by Nadirah Foxx
As he sped north on the interstate beyond Golden Harbor’s limits, I thanked him.
“No need to thank me. You would have done the same for me.”
“True.” I released my hair from its top-knot prison and leaned into the seat.
Where did we go?
The only place we could. The perfect place. Sentinel Security.
Because of my family’s tragedy, the company was closed for the rest of the week. Josh had made the suggestion. He figured I shouldn’t have to deal with the ins and outs of running a business while handling my grief. But sorrow wasn’t the issue.
It was the fury that kept presenting itself at odd moments. Personally, it made no sense to me. Naturally, it seemed fathomable to be upset with the perpetrators of the crime. Even being pissed off with the lack of progress from the LCPD seemed logical. But that hadn’t angered me either.
All I had to do was take a look in the mirror for the answer. I was the expert with the data, which meant I should have done more. It was my job to thwart wrongdoing. If I had insisted on picking up our son, Ryan would have stayed later at the office. Our house might have still been broken into, but nobody would have been home.
I failed my loved ones on a grand scale. It was time to find a way to move past my stupidity and secure justice for them.
Going to Sentinel Security was a start. It felt right being there. Like slipping on a comfortable, ratty robe. I knew the solution lay somewhere in the walls of the building, and it was up to me to unearth it.
I sat in Ryan’s black leather chair, turned toward the desk, and froze. Our wedding picture stared back at me. I wore my grandmother’s gown and carried a bouquet of purple roses and lilies. Ryan was exceedingly handsome in a charcoal-gray tuxedo. Both of us wore broad toothy smiles.
I wiped at a tear. Looking at the photograph would be the death of me. Without a second thought, I grabbed it and tossed it into a drawer. One day, maybe I could see it and feel happy again. I stared out the floor-to-ceiling window and watched the raindrops form curious paths on the pane.
“Here you are, Kerrie.” Josh passed me a glass of an amber-colored liquid with ice. “I know you’re not much of a drinker, but I think you could use this.”
It was Ryan’s favorite Scotch. I tried to toss it back the way I’d seen him do when stressed. The shit burned my throat like kerosene. Unfortunately, the taste wasn’t a hell of a lot better. I lowered the glass and returned to staring out the window.
“Talk to me, Kerrie.” Josh parked his rear on the edge of the desk.
“About what?” I asked flatly. “The weather? Maybe the beautiful service? Leaving my family in the ground?” Glancing up at him, I asked, “Or perhaps I should talk about living in a big-ass empty house? Mm… Did you want to hear about any of those things?”
He gave me a tight-lipped stare. “You get a pass today for the attitude, but I will answer your questions. The weather is shitty, not much there. Yes, the service was splendid. I was with you, so no need to discuss that either. I’d rather not relive burying your husband and child. Remember, RJ was my godson. I considered Ryan to be a friend. I lost them too. Of course, my hurt doesn’t match yours, but it’s still there.”
“So we’ll chat about the property?” I guzzled down the rest of the drink with a grimace. “As soon as its empty, I plan on selling it. But I can’t deal with packing up our stuff—not yet. I could pay someone.”
“I’ll do it.” Josh volunteered. “Everything can go into storage until you decide what to do with it.”
I blew air through my cheeks, suddenly feeling defeated. “Where the fuck am I supposed to live?” My luggage was sitting temporarily at Josh’s apartment. “Maybe a cheap hotel for a while…”
“Nonsense. You’re welcome to stay at my place. The guest room is yours.”
I shook my head. “That’s awfully generous, but no.”
“Why not? It’ll be like a long-term sleepover. How many nights did I stay at your parents’ house as a kid?”
“A lot.” Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds divorced when Josh was in the sixth grade. He had a hard time adjusting and would run away every chance he got. For some reason, he always landed on my parents’ doorstep. “We were kids though.”
“So? I love you no less for turning into an adult.” He smirked.
“Thanks.” I pushed to my feet and walked over to the bar in the corner. I located the bottle of whiskey and poured myself another, adding considerably more ice. “What do I do with the business?”
“You wait until you’re ready. The interim CEO—”
“That would be me,” I admitted, raising my tumbler. The alcohol tasted a little smoother. Maybe it was sadness—or frustration—improving the flavor. “We set it up years ago. If anything happened to Ryan, the responsibility of Sentinel Security would fall on me.”
It was all I had left of him. No way would anyone else own or run the company.
“Okay. As the interim CEO, you can put things on hold for a minute. I can help draft a statement for the board of directors and employees. We’ll tell them that, because of the tragic events, you require running things remotely. Let Ryan’s assistant handle any day-to-day matters. We can deliver anything pressing to you via email or courier. And you know I’ll do whatever you need.”
Gradually, I saw the wisdom in Josh’s plan. Captain Stratham had granted me two weeks bereavement. Analyzing the daily procedures for Sentinel would give me something to do with my time.
“That sounds perfect. Let’s make it happen.”
“Now?” Josh said incredulously.
I walked around the desk and fired up the computer. “Do you have anything better to do?” It took a moment for me to log in using the pre-established emergency protocol. I’d have to change passwords and security measures since I was taking over.
