by Lisa Olsen
“You still completely think it’s him, huh?”
“You don’t?” She gave him a sidelong look, and Nick shrugged.
“I don’t like the guy, but the world is full of assholes, like you said. It doesn’t make him a killer.”
Natalie didn’t say anything to that, itching at her shoulder until they reached the car and she pulled back her blouse to see the blotchy mess underneath. “You know what, I think I am going to try to get into an urgent care. Maybe they can recommend a cream or something. This thing is driving me fucking insane.”
“Hmm, it does look a lot worse,” he agreed, making a face. “How about I drop you off at Good Samaritan and you can give me a call later when you’re done?”
“I don’t think I need a hospital,” she scoffed.
“I think you can’t be too careful. You’ll end up waiting just as long at an urgent care, and if they can’t do anything for you they’ll end up sending you to the hospital anyway.”
“Fine, but I’ll take a cab back later. Just keep me posted. I want to stay in the loop as much as possible.”
“Yes, I remember that about you,” he smiled to himself.
Chapter Seventeen
Hours later, Natalie looked just as tired as Nick felt. The difference was, she’d spent the time sitting around on her ass waiting to be seen at the hospital and Nick had run all over town tracking down his share of the list of band employees. At first he’d thought it would be simple to round them all up, but it wasn’t like they were all holed up in the same hotel together. Only Gideon, Ruby and Jax were staying at the Hotel Verona, the others were scattered at various motels and apartments across the tri-county area. And since most of them weren’t on duty until the next gig, they weren’t all that easy to track down.
By the time she caught a cab to the station, Nick had only about a third of his interviews completed to show for the day and he was ready for a change of pace. Despite her apparent exhaustion, Natalie was as good as any other distraction he could think of.
“Hey, what’s the good word? Is it the plague or what?” he grinned when she slumped into the chair across from his desk.
“Ha, that’d make more sense than what they came up with. Hours of my life I’ll never get back. Tests, tests, and more tests, and they think it’s stress related.”
“Do you think?”
“If I broke out in a rash every time I was on the job I’d look like strawberry Jello.”
“All cases aren’t like this one though, are they?” he reminded gently.
“No, no they’re not,” she admitted, taking a long, cleansing breath. “At least the cortisone did the trick. So, what’ve we got?”
Nick filled her in on his day, which amounted to a whole lot of nothing. Reports from Brady and Park had netted the same results, but they all knew that negative confirmations were still progress. Agonizingly slow progress.
“Sounds like you guys have been busy,” she said, sympathetic as only another cop could be. “I know I just got here, but it sounds like you need a break. You want to go grab a burger or something?”
“Thanks for the offer, but I think I need a different kind of a break,” Nick said, her invitation sparking a different idea. “Excuse me for a minute.” Ordinarily he would’ve made the call from his desk, but for some reason he felt self-conscious doing it in front of Natalie. Instead, he ducked into one of the empty interview rooms for some privacy as he dialed Annaliese’s number.
For a brief moment he worried she wouldn’t take his call, but she came on the line after three rings, sounding glad to hear from him. “Hey, stranger. How are things in the land of justice?”
Nick smiled in relief on his end. “Not as just as I’d like them to be, but I’m working on it. How are you?”
“Good. Keeping busy, trying to avoid sitting down with my end of the month numbers.”
“I have just the distraction in mind then. How about we grab some dinner together? I could come to you. I think I need to step away from this case at least for a couple of hours.”
“Ah… well, sure.” Her hesitation clued him in that something wasn’t quite copacetic from the start. “That would be nice, but I should tell you that Jax will be here. You’re more than welcome to join us though.”
That explained the hesitation. Still, as much as he didn’t like the guy, he couldn’t blame her for wanting to visit with her old friends. “Thanks, but that sort of defeats the purpose. How about afterwards? I could come over for a nightcap and let you have your wicked way with me.”
Silence.
“Or not. But I would like to at least get together for a cup of coffee later. It feels like forever since we’ve had a chance to talk.”
“The thing is…”
Nick knew before the words were even out of her mouth that he wasn’t going to like what she said. But he never in a million years would’ve guessed what she was about to say.
“… I’ve invited Jax to come and stay here with me for a few days, until things blow over.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Nick blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. “Did you say you invited him to live with you?”
“The press has been driving him nuts and the hotel is a complete zoo. He’s already caught someone trying to bug his room disguised as the maid, and he can’t order room service without people trying to jam cameras in through the door to get a couple of candid shots. He can’t go anywhere without cameras in his face and people accusing him of murder and worse.”
There was something worse than murder to be accused of? “And you don’t think they’ll show up at your doorstep and do the same once they find out he’s staying there?”
“He’s going to lay low for a while, they probably won’t even know he’s here. Besides, this is private property, I can keep them out.”
“Private property that is open to the public. Do I even need to remind you that you live over a store? What’s to keep reporters from bugging your house or trying to sneak upstairs to put a camera in your shower?”
