“A year ago, I was happy as sheriff of a small town and ready to start looking for a man, maybe buy a nice house, or build my own to my exact specifications…and now, well my whole life has been turned upside down and is hanging in limbo.” Kevin knew what she was referring to, she didn’t have to explain.
They finished the eighth hole and headed for the ninth. Naya couldn’t believe how fast time was going by, she felt like she could spend forever just talking to Kevin.
“So, you already know a lot about my family life thanks to Vance, but tell me a little bit about yours?” She looked at Kevin, loving the way the setting sun was reflecting off his blond hair turning his curls golden.
“Well, that’s easy. I’m a lonely only child as you already know. Vance is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a brother. That’s why I’m always around. I know we didn’t have an entire childhood together like the two of you but I feel like I’m part of Vance’s family and he’s part of mine.”
He watched from the side lines and she lined up her ball on the next hole. This one had a tricky windmill that you had to time, if you shot early or late the blade would send the ball right back to the start.
“And where are your parents?” She took the shot, pumping the air when she got it through the windmill obstacle on the first try.
Kevin chuckled at her little victory dance and began to line up his own shot. “My mom was a single mom, she did everything for me herself. And she’s in Castle Rock. She’s actually been wanting to visit Vance at some point soon, so maybe you’ll be able to meet her.
“Is Vance close to your mom?”
Kevin shrugged. “When Vance first moved here, he would spend the smaller holidays and occasional weekend he couldn’t make it home for with us, like the 4th of July, so I guess you could say so? Honestly, you’d have to ask Vance.”
Naya was beginning to realize just how off her perception of her brother had been. She leaned down to line up her ball on what was now the fourteenth hole. When she had moved up here, she had done so thinking Vance had no support because his family was so far away.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Kevin watched her cautiously, seemingly worried he had said something wrong.
“Oh, I was just thinking. When I moved up here, I did so because I thought Vance didn’t have anyone. I mean I assumed he had friends, but I guess I just pictured a bunch of college guys who still go out for beers once a month. But you and Vance, you’re so close, it’s just a bit surprising for me to see someone who is as close as family who isn’t of relation, you know?”
“That doesn’t happen in La Junta?” He shaded his eyes and looked towards the setting sun crowned in pink before glancing at the time on his phone.
“I mean, yes and no. There are some friends who are inseparable, but that’s more in school. Once you grow up, it’s expected you get married and have kids and that’s your new support system, you know? Are we late for something?”
“We have reservations for dinner at six. If you aren’t too attached to this game, maybe we should call it a draw? Or we can take our chances on missing our reservation and go as walk-ins.”
She shook her head. “As much as it pains me to leave this golf game, I think food is going to take precedence here. Should I even ask what’s for dinner?”
He took her ball and club from her hands and began heading to the return hut. “Nope, so don’t even try.”
He returned their supplies and grabbed her hand to lead her back to the parking lot. As they reached the car, he spun her around to face him and faster than she could ask what he was doing, he leaned in and kissed her.
Just like the first time, it felt entirely natural, and she kissed him back, running her hands through his soft hair and along the stubble that went down the back of his neck.
He ended the kiss all too soon.
“As much as I would love for this to continue, we really do need to go.” She nodded mutely and went around the car to get in the passenger side.
The drive to the restaurant was surprisingly quick and Naya smiled when they pulled up in front of a packed Mexican restaurant.
“How did you know?” Mexican food was her favorite.
“Vance told me.” He smiled and leaned over for a quick peck on the lips.
Throughout the course of dinner the conversation continued to flow naturally. Naya found that she and Kevin actually had a lot in common, beyond just the clear sexual chemistry. When the bill came, she went to reach for it, but he blocked her hand.
“Don’t even try.” He chastised, he picked up the little black book and slid his card inside without even looking.
“But you paid for golf.” She didn’t feel he was obligated to pay.
“And I asked you on the date, so it is my treat.” The server walked by and Kevin handed her the book.
“But—” he put his finger to her lips, stopping her retort.
“I would also love if you would consider going on another date with me?” He reached down and grabbed her hand, waiting patiently for her answer.
She smiled tenderly. “Next weekend? They tend to work better with my schedule unless something crazy happens at the precinct.” She hoped that they would find their culprit before next weekend, but she was starting to doubt that was realistic.
“Works for me.” He was smiling as the server came over and handed him back the check, thanking them for coming in. As Kevin signed the receipt Naya stood to put on her jacket. She took a moment to glance around the room, there were lots of families dining here as well as a fair number of couples, there wasn’t a single empty seat. This place was popular.
“Shall we?” Naya turned to find Kevin holding out his hand and she didn’t hesitate to slide her hand into his.
“Yes, let’s find out what Sebastian and Trevor have done with my kitchen.” She hoped they hadn’t ordered anything too messy.
“They had specific instructions to order a more reasonable quantity than last time. I think they were planning on Chinese.” They climbed in the car and Kevin backed out of the parking space to head back.
“Perfect.”
