by Leona Fox
They arrived at the store and rubbed their hands as they stepped out into the chilly air. The automatic doors slid open and the women breathed a sigh of relief as they stepped into the warmth. They chatted happily about something or other as they made their way to the wine section, but just as they rounded the corner by the Merlot, Ellen thrust out her hand and stopped Kelly. Kelly was about to yell at Ellen, but then saw the reason why she had been stopped. Standing in the middle of the aisle were two people Ellen hadn't imagined knew each other. Ellen glanced at Kelly, and in an unspoken agreement they crept back so only their heads were peering around the corner. In the aisle were Chris and Tilly, the man who had attacked Jack, and Jack's ex-girlfriend. Suddenly matters became much clearer. Ellen felt the thrill of discovery run through her veins as a few more puzzle pieces began appearing in her mind and falling into place.
“That's his ex-girlfriend, right?” Kelly spoke in a hushed whisper. Ellen nodded frantically.
“He's told me all about it. She was with him when he lost everything, and when he needed her most she abandoned him. But things didn't work out so well for her, either. He told me today actually she asked him for money recently. Can you imagine the gall of the woman?”
“It doesn't look like things have gotten any better for her,” Kelly remarked.
The two of them watched as Chris and Tilly spoke animatedly with each other. Tilly looked like a crazed woman. She was almost a decade older than Chris and seemed to be giving him a tongue-lashing. Her arms were flailing about and Chris looked as though he was going to explode. His powerful fists were clenched and his brow was furrowed as anger blazed in his eyes. But Tilly didn't seem to care. She looked like an old toy that had been left out in the rain, all bedraggled and unkempt. Her leather boots had holes in them where she had worn the heels down and her large jacket was stained with marks. Her skin was sallow and leathery, and it didn't do her looks any favors. Ellen remembered her from a few years ago when she was a pretty thing in a cruel way, for there never had been any kindness in her eyes. Now her hair had lost its luster and fell about her head in knotty curls; her eyes were bloodshot and her teeth were stained yellow. Her body once had been healthy and slender but now it was thin and bony. It was clear she hadn't dealt with hardship with the good grace that Jack had.
Ellen wished she could have been closer to hear what they were saying, but she had to comfort herself with reading their body language. Tilly pointed behind Chris. He turned around and looked up, his hulking frame almost as tall as the shelves in the shop. He reached up to bring down a case of beer, and as he did so Tilly's hungry eyes leered at his young, strong body. She had a look of desire in her eyes, but as soon as he turned around the look was gone. The dispute seemed to be over as Tilly checked over the case and nodded approvingly. Then she said something else to Chris, and the hulking man dug his hands into his pockets, pulled out a few dollars and counted them. Tilly stood close to him and counted them as well, and the two of them began walking toward Ellen and Kelly. The women pulled each other back and ducked into the other aisle, pressing themselves up against it to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible. As Tilly and Chris passed them, they were laughing. Ellen's eyes followed them as they went to the checkout and left the store.
“Well, well, well,” Ellen said, looking at Kelly and arching an eyebrow.
“I know what you're thinking but just because the two of them are together it doesn't mean there's anything nefarious going on. Stranger things have happened, you know, and what the two of them want to get up to on their own time is nobody's business but their own. I can't speak for Chris because I certainly don't see the appeal of Tilly but if they want to hang out together...it's a free country.”
“I don't think anything romantic is going on between them. She is attracted to him, that much is obvious, but she's keeping it a secret from him, or trying to at least. So I think she knows he doesn't feel the same way. And why would the two of them hang out together? Don't you think it's the least bit convenient that the two of them are together after her ex-boyfriend stole something from his mother? No, there's something fishy here and I'm going to find out what it is.”
They walked back around to the wine aisle and perused the selection.
“So you think they were celebrating something?” Kelly asked.
“I don't know what they were doing, but do you not think it strange that not too long ago Chris was flying off the handle, ready to do anything to bring the thief to justice, but here he is buying beer?”
“He's always been one to slalom between moods.”
“Yes he has, but there's something else there. Tomorrow is going to be very interesting indeed,” Ellen said, relishing the thought of going into action again.
While she loved the responsibilities and rigors of running a cafe, there was something about being involved in solving crimes that gave her an unmatched thrill, that made her feel alive.
“Are you and Andy okay, by the way?” Kelly said. The question caught Ellen off-guard.
“Of course, why do you ask?”
“There seemed to be some tension between the two of you earlier, that's all.”
“He just likes doing things his way and I like doing things my way.”
“I thought something would have happened between the two of you by now.”
“Some things just aren't meant to be, I suppose. We're good friends, and that's enough.”
“Is it?” Kelly challenged, and Ellen honestly didn't know how to answer that.
Part of her was used to being alone and valued Andy's friendship. But when she saw the couples outside holding hands, enjoying companionship, she wanted that and Andy was the only man with whom she could imagine being in that world of romance. There long had been an attraction between them but neither of them had made a move. It had been complicated by the fact they worked together, albeit in an unofficial capacity. Sometimes they did things that rubbed each other the wrong way and it was difficult to mix business with pleasure.
