One Taste of Sin (A One Taste Novel Book 4)

by Amanda Siegrist

  Perhaps that little wink from him meant nothing. He didn’t call her last night, or visit. Still no call or visit this morning.

  She had been prepared to fight for him. Now the doubts were creeping back in. Did she want to put herself out there like that just to be rejected by him again? Did she want to screw up her friendship with Dee over a guy? Did she want Dee and Stitch’s relationship to be ruined because of her?

  The answer for each question was a big fat no.

  Trying to forget about Stitch brought the case front and center in her mind. That’s when her theory popped into her head and she couldn’t get it to disappear.

  She wasn’t a detective. Solving cases wasn’t her forte. Collecting evidence and processing it was. Which was why she didn’t voice her theory to Sauer. She didn’t want to appear stupid and silly.

  Because it was. Stupid and silly.

  There’s no way the killer could be a cop.

  ♡

  “So Susan found no good prints on the wine glasses?” Newman ran a hand through his hair with frustration.

  “Nope. We got nothing. Captain Ganderson is up our ass to solve this before another victim pops up. We don’t want the FBI to come in and take over.” Sauer leaned closer, or as close as he could sitting across from him at his own desk, and whispered, “We have a serial killer on our hands. Three victims, no good evidence, no clues. This asshole knows what he’s doing.”

  Newman couldn’t do anything but nod in agreement. What could he say? He agreed with every single word. The one thing he could say would start the downfall of his career, his friendship with Sauer, and basically, his entire life.

  But his lie was starting to fester, to burn a hole in the center of his chest. He didn’t know how much longer he could keep it to himself before he succumbed to something far worse.

  “We went over Tonya’s life with a fine-tooth comb and her ex-husband is the only one who sticks out like a sore thumb and he has no solid alibi. Nobody can corroborate his whereabouts since he claims he was home alone.” Sauer swiped an agitated hand through his hair.

  Newman’s hands started to sweat, his heart started to race, his world as he knew it flashed before his eyes.

  He was never going to survive this case.

  He could feel Sauer’s eyes on him, yet Sauer said nothing. Again, straying away from confrontation. It annoyed the hell out of him when Sauer never spoke up when he thought he should. Sauer knew something was bothering him, yet he wouldn’t ask him about it. Just do it already. Make him speak. Maybe he would feel better.

  “Victim number two, Bethany, her roommate said she wasn’t dating anyone, but she was on one of those dating websites. Tons of possibilities for suspects.”

  Newman nodded to indicate he was listening, but still added nothing. It was like a panic attack was teetering on the edge of his sanity, something he never experienced before in his life. He never lost control. Yet, he could feel himself slipping into a deep chaos. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to pull himself out.

  “None of her clients shouted like murderers. The few complaints she had lodged against her for being a little too rough on their teeth had solid alibis. Dead end there.” Sauer paused again, perhaps waiting for him to jump in. When he didn’t, Sauer continued, “Victim number three, Amber, her college professors and boss all had good things to say about her. None of her friends could report anyone strange following her, or any recent problems she had been having in her life. She also wasn’t dating anyone.”

  “I don’t know what the point is of hashing everything out that we already know, Sauer. We got shit. Just say that.”

  Sauer’s eyes narrowed. He finally decided to speak and nothing good came out of his mouth. Was he surprised? Was Sauer really surprised?

  That’s who he was lately. An asshole. No matter how much he wanted to stop himself, he had no control.

  His life was spinning into a madness he couldn’t stop.

  “Sometimes it helps to re-examine everything. We might’ve missed something the first time. How many times have we done this before and saw something that changed the case? Tons.” A dangerous glint entered Sauer’s eyes. “I’ve almost had enough of your attitude. I don’t know what’s going on with you, but you have to start talking. Tell me what’s going on.”

  Finally.

  Sauer finally took the initiative to confront him. To help him solve his problems.

  But he couldn’t help. Nobody could. He couldn’t even help himself.

  He jerked to his feet. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m sick of everyone treating me the way they are.”

