by Chiah Wilder
She tiptoed to the front door, looking through the amber-colored glass triangle. It wasn’t Megan or Scorpion—it was Detective Sanders. Belle groaned, debating whether she should pretend she wasn’t home. Deciding that the persistent detective would only come back, she pulled the door open.
The portly man jerked his head toward her. “I have a few more questions I need to ask you, Mrs. Dermot. May I come in?”
Without answering, Belle held open the screen door, standing back when he slipped past her. She gestured toward the living room. “Have a seat.” Taking a seat on the couch, she looked at him and asked, “What more do you want from me?”
He sat across from her, his knees spread open, a notebook and pen in his hand. “I have a few things I need to clarify with you. You told me you had never seen the syringe that I showed you in the photo, is that correct?”
“Yes,” she snipped, irritated that her few hours before work had been ruined by his presence. “I hope you’re not going to rehash the same questions you’ve already asked me.”
“No. We got the results from the lab, and the substance inside the syringe tested positive for sux.”
She stared blankly at him. “I don’t know what that is.”
“It’s short for succinylcholine.”
Shaking her head, she ran her fingers down her neck. “Okay, I still have no idea what that is. I’m presuming it’s some kind of drug?”
Glaring at her, he leaned forward. “It’s the drug given to patients during surgery. It’s used as part of anesthesia ‘cause it paralyzes the muscles, but during surgery, the docs hook the patient up to a machine to do the breathing. If they didn’t do that, the patient would die because he wouldn’t be able to breathe.”
Belle crossed her legs, a feeling of dread crawling up her spine. “And what’s the significance of telling me this?”
“It means that if your husband had been injected with this, it would’ve paralyzed him, and he would have had four minutes max before he suffocated. He wouldn’t have been able to breathe. He would’ve been conscious, and seen who’d done it to him, but he wouldn’t have been able to move—not even yell out.” He settled back in the chair. “Did you hate your husband that much for screwing around behind your back?”
Belle’s throat was dry, like she’d swallowed a glassful of sawdust. Her insides were shaky and dread spread through her. Someone killed Harold? Who? Why? I can’t believe he was murdered. I can’t believe the detective thinks I did it. Wiping at the corners of her eyes, she fixed her gaze on his face. “I didn’t kill my husband. I can’t believe you’re accusing me. I cared for him, and I thought he’d died of a heart attack. I wouldn’t have a clue as to where I’d find this substance you said was in the syringe.”
“You were angry when you found out about Mr. Dermot’s affair.”
Her face flushed. “Of course I was. I think the majority of wives would be hurt, angry, untrusting, and bitter if they found out their husband had been banging another woman. It doesn’t mean I killed him. It doesn’t even mean I wanted him dead. This is crazy.”
“Did you ever hire any caregivers to stay with your husband when you weren’t at home?”
“No. Harold had bad diabetes, but he wasn’t bedridden or in need of a caregiver. If he was sick, I took care of him.”
Sander snorted. “Ironic, huh?”
Belle bristled. “Are you arresting me?”
“Not yet.”
She stood. “Then I’ll have to ask you to leave. I don’t want to talk to you anymore. If you have any further questions for me, you’ll have to call my attorney. Please go.” She went to the front door and opened it, her head turned away from him. He trudged past her, entered his vehicle, and drove away. She watched him until he turned the corner, her body trembling. She closed the door and quickly dialed Cara’s phone number.
“Law offices,” a cheerful voice sounded.
“Cara, the cops think I killed Harold.” Her voice broke—the words didn’t seem real to her.
“What? Tell me what happened.”
Belle sputtered out the details of her encounter with Detective Sanders. By the time she finished, she was a teary-eyed mess.
“Don’t worry, it’s a total long shot to place the syringe in your hands. Anyway, how do they know your husband died from it? Was there an autopsy?”
“No,” she whispered. “Jessica, my stepdaughter, wanted one, but Harold had always told me he never wanted an autopsy done on him. It creeped him out to think about his body being cut open, so I refused to do one after he died.” She sat on the stairs. “You don’t think they’ll exhume his body, do you?”
