Floundering Adrift (Detective Linda Galbes)

by Combs, Sasha

  The oven beeped, and Linda lowered to pull open the door. Her nostrils were thrilled by the aroma of freshly baked garlic bread. Hayford loved Italian food, and during the early months in their relationship; she would wow him by cooking authentic meals. It was her way to get on his good side. And this evening, she really needed to pad a safe place to dig the truth out of him.

  Her eyes lowered, checking the way her breast welled in her dress. Yep, she’d prepped this evening to coax whatever she needed to know out of him.

  The buzzer beeped, signally that she had a visitor waiting in the lobby. Linda closed the oven door, then she walked over to the intercom to buzz him in. She knew exactly how many seconds it would take for him to reach her door and in under a minute he was knocking; waiting to come in.

  Once more, she lowered her eyes, making certain that she looked her best. She needed him to be forthright and the only way to do that would be to beat him at his own game. Linda opened the door, allowing him to enter. To her surprise, he’d cleaned up good. Fresh shave, hair cut, new suit, minus the tie. Man, she could never get over his good looks.

  “May I come in.” He said as a statement and not a question. As if she could ever turn him away. Linda moved aside and she watched as his blue eyes landed appreciatively on her breast.

  “I passed the florist. Thought I’d get you your favorite flowers. Canna lilies.”

  He held up the flowers that until now, she’d not noticed. Hayford walked passed her, then strolled into the kitchen. He knew exactly where she stored all her vases. She loved flowers and since dating him, he rarely visited her without bringing a beautiful offering.

  “I can do that Hayford.”

  “I know... But I like doing things for you Linda.”

  She watched him, and all the while she wondered why there were always so many snags in their relationship. Sure, there were the blaring obvious things. He’s rich and she isn’t but that difference had long since lost its sting.

  “Mmm... Something smells good.” He turned to face her. “Garlic bread?” he asked. She smiled, saying

  “Only the best for you.”

  Hayford came closer, placing his hands on the sides of her waist.

  “Will you let me give you the best?”

  “You do Hayford.”

  “But, I want to give you more Linda. I want you to have everything that you deserve.”

  A frown creased her forehead when she said...

  “I have all I care to have and all I deserve.”

  “Linda... How can you say that, when you’ve never given me the chance to give you everything that I’ve always wanted to give?”

  She groaned, then said...

  “Not this again. Look Hayford. I didn’t ask you here to talk about this.”

  “Linda, I know why you asked me to come here. And don’t bother denying it.”

  She groaned again but this time the sound in her throat roared even louder.

  “Are you trying to insinuate something?”

  Hayford laughed when he said...

  “I don’t have to say a word. The timing of your invitation says it all.”

  She scoffed but Hayford didn’t backdown so easily this time. He said...

  “Linda, let’s call a spade a spade. You always use sex, whenever you want something from me.”

  “That isn’t true. And how dare you make such an accusation.” She searched her brain, sadly coming up empty; and knowing full well that he was telling the truth.

  “Linda... Really? You’ve got to be kidding me.” Hayford’s voice reeked of disappointment, and his displeasure lingered the longer she refused to take ownership for her shortcomings.

  “Are you calling me a liar?” She asked, hesitantly.

  They were off and running. He said... She said.

  “Linda... Dammit... Not this again. Why do you do this?”

  “What Hayford? Why do I do what?”

  “This... This...”

  He held his hands out as if the motion was all that was needed. She was in the wrong and his point needed no words.

  She grunted then said...

  “We don’t have to do this.”

  She mimicked him; holding her hands up. Waving them about, like an offering plate. Then she said...

  “Look... I want to know what you know and I want to hear it, from you. How did you know that a suspect left the murdered victims building, to avoid being captured on the lobby camera?”

  Hayford’s eyes narrowed, but he’d known her reason for this pretend summit. She wanted something from him. She wanted something job related from him. But he wanted something too. Hayford wanted to mend fences... He wanted to build bridges, if doing so would repair their damaged relationship. Everyday her job was steadily creating a wedge between him. He exhaled, resting his shoulder on a wall.

  “Linda... You told me to phone it in. Remember? You set the rules and I followed them.”

  “Stop being coy. I know exactly what I told you to do, now I’m asking you to do something else. Tell me what you know. Especially if you really want to give me what I want.”

  He leaned forward, coming closer to her, closing the distance. His movements appeared rehearsed and planned. Yet Linda knew nothing about tonight followed a script. Hayford perched one hip on the side of the counter, staring cynically at her.

  “Hayford... I’m waiting.”

  “Yes Linda. I know. And, I’m waiting.”

  She frowned, confused.

  “Waiting for what?” her voice shrieked at a high pitch.

  “You want something from me and I want something from you.”

  This evening was getting off to a bad start. She had wanted to woo him; dazzle him with her sexy dress and her come hither body. But here they were, dueling with words in her kitchen. Her eyes traveled to the wine in the cooler. She doubted if they would even make it to the meal.

