The Wages of Cin (Cin Fin-Lathen Mysteries Book 4)

by Alexie Aaron

I ripped off the wrappings and found a shoebox, and inside the box were a pair of sneakers.

  “It’s to replace the pair I ruined when I dumped you in the pool,” he said.

  “You didn’t have to, but I’m glad you did. They are perfect and the right size. How did you know?”

  “Harry and I were sent to buy you shoes, do you remember?”

  The realization hit me. “That was you, wasn’t it? He made you buy my underwear.”

  “Little Scottie dogs,” he said, blushing.

  “That seems so long ago, but it wasn’t really.”

  “Are you hungry? I brought enough for the boys,” he said.

  “Sure, let me take care of these. The boys are in their rooms.” I left him to rouse the boys while I put my shoes away. I was feeling a little buzzed but managed to return to the kitchen in one piece. Alex had passed out paper plates and beer. I declined, remembering the old adage, “Beer after liquor, never sicker.”

  Harry was eating his pizza with a knife and fork. I never understood that. I noticed that Buslowski was staring at him.

  “What?” Harry said.

  “Only old ladies eat pizza with utensils,” he teased.

  “I don’t like getting my fingers dirty.”

  “He’s been like that since I’ve known him. He’s the same with fried chicken,” Alex told us.

  “I feel like a lone Roman amongst barbarians,” he said.

  “How was your day?” I asked Buslowski.

  “That newspaper article had us chasing a lot of false leads, but there were a few credible ones.”

  “Come on, share,” Harry said.

  “He can’t, ongoing investigation. Like we can’t tell him what we know,” I said, lifting a pepperoni off my slice and plopping it in my mouth.

  He turned and looked at me. “It’s not the same thing.”

  “Isn’t it?” I argued.

  “We’ll need to discuss this further, but right now I need to eat,” Harry said. “There was a buffet at the meeting, but Cin wouldn’t let me eat anything.”

  “That was probably a smart thing,” Buslowski said. “I had a talk with a society woman who lives two houses down from the Richardses. She claims that Susan gave her strawberries, knowing that she was allergic. She claims Susan mixed them in raspberry compote. She broke out in hives right before the Matron’s Ball.”

  “The coincidences are stacking up,” I said. “Susan was at the meeting, hiding in the shadows…”

  Dave looked at me funny. “Care to explain?”

  I told him all about the meeting with Gareth Goodbody and my getting off at the wrong floor. “I kept hearing Mandy’s voice in my head, talking about the bouncing red ball, and I think I scared myself.”

  “Where were you?” Dave asked Harry.

  “Talking to Meyer. He’s different.”

  “I like him,” I said. “He’s got a partner, and they’re looking forward to adopting some children. He needs this tour to continue because he needs the money. A delay might jeopardize his Disney job.”

  “Cin, can we exclude him as a suspect?” Dave asked.

  “I’m only ninety percent sure. He made sure to tell me all his bad qualities. That unnerved me.”

  “What about the others?” Dave asked.

  “Tom isn’t the killer, I’m pretty sure. His wife, not so much. She won’t let anyone smoke in her house, but tonight she was smoking. I smelled it on her.”

  “Could she have been with Gareth on the roof?” Dave asked.

  “Yes, but that only makes her more guilty in my eyes,” I professed.

  “We just don’t have any proof,” Harry said. “Gareth definitely has to stay on the list,” he said.

  “I got invited to the funeral,” I said, getting up to collect the paper plates. “I’m worried that something is going to play out there.”

  “You’re not going alone,” Dave said.

  “It’s a private funeral, Dave. I don’t think the police are going to be welcome. Harry, Alex?”

  “I’ll go,” Alex said.

  “I guess I’m the odd man out,” Harry said.

  “Not exactly, you and I are going to watch outside the venue. The smokers will head outside. We’ll be there to watch who’s talking to whom,” Dave said.

  “I’m in,” Harry said.

  Alex slid out of his seat. “We’re heading out.”

  “At this hour?” I asked. “It’s late.”

