Cunning Attractions

by Christy Barritt

  “The media mogul?” Walker owned more magazines than I could count. Why he’d chosen Virginia Beach as his hometown, I didn’t know. But I’d heard rumor he owned a big oceanfront mansion.

  “That’s the one.”

  I moved out of the way as the dance troupe Riley and I had encountered last night left the hotel and headed across the street to The Scope. “You said it’s tomorrow. So you’re here early?”

  “I’m trying to see what I can dig up. I don’t have one of the most popular blogs in the country because I publish unsubstantiated fluff.”

  “What do you publish?” I was anxious to hear his answer, mostly so I could nail him when he blatantly lied.

  “The truth.” His eyes dared me to defy him.

  I wanted to snort, but I didn’t. “You know someone has been trying to hurt Bill. Are you behind it? Don’t even try to justify your actions with excuses about the greater good.”

  “What? No. I would never encourage violence.”

  This guy seriously irritated me. I rolled my eyes instead of smacking him. “I’ve read your blog. I don’t agree.”

  “My blog is passionate.” He raised a fist in the air as if he deserved to be up there with the ranks of famous speechwriters of the past. Was this his “give me liberty or give me death” moment?

  “Call it what you want. You called for protesters. You published Bill’s address. Someone shot at him—when there was a baby nearby. That’s irresponsible at best, reprehensible at worst.”

  “We were trying to send a message.”

  “A message to what?” This guy’s logic was nowhere near on the same plane as mine.

  “To stop spreading lies!” he exclaimed.

  “Some would say that Bill is just passionate, as well.” Maybe the problem was that people needed to tamp down their passions a little, especially when it boiled down to choosing passion over people.

  He crossed his arms and raised his chin. “I suppose we each choose our sides.”

  “I suppose we do.” I stared him down, silently letting him know I wouldn’t be changing my mind. “Why are you here, Godfrey? It’s not to have this conversation. And I’m going to be late if I don’t leave soon.”

  “What’s Bill planning?” His voice took on an intense edge, and he stepped closer.

  I felt like a virtual target, caught in a sniper’s crosshairs. I tried to keep a straight face and not give away that I knew anything. I was terrible when it came to having a poker face. “What do you mean ‘What’s Bill planning’?”

  “I know he has some big announcement he’s going to make. What is it? Stop acting like you don’t know.”

  “You really think that I would tell you—if I knew, that is. I’m not admitting to anything except that you have flawed logic and an amazingly misplaced sense of innocence.”

  He twitched back a step. “I can do good things for you, Gabby. Really good things.”

  “What kind of good things are you implying I need done in my life?” I married the man of my dreams. I loved my job. I had great friends. This guy was off his rocker.

  “I could profile you. Give you national attention. I know all about you and your crime-solving ways. You’re really quite fascinating. My readers would love to read about you. It could do great things for your career. Take you to the next level.”

  “I don’t need you to help me. I like to fight my way to the top.”

  He guffawed. “Think about it. Just think about it.”

  He gave me one more smoldering glance before he walked away.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  When I stepped out of the police station in Seaford that afternoon, the familiar sensation of being watched returned. I glanced around but saw no one. Despite that, I still couldn’t shake the feeling that danger was trailing me.

  Godfrey? Was he the person who’d tried to run me down? Had he followed me from the hotel?

  Or was it Jerry? Was he behind this the whole time and determined to keep me quiet?

  I mulled things over as I drove back home, but still had no answers. This whole investigation made me want to scream.

  Finally, thirty minutes from home, I called Detective Adams. I was surprised he answered. I figured he’d avoid me like a brain-eating amoeba at this point.

  “Any updates?” I started, feeling hopeful that I might get some information from him.

  “As I’m sure you’ve put together, we’re looking at Jerry Lewis. We don’t have enough evidence to charge him.”

  “How about a murder weapon and motive?”

  He paused, and I was certain he wasn’t going to tell me.

