by Nadirah Foxx
“Yeah. Why?”
“I need to run an errand before it gets too late.”
∞∞∞
There were two locations near my apartment to get a key made. One was a self-serve kiosk, and the other was an actual locksmith near a high school. I ruled out the kiosk. Too great a risk of the info being saved. So I went over to the store on Coolidge Highway. The owner was closing up as I came through the door.
“Sorry, ma’am. You’re going to have to come back tomorrow,” a rotund man announced.
“I don’t need a key made.”
“Oh?” His beady eyes raked over me. “What can I help you with?”
I removed my phone and found the selfie Leo and I took the night we went to the pizza parlor. “Have you seen this man?”
“Yeah. Nice guy. Said his girlfriend sent him to get a copy of her keys. Is there a problem?”
“Not really,” I lied. “That guy’s my brother, and he locked himself out. I told him I’d get him a locksmith. Then he mentioned he’d come over here. I was hoping maybe you kept it on file.”
“I don’t, but he should still have the photo.”
“Photo?”
“Yeah. He brought in the photo, and I made the duplicate from it.”
“Oh, wow. I didn’t know that could be done. I’ll mention it to him. He can stay with me until his girlfriend gets back.”
The man smiled as he flipped through a stack of receipts. “We open at eight a.m. if he needs to come in.”
“I’ll tell him.”
My heart ricocheted against my chest as I walked back to my car. Automatically, I thought back to the morning I couldn’t find my keys. Leo gave them to me with the excuse that I’d dropped them at the door.
Slipping in behind the steering wheel, I realized I’d been a fool. Leo took a picture of my keys, made a copy, and then used it to get inside my apartment. I’d given him the benefit of the doubt while playing into his twisted scheme—whatever that might be.
31
Two and Two
Rachel
Instead of going back downtown to Matt’s, I went to Dad’s. I hadn’t seen him since the news of Matt’s arrest. Plus, Dad needed to know what was going on. He wouldn’t appreciate finding out from a third party—like Richard. Unfortunately, when I pulled up to the house, Richard’s Jeep was in the driveway. The front door swung open before I even exited my car.
Dad met me at the edge of the grass. I expected a scowl and a scolding—in that order. Instead, my father took one look at me and pulled me into his arms. “I was worried about you. You hadn’t called or—”
Wrapping my arms around his waist, I choked out, “I’m sorry. I’ve just been dealing with stuff.” Not a lie, but also not the full truth he deserved to hear.
He rubbed my back. “You know you don’t have to do it alone, don’t you?”
“I do.” Really, I did, but involving my father wasn’t an option. He’d dealt with more than his fair share of drama in his lifetime. The problem was mine to solve, not his.
I stepped out of his embrace, and we walked toward the house. As we neared the porch, he draped an arm over my shoulders and leaned in. “Richard told me about the meeting you had with him.”
Damn.
“I figured he would,” I said, tugging on the screen door. A small part of me had hoped that the two friends could have avoided talking about me.
“What’s going on?” Richard said, coming into the living room.
For a moment, I wanted to be mad at the man. Instead of helping me, he ran and reported to my father like I was a child. I rolled my eyes and perched on the edge of the sofa. Common sense told me that Richard was only doing what he believed was right. Men like my dad and Richard, although retired from the military, still fought to protect those they loved. It was embedded in their DNA. Loving those types meant accepting that fact.
“Although you didn’t trust in what I told you,” I said to Richard. “I was right about a few things.”
“What things?” Dad asked as he sat on a chair.
Richard still standing, leaned against the wall. He folded his arms and crossed a foot over his ankle. “I’m sorry, Rachel. My job is to keep you safe. I wouldn’t be doing it if I followed every knee-jerk decision you made.”
Knee-jerk decision? What the hell was he talking about? I thought long and hard about what I said to that man before I got to the restaurant. Granted, I could have possibly found a better approach, but I was trying to save someone’s life. Richard’s implication that I was being an impetuous teenager wasn’t appreciated.
