Blood Ties

by Josephine Barly

  “It’s beautiful; I’m baffled by the order, actually. I haven’t met many men who would be able to keep a place like this.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  “It is.”

  “Great. What will you need to work now?”

  “A desk or anywhere I can sit down will be fine.”

  “Okay, I don’t have a study. The best place will be the dining-room. It’s to the left, let me help you,” Aidan explained as he led me to the room and placed my bag on a chair.

  “Thank you,” I replied timidly, smiling bashful; was I flirting?

  Aidan beamed at me and I blushed a bit. I was about to make what would probably be a dumb remark about the organization of the furniture, when I heard stilettos clattering on the floor. Aidan turned around and I could see Violet was rearranging her shirt and running her fingers through her hair. She had a serious face; I wasn’t sure if it was due to her work load or if she wasn’t pleased to see me.

  “Hello Samantha.”

  “Hello Violet. How are you?”

  “I’m just fine, how are you?”

  “Fine, too. Did you come here to work on the case, or…” I let my voice trail off as I thought about it for a moment, then I realized what was going on and shook my head, dismissing what I’d said. “Forget it. I’ll just jump into my work,” I said as I sat on a chair, grabbed my bag, got Mark’s new manuscript, a red pen, a blue pen, and began reading.

  “I’ll be off now, Aidan. Walk me to the door?” Violet said, telling Aidan he’d be walking her to the door.

  I didn’t lift my gaze from the papers, but my hearing followed the steps. I heard a kiss and whispering, though I couldn’t quite distinguish what had been spoken. The door opened, closed after a few seconds, and Aidan’s steps led him back to where I sat.

  “Would you like anything to drink?” Aidan offered, but I shook my head; I pushed the chair next to mine from under the table.

  “I want you to sit down and tell me everything you’ve found out about all the crimes.”

  “Samantha, you know perfectly well I’m not allowed to give you information. Besides, why do you want to know? There’s nothing you can do right now except stay safe by being in Jared’s or my company.”

  “Aidan, I think we’re beyond protocol, don’t you? I mean, I’m sort of bait, and I’m fine with that, as long as there’s Jared or you keeping me safe. But my best friend was killed, and someone tried to kill me. Then my best friend’s assistant was killed. My sister was attacked. And finally, Olivia, whom I’ve got no idea as to how she fits in all this mess, has also been murdered. Plus, my brother is a suspect. So, if there’s anything you can tell me Aidan, even if it’s just for my own mind to know, please do it. I need to understand what’s going on,” I said with pleading eyes.

  Aidan grudgingly sat down.

  “This won’t leave the room,” he stated, his face stern, his eyes locked into mine.

  I used my fingers to zip my mouth shut, place and close a lock, and dispose of the invisible key; then I grinned.

  “The investigation of the body found today will help us with Susan and Olivia’s murders. Sandra’s death has become stuck; there’s no evidence showing it was a planned assassination. Her place was clean, she had no enemies, had received no threats…I’ll be going through all the tests ran once more with Samaire and Ben, but if there’s no real reason anyone wanted Sandra dead, then I’ll have to rule it an accident.”

  “Okay. What about Kelly? Or me? Do you still think she’s guilty of both bombs?”

  “Ingredients matching those that were the components for both bombs were found in Kelly’s place, but they can be accessed by anyone. Ben is analyzing different parts to see if they match or not. We’ll take things from there, once Ben is finished.”

  “I understand. What can you tell me regarding the latest murder? Why did Jared have to go to the station and you didn’t?”

  “Captain Nicholson briefed me over the phone. As he said he needed to talk to Jared privately, it was decided they should meet there and I’d keep you company. And as far as the other case goes, I won’t confirm or deny anything because I simply do not have any information to give. The body was found this morning, but the rigor mortis showed the murder had taken place earlier.”

  “Fine, I’ll wait until Jared updates you.”

  “Any more questions, Samantha?”

  “Yes, actually. What’s going on with you and Violet? I hadn’t picked up any love vibes from our meeting, and I’m usually pretty good at telling when people are interested in each other.”

