Floundering Adrift (Detective Linda Galbes)

by Combs, Sasha

  The hour was half past six and the day had panned out much better than Linda could have hoped. When Hayford called Constance, telling her that he’d like to drop by, the perceptive socialite spoke out saying that he needn’t waste his time, patting her hand. After spending nearly an hour talking about her son and the bizarre affair that led to his conception. It didn’t take the older woman long to draw a few conclusions of her own. While murder had not been a thought; Constance had begun drumming up concerns that hinted to trouble involving her son. In his gentle manner, Hayford persuaded Linda that Constance might be of help at the apartment. She could walk them through the loft, showing them the layout and perhaps explain some of the accounting.

  Constance arrived two hours later and she’d been essential, helping the detectives gain access to Trey’s password protected computer. The combination of numbers were his mothers birthday along with his birth year.

  Now, as he poured coffee in his cup, then opened his hand, offering to fill Linda’s cup. The rigors of the day were beginning to take their toll. Manuel had undergone extensive thoracic surgery and wouldn’t be strong enough to undergo questioning until tomorrow morning. But Trey didn’t know that, and his closed mouth posturing faded the moment Linda told him the few details that his building manager had divulged. Information that incriminated Trey Wellington. When asked, Trey answered only two questions before his attorney arrived. He confirmed that the luggage he was carrying did belong to him. Inside of the bag, the customs officer had found questionable documents. Then, Linda held up a knife found in his apartment; asking him if he recognized it. The blade was the only item Bunts allowed to leave the building. The conversation came about after one of the team members hesitated before bagging the item. He wanted to be sure that the warrant for the apartment had been signed. He commented saying that the blade possessed sharp edges matching the jagged rips and tears found on each victims flesh. Linda didn’t know if it was the murder weapon, but having it would help her prove a point. She wanted Trey to know that his apartment would be thoroughly searched and nothing would stop them until they found what they were looking for. Trey had stared at the knife enclosed in the evidence bag for half a minute. He rose his eyes, then nodded, saying...

  “Yes... That pieces is one of seven from a late seventeenth century North American collection. It is the property of Davis Antiquities.”

  After that, in walked a tall lean man dressed in a Brooks Brothers suit. His instructions put an end to their interrogation.

  “My client will not be answering any of your questions until I’ve been given the opportunity to confer with him.”

  That had been two hours ago, and not much else had been gained. But they had their killer and the feeling couldn’t be contained. Linda raised the black coffee to her lips, savoring the taste. Stone watched her, then he smirked...

  “So.... Are you going to defy the commanders order, or will you be at the hospital tomorrow when I question José Manuel Cortés?”

  Charles Stone was referring to the directive handed down by their commander; instructing Linda to stay home for the remainder of the week. The commander had pulled her aside, positioning the printed copy of the discharge instructions at eye level, without saying one word. Even so, Bunts had waited until late in the day to approach her; giving her time to tie up loose ends.

  Linda held her mug with both hands, then rolled her eyes to the ceiling before answering him.

  “If I thought I could get away with it...I would join you but Bunts isn’t going to budge and he’d have a coronary.”

  “I could talk to him... That is....if you want me to. He might reconsider.”

  “Not likely. I saw the discharge papers. I don’t know how I misread the instructions.”

  He laughed while saying...

  “Are you serious? Linda...you left the hospital early. You didn’t even stay the recommended twenty-three hours. You wanted to come back to work, so you saw what you wanted to see.”

  She smiled, unable to defend herself because he was dead to right. But she added...

  “And what would have happened if I didn’t return to work today? I wouldn’t have seen Angelica Fischer and I would have lost the opportunity to talk to her.”

  “Hey... By the way. I forgot to tell you. Bunts sent word to her, telling her about the documents we found in Trey’s suitcase.”

  At the airport, while clearing customs, one of Trey’s carryon bags held a folder containing documents and bonds. Alone, the items wouldn’t have meant much. But the signature raised more than a few eyebrows at the precinct. On each form and paper, Brice Fischer’s signature endorsed legal exchanges; giving Trey Wellington sole possession and ownership of his holdings. Subsequently, Stone became concerned and he’d wondered where Brice Fischer was hiding out these days. While questioning Trey and his attorney, Bunts tasked another detective to contact Brice Fischer’s wife, then his assistant. Following several phone calls; finally the elusive Brice Fischer’s tracks ended in Surrey, a county in southeastern England. Angelica knew nothing about this, but Brice owned a little getaway cottage. A place where he oftentimes took his mistresses when he did business abroad. A half hour before Linda and Stone finally stood to take a break; Bunts delivered the bad news. The local constable had been sent to question Brice about the transfer of legal documents. Inside of the house, the official found the America. The scene was reported to be beyond gruesome. Trey had killed his father using a knife that he’d procured from an auction while in London. The blade was old, therefore the cuts were more stabbing than slicing in nature. Inside the house, the police had said Brice appeared to be living a separate life. One room held files and records that most people would store away in their primary homes. Hearing this only caused Linda’s brain to flutter with questions that she was sure held no answers. Angelica had crumbled, hearing about her husbands death. And no one knew if the district attorney would charge her for the information she’d chosen not to share with the police.

