“Negative. I was half a block away. A damn delivery truck and on-coming traffic had the road in front of me blocked. By the time I got around the truck, they’d disappeared.”
Damn. Chase ground his back molars.
“Sorry, Chase.”
“Not your fault. We wouldn’t know this much if you hadn’t followed your instinct and tracked her.” He skimmed a hand over the tightness plaguing his stomach.
“I think we need to take a closer look at Nanette Yves.”
“I’ve already requested information on her,” Chase said. “I’ll keep you informed.”
“Roger that. Where are you now?”
“I’m heading over to the admin building.”
“Where’s Mark?”
After following Varklet for most of the day, during which the man actually attended classes, Chase gambled that his suspect would remain in an English Literature lecture for the next hour and a half and so he headed to the nearby administrative complex. “He’s in his lit class. I want to talk to Knepper and get the lowdown on Packard.”
“Well, I’m close to the education buildings now. Do you want me to take over the tail on Mark?”
Chase exited the alcove. There were only two of them and they had a number of people to keep an eye on. They could use some help. Maybe Knepper could lend a hand. “That would be good,” he said to Jolene. “Check in with me later. I’ve got to go.”
Minutes later, Chase entered the building, thinking about the morning events. Jolene had shared Nanette’s story and he wanted to know if the senior campus officer knew about the affair. His gut, and Jolene’s too, said Nanette had lied. Why?
At the sound of his office door opening, Knepper looked up from the documents lying on his desk. A steaming cup sat at the upper right corner of his desk pad. His bushy brows became dual question marks planted on his furrowed brow when he saw Chase.
“Some bad shit must’ve hit the fan if you’re taking the chance to come to my office.” Knepper’s voice sounded gruff, like he hadn’t slept in a couple days. The dark bags under his eyes confirmed it. Day three on this case, and Chase had suffered a few side effects of sleep deprivation himself. Knepper had been in the thick of the case for a couple days before Chase even arrived.
Chase shoved the door closed and as soon as the lock clicked in place, he pushed back his hood. “Maybe we’ve got a break. I’m not sure.”
Knepper dropped his pen. “Do tell.” The old man’s chair creaked under his weight as he leaned back. With tented fingers, he created a temple on his paunch and waited for Chase to explain.
Knepper’s office resembled a long, narrow broom closet. Opposite the entrance and at the man’s back was a six-foot by two-foot oblong window overlooking the employee parking lot. Shelving similar to the bookshelves in the library lined one wall while the opposite wall remained a blank slate, giving Knepper some room to pace if he felt the need. A few family photos were tucked in among the books and manuals.
Chase walked up to the chair in front of the desk and grasped the vinyl seat cushion. The officer nodded for him to take a seat but Chase shook off the offer. “I stumbled into a situation this morning.” He purposely left Jolene out of the picture. Knepper knew he had a partner, but Chase believed Knepper had no clue who.
“I didn’t take you as a fishing man. Do you want to elaborate?”
He liked Knepper’s cut-the-crap attitude. “What can you tell me about the relationship between Nanette Yves and one of your security officers? I don’t know his name. Dark, short, wavy hair. About six one. Narrow ears. Thin smile.” Jolene’s description had been more detailed and snarkier.
“Sounds like Tony Packard. He’s part time. He also works for Woods Township. Quiet guy. He does his job. He’s married to a real sweet girl. Almost too sweet for Tony.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, from what I’ve heard, Tony’s like a sleeping bear. Leave him alone and he’s Ok, but poke him and he’ll show his teeth.”
The way Knepper described Packard sounded a lot like the way Chase’d been labeled, on occasion. “Does his wife poke him?”
“Can’t say. You never know what goes on behind another man’s door.” Knepper shifted on his seat. “As far as the woman you mentioned, the name is familiar. Who is she?”
“She’s Emma Lewis’s roommate.”
