UNSEEN

by Felicia Mires

  "Have you perused it yet?"

  "You're the first."

  She grinned her appreciation, and Caleb ignored the sharp ping of attraction he felt. Destiny Knox was a murder suspect with a less than stellar history. Besides, he really enjoyed spending time with Laurel. He clicked off his voice recorder, and they got in the car.

  At Miss Knox' sharp intake of breath, Caleb paused in starting the engine. She was staring at the time log with wide eyes and an open mouth. Something had her riled.

  "What is it?" asked Caleb.

  "I just can't believe it."

  "What?"

  "He was there. Jeffrey Seymour was inside his building all night."

  "What are you saying?"

  She pointed at the page. "He never left. His I.D. was used to go up in the elevator to his office and back down again."

  "The missing time?"

  "Yes. He spent it in his own office. I was so sure…"

  Doubts flooded Caleb's mind. If Seymour had an alibi, that left only Miss Knox as a suspect, unless they discovered something at Penny Weather' job. Never had he hoped more for a disgruntled co-worker. He started the car and headed toward the station.

  "Don't get discouraged, Miss Knox. That's how it goes. He looked good for it, but remember, we never really had cause to think he had a reason to kill her."

  "Except for their very public confrontation from which she quickly departed."

  "Ok, there was that, but if he's got an alibi, we'll have to more closely scrutinize her job. The pieces will come together."

  Miss Knox shut the folder and leaned back. After a deep sigh, she focused on Caleb. "You're right, of course. I just wanted it…over."

  "Tired of following me already?"

  "I'd never get tired of being with you…I mean…of working with you…you know."

  She turned her profile away to stare out the window, and Caleb grinned. He had the distinct impression that Destiny Knox sort of liked him, but something was holding her back. The image of Laurel's sleek figure rose in his mind. "The girlfriend" as Miss Knox called her. Right. He had a girlfriend, or an almost girlfriend. He knew Laurel still dated other people. Was Laurel just waiting for him to declare himself?

  As Caleb pulled to a stop at a red light, his phone rang.

  "You better answer that," said Miss Knox. "I noticed it go off several times while you were searching the room."

  "I was a little preoccupied."

  He flipped open his phone. "Forest."

  "Just got the coroner's report on the body. He says the wound is consistent with the butt of a .38," said Pemberly.

  "Like the gun the victim owned but supposedly disposed of."

  "That's what I thought. How's your search going?"

  "Didn't find anything in the offices, and Seymour's I.D. shows him in the building the entire time."

  "You know what that means."

  "Yeah. Move forward with things on your end. I'll be at the station in about ten minutes."

  When Miss Knox entered the precinct, several male heads turned her way. By the time they'd passed the front counter, the booking area, and the desks of the detectives, she had received two whistles, several filthy remarks, and one prisoner even tried to grope her behind. She flipped around so fast, her notebook knocked the man in the face.

  "Watch it, buddy. The next time, my heel is going through your foot." Then she stalked off, head high.

  This might be the ideal moment to speak with her once again about her appearance. Caleb reached for her elbow, and she stopped.

  "Before we go to forensics, let's step in here for a moment." Caleb opened the observation room and pointed.

  She sauntered in and turned to face him. "What?"

  "You look…you remember our conversation about less color? You look…very appealing."

  Her eyes narrowed, and her hands clenched at her sides. He could envision steam coming out her ears at any moment.

  "From your tone, Detective, that doesn't sound like a compliment. Are you saying I look like a hooker again? Plain jeans, no cleavage and my blouse isn't tight. What is your problem?"

  "Miss Knox, this is a police station, filled with disreputable characters and men who take care of disreputable characters. I apologize, but men are going to be men. They make locker-room comments. They notice attractive women. Trust me, our female officers suffer the same abuse. For your own sake, wear…a gunny sack."

  Her jaw dropped. "A gunny sack." Then she dissolved into laughter. After she wiped her eyes, she smiled up at him. "You, Detective Forest, think I'm attractive."

  Caleb opened the door then looked back over his shoulder. "That has nothing to do with it."

