I had a thing for shoes. Well, Converse, to be more precise. I had so many pairs they threatened to take over a normal-sized closet. Eliot’s solution was to build a shoe closet in my office upstairs. He decided to put the safe in my office because he figured people would naturally assume he would be the one to have a secret safe. Then, to throw people off even more, he had a regular safe out in the open in his office. Jacobs hadn’t yet asked him to open it.
“Really?” I was stupid with relief. “Has anybody ever told you you’re a genius?”
“It goes without saying.” He grinned and then leaned in to kiss me as his smile slipped. “It’s going to be okay. There’s nothing here that can get us in any trouble.”
“I have bootleg Star Wars DVDs that have been dubbed in Japanese in the basement,” I countered.
“We’ll be okay.” He pulled me back so we could get comfortable again. “Don’t think about what they’re doing. This is a power play, nothing more.”
“What if he arrests me before he leaves?”
“He won’t.”
“But what if he does?”
“I won’t let him.”
We both knew that was a ridiculous statement.
“If he comes for me, you have to let him take me. You won’t be able to stop it and ... you’re no good to me if you’re in jail, too. Who is going to take care of Rocky if we’re both locked up?”
“Don’t worry about Rocky. Nothing will happen to him.” As if to prove it, he scratched the top of the kitten’s head. For his part, Rocky didn’t seem to like the new people traipsing around the house. He was content as long as he was with Eliot and me, though. “Nothing will happen to you either.”
I wanted to believe him. Because I was too keyed up to continue the conversation, I focused on the television. “I think this new planet is boring. I liked the old one better.”
“Yeah. Still, the weird sun making people crazy is fun.”
“Yeah. Who doesn’t like a weird sun?”
JACOBS AND HIS MEN SEARCHED THE entire house. They tore through every room, searched through every drawer, and looked in every nook and cranny in our closets. They came up empty — except for one thing.
“Why do you have a gun in an Aragorn cookie jar in the basement?” Jacobs demanded as he joined us in the living room. The weapon in question had been secured inside of a plastic evidence bag.
“Don’t answer that,” Eliot instructed, keeping his arm around me. “Just pretend he isn’t here.”
Jacobs pressed. “It’s not a trick question. I really want to know.”
I thought about what he’d said about Eliot controlling me — untrue, because Eliot had my best interests at heart — and spoke before I could stop myself. “That’s mine.”
“I figured that. Mr. Kane’s weapons are locked in a gun safe upstairs. He told us where the key was, and each weapon is logged and accounted for. This one, however, was simply shoved in a cookie jar. Why is that? Were you hiding it?”
“Don’t answer that,” Eliot growled.
I ignored him. “I bought the gun almost two years ago.” Saying it out loud caused my heart to stutter. “Wow. Two years.” I turned to Eliot. “That was the day we met.”
He offered up a small grin. “The moment you walked into my store I thought, ‘Wow, she’s pretty.’ Then you opened your mouth and I thought, ‘I pity the man who ends up with her.’ Look how that turned out.”
I laughed despite the serious situation. “I can’t believe it’s been so long.”
“Not quite two years,” he countered. “We still have a few months before our anniversary. I was thinking we might take a trip or something to mark the occasion.”
“Really? Where?”
“I don’t know. Where do you want to go?”
“I’ve always wanted to see New Orleans.”
“We can do that.”
“Or we could go to Star Wars World at Disney in Florida.”
He chuckled. “We might be able to do both. Let’s get through this first.”
“I don’t think it will be as easy to get through this as you think it will be,” Jacobs snapped. He obviously wasn’t as charmed by our discussion as I was. “I want to know the deal with this gun.”
I opened my mouth to answer but it was already too late. Eliot was officially at the end of his rope.
“Avery was being stalked by a weird guy,” he announced. “She was afraid and came into my store to buy a gun for protection. That’s how we met. She bought the gun but never used it. She shoves it in various cookie jars depending on her mood. She never takes it out.”
“I see.” Jacobs was obviously dubious. “Why doesn’t she put it in your gun safe?”
“Because it’s her gun and she likes putting it in cookie jars.”
“Uh-huh.” Jacobs’ eyes slid to mine. “You know that story is ridiculous, right?”
“Actually, I think you’re worried,” I countered, opting to go on the offensive. “You assumed the weapon you took from my car belonged to me. The only problem with that is that I live with Eliot, who insists my weapon be registered and taken care of.
“Sure, it’s in a cookie jar, but he takes it out and cleans it every few months,” I continued. “I saw the gun you pulled from my car. It wasn’t in good shape, which goes against everything you’ve seen concerning the weapons in this house.
“When you add that to the fact that I actually do own a gun — something you probably didn’t realize — and I don’t ever carry it or use it, you’ll have a hard time convincing a jury that I somehow talked my way into Tad’s house and shot him.
“I mean, think about it.” I was on a roll now and couldn’t stop myself. “You laid out a laundry list of things I’ve done to Tad over the years. That only proves I like messing with him ... not threatening his life. When you couple that with the fact that you got an anonymous tip about the gun in my car, you’re starting to have serious doubts about my guilt.”