“Somebody had better start explaining,” Dad said as his expectant gaze bounced between Richard and me. “And before you say anything, know that I’d appreciate the truth.”
I had to tell my father, but how did I tell him that I was an idiot? My words would only back up his point—not to pick up men in bars. Maybe later. I’d park that discussion for another time.
Ignoring Dad’s demand, I started with a much safer topic. “Richard, I did my own investigating. Turns out that there’s evidence proving that someone else killed the girl found on Belle Isle. Matt didn’t do it.”
“Who?” both men asked, staring at me.
“I can’t tell you that. Right now, the DA is investigating.” The prosecutor probably wouldn’t appreciate me sharing the details, even with my father and his friend. “Hopefully, he’ll toss out the charges, and Matt can get his life back.” I paused. Might as well dive all the way in. “Dad, I owe you an apology.”
“For what?”
Sighing, I said, “You’ve been telling me about my risky encounters, and I’ve always had an excuse to continue living the way I chose. Well, I learned today that Leo is a lot more dangerous than I even thought.”
That wasn’t easy to confess.
“What did he do?” Dad said, crossing his arms.
Share too much, and he’d know about all the stupid things I’d done. The key was to only tell Dad the bare essentials.
“Leo copied my key and used it to get into my apartment. Nobody broke in,” I admitted.
Richard swore and then quickly apologized. He pushed off the wall. “That shouldn’t have happened on my watch.”
I cut the man some slack—he’d earned it. “It was before we hired you. There was nothing you could have done to prevent it.”
The man pressed his lips together but didn’t offer any words.
Dad said, “Where’s Leo now?”
“No idea.” Not knowing his whereabouts wasn’t as discomforting as it should have been. Somehow, I didn’t think Leo would harm me. “I just came back from the locksmith. He confirmed Leo’s picture.”
“You need to stay here tonight,” Dad said. “We can keep you safe.”
I protested. “Matt’s waiting for me.” Honestly, I didn’t want to have babysitters. Staying with Matt, even with his chaos, felt more like a normal life. Moving back home with Dad was a necessity, not something I’d wanted. I’d had enough of guards and changing my routine.
Richard cleared his throat. “Sorry, Rachel. I agree with Harris. I can stay in the guest room tonight. The last thing you need is to be caught out in the dark. Call Wallace. I’m sure he’d agree that it’s best you stay put.”
When he left the room, Dad got up and came over to me. “I know you don’t like the idea, but it’s for your own good.”
“Dad…”
“You think you know Leo. You’re probably thinking that fool wouldn’t hurt you, but can you trust him?”
“Dad…”
“I don’t trust him. That’s all that matters.” He hung his head. “Years ago, I left your mother alone. I wrongfully believed that we lived in a safe neighborhood. We knew our neighbors. They watched out for the two of you while I protected our country. I trusted others, and look what happened.” Dad raised his head, and his gaze locked onto mine. “I let my guard down. I won’t let it happen again.”
I wouldn’t argue. Despite Dad me
eting someone else and attempting to have a life, he still mourned for Mom. We both did. “Okay. How about I get Richard settled into the guest room, and then I’ll make us some hot cocoa?”
Dad’s eyes crinkled in the corners. “Make mine a hot toddy, and you have a deal. I’ll even watch a movie with you.”
I leaned in and hugged him, wishing I could turn back time. Mom would be in the kitchen, whipping up her famous cocoa with homemade whipped cream. Dad and I would choose a favorite holiday movie, and then the three of us would gather on the sofa. My heart ached with how much I missed her.
∞∞∞
While Dad was in the bathroom, I carried sheets and blankets into the guest room. Richard finished a phone call and looked up at me.
“What haven’t you told me about Kilpatrick?”
“I’ve told you everything. Dad’s the only one who doesn’t know the full story,” I said, closing the door.
“Wise choice. Harris has enough on his plate these days without worrying about you.”
