Sue, page 13
Melvin looked surprised. “I was a Boy Scout. Is that a bad thing?”
“It is when I need a person to back me up, no matter what. Someone who’s on my side, right or wrong.”
“I am on your side.” He rubbed his forehead as if soothing a headache. “I like you, Sue. I like you a lot. Right now, we’re with each other mainly because of a lunatic stalker. However, I’d like to think that once he’s caught and out of the picture, we’ll still spend time together. I don’t know how you feel.” He dropped his hand to his side and gazed at her, eyes earnest. “But, here’s the thing. If I’m not honest with you now, how will you ever be able to believe anything I say later? If there is a later, that is.”
Sue’s annoyance vanished. “You’re right, of course, and I understand. I really do.” Her shoulders dropped a little. “It’s just who you are, I guess.”
Melvin let her last comment slide. “I have an idea. Why don’t you try me anyway? Give me a chance. You should know by now I’m not going to let you down, at least not without a really good reason. I wouldn’t share your confidences with anyone, unless I absolutely had to. So, what is it?”
Sue hesitated, undecided. Her secrets had been used against her before, by Zeke, and she still stung from the underhanded way he’d gained her trust and then turned her words around and used them to take her apart. Melvin wouldn’t do that with her revelations, but he might divulge them in an attempt to stop her if he thought it would be in her best interests. No, she couldn’t yet bring him in on her activities and plans. But she had to tell him something now. Finally, she settled on a mild deception. “I just wanted to say that Zeke used to like exploring abandoned buildings.”
“That’s not a secret.”
“I know. But the secret part is that I’ve been doing online research of derelict buildings and such. Thought it might come in handy someday.”
“I was expecting something a little more earth-shattering,” Melvin said with a wry smile.
“I know, but the detective did tell me to leave it alone and let the police handle it. So, you know, I’ve kept it to myself. I wouldn’t want you to tell anyone I’m doing it.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I won’t tell a soul unless you start running off on your own to check them out.” He smiled to show he was kidding and then looked at his watch. “We need to decide the arrangements for tonight. I don’t like the idea of you being alone here.”
“Me either,” Sue replied frankly. “Do you want to stay? You can sleep on the couch.”
“I’ll do that. And I have an early class tomorrow; I could follow you to work.”
“Great. I’ll just get you some blankets and a pillow.” She stopped in the kitchen doorway. “But we shouldn’t make a habit of it. Okay?”
Melvin approached her. “Listen, I have a thought here. If Zeke, or whoever, is watching your place, then he knows I’m here. He’s not going to try anything.”
You don’t know Zeke, Sue thought. But she held her silence, encouraging him to continue.
“I think we ought to set a trap for this freak. Tomorrow’s Friday and it would be the perfect time to do it. What do you think?”
“Keep talking.”
“I’ll come over like normal and we’ll spend the evening together. Then, around bedtime, I’ll pretend to leave. But I’ll just park a few blocks away and walk back. I can keep an eye on the place for a while and see if anything happens. That nice big hedge out front would make a perfect hiding place.” He grinned broadly. “He won’t know what hit him.”
“You want to come back and freeze your butt off just so you can play spy?”
Melvin looked crestfallen. “Not just that, Sue. I want to catch the guy.” He brightened. “Anyway, I have night-vision goggles. I love using those things.”
She chuckled. “Can’t blame you for that. Okay, it’s a deal.”
“I don’t even have a toothbrush here.” His smile was self-effacing, boyish.
She felt a small ripple in her belly, the flutter of a butterfly. It wasn’t like the heated body rushes she’d had with Zeke, but it felt good. She’d have to watch herself. “I’ve got a new one you can have. Still in the package.”
