by V. K. Powell
“Double homicide. Who else died?” Tom kept his hand on top of the folder and his green eyes shone with the excitement of a big scoop. He was obviously thrilled with whatever he was about to say. “Tom?”
“A nurse named Clare Lansing.”
Eva heard the gasp and initially thought it came from Tom. “Oh, Deus.” She had to be Greer’s Clare. The news hit her with an unwelcome wave of emotion, as if she’d known the woman personally. She bit back another gasp for air.
Tom looked disappointed. “I take it you’ve heard about Clare?”
Eva shook her head. “Only the name. I don’t know anything about her death.”
Tom’s disappointment vanished and he once again looked like a man ready to spill the day’s big story.
“You knew her, this Clare?” Eva asked.
“She came to town about twelve years ago to work at the hospital. She was a great trauma nurse and was pretty soon running the ER.”
“How did she get involved in a shooting?”
“She went to the police station that afternoon. Johnny Young did too. No one’s sure why, since the police had a warrant for his arrest. Sergeant Fluharty came out of the building as the two of them were walking up that long set of steps at the entrance. He recognized Young and pulled his weapon. But Young had already started firing. He shot Clare in the back before Fluharty killed him. She didn’t have a chance. The bullet pierced her heart.”
Eva grabbed her chest. She couldn’t imagine something so horrible happening to someone she loved. No wonder Greer was distant and wore her loss like an extra layer of skin. “How long had she and Greer been together?”
“So you know about their relationship?”
“Greer mentioned her the other night, but no details. She obviously loved Clare very much.” Everything Eva said was true. Maybe a bit misleading out of context, but she wanted more information.
“Their love was obvious to everyone and the whole town accepted it. I guess Bessie and Ruth cleared the way for that. They were open about who they were and very involved in the community. Bessie actually introduced Greer and Clare. They were inseparable from day one, dated a few months, and then Clare moved in. They were together for ten years.”
Eva tried to imagine a love that strong, that unifying. “Greer must’ve been devastated when she died.”
“You have no idea. She blamed herself, still does, I think.”
“Why? She wasn’t there when it happened.”
“Exactly. But she was part of the team searching for Young. Every time they got close, he was a step ahead. Greer believes if she’d caught him, Clare would still be alive.”
Eva’s eyes stung with tears, and she blinked to hold them back. “What an awful burden.”
“She was wild when she arrived at the police station and realized what had happened. The chief marshaled the entire force to secure the scene until they processed it. Greer still tried to break through the line. She fought to go to Clare until Chief Bryant finally knocked her out cold. She’s got a scar over her left eye as a souvenir, as if seeing her lover dead on the steps wasn’t reminder enough.”
The truth about the scar disturbed Eva more than anything she’d imagined. No one should have to endure a mental image of her lover’s dead body combined with a physical reminder of her own perceived failure to protect her. Eva ached for Greer. She couldn’t fathom losing a lover to senseless violence. Losing her brother was proving difficult enough.
“People around here don’t talk much about that day, but we’ll never forget. After it happened, the whole town adopted Greer.”
“That must’ve comforted her on some level.”
“I’m not even sure she noticed. She withdrew completely, didn’t even talk to Bessie for weeks. The only thing she did on a consistent basis was go to work, always through the back door, never up those front steps. Sergeant Fluharty and Jake carried her workload. She wasn’t capable of much for a while.”
Eva had a hard time picturing Greer Ellis the cop as anything but confident and cocky. But her eyes told the story of a soul tormented by deep loss—conflicting personas struggling for dominance. After two years she appeared to live a normal life, but her spirit was still burdened. How did one recover from such profound sadness?
Tom cleared his throat. “Well, that’s all I have.”
“Thank you for putting this together, Tom. Do you mind if I read through some of these files and take a few notes?”
“No problem. Take all the time you need. I’ll be at my desk. Don’t forget our deal. Anything else?”
Sometimes nothing worked as well as a direct inquiry. “You never questioned the homicide detectives’ methods or their integrity?”
“Nope, and I look for crap like that in a small town. The only unusual thing is this three-year drug investigation, and that was a DEA case. And I know Jake was in Boston before he came here but that’s it. As far as I can tell, everybody’s on the up-and-up.”
Eva felt disappointed and relieved. She wanted to believe somebody had overlooked something in Paul’s case, but she also wanted to trust Greer and the institution to which she was so loyal. “Do you have a contact at the Boston PD?”
“Yep.” He whipped a small notepad from his back pocket, wrote the number down, and handed it to her. “Let me know what you find out, for curiosity.”
“Will do, and thanks again for everything.”
When the door closed behind Tom, Eva wondered about small-town mentality. New Hope reminded her of Lagos, with its community atmosphere and cohesiveness. That type of neighborly concern had comforted her when she was a child, everybody helping each other. But could she live in such a place as an adult, where folks knew your business whether you wanted to share it or not? The townspeople certainly protected Greer. Maybe that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Eva hadn’t allowed anyone to look out for her in a long time. She thought about her sexual encounter with Greer and quickly dismissed the accompanying pang of guilt.
