The Wife of a Lesser Man (LA Cops Series Book 1)

by Sandy Appleyard

  Richard stuck his tongue out halfway and raspberried while Mark dialled Martha’s number.

  “I’d sooner call Martha Stewart than this one.”

  Richard half laughed.

  Martha answered on the second ring. Mark looked up at the clock. It was 1:45pm and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d eaten.

  “Good afternoon Mrs. Masterson. This is Chief Tame returning your call.”

  “Well thank you for calling, sir. I do appreciate you taking the time,” her voice was cold.

  “It’s my pleasure. What can I do for you?” As he said that, Richard’s eyebrows lifted. Mark quickly waved his head from side to side.

  “I’ve arranged to have my daughter’s house vacated and I am currently in possession of all her belongings.”

  “Yes.” Mark was curious why she was providing this update.

  Martha’s voice raised a decibel and her tone became harsh. “I don’t know what kind of investigation you people did but I can assure you it was completely unacceptable.”

  Mark’s heart began to beat faster. He cleared his throat. “Um..what do you mean Mrs. Masterson? Did you find something?” Richard’s eyes widened and he could see the colour in Mark’s face fade.

  Martha took in a deep breath as though she was preparing to blow up a balloon. She spat, “As a matter of fact I did. Did you people even look through any of her things?” She paused.

  “Yes, we did Mrs. Masterson. Everything was done to protocol.” Mark lied. He knew she wouldn’t hear anything less.

  “Well I can tell you your murderer had quite a sense of humour, one which I for one don’t appreciate.”

  “What do you mean ma’am?” Mark asked, swallowing and feeling a bead of sweat slither between his shoulder blades.

  “I know it probably seemed like a lot of work for your people to go through all the shoeboxes full of old jewelry cases that my daughter had. But had they done their job correctly they would have found your evidence,” Martha proclaimed, satisfied.

  “Yes, I was told Karen had a lot of jewelry, mostly in cases.” Mark confirmed, remembering the pile he went through personally.

  “Well, I went through all the little boxes that were in her closet, in all the shoeboxes and storage containers and I found a ring box with a bullet casing in it.”

  Mark’s fist punched the desk and his eyes closed tightly. Richard looked at him imploringly.

  “Did you get any fingerprints on it?”

  “Of course not! I didn’t touch the thing! I don’t believe in guns and I refuse to have them or any evidence of them in my house!” she said exasperated.

  “Can you bag everything and courier it to me right away? I’ll give you our account number and reimburse you for fuel,” Mark said.

  “Well that’s the problem, Chief.”

  Mark was afraid to ask. “What is the problem?”

  Then she rounded on him. “I have been inundated with calls from the press, night and day. Now I know you are protected from the media and all their shenanigans over there in your little office and all. But I live in a small town and word gets around fast. My front lawn has practically been a camp site for all the paparazzi waiting for information about my daughter. It has only gotten worse since you people declared it a serial murderer. You people have done nothing to protect me and to keep me abreast of updates on the investigation and I’ve been victim to constant harassment. Well, I had enough of it. Yesterday when the moving van came with all Karen’s things I made a deal with them: they were to leave me alone for the day while I organized everything and I would give them any information that I found.”

  Mark suddenly felt nauseated and scratched on his pad quickly so Richard could read what Martha had been saying. It was as if someone had wiped their hand over Richard’s face.

  Mark took a deep breath. “Where is it now ma’am?” he asked, knowing full well what she had done with it.

  “Well, I wasn’t having that in my house so I gave it to one of the members of the media. A nice lady, young and new to the industry. She was looking for a break and I gave it to her,” she said proudly.

  Mark nodded. “Thank you ma’am. Would you please inform me first should you find anything else?”

  Martha half laughed. “I certainly hope I don’t, but if I do I will be sending it to your superior!”

  Mark heard the phone click and he exhaled, leaning back in his chair.

  Lisa’s face pressed up against the window. He knew there was another call waiting for him and judging by Lisa’s face, he knew who it was.