Later, after she’d done her requisite internet searches and was settled in bed, Sue thought of Melvin, on the sofa, on the other side of her bedroom door and down the short hall. It would be easy to stroll out there, slip out of her nightie, and crawl under the covers beside him. He’d respond; she knew he would. And maybe that great cold loneliness inside her would be dispelled, if only for a brief time. Maybe he could fill the need that clawed its way around her heart. She threw back her blanket and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Then she paused. No. It would just mess things up. Anyway, he wasn’t Zeke. His touch would be different. His body was different. The way he smelled, the way he spoke. It was all different. It would be like drinking lemonade when you thirsted for wine.
Then she recalled with disgust those times Zeke had put her with other men, the look of lust on his face, his shameful participation. I compare him to wine? I’m so screwed up.
She glanced at the door as she slid her feet into slippers, but instead of going to Melvin she went to her desk and pulled out her journal. Opening the cover, she picked up a blue ballpoint. Straining to get the entry worded just right, she poured out her perverse longings and conflicted emotions onto the pages.
For every pleasant memory of Zeke she recorded, she forced herself to document a contrasting negative recollection. She needed this sort of balance to keep her tortured mind from tricking her. Hate boiled inside her, but she couldn’t identify its chief target: herself or Zeke.
She’d been gripping the pen so tightly her fingers were cramped when she finished. Dr. Camden ought to be pleased.
She’d drained some of the poison; now she could put it out of her mind. At least, that’s what she told herself as she lay back down, pulled the blankets over her body, and curled up on her side. A tear leaked onto the pillow.
Outside, a lone figure stood in the shadows of the garage next door and watched Sue’s apartment for a few more minutes. As he trudged back to his vehicle, he slid the sharp tip of his key along the side of Melvin’s car, leaving a long scratch.
Chapter 24
After class the next day, Melvin sat in Roxie’s office and outlined his plan with her and Will.
“I don’t see anything wrong with your proposal,” Will said. His tone was reserved, however. He and Roxie exchanged glances.
Melvin looked from one to the other. “What? You guys have something on your minds. Tell me.”
“Sit down, Melvin.” Roxie indicated the chair in front of her desk.
“Uh-oh. Must be bad news.” He seated himself and waited expectantly.
Will sat in the other chair and casually leaned an elbow on the arm. “I think I’ll let Roxie present this to you. She’s better at this kind of thing.”
Melvin turned his eyes to Roxie. Her green eyes were kind. “We’ve been throwing around some thoughts here. That’s all they are right now, just thoughts. First of all, you’ve been doing a great job on the Cox case and the arrangement seems to be working just fine.”
“But?”
“But we wonder about Susan; we have some doubts. I know you like her, Melvin. We do too, especially Will. He feels a particular bond with her because of the situation. But she hasn’t fully recovered from her ordeal. She has a lot of problems.” Roxie brushed back a stray lock of red hair. “It’s understandable after all she’s been through.”
“I’m not getting you.” Melvin’s heart started pounding a little harder.
Will scratched his head and opened his mouth, but changed his mind about speaking.
Roxie’s voice was gentle. “It occurred to us that maybe Sue has engineered everything that’s happened to her recently.”
Melvin started to object but Roxie raised a hand, stopping him.
“It’s just a theory at this point, Melvin. Hear me out. You have to remember that Sue was under enormous duress while she was with Zeke, probably on an adrenaline high a lot of the time, from panic and other emotions. The chemistry of fear is a powerful thing. It’s possible she has a need to continue the drama because she’s not able to accept that the danger is over. So she sends valentines and flowers to herself and that way she stays in crisis mode. And she keeps the rest of us on alert, too. Maybe there’s a security factor involved. Perhaps she feels safer knowing there is a group of supportive people; you, Will, me and her parents, all looking out for her safety.” She leaned back in her chair with a sigh, and gazed out the window, collecting her thoughts. “I don’t like to think this way, Melvin. None of us do. But we need to consider all options.”
“No.” Melvin stood. His jaw was clenched, but his voice was level. “You’re wrong. Sue’s a victim; she’s really and truly afraid.”
