by Stacy-Deanne
“Look, you weren’t there to see how torn up Aileen was. The minute she saw his face she freaked, Craig. Believe me, there’s no mistake that Kemp raped her.” She stood. “Anyway, the DA and judge at the bail hearing obviously believed it. He was denied bail.” Craig stared at the newspaper. “I gotta get ready for work.”
She left the kitchen.
Held without bail. Steven couldn’t get the words out of his head. How could he prove his innocence while stuck in a jail cell for who knew how long? He tapped his fingers against the dirty wall as he looked up at the crusty little window. Streaks of dirt prevented him from seeing the beauty of the sunlight. He sat on the hard bed. If he didn’t find a way out of this, he may never see the sunlight again. At least not in the same capacity.
Now he knew how some of the people he had arrested felt. He hadn’t always made the best choice. He’d arrested some innocent people in his day. But he’d always realized that before prison came into the picture. He blew into his hands. He’d never felt so alone. He used to think being a cop meant everything. He knew staying behind these bars would wreck his high opinion of law enforcement.
His faith in the system grew dimmer as the hours passed. He questioned how he could dedicate himself to something that had crucified him without hesitation. It hadn’t mattered that he built his life on catching sexual predators. It hadn’t mattered that he’d always been one cop the force could trust. What had they done in return? Arrested him? Dragged his good name through the mud for all to see? Refused to hear his side? He looked at the dingy toilet beside him. A drunken man howled from the cell down the hall. Everything he worked for would be wasted.
Steven had to get out of jail if he had any hope of surviving this nightmare.
“Steve?” Brianna stood against the bars. Funny how she could erase even the worst times for him. He wondered if she truly knew how much he still loved her. He’d do anything to go back to that time when they were more than partners and friends. If he could only hold her for one more night, it would somehow be enough.
“Bree.” He slumped to the bars. “So I guess you heard about me getting no bail, huh?”
“I can’t believe this, Steven. This makes no sense! What about that organization that fights for cops, whose rights have been threatened? They could make a stink, and they may even be able to get you out, Steven.”
“Bree, the judge has ruled. It doesn’t matter what anyone else does. It only matters what I do from this point.”
“Sounds like you have a plan. Mind sharing?”
“I don’t have anything solid, except that I need to get this man. He’s a clever son-of-a-bitch. While keeping tabs on you, he kept tabs on me. I bet he was ecstatic when he learned we looked so much alike. Shit, it became all he needed to have an edge on the cops.”
“It’s so scary, Steven. I couldn’t get yesterday out of my head. I kept seeing you behind that glass. I kept hearing Aileen and Cheyenne calling you a rapist in my dreams. And to think that this monster could look so much like you, I…” She leaned against the bars. “I’m so sorry, Steven.”
He rubbed her fingers through the bars. “You believe me, Bree?”
“Of course! Steven, there was never a doubt in my mind. Jesus, we know each other more than anyone else on this earth. We were lovers. I know you, and I trust you. I believe in you and I know you’re not a rapist. I’ll never forget how I felt being caught up in the danger of almost being raped. He’s nothing like you, even if he looks like you. He’s pure evil, Steven. There’s no other way to describe him. I know that you’d never hurt anyone the way he tried to hurt me. Soon, everyone will know it, too.”
“I could do a better job of getting Commissioner Reynolds to see reason if Parsons didn’t have his dick in my ass. He acts like I killed his mother or something. Can’t they see he’s doing this because he can’t stand me? Shit, I gotta get out, Bree.” He pleaded. “I gotta go and take care of this myself. Parsons is just waiting to hang me! I can’t just sit in here and wait.”
“I never thought I’d say this, but I kind of hope there’s another rape.”
“Jesus why, Bree?”
“Because that would be the only thing that can prove you’re really innocent. If the man claims another victim, then you’ll be free. I know, it’s a terrible thing to think of but I can’t help it, Steven. You don’t deserve to be in here for what that bastard has done. He’s ruining your life and all you can do is sit here and take it.”
