"We found Mills in the morning, but he was killed the night before. Where were you that night?" Zeke asked. He had originally told them he was home alone.
"I guess you can get me for lying. I was with Carly. She was at my house. She spent the night. She had been doing that more frequently, claiming she was out of town on business trips. She was contemplating divorce. There wasn't any love lost between them. And if we're really honest here, I think he kinda knew she was seeing someone. Maybe not that it was me, but he suspected. He made a brief comment about it. And you know what? He didn't seem too concerned. He had other pressing issues on his mind. Like the fight between him and Mills. I don't know the real issue between them either. I truly don't. And I wish like hell I did."
"Do you keep information about your company on flash drives?" Ben asked.
Young looked confused. "Of course not. We keep everything on our company computers. We also use another company to back up all of our data. We would never use a simple flash drive to back up our information. I honestly can't say if these murders are related to the company. I've had Deena O'Malley, my secretary, comb through every little piece of information and she found nothing odd. She would, too. That's why she makes such an excellent secretary."
"Not gonna lie, you're still on the list of suspects. Being with Carly that night doesn't look good either, or the fact you lied about your alibi," Zeke said.
"I didn't do anything and neither did Carly. I'll continue to help in any way I can. If I'm not available, then ask my secretary for whatever you need. I need to get back to work. I have an issue I need to deal with now," Young said, glancing at the folder that held the photo of the bruised arm.
They nodded at him and watched as he walked away. As soon as he was out of earshot, Ben said, "Well, that's a development I didn't see coming."
"I guess we know why Carly wasn't so forthcoming with us when we informed her of her husband's death. And why they were having marital issues. It's a good motive to kill Murphy, but like Young said, not really for Mills," Zeke replied.
"Carly did say she was worried Murphy killed Mills. Maybe Murphy did kill Mills and then Young and Carly killed Murphy."
"No. That's way too convoluted. Young admits to being with Carly the night Mills was killed, which means, Carly lied that she was home alone waiting for Murphy to get home. I honestly think he's telling the truth. Those two were getting it on when Mills was killed. Do we have an estimated time of death for Murphy? Coroner's report come back yet?" Zeke asked.
Ben shook his head no, as he grabbed for his phone. "I'll call Susan and see if she processed everything yet. You call Dr. Everly and see if we got a time of death. And then, let's head back to Carly's house and see her squirm when we ask her why she lied."
Zeke laughed. "Please. I guarantee you that Young called her the moment he walked away from our desks. She'll have had time to get her bearings down."
"True, but we can threaten an obstruction charge for lying to us and see if she slips up anyway. We should arrest both their asses just for lying. Running around in circles when we could've cleared that up in the beginning," Ben muttered as he dialed Susan's number.
Zeke nodded in agreement, picking up his phone as well.
***
Zoe pressed her hands over her knees where her dress kept riding higher. She wriggled around in her seat, pressing her hands down one more time to straighten her dress out again.
"Stop moving around like that. I'm liable to pull over and ravish you silly. You look perfect," Zeke said, putting a hand over hers that sat barely above her knee.
"I should have never worn a dress. It keeps riding up and it's—"
"Getting me hot just looking at it," Zeke said with a devious grin as his hand started inching up her thigh, moving the dress along with him.
"Stop," Zoe exclaimed, moving his hand back to his own lap. "Focus on driving, please. Next time you insist on packing my clothes, pack more pants, not dresses."
"First, I didn't want you going in your home the day of the burglary because it was not a pretty sight. Second, I love you in dresses. That'll never change, honey. Of course, if it's up to me, I'd take you naked as well."
"Get your mind out of the gutter, please. This is important," Zoe said, frowning as she gazed out the window, watching as the houses passed by in a blur.
Zeke grabbed her hand, planting a light kiss on it, and then kept holding it as he gently placed it on his lap. "I know this is important. My parents will love you. Stop worrying so much. What else is on your mind? What's bothering you? Remember that communication and understanding we need to maintain. Talk to me, honey."
