by Jamie Hill
“Okay,” Addie shuffled her papers. “Let’s get back to the night of the murders. You’d just closed the club, and then what did you do?”
Ben bit back a smile. Addie was as uncomfortable with the subject as he was. Now Nick, he looked like he could have talked about it for hours. And given the chance, Ben fully expected his partner to bring it up again later.
Mitzi continued her story. “My office was upstairs. I said goodnight to Dave, who was my best bartender, and Tricia, one of my long-time, good waitresses.”
“They were the last two people left in the building?” Addie prompted.
“Yes. Dave and Tricia had a thing going on. It was no big deal, they were both single and unattached. I really don’t know why they tried to hide it. Several of us knew about it, but I never said anything. I just knew they usually arrived and left together. So I said goodnight, and headed upstairs.”
“And?” Addie asked gently.
“I remember my feet were killing me, so I kicked off my boots.”
Ben saw Nick’s eyes flash at him for a quick second, but neither of them interrupted.
“I checked my phone for messages, then pulled up the bookkeeping program on my computer. It’d been a busy night. The numbers were good.” She sighed then went on, “I heard a crashing sound from the main floor. I went to the spiral staircase and called to Dave and Tricia. No one answered me and I got a little perturbed. I figured they were fooling around down there and broke something. So, I headed back down.”
She didn’t need further prompting. Ben saw the faraway look in Mitzi’s eyes and knew she was back at the club, remembering that awful night.
“It was dark. I fumbled along the wall for a light switch and finally found one. I saw Dave lying on the floor and my initial reaction was increased irritation. I couldn’t figure out what in the hell he and Tricia were up to. It was only when I got closer that I noticed blood was oozing out from under his body. I looked at his face and saw a bullet hole in the middle of his forehead.”
“What did you do?” Addie seemed to hold her breath.
“I remember gasping, like this.” She covered her mouth with her hands. “But I didn’t scream. I really didn’t understand what had happened. I mean, I saw the bullet hole, but nothing made sense. When I turned around I saw Tricia’s body, not far away, in the same condition. That’s when I really panicked. I felt my pockets for my cell phone and remembered I’d left it on my desk. There was a house phone up front, so I hurried to use it to call nine-one-one. Before I could dial, a man popped up from behind the bar. He was dressed in black, wearing a sweatshirt with the hood up. He seemed as surprised to see me as I was to see him. His arms were full of liquor bottles. It occurred to me he was robbing the place.
“He yelled for someone else, and another man appeared from the back. He had a bag of stuff in his hands, and a gun, which he pointed at me.”
Ben was right there in the club with her. “What did you do?” he murmured, and then glanced around self-consciously. “Oh, sorry.”
Addie gave a small smile then turned back to Mitzi.
The woman said, “I looked for something to use as a weapon. There was a bowl of stress balls sitting there. Stupid little balls you can squeeze, you know? There were pink ones and black ones. I grabbed a black ball and threw it at the man holding the gun.”
No one spoke until she continued, “I missed, of course. But he ducked for just a moment, so I took advantage of that opportunity and I ran. I remember thinking I could either take a chance and go for it, or stay there and become victim number three. So I took off. I unlocked the front door and sprinted as fast as I could. It was freezing outside. I didn’t have my coat, or even any shoes. I didn’t think about that at the time. I just ran.
“There was a twenty-four hour convenience store about a block away, and I went there. The clerk called the police and I hid in the bathroom until they arrived. Which worked out well, since I was puking my guts out.”
Ben felt like he might hurl just hearing the story. He pushed back from the table. “Let’s take a minute, here. I could use some more coffee.” He glanced at Mitzi. “Would you like some, or a bottle of water? I think there might be a diet soda in there, as well.”
Mitzi brushed her hair away from her face. “I’d love a diet pop. I don’t care what kind.”
Nodding, he stood and turned to Addie. “Another bottle of water?”
“Sure. Thanks.” She offered a small smile.
Nick rose. “I’ll give you a hand.”
They walked to the break room and fixed themselves more coffee, then grabbed the soda and water bottles.
“It’s tough to listen to,” Nick finally commented.
“Yeah. I feel sorry for her.” Ben sighed. “Nothing like being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“Maybe.” Nick hesitated. “Sometimes, it’s all about the type of people you surround yourself with. If her employees were dealing drugs, then it was just a matter of time before something bad happened, or the police raided the ‘Palace’.”
Ben caught his eye and snorted. “Palace. Yeah. How the mighty have fallen.”
Nick shrugged. “Hey, at least she’s still alive.”
“Puking her guts out in the bathroom of the local Seven-Eleven.”
His partner grinned. “Better there than here.”
* * *
Addie inhaled and blew the breath out slowly. The story had been terrifying to hear. She couldn’t imagine living it. Both of the marshals were a little greener around the gills than they had been before the witness began recalling events. She knew that’s why they called for a break to go get drinks.
