Submerged

Running back to the hospital entrance, he held the photo under the light and studied it. There was Rebecca looking happier than he’d ever seen her. Wesley appeared a bit nervous, but happy. In the background, a crowd of people gathered around them, champagne glasses raised in a congratulatory toast.

Marcus’s gaze flitted across the unfamiliar faces.

Until he saw one he recognized.

Oh damn…

Warning bells blared in his head.

His eyes scoured the nearby bushes. Then the cars parked in the lot.

Nothing seemed out of place.

Then why did it feel like a current of electricity sizzled beneath his skin?

Jane?

She appeared in a fog of serene radiance, her beautiful face and melancholy gaze expressing a despondency that gripped his heart. She stretched out a hand.

As he reached for it, she whispered one word. “Hurry…”

Chapter Forty-Two

Hinton, AB – Sunday, June 16, 2013 – 11:12 PM

Rebecca peeked between half-closed eyes. Her suspicion was correct. The voice had come from someone she’d never have suspected. In some ways it made sense, though they’d been civil to each other, and Rebecca wasn’t a threat.

So then why was Tracey Whitaker in her room, dressed in a nurse’s uniform and holding a syringe?

As instructed, Rebecca feigned grogginess. “Hi, Tracey. What are y-you doing h-here?”

Tracey leaned over her. “I came to finish the job.”

“W-what do you mean?” Rebecca muffled an exaggerated yawn, praying that Detective Zur was getting every word on tape. “What job? What are you talking about?”

“You were supposed to die, Rebecca. Quick and easy.” Tracey shrugged. “Well, maybe not so quick. But it was supposed to be a simple hit and run, no survivor.”

“But you and Wesley are getting married. I’m not standing in your way. You can have him. There’s no need to do this.”

Tracey shook her head. “Rebecca, you have no idea. Of course I have to do this. For the money.”

The money? This was all about the kids’ inheritance?

“You know Wesley can’t touch that money,” Rebecca said in a faux-groggy voice.

“He can if you’re dead before the divorce goes through. He’d automatically get custody of Ella and Colton, and everything that comes with them. Including the money your grandfather left them. Wesley would have signing authority.”

“I’m not sure it would work that way.”

Tracey smiled. “We’ve already consulted a lawyer. The guy insisted there’s no contingency plan. If you die, Wesley gets the money.”

“It’s for the kids.” Where the hell is Detective Zur?

Tracey placed her hands on either side of Rebecca’s pillow, then hunched down close to Rebecca’s face. “It’s not difficult to make an expense look like it’s for them and not us.”

“I can’t believe Wesley’s in on this,” Rebecca slurred. “I can’t believe the father of my children would agree to murder. Of me or his kids. My God…”

Tracey snickered. “Wesley doesn’t have the balls to do what’s needed.” An evil smile lit her face. “But I do.”

“The police will catch you,” Rebecca said. If they ever get here!

Tracey held up the syringe. “You don’t think I know what kind of drug to use? There are dozens that won’t show up in an autopsy, unless one knew what to look for. No, dear Rebecca, you’ll fall asleep until your lungs stop pumping oxygen to your brain and body. The police will think you suffered complications with your lung surgery.” She moved to the IV pole and injected the drug into the line.

“Please, Tracey.”

The woman capped the hypodermic needle and pocketed it. Then she bent down and kissed Rebecca’s forehead. “It won’t hurt a bit. I promise.”

“Tracey, please. Think about what you’re doing.”

“I’ve been thinking about this for months. You haven’t been easy to spy on.” Tracey laughed. “You almost caught me, do you know that?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Colton’s last hockey game. You all went out to watch, and I convinced Wesley I had cold so I could do a little reconnaissance. When he called me after the game to tell me you were going to Cadomin, I knew exactly what I needed to do. But first I had to figure out your exact route. Thankfully, you left a map on a table for me.”

Rebecca thought back to that night. The open garage door! “You broke into in my house?”

Tracey leaned close. “I’ve been in your house many times. I’ve even been in your bed. With Wesley.”

Rebecca flicked a look at the door. “That doesn’t surprise me. Wesley has a bad habit of making rotten decisions.”

Tracey observed her, her forehead furrowing in confusion. After a moment, she shook her head and said, “The little cocktail I prepared for you should be kicking in any second. Why don’t you just close your eyes and sleep?”

“Because I’m not tired, you stupid bitch.”

Tracey grabbed Rebecca’s arm and stared at the area where the IV needle should have been attached. “What the hell?” She yanked the IV bag from beneath the covers.