“That’s a good look for you.”
“You don’t need to be here.”
“I want to be here. Andrea does too but you’ll see her at the trial.”
“I didn’t do anything to Andrea.”
“Jesus Brandon you sound like all your parolees. It must be contagious.”
“John, I swear on my life.”
“That isn’t worth much to me.”
“What makes you think I did anything?”
“Nickels fessed up. He said you paid him.”
“I don’t know who the fuck that is!”
“So, he just randomly picked your name?”
Brandon stood up ready to go for John. Sam Little came in and cuffed his hands behind his back. “Brandon Hughes you are under arrest for assault and harassment. You have the right to remain silent…”
John was all smiles while he was being led out. Brandon kept his head down to avoid the media. He finally realized what trouble he was in.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrea made her first visit of the day to Michael, but he wasn’t home. She came in to see Nicole’s parents talking to a cop.
“Excuse me officer, I work with Michael. I’m Andrea Stephenson.”
“I take it you haven’t heard from him?”
“No, why?”
“He left a note that he was going to find Nicole himself.”
“Christ.”
“I put a call out to look for his car.”
“Thank you.” Andrea spoke with her parents and called John. Even though she was nervous she couldn’t blame Michael. Tony would have done the same. When she got back to the office John was waiting for her. “Hi. How’s Brandon?”
“Gone.” John could never look anyone in the eyes when he was upset.
“They’ll find his car John.”
“He is not in any condition to be driving around.” “I know, but we can’t do anything about it. I’m sure he will call us when he realizes he has nothing to go on.” “I hope so. Alright, I’m going to see David.” “He’s home?”
“Yeah. I’ll call if I hear anything.”
“Same here.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thankfully, David was home when John showed up. Aaron and Louise made it a point to keep their distance. John could tell by the look on his face that David had a rough few days.
“David, feeling better?”
“A little. Come in.”
John wasamazed how calm he was. “I got a message from Andrew that private sessions would be better for you.”
“Yeah, I’m starting tomorrow.”
“Good. Where’s the family?”
“Scarce. We kind of had it out when I got home. I don’t think they’ll be a problem during your visits anymore.” “Anything I can help you with?”
“Yes.” David lit a cigarette. “I need to get out of here.”
“It wouldn’t be as nice as this.” “I’ll take what I can get.”
“Alright. I’ll see what I can come up with.” “Thanks.”
“Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
John would start making inquiries into halfway houses. Once David was away from that house, maybe he could do a complete turnaround.
Brandon was trying to act tough while his fingerprints were being processed. The cop doing it was very intimidating, who never liked Brandon. By the look of disgust on his face, he was ready to give Brandon a beat down.
“Got caught, huh?” Brandon didn’t flinch. “oh that’s right, gotta save the bullshit for the lawyer.”
“Please.” He tried to hide his fear. “You think any jury is going to take a junkies word over mine?”
The officer smiled. “Yes I do. Move it.”
Brandon was led through the cell blocks that he had been through before wearing his suit and a badge. However, now he was in state-issued orange. He was put into a cell with three other men. Two of them had no build and judging from their haircuts and glasses Brandon figured they were blue collar criminals. They looked like a strong wind would blow them over, but the other guy was huge. He had long black hair and other than his pierced face he was covered in tattoos. One in particular caught Brandon’s eye. On his forearm were small red roses in a row. The guy noticed Brandon staring.
“Can I help you?”
“No man just checking out the tattoo.” Brandon could sound like a thug when he wanted.
“Ah the roses. My remembrances.”
“Yeah?” Brandon raised his eyebrows.
“One for each trouble maker in my life, if you know what I mean.” He dragged his fingers across his throat and laughed.
“Gotcha.” Brandon nodded in approval and turned to the wall. For the first time, he realized how serious his situation was.
Buddy went to the basement and interrupted Angel. He was walking to Dina without a mask and she did not have her blindfold on.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“What’s your problem?”
Dina and Nicole glanced at each other.
“Their blindfolds.”
“They don’t need them. They’re not going anywhere.”
“Outside, now!”
Angel walked out and Buddy, who was wearing his mask, violently put the blindfolds on and stormed out.
Angel was high. Buddy could smell it on him. “What the Hell is the matter?”
“We had a plan.” Buddy ripped his mask off.
“What does it matter if they see us?”
“It matters to me.”
“Why?”
Buddy grabbed Angel and threw him against the wall. “This was my idea, not yours. We play by my rules.” Angel could barely hold himself up when Buddy let go. “Why are you high?”
“Jesus man.” He laughed.
“You need to be straight! What if someone comes here and you forget who you are supposed to be?”
“Relax, it’s under control. Besides, there was already a cop here asking questions about the blond, so I don’t think he will be coming back.”
Buddy’s eyes widened. “When?”
“A day or two ago.”
“And you’re telling me now! What happened?”
“He said Nicole Amalfitano was missing and did I see anything. He felt like a complete asshole when he realized I was blind.” Angel was laughing. “I pulled it off brilliantly I must say.”
