Just like the others.
The stench was so cloying, I had to leave, to stand outside while I called it in. There was no time to grieve as shock and responsibility took over.
Thankfully, that was where the nightmare always ended. In my dreams, anyway. In real life, it had been another few weeks before the nightmare truly began.
Reality didn’t matter as far as my subconscious was concerned, because that damn dream still came a few times a week, even years after that night. Sleepless nights were something I’d gotten used to over the years, especially because Tulip was dead silent this time of night. It gave me plenty of time to think.
Too much time to think about things I had no business thinking about. Like Sadie and her lies. The way she played me for a fool until I was so in love with her that I’d blinded myself to the warning signs. If I’d seen them earlier, maybe I could have saved her. It was that thought that tormented me all these years, even though I knew the moment I saw her body, that the part of her life she kept from me had sealed her fate.
One of the things I learned since then was there was no point wishing you could change the past unless you had schematics on a time machine. But it did get to me. It just fucking did—on more nights than it didn’t.
And like I always did, I grabbed some sweatpants and made my way down to the basement that my friends had helped me renovate. One side of the finished basement was a game room, complete with a big-ass flat screen TV, video game consoles, a dart board, and a pool table. The other was where I went when sleep eluded me; it was a home gym where I could run, lift, and punch until I could think straight or until I tired myself out.
Whichever came first.
As I beat the weight bag with my fists, another thought occurred to me. Maybe it was time to head into the city and find a woman who could make me forget everything. Just for a few hours.
Elka
The phone rang again for the fifth time today and I continued to ignore the sound, humming along to an old Aerosmith song while I packed up a few orders that needed to go in the mail today. The problem was, I didn’t have an account for pickup yet and I still had no working vehicle, which meant a long tedious road ahead. Another good reason to ignore the ringing phone. The other good reason was that the only two people who might call were the only two people I had no desire to speak to.
Technically, there were three people I had no desire to speak with, but one of them didn’t have my number and I was learning to appreciate the little victories in life. Like the fact that I hadn’t been shot last week in the parking lot of a small-town pub. Or arrested.
The phone rang again and I just shut the damn thing off. Why they insisted on calling now when they’d made it perfectly clear that I had outlived my usefulness to them once Austin had died, I didn’t know.
More importantly, I didn’t care. They told me how they felt, or rather how they didn’t feel, and I’d respected it. By leaving.
Without the constantly ringing phone, I could get back to work packing up about fifteen orders. Well, I could have if the bell hadn’t started ringing next.
Penny was on the porch with another woman, this one with jet black hair and eyes the color of emeralds. A camera hung from her neck.
“Um, hey?” I said.
Penny flashed a smile I was sure got her just about anything she asked for. It made me nervous. “Hi, Elka. How are you?” Her voice was warm and welcoming. A little too welcoming, if I was reading things correctly.
“I’ve been better, Penny. How are you and your friend?”
The other woman took the opportunity to step forward and shove her hand into mine. “I’m Janey. Professional photographer and general pain the butt. We need your help.”
I wanted to groan and maybe bang my head against the door but then I remembered that this was why I moved here. I let out a long sigh and stepped back. “I’m not promising anything but I’m willing to hear you out.” They followed me inside and I led them to the kitchen. “Lavender mint tea?”
“Sure, thanks.” Penny, it seemed, was the subdued one.
“I’ll have a pop if you have any?”
Opening the fridge, I spotted one final can of the six pack I bought to see if cola was my thing. It wasn’t. “So what is it you need from me?”
Janey popped the tab and sucked back at least half the can before she slammed it down and smiled. “I’m sure you’ve noticed the atrocious state of Tulip’s Tribute. We’re doing a fundraising calendar to get the money for repairs. Hometown Heroes.”
The fact that the town wasn’t going to let the tribute stay in that horrific state was calming. I nodded. “That’s a wonderful idea! I can give you some cash, but my new checks haven’t arrived yet.”
