Cords Of Love

by Coleman, Lynn A.

  “Not the chips alone. It’s the salsa, dip, ice cream, brownies, and a host of other horribly good things.”

  “I can see I’ll be doing twice as many laps in the pool tomorrow.”

  Aaron stood at the security pad. “What’s the new code?”

  “One, two, two, five, zero, two.”

  “Oh, right. I’m not sure I’ll remember that number. Why’d you pick that?”

  “Christmas.”

  “Christmas?”

  Eight

  Aaron shut off the outdoor flood lamp after seeing Renee drive off. The evening had been relaxing and enjoyable. He did wonder how she could consume so much junk food and keep her figure. They were learning to be comfortable in each other’s company. He went to the poolroom and picked up the discarded towels, then tested the water and put in the right chemicals. Hannah insisted that if he wanted a pool, he’d have to take care of it. She’d grown up with one in her yard and dreaded cleaning it every week. As far back as he could remember, Friday night was the designated night to take care of the pool. Saturdays were generally filled with pool parties or family time.

  The pool settled for another week, he slipped into Adam’s room and looked at the racing car bed. Soon he’d have to buy Adam a larger one.

  The phone rang, and he rushed to the kitchen. “Hello?”

  “Changed the locks, huh?”

  “Who is this?”

  Click. The phone went dead.

  Aaron hung up and called the police station. “Detective Diaz, please.”

  He groaned at hearing the detective wasn’t working. Briefly, he explained his situation.

  “Did you star sixty-nine the call?” the officer on the other end asked.

  “No, I called you. Should I hang up and do that?”

  “Wouldn’t hurt. If you get a number, call me back.”

  “All right.”

  He hung up the phone, and it instantly rang again. “Hello?”

  “Aaron, it’s me. I’m home safe and sound.”

  “Renee, thanks for calling.” Although he wished she hadn’t. The number of the former caller was lost.

  “I had a wonderful time tonight. Thanks for asking me.”

  “I had a nice evening too. What are you doing tomorrow?” He leaned against the counter and crossed his feet at the ankles.

  “Nothing much. I’ll probably go running in the morning, take care of my weekly errands, then put my feet up and read a book.”

  “Running, huh? I was wondering how you could put that much food away and still stay in shape.” He leaned over to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of water.

  “Yeah, I’ve run for years. I love it. Do you run?”

  “Nope, I swim, remember?”

  “Right. Well in New York swimming isn’t always an option.”

  “One of the blessings of South Florida.”

  “One,” she repeated.

  “I was wondering, could I take you out for dinner and maybe persuade you to help me shop for Adam?”

  “Shop for Adam?”

  “Christmas. I know it’s weeks away, but I hate shopping when everyone is running through the store like a madman. And your new security code got me thinking about it.”

  He heard the purr of her gentle chuckle. “So, will you bail me out and give me a hand?”

  “I thought your credit card couldn’t handle any more purchases.”

  “It can’t. But I have some cash I set aside for Christmas.”

  “All right. How about lunch instead of dinner? That way we can eat at the mall and get right to the shopping.”

  “Lunch is fine, but I’m taking you to a special place in North Miami. It’s a truly unique little place.”

  “What is it?”

  “Nope, it’s my surprise.”

  “Okay, tell me this much, do I need to run a couple more miles?”

  “Nah, maybe one.”

  Renee chuckled. “Good night, Aaron. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Night, Renee.”

  He hung up the phone and fired off a quick prayer. “Lord, help us to keep You central in our relationship.”

  He headed to his bedroom. The phone rang again.

  ❧

  Renee leaned over with her hands on her knees gasping for air. The sun, salt, and gentle surf renewed her. Running felt good, but she’d pushed herself a little too far. A week of busy work because of the break-in, and now she felt more distant from Aaron than the day less than a week ago when they’d shopped for Adam.

