Ben grabbed a vegetable tray. Carrots, broccoli, celery, and cauliflower all separated in their own little corners. Neat. Perfect. Just like her.
He held it carefully, not wanting to ruin her perfection, and closed the fridge door. “I’d be more than happy to go first. I like going first.”
“Yet, I always seem to be walking first or talking first. You never take the lead.”
“I am now.”
They walked out of the kitchen, squabbling back and forth, as they liked to do. A small beautiful laugh rang in his ears. Ben loved hearing her laugh.
***
“You guys shouldn’t have done this. I don’t feel like I deserve such a wonderful gesture,” Zoe said, her eyes glistening with tears.
“Girl, don’t start the waterworks. You did that way too much when you were pregnant,” Dee said, combing a hand through her unruly hair. “Oh, shit! Are you pregnant again?”
Zoe’s eyes bulged out. “No. I just had a baby, Dee. For goodness sake’s. Lower your voice. This was really nice.”
“We love you. You’re our best friend and we wanted you to know how happy we are that you’re coming back to work.” Rina wrapped her arm around her, squeezing lightly. “And, you know, if you’re back to regular activity in the bedroom, it’s not that weird of a reaction from Dee.”
“Ha! See, even Rina thinks so.” Dee raised an eyebrow. “Which is strange. You never say things like that.”
“Voice of reason. That’s me, remember?” She glanced away. Getting into her sex life wasn’t something she wanted to do. But oh, what a sex life it had been recently.
“Right. Voice of reason, my ass. You’re getting some. Zoe’s getting some. I’m sitting here, thinking about it, hearing about it, yet, not getting any. Where’s my hunky detective? You promised me one, Zoe.” Dee made a pouty face.
“I really liked Newman for you, but he started seeing some woman from his high school days. I swear.” Zoe held her hand up as if she was swearing on the bible. “What about Donaho? I’m surprised you guys invited him.”
All three of them turned, eyeing Donaho across the room talking to a few other co-workers, Mr. Young included.
“I thought you’d be more surprised at Mr. Young being here, what with all that trouble last year. You know he’s still seeing Mrs. Murphy,” Dee whispered.
“Mr. Young had nothing to do with any of that besides sleeping with Mr. Murphy’s wife, Carly. She’s really not Mrs. Murphy anymore,” Zoe whispered back.
“Maybe the future Mrs. Young. I can see that happening. And you ignored the comment about Donaho,” Rina added with a small smile that said she really wanted to hear what Dee thought. Anything to avoid talking about her life.
“Is it because you’re with Ben that you’re becoming more outspoken, more into the intrigue? You never press further when I dodge something, or hell, Zoe does. Where’s the change coming from?” Dee asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Oh, Rina, I think she’s still dodging the question,” Zoe said with a laugh.
Rina leaned into her, laughing as well. “She is. What does that say?”
“It says I hate you two. I don’t like that man.” Dee glanced over again at Donaho. Neatly combed brown hair, his bangs swept to the right. Brown eyes to match his neutral mood. He never displayed any sort of emotion. Straightforward, to the point. He wore glasses that fit his face very well. Black square-like frames with a gold line trailing down the temples.
“Why not? He seems nice.” Rina followed her gaze.
“He’s boring. There’s nothing nice about him. There’s something off about him.”
“Dee, why are you so cynical when it comes to men? Isn’t it time you told us?” Zoe asked, the concern prominent in her eyes.
Dee shifted her glance to Zoe, just as quickly looking away. “This is your party. We’re not talking about me. We’re here to talk about you.”
“Shifting again, Zoe. Let’s leave her be for now,” Rina said softly.
“Oh, alright,” Zoe conceded.
“Good. Let’s shift to Rina and how it’s going with Ben.” Dee looked at her with anticipation, scooting her chair closer to her. “I mean, you are getting some, right?”
“Dee,” Rina whispered with shock. “Keep your voice down.”
Zoe giggled as Dee shrugged. Rina watched them as they waited patiently for her to answer. She didn’t want to answer because she didn’t know what to say, or how to describe her feelings. They were so mixed up, swirling around inside. So much for distracting the conversation away from her. Their eyes never wavered.
