“Watching, judging, hard to say.” CC tried to shrug off the hurtful feeling of betrayal. “I don’t know what I was expecting. Every day I meet people and mention my wife, and almost none of them think it’s a big deal. I mean I work with die-hard good old boys, and they don’t even blink. Somehow, I thought she’d react differently or at least have the good manners not to react. It’s not like my sexuality is news to her.”
“Detective, is there any chance your sister was adopted?”
“Huh? Oh.” CC laughed. “I get what you’re saying. Trust me, Stevie and I have asked ourselves that many times over the years. For the life of me, I still can’t figure out how those two dingle berries brought her into this world. Sadly, they’re her parents. I was there when she was born.” Something didn’t feel right. It was the same feeling she had been fighting since all this began. “I promised Stevie the day she was born that I’d look out for her. I’m not doing a very good job.”
“Yes, you are.”
“No, I’m not. There’s something I’m missing.”
“Catching Beaumont first is the right move. After we get that scumbag off the streets, we can figure out who hates you enough to pull this stunt.”
“Not a short list.”
“Given your stellar career, I’m not surprised.”
“I’ll tell you who tops the list.” Deep inside, CC felt that she might be right. “But he’s locked up in one of Southern California’s finest institutions for the criminally insane.”
“Fisher?” Val looked doubtful.
“His friends and family aren’t faring well these days. In fact, they’re dropping like flies. I just can’t see how the little weasel could accomplish it. Brooks pulled his visitor logs recently, and the only people who have visited him from day one are his mother and whoever has had the misfortune of being his lawyer.”
“Let’s find Beaumont. If someone is playing cat and mouse with us, chances are he’ll be playing peek-a-boo again real soon.”
“I hope you’re right. Because if you’re not…”
“I’m not wrong.”
* * *
Jamie strode through the emergency room, trying her level best to remain calm. Everyone was surprised to see her there so early in the day. She tossed out several lame excuses. She had no desire to reveal the real reason she was there. All she wanted to do was focus on the task at hand. She needed to talk to Jack and get time off so she could be with her family. If for some reason he said no, Jamie was fully prepared to quit her job. She stopped briefly to have a word with Randy Schumacher. In a not so subtle way, she reminded him of the back-to-back doubles she pulled for him a few months ago so he could sneak off to Vegas for a bachelor party his wife didn’t want him to attend.
“A moment of your time, Dr. Temple?” she asked politely after she knocked on Jack’s door.
“I hate it when you get all formal,” he said and waved for her to come in. “It means I’m in for a boatload of trouble. Tierney not take her dismissal well?”
“Oh no, she was fine. In fact, she should have stopped by this morning to file an appeal with you. I told her you’d be here early this morning.”
“You seem surprised that the resident you canned for being tardy couldn’t drag her ass in here on time to appeal. I’m not surprised. Knowing that kid, she’ll show up after the weekend whining and wailing. How that one got this far is a mystery to me. So, if it isn’t our tardy resident or former resident, what brings you in here so early in the day?”
“I need to take some time off. I have a family emergency. I know you have plans with Joyce but…”
“You’re good. Take as much time as you need.”
“I thought you had plans?” Jamie had been prepared for some resistance. The last time she had spoken to Jack, he was eager to spend time with his wife.
“Joyce is out of town. She went on a cruise,” he said in an incredulous tone. “To Alaska. I mean why would she want to do that?”
Jamie wanted to inform him that there were a great many reasons why Joyce would want to go on an adventure. Instead, she just accepted her good fortune and kept her mouth shut.
“When do you need to start your leave of absence?”
“Now, if that’s possible. Schumacher is willing to fill in for me tonight and tomorrow night.”
“Ah, finally cashed in on his little trip to sin city. I’ll cover Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Call me if you need more time.”
“Thanks, Jack.”
