Crime for the Books, page 13
Everyone looked fatigued. And I hated it. This wasn’t what I wanted for my book club. A wave of anger raged through me like I’d never experienced. The person’s audacity to torment my friends meant only one thing: that person had no conscience, no feelings whatsoever. What we were dealing with here was an author of confusion—a true mastermind.
There weren’t more words to console my group. I’d already sworn to ensure the apprehension of the responsible party. I simply watched them go out the front door. Joel and Tammy hung behind.
Mel cast a glance toward Tammy, who’d put her empty coffee cup on the bar.
“I’m sorry I bit your head off,” Mel began. “It won’t happen again.”
“It’s okay. You are a loyal friend. I get that. I would be the same if someone accused Joel of misconduct.”
Tammy took my hand. “I believe you will get the guy. Perhaps we’ll just pause our club meetings until you do. There is no Book Babes club anymore. We’re all Jane Does.”
Well, that was something.
Chapter Twenty-One
Thursday morning, after yet another fretful night, I knew it would be a three-cups-of-coffee kind of day. For Mel too. She’d needed to carpool this morning after her car wouldn’t start. Mel and I were silent as I parked. We were both feeling a little melancholy after last night. The idea that one of our best friends was on her way down a destructive path grieved us. Melanie had tried Rosa three times before giving up and resigned herself to the situation.
I understood Mel’s pain. When you’re running down an investigation and someone you care about comes up as a person of interest, the struggle to look other places—any other place—is unimaginable. Neither one of us believed Rosa was involved in the murder. There had to be another explanation for the suspected terrorizing of the Jane Does. But we did see the misconduct and the potentially unethical way she’d handled the case. We forced ourselves to examine the accounts.
Mel sat up straighter. “Who is that?” Seeing the way she’d quickly checked her lipstick in the visor mirror, I knew she’d spotted an attractive man.
I put the car in park and adjusted my sunglasses. The man I’d met the other night at the bar stood between my office and Mel’s shop. I couldn’t help the warmth that rose to my cheeks. He’d been right about Brad, and I’d behaved like a typical female in denial.
“I don’t know exactly. He’s the guy from the bar. Dean, I think his name is. Courtney sent him my way.”
Melanie’s eyes went wide. “Wait a minute. I think I saw him at the party the other night. He was leaving with some woman when I threw my drink on Brad.”
“He told me he’d attended but left early. Did you recognize his date?”
She shook her head. “He was kind of trailing after the woman, and she didn’t look well.”
“That’s what he told me.” I cleared my throat as I reached behind the seat for my purse and computer bag. Melanie kept grinning at me.
I knew that look. “No, Mel. I am not interested in going out with anyone right now.”
“Why not?” Melanie blinked at me with angelic eyes.
“I haven’t even spoken to Brad yet. Heard his side of things. So we’re sort of in limbo.”
“You tried to call him back last night, and did he answer? A big fat no. So again, I ask, why not?”
I gaped at her. Her mention of Brad ignoring my callback stung slightly, even though I knew she was only trying to help. “Mel.”
Melanie leaned closer. “What is it you always say to me?” She straightened up and lifted her chin and said in mock falsetto, “Melanie Smart, you’ve got to stop pining after that loser and get back out there. He never deserved you anyway.”
“I don’t sound like that.”
“Okay, whatever. But I don’t see the issue. Seriously, that guy is smoking hot!”
I opened the car door. “I’m in the middle of an investigation, the Jane Does are terrified, and I’m not ready to get back out there.”
As I locked the car from the key fob, the sequenced beeps caught his attention, and he glanced up from his phone. An easy smile creased his face, and a wariness came over me. What was he doing here? This couldn’t be a coincidence. I wondered what he wanted from me, other than the obvious.
Melanie leaned closer and whispered as we approached our places of business. “Look at him, yum! There’s no harm. Think of it as a pleasant distraction, an ego boost, and”—she contorted her face in an exaggerated conspiratorial expression and spoke out of the left side of her mouth, looking absolutely ridiculous—“maybe a little stress relief.”
