by Jill S. Behe
“They were shot from your rifle?”
“Smart cookie, you. We can’t know for absolute unless we had the gun to test, but I’m the only one we know of who has that particular gun that shoots those particular bullets.”
“Oh, Decker. You were robbed, and then the thief shot at us with it?”
“Yes, and no. My house alarm never went off, hasn’t gone off since I installed it. Not to my knowledge, anyway. And no one but me, and Liz, knew where the key to the cabinet was. The key was in the lock.”
“Hmmm.”
“I’m not even sure how long it’s been gone.”
“What’s your first instinctive thought?”
“That one of my kids borrowed it, but….”
“But…?”
“For one, they aren’t aware of what I did for a living, so they wouldn’t know the significance of that gun. I talked to Cade. He says he didn’t take it, and I believe him. Haven’t tried to call Carin, yet. Cade did mention that she’d made some noise about asking me to borrow a gun to scare off a guy who was hassling her. She never said anything to me about it. Makes me wonder.”
“Yes.”
There was that word again, and in the same tone. “Yes, what?”
“What?”
“You said yes, like it meant something. What does it mean to you?”
“Only that I agree with you. It makes me wonder, too. I don’t know your daughter, except for that one instance the other night. Is she capable of shooting at us?”
“I wouldn’t have thought so, but then, I never expected her to attack you, either.”
“See there? We’re agreed. It makes one wonder.”
“Are you sensing anything about this situation that I need to know?”
“No. If I had any inkling, I’d share it with you.”
“I miss you.”
“You just saw me this morning.”
“I hear that smile again. Besides, that was more than eight hours ago.”
“Poor baby.”
“Seriously, Levi suggested we stay in close contact since it seems we’re targets for some reason, and his gut is driving him crazy.”
“I’m taking precautions. More, since I was shot at.”
“What kind of precautions?”
“I’m taking advantage of my concealed carry permit. And when it’s not in my purse, I’ve got my Kimber in my nightstand.”
“You—?”
A pause.
“Speechless?”
“Um.”
She tsked. “I’ve had a gun for over fifteen years, probably closer to twenty. My ex made me learn to shoot, and showed me how to handle a firearm and not be afraid of it. One of the few good things that happened in our marriage.”
“Sorry, you just look so…fragile. And no, that isn’t, in any way, meant to be an insult.”
“I know how to take care of myself, Decker. I’m not helpless, but I’m not an idiot, either. I won’t refuse your protection.”
“Now I am speechless. Thank you.”
“But, just so you know, if you’re being assaulted, attacked, or whatnot, don’t expect me to stand back and scream, or hide, or run. I will do everything in my power to help you come out the victor.”
“Wow. Wow.”
“You need to talk to Levi, Decker. You need to tell him EVERY-thing.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“He’ll probably be mad that you’re keeping so much to yourself.”
“He will be. No question. You’re pretty smart, you know that?”
“Nah. Just practical and logical. Unlike most guys.”
“Ha. Ha. Funny. What caliber is it?”
Ah. Back to the personal protection. “A .44. Kimber 1911.”
“Nice. You know I’m going to want to see that thing, sometime.”
“I’ll show you mine, if you show me yours.”
“Innuendo, my dear? I love it. And absolutely, to both.”
He heard the smothered giggle.
“Okay.” She cleared her throat. “Getting back on the other track, you also need to call Carin, again.”
“Well, hell. I liked the other track better. But yes, I do. I’m a coward. And she never returned the call I made before the storm.”
“Not good. She’s probably still mad. And no, I wouldn’t call you a coward, ever. You’re a father who needs to ask tough questions.”
“Yeah. I guess.”
“Go make your call. If you need me after that, let your fingers do the walking.”
“Oh, honey, my fingers would love to walk all over you.”
“Aw, Decker. You say the sweetest things.”
“The absolute truth. I’m beginning to need you all the time, Teal.”
He thought he heard her humming.
“Sweetie, go make your call.”
He did hear amusement.
“Bye, Teal.”
Chapter 25
When he called Carin, her voicemail engaged, again. “You know who you reached, please leave me a message. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
“Come on, Carin. Please call me back. Love you, kid. Talk to you soon.”
Where the hell are you, kiddo?
Retreating to the living room, he turned on the television, flipping through channels. “Nothing on worth watching. Oh, hey, the Avalanche are playing St. Louis. I forgot the new hockey season started.” He settled in to watch, and fell asleep thirty minutes later.
Bella’s cold nose on his cheek woke him with a start. Out of sorts, he rubbed his face. “Ah, sorry, girl. What time is it? You need to go out?”
She woofed, and stared.
“What?”
She barked and headed for the laundry room.
“Shit. Hang on. I need my jacket.” Turning on lights as he made his way through the house, he noticed Bella’s empty water bowl, food dish, too. He stood a moment to admonish his neglect. “Damn, Deck. You’d think you haven’t had a dog in the house for the last four years. Ya gotta feed her once in a while.” He dropped to one knee in front of her, ruffling her ears. “I’m really sorry, Bella Mia. I’ll fill them up for you when we get back. Okay? This whole day has been weirdly off.”
