by Combs, Sasha
"I get so confused and I don't know what to do. Some days I feel like I'm floundering and I'm looking for anything to hold on to."
"Linda... That's what friends are for. That's what we do. We lift each other up when we're down. We're each others life rafts." Maxie waited a beat before adding...
"Linda... That's what Hayford is to you. I’m not much for that, ‘wind beneath your wings’ bullshit but the words describe him perfectly. He cares about you on a deeper level than most and he wants to be your safe harbor. That is...if you’ll let."
"I know... But sometimes.... Sometimes he makes me so angry."
"What man worth his salt doesn’t make us angry?"
Linda laughed and Maxie heard a change in her voice.
"Yeah....you're right and I guess that's why I love him."
"Was it bad? Your argument, I mean... Was it worth all the energy that you used to fuel your anger?"
"Yeah Max... I think it was. And the argument wasn’t civil. In fact...at times, it was intensely heated. I said some things about him and his friends and my comments weren’t the warm and fuzzy kind."
"Sweetie...every couple has disagreements. Single and married alike. But can you see your way pass this? Linda... I guess I'm asking if you're willing to risk losing him over something that might not be as important a week or a month from now?"
Without hesitating, Linda answered while chewing the inner side of her mouth.
"I love him Max. I really, really love him. We have our issues but when the day is done, it always comes back to that one thing. My heart and how he makes me feel. Soooo....I guess I'll have to find a way to resolve this."
"Good." She said, then added... "That’s what I wanted to hear. So, I'll add you names to my list and put you down for the forth."
"Forth what...?" Linda asked confused.
"The benefit honey. Remember. It’s on the forth...next month. You and Hayford will sit in attendance as my guest." Linda was silent, so Maxine spoke, using her sing song voice. “Corey and Ray will be there. And its been a while since we’ve all dined together.”
Corey was the third wheel, that formed their trio. It could easily be said that they all were each others best girlfriend. But hearing her name wasn’t the grand slam that her friend had been batting for. Linda’s voice wavered when she said...
"Oh... I think counting on Hayford and me to be your quest.... That’s a little premature on your part. What if we haven't made up by then?"
"Not my problem sweetie. You said you love him and since I am your best friend, I know that you love me too."
"What does that have to do with anything Max?"
"You love me and you won't embarrass me by causing my table to have two empty chairs. That simply won’t bode well for my future plans, darling. I’ve played an active role in the planning of this event because I have my eye on the organizers son. Erin St. John. Yale graduate. CEO in charge of overseas accounts at World Trans Media. He’s marriage material, Linda. So, suck it up darling because you have more than thirty days to kiss and make up."
"Ugh..." She growled.
Maxie laughed, then her tone grew serious.
"How’s work? Are you making any headway on your cases?"
"Max... Some days I feel like I'm drowning. It’s like I can't catch a break. It isn’t even a cat and mouse game. I wish it was because at least that’s something I can understand."
"Sweetie, I think you’re being too hard on yourself. I have faith in you. Somehow, you always figure these things out. Frankly, I don’t see how you do it. You’ve got some kind of strange sixth sense...or a third eye that sees things that elude the rest of us."
Commander Bunts had said something similar to her. Words used to boost her morale.
Maxine added...
“Linda... I’m sure these cases aren’t the only reason you’re feeling down. It’s Hayford... I don’t know what caused your disagreement with him, but I do know it can’t be worth the pain that I hear in your voice. Call him Linda. Whatever it is... Even if he’s in the wrong... Call him. If you talk to him, you might feel better than you currently sound.”
“Thanks Max. I’ll think about it.”
Linda rose from the chair, opting to lay on the bed instead. She and Maxie talked until her friend was persuaded to believe that Linda was much better. She followed the conversations but she couldn’t keep her mind from straying. The smell of Hayford was still in her bed, forcing her to deal with him, even though he wasn’t there. His absence was a constant reminder. The tender passion that was his touch; his fingers aroused her skin, thrilling her flesh with excitement. The gentle caress of his tongue; his mouth touched spots that flamed her desire. The lulling lullaby that crafted his words; his poetic voice charmed her heart. These were the reasons that explained her obsession. It wasn’t simply what he did to her. It was Hayford; the man she fiercely loved.
*************************
Chapter 5
Stone parked out on the street. He honked the horn, waiting for her to emerge from her apartment. Linda rushed out the door, with a cup of coffee in one hand and a danish in the other. When she opened the door, she flung her bag in the backseat, then plunged in the vehicle just before closing the passenger side door.
“I heard you the first time.” She admonished him, as she settled herself in, then buckled her seatbelt. When the door was closed, without a seconds delay, Stone’s foot pressed on the accelerator. The car lurched forward, moving at high speed, leaving her block.
“We’ve got a lead on the forth murder case. Looks like your serial killer theory was right. The coroner says that the murders all have similarities. Each woman was cut with the same blade. He read your notes and your insight has caused him to revise his final reports.”
