Deadly Deception Read online

  “The back door? Not the front?” I knew from the map on my phone that the park was located behind the house.

  “I looked out my bedroom window and saw the man go into the woods.”

  “You’re sure?”

  She nodded. “My dad always kept the spotlight on in the back because of the animals that came into our yard. It was fun to—” Her voice caught in her throat, and she burst into tears.

  I patted her hand. “It’s okay, Cassidy. So, at any point, did you see the man’s face?”

  “No, but he was carrying a long gun.”

  “And does your dad own any long guns?”

  She shook her head. “He didn’t own any guns. He said they were dangerous, and I guess he was right.”

  “It’s okay.” I patted her hand again. “Stay put. I’ll get you some water.”

  I entered the kitchen, and Don—whom I hadn’t realized had arrived—knelt over the body. Mike and Danny were inspecting and photographing the room. Through the bay window overlooking the deck, I saw Lutz in the back yard with Jeeter and Conway. I stepped out and called him over.

  “What is it, McCord?”

  “Cassidy just told me she saw the killer run into the woods while carrying a long gun, which fits with the description of a shotgun.”

  “What?” Lutz spun and looked up at the second floor. Right where Cassidy’s bedroom was, a window overlooked the adjoining park. He pointed at it. “Son of a bitch. There’s a good chance she did see someone. That spotlight illuminates all the way to the tree cover. What else did she say?”

  I shrugged. “I’m heading back in there now. She needed a break, and I went to get her a glass of water. I’ll dig deeper.”

  “Good, and I’ll get Jeeter and Conway to start walking the woods.”

  Chapter 3

  After returning to the living room, I took a seat alongside Cassidy and handed her the glass of water. She took several swallows then pulled a coffee-table book closer.

  “My mom yelled at me every time I set a glass on the bare wood.” She cautiously placed the glass on the book’s dust jacket then wiped her eyes with the corner of the blanket.

  “So, about the man that walked into the woods. What do you remember about him?”

  “It looked like he had on a denim jacket, and his pants were dark.”

  “Could you see his hair color?”

  She shook her head. “He didn’t have any hair.”

  “So he was bald? Completely bald?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  Either the man wore his head shaved, he was bald, anyway, or he had deliberately acted to make sure not a single piece of his hair was found at the scene. It would also make our job more difficult. His hair would take only a week to grow enough that the description of a bald man would no longer apply. Plus, we had no idea what his actual hair color was. I jotted those notes to myself and continued on. I knew Cassidy wouldn’t be able to tell me his height since she was looking down from a second-story window.

  “How about his build? Was he skinny, heavy, or normal in size?”

  “About the same as Lucas.”

  “So normal?”

  “Yes.”

  I jotted that down. “Did you hear the man speak?”

  “No.”

  “You did really good, Cassidy. Now, do you have any relatives who live nearby?”

  “My grandpa and grandma live in Canaryville on South Wallace Street.”

  “And do you have their phone number?”

  “My mom does on her phone, but it’s probably still on the charger next to the bed.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll have somebody get it. What are your grandparents’ names?”

  “Rita and George Carter.”

  “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”

  I left the room and asked Lutz if he would call for a female officer to come and sit with Cassidy. There was no way I’d let her wander around and catch a glimpse of her family members again in the condition they were in. I was sure the images she had already seen would be burned into her mind for years. I looked for a bathroom on the first floor where she wouldn’t see the kitchen where Mr. Ramsey still lay.

  “Anyone see a half bath down here?”

  Nelson pointed at the hallway just off the family room. “There’s one down there.”

  “Okay, good. I wouldn’t want the poor kid to have to pass the kitchen again in case she needs to use the restroom.”

  Lutz joined me in the dining room. “Brenda Simon is on her way.”

  I nodded. “She’s a good cop with a lot of compassion. She’ll have to go upstairs and get Cassidy a change of clothes, and then I’ll have Nelson block the stairs with tape.”

