by WL Knightly
“Is that your phone?” Lizzy put her hand on his, and in the silence that followed, he heard a faint buzz as he reached in his pocket.
“Yeah.” He saw the call came from the prison. “Hello?”
“Detective Blake?”
“This is Detective Blake. Who is this?”
“I’m Officer Crane from the prison. I spoke with you earlier.”
“Yes. What can I do for you?”
“I think you should come down here. We found something I think you should take a look at.”
“I’ll be on my way.” Darek hung up the phone, and Lizzy met his eyes with a curious expression. “I’ve got to go back down to the prison. It’s something about Sin.”
Lizzy stood. “I’ll come along. It’s not like the asshole can hurt me again.”
“Okay, fine, but if Reed gets pissed, you’ll get to explain.”
They hurried out, and while on the way, Lizzy took his hand. “I’m sorry you didn’t get your big interview this morning. I know Carter Hamilton was probably pissed he came all of this way for nothing.”
“He was less than impressed. That’s for sure.”
They fell into silence for the rest of the trip, and when they got to the prison, Officer Crane met them at the door. “Thanks for coming so quickly. I know you’ll be interested in this.”
As he led them in, Darek wished he wouldn’t be so vague. “What is it?”
The man smiled at Lizzy. “Hello, Agent McNamara. Are you two on this together? I thought they took you off the case after what happened. I’m glad I wasn’t around to see it, or Sin would have been dead weeks ago.”
Lizzy gave him a sideward glance. “We’ve been working on this case for some time now. What have you got for us?”
“The pants. The ones he hung himself with. They weren’t his pants. His pants have gone missing.”
“How can you tell? Do you have a system in place for determining that?” Darek wasn’t sure how it worked.
“It’s a prison, Detective. Everything had a system.” He walked them into a room where the pants lay on a table.
“Have you had anyone else handle the evidence, Crane?” Darek asked.
“No, it’s been handled with gloves, and we’ve taken the time to make sure it was well-preserved.”
“Bagged and tagged, officer.” Lizzy walked over to the table, and Darek had a feeling that she was going crazy over it not being logged properly. She was a stickler for details and wanted everything done by the book when it came to evidence. “Do you have any gloves?”
“No, sorry. I can get some.”
Lizzy sighed. “Forget it. I don’t think I’ll need to touch it. But makes sure if anyone else does, that they do.” She leaned in and looked at the makeshift rope. “This took time.”
Darek nodded. “Our first guess was that he did this at night while the others were sleeping. Had it hidden under the covers with him, no one knowing he didn’t have pants on.”
“But, we know these aren’t his pants. And he had to take plenty of time to make this, so what was he wearing while this was being made, and where are the other pants?”
“You wouldn’t be found without your pants if you had a separate pair,” said Darek. “This was staged.”
“Is there any way to tell who has these issues?” asked Lizzy. “I’m guessing that one of his cellmates, maybe even the ones who beat his face, were involved.”
The guard shook his head. “He’d been moved since then. The men he’s with now are not our most violent offenders. We’re talking petty crime and dope heads.”
“Then someone was paid to do it. But who would pay anyone to off Ken Sin? I want you to look into this for me, Crane. Ask the other inmates and see if they saw or heard anything. Ripping the fabric must have taken a lot of time.”
“Why not use the sheets?” asked Crane.
“They are harder to tear without a knife,” said Lizzy. “They make them that way, so they’re durable.”
“I’ll put out some feelers,” said Crane. “If this was an inside job, I’ll find out. The thing about prison politics is nothing is private. Someone else always knows.”
Lizzy looked up at the man. “Where have you taken the body?”
“Down in our morgue for processing.” Crane made a face like he hoped it wasn’t too late for them to get more evidence from the body.
“Tell them to stop any procedures. I want as much of him preserved as possible and taken to Dr. Cobb. I want to make sure there aren’t other interesting things about this death. I’d also like photographs of all of his tattoos.”
“Do you think that our killer got to him in here?” asked Darek. It seemed highly impossible.
“I’ve learned not to underestimate the asshole. Whoever they are, they did this to send a message.”
Chapter 18
Bay
After the long drive, Bay had driven them to a hotel and gotten them a two-room suite. After some complaining from Carter about the accommodations of the small town, Bay had finally gotten him to shut up by offering to pay for the room.
Then, when he had to go out and see Brandy, he insisted on coming along. As they pulled up at the bar where they’d agreed to meet up with the woman, he regretted bringing him along.
“The Sissy Bar? Does she think she’s funny having us meet her at a gay bar? Is this some kind of joke?”
“No. My guess, it’s a play on words. Besides, she doesn’t know you’re coming along. I thought you’d be a nice surprise. Now, look.” Bay shot him a warning glare. “Be on your best behavior. This is a small town, and people like this are easily offended. Besides, they might recognize you.”
“I’m more well-known in the south, actually, so I’ll take my chances.”
Bay got out of the car and went inside. Heads turned, and he didn’t miss their stares, especially when Carter hurried to catch up behind him. Bay stopped and looked around, spotting the second prettiest blond in the place across the room. He walked over and greeted her with a smile.
