by Stacy-Deanne
“You don’t seem too distraught.” Penelope remained standing while Alexis sat on the chair by the television. “Even if you and Alicia weren’t getting along I’d think you’d be more concerned about her murder.”
“I am distraught.” He slurped soda. “This is just the way I show it.” He winked.
Alexis squinted, rocking. “Where were you Monday around five and six p.m.?”
“Right here.” He patted the couch. “Perry and I have a little Internet business where we sell rare items.”
Alexis raised her head. “What kind of rare items?”
He shrugged. “Collectibles, sports memorabilia. Stuff like that.”
Penelope glanced around. “Where’s Perry?”
“He went to the store.” Omar propped his foot on the table. “I really hope you find Alicia’s killer, but it’s not me.”
“Is it true that Alicia was pregnant?” Penelope walked toward him. “Better yet, is it true that you didn’t want her to be?”
“She was pregnant.” He wiped his mouth. “I cared about her but I made it clear I wanted to go back to my wife. I didn’t mind that she was pregnant though. If someone told you I did then it’s a lie.” He rubbed the thigh of his jeans. “I was shocked but I accepted it.”
“Is that why you hit her?” Penelope stood in front of him. “We heard you got so mad you hit her because she said she’d go after child support. Is this true?”
He looked at Alexis then Penelope. “I didn’t hit her.”
“Really?” Alexis chuckled. “Aren’t you the same Omar Silva who was arrested three times for beating women in the past? We checked your record.”
He exhaled and pulled at his shirt.
“This doesn’t look too good, Omar.” Alexis clasped her hands. “You have a history of violence against women and your unwanted lover is dead. Murder would be a fitting solution for getting rid of someone you’re sick of, wouldn’t it?”
He jumped up. “I didn’t kill her. Yes, we had an argument, but she left afterwards and I haven’t seen her since.”
“Did—”
The sound of a text coming on Alexis’ phone cut her off.
She got it from her pocket and saw an attachment from an unknown number. “Excuse me.” She pushed the button to open the message.
A video of Alexis and Kevin making love in his office popped on.
“Oh!” Alexis rode Kevin in his chair as he delivered hard thrusts underneath her.
“What the hell?” Omar leaned toward Alexis to see.
“God.” She closed the text and covered her mouth.
“Lexi?” Penelope turned to her. “Are you okay?”
Alexis jumped up, glanced at a stunned-looking Omar, and then ran out of the house. “Jesus.” She opened the text and fast-forwarded the video. Someone had caught the entire escapade on tape. “Oh God.”
Penelope came out. “Alexis?”
“Just go back in, Penelope!”
“But what’s going on—”
“Go, please!” Alexis fought to keep her composure. “I have to make a quick call.”
Penelope pointed behind her back. “We’re in the middle of questioning someone.”
“I know!” Alexis waved her hand. “Please go back in, please.”
Penelope shook her head and went inside.
Alexis dialed the phone with shaking hands. “Fuck.”
Kevin answered, “Lexi?”
“Kevin.” She walked across the grass. “Oh.” She bent down, breathing hard. “Kevin.”
“What’s wrong, honey? Are you okay?”
“No!” She stood up straight. “Someone taped us last night.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Someone taped us making love in your office.”
“What?”
“Someone sent me the video on my phone.” She turned toward the house. “How could this happen? Do you know the trouble this could cause? This could hurt my job if this gets out.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“I mean…we don’t know where this video has ended up. Kevin, it could be on the Internet.”
“This can’t be for real.”
“It is! How could this have happened?” Alexis screamed. “Kevin—”
“Wait, you can’t think that I—”
“No.” She panted. “I know you wouldn’t do something like this. It’s Grant.” She put her hand on the top of her head. “I know it is. Who else would do this?”
“Don’t think I’m taking up for him, but why would Grant tape us making love?”
“I don’t know!” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Maybe he did this to show us he’s in control. He likes fucking with people.”
“Jesus. You think he was watching us the whole time?”
“Either that or he hid a camera in your office.” She closed her eyes. “I don’t believe this.”
Chapter Nine
Kevin shut the door of the conference room at Copeland Enterprises after the meeting ended. “I need to talk to you.”
“I figured as much.” Grant stood and straightened his black blazer. “You were staring me down during the entire meeting.”
“Lexi called me right before the meeting.” Kevin put his hand on his waist.
“Ah.” Grant leaned on the table. “How’s our little Firecracker doing today?”
“She’s pissed and embarrassed.”
Grant looked around. “What’s wrong?”
“Someone taped us last night.”
Grant moved from the table and put his hands in his pockets. “Taped?”
Kevin breathed hard. “Someone videotaped us making love in my office.”
Grant shifted, covering his grin. “I see.”
“It’s not funny, Grant. Alexis was very upset. I’m upset!”
“I understand.” Grant touched his arm. “Anyone would be. This is horrible.”
“Yes it is.” Kevin stared at him. “It’s cruel and mean. Alexis is worried about her reputation and her job.”
“Oh please.” Grant fanned. “Her job’s safe around here.” He walked around. “Someone taped you two making love?” He poked out his lips. “Who would do such a thing?”
