“Right, I don’t. Except Scott thinks I did and he didn’t seem too happy about it. Can we take a quick peek?”
The frown on his face wouldn’t disappear. Her heart started to pound that he would dismiss her, and perhaps cause more waves with Scott. Definitely not something she needed.
“Yeah, let’s do that. It doesn’t make any sense.” A gradual smile appeared.
With that, her heart rate slowed, the nerves slowly disappeared, and relief took its place.
Finally, something going in her favor.
Problem two almost solved.
That left problem number three to take care of.
Newman and his attitude problem.
Chapter 9
Newman tried to keep his cool as Sauer went down the list of all the victims’ known friends and family. So far, nobody stuck out to them knowing all three victims. They were assuming they had to have known the killer. Otherwise, how did the killer get inside their homes? The last victim even appeared to have shared a glass of wine with her killer. Did Susan get any good evidence from that?
Shit…Susan.
He didn’t want to think about her, or think about the complete asshole he had been to her lately. Why? Because his own life was complete hell.
He knew what he did was wrong. When he made the formal complaint to her boss, he hadn’t been in his right mind. The anger and fear had taken control, forcing him to act out. Stopping that erratic behavior was starting to become harder and harder to ignore.
Glancing at a photo of the first victim, Tonya Moretta, he knew what his erratic behavior cost him. He didn’t know how long he’d be able to hide his dirty secret from Sauer. From everybody. Eventually, everyone would know. Where would that leave him?
Jobless, perhaps. Friendless, even. Up shit creek without a paddle. Hell, he was already there.
“So, victim number one, Tonya, was divorced, a school teacher, loved by her students and faculty. We can’t place the ex-husband knowing the other two victims, but he has no alibi for any of the murders, claiming he was home alone asleep. Victim number two, Bethany, was single, living with a friend from her high school days, and a dental hygienist who wasn’t always gentle while working. There could be some irritable people looking for revenge.”
Newman cocked an exaggerated brow at the last statement.
Sauer chuckled. “Okay. Yeah, that’s reaching a bit. Victim number three, Amber, was a recent college grad, who doesn’t appear to have any problems in her life that we found yet.” Sauer sighed heavily. “So the million dollar question, how did they know the same person, if they even knew the killer?”
“There’s gotta be a connection somewhere.” He didn’t want to think about what the connection was. In fact, he wanted to pretend these murders never happened, because then it would seem like his life wasn’t spiraling out of control.
“Why don’t we go interview Amber’s boss at the clothing store she worked at. We should also head to the university and speak to her professors. We’ll find this killer.”
Newman offered a lame smile and stood up to toss his jacket on. Yeah, they’d find the killer. In the process, Sauer would probably learn the truth about him.
He wasn’t looking forward to that day.
He had lost so much already. When Sauer found out the truth, he’d lose everything else.
♡
Susan knocked confidently on Scott’s door and waited patiently while he finished a phone call and then gestured her inside his office. She didn’t want to be nervous, especially with the proof she went searching for, but she couldn’t deny the nerves were there.
“What’s up?”
She smiled casually as she sat down in front of his desk, even though there wasn’t an ounce of friendliness behind the smile. While she should tread carefully, considering he was her boss and she was applying for a position she wasn’t even sure she wanted anymore, she couldn’t hold back the satisfaction that she was about to decimate Rachel and her precious reputation with Scott.
“First, I wanted to say how much I did not appreciate being reprimanded for something I didn’t do. For not having faith in me that I wouldn’t do something like that. It hurt, Scott.”
She almost couldn’t suppress the pleasure at the way his jaw dropped at her candid words. He should know she wasn’t one to hold back. She normally said what she felt, but in a professional, kind manner. Not today. Not when he popped her bubble of trust she had for him.
“Look, Susan. You can’t—”
“I wasn’t finished.”
His eyes narrowed as she interrupted him.
“Rachel and I have always had a strained working relationship. She clearly doesn’t want me to get the supervisor position, because she had to resort to some underhanded behavior, which I take offense to.”
“Rachel would never do something like that.”
Those words, for some strange reason, confirmed to her that he was, indeed, sleeping with Rachel. Her stomach started to churn with disgust, bile rising to her throat at the thought.
She set the evidence log and video Gus graciously made a copy of in front of Scott.
“Since evidence is our forte, I figured you’d appreciate some to prove I didn’t go into the evidence room and log any of her evidence out. In fact,” she tapped the top of the CD case that held the video hard, “you’ll find evidence that Rachel forged my name and logged it out herself. And if you still don’t believe me, or your own eyes, you can speak to Gus about it.”
Scott glanced between her and the things lying on his desk, his eyes distrustful, yet wary, almost a hint of guilt as well.
She stood up. “I might not be the right person for the job, but neither is Rachel. And you shouldn’t be making the ultimate decision about who gets the job,” she paused for effect, “especially when you’re sleeping with her.”
His jaw dropped. No words came out.
She held his gaze for a few beats, waiting for him to deny the truth, which he couldn’t do since he was sleeping with her, then turned around and walked out, satisfied with the way that went. She’d take him speechless any day over his berating words and tone of voice.