“I just think we have our own things to focus on. It can't be easy for him. I respect what he's trying to do and his method but sometimes I wish he used his feelings more.”
“He's got to worry about the law while we don't. We can afford the luxury of going by our instincts. If you were on the force you wouldn't be able to do what you do now. You feel lucky he's the chief and not that old fellow who was there before him. He never would have let anyone help him with the case.”
“That's true,” Ellen said with a weak smile.
“I'm sure something will happen between the two of you. If it's meant to be then it's meant to be,” Kelly said, trying to reassure her friend. But Ellen long ago had given up on the idea of fate or some cosmic force guiding her life.
She knew that if anything was going to happen with Andy then it would have to be because one, or both, of them made the effort. It had been so long since she even had entertained the idea of romance that she wasn't sure how to go about it. But that was something for another time because Jack needed her to be focused and she couldn't allow herself to be distracted. But, just as she was thinking that, and while Kelly picked out a bottle of wine, her phone rang. It was Andy. He didn't even say hello.
“I'm sorry. I tried to wait but there was too much pressure on me from above. I couldn't delay it any longer. We had the evidence and we had to get him. I had to arrest Jack.”
The color drained from Ellen's face and when Kelly looked at her she immediately knew what was wrong. Ellen hung up without saying a word to Andy.
“Put the bottle back, we're going to the police station.”
Chapter 5
Ellen and Kelly barely spoke a word on the drive to the police station. Ellen's heart festered with anger and betrayal. Andy had given her a day to prove Jack was innocent and he had gone back on his word. She wanted to say so many things to him but deep down she knew he was just doing his job and he had every right to arrest Jack. It once again reminded her th
e law wasn't always right or fair. Although she was in some essence a vigilante, she knew she was doing the right thing.
As soon as Kelly pulled up Ellen rushed out of the car and didn't wait for her friend. Kelly had to run up behind her to catch up, but Ellen was on a mission. She barged through the doors and found Andy waiting for them. He looked tired. His shoulders were slumped and there were bags under his eyes. Wearily, he rose from the desk and held up his hands but Ellen didn't give him a chance to apologize. She walked right up to him and spoke in a low tone, because she didn't want the other people in the lobby to hear.
“You said we had one day. You promised me one day to get this sorted out and then you turn around and do this?”
“Ellen, it's not like I did it on purpose. You have to understand there are procedures and I can't just bend the law whenever I want.”
“But you told me I had one day.”
“I know, and I wanted to give you one day but when I got back I saw some of the paperwork had been filed and things were already in motion. I couldn't stop it. I'm sorry, but I thought I should let you know as soon as possible. You have to understand that I can't base my investigations on your instincts all the time. The evidence was there; the facts speak for themselves. I have to work by the law.”
“Sometimes you forget the law is there to protect innocent people. This isn't right, Andy, and I don't appreciate you going back on your word like this,” she said, with genuine hurt and anger in her voice.
By now Kelly was by her side, trying to calm her down. Andy had a pained look on his face. He searched for the magic words that would make everything right but there were none that came to his mind.
“Where is he? I'll pay his bail,” Ellen said in a grim tone, and moved to the desk. Kelly gave Andy a sympathetic look.
“She'll come around, she knows you're just doing your job,” she said, but the words didn't seem to do anything to reassure Andy. Ellen came back, looking sullen.
“Can I talk to you in private?” Andy said, glancing at Kelly. Ellen folded her arms and tapped her foot on the ground.
“I suppose so,” she said. Andy led her through the station to a private room where they could be alone.
“I'm sorry for what's happened but you have to understand this is standard procedure. I know Jack is a friend of yours and I don't want to make this any harder than it is.”
“It's got nothing to do with the fact that he's a friend. It's got to do with the fact that he's innocent!” Ellen said, raising her voice, which evidently made Andy uncomfortable. He leaned over the table and let his head hang down.
“I know I have given you a lot of leeway in helping me but that doesn't mean you get to dictate police protocol. It may not be perfect but it's the system we have and, for the most part, it works. Jack's glasses were found at the crime scene. What more do you want me to do? I can't just ignore it because you tell me to. How is that going to look to my superiors? They've already questioned me about working with you and if I keep making decisions based on what you tell me I'll be out of a job.”
Ellen softened a little at that. “I didn't realize things were that bad.”
“It's okay. I can handle them,” Andy said drawing himself up to his full, impressive height again, “but you have to understand the position I'm in.”
“I do understand, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. It also doesn't mean you get a free pass for lying to me,” she said, still gritting her teeth. Andy was about to protest and say he wasn't really lying, but he knew if he did the argument never would end.
“I still don't understand why the glasses were there, though. He usually leaves them at the café. He's so careful with money now that it's not like he'd buy a second pair, and he never would be careless enough to leave them at the crime scene,” she said.
Although it was still in the tone of an intense discussion, Andy was relieved to be back talking about something productive.
