They Came for Him

By P.D. Workman

A mystery thriller from USA Today bestselling author, P.D. Workman that will keep you turning the pages!

There’s been some trouble

That was the understatement of the year. A call from private investigator Zachary Goldman’s older sister puts him on to a murder case, but this time he is trying to help the murderer rather than tracking him down.

From the beginning, Zachary has his own ideas of what happened and is confident that he can gather enough evidence and background information to prove that Luke is not guilty of murder. But Luke is not contributing to his own defense and the facts that Zachary uncovers are not what he was expecting.

Zachary begins to doubt whether he knows the real story after all.

But he is not giving up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This highly suspenseful tale took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion as I feverishly flipped the pages navigating the plentiful twists and turns in hopeful anticipation of Luke being exonerated. P.D. Workman has once again worked her literary magic to produce another story filled with traumatized “imperfect” people facing daunting challenges and somehow managing to survive, prevail and inspire.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ P.D. Workman expertly weaves her way to the centre of a psychological thriller, combined with fascinating characters and events that will grip you firmly by the imagination throughout, in They Came For Him. Make sure you get it today!

Zachary Goldman, Private Investigator, is flawed with a capital F. Shattered by the tragedies of his own life, he will somehow still manage to pick himself up and dig just a little bit deeper than anyone else to piece together the vital clues and solve the mystery.

Maybe being broken makes it easier for others who have faced tragedy to trust him. Walk with Zachary as he solves cases that will stretch his abilities to the limit.

Even with his own life in shambles, Zachary Goldman is still the one you want on the case.

Looking for a thriller that will keep you up all night and stay with you long after the last page?

Investigate this P.I. Mystery now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: P.D. Workman
• Release date: Nov 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9781774682685

P.D. Workman

P.D. Workman is a USA Today Bestselling author, winner of several awards from Library Services for Youth in Custody and the InD’tale Magazine’s Crowned Heart award. With over 100 published books, Workman is one of Canada’s most prolific authors. Her mystery/suspense/thriller and young adult books, include stand alones and these series: Auntie Clem's Bakery cozy mysteries, Reg Rawlins Psychic Investigator paranormal mysteries, Zachary Goldman Mysteries (PI), Kenzie Kirsch Medical Thrillers, Parks Pat Mysteries (police procedural), and YA series: Medical Kidnap Files, Tamara's Teardrops, Between the Cracks, and Breaking the Pattern.Workman has been praised for her realistic details, deep characterization, and sensitive handling of the serious social issues that appear in all of her stories, from light cozy mysteries through to darker, grittier young adult and mystery/suspense books.

Book preview

1

Zachary’s phone rang as he breakfasted with Kenzie. He knew better than to answer it at dinnertime unless it was an emergency, but he didn’t usually have to worry about it ringing during breakfast, so he wasn’t sure how to handle it. He glanced at Kenzie, who raised her brows questioningly. Zachary decided he’d better at least check to see who it was. It could be Heather, his older sister, calling to let him know that there was a client he needed to deal with urgently. Or it could be Lorne Peterson, his old foster father and long-time friend, who wanted to reach him while Kenzie was still home to invite them over for dinner or let them know something that was going on. It would be rare for a client or anyone else to call him first thing in the morning.

The caller ID was Jocelyn Goldman, his oldest sister.

Zachary’s stomach plummeted. He couldn’t think of any reason Joss would call him so early. The fact was that she never called him at all. He occasionally called her to see how she was doing, ask after Luke, or let her know that he would be in the area and was hoping to stop in for a visit. But Joss kept herself separated from everyone else, not getting close emotionally.

He swiped to answer and held the phone to his ear.

Joss?

There’s been some trouble, Joss said, bypassing any greeting or small talk.

Zachary swallowed. Had Joss gotten herself into trouble? Or had Luke? Was it something to do with Madison, Luke’s former girlfriend, who Zachary had rescued from human traffickers? Or with Rhys, Zachary’s young Black friend who was romantically interested in Luke? Zachary had been doing his best to keep them apart, but Rhys was a teenager and wasn’t about to be told what to do.