I lost control and chuckled to myself. Melanie made it challenging to stay serious. “Go to work, Melanie Smart.”
She laughed loudly, using her practiced seductive laugh as she hurried her pace and raced ahead of me. She extended her hand. “Hi there. I’m Melanie Smart. I own this shop.”
“Hello, Melanie. I’m Dean.” He glanced up at the colorful striped awning and the shiny Smart Cookie sign before turning his attention back to me. “I’m here to see Miss Moody.”
“Oh.” Melanie drew out the word with a smile.
I cast a warning glance her way before turning to Dean. “Good morning. Is there something I can help you with?” I said, using my professional tone of voice.
“I sure hope so,” Dean said, and Melanie giggled.
We both cut our eyes in her direction, and Dean’s lips twitched. “Someone has a dirty mind.”
Melanie giggled again. “No, not us. We’re good girls.” She winked. “Well, mostly.”
“My God. Good-bye, Melanie.” Everyone needed a Mel in their lives most days, but not today.
“I’ve got a couple of minutes.” Melanie smiled mischievously. “So, Dean …”
I turned my back on them and went inside my own office. Mel meant well, but sheesh. She wanted me to get over Brad. We didn’t feel over yet. Yes, I had technically ended it with him, or maybe he’d ended it with me and I’d made it official. Either way, it felt messy, and we both would need closure. A heaviness settled in my shoulders, and I sighed as I started the coffee machine.
No, I hadn’t the time for this. Today was a big day. Elaine would be arraigned, and I had to focus and wait to hear the next steps from Mr. Greene. I had to get to the bottom of what was going on in Sweet Mountain and directly see what this man wanted. I was done feeling sorry for myself for today. There was no room for my love life woes. My coffee finished brewing, and I took a couple of sips from the steaming-hot liquid. Ahhh. My brain slowly began to wake.
The door opened, and in walked Dean.
I turned to my guest and forced a smile. “Coffee?”
He shook his head and took a seat in the chair in front of my desk. “No thanks. I already had a travel mug full.”
I sat at my desk, sipping more caffeine. “Okay,” I said, then took another sip. “My brain has fired awake. Tell me how I can help you.”
He took off his denim jacket and folded it over his arm. The tattoo on his exposed forearm caught my eye. It reminded me of one I’d seen before. Military, perhaps?
“I’m looking for Calvin Cousins. You’re his niece?”
I cocked my head, wondering why he wanted to speak with my uncle. “I’m his partner.”
His brows shot up. “Oh. Partner.” He hitched his thumb toward the door. “Blondie out there told me you were his niece.”
Blondie? Huh. “Partner and niece.”
He smiled a slow, easy smile. He was an attractive man. Very attractive. Ugh. Melanie had gotten into my head. “Ah.” I cleared my throat. “What do you want with Mr. Cousins?”
“I’ve recently become a civilian and was looking for work. Courtney mentioned he hired a lot of ex-military and might be hiring.” He glanced around the office with interest. “I thought I’d come by and see.”
“I’m sorry, Mr.…?”
“Dean is fine.” His smile was still fixed in place. I noticed he had slightly crooked but white teeth.
“I’m sorry, Dean. Mr. Cousins is out of town on business until next month. And—” My phone pinged, and I glanced down at it. It was from Rosa. She’d received my message. One I knew she couldn’t resist.
Fine. I’ll meet you.
Dean had glanced over at my phone too.
I met his gaze with a scowl. “And I’m not the one in charge of hiring.”
He instantly sat back. “Sorry. I guess I wondered if it might be from your boyfriend. Blondie said you’d ended things.”
“Blondie talks too much.” I covered my phone with my hand and slid it closer to me on the desk.
“Well, I guess I’ll get going then and come back when Mr. Cousins is back in town.” He rose and put his jacket back on. “Don’t be mad at your friend. I think she just wanted to take your mind off your troubles. I would like to take you out sometime, if you’re interested.”
