Liars, Cheaters, & Thieves (A Detective Jackson Mystery)

by L. J. Sellers

  “Last night, a neighbor heard someone say to Jake, ‘I’ll never forgive you.’ Do you have any idea what that’s about?”

  “No. I’m sorry.” Hailey twisted the corner of her sweater. “Jake was a good man, a proud soldier. But then he did a tour in Iraq, and when he came back he was forgetful and sometimes angry for no reason. He got counseling and started to get better, then our son got sick and died of cancer. It was horrible.” Tears rolled freely down Hailey’s face, and she struggled for control.

  “I’m sorry about your son.” Jackson couldn’t imagine how that would feel as a parent, and now was not a good time to think about it. He looked down and scribbled notes as fast as he could.

  Haltingly, she continued. “We were both depressed for about a year, but we pulled through. Then the recession hit and Jake lost his job. It was like the last straw. Something inside him snapped, and he became a stranger to me. He started going to the bar with his friends and drinking every day. Then suddenly he had cash to spend, and it made me suspicious. We fought a lot and I finally left him.”

  “We didn’t find any paperwork in the house. No bank statements, no personal documents. Did Jake keep a safe-deposit box?”

  “No, but he shredded papers all the time. He was a little paranoid.”

  “Did he have a computer?”

  “I gave him a laptop, but I don’t think he used it much.”

  “Do you know where the laptop might be?”

  She looked puzzled. “If it’s not in the house, I have no clue.”

  “Did you ever hear of the group Territory Defenders?”

  “No.”

  “Did Jake have explosives in the house?”

  Hailey jerked back, eyes wide. “Not that I ever knew. He had a handgun, but that was it.”

  They hadn’t found any weapons in their search. One more throwaway question. “Was Jake having an affair with Sierra Kent?”

  “No way.” She pursed her lips. “Jake didn’t think Sierra was good for Rafel. In fact, he really didn’t like her.”

  “Which one of Jake’s acquaintances drives a loud, light-colored truck?”

  Concern flashed across Hailey’s face. “Why?”

  “Just tell me.”

  “His ex-boss, Matthew Dolan. He owns Evergreen Landscaping.”

  “What was Jake’s relationship with Dolan?”

  “They used to be friends. After the layoff, Matt cosigned a loan for Jake so he could buy some equipment to start his own tree-cutting business. But Jake had trouble making the payments.” Her shoulders slumped. “Matt eventually paid off the loan so it wouldn’t ruin his credit.”

  “So Matt had hard feelings toward Jake?”

  She nodded.

  “Did he ever threaten him?”

  “Not physically. He said he planned to take him to small-claims court. But I left Jake soon after that, so I don’t know what happened.”

  “Where can we find Matthew Dolan?”

  “He lives on Silver Lane, off River Road. He runs his business out of his home.” Hailey scooted to the edge of her chair and leaned toward Jackson. “I can’t believe Matt would kill him. Are you sure it wasn’t an accident?”

  “Do you know Matt personally?”

  “I went to a couple of backyard parties at his house. He seemed nice.”

  “Do you know Jake’s family?”

  “Only his mother is here in Oregon, but yes, I know her.”

  “Will you give me her contact information?” Talking to the victim’s mother was worthwhile because she might know about his recent activities. Jackson took a business card from his jacket and handed it to the widow. “Please call me if you have any questions or think of anything I should know.”

  He nodded at the women in the living room as he left the house. In his car, he called headquarters and asked the desk clerk to run Matthew Dolan and his business through the database. Jackson learned his suspect had no criminal record, except a marijuana possession twelve years earlier. The desk clerk described him as “five-nine, one-eighty, with a wide forehead, reddish-blond hair, and a mustache.” Dolan’s landline and business number were the same.

  Jackson called it, and a female voice answered. “Dolan residence and Evergreen Landscaping. How can I help you?”

  “I’d like to speak with Matthew Dolan.”

