“Yeah? Thank you, but what for?”
“For all your hard work to arrest Sara.”
“Have you heard from her today?”
“Nope.”
“Maybe you should text her.”
Cullen hated that idea. She hated having any contact with Sara, but how could she let Julia know that? She knew Julia was only trying to do her job.
“I don’t know her number. I think she uses a different phone every time she texts. Besides, I really don’t like talking to her. In fact, it makes me sick.”
Julia laid her head on Cullen’s shoulder and placed her hand on her lap.
“I get that, babe, I really do. But we need to keep lines of communication open. We’re close to catching her. I know we are. We just need to hope she slips up and at least tells us where she is.”
“She’s not going to do that.”
“You don’t know that.”
“One thing I do know is that she’s a conniving bitch who only cares about herself. She’s not going to take any chances.”
“Wow, that’s a lot of hostility. Maybe we need to talk about your relationship more.”
“Why?” Cullen said.
“All that anger. Clearly, you feel betrayed. That’s natural, but I’m wondering if maybe you… I don’t know. That’s just a lot of anger toward someone you don’t care about.”
Cullen couldn’t believe her ears. She pulled away and turned to face Julia.
“Are you implying I still have feelings for her? Because let me assure you, the only feeling I have for her is disgust.”
“Please don’t be angry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I just want to make sure you’re ready to move on.”
“So you doubt me? What if I start to wonder if you’re only using me to find her?”
“You know that’s not true,” Julia said softly.
“Oh, do I?”
“Is this our first fight? Because I’m not enjoying it and I’m sorry I said anything.”
“No, I’m sorry. You have to be able to talk to me about anything. I shouldn’t have jumped down your throat.”
“So, we’re okay?”
Cullen scooted next to her again and wrapped her arm around her shoulders.
“We’re more than okay, Julia. Trust me.”
Julia wanted to believe Cullen. She knew Cullen had been burned a couple of times already and had trust issues, so Julia needed to tread lightly. But Cullen was so upset with Sara. And that made sense, but Julia still couldn’t help but wonder what other emotion lay underneath that anger.
She took a deep breath and decided to do her best to salvage their evening.
“Kiss me, Cullen?”
“Gladly.”
Julia watched Cullen’s eyes as her gaze shifted from Julia’s eyes to her lips. She looked down at Cullen’s lips, full and parted. Her heart raced as she readied herself for the onslaught of feelings that were about to wash over her.
Sure enough, Cullen moved her mouth over Julia’s and Julia’s whole body sizzled with electricity. Her hormones raged, and moisture pooled between her legs, but there was more than a simple carnal reaction.
Underneath everything was a contradictory sense of calm, of feeling like she was right where she needed to be. She felt like she’d finally come home. Like being with Cullen was where she belonged.
When she felt Cullen’s tongue dart into her mouth, she moaned. She longed to feel that tongue all over her body. Her breasts ached for her touch, and she throbbed in places long untouched.
Julia lost herself in the kiss, in the feeling of Cullen’s demands on her mouth. She wrapped her arms around her neck and pulled her closer. They continued to make out for a long time, and Julia felt a sense of emptiness when Cullen pulled away.
“That was some kiss,” she said when she finally found her voice.
“Indeed, I want another one.”
“You may have it.”
“No, not now.” Cullen pulled her slacks away from her crotch and repositioned herself on the couch. “If I kiss you again I don’t know that I’ll be able to stop.”
“Fair enough. Would you like another beer?”
“Sure, I’ll get them. I need to walk around for a bit.”
Julia was grateful she didn’t have to get up. She didn’t know if she could trust her legs. Her whole body still hummed, and she wondered how long she’d be able to stay strong.
Cullen was back and handed her a beer, then tossed her phone in Julia’s lap.
“What’s this?” Julia set her beer on the coffee table and picked up Cullen’s phone.
“A text from she who must not be named.”
Julia laughed.
“Very funny.” She picked up the phone and read it.
Just another day in paradise. How was your day?
“Damn, I wish she’d tell us where paradise was,” Julia said.
“I’ll ask. Why not?”
“You think she’ll tell you?”
“I don’t know.”
Paradise, huh? Where are you, Hawaii?
Not Hawaii. I wish! Maybe that’ll be my next move.
Why won’t you tell me where you are?
What if that nosy bitch searches your phone? I’m not about to let her know where I am.
Why would she search my phone? Do you think she’s still looking for you?
“You’re doing great, Cullen. I love it.”
“Thanks. As much as I want her to just go away, I really want to help you catch her.”
How should I know if she’s looking for me? You tell me.
How would I know?
For all I know, you’re dating the scumbag now.
“How can you read this without getting pissed?” Cullen asked.
“Why would I get pissed?”
“She’s not very nice about you.”
“No, but I couldn’t care less. I don’t need her to like me—obviously.”
“True.”
It’ll be a while before I date again. I’m not really into being burned.
I’m sorry it ended how it did, Cullen. We could have gone the distance.
“Could have gone the distance?” Cullen was incredulous. “She was dishonest with me from day one. How in the hell does she think we would have lasted?”
