by Nora LeDuc
“Guilt is what I feel most of the time over Dahlia’s death.” Rose picked up the pen and clenched it in her hand.
He shook his head. “Your sex doesn’t own a monopoly on the emotion. Working in New York didn’t protect me from the loss of my father. I left Ledgeview to lead my own life. Here, my life was mapped out. I’d follow in the footsteps of the men in my family and go into law enforcement. Everyone already compared me to my father. It was a pressure I didn’t want at the time. Today I see it as a compliment, a way to continue what he and my grandfather did.”
“I understand. When someone close dies we take stock of our lives, and it doesn’t matter where you live. Ghosts have a poor sense of geography. They follow you.” She held out her open hand.
He linked his fingers with hers. “You need to help me with A.J.”
The smooth skin in her forehead wrinkled “I wish I could break the case wide open. I want A.J. brought to justice yesterday, if he’s guilty, and I want to understand why he’d kill my sister. I’m still not convinced.”
“People do ugly things when they’re angry, and life events serve as triggers. It’s possible the end of his engagement was the event that set him off.”
She bent her head over her notepaper, avoiding him.
“Are you okay?”
She raised her face. Her eyes filled with misery. “I’m trying to understand how a person loves someone one moment and destroys her, the next.” She eased her hand away from his and ran a finger over the mug’s handle. “Everything has changed since I came to Ledgeview. I look back and see myself as too involved with my own life, running a store, pretending I was business woman of the year while my sister became involved with a dangerous man right under my nose.”
“Rose, you’re not invincible. People end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, and no one can protect them. Did Dahlia take anything else from a friend or customer in your store? Would she have stolen for A.J. and changed her mind and refused to give him the stolen money?”
“Only A.J. can answer you, and no one else complained or accused her of stealing.” Tears glistened in her eyes. “I need my sister, Lennox. Dahlia was the outgoing one. She was the one the customers wanted. She handled the dealings with suppliers and gave them cookies as a thank you. She was always generous. When she met a person who was cold on the street, she gave him her sweater or jacket. I was the practical one, who concentrated on the numbers in our bank account, who sent the cold person to the church’s closet. Together we were a whole. Now she’s gone, I’ll never be complete again.”
He slid his hand around her shoulder and tugged her into the crook of his arm. She fit perfectly into the curve. “You make my whole.”
“You’re a sweet talker, Lennox.” Rose tilted her head up. “Women must spill their guts to you.”
“My ex will vouch for my failures there.” He paused. “Let’s forget other people for the moment. I have to go to work soon. Let’s take advantage of what’s left of our time this morning.”
A grin spread across her face. “I like your thinking.”
He cupped the back of her head and drew her to him. She sighed as he left a trail of kisses across her cheek and moved toward her mouth. His tongue rimmed her full lips that tasted of coffee.
His cell phone rang out from his pocket. Damn. “Hold on.”
“Detective Lennox,” a woman fired his name into his ear. “Do you have a suspect in the Cassie Raymond murder or the attack at the garage?”
He recognized the voice of the local reporter from last night. “We’re following several leads. I can’t say anything further at this time. How did you get my number?”
“A friend passed it on to me when I did the garage attack write up.” She clicked off the phone.
“Reporter,” he told Rose.
“He or she is calling early.”
“She wanted the scoop on Cassie or the attack at the garage for the five thirty a.m. news show. She probably decided to gamble on my cell when I didn’t show up at work at my routine time.”
“How did she happen to have your number?”
“She said a friend gave it to her. I bet it was my friend, Conroy.” He shoved away from the table and began to pace to ease his irritation.
“Lennox, I’d like to talk to Shauna. She’s been on my mind and I’d like to see her. When I can stop thinking about Cassie, I start thinking about her.”
“Lunch today. I’ll set it up.” He paused and let the new idea shove away his annoyance.
“I’m going to shower. Want to join me?”
