by Jenn Cowan
Now it’s my turn to blush as I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I clear my throat and change the subject. “Well now that this situation is under control, what do we do about that long list of suspects?”
Before Travis can answer, two police officers and the captain enter the restaurant. They scan the room then the captain heads toward us while the officers take off toward the private dining room. “What’s going on?” Travis demands.
I hear Nikki cry out from the dining room and Bobby’s deep voice booms out too although I can’t make out what either of them are saying since everyone is talking at once.
“We’re arresting Ms. Henkens.”
9
“What? Why? We haven’t even gotten the autopsy results back yet,” Travis states, narrowing his eyes at the captain.
“We don’t need them.”
Travis balls his fists. If there’s anything Travis hates more than anything else in the world, it’s not doing things by the book. This man is a rule follower and despises anyone who doesn’t abide by them.
Before Travis can spout off all the reasons why the captain needs the autopsy results the captain replies, “We found Nikki’s prints on Lindy’s cup and a bottle of arsenic in the boiler room. It also had Ms. Henkens’ prints on it.”
“What?!” Travis and I exclaim in unison.
I watch in horror as my best friend, who is pregnant with my future godson or goddaughter is led down the stairs in handcuffs. Bobby’s right on their heels, demanding they release her at once, but they ignore him. Nikki’s crying quietly with her head hung. She looks as if she’s given up and is willing to accept her fate. Well lucky for her, her BFF is not. I’ll do everything in my power to ensure she doesn’t see the inside of a court room or a prison. “You know Nikki didn’t do this, right Captain?” I pull out my phone and type out a quick text to my dad to get down to the station asap.
The captain shrugs. “I’m just following the evidence, Mrs. Parker. Something you should be doing.” He glares at Travis.
Travis works his jaw back and forth like he’s biting his tongue. I can’t say I blame him. I have several things I’d like to say to the captain.
I jump to his defense. “Travis spent the afternoon collecting names from Lindy’s assistant on people who could possibly want her dead.”
“You did? Where is this list?” The captain demands.
Travis cringes and shoots me an annoyed look. “It’s in my car.”
“Why haven’t you brought it to the station? We could be out there questioning people if you’re so convinced Ms. Henkens’ didn’t murder our victim.”
“She didn’t,” I practically growl.
The captain looks like he’s fighting the urge to roll his eyes, which makes it look like he’s having a stroke. “Get the list, Detective and bring it to the station asap.” With that he turns on his heels and stomps out the door.
Travis groans beside me. “Why did you tell him about the list?”
My jaw drops in shock. “He was implying you weren’t doing your job. I was defending you. You’re welcome,” I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Autumn, I didn’t mean it like that. Thank you. It’s just…” Travis runs a hand through his thick red hair.
“It’s just what?” I demand, moving my hands to my hips.
“The captain will take that list and harass everyone on it. It will end up being a wild goose chase. I wanted us to narrow it down… together and figure it out before this happened.” He gestures to the door, which is now empty of officers, Nikki and Bobby. “It wasn’t supposed to go down like this. I thought we had more time.” He scrubs his face.
I chew on my lip. “This is my fault. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything to the captain about the list. Now, what?”
“Let’s go to the spa and make some copies. We’ll give the captain the back page and he’ll be none-the wiser.”
I gape at him.
“What?”
“You’re breaking the rules,” I tease him.
He shrugs. “I’m bending them. It has to be done for the good of the community. The captain will turn this into a witch hunt and no one will be safe from his wrath.”
I frown. “That seems a little dramatic. Isn’t it the captain’s job to find the killer? To keep the community safe?”
“You would think…” Travis trails off and seems lost in thought.
“What’s going on?” I narrow my eyes at him.
“The captain’s getting a lot of grief from the town council. There’s rumors after his nephew was arrested that he knew about Devin growing illegal plants on his brother’s property and didn’t stop it. People are questioning his judgement and some are calling for his resignation.”
