The Queen of Hearts (Mountain Springs Mysteries, #1)

by J. E. Mann

  Rach smiled. “What my long winded partner is trying to say is that I never really consider why. But from what Nina said to me in the parking lot, someone cheated on her. The rage, the hurt was too raw for it to be a parent or a friend. She probably took the job to help bring people together. When Steve came on to her, it was too much. And once she started she couldn’t stop.”

  “Nasty,” she replied.

  “Sure is,” I agreed

  Abby joined us and the three of us walked into the middle of the police station. Abby hugged me and squeezed Rach’s shoulder and walked out. I noticed a few heads turned to watch her leave. When I turned back to Rach, her head was facing the other direction. About 10 feet away, James and his father were talking to police officer. I nudged her.

  “Go talk to him. He probably would rather talk to you then that chump.”

  Rach shook her head. “He won’t want to talk to me.”

  “Common, take him for a drink. Thank him for remembering about the cleaning crew.”

  Rach looked at me. At that moment, she looked like every other woman with a crush. “What do I say?”

  “Try, can I take you out for a drink. Just don’t drink too much. Long islands are tasty, but they can lead to trouble.”

  I began to walk away. “See you on Monday boss. We’ll do it all again.” Just before I got to the door, I saw two mug shots hanging on the wall. Rico and Marcus, wanted for questioning in the shooting of one Leroy Pine. Considered armed and dangerous.

  Good luck I thought.

  Outside, I pulled out a cigarette and lit up. My mind went to all the people in bars, on dating sites, and all the other places people went to find love. Feelings can be messy and more times than not it never worked. But people kept looking. The smartest detective in the world was looking for it in a police station right at this moment. The heart wants what it wants. Sometimes it wants love. Sometimes it wants revenge.. I wondered about Nina’s boyfriend. Did he know what he did? Did he know what his simple act caused? The lives it destroyed?

  Probably not

  The heart wants what it wants.

  EPILOGUE

  Dear Jake

  I hope this letter finds you well. I am allowed one hour a day here at Aspen Springs to do with what I like. I have decided to write you. I hope you feel flattered. It’s been two months since I arrived here and eight since you and her caught me. I saw you all during the pre-trial motions. I smiled at you, but you never smiled back. I guess you didn’t see me. I want to say that I don’t agree with what my lawyer did. I am not insane. I sometimes think I am the only sane person left anymore. Do you know how many people I have seen disgracing themselves and their partners. It’s everywhere. I wish they would give me back my knife. I could do so many good things with it.

  I shouldn’t talk about such things. My doctor says that it makes me too excited. I’ve seen his wedding ring. So shiny and clean. But I’ve seen his eyes too. He looks at the nurses. No married man should do that. I know if we were married you wouldn’t look at another woman. And I do want that Jake. You strangled me, but I cut you too. I’m sorry and I know we can get past that. When I get well, we can start over. You and me together.

  I wanted to talk to you, but my lawyer said I couldn’t. Well, he’s not here now so I can go on and on about us. You know he told me when the police found those three jars with those evil black hearts still in them that I had to plead not guilty by reason of insanity? That the fourteen other empty jars gave me no other choice? I hate him. Do you like cookies? If they give me permission, I will bake you some.

  I also want you to know that when we are reunited you won’t have to pretend with me. Not like you do with her. I know what you are Jake. Our connection is so strong I feel it in my bones. You are just like me and that is reason enough for us to be together. We can do all the same things and not hide. You have that look about you. Just like me.

  My time is almost up. I hope you are thinking of me the way I am thinking about you. I hope when you look at your right hand, you remember me. When I rub my throat, I think of you. I will write again soon my love. Don’t worry. One day we will be together.

  With Love,

  Nina