She nodded. “Yes, sir. Whatever you need.” Like the good intern she was, she immediately got to work.
As he walked toward his car, he couldn’t help but feel his own life was in jeopardy. Was it possible that he could be next?
Chapter 11
L
aura lay on her bed, tossing and turning, having already exhausted all she could do to try and get some sleep. She had longed to be home and in her own bed, but now that she was here for the second night and morning in a row, it did nothing for her in the way of getting some much-needed rest.
The blankets were thrown off her. Apparently covering herself over the head to get the room a tiny bit darker only made her hot. She sighed. And whined.
Looking at the clock, it made sense to give up. After all, it was early morning. A lot earlier than she’d like, but still morning. However, she had nothing better to do, so she decided to keep trying. This war between her mind and body would end. Somehow.
She got up and used the bathroom, thinking it would help. Upon returning to the bed, she nestled into her sweet spot. She practiced some deep-breathing techniques that always came in handy when a panic attack sprang on her. Her mind was not allowed to think. All she did was simply lay there.
A faint knocking sound was brought to her attention. At first, she thought it was the beating of her heart or possibly a dream about to impose on her. But then it happened a little more loudly. Seconds later, louder still. It was persistent. Urgent.
Sitting up in bed, Laura listened. Was that her front door? But who would be here at this hour?
Her feet rushed to the side of the bed. She slipped on her penguin slippers and wrapped her red silk robe around her waist tightly. Each light she walked by to get to her door she flipped on. The whole journey, the knocking became quicker and deeper.
Once she opened the door, she saw Cassie slightly bouncing, holding her coat against her skin, shivering. “Cassie? What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”
Cassie walked past her into the duplex. Swiftly turning to face her, she asked, “Did you hear?”
“Hear what?” She closed the door, a sinking feeling in her gut.
“Your lawyer, Jonathan Miller, is dead.”
Laura’s eyes went wide. Her mouth did, too. “What? How…how…how did it…it…it…happen?” she stuttered.
“Margaret.”
A hand went to her mouth. She slowly shook her head. Both eyes were getting watery.
“But that’s not it. Another man at his office was killed. Someone by the name Adam Wheaton. He must have been a client of Mr. Miller’s,” Cassie informed her.
“I don’t know.”
“The police are looking into it some more, but both were definitely done by Margaret. The judge, too.” Cassie’s face had worry written all over it.
“The judge?” Laura asked in a high-pitched tone.
“I’m afraid so.”
“When?”
“I don’t have all the details,” Cassie admitted, “But I’m guessing either really early yesterday morning or the night before.” She placed her hands into her coat pockets.
“So, basically hours after I was released.” Laura’s hands began to shake, and she felt dizzy.
Cassie nodded slowly. Noticing Laura’s appearance change, she asked, “Do you need to sit down? You don’t look so good.”
“Yes, I…I think I should.” Laura clutched her chest and tried to breathe.
Cassie led Laura to a seat on the couch. She sat down next to her.
Laura put both her hands up to her face and began to cry. Her nightmare wasn’t over yet. Who was doing this? And why?
“Shh, shh, it’s going to be okay,” Cassie stated, rubbing Laura’s back. “Everything will be just fine.”
“How can you say that?” Laura hissed, giving Cassie a glare.
Cassie leaned back. “Because! I know you didn’t do it, and I have a theory –”
“A what?”
“A theory! And believe me, you will be okay.”
Laura sighed and then wept a little more.
Cassie let her. When things settled down, she had some questions to ask. “Tell me, do you have anyone looking to get revenge on you? You know, anyone looking to frame you perhaps?”
“What kind of a question is that?” Laura asked, her face one of disgust.
“An important one! Is there someone?”
“No!”
“You’re sure?”
Laura slapped her knees. “Yes!”
Cassie threw her hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. I didn’t mean any offense.”
“Why are you asking that anyway?” Laura wondered.
“It has to deal with my theory. I think whoever is doing the killing is trying to make it look like you,” Cassie stated. “Or at least that’s what they did at first. Now it might just be out of anger. I mean, I don’t know for sure, but that’s what I’m thinking.”
After letting those words sink in, Laura admitted, “Okay. I see your point.” She did a little more thinking, taking it seriously this time. “And, honestly, I really don’t know of who would want to take revenge on me.”
“Well, I don’t know either. I mean, you’re very likable and wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
Laura half-smiled. “Thanks.”
Silence followed for the next few seconds, until Cassie asked her next question. “Have the cops been here?”
“No, but I guess they’re coming, aren’t they?” Laura’s shoulders slumped; her face worried.
“They might.”
Laura put her head in her one hand. “Great. Just what I need.” She exhaled deeply.
“Well, when or if they do, just be honest,” Cassie advised.
“I have been the whole time!”
“Oh, I know.”
“They’ve got to know it’s not me. My lawyer proved it! How can I get them to realize that?” Laura wanted to know.
