by Nora LeDuc
Luke hesitated by his car at the curb. All the years with his friend had come to an end today. The door opened, and a couple of uniforms rushed Buddy to a nearby patrol car.
“Hey.” Detective Conroy walked up to him and gave him a mocking smile. The fragrance of his last taco meal hung around him. “Are you finding it hard to watch pretty boy go to the station for questioning?”
“As long as you read him his rights when we finish building our case, I’m fine.” Luke pivoted around to leave.
“I’ve one more thing.” Conroy’s mouth twisted several times as though he bit into something sour.
Luke braced for a hit. “I’ve bad taste in friends?”
“Good job. So far.” Conroy turned on his heel.
“Conroy,” Luke waited for the detective to pause before adding, “you too.”
Conroy walked away into the real estate office.
“Luke!”
He shielded his eyes against the sun and glanced toward the end of the block. Rose hurried toward him.
She halted on the sidewalk a few feet from him. She wet her lips and forced a smile. Both her hands were stuffed inside her open parka’s pockets. Her shoulders were tensed. “I hope you don’t mind me calling you by your first name now that the case is over. I was going to the station but found you on the street like a common beat cop. What’s up?”
“I was about to drive to your apartment. Sorry, I haven’t we haven’t had time to speak privately. How are you?” He fought the urge to touch her, reassure himself all was okay.
“I’m fine.” She shrugged and cleared her throat. “I understand A.J. will make bail although he’s charged with other crimes related to his internet business.”
“He’ll be out today.”
She nodded. “With today’s newspaper with the dramatic headline, The Killer Hidden among Us, I’m sure his ex internet business will make him a hot topic in Ledgeview.”
“The Ledgeview News has sold a lot of papers thanks to Dean Drown.”
“How could Dean have fooled us? He planned to run for mayor. People believed in him.”
“He ingratiated himself into the world with good acts like the tip line, supporting the clothing drives for the poor and his desire to do good by running for office. No one wanted to scratch beneath his shiny surface.”
“I wish Dahlia’s death was a dream.” She heaved a sigh.
“Buddy’s answering questions at the station. They’ll search for emails to and from Dahlia. Don’t worry. They’ll prove he was Dean’s co-conspirator for your sister’s murder.”
“Do you think he helped Dean kill Dahlia?”
“Bud and Dean met your sister when she arrived in Ledgeview, searching for her father. They took advantage of her.”
“Dean and Buddy, I’d like to forget I ever met them.” She glanced down and twisted the end of her jacket. “I wished I’d never found my father if he’s Dean Drown.”
Luke took her hand. “Dean was a liar. Don’t believe him.”
“I hope you’re right.” She stepped away, breaking contact with him and kept a distance between them. “I was going to speak to Tia about giving me a personal item of Dean’s for a DNA test.”
Her reaction to his touch confused and irked him, but he didn’t want to upset her more by quizzing her about her actions. She had bigger problems. “Don’t worry, a lawyer can help you.”
“I just want Dahlia’s pain to end and to understand Buddy’s role.” She blinked several times before continuing.
“He was raised in violence with his father and then his stepfather. Dean loved power and control, and he enjoyed the high and false sense of both when he killed. I can profile both Drowns for you, but you can figure out the rest.”
She waved a hand. “I’ve heard enough. I’m headed home to Vermont today.”
“You’re leaving?” He felt a punch to his gut. He hadn’t counted on her quick exit.
“It’s time. I want to thank you.”
“Rose, I—”
“You were just doing your job.” She smiled briefly. “I understand, Luke. Don’t sweat it. You were brave out there on the bridge. I’ll never forget you saved my life.”
“You’ve come a long way from the woman who called the police over a plastic hand. Dahlia would be proud of you. I’m proud of you too.” He inched closer, driven by the urge to say something. He wasn’t sure what except he didn’t want her to go.
His phone rang and the number popped up. “It’s Frank. Excuse me for a moment.”
