by Mia Dymond
“You hacked your way through it again, didn’t you?”
Dara shrugged. “All in the name of research, really.”
“Wait, we’re not going to his house, are we?”
“No, even I’m not that devoted to research. When I searched the IP address, it gave me a physical address. We’re on our way to Café Latte.”
“He used a public computer?”
“I guess so. I’ll know as soon as I get inside and match the numbers.”
Dara pulled into an empty parking spot and they went inside. Six computers occupied one wall and at the late hour, not one of them were occupied.
“Lucky us.” She grabbed a few dollar bills from her purse and handed them to Marnie. “Get whatever you want, my treat. I’d like a caramel iced latte.”
She left her friend at the counter while she sat behind one of the computers and began to type. After several unsuccessful attempts to log in, she sat back and frowned.
Marnie set the cups of coffee on a nearby table and then took the chair in front of the computer next to her. “What’s this code on my ticket?”
Dara almost fell from her chair in relief. “That’s the password. Can you read it to me?”
“Caf76vg4.”
Within seconds, she had logged in and maneuvered around each screen until a series of numbers flashed in front of her. She pulled the paper from her bra, held it against the screen, and then sat back with a grin.
“What do I type?” Marnie asked from beside her.
Dara spouted each command.
“Okay, I have numbers.”
Although she already knew that Marnie’s numbers matched hers, she decided to let Marnie in on the excitement.
“Read them to me.”
Her friend recited the numbers. Numbers that matched the ones on her screen. The same numbers that identified this network as the one used to send Romantically Devoted’s email messages.
“We found the network, Marnie!”
“We did? Why do my numbers match yours?”
“Because the address belongs to the router. All of these computers are connected to the same router.”
“This is good.” Marnie tapped her chin with her index finger. “But we still don’t know his identity.”
“No, we don’t,” Dara conceded, “but at least we have something to go on. Let’s get out of here.”
Both women logged off and then headed back to Dara’s car. The drive to Marnie’s house was comfortably quiet, the sound of spinning brain wheels evident between them.
“You are going to call Mace, right?” Marnie opened the passenger door and stepped out.
“Yes. I’ll call him as soon as I’m home.”
“Promise?”
“Absolutely. I can’t keep this to myself.”
Marnie closed the door and Dara gave her wave as she backed out of the driveway. All the way home she attempted to think of who she could attribute to the identity of the person who sent the emails. Personally, she didn’t know of anyone within her writing circle that would be capable of such a thing. Those people only wrote murder; no one actually intended on carrying out the task.
As she parked back in front of her house, she felt an uneasiness slide over her body. Even with newly-keyed, locked doors and a security system she didn’t feel safe anymore. She took a deep breath and made a mad dash for the front door. .
She only took time to throw the deadbolt and punch in her code before she pulled her cell phone from her purse and called Mace. Her heart thumped so rapidly she was afraid it would explode right out of her chest.
“Turner.”
She took a second deep breath in an effort to remain calm. If he heard her fear, he’d take control and she couldn’t allow that. “Hey Detective, solved any crimes lately?”
“Harassment is against the law.”
“What?”
“If you’re calling me, I’m sure it’s to harass me.”
She ran a shaking hand across her forehead and sighed, her willpower broken. “If you say so.”
“Dara?”
“Sorry to bother you. I’ll call Jackson or Jake.”
“Tell me why you called.”
“No.”
“Dara,” he growled.
“Or, Bri and I can discuss it and figure out something …”
“Where are you?”
“Home. Why?”
“Put on some coffee. I’m on my way over.”
“Say please and I’ll consider it.”
“Just do it!”
When the dial tone sounded in her ear, she realized that she may have just pushed too far. Maybe coffee wasn’t such a bad idea – especially since Detective Turner obviously needed a pick-me-up.
Her nerves tingled beneath her skin as she headed to the kitchen to start the coffee. Perhaps she’d pushed the panic button when she read the email. After all, sometimes email and texting were hard to analyze. All sorts of maybes crowded her brain and by the time the coffee pot began to perk, she really didn’t know what to think. She would just have to let Mace in on the discovery and be prepared for his wrath.
And when his forceful knock sounded on the front door, she realized there was absolutely no time for preparation.
“Dara, let me in.”
She threw open the deadbolt and opened the door. The alarm screamed.
That did not make Detective Turner happy.
“Did you enter the code?” he bellowed over the racket.
“What do you think?”
She braced herself against the sofa on one hip and pretended to ignore the noise. He simply gave her a cursory stare and turned to punch numbers on the keypad. As soon as he entered the last digit, she took advantage of the silence.
“You told me to lock the door and set the alarm,” she reminded him.
“I also told you to enter the code before you opened the door.”
“And I would have had you not attempted to knock my door down and scare my neighbors in the process.”
He released a deep sigh. “Is the coffee ready?”
