Desperate Measures Read online

  The plane banked to the left. Brimstone Fortress loomed ahead. Mountains barricaded the landing strip on both sides. The runway appeared only a few yards longer than a football field. The pilots who flew the jets scheduled to land on these Caribbean islands were most likely former NASA astronauts, used to the jarring impact involved upon re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere.

  Scott and Caitlin flew onto the island often, ever since their honeymoon visit. They still hadn’t become accustomed to the abrupt landing. Each grabbed an armrest with one hand and the respective child sitting next to them with the other, in preparation for the nerve wracking connection with solid ground.

  Caitlin prepared herself for the next event. The minute the plane’s back wheels hit the runway, the brakes would immediately be applied. Each passenger had no choice but to follow the laws of inertia. Heads would involuntarily shoot forward. One miss calculation and the plane would hang over the cliff. Two missed calculations and the plane would drop into the sea.

  The tires screeched but the jet continued forward. It slowed down, slower and slower. Finally it made a turn, headed toward the small terminal of Robert L. Bradshaw Airport then stopped. The exit signs lit up and the cabin door opened. No need for a gate on this tropical island. The passengers climbed down a set of portable stairs and walked across the tarmac into the open air.

  The Martels were seated in first class and among the first to disembark the aircraft. Winds blew; heat and humidity engulfed them. But, they were in paradise.

  They by-passed the traditional photo spot, ‘Robert L. Bradshaw Airport. Welcome to St. Kitts.’ Enough family photos had been taken in front of the sign. They raced toward the building, eager to clear customs and see their new vacation home, completed at last after three long years of construction.

  Trudging across the tarmac, Chad shouted over the roar of the jet engines, “Mom, what are we going to do today? I want lobster for dinner and a swim in the pool. Alexandra does too.”

  “Chad, we’ll do everything you want to. We’re here for three weeks. We need to get the car and see our new house. We’ll go out to dinner tonight and you can have lobster.”

  “What about the pool?”

  “Our house has a pool. You can swim there.” Caitlin blew out an exasperated breath. They had just landed and already her son’s enthusiasm exhausted her.

  Chad huffed. “I like our house but the pool at the Oceanside is better.”

  Caitlin ignored the remark and nudged her son forward. Who wouldn’t like the pool at the Oceanside Royal Resort and Casino? It was huge! Swim up bar and restaurant, waterfalls, jacuzzis. During previous visits, the Martels had stayed at the resort in a three-bedroom ocean front suite.

  The arguments of swimming and lobster resolved, customs cleared, no more issues should arise. Caitlin walked down the stairway ahead of her family, stopping in her tracks at the sight of Drew, his face similar to her own earlier that morning. Despite the heat and humidity, a chill ran up her spine. She gripped Scott’s elbow and whispered, “Something’s wrong. Drew’s here, waiting for us.”

  Confused, Scott turned to look at Caitlin and then followed the direction of her gaze. Drew Porter, Chief of Police, didn’t look happy. Worried and upset best described his expression. Caitlin and Scott had known Drew for years. He always smiled. Not today.

  “Stay here and wait with the kids. I’ll go see what’s up.” Scott handed over a still sleepy Alexandra.

  Caitlin grabbed Chad’s hand and walked to the revolving carousel that carried luggage. She didn’t take her eyes off the men. Their faces told her something was wrong, very wrong. She shook her head and tried to convince herself Drew was here for a social visit. The look on his face contradicted that thought but maybe he didn’t feel well.

  They were in St. Kitts for crying out loud. What could have possibly happened to warrant the presence of the Chief of Police? Nothing. This was a peaceful island, inhabited by trustworthy and honest people. She became impatient and anxious, eager to receive whatever news Drew had come to deliver. She snapped at her son, “Chad, get the last suitcase, I’ll wheel the other two.”

  Alexandra lifted her head and wailed. “Where Daddy go?”

  Chad started with a barrage of questions. “Why did you have to yell at me, Mom? I got the bag. Why’s Drew here? Is something wrong?”