“Luke, my boy,” Frank’s voice boomed into his ear. “I was released today from the hospital, and now that the case is closed, I wanted to invite you over for a war game.”
“Are you sure you’re up for games already?”
“I can’t wait to face your men.”
“Good. I read your interview in yesterday’s paper.”
Frank chuckled. “People always think seniors are too old to do anything.”
“I never did, Frank.”
“I showed them. You’re a smart one, Luke, like your father.”
“Thanks, that’s the one compliment I won’t forget. Dad was the best.”
“Hey, did ya notice my favorite picture next to my interview?”
“You mean the one with the Chief shaking your hand while you lay in a hospital bed?”
“I’m framing it. I bet he shook yours too.”
“The Chief told me it was about time I solved the case.”
“He was over the top with praise. The piece has gotten me lots of attention from the women. My next door neighbor, a lovely, single lady, has volunteered to bring me supper for the next week.”
“You’re the man, Frank. I’ll be over Tuesday.” He hung up and turned to Rose. She was gone.
He surveyed the street without finding a sign of her. Should he try to catch her? He wanted to speak to A.J. before he was being released. He’d catch Rose later when he figured out what to say. He drove over to the County Jail where a clerk directed him to the discharge desk. Luke found A.J. shoving his belongings into a paper bag.
He stiffened at the sight of the detective. “Afraid you can’t gloat today. I’m out on bail. I sold a few pictures of Dahlia to a news agency for the money. They didn’t mind dealing with me. Besides all the new evidence proved I’m not a killer. Shouldn’t you’d be home licking your wounds, Detective. Did you enjoy my picture at the Casino?”
“We saw you. Don’t go anywhere yet.” Luke crowded up to him. “I’m betting the Drowns were customers of yours. Did you connect them with Dahlia?”
“Dahlia didn’t deserve what happened to her at The Ledges.” He wiped at his tearless eyes. “Did you come to torture me? Dahlia’s dead. I’m sorry. I loved her.”
“Cry me a river and build me an overpass, get over it. I came to tell you to stay away from Rose Blue.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll never speak to her again.”
“If I discover you’re active in the porn business while you’re out, count on immediately going back to jail. I’ll be watching the internet for signs of your activity. I don’t care where the money goes. And remember, speak, email, text or go within ten miles of Rose, and you’ll regret it.”
“Isn’t threatening innocent people a crime?” He grabbed his bag. “So long, and don’t look me up.”
Luke left and drove to Rose’s without a prepared speech. Time had not given him the words, but he had to see her. He rang the buzzer. She didn’t answer. He used his bump key and entered.
Upstairs he found a note on her door. I cleaned the apartment. If you need to contact me, call the Blues Sisters. R
She was gone.
Chapter 32
The scarlet butterfly landed on the grave marker and fluttered its wings.
“I love you, Dahlia. I always will,” Rose whispered. “I hope you Blues Women are behaving in heaven.”
She unzipped her blue fleece. Spring had finally arrived and brought the long anticipated warmth. She tur
ned from her sister’s grave and spotted him. Luke Lennox, dressed in his worn leather jacket and faded jeans, was leaning against his car, at the entrance of the cemetery.
Hope filtered through her. No, he hadn’t come for her. Her personal time with him was over. He’d probably driven to Bratt to question her more about Dean. His name brought her near panic.
She did a quick breathing exercise. Dean had no power over her. He was dead.
On the path, Luke was walking toward her in his familiar gunslinger stride, stirring up memories that hurt worse than ever. Her car was too far away for a quick escape.
She’d faced a killer. She could speak to Detective Lennox. She forced cheerfulness into her voice. “Hello, Luke. I didn’t expect to see you. Did you hear I received the results of my DNA test? Dean wasn’t my father.”
“I never believed him.”
