Hunter stood staring at her feeling nervous about the situation. “Maybe you’re right.”
“Trust me.” She started the car, put it in drive, and pulled off.
He wanted to believe her but this was too important to put in the hands of fate. He had to be sure she wouldn’t talk and she wouldn’t if he had anything to do with it.
***
So here they were; the former fiancé and the new fiancé face to face. Teresa was not pleased with it, yet here she was playing hostess and making nice. In her head she couldn’t help but hear the theme music from the movie the Magnificent Seven during the scene where they had their infamous showdown. That damn Black, she thought. Hell, double damn him. He was the reason the song was in her head. She hated westerns but he loved them. They’d watched them so much together that she knew the scenes word for word. He was also the reason this woman felt she needed to confront her about a man she didn’t even want. The awkwardness was apparent. Teresa could read in the woman’s eyes that she wasn’t one hundred percent sure about being there either.
“What can I do for you, Morena?” she asked again.
“First off, I want to say I’m sorry about what happened to you. I truly am and—.”
Teresa cut her off midsentence. “Thank you, but it’s not necessary I’m fine and I’m not discussing this with you.”
“Fair enough. Are you sleeping with Black?”
Finally, Teresa thought. The true reason she’s here. “No, I am not sleeping with Black. That is the last thing you need to worry about.”
Morena eyed her skeptically.
Teresa continued. “Nothing to worry about. That part of my life is so done.”
Morena nodded knowingly. “For you perhaps. Black… I don’t know so much.”
“Shouldn’t you be talking to Black about this? I assure you I am not encouraging it. Believe me when I say I do not want him.”
“What do you want?”
“Excuse me?”
“No offense but it has to be something. I practically begged him not to pursue this case.”
“Again, that has something to do with me because?”
“He says he has an obligation to you, something that I would not understand. I’m asking you, woman to woman, can you help me to understand?”
Teresa brushed the hair from her face. “He doesn’t owe me anything. Honestly, he doesn’t.” Teresa sighed. Shoulders slouched, she continued. “Before we began dating Black and I were friends. I’d just moved to Chicago from Danville so I was a small town girl in a big city. No family, no friends. I met Black and he befriended me. Believe me when I say there was no physical attraction there on my part. Don’t get me wrong, he’s an attractive brother, just not my type you know?”
Morena nodded silently.
Teresa continued. “That’s just not where my head was at, at the time. Shit, I don’t know, girl… and I don’t want to talk about this. It doesn’t feel right, I sympathize with your situation, but this is a talk you should be having with Black.”
“No. I’m having it with you and we’re having it now!” Morena stated sliding her cup of coffee across the table in front of her and standing to her feet.
Teresa stood to her feet. She hadn’t paid much attention before to how tall Morena actually was. It became apparent staring up at the woman sensing the onset of a physical altercation. But that didn’t deter her. She wasn’t going to be disrespected in her own home. Teresa chuckled. “That’s what I get right? I tried to be civil, be the bigger woman…screw you and your man. Coming to me with this screwed up non-sense… I am not a marriage counselor. If Black has unresolved issues and you can’t keep your man in line don’t come to me crying, bitch!”
“Keep my man in line?”
“That’s what I said. Keep your man in line. Now I’m saying it’s time for you to go.”
Morena stood her ground with her hands on both hips. Teresa stepped towards the woman aggressively. Morena began backing up then turned and headed for the door. She opened the door, ducked out and slammed it closed. Teresa stood staring at the door dumbfounded. Now feeling drained her doubts about confronting her attackers and returning to work came creeping back. Back in her kitchen Teresa noticed that in Morena’s rush to get out of there she’d left her purse on the kitchen table. Just as she picked the purse up to put it away there was banging on her door. Figuring it had to be Morena returning for her purse she carried it with her to the door. She snatched the door open with attitude and was immediately frozen in her spot as she stared at Officer Hunter.
Her mouth fell open and a dryness set in. She was paralyzed with fear. Her legs wouldn’t move. She just stared. Standing eye to eye he was a smaller man in height, almost 5’6. Perhaps it was a coping mechanism but she found herself counting the freckles in his red face. He grimaced at her as he placed his hand on the wall and his foot in the door way blocking it from closing. Her freckle count was somewhere between 25 and 30 when she re-focused her attention to what he was saying. She was unaware of how much she’d missed of what he’d already said. All she heard was if she returned to work she would be sorry.
Looking to the left of her she spotted Morena standing there listening. Teresa felt herself becoming hot. Sweat trickled across her forehead. She stepped around Hunter walking towards Morena and extending her arm to hand her the purse. She tried her best to hold it together but she felt as if she would break down at any moment. A sense of embarrassment made it hard for her to look Morena in the eye. She stared down at her feet.
“Here you are girl,” she said nervously. “I was just headed out to bring this to you.”
Morena accepted her purse and lowered her head attempting to look Teresa in the eyes.
“Everything alright, girl?”
Teresa smiled nervously. She was unsure of how much Morena had overheard. She did not want her to tell Black. “Sure. I’m fine. Talk to you later, girl.”
