Romantic Renovations

by Blake Allwood

  By the end of the demo, everyone was laughing and cutting up with one another.

  After cleaning up, we were headed out of the duplex when the cop who’d been assigned to the case met us at the front door.

  “Hi officer.” Bennett said, still in good spirits. When the cop didn’t smile, Bennett’s face dropped, and I could feel the dread coming off him.

  “Hello Bennett, do you have a moment? I’ve got some questions for you.”

  “Of course, what’s going on?”

  “Your realtor, have you heard from her since this morning?” he asked.

  Bennett pulled his phone out and shook his head. “No, I’ve not heard from her. Have you spoken to her broker?”

  The officer nodded. “She’s missing, I’m afraid. Her family confirmed they haven’t seen her either.”

  Bennett’s face registered shock and fear. “Do you think my dad is somehow involved? Or Frank?” he asked.

  The officer shrugged. “No, we don’t know much but we are concerned. We checked out the houses on the list you gave us, but besides a broken window on one of the units, nothing seemed amiss,” he replied, “but I’d like to have a look inside if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course, I don’t mind. Do you want a key?” he asked.

  The officer shook his head. “Can you come with us?”

  Bennett nodded. “Of course. But I apologize, I’m pretty nasty at the moment. Can this wait or do you want to go now?”

  The officer said, “If the realtor is still in one of the homes, she could be in danger.”

  Bennett nodded and told the officer he was happy to go now and pointed out the home closest to where we were. “Bennett, do you want me to come with you?” I asked.

  “No need. I’ll be with the officer so I should be safe enough and you’ve been working all day so…”

  “Yeah, but do you want me to come with you?” I asked again.

  Bennett hesitated for a moment and nodded. “Yeah, but I don’t want to put you out.”

  I smiled. “I’m happy to come.”

  The first two homes we came to were fine and after a quick look around the properties, we were waved on to the next.

  Unfortunately, our third home was a different story. We knew there was a problem immediately because the front window was broken and glass was scattered along the porch.

  When Bennett tried to put the key in the lock, the door opened showing it hadn’t been locked.

  The cops motioned for us to go back to the car which was a lucky because they came back out of the house immediately after entering. Seconds later, we heard sirens.

  They found the realtor dead in the back room. The bullet that killed her had passed through her then through the house and out the front window.

  After what seemed like an exorbitantly long time, the cop we’d been working with came over and filled us in. “You’ll need to come to the station with us, Mr. Jackson.”

  He nodded, but he was pale. “Does he need an attorney?” I asked point blank.

  The officer eyed me and shrugged. “That’s his right but we aren’t arresting him, just need to ask him a few questions.”

  “It’s fine, Les,” Bennett replied. “I think we need to do what we can to help. God, she’s really dead?” he asked the cop.

  The guy nodded.

  “Fuck, have you told her family?” he asked.

  The cop shook his head.

  “Oh fuck, what if this was something my dad or Frank…”

  “Why don’t we head to the station? We can get your official statement there.”

  Bennett nodded and was put into the back seat of the cop car. I looked at the cop skeptically. “If he isn’t being arrested, why are you putting him in the back of your car?”

  Because the cop ignored me, I called our producer and asked them to have a criminal attorney sent to the police station as I drove there myself.

  I have to admit even though I hate the business after working in it the past two years, I am impressed by how quickly the network can get you help when you need it.

  The attorney they found apparently had already called the police station before we arrived and told them not to question his client until he made it to the station.

  Two hours of waiting in the lobby, then Bennett came out with a tall, dark-haired man who exuded corporate attorney.

  Bennett was glass-eyed and appeared utterly exhausted. The attorney must have recognized me and directed Bennett our way.

  “Are you okay?” I asked him as they drew closer.

  “No, I’m not okay, a woman I hired was killed in one of my properties surrounded by a hell of a lot of heroin. She had kids, Les. I sent her into that situation.”

  The attorney spoke up. “Listen, you didn’t do anything and you need to stop beating yourself up,” Bennett’s attorney looked at him and pointing his thumb back at the exam room, he added, “they even admitted it was probably someone who knew her. It just happened in your home and had nothing to do with you.” The attorney glanced over at me then and asked, “Can you take him home?”

  I nodded. “Is he a suspect?” I asked.

  The officer shook his head but didn’t fully commit, “At this time we just want to question him. The time of death was when Bennett was in the hospital being sewn up. They also found the heroin so that’s a possible motive as well.”

  “Frank. ” Bennett said and looked at me, “It has to be.”

  “Is Frank in custody?” I asked the attorney.

  He shook his head, but I caught sight of the officer as he was coming out of the same room Bennett had just exited.

  I quickly dodged the front desk people and despite protests, I reached the officer before he could slip out of reach.

  “Hey, have you found Frank?” I asked, surprising him.

  He was taken aback at first, then I could see the wheels turning as he was trying to figure out if he should be talking to me but sighed and said, “No, not yet.”

  “Fuck.” I replied as a burly officer came over and told me to get back out of the area. I ignored him and said, “You think Bennett is at risk?”