I rose and walked around the desk. “I’ll mention to Calvin that you’re looking for work when he gets back. You can send your résumé to the email on our website. Though I don’t think we’re looking to hire anyone.”
“Fair enough.” He smiled. “Thanks.”
“Uh-huh.” I folded my arms, not exactly sure why I felt the need to keep my guard up.
He shook his head in a bemused fashion. “The women in law enforcement in this town. Wow.”
“I beg your pardon.”
“I don’t mean any offense, and I wasn’t even going to bring this up, but since you asked …” He dug into his pocket and pulled out one of the pink flyers. “You’re also the leader of that book club, right? Jane Does?”
“Where did you get that?” My skin prickled.
“That cop who botched the investigation at Magnolia Manor.”
“Sergeant Landry?” I felt ill.
He nodded; his brows drew together. “Are you okay? Your face looks pale.”
“I’m fine.” The room spun a little.
He helped me into the chair he’d vacated. “Water?”
I nodded and pointed to our little fridge by the coffee bar.
Dean handed me a bottle and went down on his knees in front of me. “I take it this flyer is more than a party invitation.”
I took a couple of sips and didn’t respond. When I raised my eyes to meet Dean’s, they were alive with curiosity.
“They’re right, aren’t they? The press about Sergeant Landry.”
I took another sip from the bottle. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Yes you do. And now I think you need to know something.” He rose, his face serious. “This Landry”—he pointed to the flyer—“she stopped me at the square and gave me a jaywalking warning the night they arrested that old lady. The one you’re trying to get out of the jam. It was right after I left you, in fact. She seemed to be standing around looking for a reason to stop me. Rude and extremely unprofessional. I’m shocked she still wears a badge.” He shook his head, looking disgusted. “She got a call while in the process of ticketing me. She let me off with a stern warning. She acted shady and a little jumpy. I’d seen PTSD behavior many times, so I followed her. Curiosity.” He shrugged a shoulder.
He gave me a shy smile. “Then I saw you. You disarmed what could have become a volatile situation. I even considered stepping in before you arrived, but I feared I’d only end up in a cell with the old woman.”
Our eyes held for a few beats. Dean’s words sobered me right up. I shook myself and stood. He moved back to let me rise. I cleared my throat, feeling like an utter fool and behaving like one. “When did Sergeant Landry give you the flyer?”
He held my gaze. “After she gave me the warning. She had them in her cruiser. She said her book club was hosting another party if I was interested and that this one would be mind-blowing.” He handed me the flyer. “Suspicious of her to invite me after she just reprimanded me. Anyway, I blew it off.” He took a breath. “But when I heard around town that a lot of people are going, it raised my hackles again. I guess they all want to see if someone gets killed again. Stupid people.”
I stared down at the hangman game, and it hit me like a two-by-four in the face. His account gave credence to the claim that Rosa hadn’t been scrupulous in her position. As much as I hated to face the facts, there they were. And even more shocking—if I’d had any doubts before, I no longer did. This flyer was a clue. A clue to who would be murdered. And who was behind all of this. I studied the blank dashes below the hangman clip art, and chills like icy-cold fingertips crept up my skin.
“Lyla.”
“Huh?” I stared up at him.
“If you need any help with this, I’d be glad to offer my services.”
“I told you I’m not authorized to hire anyone.” I kept staring at the pink paper.
“No. I mean, I could help you. I’m ex-SEAL.” He lifted his big broad shoulders, his hands so strong and large they could easily choke the life out of someone.
Why am I thinking this way?
“With the police situation in this town being what it is, and you going at this alone—I could stick around and help.”
“I’m not alone.” My tone came out bitter.
Dean took a step back, his eyes so wide the whites were showing. “I didn’t mean to offend.”
“No, of course not.” I blew out a breath and unfolded my arms, allowing my hands to drop against my thighs. “I appreciate it.”