  Resigned to do whatever she had to do to get him to talk, she said...

  “All right. Let’s lay our cards on the table. You already know what I want to know. Now it’s your turn. What do you want to know?”

  His lip curled up into a half smile. He loved these play for power games.

  “I want to talk about us. I want to know; where do we stand as a couple. I want to know if you’re willing to put us first sometimes; ahead of your job.”

  Linda sighed so loud, Hayford thought she might choke on the exiting air. Her eyes rolled in her head, then she crossed her arms, wrapping them beneath her breast.

  “This is old Hayford. You know where we stand as a couple.”

  “If I did, I wouldn’t have to ask.”

  “Hayford... You act as if I’ve created this mess. ...like I molded a situation that would prevent me from being with you... And being with you is where I’d much rather be. With you...in my bed making love. Or not...” She twirled on her heels, wanting to leave, but his hand caught her elbow, preventing this. He came even closer, standing directly in her orbit. Hayford said...

  “Linda... How much longer are you going to put your true profession on hold?”

  “Please... Please! Give me a break. You’ve got to be kidding me. Hayford...!” She stepped back, slamming her fist on the counter. Any talk dealing with the law or her practicing law always sent rockets flaring.

  “Linda... It’s a fair question.”

  “No it isn’t because it’s none of your business.”

  “Linda... I love you and that makes it my business.”

  “Stop it Hayford. I’m not going to have this conversation with you again.”

  “Why Linda...? Is so outlandish that I think you should want to be a lawyer? I don’t understand Linda and I don’t know why you’re so afraid to talk about this?”

  “I’m not afraid. But if you really want to know my reasons for avoiding this topic...”

  “Yes... I really want to know.”

  She squared her shoulders when she said...

  “You... I don’t want to talk about
this because of you and what you’ve done.”

  His brows furrowed, clearly signaling his confusion.

  “I didn’t do anything Linda.”

  “Oh no...? You didn’t do anything?” she said sarcastically mocking him.

  “Okay... I pulled a few strings when I mentioned you to my uncle. So what! I don’t see the harm in recommending you for a job. I thought maybe you were in a rut and perhaps if you were around more attorneys...”

  “What did you think would happen? Did you think I would envy them? Or that I’d awe them with by knowledge of the law while speaking in Latin?”

  “No. I thought you would change... I thought you’d finally be happy. Linda, I wanted to give you the opportunity to finally practice in your chosen profession.”

  “I am practicing in my profession!”

  “You know what I mean Linda.”

  “Yes, I know what you mean, but why should your meaning outweigh mines. Shouldn’t you be happy for me, especially when I’ve told you that working as a detective makes me happy?”

  “But you aren’t”

  She made a umph noise then replied...

  “And you have the audacity to ask, what are our problems?”

  “Linda... You have nightmares. You wake up in the middle of the night crying. Some nights, when you wake; you can’t get back to sleep. This job as a detective... It’s slowly killing you.”

  “You bastard.” She pointed her finger in his face. “You’re wrong. You are wrong.” She demanded.

  Turning, to leave her kitchen, she said...

  “That’s it. You can leave Hayford. You don’t have anything that I want.”

  Grabbing her arm from behind, he stopped her before she got far. He twirled her to face him. Hayford grimaced while saying...

  “That’s your problem Linda. When people want to help you...you refuse. Especially if that help is coming from me. If you recall... I tried to call you first but you’d turned off your phone. I wanted to tell you what I knew about the possible suspect but you wouldn’t let me. Now, you’re giving me the cold shoulder again and I haven’t done anything to deserve this.”

  She tried to jerk free, but his grip tightened and he wouldn’t release his hold.

  “I’m not finished...” he said. “And as for us... I’m not the problem in this relationship. I love you and I’ll always want what’s best for you.”

  He was tired of arguing. Tired of never finding a compromise that would satisfy them both. Whenever they discussed her job or his desire to keep her safe and out of harms way. At the root of those disagreements; underneath there always lie something that fueled their passion. He didn’t enjoy the arguments but the fire in her eyes. The way she fought with gusto; putting her efforts behind her words and every rocking tilt of her body. Linda’s anger was as much of an aphrodisiac for her as it was for him. Pulling her tight, he muffled her mouth with his; silencing pointed words that he knew lay waiting on the tip of her tongue. Mmmm and the taste was wonderful. At first, her resistance swelled; fingers and palms curling into fist. She pounded on his chest, trying to fight him off but he held her head steady, and tightened his arm around her waist. In a matter of a few seconds, he felt the strength seeping from her blows. The power that was once coiled in her curled hands, now she redirected it. Exerting her energy in their shared kiss. Nothing had been resolved but that didn’t seem to matter to either of them. Their bodies tangled, fighting and jockeying for control. In her kitchen, the space was barely large enough for cooking. What they were doing; this tiny space was not fit for wild unfettered passion. Linda jerked back, her fingers grasping hold to his jacket. She wanted to remove it. When she did this, Hayford fell back, taking her with him; then landing him solidly on the refrigerator door. This went on and on. Next they collided with the sink, the oven, then the pantry door. When parts of his body screamed from the abuse, he opened his eyes. He stared down on her and even though she looked frazzled and unkempt; none of that mattered. He wanted her more now then he’d wanted her when he stepped across the threshold, walking into her apartment. Her lips were plump and bruised from his kissing. Her neck pink due to his forceful hold. He had to have her and the kitchen wasn’t the place for what he had in mind.