  Linda had lowered her head, because hearing about Angelica had not been easy. She had strong feelings about this young woman and she believed she’d suffered enough. Linda was just about to share this with Stone when they were joined by another.

  “Hey...” Her eyes lifted, seeing Hayford walking into the break room. Sometime during the day, he’d gone home and changed. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans that fit him well, and a white dress shirt rolled up at the sleeves. This is the way he looked whenever he worked from home. Casual, but oh, so damn sexy.

  “Hey...” she said, matching his tone. He crossed the room, taking his place right in front of her.

  “I got a call from your commander, thanking me for not running a story on the papers webpage.”

  “I couldn’t believe that you would miss out on this opportunity.” Stone said, using a less than neutral tone. Hayford cooly trained his gaze in his direction to address him.

  “Not everything in my life involves my work. I’m complicated...but Linda understands me.”

  Linda chuckled at the comment but she wasn’t in the mood to referee a duel of words. Besides, as far as she was concerned, there was no contest between the two men. She placed her mug on the counter, then hooked one arm with Hayford.

  “I’m done for the night.” She said on a long sigh.

  “For the night?” Hayford said in question. “I thought Bunts said that he doesn’t want to see your face for no less than a week. Longer if your doctor doesn’t clear your return.”

  She narrowed her eyes, then she reminded herself who she was dating. Even if her commander had not offered the information; there were a number of other ways, Hayford could have found out for himself.

  Exhaling after muttering a harmless oath, Linda looked at Stone, then said...

  “I hope I’m not leaving you in a lurch.”

  “Nope. I don’t mind dealing with this. There are just a few loose ends to take care of before we turn the entire case over to the district attorneys office.”


  She nodded in agreement but Linda found it difficult leaving. Stone said...

  “Go....and don’t worry about this place. I’ll be here waiting for you when you return. Believe me... I’m not going anywhere and you aren’t getting rid of me.”

  He laughed, then lifted his mug sipping his coffee while inwardly challenging Hayford.

  “All right, all right.” She said, while turning her back to him to leave. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

  Linda smiled as she left the break room, then waved her hand while leaving Stone to finish off his coffee. She made a quick stop at her desk, gathering her personal belongings. Her eyes glanced around the squad room. Like most days, in the evening a hush falls over the place. Especially when one of their big cases was solved. Hearing the silence made her feel pleased with herself. As they left the building, Linda could recall a time when she might have put up a fight; protesting and creating reasons to explain why she should stay. But, not today. She felt a sense of accomplishment. When she slid across the seat in the limo, being with Hayford made her departure all the better.

  Hayford laced their fingers, then he closed the distance, bringing them closer. He placed their joined hands on his thigh, while staring forward.

  “I’m proud of you.” He said. “You handled yourself well today. I just thought I should say that.”

  She felt her shoulder drop, allowing her to lay her head on his shoulder. After a quick intake of air, she responded saying...

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” He said.

  The rest of the way, they sat cuddled close together, riding in silence; giving no care to the world around them. The city that never sleeps whisked by with each passing mile. A place that mesmerizes most and lulls others into casting their lots on hope. But for them; Linda and Hayford were in their own world, and nothing was more important than being together and knowing that they were safe. On this day, danger blinked but an angel protected them. Being faced with the idea of dying has forced them to recognize what’s important and what truly matters.

  *******************************

  Chapter 13

  The smell of Hayford’s freshly showered body always reminds her of sex. Or at least, having sex with him, after he’d recently showered. Hayford lay next to her in his enormous bed and still, Linda got goosebumps whenever they were intimate. And surprisingly they didn’t rip each others clothes off the moment they cross the threshold, entering his apartment. When they arrived at his place, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of food. Hayford’s personal chief had prepared them a delicious meal, anticipating their return home. When they’d each eaten until they couldn’t stomach one more bite, Hayford guided Linda into his bedroom suite. She showered first, while he made a few business calls. He wanted to give her privacy, after the day she’d had. When he peeked in the room, seeing her standing on the side of the bed, Hayford took his cue. While undressing in the bathroom, his thoughts replayed the days events. While showering, his nervousness didn’t escape his notice. No amount of water could wash away the disturbing thoughts that gnawed at him. Linda in danger. Linda putting her life on the line.

  When the pulsating spray had done its job, massaging the kinks out of his muscles; finally he stepped out of the shower, wrapping a large towel round his waist. Standing at his sink, he brushed his teeth, flossed, then cleaned his mouth using a fluoride rinse. Feeling invigorated, he walked out of his bathroom, wearing nothing more than a towel. With the flick of his thumb and forefinger, he untied the loose knot that had prevented the towel from falling. Now freed from the fabric, he tossed the large cotton cover, leaving it to lay where it landed on the chair. He admired Linda as she looked at him, then he pulled back the comforter to crawl naked in the bed. The glow of tanned skin, wrapped around a body toned to perfection; the image sent her mind whirling and her mouth ached to kiss him. She stared at him in amazement and in that instant her fingers itched with desire. Her hands wanted to caress the chiseled lines that formed his sexy chest. Hayford raked his fingers through wet locks in place of his comb. His curly waves of hair never looked more sexy than it did now. His face was lit with one of his naughty smiles and she knew soon they would be wrapped in each others arms. Legs intertwined while hands sought out the other. He leaned forward, gliding his lips seductively across her mouth. Teasing her, Hayford withdrew, depriving her of something he knew they both desired. Smiling he asked...