“That’s exactly right,” Eliot intoned, glaring at Jacobs. “He knows you didn’t do this. He made such a big show about you being the prime suspect he can’t back down now. He would look bad. I’m looking forward to what happens next.
“If he doesn’t take you in, Fawn will keep squawking on the radio and news,” he continued. “She’s firing people up, but that’s because she doesn’t know the facts. You’re well aware that you have nothing. If you try taking this in front of a judge for an arrest warrant, he’ll laugh you out of the courtroom. You’re getting desperate.”
“Is that so?” Jacobs displayed his temper for the first time. “If that’s the case, why did I get a warrant to search your house?”
“You probably begged,” Eliot shot back. “You were desperate for something, anything really. And guess what? You came up empty again. That’s why you’re so agitated. You thought you would find a smoking gun here. Instead you found a gun in a cookie jar.”
“You’re pretty full of yourself,” Jacobs said. “You’ve got an interesting reputation. People in this county talk about you in such a way that makes me think you’re respected. The sheriff says nice things about you, but of course he can’t be trusted because he’s got a soft spot for her.” He jerked his thumb in my direction. “I just can’t figure out why a man as respected as you is with her.”
“Because she’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” Eliot gently moved the cat to my lap and disentangled himself from me to stand. I worried he would start throwing punches, but he was calm as he approached Jacobs. “You came here under the assumption she was guilty. You decided that before you even talked to her.
“You’ve got a reputation, too. You’ve put a lot of people away. You have a perfect record. The thing is, there are rumblings that you’ve put some innocent people away. You’re under pressure to make sure this case is airtight.”
Jacobs’ chest heaved. “How can you possibly know that?”
“Because I’m respected. I have contacts in various agencie
s, including the state police. Your co-workers don’t like you, by the way. They think you’re full of yourself and cut corners on investigations. They think you’ve railroaded more than one person.
“I’m here to tell you that I won’t let Avery be railroaded,” he continued. “If you arrest her, be prepared, because I will rain fire and brimstone down on you. I won’t be the only one. She may be a pain in the ass, but she has loyal friends everywhere. You won’t be able to run roughshod over her like you do other people. This won’t end well for you.”
“Is that a threat?” Jacobs’ eyes flashed with something unpleasant. “Are you threatening me?”
“It’s a promise. Don’t come back here again. There’s nothing here for you. She’s not guilty and you know it. Try doing some real investigating and find the actual culprit before this blows up in your face.”
Jacobs doubled down, which I expected. “She’s guilty and I’m going to prove it. She might’ve been clever enough to hide most of the evidence, but I’m nowhere near done.”
“Then I look forward to you becoming the laughingstock of the state.” Eliot folded his arms over his chest and jerked his head toward the front door. “Now, if you’re done here, get out of our house. I’ve had enough of insults for one morning.”
And just like that, the gauntlet had been thrown.
22 Twenty-Two
After Jacobs and his crew had left, Eliot went to the hidden safe to retrieve the file while I showered and prepared for the day. He ended up joining me a few minutes later. Apparently jousting with Jacobs got his libido going, because we were in there until the water ran cold.
After that we headed to Mount Clemens, where we were greeted with something neither of us could’ve predicted.
“What the ... ?” I leaned forward in the passenger seat and studied the courtyard in front of the county courthouse. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“It’s a rally for Ludington,” Eliot muttered, shaking his head. “I just can’t even ... .” We’d already had a long day and it wasn’t even noon. “Why are all the signs spouting nonsense about bullying?”
“Because that’s what they’re painting me as ... and technically they’re right.”
“Oh, that’s a bunch of crap!”
The fact that he was so offended on my behalf made me feel better, but only marginally. “Eliot, you’re usually the first one to point out and accept my faults. I’ve bullied Tad so many times I’ve lost count. That highlight reel Jacobs cited, those were just the things that got attention. How many other times do you think I’ve terrorized him?”
“Yeah, but ... he had it coming. He’s terrorized you right back, and on a much larger scale. He’s tried to do you real damage.”
“And I haven’t done the same to him?” I wasn’t trying to start a fight, but it was time to be realistic. “I’ve bullied the crap out of him ... and the reason Fawn knows that is because she’s heard the stories. How many times was she there when I flew into your shop to tell you what I’d done to him?”
He sighed. “I get what you’re saying, but I have no sympathy for that guy. He’s gone after you just as many times as you’ve gone after him. You shouldn’t have to apologize for protecting yourself.”
When I didn’t immediately respond he reached over the console and grabbed my hand. “Besides, those days when you terrorized him were some of my favorites. You were always in a playful mood when you made him cry. All those enthusiastic visits ended well for me.”
“Which only goes to prove that I really am a bully. I get off on stuff like that.”
“Baby, you’re not. You only fight with the people who go after you first.”
“Yeah, well ... maybe I should’ve been nicer to him.”
Eliot didn’t say anything but his knuckles whitened as he gripped the steering wheel tighter. He was obviously annoyed with my melancholy mood. He wasn’t the only one.
