It made sense that the police didn’t release the men’s names to the media, but to not even document the file? Why?
It was presumed the perpetrator chose the kill site because it was relatively secluded since all the homes in the subdivision were still under construction. What if there was something more significant about the site? Did the cops look for a connection between Earl and the men who found his body? What about the men who owned the construction companies working in the subdivision? There would’ve been several subcontractors involved. If Milton and Morrissey spoke to them, they didn’t note it in Earl’s file.
Again, Jonah wondered if the detectives were lazy, incompetent, or corrupt.
When his stomach started rumbling to protest his lack of attention, Jonah glanced at his watch and was shocked to see it was almost six. He’d skipped lunch, thinking he wouldn’t be at the library long, but he should’ve known better. He had a lifelong habit of skipping food in favor of exploring.
“A boy can’t chase his dreams on an empty stomach,” Granny had said nearly every day before school. Jonah had never cared for anything heavy on his stomach first thing in the morning.
“A boy won’t grow to be a man if he skips meals,” Oscar had countered. “Eat your oatmeal, boy.”
Granny made it more palatable by sprinkling brown sugar and adding fresh fruit to his bowl. Just thinking about fresh peaches and brown sugar made his mouth water, and he knew it was time to call it a day.
Even though he had plenty of food at home, he still swung through Arby’s drive-thru for a beef and cheddar sandwich, curly fries, and a milkshake. He could worry about calories, carbohydrates, and cholesterol another day.
Jonah started on the fries and shake right away but saved the messy sandwich for when he got home. He practically devoured the entire thing in four bites and immediately regretted his life choices. The only thing making Jonah feel queasier than consuming fast food was the idea of calling Avery. What would they talk about? Would it be awkward after everything that happened? Would sexual tension render him stupid? Probably.
After ten minutes of freaking out, he picked up his phone to call Avery, but his tormentor beat him to the punch.
Jonah’s heartbeat accelerated as he accepted the call. “Hello.”
“I could hear you freaking out clear on the other side of town,” Avery told him. “I thought I’d put you out of your misery and call you instead.”
“I wasn’t freaking out. I had just picked up my phone to call you.”
Avery snorted. “Uh-huh.”
“Fine. Don’t believe me,” Jonah said casually. “How was your day?”
“Oh, the usual. Copied some files, met a cute pup, and kissed a guy.”
Jonah’s laughter rumbled deep and low. “All in a day’s work, huh?”
“Something like that, although, I think my afternoon would’ve turned out better if I’d listened to my gut.”
Alarm rippled through Jonah. “Why? Did Trexler do something to you when you returned after lunch?”
“Oh, I wasn’t referring to the job,” Avery said. “I meant the instincts that urged me to drag you into your house so I could live out every dirty thought I’ve had about you over the past eight months. No one would’ve noticed I was missing.”
Jonah’s breath snagged in his throat. “Avery,” he whispered, sounding both turned on and shocked.
“Don’t bother clutching your pearls, Jonah. I felt how your body reacted to our kiss. So, how about a nooner tomorrow?”
“Avery,” Jonah repeated, but this time his voice was raspier and full of need.
“This better not be the part where you start expressing regrets,” Avery said.
Jonah chuckled. “Regret is the last thing on my mind right now.”
“Were you going to lecture me about how it’s inappropriate for you to get involved with your intern?” Avery asked, pushing on. “I’ll quit tomorrow if that’s what it takes.”
“No,” Jonah said firmly. One day Avery would leave. It was inevitable. When he did, Avery would cast Jonah back into the depths of gloom where sunlight and heat couldn’t reach him. Not yet. Please, not yet. “It is inappropriate, but I don’t care.”
“Senators, judges, and presidents do it all the time,” Avery argued. Like that was a ringing endorsement. Then he quieted when Jonah’s words finally sank in. “Oh.”
“Avery, will you go out on a date with me?”
Crickets. Jonah pulled his phone away from his ear and looked to make sure he hadn’t accidentally disconnected the call. He hadn’t, so Jonah pressed the phone to his ear again. ‘Um, hello?”
