“In an unexpected way, she has.”
“I may as well be blunt with you – I don’t know the identity of the other woman in the trunk and have nothing tangible to back this sixth sense, but I suspect we’ll find it wasn’t Chrissy.”
Melanie brightened. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. My head wants to wrap this mess up in a tidy bow, but my gut still senses that she’s alive.”
“There. Where two or three agree, it will be done. I shall consider your alignment as a sign from the Lord that we are on the right track.”
“But we shouldn’t get our hopes up too high, just in case,” Melanie said.
“Doubt cannot travel the same road with trust. There is plenty of grace available, should we be forced to face the first scenario.” Trevor reached for her hand. “How about a walk on the beach?” When she nodded, he added, “meet you back here in ten, dressed in suitable attire for the adventure.”
Melanie laughed. “Only you would label walking along a sandy beach as an adventure.”
When Melanie and Trevor returned from their walk, relaxed and refreshed, Chelsea had returned and was standing, armed and ready. “Get cleaned up you two and meet me in the office promptly.”
“You’re giving the orders now?” Trevor asked.
“You will not be disappointed, Uncle Trevor.” She twirled on her heels and disappeared from view.
The innocent shall know freedom and peace in their hearts.
Chapter 13
Melanie stood under the hot shower for a long time trying to heat her body. She shivered in fearful anticipation at the thought of the upcoming meeting. Her training as a police officer did not help her in the emotional department at all. She had to gain perspective and let this investigation take its twists and turns.
Her partner in South Carolina had texted that the vehicle plates she’d photographed at the motel were registered to Stephen Alexander – one car of many – and a business tycoon who was currently on the watchlist. At present, her car was being hoisted from the river. At least, insurance might spring for new wheels – something good had to come out of the deal. But that was all the update he had so far. The lab was still combing the crime scene for evidence.
Her partner added that the story had hit the news. That might have explained Chelsea’s sudden, aggressive behavior. The bad guys were sweating, and struggling to regain the upper hand before the big-deal transpired that her abductors had alluded too. They wouldn’t want their dump-in-the-river mishap to foul up whatever con they’d planned. Melanie was still breathing, and with forensics and detectives tearing apart the area, the other side was sure to enter panic mode.
The clues all lined up. On the heels of Stephen Alexander’s inability to accost his enemy – Melanie – before reaching Knight Manor, Chelsea had been put into play with whatever surprise plan- B entailed. The circle was enlarging; That Chelsea and Stephen were in cahoots added up, but she questioned where Drew fit into the plot. All logic suggested that Chelsea was the woman that he’d mentioned at the motel, the one who handled the reins. She certainly came off as overbearing. With the hope that the meeting Chelsea had called would clear up some of the blanks, Melanie turned off the shower and stepped onto the porcelain tile floor.
Melanie dried off and slipped into a summer dress. She took her time, feeding the fury she knew Chelsea was experiencing at the moment, as she waited for her and Trevor. Melanie re-touched her lipstick and smiled confidently at the image in the mirror. Appearing on top of her game was crucial when dealing with a stick of dynamite like Chelsea. Hotheads made mistakes, and Melanie was banking that Chelsea would soon add her contribution to the growing list of blunders. She gleamed strength while listening to the steady rhythm of her heels clicking, slow and deliberate down the stairs, each step serving to calm her further.
Melanie met Spencer in the foyer. “Thank you for going into the city for my things. I appreciate it.”
“My pleasure, Miss Braxton.”
At the office door, Melanie sucked in a deep breath and turned the handle. Venom contaminated the air inside the room
“Took your time, didn’t you?” Chelsea said, opening the conversation on a rigid tone. “Uncle Trevor and I have better things to do than wait for you.”
A grin toyed at the corner of Trevor’s lips. “Speak for yourself, Chelsea. Waiting for Melanie has proven quite worthwhile.” He motioned toward a black swivel chair. “Please, join us.”
“Chelsea, why don’t you start the meeting? And use a hospitable voice, if you please. I know your mother trained you better than that.”
