Truth Avenged (Green Division Series Book 1) Page 14

  Think Chance. There has to be something you aren’t thinking of. She could write Mr. Fitton a letter and ask that he call her. What were the chances he actually would though? None.

  The Registry of Deeds. The thought hit her. She lunged for her laptop and turned it on. The keys ticked ferociously. Within five minutes she had the address of Mr. Hank Fitton. No phone number, but a hell of a start. She could drive out there and speak to him. Quite a ride to take on a gamble he was: 1) alive, 2) lived at the address listed, and 3) was willing to speak to her.

  She did a reverse search on the address listed in the Registry of Deeds and she got a hit on the internet. There was no phone number, but the property was listed for sale on a real estate listing.

  YES. She could call the real estate agency and simply request to speak directly to the owner. It was her best shot.

  “Milton-Smith Real Estate.” A man answered.

  “Hi, I was calling about a listing you have in Albany. I wondered if I would be able to get more information.”

  “Certainly ma’am. Which listing are you interested in?”

  “1122 Lincoln Avenue.”

  “Do you want to set up a tour of the property?”

  “Well, I wondered if I could speak directly to the owner of the property. You see, I live all the way up in Maine and I don’t want to waste a trip all the way down there if it would be possible for them to answer my questions.”

  “What are your questions? I’d be happy to try to assist you.”

  “I’d rather speak to the owner if it’s possible.”

  “Not to be rude, but that is why people hire real estate agents. We handle the questions.”

  “And I’m a customer, possibly a paying customer, so I’d like to speak to the owner if it can be arranged.”

  The agent let silence linger.

  “What is your name?”

  “Chance Phillips.”

  “Your phone number?”

  Chance gave it to him.

  “I will give your information to the owner, it will be at his convenience to call you. He’s a cross old man, so you’d be wise to take me up on my offer to assist you.”

  “No thank you. I’ll wait for…the owners call.” She almost leaked out Fitton’s name. Since the agent hadn’t mentioned it, it could have tipped him off. She’d saved herself.

  Chance hung up the phone and let out a deep breath. She had one opportunity to break the ice with the cross old Mr. Fitton.

  Chance showered and kicked around the house for once listening to the doctor’s advice of taking it easy. The phone beeped, but it wasn’t him.

  Sigh. Out of the house. She needed out of the house. She grabbed her keys and went for a ride to the store down the road.

  Chance rummaged through the store in search of lunch. There were not many options, but it was better than what she had at her home. Her parents had stocked her fridge well, but in true fashion nothing looked appetizing.

  “Chance!” A voice said behind her.

  “Amy.”

  “Oh my God.” Amy ran over and hugged her. “You look good, considering! You almost seem glowing.” Amy was tall and built like a gymnast. Wearing skinny jeans and a leather jacket that fell at her navel, she didn’t look like a tired house mom.

  Chance blushed. There was a reason she had a glowing appearance.

  “I’m feeling pretty good, considering.”

  “They still haven’t caught them?”

  “No.” If they’d caught them, everyone would know. It wouldn’t be a secret. “But, they are trying their hardest. I’m trying to have faith in them.” Chance picked an Italian sandwich from the deli case.

  “We need to get together soon and catch up.”

  I’ve heard this before. Chance thought. Amy was a good friend, but had a busy home life. What happens to everyone when they grow up, she supposed.

  “We do.”

  “I’ll ditch the hubby and kids soon and we can hit the town.”

  “I look forward to it.” Chance smiled.

  “I have to go, but you take care.”

  “Thanks.” Amy walked to the register.

  Chance’s phone vibrated in her pocket. It was an out of state number.

  “Hello.”

  “Is this Chance?”

  “Yes, it is.” She felt a surge of adrenaline.

  “I’m Hank Fitton. The real estate agency said you had some questions you needed to ask me directly.”

  “Yes, sir.” Chance walked to the register, dropped the items in her hand and mouthed to the clerk that she’d be back, she was going outside. “The questions I have aren’t about your house though, I wanted to talk to you about John White.”

  Silence.

  “Who is John White?”

  She could tell instantly he knew who Squirrel was.

  “I believe he was a man you served with during World War Two.”

  “I served with a lot of men. I don’t remember a John White.”

  “I have a picture of you in a squad photo with him. You must remember him.”

  He huffed. “If I remember correctly, there was a John White involved in a car accident and killed before we deployed.”

  Chance didn’t buy his insincerity.

  “Are you sure he didn’t die in a plane crash?”

  “NO. He died in a car accident. I didn’t know the man. Why are you asking these questions? Are you interested in my house, or not?”

  “I’m trying to find the truth. I know he didn’t die in a car accident. He died in a plane crash in the North Woods. Why did the government cover it up? Was it an accident?”

  “Miss, I don’t have time to waste on your nonsense. If you are looking for information on Squirrel I suggest you go to the military.”

  “If you didn’t know him, how do you know his nickname was Squirrel?”

  The phone line went dead. Chance hit redial. It went to voicemail. She left a message with her phone number. Then dialed again.

  “I will call the police if you continue this.” He picked up and threatened.

