by Tyora Moody
Toni closed her eyes. She wondered who really attacked Jade and why the woman focused on Paul’s face.
Was it just because she saw him or something else?
Chapter 17
Thursday, June 20 at 10:44 am
“Has this ever happened to you?”
Toni had called her mentor, Bobby Askins, for advice. He asked her to meet him at Joe’s Coffee Shop where they’d met often after a session. It was no Starbucks, but it was a favorite among cops since the owner was a former cop.
Bobby was in his late sixties and since his hand had grown unsteady, he retired from the force over a year ago. His composites were legendary in the department, resulting in over one hundred arrests. He was a cop himself who did the composites as a part of his usual beat on the street.
He took a long swig of his coffee and nodded. His voice was deep and raspy from years of smoking. “You know, the human mind is a piece of work. I have had many people describe a face to me what they thought they’d seen. One woman kept focusing on how big this guy’s eyes were. By the time I finished drawing the sketch, I felt like I’d drawn an alien.”
Toni laughed. “Did they put that one out to the media?”
He shook his head. “No, but the funny thing was, the guy they caught did have big eyes. Not that big, but it made me think of what people focus on. I suspect with this woman, her mind may have focused on this guy Paul since she’d just seen him.”
Toni added, “And she lives with Carol. She could have overheard Carol mention Liv’s bruises.”
Bobby nodded. “So Jade heard about the abuse and her brain wired what she thought she saw.”
“I guess. It’s always bothered me how Jade could see anything. There was some light, but she was so detailed. In theory, if the person knew she’d fully seen his face, why let her live?”
Bobby coughed, “It was a robbery. Maybe they wanted to keep her quiet, you know, just scare her until they could make their getaway.”
“The painting hasn’t shown up yet. It was worth a lot of money.”
“You know, Toni. We just sketch what the victim or witness shares with us.”
Toni rubbed her temples. “But we want to make sure the composite helps the police find the perp.”
“You got to stop beating yourself up, kid. You did your part.”
She grabbed her coffee cup and sipped. Bobby was right. She did all she could do for Jade.
But what about Olivia?
She’d told Carol she would think about it. Did she even have an option? This case started with Jade, but somehow Toni had been pulled in for reasons she could never have imagined.
Toni sensed a shadow over her. She looked up to see Cam standing at the table.
He reached out to shake Bobby’s hand. “Good to see you, Bobby.”
“You too. Guess I can’t call you Rookie anymore.”
Cam flashed a smile, “I hope I’ve grown in this job some.” He turned to Toni. “I’ve been looking for you.”
Bobby held up his cup. “Here, take my seat. I need a refill and I see some buddies who just walked in.” With some effort, Bobby pulled his massive body from the booth. He placed his hand on Toni’s shoulders. “Proud of you, kid. You’re doing good. Don’t let the strange ones get to you.”
Cam sat across from her. Toni didn’t look at him right away. She sipped her coffee. She’d been talking so much to Bobby, she’d barely drunk a third of the coffee.
“How are you, Toni?”
She eyed Cam. Despite the concern she saw in his brown eyes, she raised her eyebrow. “You mean am I staying out of trouble?”
“Don’t put words in my mouth.”
She twisted her lips. “Sorry. I’ve been a bit on edge lately.”
Cam shrugged. “It’s okay. You’ve been following your gut. That’s what a good detective does.”
“I’m not a detective.” She cocked her head, “What’s going on? You said you’ve been looking for me.”
“Let’s just say you don’t have to worry about the restraining order or Paul Lambert anymore.”
“No?”
“Paul was definitely being harassed and we’re tracking down that person as I speak.”
Toni raised her eyebrow. “You’re not going to give any details.”
He shook his head. “I think it’s for the best if I didn’t. Besides, you looked pretty intense talking to Bobby.”
Toni crossed her arms, her mind on Olivia. “I should let you know I talked to Carol Landers again. You remember her?”
Cam thought for a second. “I had a chance to interview her after Jade’s assault. Ms. Landers found Jade. Why are you two still talking?”
“Legit reason. Remember I was thinking about hiring her as my social media manager? Anyway, I decided to be honest with her about my history with Paul. She shared some interesting things with me about Olivia.”
“Like what?”
“Paul could be abusing Olivia.”
Cam sighed. “Well, guys like that tend to treat women the same. He may have a mental illness, but he’s also arrogant and grew up in a wealthy family. He’s used to getting what he wants. I imagine he probably hurt someone before you. You know there’s nothing law enforcement can do unless the victim press charges.”
“I’m well aware of the process. Remember, I pressed charges, went to trial and everything.” Toni tapped her fingernails on the table. “Asia mentioned it would have been good for my case if other women had come forward.”
Cam nodded, “Yeah. I agree. So now that you have this information about Olivia, you’re still keeping your distance right?”
Toni looked at Cam. “Carol thought I should talk to her.”
Cam shook his head, “No.”
“What if something happens to her? You know, I was curious why she was so interested in my paintings. Now—”
“You’re feeling obligated to help her?”
