by Cindy Bell
“I’m not too hungry right now.” Nikki offered a polite smile.
“Take a bite.” He stared hard at her. Was there something darker behind his gaze?
“Sure, okay, I can’t resist.” Nikki picked up a fork from the place setting in front of her and hoped that he wouldn’t be able to detect the tremor in her hand. His steely gaze made him look dangerous. Was she just being paranoid? “Just a bite, though.” She winked at him, despite the tension in the air between them. It did nothing to lessen it. As she scooped up the piece of cake her mouth watered in anticipation of the taste. Apparently, being in a potentially dangerous situation didn’t negate the fact that this was literally the best cake she had ever eaten. As the sweet and creamy taste caressed her tongue, her eyes fell shut briefly. The moment of paradise was shattered by the startling sound of someone bursting through the café doors.
When she opened her eyes, she saw Quinn headed straight for her. He looked far different to her in that moment. Gone was the boyish sweetness she recalled from high school, and no trace of the determined and curious man she’d recently met again, either. Instead, his face was a mask of authority, the sharpness of his gaze so severe that it made her flinch when it swept over her, then landed directly on Mike as he announced his presence and walked over to him.
Two officers entered as well, only a few steps behind him. One moved swiftly to Nikki’s side and grabbed her around the shoulders.
“Step away, please.”
“We need you to come in for questioning!” Quinn towered over Mike.
“What’s this all about?” Mike shoved back his chair as he stood up from the table. It slid a foot or so and slammed into the chair behind it. All of the other patrons in the café were stunned by the commotion. Police officers barging into a place of business was not a common occurrence in Dahlia.
“You need to come down to the station for questioning.”
“I haven’t done anything!” Mike yelled.
“I just need to ask you a few questions.” Quinn seized his arm as Mike started to back away. “If you don’t cooperate, I will have to arrest you and take you in cuffs.”
“You have no right! I haven’t done anything!” Mike attempted to twist his arm out of Quinn’s grasp, as his face turned a deep shade of red. Heat seemed to pour off the man in waves as his rage grew.
Nikki stepped out of the officer’s reach as she watched the pair, her heart already pounding with the anticipation of what might happen next.
Mike’s eyes were filled with fury. Her muscles tensed as she realized that he might do something violent to try to stop Quinn. She gasped as she saw his hand reach for Quinn’s gun.
“Quinn!”
Quinn moved so swiftly that Nikki couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment when he tackled Mike to the floor. In a split-second she knew that the situation had just become far more dangerous. The two wrestled on the floor for a few seconds before the two officers joined in and the three of them managed to overpower Mike. Once he was pinned and cuffed, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. She could easily see Mike as a fierce and violent person. If he had reacted that boldly to an armed detective, how might he have reacted to Chelsea? There was no question in her mind that he could be a murderer, and he had plenty of motive if Chelsea intended to end things for good.
Quinn huffed as he dragged Mike to his feet.
“Not a smart move, pal. Now, you’re definitely going to be spending some quality time with us.”
“Whatever. You’ve got nothing on me,” Mike growled as Quinn handed him over to the two officers.
“Keep a close eye on him, he’s a slippery one.”
As Mike was led past Nikki she took a step back, surprised by the way his anger rippled off him. Quinn took a step towards her, and her lips parted to begin an explanation, but before she could speak, the waitress interrupted her.
“Excuse me, are you done with the cake?” She lingered by the table and eyed the half-eaten slice of cake. “I thought you might want to finish it since he can’t.”
“No, no thank you.” Nikki managed a smile, but felt the pressure of Quinn’s eyes on her. When she looked back at him, his brow furrowed with confusion.
“You were sharing a piece of cake with him?” Quinn shook his head, then began to walk in the direction of the door.
“I just wanted to make sure that he stuck around until you got here.” Nikki shrugged as she walked with him.
“But you just texted me a few minutes ago, and there is quite a bit of that cake missing.” His hand brushed past her arm as he grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it open for her.
“That is quite observant of you.” Nikki began to think of excuses for the fact that she had spent some time with Mike before she alerted Quinn to his presence. However, she didn’t want to lie.
“I imagine that if I asked that waitress exactly how long the two of you were sitting together, she might tell me it was a bit longer than you claim.” Quinn sighed. “I just don’t understand why.”
“I suppose, I wanted to get to know him a bit.” Nikki stepped outside and felt his presence sweep right behind hers, so close that his shoulder grazed hers as he lined up beside her on the sidewalk.
“You wanted to get to know a murder suspect?” Quinn’s chuckle was low and soft as if he was embarrassed by it. “That doesn’t seem wise.”
“Maybe not.” She turned on her heel to face him, but didn’t expect to find him so close. She took a sharp breath as she met his eyes. “I don’t always make good decisions.”
“No?” Quinn searched her gaze, and despite the small amount of space between them, he didn’t take a step back. “Was this a bad decision? Or did you find out something you’re not willing to share?”
“I’m not sure that you’ll take it seriously.” Nikki slipped her hands into her pockets and used the movement as an excuse to inch back from him a bit.
