Under the Moonlight collection

by MaryAnn Kempher

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Amy had been called in to work, and by one o’clock Katherine was feeling lonely and bored. She glanced toward her closet and shook her head. Her New Year’s resolution to not be so sloppy had obviously not extended to her closet. Some of the clothes on the floor had been there for months. She walked into the living room and stared at the phone. While in the hospital, she’d had some very erotic dreams about Scott and was pretty sure hearing his voice would do her a world of good; she was still debating whether or not to call him when there was a loud knock on her door.

  “I’m coming, I’m coming,” she yelled.

  It was Scott.

  “Man, were your ears burning?” said Katherine. “I was just thinking of you.”

  Scott took her face in his hands and examined her bump. He pulled her close and hugged her tight, their fight entirely forgotten.

  “I’m all right, Scott, really.”

  “Amy called and told me what happened. I went to the hospital, but you’d already been discharged.” They sat on the couch. “Are you sure you shouldn’t still be there?” He was torn between a desire to be comforting and supportive and a desire to hunt down the son of a bitch who’d done this and kick his ass.

  “I’m fine, really, just a little shaken up...there’s something I want to run by you.”

  Scott tilted his head. “What’s that?”

  “When you and I first met, you mentioned the woman who’d been killed down the street. At the time, I didn’t want to tell you, but now I do.”

  “Tell me what?”

  Katherine took Scott’s hand and led him toward the couch. They sat.

  “I was there that night. I saw the killer.” She told Scott the entire story.

  “You’re lucky to be alive,” said Scott, “but why are you telling me this now?”

  “I’m afraid you’re going to think I’m being paranoid. The thing is, I’m starting to think I might be in danger. I mean, I didn’t at first, but then I fell down the stairs here. They had something greasy on them. I asked Jack about it, and he said nobody from maintenance had done anything to the stairs. After what happened yesterday, after the attack, I started thinking of other things, like almost getting run over while crossing the street. That could have been nothing, but now I wonder.”

  “You think whoever killed that woman might be trying to kill you too?”

  Katherine shrugged. “I know it sounds crazy.”

  “What do the police say?”

  “Not much.”

  “I think if they knew about the stairs, they might think differently. Doesn’t matter, though. Not much they could do. It’s obvious that if someone is trying to hurt you, it has something to do with what you saw. I think it’d be a good idea to find out more about the woman who was murdered, and then maybe go from there. How about this, why don’t you and I do some research? Everything’s on the Internet.”

  “We can’t do it here unless you want to fix my computer now. It’s still broken.”

  “Can’t today. I’ll try to do it soon. I’ll use my own computer and let you know what I find out. In the meantime, assuming you’re not paranoid, be careful.”

  Scott stayed for a while, until he got a text from Verna and had to leave. As he drove away, he wondered, Could someone really be trying to kill Katherine? He’d start that research tonight.

  Chapter Forty-Four

  The following night, Katherine got a call from Scott.

  “Hey, I did some research on the lady who got killed.”

  “Oh, good.”

  “Don’t get your hopes up. I probably didn’t find out anything you didn’t already know. I’m gonna come over.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you in a little bit.”

  Five minutes later, Scott arrived. He walked to the kitchen table where Katherine was sitting.

  “Hey,” he said, “so here’s what I have so far. The woman’s name was Jeanette Churchill. She’d lived in the house for twenty years. She worked for a company called CTS. The police say it’s being treated as a robbery gone badly. ”

  “That’s it?”

  “No. I know a few people who work where she did, reliable people. They say there were rumors she was embezzling from the company.”

  Katherine sat forward, her elbows resting on the table. “Do you think the police have heard those rumors, too?”

  “Well, they wouldn’t have heard them from the people I know, but yeah, it’s likely they have.”

  “Sounds like a motive for murder to me.”

  “Sure, but she’d worked for that company twenty years, so I’m not sure I’d believe she was stealing. Plus, if she was, it seems like the obvious killer would be the owner, and he’s a real big shot. The people I’ve talked to seem to think he’s the person most likely pulling in favors and putting pressure on the police to find her killer.”

  Katherine looked skeptical. “But if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be kind of risky to fund an investigation into a murder you committed?”

  Scott sat down across from Katherine. He pulled his coat off before answering. "This isn’t the movies. I don’t know if she was stealing or not, but I think the police are probably right. Someone tried to rob her and something went wrong. I have a friend who’s a cop. Not in Reno, but maybe he can find something out.”

  “Amy said they have a suspect. Did you hear anything about that?”

  “No, I didn’t hear anything like that.”

  “Thanks for all this, Scott.”

  “Aw, I didn’t do anything. So, you and Michael—you two hitting it off?” he said, trying to sound casual.

  “So far. He does wear me out, though.”

  “Please, no details—you’re like a sister to me.”

  “That’s not what I meant, you perv. I just mean when we get together, it’s usually for something active.”

  “When are you going to buy a bike? It’s great weather right now for biking, not too hot, not too cold. I go out as often as I can, which isn’t often enough.”