Zoe sighed. "Mr. Young fired Mark today. He didn't look happy when he passed my desk. Mr. Young walked him out of the building so he didn't stop, but I could tell he wanted to. I'm scared he's going to retaliate against me. It's my fault he was fired."
"Damn it, Zoe, it's not your fault. I can't believe you didn't tell me this right away when you got home. That's great he was fired. I didn't like knowing that bastard was anywhere near you. He made the decision to lay a hand on you, not you. If he comes anywhere near you again, he'll wish he never had. I'll crush him like a bug. Do you hear me, Zoe? I love you. I won't let anyone intimidate you or scare you. Or hurt you."
Zoe glanced at him, his piercing blue eyes shining at her with the love he so desperately expressed to her constantly. "You need to keep your eyes on the road before we get in an accident."
Zeke turned back to the road and squeezed her hand. "Did you not hear any word I just said?"
"I heard every word. You make me feel safe, but Mark scares me now and you're not always around."
"I can change that."
"You have a job, Zeke. And some murders to solve. Solve them, please. You can't be around me 24/7. It's not feasible. Nor wise."
"Why isn't it wise? I love you."
"Must you say that every other minute," Zoe said, trying suddenly to extract her hand from his.
Zeke held tightly to her and grinned. "Yes. I'm a deep, passionate man. I can't help how you make me feel. Plus, you're the mother of my child now. I can't help but love you even more. And I love our little monster."
Zoe groaned. "Again with the little monster."
"Uh oh, my little monster next to me is coming out. Are we about to fight? Do I have to pull the car over and ravish you silly?"
"Keep your focus on driving."
He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, smiling. She finally caved in and offered a small smile in return.
"I'll change the subject. Don't worry about Mark. I'll take care of him."
"That's not changing the subject." Zoe laughed as he pierced his brows in mock annoyance.
"Okay, how about this? Did you know Mr. Young was having an affair with Mr. Murphy's wife, Carly?" Zoe's shocked expression told him the answer. "I guess not. Took Ben and I by surprise, too."
"When...how did you find that out? Are you sure?" Zoe asked.
"Yes, honey, I'm sure. Came straight from Young's mouth himself." Zeke gave her an exasperated look. "You know, it comes easily to tell you things. It's not something I should be telling you. Keep it to yourself, okay? I don't know why I always forget I'm a cop when you're near me."
"Because I turn you on and make you wanna ravish me silly," Zoe said with a come-hither smile.
"Honey, you're seriously begging me to pull this car over at every turn. And you're damn right. I do believe that's why I lose my mind and forget everything. You do something to me, Zoe. It's scary as hell and I love every minute of it."
"I'm almost thinking you need to pull the car over now," Zoe said, moving her hand still within his, even closer to the spot she craved.
Zeke glanced down and then quickly at her. "Oh, honey, I love you."
Zoe merely smiled and then frowned. "Zeke, I don't think we should do any hanky-panky in someone's driveway. I was kidding."
Zeke stopped the car, put it in park, and shut it off. He ke
pt a hold of her hand, still in the same delicious spot, reaching over with his other hand and unbuckled her seatbelt. He pulled her closer, almost into his lap, and kissed her soundly, deeply, and passionately.
"I would love nothing better than to do some hanky-panky right here, right now. But this is my parent's house. They could look out the front window at any time. Not sure I want to see my mom's surprised expression at her son getting it on in her driveway." Zeke kissed her. "Ready to meet my folks? Not sure I am anymore with this raging hard-on. Thanks a lot."
"I think I am now. It's better if we're both uncomfortable. I won't feel as out of place."
"Don't feel uncomfortable. Don't feel embarrassed. Just be your beautiful self. And maybe move your hand already. It's not helping right now."
Zoe smiled wide. "Then let my hand go. You're the one holding me there."
"Damn. We need to get out of this car." Zeke brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it hard.
The minute she lost his touch, her nerves came back full force. She could get through this dinner. It was no big deal. Although, it felt like a huge deal as she got out of the vehicle and her mind spiraled thinking about their entire crazy relationship.