“Oh, alright, yes, of course. He’s wonderful. Truly wonderful. And I don’t know what to do.”
Zoe and Dee’s smiles dimmed. Zoe laid a hand on her shoulder. “What do you mean? He’s wonderful. You just said so.”
“My father’s making his life hell. It’d probably be easier if I—”
“If you’re going to say it’d be easier if you walked away, we’re going to have issues here, Rina,” Dee said matter-of-factly. “Are you not a grown ass woman? We had this conversation, remember?”
“I remember,” Rina said softly. “He suggested going with me to talk to my father. That’s a very bad idea.”
“But worth a try.” Zoe tilted her head. “Maybe your father just needs to see the two of you together. To see how happy you are with Ben. I like that idea. You should do that.”
Rina turned her head toward the living room, her eyes zooming right to Ben, who stood talking with Zeke and his dad. “Maybe I will. He’s worth the fight, even though it scares me.”
***
Richard sat with Zabrina on the couch, feeding her. The night went by fast. Almost everyone invited showed up, welcoming Zoe back to work, doting on Zabrina, and had a good time out of the office.
“You’re a natural, Grandpa,” Dee said, grabbing some plates from the coffee table as she looked at him with a sweet smile.
“Ah, thanks, Dee. She’s too precious. Makes it easier. How have you been? I didn’t get to talk to you much.”
“I’m fine. Work and play. I know how to manage that just fine, unlike other people.” Dee laughed.
Richard watched as she continued to pick up a few more plates, her eyes continuously glancing at Zabrina. “Did you want to feed her? I can help finish picking up.”
Dee stood up straight, the light in her eyes at the prospect, just to shut down completely. “Oh, no, I’m fine. I’m not good with babies. They cry on me. Never stop. I’ll just throw this stuff away now. Good talk, Richard.”
“Yeah, it was, Dee,” Richard said to her back as she walked away.
Strange woman sometimes. But the pain in her eyes as she walked away, he knew there was a story there. Not his business, of course. It did make him curious, though.
“Dad, how’s Brina?”
Richard looked at Zeke standing behind the couch. “She’s almost done. How’s the clean up going?”
“We have a problem.”
Richard became alert, his body straightening. Brina shifted in his arms, clutching the bottle tighter as if she thought he was about to take it away. “What’s the matter?”
“Our third victim was just found. Ben and I have to go. He’s telling Rina and the others. I…” Zeke ran a tired hand through his hair. “Why does life have to get so difficult? I hate worrying about my wife. Honestly, I don’t think I have to. I think it’s Ben who has more of the worry.”
“You two head out and do your job. I’ll stay with Rina. Your mother can go home with Zoe and stay with her and the baby until you get home.”
“Are you sure? It’s getting late and I don’t know how long we’ll be or…”
Richard gave him a reassuring smile. “I’m sure. Go talk to them. Let them know. I’ll get Brina ready to go.”
Zeke nodded and walked away. Ten minutes later, Ben and Zeke were out the door. Five minutes after that, everyone else left besides him and Rina.
Richard locked the door and found
Rina in the kitchen still fluttering around. Nervous energy. The kitchen was spotless. Yet, she kept rearranging everything and wiping down the counters as if it was covered in dirt and grime.
“Are you okay, Rina? Everything will work out. Please try not to worry.”
She stopped wiping the counter, her head slowly rising to look at him. “I can see the worry in Ben’s eyes. He tries so hard to hide it. It only makes me worry more. I honestly don’t know how I feel right now. Thanks for staying.”
“I don’t mind.” He leaned against the counter as he weighed his next words. “Can we talk?”
She looked at him again, clutching the rag in her hand. “What would you like to talk about?”
“Your father.”
She grasped the rag so hard the water trickled down her hand and onto her shirt. “Why?”
“I would never do anything to hurt you. I love Zoe. She’s been a wonderful addition to our family. You’re her best friend. I wouldn’t do anything to ruin that. I’ve known Ben a long time. He’s almost like he’s part of the family. He hurts, I hurt. I just want to help in any way I can.”
