Dog Tags

by Heidi Glick

“OK, then I won’t. You don’t have to tell me twice.” Beth looked at her watch. “I better go, or I’ll be late for the school district meeting. I heard it’s supposed to be important. I’m hoping it won’t take all day, so let’s still plan on having dinner together.”

  He kissed her forehead then moved to her lips.

  “OK, OK.” She chuckled. “I’ll see you later.” Beth walked away then waved as she got into her car.

  Mark marched back inside, over to where Tim stood, and flashed him his infamous look. “The Mrs.?” He liked Tim well enough, but there was a reason he chose to confide more in Bill.

  38

  The Knight lounged on his plastic-covered sofa and removed sweat from his neck and back using hand wipes. The good-for-nothing landlord said he’d fix the malfunctioning heater as soon as possible. The Knight paused to consider how easily he could push the landlord from the top of the balcony stairs and make it look like an accident. Just one nudge—one good push. The Knight flinched, realizing he’d have to touch the man. Many women entered and exited the super’s apartment on a daily basis. The Knight could only imagine what diseases the man might carry. But hey, that’s what gloves were for. Besides, the way that man treated women, he’d only get what he deserved. The Knight shook his head. So many women out there who needed his help and not enough hours in the day to rescue them all. Too bad he couldn’t clone himself. The phone rang twice before he answered it. “Hello?”

  “This is Detective Mullins from the Riversdale Police Department.” Once the officer on the phone confirmed to whom he was speaking, he continued, “You were friends with Juanita Martinez. We’d like to call you back in for questioning.”

  Using a fresh wipe, the Knight removed sweat from his forehead. “Oh? I already gave you a statement. What happened to that?”

  “We’re calling back all witnesses in hopes of shedding more light on the case. You were a friend of hers. Wouldn’t you like to help solve her murder?”

  As much as he wanted to point out to this dolt that Juanita’s death wasn’t really a mystery, the Knight decided to play along. Prison was not the place for him. If only the Riversdale Police Department would do their job and keep the real criminals behind bars—guys like Mark who would only end up hurting Beth. Or scum like his landlord. “Of course. I’ll do anything I can to help.”

  “Can you meet me at the station in an hour?”

  “That’s short notice, but I suppose I can make it.”

  “Good, I’ll see you then.” As much as he wanted to run, he doubted he could throw together a plan to take Beth with him. And he wasn’t about to leave town without her. Sure, he could still watch her from the webcam, but leaving her alone with Mark and no one close by to watch over her—it wasn’t the knightly thing to do.

  He snatched his medicine from the coffee table. Should he take the pills or not? On one hand, they helped him remain calm. On the other, what if he became calm enough that he told what happened? While he believed Juanita’s death was justified, the Riversdale PD wouldn’t see it from his point of view.

  Gripping the pill bottle, he made his decision and popped two caplets. The drive to the police station proved to be enough time for the medicine to perform its magic. Once inside a detective’s office, the Knight felt at ease, what society referred to as sane or normal. The detective led him into a small room with a glass window, instructed him to take a seat behind a table, and left the room for a moment. Probably watching him from the other side of the window. Maybe waiting to see if he’d flip out and lose control. Good thing he’d taken his meds. Otherwise, the walls of the small room would be closing in on him right about now.

  The detective entered the room and sat across from the Knight. “Is it too cold in here? I can get you some coffee, if you’d like.”

  “No, no.” Who knows who might have touched the beverage? Though his pills prevented him from freaking out over the germs in the room, the Knight still made a mental note to shower once he got home. “I’m fine. I’d really rather get this over with.”

  “Oh, are you in a hurry to get somewhere?”

  “No, I…came here to help you, and that’s what I want to do.”

  “Good. In an earlier statement, you mentioned you were friends with Juanita. You’d met her at work.”

  The Knight crossed his legs. “That’s correct.”

  “And did you purchase a burial plot for her?”

