Dead Women Tell No Lies

by Nora LeDuc

  She crossed to the table and grabbed the gun from her purse. “Smart-on, Lennox.”

  She raced down the stairs. Halfway, she slowed. Stretching upward on her toes, she glimpsed out the rectangular windows at the top of the front door for any signs of the stalker on the stoop. She only caught a view of the cars parked at the curb.

  Where was her bell ringer? She gritted her teeth. Was he accosting little old ladies and small children? Was the coward hiding behind a parked vehicle, in the rear a building or waiting for her on the front steps? Renewed anger propelled her downward. Her hand tensed on the butt of her weapon. Perspiration ran down the sides of her face when she reached the vestibule. Pausing, she strained to hear signs of movement through the door. He’d left?

  She threw the entryway open with her gun raised and ready in hand.

  No one was on the stoop. A light wind touched her cheek and whipped strands of hair into her eyes. Rose shoved them away and examined the sidewalk and street.

  A black cat padded past. On the street, cars drove by. Rose whirled first to the right, and then to the left. Vacant space greeted her. Someone had buzzed her doorbell and spoken on her intercom. She hadn’t dreamt it.

  “Come out, wherever you are,” she shouted, clutching the weapon with both hands. No one stepped forward. Lowering the barrel, she started to retreat inside when two young teenagers darted out from the alley.

  It was only kids, playing a joke. She sagged against the doorframe and then turned again and caught sight of the doorbell button. A straight pin with a pink head and silver speckles stuck out of the bell. Rose grabbed the pin and dropped it in her pocket. A faint swell of relief swept over her along with a new reality. She’d destroyed the buzzer over a straight pin. It was the twisted kind of joke Dahlia would enjoy.

  * * *

  Luke sat at his desk running ideas through his mind. What idiot thought process had taken possession of him when he’d agreed to arrange dinner with the Drowns tonight? Luke didn’t search for the answer. When he’d looked into Rose’s grief stricken eyes, the quick quiver around his heart should have warned him he’d cave to her.

  He’d found himself agreeing to set up a date with his friends. Of course her eyes weren’t the only thing about Miss Blue that held his attention. He remembered the quick inhale of her breath when he’d touched her and she fit snug against him when they’d kissed. Her breasts pressed to his chest. He’d curled his hand around the arch of her waist under her jacket and enjoyed the warmth of her body.

  And then there was her dogged determination to question suspects. He didn’t doubt her drive made her a successful business woman. No one could question her enthusiasm or dedication.

  The memory of their kiss hurtled deeper into his consciousness. What happened after he’d kissed her? By the time he’d thudded to earth, she was gone. Why had she left in a hurry? He didn’t even remember what he’d said, but he was sure he wasn’t insulting. Women were a mystery. Tonight, he intended to keep his hands off Rose and spend a low key evening with his friends. Getting mixed up with a female even for a temporary fling was unwise. He didn’t need another person leaving him like his father and wife.

  Then there was the whole stalker aspect to the case. He’d assigned an extra detail to drive by her house every hour and finally ended last night sitting outside the building. Now he was running on adrenaline.

  His gaze fell across his father’s files piled on top of the corner cabinet. He’d file away the kiss like a cold case and deal with the issue later. Yeah, right. Who was he kidding? He was about to spend the evening with the woman he couldn’t stop thinking about, and didn’t want to. Although her eagerness to question Buddy left him uneasy. At least the dinner would provide a chance for her to learn Budd was at his worst, a little impetuous, but not a murderer.

  Hell, he was fooling himself. Rose planned to cross examine his friend, and she wasn’t always tactful. It was a part of her that intrigued and horrified him. Lennox could feel disaster coming like a meteorologist feels an approaching Tsunami. He’d have to run interference and keep her away from Buddy, which would be as easy as separating an alcoholic from his bottle.

  He forced his thoughts back on his work. Today, he’d asked Frank to dig into his home office for any old personal notes or files on his father’s cold case. And what about Edwards? Was it possible A.J. had relocated to New Hampshire, and Dahlia, for some reason, followed him?

