by Celya Bowers
He exited the second floor and walked straight into Maddie’s office. Quite impressive, he thought as he walked inside the glass doors. Maddie’s office occupied the entire second floor. The receptionist smiled as he took a seat in one of the leather chairs.
“Hello, Mr. Conway. Ms. Bradford will be with you in a few minutes. She’s finishing up with her client. Would you like something to drink while you wait?”
He knew beer was out of the question. “Water is fine.” He reached for a magazine on the table. He hated waiting. At least that was the ex always told him. He turned his attention to the interior of the office. According to the judge, Maddie had been in business about five years. Apparently, she was doing very well. How much did public relations firms bring in anyway? He noticed the photos on the wall and was instantly impressed again. They were photos of clients, including the mayor, athletes, and local celebrities. Some not so local. You can’t judge a book, he reminded himself.
Maddie walked out of her office, escorting an older gentleman to the door. “Yes, Mr. Brown, I’ve got feelers out for a graphic artist. I’ll email you the list of speaking engagements.”
“Good. As soon as I hear from my agent, I’ll let you know.” He walked out of the office.
Maddie took a deep breath. “Hello, Detective. Sorry to keep you waiting. Please come in my office.” She motioned for him to proceed her.
Sean ambled in the corner officer not sure what to expect. He knew one thing: this was not it. He watched Maddie walked behind a large L-shaped desk which one part faced the window. Her desk was immaculate, unlike his very cluttered desk. She had two large computer monitors hooked up to her very expensive laptop. Her wall was adorned with photos. Some family, he recognized the judge, some business contacts. Some of the notables from Arlington society also took up space next to her family.
Instantly, he wondered what kind of money a place like this made. Enough for a nice home, car, and a receptionist. He noticed her staring at him, which brought his wonderings to an end.
“So glad you could make it, Sean.” She sat behind her desk and scribbled something on a notepad.
He cleared his throat. Why did he sound like teenager on his first date? This woman was part of a case, he reminded himself. Focus, man. “I wanted to get a little more information on your brother.”
She glanced up from her desk and stared at him. “You can get that information anywhere. Why come see me?”
Talk about suspicious. “Yes, I can pull reports, but that doesn’t really tell me about him as a person. That’s where you come in,” he answered confidently. “I’m sure you can tell me more about DJ than any report.”
She smiled. “True.” She leaned back in her seat. “What would you like to know?”
Finally, cooperation. “Well, first of all, tell me what you think happened to him?” He pulled his tiny notebook out of his pocket, along with his favorite pen. “I mean tell me why you think there’s been foul play.”
“I guess I just had a feeling and he’s been acting weird the last few weeks.”
Sean nodded. “What’s his favorite place to hang out?”
“I’m sure you know of his spotty history with the police. Normally, if he’s not at his apartment, he hangs out at Chanello’s you know the arcade hall by the college.”
He knew the place. DJ was in his late thirties and was keeping company with teenagers! He also knew that was a place for drug drops. “Does he have any friends?”
“Of course, he does. He’s not a psychopath. Childhood friends who have made the same bad choices as DJ. Let’s see, there’s Brian Banks, Clay Arkwright, and Ben Hutter. That’s the few I know. His girlfriend would probably know for sure.”
“Have you talk to her lately?”
She hesitated before she gave her answer. “I’m not on the best terms with her. Well no one in the family. Rachel and DJ have been together the last five or six years. It is not a perfect union.”
“What is?” Sean said, absently, thinking back to the demise of his own marriage.
She opened her mouth to speak, but there was a knock at the door interrupting the question and answer period. Her assistant stepped inside the office. “Maddie, I’m heading home. I’ll tell security you’re still here.”
“Thank you. Have a good evening.”
The woman nodded and closed the door. Maddie turned her attention back to him. “You were saying how your marriage wasn’t perfect.”
