by Terra Kelly
“He was waiting until I got home," Preslie said and shivered. "Fuck, that’s disturbing.”
Preslie had been locked in the house for five days and she was on the verge of screaming. She missed being outside and having social interaction. Plus, they polished off all the chocolate sandwich cookies–those perfectly round cookies, full of sugary love–were the best treat when feeling stressed. It was almost 11:00 p.m. and Miles was due to arrive soon. She was feeling much stronger but a full recovery could take up to three months. Vikki had crashed about thirty minutes ago, so she assumed position on the couch to watch more reruns of Buffy. There was the light knock three times then Miles opened the door. Preslie leaned up and put her legs under her body. “Hi.” It still felt weird having him there at the house. They were still getting to know each other. Every evening after Vikki would crash they would sit on the couch and talk about anything. He shared stories about his kids, or she would share stories of growing up in Newfoundland. They avoided some topics and just kept things neutral. As he walked through the door she had to control her girl parts, damn the man was gorgeous.
“Hi," Miles said and placed his coat over the back of the kitchen chair. "Couldn’t sleep?” He walked around the couch and sat down. He was feeling at home at Vikki's place. He had a routine developing. His team was still following David. Once they figured out where he was staying, they planted monitoring devices in his house and his car. The asshole was playing it safe and not straying far from his home. It was obvious the guy had no clue that there were eyes on him everywhere.
“Yeah. The four walls are making me crazy. We ran out of chocolate sandwich cookies and wine today so that sucks.”
“We could remedy that?” He reached his hand out for her to take. “Late night grocery run?”
She looked a little surprised, “You would take me out of the house?” She grabbed his hand and stood. “You don’t have to tell me twice.” She stopped half way around the couch. “Guess I should change first?”
“Why? It’s a late-night grocery run." Miles shrugged his shoulders. "We’re not going to the prom. Put a coat over your pj’s and you'll blend right in.”
“Um, okay. Should we have anyone watch the house while we’re gone?” She walked over to the closet to grab her coat.
“Stand by, let’s have an officer stand watch.” He grabbed his phone to call Cooper. His boss told him that David had not left his house for the last four days. Miles was ready to just apprehend the fucker. Unfortunately, there was still a potential he was linked to the drug raid where Eddy was killed. “Let’s get you out of these four walls.”
They were careful when heading to the grocery store. Once inside, Preslie let out a sigh of relief. “Okay let’s do this. Wine, chocolate sandwich cookies and maybe some real food.”
They both were browsing the cookie isle. Miles went to pick up some off-brand cookie. Preslie laughed. “Nope, those are horrible, trust me.”
He looked at her confused. “But…”
“Here. Hold this.” Then she shoved four packages of cookies in the basket. They grabbed milk and some wine. It took only about thirty minutes and they still spent a hundred dollars. Preslie hung her coat up in the closet and went in the kitchen to put the groceries away. She grabbed two glasses, the liter of milk, and a package of the chocolate sandwich cookies.
“Snack time?” Miles asked pulling out a chair next to Preslie.
“Heck ya. Want to join me?” She dipped her cookie into the milk and waited for ten seconds. Then with grace, she put the cookie in her mouth, never dripping any milk on her or the table.
He tried to mimic what she did with the cookie, the moment milk spilled on his shirt she burst out laughing. “It’s good to hear you laugh.”
She sat back in her chair. “Yeah, I feel safe when you’re here.” She paused for a beat. “I mean, we both feel safe knowing your team is protecting us.” She looked down and moved a cookie around on the table.
He reached forward and grabbed her hand. “I’m glad we could help you.”
“Has anyone ever told you that you have gorgeous, bright blue eyes?” She wanted to reach forward, maybe brush her hand down the side of his face. His skin looked so smooth. "Sorry, that crossed the line. Please pretend you never heard me say that.”
“That may be difficult.” Miles reached forward and took her hand. He opened her fingers and exposed her palm. He brushed his thumb down the center.