“Maybe, but they’re going to have to come up with something more concrete for a judge to sign an order to exhume. A syringe found in your storage unit which many people had access to over a year after your husband died is weak at best. Anyway, the enzymes in the body break down sux almost immediately, that’s why death is so quick. It’d be hard for a crime lab to find it in a person’s body. It’s not like arsenic, which stays in the tissues. There is a breakdown product that can be tested for, but after all this time, it would be extremely doubtful that it’d be in the body. They really don’t have a case.”
Belle’s head was reeling. “Whether they have a good case or not, someone killed Harold. I can’t believe he was murdered. What was the syringe doing in my purse in the storage unit?”
“I don’t know. Getting your hands on sux is not easy unless you’re a nurse or doctor, or someone who works in a medical or nursing facility where they have the drug. Why would someone want to kill your husband? Did he leave anyone a big life insurance payout?”
“No, but he stole a lot of money from his company, and it’s never been found. Maybe he was blackmailed into stealing it, then the person killed him? I don’t know. This is so disturbing. I don’t know if I should tell the kids or not.”
Belle then told Cara about spotting Megan with Scorpion, and the funny, scary feeling she had when she saw them together. After telling Cara everything, the heaviness lifted somewhat, and she wasn’t as scared about getting arrested as she was earlier in the morning. She decided she’d wait to tell her children and looking at the clock, she rushed around getting ready for work, the knot in her stomach slowly untangling.
Chapter Thirty
A few days after the detective paid Belle a visit, she picked up the phone and called Holly. She’d missed talking to her best friend, and no matter what, Holly had a knack of turning the negative into something positive. She’d asked her to come and share a cup of coffee with her, and Holly readily agreed.
“Are you still upset with me?” Holly asked as she curled her fingers around the coffee mug.
“Not really, although I can’t understand why you’d ever think it was okay for a sixteen-year-old to date a twenty-one-year-old man. I sent Emily to you to watch her. I guess I was just disappointed.”
“If you’d ever given me a chance when we talked to explain, you’d know that wasn’t true. She lied to me. She said she was going with another guy, someone in her class at school. Hell, the guy even came over and picked her up. I didn’t know she was that cunning. How could you think I’d do that?”
“Emily said you did know.”
“She would say that. She didn’t want to get in trouble with you. Her track record on telling the truth isn’t very good.” Holly pushed back her chair, stretching her long legs in front of her. “Anyway, it’s all in the past. I’m glad you called me. I didn’t want to let our friendship go.”
Belle shook her head. “That won’t happen. I needed a little space, that’s all, especially with that damn detective coming around. He’s positive Harold was murdered.” She crossed her arms around her as she shuddered. “Isn’t that awful?”
Holly nodded. “Poor Harold. Even though he was a sonofabitch and couldn’t keep his pants zipped, he didn’t deserve to die. Do they have any idea who did it?”
Belle pointed a finger to herself. �
��Me. I don’t think they’re looking at any other possible suspects. They’ve decided I did it all because that damn syringe was in my storage unit. I have no fucking clue how it got there unless someone’s trying to frame me, but who? And why? Doesn’t make sense. Harold’s death was ruled a heart attack, so there was no reason to plant the syringe.” She rubbed the back of her neck. “Doesn’t make sense to me.”
“It’s probably that slut who tried to break up your marriage.”
“Oh, that reminds me. I saw your brother with her the other day. I was shocked. I didn’t even know he knew her. What do you know about that?”
Holly rose to her feet then went over to the counter and grabbed the coffee pot, refilling each of their cups. “What can I say? He’s fucking horny. He saw her last time he was in town, and was taken with her. I’m pissed as hell at him for it. I told him who she is, but he doesn’t give a shit. Men always think with their dicks.” She laughed.
“Really? I didn’t think Scorpion had been back after the… Well, you know, the incident with Banger.”
“Yeah. He’s been back a couple of times. He just steered clear from you. Speaking of, how’s it going with Banger?”