“Not exactly, but close. Yes, I’m divorced. The wound is still pretty fresh.” In fact, he hoped she would just drop the subject. Unfortunately, past experiences taught him that was not likely. For some reason unknown to him, women just had to know ever last dirty detail.
“How long have you been divorced?” She leaned forward, more interested in the conversation.
“Five years. I was married for 15. Wife decided she didn’t want to be married to a cop anymore. I was a cop before I was a private investigator. I think she’s in New York now.”
“Wow!” She said. “I can see why you’re bitter.” She smiled at him. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bring up unpleasant memories. How did you make it through without losing your mind?”
“Your dad.”
***
Okay not the words she was expecting. “My dad?”
This time he smiled at her. “Yes, the judge took me under his wing and helped me through a very dark time. I couldn’t really talk to my parents about it. They have been married over 40 years. I owe your dad a lot.”
“I see. That’s why he sent me to you.” She could see her father’s handiwork all over this now.
“Yes. He wanted me to look into the matter personally.”
“And what have you decided?”
“That I’m going to need your help.” His bright green eyes stared a whole into her. “You’re right, I’ve pulled all kinds of reports, but nothing can give me background like a sibling or someone close to him. Your dad didn’t know much about his social life. So, I’m turning to you.”
Well, he told her. “All right, I’ll help all I can, but I’m not going to let this get swept under the rug just because it’s an election year,” she said. “I’m still going to file a report if you can’t come up with something quick.”
He nodded. “Agreed.”
“I think we need to start with the girlfriend.”
“We?”
“Yes, we. You don’t think she’s going to talk to me willingly, do you? You’re my way in.”
“All right.” She reached for the office phone. “I’ll call Rachel to see if she’s home.”
He stilled her hand. “So, she’ll have time to disappear? Nope. We’re going there now, to catch her off-guard.” He rose from his seat. “Come on, let’s go.”
“Is this you asking me? Because I don’t like it,” she said, grabbing her purse.
“Well, this is not me asking, and I don’t care if you like it or not. Let’s go,” he said in a tone she didn’t appreciate. “You can go willingly or by force, doesn’t matter to me.” He took a step toward her.
“Okay, you can stop with the cave man thing,” she said. “I started this, so I have to be able to take the pressure.” She pulled her shoulder bag on her arm and headed out the door.
He followed her out of her office and closed the door. He watched her as she locked the door and inhaled the perfume that would haunt his dreams later tonight. “I thought I was going to have to get rough.”
She dropped the keys in her purse and looked up at him. “I have to see it through.”
“Good answer.” He grabbed her arm and escorted her out of the building.
5
Once Maddie was settled in the passenger’s side of his Ford f-150, Sean saw all the flaws to his perfect plan. Sure, acting like an ass got her to cooperate, but that’s about all it did. He didn’t take into consideration, that once they were in the close quarters of his vehicle, he’d inhale her perfume the entire trip.
Maddie fidg
eted in the seat. “Rachel’s apartment is in the Canefield Division,” she said. “I’ve never been there, myself. I believe it’s near the college.”
He nodded as he put the SUV in gear. “Canefield was not in the best part of town,” he said. “I’ve made many arrest in those apartments in my copper days.”
“I can’t see how they live there. It’s mostly international college students and people who just can’t afford anything better,” she mumbled. “They should tear those rat traps down, but then where would they go?”
“True. It’s a necessary evil, I’m afraid.” He turned down the street heading to the other side of town. He could feel her mood descending into that black hole, he had to change the subject. “What does Rachel do?”
“She works at the college in the kitchen. I’m not sure what she does, maybe prepping meals. I think that’s the only job she’s ever had. I don’t know how she can afford the rent on her own.”
“Would explain why she lives in Canefield. It’s cheap and she could walk to work.” He waited a beat. “Children?”
Maddie shook her head. “Nope.”
He turned into the apartments and parked. He had reservations about her accompanying him to question Rachel, but it had to be done. He cut the engine as he glanced at Maddie, hoping she was as strong as she looked. “Ready?”
