“What about work? Are you going in?”
“I’m using personal days until I feel up to returning.”
“Okay, I better get going.”
She managed a weak smile. “Thanks for everything.”
“One last thing. Call if you need anything. No matter the time.”
“I will,” she said, before waving goodbye.
After eating half of her salad, she retreated to the bathroom and prepared a bubble bath. She slipped into the hot water and closed her eyes, replaying the last time she and Justin had made love. She imagined she was with him and he was just as sensual and passionate as that night. Before her thoughts could drift further, her eyes flew open from the sound of her phone ringing. She grabbed a nearby towel to wrap around her body and swiped the phone off the vanity. Her heart dropped when she saw it was Tess. “Hey,” she answered with a tinge of disappointment.
“How are you?”
“A mixed bag of confusion and anger.”
“Still haven’t heard from him?”
“No. I’m hopeful, but I can’t bear to admit to myself that he’s gone, and I may never hear from him again.”
“I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know you may not want to talk about it, but why did the police want to question you?”
“This nightmare has become more insane, Tess. It was Phillip Ramsey killed on Justin’s property.”
“Are you kidding me?”
“No. Can you believe it? The detective didn’t come right out and say it, but I bet he believes I had something to do with his death.”
“Seriously Ava, you need to consider hiring an attorney.”
“Brandon said they’re just trying to rule me out by following normal procedures.”
“When did you see him?”
“At the station and the cafe afterward. He told me to call him if I needed anything.”
“Make sure you do because Scott and I will be in South Carolina for the rest of the week. My sister is driving my mom nuts.”
“What did Sam do now?”
“Samantha and mom are having problems. She wants to drop out of school and live with me.”
“Wow! Are you guys driving?”
“Yeah, it’s cheaper to make the drive to Raleigh than fly at the last minute. Anyway, keep me in the loop, and don’t try to handle this situation alone. No matter what’s happened between you and Brandon, you can count on him.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Ava hung up and dried herself off. She snuggled underneath her thick white comforter and turned on the television. She settled on a channel that ran a marathon of a reality show where strangers marry each other. It was entertaining enough to keep her focus on the drama of the show and not on hers. Somewhere between the third and the fourth episode, she had fallen asleep and straight into a dream. Similar to real life, she was asleep in the bed except in the dream she was at Justin’s. She laid peacefully in his arms when something stirred her from her restful slumber. She opened her eyes to the darkness of the room and turned over. That’s when the glimpse of a shadow had caught her eye. The dark shadow emerged from the corner of the room, and as it moved closer into the moonlight that pierced through the blinds, she instantly recognized his face. His shaggy gray eyebrows sat beneath a layer of wrinkles, and an oversized coat hung from his skeletal frame. As he moved closer to the bed, she opened her mouth to scream but her cries were muted.
Ava jolted awake, wiping the cold sweat from her forehead. She caught her breath and sipped from a bottle of water beside her bed. She frantically turned on her bedroom light, relieved it was just a dream. She reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts, stopping at Brandon’s name. Ava glanced at the time. It was one in the morning. She thought twice before calling him. What choice did she have? She did not want to be alone.
“Ava, what’s wrong?” he asked, sounding wide awake.
“I had a dream about him.”
“Who?”
“Phillip.”
“I’m coming over.”
“No, you don’t have to.”
“I had a feeling those old fears would resurface.”
“It’s like I’m reliving the entire ordeal.”
“Just sit tight. I’ll be there shortly.”
An hour later he arrived at her doorstep, ringing her doorbell.
“Thanks for coming over. I’m sorry to call in the middle of the night.”
He closed the door. “I’m here to help with whatever you need.”
“Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thanks. Tell me how I can help.”
“By keeping me company. Suddenly, it seems I’m scared of my own shadow.”
She led him to the kitchen where she turned on her coffee maker. Although her nerves were running haywire, she needed something that could keep her from falling asleep.
“Are you okay with staying here alone?”
“What choice do I have?” She placed a k-cup in the coffee maker and select the strong brew option.
“You can have your mother come stay with you until this blow over.”
“Oh no,” she said, shaking her head. “Evelyn was just here. I don’t need another visit from her until at least the end of the year.”
“She was up to her usual antics, huh?”
“You know Evelyn. I’m sure you remember how she kept her nose where it didn’t belong.”
“How can I forget? When she visited, we couldn’t get any privacy. She had a way of making us feel guilty if we wanted to do something that didn’t include her.”
Ava nodded her head in agreement. Her mother always behaved like the third wheel in their relationship.
“Do you remember how she reacted the time we decided to go out to dinner just the two of us?” He laughed at the memory.
“Yep, before we made out the driveway, she ran out the house knocking on the car window. She’d asked why we were leaving without her.” Ava laughed along with him, the first time in days. She paused and smiled at him. “Thanks, I needed that. It feels like an eternity since I’ve had something other than a frown on my face.”
He placed his hand on her shoulder and squeezed. “This will all be over soon.”