As far as he knew, Joss hadn’t had any contact with her old life and had been staying away from drugs. Still, he had thought the same of Tyrrell, his younger brother, before he had given in to his addiction a few months earlier. Was she the one who was in trouble?

Or was it something completely different? Since Joss kept to herself so much, there could be a hundred things going on that Zachary had no idea of.

He licked dry lips. What’s wrong?

Across the table from him, Kenzie had put down her toast and was leaning forward, dark eyes worried, echoing his concern.

Luke has been arrested.

Zachary swore under his breath. What had the boy done now? He knew that Joss had been worried about him lately, concerned that he could be tempted back into his old life. It was difficult to leave behind a life of addiction and almost impossible to leave a crime syndicate like the one that Luke had been involved in. Despite the abuses he had suffered at the hands of his bosses in the human trafficking ring, it was easier to be told what to do than to have to make his own decisions. It was easier to be supplied with all of the drugs and money he needed as long as he lured in new teens and brought in more business. The approval of his superiors was almost as strong a drug as the substances he had been addicted to. With long experience in the life herself, Joss had tried to explain to Zachary what a battle it would be to keep Luke not only clean and sober, but away from sex trafficking and the cycle of abuse that he had become accustomed to.

That was beside the fact that Luke had been making the organization a lot of money and they would do whatever they could to get him back if they knew where he was living now.

What for? Drugs? Or…?

I wish that was all it was, Joss said with a sharp laugh. If it was only that simple.

How could it be worse than that?

It’s murder, Joss told him baldly. He’s been charged with murder.

2

Murder?" Zachary repeated, his stomach tying itself into even tighter knots.

Kenzie’s eyes widened. For an assistant in the medical examiner’s office, murder was part of her everyday life. It was what had brought them together initially, as Zachary had been investigating the death of Declan Bond. But the deaths that she was involved with were not usually anything to do with anyone they knew.

There was a deep sigh from Joss. Yeah, murder. You know that’s what I said. Her tone was irritated. She had probably been up all night. And undoubtedly, she didn’t really want to have to deal with it all. Zachary was encouraged by the fact that she had called him, but wasn’t sure what she needed from him. Just a listening ear? Did she want him to call someone? Suggest a lawyer?

Do you know what happened?

"Apparently, he killed a pimp. Someone he knew while he was in the business. Not like they’ll give me any details. I’m not even legally his guardian. But they had to call someone, and better me than child services, since they know nothing about him. Joss let out another sigh. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do about this."

What did Luke say about it? Did he explain what happened?

He’s not saying anything. Which is probably best because they’ll just use anything he says to convict him.

And he didn’t tell you anything either?

I haven’t talked to him. They haven’t finished processing him yet, so he can’t see anyone.

He’s allowed a phone call. He didn’t want to talk to you? Did he call a lawyer? Public defender?

No. He didn’t make a call. The cop who talked to me said that he hasn’t had anything to say. Hasn’t defended himself. Didn’t want a lawyer. You know what’s happened. Obviously, this pimp had contact with Luke in the past or was trying to pick him up.

He’ll probably get a lawyer in time. It’s only the first day. Once he’s had a chance to think about things, to talk to you and figure out what he’s going to do…

Can you look into it?

What do you want me to do? Talk to the police? They won’t tell me any more than they told you. They probably won’t talk to me at all.

No. I want you to find out what happened. Just ask around. Get the scoop from any witnesses.

Zachary tapped his finger against the table, thinking about it. Sure… I’ll do what I can to help. But the police won’t want me talking to witnesses right now. They need to do their investigation first. And once Luke has been processed, he’ll probably let you know what happened. He’s just being careful right now. He knows how this works.

They’re going to railroad him! Jocelyn snapped. A kid like Luke isn’t going to get any sympathy. They’ll say he’s in the business. He killed his pimp. He got into an argument over payment. Luke has got a record; they know exactly what kind of a life he was leading up until you brought him to live with me.

