by Nora LeDuc
“A.J.?” She blinked several times and shook her head. “He’s not around and doesn’t have his old job or apartment any longer. Did you think he was back in Vermont and left the card? Why would he scare you? He didn’t have anything against you, did he?”
Rose shrugged. “He just came to mind. I guess it could be from anyone.”
“Give me the card, and I’ll burn it. I feel responsible.” Cassie held out her open palm.
“I’ll destroy it.” Rose’s stomach churned. Cassie was right. Mean people lived everywhere. She stuffed the cards in her purse.
“I’ve one more thing.” Cassie grimaced and drew in a deep breath.
“Before you bring up a new topic, I need to ask you something.” Rose crushed the paper napkin in her lap. “I didn’t mention this before because I didn’t want to admit it, but, Dahlia helped herself to money from the boutique. Do you know why or what she did with the cash?”
“Wow, she stole from her own shop?” Cassie shook her head. “Do you think she took the funds for A.J.?”
“Why would she give money to her ex?”
Cassie’s face whitened, and she shrugged. “I remember he talked about starting his own business, but I only heard him bring it up once. Maybe Dahlia wanted to get back together and thought the money would soften him up.”
“She contacted A.J. after they broke up?”
“I guessed. I don’t know why your sister took the money or if she ever saw A.J. again. Here.” She pressed the glass of water into Rose’s hand. “How about I order something stronger like wine?”
“Water’s good.” She gulped a mouthful before she spoke again. “It’s so Dahlia. Help someone else at the expense of her family. Never consider the consequences of her actions.”
Cassie wet her lips several times. “Don’t listen to me. I’ve no idea what she did with the money.”
Under the table, Rose tapped her foot.
Cassie shoved at the hair near her face. “I’ve ruined our afternoon.”
“No, I asked and you told me what you thought. Don’t worry about me. You drove a long way. What did you want to tell me before I asked about A.J.?”
Cassie played with the handle of her fork. “It’s not important.”
“Come on. What was your news?”
She chewed on her lip for a second.
Bad news. Rose tensed. “Whatever it is, I know you’re a good person.”
“It’s…Mom caved and enrolled in cooking classes at the Woodstock Inn for ten days.”
Rose unclenched her hands and relaxed in her chair. “I’m glad to hear a story with a happy ending. Was that your big news?”
Cassie nodded. “Dad paid for the lessons as a thirtieth anniversary present, and they’re staying at the inn for a few days. Sorry, it seems trite talking about cooking.”
“Your story beats talk of death.”
“I’ll have to close the Blues Sisters a couple hours early on Wednesday until Mom returns to fill in for me. I’m taking an art class and have a big project due that will take hours of work. I’m sorry. I need to catch up.”
“No problem, Cass, I owe you. The lessons and your project are a big deal.”
The lines around her friend’s mouth eased. “It’s nothing compared to what’s happening in your life.”
“What’s the class?” Rose shoved her sister’s theft into the back of her mind and listened to details about Cassie’s life. The rest of the hour zipped past as they splurged and ate cookies for dessert and drank iced teas. Soon they were paying the bill, and Rose struggled to shake off the touch of sadness when she walked with her friend to the parking lot. At her car, Rose hugged Cassie goodbye.
Her vehicle merged into the traffic with the toot of the horn and disappeared at the corner. Rose pulled out her phone. The URL written on the card burned in her mind. In seconds, she’d typed in the link. Her thumb hovered over the button.
Don’t do it. He’s playing a mind game.
She pressed it.
Her apartment building popped up on the screen. The bastard was spying on her and boasting about it. She wished he was in front of her so she could kick him in every part of his good-for-nothing body.
In the video, Bike Boy rode into view and chained his bike to the meter. He removed the Boom Box attached to the handle bars. Then he loped his way across the sidewalk and disappeared through the front door.
“The library’s the other way, Miss Blue.”
