Becoming Forever (Waking Forever Series)

by McVea, Heather

  “Yes. Would you like to see it?” Delores got up, and took a pair of keys from her file cabinet, and unlocked the door.

  Ash followed her into the office, which was considerably smaller than Thad Rooney’s. With the large picture windows, though, the office had a decent view of the city’s skyline. “Has the office been locked since Mr. Garrett’s death?”

  Delores walked toward the mahogany desk at the center of the room. “Yes, but the custodial staff has keys; so I can’t say if they have been going in and out at night.”

  Ash nodded, and walked around the desk. She opened on several drawers, and was surprised none of them were locked. Then again, there wasn’t anything in the drawers except pens, and a few packs of Altoids. “Did you empty the desk?”

  Delores shook her head. “No. Mr. Garrett was very tidy, and the company encourages a paperless environment.”

  Ash shook her head. “So everything is on a server? Appointments, contacts?”

  “Yes. I can get you his contact list and his appointments.” Delores pulled a small touchscreen phone out of her pocket, and began typing. “What’s your email address, Detective Haines, and how far back would you like his calendar?”

  Ash liked Delores Reed. She seemed efficient and genuinely distraught over Paul Garrett’s death. She had interacted with assistants in the past that struggled to hide their relief at their boss’ demise. Evidently, in spite of being wound a little tight to Ash’s way of thinking, Paul was a nice man. “Here’s my card with the email address. Six months back will be fine.” Ash smiled at the older woman.

  “How are Jonas and Evelyn holding up?” Delores asked as she took the card.

  Ash wasn’t inclined to talk about other interested parties, but the question was asked innocently enough. “They are obviously upset.”

  “And Sara?” Delores slipped the phone and card into her side pant pocket.

  Ash shook her head. “I haven’t spoken with Ms. Glass yet, but since you bring her up, what was their relationship like?”

  Ash sat in the chair behind Paul’s desk, and opened her iPad up. Stylus in hand, she looked intently at Delores who sat down in the chair across the desk. “Sara is a very warm woman. I have only met her a few times over the years at firm dinners, holiday parties - you know the usual events.”

  Delores shifted in the narrow chair, her wide hips rubbing against the arms. “But I got the impression over the past few months they weren’t seeing much of each other, or at least not exclusively.”

  Ash’s eyebrow shot up as she wrote. “Why do you say that?”

  “Mr. Garrett had appointments on his calendar after hours with a woman named Michelle. I assumed they weren’t professional since they were for the Majestic Theatre and numerous restaurants.”

  Ash nodded. “Can you please make sure Michelle’s contact information is included in the information you send me?”

  “Mr. Garrett never input that information on his work phone or email list.” Delores said apologetically. “Another reason I assumed she was a personal acquaintance.”

  Ash frowned, and wondered if Paul was cheating on Sara Glass. Maybe this was a love triangle with a horrific outcome. “Okay, Ms. Reed. I’ll look for the requested information by end of business today?” Ash got up and put her stylus back in her jacket pocket.

  Delores stood. “I’ve already sent it to you, detective.”

  Very efficient. “Thank you, Ms. Reed. Now I would like to talk with a few of Mr. Garrett’s co-workers. Who’s in the office across the hall, and the one next door?”

  “Andrew Raymond is across the hall, and the office next door has been vacant for nearly a year.” Delores walked toward the door.

  “Perfect. Can you have Mr. Raymond join me, please?” Ash asked.

  Delores nodded, and left the office. Ash leaned back in the chair and looked around the space. It was spotless, and had no touches of personalization that might give her insight into Paul’s attitudes or habits. Except the fact he spent his days in a room he hadn’t cared, or thought enough of to decorate with anything relevant to who he was, said a lot about the man.

  “Detective Haines.” Ash looked up to see a short, broad shouldered Caucasian man in a badly sized suit with thinning brown hair walking toward her. “I’m Andrew Raymond.” He reached across the desk and vigorously shook Ash’s outstretched hand. He then moved his eyes down to her breasts and then back up again quickly.

  Ash exhaled, and sat back down. “Have a seat, Mr. Raymond.”

  “Please call me Andrew.” The short man crossed his legs as he sat.