  “What did Cassidy say about the man who headed into the woods?”

  “She said he wore a denim jacket and dark pants. He was also bald and had the same build as her brother, Lucas. I guess the nearest relatives are her grandparents on the mom’s side, and they live in Canaryville. Cassidy said her mom’s phone is probably still on the nightstand charger upstairs.”

  Lutz jerked his head at Grimes. “Gather all the phones you can find, but don’t touch anything else.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Lutz rubbed his brow. “I’ll send Conway and Jeeter to the grandparents’ house. They need to be told privately what happened tonight without Cassidy having to relive the gruesome details again. It’s bad enough that she saw everything firsthand. Once the sun comes up, we’ll scour the park and woods thoroughly.”

  “If you don’t mind, I’d rather break the news to the grandparents myself. I can always wake up Frank if you need an extra detective here.”

  “Yeah, okay, but wait until Brenda arrives. Meanwhile, since you already have a rapport with Cassidy, find out what her dad and mom did for a living. Somebody targeted this family, and I need to know why.”

  I checked to make sure we were alone, then I whispered, “What I want to know is why the shooter let Cassidy live.”

  “And that’s a good question.”

  Grimes returned with the phones a few minutes later. “There were three upstairs. Two in the master and one in the son’s room.”

  Looking at all three, I assumed the one with the pink case belonged to Kathy Ramsey. I took that one and returned to the living room, where I took a seat next to Cassidy. “Doing okay?”

  “I guess.”

  I held out the phone. “Is this your mom’s?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Can you show me where your grandma’s number is?”

  She took the phone from me and scrolled through the contact list.

  “Right there.” She pointed at the entry that read Mom.

  I thanked her and pocketed the phone. “Cassidy, what did your mom and dad do for work?”

  “My mom was a clerk at city hall, and my dad was a businessman.”

  I smiled. “Do you know what kind of business he was in?”

  She shrugged. “All I know is that he wore a suit to work every day.”

  “Okay, we’ll figure it out.”

  Officer Brenda Simon arrived fifteen minutes later, and I ushered her into the family room, where I talked privately with her.

  “Glad you could make it, Brenda. In the living room, we have a thirteen-year-old girl who has just witnessed the most horrific sight anybody can see. I’m sure she would feel more at ease with a female officer at her side.”

  “Sure, I understand. So, she’s the only survivor?”

  “Yep, and I’ll admit, she’s pretty damn strong for a kid. She’s going to need a change of clothes from her bedroom upstairs. Right now, she’s still in her pajamas. Also, see if you can find her some comfort food in the kitchen as long as Forensics and Don give you the go-ahead to enter.”

  “Not a problem, Detective McCord. I’ll take good care of her.”

  “Thanks. I’m heading to Canaryville to break the news to her grandparents. After I talk to them, I’ll have them pick up Cassidy at the police station. How abo
ut just loading up a laundry basket with a bunch of clothes from her bedroom?”

  “Easy enough, and I am a mom, you know.”

  “Thanks again. There’s a bathroom right around the corner. Don’t let her stray any farther than that. I’m heading out now.” I stepped into the kitchen and told Lutz I was leaving. “Brenda has everything under control, and with any luck, I’ll be back before daylight. Cassidy pointed out the grandma’s phone number for me, and I’ll call it when I get to their house.”

  Lutz gave me a pat on the back. “For a guy who’s never been married or had kids, you did pretty good with Cassidy.”

  I raked my hair. “Yeah, maybe so, but hell, who wouldn’t have compassion for a thirteen-year-old kid who just lost her entire family? I realize she’s trying to stay strong, but sooner or later, the loss is going to hit her like a ton of bricks.”

  Lutz sighed. “And when it does, I hope her grandparents are prepared for it.”

