Hold for Release, page 16
“I was listening to the scanner. Can you tell me? Is she OK? It was her, wasn’t it?” Jake asked.
Had something happened to the blonde officer?
“If she’s OK, if she’s here, I need to talk to her.” Jake said.
About a case or something else? Had he moved on?
Geoffrey joined her. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.” Geoffrey was just a friend. Maybe she should take Jake at his word that he wasn’t dating anyone else.
Geoffrey opened the door, and Carlotta hurried outside. “I saw Jake in there. Asking about a female officer. I suppose it could be innocent. What do you think?”
“He is a reporter. I think he is concerned about reporting the story. That is what seems to drive him.”
“Yeah, he does care about families and reporting about the victims.”
Geoffrey’s eye twitched.
“Are you OK?”
He cleared his throat. “Yes, I think my allergies are acting up.” He rubbed his eye. “Would you care to continue walking to the drugstore up the street with me?”
“No, not at all.” She huffed as they continued along the sidewalk.
Two men sat on a bench across the street. They looked over at Carlotta and grinned.
She moved closer to Geoffrey’s side. With women going missing, thank goodness, she had a male friend nearby.
Her mind flashed to all the true crime stories Jake had told her over the years. Those poor women. Just the thought of being held captive by some sicko… She flinched.
As they moved within several feet of the pharmacy parking lot, Geoffrey paused and smiled, his hands behind his back.
“We’re almost there,” Carlotta exhaled.
“Yes, I would agree.” He smiled. His eye twitched again.
Thank goodness she had a friend like him. What would she do without him?
17
Light shone in through the living room window. Carlotta squinted. She’d fallen asleep on the couch reading a book and had overslept. At least she didn’t have to work today.
Rosario entered the room. “I wanted to talk to you before I get ready for work and drop Antonio at Pablo’s apartment.”
She rubbed her eyes. “What is it?”
“Pablo thought he saw Geoffrey with that blonde from Jake’s work again.”
“The blonde? No, he must be mistaken.” But what if it was true? That would mean Carlotta was a fool and couldn’t trust herself to be a good judge of character. First Jake and now her friend Geoffrey. No, she refused to believe it.
“Just be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
Her mind searched for reasonable explanations. “Geoffrey’s an attorney. Maybe she needed legal advice. Yes, that’s right. I remember now. She accused Jake of sexual harassment.”
Rosario gasped. “Jake? I mean he’s outgoing and can get on my nerves, but even I wouldn’t suspect that.”
“Yes, Jake. Maybe it was someone who looked like her. It’s not like she’s the only tall, thin blonde in Cincinnati.”
“You’re probably right. I just wanted to let you know. I gotta get dressed and help Antonio to get ready.” Rosario ambled away.
Carlotta’s cell vibrated. She managed to locate it in her pocket and gazed at the number—Geoffrey’s. “Hello?”
“Hello. I am home now, but I was just at the courthouse right when it opened. I got a tip. The police found evidence that links Jake to Ed’s death at the animal shelter and also to the near kidnapping at Eden Park. The rumor is he sent a confession to his boss. I did not want to tell you, but I thought you should know. I would rather you hear it from me first rather than from a reporter on TV.”
Carlotta clasped a hand to her mouth. “The animal shelter? I thought he was at work that evening.”
Geoffrey coughed. “He interviewed the mayor that night, but he committed the crime before returning to work. A near-perfect alibi. I am sure it is hard to believe someone you once trusted, someone so close to you, could be up to something so sinister.”
Carlotta shook her head. “But why?”
“From what I gather, he has some problems. But the important thing is they are his, not yours. You are not to blame. I have to go, but we can talk more later. I will see you soon. Good-bye, Carlotta.”
Carlotta ended the call but tightened her grip on the phone. What caused her husband—soon-to-be-ex—to do such a thing? If she wasn’t to blame, then what or who was? Was Jake Hartman a control freak? Yes. An adulterer? Yes. But what had sent him over the edge, caused him to commit murder?
