by Nadirah Foxx
“A possible threat. Anything else?”
I detailed what happened the prior evening. “I thought it was just a bad dream, but then my gun was missing.”
“Missing?”
“I keep it in a safe. When I checked it, the gun wasn’t there.”
“Go on.”
“I found it beneath my pillow.” Lifting my palm, I added, “Before you ask, I don’t remember putting it there. With everything that happened, I thought it best to move back home.”
“Okay. Harris gave me those same facts. He also mentioned there was an intimate relationship between you and this man.”
My cheeks heated, but I kept quiet.
“So, I made some phone calls and started my own investigation.” Richard pulled his phone from his flight jacket—undoubtedly a relic from his days as a soldier—and scrolled through the screens. “You’re not the first one Kilpatrick has stalked. About two years ago, he pulled the same crap with another woman.”
“What happened?”
“She went missing. Authorities brought Kilpatrick in for questioning, but all the evidence was circumstantial.”
Fear gripped my insides and breathing hurt. “Was she ever found?”
“Yeah. Bottom of a ravine,” he said flatly and set his phone down. “The police have classified it as a cold case. My money’s on Kilpatrick though. There are too many similarities between that case and what’s going on with you.”
Wrapping my hands around the mug in front of me, I tried to find a sense of calm. Sadly, it was as fleeting as the warmth leaking out of the ceramic. “In what ways?”
“For starters, Kilpatrick met Suzanne Miller at a local bar. According to her friends, they wasted no time becoming a couple. Miller dumped Kilpatrick, and that’s when the trouble began. He showed up at her job and her house. He harassed people she knew. Miller filed a restraining order, which Kilpatrick ignored.” Richard glanced up at me while rubbing his chin.
“Is there a problem?”
“Yeah. A huge one. I have contacts within the Detroit Police Department. When I reached out to them, they told me a lot of the info in Kilpatrick’s file had been redacted.”
“Is that normal?” I knew nothing about police procedures other than what I saw on TV dramas.
“No. It might mean nothing, but I find it odd that all the details about his birthplace, parents, and even siblings have been covered up. When I asked about it, no one knew why or who did it.”
“Why would someone cover up that information?”
“Because if those things were common knowledge,” Dad said as he entered the kitchen, “the bastard would probably be in prison by now.” He looked over at Richard. “How you doing, man?”
Richard gave my father the once-over. “I should ask you that question. You look like shit.”
Dad forced a smile. “I’ve had better days. Hearing about my daughter’s connection to a possible serial killer ain’t helping.”
“Kilpatrick is only a suspect in one other murder.”
Richard’s words didn’t lessen the dread crawling through my gut. If anything, it scared the hell out of me. I knew my judgment could be shitty—I couldn’t spot a loser in a crowd—but I didn’t think it was that bad. My faulty radar might get me killed.
My gaze wandered from Richard to my dad and back again. Something was nagging at me, but I couldn’t mention it with Dad in the room. “Are there any more bags in my car?”
“I get it.” Dad smiled. “You want to discuss things without me in the room. I need to go out to the garage, anyway. Richard, come find me before you leave.”
We waited for the back door to close before speaking again.
“What is it?” Richard asked.
Lowering my voice and leaning forward, I said, “This remains between us. Nobody else knows what I’m about to tell you.”
The man bobbed his head.
“After the first real date I had with Leo, I got sick.”
“Sick how?”
“It was weird, like a terrible hangover. I contributed it to mixing different types of alcohol. A pharmacist alerted me to the possibility someone had drugged me.”
Richard’s face turned red. “Did that bastard rape you?”
“No. At least I didn’t see any signs, but that hangover stuck around for a few days.” My hands shook as I remembered the details from my internet search.
“Rachel?”
“Give me a minute.” I took a few deep breaths and tried again. “Matt Wallace is a cop on the Detroit police force. He told me that someone had killed a woman in my apartment building, so I looked up the story. They dubbed the suspect the K-Hole Killer.”
Richard’s brows knitted together as he reached for his phone. He scrolled through it, nodding the whole time. “I remember that case. The suspect is still at large.”
What I contemplated shook my core and sucked the air from my lungs. I shuddered as I uttered my concern, “Is there any chance…” My voice trailed off. I just couldn’t say the words.
The stern-looking man across from me grasped my hands. “I’ll check into it. In the meantime, don’t worry. You’ve got your father and me and this cop watching out for you. We won’t let anything happen to you. Okay?”
I shrugged. “I guess.”
Sadly, I believed no one could protect me from my own stupidity.
∞∞∞
After Richard left, I prepared dinner—mac ‘n cheese, baked chicken, and rolls. I’d prepped everything on my last visit, so all I had to do was toss everything into dishes and place them in the oven. I took out a bag of frozen green beans and put them in a pot.
“Need any help?”
“No, Dad.”
He came up to me at the sink. “Can we talk about this situation? Honestly?”
Turning off the water, I covered the pot and walked to the stove. “You’ve overheard most of it.”
“How long did this relationship last?”
“Not long. I wouldn’t even consider it to be more than two people getting to know each other.”
