Don't Forget Me

by Stacy Claflin

  He shook his head. “Not tonight.”

  “You’re the most boring boyfriend I know of. I suppose you’re going to go back to your place after the movie, too?”

  “Yeah. What’s wrong with that?”

  “We could both save on rent if you moved in.”

  “You know how much I value my privacy.”

  “That can’t last forever.” Gayle stared him down.

  “Why not?”

  “Are you serious?” Her eyebrows drew together.

  “I need space. Lots of it.”

  She groaned. “Is this relationship going anywhere? I seriously thought when you wanted me to come to church with you, we were scoping out wedding venues.”

  “No. Just checking the church. I liked it, didn’t you?”

  She sighed. “And what was up with inviting that family out for lunch? That was just weird. We don’t even know them. And we don’t have kids their age.”

  “Weird?” He sat up straight. “Why was it weird?”

  “For real? It’s not like we have anything in common with those people. I’m divorced with grown children and you’re perpetually single.”

  “Right.” He squirmed. “They just seemed like nice people. We need friends. People to hang out with. We can look for other friends, if you’d prefer.”

  “That would make more sense. Emily and Ryan are like half our age. We should find some people we have something in common with if we’re going to spend time with anyone.”

  “Who do you want to be friends with, then?”

  She shrugged. “I dunno. We can find some other couples closer to our age. There’s gotta be a website for that sort of thing.”

  “Probably. Or we’ll sit at a different part of the church next week.”

  Gayle didn’t reply. They sat in silence for a few moments before she grabbed the remote and brought up a list of movies to stream. “What are you in the mood for? I was thinking a romantic comedy, but suddenly I’m not in the mood.”

  He held back an eye roll. “Whatever you want. I don’t really care.”

  Gayle narrowed her eyes. “You’re really frustrating, you know that?”

  “Why? What did I do? I said you could pick.”

  She threw her hands in the air. “Never mind!”

  “Fine. I won’t.” He turned back to his phone and checked Emily’s social media profile. She’d uploaded a picture of Maisie sleeping in bed while he’d been arguing with Gayle.

  Maisie was a perfect little angel. She didn’t talk back or make annoying demands. It would be so nice when it was just the two of them in his cabin.

  Patience.

  “Just go home!” A pillow hit him in the side of the head.

  He turned to Gayle, lowering his phone. “What?”

  “If you’re going to ignore me, just leave. You’re a terrible boyfriend. I don’t know why I put up with you!”

  Anger surged through him. Everyone wanted something from him. Nobody appreciated him. And nobody ever wanted to do anything for him. It was all about what he could do for them.

  He glanced back at the screen in hope that the sweet image of Maisie could calm him down enough to have a rational conversation with Gayle.

  Instead of Maisie, he saw Emily’s latest status update. A picture of her legs propped up on a leather ottoman with her perfectly manicured hand holding a glass of wine.

  That gave him an idea.

  He stuffed his phone in his pocket. “We’re both on edge. Why don’t you pick out a movie, and I’ll pour us some wine? How does that sound?”

  Gayle’s expression softened. “Really?”

  He imagined Maisie sleeping so peacefully and managed a genuine smile. “Yes, really. I’ll pop some popcorn, as well.”

  “Wow. Okay. Any movie I want?”

  “Yes. Even the one about the rock star and the puppy I said I’d never watch.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I’m not sure what just happened, but I’ll take it.”

  He gave her a quick kiss, then headed for the kitchen. As the popcorn popped, he pulled out his phone and scrolled through Emily’s profile, skipping each narcissistic image of Emily and stopping at each picture of Maisie.

  There was a particular sweetness about her that was lacking in so many kids her age these days. She was a rare little bird, and she deserved so much better than her parents were giving her.

  He couldn’t wait to give it all to her. It was just a matter of finding the right opportunity. He’d already established trust. Familiarity. Friendship.

  They’d talked at school, at home, at her party, at church, and at lunch with her parents. Maisie knew he had a present for her because she was special. She’d accepted the balloon.

  The next step was the big one. Getting her into the car for her gift. Once that happened, he would take her to the cabin and show Maisie her new pink bedroom.

  A warm thrill ran through him. They could be together forever, and he could teach her to stay sweet and innocent, unlike every other girl on the planet who lost those qualities in the teenage years. Often earlier, nowadays.

  The microwave beeped. He took out the bag and dumped it into a large bowl, barely paying attention. His mind was stuck on being in the cabin with Maisie.

  He balanced the wine glasses and popcorn bowl as he walked into Gayle’s living room.

  She beamed when he came into the living room. “You’re in such a good mood. Did you sneak some wine already?”

  “Not yet.” He handed her the bowl and set the glasses on the coffee table.

  Once he settled onto the couch, she started the movie. It was the rock star one. After all he’d just done for her, she’d still picked the one she knew he didn’t want to watch.

  Typical.

  All the more reason to appreciate Maisie. Soon, he wouldn’t have to deal with Gayle at all.

  Advise

  Nick leaned against the wall behind him and took a deep breath. Walter sat at the table on the other side of the two-way mirror. He stared at the cup of coffee Nick had given him, but didn’t do anything else.

