Killing Season

by Faye Kellerman

  “Oh God,” Vicks said. “Now I can’t walk. How am I going to share a room with you, Dorothy?”

  “Did you get separate beds?”

  “Yes, I did, but it won’t help. Your aura will waft across the divide.”

  “We’ll have to wait and see what happens.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his nose. “Let’s go find the others.”

  They were sitting on a bench in front of a bonfire, Griffen positioned between his two ladies. Lilly had on a makeshift wreath around her neck and Haley was drinking something hot from a paper cup. Griff was staring, transfixed by the flames.

  Vicks interrupted his reverie. “We need to get back.”

  Three heads lifted up. Lilly stood before the others. “What’d you think about the walk, Ro?”

  “Fabulous.” Lilly’s eyes went to Ro’s and Ben’s clasped gloves. Her smile was as gracious as it was sad. Poor kid. Ro said, “I’m going to take you guys and Ezra to the winter dance tomorrow. This guy is crapping out on you.”

  Haley said, “What are you wearing to the dance, Ro?”

  “It’s a surprise.” She felt something tickle her nose and brushed it off. “We should be heading back.” Again something landed on her nose, light and wet. She looked up, and as if on cue, millions of snowflakes were dancing in the sky. God had found a saltshaker. She linked her arm with Ben’s as they all walked down the rest of the incline. “This is incredibly beautiful.”

  He brushed snow off her face and gently kissed her lips. “How did I get so lucky?”

  “You didn’t.” Ro laughed. “You have to do the dishes, remember?”

  “I’d do a zillion dishes for this moment. It’s probably the finest of my life.”

  “You’re a cheap date.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” She put her head against his shoulder as they ambled back to the car, her face wet with hundreds of snowflakes. She had lived with snow all her life, but . . . the evening, the setting, the boy. It all came together. It was magical. “I don’t want this to ever end.”

  “I know. I feel the same way.”

  But Ro knew that it was going to end. It always did. When you’ve experienced loss, happiness was always slightly tainted, like waiting for the other shoe to drop.

  Chapter 2

  At one in the morning, with the rest of the house asleep, Ben could finally concentrate. Being in love threw him off balance. It was a joyous feeling but unsettling—like being stoned or drunk. He was so used to being in control, it was hard to let go even for something so wonderful and arousing.

  Arousing was an understatement.

  Since Ro had come into his life, it was not surprising that desire had decided to wake up and party. Now it was impossible to get to sleep without intervention. He was just starting to settle down although his mind kept racing and racing.

  The good news was the winter solstice had come and gone with nothing in River Remez to show for it. Ben kept expecting an ominous beep on his computer, but so far, it hadn’t materialized. The future was out there, but he couldn’t think about it. Instead, he did what he did best. He autopsied the past.

  On his monitor was the Julia Rehnquist murder case—as much as he could find out without looking at the actual police file. In a few days, he’d be in Berkeley, talking to the family, gleaning as much information from them as social convention would allow. Shanks was still dithering about making the call to the Berkeley PD. Perhaps he wasn’t the only one who didn’t want to look stupid. Sam couched it in caution, waiting until Katie Doogan’s biological evidence had been processed.

  Dredging up the past for the Rehnquist family would be painful. Ben hoped the information would be worth the agony. He needed data: times, places, hobbies, friends, boyfriends, likes, dislikes, where she hung out, and what she did. His questions seemed without limit. He’d have to narrow his focus because he couldn’t overwhelm them.

  There was a small knock on his door. Someone had noticed his light was on. He got up and put on a robe. His room was like ice because he’d been airing out the smell of teenage boy. He closed the window and opened his door. Lilly was dressed in flannel pajamas and a robe and slippers. Ben asked, “Are you okay?”

  She nodded, her face surrounded by a mane of black hair. Her hands were holding a small package. In the dim light, Ben couldn’t see all that much, but her black eyes were twinkling.

  “Merry Christmas, Ben.” She handed him a wrapped package.