Cassie thought for a second. “I’m not sure what they’re thinking at this point. But I truly believe we have one of the best police forces around. They’ll figure this all out. If not, I will.”
Laura loved her confidence but was afraid it could get the best of her. Turning slightly on the couch, she put a hand on Cassie’s shoulder and looked her squarely in the eyes. “Thank you so much for coming here today and informing me of all this stuff. But can you do one more thing for me?”
“Sure! Anything you need!”
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Laura said, “I said it before, and I’ll say it again. Please stay away.”
“What?” Cassie tilted her head to the side. Her eyebrows arched inward.
“Stay away,” Laura repeated.
“But why? I thought you only wanted that while you were in prison.”
By now, Laura’s arm was back on her own legs. She tried to figure out how best to say what needed to be said. She just wished there was an easier way. “Look, the more you’re seen with me, there’s a greater chance someone might start to suspect you. And –”
“Laura, that’s ridiculous!” Cassie interrupted.
Laura raised a hand to silence her. “Hear me out. You’re just about to finish school. You’ve got your foot in the door at the station. The second someone suspects you and gets your name muddied, you could be screwed. I can’t let you do that to yourself. And worst of all, you could even end up dead! Everyone dying is connected to me somehow. I just don’t want you ending up the same way.”
After Cassie tried to interrupt again, Laura continued. “I care about you, and hate saying this. But I’m begging you, please just stay away from me.” Her eyes began to tear up once more.
Cassie shook her head. “I can’t do that. I just can’t. Maybe I won’t hang out with you, but I’m not going to stop figuring this all out until it’s over.”
“But why? Why do you even care so much?”
“Really?” Cassie asked, her head cocked to one side. “I’m surprised you even have to ask.�
��
“Seriously, why bother?”
“Laura, you’re like a big sister to me. You always have been and always will be. Ever since you came to babysit with my Aunt Marissa, I felt like there was a tight bond between us three. And then even when you went to college and I didn’t see you as much, there were still times we connected.”
“But then I came here and didn’t see you at all,” Laura reminded her.
“So! That didn’t change how I view you or our relationship.”
Laura rubbed her hand along Cassie’s arm. “Aww,” she said, with sad puppy dog eyes.
“And because of that, I’m going to do whatever it takes to figure this out.”
The two of them stared at each other for a moment. Cassie’s eyes were beginning to water, which caused Laura’s to tear up again as well. Laura sighed. Then Cassie sighed.
Laura looked down at her hands. Her lips tightened in a straight line. After shaking her head slowly three times on each side, she stated, “I just don’t know what to do.”
Now it was Cassie’s turn to put her hand on Laura’s shoulder. “Well, I think I do.”
Their eyes met. “You sure?”
“Yes, but you need to trust me.”
“I do.” Laura gave a little laugh. “Shoot, you’ve been here for me more in the last few months than anyone else has.”
Cassie smiled. She quickly glanced at her phone to check the time. Standing up in haste, she said, “Look, I’ve got to go. Just hang tight, okay? I’ll figure everything out.”
Laura stood up to give Cassie a hug. “Thank you.”
The two women smiled at one another, and then Cassie made her way out the door, shutting it behind her. Laura plopped back down on her couch and slouched back into it. She took a few minutes to breathe. Taking a hard look around the place, she contemplated what to do next. Her bed was still calling her.
Oh, what the heck. She stood up and headed back to her room. Kicking off her slippers and undoing her robe, she crawled back into her bed, letting the mattress mold around her body. With the news she just received, she fully planned on sleeping the day away. But just like before, sleep wouldn’t come.
Chapter 12
G
arrett Richards walked down the hallway to the kitchen where all the racket was being made. In it, his girlfriend, Marissa, was ransacking through the cupboards and drawers. She was like a busy bee, floating from one to another, not quite finishing the previous section. Little sighs would occasionally accompany the creaking of wood or squeaking of hinges from the cabinets. He leaned against the wall, folding his arms across his chest, and watched for a moment the mass chaos that was going on.
“Do you need anything?” Marissa asked, not stopping to look at him.
Apparently in one of her fluid movements, she had caught him. “For what?” He pushed off the wall and fully entered the small space.
“I’m going to the store. Need anything?” This time she took a moment to look him in the eyes. “You know, cards? Pens? Anything?” Her tone was a bit on the disrespectful side, her face stern.
“No, I don’t think so.”
He wasn’t sure what her problem was, but he didn’t appreciate it. The woman needed to calm down. At least he didn’t have to look at her face very long. She had already resumed the position of finding something else to do. His mind did find it appealing to watch her backside, though. It gave him an idea.
Both his arms approached her shoulders as she stood writing a few things on a piece of paper. He began to gently massage them, being sure the pads of his thumbs caressed her neck, particularly putting pressure on her spine. It was what she loved most.
She stood still. He felt her body melt into his.
“That feels good,” she whispered with a moan.
“You looked a little tense. I thought you’d like it.”
Marissa moaned some more.