“Lennox?” She spotted him in his car, idling at the curb. How long had he been sitting there? It didn’t matter. She ran to the curb and jumped into the front seat with her heart thumping from joy and fear. She slipped her cell into her pocket. “Have the seniors left the station?”
“They’ve gone home for supper. It’s almost four.” He merged his car into the traffic. “Where are you headed after your big lunch?”
“Home, please. I’ve something to show you when we park.”
“I’m thinking it’s not the restaurant bill.”
“Good deduction.” She held onto the moment of quiet. In a few minutes she’d show him her latest gift, and her life would bounce back into the shadows where she now lived.
As they drew up to the curb, she spotted a light blue van by her building. The words Get Alarmed were printed across the side. “The workers wiring the restaurant must have arrived to secure the side and rear entrances.”
“Cassie brought sympathy cards from my customers.” She fished out the unwelcome greeting and held it out. “Get your evidence bag ready, Lennox. A not so well-wisher stuffed a card with a creepy greeting for me under the Blues Sisters door. “
“Was it a threat?” He grabbed the greeting with a handkerchief.
“The sender included a link for a video. I’ll show you.”
He read and bagged the card.
She passed him her phone. “He put a webcam on my building. Can we track it and arrest him?” Was the camera next door or across the street? She twisted around and searched.
“Hold on. I’m watching the video.”
He could be in the vacant apartment across the street. “Let’s go find him, Lennox.”
“Not unless Todd Clark, your Bike Boy, is wearing a coat of invisibility.”
“What are you talking about?” She squeezed the handle, and the door cracked open.
“On the video, your neighbor’s walking in your front door right now.” He pointed to the empty doorway. “Do you see him in front of us?”
She did a double take. “It’s not a live webcam?”
“The quality is poor too. My techies will get on it. I’ll send the link to my phone.” He finished and passed her cell back.
She hit replay. “You’re right. I don’t believe Bike Boy keeps walking inside over and over. Even for him, that’s kind of strange. Sorry, I panicked and didn’t consider it wasn’t live.”
“I’ll ask Bike Boy a few questions. Here, you’ll need this. Your new apartment lock is installed.” He held up a silver key.
“You’re a rock, Lennox.” Her gushing schoolgirl voice made her cringe. She prayed he was tone deaf. “I also spoke to Cassie about the money that Dahlia stole from the boutique. Cassie speculated my sister gave the money to A.J. for some business he wanted to launch and to make up with him.”
His jaw tightened. “You had quite the lunch. When did Cassie learn all this?”
“She claimed she guessed, but she told me he brought up the idea of starting a company. I never heard him talk about a business plan. Why wouldn’t he mention the idea to me?”
“I’m more concerned about your friend’s memory recovery. She never told the police about Edwards’ company dream, which means she’ll need to be re-interviewed.”
“You’re not going to charge her with a crime, are you?”
“Right now, I’ll settle for the truth. I’ll send someone to question her first thing tomorrow.”
“Send someone on the sensitive side. Cassie doesn’t do well with tough people.”
/> “A cop who is sensitive…you do like challenges.”
“That’s why I like you. I’m ready to go inside.”
“Wait a minute, Rose. I have something for you.” He dug out a plastic bag from the glove compartment and handed it to her.
She stared down at her journal inside. “You tested my diary already?”
“I don’t need a handwriting expert. I believe you.”
He believed her. “Are you sure you don’t want to keep the card?”
He gripped her chin in his hand and tilted her face upward. His eyes peered down into hers with a new light. “I’ve no doubt about what I want.”
Her breath caught with surprise and yearning. His hand skimmed down the middle of her back, stopped and then pressed her closer. His other hand caressed the side of her breast as he whispered, “Very sure.”
He buried his lips in the sensitive spot on her throat. Her emotions spiraled in longing and she breathed a sigh. He moved his lips to nibble at her chin and then crushed his mouth to hers. In a rush, she kissed him back, releasing all the pent of stress of the day, eager for more. She leaned forward in her seat to get closer.
He placed his mouth against her ear. “I know exactly what I want.” He broke away. “We should go inside.”
