“Yes, and do you want to hear something funny? He knows Brian. In fact, he not only sent the photographs, he got them from Brian.”
“It figures that rat bastard’s involved. Why would McBride want to hurt me? What have I ever done to him?”
“He’s trying to get to me through you. He knows he’ll go to jail for a long time if he’s convicted, and he wants me to back off—just like he said on the answering machine message.”
“Damn. What are we going to do about it?”
“Well, first, I’m going to visit with his wife, just to verify the letter was written by him. Then I’m going to the police. After that, I’m resigning from the case.”
“You’re what? You can’t do that!”
“I promised you and Art I wouldn’t allow this case to endanger my family. Well, I’ve failed. I can’t risk you or the kids again.”
“Billie, you can’t quit now. There’s no one better to handle this case. Do you want to walk away?”
“No, but I will for your safety… and the kids’. I can’t risk it.”
“If you’re right about McBride, I’m sure there’s something the police can do to stop him from getting too close again.”
“Well, with his wife’s affirmation he wrote the letter, I’m sure the police will put him under surveillance.”
“Okay, then there’s no reason to quit.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. Peggy McBride has the best working for her. It wouldn’t be right to walk away from her, and it wouldn’t be right for Travis either. Just please be careful.”
“I’ll be careful. I promise.”
* * *
The first thing Billie did when she arrived back at work was call Peggy McBride.
“Peggy, this is Billie Charland. I need to see you as soon as possible. Can I come over?”
Peggy hesitated. “Ah… Ah… I guess so,” she said.
“Is everything all right?”
“Yes, everything’s fine. Can I ask what you need to see me about?”
“I have some notes to go over with you and some questions to ask. It’s very important, or I’d set up a meeting here at the office. Is now a good time?”
“Now is fine, but can I meet you somewhere?”
Warning bells went off in Billie’s head. “Okay. We can meet at the coffee shop on the corner of Main and Maple. I’ll meet you there in about fifteen minutes.”
Ten minutes later, Billie was sitting in a booth in the corner of the diner, waiting for Peggy to arrive. Twenty minutes later, she was convinced Peggy wasn’t going to show. She had all but given up and was ready to leave when Peggy walked in the door. She was wearing oversized sunglasses and a decorative scarf around her neck. “Damn,” Billie said under her breath.
Peggy spotted her across the room and waved. Moments later, she slid into the booth across the table from Billie. She didn’t remove the glasses.
Billie watched Peggy squirm under her scrutiny. “Peggy…”
“What is it you need help with?” Peggy said.
Billie took a deep breath and let it out. Okay, I can take a hint. “I have a question for you about Roger. It will sound kind of odd, but it has some bearing on this case.”
“Okay.” Peggy adjusted her sunglasses.
“How does Roger feel about homosexuals?”
Peggy visibly started. Her hand flew up to arrange her hair. “Ho… homosexuals?”
“Yes. Gays, lesbians. Has he ever voiced his opinion to you about that particular subject?”
Peggy fidgeted in her seat. “Yes. He hates them.”
Billie sat back in the booth and crossed her arms. She narrowed her eyes. “Does he know you’re gay?”
“I… I… Oh God.” Peggy lowered her chin to her chest and began to cry. “How did you know?”
“Part of the investigation into your case required a background check on you as well as Roger. We interviewed several of your friends and family members.”
“Rachel?” Peggy asked.
“Yes. She pretty much volunteered the information. She said you and she developed a relationship that crossed the boundaries of mere friendship. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what she was saying.”
“How is she?”
“She seemed fine, but we didn’t go into a lot of detail with her. However, she did want me to ask you to contact her after the divorce is final.”
Peggy wiped her eyes with a Kleenex she dug out of her purse. “I’m surprised she still cares.”
“Why shouldn’t she?”
“Rachel and I volunteered together at the local food shelf… you know, wives of prominent businessmen are expected to be active in charitable causes. Anyway, we spent a lot of time together and found we had a lot in common. Before long, the friendship developed into something much deeper. I found myself anticipating every moment we had together, and one day, she kissed me—quite unexpectedly—and I felt the most intense desire and longing. I thought I would never recover from it. She felt the same way. When I realized I was in love with her, I told Roger. He went ape-shit and almost killed me. He threatened to kill Rachel as well, so I broke it off with her to keep her out of danger. I just dumped her without an explanation. I haven’t seen her since.”
Billie heard anger and bitterness in her voice. “Is that why Roger beats you?”
“Is that why your husband beat you?”
Billie’s lips thinned. “Okay, I deserved that, I guess, but to answer your question, no. My husband started beating me long before he knew I preferred women.”
“To be honest, Travis’s birth was pretty much coincidental with my coming out and the beatings started not long after that. I can’t be totally sure whether he was beating me because I was gay or because he was just unhappy in our marriage. Considering his feelings about homosexuality, I tend to believe it’s the former.”
Billie placed her hand on top of Peggy’s smaller one. “I’m sorry.”
Peggy composed herself. “What made you ask that question?”
