Illusive Witness

by S. Y. Thompson

  The bath called to her and Ruth promised herself a very large glass of wine afterward. Just as she made that pledge, she remembered the insurance company. Her head dipped and she shook her head. Why did everything always have to be so hard? Fine, she would deal with the insurance people first. She took the police report she’d picked up at the Jessup Bay Police Department out of her purse and headed for the library.

  Dealing with the insurance people and arranging a time for an adjuster to come out and look at the car took the last of her reserves. Once all the details were finalized, she took a long soaking bath and drank the coveted wine before heading to bed. Ruth fell asleep easily and enjoyed a deep sleep free of nightmares.

  For the next few days, Ruth stayed home. She avoided the telephone and allowed most calls to go to the machine. The only interruption was a brief visit from the claims adjustor. Ruth experienced an almost pathological need to avoid everyone. She wanted to be left alone to the quiet of her familiar home. The only calls she answered were those from Jordan. She called at least twice a day, showing Ruth with her actions how much she cared. Each time the calls ended, Ruth felt guilty about brushing Jordan off. It was natural that she wanted to spend time together and that she wanted to talk about all that had happened. Jordan asked about the Marshals’ visit and if they were close to finding out who ordered her death. Ruth wasn’t able to answer those questions because Marshal Blake’s warning kept her silent.

  Ruth knew it was irrational. Jordan had rushed toward Ghost Island with the police in tow and saved her life. Unfortunately, the incident with Henry had Ruth questioning her own instincts. She couldn’t be with Jordan until she got over her doubts.

  On the evening of the fourth day home, Ruth felt like she was going stir crazy. She hadn’t left the sanctity of her house and no one had visited. Ruth had sent all of the domestic staff away with a phone call before her arrival from the hospital. Not even watching television or listening to music could soothe the stifled feeling. The small tremor she’d felt earlier in the day wasn’t even enough to liven up her day. She still wasn’t ready to speak with anyone, but needed some fresh air.

  Ruth glanced out of the living room window, noticing that the sun had just started to set. An outdoor solar lamp winked on and illuminated the front of the property. With a few days of quiet away from Henry’s attack, the urgency had faded. Ruth briefly considered Marshal Blake’s offer of protection and decided she’d been right to refuse. Whatever the true story for her trusted chauffeur’s attack, she seriously doubted it had anything to do with the mob. Henry’s motives for trying to kill her had died with him.

  Ruth pulled on a sweater to ward off the evening chill and headed out the front door. A short walk to the end of the private road and back should be enough. Houses here were few and far between. Asphalt muffled the sound of her footfalls as she walked. Ruth felt a sudden longing for Jordan’s company. She took a deep breath to ease the unexpected ache in her chest and looked away.

  Somewhere far in the distance a dog barked. The breeze tossed her hair as the sun started to set. Ruth reached the end of the road and stopped just short of the trees that lined the public roadway. Without another soul in sight, Ruth concentrated on filling her lungs with cool, evening air and listening to the wind in the acacia trees. The heavily foliated trees provided a sense of isolation. Only the occasional vehicle passed at this time of the night. Ruth welcomed the false sense of privacy. She turned back toward the house but remained standing in the open, simply enjoying the quiet. After a few minutes, Ruth started back toward the house. She strolled at a slow pace, savoring the change of scenery from the confines of her home.

  While she felt confident that there wasn’t a plan in the works to assassinate her, Ruth wasn’t an idiot. This was still a big city filled with desperate people and bad things happened when darkness fell. She lived in an isolated area that was generally free of the homeless or someone looking for an easy score, but that was no guarantee of safety. She refused to become the target of a random attack and planned to arrive home before the sun disappeared completely.

  Streaks of orange and yellow painted the sky. She glanced away from the brilliant display and caught a hint of movement near the house from the corner of her eye. Senses on sudden alert, Ruth searched the shadows cast by a row of hedges near the side of her property. She stopped moving, hesitating directly beneath the glow of a security light. For a moment, nothing moved.

  “It’s all right. It’s just me.”