Morena looked up at Hunter. She didn’t know what it was but something didn’t seem right. “You know what, girl? I got some time. I think I’ll sit and talk a while.”
Teresa took her by the arm and began walking her down the hall towards the exit. “Sounds good girl, but right now is not a good time.”
Morena pulled from her grasp and turned back towards Teresa’s apartment. “Of course it is. I have all day. Maybe I can give Black a call to come pick me up.”
Teresa felt her heart skip a beat. Rushing behind Morena she placed her hand on the small of her back. “That’s not necessary, girl. You’re right though…we can finish having girl talk.” Teresa faked a smile.
Hunter approached the two women. “Everything alright here, Teresa?”
“Don’t she look alright, Officer…what’s your name?” Morena squinted at his badge.
Hunter curled his lips angrily. “Hunter. Officer Hunter. And you are?”
“I am none of your damn business. There’s no disturbance here, Officer. Thank you.”
“I’d like to hear that from Teresa. Everything is alright…ain’t it, Teresa?”
“Yeah….yeah, Hunter. Everything’s just fine.”
“You ladies have a nice day now,” he said as he walked down the hall and out of the building.
“Mmmhhmm….” Morena said as she watched Teresa step into her apartment.
***
Black sat nursing a beer at the local bar, Under Caution. He wasn’t much of a drinker. He only ordered it to not appear out of place. He knew he was a stubborn man to a fault. He knew he was wrong to be here for so many reasons, yet he felt compelled to finish what he’d started. He couldn’t leave. Not before the investigation even began. His conscience wouldn’t let him. Digging his hand into the bowl of peanuts he felt a heavy hand fall down on his shoulder. Without looking he continued crushing the shells to the peanuts with his hand and popping them in his mouth. “You following me now, Waeltz?”
The detective sat next to him. “Give me a reason.”
“
What are you talking about, Detective?”
“A reason, D.A. Love, not to request to have you removed from this case?”
Black smiled and continued eating his peanuts. “On what grounds?”
“Conflict of interest. You use to date the victim.”
Black faced Waeltz. “Oh, she’s a victim now.”
“That’s not an answer, Love.”
“That’s what you call doing a thorough investigation? Looking into me?”
“I was looking into her and guess who popped up like zits on the face of a horny pre-teen boy?”
“I thought the law didn’t matter in Danville?”
“I’m going to the D.A. with this.” He slid from the chair and turned to leave.
Black grabbed his arm. “Wait. You’re a good cop, Waeltz.”
Waeltz yanked away from Black’s grasp. “How the hell do you know what kind of cop I am?”
“You found out about me and Teresa didn’t you?”
“A four year old with an internet connection could’ve found that out.”
“A four year old wouldn’t have cared. So tell me your honest opinion as a cop. Do you think she’s lying?”
“Yes.”
Black turned away from Waeltz and continued eating his peanuts. It wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear but he respected the man’s opinion and his honesty.
Waeltz continued. “Lying…..about being raped, no. About not knowing who did this to her, yes. I think it’s someone she knows and it scares her to death to come forward with it.”
Black swiveled in his seat now facing Waeltz again. “Someone she knows. So you’re really thinking date rape?”
“I believe so.”
One guy came to mind and that was James. He didn’t like the guy but he didn’t have him pegged for rape. It would make sense though, especially the way that he’d been behaving. Black figured he’d keep his accusations to himself until he found out what else Waeltz had. “Any suspects?”
“She was a true work hound. Never did the bar scene, no hook ups, no internet date lines… she doesn’t even have Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram accounts. She was seeing one guy who works in the department. I’ve put off questioning him until she gives me a time and a place at the very least. I can’t question his whereabouts without it.”
“Who is this guy on the force?”
“James Collins.”
“You know the guy?”
“Not on a personal level. He’s taken down a few doors with me on high profile warrants. Couldn’t say if I liked or disliked the guy but he was professional.”
“Do me a solid and look into him.”
“If this case goes any further I’ll check it out. I ain’t making no promises that it will.”
Black nodded before he spoke. “Why come to me instead of going straight to get me kicked off this case?”
“Wanted to look you in the eye man to man first and see what you had to say. I still might turn over this information.”
Black reached out his hand. Waeltz extended his and they shook firmly.
“I appreciate that,” Black stated. “It wouldn’t matter though. The D.A. knows we were once engaged. She knew before I got here.”
“You have some juice then huh?”
“A little bit. What’s your next move?”
“Interview Teresa again. Love, I have to be honest… she doesn’t give me any new information soon the chief’s going to make me close the case and move on to the next one.”
“What about you?”
“What about me?” Waeltz was confused.
“How was your relationship with Teresa?”
“I don’t know… about the same as my relationship with James. We were cordial.”
“You’re not the type of guy I thought you’d be, Waeltz. At least not on paper anyway.”
Waeltz placed one hand in his pocket and rested the other on his gun. “Looking into me too, Love?”
Black shrugged his shoulders. “Force of habit.”
“What you find out?”
“Enough to know you’re being on the level with me right now.”
“Right now, huh?”
