by W L Knightly
He pulled into the Rockford, hoping that Kyle was still living there, and with Michael in town, the chances were he’d run into both men. He was prepared for it, but Jo took a deep breath as she took off her seatbelt.
“My father is in there, you know?”
“Yes, I know. I’m not worried about him. You forget, Jo. I dealt with them a long time ago.”
“I know.” She opened her car door and got out, and Jake met her around the front. “Let’s do this.”
They went inside and got Kyle’s room number without seeing either man, and Jake wondered what had happened to Missy. After leaving her job, he had a feeling she had left town, and he couldn’t blame her. He held the elevator door as Jo stepped on, and then he joined her.
After a quiet ascent, they stepped out, and Jake could see Senator Young pounding on a door down the hall.
The senator looked up and saw them, doing a doubletake, then seeming to slump a little with disappointment. “What are you two doing here? You should be out there trying to get the killer.”
“We’re talking with known felons in the area to see if anyone knows anything. Your son is on our list, and since he’s in town, fair game and all, we thought we’d pay him a visit.” Jake wasn’t going to make apologies to the man who couldn’t do a damned thing to stop them from getting to his son.
Just then, the door opened. Kyle stood there looking wide eyed and glassy. His smile grew wider as he looked at each one of them. “Wow, this is a surprise. I’m not sure if this is an intervention or a family reunion.”
“These detectives just wanted to speak with you, and I was already here. Why didn’t you answer the door? I’ve knocked for the past five minutes.”
“I was in the little boy’s room. Now, let it go, or I’ll have to say unpleasant things in front of my little sister.”
“She’s your big sister,” said Michael. “And she’s here on official business.”
“Official police business,” she said. “I’m sure you’re already aware of the danger you’re in. And you, Father. There has been another murder. We’re not sure that our man is the culprit, and that’s why we wanted to ask you a few questions.”
Kyle looked Jo up and down. “You can ask me anything you want, sis. You know, I’m sure glad we met. I mean, how awkward would it be if we had slept together?”
“Kyle!” snapped their father. “This is serious. Could you please stop acting like a total fuckup?”
Kyle chuckled. “The old man doesn’t want you to know what a shitty job he did raising me. You might realize how lucky you are. It’s okay, Dad. It’s time she learns the truth and sees the real family portrait.” He walked inside and waved them in behind him. Then he beelined to the small fridge and took out a beer. “You guys want a drink?”
Jo sighed. “You know we’re on duty. I’d like to get to the questions if you don’t mind.”
Jake was busy looking at the man’s bruises and the peculiar busted lip. “Did you get in a scuffle recently?”
“A few days ago, yes.”
“What’s the meaning of this?” asked Michael, stepping in. “You’re not here to accuse my son, are you? Because I talked to Jo about that crime, and it just so happens that my son was attacked the day that occurred. So, if you’re trying to pin another crime on him, then don’t bother. It didn’t work last time, and it won’t work this time.”
“We already know about Kyle’s past, Father, so let’s not sit and pretend that we don’t.” She turned toward her brother. “Why haven’t you filled out a police report?”
“I realize you’re new to this, sis, but when your father’s a Senator and you get into trouble, you don’t go plastering it all over the news by filing a police report, especially if it could be dealt with without doctors being involved.”
“What happened?” she asked.
“I went to see an old friend and was attacked. I had no idea he lived in the shittiest part of town.”
“What part of town?” asked Jake. Something about this was ringing his bell.
“Trade Street.”
Jake perked up at the mention of Trade, but it could be a coincidence that he’d heard a similar story recently.
“I know I’m probably shooting myself in the foot, but I was bored, and I went out to score some weed. I didn’t have any luck. Obviously. They beat the shit out of me, but thankfully, I survived.”
Jake wished they’d beaten him to death. He still would have had it much better than he deserved. And as for Michael, it was just like him to defend his monster of a son. It wasn’t like he hadn’t done it a million times before.
Jake began to wonder if there had been an attack at all, but then, he would have to mention this to Dannie. The account of her friend’s attack was too similar.
Jo didn’t seem convinced either. She crossed her arms in front of her and looked down her nose at her brother, who she seemed to despise. “This seems a little extreme over a drug buy. Those happen all the time, and no one is nearly beaten to a pulp.”
He shrugged. “I got a little mouthy. I guess they just wanted to show me who was boss.”
“I guess,” said Jo. “An anonymous report might help keep that from happening to anyone else. Why didn’t you at least try to go that route? It’s not like our father hasn’t been able to cover up much worse. You and I both know he has. Hell, I can’t find half of the history I need because of him.” She glanced at her father like she was throwing daggers.
“I know I sound just horrible,” Kyle said. “But I didn’t really care about that. I’ve been busy healing. As you can see.” He gestured to his face and licked his busted lip.
“Are we done here?” asked Michael. “He’s obviously been through enough. And I’ve got business of my own with him. So, if you could please excuse us?”
Jake didn’t appreciate being asked to leave, but it was expected that they’d want that from him. Jo, on the other hand? She didn’t like it one bit.
