by S. Swan
“Not much,” Ben said.
“Your partner is a member of the congregation,” I said.
“He is?” Ben asked “How do you know?”
“The pin he had on. It’s a symbol for that church.”
“Really?” Ben asked. “I didn’t know that.”
“I asked the minister at the funeral about it. He wore one too.”
“What about them?” Ben blew on his coffee. I hadn’t touched mine. I was too shaky to drink hot coffee.
“The flyer that had the bloody message on it was from that church.”
“Yeah, but churches pass out those flyers constantly. I’ve had them on my car several times.” Ben took a drink of his coffee. “I think it was a convenient piece of paper.”
“I don’t. They used to picket Mary House all of the time,” I said. “They’re fond of using the word whore. I think the message on my door came from a member. I don’t know if it is connected to the murders…”
“It is,” Ben said. “The blood came from Mary Lazarus.”
I gasped. “It was written in Mary’s blood?”
“Yes, we confirmed it today.”
“Did you find any prints on it?” I asked. My hands shook. It was pointless to drink my coffee.
“No, whoever did it used gloves, but no one else, but the killer, could have obtained Mary’s blood. They wrote it on the paper right after they killed her,” Ben said. “That’s why I think the flyer itself isn’t important.” He shrugged. “It was probably in Mary’s office. Maybe she picked it up in the lot, or on her car.”
“I’m not convinced,” I said.
“It’s something I’ll definitely look into,” Ben said, “but it’s probably a dead end.”
“How do you explain the fact that there were at least ten Covenant members at the funeral today, including the preacher?”
“Janice Henley got the preacher from her church. She probably had church members attend too.” I huffed, exasperated. I wanted Ben to agree with me. He seemed bent on shooting down my theory. Ben gave me an apologetic smile. “I’m not saying you’re wrong, it’s really good police work to put the two together.”
“I may be looking for a new career soon,” I said.
“How did the board meeting go?”
“Not as bad as expected. I’m suspended, but not fired.”
“That’s good,” Ben said. “Listen, do you have any idea why Mary Lazarus would request copies of police employment records?”
“No,” I said. “Why?”
“She put in a request for my employment records the day she died, Billy’s too.” Ben shook his head. “It’s just strange.” It was indeed strange. I had a feeling that Skinner was involved. Obviously, so did Mary.
“Skinner’s known on the streets for being cruel to prostitutes. At least he was when he was in Vice.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, Nessie told me.”
“He hasn’t been in the Vice division for several years.”
“Nessie hasn’t been a prostitute in several years, but she remembered him. She told me about it the first time you came to Mary House.”
He stared out the window for a long time. “Strange,” he said.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing. I just noticed this truck go by. I thought I saw it earlier.”
“Black SUV?” I asked.
“Yeah,” Ben said. “How’d you know?”
“I saw it go by a few times.”
“Do you think you’re being followed?” Ben asked.
“I wasn’t followed here,” I said. “I drove around making right turns and left and no one followed me, but I noticed that SUV when you were standing in line.”
“Must be coincidence,” Ben said, waving the thought away.
I ignored a lump of warning in my gut. “If the killer left that message on my door, while Jimmy was in jail, it proves it wasn’t him,” I said.
“He could have an accomplice. His brother?” Cops plant evidence, not attorneys. Ben didn’t like either Kim brother. Cho wasn’t a likeable guy on first impression, but I didn’t understand why Ben didn’t like Jimmy.
“Grasping at straws aren’t you?”
“No, I didn’t mean..,” Ben said. “You’re right. This is reasonable doubt that Jimmy isn’t the killer, but it doesn’t explain what he was doing at the scene of the crime.”
“He was looking for me.” I answered.
“Why?”
“He had reason to believe I’d be there,” I said. “Nessie spoke to him and told him that I wasn’t there an hour or so before the murder. Nessie said that she heard the killer’s footsteps, and they were different from Jimmy’s.”
“I know, but she’s not a reliable witness. She was knocked unconscious.”
I smacked the table. “Why are you still trying to pin this on Jimmy?”