It wouldn’t look good for Luke. Zachary knew that sex workers went to prison for much less. But he couldn’t quite wrap his mind around what had happened.

"Was Luke back in the business? I know you were worried about him. What do you think happened?"

I don’t know. I’m not his mom or his babysitter. I don’t always know where he is. I do my best to keep him out of trouble, but he’s old enough to make his own decisions. I can’t physically keep him from doing anything he sets his mind to. And he knows his way around. He doesn’t need me to take him anywhere.

I know that. I’m not saying that you should have kept him home or that you did anything wrong. You’ve been doing a great job with Luke. I can’t think of anyone who could have done a better job with him. But you were worried that he might be tempted to get back into the life. The pull of the drugs and the money and positive strokes from the people he used to work for. Or a new boss.

He’s been out some nights. Not all the time, and not usually overnight. Just for a few hours. There’s not much by way of entertainment around here. Popcorn and Netflix isn’t exactly exciting for a kid who has been used to partying and the nightlife.

So, he’s drinking? Drugging?

I don’t know. He says not, but… Even though they were on the phone, Zachary could see her expressive shrug in his mind’s eye. Of course that’s what he’s going to say. Any addict who falls off the wagon is going to deny it to start with.

As Zachary had discovered with Tyrrell. Tyrrell had assured Zachary and Kenzie that he hadn’t started drinking again. Until he’d disappeared on a drunken binge and Zachary had to track him down. He couldn’t exactly deny it anymore at that point.

But you must have seen the signs. If he was using again.

He seemed fine to me. But if he stayed away for long enough to hide the signs… and those nights that he did stay out overnight…

Well… I’ll find out what I can, but I don’t know how much that will be. Do you think he’ll talk to me? Once he’s been processed?

No. Probably not. Kids are taught not to talk if they get scooped up. If you just keep your mouth shut, the cartel will get you out. Maybe you serve some time, but as long as you don’t talk about anyone else… you can go back again when you are released.

Zachary made a noise of acknowledgment. His brain was busy, trying to figure out how he could do anything to help Luke. If the police wouldn’t tell him anything, Luke wouldn’t tell him anything, and Luke didn’t even have a lawyer to defend him, how was Zachary supposed to get any information that might be helpful for Joss or Luke?

I’ll try to get in to talk to him later today or tomorrow, Joss said, lowering her voice a little, letting up on the anger that Zachary knew hadn’t been aimed at him. I’ll find out what I can. I’ll try to get him to get a lawyer and tell him to talk to you. She cleared her throat, but her voice still sounded tight as she went on. You just had to bring him here, didn’t you? You just had to go and let me get attached to someone. I care about what happens to him. You may think I’m a tough chick who won’t let herself get hurt by anything… That was certainly the image she tried to project. But I do care about what happens to Luke.

Of course you do, Zachary reassured her. I’ll do whatever I can to help.

3

After Zachary hung up the phone, he looked at Kenzie, shaking his head slowly.

What exactly happened? Kenzie asked. She pushed a few of her dark curls back over her ear, picked up her toast, and took a couple of bites, waiting for Zachary to fill her in.

I don’t know anything yet. Just that Luke was arrested for murder. Someone in human trafficking. Jocelyn doesn’t know for sure whether he knew him from when he was in the business, or if this is someone that he’s met since then. Maybe someone trying to pick him up. He’s not telling anyone what happened.

That’s probably good for now.

That’s what Joss said.

So… why did she call you? What does she want you to do?

Zachary shrugged uncomfortably. Look into it. I don’t know what I’ll be able to do or how helpful I’ll be. But she’s never asked me to help before, so I’ll do whatever I can.

"Of course. I just wondered whether there was anything you could do."

Probably not right now, but I can talk to him once he’s been arraigned and everything. As long as he’ll see me. Joss said she’ll tell him to.

"If he lets her visit him."

Zachary rolled his eyes and nodded acknowledgment. Man… Luke. I thought he was doing so well. I know Joss said that she was worried about him, that he might go back to the life, but… he seemed so strong when I talked to him. I didn’t think he would.

