A Box Full of Trouble

by Carolyn Haines

  “Thank you, Deputy Waters. I’ll do that.”

  * * *

  Tammy was pulling into her driveway when she saw headlights behind her. Despite her annoyance at Aiden for not texting or calling to let her know he was busy, she felt a huge measure of relief. He was okay. At the bottom of her annoyance had been genuine concern for his safety. And also the germ of doubt Thad Brady had so successfully planted.

  She released Trouble to the ground, and the cat arched his back and hissed.

  “What’s gotten into you?” Trouble’s feline conduct didn’t help her confidence level at all. What did she really know about Aiden?

  The headlights blinded her as a figure got out of the car and came toward her.

  “Tammy, I just stopped by to check on you. I was worried.”

  “Reverend McNaughton.” She released her breath. “I’m fine. Thank you. I was going to leave Trouble here and come to the cantata.”

  Trouble stepped out in front of Tammy and twitched his tail.

  “Please, call me Frasier. And I see our feline friend doesn’t care for Christmas music,” Frasier said. “Now if I were singing, I’d understand. But we have some lovely voices in the choir. Maddie Smith’s contralto is so angelic even a cat should approve.”

  Tammy’s shoulders loosened and she actually laughed. “Come in. I’ll make a cup of tea—or something a bit stronger if you have time.”

  “Tea would be lovely. And I have no more than twenty minutes. Where is Aiden?”

  She almost answered “good question” but she didn’t. “He’ll be here shortly.”

  Side by side they went up the walk to the front door and Tammy let them in, resetting the alarm as soon as the door closed. She vowed to be smarter and more careful, not to be so trusting of those around her.

  When Frasier was seated at the table she put the kettle on. “Excuse me while I change,” she said. “Trouble will keep you company. If the water boils would you steep the tea?”

  “Absolutely.” Frasier waved her out of the room.

  Tammy took the stairs two at a time and pulled wool slacks and a forest green sweater from her closet. She was changed in under five minutes. She shook out her long auburn hair as she descended the stairs. When she pushed into the kitchen, Frasier and a very angry Trouble were at the pantry door.

  “I think there’s a mouse in there,” Frasier said. “I was afraid to let Trouble in there. I’m always leery of rat traps or poisons, but he’s upset with me. Here, kitty, kitty.”

  Tammy opened the pantry door and flipped on the light. The pantry was empty, and she could see into the laundry room where a basket of clothes waited to be put in the washer. She didn’t see anything out of place.

  Trouble made no move to go inside but took a stance in the doorway. “What’s going on with you?” Tammy asked.

  Trouble’s only answer was a low growl and three blinks of his eyes.

  The kettle screamed and Tammy poured the hot water over the tea bags. Each time she went toward the pantry area, Trouble jumped in front of her. She’d never seen the cat so antsy, but it was clear he didn’t want her to enter the pantry area. Was he afraid she’d be attacked by dirty laundry? “That’s quite a bump on your head, Frasier,” she said, pointing to the small goose egg on his temple.

  “Grace was never my middle name. But it’s just a bump. No harm done.”

  At last the tea was brewed and when she put a cup in front of Frasier, she patted his arm. “That does look nasty. It’s going to be a dark bruise. I’m so glad you weren’t harmed.”

  “I still don’t understand what I tripped over.”

  Tammy looked toward the cat. Trouble had never been overly friendly with Frasier, but today he was downright…catty. And she suspected she knew exactly what had tripped the minister. “I’m just glad you weren’t seriously hurt.” She checked the clock above the sink. It was almost seven-thirty. “We should head for the church.”

  “Yes.” Frasier stood up. He reached for his plaid Macintosh that he’d draped over a chair. “The temperature is dropping. Weatherman says in the teens tonight.”

  “A pipe buster,” Tammy said, glad she’d remembered to leave faucets dripping in the store. “Trouble, guard the house.”

  “Do you actually think he understands you?” Frasier asked.

  “I have no doubt.” In the short time of owning Trouble, she’d come to adopt a strange set of beliefs about the feline’s abilities. He did understand her. He was masterful at imposing his will on her and every other human who came close. He was capable of rational thought. While she knew these things to be true, she wasn’t about to start flapping her gums about them.