  The burly officer took my arm and began to pull me toward the exit. “Lloyd, it’s fine,” the officer said. “Yes, I think he’s possibly at risk. If Frank is behind this, he’s already put him in the hospital twice. From my experience, the third time is often the last.”

  “Thanks. If you need him again, he’s going to be with me at the hotel. And officer, we both know Bennett had nothing to do with this.”

  The officer looked at me skeptically but nodded anyway.

  Fuck. I had to admit it looked suspicious, but Frank definitely appeared a more likely culprit than Bennett, but what did I know? I’d only known Bennett for a short time. He might be as guilty as Frank. However, I seriously doubted it.

  When I came back to where Bennett and the attorney were standing, the attorney was still talking more at him than with him. Bennett turned toward me and asked, “What did he say?”

  “He said Frank is still out there and that you are at risk. So I’d like you to spend the night with me at my hotel.”

  “No,” he immediately protested but I put my hand up.

  “You’re a grown man, but if your old buddy is willing to shoot an innocent realtor, you know he won’t hesitate to do the same to you.”

  This rattled him. I felt guilty but I’d rather he be rattled than dead.

  When he stared at me, tears forming in his eyes, I quickly added, “listen, it’ll be fine. But I prefer you not to go back to your apartment tonight. I’ll lend you something of mine to change into.”

  Relief washed over me when he laughed. “I doubt I can fit your clothes but that’s okay. I’ll run to Target and grab something cheap for the show tomorrow. Jeans and a white t-shirt. That’s the dress code, right?”

  I smiled pleased that some humor came into his expression, despite it competing with the sadness and exhaustion.

  We said goodbye to the a
ttorney, and I thanked him for getting here as quickly as he did. He walked us out. When Bennett got into the passenger side of my rental and shut his door, the attorney crossed over to me and said in a quiet voice, “It was a good thing you got the studio to hire me because the cops spent the entire time trying to get Bennett to admit he was involved with keeping the heroin in the house. Bennett was so exhausted and worried about the woman’s family, I’m sure he’d have broken under their interrogation. Whatever you do, make sure you call me before he is questioned again!”

  He darted away when I agreed. I decided after Bennett was in a better frame of mind, I’d have a heart to heart about how cops weren’t necessarily your friend when they were chasing a lead and that having an attorney was the only smart thing to do.

  Bennett asked me to take him to his car. He said he had a change of underclothes he kept there for occasions like this, so I took him back to the duplex. “You think you can follow me to the hotel? It’s quite a drive.” I said.

  Bennett shook his head. “To be honest, I think I might fall asleep. And my arm is hurting like a son of a bitch. I might’ve overdone it today a bit and now…”

  How had I forgotten about his fucking arm? Bennett was swinging a hammer and working alongside our crew and I never once saw him act like he was in pain. “Son of a bitch,” I said. “why didn’t you remind me about your arm? You shouldn’t have been doing demo.”

  Bennett just smiled. “I enjoyed it and I didn’t really use my arm that much. I was using my good arm most of the day, but I forgot to bring my pain meds with me when I agreed to show the cop around the houses. That and I’m tired and sad about my realtor. It’s just a lot…”

  “Yeah, it is. Let me take care of you tonight, partner.” I said, knowing that sounded a bit too sappy but he looked so vulnerable and I knew if he brought it up, he must be really hurting.

  He smiled at me and within minutes we were at his car, he got his things and was soon back in mine with me.

  After he buckled up and we were on our way to the hotel, I reached over and grabbed his hand. “You were so brave today. It’s been a shit day, and you’ve been a total champ.” He looked so dejected, I wanted to say something to help him understand how brave he’d been.

  He looked over as a tear escaped down his face. “I’ve been about as useless as someone can be. If it hadn’t been for you, I’d probably be sleeping in a jail cell tonight. It didn’t even register that they’d think I was a suspect. Why would I take them to a house where I stored drugs? But, anyway, he shook his head, my dad is a crook, my mom isn’t much better, and I’ve been homeless and have dealt with law enforcement while on the street. So if I’d have thought about it for a moment, I would’ve known I’d be a suspect just because of where I’ve been and who I am. Had you not been smart and called the network…”

  I brought his hand to my mouth and kissed it.

  “Thank you,” he said and brought our joined hands back down and placed them on his leg.

  We rode in silence for a few moments before I began to hear the tale-tale signs of sleep. The guy really was exhausted.

  When we finally got to my hotel, I got him up to my room, ignoring the dirt and grime. Right now, he needed sleep more than a shower. When I tucked him in, he smiled in his sexy innocent way and I had to resist the urge to kiss him. I guessed he was asleep before I closed the door to the bedroom.

  I pulled out the hideaway bed and made it with the sheets and covers that were stored in the closet. I decided I was going to kidnap him the next day so he could have at least one day without issues. The man certainly deserved a little time off even if it was gonna piss off our producer. Hell, maybe I could have Emmitt meet us someplace in the afternoon to film Bennett giving me a tour of Seattle. That would possibly give us an out for playing hookey.

  What I knew though was if Bennett didn’t get a little time off, he was going to burn out and do it quickly. It wouldn’t help anyone if that happened.