  “His fingerprints were on the wrench, but he has an alibi for Tuesday evening,” he finally said.

  I recalled my earlier conversation with Jerry. “That’s right—he said he was working late.”

  “But he actually wasn’t. He was with his girlfriend.”

  Girlfriend? Love could bring out the best and worst in people. “His girlfriend? Do you have a name?”

  “I can’t share that.”

  “Are you sure?” I pressed, slowing so I didn’t miss my exit.

  “I’m sure, Gabby. Sorry I don’t have anything else I can say. If you can’t tell, the answers aren’t coming very quickly in this investigation.”

  I thanked him and hung up. Just as I was about to pull into to the hotel’s parking garage, I saw someone familiar pulling out.

  Katarina.

  She didn’t see me. Spontaneously, I turned around and followed her. I wanted to see exactly what she was up to. I couldn’t forget my original thought that there was something suspicious about her. Remember that whole mafia theory? Maybe I really should explore that. If only it didn’t seem so outlandish.

  I stayed a safe, unnoticeable distance behind her—courtesy of some online tips I’d picked up about tailing people without being caught—as she traveled to Virginia Beach. She wove in and out of traffic like a crazy woman. Maybe because she was a crazy woman.

  Finally, she stopped at a restaurant near the oceanfront. I pulled in behind her, waited until she went inside, and then I slunk into the swanky restaurant, quickly realizing I was entirely under-dressed.

  Which could present a problem.

  “Can I help you?” The young, pretty hostess at the front door eyeballed my casual business attire with confusion that clearly stated I wasn’t their normal customer.

  I had to think quickly. I looked into the dimly lit dining area and stopped at an idea.

  “I’m here to inspect the saltwater aquarium.”

  Her gaze zeroed in on my Grayson Tech shirt. I saw her wheels turning as she probably wondered if that was the name of their normal company. I waited, keeping my expression neutral. She squinted as if uncertain.

  “Are you the normal company we use?” She stared at me with large, brown eyes that matched her bobbed brown hair.

  I shook my head. “You didn’t hear? We took over at the end of last month.”

  “Really? I don’t remember hearing about that.” She tapped a manicured finger against her red lip.

  What I’d first interpreted as snotty was actually insecurity, I realized.

  That’s when I launched into Plan B. “Look, I have one more aquarium to check before I call it a night, so do you mind? I’m running behind and I’d really like to get home in time to see my husband.” I waved my hand, emphasizing my ring finger. “We just got married.”

  I’d noticed her engagement ring and hoped she would understand my plight.

  Her eyes widened and brightened. “I’m getting married next month.” She glanced behind her. “Okay, go right on ahead. You won’t be disturbing any of our patrons, though, right? Because that makes my manager really, really mad.”

  “Of course not. They’ll never even know I’m here.”

  “No supplies?” She glanced on the floor as if she expected to see more equipment with me.

  “Everything I need is right in here.” I held up my purse, hoping I
didn’t ruin this ruse. I knew nothing about aquariums except that they housed little creatures with fins.

  She nodded. “Oh . . . okay then. Right.”

  I let out my breath and walked toward the fish tank. I had no idea how to take care of a saltwater aquarium. Did I use a chlorine test strip? The problem was I didn’t even have one of those. Maybe I could at least find a filter to check.

  I quickly ducked behind the wall-sized enclosure. From where I stood, I had a decent view of Katarina. She was seated at a table with . . . an older man with white hair. Something about him screamed “distinguished” and “rich.”

  Katarina leaned toward him and giggled. Her hand touched his across the table.

  Was Katarina cheating on Bill with this man?

  I fiddled with a drawer at the back of the aquarium stand, trying to get a better look. I definitely didn’t recognize the man, but I’d guess, based on the way he carried himself, that he had money.

  “So how is it?”

  I nearly jumped out of my skin. I turned and saw the hostess standing beside me.

  That’s right. The aquarium. Awesome.

