by Vella Day
Mick took a step forward. “Why? Because you got robbed?”
“No, but that’s part of it. More like someone shot Chelsea and murdered Mr. Dirkman.”
“Chelsea’s gonna make it?” Charley asked, his face blank.
“I hope so.”
Shock mixed with fear crossed their faces. “Look, I’m really sorry,” Tessa explained. “No one wants to keep this place open more than I do, but I can’t let anything else bad happen to my customers.”
“It’s not your fault all this shit has happened,” Mick said. “Sorry.”
Tessa ignored his slip. “I know, but I can’t chance staying open.”
Charley tossed a wet rag on the counter. “You gonna let that developer guy buy this place?”
Tessa couldn’t tell if Charley was eager for the event, or angry.
“No. Mr. Jankowski knows I won’t sell.”
“You might have to if the killer fellow isn’t found soon. Why this place might stay closed for years.”
Her knees buckled, forcing Tessa to grab the edge of the counter for support. In a flash, Charley thrust out a hand to steady her. “You okay?”
“Yes.” Tessa looked around. “I promise I’ll let you know when I decide to open. I understand if you find other jobs.” She blinked back tears. “If I don’t see you again, it’s been a real pleasure working with all of you.”
As much as she tried to control her emotions, the dam of tears broke.
Heads down, her workers shuffled off. “Mick,” Tessa called. “May I have a word with you?”
“Sure.” He glanced around, as if checking if anyone could hear.
“The night Mr. Walsh was murdered, I asked you to follow him. Did you?”
Every muscle tensed in his sinewy body. “You think I had something to do with his death?”
Tessa jumped back. “No, no. I’m not accusing you of anything. I’m merely wondering if perhaps you saw something.”
His shoulders relaxed. “No. I followed him like you asked, but only as far as Bayshore. He wasn’t weaving or anything, so I figured the guy was okay. I split and went home.”
“Okay, I believe you. You can go now.”
He whipped around and mumbled, “Sure you do.”
Being an ex-con must be hell.
The robbery at the Blue Moon still frustrated Dom. At first he thought it was an inside job. The person knew the location of the money and how to get it. Yet the thief hadn’t known the alarm code, which dismissed Tessa and Charley. Dom discounted her brother from the get go.
Cantori tossed a folder on his desk. “Thought you’d want to see what we’ve come up with so far, seeing how the robbery might be tied to all your murders.”
“That was fast.”
“Yeah, well, we aim to please.”
He was about to ask since when, but Dom thought better than to comment.
The folder contained a list of all the workers, their addresses and a brief history of their work experience. Mick Stukes had done time, Roger Denfield had dropped out of high school four years ago and had held more than a half dozen jobs. Charles Madsen had moved to Tampa close to a year ago and had been working at the Blue Moon ever since. Chelsea Andrews listed a local address but no previous work experience. Barb, the waitress, was a single mother of two. She too had flitted from job to job.
No one stood out as a sure fire bet or seemed to be a suspect in his murder investigations. “Thanks. Let me know what you find out.”
“Will do.”
“Hey, I’m guessing you haven’t gotten anything back on the fingerprints, right?” Dom asked.
“You’re dreaming right? I’m lucky if I get them back by Christmas, and I’m not exaggerating.”
Damn.
After everyone left, Tessa made arrangements with the local shelter to come get her food. She didn't want to waste what others could use. She then called Dominic, but he must have been on his cell, so she left a message for him to pick her up at 5:30.
Precisely at the pickup time, Tessa shut off the lights—maybe for the last time—and locked the door.
The cool salt breeze whipped her hair across her face as she stood outside, but Tessa didn’t bother to brush it away. Her whole life had crumbled in such a short time she hadn’t had time to process the changes. All she knew was that her life might get worse before it got better.
She must have been staring off into space when headlights glared in her eyes, and she jumped at the intrusion. She hadn’t even seen the car pull into the lot.