Unlike him, she wasn’t sure ending the moment was what she wanted.
“Come on. I’ll walk you into your apartment and talk to the workers.”
She glided inside with Lennox thankful for the whine of a drill in the hallway, which prevented a conversation. She edged closer and peered through the open doorway and into the empty restaurant. Lennox interrupted the men to inspect their IDs and credentials. Cool air flowed from the main room and into the hallway, chilling her arms. The warmth of her apartment beckoned. She headed up the stairs. Lennox would follow in a few minutes. Maybe he’d stay for a cup of coffee or another kiss.
The rat tat tat from the workers repeated in the distance. Otherwise, the second floor was quiet. She started down the hall.
“Rose?” Lennox shouted and emerged at the top of the stairs.
He probably was going to lecture her on walking in the hall alone. The rattle of a chain lock came from the apartment opposite hers. The door opened a few inches. Her neighbor pressed his pasty white face in the space.
“Todd, I want to speak to you.” Lennox closed the distance between the stairs and his new target.
Her neighbor’s eyes widened, and he slammed the door. The slide of the bolt and the jangle of the chain lock announced the end of their conversation.
She turned to Lennox. “He’s not feeling the friendliness today.”
He marched to Bike Boy’s door and banged on it. “I’ve a few questions for you. Open up. It’s Detective Lennox.”
The door creaked open. Bike Boy peered out with a can of grape soda in his hand. “Yeah?”
“I need to talk to you, officially.” Lennox held up his badge.
“Is it about him?” He pointed down the hall.
Lennox glanced in the direction indicated, and Todd slammed the door.
“Hell, I can’t believe this.” Lennox thudded his fist on the door. “Todd, open up.” He waited several seconds. “Stand back,” he said to Rose.
“Are you breaking in? Is entering without permission legal?”
“Smell the odor in your hall? It’s marijuana, and even if he has glaucoma, the drug is illegal in New Hampshire.” He raised his foot and kicked the door. It flew inward and back with a crash. The useless security chain dangled down, swinging back and forth.
Rose darted forward.
“Stay.” Lennox held out his arm, barring her before he disappeared inside with his gun drawn.
She charged after him.
Todd’s sneakered foot disappeared through the kitchen window.
“He’s on the fire escape.” Rose rushed forward.
“Don’t.” Lennox seized her arm.
“But he’s getting away.” She pointed at the window and glanced back to him. His face was pale and his lips tight. “We’ll catch him later.” She straightened, sensing Lennox’s resistance to venture out on the hanging steps.
“Those stairs are a death trap.” He dug out his cell and pushed a button. “I’ll call patrol.”
Rose edged closer to the window. The fire escape swung in the air as Bike Boy leaped from the last step to the ground and kept on truckin’.
“The beat cop is on it,” Lennox announced, clicking off his phone. “Stay here.” He marched away.
“So close yet so far away.” Rose sighed and studied the room. She was struck by a déjà vu feeling. The apartment was the mirror image of Dahlia’s. Though Rose would never let anyone inside if hers was this messy. Dirty dishes filled the sink to her left. Empty donut boxes and bread wrappers littered the table. In the living room, shelves full of CDs and DVDs hid the walls. More DVDs and comic books covered the coffee table in front of the flowered couch. She walked over to examine them and ran her gaze over the clutter. The initials DB on a jewel case stopped her. A little red heart dotted each letter.
“He stole from my sister. Lennox?” She ran into the bedroom.
He stopped in his perusal. “What are you carrying in your hand?”
“Guess what I found with Dahlia’s initials on it.”
“I’d say you found some kind of antique.”
“CD s aren’t that old. What’s important is Bike Boy stole this one from my sister. She initialed the case.”
“I’m sure he’ll claim she lent it to him.” Using a pencil, Lennox poked through the mail on the bureau. “Nothing here except bills and ads.” He headed into the kitchen.
Rose followed him. “Lennox, be real. What’s he going to say if I insist it belonged to Dahlia?”
