“It’s not a silly question. I’m in the middle of completing a report. What’s up?”
Ava swallowed hard as she thought of a reason to see him before he left for the day. “I missed you and wondered if you had time for lunch.”
“Are you at home?”
“No, I’m still out running errands.”
“Okay, well, we can meet for a quick bite before we head home.”
“Sounds good.”
“Just text me where and I’ll be there.”
She had no idea what her next move would be, but one way or another she was putting an end to this nightmare.
Chapter Thirty-two
With three hours to kill before meeting Brandon, Ava called Meghan at work to ask her to run a property search on Justin’s house. She needed the name of his landlord, so she could get inside. Meghan not only found the information she needed but also called him and he agreed to allow Ava into the house. He happened to be at the property overseeing a repair. Although she had a key, the last thing she needed was to be accused of trespassing.
“Thank you, Mr. Cooper, for allowing me to come by to get my personal items I’d left behind,” she said to the older gentleman. He wore brown plaid pants, white long-sleeved shirt adorned with a red bow tie. A brown tweed newsboy cap accented his snow-white hair.
“Just Coop,” he said, closing the door behind her. “Blame it on perfect timing. I had holes in the wall that needed patching.”
“Holes?”
“The police tore this house apart during their search.” He shook his head in apparent disgust. “You would think they’d offer money for the damage.”
Ava’s eyes wandered past the foyer. From her standpoint, everything appeared immaculate, not a single thing out of place. Even Justin’s furniture still filled the rooms.
“Once they removed the police tape from the front, I had a cleaning crew come over to spiffy up the place,” he said as if he read her mind.
“I won’t take up your time. Did you box up our personal items?”
“No, I left everything in its place.”
“You did?”
“Mr. Harrington paid his entire one year rent in advance. Until that time comes the place is his.”
“I had no idea. I assumed his lease was month-to-month because his time in Atlanta remains uncertain.”
“As long as the check cashes, I don’t ask questions.” He gave her a polite smile. You should get the items you came for. I have to lock up soon.”
Ava proceeded up the stairs and entered the master bedroom. A wave of emotions almost knocked her over as her eyes drifted towards the bed she and Justin shared. She moved closer and ran her hands over the plush gray comforter. A tear escaped from the corner of her eye. How she missed being wrapped in his strong arms. She wiped her cheek and retrieved a duffel bag from the closet and filled it with Justin’s clothing. She chose three pairs of jeans with coordinating shirts, pajamas, and additional casual clothing. Lastly, she opened his underwear drawer and threw four pairs into the bag. Ava zipped the bag and headed towards the door. At the last second, she turned to check the nightstand for anything Justin might need. She felt around, moving aside papers. That’s when she found his wallet towards the back of the drawer. She held onto it and sat on the edge of the bed. Sadness filled her body. If only, she had searched the drawer the morning he’d gone missing. She would’ve known something was amiss. Justin never left the house without his wallet. Ava opened the black leather billfold. Of course, the money is gone. At least the police left behind his credit cards and ID.
Ava thanked Coop for his time and as soon as she entered the car, she texted Brandon suggesting they meet at a bar near the precinct. He responded stating he’ll head over there as soon as his shift ended. Before she left for the bar, she had to drop off the bag to Justin. It was more of an excuse to see him again.
Nervous anticipation filled the pit of her stomach as she walked the path to the front door. They may have plenty to work out between them, but it hadn’t change how she felt about him. She rang the doorbell twice and knocked on the glass windowpane near the door. It was the signal she and Meghan agreed upon so they would know it was her. She saw the blinds on the window move and then the front door opened. She moved quickly inside before closing the door. “I didn’t expect to see you again today,” Justin said with a smile.
She handed him the leather duffel bag. “I stopped by your house so you can have clothes that are a better fit.”
“My things are still there?”
“Yeah, surprisingly Coop didn’t empty out the place. It’s as if you’re still living there.”
“Coop?”
“That’s what Mr. Cooper asked me to call him. I also found your wallet, no surprise the money is missing. I put it in the bag so you can at least have your ID.”
“Thanks. You didn’t have to go through the trouble.”
“I didn’t mind. I also stopped by your office and spoke with Rebecca.”
“Is my business still standing?”
“She said if I spoke with you not to worry because she had everything under control.”
“That’s reassuring.”
“Anyway, how are you since we last spoke?”
“I’m thinking of contacting my attorney and turning myself in.”
Ava’s eyes widened. “No! That’s the last thing you need to do!”
“It’s unfair of me to drag you and Meghan into this.”
“No, it’s unfair you got dragged into my messed-up relationship with Brandon. Just give me until the end of the week and if it’s not resolved, then you can do as you see fit.”
Justin shook his head. “Ava, I’m innocent. I did not do what they are accusing me of. What’s the harm in turning myself in?”
“Listen, we know you didn’t kill anyone, but I’ve spoken to the police, and thanks to Brandon, they have an airtight case. If you turn yourself in, they’ll throw you under the bus and stand behind Brandon. Remember, they take care of their own.”
