A Kiss With Death

by Frances Hoelsema

  “No, I know. I’m just trying to piece some things together,” he explained.

  “Okay.”

  “What time of death was it again?”

  “Did I not have that written down?” It had been a long day. Long week, actually.

  “No, I don’t recall seeing that.”

  She quickly looked through her notes. “Um…looks like it was just after midnight.”

  “Great. Thank you for that.”

  “You’re welcome. Is there anything else?” She hoped not.

  “Not right now. Have a good night.”

  Betsy said, “You, too.” She hung up the phone. Completing the puzzle wasn’t her job. She knew that. But she had a feeling she knew where Detective Kojak was going with his questions. If she was a betting person, which she wasn’t, she’d be willing to place a big sum of money on the toxicology report coming back proving Trey’s death was a murder.

  * * *

  Detective Kojak wrote down a few notes from his conversation with Betsy. Knowing the time of death would allow him to focus on the footage leading up to that time to see if he can find anything out of the norm.

  First, though, he had to talk with two more people. One was Brandon, the night manager of Tommygun Tavern who was working the night Trey died. He found his number and dialed it.

  “This is Brandon,” came the monotonous greeting.

  “Brandon, it’s Detective Randy Kojak. How are you this evening?”

  “I’m kind of busy. What do you need?”

  The detective could hear a lot of voices and clinking of glass in the background. “I won’t take much of your time. I was just wondering; do you know of a Margaret? Was that the name of the girl that danced with Trey?”

  “I’m not sure. I never knew her name.”

  “Do you remember if the woman was still there around midnight?”

  There was a slight pause. “Um, maybe. I was busy all night. I don’t recall. I’m sorry.”

  “Okay. Well, thanks for your time. If you think of anything, please let me know.”

  “Will do.”

  Detective Kojak hung up the phone, only to pick it up again to dial one more person. This time it was just another officer in the building, one of whom had been at the scene prior to his arrival.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, it’s Kojak.”

  “What’s up?”

  “Any leads on Trey Cooper’s family or friends?”

  “Nothing.”

  “Even on social media accounts?”

  “I’m still trying to see if he had any, but it doesn’t look promising.”

  The detective sighed. “All right. Well, keep looking. Someone needs to know this man is dead. Plus, we need to try and figure out his family medical history to see if others died young of heart problems.”

  “Right.”

  “But between you and me, I’m not so sure this is a natural death.”

  “Nothing’s natural about a young man dying.”

  “Right,” Detective Kojak agreed. “Well, let me know if you hear anything. Have a good night.”

  “Will do. You, too.”

  The detective hung up. He covered his face with his hands and sighed. This was getting frustrating. He wasn’t getting anywhere. If Trey was Puerto Rican, maybe his family didn’t live around here. But he had friends, didn’t he? Why weren’t they coming forward? And who was this Margaret? What did her card mean? Perhaps most importantly, who put a needle to his neck? And what was inside his body?

  For now, Detective Kojak had no choice but to wait for more results or clues. Until then, he’d keep checking the footage. The first stop, right around midnight. Maybe there was something he’d find this time around, although he wasn’t going to hold his breath.

  The time stamp got to eleven forty-eight. Something quick flashed across the screen. Detective Kojak rewound and slowed the playback down, leaning in closer to the screen. It was quick, and the dance floor was crowded. But it looked like Trey ran toward the bathrooms. Shortly behind was a dark-haired girl. Was it the same one he danced with? Was she Margaret?

  CHAPTER 6

  A

  ll of the books she was going to bring were on the rectangular drop-leaf table next to the door. Her list of questions sat next to them, as well as a handful of pens. Laura put each of the items carefully into her leather knapsack as she dialed her friend, Marissa. As the phone stuck securely between her shoulder and ear, she waited for an answer.

  “Hi, Laura!”

  She was high-pitched and giddy, throwing Laura off for a second.

  “Hey,” Laura dragged out. “How are you?”

  “I’m good! You good? I was worried!”

  Marissa spoke with the speed of a cheetah. But she also sounded breathless. If Laura didn’t know any better, she would have guessed her friend was occupied.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Oh, that’s great!”

  More giddiness. Now Laura could have sworn she heard the low mumbling of a man. It was time to get this phone call over with. Laura was getting uncomfortable.

  Zipping up her bag, she asked, “Um, anyway, I just wanted to see if you were on for tonight? You know, the book club?”

  “That’s tonight? Um, yeah! I can pick you up in a half hour! Sound good?” Marissa started giggling.

  This is awkward. Laura asked, “You sure you don’t want me to drive?”

  More giggling. Some moaning was thrown in there.

  Laura coughed to get her friend’s attention.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. What did you say?”

  “I said,” she emphasized, “Are you sure you don’t want me to drive?”

  “No, no. I’ll come get you.”

  Laura heard some more moaning, as well as what sounded like short, playful kissing.

  “Well, you sound busy, so I’ll let you go. See you soon.”

  “Okay! Bye!”