  “We’re not romantically together. Violet and I occasionally sleep together, but that’s it. There’s nothing else to it.”

  “I’m very surprised you answered my question Aidan, considering its private nature.”

  “I figured you’d press me for a reply relentlessly. I have no problems sharing stuff with you Samantha, I trust you. Am I right, trusting you?”

  “Yes Aidan, you are, and please call me Sam.”

  “Don’t you like your full name?”

  “I do, but it sounds cold and impersonal. Not that you and I are best friends, but I simply think we’re slightly beyond first full names. Don’t you have a nickname? Like Ai, or Aid, or something?”

  Aidan chuckled and shook his head. I wasn’t really sure of why, but the fact that I’d made him laugh made me feel triumphant.

  Aidan’s phone rang, and as I heard him say “Hi Jared,” he stood up and walked out of the room, leaving me alone to wonder what had happened.

  13

  Aidan resumed his place on the chair by my side. He looked concerned. I could instantly tell whatever he’d learned would affect me.

  “Just tell me, Aidan.”

  “The victim’s name was Dawn Norton. She was twenty seven years old, an environmental attorney. Does her name ring any bells?”

  I thought about it but shook my head; I’d never met any Dawn’s.

  “She was in a relationship with a man who’s currently in Port Elizabeth, in South Africa, so he’s innocent.”

  “Was Samaire able to figure out the time of death?”

  “Between one and two in the morning, about nine hours ago. She said the mo is the same as Susan and Olivia’s. Tank has been told and Violet has already gone to get the specific charges dropped. There are many hypothesis in our minds, but murder in first degree stopped being a plausible one.”

  “How so? What other ideas do you have?”

  “If Noel is the sole author of the murders, he can’t be held responsible for Dawn’s due to his being incarcerated at the time of the killing. But maybe he had an accomplice or a disciple who is following his orders. There are ways in which Noel could be related to the deaths, as a witness or accomplice or even as the planner. Anyway, there was a tie found, which Ben immediately checked with Susan’s DNA, and it fit. Captain Nicholson thinks the killer got a bunch of ties from Susan’s place after her murder and is now using them as a personal trademark. Phone records were checked, and Dawn received a call last night from the same number that called Susan. Unless a personal link shows up between Susan, Olivia and Dawn, the captain fears it could mean a serial killer.”

  “Holy shit!” I said surprised, concerned, scared.

  “That’s not all. Riley processed the ingredients found in Kelly’s place, and there were matches between what was kept and what was used. She’s going to call Violet and let her know, so that she can press charges. I’m sorry Sam, but everything points to your sister being guilty of your attempted assassination as well as her faking her own attempt.”

  I stared at Aidan in disbelief. I didn’t think my sister had done it, and I was sure there was something very fishy surrounding Noel’s alleged participation in the murders, but I couldn’t explain it to Aidan, he wouldn’t understand or he’d think I was in denial due to both of them being my siblings.

  “I’ll need to go down to the station in a short while; Jared will be
here in about twenty minutes. I’m sorry I’ve dropped a bomb on you and I know it’s not very noble of me to ask you to keep what you’ve learnt to yourself, as well as pretend everything’s okay until someone else lets you know, but right now, it’s exactly what I need from you. Do you think you can manage, Sam?” Aidan asked, looking serious but earnest.

  I nodded and gulped. It wouldn’t be an easy task, but I’d certainly do my best.

  “When will Kelly know?”

  “Violet will get in touch with Tank once she’s set the paperwork. Tank’s already been told about Noel, but Kelly will be informed in a few hours, I guess.”

  “May I visit her for lunch?”

  “As long as it isn’t draining for you. I don’t want you to end up with depression or something like that, just because you want to prove how brave you are.”

  “I promise you Aidan, that’s not the case. I’ll be fine there. Besides, knowing that this is probably one of the last times my mom, Kelly and Rod will be mildly okay is reason enough for me to want to lunch with them.”

