The Lab Test

by Chris Taylor

  Jett glanced at Lane and together, they silently debated whether to interrupt or to stay quiet and see what they could find out, but a moment later, a blood curdling howl ripped from deep inside the man’s throat was followed by the woman’s ear-piercing scream.

  Without hesitation, Jett turned the doorknob, expecting it to be locked. To his surprise, it turned easily beneath his hand and he and Lane shoulder-barged their way in. It only took seconds for Jett to take in the scene: Franklin hurtled toward Dani with a wicked-looking knife; Dani, her eyes wide with shock, screamed in terror. Jett’s heart leaped into his throat.

  “Freeze! Police!” Jett screamed, drawing his gun. Out of the corner of his eye, he was relieved to see Lane had done the same.

  The two of them kept their guns trained on Franklin. Jett hardly dared to breathe. Dani’s brother-in-law was breathing heavily and a feral glint sparked wildly in his eyes. His gaze skittered from one to the other, the knife still held high in his hand.

  “Drop the knife, Franklin,” Jett ordered. “You’re in enough trouble. Don’t go adding to it with another murder charge.”

  Franklin continued to stare at them, as if debating his chances of getting away. He glanced at the open door behind them and then at Dani who stood not very far away. Jett’s heart pounded. Any moment, Franklin could make a move and it might not be the one Jett hoped for. He stared at Dani, willing her to move further away, out of the danger zone, but it was almost as if she was transfixed by terror, her feet refusing to move.

  And then with a guttural growl, followed by a savage curse, Franklin spun on his heel and flung the knife away. It landed with a clatter on the polished marble tiles near the kitchen, well out of harm’s way. Jett’s shoulders slumped on a sigh of relief. He went to holster his gun.

  “Franklin! No!”

  Dani’s terrified scream made Jett’s blood run cold. He looked up in time to see Franklin hoist up one of the heavy dining chairs and run toward the plate glass windows. A moment later, there was a crack like a bullet.

  Broken glass sprayed out all over the place. With a triumphant yell, Franklin followed the chair through the jagged opening. Jett didn’t have to see his landing or hear the thud as he hit the ground to know that Franklin Cook had just jumped to his death, ten storeys below.

  * * *

  Dani’s heart beat so hard she thought it might jump right out of her chest. Her breath still came fast and it was all she could do to ward off a panic attack. In the space of a few minutes, she’d been threatened with a knife, rescued just in time, and then watched her brother-in-law jump to his death. Coupled with the sure knowledge he’d murdered her niece and sister, she didn’t know how much more she could take.

  She risked a glance in Jett’s direction and noticed he was still talking on the phone. She figured he’d be busy for some time. A suicide in the course of an arrest would do that.

  He’d come over to her briefly, immediately after Franklin’s jump and had asked about her welfare. Was she all right? Did she need an ambulance? She’d assured him she was fine and he’d thrown her a long, inscrutable look, but had then nodded, taking her answer at face value. He’d been on the phone ever since.

  She didn’t know what she expected. After all, the night before, they’d departed on rather abrupt terms. She’d asked him to leave and he had, but he’d been far from happy about it. She hadn’t seen or heard from him since.

  The room filled with more police officers, including two with the word “Forensics” printed in bright yellow across the back of their dark-blue overalls. Jett gave orders and officers moved to do his bidding. Dani stood where she was, halfway across the room. She hadn’t moved since Franklin dived out the window, despite Jett’s gentle urging that she might want to find somewhere to sit.

  What she wanted was to leave this place and everything in it and never, ever come back, but she was required for further questioning and had been asked to stay put. An older man with graying hair and a weary expression on his face came over and introduced himself.

  “I’m Detective Superintendent Michael Collins. I’m from the State Crime Command. I understand you’re Danielle Porter. Is that correct?”