  “I found the plane Mr. Fitton. I found it in the North Woods. I can tell you are lying. You are the only one left that can tell the truth. Please, tell me the truth.”

  “I told you the truth.” Anger came across clear in his voice. “Now, leave me alone. If you call me again, I will call the authorities.”

  CLICK

  So much for Mr. Fitton being of assistance. Chance opened her car door, threw her cell phone inside, and sat down. She was no longer hungry. Instead she continued her ride in no particular direction, going whatever way the car charted

  After two hours of driving around, she returned home. She sunk into the couch and a picture of Squirrel stared back at her. She swiped the files on the coffee table and sunk her head into her hands. She was frustrated and at a dead end.

  *****

  Tuck’s shift had passed without much excitement. The public followed the law accordingly on that shift. He checked a few hunters, spoke with a couple hikers, and in general played the role of a Maine Guide.

  Tuck drove to Chance’s at the end of his shift at 8 p.m. He turned onto Chance’s street behind a swanky Audi that was out of place in the small town. The vehicle pulled into Chance’s driveway. With no room in her small driveway because the Audi blocked it. Tuck parked on the street and shut of his headlights. Paul crossed the walk with flowers and a paper bag in hand. Tuck’s disappointment overwhelmed him. She was just another Claire. Worse. He didn’t love Claire, not like he did Chance. He picked up the compass from his center console and griped it tightly.

  I give up. I’m done. I knew better. I knew.

  Chance opened the door and Paul hugged her and kissed her cheek lovingly. Chance returned the affection. Tuck looked away. They weren’t “friends” and he was a fool. A stupid blind fool. Tuck put his hand on the key to start the engine, but when he looked up Chance had spied his vehicle in the darkness. She waved to him. He opened his driver’s
door with the compass still gripped tightly in hand. He’d return it and leave for the last time.

  “Hi Tuck.” Chance smiled at him as he approached.

  “It’s fixed.” He tossed it in the air to her and turned his back.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Home. Enjoy your evening with Paul.” He took a few more steps.

  “Hey, what the hell is your problem?” Paul said heated. Anytime he saw Tuck, he’d been a short tempered prick.

  Tuck turned, but settled his anger before he did something he’d regret. He opened the truck door and left without saying a further word. It took an incredible amount of restraint for him to do so.

  Tuck was angry and hurt. He thought she was different. And though he’d only known her for a short time, he fallen for her. And what a dumbass he was for allowing himself to do so.

  His phone rang beside him. He sent the call to voicemail. No more than a few seconds passed and it rang again.

  “Just friends, huh,” Tuck said upset.

  “Yes, we are,” she said as upset as him. “One of my best friends, but you have it wrong. There’s something you need to know.”

  “Tell Paul.” He hung up.

  Chance called again. He sent her to voicemail again. She didn’t get a hint.

  *****

  “What was that?” Paul looked at Chance’s devastated face. “Is there something going on between you and him? Chance?”

  She opened the door and walked inside. Paul followed behind closing the door. She wiped her eyes.

  “Wait—did you—did you sleep with him?” Paul asked in disbelief.

  Chance’s eyes answered the question without her saying a word.

  *****

  Tuck opened his door and dropped his gear on the floor. How dense was he. His phone rang. Ever dependable.

  “Yeah.” He answered not bothering to put on a happy front. The dispatcher gave him the information he needed.

  “Alright. Yeah. Got it.” He hung up the phone. On the bright side, a late night hike would distract his reeling mind.

  *****

  Please call me. Chance texted Tuck.

  Call Paul. He returned.

  Chance stared at her phone, his text angered her.

  If you’d let me explain…

  Her phone rang.

  “Tuck.”

  “No, let me talk.” His tone was less than forgiving.

  “You—”

  “I asked you if you were involved with Paul, you told me no, he’s just a friend. Friends don’t act like you and Paul, Chance. They don’t hug, kiss, and bring each other flowers. It’s bullshit.”

  “He’s—”

  “Don’t fucking tell me he’s just your friend, I’m not stupid. I was just a good lay and a shoulder to cry on when your boyfriend was too busy working. The second best thing behind Paul. I can’t believe that I believed you. But, you know, that’s okay, because I got what I wanted out of this too.”

  “You don’t mean that.” Her voice cracked.

  “I do. This makes things a lot simpler. Go back to Paul.” Tuck wanted to hurt her. Hurt her like she’d hurt him. “He can have my sloppy seconds. It wasn’t that good anyway.”

  “You’re an asshole.” Chance sat on the floor. Everything came crashing down. Tuck, the once sturdy presence had turned into the biggest disappointment. It hurt worse than being shot.

  “At least I’m not crazy. More than I can say for you. You and your talking ghosts, these supposed men who led you to this magical bag and compass and all of those delusions you talked about. The ghost plane. There is no fucking plane, Chance. You cocked this whole story up, didn’t you? There probably weren’t even any poachers. I could see you being fucking crazy enough to shoot yourself.”

  Chance dropped the phone on the floor and trembled. Paul came from the living room. She’d asked him to give her a moment and he obliged.