  As they made their way to forensics, she didn't say another word. Could he have handled things differently? Should he have had Pemberly speak to her? No. Pemberly didn't have Caleb's restraint. Ah well, it was done now. If only she wouldn't refer to it while they were speaking to Laurel. Getting caught between his almost-girlfriend and his civilian partner didn't rank high on his bucket list. It didn't rank at all.

  Laurel was waiting when they got inside. "I've taken measurements of the wound on our victim's head, and there's really one thing that fits perfectly, a gun butt. It required a great deal of concentrated force."

  "How much?" asked Miss Knox.

  "Based on bone density of the skull, about thirty-six pounds per square inch."

  "Could a woman?" Caleb pointed at a picture of the skull. "Like that…with one blow?"

  "Any woman of average build."

  Destiny reached for her notebook. "Average build. What does that even mean?"

  "In the US, average height for a woman is slightly under five- five. So, positively anyone that height or taller could have killed the victim."

  Laurel and Miss Knox stared at each other so long that Caleb grew uncomfortable. He needed to say something. Quickly. But this was one more fact that pointed straight to Miss Knox.

  Caleb leaned forward. "Seymour's alibi is solid. If we don't get something from Penny's workplace, we're back to nothing."

  "What?"

  Laurel froze, and her gaze remained locked on Miss Knox, who nodded. "His security badge shows him going to his office during the time in question."

  "That's unfortunate."

  "Not for Seymour. Seems pretty fortuitous to me."

  Finally, Laurel broke their stare-down to confront Caleb. "I don't have much to help you with the weapon. No particulates in the wound. But it's a perfect match for the model of .38 supposedly owned by the deceased."

  "Which means I've got to find out what Penny did with that gun." Caleb held out a hand toward the door. "Let's go, Miss Knox."

  As the elevator door closed, Miss Knox backed against the corner. "How are you going to find the gun?"

  "I'll return to Ms. Caroline Morris to see if Penny said anything else about it. Care to go?"

  Would Miss Knox brave getting identified by Ms. Morris? It had almost become a game to see how long they could dance around her relationship with the deceased. Only now, he didn't have another suspect, and Laurel said the killer could easily be a woman.

  "Uh, no. I'm going to stick with Pemberly and read through that murder book. Maybe the techs will return from the victim's jobsite with some clues."

  When they reached the desk, Pemberly was nowhere in sight. Caleb gestured at Miss Knox. "Have a seat. Here's the murder book."

  She settled in and flipped through the pages slowly while Caleb watched from his desk. He hadn't heard back from Pemberly. Perhaps he should call, but he wasn't sure he wanted to know what his partner had found. Not yet.

  As Miss Knox read, her finger followed the pages, and her teeth bit her lower lip.

  Caleb couldn't help wondering if that was how she always read, or was she particularly worried about what she learned? A moment later, her eyes widened, and she stiffened.

  "What? What did you see?"

  She glared at Caleb. "Don't watch me while I read. It's
unnerving."

  "What did you find?"

  "Nothing important to the case. It's just…sickening to think about…everything."

  "Maybe you aren't cut out for writing murder."

  "Maybe." She took a deep breath as if considering. "I suppose if I continue, I'll have to learn how to detach myself from the personal elements. How do you do it?"

  "I don't. Not yet. I want to know the victims. I want to care about what happened to them, so I'll be more motivated to find their killers."

  "I've heard that causes premature burnout."

  "I guess. I haven't been here long enough. If that happens, I'll move to another department. For now, I want to be effective the only way I know."

  She nodded. "You're really something. I'm glad we got to work together."

  Caleb wasn't sure if he was glad. Not yet. He got way too many mixed signals from her. She might be the most attractive woman he knew. She also might be a total flake. Worst of all, she might be a murderer.

  "Yeah, well, I hope it helps."

  "I thought you were leaving to question the neighbor. Where's Pemberly?"

  "Pemberly is following a lead of his own. I'd hoped he be back by now. Since he's not, I'll stick with you."

  An hour later, Pemberly rushed toward them. "Miss Knox, would you come with me, please?"