  Walter looked tired, maybe bored, but otherwise didn’t give off any guilty vibes. He wasn’t talking to himself, pacing, muttering, or gesturing toward the mirror as many of the guilty people did.

  Garcia came in and glanced over at the mirror. “How do you want to handle this, Captain?”

  “I’m going to question him alone.”

  Garcia nodded. “Going for the friendly approach?”

  “Yeah. If that doesn’t work, I’ll have you or Anderson question him. Press him for details. We’ll see what works for him.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll stay here.”

  Nick gave a quick nod, tossed his empty foam cup into the trash, then headed into the interrogation room. “Sorry that took so long. I’m up to my ears in paperwork.”

  “It’s no problem.” Walter barely glanced up at him.

  “You getting enough rest?” Nick sat across from him and rested his chin in his palm.

  “Yeah. Appreciate you letting us stay in your condo.”

  “Glad to help. Your daughter is an important part of our force.”

  Nick waited for Walter to say something.

  He didn’t.

  “Where were you last night?” Nick asked.

  “Went with my wife to play board games with some friends. Three people to vouch for me.”

  “That’s good. What about after that?”

  “Went home.”

  “Didn’t go anywhere after that?”

  Walter’s mouth formed a straight line. “You talked to Genevieve?”

  Nick nodded. He didn’t dare say more. Not after sneaking in a few mind-melting kisses in the middle school parking lot after dropping off the kids at school. He hadn’t yet processed her resignation, so she was still technically part of their force.

  Walter cleared his throat. “Like I told her, I was checking on the house.”

  “Did you go in?”

  “I�
�m not stupid.” He sat up straight. “Drove up, got out, and looked around—without going near the police tape.”

  “What were you looking for?” Nick leaned forward.

  “Just making sure everything was okay.”

  “What wouldn’t be okay?”

  Walter cleared his throat again. “Just making sure it was locked up tight. That nobody was messing with it. That’s all. It’s my home, after all.”

  “Makes sense.”

  “Do you know when we’ll be able to go back? As much as I appreciate your hospitality, I’m sure we’d both like it if I could move my family back into the house. You can rent your condo out, and I can settle my family back where we belong.”

  “I understand. You’ll be the first to know when you’re clear to return.”

  “Thanks.” Walter played with the coffee cup.

  “What do you know about Leigh Monaco?”

  He glanced up, his eyes wide. “Don’t tell me she has something to do with this?”

  “What do you know about Leigh Monaco?” Nick repeated.

  Walter swore. “The girl went missing years ago. She was about the same age as Genevieve.”

  “And she was your next-door neighbor?”

  Walter nodded, his expression tense.

  “What was that like?”

  “What do you mean?” Walter’s lips formed a straight line. “She went missing. Nobody ever found her—although since you’re asking about her, I have a pretty good guess where she ended up. My yard.”

  “So, you don’t know anything about Leigh?”

  “No! Why would I? Do I need a lawyer?”

  Nick took a deep breath. “Speaking as a friend, you might want to get one. I believe you, Walter. I really do. But things are looking worse for you. Not everyone here is going to be so quick to accept your story.”

  Walter’s face reddened. “I didn’t do anything! It wasn’t me! I don’t know why I’m connected to two of the girls. There are others. I have nothing to do with any of the rest of them. That has to count for something, doesn’t it?”

  “Like I said, I believe you. There were a lot of girls dug up. It only makes sense that you’d have some connection to a couple. There are so many of them. Any one of us could’ve known one or two of them. We just have to wait for the rest to be identified.”

  Walter pulled on his hair. “I’m innocent, Captain. I swear. You believe me, right? I’m telling the truth.”

  Nick nodded. “That’s why I think you should seek legal counsel. I don’t want to see you say anything that could harm your case. Do you have an attorney, or do you want me to look into that for you?”

  Walter shook his head, tears shining in his eyes. “Can I call my wife?”

  “Of course. You’re not under arrest. And even if you were, you’d be allowed a phone call. You have your phone?”

  Walter nodded and swallowed.

  “I’ll give you privacy.” Nick gave him a sympathetic glance before leaving the room to rejoin Garcia.

  “What do you think?” Garcia glanced over at the window, where Walter was now speaking on the phone.

  “He doesn’t show any of the typical signs of guilt.”

  Garcia nodded. “I noticed that, as well. He had legit tears after you left.”

  The door burst open. Anderson came in, his eyes wide. “Two more bodies have been identified!”

  “Please tell me they aren’t related to Walter,” Nick muttered.

  Anderson shook his head. “Not that I’m aware.”

  Nick glanced over at Walter, who was still on the phone. “Let’s hope the new information clears him.”

  Garcia frowned. “But then we’re left without any other real persons of interest.”

  “There’s a killer out there. We need to find him.”

  Spill

  Alex finished his energy drink and stared at the intersection. If he went left, he would go to Zoey’s apartment. If he went right, he would end up at the station. He hadn’t spoken with his best friend in what felt like forever. Nick would probably still be there.