Naya was surprised by how thoughtful Kevin was, maybe it was just because she hadn’t dated in a while and the guy she had been dating in La Junta hadn’t been all that great. Either way Kevin seemed like a catch. As the thought passed through her head, Naya began to doubt. If he was such a catch, why was he single at their age? There had to be something wrong with him, it seemed there always was, anyone without major flaws seemed to be scooped up much younger than them.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Kevin interrupted her musings.
“Oh, just thinking about work.”
“Jesus, I’m sorry the date was that bad.” Kevin said with mock offense, the smile on his face giving him away.
“Yep, it was just the worst, I think I’m gonna have to wash my mouth out with soap when I get home.”
Kevin laughed so hard he shook the car. “But really, have you ever had a date so bad, that you felt that way?” His words sinking in a minute later. “Sorry, you don’t have to answer that.” He ran a hand awkwardly through his hair, refusing to look at her.
“I’m an open book. So, yes, if you must know.” She replied, not bothered by his blunt question. "It was while I was in the academy, I went on a date with an older cop. Everything was going well and we were really hitting it off, conversation was flowing smoothly, for a moment I really thought there was something there…” She sighed loudly. “But then, he walked me to my door and leaned in to kiss me…and awful! He basically started making out with my face. And I mean all over! I felt slobbered on and had to wash my face afterwards. It was gross.”
When she finished Kevin was laughing so hard that he was out of breath, Naya smiled at the memory. It was remarkable how as you got older moments which had felt embarrassing at the time became amusing anecdotes instead.
By the time they pulled up in front of the house Kevin was finally starting to catch his breath.
“Well, I’d like to ask you for a goodnight kiss, which I hope will be granted as long as I promise not to slobber all over your face.”
“Request granted.” This time she leaned in first, until her lips met his. It felt like they had barely started when they were interrupted by a tap at the passenger window. It was Sebastian. Again. Naya grabbed her purse and opened her door.
“Jesus, I thought the two of you were never going to stop.” Sebastian groaned as Naya stifled a giggle. Maybe it had been longer than she thought. She turned to see that Kevin had gotten out.
“Whatever, did you guys clean up like I asked you too?”
Sebastian rolled his eyes. “Yes, dad, now can we go home? I’m tired and have to work tomorrow.”
This time Kevin was the one to roll his eyes. “Where’s Trevor?”
“He was helping Vance to bed, I thought he would be out by now, with how long you two were sucking face, but I guess I was wrong.”
“I should go in and help.” Naya wished Sebastian wasn’t there so she could say a proper goodbye to Kevin, but he was, so she sheepishly waved and said ’see you later’ Like a teen girl, turned and went inside. Some things never changed.
Just as she was walked through the doorway she saw that Trevor was closing the door to Vance’s room.
“Perfect timing.” He greeted as he grabbed his keys.
“Was everything okay?” Naya hushed her voice, knowing her brother was still awake.
“Yep, just a little shaky on the walk into the room, but he had a few beers and relaxed with us.”
Naya felt apprehensive about Vance drinking. She watched Trevor head for the door, she gave him a little wave as he walked out and grimaced as she was reminded of her awkward goodbye to Kevin.
She was torn between checking on the kitchen or Vance first, but ultimately chose Vance and softly knocked on his door.
“Come in.”
She slowly pushed the door open, to see her brother sitting up in his bed and he looked like he had been about to read, a book was sitting open across his lap. He didn’t look drunk. “Hey, just wanted to make sure they didn’t get you too drunk.”
Vance chuckled. “Is that what they told you? I only had two beers, I was just a little shaky, when I stood up, just tired I think, so Trevor insisted on helping me to bed.” Vance rolled his eyes in feigned annoyance, she knew he appreciated his friends. “So, how was the big date?”
Naya tuned red. “Going right for the jugular I see.”
He shrugged. “Kevin’s a nice guy Naya, I really think you two could be good together.”
She smiled sheepishly. “Sounds a bit weird coming from my big brother who used to threaten to beat up any guys who would dare to even look at me.”
Vance grinned wide at his antics. “Well, that’s because I know Kevin, and I know he would never do anything to hurt you. He really is a great man.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
“I do.” He picked up the book on his lap. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to read a bit before bed.”
Naya was taken aback when she suddenly noticed what he was reading. “Wait, is that the Bible?” No one in her family had ever been religious.
“Yep, figured it was high time I see what all this mumbo-jumbo is about.”
“And?”
He chuckled. “It’s mumbo-jumbo alright. I think I might try the Quran next. Or maybe the Torah.”
Naya rolled her eyes. “Isn’t the Torah the same as the first few books of the bible?”
“Maybe, but it’ll be quite the challenge to read it in Hebrew.”
“At least learning Hebrew is more constructive than playing video games.”
“Goodnight.” Vance replied in bluffing rudeness, the smile still on his face. “Have to get back to the good word.”
Naya said goodnight back and closed the door with a laugh, heading up the stairs to her room. She decided she could worry about the kitchen tomorrow. As she got undressed, she couldn’t help but smile as the events of the evening came back to her. Vance was right, Kevin was a nice guy.