  She kept trying to remind herself that the expansive amount of work kept them from having a moment to themselves, but had she been reading more into his friendship? Since that conversation over their first dinner together, had he decided to be simply friends and not be romantically involved? Had she allowed herself to hope too much?

  Renee closed her eyes and sat down at the water’s edge. “Lord, I’m losing it. I swore I wasn’t going to fall in love with another boss and. . .and. . .” She leaned back on her elbows. The warm sand provided a comfortable cushion. “Why do I do this, Lord? Why am I so vulnerable?”

  A gull cawed as it flapped its wings flying over her. Another dove into the water and pulled out a small fish. The gentle surf lapped the shore. Virtually alone at this hour on the beach, she decided to run at the water’s edge and give herself a harder workout.

  Slipping off her shoes and socks, she dove into the water, instantly chilling her heated body. A quick swim rounded out her exercise. Sunset fused the sky with brilliant colors and reminded her she needed to return home.

  Lying on her counter was the unopened letter from Brentwood Designs. Brent’s offer. Sunny Flo Designs was barely holding its own. Renee didn’t know how much longer Aaron could keep her on. Three times this past week he’d lost major sales to another company. What bothered her most was when Aaron came back reporting that the competition had something very similar to her original designs. Who was getting into her head? Had she lost her creative edge?

  Putting down the letter, she headed to the bathroom to wash up. She found the shower refreshing as the salt from her swim had already crystallized on her skin and hair.

  Last weekend shopping for Adam had been wonderful. Aaron’s apparent distancing really left her questioning if she’d misread his signals. After all, he hadn’t kissed her or even attempted to hold her hand. Worse yet, he hadn’t suggested that she spend some time with him and Adam this weekend.

  The phone rang. She wrapped a towel around herself and answered. “Hello?”

  “Hey, sweet thing. I left you something.”

  The phone went dead.

  Renee clenched the receiver and scanned the room. Her heart raced. Dressing quickly, she put on her baggy jeans and oversized T-shirt. Taking the portable phone with her, she cautiously worked her way down the hall into the dining area. She sniffed the air. Nothing.

  She listened.

  Nothing.

  She peeked around the corner.

  Nothing. Everything was in its rightful place. “What’s going on, Lord?”

  She stepped into the living area and looked out at the patio. Still she discovered nothing.

  Maybe it was a prank call.

  The phone rang again.

  Renee started to tremble. Should she answer it? You can’t live in fear, she admonished herself and punched the phone button. “Hello!” She winced hearing the strain in her own voice.

  “Renee?”

  “Aaron?”

  “What’s the matter?”

  “Oh, probably nothing. I just got a prank call.”

  “Are you all right? What did he say?” Nervous excitement filled his voice.

  “I’m fine. How’d you know it was a man?”

  “I guess I didn’t. I just assumed. I had a caller last Friday night.”

  “You did? Why didn’t you tell me?” Not that he has to tell me everything. . .but it would have been nice to know.

  “Call the police. Did you star six
ty-nine the call?”

  “No, it just happened. I suppose this will sound dumb, but I was searching my apartment.”

  “What did he say?” Aaron’s voice rose.

  She repeated the caller’s message.

  “I’m on my way. Keep the doors locked until I get there.”

  “Aaron, I’m fine. Seriously, I’m okay.”

  “I’m sure you are, but I was calling to see if you wanted to join Adam and me for pizza. I know that’s your favorite meal.”

  Renee chuckled.

  “Also, we were hoping to convince you to come to the zoo with us tomorrow.”

  “The zoo?”

  “Yeah, you know the place where we can see wild animals safely at a distance.”

  “Sounds like fun, and I haven’t eaten dinner yet.” She continued to scan her apartment looking for anything out of place.

  “Good, because we already have the pizza. And I’m only a block away.”

  “Pretty sure of yourself.”

  “You betcha. Renee, I’ve missed you. It’s been a crazy week, and we haven’t had a moment to ourselves. I want to spend some time with you. Do you mind?”

