Julia laughed.
“You’re funny. It won’t be collecting dust for long. I’ll have my perp behind bars soon.”
“So you say. Have a good afternoon, Detective.”
“You do the same.”
Julia went back to her office and wondered what else she should do with her day. She checked her watch. Three thirty. She could leave. Hell, she’d earned it. She’d just gotten in her car when her pocket buzzed. She checked her phone. It was a text from Cullen.
You coming over tonight? I’m heading home now if you want to meet at my place. I’m buying tonight.
That was odd. Shouldn’t Cullen be trying to make up with Sara? Of course, Sara probably wasn’t in much of a mood for company at that moment. She shot a text back.
I’m on my way.
Cullen had just put the beers in the fridge when Julia knocked on the door. She answered it and greeted Julia with a smile.
“Glad you could make it.”
“I can’t say no to free beer.”
“A woman after my own heart.”
They took their beers into the living room and were chatting about their days when Cullen’s phone rang.
“Shit. It’s Sara. I need to make some decisions there.”
Julia shrugged.
“Are you going to answer it?”
“I should, huh?”
“Put her on speaker.”
Cullen did just that.
“Hello?”
“You sound like you’re far away.”
“I’m kind of busy so you’re on speaker.”
“Take me off.”
“No,” Cullen said. “Look, I’m sorry I’m not coming over again tonight. I swear I’ll be there tomorrow.”
“What are you doing tonight? Hanging out with your new girlfriend?”
“Sara, you’re the only girlfriend I have.”
“You sure don’t act like it.”
“I’m trying to give you time to get yourself clean.”
“You know what your little friend did today?”
“What?” Cullen said. “No comment about getting clean?”
“I’ll tell you.” Cullen wondered if Sara could even hear her. “She came by and took my favorite pair of workout shoes. I hope she gets athlete’s fingers from handling them.”
“Why’d she take them?”
“Evidence or some bullshit.”
“Did you put up a fight?” Cullen looked over at Julia who shook her head.
“No, I gave them to her. I don’t know why she is so focused on me. Except I think she wants to split us up. That way she can have you to herself.”
“Sara, you’re the only one who can split us up. And Ju—Detective Stansworth is an old friend from high school. We’ve just been playing catch up.”
“Whatever you say. I’m too pissed to talk. Come over tomorrow and tell her to go to hell.”
The line went dead. Cullen put the phone back in her pocket, embarrassed by Sara’s outburst.
“I’m sorry about her,” she said.
“Don’t be. I’m about to arrest her for murder. She has every right to be pissed at me.”
“You really think she did it, don’t you?”
Julia, who was taking a drink from her beer, merely nodded.
“What can I do to convince you otherwise?”
“You can’t. The evidence will show she’s guilty. Or it won’t, which I highly doubt.”
“I don’t know, Julia. Maybe we shouldn’t hang out until this whole situation is over.”
What was it Cullen saw in Julia’s eyes? Fear?
“I don’t think that’s necessary. Drinking beer with a buddy isn’t going to influence the outcome of my investigation.”
“It might if your beer drinking buddy is the girlfriend of your main suspect.”
Julia laughed.
“Well, when you put it that way…”
“Right? That’s okay. Besides, after tonight I really should make an effort to make amends with Sara. You know, help her get clean and all that.”
“She was a coked up mess when I saw her today.”
“She was?” Cullen couldn’t fight the disappointment that washed over her. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. And she’d had enough wine to stain her mouth. I don’t know, Cullen, I honestly don’t see what you see in her. I mean, she must have redeeming qualities, but I sure haven’t seen them yet.”
“Let’s talk about something else,” Cullen said. “Like… I don’t know. Anything.”
“Let’s talk about food,” Julia said. “Is there a decent pizza delivery in this town?”
“Oh, my God. Pizza sounds great.”
“Cool. Give me the name of a place and I’ll order.”
After they’d eaten, Julia finished her beer and stood.
“I should get going.”
“What? You’re not going to stay here again?”
“No. I’ve been thinking about what you said. Maybe we shouldn’t hang together until this whole Montague mess is over. I really think it would be best.”
“Hey, Julia, I was half joking.”
“Right. But that means you were half serious. And I think you’re right. I’ll see you at the courthouse I guess.”
“Yeah, I guess.”
Irritated in a way she couldn’t put her finger on, Cullen decided to turn in for the night. She was up early the next morning and working hard when her phone buzzed at ten. It was Sara calling.
“Hello?”
“What are you doing?”
“Working,” Cullen said. “What are you doing?”
“Begging you to come over tonight.”
“I told you I would. You don’t need to beg.”
“I just don’t want you to forget.”
“I won’t. I’ll see you around five or so.”
“Sounds good. Should I make dinner?”
“No, thanks. I’ll take us out for Mexican again.”
“Oh good. I can’t wait. I miss you, Cullen,” Sara said.
“I miss you, too. Will you be coke free tonight?”