  Something new. Something the police hadn’t asked about before. “Yes.” That was all they had? They couldn’t have asked him this over the phone?

  The detective crossed his arms. “Why?”

  “Why not? Juanita was a good friend. And seeing as she didn’t have much money and no family in the area, I decided to ensure she received a proper burial.”

  “Fair enough. Before you leave today, we’d like to take a DNA sample. Only a cheek swab. Shouldn’t hurt a bit.”

  The Knight scratched his head. The police said they had new evidence. Was it possible they found his DNA? As meticulous and careful as he’d been to wear gloves before and after the murder, he doubted they’d found anything. Perhaps the discovery about the burial plot was the new evidence, and the police hoped by asking for DNA that they’d pressure him, coerce him into making a confession. A nice fear tactic, but it wasn’t going to work. “Sure, I’d be happy to.”

  The detective was half right. The swab didn’t hurt physically, yet the thought of an officer introducing a foreign swab into his mouth disgusted him. Oh sure, the police claimed the procedure was sterile.

  Before leaving, the detective warned the Knight that he might need to call him in again as the case progressed. As it progressed…so the Riversdale PD really wasn’t going to let this be. The Knight shuddered. He’d worn gloves, but what if the police had found a hair. He snorted. How lousy would that be? Convicted for something as small as that.

  As the Knight entered the parking lot and staggered to his car, thoughts of digging up the murder weapon came to mind. Still, then he’d have to devise a plan to relocate it elsewhere. And he wasn’t sure he had that much time. First things first. He needed a plan to reveal Mark for who he was and an exit strategy for rescuing Beth and leaving town with her.

  And sufficient ammo in case he encountered resistance along the way.

  39

  That evening, Beth drove to Mark’s house. While lasagna cooked in the oven, she reclined on the couch and stared into space, as if in a catatonic trance. The world seemed silent.

  Mark exited the kitchen, a dish towel slung over his shoulder. “Something bothering you?”

  “Where should I begin?”

  Mark sat next to her and put his arm around her. “What’s wrong?”

  “Budget cuts. My school has to let ten teachers go mid-year, based on seniority, which is fair, but that doesn’t exactly help me. I’ll know more soon.” She rubbed her forehead. “And then my landlord called and reminded me I signed a short-term lease when I moved in, so it’s about time to sign again. All I’ve been thinking about is the layoffs, and I totally forgot. I’m not sure if I should sign another lease. I trust God will provide, but maybe I should look around for another place.”

  He shook his head and pulled her into a tighter embrace. She leaned her head against his chest. “Beth, I don’t think you’ll find a better deal, at least not any place where I’d feel comfortable having you stay.”

  Despite past tragedy, she and Mark had gotten off to a great start. They’d spent two weeks and three wonderful days together. She pulled away from him and rested her hands on her knees. “I do have a bit of money saved up. Maybe I’ll sign the lease for another year.”

  Mark’s eyes widened. He played with his shirt collar. “An entire year?”

  “You don’t think that’s a good idea?”

  Mark sent her the same look as a middle school student who’d just received a detention. “You should do what you want, but I’d suggest telling your landlord about your situation and see if he’
d let you lease on a month-to-month basis.”

  “My situation? I really wish I knew what that was.” She prayed for wisdom then remembered how God brought her and Mark together. Providing a job should be easy compared to that. Besides, this was the God of the universe she was talking to. Nothing was beyond His reach.

  40

  The Knight needed to lie low, but at the same time, he hoped to uncover more information on Mark, something he could use to prove to Beth that Mark was no good for her.

  He’d been monitoring Beth’s classroom by webcam. The school district had to make budget cuts, and Beth’s position was going to be eliminated. Fools. The Knight had seen her in action and witnessed the compassion she showed toward children. If anything, the district should give Beth a raise. Maybe the Knight ought to leave a surprise for the district office. Teach them not to hurt Beth.