  Her motive for moving to the state could be part of her restless‒soul pattern. The idea really didn’t wash. Her past patterns consisted of finding employment in the city near her home. Besides, she and Rose shared a unique bond that transcended death, yet in this lifetime, Dahlia never informed her sister she’d taken an apartment in another state. Why?

  “Lennox, I ran Dahlia Blue’s former employers through the computer programs.” Conroy tossed the dossier on his desk and stood with a scowl on his face.

  Luke glanced at his watch. “Nice of you to show up two hours late.”

  “My watch must be slow.”

  “I’m busy now. Come back later.”

  “Come back in the middle of a homicide investigation? The chief wouldn’t like that. Listen, I can yak about the time or what’s happening in the Blue case. I’ve been following up the employment angle for Dahlia now that we’ve finished re-interviewing. One of the employers retired two years ago and lives in Florida. I haven’t spoken to him yet. The rest had solid alibis for the nights the ME gave us as possible times of death. What was the deal with your interviews yesterday, Lennox?”

  “Nothing new came up with the play director. I’ve got a list of the cast from the play the victim was involved in. That’s next on the home front. We’ll need you for the player interrogations. Do a phone interview with A.J.’s former employer in Rhode Island. If you turn up more, you can do a one-on-one afterward.” Luke felt the tick in his cheek. “And here’s a tip. Next time, knock before you enter.”

  The guy leaned over and knocked on the cubicle wall. “I’m leaving.”

  “Be on time for our next team meeting, Conroy,” he tossed over his shoulder. A threat lingered on his lips. Luke forced it back. He shut down his computer, locked up his files in the cabinet, and shut Conroy’s snide remarks out of his mind.

  Phoning Rose for the second time, he reminded her to wait inside for him.

  She called him a paranoid, but agreed. “What’s happening with the scratches on Old Charge?”

  “I did a quick touch up job when the department’s insurance company reminded me of the deductible. Todd claims he was nowhere near the restaurant.”

  “The person I saw had to be him. How many bikers ride around with boom boxes?”

  “Unless you saw his face for a positive ID, I’m letting it go for now. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” He shoved his chair away from the desk and grabbed his jacket. Usually he worked until at least midnight on an active case. A twinge of guilt bit into him when he stepped outside into the young night. The world was awake, and he was part of it. He should stretch his arms upward or shout alleluia. Instead he glanced at his pocket watch. He’d stop for a shower and a change of clothes before he picked up Rose.

  “Luke.” Buddy Drown stalked across the parking lot with both hands fisted at his sides. His body overflowed with anger as he stopped in front of him. “Call off your old dog.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “That ancient cop who worked with your dad is following me, and don’t pretend you don’t understand.” Buddy’s face flushed with fury. “When you moved back, people talked about you and not in a good way, but I defended you. They said you left Ledgeview because you thought you were too good for a small, city police department and only returned to show off how great you were. I told everyone you weren’t that kind of guy. Boy, was I stupid.”

  “Buddy, are you sure Frank Ricci was tailing you?”

  “You want me to submit to a vision test? Don’t pretend or deny you spoke to him yesterday. Everyo
ne knows their neighbor and how they voted in the primary, and you were at the old guy’s house. This is Ledgeview where people talk to and about each other. They all said you were an arrogant son of a gun who thought he’d show up and teach us a thing or two about police work.” He charged forward until he stood toe to toe with Luke.

  Bud’s confrontational attitude triggered Luke’s anger. “Are you saying that I should know a reason to have you followed?”

  “Don’t twist my words. Your senile detective tailed me all over the place. He’s acting the same way he did when that crazy girl brought false charges against me. What’s my crime, my stupidity? Guess our friendship means nothing. All the teams we co-captained, parties, fixing each other’s cars. We even ordered our first beer at Tiny’s Grill together, and you believe whatever that ancient fool said about me.”

  “We ordered our first legal ones if you’re counting.”

  “Yeah, after today don’t count on drinking any brews with me.” Buddy stalked a few steps away before whirling around. “I never should have admitted I met Dahlia Blue. You think I killed her. Why did I trust you? You got my back, all right. You knifed me in it.”