“Maybe she doesn’t even know she’s doing these things. She could do them in a fugue state or compartmentalize her actions so that her conscious brain isn’t even aware,” Will suggested.
“She’d have to be really messed up to do that.” Melvin swallowed hard. “And I don’t think she’s that bad off. Sure, she has some issues. I won’t argue that. But nothing like you’re suggesting.”
“Melvin, we’re just speculating here,” Will said with a conciliatory tone. “Sue could have done it all herself. I’d hate for that to be the case, but really, better that than Zeke coming back around.”
“Maybe it’s not Zeke.” Melvin then told them about the incident with the pizza guy. “He’s enough of an arrogant jerk to do something like this.”
Will sat forward, interest piqued. “Okay, now that’s intriguing. Maybe you’re onto something there.”
“So, now you see it my way? That changes things a little, doesn’t it?” Melvin tried not to be smug, but it was difficult. He repressed a triumphant grin.
“Yes,” Roxie admitted, turning to Will. “It could make a difference. At least it’s an incident that can be corroborated.”
Will agreed.
“There’s something else,” Melvin said, chewing his bottom lip. “Sue didn’t want me to tell you but I think I should.” He proceeded to tell them about the letter Sue found in her door and that they suspected someone had been inside the apartment.
Will frowned. “Melvin, you can’t keep things like this from us, no matter what the client wants. Our duty is to protect her and to do that we need to be kept up to date on all incidents.”
“I realize that. That’s why I’m telling you. Plus, she reported it to the police and they checked for fingerprints. Turns out the only ones found were from people that would have had a reason to be there.”
There was a brief silence while Roxie and Will assimilated this information.
“Another thing, she hasn’t told her folks about the letter,” Melvin said. “She doesn’t want to worry them.”
“Melvin, they’re the ones picking up the tab for this.” He rose from his chair and put his hands in his pockets. “Truth is, they paid a generous retainer. We haven’t even used that up yet. This is kind of a sticky situation.” Will rubbed his chin. “I’ll tell you what. Given this new development, I see no problem authorizing your stakeout tonight.” He glanced at Roxie and she nodded. “I’ll hold onto the information about the letter until we know if something comes of your surveillance. Then we’ll see. Okay?”
Relief crossed Melvin’s face. “Sounds good. Because she more or less put me on the spot about keeping her business private, not letting her parents know.”
Patting Melvin on the shoulder, Will said, “Well, I’m letting you off the hook on that for now. I’ll take responsibility for what information we choose to share and when we do so. But as for you, you work for us and you are to share everything you learn with us. Am I making myself clear?” He raised an eyebrow.
“I’m well aware the agency pays my wages. I know my job and I do it.”
Will walked through door. Melvin and Roxie stood and followed him into the hall.
“Just be careful tonight!” Will said over his shoulder as he moved toward his own office. “Don’t take unnecessary risks.”
“I’ll be fine.” Melvin grinned. Finally, an opportunity to do some genuine authorized surveillance.
Chapter 25
That morning Sue’s mother called her. “Honey, we were wondering if you’d come for supper tonight. You haven’t been over for days.”
Sue was busy at work, but set aside the document she was working on. “I know. I’m sorry, Mom. I’ve just been really busy. And, anyway, don’t you have to work?”
“Gail is taking my shift tonight. She needs the extra hours. And your dad worked the day shift, so he’ll be home, too. We’d love to see you.”
“Um, I kind of already have plans. Melvin’s supposed to come over. We were going to pick up hamburgers on the way home.”
“Melvin? Really? Well, that’s nice. You could bring him over here, you know.”
Sue considered the suggestion. It could turn out to be a pleasant evening. “I’ll ask him.”
“Okay, let me know. Now, I don’t want to keep you, I know you’re working.”
“I’ll call you later. Bye, Mom.” Sue disconnected and looked at the time. Melvin would be on his way to class. She listened closely; both her bosses were busy on phone calls, so she dialed Melvin. She didn’t expect him to say yes to the invitation, but he surprised her.