  Ruth flinched but managed to contain her reaction to just that small movement when Marshal Blake stepped out of the darkness. Blake seemed like a different person than the last time Ruth saw her. She was dressed in dark jeans, sneakers and a dark button-down shirt. A brown leather bomber jacket helped her blend into her surroundings. Ruth felt a sense of irritation wash over her and didn’t attempt to hide her scowl.

  “Oh no, what are you doing here?”

  “Can’t a person take a walk?”

  “Sure and I really believe that. You just happened to take a walk in my neighborhood at night and hide in the bushes near my house. I didn’t even see your car.”

  “Who said I was hiding?” Marshal Blake stepped under the glow from the overhead light. Her drawl seemed more pronounced than the last time they’d seen each other. “Actually, I climbed over the fence.”

  Ruth shook her head. “You’re truly unbelievable. Whatever, I’m not going to argue with you. What do you want, Agent Blake?”

  “That’s Marshal Blake. My friends call me Emma.”

  “Well, since I’m not your friend I don’t have to worry about that. Can we cut to the chase please?”

  Blake glanced around uncomfortably. “Do you mind if we go inside to talk?”

  Ruth almost told her to go to hell. She wasn’t keen on the idea of letting Blake into her home. On the other hand, the sooner they got this over with the sooner Blake would leave. Ruth nodded and headed up the steps. She led the way into the house.

  “You left the front door unlocked?”

  Blake sounded surprised and Ruth watched her carefully bolt the door behind them. She thought it was a bit paranoid, but dutifully led the way into the sitting room. Ruth chose the sofa and indicated that Marshal Blake should take the chair adjacent.

  “So what’s going on? I told you I didn’t want protection.”

  “True,” Marshal Blake allowed, “but that doesn’t mean I stop doing my job. I’m still investigating a crime.”

  “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought federal agents had to be invited by local law enforcement before they could conduct investigations in their jurisdiction.”

  “You’re thinking of the FBI and you watch too much television. I am a federal marshal. I conduct investigations wherever they are warranted.”

  Ruth was far too tired to argue semantics. The truth was that she didn’t know the scope of a marshal’s duties, nor did she care. “You’ve got me there. If you’re not here to protect me, why are you skulking around my home?”

  “I’m just covering my bases. You may not believe the Carlotti family is after you, but I do. I’d be remiss if I didn’t ensure your safety, whether you want it or not.”

  Ruth didn’t buy her explanation. They’d been over this ground before. “Mission accomplished, Marshal. You can leave.”

  “Why don’t you call me Emma?”

  “Why don’t you tell me what you really want?”

  Marshal Blake smiled, her teeth startling white against her deep tan. The intensity of the tingling in her stomach surprised Ruth, but Blake didn’t seem to notice. “You don’t give an inch, do you?”

  Ruth ignored the question. “Since you’re here, Emma, will you tell me something?”

  “Shoot.”

  “If you know so much about the Carlottis, why don’t you just arrest them?”

  “It’s called proof. In this country, it’s required before we can take a person into custody. We’re doing everything we can. Remem
ber, we have someone who can testify against Franco Carlotti if we can keep him safe long enough.”

  “I remember,” Ruth asserted. “I also remember that your witness is a cold-blooded killer who is getting off scot-free in exchange for his information. It doesn’t seem fair.”

  “No one said the world was fair.”

  Emma’s hand rested on the chair arm. Her fingertips stroked the fabric, drawing Ruth’s attention. The contact resonated within Ruth, seeming sensual. A tremor passed through her and she attempted to focus on the discussion.

  “No, the world isn’t fair, but this isn’t Chicago or the 1920s, and this guy isn’t Al Capone. He isn’t untouchable.”

  “Like I said, Miss Gallagher, too much television. Keep in mind that Capone was sent to prison for tax evasion. Sometimes all it takes is a small stone to topple the giant.”

  “It’s Ruth, remember? Do you think I’m that stone? Is that why you’re really here?”