  She found her dress coat in the hallway closet and shrugged into it with the minister’s assistance. They’d just made it to the front door when Tammy heard loud pounding on the back door. “This is like a circus,” she said. “Go on to the church, Frasier. I’m right behind you.”

  “I should wait and see who that is.” Frasier held his ground in the doorway. “What if it’s someone meaning to harm you?”

  “I doubt they’d be trying to bust the back door down.”

  “I’ll wait here.”

  Tammy left the minister at the door, hurried to the kitchen, and peeked out the curtains. Benjy stood on the top step, shifting from foot to foot in the cold. When she opened the door, he stepped inside before she could stop him. “I’m in trouble,” he said. “You have to help me.”

  * * *

  Still fuming at how late he was, Aiden hopped out of the patrol car at the station and into his private truck and drove to Tammy’s house. He’d tried calling and texting—to no avail. Worry made his stomach churn. When he pulled up on the street, he was surprised to see Frasier McNaughton standing in the open front door. It was almost time for the Christmas cantata to begin. Frasier should have been at the church.

  “Aiden, good to see you.” Frasier shook his hand. “I’m so glad you’re here. You should go inside right away.”

  “What’s going on?” Aiden asked as he stopped at the entrance.

  “Tammy’s employee showed up. Something’s wrong with him. I think he’s bleeding. But they shut the door. Tammy told me to go on to the church, but I’m waiting to be sure everything is okay. I didn’t want to leave her here with Benjy acting so…strange. I mean I’m sure he’s fine, but…”

  “No explanation necessary. Thanks, but if you need to go, I’ve got it from here.”

  Frasier nodded. “Are you sure?” He checked his watch.

  “Go,” Aiden said. “Everything will be fine here.”

  Frasier hurried down the sidewalk, looking back several times as if he might change his mind. Aiden stepped into the house and closed the front door. Raised voices came from the kitchen area. He instinctively started forward.

  “You have to call the police,” Tammy said loudly. “Benjy, you can’t run away.”

  “No one will ever believe me,” Benjy said. “I’ll get the blame for these dead women and the sexual battery charge. I didn’t do any of it, but I’ll be blamed.”

  “You have to give Rob and the deputies a chance. If you run, you’ll look even guiltier.”

  “And if I stay, I could land in prison with a sexual predator charge attached to my name for the rest of my life.”

  Aiden unholstered his gun and stepped into the kitchen, pointing the weapon directly at Benjy. “Hands in the air. Now.” To his relief, Benjy complied.

  “They’re going to railroad me,” Benjy said, his eyes pleading with Tammy to do something.

  “They won’t.” Tammy reassured him. “I promise I’ll look out for you.”

  “I’m being set up,” Benjy said, but his tone was hopeless. For such a big man, he seemed to deflate and shrink.

  “The only worry you have is if you’re guilty,” Aiden said. “So why did you run out the back of the store?”

  “The gossip was all over town that someone had attacked Tammy in her house. I knew you suspected
me of the murders of those women. I figured you’d be after me and I just wanted to get away. I haven’t done anything. I haven’t done anything wrong, but I look guilty. Now I’ll pay.”

  Aiden felt Tammy’s gaze move over him. She couldn’t hide her shock at his appearance, and he reached up instinctively to touch the large knot on his head. It was almost a match for the lump he’d seen on the minister’s temple. “I was chasing Benjy here and someone hit me on the head. I’m fine.”

  “Chasing me? What are you talking about?” Benjy sank deeper into his chair. “Nobody was chasing me. I just went out the back of the bookstore. I took off and there wasn’t anyone following me.”

  “Then why did you run?” Aiden asked.

  Benjy pressed his lips together. “I heard some of the customers talking about a serial killer. When I saw Deputy Waters pull up outside, I panicked and ran.”

  “What do you have to hide?” Aiden asked. He brought handcuffs from his utility belt.

  “Nothing. I’m just sick of being accused of things I didn’t do. You’re going to arrest me, aren’t you?”

