by Kira Chase
He nodded. “Of course.” He sat down in the vacant chair facing the two women.
“Can you tell us if Cassandra said anything unusual the last time you spoke to her?” Johanna asked.
He thoughtfully ran a hand over his chin. “I’ve been questioned twice already. As I’ve told Sheriff Ryker and his deputies, she was extremely upset. She found out that Graham…her husband…was having an affair.”
“Did she say with whom?” Johanna asked.
He shook his head. “All she said was it was someone close to her. She was heartbroken.”
Frankie saw the way Johanna’s shoulders stiffened. “It sounds like you and she were very close.”
“We were…as friends. There was nothing going on between us. She’d never cheat on her husband.”
“As far as you know she’d never fooled around?” Frankie asked.
He emphatically shook his head. “No. She was in love with Graham. Regardless of what anyone thought of their May-December romance, he was her knight in shining armor.”
“What about the rumors about you and she having an affair? How did you handle that?” Johanna asked.
He laughed. “I told you, we were friends…that’s all. We both laughed at how some people are so small-minded they can’t believe it’s possible for a man and woman to be good, close friends without it turning physical. She was dedicated to Graham and Graham was the only man she wanted.”
“What about Joe Bunson? You must have wondered why she stopped training with you and began nights with him.” Frankie saw the dark cloud that passed over his face.
“Bunson is an asshole. Of course I was concerned when Cassandra abruptly ended her training sessions and friendship with me without a plausible explanation. She’d left a note telling me to stay away from her and that she would take legal action against me if I came within ten feet of her.”
Frankie stared into his eyes. “Did you try to contact her?”
“No.” He cleared his throat. “When the rumors about Bunson and her started, I couldn’t believe it. The Cassandra I knew would never lower herself to have an affair with someone of Bunson’s caliber. I confronted Bunson and he acknowledged the rumors were true.” His jaw twitched. “It took all my willpower not to smash his face in.”
“You never saw Cassandra in person after that?”
“No.” He rapidly blinked away the tears that formed in his eyes. “It was as though she’d suddenly developed a split personality. There was the Cassandra I knew who was soft and kind. The new Cassandra was cold and uncaring,” he replied in a husky voice.
“You must have been devastated when you heard about her murder,” Johanna said compassionately.
He inhaled sharply. “It was like someone had stuck a knife in my heart. I thought they’d made a mistake. I still can’t believe she’s really gone. I wish I could have talked to her at least one last time. I needed some closure. When a close personal friendship ends abruptly it’s only natural to want to know what happened. I never knew if I’d said or done something to offend her. Most of all I wanted to ask her why she suddenly turned against all her beliefs and began an affair with Bunson of all people.”
Frankie watched his eyes flashing angrily when he said Bunson’s name. “Do you have any idea who could have wanted her dead?”
“No one I know would have ever harmed a hair on her head. She had no enemies. That’s why I thought something was off when she ended our friendship. It wasn’t in her nature to be so cold and threatening.” His shoulders sagged. “But then I never thought she would have cheated on her husband…especially with scum like Bunson.” His eyes brimmed with tears. “The Cassandra I knew was sweet, compassionate and never uttered a bad word against anyone. She always saw the good in everyone no matter what the person may have done.” He swiped at his eyes. “Please forgive me.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t know what happened for her personality to take such a radical change. To say it was a shock is putting it mildly.”
Johanna handed him a business card. “If there’s anything else you remember please give us a call.”
He nodded. “I’ll do anything to get the bastard who murdered Cassandra.”
* * * *
“Back to the office or home?” Frankie asked as she backed Johanna’s car out of the parking space in front of Riley’s Gym.
Johanna glanced at her wristwatch. “Let’s call it a day. Don’t forget to stop and pick up a can of gas.”
Frankie laughed. “I won’t.” She eased the car into traffic.
Johanna settled back in her seat. “I still think Bower did it, Frankie.”
“What!” She stole a quick glance at Johanna before turning her attention back to the busy highway. “You’re kidding, I hope.”
“No, I’m serious. I don’t think he intended to kill Cassandra, though.”
“Do you think Bunson was his intended target?” Frankie asked.
“You saw his reaction at the mention of Bunson. His description of the letter Cassandra allegedly wrote sounds like something Chelsea would write from what we’ve learned about her.”
“We don’t even know if a letter was written. He could be lying.”
“I think a letter was written all right, but by Chelsea.” She shifted in her seat. “I also think when he confronted Bunson about the affair, Bower became consumed with jealousy.”
“He said Cassandra and he were only friends,” Frankie replied. “You still think he wanted more?”
“He definitely wanted more, but I think he was waiting for Cassandra to make the first move. It must have crushed him when she didn’t and then a short time later began an affair with Bunson...a man he passionately despised.”
“So where the hell is Chelsea?”
“That’s what we need to find out.” Johanna sighed heavily. “Let’s grill some steaks and eat out on the deck. We can strategize.”
“We tried that at the office and we didn’t even get through the whole list.”
“It wasn’t a waste of time. It’s made me think.” She patted Frankie’s knee.
“You make the salad and I’ll grill the steaks.”
