Little Girls Sleeping: An absolutely gripping crime thriller

by Jennifer Chase

  “Go ahead and pet him. You’re fine.”

  Chad set the bags on the coffee table and slowly moved toward the dog. “Wow, you’re a handsome boy with an intense look. Such a shiny black coat.” He kneeled down in front of him. “I bet you have some stories to tell, Cisco.”

  “Unfortunately, he does,” interjected Katie. “He likes you a lot.”

  Chad looked up. “Oh yeah?”

  Katie fumbled around in the kitchen until she had the coffee maker perking away. “So what brings you here? Oh, wait. Did the sheriff call you?”

  “Maybe.”

  Katie sighed. “He still treats me like a little girl.”

  Chad moved to the counter and took a seat. “Is that so bad?”

  “Depends on how you look at it.”

  “And how do you look at it?”

  “Well, for one, I’m all grown up. I’ve been a cop and I’ve been in the army. And I’m now working a homicide case.”

  “He’ll always see you as a little girl.”

  Cisco had followed Chad into the kitchen. He really did seem to be taken with him.

  Chad looked around. “You know, being here brings back such memories.”

  It made Katie a bit sad, but she agreed.

  “I remember the barbecues you guys used to have. Your dad at the grill. And that party here when we were in junior high school.”

  “Yeah,” she said. “I love this house. Even though there are both good and bad memories.” She moved to the coffee pot and poured two cups. “Two sugars and cream?” she asked.

  “Just cream. Trying to stay healthy.”

  Katie passed Chad a mug. “What’s in the bags?”

  “Ah, I was wondering if you’d noticed, you being a detective and all.”

  She smiled in spite of herself, and even though her arms throbbed in pain. “Nothing gets past me.”

  “I thought you might want to get out of the house and go on a picnic.”

  She stared at him, and some of the old feelings of connection came flooding back. She felt her face turn to a heated flush. Turning away, she said, “Depends on what’s in the bag.” She moved to a cupboard and took down a bottle of aspirin. Popping off the top, she swallowed two tablets.

  Chad put both bags on the counter and began to empty them for Katie to see. “We have two sandwiches, one with turkey, bacon, and avocado. You used to love that.”

  “Still do.”

  “One meat-lover’s sandwich: turkey, ham, and salami with provolone and white Cheddar cheese. Two cups of mixed greens and various nuts and seeds. Two servings of mixed seasonal fruits. And some of those wonderful home-made chips from Frazer’s on Main Street.”

  “Wow, sounds like a food-channel advertisement.” She laughed.

  “Oh, and iced tea, my secret blend, plus two bottles of water.”

  “Anything else?” Katie raised her eyebrows and tried to see into the bags.

  Chad quickly began to put the food away. “Nope, not going to tell you what’s for dessert.”

  “So?” she said.

  “So? So what do you think?”

  “Are you inviting me?”

  “I think I already did,” he said, watching her closely.

  Katie looked down and sipped her coffee. She wasn’t sure if she wanted this thing to begin again between the two of them.

  “Maybe I should have called first,” he said with a little less enthusiasm.

  “No, not at all. It’s nice that…”

  “That what?”

  “I admit it would be nice to have some time off, even if it’s only for an hour or two.”

  “Good,” he said, and slapped his hand on the counter.

  Cisco jumped up and barked.

  “See.” Chad gestured. “Even Cisco agrees.”

  “Fine, give me fifteen minutes to get changed.” She hurried to her bedroom.

  * * *

  Katie rode in the passenger seat of Chad’s Jeep, gazing out the window at the countryside. The model was much roomier that her own car and had more horsepower. Relieved that her aches and pains had subsided, she tried to ignore the anxious energy simmering in the background. It was usual when she entered into unknown areas for her response to be geared to fight or flight, but she made a pact with herself that it would change with time.

  She saw a truck parked on the side of the road with the hood up.

  “Hey, isn’t that Mr. Rey?” asked Chad.

  “I’m not sure,” Katie replied, craning her neck to get a better vantage.