  Emma stood unexpectedly and moved over beside Ruth on the sofa. She was close enough that Ruth could feel the heat of her skin. Belatedly, Ruth realized the blue of her shirt matched the shade of Emma’s eyes. Although she sat closely, Ruth couldn’t say that Emma had crossed over any professional boundaries. Despite that fact, the temperature in the room seemed to have increased substantially.

  “I’m not sure about that. Maybe I just wanted to find out more about you.”

  “Personally or professionally?” Ruth swallowed hard, unsure if she wanted to hear the answer.

  “Personally.”

  Ruth scooted a few inches away from Emma. “Um, no offense, but I’m seeing someone.”

  “The woman from the hospital?”

  “Yes, Jordan.” Ruth wondered why she was having such trouble speaking in complete sentences.

  “I don’t see a ring on your finger. Is it serious?”

  Ruth frowned. She didn’t really know. She’d had one night with Jordan. That wasn’t exactly a recipe for a committed relationship. Ruth realized that Emma had taken her silence for an admission of sorts. Emma leaned forward and kissed her softly. Ruth inhaled the musky scent of Emma’s perfume, unable to move away.

  Because she didn’t push, Ruth relaxed into the caress. Emma simply pressed against her lips for a few seconds before withdrawing. It took a moment before Ruth realized she couldn’t allow this. With her luck, this was all a ruse. Marshal Blake was just trying to get her to lower her guard so Ruth would allow her to hang around. Ruth had refused official protection so this was probably another way for Emma to get what she wanted. It was a waste of time and Ruth refused to be a pawn.

  She stood abruptly. “I think you should go now.”

  “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. I’ll admit that my kisses don’t usually have that effect.”

  Ruth ignored the attempt at levity and crossed her arms. “Please leave.”

  Emma nodded and headed for the door with Ruth close behind. She stopped partially through the door and turned back. “I know you think my theory is half-baked, but lock the door anyway. Okay?”

  As suspicious as she was of Blake’s motives, Ruth still felt warmed by her concern. Torn by an unexpected attraction and hurt over being used, Ruth couldn’t answer. Instead, she nodded. She locked the door after Emma left and followed through by checking that all doors and windows inside the house were secure. She tried not to think anything more about Emma Blake and headed upstairs.

  Ruth suddenly decided she’d had enough of staying indoors. Four days of isolation was enough and she needed to get on with her life. She couldn’t dwell on what had happened. Ruth thought that if she remained inside any longer she might as well settle for life as a hermit surrounded by six cats. With the image of Ruth the crazy cat lady in her head, she showered and prepared for bed. It wasn’t until she slid beneath the sheets that Ruth realized she hadn’t heard from Jordan at all today. Maybe Jordan had concluded Ruth was no longer interested.

  Tomorrow, she would remedy that situation. Ruth would go to the country club first thing and play eighteen holes of golf. She needed to prepare for the tournament scheduled later in the year, but after that she would call Jordan. Perhaps she could talk her into coming over for an intimate dinner for two. Ruth fell asleep in the middle of her mental preparations, barely stirring when the ground vibrated in a typical California tremor.

  Chapter Twelve

  RUTH FINISHED THE eighteenth hole with a birdie. She felt delighted with her performance today. All holes except one, she had completed under par. Not too bad considering she’d spent more time lately in the hospital rather than on the golf course. Ruth knocked the head of her putter against the bottom of her shoe before returning it to the bag. The gesture didn’t really have a purpose. It was just a habit, something she’d picked up from her father when he taught her the game.

  After putting the club away, Ruth hefted the golf bag off the ground and started toward the cart. She felt particularly rested and healthy today. Even the extra weight of the clubs wasn’t enough to bother her leg. Ruth stowed the clubs in the rear of the golf cart and then climbed behind the wheel. She took a moment to look around and appreciate the day. It felt like an eternity since she’d done something so simple as enjoying the moment. Several of the country club patrons she saw wore golf outfits as loud as her own.

  Ruth smirked and looked down at her green and yellow striped calf-high socks. They didn’t exactly go with her knee-length blue shorts. She laughed and popped the brake on the golf cart. Ruth wiped her sweaty brow with a handkerchief with one hand while she steered toward the clubhouse with the other.