  Sauer stood up as well, his hands pressed firmly to his desk as he leaned forward. “You’ve been starting most of the problems around here, and you damn well know it.”

  “You got a problem with me, Sauer?”

  “I have a problem with the way you’ve been treating Susan. I have a problem with the way you’ve been acting. I have a problem that you won’t tell me, your partner and friend, what the hell is going on with you. You haven’t been yourself since you broke up with Chrissy. You need—”

  “Go to hell, Sauer.”

  He turned around and walked away. He couldn’t stick around to hear anymore, to let Sauer dig any deeper. The funny thing was, he had wanted Sauer to confront him, and when he did, he lashed out. Guess Sauer didn’t push hard enough sooner.

  He was letting the fear and anger take complete control. He honestly didn’t know how much longer he’d survive.

  Sauer wasn’t going to hell.

  He was.

  ♡

  “I can almost recall moment to moment the first time Rina, Zoe, and I went shopping when we found out Zoe was pregnant. I didn’t say it to Zoe, but that shit was overwhelming. I mean, the prices for a crib was ridiculous. Geesh, they still are,” Dee said with disgust as she dropped the price tag that was attached to a mocha colored crib.

  “Yeah, but you’re a pro now shopping for everything. You went with Zoe and Rina. You got this.” Susan believed that wholeheartedly. She wanted Dee to believe that, to understand that.

  What she didn’t understand was why Rina and Zoe weren’t shopping with them. She couldn’t have been more surprised when Dee called her and asked her to go shopping. She said Sauer was working and she needed to get out of the house or she’d go insane. Right now, she didn’t seem too enthused to be baby shopping. It had been her idea. Susan was tagging along trying to figure out the real reason for the outing.

  Well, that was a lie. She knew the reason. She was simply trying not to think about it. Dee wanted her to stay away from Stitch. This was her chance to warn her away.

  “So…” Dee’s eyes darted around the store, then landed on her. Dee’s piercing glare said she was about to be decimated. “What crib do you like?”

  All the pent up fear evaporated, as she let out a tiny breath of relief. If Dee was going to say anything about Stitch, why didn’t she already? She hated waiting for it to come. Get it over with.

  Maybe that was Dee’s plan. Make her sweat until she couldn’t take it anymore. Dee could be devious. Was she that cruel?

  Susan made a real effort to look around until her eyes landed on a tan crib that had a sleigh-like back that reminded her of Santa and Christmas and happiness. Of course, it had to be the most expensive crib in the store, which Dee would hate.

  “I don’t know. They all look nice.”

  Dee rolled her eyes, not even trying to hide it. “Yeah, but you totally eyed the sleigh crib, which I hate to admit, is super cute. I hate it because that’s the one I want.”

  Susan couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t sound so happy about it.”

  “It’s so damn expensive.”

  “Yeah, but think of how beautiful it will look in the baby’s room. It’s very durable and safe. And…” she smiled brightly, “it’ll last you through all the babies you have.”

  Laughter, strong and clear, bellowed out of Dee. “Oh, what a good point. Oh my God, Susa
n, I can’t have more than one. I’m freaking out over this one.”

  Although Susan could hear the panic in her voice, she was still laughing, which was a good sign.

  “But you’re shopping and thinking of the baby, and that’s a good thing. You’re going to be a wonderful mother, Dee. You already are.”

  Dee’s laughter slowed down as she started to breathe heavily, almost borderline panic attack. “Thank you. I need to hear that to believe it. I…” She blew out a breath. “I can’t stop the worry. I’ve tried and tried and tried. Sauer’s been so patient with me, and I don’t know how to stop it.”

  “It’ll get better every day. You’re strong, Dee. You can do this. I believe in you. Zoe and Rina do, too. And you know Sauer does.”

  A slow smile crept onto Dee’s face. “You’re strong, too, Susan. You’ll need to be with Stitch.”

  She finally brought the issue out in the open.

  But wait, what?

  She’ll need to be strong? With Stitch?

  Did that mean she liked the idea of them together? Why did it seem like she hated the idea last night after Stitch left?