“Who was the cop?”
“Chris. somebody.”
“Are you sure he didn’t suspect anything?” “Positive. Can I get back to the girls?” “After you put your mask on.”
“Fine.”
“And no more pot.”
“Alright.”
Buddy was fuming. He began to think maybe Angel needed to be taken out of the picture. But first he would need him to get the next girl.
Gary Nickels was brought in to identify Brandon as the man who paid him off. He was getting agitated waiting for the lineup.
“Do you know that I didn’t even read those letters?” “I don’t care.” Sam Little was not in the mood for games.
Brandon was very calm being walked down the hallway until the prisoners started whistling at him. He turned red and the corrections officer smiled.
“What’s the matter Hughes? Don’t have anything to wear for your date with that guy in your cell?”
“Fuck off!”
The officer laughed and led him into the room. Gary was on the other side of the mirror. Five other men were standing with Brandon. Gary took one long look and shook his head.
“He’s not there.”
Same looked through the mirror. “Take your time.” “I don’t need time, the guy’s not there.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah for God’s sake! Can I go now?”
“Yes.” Sam got a hold of John immediately. “Healy.”
“Hi, it’s Sam.”
“Hi, what can I do for you?”
“I hate to tell
you this, but we put Hughes in a line up and Gary didn’t identify him.”
“How can that be?”
“Somebody told him to use that name. Or, whoever paid him said he was Brandon.”
“Thanks.” John called Tony to let him know. He insisted on Andrea staying with him again, just to be safe. When Andrea got to her apartment Tony was waiting for her. “Hi. What are you doing here?”
“Taking you with me.”
“Excuse me?”
Tony followed her inside. “Gary couldn’t ID Brandon, so John has insisted you stay with me until we are absolutely certain.”
She shook her head. “I don’t believe this.” “Come on, pack your stuff.”
She packed in silence and they left. Tony didn’t say anything until they got outside. “I understand how frustrated you are.”
“No you don’t.” She wouldn’t look at him. “What am I supposed to do, hide out forever?”
“No.”
“Well, that’s what I’m doing. And, if John thinks I’m staying in the office doing paper work all day long, he has another thing coming.”
“I’m sorry, you’re right. I don’t understand. But do you understand my position here?”
“Yes.” She replied quietly.
“It’s just until we’re sure. He could be lying.” ”I know. Can I at least take my own car?” Tony could hear the sarcasm. “I’ll follow you over.” “Great.”
Andrea dropped her bags when they walked in and went to the kitchen for a glass of wine. While Tony took her bags upstairs she called John. “John it’s me. I just wanted to you know I’m at Tony’s.”
“Good. I’m sorry…”
“John, I’m doing my visits tomorrow so I won’t be in the office.”
“Wait a minute…”
“No. I’m not going to hide under a rock because of this asshole.” He had no response. “You need to trust that I can handle myself.”
“I do. If you are going to insist on this, make sure to call me during the day.”
“I will.”
Andrea paced the floor wondering who else it could be. It had to be Brandon, this guy had to be lying. She felt guilty about giving Tony the cold shoulder, especially since he hated her in this job when she had no problems. Chris and Frank were beyond frustrated. Carl had gotten the list of all of Michael’s’ parolees and split it between the three of them. They hoped to God someone would look suspicious. Every moment that went by was a moment closer to Dina and Nicole’s death. He was just daring the police to find him.
They started out with the parolees who gave Michael the most trouble. Frank started with Bob Levin. He was paroled for raping three women in his own home and now lived with his wife. ‘Unbelievable.’ He thought to himself walking up to the door. He was shocked to see a short, unattractive man who looked like he hadn’t bathed in days. “Mr. Bob Levin?”
“Yeah.”
“Frank Riser, homicide. Can I have a moment?” “Homicide! What’s going on?” His wife yelled in the background.
“None of your business.” He stepped outside. “What’s this about?”
“Your whereabouts the night of June 1ST.” “June 1st?” He laughed. “I have no fucking idea. What day was that?”
“Wednesday.”
“I work ‘til seven and have a nine o’clock curfew.” “And between seven and nine?”
“Home.” He smirked. “And my wife will tell you that.”
“I’m sure she will.”
“Who died?”
“Your parole officer’s wife has disappeared.” “What?” He was stunned. This was becoming real for him.
“Given your c onstant arguments with Mr. Amalfitano and your gentle way you have with the ladies, we had to ask about your whereabouts.”
“I was here. I swear.” Bob was getting scared. “I didn’t even know he had a wife.”
“Really?”
“Really. The guys an asshole but Jesus Christ." Frank nodded. Either this guy was a great actor or he was truly upset. “Thanks for your time.”
John never left the office that night. He dozed off with his head on the desk and woke up when he heard the office door squeaking. He looked up and saw Michael, drenched from the rain.
“Hi. John.”
“Jesus Michael.” He got up and sat Michael in his seat. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?”
“Yeah I’m alright.”