  "It's Destiny, remember? I thought…"

  "Miss Knox, step away from Detective Forest."

  Something had happened. Something bad. From the severe look on Pemberly's face, he was close to pulling his weapon. Miss Knox glanced at Caleb with wild eyes. He saw fear and something else…shame? He gestured her out of the chair as Pemberly reached for her.

  "Destiny Knox, you're under arrest for the murder of Penny Weathers."

  "What? Why?"

  Pemberly moved to extract her notebook and cell phone from her hands then pulled out his handcuffs. "You have the right to remain silent. You have…"

  "I know my rights. Zack, what is this?"

  "Miss Knox, are you officially waiving your rights?"

  "Yes, I waive my rights. If I don't like what you say, I'll lawyer-up. Now, what is going on?"

  Caleb nodded at Pemberly. "What did you find?"

  "Murder weapon." He took an evidence bag from the officer next to him. "This is probably Penny Weather's gun…and it has blood on it. We also found the bloody tennis shoe matching the print at the scene."

  "Caleb? You got a warrant for me?"

  The sound of his name on her lips tore at Caleb's gut, but this evidence would sink her. He didn't see Destiny Knox walking away from this.

  "Take her for questioning."

  Caleb left Miss Knox locked behind the doors of the closest interrogation room while he went to talk to the Captain. When he found the office occupied by other detectives, he waited outside, pacing back and forth. Was Destiny Knox guilty? He found her behavior odd, even suspicious at times, but there were moments, like when they shared slaw dogs, when he found her attractive and intriguing. It was almost as if there were two identities. Had she been playing a part to throw him off? Since he couldn't trust his own judgment in this, he'd have to follow the evidence wherever it went, but it really stuck in his craw.

  Nearly ten minutes later, the door opened, and Captain Jonas ushered him in. "You made the arrest?"

  "Haven't filed anything yet, sir, she's waiting for questioning. Seymour definitely alibied out."

  "Tell me."

  Caleb sank in a chair and related the events of his search at R. G. Wentworth. When he finished, he sighed. "That was it. While I was at Seymour's, Pemberly was pursuing the other angle. Once I couldn't break Seymour's timeline, I went back to Miss Knox."

  "Did you cut Seymour free?"

  "We did."

  "And now we have the murder weapon and the bloody shoe."

  "Exactly."

  The Captain huffed. "Keep at her until she comes clean…whatever that may be."

  "I will, sir."

  Caleb rose and made his way back to his desk, where Pemberly waited. He picked up the bag that held the bloody shoe. "Bright pink…just like the neighbor said. Let's go, Pemberly."

  "I can question her alone if you don't feel you can."

  "Not a problem. I want to stare her in the eye and see if she keeps on lying."

  "Ok, but you two appeared pretty chummy."

  "Save it."

  When they walked in the room, Miss Knox leaned back in the chair and crossed her arms over her chest. Her chin rose as her eyes met Caleb's. How long would that act of defiance last?

  Pemberly placed the gun and the shoe on the table. "Explain these."

  Her gaze darted to the evidence bag then back to Pemberly. "I've never seen the gun before. The shoe looks familiar, but I imagine you can buy it anywhere."

  Pemberly shook his head. "DNA will show that it's yours. Why did I find the gun and the shoe that made the bloody shoe print in your house?"

  "You went through my house?" She shook her head. "Did you treat my books the same way Detective Forest treated everything in Seymour's office? Dumped on the floor like so much refuse?"

  "The search was thorough. We executed a warrant," said Pemberly.

  "How could you? How could you?" Her eyes raked Caleb with contempt. "Some of those books are antiques…priceless heirlooms from my grandparents."

  "You were identified by the neighbor as the woman who visited the victim the previous day. You know Penny Weathers and Jeffrey Seymour. When were you going to tell us you were involved in this case from the other side? That's a real conflict of interest, don't you think? Or, is that how you planned it?" Caleb hated the accusing tone of his voice, but he couldn't go easy on her.

  "I'm not saying another word until you get Lorelei in here."

  "Lorelei?"

