Recluse (Spider Series Book 1)

by Jaycee Ford

  —

  The clouds threatened to release another snowfall as I pulled up to the station. The reality of what had happened in this town hit me as soon at the brisk wind struck my face. I needed to be as positive as I could. We would find Erica Gunter’s killer, starting with the tip Grace gave me regarding Erica’s interest in the bartender. An early afternoon visit to Dixie’s was in order.

  A blast of wind slammed the station door shut behind me. I shrugged off my coat and hung it up on the rack in the lobby. I smiled at Charley as I passed her in the hallway.

  “You ironed your shirt?”

  I spun back around to find Charley wearing a pleased grin.

  “I did.” I turned away to discourage any further questioning.

  “I didn’t think you knew how to use an iron.”

  I stopped and turned back to her. “You’ve been hanging out with your best friend Evan too much. You’re turning into a little shit.”

  “Aw, thanks for the compliment, detective.” She headed toward the break room with a grin still plastered on her face.

  A cackle rose up from the pit of my stomach, but I put a stop to it quickly. If they caught me wearing an ironed shirt while laughing this early in the morning, they’d immediately know I’d been with someone last night. They’d also know it wasn’t Megan.

  I stepped into my office and came to an abrupt halt.

  “Oh, Wyatt! I forgot to tell you!” Charley hollered, running back through the lobby. Once she met me at the door she winced.

  Occupying Mike’s chair, a woman with a case folder for Erica Gunter open in front of her.

  “Can I help you?” I approached my desk.

  “She’s your new partner,” whispered Charley, which really wasn’t that much of a whisper.

  The woman appeared amused at the situation unfolding. She stood, stretched her hand out to me.

  “Detective Lara Allen.”

  I shook the hand of the woman who would be my new partner. Her hair was cut short in a defined angle against her face, colored as dark as her suit. She oozed city life, but not a southern city, something like New York or Washington, DC. I didn’t know what to make of this.

  “Detective Wyatt Peterman.”

  “Would you care to brief me on the case? Sheriff Harris handed me this file and said he would get with me after his conference call with the coroner’s office.”

  “Has he made that phone call yet?”

  “Not quite.” She looked at her watch. “He said about…”

  I didn’t listen to the rest of what she said. I brushed past Charley and headed straight into his office without knocking. I walked right up to his desk and my hands immediately went to my hips. Irritation was an understatement. Caleb casually took a sip of coffee, not looking up from the computer screen.

  “Yes, I hired a new detective,” he said between sips.

  “I can see that. Any reason why I wasn’t at least brought in on the decision? Or at least told about it before you hired someone?”

  “I did the preliminary interviews before Christmas.”

  “So, that whole conversation about needing a new detective was your subtle way of telling me you’d already made your decision?”

  “Wyatt.” He finally looked at me. “Is this because the new detective is a woman? I assumed you were above that.”

  I was taken aback for a second. “Of course, not. I’d be just as annoyed if you’d hired a man without involving me.”

  “I understand your aggravation, Wyatt, but it’s not really up to you. To be honest, I planned to bring you in on the final round of interviews, but after yesterday’s murder, she seemed like the best candidate.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “She’s from Atlanta. The rest were from within the county. I needed someone with an experienced eye working this case.”

  I deflated a little. His reasoning was understandable and I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it.

  “I just wish I had been consulted.”

  “We didn’t have time for that. You and I both know the death of Erica Gunter wasn’t random. A brutal murder like that is never completely random. We have to dig deeper. Somebody knows something.”

  “Grace actually gave me a little information last night.”

  He sat back in his chair, eyes me closely. “Was this before or after she ironed your shirt?”

  “Look, Chloe was scared and asked me to stay the night. Not Grace.”

  “So, you stayed for Chloe?” He pursed his lips, waiting for me to elaborate.

  “Yes, I stayed for Chloe.” It was the only elaboration I was willing to offer.