  The Knight rubbed his eyes. He refused to become distracted from the problem at hand. Mark Graham. He’d been with Beth when she was attacked and failed to protect her. Now if only the Knight could help her to see this.

  On the webcam videos, Beth mentioned to police and other faculty that she’d spent Thanksgiving with her family and Mark. Things were progressing between the two of them. The Knight’s breathing became erratic. Hands on his thighs, he closed his eyes and tried not to hyperventilate. Upset about losing her job, Beth might feel further driven into Mark’s arms. The Knight gritted his teeth. He very well might have to hasten his plans.

  While he lay low, Mark was out there with Beth. And every day they were together meant another hour she was in danger. He located his notes on Mark’s schedule. Each day at 2:00 PM, the housekeeper walked the man’s mangy mutt down the street and back and never locked the door. If he could get to Mark’s house at that time, and slip inside, maybe he could find something useful, some sort of leverage.

  Examining his gun, he loaded the magazine to capacity then shoved it back into the weapon, locking it in place. If Mark or the housekeeper happened to discover him entering the house, he needed to be prepared.

  41

  Beth slid out of her car and joined Mark outside Fishy Business as he sanded the deck of the Orange Roughy. She stared at the ground and kicked at the dirt with her shoes for a few seconds then looked up. Mark had been proud of her when she’d had two jobs. Perhaps his opinion of her might change when he heard her news. “It’s official. I’m being let go next month. Didn’t even get the chance to start preparing students for the annual spring play. In fact, the play might even get cut.” She’d experienced her share of problems in a short lifetime. Why this and why now?

  Mark stopped working and looked up at her. “I’m sorry.”

  If she didn’t know better, she’d think he wanted to say more but restrained himself. Her mind raced. Perhaps he wanted to discuss their relationship, maybe even end things but then felt pity because she’d lost her job. She’d whined a lot about her problems lately. Maybe she’d gotten on Mark’s last nerve. Probably not the time to mention the notes from the Knight had started again. Considering the notes were probably from someone at the school, Beth shouldn’t be receiving them much longer anyway. Once Beth left her job, hopefully, the Knight would move on to annoying someone else.

  Besides discussing things with Mark, Beth hesitated to hand over the latest note to the principal. Looking for a new job, she’d need him for a reference, which meant staying on his good side. The man had expended enough time and manpower as it was to have someone escort her out to car throughout the year. That wouldn’t have influenced the district’s decision to cut her position, would it? And if she did tell him about her most recent note, all he’d do is reassign a guard to escort her each day. From now on, Beth would simply synchronize her schedule with the math teacher across the hall and walk outside with her.

  Beth stuffed her hands in her jean pockets—the same pair she’d worn when first meeting Mark in front of Fishy Business. That’s when their relationship had its first spark. And perhaps now it’d come full circle, about to die out. “I guess the good news is my landlord will let me rent on a month-to-month basis. Thanks for suggesting that.”

  “That’s good.” Mark furrowed his eyebrows. “Have you looked around to see if the other districts are hiring?”

  “A little. I didn’t see anything right now. It’s hard because it’s the middle of the school year. I don’t think most districts post their jobs for the next year just yet. But I guess maybe I could sub.”

  Mark’s bicep flexed as he held up his sanding tool then looked at her. “That’s a good idea.” He’d been going to the gym more lately. Working on a community college campus, who knew how many women he came in contact with. Regardless, he was bound to turn some heads with his rugged good looks. Frazzled and worried about her job, Beth hadn’t taken good care of herself lately. Fingering split ends, she realized her hair desperately needed a trim.

  “Yeah, but I heard some of the other teachers say it doesn’t pay that well. I’m also concerned that so many other teachers will be looking for positions.”

  “God’s still in control, right?”

  She bit back a grin. “Last time I checked. I suppose you’re right.”

  Mark motioned to her. “Come help me.” An invitation to join him. Far better than a rejection.

  Beth walked up on the boat, grabbed a sanding tool, and helped him finish the deck. God was in control, yet He decided to take Chris away and now her job. What next?

