Scene of the Crime

by M. J. Williamz

  “Come on in. You’re just in time.” Cullen kissed her on the cheek and took her hand. Julia pulled away and started for the kitchen.

  “I’m going to get myself a glass of wine. You want a beer?”

  “No, thanks, I’m good.”

  “Okay. Now get situated and I’ll be right there.”

  True to her word, Julia was by her side in no time. Cullen draped an arm over her shoulders and tried to play it cool. It would be their first Duck game together and, while she would try her best to maintain composure, she was sure her intensity would freak Julia out.

  She bounced in her seat when a good play was made and threw her head back when the Ducks made a mistake. She was so caught up in the game she barely heard Julia laughing. Cullen tore her gaze away from the screen to cast a sidelong look at her.

  “What? What’s so funny?”

  “You. You’re trying so hard not to yell and scream at the TV. It’s amusing, but unnecessary. I don’t mind it if you get into the game.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to scare you off.”

  “You won’t. I’m not going anywhere.”

  The game ended several hours later with the Ducks trouncing their opponent and Cullen was in a great mood. She kissed Julia, who kissed her back with such fervor that Cullen almost lost her head. She broke the kiss just before her stomach growled.

  “Oh, shit,” she said. “Dinner. You up for a steak?”

  “Sounds delicious.”

  “I think I’ll grill.”

  “Seriously?” Julia said. “It’s still in the thirties out there.”

  “So bundle up. Come on out with me. You can tell me about your day.”

  They stood shivering as Cullen manned the grill.

  “You really want to know how my day went?”

  “I do.”

  “It was long. To start with, the drive in was the drive from hell on the icy roads.”

  “Oh, I’m sure. I’m glad you were careful.”

  “Of course. And then I set up meetings with several of the people on Sara’s list.”

  “How’d that go over?”

  “Like a fart in Sunday school. You can just imagine how thrilled people were to know they were linked to a murder suspect.”

  “I bet. I don’t envy you, Julia. You have a hard, thankless job.”

  “I appreciate that, I really do.”

  They went inside and ate their dinner. They were doing the dishes when Cullen felt a buzz in her pocket and took out her phone.

  “I just got a text from Sara.”

  “What’s it say?”

  Cullen set her phone on the counter so they could both read it and formulate a reply if Julia deemed one needed.

  I heard about the snow. Are you okay?

  I’m fine. Stayed in today to avoid the icy roads.

  “Nice answer,” Julia said. “Keep texting. Draw her out. Make her comfortable.”

  “She’s not going to tell me where she is.”

  “You never know. Is this the same number as yesterday?”

  “No. It’s a different one.”

  “She must be using burner cell phones. Shit.”

  That was smart. I worry.

  You don’t need to worry. I’m doing okay. Is it still sunny where you are?

  Yes. Please don’t ask where I am. I won’t tell you.

  I understand.

  “I can’t think of anything else to say.”

  “That’s okay. She’ll probably disappear now.”

  “Yeah, probably.”

  But Sara texted again.

  You know they’ll never find me, right?

  I believe you.

  But if they did, would you come visit me?

  “How the hell am I supposed to answer that?” Cullen asked.

  “Feed her ego.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  “I’m dead serious.”

  Of course. I’d give anything to see you again.

  She cocked an eyebrow at Julia before she hit send. Julia nodded, so Cullen sent it.

  Oh, Cullen. I’m sorry things ended the way they did. But they had to. You understand?

  Did you kill that woman?

  Julia reached for Cullen’s hand, but she’d already hit send.

  “Cullen! I don’t want you to scare her off.”

  “I’m sorry. Not really. I just want to know what she has to say for herself.”

  Of course not! I didn’t kill anybody. How can you even ask such a thing?

  Well, you left in quite a hurry. I can’t help but wonder what you’re running from.

  That bitch of a detective would have framed me. I can’t go to prison, Cullen.

  Cullen looked at Julia.

  “Now can I tell her to fuck off?”

  Julia smiled.

  “No way, Jose. It’s just getting good.”

  “You’re actually entertained by this, aren’t you?”

  “She’s cocky. She thinks she’s invincible. That’s when they slip up. It’s just a matter of time now.”

  No. I can’t see you in prison

  So I’ll stay free, okay? And I’ll be in touch. Good night, Cullen, and congrats on the win.

  Thanks. Good night.

  Cullen shoved her phone in her pocket.

  “Shit. I hate talking to her.”

  “I know, babe, but it’s important.”

  Cullen didn’t miss the term of endearment.

  “Babe?” she said.

  “It just kind of slipped out. I hope it’s okay.”

  “It’s more than okay, Julia. It’s wonderful.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Monday morning dawned too soon for Julia. She turned off her alarm and snuggled closer to Cullen, who was warm and soft in all the right places. The urge to play hooky crept into Julia’s mind and she closed her eyes before remembering she had a day of interviews ahead of her.

  “Just five more minutes,” Cullen murmured against her neck.

  “I wish. You take five more minutes. I’ll go hop in the shower.”

  Suddenly, Cullen was wide-awake.

  “I’ll join you.”

  “A for effort, loverboi. You rest. I’ll wake you when I get out.”