Penny and Janey exchanged a look that I’d seen my parents exchange plenty of times. “We’d rather you donate your, ah, time,” Penny said diplomatically, but Janey rolled her eyes and took another long pull of her soda.
“We don’t want money or else we’d just go to that viper Sabrina. There’s a craft fair this weekend and one of the artists broke her back while rock climbing, which means we have an available booth with a Hometown Hero to act as your assistant for the day.”
That didn’t sound so bad. “I don’t know anyone in town but you, Penny, and more importantly, no one knows my business, so I think it would be a waste of everyone’s time.” After what happened at the pub, I wasn’t all that sure I could or should show my face around town.
Penny arched a perfectly sculpted brow. “Are you seriously questioning how well I know your business?”
“No.” The reminder of just how thoroughly I’d been researched was somewhat endearing and whole lot unsettling. “I would love to do it, honestly, but I can’t.” The idea of seeing any of the people who’d been in the Black Thumb, who saw the way Officer Vargas treated me and aimed his gun at me, was terrifying. Humiliating.
“Why not?” Janey demanded an answer and I knew I would have to own up to it or they wouldn’t leave until I agreed.
“I’d really rather just donate money if it’s all the same to you.” My stomach clenched with anxiety and I wrapped my hands around the mug to stop them from shaking.
“We donate our time in this town,” she insisted.
“Maybe I don’t want to run into anyone who saw me being held a gunpoint for trying to help a hurt old man!” I dropped my mug in the sink, grateful it didn’t break since it was my favorite, and walked off. “I’m sorry but I can’t help you.” The moment I locked the bedroom door behind me, I could have laughed at the irony. This whole cottage was all mine but here I was, hiding my tears in my room. Just like the bad old days, except back then, I had Austin.
I don’t know how much time had passed as I let my tears silently fall into my pillow but the sound of the front door closing said it was safe to leave the bedroom. I locked the screen door before heading back to the kitchen for another lavender tea and let out a blood-curdling scream at the sight of Penny still sitting at the kitchen table. “What are you doing here?”
She looked up at me, not at all fazed by my outburst. “I knew you’d come back out eventually. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine. Thanks for asking.” Busying myself making another mug of tea gave me time to get my emotions under control without her watchful gaze. “Look, I’m happy to donate some products to the cause but I’m not ready to face a crowd.”
She sighed behind me. “I’m sorry about what happened to you, Elka, but you’re a hero. You saved Buddy’s life and he’s grateful.”
“I’m glad to hear he’s all right.”
“What’s the plan, Elka? Stay inside this house until you die?”
My shoulders fell. “Of course not. I need groceries and I have to ship orders so that’s not an option.” That didn’t mean I wouldn’t be more careful about where I went. And when.
“Antonio was wrong and I’m sure if you gave him the opportunity—”
“He’d put a bullet in my head
or run me out of town. Look, Penny, I’d love to participate but right now I just can’t.” Moving was already a big deal, so was being out on my own. It was too much all at once. “I’m sorry.” When I finally turned around, Penny’s eyes were sympathetic and that only made me feel more emotional.
“How about this … I’ll give you a ride to the post office to mail your orders if you take three hours at the craft fair?”
The offer was too damn tempting considering it was unseasonably warm, or maybe it was just the right amount of warm for Tulip, Texas. Either way, a ride sounded divine. Was the cost was too steep? But this was what I wanted: to be part of a community. To belong. “Fine. Just leave the details.” Before I was finished talking, she was pulling a folder from her black leather bag.
“This is all the details, including a map of where your booth is and its dimensions. If you have any questions, feel free to call.” The look in her eyes said she knew I wouldn’t, but that the offer still stood.
“Thank you, Penny. And you don’t have to give me a ride. I’ll manage.” It felt dirty to extort a ride out of someone trying to do something charitable.
“I don’t mind.”