He hadn’t eaten, either.
Bella licked his face and went to the door.
“Okay. Okay.” He grabbed her leash, snapped it on, picked up a flashlight, and flipped on the outside light. “Let’s go, girl.”
He formulated his plan of attack as he walked the dog to her spot, then back to the house, filled Bella’s dishes, and went up the stairs. “Okay Deck-man, you need to clean off that desk in the guest room and start using it as an office. Write out that list, like Teal suggested. Should find out when her next day off is, too, if we’re going to beard Levi in his…office.” He stopped in the doorway of the bedroom he’d been using for five years, and hit the light switch. “While I’ve got her on the phone, I should ask her if she’ll help me go through Liz’s things.”
“Smart idea, my cuddly honey bear.”
“Damn, woman.” He shuddered, goose bumps danced and spread. “I wish you’d quit doing that.”
“Do you?”
He leaned against the door frame. “Yes, and no. I love the thought that a part of you is still here. But, you scare the shit out of me.”
He sighed as her laughter faded. Shaking his head, he picked up the receiver on the phone on the desk, and called Teal.
“Hello, Decker.”
“Hey.”
“Are you done with your homework?”
“My—? The list?”
“The list.”
“I was on my way to do it, but I had a question. When is your next day off? If/when I get the list done, I was going to go see Levi about it. I figured we could go together, unless you’d rather not for the initial visit.”
“My opinion? I think you should talk to him alone, the first time.”
“I figured as much.”
“What else?”
“Why d
oes there have to be something else?”
“Decker.”
“Okay. Coupla things. Carin didn’t answer my second call. I think I’m getting worried.”
“I might be, too. And?”
He chuckled. “I have a personal favor to ask.”
“Which is?”
“Would you, please, help me go through Liz’s things?”
“Oh. You sort of asked me that before, but I wasn’t sure— You really need help?”
“It’s going to be painful enough, but I figured you might know, better than I would, what should be kept and given to charity, and what should be thrown out.”
“You’ll be right there with me, yes?”
“Of course.”
“Then, I agree. Let me know when you want to start.”
“Once I have your schedule, if you’d be so kind as to write it down for me, I’ll work around it.”
“I can do that.”
“Great. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Why don’t you come by the library tomorrow, and I’ll give you both.”
“Both?”
“You’re coming by for the bread, aren’t you?”
He’d forgotten. “I am, yes. I most certainly am.”
“Well then.”
He frowned. “I’m getting forgetful.”
“You’ve got a lot on your mind.”
“Hopefully that’s all it is.”
“Decker, you’re not heading into a doddering crotchety age. You’re still very much alive, energetic, full of vim and vigor—”
“All right, Teal. I get the picture.”
“You do have a lot on your mind, Deck.”
“I do.”
“See you tomorrow.”
“Looking forward to it.”
Before writing out the list—procrastination had never been a problem before—he decided to move back into the bedroom he’d shared with Liz. His heart was heavy, but it was time. Besides, he and Teal wouldn’t fit on a single bed, not and be able to do what he wanted to do with her.
An hour later, notebook and pen in hand, he sat on his Barcalounger in the living room, and began to write:
Liz Brogan – wife – last contact…identifying her body at the morgue.
--five years later….
Rosalinda Bartlett – housewife from Colorado Springs – last, only, contact, directing her to the library to talk to Teal.
Beatrice Eggleston – librarian – last contact, gave her a ride home when she was sick.
* * *
Teal might be onto something. He’d been in contact—in his opinion—with the two latest within twenty-four hours of their demise. There was still a question, in his mind, as to whether Liz was really part of the whole thing. Teal had dodged at least two attempts on her life, so far. Were they all connected?
He never did get any dinner.
Chapter 26
Decker was descending the stairs the next morning when the landline started to ring. Thinking, hoping, it was Carin, he hurried to answer.
“Brogan.”
“Kincaid, here.”
Shoot. “What’s up? Not another body.”
“No. Thank god. You’re still coming over to the house on Saturday, aren’t you?”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss Sierra’s birthday party. Absolutely, I’ll be there. Besides, I have something I need to drop off. Remember?”
“Yeah, one of the reasons I’m calling. I guess that means it’s done?”
“I told you it would be. Just needs paint. Your call interrupted my trip to town to get that paint.”
“Sorry. I’m paranoid. Still can’t believe that kid.”
“I hear she’s working at the library. That’s pretty cool.”
“Yes, she is. Loves it, and is fascinated by her immediate boss, a Miss Teal Hannigan.”
“Hey, what’s not to be fascinated about? Teal’s….Um, so what did Sierra do now?”
“Huh. Deck, you sound besotted, my friend.” Levi chuckled. “And Sierra hasn’t done anything bad. Just told us she didn’t want a big shindig with all her friends. Just family. Insisted…just family. And since you’re dating Teal, Bethany requested that I ask you to ask Teal if she’d like to come along.”
“I can’t speak for her, but I’ll ask and let you know.”
“And don’t forget Bella Mia. Rex would mope around here all day without her.”