  “Hold on a minute.” Tammy put a hand on Benjy’s shoulder. She didn’t know the truth, but she believed her employee at least deserved a chance to explain. “Nobody is getting arrested. Yet. Aiden, you disappeared from the store without a word.” She turned to Aiden. “And you too. Were you hiding in the parking lot?” A chill raced through her.

  “I was walking past the driveway when I saw someone run from behind the store,” Aiden said. “The description matched the man who attacked you. I went after him.”

  Tammy’s gaze shifted to Benjy. “And you took off, on foot, because you didn’t want to be falsely accused?”

  “Yeah. But I didn’t know anyone was following me. I just had to get out of the bookstore. I wasn’t really thinking. I guess I just panicked.”

  “You weren’t thinking, Benjy. Running makes you look guilty.” She sighed. “You just left me alone in the store on the busiest day of the year.”

  “I was scared,” Benjy said. “I knew if they arrested me they’d find the charges from Nashville.”

  “What charges?” Tammy held up her hands. “Wait. Benjy, start from the beginning.”

  “Look, we can do this at the station?” Aiden said. “This isn’t the place.”

  “Let him answer. I need to know this.”

  Benjy sighed deeply, but he sat up taller, as if a weight had been lifted. “My name is Rafe Wilder. I’m from Nashville. I was a personal trainer and yoga teacher there, until I got involved with one of my clients. You know, involved in the wrong kind of way. She hired me to help her lose thirty pounds, and we became involved. Sexually.”

  “So far, no problem,” Tammy said. “It’s not illegal to sleep with a client. If that were the case, a lot of businesses would close down completely.”

  “Yeah, well, she was sixteen, though she said she was nineteen. I didn’t know. I swear it. And then she said she was going to tell the cops I forced her to have sex.”

  Tammy sat down. “Oh, my, Benjy, or should I say Rafe. Is anything you told me when I hired you true?”

  “Not much,” Rafe said. He shook his head and sighed again. “I’m sorry, Tammy. I didn’t want to lie to you. But I had to find a low-profile job and simply wait to see what Candy was going to do.”

  “Candy?” Aiden couldn’t hold back his disbelief. “The sad thing is that I almost believe you, Rafe. Almost. The story makes just enough sense—in a nonsensical way—to be truthful. Is Candy the young girl’s real name?”

  “Turns out, no.” Rafe shook his head. “She hired me as a trainer. I worked with her. We got close. She came on to me, which isn’t uncommon in my business. Yeah, I shouldn’t have gotten involved with a client, but sometimes, that’s just what they want. Motivation to burn that fat off, you know. But I swear, she told me she was nineteen. I wouldn’t have touched her otherwise.”

  “And did she file charges?” Aiden asked.

  “She said she was going to. I didn’t wait around to find out.”

  “Come with me.” Aiden put a hand on his arm. “I’ll find out. But you’re still on the hook for assaulting an officer.”

  “I didn’t do that,” Rafe said. “I didn’t. I didn’t even know you were behind me. I just ran and kept running until I couldn’t go any more. Then I went to Drew’s Motorcycle Shop and hung out until he closed. I’ve been waiting for Tammy to get home because I thought she’d help me.”

  “You thought Tammy would help you?” Aiden couldn’t help the hint of sarcasm. “Why would you think that?”

  “Because she’s worked with me and would believe I wasn’t guilty. She would know I’d never force a girl and that I’d never knowingly get involved with a minor.”

  “He wouldn’t.” Tammy rolled her eyes. “He really wouldn’t. Benjy or Rafe or whoever he is wouldn’t do that. He may have made a mistake, but he isn’t a predator of young women.”

  Aiden saw the glint of steel in Tammy’s green eyes. And right behind her, Trouble was scratching at the pantry door like he was digging to China for gold. “What’s wrong with the cat?” Aiden asked.

  “I haven’t a clue.” Tammy picked Trouble up and held him in her lap. He lasted less than ten seconds before he was on the floor, scratching at the door again. She opened the door and the cat disappeared into the laundry room and pantry area.

  “Can I have a word with you in the den?” Aiden asked. “Rafe, don’t run. It’s the worst think you could do.”

  “Got it,” Rafe said, then heaved a big sigh. “I don’t want to be blamed for anything else.”

  Tammy followed Aiden to the front of the house.

