Treacherous Trinkets, page 15
It was like a movie in a weird way.
She watched Liam, who was seated across from Jacob Smith and was facing the mirror, do his job. It was always sort of exciting to see it happen in front of her.
Next time, Becky would have to remember to bring popcorn.
She was still somewhat distracted. She was still thinking about the sheriff. He wanted her to leave him alone, to leave his department. There was no way she was going to do that.
"What have I missed?" This was Jeremy, entering the viewing room.
"Not much of anything."
"You're standing too close too to the mirror," Jeremy said. Becky wrinkled her nose but took a step back.
"How did you do it?" Jeremy asked. Becky shrugged.
"I suppose I just did," she said quietly. "It just happened for me." She wasn't sure what she would say to Patrick. "I really am lucky, I guess."
She'd have to come up with a better answer than that, surely.
Jeremy raised one dark eyebrow but didn't bother her any further. She turned her attention back to the glass in front of them. This was always the worst part, she thought, waiting for the confession. Liam always seemed to keep his cool. He was unflappable. Becky realized she was a little jealous of it.
"Tell me," Liam was saying. Jacob took a long deep breath.
"Your partner was right. I was failing in New York." Becky raised an eyebrow. Truthfully, that had been a total guess on her part. "And I was jealous of my brother."
"So, what did you do?" Liam asked. He was very careful in his word choices. He didn't say anything that could lead or incriminate.
He was very good at what he did.
"That's our boy," Jeremy said. Becky nodded. It was all she could do to keep from pacing back and forth in the little observation room. She couldn't imagine what Liam was feeling, but she wished she was in there with him.
"I came home," Jacob said. There was nothing of his smarmy demeanor left. He now resembled a scared child sitting in the cold seat. She was rather happy to see this change in him.
Becky had no idea what had scared her about him in the first place.
"You know," Becky said quietly. "He came to threaten me in my store. He tried so hard not to be found out."
"He seems like that type of guy," Jeremy said coolly. She didn't know Jeremy well—she had only met him once or twice before—but he struck her as the sort of man who did not stand for that type of man.
"There's something so great about seeing him in there," Becky said. It hard not to gloat.
"He didn't deserve it you know? His whole life, he was riding my coattails. He shadowed me for years. He did everything I did. He got into politics because of me." Jacob slammed a hand on the table. Becky jumped and stepped back from the glass.
"I have an older brother too," Liam said quietly. "I get it, I think. You're older. You're used to being better. You felt like he was taking your place."
"I was better. I am better," Jacob said. His voice was a cold hiss. For the first time, Becky was truly thankful to be an only child. At least she was sure that her sibling wouldn't murder her out of jealousy and spite. "He always wanted to be me. He didn't deserve it. He didn't work as hard."
Becky looked at Jeremy. "You're not an only child, are you?" she asked.
"Oh, I am," Jeremy said. "I'm feeling really grateful for that at this moment." He looked at her.
"Me too." This entire case was sadder than Becky had thought. She loved her mom too. Their family had been small, but it was her family.
She wouldn't murder someone she was related to.
"I totally get it," Liam was saying. He was trying to keep the other man calm and rational. "So, what did you do?"
"He wouldn't hear me out," Jacob said. "I tried everything, but he wouldn't give me one in. He was saying that I deserved everything I got. We've been shooting since we were kids. Long range, usually. So, I shot him at the press conference. I knew that given the choice, Charles would choose me. So, I killed him. For his job."
"How ugly," Becky murmured. "Politics are messy."
"And we're about to have another election," Jeremy pointed out. She looked at him and nodded.
"I hope there's not another election-related murder." Becky sighed.
"I got onto the roof of the Mirror," Jacob was saying. His voice was calm and still, betraying no emotion. This was the end, and he knew that. He had killed his brother for his own gain.
He deserved everything he got, as far as she was concerned.
"I was unsure if I would hit him, actually. There are so many variables. But, I wanted the town to see him die. I wanted the town to talk about nothing about him for days. He deserved it." It was particularly chilling, the way he talked about his brother. Becky took another step back from the glass, as if Jacob Smith could tell she was behind it.
Liam looked up at the mirror. Becky nodded her encouragement.
"He can't see you," Jeremy said.
"He knows I'm here. That's enough."
"Go on," Liam said.
"I waited until the mayor started his speech. I waited for the mayor to start to say what he was going to say. Then I shot," Jacob said coolly. "My biggest regret is that I didn't do it sooner."
Liam cleared his throat. "You are admitting to the murder of James Smith?"
"Then, I robbed my sister-in-law, the stupid child." Jacob said. "And I was set. And I would have gotten away with it too."
Liam nodded. He had conducted the while interview sitting down, but he rose now. "I assume you can afford your own lawyer. You can place a call and then you'll be taken to holding." He exited the room, and before Becky knew it, he was in the viewing room.
"Very good," Jeremy said.
"Rather impressive," Becky added. She realized she was grinning.
"That man is terrifying," Liam said. He exhaled and stared at the back of Jacob's head through the glass. "He's so cold. He seemed so into the idea that since he was older, he deserved it more."
