A Kiss With Death

by Frances Hoelsema

  “Ugh, I know, right?” Laura rubbed her forehead. “I’m so sorry you had to deal with him. He’s been like that ever since he started coming.”

  “He was super aggressive.”

  “I know, I know! He just likes to pick a fight and I have no idea why!” Laura’s voice was raised, but none of it was directed toward Marissa. The whole situation was unsettling and frustrating.

  “I did not appreciate the way he belittled me and –”

  “That was completely uncalled for.” Laura sighed. “Look, again, I’m sorry. I never wanted my book club to be like this. And I most definitely didn’t want you to experience that on your first visit. I totally understand if you don’t want to come back. I don’t even know if I want to go back.”

  Marissa looked at Laura and giggled. “You have to. It’s your book club.”

  Laura banged her head against the headrest. “So?”

  The two of them moved on to something less stressful for the rest of the ride home. But the tension flared back up as Marissa pulled into Laura’s driveway. She had asked Laura if the problem with her neighbor had gotten any better.

  “No!” Laura said as she slapped her knees in irritation. “I can’t seem to get through to that stupid prick. Just –”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize –”

  “UGH! I could just kill him. Kill them both. Sam and Ben can both just die.” Again, Laura slammed her head to the headrest. She closed her eyes and put a hand to her head, rubbing the temple. She needed to calm down.

  Marissa cocked her head. “Come on, you don’t really mean that,” she said calmly.

  “Well!” Looking at her friend, Laura continued. “It’s just so frustrating. Both of them are on my last nerves. And it’s just...” Now both of her hands rubbed the sides of her head. A little more calmly, she added, “I just really miss Connor.”

  Putting a hand on Laura’s shoulder, gently rubbing it, Marissa said, “Try to calm down. Take a deep breath and relax.”

  “I know, I know.”

  A few of those deep breaths later, Laura grabbed her knapsack and exited the vehicle.

  “Are you going to be okay?” Marissa asked.

  Before closing the door, Laura leaned in. She saw the concern in her friend’s face. “I’ll be fine. See you soon?”

  Marissa nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

  Laura made her way inside as her friend drove off. Normally she’d get a snack and shower before heading to bed. Tonight, however, she didn’t feel like doing the showering part. She was in the mood for some chocolate. Raiding her kitchen, she found some M&Ms. She downed them while changing into her pajamas.

  It was earlier than normal for her, but the bed was calling her name. She just wanted to forget all that had been happening lately. Crawling in, she fluffed her pillows. She then raised her sheets up and let them fall slowly around her like a parachute. She felt comfortable.

  But, tossing and turning, sleep wouldn’t come. Her mind reeled around all that was stressing her out lately: her recent sickness and lapse of memory, her boyfriend not returning, and her neighbor being the constant schmuck he was. Ben’s antics were now thrown into the mix as well.

  Her eyes burst open. She had, had enough.

  It was time to do something about it.

  CHAPTER 7

  I

  t was so simple.

  All she had to do was listen carefully as Ben ran his mouth. He practically chewed the ears off the blonde bimbo he walked out the doors with. And that poor thing, he couldn’t keep his eyes off the blonde’s chest, no doubt because her bra must have been stuffed with personal watermelons.

  Ben tried to get more time with her. He mentioned where he was headed and invited her along. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a thing for older, bald men. What a shame. It really was. But on the plus side, she knew where Ben was going.

  So, that’s where she went.

  When she arrived at Clover Bar, she noticed the set up couldn’t have been more perfect. The small, dimly-lit parking lot was situated out back. It would be easy to get away with murder. Which, in an hour or so, she would do exactly that.

  She stepped out of her car and made her way to the front of the bar as she put her gloves on. There was a huge front window she had to walk by before reaching the glass door. From the looks of it, there were just a few sorry souls drinking their sorrows away.

  Stepping inside, it had a somber feel. No one was talking. No music played. The only sounds came from the clinking of glass or from the two TVs playing sporting events. There was no life to this joint.

  But Ben was easy to find. That was all she needed.

  He was at a table by himself, hunched over. Both of his hands were around his glass of beer. He was the perfect picture of a sad sack, if there ever was one.

  As she approached, she did so carefully. One wrong move and her plan would fail.

  She greeted him kindly. The look on his face was priceless. Obviously, he hadn’t expected her to show up. He even questioned why she did. So, she made something up. She couldn’t just be blunt. That would have ruined everything. Thankfully, she was a good liar.

  He stayed distant and cold toward her at first. Nothing a little apologizing, charm, and flirting couldn’t melt. His icy exterior was steam by the time they got passed the contentions of earlier.

  The more that time went on, the more light-hearted things became. She’d giggle on occasion to express interest. Of course, there wasn’t any, but he didn’t have to know that.

  Once, after he gave his wretched state of affairs – a recent divorce, hours cut at work, kids wanting nothing to do with him, blah, blah, blah – she even rested her hand on his and circled the top of it with her finger. He really seemed to like that. She could see him readjusting in his seat.

  Not long after that, he made hints to leave. And not alone. That’s just what she wanted.