She narrowed her eyes, and a sly smile slid across her lips. “Detective, are you planning on frisking me?”
“Count on it,” he whispered.
* * *
At noon, Luke returned and picked up Rose, and they headed to the Drowns. The ride was uneventful. She seemed uneasy, shifting several times in her seat but remained silent. Was she having regrets about this morning or last night? “You okay?”
“I’m hoping Shauna will provide new details, woman to woman, and we’re not wasting our time.”
“Keep the focus, Rose. You’re going to offer emotional support.”
“I’ll be gentle.”
“I’m not reassured.” He slowed for the turn.
Buddy’s car was parked in the driveway next to Dean’s white Cadillac. They walked side by side up the sidewalk to the front door of the Dutch Colonial. Lennox rang the bell. Hard to believe a few days ago they’d stood on these steps, waiting to enjoy a dinner.
“No one’s answering,” Rose said, walking backward to take in all the windows and signs of activity.
He dug out his cell and called Buddy. His friend appeared two minutes later at the door, with a phone to his ear. He pointed at Luke. “Gotcha.”
He laughed and dropped his hands to his sides. “Glad you called ahead, or I wouldn’t have let you in. Rose, I heard my parents owe you a dinner. Come in. Mom’s at work and Dad’s on his way back. He stopped to pick up a contract.”
Buddy raked a gaze over the yard before he held the door wider for them to enter.
“Thanks for letting us visit Shauna,” Rose announced as they entered.
“Miss Blue, are you deputized?” His brows rose upward, and his lips broke into a grin.
“I’m here as support.” She threw a glance at Luke. “I know how awful it is to be attacked.”
“Do you? Sorry, I was unaware of your past.” Buddy shut the door and dropped the phone into its cradle on the hall table. “Shauna doesn’t want to talk to people, but I convinced her to let you guys in.”
“I came as a friend,” Luke said.
“I didn’t recognize your undercover outfit.”
“Buddy,” Rose moved forward, catching his attention. “The man who attacked Shauna could be the same one who murdered my sister.”
“Sounds like an official visit to me,” Buddy grumbled. “We haven’t heard zilch from the police since we left the station. I was wondering if they’d dropped Shauna’s investigation.”
“It’s early in the case, Bud. Everyone is working on it.”
“I bet you are.” Dean emerged into the hallway. He was dressed in his suit and overcoat and held a brief case in his hand. “Good to see you both. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve a showing in ten minutes.”
“We won’t detain you, Dean,” Luke said. “I hope all is well with the campaign.”
“I can’t wait to start stumping. Rose, thanks for coming by. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He paused at the door. “Bud, remember our meeting at two.”
“It’s the highlight of my life,” Buddy deadpanned.
The tension in the room thickened as Dean stared at his son for a moment and then opened the door. “Everyone stay safe.”
“You can always count on my father to bring up his own agenda.” Buddy’s lips tightened. “Shauna’s upstairs. I’ll talk to her first and ask if you can bring up the subject of the attack. She might give you the green ligh
t. Wait here.” He turned and ran up the stairs.
Luke wandered to the window near the front door and picked up the curtain. The neighborhood was quiet. A few buds peeked out on a shrub nearby.
Rose joined him near the glass. “Dean and Buddy seem to get along like cats and dogs.”
“At least we can count on their predictability.”
“What was Buddy doing before he opened the door for us?” she asked. “He acted as though he expected Shauna’s attacker to be slithering up the front walk.”
“Bud loves drama. If you needed a spokesperson, you could count on him to be in your spotlight.”
At the sound of approaching footsteps, Luke fell silent.
“She’s ready.” Buddy wound down to the hallway. “But she only wants to talk for a few minutes about the parking garage.” He led them to the second floor and paused at the first closed door. He rapped and entered. Inside a floral wallpapered room, Shauna sat in a wide wing back chair, wearing a pink bathrobe. A lacy nightgown peeked through at her throat. The young woman’s long, dark hair was combed straight around her face and emphasized the whiteness of her complexion. Her large brown eyes stared at them with curiosity and wariness.