~*~
Carlotta rested in her car for another moment, studied the divorce papers in front of her, and inhaled a deep breath. She wasn’t one to just up and call it quits, but he’d committed adultery. And apparently murder. Kidnapping, too? And who knew what other crimes. No chance for reconciliation at this point. It was over. She grabbed a pen from her middle console and signed the papers, careful not to leave anything blank. Reaching over to the passenger seat, she retrieved a manila envelope, placed the divorce papers inside, and returned the pen to the console. At least she could put things away. Something that Jake failed to learn.
Enough about Jake. Carlotta grabbed the envelope and her purse, approached the door to Geoffrey’s home, and knocked. No answer, but a slight gust of wind blew the door slightly ajar. She opened it with care.
The police would arrest Jake, but he could have an accomplice. What if there was another psychopath on the loose? How long would Jake be in prison? What if he got out and wanted to come after her? Everything was confusing.
What if the accomplice had gotten to Geoffrey? Jake was jealous enough to send those creepy notes and flowers. He’d killed Ed and almost kidnapped a jogger. He was mad about a photo of Geoffrey and her. He could have hired someone to go after her or Geoffrey.
Carlotta stepped inside the old home. She set down her purse and the manila envelope on a small table in the foyer. Then she held her keys between the fingers of one hand, ready to be used as a weapon. Breathe. She backed up against the wall and inched along the hallway leading to the bathroom and bedrooms. The light was off in the bathroom. She flipped the switch. Her heart raced. No one in sight. Stepping closer to the shower, she inhaled and then peeled back the curtain. No one. She began to exhale but shuddered as she stared in the mirror. Like a scene in a horror flick, she expected a face to appear behind her image.
She left the bathroom and continued toward the master bedroom. With a lunge toward the bedroom door, she flicked on the light and then jumped back. The room was empty. “Geoffrey? I signed the papers and brought them over for you. Geoffrey?”
She opened the closet. Just clothes.
What about the bed? She knelt down, flipped up the comforter, and peered underneath. Nothing. Carlotta was about to stand, but something blue caught her eye. Plastic bed sheets. What had Jake said about psychopaths and bedwetting?
“Looking for something?”
Carlotta jumped. “You’re OK. Thank goodness. The door was open. I was afraid… that something happened to you.” Carlotta slid her cell phone in her back pocket, stood, and faced Geoffrey.
As Geoffrey stood and stepped closer, Carlotta’s heart skipped a beat, and not in a good way. “The door was open. I thought someone had broken into your house.”
“Sorry, I had stepped outside to water the plants in the backyard. The wind must have blown the door open. I need to have a carpenter look at that doorjamb.”
Carlotta stole a quick glance at the bed sheets. Merely coincidence. Had to be. Or maybe they weren’t plastic. I’ve been under a lot of stress lately. Better not jump to conclusions. “I signed the papers. They’re on the table. Geoffrey…” She started to cry.
“What is it?”
“My mind keeps racing. What if Jake gets out? What if he hurts you or me or…”
“Shhh…It will be OK.”
Her mind flashed back to when she was younger and her Mom had been drunk. Nope, don’t go there. Safe—that’s what she was now.
18
Jake relaxed his shoulders, sighed, and propped his bare feet on the coffee table. He drew his lips upward into a smile. If Carlotta had been there, she’d have chided him. He huffed. Too bad she wasn’t. And yet, right now, a little scolding from her might be nice. His phone vibrated, and he swung his feet onto the floor. He dug his toes into the carpet for a minute and then retrieved his cell phone from his pants pocket.
A new text message from Allison.
I hope you’re happy. I’m pregnant.
His jaw dropped. She got him fired and then wanted to let him know she was having a baby. What was this about? Money? For the baby or for an abortion?
Jake winced. Allison a mother, but not Carlotta. Why, God?
His phone chimed. Another message from Allison.
Meet me at my place. We need to discuss this like two adults.