“Calm down, babe. Don’t let her get to you. Take a deep breath and respond to her.”
Maybe so. We’ll never know now, will we?
Unfortunately. Okay, I need to go. I’ll check in later. Take care and stay warm.
“Well, that was uninformative,” Cullen said.
“I don’t know. I’m thinking she might have helped us. She referred to where she lives as paradise so maybe she’s not in Hawaii, but maybe she’s in a tropical environment. I’ll call Ft. Lauderdale tomorrow. I’m leaning toward there.”
“I hope you’re right. I hope she’s there and they catch her.”
“Me, too. Now turn around.”
“What? Huh?”
“Turn your back to me so I can rub some of that tension out of your shoulders.”
She massaged Cullen’s tight muscles, reveling in touching her body. Even this kind of touch was heaven to Julia. She wanted to run her hands all over Cullen, to elicit moans of desire and screams of passion, but she had to be content with simply rubbing her shoulders for the time being.
“That feels amazing, baby. Thank you so much.”
“You really shouldn’t let her get to you.”
“I know. But I don’t like the way she talks about you and I don’t like the idea that she thinks I’d be happy to spend my life with a druggie who deals and kills people.”
“True, I get that. Now relax. You’re getting tense again.”
Cullen allowed Julia to ease her tension for a few more minutes before she turned around and kissed her again. Julia lay back on the couch and soon Cullen was lying on top of her. Julia instinctively wrapped her legs around Cullen’s waist, and Cullen proved to be the strong one as she p
ulled away and sat up.
“Don’t do that.” She smiled down at Julia. “I don’t know if I’ll be able to resist next time. I felt the heat radiating from your jeans and almost ripped them off you.”
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s okay, come on. It’s getting late. We should go to bed.”
“Is it safe? I mean, maybe we should wait a little bit. You know, cool off some.”
“We’ll be okay. Scout’s honor.”
Cullen looked so cute holding her hand up like a boy scout that she almost kissed her again. No, she could do this. If Cullen could resist her, she could resist Cullen. Or she’d die trying.
Chapter Nineteen
Julia left Cullen sleeping the next morning. She was excited about the possible new developments and couldn’t wait to get to the station. As soon as she arrived, she checked the time. It was six thirty, so it would be nine thirty in Ft. Lauderdale. She called police headquarters there.
“Ft. Lauderdale Police. This is Officer Roane. How may I help you?”
“Good morning, Officer. I’m Detective Julia Stansworth from the Portland Police Bureau in Portland, Oregon. I have reason to believe a wanted criminal is in Ft. Lauderdale. Who do I need to speak to?”
“Hold on one moment, Detective. I’ll transfer you to one of our detectives.”
Julia cooled her jets while she waited an eternity for someone to pick up.
“Detective Sumner,” the masculine voice on the other end finally said. “How may I help you?”
“Good morning, Detective. I’m looking for a woman in connection with a couple of murders here in Portland, Oregon, and I have reason to believe she’s in your city.”
“Is that right? Were you the one who sent over the information yesterday?”
“Yes. I sent that information to several cities, but information has come up leading me to believe she’s in Ft. Lauderdale.”
“We don’t like her type here. We have enough issues of our own without out-of-towners screwing around down here.”
“I’m sure,” Julia said. “I’m glad you got the information I sent over. We found her driver’s license here, so I’m convinced she has another ID. I wish I could tell you what name she’s going by, but I can’t. All I can do is please ask that you spread the word and keep your eyes open for anyone who looks like her. We really need to put her away.”
“Understood. Can you give me anything to go on? I’m looking at your report. She’s attractive, but so are half the lesbians down here. Blond and blue eyed? Again, could be anyone walking the streets here.”
“I doubt she’s blond anymore, though I don’t know that for sure. Maybe a brunette with blue eyes would stand out?”
A mirthless laugh came from the other end.
“Look, Detective, we’ve all got problems. I’ll distribute the information you sent over and tell everyone to be on the lookout, but I can’t make any promises.”
“All I can ask is that you guys do your best, and be aware that we want her if you happen to pick her up for anything. I don’t care if her tags are expired. I don’t care if you catch her jaywalking. We need her sent back and the sooner, the better.”
“As I said, we’ll do what we can. We’re stretched pretty thin down here as it is and our busy season is coming up.”
“I hear you. Never a dull moment, huh?”
“You said it. Thanks for the call, Detective. We’ll keep our eyes peeled.”
“Thank you, Detective. Thank you very much.”
It took every ounce of self-control on Julia’s part not to slam the receiver back into place. If someone called her and told her a new murderer was on the loose in Portland, she’d do everything she could to find the bastard. Oh, well.
She pulled up the pictures from the hospital again. As usual, the hooded figure taunted her. She knew it was Sara, but how to prove it? She was staring so hard at the picture that she jumped when her phone buzzed on her desk. It was a text from Cullen.
You were gone early this morning. I missed you.
Sorry. Wanted to get an early start.
We’re off work at two today for the holiday. Can you sneak out early?
I should be able to. I’ll let you know.