  “It isn’t for us,” Harry said. “We are going to meet up with a few of the old gang and see the new alien movie.”

  “So I guess there won’t be any girls,” I said. “It’s nerd night.”

  “Enjoy yourselves,” Dave said.

  I put away the rest of the pizza and asked Dave if he wanted another beer. He declined. I was a little steadier on my feet with the food soaking up some of the whiskey. I dried my hands and looked at him shyly.

  “Come here, Cin. Come to Davie,” he said.

  I walked over to where he was sitting, and he reached out and put his hands on my shoulders and said, “I missed you.”

  “I missed you too. Wanna get out of this kitchen?” I asked.

  “I know you’re a few sheets to the wind. I don’t want to take advantage.”

  “I’m out of order tonight,” I warned him.

  “I know. How about we just cuddle?”

  “You don’t seem like the cuddling type,” I said.

  “Don’t underestimate me,” he said, getting up. He took my hand and guided me to the bedroom. “I just want to know why you’re tipsy.”

  “I was feeling like crap, and I forgot to eat, and I drank my first drink too fast,” I confessed. “I had some painkillers earlier, but I’m all achy.”

  “Let’s see if I can help you out. He picked me up and set me at the edge of the bed and began massaging my shoulders. It felt so good. I think I may have moaned in pleasure. “Lie down, and let me work on your back.”

  He started on my upper back, and as he worked lower, I started squirming. I tried to object, but he wasn’t listening.

  “I think we need to talk about a few things,” he said.

  “What things? Oh my god, do you realize what you’re doing?”

  “Yes. Last night we didn’t, you know, use anything. Cin, I didn’t think I needed anything because I had a vasectomy years ago. I assure you I’m a healthy male, not a tomcat. I could have a blood test it you prefer?”

  “Um, no. Should I?” I asked.

  “Did you and Stoneridge?”

  I sat up. His words sobered me. “Oh, you thought I’d let a one-night stand knock me up? Give me some credit. Just because I let go with you, a person I trust with my life and the life of my loved ones, doesn’t mean I’m stupid.”

  “Please don’t be upset. I care about you. It’s not something I can control. You are so very special to me.”

  I reached forward and touched his face, wanting to see the laugh lines return.

  “Cin, I’m having trouble concentrating. My other brain is wanting attention.”

  “I think I can help you with that.”

  ~

  I lay in his arms. He was sleeping. His chest hair tickled my back. I started thinking through the events of the last few days. I thought about the situation with the band, and I worked out a few scenarios. I would share them with Dave in the morning if he stayed. Otherwise, I would work them out with Harry. I smiled and pulled the covers over the both of us and moved back into the safe arms of Buslowski.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I woke up alone. I put on my top and buttoned it on the way to the bathroom. I saw that Dave must have taken a shower and shaved. I wonder how the Lady Bic felt on his face. I washed up and took care of myself. I looked in the mirror and tried to see what Dave was telling me last night. I just saw the same face with the exception that the tilt of my chin challenged me back. I was glad he was brave enough to talk about the mechanics of our relationship with me. He was right. Things certainly had c
hanged since I was dating. I just didn’t want to be labeled as naïve. I may be a bit gullible, but everyone who trusts too easily is.

  I kept my pajamas on and put on my bunny slippers. I padded out into the house. It was quiet. I looked for the paper on the porch, but it was gone. Puzzled, I walked down the hall to the den and was surprised to see Dave there. He was on the phone taking down some notes. He didn’t know I was standing there. I watched him as he dealt with a minor case over the phone. He was so sexy when he was ordering people around. Last night had been a surprise. He was most attentive. He was also knocked for a loop when I took care of him. I smiled. I saw that his coffee cup was empty. I leaned in and tried to grab it.

  He caught my hand and kissed my fingers while he listened to a report. Lust moved through my body like lightning. I pulled away and grabbed the cup. I walked into the kitchen and found Harry making a fresh pot of coffee. He glared at me. I could read his face. He was pissed that Dave was in the den.

  “I’m sure he won’t be long,” I said, pouring two cups of coffee.

  “Has he moved in?”