  Walking backwards, Hayford held her tight, while guiding them both into her bedroom. They made quick work with fumbling fingers; removing each others clothing. When they were naked, Hayford lifted her, carrying her to lay in the bed. Crawling to lie beside her, he paid homage to her body. Kissing her flesh tenderly, and beneath each press of his lips caressing her skin, he whispered words of love followed by expressions of regret. Promises seared his tongue, telling her that he’d never meant to hurt her. His heart pounded and the sound was deafening in his ears.

  Heat from his hands coursed up her leg, with every sweeping stroke of his fingers. He lifted up, causing her hands to fall from his back; he settled his body in the center of her thighs. Looking up at him, in his eyes she could see a whirlwind of passion. An urgent need to be inside of her. A thirst that had not been quenched for far too many days. With both arms straddling alongside her head, he lowered ever so gently. When his mouth touched hers, a groan met her lips. So much had been left unsaid. He said, then she said; yet they were each left wanting more from the other. Linda closed her mind off to this. She only wanted him now. His hard body weighing heavy on her chest, then pressing her firmly into the mattress. His body molding with hers until they felt like one.

  When he entered her, blinding lights flashed behind the closure of her eyes. All at once, it took this one thing to possess her. Her body gave in to him, and Hayford took all she had to give. He rocked his hips, taking her and the bed frame with him as he did this. The pounding sound made contact with the wall; banging a rhythm while the post jostled along the floor. This wasn’t tender passion; instead their love making was feral and fierce. Hot and spicy. Angry and explosive. No holds barred and no moves off limits. His body took what she gave and he wedged himself deep within the depths of her well. Linda couldn’t catch her breath nor an empty stray thought. Her mind didn’t dare grapple with the reality of her situation. For now, she sway too and fro. Her body rocked and moaned; giving in to his touch, his lips, his licks. No word nor sensation was ignored. Hayford held her full attention. In a dizzying moment, Linda lifted up, pressing her lips solidly with his. With a groan, she felt her body’s release, then seconds later she felt the firm grip of his hands, pulling her closer to him. His lips released a curse, then a declaration of oaths. Their bodies sealed as one, in sweat and a melding of something far stronger. When she gathered her breath, Linda pressed one hand, laying it solidly against his chest. She needed to in some way assert her unyielding position.

  “Hayford...” His name was spoken breathlessly. Heated with fresh arousal and fervor. When her cry went unanswered, again she spoke his name; but this time, the tone held less passion.

  “Hayford...”

  “Baby...” he said with a quick gulp of air. “Did I hurt you? I’m sorry, I got a little caught up. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  Linda pressed firmer, her palm flattened solidly against his chest.

  “Hayford... We need to talk.”

  Hayford exhaled a long laborious sigh. He was’t an idiot and he already knew the direction this conversation was headed. But, he also knew delaying this standoff was completely unavoidable. His hand stroked her back gingerly when he said...

  “What is it baby...?”

  “Hayford... We can’t keep going on like this.”

  “Linda...” His voice held a strained note of surrender. This was an old topic and he didn’t have anything new to add that would explain him or his convictions. He loosened his hold, allowing Linda to free herself, and lie beside him. She propped herself up with one elbow. Linda smoothed out her hair, while she talked....

  “Why do we have to play these games?” The strain in their relationship had never been worse.

  Hayford turned over, lying
on his back. He covered his eyes with his arm while he talked with little emotion.

  “Linda... Which game are you referring too?”

  “Whenever I’m involved in a case and you have information that is relevant... You play this weird game, making me work to get the information out of you.”

  Hayford lay still with his arm draped over his eyes, while he answered her saying...

  “Linda...that just isn’t true. I tried to talk to you. I came too you first and you directed me to call the police station. I did exactly what you asked me to do.”

  Linda lifted his arm, uncovering his eyes. She put her face inches from his, forcing him to look at her when she said...

  “Hayford... What do you know? What do you know about these murders?”

  “Linda... I want to help you solve your case, but right now, my primary concern is my relationship with you. I know you don’t want to talk about this but I’m worried about you and your nightmares.”

  Linda sat up in the bed. She didn’t bother to cover her body. Her breast jiggled, arousing Hayford as she used parts of her body to communicate her message. Her arms jerked and flared, while her fingers became her pointer. Her voice was an octave higher when she spoke.

  “You said that I could always count on you but now when I need you... You’re playing games. That’s what I’m talking about Hayford. When I really need you... Your loyalty’s are always divided.”