  I stepped back and smoothed my hair. “Oh, yeah. I was just looking at the fish and making sure they all looked healthy. That’s always the first thing I check.”

  “That makes sense. I always worry about this.” She pointed to a little blue and yellow one. “What kind is it again? I always forget.”

  I stared at the flat blue and yellow fish. “They’re . . . dories. That’s right. Dories. One of my favorites.”

  “Mine too. I didn’t realize they’d taken the actual name of the fish and used it to name the character in the movie. That’s so cool. Anyway, I was thinking about getting an aquarium like this for my home. But smaller, of course. What do you think? Is it a good choice for a first timer?”

  Oh great. Of all the hostesses I could have encountered, she was actually interested in this stuff.

  I stared at the gurgling water, the serene fish, the colorful decorations.

  “Oh, yeah. These kinds of aquariums are great. Super easy. I’d totally recommend one.”

  Her eyebrows shoved together. “Really? I heard saltwater was hard.”

  I cringed. “Well, it just depends on how you look at it. The hard work is really worth the pay off.”

  She nodded, her shoulders relaxing. “I see.”

  I glanced back at Katarina. She looked my way. I almost ducked until I remembered that the aquarium mostly concealed my face.

  “Well, I should get back to checking this out.” I pointed to the tank.

  “Oh, totally. Go right ahead.”

  She didn’t move. I reached for the area where I thought the filter was located. She stayed beside me.

  This wasn’t going to work.

  “I actually prefer to have some space when I do this. I’m sorry.”

  Her eyes widened, and she stepped back. “Of course. I was just curious about how hard it was. I’m sorry.”

  “I’ll come back another time and give you some pointers.” Note to self: Bring the girl an aquarium how-to guide.

  Just then, Katarina and the man stood and began walking toward the exit. I couldn’t let them get away!

  “Oh, would you?” She clasped her hands in front of her. “That would be so fantastic.”

  My gaze strained to see what was going on through the glass. Where had they gone? Were they holding hands?

  “Of course.” I nodded toward the tank. “Now, if you don’t mind.”

  She mumbled a few more things before scurrying back to her station. But, by the time she disappeared, Katarina and her mystery man were gone.

  I scrambled along the edge of the restaurant, trying to get to the exit. When I emerged on the other side, a gigantic lobby greeted me. People walked every which way. Elevators dinged. An outside exit yawned open across from me.

  Katarina could be anywhere.

  It didn’t appear I would be finding out who the mystery man was tonight.

  Now I needed to figure out whether or not I should mention this to Bill.

  Sierra called me on my way home, and we decided to meet at Riley’s gym tonight. I’d been promising him that I’d come and watch him train, but I also wanted to talk to my bestie. I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. Plus, talking with Sierra would be a nice distraction from my confusion over this case.

  She slipped inside a moment later, pushing Reef in his stroller. I rushed to help her, pausing for only long enough to babble talk with Reef. Sierra limped forward in a knee brace.

  “No Rhonda tonight?” I asked, walking slowly beside her.

  “No, I think she needed a break. And I’m desperate to feel normal, even if I’m not.” She glanced around. “This place is nice.”

  I followed her gaze. The gym was large and located in an old warehouse. Everywhere around us were various obstacles and trampolines that had been set up for challenges. Everyone participating was having a timed trial tonight, and various supporters had come out to watch. Thankfully, this place didn’t smell like the yoga studio. Instead, it reeked of sweat and testosterone, which was still preferred over the paper-mill stench.

  We found seats along the edge of the room, and Reef stared at us from his stroller. I had to remind myself to stop making baby faces at him and to watch Riley.

  And Riley was a sight to behold as he climbed walls, swung across bars, and ran up curvy rampy thingies.

  “How’s the house?” I asked Sierra.

  “I don’t want to move out. It’s wonderful. Spacious. There’s even a room above the garage just for my cats.”