“I’m here,” Avery said breathlessly. “Did you just ask me to go out on a date?”
“I did,” Jonah confirmed. As exciting as a nooner sounded, hookups and meaningless sex were all Jonah had known for years. Avery made him want things he’d stopped believing in.
Maybe love wasn’t just for other people.
“I thought I was going to have to battle much harder,” Avery replied. “I was prepared to fight dirty too.”
Jonah chuckled. “I have no doubt. What do you say?”
“Hell, yes. When?”
The case would monopolize most of his time over the next few days. He wanted to spend time with Avery outside the office and to share more kisses, but he had to put Marla’s needs first. “Friday night. You can pick where we eat and the movie we see.”
“So, you want me to put in all the effort,” Avery said. “Just like I carry your ass at work.”
Jonah snorted. “Dream on.”
“Friday feels like a million miles away.”
“Will it help if we have nightly chats like this one?” Jonah asked.
Avery hummed. “Will they involve dirty talk and heavy breathing?”
“Maybe,” Jonah teased.
They talked for a few hours, discussing anything and everything. He learned Avery passionately hated olives and pickles but willingly devoured avocados, even though he was allergic to them. Jonah confessed how much he hated avocados, and Avery promised not to hold it against him. He told Avery his secret obsession with manga and anime, and Avery got Jonah to admit how much he loved Yuri On Ice.
“Your secret is safe with me,” Avery said around a yawn.
Jonah chuckled. “We should probably hang up so you can get some sleep.”
“You have a big day tomorrow too,” Avery countered. “I’m jealous you get to investigate a crime while I dodge Trexler.”
“Just keep running those trial tests. Be good to Stella for me.”
“Stella is sad without you,” Avery said. “She misses you thundering around.”
“Stella misses me, huh?”
“Stop fishing for compliments, Jonah. It’s not attractive.”
Jonah chuckled. “Goodnight, Avery.”
“Sweet dreams, thundercloud.”
Jonah’s dreams that night were a little bit sweet and a whole lot naughty.
Even though Jonah didn’t have to adhere to a strict schedule, he wanted to catch Kendall before he left the next morning.
“Why aren’t you dressed for work?” Kendall asked when Jonah came downstairs wearing sleep pants and a T-shirt.
“I got suspended without pay for the article Felix published in Sunday’s paper.”
Kendall screwed the lid on his travel mug and looked up at Jonah. “What article?”
He quickly brought him up to speed.
“You’ll want to head to the club this morning if you want to talk to Sandy there,” Kendall said. “He comes in early and gets his work done before lunchtime. His nephew carries the brunt of the workload on his broad, sexy shoulders.”
“What’s the nephew’s name?”
“Drew Callahan,” Kendall said dreamily. “He isn’t old enough to know who Earl Ison is, but he sure is pretty to look at.”
“I’ll keep it in mind,” Jonah said dryly. “What’s Sandy Jasper like?”
“Intelligent, kind,
and very creative. Sandy just doesn’t have the greatest head for business, which is why he’s relied so heavily on business partners and his managers over the years. Many have taken advantage of Sandy’s kindness and lack of business savvy. Drew’s first act when he joined the crew was to fire a douchebag manager who used his position to gain sexual favors. The staff enjoys working for Drew.”
“Thanks, K,” Jonah said. “I hope you have a good day today.”
Kendall heaved a sigh. “It’s going to be a long one. I’m working extra hours this week to assist with a big case. I still haven’t adapted to some of the other attorneys’ personalities. I miss Vivian every day, but I’ve really struggled at work lately. She worked hard but never took the staff for granted. She’d treat us to lunch on grueling days. These other guys just keep expecting more and more.”
“Have you considered looking for another job?” Jonah asked.
“Absolutely,” Kendall said emphatically. “I need to finish getting my degree first. My final exams are next week, which is why I’m going to a study group after work tonight. The finish line is so close, and I cannot afford to fuck it up right now.”
“You’re going to do great,” Jonah assured him.
Kendall crossed his fingers, blew Jonah an air kiss, and headed out the front door. Before he could shut it behind him, Jonah heard Kendall say, “Well, hello there, sexy. This is a pleasant surprise.”