  “Yes,” Dani replied softly, bracing herself for what was to come. This would only be the first of many times she’d be forced to recount in vivid detail what had happened and every time she’d remember Franklin and the shock and horror on his face and then she’d remember the feeling of satisfaction that it was right he feel like that. He’d murdered her sister and baby niece in error, out of misplaced jealousy and rage and he wouldn’t be forgiven for that. She hoped he rotted in hell.

  The superintendent pulled out a notepad and with a little prompting, in a monotone, she recounted exactly what had occurred. It seemed to take forever, but finally, he tucked the notepad away in his shirt pocket, and throwing her a grave look of understanding, thanked her for her time and moved away.

  Unsure what to do with herself, Dani wandered out of the living area and walked down the carpeted hall. She found herself in the spare bedroom—the room Sabrina had laughingly referred to as “Dani’s room.”

  Like the rest of the house, it was tastefully furnished with expensive pieces. The heavy damask curtains alone must have cost a bomb. The pale blue-and-white color scheme was so pretty and Dani had always felt comfortable here—wanted, loved.

  Moving further into the room, Dani perched gingerly on the edge of the bed. Once upon a time, she would have thrown herself across the expensive fine cotton bedspread and let her troubles melt away. But those days were long gone and would never be again.

  Moisture burned behind her eyes. There was nowhere she could go, to talk things out, nowhere she could go to unwind. She had Ben, of course, and a truer friend didn’t exist, but Ben had his own issues and it wasn’t fair to expect him to deal with hers.

  “What are you doing in here?”

  She looked up at the sound of Jett’s voice and hurriedly swiped at her tears. “I… I’m sorry. I gave a statement to the superintendent, but I wasn’t sure if I was free to leave. I… I didn’t know what to do. So, I came in here.”

  Jett nodded. He eased further into the room, his expression grim. He looked around at the feminine furnishings and then glanced back at her. “Was this where you slept when you stayed over?”

  “Yes.” Her breath caught on a sob. She couldn’t believe she’d never see her sister again. Never hear her laughter, tell stories; share secrets in this very room. It wasn’t fair. It darn well wasn’t fair.

  “We’ve had another witness come forward,” he said quietly. “A guy who lives in the apartment two floors below. He says he saw a fire in the woods behind the building on the night Sabrina and Marnie were killed. I despatched a couple of officers to investigate. They found the remains of some clothing and the blade of a knife. It matches the set in the kitchen.”

  “One of the same knives Franklin was going to use on me. I… I just c-can’t believe they’re gone!” She hiccupped. “Sabrina, my beautiful sister and sweet baby Marnie. And Franklin…”

  Jett moved to sit beside her. In silence, he put his arm around her and drew her against his side. She tensed momentarily, but it felt so good to be held. She dropped her head on his shoulder and allowed herself to cry.

  Her gasps of distress were noisy in the silence. Jett murmured words of comfort against her hair and stroked her back and shoulders. She took comfort from his quiet strength and knowledge that he was there. If he’d arrived a few moments later… She shuddered to think it could have easily been her with the forensics officers standing over her body, photographing her remains.

  “I’m sorry, Dani,” Jett whispered and tightened his hold around her shoulders. “I wish I could have done something, stopped him.”

  She looked up at him through her tears. “You did more than enough. You got here just in time.” She shuddered. “I don’t even want to think about what might have happened if you hadn’t. Franklin… He just went b
erserk when I told him about the lab results, how he’d made a terrible mistake. I think he was shocked beyond belief. He went crazy. The next moment, I realized he was coming at me with a knife. I screamed…”

  She couldn’t go any further and Jett seemed to understand. He shushed her quietly and once again, drew her close against his side. Grateful for his presence, she slipped her arms around his waist and clung to him.

  A long moment later, he lifted his head and gently loosened his hold. “I’m sorry, honey. I’m going to have to leave you. I have to get back to work.”

  She stared up at him. His use of the endearment filled her with surprise and warmth. Perhaps there was a chance for them, after all. A tiny spark of hope ignited deep inside. She nodded slowly in response to his statement. “It’s all right, Jett. I understand.”