“That was my plan,” Johanna said with a sly grin.
Chapter 13
Frankie popped open two cans of beer and handed one to Johanna. She rested her elbows on the deck railing and stared into the pool. “It’s a beautiful night,” she murmured. She sipped her beer and then carefully set it on the railing. “It was nice having dinner out here tonight. We need to have more relaxing nights like this together.”
“I agree, babe.” Johanna brought the can of beer to her lips and took a swallow. “So, want to call it an early night? We’ve got a busy day tomorrow.”
Turning, Frankie smiled seductively at Johanna. “This is the perfect night for our swim.” She slowly removed her clothes, walked over to Johanna, and held out a hand to her.
Johanna set her beer on the table and took Frankie’s hand. She stood admiring her lover’s body. “You’re right. We’ve been so wrapped up in work all summer we’ve barely had time to enjoy our home.” She enclosed Frankie in her arms. “You feel so good,” she murmured. She gently brushed Frankie’s hair from her brow then tilted her head and met Frankie’s waiting lips.
Frankie expertly pushed Johanna’s shorts down then reached behind her and under her shirt, unhooking her bra. She moaned as she ended the kiss and pulled Johanna’s shirt over her head, letting the bra fall to the deck. Frankie wasted no time cupping Johanna’s breasts.
Johanna stepped out of her shorts and panties and let Frankie lead her down the steps to the pool. They sat on the edge dangling their legs over the side with their feet touching the water. “I’m glad we have this all to ourselves and no one can see us.”
“I know,” Johanna replied softly as she gazed lovingly at Frankie’s perfect body. “I love having the privacy to strip down and swim naked in our own pool.”
Frankie kissed her deeply then eased herself into the pool, turned and
held out her arms to Johanna.
Johanna eagerly joined her. “I can never get enough of you. Do you know that?” she whispered close to Frankie’s ear. Johanna ran her tongue softly under Frankie’s ear lobe.
Frankie shuddered and cupped Johanna’s firm ass, drawing her close. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”
“Not in the last hour or so,” she whispered hoarsely.
“Well, how about I show you, then?” Her voice was husky. She kissed her deeply while her hands expertly explored Johanna’s body.
Johanna moaned when Frankie’s finger slid into her. She wriggled her hips, moving back and forth as Frankie added another finger. The tip of Frankie’s tongue flicked back and forth across Johanna’s hardened nipples.
“Does that feel good, baby?” Frankie cooed.
“God, yes!” she panted as she slipped a finger inside Frankie while their bodies moved in sync.
They stared into one another’s eyes. The warm water heightened their passion and they clung to one another as they brought each other to a quick climax. They stayed wrapped in one another’s arms for a few minutes, sensually caressing one another without speaking.
“I’ve got to get back into shape. I’ve been sitting on my butt too much lately,” Johanna said, breaking the silence. “I’m going to make the time for a vigorous workout every evening.”
Frankie smiled. “Your body is beautiful,” she whispered. “You’re as firm and fit as the day I met you.”
“And I want to keep it that way,” she said, pulling away. She glided gracefully through the water. She turned her head and looked over her shoulder. “Coming?”
Frankie grinned as she swam toward her. She caught up to her and they swam vigorously for several minutes, then slowed down and swam leisurely for half an hour, finally pulling themselves up on two flotation rafts.
Johanna sprawled on her stomach and turned her head to face Frankie who relaxed on her back as she stared up at the star-lit sky.
“What are you thinking, babe?”
“How lucky I am to have you.”
“I’m still in awe sometimes about how we’re together twenty-four hours a day and never grow tired of each other’s company.”
“I know. But I think it’s because we keep everything fresh. And it doesn’t hurt that we’re in the same business. I don’t think it would work as well if one of us had a nine-to-five job. Then resentments might set in because we both know how we can some days barely catch a break at home. The one left at home would become lonely and who knows what could happen?”
“Well at least that’s something we’ll never have to worry about. I’m glad you’re my partner in all areas.”
“I wouldn’t change a thing about us or our relationship. I’d like to change one thing about this case, though.”
Johanna’s brow puckered. “Oh? What would you change?”
Frankie sighed heavily. “Agreeing to take it.”
“But we did.”
“And we’re nowhere near solving it.”
Johanna reached her hand out. “We will,” she said softly. “We always do.”
Frankie took her hand and squeezed it. “Promise me that after this case it’s going to be just you and me for some alone time. We need some relaxation.”
“I promise. After my mother’s visit you and I are going to take off and go anywhere you want. First we’ll go on a shopping spree to Victoria’s Secret. When I was in the mall I passed by the store and I saw something that would look fantastic on you.”
Frankie looked into Johanna’s eyes. “I thought I’d like to get away, but know what I’d really like?”
“What?”
“To tell everyone we’re going away, but actually just stay home undisturbed and relax at our own home.”
Johanna grinned. “I love it! After all, we have our own little paradise right here.”
“We’re so secluded no one will know if we’re home or not. And we’ll still go to Victoria’s Secret.”
“You got it! I can’t wait.” She breathed deeply. “No schedules…just you and me. We can sleep as late as we like or stay in bed all day.”
