by Nora LeDuc
She went still and faced him. “Buddy is Dahlia’s type, tall, dark and handsome. He bears a resemblance to A.J., and the guy she crushed on in eighth grade. They’re well-built and my sister falls for them instantly without thought of what type of person she might be hooking up with. If she met him at the Audi, she would have felt an instant attraction. If they started seeing each other, secretly, Buddy could be the last person who saw my sister alive.”
Chapter 12
“You think Dahlia hooked up with Buddy?” Luke asked, narrowing his eyes at her with disbelief. “No, he wouldn’t. Buddy’s learned his lesson and is engaged.”
“Dahlia led with her heart in relationships and let others worry about what type of person she’d hooked up with and their consequences. Your friend may have the same attitude. I’d hoped when Dahlia found A.J. she’d found the real deal.”
“Makes it important to find her ex and question him,” Lennox said. “If A.J. stalked her to Ledgeview, and then saw her with Buddy, he could have lost it.”
“You like the idea because it supports Buddy as innocent,” she protested.
“Keep an open mind about Buddy. Cut him a break at his parents’ house tonight. If he’s guilty, I’ll nail him. I’ll give you that he deserves the same scrutiny as any suspect, except at the moment, he’s not one. Let’s change to another topic.”
“Good idea, someone stuck a pin in my doorbell, and I dismantled the wire to stop the ringing. When I ran downstairs, no one was there, but when I started to close the door, two teenagers ran away from the alley. Outside of that, nothing much happened. “
“Hold on.” He held up his palm. “Someone—who you don’t know—rang your bell and you answered? What time was this?”
“It was daylight. Before you lecture me, I brought my gun with me and looked outside first. No one was around.”
“Why don’t I feel better?” He shook his head. “Rose, you have my number for a reason. Do not answer the door at any time to anyone you don’t know, especially with a deadly weapon in your hand.”
“I solemnly swear to call you even if you’re in the middle of a police raid and not to leave my apartment to do door duty.”
“No more risks.”
“I promise, Lennox, on my sister’s ghost.”
“My instinct is warning me not to believe you.” He walked over to the intercom box on the wall and released a low whistle. “You massacred the poor devil.” He tracked the shredded wire into the box and turned to her. “You need the bell. It’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Get any messages recently from Dahlia about her night at The Ledges?”
“I asked who hurt her, but she didn’t answer.” Rose toyed with the strap of her shoulder purse. “I wish I knew how to communicate with her. I miss her, and she could send us in the right direction to arrest her killer.” Her shoulders slumped, and she averted her face.
“We’ll make the arrest.” Before he could stop himself, he reached out and grazed her cheek with his knuckles. A pleasant sensation filled the pit of his stomach.
She bit her lip and blushed.
The brief break gave him the moment to get his mind on track. “I’ll save the rest of the security talk for later.” He moved away, seeking the safety zone, a place he didn’t feel the urge to touch her.
“There’s more? Never mind, I’ll let Dean know about the intercom.” She crossed the floor to the box and twisted the disconnected wire around a finger. “He can take it out of the security deposit.”
“I’ll remind him you can’t be running downstairs to let me in.”
“My landlord must have an extra key you can borrow. I’ll vouch for your character.” A slow smile lit her face and erased the awkward moment.
He wanted to keep the smile on her face, protect her from more hurt. “Rose, go home to Vermont, manage your store and stay safe. If you don’t want written reports, I’ll phone you every day.”
“I can’t.” Her mouth hardened into a thin line. “You should understand the ties to family.”
“I’m thinking like a law enforcer. There’s no alarm system in the building despite Dean’s latest efforts. Your intercom needs to be replaced. Buddy’s right: this place should be condemned.” He paced in a tight circle around the living room, taking in the leaky window frames. A good push from someone on the fire escape would set the panes of glass free.
“Lennox, I can’t leave.” She shoved the phone into her purse.
“Explain it to me.”
