“Nothing yet. I’m waiting to hear myself.”
“Oh, well, I guess I assumed since they’d ruled the fire as arson, you would know the details by now.”
“You would think so, but no, nothing yet,” Ryan said.
“Ryan, listen, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you. With everything that’s happened, it escaped my mind. Do you remember the chocolates Patrick and Renée brought that day? They were a gift. They were placed in a drawer, and I just saw them again. I wanted to thank them, but also I wanted to know if you recall where they were purchased? I’d like to . . . do a segment on the show on how to reproduce the candies, boxes and all. I thought with the holidays around the corner, it might be a great gift idea. For kids to . . . give their teachers.”
Mandy shook her head.
“Hmm, seems like we were at a CVS earlier that morning. I’m pretty sure we bought them there.”
“Oh, thanks. I know it sounds crazy, but do you remember which CVS?”
“Sure, the one on East Braun; it’s closest to the house.”
“Okay, well, thanks. I’m . . . tell Patrick and Renée I said thank you.”
“Hey, don’t hang up. Why don’t you stop by the hotel later tonight? I’d love to see you. Catch up.”
While she thought it tacky to dump a guy over the phone, it’s exactly what she needed to do. “Look, Ryan, with all that’s happened, Christina’s accident, your house fire, I think it’s probably a good idea if we stop seeing each other.” As far as she was concerned, they were over the day of the barbecue, but she hadn’t told him yet.
“What!” He shouted so loudly, she had to hold the phone away from her ear.
Deep breath in and out; she knew he’d react this way, which made calling it quits over the phone a good idea. Anna suspected that, if pushed too far, Ryan could become violent. She was finished with him. “You heard me, Ryan. I have a lot going on, you’re going to have a lot on your hands, dealing with your house, the fire. I just think it’s best we end this now.”
“Anna, just stop! I know you’re upset about your daughter. I would be, too. But we’re just getting started. Remember what I told you that night in the parking lot at The Shallows?”
“Yes, Ryan. I do, but I don’t feel the same.”
Mandy was getting more than an earful.
“Anna, you might not have said as much, but trust me, a woman like you in the sack, you weren’t just a tumble in the hay. You might not even realize it yourself. Your actions showed me exactly how you feel; don’t deny it.” His voice was calm, but in a scary sort of way.
A mistake of massive proportions, Anna feared what Ryan might do if she were to continue this line of conversation.
“We’ll talk another time, maybe. Good-bye, Ryan.” Anna ended the call before she said things she’d regret.
“He’s a frigging loony, Anna! What is he talking about? The parking lot?”
“The night I met him at The Shallows for dinner with the kids, he walked me to my car. His kids were already in his car, and he whispered in my ear, told me he loved me. I thought it an odd place to make such a serious statement, but you hear what I’m dealing with. He’s not right.”
“You’re not kidding. I think he could be dangerous. You need to tell this to the police. He could be one of those kinds of boyfriends who stalk and kill you. I’m not joking, Anna, so don’t take this lightly. I know he played you; it’s not your fault, so don’t blame yourself. The guy’s a wacko.”
“Mandy, I agree. Listen to this, then tell me what you think. Okay, we both know I’m not loose, or whatever they’re calling it now. Hopping into the sack with a guy I just met isn’t me, not that I’m judging. You know this, right?”
“It’s not my business what you do, Anna. But yes, you’re not a tramp, if that’s what you want to hear.
“Why would he lace candy from his kids? Doesn’t make a lot of sense, but nothing about him or those kids has ever left me with a good feeling. They’re all weird, if you ask me, and again, we both know, I don’t know them, but from what I’ve heard, I don’t want to know him or those kids. Maybe the son, but who knows about him? He could be a psycho in the making.”
“I shouldn’t tell you this, but what the hell. Ryan told me Patrick got his girlfriend pregnant, the summer before his junior year. The girl’s parents sent her to live with family in Spain. Apparently, Patrick never got over her or the baby she put up for adoption. Ryan said this is why he quit the swim team. I told Ryan I wouldn’t mention this to anyone, but I think I’m past keeping my word where he’s concerned.”
