Murders & Romance, page 30
“Of course not. Is this about… you know?”
“Yes. I’ve located someone that does convincing work on false documents, so I’m going to need your picture.”
“My picture?”
“For a fake ID and passport. Actually, I’ll need photos of the children as well.”
“Oh. Right.” She ran a self-conscious hand through her hair. “I look a fright. But I guess, most people do on their driver’s licenses, don’t they?”
Sidney smiled. “I know I do. Look, the picture doesn’t really matter much in the long run. It’s not like you’re going to keep it and frame it. We just need something to attach your new name to. It’s only temporary.”
“I know. I get it. Let me just um… run a brush through my hair or something.”
“Okay.”
Sidney waited while Ann made herself slightly more camera ready. Then she took a couple of headshots with her cellphone, and snapped a couple of Laney and Ben as well.
“These should be perfect,” she said, looking at the pics on her phone. “I’ll let you know when I have an update.”
“Okay. Sidney?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks again. For all you’re doing.”
Sidney smiled at her. “You’re welcome.”
She left Ann’s room and went back downstairs to the office, where Zoe was gathering her planner and a couple of files into her bag.
“Oh, Sidney. I’m off to my meeting with the chairwoman of the Women’s Business League. We’re going to discuss a program that will allow for business mentors to come in and do some coaching for residents entering the work force. You know… resume writing, interview tips, asking for a raise, that sort of thing.”
“Oh, yes. We’ve talked about that before. That would be a wonderful program if you can arrange it.”
“Wish me luck. And hold down the fort.”
“Will do.”
When Zoe left, Sidney closed the office door and hurried to her desk. She dug out the slip of paper Ike had given her with the name and number of the document forger. She took a deep breath and then dialed. The phone rang only once.
“Yeah?”
Not the friendliest of greetings.
“Is this Ronan O’Dwyer?”
There was hesitation on the other end of the line, a caution that Sidney could feel in her bones. She suddenly wondered if he would turn her away because she was female.
“Who’s asking?”
The voice was distinctly Irish. The tone was distinctly suspicious.
“My name is Sidney Fai…”
“I don’t want yer last name.”
“Oh. All right. Well, then you can just call me Sid.”
“Are ya a copper, Sid?”
“A copper? Oh. You mean a cop. A police officer?”
“Aye.”
“No. I’m not a cop. I’m in social work.”
“How’d ya get this number, Sid the social worker?”
How was she supposed to answer that? I’m not a cop, but my future husband is. That would go over well.
“From a friend.”
“And why would this friend send ya ta me?”
“Because I asked him where I could get my hands on some false documents.”
“And he just tossed me name out, all casual like?”
“Well… no. Not at first. Not until I’d brought the subject up a few times. I think he didn’t take me seriously at first. And then he just wanted me to be careful, so he gave me your number because he said you do good work. Convincing and discreet.”
Hesitation again. She could almost hear him thinking.
“What is it yer wantin’ from me, Sid the social worker?”
“A driver’s license. Birth certificates and passports for a woman and two small children.”
“Well, did yer friend tell ya that I don’t work fer pennies, Sid?”
“He said you weren’t cheap.”
“He told ya true. The three passports will run ya two hundred a piece.”
His three sounded more like ‘tree’, but Sidney got the gist.
“One hundred for the driver’s license. One fifty for each of the documents. Another hundred fer me time and labor. That’s twelve hundred and fifty total. Ya still interested?”
Sidney blew out a silent breath. $1250. She closed her eyes and silently prayed Ann had that much to spare.
“Yes. I’m still interested.”
“Payment is due when I deliver yer papers, then. Delivery happens on neutral ground. Public place.”
“That sounds acceptable.”
“If I deliver yer papers and I don’t get paid, delivery has a bad ending fer you.”
“There’s no need for threats, Mr. O’Dwyer. You’ll get your money. If this goes well, I may even become a repeat customer.”
“I’ll hold up me end of the bargain. All will go well as long as you hold up the end of yers.”
“All right then.”
“I assume ya have pictures for me?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Are they digital?”
“They are.”
“Text them to this number once we hang up, along with any special details you want on the documents, like cities, names, and dates.”
