The car was at a complete standstill. Both women breathed a sigh of relief. Both sat there, trying to calm their racing hearts.
“You okay?” Laura asked, looking over her shoulder.
Her friend was still staring out of the window.
“Marissa?”
Marissa shook her head. “Yeah, sorry. I’m just tired.”
“Do you want to take me home? I can shop another day.”
“No, no, no. Don’t be ridiculous.” Marissa’s head shook some more. “I’m fine.” She checked her mirrors and began to drive once more.
Laura kept one eye on her friend the rest of the ride to the store. Something was bothering her. Maybe it was just work. It’s possible she was extra busy with her clients. Or maybe it was something else entirely. Whatever it could be, Laura wasn’t going to badger her on it. Marissa would share when she felt ready. That’s how it always had been. That’s how it would probably always be.
Once they arrived, Laura quickly realized it was a big mistake for her to come. Though the store wasn’t too busy, up and down the aisles there were many who pointed fingers in her direction, whispering things about her. A few faces stared at her, while others steered clear of her and anything her shadow touched. All of it made her very uncomfortable. It was hard to mind her own business because how she was being treated was far too obvious. She couldn’t wait to get out of there.
When they had finished and got in line, no one dared get behind her, even if it meant waiting in a much longer line. The two people ahead of her faced forward, inching to move further away. Apparently, everyone thought she was going to kill them. She could understand their apprehensiveness if it was true she was the killer. But didn’t they know she had been acquitted? Didn’t they know who she really was? She was a good person. She just wished everyone saw that in her, and not be so scared!
It was finally their turn to unload their cart. Laura did most of the work, mostly so her mind would be preoccupied. The cashier started ringing up their order, chatting away with Marissa. A couple of times, Laura would glance in their direction. He looked about twenty, probably paying his way through college. His work ethic was decent, staying busy while maintaining accuracy and having a conversation with a customer.
As soon as Laura locked eyes with the cashier, he changed. But not in the way Laura would have expected. Instead of avoidance, he was wanting more. He seemed intrigued with her, maybe even a little too much. He was giving her the same look her boyfriend would give her before the two of them got intimate. It was almost like he was undressing her with his eyes. And in a way, she liked it. But did he not know who she was?
“Well, I must have died and gone to heaven because I’m looking at an angel.” He smiled at her, winking. He eyed her up and down.
Was she blushing? She hadn’t done that in a while! Smiling back, she said, “Ah, no, you’re still at the store. Sorry.” Laura looked at Marissa who now looked a little ticked off. But then again, her friend was now being completely ignored. Laura could understand her feelings. She didn’t mean to do that to her. How could she fix it? “My friend, Marissa, here, is more of an angel than me.”
The cashier quickly looked. He only smirked. Didn’t agree or disagree.
“Laura, please,” Marissa stated sternly.
She couldn’t win no matter what she did. To move on, she focused on anything but the cashier. If she wasn’t looking or striking up a conversation with him, he wouldn’t think she was interested. And thankfully, their order wasn’t that huge so this whole experience was over rather quickly.
After Marissa paid, which Laura profusely thanked her for, the two girls started stepping away with the cart. Laura figured she had dodged a bullet and was almost home free, able to relax.
But then behind them, the cashier called out, “You’re one hot killer!”
So, he did know who she was. Laura had never turned around so sharply before. “Excuse me?!”
Before she could say or do anything else, Marissa turned her back around and rushed her out of the store. Both women were clearly angry, but Laura was more so. How dare someone make those comments about her?
In the car, Laura banged her head against the back of the car’s headrest. She let out a heavy sigh. “I don’t think I can do that again.”
Marissa just looked at her.
“What?”
“Well, what did you expect?”
“What do you mean?” Laura asked.
Her friend started speaking with her hands as the words spewed out of her mouth. “You know you’ve been all over the news. People know what you’re guilty of – I mean, what you were accused of!”
Laura caught that. Her friend corrected herself, but she wondered if she really thought otherwise. That was something she’d ask later, though.
Marissa continued. “And when you go dressed like that, of course guys are going to hit on you!”
Was her friend condemning her? Judging her? Jealous of her? What was this about? But before she could ask, more kept coming.
“Now I’m not criticizing you or your choices, I’m only saying this should have been expected. It’s not right, but it is what it is.”
Though she hated to admit it, there was truth in those words. Laura sighed once more. “You’re right. Sorry.”
“Just ignore them, Laura. That’s all you have to do.”
“Right. Right. Easier said than done, though.”
The two of them didn’t speak for a while. Marissa focused on getting them back to Laura’s place. Laura kept thinking about everyone at the store. One way or another, she had to get over this. She had to be a regular, contributing member of society at some point.
When the cashier’s face popped back into her head, she blurted out, “The nerve of that guy, though!”
All Marissa did was nod. Apparently, this whole experience needed to be forgotten.
Back at Laura’s duplex, the two of them grabbed what Laura needed and headed inside. They placed the bags on the small kitchen table and began to empty them. Not much was said. Just small talk here and there. Overall, the atmosphere was awkward.