“And you wonder why I haven’t warmed up to you?” She gave him a cold stare and then turned toward the door.
“It was good to see you, sister. Maybe we’ll see each other again soon.”
“I wouldn’t count on it, unless it’s me hauling your ass in.”
“Conflict of interest.” He shrugged. Then he gave his father a teasing grin, but his father didn’t look like he was playing along.
“Not for me,” said Jake, who wasn’t in the mood for his shit. “Keep your nose clean.” He wiped his own, hoping the asshole realized he knew he was coked up. There was enough dust on his coffee table to show what he’d been up to, and Jake knew what the crazed look in his eyes was from. Kyle was a predictable type.
He followed Jo out, and it took him a quicker pace to keep up with her as they headed to the elevator.
“He’s disgusting,” she said. “I don’t know why I expected more from either of them. My mother was right to leave that loser in the dust. And to think, I used to wish he was part of my life. Jesus, I dodged a bullet with that animal. I swear, I hope I never hear from either of them again. They make me ashamed of who I am; that I could ever be anything like them or a part of them in any way.”
The elevator door opened, and they walked on, Jake wishing he could have protected her from the two of them. “They don’t deserve to be in your life, you know?”
“I know.”
“It might be a bad time to bring it up, but I recalled something when he mentioned being attacked. Dannie, of all people, was talking about a friend of hers who had been attacked on Trade Street.”
“Really? I’m sure she doesn’t know Kyle. That would be too big of a coincidence.”
“You’re probably right, but I thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to ask her about it. She might have run into him while he was in town. God knows she finds her way with men.”
Jo let out a breath. “Well, then ask her. But the last thing I want to do right now is talk about Dannie. Now get me out of here.”
&nbs
p; Jake could tell it was time to drop the Dannie issue. He would have to make a point to ask her himself.
When the elevator stopped, they walked through the lobby and headed out to the car. Jake kept up with her, even though she walked as fast as her heels would take her, which was impressively fast.
“Come on,” he said. “Don’t be in a bad mood all day. I’ll have to go back in there and arrest them for upsetting a police officer.”
“Too bad that’s not a crime. I would love it if it were.” She punched her fist. “I wish I could have been the one to bust his stupid lip.”
Jake opened her car door for her and waited until she sat down before he shut it. Then he hopped in on the other side. “Come on. Let’s get back to the office and see what Sam’s come up with.”
He wouldn’t mention her brother again, but he made a mental note to talk to Dannie about her friend as soon as possible.
Chapter 12
Kyle
As soon as the door shut, Kyle’s father had stared him down. Five minutes later, he was still pacing the room, giving him the stink eye. “What were you doing before Stan showed up?”
“My new girlfriend,” said Kyle with a devilish grin. “You’d like her, Dad. She can do this thing with her Kegels. You’d love it. Milks me so good.” He closed his eyes like he could feel it right then.
Michael was across the room and in Kyle’s face before he could blink. “Is this a fucking joke to you? Is everything? All I’ve heard is lip, and if you don’t knock it off, you’re going to end up in prison.” His breath was warm on Kyle’s face.
“Are you really asking me as if I had anything to do with Bodin’s death? That’s what you’re getting at, isn’t it? I can tell by the look in your eyes that you think I did it. Well, I didn’t. I’ve already told you. But thanks again for another vote of confidence.”
Michael sneered. “As if you’ve earned it. You know, yourself, that you haven’t an ounce of trust from me. So, once more, I’ll ask you, Kyle. Did you have anything to do with Tate Bodin’s murder?”
“No. I didn’t.” His stare was so hard, he could have bored a hole through his father. “Don’t ask me again.”
“Well, the only thing saving your ass if you did is the fact that you had that girl here. Please tell me others saw you come in together.”
“I don’t know what others saw. But we were here. Right there on the bed for hours. She was barely in the elevator when they barged in. I was surprised she didn’t see them.”
“You may want to tell her what’s going on so you can get your alibi solid.”
“Relax, for fuck’s sake, Dad. I’m not going to prison.” He didn’t see why his old man couldn’t leave well enough alone.
He glanced down at his phone, which was on the coffee table, and realized the time. He would have to get to the golf course before too long, or else it would look like he’d stopped coming around as soon as Bodin died. He didn’t need the ditsy blonde telling tales about him.
But first, he needed to get rid of his father. “Did you need anything else, Dad? Want to bother me about going home yet?”
Michael sighed. “Have you changed your mind?”
Kyle gave him a deadpan look. “Nope.”
“Come on. You see they’re still onto you here after all these years. What do you want to stick around for?”
He still wanted to stay for Kendra, but for a different reason than before. He wasn’t going to be with her, and that had become painfully obvious. He didn’t feel he needed to explain further. “Are you done? I’d like to be alone.”
“So you could get high some more? Did you see Thomas? He knew you were wired, and this doesn’t help.” He pointed to the table. “Clean yourself up, say your goodbyes, and then we’re leaving.”
“Bye.” Kyle waved and walked to the door. “See you later, old man.”
Michael walked to the door but stopped to lean against the jamb. “You are going to have to get serious one day, son. Like it or not, it’s time to grow up. I’ve saved you from everyone, but I can’t save you from yourself anymore.”