We could go get Turkey Day food.
Damn it. What part of she’d get back to her was Cullen not understanding? She told herself to calm down. She was in a foul mood, but there was no reason to take it out on her.
That sounds good. Let’s have it at your place. I want to get away from the city.
Fair enough. Have a good day.
You, too.
She sat back in her chair and linked her fingers behind her head. The picture on the screen was making a fool of her. She knew it and didn’t appreciate it.
“Hey, Julia. You busy?”
She turned to see Randi Hopkins standing behind her. Randi was a forensic examiner and they’d worked on many cases together. She was a short, stocky butch who really knew her shit. She’d asked Julia out more than once, though, so she always made Julia a little uncomfortable. She spun her chair around to face her.
“Good morning, Randi. What can I do for you?”
“Actually, it’s more a question of what I can do for you. I know you’re working on a challenging case, and I was just wondering if there’s anything I can do to help.”
Julia let her breath out between her teeth.
“I wish. Barring finding my suspect, I don’t think anyone can really help me.”
“Well, I can’t do that.” Her gaze cut to the picture on the screen. “Is that her?”
“I don’t know. I want to think so, but there’s no way to tell.”
“Of course there is.”
“How?”
“Do you have another picture of her?” Randi asked.
“A couple. Why?”
“Let me match them. Let me work my magic. Are they all in the database?”
“Yep, under the name Sara Donovan. You really think you can get anything out of this?” Julia arched her thumb at the monitor.
“I won’t know if I don’t try.”
“Well, thank you.”
“My pleasure. I’ll get back to you when I know something.”
Randi walked off and Julia realized she was holding her breath. She wanted Randi to find a match so bad it hurt. But then she realized that even if Randi determined it was Sara, it still didn’t prove she was the murderer. So she was in the hospital. She could say she was visiting Montague, though that was shit and Julia knew it. Still, she needed more. She needed to be able to nail Sara for this murder beyond a shadow of a doubt.
* * *
Cullen wrapped up her workday and her spirits were high as she anticipated a four-day weekend with Julia. Maybe they’d be able to take their relationship to the next step. She was ready. God knew, she was ready.
She sent Julia a quick text.
I’m heading home. Hope you can meet me soon.
She hit send, slipped her phone in her pocket, and put on her heavy coat. Snow was in the forecast again. It hardly ever snowed in Portland and here it was supposed to snow for the second time in November. She was pondering that when her pocket buzzed. She pulled out her phone to see a text from Julia.
On my way. I’ll meet you at your place.
Cullen couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. This weekend was going to be epic.
Traffic was a nightmare. Everyone and their grandmother must have gotten off early that day. She crawled down I-5 and got home an hour later. Julia was already in her driveway. She must be frozen half to death, and Cullen felt horrible as she pulled in next to her.
But Julia smiled and waved, and they got out of their vehicles together. Julia reached in and grabbed her laptop and Cullen’s spirits fell.
“Are you working this weekend?”
“Maybe. Probably. I don’t know. I’m trying not to go into work. My goal is to spend the next few days with you.”
“I like tha
t goal.” Cullen pulled Julia to her and kissed her. “I like that goal a lot.”
They went inside and Julia disappeared into the bedroom. She came back minus her blazer and sweater and sporting a Portland State Vikings hoodie.
“You look comfy.”
“I am. Now, let’s make a list so we can go grocery shopping before all the food is gone.”
“Sounds good.”
Julia opened the Notes app on her phone.
“Okay, so, turkey, stuffing, cranberry jelly, what else?”
Cullen laughed.
“You buy dressing? You don’t make it?”
“Have you ever had Stove Top stuffing? It’s to die for. I live for the holidays so I can have it and I won’t compromise there. What’s traditional for you?”
“Mashed potatoes and green bean casserole and champagne and orange juice.”
“Is that right?”
“Heck yeah. Gotta have mimosas for breakfast.”
“Oh. And Baileys for our coffee?
“But of course.”
“Excellent. Okay. Now for dessert. I make a mean apple pie, but I’m betting you’re all over the pumpkin variety.”
“Actually, I’m not a fan of pumpkin,” Cullen said. “I usually make blackberry.”
“Fine. We’ll have two pies. Before we go shopping, have you talked to your folks?”
“I have and they’re fine with me coming over Friday. So if you do have to work, it’s okay.”
“Great. Let’s hit the store.”
Julia pushed the cart and Cullen kept her hand on the small of her back. The shelves had been picked over, but they found what they needed.
“We still need to go to the frozen food aisle,” Cullen said.
“What for?”
“Pie crust.”
“You don’t make your own?” Julia looked shocked.
“Nope.” Cullen grinned. “Never.”
They finished their shopping and went home to put their groceries away. That done, they each grabbed a beer and sat in the living room.
“I’m getting hungry,” Julia said. “We have all that food and nothing to eat.”
“You want to go out?”
“No way. I want to stay in. Sure, it’s only just started snowing, but who knows how hard it’ll be snowing in a little while. Let’s order food. I’m in the mood for Mexican.”
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