by Tripp Ellis
"What do you think I am, stupid? I’m not gonna eat anything you send in here. You could fill it with poison or tranquilizers."
"The clerk's name is Clarissa Wong. Send her out, and I'll work on your demands."
"I'm not giving up my leverage."
"She's not leverage. She's just one more hostage you have to manage. Think about it. When you exit the store with the hostages, you gotta get into the vehicle, manage them both, drive to whatever marina you choose, get them both onto the boat, and get out to sea. That's a lot to manage. Have you thought about that?"
He was silent.
"Pretty soon, they're going to have to pee and do other things. They’ll get thirsty and hungry. Managing hostages is a real pain in the ass. You're about to figure that out."
He said nothing.
“Tell you what… when you see the armored vehicle pull up, you let Clarissa go. Deal?"
29
Sheriff Daniels arranged for the armored tactical vehicle to arrive as soon as possible. The aggressive beast looked like something out of a sci-fi movie with its giant knobby tires and black angular armored panels. It rumbled onto the scene, the diesel engine roaring. It rolled to a stop in front of the store. The driver hopped out and moved away from the vehicle.
I called Aiden’s cell phone. I had gotten the number from Isabella. He seemed a little taken aback when he answered. "How did you get my number?"
"I told you, you're playing in the big leagues now.”
Aiden cautiously moved to the window and peered outside, keeping his terrified girlfriend in front of him.
He was right to be cautious. There were snipers with itchy trigger fingers on the rooftops across the street. They were just waiting for the signal.
“I’m a man of my word," I said.
"How do I know there's not a SWAT team in that van ready to pounce the moment I step inside?"
“We can do a video call, and I'll show you the interior of the vehicle. But you need to send out Clarissa first."
He hesitated for a long moment.
"I lived up to my end of the deal,” I said.
"Okay," Aiden replied.
We waited anxiously for Clarissa to emerge. A few tense minutes passed before the door pushed open, and the scared sales clerk stepped onto the sidewalk. Her eyes were wide with terror. She sprinted away from the building and ran to the safety of the deputies, where she was evaluated by the EMTs for injuries.
She was immediately debriefed.
"I want to see the inside of the armored vehicle now," Aiden demanded.
I made a face-to-face video call with Aiden and walked to the armored vehicle. I held the phone inside the vehicle and panned the camera around, proving it was empty. There were no SWAT team members inside. But we certainly had a few surprises in store for the perp.
“Satisfied?” I asked.
“I need to think about this,” he said before hanging up.
I backed away from the vehicle and re-joined JD, Erickson, Faulkner, and Sheriff Daniels.
“What’s the status?” the sheriff asked.
“I don’t know,” I said. “I think he’s getting cold feet. I’m sure he feels safe and secure inside the store. The moment he steps outside, he’s vulnerable.”
"Well, that little dipshit’s in for a rude awakening. If the snipers get a clear shot, they'll take it."
I called Aiden again, but he didn't answer. We all waited on pins and needles for him to emerge.
Then things went south.
A flash filled the store along with a thunderous bang. An instant later, another pop.
The tactical response team swarmed the sidewalk with assault rifles in the firing position. They were decked out in black tactical gear with helmets and bulletproof vests.
We joined them.
An officer pulled open the door, and the team filed inside, clearing the room.
Both Julie and Aiden lay dead on the floor.
Julie had a bullet to her chest, and crimson blood pooled around her body.
Aiden had put the pistol to his head and scrambled the contents of his brain, blasting what little gray matter he had across the racks of white, red, and black lingerie. The frilly garments were stained with chunks of slime.
I deflated, and my throat tightened. I couldn't help but notice boxes of novelty items on the shelves with Nina Harlow’s face and signature on the packaging.
I felt hollow.
Brenda examined the bodies, and the forensics team documented the area and collected the evidence. It was all a matter of protocol now.
We wrapped up at the crime scene and headed back to JD's car. Paris and her news crew accosted us along the way, but I wasn’t in the mood to talk. "No comment."
"Do you think you could have done anything differently?" she asked.
Maybe she didn’t mean it to come off as accusatory as it sounded, but it just hit me the wrong way. I glared at her, seething with anger. My jaw tensed, and I bit my tongue. We hopped in the car and sped away from the curb while the cameras still rolled.
Back at the station, we filled out after-action reports, and Sheriff Daniels assured us we did the best we could. "Keep your chin up, boys. It was beyond your control."
It did little to lift our spirits.
JD and I were more than ready for a drink.
We left the station and headed back to Diver Down, cruising across the island in a somber mood. Neither one of us said a word. We pulled into the parking lot and trudged to the bar.
Teagan greeted us with a concerned face. She had two glasses of whiskey waiting. She'd seen the coverage on the news. "Are you guys okay?"
We both gave an unenthusiastic nod.
"At least that sales clerk escaped."
"There is that," JD said.
"Do you know if the perp had a history of violent behavior?" Teagan asked.
I shrugged.
"It's crazy the things people do in the name of love," she said.
"I guess he thought if he couldn't have her, nobody could," JD said.
"That's not love,” I said. “That's obsession.”