“Bye, Dad.” He had nothing more to say. The old man was always going to have higher expectations for him, and that was because of his bitch sister. His father finally stepped out into the hall to leave, and Kyle was able to shut the door. He waited while he left, gathering his shoes and putting them back on before stepping in front of the mirror to rake his hand through his hair. Good enough.
He wasn’t going to enter a beauty contest. He had killing to plot. He opened the door to his room and glanced down the hall, and when he saw it was clear, he walked to the elevator.
After making his way down, avoiding his father who was down in the lobby bar, making a fool of himself with Rowan, he slipped out to his car and drove out to the golf course. Once he arrived, he checked for any cops, parked in his usual place, and then walked up to the patio.
The blonde was there as usual. When he arrived, she walked out from behind her bar and went to his table. “You’re back.”
“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” He looked up at her, and her eyes widened.
“Wow, what happened to you?”
“I was out of town for a few days, and I got mugged. No biggie. You should see the other guy.” He gave her a wink and then reached into his pocket. “Will you get me a Long Island iced tea?” He flashed his ID. “I don’t usually drink, but it’s been a long week.”
“I can see that.” She winced. “Coming right up.” She scampered away to the bar, and he got up to follow her.
“So, did I miss anything?” he asked with a goofy grin as he read her nametag. He hadn’t bothered to care before, not that he cared much now. “Alice, I’m sure you’re bored out of your mind staying here all alone. Hope you don’t mind my company.”
“Not at all.” She had eyed him once before, back when he thought there was a chance with Kendra. But now that he knew there wasn’t, he might be tempted to take her to the back and pound out a little frustration. “When does this place pick up?”
“Everyone is on the course at this time. You should come by later. The bar is usually more fun at night.”
“Yeah, I just started coming here for research, remember? Maybe I’ll have to check it out. Is it always this dull here during the day? What’s morning like?”
“You should come during the senior’s bingo and the Women’s Club luncheon once a month. Fun times. You might actually have too much fun.”
He made a face. “No, thanks.”
She passed him his drink and then leaned on the bar, showing him all of her cleavage. “You know, you did miss a lot of action. Actually, you might know him.”
Kyle did his best to look concerned, but he wasn’t sure if it was coming across or not. “Know who? What happened?”
“The man you talked to. Judge Bodin. Remember him?”
Kyle paused a moment, but then he nodded. “Oh, that’s the one I teased you about. What happened? Don’t tell me you and him hit it off, after all?”
“No.” She made a face. “But he’s dead. Someone killed him. The cops have been around asking questions, and they are trying to figure out who did it. They talked to Timothy, his caddie.”
“Wow, that’s some serious shit.” Kyle shook his head. “What a shame.”
“Yeah, isn’t it sad? I don’t know how anyone can kill an innocent man like that. But do you want to know the real dirt? What I heard?”
He couldn’t wait. He leaned in close to her like he hung on her every word. “Tell me.”
“That Timothy, his caddie? He was also his lover. So he really was gay. Apparently, they have been hooking up for weeks. The cops questioned him.”
“Do they think he did it?”
“They didn’t arrest him. So, I guess not. Whatever he had to say was probably very convincing.” She moved away after giving him a flirty smile.
“Who was it that came to speak with him? A uniformed officer?”
She shook her head a
s she wiped the bar. “No, this was two detectives. A man and a woman.”
About that time, Timothy walked out onto the patio.
“I think he’s back to trolling,” said Alice. “He sure didn’t wait long for someone who was pouring his heart out and telling me about his love for the judge.”
“He told you all of that?”
“Yeah, he’s been heartbroken. I guess not heartbroken enough.” They both looked over at him, and Kyle smiled inside, wondering if the police were just as easy to convince as Alice.
Chapter 13
Jake
As Jake sat in his recliner sipping beer and looking over a few notes he’d made about the case, he dropped the stack of papers on the floor. “Son of a bitch,” he said, putting his footstool down.
He got up to gather the papers and found one had made its way under the glass-top coffee table.
When Jake reached to get it, he saw a few tacks that he’d taken out of the wall sitting in a bowl on top of the table. He gathered the papers and stacked them together. Then he got to his feet and looked at the blank wall near the window. He hadn’t gone all out to decorate his house, so there were more blank walls than not, and he walked over and pinned the pages to the wall.
He stepped back and looked at the wall, knowing if Jo caught him tacking up evidence to create an investigation board, she’d never let him hear the end of it.
All of a sudden, as if Jo had caught him in the act, the phone rang with her number on the screen. “Hey,” he said, jerking the page from the wall, leaving the tack in place. “What’s going on?”
“Are you okay?” she asked. “You sound like you ran to the phone.”
“I did,” he teased. “Sprinted the whole way.” He chuckled. “I’m glad to hear from you. I was worried after today. What a mess. How’s it going?”
“Good, I’ve recovered from earlier, and yes, it was a terrible mess. I’m sorry I let my emotions get the best of me. I wasn’t good company the rest of the day, was I?”