The faux taxi was waiting to shuttle her back home. She felt bad that things weren’t working out for Jack. But she was relieved that she was able to be where she needed to be. When she arrived home, landscapers were busy, the roof was being fixed, and Stevie was busy working on her computer. Now that Jamie was home, she was at a loss as to what she should be doing. She went upstairs, changed her clothes, and failed to find anything else to do. She opted to bother Stevie.
“Working?”
“Ahead of schedule, but I didn’t know what else to do.”
“Any word from your sister?”
“No, which can’t be good.”
“Emma sounded happy.”
“Yeah.” Stevie smiled for the first time. She shut down her computer and turned towards Jamie. “She seems to like Ricky. Although she’s a little confused as to why, if he’s Daddy’s new boyfriend, why did he sleep on the sofa?”
“How’d you explain that? Or did you just change the subject?”
“I changed the subject.” She took Jamie by the arm. “Let’s go outside, almost time for the mail.”
“You could just ask Misty out. Or did last night change things?”
“Last night,” Stevie said and flinched. “I needed…” Her voice trailed off. “Well, you know.”
“Been there. It’s just that Val seems like a nice person.”
“I know.” Stevie groaned. “They’re back.”
“And Misty is here,” Jamie noted as Stevie raced outside. “This should be fun.”
She watched as Val immediately went to Stevie’s side, apparently much to Misty’s displeasure. “Oh, boy.” She turned her attention towards her wife who seemed to be sulking. CC held up her hand, a silent signal that informed her that she needed a moment. They’d talk later. In the meantime, she was curious about what was happening with Stevie and her not-so-secret admirers. She stepped outside to watch the show. Stevie looked terrified as she accepted the mail.
“Hi, I’m Val,” the deputy said to Misty.
“Oh, uh nice to meet you,” Misty stammered out before offering a fake smile. “Moving in?”
“No. Just visiting, for now.”
“Oh.” Misty shifted from one foot to the other. “Well, have a good day.”
“Not nearly as entertaining as I hoped,” Jamie said to herself before she went in search of her wife. “What smells so good?”
“I’m baking brownies,” CC muttered from her spot by the coffee maker. “I couldn’t figure out what to do with myself. Normally when I’m off I spend time with you or Emma. Or work on my honey-do list. Or fix something around the house.”
“Honey-do list? Well, you do manage to get most of the errands accomplished during your downtime. Thanks for the brownies. How did it go?”
“She doesn’t know anything.”
“And?”
“She hasn’t changed.” CC feigned indifference. “She was over the moon just to see me until I mentioned my wife. She actually said ‘You’re still that way.’ Like I have a sickness or something. She feels that somehow I’ve shamed her. Her marrying a sexual predator was nothing more than a minor lapse in judgment, but my being a lesbian is cause for scorn.”
“She’s an idiot.” Jamie wrapped her arms around CC’s slender waist. “You are an amazing woman, Caitlin Calloway. If she can’t see that, then she’s missing out.”
“Thanks.”
“What can I say? I’m crazy about you.” Jamie stole a kiss. “Plus, the brownies help. I’m cove
red at work, and I have no idea what to do with myself. Are we supposed to stay inside or in the yard?”
“We keep out of the way. I’m not the lead on this one. Hell, I’m not even part of the operation. I’m just here. I feel useless.”
“I can think of a way to make yourself useful,” Jamie said in a saucy tone as she raked her nails along CC’s arms. “Is the oven timer set?”
“Yes. You want a quickie while waiting for snacks?”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
“You’re shameless.”
“I’m a woman in love.” She guided her wife upstairs. “And, I’m shameless. That’s what happens when you hit the brass ring. All your dreams come true.”
“I’m a dream come true?”
“Yes, you are. Now, if you’d be so kind as to take your clothes off, I’ll show you how much I appreciate everything you do for me. Hurry, before the brownies burn.”
Jamie’s invitation was just what CC needed to hear. She tripped up the staircase as she raced after her wife.