“Right. I remember seeing her name on the case rundown.” Knepper picked up his coffee mug. “What’s she got to do with Tony?”
“Have you had any complaints about him before, you know, for sexual harassment?”
“No. Never. As far as I know, Tony is a one-woman man. I can ask some of the guys that work closer to him though.”
“Never mind.” Chase slipped his hood back up and stepped back. “You answered my question.”
Knepper shot to his feet. His chair wheeled away and thumped against the wall. “Wait. You’re going to come in here, pique my interest, accuse one of my officers of doing God knows what and then not tell me what’s going on?” He stabbed his desk pad with his finger, accenting each point.
“Nothing is going on, apparently.”
“Cut the crap, man. Apparently something happened. Otherwise you wouldn’t have chanced coming here.” Knepper stabbed the desk top to make his point. “If one of my men is mixed up in your case, I have the right to know what he’s done.”
Chase recognized the fire in the man’s eyes. Knepper was right. The front line had a right to know what might lie ahead.
He nodded.
The security chief released his tension through a quick burst of air through his nose. The muscles in his thick neck relaxed enough to drop his shoulders so they were level and not hunched as if he were about to throw a punch.
“A few pieces came together this morning,” Chase stated as he crossed the room. He settled down on the hard plastic chair facing the desk. “I’m not sure if this means anything, but—”
“Your instinct tells you it does. Like what?”
“First, I received a call from my partner stating the word on the street is Mark Varklet, Bart Logan’s roommate, is dealing a new drug. Then Emma’s roommate, Nanette Eves, has a run-in with your officer, Tony Packard. Nanette hightails it to The Lair where she meets with Mark. They exchange words. What about, I don’t know, but Mark seemed very upset. Then Bart Logan shows up and it’s like he poured gasoline on the fire. Nanette seemed thrown off kilter by his presence and what he had to say. She shoots out of the room like a three-alarm fire started under her. Mark jumps up to follow her and Bart stops him. Bart gets in Mark’s face, apparently sharing a few choice words before he stalks off, leaving Mark standing there with fear in his eyes, like a fish out of water.”
“Because a few friends have an argument you think they’re part of the drug operation?”
“Normally, no, but we now know Mark is dealing the shit. Someone he knows has got to be supplying him.”
“If you’re thinking Bart Logan, you’re crazy. The guy’s got enough money to buy a small country.”
“The guy’s father does. Not Bart.”
Knepper’s eyes narrowed. “You don’t like him?”
“It shows, does it?” Inside his hoodie pocket, Chase’s fingers curled. “No. I don’t.”
“You had a run-in with him?”
“I did.” Chase stood. “You know how we talked about following your instincts.”
“Yeah.”
“Well, my gut is tied in a big old knot where that guy is concerned.” He tugged the hem of his sweatshirt down. “As far as your man, he could’ve been looking to score a piece. If so, he picked the wrong piece, because Nanette is certainly connected to Varklet in some way.”
The campus security chief chewed his lip.
“I’ve asked my superior for more information on all of them, including your officer,” Chase continued.
“I can show you his file.” Knepper turned to the file cabinet beside his desk. “I keep a copy of my staffs�
�� original applications in here, along with their performance reports.
Chase held up a hand, halting the man’s reach. “That’s not necessary. I’m looking for something more than what they reported to you.”
“Financial reports?”
“Among other things. I should have something by this afternoon. I could use your help, however.”
“What do you need?”
“Can you keep an eye on your man and report back to me on anything he does outside of his duties? No matter how insignificant it seems.”
“I can.”
“I appreciate that.” Chase’s phone vibrated and he pulled it from his pocket. Jolene picked up Mark’s trail and followed him back to his apartment which was Ok, because Mark didn’t know her. Neither did Bart, if she ran into him.
“What are you going to do about Mark Varklet? Are you going to pick him up?”
“Not yet. We need evidence, not rumors.” In the meantime, he wanted to find out more about Nanette—and who better to ask than Emma. “Just watch Packard.”