Billie removed her hand. “I have reason to believe Roger has been stalking my family in an attempt to get me to back off this case. We received some photographs and a letter that came from someone who hates the concept of gay relationships. Some of the things in the letter were so vile it made me ill to read it. Also, my wife and daughters were almost run down by a speeding car that I believe was driven by the same person who sent the letter. I thought at first it was my ex-husband, but after confronting him, in jail I might add, and doing a criminal records search on Roger, I’m convinced Roger’s behind it.”
Billie pulled the letter out of her pocket and dropped it on the table. Peggy gasped. “It’s his handwriting, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Go ahead and read it if you’d like.”
Several minutes later, Peggy handed the letter back. “I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. You’ve given me what I need to go after him, and for that, I thank you.”
Peggy rose to her feet. “I must be going. Is there anything else?”
Billie rose with her. “Yes, there is. I want you to promise you’ll call me if you need help.” She handed Peggy a business card with her work and cell numbers on it. “Call me anytime, night or day. I mean that.”
Peggy took the card, murmured her gratitude, and left the diner.
* * *
Before going home that night, Billie filed a formal complaint against Roger McBride for stalking, harassment, and assault, adding one more offense to his long list of crimes. A restraining order was issued, although Billie knew it was only as good as the paper it was written on. If McBride chose to violate the order, it would be too late to do anything about it until after it happened. After seeing what he had done to his own wife and child, she had no qualms about him being capable of doing the same, or worse, to Cat and the kids. So, she spent the next couple of weeks holding her breath and praying t
o God he would be smart enough to stay away.
The legal case progressed against McBride at a steady pace. Interviews with friends and family produced mixed results, ranging from “Roger’s a great guy,” to “I expect one day he’ll kill her.”
Billie was convinced the outcome of the case would depend on Peggy McBride. Her testimony and medical records were vital to the success of the prosecution. For this reason, and out of genuine fear for the woman, Billie became alarmed when she was unable to make contact with Peggy for an entire week. She left voice messages on her answering machine, mailed notices to her house, and even went to her home a couple of times to seek her out. Each time, she was unavailable.
Billie was on the verge of filing a missing person’s report when Peggy surfaced. Billie was home, relaxing with Cat and the children in the family room, eating popcorn, and watching a movie. She was cuddling on the oversized sofa with Cat, while the children were lying at all angles around and on top of them. This was Billie’s favorite time of day. She craved the emotional and physical affection she received from her family. They were her life, and she would do anything for them.
When the phone rang, Billie shifted Skylar off her lap and onto Cat’s as she rose to answer it. When she stood, the kids seemed to flow in to fill the void she had just vacated on the couch, scooting a little closer to Cat.
Billie picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“Billie?”
“Yes.”
“I understand you’ve been looking for me.”
“Peggy? Peggy, are you all right? Your voice sounds funny.”
“I’m fine, just a little cold.”
Billie didn’t believe her. “Where are you?”
“Home. Sorry I’ve missed you, I’ve been in and out a lot.”
Billie heard a painful groan from the other end. “Peggy, what’s happening? Talk to me.”
“I’m fine, really. He didn’t mean to…”
“I’m on my way.”
“No! No. I’m fine. Don’t come over. You’ll only make it worse.”
“Peggy.”
“Please don’t. Please.”
By this time, Cat had joined Billie at the phone. She placed a hand on Billie’s arm and looked at her questioningly.
Billie wrapped her free arm around Cat and pulled her close.
“Is he there with you now?” Billie asked.
“Yes. He’s in the bathroom right now. I’ve got to go. He won’t be in there long.”
“I want you out of there. Promise me you’ll leave when he falls asleep. Promise me, or by God, I’ll drive over there right now.”
“All right. I promise. I’ve got to go.”
Billie stood there, listening to the dial tone coming from the phone in her hand.
* * *
Billie felt like a caged tiger. Nervous energy caused her to pace across their bedroom.
“Billie, please come to bed. She’ll call if she needs you.”
“I have a very bad feeling about this. Very bad. I want to go over there.”
“Honey, if you’re that worried, call the police. I’m sure they’ll send a car over to check things out. After all, he’s not supposed to be around her, right? If he’s there, they can arrest him for violating the restraining order.”
Billie stopped pacing. “You’re right.” She sat on the edge of the bed and kissed her. “You always know what to say, don’t you? I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere, okay?”
“You’re kidding, right? I have plans for all that pent-up energy you seem to have. I wouldn’t dream of moving a muscle. Hurry back.”
Billie placed a call to the police, and after much argument, convinced them there was reason to at least check the situation out. That accomplished, she took Cat up on her offer.
Several hours later, they lay spent in each other’s arms, skin against skin, sweat and essences mingling together in a sexual afterglow that permeated the room. Billie shifted so she was lying on top of Cat, their noses a fraction of an inch away from each other. “I love you with all of my heart. Thank you for trusting in us. God knows, I’ve given you reason not to. I’ll cut off my own hands before I ever do anything to hurt you or the children. I promise.”
“Billie,” Cat said, “I’ve assured you over and over that I trust you. I know you’d never hurt us. Please let it go. It’s over.” She pushed an errant lock of hair behind Billie’s ear. “Now lie down and let me hold you.”