“Stay here I’ll get you a coffee.” Michael sat back. He couldn’t get rid of the chills. “Drink this.”
“I just drove. I stopped at stores, diners, restaurants, and houses in two counties. Nobody saw her.”
“Why didn’t you call us?”
“You would have tried to talk me out of it.” “I know. You could have gotten yourself killed driving around in your state of mind.” John called to have the search for his car called off. “Alright. Let’s get you home before you catch pneumonia.”
“John, I’m sorry…I just…”
“It’s alright, I know. Let’s go.” John took him home and stayed there to make sure he didn’t leave. He called Tony’s and woke up Andrea. She looked over at Tony, hoping this was the phone call to end all this. But Tony hung up to quickly.
“Michael’s back.”
“Is he alright?”
“He’s sleeping. John’s going to stay there tonight.” “I should go see him tomorrow.”
Tony looked at her and raised his eyebrows. “You’re getting very interested in his well being lately.” “Tony! What the hell kind of stupid remark is that?” “I’m sorry, I just , forget it.”
“You don’t feel bad for him atall?”
“Yes I do. I just hate the looks he gives me when I see you at the office.”
“Oh please. I’m with you, alright?” She kissed his cheek.
“Alright. I’m sorry, I’m just exhausted. Let’s go to sleep.”
~~~~~~~~~~~
Nicole’s parents got to Michael’s early in the morning. John waited until Michael woke up to leave. Michaels came out to the kitchen and seemed to be more together,. “Michael, Nicole’s parents are in the living room.” “Okay.”
“You got a few hours sleep. How do you feel?” “Don’t worry, I’ll be here.”
“Good. I hate to his to you, but I have to go to the office.”
“No, no, it’s fine. Thank you for everything.” “I wish I could do more.”
“I know.”
“Call me later. I’ll be in close contact with Frank. You will be kept up to date.”
“I appreciate that.”
John was somewhat relieved that Michael was making sense. Between him, Andrea, Brandon and Tabitha leaving, John was surprised that he was still clean and sober. John had been clean for ten years. If this hadn’t sent him back to the bottle, nothing ever would. ~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrea woke up and left for work while Tony was sleeping. She was surprised he wasn’t up to convince her not to go. She left a note apologizing for the cold shoulder she gave him. Frustration was taking its toll on her patience. She saw Billy Cassin first so she could start out with an easy one. Even though she put up a fight to be out and working in the field, a part of her wanted to be safe in the office. Tony called her as soon as he woke up.
“Hey. I got your note. I’m sorry for what I said about Michael.”
“It’s alright. It’s not you Tony, I just want my normal hectic life back.” She laughed.
“I know baby. Look, call me later and let me know if you want to go outto eat. We’ll leave the phones at home.”
“Sounds good.” Chris was finished with his first five parolees when Mueller called him. “What’s up?”
“Dina’s car was found in the river.”
“When?”
“An hour ago by a couple of kids. They’re pulling it out now.”
“I’ll be right there.”
“No, I’m going. Just keep questioning the parolees. Anything yet?”
“Nothing suspicious.”
“Alright, let me call Frank.”
Carl let Frank know but he wasn’t that enthusiastic. “I thought you would be a little more hopeful Frank.” “Captain, the car has been in the river. We won’t have fingerprints. Do you really think this guy would leave evidence behind in a car?”
“No, probably not. But at least it’s something.” “I know. Let me go, I’m off to question Zachary Tyler.”
“What’s his story?”
“Not a violent crime, but he still gave Michael a rough time.”
“Good luck.”
David had not spoken to his mother since his outburst. Aaron finally got him to talk. He sat on the couch next to him and cleared his throat.
“Dave, I don’t know how to help you.”
“You can’t. I just need to get out of here.” “And go where?”
“My PO is working on it.”
“You don’t think you’re guilty, do you?”
David couldn’t look up. “I am. I am guilty. I should have known she couldn’t consent, she was completely out of it.”
“I think that shrink is fucking with your head.” “No Aaron. It’s me. I raped a woman. Now I live with the consequences. I need to get out of here and try to live with myself.” Aaron was not about to argue with him. “How’s Mom?”
“Still upset.”
“I’ll talk to her.”
David went to his mother’s bedroom. “Mom?” “Yes.” She was silently crying on the bed. “I’m not going to pretend I had a great childhood, okay? But I’m sorry I let all that out on you at once.” “David, I’m sorry, for you and your brother. I let my husband control our lives.” She started sobbing. David went over to her. “But I don’t accept what you did.” “What happened with me had nothing to do with you. I have to face what I’ve done. I talked to my PO and he’s working on getting me a new place to live.”
“I see. Maybe that’s best.”
David left the room feeling guilty about leaving her. No matter what happened when he was a kid, she didn’t deserve to have to put up with all this.
Buddy went to the basement while Angel was feeding Dina.
“We need to move her.”
“Where?”
“In the corner on the floor. Just put the mat down and we’ll attach the cuffs to the hooks in the ceiling.” “Why?”
“For my girl. She gets the bed.”
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