“Luke,” she greeted. “Buddy said you wanted to say hello and ask a few questions. I’m sorry I’m not dressed. Buddy said to pretend I was on vacation though I’m not good at forgetting the reason I’m really here.” She picked at the crimson lap quilt covering her legs and waist.
“You’re beautiful.” Buddy leaned forward, kissed her cheek and straightened. “This is Miss Rose Blue. She wanted to meet you and extend her sympathies.”
Rose hesitated by the bed stand with the vase of flowers. “What a beautiful arrangement. The florist included quite a variety. Does it contain any roses?”
“Roses? No, I didn’t see any. Tia gave me the bouquet.” Shauna held out a hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Blue.”
Rose shook her hand. “I appreciate you speaking to us.”
Shauna bit her lip, glanced at Buddy and back. “I…I’m sorry about what happened to your sister.”
“Thank you,” Rose said. “You had a terrible scare yourself in the parking garage. At least you were smart enough to carry pepper spray and escaped.”
“After all that’s happened in Ledgeview, she’d be foolish not to be prepared.” Buddy sat on the arm of the chair and held her hand.
“I’m sorry about wrecking your evening with Dean and Tia. I understand you were all waiting for Buddy and me to arrive for dinner.”
“Don’t worry about the other night,” Rose said. “We’re happy you’re okay, and if you describe your attacker, you might help us find my sister’s killer. There’s a good chance it’s the same person.”
“I talked to the police already. Besides, he’s probably long gone.” Shauna leaned into Buddy.
“I’m afraid not,” Luke interjected. “Another woman was killed and found yesterday. There’s a possibility the deaths are connected to your attacker.”
“Another woman was murdered?” Shauna’s eyes widened and she gripped the collar of her bathrobe. “You didn’t mention someone else died, Buddy.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. You’re safe. So you believe it was the same guy, Lennox?”
“We’re still gathering information. Did you remember anything else since the last time you spoke to the police, Shauna?”
“I—” Fear filled her eyes, and she met Buddy’s stare.
“Go ahead,” he urged.
Rose drew closer to the chair. “Please, we need your help.”
“He was tall, dressed in black and wore a ski mask. I don’t remember much, not even the color of his eyes.”
“You’re positive it was a black ski mask?” Rose insisted.
Shauna bit her lip. Lines creased her forehead. “Yes.”
“Where was your attacker?” Luke asked.
“What do you mean? He was in the garage.”
“When you first became aware of him, where was he?”
“He shot out in front of me. He must have hidden between the two parked trucks when I first entered. Yes, I remember. He jumped out from behind two pickups near the entrance. I don’t remember details like models, but I couldn’t see over them when I walked inside.”
“The vehicles were by the main gate?”
“Yes, I was on the first floor because Buddy always parks and waits for me near the entrance.” She wiped a hand across her forehead. “I can’t think any more. I’ve a migraine.”
Buddy jumped off the chair. “All right, your time is up. Shauna’s health comes first.”
“Stay with Shauna.” Luke took Rose’s arm and propelled her toward the door. “We know the way out.”
“My mom wouldn’t forgive me if I didn’t see our company out of her house.”
Rose hesitated. “If you remember any more, Shauna, call Lennox.”
Luke decided to go for one more question. “Shauna, when’s the last time you heard from A.J.?”
“Who?”
“A.J. Edwards, isn’t he a friend of yours?”
She shook her head. “I never heard of him. Who is he?”
He felt Rose’s questioning gaze on him. “I must have confused him with another bank employee. Rest up, Shauna.” They walked in silence down the hall and the stairs.
“What are the chances you’ll get the guy?” Buddy asked when they reached the entryway.
“We’re moving forward,” Luke confirmed.
