel better if the sheet was in his possession.

  Dr. Marshall flipped through Lacy’s chart. “I’ve also ordered a rape kit.”

  Lacy’s quick intake of breath caused everyone to turn their focus to her. “Rape?” She clutched Dylan’s hand tighter. “Was I raped?”

  The doctor patted her leg. “It’s just a precaution, Miss Reynolds.”

  Dylan could see the devastation in her face. “What did Bret do to me?”

  He sat on the edge of the bed and placed his arm around her shoulder. Head on his shoulder, she began to cry. He whispered next to her ear, “You were wearing your underwear, Lacy. I don’t think he had time to rape you.” His words did little to calm her down. He hated tears. He had never been consoled and didn’t know how to console so he just held her.

  The nurse that had been at the desk knocked then entered. “Someone from the crime lab has arrived. Miss Reynolds’ family has also arrived. They are insisting on seeing her; four women, two men, and a teenager. I sent them to the waiting room. We have a full house counting the three friends already waiting.”

  The doctor ordered, “You can see your family after the crime lab leaves.”

  Lacy plopped back on the pillows and wiped the tears with the back of her hand. He saw the determination on her face not to cry. It was obvious she didn’t want to worry her family.

  The nurse held the door open and offered as a solid woman with a horrible color of red haired entered, “I’ll get the sheet that Miss Reynolds was wrapped in when she was brought to the emergency room.”

  The woman from the crime lab stated firmly, “Thank you. I guess I don’t have to remind you to wear gloves to keep from contaminating the evidence.”

  As if offended, the nurse nodded her head and rolled her eyes before she disappeared through the door.

  “I’m going to talk to Grant and Josh. I’ll hang around for a while and see if you need anything.”

  She grabbed his hand and squeezed. “Thanks Dylan.”

  “No, problem.” He gave her a salute. “Just another day in the life of a FBI agent.”

  Dylan dreaded talking to Josh but knew it had to be done. He meandered down the hall toward the waiting room. He peered through the window and saw the family talking to Michelle. The petite woman looked very different than she did at the party. Her face looked fresh and clean, free of make-up. Wearing a tee-shirt and jeans, she looked just like the girl next door. He liked this Michelle much better.

  As if sensing his presence, Josh turned and looked at him. Dylan gestured for Josh to leave the family. Josh nudged his brother before they crossed the room, opened the door, and followed him outside to the sidewalk in front of the emergency room.

  “Michelle said you kicked the door in to save Lacy. Can you walk me through what happened?”

  “I’m investigating the death of Tiffany Swift. The last place she had been seen was Dark Knight Frat house. I haven’t been able to uncover who gave her the cocaine or strangled her. Someone at the party either sold her the drugs or gave them to her without her knowledge. I was there tonight undercover at the request of Director Mark Carter. Miss Swift was his niece.” Tight muscles in his neck flexed as tension swamped him. He rolled his shoulders and neck trying to relieve the stiffness. Miss Swift had been a virgin. The coroner said blood consistent with her hymen being broken was found in the fluids. He was beginning to put the pieces together. If Robertson was responsible for her death, that could mean he had a fixation for virgins.

  “Michelle was hysterical when she couldn’t find Lacy. She felt she was in danger. I had seen her with Bret Robertson, the captain of Duke’s basketball team, sitting out back on a picnic table. We searched the bedrooms but could not find her. Convinced Lacy was being held against her will, Michelle asked me to kick in the door.”

  Grant asked, “Did Bret Robertson rape her?”

  “I don’t think so. She was wearing her panties. I think Robertson slipped ecstasy in her drink. She was unconscious when we found her. If not for Michelle, Robertson would have raped her.”

  Josh took a deep breath to brace himself before he asked, “So she was nude except for her panties?”

  “Yes, that was all she was wearing.”

  Josh clinched his hands into fists. “Do you know Robertson?”

  “Yes, I have been buying drugs from Robertson and several members of the frat house. Frat houses are a haven for drugs. Rich boys who have nothing better to do besides throw parties and make money selling drugs. They like to break the rules. I have enough evidence to convict them of trafficking cocaine, but I want whoever is responsible for Miss Swift’s murder.”

  “Where is Robertson?”

  “I think he escaped out an open window. It took some time to kick in the door. The house is old and very solid.” Dylan whispered, “I’m sorry I didn’t catch him in the act. I called Tate and had him issue a warrant for Robertson’s arrest.”

  “We’re just glad you we
re there. It’s doubtful anyone else would have gotten involved.”

