In the Shadow of Love

by Annie Bruce

  “No! Not yet.” The Captain was firm allowing no room for debate. “We need to buy more time for our undercover operative.”

  The Captain’s words tore at his sense of duty and clashed with his discomfort over lying to Maggie.

  “I know it’s not what you want to hear right now, detective, but it has to be this way. You wouldn’t want to compromise the safety of a fellow officer, now would you?”

  He had no choice. If Maggie was the kind of person he thought she was, she’d understand.

  “Now, detective, what are your questions?”

  “Why isn’t the FBI handling this case? Sounds like an international fraud and money laundering case. Isn’t that their jurisdiction?”

  “You’re right it is. Seems they’re too busy since nine-eleven doing other things. I asked for their assistance but none has been forthcoming.” The Captain paused. “We’re not a high enough priority right now.”

  “I see – so, you want me to protect Maggie, review the information in the documents in her possession–” pausing for emphasis. “–and solve Mr. Cassidy’s murder.”

  “That’s right detective.”

  “What about Fredericks?”

  “Who’s Fredericks?” Cassidy interrupted.

  “I’ll take care of that, detective.”

  “Who’s Fredericks?”

  “The Detective currently handling your death investigation,” the Captain’s tone was sharp, once again conveying his frustration with his friend’s ill-conceived plan.

  “Oh.” Cassidy became somber at the mention of his own death.

  “Anything else?”

  “No, sir.” Actually Morris had many more questions but decided to leave them unasked, needing a better sense of who he could trust.

  “Alright, then, detective, I think it’s time for you to leave for your dinner engagement.”

  The men stood, arms brushing against arms in the tiny room.

  “Here, detective,” the Captain reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a business card. “This has my cell number on it. If you find anything out, please let me know right away.” Morris knew it was an order and not a request.

  Taking the card, he studied it briefly before putting it in his own coat pocket.

  “Detective Morris?” Cassidy’s voice stopped him from leaving.

  “Yes, Mr. Cassidy.”

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?” Answering questions with a question was a hard habit to break.

  “For taking care of Maggie.” The other man’s concern seemed genuine.

  As he turned to leave he paused.

  “Is there something else, detective?”

  “Yes, sir,” his eyes locked on the Captain. “Whose body was found at the Cassidy residence?”

  The Captain held his gaze. “We don’t know.” Morris held his breath and tongue once again. “That’s one of the things we’re hoping you’ll discretely find out.”

  He left the interrogation room confused and curious, but the importance of the case wasn’t lost on him. Few had the Captain’s private cell number. Now he was one of them.

  Making his way back to his desk, he mulled over the past hour unable to shake the feeling that his superior wasn’t telling him everything he needed to know.

  “Word is you’re suspended for dating a witness.”

  Looking up he found Geridano looming in front of him. The Captain’s efforts to distract everyone from the truth seemed to be working. He finished gathering up his files and walked away from his desk and nemeses.

  “Have a nice day, Geridano.” It felt good to keep him guessing.

  Chapter 8

  Morris called Maggie on his way out of the building, her number now on speed dial. He wanted to see how she was coping, or so he told himself as he pressed the send button.

  “I wasn’t expecting you to call so soon.” Her voice held a breathlessness that signaled he had interrupted something. The sound of pots clanging and water running echoed in the background.

  “Not to worry – I won’t be early. I just wanted to make sure there wasn’t anything I could bring.”

  “No, but thanks for asking – again.”

  “Okay - I’ll see you at seven.”

  “Wait.” Her voice was anxious.

  “What is it, Maggie?” Her first name rolled off his tongue so naturally.

  “Just that–I want to–I mean–thanks for believing me about Owen.”

  A feeling of shame crept over him as he recalled meeting the man she thought was dead. He wasn’t happy about deceiving her even though he’d been ordered to do so.

  “Detective?”

  “I’m glad to help, and it’s Morris.”

  “Excuse me.”

  “We can drop the detective, don’t you think?”

  “Er, of course.”

  “See you at seven.” He rung off before giving into his desire to clear his conscious.

  A look in his rear view mirror revealed Geridano following him as expected. Pulling into the parking garage beneath his apartment building he put the other man out of his mind, having more pleasant things to focus on.

  He quickly showered and changed into something more casual for the evening. Peering through the window he noted that Geridano’s vehicle was still parked outside. It wasn’t going to be easy losing him after all. Driving to a restaurant in Greek Town that was owned by a distant cousin, he parked where Geridano could easily see his car. Entering he took a seat near the window and accepted the menu from the hostess. He placed an order to go.

  Leaving he took his order and disappeared into the storeroom and slipped out the back taking a cab he ordered before leaving his apartment. Morris instructed his cousin to call the police and report it as suspicious if it wasn’t gone within the hour.

  The cab arrived quickly in front of Maggie’s house. He paid the driver and nearly sprinted up the steps towards the front door. A young boy’s face peered out the window as he reached for the door bell. As the door slowly opened Morris stepped back out of habit and the boy cautiously poked his head around the edge of the wooden barrier.

