by Paris Morgan
“Deal.” I still felt helpless, but at least this was a bright spot in a long, weary day.
I’d planned to call Leslie for an update when I got back to the hotel, but all I remembered was sitting down and leaning back for just a second before I fell asleep.
Chapter 8
Leslie
Jerome’s number flashed on my phone again for the second time that morning. With a groan, I pushed the decline button. I so didn’t want to talk to him yet.
Thankfully, he’d left me alone for the past twenty-four hours, but I guess he thought that was enough time for me to get past our discussion from the other night. I’d jumped into this situation pretty fast, based on the good sex situation—which still made me smile. Maybe this wasn’t completely over, but we were going to have to set some ground rules.
I texted him so he didn’t feel ignored.
Leslie: I’m not ready to talk yet.
Jerome: Okay. I was just going to see if you want to meet for lunch or dinner.
Leslie: Let’s slow this back down just a little bit. I’m working on this case, and may have to go out of town. If I’m not busy after the weekend, then we can try for dinner.
Jerome: Message received.
Leslie: I’m sorry. This is all new to me.
He didn’t respond to the last message, and I found myself looking every so often just in case I missed it. So when the phone rang, I grabbed it without looking to see who was calling.
“Leslie, sorry. I meant to call you last night.”
“Ryan?” I hoped he didn’t hear the disappointment in my voice, which was crazy, since I’d just told Jerome to basically back off.
“Yeah. Who did you think it was? Never mind, it’s not my business.”
“What did you find out yesterday?” I asked, ready to focus on more pressing matters.
“These suicide/murders are definitely connected to our case. I think we have a different person that’s playing the game now. The scenes have a different feel to them. The murders in Dallas and Ft. Worth didn’t seem personal, and these do. Almost like these guys are being punished for something that they did, but nothing connects them except for the Urban Energy Company.”
“Well, following that line of thought, I went and met with one of the heads of Human Resources at UEC. She looked into the men that were in Green Bay, and other than the departments they worked for, there isn’t anything from that angle that could be the cause.” I flipped open the file I’d started after meeting with Sandy at UEC.
“Nothing?” Ryan questioned.
Trying not to be defensive or take it personal, I answered, “No. What she did say is that a couple of them worked in statistics. The others worked in financial projects and profitability, which are completely different areas. On a hunch, I asked about their Madison office, and what kind of things they did over there.”
“And?”
Patience certainly wasn’t his best quality.
“They do graphic design and come up with the slogans, campaigns, and ideas for marketing. Again, nothing that would make someone want to kill their employees. There has to be something else that these guys were involved in that isn’t widely known.”
“Like a cult? Did you find out anything that was unusual about the group called Simon’s Followers?”
“Just that they were mostly women who had been wronged by men, and Simon helps them overcome it. The few men that are associated with it are gay, or have a submissive type of personality. They enjoy being told what to do, and don’t even realize that he’s controlling them.” I glanced through the information that I’d found online. “It’s said that he tends to suggest that they aren’t worth anything and have nothing to offer the world. Within days, that person is dead from self-inflicted wounds. But this is just hearsay.”
“We’ve hit the jackpot then! We have someone that we need to talk to and get a read on him. Is there any sort of ban on having a conversation with him? No other agencies are trying to make a case that I would be stepping on their toes?”
“None that I’ve seen. The FBI is keeping a close watch on him, but so far, they haven’t decided that he’s a major threat. How people killing themselves because he’s told them to isn’t considered a threat, I have no idea, but I hate guys like him.”
“When I get him in the interview room, I’ll make sure to think outside the box, like you would.”
I could hear the sarcasm over the phone. “Just remember, he won’t like talking to you because you’re a dominate guy. He’ll see you as a threat to his society, and will be less likely to reveal anything vital to you.”
“Are you working on anything urgent right now?”
As soon as Ryan spoke, I knew I was going to be on the next plane to Wisconsin.
“Nope, and I can book the next flight out.” I found myself grinning, because the best way to get far away from Jerome was to be miles out of reach. “I’ll text you the details in just a few.”
“Great. I think you can work this guy, and I’d feel better if we were using both of our brains instead of my very tired one. I’m kind of torn because I’d like to be at the hospital, but I need to be out there chasing this killer.”
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. You’re only one person. We should have learned this lesson last time that crime is going to continue, but we don’t need the guilt that comes with it.”
“Thanks, Leslie. I’m starting to feel that there’s no resolution to this case. What if it just continues each month with a new killer in a new town?”
“Now, I know that’s just the tiredness talking. Go call your girl and take a walk. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”
“You’re right. Thanks. I’m not going for a walk. It’s really cold here, but maybe a run on the treadmill would help.”
“Okay. I’ll message you when the plane lands, then you can tell me where to meet you.”
“Great. See you soon.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. Now, to let my boss know and get my travel arrangements taken care of.
Which is how I missed the special arrangement of flowers that arrived only thirty minutes later with a message for me.
Don’t leave the state. There will be more bodies dropping and you can’t chase them all because your job won’t pay for it.
***
While I was going to keep things professional with Ryan, it was nice to think about a case for a few days instead of worrying about relationship issues.