“I’ve done my best to research what happened in my family. Apparently Mom and Gram moved over the border to start over in Ledgeview when my grandfather died. Mom enrolled in the high school and followed her already established pattern of sneaking out with boys. Voila, she became pregnant with us. They moved back home to Vermont, maybe to be with friends during Gram’s trying time of dealing with an unwed teenager.”
“I’ll guess she was against abortion. Adoption?”
“They must have ruled the option out. All I know is the mention of their move brought up bad memories for Gram, and she never spoke of Ledgeview. I’ve found nothing on our true father, but I’m not looking for him. At least, I’m not today.”
“You could never be a Drown.” He held out the paper coffee cup he was carrying. “For you.”
She blinked in surprise and took the cup. The sweet aroma of spiced coffee teased her nose. “You know what they say about men bearing gifts.”
“Call nine-one-one?”
“Not quite.” She gulped her drink in her nervousness before she spoke again. “I wish Dahlia had gone the blood test route before she ran off to The Ledges to meet Dean, but it’s too late for her.” Rose’s chest tightened with regret. “I see you had time for a shave and haircut.”
“I was celebrating the end of the investigation with shorter hair. On a personal front, the Medical Examiner ruled my father’s death undetermined with the theory the death may have been staged. His case is officially reopened and the mayor has appointed a team to investigate. The new results spurred my mom to book a flight home for a visit. Everything is changing.”
“Luke, I’m so happy for you and your mom.” She fought the urge to wrap her arms around him. How long would these cravings for him last? How long would he stay and she have to pretend she didn’t miss him, ache for him?
“How are you doing?” He fixed those blue eyes on her.
“Dahlia’s at peace, and she and I are in… harmony. She doesn’t visit much anymore. I don’t have nightmares of her from the river.” Rose glanced at the butterfly flitting across the grass to avoid his stare. “I think she wanted me to forgive her too.” She shrugged, feeling uncomfortable. “I’ve forgiven myself.”
“You weren’t guilty, Rose. You’re one of the most loyal people I know.”
“Next you’ll be calling me a saint.” She dipped her head, but felt her face flush with pleasure. Keep the conversation casual and friendly. Soon he’d leave. He had to.
He stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets. “I saw Dahlia up at The Ledges the day Dean kidnapped you. She ran in front of my car and stopped me in the mud.”
“Dahlia was there? You never told me.”
He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m slow at digesting some information. Sorry, I know for sure it was her. I went looking for her in the woods and found you. I’m sorry for doubting your story about her.”
“My sister was always there for me.” Rose fiddled with her butterfly necklace and tried to keep her tone neutral while she asked the big question. “Thanks for telling me. What else brings you here?” She stiffened, prepared for an emotional blow. “Did they find Dean’s body or is evidence missing in your investigation?” She slid her gaze to his face.
“A hiker found Dean on the riverbank a few miles from The Ledges. He was identified and buried. My team is still digging into Buddy and A.J.’s participation in their crimes.”
“I’m relieved, but it must be hard for you to deal with Buddy. I never understood why he texted you or brought Frank to The Ledges.”
“Loyalty was Buddy’s redeeming strength and weakness. He wanted to remain loyal to me, yet he couldn’t break away from Dean, the man who’d been his father. He was caught in his family dynamics, good and bad.”
“I’m sorry about Buddy; though I’m glad he won’t be stalking any more women or helping his father in his plans. How are you dealing?”
“Conroy handles his case. I wish the final arrest had ended differently. I can’t lie.”
She relaxed her shoulders, and the tautness in her neck eased. “I was afraid you wanted me to identify Dean’s knife or came to explain a snag in an upcoming trial. I wouldn’t have been able to get away if you needed me in Ledgeview. I’m scheduled up this month with talks at the area schools. I’ve arranged a series of art scholarships for elementary kids at the Community Center. So many people in town sent me donations to support the search for Dahlia. I wanted the money to go to good use.”
She was babbling. Get control.
“Good to hear you’re back on your committees, and don’t be surprised by the support. People care about you.”