"I think that goes beyond obsession," JD muttered.
We sipped our drinks and commiserated.
"Well, I'm thankful that you two are still alive and in one piece," Teagan said, trying to perk up the mood. She smiled, and I tried my best to smile back.
"I know it's early, but I got cards for you both, and I just wanted to give them to you now." She pulled two rectangular envelopes from beneath the counter and slid them across the bar to us. Our names were written on the envelopes in a girly script surrounded by lots of hearts.
"Should we open these now or wait until Valentine's Day?" I asked.
"Whichever you prefer,” Teagan said.
"I feel bad,” I said. “I don't have a card for you yet."
An optimistic smirk curled on her beautiful lips. "It's okay. I'm sure you'll give me a beautiful, touching card that expresses your true feelings. And did I mention I like roses?"
I chuckled, then opened the envelope and pulled out the red card with a giant heart on it. I flipped it open and read a heartfelt note that seemed to encapsulate the dynamic of our friendship. It made me choke up a little. "Aw, that's sweet. I feel the same way about you."
Teagan smiled. She rushed around the bar counter and gave me a hug. The hug lingered, and I didn't mind.
But somebody else certainly did.
Teagan kissed me on the cheek before pulling away.
Phoebe stood in the doorway of Diver Down with Buddy and Cooper on leashes. Her eyes narrowed, and her cheeks flushed. The veins in her temples pulsed. “Hey, Babe.”
Her tone wasn’t friendly.
"Hey," I said, slightly confused by her presence. "I didn't think you'd still be here."
"Obviously." She marched toward me with fire in her eyes. She looked Teagan up and down and practically snarled. “Who’s this?”
“This is Teagan,” I said, stunned. �
�She works for me.”
“Really?” Phoebe said with an angry arch to her brow.
There was an awkward tension in the room, and Teagan moved around behind the bar and attended to other patrons.
"Where's my hug?" JD asked her.
"You’ll get yours later," Teagan said, pouring a draft beer for Harlan, getting as far away from Phoebe as possible. The salty old Marine sat at the end of the bar watching the fireworks. It didn't take a rocket scientist to sense that Phoebe was more than a little jealous.
“Why don’t we go for a walk,” I suggested, taking Buddy's leash from Phoebe’s hand.
JD watched with amusement as we pushed outside.
30
“I thought you were going back to your apartment,” I said, the dogs pulling us along.
“Well, I wanted to take the dogs out for one last walk before I left,” Phoebe replied. “I spent the day tidying up and doing laundry. Maybe I went a little overboard. Once I start, I just can’t stop. It’s like a compulsion. I don’t mind, though. Like I said, I enjoy cleaning and cooking. It’s like therapy.”
“You were a little rude to Teagan back there,” I said, not mincing words.
She cringed. “I’m sorry, I just freaked out a little bit when I saw her kiss you. I know we don't have anything formal going on. It's just a gut reaction. I’ve had bad experiences with men and infidelity. It triggers me. I hate to use that word."
"Teagan and I are just friends. She's an employee. That's the beginning and end of that relationship. Not that I owe anyone an explanation."
"I understand. Like I said, I may have just gotten a little jealous. That's all. You’re not mad, are you?"
"No. I'm not mad. I’m just a little concerned about your expectations.”
“Oh, I don’t have any expectations.”
It certainly seemed like she had expectations.
We walked the dogs in silence for a moment.
"If you want, before I go, I could cook you dinner again?”
"Thank you,” I said. “That is a generous offer. It's been a long day, and I think I need a little time to myself to unwind."
She tried not to look disappointed. "Oh, yeah. I totally understand."
We let the fur-balls burn off some energy, then returned to the boat. Phoebe needed to grab her purse and some other items. On her way out, she gave me a hug and a passionate kiss. She broke free and looked at me with her big round eyes. "I know it's probably too soon to say this, but I think you're great. I really enjoy spending time with you. And what we did last night, I don't usually do this soon. And I want to do more.” She flashed a naughty smile. “I just don’t want to get hurt. I don't know what I'm trying to say other than, I like you.”
“I like you, too. I think you’re a wonderful girl and a fabulous cook. And we’ve had a really nice time together.”
She smiled.
“But there's no need to rush into anything. We’re still getting to know each other."
“What are you looking for? Are you looking for something serious?” she asked, hopeful. “Or just something fun?” She paused and slumped. "I'm sorry, it's too soon for this discussion."
I was feeling a little smothered.
“A little,” I said. “But I understand you want to know where this is going. I’m not going to pull any punches. We’re both adults. My life is a little complicated right now, and it’s difficult for me to prioritize personal relationships. I don’t want to hurt your feelings…”
Her eyes filled, and the veins in her temples started to pulse again. She growled, “So, you just want to use me and discard me when you’re done?”
Her inner demon surfaced. Her cheeks flushed. I was glad she wasn’t holding a sharp object. “I didn’t say that.”
Her eyes burned into me. “That’s exactly what you said.”
I paused and took a deep breath. “Okay… I can see you’re upset, and I’m sorry if I’ve offended you.” I felt like I was in a hostage negotiation situation again, and I was the hostage. “It’s clear we have different expectations and needs. Maybe we should scale things back and maintain a friendship before proceeding any further.”