  Renee closed her eyes and swallowed back the tears. She’d been hungering for the same thing. Maybe this relationship could work. God, help me to trust You here. “No, I’ve missed you too.”

  “I’m pulling into your parking area now. Adam and I will be right up.”

  “Okay.” Oh no. “Aaron, wait, I’m not dressed.” She heard the buzz of the disconnected phone. “Ugh.”

  She ran to her bedroom. Presentable clothes, I need presentable clothes.

  The doorbell rang.

  She looked at her baggy clothes in the mirror and groaned. Oh well, I’ll lose him for sure now.

  “Renee,” she heard Adam squeal. He ran toward her as soon as the door was open.

  “Hey, Buddy, how was Orlando?”

  “Cool. I had so much fun.”

  “You’ll have to tell me all about it.”

  She looked up at Aaron, who was holding two pizza boxes in his hand and wearing a frown. She caught his gaze looking to the right of her door and followed it. “What on earth?”

  ❧

  Aaron let Renee occupy Adam while he stood outside the apartment and called the police. The thief had returned some of her personal items from the office in a box beside the door. Thieves never returned stolen items. Something wasn’t adding up.

  Aaron told the officer what he’d discovered at Renee’s. Detective Diaz agreed to come over and treat the box and the surrounding area as a crime scene. Having sheltered Adam from the break-in at the office, Aaron didn’t want to discuss this new development in front of him. Hopefully the pizza and the video he’d rented would do the trick. Meanwhile, he’d wait for the detective outside to keep his arrival from distracting Adam.

  A short while later, the officer stepped out of the elevator. “Detective Diaz, thank you for coming.” Aaron extended his hand. Fifteen minutes, not bad for a police response.

  “Has Ms. Austin verified the items?”

  “At a glance, yes. We didn’t want to touch them in case you could lift some fingerprints.”

  “Wise decision. You mentioned on the phone she received a phone call first. Were you here at the time of the call?”

  “No, my son and I were on our way. Detective, I’ve tried to keep most of this from my son. He’s in the apartment with Renee. Is it possible to speak with her privately?”

  “Of course. Please send her out so we can talk.”

  “Certainly.”

  Aaron went inside the apartment. “Renee,” he called. He’d never been in her apartment before. Sparsely decorated but functional seemed the best way to describe it.

  She came up beside him. He grinned. She’d changed from the baggy clothes. “You look good.”

  “Thanks.” Her cheeks stained with crimson.

  “You’re not used to people giving you personal compliments, are you?”

  She shook her head no.

  He reached for her and embraced her. “Get used to it. I think you’re kind of special and definitely beautiful.”

  He felt her relax in his arms. An urge to protect her washed over him. “Detective Diaz is outside wanting to speak with you,” he whispered.

  “Okay, I’ll be back as soon as possible. Adam’s in front of the television watching the movie you brought.”

  “Thanks. Call me if you need me.” He squeezed her hand tighter and released her from his embrace.

  Aaron followed the sounds of the television and sat down on the couch beside Adam. “Daddy, will the police fix Renee’s things?”

  Fix? “Si, they’ll make it all better.”

  “Bien.”

  Aaron grinned. “Mucho bien, Adam. You’ve been practicing.”

  “Si,” he said as if he’d been speaking Spanish all his life. Aaron chuckled and rubbed his fingers through Adam’s curls.

  Twenty minutes later Renee came back in and paced back and forth in the kitchen. Her clenched jaw spoke volumes. “He’d like to speak with you again,” she said softly when Aaron came over to her.

  “Are you all right?” He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder.

  “I will be. The man is going to drive me to drink, I swear. He’s so accusing. Do you know he suspects me of planting that box on my doorstep?”

  “He accused you?” Aaron’s anger rose.

  “Well, he didn’t say the words, but that’s what he was hinting at.” She lowered her voice. “I’m sorry. I know it’s the man’s job, but really.”