***
Zeke tried to adjust himself without looking at Zoe, knowing he'd never settle down if he did. Still slightly uncomfortable, he met Zoe by the front of the car where she stood fidgeting with her dress again. "You look beautiful. Stop messing with the dress."
Zoe sighed, as he grabbed her hand again and led her to the door where he knocked once and then let himself in. "We're here. Oh man, Mom, that smells delicious, whatever it is," Zeke said, sniffing the air, his mouth watering instantly.
Before he could say another word, his mom popped into the hallway with a gleeful smile on her face.
"You're here. Richard! They're here!" his mother hollered as she walked up to Zeke pulling him into a big hug. Without waiting for an invitation, she pulled Zoe into a hug next.
"You did good, Zeke. She's gorgeous," his mother beamed with pride. "You're gorgeous. I'm Debbie. You can call me mom, if you like. Oh, and how is this little one in here?" She instantly rubbed Zoe's belly.
Zeke grabbed his mother's hand and backed her up. "Mom, you're probably scaring her. Shouldn't you ask permission to touch her stomach at least? It's not like this is your first grandchild."
"Heavens, no. We're family here. Family's allowed to touch without asking. And it's not my first grandchild, you're right. But it's your first, so it's different," she said with excitement. She glanced at Zoe. "Did I make you uncomfortable, dear? I didn't mean to. I'm so happy and proud. I can't wait to hear all about you."
Zoe smiled. "It's okay, Mrs.—"
"Nonsense. Don't call me Mrs. nothing. It's Mom or Debbie," she said, cutting her off with a disapproving look that said no argument would be tolerated.
"I'm still getting used to the idea of being pregnant, but thank you for welcoming me into your family. I guess you can touch my belly. It's still pretty flat, though," Zoe said with a laugh.
Zeke could hear the nervousness in that simple laugh. He squeezed her hand in reassurance and felt a small squeeze back.
"Doesn't matter. There's a little being growing inside already and they hear everything, feel everything. They have to know grandma's here and loves them. Yes, I do, little one," she said as she rubbed Zoe's belly again.
"Mom..."
"Oh, stop. She said it was fine. Come, come. Dinner's almost ready. We're having honey-mustard chicken with baked potatoes, broccoli, and a delicious red velvet cake for dessert that I whipped up today," Debbie said, pulling Zoe along, leaving Zeke to follow.
He started to follow them with quick footsteps to derail his mom's smothering, when he saw his dad gesture from the study to have a word. Zeke hedged for a brief moment, then decided Zoe would be fine for a few minutes with his mom alone.
He walked into the study. "Mom's excited I see."
"What the hell did you expect? You're giving her a grandchild like she's been dying to have. We can't talk long because she's going to be asking that poor girl when the wedding is. When is the wedding?" his dad asked with a stern face.
Zeke grimaced. "It's complicated, Dad."
"Uncomplicate it for me then. You were taught better than this. What's going to happen?"
"Whatever she wants to happen, Dad. I love that woman with all my heart, but it's complicated. And no, I'm not going to get into it with you why. When she's ready to walk down the aisle, or even ready for me to ask, then it'll happen. I don't plan on letting her get away. Please hold Mom off with any wedding plans. Zoe's a bit on edge about our relationship as it is."
His dad laughed with absurdity. "Good luck with that, son. You know your mother. She's been dying for you to get it together, to get married and have kids. If you can't convince your own woman, your mother will do it for you."
Zeke groaned and started to walk out of the study when his dad said, "Not the only reason I called you in here."
Zeke turned back around. "I was afraid of that. What did I do wrong?"
"Nothing. Except knock a woman up before marriage."
"Geez, Dad. Can we move on from that, please?"
His dad gave him another piercing stare. "Give me an update on these murder cases and Mark Johnson. I don't like that my future daughter-in-law is involved and neither would your mother if she knew. I didn't tell her about that. Expect a talking from your mother why you came to me about the pregnancy and not both of us together. I didn't want to worry her."