Linda found a great deal of satisfaction, knowing that she’d been right; but as a homicide detective, the accolades never seemed to have the same positive affects that most compliments would bestow. She sipped from her cup, watching the street signs pass as Stone drove through the city. She still had not recovered from her night with Hayford. So many aspects of their relationship always seemed to leave her wondering where they stood. Within the past thirty-six hours, there had been another murder. Like the other victims, this woman was young, wealthy and beautiful and she lived in an upscale apartment building. This case bore likenesses similar to the others; but now with the added support from the medical examiners office, her report would conclusively state that all four women were killed by one murder suspect.
When the car came to a full stop, she looked out, seeing the tall high rise and noticing the address. Big money, was the only thing that came to mind. Someone was dead and she was certain that in one way or another; Hayford more than likely knew something about this dead person. His list of friends was endless but she wouldn’t begrudge him that. He couldn’t be blamed for his last name or his privileged upbringing.
When they walked into the penthouse, the foyer looked so much like the other victims homes. This place reminded her of Hayford’s Upper Eastside apartment. Lush rich furnishings. Spic and span, cleaned by housekeepers and other servants. Her eyes scanned the area, looking for clues. In the distance she heard Stone talking to one of the crime scene detectives. Linda rarely talked to anyone before she had the opportunity to survey the scene for herself.
The forth victim was a young woman; part heir to a haircare product company. Emily Louwer was young, wealthy, well liked and widely popular in the city. Linda bent at the waist, looking at photos scrolling on a screen. Emily was captured alongside a number of famous people. Some were film stars, while others were musicians, athletes and politicians. Linda silently mouthed the famous names; mentally making a list and wondering if it would be worth the trouble to track them down for questioning. She felt someone standing in the rear of her. When he spoke, Linda inhaled deeply. She hated people crowding her space while peering gawkily over her shoulder.
“Looks like Emily fits the profile. She’s
just like the other victims. And if you’re wondering... I’ve already sent someone to check the lobby’s security video feeds. But if those tapes are anything like the others...”
Stone didn’t finish his sentence and Linda didn’t bother to comment because she shared his frustration. They had watched hours of security videos, hoping to see the killers face. The black and white muted images only deepened the puzzle. On both tapes, one person entered and left the buildings, but somehow not even their backs were clearly visible. It was as if the person knew actually where the camera angles were pointed. Not even the building managers could offer a reasonable explanation.
Stone leaned closer; almost to the point of touching Linda from behind. She cleared her throat, giving him a hint that she didn’t much care for his nearness. Stone stood up straight, putting some distance between him and his partner. Linda said...
“Rich, young, and well liked. Our killer is going after the city’s best. The elite. Socialites.”
“That isn’t good.” Stone said.
“Would it be any better if the victims were poor?”
Linda stood, she glared at her partner, while waiting for an honest answer. Stone stood his ground. His eyes never wavered. He stared at her when he said...
“No... It wouldn’t be better but in this case it’s far worse. These people won’t sit quiet much longer. Their precious glass-towers guarded by doormen and security measures aren’t even enough to keep them safe and that isn’t good for you or me. That means that the pressure is going to fall heavy on us.” Stone stepped closer when he said...
“Let’s face it Linda.... The commander, the mayor and the governor are all watching this case. Now that the coroner agrees with the theory that you’ve devised; this department... More to the point... You and I are going to be watched closely. You know as well as I... When rich people become targets, a new set of rules apply. We will be expected to catch this guy and they will want to see results. Even if that means breaking a few rules.”
Linda nodded. As much as she hated to admit it; Stone was right. In some cases, the dollar sign determined how many resources would be deployed to solve a case.
Linda stepped around Stone. She walked over to talk to the crime scene techies.
“Could you send me a copy of your report as soon as its ready to be filed?”
“Sure thing Detective Gables.”
“Thanks.” She said, then she continued, making her way throughout the rest of the apartment. She jotted down notes on her pad, yet she was fully aware that Stone followed steps behind her. She gathered the information that she needed, then she made her way back to the penthouse foyer. As she stepped into the elevator, Stone was right there by her side. He said...
“So, what’s next...”
“I need to stop by the station.”
Stone frowned. After working four murder scenes with her, he still wasn’t familiar with her style. And as far as he was concerned; they needed to knock on some doors...force some people to talk. He stared at Linda when he said...
“Don’t you think we should talk to a few people in this building?”
“They won’t tell us anything Stone. These people...”
Linda was speaking from her experience with Hayford. She said...
“Rich people don’t talk to people like you and me. Not unless they have something to gain, or if it’s their ass up the proverbial creek.”
Stone said...
“But... Linda, someone might know something about our victim.”
“I’m sure they do but what they know will not help us solve these murders.”
Stone stepped forward, pressing his hand on the emergency stop button. Bells clang loudly in the small space, causing Linda to jerk in fright.
“What the hell...” she yelled at him. Stone crossed his arms, saying...
“My sentiment exactly. What the hell! You expect me to follow you back to the precinct without talking to at least one person in this building because according to you... Being a police officer means that I’m not good enough for these rich people to talk to me.”
He frown, clearly perturbed.