“Maybe Arlen can tell me something I can do.” He leaned against the bar. “Meanwhile, I want you to work the hell out of the case. Don’t let up on anything, Bree. You could be my only chance out of here right now. If I can’t get the rapist, you gotta try your best to. Bree, you have to. Talk to the victims. Make them cooperate. Arrest them if you have to.” She nodded. “Find anything and anyone who could lead us to this guy, Bree. My life and future depend on it.”
She sighed. “I’ll do all I can, Steven. Meanwhile, I want you to just stay grounded. I know it’s hard.” She looked around the dirty cell. “But it’s all you can do at this point. No need in driving yourself crazy.” She felt his hair. The action shocked him. “You got to keep your sanity, Steven. No one’s gonna believe a nut.”
He nodded. “As long as you’re on my side I know I can do anything.”
She smiled. Jersey walked up with Arlen.
“What’s going on?” Steven stared at his attorney.
“Well, there may be a light in the tunnel after all.” Arlen smiled. “Steve, I need to speak with you for a moment, then they want you back in the interrogation room.” The guard opened the cell. Steven and Arlen sat on the little bed.
“Morris, I want you to come up, too. I need to speak to you.” Jersey took Brianna by the arm. They made it to the room a minute later.
“What’s up, Captain? I get the feeling this is good news.”
“It is. Arlen wants Steven to do a DNA test.” Jersey’s eyes danced. “That way there will be no mistake!”
“Jesus, I wasn’t even thinking about that!” Brianna guffawed. “Oh, this is great! Once he takes the test, then there will be no question!”
“Well, Parsons was dragging his feet, the little weasel. I think he thought Arlen was too stupid to go the DNA route. But what choice would he have in getting Steven off? It’s the only way. We’re going on the DNA for Cheyenne and Aileen specifically, but it won’t make a difference which victim we compare Steven to. He’s innocent.”
“That’s right.” Brianna grinned. “I can’t wait to see that rat Parsons’s face.”
The door opened. Parsons walked in looking like the cat that ate the canary.
“Did I hear my name?” He smiled at Brianna. “Detective Morris, how are you? Uh, is it just me, or do you have something you need to be doing? Like your job?”
She walled her eyes. “I’m doing it. In case you’ve forgotten, this is my case. Any developments that go on here, I need to know. I’ll find the right rapist and when I do, I hope Steven shits down your throat.”
He lit a cigarette. “Well, I hope none of this offends you. Why are you so interested in what happens to Kemp, anyway?” He smirked.
“He happens to be my partner and my friend.”
“Sure that’s it?”
“What are you getting at, Parsons?” Brianna sighed.
“I think you know.” He stared at her chest. “You and Kemp seem to have a connection other than professional. Am I wrong?”
Brianna looked at Jersey. “We used to date. It’s no big secret. But that was a long time ago. I don’t see what it has to do with anything, now.”
“Just wondering, you know?” Parsons flicked his cigarette in midair. Jersey had become sick of the habit. “If I had such a beautiful and sexy partner like you, crime fighting would be the last thing on my mind. I wonder how he even concentrates.”
“There’s nothing between Steven and me, okay?” She held her waist.
He winked. “If you say
so.”
“You won’t be so cocky once you leave here. You’ll be too busy apologizing to Steven. But with all you’ve put him through, I’m sure apologizing isn’t enough.” Brianna smiled.
“On this DNA test thing?” Parsons rolled his eyes. “Let’s wait until he takes it before we start celebrating hey, Morris?”
“You’re gonna eat your words, Parsons. I promise you that.” Brianna squinted.
“I find this tension between us mighty sexy.” He laughed.
“Asshole,” she muttered. Jersey grinned.
Arlen, Steven and a uniformed officer walked in. The officer sat Steven behind the table. Arlen set his suitcase on the table.
“You told him yet, Arlen?” Jersey asked.
“No, Captain.” Arlen smiled at his client. Steven waited wide-eyed. “Steven, there is one definite thing you can do to prove, once and for all, that you’re not the rapist.”
He looked at the company in the room. “I’m not the rapist, Arlen.” Parsons walled his eyes. “Has the commissioner finally realized that? Have I been released?”