She shivered at the brief contact. “Difficult?” She let him continue to trace small circular patterns on her palm.
“Forgetting.” He let go of her hand, “I don't want to forget. Since we're crossing the line, you have stunning midnight blue eyes.”
They both sat there staring at each other. She looked down for a moment and then back up. “Are you from here?”
“Yes, born and raised.” He reached forward to grab another cookie. Preslie accidentally tried to grab the same cookie. The moment their hands made contact, he felt a surge of energy pass through his body.
"Um, here." She winked. "Did you always want to be a cop?”
“Always. It’s in my blood. My Dad and Grandfather were cops here in Toronto.” He took a small bite and felt a few crumbs hit his bottom lip. “How about you, did you always want to be a nurse?”
“Since I was ten. My brother fell out of our tree house and broke his arm in two places. I remember being fascinated by the whole process. Sitting in the ambulance and then E.R., l loved it. From that point on I read more health related books.”
“Have you ever been married?” Miles surprised Preslie with that question.
“Nope, and right now that suits me," she said and took a drink of milk. “Was Angie your first wife? How long were you married?”
He leaned back in his chair. “She was my first wife. We celebrated our ten-year wedding anniversary recently. I’m not sure how I feel about marriage now.”
She nodded. “I’m sorry.” She leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table. “Somehow we both have taken blows from the people we thought cared about us.”
He reached up and moved a strand of hair behind her ear. He was nervous to touch her after what she had been through. “Well, maybe we should call it a night?”
She sat there looking into those stunning blue eyes. “Do you think we’ll move past all this?” She was asking that question for him. For her, she never planned to lose sleep over what David did. When they put him behind bars, she planned to celebrate.
He gave a half grin. “Oh, hell ya. I will never let Angie keep me from loving again. I’m still processing it all, trying to make sure my kids are okay. They’re the ones I worry about the most.” He reached his hand forward and placed it over hers, “You will, too.”
She loved how it felt when he touched her. “Maybe sooner than we think.”
Seven
Preslie was off for another two weeks, so she ventured back to her house and grabbed a few craft projects. Every time she left the house, she contacted Miles or his team. Once she was given the all clear, she made a quick stop and grabbed the few items. On her way back to Vikki’s house, she made an unplanned stop at the grocery store to grab a couple bottles of wine and something for dinner.
She was standing in the meat section looking at the different cuts of beef, trying to decide between burgers or steaks. It was weird, one moment she felt happy and the next moment the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She had her phone in her hand and dialed Miles’ number. Then she turned around. Yup, David was standing about ten feet away. She could hear Miles saying her name but her phone was at her side for the moment. “David?” She tried to speak his name clearly so Miles would hear. David seemed different with a buzz cut and had a clean shave. “What are you doing here?”
“I see you need more wine already. Becoming quite the lush, aren’t we?” He shook his head. “I can’t believe I get to talk to you again.” He inched closer to Preslie. “Where’s your new cop friend? Do they know how dumb you are? Why would
you go shopping alone? I bet you were hoping to see me.”
Her phone rang, she must have hung up on Miles accidentally. She kept her eyes on David while answering it. “Yes?”
“Why are you at the grocery store alone? We're on our way, don’t make any sudden movements.” Miles sighed and disconnected.
“Okay, Vikki. Hey, did you want steak or burgers tonight? Yeah, me too.” She hit end and placed her phone in her jacket pocket.
“That had to be your little cop friend. Decided not to tell him we’re chatting it up?” he said and let out a maniacal laugh. “Did you miss me, Preslie?”
“After what you did? No.” She glanced around trying to find an escape route. “David, don’t come any closer or I'll scream.”
“I love it when you scream.” He continued to laugh. “You think you can fool me, baby. I have you cornered and you know it.”
She was getting nervous but then noticed Miles and his team approaching from behind David. She stood there motionless, trying not to alert David of their presence.