“I will.”
“Good. Okay, babe. I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay. Bye, Cullen.”
Cullen ended the call and tossed her phone on the desk in front of her. What the hell was wrong with her? She had a beautiful woman begging for her attention and she dreaded seeing her. Sure, finding out about Sara’s coke habit had been a turnoff, but shouldn’t she be over the initial repulsion by now?
Was it the murder investigation? Is that what was bothering Cullen? No, she knew Sara was innocent. She didn’t need to worry about that. She just needed to get over herself. She was acting ridiculous and needed to straighten up and fly right.
She left the office at three and headed over to Sara’s. She stopped and bought some beer for herself, wine for Sara, and flowers. There was a spring in her step as she let herself into Sara’s house.
Sara came out to greet her wearing a yellow ankle-length sundress. She looked amazing. Cullen couldn’t wait to kiss her.
“Let’s get these in some water.” Sara took the flowers and Cullen followed her into the kitchen to deposit the beer and wine. When Sara had the flowers just how she wanted them, she turned to face Cullen. “They’re beautiful.”
“Good. I’m glad you like them.”
Cullen pulled Sara to her and reveled in the feel of Sara’s body pressed into hers. She looked into her blue eyes that were dark with desire. Cullen dropped her gaze from Sara’s eyes to her lips, so full and ripe and ready for her. Sara’s lips parted and Cullen dipped to taste them.
Chapter Seven
The kiss intensified and Cullen knew if she didn’t break away soon she’d end up taking Sara right there in the kitchen. But it felt so wonderful to be kissing her again, to feel Sara’s tongue smooth and wet against hers. She wanted her with every ounce of her being. She was throbbing with need but told herself to be strong. Cullen needed proof that Sara c
ould stay clean before she would make love to her.
“Wow,” she said when the kiss finally ended. “That was some kiss.”
“Yeah, it was. Let’s skip dinner and head upstairs for dessert.”
Sara turned to the hallway and tugged on Cullen’s hand. But Cullen didn’t budge.
“Not yet,” Cullen said.
“No? I have to wait until after dinner? But, Cullen. I need you now.”
“You have to wait until you’ve been off coke for a while.”
“What? Look, I know you want me to stop using, but it’s going to take time. Surely you’re not going to make me wait that long?”
“Ah. But I am. Now, come on, let’s get some dinner.”
Sara crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.
“That’s not fair.”
“Sure, it is. You want me to make love to you and I want you to quit coke. We both have something we want. We’ll each do something for the other.”
“You can’t go that long without sex. I know you.”
“I can go as long as I need to,” Cullen said.
She held out her hand and Sara took it. They walked out to the truck together. The ride to the restaurant was in silence. Cullen finally spoke as they got out of the truck.
“Are you going to make me regret coming over tonight?”
“No. I’m sorry. It’s just…I don’t think you know what you’re asking of me.”
“And I’m sorry. You’re right. I’ve never done drugs so I have no idea what it’s like to quit them. But I need you to do it. I can’t stay with a drug addict.”
“You say it like it’s a bad word. I’m still me, Cullen. That’s what I don’t think you get.”
“But you’re not. You used to come to bed with me and we’d make love. Lately you’ve been staying up snorting coke until God knows when. Then you finally pass out and I can’t even wake you up in the morning for pleasure.”
“Well, I’m here now. I’m offering myself to you. Take me.”
“No. I can’t. I’m sorry. Now, let’s get inside. I’m starving.”
After dinner, Sara got out of the truck and slammed the door. Cullen exited her side and had to practically run to catch up with her before she got in the house.
“What’s going on?” Cullen said.
“Aren’t you leaving?”
“I wasn’t planning on it. I thought I’d come in and have a few beers.”
“What’s the point? If we’re not going to make love, why even bother coming in?”
“Maybe because I like your company?”
“Spare me. Go home, Cullen. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Are you going to snort coke?” Cullen asked.
“What if I am?”
“You’re not helping our cause.”
“Whatever. Good night.”
Cullen lost herself in thought on the drive to her house. What the hell was she doing? Was Sara worth pursuing? Would she ever get clean? Was she guilty of murder?
The last question snuck in unbidden. Where had it come from? She didn’t doubt Sara’s innocence any more than she doubted her own. So why even think like that?
She stripped and climbed into bed. It was early, but she was tired, emotionally, mentally, and hormonally. She needed to forget everything and everyone and let herself relax. The sound of the rain hitting her roof relaxed her and lulled her to sleep.
Friday was a long day for Cullen. Sure, she’d fallen asleep early Thursday night, but she hadn’t been able to sleep until her alarm. She was wide awake at three thirty and finally gave up and got out of bed at four. She went to her office and booted up her computer after starting her coffee.
She waited for her browser to load, then searched “cocaine addiction.” The first article she found proclaimed cocaine highly addictive and warned the addiction should not be taken lightly. Apparently, those who were addicted to cocaine kept snorting more and more as their tolerance grew. According to the article, they were always in search of that high.