Billie shifted her weight to the side to lay her head on Cat’s shoulder and wrap her arm around her.
Cat kissed Billie on the head. “Sleep well, dear heart,” she said as they both drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 13
Billie was in the shower the next morning when her cell phone rang. Cat, who had been cheating the clock to get a few more minutes of sleep, rolled over and grabbed it from the nightstand. She glanced at the time, and 5:15 a.m. flashed in the semidarkness. She wondered who could be calling at such an hour. “Hello?” she said.
“Help me,” the weak, broken voice on the line said. “Help me, please…”
“Peggy? Is that you?” Cat covered the receiver with her hand. “Billie, come quick,” she yelled.
Billie was out of the shower in a shot and ran into the bedroom, naked and dripping wet. “Cat?”
Cat handed her the phone. “It’s Peggy.”
Billie grabbed the phone. “Peggy?”
“Help me.”
Billie heard a thumping noise and then nothing at all. “Peggy,” she shouted. “Peggy, honey, talk to me. Peggy!”
Reacting to the panic in Billie’s voice, Cat scrambled out of bed and quickly dressed. She woke Seth and sent him over to fetch Jen. When she came back to the bedroom, Billie was still standing there, naked and wet, holding the silent phone in her hand. She took the phone and hung it up. “Billie,” she said. “Honey, get dressed. I’ve sent Seth over to get Jen. We’ll leave as soon as she gets here, okay?”
Billie didn’t say a word. She just nodded, and Cat went downstairs to collect her medical bag and wait for Seth and Jen.
Minutes later, Jen came charging into the house behind Seth. “What is it with you two?” she asked. “Geesh. Your lives are like a soap opera. What happened this time?”
Cat filled Jen in on what was happening with Billie’s client. “I’m sorry to pull you out of bed. I know we depend on you too much,” Cat said.
Jen grabbed Cat’s shoulders. “Don’t you ever let me hear you apologize again for needing my help, got it? Haven’t you figured out yet that Fred and I would do anything for you? Anything. Is that clear?”
Billie entered the kitchen just in time to catch the last part of Jen’s speech. She wrapped her long arms around both of them and hugged them close. “Thanks, Jen. We love you too. Thanks for helping us out again.” She placed a kiss on Jen’s head.
“You’re welcome. Now go help your client and don’t worry about things here.”
Billie grabbed her jacket and approached Seth, who was sitting at the kitchen table, his face a mask of worry. She leaned over and hugged him. “Thank you, sweetie. Go on back to bed, okay? We’ll be back soon.” She kissed him on the forehead and swatted him on the butt lightly as he headed back upstairs.
* * *
Billie was silent as she drove through the predawn morning. Cat sat close to her in the car and rubbed her hand up and down Billie’s thigh to maintain a comforting contact. The way Peggy sounded on the phone, Cat assumed what they might find when they got there wouldn’t be good. Billie’s dark profile showed she was of the same mind.
When they had driven about halfway, Cat said, “Maybe I should call the police and an ambulance.” Billie nodded and Cat reached for her cell phone. “What’s the address?” Cat asked as she placed the call.
Minutes later, they pulled into the driveway of Peggy’s home. Gaining entry into the house wasn’t a problem, as the front door was wide open. They searched the downstairs, but found no evidence of foul pla
y. Cat followed Billie up the stairs to the second floor. After searching two empty bedrooms, they came across Peggy lying in the middle of a king-size bed. There was blood everywhere: on the bed, on the floor, and even splattered on the wall. Billie ran to the bed and turned Peggy over. She was still alive. Her face had been beaten so it was almost unrecognizable.
“Oh God.” Billie climbed onto the bed and cradled Peggy’s head in her lap. “Cat, help her, please.”
Cat examined her. Her blood pressure was dangerously low, and one pupil was unresponsive, indicating a head injury. Cat avoided eye contact with Billie, knowing the prognosis would show on her face.
Peggy’s eyes fluttered open.
“Hold on. Cat’s a doctor. Don’t give up. We’re doing everything we can to help you.”
Peggy grasped Billie’s arm with a bloodied, broken hand. Her voice was raspy and ragged. “Don’t let him have Travis. Please.”
“I won’t. I promise,” Billie said as Peggy sank into the bed and closed her eyes.
Cat dropped her chin to her chest and sighed after finding no pulse.
“Cat?”
Cat shook her head. “I’m so sorry.”
Billie dissolved into tears.
A noise from downstairs alerted them to the arrival of the ambulance crew. “I’ll send them up,” Cat said.
* * *
It was well into the morning before the homicide department finished with the scene, photographing the body and the room and taking blood, hair, and fiber samples. After the police left, Cat and Billie sat in the car in front of Peggy’s house. Billie stared straight ahead.
Cat reached out to rub Billie’s arm. “Hey, love. Are you ready to go?”
Billie stared at Cat as though she were seeing her for the first time. Her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t leave,” she said.
“What do you mean? There’s nothing you can do here.”
Billie threw the car door open and got out. She walked around the car and opened Cat’s door. “Take the car and go home. I’ll be all right. I’ll catch a cab later.”
Unchained Memories Page 9