I set the stack of bedding down on the fold-out sofa. “He’s not so bad as long as he takes his meds.”
Richard pursed his lips. Lowering his voice, he said, “Harris is protecting you—as always. He’s getting worse.”
“Not true. Dad said he met someone.”
“No. He told you what you wanted to hear.” Richard sat beside the linens. “Before you moved back, I came by daily. I’ve been getting him to the doctors. They’ve changed his meds twice, but it hasn’t helped because he won’t take them.”
The bottle of whiskey in the kitchen. He’d replaced it at least once since I’d been home. Not good.
“Thanks for the info, Richard.” I sighed. “I guess he needs me just as much as Matt does.”
“No. Harris needs you more.”
I nodded and headed back to the kitchen and found a new bottle of whiskey. I cracked it open and poured it down the sink. Dad would be furious with me, but I’d tell him what I knew. Tossing the empty container into the trash, I started the hot cocoa. In the fridge, I found an unopened carton of whipping cream. Perfect, the cocoa would be just like how Mom made it.
While the milk and chocolate heated, Dad came in behind me. “That smells great. Did you put in cinnamon?”
“I did.”
He walked over to the trash can and lifted the lid. “Want to tell me why there’s an empty bottle of whiskey in here?”
I turned off the hand mixer. “Richard told me. Dad, alcohol isn’t a substitute for your medicine.”
Dad grumbled. “That man should keep his mouth shut.”
Facing him, I said, “If you want me to be honest with you, you have to be straightforward with me too.”
He averted his eyes.
“Dad, I want you to be happy, but you don’t have to lie to me.”
He walked over to the sink. “Every time you come over, you’re asking me about my social life. I just didn’t want you to worry.”
Dipping my chin, trying to assume the role of a parent, I said, “But now I’m concerned about your dishonesty. Young man, what do you have to say about that?”
He burst out laughing. “Good one, sunshine. Just remember who the parent is, and we’ll be just fine.”
Having him make light of the situation made me feel better. Unfortunately, I knew my father too well. The man was hurting. Once all of this nonsense with Matt and Leo was over, Dad and I were having a heart-to-heart about both of our futures.
32
Can We Catch A Break?
Rachel
As much as I wanted to defy my father and go back to Matt’s apartment, I didn’t. I settled for calling him before going to bed.
“I hate to say it, but I agree with your dad.” Before I could object, Matt said, “You don’t have anyone with you. For all we know, Leo could be waiting for you to go out alone. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to you.”
“Will you be all right?” I asked. Frankly, I was worried about Matt. He seemed fine when I left, but I thought that earlier. Last thing I wanted was to return to his place and find him handcuffed—or worse.
“I’m fine, baby.” He cleared his throat. “I haven’t had a drop of alcohol either.”
“Good.” Sad to think that I considered not drinking to be good news. “Have you heard from the DA?”
“My lawyer said it probably won’t be before tomorrow. Don’t worry. I’m feeling positive about it all.”
“If you need me… I don’t care what time it is…”
“I’ll call. I promise. Get a good night’s sleep.” He paused for a moment before adding, “I love you.”
I smiled. With more confidence than I truly felt, I said, “Love you too.”
When I ended the call, I glanced up and noticed my father standing in my doorway. “So that’s the problem.”
It wasn’t a question. More like a confirmation of something he suspected.
“Not a problem.” At the time, I believed it.
It was surprising how easily I turned a blind eye to Matt’s explosive anger and rough sex. I hoped that it would all pass once they dropped the charges. Deep down, I realized I sounded like a broken record—the one every battered woman played in her mind, trying to justify the violence. Then my mind did the unthinkable. It whispered the unimaginable—I can change him.
Just in case Dad got any closer, I tucked my hands beneath the blankets, hiding the bruises along with my shame—or was it stupidity? They were both valid.
“You’re honestly in love with this man? A man who might still be guilty of a heinous crime?”
