"Yeah, I figured as much. We've only bashed heads a little, but nothing I can't handle."
"Or that you aren't used to,” her father added. “Well, watch yourself and good luck. I'll talk to you soon."
"Thanks for calling, Dad. Bye."
Lauren hung up the phone and smiled. It was funny how her dad called just at the right time. She was feeling a bit down, and now her spirits lifted.
* * * *
When she reentered the room, she had a smile on her face.
Eddie wondered if she did have a boyfriend. For some strange reason, he was jealous. He had no damn right to be, but he felt it clear as a stomach virus.
By ten o'clock in the evening, they decided to call it a night and both Ken and Eddie walked Lauren to her car, talking about the surrounding area.
"It's changed so much since I was living around here. I can't get over the large restaurants, hotels, and mansions being built."
"It has changed a lot. Progress, I guess. This past year, we had to hire four more full time patrol officers. The homicide division is slowly expanding and the county is looking into expanding the building,” Ken replied.
Lauren looked at Eddie inquisitively. He wasn't about to add any insight, or his opinion. She wondered what was wrong with him now.
"Well, just as long as it doesn't turn into New York City, you should be all right,” Lauren teased as she leaned against the car.
"If that happens, we'll call you and you can work with us.” Ken winked at her.
Standing there, Lauren crossed her arms in front of her chest and gazed at Eddie once more. Still nothing. He didn't say one word or one comment.
"One New York City is enough, Ken. Especially during a heat wave like this."
"I know it has to be ten times worse in the city whether you're on patrol or investigating homicides. Hey ... do the people really open up the hydrants?” Ken asked.
Eddie sighed, annoyed at the silly question. Lauren ignored him.
"It's true, they do it, and you can't blame them. The majority of buildings don't have air conditioning. My precinct included."
"That sucks!"
Lauren laughed at Ken's response. “Yeah, it does. Staying in the patrol car with the AC on helps, but there are downfalls to that."
"Like what?"
"Well, the cars can get overheated, so if you're driving around on patrol and see a hydrant open, you drive close to the water and let it cool down the hood. Not too much, just enough to avoid the car overheating."
"Cool!"
"Another downfall is, as much as you want the AC on and the windows closed, you can't. You have to be able to hear what's going on outside the patrol car."
"You mean if someone yells for help or something?"
"Yes. Or sometimes you hear a scuffle, or beginning of a conflict, or maybe an accident. You never know."
"So you keep the AC on and drive with the windows down? No wonder the car gets overheated."
"Not with the windows all the way down. It's not safe."
The comment caught Eddie's attention, as Ken asked the question, “What do you mean not safe?"
Lauren pulled her body away from the car, and wiped the perspiration from her brow.
"The bad guys, Ken. There's people out there ready to take pop shots at us. They might throw things, aim fireworks at us, or shoot at us."
"Holy crap!"
"Well, it's pretty damn hot out here. I'm gonna get going. I'll see you tomorrow."
She said goodnight, and both men watched her go.
* * * *
Lauren couldn't sleep. The damn air conditioning unit in her room wasn't working properly. She called the motel office manager who was a loser. The young college kid could give a shit whether she had AC or not. All he cared to do was impress the young ladies who hung out keeping him company.
Lauren got dressed and headed downtown to the Twist and Shout. It had been a week since Jillian disappeared and Lauren wanted to see the regulars who apparently hung out there.
It was 11:30 p.m. The bar was crowded. She spoke to the bartender, who worked the night that Jillian disappeared. Lauren was surprised to find so many of Jillian's friends there. They apparently shared the fact they all felt guilty and were too drunk to remember with whom Jillian left.
Lauren had asked a few patrons if they remembered seeing Jillian and she was giving up hope with each shake of their heads ‘no.'
She wanted a better description, something they could run through the police computer systems and FBI files, but these kids didn't know anything.