“Wow, that’s terrible. Did he say where the girl is now?” Mandy asked.
“From what I gathered, she’s moved on with her life in Spain. That’s all I know. Now, let’s get downstairs before those cops come looking for us up here.”
“Gotcha,” Mandy said.
Daniel was still seated at the bar; the two police officers who had left were back. “I understand you received these boxes of candy as a gift from Mr. Robertson’s children? Any reason why they’d want to drug you? The son, he got a thing for you maybe?”
“No! Not hardly. I’ve only met him twice. That’s ridiculous,” Anna said, her voice laced with shock. “I can’t believe you would even suggest something like that.”
Daniel spoke. “He’s just doing his job, Anna. We have to cover all possibilities. Please don’t be offended.”
“I don’t know of any woman in their right mind who wouldn’t be offended at such a suggestion.”
“I agree. Guys, get the tests done on this as soon as you can. If I need to make a few bribes to get to the head of the line, tell Birch I’ll buy him a bottle of scotch, the good stuff.”
“Now, you know if we said that, we’d be in a heap of cow dung, Daniel. Go on and make that call, and we’ll take this to old Birch now. Ma’am, I’m sorry this is so distasteful. My wife watches your show all the time. She’s gonna be impressed when I tell her I met you.” The cop’s way of trying to make nice, Anna knew.
“Wait, just a sec,” she said. The bookshelf on the side of the door that led to the studio held several copies of a cookbook she’d authored two years ago. While it wasn’t much, she might make someone happy, if only a teeny bit.
“You have a pen?” she asked the officer.
“Sure,” he said, handing her a nice Cross pen.
“It was my dad’s. He was a cop, too. Lost him last year,” he said to Anna as though he had to explain the pen’s history.
Anna looked at him. “I’m sorry. I lost my father when I was seven. What’s your wife’s name? And yours? I don’t believe I caught it.”
“Julie Myers. I’m Jim.”
Anna signed the inside cover of the cookbook to Julie and Jim. “Here. Give this to your wife. Tell her I appreciate her watching my show.”
“Her birthday’s next week. This will be the perfect gift, so thanks, Ms. Campbell.”
“It’s Anna, and you’re welcome.”
Both officers left.
She turned her focus to Daniel. “I need to get back to my daughter. She’s probably wondering what happened to me. Is there anything more we need to do today?”
“No, we’re good. I’ll call Birch, get him going, and as soon as I know anything, I’ll be in touch. Don’t worry, Anna. Jim and John are good police officers, and they take their jobs seriously. They’ll get the report to the prosecutor ASAP. Then we wait, see what happens, take it from there. Just keep Christina entertained until she’s on her feet.”
“Of course—thanks, Daniel. I’m glad you’re on our side,” she added. “Mandy, could you see Daniel out?”
“Absolutely,” she said, giving Anna a sly wink.
“I’ll see you soon, Anna,” Daniel said.
When she returned to the den, Christina was sound asleep.
Chapter 22
The phone jolted Anna awake. She looked at the time. “Is this Anna Campbell?”
She tossed the c
overs aside. It was just after six in the morning. “Yes, this is she.”
“This is a courtesy call from the Lubbock Police Department. We need to speak with you. We’re on our way.” The line went dead.
Anna wasn’t sure the police even made courtesy calls. Not caring about the time, she dialed Daniel’s cell number.
“Morning, Anna. I take it they called,” he said.
“The cops? Yes. Said it was a courtesy call. What does that mean?” She was in the bathroom, running a brush through her long hair, which was still damp from the shower last night.
“They’re bringing you in for questioning in the Robertson arson case. I told them I’d bring you in myself. No need to go to your house, make a big scene.”
Time stopped. Anna felt like she’d been punched in the gut. Rage took over. “What? Surely you don’t think I had anything to do with that?”