  He saw the excitement in her eyes. “Why, thank you.” He took the box. “Don’t we usually do this on Christmas Day?”

  “How about you open mine tonight and I’ll open yours tomorrow?”

  Clearly, she didn’t want to wait and clearly, she wanted to do this with just the two of them. He said, “Okay. You got me curious.” He pulled off the paper. Inside the box was an engraved silver belt buckle festooned with turquoise. The piece had taken lots of hours to make and lots of attention to detail. “Let me get a little light on this.” He turned on the overhead fixture. “This is absolutely gorgeous.”

  “See the wolf in the middle?”

  “Yes, I do. That’s me. Benjamin the wolf . . . the lone wolf. Man, you really are a pro. This is incredibly well done.”

  She smiled shyly.

  “The engraving is beautiful. You’ve done the eagle feathers and these wavy lines are the water, right?”

  She nodded.

  “So, what are these bolts—lightning, thunder, or rattlesnakes?”

  “Lightning. A million volts of electricity. That’s you. All energy.”

  “And most of it entropy,” Ben said. “It is by far the most beautiful present that someone has ever given me.” He kissed her cheek. “Thank you very much.”

  “Will you wear it?”

  “Of course I’ll wear it, but only on special occasions.”

  Lilly brought out another box. “This is for Ro.”

  “For Ro? Why didn’t you give it to her when you saw her?”

  “I’d rather you give it to her.” She looked down. “It’s a ring.”

  “That’s so nice of you, Lilly. I’m sure she’ll love it.”

  “She’s a keeper, Ben. Ro is.”

  “You think so?”

  Lilly nodded. “A real keeper.” Then her eyes watered.

  For as long as he remembered, Lilly had had a crush on him. Ben had always thought it silly. Seeing her ache at this moment put it in a different perspective. There was no age limit on pain. Lilly hid her face behind her hands. “I gotta go.”

  “C’mere, honey.” Ben took her in his arms as she wept. “It’s okay, sweetie. You’ll be okay.”

  “I’m so infantile.”

  “Not at all.” He pulled her off his chest and held her shoulders. “Don’t you worry, hon. I guarantee you that someday your prince will come.”

  “I don’t think so, Ben.”

  “You’ve got to trust me on this one, Lilly. And whoever it is will be a very lucky guy.”

  She wiped her eyes and quickly changed the subject. “I hope you like it . . . the buckle. I thought about making a cuff but you’re not the cuff type.”

  “No, I’m not a cuff man at all.” He smiled at her. “I will cherish the buckle forever, Lilly. Again, thank you. I owe you one, girl.”

  She sighed. “We’ll miss you in school. It was nice having a senior in our corner.”

  “You still have Ro,” Ben said.

  “She’s Griffen’s senior, not our senior.”

  “I’ll be back every weekend. If anyone gives you a hard time, just let me know. I have a gun and I know how to use it.”

  She smiled again. “Anyway . . . Merry Christmas.”

  “Thank you and I hope you like my present a fraction as much as I like yours. Do you need me to turn on some lights so you don’t trip over the furniture?”

  “Not necessary. Indians are good trackers. Besides, I think I know this house pretty well.”

  “Yeah, I guess y
ou do.”

  “Good night.” She faded into the darkness. He closed the door to his room and shut down his computer. He turned off the lights and then slid into bed.

  He had closed the window but had forgotten to pull the drapes. He was glad for the oversight. Nature was putting on quite a show: flakes dancing in the outdoor lights.

  A gentle snow. A good omen.

  The headstone was marble and simple. The inscription even more:

  ellen vicksburg

  beloved daughter and cherished sister

  Two dates signifying her truncated life. Ro hadn’t wanted to cry in front of Ben’s family. It was like co-opting their pain, which was something she hated when it was done to her. Maybe it was the bleak weather or maybe it was just the time of year, but she felt a lone tear escaping and spilling over her lower lashes. She stood a few paces behind the family to give them privacy. And just like in her family, it seemed as if Ben’s father took it the hardest. It was terrible to see a grown man weep.