  “Um no. I don’t think so. He’s got his own place.”

  “It’s not that I don’t want you to be happy, it’s just, I’m used to having my things a certain way,” Harry said.

  “I understand.”

  “Do you?”

  “Yes, that used to be my den before you invited yourself to live here,” I pointed out.

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “Why don’t we be flexible? I’d like to see if I can make a go of this relationship. I really like him,” I said.

  “Do you care for him?” Harry said, buttering a piece of toast.

  “You know, Harry, I suspect I always have. Don’t tell him that. He’ll just get a big head and…”

  “And what?” Dave asked from behind me.

  Crap, how long had he been behind me? I turned around and saw by the dancing eyes and the deep laugh lines that he had been there for the whole conversation.

  “So you care for me,” he clarified.

  “Well…” I hedged.

  “When did you know?” he asked.

  Harry stood there listening. Someone else would have excused themselves and left, but not Harry.

  “Out at the airport before I got you blown up.”

  “You mean when I was yelling at you?”

  “Yes. I thought you looked so cute and…”

  “Cute.”

  “I think you’re cute,” Harry jumped in, took one look at Dave’s face and amended, “In a rugged way of course.”

  Alex came down the hall. He saw that Harry and Dave were in a silent standoff.

  He nodded in their direction and asked, “What’s going on?”

  “Harry thinks Dave is cute in a rugged way,” I said.

  He snatched the toast out of Harry’s hand. I took his coffee and pulled myself up on the counter, interested where this was all going.

  “Mom, you’ve played at the fairgrounds before,” Alex said.

  “Yes, a few times,” I answered, still watching the silent males in front of me.

  “I’ve got to see if I have enough amps.”

  I turned around. “I’m sure you can plug into Ely’s Coming’s equipment. You’re doing them a favor after all.”

  “I’m getting paid. I thought about calling Stoneridge but…”

  “You thought you were being disloyal,” I answered for him. “Go on. Sidney is forgotten. But I would run it by Elijah first, just in case you need some weight. He owes me, so he’ll back you up.”

  “Good thinking. Oh, I think they’re moving again,” Alex pointed out.

  I looked back at Harry and Dave. Dave was drinking coffee and listening to Alex and me. Harry was making more toast.

  “Cin, do you think I could talk to you?” Dave asked nicely.

  This worried me. I slid off the counter, grabbed my cup and followed him. He was being nice. He walked into the living room and pointed to a chair and said, “Sit.”

  “I’m not a dog.”

  “Please sit,” he said. His voice had an edge to it so I obeyed. He drew up a hassock and sat in front of me. I pulled in my legs. He scooted the stool closer. “Look at me.”

  I did.

  “I just want to make sure. You told Harry, that you’ve cared for me since the airport.”

  I nodded.

  “I would like to hear it.”

  I cleared my voice. “Dave Buslowski. I have feelings for you. I have since the airport, but I was attracted to you long before. That’s why it hurt so much when you cuffed me at the hospital. It felt like a betrayal.”

  He reached forward. “I’m so sorry. I’m kind of ham-fisted when I think I’m being played. Cin, I’m not ever sure of you. Just when I think I have you figured out, you change or Harry steps in and runs interference. When I knew you were lying to me, it hurt. I never did anything to have you not trust me. Remember, you called, and I came running.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s just that we were working a case,” I said lamely. “I’m not perfect. If you’re serious about me, you’re going to have to realize that. I always have the best of intentions but not always the right execution.”

  “Would you go on an actual date with me tonight?”

  “I would love to. Can you? You’re on a case.”

  “I have been working all morning, so I can make sure I can. Would you be available?”

  “I haven’t talked to Harry yet today, but I don’t have anything scheduled. Where are we going? Do I have to go shopping?”

  “I’m going to come here, pick you up and take you out to dinner. Dress casually.”

  “Is that casual Palm Beach or casual the rest of the world?” I asked.

  “The rest of the world,” he answered.

  “What time?”

  “I’ll be here at 7:30.”

  “Cool,” I said. “I’d love to go on a date with you.”

