No Such Thing As a Good Blind Date: A Brandy Alexander Mystery (No Such Thing As: A Brandy Alexander Mystery)

by Shelly Fredman

  “It’s Bobby.” His voice was hard and professional. “You got lucky,” he started, before I could tell him I was sorry about last night. If I was going to admit I was wrong, I wanted to get it over with.

  Bobby continued in that same professional drone. “One of the regulars from Jolly Jack’s called the station and said he’d seen Davis arguing with the victim the same day she was killed. When she tried to walk away from him, he grabbed her by the hair. He also stated that Davis is notorious for his abuse against women. There’s an APB out on him, so there’s no need to mention your involvement.”

  Tears sprang to my eyes and I quickly wiped them away. “What was her name?” I asked quietly.

  His voice softened. “Andi. Her name was Andi.”

  “You were right, Bobby,” I said, swallowing hard. “I made some really dumb mistakes, but I’ve stopped looking for Glen. And as for Toodie, I haven’t heard from him in days. I don’t know where he is, I swear, but if he does call I’ll urge him to turn himself in.” That was all I could think of to make amends, short of reciting a couple of Hail Mary’s and offering to do his laundry. But Marie would probably take issue with that.

  “Brandy, I just want you to be safe.”

  “I know you do. And I know I just said I’d butt out, but do you think this new info on Glen will help Toodie?”

  “Beats me. They could have been in on this thing together. I’m still on the case, by the way. We’re short-handed down at the station, and the chief says unless Toodie is my long-lost brother, I’m stuck working it.”

  “I understand.” I just hope Marie will be equally understanding.

  Ten seconds after we hung up, the phone rang. “What’d you forget to tell me, DiCarlo?”

  “Guess again.” The voice was male, unfamiliar and hair-raising creepy.

  “Who is this?” I turned my head automatically to check the locks and started the engine.

  “You were supposed to guess, bitch.” My heart rate tripled as I struggled to keep down dinner. I didn’t need to guess. I knew.

  “Glen.”

  “You’re quite the little detective, aren’t ya? Ya know it’s really unfortunate what happened to your new girlfriend. But guess what? You’re next.”

  Before I could take a breath something slammed hard into the back of Paul’s car and I flew forward, hitting my head on the steering wheel. Oh my God, he’s right behind me. Reeling from the impact, I floored the engine and peeled out of the spot, too scared to see if he was following. I drove like a maniac; my only thought being to create as much distance as possible between us. With my free hand I tried to punch in 911 on my cell, but I dropped the phone under the seat and no way would I stop and look for it.

  He kept pace with me for about ten blocks, his black Chevy Malibu shadowing my every move. How did he know where to find me? And why couldn’t I shake the son of a bitch? I cut a sharp left and barreled headlong down a oneway street. Glen’s headlights loomed in my rearview mirror for a brief moment and then—out of the blue—he was gone.

  For some reason, his sudden disappearance panicked me even more. I knew I should go to the police, but there was no comfort in that thought. After all that’s happened in the last several days, the cops think I’m some kind of whack-o and I could hardly blame them. I pulled over and kept the car idling while I searched for my cell phone. Then I punched in Bobby’s direct line at the station. He didn’t pick up.

  The adrenaline had worn off, leaving me drenched in sweat and shaking uncontrollably. I couldn’t go home. He could be waiting for me. Paul’s club was still open, but how could I put my own brother in danger? My life was no longer in my control and I hated feeling so helpless. I needed a safe haven. I needed Nick.

  I swung the car around and headed in the opposite direction.

  When I got to his apartment building, I picked up my phone and punched in his number. He answered on the first ring. Caller I.D. told him it was me.

  “Hey, angel.” His voice was low and relaxed. “What’s up?”

  “I’m parked out front. Can I come up?”

  Nick was waiting for me at the door when I got there. It took every ounce of strength I had not to throw myself into his arms and cry myself silly. He was wearing a pale blue crew neck sweater, which brought out the rich chocolate brown of his eyes, and charcoal gray slacks. His face was newly shaved, accentuating his high cheekbones and angular jaw. For a moment I forgot all about the homicidal maniac who was out to get me, as I stood transfixed by Nick’s extraordinary presence.