Miles wanted to yell, scream and hug Preslie all at the same time. Why would she go to the store alone? His team approached the suspect from behind. They were in full uniform, guns at the ready, and intercoms in their ears to communicate. Erickson was in the police truck going through surveillance footage from David’s house. They knew Preslie had checked in before leaving her house. From what they could see, there was a man in the house they were monitoring that fit David’s description. How was it possible that the asshole was in two places at once? Campbell was outside the grocery store questioning a few witnesses on what they observed. Miles, Cooper, Sanders and Finley were standing just a few feet away from David.
“Decided to visit her one last time?” Miles said stepping behind David.
He spun around so fast. “What the hell? Are you physic or something? How did you get here so fast?” He glanced at Preslie. “I thought you were talking to someone specific. You seemed too happy to be talking to Vikki. Hell, how could anyone be happy talking to that bitch?”
“I’m sorry," she said to Miles. "I was given an all clear to leave.”
He nodded never taking his eyes off David. “It’s okay. It looks like our friend here has a double though.”
“Figured that out, eh?”
“Well, since the guy at your house still has long shaggy hair and you don’t. Yeah.” He moved closer and touched the barrel of the gun to David's side. “I think you know it’s over, so why don't you drop the weapon you're hiding in your jacket.”
“You have a gun?" Preslie gasped. "First you choke me, then you stab me, and now a gun?” She was struggling to keep it together. “Just give up, they have you surrounded.”
“Give up? Why would I do that when the show has just begun?” David said flinging his gun around. “Do you realize how hard it was to watch you day in and day out? You sit in that house with your friend and talk in the evenings with Mr. cop here.” He gave a devilish smile. “I see you still have an addiction to chocolate sandwich cookies? You and your cop man were looking all cozy last night. Sharing milk, eating cookies and being all touchy feeling.” He glanced back at Cooper. “Did he tell you he was letting things get personal? I thought that was against protocol?” He winked at Miles. “You had one easy assignment. Watch this whore.”
“I was doing my job, nothing more.” Miles felt bad the moment the words slipped out.
Preslie felt betrayed. Miles had spent time with them, laughed, talked and was kind. Was that all an act? First, she deals with a crazy ex and now a lying cop. She needed silence. She sat down her basket of food and glanced behind her trying to plot an exit strategy.
Miles could tell Preslie was not paying attention. He never meant what he said to David it was just a tactic used in the field. “I’m tired of playing these games. Talk, because this may be your last time as a free man, so enjoy the moment.”
“I always get what I want," David laughed. "Don’t worry, I'll see daylight again soon.”
Erickson came on their intercoms in their ears. “He’s right. Apparently, the guy has gone to jail three times. He was acquitted once, found not guilty the second time, and sentenced to community service the last time.” He sighed. “He may have help on the inside or this could be bigger than we think?”
“We'll see about that," Miles said to David and grabbed his arms.
David was struggling in Miles' grasp to see Preslie. When he noticed she was not there he screamed, “You bitch! Where are you?”
“Haven't you done enough?” Miles pushed the asshole toward the entrance. “While you’re behind bars, we plan to find out who you really are.”
“Good luck.”
“Come on, Chatty Cathy, let’s a take a trip to the police station together," Finley said and read him his rights.
Miles looked around for Preslie but she disappeared.
Finley was walking David to the squad’s SUV. Sanders and Cooper were talking to the store managers. Miles headed outside to find Preslie. He found her sitting on the curb by the entrance to the store with Vikki. “Preslie?”
“Can I go home or do you need me for questioning," she said with zero emotion.
“Can you take her home?” he asked Vikki.
Vikki nodded. “Yeah, sure.”
“No, I'll drive to your place myself. David was arrested. I plan to enjoy time by myself for a few days.” She stood. “I guess you don’t need to stay at our place now. Can we have the house key back? I want to go.”
