“You wanna play in a man’s world, Chambers?” Ramos said, as if egging Alex on, trying to provoke a violent response. “You better learn how to play the game right.”
“It’s not a game, you homophobic asshole,” Alex said quietly, with deadly steel in her voice. “And don’t even think about getting anywhere near this case, Ramos.”
“Or what, Chambers?” Ramos brushed past Chuck and walked down the hallway and out of sight.
“Alex, don’t worry,” Chuck said. “The whole Department knows he’s an asshole.” He spoke a few more words of reassurance, never giving any indication he knew the nature of Alex and Sydney’s relationship, or that it mattered. Alex knew her sexuality was no secret around the department. Chuck, for his part, seemed to simply respect that Sydney was someone significant to Alex and extended every professional courtesy. He assured Alex that Ramos would have no influence on the case and that it would have R.H.D.’s full attention. Chuck and his team departed minutes later, promising to keep Alex in the loop on anything they discovered.
HAVING HEARD THE commotion and raised voices outside her office, Sydney walked to the door and looked out. She saw Alex standing with her fists clenched at her sides as if she was barely controlling a violent outburst. Chuck was standing between Alex and Ramos as Ramos continued talking in a low voice.
Ramos walked away and Alex made her way back down the hall to Sydney.
“Who was that?” Sydney asked again as Alex entered her office.
“He’s the commanding officer of Central Detectives,” Alex said. “He and I have had issues in the past. But don’t worry.” Alex reached out and rubbed each of Sydney’s arms. “He has no influence on this case. R.H.D. will be handling it and like I said, Chuck and his people are the best.”
Sydney moved almost unconsciously into Alex’s arms, feeling the need to be in her embrace. She felt the tension in Alex’s back and shoulders and wished she could relieve her anger and concern. Alex folded her arms around Sydney and Sydney melted against her, both of them taking solace in the bond. Sydney finally took a deep breath and stepped back.
“Come on,” Alex said. “Let’s get whatever you need and I’ll drive you home. We’ll figure out how to get your car home later.” Sydney nodded and silently placed some items in her bag, then the two left the building. Sydney’s hand found Alex’s as they rode down in the elevator to the subterranean garage and Alex led Sydney to her truck. As they drove out of the garage onto the street in the evening darkness, Sydney’s hand once again sought Alex’s. They drove the twenty minutes to Sydney’s house in companionable silence.
After Alex parked in the driveway, Sydney led the way to the porch, unlocking the front door and letting Alex follow her in. Alex put Sydney’s satchel briefcase down on the entry table and turned to Sydney.
“I want you to wait here while I take a look around, all right?”
Sydney’s eyes grew round in shock as she realized the implication of what Alex was saying.
“It’s just a precaution,” Alex said. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be right back.”
Sydney could only nod in silence. Then she watched as Alex made her way through the entryway and disappeared to the rear of the house through the kitchen and dining areas. Sydney noticed the way Alex’s hand hovered near the weapon in her waistband.
Several minutes later Alex came down the main stairs to the entryway. She had obviously used the rear spiral staircase to access the upper floor. Sydney felt momentary relief and turned to lock the deadbolt, then leaned against the door. Tears brimmed in her eyes and Alex moved to her, pulling Sydney into her arms. Sydney sank into Alex’s embrace.
“My God,” Alex said. “You’re shaking.”
“I’m sorry,” Sydney said, her face pressed to Alex’s shirt. “I know I should be handling this better.”
“Don’t be silly, you’re handling it fine.” Alex said, “Anyone would be freaked out by this.” They stood like that for several minutes until Sydney collected herself and pulled away, looking up into Alex’s face. She reached up and pulled Alex’s head down, kissing her gently.
“Thank you,” she said. “What would I do without you?”
“We should have some dinner,” Sydney said a moment later, making an effort to add some normalcy to the situation. “I’ve got some leftover chicken I can throw in a salad if that’s okay.”