  “I can’t afford a nice bike right now. Maybe when I get my tax refund back. I get out plenty enough as it is. You know, Michael actually talked me into going kayaking on the Truckee River.”

  “Are you nuts?”

  “Hey, it’s nearly April.”

  “In two months!”

  “Close enough, and it’s been warmer than usual this year. We did go to see a show downtown. At least that was indoors.”

  “Again? Didn’t you two go see a show not that long ago?”

  “Yes, we’ve been twice now, and I don't know how many more half-naked people wearing feathered headdresses I can take.”

  “Feathered headdresses, huh? You haven’t gone kinky on me, have you? Please say yes, please say yes.”

  “Yeah, real kinky. We even have safe words. Mine is sugar cookie. Who has time to be kinky anyway? Except for the shows, we hardly spend any time indoors. How’s Verna?”

  “Fine. She likes to read those real-life crime books, so if I mysteriously kick the bucket—”

  “I'll thank her,” said Katherine, laughing.

  Scott stood. “Have to go.” He took Katherine’s hand, and softly kissed her palm. Her breath caught in her throat. “You’re a good friend. Until we know more, be careful.”

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd cartoons were background noise while Katherine poured herself a bowl of cereal. The only way to start a Saturday, though it was closer to lunch than breakfast. Around 11:00 a.m., Michael arrived and they sat on her couch making plans.

  “Whatever we do should be outdoors - it’s really nice out,” said Michael. “What do you think about shooting? I know a guy who owns a gun range.”

  Katherine had a sudden image of bloody walls. “No way. I don’t like guns.”

  “Weren’t you in the military?” teased Michael.

  “That doesn’t mean I have to like guns,” answered Katherine, her voice rising just a little.

>   “I’m surprised, I’m sorry - I didn’t realize you had such an aversion.”

  “No, it’s okay. I haven’t always.”

  “Well, it’s okay. We can do something else.”

  “Okay, but let’s not do anything too wild and crazy. In other words, nothing that’s going to cause hypothermia.”

  “Ah, ya big sissy.”

  Katherine pretended she was going to hit him. She stood up and attempted to jump on his lap, but he rolled out of the way and she landed where he’d just been sitting. He stood up and they both laughed.

  “They don’t call me Jack Rabbit for nothing.”

  Katherine couldn’t help wishing he was less jack rabbit and more horn dog. It's true we both agreed to take things slow, and he did say he was religious, but this borders on the ridiculous. She felt very comfortable with Michael - he had a way about him - but she hadn’t been looking for another male friend. She had Scott for that. Maybe I need to stop telling men I want to take things slow. I think they’re taking it way too literally.

  “How about we go take a walk around Virginia Lake? It’s a nice day, and best of all it won’t wear you out,” teased Michael.

  ***

  It really was a great day to be outside, though not as warm as Michael had led Katherine to believe. She was grateful for the sweatshirt she’d grabbed on her way out the door. The grass still felt crunchy beneath her shoes as they walked toward the gravel path that circled the lake. She looked down as Michael took her hand.

  Every so often a jogger would pass them on the path. Tiny pebbles shifted, making way for footprints. They walked in silence, enjoying the weather, the scenery, and each other’s company. They spent most of the afternoon at the park, but by about four o’clock, it was too cold to be fun anymore. Still not eager to go home, they walked to the mall.

  Katherine’s visits seemed to coincide with the major holidays. She’d been there at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. This time, instead of fall leaves, carved pumpkins, or Santa Claus, hearts were everywhere: big hearts, little hearts, even a life-size cutout of Cupid (appropriately dressed). Katherine glanced across the walkway and saw Scott standing outside a clothing store, holding bags and looking slightly uncomfortable.

  “I see my friend, Scott,” she said as Michael was about to enter a menswear store. “I’m going to go say hi.”

  Michael nodded.

  She snuck up behind Scott, tapping his shoulder. “Hi,” she said.

  Scott turned. “Oh, hey.”

  They hugged, and Katherine, a little starved for affection, held on a bit too long. Scott’s body next to hers felt hard, and she didn’t want to let go. She had the impulse to nibble on his earlobe, but she doubted Verna would appreciate it.

  It was lucky she hadn’t given in to the impulse, because just then Verna came out of the store. She looked at Katherine with barely concealed irritation, as if she could read her mind.

  “Hello, Katherine. Isn’t it nice you’re here, too? Scott and I were doing a little shopping.”

  Before Katherine could respond, Verna placed a hand on Scott’s chest and the other around his waist. When Scott covered Verna’s hand with his own, Katherine felt as if she’d been kicked in the stomach. She forced herself to not look away, suspecting that Verna knew exactly the effect that touching Scott was having on her.

  “He needs shirts for work,” Verna said.

  Katherine looked toward the menswear store that Michael was just leaving.

  “Oh. Well, I’m here with Michael. There he is.” So relax.

  Michael joined them and held out his hand toward Scott.

  “I don’t think we’ve met, but I remember you from the diner all those weeks ago. I’m Michael.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” said Scott. “This is Verna.”

  “My pleasure,” said Michael, gently taking Verna’s hand in his.