Chapter 30
Stevie felt better knowing that Emma was safe. It didn’t make her miss her any less. Maybe I should have gone with her. She instantly dismissed the idea. She refused to leave Caitlin and Jamie on their own. They needed her just as much as she needed them. Then there was Val. Stevie needed her in so many ways. But she wasn’t staying. Which begged the question, just what did she expect from the enigmatic federal agent?
“Is there something going on with you and Misty?” Val’s question was slow and direct. Stevie felt no malice hidden behind the words. They still made her feel uncomfortable.
“No. We’ve kind of flirted, nothing beyond that.”
“I wasn’t prying.”
“Given how close we got last night,” Stevie shifted nervously. “I think you have a right to ask a question or two. Can Iask you something?”
“Anything.”
“What’s with the tat?” Stevie was unable to stifle her laugh when Val blushed.
“About a decade ago, we had some downtime in San Diego,” Val said. “We needed to blow off some steam. Heading down to Tijuana seemed like a good idea at the time. We found a little bar and started doing shots of the best tequila it has ever been my pleasure to wrap my lips around. The next thing I remember was waking up in my bunk, back at the base, with the mother of all hangovers and a mermaid tattooed on my ass. I still haven’t gotten the full story. Brenda will only say it was funny and I’m happier no knowing.”
“Oh, my.” Stevie laughed. It felt good to laugh. But it didn’t last long before she felt reality looming over her. “How did it go with my mother?”
“I don’t get the woman. The first time I talked to her, she was all repentant. Today, she got all snippy because your sister is gay.”
“That’s Mom. During my custody hearing, when all the facts about dear old Dad came out, her only argument to keep me was my sister’s homosexuality.”
“What did the judge say?”
“‘What’s your point, Mrs. Beaumont?’ I know a different judge might have sided with Mom. Thank goodness, this one didn’t care. It probably helped that I had informed the judge that she didn’t have to worry about my sister turning me gay. I was born that way.”
“I can’t imagine going through everything you and your sister have gone through. Only to have it all come back.”
“I feel like I’m having a bad dream and can’t wake up.”
“I promise that I’m going to catch him and bring your little girl home.”
The sincerity of Val’s voice drew Stevie in. Before she could think, she was wrapped up in a warm embrace. She said a silent prayer that Val was telling her the truth.
“Thank you,” she whispered, finally working up the strength to free herself from the tender embrace. “How about I start cooking something for dinner?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I need something to do. Knowing those two,” she jerked her thumb towards her sister’s side of the house. “They are otherwise engaged. Thoughts of food won’t occur to them for hours. I’m assuming that ordering take-out isn’t something you’d recommend given the circumstances.”
“No, it isn’t. Let me at least help you.”
Stevie agreed, not certain as to how she should act around Val. She couldn’t deny that she needed her there. Val jumped in while Stevie set about fixing a pot of soup. The weather had turned chilly, and she felt the soup would be a good idea. At least that’s what she prattled on about. She admired the way Val really listened to her insane ramblings. The very diligent deputy did excuse herself every now and then to check in on her team. Stevie sensed that Val was going out of her way to make her actions seem innocent.
“Done.” Stevie gave the chicken noodle a quick taste and removed biscuits from the oven. “Thank you for the help.”
“I really didn’t do anything.”
“You were here, you listened to my babbling, and that kept me from going crazy.”
“My pleasure. Do you smell chocolate?”
“Must be next door. I don’t even want to guess what those two are up to.”
“They have an amazing relationship. It’s rare these days. Gay, straight, or indifferent, that kind of true devotion is hard to find.”
“They’re good together. I’m envious,” Stevie said. “I haven’t been able to find that all-knowing and giving thing. Until they got together, a part of me doubted it existed.”
“You were in a long term before.” Val blushed. “Sorry, I had to look into your past.”
