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

by Sandy Appleyard

  “What about the note?” Mark asked.

  “Standard sharpie marker. No prints.”

  “Did they say if it looked like a full or partial on the bullet casing?” Richard asked.

  “It looks like it’s just a partial, but if it’s in the system, we might have something.”

  “Well let’s hope like hell that the picture has promise,” Andy interjected.

  Mark’s face brightened and he looked up at Lisa. “What about Kent’s boyfriend or any next of kin? Have we been able to contact anyone?”

  Lisa looked at Andy. “I spoke to the father right before Charlie called. Mom’s dead. Dad said the boyfriend is away on business. He gave me the number and I left a message. Dad was really distraught and couldn’t give me any more information than what the neighbours did. You want me to go pay him a visit?” Andy said.

  “Yes. And then call LouAnn and unload all the information to hold Lipkus off. Find out everything you can about the boyfriend through dad and Lisa will dig up everything she can while you’re out. Report everything to Lipkus,” Mark instructed.

  “In the meantime, Richard and I will head over to Charlie’s,” Mark added as he and Richard walked towards the door.

  “Oh, one more thing Andy.” Mark said.

  “See if you can get a picture of the boyfriend.” Andy nodded.

  “And a print too.” Mark said under his breath.

  Chapter 15

  Shelley walked up the stairs and set her purse on her dressing table; she had a slight headache. She changed into her pyjamas and brushed her teeth. Taking the Tylenol out of her purse, she noticed a business card she didn’t recognize. It was Matt’s. The card was generic and simply had his contact information on it. On the back he had written her a note. ‘Call me sometime if you want to go for a drink again.” There was a smiley face in place of the dot above the ‘i’ in ‘drink’. She smiled.

  Her mind wandered back to his kiss. Was she attracted to him? Did the kiss feel good or was it just awkward? It was definitely unexpected and unwelcome, but would she accept if he did it again? He had a nice touch and he did seem very gentlemanly. She admitted there was pleasure in the way he seemed to covet her; something she hadn’t had for a while. Matt was the only man in a long time who had outwardly expressed his desire for her. She knew Richard once had a crush on her, but he repressed those feelings long ago. There was once a teacher who seemed to develop a liking for her, but he moved away. She giggled at the thought of another man having a crush on her. It was kind of sweet.

  The fact that Sarah was jealous gave Shelley a certain satisfaction. Sarah had a reputation for casually dating men and turning them away for superficial reasons, and it was nice to have her appreciate a gentleman for a change, even if she wouldn’t admit it. Shelley wanted nothing more than to see Sarah happy, even if she had to conspire to do it. Maybe she would try to fix them up, but the only way to do that would be to convince Matt to ask Sarah out. It was silly for Shelley to even think about allowing Matt’s advances to continue. After all, she was married.

  Since Matt had turned Sarah off with his comments at the bar tonight, Shelley figured the only way to get Matt to give Sarah a second chance would be to talk to him personally. But what would she say? Shelley was no match maker. She tried on several occasions to fix Sarah up to no avail. But this time it was different. Never before had Sarah liked a guy who also liked Shelley. Was this an advantage? Would it work? Shelley’s head was pounding thinking about it. Her bed was beckoning her. She lay down and nestled herself tightly in the blankets. Mark’s pillow seemed to be waiting for her to snuggle with it, so she grabbed it and placed it in front of her tummy, hugging it like a teddy bear.

  As much as these thoughts seemed juvenile to her, Shelley took some pleasure in them. It was nice to have something less intense to think about. They were all still dealing with Mark’s lifestyle adjustments. Those still lingered like a dark cloud above them. Mark was leading his life just how he had pre-heart attack, which was exactly what his doctor ordered him not to do. Lord knows what he was eating working all these crazy hours again. Shelley closed her eyes, trying to erase all the worries in the darkness of her room, and then realized she left her car at the rec center.

