The Revenge: Bathville Books, #2

By Carol Kravetz

Six months have passed since Paul, Dave, Cathy, and Krista met and solved their first case together. Now an established power team in their precinct, the detectives are inseparable. A convict Paul arrested five years earlier in Brooklyn is released from prison, where he has been plotting cruel revenge against Paul. He first makes his presence known by sabotaging Paul's car. Then an attempt is made on Krista's life. But these are only warm-ups, mere teasers for what he really has in store. With the abduction of Dave and Cathy, Paul and Krista soon learn their friends' lives hang in the balance. They have no clues to find their friends and they know time is running out. Paul's nemesis always seems to stay one step ahead. Even with a tip that finally puts them on track, the ex-con calls all the shots and Paul and Krista can only fear their friends will never be found or, if they are, it will be too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carol Kravetz
• Release date: Oct 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215440575

Carol Kravetz

I was born and raised in Northern Ireland, near Belfast. I emigrated to Canada in my mid 20s and while there, started writing. My daytime job was as a medical secretary to various health care professionals, but my spare time was dedicated to my writing. I lived in Canada for 12 years and during that time had almost completed seven novels in a series. After living at home for a year, I moved to the United States and continued my career as a medical secretary. My writing was shelved for just a little while during my time in the States but, since returning to Northern Ireland upon my husband’s retirement 8 years ago, I have been able to resume my writing. I currently live in Comber and work full time within the Education Authority and dedicate as much time as possible to my family and my writing.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The prison doors slammed shut, dividing the line between freedom and confinement with a loud crash that echoed and re-echoed around the boundary walls and the courtyards of the prison building. A group of five men walked slowly, almost hesitantly, towards a waiting ancient school bus that would transport them to the bus depot in Ossining, New York. Sing Sing Correctional Facility now loomed behind them and not one of them looked back as they boarded the bus that would take them away from what had been, for some of them, home for many years.

One of the inmates who had just been released looked slowly around him with cold, slate gray eyes, his expression completely emotionless as he tasted for the first time in five years the feeling of liberty.

He allowed himself only a few minutes of pleasure at the realization he was, finally, free, then, once settled on the public transportation, his mind immediately turned to the plan that he had been harboring and nurturing ever since he had been imprisoned.

Zooming south along Saw Mill River Parkway, and then onto NY-9A, the trees and buildings and other vehicles passed in a blur. He could have dozed, he could have read, he could have watched the scenery, but he didn’t want to do anything, he just wanted to concentrate on his plan. Traffic was uncharacteristically light because within the hour, he was waiting to be served in a bank in downtown Manhattan, New York.

When he approached the teller, his request was simple enough: He wanted to reopen his accounts that had been frozen for so long and then close them all by drawing out his money. After obtaining the necessary ID, the teller punched his name into her computer, a slightly bored expression on her face as she expected to see a balance of maybe a few hundred dollars splash across her monitor. But what she saw instead shook her out of her disinterested stance into one of shock.

But, sir, you have over fourteen million dollars in your account. Are you sure you want to draw out every penny? She spoke with a nasal New Jersey accent, her red hair had been teased and permed to within an inch of its life and her thirty eight year old body had been poured into a skirt suit more befitting a ripe and svelte teenager. She was trying to maintain a professional air but she had obviously been thrown off guard.

Her customer stared calmly back at her, trying not to appear impatient. He shifted his gaze down to her cleavage and decided her bosom was just begging to be released from a blouse that was two sizes too small, but he didn’t care what she looked like, he thought the female body was an art in itself, with all its wildly different shapes, forms and sizes. After five years, he was more than anxious for some sweet female company but he couldn’t allow himself the pleasure of even thinking about that right now, he had a lot to take care of first.

His eyes went up to meet hers again and he smiled. Yes, every red cent. If it’s a problem, maybe I could speak with the manager?

The teller balked a bit, feeling momentarily intimidated under this middle-aged man’s cool, gray stare. He didn’t look the type of person who could have so much money, his clothes were wrinkled and a bit out of date, she could catch a faint whiff of body odor and his thinning gray hair desperately needed a trim at the back. But then, she reminded herself, this was New York City, where eccentrics rich or poor crowded the streets day and night, so really, she shouldn’t be so surprised.

She gave him a curt nod. One moment, please.

He watched her walk away and tap softly on the door of the manager’s office. He observed her rather animated conversation with the manager through the glass partition, saw them both look, as discreetly as possible, his way and then, after a few moments, the manager merely nodded.