  She grabbed her clothes for the day and took her shower. When she was dressed, she walked into the bedroom to wake Cullen up, but Cullen wasn’t there. Julia took her shoulder holster from the nightstand and put it on. She turned to go find Cullen and ran right in to her.

  “Careful.” Cullen struggled not to spill the coffee she was carrying. “Here, I thought you might need this.”

  “Thank you. You’re the best.”

  Julia kissed Cullen lightly, but Cullen used her free hand to pull her close and kissed her harder. Julia’s knees went weak at the intensity of the kiss, and she pulled away eventually, disappointed that work called. She placed her hand on Cullen’s chest.

  “You hold that thought. I’ve got to go.”

  “Okay, you be careful out there.”

  “Always.”

  Julia arrived at the station at seven thirty on the dot and logged on to her computer. She checked her schedule. Her day was booked with interviews but didn’t start until ten. She entered all the information into her phone then went to talk to the team she’d assigned to Sara’s house.

  “Since I didn’t hear from you guys again, I take it the weekend was fairly nonproductive?” She helped herself to a cup of their coffee. Keurig mint chocolate chip. Much better than what she usually drank at work.

  “Nothing new to report. We’re still watching the house around the clock, but there’s been no more activity. We’ve searched every inch of that house and there’s nothing, absolutely nothing, that might indicate where she might have gone.”

  Julia sighed.

  “Well, that sucks, but good job tearing the place apart. I appreciate it. You guys can call off the twenty-four/seven guard duty there. I don’t think she’s coming back at this point. Any word y
et on her car? Anybody report anything on that front?”

  “No, ma’am, she must have changed plates.”

  “She must have, but with whom and where? She had to have done it before she left town, right? And no news from railroads, airports, or buses?”

  “Not a word.”

  “She’s a smart one, for a common criminal. Okay, I’m going to help myself to another cup of your coffee then head back to my desk. Thanks for the report.”

  How could Sara have simply slipped away? It was damned near impossible to just disappear nowadays. What with social media and the internet and modern technology. She must have missed something, but what?

  All she knew was that Sara was someplace warm. At least that’s what she’d told Cullen. It could have been a lie though. Dishonesty came so naturally to her. She sat at her desk and worked on paperwork until it was time to leave.

  She gave herself twenty minutes to get up to the South Hills, but it only took ten, so she sat in her car for ten minutes, chomping at the bit, ready to get started. She had no information on Molly at all except that she was presumably a client of Sara’s. But how good of a client was she? Did she buy for personal use or did Sara use her as a middleman? Since she was first on the list, Julia assumed Molly was at least somewhat of a dealer as well.

  At precisely ten o’clock, she rang the doorbell. Dead silence. She didn’t hear a dog barking, people moving around, nothing, so she rang again. This time someone answered the door. Molly was a forty-something housewife dressed in navy slacks and a fluffy pink sweater. Her brown hair was perfectly coiffed, but the pupils in her brown eyes were dilated. Was she coked up? Julia wouldn’t have been surprised. Of course, it could have simply been the stress of meeting with a detective. A detective who wouldn’t give any information prior to the meeting.

  “Detective Stansworth,” Molly said. “Won’t you come in?”

  “Thank you.”

  “Can I get you something to drink? A cup of coffee, something stronger?”

  At ten in the morning? Oh, wow.

  “No, thank you, I’m fine. Why don’t we sit down?”

  “Oh, certainly. You know, Detective, I think there must be some sort of mistake. I’m really not the kind of woman who associates with murderers.”

  Julia smiled reassuringly.

  “I’m sure you’re not. Do me a favor, though. Please look at this picture and tell me if you recognize this person.”

  She handed over a picture of Sara talking to Montague with Montague cropped out. Julia watched Molly closely. She saw a spark of recognition flash in her eyes before she regained her composure.

  “I don’t know who that is. And is she, the woman, a murderer?”

  “We believe so. We believe she’s killed at least twice. Anything you can tell us would help.”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know her.”

  “Look, Molly, I know you know her, so you can stop insulting my intelligence.”

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Your name was found on a list in her house. She was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute while she was in your neighborhood. Any rookie cop could put two and two together. And I’m not a rookie cop.”

  Molly looked like the proverbial deer in the headlights.

  “I swear. I don’t know her.”

  “Save it. I could get a warrant and search your house because, based on her list, I have reason to believe she sold you coke to sell, not just to use. Or we can be civil and you can tell me everything you can.”

  A tear leaked out of Molly’s eye. Nice touch, but it didn’t work. Julia wasn’t about to soften up. She simply leveled an even gaze at Molly.

  “What do you want to know?”

  “What can you tell me?”

  “Yes, she was an acquaintance of mine.”

  Julia arched an eyebrow.

  “Acquaintance? She was your coke dealer.”

  “Okay, so I used to indulge, but I don’t anymore.”

  “This isn’t about your habits. This is about finding a missing woman.”

  “She’s missing?”

  “She ran after we arrested her for murder.”

  “Sara wouldn’t hurt a fly. I’m sure you’re wrong about her murdering someone.”

  “Two someones.”