  Ash managed a weak smile. “Thank you. How closely did you work with Mr. Garrett?”

  “Oh Paul and I were pretty good buddies. Nothing too involved, occasional Spurs game, drinks - that sort of thing.” Andrew gave Ash an exaggerated smile, revealing overly white teeth.

  “Any idea who might have done this, Mr. Raymond?” Ash knew continuing to use his last name was petty, but she wasn’t interested in anything informal with this man.”

  Andrew hesitated. “Detective, please - Andrew.” Another cheesy grin. “I don’t have a clue, and can’t imagine it was anyone Paul or I would have known.”

  Ash made a quick note on her iPad. “Did you ever meet Sara Glass?”

  Andrew nodded, a smug look crossing his face. “I have had the pleasure. I think at last year’s Christmas party.” He shifted slightly in the chair. “Beautiful woman.”

  Ash’s eyebrow arched as she looked up at Andrew. “What about Michelle?”

  The man frowned. “Michelle? Hmmm.” He looked toward the ceiling. “Yes. I ran into her and Paul at the Palm downtown a few weeks ago.”

  Ash was suddenly interested. “Do you happen to know her last name, or know where she works?”

  Andrew shook his head. “Sorry. It was a brief exchange.”

  “And where were you last Thursday?” Ash glanced up at the man.

  “On a date, detective. My assistant can get you her info.” He winked at Ash.

  Ash sighed, and exited out of her memo. “Fine, Mr. Raymond. If you remember anything else, please give me a call.” She handed him her card.

  Andrew took the card, and studied it for a few seconds. “Any objections to me calling you even if I can’t remember anything else?”

  Ash forced a thin lipped grin. “The objections would be too numerous to count.”

  The man’s exaggerated grin faded immediately, and Ash thought she might have heard his ego deflating. “Oh, I -”

  Ash stood and walked around the desk toward the door. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Raymond.” Not waiting for a response, Ash left the office.

  ***

  Like her boyfriend, it was clear Sara Glass made a comfortable living. After being asked twenty questions by the doorman, Ash had been permitted access to the resident’s elevator. The high rise the attorney lived in was notoriously expensive in a city where a new large four bedroom house only cost a quarter of a million dollars. The Broadway offered fantastic views of the city, and every amenity money could buy, but from what Ash had read in the local paper, a one bedroom could set you back nearly half a million dollars.

  Ash had intentionally not called ahead to request an interview with Sara. She had found giving people little to no time to prepare their answers, or form preconceived notions about the interview process, provided for more candid answers.

  The hallway from the elevator to Sara’s condominium was carpeted with thick, beige wool Berber style carpet. The pine colored trim that ran throughout the hall complimented the expensive carpet, as did the numerous prints and paintings strategically placed along the walls. Looking at the stainless steel and glass wall sconces, Ash was certain she couldn’t afford to live in Sara Glass’ hallway.

  Ash pressed the doorbell button, then straightened her gray jacket as she waited. The woman who opened the door was not what Ash had expected. Where the Broadway verged on pretentious by San Antonio standards, Sara Glass was entirely
unassuming in her appearance. She was in her early thirties, with blonde hair pulled back in a loose knot at the base of her long neck. She had a slight tan, clear blue eyes, and was wearing a pair of faded Levi’s jeans and a gray scoop neck t-shirt.

  Sara was attractive, and the genuine smile she offered Ash only added to her appeal.

  “Ms. Sara Glass?” Ash asked as she reached for her badge and photo ID.

  “Yes. Detective Haines?” Sara continued to smile as she glanced at Ash’s photo.

  “May I come in? I was hoping to talk with you about Paul Garrett.” Ash clipped her badge back on her belt.

  Sara stepped to the side. “Yes. Please come in.”

  Ash walked past Sara. “I appreciate you taking the time. I won’t keep you too long.” The condominium had high ceilings with floor to ceiling windows that provided a perfect view of downtown San Antonio. The floors were brilliantly polished hardwood floors that were accented with a myriad of rugs.