  “If you say so. I’ll get my stuff ready for when Jared comes. I understand you won’t get much work done right now, so feel free to wander around and analyze my apartment and judge my taste in music and movies.”

  “No books?”

  “A few crime novels have caught my eyes; otherwise, I prefer magazines, TV series or plain old resting.”

  “I see. Fine, I’ll wander around then. And don’t worry, I won’t make a mess of things,” I said as I stood up and made my way around Aidan’s place.

  His bedroom was quite simple: a bed, a closet, an S-shaped DVD case, a TV with its DVD player, and a bedside table with a small lamp and the remote controls.

  The stereo was in the living-room, on a classic dark piece of furniture with an S-shaped CD case and two medium sized couches facing each other, a small table between them.

  The kitchen was slightly smaller than what I’d expected; white cupboards hung from the wall, and every single piece of paraphernalia and dishes was perfectly placed. The fridge was filled with healthy food, and a cupboard was used solely for herbs and species. This kitchen was simply ideal.

  The bathroom was…a bathroom. White sink, toilet, shower, the shower curtain had dark blue bubbles printed on a transparent background, which made me think that if Aidan was taking a shower and I were standing where I was, I’d probably see him naked.

  As I pictured that very interesting image, I realized there was shampoo and conditioner; men rarely use conditioner, so I guessed that it belonged to Violet; thus, I pictured both of them in the shower, and as I didn’t care much for that, I dismissed my imagination and resumed my checking out the rooms.

  As I walked into the hall, I noticed there were no more rooms, so I went back to the dining-room in order to wait for Jared to pick me up. I could hear Aidan making his way around, getting stuff or whatever he was doing.

  Jared finally called Aidan and we left. Aidan waited until we’d taken off to leave the building; he was very careful with our knowing each other going unnoticed.

  “Did you have fun?” Jared asked once we’d taken off.

  “Yes, we ate popcorn, saw a movie and made a puzzle. How did you manage at the station?”

  “Long story, I’ll fill you in later. Where are we going to now? Back to the office?”

  “I thought we could go over to Kelly’s. I’d like to enjoy one final relatively at ease meal with my parents and sister before Steven learns of Kelly’s charges and everything goes pretty much to hell.”

  “Okay, shall we call your mom to let her know we’re on our way?”

  “No, seeing as how lunch won’t be served for a while, no damage will be caused by our crashing at Kelly’s unannounced.”

  “How are you dealing with the confirmation? I’m assuming Aidan’s told you about that?”

  “Yes, but of course you’ll give me all the details. Anyway, I haven’t said this to Aidan, but even if the evidence points to Kelly, I can’t help but have a nagging feeling.”

  “I understand what you mean, and don’t worry, I’ll keep what you’ve said between us.”

  “Thanks, I just don’t want Aidan to think that I don’t accept what the evidence shows, because I do, but my gut tells me something’s off and I can’t shake that away.”

  “Aidan won’t hear a word about your intuition, although his own gut is telling him things he hasn’t shared.”

  “Great. By the way, did you know Aidan and Violet hook up from time to time?” I asked, unsure if I was revealing a secret of Aidan’s; I needed to get my mind off more serious subjects.

  “Aren’t we the gossipers? Or is it that you’re jealous?” Jared replied teasingly.

  “No, I’m not,” I stammered hastily as I turned a shade of pink; “it’s just that as he’s your brother and he’s a detective who’s sleeping with the DA who is taking care of cases he’s involved in, isn’t there like a conflict of interests or something?”

  “They solely slept together a couple of times. They’re both consenting responsible adults who will not, under any circumstances, allow their personal lives to affect any case.”

  “How very mature of them. Does Captain Nicholson know about it?”

  “It’s none of his business, but maybe he does, I’m not sure. All I can confirm is that there are no feelings of love between them, so Aidan’s basically free if you want him, you know. Of course, you’d break my heart Sam, and it would be awful wanting to sleep with my sister-in-law, but I’d accept it if both of you were happy,” Jared said, faking distress and abandonment.