Twenty-five minutes later, he stood out in the street again and breathed in the crisp, autumn air. How he loved New York in the fall and how he had missed the hustle and bustle of the city he had been born and raised in and had lived in for most of his fifty five year old life.

And now he was going to have to leave it again, after only a short visit, but what he had in mind was worth leaving his beloved city for. He had the ready cash he needed, in unmarked hundred, fifty and twenty dollar bills, carefully stowed in a money belt tied securely around his waist, and the balance of his account in a cashier’s check tucked safely into his wallet, now all he had to do was make a few phone calls and he would be on his way to getting what he wanted.

He took one last look around him, wishing he didn’t have to leave just yet, but he knew he would be back some day very soon, once his plan had been carried out and executed to perfection.

Yes, he decided, freedom tasted very sweet today indeed. Especially when it was sprinkled with all his newly restored riches.

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CHAPTER TWO

Late September in New England is a magical and beautiful time of year. Gone is the overpowering heat of the summer months as the days become cooler and more bearable. Labor Day has come and gone, heralding the start of a new school year to give parents and baby sitters a well-deserved break. Tourists begin flocking in from all parts to see the start of the Fall foliage. Trees coming alive in blazing shades of red and orange, of purple and yellow is certainly a sight to behold, although a bleak reminder to some that winter is only around the corner and soon all the trees but the evergreens will have no leaves at all.

Massachusetts has its fair share of the beauties of autumn and seeing it in all its glory for the first time, Krista Nolan fell in love with her adopted country all over again. She had, along with her best friend, Cathy Edwards, left her native country of Northern Ireland six months ago, to settle in Bathville, a city less than an hour’s drive from Boston. Right now, as Krista walked through a park, hand in hand with her lover, she looked across the boating lake towards the trees in the distance, and smiled in contentment.

Everything looks so lovely, Paul, she enthused, fresh, clean and so colorful. How long does it stay like this?

Until all the leaves drop off. Paul chuckled in amusement at her delight, loving her all the more that something as consistent as the changing of the seasons could fill her with awe and enjoyment. He pulled her up short and put his arms around her, oblivious to the fact they were in a crowded park, but it wouldn’t have mattered where they were, he always showed his affections and was always at his happiest doing so. He kissed her deeply. Mm, I love you, he murmured.

She squinted into the late evening sun and smiled. And I love you. And she did, with every ounce of her soul.

So marry me, he coaxed, hoping this time she would say a definite yes. Not that she had ever said no but he still hadn’t been able to get her to make a positive commitment.

Paul! she cried, trying to sound annoyed but the twinkling in her clear, green eyes giving her pleasure away all too easily. We’ve talked about this so many times. Why can’t you just be prepared to wait?

Why wait? he countered smoothly. What is there to wait for?

Nothing, everything. What if I decide I don’t like living in the States?

Then I’ll follow you back to Northern Ireland, or Outer Mongolia, or the Arctic Circle if that’s where you’d rather be. Where we live is not the problem, getting you to say yes is and you know it. You’d better make up your mind soon, lady, I’m running out of patience and I might not hang around for much longer.

Oh yes you will, you can’t live without me. She was teasing him, as he had been teasing her because neither of them had any question of a doubt they would always be together. That was the way it had always been between them, always in the same frame of mind, always on the same wavelength and they were as close as any two people could be. Every minute apart only made them miserable and more appreciative when they got back together and sometimes they could only look at each other in awe that they had been fortunate enough to have been put together at all.

Even working together as detectives in the Bathville Police Department did nothing to put a strain on their relationship, if anything, working a stressful, dangerous job only made them more aware of how lucky they were that they had each survived to fight the escalating crime rate another day and that they could continue to do it together.

Got me there, he admitted. He pulled her to him again and stroked her long, silky black hair, the thrill of her body against his having its usual effect on his and he closed his eyes in sheer gratitude that this beautiful woman was all his and always would be.

And Krista was a beauty all right, almost impossibly so. She was a mixture of the two classic Celtic colorings with her black hair and crystal clear green eyes. She also had a creamy complexion and a figure that could stop traffic, anyone who met her always liked to turn back for a second look, or a third look, looks that she hardly ever noticed because she was genuinely unaware of how striking a woman she really was. And as if God hadn’t been kind enough to her, He had also given her a sweet, caring personality that was made even more appealing by her sense of humor and dry wit. She loved everybody and everybody loved her and she had the knack of making anyone, even a passing acquaintance that came into her company, feel special.

I knew I would, she purred and looked into the eyes of the man she adored. Someday, Paul, someday soon, I’ll give you the answer you want. And that’s a promise.

A promise I’m going to hold you to, he stated firmly. Come on, let’s go visit Dave and Cathy.