  “Come on in,” he said. “You sounded upset over the phone.”

  I was about to launch into the entire terrifying ordeal, when I saw her. She was sitting on Nick’s beige leather couch, looking stunning in a simple, form fitting black dress and Jimmy Choo high heel pumps that cost more than I made in a week as a news reporter in L.A. Her hair was spun silk; a sharp contrast to my own disheveled mess. She was holding a wine goblet in her beautifully manicured hand. A small furrow in her brow creased an otherwise perfect, heart-shaped face.

  She remained seated as Nick ushered me into the room and I felt a flush of embarrassment sweep over me. Nick was on a date.

  “Brandy, this is Alana,” he said, apparently completely unaware of the awkwardness I was feeling. “Alana, this is my friend, Brandy.”

  I felt like I’d been sucker punched. Just so that the Goddess Alana didn’t get any wrong ideas, Nick let her know in a hurry I was just a “friend.” At that moment I hated him, I hated her and I actually contemplated the possibility of going out with Raoul.

  I grunted hello to Alana and she nodded vaguely in my direction.

  “Can I get you some wine?” Nick asked.

  “Um, no thanks. I can’t stay. I was in the neighborhood and, uh, I thought I’d stop by to get that Shrimp Creole recipe. You know how it is when the old cooking bug bites you.” Oh my God. Somebody stop me.

  Alana eyed me coolly. “Yes, I often get the urge for crustacean at midnight.”

  Nick laughed and I wanted to punch her. And him too while I was at it. I fought the urge and headed towards the front door.

  “I’ve got to go. Sorry to burst in like this.”

  Nick murmured something to Alana and then his arm was around my waist, guiding me back into the living room.

  “You’re obviously upset,” he whispered, his mouth pressed to my ear. “You’re not going anywhere until I find out why. Give me a minute.”

  I wanted to storm out of there on principle, but that only worked if he knew why I was mad, and I’d rather die than have him know how jealous I felt. Plus, the alternative was to sit home and wait for Glen to make an appearance. I wandered over to the baby grand and gazed out the window, too frightened and exhausted to argue.

  They spoke in hushed tones on the other side of the room, and then Alana walked over to the couch and picked up her coat, and held it out to Nick. He draped it around her shoulders and flashed her an apologetic smile. When they got to the foyer, she stopped and turned to face him. “I had planned on making you very happy tonight, Nicholas. Call me.” She placed a lingering kiss on his mouth and walked out the door.

  My stomach did a one-eighty at the sight of her lips plastered to his. What was I doing here? I never should have just shown up at his place. He doesn’t care about me. I’m just some hapless idiot he feels sorry for.

  “Nick, wait,” I yelled, racing towards the foyer. “This is ridiculous. You were in the middle of—whatever—with Alana. I should be the one to leave.” I yanked open the door and headed down the hall. “Maybe I can still catch her.”

  He grabbed me around the middle, hoisting me off the ground. My mind just snapped and I kicked out my legs, screaming for him to let me go.

  “Are you aware that you’re acting just a tad on the nutty side?” he asked mildly.

  I did know. I just didn’t know how to stop. Nick turned and dropped me gently onto the couch and sat down beside me.

  “I’m sorry,”
I said, awash in abject misery. “I should have called first. It’s just that I was so scared.”

  “What scared you, angel?” Just then he noticed the knot on my forehead. He reached over and brushed his thumb lightly over it and I flinched. Nick’s voice took on a hard edge. “Who did this to you?”

  So I told him.

  “You’re sure it was Glen?” It was a legitimate question. I seem to have pissed off a lot of people lately—through no fault of my own, of course.

  “I’m positive. He killed that girl, Andi, he probably killed the woman in the freezer—although I haven’t figured out a motive for that one yet—and now he wants to kill me too.”

  I made my voice as flat as possible, but the involuntary trembling in my legs gave me away. Nick poured me a shot of single malt and waited while I tossed it back.

  “Thanks. Christ, I don’t believe this is happening just when I’d given up looking for the jerk.”

  “You’d already gotten the ball rolling and now the police have taken notice. In his mind you’re responsible for all the bad press.”