  “Okay, I’m going to leave and take care of a few errands. I’ll be back at seven what?”

  “7:30,” I said, knowing he was checking to see if I was paying attention.

  Buslowski left. I found Harry in the den.

  “I have a date tonight,” I bragged.

  “Well good for you. Because, Cin, you’ve been giving the milk away.”

  I was outraged. “You didn’t just say that.”

  “Buslowski sure is moving fast,” he commented.

  “Is he?” I asked, puzzled.

  “He’s pressing you, to know your mind. I think he’s worried,” Harry observed.

  “It’s early days, Harry. Why do you say that?”

  “Because his biggest problem is coming to town Thursday,” he informed me.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Father Michael.”

  “Will you just stop,” I pleaded. “I feel like I’m on a merry-go-round, and every time I try to get off, Father Michael is standing there. Harry, he’s a friend and not able to pursue a relationship with a woman. I’m tired of sleeping alone, being the fifth wheel, the one standing alone at parties. Why are you sabotaging me?” I asked, hurt.

  “I wasn’t aware I was. I know one thing. You’re spending way too much time with Buslowski. You can’t simply erase Michael by dating Dave.”

  “Listen to me,” I said. “Father Michael wanted me to leave you. Buslowski likes you. You’re backing the wrong horse, you jealous little boy!” I left the room, slamming the door.

  Okay, maybe I overdid it. I stopped and thought about going back. No, why was it me always having to make allowances for others? Giving the milk away? That hurt. I walked into my room and, for good measure, slammed that door too.

  ~

  The doorbell rang at seven. I was dressed but only had on one shoe. If this was Buslowski this early, I was going to throw a fit. I walked to the door, and Gareth Goodbody stood there.

  “Harry, we have company,” I called. I didn’t hear anything. Perhaps he was sulking in his roo
m?

  Gareth had already seen me through the glass door. I just couldn’t leave him out there. I limped over to the door and opened it. “Hello, can I help you?”

  He pushed past me, looking around. “We have to talk.”

  “Have a seat, and I’ll get my associate.”

  I walked to the den and found it empty. I moved quickly down the hall and found Harry’s room empty. I was alone in the house. I walked back into the living room. “I’m sorry, can we reschedule? Harry isn’t here right now.”

  Gareth wasn’t alone. Sidney was leaning against the wall. “Hello, Sidney, what’s going on?” I asked.

  “You didn’t return my call.”

  “I must not have gotten your message. It’s crazy here at times,” I didn’t exactly lie. “Did you want something from me?”

  I made the mistake as I was talking to Sidney to have my back to Gareth. I felt a large hand on my shoulder. I dropped my weight and managed to get away. I took off down the hall. Sidney ran through the kitchen met me on the other side. Gareth was behind me.

  I stopped. I was inches from the house alarm. “What’s going on? Sidney, this isn’t funny. Haven’t you hurt me enough?” I lunged towards the house alarm and was jerked back into the arms of Gareth. I started to scream, stamping my shoed foot into his instep. He smacked me hard. My head hit the wall. I remember being picked up as the darkness descended.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Darkness greeted me when I opened my eyes. The right side of my face burned. I sniffed and tasted blood. I tried to touch my nose to see if it was broken but found my arms unable to move. They were secured to the arms of a tall-backed chair of some kind. My legs were bound funny underneath the seat. I suspected that I was duct-taped. I wiggled my feet and found that there were rollers under me. It must’ve been an office chair. The chair moved slightly as I struggled against the bonds. I moved my head and felt the darkness shift. I must have had a black bag over my head. This wasn’t good. I felt woozy and felt an odd pressure in my head over my right ear. I tried to call out. My voice was hoarse, but I did manage a weak, “Hello?”

  “About time you woke up,” Sidney said. He pulled the bag off my face. My eyes were assaulted by a bright overhead light. It took a while for the blue dots to recede. I looked behind Sidney, and aside from Gareth Goodbody standing at some type of workbench, I hadn’t a clue where I was. I turned my head, and then it came to me. I was in Sidney’s garage. What had he called it?