“Nope. Not a one.”
“Restarting is always a sure bet.” CtryGeek23 shifted his eyes and scanned the coffee house. Everyone seemed to be in their own world. “The letters on your uniform, they’re similar to my sister’s. She attended the Academy of Music.”
“That’s the school I go to!”
“Where are all your friends that you were with the other day?”
“They’re boobs. One of them was supposed to be my ride. Now I’m stranded waiting for a cab.”
“It’ll be a while before one arrives. It’s pretty nasty out. If you want, I could give you a ride?”
“No thanks. I’m gonna wait here for my cab.”
“Are you sure? I live twelve minutes from the university.”
“Really, I’m good.”
CtryGeek23 nodded. “Well, best of luck.” You fucking cunt.
Annoyed by the immediate rejection, CtryGeek23 turned and left quickly through the doors. Once outside, he unlocked his vehicle and was soon in the front seat, revving the engine.
A few moments later, Nadia came out of the building and ran toward him. “Wait!”
It’s too late. You’ve ruined my desire to see if you had what it took to be my Sarah. Go away.
He rolled down his window as Nadia reached the car. “Need something?”
“Can I still get that ride?”
“Get in!”
Nadia walked slowly around the rear of the truck as if she had second thoughts. She typed something on her phone and hopped inside. “Thanks. You sure you don’t mind?”
“I promise.” He threw the gear shift into reverse, backed out and drove out of the parking lot.
Chapter 26
November 25, 6:10 a.m.
Sweat covered Lily’s brow and the front of her hot pink spandex suit while jazz music blared in her ears, blocking out the rest of the world.
Her feet pounded the treadmill.
Fast and hard.
Every few minutes she would crank up the speed, pushing beyond her normal workout, as if doing so would help her elude the chaos and the hypocrites plotting to pull her under like the rushing currents of Rock River.
“Babe, telephone,” Julius shouted, entering with the cordless phone in his hand.
Without slowing down, she removed one earbud from her ear. “Tell whoever it is that I’ll call them back.”
“It’s Evan. He claims it’s important.”
Lily shut down the treadmill, jumping off before the machine came to a complete stop. She grabbed the phone from Julius. “What’s wrong?”
“Have you seen the news lately?” Evan asked.
“No. Why?”
“Turn to channel twelve.”
She clutched the remote and turned the TV on. Pictures of the women she’d come to know through their tragedy, along with a face she’d never seen before, flashed on the screen.
Her finger leaned on the volume button as she advanced in the direction of the TV.
“The discovery of Nadia Camden late last night, almost four weeks to the day of the County Road K murders, has the citizens demanding that the police do their job and find the person responsible for these crimes.
“As for the pending charges related to the murders of Tanya O’Neal and Samantha Bernard, the police are not willing to provide any details. But a source has revealed that Thomas Sanchez, who has been arrested in connection to the slayings, will not be charged with first degree murder.
“Sanchez, whose brother shot and wounded Detective Morgan Danvers, will be in court again on Monday. Bail has been granted and he’ll be placed on home monitoring until a final decision is made in the case.”
“Have the police confirmed whether this is the work of a copycat?” the anchorman asked.
“No. In fact, it is one of the questions they will not answer. Detective Blanchette could not be reached for comment.”
Lily shut off the television. “Have you heard from anyone?”
“No. I tried calling Sarge, but there’s no answer.”
“Where’s Alec?”
“With me.”
“Can you guys head over here?” Lily toweled off her face and neck.
“We’re on our way.”
Lily hung up the phone, handed it to him and glared at her husband.
“None of that came from me,” Julius said.
“You’re in charge of the story. Who did it come from?”
“I can’t tell you that.”
“Is it true that they’ve been trying to reach me?”
“Yes. They called your cell last night after you got back from your mom’s and then a few more times while you were in the shower this morning. I didn’t answer your phone; I put it on silent.”
Lily quickly went to her purse and dug out her cellphone. “You should’ve told me.” She scanned the call log.
Four missed calls.
“You’re no longer working the case and you were upset with Deena, I figured it’d be okay,” Julius said.
He was only trying to protect me. If I don’t back off, I might push him away. I need him. He’s the only member of my family left that I can trust.
“You’ve been going through hell lately.” Julius reached for her hand. “I was trying to help. You busted your ass on this case and they turn around and kick you on down the road.”
Lily softened at Julius’s words. She placed the remote on the table and handed Julius back the phone. “Thanks.”
“Evan’s coming over?”
“With Alec. What time are you leaving for your hunting trip with your Dad?”
Julius brought Lily into his arms and hugged her tight. “In an hour. But after what happened, I think I’ll cancel.”
“No. I’ll be fine. Besides it’s your bonding time with your dad.”
“Yeah. It’s the only thing we both can agree on.”
“He’s lonely.”
“He’s getting grouchier.”
“Give him a break.” Lily thought about the time she wished she had with her dad and rested her head on Julius’ shoulder. “You never know, this could be his last trip, and then you’ll beat yourself up for not pacifying your father in his old age.”
Julius kissed her lovingly on the lips. “You’re right.”