  “There’s nothing—”

  “Stop.” Dee arched a brow. “There is something between you two. I know there is. And…” She hesitated, then looked away as a slight blush flushed her cheeks. “I might’ve been the reason Stitch ditched out so early last night.”

  “Yeah, I kinda figured you guys had a chat. It’s okay if you don’t like—”

  “No, I love the idea of you two together.” Dee smiled. A real, authentic smile that held no malice behind the depths. “I might’ve pushed Stitch too hard on how he felt about you. I apologize if I screwed anything up between you two. Honestly, sometimes that man needs to be pushed a little. You think I worry and analyze and hide shit, he’s just as bad. He’s been through a lot, like me, in a different way, of course. Be patient with him, and don’t back down. You gotta get in his face.”

  Susan chuckled. “Oh, we’ve gone toe-to-toe before. I have no problem getting in his face.”

  “Good. I knew you wouldn’t. Because you’re strong.”

  Her laughter and smile died. “But a girl can only put her heart on the line so many times.”

  Dee stepped closer and laid a hand to her shoulder. “Try it one more time. For me. Don’t give up on him.”

  Susan’s heart thumped like a racehorse as she contemplated that. Could she put herself out there one more time? Could she handle hearing again that she was good for only sex? Even if the sex was amazing, she wanted more. She deserved more.

  “One more time.”

  She hated the plea in Dee’s tone. It made her think she was missing something vital from Stitch. Some secret that made him keep taking two steps back, avoiding a relationship. But if he wouldn’t share with her, how could they move on? How could they make anything work?

  “Okay. One more time.”

  Dee squealed like a little girl, something that sounded so foreign, but it made Susan’s heart swell with joy. She loved when Dee was happy, especially lately when she’d been so stressed about the baby, and stress was the last thing she needed.

  “Awesome. I want two of my favorite people together and happy. This is just awesome.”

  Susan giggled, especially at the way she said awesome both times. Her hormones must really be messing with her, because she couldn’t recall Dee saying that before.

  Dee wrapped an arm around her shoulder and started to walk. “I hate to admit it, I like that dumb crib that costs an arm and a leg, but I can’t make any decisions until Sauer sees it. Let’s grab a bite to eat and then hit up some other stores. I’m all for buying tons of baby clothes.”

  “I love that idea.” Anything to keep Dee in a good mood.

  Dee loved shopping for clothes, no matter who it was for. She had been on the receiving end of her shopping madness when they prepared for the ball. Finding a dress had been a trial, considering Dee made all of them try on dozens and dozens of dresses before she felt satisfied. Not them, but her. Dee had to be completely satisfied before they moved on to shoes, then makeup, then hairstyles. It had been a fun time. None of them complained. Dee had a great sense of style. Her baby would probably be the best dressed baby on the block.

  They chatted as they made their way through the mall to the other end where the food court was located. Dee’s earlier mood, borderline annoyed and angry, was back to upbeat and excited. Susan couldn’t have been happier. She had no idea why the sudden change. Maybe because she found a crib she liked, even though it was expensive. Maybe because she planned to talk to Stitch. Maybe a combination of both.

  Susan felt better about the situation with Stitch. She had Dee’s blessing, which was so important. She would never mess with their friendship simply to have a guy. There’s no way she would’ve been able to live with herself if they were mad at each other. She felt guilty already because they argued last night because of her. If nothing else, she had to fix that, even if Stitch still rejected her. Which was a high possibility. The only outcome she foresaw. He already said multiple times he only wanted sex. She didn’t have high hopes he’d suddenly change his mind. But she said she’d try one more time, and she would.

  “What do you feel like? You pick.”

  Dee scrunched her lips as she thought about it. “Pizza, maybe? I honestly don’t know.”

  “Well, it’s a food court, so we have lots of choices. Pizza sounds good.”

  “It does. I think that’s what I want.”

  Decision made, they headed for the line in front of the pizza place and stared hard at the menu. They moved forward as the line did as well. She wasn’t sure what she wanted as she glanced at all the items on the menu. Everything sounded so good. She knew she wanted breadsticks. That was a no-brainer. She always got breadsticks when she came here, and they were to-die-for.