They turned and walked slowly back towards his car, each of them completely unaware of how attractive a couple they made, him so tall, blond, blue eyed and handsome, with a muscular trim body he didn’t even have to work at, and Krista with her dark features and stunning beauty that defied all the rules.

When they got to the car, before he opened the door for her, she gave him a long kiss and when she looked up at him, he couldn’t fail to see the yearning in her eyes.

Let’s go home instead, she suggested huskily, her fingers locking into the belt loops of his jeans and tugging him towards her. Dave and Cathy are probably busy. Home, she called his place home, even though technically, it wasn’t. She officially lived with Cathy, that was where all her mail went and was listed on her official documents and bank statement, but nights at her own place were few and far between and why she didn’t announce she was moving in with Paul for good was as much her guess as it was anyone else’s.

Paul pulled a wry face and groaned. Much as I would love to take you up on that, we’ll have to wait until later. I promised Dave we would go over our files on this stupid murder case tonight and you know how anxious he is to get it wrapped. It’s been dragging on for weeks now and I must admit, I’m anxious too.

I hate it when you get conscientious, she said with a childish pout. Why don’t you just call him and tell him to get Cathy to help him?

"You know I can’t do that. Neither Cathy nor you have been taking much to do with this case and besides, he is my partner so it’s not fair to leave him to do all the work."

I hate it when you get loyal too. She wasn’t really angry with him, just disappointed that she would have to wait for what she so obviously had in mind.

He chuckled at her derision, but her disappointment was no greater than his. A cop’s life is never an easy one, he reminded her, particularly when you have a partner like mine who wants things done yesterday and gets pretty pissed off when they aren’t done quickly enough. The sooner we get there, the sooner you and I can go home and I promise you, you’ll not be sorry you had to wait.

I hate it when you make sense and I hate it when duty calls too. She was only half-joking about the latter, she was as dedicated to her job as he was to his, which made even just half an hour of free time like they had just had now, all the more special. She also knew how much this particular case had been bothering him, it was taking forever to get it cracked and, if nothing could come clear within the next couple of days, he and Dave were going to have to shelf it for a bit, something neither of them liked to do.

As they had expected, when they arrived at Cathy’s apartment, they found Dave already pouring over files. He hadn’t even heard them coming in, so engrossed was he in his work, his eyes intent as he scanned the pages for the umpteenth time, trying to find something that he or Paul had maybe overlooked.

Yo there, Big D, Paul greeted and chuckled at the startled expression that came over Dave’s face when he realized he had company. Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you up.  Found anything?

Dave threw down his pen and slumped back on the sofa. Zip, he announced. I hate it when it goes like this. How hard can it be to figure out what looks to be an ordinary, run of the mill homicide?

Hard enough if you’re looking for the obvious all the time, instead of the unobvious, Krista said, or vice versa. Where’s Cathy?

At the store, getting milk, she should be right along. Dave sat up straight again, frowned at the files before him, then stretched and stood up. I’m ready for a beer. Paul?

Naturally. Paul had instantly recognized the frustration in his friend’s eyes, it was there every time things didn’t run smoothly for his liking, being the type of person who preferred to get everything over and down with in as minimal a time as was humanly possible.

In fact, Dave Andrews was more than an impatient man, he was headstrong, used to getting his own way, he was hot-tempered, broody, moody and even, to some, quite intimidating. With nerves of steel when met with any form of danger, he seemed to take great satisfaction in always being right in the thick of things, showing no hesitancy whatsoever when he jumped right in to ensure that the bad guys never got the better of him, and often giving Paul - and anyone else who watched him in action - heart failure at his sometimes unorthodox methods. But he didn’t care, all he cared about was ensuring that justice would be served. Not that Paul wasn’t every bit as fearless as Dave was, because Paul most definitely was, but Paul just preferred to be more methodical, which was the perfect balance to Dave and his ways.

The two men had worked together for nearly five years and in that time, they had developed a strong, close friendship, despite all their vastly different outlooks on life, with Dave so brusque, abrupt even, and Paul so laid back and easy going, but they each held the other in nothing but the highest regard and esteem and unlike so many others, Paul was one of the few who knew that underneath Dave’s tough as nails exterior, he was kind, generous and loving towards the people he cared about and he shared the exact same wild and zany sense of humor as Paul. They were a team, as close as brothers, their family having been made complete with their respective girlfriends.

Just as Dave came out from the kitchen with two beers, he heard a key being turned in the front door lock and moments later, Cathy appeared. His expression softened as soon as he saw her.

Hey, baby, he greeted.