  Chapter 4

  The drive from the Ramsey house to the Carter residence took twenty minutes. I tried to think about how I’d break the news to them. That part of our job was never easy, and no matter how we worded it, the death of a loved one was the worst news a family member could ever hear. Pulling up to the house, I glanced at the dash before killing the engine. A check of the time showed it was pushing five o’clock. I cracked open one of the water bottles I kept in the car and drank half of it before taking a breath. It was time to call Mr. and Mrs. Carter and tell them I was coming up the sidewalk.

  Their phone rang in my ear three times—Cassidy said it was a landline. Seconds later, light coming through a second-floor window caught my attention.

  Must be their bedroom.

  A sleepy-sounding male voice spoke into the phone. “Hello.”

  “Mr. Carter?”

  “Yes, and you better have a good reason for calling at five in the morning.”

  “Sir, this is Detective McCord from the Chicago Police Department.” I wasn’t quite ready to say I was from Homicide. That explanation needed to be said face-to-face. I’m outside your house right now, and I need a word with you and your wife.”

  “What on earth is this about?”

  “Sir, I’d rather speak to you in person, and I’ll show you my badge through a window or whatever way you’re most comfortable with to confirm my identity.”

  “Give us a few minutes.”

  After clicking the fob to lock my car, I walked to the porch. Through the eye-level glass panel on the door, I saw them walking toward me. I held my badge in front of the glass and waited. I understood how someone would be extra cautious opening their door at five in the morning to someone holding what could easily be a fake badge.

  I called out through the door, “Mrs. Carter, Cassidy gave me your phone number and address. Please, this is extremely important.”

  Mr. Carter cautiously opened the door. “You’re really a detective?”

  “Yes, sir, and if you’re still uneasy, you can call the police department and verify my badge number.”

  “It’s okay. Come on in.”

  I thanked them and stepped into the foyer. Mrs. Carter, wrapped in a flannel bathrobe, led the way to the living room. As I followed, I wondered how a couple who looked to be in their early sixties would handle taking a thirteen-year-old girl into their home or if they even wanted to.

  “Please, have a seat, Detective McCord.” She and her husband sat side by side on the couch, and I took the chair that faced them.

  “You said Cassidy gave you our number. Why would she do that?”

  “Mr. and Mrs. Carter, Cassidy called 911 several hours ago. An intruder broke into the home and—”

  “Oh my God, no. Tell me everyone is okay!”

  “Ma’am, I’m so sorry, but Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey, as well as Lucas, were shot and killed.”

  “No, no, it can’t be. My daughter Kathy is dead? Lucas and David are dead too?” Mrs. Carter buried her face in her hands and let out gut-wrenching sobs. “How? Why? This has to be a mistake.”

  “I’m sorry, but it isn’t, and I can’t get into specifics yet. Our crime lab and medical examiner are just beginning the lengthy process of going over everything.”

  Mrs. Carter wiped her eyes with her sleeve. “Is Cassidy okay?”

  “Thankfully, Cassidy wasn’t harmed.”

  “Was it a robbery?”

  “From what I saw and from Cassidy’s account, I’d say no. None of the furniture was overturned, and nothing appeared to be missing.” I paused while I thought about Cassidy’s well-being. I needed to know if they were willing and able to take her in, whether permanently or temporarily. “Given Cassidy’s age and the fact that you two are her only relatives who live nearby, are you prepared to take on the role of her guardians?”

  Mr. Carter responded. “Of course we are, and that goes without saying. Where is Cassidy, and who’s watching over her right now?”

  “We have a female officer sitting with her, sir. She’s still at the house, along with a half dozen officers, my commander, the medical examiner, and our crime lab. She’s in good hands, but later, I’ll have you pick her up at the police station. We need to keep the crime scene as pristine as possible without people coming in and out, and right now, I need to speak with you alone. Cassidy has been interviewed already, and she doesn’t need to be overloaded with more questions. She has a lot to process. Mr. and Mrs. Carter—”

  “Please, just call us George and Rita. We aren’t formal people.”