The first sane idea she’d had since he didn’t know when. Maybe motherhood would force her to do some growing up. If that were possible.
Jake’s fingers fumbled as he texted.
Be there in a few minutes.
Allison wouldn’t attempt to throw herself at him again, would she? He stared at his phone for a minute. Maybe he should meet her somewhere public or take someone else along with him.
R U Coming, or R U abandoning me? I have an appt. with OBGYN. Want you to meet me here so we can go together.
If she really was pregnant, he’d need to step up and support her—do the right thing. He’d need to be a father to this baby and also find another job to support the child. His child.
But what if she didn’t want it? He didn’t like the idea of abortion, couldn’t wrap his head around it. And while he was learning more and more about God—really getting to know Him—He didn’t figure it’d be something God would want either. Legally, Allison could do what she wanted without his consent, but he wouldn’t coerce her to terminate the pregnancy. He wasn’t married to her, but he’d still help out however he could in raising the child…as much as she would allow him to be involved.
She’d mentioned an OBGYN, so maybe that was a good sign she’d want to keep the child. He rubbed his chin. The baby…what would Carlotta do when she found out? This might send her into more of a downward spiral. All of this…it was never his intention. One night of dinner and drinks. And then this. He’d only gone to talk with her. Just to talk, nothing more.
He texted his response.
Be there in 5.
Jake hopped in his car. The drive seemed shorter than he’d remembered. He knocked with caution on the door to Allison’s condo.
She opened it. A dazed look spread across her face. “You came! Come in.”
Jake stepped inside the doorway, and Allison motioned to the living room. Two glasses of water sat atop the coffee table. She handed him one. “Here.”
Allison grabbed one of her own then sat. “I’ve heard they do urine testing at each appointment, so I’ve decided to be prepared.” She took a gulp from her glass and continued to chug the water.
He sat and forced a smile and then drank some of the liquid. “Should we be going?”
Allison’s eyes widened. “No, we have plenty of time.”
Jake glanced at the clock on the wall. “Oh, but I thought we were in a hurry.”
“I…I just wanted to make sure you weren’t late, and that you’d show up.”
“Oh.” He drank more of the water while she excused herself momentarily. Tasted a little different, but he’d seen her drink flavored water before. Probably one of those. Still, he was parched, so he wouldn’t complain. He set down the glass and glanced at his watch. “Allison?”
“I’ll be out in a few minutes.”
Minutes passed. He forced his eyelids to stay open. His head spun, and his muscles went limp. He reclined on the couch.
Things were kind of…like that night he’d spent with her. When apparently, they’d had too many drinks. But this…how was? He shook his head. No, this was much worse.
Allison re-entered the room. Laughter flowed from her lips. She looked distorted, like a strange nightmare. One from which he quickly needed to escape, but how?
Two men entered Allison’s apartment. She pointed at Jake and then looked back at the taller of the two. “Put him in the car. Drive to her sister’s apartment and leave him outside. Then call 9-1-1.”
The man nodded.
“One more thing. I only roofied him. But make sure they find this on him. Let them think he’s a druggie.” She handed the shorter man a bottle of pills. He put them in his pocket.
The taller rubbed his chin. “I thought you wanted to kill him.”
She shook her head. “Not yet. I want him to suffer some more first. Get revenge.”
The shorter man grabbed his shoulders while the taller man grabbed Jake’s legs and flashed him a wicked grin. He winked at Allison. “Anything for you, sweetheart.”
Where were they taking him? What had Allison done to him? Revenge for what? Hadn’t he suffered enough? Lord, please help me. Protect me.
~*~
Jake opened his eyes. He wasn’t dead, just in a hospital. His gaze landed on the nurse by the side of his bed.
“Hello, Mr. Hartman.” She glanced at her watch and avoided eye contact.
What had happened? Allison must have slipped something in his drink. Whew, at least the police were here. Something finally good out of all this mess.
