Play for Me

by Lois Kasznia

  Jennifer knocked again on the door. “Don’t you dare slam the door in my face, bitch. Come on out here and ante up.”

  “Them are fighting words,” said Jordan trying not to laugh.

  “It’s not funny, Jordan! If I knock her out, she’ll have me arrested.” Sam thought long and hard. “I have a better idea.” She got her cell phone and called the police.

  “You better not be calling the police,” said Jennifer through the closed door.

  “Ignore her,” said Jordan. “Maybe she’ll go away.” He turned to look at Sam. “You know what I think is funny? You’ve only been here a short time and you’ve already pissed off two people. Drew and what’s-her-name.”

  “I didn’t ask for this, Jordan. You know I’m a nice person,” said Sam shaking her head furiously in disbelief.

  “You did call the police,” shrieked Jennifer. “I can’t believe you did this.’

  “You don’t know who you’re messing with,” warned Sam as she opened the door. “Officer? Can you please help me with this woman?”

  “Now, what seems to be the problem?” asked the officer, kindly looking at both Jennifer and then Sam.

  “This lady is having an affair with my boyfriend. I just wanted to let her know that I know and she better just watch out,” stated Jennifer angrily.

  “This is unbelievable,” said Sam shaking her head. “I am dating the man she claims who is her boyfriend, but he broke up with her. I can’t believe she tracked me down like this,” said Sam.

  “Ladies. Listen.” The officer tried to get them both to reason.

  “Excuse me,” said Sam and she turned to Jordan. “Can you get Ian on the phone please and tell him to come over?”

  “Yes, please do,” said Jennifer.

  “What I was going to say,” began the officer and he turned to Jennifer. “You are trespassing. You were asked to leave and you’re still here. I’m afraid the law is on her side.” He pointed to Sam.

  “Humph.” Sam crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Jennifer.

  “But,” continued the officer looking around. “Where is this boyfriend?”

  “Ian is on his way,” interrupted Jordan. “But also in defense for my sister. I know personally since I’m Ian’s friend. He did make it clear to Jennifer that he didn’t want to see her again. He confided in me about a month ago.”

  “We were just having a disagreement,” said Jennifer in a placating tone.

  “Well, we’ll just see when, what’s his name?” asked the officer.

  “Ian,” the three chimed in.

  “Let’s see what Ian has to say.” The officer looked at Jordan and shook his head. “You sure do look familiar?”

  “Jordan Stevens,” said Sam. “He plays guitar…”

  “You mean the Jordan Stevens?”

  “Yes,” said Jordan sheepishly.

  “Wow.” The officer turned to Sam. “He’s your brother?”

  “Yes. We’re twins.” Sam put her arm around Jordan.

  “See, officer,” shrieked Jennifer. “She’s into incest. My God, she is an unstable person who should be institutionalized!”

  “Oh my Lord.” Sam shook her head and put her head into her hands.

  “It doesn’t look that way to me,” said the officer who started to add up the situation.

  A car squealed to a stop in front of the house and Ian came flying out assessing the situation. “Jennifer, what are you doing here?”

  “Tell them, Ian. You and I are still dating and I want this woman,” said Jennifer disdainfully, “to stay away from you.”

  “Are you nuts?” asked Ian. “We are not dating, Jennifer. I broke it off with you a month ago. I don’t love you, and right now, I don’t even like you. Why are you bothering Sam?”

  “You told me you loved me,” cried Jennifer trying to grab onto Ian as he stepped away.

  “I never said anything like that,” said Ian. He turned to the officer. “She’s crazy.”

  “I can see that,” mumbled the officer. “Come on, ma’am.” He turned to Sam. “Do you want to press charges?”

  “She should have a restraining order against her,” said Jordan. They all watched as the police officer escorted Jennifer to her car.

  “You haven’t seen the last of me,” shouted Jennifer as the police officer put handcuffs on her wrists.

  “Threatening?” growled the officer. “Another citation.” He pushed Jennifer into the back of the squad car.

  “Sam, I’m really sorry,” said Ian still shocked. “You know I broke up with her after I met you.”

  “It’s not your fault,” said Sam warmly as she grabbed his hand. “She’s definitely crazy!”

