Stone's Mistake

by Adrian J. Smith

  She turned off the oven alarm to silence its inane beeping. It didn’t take her long to find Mandy’s wallet. She flipped through it. Amanda Caprese, age, thirty-two. She was much younger than Lollie’s norm as well. Morgan must have pushed her to try something new, to step out of her routine and comfort zone. That meant her profile was no longer necessarily the best way to find Lollie.

  When her phone rang, she saw the local number and answered it. “Special Agent Stone.”

  “Did you find her?”

  Morgan’s heart clenched. She spun in a circle, her gaze looking widely for Pax. When she saw him, she waved him over with a finger over her lips. Putting the phone on speaker, Morgan stared down at the number.

  “Did we find who, Lollie?”

  “My last girlfriend.”

  Morgan licked her lips. “I did. I did find her. She seems to not be in a great state after you left.”

  Pax took down the number and made a call. She knew he was having the number traced.

  “You didn’t have to do that, Lollie. You could have just left.”

  “She knew. What else could I do? She’d find you, and you’d take her from me.”

  “Lollie. I don’t even know what to say to you anymore.”

  “Don’t say anything. Just stop looking for me.”

  “You know I can’t.” Morgan stared at the kitchen window, bouncing in her shoes. “You know I have to keep searching for you. I have to find you.”

  “Then find me. But know this, Morgan, if you find me, I will make sure we have a proper break up. I need the closure.”

  When Morgan turned around, Pax was in the doorway, staring at her. She swallowed. “I’ll see you soon, Lollie.”

  “It wasn’t long enough,” Pax said after listening to his phone for another minute. “If the phone is still on, we may have some luck, but that depends where she’s going.”

  “She was in a car, that’s for sure. She has Mandy’s phone.”

  “We’ll get her, Stone. You have to be patient.”

  She glared. “You know how I feel about being patient, and you know how I feel about this case.”

  Stalking out of the kitchen, she went back to the murder scene to re-evaluate her profile. Lollie was feeling backed into a corner, chased, and it was making her more violent, less careful. It was less about the hunt for love, and it was turning into revenge. Blowing out a breath, Morgan headed outside to get some air. She needed a moment to think, to center herself.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Lollie had thrown the phone out on the highway after taking the battery out and smashing it. She ditched her car in Billings and stole another one. Then she switched plates with a third vehicle in Sheridan, Wyoming. She drove through the night, following all the speed limits and taking deep breaths of meditation.

  She had been far too angry the last few days. It was the one emotion that seemed to be able to grab her and take her on a ride. Mandy was done. That hadn’t been a good start anyway, but it was fun while it lasted. Morgan, however, she was still hung up on her. No matter how hard Lollie tried to push Morgan from her mind and from her heart, she couldn’t.

  Morgan was everything that every other woman she had met was not. She was strong, generous, and loving even when they were arguing. And they were in a doozy of a fight now. She turned off the highway on the north side of Casper. It had been six hours of driving not including her random stops to switch vehicles. With a sigh, she drove around town until she found downtown and parked on the side of the street.

  She stretched her back, closed her eyes, and debated what she was going to do. Morgan was an FBI agent. How she had not figured that out before was shocking. They hadn’t talked much about their lives in general. There were a few things here and there about stuff when they were growing up, but most of their time together—especially toward the end of their relationship—had been physical.

  It made sense, though. Morgan had followed her from Chicago, where she’d likely been assigned the case. She’d probably been in St. Louis at some point and because she’d used Samantha’s card in Seattle, Morgan had known to go there. She’d said she was there for work but hadn’t elaborated what that work was. Rubbing the bridge of her nose, Lollie looked out her window at the streets filling with people. There must be some event or something going on.

  Getting out of her car, Lollie threw on the jacket she’d taken from Mandy’s house and hunched down against the cold air. It was New Year’s Eve, so surely that’s what everyone was getting ready to celebrate. They were all walking toward one central point. Lollie wandered along, curious as to what everyone was doing and where they were going.

