Shattered Secrets (Cold Creek #1)(75)

Gabe went over and sat at her desk. He called Peggy to come in. Later, he’d go through Ann’s records, phone log and computer thoroughly, but right now he just wanted to tell Tess one more time not to come uptown without Vic today. But her cell rang busy. After last night, maybe she needed counseling and comforting from her social-worker sister again, but he wished she’d just come to him.

*

Tess could not stop shaking, but she was going through with this. A man’s voice answered the phone. The past hit her like a sledgehammer. For a moment, she couldn’t say a word.

“Hello? Jack Lockwood speaking.”

Afraid he’d hang up whether she talked or didn’t, she blurted out what she wanted to say in a rush. “Dad, it’s Tess—Teresa. I know this is a surprise but I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time. I’m in Cold Creek to sell the house after Mom died. There’s been a third kidnapping, so I just had to call you. I mean, it brought things back, and I’m trying to help Sheriff McCord—you know, Gabe’s sheriff now—but I still can’t remember who took me.”

“Teresa. My terrific, terrible Teresa! I’d heard your mother died. I’m sorry. Really, I am...for lots of things.”

She was crying now. “But who told you about her?”

“Reese Owens. The bastard calls sometimes. I think to make sure I’m still thousands of miles away. He once accused me of taking you, my own daughter. I wasn’t sure you knew any of that. I guess Kate and Char did.”

“Dad, was Reese Owens part of the reason you left, because he threatened to accuse you in public?”

“Yes. But I’d told Sheriff McCord—Gabe’s dad—that he should take a look at George Green. The guy needed money because he was going bankrupt. Your mother said he’d been around that day before she left you at home with Gabe. George was peddling corn on the cob and said you were the prettiest child of the three. I loved all of you, Teresa, but you were such a feisty tomboy. I guess I’d hoped for a son, but I’m glad I got you, since you were most like me.”

In a rush, Tess told him she’d changed her name, just to help let the past go—but it hadn’t helped. She explained the possible Dane and Marva connection for the kidnappings. He told her he’d read about the Kenton girl’s abduction. She explained that Reese Owens was trying to get her out of town fast too, though she didn’t mention what she knew about Reese’s once molesting a minor.

Instead she changed the subject and talked about her dreams of selling the farmhouse and buying a day care center; about how Kate and Char were doing well in their careers and travels. She asked him about his family. He told her he had two sons, Josh, age seven, and Jerod, just turned five. Silently, secretly, she was glad he had sons but not more daughters. “I’d like to meet them someday. It’s exciting to think I have two brothers.”

“Teresa—Tess—I’m sure your sisters are still angry with me, but tell them it wasn’t all my choice that I stayed away. A man more powerful than most folks in Cold Creek realize swore he’d make it bad for me if I came back.”

“Sheriff McCord or Reese Owens?”

“Owens, honey. I must have been his ace in the hole if the sheriff ever needed someone to blame for your abduction. Besides the mayor’s friend Dane Thompson.”

Or in case Vic or Gabe’s father suspected the mayor himself, Tess thought.

Her father went on, “Reese wanted the case solved and closed fast to get bad press away from his precious town.”

Tess couldn’t breathe for a minute. Gabe had said he intended to talk to Reese today, right after he came out of church. She looked at the time on her phone. The service would end in about ten minutes. She needed to let him know the things her dad had said. George and Marva Green might look bad right now, but Reese’s actions were suspicious for sure.

“Dad, I have to go, but can I call again?”

“I’ll call you. I’ve got your number here on caller ID. Ask your sisters if they’ll let me talk to them someday. Sorry about your losing your Mom, honey. She’s—she was—a good woman, just like you.”

The minute she hung up, she sucked in a huge breath to steady herself then dialed Gabe’s number.

“Hey, I’ve been trying to get you,” he said. “I’m walking down the street to catch Reese Owens when he—”

“Gabe, I just talked to my father, and I have to tell you what he said. George Green was at our house that afternoon just before I was taken.”

“I know, but he was questioned thoroughly. No go at that time. He had alibis from everybody on the road where he’d stopped to sell corn. Like with Dane, I can’t question the dead.”

“But there’s more about Reese Owens. Just listen to this.”





25

The Community Church bells rang out twelve times. Gabe spotted Mayor Owens shaking the hands of the congregation as they streamed out after the morning worship service. Reese seemed to be greeting as many people as the pastor he was upstaging. Always a politician, and, sadly, they weren’t to be trusted, Gabe thought. At least he didn’t see his wife with him as the mayor finally headed toward the parking lot. Lillian Montgomery Owens reeked wealth, social class and self-appointed power more than her husband.