“Oh. Right. It may take me a half hour or so to collect that information.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Always come to me prepared, Sid the social worker. Otherwise yer just wasting me time.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll let it slide this once. But if ya come back fer more, make sure ya remember.”
“I’ll remember.”
“Get the info to me quick. Within the hour. The sooner ya do, the sooner I can get started.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll text ya with a meetin’ place fer delivery in two days. Maybe three.”
Maybe tree. His Irish brogue made her smile, despite the nervousness nibbling at her stomach.
“Thank you, Mr. O’Dwyer.”
Another pause. Like he was thinking it over.
“The name’s Ronan.”
Before she could respond, the line went dead. Sidney stared at the cellphone for a moment and then got up to go find Ann. She had cities and names and dates to choose for her and her children, and Sidney had every intention of getting that information to Ronan O’Dwyer as quickly as she could.
Once she’d passed on Ann’s chosen information to O’Dwyer, Sidney got to work. Her day was fairly routine, and she was more than happy about that. She’d had enough bad surprises to last a good long while.
She’d just delivered a bowl of chicken noodle soup upstairs to Tyneesha, who was finally on the mend, and was heading down the stairs when she saw Zoe open the front door.
“Oh, my goodness!” Zoe exclaimed.
“You know, it didn’t dawn on me until right now that this might not be a great idea.”
There was no mistaking that slight southern drawl, and the sound of it made Sidney’s heart skip, trip, and flip.
“Isaac?”
She hurried down the last few stairs and rushed to the door.
One look and she immediately understood Zoe’s exclamation.
He stood there holding the biggest, most beautiful bouquet of pale pink roses she’d ever seen. The kind with the pale pink outer petals and the darker pink centers. The kind she’d told him she favored when they were walking along the beach.
“What have you done?”
She reached through the open doorway and practically pulled him inside.
“Well, I took an hour for lunch and thought I’d spend it with you. So I got us a couple of those Cobb salads you like so well from the deli.” He held up a bag in one hand. “And as I was leaving there, I saw this little florist shop, and I remembered what you said about your favorite roses.”
“Isaac…”
“I described them to the florist, and she gave me these. I hope they’re the right kind.”
“They are exactly the right kind. They’re beautiful.”
She took the flowers from him and then kissed his lips.
Zoe quietly cleared her throat.
“Oh.” Nervous laughter bubbled out of her and she gestured to her boss. “Zoe, this is my fiancé, Isaac Taylor. Ike, this is Zoe Ridley, my boss.”
“Hello, ma’am.”
Isaac kept both hands on the bag containing their salads and made no move to shake Zoe’s hand.
“I believe we’ve actually met once or twice before.”
“We have?” Zoe sounded shocked. “I mean, I know you were here for the whole Tom Billings debacle, but I was unconscious then.”
Isaac chuckled. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“You and me both.”
“I was actually referring to several years back when I was still in uniform. I worked in the domestic violence unit for a short time. I was here at Hope House on a few calls back then.”
“Oh, gosh. Is that right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Small world and all that.”
“Yes.”
“You know, you do actually look familiar.”
“You’ve probably seen him sitting on my desk.” Sidney smiled at her.
Zoe laughed.
“That’s right! You have a picture of him sitting there. I see it everyday!”
They all laughed.
“Well, it’s nice to finally meet you, Detective. Sidney talks about you all the time. And congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you. I hope I’m not interrupting your work. Like I said, I didn’t even think that this might not be a good idea until I was here.”
“Nonsense. Actually, I think the residents feel safer with a cop in the building. Plus, it might help them to see a healthy relationship. Enjoy your lunch.”
She left them and headed for the kitchen.
Sidney looked up at him.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve called and asked if this was okay.”
“Are you kidding? Isaac, this is the sweetest surprise.”
“You sure?”
“Yes! Thank you for the roses. They’re so lovely.”
He ran his thumb over her cheek.
“They pale next to you, darlin’.”
Did women actually swoon in real life? She needed to know because if not, then she was probably about to faint or something.
“Come with me.”
She took his hand and led him into the office and over to her desk.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
She took the roses into the kitchen where Zoe was helping Ann and Beth to prepare lunch for their little ones.