Tessa shielded her eyes against the glare, trying to figure out who drove a white sedan. Not Dominic.
The car door squeaked open, and Tessa froze.
13
How did it go?” Dominic asked, as he stepped from the white car.
Heart pounding, Tessa took a few deep breaths. For a moment, she thought Ralph had found her. Maybe she’d been stupid to wait outside but remaining in the empty restaurant gave her the creeps.
“How did what go?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
He looked at her as if she’d lost her mind. “Telling the employees you were shutting down the place.”
“Oh. It was almost worse than finding out Judd needed a liver transplant,” she said, keeping her head averted to prevent Dominic from seeing her tear strained cheeks. “It was like someone had ripped out my heart,” Tessa blurted. Oh, God, why had she told him that? He’d never understand. Tessa waited for Dominic to mock her.
“I bet it was.” He glanced skyward.
Gripping the car door handle, she pressed her lips together, but failed to hold to tongue. “When was the last time your heart was torn apart?” Okay, so that came out a little bitter. She wasn’t his therapist and didn’t have to be politically correct.
He shrugged. “Let’s just say it has been—more than once.”
Whoa. His previous comment must not have been sarcastic. This time his tone came out distant as if he had lived through a lot of pain. If she could ever get him to talk to her, she might understand the man.
Tessa let the subject of broken hearts go. She’d prod when the timing was right.
“I was expecting your red truck,” she said, attempting to justify her anxiety.
The wind suddenly whipped her hair across her mouth, and she shivered at the cool breeze. With one hand, she wadded her hair behind her head. Needing the car’s shelter, she scooted into the passenger’s seat.
“This is my work vehicle. I didn’t think to mention I’d changed cars.”
“Oh.” She wrapped her arms around her shoulders and stared straight ahead trying to control the whirlwind of emotions.
Dominic slipped in the driver’s seat as she scooted into the passenger side. He glanced at her, and then leaned forward and pressed a display panel. Seconds later, much needed hot air shot through the vents.
“Thanks,” she said.
Tessa concentrated on warming her hands and not on Dominic’s physical presence. His cologne stirred images of their hot passionate foray. Sure, their one-night stand had driven away her temporary demons but lowering her defenses again scared her. She couldn’t let her desires stand in the way of saving her brother’s prized possession.
“I know it was hard for you to shut down the place, but I think it’s for the best.”
She’d begun to hate that platitude. “It’s so unfair. A lot of good people are losing their jobs because of this maniac.”
“Life’s not always fair.”
There, he did it again. His voice trailed off as if his mind went to a dark place. Anxiety, or was it raw anger, colored his words.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Dom quirked a brow. “Talk about what?”
As if he didn’t know. “What hurt you in the past to make you bitter.”
“Bitter? I’m not bitter.”
“Okay.” Talk about denial.
Dominic glanced at his watch. “Say, it’s close to dinner. How would you like it if
we go to a nice restaurant?”
Slick. Really, slick. As if she couldn’t see the dodge for what it was, but her stomach betrayed her and grumbled at the mention of food.
“We’ll do it your way, but could we stop at the hospital first? With all that’s happened, I haven’t had a chance to visit Judd or Chelsea.”
His clenched fists relaxed. “No problem. Just to let you know, I did call the hospital this afternoon and asked about Chelsea’s condition. There’s been no change.”
“She’s still in a coma?”
“Yes.”
Tessa closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. Life sucked sometimes—for Chelsea, for Judd, and for her workers.
The strain from the day had depleted what was left of her energy, so Tessa said nothing as they drove toward Tampa General. Only when Dominic pulled into the parking garage adjacent to the hospital did Tessa open her eyes.
He came around and opened her door. Good to know chivalry wasn’t dead. Ralph never opened a door for her in the two years they were married.
Stop it.