I did. “I still have to pack them up and check them, so it’ll be hours. Honestly, Penny, I’ll do the fair. No strings.”
She gave me a long, assessing look that nearly made me squirm. Luckily, her stare was nowhere near as intimidating as my mother’s. “If you’re sure.”
“I am,” I told her and walked her to the door with a promise to call if I needed anything. We both knew it was probably a lie, but thankfully Penny just waved and walked away.
And because I didn’t like lying, I waited a full hour after she was gone to start my trips to the post office. It took three trips and by the time I made the last one, I was beyond exhausted and reconsidering my opinion on my own physical fitness. The sun hung bright in the sky, mocking me for being so determined to do things myself. Well, if the sun knew my story, I was sure she’d understand.
The sound of a car nearby put me on alert, but I kept walking. I didn’t have the energy to turn my head and risk the boxes falling to the ground. “Need a ride?”
I knew that voice and it the owner of it was the last person I’d take a ride from, even if I was marching through the desert without any water in sight. Instead of saying that, I decided to employ one of the lessons drilled into me as a child. If you can’t say something nice, say nothing.
“Look, I’m sorry about my behavior, okay?”
Some apology. Not that his lack of sincerity mattered. I was sure once the truth came out, the sheriff would force him to apologize. I didn’t want it, because he didn’t mean it. I kept walking, ignoring the way my arms trembled and the sweat trickling down my neck and onto my back.
Officer Vargas didn’t give up until I walked inside the post office, all without saying a word in reply. It was enough to make a girl smile with pride. I did, once my arms were free. Not only did I have a wide, confident smile, but I stopped and picked up a juicy burger with cheese and bacon, waffle fries, and pickles on the side.
Despite everything that happened, I was starting to like the new me.
I just wondered if she belonged in Tulip.
Antonio
“It’s too damn early for this.” Jackson Slater worked with me and Tyson, serving as the official investigator for our small department. He raked a hand through dark brown hair—which looked like it had been combed with a woman’s fingers—and sighed. “How in the hell did I get roped into this?”
This being yet another craft festival that brought artists, artisans, and other craft-makers from all the surrounding counties to Tulip. Usually I did police duty for these things, but this time, I was there as man candy. According to Janey anyway.
I smiled. It was the same question all the guys who’d agreed to pose for the Hometown Heroes calendar had asked themselves at least once since Janey roped us into it. “Probably ‘cause you’d rather endure this than a relentless Janey.” The woman was like a hound who’d picked up a scent, sinking her teeth into you until you gave up. “I’ll buy you a coffee.”
He stopped between two booths—the buttered sweet corn sold by Trixie Bell and the sweet corn jellies sold by her twin sister Mimi. “What’s the catch?”
“Why does there have to be a catch?”
Jackson flashed a smug grin. “If you have to ask that question, then it’s time to get you investigating real crimes again.”
“All crime is real crime,” I reminded him. It was truth but it was also a bullshit line I used to get out of talking about why I didn’t take Jackson’s job, despite having more experience. “Besides, I’m happy to help make you look good.”
Jackson stroked the stubble on his jaw he hadn’t bothered with and grinned. “Like I need your help for that. Tell me what this coffee is gonna cost me.”
That was the problem when your closest friends were also in law enforcement—you couldn’t bullshit them. “You’re assigned to Elka’s Essence booth today.” It wasn’t a question. I’d gone over the damn map at least a dozen times to make sure I wouldn’t have to ask twice.
“Anything but that.” Jackson’s expression went from warm to Arctic in an instant, which meant he’d heard about my behavior even though he’d been away at a forensics conference last week. “Christ, man, you aimed your piece at her?”
How many times was I doomed to explain myself? “It was an honest mistake.”
“There you go, lying again. It’s becoming a habit.” Usually I appreciated Jackson’s laid-back attitude; it made him a good drinking companion and friend. Today, it only made me want to slug him. “You want to keep an eye on her?”