“I’m listening.” Quinn glanced briefly in the direction of the patrol car where Mike sat, handcuffed, his forehead pressed against the side of the window. When his attention returned to her, she had found a speck in the cement beneath her feet to study.
“He is acting as if he has no idea that Chelsea is dead. I was going to tell him, but I thought you might have a way to use it during your interrogation.” Nikki forced her gaze back up to his. “Or have I just watched too many cop shows?”
“If he doesn’t know, then that would mean he isn’t the murderer.” He narrowed his eyes, as his focus turned inward. “Or it was just a ruse.”
“Or it was just a ruse.” Nikki nodded as she saw him focus on her again. “I decided not to push it. I decided to leave it to you.”
“But you didn’t think it would be a good idea to let me know that you saw him right away?” His dark blue eyes flashed with a hint of emotion that she couldn’t quite discern. “I told you to call me if you saw him.”
“I just took some time to talk with him.” Nikki braced herself as she realized he might stop telling her anything in relation to the murder.
“For what purpose?” Quinn leaned a bit closer as the wind stirred strands of her hair in front of her face, providing her a brief shield from his scrutiny.
“I just wanted to see if he would tell me something he wouldn’t tell the police.”
“And did he?” Quinn’s eyes locked to hers with what she thought might be hope.
Nikki wished that she could give him an answer that would boost that look in his eyes, but she knew that she couldn’t.
“No.” She frowned as she looked away from him and towards the patrol car.
“Did he say anything that might implicate him? Anything about Chelsea?”
“Just how much he loved her.” Nikki gave a short laugh.
“Did he come across to you as obsessed? Controlling?”
“Maybe a bit.” Nikki nodded then wrapped her hands together in front of her. “Honestly, Quinn for a moment there I wondered if maybe he was telling me the truth. May
be he had no idea that Chelsea was even dead. He certainly seems to have a temper, he got short with me for using my phone. But does that make him a killer?”
“Short with you how?” His lips tightened as he waited for her response.
“He just let me know that it was rude that I was on it. It wasn’t so much his words as his demeanor, it felt as if he transformed, and then his eyes seemed so cold.” Nikki shrugged. “One minute he was full of emotion, and the next, it was just gone. Like a switch had been flicked.”
“Interesting. Thank you, Nikki.” He stared at her a moment longer, then turned towards the patrol car. After a few steps he turned back. “By the way, do you know where Chelsea’s camera might be?”
“Wasn’t it in her purse?”
“No, it wasn’t. It’s still missing.”
“How is that possible? Chelsea always had it on her. Do you think the killer took it from her?”
“I think it’s possible.” Quinn cringed. “If we find it, we might have something more to go on.” He gave a short nod, then turned and continued on towards the patrol car.
Nikki was tempted to go after him to ask him more, but she resisted. He had a job to do, and she didn’t want to give him more reason not to tell her about the investigation. Finally, the main suspect was in handcuffs, but was he the killer? Who had broken into Chelsea’s apartment, and why? Where was Chelsea’s camera? Why would Mike take it? Who would want it?
Nikki gasped as she realized that there was one person that might want the camera. It was time for her to find out what she could about that person. Unfortunately, she wasn’t the easiest person to approach. But considering she had already confronted the district attorney that morning, she assumed she would be able to handle it.
Chapter 13
The drive to the Middlesons’ mansion was not a long one, but there was a good amount of traffic. Nikki took her time as she passed by Pooch Park, the last place she had seen Chelsea alive. As she noticed the thin trail that had led her to Chelsea’s purse, she recalled the dirt road she still wanted to investigate. When she reached the guardhouse of the Middlesons’ mansion, she glanced in the direction of Calvin’s post. She was too far away to know if he was in there or not. She decided she would stop by and say hello on her way out. Maybe he had found something out about Chelsea’s murder.
The guard for the Middlesons’ mansion stepped out and looked her over. Her car was an old, rust-bucket, and she guessed it stood out quite a bit in the neighborhood.
“Are you a guest?” The guard raised an eyebrow.
“I’m a friend of the family.” Nikki smiled as she bent the truth. Sure, she knew of the Middlesons, but she definitely wouldn’t call them friends. “I have something for Betty. Apparently, she was after some special treats at the pet store, but they didn’t have any left. I managed to get some for her from my supply.”
“Nikki, right?” He broke into a smile.
“Yes.” Nikki gazed at him. Did she know him? She couldn’t recall ever meeting him.
“I’ve seen you walk the dogs through here. It’s amazing how a woman so tiny can handle all of those mutts.” He rested his elbow on the top of the car and peered at her through the passenger window. “That must be a special talent.”
“I suppose it is.” She smiled in return. “I have a good time with them, and most are very well-behaved.”
“I bet.” He glanced up towards the house, then back at her. “Let me see if Betty’s available.” He turned around and spoke into his radio.
Nikki waited with baited breath.
“She’ll see you.” The guard straightened up, then knocked once on the top of the car.
When the gate opened, Nikki’s heartbeat quickened. There was no turning back now. Soon, she would be standing in front of Betty and she’d have to have a good explanation for being there. She parked near the door, and stepped out of the car. What would happen if Betty changed her mind? Would the security guard drag her out of there? Call the police? She had no idea what to expect.