  He raised his hands and leaned up in his chair, forfeiting my interrogation. “Okay, so what information did Grace give you?”

  “She said the nurses sometimes go out to Dixie’s after work. The week of Thanksgiving, Erica Gunter had joined them. Grace said Erica had a thing for Jeremy the bartender.”

  “Did Erica leave before or after Grace?”

  “I … don’t know.”

  “Why don’t you text Grace and find out?”

  I bowed my head. “I guess I’m not exactly experienced in questioning after a murder.”

  “Now do you see why I brought in Lara?”

  I grumbled as I pulled out my phone.

  Me: The night Erica was with you at Dixie’s. Did she leave before or after you?”

  I held the phone in my hand as I waited on her reply. My phone vibrated in my hand almost immediately.

  Grace: I was the first to leave. I only stayed for one drink.

  Me: How many other people were there?

  Grace: It was me, Camille Roy, Andrea Crosby, and Danielle Fletcher.

  Me: Thanks, Grace. I might need to bug you later.

  Grace: Bugging is always welcome. :-)

  I stared at the emoji. It wasn’t odd to have a smile within our texts, but for some reason, this one made me feel even more anxious about New Year’s Eve.

  “Grace was the first to leave, so I’m not sure when Erica left. But there were two other nurses there, as well as her roommate. I’m sure we can find out.”

  “Okay, first, you and I will question Jeremy. Then you and Lara will question Camille Roy. It might help that a woman is there during the process.”

  “Yeah, you have a point.”

  “I’ll call Mrs. Betty and see when Jeremy’s on the schedule at Dixie’s.”

  “If he’s not working today, she should have contact information for him.”

  “See? You are getting the hang of this,” he said as he picked up his phone.

  I rolled my eyes at the sheriff and headed back to my office. I stopped when I saw her occupying the chair. It would take time to get used to all of this, but I could do it.

  Lara looked up at me from her case notes. “I’m sorry if I caught you off guard.”

  I waved her off. “I just wasn’t informed. I’m sorry if I seemed put off.”

  “I know I have big shoes to fill. I’m not trying to replace your partner. I’m just here to do my job. I’m filling in because I’m needed.”

  “You and I have to question the roommate today.”

  “He’s not wasting anytime putting me to work.”

  “Might as well jump in feet first. I’m going to go grab some breakfast at the café. When I come back, we can discuss the case. Can I get you anything while I’m out?”

  “No, thank you.” She smiled and went back to her notes.

  She seemed up to the task, but she wasn’t Mike. No one could ever replace Mike. Not here … or with Grace.

  THE USUAL MORNING visit to the café was anything but when I found myself face to face with a dozen newspapers highlighting a photo of Erica Gunter. Her brown eyes stared at me from every direction. I slowly backed up to the counter as the anxiety encircled me. The story these people were reading wasn’t even the whole truth. They hadn’t seen what I had.

  “Large black, detective?”

  I turned ar
ound when I heard Tracy’s voice. Her red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, her green eyes brightened her face.

  “No, just a bagel, please.”

  “Are you sure?” she asked while taking a bagel out of the display case. “It’s free.”

  “It's free? Why is it free?”

  “All policemen get free coffee.” She slipped the bagel into a brown paper bag along with packets of cream cheese and a plastic knife, and then rolled the top of the bag to seal it.

  “Sheriff Harris had me convinced a long time ago that he got free coffee because you liked him.”

  “I’m sure he did … and that was a while ago.” She laughed. “And no.”

  She pointed up to the sign hanging from the menu that read, COPS DRINK FOR FREE. I laughed with her. I couldn’t wait to tell him of this bit of information I had just uncovered.

  “He’s not exactly my type,” she continued.

  “What exactly is your type? There are a lot of single detectives.” I handed her a five-dollar bill in exchange for the bag she just handed me.

  “Jack Heavner.” She winked as she counted out the change.

  I couldn’t help but laugh again. “Of course, he is.”

