by Jill S. Behe
“Still. I think we should wear them until we leave.”
“Good idea.” He held up another pair. “I brought extra.”
Teal took the keys from the hook, feeling a jangle across her senses. Not ready to explore them, she opened the front door. “I’ll be right back.”
Carin’s mailbox was so full the postman had left a note saying that any additional mail would be in the manager’s office. The date was a week ago Friday.
Teal went back to the apartment and let herself in. Decker was sitting in Carin’s living room, staring at the family photos on the side table, looking reflective.
She sat next to him, the stack of mail on her lap. “I’ve never gotten anything from touching an object before, but I did this time.”
“What?”
“It doesn’t usually work that way for me. Her keys, sort of, talked to me. Nothing real clear, but I did feel some fear. And regret, anger, helplessness.” She handed him the stack. “I don’t believe she left by choice, even though the calendar says someone was supposed to come here. If they left together, I can’t tell if she went willingly, or not.”
Decker shook his head, flipping through the envelopes, discarding magazines. “I keep going over our last conversation. Makes me wonder if she was, in her convoluted way, trying to tell me something, and I wasn’t in the mood to pay attention.” He straightened the bunch. “This isn’t telling me anything except that she’s been gone a while.”
“You’re doing it again.”
“Doing what?”
“You’re playing the what if game. You can’t know what you can’t know. You only have what you have. There’s no changing the past. You have to keep moving forward. Don’t blame yourself. You’re not infallible. And you can’t invoke a vision, or a sense of what happened just because you’re frustrated. It doesn’t work that way, at least not for me.
“The problem is that I don’t feel anything.”
“Decker, you’re trying so hard, you’re feeling everything. It’s overwhelming your senses. Remember how you said you didn’t feel anything from that place in the woods?”
“But what good is it to have an extra advantage, if I can’t access it when it’s needed?”
“It isn’t an on demand ability. Besides, you’re too personally involved to have a rational level of knowledge.”
“You said that before.”
“It was true then, and now.”
“How did it work when you were helping the cops in Tuscan?”
A short laugh. “Spotty, at best.”
“You just said you never felt anything from touching before. What did you do?”
“Mostly, I walked the crime scene.”
“Is this the scene of a crime?”
“I don’t think so. I’m not getting a sense of violence. Just the emotions I mentioned earlier. Could be some resignation there, too but it’s a very vague impression.”
“You went through her bedroom, too, right?”
“I did.”
“Nothing different? Nothing more?”
“I’m sorry, Decker. And except for the feeling that someone’s been here and cleaned, there’s not really anything to find.” She pointed to the letters he held. “The rest of her mail is at the manager’s office. The postman left a note because he couldn’t fit any more into her box. Maybe this manager can add more information.”
He nodded, reluctant to leave, but anxious to check in with the man. “Let’s go. Bring this along.” He handed the mail back to her. “It might give us some clues. Or not.”
“I’ll see if I can find a bag to put this in.” She found an empty plastic grocery bag under the sink, and something interesting in the sink. She’d wait to tell him about it. “All right. Let’s go.”
They walked to the office.
The manager wasn’t much help, and though Decker produced his driver’s license as proof he was Carin’s father, the man refused to hand over any of Carin’s mail.
“You want it, you need a warrant.”
After leaving the manager’s office, they went back and knocked on the doors of Carin’s neighbors. Did they hear anything unusual in the last week? Had they seen Carin? Was she with anyone? Male or female? Did they see anything that was odd or different from what they normally saw?
Nope. Hadn’t seen or heard anything unusual. Carin wasn’t the most sociable person, kept to herself. Wasn’t very friendly, although she’d say hi back, if greeted.
They heard the same story from everyone.
All but one.
The lady in the apartment below Carin’s, had seen two women leaving…last Saturday, she believed it was. In the afternoon. She recognized Carin, and said though she wasn’t fighting with the other woman, she didn’t look happy about going with her.
Chapter 43
In the truck on the way back to Crescent Falls….
* * *
“Well, that was kind of a bust.”
“How so?”
“We didn’t learn anything more than we already suspected.”
“You sure are being a Negative Nelly.”
Decker gave her a sharp look.
She shrugged. “Big fancy super-duper agent.”
“Don’t start that again.”
“Aren’t you trained to shut off your emotions, go in cold to study the scene, scoop up any clues?”
Decker pulled to the side of the road, put the truck in park, and turned to face her. “Sometimes you astound me.”
She frowned. “That’s a good thing, right?”
“Yes. Too bad you didn’t smack me in the head with it while we were still inside the apartment.”
“We could always go back.”
He shook his head. “Nah. I think we gleaned about as much as we could. There really wasn’t much to go through. I’m kinda proud that my girl is so neat and tidy.”
“I did notice there were two mugs in the sink, like she hadn’t had time to wash them.”
Decker paused in the act of shifting out of park. “Say what?”
“You heard me.”
“Confound it.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Secret Agent Man. I brought both of them along.”
“Are you sure you weren’t a cop in a previous life?”