“And how do you suggest you are going to do that?”
“I know your father. Not very well, but we’re acquainted. If I felt like having a word with him, would that bother you?”
Rina bit her lip. “Could I stop you?”
“If you say yes, it would bother you, then of course, I wouldn’t do it.”
She turned slightly, whipping the rag into the sink. It landed with a loud thud. Richard could see her mind churning like a rough current as she stared mesmerized by the rag. The indecision was clear, making it that much harder to keep silent and wait for her to say something. Perhaps he should’ve kept his mouth shut.
She finally looked at him. “The thought of you talking to my father scares me more than a serial killer trying to break in and kill me. That says a lot. I don’t want to be scared like that. I don’t mean to give the impression my father’s a bad man. He’s not. He’s just very set in his ways. He loves me in his own way. I love him.” A heavy sigh fell out. “I think I’d like to try to talk to him first with Ben. He asked to go with me. I like that he’s thoughtful like that. He loves me. Sometimes I don’t feel worthy of that love.”
“You are, dear. Ben’s a good guy. He’ll treat you right. I’ll back off. Just know that I’m here for you.” Richard smiled tenderly at her. “You can go to bed if you like. I’ll keep watch until Ben returns.”
“I’m not that tired. How about a movie?”
“Sounds like a plan. Come on. This kitchen is spotless.” Richard gestured with his hand for her to follow.
She glanced at the sink one more time where the rag lay tangled in a ball instead of nicely folded across the middle portion of the sink. Such pain in her eyes when she turned back toward him. What he wouldn’t do to take the pain away.
Hopefully the talk with her father went well. Otherwise, he’d have to step in. Ben was like a son to him. Nobody messed with his family.
Chapter 13
Ben took his time getting out of the vehicle. Stretched his legs. Rotated his head to loosen the kinks. Flexed his fingers. It did nothing to calm him down. He still felt tense in every core of his body.
Rina was safe. Richard offered to stay with her. He would make sure nothing, absolutely nothing, happened to her. Yet, the fear lingered. He wanted to be home with her. Not here. Not at another gruesome crime scene.
“Game face, buddy. Snap out of it. She’s fine.” Zeke gestured his head toward the house. “Night’s not getting any younger. Come on.”
Ben nodded and followed Zeke into the house. They walked down the long foyer, pausing when the wall gave way to the living room.
Sprawled on the couch lay their victim with a yellow scarf adorning her neck. She sat in the middle of the couch. Her arms and hands were stretched out, palms up. Her legs extended out, her ankles crossed. Bruises marked every inch of her skin.
“Did you look for a note yet, Susan?” Ben asked quietly, wanting to walk out of the house already. This victim was the hardest to look at.
Susan looked over at them, kneeling in front of the body. “Not yet. I wanted to take pictures first. I need to document everything before I can move her. I just got here.”
“What’s with the change of scenery? Why the living room?” Zeke finally took a step inside the room, walking around carefully.
A multicolor afghan was folded nicely on the armrest of the couch. A large black TV stand was centered against the wall, movies all lined up in alphabetical order on the bottom two shelves of the stand. Behind the couch, two bookshelves filled with books, magazines, and pictures, all organized efficiently. In addition, a small coffee table, clear and free of any clutter in front of the couch.
Ben slowly followed Zeke, trying to look around the room instead of the brutality on the couch. “It’s strange, for sure. The entire case has been strange. No signs of a break-in at the other crime scenes, no evidence to help us, no witnesses, just nothing. I hate nothing.”
“We’ll find something. Don’t lose hope yet.” Susan stood up. “We’re backlogged in the lab for at least a month.” She looked back and forth between the two, a wide smile on her face. “But, because I have a soft spot for you two, I pushed some stuff ahead of the pile. Like the hair I found in Beth’s house.”
“Well, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say you didn’t get a hit, since you’re not jumping up and down with joy.” Ben smiled back.
“No hit in the system, you’re right. DNA does confirm it’s a male. Not much, but it helps. To be safe, since I know she was dating that Steven guy, I did a cross check with his DNA. Not a match.”