“Rachel, that is a relationship.” Dad’s voice was soft, not condescending.
I lowered the flame and faced him. “I admit making a big mistake. Crystal told me to stay away from Leo. Even Matt warned me against the guy.”
“So, why didn’t you listen?”
Rubbing my arms, I thought about it. Was it desperation? Loneliness? I wasn’t sure what one factor changed my mind. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that I got smart.”
Dad pointed to the table, and we both sat down.
“Here’s the thing, baby girl. Richard told me what he’s dug up so far. This asshat you met is dangerous. He might be a murderer or worse.”
I chuckled nervously. “What’s worse than a murderer?”
My father eyed me with a grave expression. “A serial killer.”
Fear gripped my stomach. My breath snagged on something in my chest. I tucked my trembling hands in my lap, hoping to hide them from Dad’s watchful eyes.
“Rachel, what’s wrong?”
A lie paused on the tip of my tongue. Did I dare tell Dad about my research? What if Richard already told him and that was just my father’s way of confirming it?
Instead of confessing, I asked, “Did Richard speak to you?”
“Yeah. He said something about this Leo character possibly being on the FBI’s Wanted List. Care to fill me in?”
Thankfully, the doorbell rang, saving me from an embarrassing moment.
∞∞∞
Matt sat beside me on the sofa as Dad—sitting on his recliner—and I detailed Richard’s visit.
“So, you’ve hired a private investigator?” Matt asked.
“Richard is in securities, but he has a lot of contacts. He’ll check into a few leads for me,” Dad said.
“And he thinks Leo might be a serial killer?”
“Not just any murderer,” I added. “The K-Hole Killer. The man who killed April.”
/> Matt lowered his head and stared at the floor.
“Who’s April?” asked Dad.
“Someone I grew up with,” Matt mumbled. He swallowed hard before lifting his eyes and glancing at me. “The night someone attacked April, I had just asked her to marry me.”
Oh. Fuck. No.
He reached for my hand, but I couldn’t move.
Dad took the clue and found an excuse to leave. “I’ll go check on dinner.”
Once he was out of the room, I said, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Matt cleared his throat. “What should I have said? I was engaged to the last known victim of a serial killer?”
“It would have been a start,” I said through clenched teeth.
He shot back, “Now you know how I felt after finding out you slept with Leo.”
Low blow.
I wanted to be angry. I should have been angry. Somehow, I understood. The reality, however, didn’t make me feel good.
Tentatively, I wrapped my hand around Matt’s. “Can we start over? Again.”
A thin smile appeared on his face. “How about we call it even?”
I nodded. “Anything else you need to tell me?”
Matt wet his lips, squeezed his eyebrows together, and then shook his head. “No.”
The hesitation bothered me. It was as if he was deciding what to tell and what to keep secret. I’d let it go for then. But I wouldn’t forget it.
17
Nice Save
Rachel
Dad invited Matt for dinner, and he accepted. Some might say it was almost like a normal family moment. No discussion about threats or men who weren’t worthy of me. No worries about stalkers or serial killers. Just three people enjoying a good meal and good conversation.
I thought I’d gotten lucky when nothing was said about how Matt and I met. Then, a peculiar expression settled on my father’s face. The one that was a cross between curiosity and intolerance—eyebrows knitted together, and his mouth in a scowl.
“So, Officer Wallace—”
“Please, call me Matt.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin and placed it on the table.
Dad nodded and dropped his fork. “Okay, Matt. How did you meet my daughter?”
My back straightened, and my breath stalled. Would Dad approve of how we met, or would he find an issue with the circumstances? I fingered my fork and tried desperately to breathe normally.
Matt glanced over at me and dipped his chin. Could he pick up on my panicked thoughts? I prayed he did.
“I have her friend, Crystal, to thank. Her husband is a fellow officer and my best friend. It’s kind of embarrassing, but Scott has made it his mission to find me the perfect girlfriend. Between the two of them, they set Rachel and me up.” He winked at me. “If you don’t mind my saying so, I don’t think there’s a more perfect woman for me than your daughter.”
My heart swelled a little. Matt’s words might have been a bit over the top, but they were plausible. At least, I believed them.
Dad’s eyebrow lifted as he cocked his head to the side. He scrutinized Matt for a long uncomfortable moment before he said to me, “See, sweetheart, you can meet a nice man outside of a bar. Friends, family, church members… That’s how you find someone special.”
I smiled. Deep down, a part of me hoped that was true.
∞∞∞
After the meal, Matt helped me clean up the kitchen. It was nice doing something so common together. It felt natural.
I squeezed out the sponge and tossed it into the microwave to sterilize. When I turned around, Matt pulled me into his arms. He leaned down and slanted his lips over mine.
Reluctantly, I broke off the kiss. “Can I trouble you for a ride to work in the morning?”
“It’s not a bother. I have to report to the precinct early. Can you be ready by seven?”
“I think I can do that,” I said, snuggling closer.
Matt rubbed his hands over my back. “How about dinner at my place tomorrow night?”
Glancing up, I said, “I thought you didn’t cook.”
