by Edwin Dasso
After a quick gaze at the clock, she gave Jasper a hug then stood and trudged into the bathroom. Peering sideways in the mirror, she frowned and turned on the shower. Most Sundays, she’d be awake by now and on her way to work. But she took a vacation day to spend time with Deke. At least, his role in her nightmare was dream worthy. The thought of him kissing her entire body sent hot chills down her neck and shoulders then spun down her arms and legs. She couldn’t wait to see him.
When the water warmed, she stepped into the stall and let the stream envelop her. The hot spray somehow cleansed her from the eerie feeling that crushed her dream. She closed her eyes and thought about past moments with Deke. She’d never believed in love at first sight before she met him, but their first kiss changed her mind. Energized by excitement, she squirted a glob of bodywash into her mesh loofah then squeezed it into a rich lather and scrubbed her body. After washing her hair, she rinsed off and lingered in the spray, relishing the feeling. Oh, what she’d give to be standing under the warm water with Deke. Envisioning the scene sent a visceral shot of heat between her thighs. When the water began to cool, she reluctantly stepped from the stall and grabbed a towel to dry off.
From the corner window, she saw the first rays of light breach the darkness. She slipped into her lounging pants and t-shirt then blow-dried her hair. When most of the moisture was gone, she padded to the kitchen, made a cup of coffee then hooked Jasper to his leash and took him outside.
She couldn’t help but gaze across the park area to the condos beyond. Morbid curiosity coaxed her to peer at accidents and watch crime scenes unfold, but she couldn’t shake the unnerving sensations that lingered weeks later. Perhaps, if she faced her fears, her anxiety would lessen. She rubbed the gooseflesh prickling down her arms. “Come on, Jaz. Let’s get you some breakfast.” She tugged his leash and wandered inside.
By eleven fifteen, Elise was dressed and ready for her date with Deke. Gazing in the mirror, she touched up her blush and was brushing on lip gloss when the doorbell rang. A swirl of excitement rushed over her as she opened the front door. “I’m so glad you’re home, Deke. I can’t wait to hear all about the Combine and your workouts.” She smiled then threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Come in.”
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him then scooped her into his arms and kissed her long and hard.
Lost in the release of pent-up passion, Elise fell limp.
When he finally stepped back, he smiled. “I’ve wanted that kiss for a long time.” He gazed at her from foot to head. “You’re breathtaking, Elise.”
“Wow.” Still quivering, she grinned.
He raised a brow and chuckled. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so aggressive.”
“The kiss was great. You’ve just never been quite so passionate before. But I’m glad you missed me.” A pang of concern prickled down her arms. “Where’s Jasper?” She tilted her head and gazed into the yard. “He didn’t slip by us when we were distracted, did he?”
Deke scanned the room. “There he is, peering around the kitchen counter. I must have startled him, too. Come here, boy. I have a surprise for you.”
Jasper stared and didn’t move an inch until Deke drew a dog treat from his pocket and held it out.
“Sorry I scared you, boy. Here. Come get your treat.”
Slowly, Jasper approached then took the treat from Deke’s hand and gobbled it down.
“Good boy.” Deke turned toward Elise. “Damn. You’re gorgeous. Are you ready to go to Ray’s?”
“Absolutely. And I want all the details about the Combine. I’m so excited for you, Deke. You’ve worked so hard.” She grabbed her coat from the closet.
“Let me help you.” He held the wrap until she slid her arms inside the sleaves then draped it over her shoulders. Opening the door, he shot a gaze toward Jasper. “We’ll be back soon, buddy.” He paused until Elise walked through the door, then slipped outside. Taking her hand, he headed toward his car and began his play-by-play diatribe about the entire week in Indianapolis.
Located on the Chattahoochee River on Powers Ferry Road, Ray’s On The River was one of Elise’s favorite restaurants, especially in the spring and summer when they could stroll the serene, landscaped grounds before and after a wonderful meal. But, even in late February, the view was beautiful, the food was five star, and the brunch was among the top one hundred in America. With prime-cut steaks, fresh seafood flown in daily, and regionally grown fruits and vegetables, the buffet was a masterpiece for any connoisseur.
