by Cindy Bell
“Please,” Nick squeezed her hand gently. “Let me do this for you. Sometimes when things get so tense, you just need a little time away from it all, just a few moments of relaxation. I know you want all of this to be over, but the truth is, the police are working on it. We'll find the truth, we'll find the connection, and we'll put Jeff away. That doesn't mean you and I can't share a nice meal, hmm?”
Bekki studied him for a long moment. She wanted nothing more than to spend the evening with him.
“Okay,” she finally agreed.
“I have to go,” he kissed Bekki lightly on the forehead. “Don't forget about dinner tonight, seven?”
“Seven is perfect,” she nodded. “But why don't we just have dinner in?” she suggested, recalling how the three men had decided to dine out the night before. She really didn't want to run into them while she was out with Nick.
“Sounds good,” he nodded. “I'll cook.”
“Oh, even better!” Bekki smiled and gave him a light peck on the lips. “See you soon.”
“Mmhm,” he sighed as he reluctantly released her. As Bekki watched Nick walk out the door she saw one of the flashy cars that had been parked at the Harroway Harbor Motel the night before driving down the road past the salon. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched the dark tinted windows glide past. She realized she really was a very easy target. Hopefully, forensics would find some evidence to connect the men to the ransacking of the salon, at least that would get them off the streets.
Just then Sammy walked into the salon.
“Hi,” she said with a smile.
“Hi Sammy,” Bekki replied. “Nick bought us coffee.”
“Great thanks,” she said as she grabbed a coffee and went to set up her station.
The rest of the day was busy which was great because it kept Bekki’s mind off Jasmine’s murder and Jeff.
As Bekki finished a customer's hair, she pointed out the window at the police car that was rolling past in the parking lot of the salon.
“Looks like we've got a stalker,” Sammy giggled and waved at Morris as he stepped out of the car. He adjusted his hat and stepped inside the salon.
“Hey there ladies,” he said awkwardly and nodded. “Just checking in.”
“We're fine,” Sammy said cheerfully. Her lips were curved in a silly school girl grin that made Bekki smile, too. It was clear that Sammy was pleased as punch that Morris had come to check on her.
“Well then,” he adjusted his hat again. “I could always stay until closing, if you'd like,” he suggested.
Bekki hid a laugh as she walked her customer to the reception desk and let the two of them have a few moments alone.
“You girls and your police officers,” the woman shook her head. “You know, they're nothing but trouble, always getting themselves in dangerous situations.”
Mrs. Potts was not exactly the friendliest customer they ever had. In fact, she could always find something to be annoyed about. “What you need is a good honest businessman, like that Jeff Barnes fellow. I had a coffee with him at lunch, and he was asking me all about you,” she laughed a little. “I think he must have a bit of a crush on you, Bekki.”
Bekki arched an eyebrow in response to this. “What did he ask about me?” she inquired casually.
“Oh, I told him all about how you grew up here, and he asked if there were any special places that you liked to disappear to when you were a kid. I told him I didn't know too much about that, but there's a place down by the water that all the kids used to haunt on summer nights.”
“The dock, I remember that,” Bekki said with a fond smile.
“The dock,” Mrs. Potts snickered. “Nothing more than an old, rotted piece of wood sticking out on the lake.”
“We used to stash beer, er,” Bekki cleared her throat, “drinks, under there in a cooler. I bet it's still there,” Bekki grinned. But her smile faded as she remembered this was one story she had shared with Jasmine about her childhood in Harroway. When they had been out partying late one night, she had told Jasmine how different it was to be staring at an apartment ceiling instead of being sprawled out on the grass beside the lake staring up at the hundreds of stars.
“You kids always made so much noise,” the woman sighed with distaste. “Anyway, like I said, I think that fellow is sweet on you, and you might want to think about it. A detective will always be a detective, but a businessman might one day be a millionaire,” she added as she paid her bill. Or a murderer, Bekki thought to herself but she bit her tongue. She never felt the need to prove herself to anyone, and was always very respectful to the ladies that frequented the salon, many had been customers before Bekki was even born.
“I'll take that into consideration Mrs. Potts,” Bekki said with a smile as she handed her the receipt. “Don't forget to come in for a trim.”
“I won't,” Mrs. Potts smiled and left the salon. Bekki stared after her with a sinking feeling. Jeff was still targeting her. She could only hope that he didn't notice the smudges of ash on the phone or that his closet had been disturbed.
“Aren't you supposed to be meeting Nick for dinner?” Sammy reminded her as she walked over with Morris on her arm.
“Sure but not until seven,” Bekki glanced down at her watch and was surprised to see it was already after six. “I guess it's time to close up,” she said.
“I've got to get back to the station before my shift is over,” Morris explained. “You both be careful and call me if anything strange happens.”
“We will,” Sammy promised. Then with a pink glow in her cheeks she planted a kiss on his cheek. He was soon blushing too as he waved goodbye and walked out of the salon.
“Well, isn't that sweet,” Bekki grinned. “Looks like you've got someone to protect you now, too.”
“It's nice, isn't it?” Sammy said with a slight shrug.