“Sure thing.”
Chase slipped out of Knepper’s office. He needed more information and he knew where he could get it.
***
Emma adjusted the strap of her backpack over her shoulder and sighed as she let the chemistry lab door slip from her fingertips. A mixed ball of emotions tumbled around in her head. Pleased her car had been returned to her, with a clean bill—no evidence found—made the weight on her shoulders lighter. Neither Detective Johnson or Trent had done the honors however. Instead, a plain clothes officer had interrupted her noon class to hand off her keys.
She should feel happier, Emma thought as she meandered through the crowded hallway. More good news came an hour later when Professor Langson called and said he would return that night. He’d take over his schedule again in the morning. He thanked her for helping him out and she responded with her usual, ‘I’m glad to help.’
Then Nan had texted her, stating she planned to go out with friends that night and wouldn’t be home until later. Emma was glad her friend had gotten over the rejection letter so quickly.
The day would be perfect if she had actually seen the man who had never been far from her thoughts—but she hadn’t. Perhaps she was a fool, thinking a man like Chase would really be interested in a bookworm like her.
Only a few years her senior and he had done, seen, and lived through things she could never imagine. So far, her world consisted of her hometown in Kentucky and this campus. She wasn’t worldly. Her greatest adventure, to date, had been to get on a plane by herself and move here. Outside of the grand horse farms near her family’s farm, she’d not known the enchantment of wealth. Nor had she witnessed extreme poverty.
Surely Chase in his travels had witnessed both. And he seemed to genuinely like her. What had drawn him to her? And what could she possibility offer him?
The vinyl flooring under her feet changed shades as she passed under the recessed lighting. Tan. Sand. Wheat. Tan.
Maybe it was best to forget the man who had rescued her, who made her laugh and who kindled her wish to step outside the walls that boxed her in.
But doing that could mean giving up on her goals, her aspirations, her plan for a good life… She had never been a quitter.
Chapter Nineteen
Completely focused, Chase wove around obstacles and students like a tight end headed for the goal line as he raced toward the educational buildings. The need for justice for the three dead people coursed through his veins. And though he felt on the right track, there were so many questions that required answers, including whether Nanette participated in Mark’s business, and was Emma aware of it? He believed not. Therefore, he feared if Emma stumbled upon something, she could be in danger. He’d seen firsthand the violent acts done by drug lords to protect their freedom and their lucrative businesses.
Entering the large circular courtyard, he caught a glimpse of Emma exiting the library. She laced her arms through the strap of her knapsack and then looked his way, but immediately shielded her eyes against the late afternoon sun setting on the mountains at his back. He lowered the hand he’d raised to gesture for her to wait for him. Apparently she hadn’t seen him because she made her way down the concrete stairs that provided a grand entrance into the old granite building. By doing so, she headed away from him.
Students who rushed to their next classes and those huddled together, taking ten- or twenty-minute breaks, filled the quad. He cut through the herd, garnering a few looks and a few “what the hells” too as he crossed the square.
His jaw clenched with frustration when he lost sight of his target. He quickly scanned the area. It took him three seconds before he spied Emma heading down the path leading to the parking lot. It took him another ten seconds before he reached out and tugged on her backpack.
“There you are. I’ve been looking for you.”
Emma spun around. When he saw the way her face brightened at the sight of him, his goal nearly slipped from his mind. Was it possible he’d finally met someone who made him happy just by being close?
“Really?” she asked, staring up at him with fawnlike eyes, innocent and playful.
His heart drummed against his ribs because of her, and because of his responsibility to the case. He drew in a breath of crisp air. His system had neared overloaded, so he calmed himself to take it slow. He couldn’t jump in and ask her questions. “I went by the lab. I thought you had a class.”
Her head cocked to the side. “How would you know if I had a class?”
He knew her whole schedule, but he couldn’t tell her that. “I think you mentioned it last night.”