  The family held hands and said a prayer. Then Ben’s mother knelt down and brushed snow off the headstone and Haley placed a pink rose on the grave. And that was that. Haley and her parents walked toward the car, but Vicks was walking toward her.

  “You okay?” Ro grimaced. “Of course you’re not okay, but I’m at a loss for words. I’m usually on the other side.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You’re not ready to go. I can feel it.”

  “I need a few more minutes. Do you mind waiting for me?”

  “I’ll meet you at my car. Not too long, Vicks. It’s cold.”

  Colder for Ellen, Ben thought. “See you in a few minutes.”

  When he got to the grave, he sat down on a hard pile of snow that was quickly turning to ice. The sky was a pale blue with white streaks of clouds. The temperature was dropping.

  “Well, here I am again.” A pause. “Been an interesting year, El. I’m basically done with high school and I guess it’s time to move on . . . move away.

  “You know how hard that is for me. I’m not good at change. But I’m trying. I’m taking almost a full load at UNM next semester. I’ve also got an internship at Circuitchip. I think the hardest part is going to be living with Grandma and Grandpa. They’re great folks, but you know them. They have a different concept of privacy.”

  Ben laughed softly.

  “They’ll probably drive me nuts. I was never as patient as you were . . . but I am getting better. You wouldn’t believe how much more tolerant I’ve become. I’ve taken your lead, El.

  “I know you’re out there somewhere watching me, so you know about Ro. You like everyone, so I’m sure you’d like her, but she’s not exactly your type . . . she’s not my type, for that matter . . . not that I know what my type is. I think you’d approve, though. It’s weird having a girlfriend . . . if that’s what it is. I guess that’s what it is. I just wish you were here to give me some guidance. To give Haley guidance also . . . sister to sister. I know she misses you.

  “I hear you talking in my brain, but it’s always what I think you’re gonna say . . . which may be completely off base. When we used to talk, if there was complaining to be done, it was usually me to you. But I try hard not to complain too much anymore. I try to remember my blessings.

  “I also try really, really hard to remember you. Sometimes I have to look at pictures. Sometimes it’s hard to do that. But like I’ve said before, I promise to actively try to remember you.”

  He looked down then at the headstone.

  “I haven’t forgotten about my other promise either. I think this year will be a good one for that. I just feel it, Ellen. I’m coming closer. And now that Shanks is on board, I feel it’s gonna happen. Maybe I’m being overly optimistic, but sometimes freaky feelings turn out to be true.

  “Anyway . . . as always, wherever you are, put in a good word for me, okay? Because your pesky little brother still loves you a whole lot and wishes you were here.”

  He got up, brushed off his pants, wiped his eyes, and headed toward the car.

  Chapter 3

  The plane touched down at three in the afternoon under blue skies and a bright sun. Though the mountains were majestic, Ro felt the infinity of the ocean. The sea was the stuff of legends, the coastline a step away from freedom and adventure, not to mention tanning on the white sands, catching the sun’s rays.

  As soon as she exited the Jetway, she realized that she was feeling a bit too positive. The temperature outside was a crisp fifty degrees. Not exactly tanning weather, but it was cool enough to enjoy cashmere. Not that she needed to dress up. When Vicks was in work mode, he was all business.

  Ben was waiting for her at the baggage claim. He had taken the time to dress nicely—jeans, a white shirt, and a brown leather jacket. He had his hands stuffed in his pockets, eyes intense, his hair grazing his shoulders. He took her carry-on and kissed her cheek. “Is that it?”

  “You said to travel lightly. I obey commands.” She took his hand. “I’m really glad to see you.”

  He sounded tired. “I’m glad to see you too.”

  “You went hiking today?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Similar to the others?”

  “The area was less wilderness and more like a state park, but where Julia was buried was remote.”

  “Near water?”

  “Yeah, although the creek was dry in the summer. Now, with all the recent rains, it’s pretty full.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “Now that you’re here, I feel better. Nora Rehnquist e-mailed me. She wants to meet tomorrow. A few days early. I’m nervous. It was different with Margot and Alan. I was with them from the start. With Nora . . . I don’t know. I feel kind of creepy.”