Bekki looked up at the brand new lock on the door, and thought of Nick waiting for her, cooking up something delicious in the kitchen, and then smiled as she nodded. “Yes, yes it is.”
***
When Bekki arrived at Nick's house for dinner, she could smell the garlic from outside the front door. Her mouth watered as Nick knew that Bekki loved pasta. Bekki was slender, but not because of her diet, she liked to eat. She opened the door and stepped inside to hear a lovely classical tune playing on his stereo system. She followed the delicious aroma of pasta into the kitchen, and when she rounded the corner she was met with a shocking surprise. Nick, in a white apron, was stumbling backwards. The apron was soaked with crimson across his chest.
“Nick?” Bekki gasped as she rushed into the kitchen. “Are you okay?”
He caught his balance on the kitchen island and sighed as he nodded. “Had a bit of a spaghetti sauce mishap,” he explained sheepishly. Only then did Bekki notice the sauce splattered on the counter and the bottle laying on the floor of the kitchen. She sighed with relief and helped him to take off the apron. “How do you feel about Alfredo?” he asked with a lopsided grin.
“Anything will be wonderful,” Bekki said with confidence as she laid her hands gently against his chest and leaned up for a kiss. She felt his muscles relax beneath her hands as the kiss grew sultry and deep. When she pulled away he was smiling dreamily at her.
“Let me help you clean this up,” Bekki offered as she reached for a roll of paper towels.
“No way,” he said sternly. “You've done enough cleaning at the salon recently. I'll take care of this, you just take this to the living room and relax,” he poured her a glass of wine and handed it to her.
“Thanks,” she smiled and carried the wine into the living room. She did feel relaxed being with Nick, she had always felt a sense of safety and comfort with him. A few minutes later he joined her in the living room.
“Dinner will be ready soon,” he promised as he dropped down onto the couch beside her and draped his arm across her shoulders. “How was work today?” he questioned.
“It was busy, which was a nice dis
traction,” she replied.
‘What are you not telling me,” he looked over at her with a sweet smile. Bekki was surprised by this, she didn't think he suspected anything.
“How did you know?” she frowned.
“I am a detective after all,” he pointed out, and the smile still played on his lips. “But not tonight. It's just you and me, no badges, okay? I want you to be comfortable, I want you to be able to tell me anything. So tell me,” he met her gaze imploringly.
“I might have overheard a conversation between Jeff Barnes and his so-called bodyguards,” Bekki explained as she held his gaze.
He continued to stare into her eyes as he replied. “And how did you hear this conversation?”
“I might have gone to the motel where he's staying,” she replied nervously.
“Well,” Nick sighed as he glanced away from her. “I can't say that surprises me,” he said with a light smile when he looked back at her.
“You're not mad?” she asked.
“Of course I am but I knew you wouldn't be able to resist looking into it,” he took her hand in his and laid it across his knee. “
“I was careful,” she promised.
“So what did you find out?” he asked.
“Well, I think the bodyguards are not so much bodyguards. It's almost as if Jeff is their hostage,” she narrowed her eyes slightly. “They all want the supplies Jasmine had with her.”
“I will look into it first thing in the morning,” Nick smiled and then stood up from the couch. “I've got to check on the pasta,” he called out and then paused and glanced over his shoulder. “Bekki, I really wish you would stop interfering but thanks for telling me.”
Bekki smiled at him and felt relieved. She hadn't exactly told him everything, but it was enough. When Nick returned he was carrying two plates to the table. Bekki joined him with her glass of wine. As they sat across from each other, Bekki thought about what Nick had said the other day when they woke up together. She was feeling the same sensation as they shared dinner. She reached across the table and lightly rubbed the back of his hand until his fingers uncurled and intertwined with hers. For a long silent moment they sat this way, their eyes locked, their hands held, and it was, despite all of the chaos, a perfect moment.
“Things will be back to normal soon,” he murmured as he gave her hand a light squeeze. “I can't wait for us to be able to share a little peace.”
“You know something, Nick,” she smiled and tilted her head slightly to the side, a few strands of her dark waves tumbling forward into her eyes as she did. “I am always at peace when I am with you.”
“Same here,” he replied and drew her hand to his lips. The soft kiss he placed against her knuckles was a caress that she planned to savor for a very long time. But before she could close her eyes to enjoy it, Nick's cell phone began to ring. He winced and drew his lips away from her hand.
“I'm sorry, I asked to be notified of any changes in the case, do you mind?” he frowned and held up his phone.
“Go ahead,” Bekki nodded and took a sip of her wine. She was eager to hear any new development.
“And you're certain?” Nick asked, his eyes wide and his lips poised to curve upward into a smile. “Fantastic. That is fantastic. No don't wait, go and pick them up now, I'll be in there in twenty minutes,” he stole a glance at Bekki and sighed. “Thirty, make that thirty minutes, okay?” When he hung up the phone Bekki was staring at him curiously.
“Is it about the case?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes,” Nick said as he leaned closer across the table. “They found some prints that matched Jeff Barnes' bodyguards in the back of the salon, and there was also a witness, a night jogger, placing them at the scene at the time of the crime.”
“Wonderful!” Bekki said happily and clapped her hands lightly. “Finally a break.”