  So, they left. He fidgeted a little, wanting to touch her in some way, but not knowing exactly where or how. It was almost funny. Almost. But she was glad he never did. He decided to put his hands in his jacket pockets instead. That was for the best.

  Small talk was made as they walked to the parking lot out back. It was even darker now than before. Everything was in her favor. She smiled. The pinnacle of the night was about to take place.

  At her car, he sweetly thanked her for the evening. She was certain he’d change his mind once she was through with him, but that was neither here nor there.

  She pretended to fumble in her purse as he doted on her. Slowly, he got closer and closer. She knew that any minute he’d be too close.

  Her weapon safely in her hand, she made one quick glance around to be certain no one would see. Without delay, she plunged the tip of the needle into his wide neck, allowing the contents to fill his veins. It didn’t take but more than a few seconds. He never knew what stabbed him.

  Backward he went, now no longer wanting to be close to her. He did it so fast that he tripped over his own feet, landing on his back. His glasses fell off to his side.

  Other than his face contorting, he didn’t move. He must have had no interest in even getting up. But, after what he shared, she could understand. She wouldn’t want to get up either. So, really, she did him a favor.

  She watched as his breathing got heavier, then spaced apart, until finally there was nothing at all. He went down much easier and quicker than her first. Good.

  Little by little, she wiped him down. After she moved the body further to the side, of course. She didn’t want to ruin her car by running over him.

  Everything was done. She was more than happy with her work. Now it was time to put her signature on him. She got out a card and pen. #2 was written toward the top. She kissed it, allowing her lipstick to imprint her lips. Finally, she signed her name: Margaret.

  Like last time, she put the card in the pocket of Ben’s pants.

  Mission completed, she left. She hadn’t expected to kill again so soon, but the opp
ortunity had presented itself. Why not take it? Killing was fun. Enjoyable. It made her feel much better.

  There. Now she could rest.

  CHAPTER 8

  A

  few days later, on a late Friday morning, Laura was in her second class of the day. She stood in front of the whiteboard, writing a question in large print for all the students to see. A wisp of her brown hair fell from the bun she put up that morning. She instinctively pulled it behind her ear as she wrote the last word. The cap closed and the marker firmly in her hand to use as a pointer, she turned to face the class. All eyes were on her.

  She cleared her throat before speaking. “All right, everyone. Who can answer this question for me?” She readied the marker and began to read the question, pointing at each word.

  Before she could finish, there was a quiet, yet forceful, knock at the door. All eyes, including Laura’s, darted in that direction. It was the dean.

  Hilton leaned his head in. Sliding his glasses back up to where they belonged, he addressed only Laura. “May I see you in my office for a minute?” His tone didn’t indicate one way or another what the nature of his request was, whether good or bad.

  “Sure.” She, again, swiped a strand of hair behind her ear.

  A few of the students gave a low, “Oooh,” as if she were in trouble. All of which were completely silenced the moment Laura gave them a stern look.

  “We’re not in elementary school, are we?” she reprimanded.

  Hilton stood outside in the hallway, waiting for her. She quickly told the class what to do while she was absent. Putting the marker down, she walked out.

  Laura followed the dean’s lanky body to his office. As they ventured their way, he didn’t say a word. She couldn’t tell if his silence was a friendly one or if some bad news was about to hit her. She then realized it must have something to do with the possible promotion. For a split second, she was excited. But it quickly faded. There’s no way he would have pulled her out of class just to talk about that. And, surely, he would have been more communicative. Maybe even smiled a little. Right now, there was nothing.

  The way to Hilton’s office was a long, boring one. Long because they had to go down a lengthy hallway to get to the stairs. Down two flights of stairs they had to take a right. Walk some more. Take another right, a quick left, and then some more hallway. His office was at the end on the right.

  It was boring because there was hardly anything on the walls and the color was bland. To her, it didn’t resemble an educational facility. It was almost like the walk of shame or even a death sentence. That shouldn’t be the way it is. Learning was something that offered life, enjoyment, and even a future. Education is something to be excited about.

  If – and when, she encouraged herself – she was to become the next dean, she’d spruce the place up. Have a more cheerful color. Add paintings, portraits, and decorations. Maybe even get festive during holiday seasons. The ideas were endless!

  Why she never realized this before, she didn’t know. It’s not like today was the first time she was in the building or had made her way to the dean’s office. Maybe it was because she didn’t know what to think about. Hilton wasn’t offering any hints. Or maybe it was because this is the first time making the trip with an unknown purpose. Or maybe it reflected how her life was as of late. She didn’t know. But whatever it was, there definitely needed to be a change.

  When they got to their destination, Hilton said, “I’ll just leave you alone with him.” He nodded to the short, bulky man already standing inside the office. Then he shut the door.

  Laura’s heart sank to the floor at the same time her mind raced. There was no way that what she was about to hear was good news. Being her luck, it was probably Connor. She feared something tragic had happened to him.

  The well-dressed man extended a hand, introducing himself. “And you’re Ms. Keaton?”

  “I am,” she answered after first having to swallow the golf-sized ball in her throat.