  As they moved forward once again, the line extremely long, the woman in front of them suddenly jerked around with her phone in her hand, her eyes glued to the screen.

  “Chrissy?” Dee said with surprise.

  The woman looked up. Susan hadn’t crossed paths with her often, but often enough to recognize her as Newman’s ex-girlfriend. She still didn’t know the reason they broke up, only that it had gutted Newman to the core. Obviously with the way his behavior had been.

  “Oh, hey. How are you, Dee…and…and…”

  “Susan,” she supplied for her. She wasn’t too surprised Chrissy didn’t recognize her. They rarely interacted. The few times they did, it had been short.

  “Right, Susan. Please, go ahead of me. I have to go.”

  “Everything okay?” Dee asked. Although it sounded like a friendly question, Susan heard the disdain in her tone.

  “No, but it’s not any of your business.”

  “It’s not, but I was trying to be polite.”

  Chrissy gave a lame laugh. “Yeah, it sounded so nice.”

  “Well, excuse me if I’m not a fan of you. Honestly, I’m not a fan of Newman either, but what you did was disgusting and wrong.” Dee moved to the side and gestured with her hand as she smiled sickeningly sweet. “Please, get out of my face.”

  Susan stood quietly as a mouse as Chrissy glared at her, probably deciding whether to say something back. Not many people could withstand Dee when she got a certain way, especially when she was extremely candid with her words. Thankfully, Susan hadn’t been on the receiving end of such words. She honestly didn’t know how she’d react.

  “What I did?” Chrissy finally responded, sounding surprised. “And what exactly is it you think I did?”

  Susan was curious to know as well. She wasn’t a full-blown gossip junky, but she did like it from time to time, especially if it would explain part of Newman’s nasty behavior lately, not that it gave him a reprieve to act the way he was.

  “You know,” Dee insisted.

  “I don’t, actually. I know what he did to me.”

  Susan glanced behind Chrissy to s
ee the line moved forward. It was their turn. They were holding up the line. “Maybe we should—”

  “Newman’s a douche, I don’t deny that. I can’t stand the guy, but what did he do to you? I know you cheated on him.” The smile on Dee’s face disappeared as she replaced it with a nasty smirk.

  Although Dee interrupted her, she was now speechless. That’s why Newman had been acting the way he had since he broke up with her. Because Chrissy had cheated on him. That would gut any person. It gutted her when she got cheated on. Wondering what she did wrong. Wondering where things went haywire. Wondering what she could’ve done to prevent it. It took her a long time to realize it hadn’t been her fault, but his. Her ex-boyfriend had been a douche, treating her as if she meant absolutely nothing.

  Chrissy’s mouth dropped in shock. “I never…is that the lies he’s been telling? Because that’s all they are. Lies. That asshole cheated on me. For the longest time he wouldn’t stop contacting me. I almost thought I’d have to get a restraining order against him. I even thought about talking to Sauer about it.”

  Dee’s demeanor sagged, as if she believed Chrissy. Susan was very inclined to believe her, especially since Newman hadn’t been that nice to her lately.

  “That’s not what he told Sauer. He said you cheated. That you kicked him out of the house.”

  Chrissy nodded. “Yeah, I kicked him out. It’s my name on the lease. Not his. I want him to leave me alone. Thankfully, he hasn’t bothered me for the last two months. His calls weren’t every day, but they were often. He…kind of scared me. I was a little shocked when I saw...I should go.”

  Dee grabbed her arm to stop her. “When you saw what? I believe you, Chrissy. I should’ve known better than to believe any word that came out of his mouth. I can’t wait to tell Sauer the truth. Tell me what you were going to say.”

  Torture was written on Chrissy’s face. Her shoulders slumped as Dee let go of her arm. “I never thought he’d hurt me, or get violent. He never was with me. When I saw the murder in the papers about that woman…I thought maybe…he did it. But then, I didn’t see anything about him being arrested. Now, I’m creeped out there’s been two more murders. I feel terrible for even thinking he could murder one person, but he definitely wouldn’t murder three.”