Heart of Fire

by Carter, Dawn

  “Where’s your car Frank?” she asked with curious eyes.

  “It sputtered and just died on the north side of town,” he said unsure. “I just had it serviced and it was running great.”

  “Did you just leave it in the street?”

  He laughed then whispered, “The perks of the job, I had it towed.”

  She knew he was making fun of her but just smiled not letting him see how much he irritated her. “So, Danni called you and you know I blew my interview,” she said waiting for him to say something and when he didn’t she went on. “This was delivered and I was afraid to keep it and I knew you needed it. So, yes I was stupid for leaving and probably won’t have a job tomorrow, but this was more important.”

  He smiled sympathetically and took the envelope. “You did the right thing, I’ll smooth it over for you, so don’t worry,” he assured her and started to walk off, he stopped and looked back. “Come on Flanery, I can use some of your great investigative skills,” he chimed.

   

  Back at the cabin, Danni sat couched on the recliner and listened to the rain as it hammered the tin roof. Her accommodations were small and there was only one small bedroom, no bigger than an office, which fit a single bed and a nightstand. It had been two days since she slept, and she was physically drained, so she handcuffed O’Sullivan to the bed post and tried to stretch out on the sofa, but it would not accommodate her tall frame. After an hour of trying to get comfortable she abandoned it and sat back on the recliner.

  Later that night the rain had stopped and the moon cast a pale light over her. She found herself wondering if this woman was a cold blooded murderer or if she was telling the truth. It had been two days since they arrived and in that time she never once gave off the persona of a serial killer. Whoever murdered the women had done a great job of covering their tracks. Then a recent conversation she had with Annabel rung loud in her hears. The murder of Hollywood was personal. She replayed everything from the past month. From each murder down to the pattern of the murders themselves, each one planned out carefully, it would have taken a cunning person to plan each out, and the woman asleep in the other room just did not seem to possess that skill. The last thought helped her make her final conclusion, O’Sullivan was telling the truth.

  She hated to be wrong, but worse she hated to punish someone for something they did not do. Without further delay Danni stood up and walked back down the hall past the bathroom to the bedroom. When she saw she was sleeping she hesitated, but moved forward and unshackled her.

  “Patricia, wake up,” Danni paused, for the first time since they discovered who she was, she actually called her by her first name. She smiled how far she had come to be able to humanize this woman. “Wake up I need to talk to you.”

  Patricia listened carefully to what was being asked of her, a chill ran down her spin as bit down on her bottom lip. A tear fell down her face. “No,” she whispered and shut her eyes, ashamed at the cowardly tone in her voice. She was so used to being brave but what Danni was asking her frightened her and it did not sit well with her.

  “You can do this,” Danni acknowledged the fear in her eyes knowing she was asking a lot.

  “I can’t!” She cried. “I just want to go back to the way my life once was, I don’t even care if my dad does not acknowledge me as his daughter,” she paused. “I just wanted his love, to have a family again.”

  “You can have that,” Danni smiled reassuring her. “Your father was the one who paid for your schooling and he made sure you had everything.”

  “Then why did he send me away?” The tears flowed over the brim of her eyes searching for an answer, any answer.

  “He told me he didn’t know how to raise a kid, and in his words it would have made your life hell since he was a public figure.” What Danni omitted from her statement was he said his life would be ruined since he was a public figure, but she needed her help and a little white lie at this point would not hurt anyone.

  “Tell me what you need me to do then,” she wiped the tears from her eyes feeling emotionally better.

  “You don’t have to do anything except give your father a chance.” She looked at her hands fiddling with them and when she nodded her head Danni went on. “Agent Alexander and I will move you to the safe house where we are hiding your father.”

  “Hiding my dad, I thought he was killed?” Her mouth hung open and eyes widened as she looked at Danni in disbelief.

  “No, he was never hurt, but only three people know he is alive and that is me, you, and Agent Alexander,” Danni admitted. “Even my partner does not know.”

  “Was she the one I hurt?” She did not look in Danni’s eyes for the answer because she already knew. “I am so sorry I hurt her, when you talk to her, please tell her from me.”

  “Done,” Danni smiled knowing if she was trapped, she may have fought her way out as well.

  “We leave at first light, so get your things together.”`

  She left her sitting there wondering what her future held, she had no idea what it would be like to stay with the man she only watched from afar, and she was scared when all this was said and done she would have to go to jail for hurting a police officer. Her short athletic stature slumped in the chair. Her shoulder length hair fell over her face hiding the fear that was apparent in her eyes. She looked down at her shaking tanned hands and cringed as she noticed she had chewed her long manicured nails, leaving torn brittle ends. She could not meet her father for the first time looking like this. She stood and searched for Danni.

  “Hey,” she said as she joined her in the bathroom. “Do you have a nail file and maybe clothes that will fit me?” She turned around showing off her oversized garments.

  “I bet we can pull something together.” Danni eyed her frame. “What size are you?”