Deke had made reservations for a corner table overlooking the river. The romantic setting made the entire experience perfect. Elise should have been over the moon, but she couldn’t shake the unsettling anxiety churning inside.
The murder of that woman affected her more than she could explain away. “I can’t fathom why anyone would murder someone like that.”
Deke leaned forward and took her hand. “Who knows what awful demons lurk in the minds of people? I doubt the murder was random. Usually, a killer’s actions are provoked by something.”
She breathed in a gulp of air then whooshed it out. “I know you’re right.” A chill twisted around her spine, sending a shiver down to her toes. She brushed her palms over her upper arms. “But I just can’t shake this weird feeling of impending doom.”
7
A week had passed since Deke returned home, and Elise still couldn’t overcome her anxiety. Work provided a distraction, but she couldn’t relax at night. By Sunday afternoon, she felt so anxious, she had to talk with someone aside from Deke.
After considering a professional, Elise called Britt, hoping to get a more insightful perspective. In a two-minute phone call, her friend had Elise feeling more relaxed than she’d felt the entire week. Britt suggested they meet at Cochran Shoals Trail for a walk and Elise agreed. Physical activity always reduced her angst, and she really missed hanging out with Britt. When the call ended, Elise breathed a sigh of relief. A hike along the Chattahoochee River would do wonders for both of them.
When Elise pulled into the parking area, she saw Britt leaning against her car, legs crossed and holding two water bottles. Britt knew her better than anyone in the world. She even anticipated Elise would forget water. Smiling, she waved and parked the car.
When they started walking, Britt didn’t waste a minute. “So, spill. What’s going on?”
Elise pressed her lips together and shook her head. “I don’t know. I just can’t shake the creepy, eerie feeling I’ve had off and on all week.”
Britt frowned. “Well…first of all, stop thinking something’s wrong with you. Scary shit has given you the heebie-jeebies for as long as I’ve known you. And a murder so close would make anyone a bit on edge…even me.”
“After what you do for a living, I doubt that. But thanks.” Elise gazed at the river rushing around a fallen tree. “I feel better just getting outside like this.”
“I’m glad. But I’m not kidding, Elise. I’d be nervous, too. What concerns me more is how you’ve felt around Deke. He’s the catch of a lifetime, girl. For months you’ve practically felt like he could walk on water. Are you having second thoughts?”
“No…maybe…I mean, I’m sure it’s just anxiety. I’m oversensitive because of the murder.” A dog barked in the distance and she flashed on Jasper’s hesitance to take the treat Deke offered.
Britt tightened her ponytail. “Okay…so, how does Deke fit into that? How has he made you feel?”
Elise watched a squirrel chase another around a tree then jump branch to branch. “I feel like that squirrel being chased.” She turned toward Britt and acknowledged her blank stare. “I know. That makes no sense. And I’m sure my edgy feelings have nothing to do with him. I love Deke with all my heart but…since the murder, little things get on my nerves.”
“Like what?” Britt frowned.
An animal rustled through the leaves and Elise gasped. Her gaze snapped to the underbrush.
Britt raised h
er brows toward her forehead. “Like that?”
“Probably. I haven’t slept well, and I know I’m jittery…but things I never noticed Deke did before, agitate me––like interrupting me mid-sentence…micro-managing how I do things, and he constantly fondles me.”
“I wouldn’t mind that last one.” Britt chuckled.
Elise pursed her lips. “I know…but at weird, inappropriate times, like I’m his possession and he can slip his hand over any part of my body whenever he wants. Have you ever seen him do that?”
“Honestly, no.” She squeezed her eyebrows together. “Deke has nothing but the utmost respect for you. In fact, he’s really respectful of women in general.”