  “Look, I’m going to cut to the chase here.”

  Oh, no, here it comes! Laura’s heart pulsed wildly.

  “Where were you this past Tuesday night?”

  Laura was taken aback; her eyebrows furrowed. This was not what she was expecting. She thought about it for a minute, hoping somewhere from the recesses of her mind she’d be able to remember. Thankfully, she did. “Um, well, I worked until about five thirty. After that, I went home for a quick supper and then back out to a book club that I lead.”

  Detective Kojak scribbled a note on his miniature legal pad. “And about what time does this book club take place?”

  “It starts at seven and usually lasts an hour. Maybe slightly longer, just depending on the conversations.”

  The detective nodded in understanding, writing more notes. He then looked up at her and asked, “Do you know Ben Dahlman?”

  “Yes.” Laura dragged the word out. Why was there a detective here asking her about him? He was the last person she wanted to think about. An idea suddenly hit her. He must be here because Ben pressed charges or something! How dare he?

  “Was he part of your book club?”

  “He is.” Agitated, she took a turn to ask her own question. “Excuse me, but what is going on? Am I in trouble or something?”

  The detective scratched the side of his mouth, along the line of his goatee. Coldly, he replied, “His body was found in the parking lot of Clover Bar late Tuesday night.”

  Her mouth hit the floor as her eyes expanded into saucers. Putting one hand to her chest, she felt for where the chair was with the other one. Slowly, she took a seat. Did she really hear him correctly? She could have sworn the man said Ben was dead. That couldn’t be right, could it? “His what? What happened?” she asked, her voice shaky.

  “Well, ma’am, that’s what we’re trying to figure out.” He took a seat at the edge of Hilton’s desk. “You see, it doesn’t appear there was any foul play, however, his sister, the one he was staying with, believes differently.”

  Laura’s head shook a little. “I – why – I mean, what does this have to do with me?”

  “Ben’s sister knew that, more often than not, he was quite upset after these book club meetings, which is why he went to Clover Bar to begin with. She said that he and some Laura often disagreed.”

  She held up a hand to stop him. “Wait! She thinks I –”

  “Now hold on,” Detective Kojak interrupted. “Let me finish.”

  Disgusted, she sighed and leaned back in her chair, listening. Ben’s sister sounds as atrocious as he was. Who does she think she is?

  “When we got more information from her and she calmed down a little, she just asked that we talk with you, which we would have done eventually anyway.”

  Laura wanted to say something, but was stopped in her tracks.

  “Now, I’m not saying you did anything. Like I said, there doesn’t appear to be any foul play. But I did want to ask a couple questions, as well as get a list of those who attended this book club that night.”

  “That’s fine. Whatever you need.”

  “Great.” The detective got his notepad ready, and asked, “Now, what did you do after book club again?”

  “I went straight home.”

  “Did you drive yourself?”

  “No, I was with a friend. She drove me.”

  He jotted something down. “And did you stay home the rest of the night?”

  She nodded.

  “Can anyone witness to that?”

  “No. I live alone.”

  “Okay. I see.” He made a note.

  The silence was thick in the room. Laura was very uncomfortable.

  “Now about these arguments, did you and Ben not get along?”

  “I wouldn’t say that exactly. He just always tried to pick a fight. It wasn’t always with me.”

  The detective nodded in understanding. “Did he have any enemies? Or anyone that was out to get him?”

  “Not that I know of, but
I don’t know anything about his personal life.” She scoffed. “I just know that he was often a pain in the butt in book club.”

  Detective Kojak’s lips slanted upward on one side as he jotted something down. Looking up, he said, “Well, that’s all the questions I can think of for now. I think the last thing I need from you is a list of those who participated that night.”

  Laura began to picture those who had filled the circle on Tuesday. One by one, she listed them off, as well as any contact info she had.

  The detective slammed his pen on the legal pad. “Great. Thank you for your cooperation.” He pulled a business card out of the front pocket of his suit. “Here’s my card should you have any further information.”

  Taking it, Laura thanked him.

  With one smile, he walked out of the dean’s office, leaving the door open.

  Laura couldn’t move. She didn’t know what to feel. On one hand, she felt bad for Ben and his family. It was hard to believe he was gone. On the other hand, she was a bit furious. His sister had some nerve to accuse her? How dare she?

  The bell went off, causing Laura to waken from her train of thought. She needed to let it go. She had class to attend to.

  * * *

  Detective Randy Kojak strode to his black vehicle, notepad in one hand and flicking his pen up and down in the other. From the looks of it, it was going to be another long day. Another long weekend. He called his wife, Tina, to tell her, yet again, he wouldn’t be home for dinner.

  He made his way back to the police station, puffing on a cigar. While stopped at a red light, he looked into the rear-view mirror to check his hair. He made sure it was still all to the one side, just the way he liked it. An elderly woman using a walker finished crossing the street just before the light turned green. The moment he started to accelerate his car, his phone rang. He checked who it was and decided to answer.

  “What ya got for me?”

  He listened to the officer share news of Ben Dahlman’s death. Apparently, the autopsy report had just come in. He could find it at his desk.