“How do you know? Have you heard anything?”
“It’s only a matter of time before your name is cleared. I have someone working the investigation that’ll keep me in the loop. I should have an update in the morning.”
“Good. The sooner this is over the better.” She took a sip of her coffee.
“I hate this guy has put you in this predicament.”
“It’s not his fault, Brandon.”
“What do you really know about him? What’s his connection to Phillip Ramsey? Have you questioned any of it?”
Ava waved off the thought and retreated to the living room. Brandon was right on her heels. “I’m not trying to upset you, but none of this adds up.”
“I don’t want to talk about Justin with you. If you knew him, you would know he’s just as innocent as I am.”
“Then where is he, Ava? Why am I here and he’s not?”
Ava fell onto the sofa, avoiding eye contact. She couldn’t admit to him or herself that he had a point. Where is Justin, and why isn’t he here with her?
He sat beside her. “I don’t mean to upset you.”
“I know you’re only looking out for me.”
“You shouldn’t stay here alone.”
“Why not?”
“One, because of what happened tonight. Also, we don’t know what your new boyfriend is involved in. He could have left because someone is after him or he could be responsible for Phillip’s murder.”
“I wish you would stop saying that. We don’t know anything for certain.”
“And that’s the problem.”
“What do you suggest? Tess is out of town with Scott.”
“I know, and that’s why I think you should stay with me.”
“With you?” S
he frowned.
“You shouldn’t be alone.”
“I don’t know, Brandon. Considering our history…”
“Look, I understand where we stand with each other. This is strictly about helping a friend in need. I promise not to cross any lines.”
Ava fell silent and weighed her options. She could stay in her home alone with her fears or she could stay with an ex that is clearly still in love with her. “Brandon, I’m perfectly fine in my own home.”
“You’re not eating or sleeping. I can give you the peace of mind of knowing you’re not alone so you can rest.”
She looked him in the eyes before answering. The unknown of this situation scared her, but if she takes him up on his offer, she doesn’t want him to misread the situation. “As long as you understand we are not getting back together.”
“I do, but soon you’ll see what I saw in that guy. I knew he would hurt you, and I would be there to pick up the pieces. That’s if you allow me to.”
“You win. I’ll stay with you, but only for a few days.”
Chapter Twenty-one
Entering the home, she once shared with Brandon was like a step back in time. It’s felt like an eternity since they’ve occupied the same space. Once the stalking escalated, he’d insisted she moved in with him.
Brandon lived outside of the city limits in a home that sat on ten acres of land. He inherited the rural home from his uncle who treated him more like a son than a nephew. His uncle had no kids of his own, so when he died, he left the home along with the property to Brandon.
When Ava moved in, it was obvious Brandon had never upgraded the furniture or decor his uncle possessed during the fifty years he owned the home. A lumpy sofa that had seen better days occupied the living space, the kitchen had a wooden table that wobbled, and all three bathrooms had green floral wallpaper that peeled. Ava had insisted they shopped for new furniture and he allowed her complete control of the redesign. They’d purchased a new living and bedroom set, painted the walls to give the home a pop of color, and changed outdated light fixtures. In the end, it became an updated modern designed home.
“Nothing has changed,” she said, her eyes swept the room.
“You thought after you left, I would change everything.” He placed her bags on the floor.
“No, but you were a slob, and I was the one that cleaned.” She shook her head in awe. “This place is immaculate, it’s as if you don’t live here.”
“Your good qualities have rubbed off on me.”
He smiled as he stroked her arm, making her feel a tinge uncomfortable. “It’s three in the morning. I should try to get some sleep.”
“Yeah, sure. Do you need help settling into the guest room?”
“Nope, it’s still the room at the top of the stairs, right?”
“Right next to the room you used as your home office.”
Ava grabbed her suitcase. “We’ll talk more when I get up.” As she proceeded upstairs, she could feel his eyes on her. Ava turned around and just like she’d thought he hadn’t moved. She hoped her decision to stay wasn’t a mistake. Either he will honor his agreement by not crossing any lines or it’ll become harder for him to move on.
She closed the door to the guest room and laid on the bed. She was too tired to change out of her sweats, instead, she closed her eyes and thought of Justin. Her mother would think she was an idiot for giving him the benefit of the doubt, because he’s thrown her in the middle of a murder investigation. She and Justin may have not known each other long, but deep in her heart, she knew he had nothing to do with Phillip’s death.
Ava woke to the aroma of bacon and coffee underneath her nose. She opened her eyes and Brandon stood beside the bed holding a wooden tray. “Good mornin’ sleepyhead.”
She stretched her arms above her head and yawned. “Morning, what time is it?”
“Almost noon.”
“I must’ve been more tired than I’d thought.”
“You were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake you. I made a small breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon with coffee.”
Ava sat up resting her back against three fluffy pillows. “Thank you.”
Brandon placed the tray over her legs. “Did you sleep okay? No nightmares?”