“Do we have any vases around here by any chance?”
“Oh, Sidney. Those are gorgeous!” Ann stared at the bouquet in delight.
“Did your fella give ’em to you?” Beth asked, smiling.
Zoe handed her a vase from under the sink.
“He did. Thanks.”
She filled the vase with water and placed the roses in. She leaned in and inhaled the fresh fragrant scent.
“Is he always so sweet to you?”
Beth’s tone was one of wonder, like someone had just told her that unicorns exist. The sound of it tugged at Sidney’s heart. Had the woman really never experienced a man being kind to her?
Sidney looked her in the eyes.
“Yes, he is. And it’s… taken some time to get used to. In all honesty, I’m still not. Used to it, I mean. I’m afraid to upset him sometimes, because… well, we all know why. But then I remind myself that he’s not Damien. He’s not going to react with his fists, no matter what I say or do.”
“How do you know that for certain?”
The fear in Beth’s voice was heartbreaking.
Sidney glanced down at her roses and thought about Ike. About the goodness inside his heart, the love and gentleness.
“I just know.”
She left the kitchen and headed back to the office, where Isaac had their lunch all laid out on her desk. Two Cobb salads with balsamic vinaigrette, and two bottles of sparkling water.
She set the roses on the corner of her desk, and then sat down to eat.
“I can’t believe you did this.”
She glanced at him and took note of the satisfied smile on his handsome face.
“What’s gotten into you lately?”
“What do you mean?” He took a bite of his salad and frowned at her.
“I mean, you’ve become Mr. Romance all of a sudden. That wonderful backyard picnic, the most amazing day at the beach where we made wedding plans, and then picking out my gorgeous engagement ring and our wedding bands. Now, two dozen roses hand delivered to my place of business, along with lunch.”
Isaac’s eyebrows shot up, and Sidney grinned and took a bite of her salad.
“Are you complaining about the romance, Ms. Fairchild?”
“Absolutely not. I’m enjoying the romance very much, Mr. Taylor. I’d just like to know what brought it on.”
“Well, maybe I’ve always been romantic and you just never knew it. Maybe I never knew it until you came along. Maybe…” He pointed his fork at her as he thought about it. “Maybe I’ve simply never had anyone in my life to shower my romantic tendencies on.”
They stared at one another for a long moment, and Sidney decided that last theory was most likely right. And that in itself carried a certain sort of sadness.
“So, how’s your day going, baby? Any progress on your castration murders?”
“We have a new person of interest we’re looking into right now. And we’re starting to suspect our killer had help.”
“So you’re looking for more than one person?” Sidney took a sip of her water.
“We think so. We keep trying to pick him up for questioning, but he keeps eluding us.”
“And this person of interest. Does he have a connection to the girl in the mental hospital? The old rape case you mentioned?”
“He does indeed.”
“So, you were right about it all stemming from that rape case?”
“Seems that way. And if we’re right about our person of interest, then this case has a doozy of a twist.”
“Really? I can’t wait to hear about it.”
Isaac finished off his salad in record time and put his container into the empty bag.
“What about you? Any new developments in the harassment case?”
“Ooh, it’s a case now.”
“It is in my book. Slashed tires and that tarantula package. Hell yeah, it’s a case.”
Sidney swallowed a bite and debated on whether or not to say anything. Finally she put down her empty container and licked her lips.
“Well, I’m not sure this is part of the harassment or not, but…”
She sighed, letting her shoulders fall heavy.
“But what, Sid?”
“I was stopped again this morning on my way to work.”
“What? You were pulled over? Again?”
Sidney nodded. “Yes.”
“And?”
“And, I did what you said and told the officer up front that I had a CWP and my gun was in my purse. Just like last time.”
“And he made you get out of the car.”
“Yes.”
“Did he cuff you?”
“No. And he didn’t pull his gun on me either. He was much nicer than the female cop who pulled me over yesterday.”
“Then what happened?”
“Same drill. He located my purse, secured the gun, found my license and my permit. Then he said he’d pulled me over for failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.”
“Bullshit!”
“Which I know that I stopped at!”
“Did he give you a citation for that?”