  …

  Lisa entered, closing the door behind her. Mark had risen in his chair with his hands on his face, as though he was trying to wipe the misery away.

  He slammed his fist down again and grunted “Fuck!” Lisa knew this was bad. Mark was never one to swear.

  Mark looked apologetically at Lisa for his foul language and she motioned her hand downward. She wasn’t offended.

  “I’ve got Peggy Beck from WNYU holding. Apparently she’s got something you might be interested in.”

  Mark’s face brightened slightly. “You mean it’s not Lipkus on the phone?”

  Lisa shook her head. “Put it through,” Mark said, wiping the sweat off his forehead. Lisa took five paces and pressed the transfer button on her phone.

  “Hello Ms. Beck, this is Chief Tame.”

  “Good afternoon, sir. I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

  “No, not at all. I just hung up with Mrs. Masterson. She explained that you have some evidence in your possession?”

  “Um. Yes, that’s right.” Mark and Peggy discussed logistics, and then Mark reminded her of the publication ban.

  “Yes, sir, I understand. But will that be lifted once you have a suspect?”

  “That is definite. We will need widespread media coverage to find the suspect once one is determined.”

  “How close are you to finding one at this point?”

  “We may have a person of interest later today, which we’ll need coverage for as well. I take it you’re interested in covering that story?”

  “Yes sir, very much so. After Sergeant Lipkus humiliated me during the last media conference, I took nothing back to my boss. I’ve only been on the job a month. My butt is on the line now.”

  Mark chuckled. “No worries Ms. Beck-“

  Peggy interrupted, “Please, call me Peggy.”

  “You bring me the evidence, Peggy, and I’ll make sure you are the first to know who this person of interest is, okay? But NO leaks,” Mark emphasized.

  “Absolutely, sir, I promise.”

  Mark hung up the phone and looked at Richard. They exchanged knowing glances.

  Richard broke the silence. “So how do we deal with Lipkus on this? He’s gonna know the minute that bullet gets processed.”

  Mark looked at Richard and frowned. “To hell with Lipkus. What the hell are we going to tell Charlie?”

  Chapter 13

  When Shelley arrived at the community center, she found Sarah’s car parked close to the entrance. They met up on the corner sidewalk where bikes were kept. As they proceeded up the walkway they heard a car horn toot. It was Matt. He smiled at both of them.

  “Hi ladies. I’m running so late. Would you mind saving me a spot?” he asked with a wink.

  Shelley waved him off. “Sure.” Matt smiled and drove away.

  “Oooo. Looks like someone will be close to you tonight!” Sarah teased.

  “Oh, would you grow up!” Shelley smacked her gently in the butt with her bag.

  They went into the entrance and saw that the place was packed. There seemed to be a commotion going on over by the yoga studio and Shelley and Sarah headed in that direction to see what the fuss was all about.

  The sign said ‘Yoga class cancelled for tonight. Sorry for the inconvenience.’

  “Oh crap!” Shelley said, frustrated.

  “Oh well.” Sarah giggled, clearly pleased.

  “Yeah righ
t.” Shelley wasn’t convinced.

  “Seriously. I was looking forward to this.”

  “You’re such a bad liar,” Shelley scoffed.

  Suddenly Matt was behind them. “What’s the problem? No yoga?” He asked, putting his arms around the girls so he could read the sign from between them. When he released them they both looked at each other like school girls.

  “Well, what do you say I buy you both a drink then?” Matt suggested.

  Sarah looked at Shelley with an “I’m in” look on her face.

  Shelley reluctantly shook her head and said, “It’s either that or go home and clean.”

  “Drinking it is!” Sarah proclaimed.

  …

  They decided to revisit the same bar they had gone to previously, although this time they used a taxi service on Sarah’s suggestion.

  “Why do we need a cab? We’re only going for a drink or two?” Shelley asked while Sarah called the cab company.

  Sarah gave her a knowing look. “Do you remember what happened last time? I had to pour you into your house and I don’t think Mark has forgiven me yet.”