  Lollie made her way, stopping when she saw the bright lights of a glorious coffee shop. She hadn’t had any that day, and it beckoned to her. Leaving the throng of people, Lollie stepped into the warm coffee shop and shuddered as the heat hit her cheeks. It smelled glorious inside. She walked up to the counter, waited in the line, and looked around the cafe.

  There were tables and chairs strewn about, people of all sorts sitting and drinking coffee. Cowboys, hippies, artists, college students. Lollie settled in. It was nice to see the diversity in a place where she didn’t think she would find it. Maybe this could be where she found love, found someone other than Morgan. She’d have to change herself. She’d have to become someone other than Lollie Jasper.

  Her plan formed in her head. She would have to find someone who looked like her. It wouldn’t be that hard. She wasn’t anyone special. She wasn’t someone who stood out in a crowd, that was for sure. As soon as she stepped up to the counter, Lollie smiled at the barista and made her order. It didn’t take long for her drink to be ready, and she sat down in the back of the room, sipping at the steaming liquid. It was heavenly on such a cold evening.

  It was still early enough that she could find someone who would take her in, who would be perfect for assuming an identity. She kept her gaze on those around her, looking, analyzing, perfecting, and judging those who walked by, who stopped for a drink.

  There were a couple women she made eye contact with and smiled at them to test and see if they would be interested. She didn’t find the instant connection with any of them that she was looking for. Certainly none who matched Morgan’s caliber. She was about to leave, when a new barista came in, rushing in the door and swinging her apron over her waist.

  She must be late. Rubbing her lips together, Lollie took the last sip of her coffee and watched carefully as the young, petite woman clocked in and stood behind the counter. She could work. Petite brunette. She had short hair, unlike Lollie, but that wouldn’t be too bad. Lollie could cut her hair and grow it back out. She had to get a closer look.

  She dropped her paper cup in the trash and went to into the line for another one. It wasn’t long until she was at the front. The woman smiled at her. “What can I get for you today?”

  Lollie smiled back, softening her features to try and come off as over-friendly and bubbly. “I’d love another coffee. The last one I had was amazing, and I need the pick me up.”

  “Rough day?”

  “Rough week.”

  “I get that.” The woman chuckled. “What’d you have?”

  Lollie ordered the same drink again, all the while flirting with the barista. She was cute. Even if she didn’t end up in a relationship with her, she would be useful. Lollie sat at the table she was previously at and waited. She ordered another coffee and a muffin after an hour. Every time it was slow, she’d make her way over to the barista and chat her up or she would watch as the barista came to her to talk.

  When it was no doubt close to closing time, Lollie finished her food and drink. She stood up and wandered to the counter, leaning over it as she waited for her little barista to pop up.

  “So you said there’s a big shindig downtown tonight?”

  “Yeah, First Night. It’s the only reason we’re still open, honestly. More business. Normally, we close around six.”

  “Well,
I’m glad you’re still open. You’re closing soon, though, right?”

  “In fifteen minutes, and I’ll be out of here in thirty.”

  “Want to maybe show me around this First Night thing? It sounds intriguing, but I think some company would be nice.”

  She grinned, her green eyes crinkling in the corners. “Sure. You’ll just have to wait until I’m done here.”

  “No problem. What’s your name, by the way? You don’t have a name tag on.”

  “Dawn.”

  Lollie reached her hand over to shake Dawn’s. “I’m Lollie. I just moved here from Seattle.”

  “We get a lot of us moving in here. I moved from Spokane ages ago. I love it here. Wouldn’t move back.”

  “Glad to hear that. I’ll just wait outside for you.”

  Lollie walked out of the building, standing on the edge of the sidewalk. Once again, the cold bit at her cheeks. She took in a deep breath, fingering the phone she had stolen. Her thoughts once again turned to Morgan, and she wondered if she’d followed her to Casper. They just couldn’t seem to get enough of each other. After that night, Lollie was going to be someone new, someone Morgan would never be able to find again. This was her last chance if she wanted to try and be with her.