  Luke’s temper cooled enough to understand Bud’s ire. “Buddy, you can trust me. I didn’t know Frank was following you.”

  “I spoke two sentences to Dahlia Blue at the Audi, and now I killed her? The old guy’s nuts. You must have repeated what I said and set him off, and I was trying to help you in your investigation. Instead I get grief and accusations. This is why no one wants to help the police.” He stalked toward his car.

  “Buddy,” Luke yelled. “You’re not under any surveillance. I’ll speak to Frank. He won’t bother you again.”

  “You do that, detective,” Buddy spit over his shoulder.

  “Hold on a minute.”

  Buddy stopped by his car parked on the street and watched his friend.

  Luke fished out his phone, and within a second, heard the older man’s voice. “Frank, stop tracking Buddy Drown. Got it?”

  Silence marked the pause. “Got it. What else do you want?” Luke’s neck muscles tightened. “That’s it. We’ll talk soon.” He shoved his phone into his pocket. “Satisfied, Bud? Frank won’t bother you again.”

  “I could file harassment charges. I can’t wait for tonight’s family dinner.” Buddy unlocked his door and hopped inside.

  “I can’t wait either,” Luke mumbled.

  “Luke.”

  Dean called to him from across the street. He held a brown bag in his hand.

  I hope Frank’s not following him, too. Luke waited for Dean to join him. “I thought you’d be at home.”

  “Tia sent me out for last minute refreshments. Was that Buddy who just took off?” Dean nodded toward the street.

  “He was pissed over a police matter. I hope it won’t interfere with tonight. Maybe I should reschedule.”

  Dean shook his head. “He’s picking up Shauna first. She’s good at calming him down. Buddy’s temper rises quickly and falls as fast. Besides, you can’t disappoint Tia. She’s thrilled we’re having supper together.” He headed toward the corner. “Don’t be late, or she’ll call the police.” He winked and raised a hand before he crossed with the walk light.

  Luke headed home. Tonight was really shaping up. Buddy would be in a foul mood at his parents’ house despite Dean’s positive thinking. At least Shauna would be at the get together to counterbalance him. Bud was lucky she’d given him a second chance after their long ago senior high break up when he’d been anything but faithful. He’d continued to rack up a reputation for most of his twenties and early thirties as a love ’em and leave ’em type. What else was new in life?

  He hung a left onto Main Street and found himself crawling through the after work traffic. Great, Rose had better stay inside until he arrived. Following a quick stop at home, he drove straight to her place. She wasn’t outside. On her doorstep, he raised his hand to hit the buzzer when she opened up.

  “What are you doing downstairs?”

  “My doorbell’s malfunctioning. Come up for a moment. I left my jacket and purse in the kitchen.”

  “Traveling without your gun?” He stepped inside, pausing to lock up.

  “I have a secret place for carrying. Don’t you?” She fluttered her eyelashes and grinned.

  The idea filled him with lots of images of intimate pat downs of Rose. “Okay, Annie Oakley.” He waved for her to go first.

  On the way up the stairs, he spouted off the safety rules for weapons to avoid thinking about the sway of her hips. He finished at the second floor where he leveled his stare on her. “Understand?”

  “Is this how you make small talk? I’m surprised anyone invites you to dinner, even the Drowns.”

  “What’s wrong with reminding people about safety, and I get lots of invitations.”

  “To what, gun control conferences?” She wrinkled her nose. “Lennox, we should be discussing our strategy for the evening, not the Ledgeview Police Manual.”

  “Buddy isn’t a fool. If you start interrogating him, he’ll clam up. Besides he’s not in a cooperative mood today. He showed up outside the station to yell about Frank following him.”

  “Doesn’t sound like a covert operation on Frank’s part.” She led the way toward her apartment.

  “He probably was taunting Buddy. Frank can’t resist. He thinks Buddy is guilty of rape and he can’t let it go. For all I know, he flipped Buddy off and considering Bud’s earlier mood, he’s going to be a great dinner guest. You should stay away from him tonight. Go and enjoy the dinner and company of the other Drown members.”