It’s hard to wrap your mind around it. Like going back to an abusive spouse. I mean… he knows he’s walking back into a violent, dangerous lifestyle, one that endangers him and where he’ll be required to do things that he doesn’t want to. And why? For drugs?

Among other things, yeah. There’s an endless supply in the trafficking business.

I thought he was doing well too. I’m sorry. You must be really disappointed.

Kenzie knew how hard Zachary had worked to get Madison and Luke away from the cartel and find them safe places to start over again, even going as far as planting false trails about both kids having been killed in the shootout during their escape attempt. He had hoped that they would be out of that life forever. But now Luke was right back in the middle of trouble again.

Kenzie reached across the table to put a comforting hand on Zachary’s arm for a moment, then withdrew it. So, what does this mean for the rest of today’s plans? she asked practically.

Zachary considered. Nothing, really, other than being a distraction. I can’t do anything right away, so we may as well just go ahead with our plans.

Good. I think Tyrrell would be really disappointed if I showed up to pick him up without you.

Tyrrell had completed his program at the drug rehabilitation center, and it would be cruel for his brother not to be there to meet him and celebrate his accomplishment. Or to put it off for another day. Zachary needed to be there for Tyrrell, like he had promised.

He always needed to follow through on his promises to his brothers and sisters. They’d had to put up with enough crap from the parents who had abandoned them and the other challenges they had faced once put into the foster care system. They all needed him to be steady and reliable. A good big brother to Tyrrell, Vince, and Mindy, and little brother to Joss and Heather. Now that they were all back in his life again, at one level or another, he needed to show them that he wasn’t the same Zachary as had burned the house down when he was ten, causing the dissolution of the family.

He would spend the rest of his life trying to make up for that.

I have to be there for Tyrrell, he agreed. I told him I would be.

Are you going to eat? Kenzie nodded to the granola bar and single-serving yogurt container on the table in front of Zachary. He needed to eat if he were going to get back up to a healthy weight and he couldn’t take his newest meds on an empty stomach.

So he had to, despite the heavy, foreboding feeling that now twisted his guts into a solid, uncomfortable knot. Zachary breathed out slowly, trying to relax all of his muscles.

Yeah. Of course.

He had started to open the granola bar wrapper before his phone had rung. He picked it up again and tore it open. He liked the chocolate chip granola bars, and now that he was on meds that didn’t make him nauseated first thing in the morning, he could actually enjoy it.

Once they had finished eating breakfast, they got ready to pick Tyrrell up. They hadn’t set up a specific time, but Zachary wanted to get to the rehab facility as early in the day as they could so that Tyrrell wouldn’t be waiting around and they could spend as much time together as possible getting Tyrrell settled into his new life and celebrating his graduation with him.

Zachary drove. There was always a debate over which of them would drive, as they both enjoyed highway driving. Kenzie’s sweet little red convertible was her baby, her pride and joy, and she loved any excuse to go out and show it off. Zachary’s white compact, on the other hand, was meant to be as anonymous and unnoticeable as possible, looking like every other fleet car and rental out there. A solid, dependable ride that no one would even remember seeing later. Despite what Magnum, P.I. might have gotten away with in Hawaii, a private investigator couldn’t conduct surveillance in a flashy red convertible. Vermont was not Hawaii.

Having enough space for Tyrrell and his bags necessitated taking Zachary’s car. And taking his car meant that he got to drive, unless there was some reason to let Kenzie drive instead. When they had gone to the Lodge, he had been too wiped out to drive the whole distance, and she had taken over. But normally, taking Zachary’s car meant he was doing the driving.

I’m going to handle a few emails, Kenzie commented, taking out her laptop. If that’s okay with you. Did you want to visit?

I don’t mind. Driving was like meditation to Zachary. It was one of the only times he could sit and do nothing and be happy about it. If Kenzie were paying attention to her email, he could probably go a little faster than he normally could drive with her in the car. Zachary’s mouth twitched, and he had to make an effort not to grin at the idea.

I saw that.

Zachary chuckled. Saw what?