“I’m not, but I have to look at everything. I have to build a case for, or against him. I’m looking at all of the defenses and evidence.” He took a sip of coffee before continuing. “When I say things I’m not saying that it’s not possible I’m weighing the evidence, that’s all. It’s what an investigator does.”
“If Jimmy didn’t do it,” I said, “then the killer is still out there, and he’s trying to either intimidate me or kill me.”
“He wants something from you,” Ben said. “Do you have any idea what?”
“No,” I said. I remembered the file folder in the trunk of Jimmy’s car. It either contained his identity, or he thought it did.
My phone rang. I held up a finger to Ben and answered the phone. “Are you on your way back?” Jimmy asked.
“Yes,” I said.
“Cassie, is there something wrong?” Jimmy asked.
“No.”
“I have this really bad feeling that I can’t shake.”
“I’m fine,” I said. “I’ll be home in a few.”
“Be careful, something isn’t right.” Jimmy sounded worried, which sent my internal alarm into a tizzy.
“I will,” I said. I looked at Ben. I shouldn’t be here with him. I hung up the phone. “I have to go,” I said to Ben.
“What’s wrong?” Ben asked.
I squirmed. “Nothing, but I have to get back.”
“Was that Jimmy?” he asked.
“Yes, he’s worried because I’ve been gone so long,” I said. “I didn’t tell him I was meeting you.”
“He always seems to know more than he should,” Ben said “How?”
“He’s just very intuitive?” I stood to leave. “Don’t you read the papers? Jimmy’s psychic.”
“I don’t buy into that stuff,” Ben said. “Do you?”
“Like I said, Jimmy’s very intuitive.” I hadn’t touched my coffee. I felt bad for wasting the beverage.
“Let me walk you to your car,” Ben said. He walked me out. “Cassie, I want you to know that I’m working to get this guy, whoever he is.”
“I hope so,” I said.
I got in the car and pulled out. I drove about a mile north of the coffee shop when I thought I saw the black SUV two cars behind. I immediately took a right turn, so did the SUV. I took another turn. It turned with me. I did two more right turns and a left. I ended up on a desolate street. I saw the SUV about three car lengths behind. Panic grew. I called Cho. “Hello.” He sounded worried.
“Cho,” I said in a shaky voice.
“What’s going on Cassie? Jimmy’s climbing the walls. He says something’s wrong with you,”
“Um, kind of,” I said, trying to sound calm. “I’m on my way to the condo. Can you meet me in the parking garage?”
“Why?” Cho demanded.
“Someone is following me and I can’t shake him,” I said.
“Where are you?”
“I don’t know exactly,” I said, watching for street signs. “I’m turned around. I was trying to lose this SUV and I ended up in a neighborhood I’m not familiar with.”
“Shit!” Cho
barked. “Don’t stop. Keep driving and don’t hang up.” I heard Jimmy in the background insisting on talking to me. “She’s got a tail and she’s lost,” Cho said to Jimmy. “Cassie, I’m going to put Jimmy on. He knows the city better.” I heard the worry in Cho’s voice, but he kept an even tone. It was an attempt to keep Jimmy calm, not me.
“Okay,” I said, shakily. I heard the rustle of the phone change hands.
“Babe, it’s me,” Jimmy said. “What street are you on?”
I looked and found a street sign as I passed it. “Talbot Street.”
“Shit,” Jimmy said.
“What?”
“That’s not a good neighborhood. Are you coming up to a light?”
“Yes.”
“If it’s red, make sure there’s no oncoming traffic, and run it”
“It’s not. It’s green.” I hit the accelerator.
“Make a right. That’s Morris Street.”
I blew through the intersection. I squealed tires turning. “Okay, I did.”
“I’m with you. Don’t freak out,” Jimmy said. “There’s another light coming up. Same thing, run it if you have too. Turn left that should be Madison Avenue again.” The green arrow appeared. I sped through it. “Is the guy still behind you?”
I looked in the rearview mirror. “Yes.”
“Right behind you?”
“No, he’s a couple cars back.”