“Oh, who am I kidding?” I let out a pent-up breath. “I wouldn’t change anything if I had to do it over again. I mean ... I didn’t want him to get shot or anything, but he’s the reason I have such clear skin. Messing with him burns all the toxins out of my body.”
Eliot chuckled and visibly relaxed. “You can’t second-guess yourself. You are who you are. I happen to like who you are.”
“I happen to like me, too. I’m freaking fabulous.”
“You are.” He grabbed the file from the top of the console and handed it to me. “It’s time we go through all of this stuff. We should’ve already done it. I think both of us have been a little off our game. We need to come at this from a strategic angle.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do ... right after I get some coffee.” I inclined my head toward the coffee shop next door. “I’m buying. What do you want?”
“I’ll buy.” He reached for his wallet, but I stilled him with a look.
“I think I can handle two coffees. Besides, if I’m out of a job over the long haul this might be all you get from me for a long time. You’ll be paying for everything. I mean ... I don’t even know what else I’m qualified to do.”
“We’ll figure it out if it comes to that, but you won’t lose your job.”
I leaned over and rested my forehead against his. A year ago I wouldn’t have even tried the sign of affection. Now, though, I was completely comfortable with him. Sometimes I woke in the middle of the night baffled about the twists and turns my life had taken. I was always happy with the outcome.
“I’ll get doughnuts, too,” I said after a beat.
“Chocolate with sprinkles,” he whispered, giving me a quick kiss. Those were my favorite. He preferred long johns with custard filling. I would get both.
“Is Mario in there? He likes bear claws.”
“He opened the store.”
“I’ll get an assortment.”
“And then we’ll get to work.” He turned stern. “We’ll figure this out. You have the sharpest mind of anyone I know. You can put things together that most people couldn’t even dream of figuring out.”
I appreciated the vote of confidence, but doubt was my friend today. Apparently I was going to have to wallow a bit before I got over it.
I IGNORED THE CROWD IN THE COFFEE SHOP and cut to the front of the line. I’d once written a profile on the owner, Augustine DeMarco. I believe Fish was punishing me for bullying Duncan at the time, but ever since Augustine had allowed me to really do whatever I wanted in his store.
Today was slightly different. He frowned when I appeared in front of the counter.
“I need a dozen doughnuts — mostly long johns, cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, and bear claws. I also need a large black coffee, one vanilla latte, and a large mocha.”
Augustine stood and stared, giving me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“I didn’t shoot Tad Ludington,” I added, causing several heads to snap in my direction.
Augustine finally cracked a smile. “Of course you didn’t.” He had traces of a Greek accent. “It’s no fun for you if he’s dead. How can you continue to torture him then? I never doubted you for a second.”
“Then why were you staring?”
“You look tired. There’s no light in your eyes.” He made a tsking sound as he shook his head. “I miss the old you, the one who found trouble at every turn and reveled in making grown men cry.”
“Yeah, well ... there hasn’t been much revelry lately.”
“I am sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.”
“I’ll get your order.” He shot me one more smile and then moved toward the doughnut case.
I had a few minutes to burn, so I skirted around the crowd and settled at one of the window tables to watch the show across the street. The crowd had grown since I’d entered the shop.
“Disgusting, isn’t it?”
I turned quickly at the new voice, frowning when I recognized Maria, Tad’s soon-to-be ex-wife. I hadn’t noticed her when I breezed into the coffee sh
op. “It’s a little weird,” I admitted, my mouth going dry. She and I weren’t exactly close. We only had Tad in common, and we’d been pitted against one another for years.
“May I sit?” She indicated the empty chair across from me.
“Sure.” I felt out of place as I watched her settle. Not only were we on opposite sides of the stratosphere when it came to our personalities, we looked like opposites. I was blond with blue eyes and she was dark on both counts. She was pretty in an unobtrusive way, mostly soft spoken. My voice had been likened to Freddy Krueger’s blades brushing against glass.
Still, here we were ... and with something important between us.
“Um, I feel I owe you an apology,” she started, her hands wrapped around her coffee. “For years I let Tad tell me things about you that I don’t believe are true. He painted you with a very specific brush.”
I already knew that, of course. Now it didn’t seem to matter. “I never blamed you for any of it. I felt sorry for you in some respects. I didn’t think he treated you right. I often wondered why you stayed, but I never blamed you.”
“I stayed because I thought I was meant to marry for life. I just assumed I would be one of those people who bucked the odds. I knew he was difficult, but I thought he would mature and turn into a good father. Even when he was a bad husband I told myself he was a good father ... that wasn’t always true.”
“Have you seen him?”
She nodded. “They frisked me before I went in. They said I might have been the one to arrange his shooting. I have an alibi. I’ve been taking dance classes at night, but they insinuated I hired a hitman.”
It was interesting that she volunteered the information. I’d been thinking the same thing only days earlier. Now, looking at her in the bright light of day, that seemed a preposterous hunch. “I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, they ransacked my house this morning.”
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