When they returned and everyone was seated again, she looked at Mitzi sympathetically. “You’re doing great, Mitzi. You were lucky to get away that night. After the murders, I’m sure you know that the two perpetrators were identified as Jason Keeling and Ryan North, a couple of two-bit thugs with lengthy records going back to their juvenile days. You were able to positively identify both of them in a lineup. They were arrested and while awaiting arraignment, someone killed Keeling. North was stabbed, but he survived. He’s now in protective custody in the United States Penitentiary at Leavenworth.”
Nick leaned back in his chair. “Apparently, they were a little bit more than two-bit thugs.”
Addie pulled out an eight-by-ten photo and passed it over. “Thugs with connections, anyway. We believe they were working for Antonio DeMarcus, a known drug lord with ties to a Mexican Cartel. We also believe that Dave Wilson was working with them, selling drugs at the club.”
Mitzi shook her head. “I heard that theory, but I feel very strongly that it’s false. I worked closely with Dave. I don’t believe he was the type of person to do that. I can’t believe he’d do it to me.”
Addie held up another photo. This one was of a black Audi convertible. She looked at Mitzi. “Had you seen Dave’s new car?”
Nick leaned forward again. “Is that an R8 Spyder? Holy shit, those things start at one hundred and twenty grand, plus.”
“Yeah.” Addie shrugged.
Ben turned to the witness. “Paying Dave pretty good, were you?”
She drummed her fingers on the table nervously. “Not that good. Damn it! I didn’t want to believe it about Dave. He was my friend.”
“Money does strange things to people,” Nick offered.
Mitzi shook her head. “I still don’t understand. If Dave was working for them—and I’m not saying he was—then what happened? Why did they kill him? And why are they turning on each other, now?”
Ben said, “Tying up loose ends. I don’t know why they killed Dave, though, unless he wanted out.”
“Or did something he shouldn’t have,” Nick added.
Addie chimed in, “Maybe he stole from them? And they were looking for something in the club that night?”
“How will we ever know?” Mitzi asked nervously.
“We’re trying to crack Ryan North. He hasn
’t wanted to talk—”
“With good reason.” Ben rolled his eyes.
“True.” Addie liked looking at his brown eyes, even when he was rolling them. “But the closer we get to his trial date, the more willing he might become. If he stays quiet, he takes the full weight of the double murder on himself. If he talks, we might plea bargain him down from the death penalty to life in prison.”
“Death penalty,” Nick snorted. “That’s a joke. When’s the last time Kansas executed a prisoner?”
“Nineteen sixty-five,” Addie and Ben said at the same time.
Nick blinked, and then raised one finger. “But, do you know who that was?”
Addie and Ben glanced at each other and smiled. They both nodded.
“Of course you do.” Nick glanced at Mitzi. “This could be a long couple of weeks.”
Addie questioned the woman for a while longer then finally looked at her watch. It was one-thirty, they’d been at it for nearly three hours. “It’s lunchtime,” she said. “And you’re probably tired. Why don’t we call it a day and you can get settled in your safe house? We’ll talk some more tomorrow.”
Mitzi nodded. “Thank you. It feels like it’s been a long day already.”
Ben turned to her. “We’ve got some groceries in the house but you can have a look and let me know what specific items you’d like. One of us will shop for you.”
“Okay.” She rose and stretched. “I’ll use the ladies’ room before we go.”
“Of course.” Ben picked up his coffee cup as everyone rose.
Nick grabbed his things and headed to the bullpen. “I’ll touch base with Jo and meet you out there. You driving?”
“Yep,” Ben agreed.
Addie returned all her files to her briefcase before tossing her empty bottles into a trash can in the corner. “Thanks for your help today,” she said to Ben.
“Sure. I’ll let you know if the next meeting is going to be here or not. If things get complicated, it’s better not to bring the witness back here. We’ll need to stay in touch.”
She removed a business card from her briefcase and turned it over, writing her cell number on the back. “Here’s my number, so you can, you know, keep me posted.” Suddenly tongue-tied, she was sure she sounded like a complete idiot.
Ben accepted the card and waved it. “How easy was that? I usually have to work harder for a pretty girl’s phone number.” He grinned, his dark eyes twinkling.
Addie’s face heated with the warmth of a blush. Before she could stammer out some type of a stupid comment, he spoke again.
“That was inappropriate. I’m sorry. You’re giving me your number for business reasons and I’m acting like a total letch. Like I said, I really am sorry.” He pouted apologetically.
Her heart was thudding wildly. He’d made the first move. She should probably ignore it and keep things professional while they were working a case together. But as Nick and Mitzi had said earlier, that doesn’t sound like very much fun. She inhaled and decided to go for it. “So, from that comment am I to assume you aren’t seeing anyone?”
Ben’s eyes flashed again. “No, I’m not. And from your response, can I assume that you aren’t either?”
Addie smiled. “I’m not. I should probably keep it that way while I’m working on such a big case.”
“Oh, I agree.” He nodded. “You do eat while you’re working important cases, though, don’t you?”
She tried not to grin like a fool. “I’ve been known to eat a bite or two, sure.”
He took a step closer. “Say around six-thirty tonight? You think you might have time to take a break for a bite?”
It was a real effort to keep her voice calm. Sometimes when she got excited it tended to squeak. She’d had to learn how to control that for the courtroom. The skill was coming in handy now. “That could probably be arranged.”