“Brandy. It’s nice to see you again.”
She smiled at him until she realized who he’d brought along for the ride. “What’s he doing here?” she asked with a harsh tone.
“He was in New York and wanted to come along for the ride. I hope you don’t mind.” He smiled inside, knowing that he’d play it off like he had no idea, and it was fun putting Carter on the spot.
“I guess it’s okay. I just wasn’t expecting anyone else but you.” Bay could tell she was pissed off, her temper setting her nostrils into overdrive.
Bay took a seat at the table. “Charming place.” The place was a dive, but he was trying his hardest with her. His job would be a hell of a lot easier if she trusted him.
She sipped her drink, which appeared to be a soda, as the men called the waitress over and ordered a couple of beers. “It was Justin’s favorite.”
Bay looked into her eyes as she spoke about her friend, and while there was no spark of love in them, there was adoration for the man.
“Was he a biker?” asked Carter, looking down his nose at the people around him.
Brandy sat up in her seat. “He rode. He and his friends here would host a little Sturgis rally every year to raise money. The town hated it. They don’t want to be associated with bikers, but they’d take the money and ride over to the big rally in South Dakota every August and donate everything to a children’s charity. He was a good man. Unlike some.”
Bay smiled. Brandy made no bones about not liking Carter. Her tone to him alone spoke volumes, and Bay’s suspicions about the two had to be spot on.
“Yes, and a good friend,” said Bay. “He and Corey both deserved much better than the hands they were dealt. I know that Corey would be so proud of his child.”
Brandy put a protective hand on her belly. “I can meet you tomorrow to sign all the papers if that works for you.”
“I’ll call with the time. I want us to go over every inch so that you understand e
verything.”
“It should be easy, right? I sign the papers, and everything, the house, the businesses, the cars, they’re all mine?”
“For the most part.” He shrugged like it was no big deal. “I’ll need access to Justin’s personal files and his computer.”
She laughed. “You think I don’t know what you’re really looking for, Bay?”
Bay took his beer from the waitress’s tray and took a sip. “Why don’t you enlighten me, sweetheart?”
She produced a picture from her purse and put it down on the table. The rosy nipples in the photo were a soft pink but demanded attention. It was easy to see why Justin might fall in love with the mystery girl. “There are more like it,” she continued. “All close shots, all vague, nothing special.”
“What do you know about it?” asked Bay.
“Enough,” she said.
Bay glanced at Carter, whose eyes widened. “If they are so vague and useless, then you’ll have no trouble letting me have them. You wouldn’t want anything getting out about Corey or Justin, tarnishing their good names, your child’s name.”
She seemed content with herself. “I’ll think about it. Come out to the house tomorrow, and once the papers are signed, I might let you look around. I’d like to make this as quick as possible. I’ll be putting the businesses up for sale.”
“What about the house?” asked Bay. “Do you intend to live there?”
“I’m going to keep it, but no. I can’t live there with too many memories; things I can’t get out of my mind.”
Bay knew that Justin had a panic room from the information disclosed in the will. The man had even gone as far as to draw a map. He had really trusted Lane Simon with his business, but thankfully, it had fallen in Bay’s lap. “I don’t blame you, Brandy. Please know that if there is anything I can do for you or the baby, all you have to do is reach out. Corey and Justin were my brothers.”
“Is that what you call each other?” She smiled, and Bay was about to take it the wrong way, when she added, “Corey once told me he thought the same of you.” She gave him a sweet smile.
“We’ve been through a lot together.”
“I can imagine. I saw their scars. The ones they had on their shoulders. I always thought they looked so painful. It must have meant a lot to them. Corey said you all had one.”
Bay took her hand and put it to his collar. Then he slipped it inside and let her feel the flesh that was close to his gunshot wound. Her cool fingers traced the outline of his mark.
“Scorpio,” he said with a smile.
“Corey was Gemini. I used to think that Justin was obsessed with sixty-nine, from his Cancer brand.” She giggled then turned to Carter. “What are you?”
“Leo, the lion.” He met her eyes and could tell that he was trying hard to look intimidating.
“The cowardly lion,” said Bay with a wink.
Carter sneered. “You know better.” He appeared less and less fazed by the two of them.
Brandy leaned forward, and Bay couldn’t help but notice her rack. Brandy noticed him looking too. “How’s Mia?”
“She’s on her way to her sister’s. She’s had a rough time lately, but she’s doing well.”
“Aw. You should have brought her along. But that sounds like fun. I’m afraid I’ve been so busy with the stores to get away yet. But soon, I need it. I know Corey would want me to keep on going. We talked about traveling and raising our kids on the road. But now, I’ll be lucky to catch a break until I sell.”
“It’s good you can step in and help out at the stores.”
“Yeah, but not for long. I’m selling as soon as possible. They are way too much work for a single mother.”
Bay wasn’t going to tell her about the fact that she didn’t own the stores. He would save that surprise for later.
A song came on the jukebox, and she covered her mouth. “Corey and I loved this song.”
Bay looked over to where a few other couples were moving to the music. “Would you like to dance? We could pay our friend some respect.”