Heat rose to her face. “Great. He’s a real sweetheart, and Ethan adores him. Emily is getting a little better. At least she’s not glaring at him all the time.”
She and Holly spent the morning laughing, gossiping, and complaining, and it was wonderful. They walked out to her friend’s car and before leaving, Holly hugged her and whispered, “It’s all going to be okay, you’ll see.”
Belle waved as Holly pulled away from the curb. She was happy she’d called her friend and asked her to come over. She walked slowly back to the porch, thinking how lucky she was to have such a good friend, her kids, and Banger in her life. A smile crossed her lips when her phone rang and Banger’s name flashed on her screen.
“Hi, handsome,” she said.
A deep chuckle. “I love the way you answer a phone. How are you? No fuckin’ badges around?”
“No, and I hope it stays that way. I asked Holly to come over, and it was good. We’re back on track.”
“Her fuckin’ brother better not be around.”
Belle decided not to share the fact that he’d been in town a couple of days before; she had more than enough drama in her life without adding to it. “So, what’re you doing?”
“Helping Hawk in his shop. Whenever the weather gets nice, the shop is fuckin’ busy with customers who are itchin’ to ride their bikes. They all want tune-ups. Mark Saturday on your calendar. We’re going to my sister’s for a barbecue. Kylie’s gonna be there. Bring Ethan and Emily.”
She groaned. “Your sister and Kylie at the same time? I’m going to be so nervous.”
“They’ll like you. I’ve already told my sister ‘bout you, and she can’t wait to meet you. Kylie may be kinda unfriendly, but she won’t be rude—she wasn’t raised to be disrespectful. You gotta give her some time. The good thing is she called me late last night and said she’d come for the barbecue at her aunt’s house.”
“Okay. It’s going to be scary, but if you stick with me, I’ll do my best to charm everyone.”
“I’ll stick by you, babe.”
* * *
All Saturday morning, Belle ran around like a madwoman, making sure her baked beans came out perfectly, and she tried on so many outfits that she was exhausted. She finally settled on a black jean skirt, a long-sleeved black knit top with a spattering of silver grommets around the scooped collar, and black mid-calf boots. As she pulled out her beans from the oven, the smoky scent of bacon tantalized her nostrils.
“Did you make my favorite beans?” Ethan asked as he came into the kitchen. “We only have those in the summer.”
“I thought I’d make them since we’re going to our first barbecue of the year. I hope the weather stays pleasant.”
“Can I try a spoonful?”
Belle laughed. Ethan was so crazy for the baked beans. The summer before Harold died, they’d all come home from the company’s barbecue, and Belle had put the leftover beans in the refrigerator. The next morning, she’d discovered a spoon in the sink, the empty bowl of beans, and Ethan, who’d moaned all day from a major tummy ache. She thought he’d never eat them again, and he hadn’t for a good year, but it seemed like that day had become a distant memory in his young mind.
“Mmm… real good, Mom.”
“Make sure you don’t eat them all. They’re rich with the hamburger, bacon, and cheese in them.” She pointed to the dishwasher. “Your spoon goes in there, not the sink.” He dutifully placed it in the dishwasher then ran out to the porch.
Soon, Banger came by and picked Ethan and Belle up to head over to the barbecue. Emily didn’t want to go, and Belle was disappointed, but she pretended to be fine with her daughter’s decision. She had been looking forward to spending a nice afternoon with her kids and Banger, and she also wanted Emily to meet Kylie since they were only three years apart. After helping Belle and Ethan in the car, the trio took off to his sister’s.
Amelia lived on an acre of land surrounded by forests of evergreens and pine trees. When they walked into the backyard, a large honey-colored brick patio had three round tables on it, and two large grills. Outdoor chairs and table trays were spattered on the grass, which was still mostly brown from the long, cold winter. The aromatic hickory scent mingled with the sweet smell of beer. There were about thirty people milling about, talking and laughing with beers in their hands. Thin wisps of weed smoke curled above their heads as the pungent aroma permeated the yard. Belle noticed a few older men sporting the same cut Banger had, and surmised they were members of his club.