  I waved away the dollar and change. She smiled in appreciation and put the remaining money into the tip jar.

  “It’s something about those tattoos.” She leaned on the counter with a sigh, her eyes off in some dreamland.

  “Caleb Harris has a tattoo,” I said before turning away.

  “Well, now you tell me!”

  Tracy grabbed the morning paper lying on top of the display case. There were Erica Gunter’s eyes again, staring back at me.

  “Did you know her?” I asked.

  Tracy shook her head. “I’m from Taylorsville originally, so I really only know the people who come into the café.”

  “So, she never came here?”

  “Not in the three years I’ve worked here. It’s a shame, though, about what happened. I hope you catch the guy.”

  “I will.” It was a promise to myself. Tracy lifted up the newspaper to read as I turned away. With bagel in hand, I made it to the door, avoiding Erica’s stare on the way out.

  The eerie clouds still loomed overhead. People continued on with their lives, but they all knew about the murder; at least, the story we had told them. They had no idea about the gruesome way she had died or the way the killer had mocked us with it. If they knew those details, no one would feel safe. I had to do whatever I could to ensure it never happened again. The thing was, I had no idea how to go about doing that.

  I pushed open the door to the police station and shrugged out of my coat, juggling my bagel from one hand to the other. Charley stood as I headed toward my office.

  “I’m sorry about not telling you sooner.”

  I stopped and stared at her. “About what?”

  “About Lara. I honestly thought you already knew.”

  “Well, I didn’t, but it’s fine. It’s just something I’ll have to get used to.” I turned down the hall, taking the few short steps to my office. When I had left, the only things Lara had on her desk were the case file and a notepad, but it had since grown into a stack of books and multiple tabs open on the computer.

  “I’ve been doing a little research regarding the carving on the victim’s neck.” She didn’t even turn around.

  “I guess you don’t really need much of a briefing.” I walked to my side of the office, threw my coat on the back of the chair, and laid out my bagel, plastic knife, and cream cheese. My desk was extremely bare in comparison to hers, and she had been here for less than two hours. Maybe Caleb was right. Maybe she would be a good detective.

  “I feel like it’s something I’ve seen before.”

  “Something you’ve seen carved on a person?” I slathered the cream cheese on my bagel and took a bite.

  “No, no. I’ve studied various religions and mythologies while in college. For fun.” She still had yet to look at me. Her eyes were either on the computer screen or intently studying a book.

  “For fun?” I asked once I had swallowed.

  “I found it fascinating. Anyway, I’ve been searching for any native connections.”

  “I wondered about that.” I put down my bagel, completely attentive.

  “Gunter is a common surname of the Cherokee tribe.” She finally looked across the desk at me when she spoke.

  “There’s a lot of Cherokee blood in this area.” I nodded.

  “More so here than in Georgia. Abundant around the mountainous areas of the Carolinas, Tennessee, and northern Georgia.”

  I had figured my nod indicated I was aware of the Cherokee Nation’s location, but I let her school me anyway.

  “Are you well studied in Native American culture?”

  “No, but it’s not a far step to gather she had Native American blood.”

  “So, you think this carving is native?” I had no idea where she was going with all of this.

  “That’s just it.” She flipped through the book in front of her. “It doesn’t look like anything I’ve researched regarding Native Americans.”

  “So, what is it then?”

  “I’m not sure. It kind of looks like a spider.” She looked back up at me.

  I pulled her folder away from her and stared at the carving on Erica Gunter’s neck. “It kind of does look like a spider. But why a spider? Why carve a spider on someone’s neck after almost severing the head off?”

  We were interrupted by voices coming from the lobby. They faded as the guys went into the break room.

  “Have you met the rest of the guys?”

  “Only Tanner Landry. He really didn’t seem to have the time to meet the new girl.”

  “Landry doesn’t have the need or want to meet any girl.” I stood up, leaving the rest of my bagel behind.