  “I was a five, but I think I lost weight while I was in the hospital.” She half smiled fixated on her hands.

  “You’re the same size as Detective Flanery, bet we can get something from her.”

  “I can’t, she… I…” the sound of her own voice gave her chills, how could she ask to borrow clothes from the woman she could have killed.

  “It’s okay she said she had a bag of stuff she was going to donate to the woman’s shelter.” Danni assured her but honestly did not know how Annabel would react.

  When Patricia left her to her thoughts, she picked up her new disposable cell Frank left with her since her last one. She dialed by memory Annabel’s number. When she answered she paused at first, not sure how she was going to ask, but put her best foot forward knowing Annabel had a good heart. Once done explaining the details of what they were doing, there was a long silence.

  “When were you going to tell me the Mayor was still alive?” she snapped.

  That was not what she expected to hear her say. She imagined the hell no response, followed by are you crazy. It had slipped her mind that she never told her, but she was in the hospital and did not want to add more stress that would slow down her recovery.

  “I’m sorry,” was all she could say other than grovel and beg for forgiveness. She did not dare tell her that Patricia knew before she did. “Patricia needs something to wear babe, her clothes were ruined and tossed in the trash by the hospital staff.

  “Oh wait, now you’re calling her by her first name, how close have you two become?” Annabel snarled the question, causing Danni to become silent. The tension had built and was about to become explosive, and she was aware the path was dangerous. She did after all call her babe, so she still thought of her as her girl. She inhaled a deep breath then sighed. “Never mind, I’m sorry, I know this case has us both on edge. I’ll give Frank the clothes before he leaves to meet you there,” she declared hoping it smoothed over the pending argument.

  Danni listened how skillfully she calmed down and put her jealousy under control. She breathed in deep exhausting breaths and then smiled at her partner’s generous nature which she was sure in the end she would c
hoose.

  “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Her voice purred.

  “No, but you can tell me again and again,” Annabel chuckled. “I never get tired of hearing it.”

  “I love you Annabel Flanery, and when all this is over, I would like us to make some changes in our living arrangements. If that is okay with you?”

  “Well, I don’t know, I like being sole owner of my remote control.” She laughed loud enough for Frank to look in her direction.

  “Did, I ever tell you I only like the nightly news. If you give me that, you can have the remote all the time.” Danni giggled then they both laughed.

  CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

  Danni had just made herself a cup of coffee when there was a car horn sounding outside the cabin. She turned the lights off in the kitchen and went to the front door keying in the code to set the alarm before she locked the front door behind her and Patricia. It had been exactly thirty minutes since the phone call from Frank when she slid into the black SUV parked out front.

  “You’re always on time,” Danni said smiling.

  “Don’t tell my wife that,” he let out a hearty laugh.

  Danni laughed along with him. She shook her head feeling light hearted, but when she witnessed the distraught look on Patricia’s face, she knew she was scared.

  “I’ll call ahead and let him know we are on the way.” Danni smile reassured her a little but the unknown scared her. She kept asking herself the same question, if he would accept her or push her away again like he did when she was a child?

  When she disconnected the call, she avoided Patricia’s questioning eyes. She did not care for the tone in the Mayor’s voice. He seemed like having her there would complicate his life further. Frank knew the look and was aware of the struggle Patricia was going to have. He had only dealt with the Mayor personally a few times, and that was two times too many. He patted Danni on the hand and smiled gently with the combination of understanding and sincerity.

  When they pulled down the long stretch of road leading up to the house Danni smiled with each memory. She had traveled this road with Annabel, and discussed a future family. Nothing was set in stone, but the possibilities were still on the horizon. She sighed in awe when she saw the same doe with her fawn grazing in the pasture. How simple life could be if she could retire and purchase a home like this on land as beautiful.

  The house came into view and Patricia sat forward. “Is that where I’ll be staying?”

  “Yes,” Frank answered as he pulled in the circular driveway.

  “It’s beautiful, whose house is it?” She eyed the monstrosity of it, the pillars and the large windows.

  “It’s Frank’s house,” she answered for Frank, knowing the overwhelming feeling the girl was having.

  “Wow, you live here?” The innocence in her voice made him chuckle. Her expression is the same as everyone who he ever brought out here.

  “No, I inherited it, maybe when I retire I will move into it, but the commute would be too hard right now.” He had shared more with this woman than he had shared with Danni over the course of the years she knew him.

  A pang of jealousy sunk into her stomach as he went on. He must have realized it, because as soon as they stepped out of the vehicle he nudged her in her ribs.

  “It was only half true,” he whispered. “You know that Tiffany refused to live here because she doesn’t want to have to clean it.” He laughed when she jabbed him back in ribs.

  “Asshole.” She laughed when he looked at her shocked.

  “Now is that a way to talk to your future partner?” He raised his eyebrow in utter devastation and laughed when he placed his hand over his heart.