Garrett leaned in to softly kiss the back of her neck. One of his hands reached toward her front, at first pulling her waist nearer to him, but then slowly, sensually, it started moving upward.
Marissa suddenly stiffened. She bumped him backward, wriggling herself free of his grasp. Turning toward him, she chided, “Not right now, Garrett. I’m busy. I’ve got to go get some stuff.” She left the room.
He turned to watch her leave, licking his bottom lip.
After having grabbed her purse from the bedroom, she brushed passed him to get her list and stuffed it into one of the compartments. “You said you didn’t need anything?” She was still short with him.
“No, I’m good.” He smiled, but she never saw it.
Grabbing her keys, she said, “Then I’m going to go.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and muttered an, “I love you.” Then off she went.
“Love you too, Mar,” he stated.
He walked after her, holding the door open to watch her leave. She was in such a hurry. Something agitated her.
She needs to relax, he thought, shaking his head.
* * *
Laura grabbed a blanket and sat on the couch, wrapped like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Her one hand was only slightly free, but she used it to her advantage to work the remote, flipping through the TV channels. It had been a few days since Cassie had come by, informing her of the three men that had died. And since, she hadn’t dared to go out. This is what her life had come down to: watching TV. Not glamorous, but safe. Or so she thought.
There was a special on The Margaret Killer that Laura found appealing. She had lived that nightmare, but something about it kept her intrigued. Maybe by watching the program she’d learn something new. Or maybe she’d catch something that the police missed. Could she even solve the puzzle? Not likely, but her eyes remained glued anyway.
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed since she had started watching the show, but three quick pounds on the door alerted her. At first, she thought it was Cassie, coming to bear bad news once again. That was something she didn’t know if she wanted to find out. So, she thought about not answering.
But then again, that was completely unlike her. And since when did she become such a coward? Reluctantly, she rose from the couch and practically shuffled to the door. To her surprise, in a good way, Marissa stood on the other side. She hadn’t heard from or seen her friend since the day she was brought home from the trial.
“Hey, Marissa! Come on in!”
Her friend looked at her like she despised her or something. Very odd. And was that even an eye roll?
“Hey.” Marissa brushed passed her and stopped near the couch, turning to stand with her one leg on an angle and arms crossed.
Laura shut the door and donned a smile, even though something was off. “Are you okay?”
Marissa completely ignored the question. Her round eyes became slits when she caught what was on TV.
“Are you okay?” Laura repeated. She turned the TV off so it wouldn’t be a distraction.
Her friend came around. “Oh. Yeah. Yes, of course. Why?”
“I don’t know. You just seem a little upset or something.”
Marissa waved an arm away from her. “Nah.” Perking up, she looked at Laura and said, “Hey, so I thought I’d stop by. I’m going to the store and was wondering if you needed anything?”
“Yeah, to get my life back together,” Laura joked. She laughed quickly, and a small snort was also thrown in.
There was nothing from Marissa. Apparently, what she said wasn’t all that funny.
Laura scratched the back of her neck. “Um, well, I am getting low on food, I guess.”
“You’re welcome to come with me if you want.”
Why was thinking about going to the grocery store making her nervous? It was only the grocery store for goodness sake! A place to get food and other necessities! It’s not like she was getting ready to go skydiving or bungee jumping!
She mulled it over for a moment. It’s not like she could stay cooped up forever. Nor could she rely on others to bring th
ings to her the rest of her life. “Yeah, sure, I guess I could go.”
“You might want to change first,” Marissa suggested, looking her up and down.
Laura looked down at what she was wearing. It probably would be a good idea to get out of her sweats. She smiled. “Right.” Putting up a finger, she added, “Let me change a second. I’ll be right back.”
She sprinted toward her bedroom, undressing as she went. Within fifteen minutes she had used the restroom, put on a pair of dark leggings and red stilettos, a top to match, a splash of makeup, and even tied her hair up in a loose bun. All of this was done while mentally making a list of what she’d like to get from the store.
“Okay. Ready,” she stated, grabbing her purse.
Marissa looked at her funny. “We’re going to the store. Why are you dressed up like you’re going on a date?”
“I haven’t worn anything nice in a long time. I don’t care that it’s just the store.”
“Okay then.” Marissa’s lips were tightly sealed.
The two of them got into the car and headed into town. Marissa seemed distracted. Quiet. Agitated even. Most of the conversations were a one-way street. The only thing Marissa even asked was what she had been up to since the trial.
Laura made sure to fill her in as best as she could, including the cops that came by, questioning her about the three men that had died. She noted how she couldn’t tell if they still thought she was guilty or not. Marissa only nodded slightly in response.
“But anyway, I’ve basically stayed home.” Her spiel was now ended. Laura looked out the window, enjoying the difference in scenery.
Out of nowhere, a small dog jumped onto the street, making a mad dash to the other side.
“Watch out!” Laura screamed, pointing.
Marissa slammed on the breaks, swerving in the opposite direction.
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