  The phone call ended abruptly. Laura’s eyebrows scrunched in toward one another as she looked at her phone. I don’t even want to know, she thought, shaking her head.

  Her stomach growled. Looking at the clock, she had a few minutes to spare. She walked to her kitchen in search of something quick and easy to fix for supper. In the one cupboard she found the last remaining packet of ramen noodles. That sounded good enough.

  When the microwave beeped, she grabbed the hot bowl, as well as her drink, and sat down at the kitchen table. She turned the TV on to the Hallmark Channel. Lucky for her, one of her favorite movies was on.

  * * *

  On the drive over to the book club meeting, Laura eyed Marissa suspiciously. She was no longer the giddy, breathless person she had been a short time ago. Then again, the mystery man wasn’t here.

  “So, it sounded like you were having some fun earlier.”

  Marissa smiled.

  “Care to share?”

  There was her giggle again. “I’m sorry. I’m kind of seeing someone, and we were…um…busy.”

  Laura joined in on the giggling. “Yeah, I kind of figured.”

  “I’m sorry you had to hear any of that.”

  “It’s okay. When did this start?”

  Marissa shrugged her shoulders. “A while ago, I guess.”

  Lightly nudging her in the shoulder, Laura whined, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? You know, like the last time we got together?”

  “Oh, come on. That night was all about you and your possible promotion. I didn’t want to steal your thunder.”

  Laura’s lips formed a half smile. “That’s sweet of you, but you know I would have wanted to hear all about this!”

  The silence was thick for a while.

  “So, spill!” Laura felt like she sometimes had to pull teeth to get anything out of her friend.

  Marissa waited for some pedestrians to cross the street before turning the vehicle onto the main drive of Capstone University. “Well, I really don’t want to say a whole lot right now.” She put extra emphasis on the
last two words.

  “Oh, come –”

  “BUT!” Marissa sternly interjected, gaining control of the conversation again. “I will tell you that his name is Garrett…”

  Laura’s mind immediately pictured a Garrett she once knew. He was a twin, but there was something about him that made him far different than his womb mate, the one she once loved. But, wanting to never think of that pair again, she shook her head and listened to the rest of the very limited bit of information her friend was sharing.

  “And he’s a doctor.”

  “Oooh, a doctor? Good for you!” Laura gently tapped her friend’s arm. She was happy for her.

  “And that’s all you need to know for now.”

  “What? Why?”

  “Because I don’t want to get my hopes up or anything. It’s semi-newer. It’s hot. It’s going good. I don’t want to jinx it. You know?”

  “Yeah,” Laura sighed. She sat back in her seat, looking out the front window. The setting sun was hitting the tops of the trees in such a way that the red leaves looked like fire. They almost resembled tiki torches.

  Laura pointed to where they needed to head. It was a square-shaped building at the end of the west wing. As her friend followed the directions, Laura asked, “Can I at least meet him sometime?”

  “Ugh! Yes, of course! But not yet. Just wait for the time to be right, okay?”

  “Okay, okay, okay. Sheesh!”

  Marissa apologized. Then she added, “I just don’t want to talk about it right now.”

  “Fine.”

  Neither of them said anything as the car came to a stop and was shut off. Laura grabbed her bag and started to head for the building. Marissa was right behind her. She was the first to break the silence between them. “Speaking of boyfriends, though, I never called to see how you were because I thought you’d be busy with Connor. But I really was worried about you.”

  The two walked down a hallway and entered one of the rooms on the right. Laura flipped on a switch. “Thanks. But, no, Connor never came home like he was supposed to. Something came up so he has to longer.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “Yeah, well, it sucks, but what can I do?”

  As Laura began setting some chairs up in a circle, Marissa followed, helping in any way she could.

  “You are okay, though?” Marissa asked.

  “Yes.”

  “You sure?”

  Laura quietly laughed. “Yes, I’m sure.” She didn’t dare mention the panic attack. Or the fact she couldn’t remember much from the other night. Saying anything would worry her friend further.

  Here and there, a few people showed up. They’d share a smile or friendly hello with those in the room before taking a seat and getting themselves ready for the upcoming discussions. When the last of them arrived, Laura counted fourteen people. Two of them were new. She was happy with that.

  Sitting down, Laura couldn’t help but think how much it seemed like an AA meeting. It must have been the fact everyone sat in a circle and were about to introduce themselves. The only difference was no one here would admit to an addiction. Instead, they would just share their thoughts on the book that was read.

  Being the leader, Laura quieted the room, saying, “Welcome, everyone. As most of you know, I’m Laura. I’m a professor here at Capstone.” Her right arm was half raised as she said her name. “Seeing as there are a couple of new people, let’s introduce ourselves.” She looked over at Marissa to indicate her turn.

  Around the circle they went, each person quickly saying their name. As soon as that was over, it was time to begin the discussion.

  Laura raised the book that everyone was supposed to have read. “So, what did you all think?”

  At first no one said anything. Either they all decided to let others speak first or they had nothing to say to begin with. Laura couldn’t tell which. She hoped it was the former, though. She thought this book would provide a lot of interesting conversations.