She met his stare. “I can’t leave Dahlia alone. She’s all I have left of my family. You should understand. You’d do anything for your mother. If something happened to her, you’d be all over it. Dahlia was my sister, my twin. This is my last chance for us to connect.” She swallowed and clenched and unclenched her hands. “Sometimes, I feel a part of me died at The Ledges.”
“Hold on, Rose. Dahlia’s the one who’s gone, and you can help her by protecting yourself. Dahlia would want you out of harm’s way.”
“My sister’s here and needs me. I won’t be scared away. It’s the least I can do.” Rose angled her chin higher.
He tamped down on his frustration. “I’m sure you’ll be able to talk to her in another residence.”
“You sound cynical about Dahlia’s afterlife abilities, Detective. She’s strongest in the apartment and at The Ledges where she died.” Rose rubbed her arms as though chilled.
“Is your sister watching us now?” The idea was beyond spooky if it was true.
“I don’t see her.” She put her hands on her hips. “What’s your problem, Lennox?”
“I don’t like what happens to you when she’s around. Let’s call the discussion a draw for now and head to the Drowns.”
“Wait a minute. Where’s my lipstick?” She plopped her purse on the table and fished inside.
He released an exasperated breath. “I’m done the lecture for the moment, but I guarantee we’re not finished.”
“Count on it, Lennox.”
“Having an argument with you is not how I planned to start the evening.”
“What did you plan?” She stepped away from her purse and faced him.
He lifted a fingertip and traced the curve of her lips, lingering over the indentation. She briefly closed her eyes and raised her face to him. He found her simple reaction excruciatingly arousing. Since he’d met Rose Blue, he’d been in a constant war of denial about his own emotions until yesterday when he’d given in to the kiss. He wasn’t feeling much stronger at the moment, and why should he? He was officially off police business. The last idea set free his restraint.
He tugged her against him and cupped the back of her head, searching for hesitation in her expression. The hot sexual intensity on her face invaded the thin wall of his resistance, and heat surged through him. He bent and nibbled at the corner of her mouth. “Hmm, you taste sweet and sour.”
“I hope you’re not comparing me to our lunch at the ancient Chinese restaurant,” she mumbled.
He silenced her complaint by running his tongue over her top lip. She tightened her grip. He slid his hands over the curve of her hips. The soft feel of the fabric slid across his palms and urged him to seek more.
He pulled her head back and deepened the kiss, pressing her body against him. Hot longing seared between them and shoved aside all his worries and thoughts about people except one. He wanted her. He craved the taste of her skin, wanted to inhale the scent of her…
The ring of a phone penetrated his hazy brain. He lifted his head. “Is that your cell?”
“Huh?” She blinked.
“First a siren and now your phone,” he mumbled.
“I thought you didn’t remember our kiss yesterday?” She threw him a wide-eyed glance and turned to dig her cell out of her purse. After a glance at the caller ID, she shrugged. “Sorry, it’s my friend, Cassie, in Brattleboro.”
“I read her interview with my predecessor. She was out of town when your sister went missing and clai
ms to have little knowledge of A.J. Edwards or anyone wanting to harm Dahlia.”
“Thanks for the rundown.” Rose pointed to the phone. “I have to speak to her. She may have questions about the boutique.”
As she left the room, the sway of her hips snared his attention. For two and a half years he’d thrown himself into his job and concentrated on surviving a divorce where his ex had asked for everything he owned except his mug with the coffee rings inside. Now Rose had gotten under his skin micro-inch by micro-inch until he was finding himself in a defensive position. Besides the obvious conflict of work, what was that warning in his gut about Rose?
Lots, he told himself. She talked to a dead sister who appeared and talked back. And if she wasn’t really speaking to the victim, then how could Rose recite facts from the crime, which only the killer or victim would know? Worse, she had him dancing around her like a teenager hot for the prom queen or head cheerleader.
Any good law enforcer would know better than to get involved with her. Yet, he believed her story. He studied the windows again to distract himself. He whistled over the sight of the fire escape dangling in the air.