“I don’t, but I can make a pretty wicked spaghetti sauce.” He kissed my forehead. “I’ll pick you up from work, and then we’ll go back to the loft. You’re welcome to spend the night, you know?”
“Thanks. I’ll definitely consider it.” Staying at Matt’s might be safer than remaining at Dad’s, but I couldn’t do it every night. That would draw unwarranted criticism from my father.
“Okay. See you in the morning.” Matt gave me a quick kiss and headed for the front door.
I heard him exchange good-nights with Dad.
“That’s the type of man you should have gone out with instead of this stalker character,” Dad announced, coming into the kitchen.
“Truth time?” I said, hanging up the dishtowel.
“About time.” Dad reached into the cabinet for his whiskey stash. “How did you really meet Matt?”
Leave it to my father to see through a lie. It was why we vowed not to hide behind falsehoods. In my senior year of high school, I went out drinking with a few friends. I came home wasted, tried to tell Dad that I was sick, and he grounded me. He said the lie was why I was punished.
“Yes, Crystal and Scott introduced us. It was the same night that I met Leo. Same bar.”
Dad poured two glasses of the golden liquid and passed me one. “Sorry, I don’t have any wine. It’s either whiskey or beer.”
I lifted the drink. “This is fine.”
He sat across from me. “Maybe you and this cop will have a little permanence.”
“I hope so.”
Dad tossed back the liquor and set the glass down. “I can take you to work tomorrow. Pick you up.”
“Matt said he’d do it. I might hang out at his place after work. I’ll be home late.”
“Understood. I want you to be careful. Do you have a permit to carry your gun?”
I nodded. “I’ve kept it up to date.”
“Good. Make sure you have it with you. You’re not to leave this house without the weapon.”
“Dad, I’m not a child.”
“Then stop acting like one. Even if things don’t work out with the cop, stop going to bars for dates.”
“Dad.”
“I’m serious.” He stood and pushed his chair in. “I’ll get your tires replaced while you’re at work. Good night.”
“Good night, Dad.”
∞∞∞
Incessant ringing interrupted my sleep. The first pale rays of sunlight came through the blinds in my childhood room. It was only six a.m.
Against my better judgment, I allowed the call to go to voice mail. It was too early to deal with phone calls or any nonsense pertaining to my stalker.
I really wanted to hide beneath the covers, but that wasn’t practical. Matt would be here in an hour.
Swinging my legs out of bed, I dragged my feet over to the window. A navy-blue squad car, Royal Oak’s finest, was parked in front of the house while two officers walked back and forth across the street. This had to be Matt’s doing. Thankfully, there was no sign of Leo.
My phone rang, and this time I answered it.
“Hello?”
“Good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?”
My hand shook. “Leo?”
“Yes,” he acknowledged in a cheery voice. “Were you expecting someone else?”
Honestly, I didn’t think Leo was bold enough to contact me. “Why are you calling me?”
“Just wanted to see how you were doing since you moved out.”
“You didn’t leave me much of a choice.”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Moving away won’t get rid of me.”
Boldly, I asked, “What will?”
If I could just keep him talking, maybe I could get the police to intervene.
“You think I’m stupid, don’t you?”
“What are you talking about?” Quickly, I retraced my steps to the window. Waving my hand, I tried to catch the attenti
on of one of the officers.
“What was that song by The Police? You know the one about the guy who watches every step?”
There was something about the way Leo said those words that scared the shit out of me. “Leo, where are you?”
One officer stopped and turned toward the house with a phone in his hand. I gasped and prayed that I was imagining things. He looked up toward me, winked, and Leo’s voice said, “Keeping an eye on you.”
I dropped my phone and screamed.
Dad hurried into my room. “What happened?”
Pointing to the window, I said, “He’s out there.”
“Who?”
“Leo. He’s dressed as a cop.”
My father rushed to the window. His head turned right then left, and then he glanced over his shoulder. “Rachel, there’s one police officer outside.”
I shook my head vehemently. “No. He’s here.”
“Call Matt,” he said and ran out of the room.
∞∞∞
I’d admit that Leo’s latest stunt absolutely terrified me. How did he infiltrate the police department? Who would be stupid enough to provide him with a uniform?
This stunt gave a whole new meaning to the word stalker. I reached for my phone and found Matt’s number.
“Good morning, Rachel.” Matt’s voice was full of hope.
Mine, however, came out shaky and full of fear. “I need you to come over. Now.”
“I’m almost there.” He paused. “What’s wrong?”
“Leo is here. He’s outside posing as a cop.”
“Fuck.” A siren sounded. “I’ll be there soon. Stay inside.”
∞∞∞
Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. I entered the living room just as Dad opened the door. Matt swept into the house and pulled me into his arms.
“You okay?”
I wanted to lie and say that I would be, but I couldn’t. Not when there was a psycho threatening my peace of mind.
Dad cleared his voice, and I stepped back. “Matt, is there anything you can do about this man?”
“Let me check into it. In the meantime, I don’t think Rachel should go to work today.”
My father didn’t argue. “I’ll make breakfast. Matt, you’re welcome to stay.”