* * * *
Just then, she heard, “Can I buy you a drink?” and swung around to the familiar voice of Lieutenant Eddie Tennellie.
"What are you doing here?” She couldn't help but smile.
Eddie took a seat on the barstool next to her. “I guess the same as you, but you beat me to it. I thought we discussed this,” he said sarcastically.
Lauren shrugged her shoulders “What can I tell you, Tennellie. I'm a detective. It's in my blood."
Eddie crinkled his eyebrows, and nodded toward the group of kids near the front entrance. “The kids gave you up, and I figured you were the type to do as you please."
Lauren didn't hide her surprise at his sudden change of attitude. “We might just get along after all, Lieutenant Tennellie."
Eddie laughed at her apparent sarcasm.
Lauren looked back down at the bar.
"I guess the feeling I had was off,” she added, then the bartender served them two mugs of beer.
"It happens, but you never know."
Lauren took a sip of the cold beverage. She was tired and sure she would be fast asleep the second she hit the pillow, air conditioning or not.
"Can I ask you something?” Eddie asked.
"Sure."
"Why homicide?” Eddie took a sip from the mug of beer, then placed it back down on the bar. He watched Lauren as she answered his question.
"What you really want to ask is why become a cop? I just always wanted to do it."
"How did you know?” he asked.
"I remember watching my dad when he would leave for work all dressed in his uniform, looking ready to catch the bad guys or help people in trouble. I always thought it was cool, like being part of a special team.” Lauren took another sip of the cold beer.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. My dad worked for the sheriff's department. He retired just last year."
He watched Lauren closely, and she could see something familiar in his eyes. She thought maybe it was just that same investigative determination she had when it came to solving a case.
The look appealed to her and as they continued talking, she felt something stir from deep inside her.
He had a great sense of humor, and she was surprised how easily she made him laugh.
He reciprocated the flirty comments, little winks, and smirks. Eddie appeared rather proud at his ability to flirt and noticed her encouraging response. She couldn't make it any more obvious that she was attracted to him.
Then he seemed to shut down. Was it something she said?
He threw the walls up tight, and stood from the barstool.
Lauren immediately did the same as she tossed the money down on the bar before Eddie had a chance.
"I'll buy the next time,” he told her in a whisper and she immediately sensed his sad tone and wondered how someone so handsome, so perfect, could sound so down.
"I'll hold you to that,” she replied in an upbeat tone, but even that didn't seem to change Eddie's demeanor.
They walked out to the parking lot instantly feeling the warm air smack them in their faces.
"Damn it. I was hoping the heat would have let up a little,” Lauren stated as she took out her car keys.
"Yeah, well everyone will definitely be cranking up the AC tonight."
"Not me. The damn thing is broken and the maintenance guy is MIA.” Lauren didn't hide her annoyance as she opened the car door.
&n
bsp; "Are you kidding me?” Eddie sounded just as annoyed as Lauren.
Lauren nodded ‘no,’ then entered the car. She waved before heading out of the parking lot.
As she drove down the road, she thought about Eddie Tennellie. Lauren couldn't help but wonder why he was so detached.
Every time he seemed to let go a little, he quickly threw up that wall, became somber, and unwilling to budge.
She shook her head, knowing she should stop thinking about Eddie.
The more she tried to figure him out, the more she felt the need to push him. She had no idea what he was all about and there could be numerous things wrong with him. He could suffer from some sort of disorder or maybe women weren't his thing.
No way. His image appeared in her head and she pulled back into the motel parking lot.
Tennellie had a great face, a great body, and there was no denying their attraction. When his hand brushed up against her hipbone, it was like fire stinging her skin. That small touch penetrated through the material on her pants, hit her hipbone, and traveled down her thigh.
No way was Tennellie gay, but then again she hadn't been intimate with a man, any man in over a year. Maybe she was getting desperate?
Shaking the thoughts out of her head, she made her way to her oven of a motel room.