I gasp. “What do you think?”
Travis furrows his brow and looks over his shoulder before lowering his voice, “I think the captain knows a lot about stuff in Daysville that he turns a blind eye to and I’m not the only one who thinks so… your dad does too.”
I’m about to inquire more when Josh joins us.
“What’s the plan?” He hoists the puppy up in his arms and it snuggles into his chest as he pets it head.
I smile at the cute sight. “Travis needs to use the copy machine at the spa. Why don’t you take this little guy home and get him settled? Did you get the pizza yet?”
“I was just picking it up when I heard Nikki and Bobby fighting. Pete called the police because Bobby is known for his temper and in the past, has broken a few things. I think he’s outgrown that, but Pete didn’t want to take any chances.”
The puppy whimpers in his arms and squirms.
“I think he needs to go out. I’ll get the pizza and stop by the pet store then head home. I can come back to get you if you’re going to the station,” Josh offers.
“I can bring her home,” Travis interjects.
Josh eyes him then returns his focus to me. “If you need me, call and I’ll be there in a second. You know that, right?”
I lift up on my tippy toes and peck him on the cheek. “I know. I texted my dad. He’s probably on his way to the station right now. There’s not much I’ll be able to do for Nikki at the station. Bobby’s there and I’m sure my dad will have her out on bail before the end of the night. I need to figure out who really killed Lindy.” I pet the puppy’s head and say, “You get this guy home and save me some pizza.”
“I can’t make any promises,” he jokes, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Hey,” I cry, smacking him in the arm before he turns to leave.
“We’ll see you at home, Mrs. Parker,” he calls over his shoulder, waving the dog’s paw at me.
I laugh and wave back. Oh, gosh, I’m one of those ‘dog mom’s’ and I haven’t even had this puppy for more than a couple of hours. I turn to meet Travis’s intense stare. “What?” I run a hand over my face then down my ponytail. “Do I have something on me?”
He shakes his head. “No… it’s just nice to see you so happy.”
I blink at his words. “I’m always happy.”
“Not like this. He makes you happy. I’m glad,” Travis says, before turning on his heels and heading out the door.
I stare after him, not sure how to respond to that. I force a smile to the waitresses, who are all pretending to be on their phones while watching us, then wave to Pete and follow after Travis. He’s waiting for me on the passenger side of the car and doesn’t say anything as I slide in and he shuts the door. We ride in silence and I couldn’t be more thankful that the spa isn’t too far from Pete’s. Somehow things got awkward and I’m not sure how to get back on track with him. I clear my throat and decide a subject change is necessary. “So, you and Taylor?”
He glances over at me, raises an eyebrow then turns his attention back to the road. “There is no me and Taylor,” he grumbles.
“You took her to the party. That was a date, right?”
Travis furrows his brow and shakes his head. “No, Aunt Reg
ina set it up. I was simply being nice. Taylor isn’t my type.”
“What? Why not? She’s cute, young and seems nice… well except for when she was yelling at me for lying to her when you lost your memory and we were pretending to be a couple.” I chide myself for rambling and close my mouth.
“Autumn, just stop.”
“What?”
“You’re rambling and making this even more awkward.” He sighs. “I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m sorry. It’s just hard sometimes… seeing you happy with someone who isn’t me.” He shoots me a sad smile then turns into the spa parking lot. “I’m happy for you, Autumn. I really am.” Travis pauses then says, “I’m just glad to be a part of your life again… in whatever way I can and now, I’ll quit talking.”
I laugh to cover up the lump in my throat. I can’t begin to imagine how hard this is on Travis. We were supposed to get married and have babies. This wasn’t our plan. I certainly didn’t plan on falling in love with Josh. It just happened. I’m glad it did. I’m happily married to my best friend. I just hope someday Travis can have that too. “You’re going to find someone and she’s going to be the luckiest girl in town.”