Toni shook her head. “It’s more than that. It’s like every since I did that composite, I’ve been led down this path that leads to Paul Lambert. I’m thinking he was involved with assaulting one woman, but he’s really hurting a woman who’s planning to marry him.”
Cam leaned forward. “I can’t sit here and pretend like I know what you’re feeling. I don’t like what that guy did to you. A man should never put his hands on a woman, but I don’t want you getting in his way again.”
“I don’t plan to. Anyway, have you gotten anywhere with Jade’s case?”
“No. There hasn’t been any other leads. Our tech guys are looking into the security company that runs the cameras.”
Toni’s phone rang. She peered at the screen.
Cam asked, “Did you want to answer that call?”
She shook her head. “I don’t recognize the phone number.” She declined the call and pushed her phone to the side.
“Well, you should know I was talking to Bobby here because the composite is still bothering me. Something happened to Jade. But, I don’t think Jade really saw her attacker.”
Cam rubbed his lips together. “I know.”
Toni frowned, “You do?”
“I’ve looked at that sketch over and over again. You’re right. It looks like Paul. I even double-checked Paul’s alibi based on your being bothered by it.”
Toni looked at him. “I’m sure she was just traumatized and described what her memory gave her. According to Carol, Paul had just left with Olivia. It’s possible that Jade overhead Carol telling Olivia she needed to cut things off with Paul.”
“I get it. Still, it doesn’t help me track down a $10,000 painting and find out who was in that area that night. I’m literally in the dark.”
Her phone rang again. Toni studied the display. “It’s the same phone number.”
Cam asked, “Is it a local number?”
“Yes.”
“Well, maybe just answer it. The worse it could be is a telemarketer, right?”
Toni touched the accept button on her phone. �
��Hello?”
“Toni, thank goodness. I wanted to be sure to get you on the phone as soon as possible.”
Unbelievable. Toni peered over at Cam before turning her attention back to the caller. “Is this Olivia?”
“Yes, I’m so sorry for not saying who I was. I was just waiting to hear back from you. I’ve been thinking a lot about your suggestions for an event in October. I would love to run some ideas by you.”
Toni shook her head. She glanced up to see Cam mouthing, “What is this about?”
She waved at him. “That sounds great, Olivia. Sure, when do you want to meet?”
“How about tomorrow afternoon around four o’clock? I know it’s a Friday, but I wanted to make sure you had the weekend to think over the ideas.”
“Okay, I can make that work.”
“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow, Toni.”
“Bye, Olivia.”
Before she hung up the call, Cam was already asking, “What are you doing?”
Toni rubbed her head. She wondered the same thing. “I went to Olivia about doing an event in October that… centered around Domestic Violence Month.”
“What? Cam exclaimed. “That’s the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. I mean not the fact that you’re doing an event. That’s admirable.” Cam shook his head, “Who you’re planning the event with… Is this not the same woman who you just said might be being abused?”
Toni nodded. “I’m just as lost as you are. I’ve been lost the entire last few weeks. The only conclusion I can come to is there is a woman reaching out for my help, as weird as it may seem.”
“That’s what you think is going on?”
Toni shrugged. “What are you thinking?”
He nodded. “I don’t know what to think. Look, just do me one favor. Don’t stop listening to your instincts. What time are you meeting her tomorrow?”
“Four o’clock at her office.”
“Alright,” Cam placed both palms on the table and leaned forward slightly, looking intensely at Toni. “I have to go. Please stay in touch. Tell your folks where you are tomorrow too. Just don’t take any chances.”
“You seem to be looking at this case a lot differently now. I hope I haven’t interfered that much to make you second guess anything.”
Cam stood, “Toni, I know it seemed like I wasn’t listening to you. I heard your concerns and yes, I totally agree something hasn’t been right about this entire case.” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Watch your back.”
She placed her hand on his and nodded. “I will.”
As she watched Cam walk away, his words kept looping in her mind.
Watch your back. Watch your back.
Chapter 18
Thursday, June 29 at 10:37 pm
“Pray.”
Toni had called her mother before going to bed.
Her mother asked, “This woman has never brought up your past with Paul?”
“No,” Toni said. “I know she has to know by now.”
“Well, have you thought that may be something has changed? She may have seen the light and let Paul go.”
“You know that thought occurred to me too. Either way, before we talk about anything, I need her to know what Paul did and that he’s the reason for those paintings.”
“I agree with you. Make sure she understands the conflict of interest here, especially if she’s still involved with Paul. You already said God has given you ideas to pursue. You can hear her out, but you have other options.”
“You’re right.”
Her mother yawned. “Be sure you do what I just said.”
Toni grinned, “I will. Good night, Mama.”
Toni smiled and hung up the phone. She slipped to her knees.
Dear Lord, I don’t know what I’m walking into tomorrow. You know my feelings these past few weeks have been conflicted. I never thought I had to see or talk about Paul Lambert again. Here he is in my life again along with other women. One woman seems really troubled and found herself fixated on Paul’s face and another woman who seems okay with marrying him despite the fact he’s mistreating her. God grant protection for me and prayerfully guide me according to your will in this situation. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
Friday, June 21 at 3:54 pm
Toni woke the next morning grateful for a restful night. As the day continued, her mind raced and her stomach grumbled. By three o’clock, she left her apartment to head down I-77. When she finally arrived, she sat in the car for a few minutes. Remembering what Cam said yesterday, she texted.