“What about Scott? We can go to him.”
Ava leaned against the closed door and lowered her gaze. “I can’t go to Scott or Tess about this. At this point, we can’t trust anyone.”
Justin moved closer and tried to pull her into an embrace. She shifted out of his arms. “I have to leave. I’m meeting Brandon.”
“I understand why you reconciled with him. But, please tell me you won’t continue to remain in that relationship.”
She swallowed hard and avoided his gaze. “For now, I have no choice.”
He cupped her face. “You don’t have to do this.”
“All I need is a week.”
He leaned forward and brushed his lips against her cheek. “It’s taking everything within myself not to kiss you,” he whispered. She felt the heat from his breath against her ear.
Their eyes met, and she wanted nothing more for him to kiss her. It would be so easy to fall into his arms and rewind the clock. But, they can’t. “I should go.” She placed her hand on the doorknob and quickly exited, running right into Meghan. “Hey, you didn’t say you were stopping by,” she said.
“I wanted to drop off some clothes for Justin.”
“How is he doing?”
“He wants to turn himself in.”
“I hope you talked him out of it.”
“I believe I did. Anyway, I have to meet Brandon soon.”
“I don’t know all the facts, but I assume you have a plan to help Justin, right?”
“I do, and I promise it’ll be resolved one way or another. I want to thank you for all you’ve done with no questions asked.”
“I already told you I’m team, Justin. I’m rooting for you guys all the way.”
Ava frowned. “We have a lot to work out.”
“Can I give you some advice?”
“Sure.”
“You spent two months believing he just up and left you. Now you know that wasn’t true. You guys have a second c
hance to get back what you had. Don’t waste the opportunity.”
Ava checked the time on her phone. She had to remain focus and rekindling anything with Justin would be a distraction. “I don’t know when I’ll have time to come back over, but I’ll at least text you to check on him.”
“Think about what I said.”
Ava waved goodbye and set off to give the performance of a lifetime.
∞∞∞
Ava entered Nick’s Sports Bar which sat two miles away from the police precinct. It was crowded for it to be only four in the afternoon. She spotted Brandon towards the back sitting at a window booth. He waved her over, and he’d already ordered a plate of hot wings and a soda. “How long have you been here?” she asked, sliding across from him.
“Twenty minutes or so.”
Ava glanced at the time. “I’m not late, am I?”
“I left early and decided to wait. I ordered you a burger, the waitress said it’ll be up shortly.”
“Thanks. You should have called. I would’ve come straight over.”
“No worries. I must get back to the station. There’s been a break in a case I’m working.”
She frowned and before she could respond the waitress brought over a bacon cheeseburger with a side of seasoned fries. “How much time before you have to leave? There’s something I need to talk to you about.”
He flipped his wrist over and eyed his watch. “I can give you twenty minutes. What’s on your mind?”
She bit into her burger. “What do you think about staying at my place for a few days?”
“Why?” He furrowed his brow. “I thought you enjoyed being out in the rural part of town.”
“I do. Today I’ve met with some of my contacts in the industry to discuss upcoming job opportunities.”
“You’re ready to go back to work already?”
“I am becoming a bit restless. Anyway, I have some firms that are interested in having me join their team. You know, whenever I’m ready.”
“That’s great! I knew you would bounce back.”
“Well, that’s why I want to stay at my place. It’ll make the commute easier while I’m setting up these meetings.”
Brandon reached over and placed her hand in his. She had to resist the urge to repel his touch. “If that’s what you want, then I’ll do it. I’ll drive out to the house first to pack a bag. I don’t have any clothes at your house.”
“I can take care of that for you.”
He took one last sip of his soda and threw two twenty-dollar bills on the table. “I have to go.”
Ava stood and wrapped her arms around him. “I’ll stay and finish my meal. I’ll see you tonight.”
“I don’t have a key, so I’ll call when I’m on the way.”
“Okay.” He kissed her cheek and whispered in her ear. “Why don’t you wear that sexy ass outfit you bought for me tonight.”
Ava plastered a smile on her face. “We’ll see.” He gave her one last kiss before heading towards the door. She finished her burger and paid the check. As she was leaving her cell phone rang. She glanced at the screen. Tess. She had purposely sent her calls to voicemail since she found Justin. There was no way she could put her in the middle of this mess. By the time Ava reached her car, Tess had called two additional times. Believing it could be important, Ava called her back.
“Why are you dodging my calls?” Tess asked.
“I’m not. I’ve been busy.”
“Too busy to talk or return my many messages.”
“I’m sorry. What’s going on?”
“No, you first. Spill.”
“I told you I’ve been busy.”
“Ava, I can hear in your voice you’re lying. Either you tell me now or I’m coming over. You know you can’t lie to my face.”
She expelled a heavy sigh and rolled her eyes. “I’ll be at Brandon’s in about in an hour. Meet me there, and I’ll tell you everything.”