He huffs out a laugh then pushes open the car door.
I scramble out of the car before he has a chance to open my door. Travis is forever the gentleman, but right now, I need distance… we both do. I hurry to the front door and unlock it. The spa still smells of lavender and ylang ylang mixed with vetiver and mint. It’s an interesting combination, but our clients seem to like it. I shiver as I turn on the lights and fire up the copy machine.
“Are you cold?” Travis asks, putting the papers on the copy machine.
“Just a chill,” I reply, rubbing my hands up and down my arms. “I think I have a sweater in the office. The temperature is really dropping out there. It was seventy this morning and feels like fifty now.” Geez, Autumn. Now, you’ve resorted to talking about the weather. I clear my throat and hustle back to the office to grab my sweater. Once I’m nice and toasty, I head back to the front desk.
Travis is already making copies and stapling them when I get back in the room. “I’m almost done then I can drop you off at home on my way to the station. The captain will be calling if I take any longer.” He picks up a packet and hands it to me. “Here’s your copy. Go through the list and see if anyone’s name stands out to you. You can either text me or we can meet up after church tomorrow,” He suggests, turning off the copy machine and gesturing for me to lead the way out of the spa.
I switch off the lights and lock the door behind us. When I turn around, Travis is staring at something across the street. I follow his line of sight and see Cat talking to a muscular blond-haired guy, who looks slightly older than her. I glance back at Travis, whose clenching and unclenching his jaw. “Is Cat seeing someone?”
“No,” he practically growls. “At least not that I know of.”
“Who’s the guy?”
“He works at the gym and is eighteen. Too old for a fifteen-year-old girl to be hanging out with.”
“She turns sixteen next month,” I remind him, which only earns me a glare. I pat his back. “Let’s go say hi.”
He doesn’t answer as he stomps across the street like he’s going to rip the poor boy’s limbs off.
I hurry after him to ensure that doesn’t happen, not that it would, but he’s going to embarrass Cat. “Hi, guys,” I wave, walking up behind Travis, who’s hovering over Cat like he’s a helicopter dad.
Cat shoots me a pleading look and nods toward her dad.
I wedge my way between Cat and Travis then stick out a hand to the boy, who looks about ready to bolt. “I’m Autumn.”
“Bentley Carpenter. It’s nice to meet you. You must be Cat’s mom,” the boy says, gesturing to my hair, which is the same color as Cat’s then gives me warm smile and shakes my hand.
Cat and Travis both stiffen beside me.
I smile because hearing those words warms my heart even if they’re not true. “Actually, no, although I would be honored to be her mom. She’s a great girl,” I say releasing his hand and wrapping my arm around Cat as she beams up at me. “Cat’s a family friend and works at mine and my husband’s spa.”
Bentley turns red and scratches the back of his neck. “Sorry. I’m new in town so I’m not quite up to speed on all the families. You two just look so much alike.”
“It’s fine.” I wave him off then ask, “How do you two know each other?”
Cat tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “We have AP History together. Bentley’s a senior at Daysville High and works as a personal trainer at the gym.”
“Ah,” I respond with a smirk. Now it makes sense why Cat’s interested in working out. It doesn’t have everything to do with her dad’s accident, which actually makes me feel better. I don’t want her thinking about her dad dying as motivation to get in shape. “So, do you teach any classes? Cat and I were going to meet at the gym tomorrow to get in a workout.” I squeeze her shoulder to let her know I’m onto her, but also support her.
She shoots me a shy smile then glances at her dad, who is glaring at Bentley.
Bentley shifts uncomfortably back and forth before answering, “A weight lifting class. I was just telling Cat about it. She said she was interested in learning proper technique.”
Travis lets out a low growl and looks about ready to pounce on Bentley. Talk about an overprotective father.
I fight the urge to roll my eyes and ask, “Have you met Cat’s dad, Detective Travis Mills?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure,” Bentley gulps then reaches out to shake Travis’s hand.