  “He’s out of town today. Can I take a message?”

  Out of town? Had he run already? Jackson hesitated. If he said Eugene Police, Dolan might not ever come back to town. But if their suspect was already on the road, Jackson might need the wife’s help. “Where did he go, and when will he be back?”

  “He had a job in Corvallis today and should be home by five. Who is this?”

  “Detective Jackson, Eugene Police. It’s very important Mr. Dolan call me the minute he gets back.”

  “You’re scaring me.” The woman’s voice flooded with worry. “What is this about?”

  “I can’t tell you, but I’d like you to answer a few questions.”

  “If I can.”

  “What’s your name?”

  “Sheila Dolan.”

  “You’re Matthew Dolan’s wife?”

  “Yes.”

  “What time did he come home last night?”

  “I’m not sure. He was here when I got home at eleven. Why?”

  Plenty of time to have assaulted Pittman. “We’re just trying to establish a time line. What was he driving?”

  “His landscaping truck.”

  “What color?”

  “White. Was he in an accident?” Her distress was palpable.

  “Do you know the license plate number?”

  She clicked off without answering.

  Jackson guessed she was calling her husband on his cell phone to ask him what the hell was going on. He called the desk officer at the department again. “Jackson here. I need a statewide ATL on a white truck that probably says Evergreen Landscaping on the side. If you can track down the license plate too, that would help.” The attempt-to-locate was a step down from an all-points bulletin. He didn’t know if Dolan was a danger to anyone yet. He just wanted to question him.

  “For Matthew Dolan, the suspect I just ran for you?”

  “Yes. I want him brought in for questioning.”

  “I’ll notify the state police too.”

  “Thank you.”

  He hung up and texted Schak, Evans, and Quince with the update: White truck driven by Matt Dolan, Evergreen Landscaping. Issued ATL. Will keep you posted.

  As he pushed Send, he realized he’d missed a call. Kera! Oh shit. After finding the body, he’d forgotten all about their date. This was not good.

  CHAPTER 23

  Earlier Sunday morning

  Kera heard the baby crying and mentally pleaded with his mother Danette to respond. Kera was in the middle of a fifty-minute workout on the elliptical machine, and little Micah was about the only thing that could make her quit before her allotted time was up. After a minute, the crying stopped, and she heard Danette talking to the baby. Kera breathed a sigh of relief. Danette didn’t seem as bonded to her child as many women were, but she was slowly becoming a responsive, caring parent.

  Kera checked her pulse, which had slowed down while she thought about her grandson, and pushed herself back up to pace. Moments later, Danette came into the workout room, carrying Micah.

  “Where is the new box of baby wipes?”

  “Top shelf of the bathroom cupboard.”

  Micah turned and grinned at the sound of Kera’s voice. God, she loved that baby. He looked so much like his father it hurt sometimes. She still had trouble thinking of her son as a father. Nathan had still seemed like a boy to her when he’d shipped out to Iraq, only to be killed by a roadside bomb on his second day. He’d left behind a pregnant girlfriend, and now the little family he’d never known was living with Kera and making her life complicated, but also joyful.

  “Do you still have plans to see Brian this afternoon?”


  “Yes, don’t worry. We’ll get out of here so you and Jackson can be alone.” Danette winked, making Kera smile.

  “Thanks. Is this the first time Brian will meet Micah?”

  “He’s seen him, but he hasn’t spent any time with the baby. We’ll see what happens.” Danette patted Micah on the back as she left the room.

  Kera sympathized. Dating was tough with a baby still in diapers. Not many young men wanted to take on that kind of responsibility. Danette would likely be in her home for a long time. A sense of dread shot through her, followed by a wave of guilt. As usual, the situation produced conflicting emotions. She loved having the baby here, and at one point when Danette was missing, Kera had thought she would end up raising Micah. She and Jackson had briefly talked about what that would mean to their relationship, but he’d made no commitment. She’d been prepared to lose her lover to take care of her grandson. Family came first. What else could she do?