You’d better not get there in half an hour.

Yes, ma’am.

The weather had been warmer the last couple of weeks. They didn’t need to wait for the windows to defrost, so Zachary pulled out after ensuring that Kenzie had on her seat belt and was ready to go.

Do you want music?

Whatever you want, Kenzie told him, her voice already far away, distracted by whatever she was reading on the screen.

Zachary turned on the radio and flipped through the saved channels until he found something good. By the time they reached the highway, he was already in the zone, blocking out all of his concerns about Luke and Joss and just how he could help Luke.

4

They didn’t reach the rehab facility in half an hour. But it didn’t take a full hour, either. Zachary caught Kenzie checking the time as they pulled up. She gave him a wry look.

Time flies, she commented. I expected to be able to get more done on the way here.

It’s supposed to be your day off anyway, Zachary pointed out. You shouldn’t be doing work email.

Well, no. Not all of it was work.

Maybe she had checked her personal mail as well. Still, Zachary doubted that her bright red pursed lips and the small frown line between her eyebrows had been over something puzzling in her personal inbox.

Maybe you’ll be able to get a bit more done on the way home.

Doubt it. The two of you will probably be jabbering like jays on the way home.

Jabbering like jays? Zachary raised his brows.

At least I didn’t say cackling like hens.

We have a lot of catching up to do.

And you’ll have lots of time to do it. And you don’t have to do it all today. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. You guys should talk and have a good time together. I’m just saying I know it will be distracting, that I can’t focus on emails while you’re having an interesting discussion.

Zachary smiled all the way from the car to the reception area. The lobby area that had been so bare and desolate when they had dropped Tyrrell off now seemed airy and was filled with bright sunlight, as if even the weather were celebrating Tyrrell’s completion of the program.

We’re here for Tyrrell Goldman, Zachary told the receptionist.

She gave him a sunny smile. Oh, believe me, I know! Tyrrell is over the moon about being finished and being able to go home with his family today. She tapped a button on her phone as she picked up the receiver. And I would know who you are even without being told.

He and Tyrrell looked enough alike that people saw the resemblance between them and didn’t need independent verification that they were siblings. Zachary briefly considered their shared genetic traits and the father they both resembled before pushing any thoughts of Berk to the side to stay focused on Tyrrell’s achievements.

He’s here, the receptionist said into the receiver.

It was mere seconds before the security door to the right opened and a woman in burgundy nurse’s scrubs motioned for them to join her. Zachary Goldman?

That’s me. Zachary gave Kenzie’s arm a squeeze as they turned and headed toward the door. And this is Dr. Kenzie Kirsch.

Doctor. The woman gave Kenzie a respectful nod. Glad to have you here.

Don’t worry, Kenzie said, to allay any anxiety the nurse might have about having an outside doctor in the facility. All of my patients are dead.

The nurse looked at her, startled. What?

I work at the medical examiner’s office. The morgue.

Oh! The nurse laughed. I see!

I don’t have any kind of oversight here. I took a tour when we dropped Tyrrell off because I was interested in learning as much about your programs as possible, and I was very impressed. But there’s no need to cater to me or even call me doctor. I’m just Kenzie here.

Well, we’re still glad to have you, the nurse said, but did look more relaxed about it.

She led them through a couple of short corridors to a common area where Tyrrell was sitting, waiting and talking to a few other residents. Like Zachary, he had dark hair and eyes, though his hair was not in a buzz cut like Zachary’s, but a longer, shaggier style. He looked up at Zachary’s arrival. His face split into a grin and he jumped to his feet.

Zach! Bro! It’s good to see you!

He gave Zachary a vigorous hug and slapped him on the back. He turned to the other residents.

My brother, he introduced, motioning to Zachary. My big brother, Zachary. And this is Kenzie. He gave Kenzie a sideways shoulder hug. Zachary and Kenzie… he made a sweeping gesture toward the others to introduce them. My buds. Worked our way through the program together.

Zachary nodded. Good to meet all of you.