“Alexis thinks you did.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Grant stroked his tie. “That girl blames me for nine-eleven.”
“Did you do it?” Kevin stood at the head of the table. “Did you tape us?”
“Are you out of your damn mind?”
“Did you tape us, Grant?”
“No.” He grimaced. “How could you even think that? I understand Firecracker thinking it, but you? Why would I tape you and Alexis making love?”
“You tell me.”
Grant grinned. “I’m trying to think of how you boning your girlfriend in your office would be entertainment enough for me to videotape.” He tilted his head. “Gee, I can’t come up with a reason. That’s probably because there isn’t one.”
“I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt.” Kevin balled a fist. “I swear to God, but…”
Grant squinted. “Are you crazy? I don’t even recognize you since Firecracker came back to town.” He patted Kevin’s cheek. “She’s turning you against me.”
“Don’t play with me, Grant.” Kevin knocked his hand down. “I’m one of few people who can see right through you.”
“If you suddenly have such an issue with me then why are you still working with me?” Grant’s eyes twinkled. “Why not leave? You claim you don’t need my influence anymore, right?”
Kevin swayed, huffing and puffing.
Even though he wasn’t convinced that Grant hadn’t been the culprit, he couldn’t afford blowing things for Alexis. He promised he’d help her get to the truth and that meant remaining Grant’s right-hand man no matter how difficult that would be.
“Kevin.” Grant laid his hands on his shoulders. “I would never do anything like that to you or anyone. That’s not my style.”
“Well then, believe it or go on about your business.” Grant shuffled to the door. “You either trust me and stick with me, or you can go back to your old life where you have nothing.”
“I apologize, all right?” Kevin walked away from the table. “But who could’ve done this?”
“Someone from the cleaning crew?”
“Why would someone from the cleaning crew videotape me and Lexi?”
“It’s the Internet age, Kevin.” Grant moved his hands around. “Everyone tapes every fuckin’ thing now. That’s why you have to be careful. Besides, this is a place of business and not some cheap motel.”
“God, what if it’s on the Internet?” Kevin leaned over the table. “No telling how many people have seen it.”
“Don’t worry,” Grant said. “I’ll find out what happened and take care of it.”
* * * *
That night, Alexis opened her door to someone she least expected to see, but silently thanked God that he’d showed up. She didn’t know why he’d come or how he knew where she lived but this had been the best surprise she’d received since arriving back in Tate Valley.
“Hello,” Alexis said. “Are you all right?”
Base fidgeted with his hands in the pockets of his grungy pants. He didn’t look as dirty and unkempt as the last time they met. The golden hue of his hair even showed up better, meaning he must’ve washed it recently.
“Base?” Alexis propped her arm on the door. “I don’t think you came here to stand outside did you?”
“I’m thinking.” He dug the toe of his sneaker into the porch. “Something inside is telling me that this is the right thing to do, but I gotta look out for me, too.”
“I understand that, and I appreciate you coming if it’s for the reason I think.”
His face held sadness and contempt. “When you and Penelope caught me at the motel I was scared.” He scratched his head. “I had so many things going through my head. And when I saw you had those pictures of me with Grant Copeland—”
“You don’t have to be scared, Base. If you help me, I’ll protect you. I promise.”
“Not even the police can protect me from Grant.” He looked out into the yard. “He owns the police.”
“He doesn’t own me.” She widened the door. “Do you want to help me prove that Grant’s connected to Nolan’s death?”
He swallowed. “Yes.”
“Come in.” She gestured inside and held her breath as he walked past. He didn’t smell as bad as before, but still…
She closed the door. “Would you like something to eat or drink?”
“I ain’t no charity case.”
“I didn’t offer you anything for charity. I always offer people something to eat or drink when they come in.” She pointed to the kitchen, across from the living room. “I could make you a sandwich or something.”
“No I…” He wandered toward the kitchen and peeked inside. “You look like you did the dishes and I don’t want to—”
“It’s fine.” She went into the kitchen and turned on the light. “I always eat a snack after I do the dishes anyway.” She grinned. “I have a habit of eating late. Do you want a sandwich? I can make peanut butter and jelly, ham cheese, or tuna fish?”
“Ugh.” He stuck his tongue out. “I’d take anything but tuna fish.”
“Why do so many people not like tuna fish?” She scratched her head. “I grew up on it.”
“You were rich though.” He eyed her. “You ate these even when you didn’t have to?”
She chuckled. “When my mother left Tate Valley she left my father’s money as well.”
“I’d like ham and cheese if that’s okay.” He stared at the plastic flower centerpiece on her table.
“Ham and cheese sandwich coming right up,” she said. “Would you like some mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes on it?”
“Nah.” He fanned. “Just ham and cheese, thanks.”
“Sit down.” She got cheese slices and ham from the refrigerator.
Base stood in the middle of the floor, staring at her.
“Is something wrong?” She got the bread off the top of the refrigerator.
“I’m just surprised at how you let me in here so easily.” He sat at the table. “How do you know you can trust me?”