  As Chad slowed his speed, a man wearing work overalls came around from the front of the truck.

  “It is him,” he said. He pulled the Jeep to the side of the road and parked. “He’s had some tough times after his wife passed.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize that,” Katie said. “I ran into him at the grocery store. Remember that fort he helped us build?”

  “Yeah, I remember that fort, and then working with him building fences. I saved for my first car from that job.”

  “I think it’s a flat tire,” Katie suggested.

  “Wait here, I’ll go see if he needs some help.” Chad unhooked his seat belt and jumped out of the car.

  Katie and Cisco watched.

  Within a few minutes, Chad returned and opened the back of the Jeep. Cisco bounced in his face, tail wagging. “Take it easy, buddy,” Chad said.

  “What’s up?” Katie asked.

  “He has a flat and his jack doesn’t seem to be cooperating. I’m going to help him. It should take about ten minutes.” He took his jack and headed back to the truck.

  Katie waited patiently and recalled her childhood. It was something that made her happy, especially when she thought about her parents. Chad had been a good friend as far back as she could remember. It was difficult to think of a memory without him being a part of it.

  He returned to the Jeep and replaced the jack, then climbed back into the driver’s seat. “Okay, we’re on the road again.” He pulled away from the side of the road, giving a quick beep and a wave to Mr. Rey.

  They drove in silence for a while. It wasn’t an uncomfortable type of silence, but rather both of them seemed to be lost in their own thoughts.

  “You’re suddenly very quiet,” said Chad. “Should I be worried?” He smiled.

  “Just a lot on my mind,” Katie replied.

  Cisco moved back and forth behind them, unable to decide on the perfect seating position.

  Chad watched Katie, and it was clear from his solemn expression that he was trying to sympathize with her. “Can I ask you a question?”

  “I think so,” she said.

  “You don’t have to answer.”

  “Go ahead. You obviously have something on your mind.”

  He made a sharp right turn and continued up a dirt track and then a gravel roadway away from the usual thoroughfares.

  Katie recognized her surroundings. “I know where you’re going.”

  “Thought you might.”

  “I haven’t been here since high school.”

  “Well then you’re in for a treat.”

  Katie remembered the area well. Many great times had been had there, including her first kiss. There were wonderful hiking trails and nice picnic areas with a valley view. She rubbed her hands together and let the happy memories flood her mind—at least for a short period. Sometimes it was difficult for her to let the positive things into her life. Her experiences had skewed her perception so that everything seemed on the verge of catastrophe. It was as if she had blocked out anything good in her life.

  Finally she said, “You want to ask me about what it was like.”

  “Only if you feel comfortable.”

  “There’s not much to tell. Every day was basically the same. The same duties. The same orders. Just different locations. The only thing that wasn’t the same was whether you were going to die that day.”

  Her words hung in the air like static. She spoke with simple clarity, but the reality
of what she said had a huge impact not only on Chad but on herself as well.

  “Don’t let anyone misinform you about why the military is still over there and why we need more personnel. If you have personal opinions on this war, it’s fifty times worse than what you believe. I fear for this country.”

  Chad pulled into a parking area as Cisco jumped around behind him. “Wow,” was all he could say.

  “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I haven’t said anything like that out loud before.” Katie looked fixedly at her hands.

  “Hey,” Chad said touching her arm. “You never have to apologize around me. Okay?”

  She nodded, slightly embarrassed. “I don’t want to get political or fatalistic on you.”

  “I hope you have someone to talk to about your experiences—a professional or even just a friend. Promise me that you’ll always reach out, no matter what. Don’t hold this kind of stuff inside.”

  “Okay.” She nodded, taking in the scenery. She knew all too well what he was referring to.

  “Remember all those stories when we were kids?” said Chad, trying to change the mood.

  “What stories?”

  “You know, about those Gold Rush towns that cropped up all over the area then mysteriously disappeared without a trace.”

  “Oh yeah, some people said that a great earthquake swallowed them up.”

