THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

later, Von and Scott returned to the station.
    A young officer sat at the front desk. “You just missed a visitor. She left a note.”
    “She?” Scott reached for the piece of paper. “We just missed Kasey,” he said to Von. “She’s at my place.”
    “Go get her,” Von said. “I’ll work with the deputy to get the rest of the address from Libby, and coordinate how we can get Jake home.”
    Scott nodded. “Great. I have my phone. Call me if you need me. I’ll bring her up to date and meet you back here.”
    “Good luck. She’s not going to want to believe that Jeremy betrayed her. He’s like family to her. Go easy.”
     

 
    Chapter Thirty-Eight
     
    Kasey’s cell phone rang just as she pulled next to the curb in front of Scott’s house. She answered and Scott was already talking before she could say hello.
    “Got your message,” Scott said. “Where are you?” His voice sounded tight, his words clipped.
    “I’m sitting in my car right in front of your house. Is everything okay?”
    “There’s a key to the side door, on top of the bird feeder. I’ve got news.”
    “Your voice sounds funny.” Her stomach swirled with dread. “The news. It’s not bad is it?”
    “No. Not bad. I promise. I’ll explain when I get there.”
    “When—” But he’d already hung up. She found the key easily and went to the side door. It took a minute to get the key in the right way, but finally it slipped in the lock and she opened the door.
    Inside the house, the room was dark. She patted the wall looking for a light switch, but something brushed against her as she did. She instantly thought of Turtle Mike, but then whatever it was grabbed wrist, pulling her away from the open door. The fear of imminent danger pulsed through her veins, gripping her so tight she couldn’t make a noise.
    Kasey scrambled to keep her balance, tugging hard. She slapped and kicked and was able to free her arm, but the door slammed behind her, trapping her inside.
    In the darkness of the room, she felt something pass in front of her face, but her eyes hadn’t adjusted and it was too dark to see. A strong hand clamped around her arm. She bent forward and bit down until the intruder screamed, but he didn’t let go. Instead, cool metal settled on her temple.
    Her body went rigid. Afraid to move, her temple pulsed under the pressure of the barrel.
    She heard a slap on the wall next to her, and the lights came on.
    “Kasey?”
    “Jeremy?”
    They stared at each other for a stunned moment, then she breathed a sigh of relief and stepped away from the gun. “You scared me to death. I thought I was a goner. What are you doing here?”
    His jaw moved, but he didn’t respond.
    “Jeremy. Why are you here?” She stepped toward him. “Why do you have a gun? What’s going on?”
    He stepped back. “This isn’t....” Jeremy’s voice drifted. Sweat dampened his forehead. “You shouldn’t be here.”
    “Why are you here?”
    “It’s not how it seems.” All the color had drained from his face. “He’s got to pay for this.”
    “Who’s got to pay? Scott?” She blinked, shaking her head. “You don’t think Scott had something to do with Jake’s disappearance?”
    Jeremy straightened.
    “That can’t be. He’s helping me find Jake.”
    He scratched his head with the barrel of the gun. “He’s not helping you. He just wants you.”
    “Wait. This doesn’t make sense. Did Scott...?” She took a step back. Scott had said he was there at the accident site. Could I be so wrong about him? “ Do you think Scott did something to Jake?”
    “I’m here to make everything right,” Jeremy said. “Don’t worry. I’m going to take care of Calvin and then I’m going to take you to Jake.”
    “You found Jake?”
    “Yes. I’d do anything for you and Jake. You know that.”
    “Of course, you’re like family. Let’s go,” Kasey said and turned to the door.
    Jeremy waved the gun and it went off, scaring them both.
    “Careful with that thing. Just put it down.”
    “Wait! I have to stop Scott first.”
    “Why? Is Jake with Scott?”
    Jeremy shook his head.
    “Then take me to Jake. I just want my baby.” Kasey’s voice became loud and impatient. “Quit standing there. Let’s go. We can let the police take care of Scott.”
    “But he is the police.”
    “Von will know what to do. Come on.”
    The side door swung open and Scott steadied his gun on Jeremy. “Hold it right there.”
    Kasey stepped between them.