“The tip came from a witness who—”
“What witness?” Tate shouted. “You take the word of someone who just calls you out the blue? I already know it was Jewel Rider. She’s my ex-girlfriend. Did the caller have an Australian accent?”
Wright’s unyielding expression remained rigid. “The caller wanted to be anonymous for a reason.”
“Yeah, it was Jewel.” Tate nodded, sucking his lip. “She’s a fuckin’ lunatic trying to make my life hell because I don’t want anything to do with her.”
“Tate, calm down.” Kayla reached for him.
“Calm down nothing.” He plopped into the chair next to her. “Do I need a lawyer?”
“You’re not under arrest yet.”
“Yet? Go talk to Jewel and you’ll see. What about my alibi? I was on a tour the night Kirby was killed.”
“But, you can’t account for where you were that evening. We suspect Kirby was killed at night but when checking with the coroner again she says it could’ve been that evening.”
“No.” Tate flung his arms. “What the fuck does that got to do with me? Are you saying I killed Kirby? Based on some tip?”
“I told you you’re not under arrest but these are definite concerns.”
“Tate?”
“Kayla, I didn’t do this.” He shook her hand, forcing her eyes on him. “Jewel’s manipulating everything.”
Kayla hugged him.
“If you got nothing to hold me, then I’m leaving.”
“We’re just doing our jobs,” Wright said.
“Then stop chasing worthless tips from psychotic bitches.” Tate’s jaws flexed. “What do I have to do for you to leave me alone?”
“May we search your home for the weapon?” Wright asked Tate, glancing at Kayla. “We’ll get a warrant if we have to but since you claim to be innocent—”
“I am innocent,” Tate snarled.
“May we search your place then?” Wright stuck his chin in the air.
“Fine.” Tate held his palms out. “You won’t find a damn thing.”
“You mind waiting here while I dispatch officers to your place?” Wright picked up the phone. “You and Miss Atkins can sit in the lounge if you like.”
“Fine.” Tate grabbed Kayla by the arm and ushered her from the office. “Fuckin’ moron. He can’t find out who did this because he’s too busy harassing me.”
“You gotta prove Jewel was the tipper.” Kayla lowered her purse. “Her ass should be in jail for messing with an investigation.”
“It’s fine.” He scoffed, cheeks turning red. “If Wright wants to waste his time searching my place, let him.”
CHAPTER 16
A n hour later, Tate and Kayla jumped from the couch in the lounge when Wright walked in with another officer.
Before Wright could speak, Tate interjected, “I would appreciate an apology and we can move on from this.”
“I won’t be apologizing for anything today.” Wright held his usual, deadpan expression. “You’re under arrest, Mr. O’Keefe. For murder.”
“What?” Kayla shrieked.
“Wait.” Tate blinked, quivering as if someone hit him. “That’s a good one, Inspector.” He laughed but Kayla could tell it wasn’t genuine. “I’m leaving now.”
The other officer blocked him.
“I’m serious,” Wright said. “We found a knife that fits the medical examiner’s evidence of the murder weapon. The medical examiner believes Kirby was stabbed by a knife close to the same length and width of the knife found in your bedroom closet.”
“You’re lying!” Tate lunged at Wright and the other officer held him. “You didn’t find shit.” He twisted and turned in the officer’s hold. “You’re trying to pin this on me so you can have an out.”
Wright called in another officer and directed her to bring the knife.
The female officer walked in holding a sack with a knife with a blade around 8 inches long and one and a half inch wide.
Kayla fell back on the couch. “Tate?”
Tate turned to her, pointing at the knife. “That’s not mine.”
“Then how did it get in your closet?” Wright asked.
“That’s not my knife,” Tate shouted. “Besides, you don’t even know if it’s the murder weapon.”
“We’ll test it of course, but anyone can see the blood on it.” Wright pointed to faint specks of blood on the blade. “Looks like someone tried to clean it but the funny thing about blood is it’s hard to get rid of.”