“Ha. Ha. This is the only life I’ve ever lived—though there are some who would argue that point—and ever want to. So yes, I’m sure.”
“Figure of speech.”
“Regardless. My answer’s the same.”
“Were you wearing gloves?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m not a complete idiot, Decker.”
“Just being cautious.” He put the truck in gear, and pulled onto the macadam. “If you’re in agreement, I’ll get those to Levi to be analyzed.”
“That was the idea. It’s not like I just thought they’d look good in my cupboard.”
“Wow. Sarcasm takes a big bite. And, you’re not any kind of idiot.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m sorry, Teal.”
“Are you?”
“Look, my foot’s already stuck in my throat. I don’t want to shove it in any further. Just…I’m sorry.”
With a small smile tugging the corner of her mouth, she folded her hands in her lap and stared out the windshield. He was so cute when he was flustered. Okay, extra cute, because he was cute all the time. Made her heart skip just thinking about how sexy and handsome he was, and that he chose her.
A couple miles down the road, Decker’s cellphone rang. Before answering, he again, pulled to the side of the road. State troopers were getting stricter about ticketing people talking on their phones and driving.
“Brogan.”
“Dad.”
“Cade? What’s up?”
“I’ve been trying to get ahold of Carin and she’s not answering. I’m not talking one or two calls, more like five or six. And now, her phone’s going straight to voicemail like it’s turned off. Have you heard from her? It’s been almost two
weeks. She always answers, or calls back, and she hasn’t done either one. I’m worried.”
“No, I haven’t, Cade. And I’m worried, too. I’ve left some messages myself.”
“Is she still pissed at you for not letting her stay?
“I don’t think that’s it, kid. I just left her apartment. Her car is there, but she isn’t. I’m going to file a missing person’s report with the Boulder P. D. Should have done it before now.”
“What the hell is going on?”
“It’s a long story. But, truth be told, I don’t really know.”
“Now that was cryptic. Need me to come over? I can be there in an hour?”
Decker looked at Teal. “Can I call you back in five minutes?”
“Sure.”
“I promise.”
“No worries, dad. Bye.”
“So much for not telling him anything.”
Teal reached for his hand. “What is it?”
“Cade wants to know if he should come over.”
“Why would you even hesitate? Of course he should come. It’s possible he could add to the investigation.”
“You think so?”
She shrugged and gave his hand a squeeze. “Have him stay the weekend.”
“Ah. I was hoping to spend it with you.”
“Still can. And, I’ve never met your son. He—” She bit her lips together.
“He, what?”
Teal shook her head. “He may be more help than, um, we’ve considered.”
“You know something.”
It wasn’t a question.
“No, I don’t. Honest, Deck. I don’t. It’s just a feeling that having him around may help.”
He nodded, and pulling his hand from hers, hit re-dial.
“Dad?”
“Yeah. Pack a bag. Come stay the weekend.”
“Seriously?”
“I have someone I want you to meet, and I’d like you close by. If it’s not a hardship.”
“Not at all. Won’t take me long to pack. I’ll be there by six.”
“We’ll see you then.”
Cade chuckled. “She must be something special. Can’t wait to meet her. And looking forward to hanging with you for a while.”
“Me, too, Cade. Yes, she is. Very special. See you soon.”
“Bye.”
Teal smiled. “I’m excited.”
Decker started the truck, and pulled onto the road. “It will be interesting. You’re not working tomorrow, are you?”
“I am, yes. Ten to two.”
“Ah, well that’s better than all day. Are you free for dinner tonight?”
She laughed. “Absolutely.”
“Where should we take Cade?”
“Kip’s is good.”
“Kip’s?”
“Yeah. That little diner on the way out towards Estes Park.”
“I know that one. Haven’t been there in ages. Good choice. And it’s closer from my house than yours, too.”
“Great. I’m sure Cade will enjoy it.”
“I wish….”
Teal waited.
“I’m almost at the point of not wanting you to be in your house by yourself. Well, actually, I’d much rather you were sharing my bed, too, but mostly, I don’t want to have to take you home and leave you.”
So protective, and…sexy. “I could drive out to your place.”
“Not even on the table.”
Now that was just annoying. She couldn’t let him assume things like that. Hmm. There was always the equality card, with a twist. He should be able to handle it. “Now look, Decker Brogan—and one of these days, you’re going to need to tell me your middle name, just for times like these—I’m not some helpless female.”
“I know that. I wasn’t—”
“Not done.”
“Ah. Okay.”
“I’m not fragile, and I don’t faint at the first sign of…of scary stuff. I carry my gun with me everywhere I go, now. I know how to fight. I lock my car whether I’m in it or not. Same goes for my house.” She held up a hand. “I know you want to be with me twenty-four-seven. I get that. I enjoy your company, immensely. But, we’ve only been dating a couple of weeks. I can’t move in with you, and I can’t spend the night in your bed. With you. Yet.”
“Yet.” He breathed a sigh. Maybe she wasn’t really as mad as she acted. “Okay. So what are you really saying?”