"I never want to see him again." Becky said with a shudder.
"You won't have to. He confessed to murder, and I suppose he'll be in jail for a very long time."
"And Taylor can go back to normal," Becky said. "Although, I'm not sure what that would be for her anymore." She sighed.
"Can anyone just go back to normal?" Liam asked.
"We can," Becky said. "This is your job. You see this all the time."
"I moved to Rose Hollow to get away from murder," Liam said. Becky nodded. She didn't press.
"How about we all go for some milkshakes or something at the diner?" Jeremy asked.
"I have a mountain of paperwork to file," Liam said. "Becky, do you want to help me?"
"It's amazing you thought I would say yes to that wildly enticing offer, but I gotta get my car. Actually, Declan is now waiting for me, I think." She looked at Jeremy. "We should definitely raincheck those milkshakes though. Maybe when things calm down a little bit. I have to talk to Patrick too."
"So popular, our girl," Liam quipped.
"I hope she remembers us when she's totally famous," Jeremy added. Becky stuck her tongue out at them.
"I won't be totally famous, and you can come see me at the store any time you want. Because that's where I'll be from now on." She could feel herself deflate a little bit now that all the excitement was over.
"You're talking like Rose Hollow will never see another murder," Jeremy said.
"From your lips," Becky said seriously.
"Let me walk you out, Becky," Liam said. "We can let him stew in there a little longer." He opened the door to the viewing room, and Becky stepped out.
"You know," Becky said. "Your boss offered me a truce."
"Did you take it?"
"Of course not. I really hate your boss." They walked down the hallway together and back into the bullpen. "Besides, who knows what that meant."
"Becky, just be careful, okay?" Liam asked.
"I love the fact you have to tell me that." She zipped her coat up and leaned against the front doors. "I'll see you soon."
"Of course," Liam said.
17
Before the car repair shop, she stopped at the Mirror to talk to Patrick. She sat down across from his desk inside his drab cubicle and looked around.
"I've had a very busy day," Patrick said.
"You're welcome," Becky said with a smile.
"That was sensational work." Patrick was half talking to her, half typing on his computer. Without fail, his hands were typing on his keyboard, but he was looking at her.
"What do you need from me?" Becky asked. Like during her last couple of visits, the Mirror newsroom was still and quiet. She was always disappointed to see it like that. Everyone was involved in their own stories and their own work. Patrick had a pack of cigarettes on his desk, and Becky stared at it.
"I only smoke on three-story days," Patrick said. "It's a three-story day." Becky leaned back in her seat.
"So, I should make this fast," Becky said. Patrick nodded. She hadn't done many other interviews before and she was sort of nervous.
"No," Patrick said. "But please, talk quickly and in short sentences." Becky smiled.
"You know, I wouldn't have been able to figure it out without you," she said. "You really helped."
"Thanks. It was sort of fun." The journalist stopped typing and turned to her. "I'd just really like to get your thoughts on Rose Hollow's next mayor."
Becky paused. What a question to be asked. She had never smoked a cigarette in her life and, suddenly, she found herself craving one.
"I don't know," Becky said. "Someone who really loves this town, I guess. But more than that, they'd have to be a good leader. I do hope that we can find someone." Patrick nodded. "And what do you hope for our exiting mayor?"
"That he gets the help he needs." She leaned back in her chair. She hadn't yet taken a moment to just appreciate it, to just think about what she had done.
The residents of Rose Hollow would be talking about it for weeks on end. It would transcend them all. It would be told about to children in schools as part of the town's history.
Failed Mayor Charles Green would live on in ways they couldn't comprehend.
"Is that all?" Becky asked.
"Should be," Patrick said. Becky exhaled. "And thanks." She rose from her seat.
"No," she said. "Thank you."
Declan was waiting for her when she approached the car repair shop. He was looking very serious.
"What's up?" Becky asked.
"I think I have something for you," Declan’s Irish accent pierced the air around him.
"You think?" Becky asked.
"You see, I'm trying to do something nice, but I'm not sure how you'll react," Declan said as she got closer to him.
"Well, is this about my car? What did you do to Jimmy?" Becky asked.
"I assure you, Jimmy is fine." Becky narrowed her eyes. He was being very elusive, and she wanted him to just spill it.
"So, then what did you do?" Becky asked. "What are you hiding?"
"I'm not hiding anything." Declan raised one mischievous eyebrow.
"Can we get out of the cold?" Becky asked. It wasn't like inside the store was any better. She knew it would be just as cold.
"First, I want you to keep an open mind," Declan said.
"This is awful. Just tell me."
"Fine," Declan said. "But just keep an open mind." He darted back into the store to open the door. Becky turned to the overhead garage door and watched as it opened.
She expected to see her own car, her faithful little car that she had loved so much, but instead, she was staring at a sleek black car. It was newer make and model than Jimmy was. Becky stared at it.
"What is this?" Becky asked. Declan stepped towards her holding a key out.
"Your new car?" Declan asked. "I know, you don't want to hear about it. But this one was being sold cheap. Catherine found it. I bought it, fixed it up, and it's yours."