“That would be nice.” Her face lit up, and she took his hand.
As they made their way out onto the floor, Carter stayed behind, sipping his drink.
By the time the song was over, Brandy was in tears, and Bay took the opportunity to hold her and endear her to him. So, when the slow song came on right after, he pulled her close and let her cry on his shoulder.
“It’s okay. Let it all out.” He really didn’t care so much if she was broken up inside, and that would only make dealing with her that much easier, but he also wanted her to think he was a good man, one she could possibly play. It would make getting his way that much more fun.
After they danced to another two songs, Brandy looked up at him and then kissed his cheek. “Thank you,” she said. “You’re such a good guy, Bay. You come across so strong that I didn’t expect you to sweep me out to the dance floor and let me cry on your shoulder.”
“I get it all the time,” he said with a wink. “Besides, we’ve been through a lot together. Not many people can say they met in a drive-by.”
She gave a half-hearted smile. “True.”
He walked her back to their table where Carter was chatting it up with one of the waitresses.
“I really need to get back home,” she said. “I only stay out here so late to avoid being alone in that house.”
Bay was all over it. He wondered how easy it would be to get the woman to spread her legs for him. He liked fucking pregnant women, and besides, he’d do anything to break her down even more. “You get some rest, and call me if you need me. I’m staying across town in the hotel.” There was only one hotel, and she should know which one. “I could be there in a flash if you need me.” He brushed her hair back and kissed her forehead.
“Walk me to my car?” she asked. “Or are you boys going to stay out and get into some trouble?”
“We might have another drink.” He noticed the way that Carter was eyeing the trashy local.
He walked Brandy out to her car, and after another hug, she got in the car and drove away.
Before Bay could walk back inside, Carter came out of the bar, shaking his head. “I tell you, you’re a smooth motherfucker. Trying to get in her pants on the first night in town. Although you didn’t succeed, so you must be losing your touch.”
“Nope, I have her right where I want her. If we’re lucky, this will be the last night in that shitty hotel, and we’ll be staying at Casa de Finch.”
“You really think she’s going to let us stay with her?”
“Maybe not you. She doesn’t like you. Isn’t that strange? It was almost like she wanted to punch you in the face. Why could that be? You barely know her, right?”
Carter shifted uncomfortably on his feet. “I only barely knew her from the hospital. Maybe she doesn’t want my prayers.” They walked to the car, and as he walked around to the other side, Bay called over the roof of the car before he got in.
“You know, for someone who came to offer prayers, you never mentioned it. Are you sure you didn’t come for a different reason?” He thought he’d give the man one last chance to own up to what he was up to.
“What other reason would I come for? I hardly felt like the sleazy bar was the right place to start a prayer circle. I mean, don’t get me wrong. It would have been awesome, but I’m not out to embarrass her. I don’t even know her religion.”
“Comfort knows no religious bounds, my friend.” He had been about as comforting as burlap to a sunburn.
Chapter 19
Darek
Darek’s day hadn’t gotten any better after talking to Sin’s cellmates. None of them knew a damned thing. The case was taking a strange turn. He’d gone from searching for the Zodiac killer to finding out who killed Ophi.
To make matters worse, when he left work and tried to relax his brain, he had no luck. It wasn’t the case that was bothering him so much but the way things had gone down with him and
Max.
Even though the man was a pain in the ass, he had been one of Darek’s best friends, and they’d shared some special moments. He couldn’t let the night end without making shit right, and there was only one way he knew how to do that with Max.
He dialed his number and waited for him to answer.
“Hey, asshole.” The insult was only half-hearted from the sound of his voice, and Darek let it slide.
“I was wondering if you wanted to go out and have a beer? I’m in the area. I’ll pick you up.”
Max sounded hurried. “I’m not home, man. I’m just leaving the gym.”
“I could come and get you. It’s no problem. Unless you don’t want to go?” He had to face the fact that Max might not want to make up with him. Things had gotten pretty ugly between them. And some things were said that neither could take back.
“How about I meet you at Ginny’s Pub?” asked Max.
“That sound’s good. I’ll see you there. I’ll buy the first round.”
The call ended, and Darek took the next street and made his way a few blocks over to Ginny’s where there was never any parking. By the time he drove around and finally found a spot, Max met him out front.
Darek walked up and offered his hand, and Max reluctantly took it, giving it a firm squeeze. “Look, man, I said some shit I wished I wouldn’t have.”
“Me too,” said Max. “Let’s stop talking about it like two bitches and go and get fucked up.”
“Agreed.” That was exactly what Darek needed after the shitty day he’d had, and the two went inside and found two seats at the bar.
Max sat down next to a gorgeous blonde who licked her lips and turned her stool in his direction. “I’m Hilly,” she said. “Want to go back to my place for some fun?” She directed the question at the two of them, and Darek shook his head and grinned.
“No, thanks, baby,” said Max. “We’ve already had one woman come between us. Besides, this one prefers brunettes.”
“I could be a brunette,” she said with a bubbly voice. She’d had too much to drink already and leaned over on Max’s arm. “What do you prefer?”
