In the Middle of Love's Crime *BWWM Mystery Romance Thriller

by ReNita A. Burgess

  “Let’s get ready for lunch and come back to ask a few other employees. Obviously they had to have known about Natalia’s boyfriend.” Drew suggested.

  Biting his bottom lip with a deep frown on his forehead, O’Brian’s face was blood shot red. He had never been this stirred up over any case.

  “I just want to know what the reason was for Karpova’s death. It had something to do with her boyfriend. I feel he was involved with it, Just wish we knew who he was.” O’Brian said.

  “His name is Benjamin. Benjamin Myers.” replied the receptionist at the front desk.

  O’Brian and Drew both looked at each other and then at the receptionist. If this was the Benjamin Myers he thought it was, then this was trouble..serious trouble. Drew swallowed hard and tried to study the receptionist.

  “Can you give us a description of this Benjamin Myers guy? He’s in the military, right?” Drew reassured her.

  The receptionist tilted her glasses and nodded her head. “Yes, he’s a lieutenant and he has medium blond hair. He’s around six feet tall, I believe.”

  O’Brian grinned as he scribbled in his notebook. “You just became a hero today, lady. We’ll be in touch.”

  “Wait. We need to know more. How are you sure that this is the right guy she’s been dating? He could have been just a friend. We need proof.” Drew said.

  “That’s why we need to go find the bastard and put him under pressure until we get answers, Slater.” Said O’Brian.

  The receptionist, with her hair in short dreadlocks, rolled her eyes and folded her arms. “Hey, I’ve seen him come here a few times during Natalia’s lunch break. She didn’t want anyone to know because he was already engaged.”

  “Engaged to whom?” asked O’Brian.

  Drew quickly interrupted, not wanting to get Simona’s name into any of this. He really did care about her.

  “Do you have any sort of proof that they dated? Any whatsoever?” Drew asked.

  The receptionist looked up at the ceiling, she was beginning to get annoyed. “Look, the guy made a scene one day because she was taking too long with a client. We were all afraid that he was going to start trouble. You know how those military guys are….some are crazy.”

  “You didn’t answer the question. Do you have any proof that they dated?” Drew calmly asked again.

  The receptionist massaged the temples of her forehead. “There is a computer in the back office that we are allowed to use on our breaks. Natalia used to read some of the emails that Benjamin would send her.” She pointed to a door in the back. “It’s back there. I believe we can dig some of them up if her password is saved in the system.”

  O’Brian raised an eyebrow. “Sure. Let’s go check this bad boy out.”

  The receptionist led them to the back office as eyes watched their every move. The manager wasn’t paying any attention as usual, she was chattering on her phone with someone and laughing.

  When they made it to the gloomy storage office, Drew noticed that there were old items-beauty creams, body oils stuffed in dusty cardboard boxes.

  The receptionist pushed the boxes away as she sat in front of the computer, powering it on and typing into the system.

  “Looks like she never logged out her email.” She said.

  Drew felt a sigh of relief, but was worried of discovering what the emails foretold. “Click on them and see what they read.”

  The receptionist checked over her shoulder before doing what she was told.

  To: myers_benjamin12776@army.net.com

  CC: russian_dreamdoll@swavoo.com

  I　miss　you　so　much.　I’ll　be　glad　when　you　get　out　of　this　engagement　with　Simona.　I’m　ready　for　you　to　be　with　me.

  To: myers_benjamin12776@army.net.com

  CC: russian_dreamdoll@swavoo.com

  Why　aren’t　you　responding,　Ben?　I’ve　tried　calling　you　but　I　guess　you　are　with　her.　I　am　going　to　tell　her　so　we　can　get　this　over　with!!!　You　promised!　I’ve　waited　too　long!

  To:　russian_dreamdoll@swavoo.com

  CC:　myers_benjamin12776@army.net.com

  Natalia,　don’t　you　dare　tell　her　anything!　Are　you　trying　to　make　this　hard　for　us　both?　Leave　it　all　to　me!　If　you　tell　her　then　you　will　regret　it.　I　swear!　You’ll　be　sorry!