“Yes. They live in building B.” She opened the door and let herself out.
Sean feigned ignorance. He’d been to this apartment complex many times as an investigator and knew the location of the building. He eased out of the truck.
She met Sean as he closed the door and locked it. “Aren’t you afraid someone will take your car?”
He started walking, fighting the urge to take her hand. Maddie was too independent for hand holding. She’d probably slap him for thinking she was weak. “No. I have been here before.”
They walked in silence to the building. It was a one-story run-down apartment complex of about 24 units. Unsupervised children ran up and down the dimly lit hallway. Sean shook his head. His heart always felt heavy when he came to these apartments. He raised his hand to knock on the door, but it opened, and a man walked out like he owned the joint.
“What?”
The man looked surprised to see him, Sean thought. He recognized him instantly. Probably late twenties and the aroma of cheap liquor lingered on his breath. It had been some years, but some things never changed.
“Rachel Parks,” Maddie said in a clipped breath.
“She ain’t here.” He stood his ground, blocking their entrance into the apartment.
“Liar,” Maddie said. “Now, where is she?” She stood directly in front of him. “I got all day.”
He sighed. “Inside.”
“And you are?”
The man looked from her to Sean then back to her. “I could ask you first, but I see you got Arlington’s finest with you.” He nodded in Sean’s direction. “Detective.”
“Hello, Jake,” Sean said. “I’m not a police officer officer anymore, but I am a private investigator. I don’t think your parole officer will like it when I tell her you’re drinking on the job.”
Jake shook his head. “Man, it was a just a small glass to get me through the day. I hate collecting the rent. No one ever has their money. One sob story after another.” He opened the door and motioned them inside. “She’s in there. Well, what’s left of her is in there. Looks like that no-account man she got worked her over pretty good.”
Sean didn’t like that. Something was very off. He thanked Jake and entered the tiny apartment. For once in his life, Jake hadn’t lied. Someone had beat Rachel like she owed them money. Or as if her boyfriend had.
Maddie gasped as she entered the room. “Oh my God,” she said, kneeling next Rachel’s very still form. “Is she....”
“Dead?” Sean felt the woman’s arm to check for a pulse. “No, she’s barely alive. Call the paramedics.” He checked her for injuries. He gently pushed on her stomach. Rachel moaned.
“Please don’t hurt me. I don’t have any money,” she croaked.
Sean cleared his throat. “Rachel, who did this?” He looked at her tattered clothing and reasoned her attackers were not the run of the mill drug runners.
“Don’t know.” Tears ran down her face. “They were in the apartment when I got home,” she whispered and finally open her eyes. “They were looking for DJ.” She closed her eyes.
Maddie shuddered. Then put her phone back in her purse. “The paramedics are on the way.” She wasn’t expecting none of this. Yes, she had a feeling DJ was up to his neck in it, but now he’d gotten Rachel beaten up. Who was going to be next?
Sean rose and walked around the room, most likely looking for a clue to who the attackers were. Maddie sat on the old, comfortable sofa, rummaging through her purse for something that could help Rachel. But what? She assessed Rachel’s physical injuries. Her eyes were almost swollen shut, her cheeks were puffy, and purple marks were scattered over her caramel skin. and she noticed fingerprints around her slim neck. She reached inside her purse for a tissue.
Maddie wiped away tears. She never cried. It wasn’t like she and Rachel were on the best of terms, but still, she thought. This shouldn’t happen to another human being.
“Maddie,” Sean said softly. He was instantly at her side, taking the tissue out of her hand and wiping her face. “Rachel will get the help she needs.”
She didn’t want to talk, mostly because her mouth couldn’t form words. She nodded. His large hands were incredibly gentle as he wiped her face. After her tears calmed, he sat next to her on the sofa. “Do you think any of his associates that would do anything on this level?”