Maybe the end didn’t always justify the means. Was she exploiting Greer’s loss by using sex to secure her assistance? Eva cringed at the possibility. She could be ruthless in her work, but not intentionally cruel. Maybe she’d talk with Greer, to clear the air…and her conscience. If they agreed on a temporary liaison, they could both benefit.
But right now she had work to do. She dialed the Boston PD number, identified herself and her connection to Tom, and stated what she needed. The detective promised to get back to her as soon as possible. She read through the entire file on Clare Lansing and Johnny Young. How horrible for Clare’s friends and family to have her name forever linked to a dealer of drugs, addiction, and death. The basic details of the incident were as Tom explained, and Eva found nothing else significant.
When she slid the large folder away, several hours had passed. She now understood more clearly Greer’s loyalty to JJ and Sergeant Fluharty. JJ had helped Greer through the most difficult time of her life. How could she not be grateful and devoted to him? And Fluharty had killed Clare’s murderer. Greer probably would’ve preferred to handle that task, but the next best thing was another cop. Instant justice satisfied on many levels: the killer dead; Greer not having to see him again; the criminal-justice system spared a lengthy trial, possible appeals, and housing him for life. Some smarmy lawyer, representing a client who was obviously guilty and had no other defense, wouldn’t have a chance to attack the evidence or the police department. Eva had covered too many high-profile cases to be naïve about the criminal-justice system.
She stretched and had started to gather her belongings when her cell phone rang. The Boston detective hadn’t taken long to get back to her, she thought as she answered. “Hello.”
“I told you to leave town, Eva. This is your last warning.”
Chapter Eight
“Eva? Are you all right?” Tom stood in the doorway of the conference room with a concerned look in his eyes.
Eva held the cell phone away from her body like it migh
t attack her. “Yeah, sure.”
“You’re as white as new snow.” Tom crossed to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. “What’s happened?”
The call had stunned Eva and she was a little embarrassed that it bothered her. The caller’s tone, which sent chills down her spine, worried her more than his words. “I got another threatening phone call.”
“What do you mean another one?”
“Somebody told me to get out of town a few days ago. I thought he had the wrong number. This time he knew my name and was more specific.”
“Jesus, who have you pissed off? I mean besides the entire police department and half the town. The suspect pool is pretty large.” Tom joked to ease her tension, but only increased it.
“His voice was deep and penetrating, kind of creepy. But it didn’t sound familiar.”
“We need to call the police and check this out.”
Eva stared at him. Did he realize how he’d contradicted himself? “And what if he is the police? Would a cop go this far to avoid a simple case review?”
“Anything’s possible. At least let me drive you back to the motel. I’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to be way out there by yourself. Hurley isn’t the best area of the county.”
“Tom, you’re very kind, but I’ll be fine. If somebody wants me out of town, they’ll have to do better than a couple of threatening phone calls.”
Eva grabbed her purse and walked toward the door with Tom close behind. “Promise you’ll call if anything else strange happens.”
“Promise.” On the way back to Hurley, the Boston detective called with information on Jake Johnston. He’d left the Boston PD for no specific reason after handling a highly publicized case. His clearance record was impressive, his investigations top-notch, and his professional reputation beyond reproach. There had been speculation about an affair, but she didn’t see JJ leaving anywhere because of that. Extramarital affairs seemed standard issue in police work. Maybe he’d out-fished his social watering holes or simply needed a change of pace. Policing stressed the body and the psyche, especially in large cities.
When Eva arrived at her motel room, Greer sat out front straddling her huge Harley with a sour look on her face. How could a woman look so edible without even smiling? Warmth coursed through Eva’s body and she steadied her breathing.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Detective?”
Greer swung her leg over the motorcycle seat and hooked her thumbs in the back pockets of her ragged jeans. Her black leather jacket gapped open, revealing a rib-hugging T-shirt and no bra. Eva licked her lips in anticipation, praying the visit was a social one.
As if reading her thoughts, Greer answered, “This is business.”
Eva unlocked the door and stepped aside for Greer to enter. As she passed, Eva inhaled the fragrance of pine and damp night air that clung to Greer from her ride through the woodsy back roads between New Hope and Hurley. Outdoor smells had never struck Eva as particularly appealing, but adhering to this woman they were not only appealing but also compelling.
“I understand you’ve been getting threatening phone calls.”
“Damn it, Tom,” Eva mumbled under her breath. “It’s nothing.”
“It might be nothing if we weren’t reopening your brother’s case. It might be nothing if you weren’t asking questions all over town. And it might be nothing if you were just another citizen passing through. But none of those things are true, so it definitely feels like something to me.”
Eva wasn’t sure if the feeling that trickled down her spine was a result of the low, resonating rumble of Greer’s voice, the fact that she actually seemed concerned for her, or irritation at Tom for involving Greer. “Tom shouldn’t have told you. I’d prefer you spend your time on Paul’s case.”
“When did they start?” Greer wasn’t giving up.
“The day I arrived. It came to my room. The guy said to get out of town. I thought it was a wrong number. Today he called me by name and said it was my last warning.”
“So, he’s known who you were since you got here. He had to ask for you by name when he rang the motel desk. I’ll check with the manager. Maybe they keep a log or have a computer system that tracks incoming calls. What number did he call from tonight?”