  The receptionist looked up from the computer and looked at Drew. She took a deep breath, feeling relieved to finally shed some light on the case. “These messages were sent the night before she was killed.”

  “Is there a way for us to have printed copies of this information?” O’Brian asked.

  “What’s in it for me?” the receptionist asked, holding out her hand.

  “Are you serious? We’re FBI detectives.” O’Brian stammered.

  The receptionist closed down the laptop. “Ok, well, I’m done. Good luck with solving your murder case, Mr. Starsky and Hutch.”

  Drew groaned, not believing that she was putting them through this. She really was trying to manipulate them. He opened his wallet from his pocket and gave her a twenty dollar bill.

  She snatched it from Drew’s hand, holding it up into the light and stuffed it down her bra. “There’s a printer over there. I’ll print these out for you right away. There are also some photos of them together in the emails as well.”

  “Great! Now we’re on to something.” O’Brian threw his fist in the air with victory.

  Drew warmed together his hands together, for some reason he was feeling excited about this case.

  He only hoped that cracking the case would bring him and Simona together, even if it meant breaking her heart of her realizing that her fiancé’ is a cheater. He wanted Benjamin out of the picture; even if it meant making it seem as though Benjamin was the murderer.

  At that moment, Drew knew how Natalia felt; he too wanted Benjamin and Simona’s engagement to come to an end.

  Chapter 11

  The pink and purple neon lights glowed over the curvaceous glasses filled with margaritas and Long Island ice teas. The sexy Hungarian bartender juggled bottles in the air and caught them behind his back as he gathered a crowd around him.

  Cosmo’s Lounge and Bar was rowdy at nine o’clock pm. A group at the pool table cheered in the distance as an eight ball ran into the hole of the corner pocket.

  Simona laughed over the loud music with her two friends, Kristen and Jamika.. They all discovered that they were involved with military men and found out they had more in common than expected.

  Whenever one had a problem, they would all meet and talk it out until the other one felt better. It was one of the rules of their military spouses club.

  Kristen, the 6ft tall, strawberry blond realtor, raised her glass. “Cheers to having robotic army spouses and the little bit of sex we receive from them!”

  The ladies clashed their glasses before taking a shot.

  “Cheers to our vibrators! Apparently, they’re always there when we need them! Woo hoo!” Jamika added, dipping her head back with the drink.

  Simona had to put in her thoughts as well. She slurred on her words, but still managed to keep her composure. The three of them had been laughing all night and drinking like sailors.

  “Hey, sometimes the vibrator isn’t available when the battery dies. SEE, OUR MEN AREN’T THE ONLY ONES WHO ABANDON US!” Simona joked.

  “That’s a good one! Check this out, at least my vibrator lasts longer than my soldier. Ever since Joe came back from Afghanistan, he can’t even last over three minutes!” Kristen complained, rolling her green eyes. Her diamond wedding ring was sparkling in the dim lit room.

  “Whoa! Three minutes! Are you serious?” asked Jamika, putting her glass down as she sucked her teeth. “Girl, now he should know better. At least it means he was holding back while he was deployed. He’ll get back to normal once his body is used to it.”

  “I sure hope so.
It gets annoying because whenever I am about to climax he beats me to it. It’s always like a game and whoever climaxes first is the winner. I’ll completely tell him to hold back but he’ll say ‘baby, I can’t! I’m so close! God, I’m so close!’ and the next thing I know, the son of a bitch has already collapsed on top of me. Joe weighs a ton and I have to push him off me so I can breathe. It takes all of his energy now.”

  Jamika and Simona laughed loudly over the club music. Simona gave Kristen a high five across the table. She always referred to Kristen as one cool ass white chic.

  Kristen, who was originally from Houston, Texas, was a wild spirit. She always acknowledged her southern pride. Kristen grew up fishing, hunting and occasionally she’ll go golfing and white water rafting. The woman sold more houses than most male realtors and it was intimidating. Her realtor business was in every newspaper and on almost billboard in Columbia.