Ben stepped so close they were almost touching. He leaned in and casually sniffed her hair. “I thought I smelled strawberries earlier.”
Addie held her breath and whispered, “My shampoo.”
He moved away and smiled. “Pick you up at six-thirty?”
“Sure. Shoot me a text and I’ll send you the address.”
With one more smoldering look which seemed to take her in from head to toe, he nodded. “Will do. Have a great afternoon.” He motioned for her to go ahead of him as they left the room.
“You, too. Thanks.” She couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Her Mustang was parked right outside and she stowed her briefcase, then climbed in and buckled up. Before she had time to turn on the ignition, her phone vibrated with a notification.
She pulled it out and read the text from the unknown number.
I love strawberries.
Addie smiled.
* * *
Addie had no idea where Ben was taking her for dinner, but the night was warm, and she figured she couldn’t go wrong in a floral sundress. She let her hair down around her shoulders and fluffed it, then added a shot of strawberry finishing spray. In case he gets close enough to smell it again.
She was ready by six-fifteen and had to pace and play on her phone apps to make the time pass. When he finally pulled up in front of her condo, she spied on him through a crack in the blinds, but didn’t go out. She made him approach and ring the bell.
It took all the self-control she could muster not to open it immediately. She paused for a full minute before slowly opening the door, attempting to act casual. “Hi,” she said in a voice dangerously close to a squeak.
He smiled and quickly took in her appearance. “Hello. Wow, you look incredible.” He caught her eyes. “The braid was nice, but I like your hair down even better.”
Addie nodded. “It’s more professional for work, you know.”
“Oh, I know.” He rubbed his chin. “I need to shave, but I like a little bit of scruff.”
“I do, too. Don’t shave.” She batted her lashes then looked away, realizing she had no right to be giving him instructions of any kind.
His smile widened as he opened the screen door. “I’ll tell my chief you said so. You ready?”
“Yes.” She grabbed her small evening bag and pulled the big door closed behind her.
He opened the passenger door of his deep blue Jeep for her.
Addie scooted in and pulled her sunglasses out of her purse. The glare was hitting at just the wrong spot as the sun went down.
Ben entered the vehicle and smiled over at her as he donned his own shades. “Do you like Italian? If not, we could get steaks.”
“Italian is great.”
He drove and talked. “Nick tells me you’ve only been in Topeka a few months?”
She chuckled. “You talked about me?”
“Of course,” he said seriously. “The guys in my office are as gossipy as grade-school girls. Nick wanted to pull you up on the computer, but I put my foot down.”
“Oh, well, thanks for that!” Her mind raced as she thought about that possibility. What would show up on her ‘official’ record? She should probably look at it herself to find out. “Did you tell him we were going out?”
“No! I wouldn’t get a moment’s peace tomorrow until I’d spilled all the details. Not quite sure I’m ready for that.”
“Okay.” She continued to think about that as he pulled into the restaurant parking lot. What exactly isn’t he ready for? Now she was confused.
He opened her door and she stepped out. Ben guided her by the elbow to the door, his grip on her arm light. He was being the perfect gentleman. He smelled wonderful, his cologne earthy and musky, and she really wanted to bury her face in his neck and inhale. The thought made her chuckle. He was being so proper, what would he think of her then? He might take off and never look back. Must control myself.
“What?” he asked softly.
“Hmm?” She glanced up at him. He was just a couple of inches taller, the right height difference for dancing, kissing… or whatever else they might be doing. Lo
rdy, can my thoughts get any dirtier?
Ben smiled. “You were chuckling. Pass the feather.”
Addie bit back a groan. Yes, they certainly can get dirtier. She shook her head to clear it and tried to speak coherently. “I wasn’t. I was just thinking, I mean, you’re a perfect gentlemen.”
He spoke quietly into her ear. “They say no one is perfect. But seeing you tonight, I’d beg to differ.”
Her knees went weak. Fortunately, there was no wait for a table and the host seated them at a corner booth in the back.
Addie scooted around almost to the middle and he moved in from the other opening until they were side by side.
He gazed at her and smiled. “You really are a knockout. I’m the envy of every man here tonight.”
She couldn’t meet his gaze, looking over the wine list instead. “Sweet talker. I thought lawyers were supposed to be the ones with golden tongues.”
Ben studied his menu. “Can’t wait to find out.”
Addie tucked the wine list away. “Guess we won’t be ordering any wine. The way this conversation is going, a couple of drinks in either one of us might be a dangerous thing.”
Laughing, Ben reached out and touched her hand. “If I promise to behave myself, can I have one glass of wine?”
His hand felt soft and warm. She wanted to rub her fingers over his, but didn’t dare. “I suppose,” she teased. “If you promise not to kiss and tell, you can have two glasses.”
Ben squeezed her fingers. “I’d never kiss and tell. That’s an easy promise. We both have too much on the line to get caught fraternizing.”
Addie turned back to her menu. “Guess we’d better not get caught, then.”
She saw his smile from the corner of her eye.
They ordered salads and pasta with breadsticks, and talked while sipping their wine.
“You never told me where you’re from,” he reminded.
