Bad Habit

by JD Faver

  “Sorry, Bernie,” Clem said. “We were heading out and didn’t want to interrupt.”

  “Is everything okay?” Miriam asked.

  “Can we help you?” Connie asked.

  “No, I—” Teri began.

  “Nothing we can’t handle.” Angel stood and held out his hand to Teri, pulling her to her feet. “There’s been a development in the case and Bernie is returning to New York.”

  The nuns rushed down the stairs and surrounded them. They hugged Teri and assured her they wanted to help and would pray for her safe return. They departed and Angel escorted Teri upstairs.

  “Gather whatever you want. You won’t be coming back.” He watched Teri take a blue bag from under her bed and stuff underwear and a nightgown inside. She packed the prepaid cell phone, jeans and a knit shirt as well as a photo of a young blonde woman who must be the real Bernie. She tossed in a tube of lotion and shampoo.

  “That’s it?” he asked. “What about your paintings?”

  “I’m really not very good,” she said.

  “You’re wrong about that.” He sorted through the stack of paintings leaning against the wall. “You could make a living selling your work.”

  A flicker of a smile materialized and vanished. “I think you’re being very kind. I just started painting again. I hadn’t lifted a paintbrush since I was in college. Bernie has all the real talent in the family.”

  “Not so. At least I’ll take your painting supplies. You might change your mind.” He collapsed her easel and looked around the apartment. “Is this all you’re taking with you?”

  “It’s more than enough.” She picked up a blank canvas.

  “Let’s go then.” He tucked the easel under his arm and took the blue bag from Teri. He picked up the metal tackle box that held her paints and brushes.

  “Wait! I have to talk to Mother Immaculata.”

  “We don’t have time. You can call her.”

  She looked like she was going to cry again, but pressed her lips together hard. “I guess so.”

  Angel led her from the apartment and around to the rental car he’d left on the side street.

  When she was buckled in, he started the car and headed away from the convent and school. He checked his rear view mirror, alert for a possible tail, and made a wide arc that brought him back to the Alamo Motor Lodge. He invited her inside and noted the maid had made up the king-size bed.

  “What are we doing here?” she asked.

  He tossed the blue bag on the bed and switched on the television. “We’re chilling out. You can change to your jeans if you want to be more comfortable.” A plan was forming in his brain. The trace of a smile crossed his lips.

  Teri took the jeans and knit shirt out of the bag and changed in the bathroom. When she emerged she found he’d brought her a cold drink from the soda machine. “Thanks, Angel.”

  He always smiled when she said his name.

  “Now what?”

  He popped the top on her soda and handed it to her. “Sit down. I need some answers.” Angel watched a series of emotions play across her face. “Don’t be afraid of me, Teri. The whole reason I’m here is for you.”

  She sat down on one of the chairs, averting her eyes. “Why do I feel so scared of you?”

  “You’re the witness. I’m the cop. What we’re both feeling has nothing to do with those roles.”

  She met his gaze briefly and then looked away. “Yeah, I think you’re right. Somehow, being alone with you in a motel room doesn’t make me feel any safer.”

  “My job is to protect you. We’d be at the airport right now except, I think the men who killed your boyfriend are here in San Antonio looking for you.”

  She looked up sharply. “Here?”

  He nodded. “I don’t intend to endanger you, but I would like to hang around long enough to identify them.”

  “And you can do it here in San Antonio?”

  “This isn’t their home turf. It’s mine. They can’t hide here as easily as they can in New York, and we know where they’ll be looking for you.”

  “The convent.” She looked hopeful for the first time.

  He flashed a grin. “That’s where I found you. Tell me who I’m looking for. Give me descriptions and any details you can remember.”

  He took notes while she described the two men and retold the story of her grisly discovery.

  “Now what?” she asked.

  “You’re going to relax and I’m going to see who else has the convent and the nun’s apartment under surveillance.”

  “You’re leaving me by myself?”