“I didn’t take him for the killer type. He was really shaken up by her death.” Zeke looked at Ben. “Let’s have a look around the house. Did you have a chance to look around the house yet, Susan?”
“No. Have at it, boys.”
Ben and Zeke went in opposite directions to search the house. Zeke started in the dining room and kitchen, while Ben headed toward the bedrooms.
He took his time in each room, starting with one spare bedroom and one room turned into an office. Nothing appeared out of place except for normal everyday living. He shuffled through her bills lying on the big oak desk against the wall, noticing a few past due bills. The ones to really stick out were the medical bills. He grabbed the stack and kept moving on.
He walked into the master bedroom, sighing heavily. A perfectly made bed. No clothes littered on the ground. Closet doors neatly shut. No sign of any struggle. He poked his head into the closet, checked in her drawers, and anywhere else that might point out a clue.
He saw Zeke walking out of the bathroom when he stepped out of the bedroom. “Anything?”
“Nothing. No sign that he tried getting in through a window and the door leading to the garage was locked. The garage looked clear of any signs of a struggle or point of entry. You?”
Ben lifted the bills. “Past due bills. Lots of medical bills. Maybe nothing. Maybe something. Windows were all secure and no scrape marks. So, he picked the lock on the front door, or she let him in.”
“Medical bills, huh? We didn’t find that Beth or Ashley had any medical issues,” Zeke said, walking with Ben back to the living room.
“But, remember, Ashley worked at a doctor’s office. Maybe…shit, we didn’t even ask for the victim’s name.”
“After a while, I don’t even want to know.” Zeke sighed.
Ben nodded in agreement. That was the truth. They all blurred as one. Red hair, slim woman, battered body—dead. Having a name didn’t change anything.
“Gentlemen, good evening,” Dr. Everly said as they walked into the room.
“Dr. Everly. Do you have a time of death for us yet?” Ben asked hopefully.
“Rough, rough estimate, I would say last night. I’ll give you a more specific time frame later when I’ve had a chance to perform the autopsy.”
&n
bsp; “Well, if it’s before the attempted break-in at Rina’s then we have the same guy,” Zeke said.
“You’re doubting we do.” Ben frowned, unsure why Zeke would even doubt that.
“No. I just…I don’t know why I said it like that. We do need a timeline of events. Why did he kill one woman and race over to grab Rina the same night? That’s weird. Don’t you think so?”
“Yeah, I do. But, again, the whole damn thing is weird.” Ben glanced at Susan helping Dr. Everly. “Find that note yet?”
“Evidence bag on the coffee table.” She nodded her head in the direction of the table. “He moved the table as well to position her as he did.”
Zeke grabbed the bag and closed his eyes when he finished reading it. He turned around and handed the bag to Ben.
Yellow for the sun, I just have one.
“Sun? He has one. He says sun, like the one in the sky. Does he really mean son, as in a kid?” Ben said.
“Could be. Maybe he feels jilted by a woman. Did he lose a son? Does he blame the mother? Maybe these women act as a substitute for the one woman he hates.”
“That’s a possibility. Medical bills.” Ben raised his hand again, showing the bills. “New area to look into.”
“Thanks, Susan. Dr. Everly. Let us know if you find anything. Like, right away,” Zeke said with a wink to Susan.
“Will do, Zeke.” She winked back.
Ben and Zeke headed for the foyer. The minute they were out of hearing range, Zeke stopped Ben.
“Does Rina have any medical problems that you know about?”
Ben ran a hand over his face, sighing. “I don’t think so. She hasn’t said anything to me. I sure hope not.”
“We need to talk to her about that.”
“No, I will. If she does, the whole world doesn’t need to know.”
“Meaning I’m the whole world?” Zeke asked, the concern changing to hurt.
“That’s not what I meant. It’ll just be easier if I ask her myself. If she does, she probably doesn’t want everyone to know. And by everyone, I mean everyone in our little circle. If Zoe knew anything, you would already know. So if Zoe doesn’t know, then Rina doesn’t want her to. Don’t take it personally. It’s not.”
One Taste of Love (A One Taste Novel Book 2) Page 16