  “Okay, and feel free to answer my questions together or individually. First, I need to know about David. Cassidy said he was a businessman who wore a suit to work every day. What exactly did David do for a living?”

  “He was a stockbroker and worked at Finch and James downtown.”

  I added that to my notes.

  An angry client getting revenge? Somebody who lost a lot of money due to volatile investments?

  I wondered if David was the target and the wife and son were just collateral damage.

  David was downstairs alone, so why not take him out and leave? The shooter could have killed him and then fled without harming anyone else. Why kill Kathy and Lucas at all, and why leave Cassidy alive?

  I needed to return my focus to the moment. Later, I would have time to run my ideas past our detectives.

  “Had David ever mentioned angry clients to either of you?”

  Frowning, they both shook their heads.

  Rita offered her thoughts first. “David was a workaholic, and since Kathy was my daughter, she and I communicated the most. David may have mentioned that type of thing to Kathy but certainly not to us.”

  “Hmm.”

  “What exactly are you thinking, Detective McCord?”

  “Not sure yet, and what I think is only speculation at the moment. I’m assuming David was the target, but then why kill the others and leave Cassidy alive?”

  “Could a killer actually have a moral compass as to who they’d kill and who they wouldn’t?”

  I scratched my cheek. “Meaning they’d kill a nineteen-year-old boy but leave a thirteen-year-old girl alive? That’s a good question, Rita, but unfortunately, all killers are different.”

  “Can you tell us how they were killed?”

  “Sorry, but I can’t go into details just yet. I’m sure at some point, Cassidy will have that talk with you.”

  “So she discovered them?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Like I said earlier, it was Cassidy who called 911. Did Kathy ever speak of neighbors, work acquaintances, or anyone who had a grudge against her or the family?”

  Rita’s voice caught in her throat. “Detective McCord, Kathy was a happy, loving woman with a lot of friends, and she enjoyed her job. She loved her kids and attended all their after-school activities. She and David seemed to have a great marriage even though he did work a lot, and as far as I know, they didn’t fight, and neither of them had ever cheated on the other.”

  I appreciated Rita’
s insight and would take everything she said into consideration, but the usual reasons people were murdered were money and infidelity. I asked to sit between them so I could go over Kathy and David’s contact lists. I needed to know if any names were people the Carters knew and, if they were, what kind of relationship they had with David and Kathy.

  Later, with all the information I needed then, I suggested they make the necessary calls to relatives, prepare a room for Cassidy, then meet their granddaughter and me at the Wentworth Police Station at eight o’clock that morning.

  I turned back before walking out. “One last thing before I leave.”

  “Yes, what is it?” George asked.

  “Do either of you know a bald man who is built about the same as Lucas?”

  George shrugged while looking at Rita. “Can’t say that we do, Detective McCord.”

  I patted the doorframe. “Okay, thanks. Then I’ll see both of you in a few hours.”

  Chapter 5

  Needing a coffee jolt to stay alert, I turned in at a corner gas station, filled a cup, grabbed two doughnuts, and continued my drive to the Ramsey house. The sun had just cleared the horizon, and a glance at the clock showed it was half past six. I would update Lutz, tell him everything I’d discussed with the Carters, then he’d fill me in on what went on during my absence.

  I entered the house and saw Brenda with a magazine in hand, sitting on the wingback chair in the living room. A full clothes basket sat at her side. Cassidy was asleep on the sofa with the blanket pulled up to her nose. I was sure the kid was mentally exhausted.

  I continued to the kitchen, where one officer stood and the body remained on the floor. Through the window, I saw that the back yard appeared empty.

  “Where is everyone?” I asked.

  The officer pointed his thumb upward. “With the other two victims.”

  “Okay, thanks.” I spent a few minutes talking to Brenda before going upstairs. I nodded at Cassidy. “How’s she doing?”

  Brenda answered with a sigh. “About as good as one could expect. Bouts of sobbing and then stunned silence. She has a long road ahead of her.”

  “Anything found in the park?”