  “Is she hesitant to talk with you?”

  “Just the opposite. I think she’s anxious. Her daughter’s case has stalled just like Ellen’s. I think she’s hoping to kick-start the investigation.” He stopped walking. “I just don’t want to offend her with my questions.”

  “I’ve seen you in action, Ben. Just be real.”

  “Thanks, Dorothy. I’m happy you’re here. Are you hungry?”

  “I’ll want dinner.”

  “The room I got . . . it’s less than cheerful.”

  “It’s a dump?”

  “Kinda. I’ll switch it out if you want.”

  “Is it clean?”

  “Yes, but it smells of disinfectant.”

  “Charming.”

  “There’s an Italian restaurant a few blocks away that’s not too bad.”

  “Whatever, Vicks. I’m not picky. Well, I am picky. Just not tonight. When are you meeting with Nora Rehnquist?”

  “One o’clock tomorrow. They live near Cal. I figured we can take in the campus tomorrow morning and do Stanford the next day. How was the dance?”

  “I got to wear my dress and everyone oohed and aahed.”

  “Did JD behave himself?”

  “He was Prince Charming. I don’t trust him at all.”

  “That’s a good thing. JD’s always had a fluid sense of honesty.” He looked away. “Was he nice to you when you two were going together?”

  “Actually, he was. Even sweet at times.”

  “Well, then . . . I like him better for it.”

  They walked to the rental car. The body was rusted and full of pockmarks, but it did have wheels and a windshield. When Vicks put the key in the ignition, it started up—a good sign.

  “Do you want to go to a movie before dinner?” he said. “I think the less time we spend in the motel, the better. I’m embarrassed by it. You deserve better.”

  “Thanks, Vicks. That’s very nice of you to say.” She patted his knee. “Don’t worry about it. I like my material trappings, but I’m flexible.” In Ro’s limited experience with men, she had always found that guys respond well to flexibility.

  They finally settled in around eleven in the evening, both of them eating light and avoiding the garlic and bean
dip. Ro had never shared a room other than a camp bunk where she had ruled as queen. She had always had her own personal space, decorated with her things.

  This space was another planet. The motel room had stark white walls and a utilitarian dresser. Two double beds were separated by a nightstand with drawers. The bathroom wasn’t much bigger than the closet. The towels were tortilla thin and smelled of bleach. It did host a flat screen, but neither one of them wanted to watch TV.

  She took the bed on the right, he took the one on the left.

  After brushing her teeth with bottled water and using copious amounts of mouthwash, she put on a nightgown. It wasn’t a sexy baby doll or anything like that, but it was sleeveless and fell a few inches above the knees. When she came out, Vicks looked for just a moment. He had changed into a wifebeater and board shorts. After a quick glance, he went back to his book, which had something to do with the creation of the universe. Her book was about a pseudo-sadomasochistic affair. She was skimming it on an electronic reader—a good idea so Vicks wouldn’t know how lowbrow she was. Around midnight, she was losing interest. She said, “I’m a little tired.”

  “Sure.” Vicks reached over and turned off the light.

  They lay in silence and in darkness. Outside, the weather had turned cruel. The winds had picked up and whistled through the trees. Rain splattered on the rooftop. The blinds were drawn, but Ro could see the bright halogen lights from the parking lot seeping through the windows. She pulled the thin sheets to her chin. Vicks was restless; she could hear him moving. “You okay?”

  “I’m hot.” He threw the covers off his body. “I’m boiling.”

  “You’re hot, I’m freezing. So what else is new?”

  “I think my nerves are getting to me.”

  She could smell his sweat. She got out of the bed, shivering in the diaphanous nighty, and sat at his bedside. She felt his forehead. “You are hot. Maybe you’re getting sick.”

  “No, it’s anxiety about tomorrow. I’ll be okay.” His profile was backlit by the light filtering in through the blinds. He said, “You’re shivering.”