“Sounds great. Listen, I’m just gonna take a quick look around outside before we eat.” Sydney looked at her questioningly. “Just to get the lay of the land. It’ll only take a few minutes.” Alex gave Sydney another reassuring hug. “Okay?” Sydney nodded and Alex opened the door. “I’ll be right back.”
ALEX HAD RETURNED and was analyzing a lighted panel near the front door when Sydney came from the kitchen into the entry.
“This is an alarm panel, isn’t it?” Alex asked.
“Yeah, but I haven’t always been as strict about using it as I probably should be,” Sydney replied. “I guess it would be smart to be more disciplined with that.”
“If you’ve already got one, it’s better to be safe than sorry, even on a normal day.” Alex said with a reassuring smile. “Come on, show me how this thing works.”
Sydney entered the code and they watched the digital screen flash to “Armed.” Alex nodded in satisfaction then removed her jacket, which Sydney took and hung in the closet, though she noted Alex left her weapon tucked securely in her rear waistband rather than removing it as she had in the past.
After dinner the two retired to the den, once again with hot chocolate. They sat together on the couch in front of the fire and made small talk. Alex sat reclined at one end and Sydney was facing Alex sideways on the middle cushion with her legs curled up to her chest.
“You should get to bed,” Alex said, “You’ve had a hell of a day and you look exhausted.”
Sydney looked over at her, and then reached out to where Alex’s hand was resting between them on the couch. She traced Alex’s fingers with her own, slowly and gently.
“Thank you for everything today. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t been there. I’m not going to lie, I was afraid to be alone this evening. I still am.”
“Not a problem,” Alex said. “We’ve got to get you downtown to pick up your car at some point tomorrow anyway. Why don’t I just crash here,” Alex patted the couch cushion, “and we’ll figure it out in the morning.”
“You’d do that for me?”
Alex nodded.
“You know, I have four bedrooms in this house, I’m sure we can arrange an actual bed for you, Sergeant Chambers.”
“Nah. The couch will do. There’s a blanket here. I’ll be fine.” Alex indicated to the spiral stairs just a few feet away. “And this way I’m just a yell away if you need anything,” she added with a smile.
“Are you sure I can’t get you anything else?” Alex shook her head in response.
“I’ve got a bag in my truck that I keep for emergencies at work. It’s got some toiletries and a change of clothes. I’ll be good.”
“As long as you’re sure.” Sydney yawned and stretched, then stood. Alex stood with her and they found themselves looking at each other, almost touching.
Alex took Sydney’s hands in hers and brought them to her lips, kissing the backs. “Sweet dreams,” she said. “I’m right here if you need anything.”
Sydney smiled as she went up the spiral stairs to her bedroom above.
ALEX WENT OUT to her truck to retrieve her emergency “go bag,” carefully deactivating, then reactivating, the house alarm. Inside was a change of underwear, jeans, a t-shirt and sweatshirt, a towel and toiletries, some granola bars and extra ammunition. Everything she needed to get through any critical circumstance that could keep her away from home for an extended period of time.
When she returned to the den she flicked through the contacts list in her cell phone, hesitating after locating the number she was looking for. For not the first time in the last
several hours she contemplated whether the call she was about to make was a good idea. She glanced at the nearby spiral staircase that led to Sydney’s room then moved toward the front of the house. As she stood looking out the front window overlooking the driveway, she took a deep breath then pushed the send button.
“Hello, Alex,” the smiling voice answered after only two rings, obviously having noticed the caller I.D.
“Hey, Reg,” Alex said to the ex-girlfriend she hadn’t spoken to in over a year. “How’re you doing?”
“I’m okay,” Regina said simply. When an uncomfortable pause followed, Alex decided she had better cut to the chase.
“Listen, I’m hoping you can help me out with something. It’s a work thing.”
“Isn’t it kind of late to be making an official business call?” Regina said, but from what Alex could tell from her tone she didn’t sound upset.