  I blushed more than I wanted to and tried to pull off a sarcastic laugh, which came out as nervous. What was wrong with me?

  “Thank you for your blessing Detective Davies, but I’m not interested in either you or your brother. I am currently much more focused on figuring out what’s going on with my siblings and with Susan and Olivia’s deaths. There’s also the small matter of keeping my own person alive, plus my work. So excuse me if decide to place my love life on hold for the time being,” I expressed, keeping a straight and professional face.

  Jared smiled without taking his eyes off the road. As we neared Kelly’s place, he parked.

  “Okay Miss Pearson, but be sure that the second the cases involving you, your family and your friends are closed, you and I will go out on a date.”

  “We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” I said as I got out of my car, feeling the need to smile but stopping myself before Jared could see his idea made me happy.

  As we walked towards the door, Jared grabbed my hand, but before I would say anything, he whispered it was for appearances’ sake.

  I rang the bell and my mom showed up. She was surprised but pleased to see us both there. After hugging us, she let us in.

  “Kelly’s in the living-room, watching TV. The gossip show has been told about her accident, and they’ve made phone interviews and have arranged for an exclusive for tomorrow. I’ve tried getting Kelly to use creams for her bruised face, but she said that the marks will be much more dramatic and public-pleasing or something.”

  “Where’s Rod?” I asked, surprised he hadn’t come to the door himself, escaping from my mom and sister.

  “He’s gone to run a few errands. Kelly needed magazines to help her get her mind off things, I wanted some clothes from home, and he had the sudden urge to have his car checked. Men and their vehicles, I’ll never get it!”

  I stifled a snort as I understood Rod had found a way to leave while still being useful. Rod was a very smart man.

  “And how are you feeling Sara?” Jared asked as we made our way to the living-room; the hallway was long and we were walking slowly.

  “I’m just fine, thank you Jared. I’ve enjoyed the sweets you brought, so thank you for that as well. I guess I’m scared for Kelly and worried over Noel, but I’m reassured about Sammy’s safety because she has you. Jared, I hope you’re taking good care of her.”

/>   “I’m certainly trying my best; and you have my word Sara, I won’t let Sam get in harm’s way as long as I can avoid it. I really care about her.”

  “I’m standing right here, you know,” I said, just so they’d remember I was with them and could hear everything they were saying.

  “I’m very comforted, thank you Jared. Sammy, go ahead and talk with Kelly, I want a moment with Jared,” my mom said; I nodded and walked away.

  As I entered the living-room and found Kelly lying on the couch, caught up with whatever she was looking at in the TV, I wondered what my mom could possibly want to talk to Jared about.

  “Hi sis,” I said as I sat on the couch next to her.

  “Hi Sammy, how are you?” Kelly asked, happy to see me; she spoke in a low voice, I guess she felt weak to talk or she thought it added some drama to her situation.

  “I’m fine, are you feeling better?”

  “A bit. My muscles aren’t hurting and my leg and arm aren’t that bad if I lay still. The worst part is the smell that comes from a cream I have to rub over my legs for something the doctor explained but that I didn’t really understand.”

  “Consider it the price to be paid to become fully functional again.”

  “I know, it’s simply ghastly, though. Anyway, did mom tell you? I scored an interview for tomorrow, a female reporter will be coming over.”

  “Yes, mom said so. Did you tip them off?”

  “No! Steven did, he’s a sweetheart. But I was meaning to ask you, when do you think my book will be published? The interview is an amazing way of getting free publicity, and I don’t want to waste it.”

  “I still haven’t read it, so I’m not really sure I’ll even publish it.”

  “Oh, come on Sammy! You’ll love it. Just humor me and give me an estimate. If Orchid decides to pass on it, which trust me, would be a huge mistake, I’ll take it to another publisher.”

  “Okay, give or take a few weeks, mid-July or early August.”

  Kelly considered my answer, frowned, but finally nodded.

  “That’s a bit longer than I would have wanted, but I’ll live with it. Great, thanks Sammy.”