Just letting you know I’m here.
She waved at the security guard as she passed. When the elevator arrived, she waited as people piled out. Toni noted the evident excitement for the weekend on most of the faces that passed her. She chuckled to herself as she entered the elevator. Definitely a Friday afternoon, she thought. While the elevator rose to the third floor, she couldn’t identify the emotions twisting inside of her. She simply didn’t know what to expect in the next few moments when she met with Olivia Niles.
Could be our last meeting ever.
When the elevator doors opened, she was surprised Annie wasn’t at the desk. Toni stepped off the elevator, not really sure what to do. She checked her phone. It was almost four o’clock. She stepped into the waiting room area and sat. If no one approached in the next five minutes, that was reason enough for her to leave.
The offices were relatively quiet before, but it seemed too quiet to her. She peered around waiting for someone to walk by.
She fiddled with her phone for a while and noticed Cam hadn’t texted her back. Cam, her mom, Jo and Cori knew she was here. She’d used some sense today.
Suddenly, she’d heard voices in the back. That was the first time she’d heard any sign of life in five minutes. It sounded like someone had just opened an office door. Toni sat still to see who was coming.
She froze as she watched Olivia being escorted into the lobby by none other than Paul Lambert. Paul exclaimed, “Oh, good. She’s here. Why don’t we have proper introductions now?”
Toni jumped up. “What is this?”
“Oh, no. Toni, I’m sorry. Paul wasn’t supposed to be here.”
Paul stepped forward. “But how convenient for you to be here, Toni. I was sorry about what I did to you. I was a bad boy for not taking my meds, okay? But that doesn’t give you the right to come back into my life.”
Toni’s body felt like an electrical current was running through it. “I haven’t been in your life for two years. Nor do I care anything about you now.”
Paul stared back and forth between them. “Right. I should’ve known something was up when I saw you the other day.” He looked at Olivia. “We were happy. You can’t break things off with me.”
They broke up. That’s good. Now I need to get out of here.
Toni looked towards the elevator wishing she’d listened to Cam.
“You’re not thinking about leaving now are you?” Paul spat. “The party is just getting started.”
“Party? Look, I came here because Olivia showed some interest in my work. I’m more than happy to take my paintings elsewhere. If you messed up with her, nobody is to blame but you.”
Olivia shook her head. She turned to Paul. “You need to go. It’s over.” She yanked her arm away from Paul and ran over to the desk, “I’m calling security.”
“What security?” Paul yelled, pointing at Toni. “You invited this woman into our lives. And, for what?” He reached over and grabbed Olivia.
Oh no!
Toni couldn’t stand by and watch this. She looked over at the table and grabbed the lamp, yanking it out of the wall. “Let her go.”
Paul stopped and looked at her. “Or what? You’re going to bludgeon me with the lamp. Take your best shot, Toni.”
Before Toni took a step, a sound exploded in her ear. She gasped as something whizzed past her ears.
The next few seconds felt like minutes as she watched in horror as something slammed in
to Paul’s chest, causing an explosion of blood on his shirt.
Toni observed the shock on Olivia’s face as the blood spattered.
She registered Paul’s eyes as he stared past her before he crumbled to the ground.
Toni looked at the elevators. The doors never opened.
She turned around slowly not knowing who was behind her.
Toni stepped back like she’d been slapped. “Annie?”
Annie stood with her feet apart, hair disheveled with the gun still in her hand. “He had it coming!”
Behind her Olivia shrieked. “Oh no! What did you do?”
Toni turned around to see Olivia on the floor cradling Paul’s head. She looked up. “Help him. Don’t let him die like this.”
Toni reached for her phone.
“Don’t!” Annie screamed. She pointed the gun towards Toni. “He deserves to die.”
Toni stepped back. Her mind whirled despite the panic creeping from her head to her toes.
I’ve been looking at the wrong woman the whole time.
She hoped Cam picked up on something she never saw coming.
Chapter 19
Friday, June 21 at 4:33 pm
Toni took a breath. She spoke low. Her voice steadier than she felt, “You set this all up. Why?”
Annie looked wild-eyed, like she’d been taking something. “I thought it was past time we all had a group meeting. You and Liv have just been ripping around each other and no one was dealing with the elephant in the room. I just couldn’t stand it anymore.”
Toni turned from Olivia back to Annie. “Annie, we’re not your enemy here. Put the gun down. You shot who you wanted. It doesn’t need to end like this. Why are you doing this to yourself? He could die.”
Annie bit her lip, but she didn’t lower the gun.
Toni continued. She had to know the truth now. “How long have you known Paul? It seems like you’ve been waiting for this opportunity.”
Annie smiled. “The picture grew bigger the day you walked in here. Despite Jade’s crazed mind, you sketched him perfectly.”