  “Oh, so he’s gay.” She stood and exited the office.

  “No, no. Far from it,” I clarified quickly as I followed her. I didn’t want to sway any possible prospect for Tanner. “He’s just all about the work.”

  “That’s not a bad thing.”

  As we crossed the lobby, Charley’s eyes cut up from her desk. Her brow wrinkled as she stared at Lara. I always thought of Charley as friendly and outgoing, but her demeanor around Lara was … off.

  Lara walked into the breakroom and stood to the side, waiting for her introduction. Jack smirked almost instantly. Grayson smiled but kept the usual composure he reserved for girls who didn't frequent the front page of the newspaper's society section. Evan stared, his head leaning a little to the side. He crossed his arms while remaining focused on Lara.

  “Y’all, this is Lara Allen, my new partner. This is—”

  “Jack Heavner, Grayson Cooks, and Evan Murphy.” She nodded to each one as she said their name.

  “Ha!” Jack laughed, crossed his arms, and leaned back in his chair. “She’s good.”

  “You look familiar,” Evan said as he leaned his elbows on the table, arms still folded. “Are you from the area?”

  “No.” Lara bowed her head slightly and clutched her hands together. “I’m from Atlanta.”

  “Did you go to college?” Evan continued.

  “Yes.” Lara nodded. “I went to Georgia.”

  “Ew.” Everyone turned to look at Grayson. “What? I played baseball for Tennessee.” He stared back at us like we were the rude ones.

  “At least I didn’t go to Florida.” Lara winked.

  Grayson chuckled, bobbing his head. “We can agree on that.”

  “You just look so familiar,” Evan repeated.

  “I guess I just have one of those faces.” Lara shrugged.

  “I guess so,” he said, still studying Lara.

  Jack couldn’t help himself. “Murphy, don’t go after your coworker.”

  “Oh, you’re one to talk, Heavner.”

  Lara laughed it off and walked to the coffee pot. As she moved to the other side of the room, I noticed Charley
standing in the doorway. Her eyes shifted between the new detective and her best friend. I watched Evan as he rubbed his chin, fixated on Lara. I looked back to Charley and saw her bubbly smile falter.

  Interesting.

  “Grayson,” Charley said, gaining everyone’s attention. Evan was the last to notice. “It’s 10:30.”

  “Right.” Grayson stood, shuffled his weight a bit, and walked out of the breakroom. He limped slightly on his one leg, but he seemed to be improving well.

  “What’s at 10:30?” Lara asked after Grayson had left the room.

  “He has therapy,” Evan answered.

  “Mental or physical?”

  “Both, actually,” Jack said without any touch of humor in his statement.

  “I’ll fill you in later during lunch,” I told her.

  “Well, it was nice meeting y’all. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you … often.” Lara left us in the breakroom.

  “Did she go to Hibriten?” Evan asked Jack.

  “Dude, high school was a long time ago, and I’m sure I’d remember someone who looked like that.”

  “Come on, man.” I stopped Jack. “She’s my partner.”

  “Oh, no.” He shook his head and leaned up in his chair. “She’s well out of my league.”

  “You know who’s in your league? Tracy.”

  “I know.” He deadpanned. “She gives me free coffee all the time.”

  “Apparently, she gives all cops free coffee.” I loved watching his face react to this newfound information.

  “Really?”

  “Yep.” I nodded. “There’s a sign and everything.”

  “Well, hell.” Jack leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. “I thought I was special.”

  “I think what he’s trying to say is that she’d give you more than just free coffee,” Evan teased.

  “Well, she’s already done that.”

  “On that note, I’ve gotta go catch a killer.” I lifted up my hands in resignation and left the debacle that was Jack and Evan.

  So far, I thought Lara would be a good fit. I had zero attraction to her and she had a smart head on her shoulders, but it seemed like the added estrogen was already beginning to affect things around the office. This was particularly obvious when I noticed Charley in a sullen state as I walked through the lobby toward my office.