“Not so fast.” Parsons flicked his cigarette.
“Steven, we want you to do a DNA test.” Arlen grinned. “That’s the sure-fire answer.”
“Isn’t that great, Steven?” Brianna grinned. Parsons looked at her.
“A DNA test would be the answer.” Arlen looked at Parsons. “Once the tests come back negative there is no case.”
“Still got Aileen’s and Cheyenne’s statements.” Parsons winked.
“Agent Parsons, why are you so determined to lock Steven up for this?” Brianna crossed her arms. “You know once the DNA test is done you have nothing. Is that what you’re worried about? Instead of arresting Steven, you should have been helping us find this asshole. We’ve wasted valuable time putting needless energy on Steve.” Brianna pointed.
“You’re out of luck, Parsons.” Arlen gestured to Steven. “The DNA test will vanish all possibility that Steve’s the rapist. It won’t matter what the ladies say. It’s all up to hard evidence. His DNA won’t match the rapist’s and we all know it. Which means there will be no case.”
“That’s right.” Brianna nodded.
DA Zachary sashayed in with her assistant. She hurriedly passed the shaken young man her briefcase. “Well, looks like I got here just in time.”
“As you did.” Arlen nodded. “Once Steven takes a DNA test, you will have no case. I guess that’s a lost cause for you, huh, Debra?” Zachary grinned. “I wouldn’t be so cocky if I were you, Arlen.” She looked at Steven. “From the way Kemp is sweating, I don’t know if a DNA test would work in his favor.”
“He didn’t do it and the DNA test will prove that.” Brianna smiled.
“We’ll get it done now.” Jersey ordered. “Steven, you can meet with the…”
“No.” He stood. Everyone looked at him. “No, Captain Jersey, this isn’t going to happen this way. I’m not going to take a DNA test.”
“Excuse me?” Arlen gaped.
Steven gulped. “You heard me, Arlen. I won’t take a DNA test.” “Steven, have you lost your damn mind?”
“May seem like it, Bree, but I haven’t. I’m innocent and I don’t need to take a damn test to prove that.”
“Hold on.” Parsons waved his hand. “Let me get this straight, Detective. You’re innocent and that’s why you won’t take the test?” Steven nodded. “That has to be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.”
“Steve, what in the hell is this?” Jersey walked to the table. “Do you understand what you’re doing? You’re refusing to do the one thing that could free you!”
“Take the goddamn test, Steven!” Arlen yelled.
“No. I’m not taking a damn test because I did nothing wrong! I got my pride! I’ve put years into this department and this is the way they pay me? I cannot believe that my word isn’t good enough! I’ve been sworn to uphold the law, yet that same law hasn’t listened to my pleas, demands or reason! I know it looks funny to not take the test. I want to prove my innocence more than anything but I will not take a DNA test! Not now and not ever!”
“Steve.” Brianna scoffed.
Zachary shook her head. “Do you realize you’re playing with the rest of your life, Detective?”
“Steven, I’ve always admired you for standing up for your beliefs, but this is not one of those times! You cannot be serious about what you’re doing.”
“I am, Bree. I gotta do what’s right for me, no matter how it looks to all of you.”
“I don’t believe this.” Arlen shook his head. “Steven, this is your life. Forget your damn pride! If you keep going on like this, you won’t have a life, career or future! Do you realize the pile of horse shit you’ve stepped into?”
“Steven, this is not the time to pull this hotshot-cop shit!” Brianna sighed. “Take the damn test and worry about getting your point across later.”
“No, Bree. I’ve done things their way since I’ve been in here.”
Parsons scoffed. “Man, this is too easy.”
Zachary raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re actually refusing to take the test, even if it could free you? Detective, do you realize how guilty that makes you look?”
“Yeah, maybe. I don’t care.” Steven looked at his weary attorney. “I appreciate everyone who believes in me. But I’m not taking a DNA test. I know I’m innocent and I shouldn’t have to do some test to prove it. It’s not fair to me at all. I have rights and one of them is to refuse this test. I’m sorry, Arlen.” Arlen stayed silent.