“I’m sorry. It’s sort of off the books. A friend is really in need of a favor.”
“Is this a female friend?”
“Reg, I—”
“No, don’t answer that,” Regina said. “It’s none of my business. What do you need?”
“I’ve got a suspect who I need some background on. I know he was adopted, that came out during the investigation. But I was hoping you know someone in the foster system who can figure out this guy’s history, how he ended up in the system, some information on his real family, that sort of thing.”
“What’s his name and date of birth?” Regina asked. Alex provided it from memory, having reviewed several official reports over the last couple of days.
“We’re not talking about a kid here, Alex,” Regina said. “How long ago was he in the system?”
“I’m not sure. I don’t know how old he was when he was adopted. I’m assuming he was a kid. And I’m assuming they changed his name, at least his last name since he ended up with the adopted family name. I’ve got to assume the adoption took place about thirty-five years ago.”
“Sinclair,” Regina said thoughtfully. Alex held her breath while she waited for Regina to make the connection. “Wait a minute, Matthew Sinclair is the White Rose Killer. Alex, he was convicted and is on death row. Why on earth do you need to know about him?”
“Listen, Reg. This needs to be kept between us. There’s a copycat out there and he knows way too much.” Alex paused. “He’s targeted someone I know. Someone I care about. There’s got to be a connection with Sinclair and I need to know what it is.”
“Hmm. Nobody’s seen you in the clubs for a while,” Regina said. “Tell me, is this friend you care about the reason why?”
Alex sighed. “Yes,” was all she said. There was a long pause, as if Regina was waiting for Alex to say something more. She didn’t.
“Okay, Alex. I’ll look into it,” Regina finally said. “It’ll probably take a while. These are going to be old records, probably locked away in archives in hard copy. I imagine this adoption possibly occurred before anything was computerized. I’m going to have to be careful also, since this isn’t exactly official.”
“Thanks, Reg. I really appreciate it.” Again the conversation reached an awkward pause. “How are you doing, Reg? Are you seeing anyone special?”
“No, Alex. There hasn’t been anyone special since you.”
Alex immediately regretted asking the question.
“I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you, Reg.”
“I’ll call you when I find anything out,” was all Regina said then she abruptly hung up, leaving Alex to say goodbye to a dead line.
Alex made her way back to the couch. She debated on whether it had been a smart call to make, or if she had just opened old wounds that should have remained untouched. She’d meant it when she told Regina she never meant to hurt her. Regina had been looking for something Alex couldn’t provide. Had that changed? Was she in a different place now? The questions rolled through Alex’s mind as she sat for several minutes, unmoving. She finally took off her boots, removed her weapon and placed it beside her phone on the nearby coffee table. Then she settled in, eventually falling into a restless sleep.
ALEX WAS AWAKENED several hours later by a noise she first could not identify. She lay unmoving for several moments until she heard it again, a muffled scream from the room above. She leapt from the couch and grasped her Glock then raced for the spiral stairs. She hit the top of the stairs half expecting to see an intruder, but none was there. In the moonlight pouring in through the windows Alex could see Sydney. Her head and arms were thrashing about as if she were struggling with an unseen attacker, gasping and yelling. Her eyes were clenched shut but tears were streaming down her checks as she cried out in obvious terror.
Alex moved to the bed and, after placing her handgun on the nightstand, grasped Sydney by her shoulders to stop her thrashing.
“Syd, wake up!” she said. “It’s okay. It’s just a dream. You’re okay.”
Sydney began sobbing and Alex took her in her arms as she cried.
“It was him. I dreamt of him. I knew it was him and I knew what he was going to do to me...what those women went through...before he...”
Alex held Sydney as she burrowed into her shoulder, sobbing. After several minutes the crying diminished and Alex thought Sydney had fallen back to sleep. She lowered her to the pillow and began to stand when Sydney took hold of her hand.