  “You’re kidding. I don’t go to parties to enjoy myself.”

  “Now you’re joking.”

  “Networking is what it’s all about, Lennox, not having fun. Let’s talk about Buddy. Under pressure, your best friend could be showing his true colors. Consider the idea, Detective, and staying away from him would be hard if we’re guests in the same room.” She nodded her head in a knowing way and stopped in front of her apartment with the key in hand. “Someone pulled a prank on me last night. At least−” She paused and looked past him.

  He followed her gaze across the hall. Her neighbor’s door was cracked open, and his face peered out from the slit.

  “Todd.” Luke marched to his door. “Did you drop some money yesterday when you rode past the Commercial Street Chinese Restaurant?”

  Todd pursed his lips and squinted like he was trying to see the scene. “I told you. I never ride by there.” He slammed the door.

  “He’s friendly, isn’t he?” Rose asked and unlocked her door.

  “Does he stare at you all the time?” Luke crossed into her apartment while throwing glances of daggers at her neighbor’s door. “What kind of a pervert did Dean rent to?”

  “Calm down, I barely see him. Didn’t you run his name in your computer when you interviewed him last time?”

  “He came up clean, which can mean he just hasn’t been caught yet.”

  “There is something odd about him. I mean besides riding his bike around with a boom box blaring.” She shut her door and slid the chain across the lock. “What do you think he does that’s illegal?”

  “I predict drugs, a little B and E. Call me the next time he bothers you.”

  “Is staring a misdemeanor or felony?” She tapped a finger against her chin.

  “Watch out for him. Don’t go anywhere with him.”

  She tossed her keys into her purse on the table. “He’s rarely around the building. I can’t blame him for glancing out when he hears noise in the hall.” She faced him. “Come clean. Frank trailing Buddy is what’s really bugging you. Do you think your old friend is trying to pull something illegal?”

  “It’s not Buddy or Frank. If I find evidence that implicates Buddy, I promise I’ll be there when he’s arrested.” Luke scrubbed a hand across his face. He didn’t want to admit he’d come up with squat on Dahlia’s death, and the guy across the h
all gave him hives. “Remember, I don’t like anyone 99.9 percent of the time.”

  A smile touched her lips and chased the strain from her face. “You like me, or you wouldn’t take me to the Drowns for dinner.”

  “I plead temporary insanity.”

  “I bet you can get a deal on therapy from the department shrink.” She wet her lips and the teasing light faded from her features. “Are you upset about yesterday, when you dropped me off?” Her face flushed, and she twisted her hands in front of her. “I mean, no problem, I’ve already forgotten it.”

  “Forgotten what?” “You don’t remember driving me to the apartment?” Her hands fisted, and her mouth fell open in shock.

  “Sure, I remember. You wouldn’t let me walk you inside.” He couldn’t help but tease her a little.

  “I can walk by myself.” She let out an exasperated sigh. “How do I look?” She ran her hands down her red blouse and over the form fitting black skirt. “Well?”

  He felt his eyes bulge out of their sockets. “Good.”

  “Good? Is that all?” She glanced down at her clothes.

  “What’s the problem? Good is really good.”

  “Tia Drown owns a clothing shop, which means she’s up to date on all the fashions. I didn’t bring a lot of trendy wear, and I can’t show up dressed like some kind of waif. “

  “Tia’s not judgmental.”

  “What does that mean? I should have worn something else?”

  “I knew this was a no win question,” he grumbled and shook his head.

  “Are you okay?” she asked. “You seem…different tonight.”

  “You must have finally noticed my sparkling personality.” He wasn’t about to tell her the truth. At the moment, his testosterone was pumping out in high gear. “I should be working, not socializing.”

  “You are working. We’re keeping Buddy Drown under surveillance.” She yanked on her jacket and slung the purse strap over her shoulder.

  “Explain why you’re stuck on Buddy being your sister’s killer? I understand you want someone arrested, but we’ve no proof it’s Bud.”