“There’re a bunch of kids here,” Ethan said excitedly. Belle was happy to see that there were many who seemed to be around Ethan’s age for him to hang out with so he wouldn’t be so bored with the adults.
A woman who looked a few years older than Banger came up to them, a wide smile spread across her face. Her skin looked like she’d spent a lot of time in the sun, and her ocean-blue eyes were copies of Banger’s. She was a fit, attractive woman, her blonde hair hanging loosely around her shoulders. With an outstretched hand, she said, “You must be Belle. I’m Amelia. I’m happy to finally meet you. I’ve been bugging my brother about it for a while now.” She playfully poked Banger in his side.
“It’s nice meeting you too. This is my son, Ethan. I brought baked beans. Where do you want me to put them?”
“You didn’t have to bring anything, but they do smell good. I’ll show you.” She walked a few steps then stopped and winked at Banger. “You go on and get a beer. You don’t need to be following Belle everywhere. I’ll take good care of her. Why don’t you take the boy and introduce him to Tyler and Cory?” Amelia motioned Belle to follow her. Shrugging at Banger, she followed his sister.
In the kitchen, several women stood around, slicing tomatoes, making salad, chopping onions, and filling platters with deviled eggs, carrot sticks, olives, and other veggies. They laughed and talked as they worked, taking sips from beer cans and mixed drinks in between. Amelia introduced her to the women, and their friendliness warmed and embraced Belle. After placing her beans on a very low heat, she went to the bathroom to wash her hands. When she came out, she rounded the corner and slammed into a very pretty young lady who had long, glossy blonde hair, a cute figure, and piercing blue eyes. She must be Banger’s daughter. Shit. Belle smiled, and the girl smiled back.
“I’m sorry,” Belle said. “I should’ve been looking. I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
“No, I’m okay. I wasn’t looking either. I just got here, and I was going outside to look for my dad. I don’t know you, but Aunt Amelia always has some new people at her barbecues. I’m Kylie.”
Belle licked her lips and took a deep breath. “Nice meeting you, Kylie. I’m Belle.”
Kylie’s smile disappeared, and she stared at her. “Oh.” She turned around and walked out to the patio. Belle wat
ched after her, her heart sinking. Well, that fucking sucked. What if Kylie never accepts me? I want to tell her that I have no intention of taking her mother’s place. Belle walked over to the picture window and looked out at the forest of trees. Maybe this thing with Banger wasn’t going to work. The only one who was cool with it was Ethan. How could she isolate Emily, and have him do the same to Kylie? It seemed like their relationship was doomed.
“Why don’t you come out and join the party?” Banger’s deep voice breathed, making her insides melt. He pulled her back into his chest, his arms wrapped tightly around her. “I’m missing you.” He kissed the side of her face. “You okay?”
She shrugged. “I bumped into Kylie. She was super friendly until I told her my name. How’s this ever going to work?”
He swung her around, his hands on her shoulders. “Stop. I told you it’s gonna take some time with Kylie, just like it’s going to with Emily. We both love the fuck outta our kids, but what we have is between you and me. You do things to me that I’m not willing to give up.” Cupping her chin, he tipped her head back and kissed her deeply. “Now, stop overthinking. Let’s go back outside and get you a drink.”
Belle nodded and pressed into him. “You’re pretty special to me.” She kissed him gently on his Adam’s apple, and his throat vibrated when he groaned. She took his hand and said, “Come on. Introduce me to your people.”
As the day wore on, Belle had a wonderful time, and Banger’s club brothers, his nieces, nephews, and siblings welcomed her and Ethan into their fold. Throughout the meal, she spotted Kylie sneaking glances at her, and even when she came over to talk with her dad, Belle saw her darting her eyes in her direction. When Banger introduced her to Kylie, his daughter muttered, “We already met,” then changed the subject, turning her back to Belle. Banger didn’t push his daughter, and by the time everyone was ready to leave, she noticed Kylie smiled at her for a few seconds when they all said good-bye. It wasn’t much, but it was better than throwing daggers out of her eyes.