  “Hello Joey”

  Joey didn’t answer, continuing to hug the door as if it would protect him. Morris knelt down to eye level with the wide-eyed boy on the other side of the threshold.

  “How are you doing, Joey?”

  “Fine. His voice was faint, the words spoken through a mouthful of fist and fingers.

  “That’s good to hear. Would it be okay if I came in?”

  “I guess so.” But Joey didn’t budge.

  “I’ll tell you what. I’ll wait right here until you say it’s okay. Deal?”

  “Uh huh.” He paused then quickly added, “Mommy says you can come in, so it’s okay.”

  Morris straightened and walked into the house. He turned and held out his hand. “Nice to see you again, Joey.”

  Joey took the extended hand and shook it awkwardly up and down and side to side. Morris steadied his arm to absorb the impact.

  “Detective Morris.” Maggie’s voice radiated from the kitchen entrance.

  He turned and caught his breath as she came into view, her image framed by the doorway and highlighted by the setting sun. Thank goodness the days were getting longer and the winter was almost a thing of the past.

  “Good evening, Maggie.” He savored the moment. Then he turned to Joey. “Shall we go help your mom in the kitchen?”

  Helping his own mother in the kitchen growing up, he was actually a reasonably good cook. He just didn’t have much time for it anymore – or the need.

  “Mommy says I help best if I stay out of the way.” Looking at Maggie, he restrained the chuckle that spontaneously rose in his throat.

  “I’m afraid it’s true.” She sighed. “But, we do make cookies together, don’t we?” Stepping forward she ruffled Joey’s hair.

  “I’ll tell you what,” once again eye level with him. “Come summertime I’ll show you how to barbeque. How’s
that?”

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  “Mommy doesn’t barbeque.” Morris shot an inquiring glance her way. Her sheepish grin confirmed it. “We always have to go to Uncle Donald’s for barbeque.”

  “We’ll see if we can change that this summer.”

  Maggie’s heart warmed at how natural Morris was with her son. Just as he calmed them all down earlier that day, he was providing a much needed sense of peace for them tonight.

  “Joey, go tell your brother that dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes.” Maggie’s voice cut through the sudden awkwardness of the moment as they both realized what he had just promised with his offer to barbeque this summer.

  “Okay, mom.” Joey’s sudden switch to calling her mom made her realize the effect this man’s presence was already having on her son. Returning to the kitchen she was uncertain of her feelings about the events of the past few minutes – and the past twelve hours.

  “Anything I can help with?”

  Jumping in response to his voice the large spoon she was holding to stir the beef stew fell to the floor. He picked it up, walked over to the kitchen sink and washed it off.

  “I didn’t mean to startle you.” His voice was soothing.

  Reaching to take the spoon from his hand, her fingers brushed against his. There it was again. That electrifying feeling she had whenever they touched.

  “You didn’t,” her voice lowered as she tried to avoid his eyes. “I mean I’ve just been a little jumpy lately.”

  “That’s understandable.” He whispered, his breath fanning her cheek.

  She looked away, nervously licking her lips.

  “You’ve been through a lot today.”

  Their eyes locked as their bodies pulled towards each other like two magnets unable to break their undeniable attraction. Things were moving too fast – they needed to stop.

  “Mom?” Jacob’s voice tore through their fixation with one another. They pulled apart, startled and shaken from what almost happened.

  “Yes, honey.” Maggie composed herself as she put a necessary distance between herself and the good detective.

  “We’re hungry.”

  She grabbed a healthy snack from the cupboard. “Here, share this with your brother. Dinner will be ready soon.” Jacob reluctantly took the snack and left the room. She turned to find Morris leaning against the sink, looking out the window. She studied his features and thought back to their first meeting and how attracted she was to him, a sense that had only deepened with every passing moment.

  Morris leaned on the kitchen sink, needing time to overcome the excitement he was feeling. He splashed cold water on his face in an attempt to think clearly. He could still feel her breath warming his chin as the perfume she was wearing overwhelmed his senses. Everything about her intrigued him.

  As the water cleared from his eyes he noticed a familiar unmarked car sitting across the street. “Geridano!”

  “I beg your pardon.” Maggie’s voice vibrated through the air.

  “Uh, nothing.” He stammered. “I just need to make a quick phone call.”

  “Of course. There’s a phone in the living room.”

  Entering the other room he used his personal phone.

  “Eighteenth District.” The desk sergeant’s voice crackled over the wireless connection.

  “Sergeant Jones?

  “How’s it going detective?”

  “Okay. I need to know something, but keep it between you and me.”

  “Sure detective, what is it?”

  “Is Geridano still on duty?”

  “Not suppose to be.”

  The clicking sound of a keyboard sounded in the background.

  “But looks like he’s got a vehicle out and looks like he’s not moving.” Morris waited, knowing that more information was forthcoming.

  “His car is parked on Canyon View Lane.”

  GPS – another form of technology that was either a blessing or a curse depending on which side of its use you were on.

  “Does that help?”

  “Yes, it does.”

  “Glad to be of service Detective.”