  “It would be more dangerous to have you with me.” He softened when he saw her expression. “Alright, you can come along but you have to do exactly what I say.”

  Angel bought their lunch from a nearby taco stand, filling the vehicle with a tantalizing aroma. He parked under a spill of dense shade from old oak trees that folded the sidewalk into accordion pleats with their expanding roots.

  They ate in the car, sharing packets of salsa and napkins.

  Angel watched her lick the salsa off her fingers before wiping them on a napkin. He wondered how he could have thought her distant and untouchable. Touching her was what he wanted to do most of all.

  Angel took a deep breath and returned his attention to the cars lining the street outside the church, school and convent. He had parked strategically where he could observe both sides of the street between the nun’s apartment and the church.

  “What is it we’re looking for?” Teri asked.

  “I’m trying to figure out how far they are behind us. First there was the private investigator and I don’t know who hired him. I’m hoping I scared him off and it may take a little while for his replacement to arrive. I don’t notice anything out of the ordinary. None of the vehicles are occupied and I don’t see anyone lurking in the shadows.”

  “If so, they probably fainted in the heat,” she said. It’s almost a hundred degrees out there.”

  “Thankfully, we have A/C.” He put away his binoculars and slipped the gear into reverse.

  “We’re going?”

  “I think you’re right. It’s too hot for anyone to be watching for you. We can check back later.”

  “Where are we going now?”

  “We’re going to stay cool.” He drove her downtown and parked in a multi-story parking garage. He took her to a movie matinee and they slouched down in their seats, sharing a bucket of popcorn.

  She leaned close to him and whispered, “Is this what my tax dollars are paying for?”

  Angel shot her a look and tried to brush off the tingling sensation instigated by her breath against his neck. The surge of desire he was experiencing had nothing to do with the case he was working. Nothing at all.

  When they emerged it was still daylight and scorching hot. They cooled off the car and drove away from downtown.

  Angel turned onto a narrow road running through an area darkened with the shade of old trees. The San Antonio River wound around and the road meandered over it in several places.

  “What is this place?” she asked.

  “It’s Brackenridge Park,” he said. “It’s one of my favorite places in the world.” He turned and gave her a grin. “I hung out here a lot as a kid. I played baseball and my family had picnics here. It was the place to celebrate birthdays. There’s a kiddie park with rides, a miniature train and the San Antonio Zoo is one of the finest.”

  He turned off the road to park on a section of pea gravel under a spill of dense shade from oaks bordering the river. Cracking all the windows, he got out and opened the passenger door.

  “Let’s sit on the bench and enjoy the afternoon. You can have this to remember San Antonio by when you’re rushing around New York City.” Angel held his hand out to her.

  Teri took it and, when he led her to a wooden park bench, sat down looking around nervously.

  “We weren’t followed,” he said. “I wouldn’t put you in danger.”


  She nodded, relaxing her shoulders.

  He wished he could relieve her burden but she was the witness. He was the cop. Why did he keep forgetting that?

  The sun dappled through the trees as the silence grew. The muted traffic noise a few blocks away blended with the sounds of the river running over a fallen tree and the ducks swimming in a muddy little cove.

  “They’re so industrious,” she said. “They’re like the nuns. They look a lot alike but they’re each individuals. Look at the one with the red on his bill.”

  “He must have come from a different order.” Angel observed her as she slowly lowered her guard.

  “My sister Bernie has always been my beacon. She sticks up for me and keeps me on the right track.”

  “How did she let you get so far off track this time?”

  She looked up at him, her face a picture of misery. “It wasn’t her fault. She wanted to keep me safe and the convent seemed like the safest place on earth. She was only thinking of me.”

  “Helping you to masquerade as a nun? That only delayed the investigation.”

  “Don’t talk about Bernie. My sister was trying to protect me.”

  “I know. Sorry,” he said. I hope she doesn’t get in trouble.”

  “She said she wasn’t likely to get fired over it.”