“Uncle Trevor, I hate to be the one to enlighten you, but you are harboring a liar in this house, and I demand she redeem herself or be sent packing.”
Trevor glanced in Melanie’s direction. “Demanding does not generate hospitality. Try harder, Chelsea.” This time Melanie saw the corners of his lips turn ever so slightly upward. He seemed amused thus far. He leaned back in his chair casually before continuing. “You’ve been accused of being a liar, Melanie. What do you say to her charges?”
“I have no idea of the lies to which she is referring.”
“Of course, you don’t.” He glared in his niece’s direction. She was clearly testing his patience. “The ball is back in your court. Make this quick. Miss Braxton and I have a church service to attend.”
“Church! Such a mockery, Uncle Trevor.”
“Mmm,” was his only response.
Chelsea stood to her feet and withdrew a Ziplock bag filled with a powdered substance from her purse. It was much the same as the bag Melanie had found at the apartment. Thankfully, she’d turned that evidence into the Langley police. “This is her lie! I found drugs in her room. Drugs! You have invited an addict into the Manor. Or worse – a dealer!”
Melanie sighed in relief. Of all the things the meeting could have involved, drugs had never entered her mind. “Drugs? In my room?”
Trevor interrupted. “And what gave you the right to search my guest’s room?” The humor in his face was gone, his anger clearly directed at Chelsea, not Melanie.
“Because Chrissy told me hair-raising tales of her so-called friend. That’s why I searched the room – to help my little sister.” Her rehearsed pout seemed to have no impact on her uncle.
Melanie interrupted, relieved to find an angle to ask her questions. “I’m curious – when was the last time you discussed me with Chrissy?”
“Why, just recently. She’s upset. Claims you caused all sorts of trouble in South Carolina, especially after your last visit to Georgia.”
“Oh, you mean the week you never showed your face at Knight Manor?” Trevor asked. “Your concern is duly noted.”
“More importantly is the reference you made to after our visit. Did you follow us to Langley?” Melanie asked.
“Perhaps. I can come and go as I please. I sensed that Chrissy was upset.”
“I fail to believe that would have caused you to follow Chrissy, Chelsea. You’re not fooling me with your sisterly concern and I am fast tiring of this nonsense today. What is it you’re really accusing Melanie of?” Trevor’s voice grew deep and angry.
“Why the drugs, of course! Chrissy found a bag she’d stashed in her bedroom at the apartment once, and another in her car, but to bring it into your home, Uncle Trevor – that’s unacceptable!”
Fishing for the timeline in this so-called conversation was proving difficult. “I’m still uncertain as to how you learned all this from Chrissy…after we left Georgia?” Melanie asked.
“Have you heard today’s news, Uncle Trevor?” The drama queen gasped and ran to his side. “I was hoping to spare you that part. Chrissy has gone missing, perhaps lying at the bottom of the river.” The woman’s voice cracked with emotion. “And now her roommate is here, still breathing, when the papers say she was allegedly kidnapped and suffered the same fate. Don’t you see, Uncle, she set the whole thing up – probably overdosed Chrissy and left her in the river for the fish
to eat. It’s clear she’s after Chrissy’s inheritance?” Chelsea’s excited pitch heightened as she spun the tale.
“Chelsea – there are two things you may not know about Miss Braxton: She is heir to more money than she could ever swindle from your sister, and secondly, she is a police officer. Sworn to uphold the law, not break it.”
“You, more than anyone, know that not everyone on the force is pure and untarnished.”
“I’m a lawyer and not easily deceived,” Trevor said. “What I do find difficult to swallow is your sudden concern for your sister.”
“You make me sound horrid! Of course, I care for my family.” Chelsea’s voice broke and she dabbed at an imaginary tear at the corner of her eye. When she saw that her uncle was untouched by her drama, she waved the bag of drugs. “How do you explain the drugs?”
Melanie intervened. “Please Mr. Knight – if she found them in my room, we should investigate. Someone is responsible, and since I am innocent, we may uncover a mole in the case.”