  …

  The center closed at 11:00 pm, so there were still people inside when she arrived. There was a dance class going on in the upper floor. It looked like a dress rehearsal as the dancers were all dressed in beautiful colours. The ladies wore light pink body suits with tulle skirts shaped like leaves in a rainbow pattern. The men wore simply light purple body suits to match the light purple streak in the lady’s skirts. They were performing a ballet number together, weaving in and out of each other’s arms like a ride at the carnival.

  Shelley stood for approximately five minutes, watching intently when she heard someone approach. She looked over and saw Michael, Sarah’s last failed conquest, entering his vehicle. He was carrying with him a bag shaped like a tennis racket and his hair was wet. His jacket was zipped half way and he was still wearing his sweat suit underneath. He parked only five car lengths away from Shelley and it was dark, but the street lights were bright enough so he could see her.

  His gaze told her that he didn’t recognize her at first. She waved. “Hi, I’m Sarah’s friend?” He smiled and nodded recognition. “Hey there. How’s it going?”

  “Not bad. Just heading home.”

  “Yoga was cancelled tonight, wasn’t it?”

  “Yeah, I’m just picking up my car. We went out instead.”

  “Ah. Well, tell her if she wants to go out again, I’m game.”

  “I’ll pass the message along.”

  Michael entered his car and as he drove off, he waved to Shelley. She watched his car until he exited the parking lot. More people began to pour out of the centre and Shelley was amazed at how busy the place was at such a late hour.

  “Hey, it’s funny running into you again.” The voice said. Shelley turned around. It was Matt. He was also carrying a bag shaped like a tennis racket.

  “I guess you caught a late game of tennis, did you?” Shelley laughed, eyeing his bag. She felt embarrassed from the last time he saw her and blushed thinking about his kiss.

  “Yeah. I’m not much for drinking myself. I needed to blow off some steam, so here I am.” He explained. “Just picking up your car?”

  “Yes. I decided I’m not so hot on the idea of getting towed.”

  “You should have called me. I could have picked you up. I gave you my number.”

  “Yeah. About that.” Shelley started. “I already told you I’m married, and although I’m really flattered, I just can’t.”

  Matt interrupted and put his tennis racket down. He leaned his hand on Shelley’s car. “Shelley, it’s no trouble. No need to explain. I just thought I’d give you the option to think about it. Most people who know me say I’m relentless and it’s true.”

  “You know, if you give Sarah another try she might be more willing. She’s available.” Shelley offered.

  Matt laughed. “Okay, but she doesn’t like me.”

  “Yes she does. She told me so.”

  “She did? When?”

  “When we were in the washroom.”

  “Ah. So that was what the ‘girl talk’ was all about, was it?” Matt said, air quoting.

  Shelley blushed again, she couldn’t help but feel like she had travelled in a time machine back to high school.

  She laughed. “Yes.”

  “So what did you say about me?” Matt asked, with his head raised and his hand under his chin; his eyebrows lifted.

  “It’s a secret.” She said, not meaning to sound as seductive as she did.

  Matt stood silent for a moment and then came closer to her. He whispered in her ear. “Do you have many secrets?” The heat from his face brushed hers and she was surprised but she didn’t recoil as she had when he kissed her. She stood firm like she wasn’t nervous. He smelled like a recent shower and shave
and she suddenly wondered how soft his face was.

  He stood back and looked at her. She wasn’t blushing anymore and her gaze stayed with his a moment too long. Her body felt warm and her heart was beating faster. The parking lot was silent as the previous wave of patrons had driven away. They were alone. Matt gently took her waist in his hands and slowly approached her face with his. Shelley welcomed his touch. When his lips met hers she didn’t fight back. She was entranced. First it was a simple brush with his lips and then he opened his mouth and his tongue met hers. It felt so good she almost melted. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she stifled a groan. Matt’s hands enveloped her waist and the warmth from his touch made her heart pound. He stepped in closer and their bodies almost touched when Shelley’s phone beeped.

  She let out a yelp and pushed back.

  He looked at her apologetically, like he was afraid she would slap him.

  “I have to go.” she said.

  “I understand.” He said as he nodded and looked at her earnestly before picking up his bag and walking away.

  She could still taste his lips on hers as she entered her car.

  Part of her wanted to scream for being weak. But the other part couldn’t help but feel satiated. She hadn’t been touched sexually in so long, and it felt so good. She felt some guilt and embarrassment for allowing it to happen, but Shelley decided she would put an end to Matt’s advances the next time she saw him, as she had planned to do.

  …

  Mark and Richard pulled up to Charlie’s house at 9:15pm. The street was quiet except for a couple out walking a beautiful little husky. They held hands while the woman kept the end of the leash looped in her opposite hand. Charlie’s house showed no signs of life; no lights were on and no cars parked in the driveway.

  “Andy said he would be home,” Richard said.

  “Well, we’ll wait a few minutes and give him a call,” Mark replied.

  “So, how’s the diet coming along?” Richard asked, elbowing Mark in the ribs.

  Mark waved him off. “Kinda hard to count calories when I’m looking for a serial killer.”

  “Excuses, excuses. Shelley’s not been packing you a lunch?”

  Mark laughed. “She would if she knew I’d be around to take it.”

  Richard was silent for a moment. “Ever thought about retiring?”

  Mark gave him a look like it was the most ridiculous thing he’d ever asked. “Jesus, don’t put the nail in the casket yet.”

  “I’m just saying. You’ve already had one heart attack. Do you think you’d survive another?”

  “It was a mild heart attack. And I won’t have another because of all these damn pills the doctor’s gave me. I’ll be back on track once this case is solved. I’m going to take some time off then and recharge.”

  “Oh yeah? Where are you guys planning to go?”

  “Well, we haven’t talked about it yet, but like I said, once this case is solved….”

  “How is Shelley anyway? I haven’t talked to her myself in a while.”

  “She’s fine. All is well. No complaints,” Mark said without eye contact.

  “Really? She hasn’t come around the office in a while either.”

  “She’s busy with work too. With the kids gone now she’s been spending more hours at the school. By next term she’ll probably be full time again.”

  Richard nodded but picked up on the hesitation.

  “You guys okay? I mean, since the heart attack?”

  Mark looked at Richard like he had two heads. “I think you’ve been hanging around Lisa too much.”

  Richard noted the diversion and was about to challenge Mark further when Charlie’s car pulled up beside them. Charlie nodded a hello and exited the car as they did the same.

  “Hey, Andy said you’d be dropping by. I’m just getting back from the hospital. Visiting hours end at 9:00,” Charlie said.

  Mark met Charlie and put his arm around his shoulder. “How’s Madeline?”

  Charlie sighed and leaned his head to the left, towards Richard. “Not so good. They’ve stopped the chemo and there isn’t much more they can do.”

  Charlie unlocked the door and ushered the guys in.

  “Can I offer you anything?” Charlie asked. There were empty containers of fast food overflowing in the garbage and half empty packages of buns, various baked items and sandwiches arranged like blocks all over the counter tops.

  “Sure, it looks like you could use some help eating this stuff.” Richard half laughed.

  “We’re starved. Do you remember the last time you ate?” Mark asked Richard. He shook his head.

  Charlie took some clean plates out of the dishwasher and placed them in front of the guys; he added one for himself.

  “I’m a nervous eater,” Charlie explained, packing two crescent rolls and a donut on his plate.

  “At this rate I’ll put on more than what Madeline’s lost before all is said and done.”

  Neither of the guys responded.

  “So what brings you guys here?”

  “Unfortunately not good news,” Mark explained.

  Charlie took a bite of his donut and some jelly slid down his chin. Richard grabbed a napkin out of the holder nearest him and handed it over.

  “Well, lay it on me. I’m used to bad news,” Charlie said, thinking maybe they hit a snag in the case. He had no idea what they were about to tell him, nor was he prepared for the news.

  “Reed’s mother found a bullet casing in Karen’s things,” Mark said without preamble.

  Charlie immediately stopped eating and dropped the donut on his plate. His face went blank and the colour drained.

  “Nobody knows yet, so take it easy,” Richard said, trying to calm him.

  Charlie was looking at a spot of jelly that landed on the table. His eyes didn’t leave it. It was like he was in a daze. Richard looked at Mark like he should say something.

  “We’ve got some time, Charlie. There’s no need to worry. I’ve got your back,” Mark said, trying to reassure him.

  His words did not help. Charlie knew what this meant.

  “If evidence finds a match to the print, the news will spread quickly and nobody will care how it was found,” Richard ventured.

  “We also have a picture that could lead us to a person of interest,” Mark added.

  Charlie sat with the blank look still on his face; like he wasn’t hearing what the guys were saying.

  Richard leaned over and put his hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “You okay buddy?”

  Charlie blinked and nodded but said nothing.

  Mark found his most comforting voice. “Listen. All you need to do right now is pray for Madeline, as we all have been doing. Worry about her. Don’t worry about any of this. We’ll take care of it.”

  Charlie looked at Mark apologetically and shook his head slowly. Mark asked, “Do you need a stiff drink or something?”

  “No, but the doctor gave me some tranquilizers to help me sleep. I think I need one.”

  Still stunned, Charlie was about to get up when Richard stopped him. “You sit. Where are they? I’ll find them.”

  Charlie pointed towards the bathroom. “In the medicine cabinet,” he instructed.

  Richard entered the washroom and opened the cabinet. It was like a pharmacy, packed with so many prescription drugs, he could spend an hour counting them all. “Uh, buddy, which one is it?”

  “Lorazepam. It’s the only bottle with my name on it. The rest are Madeline’s.”

  “Jesus Christ. Shouldn’t she have some of these with her?” Richard asked; picking each one up and reading the name, looking for the one with Charlie’s on it.

  Charlie scratched his head and had a look of disgust on his face. “Shit. Sorry, mine are on my night stand in the bedroom.”

  “No problem, man. I would’ve gotten lost in there anyway,” Richard said as he walked to the next room.

  Richard walked back into the kitchen carrying the coveted pil
l bottle. “I’m sure you would’ve found something in Madeline’s plethora of drugs that would’ve done the trick anyway.”

  Charlie gave him a strange look, Richard thought he might have offended him but then Charlie’s eyes went to the ground, like he gave up.

  Richard placed the bottle on the table and Mark immediately read the label. The prescription was filled recently. “You gonna be okay? Do you want one of us to stay with you?” Mark asked.

  “No, I’m pretty much out once I take a few of these. I’ll be up in the morning, feeling fresh once again.” Charlie said with a hint of sarcasm. “I wish there was a pill that would make my wife feel like that.”

  “I wish there was a pill like that, too. It would make all women go to sleep when they’re in a bad mood and wake up feeling fresh. We would have a much easier life,” Richard said. Neither Mark nor Charlie responded.

  “Too soon?” He asked, searching Mark’s face. Mark looked at him and pursed his lips. “I think it’s time for us to go.”

  “Thanks for stopping by,” Charlie said, rising from his chair.

  “No trouble at all. We’ll be in touch.” Mark followed Richard to the door.

  When Charlie closed the door, Richard said, “Why didn’t you warn him about Lipkus?”

  Mark walked to the car and opened the door. Once they were seated he explained “Charlie’s a smart guy. I don’t need to spell it out.”

  …

  Shelley pulled up to the house just as Mark was exiting his car. He looked spent. His tie was already loosened and hanging sideways and the first two buttons on his shirt were undone. He didn’t bother to grab his jacket out of the car.

  “Hey, I know you.” Mark said, winking at Shelley as she exited her car.

  “You do, do you? You look like a stranger to me.” She said, pulling her body in closer so he could put his arm around her.

  “Long day?” She asked rhetorically.

  Mark looked at his watch. “Long indeed.”

  Shelley headed upstairs and Mark began watching a comedy show and grabbed himself a drink from the fridge. When he came back from the kitchen he sprawled out on the couch. As he stretched his legs out, he hit his feet on Shelley’s purse. It had been left open as her keys were still on the couch. He put her keys back in it and saw the card Matt left her. He read the note on the back: ‘Call me sometime if you want to go for a drink again’, with a smiley face in place of the dot above the ‘i’ in ‘drink’.