Frankie squeezed her hand again. “That makes me more determined than ever to wrap up this case.” She stretched. “What’s on the schedule tomorrow?”
“We have the meeting with Martin Stedman, Cassandra’s lawyer. I have some paperwork to finish up in the morning. Other than that, not much of anything.”
“I’d better stop at the sheriff’s office and pick up the summonses George wants served. I can serve them while you’re doing the paperwork. That’ll save time. Maybe I can hint around to see what direction he’s taking with the case.”
Johanna laughed. “Okay. I want to run something by you.”
“What’s up?” she looked at her quizzically.
“I think we need to tail Graham.”
Frankie’s eyes widened with delight. “Are you serious? I’ve been trying to convince you that it’s him. What made you change your mind?”
“I’m serious about tailing him, but not because I think he’s guilty. I know damned well that he’s lying to us about where Chelsea is. He’s got to be in contact with her somehow. I am hoping he’ll take us to her.”
Frankie chewed her bottom lip. “Don’t you think it’s time we filled George in on Chelsea?”
“Let’s hold off just a little longer. At least until we talk to Cassandra’s lawyer.”
“Why?” Frankie eyed her, knowing that she had something up her sleeve.
“If George thinks we suspect Graham of hiding Chelsea, then he’ll question him about it and Graham will hang low. He won’t dare go near her if he thinks George is on to him. And George will be pissed that we didn’t tell him sooner.”
“He’s going to be pissed either way, but I see your point. If we find Chelsea and then tell him, he might assume we just found her ourselves. Or he might say what he always does—we’re chasing clouds.”
“Right, but why take chances?” Johanna pushed a strand of hair over her shoulder.
Frankie sighed wearily. “At this point I don’t know anything.”
“That’s why we’ve got to play it cool with George for now. We’re not hampering the investigation in any way, since Chelsea isn’t a suspect.”
“Any ideas where you think George is going with this?”
“No. I think he’s as stumped as we are. The news hasn’t reported any new developments, but I’m sure he’s being pressured by the powers that be.”
Frankie turned on her side. “Lay out the plan for tailing Graham.”
“Tomorrow night we’ll stake out the mansion. We’ll see who comes and leaves. Hopefully he’ll go see Chelsea. I’m assuming that he goes to her late at night.”
Chapter 14
“Let’s stay in bed all day,” Frankie said, squinting as Johanna opened the blinds. Brilliant sunlight instantly flooded the room. “I don’t want to work today.” She yawned then stretched.
Johanna laughed. “I’ve already showered and made coffee. I was nice and let you sleep in this morning.” She threw a pillow at her.
“And I thank you, but I still hate getting up.”
Johanna sat on the edge of the bed. “What’s wrong? Are you coming down with something?” she asked worriedly. “You look tired.”
“No. I just have an uneasy feeling.”
“Want to talk about it?” Fear gripped the pit of Johanna’s stomach. It was rare that Frankie dreaded a case, but when she did, the foreboding look in her eyes sent a chill up Johanna’s spine. Usually Frankie’s sense of dread had an uncanny way of coming true.
“It’s nothing,” Frankie said, forcing a smile. She patted Johanna’s shoulder as she slid out of bed. “I’m going to grab a shower. Would you make me a couple pieces of rye toast?”
“Sure, honey.”
Johanna was buttering Frankie’s toast when Frankie walked into the kitchen. Frankie placed their guns on the counter.
&n
bsp; “I’m going to deliver the summonses to get them out of the way.” She sat at the counter and picked up a piece of toast. “I’m sure everything will be fine, but stay on guard while I’m out of the office. Or do you want to come with me?”
“No. I want to research a couple of things.” Johanna poured her a cup of coffee and set it in front of her. “Your eerie feelings usually come true.” She shivered. “I just hope this one doesn’t.”
Frankie swallowed a bite of toast. “This whole case gives me the creeps.”
“You think I’m wrong, wanting to wait to fill George in?” She already knew the answer, but wanted Frankie to state it. She looked into Frankie’s big chocolate brown eyes as they met her own.
“I’m just uneasy and I think this case may be bigger than we’re capable of handling alone.” She swallowed a bite of toast and wiped her hands on a paper napkin. “At least if George knew our suspicions, if anything were to happen to us, he’d know who to go after.”
Johanna saw the dark shadows under Frankie’s eyes and knew she hadn’t slept well. “I thought we’d discussed all of this last night.”
Frankie sighed wearily. “I know we did, but something doesn’t feel right.”
“You’re scaring me, Frankie. It’s not like you to want to back off a case.”
“I’m not saying we should back off. I want to get him, but it doesn’t feel right. Something’s off. Something’s wrong. I can’t put my finger on it, though.” She swallowed hard. “I couldn’t protect you that time you got shot. I should have been with you.” Her bottom lip trembled. “I’ve never forgiven myself and neither has your mother.”
Johanna’s heart broke as she looked at Frankie’s pleading eyes. “Honey, that was a long time ago. There was nothing you could have done. It was a freak accident, and even if you’d been right next to me the outcome would have been the same. As far as my mother is concerned she knows it wasn’t your fault.”