  He got to his feet and pulled her upright and enveloped her in a strong hug. “You’re free to go home now. I’m going to be stuck here for quite a while, but… Do you mind if I come by later? We need to talk.”

  He spoke the words quietly and without inflection, his expression somber. Butterflies of dread filled her stomach, but she held his gaze bravely and nodded. “Okay.”

  He blew his breath out on a heavy sigh, but offered her the slightest smile. “Okay. I’m not sure what time it will be. I’ll get away as soon as I can.”

  “It’s all right,” she assured him softly. “I won’t be going anywhere. Come by whenever you’re free.”

  “Thank you.” He moved toward the door. With his lips compressed, he threw a final look over his shoulder and left the room.

  The late afternoon sun was poking its face through the low cloud cover when Dani answered Jett’s knock on her door. She’d spent the rest of the day staring into space in her living room and talking to a few close friends on the phone.

  She’d called Ben, but her call had gone through to his voicemail and she remembered him telling her he’d be in court. When he finally received her message and called her back, he’d been shocked at what had happened. He wanted to come over right away.

  He’d offered to explain to his remaining clients that an emergency had cropped up and get instructions to seek an immediate adjournments from the judge, but Dani assured him she was doing okay and that he was needed more where he was.

  And now, Jett stood in her doorway, looking tired and disheveled, but there was an air of tension around him that sent her nerves into overdrive.

  “Come in,” she said and stepped back to allow him to enter. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “A beer, if you have it,” he said and then grimaced. “I’m sorry, Dani. I forgot. Water’s fine.”

  She nodded and walked across the modest living room to the fridge that stood at the end of the kitchen. Opening the door, she retrieved a bottle of water and handed it to him.

  “Thanks,” he said and unscrewed the cap and swallowed half the contents in one gulp.

  “Wow, I guess you must be thirsty,” she murmured and allowed herself the tiniest smile.

  “It’s been a hot day,” he replied.

  An awkward silence fell between them and Dani averted her gaze. It was like neither of them knew where to start or what to say.

  “I’m sorry about last night—” he started.

  “I’ve been thinking about what I said—”

  They spoke simultaneously and then stopped. Nervous laughter fell from their lips. Dani looked at Jett and then glanced away. Jett stared down at his feet.

  “Do you mind if we sit down?” he asked quietly.

  “No, of course not.”

  Dani moved to the couch and then froze, remembering the last time they’d been there. Heat spread from her neck and across her cheeks. She snuck a peek at Jett and saw his embarrassment.

  She guessed he was also recalling their last time alone at her place, but there was nothing for it. She only had one couch. Unless they departed for her bedroom, there was nowhere else to sit. The tiny bedsit wasn’t big enough for a dining room table or chairs. The sofa and her bed were it.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Jett watched Dani move past him, head toward the couch with a no-nonsense approach, and sit at one end. Pushing away his memories of the last time they’d been there, he took her lead. He wasn’t sure where to begin and earlier that morning, he hadn’t wanted to begin at all, but the events of the day had made him realize he cared for her deeply and wanted to try again.

  “Last night, I was so angry at you,” he began in a matter of fact voice, “but I was even angrier at myself.”

  She blinked and her eyes widened in surprise.

  He understood her reaction. He’d left her home unhappy and upset that she refused to discuss her ridiculous claim that she wasn’t good enough for him, but he hadn’t been angry. No, it wasn’t until after he’d seen her with her ex that the anger had set in.

  “Why were you angry?” she asked.

  “I was frustrated and hurt about what you’d said—that we couldn’t make things work. I argued back and forth about your ridiculous attitude all the way home, but before I climbed out of my car, I made up my mind to go back and talk to you. I wanted to do what I could to make you see sense.”

  Her eyes grew wary. “Okay. I still don’t know what got you so angry.”

  “I pulled up at the curb outside your house. It was late. You were standing nearby, with your ex. Only, he didn’t look like an ex. The two of you were enjoying a very intimate embrace.”