“Then you stay in jail.” Parsons grinned. “You realize you’re headed for a trial, Detective Kemp?”
“So be it.” He shrugged.
“Steven?” Brianna waved her hands. “Why are you doing this?”
“I don’t care if this whole city thinks I’m a rapist, Bree. I can risk what others think of me, but I can’t risk what I think of myself.”
Arlen felt his forehead. “So you’re giving up your future for self-respect?” he shrieked. “Take the test and take it today, Steven!”
“No.”
“Then get yourself another attorney!”
“Okay, if that’s the way you want it.” Steven sighed. Arlen left.
“I don’t understand you at all right now, Steven.”
“Well, you got company then, Bree. There’s a lot of things I don’t understand right now, either.”
Chapter Fourteen
A Week Later
“Melody, it’s for you.” Craig brought the portable phone to the couch. Melody hated being interrupted during the end of a classic film. She sat Indian-style on the couch with a plate of steaming spaghetti on her lap. The clock struck six p.m. This Wednesday had been the first day off she’d had since working at Caper. She intended to enjoy it until at least midnight.
“Who is it?” she asked with a mouthful of spaghetti.
“Keith.” Craig threw the phone on the couch. He headed to the bedroom area.
“Craig!” He turned around. “Why didn’t you tell him I wasn’t home? I don’t want to talk to Keith. It’s bad enough I gotta work with him.”
“He says it’s important. Something about Sarah.” Craig left the room.
She grabbed up the phone. She hadn’t seen her sister in a week. Being away from Sarah nearly killed her. She enjoyed staying at Craig’s, but it didn’t compare to living at home. She’d talked with Sarah on the phone every other day. It wasn’t enough for either of them. Melody couldn’t help feeling depressed each time she thought of how close they used to be.
She hated herself for giving Keith the power to break them up. She and Sarah were sisters. Melody had an obligation to that bond. She blamed Sarah for not choosing her over Keith. But had that been fair? Hadn’t she been the one that allowed Keith to destroy her life with Sarah? Had it been right to let Keith run her away from her own home? So far, Keith had kept his distance at work. It wasn’t enough.
Melody wanted him gone.
Nothing would ever be the same unless Keith disappeared from both their lives.
“Keith?” she sighed.
“Hey, Mel, uh…” he exhaled. “I, uh…am I interrupting you?”
She sighed. “No,” she lied. If it involved Sarah, it had to be important.
“How did you get Craig’s number, anyway?”
“I saw it in the address book at your house one day.” She sighed. Like she suspected, he had been spending even more time there since she left. “Melody, I…you gotta come over here quick.”
“What’s going on, Keith?” She set her spaghetti on the table. “You’re breathing hard, panting and it’s scaring me.”
“It’s Sarah. She’s…Mel, she’s not moving.”
“What? What do you mean she’s not moving?” She jumped from the couch.
“She’s not moving! Shit, I mean…we were talking and she started breathing funny.” Melody covered her mouth. “Before I could call someone, she passed out! I tried to revive her but she isn’t moving.”
“Is she breathing, Keith?” Melody panted.
“Uh, yes…I think she is.”
“What do you mean you think? Go check!”
“She’s breathing!” He huffed. “Oh God, Melody, you gotta come over here. I already called the ambulance.”
“I’ll be to our house in a few minutes.” She started to hang up.
“No,” Keith exhaled. “Uh, we’re at my place. You gotta come to my place.” He rambled off the address. He lived in a very upscale neighborhood. “You know where that is?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He let out a relaxing sigh. “I have a feeling everything will fall into place once you get here.” She wondered what in the hell he meant by that. She didn’t have time to think. She grabbed her purse and ran to the door. Craig stomped from the back room.
“Mel, what’s wrong?”
“It’s Sarah!” She threw on a jacket. “She’s at Keith’s. She’s passed out or something.”
“What? Is she all right?”
“I don’t know, uh…he already called the ambulance. Hopefully they’ll make it before I get there.” She opened the front door.