  The living room window gave a more direct view of the car sitting across the street. For a fleeting moment he considered confronting Geridano and demanding to know how he found him. As he was struggling with his anger the other man left his vehicle and walked up to the front door of old Mrs. Rivers house.

  “What the hell?”

  “We’re not suppose to use bad words.” Morris nearly jumped at the unexpected sound of Joey’s voice. It had been awhile since he had to watch what he said around young children.

  “Sorry, son.”

  The boy looked at him as if something was missing and then his face lit up. “Mom says it’s time for dinner.”

  “Okay, Joey. Tell your mom I’ll be there in a minute.” The boy’s feet pounded on the wooden floor as he ran from the room.

  Geridano was now at Mrs. River’s front door. It opened slowly, constrained by the safety chain. Morris watched replaying his experience from earlier that day. Suddenly the door closed then opened wide and Geridano walked right through, crossing the same threshold that had been denied to him earlier.

  Making his way back to the kitchen he realized there was much he didn’t know or understand, but was now more determined than ever to find out every last detail, regardless of where the evidence led him.

  Maggie was putting plates and bowls on the table as he entered. Just two settings adorned the bright floral table cloth that draped down to the floor. Her boys were already at the counter eating their dinner.

  “I hope everything’s okay.” Her voice held a trace of concern as she turned back towards the stove to retrieve the pot of stew.

  “Yes, everything’s fine.” He could tell she wasn’t convinced from the look she threw his way.

  Gesturing for him to take a seat she took the one opposite him. “Tell you what. Let’s eat dinner and discuss work-related matters over coffee.”

  He positioned his chair to keep the house across the street under surveillance, hoping his hostess wouldn’t notice.

  “That’s the best offer I’ve had all day.” His eyes darted back to Maggie’s face as he sat down, eager to keep her from becoming concerned.

  “Is something wrong detective – er Morris?” Too late! Concern laced her tone, her expression marred by worry.

  Over her shoulder he glimpsed Geridano emerge, turn to shake the old woman’s hand then get into his vehicle and drive off.

  “Wrong? No, nothing’s wrong.” His eyes darted back to her face. She wasn’t easily misled and turned in the direction of the window.

  “Mom, I’m done.”

  “Me too!”

  Morris breathed a sigh of relief for the timely interruption.

  Quickly attending to her sons, she gently shooed them upstairs for what sounded like a nightly ritual of bathing and bedtime stories.

  “I’ll be back in a few minutes but help yourself to some coffee,” she gestured towards the coffee pot on the counter as she left the room.

  Maggie hugged her sons and smiled as they struggled to stay awake. They weren’t use to dinner guests, especially men they didn’t know. She placed her usual kiss on each of their foreheads marveling at how angelic they looked when asleep.

  Returning to the kitchen several minutes later she found Morris staring out the window. “Is everything okay?”

  He turned. “Fine.”

  Despite her reservations, she decided not to probe any further. She sat and he followed her example.

  “So, whose idea was it to start the restaurant?”

  Shooting him a confused look she picked up her fork and resumed eating.

  “Oh, you mean Florina’s?” The words were said between bites of beef and potato.

  “Yes, Florina’s.”

  She swallowed and paused before speaking. “My brother Donald. He was a cook in the army and after his tour was up
he went to the International School of Cooking in Chicago and never looked back.” She tasted another spoonful of stew. “I’ve learned a lot from him.”

  “If the meal tonight is any indication, yes you have.”

  She felt herself blush at his praise. With two boys whose main meal was pizza and PBJ’s it was nice to have an adult to cook for – especially an appreciative one.

  “I hope you like strong coffee,” her voice broke into the awkwardness of the moment.

  “I do, and I brought dessert,” handing her a bow-tied box.

  “Thanks, but you didn’t have to.”

  “I wanted to.” Their eyes met. “It’s baklava.”

  “Oh, one of my favorites!”

  She left the table with the box, pulled cups and a desert platter from the cupboard, missing the smile of pleasure on his face.

  Seated once again, two cups of steaming hot coffee before them he refocused on the reason for his visit.

  “So, tell me more about Owen.”

  “Oh, let’s see. Owen was actually a close family friend. My mother said he was like a cousin to her but I never found any family connection – at least not officially. But he’s been around the family ever since I can remember.

  She poured cream into her coffee and then offered some to Morris. He shook his head. “No thanks. I take it black.” He took a sip and let the aroma and the flavor of the coffee work its magic.

  “So, has Owen Cassidy always been in the industrial products business?”

  “No, believe it or not he used to be a cop.”

  “Really. How long was he on the force?”

  “Not long.” She leaned forward, her arms on the kitchen table as she tried to think. “Maybe six years. In fact he knows your Captain.”

  Morris raised an eyebrow. “Really!” More guilt at keeping the secret of Owen Cassidy’s fake death from Maggie threatened to ruin the evening. He needed to subdue this feeling, and fast.

  “How long have you been working with Owen on this secret investigation you two thought up?”

  “You make it sound so dirty and underhanded. In fact it feels like an interrogation.” She saw his eyes soften just a little but he didn’t respond. “About four months.”