  He turned right. Macy had been spending the last two days with Zoey, which allowed Alex to spend the previous night at the dorms. It hadn’t been as restful as he’d hoped, but what did he expect from dorms? It had saved him the stress of driving over a hundred miles round trip for the day and given him some time to think.

  Now he wanted to talk to his best friend. Nick was probably busy with the case that was all over the news, but hopefully he could spare a few minutes.

  Alex pulled into the main parking lot and hurried inside. He waved to the receptionist and let himself in with his keycard since he technically worked there as a cadet.

  “Hey, Alex.” Deputy Mackey looked up from her desk. “How’s the academy treating you?”

  Alex yawned before he could offer a response.

  She laughed. “I know how that goes. How much longer?”

  “A couple months.”

  “It’ll be done before you know it.” She smiled at him before turning back to her computer.

  “Is the captain still in?”

  “Yeah. I think he’s getting ready to head out.”

  “Perfect. Thanks.” Alex raced for Nick’s office and knocked. He could see Nick flipping through files.

  He looked up and waved Alex in.

  “I didn’t expect to see you.” Nick seemed genuinely happy to see him.

  Alex yawned again as he stepped in and closed the door behind him. “It feels like forever. How’s that big case going?”

  “It’s a massive headache.”

  Alex arched a brow. “More than usual?”

  “The property is Genevieve’s parents’. She and Tinsley were the ones to find the first two bodies.”

  “What? Are you serious?”

  “Unfortunately.” Nick gestured for him to sit on the other side of his desk.

  “How are…” Alex contemplated his wording. “…things going with her?”

  A smile crossed the captain’s face. “Better. She’s applying at other precincts.”

  “Does that mean…?” Alex let the rest of the question hang in the air between them.

  Nick nodded. “Once she’s hired somewhere else and this case settles, we’ll be in the clear.”

  “Nice.” Alex held up his hand to give him a high-five.

  The captain gave him a funny look, but didn’t leave him hanging. He hit Alex’s palm. “It’s definitely good news, although there are complications.”

  “Like what?”

  Nick set the files aside. “Her dad is a person of interest.”

  “Why?”

  “Circumstantial evidence. A lot of it.”

  Alex scratched his head. “Do you think he’s guilty?”

  Nick shook his head. “No. He just happens to be loosely connected with some of the victims—and living where they were all buried.”

  “That’s crazy. Who else are you looking at?”

  “Plenty of people have called with tips, but nothing has panned out yet. It’s a lot to sort through, and a lot of families need to be notified about the remains.”

  “I can help once I’m done with the academy.”

  “Hopefully we’ll have our guy by then.”

  “Or at least have Genevieve’s dad cleared.” Alex stifled a yawn. “I can’t wait to be done. These long days and the commute are a killer.”

  “You don’t have to come home during the week, you know. That’s why we’re paying for you to stay in the dorms.”

  “I know, and I am using them some of the time. But Ariana is used to seeing me all week and Zoey—” He stopped himself before saying more.

  Nick tilted his head, obviously knowing that something was up. “What’s going on with Zoey?”

  Alex’s stomach tightened. “I really shouldn’t say.”

  “Is everything okay?” Concern darkened Nick’s expression.

  “You’re going to find out eventually, but don’t say anything
to anyone else for now.”

  Nick nodded. “What is it?”

  Alex spilled everything, relief flooding him for getting it off his chest. Not only that, but his friend would know what to say.

  Nick’s brows ruffled and his mouth formed a straight line as Alex told the story. “I’m glad that man is already behind bars. I can’t believe Corrine brought him into our lives.”

  Alex nodded. “Makes me wish I could dish out some vigilante justice.”

  “You really shouldn’t say things like that here.”

  “Doesn’t change how I feel.”

  “As long as it doesn’t lead to action.”

  “It won’t. Don’t worry. My days of pulling stupid stunts are over. The academy is turning me into a changed man.”

  “It has a way of doing that.” Nick drew in a deep breath. “When do you find out the paternity results?”

  “Today or tomorrow, depending on how backed up the lab is. The doctor seemed sure it would be tomorrow most likely.”

  “Why are you here, then?”

  Alex raked his fingers through his hair. “I don’t want to get there and hear that she’s carrying…” He struggled to get the words out. “That she’s carrying Dave’s children. For now, I can pretend they’re mine.”

  Nick frowned. “I get that. I do.”

  Alex wanted to ask about Parker, if Nick was going to get his paternity tested. But he knew all too well how much a question like that could feel like a punch to the throat.

  They sat in silence, both pondering that they could be raising a psychopath’s children.

  Listen

  Genevieve set the card down. “I win. We’re tied, two to two. One more for the win?”

  Eyes shining, Tinsley nodded. She gathered up the Uno cards and shuffled half the large deck before moving to the other half.

  Genevieve watched, amazed at how much progress Tinsley had made in such a short time. More in the last week than in the months beforehand. The girl was spending more time playing games with others than hiding behind her books. Genevieve’s mom had taught her to play Bridge, and Tinsley had picked up on it and become addicted. It kept both of them busy while Tinsley wasn’t in school or doing homework.