“Okay. I’ll stick around just in case. I’m staying at the Holiday Inn if you change your mind. I’ll leave my number.” He grabbed a pen off the desk and jotted his number down on a sticky note.
I did a little deep breathing after he left. I had two clients to speak to this morning, and I couldn’t put it off. Uncle Calvin trusted me to keep the office running while he was away. Despite the overwhelming sensation that the world was crashing down and someone was planning on using my book club as a catalyst to commit another murder, I had to slow down. Not get ahead of myself. Patience and meticulous planning were critical.
Chapter Twenty-Two
It took longer than I expected to wrap everything up, and I had to work straight through lunch. I scarfed down a bag of pita chips with hummus at my desk with a Diet Coke. I’d been at it so long, my eyes were crossing staring at the screen, but I had to keep at it. As I worked, it dawned on me that perhaps Rosa had been laying a trap for the killer. It’d be an ingenious strategy. And Rosa was clever. Disparaging her character might be part of the plan, like being undercover. Apologies could easily be made to the club members after she apprehended the guilty party. They’d understand. But that didn’t explain her arresting Elaine. Thankfully, she’d been released today. Mr. Greene’s call had been a welcome one.
I rubbed my eyes and checked the clock. I’d have to leave to meet Mel and Rosa in a bit. I yawned and stretched before I leaned back over the computer. Our online group had been hacked, and a flood of new members had been accepted. I’d made sure I’d contacted everyone I knew via text, ensuring they knew about the security breach and to steer clear of the so-called party. I hadn’t reported the hack. I combed through the messages, looking for clues.
JB Rollins: Can’t wait for the party!
Kelley Smith: Should be lit!
Christy Dale: Y’all, I think this page was hacked. I spoke to one of the Jane Does, and they aren’t hosting another party.
Well, finally, there was someone with a bit of sense. I took a sip from my can.
JB Rollins: Don’t care, Christy! It’ll be better than there lame party.
I had to fight my instinct to correct JB’s grammar. He seemed to be the instigator of this whole dialogue. His chants down the feed of Party, Party, Party were monotonous. I wondered who this JB was. I clicked his profile. Looked like a college kid. About twenty-two or twenty-three. He’d studied at the college in the neighboring town. Hmm. Not much about his profile seemed suspicious. I’d run a background check on him just to make sure.
I reported the hack and posted my declaration that neither I nor any other Jane Doe member had sanctioned this rave—which was what it sounded like these kids were attempting to turn the party into. Dumb kids. They had no idea what they could be stumbling upon. If possible, I planned to put a stop to it.
I sat back and stared at the flyer. It could have been printed by any home printer. I’d called around town and checked our local printers and office supply stores. They hadn’t had any orders, so it must have been a home printer job or from a store out of town.
My phone rang, and Quinn’s face came up on the screen.
“Hey, I’m so sorry for disturbing you while you’re on your honeymoon. I wouldn’t have called again, but I wasn’t sure if you were able to hear me clearly on the last call.” Not understanding Rosa’s motivations and Dean’s statement about her was the reason I’d called him again this afternoon. He hadn’t answered, of course. But I’d left him a message stating the urgency of the need for a callback.
“It’s okay. I knew you wouldn’t have called unless it was an emergency.” His voice sounded groggy with sleep, and my stomach fluttered.
Did he stumble out of bed and call me?
What time was it in Italy? I did quick math after a glance at the time. Wow, it was the wee hours of the morning there.
“You sure you’re up for talking now?”
“Yes. Get to it.”
“Understood.” After a deep breath, I spilled my guts. I told Quinn everything. He got the condensed version of the murder. The complaints regarding Rosa’s conduct from club members. The concern about the false party announcement, and finally, what I’d learned from Dean.
“Harry’s concerns are warranted, then?” He sounded wide awake now.
I should have known Harry would be contacting his cousin as well. “I’m not sure what’s been going on inside the precinct, but there are enough concerns to go around.”
“The press?” He gave out a derisive snort.
“Yes.”
“What does Brad think?”
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