They strolled across the grass and onto the gravel road. To anyone passing, they must seem like a couple without a care. If only their appearance was true, a few more feet and he’d be at his vehicle. “You still haven’t told me why you’re in town and why you’re at a cemetery. Are you tracing a suspect? Don’t tell me Bike Boy’s in Brattleboro.”
“Funny you should bring him up. No more graffiti has sprouted up since he’s been missing. His aunt called the station last week and wanted the uniforms to remove him from her house where he’d crashed and helped himself to her credit card. He’s in jail until he can make bail. Your old neighbor won’t be bothering anyone for a while.”
Anyway, I was on my way to your apartment when I drove past and recognized your car.”
“I don’t understand. You could have called.”
He fished in his pocket and held out a white, square box. “I brought you a present.”
A rush of pleasure warmed her as she took his gift. “I’m afraid what’s next. I hope you’re not preparing me for bad news.” She set her cup on the ground and removed the box’s lid. Inside laid the silver butterfly with the ruby jeweled wings. “Dahlia’s necklace,” she whispered and held the chain against her heart. “Thank you, Luke. Dahlia’s creation means everything to me.”
He stepped closer, too close. She recognized each angle of his imperfect features, the ones that continued to invade her dreams once her guard was down. She could see the hint of whiskers on his angular jaw, the dark blue specks in his eyes, and his wide mouth that had kissed her with heat. The familiar, breathless rush returned. She tightened her lips together, afraid of what would leak through them. If only he’d mailed the necklace instead of delivering it in person. Now his presence brought on the familiar pain of losing him all over again.
“Let me.” He slipped the necklace around her neck. His fingers brushed against her skin as he secured the fastener.
Quivers of pleasure danced over her. When he finished, she stepped away as fast as possible. “I was going to bury her necklace by her stone, but maybe the two butterflies should be together.” She touched the pendant, still not quite believing it was found.
“I need to talk to you, Rose.”
She nodded, unable to speak past the lump lodged in her throat. Was A.J. getting off, moving to Vermont?
“I haven’t done well in relationships. That’s not news. My ex complained I never talked to her. She was right. I was all talked-out from work and asking question
s. When I went home that part of me shut off, and I’d stopped listening and feeling. When my dad died, I didn’t understand why he left me, what I’d done. I couldn’t get involved with anyone after the divorce and my father’s death. The pain was too much. Another part of me cut off the possibilities in my life.”
“I understand.” Where was he headed with his confession?
He angled in front of her, forcing her to meet his blue eyes. “I should have listened when you voiced your fears about Bud. I should have explained the plan to follow you to the Audi the night of Dean’s party and not sprung the trap on you.”
He’d come to apologize because he felt guilty. She’d deal with him, and then, he’d leave and end her torture. “You were doing your job the night of Dean’s party. I understand now, and Buddy is in custody. As for your father, you’ll find who took his life.” There, she’d tied it up for him. All over except for the final good bye. She fisted her hands.
“Today is about you. I don’t have the exact words, so I’ll just say what I think. I was wrong not to believe you, and if you forgive me, I promise I won’t keep any secrets because I trust you and you’re more important than anything in my life, including my job.”
Did he say she was more important than being a detective? How could that be? Her heart skipped a beat. “You think we should stay in closer touch? I guess we could email daily.” She bit her lip and considered the possibilities of contact with him.
He shook his head. “No, Rose. Let me explain.” He took a step toward her and grasped her forearm. Despite the pressure of his fingers, she was held by his intense stare and the other emotion in his eyes that made her heart flutter.
“When you first showed up in Ledgeview, I asked myself, who is this woman? Now I know. You’re my heart. I can’t let you go.”
A light headedness hit her. She was having a dream, a hallucination.
“I love you, Rose. If you let me, I’ll prove it to you every day. I want us to be together. I haven’t figured out who does what or where, but we’ll tackle one problem at a time, together.”