“He said out of respect for you he was letting me off with a warning.” She reached for her purse in the bottom drawer of her desk and pulled out the citation. “He gave me this.”
Isaac took the yellow slip of paper from her and looked it over.
“Andy Garfield.”
He read the signature out loud, and Sidney stared at him.
“Do you know him?”
“No. But it’s a big precinct and we work in different departments. Different floors.”
“He claimed to know you.”
Isaac looked at her. “That doesn’t mean much. Patrol is a lot more aware of who the detectives are than the other way around. Mostly because there’s just so many patrol officers. No way to get to know them all personally unless you happen to work on one of the cases they’ve caught.”
Sidney nodded. “That makes sense.”
She cleared away the last remnants of their lunch. While she worked, she could see Isaac’s mind spinning. He was looking at the body of evidence, coming at it from all available sides, attempting to put the puzzle pieces into place.
“Two shit citations, two days in a row. Both on your way to work in the morning.”
He was mumbling to himself, and Sidney wondered if he’d picked up the bad habit from her, or if this was his way of working through a case. She suspected the latter, and she found it fascinating to watch him work.
“Slashed tires. Big hairy spider in the mail. What do they all have in common?”
“Ike?”
“Two citations. Slashed tires. Creepy package for future Mrs. Ike Taylor.”
“Isaac?”
“Hmm?”
“You’re going to be late getting back to work.”
He glanced down at his watch and then looked at her.
“I don’t think your troubles are the angry husband you beat up, or the jilted doctor who forced a kiss on you.”
“You don’t?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
“Something about it screams Natalie Bains to me.”
Sidney stared at him, completely lost.
“Who is Natalie Bains and why the hell is she pissed at me?”
Isaac leaned back in her desk chair and folded his arms over his chest.
“Natalie Bains is a toxic harpy that’s obsessed with me for some odd reason.”
“Obsessed with you?”
“She’s the one who reported us to Internal Affairs about our relationship, and caused me to have to go through that IAB inquest.”
“Ohh! That Natalie Bains.”
“Right.”
“Well, still… what is she pissed at me for?”
“Because you have me, and she doesn’t?”
“Yes. I’ve located someone that does convincing work on false documents, so I’m going to need your picture.”
“My picture?”
“For a fake ID and passport. Actually, I’ll need photos of the children as well.”
“Oh. Right.” She ran a self-conscious hand through her hair. “I look a fright. But I guess, most people do on their driver’s licenses, don’t they?”
Sidney smiled. “I know I do. Look, the picture doesn’t really matter much in the long run. It’s not like you’re going to keep it and frame it. We just need something to attach your new name to. It’s only temporary.”
“I know. I get it. Let me just um… run a brush through my hair or something.”
“Okay.”
Sidney waited while Ann made herself slightly more camera ready. Then she took a couple of headshots with her cellphone, and snapped a couple of Laney and Ben as well.
“These should be perfect,” she said, looking at the pics on her phone. “I’ll let you know when I have an update.”
“Okay. Sidney?”
“Yes?”
“Thanks again. For all you’re doing.”
Sidney smiled at her. “You’re welcome.”
She left Ann’s room and went back downstairs to the office, where Zoe was gathering her planner and a couple of files into her bag.
“Oh, Sidney. I’m off to my meeting with the chairwoman of the Women’s Business League. We’re going to discuss a program that will allow for business mentors to come in and do some coaching for residents entering the work force. You know… resume writing, interview tips, asking for a raise, that sort of thing.”
“Oh, yes. We’ve talked about that before. That would be a wonderful program if you can arrange it.”
“Wish me luck. And hold down the fort.”
“Will do.”
When Zoe left, Sidney closed the office door and hurried to her desk. She dug out the slip of paper Ike had given her with the name and number of the document forger. She took a deep breath and then dialed. The phone rang only once.
“Yeah?”
Not the friendliest of greetings.
“Is this Ronan O’Dwyer?”
There was hesitation on the other end of the line, a caution that Sidney could feel in her bones. She suddenly wondered if he would turn her away because she was female.
“Who’s asking?”
The voice was distinctly Irish. The tone was distinctly suspicious.
“My name is Sidney Fai…”
“I don’t want yer last name.”