“Dinner with your folks? I’d love to.”
“But what about our plans for the night?”
“It won’t change our plans. I wasn’t going to start playing spy until midnight anyway.” He chuckled softly.
“Well, good then. I’ll see you after work.”
The meal was a success. Melvin talked to her dad as if he’d known him for years. Her folks obviously liked him. Then a thought crept in unbidden. Her parents wouldn’t have liked Zeke, even in the beginning before things went bad. But, he’d refused to meet them. She gave herself a mental shake. Don’t ruin the night by thinking of him!
While her dad entertained Melvin in the front room, Sue picked up some dirty dishes and followed her mother into the kitchen. “Mom, can I ask you something?”
“Of course.” She paused, a platter in her hands.
“Did you and Dad want me? I mean, were you wanting a baby when I came along?”
Linda set the dish on the counter and a look of pleasure crossed her face. “Did we want you? Oh, my goodness, yes. We tried for years, went to a lot of doctors. It was starting to look like we’d never have a family of our own. We even talked about adoption.” She pulled Sue into her arms for a hug. When she stepped back, her eyes were moist. “I almost didn’t believe the doctor when he told me I was pregnant. I was so excited!”
“Daddy, too?”
“He was thrilled.” Her mother frowned. “But what brought this on? Why would you ask me this?”
“I don’t know. It was just something I wondered about.”
Sue’s mom squeezed her shoulder lightly, a look of tenderness on her face. “When you were born, it was the happiest day of our lives. You made our family complete.” She quickly turned and busied herself, as if embarrassed by the raw emotion.
To relieve the tension, Sue changed the subject and pitched in to help wash the dishes.
They only stayed a few hours, but her parents were fairly beaming when they walked them out. “Come back again, Melvin,” her dad said. “Maybe we can do some fishing when the weather warms up.”
“Yeah, that sounds good.” He shook her dad’s hand before leaving and thanked her mom for the meal.
Sue stared at him. She’d never known a guy her age to have such impeccable manners. Of course, her dating experiences had been extremely limited.
When they got to Sue’s apartment, Melvin insisted she wait by the door while he checked the rooms. Once he was satisfied there were no intruders, they shed their coats and sat on the couch looking at each other.
“Well?” Sue asked.
“Well what?” Melvin draped his arm over the back of the sofa, looking more relaxed than usual.
“What do we do now?” Sue raised her eyebrows.
“We wait. Our cars are outside. Lights are on so whoever it is knows we’re here, if he’s watching. We just hang out for a few hours and sometime around midnight, I leave. Then, I sneak back.”
“What if nothing happens? How many nights do you plan to do this?”
He shrugged. “As many as it takes.”
She felt a small jolt of attraction as his eyes held hers. “Okay,” she said softly. “But won’t you get bored just sitting here?”
“I’m never bored when I’m with you.” His tone was casual, deliberately so.
Sue let the compliment slide by without response. She stood. “Well, I’m going to make some popcorn and fix us something to drink.”
She returned a few minutes later with a bowl of popcorn and a couple of cans of soda, which she set on the coffee table. Plopping down next to Melvin, she opened her drink.
“Tell me about your girlfriend.”
“Ex-girlfriend.” Melvin tossed a few pieces of popcorn in his mouth.
“Okay, then. Ex. What’s her name? What was she like?”
He stalled while he finished chewing and then fiddled with the pop top on his can. It made a tinny sound as he snapped it, not pulling hard enough to actually break the seal. Tap, tap, tap. Sue tried to quell her annoyance and finally placed her hand on top of his, stopping the action, before pulling her hand away.
“Oh, sorry.” He grinned. “Fidgeting. Drives my mom crazy.” He opened the can and took a long drink.
“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to.”
“No, I don’t mind. Just collecting my thoughts.” He looked down at his hands, ran a finger around his watchband, tugged at his shirt collar. He took a deep breath before speaking. “Her name is Allison.”