"I couldn't accept this," Becky said carefully.
"You don't have to," Declan said. "But just consider it. Please. I think I'll be able to sleep much better knowing that you've got this car."
"Are you saying I keep you up at night, Declan?" Becky asked. She raised an eyebrow.
"Out of concern, yes." She couldn't fight a smile, and as much as she didn't want to accept it, she could feel herself coming around.
"Can I take it for a test drive?" Becky asked.
"Of course. That would be very responsible."
"Do you want to come?" Becky asked.
"Of course I do."
She took the keys from his hands and unlocked the door. The interior was slick and black. The seats were black leather. Becky sat down and exhaled. Declan got into the passenger seat.
"Where should we go?" Becky asked. "Diner and back?"
"Sounds good," Declan said. She turned the key in the ignition and felt the car come alive.
"This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me," Becky said. Aside from her store, which had been an utter and complete surprise as well.
Becky had thought she wasn't one for surprises. She had never even liked the idea of them, but the store, her car—those were two pretty great surprises.
"I'm glad you've kept an open mind."
"Are you going to launch into all of the technical things about it?" Becky asked.
"I was planning on it," Declan said. "It's got great mileage. It's only a few years old, but it's way newer than your old car." She swiped a quick look at him. He was grinning, and he had such a lovely smile.
"Please stop right now," Becky said. She could drive it well, and it felt nice to be driving after days without her car and weeks before that of it being angry and temperamental in the cold.
"I know you didn't want a new car," Declan said.
"If I said that now, I'd look like a huge jerk. I'm truly grateful, I am." It was odd to be driving and everything now.
"So, you'll keep it?" Declan asked.
"Let me get to the diner first, at least," Becky said without taking her eyes off the road.
"You really need to take it out on the road. What's nearby?" Becky thought about it.
"Daisy Harbour," Becky said. "But, a word of advice, everyone in Rose Hollow hates Daisy Harbour."
"Why?" Declan asked.
"I don't know. It's a lovely little town actually. Not too far away."
"Are you saying we'll drive there?" Declan asked.
"Are you busy?" Becky asked.
"Not anymore."
"We'll stop off at the diner, get some food, and hit the road." It felt like the perfect night. After the busy, rushing day she’d had, the only thing she wanted to do was escape Rose Hollow. She didn't look forward to talking to people at the diner. She wanted to get in and get out as fast as she could. That was the goal.
Then they could drive all night, for all she cared.
She pulled up in front of the diner. There was usually good parking at the diner because most people usually walked there from wherever they were coming from. Becky parked and turned to Declan.
"I should go in," Becky said. "You choose some songs. We're going to jam so hard."
"I can go in with you," Declan offered. She shook her head. She didn't want to run the risk of Declan bumping into Liam.
There was a part of her that thought she should do her very best to keep them away from each other.
"It's fine," she said. "It's totally fine. Trust me to order. I spend most of my life in there." Declan smiled at her.
"Fine." Becky moved to get out of the car and then she paused.
"I mean it. This is the coolest thing anyone has ever done for me." She thought she had liked her old car. She had liked her old car, but she couldn't deny that this was one was better in every way.
"What are you going to name it?" Declan asked.
"I don't know. Everyone always teased me for naming my car. Maybe it's time I grew out of that," Becky said.
"No," Declan said, "I think that's just part of what makes you, you." Becky bit her lip.
"Why don't you name it?" she asked. "I'm gonna go in there, and then when I get back, we can spend the next hour discussing names."
Declan raised his eyebrows. "That sounds like a plan."
* * *
She was surprised to see Liam sitting at the bar of the diner. It was a busy night, and all the booths were full. Rachel and three other waitresses were darting around the floor. She was lucky to get a seat at the bar. She sat down next to him.
"Funny meeting you here."
"I could say the same to you," Liam replied. He was still in uniform. "Just a break in the paperwork I have to do."
"Sorry. I really would have helped you with that, but I didn't want to."
"Understandable. You're very mean to me, Becky Olson."
"It's amazing you still spend time with me." At that moment, Rachel bounded over.
"Becky!" she said. "We need to talk, but it's busy."
"We can reschedule," Becky told her. "I need this to go anyway. I'm taking a bit of a drive tonight."
"Alone?" Rachel asked.
"With Declan," Becky said. "He did the most insane thing." She was about to launch into the story when Rachel raised a hand and looked around.
"Becky, I love you. But this has got to wait. Just your order?" Rachel asked. She had never seen the diner so busy. Becky placed the order, and Rachel bounded off again.
"So much for being important and famous in the town," Becky said with a roll of her eyes
"Rachel would roll the red carpet out for you any time," Liam said. Becky turned in her seat and looked around at everyone in the diner. She didn't have to guess what they were talking about.
Everyone was talking about the mayor and the murder.
These conversations were long lasting.
"So, you're driving out with Declan?" Liam asked.
"Yeah. Just to Daisy Harbour and back. No big deal." It was still early enough to justify the drive to the other town and back again. It was the perfect way to waste an evening.
"And I'm stuck with paperwork. I have to say, he's the lucky one," Liam said.