One foot in front of the other led up the pristine staircase to the front door. Fountains flanked the door. The subtle rumbling of the water that ran through them calmed her to some degree. She pressed the doorbell, then held her breath.
A few moments later, Nikki heard the knob begin to turn. This was it, this was the moment when she would look into the eyes of someone she thought might be Chelsea’s killer. Maybe this time she would know. She hoped that would be the case. If Betty would at least give her a few minutes to talk before she called the security guard to escort her off the property, then she might be able to find something out.
“Hi.” Nikki smiled as Betty opened the door.
“Hi?” Betty stared back at her with a touch of animosity in her voice. “Who are you?”
“My name is Nikki.” She offered her hand to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Betty.”
“What can I do for you?” Betty shook her hand, but drew back the first moment she could. “What is this about? Are you selling something? If so, I’m not interested.” She looked past her, towards the guardhouse. “The guard said you had something for me?”
“Yes, I do.” Nikki pulled out the packet of dental treats.
“Are you selling them? How much are they?”
“No, I heard you needed these at the pet store. I had a bag that I could spare. You don’t have to pay me for them. I’m not selling anything, I promise.” Nikki laughed and glanced past her into the house. Everything appeared neat and tidy in the foyer.
“Thank you!”
“Actually, I’m a dog walker and a pet sitter. I know that those treats are for your Pomeranian. I wanted to offer you my services in case you are in need.”
“So, you are selling something.” She started to close the door.
“Oh no wait, not really. I take care of your neighbor Sonia Whitter’s dog, Princess?” Nikki gestured in the direction of her mansion, then continued as she saw a look of recognition in Betty’s eyes. “I just wanted to extend the offer to help with the dog, free of charge. I know that your family is going through a lot right now.” She braced herself as she knew that Betty could react in a few different ways and not all of them were good.
“What do you know about my family?” Betty eased the door back open, but the suspicion in her eyes had only increased.
“Well, I grew up here, so I’m familiar with them to some degree. But recently I struck up a friendship with the woman who was hired to paint a picture of this beautiful home. As I’m sure you know, she passed away, and as hard as it has been on me, I’m sure it has been hard on your family as well.”
“Yes, it has, quite.” Betty sighed as she opened the door a little further. “You were friends with her?”
“Yes.” Nikki’s gaze lingered on the scratch on Betty’s cheek. She stared at the cut. What would have caused it? “She was a wonderful friend, and this has been such a tragedy.”
“Yes, she did seem nice. I didn’t know her that well.” Betty shrugged, and appeared to relax. “I guess she won’t be painting anything, though.”
The harsh statement sent shock waves through Nikki’s body. She couldn’t imagine how Betty could be so insensitive.
“I’m sure your family will still want the painting.” Nikki swallowed hard to resist replying in a sharp tone. “Maybe in time they will hire someone new.”
“No need to hire anyone when they have a talented artist right in their family. I’ll make sure they get their painting.” Betty’s lips twitched into a smirk. “Perhaps it should have been that way from the start. But you know, things have a way of working themselves out.”
“I suppose.” Nikki’s stomach clenched at the idea of Chelsea’s death being just how things worked out. “Do you know if she might have left her camera here? Perhaps during a visit about the painting?” She glanced past her again, and into the house. This time she caught a glimpse of something. A black bag was shoved near the hall closet. It seemed to be full of o
bjects of different shapes and sizes, but she couldn’t tell exactly what.
“No, she didn’t leave it here. In fact, she hasn’t been here in several weeks. She wasn’t very good with communication.” She shrugged, then perked up when a small dog ran up to the door. “Lily, you want to say hi?” She scooped up the dog and cradled her in her arms. “Isn’t she precious?”
“Just beautiful.” Nikki didn’t have to lie about that. The dog was well-groomed, the perfect size and weight, and looked as if she had been catered to for her entire existence. “Would you like me to take her for a walk?”
“No, thanks. We have our own dog walker. Besides, Lily doesn’t walk these dirty streets. Her dog walker drives her to the Upper Banks where they have the full paved walking path.” Betty met her eyes. “Thank you for the treats, but as you can see, your services are not needed, and neither is your nosiness.” She stepped back from the door to close it. As she did, her foot knocked into the black bag, and a small figurine tumbled out. Nikki only saw it for a second before the door was pushed shut, but in that moment her entire body froze. Could that be what she thought it was? She hoped that she was wrong. Maybe she was just looking for something, anything to go on. But she was almost certain that the dog figurine that had tumbled onto the floor was the same one that she had given to Chelsea not long after they struck up their friendship. Why would Betty have it?
Nikki was tempted to knock on the door again in an attempt to just get one more look at it. But she knew that if she did Betty would likely call security and the entire situation would soon get out of hand. As she climbed back into her car, Betty’s mention of the painting made the wheels turn in her mind. She was sure that Chelsea would have started on it, or at least a sketch. She pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Quinn to see if the painting or sketches had been found in Chelsea’s apartment.
As Nikki started driving down the street she saw Calvin walking towards his post. She pulled over and opened the window. She wanted to see if he had found out anything else about Chelsea. He walked to the window.