Hello, love. Is that Paul’s car outside? She threw down her keys and bag in preparation to go straight into the living room to see her friends but Dave had other ideas. He grabbed her and pulled her to him.

Not so fast, young lady, we haven’t spent much time in each other’s company today and I’ve missed you like crazy. Pucker up those oh so adorable lips of yours and give me a big wet one.

Cathy grinned. How romantic, darling, she crooned. She happily gave him what he had requested, feeling her heart race in the way it always did when they shared a kiss. After close to five months of a relationship, her heart and soul belonged completely to this man and she knew they always would. Even though their affair could be tempestuous at times, it was only thanks to their similar personalities because she was every bit as fiery as he was, just as quick-tempered and just as stubborn. Neither of them would budge an inch if they believed something to be true but any arguments they had would be swift and then they would simply kiss and make up. Their fights, always verbal, were as passionate as the rest of their relationship, but that was just the way they were and they must be doing something right because they were as much in love now as they had always been.

Dave had felt an instant attraction for Cathy from the very first time they had met, feelings he had fought and even tried to ignore, but nothing had worked for him and now he was eternally grateful he had submitted to his feelings. It wasn’t just that she was beautiful to look at, which she was, with her long, naturally curly dark, auburn tinted hair, her startling blue eyes and petite figure, it wasn’t even because she was very much a wild and free spirit, it was more because, despite her hard-core, leave me alone, I can take care of myself exterior, she possessed a genuine vulnerability that made Dave want to protect her from the whole world.

When they pulled away, he smiled down at her in contentment. Well worth the wait, sweet one. Any chance you’ll let me stay the night?

Why do you keep asking? You know you can, anytime. But he always asked, he never took it for granted he could stay with her any night he pleased and she thought it was so sweet he always considered her feelings and respected her privacy like this. How much she loved this tall, dark, blue-eyed, handsome man of hers was beyond her comprehension at times, but as long as he continued to love her in return, then she knew she would be happy.

They went into the living room and while Krista and Cathy chatted, Paul and Dave engrossed themselves in the files again. Inevitably, before very long, the girls found themselves joining the men in their work, although four sharp brains instead of two still didn’t help in finding that one missing clue that could put the case back on track. At around ten o’clock, in frustration, Dave shuffled up the papers and the photographs and opted to call it a night.

What is it we’re missing? Paul mused, not for the first time.

What is there to miss? Dave retorted. We’ve been over these files with a fine tooth comb a hundred times and so far, we haven’t even come up with a motive, never mind a suspect. We’ve interviewed everyone who was at the party on the night of the murder, their alibis for the time after have all checked out - no great surprise really - and every one of them seemed to genuinely like the guy, one of them even called him a pillar of the community. If he was so well liked, why would anyone pump him full of lead? The only thing we have that’s solid is the murder weapon, a .22, but even that’s gone missing. Whoever did this knew how to cover their tracks all right.

Paul stood up and pulled Krista to her feet. Time we headed home, sweet-face. And Dave, don’t despair, we’ll crack this case, we always do.

Dave nodded vaguely and escorted his friends to the door. See you guys tomorrow. He closed the door after them, locked it securely and went back to Cathy. He flopped down beside her with a long, weary sigh and she looked at him sympathetically.

In one swift movement, she slipped in behind him and started to massage his neck. It’s not good for you to be this tense, you know, she stated. If you’re going to continue to worry, you’re going to get gray hair and wrinkles. She playfully kissed his ear lobe. But I’ll still love you, no matter what you look like.

One less thing for me to worry about then. He enjoyed the feel of her fingers as they worked at loosening the knots in his neck, the case momentarily forgotten as he started to relax a bit. Mmm...Feels good, Cath.

"I aim to please. But I have a far better idea that will really make you relax. Interested as to what it might be?"

He couldn’t fail to hear the seduction in her voice and he turned slowly to face her. Could be persuaded.

"How about I go upstairs, run us a nice, hot bath, I put some nice scented oil in it and I’ll wash your back for you. Then you can wash my back for me and afterwards, I’ll put on that sexy, slinky black number you got me for my birthday and then, if you’re very good, I’ll let you take it off."

Dave nodded in clear approval of her suggestion. "I like that idea, he stated unnecessarily, it’s far better than the one I had in mind."

Which was?

I was just going to carry you upstairs, tear off all your clothes and ravage your body. But your idea makes my idea sound terribly boring, seeing we did my idea last night. He smiled into her eyes, already feeling a shiver of anticipation. So, my adorable little witch, get your cute little buns upstairs, run us that bath and I’ll be up in a minute, soon as I check everything’s locked and turned off.