Chapter Thirty-three
On the drive over to Brandon’s, Ava thought of her next steps. She thought she would have to do more to convince him to stay at her house. The longer she kept him away from his, the more opportunity she had to prove Justin’s innocence. Starting with a search for any evidence, no matter how small.
When Ava reached the street to Brandon’s house, she noticed Tess’ car parked on the driveway. Ava parked her car and exited. As she approached the silver sedan, she noticed Tess sat crying with the car running. Ava knocked on the window. Tess cut the engine and opened the door. “What’s the matter?” asked Ava.
“You first.”
“I’m not the one crying.”
She wiped her eyes with a tissue. “I just hung up with Samantha. She can be a total bitch.”
Ava frowned and rubbed her forehead. “Let’s go inside.” She helped her friend in the house and they sat in the living room. Tess explained she’d called her mother because of her promise to keep in touch. In the middle of the conversation, her sister snatched the phone away to begin a tirade against Tess.
“What exactly did Sam say to you?”
Tess wiped her nose with a tissue. “She believes I left her behind when I promised to bring her home with me. I tried to explain it was best if she finished her last semester at school. Then maybe we could discuss her living with Scott and me.”
“I guess that’s not what she wanted to hear.”
“Nope. She cussed me out and called me a bitch before she hung up.”
“Sam is young, about to graduate high school, and believes she knows what’s best. Explain to her she only has a few months left of school. If she keeps her end of the bargain and graduate, you’ll allow her to live with you. In return, she must continue her education by enrolling in school. Whether that’s a vocational trade school, community college, or a university.”
“I don’t know if she’ll go along with that.”
“Too bad.” Ava flicked her in a dismissive manner. “Tell her that’s the deal. Take it or leave it.”
Tess chuckled. Her outward demeanor seemed more relaxed. “I wish I had your backbone. I’m the ultimate people pleaser.”
Ava’s eyes hung on her friend. Her face revealed a small smile, but she sat hunched in a ball of sadness like she needed a hug. Ava moved closer and placed her arm around her. Moments later, Tess released herself from the embrace. “Thanks for listening. I didn’t come here to lay my problems on your lap when I know there’s something going on with you.”
“It’s fine. It helps to focus on something other than my massive headache of a problem.”
“Uh oh, that look on your face tells me it’s something big.”
“Some men are blinded by their egos. Instead of taking a loss and bowing out like a real man, they allow their pride to talk them into doing heinous things.” Ava rose to her feet with both hands in a firm fist. Her mouth formed a thin line as she moved to the other side of the room. She turned to face Tess. “Actions inconceivable to you and me, are beyond rational to a man with a wounded ego.”
Tess sat with her eyes narrowed in apparent confusion. “O…kay,” she began slowly. “What in the hell did Brandon do now?”
“I gave him another chance only for him to stomp all over my heart and betray me.”
She sat up in the chair. “He cheated?”
“I wish it was something as simple as cheating. It’s much worse.” She shook her head in disgust. “You must keep this to yourself. You can’t even tell Scott.”
“Promise.”
Ava shared the entire story of finding Justin locked away and their theory that Brandon killed Phillip to frame Justin. Tess fell back in her chair without uttering a word. “Where is Justin now?” she finally asked.
“I rather not say. Only because I don’t want to put you in an awkward situation with Scott. Just know he’s safe.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I have to prove Brandon framed Justin.”
“By proving his guilt?”
> “Yes.”
“You’re willing to send him to jail?”
“Would you rather Justin go instead for something he didn’t do?”
She shook her head. “No, that’s not what I meant.”
“Listen, I know it’s hard to fathom Brandon did this. I also had a hard time coming to terms with it, but once I thought it through, it made sense. He’s been spiraling out of control for a long time.”
“That’s true.”
“The lengths Brandon has gone through to remove Justin from my life is unacceptable. I have to end this, that’s why I convinced him to stay with me at my house.”
“Wait a minute, you’re staying with him?”
“I have to until I prove Justin’s innocence. If I don’t…” Her voice trailed off as she stared into the distance.
“What can I do to help?”
“Search the place for anything that may prove Brandon’s guilt. Possibly on his computer.”
“I doubt if he’ll have something lying around waiting to be found.”
“It’s worth a try, Tess.”
The women began their search in the bedroom. Ava signed onto Brandon’s laptop, while Tess searched through the dresser drawers. “What exactly are we looking for?” asked Tess.
“You’ll know when you find it.” Ava first scrolled through Brandon’s email and found nothing. She then opened his internet browser and searched its history. She hoped to find something that could be considered suspicious. Nothing out of the ordinary stood out. There were the usual searches related to sports, music, recipes, and surprisingly there was a search on unconventional marriage proposals. Ava immediately closed out the browser. The thought of Brandon thinking about a proposal sickened her.
“Any luck? There isn’t a damn thing in his history or email.” Ava shut his laptop.
“I can’t find anything, either.” Tess sat on the edge of the bed beside Ava. “We need to bring Scott into this.”
Betrayed by You Page 19