I stopped off in the restroom after deboarding the plane to freshen up. If we were going to interrogate this Simone guy, then I needed to look my best so that he might actually talk to me about the case.
As I grabbed my luggage from the conveyor belt, Ryan texted that he was in the parking garage.
Walking outside, I was hit with a blast of cold air. My winter coat, which worked well in Texas, wasn’t going to cut it here in Wisconsin.
“How have you survived the past two days?” I greeted Ryan with my teeth chattering.
He laughed and turned the vent’s heat toward me. “I’ve been up here several times over the years to visit Jesse, and knew that I’d need a heavier coat. I borrowed one from Lucy, Jesse’s ex-wife, for you.”
“Oh, thank goodness. I was ready to get back on the plane and return to the warmness. When are we going to meet Simon?”
“Just be glad that this is a warm spell right now. It’s supposed to get cold again next week. We’re going to Simon’s house, but I’m going to let you take the lead.” Ryan maneuvered through the snow-filled streets with ease.
“Colder than this? EEK! I’m glad I’m a Texas girl. I would never last in this kind of weather all the time.”
“You’d get used to it. Some people love the cold, but I enjoy quick visits and then back to the warm rays of the south. Anyway, I couldn’t get you privileges to carry your gun, or actually work on the case. I’m responsible for you, and the only way they’ll let you do anything is if I’m right there with you.”
<
br /> “That’s okay. I’m still new at this, so I can weigh in with my thoughts, but I’m good with you being in charge. I needed a few days away from home.”
“Oh, the boyfriend giving you trouble already?” His grin faded when he realized it might be true. “Is everything okay?”
“Sort of. He’s really nice.”
“Uh-oh. I’m sensing a ‘but’ in there.”
“He went all possessive on me. He mentioned that he wasn’t going to share me, and all these red flags went up. I knew that being a cop and dating would be an adjustment, but I didn’t plan to give up my life or stop talking to male coworkers because someone gets jealous.”
I couldn’t believe I’d just blurted all that out to Ryan. If anyone could understand, maybe it would be him. But most of the time, guys didn’t have a clue what us girls had to go through.
“Yeah, that’s a tough one. A lot of guys can’t handle having their significant other hanging out with other men. It’s part of the male ego trip. What can another man give you that he can’t? Do you think he’s worth working through this situation to make it a long term thing?”
“That’s the question of the hour, isn’t it? He claims that his last girlfriend cheated, so he’s reserved and cautious. I told him up front that I worked as a cop, but I’m guessing that he didn’t understand what that really meant.”
“If he’s the one, then he’ll get on board. Maybe a little space will make him appreciate you and your job. If he can’t work with your hours and partners now, then it’s just going to get worse. It’s better to break up now rather than later.”
“True. That may be where we end up, but I’ve a got a few days to put my head in a case without worrying about it for now. How much longer is it?” The heater in the car had finally warmed me up just a little, and I wasn’t shivering anymore.
“We’re here.” He pulled up to a large home that had a driveway clear of snow.
“Of course just when I was getting warm, we have to brave the cold.”
“Here’s the extra coat. I’m going to let you ask the questions to put him a little more at ease. This isn’t his first time having a visit from the police.”
“Do you want me to go in by myself and ask questions?”
“No. I don’t want you to in there by yourself since you don’t have any real authority. If he confesses or trips up, then I can use that to arrest him.”
“Got it. Let’s hurry and get inside.” I was unprofessionally jumping up and down to keep from freezing.
The path from the driveway to the door had been shoveled recently, and a salt mixture was sprinkled over the porch to keep it from icing over. So different from what I was used to in Texas, certainly, but it held a small amount of charm if it wasn’t for the cold seeping into my bones.
When the door opened, it was all I could do not to rush inside before they could invite us in.
“Hi, I’m Leslie, and this is Ryan. We’re detectives investigating a recent string of deaths. One of the victims had some information about you, and I was wondering if you could shed some light on the investigation?” I hoped the smile on my face was sincere, and not just frozen in place.
“Of course.” The younger man waved us inside as he held the door for us.
“Thank you. I just flew in, and it’s so different than what I’m used to for cold weather.”
“Really? Where are you from?” he asked curiously.
“Texas.”
“Now, that we’re out of the cold, who were you needing to talk with? We have quite a few people living here at the moment.”
“Oh, I think his name is Simon,” Ryan replied, causing the man standing in front of us to change from being friendly to almost hostile.
“Ignore him. He’s just upset about our friend, David. That’s why I flew in today because when it happened, there wasn’t anything to indicate that he’d been depressed. We were hoping that Mr. Simon could maybe give us something about his frame of mind. Could he meet with us for just a few minutes? I wouldn’t want to take up very much of his time.”
He eyed me, and then stared at Ryan. “He might be able to spare a few minutes. He’s a very busy man. If you’ll have a seat here in the parlor, I’ll go see if he’s available.”
“Thank you, again.” I took one of the seats he offered and glanced around with interest. “I just love old homes like this that have been remodeled.”