  42

  The Knight prepared for his big day. He studied his notes, going over them until he could recite them from memory.

  At 1:45 PM, he drove one block from Mark’s home and walked down the man’s street, hiding in a bush across from the house.

  At 2:02 PM, as soon as the housekeeper and the dog were out of range, the Knight slipped inside the house. At most, he had four minutes to get in and out. After scanning two bedrooms, he decided the most lived-in must be Mark’s. The Knight reflected on where he’d keep his own personal belongings and opened the man’s closet door. A box sat atop a shelf, and he opened it. A notebook lay inside, along with some photos. He snatched a photo and the notebook and glanced at his watch. Two minutes—he’d better go. After he replaced the box, he closed the closet door and went out the back. The Knight waited by the gate in the backyard until the housekeeper and the dog walked near the front door. The front door slammed, and he let himself into the front yard, closing the gate behind him. Then he crossed through the neighbor’s yard and walked around the block to his car, not stopping until he got there.

  He got into the driver’s seat and stared at the photo. Mark stood next to another man. Both appeared younger and were dressed in fatigues. The other looked a bit like Beth. He set the photo aside, opened the notebook, and began reading.

  Pretty mundane everyday stuff. Life in the Corps. Blah, blah, and then…Whoa. Yeah, good thing he was protecting Beth from Mark.

  A curse escaped his lips. So he wasn’t the only one with dark secrets. The Knight skipped his fingers along the edge of the notebook. Here was his golden ticket. With it, he could blackmail Mark and use it to win over Beth. The Knight hoped Beth would join him willingly. Murder was messy. He wasn’t sure he was up to cleaning up after another one.

  43

  Pulling the curtains to one side, Mark gazed out his living room window, waiting for Beth to arrive. A strange green car parked outside across the street attracted his attention. He didn’t remember seeing it before. Perhaps he should ask around to see if it belonged to one of the neighbors.

  He sighed. Still no sign of Beth.

  Two weeks had passed since she’d lost her job. He hoped a relaxing dinner might cheer her up. It was worth a try.

  A minute later, she pulled into his driveway, and he walked outside to meet her.

  “Hi.” Mark opened the door, greeted Beth with a kiss, then led her inside. At the same time, an engine started, and the green car pulled away from the curb. He shifted his gaze to Beth. “
I hope you brought your appetite.”

  Beth’s lips formed a faint smile.

  He’d hoped by now she’d find another job. If only he had more for her to do at Fishy Business, he’d hire her back in a heartbeat. Maybe if he kept his ears open, something might open up at the community college, and he could help her find a position there.

  They walked through his house then out to his yard. Beth sat at a picnic table and scratched Sparky’s head while Mark grilled dinner.

  Mark turned the meat on the grill. “Want to go to the movies this Saturday?”

  “Huh? Oh, sure. But I probably should walk around the mall first and pick up some applications.”

  No matter what he said, he couldn’t take her mind off the problem at hand. Or could he?

  After finishing their meals, they sat outside and watched the evening sunset while Sparky romped around.

  His lips brushed her cheek, but she remained unfazed.

  Sparky scampered over and brought Beth a tennis ball. For a moment, she appeared to smile, but then she threw the ball and stared into the distance.

  The dog returned and dropped the ball in front of them then lay on the ground, kicking his back legs behind him.

  Perhaps her sadness came from more than the layoffs. Mark rested a hand on Beth’s shoulder. “Still thinking about the job situation?”

  Beth nodded. “I’ve saved up some money over the past few months, which is good.”

  “But…?”

  “But I’m concerned how long I’ll be out of work.” She remained quiet for a moment, bit her lip, then sent him a look that told him he wasn’t going to like what she had to say. “I found a teaching job in Columbus.”

  C-bus. Not exactly next door. His shoulders tensed.

  “I like it here, and I want to stay. But eventually my savings will run out. I don’t want to go, but I…” She choked back a sob.