That problem was officially completed.
How did she solve the problem with Newman?
Maybe if she ignored him and did her job as best as she could that problem would disappear on its own.
Yep. That would be her plan. Because she was fresh out of energy to deal with any more problems. At least, for the day.
Tomorrow was a new story.
“Hey, Susan.”
She smiled wide, extra wide since she was feeling mighty proud of herself, at Zeke, as he met her by her office door.
“How’s it going?”
“Just fine.” The worry that had been lining his face slowly disappeared as a smile took its place. “I was about to ask you how you’re doing, but you look like you’re in a good mood.”
Oddly enough, even though part of her life was swaying towards pitiful, she was in a good mood. Not much would be able to bring it down.
“I’m great. You guys have to stop checking in on me and seeing how I am doing. I’m fine.”
Today, saying she was fine, she meant it, felt more fortified saying it.
“I know, I know. We can’t help it. You’re our friend.” His smile grew. “So, Zoe asked me to pass a message along. Instead of girls’ night out Friday, she thought a small get together at our house to celebrate Dee and Sauer having a baby would be fun. What do you think?”
Her eyes lit up with pleasure as a giddy feeling washed over her. “That’s a fabulous idea. Dee needs as much support as we can give her right now. We need to help keep her stress level down.”
Zeke nodded. “Yeah, that’s what Zoe was saying. So, about seven work for you?”
“Works perfect. Who’s going to be there?”
She figured Newman would be invited since he was Sauer’s partner, but she needed confirmation so she could mentally prepare hers
elf. Dealing with him lately was a testament to her restraint.
“Ben and Rina. Sauer and Dee, of course. Newman.” He rolled his eyes. “Unfortunately, we have to invite him.”
“It’s fine, Zeke. He’s Sauer’s friend.”
“Doesn’t mean I like how he’s been acting lately.”
“Do you need me to bring anything?”
“No, we have it all covered. I’ll let Zoe know you’ll be able to make it.” Zeke grinned as he started to turn to leave.
“Sounds great.”
Susan pulled out her office key, unwilling to trust her coworkers to leave her office unlocked while she wasn’t around. As she unlocked the door and turned the handle, Zeke turned back toward her and snapped his fingers.
The sound startled her, making her twitch a bit, but not a full-blown jump to embarrass herself that such a simple gesture would scare her.
“I forgot to mention that Stitch will be there, too. That’s it. Small, like I said.”
A tiny smile graced her face, but she found it difficult to hold. “Oh…that’s great.”
“Yeah, it’ll be nice to get everyone together.” He sighed heavily. “Well, besides Newman. I haven’t seen Stitch since the ball. It’ll be nice to catch up with him. He seemed like a decent guy.”
She knew her smile would crumble at any moment, even the possibility of tears streaming down her face. As much as she didn’t want to appear rude, she couldn’t stand to break down in front of Zeke. Then she’d have to explain why she was having a meltdown.
“I’ll see you Friday. I have tons of work to get done.” She pushed open her door and closed it quickly, not even waiting for a reply.
Flipping the lock, not necessarily worried that Zeke would question her about her behavior, but more so to keep out any other coworkers that decided they needed her for something.
Right now, she needed to be alone. She needed to process the fact she’d have to see Stitch. Be in the same house, even the same room as him.
She gave him an ultimatum last night, one she knew he wouldn’t take in her favor. It still hurt to think about, to know she wasn’t good enough for him, or whatever lame excuses he wanted to use with her. He actually thought he wasn’t good enough for her. That he would ruin her chances for the supervisor position.
Well, big news flash, especially for him, it wasn’t looking good to begin with, and it had nothing to do with him. Now she wasn’t even sure she wanted the dumb position.
Honestly, she wasn’t sure what she wanted.
She told him she wanted commitment and she wouldn’t settle for anything less. At the time, she meant it.
Right now, especially last night when she longed for him in her bed, she regretted her words.
She missed him. His laughter and wry sense of humor. His sultry talk and sexy words that ignited her body instantly. His glowing golden brown eyes, that when he looked at her, it was as if he were undressing each article of her clothing with slow and delicious precision. His company, when most nights, she was alone and to her own thoughts.
She just missed him.
Despite that melancholy feeling, she knew she wouldn’t accept anything less from him but what she deserved. She deserved to be more than just a bedroom toy, a means to an end, a way to scratch his itch.
Here she thought she wouldn’t have to deal with him again. Well, she had a long, lonely night and a full day ahead of her tomorrow before she had to put her defenses in place and pretend like he didn’t have any power over her.
She could do it.
She could pretend he didn’t sneak into her heart and completely steal it away with little effort.
She could act nice and feign indifference.
She could totally do that.
A lone tear slid down her cheek as she took a seat at her desk.
If she kept repeating it, maybe it would ring true.
She could do it.
♡
Stitch glanced up from the tiny sketch he was working on as the stupid bell Stacey wanted to hang above the door rang with merry. What was so merry about the day?
A client cancelled his appointment, and instead of tattooing to occupy his time, he was hanging out in the front of the shop holding down the fort for Stacey.