  Caitlin forced herself to be calm. She felt guilty as hell, more so than earlier. Now she’d turned into a royal screw up and upset her children. That damn letter! She took a deep, cleansing breath. Well, as cleansing as it could get in a non-air conditioned and crowded building. “Chad, I’m sorry. Thank you for getting the bag. Alexandra, Dad is right outside talking to Mr. Drew. You remember him don’t you?”

  Alexandra didn’t get a chance to nod or even fully wake up before Mr. Inquisitive, Chad, got the last word. “That’s what I asked you, Mom. Why is Drew here? What’s wrong?”

  In an attempt to refrain from lashing out, Caitlin bit her bottom lip. A moment later, in a voice she hoped projected a modicum of reassurance, she replied, “Nothing. I’m sure Drew just wanted to welcome us back and see our new house.”

  Her last statement contained false bravado for the benefit of her children and didn’t reflect the internal jitters Caitlin continued to experience. It had to be the heat and humidity. Nope, not that. Florida’s climate was similar during this time of year. That damn letter started all of this.

  The scene outside became even more disturbing. Linda Sampson joined the men. Why was she here? What had happened? More importantly, what did they know?

  Caitlin, Chad, and Alexandra exited the baggage claim area. Linda raced forward, embracing the children. “Linda, Linda!” they both screeched.

  She replied and shot a worried look in Caitlin’s direction. The look appeared to say “I am sorry.” Linda returned her attention to the kids. “How would you two like to go swimming at the Oceanside and have dinner with me tonight?”

  “Yay! We love that pool and swim up bar.” Chad spoke for himself and his sister.

  What the hell was going on? Caitlin’s mouth opened. She could form no words. Her hands reached out to her son and daughter.

  Their sweet innocent voices echoed, “Is that okay, Mom?”

  Before she knew it Scott moved behind her, grabbed her elbow, and answered, “Yes, have fun with Linda. She’s in charge so make sure you listen to her.”

  “We’ll be good. See you later, Mom and Dad,” Chad reassured his parents then got in the car.

  “But…but,” Caitlin tried to choke out. What the hell had just happened? She attempted to run in the direction of Linda’s parked car but Scott’s grip tightened, becoming almost intense.

  Chapter Three

  Scott whispered, “Walk to Drew’s car now. Don’t make a scene, the children haven’t left yet. You were right. There’s a problem. Drew will explain when we get to the house.”

  Her teeth gritted in frustration and fear. She followed the directions given and slumped into the back seat of the police car. Caitlin rarely found herself in such a situation. As a leader, she always gave the directions. She built her own company. She was used to being in charge but now she wasn’t. She had no control over what had already happened and couldn’t shake the ominous feelings that plagued her since she left the office.

  The police cruiser left the airport then entered Kim Collins Highway. Not much of a highway, a two lane road, named in honor of an Olympic runner from St. Kitts.

  Caitlin’s restraint broke loose. She unhooked her seat belt and grabbed the back of the seats, ready to demand answers.

  Before she could say anything, Scott stated, “The kids are safe, Linda’s watching them. Drew checked us into the Oceanside.”

  Caitlin shot back, “I know the kids are safe, you idiot. Linda’s like family and babysits for them everytime we come here. What about all of this subterfuge? Why the hell are we staying at the hotel? What’s wrong with our house?”<
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  Drew took charge of the situation. “Caitlin, we’re at the top of the mountain and almost at the house. As far as we can tell, the break-in occurred early this morning. Rita stopped by around one this afternoon. She used the extra key the locksmith gave her. She wanted to leave some essential provisions to welcome you back; eggs, milk, butter. She even made her special mutton. Everything looked in order until she entered the kitchen. That’s when she found the disturbance.”

  Caitlin sagged against the back seat and muttered under her breath, “First the letter, now a break-in. Will this day ever end?”

  Scott unbuckled his seat belt. Yup, the Assistant Director of the FBI of the United States of America committed a vehicular felony. He turned in his seat. “What letter? What the hell are you talking about?”