“Oh. All right. Well, then you can just call me Sid.”
“Are ya a copper, Sid?”
“A copper? Oh. You mean a cop. A police officer?”
“Aye.”
“No. I’m not a cop. I’m in social work.”
“How’d ya get this number, Sid the social worker?”
How was she supposed to answer that? I’m not a cop, but my future husband is. That would go over well.
“From a friend.”
“And why would this friend send ya ta me?”
“Because I asked him where I could get my hands on some false documents.”
“And he just tossed me name out, all casual like?”
“Well… no. Not at first. Not until I’d brought the subject up a few times. I think he didn’t take me seriously at first. And then he just wanted me to be careful, so he gave me your number because he said you do good work. Convincing and discreet.”
Hesitation again. She could almost hear him thinking.
“What is it yer wantin’ from me, Sid the social worker?”
“A driver’s license. Birth certificates and passports for a woman and two small children.”
“Well, did yer friend tell ya that I don’t work fer pennies, Sid?”
“He said you weren’t cheap.”
“He told ya true. The three passports will run ya two hundred a piece.”
His three sounded more like ‘tree’, but Sidney got the gist.
“One hundred for the driver’s license. One fifty for each of the documents. Another hundred fer me time and labor. That’s twelve hundred and fifty total. Ya still interested?”
Sidney blew out a silent breath. $1250. She closed her eyes and silently prayed Ann had that much to spare.
“Yes. I’m still interested.”
“Payment is due when I deliver yer papers, then. Delivery happens on neutral ground. Public place.”
“That sounds acceptable.”
“If I deliver yer papers and I don’t get paid, delivery has a bad ending fer you.”
“There’s no need for threats, Mr. O’Dwyer. You’ll get your money. If this goes well, I may even become a repeat customer.”
“I’ll hold up me end of the bargain. All will go well as long as you hold up the end of yers.”
“All right then.”
“I assume ya have pictures for me?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Are they digital?”
“They are.”
“Text them to this number once we hang up, along with any special details you want on the documents, like cities, names, and dates.”
“Oh. Right. It may take me a half hour or so to collect that information.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Always come to me prepared, Sid the social worker. Otherwise yer just wasting me time.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll let it slide this once. But if ya come back fer more, make sure ya remember.”
“I’ll remember.”
“Get the info to me quick. Within the hour. The sooner ya do, the sooner I can get started.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll text ya with a meetin’ place fer delivery in two days. Maybe three.”
Maybe tree. His Irish brogue made her smile, despite the nervousness nibbling at her stomach.
“Thank you, Mr. O’Dwyer.”
Another pause. Like he was thinking it over.
“The name’s Ronan.”
Before she could respond, the line went dead. Sidney stared at the cellphone for a moment and then got up to go find Ann. She had cities and names and dates to choose for her and her children, and Sidney had every intention of getting that information to Ronan O’Dwyer as quickly as she could.
Once she’d passed on Ann’s chosen information to O’Dwyer, Sidney got to work. Her day was fairly routine, and she was more than happy about that. She’d had enough bad surprises to last a good long while.
She’d just delivered a bowl of chicken noodle soup upstairs to Tyneesha, who was finally on the mend, and was heading down the stairs when she saw Zoe open the front door.
“Oh, my goodness!” Zoe exclaimed.
“You know, it didn’t dawn on me until right now that this might not be a great idea.”
There was no mistaking that slight southern drawl, and the sound of it made Sidney’s heart skip, trip, and flip.
“Isaac?”
She hurried down the last few stairs and rushed to the door.
One look and she immediately understood Zoe’s exclamation.
He stood there holding the biggest, most beautiful bouquet of pale pink roses she’d ever seen. The kind with the pale pink outer petals and the darker pink centers. The kind she’d told him she favored when they were walking along the beach.
“What have you done?”
She reached through the open doorway and practically pulled him inside.
“Well, I took an hour for lunch and thought I’d spend it with you. So I got us a couple of those Cobb salads you like so well from the deli.” He held up a bag in one hand. “And as I was leaving there, I saw this little florist shop, and I remembered what you said about your favorite roses.”
“Isaac…”
“I described them to the florist, and she gave me these. I hope they’re the right kind.”