  “If I had to guess,” said Chad, “I would go with a meteor, then an earthquake—or both.”

  Katie laughed. “There’s a lot of history here and up in the mountains; a lot of untold stories. Maybe one of those towns just up and moved.” She breathed deeply, beginning to feel herself relax.

  “I’m starving. Let’s eat.” Chad climbed out of the car, followed closely by Cisco.

  Katie opened her door and stepped out too. It would be good to sit in the warmth of the sunshine and soak up some of her hometown. She laughed as she watched Cisco trying to get to the two bags with their lunch inside.

  “He’s not going to leave you alone,” she said.

  Chad ran around jokingly in circles with Cisco in tow, then made his way to a picnic table with a view of the valley. “What do you think?”

  Katie looked around. It was peaceful as well as beautiful. They were the only ones in the picnic area. Two other cars were parked, but their owners were most likely on one of the hiking trails.

  Chad began to unload the bags, laying out a tablecloth, plastic plates, utensils, and napkins.

  “You’re very organized,” Katie said.

  “Ha! Only when I want to be.”

  “It’s beautiful here. It’s just what I needed after the week I’ve had.” She took a seat at the picnic table and watched Chad unpacking the food. She hadn’t been hungry, but now, looking at the spread, her stomach grumbled.

  Chad pulled out a small roll of tin foil.

  “What’s that? Some kind of special sandwich spread?” Katie asked.

  “Nope. I came prepared.” He unrolled the foil. “It’s a little bit of leftover prime rib with gravy for Cisco.” He leaned down and put the feast on the ground. “Here you go, buddy.”

  “You do realize you’re never going to get rid of him now.” Katie smiled and watched Cisco lap up the meat mixture.

  “I love animals, especially dogs. I’d like to get one again.”

  “That’s right, you had huskies when we were kids,” she remembered.

  “I love big dogs that like to be outdoors and that I can take anywhere.” He sat down, raised a thermos and announced, “Here’s to friendship and all the great adventures ahead.”

  Katie took a sip from her own thermos, and then another. “Wow, this is fantastic. I think it’s the best iced tea I’ve ever had.” The weight she had been carrying around ever since she returned home had been lifted—not completely, but enough to give her pause and allow her to relax. She couldn’t help but smile as she took another bite of sandwich.

  “Ms. Scott, you’re thinking about something pleasant. Want to let me in on it?” Chad said.

  “I was just thinking how nice it is to be home, in all the places I love. Thanks for bringing me here today.”

  “My pleasure,” he replied. “I can imagine how difficult these homicides are.”

  “Yeah, it’s really tough. But what’s more difficult is the detective in charge.”

  Chad stuffed another piece of sandwich in his mouth. “Templeton, right?”

  “Yeah,” she said quietly. “He just doesn’t get that we need to work together, but we don’t see eye to eye.”

  “Wait until everything shakes out. I’m sure he’ll calm down.”

  Katie turned around to face the incredible valley of trees that extended as far as the eye could see. She took a deep breath. Cisco huddled to the side of her leg and looked out as well, alert and ears pitched forward.

  Chad got up from his position and joined her on the bench. “I haven’t been up here in a while. I’ve been too busy trying to get on full-time at the fire department. It is truly beautiful here.”

  Katie turned to him. “What’s the situation?”

  He took a deep, somewhat disappointed breath. “It all comes down to budget.”

  Katie nodded; she understood all about budget restrictions at the police department, and it even affected the army too.

  “So I’ve been working a few hours as an ambulance driver and some shifts up at the fire department. The sheriff’s K9 unit asked me if I wanted to help out with training.” He leaned in and said in a comical tone, “That generally means they need another decoy for the dogs to chase.”

  She laughed. “No wonder Cisco likes you.”

  “Oh, I forgot. The morgue also needs someone to fill in as a body guy.”

  “A what?”

  “That’s what they call the guy who picks up dead bodies and brings them to the morgue. And that would about round out my week as I wait on budget and politics to get a full-time position.”