“And just think—you’ll have a trophy to hang in your new workshop.”
“I’ll be back on Monday, except I won’t be here for the reading of the will. When I return, I’ve gotta make sure Daddy is settled in. Then check to see if Mama needs anything. Not sure how long it’ll take this time. Is that okay?”
Lily dropped her head and closed her eyes. Although she understood that her husband needed to take care of his parents, she would have preferred for him to be with her at the reading of the will. “You do what you need to do.”
“Also, my awards banquet is the same night.”
“I’ll be ready.”
The corners of Julius mouth turned up. “Are you ready to throw a small dinner in our home?”
“Are you serious?” She tossed her towel on the bed. “Who’d we invite?”
“Your friends and I’ll invite some of the people I work with. It can be a welcome home party for Morgan, even though she hates my guts.”
“Then why do it?”
“I’m doing it for you. It’s not easy, putting my neck out there for someone who wishes you were with your ex.”
“Stop.”
Julius put his hands up. “I get it. I’m working on a clean slate between your friends and me. I’ll do all of the cooking.”
Breathless, Lily jumped into his arms, wrapped her legs around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. She exhaled. To hear that her husband was willing to bring everyone together for her sake was a relief. “Morgan’s supposed to be released soon…But I’d have to see if it’s something she wants.”
“Good. Then it’s done. We’ll figure out schedules and put something together.” He patted Lily on the rear. “I’ve gotta get going.”
She climbed down and watched as he grabbed his duffel bag. “Be careful.”
“Ditto, Babe.”
As Julius left the room, Lily looked down at her phone. Damn! What did I overlook? If Sanchez is only responsible for Penny Wenword, then it means he’s working with someone.
My only witness for the Wenword murder is dead. And the one who can provide answers is getting away with murder and may only be charged as an accessory.
Lily pushed Montejack’s number on speed dial. After three rings, the answering machine came on. “Please call me,” she said and clicked off her phone.
She had to tie up the loose ends surrounding this case, so she could solve it. Even if it meant playing nice and making up her own rules.
*
7:43 a.m.
As the doorbell chimed the Westminster tune, Lily descended the stairs. About midway, she saw a familiar face peering inside through the beveled glass.
When Lily opened the door, Alec walked in and said, “Hey, Bonnie.”
“Are you going to get over that?”
“Never.” He headed further into the house.
Evan stepped up to the doorway and gave her a manila folder. “It’s a brief summary on our latest victim. Sarge summoned me and told me to make sure you get this.”
Lily flipped the folder open.
“Notifications have been made,” Evan stated. “Also, a cellphone was found buried between the cloths you recovered, which are identical to the ones found on the victims. Problem with the cloths is anyone can buy them.
“The phone is missing its SIM card. It’s a throw away phone from Lightning Wireless. Detective Keys is checking serial numbers to see what she can find.”
“You need that SIM card. It might have pictures stored on it,” Lily said.
Evan pushed open the door and entered the house. “The warrants for the cellphone records are on Owen’s desk.”
Alec flopped down on the couch. “Welcome back.”
“I don’t understand,” Lily said.
“IA has their hands full about Martinez,” Evan said. “Sanchez already had his initial appearance and has been charged with felony menacing and as an accessory. Your ‘special vacation,’ is the least of Owen’s worries. This looks bad. The Mayor is in an uproar.”
“Morgan’s leaving for Pennsylvania tomorrow and I’m going to help her parents pack up her apartment.”
Alec’s expression sobered. “I didn’t know she was going back home.”
Lily inched a step back and put the file on the small table by the door. “She’s going back for physical therapy. Anyway, guys, I’ll meet you back at the station after that. If something happens before then, call me.”
“Can I see you in the other room?” Evan asked.
“Don’t worry about me,” Alec said, stretching out on the couch.
Evan cupped Lily’s elbow and guided her into the dining room. “We’re going to finish our talk.”
Lily stopped short of the table and looked up at the man who was once the love of her life. “Fine. Let’s do this. And after this, there can’t be another word about our past, ever again.”
“Do you remember when we were trying for a baby?”
Having a baby was something Lily had wanted more than anything during their relationship. And after Evan had proposed to her, she believed her dream was coming true--until the man she had dedicated three years of her life to called off their engagement. Why is Evan bringing that up? “Yes.”
“There’s an issue with me. I’m the reason we couldn’t conceive.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
Lily searched Evan’s eyes. “What are you not telling me?”
Evan took Lily by the hand. “I was diagnosed with stage one testicular cancer. I had surgery and now the doctors are watching me closely. But I go in for a CT scan every three months.”
Lily gave Evan’s hand a firm squeeze. She wanted to be angry with him, but didn’t have the energy to argue with him. I love you, Evan.
“Did you think about what I wanted? I was your fiancée. I would’ve taken care of you.”
“I know that. But you had just found out about Celine. I didn’t know what to do.”
A brief silence fell between Lily and Evan as Alec entered the dining room.
“Are you still interested in me?” Evan asked.
Lily thought a moment before answering. “Yes, I am. But I won’t cheat.”