“No, thanks to the tranquility of rural life. No noise of the city to disturb you. You know, like the sound of cars speeding by, or a train passing in the middle of the night.”
Brandon nodded his head. “It’s pretty quiet out here. I can’t get enough of it.” He moved to the window and opened the blinds just enough to brighten the room. “You don’t mind the sunlight, do you?”
“It’s fine.”
“Good. I’m leaving for a few hours. I shouldn’t be long.”
“Are you going to speak with your guy? The one that’s working the case?”
“Yes, among other things.”
“You’re being evasive on purpose.” She smirked.
“I am, aren’t I?” He squeezed her shoulder. “Eat up and stay put until I return.”
“Yes, sir,” she grinned. Ava took a bite of her eggs. She closed her eyes as she indulged in the savory flavors. Brandon had a talent for taking something bland like an egg and making it taste gourmet. She’d told him many times he must’ve been a chef in a former life.
After finishing everything on her plate including the coffee, she freshened up and changed clothes. She then reacquainted herself with his home. As she walked the halls, each room triggered its own memory of their time together. Lately, all they’ve discussed were the bad times in their relationship, but there were plenty of happy moments. One that came to mind was when they had spent the weekend painting the bedroom walls. When the third bedroom was nearly done, Brandon had become tired. So, when her back was turned, he took the paint roller and painted a stripe down her shirt ending on her backside. She’d turned around with the most disgusted face, trying hard to stifle a laugh. She dipped her brush in the paint can and attempted to retaliate by placing a brushstroke on him. He was too fast causing her to miss. They’d spent the rest of the time laughing and chasing each other with a paintbrush and roller. Instead of finishing the room, they’d ended with a lovemaking session on the floor.
Ava settled on the couch in the living room to watch a romantic comedy, halfway through Brandon returned home. She shut off the television and met him near the door. “What did you find out?” she asked.
“Let’s sit.” His lips were pressed together as his nostrils flared. She knew his telltale signs well enough to expect bad news.
“I don’t need to sit. Just spit it out.”
He brushed past her to grab a beer from the kitchen. She watched as he popped off the bottle cap and took a swig. ”They recovered the murder weapon.”
“How was he killed?”
“Shot in the back of the head with a nine-millimeter.”
Ava released an audible gasp as she covered her mouth with her hands. “Do they think Justin killed him?”
“It looks that way.”
“Why?” she asked, almost in tears. “What would be his motive?”
Brandon placed the beer bottle on the counter and moved closer to her. He placed her hand in his. “They want you to come in for additional questioning. I told Chance that I’ll bring you in within the hour.”
Ava jerked her hands from his grasp. “What more can I tell them? I don’t know anything else.”
“You can’t avoid speaking with the detectives. Now that they have a timeline, they’ll question you about your whereabouts for that night.”
“Okay, so when was he killed?”
“They are being tight-lipped for obvious reasons. Allow them to do their job and rule you out.”
Ava placed her hands on her hips as she paced the floor. “I should do as Tess suggested and hire an attorney.”
“Let me take you down to the PD. You don’t have to answer any question you don’t feel comfortable with. Remember at any time you can leave.”<
br />
“If I get an inkling, they’re trying to pin this me, I’m walking out.”
∞∞∞
“Miss Sinclair, once again, thank you for speaking with me,” said Detective Chase as he entered the interrogation room.
Ava sat in the same uncomfortable chair as before. This time she replaced her nervous energy with aggravation. “I don’t know what more I can tell you, detective. I don’t know where Justin is, and I haven’t heard from him.”
He ignored her statement and without an uttered word he sat across the table. A yellow legal pad with writing down the top page sat between them. He glanced at the paper turning it over to a clean page. “Let’s go over the last day you recall seeing Mr. Harrington.”
“What about it?”
“How did he seem?”
“Fine, I’d stopped by his office, and he and an associate were on their way to a meeting.”
“You’re referring to Rebecca Shaw.”
“Yes, did you speak with her?”
“Go on.” He nodded. “He was on his way to a meeting, and what happened next?”
“Nothing.” She shrugged. “I left and didn’t see him until later that night.”
“What time was that?”
“Maybe around eight.”
“Did you communicate with him during the time you left his office and he returned home?”
“You know I didn’t because you have his phone.”
Detective Chase glared at her before shifting his eyes towards his papers. “Phone records indicate Mr. Harrington contacted Phillip Ramsey about five that evening. A surveillance video from a nearby gas station puts Mr. Ramsey in the area an hour later. According to the coroner’s report, his time of death was 7:15 pm. The distance from Mr. Harrington’s plot of land and his home is a forty-minute drive. Investigators recovered the murder weapon in the nearby woods. He had means, opportunity, and motive.”
“What do you mean motive? Justin knew nothing about Phillip until I told him. I said someone stalked me, but I never mentioned Phillip by name.”
“Are you completely ignoring he called Phillip Ramsey to meet?”
She hung her head low and tried to create a scenario where any of his actions made sense. “I can’t ignore that fact.”
Betrayed by You Page 12