“I didn’t do this.” Tate grabbed Kayla’s arm. “Listen—”
“Let go of me.” She yanked free and stood. “What the fuck is going on, Tate?”
He exhaled, tears forming. “I can’t explain this.”
“Murder weapon or not why was there a knife in your bedroom?” she screamed. “A knife that matches the same knife my brother was killed with?”
“I didn’t do anything.” He shook her. “Look into my eyes. You know me, Kayla.”
“Do I?” She pushed him away. “You expect me to ignore this?” She pointed to the knife. “Give me once sensible explanation for why that knife was in your bedroom.”
He held a fist to his mouth while tears escaped.
“Oh god.” Kayla rocked, chuckling. “Did you kill my brother?”
“No.” He sobbed. “Kayla, I swear to God I didn’t do this.”
She shook her head, the emergence of tears tickling her eyes. “How can I be sure?”
“I care about you, Kayla.” He sniffled. “Please don’t buy into this.”
“All this was a game, wasn’t it? Were you seducing me to stick close so I wouldn’t find out the truth?”
“Come here.” He grabbed her, the male officer holding him back. “Think about your feelings for me. The times we’ve shared.”
She wiped tears. “I can’t look at you.”
“I didn’t do this.” He shook his hands out at her. “Kayla—”
“Get away.” She shoved his chest. “I made a big mistake trusting you.”
“Kayla, wait.” Tate begged. “Please. Kayla!”
She got her purse and ran out the room.
“HOW COULD I BE SUCH A FOOL?” Kayla sat on her hotel bed, scooting toward the headboard. “Something kept telling me things were too good to be true with Tate but I didn’t listen.” She cried into the tissue. “I saw what I wanted to see.”
Malissa rubbed Kayla’s leg. “You really think he did it?”
“They found the knife in his bedroom.” Kayla dabbed her nose. “And, he had no explanation.”
“They found a knife.” Malissa’s eyebrows wiggled. “They have to test it first to see if it was the murder weapon.”
“It’s too much of a coincidence that a knife matching the murder weapon, one that has blood on it mind you, was in his bedroom closet.”
“Tate doesn’t strike me as someone who’d let the police search his place if he had the weapon at his place.”
“How else can you explain it? What? Jewel is setting him up?” Kayla rolled her eyes. “Come on. It’s too far-fetched and how do I know he told me the truth about her in the first place? And, how would she get the murder weapon?”
Malissa shrugged. “Maybe she killed Kirby and is framing Tate.”
“That wouldn’t make any sense. He hid that my brother denied him for a loan and that they had a big fight.” She counted on her fingers. “His alibi is wonky and if this knife isn’t the murder weapon than what the fuck is it, Malissa?”
“If Tate did it, then he is a damn good actor. Anyone can tell he loved your brother.”
“People kill people they love all the time.” Kayla tossed the tissue on the bed. “Kirby’s death was a crime of passion. Just another thing that says Tate could’ve done it.”
“But did he?” Malissa winced. “What happens with him now?”
“He’s held in jail until he makes bail I guess.”
“You seem concerned.”
“Course I’m concerne
d, but I don’t wanna be.”
“What about the embassy? Do they get involved?”
“No. Tate became a Jamaican citizen over a year ago.” Kayla lay flat on the bed. “You know what’s fucked up?”
“What?” Malissa stood from the bed.
“That even now I want nothing more than to be in his arms.” She put her arms behind her head. “I’m pathetic, aren’t I?”
“No.” Malissa kissed Kayla’s forehead. “You’re human.”
CHAPTER 17
K ayla awoke the following morning to Tate knocking on her hotel door. She attempted to slam the door on him when he stuck his foot against it.
“I don’t wanna talk to you.” She pushed the door against his strength. “Leave or I’ll call hotel security.”
“Let me explain.” He forced the door wider. “You owe me that.”
She let go of the door. “I don’t owe you shit. How did you get out?”