  Bennett

  I woke up late and freaked out. We should’ve been at the job site an hour ago! I jumped up and immediately felt like I was gonna be sick. The pain in my arm was intense. Yeah, I’d totally overdone it. I looked at my scar and it was red but not swollen so hopefully it wasn’t infected. I went to find Les but found a note instead, telling me he’d be back for me later, but that he’d decided I needed the extra sleep.

  I smiled. He really was taking care of me. That sort of pissed me off, but it sort of made me giddy inside too. I decided to get a shower and see if I could clean the wound and get it to stop throbbing. I popped a pain pill before going to get washed.

  I came out, not thinking about Les being back and walked out of the bathroom naked and still wet as my arm hurt too much for me to dry off properly. I almost walked right into him.

  The guy’s face blushed as his gaze drifted down at my body and settled on my cock before he cleared his throat and looked back up at my face.

  I cocked an eyebrow and said, “Wanna help me dry off?”

  I thought the guy was going to swallow his tongue and I couldn’t help but laugh at his expression.

  “That would be a bad idea,” he said and turned to walk out of the room.

  “Well, I’ll fucking be,” I said so he could hear me. “I think you really do like me.”

  When he didn’t respond, I shook my head to get rid of the thought. Don’t flatter yourself, Jackson. Men are sluts, and you’re available.

  I couldn’t help but think about how available I really wasn’t when I lifted the towel without remembering my arm and almost fell to my knees as the pain ripped through me.

  “Fuck!” I shouted.

  Les called out, “You okay?”

  “Yeah, just this cut is a total bitch!” I said. “I’m gonna get dressed and I’ll be out in a minute.”

  It took a lot longer than a minute to get dressed. I must have done more damage yesterday than I thought because the pain didn’t ease, despite the medication. I ended up having to go slow using my good arm as much as I could. When I finally finished, I came out with the bandages in my hand. “Can you bandage me up?” I asked. “I’m having a tough time here.”

  Les came over, a peculiar expression on his face. He did the bandages and when he was done, he let his hands rub down my arms.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t pay more attention yesterday. I was so focused on getting the demo work done, I forgot about your cut. You should’ve been taking it easy, not laboring for me.”

  I smiled. “The world doesn’t stop just ‘cause you hurt. Remember, I was on the streets for a long time. You make do and get by. It didn’t really hurt until last night, but I do need to take it easy today. I can probably do interviews with Emmitt and that sort of stuff, but I probably won’t be using a hammer…”

  “No, neither of us will. We are playing hookey,” Les said mischievously, “we’re taking a ferry to one of the islands. I forget which one, but they supposedly have the best ice cream and Luke from the film crew said it’s the best place to go when you wanna run away from home.”

  I laughed. “So, the film crew are in on this with you?”

  “Totally, especially when I told them we’d be back this afternoon so they can follow us around the Space Needle and other touristy stuff to film you giving me a tour of Seattle.”

  I just chuckled then let the conversation grow serious, as I sat across from him. “I wanna find out more about my realtor and her family, but I don’t know how.”

  “For now, you probably just have to take a back seat. At least until we have more information and the cops stop poking about.”

  I nodded. “It sucks though, I liked her. She was nice, although I didn’t spend much time with her. Mostly, we just talked on the phone, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling she would still be alive today if she hadn’t been working for me.”

  I thought for a moment then said, “You know, I know her broker more than her. I can call him. He can tell me what’s going on and
how I can help support her family.”

  Les smiled. “That sounds like a good plan. Why don’t you call him, and I’ll get us some breakfast sent up from room service? Anything you want?”

  “Whatever,” I said, “I like all things for breakfast.”

  Les

  Bennett came out of the room a few moments later with a perplexed expression. “What’s up?” I asked.

  “It’s just strange…” He shook his head like he was trying to make sense of something.

  “What’s strange?”

  Bennett looked at me and shrugged. “I was transferred directly to the broker, but he didn’t seem the least bit concerned about his agent who’d just been murdered. In fact, after a very lame attempt at consoling me, he immediately turned the conversation to the homes that were supposed to close next week. I mean, I get it. There’s a timeline, but it’s also strange when your employee is murdered, and you don’t seem to care…?”

  His last statement came out more as a question and I nodded. “Let’s give your attorney a call and fill him in. If they found heroin in that home, I wouldn’t be at all surprised if something is up with some of your others.”

  Bennett nodded and sat down. His face contained a mixture of frustration and concern.

  The attorney answered on the second ring and I put the phone on speaker so we could all speak together.

  When Bennett had filled him in, the attorney praised us for letting him know. “Yes, everything is suspicious at the moment and the more we can do to help them wrap this up, the less you’ll appear like a suspect. But be careful Bennett, these are nasty characters we are dealing with.”

  Bennett nodded. “Should I call the cops and let them know?” he asked.

  “No, absolutely not,” the attorney said. “Seriously, you can’t be in touch with them without me present and that means phone calls as well.”

  He let that sink in before he continued, “I’m friends with the King County DA. I’ll let him know about this off the record so they can pursue the lead but keep you out of the firing line from both the cops and the criminals.”