“He’ll probably claim his friend Daniel Boone lent it to him. Hold on, what’s this?” He walked to the stove covered with unclean pots and pans and using a dishtowel grabbed a can. “Black spray paint. Wonder if he cooked up the police station’s graffiti with this.”
“Aha, he’s guilty.”
“I hope you’re never on a jury.”
“What else did he steal from Dahlia? Where’s his stash?” She stalked around the room searching for her sister’s belongings.
“Rose, you need to let me handle the situation.”
She sniffed. “He must have been smoking up a storm.”
“It’s why he ran.” “He could have fled because he spray painted the station or keyed your car. What else?” She tapped a finger against her chin. “Did he drive to Vermont or have an accomplice there who left me a threatening card or—”
“Come on, Miss CSI. We’re leaving.”
“I want to see what’s on the rest of the shelves. Don’t you want to confiscate his marijuana?” She marched to the makeshift bookcase of plastic crates crammed with DVDs.
Lennox dogged her. “Don’t touch anything. If we arrest and take him to court, we don’t want evidence thrown out because of an illegal search.”
“You mean put the CD back?”
“You’ve got it.”
She bit her lip. “Okay, but what if Todd is the stalker and he killed my sister. I know you think it could be A.J, but either way we need proof. We should start with collecting the stolen items from his apartment.”
“We’ll do it legally.” Lennox wandered around the room, taking in the clutter.
No way was that thief getting her sister’s music. She stuffed the CD in her purse and took a moment of comfort in the sight of her thirty-eight weapon inside.
“Let’s go.” He slid his arm around Rose’s waist and guided her toward the open doorway. “I promise you, we’ll find Todd, the Bike Boy. Now, try out the new key and I’ll go inside first. You stay in the hall, which means don’t move.”
Within a few minutes, he was finished with his walk through, and she stood in the kitchen while he lectured her to stay locked up.
“Is that all?”
He clamped her face b
etween his large hands and crushed her mouth in a kiss. “Now that’s all.”
Her pulse was still beating fast from their kiss when he left. She threw off her jacket and dropped her purse on the table. She needed to clear her mind and inhaled deeply.
The scent of roses lingered in the air, growing stronger and stronger. Dahlia.
Rose followed the perfume’s scent toward the bedroom where the fragrance grew stronger. She paused on the threshold. “Dahlia?”
She crossed into the room and stopped. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light from the one window. Her head began to ache. The maple bed on the bare floor distorted into odd shapes.
She ran a hand over her eyes and searched for the bed. It was gone and sitting in the middle of the floor was a casket. No! A light shone from the interior. She held her breath and peered over the edge. Her sister lay still inside, eyes closed. Water soaked clothes hugged her thin form. Her blond hair was plastered to an ashen face. Her lids blinked open. A cry strangled in Rose’s throat. Her sister’s sockets were empty.
“He’s coming for you,” Dahlia whispered. “Then we’ll be together.”
Dahlia and the coffin faded away, leaving Rose standing in the dark with tears streaming down her cheeks.
Chapter 17
“Come on down,” shouted the announcer from Rose’s clock radio. “Come on down to Players Restaurant today for beer, burgers and a game of darts. How can you pass that up? We also have Smith Blake from out west. Mr. Blake is a future presidential candidate and is getting the big jump on the NH Primary. He’ll be at Players to answer questions from our lunch customers. Drop on by.”
Rose tossed onto her side, hit the alarm button on the radio sitting on the floor and inhaled the scent of coffee grounds. At least she’d caffeine to keep herself sane. Thank the saint who’d invented the timer so she could wake up to her favorite drink. The familiar perk of the machine reassured her. In minutes, she was sipping from the mug and replaying Dahlia’s words from yesterday in her mind.
Finally she shoved the morbid scene away and jumped into the shower. Within the hour she was ready for her day and wondering if Lennox had sent a man to interview Cassie yet.
Her cell phone rang out from its spot on the table. She scooped it up. The ID announced Lennox calling.