I’ll be waiting, she purred.

He heard her hum softly all the way upstairs and a few minutes later, he joined her in the bathroom. When he made love to her in her bed a short while later, he felt the last of his frustrations ebb away and somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew she was the one responsible for making him feel better. But afterwards, as he held her in his arms, inevitably, his mind wandered back to the case.

Go to sleep, Dave, Cathy murmured, knowing exactly what he was thinking of.

He absently kissed the top of her head. I will, in a minute.

Promise?

Promise.

Okay, I’m going to turn around now. Thanks to your abundance of energy tonight, I’m exhausted and loving it. She smiled lazily but she knew he was distracted so she forced herself fully awake again. David, you’ve got to stop thinking about the case, at least for long enough for you to get some sleep. You’ve already done all that you can do, your brain’s tied up in knots and if you can fall asleep now, you’ll be able to wake up in the morning with a clearer head, ready to think straight again. She paused, knowing he was only half listening to her. "I’ve never seen you so wrapped up in something before. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

I wish, baby, I wish.

Maybe there is. Tell me what it is that’s bothering you the most.

"Everything is but if I had to choose, it would be...the missing gun. And I know Paul feels the same way too. I know it’s not unusual for the murder weapon to go missing from the scene of the crime but for some reason, it’s because it is missing when it’s no big secret how the guy was killed. Why bother hiding the murder weapon when the cause of murder will be established right away?"

Maybe the person who did it knows a bit about police work and has hid it so there’ll be no fear of finding clues on it, not just like fingerprints, but maybe minute slivers of skin or something. Cathy suddenly slid out of bed and pulled on her robe. I’ll be right back.

Where are you going?

To get your files. I know you’re not going to rest until you have at least one more look at them. She returned a few moments later, sat on the very edge of the bed and spread everything out in front of them.

There were several photographs, showing the body and different angles of the room. The victim, a James Trenton, had been a successful businessman and on the night he had been killed, he had thrown a huge party for his clientele to show his appreciation for their support and business through what had been a record financial year for him. His was one of the few small businesses in the area that had continually flourished during the worst recession since the Great Depression, and had continued to flourish in the recovery years. He seemed like a regular person otherwise, had been into nothing shady and had enjoyed ordinary, everyday hobbies, like golfing, white water canoeing, paragliding and hunting. Various shots of the room he had been found in showed trophies and other awards but something suddenly caught Cathy’s eye. She picked up two photographs, each showing roughly the same angle of one side of the room, namely the fireplace area, and she frowned at each of them.

Dave, why weren’t all these photos taken at more or less the same time? she asked, in reference to the time stamp displayed on the bottom right hand corner of each.

We went back for more shots later on because a couple of the original ones didn’t come out to the captain’s satisfaction. Dave saw her snatch up the magnifying glass and carefully examine each of the photographs. What have you got, Cath?

The rifle case, the one to the left of the fireplace. Each of the photos shows something different, only it’s so subtle I’m not sure if my eyes are just playing tricks on me. She studied each photograph very carefully and shook her head in irritation. It’s really hard to say, even with the magnifying glass. I think we should get a blow-up done of just the rifle case.

Sure, if you think it’s necessary. But why?

Look. She showed him the first picture that had the earliest time stamp on it and pointed to a spot where he couldn’t see anything showing on it, but in the next picture, in the exact same spot, an object could be seen, only because the camera hadn’t been trained on it specifically, the object was practically unidentifiable. But even to his cynical view, it looked like part of a gun and he snatched the two photos from her hand.

My God, I think you did it! he exclaimed. The murder weapon has been under our nose the whole time only we easily missed it because that rifle case was searched prior to the second picture being taken. Whoever did it must have put the gun in there, knowing it had already been searched. He looked up at her in amazement. Cathy, you clever girl, you’ve just put this case back on track.

Not so fast, Dave, wait until you get the blow-up first. That might be a gun, yes, but it might only be an air gun, or something else other than a .22 and we can’t go jumping to conclusions yet until we have more solid proof.

But Dave knew they were on to something and, with a swift glance to see what time it was, he phoned Paul. It took a few rings before Paul answered and when he eventually did, he sounded a bit out of breath and totally irritated. Dave grinned. Catch you at a bad time, buddy boy?

Yup, as if you didn’t know. This had better be good, Dave. And quick.

It is good. Do you know I have a pretty amazing woman?

Dave!

I’ll take that as a yes. Okay, listen up.... Dave filled him in on what had just been discovered and after he finished, he got the expected response from his friend.