  But Jackson had investigated and rescued Danette, and Kera had taken the traumatized young woman and her baby into her home. Since then, Kera’s relationship with Jackson had somewhat stagnated. He was always working or spending time with his own daughter, and Kera was either at the Planned Parenthood clinic, volunteering with veterans, or looking after Micah while Danette took college classes. They just couldn’t make enough time for each other. After his surgery, they’d talked about him and Katie moving in with her, but when Jackson announced he would move into his brother’s house, he’d made it clear he wasn’t interested in living with her. The news had been crushing. Jackson didn’t know that, and she didn’t blame him for his decision. She didn’t enjoy living with Danette all that much either, so how could she expect him to?

  Kera pushed aside the negative thoughts, finished her last five minutes, and headed for the shower. Jackson was coming over this afternoon, and they’d have a few hours of alone time. She would make the most of it. The thought made her stop in her tracks. Was she settling for a part-time relationship? For how long?

  She made a quiche for their lunch, put on a sexy skirt and sweater, and sat down to read while she waited. When he didn’t show by two, she got a little worried. Jackson often canceled their plans at the last minute because he got called out on a homicide case or had to testify in court, or because Katie changed her plans, but it wasn’t like him to simply not show and not call. She hated to bother him if he was working, but it wasn’t fair of him to keep her waiting. She’d done too much of that lately, and it was a lonely pastime.

  At two fifteen, she called him anyway, but he didn’t answer. She left a message. A half hour later, he called back, sounding stressed. “Kera, I’m so sorry. There’s been another homicide. I found the body and got completely caught up in the investigation. I had no idea what time it was.”

  “Another murder! Good grief. Who is it this time?” Yet she didn’t really want to know. The shock of Rafel’s murder was still with her, and every death she heard about stirred up grief, anger, and helplessness. Another drawback to dating a homicide detective.

  “He’s a friend of Rafel Mazari’s. Schak and I went to question him and found him dead.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Kera knew he couldn’t talk about the case and wouldn’t be able to think about anything else for the next few days. She knew it was unreasonable, but it irritated her that she’d end up on the back burner again. “I’ll let you get back to work, but I’ll miss you.”

  “I’m headed over to see you now. I can’t stay long, but I might as well ask some questions about Rafel while I wait to pick up my new suspect.”

  “I don’t know if I can help, but I’ll see you soon.” Kera hung up. He was coming over to question her. It was a little weird, and she resented it. She knew her feelings weren’t rational, but she was human. If she hadn’t volunteered with a veteran who’d ended up murdered, she wouldn’t have seen Jackson today. How long would it have gone between dates? Ten days? Two weeks or more? How much of this was she expected to take? She wanted a partner who would be present in her life.

  Jackson showed up twenty minutes later. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. The warmth and pressure of his body against hers was delicious and comforting, like a massage after a long day of hard work. She felt him breathe in the scent of her hair and knew he’d missed her too. They loved each other. Why couldn’t they make this relationship work?

  “God, I’ve missed you.” Jackson kissed her deeply, and little sparks of pleasure shot through her. But he quickly pulled back, like a man on duty. “This last week has been crazy,” he said, grabbing her hand and leading her to the kitchen.

  He started to make coffee, but she took the bag of beans from him and gestured for him to sit. “I’ll make it.”

  “I had all that packing to do after work each night, then when we were in the middle of moving, I got called out on a homicide Friday morning. And now we’re dealing with another connected homicide. And I’ve only got Schak and Evans on the case full-time.”

  Lara Evans would spend more time with Jackson this week than she would. Kera couldn’t help but feel jealous of a woman she’d never met, and she resented being pushed to that state.

  She waited for the coffee to brew, poured them both a cup, and sat down across from him. “I know you want to question me, so let’s get this over with.”