He sure in the hell didn’t want to deal with this guy either. Absolutely nothing merry about the conversation they were about to have, even if he didn’t know the reason for his visit. He knew he wouldn’t like it.
“What do you want, Sauer? This is becoming a little too regular, these visits from you. I don’t like it.”
Sauer’s brows puckered low. “Sometimes I wonder how you and Dee became friends.”
“Is that why you’re here? To break up our friendship.”
“No, you asshole, I’m here to invite you to a party.”
Stitch laughed, especially when Sauer’s assertiveness came out of nowhere. Not many people could get away with calling him an asshole, even if he was acting like one. When it came out of Sauer, the same guy who could blush like a red tomato at his wife for saying something outrageous, it was hilarious. He couldn’t hold back the laughter.
“I’m not sure what you find funny.”
Leaning forward over the counter, resting his elbows down and his forearms stretched out, he smirked. “You’re just a funny guy sometimes, Sauer. What kind of fun party are you inviting me to?”
“A…I don’t know…congratulations of sorts because we’re expecting our first child.” Sauer’s features softened. “It was Zoe’s idea. I think it’ll help calm down Dee some. I think that’s why Zoe decided to do it. I’m thankful she has such wonderful friends.” He started to frown. “And you’re her friend. She’d like to see you there.”
Standing tall, he tried not to let any expression show as he contemplated about going. Would Susan be there? Should he ask? If she would be, should he go? Would she want him there?
“Zoe wants a head count. Will you be there tomorrow night around seven?”
Stitch had no idea. He wanted to be there for Deena. Yet, he didn’t want to be around Susan. Around the reminder of how dumb he could be. He let a good woman get away. Why? What damn reason did he have to let her get away?
None. He had no good reason.
Well, that was a lie.
Maybe two good reasons.
One, because he wasn’t lying when he said he could honestly ruin her chances at snagging the supervisor position she applied for.
And two…a reason he didn’t even want to admit.
He was scared to let her in completely.
Problem was she had already penetrated his defenses. That small crack in his heart from last night was simmering and smoldering and slowly growing into a deep sinkhole.
“Stitch? I need an answer, not silence.” Sauer’s eyes narrowed. “Susan will be there.”
A lame chuckle escaped. “Is that another warning, or an incentive to come?”
Laughter finally found its way into Sauer’s demeanor. His face lit up with amusement. “I have no idea, actually. Maybe a bit of both. I don’t know what’s going on with you and Susan, but…Susan deserves a good man. Are you that kind of guy? Do I need to issue another warning?”
Swallowing hard, unsure of how he wanted to answer, if he even wanted to answer that, he shrugged, figuring Sauer could interpret that any way he wanted. He didn’t even know how to interpret it. “I’ll be there. Where’s it at?”
“Zeke and Zoe’s.” Sauer started for the front door. The stupid bell rang merrily once again. Before Sauer stepped outside, he turned toward him. “Thank you, Stitch. Dee will be happy to see you.”
The door shut. He was left alone in his shop to his wandering thoughts. Stacey left to grab lunch, not even her annoying voice could fill the space. Right now, he needed something, anything, to distract him. Because all he could think about was Susan.
Sweet, sexy Susan.
His Susan.
Damn right his.
She wanted com
mitment. Well, he wasn’t a commitment kind of guy. Never tried it before. But for her, he’d give it a shot.
This aching hole forming in his heart was too much. He didn’t like it. He didn’t know how to handle it. If letting Susan have her way with commitment got him back into her life, her bed, he’d give her what she wanted. Because no matter which angle he looked at it, eventually everything would fall apart. It always did in his life. They could enjoy each other, with the word commitment thrown in there if it made her feel better, but ultimately, they weren’t headed for forever. He wanted to enjoy every second with her that he could.
Yeah, Susan was his.
She’d damn well know it tomorrow night.
Chapter 10
The wine glass slammed down hard on the dining room table. “I can’t take it. What’s up with the scowl, Dee? This is supposed to be a fun party, not angry and depressing,” Zoe said as she pierced Dee with a hard glare.
Susan took a sip of her drink, glancing back and forth between Zoe and Dee as they had a stare down of sorts. Rina sat next to her doing the same exact thing. Susan was glad Zoe finally said something, because since the moment she arrived about an hour ago, Dee had been sullen and moody. The guys had ventured to the living room to chat guy stuff, while they decided to hang out in the dining room sipping their alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and talk girl talk.
Right now, she was happy to be separated from the guys. She didn’t have to force herself not to stare at Stitch, or make weird eye contact with him, as they did when he walked into the house shortly after she did. To stop herself from trying to peer into the living room, which she could see slightly from the dining room, she sat with her back to it. She didn’t want to fall into the temptation to keep seeking him out. She needed to accept the fact there would never be anything between them and move on.
“Well? I can sit here all night staring at you, waiting for you to spill the beans.” Zoe reached out a hand toward Dee and softly whispered, “Are you still worrying about what kind of mother you’ll be? Because you’ll be fantastic. This stress isn’t good for the baby.”
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