He pulled the key from his pocket. “Here.” He sighed. “Preslie, I…”
“No, I think you said everything you needed to say. We’re done." She fought back tears. "You can resume your normal life now. We'll stop bothering you.”
Preslie walked into Vikki’s house and headed straight to the kitchen for some wine. She was glad they apprehended David, but who knew for how long? She went to pour some Pinot Noir when she heard Vikki opening the door. Holding the bottle up. “Want some?”
“Sure," Vikki said and put her purse on the little table by the door. “What the fuck happened back there?”
“That so called sweet cop is an ass. He said he was just doing his job, nothing more.” She took a sip of her wine. “Apparently, all the laughs and kind words were just part of his job.” She handed Vikki her glass of wine. “I’m so fucking pissed. We let him into our home, into our life. He made me believe he cared.”
Vikki stood next to Preslie. “Did you ever think maybe he said those words to appease David? He had to make David believe he didn’t care. There’s still a big investigation going on and he just wants to protect you.” She pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and sat down. “Hell, I would lie, too, if it meant I could keep you safe.”
“I don’t know." Preslie sat down opposite her friend. "Last night was the first time we got to know each other. He seemed so genuine in his words.”
Vikki reached over and grabbed her hand. “Keep believing he is genuine. I know he would never want to hurt you, I can see it in his eyes.”
Miles was in the locker room changing out of his uniform when Finley walked in. “Heading to the nurse’s house tonight?”
“No, that ship has sailed. I made a dick move when talking to David and said I was just doing my job, nothing more.”
“Oh, shit." Finley flinched. "Well, that may take a little finesse to fix that situation. Were you able to talk to her after we apprehended him?”
“I tried, but she didn't want to hear anything I had to say.” He slammed his locker shut. “Fuck.” He sat down on the bench. “Is it wrong to have feelings for her while I'm going through a divorce?”
“No. Angie is long gone, fuck her. If you're into Preslie, apologize, but I would do it soon.” He stood. “I need to go finish questioning dear old David.”
"Good luck. Let me know how it goes," he said and headed out. He needed to go back to the house that used to be his for a few things. Plus, Gracie and Jack needed more of their
toys at his new place. When he arrived at Angie’s place most of the lights were still on. He rang the doorbell but no one bothered to answer the door. He grabbed the hide-a-key under the fake rock. When he went in, he could hear noises upstairs. At first, he thought it was the kids but then he realized it was not kids making those sounds. As he moved closer to the master bedroom the panting and moaning got louder. Holy shit. Was she having sex with someone and while the kids were asleep just a few doors down? He paused with his hand on the door knob, knowing whatever he saw would change everything. Taking in a deep breath, he opened it. Their heads lifted, and he almost screamed. It wasn’t, was it? His band mate and long-time friend, Julian was straddling, Angie. Miles was speechless.
Julian cussed a few times, then stood to put on some jeans. “Miles, it’s not what it looks like.”
Miles turned his head to the side. “Not what it seems? You have your dick in my soon to be ex-wife. Doesn’t get any simpler than that. Care to explain what it was?”
Angie wrapped a blanket around her boney naked body. “What gives you a right to just barge in here? He doesn’t have to explain shit to you. You moved out.”
Miles laughed. “I own the house still, sweetheart. I was the good guy and moved out. Letting the kids stay in a place they are familiar with is better for them. Fucking my band mate not on the house agreement.”
“I stopped by to see if she was doing okay," Julian said tapping his foot on the floor. "I thought maybe she needed a friend. We all have been friends for over ten years. This wasn’t on the books and I never meant to hurt you.”
Shaking his head, Miles walked to the closet to get his things. He turned back and pointed his finger in Julian's direction. “You’re out. We’ll find another bass guitarist. I don’t want to see your fucking face again.” He turned to Angie. “I’ll be discussing this with my lawyer.” He grabbed the box he was looking for on the shelf in the closet. As he headed out the door, he looked back at Angie. “Is this why you needed a divorce so fast? I was good to you, to our kids, I loved you.”