  Caitlin grumbled. She knew the direction this conversation would take. She opted to be direct and concise. State the facts and move on. “It was more of a note. When I went to the office this morning, Victoria gave me a manila envelope. It must have been delivered over the weekend.” She gulped. This was the part that would raise flags and cause uproar. Get it over with, she told herself. “The note said ‘No DNA Bitch or you Die’.”

  Caitlin ignored her husband and turned her attention to Drew. Her last statement had a profound effect on the man. His jaw clenched and he appeared agitated. The car swerved abruptly but then straightened. Her mind filtered out most of Scott’s comments but she pondered Drew’s reaction to the mention of the damn note. It had put the Chief of Police on edge and caused him to drive recklessly. Why? He had already violated the law and had two passengers in his car without seat belts. If he hadn’t regained control quickly, the police car would’ve cascaded down the cliff. The chance of survival of the passengers wouldn’t have been good; seat belts or not. Caitlin didn’t analyze Drew’s sudden anxiety further. Scott’s loud voice broke through her daze.

  “Goddammit, Caitlin! You couldn’t stay away from your precious company, even today? This has to do with that quack you insisted on hiring, Dr. Brad Tessell, right? Where’s the letter?”

  “Right here, in my purse.” Caitlin crossed her arms across her chest. She had to regain some balance of control. With the answer given, she could read Scott’s mind and envisioned the investigative procedures she hadn’t only violated but trampled upon; fingerprints, tampering with evidence, transference, chain of custody. The note was not a big deal. It couldn’t be. She had to compose herself before she could continue. She wanted to curse for having to defend herself. She wanted to yell but didn’t. Breathe in, breathe out. Remain calm and professional. Finally she answered in one of her famous straightforward, no-nonsense answers. “I hired Brad Tessell because he’s a brilliant scientist.” She didn’t mince words nor elaborate on Brad’s history. She spoke the truth. Enough said.

  Drew pulled into the driveway, put the car in park, and jotted three letters, “DNA”, in his notebook.

  Inside the house a captivating view greeted them. The Caribbean glistened through the full-length living room window and the mountains showed from the dining room. Everything appeared to be in order. Nothing disturbed. No sign an intruder had ever been there. Caitlin wanted to run. She didn’t want to see the kitchen and ruin the image of her perfect house. Running away was not an option. Her body trembled but she knew she had to be strong and see the disturbance herself. Then maybe this nightmare of a day would end.

  * * * *

  Linda and the Martel children walked into the elegant and luxurious lobby of the Oceanside Royal Resort and Casino at the height of check-in time. Weary, impatient guests stood in line. Not Linda. She marched right behind the counter and obtained the room card.

  The clerk smiled and then whispered, “Sure we can’t lure you back? Repeat visitors still ask about you.”

  With pride Linda answered, “Thanks, but I made the right decision for me and more importantly for Isabel. Anyone who asks about me, send them my way.”

  “Sure will.” The clerk turned his attention to the next person in line.

  As a single mother of a six-year-old daughter, Isabel, Linda worked very hard and saved every dime of her salary and tips. Determination drove her to provide a good home and future for her child. Before long Linda had enough money saved to start a small café. Scared and timid at the prospect of venturing out on her own, she’d taken her time in finding the right location and ensured that her finances were indeed in order. Eventually, she’d mustered up the courage to make her dream come true.

  Linda found the perfect spot, located in the heavily trafficked tourist section of downtown, for her small but friendly café simply named Linda’s. She kept the fare light and simple but the atmosphere friendly. Welcoming and inviting. As her number one priority she met and greeted each and every customer personally. Within a short period of time, Linda’s wariness and worries faded. She knew she’d made the right decision. Her outgoing and cheery personality, combined with her frugal and thorough management of personal finances, formed the foundation of the success and profit that Linda quickly experienced.

  With a quick stop at the suite, they changed into bathing suits, applied sun block, and were off. The pool area was somewhat crowded and happy hour at the swim up bar had just started. Linda gripped Alexandra’s hand but didn’t see Chad. She wasn’t worried because she knew where to find him. She spotted him immediately, right where she’d suspected. She held Alexandra and slipped into the water of the sparkling pool. They ducked under the volleyball net. Linda stood behind Chad. Seated at the swim up bar, he placed his order.