As she slid into bed, she pulled out her phone to set an alarm for the morning she saw her mother’s text. It said her and their father would be coming to town on Tuesday. That would be perfect.
With a sigh she remembered that Derek would be bringing the second aide, Elliot, with him tomorrow and she had forgotten to mention it to Vance. Oh well, she would just leave him a note in the morning and she slipped into a dreamless sleep.
CHAPTER 15
NAYA
Naya stifled a yawn as she shuffled the stack of papers on her desk. Paperwork was the worst and most boring part of being a cop, and she dreaded it. All they did was checkout a simple house on Saturday, and now they were required to write an entire essay of what they found, which hadn’t even been anything of value, just a sparsely furnished house of a man they weren’t even sure was connected to anything.
Atlas who had been away from his desk was suddenly standing right next to her.
“Guess what I have?”
“Hm?” She asked without looking up she assumed it was something mundane.
A paper-clipped stack of papers suddenly landed on her desk where she had been working. It was the autopsy report on Shanice.
“Wow! That was quick.” She picked it up and began to rifle through it.
“Captain called the lab to ask for a favor, even after I asked for a rush on it since this guy barely had a cooling off period, and you know his carries more weight.”
Naya huffed, flipping to the page she wanted. “Damn”
Atlas already knew. “Yeah, now the blood thing really does make no sense.”
“Nothing unusual, so what reason would he have to drain one but not the other? Did he just not have to drug Shanice?” Naya rested her head on her hands as she scanned the document.
Atlas rubbed his chin. ““My guess? I think one of them was a mistake, and the other was exactly what he wanted.”
“So, we need to figure out which abduction went as planned and which one didn’t” Naya surmised and scribbled a few notes on a sticky note and attached it to the autopsy report. “And I hate to say it, but we might have a tie breaker soon if he keeps his pace.”
He grimaced. “I hope not, but you’re probably right. Did you see the cause of death?”
Naya flipped back a page. “That’s odd. A heart attack?”
“Yep. I’m not sure if it happened during the abduction or while this guy was doing whatever he does, but I have a feeling Shanice might’ve died before he could do what he wanted.”
“You’re probably on to something.” Naya looked at the coroner’s notes. “It does say she was in tip-top shape and that a natural heart attack would be unlikely?”
“But whatever could’ve caused it is no longer in her blood, she came back completely clean.”
“Maybe it was something her body metabolized?” Naya ran through a mental list of chemicals she was familiar with in her head that might be able to do that, it was short. She now wished that she had paid more attention in chemistry.
“Maybe.” Atlas flipped through his own copy of the autopsy.
“Any sign of Ben Rodgers?” She continued to jot down notes, attaching them to the autopsy.
“Nah, I had a squad car go out there last night, they did so very begrudgingly since it’s so far out of the way, and there wasn’t any sign of the man, nor has the truck been moved since we were there.”
Naya groaned.
“You’re telling me.” Atlas sunk into his desk chair. “I don’t think I’ve had a case this frustratingly bizarre in a long time. The murders I have are usually pretty cut and dry.”
“Don’t tell me, you always find the perpetrator in 48-hours?” That show was the bane of her existence, convincing the public that solving murders was easy.
“How did you know?” He smirked. “I’ve been trying to find out information on who would have inherited old Dave’s
plot and I’ve formulated a potential theory.”
“What’s that?” Naya turned to face Atlas, closing her report, giving his idea her attention and allowing herself to digest what she’d read so she could go back with fresh eyes after.
“Well, our computer says that David Smith owns that land, right?”
“Yes.”
“And granted, the Denver Police Department isn’t always up to date, but what do we always upload in the system fairly promptly?”
A piece of the puzzle slid into place in Naya’s mind, she gasped. “Death certificates.”
“Exactly.” Atlas smiled. “But guess what is conveniently missing about David Smith?”
“And who would benefit from his death by not informing anyone?” She couldn’t believe they had missed it for this long.
“You got it, his good old neighbor and our infamous lone farmer, Benjamin Rodgers.”
Naya spun towards her computer, feeling like she should Google something, but not quite sure what. “I don’t think Benjamin Rodgers is our killer though.”
“I don’t think so either. According to the computer David Smith would be about ninety-six now, so it doesn’t surprise me much that he would be dead. But I do think that Rodgers has been secretly farming his land for years, and probably buried his body, convincing himself that David had no family. And maybe he didn’t, I didn’t know the guy.” He tapped his lip with his pen. “But what I do think happened is Ben realized he had told us too much, and that we would find out that David Smith was never reported dead, and he got spooked.”
“I agree.” Naya really hadn’t thought Rodgers was the killer in the first place, just that he had been hiding something. “Benjamin Rodgers doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to abduct physically fit women, and if we agree he isn’t involved just his land, do you think we should stop focusing on him?”
“Yes.” Atlas also turned towards his computer then looked at her over his right shoulder. “I’m not ruling out that something has happened to our friend Ben, but I think if anything he’s hiding out, and if something did happen to him, all I can think it would be is our actual killer, because he saw us talking to him and didn’t like it.”
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