  "Laurel…Laurel Blake."

  "Why do you want to speak with Laurel?"

  Miss Knox shook her head.

  Pemberly exchanged a glance with Caleb and shrugged. If she'd talk, they might as well bring Laurel in.

  Pemberly pulled out his phone. "Laurel, this is Zack Pemberly. Can you come to interrogation room three?" After a short pause, he spoke again. "Yes, now. Thank you."

  "Ok," said Caleb. "Start talking."

  "No one but Laurel."

  "Why?"

  "You, Detective Forest, cannot see the forest for the trees."

  Pemberly smirked then shook his head. "Would you care to explain that, Miss Knox?"

  "I'm not talking with either of you in the room."

  "I can see and hear everything from the observation window."

  "Leave."

  Pemberly pushed back his chair, and Caleb followed. "Suit yourself."

  Caleb waited outside until Laurel walked up. "Thanks for coming so quickly. We have Destiny Knox in here for questioning. The gun and the bloody shoe were found in her house. She won't speak to anyone but you. You know why?"

  "Maybe." Laurel's eyes were guarded as she stared at Caleb. "What do you want me to do?"

  "Maybe? What is that supposed to mean?"

  When she didn't answer, he sighed. "Get her talking. She knew the victim. Why has she got the gun? You know what we need for a conviction."

  He opened the door for Laurel then joined Pemberly in observation.

  Pemberly raised his head. "She know why Destiny wants her?"

  "Maybe. That's all she said."

  "Should be interesting, if nothing else. You think she did it?"

  "I have no idea."

  Caleb reached for the sound control and turned it on then waited.

  Laurel seated herself across from Miss Knox. He was completely unprepared when Miss Knox leaned forward to point a finger at Laurel. "You did this, Lorelei. Just like high school."

  Pemberly's jaw dropped. "I'll be…"

  Caleb held up a hand when Laurel shook her head.

  "I don't know what you mean, Miss Knox. My name is Laurel Blake."

  "Your name is Lorelei Blake Hun
ter. I'm not stupid. You can change your name and bleach your hair, but you're still Lorelei. I'd know your voice anywhere. By the way, nice nose job."

  Laurel leaned forward and whispered something.

  "Did you catch that?" asked Caleb.

  "No. Should we go in?"

  "There's a tape recorder. Leave them be…for now."

  Laurel shook her head. "How did the gun get in your house?"

  "You put it there."

  "No. I didn't. What about your shoe?"

  "Again…you. Why in the world would I keep a stinkin' bloody gun in my house with a bloody shoe? You're setting me up, Lorelei. Just like high school."

  "No, I'm not, Destiny." Laurel's voice rose. "You were the one who set me up. My father lost his job. He died…in jail. Do you understand me? He died because of you."

  Tears welled in the eyes of Miss Knox, and her lips trembled. She shook her head over and over. "So, you wanted to get even? You killed Penny! How could you do that?" She jumped out of her chair. "How could you crush her skull? She never did anything to you. I'm sorry about your dad. I'm sorry! But you aren't going to get away with this! Penny was a nice person."

  Caleb rushed into interrogation. "That's enough. Laurel, come with me."

  He closed the door on the tear-stained face of Destiny Knox with her eyes practically begging him to believe her.

  Chapter 5

  Dead: Having lost life; no longer alive. Marked for certain death, doomed. YOU.

  Pemberly opened the door on another room, and Laurel stalked inside.

  "Sit down." Pemberly glared at her expressionless face.

  "No, thanks."

  Caleb came up behind her. "Tell us what's going on, Laurel…or is it Lorelei?"

  "I want a lawyer."

  "I think that would be a good idea."

  He left the room with Pemberly right behind him.

  "What do we do now, Caleb?"

  "We could take another go at Miss Knox. She's upset…thinks Laurel betrayed her. She might talk."

  "I agree, but why don't you question her alone? Believe it or not, you two have a rapport. Now might be the perfect opportunity for you to push her buttons."

  "You gonna watch?"

  "Wouldn't miss it."

  Caleb rolled his eyes. "What a mess!"