Buddy shook his head. “Political BS, which means you have no suspects.” He slapped Luke on the back. “Your secret is safe with me. Dad’s going to campaign for the city to install at least two video cameras in the city garages. He figures it puts a positive twist on Shauna’s attack.” He opened the door.
Luke ushered Rose down the front steps.
“Positive twist on an assault?” she said under her breath and raised her brows at Lennox. “What was with the A.J. question?”
“It was a stab in the dark.”
“Is Shauna always so hesitant to speak? She seemed afraid.”
“Some people deal better than others with recent trauma, and Shauna always defers to Buddy. The relationship works for them.”
“Detective, can I speak to you?” The blonde reporter rushed toward them. Her videographer with the logo Channel 23 written on the camera’s side tagged after her.
Luke shook his head, and he and Rose trotted for his car.
“Mr. Drown, how’s Shauna Smith dealing with the aftermath of her attack,” the reporter shouted, and the sound of running footsteps accompanied the media surging toward Buddy who appeared on his front step.
Two vans with Boston news logos on the sides pulled to the curb.
“Did someone call a press conference?” Rose slid into the safety of the vehicle.
Like turned to face another reporter and a camera.
“Detective,” A thirty-something-year-old African American man with a mic approached Luke. “You’re visiting the house where a young woman escaped an attack, and you’re accompanied by the sister of another victim. Can you provide our viewers with a few facts about the recent attack or the Ledgeview homicides?”
“We’re confident an arrest or arrests will be made soon in all cases.”
“By soon, do you mean within the hour?”
Luke pushed his way toward the driver’s side. “That’s all I have to say at this time.”
The newsman shadowed him. “Detective, is it true you were hired because of your father’s past relationship with the Chief?”
He’d been ambushed. “The Ledgeview Police Department hired me based on my job performance on the force in New York. I’ll continue to improve my record by arresting those who break the law.” He stared into the camera. “Whoever committed these crimes needs to stand on alert. The Ledgeview law enforcement community will prosecute to the fullest extent any person or people who assist the perpetrator of these hideous
events. No one will escape.”
He glanced at the Drowns’ house. Buddy stood on the front stoop, talking to the blonde reporter. Luke climbed inside Old Charger, and as he pulled away, the rest of the media flocked toward his friend. Luke threw glances in his rearview mirror. No sign of a news van trailing them.
“I bet they run to the TV Station to put Buddy’s interview and a sound bite from you up for the evening news teaser,” Rose said.
“Buddy will give them the interview they need for today.” Suspicion kicked around in his mind. “At least we found out what Buddy was doing when he let us inside.”
“Maybe he was being cautious after what happened to Shauna.”
“He was hoping for a visit from the press.” Lennox raised one brow and nodded his head. “The man breathes drama.”
“Where did they come from?”
“They multiply like math teachers. Rose, I need the names of Cassie’s friends, family, anyone who hinted of dislike. Mothers aren’t always aware of all of their children’s friends or enemies. I need to interview them all.”
“When are you headed over to Bratt?”
“Don’t get any ideas about tagging along with me or going off on your own. Frank will stay with you while I’m gone.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I already planned to go to my boutique. The store’s closed, and I’ve no idea what condition Cassie left it in.”
He picked up her hand and held it while he drove. “You’re important to me, Rose. I couldn’t work if you were in danger.”
Her face flushed. “I’ll take that as the supreme compliment since work means everything to you. I like you too. We’re a good team, right?”
“You still can’t go.”
“I’ll show you the books Dahlia cooked if you take me to the Blues Sisters.”
“I could get a warrant, but we’ll compromise. Frank will drive you over, and I’ll meet you at your store.”
“I can drive myself, Lennox.” She tugged her hand away, unzipped her purse and removed the small pad of paper. “I’ll work on the names of Cassie’s friends. I didn’t know a soul who was mad at her.” She bent her head and scribbled out a list on the paper. “Cass was always happy, smiling, humming. I can’t believe how her life ended.”