  Just my luck, I’m taking all the heat of an investigative reporter, without any of the perks—like a paycheck.

  “So—Davis was right on your tail and then suddenly he just vanished?”

  I nodded.

  “He’s toying with you, angel. If he had wanted to finish you off tonight, you’d be dead.”

  “But why play around like that?”

  “Think about it,” Nick said. “It’s actually pretty brilliant. He’s screwing with your brain, making you look unstable. If you go to the cops with some story about him harassing you, there’s no proof.”

  “But wait. What about the cell phone? His number would come up on my phone.”

  “Maybe. But I’m willing to bet he’s using a stolen phone. My guess is he’ll keep this up for a while until you’re good and rattled, and then move in for the kill.”

  Wow, what a sad commentary on my life, that, compared to an ice freak, I look unstable.

  It all seemed to make sense, except for one thing. From what I’ve learned about Glen, he’s got a mean streak a mile long, but nobody’s ever accused him of being an Einstein. I couldn’t imagine him being the brains behind his own operation.

  “I’m not trying to scare you, darlin’, but Davis is probably tweaking, which means he hasn’t slept, he’s highly volatile, erratic and paranoid. A real hit could come at any time.”

  “What am I going to do, Nick? I feel like a sitting duck.”

  Nick drew me to him and wrapped me in his arms. It was the safest and most content I’d felt in weeks. “You’re not going to do anything tonight except get a good night’s sleep. The single malt should help.”

  I glanced over at the clock in the kitchen. It was one in the morning. “I have to go,” I said, struggling to sit up.

  Nick shook his head. “You can’t go home. Not unless I go with you. Stay here for the night and we’ll figure it out in the morning.”

  “But what about Rocky and Adrian?”

  “I’ll rent you the DVD.”

  “No, I mean my dog and kitten. I can’t leave them alone. What if Glen breaks into the house? He could hurt them.”

  Nick untangled himself from me and picked up the phone that was sitting on his coffee table. “I have a job for you,” he said to the voice that picked up on the other end. “I’m sorry. I know you need your beauty rest. I’ll make sure it’s worth your while.” He turned to me. “What’s your address?”

  “But doesn’t he need a key to get in?” Nick raised his eyebrows in response. There really was so much I needed to learn about the ways of the criminal world.

  Thirty minutes later Rocky and Adrian were happily snuggled in Nick’s spare room, courtesy of Alphonso, the B&E aficionado.

  “You might want to think about an alarm system,” Alphonso suggested.

  Alphonso left and then it was just Nick and I and the hundreds of butterflies that suddenly took up residence in my stomach. I had stayed the night at his place once before. Nothing happened, which could have been a crushing blow to my ego, except that I chose to see it as gentlemanly restraint, given the circumstances that brought me here that night.

  Nick disappeared into his bedroom, returning a few minutes later with some clean sweats and a long sleeved pullover. “Thought you might need these—unless you prefer to sleep naked.” The corners of his mouth curled into a wicked grin and I felt myself go beet red.

  “Uh, this is fine, thanks,” I said, taking them.

  He had left a new toothbrush and some fresh towels on the bathroom sink for me, with instructions to help myself to any of the toiletries. I gazed longingly at the old fashioned, cast iron bathtub. It seemed like forever since I was able to take a proper bath, with actual running water. The thought seduced me and soon I was soaking in a hot tub, filled to the brim with bubbles.

  I was floating down the Mississippi River on a raft, with Rocky and Adrian. Rocky was wearing a tiny straw hat, her ears sticking out of holes on the sides. Adrian was playing the harmonica, Camp Town Races, I think. Slowly I opened my eyes as Huck Finn called to me from the dock across the way.

  “Hi there.”

  “AHHH!” I bolted upright, forgetting for a moment that I was sitting naked in Nick’s bathtub. The temperature had turned cool as the last of the bubbles floated listlessly in the water. Nick sat on the edge of the tub, smiling. Gathering the remaining bubbles I sank back under the water.

  “You were in here for so long I began to get worried,” he explained. “I knocked, but you didn’t answer.”

  “Um, I must have fallen asleep.”