  “Talk to me, Chance. What happened?”

  “I made the biggest mistake of my life.” The words came out barely audible in her hyperventilation.

  Paul knelt down and hugged her.

  “What did he do to you?” Paul asked more sternly.

  *****

  Tuck dropped his phone into the console and turned up the radio, his pulse raced. It was a good thing it was a twenty minute ride to where he was to meet with a fellow warden to go looking for yet another MIA hiker because he needed the time to cool down. The more he calmed, the more guilt crept into his conscience for what he’d said to her.

  Stop feeling guilty. She’s the one fucking another guy.

  Chapter Twelve

  Chance didn’t want to get out of bed. Paul never spent the night at her house, ever. But he wouldn’t leave her in the state she was in. She was worse than when she’d been shot. Paul truly was the only man she could depend on. He have may be busy with his job, personal life, and other obligations, but he made time for her when she absolutely needed him. And he would never treat her like Tuck had. Tuck’s true colors showed vibrantly. And they weren’t pretty. Chance wiped her eyes.

  “Do you want me to stay with you?” Paul sat beside her on the couch and rubbed her back. “I’ll take the day off. I haven’t spent a day with you in too long anyhow. Me and you.”

  “No, go to work. You have plans with Jon tonight, the UMaine hockey game. I saw it on your Facebook. You guys go and have fun. You don’t need to baby me. I’ll be okay.” She couldn’t even get through the sentence without crying. Her eyes were puffy and her nose bright red.

  “Oh, Chance.” He hugged her. “I’m not going anywhere. Jonathan can come over here and we’ll both keep you company.”

  “I miss Jon.” She admitted.

  “And he loves you as much as I do. We’ll get some take out, wine, chocolate, and whatever depressing chick flick you want to watch.”

  Chance smiled. “Why can’t all men be like you?”

  “Because the birthrate of the world would flat line, sweetie.” He hugged her. “There are good ones out there. He’s just not one of them.”

  “I know.” After what he’d said, she no longer wanted Tucker Johnston holding her, comforting her. She felt tainted by his touch and broken.

  *****

  Tuck opened the door to Kerr’s office.

  “You wanted to see me.”

  “Take a seat.” A Lieutenant stood on the other side of the desk beside Kerr. This wasn’t good.

  “I warned you.”

  Tuck’s stomach churned. “About what, sir?”

  “Getting involved with your cases.” Kerr took his reading glasses off his face. “You need to consider your words very carefully.”

  “If you lie to us, you’re done Johnston. End of the road. If you tell us the truth, we’ll see what we can do for you. You know how this is going to work.” Kerr crossed his hands on the desk.

  Tuck’s jaw clenched so tightly it hurt.

  “You’re vehicle has been seen parked at Chance Phillip’s house several nights this past week, all of which are documented and photographed.” Kerr tossed a photo over the desk at him. “If you were going to screw around, you should have been intelligent enough to be discrete. Lyman Police Department took the liberty of noticing your presence and also making sure to notify us. A disgruntled former warden now works with Lyman, as you know. We can’t look the other way on this.”

  Tuck saw his career flash before him.

  “What is the extent of your relationship with her? This is your chance to tell us the truth.”

  Tuck leaned forward placing his head in his hands. Chance.

  “Johnston.” The Lieutenant addressed him.

  “You kicked me off the case. So, how is this an issue?”

  “Don’t turn this around. Make no mistake, this is not a debate. Answer the question. What is your relationship with her?”

  “I’ve been seeing her.”

  “You’ve spent the night at her home on several occasions.” Again, they were coaching him to
get information. Tuck straightened his back.

  “If you’re asking if I had a sexual relationship with her…” Tuck took a deep breath. “Then yes, I did.”

  “Okay.” Kerr didn’t seem relieved by the admission.

  “What happens now? Am I under suspension?” He half expected them to ask for his gun and his badge.

  “Not yet. The Colonel will make that decision pending the end of an investigation.”

  “Investigation? I just admitted the truth to you, sir. I had sex with her.” He looked down from Kerr’s stern glare. “Open and closed case.”

  “As I said, that will be the Colonel’s decision. You have a meeting with him in two hours, so you need to move.”

  “Yes, sir.” Tuck didn’t move.

  “You’re dismissed.”

  “I’m sorry.” He stood up and started for the door.

  “You’ve put the department in a hell of a position, Tuck. One of our best men gets caught screwing an attempted murder victim only a few weeks after the incident. If the news gets wind of this…”

  Tuck tried to keep his head high, but it worked against him.

  “A year down the road it might have been seen as romantic.” He shook his head. “Two or three weeks later—she fell for the warden who saved her life and you took advantage of that.”

  Tuck felt an inch tall.

  “Get out of my office.” Kerr said dryly. He put the photos back in the folder and Tuck walked out of the division headquarters garnering the stares of the office secretary and Mitch.

  Tuck walked to his truck with Mitch not far behind. He got to his truck and hit the side of the truck with his open palm frustrated.

  “Tuck.” Mitch jogged to his side.

  “You heard.” Tuck opened the door.

  “Everyone has man.”