  He cleared his throat. “I was thinking about the bad guys. I hope they don’t connect her with you and take any actions against her to try to locate you.”

  “I hadn’t thought of that.” Teri stared off into the distance. “I don’t want Bernie to get hurt.”

  Angel placed his hand on her shoulder. “Let’s not borrow trouble.”

  #

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Angel drove her back to the Alamo Motor Lodge as the sun was setting. Teri had to admit that he had been charming and she had been able to relax a little. He made her feel safe.

  Suddenly shy, she ducked her chin. “Am I going to sleep here tonight?”

  “Don’t worry, Teri,” he said. “I’m not one for making unwanted advances.” He got out and unlocked the door.

  Teri sat in the car for a moment before joining him. When she entered the room he was taking off his jacket and slipping the knot on his tie.

  “You need to go shopping for some warm weather clothes,” she said. “Only a few stodgy old lawyers in air conditioned offices wear suits and ties in San Antonio in the summertime.

  “Duly noted.”

  They sat on opposite sides of the king-sized bed and watched television until the news came on.

  “I’ll let you take the first shower,” he said.

  Without a word she took the carry-on bag with her and went into the bathroom. She locked the door behind her, imagining Angel grinning on the other side.

  Teri turned on the shower and watched as the mirror immediately fogged up. She dropped her clothes and stepped into the warm water. Leaning her head against the glossy white tile, she allowed the water to flow over her. The pressure was high and the water felt like needles on her shoulders.

  She lathered her hair with shampoo and massaged her scalp before stepping back into the stream. Unwrapping the small bar of soap provided by the motel, she washed her body with the rough white washcloth.

  All the time she bathed, she thought about the mess she’d made of things. If she’d gone straight to the police in New York she might have avoided the ensuing problems. Perhaps the police could have protected her and she might have been able to identify the man who killed Colin. She wouldn’t have brought Bernie into it and her sister would be safe. Most of all, she wouldn’t be here in San Antonio, in a motel room with the disturbing Detective Angel Garcia.

  Or, it was possible that her first instincts were right and that she’d be dead if she’d stayed in New York City. The police might not have believed her if she’d told them there was a cop involved in Colin’s death. She hadn’t seen his face, only his badge and the scar on his hand. She had the impression that he was tall, but it could have been in comparison to the other man who was so short and stocky. But she would remember his raspy voice as long as she lived.

  Teri dried off and wrapped a towel around her head. She dabbed moisture lotion on her face and body and used the hair dryer attached to the bathroom wall. When she stepped out she was wearing her cotton nightgown and terry cloth robe with the belt tied firmly around her waist.

  #

  Angel had turned off the television and was scanning through a batch of papers. He glanced up when she entered the room and felt his jaw fall as he lost whatever composure he may have had. Staring, he was uncomfortably aware of what was under the white cotton gown and robe.

  He hoped it was armor.

  “What’s the matter?” she asked.

  “Nothing at all.” He managed to drop some of his papers and used the act of retrieving them to recover. “You take the bed.” He shuffled the papers and stuffed them back into his briefcase. “I’ll sleep here.”

  “In the chair?”

  “There are two of them. I’ll push them together.”

  “If you’re sure you can sleep like that.” Teri looked at him doubtfully. “There’s plenty of hot water and I didn’t use all the towels.”

  “Okay. Right.” He edged his way toward the bathroom. “I’ll just be a few minutes.”

  “Take your time,” she said.

  Angel did take his time, letting the steamy water clear his head. He gave himself a pep-talk about the proper procedure for guarding a witness in a homicide investigation.

  By the time he emerged he had resumed his professionally detached demeanor. The lamp on the desk was the only illumination in the room and Teri was curled up under the covers with her eyes closed.

  He smiled when he noticed that she had pushed the two armchairs together and arranged a pillow and blanket for him. He turned to her and she opened her eyes.

  “Thanks,” he said. “That was very thoughtful.”