“I made bail.” He stood over the threshold.
She sat on the bed with her back to him. “Just leave, Tate.”
He closed the door, holding onto the doorknob. “You know I’m innocent.”
“How?” She stood, turning around. “You hid you had a fight with Kirby and what might be the murder weapon was in your home.” She slapped the side of her thighs. “Would any sane person think you were innocent after that?”
“Yes.” He folded his arms. “If she cared she would.”
Her shoulders dropped. “Tate—”
“Think, Kayla.” He slapped his palms together. “Would I have let the police search my place if I knew I had the murder weapon? I was set up, and I gotta prove it before I end up in prison.”
She backed away from him, avoiding eye contact. “How?”
“I think Jewel killed Kirby.”
She exhaled, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Tate—”
“I mean it, Kayla.”
“Why in the world would Jewel kill my brother?”
“To get back at me.” He swung his hand. “She’s fucked up in the head.”
“That’s too unbelievable.” She walked to the round, oak table next to the window. “No one can be that nuts.”
“She knows she can’t have me so she’s become obsessed with getting revenge. Don’t you see?” He approached her, gawking. “She got into my place and stashed the knife and tipped off the cops.”
“This is crazy.”
“Jewel’s crazy.” He huffed and puffed.
“This is too much.” She sat at the table, sliding her hands across the smooth finish.
“My lawyer told me the police spoke to her and she denied it. I need proof she was at Kirby’s that night.”
“There wasn’t forced entry when Kirby was killed.” Kayla tapped the table. “Would he have let Jewel in?”
“Sure. He was still cool with her despite what happened between her and me.”
“I still can’t believe someone would be so twisted.”
“I hope I’m right.” He sweated. “Because if not I’m going down for this and I can’t let that happen. I’m going to Kirby’s to see if I can find something that proves Jewel’s the killer. Will you help me?”
“Tate—”
“When you first came, I offered you help.” He leaned over, laying his hand over hers. “Now I’m asking you to do the same. Do you want Jewel to get away with this if she did it?”
She stood, pulling her blouse. “No.”
“I promise if you want nothing to do with me after this, fine.” He touched her cheek. “But, help me prove I’m innocent.”
“How can we find something if the police didn’t?”
“We have to look until we do.” He pulled her into an embrace that made her want to sell her soul to help him. “I can’t afford to be wrong.”
A JAMAICAN WOMAN with the most radiant dark skin stood outside Kayla’s hotel room when Malissa returned from swimming.
“May I help you?” Malissa dabbed her damp neck.
“Hello.” The woman smiled. “I’m looking for Miss Atkins.”
“She’s out. I can tell her you stopped by when she comes back.”
“I’m Sakina Henry.” She offered her hand in greeting. “I was her brother’s girlfriend.”
“Sakina?” Malissa shook her hand. “That’s a beautiful name. I’m Malissa DaSilva, Kayla’s friend from Florida.”
“Ah.” Sakina nodded, holding her purse strap to her shoulder.
“I came to help Kayla find out what happened to Kirby.”
“You came all the way from Florida just to help her?” Sakina’s eyebrows raised. “You must be a wonderful friend.”
Malissa waved the towel, shrugging. “I try to be. She’s always been there for me.”
“Please tell Kayla I stopped by.” Sakina passed Malissa on her way to the elevator. “She has my number.”
“Okay, but it could be hours before she gets back. She’s with Tate helping him clear his name.”
“Excuse me?” Sakina walked back. “What would Tate have to clear his name for?”
“He was arrested last night for Kirby’s murder. They found a knife they think was the weapon in his place.”
“What?” Sakina covered her mouth.
“He got a lawyer and made bail.” Malissa looked at her fingernails. “He and Kayla are trying to find evidence that someone is setting Tate up.”
“I’m confused.” Sakina tapped her cheek. “Why would someone set Tate up?”
“Apparently he has this crazy ex who won’t let go. He and Kayla went to Kirby’s to find something that might lead to the killer.”