Linda reached pass him and he didn’t attempt to stop her. She pushed the button, causing the controlled fall of the elevator to resume. Calmly she said...
“You can stay if you’d like. I’m sure you can get a ride back to the station with one of the other detectives. As for me... I’m done here.”
“Linda... What the fuck?!” he said perplexed.
“Stone... I don’t have to explain myself to you.”
“The hell you don’t.”
The elevator slowed, then stopped. The unit chimed, then an automated voice announced the floor.
“Lobby...” the voice said, and Linda stepped out, leaving an angry Stone, standing in the lift. As much as he wanted to push the button, taking him back to the dead woman’s floor. Instead, Stone muttered profanities under his breath. He passed an older woman carrying a Pomeranian. The tenant gasped as he rushed by her. In a haughty voice, she said...
“Well,...I never.”
“Watch some cable lady... You’ll learn a thing or two.”
This time, Stone had annoyed her tiny dog, and the little monster barked his protest. When they were outdoors, then inside of the squad car traveling back to the station. Neither said a word but Stone could see the wheels turning in her head and he wondered at what angle she was beginning to see this case.
*****************
Back at the station
Linda turned on her computer. She had to give it to her partner. Stone had been a worthy adversary. Even though she’d forced him to drive her to the precinct; during the entire drive, not once had he voiced his disagreement. However, when they reached their workstations, and no one was close enough to hear; it was then that he hammered her with his opinion. Even when she sat at her desk, Stone had said...
“We are not going to solve these murders sitting at our desk. We need to talk to people... Even if they refuse to talk to us.”
Linda glared at him, saying...
“You’re right. Now give me a few minutes of privacy, and then we’ll hit the streets again.”
Stone glared back but his gaze held a hint of saucy flirtation. She’d seen a few romances where partners had mixed business with pleasure. In the end, the match ups would part and their exits were rarely pleasant. In short... She wasn’t looking for an office romance and she hoped, neither was Stone. Her fingers flew across the screen, pulling up the report that Hayford had phoned in. As she read it, Linda’s brain began drawing a picture that brought her closer to solving her case.
While she typed notes in the sidebar, she felt her cell phone vibrating in her pocket. When she fished it out, she looked at the screen.
“Good Lord...” she said, while reading Corey's name. Linda had been an awful friend and she hated herself for not being more present in her girlfriends lives.
She answered her phone.
“Hey Corey...” She said in a rush.
“My, my.... I was beginning to think that maybe you’d fallen over the Brooklyn Bridge.”
“No, no... It’s work. I’ve been so busy.” Linda tried to explain but Corey wasn’t at all appeased.
“I have a job and a boyfriend, but I still find time to call you Linda.”
“Corey, I’m sorry. Like I said... Work has been crazy.”
“Are you going to make my dinner party. I got that promotion. I’m head buyer and that means that Ray and I can finally set a date for our wedding.”
Linda cringed because this had been something she and her friend had talked endless hours about. Corey worked at a high end department store and she’d finally been promoted to a position that she’d salivated over for years. Her time had finally come. After dating Raymond for seven years, the stars were lining up in her favor. She had to be there for her friend. But she wasn’t sure if she could. As Stone had reminded her; these days, rich people were walking targets. And it
was there job to find a murderer responsible for killing four wealthy young women. Linda said...
“Corey, I’m so proud of you. Look...” Linda always began her disappointing statements with ‘look’. She continued.
“This case that I’m working on. It’s really taking up a great deal of my time.”
“Linda, I don’t want to hear it. I want you at my apartment this weekend. No excuses girl. You had better be here.”
Linda inhaled a deep breath, but her words didn’t come as quickly as Corey’s did.
“Linda... This city is full of crazy’s and we all know this. But you and me... Girl, we’re family and we’re always here for each other. Don’t forget that.”
There were a few seconds of silence. Linda allowed the words to wash over her when she finally said...
“Corey... I’ll be there. You can count on it. I’ll be there.”
“Good. And bring that man of yours. He’s good for you Linda. You may not realize that now, but later you’ll get my meaning. Okay girl, I’ll let you get back to your crime solving gig. See you this weekend.”
That was it. In her lighthearted way, Corey ended the conversation. She was always like that. Stating her point, then moving on to something more important or fashion oriented. Linda placed her phone in her purse and when she looked up, Stone was standing at the edge of her cubicle. He was smiling when he said...
“Friends... Can’t live with them... Can’t live without them.”
She smiled back, saying...
“Yeah... But in my case, that point is true.”
Linda didn’t want to bemoan the topic so she shifted gears. Moving on to the murders.
Linda pointed at the screen, showing him the report phoned in by Hayford.
“This area has a number of street cameras. Maybe one of them might have captured a picture of our murderer.”
Before he could respond, Linda was up, heading out of their department. She said...
“I’ve already emailed a request for a copy of the street camera footage, but the others might require warrants. There is a flower shop, an apartment building and a parking garage on the block parallel to the block where the second murder occurred. I want to see the film footage for every camera in that area if it’s available.” Linda’s stride was wide and self assured. Stone said...