“I told you, they won’t even know he’s here. We’ve got it all planned out. I’m going to close the store early today and he’ll sneak in after he’s sure he’s not being followed.”
“Okay, number one, I think this plan is going to blow up in your faces. The press isn’t going to let go of him so easily. And two, your picture has already turned up in the paper with him. What makes you think they won’t come looking for him there when he disappears? But most importantly, number three – you’re not even acknowledging how ridiculously dangerous this is.”
“What do you mean, dangerous?”
Nick couldn’t hold back the cynical laugh that escaped his lips. “The fact that you can’t even see the danger is probably the most frightening thing I’ve dealt with all week, and considering the week I’ve had, that’s saying something.”
“Nick, I honestly think you’re overreacting. See, I knew you’d be like this. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you.”
“No, you didn’t want to tell me because you know I’m right. This is a stupid idea on all levels.”
“What happened to him not being the enemy? I thought you were willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.”
“That all changes the moment you start talking crazy talk about inviting a suspected murderer into your home.”
“He didn’t do it.”
Boy, he was getting tired of the women in his life insisting on that. “You don’t know that.”
“I do in my heart. I know him better than that.”
“Just like you knew Ellie?” Nick couldn’t resist the taunt, though he instantly regretted it from the soft hiss of breath between her teeth, well imagining the hurt that would’ve lit into her pretty green eyes.
“That was a low blow, Nick. And yes, I know him much more intimately than I ever knew Ellie.”
Damn her for choosing those words deliberately to dig at him. His temper boiled over, his words taking on a sharp edge. “An
nie, I forbid you to do this. Jax May is not going to stay with you. Not now, not ever.”
“You what?” Anna’s voice started out stunned but quickly heated into outrage. “Now who’s talking crazy? In what world do you imagine you’re able to dictate what I can or can’t do?”
Nick tried a strategic retreat, but he sensed he’d made a critical error. “I’m not trying to dictate, I’m trying to save your life.”
“I don’t need saving, I can take care of myself.”
“Which is what each and every one of those girls thought to themselves before they were murdered, I guarantee it,” he couldn’t help but point out. “Don’t do this, you’re in way over your head. You’re risking your neck for a guy you barely know anymore.”
“It’s my neck to risk, and I happen to think he’s worth it.”
Nick shook his head to clear it, it was all spiraling out of control so quickly, he didn’t know how to make it stop. “I can’t believe you’re choosing him over me.”
“When all that comes out of your mouth is this kind of garbage, then yes, I am. He needs my help, Nick. I don’t know why you can’t get it through your thick skull. Why don’t you let me worry about my own life and do your job? The sooner you catch the real killer, the sooner you can apologize for being such an ass.”
The dismissal rang clear in her voice. She’d already made up her mind and he had no chance of swaying her. In that instant, he realized he’d never had a chance of changing it from the start, all his argument had done was turn her against him. “I guess there’s nothing left to say on the matter.”
“I guess not.”
But his stomach curdled with dread at the thought of Annaliese putting herself at risk. He threw one more impassioned plea at her, his heart in his words. “Please, Annie… please don’t do this.”
“Goodbye, Nick.” The line clicked before he had a chance to say anything else and Nick stared straight ahead, shell shocked over how quickly everything had blown up in his face. Long minutes later, he hadn’t found any enlightenment on how to salvage the situation and left the interview room to throw himself back into the job.
Natalie waited in the hallway, sympathy etched all over her face. “How about that burger?”
* * *
By the time they got to the parking lot, the sappy sympathy was gone and Natalie was back to her usual, sarcastic self. It was exactly what he needed. Nick didn’t want to sit around and mope, rehashing his conversation with Annaliese over and over again – he needed distraction and Natalie delivered, big time.
Over a Black Molly and fries at Killer Burger, they had a chance to catch up, steering clear of the case for once to reminisce about the good ol’ days working down in Los Angeles. By the time he’d decimated the burger and a pile of napkins, Nick’s spirits were lifted, and he was ready to get back to it. Glad of the company, they decided to hit the rest of the names on his list together, and he didn’t once think of Annaliese until it was too late to knock on doors.
Only then did the crushing doubts return. The irresistible urge to drive by her place and check on how she was doing had him standing with keys in hand, unsure where to go.
Natalie took that decision away from him, grabbing his keys in the process. “How about we go for a drink? I think we put in a full day’s work. Or at least you did, I spent most of mine playing invisible patient.” Without waiting for him to respond, she slid into the driver’s seat and revved up the engine, rolling down the window when he didn’t move. “Let’s go, Gibson!”
Nick got into the car, buckling his seatbelt on autopilot, lost to his own thoughts.
“Where to?” she asked, pulling out of the parking lot and waiting for traffic to clear. “Nick. Where are we going?” she prodded when he didn’t answer.
That was a loaded question and Nick did his best to deflect it. “Are you hungry too or do you just want a quiet drink?”
“I could eat.”
“How about the Thirsty Lion?”