“That’s okay. All part of the job, as my sister would say.” She handed Val a piping hot bowl of soup. “Katrina. I thought she was the one. But I was wrong. Without going into detail, she left me for someone else. What about you, Deputy Val? Is there a trail of broken hearts out there?”
“Not really.” Val tried to dismiss the idea. Stevie wasn’t buying it. “I was career navy. Which meant I couldn’t be out. Makes it hard to meet someone, much less build a life together. I entered the marshal service before I retired from the navy. I am very focused on my work. Again, doesn’t leave a lot of room for a relationship. This was supposed to be my downtime. Now I have to put it off again.”
“I’m sorry that your vacation plans got screwed, but I’m not sorry you’re here.”
CC and Jamie chose that moment to make their entrance. The couple were freshly showered and clad in T-shirts and loose-fitting sweatpants.
“Brownies?” Jamie cheerfully offered half a plate of freshly baked treats. “What smells so good?”
“Chicken soup. Join us?” Stevie accepted the plate of brownies. “Half a plate? Interesting, the other half must have vanished like the half plate of cookies you brought over last week.”
“Someone ate the other half.” CC bumped her wife with her hip. “Thanks for the soup, sis.”
“I’m full, thanks.” Jamie and CC joined Val at the breakfast nook.
“No small wonder.” Stevie couldn’t resist laughing. Her laughter died when she caught the melancholy look in CC’s eyes. “This isn’t your fault.”
“I’m pretty sure it is.” CC pushed aside her soup. Stevie didn’t doubt that the topic of conversation had stolen her appetite. “Unless you have some interesting skeletons in your closet.”
“What about me?” Jamie said.
“Sorry, sweetheart. They would have come after you directly. Using Bert is clearly personal. That means me.”
“Or me,” Stevie said.
“For what?” CC challenged.
Stevie searched her memory, hoping to stumble onto anything that would help ease her sister’s pain. Nothing came to mind. She was a stay-at-home mom, who designed websites for mostly small businesses. Even her ex, Katrina, had long since moved on. Given the criminal nature of what was happening, that could only mean it was indeed connected to Caitlin.
“See,” CC said when Stevie couldn’t answer. “Back to me.”
“Can’t be helped, given the nature of your job,” Val said. “I’ve been going over your past cases. Nothing is jumping out at me. Most everyone you put away is still on ice. You do good work.”
“Thanks.”
“I thought I had a couple of maybes, but they’re dead. I’ll keep looking.”
“I told you who it is.” CC stressed.
“He’s locked up,” Val countered.
“And nuts. And rich enough to pull this kind of stunt off.” CC’s words made Stevie feel very nervous. “Who else have I locked up that has the resources to bankroll this kind of operation.”
“Who?” Jamie asked, her face tightening.
“Just a theory, James. Deputy Brown is right, I don’t know anything.” CC immediately tried to backpedal.
“Fisher?” Jamie asked.
“You are way off base, Calloway,” Val said with a heavy sigh.
“The guy is locked up twenty-two hours a day. One hour outside alone in a metal cage. One hour of therapy, by himself. He isn’t allowed to attend group therapy anymore.”
“Because he managed to get his hands on a lab coat, and because he can walk the walk and talk the talk, he almost waltzed out the front door.” CC wasn’t going to be persuaded.
“No phone calls,” Val continued to say, completely unmoved.
“The only two people who bother visiting him are his lawyer and his mommy. Do you honestly think Cynthia Fisher, the matriarch of the clan, is behind the scheme to aid and abet a fugitive? You know, I can see it, she attends the garden club meeting, then checks on the child molester she set up at a posh hotel in Boston. Happens all the time.”
“You don’t have to be so snippy,” CC snarled. “I know what I feel. My gut has gotten me this far. I don’t know how, but that weasel is involved.”
“Well.” Val seemingly backed away from her earlier tirade. “When we catch Bert, we can ask him.”
Checkmate (Caitlin Calloway Mystery Book 2) Page 24