“They are exactly the right kind. They’re beautiful.”
She took the flowers from him and then kissed his lips.
Zoe quietly cleared her throat.
“Oh.” Nervous laughter bubbled out of her and she gestured to her boss. “Zoe, this is my fiancé, Isaac Taylor. Ike, this is Zoe Ridley, my boss.”
“Hello, ma’am.”
Isaac kept both hands on the bag containing their salads and made no move to shake Zoe’s hand.
“I believe we’ve actually met once or twice before.”
“We have?” Zoe sounded shocked. “I mean, I know you were here for the whole Tom Billings debacle, but I was unconscious then.”
Isaac chuckled. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“You and me both.”
“I was actually referring to several years back when I was still in uniform. I worked in the domestic violence unit for a short time. I was here at Hope House on a few calls back then.”
“Oh, gosh. Is that right?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Small world and all that.”
“Yes.”
“You know, you do actually look familiar.”
“You’ve probably seen him sitting on my desk.” Sidney smiled at her.
Zoe laughed.
“That’s right! You have a picture of him sitting there. I see it everyday!”
They all laughed.
“Well, it’s nice to finally meet you, Detective. Sidney talks about you all the time. And congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thank you. I hope I’m not interrupting your work. Like I said, I didn’t even think that this might not be a good idea until I was here.”
“Nonsense. Actually, I think the residents feel safer with a cop in the building. Plus, it might help them to see a healthy relationship. Enjoy your lunch.”
She left them and headed for the kitchen.
Sidney looked up at him.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve called and asked if this was okay.”
“Are you kidding? Isaac, this is the sweetest surprise.”
“You sure?”
“Yes! Thank you for the roses. They’re so lovely.”
He ran his thumb over her cheek.
“They pale next to you, darlin’.”
Did women actually swoon in real life? She needed to know because if not, then she was probably about to faint or something.
“Come with me.”
She took his hand and led him into the office and over to her desk.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.”
“Okay.”
She took the roses into the kitchen where Zoe was helping Ann and Beth to prepare lunch for their little ones.
“Do we have any vases around here by any chance?”
“Oh, Sidney. Those are gorgeous!” Ann stared at the bouquet in delight.
“Did your fella give ’em to you?” Beth asked, smiling.
Zoe handed her a vase from under the sink.
“He did. Thanks.”
She filled the vase with water and placed the roses in. She leaned in and inhaled the fresh fragrant scent.
“Is he always so sweet to you?”
Beth’s tone was one of wonder, like someone had just told her that unicorns exist. The sound of it tugged at Sidney’s heart. Had the woman really never experienced a man being kind to her?
Sidney looked her in the eyes.
“Yes, he is. And it’s… taken some time to get used to. In all honesty, I’m still not. Used to it, I mean. I’m afraid to upset him sometimes, because… well, we all know why. But then I remind myself that he’s not Damien. He’s not going to react with his fists, no matter what I say or do.”
“How do you know that for certain?”
The fear in Beth’s voice was heartbreaking.
Sidney glanced down at her roses and thought about Ike. About the goodness inside his heart, the love and gentleness.
“I just know.”
She left the kitchen and headed back to the office, where Isaac had their lunch all laid out on her desk. Two Cobb salads with balsamic vinaigrette, and two bottles of sparkling water.
She set the roses on the corner of her desk, and then sat down to eat.
“I can’t believe you did this.”
She glanced at him and took note of the satisfied smile on his handsome face.
“What’s gotten into you lately?”
“What do you mean?” He took a bite of his salad and frowned at her.
“I mean, you’ve become Mr. Romance all of a sudden. That wonderful backyard picnic, the most amazing day at the beach where we made wedding plans, and then picking out my gorgeous engagement ring and our wedding bands. Now, two dozen roses hand delivered to my place of business, along with lunch.”
Isaac’s eyebrows shot up, and Sidney grinned and took a bite of her salad.
“Are you complaining about the romance, Ms. Fairchild?”
“Absolutely not. I’m enjoying the romance very much, Mr. Taylor. I’d just like to know what brought it on.”