“Sounds good to me. Lead the way.”
He gave directions to get to the pub in Tigard, not all that far from his house. The bar had a deep, rich mahogany tone that he loved, the high tables and stools giving it more of an upscale feel than he usually went to, but he thought it might appeal to Natalie.
“They have Guinness on tap, this is my new favorite place!” she gushed as soon as they got within sight of the bar. Tucked away in a corner table, they ordered beer fondue with soft pretzels and Ultimate Nachos to munch on with two pints of Guinness, of course.
For the first half hour his gaze kept sliding to his phone, debating over whether or not he should send Anna a text. But after finishing a couple of pints and more molten cheese than was healthy, the urge faded. His eyes strayed less and less, concentrating on Natalie’s lively stories involving some of the more lurid cases she’d worked on in the past.
Was she a little too loud, too animated, her stories getting more unbelievable by the moment? Maybe. Was she trying too hard? Undoubtedly. But like their shared lunch, it was just what he needed. He’d missed being able to talk shop, not just the blood and guts but the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of putting a criminal behind bars. Gradually, he forgot to be worried, he forgot to regret not being with the woman he loved, and just enjoyed the company he was with.
“It’s your turn to buy the next round,” she pointed out, draining the last of her glass.
“This is starting to get expensive,” he frowned. “I can buy a whole six pack for what one pint costs here.”
“How about we go back to your place then?”
He’d walked right into that one. The question hung in the air between him as he tried to decide if there was more to that suggestion than met the eye. Veronica would be home, but that might not be the worst plan ever. Having a seventeen year old chaperone might keep him from doing anything stupid.
“Sure, we can do that.”
Chapter Eighteen
Natalie wavered as she stood, clutching the high table to steady herself.
“You alright?” he asked, catching hold of her elbow.
“Yeah, I’ve got it. I just stood up too fast.”
“I’m driving home,” he decided, plucking the keys off the table.
“Nick, I’m fine.”
“Good, you can be fine in the passenger’s seat, because I’m driving.” Though he was feeling pleasantly mellow, it took a lot more than two pints over a few hours to put him under the table. She didn’t argue, nor did she when he settled up their bill. In fact, she was distinctly mellow herself as they strolled back to the car, riding along in silence until they reached his neighborhood.
“Are you happy up here? With all these trees?”
“Is there some reason why the trees should make me unhappy?” he smiled.
“No, but… don’t you miss it sometimes? Being in the middle of the city. The action, the excitement?”
“I’m hardly out in the sticks. I’ve got plenty of excitement downtown anytime I want to go find it.”
“So, you’re happy then?”
His thoughts immediately turned back to Annaliese. The times they’d spent together out at the movies, hiking up by the falls, taking turns cooking for each other, or just doing nothing, being together. “Yes, I guess I am. For the most part.” Except when he said brainless things to her and ended up driving her away, but Nick was confident they’d get past it. He’d grovel, ply her with chocolate, and she’d take him back. It was their thing.
“Huh.”
“What?”
“Nothing.” Natalie didn’t offer any other commentary on his life or hers for the rest of the drive, her attention focused out the window into the night sky.
The house was silent and dark, no sign of Veronica when he snapped on the lights. Shrugging off his jacket, he sent her a quick text before he put the phone back in his pocket. Where are you?
Natalie took off her blazer too, setting her shoulder holster beside his on the kitchen t
able. “What kind of hooch you got in this joint?” she grinned.
“That all depends, do you want something hard or soft?”
Her dark eyes met his, snapping with amusement. “Hard.”
“I aim to please.” Nick heard himself flirting with her and tried to knock it off. He went to the cupboard that served as a liquor cabinet and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels, setting it on the counter when she nodded her approval. Mixing them both drinks, he went lighter on his, more Coke than Jack, the better to keep a clear head. Not that he was trying to get Natalie drunk, but he gave her a healthy jot of whiskey, knowing from personal experience that she liked her drinks strong.
Bringing his phone with him, he settled them on the couch in the family room, the lights low to better appreciate the view from the sliding glass door to the houses below. Still no reply from Veronica.
Natalie took a deep drink, kicking off her sensible shoes and tucking her feet under herself on the couch. “This trip has turned out a lot differently than I thought it would.”
“Oh? What makes you say that?”
“I don’t know. I just thought things would be different.”
“You thought you’d nail May and be out of this backwater town inside of a weekend?” he quipped, and this time a faint smile curved her lips.
“No, well… maybe my fantasies did skew that way, but not all of them.”
“No? You have other fantasies involving Portland? Do tell.” He tucked his fist under his chin and leaned against the back of the couch giving her his rapt attention.
Instead of answering right away, she grew thoughtful again, sipping at her drink. “Do you ever think back to that night?”
“What night?”
She met his gaze. “You know what night.”
He knew. The night they’d spent seven minutes in heaven (or in an elevator in their case) and almost changed their working relationship permanently.
“Do you ever think about what might’ve happened if you’d followed me up into my apartment?”