Was I?
Part of me was. It was enough for that moment. Dad didn’t need to know everything.
“Sunshine, all the love in the world won’t change a man, not unless he wants to change.”
My father—always a fountain of wisdom.
“You don’t have to worry, Dad. I know what I’m doing.” Even I heard the skepticism in my voice.
“I hope so. I don’t want to lose you, sweetheart.”
“You won’t.”
∞∞∞
The next morning I was on pins and needles waiting to hear from Matt. I tossed and turned all night with horrifying dreams. My worst fear came true in my nightmares. A jury found Matt guilty, and he had to serve a life sentence. Each one ended the same. I had to decide to leave him or stay by his side. Although I realized it was all in my mind, I felt like reality had played out overnight, and I still needed to choose.
Dad placed a steaming mug of coffee in front of me. “Do you want some breakfast?”
Glancing up, I shook my head. “I don’t think I could eat it.”
He sat across from me. “Want some advice?”
“If I say no, will it stop you?”
“No.” He folded his hands on top of the table. “Don’t rush this thing between you and Matt.”
“I’m—”
“Let me finish. You think you love him, and maybe he really loves you. But something doesn’t feel right to me.”
A cold chill passed through my body. “Like what?”
“It all seems too convenient. First, there’s evidence pointing to Matt as a murderer. Then you find evidence that someone’s setting him up.”
I wrapped my fingers around the cup, trying to pull warmth from it. “But it’s real, Dad. I saw the articles online.”
He pressed his lips together. “I don’t doubt that the information exists. To me, it feels like someone planned all of this.”
I frowned.
“Think about it. Didn’t you tell me that Leo is someone you knew in high school?”
“Yes.”
“Then you find out he lives in the same apartment complex. He shows up at weird times, claiming that he saw you from his window. Doesn’t the man work?”
“He said he was a musician.”
“Have you checked that out? For all you know, he’s a man sitting in an apartment playing around with musical software.”
<
br /> “Don’t you think that’s a little far-fetched?”
“No.” Dad cocked his head to the side. “This same man threatens you because you dumped him for his foster brother. Doesn’t that seem odd to you? These are grown men, Rachel. Lingering jealousy doesn’t sound like rational thinking.”
“I agree with you, and honestly, I don’t trust Leo. Not anymore. Scott and Matt think he’s behind all of this nonsense.”
“It’s not nonsense, sunshine. There’s a dead girl. Somebody killed her. If not this man you’re in love with, who?”
My phone lit up with Scott’s name. I reached for it and said to my father, “Maybe we’ll learn his identity soon.”
“Rachel?”
“Yeah, Scott,” I said into the device. “Is it over?”
Static hit my ear as he exhaled. “No. The DA believes someone tampered with the evidence. Until he can confirm that the report isn’t tainted, Matt remains a suspect.”
“No.” My heart sank and took hope with it.
“It’s not that bad. At least the prosecutor’s investigating. He’s looking at all the materials and checking facts. Ordinarily, this would be an open-and-shut case. The evidence clearly points to Matt, but thanks to you, it’s not so cut and dry anymore.”
I nodded as if Scott could see the gesture.
“We have to keep Matt’s spirits up. He has to have faith, and so do you. We’ll get through this,” Scott assured me.
“Yeah. We will. Thanks for calling.” I disconnected and set my phone down.
“And?” asked Dad.
“The DA won’t drop the charges yet. He thinks someone messed with the evidence.”
“Well, that’s not good.”
“Nope, but Scott’s hopeful. He said there’s an investigation. Until the authorities can prove the information is genuine, the charges remain.”
Dad patted my hand before pushing away from the table. “Stay strong. I need to run some errands. Want to come with?”
“I should go back to Matt’s. Make sure he’s okay.”
“Better plan.” Dad grabbed my hand and dragged me to my feet. “Let’s buy some groceries. You can cook dinner for me and your guy tonight. It’s been a while since we hung out together.”