That’s great news, Dave, Paul enthused. Give that little dude of mine a hug from me. Makes me wonder how on earth she ended up with a buffoon like you.

Probably the same way Krista did with you, partner.

Really original, Dave. Paul chuckled and then, with a lingering glance in Krista’s direction, he moved to close the conversation. Anyway, tomorrow, we’ll head back down to the house, check everything out and see what we can come up with next. I hope this means you’re going to get some decent shut-eye tonight, you really need it you know, you’ve been acting like a bear with a sore head these last few days.

Dave knew Paul was anxious to get off the phone, but for sheer badness, he wasn’t going to let Paul get away so easily. Yes, I will get some sleep now, I feel more relaxed than I have -

That’s good to hear, Big D. See you in the mor -

In fact, I haven’t felt this relaxed since I can’t even remember when. I think I might even treat Cathy to -

Good night, Dave.

To a slap-up meal for helping us with this. Dave laughed when he suddenly heard a click when Paul disconnected the call and he replaced the receiver at his end. My, he sounded in a terrible hurry, he announced cheerfully. Must be busy doing something.

Something naughty, I’ll bet, Cathy said dryly. While he had been on the phone, she had cleared the bed again and made herself comfortable. "Now can we get to sleep?"

Thanks to you, yes. As if by magic, Dave was fast asleep in no time at all and it was the best night’s sleep he’d had in a long time. When he woke up in the morning, he felt completely rejuvenated, as if his batteries had been recharged and, to show his appreciation, he treated Cathy to breakfast in bed. Usually it was a mad dash for both of them in the morning, but he had deliberately gotten up extra early just so he could make her breakfast and when she finished eating, they even had a little bit of spare time on their hands.

Let’s go share a shower, she suggested and jumped out of bed.

He eyed her naked body covetously as she stood on tiptoe and stretched right in front of him. Yeah, let’s do that.

As a result, they ended up being a little later than usual after all but when they got to the station, they were still in high spirits. As soon as they walked into their office, they found Paul and Krista already there and they couldn’t fail to notice that Paul looked uncharacteristically down this morning.

What’s up, Paulie? Cathy asked.

Nothing, he said unhappily and Krista immediately rolled her eyes.

Tell them the truth, Paul, she said, I know you’re really dying to.

Dave, so unaccustomed to seeing his usually cheerful friend be so woeful, looked at him in concern. Yeah, tell us, Paul, he urged. What is it?

Well, I, well, it’s like this...I think there’s something wrong with my car.

That was explanation enough for Dave and he sat down to find out more. Paul adored his car, he had bought it brand new less than a year ago and it was simply his pride and joy. He loved it, he babied it and wouldn’t let the dust settle on it and no one other than the four people who were in the room right now ever got a chance to drive it because he couldn’t trust anyone else with it.

What do you think’s wrong with it? Dave asked.

I have no idea, Paul said mournfully.

Do you want me to take a look at it?

We’ll see. Maybe it’s nothing, maybe it’s just with all this rain we’ve been having recently, I don’t know. But on the way over here this morning, every time I stepped on the brakes, it took a while for the car to stop. I nearly rear-ended somebody at the traffic lights on Pine and Jefferson.

Maybe you just need the brake fluid topped up, Dave suggested.

No, I got that done at the last service, and that was only a month ago. The more he thought about his car, the unhappier Paul was becoming and it was obvious he wasn’t going to settle until he had found out what was wrong with his precious love. We’ll take my car when we go to the Trenton house and you can drive so you can see for yourself. You’re the mechanic after all, not me, so you’ll be able to tell me if I’m over-reacting or not.

No problem. Soon as I get the lab guys to give me a blow-up of these two photos, we can be on our way.

Less than an hour later, with the photos in hand that gave them the evidence they needed, Paul and Dave went out to the car. Within only a few blocks, Dave knew there was definitely something wrong with the car but he didn’t think it was anything too serious and that it could wait until they came back from their investigations.

The Trenton house was situated in the outskirts of Bathville, in an area popularly known as Millionaire’s Row, due to the very high-income people who lived there. Trenton’s estate was very private, set in fifteen acres of tree-covered land that overlooked the ocean and boasted its own private beach. It was a beautiful house, of Spanish style, a real dream home for anyone who could have afforded it, but the only down point about it was the very steep road that led to it from the main road. It had to have been a nightmare to maintain and maneuver in the icy, snowy Massachusetts’ winters.

As soon as Dave turned on to the road, he automatically applied pressure on the brakes to slow the car down but within only a split second, he knew there was something more than just wrong with the car, there was something horribly wrong.