  Sara gestured toward the living room, which was decorated with a casual overstuffed sofa and two chairs. “No trouble at all. Please have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”

  Shaking her head, Ash walked toward the sofa. “I’m good. Thanks.” As she went to sit down, Ash saw movement out of the corner of her eye.

  Turning her attentions toward the kitchen, her breath caught as a beautiful woman with chestnut brown hair, flawless skin and the most brilliant green eyes Ash had ever seen came around the corner. The woman crossed the room toward Ash with her hand outstretched.

  “Hello. I’m Rachel Collins.” Ash took the woman’s hand, and immediately thought of Emma Atman. Rachel’s hand was unnaturally cold and smooth. Ash tilted her head and glanced down at Rachel’s hand.

  “Detective Haines.” As Rachel released her hand, Ash sat on the sofa. Rachel sat in the chair directly across from her, and Sara sat in the Parisian style leather chair nearest to Rachel.

  Ash automatically flipped open the cover of her iPad she was carrying, and pulled a stylus from her jacket pocket. “Most importantly, Ms. Glass, let me tell you how sorry I am about Mr. Garrett. I understand from talking with his parents and several of his co-workers, the two of you had been seeing one another for over three years. I know this is very difficult.”

  Ash watched Sara as she subtly shifted her shoulders and a frown formed on her perfect lips. “Thank you. Paul and I had recently stopped seeing one another, but it had been amicable.”

  Ash wasn’t surprised. It seemed obvious from talking with Paul’s co-worker Andrew Raymond that Paul was at least seeing someone else.

  The only question Ash had, Sara had just answered. Paul wasn’t stepping out on Sara, which meant Ash needed to find this Michelle woman. “How long ago was the breakup?”

  “A few months.” Sara placed her hands in her lap as she crossed her legs.

  “Ms. Collins?” Ash looked up from her notes to see Rachel looking directly at her. Ash’s heart beat got louder in her ears, and she hoped she wasn’t blushing. The woman was beautiful to the point of distraction. Clearing her throat, Ash continued. “How do you know Ms. Glass?”

  “Very well, I should imagine.” Rachel smiled. “Sara and I are dating.”

  Lucky lawyer. Ash thought as she noted the relationship on her iPad. “Forgive the personal question, Ms. Glass, but were the two of you seeing each other before or after you broke up with Mr. Garrett?”

  Sara smiled. “Rachel and I were friends while Paul and I were dating, then after the breakup…” Sara reached for Rachel’s hand. “We started seeing each other.”

  “Where were you last Thursday night, Ms. Glass?” Ash had intentionally stopped taking notes, and was carefully watching both Sara and Rachel’s body language as Sara responded to what was in essence an alibi question.

  Sara glanced up at the ceiling and then over at Rachel. “Rach, we were here all evening, yes?”

  Rachel nodded. “Except around nine. We went for a run and got back a little after ten.”

  “Hmmm. That’s right. Low-key evening. We went through our backlog of American Idol on the DVR.” Sara smiled.

  The lawyer was nervous about something, but no more than Ash would expect given the reason for her visit. “So you two were together the entire night?” Ash looked directly at Rachel.

  “Yes.” Rachel nodded without hesitation.

  Turning her attention back to Sara, Ash asked her several generic questions about where she worked, where she was from, how long she had lived in San Antonio, contact phone numbers, but it was the last question that Ash could see took Sara by surprise. “Ms. Glass, was Mr. Garrett seeing anyone, or do you have any idea who might have done this?”

  Sara’s breath caught, she shifted in the chair and brushed imaginary lint from her jeans. Tears threatened to spill from her blue eyes. Ash felt her throat tighten. For all her calmness and politeness, was Sara Glass about to become one of Cris’ hysterical women?

  Never one to shy away from awkward situations, Ash restated the question. “Ms. Glass, can you think of someone?”

  Sara cleared her throat as Rachel slid her hand over Sara’s. “Love? You okay?”

  Sara wiped at the tears running down her face. “Yeah. Sorry, it just hit me. Paul’s gone.” Rachel got up and walked into the kitchen, returning with a box of tissue that she handed to Sara. Rachel sat on the arm of Sara’s chair, and took Sara’s hand in between both of hers.