Travis latches onto his hands and Bentley’s bones crunch slightly under his grasp.
“It’s nice to meet you, sir,” Bentley says, wincing under Travis’s grip.
I pinch Travis’s side so he lets go.
When he does, Bentley excuses himself and hurries toward the gym.
“Dad!” Cat exclaims, putting her hands on her hips.
“What?” Travis shrugs, feigning innocence.
“You always do this.”
“Do what?”
“Ugh.” Cat throws her hands up in the air and glares at her dad before turning to me. “Have a good night, Autumn. I’ll text you a time for class when I find out when it is.” She waves to me before jogging after Bentley.
“Hey, what about me?” Travis calls after her.
She turns around and shakes her head before picking up her pace.
I smack Travis in the stomach. “What was that?”
“What?” He asks, rubbing his stomach, although I know with his six pack I didn’t hurt him.
“Could you have been anymore rude?” I shake my head and start walking toward his SUV.
“She’s my teenage daughter, Autumn. It’s my job to protect her.”
When we reach the SUV, I spin around to face him. “Yes, protect her, not intimidate every guy that seems interested in her. Do you want her to end up an old cat lady?”
He wrinkles his nose. “Cat’s more of a dog lady. Having lots of dogs seems like a great idea.”
I roll my eyes and get in the SUV.
He slides in the driver’s seat and turns on the engine, but sits there staring at the sunset. “I just want to keep her safe. I was a teenage boy once, remember?”
I laugh. “Oh, I remember, but you were also respectful and caring. You protected me. Loved me. Bentley seems like a great kid. You have to give him a chance. My dad gave you one.”
“He shouldn’t have,” Travis mumbles.
“What? Why not?”
Travis gives me a pointed look, telling me he’s referring to what went down between him and April, which resulted in our ultimate break-up and Cat. “I don’t want her to end up like me. A teenage parent. It’s hard enough being a teenager without having to care for a child too.”
I reach out and pat his shoulder. “Cat’s a smart girl. You have to trust her or you’ll end up pushing her a
way.”
He rakes a hand through his hair. “I know and I do… trust her. It’s the guys I don’t trust.” He puts the car in gear and heads toward my house.
I decide to drop the subject and leave Travis to his thoughts. We ride in silence until we reach my house. I push open the car door as Travis’s scanner goes off, “All units to the morgue.”
10
“Has Travis texted you back yet?” Josh asks, scratching the puppy behind the ear. The puppy’s curled up on Josh’s lap snoring while we’re going over the list of suspects and occasionally discussing names for the puppy. So far, we have it narrowed it down to Patches and Rosco.
I check my phone for the hundredth time. “Nothing. I can’t believe he wouldn’t let me go with him,” I pout, before glancing back down at the list. The names are starting to blur together as the clock inches toward eleven, but none of them are really standing out. I have a couple of names circled, who I want to question further, but I’m not getting any sort of ‘killer vibes’ from the scenario Raphael wrote next to the name. I yawn and stretch when the doorbell rings, causing the puppy to start barking.
Josh lifts an eyebrow. “Are you expecting anyone?”
“No, you?”
“Nope.” He peeks out the front window then sighs, “It’s Bobby.”
“Oh, good.” I jump up to answer the door, the puppy on my heels. I swing open the door and the puppy yips at Bobby’s shoes and jumps up on his leg.
“When did you get a dog?” Bobby asks, bending down to pick up the puppy. He licks his cheek, causing Bobby to laugh. “He’s cute. What’s his name?”
“Rosco,” I say, trying out a name then gesturing for him to come inside.
The puppy barks.
Josh laughs. “Rosco, it is, then.”
“Where did you get him?” Bobby inquires, setting him in his lap.
“Raphael found him at a party and I decided to bring him home.” I shut the door then hound him with questions, “How’s Nikki? Is she out on bail? Did my dad work his magic?”