“Good. Try to get some distance as you go through town,” Jimmy said. “Do you know where you’re at?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, do you know how to get back to the condo?”
“Yes,” I said, “but don’t hang up.”
“I’m not going to hang up until you’re safe in my arms,” Jimmy said. I drove for a long time without saying anything. “Are you still there?” Jimmy asked.
“Yes,” I said. “I’m almost to St. Claire Street.”
“Good. Is he still behind you?”
“Yes,” I said. “He’s right behind me now.”
“Damn it!”
“I’m almost there,” I said, clutching the steering wheel.
“Cho’s waiting for you in the garage,” Jimmy said. “Do you have the entrance card in your hand?”
“No, I forgot about it!” Jimmy’s garage only allowed entrance with a card. I forgot to ask where he kept it when I left.
“It’s okay. It’s in the visor.” Jimmy said, slowly. “Get it out and have it in your hand.” I flipped the visor and found the key card stuck in the mirror.
I maneuvered the BMW to the garage entrance. “I’m here.”
“Slow down, but don’t stop,” Jimmy said. “Don’t give him a chance to hurt you.”
I swiped the card and moved through the stop arm as it rose. The arm barely passed above the roof as I drove under it. “I’m in.” I looked in the mirror. The SUV followed right on my tail, and went through the bar with me.
“Oh God!” I screamed.
“What, Cassie? What is going on?”
“He came through with me!” I cried. “I went through so fast; it gave him time to squeeze in before the arm went down.”
“Cho’s in the garage waiting,” Jimmy said. “He’s got a gun. Pull in and run to him.”
The SUV slowed its pace. It gave me a second to pull in, park, and cut the engine. I jumped out. Cho rushed to me. The elevator was less than ten feet away. Cho grabbed me, and pulled towards the elevator. The SUV idled about twenty feet away from us. Cho forced me behind him and walked backwards, gun drawn, watching the SUV.
I stopped. I had to get the file. I couldn’t leave it behind for my stalker to break in the BMW and steal it. I stopped. “Wait. I have to get something.”
“Get to the elevator.” Cho pushed at my midsection.
“No, I can’t leave this,” I said. “It’s what he wants.”
“You go and I’ll get it.”
“It’s a file under my Jackets in the trunk.”
“I’ll get it.” I gave Cho the keys.
The SUV hit the gas and flew straight at us. Cho shoved me between two cars. I smacked the ground. I heard gun fire “Cho!” I screamed. I stood up, and saw him firing at the back of the SUV as it rounded the corner.
“You okay Kid?” Cho asked.
“Yes, how about you?”
“I’m fine.”
“Did you hit him?”
“I don’t know,” he said. “It didn’t stop him. Stay there while I get the file.”
I held my breath as Cho hustled to the car. I heard the SUV squealing tires through the garage. I thought it was going down, but wasn’t sure. I waited for it to come back.
“Got it,” Cho said. “Come on, hurry.”
We ran to the elevator. Cho wrapped a big arm around my waist and pulled me close, comforting me. The elevator crept up at snails pace. I trembled all over. Cho held me tighter. “We’re okay,” he said.
Jimmy stood in the hall when the elevator door opened. I ran to his arms. Jimmy whispered. “I’ve got you.” He looked at Cho. “I heard gun fire.”
“The son of a bitch tried to run us over,” Cho said. He pointed to my legs. “Cassie’s bleeding.” I looked down. Blood streaked both legs. I skinned my knees.
I held fast to Jimmy as he walked me to the condo. “I was so scared,” I cried.
“It’s alright,” Jimmy cooed. “You’re safe now.”
Jimmy led me to the bathroom, while Cho locked the doors and set the security alarm. “It’s just skinned,” I said. Jimmy examined my knees.
“Sh!” He gently wiped at my legs with a damp cloth. His hands shook as he administered first-aid.
“See,” I said, “it’s not that bad.” It wasn’t bad once the dirt and blood washed off.