  Biting her nail, Lollie glanced at Dawn. She was cute, she was fun, clearly a little exotic, but perfect for what she wanted and needed. Morgan, however, was perfect in every sense of the word for her. Pulling her phone up, she dialed the number she had memorized.

  Morgan’s sweet voice filled her ear, and Lollie smiled. “Lollie.”

  “Morgan.”

  “Where are you?” Morgan asked.

  “Around,” Lollie answered. As much as she wanted Morgan there, to have Morgan come when she wasn’t ready would be a disaster. She needed the extra time. “You’ll find me, I’m sure.”

  “What are you doing?”

  “Standing outside. It’s pretty snowy here.”

  “It’s the middle of winter.”

  Lollie snorted. “Yeah. I miss you.”

  There was hesitation from Morgan. Lollie wasn’t sure why, but she could hear it in her voice as she spoke. “You could have stayed.”

  Lollie bit the inside of her cheek. “I couldn’t. You know I couldn’t. Mandy wouldn’t have it. She would get jealous.”

  “Lollie, what are you thinking about right now?”

  “You.”

  Morgan sighed. “Is that why you keep calling? You said once you thought you loved me.”

  “I think I do. I can’t get you out of my head. Every time I fucked Mandy, I was thinking about fucking you.” The words leaving her lips sent shudders down her spine. Lollie turned to look at Dawn again. Her heart warmed. Her plan was going to work, it had to. “Does that make you hot?”

  “I…I don’t know how to answer that.”

  “Honestly.” Lollie scraped her shoes against the cement, moving the hardened snow.

  “No.”

  “That’s a pity. Every time I think about you, I get wet.”

  “Lollie, why are you calling me?”

  “I want you to come find me. I’m in Casper. It’s a cute quaint little town in the middle of nowhere.”

  “I know where it is.”

  Lollie nodded and took a deep breath. “It’s First Night. That’s a New Year’s Eve thing here. Lots of people walking around, lots of women. They won’t keep me from you. They may be a good distraction for now, but when you get here, love, I’m all yours.”

  “What are you going to do?” Morgan’s voice had a scent of fear to it that made Lollie’s heart bubble with joy.

  “I’m going to go home with the pretty brunette from this coffee joint. She’s adorable. The exact opposite of you. You’re strong and confident. She doesn’t even know what she’s in for.”

  “Lollie. Don’t. I’ll come. I’ll go wherever you want me to go. Don’t take her home.”

  “Too late.” Lollie hung up and popped her head inside the building as Dawn shut the lights off. “You about ready?”

  “Absolutely! I didn’t think I was going to get to go to First Night this year. I’m glad you want to go. It’s always better with company.”

  “Always.” Lollie held out her elbow for Dawn to take after she was done locking the door to the shop.

  There were cops here and there. Lollie skimmed right around them, steering Dawn in another direction. They checked out some small sellers of art, some different bands, some food trucks. Lollie willingly paid for Dawn’s portion of their eating with the cash she had left on her. She was running out, but as soon as her plan happened, she would be free to do whatever she wanted.

  They stayed until midnight, which was only another hour from when the coffee shop had closed. They stood in the center courtyard of the courthouse while everyone counted down. As they yelled “Happy New Year!” Lollie turned and pressed her mouth to Dawn’s, carding her fingers through her short cropped hair.

  They made out under the falling snow in the center of the courtyard. If Lollie hadn’t had other plans in mind, it would have been a perfect way to start a new relationship. But Dawn wasn’t Morgan, and Morgan was coming. She pulled Dawn’s lip between her teeth, grinning when she let it pop out of her mouth.

  Dawn put her head on Lollie’s shoulder as they stood together. It wasn’t much longer until the crowds dissipated. Dawn stayed right by Lollie’s side. Together they walked toward the coffee shop, and Lollie couldn’t help herself as they stood outside and kissed Dawn again. Dawn being willing to explore them together in this way would make Lollie’s plan that much easier. All she had to do was end their relationship and take her identity. It was perfect.