“Please don’t go,” Sydney said, half asleep. Alex sat back down on the edge of the bed and gazed down at her. “Please stay. I don’t want to be alone. I just want you to hold me.” Sydney moved to the middle of the bed, making room for Alex, who silently lay down next to her. Sydney moved into her in a spoon position, pulling Alex’s arm around her waist and clasping one hand against her chest.
Alex could tell by Sydney’s breathing that she was almost asleep. Feeling strangely comfortable and content, Alex followed not very far behind.
WHEN SYDNEY AWOKE alone in her bed the next morning she wondered exactly which portions of the previous night she had imagined. Had Alex actually been in her bed? Held her? She had vivid memories of the nightmare, but questioned the rest of her recollection. She put on a robe and slippers over her nightshirt and briefs and headed downstairs to the kitchen. At first she didn’t see Alex and wondered if she had left, then noticed her standing outside on the rear deck. Alex turned when she heard the sliding glass door open.
“Hey there, sleepy head,” Alex said with a smile as Sydney approached, and then a look of concern crossed her face. “How are you? That was quite a nightmare last night.”
“I’m okay.” She moved up to the railing beside Alex. “I’m sorry. You must think me terribly pathetic and dependent.” “Nonsense,” Alex said. “You’ve been through a lot in the last twelve hours or so. Your reactions are human.”
Sydney moved into her arms without hesitation and hugged Alex around the waist. Alex pulled her close and they stood together like that for several minutes, with Alex providing the comfort and support she needed.
Sydney finally broke the silence. “Would you like some breakfast and coffee? Then maybe I can beg you for a ride to work?”
“Work? Or just to get your car?”
“Work,” Sydney said with a note of conviction as she slowly pulled away. “I’ve got to keep going. Last night was bad enough, but I’m not going to let this ruin my life. For all we know this is just a sick joke by someone taking advantage of the copycat killings. They knew about the original flowers and decided to build on that. Besides, this doesn’t even follow the M.O. of the original murders. He never threatened his other victims. It just doesn’t follow the pattern.”
“Are you absolutely sure?” Alex asked.
“Yes, I have to keep going. I won’t let this rule me. Besides, my jury should return today. So come on. I’ll make us some breakfast then take a shower and have you drop me off at the courthouse.”
“I don’t need anything big. Just some toast and some caffeine. I’m going to head to the gym after I drop y
ou off,” Alex said.
“Toast and caffeine it is then,” Sydney said. She took Alex’s hand and pulled her toward the kitchen.
By nine a.m. Alex was pulling up on Broadway in front of the courthouse building.
“You’re sure this is what you want?” Alex asked for probably the tenth time as Sydney opened the door to exit.
Sydney smiled back at her. “Yes,” she said. “I’m absolutely sure.”
“You’ll call, right?” Sydney nodded in response. “Just be sure you call me if you need anything,” Alex added.
“I will. Be safe at work.” Sydney shut the door and waved as she turned to enter the building.
AFTER DROPPING SYDNEY at the court building, Alex went home and put herself through a rigorous workout. This was often her escape when things were hectic or she needed to think things through. Her mind kept returning to Sydney and the circumstances of the day before. She was startled by her own reaction to what had happened. She felt a deep need to protect Sydney. An urge that went beyond the professional concern she would usually profess. She was taking this personally. She would trust no one else’s efforts at protecting Sydney.
Later that day while at work, Alex fought the constant urge to call Sydney and check on her. She’d called once in the morning shortly after dropping Sydney off and finally gave in to the urge again at mid-day. The office secretary told her that the jury on Sydney’s case had returned and she was in court. Alex waited another hour then called Sydney’s cell.
“Hi, you,” Sydney answered, sounding a little tired.
“How are you doing?”
Sydney took a deep breath. “I’m doing well, actually. It’s been a refreshingly normal, uneventful day. Thank you again for last night.”
“Sure,” Alex replied. “The jury came back with a guilty verdict, I presume?” The conversation continued for several more minutes.
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