  “Sounds amazing.” I was about to launch into my apology when Riley jogged over and gave me a sweaty kiss.

  “You’re here,” he said. “Thanks for coming. Finally.”

  “You’re amazing out there,” I told him. “I’m trying to think of some kind of rad name to give you. Like the Leaping Lizard or something.”

  “The Leaping Lizard? No thanks.” His hands went to his hips as his chest rose and fell.

  “Gabby’s Sugar Glider?”

  Sierra snorted before bursting into laughter.

  “Really?” Riley asked.

  “I’ll keep thinking. I’m going to be your biggest fan club this weekend, though. I promise you that.”

  “You alone will be my biggest fan club?” Riley’s eyes twinkled.

  “You know it, baby.” I winked, feeling like I should get an A+ for being a supportive wife.

  “Oh, you two are so cute,” Sierra said. “You know what it’s time for . . . a baby of your own!”

  My mental music ground to a halt, and I handed Reef back to her. “A baby? We just got married! I love Reef, but no thank you. Not yet.”

  Had she forgotten that my brother just blew up our apartment? I had some issues to work through. To say the least.

  “All right then.” Riley took a step back, as if glad to have an excuse to leave this conversation. “I’ve got to get back out there.”

  “You do that, my big strong flying salmon.”

  He squinted, as if that description was physically painful. “Keep working on that one.”

  Silence stretched as he went back to the course for a moment.

  “I’m so glad none of you were home,” I finally said. Tears rushed to my eyes at the thought of it. I wouldn’t forgive myself if my friends had been hurt.

  She gave me a quick hug—and my friend wasn’t a hugger, so that meant a lot. “I know, Gabby. No one blames you.”

  “I feel like it’s my fault, though. I should have kept better tabs on Tim. I thought he might be on drugs, but I had no idea that he was actually manufacturing drugs. In my apartment. I mean, he never buys anything.”

  “He may not have bought those supplies. Knowing Tim, he got them for free somehow.”

  I shook my head. “I still can’t believe any of this. I mean, doesn’t he know that Dad—”

  “Actually, he doesn’t, Gabby. He wasn’t
there to see that.”

  I nodded soberly at her reminder. “You’re right. He wasn’t.”

  “He told me once that the couple that kidnapped him weren’t in their right minds. He never outright admitted that he did drugs in high school, but that was my impression. He tried to numb the pain.”

  “He told you that?” My heartbeat echoed in my ears.

  She nodded, her gaze fixated on the obstacle course in front of us. “I don’t think he wanted you to know. He knew it would be too hard for you to hear. But I told you because maybe it will help you understand what he’s been through. It’s not an excuse. It’s just a window into his past.”

  “Thanks, Sierra.” Her words had been insightful—just what I needed to hear. I’d been so blinded by my anger that I’d forgotten about everything my brother had been through.

  “Enough about that,” Sierra said. “What’s going on with the case?”

  I gave her an update.

  “This obviously goes back to the election somehow,” she said when I finished.

  She took Reef from his stroller and he faced us in her arms, cooing and drooling. As the crowd beside us began cheering for another participant, Reef jerked his head toward him, eyes widened with adorable alarm that made me want to forget everything else.

  Except I couldn’t.

  “You think?” I asked, bringing my thoughts back to our conversation.

  She shrugged. “That’s what makes the most sense to me.”

  “I’m hoping this will all fall in place. And soon.”

  “I hope it does too, Gabby.”

  The next morning, after Riley went to work, I went out to my car, climbed inside, and sat for a minute. I wasn’t sure where I was going, but I was going to go somewhere. I couldn’t stay in that hotel room all day—not unless I wanted to lose my mind.

  I started the ignition and began driving. I didn’t stop until I reached my apartment complex.

  I stopped on the street outside and put my car in park. Then I stared at the structure. It truly was almost all ashes now. A few of the building’s main supports still stood, charred and black. Most of the brick foundation remained.