She shook her head. DJ. He was in it this time. Her father was going to be livid. Her rubbed her neck as the pain increased. “We’ve got to find him and fast.” She knew if these fools did this to poor Rachel, just think what they would do when they got to him. She hoped her brother was somewhere safe.
Sean nodded. “Yes, looks like Rachel was the message. These people mean business.” There was a knock at the door. “I’ll get that.” He walked the few steps to the door and let the paramedics inside.
Two young men walked in the room. Instantly, the recognized Sean. “Hey, Conway. What’s up?”
“Landlord found her like this. Looks professional. Broken bones, facial fractures, multiple bruises,” Sean listed her injuries like ingredients to a demented recipe.
The two men quickly loaded Rachel on the stretcher and took her the hospital. Maddie glanced around the tiny apartment. For over five years, her brother had called this place home. No matter how many times Rachel threw him out, he came right back, and she always welcomed him with open arms. Maddie shook her head. Talk about dysfunctional. Those two wrote the book.
Sean sat next to her. “There’s not much else we can do here. Why don’t we go to the hospital?”
“Why?” Maddie stared at him with those big brown eyes.
“Because my biggest lead so far to the case of your missing brother is on her way the hospital after getting beat within an inch of her life.” He grabbed her arm and help her to stand. “Does Rachel have any family locally?” They exited the apartment. Sean made sure the door was locked and they left the building.
“I think her mother lives in Fort Worth. They haven’t spoken in ages. At least that’s what DJ said.” Maddie said as she stopped at his truck.
“What about holiday dinners?” He unlocked the truck and slid behind the steering wheel as Maddie settled in the passenger side.
“What do you mean? She slid the seatbelt lock in place.
Sean started the engine. “I mean, did she attend family dinners at your house?”
She sighed. “No, she didn’t. She made it very clear what she thought of us. She thought we were snobby.”
He looked at her as he put the vehicle in gear. “You’re kidding?”
“No, she didn’t like us, and we didn’t like her. She felt we were put
ting pressure on DJ to get a job and do something with himself. We felt she was leading DJ down a dangerous path, but to be honest, he was on that path since high school. I think it was the pressure of Daddy being a lawyer, then a judge. He couldn’t cope. Rachel blamed us for all DJ’s problems.”
“Wow! They are made for each other, huh?” He drove out of the parking lot and headed for the hospital. “Most likely the paramedics took her to Arlington General, because of her injuries.”
They arrived at the hospital and walked inside in silence to the information desk. Sean flashed his badge since neither of them was related to Rachel. The young woman stared at him with a goofy smile on her teenaged face. “Yes, sir?”
“I’m an investigator. A young woman was brought in by paramedics, Rachel Parks. I need to speak with her.”
“Sure, sir. I’ll just look her name up.” Her young fingers flew across the computer keyboard. “Looks like she’s in surgery, she had a punctured lung.”
Sean nodded, and thanked her. “I’ll come back tomorrow. She’s going to be too out of it to answer questions.” He guided Maddie out of the lobby and back to the parking lot. He noticed she’d become noticeably quiet. Too much reality, he reasoned.
He unlocked the passenger door and let her slide inside. As he walked to the driver’s side, he imagined a drink was what she needed. He hopped in the truck, brought the engine to life, and headed for his favorite bar.
“Why are stopping here?” Maddie asked quietly. “I know my brother isn’t in there.”
Sean cut the engine. “Everything I do does not have to be about your brother. I thought we could use some refreshment.” He opened the door and exited the vehicle. He stood waiting as she wrestled with the prospect of having a drink with a virtual stranger.
Finally, she opened the door and slid out and joined him. She glanced up at the sign and shook her head. “I hope this isn’t a bad omen.”
“What?”
She pointed up at the brightly lit sign. “The Drunken Jax. DJ’s middle name is Jackson. Way back when in high school, that’s what they used to call him cause he used to get drunk at all the parties.”