  “Here come Bryce and Deb,” said Jordan as they pulled up in Bryce’s Lamborghini.

  “Hey, what’s going on?” asked Bryce. “I didn’t expect a welcoming committee.”

  “Sam had a little trouble,” said Ian and he explained what had happened.

  “Damn! I missed the good stuff,” said Bryce as she shook his head. He looked at Sam. “Between her and Drew, you’ve really stirred up the island.”

  “I know,” laughed Jordan. “I told her the same thing.”

  “And I’m telling you. It’s not funny!” Sam shook her head.

  “Since, I’m here,” said Ian. “Are you ready for your date?”

  “I guess so,” sighed Sam. She turned to Jordan and Deb. “The house and car are all yours. Enjoy.” Sam grabbed her purse, Cracker and went with Ian.

  ****

  “Wow,” said Sam as she sipped on a martini at Ian’s outdoor patio. “What an afternoon.” Cracker lounged at their feet, enjoying the cool floor, his head on Ian’s feet.

  “I can’t believe Jennifer did that to you.” Ian shook his head, his arm around Sam. “She really is a psycho.”

  “Do they grow them down here?” asked Sam. “Or does this atmosphere attract them?” Sam cuddled in Ian’s embrace, enjoying his strong muscular body.

  “I think a little of both,” laughed Ian. “I’m so glad I met you, Sam.” He gave her a long, slow kiss. “And to think I have you for an entire twenty-four hours.”

  “Hmm,” murmured Sam contentedly. It didn’t last long when Ian’s phone rang.

  “Hello?” Ian struggled to get the phone out of his pocket.

  “Pete here, Ian. Sorry to bother you, but someone has vandalized our house.”

  “What?” Ian came to full attention, almost knocking Sam over. “What happened?”

  “The lock has been broken by a blow torch and someone took a can of spray paint and did a number on the walls. Good thing none of the tile or appliances has come in yet,” said Pete.

  “Did you call the police?” asked Ian, his eyes centered on Sam.

  “No, I thought I’d call you first,” said Pete.

  “Call them now, and I’ll be right there.” Ian disconnected from the call.

  “What happened?” asked Sam somewhat alarmed.

  “Jett’s house. Someone broke in and vandalized it,” said Ian grimly. “Up for a little trip?”

  “Jett is going to have a fit,” said Sam worriedly. “What am I going to tell him?”

  “The truth,” said Ian. “There’s no sugarcoating it. I hope it’s just a teenage prank and not some vengeful act.”

  “Like Drew?” answered Sam, following Ian’s train of thought.

  “Jennifer?” asked Ian. “No, she’s probably still in police custody.”

  “Hold that thought, though, how would she know I was connected in any way to the house?” asked Sam as she followed Ian to his motorcycle. “What about the insurance on the house?”

  “Yeah, I better call them, too.” Ian pulled out his wallet and gave it to Sam.

  “Can you look and see if you can find the insurance agent?”

  Sam grabbed his wallet and stuffed it in her purse. She hopped onto the back of the motorcycle and held on for dear life as Ian sped away.

  ****

&nbs
p; “Holy shit,” swore Ian as they pulled up in front of the house. The gate on the fence had been blackened from the blow torch and swung eerily on its hinges. Pete saw Ian and Sam slowly walk up to it.

  “That’s not the worst of it,” replied Pete. “Come inside.”

  “Wait a minute,” said Ian as heard the wailing sirens of the police car. The three of them waited until the police emerged from the car and approached.

  “What’s going on?” the officer asked. Pete explained to them what had happened and then turned to Ian.

  “The property belongs to Jett Robinson, and I’m doing the renovations on it,” explained Ian.

  “Let us do our job,” said the officer. “Stay here while I investigate.” He took his phone and called in for backup.

  “When should I call Jett?” asked Sam trying desperately to remember his schedule.

  “Wait until we find out more,” advised Ian as they waited for the backup to arrive.

  “Why don’t I call Marvin so he can be prepared?” Sam dialed the number and a sleepy Marvin answered the phone.

  “Sam, what’s wrong?” asked Marvin. “Something must be wrong if you’re calling at this time of the night.”

  “It’s not devastating news, but someone vandalized Jett’s house. Thank goodness none of the upgrades have been installed yet,” explained Sam. “The police are here now doing their investigating work while Ian and I wait to hear what they say.”