  Molly covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head.

  “No. I’m sorry, Detective. You’re looking for the wrong woman.”

  “You’re entitled to your delusions. Did she ever mention running away to you?”

  “No. I mean, she used to talk about moving to somewhere warm where there were a lot of lesbians. But never seriously and certainly not after she started dating that woman.”

  Julia’s skin crawled. She hated to think about Sara and Cullen. She hated it even more when some random stranger brought it up.

  “Right. So warmer climate and lots of lesbians. I guess that gives me something to go on.”

  “Is she really gone?” Molly said.

  “I’m afraid so.” Julia stood and handed her card to Molly. “If you think of anything else, anything at all, don’t hesitate to call. Who knows? You may be the one who can prove her innocence.”

  “Oh, I’d like that.”

  “I’m sure you would. Enjoy your day, Molly. I’ll see myself out.”

  The rest of her interviews went about the same, with no one really knowing Sara well enough to help. Molly had been the biggest help. Now Julia just needed to figure out what warm cities were known for their lesbian populations, but she had no idea where to even start.

  She shot Cullen a text at five saying she’d be late. She got there at seven, exhausted, but looking forward to spending some time together. She rang the doorbell and Cullen answered in her sweats.

  “Thanks for texting me. I would have been worried. Long day, huh?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  Cullen wrapped her arms around Julia and held her tight. She wanted to make her forget her day. After a couple of minutes, she pulled back and lowered her lips to taste Julia’s. Her lips, cold at first, quickly warmed up as she melted into Cullen.

  Heart thudding in her chest, Cullen slid her tongue in Julia’s mouth and their tongues frolicked together. Cullen ground against Julia, pressing into her and craving more contact. She was throbbing with desire and didn’t give a damn about waiting.

  Somewhere, through a fog, she felt Julia tapping on her shoulder. She broke the kiss and rested her forehead on Julia’s.

  “Damn, I kind of lost myself there.”

  “Yeah, you did.” Julia laughed nervously. “It was a great kiss and a wonderful welcome home, but we need to be careful.”

  “Maybe I’m tired of being careful.”

  “I know it’s not easy, babe. But it’s important that we’re sure this is right.”

  “I don’t think I can be more sure.”

  “Aw, Cullen, you’re so sweet.”

  Cullen took a deep breath and ran her fingers through her hair. Shaking, she took Julia by the hand and led her to the kitchen. She poured them each a glass of wine, but before she handed Julia hers, she took her by both hands and pulled her in for another kiss.

  By the time that one ended, Cullen was ready to rip Julia’s clothes off, but she didn’t. She was strong. She handed Julia her wine.

  “How was your day? Besides long?”

  “It was great. I mean really. I learned a lot about Sara and may have even gotten a lead on where she is.”

  “And just where might that be?” Cullen listened intently while she nibbled on Julia’s neck.

  “Hm? You make it hard to concentrate, Cullen Matthews.”

  Cullen straightened.

  “Fine, I’ll stop. Come on into the living room where we can relax.”

  Julia slipped off her shoes and curled next to Cullen on the couch. Cullen’s body was alive with need, every nerve ending Julia was pressed into sizzled with unspent desire.

  She was thinking about kissing he
r again when Julia sat up straight.

  “Did you and Sara ever talk about moving anywhere?”

  “You mean like in together? Julia, we were only together about six weeks.”

  “True. Did she ever mention maybe thinking about moving somewhere else? Even if in just a fantasy kind of way?”

  Cullen grew frustrated and fought to curb the anger at what she thought she was being accused of.

  “Julia, if I knew where she was…if I had any idea…I’d tell you. I wouldn’t keep any information from you, especially something that vital.”

  Julia rested her hand on Cullen’s thigh, and Cullen forced herself not to pull away.

  “I didn’t mean to imply that you would. I was just curious. I learned something today that could be important.”

  “And what might that be?” Cullen started to defrost slightly.

  “She wanted to move somewhere warm. Some place with a high population of lesbians.”

  “Is that right? Well, I guess that’s where she is now.”

  “Maybe,” Julia said. “Maybe. I wish she’d text you.”

  As if on cue, Cullen’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and stared at it.

  “Speak of the devil,” she said.

  “What does she have to say tonight?”

  Cullen showed her the phone.

  I miss you. I wish things hadn’t ended how they did.

  Well, at least I know now you had no intention of quitting coke.

  “Cullen!” Julia said. “Be nice.”

  “Shit. Okay, I’ll try again.”

  In response to Sara’s silence, Cullen sent another text.

  Are you seeing anyone?

  LOL I just moved.

  Still…

  No. I’m not. Are you?

  Cullen looked at Julia who shook her head.

  No. Me, neither.

  “Ask her if there are lots of lesbians there.”

  Is there a decent gay community there? Are there lots of lesbians?

  She looked at Julia who was beaming.

  A ton. It’s like paradise here. I tell you.

  That’s great. I’m happy for you.

  I’ve got to go. I’ll text you tomorrow.

  Good night, Sara.

  Good night.

  Julia patted Cullen’s arm.

  “You did good, babe. You did really good.”

  “You think she’ll ever tell us where she is?”