“Can I see the picture again?” she asked.
Andy shrugged and pulled it out of the file he was carrying around. Ellen examined it. She looked at it closely and then something flashed across her face.
“I'll be back!” she cried as she flung the picture down on the table. It spun toward Andy, and he was left stunned.
Ellen ran out of the station and pulled Kelly's keys away. “Sorry, I just need to borrow your car for a bit, I'll be right back!” she said, leaving Kelly and Andy and everyone else in the station dumbfounded.
Ellen rushed back to the cafe, which was dark and closed. She cursed at Andy as well for the money she was missing out on due to the cafe closing early, but that was the least of her problems. She hastily opened the door and switched on the lights. Then Scampy came up yapping and leaped into her arms, so happy to see her. Often if she left the cafe to see Kelly she would leave Scampy there. She knew how much he liked being around the customers, and he had become her unofficial mascot. It brightened people’s days to see him as well, but in the haste of making their arrest the officers evidently had neglected to note Scampy had been left alone. It wasn’t a deadly mistake as he had enough food and water to survive for a while, but it irked Ellen nonetheless.
She rubbed Scampy's neck and the little dog twisted and writhed in her arms. Then she deposited him on the floor and started talking to him as she went to the back office. She remembered Jack had mentioned to her he had lost his glasses, so she went looking in the drawers and all around the office. Scampy seemed to be puzzled but he was excited to help. He enthusiastically nuzzled his nose beside her hands, making her palms all wet as she searched in every nook and cranny until she had found what she had been seeking. When her fingers curled around the frame of Jack's glasses she smiled in triumph and was sure she had just secured his release. Whatever Chris and Tilly had planned for Jack; Ellen was determined to stop them. If Andy was going to play by the rules then she would do the same. She would prove to him Jack didn't commit the crime, and didn't deserve to be locked up in jail. The glasses were horn-rimmed, slim, and looked a little dusty since they had been wedged behind the desk for what must have been days. She rubbed them vigorously with a cloth, and as she looked at them more closely there was something off about them, although she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Once they had been cleaned properly she pocketed them, slapped her thigh so Scampy would follow her, and then locked the cafe and went back to the police station.
When she returned the others looked at her, still dumbfounded. Scampy came bounding in and Kelly was about to ask where she had been when Ellen walked up to Andy with a smug look on her face and presented the glasses.
“Look, I found his glasses. See, the pair you found at the crime scene weren't even his!” she said in an incredulous tone.
She expected for Jack to be released right away. However, Andy looked nonplussed and had a pitying expression on his face.
“He could have more than one pair, Ellen,” he said, and Ellen huffed.
“Why are you so intent on condemning this man?” she asked, her eyes blazing with frustrated fury.
Andy glanced around at everyone present. Some of the other officers, who were busy doing paperwork, looked up even though they pretended not to be taking an interest. Andy tried to pull Ellen away to the private room again but this time she wasn't having it, and wouldn't budge.
“I'm not trying to condemn him I'm just trying to do my job. I don't know how I can make it any clearer to you. This isn't a witch hunt, nor is it an open session. So you can't come barging in here like this and make demands of me. If I need your help with a case I will come to you, not the other way around. That is how this is going to work,” he said. Kelly stepped forward, ready to break up the two of them in case it escalated.
Ellen was staring at Andy and the unresolved tension between them only made their stand-off more intense. Andy was holding the file in his hand, and when he folded his arms the picture of the glasses slipped out and fell to the floor. Ellen glanced toward it momentarily and
something about it caught her eye. She found herself down on the floor, picking it up. She stared at the picture and then back at the glasses, making sure what she could see was true. Then it became clear to her why she had found his glasses so strange.
“Look,” she said, presenting both the picture and the glasses to Andy.
“Yes, they're the same, so what?” Andy said.
“No, look closer,” Ellen said, and thrust them into his hands. Andy took them and looked at them side-by-side. Then he, too, saw what Ellen had seen.
“My God...” he said.
Kelly sidled up to them, wanting to be in on the action, too. When she saw what the other two were so shocked by she gasped as well. Having both the glasses and the picture of the glasses found at the crime scene side-by-side showed that, although they looked similar, they were actually different. Ellen quickly pulled up an image on her phone and showed the other two that the glasses in the picture were an old designer pair. There would have been no way for Jack to afford them. But Andy was still skeptical.
“He could have stolen them as well,” he said, even though he knew his logic was weak.
“Andy, he has special prescription lenses. Don't you see? And I have something else to tell you,” she said.
Ellen proceeded to tell him about how they had seen Chris and Tilly looking friendly at the store. Upon hearing this information Andy's demeanor instantly changed and he looked more thoughtful.
“That does seem to be an unlikely coincidence,” he said. “I'll look into it immediately as this could cast some new light on the investigation.”
“May I speak with Jack now?” Ellen asked.
“Of course,” Andy replied, and for the moment they parted ways cordially.
There still was some lingering bitterness left over from the way he had treated her, and Ellen was not one to forget that easily.