She opened the door and the room was hotter than outside. Lauren quickly opened the one small square window that looked over the back of the building and a dirty green dumpster below. Beyond that was pure darkness and a wooded area.
She undid her blouse, already feeling the perspiration on her skin and the camisole beneath it clung to her flat stomach.
She twisted her hair up into a bun on the top of her head and clasped it with a clip. Next, she tossed off her shoes and removed the knee-high stockings.
Sitting on the edge of the bed, she stared at her toes, thinking her pedicure had lasted more than a week and she was shocked. The sweat dripped down off her brow. She barely felt the soft warm breeze enter from the single window.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and she grabbed her gun out of habit before opening it. She looked through the peephole and was shocked to see Lieutenant Tennellie at her door.
Hesitating, she wondered what he wanted.
This man was more complex than she thought.
She opened the door, still holding her revolver in hand.
"Hey, Lieutenant, what are you doing here?” She glanced down at the small toolbox he held in his hand.
"I felt bad that you didn't have any AC. I know a little bit about air conditioners, so I thought maybe I could try to fix it for you."
Lauren moved out of the way and welcomed him in. “Be my guest, Lieutenant.” She motioned with her arm for him to enter. He stared at her unbuttoned blouse, but she was too hot to cover up. The temperature seemed to increase by several degrees upon Eddie's surprise visit.
* * * *
Eddie took it all in, and now wondered if he didn't make a mistake. “Damn, it's hot in here,” he said, as he walked over to the AC unit and set down the toolbox.
"You're telling me? The window isn't helping, either.” She walked back over to it.
Eddie stared at Lauren as she looked out the small window, then toward him again. She was gorgeous, standing there with her blouse undone, her skin glistening in the light, and her hair all pulled back away from her face. She was so feminine looking, and his groin reacted. He cleared his throat, and quickly turned away as he realized he was staring, and she was letting him.
* * * *
"You really don't have to do this. I'll survive.” Lauren leaned against the windowsill in the hopes of catching a small breeze but nothing happened. The air was still, the humidity strong, and now with the door closed, she felt confined.
That panicked sensation re-emerged, along with realization the lieutenant was in her hotel room with her. Glancing around, there wasn't much room and minimal furniture. With one lounge chair, a small desk that was missing a chair and the bed, she figured staying in one place by the window was her only choice.
"It's no problem, Lauren. You're our guest and the Ridgeburgh Police Department wants to be sure to be as hospitable as possible.” Eddie smiled, then looked back at the unit on the floor.
"The Ridgeburgh Police Department, huh?” she challenged his excuse. She had the feeling it was just that—an excuse to come see her.
"I appreciate it."
* * * *
Eddie worked on the unit for twenty minutes, then he was finally ready to give up.
"The damn thing is broken, Tennellie. I'm telling you it's no use. Just forget it,” Lauren stated in frustration, in her tough Bronx accent.
"There's one last thing I can try.” He pulled together his tools and placed them back in the red toolbox.
She waited, then jumped when Eddie gave the unit a swift, hard kick. Nothing happened, so he did it again. Still nothing happened.
"Third time's a charm,” he said, first giving the unit a kick to the side, and then a punch on top. The unit kicked on and the AC was working.
They looked at one another and laughed, as the cool air hit the warm air and a breeze escaped through the small window.
They stared at one another, and Lauren spoke first. “I'd better close the window. I don't want to lose any of that cold air. I want it all."
She walked toward the window, taking one more peek at the darkness as she tried to close it. She was surprised at the sudden nervous feeling she had, as well as the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. The damn window wouldn't budge and as she positioned herself against the edge and tried to push it down, she felt Eddie standing behind her.
Her body tensed, then his hands were on top of hers, helping her push down the window. Their arms brushed against one another, and his hips and stomach were against her back. They just stood there a moment. Neither moved an inch.
Then, his hand moved around her waist, turning her toward him. Their gazes met, as Lauren looked at him, not remembering him being this tall or this big. Then she realized she wasn't wearing heels, or any shoes, for that matter.