  They were having a great time, getting over their loneliness and letting out their steam. Being with a military man was hard work, but they enjoyed having men who stood strong and made them feel feminine.

  “So who is going to the military ball this year?” ask Jamika, taking a cigarette and placing it between her full lips. The fire from the lighter glowed on her caramel face.

  “Well, Ben asked me to go along with him, but he’s been working so much lately. He’s never worked this much.” Simona said with a sigh as she looked around the crowded bar. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

  “No offense, but my Leon is a drill sergeant and he works a lot, but he always makes sure he contacts me.” Jamika exclaimed, pursing her lips.

  For a moment, Simona felt that Jamika was bragging and a slight bit of jealousy formed over her. “Well, lucky you.” She replied as she took another swig from her drink.

  “I’m just saying, Mona. Don’t you think it’s a little odd that he suddenly goes away and doesn’t contact you until after a few days?” asked Jamika.

  Realizing that the alcohol was the reason for Jamika’s abruptness, Simona tried to remain content. “Well, he’s a lieutenant in the army. You know how they are always at the top of the food chain. A lot of people depend on him. He has a major responsibility.”

  “Okay. I’m just trying to face facts, Mona.” Jamika raised both hands and rolled her eyes again. She wasn’t going to cause an argument trying to convince Simona that Benjamin seemed to be doing something other than work.

  Jamika quickly changed the subject as she felt Simona’s heat rising. “Hey, bartender, I’d like another Long Island ice tea.”

  Jamika sashayed over to the bar, she signaled to the girls that she’d be back over in a little while. They nodded their heads as they continued their own drinks.

  Kristen could see the tears begin to form in Simona’s eyes. She squeezed Simona’s hand and gave her a concerned smile. Simona returned the gesture.

  “It’s just that Ben always has to work. I never really questioned him about it because I didn’t want to come off as insecure and needy, you know? I’ve made a few mistakes in the past of running men away.” Simona wiped her tears quickly and laughed slightly.

  “Sometimes he’ll go to the field to train without letting me know. He’ll say that they aren’t allowed to have cell phones during training. If I call him after not hearing from him for days, it will take a week for me to hear back from him. I know you and Jamika have never had this problem.” Simona said sadly, her glass was now empty.

  Kristen shook her head as she folded her arms. She felt the pain for her dear friend, but she didn’t know what words to say. Kristen had missed her husband at times too, but it was important for him to keep in touch with her whenever he was busy.

  Lunch breaks and days off did happen to exist. Simona knew that Ben shouldn’t have an excuse to keep up with her.

  Jamika had made her way back to the table carrying two drinks. She gave one to Simona, noticing that her glass was already empty.

  “Thanks, girl. You’re a lifesaver.” Simona said, stirring the straw around the drink before taking a sip.

  Jamika pushed her shoulders back and pursed her lips. “I figured you needed another drink, with all the whining you’ve been doing tonight.”

  Simona laughed. “Girl, you know me so well. This is what you call a true friend. Both of you are. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately.”

  Kristen eyes grew wide. “No problem, we understand. But you’re not the only one that’s under stress. Can you imagine how that girl’s family must feel? The one that was just murdered? That’s so sad.”

  “Oh, you’re talking about Natalia Karpova? That’s a damn shame. The other woman was murdered before her too, Amanda Stone.” Jamika said, taking a short sip from her drink.

  “Well, they shouldn’t have been sideline hoes.” Simona said non-emotionally.

  Kristen and Jamika both gave Simona a blank stare, they couldn’t believe her blunt remark.

  Chapter 12

  Simona caught herself thinking out of her mind. “Sorry, girls. I watch too much of those damn soap operas.” She cleared her throat. “It’s just dangerous if you’re going to date someone else’s man. I’d be scared to do that, especially with a military man that has PTSD.”

  “Wait…how do you know if the guy she was dating was already involved with someone?” asked Kristen. She was drunk, but she wasn’t that drunk.

  “And how would you know if he had PTSD?” Jamika slurred.