Turning onto the wooden bridge, Elise stopped and gazed at the river. “I know. You’re right. It’s just me.” She shot a gaze toward Britt. “So why now? When everything in my life is so good? The last thing I want is to blow up my relationship with Deke.” The cool air above the water bit at her cheeks. To block the breeze, she spun and leaned against the railing.
Britt tugged Elise’s arm and started walking the path again. “I’m not an analyst, but––”
Elise broke in. “Do you think I need one?”
“No…I mean, nothing’s wrong with seeing a doctor. But think about this. Deke just completed probably the toughest, most stressful week of his life…and you’ve been working a crazy schedule…not to mention the man of your dreams just proposed a few weeks ago…throw in a murder so close to home…both of you have been super stressed. You need a break.”
Nodding, Elise agreed. “Maybe we should get away for a few days and just relax.”
“We talked about you taking him to your family’s cabin at Lake Lanier. You could hike to the waterfalls, sit by the firepit at night, make love in the hot tub…do it, Elise. A relaxing, romantic holiday is just what you both need.”
“You’re right.” As she envisioned the scene, the tension in her neck and shoulders relaxed.
“Of course, I am.” Britt chortled.
“What a perfect idea. This week is his spring break, and the weather is still cool enough to do all those things. I’m sure I could take a few days off, since I’ve been volunteering for so many games lately.” She halted then hugged Britt. “You’re a genius.”
“So people say...and I never get tired of hearing how brilliant I am.”
Elise gave her a shove. “Seriously, I feel so much better. Thanks for suggesting we take a walk here. I really love this trail. The water relaxes me.”
“It doesn’t take a genius to know walking is a great way to de-stress. I’m glad I could help. You’ve straightened out my butt enough times. We make a good tag team.”
They continued their walk around the 5k loop, taking in the stunning scenes of the Chattahoochee River and exploring the marshes and woods along the trail. The afternoon re-energized Elise and gave her the new perspective she needed to get past her angst.
When the sun sank low in the sky, Elise gave Britt a hug then returned to her car and drove home, excited to make plans with Deke. She pulled into the lot and parked in her spot, then flung her purse over her shoulder and paced toward her condo.
“Hey, pretty lady.”
Elise spun toward the voice to see Jason Mallory approaching. She feigned a smile.
“Did you hear any more about the lady in six-B?”
“No. But I’ve been pretty busy. You?”
“Only that the police ruled out family and friends.” He leaned against the split rail post and crossed one shoe over the other. “Since nothing appeared to be missing, they doubt she walked in on a burglar.”
Elise frowned. The thought of a killer randomly roaming her condo complex tightened her throat. She swallowed hard. “Then who killed her? Do they have any suspects?”
“Not yet…at least, they aren’t making public whatever they know.”
She gazed at the ground and kicked at a pebble on the curb. “Hmm. I can’t imagine the incident was a random attack.” Raising her gaze, she observed Jason. He was tall, blond, with grey eyes, a mustache, and a short-cropped beard. The night she met him, she couldn’t see his face as well as she could now, in broad daylight. He looked like a nice-enough man. Not her vision of the Boston Strangler. “Do you know where the woman worked?”
“I have no idea.” He shrugged. “But now that you mention it, I wonder if a colleague might have held some kind of a grudge.”
“Or a competitor. With all the DNA and high-tech advances, I have no doubt they’ll nail the killer. Thanks for the update. Nice seeing you, Jason.” She turned and strolled toward her condo.
“You, too,” Jason replied. “See you later.”
Elise breathed a sigh of relief. The walk and talk had improved her state of mind, and the possibility the murder wasn’t random calmed her nerves even more. When she reached her porch, she saw a single white rose in a vase next to her door. She reached for the card and read: I hope your walk with Britt helped you relax. I love you. Deke.
She pressed the note against her chest and smiled. Pushing open the door, she grabbed the vase and stepped inside. As she set her purse on the foyer table, Jasper bounded toward her with his typical, excited greeting. She placed the bud on the kitchen counter then leaned over to pet her pup. “Okay, boy. I’m happy to see you, too.”