  “Jett is going to freak out,” said Marvin, now fully awake. “These kinds of things really upset him while he’s on tour. Let’s not tell him yet. Do you have any idea who would’ve done it?”

  “Not really,” said Sam not wanting to go into the enemies she had made on the island in such a short time. “Right now, they’re leaning towards a teenage prank.”

  “Damn teenagers,” mumbled Marvin. “Keep me posted.”

  “Okay,” said Sam and she disconnected the call and turned her attention back to Ian. “What’s going on?”

  “The lock has been destroyed by a blow torch,” said Ian. “Since everything is under repair, they easily bypassed the alarm system. The front door has been kicked in and there are footprints in the garden area which are not work boots. Looks like whoever it was, wore tennis shoes so there’s a pattern they can go by. Right now, I’m leaning towards a prank. The shoe size is small, though. as if it were a young adult or a woman’s shoe.” Ian looked at Sam questioningly. “Female. It’s not Jennifer because she has big feet. I always teased her about it.”

  “Well, that’s a relief.” Sam sighed. “What do we do know?”

  “I have to talk to the police and ask them for extra security.” Ian stopped talking as another vehicle pulled up. “Here is the insurance rep.” He looked at Sam wearily. “I have to stay, Sam. Do you want to go home?”

  “I can’t go home, remember? Jordan and Deb?” Sam sighed, exhausted from the day’s events. From Jennifer to this. Good Lord, how much more could she take? “Can I go back to your house? I mean Cracker is there, and so are my clothes.”

  “Sure,” said Ian and he speed dialed someone on his cell. “I’ll have a taxi come and get you.” He kissed her longingly. “I’m sorry, Sam. I wanted this night to be perfect.”

  “Ian, it’s not your fault,” said Sam as she kissed him back. “We’ll get through this, I promise.”

  “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Sam.” Ian put his arms around her and drew strength from her.

  “Same here,” whispered Sam treasuring the fit of his body into hers.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “What’s going on there?” asked the taxi driver as he pulled away from Jett’s house.

  “We’re not sure, but the last verdict I heard that it might be teenage vandalism,” said Sam as she wearily sat back into the seat. She had a niggling feeling, not buying the teenage vandalism. She glanced down at her watch and noted the time, almost ten and she didn’t know what time Ian would be home. She wondered if Jordan and Deb were at her house. Sam leaned forward and tapped the driver on the shoulder. “Hey, would you mind driving me to my house first before we go to Ian’s? I want to see something.”

  “Sure, lady. As long as you pay, I can drive you around all night,” the driver responded cheerfully. He switched directions and followed Sam’s instructions. As they pulled up to the house, Sam saw the front door wide open and every light in the house was on and no sign of Jordan or Deb.

  “I knew it,” whispered Sam, now frightened.

  “This is your house,” asked the driver shaking his head. “I think someone has taken advantage of you. Let me call my brother; he is with the police.”

  “I’ll call Ian,” said Sam shaken. Then the thought struck her about Ian’s house. Cracker!

  “Tell your brother to go to Ian’s house first. I think these two are just a diversion!”

  “Oh, Ian,” cried Sam. “Someone broke into my house. Now, I’m scared they’re breaking into yours. What about Cracker?”

  “What? Calm down, Sam. Stay calm. Explain to me what’s going on.” Ian tried to stay calm for Sam’s sake. “Hold on, just a minute.” He got the police’s attention. “Someone just broke into my girlfriend’s house, you know, the lady? Now she thinks there maybe something at my house. Can you send a squad out there?”

  “Shit!” swore the officer. “Here I thought it was going to be a quiet night.” He radioed in for more back up.

  “The front door is wide open and all the lights are on. I haven’t gone in yet, but I’m worried about Cracker at your house. If anything happens to my poor dog, I’ll die!” Sam’s lower lip trembled.

  “I’m going over there as soon as I can,” said Ian. His mind raced as well. It had to be Jennifer or Drew, but how could he prove it?

  The police came and Ian raced to the house only to find it too had been broken into. Nothing had been taken but the door had been smashed open and the alarm had been blaring. Not even thinking about it, and kicking into his Seal mode, Ian raced through the house, gun drawn daring to find someone who had done this. That’s when he heard a whimper coming from the bedroom closet. Nestled way in the back stood Cracker, shivering violently. Ian coaxed the poor dog out and clamped a leash on him.