“No.” He removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. “Are you hungry?”
I kicked off my pumps. “I could eat.”
“Pizza?”
“Chinese.”
Josh got out his phone. “I’ll call it in. Kung Pao Chicken?”
“Sweet and Sour Chicken.” The meal choice matched my dichotomous mood—frenzied and distressed.
I was tempted to pour myself a third drink but knew it was ill-advised. I needed a semi-clear head to deal with business.
◆◆◆
Cheap Chinese food along with pastries and a tall decaf from the Coffee Bar didn’t assist my thinking abilities though. We managed to prepare the statements for everyone even with my addled brain.
The rain had stopped, and it was dark when we finished going over the finances. Josh studied the everyday operations but saw nothing I had to address right away.
“I think you’re good,” he said finally. “Ready to go?”
“I just have to hit send.”
Once I sent out the email and updated logins, we shut down everything and returned to his apartment.
The drive back to Liberty Towers took about ten minutes—if that—but I couldn’t bear the silence.
“Thanks again for helping me today. I couldn’t have made it through without you.”
He reached over and squeezed my knee. “When we were kids, I promised to always have your back. Have I ever broken my word?”
“No.”
“I’m sure if the tables were turned, you’d do the same for me.” Josh pulled into the underground structure, parked, and looked at me. Obvious sadness colored his face. “Never doubt me, Kerrie. I’ll never let you down.”
“I appreciate and love you for it.”
Too bad love couldn’t erase my pain.
4
What Ails
In the coming days, sorrow and rage took turns plaguing me. After a week of waffling back and forth between the emotions, I’d had enough. My family’s murderers were still free, and I had become a prisoner at the Liberty Towers.
Mostly, I nibbled and napped. During my waking hours, I ran on the treadmill in the complex’
s gym. Ryan and I used to jog together. If it had been a hectic week, we’d reconnect during the activity. After RJ was born, I continued with him in a stroller. Usually running cleared my mind, but I wasn’t attempting to befuddle my thoughts. I was desperately trying to recreate the connection.
While I spent my time chasing down memories, Josh reluctantly returned to work. He had suggested I hang out with my mom or mother-in-law during the day, but I could do without piling their drama on top of mine.
Determined to put an end to my agony, I woke up early on a Monday and dressed for work. Bored with wearing dreary clothes, I chose one of Ryan’s favorite outfits—a royal-blue pencil skirt and a white blouse with black stiletto pumps. I curled my maple-brown locks and applied makeup. Opening the bathroom door, I collided with Josh who had yet to switch out of his pajama pants and T-shirt.
His eyes swept over me. “Going somewhere?”
“Work.”
He sighed and raked a hand through his messy hair. “The precinct gave you two weeks. Don’t you think it’s too soon, Kerrie?”
Pushing past him on my way to the kitchen, I replied, “Not soon enough.”
Josh followed me and stared as I poured a mug of coffee. “Is there something I can do to change your mind?”
I added a splash of creamer and a sprinkle of sugar to my drink. “No. I’m tired of sitting in one spot. More time lounging around won’t help me. Besides, I’ve heard nothing from the police. Maybe I could do some—”
He pushed off the counter. “Bad idea, Kerrie. Let the department do its job. They’ll catch the assholes.”
Stopping with my cup in mid-air, I asked, “What do you suggest I do instead?”
“Heal. Create plans for Sentinel. Hell, you could meet with a realtor and prep the house to sell. Anything but return to the station. You’re not ready.”
I appreciated Josh’s concern, but returning to my job was for my family. The LCPD was dragging its collective feet on the matter. Ryan and RJ needed me to find their killers. They deserved justice. I deserved it too. It wouldn’t happen with me squatting on the sidelines like a fucking prom queen.
“Thank you, Josh, but I’m the only one who can determine my readiness.” I picked up my car keys and purse from the counter. My laptop bag was already by the door. “I’ll see you at the precinct.”
“Wait, Kerrie. I can drive us both in,” he offered, reaching for his key ring.
Facing him, I said, “I love you to death and have appreciated everything you’ve done for me. But, this… I have to stand on my own two feet. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” To appease Josh, I added, “If it gets to be too much, I’ll let you bring me back.”
He nodded and watched me walk out.
◆◆◆
All heads turned when I entered the precinct. Thankfully, nobody bothered offering more condolences. If they had, I probably would have run back to the parking lot screaming and crying. Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid Captain Stratham.
“Ms. King, a word in my office,” he said as he walked past me.
With no other option, I followed in his wake. I had never been a fan of the centrally located room with a plexiglass door and walls. It was too obtrusive. Once inside, my boss wasted no time letting me know what he thought about my return.
“You had a two-week leave, Ms. King. You’ve only been gone for one,” he stated.
I didn’t need anyone pointing out how long it’d been. The memory greeted me every morning and kept me company throughout the day and night.
Gripping the back of the seat, I replied, “Have you ever lost a loved one?”
His mouth pursed. “Can’t say that I have.”
“Well, until you do, don’t decide on how long someone else should grief,” I said rudely. My impertinence quickly morphed into irritation as I spat out, “You don’t know me or my situation.”