  “Thanks.” He sat up straighter and pulled his notepad from his jacket pocket, a shift into work mode. “How well did you know Rafel Mazari?”

  “I only saw him once a week for an hour, but he’d started opening up to me, and I felt like I was getting to know him.”

  “What were you doing for him?”

  “Some physical therapy as well as teaching him pain-control methods.” She’d taken an intensive course so she could volunteer with wounded veterans, but she hadn’t earned a PT degree and wasn’t a specialist. Still, her time to them was free.

  “Was he in a lot of pain?”

  “The physical pain was easing for him, but his stress wasn’t.”

  “What was he stressed about?”

  “Everything. He was bitter about losing his leg. Bitter about not being able to find work and support himself. He also thought his wife was cheating on him.” Looking back, Kera realized Rafel had been challenging to work with. It took a lot of energy to keep her own thoughts positive when she was around him, let alone help him stay positive. But she’d done her best.

  “Did he ever say who he thought she was cheating with?”

  “He mentioned her boss at the veterinary clinic.”

  Kera watched him take notes and smiled at his focus. She had to admire his dedication, even if it left her feeling like an outsider.

  “Did Rafel ever talk about money?” Jackson asked. “Or mention a new source of income?”

  “He’d mention his gratitude for my volunteer help, and he complained about his medical bills, but he didn’t discuss specific finances with me.”

  “What else did he talk about?”

  “His friends, Jake and Cody. He reminisced about growing up with them and told me stories about jumping off the train bridge into the water at Clear Lake Reservoir. About how Cody practically lived with him and his dad during the summers.” Kera hesitated, not sure how to explain Rafel’s tone. “Sometimes he sounded like the friendships were over, but I think he still spent time with them.”

  “Any sense of a falling-out?”

  “No, but he talked like his marriage was over. He was just waiting for Sierra to leave him.”

  “Did Rafel ever talk about his son?”

  Kera had to give it some thought. “At first he did, but now that you mention the boy, I can’t even remember his name because Rafel quit mentioning him.”

  “When was the last time you saw Rafel?”

  “Tuesday afternoon.”

  “Did he seem different?”

  “Maybe more at peace. But that could have been the pain medication. I think he was using more of it again.”

  “Why d
o you think that?”

  “He was losing weight and his teeth looked discolored.”

  Jackson slumped a little, as if he were near the end of his patience. “Can you tell me anything about Rafel that would explain why someone would want to kill him?”

  “Not really.” Kera decided to share a perception she had. “I think Rafel had a lot of guilt. I had to step out of our session once to take a phone call, and when I came back, Rafel was on the floor, praying for forgiveness.”

  “On the floor?”

  “He never talked about it, but I think he was Muslim. He referred to Allah sometimes.”

  “That covers it.” Jackson slipped his notepad in his pocket. “I should probably get going. I have to meet with my task force soon.”

  “Can we talk for a minute?”

  “Should I be worried?” He smiled, and she remembered how his dark eyes and dimples had seduced her the first time they’d met. She missed that feeling and worried that it wouldn’t come back.

  It was time to say it. “I think we should stop seeing each other.”

  The words hit him like a punch in the chest, stealing his breath for a moment. Jackson wanted to plead his case, to convince her he could do better, but all he could think was You don’t love me anymore. Finally, he said, “I know I don’t make enough time for you, Kera, but I try. My job is crazy sometimes, but I love you.”

  “And I love you. But I don’t think it’s enough. I want to move my life forward.” She pushed her long bronze hair back and wouldn’t meet his eyes.

  “Why can’t we just let it be and enjoy the time we have together?” He knew it was lame, but it was all he had right now.

  “Because we have different expectations. I committed to this relationship after the first time we slept together, but it feels like you’ve always kept the door open, like a man looking for an exit.”

  “I’m not looking to get out.” Why did she think that? “If it was just you and me, we’d probably be married by now. But we both have baggage.”