  Shelley rolled her eyes. Matt saw a cab in the distance heading into the parking lot. He hailed him over. Sarah was still on hold and was relieved to press the hang up button.

  Shelley felt strange sitting in the cab. She knew nothing about this man and wasn’t sure if he felt any attraction to Sarah. It made her slightly uncomfortable wondering if he was still planning to make a pass despite her being married. He seemed harmless enough; he had a trusting face, the type that might appear on the cover of a boy band CD. Since he sat up front with the cab driver, she trusted he had no ulterior motives.

  The bar was only a few minutes away from the community centre and there was little conversation on the way. Sarah and Shelley kept exchanging girlish glances at one another. Shelley felt compelled to take out her cell phone and begin texting Sarah in the back of the cab to see what she was thinking. She would have paid a million dollars at that moment to know.

  When they arrived at the bar, Matt paid for the ride and hurried himself out of the taxi so he could open the door for the girls. Shelley returned his smile as he opened her side first and she wondered if it was a random decision. Sarah exited the cab while he rushed over to hold the door open for Shelley as she entered the bar.

  They chose a table close to the bar, almost in the middle of the room. The ambience was slightly dark, somewhat romantic with soft lighting at each table and a disco ball directly above them illuminating in a random pattern. There were mirrors flanking the upper half of each wall, which helped add lighting and give the illusion of depth. At each table stood a vase beside a paper lamp. The vase held a small flower arrangement. Sarah touched the flowers and confirmed they were silk.

  Each round table had seating for four. Matt arranged the chairs so they could all sit together, leaving a single chair for the girls’ handbags. Shelley offered Sarah the chair beside Matt and she winked a thank you in response.

  Sarah wasted no time. “So I couldn’t help but notice your tattoo. Where did you get it done?”

  Matt looked at his right bicep and grabbed some of the skin to get a closer look, as though he’d never seen the tattoo before.

  “Oh this? I got that a couple years ago. Went to Vegas with a friend and got really drunk. It was done on a dare. Thankfully it was a nice job. I don’t regret it.”

  “So you’re a Leo then?” Sarah asked, touching the tattoo seductively.

  Matt hesitated, taking note of her touch, said, “Yes, I am.”

  Shelley rolled her eyes and was thankful the waitress arrived with the drinks. She took her wine without offering to pass Sarah hers and took a large gulp.

  After Matt retrieved his beer he took his wallet out of his pocket and paid for the drinks. He looked over at Shelley as Sarah took a small sip and asked, “How’s the wine?”

  Sarah was about to answer when she noticed Matt’s eye contact with Shelley. “I’ve had better and worse,” Shelley answered casually and then took another sip.

  “Would you like something else?” He offered and began to raise his hand to hail down the waitress. Shelley shook her head while swallowing and said, “No, no, it’s fine. Really.”

  Sarah sneered, realizing Matt hadn’t asked how her wine was. Shelley caught the look and furrowed her brows. Sarah ignored the questioning glance and instead ordered another wine and excused herself to go to the ladies’ room. Shelley followed.

  “Is there something wrong?” Shelley asked, catching the metal door before it slammed in her face, Sarah didn’t bother to hold it open for her.

  “No, nothing’s wrong,” Sarah replied, a hint of anger in her voice.

  “Bullshit! You’re behaving like a child! Let’s have it!”

  Sarah quickly checked the stalls to see if they had company and then lowered her voice.

  “He likes you.”

  Shelley recoiled. “Whether he does or not is irrelevant,” she said, jamming her wedding ring finger in Sarah’s face. She suddenly felt the effects of the wine and had no trouble responding to Sarah.

  “That’s not the point!” Sarah exclaimed.

  “Okay, then what is?” Shelley’s hands were on her waist and their faces nearly met.

  “I’m not used to this.”

  “Used to what?” Shelley asked, returning to her normal tone.

  “You….suddenly being….I don’t know…..a competitor.” Sarah struggled to find the words. Her hand motioned up and down Shelley’s body as if she was introducing her as Bob Barker’s showcase showdown prize.