  Katherine and Verna stood quietly, each thinking of other things, while Michael and Scott talked. The words double date brought them both back to reality. Neither was sure who’d made the suggestion, but Scott and Michael were excitedly making plans for the four of them to get together soon. Katherine worked to keep a look of horror off her face. Verna didn’t try as hard. They looked at each other and both knew they were in agreement on at least one thing: neither was thrilled at the idea of spending any more time together than was absolutely necessary. Before either knew what had happened, plans had been made for the following Saturday night.

  “We should go, honey,” Verna said, jumping into a lull in the conversation.

  “Really nice to meet you, Scott,” said Michael. “See you next week.”

  “Great. Looking forward to it.”

  “Let’s go,” Verna said with more urgency.

  Scott and Katherine’s eyes met, and Verna yanked Scott’s arm and they left. Katherine watched them walk away.

  “Ready to go?” asked Michael.

  “Sure.”

  They walked back toward Katherine’s apartment. “So, what do you want to do now?” he asked.

  “Nothing, I just want to go home.”

  She was feeling a little blue and assumed it was closer to that time of the month than she’d thought. Her period was getting blamed for her bad moods a lot lately.

  “Can I come up?” Michael asked when they arrived at her building.

  “Sure,” she said, a little surprised by the request.

  Katherine wondered if tonight was the night. She hoped something would happen. She wasn't that blue.

  Michael sat on her couch. “Come sit down.”

  Katherine did, and he put his arm around her shoulders. He brushed her hair back and then softly kissed the length of her neck. She felt as if every nerve in her body had suddenly awoken. She fell into his embrace and welcomed his kisses. She noticed how soft his lips were.

  “Scott,” she whispered urgently, almost pleading. It had been so long, and her body cried out for release. Before she realized it, clothes had been discarded, but though her body craved a man’s touch, her mind rebelled. Slowly the realization that she was about to make love with Michael sank in. Was this what she wanted? Was this who she wanted? She looked down expecting to see an excited man and was surprised to see the opposite.

  Are you kidding me?

  Just because she was having second thoughts didn’t mean she wasn’t a little insulted to see Michael about as excited as a limp leaf.

  “What's the matter?” she asked, trying not to sound annoyed.

  Michael backed away. “I don't know.”

  “Is it me?” she asked, though she didn’t really think it was.

  “No. Maybe I'm tired. I need to use the bathroom.” He jumped up, grabbed his clothes and all but sprinted to her bedroom.

  Katherine pulled a blanket over herself and almost felt like crying, her frustration was so strong. A few minutes later Michael came out and kissed her cheek.

  “I’d better get going. I have to get up early tomorrow. I’ll call you later this week. Don’t forget we have the double date with Scott and Verna next Saturday. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  Katherine hardly had time to grunt her acknowledgment before he was gone. “Unbelievable,” she said under her breath.

  She walked to the freezer and then her bedroom, holding the blanket with one hand and a pint of ice cream with the other. She turned her television on and settled on a rerun of Bones.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Katherine had recently started having bad dreams. Usually she dreamt of pounding footsteps following her as she ran faster and faster, and she’d awake as a hand clamped down on her shoulder. This night she awoke and quickly realized the sounds she was hearing weren’t in her mind. Her heart racing, she tip-toed to Amy’s room but then remembered she wasn’t there; she’d agreed to work a few night shifts at the hospital. As Katherine walked from Amy’s door back to her own bedroom, she heard the noise again. It was coming from the front door.

  From where sh
e was standing, Katherine could see the door handle moving side to side. She stopped, her breath caught in her throat. Amy must have forgotten her key! Relieved, she yelled, “I’m coming, I’m coming!” The jiggling stopped.

  Katherine opened the door. “Did you forget your key?” she said, but nobody was there. She stuck her head out the door, looking to her right toward the stairs just in time to see a man rushing out the apartment building’s doors. She quickly closed and locked the door, then went back to her room and picked up the phone. She put it back down. Her hands were shaking. Who could she call? Amy was working. Against her better judgment, she called Scott.

  ***

  Scott grumbled when he looked at his bedside clock. Who could be calling at four thirty in the morning? When he heard Katherine's voice, his first reaction was relief that Verna wasn’t there. She’d been spending the night less and less often. His second reaction was concern. He immediately knew something was wrong. He sat up in bed.

  “Katherine? What's wrong?”

  “Scott, someone just tried to get into my apartment. Amy’s not here, I’m all alone. Can you come over? Please.”

  ***

  She was crying now. Scott could hear it in her voice and it made him want to jump through the telephone. “I'm on my way.”

  Scott arrived five minutes later and she fell into his arms. Still wearing his pajama bottoms and a T-shirt, he tried to comfort her, caressing her back and her hair, but the way they were dressed, she felt almost naked against him. He could feel her breasts pressed against his chest, and his hands slowly traveled down the shape of her body, following the contour of her small waist to the expansion of her full hips. He wanted to be a friend and hold her like a friend would, but he had to use all his self-control to keep from pulling her nightgown up over her head. God, he felt like an animal.

  Before Katherine could notice, he gently steered her toward the couch and had her sit down. He got a blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders.