by Jen Talty
Travis twisted his neck, cracking loudly, wishing it was Jeff’s neck. “I told you.” Travis pointed his finger at Shauna, hoping to set the trap. Jeff had to think he and Shauna were on different pages. Amazingly, she seemed to be holding it together better than he was. “I knew he was up too no good.”
“I don’t think he’s smart enough,” Shauna said.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they booked him soon.” Jeff squeezed Shauna’s arm. She actually smiled at him, but her complexion faded.
Just enough that Travis knew he had to get one of them out of the office. “One more case wrapped up.” Travis took a file off his desk, he had no idea what it was, but he handed it to Shauna and then glanced at his watch. “They have enough to hold him for the night?”
“Unless someone posts bail for the beating, I think he’ll be there for a day or two. Longer if they charge him with multiple rapes and murders.”
“Thanks, Jeff,” Travis sat back down, hoping Jeff got the hint.
“My pleasure.” Jeff turned and walked out of their office, with a horrid smile plastered on his face, humming that damn tune.
“Damn it,” Travis said. His gut told him Jeff knew they were on to him. Travis heard the change in Jeff’s voice and Shauna looked like she might lose it right there.
“Excuse me.” She walked past him, holding her stomach.
Travis stood in the doorway of their office as she barreled into the ladies’ room. Jeff wouldn’t do anything here. That would be a death wish. Then again, psychos usually hang themselves at some point.
Keeping a close watch on the hallway, Travis flipped his cell phone and called his brother.
“Hello?”
“Jessica?” he questioned.
“That would be me.”
“Put your dad on the phone,” Travis said. “It’s
important.”
“Nice to talk to you too, Uncle Travis,” Jessica said sarcastically.
When Shauna made her way back into the hallway, it appeared the color had come back into her cheeks. But just as she took a few steps toward him, Steve managed to back her into a corner.
Once again, her face turned two shades of white.
“What’s up?” Bill’s voice echoed in Travis’s ear.
“Stay close by. Things are about to turn ugly. I’m going to call Jake.” He closed his phone, eyeing the scene in the hallway.
Shauna nodded and then made it back down to where Travis stood.
“What was that all about?” Travis whispered.
“Not here.” She eyed him with caution. “Let’s go.” She grabbed her purse, not giving him room to protest.
Pulling his keys from his pocket, he followed her, deep in thought. What did Steve say to get her to go white again?
****
Shauna didn’t understand why her body was revolting so violently. She dodged Travis’s questions, talking him into stopping at Jimmy’s store to pick up dinner. She even talked him into going to her new apartment, saying it needed to look like she was living there. Thus far, she had only moved her car and some clothes. Travis managed to find her a bed, a couch and a television set, but that was about it.
Travis had settled on a chicken and rice dish that he thought might help calm her stomach. He rolled up his sleeves and started cooking. It amazed her how much she enjoyed watching him handle food.
Looking around the empty apartment, she decided with a little decoration, this place could be pretty cool. It was set up very similar to Travis’s, but it had only one bedroom and the kitchen didn’t have room for a table. It had two bar stools on the other side, almost in the family room, the only other room in the apartment.
“I wonder if I could paint the walls.” She placed her elbows on the countertop, dropping her cheeks in her palms.
He glanced up while he chopped the sizzling chicken he just took from the pan. “I don’t see why not. How long is your lease?”
“I didn’t sign a lease. We agreed to first and last month’s rent. Then I have to give one month’s notice.”
Travis gave her a puzzled look.
“I told him if I stayed more than two months I would sign a one year lease. Less, he could keep the first and last month’s rent. I wasn’t sure how long this would take.” She sat up straight.
“I guess money talks.” He tossed the chicken on top of two rice piles and then took the beans out of the steamer. “Let’s eat.”
When she inhaled, her stomach turned, but it also begged for food. “Thanks for leaving out all the extra spices.” Picking at her food, she forced herself to eat most of it. She knew she needed it. “Have you talked to your brother?” She looked up at him.
He stood, with his plate in his hand, leaning against the kitchen sink. “The whole family is going to Adam’s baseball game. Can’t say Kamy’s too thrilled. The only major problem is the dance on the Minnie Ha Ha this weekend.” He stuffed his mouth full of food.
“Why let her go?”
“My point exactly, but they don’t want Jessica running scared.”
“Can Jake help?”
“He’s already on it.”
“What if they pin this on Craig?”
Splat.
His fork hit the floor.
“Enough dodging. What the hell was going on with you and Steve?” He picked up the fork and vigorously washed it and his plate.
“He knows I’m Jane Doe.” Forcing herself to stand, she folded her arms across her chest.
Travis wiped his hands on the dishtowel. “How? And why the hell would he care?”
“Don’t know, but he wants to talk to me tonight. He said he’d stop by around eight.” She separated her legs, then pushed her shoulder blades together, determined to hold her ground.
“What does your gut tell you?” Travis tossed the towel and moved closer.
This confused her. She was ready for a fight. She’d expected him to freak out.
“You heard the inflection in Jeff’s voice?” she questioned.
He nodded.
“Put a dark wig on him, a mustache, and he’s the man who raped me.” She held her breath. Hearing her own admittance sent a cold shiver up her spine.
Travis leaned his hip on the counter and looked deep in thought. “Steve was accused of sexual harassment in Buffalo. He requested this office when he asked for a transfer.” Travis looked at his wristwatch when a knock came at the door. “Answer it.”
She let out all the air in her lungs in big puff as she moved like a snail to the door. Whatever Steve wanted to share with her, she was glad
Travis was going to be in the same room.
“Hi, Steve. Come in.” The swirling of her stomach made her lightheaded and her brow broke out in a cold sweat.
“I tried Travis, but he’s not home,” Steve said, looking very uncomfortable.
“That’s because I’m right here.” Travis took his cell from the counter. “Damn silent mode. Sorry.” He hooked it back to his hip.
An awkward silence filled the room. It stifled her breathing and she felt like she got the wind knocked out of her.
Steve fiddled with a file and glanced between the two of them. “I’m really sorry about what happened to you.” There was an unmistakable sincerity to his voice. “I may be extremely old-fashioned in my views about the world, but what Wilcox did to you is unforgivable.”
Shauna’s mouth opened, but only a faint gasp came out.
“Care to explain how you know all this?” Travis said, taking a step toward Steve. “Specifically Wilcox.”
“This might help.” A folder shook in Steve’s hand as he passed it to Travis.
Shauna glanced at the name written on the tab. “This is one of the earlier victims. But Travis couldn’t make a connection. This case is still unsolved.”
Steve rubbed his hand across his face. “My cousin.”
Shauna exchanged a shocked glance with Travis.
“Why didn’t you say anything to me?” Travis flipped t
hrough the file. “It’s not like I kept my sister’s murder a secret.”
“I don’t know. I guess I wasn’t sure about everything, until Shauna showed up.” Steve
shook his head. “My cousin had been missing for six months before she was found. We think she had been turning tricks. Drugs. You name it. But she didn’t deserve this.”
Shauna squeezed Steve’s arm and then got a couple of sodas, handing them to everyone. “How do you know its Jeff?” Shauna tried to mentally control the gurgling of her insides. They were so close and she wouldn’t back down—or breakdown.
Not now.
Not ever again.
“Your friend Jake’s been asking a lot of questions. He just happened to ask my nephew who works here as a city cop. I put it together from there.” He took a long sip of his soda. “I meant nothing by what I said to those women agents. I’m just not comfortable working with…”
“Well, you’re just going to have to get over it. I’m not going anywhere, and I think the three of us need to figure out a way to help Jeff hang himself.” She took a deep breath, feeling a renewed strength. One way or another Jeff Wilcox was going to pay for what he did.
“Say one thing out of line, and so help me, I’ll hurt you.” Travis shot Steve a dirty look.
“Knock it off.” Shauna narrowed her eyes. “I can take care of myself.”
“I bet you can.” Steve laughed, slapping Travis on the back. “One of you is gonna have to quit when this is all over.”
“You have the wrong impression,” Shauna said with clenched jaw.
“Really?” Steve lifted a brow. “I’ll have to stay in the background. If I get all chummy with you two, he will suspect something. Does he know who you are?”
Shauna tried to hide her fear, but her body disobeyed her and shook.
He gave her and understanding look. Oddly, it made her feel better. “It won’t be too long. I’ll continue to monitor his movements. Keep your cell phone on.” He shook Travis’s hand and then faced Shauna, taking her by the shoulders. “I still don’t think women belong in this line of work. You’ll never change my mind about that, but I have a lot of respect for you. You’ve got some guts.”
“Thanks.”
After walking him to the door, she leaned up against it and rested her eyes. This had to end. She was sick and tired of being sick and tired all the time.
Oh, my God. I can’t be.
“Shit.” She opened her eyes in shock of her own thoughts.
“What?” Travis stood in front of her, with a stupid concerned look on his face.
“Nothing.” She pushed him aside.
He took her by the arm and cocked his head.
“Okay, everything!” she snapped. “I hate this. I don’t want to have to face him tomorrow. I want to crawl in a hole until…”
He rubbed her chin with his thumb, looking like he cared.
But who did he care about?
Her?
Or Jane Doe?
“No, you don’t. You’re a fighter and we’ll nail his ass. I promise.” His warm lips gently glided across hers.
It caught her breath short, then he pulled her closer to him.
“No,” she whispered, stepping back. “I can’t. We can’t.” She crossed her arms around herself.
He scowled, placing his hands on his hips.
“Shauna, I feel things for you I haven’t felt in years.”
“It’s just because we’ve been in an extreme situation.”
“This isn’t a movie. This is real life.” He took a step closer and she dodged him. “Are you trying to tell me you don’t care about me?”
Of course she did. “It’s not that simple.” She did the math in her head and she was most definitely a week or so late. Well, she wouldn’t tell him until she was sure. And Jeff Wilcox was where he belonged.
“What’s going on inside that pretty little head of yours?” He tapped his long index finger at her temple.
“You win.”
“Win what?” He cocked a brow.
“I’ll go out with you when this is over. A real date.”
“We already established that.” He took in a deep breath, like he was frustrated and losing his patience.
“But back off until then. I think you might be the one to change your mind.”
He picked up her purse. “I won’t be backing out. Let’s get back to my place.”
She followed him to his pickup, making sure no one was around to see her leave. They wanted Jeff, if he was watching, to think she was staying alone in her place.
****
The next couple of days went by in a haze for Shauna. She and Travis were busy planning a trap for Jeff.
Jeff seemed to be aware that he was being watched because he did nothing. He came to work, and then went to a half empty apartment, not leaving until morning—as far as they could tell. There hadn’t been another murder which told the world the police had nabbed their man—the wrong man.
Shauna continued to have stomach issues. Travis seemed to have lost his appetite as well. Obviously for different reasons.
Then there was this dance his niece was going to this weekend. Neither of them wanted her to go, but she had to trust that everyone in on this case right now would help take care of Jessica. The timing of the plan became very apparent to Shauna. They had to try to confront him on the night of the dance. The night that Jessica would be out of her parents’ sight and possibly in harm’s way.
****
Leaving the office on Friday evening, Shauna’s entire body ached with the knowledge she might actually have to be alone with the man who raped her.
“Are you ready for this?” Travis asked as he pulled out of the federal building parking lot. A slight breeze ruffled the treetops and the gray clouds threatened to release rain.
She took in a deep breath. “I’m ready to end this.” She didn’t look at him when he tugged at her phone on her hip.
“It’s time.”
She swallowed, feeling her throat close and then gasp for air as she dialed Jeff’s phone number. Taking the hand Travis offered, she squeezed as hard as she could. She needed every ounce of strength she could muster from the both of them.
“Wilcox here,” he answered in his normal voice.
“It’s Shauna.” Her hand shook as she tried to hold the phone to her ear. Flashes of him touching her, laughing at her, hurting her, tormented her brain.
“Well, hello.” His voice changed and rattled her to the point of near panic.
She closed her eyes, feeling her stomach fly up her throat. “We need talk,” she heard herself say.
“Really, ‘bout what?”
About your funeral, you sick bastard. “Work stuff.” That was real professional. “I need some information about Nagel.”
“I thought you knew all about Nagel.” His tone rang sadistic in her ears.
“I wish. The cops have too many holes. I still don’t think it’s him. That file of yours had some interesting information; mind if I take another look?”
Silence on the other end.
Travis held her hand, stroking her skin with his thumb. The safety of his touch allowed her to maintain some sense of control.
“Jeff?” she questioned.
“Sorry, just looking for that file you want to fish through. Why didn’t you just drop by my office before you left?”
“Travis thinks I should leave it alone. He’s satisfied the cops have the right guy.”
“Okay. You’ve hooked me. When do you want to meet?”
“How about in an hour and a half. I’ll meet you at Capri’s.”
“I’ll see you there. Goodbye, Shauna,” he said in the voice that made her tremble in fear. The way her name echoed across the phone sent her stomach on another roll.
She flipped the phone shut, praying she wouldn’t have to have Travis pull over. Being sick again would only complicate matters more. Not
that the reason for her being sick didn’t comp
licate things enough.
Closing her eyes, she rested her head against the window. She could hear the slight pitter-patter of the rain as it hit the glass next to her ear.
She jumped, feeling the door open.
“Come on, sweetheart.” Travis lifted her into his arms.
“No,” she whispered.
“I just talked with Steve. Jeff’s at his apartment.”
She relaxed into Travis’s body, unaware she had been asleep. She was so tired. It was just the case. Her job. She tried to remind herself, knowing that a small entity was draining her of all her energy. She felt something soft adjust to her weight. “Have you forgiven Gina for what she did?”
“Forgiven her?” He pinched his brow. “I suppose.” His voice was flat and unemotional.
“I mean, could you go on with your life? Have a family with someone else?”
“She’s not why I gave up on the idea of having a family, not entirely.” The couch lifted under her as he sat down next to her, pushing her head into his lap. “Gina and I had problems before she had the abortion. Looking back, the only reason I wanted to marry her was because she was pregnant. I’m not sure I really loved her like husband is supposed to, and she wanted me to give up on finding Marie’s killer. She said I was obsessed.”
Shauna took in a deep breath. “You are.”
Travis cleared his throat. “I want a family someday. But I want it to be because I’m in love, not solely because of a baby. I don’t think it would be fair to bring someone into my mess.”
His fingers stroked her hair, then tingled down her arm.
The soft touch of his skin made her want to curl up like a kitten in his lap and forget all about putting Wilcox away. His scent, which she could never really place, filled her lungs. It was manly, but there was that sensitiveness to him, even his smell. This was a man who loved deeply.
But could he love her? The real her.
Deep down she knew he’d love his child and be there for him or her. But she couldn’t be in loveless marriage. She wouldn’t marry a man because she carried his child and she didn’t think Travis could love her, for her.
“And I’ve only thought about family stuff lately. Before, I pretty much stayed away from women.”