Who the hell was on his porch so early?
“Let’s go back inside, and I can turn a pleasant surprise into a stupendous one,” said a familiar voice.
Rocky Fucking Jacobs.
Jonah rolled his eyes and crossed to the front door. “Rocky, can you even spell stupendous?” he asked. “Leave Kendall alone. He needs to get to work.”
“You just want to keep the prettiest boys to yourself,” Rocky said. “Have a great day, darlin’.”
“You too, handsome,” Kendall said, blowing Rocky a kiss.
“I will punch you in the balls if you pretend to catch the air kiss,” Jonah groused.
Rocky turned to face him. “What the hell is your problem this morning?”
“What are you doing here at eight thirty?” Jonah asked instead of answering his friend.
“I cleared my schedule so we can conduct interviews.” Rocky raked his eyes over Jonah’s T-shirt and sleep pants. “Is that what you plan to wear?”
“I just got out of bed, fuck face.”
“Wow. Someone needs caffeine. Why don’t you go upstairs and get ready while I make some coffee? I could use another cup too.”
Jonah crossed his arms over his chest. “Why are you coming with me to interview Earl’s friends?”
“Because you don’t have a badge right now,” Rocky said.
“Marla has probably told them to expect me, and none of them will be hostile.”
Rocky nodded. “That’s true, but what if they give you new leads? Those people might be hostile or refuse to talk because they don’t trust you.”
“And they’ll trust a private investigator?” Jonah asked.
“They’re more likely to trust a PI or a reporter over a cop. Felix is tied up today, so you’re stuck with me. If a situation warrants it, I’ll introduce myself as a PI and you as my associate. It’s not likely they’ll want to see your license once I show them mine.”
It made sense, and Jonah was relieved Rocky wasn’t tagging along because he didn’t trust Jonah to get the job done right. “Exhibitionist,” Jonah teased before heading upstairs to get ready.
Jonah returned downstairs showered, dressed, and raring to go twenty minutes later.
Rocky glanced up from his phone when he heard Jonah’s approach. “I wasn’t sure how you take your coffee, so I didn’t doctor a cup for you.”
“No problem.”
“I’ll drive while you navigate,” Rocky said when they stepped onto the porch a few minutes later.
“The Cockpit is our first stop,” Jonah informed him.
Rocky set his travel mug in the holder and rubbed his hands together gleefully. “This is going to be a great day.”
The club wasn’t open to the public until lunchtime, so Rocky and Jonah parked in the employee lot at the rear of the building. There was an intercom with a call button by the back door for delivery drivers to announce their arrival. Jonah pushed it twice before someone answered it.
“Yeah?” a gruff voice asked through the speaker.
“My name is Jonah St. John. I’m a friend of Marla’s and—” A loud buzzer cut Jonah off before he could finish. He smiled in triumph and opened the door, gesturing for Rocky to go first.
A man built like a rottweiler waited for them at the end of the hall. He ran a hand over his silver crew cut. Was he impatient or nervous?
“Jonah St. John,” he said, extending his hand to the man. “Are you Sandy Jasper?”
He shook Jonah’s hand and jovially said, “I am. It’s good to meet you.”
“Likewise,” Jonah returned. “This is my friend and fellow investigator, Rocky Jacobs.”
The two men exchanged pleasantries before Sandy showed them to his office. The space was ample and comfortably furnished. Large pictures hung on the wall showing the various aviation themes the club had featured over the years.
“Would either of you like a cup of coffee?” Sandy offered.
The two men both declined. Jonah had debated his approach during the drive over. Rather than dive straight into the interview, he wanted to gauge the mood and let Earl’s friend set the pace. The technique wouldn’t work with everyone, but there was no need for him to crash into their lives like a bull in a china shop.
“I wanted to believe Bo Cahill killed Earl because it was so much easier than accepting Earl’s killer was someone he trusted. It caused a lot of friction between our surviving friends over the years.” The older man briefly closed his eyes and sighed deeply. “There aren’t many of us left. God, it’s a miracle any of us survived the eighties. If HIV or AIDS didn’t get us, the bashers did. There was so much hostility and hatred directed toward us.”