“It is a break,” Nick agreed as he met her eyes. “But we still have nothing on Jeff. Unless I can break these two, he's still going to be on the loose.”
“Then go,” Bekki tilted her head towards the door. “I know you can do it.”
“No,” Nick said firmly as he held her gaze. “It'll take some time for them to be picked up, and once they are, they can cool their heels for a little while. I asked you to dinner, and I'm not leaving until we're done.”
Bekki smiled slowly at his determined voice. She loved the way he always made sure she knew how much she meant to him. He was right. This was one encounter that the crime, the chaos, didn't have to ruin. She took his hand in hers again and warmth coursed through her body.
“This is delicious you know,” Bekki said, breaking the silence. She pulled her hand away and took a bite of the pasta he had prepared. “I don't think I remembered to tell you that.”
“Thanks,” Nick smiled. “I guess next time I should try something without red sauce.”
“Maybe so,” Bekki laughed a little and shook her head. “No matter what, the company makes the meal.”
“Yes it does,” he agreed. When their meal was finished Bekki began to clear the dishes.
“Hey, I said no cleaning,” he warned her.
“Listen, I'm not going to let you wash the dishes when there are two criminals waiting to be interrogated,” she pointed out and winked at him. “I'll take care of these, just call me when you break them.”
“Will do,” he smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist. The soft, slow kiss that followed was one that made Bekki want to forget about the dishes, the crime, and everything but Nick's arms around her. But when he pulled away, the reality came crashing back. Until Jeff Barnes was in handcuffs, she was not going to be safe, no matter how many people wanted to protect her. As Nick left she stepped into the kitchen to wash up the dishes. She hoped that by the time he came back the entire case would be solved.
Chapter Eight
When two hours had passed and Nick still hadn't returned, Bekki decided to head home. She locked up his house and headed to hers. With only a few driveways between them it was a quick walk. Bekki unlocked her door and stepped inside. The moment she did, she paused. Something felt a little off. Maybe it was because there were no lights on. Or maybe her run-in with Jeff had left her more on edge than she realized. Either way she suddenly hesitated to move further into the house. In the shadows she thought she sensed movement. Every creak of the house sounded like a footstep to her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she found herself very uncomfortable.
“Pull it together, Bekki,” she whispered to herself and was able to coax herself the few inches to the light switch. When she turned it on the living room blazed into view. Everything was in place. There was nothing that looked abnormal. But Bekki still didn't feel any better. She sat down on the edge of the couch and remained there, watching for any little movement. She kept expecting someone to pop out of the closet, or walk down the stairs, but neither happened. With her cell phone in her hand she braved walking into the kitchen. Again, when she switched on the light, everything appeared to be as it should be. However, that did not alleviate the feeling she had. She had just decided to call Nick when her phone began to ring. It was Nick.
“Hello?” she asked in a hushed voice.
“Bekki, listen, we're still holding the two suspects in the break in, but I couldn't get them to flip on Barnes. We still have nothing on him. Where are you?”
“I'm at home,” Bekki murmured, her heart pounding. “Do you think he could be here?”
“I don't know,” Nick replied honestly. “I sent a patrol car out to check on him at the motel, and there's no sign of him.”
“What should I do?” Bekki asked, her breath short. “I feel like someone might be in the house with me,” she admitted nervously.
“I'm already on my way,” Nick promised her. “Just stay on the phone with me, okay?”
“Yes, I will,” Bekki clung to her cell phone tighter than she ever had in the past. There was nothing about the house that indicated anyone else was there, bu
t the message she had read on the phone was haunting her. When she heard Nick's car pull up she sighed with relief and ran to the front door. She threw it open, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. Only then did she realize that she had been shaking.
“Shh,” Nick murmured beside her ear. “It's all right, I'm here, you're safe,” he kissed her cheek gently and trailed his fingers over the back of her head, smoothing her hair. “We know where Barnes is. He's at a club outside of town. We're still holding the two men in custody, so it's okay,” he promised her.
“I just want this to be over,” she sighed against his shoulder.
“I know,” he whispered. “It will be soon,” he hugged her tighter. “Why don't I take a look around, just to be safe?”
“Please,” Bekki nodded. She followed along behind him watching the way he skillfully ducked around corners and knew exactly where to look. It was still a little hard to think of him as the young man she used to sneak beers with. Back then, when anything was possible, Bekki never would have dreamed of this moment.
“All clear,” Nick said with a small smile as he turned to face her.
“I'm sorry,” she flushed, feeling embarrassed. “I guess I was just on edge.”
“Of course you were,” he replied soothingly. “Would you mind if I camped out on your couch again tonight?” he suggested with ample warmth in his tone.
“I don't think that's a good idea,” Bekki replied coolly.
Nick was a little surprised, his eyes widening at her words. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, that's going to be way too far away,” Bekki squeaked out and tugged him into her bedroom.
“Oh, I see,” he laughed shortly and nodded. “This will be a bit more comfortable.”
Once Nick had alerted his fellow officers that Bekki was safe, he joined her in her bed. She was snuggled up with one of her big pillows and staring aimlessly into space.