  “What do you mean? I’m not competing with you!” Shelley said in exasperation.

  “Well…I know you’re not competing….at least not intentionally.”

  Shelley waited while Sarah licked her lips and shook her head.

  “I feel like if I make a play for him, that I’m…well, first of all....going to lose, since he likes you….and, second of all…..stepping on your turf. It’s been years since I felt like I had to check with you before going for a guy.”

  Shelley laughed. “Oh my god! That is so ridiculous!” She bent over and grabbed her crotch so she wouldn’t wet herself, leaning on Sarah with her other hand.

  “What is so funny?” Sarah half laughed.

  “You! This!” Shelley was still laughing, letting go of her crotch.

  “Oh please!” Sarah scoffed. “I saw the way you drooled when you watched his ass the other day. And you admitted you haven’t been laid in a while. How do I know you don’t wanna hop in the sack with this guy?” Sarah removed Shelley’s hand from her shoulder with a smack.

  “Oh stop it!” Shelley couldn’t catch her breath from laughter. “You’re killing me!” Her face was red and there were tears beginning to form in her eyes. “I’m gonna wet my pants if you say any more!” she said as she stumbled into the stall beside Sarah.

  Sarah waited until Shelley came out and joined her at the sink. “So you’ve never thought about it?”

  Shelley finished washing her hands and walked to the hand dryer. “Thought about what?”

  “I know this is crazy, and totally out of character for you. But, what if Mark can’t ever…you know…and Matt or anyone else should offer? You wouldn’t think about it?”

  Thankful she’d already had some wine, Shelley answered hesitantly. “I’ve never thought about being with anyone else, no. I’ve only ever thought about Mark whether I’m with him or alone.” She paused, searching for more words.

  Digesting the information, Sarah picked up on something and brightened. “What do you mean alone? You mean you’ve……?” Sarah put one hand on her breast and the other at her crotch and mimicked masturbating. Then she smiled and nodded, encouraging Shelley to confess.

  Shelley turned red and half smiled. “Well, yes…..I told you it’s been a while.”

  Sarah’s mouth opened wide and she gasped, then she looked down, “Not so vanilla any more are we?”


  …

  Matt rose as the girls returned, but at the same time he gave them a concerned look.

  “Everything ok?” He asked, pulling out Shelley’s chair for her. As Matt’s back turned, Sarah slid a glance Shelley’s way.

  “Oh yeah, you know women…we take forever in the bathroom.” Sarah commented.

  “I’ve heard of that.” He smiled.

  “I took the liberty of ordering another drink for you both. I hope that’s ok.”

  “Bottoms up,” Sarah said, clinking her glass with Shelley’s and Matt’s.

  Shelley swallowed as though she had just ingested syrup. “Whew! That’s my last glass.”

  Sarah leaned toward Matt, “She can’t handle her liquor.”

  Matt smiled again. “Do you ladies come here often?”

  “Not as much as we’d like.” Sarah laughed, clinking her glass against Shelley’s again.

  “Oh no, you’re just the bad influence here. I drink very casually,” Shelley declared matter-of-factly.

  “I didn’t take you for a drinker. You seem very in tune with your body. You know what it needs,” Matt said in support.

  “I do try to take care of myself. I’m trying to encourage others,” she said, passing a guilty look at Sarah.

  “That’s what I like in a woman,” he said with a gentle pat on her back.

  Sarah was irritated. She looked directly at Matt and asked bluntly, “So how come you’re still single?”

  He seemed to have expected the question, “It’s my choice,” he answered flatly.

  “Have you been married before?” she continued.

  “Never.”

  “Dated many women?”

  “That depends on your definition of many.” Sarah pondered a moment, taking a sip of wine.

  “How many men have you dated?” Matt asked boldly.

  Sarah looked at him like he had one too many sets of balls. “That’s none of your business.”

  “It’s a fair question. You asked me the same.”

  “It isn’t gentlemanly to ask a lady that.”