“You’re right.” Trevor removed an envelope from his top drawer and walked over to his niece. “The innocent need never worry. Slip the bag in here.”
“Why?” she all but screamed. “Don’t you trust your own blood relative? Send her away. I don’t want her here.”
“Last time I checked, you didn’t live here,” Trevor said, nodding to the bag she gripped tightly. She reluctantly dropped the drugs in the envelope. He turned his back on her and returned to the desk. “I will give it to the authorities and they will dust it for fingerprints. The results will reveal all the greedy little fingers that have handled the bag.” He reached for his phone.
“The test will prove useless,” cried Chelsea. “My fingerprints are all over it now. Why can’t you just face the facts and send this scheming tramp away?”
“Chelsea, watch your tongue, or you will be the one leaving this house – on the toe of my boot,” he added firmly. “Now, dinner will be served in an hour, scant time to put your ugly accusations to rest. Then, Melanie and I are going out. Why don’t you go home and rethink your approach for tomorrow evening?”
Trevor Knight cast a generous smile Melanie’s way. She sensed Chelsea’s anger and embarrassment. Her uncle managed to expel such a mixture of emotions everywhere he went – warm and inviting at the drop of a hat or cold and firm when the need arose.
Melanie attempted one final petition toward Chelsea. “Chelsea, where did you say you met with Chrissy?”
“In South Carolina. I was there yesterday meeting up with a friend and I decided to look her up.”
Melanie swallowed the lump in her throat. Chelsea was burying herself deeper with every word. She wondered if the woman was just stupid or if she was an innocent pawn for some greater kingpin. She settled on desperate. But the question remained – had Chelsea’s friend been the illustrious Stephen Alexander or Drew?
Two uniformed police officers arrived less than fifteen minutes later. When Doug walked into the room, Melanie jumped up and hurried toward him. “Doug – what a nice surprise.”
“Mel?” He chuckled. “Why am I not shocked to find you at the scene of a crime?” Doug hugged her quickly and then released her. He turned to Trevor and said, “Excuse me, Mr. Knight but, Mel and I go a long way back. She used to tag along on investigations saying she was going to be a great detective someday. Always found the hole in the case that put the bad guys away. But she moved away before she received her just promotions.”
Chelsea placed her hands on her hips and stomped her foot. The room filled with her loud accusing voice. “Really, Uncle Trevor? This whole situation is suddenly biased, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Sit, Chelsea, and let the men do their job,” was his only response.
Doug glanced Melanie’s way, raised his eyebrows, and withdrew a pad from his pocket. “Okay. Back to business. What can I help you with, Mr. Knight?”
“My niece has found a bag of drugs in one of the rooms upstairs.” When Chelsea threatened to erupt, Trevor shot her a warning scowl, and she backed down. “Melanie has suggested you could have fingerprints lifted from the Ziplock bag.”
“We certainly can do that. Do you want to make a statement, miss?” He looked at Chelsea, who lowered her eyes and shook her head no. Doug looked in Melanie’s direction. “And, you, Mel – would you like to add any details to the case of the lonely bag? Possession of illegal drugs is a serious crime, and finding them here begs questions to be answered.”
“The results of the test will speak for itself. Perhaps when you return with the names, we’ll examine the possibilities surrounding the find,” Melanie said.
Doug turned his attention back to Trevor. “So, that’s it?”
“Sounds like a good place to start, don’t you think?”
“I will have to ask all of you not to leave the city until the investigation has been completed.”
“No problem. My niece lives close by.” Trevor fumbled in a drawer and handed him a card. “This is her address, and Melanie is my guest and will be here with me.”
Trevor walked toward the officers and offered his hand to shake. “Now, if you will excuse us, dinner is served…unless, of course, you care to join us?”
“No, thank you. We’re on duty tonight.” He glanced at Melanie and chuckled. “I recall the graveyard shift being your favorite. Always certain that the next serial killer was about to strike?”