“Well, I’m going to get going,” Marissa said when all was taken out of the bags. “Got to get home and put some of the frozen stuff away.”
“Thanks for inviting me,” Laura said with a smile. “I appreciate it. It was good to get out. I should be doing it more often.” She gave a shy, short laugh.
Marissa gave a wave. “Okay. See you later.” She walked toward the door and left.
Laura watched her. When the door closed, she started putting the food away. She couldn’t help thinking about the way she was treated. But as much as that bothered her, she was most concerned about how her friend acted. Something was up with her. But what?
Chapter 13
T
he afternoon turned to evening and the evening led to nightfall. Twenty-one-year-old Brody Allen closed his register and strutted to the breakroom. His long workday was over, and it was time to get home, throw on a movie, and eat some frozen pizza.
Working at the local grocery store was the only job he could get at the time he was looking. But anything he could do to get him through college was fine by him. What really made it worth it were the friends he made over the last three years. That was something he wouldn’t trade for the world, even if he had to deal with slow, grumpy, clueless, or even downright stupid customers all day long. But thankfully most customers were decent.
Brody opened the breakroom door. Two of his buddies were sitting at a round table, munching on their supper and watching some comedian on the TV. He stopped to pay attention to what the next joke would be. He joined in with his friends’ laughter.
“Hey, who is this?”
The one looked at him, replying, “Some nobody. He’s funny, though.” He stuffed his mouth with spaghetti.
“Yeah, he ain’t bad.” Then again, he wasn’t into watching comedians, so he wasn’t sure what was considered good or bad. But the f
act he laughed must be a sign the guy’s doing something right.
Brody grabbed some things from his locker and put on his jacket. There was a small tear on the one side, but he couldn’t afford to buy a new one.
“See ya all later,” he said, not sure they’d even hear.
They turned in their chairs and gave a wave. Brody reciprocated the gesture.
As he walked out the back, he heard his buddies begin a laughing fit. He couldn’t help but laugh along with them. It was silently, though. He didn’t want someone catching him laughing when there was no one else around. That would make him look crazy.
Up ahead was another friend. He just came in from the cold night air, probably from taking a cigarette break. He nodded. “Hey, man, what’s up?”
“Same old, same old. You leaving?”
“Sure am,” Brody replied.
The two of them finally got into a close enough range so they could shake hands. It was a small made-up one that became their thing.
“Lucky.”
Brody chuckled. “Hey, I did my time. Now it’s your turn.”
His friend started walking backward toward the front. “Yeah, yeah. See you Saturday?”
As he walked backward himself, his body eventually striking the door, he said, “Yep! See ya!”
“See ya.” His co-worker nodded, then turned around so he’d walk forward.
Brody used his back to push the door open. He walked out. His car was toward the right.
Suddenly, a sharp needle poked through his neck. Something was also stuffed into his pocket.
“You filthy pig.” The woman didn’t sound happy.
His hand to his neck, he turned around to see who the culprit was. But she had already started walking away from him, her brown hair swaying with each step.
“HEY!” Brody did his best to sound angry, but he started to feel a little funny.
The woman didn’t turn around. He figured as much. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t walk up to her. He could probably catch her with no problem.
However, there was a problem. His chest started aching. He started to sweat, and he was getting dizzy. The more steps he took, the less he could do. Slouching against the door to the store, he sat. Reaching in his pocket, he quickly read what was there. It was a note from Margaret. It was the last thing he saw in life.
* * *
One of Brody’s friends tried exiting the building, finding it difficult to push the door open. Once he got it, though, he realized a body was in the way. Brody’s body! He knelt beside him, frantically calling his name and patting his cheeks. Looking in both directions for any help, the only thing he noticed was a blueish type vehicle leaving. At least that’s the color it appeared. The night was dark, and the lights were not the brightest.
“HELP!” he screamed before looking back at Brody.
Reaching into his back pocket, he found his phone, immediately calling 911.
“Stay with me, stay with me. It’s going to be okay,” he kept repeating, waiting for an answer. He would shake Brody’s arm and gently slap his cheek in hopes it would make him come to.
But Brody was already gone.
* * *
Laura finally got around to taking off her stilettos. It had been some time since she had worn heels, and they really hurt her feet from being in them all afternoon and evening. She gently massaged them as she sat on her bed.
What really sounded good was a soak in her hot tub. That was another thing she hadn’t done in what felt like ages. Being the crisp, cool night it was, sitting in near-boiling water would feel like heaven.
She got up to rummage through her drawer that housed her delicates and bathing suits. She decided on her pink bikini.
As soon as her feet touched the water, she could immediately feel the tension melt away. Fully in, she sat with her eyes closed, trying hard not to think of anything. But she couldn’t help but think of Connor. They had many good times in this hot tub, one of them being when she wore this very same suit. She smiled, thinking of the pleasure he gave her over and over again.