They made various comments and greetings. Zachary looked at Tyrrell, evaluating him, looking for any sign that he wasn’t quite ready to leave the safety of the program yet. Of course, they had all talked it over before, but Zachary was worried. Tyrrell had seemed stable before too. Zachary hadn’t had any idea that anything was wrong until it was too late. How are you doing? he asked. You’re ready to get out of here?

I’m ready, Tyrrell agreed firmly, giving a nod. I’m doing really well. Don’t know when the last time I felt this good was.

Zachary nodded, but he was still anxious, looking for cracks in Tyrrell’s veneer. They didn’t want to take Tyrrell away from the support of the program too soon. He needed to be ready.

Are you ready to meet with Dr. Gable? the nurse asked Zachary.

Zachary and Kenzie nodded. They both knew Dr. Gable and had met him on previous occasions. Zachary knew that today, Dr. Gable would be the one certifying that Tyrrell had completed the program and was ready to leave.

Zachary wished that meant that Tyrrell was cured and wouldn’t have to worry about falling back again. But it didn’t. He was a dry drunk. A recovering alcoholic, but never cured.

This way.

5

They all went together to another room, one of the family visiting rooms like they had used before when they had taken Alisha and Mason, Tyrrell’s children, to visit him. Comfortable surroundings, meant to look more like a living room than a doctor’s office or exam room.

Tyrrell Goldman, Dr. Gable greeted heartily and reached out his hand to shake Tyrrell’s. Can you believe it is time for us to say goodbye to each other already? He was an older man, gray hair, wire-rimmed glasses, a lab coat that didn’t quite cover his paunch.

It seems like a long time, and like just yesterday, Tyrrell said. He looked around the room and at everyone assembled there. I didn’t think I would ever feel this good again.

The time goes quickly. Dr. Gable sat down and motioned for them all to take seats. He laid a few papers out on the coffee table in front of him. When Tyrrell came here, he was in pretty bad shape. Physically and emotionally. He looked at Tyrrell. Over a month of very heavy drinking, and moderately heavy in the weeks before that. And, of course, his long history with alcoholism. It does a lot of damage to your system. Alters the way you think. Depresses your nervous system.

Tyrrell was nodding his agreement. He didn’t seem to be embarrassed by the doctor talking about the specifics of the problems he’d had when he had arrived at the facility, as Zachary thought he might. But then, Zachary and Kenzie had seen. He had stayed with them for the few days between when Zachary had found him and when they had gotten him into the program. It had been a rough go.

We have the results of some of the testing that you did and the medical examinations that were performed when you got here, Gable told Tyrrell, pointing to the stapled papers. And pictures.

Tyrrell winced when Gable laid a few snapshots on the table. Zachary looked them over. They had been visiting Tyrrell regularly since he’d completed the first phase of the program. The physical changes had been gradual enough not to be startling. Still, when he looked at Tyrrell’s admitting photos and remembered the way he had looked when Zachary had initially found him in that bar, it was a bit of a shock.

Tyrrell had grown gaunt during his drinking binge. Not as thin as Zachary when he went through his depressive cycle, but still noticeably thinner and less substantial than he was now. His eyes and skin had been dull, and Zachary remembered how he had done little else but lie around or sleep during the time he had been at the house. He had not been well. He had not acted like Zachary’s brother.

Now, that mischievous smile was back. Zachary could see the twinkle in Tyrrell’s eyes again, just like in the eyes of the six-year-old he had been separated from after the fire. Zachary leaned over and gave Tyrrell another hug.

It’s all thanks to Zachary and Kenzie, Tyrrell said. Kenzie is the one who found this program and got me into it.

The work has all been yours, Dr. Gable amended. And it has been a lot of hard work.

Tyrrell nodded, not denying it. Zachary had seen their timetables, and knew that they kept the residents busy from before sunrise with programs, lessons, therapies, chores, and practical applications. If Tyrrell had made friends with the other residents who were there waiting with him, it was only because they had been able to talk while they worked and during meals and group therapy. There had been little time on the schedule for rest or recreation.

Dr. Gable flipped through one of the reports and read from one