  Linda tapped him on the shoulder, spoke to the bartender and made a correction to Chad’s request. “That’ll be one strawberry smoothie and one glass of milk.” She turned her attention to Chad. “That was very thoughtful of you to order your sister a strawberry drink but milk is better for a two year-old.”

  Chad grimaced. “Oh well, I thought she might like it. This is really cool to sit in the water and they bring you whatever you want.”

  Linda held back a grin. “Here comes your drink, Mr. Smarty Pants.”

  Chapter Four

  Caitlin couldn’t believe her eyes. She couldn’t speak or move. In a daze, she stared at the blood, mingled with mutton, which covered the kitchen floor. Drew and Scott stepped beside her, and the movement jolted her into reality.

  “Oh my God!” Caitlin screamed. “Someone was murdered here! We could’ve walked into this with the children. What’s happening?”

  Scott took her in his arms and held her in a tight reassuring embrace.

  “As far as we can tell right now, it’s not a homicide scene,” Drew explained. “There’s no splatter, drag marks, or sign of a struggle. I believe this blood came from a contained vessel and was poured on the floor. We don’t have the sophisticated Crime Scene Investigation tools and techniques that Scott is accustomed to with the FBI. Hell, I don’t even have any crime scene tape. I sent a deputy to the hardware store to find some supplies to secure the house and keep the nosey nellies out of the way. Back to the blood, I sent a sample to the vet school for a preliminary analysis. They’re putting a rush on it and will call me shortly after determining if it’s human blood.”

  Caitlin looked from the scene to Drew. He raked his hands through his hair and shifted from one foot to the other, clear indications of embarrassment. The St. Kitts Police Department had been caught off guard, not prepared for this crime.

  After a few seconds of silence, Drew said, “Now I need you to look at the refrigerator.”

  In a hesitant manner, Caitlin lifted her head and looked across the kitchen. A photo, secured with a magnet, captured her attention. She recognized the snapshot immediately, their best family portrait, taken on the day of Alexandra’s birth. It held special meaning. Now it was tainted. Compromised. Scary and evil. Who would do this?

  In the original, used for Alexandra’s birth announcement, Caitlin sat on the living room couch with the sixteen-hour-old ba
by on her lap. Chad sat next to her and Scott stood behind hugging all of them. It was hard to believe she’d given birth only hours earlier. Her face glowed with happiness. Not in this picture. A red X obliterated her face and ‘No DNA’ had been written across her chest.

  “Let’s get out of here and talk before I take you to the hotel. Linda knows it may turn into a long night. We might as well grab some dinner. You can imagine I have a lot of questions for you, Caitlin,” Drew stated.

  Caitlin swallowed the lump lodged in her throat. “Yes, I know.” Before walking out the front door, she glanced over her shoulder at the picture. The events of the morning were about her family and the past, not CSM and Dr. Tessell. But why? Why now?

  * * * *

  Drew drove down the mountain as the sun descended into the sea, such a beautiful sight with the lights from the mountain in the backdrop. Like Caitlin and Scott, Drew fell in love with St. Kitts the first time he and his wife vacationed here thirty years ago. From then on he knew one day he’d retire and live on the island. Previously he’d been a Captain with the Baltimore Police Department. Ten years ago, after his wife died in a tragic car accident, Drew decided to retire early. His only daughter had been married for two years and planned to start a family of her own.

  At first, Drew loved the relaxed laid back life of a retiree on a Caribbean Island but quickly became bored with the slow pace. When the attending St. Kitts Chief of Police decided to move to the United States, Drew jumped at the chance for the job. He guessed with the unstrained atmosphere of the island, not to mention the low crime rate, five hours a day equated to three hours over-time. Nonetheless it gave him something to do and occupy his time. Tonight, an exception to the normal routines, didn’t represent an average day, not even close. By the island working man’s time clock, Drew had already put in triple overtime and the sun hadn’t fully set.