Paul glanced out the window and turned to Dave with a puzzled frown. Hey, slow down, man, you’re going way too fast. But even as he spoke, he could see Dave’s foot pumping furiously on the brake pedal, only the car wasn’t slowing down at all.

The further down the hill they traveled, the more the car was picking up speed and if Dave couldn’t get the car to stop they were, in all likelihood, hurtling towards their doom.

CHAPTER THREE

Dave kept an iron grip on the steering wheel, trying to keep the car as steady as possible as it shot down the hill at seventy miles an hour. Trees and bushes passed in a sickening blur, a profusion of colors blending into one, and the only thing that remained consistently clear in their vision was the huge wrought iron gate at the entrance of Trenton’s driveway.

If they hit it, they were going to be seriously injured at best or killed outright at worst and Dave wasn’t about to let either of those happen. He hoped.

The only chance they had was if he could slow the car down sufficiently enough and stop it by applying the parking brake. And that was what he intended to do, without dying trying.

At the bottom of the hill, the road curved in a wide sweeping bend that led to another hill that took them up to the main road again and it was to this that Dave steered the car. For a moment, it looked like he wasn’t going to make it successfully around the curve, the car was going too fast and, with nothing else he could do, he skimmed the car along the boundary wall, nearly lost control and then, with a harsh jerk on the steering wheel, he got the car back on track and pointed towards the ascending hill.

His brain wasn’t thinking about the science of a fast moving object and forward motion and whether the hill would be long enough or steep enough to slow the car down, he just wanted to live to tell this story. He watched in restrained hope as the speedometer needle faltered, then dropped, slowly at first, but this hill was just as steep as the other one and, keeping the car in fifth gear, he felt it begin to shudder in protest. He didn’t dare shift down a gear as he watched the needle drop even more and, because the car couldn’t take the hill in high gear anymore, it started to stall.

Brace yourself, Dave ordered at just the right moment and, with that, offered up a silent prayer that the emergency brake was still operable, pumped the clutch to put the car into neutral and pulled slowly on the brake. Within seconds, the car ground to a bone-jarring halt that propelled both men forward, but mercifully not with enough force for either of them to hit the windshield or deploy the airbags. All they could think about was that the car was now at a dead stop.

And that they were still alive.

For quite a while, neither of them could speak, they were too busy trying to collect their shattered nerves and keep their breakfast down at the same time. Paul leaned forward and rested his head on the dashboard.

Oh man, he said shakily, now I know how those crash test dummies feel and that it really is true your whole life flashes in front of your eyes.

Dave was still staring straight ahead of him, a tight sensation in his stomach. Well, I think I can safely say this - there’s definitely something wrong with your car, partner, he stated hoarsely.

Paul turned his face towards him and even managed a half smile. What was your first clue? His heart was still hammering in his chest and he concentrated on thanking his lucky stars they were both all right to try and get it to slow down again. You okay?

Let me check my shorts and I’ll tell you in a moment. You?

Getting there. Don’t ever let me complain about your driving again, Dave, you did an excellent job there. I suppose I’d better get out and inspect the damage, seeing you hit the wall. Paul got out on trembling legs but when he got around to the driver side and saw the deep scratches on the paint work along the whole length of the car, anger swiftly replaced his shock. He thumped the roof in frustration and, whirling round, he kicked the nearest tree in a rage.

Dave jumped out of the car, saw the damage for himself and looked sheepishly at his friend. Christ, I’m sorry, man, he said, I’m really sorry I did this to your car. Let me pay for the repair work, it’s the least I can do.

Paul spun round again and stared in Dave in surprise. "Don’t be ridiculous, you’ve nothing to be sorry for. You’ve just managed to save both our lives and the least I can do is say thank you. I’m not really that concerned about these scratches, they can be easily fixed, I’m just pissed that we could have been nearly killed, that’s all."

Dave nodded then, reaching inside the car, he popped the hood release. After looking around the engine, he emitted a soft curse and banged the hood down again. Not a drop of brake fluid, he stated unnecessarily. He lay down on his back to look underneath the car and got his suspicions confirmed even more and when he got to his feet again, he was absolutely furious. Somebody obviously wanted this to happen, Paul. The brake lines have been very cleanly and deliberately cut right through.

Paul narrowed his eyes. The car was working fine yesterday so it must have been done during the night and thanks to the rainfall during the night, it washed away all traces of the fluid. He leaned against the car, his mind ticking over as he thought about the implications that had now arisen. And the question now is, who has deliberately sabotaged my car?