  Nick stood, and unfolded a towel for me and held it open, waiting for me to step into it. I remained rooted under water. God, I’m such an infantile geek. If I were Alana, we’d be having mad, passionate tub-sex by now.

  “Oh,” he smiled, getting it. He turned his head and I stood up at warp speed and grabbed the towel, wrapping it around myself like a cocoon.

  Nick left and I brushed my hair and scrubbed my teeth and yanked on the clothes he’d left me, cursing myself all the while for being such a big, fat baby. I sat down on the edge of the tub to think things through. Do I want Nick to “come on” to me? God, yes! Am I emotionally ready to take that step? Hell, no! Will I ever be ready for a man like Nick? Probably not. Our relationship is so ambiguous. There’d been some sexual flirting on his part in the past, but what did it really mean? The whole thing was giving me a headache.

  I found Nick in the spare room, working at the computer. He was wearing black-rimmed reading glasses, his wavy brown hair tied in a loose ponytail. He looked up when he saw me and took off his glasses. His eyes looked tired. I shoved Adrian to one side of the bed and sat down.

  “I’m sorry I ruined your evening with Alana, tonight, Nick. She sounded like she had great plans for you.”

  “Alana is a very enterprising young lady,” he agreed.

  A pang of jealousy seared my insides. “Why do you keep helping me?” Shit. I meant to say something urbane.

  He sat down next to me on the bed and brushed the hair from my eyes. “Maybe I’m just a sucker for a girl with bangs.”

  “No, really. I mean it. I’ve caused you nothing but inconvenience since the day we met. What do you get out of this?”

  Nick leaned forward, the dim light from the desk lamp casting a shadow on his beautiful face. “If I were ever in trouble I’d want you on my side, because I know you’d never give up on me.”

  The sincerity in his voice nearly broke my heart. Nick believed in me. A lump formed in my throat and I swallowed hard. “Thank you,” I whispered.

  He turned in response and placed a hand on my cheek. My heart started beating so fast I thought it would pop right out of my chest. He gazed at me with dark, liquid eyes, and then he lowered his head and pressed his soft, full lips against mine. Oh my God!

  I shivered in pleasure as he moved to my neck and lingered there, making sma
ll, concentric circles with his tongue. Heat spread through every erogenous zone in my body, waking up parts of me I didn’t even remember I had. With agonizing slowness he worked his way back up to my earlobe, my cheek, and finally, my waiting mouth. I let out a soft moan and he pressed harder, parting his lips and pulling me to him.

  Seamlessly, we rolled onto our sides and he kept on kissing me, probing my mouth with his tongue until we were completely entwined. He tasted warm and sweet and he felt so good, and I ached for him with every fiber of my being. And then he cupped my breast with the palm of his hand and I froze. Fuck, fuck, FUCK this stupid, analytical mind. Stop thinking and just let him do it!

  Nick seemed to sense my inner struggle. He bit down gently on my lower lip and kissed me one last time. Then he wrapped his arms around me so that my head was nestled in the hollow of his neck. We laid that way until our breathing returned to normal, and then he lifted himself up on one elbow, gazing at me with those magnificent brown eyes. “You need to get some sleep, angel. You’ve had a busy day.” He drew down the covers and I slipped between the sheets. “Sweet dreams,” he said, turning out the light.

  Chapter Nine

  He expects me to go to sleep after that? It’d been four years since I’d even come close to being kissed with that kind of passion, and then I go and blow it by freaking out. What the heck was that all about? I wanted to go find him and ask if we could try it again. I’m sure I could get it right this time. Crap. He’s probably called Alana by now and they’re making love on his dining room table…not that he has a dining room table…maybe I should go check. I crept out of bed and listened at the door. No fevered grunting, no Bolero playing in the background. I got back in bed. Note to self: Stop being such a baby and have wild sex with Nick.

  I slept straight through until eight a.m. Rocky was pawing at the door, trying to get out. Where was Adrian? I found him in the kitchen, mooching bacon off of Nick.

  “Good morning,” he grinned.

  I decided to pretend I wasn’t feeling horribly embarrassed and awkward and sat down at the counter.