  Dylan stuffed his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Michelle was very intimidating. I’m sure she would have gotten someone to gain access to the bedroom.”

  “Yes, she’s a good friend. She feels guilty because she said Lacy didn’t want to go to the party. Said she begged her to attend.” Josh turned when the automatic door opened and peered at Nina and Beth.

  Beth never slowed as she moved toward Dylan, hips swaying. She sashayed right up to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, pushed to her tiptoes, and kissed him on the cheek. He wasn’t accustomed to being the center of attention. Most of his good deeds went unnoticed because he worked undercover. He liked it better that way. He didn’t like the limelight.

  “Thank you so much. Michelle has done nothing but sing your praises.”

  When Beth moved out of the way, Nina took his hand. “You have no idea what your heroics mean to this family.”

  “Part of the job. Happy to oblige, ma’am.”

  Still shaken from the news their little sister was in the hospital, Nina and Beth each tucked their arms around their husbands and leaned into them. Nina bit the nail on her free hand and Beth twirled a big fat auburn curl. Both women were gorgeous and Dylan took his time admiring their perfect faces.

  Grace, Josh’s mother yelled as she stepped through the open doors. “The doctor said Lacy could have visitors now. He stressed that only two could go in and only for fifteen minutes.”

  Nina and Beth took off at a trot.

  Josh rubbed his temples. “Was your cover blown?”

  “Hopefully, people will think I was just a Good Samaritan.” He shrugged his shoulders. “Several people witnessed me kick the door in and carry Lacy out. I’d say there were at least a hundred guests. I’m sure Robertson is mad enough to kill me. I won’t be very well liked by his friends either. Robertson is admired by his team and professors. No one knows the true Robertson. I suspect he either sold the ecstasy to Miss Swift or gave it to her without her knowledge just like he did Lacy.” Dylan leaned against the tree next to the sidewalk. “From what I’ve uncovered about Robertson, he’s pretty shady. His daddy’s some big time financial advisor. Got more money than he’ll ever spend.”

  “I don’t care how much money his daddy has. Robertson is going to pay for what he did to Lacy. He won’t get away with attempted rape. Popularity and money won’t save him.” Josh reached into his pocket and fished out his phone. “I’m going to see if Robertson has been picked up.” He turned and walked toward the street to have some privacy.

  Grant began to pace. “I’ve told Lacy the dangers of leaving her drink unattended. Someone that looks like Lacy will always be in danger.”

  Dylan didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know Grant that well. Feeling uneasy, he made his way along the sidewalk waiting for Josh to get off the phone. The minute he slapped it shut, Dylan offered, “I’m going back to the frat house and see if I can find any witnesses that saw Robertson carry Lacy into the bedroom. I bagged up her clothes and shoes for the crime lab to examine for trace evidence. Make sure they get it. The bag is in the front seat of her vehicle.”

  Josh placed his hand on Dylan’s shoulder and squeezed. “Thank you for helping Lacy. I know it might have hurt your investigation.”

  “I was afraid not to get involved. Michelle would’ve beat my ass if I hadn’t. I’ve nicknamed her Fireball.”

  Josh smiled, “That’s a good name for Michelle.”

  “I drove Lacy’s car. Can I use yours to go back to the frat house?”

  “Sure.” Josh reached into his pocket for his keys and handed them to Dylan. “It’s in the parking lot. Call me if you find out anything. I don’t care what time it is.”

  “Will do. I’ll see you at the station in the morning.” Dylan hoped he hadn’t made a mistake helping Lacy. He had a job to do and it wasn’t protocol to break his cover. Still he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Sometimes he had to make a snap judgment. His conscience wouldn’t allow him to be that cold hearted. Deep down he knew he had made the right choice.

  Chapter Three

  Now that she was alone, Lacy tried to remember what happened to her. Bits and pieces were slowly coming back to her. In her mind she could see a vague picture of his features. She felt Bret pressing her into the mattress. Felt his weight on top of her making it difficult to breathe. Or maybe it was the amount of the ecstasy in her system that hindered her breathing. What happened was one big blur. A tear ran down her cheek because she could still feel his hands on her body. A shudder ran through her as the image of him removing her clothes broke through the recesses of her mind. His lips on her breasts, on her neck. She was at his mercy, unable to stop him or speak because of the effects of the drugs. She had been semiconscious through most of it until oblivion took over.

  The doctor said ecstasy effected people in different ways. At least the dose Bret gave her wasn’t lethal. The doctor said it would have taken hours to wear off if they hadn’t counteracted with other drugs. If not for Dylan and Michelle intervening, she would have been raped. Humiliated, she squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could disappear. She was paying the price for trusting Bret.