Detective Hadley entered the room and stepped toward the nurse. “How much longer does he need to stay?”
“Based on the pills you found, we suspected an overdose, but no traces of drugs were found in his system. He can leave.” She handed him several papers. “Here’s the discharge paperwork.”
She’d probably roofied him. Both now and before. That explained why he couldn’t remember the night in question. Should he speak up? No, he’d better keep his mouth shut for now. Might be better to have a lawyer present.
Hadley approached Jake’s bed. “Sorry, but we’re just doing our job. Jake Hartman. You are under arrest…”
Jake’s chin trembled. “For what?”
Hadley helped him up. “We have your signed confession and evidence that ties you to a crime scene.”
His pulse raced. He met Detective Krouse’s gaze for a second, and then his look shifted to his hospital gown.
“Get dressed,” Hadley said.
Krouse turned around.
Once Jake put on his clothes, Hadley cuffed him from behind.
Time slowed. Things went silent.
“This way.” Hadley led him down the hospital corridor and outside to the police vehicle.
Krouse followed behind. What must she think of him?
Jake blinked rapidly. Hadley helped him inside the vehicle.
Krouse sat in the passenger seat, cast a quick glance at him, and then turned away.
Jake sighed. Carlotta would become even closer to the creep in his absence. Jake couldn’t protect her from jail. Who would believe him now? Not when he’d be labeled a criminal. He clenched his fists against the cold metal of the handcuffs. Maybe it would have been better if Allison had done him in. He choked back a sob. Nope, God was with him. He couldn’t think like that. If only he could explain things to the police. Let’s face it. If he were them, he’d think he was guilty, too.
Krouse cleared her throat.
What would Krouse do? Probably pray.
God, I’ve lost my job, my wife, and probably my freedom, too. All I have is You. Please help me.
~*~
The doorbell rang. Geoffrey stared at her and sighed. “Be right back. Let me see who it is.”
Carlotta ambled in the opposite direction. “Take your time. I need to use the bathroom.” She entered the hallway bathroom and gazed at the toilet paper holder. Empty. She looked under the sink. No spare rolls? She peeked outside the bathroom and cast a glance down the hallway.
Geoffrey was still outside talking to someone. No reason to bother him. Carlotta scampered to his bedroom and inside his bathroom. She searched for toilet paper under the cabinet. Voila. Carlotta grabbed a roll. Beep. She located the source of the noise. Geoffrey must have left his phone next to the sink when he came home. After putting it in her pocket, she hurried back out to the hallway.
Geoffrey was still busy.
Nature called. No time to set down the phone. She ran to the hall bathroom with the phone in her pocket and the toilet paper. After she washed and dried her hands, a beep sounded. And another. She removed the phone from her pocket. A text message popped up. From Allison? So he knew her? There had to be a reason. A good one.
I finished drugging him and put him in front of her sister’s house. He’s probably in police custody by now. Are you sure you don’t want to just get rid of her now?
Her legs grew weak, and her pulse raced.
“Carlotta?”
He’d find her. Then what? She retrieved her cell from her pocket and sent a message to Rosario.
Geoffrey is a murderer. He’s trying to hurt Jake, and he’s going to hurt me. I’m at his house. Please call the police.”
Her fingers trembled as she placed the phone back in her pocket. “Almost finished.” Maybe she should just stay in the bathroom until the police arrived. Yeah, but he would get suspicious and probably just break down the door. No, she could play it cool until he arrived. She stuffed Geoffrey’s phone in her other pocket. Carlotta inhaled a deep breath then opened the bathroom door.
Geoffrey’s gaze met hers. “Is everything OK?”
She shifted her gaze to the floor. “Yes, um…who were you talking to?”
Geoffrey shrugged. “Just a solicitor. I need to put up one of those no soliciting signs. Sheesh, some people will try to sell you anything.”
A beep sounded. His gaze landed on her pocket.
“Oh, I was looking for toilet paper and found your phone by the sink. Here.” She handed it to him.