  “What did you find?” asked the officer. “And do you have a permit to carry a gun?”

  “Yeah,” said Ian and he fished out his credentials. “I’m calling Sam to tell her that her dog is okay.” Ian turned his attention to the call.

  “Sam,” said Ian into the phone. “Cracker is fine, but someone did break into my house. My gut is either Drew or Jennifer.”

  “Thank God,” breathed Sam. She almost fainted with relief.

  “Are the police there yet?” asked Ian.

  “We’re going to walk through the house now. I’m calling Jordan and Deb to warn them.” Sam shook her head.

  “Do that and when you’re done, have the driver take you here.” Ian wanted to get to the bottom of this.

  They walked throughout the house and Sam didn’t see anything missing. Someone had gone through the cabinets and her dresser drawers but the piano, guitar and everything else remained intact. Had it been malicious or what? She shook her head and looked helplessly at the officer.

  “We’re checking for prints,” explained the female officer who arrived at the scene. “Do you have a place to stay tonight?”

  “Yes,” answered Sam with a rueful laugh. “That place had been burglarized, too. Busy night on Maui.”

  “It’s going to be a long night.” The officers just shook their heads.

  “Jordan?” Sam had called Jordan unsure how to break this to her brother.

  “Sam? What’s wrong? Did Ian do something?”

  “No, not at all,” Sam laughed at her protective big brother. “You are not going to believe it.” She proceeded to explain what had happened.”

  “I can’t believe it,” yelled Jordan. “Sam, what is going on?”

  “I don’t know, Jordan. Ian thinks
it could be Drew or Jennifer. He’s not sure. Anyway, I don’t think you two want to spend the night at my house. Why don’t you meet us at Ian’s house?”

  “What about my guitar and stuff?” asked Jordan anxiously.

  “It’s all there. I’ll have the driver take yours and Deb’s suitcases with us. Do you remember how to get there?” asked Sam.

  “Yeah, I think I do. We are on our way now,”

  When Jordan and Deb arrived at Ian’s, both Ian and Sam had had a few drinks. Nothing seemed to calm their nerves.

  “Looks like the party started without us,” commented Jordan as he stepped into the house.

  “I think we have it narrowed down,” said Ian who couldn’t stop pacing. “I don’t think it’s Jennifer. It’s too sophisticated for someone like her to pull.”

  “Why do you say that?” asked Sam as she served her brother and Deb their drinks. She sat down next to Ian.

  “Jennifer doesn’t know anything about Jett moving here. Bryce does and so does Drew.” Ian stared at Jordan. “I don’t think Bryce would do something like this. Man, he’s one of my best friends.”

  “Which narrows it down to Drew?” asked Jordan.

  “Think about it,” said Ian excitedly. “Drew puts it together there is a reason why Jett came down here. He knows Sam is here and since I worked with his body guard, they know I’m down here.”

  “So, how do we prove it?” asked Sam worriedly.

  “I’ve got friends,” said Ian smugly. He began to plot.

  “How soon can he work on it?” asked Sam.

  “Nothing better happen while Mom and Dad are here,” commented Jordan.

  “That’s right,” exclaimed Deb. “Sam, your parents are coming next week!”

  “Oh, Ian,” groaned Sam. “My parents. What am I going to do?”

  “Relax, honey.” Ian’s eyes had turned cold. “Mr. Drew is going to pay.”

  ****

  The rest of the week went by smoothly for Sam. Jordan and Deb were definitely in love and she felt happy for them. They spent every minute they could with each other until Jordan left. That gave her time for working on her writing and answering Jett’s emails. Sam had called Marvin about Ian’s thoughts of the crime and after a few frantic phone calls with Jett, the situation worked itself out. The graffiti had been removed from Jett’s house. Both Sam and Ian had new locks put on with an updated security system. Ian became wrapped up into solving the crime and Sam didn’t see much of him, but she could handle it. Sam took Deb to the airport and they hugged and cried. Deb thanked Sam for hooking her up with Jordan. Now, all Sam had to do is focus on her parent’s arrival.