  The door opened and Nina and Beth stepped into the room. No longer able to hold back, she let loose a barrage of tears. Lacy reached out her hands for her sisters. Nina took one, Beth the other. Both fell into the bed and cried along with her. Minutes passed as they struggled to get a grip on their tumbling emotions. It was all too much for Lacy. Hadn’t they been through enough after losing their parents?

  Nina was the first to sit up then Beth. Worried faces peered at her. “I’m okay. The doctor said I wasn’t raped.” Exhausted and ashamed, Lacy explained, “He said my hymen hadn’t been breeched.”

  “Thank God.” Nina wiped at a tear and gave Lacy a weak smile. “That’s great news.”

  The humiliation of the woman from the crime lab combing her hair and searching her skin for evidence was extremely uncomfortable. She was kind and explained every procedure but still the whole ordeal left her feeling cold. The degradation of the rape test was almost her undoing. When the woman raked under her fingernails Lacy saw the flakes of skin and knew she had gotten a piece of Bret. At least they had the evidence proving it was him that attempted to rape her. He wouldn’t be able to deny what he had done to her.

  God she was a fool. If she would have followed Grant’s advice, none of this would have happened. She let down her guard. Now she would always be afraid it would happen again.

  Looking over her shoulder, Michelle rushed into the room and quietly shut the door. Nina and Beth had to scramble out of the way as she stormed toward the bed. She dropped the bag she carried to the floor and fell onto Lacy. “Please forgive me. I should never have laid the guilt trip on you to get you to go to the party. I’m so sorry.”

  Lacy wrapped her arms around Michelle and held her. Patting her head as if she were a small child, she replied, “It’s okay, Michelle. Neither of us thought something would go wrong. Thanks to you and Dylan I’m okay. He said you were a crazy woman when you couldn’t find me.”

  She sat up and gazed into Lacy’s face. “Are you sure you’re okay?” She chewed her bottom lip. “Did Bret hurt you?”

  Lacy wrapped a fat, mink curl around her finger and tugged. “I wasn’t raped. You and Dylan got there in the nick of time.”

  Michelle placed a hand to her heart. “Praise the Lord. I’ve been out there praying my heart out.” Michelle was a very spiritual person. Back home in Georgia she attended a Primitive Baptist Church. She prayed before meals, before bed and especially before an exam.

  “Stop your fretting. I’m fine.”

  Michelle bent over to reach the bag she had dropped onto the floor and gave her a pointed look. “Malory was nice enough to go by our dorm room and get you some clean clothes.”

  Because of all the turmoil, Lacy hadn’t even noticed that Michelle had c
hanged her attire. Gone was the short skirt and skimpy shirt she had worn to the party. In its place were worn jeans and a tee-shirt. Of course she wouldn’t want Nina and Beth to know how they had been dressed at the party. Some people would say they were asking for trouble.

  Nina cupped her hands to Lacy’s cheeks and kissed her forehead. “You’re a strong woman with a full life. Time will pass and all will be forgotten.”

  Beth sat on the edge of the bed. “The doctor said you can go home in an hour. Come stay at Twelve Oaks. Take a few days off from school.”

  Home thought Lacy. Maybe that was what she needed. She could help Grant and Nina with the farming. After she was sure Bret Robertson had been arrested and would no longer be a threat, she’d return to school. For the first time she smiled. “That sounds lovely.”

  ****

  Dylan stood on the opposite side of the two-way mirror observing Bret Robertson as he waited for Josh’s uncle, Director Tate Wilson. He paced back and forth like a caged animal. His lawyer, Matthew Davis sat at the table completely ignoring Robertson as he talked on his cell phone. Davis was a bull dog. Only the rich could afford him. Many men had gotten away with their crimes, even murder, because of Davis.

  Robertson checked his gold wrist watch, then meandered toward the two-way mirror and peered through as if he could see him standing on the other side. He smiled and leaned in closer. Cupping his hands around his eyes, he shouted, “Anyone out there?” Knocking on the glass, he shouted, “Hello! I’m tired of waiting!”

  What a dick thought Dylan. There wasn’t a hint of guilt in his posture. It didn’t seem to bother him in the least he had been arrested for attempted rape. Of course he thought he was above the law and would be free by noon.

  Robertson whipped around when Tate stepped into the room shutting the door behind him. He dropped the file in his hand onto the table and sat down. He opened the file and took his time reading the contents. It was his way to intimidate Robertson. He flipped the page over and read the second page of notes.