Ryan looked around, trying to discover what I was seeing. “I don’t get it. It looks nice, but it takes a lot of money to do this kind of upkeep on an old house like this.”
“You’re such a cynic. The history of a place like this is what makes it more appealing. Think of the families that lived through the good times and the bad here. If these walls could talk, just think of the things they could tell us.”
“How right you are, Miss?” Simon entered the room with a flourish.
“Leslie Boxe, and this is my partner, Ryan Fox.” I held out my hand and was surprised when he took it, placing a kiss on the back of it.
“Boxe and Fox. The universe must have a unique sense of humor to have partnered you together. A real life Dr. Seuss tongue twister. Anyway, you wanted to ask me some questions. Do I need a lawyer?” He took a seat next to me on the loveseat, making me feel a little crowded.
“No, we’re just trying to get a frame of reference into David’s death. It was just such a shock. Did you know him well?” I leaned closer, ignoring the closed-in feeling.
“I knew David Kim. He was a very nice gentleman. I believe that he was dating one of the ladies who escaped a bad home situation. They hadn’t been together for very long, and I don’t think they’d told his family yet. I can also arrange for you to see Natalie before you leave. She would probably know more about his personal attitude. How did he die?”
“He committed suicide. There wasn’t a note or anything, and we would like to see if we can give his family a little bit of closure since this was so out of the ordinary for him.”
Simon patted my leg, which was more of a rub than a comforting gesture. “He was over for one of our group dinners just a week or so ago, then he and Natalie went out to a movie. He had her back before curfew.”
“There’s a curfew for adults that live here?” Ryan questioned.
“Why, certainly. The adults are allowed to come and go as they please, but we suggest that they be in before ten in the evenings so that they don’t disturb the others who also live here. There are a few who have jobs that require later hours, and we work around things.” He smiled at Ryan’s obvious accusation. “We are a very flexible community, and will do whatever it takes to nurse our members back to health. If there aren’t any rules, then you would have chaos. People come here to get away from chaos.”
“That’s a good point. Others would do well to be peacemakers instead of causing strife. I don’t remember David being the kind of guy to cause trouble, though. Was there anyone that wasn’t happy with him?” I wasn’t above using a language that Simon would understand.
“He was a gentle lamb. Many had taken advantage of him in the past, and we were helping him to learn how to say no without feeling guilt. Natalie has been through that same kind of situation, and now she is giving back by mentoring others.”
Ryan snickered. “Boy, that’s some kind of mentoring. Sleeping with your mentor probably keeps them coming back for more. Do you pay the girls their portion if the guys make a donation?”
“Ryan Fox, that is completely inappropriate.” I turned to Simon. “Mr. Simon, I’m so sorry for my partner’s behavior. Evidently, they forgot to add manners when they sent him home from the academy.”
I stood up, as if to leave. “We won’t take up any more of your time, but could I possibly ask Natalie a few questions? I promise that I’ll keep Mr. Fox in line.”
He waved off my apology. “It happens a lot to the unenlightened. I’m glad that you can see a different way is better. Could I interest you in dinner tonight, since I don’t beli
eve that Natalie will be home before then?”
Flattered, I lightly touched his arm. “What time do you serve dinner?”
“Seven o’clock sharp, and you can bring your partner. He might be good for the members to remember what is was like to be cynical before they came to the light.”
“Thank you so much. We accept, and will be here promptly so that we don’t hold up the meal.”
“Matt.” He called for the young man we’d seen earlier. “Can you please show Leslie and her partner out to their vehicle please? They will be back for dinner. Make sure they sit between Natalie and I, so that we can help ease their minds about our community.”
“Yes, Simon.” Matt gave a nod of affirmation. “If you’ll follow me this way.”
He led the way back to the front door. As I started to pass by, he whispered, “Be careful. He doesn’t like to be lied to.”
“What?” I paused and turned to see what he’d meant.
“Have a wonderful day, Ms. Leslie, and we look forward to seeing you later this evening.” In a whispered voice, Matt continued, “He knows that you’re looking for something, so be careful of what you tell him. His anger isn’t something we want to deal with when you leave.” He held the door open, allowing the cold to hit my face.
“Uh, thank you.” I pulled the coat around me and raced as quickly to the car as I could.
Ryan followed at a slower pace, but didn’t unlock the car door, leaving me to stand in the cold.
“What was that for?” I demanded angrily.
He shrugged, as if he had no clue what I was talking about.
“Being an ass in there and not letting me in when it’s cold.” I wished there was something I could throw at him.
“Well, you were getting all cozy with that Simon guy. Getting invited to dinner and letting him rub your leg, I had to say something. Plus, I’m not feeling the cold. It feels fine. I don’t know what you’re complaining about.”
“What is it with men? Do you think that if someone flirts just a little, they’re going to fall into bed with the person? We’re trying to find out if this guy knows something about the murders, and now you’re worried about my virtue. Seriously, you need to lighten up just a little, or dinner is going to be a disaster.” Unconsciously, I ground my teeth in frustration. “I’m a big girl, and his whole goal is to steal me away from you, so I have to seem available. Didn’t you hear what Matt whispered as we walked out?”