  Ash watched the two women interact. They clearly cared for one another. “I’m sorry. I know this is very hard, but if you can think of anyone that would do something like this, it could really help.” Ash leaned forward, placing her iPad on the sofa next to her.

  Sara sighed heavily and looked up at Rachel. “Christ, I hope I don’t know anyone that could do this.” Ash thought that was one of the more honest answers she had ever heard. No sane person wanted to imagine they knew an animal that was capable of the brutality inflicted on Paul Garrett. “And I don’t know if he was seeing anyone.”

  Ash stood, putting the stylus back in her jacket pocket and picking up the iPad. She pulled yet another business card from the cover of the iPad. “Here’s my card, Ms. Glass. If you think of anything else, please give me a call, or shoot me an email.”

  Sara got up from the chair. “I will. Let me show you out, detective.”

  Rachel was following behind the two women when Ash thought, I may as well kill two birds with one stone. Maintain contact with an individual that may help with the case, and if things don’t work out between Ms. Collins and Ms. Glass, perhaps a future date.

  Ash stopped suddenly and turned to face Rachel. “Ms. Collins. Here’s a card as well.” Ash’s heart beat increased, and she could feel the heat surge to her face under the intense gaze of this remarkably beautiful woman. “If you think of anything – ah, call me.”

  “Absolutely, detective.” Rachel took the card as Sara opened the front door.

  “Thank you both.” Ash shook Rachel’s cold hand, and then in contrast, Sara’s very warm hand as she left the apartment.

  Once in the hallway, Ash let out a deep breath as she walked toward the elevator.

  Christ, you’re smooth, Haines. Leaning her head against the wood trim around the elevator, Ash closed her eyes. I need to get laid when a complete stranger - who has a girlfriend - renders me nearly useless.

  Ash got on the elevator and pressed the lobby button. She did manage to derive from the interview that Sara Glass was hiding something. Ash wasn’t sure what, but she doubted the attorney had any part in Paul’s murder. Exiting the elevator, it was perfectly clear that the only lead Ash had was Michelle. A faceless, practically nameless woman who may very well have been the last person to see Paul Garrett alive.

  ***

  Ash looked around the crowded IHOP for Cris. They had talked briefly throughout the day, and had agreed to meet at the restaurant to debrief on the interviews for the day. Spotting her partner in a booth near the back of the restaurant, Ash walke
d toward him.

  “Yo.” Cris waved Ash over as he took a sip of what Ash knew was at least his fifth cup of coffee for the day.

  Sliding into the booth across from Cris, Ash took her iPad out and brought up the memo screen. “Hey partner.”

  Cris waved the waitress over. “Have you eaten?”

  Ash nodded. “I had a protein bar in between Garrett’s office and the ex-girlfriend’s.”

  “So you had a snack?” Cris looked suspiciously at Ash.

  Ash shook her head. “Well, Dad, you asked if I had eaten, and I did.”

  Cris’ expression went blank. “Are you making another age joke at my expense?”

  Ash knew better than to fall for his fake hurt feelings. “Yep.”

  Cris smiled. “Clever.”

  The waitress, whose name tag read Pat, stood next to the table and handed Ash a laminated menu. “Something to drink?”

  Ash glanced at the menu. “Ah, water. And some extra dark white toast with butter, please.”

  Pat took the menu from Ash and walked away. Ash turned her attention back to Cris who was staring at her out of the top of his eyes. “Toast and water?”

  “What? I told you I ate.” Ash ran her index finger across the touch screen of the iPad until she found her notes from the Sara Glass interview.

  Cris shook his head. “Okay then, just don’t take your low blood sugar out on me.”

  Ash tilted her head to the left and then back to the right, trying to release some of the tension in her shoulders. “Do you want to do this or not?”

  Cris nodded as he thumbed through his red Mead notepad. “Absolutely. I have nothing on the travelling companions. Group of WASPs that went out to Vegas a couple times a year with Garrett. All have solid alibis for the night of the murder, and no ideas who could have done it.”

  Cris took a drink from his nearly empty coffee cup. “One guy -” Cris flipped a page on the notepad. “Greg. He said Garrett was dating around, and that your girl Sara wasn’t his main squeeze.”