"Thanks a lot, Dad."
"You want your mother to worry, do you?"
"No, of course not. But what the hell am I supposed to say to her?"
"Figure something out. Not my problem. Update me."
Zeke sighed. "Dr. Everly confirmed time of death for Murphy to approximately a week ago, around the same time as Mills. He can't pinpoint an exact time because of the body's condition from the water. We're thinking they were killed the same night. But we'll never know if Murphy really went home that night because his wife's having an affair with Young, another partner in the company, and she wasn't home. She was at Young's house. So, their alibi's suck because they could've killed them, but Ben and I aren't feeling that angle."
"That's an interesting angle, though," his dad said as he sat propped on the edge of his desk.
Zeke nodded. "Ballistics came back matching the same .40 caliber handgun used in Mills's murder. Susan also found a key on Murphy's body hidden within his suit jacket. We think it's for a lockbox. We're hoping the flash drive is inside. Although not sure, because how could Mills or Murphy, if Murphy got the flash drive from Mills somehow, have thrown it into a lockbox that night when the banks were obviously closed. But we need to make sure it's not."
He rocked on his heels as the weight of everything started to bring him down. "Now we have the headache of searching for the lockbox because the key has no identifying markers on it. Only a number. We have nothing to tie Mark to the crimes, but I feel like he's involved somehow. He hurt Zoe."
Zeke blew out a breath and lowered his voice. "Zoe informed me that Mark was fired today by Young. So that makes me feel better. Except Zoe's worried he'll try retaliating for losing his job. She's absolutely right and I'm freaking out inside, Dad. I love this woman and I love that child growing inside her." He ran a haggard hand over his face, letting it sit there for a brief moment.
Zeke glanced to his left when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Zeke, things will be fine. You'll figure it out because you're a damn fine detective. It's nice to see my only son finally in love and ready to settle down. I never thought I'd see the day." His dad grinned and lovingly squeezed his shoulder. "Don't hesitate to come to me for anything—warrants, advice, support. You name it, I got it. I want to be regularly updated about this case until it's solved. Understood?"
"Sure, Dad. I hate—"
"Yeah, yeah. I know. You hate coming to your dad for work stu
ff. I don't know why the hell not."
"I don't know. Maybe because you're so damn critical about every little thing. You tear me apart like I'm a teenager in high school."
"No other judge is critical when you present them a warrant?" his dad asked with an amused expression.
Zeke groaned and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure. Judge Thompson was critical last week, but he doesn't have that same tone of voice and look in his eyes when he knocks me down a peg or two."
"I told you once about your grammatical error, one grammatical error, and you've yet to step back into my office until yesterday. All your warrants should be tight and precise."
"Like I said, Dad. It's the way you say it." Zeke glanced down at his feet and shrugged helplessly. "I hate disappointing you. I've already disappointed you when it comes to Zoe. I disappointed myself."
Richard pulled Zeke into his arms and hugged him tight. "I can't have my son thinking I'm disappointed in him." He let go and clapped him on the back. "I wish you were married first, of course, but you've never disappointed me. Even about your warrants. I can give you a hard time if I want. You're my son."
Zeke smiled. "You always give me a hard time.
"And that'll never change. Now let's go save your girlfriend. I'm sure your mother has already been feeling her belly twenty times by now. You do recall how she was with Cassandra when she was pregnant each time. Your sister nearly went off the deep end with your mother's fussing."
"You're probably right. She's just excited." Zeke followed his dad out of the study and into the kitchen where Zoe was busy helping his mom prepare the food.
"Oh, there you are, silly men. It's almost time to eat," Debbie said as she bustled around the oven and pulled the chicken out.
"Nothing but a little shop talk, dear. Our bellies are grumbling, though. Smells delicious, like always." Richard grinned at his wife lovingly and then walked up to Zoe. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Zoe. I'm Richard. Call me Rick, Richard, Dad, Hey You. Whatever you feel comfortable with."
One Taste of You (One Taste #1) Page 13