  The front exterior of the club boasted a bank of darkened windows. The reflective surfaces winked at her in the bright sunshine. They called to her like a siren’s song, luring Ruth into the air conditioned interior. After a couple of hours on the golf course, a cool drink at the bar sounded nice. Out of habit caused by lingering paranoia, Ruth scanned the parking lot and the area immediately adjacent to the building.

  Since it was the middle of a workday, there were few cars in the parking lot. A few men wore suits and ties and Ruth figured they were businessmen trying to squeeze in a few holes on their lunch hour. No one stood out. There weren’t any signs of murderous chauffeurs or mafia hit men. Ruth tried to find humor in the thought but she just couldn’t. Worse yet, her dreams of that terrible day on the cliff had intensified lately. Suddenly, Ruth’s mood shifted and she felt exhausted from the lack of quality sleep. Now, the sun seemed scorching hot instead of gently caressing. A car backfired somewhere and Ruth flinched, tense with apprehension.

  “Maybe I’ll have more than one.”

  She had never been much of a drinker, but she thought that with enough alcohol she might actually sleep through the night. A full eight hour sleep without nightmares sounded like heaven.

  Ruth had just parked in front of the club and shut off the cart when her cell phone rang. She smiled when she saw the caller display. She leaned back against the seat and willed the unpleasant thoughts away while she answered the phone.

  “Hey you. I thought you were busy saving lives.”

  “Oh, I am,” Jordan responded. She sounded happy and full of energy. “Fortunately, my rotation in the emergency room is pretty quiet so far. I thought I’d check in with my favorite person. Is this a good time?”

  “Your timing is impeccable. I just finished the course and was about to stop by the club for something cold. I’m glad you called.”

  “Happy enough to have dinner with me tonight?” Ruth hesitated only a second, but apparently it was enough to concern Jordan. “We can just order in at my apartment. Maybe watch a movie? I know you’re not much for crowds these days.”

  “I’m not sure, Jordan. It’s not that I don’t want to see you. I’m just so busy what with taking care of the insurance stuff on the car and trying to get back into a routine with playing golf.”

  There was a long pause before Jordan asked, “Ruth, are you avoiding me?”


  Ruth took a deep breath and made a decision. It was time for the truth. “Maybe a little. It’s just that...seeing you reminds me of what happened on Ghost Island. I know it shouldn’t and you saved my life and everything, but there it is.”

  “I understand.” Ruth could hear the hesitation in Jordan’s voice and her heart went out to her. “What do you think about making some new memories? If we see each other here, in L.A., maybe you won’t think about what happened.”

  Despite her trepidation, Ruth chuckled. Jordan was nothing if not persistent. She also had a point. Ruth certainly wasn’t going to get over her experience on the island unless she deliberately pushed her way past it. The way her heart raced when she heard Jordan’s voice encouraged her to at least try.

  “Okay, you have a point. I would love to see you tonight.”

  The conversation went on for only a few more minutes. When she ended the call, Ruth felt more positive than she had before speaking with Jordan. The fact that Jordan could have such a profound influence on her emotions spoke volumes. Initially, she had rushed to reassure Jordan that she wanted to see her out of a misguided attempt to prevent hurting her feelings. Now, Ruth realized she’d meant every word. She had spent quite enough time alone lately and dwelling on the reality of Henry’s perfidy wasn’t an emotionally sound decision. It was time to face the facts and move on with her life. Ruth couldn’t be responsible for Henry’s actions, but she could focus on the good things and Jordan figured prominently in that decision.

  With her mind made up, Ruth reversed the golf cart and then drove it over to the club’s storage lot. She parked the vehicle and went inside the country club only long enough to drop off the keys. It was early afternoon and barring some type of emergency, Jordan would leave the hospital somewhere around five. They had agreed Ruth would arrive at Jordan’s apartment around six. She intended to spend the rest of her afternoon getting ready for their date. Ruth smiled, thinking she might even pack an overnight bag...just in case.