Eva pulled out her phone and checked, hoping what she’d seen earlier had miraculously changed. “Blocked caller, private number.”
“Was anything distinctive about the voice? Had you heard it before? Any background noises, anything?”
“The voice was deep and sort of intense. He didn’t have an accent and I couldn’t make out any background sounds. The call was short and took me by surprise. But you’re making too much of this. If it goes beyond calls, I’ll be concerned.”
“Somebody is threatening you and we need to know why.” Greer started toward the door but Eva placed a hand on her forearm. That single, light touch made Eva want more.
“Since this isn’t exactly an emergency, could we talk a minute—about the other night?” Greer’s blue eyes locked on hers and sparked with uncertainty. “I don’t want any discomfort between us, since we have to work together.” Not entirely true. She also wanted a replay. She’d been too needy the first time and hadn’t properly explored Greer’s abilities. Eva was hopeful to experience her full repertoire.
“I’m not uncomfortable.” But Greer’s subtle twirling of her wedding ring said otherwise.
“I wanted say thanks and assure you I have no expectations. I was in a bad place and being close helped.” She swept her hand down Greer’s chest, heard the sharp intake of breath, and paused at the waistband of Greer’s jeans. “We both know when this review is over, I’m leaving.”
“It shouldn’t have happened the first time. I told the sergeant I’d keep it professional.”
Eva momentarily struggled for words. “You talked to your sergeant about our—the fact that we—” She wasn’t sure how she felt about that. To be taken seriously, she had to maintain her professionalism. But she wasn’t interested in what the people of this small town thought. And she certainly had no rules against mixing business with pleasure. Eva nuzzled Greer’s ear and licked her lobe, hoping Greer would accept her interest in a rematch sooner rather than later.
“I didn’t exactly have a choice. JJ couldn’t wait to spread the word, and I wouldn’t lie. I’m lucky the sarge didn’t yank me from the case. So why don’t we just concentrate on work?”
Greer backed away and opened the door. “And stop snooping around in my personal life.”
“I wondered when we’d get back to that. This is very personal to me. I need to know that the people entrusted with Paul’s case are reliable. If that upsets you, so be it.”
“Trust is a two-way street. If you want to know something about me, ask. Then I’ll have the option of answering and your information will be dependable. But I’d prefer we stick to the case and leave my past out of it.” Greer pulled the door closed as she said, “Lock this after me and don’t open it unless you know who it is.”
“Will I see you again tonight?” Eva heard the expectation in her voice and tried to recover. “I mean, you know, to fill me in on whatever you find.”
“Probably not.”
Eva locked the door behind Greer and fell across the bed. She wanted Greer so much the ache that pounded in her center was painful. What did she find so compelling about this blindly devoted Podunk cop, or did their cat-and-mouse game challenge her?
*
As Greer walked to the motel office, an uncomfortable feeling crawled up her back. She had the sense of being watched. The area supported a plethora of peeping Toms and stalkers with its various nooks and alleyways. A hodgepodge of multi-use facilities surrounded the office that sat back off the main road. She darted between opened and closed establishments, pausing in the darkness to check her surroundings.
When she arrived at the office, she stood beside the double glass doors and looked in. A middle-aged attendant nodded behind the
desk. The man started as a bell over the door announced her entrance.
“Help you?” The clerk stood and wiped a hand across his oily face.
She flashed her badge and ID. “The manager still around?”
“No such luck. He skips before dark. But I’ll give it a shot. What’d you need?”
Greer looked over the tall desk and examined the phone system. Her hope vanished. “Any chance you keep a log or computer record of incoming calls to the rooms?”
“Snowball’s chance. Haven’t replaced our phone system yet, and we don’t keep hard copies of anything except registration information.”
“Any suspicious persons hanging around recently, say the last week?”
“Officer, half our clientele is suspicious, but we don’t ask questions.”
Greer was wasting her time and breath. “Got it. Thanks.”
She stepped outside and started back by a different route. Greer didn’t consider herself a skittish person, but the night sounds seemed too close and unfriendly as she made her way through the darkness. The sharp smell of urine reminded her that she wasn’t on a main street. She tucked her right elbow, and the service weapon against her side comforted her. She surveyed the open patch of ground ahead and moved away from the building. Cold air trickled down her back like a draft. She froze.
The light breeze carried the stench of foul body odor. She sniffed the air for a directional clue, but too late. A twig snapped and she whirled just in time to see a large object coming toward her head. She ducked and heard what sounded like a rock hit the wall behind her. Greer looked at her assailant, nothing but dark arms, legs, face, and clothing. She considered her options. Without confirmation that he was armed she couldn’t shoot him. She had to fight.
Greer swatted the shadows as the man anticipated her strikes and avoided them easily. The lack of contact threw her off balance. She dodged another round of blows but inadvertently backed into a building. He punched her, solid and powerful. A fist to the gut knocked the wind out of her. She doubled over gasping for breath. Then a boulder seemed to crash on top of her. Her attacker drove her into the ground with his locked hands. She hit the dirt, dazed but conscious, certain that at any moment he would finish her.