  Simona’s face was stinging, she scratched her head. “Because…it was written in the documents of the news story. My producer gets all the juicy details.”

  Jamika folded her arms. “That’s true. Yes, news reporters get all the information.” She said and chugged down her drink. “But, how do you know if the guy had PTSD? I thought they were still trying to find out who she was dating. So are you saying that you think the murderer is the boyfriend?”

  Simona shrugged her shoulders. “Could be…. who knows? It could be anyone.”

  Realizing that they were all quiet for a few seconds, Kristen jumped up from her seat with hopes of livening up their girl’s night out.

  “Okay, let’s not turn this party into a pity party! Let’s say we go dance on that dance floor and party like underage drinkers!” Kristen shouted.

  “Hey, I’m down for that” Jamika got up and placed her glass down on to the table. “That scoop of chocolate pudding has been eyeing me for the longest over there in the corner. Mmm. He looks scrumptious too.”

  Simona laughed at her friend while pointing a finger. “You know damn well that you’re not supposed to be checking out any other men. Girl, stay out of trouble. You’re about to be married.”

  Sometimes Jamika didn’t give a damn what people thought of her; she enjoyed life.

  Jamika shot Simona the ‘so what’ kind of look.

  “Hint! Hint! I am ABOUT-TO-BE-MARRIED, but I ain’t legally married YET! Girl, what my man doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”

  The three ladies all laughed as they made their way to the dance floor, elevating into the groove of the music. Simona allowed the music to take her away. She escaped her worried thoughts about Ben and his whereabouts. It felt good to escape from the prison of love in her mind.

  ****

  When Simona made it back to her apartment that night, she woke up the next morning with the sunlight gleaming on her thighs. She reached across the bed for her cell phone with a frown. No missed calls. No texts. The drunken high had disappeared and the feeling of loneliness made its round again. Simona stared up at the ceiling with a tearful sigh. Why does love has to be this hard? It shouldn’t be.

  Chapter 13

  “Your pregnancy test confirms that you’re pregnant, Ms. Cox. Are you excited?” asked Dr. Truluck as he flipped through the papers in the folders.

  This was all a sudden shock to Simona. She wasn’t sure if she should be overjoyed or disappointed. She felt the nerves racing up and down her body. Her palms were now sweaty as she gripped the
sides of the exam bed.

  Simona nervously licked her lips as she tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. “Pregnant? Are you sure?” she gave Dr. Truluck a look of confusion. “We were both careful. I don’t understand.”

  Dr. Truluck took a deep breath as he chewed his gum. The light was shining on his salt and pepper hair, revealing his receding hairline. “Ms. Cox, sometimes these things just happen unexpectedly. At times condoms aren’t secure and even if you skip one day of taking birth control, it can take you off track.”

  Looking up at the ceiling with an opened mouth and shaking her head, Simona wasn’t sure if she wanted to cry or laugh. “Well, we took serious precautions. It’s probably just my hormones giving a positive result. I’ve also been stressed lately due to the reason of my missed period.”

  “Ms. Cox, how it occurred isn’t the case to be concerned about now. Stop trying to fish for an excuse. If it makes you feel any better, how about we give you a blood test. Blood tests are highly accurate.” Dr. Truluck walked over to the counter as he scribbled in his notebook.

  “You know what, I can manage. There is no need for that. If I’m pregnant then I’m pregnant. I haven’t had any morning sickness yet.” Simona sat with folded arms. Her body language proved that she was nervous.

  Dr. Truluck laughed. “Not everyone gets morning sickness. You’re six weeks pregnant. If you don’t have it now then it will come around.”

  He walked over to her and gave her a prescription. “The best thing you can do is get plenty of rest and think of a way to surprise the father. Here is a prescription for the prenatal vitamins you should begin taking immediately. This should make sure the baby’s condition healthy and strong. I don’t want to see you back here until next month on the thirteenth, okay?”

  Simona took the prescription as she nodded her head. She hesitated for a moment. “Okay, doc. Will do.”