“I hope so. I’m thinking you need a cup.” She gestured at the kitchen with one hand. “C’mon, I’ll fix it for you.”
“No, thank you.” He stepped around her and closed the distance to the coffee pot. “I’ll do it myself.”
“Are you insinuating I can’t make a cup of coffee?”
“Not at all. I’m implying I don’t want you to slip something in it.”
“Like what?”
“With you, there’s no telling what you have up your sleeve.” He grabbed a mug from a hook on the wall. “Can I make you a cup?”
“No, thank you.” She waited until the hot liquid was in his cup before she picked up where she left off. “And what makes you think I would drug you?”
“Just a feeling.” He moved to take the bar stool next to hers. “Why did you call?”
“I’ll tell you but first, we make a deal.”
“No deal.”
“I want to help.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Why?”
“This isn’t one of your novels, Dara. This is a true to life murder with a real weapon that quite possibly won’t have a happy ending.”
“I realize that but I can’t sit idly by and hope to God someone won’t decide to give me another gift. I can help.”
“My position remains the same. It’s the job of the Primrose Police Department to catch this maniac and we’re really good at what we do.”
She folded her arms across her chest and glared at him. He had no idea just how stubborn she could be. “Fine. We’ll play your way. I have information and if you don’t let me help, I won’t share it with you.”
“You’re withholding information.”
“Maybe, but at least if we’re teammates you can keep your eye on me.”
She felt the ice thaw around him as he made another attempt to dissuade her. “What’s in it for me?”
“The satisfaction
of solving your case.”
“What else?”
“You want a bribe, Detective?”
He dropped his arms and moved closer to her. “That’s illegal. How do I know you have information I need?”
Oh, I have exactly what you need. She swallowed hard and although it sounded ludicrous, she hoped there was absolutely no way he could read her mind.
“I know you don’t think I have any real skill, but I have researched police procedure quite extensively.”
“Researched?”
“Extensively.”
The tense silence that followed almost caused her to question her sanity. Who in her right mind challenged a hungry lion, anyway?
“Tell me what you’ve got then I’ll weigh the options.”
“No.”
“Dara, this is dangerous. Criminals don’t like people poking around in their business.”
She literally wanted to smack his forehead with her palm. The man thought her absolutely stupid.
“Yes, and you’ll be right there to protect me. Either include me or I’ll just have to keep my knowledge to myself. And, I’ll have to learn to protect myself. I can get a gun –”
“Oh, hell no! You do not need a gun.”
“Then agree.”
“Okay, I give. You can help.”
“You swear?”
“Every damn day,” he mumbled.
“Well, if you won’t take me seriously, then I have nothing to tell.”
“Dara!”
“Calm down already.” She placed a hand on his forearm. “I have this fan that has been emailing me for a couple of months now.”
“A fan?”
“Yes. You know, people who really like you and your craft?”
“I know what a fan is. What’s your point?”
“At first the letters were just short and sweet, telling me how much he or she likes my writing. I thought it was just a shy lonely person who reads a lot. But today, the letter mentions Evelyn being a gift to me.”
“Sonuvabitch.” He grabbed her elbow, pulled her to the sofa and gave her a nudge, satisfied when she sunk into the cushions. “Where is your laptop?”
“Right there.” She pointed to the computer propped against the leg of the coffee table. “Why?”
“Open your e-mail.” He shoved the machine under her nose.
She tapped her fingernails against the cover. “Ask nicely.”
“Oh for —,”
“Relax.” She opened the unit and clicked keys. “Don’t get your panties in a twist.”
He sat on the sofa next to her and took her laptop. He read all of her emails from Romantically Devoted. Then he read them again.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”
“I didn’t think it was connected to the case until today. See why it’s important that I help?”
“Maybe.” He tapped the screen. “Why didn’t you open this one?”
“It wasn’t there earlier. Open it.”
“That’s illegal.”
“Mace, just open it! You have my permission.”
She leaned to look at the screen while he clicked on the address:
Dearest Dara,
All these gifts I have given you and not once have you thanked me. I even
gave you the ultimate sacrifice. Now I must punish you.
I remain,
Romantically Devoted
“Wow.” She worked hard to hold onto her composure. “I think I’ve angered him.”
“Don’t panic.” He closed the computer and tossed it to the cushion as he stood. “We need to head to the station. I need to bring the others up to speed.”
Suddenly, having information he needed didn’t seem quite so important. “We?” she asked meekly.
“We. I’m not leaving you here alone.”
“Okay, but there’s more.”
“More email messages?”
“No, I have more information.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes.” She paused for several seconds, attempting to convince herself he was intent on allowing her to participate.
“Are you going to share?” he drawled.
“Bri and I agree the writer is male.”
“Bri knows about these messages?”
“All the DRAMA girls do. In fact, we’ve totally dissected them.”
Mace groaned while he scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “What else?”