Black placed a twenty dollar bill on the bar, stood, and began walking towards the exit.
“You know as well as I do, Waeltz, in this line of work things often change.”
Chapter Six
Black pulled into the garage at the house he was renting and turned the motor to the truck off. He reclined in his seat and closed his eyes. He wanted to see Teresa; just see her no talking… just be with her. But he knew not enough time had passed since they’d had their last fight. It was the same with Morena. He wanted to go in and lay with her and just chill but she’d want to talk about Teresa. He wasn’t in the mood for that. He had the right mind to go to sleep in the truck. Thinking better of it he opened the door, climbed out, and went into the house. Just as he expected Morena was there to greet him in the kitchen. She was all business. There wasn’t a smile or a look of happiness anywhere to be found in her face.
“What’s up?” he asked as he threw his car keys on the kitchen counter. When he was close enough he kissed her on her cheek.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly on the lips. “Cariño, we have to talk. It’s about Teresa.”
He gently pushed her back and sighed. “Not tonight, Baby Love. I’m not in the mood.”
He stepped around her and down the three steps into the living room where he paused and turned to look back at Morena who was standing behind him. He turned back to look at Teresa who was sitting on the sofa. Placing his hands in his pockets he continued into the living room stopping in front of Teresa. “What’s this all about?”
Morena stood next to him, slid her hand into his pocket, and held his hand. “She needs to tell you something. I’ll go for a ride to give you two some time.” She kissed him on the cheek, smiled subtly at Teresa, and exited the living room through the kitchen then glided down the hall and out into the garage.
Black didn’t say anything he just stood and waited.
“Can you not stand over me?” Teresa asked as she patted the empty spot next to her on the couch.
He loosened his tie and sat.
She inhaled then exhaled before speaking. Black sat in silence for the forty-five minutes of her explanation as to how, where, and who raped her. He held it all in when what he really wanted to do was run upstairs to get his gun and drive straight over to the station and gun the three down. He knew that would be a suicide mission. He was a lawyer. He fought his battles in the court room and he won. That’s how he operated. He was determined that he would not rest until all three never saw the light of the streets again. He got what he wanted: to hear the truth. Now that he’d heard it a part of him wished that he hadn’t. It was a hard pill to swallow.
***
He didn’t know if she was being strong for him or had become numb. She didn’t shed any tears or show any sign of hurt. After much arguing and back and forth, Black and Morena both convinced her to stay there with them. Black knew that it would be awkward for all of them but he was glad that Morena suggested it and that Teresa finally agreed. After making sure that she was settled in he got in his truck and drove over to the police station. He’d called Waeltz on the way and he’d agreed to meet him at there. When he walked in hard stares fell on him coming from both men and women. The women surprised him more than anything. No matter how much he saw it, it never rested easy with him how the loyalty amongst police officers was so immense it blanketed all common sense, decency, and reason. As he made his way through the crowd of officers standing and watching he reached Chief Witherspoon’s office just as two plain clothes detectives were slapping handcuffs on Hunter and Foster. He assumed they were Internal Affairs detectives. He folded his arms across his chest as he watched Waeltz put the cuffs on Witherspoon.
“I can’t believe you did this, Love!” Witherspoon called out.
Waeltz guided the chie
f out of his office and towards the exit. “He didn’t. I called I.A. I also called your union rep. Don’t say another word Chief.”
Black followed behind as the officers were led to awaiting vehicles parked in front of the station. After they were all in and the cars pulled away from the curb only Waeltz and Love stood outside.
“I’m surprised that the D.A. wanted to place them under arrest so quickly,” Waeltz said, not giving Love any eye contact as he scrolled through his phone.
“She hasn’t been very popular in the polls. If it’s a chance to show the public she’s on top of police corruption it’ll look all the better come election time.”
“Look, I have to go. Keep me in the loop,” Waeltz said as he hopped in his car and pulled off just as news vans pulled up. Reporters and cameramen began piling out and moving towards Black.
“A.D.A. Love, is it true the chief and two of his officers are accused of the rape of a woman that was working here as an intern?” a reporter asked wasting no time.
“No comment,” Black said as he made the trek towards his truck.
“Aren’t you the District Attorney for Cook County? Is there any special reason you were assigned to this case?”
“No comment!” he yelled again as they continued following him. As he reached his truck with a bevy of news reporters on his heels he stood in awe. His truck had been vandalized. The windows were all shattered. Glass lay scattered on the ground and in the front seats. All four tires were slashed and the words “She’s a liar!” were keyed onto the hood. He looked around anxiously as if he would spot the perpetrator at any moment. He angrily kicked a dent into the driver’s door as the gaggle of reporters kept shouting out questions at him. He began walking in the other direction as officers stood by; some glaring angrily, others laughing. He walked and walked until he found himself back at the bar. It was a poor choice seeing as though it was a local hangout for off duty cops. Sitting in the same spot he’d sat at only hours ago the once friendly bartender turned a cold shoulder to him. Black removed a twenty dollar bill from his wallet and placed it on the bar top. “Jack and coke.”
Piece Keeper Page 4