“I’m not worried.” She laid two bread slices on a plate.
“Why?” He laid his dirty hand on the table. “Because you’re a cop?”
“No.” She opened the ham and pulled out a few thin slices. “Because I’ll do just about anything to make Grant get what he deserves. If you can help me then I’d let you move in here.”
He grinned, revealing a handsome face she hadn’t really paid attention to before. “Don’t say that unless you mean it.”
She got a slice of cheese. “How do you know I don’t?” She winked.
“Your place is real nice.” He sniffed. “Smells like flowers and perfume.” He looked at her. “I guess that would be yours.”
She smiled and put the sandwich together.
“Must be nice to live so close to the beach.” He closed his eyes. “I can hear the ocean from here.”
She sealed the ham and closed the bread. “Living in this beach house is a big difference from how I lived in LA.” She put the ham in the refrigerator and grabbed the container of cherry Kool-Aid. “You want some Kool-Aid?”
He nodded. “I love Kool-Aid.”
“Who doesn’t?” She set the container on the counter and handed him his sandwich.
“Thank you.” He snatched it up and bit into it. “Mm.” He took another chomp.
“I can make you another one to go if you want.”
“No, I’m fine.” He wiped his mouth. “Can I have a paper towel?”
“Sorry.” She tore two from the dispenser beside the cabinet. “Here you go.”
“Thanks.” He dabbed crumbs off his face. “And thanks for the sandwich.”
“Uh…” She poured Kool-Aid into a plastic cup. “Where do you stay?”
“Anywhere I can.” He stared at the sandwich. “And just stop, okay? I don’t need any help or handouts.”
She handed him the cup. “It’s in my nature, being a cop.”
“I can take care of myself.” He chewed. “I’ve been doing it a long time.”
“You know if you get your habit cleaned up you can get things on track.” She poured her own cup of Kool-Aid. “I know it won’t be easy but—”
“Do you?” He scoffed. “Do you really know it won’t be easy? Stop me if I’m wrong, but have you ever had a habit? You’ll never understand addiction until you live with it.”
“I’ve never been on drugs, no.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “But since I was a little girl I’ve been addicted to wanting to stop Grant at all costs. It’s not the same thing but it’s an addiction I can’t break.”
Chapter Ten
Base took another big bite out of the sandwich. “You moved back to Tate Valley solely to get Grant?”
“God, no.” She sipped her drink by the counter. “I moved back here to resume things with Kevin.”
“Kevin Reed?”
“The love of my life.” She sighed. “We’ve loved each other all these years and could’ve been together if Grant hadn’t ruined my mother’s life.”
“But, your mother had an affair with Grant. Wasn’t it a huge scandal?”
“You getting at something?”
He shrugged. “Kinda strange to blame the guy for something your mother did as well.”
“He manipulated her and not to mention she was his best friend’s wife. He claimed to love my dad like a brother yet went after my mom. Sure, she wasn’t innocent but he’s always been powerful so it’s easy to see how consumed by him she felt.”
“What if she loved him?” He chewed. “You ever think of that?”
She shook the horrid thought from her mind.
“I know you came here for you
r boyfriend, but how can you stay if you hate Grant so much? He is Tate Valley.”
“My love for Kevin outweighs all that. Besides, this is my home. I was born here and it will always be a part of me. I belong here. I won’t let Grant run me away from my life here again.”
He laid the last corner of his sandwich down. “Can I really trust you?”
“Yes.” She sat at the table. “If you help me to get Grant I promise I won’t let him touch you. I don’t know how I’ll do it but I’ll do it.”
“I don’t know if Grant killed Nolan or whatever, but from where I sit it looks like he did, or else why did he need me to set up Detective Pacheco?” He shook his head. “I didn’t want anything to do with Grant but a guy like me can’t turn down a man like him without having consequences.”
She swished Kool-Aid around in her mouth. “So you felt cornered and that’s why you planted that meth in Leo’s house?”
He lowered his head. “I hated doing it, but you don’t say no to Grant Copeland and I couldn’t afford to turn down money. He was scared about Leo investigating Nolan’s accident, especially when Leo revealed Nolan was murdered.”
“I talked to Leo.” Alexis set her cup down. “He said that he realized the brake lines on Nolan’s car had been tampered with and that’s what killed him. Grant didn’t like him raising any concerns, which isn’t a surprise.”
“Hell no, and that police force…” Base rolled his eyes. “I’m sure you already know it’s a joke. Captain Rojas is a stool pigeon who goes along with stuff because he’s too scared to ruffle any feathers. Instead of fighting for Leo, he let him go without question.”
“Believe me, I’m ticked off about Rojas’ nonchalant attitude when it comes to the stuff going on in this force as well.”
“You, Penelope, and Leo are probably the only cops in this town that aren’t either crooked or going along with shit because you’re scared. You know it starts at home too, Alexis.”
“What do you mean?”
He pointed at her. “You’ve got to find out exactly how the police department is tied to Grant.”
“He gives the department money and fattens up the superiors’ pay checks if they look the other way on certain things.” She sipped. “That’s no secret.”