  “No problem. I’ve been enough trouble for you.”

  He had never had a conversation with a woman in bed when he hadn’t been beside her. “Well, goodnight.”

  “Goodnight.” Teri closed her eyes.

  Angel climbed into the makeshift bed and tried to find a comfortable way to sleep. After writhing around for a while he fell into a half-sleep, still aware of his surroundings but too exhausted to stay awake. He turned over and the chairs slid apart, dumping him on the floor with a loud thud.

  “Oh, for heavens sake!” Teri sat up and turned on the light. “Just come on and get in the bed.”

  He stood up and looked at her, still in a fog.

  “Come on,” she instructed, pulling the covers down on the side of the bed closest to him. “Bring your pillow and go to sleep.”

  He nodded and complied with her orders.

  “And stay on your side.”

  “No problem,” he said. He closed his eyes and was immediately asleep.

  #

  She was in bed with a great looking partially-clad man. Not a first for Teri Slaughter but the first time with a veritable stranger.

  Of course, he was ignoring her. She heard his regular breathing and relaxed a little.

  Angel was only wearing boxer shorts. He had a great body. She could still see it even though her eyes were tightly clamped shut. He must work out or indulge in some active sport. Nice pecs. Nice abs. Nice butt and nice legs. Whatever Angel Garcia did to exercise his hunky body, it involved the whole enchilada. Teri turned to face the bathroom door.

  Teri grinned in the dark. She shouldn’t have worried about Angel. He was a perfect gentleman.

  #

  The next morning, Angel awoke feeling warm. He opened his eyes and found that he had Teri Slaughter in his embrace. He raised his head slightly and saw her pretty face nestled on his shoulder. She was curled on her side with all her luscious female parts pressed up against him. Only a thin cotton gown separated her warm skin from his. Her arm was flung over him and one leg was curled across
him in a very intimate place.

  So this is what heaven is like.

  He remained motionless as he watched Teri sleep. Her translucent skin resembled the inside of a shell. She smelled good like lilac and vanilla and clean woman. It was probably some lotion or whatever she used on her hair.

  She stirred and Angel knew he was going to have a full-fledged erection by the time she woke up. But he couldn’t bear to push her away and make a run for the bathroom. Her lips opened and she stretched, settling again. Her thigh pressed against him and he resisted the urge to touch her. He concentrated on breathing in and out. Slowly he lifted his hand and pushed a strand of hair off her forehead. She slid her hand across his chest and embraced him. Unable to control his actions he pressed his lips against hers.

  She responded, kissing him with amazing passion. Her hand slipped behind his neck and pulled him closer.

  Angel threw away his resolve and kissed her, returning her passion with an intensity that surprised even him.

  She kissed him with her eyes closed but when she opened them she didn’t pull away.

  He leaned over her, gazing into the aquamarine eyes.

  She closed her eyes again and arched toward him for another kiss.

  Angel rolled on top of Teri, kissing her and exploring her body with his hands. She stiffened and he stopped.

  They gazed into each others eyes and listened to each other breathe.

  Teri glanced away and he rolled off of her. She reached for her robe and got out of bed.

  Angel lay back on the pillows as she locked the bathroom door. He raked his fingers through his thick hair, replaying the previous few minutes. His heart still slammed against his ribs like a percussionist on speed.

  I want to wake up with her every morning for as long as we both shall live.

  #

  Teri locked the bathroom door and leaned against it. She tasted Angel’s kiss and felt his hands on her body. She awoke aroused and still felt the heat of Angel’s kisses.

  She had never been kissed with such passion.

  She had never wanted anyone the way she wanted Angel Garcia.

  She had never felt so vulnerable in her life.

  After an awkward encounter when she emerged from the bathroom and Angel ducked inside, she located her clothing. She threw on her jeans and knit shirt and tied her sneakers. Teri gathered her belongings and repacked the carry-on bag while Angel was in the bathroom.