  If Morgan wasn’t looking for her because she was someone else, then they could be together again. They could have the life Morgan promised her, the one Lollie wanted to have. They could get married, have kids, and be together intimately each and every day. They could grow old together.

  Grinning down at the woman in her arms, the one who looked similar enough to herself, Lollie made her move. “Want to maybe take this inside somewhere?”

  “Yeah,” Dawn whispered, her voice squeaking as excitement hit her. “My place is just around the corner, actually.”

  “Let’s get warm then.”

  Lollie once again held out her elbow for Dawn to lace her arm through. They walked together, Dawn leading their direction. Once inside, Lollie put her plan to action.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Morgan and Pax were in the car pretty much as soon as Lollie had said Casper. Pax drove while Morgan bounced her foot up and down and up and down, waiting impatiently to get there faster. She’d been on the phone near constantly while Pax focused on driving through the snow. Her heart was in her throat as she once again hung up with the local police department in Casper.

  “They have no calls about her.”

  “None at all?” Pax asked.

  “None. I’m betting the local media release didn’t reach down this far, but no one has called with a sighting so far. The locals have a description and a photo, but it’s New Year’s so they’re pretty busy with everything else going on.”

  “I imagine,” Pax muttered.

  Her foot bounced again, and even in the dark, Pax shot her a glare. Morgan clenched and unclenched her good hand while she watched the signs on the highway telling them how close, or rather how far, they were from their destination.

  “How much longer?” she muttered.

  “No. We’re not doing this. You are not five, and this is not that kind of drive. We’ll get there as soon as we can get there.”

  “We’re so close.”

  “I know.”

  Morgan clenched her jaw. Looking around, she hoped local police didn’t find Lollie so she could be the one to slap the cuffs on her, but at the same time, she didn’t really care so long as Lollie was in custody and not with another woman. Her heart raced. She thought about texting Fiona only to nix that idea two seconds later. They we
ren’t dating. They weren’t in any kind of relationship. Morgan certainly didn’t want to be until she had a bit more separation from Lollie and that whole fiasco, but she felt she owed Fiona an answer on the case. As soon as they had her in custody, Morgan would call and tell her.

  Only then would she have some good news to report and an actual legit reason for contacting Fiona. Without that, she couldn’t even put into words why she wanted that connection. Yes, she liked Fiona, but whatever was between them had gotten so complicated so fast that all she wanted was to run in the opposite direction. Scratching the hair around the staples still lodged into her head, Morgan sighed.

  “How—”

  “Do not!” Pax warned.

  “I wasn’t going to ask that,” Morgan stated with a touch of arrogance, except she had been going to ask that. So now she’d have to come up with a backup question. “How mad do you think Taylor is going to be that we’re just leaving the state without telling him?”

  “We told him. He just won’t know until he wakes up and checks his voicemail. That’s his problem.”

  Morgan nodded to no one but herself. Her foot still moved up and down in rapid succession, her hands clenched tightly in her lap. She was ready to go, ready to be in Casper already. It was another two hours before they arrived. They bypassed the local police department, having already talked to them multiple times in the almost six hour drive. They went straight for downtown.

  Everything was quiet. It was too early in the morning on a night when it had been late. Trash littered the streets. Small stores were closed down. Morgan didn’t dare leave the car without her vest. She plopped it on her chest and wrapped her warm winter jacket around her, zipping it up. The added weight made it more difficult to move, but she ignored it. It wasn’t anything she wasn’t used to after years of working for the bureau.

  Pax and her separated and walked up and down the blocks. Morgan was three blocks away from the car, the cold seeping into her shoes and biting at her toes, but she pushed forward. Something had to hit her radar, something that would tell her where Lollie had been. She was about to turn around when she looked down one of the side streets. Pursing her lips, Morgan cocked her head to the side at the one store that had lights on.