“Let me walk you out. Trevor, I’ll be back in a jiffy,” she said.
Melanie scooped her arm through Doug’s and led the way from the room. “How is that family of yours?”
At the front door, she re-routed the conversation. “Doug, there is definitely more here than meets the eye. I need to talk to you – at the station, if possible. In the meantime, you can contact the Langley police and get some background. Tell them I sent you. It will be nice to have a local contact that I know I can trust.”
“You know it, girl. How about tomorrow at two? I’ll be back to work by then. Short staffed. Forensics should have the fingerprints tested by then so we can discuss it all.”
“Thank you, Doug. Tomorrow at two it is – at the old haunt – full of good memories. I miss you and the bunch there that gave me my beginnings in law enforcement.”
“We miss you, too. You had great potential…for a rookie.” He laughed. “Good night. See you tomorrow.”
Melanie closed the door and hurried back to the dining room. Trevor was seated in his usual spot at the head of the table, but there was no sign of Chelsea.
“Will Chelsea be dining with us tonight?”
“No, thankfully. I couldn’t bear to look at her accusing face another moment. Come – sit next to me.”
Melanie hesitated, staring at the place he beckoned her to sit. It shortened the long table drastically and put him within touching distance. Her emotions were piqued, and she feared an endearing moment in which she’d helplessly fall into his arms. Now was not the time to fall in love – too much baggage to unload.
Trevor tapped the table to speed her along. “Come – sit next to me. I’m starved, and I hope you are, as well. The kitchen has prepared a feast.”
For a few moments, the two fell into the routine of being served, speaking only when Trevor dismissed the staff from the room.
“Finally. I’ve counted the hours since lunch, anxious for the opportunity to dine with you again. It’s kept me sane while enduring these new developments.”
“I also enjoy the time I spend with you. It’s been a stressful day. Tends to zap one’s energy,” Melanie said.
He laughed. “My everyday world is stress, but today is the first time I freely admit to feeling its effect on my workaholic tendencies. I wonder why?” When she didn’t bite, he finished filling in the blanks. “It’s you, Melanie. I’m eager to push my work aside just to sit and enjoy your presence.”
“Be careful what you declare, sir – you could be harboring a druggie.”
The remark went unchallenged.
Melanie dodged his penetrating gaze and filled her mouth with salad. When she had thoroughly chewed, she commented on the tasty dressing, of all things. She received a faint smile and the lifting of his brows. Obviously, food was not his preferred topic of interest. The only subject remaining that bound them together was the case, and she badly needed something to distract her from the emotional currents swirling in the air around them.
Trevor could be intimidating, in an awkwardly familiar sort of way. Her sensibilities probably rated at an all-time high state of confusion at that moment.
Melanie sighed. “I think family stress is the worst kind to overcome.”
“And Chelsea is my biggest source of anxiety. Even my business clients and their sad states of affairs take a back seat to the chaos she can create.”
Melanie glanced down, refusing to bite on the baited line dangling before her. Denial was something for which Trevor knew no boundaries, and he cornered her easily. “You have opinions, my dear – please, share.”
“It’s none of my business.”
“That hasn’t stopped your forwardness these last of couple days. And did I tell you that’s the trait I like most about you? Spill the beans. I have wide shoulders, and I’d be eternally grateful for even a tablespoon of honesty in my world today.”
Melanie took a deep breath, then exhaled. “During my brief encounter with Chelsea, I couldn’t stop myself from attempting to understand the emotions spawning her angry outbursts.”
“You’ve missed your calling. Perhaps a psychologist is more suited to your talents.”
“Police work involves a variety of skills. Reading people is one of my strengths.”
“Enlighten me. What positive, inner, emotions might outweigh my niece’s outward hatred and spoiled nature?”
“Strong words, Trevor. Perhaps jealousy and hurt could explain the hatred she spouts so venomously.”
“I agree. She was devastated when her father died, and I suppose I didn’t help her recovery, being angry at the mess he left behind.”
“Have you told Chelsea that you’re sorry for not being there?”
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