“No. Yeah. Hell, I don’t know. She told Penny she wouldn’t do it if I came anywhere near her.” That hurt like hell to hear, but I couldn’t blame her. And then a few days ago, she’d made it clear she would rather struggle carrying boxes half her size than accept my help. It was a kick in the balls.
“Can’t say I blame her, but I can say that I’m not switching with you. You don’t deserve it, man, but I also don’t want Penny and Nina breathing down my neck. Sorry.”
We stopped for coffee and I knew Jackson was right. I didn’t deserve his help. But I wasn’t ready to give up or accept defeat. Elka was hiding something and I knew it. I wouldn’t stop until I found out what, but I could be a little nicer. “Maybe so, but I can’t be the only one suspicious about her.”
“Really? I don’t seem to remember you being all that suspicious of Penny when she came to town. Or Nina with the tats and piercings.” At my confused look, Jackson barked out a laugh. “Maybe there’s something about this woman that gets to you.”
“There isn’t.”
Jackson laughed harder, drawing stares as we walked through one of the aisles, sipping coffee. It was barely nine o’clock in the morning and half the town had already showed up to buy, sell, or support the artists. It was one of the great things about living in a small town—the support. Knowing you’d be all right because the same people who were all up in your business would show up and support you with just as much energy. “You like her. Now I can’t wait to meet her.”
Less than two minutes later, we both stood in front of the small booth with the Elka’s Essence banner, the words written in soft purple script. Elka sat on one of those stress balls, fabric falling all around her legs, and wore big red sunglasses with heart-shaped lenses. Her pink lips rested in a plump pout that spread when she saw Jackson.
“That’s her.”
“Elka?” Jackson asked. She nodded and I watched Jackson’s smile glow and turned predatory. “Jackson Slater, at your service.” His hand extended her way and she took it, slightly guarded but still friendly.
“For the next few hours anyway. It’s nice to meet you, Jackson.” Not that I expected her to, but it stung when she didn’t even acknowledge me. “What kind of hero are you?”
He laughed, shoving his hands into his jeans as
he moved forward, closer to Elka. “Detective.”
“Aren’t you a bit young to be a detective?”
The jerk had the nerve to blush, a fact that was as impressive as it was disgusting. I wondered how long it took him to learn that particular trick. “I’m technically only an investigator because Vargas here didn’t want the job. We split the duties. I got the title, but he’s got a higher rank.”
“Right.” Still she didn’t acknowledge me and it was starting to piss me off.
“Good morning, Elka.”
“Morning, officer.” She turned back to Jackson. “I’m not sure what you’re supposed to do but if someone else needs your help, don’t feel like you have to stick around.”
“I have the Bell twins and I’m sure they could use some help,” I told Jackson, staring at him until he gave up.
“Oh, fine. You don’t have a firearm today, do you?” I glared at my so-called friend but he just laughed, like it was all some big damn joke. “Okay, okay. I’m going. It was nice to meet you, Elka.”
“You too.” As soon as his back was turned, her smile vanished, and her attention turned to the small black device in her hands. I watched her for a few minutes and she never once looked up or showed any awareness that I was still there.
“You should be more aware of your surroundings.” The fact that she didn’t even flinch at my voice told more than she probably wanted.
“Is there something you need, officer?”
“Antonio. My name is Antonio.” Did she get off on being so difficult? This was exactly why I stopped getting involved with women for more than a few hours: they could never make any-damn-thing simple.
She sighed and looked up, but her eyes were shielded by those ridiculous sunglasses. “First names are for friends.”
This was as good an opening as it would probably get. “Listen, Elka. I’m sorry about the way I acted at the Black Thumb. Maybe I overreacted, and I’m sorry. Truly.” I wished I could see what the hell was going on in those bottomless blue eyes, but she still wore the sunglasses, leaving me flying blind.
Mr. Cop: An Enemies to Lovers Romance Page 4