“This is going to sting,” Jimmy said. He poured alcohol on the wounds. I let out a yelp. “Sorry.” Jimmy bandaged both knees. “That should do,” he said.
I looked down. My knees were twice their size wrapped in gauze and tape. “I don’t think I need that much wrapping.”
“I’ve never had to do this before,” Jimmy said.
“I can tell.” I pulled him to me and kissed him. He held me close for a very long time.
“You scared the hell out of me,” he said. “Don’t do that.”
“He knows where I’m at now.”
“He’s not going to get you.” He kissed me again. “I won’t let him.”
I laughed. “I hope you’re not counting on Cho to shoot him.”
“Did I hear my name?” Cho gave me a worried expression. “You okay, Kiddo?”
“All better now,” I said. I kicked my legs up to show Jimmy’s doctor skills.
Cho laughed. “You look like a mummy.”
“I did the best I could,” Jimmy said.
“That’s going to cut off her circulation,” Cho said.
“Cassie said not to count on your shooting.”
“Hey I’m an attorney, not a cop. I’ve never fired that gun before.”
Jimmy pulled me up. “Why do you have it?”
“Just in case.” Cho shrugged.
Jimmy helped me to the bedroom to change. He acted unusually quiet as he lifted my dress over my head and handed me a pair of sweats and a hoodie.
“Jimmy,” I said.
“Hmm?”
“What’s on your mind?” I asked.
“Nothing.”
“Communication remember?”
“Yeah… right,” he said.
“Talk to me.”
“I don’t want you to think I’m intruding,” Jimmy said. “You know I’m connected to you now right?”
“Yes, I know.”
“What were you doing with that cop when I called?” Jimmy asked.
“He asked to talk to me privately. I learned a lot today. I can’t wait to tell you and Cho. Is that’s what’s bothering you?” I asked.
“Yes, I hate being in your head like this,” Jimmy said. “I feel like I’m invading your privacy, an
d it bothers me.”
“Jimmy, I have nothing to hide from you,” I said. “I would have told you about meeting up with him. I can handle you knowing what I’m doing all of the time,” I pulled the sweats over my hips. “I guess birthday surprises are out aren’t they.”
“Christmas presents too.” He winked at me.
“If you have a question about something just ask,” I said. “I won’t get mad; this is what I mean about us communicating. You don’t have to be afraid. I’m here with you no matter what.”
“I can read things from you that you don’t know about, you understand that right?” Jimmy asked.
“Yes, but I don’t care.”
“Would you want to know, if I knew who your soul mate was?” Did he? Was it Ben? Ben was the only person I knew that could possibly be my soul mate. I’d have to be interested in someone for them to be my soul mate…wouldn’t I?
“No. When you find him, keep it to yourself,” I said. “As a matter of fact, your brother gave me some good advice the other day.”
Jimmy tilted his head. “What is Cho’s wisdom?” he asked.
“He advised, as my attorney,” I gave a surly Cho face. “not to put too much stock in psychics. He says I should live my life and not listen to you.”
“That is good advice,” Jimmy said.
Jimmy picked me up and carried me to the couch. He propped my legs on a pillow, and then brought me a cup of tea. Jimmy made me feel comfortable. He still seemed like something bothered him. I didn’t pry.
“We need to talk about what in the hell just happened.” Cho said, pulling up a chair.
“Later,” Jimmy said. “Cassie needs to rest. She looks worn out.”
“At least tell me what’s so important about this?” Cho asked, holding up the folder.
“I don’t know,” I said.
“It can wait.” Jimmy insisted. “Let’s calm down.”
Jimmy lifted my head and slipped under me. He began stroking my hair. I relaxed with the feeling and before I knew it, I was sound asleep.
CHAPTER 13
“What do you think?” I asked.
“You did good Kiddo.” Cho answered. “This information blows the prosecution’s case wide open.”
Jimmy sat stroking my hair while we spoke. He hadn’t added anything since I began listing all of the information that I acquired during the day. He sat lost in thought. “It doesn’t make sense. Why are we involved in this?” Jimmy asked. “It feels more personal. It doesn’t feel like chance.”