Why did she insist on comparing the two men? Yes, both were cops, but the similarity ended there. One exhibited kindness, at times, and was generous in bed, while the other got a big, fat “no” to both traits. One took bribes while the other was honest. True they were both as stubborn as a bad habit, but Tessa had figured out how to manipulate one of them—at least sometimes.
“Are you coming?” he asked.
“Sorry.”
“You do realize that you can’t visit Chelsea?” Dominic said as they headed to the main entrance.
A rush of disappointment whipped through her. “Why, not?”
“Only family’s allowed in the ICU.”
“I should have known, given Judd’s been in and out of Intensive Care more times that I can count.” Her legs lost some of their strength as she tried to keep up with Dom’s long strides. “Poor Chelsea. Did you know she was a runaway?” He turned his head back toward her and quirked a brow. “At least that’s what she told Annie at the shelter. I guess there won’t be any family by her side when she wakes up.”
“I never would have guessed she’d run from anything.”
“I’ll grant you Chelsea never needed assertiveness training, but as much as she chatted, she never spoke of her past.” Tessa shook her head. “I bet her parents would be frantic if they knew what happened to their daughter.”
Dominic waited for her to catch up, and then placed his palm on her back. His mere touch excited her. “I’ll see what I can find out.”
Tessa looked up at him. “You’d do that?”
“I’m not an ogre, Tessa. I do have feelings. Besides, if I had a kid, I’d want the same treatment if she ran away.”
Dominic’s impassioned speech surprised her. The man was always so in control—not counting, of course, their brief encounter in bed.
A nurse pushing an I.V. stand escorted an elderly gentleman down the hospital hall. Tessa dreaded getting old and resolved to return to her regular exercise program, starting tomorrow.
“I just thought of something,” Tessa said, coming to an abrupt stop. Dom turned toward her.
“What?”
“Chelsea might be able to identify Trace’s and Doug Walsh’s murderer. What if he tries to silence her?”
Dom lifted her chin, and his piercing blue eyes nearly melted her soul. “Don’t worry. We’ve given her twenty-four protection for that exact reason.”
Her smile faltered. “Thank you.”
A group of giggling candy stripers whizzed down the hall, boosting her spirits. They came to the I.C.U ward.
“I’ll wait here,” Dominic said. “I’m sure you want to be alone when you give him the bad news. Besides, they may not let me in.”
“Thanks for driving me here.”
As she reached Judd’s room, dread replaced her worried thoughts about Chelsea. Tessa wiped her palms on her pants, knocked on the open door, and entered her stepbrother’s room. His eyes were shut, his stomach was bloated, and his skin had a yellowish tinge. His condition looked worse than after last week’s attack. Doctors and nurses who dealt with people this close to death deserved a medal.
Tessa pulled up a chair. “Judd?”
He opened his eyes and wet his lips. “Tessa.” A small smile lit his lips.
“How are you feeling?” Dumb question, but she’d blurted out the question before she could censor it.
“Like shit.” He held up two fingers. “And don’t start again about how I ruined my life taking drugs. I know that, but twenty years ago things weren’t so hot in my life.”
This time she held her tongue and didn’t comment his life wasn’t so good now. Her frustration rose. Why did he have to bring up their one fight every time she visited?
“What did the doctors say about your transplant?”
“I’ll be getting one soon.” A small light flashed in his eyes.
“Really? That’s fantastic.” A sliver of hope edged its way in her heart.
“Yeah. Since this is the third time in six weeks I’ve been in here, they said I’m next in line for a transplant, but that I had to produce evidence I could pay for my meds afterwards. I said no problem. I was hoping you could talk with the hospital staff and show them my bank statement.”
“Judd, I...”
He waved a hand. “Don’t worry if the Blue Moon’s not making a mint right now. Once I’m back on my feet, I’ll bring in new business. I have lots of ideas.”
His eyes closed again. Talking seemed to take such effort.
Tessa didn’t know how to be subtle. “I had to close down the restaurant today.”