With a willful intent to kill you into the bargain. Let’s put the Trenton case on ice for the moment. We’d better radio for a truck to get your car to a garage and get us a ride back to the precinct too.

Within the hour, they were seated in Captain Hamilton’s office, telling their surprised boss of what had just happened. The captain couldn’t offer anything in way of an explanation, as neither could they, but he warned both of them to take care, that if someone had a death wish out on Paul, or both of them for that matter, they had better watch out.

Krista and Cathy were out but they returned just as Paul and Dave were getting ready to leave for the Trenton house again, in Dave’s car this time, of course.

Krista looked at the two men in surprise. Hello, boys, we didn’t know you’d be here, we didn’t see your car outside, Paul.

And you won’t either, for a day or two. Paul glanced Dave’s way, each of them knowing the girls would have to be told, whether it was going to upset them or not. Dave and I, we, er, sort of ran into a spot of bother this morning. In fact, if it weren’t for old Davey boy here and his expertise, you two ladies would probably be identifying our bodies down at the morgue round about now.

Krista, who at first thought he could only be joking, started to laugh but the laughter soon died in her throat when she realized he was deadly serious. What happened? she cried.

Paul told her and Cathy everything, deliberately holding nothing back so they wouldn’t have any question of a doubt that he and or Dave could be dead right now. Not that he was enraptured in telling them the complete truth, on the contrary, but he had learned a long time ago never to try and sugar coat anything for either of them. Anyway, Dave finally got the car stopped and it’s in the garage right now getting repaired and the paint work touched up. I was really ticked off too, that’s the first time my baby’s ever got a mark on her. He paused and smiled, trying to lighten the mood again. But it’s a small price to pay, huh? As long as the Big D and I escaped unhurt, that’s the main thing, isn’t it?

And you are both all right, aren’t you? Krista demanded. No whiplash or anything?

Paul’s smile became more relaxed. We’re both fine, sweet-face, so you can stop playing doctor. I think Somebody up there must really like us - which reminds me, I’m making it a point in going to Mass this Sunday, it’s been a while since I’ve been and it’s about time I gave thanks for getting my life spared yet again.

I’m almost tempted to go with you, Cathy suddenly stated, to give my thanks too.

Krista looked at her in surprise. That would be a first, getting your Protestant butt into a Chapel, Cath.

Stranger things have happened. Any ideas as to why someone would do this to you, Paul?

Nope, but I aim to find out.

Maybe it was whoever killed Trenton. Maybe he or she has realized you’re getting too close to discovering the truth and they’ve tried to get rid of you?

We certainly can’t rule that possibility out. And speaking of Trenton, let’s get a move on and get this wrapped once and for all. Dave gave Cathy a farewell hug but as he pulled away, she drew him back for another, tighter hug and she didn’t seem to want to let him go. Hey, what’s all this?

I’m just letting you know I’m grateful you’re all right. Any objections, too bad.

No objections here. We’ll see you ladies at lunchtime, hopefully, depending on how we make out. If we’re back by one o’clock, with good news, lunch is on me.

Now there’s an offer that’s going to be hard to pass up, Paul remarked. Lead the way, Dave, and ladies, we’ll see you later.

By midday, they had cracked the case. The gun was found and so was the murderer. Even the motive was simple:  It was the housekeeper who had done it, she had been having an affair with Trenton for several months and he had been promising her he was going to leave his wife and marry her. But then she had found out she was pregnant and because he had demanded she get rid of the baby growing inside her, she had come to realize he would probably never have married her. In a blind fury, she had grabbed the gun and killed him and, as with most murderers, had tried to cover her tracks. She had lied very well under the previous interrogations but now, having kept her secret for over a month, she seemed almost relieved to be confessing her crime.

Paul and Dave watched her sob uncontrollably as she lamented her sins but they couldn’t feel one shred of pity for her. Spurned love was no excuse to commit murder and the only thing they could feel sorry about was the fact her poor innocent child would be born in a prison hospital, a terrible way for any human being to come into the world.

When she had gained some semblance of control on herself, they questioned her about the sabotaged brake lines on Paul’s car, but her response was one of genuine surprise. Even her denial was recognized instantly as the real thing, so they ruled her out immediately.

Back at the office, Captain Hamilton congratulated them on closing the case. He knew how much it had been infuriating them but he had had his usual confidence in them that they would get to the bottom of it eventually.

You two keep going the way you’re going and I won’t have to take any more grief from my superiors for having recommended you get your shields at such a young age. I knew you were detective material from the start and I love it that you keep proving me right.

We only got this one wrapped with a lot of help from Cathy, Dave reminded him. "If it hadn’t been for her and her sharp