  “You’ll never get bored—just mauled, burned, and acquainted with a lot of dead people.”

  “Go ahead, laugh it up. You’re living your dream job.”

  “I don’t know what will happen after this case is closed. I’m still on leave from Sacramento PD and I just don’t know…”

  Chad shrugged. “I’m sure your uncle isn’t going to let someone like you get away—he has something planned, I’m sure.”

  “I don’t know. Even he still has someone to answer to.”

  * * *

  That evening, Katie decompressed, trying to empty her busy mind. She had a long, hot bath, and went to bed at a reasonable hour. Just before she turned off the light, she took out her journal and opened it. She reread her first entry. Then she picked up her pen and slowly began to write.

  Wednesday, 2230 hours

  * * *

  It was a surprising day of rest for me today. I went on a picnic with Chad. I had so many memories (mostly good) and familiar feelings flying around in my mind, but in the end I was able to relax without any anxiety issues or panic attacks. I lowered my guard and opened up to Chad. I’d never have done that before. I don’t expect anything from him, but I do care about him. I don’t feel like I’m ready for a serious relationship, though I’m not sure if Chad would be that special person anyway. I’m taking my uncle’s advice to let time take its course.

  Am I healing? I hope I can live up to what I’ve been through and accomplished so far. My thoughts are still constantly with my army teammates: my sergeant, and Billy and Chris. I hope they’re doing okay—I touched base with them in an email but haven’t heard from them in a while. We are all broken. Forever changed. We are survivors.

  Thirty

  The temperature outside had dropped several degrees overnight, but that didn’t stop the kids from Pine Valley Elementary School walking or riding their bikes to school. It was Thursday and the last day of the week for them; Friday was a parent-and-teachers’ conference. All the kids were extra hyper and looking forward to a fun outing
. There was supposed to be an assembly too, and that would mean fewer classes.

  Dena Matthews was particularly excited because she would be going to the amusement park in Sacramento this weekend. She could almost taste the food: cotton candy, chocolate-dipped cones, and anything on a stick she desired.

  She’d begged her mom endlessly to let her meet her friends at the park near the pond and cycle to school. The last few times there had been a bike-to-school day she wasn’t allowed to participate, but she finally pleaded hard enough that her mom permitted her to go.

  She put on her backpack, jumped eagerly onto her light-blue bicycle and rode down the driveway. The cool morning air chilled her face, but she didn’t care. Dressed in dark jeans, a blue sweatshirt, and her favorite sneakers, she pedaled as fast as she could. She was going to be early, and knew she would have to wait for her friends, Carrie and Jessica. But that was okay, because she wanted to check out the fountain and the pond. It was her favorite place whenever she visited the park.

  She coasted down her street and cut across a neighboring one, which then took her in a roundabout way to the park. She took that route because it was mostly downhill and she could cycle with comfort.

  A couple of cars passed her slowly.

  She noticed the neatest yards and others that were in need of a gardener. Some houses were blue, some light gray, and others yellow. She couldn’t make up her mind which ones were the prettiest.

  An older woman with a red scarf walking a small shaggy white dog made her way around the corner. Dena followed on her bike, gently pressing the brakes, and said loudly, “Cute dog.” She rode on until she made a sharp left turn into the park next to a large community building. From there, she dismounted and pushed her bicycle along the walking trail. It was fairly deserted; quieter than she had ever seen it, in fact. It didn’t matter, though. She would wait patiently for her friends.

  She looked at her watch. It read 7.35 a.m.; her friends had said they would be there by 7.45. She rolled her bicycle to the side of the path and flipped down the kickstand. The pond had fish and the gentle waterfall was working. It was beautiful.

  She heard a car pull into the parking lot but didn’t turn her head. She expected her friends to arrive any moment. She leaned over a bit further, closer to the water. Several koi fish swam back and forth. They were beautiful and she couldn’t take her eyes off them. She wanted a fish tank, but her mom said it was too much trouble. Maybe when she got older, she’d told her.