Teal’s eyes rolled. She wanted to smack him in the head. Dork. “That I don’t have a problem with you driving me around, but it isn’t an absolute necessity. I worry about you, too, driving home alone after you drop me off.”
“Ah. Okay, then.”
Oh for pity’s sake. Give me a break. “So, as a compromise—”
“Compromise?”
A nod. “As a compromise, you do have a couch. I even sat on it a few times now.”
He was shaking his head. “Oh no.”
“I’m sure it’s comfortable to sleep on.”
“That’s not the point. If you’re going to sleep at my house, you’re going to sleep in a bed, even if I’m not in it next to you.”
“So you’d give up yours for me?”
“Absolutely.” He shrugged. “Or Cade would.”
“He’s a guest, too.”
“He’s my kid. He could sleep in a sleeping bag in the backyard.”
She laughed. “Bet he never has before.”
“You’d be correct. At least not out here. But there’s a first time for everything, so they say.”
“He’s not twelve, either. Creature comforts become more essential the older we get. Are you taking me to work tomorrow?”
“I know how old he is, but you could be right about the comfort-thing. And, yes, most assuredly, I’m taking you to work.”
“Then we need to stop at my house so I can get my toothbrush, and a few other essentials, like a change of clothes.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.”
Her eyes narrowed. Maybe she’d let him off the hook too soon.
She was looking forward to meeting Cade. And contrary to Decker’s belief that neither of his offspring inherited their mother’s gift, she felt strongly that he was wrong about Cade.
Chapter 44
Cade got out of his car at 6:15pm, set his overnight bag on the ground, and leaned against the passenger side quarter panel. Bella, playing catch with Teal at the time, saw him and immediately abandoned the game without a backward glance, racing across the yard to greet him like a long lost loved one.
Cade was laughing and making a big fuss over her when Decker whistled.
The canine gave Cade a last affectionate lick, and obeyed the call.
Decker let her in the house then shut the door and locked it. Together, he and Teal walked out to where Cade waited.
“Dad.”
“Cade.”
They hugged, and slapped each other’s backs.
“Glad you invited me up.”
“You’re always welcome here. You know that.”
“Wasn’t sure after the way things were last time I was here.”
“That was different. I’m glad you accepted.”
“So. What’s going on?”
“We’re taking you to supper at a place called Kips. Haven’t been there in quite a while, but the food’s good.” He urged Teal forward. “First, though— Teal, this is my son, Cade Harrison Brogan. First born. Cade, I’d like you to meet my very special—hopefully, eventually more than—friend, Teal Luna Skye Hannigan.”
They shook hands.
“Harrison?”
“Mom’s dad.”
“Ah.”
Cade smiled. “Love your name. But, is it Loon-a as in crazy? Or, Luna as in moon?”
“Moon. Then again, when it’s full—” She shrugged.
“That’s great!” He slapped his hands together. “Does dad know about that?”
She laughed, and went in for a hug. “I’m so very glad to meet you, Cade. You have the look of your
father.”
“Mom always said so, except for my nose. She said I got her grandma’s nose. Thanks.” He hugged back, then stepped away. Suddenly awkward. “Wow. Uh. Okay. Yeah, it’s good to meet you, too. Coupla things are racing around in my head right now.” He twirled his finger in the air.
“I’ll just bet they are.” Decker threw an arm around his son. “Let’s go eat, shall we?”
“Sure. I could eat.”
Though they did talk during the meal, it was mostly about family history, and, for Cade, getting a better handle on his dad’s lady. She was great to look at, intelligent, funny, was comfortable to be around, and from what he could tell on short notice, was in love with his dad. Cade liked her, a lot. And it made him feel guilty, like he was betraying his mom, somehow.
When they returned to the house, Teal went to the kitchen to make coffee, and then a different subject took precedence.
“Take a load off, son. Have some coffee.”
“Seems to be something I do whenever I’m here,” Teal said, carrying in the tray, then paused, thinking. “I tend to make coffee a lot at my house, too.”
She set the tray on the coffee table.
“I do like a good cup o’ joe.” Cade sat, doctored a cup with cream. Took a sip. “And it is good. Nice and strong.”
“Cade.” Teal sat next to Decker. “Please feel free to say whatever’s on your mind.”
“Okay, but I don’t want this to be weird, or at least not any more than it already seems to be. I loved my mom, always will. No one can ever take her place.” He held up a hand, as though to ward off any protest. “But, dad, I’m so glad you found someone who makes you content. And, Teal, I can tell you do. You’re different, in a good way. Actually, I haven’t seen dad this happy and relaxed since…well, since before mom died. Oh, there’s worry there, too. I can see that. Don’t get me wrong. But overall, yeah. He’s a goner, for sure.”
Decker rolled his eyes, but chuckled.
“Thank you for accepting me. Just to clarify, I’m your dad’s girlfriend, at the moment.” She poked Decker when he started to protest. “I said, at the moment. And, I’m not trying to take your mother’s place. But, I’d like to be your friend.”