“Like he’d even notice. But, yes, the girl will be there.”
“Great. Good. Thanks, Decker.”
“No problem. Take it easy, LT Relax.”
“I know. I feel like I’ve been running three races at the same time.”
“Bro, you’re going to give yourself a heart attack if you don’t slow down.”
“Bethy tells me the same thing. I get to a point where everything is a little smoother, and then something else happens. Can’t catch a break.”
“Well, ease up, bud. See you later.”
“Right. Bye.”
Decker went out to the truck, after first apologizing to Bella for not taking her along. “I’ve got some errands to run, and it’ll be faster if I go alone, this time.” He gave the golden head a ruffle. “Take care of the house, okay?”
Bella barked and flopped next to the dryer, chin on her paws. Decker knew she’d be in that exact spot when he got back.
He stopped at the Burger King for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. Taking a sip of the hot brew, he thought how quickly he’d gotten out of the habit of drinking tea before his run—and that he and Bella Mia hadn’t been on their morning jaunt since…since the body.
He pulled into an empty space in the library parking lot, and went inside.
At the desk, Teal looked up as he came through one of the double doors, and smiled. “Hi.”
He stood and just stared for a minute. She’s radiant.
Her hair was back from her face, caught by combs on each side. Dark auburn curls cascaded down her back, turquoise eyes sparkled. Her slim but curvy body couldn’t hide in the long librarian-esque off-white dress that had buttons from throat to knees, and a matching sweater that wasn’t quite pink, or orange, but matched the little flowers all over the dress.
There was a word for that particular color. He just couldn’t…think.
Moving forward, again. “Good morning, beautiful lady.”
“Good morning to you, handsome man.”
He leaned against the desk. “I have to thank you for the push.”
Elbows on the counter, she leaned, too. “To do what?”
“To move back into the other bedroom. I thought I’d have trouble sleeping there, but I didn’t. So, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad it didn’t cause you any undue stress.”
“Not a smidge. You have something for me?”
She removed a piece of paper from her sweater pocket and handed it over.
He smiled. “And every second you have free, you’re spending with me and Bella Mia, right?”
Her eyes narrowed. “Within reason, yes.”
A sigh. “Always a qualifier.”
“I do have personal things that need to get done.”
“Like what?”
“I have a house. That means vacuuming, dusting, mopping. Then there are the dishes, cleaning the bathroom. And we can’t forget the laundry.”
Decker grimaced. “I hate household chores.”
She snickered. “I noticed.”
“Sorry. I didn’t, until recently. And then got interrupted in the middle of it.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not like you’re a slob.”
“Well, thanks, I think.” He looked at her list. “What are these little stars for?”
“Those are the days I go by the nursery—the one out on Water Dam Road—and get fresh flowers for the library. One of the patrons put money in a trust for us.”
“That was a nice gesture.”
“It was. Gets a bit tricky in winter, but I think everyon
e is pleased with the results.”
“I’m sure they are. So, you do this twice a week? Like clockwork?”
“Um, no. Every three days, depending on when I’m scheduled to work.”
“A routine, then.”
Her eyebrows rose. “I never thought about it that way, but yes, I guess it is. Why?”
He was getting a bad feeling. “Not sure it’s anything to worry about. Gotta cogitate on it some. I’ll let you know when I get it straightened out in my head.”
Her nod was slow. “I’ll be on pins and needles.”
He stretched across the small expanse for a quick kiss, and then waved the sheet of paper. “Thanks for this.”
“Wait! Wait! Your bread.”
Hand on his belly, he rolled his eyes. “How could I forget?”
“It’s in the breakroom. I’ll be right back.”
He leaned back against the circulation desk, looking out over the fiction section. Movement to the right and above caught his attention, and he turned. “Jacqueline, hello. Long time no see. How’s it going?”
Her smile was wide, flirtatious, as she sauntered down the staircase, sashayed across the room. “Doing just fine, and yourself?”
To Decker, the smile was…not all that friendly. “Can’t complain. Say, have you been in contact with Carin, lately?”
The smile vanished. “No. Not since Labor Day. Why?”
A shrug. “Just curious. I know you two used to hang out quite a bit.”
She laughed, but it sounded off, somehow.
“Yes. We did. Not so much anymore. We had different…agendas.”
He nodded. “Ah.”
Teal came back and handed him a package. “Be careful. Don’t squash it.”
“I won’t. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
He gave the other woman a nod. “Take care, Jacqueline.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about me.” She’d started back up the stairs, but waved over her shoulder. “You be careful, Mr. Decker Brogan.”
“Always.” Frowning, he watched her climb the stairs to the children’s section.
Teal noticed. “Something wrong?”
“Hmm? I’m not sure.” He scratched his chin. “She and Carin were best friends in high school, back in North Carolina. Never saw one without the other. When we moved here, they still kept in touch, and I figured they’d stayed in touch. I wasn’t even aware she was here in Crescent Falls, until Liz mentioned seeing her here at the library. She and Carin, obviously haven’t stayed in contact, and don’t see each other much, anymore.” He paused. “Did I tell you that before?”