Sakina pointed downward. “They’re at Kirby’s now?”
“Yep.”
TATE YANKED another drawer full of papers from Kirby’s bedroom dresser and searched it. “You find anything?”
“No.” Kayla slapped sweat off her face as she stepped over clothes they’d hauled out the closet. “Please stop asking every five minutes.”
“Sorry.” He tossed papers out the drawer. “I doubt you’d be so patient if the shoe were on the other foot.”
She grabbed shoeboxes from the top shelf of the closest. “We’ve looked through tons of receipts, papers, bank statements, you name it.” She stepped away from the closet. “I don’t think there’s anything to find.”
“There’s gotta be.” Tate threw the drawer he’d been searching on the floor and grabbed the last one out the dresser. “Don’t you understand that my future is on the line if we find nothing?”
“I can’t imagine how scared you must be right now.” Kayla sat on the bed, looking through papers and notes she’d found in the end table. “You’d think with all this shit my brother kept we’d find something.”
Tate glanced at her out the corner of his eyes. “So, you believe I didn’t do it?”
“Would I be here if I didn’t?” She read an old grocery list. “My goodness. He kept grocery lists?” She shook her head. “I don’t remember my brother being this pack ratty.”
He grinned. “Guess it runs in the family.”
She smiled though she wanted the mood to stay serious.
He lay items from the drawer on the bed. “It’s funny how I’m in deep shit but you’re on my mind.”
“Why?” She looked at him.
“You’ll leave once this is over. I can’t lose you, Kayla.”
“Shouldn’t you be concentrating more on the possibility of going to prison than on me?”
“If you leave I might as well be in prison.” He shuffled papers on the bed. “Because that’s what being without you will feel like.”
“This is hard for me too. I don’t wanna leave you but what choice do I have?”
“You can move here.” He watched her, straight-faced.
“To Jamaica? And, just forget that I have a life in Florida?”
“You can have a life down here with me.”
“Tate, Jacksonville is my home. I love it the way you love Kingston.”
>
“But, isn’t us being together more important?” He laid more papers on the bed. “Wouldn’t you rather be happy with me here than in Jacksonville alone?”
“That’s so selfish.”
“What?”
“So, my home and my life is second to yours?”
“No.” He frowned. “Not at all.”
“You’re acting like it.” She stuffed papers back into the end table. “Why should I be the one to move and give up my life?”
“I’m not moving back to America, Kayla.” He scratched his hand. “It’ll be your final decision.”
“There’s no decision to make. I can’t just leave my home. What about my job?”
“You’re a freakin’ bartender.” He leaned over on his elbows, toward her. “Do you realize the money and tips you could make here? You could retire on what you’d make from tourists alone.”
“I like my home.” She closed the drawer. “I shouldn’t have to give that up. What about Malissa?”
“Fuck, Malissa.” He slid the drawer off the bed, papers flying. “I’m in love with you, woman. You say you love being around me and having adventures but you aren’t strong enough to take a chance.”
“On you?” She scoffed. “Yeah, maybe I’m not because there’s some tiny thing inside me that wonders if I can trust you.”
He rushed to her, and she stood. “You wouldn’t be here helping me if you didn’t.” He grabbed her. “Move to Kingston.”
“Tate.”
“I’m not letting you go.” He hugged her, stroking her hair. “I love you, Kayla.”
She closed her eyes, pressing her nose into his shoulder. “You’re making this so hard—”
“Good.” He pulled away from her. “I want to make it as unbearable as possible for you not to leave me.”
“Be careful what you wish for.” She rubbed the sides of her jeans. “You might not want me once you have me.”
“I’ll always want you.” He kissed her, hands roaming her backside. “At least think about it would you? Don’t close the door on what we could be.”
Sakina walked in.
Tate let Kayla go, forehead wrinkling. “What are you doing here?”
A sinister smile captured Sakina’s lips.
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