Rose walked back into the kitchen still talking on her cell.
“Thanks for the update, Cass. We’ll talk again soon.” Rose snapped her phone closed. “My friend, Cassie, wanted to review some orders that arrived.” Her face sobered. “She also passed along sympathies from my customers. It’s nice that people are thinking of Dahlia.”
“She must be dependable.”
“Cassie’s a little flaky, but she’s helping me by running the Blues Sisters while I’m away.”
He approached her. “Now where were we?”
“I wish we could pick up from where we left off but—” She glanced at the clock on the kitchen stove. “We’re going to be late.”
He wanted to groan in protest. Instead he asked, “Are you ready to go?”
“As soon as I reapply my lipstick, I’ll be set.” She disappeared into the other room.
She was right. Now wasn’t the moment to start something he couldn’t finish. After the dinner, they had all night.
“Let’s go,” she said, reappearing.
“Rose, I want you to know something. I’m attracted to you, but you and I together might not be the best idea.” That wasn’t exactly what he wanted to say, but it was better than confessing he was looking through the lens of a detective at their relationship.
“I’ll be going home to Vermont once you make an arrest, and no one will remember me or us together.”
Was he that forgettable? Her explanation irritated rather than reassured him.
She shrugged into her jacket, and they walked out of the apartment toward his car. She settled in the front seat, snapped on her seatbelt and then folded her hands together. “I can’t wait to get into a warm house. Spring sure takes its time coming.”
“The Drowns live in the North End, only a short distance.” He turned the key, and the engine roared to life.
Within seconds, they were officially on the road and on their “date.” Rose seemed absorbed in the passing scenery outside the window. Was this a good sign or bad? He drove past the downtown, hung a left up the hill by the Pizza Palooza and pushed the pedal to the metal. If Buddy hadn’t calmed down, then the evening would take a different spin. No matter, the sooner they arrived, the quicker he could run interference with Buddy and end the first part of the evening, which meant they’d reach the conclusion at Rose’s apartment. The last part of the night presented all kinds of possibilities he liked.
Finally he reached the neighborhood of larger homes with manicured lawns and mulch covered flowerbeds. Luke parked in front of the familiar beige Dutch Colonial with the three-stall garage. Buddy’s silver SUV was nowhere to be seen, which was a minor relief. They strolled together along the walk lined by small evergreen bushes and had reached the front steps when the door flew open.
Dean stepped out. “Luke and Rose, welcome to the Drown Castle.”
“Thanks, Dean.” Rose glided over the threshold.” I can’t wait to enjoy a dinner with all of you. Is Buddy here yet?”
Luke stepped inside behind her. Dean might as well be the executioner welcoming them into the dungeon. Let the torture begin.
Chapter 13
Rose and Luke entered the gray tiled hall lit by an overhead chandelier.
“Bud will be along.” Dean slapped Luke’s back. “Hey, how about those Celtics? Come over and watch the next game on my new TV. The huge screen makes you feel like you’re at the game. Rose, it’s good to see you.” He shook her hand. “Tia’s taking care of last minute dinner preparations and will join us in a moment. We’ve planned a special announcement for you.”
“For me?”
“Absolutely, I hope you’ll approve.” Dean paused a moment, and his smile faded. “I don’t want to spoil the evening, but I’ll mention the obvious once, and then we can forget and enjoy our dinner. Rose, I’m your landlord, and I’m responsible for the building’s security. I want to apologize for what happened at your apartment. I’ve hired two men to install an alarm system. Of course, nothing is easy. The tragic news about your sister’s disappearance and death set off a buying frenzy for security measures and a backlog for installation. The men will put in the system Wednesday. If I’m really lucky, the permit for the restaurant renovations will be approved immediately and remodeling can start in a day or two. Workers in the place will discourage anyone from thinking it’s an easy target to break into.”
“Glad you brought up the safety issues, Dean,” Luke interjected.
