When You See Me (Detective D.D. Warren #11)(107)

Now, Sheriff Smithers flashed his light on their stalker’s body.

“That’s Bill Benson,” Keith spoke up in surprise. “The ATV rental guy. Why is he trying to kill us?”

“He already shot Walt,” Kimberly provided. “He’s dead, at the other end of the passageway.”

“But why?” Keith asked again.

Sheriff Smithers appeared troubled. “Bill doesn’t have a criminal record that I know of. Quiet man, really. Married Penny Johnson forty years ago. Pretty thing. Unfortunately, she turned out to be not quite right in the head. They had a son together, but Penny’s condition grew worse. Last I knew, Bill tended his business, then went home to take care of his wife.”

“Walt led us here,” Flora provided. “He said he could prove that the woods really did scream at night. I assumed he figured out the sounds were coming from this mine entrance. Which, if it’s connected to the B and B, makes sense.”

“We found the cook’s body fifty feet beyond the secret door,” the sheriff said grimly. “Died hard. At least one set of screams that won’t be heard again.”

Flora was still frowning. “But why was Bill Benson here? How did he know we’d be coming? Because clearly that was one hell of an ambush, and Keith and I never talked to him about us coming here. We didn’t even know this tunnel existed.”

Kimberly shook her head. She didn’t understand either. “You said Bill and his wife had a son?” she asked the sheriff.

Smithers nodded slowly. She didn’t like the look on his face. “Big guy,” he confirmed. “In his younger days, was known for brawling and drunken disorderlies. Not the kind of guy you wanted to cross. But after high school, he moved out West. Last I heard, he was running his own business in New Mexico, someplace like that. Sounded like he was doing all right for himself. I know he’s been home more lately. I figured to help out with his mom, maybe see about taking over his father’s business. But Clayton’s always been a hard one to pin down. Being his own boss, he can come and go as he pleases.”

Flora glanced at Kimberly. The woman’s forehead really did look awful. “As in he has plenty of opportunity to kidnap girls, network with others, then return here with the new merchandise.”

“Honestly, I haven’t seen the man in years. Didn’t even really give him much thought. But then . . .” The sheriff suddenly closed his eyes, shoulders sagging. “Shhhh-rimp.”

“Spit it out, Sheriff,” Kimberly demanded.

“I normally don’t pay much mind to gossip. But Bill . . . rumor is he and Franny have been having an affair for years. She’s single and it’s not like he has a real marriage.”

“Your receptionist, Franny, is dating our dead rifleman?”

“She said Bill came to the department today. Raised such a fuss, the deputy who was watching Mayor Howard had to assist.” The sheriff’s voice had grown hoarse. “Howard hanged himself. Then Franny . . . Franny came to the inn with me.”

“Franny is at the Mountain Laurel?” Flora spoke up sharply, then promptly winced. “With D.D.? And Bonita?”

“Super tall, surprisingly broad-shouldered Franny?” Kimberly asked more pointedly, staring at the sheriff. “Because it’s not like Bill Benson is a big guy. Where according to Bonita, her monster is huge.”

It was hard to tell in the dark, but it was possible the sheriff’s face had gone white. “Bill’s wife is a wisp of a woman.”

“We saw her picture at his store,” Keith confirmed. “Not exactly a giant among women.”

“You said Franny was pregnant, that Franny lost her baby,” Kimberly continued. “What if that’s just a story she told, and the real reason she stayed in town, got a job at the sheriff’s department, was to remain near her son?”

“That poor boy,” the sheriff murmured. “Stuck at home all day with a crazy woman.”

“Given up by another crazy woman,” Flora added dryly.

“We have to get back.” Keith was already standing up. “Bill and Franny must be working together. That’s why Bill knew to be outside the tunnels. He was waiting for Franny to lead us out. He was going to pick us off one by one.”

“Help me up,” said Flora, still propped awkwardly against the boulder. Blood caked half her face. She raised an arm, but even that appeared halfhearted. Keith moved immediately to her side, offering his shoulder for support as she struggled to her feet.

Flora winced, almost toppled, but Keith caught her again. “Why are there two of you?” she asked.

“Twice the fun?”

“Good God, that’s awful. But thanks for cheering me up.” Kimberly checked her phone. “I don’t have a signal. You?” she asked the sheriff.

He shook his head.

“Try your radio. We need backup. Every officer in the damn county, state, I don’t care. And circulate the description of Bill Benson, Jr.—”

“Clayton.”

“Armed and dangerous. Approach with caution. I’ll handle FAA. Get out a notice to apprehend anyone matching Franny’s or Clayton’s description, ground charter flights, whatever it takes. Given their access to the dark web, there’s no telling how many resources they have available. Certainly, they must’ve had some kind of escape plan in place for life after ambushing a federal taskforce.”