Judd’s eyes flew open. He coughed, sending specks of blood to his palm. He grabbed a tissue and wiped off the sputum, acting as if this were a common occurrence. Hell, maybe it was.
“I’m not in the mood for your jokes, Tess.”
“I’m dead serious.”
For the next fifteen minutes, Tessa told him about the series of events at the restaurant that led to her decision. She left out the part about Ralph’s midnight visit.
“Well, don’t tell anyone. As long as I can pay for my insurance, maybe I can get by. I know I need to come up with my co-pay, but I’ve saved over fifty thousand.”
She’d researched the cost of the transplant. His out of pocket expenses would be over eighty thousand, and that didn’t include the forty grand in follow-up meds. Besides, Tessa didn’t lie, especially to insurance companies.
“Dad’s house should bring in the needed money,” Tessa suggested.
“Yeah, but the market’s a little soft right now. I want to get the most we can. It might take months to find the right buyer.”
Tessa sat up straighter. “Then we’ll have to sell the restaurant.” Bile raced up to her mouth. “Mr. Jankowski said he’d give me some of the money up front to tide you over.”
“No.” Judd coughed again and grabbed his stomach, his face contorting in pain.
“Can I get you anything? Should I call the nurse?” Helplessness grabbed at her.
“I think you’ve done enough. Go home. I’m tired.”
As if he’d slapped her in the face, Tessa slumped forward. “What about the restaurant? Jankowski’s deal isn’t bad.”
“I said, no. In the open market we could get twice what he’s offering. South Tampa is hot right now.”
He was more stubborn than Daddy. “I’d pay for the medications myself if I could, but I’ve got over a hundred grand in student loans.”
“It’s not your place to come up with the money. I’ll figure it out somehow, and if I have to sell then I’ll sell—but only when I’m ready.”
“Judd, you’re too sick to hassle with the sale. You have Mandy to think about.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” His voice came out stronger. “I’m trying to live long enough to be a father. Now go.” He rolled to one side and brought his legs up to a fetal position.
Hurt and devastated, Tessa rushed out, praying he’d reconsider. Half way out the door, she turned. “You should be happy just to get the operation.”
Judd didn’t respond.
“Fine,” she said. “I can be stubborn too. I’ll think of some way to raise the funds.”
Furious, Tessa stalked down the hall and ran right into Dominic’s broad chest. Phones rang at the nurses’ station, and two of the women laughed as if their own private world didn’t include the ill.
“Hey, slow down. Things didn’t go so well with your brother I take it?” Dom asked.
“Step-brother, thank you, and no. He was a real jerk. And stupid and stubborn.”
“I thought you were supposed to be the psychiatrist.”
“Psychologist,” she amended.
Dominic waved a hand. “Whatever. Take it easy on the guy. He’s probably not in his right mind. I was talking to one of the nurses while you were visiting, and she said liver patients can get crazy sometimes because of the poison in their system.”
Tessa closed her eyes for a second to gain a smidgen of control. “I know. I keep forgetting he’s so sick. I let my emotions get the best of me. I want Judd to be better so bad, I can’t think straight. He’s the only family I have.”
Tessa couldn’t deal with discussing Judd’s failing health with everything else going on. She looked up at Dom. “Didn’t someone offer me dinner?”
“You bet.” He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze, which did more to bolster her spirits than if she’d won the lottery.
Despite the mixed emotions swirling inside, his smile made her heart flutter.
Dear Audrey Mae,
Hope all is well in heaven. There’s a young woman with a child that reminds me so very much of you. I worry about her as much as I used to worry about you. That’s why I had to kill her customers. How else would I get her to leave that awful place? Fortunately, she’s seen the light and is closing the place down. The bar has caused her so much grief. Only her problems aren’t over. She told me her crazed ex-husband is after her. I have no choice but to save her, just like I tried to save you. Only you wouldn’t listen. I hope you agree that if you’d come with me that fateful night four years ago, you wouldn’t be where you are today.