  Slowly, a few shyly responded. Their answers were short. One said it was okay, and a couple agreed with that. Another person said they weren’t sure what to think about the book as it dealt with some difficult subject matter. A husband and wife team both beamed about it, saying it was enjoyable and very eye opening. That was the response Laura had hoped to gain from most, if not all, of the book club members.

  Then one guy, Ben, chimed in. He looked like an average man with glasses and a salt-and-pepper beard. He was almost completely bald on top. If it weren’t for that and the fact he wasn’t any heavier, Laura would have mistaken him for Santa Claus. It was always stressful when he voiced his opinion. He was known for playing devil’s advocate, and at times getting very passionate about his stance.

  Laura shifted in her seat. This was about to get bumpy.

  “I think we should discuss this whole nature versus nurture debate.”

  “And what exactly do you want to say about it, Ben?” Laura did her best to sound pleasant and open.

  “Well, where do you stand? This book obviously leans toward nature playing a major role in how we all turn out. I’m interested in hearing if that’s something you all agree on.”

  No one said a word, so Laura went first. “This book does tend to put heavy emphasis on nature, yes.”

  “And?” Of course, Ben wanted more.

  “Honestly, I haven’t given it much thought. But, I guess, I’m not a hundred percent sold on that. I think –”

  Ben interrupted. “Then how do you explain how kids can be raised by the same two people, yet they all turn out differently?”

  Marissa angled her body to get a better view of him. She raised her hand and said, “Excuse me. If I may, I’d like to say something.”

  All eyes turned to her.

  “Now, unfortunately, I haven’t read the book, but I’m a psychiatrist. I’ve studied some of these aspects quite thoroughly. I can see where it might seem like nature is the final decider, but I’m a firm believer that both play an equally important role in the development of a human being.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to be smart?” Ben demeaned, his finger pointing harshly at her.

  Small gasps were heard in the room.

  “Excuse me?” Marissa asked.

  “You would think being through college and all that, that you’d have a better understanding on this. It’s clearly evident that no matter how someone is raised, they’ll turn out the way they were supposed to. It’s all in their genes.”

  “With all due respect, Ben, but no matter what your genes say, I do feel that with proper measures, a person can turn out normal.”

  “And whatever does that mean?”

  “I mean, if there is proper education, diet, exercise, that whole bit, we’re healthier. And if we’re careful with screen time, that helps. Lastly, should there be any questionable behaviors, there’s help out there.”

  Ben’s face grew red with anger. “So, that’s what it’s about? You want to push your own services?”

  “What?” Marissa hollered.

  “Yeah, you’d just love for more people to come in to see you so that you have work to do. It’s pointless, but you try to brainwash everyone that it isn’t. You tell others you can make things better, when you don’t. You can’t. And those drugs…you all like to push drugs.”

  Marissa rolled her eyes and shook her head. Laura could tell that she had enough of Ben’s behavior.

  And Ben wasn’t done yet. “Nature determines the outcome. Nothing anyone does can. And, frankly, if you turn out bad and decide to commit some crime against us normal folks, then you can get the death penalty.”

  The room was in an uproar, most complaining Ben had gone too far or asking how he could even think such a thing.

  As leader, Laura tried to gain control back. She stood up and whistled. Still, it was a moment until there was a perfect silence. “Thank you. Now let’s get back on track.” She sat back down.

  Before she could ask a question, Ben had to get o
ne last word in. He sat at the end of his seat and again pointed an angry finger at Marissa. “Maybe you should actually read this book. Maybe it’ll actually make you think for a change.”

  “I don’t have to read a book to have an opinion, thank you very much.” She sat back in her chair, arms folded across her chest. She turned her head away from him, having had enough.

  “Ben,” Laura sternly addressed, “Thank you for your opinion, but we’re going to move on now. If you can’t handle that, I kindly ask you to leave.” Looking at everyone, she added, “I want to remind you all that these meetings are to talk about the book. I know sometimes controversial things pop up, but we need to be respectful of everyone’s beliefs. If you don’t like it, you can choose to stay quiet or excuse yourselves from the club.”

  The room acknowledged her, sitting quietly in anticipation for what she’d say next.

  Glancing at some of her questions, she had to be careful what to ask and how to ask it. She didn’t need another heated debate. It was already awful enough that Marissa got attacked. Poor girl probably wouldn’t want to come back now.

  Thankfully, the rest of the hour went rather smoothly, as smooth as anything could go with Ben present. After passing out the next book they would be reading and letting them know what their assignment would be, she dismissed them.

  When all of them were gone, Laura started putting the chairs back away. Marissa didn’t help this time. She stood by the door, leaning against the wall with her arms, again, folded across her chest. Neither of them said a word to each other, not even when they left the building, got in the car, and made their way back down the main drive of the campus.

  It was completely dark outside. The tiki torches had disappeared. In their place were the streetlights brightly lit. From the sky, Laura imagined it must look like a Christmas tree. A rather straight one.

  “What is up with that Ben guy?” Marissa finally blurted out. “Like, who does he think he is?”