  “So... Knife throwing... When did you become a proficient marksman with that weapon? Last I checked, the academy was only teaching their officers how to use guns.”

  She rolled her eyes, downplaying her mastery.

  “Just a little something I picked up at the office.”

  “Come on... Really. Tell me...when did you learn how to wield and throw a blade like that?”

  “I’m telling you the truth Hayford. In the squad room, the competition can be brutal, especially for the women. A girl has to learn how to stick up for herself. If you’re unlucky enough to pull the short straw, the errands can be endless.”

  His eyebrows furrowed, not fully understanding her but he was certain this explanation wouldn’t be a short tale. Hayford made himself comfortable, laying his head on his arm. By the look of him; Linda had him dangling on a hook and she saw no need to continue her teasing. She said...

  “Honey... I had to learn the rules of the game. Low man always has to make the coffee runs. Or get the donuts, bagels or whatever else everyone wants... It’s all about getting the highest dartboard scores.”

  “So, you’re telling me, that in order to avoid the errand runs...”

  She spoke, cutting him off...

  “In order to avoid the errands, I practiced and practiced and before I knew it... I was squad room champion. They all said, for me to be that good, I had to be practicing at home. But I wasn’t. My only contact with a dartboard was in the squad room or the break room at the precinct.”

  “What was your highest score?”

  “Bulls eye... Every time.”

  “Every time?”

  “Yep... Every time. I guess no one ever bothered to see what my shooting range scores are.”

  His eyes narrowed, waiting for her to tell him what he already suspected.

  “Hayford... No one has broken my record. When I received my last qualifying scores, the officer at the range told me that I was a natural. Said it had something to do with my ability to visually calculate distances and some other nonsense to do with variances, fixed aims and zero point something or another.”

  “In other words... You’re a damn good shot.”

  “I guess I am.”

  “Well... I’m glad for that.”

  And so was she. Recalling the way Manuel pressed the gun on Hayford’s temple; the image caused her smile to fade. He didn’t have to know what she was thinking about and it had not been his intention to jostle settled memories. He drew in close, pulling her to lay in his arms.

  “Do you want to talk about it.” He kissed her then continued... “Because we can you know. You still haven’t told me what happened after Stone arrived at the station. When Commander Bunts arrived at the loft, then whisked you away to talk. I didn’t hear any of that conversation and I didn’t think it was my place to ask you about it.”

  “I’m sure you have a pretty good idea what the topic of conversation was about.”

  “Well, I assumed it involved the murders... But I’d like to know how all the pieces are falling into place.”

  She had every intention to tell him, but not before he answered a question that she still wondered about.

  “Speaking of questions...” she said in a sing song voice. “Now that we’ve pretty much rapped up this case... Don’t you think it’s safe to tell me about the person that gave you the information regarding the second murder.”

  The way they were laying, Linda couldn’t see the expression on his face. His chest rose with the same steady even rate and his beating hear
t, went lub, dub, without missing a beat. He inhaled, then said...

  “Linda... I told you, I can’t tell...”

  “And before you say, that you can’t tell me... Just listen to me. I respect the loyalty that you give your friends... But, whoever this person is... I promise, I’ll never mention names outside of this bedroom.”

  It was quiet, while he considered this and she knew not to push him. Following what seemed like an eternity, but in fact only a minute had passed, Hayford said...

  “My friends mistress... She leases an apartment in Mia’s building.”

  “Did you know Mia Price-Cortland?”

  “Not personally... But I knew of her. This friend of mines...”

  “Names Hayford... Tell me names. I promise, I won’t repeat a word of this.”

  He understood this demand. Linda’s mind worked much like a computer and he was certain; even though she wouldn’t repeat their names, he accepted that she would never forget them either.

  “Drake... My friend Drake Pitman told me about the building behind...his friends apartment building.”

  “And this friend... What is her name?”

  “Linda... I can’t tell you her name honey. She’s married and, even though I don’t agree with her decision to cheat on her husband; I also wouldn’t ever put her secret at risk. Apart from her indiscretion... She’s an innocent bystander and I don’t think she should get dragged into this. You wanted to know who told me about the building... Drake told me and not her.”

  “Is that the reason you decided not to tell me? You wanted to protect her.”

  “Yes... But, it isn’t that simple. Initially, I told Drake I couldn’t help him but he pushed and then my concerns were about you. I wanted to help you. I knew, how difficult solving those murders had become. You were... Beginning to have dreams and the nightmares weren’t letting up.”

  She was quiet, choosing not to discuss this topic. Dreams. Linda shift gears; moving on to a matter that didn’t put her under a microscope.