“Apparently, he’s obsessed with me. In fact after reading these messages, I’m sure he sent the flowers, paid the lunch tab, and killed Evelyn.”
“Let’s go. Grab your computer.”
Dara didn’t even attempt to argue. In fact, it may have been three seconds tops before she slid her laptop in its case, slung it over her shoulder and waited at the door for Mace to bark his next order. Deep in vigilant cop-mode, he simply set the alarm and then invaded her personal space until she sat buckled into the passenger seat of his sedan.
She watched him as they drove to the police station, his eyes moving constantly to check the rearview mirror and both side views. Their gazes met in the passenger mirror.
He frowned. “Why are you staring at me?”
“I’m not. I’m watching you.”
“Same thing.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Yes, it is. Why?”
“No, it’s not and I’m watching you because that’s what I do. Observe people. You’re in Supercop mode. It’s very sexy.”
“It’s necessary.” Mace reached between them, took her hand, and placed her open palm against his thigh while he interweaved their fingers. His warmth traveled the length of her arm until it radiated over her body.
“Is this part of your to-protect-and-serve oath?”
He shook his head and chuckled as he pulled into his assigned spot in the Primrose Police Department parking lot.
“No. Only special victims get VIP treatment.” He pulled his phone from its case on his belt and dialed. “Meet me in interrogation,” he said before disconnecting.
He gave her a wink as he climbed out of the car, opened her door, pulled her close, and then rushed her inside to interrogation.
Jake and Jackson waited at a conference table when they arrived.
Jake nodded. “Hey, Dara.”
“Hi, Jake – Jackson.”
“What’s so important? Jackson raised a questioning eyebrow.
“We’ve brought you two some reading material,” Mace told them. “Fire it up, Dara.”
As soon as she pulled out her laptop, Jake scooted his chair backwards, both hands in the air in surrender. “Whoa, wait a minute. Bri says your novels are great reading but that’s just not my style.”
Jackson actually jumped up out of his chair. “I don’t need any pointers, but thanks anyway.”
Mace frowned. “It’s her email you guys need to see.”
“You could’ve just said so,” Jake mumbled.
“Here we go.” Dara opened the page and stepped back out of the way while the two detectives quickly skimmed the messages.
“Damn.” Jake turned to look at Mace. “Looks like this is our guy.”
“That’s what I thought too,” Mace agreed.
“And that last one,” Jackson added, “proves the guy is pissed.”
“Dara needs to be protected.” Mace folded her hand inside his.
Jackson nodded in agreement. “Can she fire a weapon?”
“She doesn’t need one.”
“Yes, I do.” Hadn’t she suggested that earlier? “Show me how.”
Mace drew her closer. “You don’t need one because I’m always armed.”
“What about when you’re not with me?”
“Until we catch this guy, you won’t be alone.”
“What about my book signing?”
He frowned. “You didn’t mention that to me.”
“I’m scheduled to appear at a book signing at Maverick’s Books tomorrow.”
“I’ll
go with you.”
Although his offer chased away most of her fear, she still couldn’t bring herself to totally give in. “I still need my alone time.”
“I hate to interrupt,” Jackson said, “but we should get her computer to the department tech gurus so they can trace the messages.”
She extracted her hand, gave Mace a smug grin, and then moved a few inches away before she dropped the next bombshell. “That’s not necessary.”
“We need to know where they came from, Dara.”
“I agree.”
“Then what the hell is the problem?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “I already know.”
All three hunky detectives fell silent and suddenly she felt very, very powerful.
Mace pursed his lips and then released them. “How do you know?”
“I traced them.”
“I repeat, how?”
She lifted one shoulder in a dismissive shrug. “Just a hobby.”
“Um, Dara,” Jackson prompted, “where did the emails originate?”
“Thank you for asking, Jackson.” Although Jackson asked the million dollar question, she continued to glare at Mace. “They were sent from the IP address belonging to the WiFi router at the coffee house around the corner.” She then turned to address the other detective. “Café Latte, the one you and Alex visited.”
Jake whipped his neck to stare at Jackson. Jackson only grinned.
She fully expected a whole new rash of questioning from Mace, pleasantly surprised when he spoke. “The manager needs to be questioned.”
“I’ll go there now.”
“We’ll go,” he growled.
“Okay. You said I can’t be alone,” she reminded him.
“Jackson and Jake – “
“Actually, I’ve got about two hours of paperwork,” Jackson said.
“I promised Bri a night out.” Jake smirked. “Looks like you’ve got a new partner.”
“Fine.” Mace released a hard sigh. “Let’s go, Dara.”
They covered the distance between the station and the coffeehouse in record time, and when he finally opened the front door, she thought she may have to ask for oxygen.
“You sure don’t waste any time, do you?”
He placed his hand at the small of her back, and nudged her inside in front of him as he reached in his pocket and pulled out his badge. “Let me do the questioning.”