He gently took her face in his hand while, his other hand held her softly around her waist.
"My God, you're stunning. You're breathtaking,” he whispered and his thumb softly caressed her chin.
His hand was solid and smelled of after-shave. It was masculine, sexy, and she wanted him to kiss her.
Still, he held back and she couldn't find her voice. His eyes said he was struggling again. There was fear, uncertainty, and he was about to let go until she lightly licked her bottom lip in nervousness.
Instantly, Eddie's lips were over hers, a gentle touch, then deeper.
His hand cradled her head as his lips kissed the center of hers, then the sides, and then her cheek. “You smell delicious."
Lauren still couldn't find her voice. She was lost in the most powerful kiss she had ever felt in her life. Eddie kissed her with passion, with a desire she was sure she never experienced before. No man had ever rendered her speechless. That, she would definitely remember.
His kisses intensified and his tongue darted inside her mouth softly then more deeply. Lauren felt the moan emerge from deep in her throat, and her hands grabbed onto Eddie tightly. She wanted him and her mind went to fast-forward, making her throw inhibition to the wind. She could easily allow him to devour her and the thought made her both nervous and excited. His instant power over her was both frightening and arousing and if he continued to touch her and kiss her like this, she wouldn't fight him.
* * * *
Eddie's hands moved over her body. He needed to feel those hips against his palms.
He wanted more, and his hands moved up her ribcage, then up to the round curve of Lauren's voluptuous breast. She felt so good and she seemed to share the same desire and the need for more.
The sensation enveloped Eddie's body and once again fear took hold of him.
He stopped in his tracks. Lips tore away fr
om lips. He held her by the arms.
Her hair was a mess, her lips swollen and red. Her eyes held both desire and confusion.
He needed to get out of there.
"I'm sorry. That shouldn't have happened,” he said, abruptly, then he moved away, when Lauren grabbed his arm out of apparent confusion.
"Wait a minute. What are you doing? How could you kiss me like that, then just stop? You're leaving?” She looked angry, and sounded in need—desperate. Her eyes filled with tears.
He ignored her, grabbed the toolbox, and headed toward the door.
"What is wrong with you? What are you so afraid of?” she yelled, the anger now strong in her voice.
He couldn't look back at her. He knew if he did, he wouldn't leave and he was scared of what Lauren did to him and how she made him feel.
"I'm sorry,” was all he said, then the door closed behind him.
* * * *
Lauren sat down on the edge of the bed, holding herself, trying to hold onto what was now a memory of Eddie's hands on her skin.
She lightly traced the outline of her lips, closing her eyes, still able to feel his lips against hers. The tear escaped her eye. She quickly wiped it away.
"That son of a bitch! Damn him and whatever game he's playing!” Lauren stated out loud and the emptiness of the motel room was nothing compared to the emptiness in her heart.
* * * *
It was 7:30 a.m. Lauren had just finished getting dressed. She had a headache, and took the two extra strength Advils on an empty stomach. She couldn't wait until breakfast.
Last night was the worst night she could ever remember. No man had ever gotten under her skin like Eddie had.
She was so angry at him, and annoyed, that she vowed revenge in some way, when the opportunity presented itself.
Finally settling her temper down, she found herself analyzing his behavior from the moment they first met. When her emotions began to soften and she blamed his behavior on unknown circumstances, she gave herself a kick in the ass to snap out of it. The teeter-totter of thoughts drove her restless.
Sometime after 3:00 a.m., she decided to forget about Eddie Tennellie and move on with the case.
As she went over different ideas in her head, she remembered the other Hispanic bus boy from the Twist and Shout who avoided making eye contact with her in the kitchen. He stayed hidden near the grills and behind the gathering crowd. She had nearly forgotten about him until sometime this morning. While his friend helped them to identify the suspected delivery truck, the other kid stayed silent.
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