Rose widened her eyes at him. “I’m not moving out.”
“You’re leaving?” Dean asked.
She shook her head.
“The safety measures in the building are poor.” Lennox interjected. “The chain lock won’t keep out a two-year-old, and the intercom is fried.”
Rose’s face flushed. “I’m responsible for the broken intercom. I’ll pay for a replacement out of the security deposit.”
“Thanks for alerting me. I’ll work on the issues first thing tomorrow. Let me take your coats.” Dean held out his hands.
They gave their jackets to Dean and he hung them in the hall closet. “You can leave your pocketbook inside.” He nodded toward the open door.
“Thanks for the offer.” Rose rested a hand on top of the purse slung over her shoulder. “But a girl always keeps her lipstick close. You never know when a touch up is in order.”
She was carrying her gun. As long as she didn’t whip it out and shoot Buddy, the evening would be a rousing success. Luke grimaced. His dream of a stress free night was vanishing faster than a celebrity’s sobriety after rehab.
“Luke.” Tia Drown stood at the edge of the hall.
She wore tan pants and blouse. Her brown hair was mixed with strands of red. As usual, the way she entered a room and held her head reminded him of Miss America strutting down a runway. She beamed her contagious smile, the one that Buddy had inherited.
“I’m happy you’re back where you belong.” Tia gave him a quick hug.
“Let me introduce Rose Blue,” Luke said when she released him.
“Thank you for inviting me, Mrs. Drown.” Rose stepped forward and offered her hand.
The older woman embraced her in her swift style. “Please call me Tia. I’m happy you joined us tonight. Ledgeview must seem like a place out of a horrible dream. I hope to show you decent people do live in our community. Dean, will you announce the news?”
Luke shot a glance at Dean. What was he up to?
Rose, my wife and I agreed to organize a Tip Crimeline of volunteers dedicated solely to your sister’s case. They’ll report directly to the police.”
“And,” Tia said, stepping into her husband’s side, “we’ve donated a reward of three thousand dollars for anyone who has information that leads to the conviction of your sister’s killer. Dean’s spoken to the mayor, and he’s already pushed through the red tape for
the setup.”
Rose stood still, staring, and then, bolted forward and hugged each of them. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Words left Luke for a moment. “That’s…generous of you both.” He calculated the hours, manpower and money needed for the project. Should he pen a thank you or lead a taxpayers’ revolt?
“I hope you’ll be involved, Luke. You can assign a man of your choice to head the committee, or do it yourself. The mayor raved over the idea.” Dean clapped his hands together. “We’ll work out the details after dinner.”
“I can’t believe your generosity.” Rose blinked away tears of happiness.
Sure, she could play on their good natures for information on Buddy.
“Believe me. Lots of fine people live in Ledgeview.” Tia smiled at her.
“Thank you, Mrs…Tia. Your gift is better than Christmas. I’ll always remember your kindness,” Rose said to her. “I’ve wanted to meet you for quite a while. Where’s Buddy tonight? He’s the only one missing.”
“Don’t forget dinner, Rose. The real reason we came,” Luke added. Despite the Drowns’ generous offer, Rose seemed determined to focus on his friend.
“Buddy and Shauna should arrive in about half an hour. She works until seven thirty at the bank on Tuesday nights, and Buddy picks her up.” Tia lowered her voice. “She’s like a daughter to me. Have you met?”
“I’ve never had the pleasure.”
“You’ll love her. Everyone does.”
“Luke, let’s leave the women to their talk.” Dean clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I’ve plenty of cold ones in the bar fridge. What would you like?”
To avoid a disaster tonight. “If you don’t mind, I’ll stick with the women for a while.” He edged closer to Rose, who narrowed her eyes in disapproval at him.
“Don’t be silly,” Tia said. “I want to show Rose the results of the clothing drive. You’d be bored to death.”
“Right, Lennox, bored-to-death,” Rose confirmed, widening her eyes at him. “Go with Dean.” She walked with Tia to the hall.