  Aaron nodded his head. “I’ll take care of it.” It was time for Detective Diaz to get something straight about Renee. He caught himself before slamming the door shut on the way out.

  “Why are you accusing Renee?” he asked the detective directly.

  “I’m not. I have to look at all angles. And why didn’t you tell me that you and she were having an affair?”

  “You wait just one minute. I’m not having an affair with Renee. We are friends. Nothing more, nothing less. And this friendship has increased in the past couple weeks, but that does not mean we’re having a sexual relationship. Do you think I’d be so stupid as to do such a thing in front of my four-year-old son?”

  “Trust me, you don’t want to know what others do. Look, I apologize for the affair comment. But you have to try and see things from my perspective for a moment. Your relationship with Ms. Austin clouds your judgment. I’m not saying that is bad or good judgment, but it clouds it, and I need to take that into consideration while I’m investigating a crime. This crime was personal. Thieves don’t take everything. At least not normally. This is not your normal case.”

  “You’re right, but do you have to be so rude to her? I know her. I know she isn’t behind this.”

  “Look, I know you think you know her. But are you aware that she was once engaged to her former employer?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh. Well, did you know that engagement ended because she was too controlling and demanding?”

  “That’s not how I heard it. The man is a genuine sleaze. He married another woman without breaking off his engagement with Renee.”

  “Interesting.”

  “Did you ask Renee about this?”

  “Yes. She wasn’t as forthcoming.”

  “No, I imagine she wasn’t. She’s a rather private person. Did you tell her what Brent told you?”

  “No. Look, I’m not on trial here. Renee is the one under investigation. She’s still a suspect, and the fact that these items have shown up at her home says one of two things. Neither of them is very pretty.”

  Aaron took in a deep breath and counted to five before asking, “What are you suggesting?”

  “One, that she’s in on this, and with your own admission, she didn’t know you were coming so she didn’t have time to hide the evidence. Two, that the thief may want something more than the contents of your office.”


  “I don’t believe this. I can’t.”

  “Look, you can’t go by your emotions here. You have to look at the facts.”

  “And you saw proof that she did this?” Aaron inquired.

  “No, just Mr. Cinelli’s word.”

  “And you trust that slime ball?” Aaron rubbed the back of his neck. “Look, I’m not trying to tell you your job. But Renee’s been putting in tons of overtime for me. She’s found areas where our company has been vulnerable. Someone’s been stealing our ideas, and she’s managed to help prevent some of it.”

  “What do you mean, someone is stealing your ideas?”

  “I’ve lost a couple of sales lately, and one of the companies that didn’t go with our design actually used our design in an advertisement recently.”

  The officer tapped his notebook. “Can you prove someone’s been stealing your work?”

  “Not now. My computers were stolen, remember?” He didn’t hold back the bite in his words.

  “Look, maybe your Ms. Austin is as pure as she looks, and if she is, she is vulnerable. This thief, whoever he is, knows where she lives. Does she have a security system?”

  “I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve been inside her apartment.” Aaron felt a cold sweat wash over him. Renee was in danger. Why?

  Nine

  Renee grabbed the porcelain sink and stared at the reddened reflection of herself. Brent had lied to the police, leading them to believe she was the primary suspect. Aaron’s anger had hung just under the surface when he’d come back in and told her. She fought down her own. Adam didn’t need to see her upset. Help me calm down, Lord, she prayed. The small bathroom worked well as a place of solace.

  She sighed at her reflection. She and Aaron could talk later. For now they needed to forget the past hour and enjoy the remainder of the evening. A cool damp cloth held to her face helped to remove some of the pink, and she prayed once again to calm down.

  Renee put spring into her step and bounced out of the bathroom with a plastered smile.

  “I’m really hungry, Renee. Can we eat now?” Adam pouted.

  “Sounds like a good idea to me, Sport. What about you, Aaron?” She winked at him.

  “Better watch out, Adam. Renee loves pizza. She’ll eat your piece if you’re not looking,” Aaron teased.