Her eyes rounded, and her lip quivered. Detonation was imminent. “So, you’re done with me now? You’re just gonna kick me to the curb like trash. You know what, Tyson? You’re just like all the rest.”
She cocked her arm back and swung with rage. Her open palm smacked my cheek, and the echo reverberated through the salon.
Again, I was stunned.
She knelt down, scooped Cooper from the deck, cradled him in her arms, and marched toward the door. She slid it open, stormed outside, and before slamming it shut, she screamed, “Fuck you, Tyson!”
The bomb had definitely exploded. The glass rattled, and the sliding door hit the frame and bounced back slightly, leaving it ajar.
Phoebe stormed across the aft deck, crossed the passerelle, and marched down the dock. She flipped me off.
I took a deep breath, wondering how that took such a turn so fast. When the smoke cleared, I cautiously made my way to Diver Down, hoping not to get ambushed along the path.
JD was still at the bar, and he eyed me with curiosity as I entered. He was just waiting to hear all the details. I took a seat beside him on the barstool.
“She seems a little… intense,” JD said, putting it mildly.
“You don’t know the half of it.”
31
“Is it safe?” Teagan asked as she tiptoed to our side of the bar. Her cautious eyes surveyed the parking lot for traces of Phoebe. “Where did you find her? That woman is certifiable. How long have you two been dating?“
“That’s the thing,” I said. “I just met her. She came to the after-party and never left.”
“That’s what you get for hooking up with random groupies,” Teagan said.
“Yeah, you should exercise better judgment,” JD said, trying to keep a straight face.
I scowled at him. “You’re one to talk. And we didn’t hook up. I mean, not totally.”
Teagan rolled her eyes.
“I’m serious. We just fooled around a little. But we didn’t, you know, seal the deal.”
That was met with more skeptical looks.
“I swear!” I said, raising my hands innocently.
Teagan poured another glass of whiskey for me and slid it across the counter. “Man, she got into her car and tore out of here. She almost hit someone as she pulled out.”
“I think you dodged a bullet there,” JD said. “It’s good you got out before it escalated. Might want to run a background check next time.”
I rolled my eyes.
“It’s like that guy at the lingerie store today,” Teagan said. “There are some crazy, obsessed people out there.”
Both JD and I deflated.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought that up.”
JD sipped his drink and patted me on the back. “Well, the night is young. There are plenty of bad decisions ahead. I’m thinking we can find ample at Tide Pool.”
Teagan rolled her eyes and attended to other patrons. “You two are incorrigible.”
“That’s why you like us,” JD said.
He looked at his watch. “Let’s head over to Blackbeard’s and see if we can verify Shane’s story. Then we can grab dinner at Wetsuit and hit Tide Pool.”
He’d get no argument from me. I needed a distraction.
We left Diver Down and made our way to Oyster Avenue. It was early, and there was plenty of parking on the strip. We strolled the sidewalk to Blackbeard’s and flashed our badges at the main bar.
I recognized the bartender. He was working the evening of JD’s show at Sonic Temple. He was a tall, athletic guy with brown hair, thick traps, and bulging biceps. He looked like the kind of guy that could handle obnoxious drunks without much trouble.
“Were you working Wednesday evening?” I asked.
“Yeah, I think so.”
“What about Shane Brown?”
“Yeah, Shane was working that night.”
“Do you know what time he left?” I asked.
“I think he was here until close.”
“You think?”
“As I recall.”
“Thanks,” I said.
“No problem. Can I get you, gentlemen, anything to drink?”
I gave a glance to JD. He wanted to move on to Wetsuit.
“No, thank you,” I replied.
A cocktail waitress had stepped to the bar. She had listened in on our conversation. “Shane was here Wednesday, but he cut out early if I remember.”
She exchanged a glance at the bartender for confirmation.
“Actually, you’re right,” the bartender admitted. “Shane did leave early. Sorry, sometimes I get my days mixed up.”
“Do you know what time he left?” I asked.
He shook his head. “It’s really hard to say.”
I gave them my card and took their contact information before leaving. It seemed like Shane Brown’s alibi was falling apart.
After we ate at Wetsuit, we went to JD’s favorite spot. There was a decent crowd at Tide Pool for a Sunday night—though, not near the Friday and Saturday night mayhem. It was chill and relaxed with plenty of eye-candy.
We ordered drinks from Harper at the tiki bar, then took a seat at a patio table by the pool and took in the sights. We tried to let the events of the day drift away, but the glum feeling persisted despite the whiskey.
We were halfway through our beverages when JD said, “Uh, oh! don't look now."
"What?"
"Danger, danger," he said in a robotic voice. His eyes flicked across the outdoor pool.
I followed his gaze, looking for the source of concern. "I don't see anything."
JD scanned the patio by the back door. "She was just there a second ago."
“Who? Phoebe?"
JD nodded. "I think she's gone into full-on stalker mode.”
I surveyed the patio, but I didn't see any sign of Phoebe. "Are you sure?"