He nosed open the closet door and tugged on his leash until it slipped from the hook, then he brought it to Elise.
She chuckled. “I guess that means you want to go for a walk.” She attached the leash to his collar then, opening the back door, she gazed at the beautiful white rose. Her stomach suddenly clenched. She hadn’t spoken to Deke since she phoned Britt. How did he know where she was today?
8
The knot in her stomach twisted. Relax, Elise. Don’t be so paranoid. A logical explanation for Deke’s note must exist.
“Oh, hello, dear.” Mrs. Murphy smiled. “And you, too, Jasper.” She returned her gaze to Elise. “When my dear Brandi passed, I wanted to get another Yorkie, but my son convinced me not to. His wife doesn’t like dogs and won’t have one in their home…especially now that the twins arrived. A dog would make traveling more difficult, too. I don’t see how you manage, dear, but I’m glad I can help.” She puffed the pillows on her porch swing.
“Thank you, Mrs. Murphy. Jasper loves you, too, and I appreciate you watching him when I have to go on road trips.”
“I don’t mind at all.” She gave Jasper a scrunch. “Your boyfriend, Deke, is a real charmer. I ran into him when he brought you the rose. Any man who brings a woman flowers for no reason is a keeper.” Grabbing a feather duster, she busily dusted the table and chair adjacent to the swing.
“Yes…he’s a keeper.” Ah, that’s how Deke knew Britt and Elise hiked Cochran Shoals. She’d seen Mrs. Murphy earlier, sweeping her deck, and asked her to keep an ear out for Jasper. “When you saw Deke, did you mention where I was?”
She paused her dusting and frowned. “He rang the doorbell several times to give you the rose. I didn’t think you’d mind.”
“Oh, you’re fine, Mrs. Murphy. I don’t mind at all. I just wondered how he knew.” The knot in her stomach relaxed. Why did she doubt him? Britt was right. Deke was the man of her dreams. Elise needed to stop thinking about the incident across the park and focus on her own life.
“Whew. I’m glad, dear. He’s such a sweet and thoughtful boy.”
“I need to get this one to the park.” Elise hitched her head toward Jasper. “He’s been cooped up all day.”
“Of course, dear. Run along.”
“See you later.” Elise tugged on Jasper’s leash and dug into her pocket for her phone. Strolling toward the grassy area, she pressed the side button. “Call Deke.”
“Calling Deke,” the voice command replied.
When he answered the line, she gushed, “So, Mrs. Murphy says you’re a keeper.”
“She does? And what do you say?”
A smile tugged at the corners of her m
outh. “I think she’s a smart woman.” Elise gazed across the park at a lingering crime scene ribbon fluttering in the breeze and purposely turned away. “The rose is beautiful, Deke. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I just wanted you to know I was thinking about you.”
Convinced a weekend away with Deke would calm her nerves, she brought up the idea. “I have a surprise for you, too…well, not really a surprise…more of an outing. We’ve both had a grueling schedule lately, and I could really use a break. Do you think you could ditch everything this weekend and go to the lake house?”
The long silence ensuing caught her off guard. He loved going to the lake. “If you can’t get away, it’s fine. We don’t have to do it this weekend.” She held her breath, waiting for his reply.
“Sorry. I was just visualizing my calendar…preparing for the Combine dominated my life for months, but now that it’s over…sure. A weekend getaway with you…I’m in.”
She whooshed the breath from her lungs. “Great. We can make plans later.”
“Sounds good. I’ve got some studying to do tonight so I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Thanks again for the rose. I love it.” When they first started dating, Elise thought Deke was just a charmer. But over time, she realized what a thoughtful man he was, randomly giving her little gifts for no apparent reason. She tucked a stray clump of hair behind her ear. “Most men buy flowers for special occasions…but you never need a reason. I love that.”
“How do you know?”
“How do I know what?”
He chuckled. “That I don’t have an ulterior motive?”
“I don’t.” Again, the hairs on the back of her neck prickled.