The hard-nosed captain gave me an intense stare. “No. I don’t know you. I do know, however, that your tone is inappropriate.” He paused, letting the gravity of his statement sink in.
Rather than apologize to him, I remained quiet.
The captain continued to eye-ball me, and then he said, “If you think you’re ready to be here, fine. You can work in the archives. I won’t have you touching anything new for at least another week.”
He was fucking benching me.
Giving me mundane work as if I just wanted something to keep busy.
I held onto my anger and the words that would probably get me fired. Instead of risking losing my job, I pivoted on my heel and walked away.
Before I reached the door, the captain added, “Fuck anything up, and you’re out of here.”
Over my shoulder, I asked, “You’d suspend me?”
“If that’s what’s necessary for you to take the time off. By the way, we haven’t learned anything new about the perpetrators.”
I nodded and stalked out. By the time I reached my desk, Josh was at his.
“Stratham call you in?”
“Yeah. I’m supposed to work in archives this week.” I took a seat and fired up my workstation.
“Last time I checked, the archives department was in the basement,” Josh remarked.
“I’ll go after I do some investigating.” My fingers flew over the keyboard as I searched for the latest crime stats.
Josh leaned over my shoulder. “Tell you what. Report downstairs. I’ll pull the info and bring it to you.” He jerked his head toward the captain’s office. “Best not to give the boss a reason to be madder at you.”
As usual, Josh was my voice of reason. Getting suspended would make me like any ordinary citizen—helpless. My best bet for learning anything was to maintain my current position.
“Whatever.” I pushed away from my desk and picked up my gear. “Bring me a cup of coffee too. But not the sludge we have brewing.” What passed for java at the precinct was only worth drinking if you wanted to torture your gut.
“The Coffee Bar it is. Specialty?”
“Caramel Latte with extra cream.”
“Scone?”
“Pumpkin.”
“Be back in ten.” Josh squeezed my shoulder as he left.
When I glanced up, I noticed the annoyed captain shooting daggers in my direction. Not dallying a moment longer, I shut down my computer and walked toward the hall just beyond the Cybercrime area.
The stairwell leading to the basement was dimly lit with dirty, cracked tiled steps. It was the one spot in the station I avoided like the plague. Swallowing hard, I made my way to my temporary new home.
◆◆◆
Josh was true to his word and delivered not just coffee and a delicious scone but also the latest in crime statistics. The rash of home invasions that had hit surrounding suburbs and cities had descended upon Liberty City. Apparently, the crime at my home was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. In the last week, smash and grabs were on the increase. Once again, it was the same M.O.—hitting the residences of chief executives and stealing their hard drives.
Fortunately, no one else had been killed in the crime wave. I wondered how long it would be before someone else died for the worthy merchandise. I entertained the possibility that Ryan might not have been a random victim. The problem was, who wanted him dead?
The likelihood made my blood boil. Who had so little regard for my husband’s life they felt it necessary to kill a baby too?
Regardless of whether Ryan had been someone’s mark, there was a fragile truth in the numbers. One that spoke to the LCPD’s ineptness at catching the bad guys. Until more bodies fell, I was certain neither the mayor, the chief of police, or the captain would have much to say about the turn of events. In other words, nothing would be done. My family’s murders would end up in one of the thousands of cold cases filed in the archives.
Thankfully, it was just Josh and me in the basement room. The one person who ran the department, Edna Gray, was on one of her many breaks. The silver-haired woman had been a personal s
ecretary for years. Then, the company she worked for folded. If my memory served me correctly, she was either related to the captain or the chief of police.
“You think the same criminals are behind all the invasions?” Josh asked as he reached for his coffee.
“Yes and no.” I pushed away from the metal table and stood. “Same patterns. Same M.O. Some of the crimes happened simultaneously. I don’t believe it’s just two or three people behind the break-ins.”
Josh nodded. “Which explains why victims gave a slew of conflicting descriptions for the crooks.”
“Exactly.”
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “You gathered that just from scanning the reports?”
Placing my hands flat against the table, I leaned over it. “That’s my job, and I’m damn good at it.”
Yeah, I was feeling a little arrogant. It was more welcome than the hostility threatening to surface again.
“If you’re right, the captain should see this.” Josh started gathering our empty cups and placing them in the trash can.
“I tried, but he won’t listen.” I started pacing the floor. “He keeps saying if it’s not in his precinct, it’s not his problem.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of it.” Josh cut me off and stopped my frantic movement. “For now, keep this info between us.”
“Why?”
“Give me a chance to talk to the detective on your case. Find out what he knows. If Stratham’s not going to act, then someone else should.”
I didn’t like the idea of not relaying news, but I had tried. The captain had proven he wasn’t interested. Maybe it was time to use a different tactic.
“Okay. Not a problem.” I slid the file of papers into my bag. “Maybe you should invite the detective to your place for a discussion?”
Josh lifted an eyebrow. “Reason?”
“Indulge me for a moment.” I perched my ass on the edge of the table. “What if the captain isn’t interested in what I have to say because he knows about it already?”