“Of course not. Apparently, the daughter told the investigators you had it in for her because you think she pushed Christina down the stairs. It’s Christina’s word against hers, though I don’t think it’s going to be a problem proving she had something to do with it. Certainly anyone who knows you wouldn’t expect you to retaliate by burning their house down. It’s not pretty, but I’m headed your way. We can go to the police station together. Clear this up, and you’ll be home in time for lunch.”
“You’re sure?” she asked.
“As sure as I can be. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes, Anna. Don’t worry. I’ll have this cleared up soon.”
Anna quickly slid into a pair of jeans, a cream-colored blouse, and a pair of ballet flats. She twisted her still-damp hair into her usual topknot, then called Mandy, who was in her room here at the house.
“Listen, the cops are bringing me in for questioning. Renée told the arson investigators I might have something to do with the fire. I need you to look after Christina. Mona and Jeb left for Idalou late last night. They won’t be back until tonight. You good with this?” Anna asked, racing around her room, gathering her cell charger and stuffing it inside her bag. “Daniel is taking me down to the station. Keep this as quiet as you can. I don’t want Christina to get wind of this.”
“Wow, no worries. I’ll take care of everything on this end.”
“Thanks, Mandy. When this is all over, remind me to send you on the vacation of your dreams.”
“I will. Now, go do what you have to do to settle this mess.”
Anna went downstairs quietly, careful not to make any noise. With Christina in the den, it was tough to sneak out of the house so early, but she was waiting outside the gates when Daniel pulled up in a silver Ford truck. Pure Texan, she thought.
He stopped outside the gate and jumped out of the big truck. “I thought you might need a boost; you’re such a tiny little thing.”
“Thanks,” Anna said, as he helped her step up into the truck.
“I would’ve brought my car, but it’s in the shop.”
He did a three-point turn, then directed the Ford toward the police station in South Overton.
“I didn’t have time to make coffee, so we’ll go through the drive-through at McDonald’s, if that’s okay. I like their coffee a helluva lot better than Starbucks’.”
“Thanks,” she said. Though coffee was the last thing on her mind, she could use a dose of caffeine, no matter where it came from.
Anna didn’t pay much attention to the staticky voice at the drive-through, her attention fully on what lay ahead. How in the world did Renée think she could accuse her of something so vile and get away with it? Especially knowing she was responsible for pushing Christina down the stairs. The girl had issues, and Anna was through playing nice. That girl didn’t need treatment for issues; she needed to be locked away to protect society from her.
“Here, you’ll need this,” Daniel said, handing her a large cup.
“I’m sure I do.” She thought of the bottle of Xanax in her purse. She needed one now more than ever, but there was no way she’d take one while heading into the police station to be questioned for arson. Even the thought was so absurd, she could hardly contemplate being in such a crazy situation. Did these so-called arson investigators really believe a confused and vicious thirteen-year-old? She would soon find out.
Daniel parked in the back, leading her inside through a private entrance.
The inside of the Lubbock police station appeared to be just like police stations she had seen in TV dramas. Gray walls and horrible fluorescent lighting. The smell of burnt coffee and the stale odor of cigarettes permeated the long hallway they walked down. “Anna, you let me answer for you, if you’re unsure what to say. You’re innocent, you’ve got an alibi, so this is just a formality, remember. You’ll be just fine.” He took her hand. “You can trust me. I promise.”
She felt a rush of heat when he took her hand but couldn’t focus on her physical attraction to her daughter’s—now her—attorney. Wasn’t that forbidden or something? No matter. “Thanks, Daniel. It means a lot. I’ve had some serious trust issues lately,” she added.
They were led to a small interrogation room by a female officer. A table, a few chairs, and a glass window where she knew they watched suspects when they were being questioned about a crime. She was a suspect now.
“Relax,” Daniel said, tossing back the last of his coffee.
They had been there for about five minutes when two plainclothes officers entered the room.