I should call him!
A part of her believed it wasn’t a good idea, but another part of her couldn’t resist. Sitting up, she looked for her phone. It was sitting on top of the towel that was placed on the corner chair. She went to get it. With the phone in her hand and being comfortably seated, she second guessed her idea. She really wanted to see him again. Even to hear his voice would be great. But the last time they had spoken with one another, she got the impression that he didn’t want to be a part of her life anymore. At least while she was in prison. Now that she was out, perhaps she had some hope!
Down below, along the beach, a couple walked hand in hand. She wanted that back again.
It doesn’t hurt to try!
It was decided. Taking a deep breath, Laura dialed his number. The worst that could happen was that he wouldn’t answer. And she was used to that. Then again, he could answer and say no to her, that he didn’t want to see her anymore. That would actually be the worst. But it could turn out well. And she would never know unless she tried.
“Hello?”
Laura was so shocked he answered that she almost didn’t respond! “Oh, hey, Connor!”
“What’s up, Laura?”
“I wanted to let you know I’ve been released!”
“I heard that. Congratulations.” His tone didn’t sound thrilled like she imagined it would be.
“Thanks. Listen, I’d really, really like to see you. Can we get together soon?”
Connor hemmed and hawed a little.
Laura knew what this meant. “Never mind. Just forget –”
“I guess I can stop by Saturday night. Does that sound okay?”
Another time he shocked her! “Yes! Yes! Saturday works perfectly! Say six?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Well, I’ve got to go. See you Saturday, okay?”
“Okay. Bye, Connor,” Laura sounded like a teenager talking with her crush.
Laura tossed her phone back to the chair and resumed her position of relaxation. She tilted her head back, closed her eyes, and smiled. Her day had turned around big time! Things were finally starting to look up. Just what she was hoping for. Absolutely what she needed.
* * *
The very moment Detective Kojak got a call outside normal business hours, he knew what it was about. Reluctantly answering, he jotted down the details and rushed to the scene. Something about this night, and this whole case in particular, reminded him of the night it all began. He remembered arriving at the Tommygun Tavern, not sure what was going on. Now he knew. And it wasn’t good.
Rain that spit here and there on his windshield turned into pelts. All he could think of was how fun this was going to be. Handling a dead body while getting drenched was totally his cup of tea. His sarcasm was getting the best of him. His irritability driving him crazy. He was tired. He was furious. He just wanted this killer behind bars, or better yet, dead. And that was saying something. Normally he never wished to retaliate a death with a death.
Detective Kojak saw red and blue lights circling, intermingling, as they reflected off the store’s building. He parked his car and walked up to the spot where everyone was standing. A fellow police officer was marking the area with the customary caution tape. As usual, bystanders were trying to see or hear what happened. There were a couple of them he had to push through just to do his job. He understood their curiosity. He remembered a time he was like that. But now it was just making his job more difficult. And didn’t the public know by now that it’s just another victim of Margaret? It’s been all over the news. It was nothing new anymore. He wished everyone would just roll their eyes and move on. That way the police could get the scene cleared up and move on to actually looking for the killer.
That posed a problem, though. As much as they were looking, they weren’t getting anywhere. This was proving to be one puzzle that was hard to solve. One code that was hard to crack. Each new death left them scrat
ching their heads. Any more and their brains would be showing!
There the body lay on the ground. A young one again. He had on a pair of jeans, sneakers, a t-shirt, and light jacket. His brown hair curled a little at the top. His face donned a few rows of freckles.
“His name was Brody. He was a cashier here,” a man’s voice said from behind the detective.
He didn’t have to turn around to know it was an officer.
Detective Kojak crouched low for a moment. He glanced over the body, double checked the neck, and even tried to feel for a heartbeat, although that last one was pointless. He sighed, shaking his head. Another life claimed by the infamous Margaret. His right hand balled into a fist. If only there was something he could punch!
He stood up to talk with some people. Surely this time someone would know something! His first target was a man – boy, rather, that looked about the same age as this Brody.
“What’s your name, son?” he asked.
“I’m known around here as Scooba.”
“Scooba?” Detective Kojak eyed him. Even though there wasn’t much light, he couldn’t possibly fathom why he’d be called that. Nothing in his appearance seemed to indicate anything hipster or rapper or whatever else kids associated themselves with these days, he thought. But that was not something he cared to figure out.
“Yes, sir,” the man answered.
“How did you know Brody?”
“We’ve worked together the last few months. He was a cashier. I did some stocking. Our breaks were sometimes together.”
Detective Kojak nodded. Taking his notebook out of his back pocket, he clicked his pen and began to write. Looking up at Scooba, he asked, “Did you see anything? Were you with Brody when he was attacked?”
“No, man, I was in the breakroom watching TV. I came out here for a smoke before my break was over. Brody was already on the ground.” The boy was fidgeting. His eyes were keeping back tears.
“Was there anyone else around? Anything out of the ordinary?”
A Kiss Revealed Page 9