  “You’re a funny guy.” She winced again when he nudged her in the side.

  The playfulness ended when the front door opened and Patricia stood face to face with her father. He looked at her for several moments before stepping aside to let her in.

  Danni stepped forward to follow, but Frank gripped her arm and pulled her back. “Let’s leave them to get to know one another.” His eyes became serious as he watched the door close.

   

  Danni didn’t say anything she just raised an eye brow at him before turning back to the file and ignoring the looks she was getting from the rest of her team. She was good at her job and they had all worked with her long enough that she thought they would get used to her.

  Frank stepped inside the room, and organized the pictures on the board, displayed by dates was the picture of each murder victim followed by the Mayor and his daughter. The last picture which was larger than the rest was the suspect.

  He handed out a packet that had been made up by the agencies profiler. It started off with the Suspect’s mental status. In bold letters, she is incapable of bonding relationships with others, and anyone in her life is seen as a threat. It went on to describe the psychological reasons behind the murders. Frank looked to make sure everyone was paying attention before he started

  “The Suspect feels the women she killed were to blame for her mother continuing the life of prostitution. The profiler believes she may have been raped by her mother’s johns several times and that is the reason she body builds. The profile fits for a woman who was repeatedly raped. The need to learn self-defense or become strong enough so no one could make her feel that violated again.” He turned the page and scanned each word before finishing his next thought.

  “Now turn to page three in the booklet,” he instructed and turned on the power point. “When the truth came out, the Suspect felt jilted,” he emphasized the word. “She was already an angry confused woman, and the truth pushed her over the edge.” He paused. “The resentment turned to hatred not only for her mother, but her aunt, and the Mayor for giving her cousin a better life.” He paused and took a quick breath.

  “We believe the reason she is focusing on the Mayor is to punish her cousin for having a better life. But, the reason she spared Patricia is so she can feel alone and helpless as she does.” Frank turned off the overhead projector and looked around the room. “Any questions?”

  There were a few mumbled words and Danni was sure she heard them talking about the detective who was pretending as if she had the same privileges as they had. She dismissed the three agents and turned back to the front.

  When no one answered Frank told everyone to take a coffee break. He looked at Danni who read through a file and stiffened when the rest of her team came back. She looked up at them, but they seemed too busy in their own discussions to pay her any attention. She shook her head slightly and turned her attention back to her notes. She held back the tears of frustration as she jotted down a few notes and then went back to reading a file.

  Frank was aware there was tension in the room, he could see from where he was standing the men had a problem with Danni being included. He had to do damage control now before he lost the opportunity to recruit her.

  He cleared his voice to get the occupants’ attention but failed; clearly annoyed he slammed his fist down on the table. The room became silent as they all stopped and looked her him. “I know this case has been thrown in our lap by the APD, but if you have not already met the lead investigator, she is here in the room.”

  Danni waved to everyone and stood, her legs shook beneath her and she had to calm her breathing to prevent her voice from shaking. “My name is Detective Danielle Pacelli you can all call me Danni.” She swallowed nervously. “This investigation has been ongoing for a year, and we have learned the woman is not only cunning, she has resources which has prevented us from capturing her.” Feeling confident, she continued. “She has been one step ahead of us, and just as we think we have a solid lead, it became apparent it was planted by her.”

  The group of men looked around the room at one another. Danni could see each was thinking the same thing but only Agent Montgomery was forthright with his thought.

  “Sounds like we got a mole.”

  “That is was we think as well, tha
t is why each of you was chosen. None of you have had any access to the information, and until we can figure out how she is getting the information, you cannot discuss this case with anyone.” She looked at each man sternly. “This case is going to be on an as need to know basis from here on out, and the only ones who will have access to all the details is myself and Agent Alexander.”

  Frank smiled, he appreciated the way she took control and gained the respect of each of the men. “Thank you for that Danni.” He smiled. “Let me also introduce you to one of our new agents. Pacelli has agreed to join us once the case is closed.”

  Danni stood a little taken back, she still had not totally agreed to transfer, but he was helping her make her decision more clear. “Thank you Frank.”

  Each agent walked up and shook her hand at the end of the meeting. Danni finally felt like she was home. She never truly felt that way in the precinct, but this was going to be her home away from home soon.

  When the last man left, Frank looked over to Danni and nodded his head. “Are you ready to close the next chapter?”

  She rubbed her palms together excited to finish the last task of the day. “I’ve been waiting for this all day,” she joked, the mood lightening and she was glad.

   

  Frank stepped briskly into the interview room, the familiar searing glow of the solitary light blinding him for a moment. The four grey walls enveloped the occupants, the mirror glared at him, and the confusion of his suspect made his heart beat faster, the hostility surrounded him, and he was home. He checked his appearance in the mirror, an action he did on purpose. He ran hand over his stubbly chin. The unkempt facial hair felt good under his touch: it meant he had doing is job.