  “Look, I need to take Rafe to the station house. I have to check into the situation. Tammy, I’m sorry about the cantata. Can we meet afterwards? I have some things to share with you.”

  “Are you sure you aren’t hurt?”

  Aiden heard the genuine concern in her voice, and he felt a buzz of energy. “I’m good. I promise. I’m just sorry I couldn’t get hold of you. I did call and text.”

  Tammy removed her phone from her pocket. She frowned. “That’s strange. I see the texts now, but before, I had nothing.”

  “I was in a dead zone most of the time. Sometimes, you know, they don’t upload. Why don’t you go on to the music? I’ll join you when I’ve filled out a report on Rafe here.”

  Tammy shook her head. “I’m staying home. It’s been a long day. I’m tired. I’ll have a glass of wine and put my feet up. I still have a few gifts to wrap.”

  Aiden nodded. “I’ll call you when I’m done. Now let me get Rafe to the station.” They returned to the kitchen where Rafe sat dejectedly at the table.

  Tammy put a hand on Rafe’s arm. “If you’re telling the truth, Aiden will help you.”

  “Once you’re in the system with any kind of sexual charge, you’re done for. It’s the end. No one will give you a job, you can’t find a place to work. It would be better to be dead.”

  “No, dead is never better,” Tammy said. “If you’re innocent, your job is waiting for you.”

  Aiden took Rafe’s arm. “Let’s go. Tammy, be sure and lock the door. Set the alarm.” He turned on the front porch and looked back at her, framed in the open doorway of her home. She was a beautiful woman, and even though the circumstances weren’t the best, his heart lifted at the thought that soon he would be back with her.

  Chapter Nine

  The bipeds have left the dirty work of searching all up to me. So far, nothing except a sexy pair of panties behind the dryer and some dried beans that spilled and scattered into the corner. Not even any interesting dust. But the SSK has been in this house. The scent of sandalwood and roses lingers in the kitchen, and I followed it here. Nothing. Nil. My deductions have led to a brick wall. My hunch was a wash-out. But something about this still niggles at me.

  I haven’t properly applied the Sherlockian method of deduction or I would have solid evidence.r />
  To be honest, I’m glad Tammy is staying home tonight. I wouldn’t mind hearing the Christmas cantata, but it’s easier to set up perimeter defenses here. Now I just have to get busy. I’ll do a little recon outside the house, checking out where the bushes might provide a hiding place.

  I hear the lady of the house calling me, and the plaintive note in her voice lets me know how unsettled she is. Tammy is the most rooted person I know. She’s sure of herself and her community. These murders have struck at her roots, and by gosh, which by the way is the British euphemism for by god, I am going to find the SSK and end this. Aiden, of course, will play a role because Tammy needs someone to believe in other than me. She needs a humanoid. It’s the species to species law of the wild.

  I’ve wasted enough time grubbing around the pantry and laundry room. And Tammy is looking for me, so it’s time to abandon this quest. I was positive I’d find something here though. Tomorrow, in the daylight, I’ll give another search. For now, it’s time to snuggle on Tammy’s lap until she settles down. Tonight, when Aiden is here to comfort her, I intend to stage a true exploration of this neighborhood.

  * * *

  Tammy lit the fire she’d carefully laid and settled into the overstuffed chair with a glass of wine. Trouble hopped into her lap, a sleek black bundle of purrs and comfort. It had been a helluva day. Christmas Eve. A time for serenity and peace, and she’d never been so unsettled.

  What was happening in her town? It was like a curtain had fallen away from Wetumpka and revealed a dark existence. Alleyway chases that led to assaults, women disappearing only to be strangled and murdered, customers who made her doubt her own judgement about the man she was developing strong feelings for. None of it made sense. None of it belonged in her life—or her town.

  She sipped the wine and watched the flames licking the oak log. She didn’t want to take the next step that was firmly in front of her. It was a sort of betrayal. If she couldn’t trust…then there was no future. But Thad Brady had opened a door that she had to walk through. What did she know about Aiden Waters? What did anyone in town really know? He hadn’t grown up in Wetumpka. He had no one to vouch for his past. He wore a badge, but what did that mean. Former FBI? Anyone could say that.