“I don’t recall that I did.” Her brow furrowed for a few seconds and then she smiled coyly. “But then we talked about a lot last night, and my mind was pretty occupied with other things. Anyway my class ended early, so I went to the library and caught up on some reading. What did you want?”
He’d made the mistake of letting his gaze drop to her lips. Immediately he recalled their sweetness. “Ah-h… Ah,” he stammered, lost for words. He looked over her shoulder and cleared away the surge of desire that clogged his throat. “Could I talk to you, if you’re not busy?”
A turbulent gust shaved the surrounding trees tops and the air came alive with a cloud of golden foliage. One darting leaf landed in her hair, at her shoulder.
He liked her hair loose. It framed her angelic face and cascaded in shimmering waves over her shoulders. He’d daydreamed about running his fingers through the silky strands, but time was growing short, he feared. He had to concentrate on the case.
She brushed back a wild wisp. “Do you need more help with Chapter Six?”
“No.” With control in the forefront of his mind, he reached up and plucked the sprig from her soft hair and then handed it to her.
“Thanks.”
“Could I talk to you about your roommate?”
The leaf she twirled between her fingers halted briefly before drifting to the ground. She inched the zipper of her jacket higher and folded her arms across her chest. “Nanette? Why? Did you meet her?”
“I ran into her.” He didn’t lie.
“When?”
“The other night.” He moistened his suddenly dry lips. He wouldn’t divulge any part of his and Nanette’s conversation. “After I left you with your study group. I was in the process of checking out a book and she approached me.”
“Oh.” Emma’s gaze dropped to her feet. “Odd. She never mentioned you.”
He had had a feeling it wasn’t Nanette habit to tell Emma all. He shrugged. “Why would she?”
Emma’s cheeks flushed. “She usually tells me if she meets someone new.”
“Maybe she forgot?” Chase lifted his taut shoulder muscles and let them fall. Or maybe she hadn’t wanted Emma to know they’d met, for some reason. Could Nanette have learned about C.U.F.F.’s presence on campus? How would she? And from whom?
Why had he ignored his gu
t? He should’ve accepted Emma’s invitation and accompanied her to her apartment the night before. Perhaps Nanette would’ve been there and he could’ve gotten a clearer read on her.
He studied the curves of Emma’s down-turned face. Her dark lashes nearly rested on her tawny cheeks. She stood with her hands fisted into tight balls and tucked close to her body.
Feeling anxious he’d upset Emma, he dug his hands into his hoodie pockets. He had to press on. “How long have you been her roommate?”
“This is our second school year rooming together,” she clipped.
Emma reeled around on her boot’s heel. Her hair whirled in midair. Chase blinked once, watching the woman stalk away, much like she had the first day he’d met her, before he’d hurried to fall in step with her. “Then you know her pretty well.”
Crusty leaves crunched under their feet while he shifted position, waiting for her response.
“One would think so.”
“What is she like?”
“She’s nice. A free spirit. Flighty, if you know what I mean.” Anxiety clouded Emma’s side glance at him. “She doesn’t seem to worry much about anything. She does what she wants, when she wants.”
“What does she like to do?”
Emma stopped and immediately her boot tapped the concrete. She didn’t look up at him. In fact, she looked everywhere but at him. Her lips pulled thin and arched downward. It was like watching a ticking bomb waiting to go off and he had no idea what he’d said to bring her to this point.
“It’s Ok,” she finally responded in an unexpected even tone. “I know I was the one who kissed you last night. If you want to ask her out, it’s Ok.”
Chase nearly choked. He coughed into his wrist. Emma believed he was attracted to Nanette? Reality was, Nanette made him uneasy.
Emma’s jealousy encased his heart with warmth. He shook his head while he fought the urge to show his happiness and draw her into an embrace. He didn’t want to make her feel foolish. However, he did want to set her straight. “No. I don’t want to ask Nanette out. You misunderstood.”
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