“I can’t imagine,” Rocky said sympathetically, surprising Jonah. The PI was always so bold and brash, but it made sense he could stow it away when necessary. “We’re sorry for the hurt we’re causing by reopening the case.”
“Don’t apologize,” Sandy said. “Earl deserves to have justice, and Mr. Cahill ought to have his record cleared of the confession. It won’t bring the man back, but maybe it will bring peace to his family.”
“Did you know Mr. Cahill?” Rocky asked.
“No. The police said Mr. Cahill was visiting friends in Savannah when he ran into Earl, but I couldn’t tell you who those friends were,” Sandy replied. “No one in our circle recognized his name or picture.”
“Marla told me Earl had started dating a new guy before his death. She also said he’d started distancing himself from the group. What can you tell me about that?” Jonah asked.
Sandy leaned back in his chair. “The only thing I knew for certain about Earl’s boyfriend was that he was in the closet.”
“How are you certain?” Rocky asked. “Did Earl specifically tell you he was?”
Sandy nodded. “I think Earl got a thrill out of the clandestine meetings at first. Everything was so shiny and new, but it didn’t take long for the tarnish to appear.”
“Did Earl ever use a nickname when talking about his boyfriend or give you any hints on his occupation or stature in the community?” Jonah asked.
Sandy thought about the question for a few moments before answering. “Earl only referred to the guy as his beau in my presence. Based on the conversations we had, Earl was the guy’s first male lover. He never said anything about his beau’s occupation, but he once remarked how much he loved the man’s callused hands. I assumed he was a laborer of some sort, so most likely not a wealthy man or local politician who was dabbling on the wild side.”
Laborer. As in a construction worker?
�
��Do you think Earl’s boyfriend was married?” Rocky asked.
Sandy shook his head. “Earl never said or implied his beau had a wife. The presents he gave Earl weren’t overly expensive, so I don’t think he came from a prominent family. Earl treated his gifts as reverently as crown jewels. His favorite was a silver necklace with a heart-shaped pendant. He never took it off.”
Earl hadn’t been wearing the necklace in the crime scene photos Jonah accessed. Had it fallen off during the struggle, or had Earl’s killer removed it? Taken it for a souvenir?
They shifted their questions to the last weeks of Earl’s life, focusing on any known altercations. Sandy reiterated what Marla had told Jonah. Earl had started to pull away from them more and more, so he couldn’t be sure about quarrels with anyone.
“What can you tell me about Earl’s family?” Jonah asked.
“Nothing nice,” Sandy countered. “Not that my family was much better back then.” The older man’s eyes took on a faraway look as he recounted what it was like for him and his friends back in the eighties. “Perverts and pedophiles, they called us. When the AIDS crisis hit, Earl’s father, Thomas, looked him right in the eyes and told him he hoped he caught the disease. It’s a horrible thing for a parent to say to their child.”
“It’s unfathomable,” Jonah agreed. Had Earl’s father hated him enough to kill him?
“What about his mother? Did he have any siblings?” Rocky asked.
The question snapped Sandy back to the present. “I grew up next to the Isons, and they were always so warm and friendly, until Earl came out. The sudden shift was a staggering blow for Earl. Mona Ison, his mother, wasn’t as cruel as Thomas, but she didn’t stick up for Earl, nor did she reach out to him privately. She only said she’d pray for his soul. Mona is living at Twilight Years Estates but is still sharp as a tack from what I’ve heard. Earl has a sister and a brother, Ava Dixon and Dennis Ison. As far as I know, both still live in the area.” Tears filled Sandy’s eyes, and he swiped a hand over his face to wipe away the ones that escaped. “They didn’t even attend his funeral service.” Sandy’s lips trembled, and his voice broke when he said, “Earl’s family refused to even claim his body. They would’ve allowed him to be buried in a potter’s field. Earl’s friends pooled their money together to pay for cremation and a burial plot.”
Ride the Lightning : Sinister in Savannah Book 1 Page 12