“This is special investigator Gary Furdale, and his partner, Lindsey Patterson.” Daniel made the introductions. “Anna Campbell.”
Was she supposed to shake hands, say “Nice to meet you”? With all of her etiquette savvy, she had no clue. She just nodded, acknowledging their presence.
They sat down in the two chairs across from her. Neither seemed like they were ready to read her her Miranda rights, toss her in jail, and throw away the key. Gary was a short guy with a perfectly groomed goatee with the gray just starting to show. Anna would guess him to be around her age. Friendly brown eyes, he made her feel at ease as soon as he spoke to her. “This is just a formality, Ms. Campbell. We have to follow all leads, regardless of how inadequate we may believe them to be.”
She nodded, unsure if she was expected to say anything. Her mother’s words came back to her. If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t. Not quite what the words implied, but she couldn’t help but think of them.
Lindsey Patterson was a cute redhead. She wore her hair cut in a pixie cut, which went perfectly with the freckles that dotted her face. When she smiled, her clear blue eyes sparkled. “Ms. Campbell, I’m sorry we have to meet under these circumstances, but as Gary said, it’s simply part of our job to follow all leads.”
“She understands,” Daniel said.
“Can you tell us where you were the evening of September 26th?”
“I was at home taking care of Christina, my daughter.”
“And you have someone who will verify this?”
“Yes, three people.” She gave Mandy’s, Mona’s, and Jeb’s full names.
“Do you ever shop at Candle City in the mall?” Lindsey asked. “They’ve put all their holiday candles out already, hard to believe. You know the store?”
“Yes, I’ve been there a few times. It’s been a while,” Anna said, trying to remember when she was there last. It had to be last year, but she couldn’t pinpoint an exact day if she were asked.
“You weren’t there on the night of October second?” Gary asked her again.
“No, I was not. I haven’t been there in at least a year,” she added.
“You’re fine, Anna,” Daniel encouraged.
“I could check my bank records if you need an exact date. I purchased red tapered candles for a show we filmed a couple of weeks after. You can look at my playlist; it should be there, under ‘holiday decor’ if you want to check now.”
Daniel took his phone out, clicked a few times, then handed his phone for Gary and Lindsey to see.
“
I watched that episode,” Lindsey said. “I’m a big fan, but don’t tell anyone I told you that, especially now.”
Anna smiled. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“You can go now, Ms. Campbell, I think we’ve established you have an alibi, and we’ll need your bank record showing you were there on the day of, or about two weeks prior to, filming your show.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “Can I ask why you are all so interested in Candle City?”
“It’s part of the arson investigation, so I can’t give you the details, but sooner or later, this will all be made public,” Gary explained.
“Daniel, can I tell them about Christina’s accident?”
“I told Gary on the drive over to your house. He’s already checking with John and Jim, the officers who came to your house to write up the report.”
“I see,” she said even though she didn’t. As long as she was free to leave this building without handcuffs being slapped on her wrists, she didn’t see the need to go into the story again. Maybe she’d have to when or if this investigation was finalized, but for now, all she wanted to do was get the hell out of there and go home to her family.
Gary and Lindsey both stood up at the same time. “We’re sorry we had to bring you in this way. John and Jim were jumping at the bit to go back to your place. Thanks, and we’ll be in touch.” They shook hands, and Daniel led her back down the overly bright hallway, out the door they’d entered, and into his truck.
Once they were buckled in and headed back to her house, she asked Daniel, “Why didn’t they just call me if that’s all they had to say?”
“It’s what’s required. Plus nothing like checking the suspect out in person. Kind of like learning about someone when you see her kitchen.”
She laughed. “I would’ve been more than happy to invite them over for coffee.”
“I’m sure Lindsey would like that. She was starstruck,” he teased.
“Please, I am anything but. I cook and decorate, that’s it. I’m not a movie star.”
“No, but you’re a humongous sensation on YouTube. You have a huge following. I have to admit, I watched a few of your videos last night. I’m intrigued, to say the least.”
Fearless Page 21