“Well, maybe I’ve always been romantic and you just never knew it. Maybe I never knew it until you came along. Maybe…” He pointed his fork at her as he thought about it. “Maybe I’ve simply never had anyone in my life to shower my romantic tendencies on.”
They stared at one another for a long moment, and Sidney decided that last theory was most likely right. And that in itself carried a certain sort of sadness.
“So, how’s your day going, baby? Any progress on your castration murders?”
“We have a new person of interest we’re looking into right now. And we’re starting to suspect our killer had help.”
“So you’re looking for more than one person?” Sidney took a sip of her water.
“We think so. We keep trying to pick him up for questioning, but he keeps eluding us.”
“And this person of interest. Does he have a connection to the girl in the mental hospital? The old rape case you mentioned?”
“He does indeed.”
“So, you were right about it all stemming from that rape case?”
“Seems that way. And if we’re right about our person of interest, then this case has a doozy of a twist.”
“Really? I can’t wait to hear about it.”
Isaac finished off his salad in record time and put his container into the empty bag.
“What about you? Any new developments in the harassment case?”
“Ooh, it’s a case now.”
“It is in my book. Slashed tires and that tarantula package. Hell yeah, it’s a case.”
Sidney swallowed a bite and debated on whether or not to say anything. Finally she put down her empty container and licked her lips.
“Well, I’m not sure this is part of the harassment or not, but…”
She sighed, letting her shoulders fall heavy.
“But what, Sid?”
“I was stopped again this morning on my way to work.”
“What? You were pulled over? Again?”
Sidney nodded. “Yes.”
“And?”
“And, I did what you said and told the officer up front that I had a CWP and my gun was in my purse. Just like last time.”
“And he made you get out of the car.”
“Yes.”
“Did he cuff you?”
“No. And he didn’t pull his gun on me either. He was much nicer than the female cop who pulled me over yesterday.”
“Then what happened?”
“Same drill. He located my purse, secured the gun, found my license and my permit. Then he said he’d pulled me over for failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.”
“Bullshit!”
“Which I know that I stopped at!”
“Did he give you a citation for that?”
“He said out of respect for you he was letting me off with a warning.” She reached for her purse in the bottom drawer of her desk and pulled out the citation. “He gave me this.”
Isaac took the yellow slip of paper from her and looked it over.
“Andy Garfield.”
He read the signature out loud, and Sidney stared at him.
“Do you know him?”
“No. But it’s a big precinct and we work in different departments. Different floors.”
“He claimed to know you.”
Isaac looked at her. “That doesn’t mean much. Patrol is a lot more aware of who the detectives are than the other way around. Mostly because there’s just so many patrol officers. No way to get to know them all personally unless you happen to work on one of the cases they’ve caught.”
Sidney nodded. “That makes sense.”
She cleared away the last remnants of their lunch. While she worked, she could see Isaac’s mind spinning. He was looking at the body of evidence, coming at it from all available sides, attempting to put the puzzle pieces into place.
“Two shit citations, two days in a row. Both on your way to work in the morning.”
He was mumbling to himself, and Sidney wondered if he’d picked up the bad habit from her, or if this was his way of working through a case. She suspected the latter, and she found it fascinating to watch him work.
“Slashed tires. Big hairy spider in the mail. What do they all have in common?”
“Ike?”
“Two citations. Slashed tires. Creepy package for future Mrs. Ike Taylor.”
“Isaac?”
“Hmm?”
“You’re going to be late getting back to work.”
He glanced down at his watch and then looked at her.
“I don’t think your troubles are the angry husband you beat up, or the jilted doctor who forced a kiss on you.”
“You don’t?”
“No.”
“Then who?”
“Something about it screams Natalie Bains to me.”
Sidney stared at him, completely lost.
“Who is Natalie Bains and why the hell is she pissed at me?”
Isaac leaned back in her desk chair and folded his arms over his chest.
“Natalie Bains is a toxic harpy that’s obsessed with me for some odd reason.”
“Obsessed with you?”
“She’s the one who reported us to Internal Affairs about our relationship, and caused me to have to go through that IAB inquest.”
“Ohh! That Natalie Bains.”
“Right.”
“Well, still… what is she pissed at me for?”
“Because you have me, and she doesn’t?”