“I’m not asking you to cheat. I want you to leave him.”
Lily’s thoughts were jumbled like a pile of clothes tossed down a flight of stairs.
She wanted to leap into Evan’s arms and kiss him like she used to when they were
together. And at the same time, she wanted to slap him for breaking her heart. “We have a case to get through first. Anything about us will need to be tabled until then.”
Evan smiled. “That’s fair.” He followed Alec toward the door and turned to face Lily. “I love you.”
Lily didn’t respond. Instead, she watched Evan leave the house, closing the door behind him.
Chapter 27
10:01 a.m.
Julius pulled up in front of his father’s house and honked. He reached inside one of the sporting goods bags for the new blaze orange hunting jacket he had promised Dad and placed it in the front seat.
Julius knew that at least once a year, for their trip up north, he could bank on a spirited conversation with his father to smooth over the rough spots in their relationship. Hunting had become their safety net.
As Grant set out the hunting gear on the porch, Julius dashed out of his vehicle and began loading the stuff into the bed of the pick-up. Ten minutes later, they were on their way.
“You know, Son, we needed this trip.”
A pressure wave from a passing semi buffeted the pick-up.
“Yes.”
“I remember when you shot your first deer. Not just any deer, but a ten point buck. You were so excited that you couldn’t wait to tell your mother, so you called her before you went to bed that night,” Grant said, chuckling.
Julius smiled. “Yeah, I remember.”
Short bursts of happy conversations punctuated the remainder of the trip while Grant fussed about a topic on talk radio. As night crept in, they reached Oconto.
Soon, Julius steadied his truck on the narrow road that led to their property. The reflective painted fire number marked the entrance to the dirt driveway. The darkness swallowed their headlights, which led them up to their small cabin.
The vastness of the isolated wooded lot was the perfect place for hunting.
Julius came to a stop and shut off the engine.
“I’ve gotta find a set of candles. Your mom used to buy them by the armful,” Grant said, opening the passenger door.
Julius sighed. “I’ll gather wood from the shed.”
They followed their routine and in less than three hours, they were settled into the cabin.
Grant broke the seal on a bottle of whiskey, filled a tumbler with ice and poured himself a drink. He took a couple of guzzles and refilled his glass.
“I think that’s everything,” Julius said, sitting on the arm of the couch.
Forlorn, Grant sat down in a beat up rocking chair next to his son. He stared intently into the fire and said, “God’s punishing me for not having a better handle on your mom.”
“We’re here to have a good time. Not to bring up the past”
“I should’ve known. I think I did, but it was easier to just live in denial.”
Julius cracked his knuckles. He kneeled down, removed the fireplace screen and jabbed at the two logs on the cast iron grate. “It’s getting late.”
Grant pushed off the floor with his foot, rocking gently in the chair. “That night you came to me made me angry. Because the look on your face told me it had to be true.”
The crackling of the fire pierced the eerie quiet that had settled between father and son.
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Julius stood and wiped away the thin layer of dust that had collected along the antlers of a mounted deer head attached to an oak shield.
This wasn’t what he wanted. He’d wanted a quiet weekend with his father, away from the vile visuals that slithered inside the walls of the Willer home, like a serpent waiting to poison its next emotional victim. His heart pounded. “I want you to stop talking crazy. Mom was sick. I understand that now. She’s trying to get better and I’ve forgiven her for it. It’s time for you to move on. I have.”
Grant continued rocking slowly in the chair. “You got help. I didn’t. I didn’t want it if it meant reliving the misery all over again.”
Julius charged over, pressing his weight against the chair to keep it from rocking. “What will it take to shut you up?” he asked, his chest heaving.
“You don’t frighten me, Julius,” Grant said in a flat tone. “My fear died years ago when your mother was hauled out of our home in handcuffs.”
“What’s your point?”
“The abuse we both suffered at her hands was despicable.”
Julius threw his hands up and said, “There’s no way I’m going to stick around and continue listening to you.”
Grant shot up out his chair, placing him toe to toe with Julius. “You damn well better listen, son. Your time’s running out. It won’t be long before that pretty little wife of yours learns about the real man she married. Or worse yet, why you married her. Tell her about your mama.”
“I told her before we got married.”
“Tell her the whole story.
“I’m a changed man.”
Grant chuckled and sat back down. “Your past is going to catch up to you. Tell her soon before somebody else does.”
*
10:25 a.m.
Morgan pitched eating utensils and plastic containers into the trashcan and slammed the drawer. She wheeled herself over to the other drawers and continued tossing whatever she could get her hands on into the trash.
“What’s going on now?” Mrs. Danvers asked, walking into the kitchen.
“I’m packing.” Morgan rolled around her mom, out of the kitchen and into her sparsely decorated living room.
She panned the best room in her condo, the one with the glass view of the Rock River and security system located just on the border, crossing into the town of Milton. The one couch, art deco lamps and table set wasn’t much, but after having it in layaway for ten months before she could buy them, they had allowed her to enjoy something that was all hers.
Promised Lies (A Detective Blanchette Mystery) Page 18