  She frowned in confusion. “Me? And…Ben? Are you sure?”

  “Yes, of course I’m sure. It was dark, but I’m not blind. You and Ben Fitzgerald had your arms around each other and were kissing. I didn’t hang around.”

  She was silent for a moment and a frown still marred her forehead. A few seconds later, it cleared and she chuckled. “Oh, yes, you’re right! I remember now! It was Ben and I on the front porch and we did kiss.”

  A fresh wave of hurt and anger surged through him. He went to get up off the couch. Dani’s arm came out and restrained him.

  “Please,” she said. “Let me explain.”

  With a sigh of resignation, he let her draw him back beside her. When he tried to retrieve his arm, she tightened her hold.

  “I was upset when you left here,” she started, her tone quiet. “Last night was magical, something out of this world. I’d been with a lot of men, but no one as special as you. I started thinking about how wonderful you were—how kind and loving and good—and not only you, but your family. I realized how inadequate I was and how my family and I could never measure up. It wouldn’t be fair to you or to your family to ask that they ignore the many shortcomings of my past and focus only on my present.”

  She heaved a heavy sigh before continuing. “So, I pushed you away. I thought it was the best and fairest thing I could do. I was falling in love with you and it wasn’t right. I wanted to break things off while I could.”

  Jett stared at her and hope trickled into his heart. “You’re falling in love with me?” he asked, almost scared to repeat the question.

  Dani looked at him, her eyes full of sadness. “Yes. But, like I said, it was all wrong. I’m not good enough for you. At least—”

  “Dani, that’s nonsense!” he interrupted, his anger stirring. He ran a hand through his hair and made a sound of frustration deep in his throat. How could he make her see? What could he say to convince her? With an effort, he tried again.

  “Like I told you last night, I don’t care about your past and my family won’t either. They—”

  “If you’d let me finish,” she broke in, “I would have told you that I felt that way last night. It was awful after you left. I felt like my heart was breaking. After all that I’d been through with Sabrina and Marnie and Franklin… I went out and bought a bottle of scotch.”

  Jett’s breath caught in his throat. She’d told him weeks ago that she’d been sober for more than ten years. He stared at her and dread formed an icy lump deep in his gu
t.

  “I came home with a bottle of Johnnie Walker and I stared at it for quite a while. Finally, I got the courage to call my sponsor.”

  Jett’s eyes widened in sudden comprehension. “Ben.”

  “Yes, Ben,” Dani sighed. “Dear, dear Ben.”

  “He came over,” Jett stated.

  “To help me, yes.”

  “And somehow, you both picked up where you’d left off a few years ago.” It took everything Jett had, to say it, but they needed to be honest. If they were ever going to have a chance at a relationship, there could be no misunderstandings.

  “No.”

  He frowned. “What do you mean, no?”

  “I mean, Ben came around and helped me by talking me through so much of what had happened. He convinced me alcohol wasn’t the answer. When I told him about you, he also persuaded me to trust myself and you and have faith in what we felt together. He convinced me to give things with you another shot.”

  Jett sat forward, his body angled toward hers. His heart picked up its pace. “You mean, he encouraged you to see me again, to…start a relationship?”

  Dani stared at him, her eyes huge in her face. She looked scared and excited and happy, all at the same time. “Yes. That’s exactly what he did.”

  The trickle of hope in Jett’s gut morphed into a river, but he had to make sure. “So, what I saw outside your house—the two of you…?”

  “What you saw were two very close friends being grateful they had each other. Nothing more.”

  Jett let out a holler of excitement. Unable to contain himself, he stood and scooped Dani up into his arms. He swung her around amidst laughter and tears and plastered her with kisses. She’d been through such a horrific time, but right there and then, he couldn’t be happier.

  Finally, he slid her down his body and set her on her feet. He stared at her in wonder and disbelief. “I love you, Danielle Porter. Now and forever.”

  She blinked and smiled through her tears. “I love you, too.”