Another article claimed that cocaine was a highly addictive drug that could change the chemical makeup of a person’s brain with regular use, making it challenging to quit using the drug without help. So Cullen was right. Sara needed help. How could Cullen help her?
She did a search and was pleased to see there were several recovery centers in Portland. She’d broach the subject to Sara that night.
By one o’clock, Cullen was dragging. She’d gone through so many of the office’s Keurig cups she’d lost count. She found herself in her office reminiscing about the first time she’d actually met Sara.
She had been exhausted as she pulled into the parking lot of the House of Good Fortune that Friday night and was looking forward to some good food and quiet time. She walked in and was seated at her usual table, the one in the back by the fountain. She noticed the same regular woman she’d seen the week before at her usual table as well. Cullen nodded to her, then took her seat.
She was surprised when the woman walked over to her.
“Do you mind if I join you?”
Disagreeable as Cullen’s mood was, the idea of the company of an attractive woman appealed to her nonetheless. She stood.
“Please. Sit down.”
The woman sat and extended a perfectly manicured hand. “I’ve seen you here for years but have never introduced myself. My name is Sara.”
“I’m Cullen. It’s nice to meet you.” She shook her hand.
“I hope you don’t think me too forward,” Sara said.
“Not at all. I feel like I should know you by now anyway.”
Sara smiled.
“I know the feeling.”
The waitress arrived and took their drink orders, then left them to get acquainted.
“So what do you do, Cullen?”
“I’m in advertising. And you?”
“I’m an entrepreneur. I start up businesses, get them running, then move on to something else.”
“Sounds exciting.”
“I like it.”
The waitress brought their drinks. Cullen raised her gin and tonic to Sara. “To new friends.”
“To new friends.” She clinked her wineglass against Cullen’s.
They ordered dinner and passed the time in pleasant conversation. When they were through, Cullen picked up the tab.
“You’re a fun person, Cullen. I’m glad we finally met.”
Cullen looked into the deep blue eyes across the table from her and was sad the evening was coming to an end. “This has been a very nice evening, indeed.”
“Why don’t we go over to Layla’s and keep the night going?”
Layla’s was a women’s bar in Bidwell that Cullen had occasionally visited to fight off loneliness. The fact that Sara knew of it was a good sign for Cullen, who was enjoying her company far more than she’d anticipated.
“Layla’s sounds wonderful.”
“Shall we take my ride?” Sara said.
“Why don’t we meet there?” Cullen was adverse to leaving her truck parked at the restaurant.
“Sounds good.” Sara stood, and Cullen admired the way her tailored skirt clung to her curves. Sara was a looker, of that there was no doubt.
She followed Sara into the night and walked her to her car. Sara surprised her with a tight hug.
“I’m sorry,” Sara said. “I just felt like doing that.”
“No need to apologize. I enjoyed it.” Cullen struggled to keep her hands on Sara’s waist. She was tempted to kiss her. The sight of her full lips so close combined with the heady scent of her perfume and made Cullen dizzy. She quickly stepped back.
“I’ll see you at Layla’s then.”
She got in her truck and took a deep breath. That had been close. She could have really blown something there. She followed Sara’s Mercedes through town to the club.
The sounds of the band could be heard in the parking lot. Sara took Cullen’s hand and they cut through the crowd to an empty table. They ordere
d drinks, then Cullen led Sara to the dance floor, where they danced to several songs.
Cullen enjoyed watching the way Sara’s body flowed with the music. She was so languid, it was as if the music took hold of her and moved her this way and that. Cullen was used to being taller than most women at five eleven, but Sara didn’t stand much shorter than her. Of course, she was wearing heels with her business outfit.
Pleading thirst, but mostly wanting more time to get to know Sara, Cullen led her back to their table.
And from there, the night had progressed and Cullen had taken Sara home with her. She’d never forget that night and, remembering it now, she knew she had to fight to keep Sara. What they had was too good to throw away.
* * *
Julia was frustrated. She’d gotten a call about a murder in the Pearl District and had spent the day interviewing people, following leads, and overall playing detective. There wasn’t much to this particular case, though. It was a clear-cut example of domestic violence. It was just too bad a thirty-seven-year-old woman had to lose her life because some asshole lost his temper.
Still, he wasn’t at the scene when they got there so she’d had to interview neighbors, coworkers, anyone who might know where he’d be. She found out the name of his favorite dive bar and there he was, playing pool like he hadn’t just murdered his wife of eighteen years.
She’d questioned him about his whereabouts at the time of the murder and, not knowing she’d already spoken to many of his friends, he gave several impossible answers. She’d finally heard enough and arrested him.
It had been an open-and-shut case, but that wasn’t what had frustrated her. What had frustrated her was the fact that the case took her away from the Montague murder, and she’d wanted to spend the whole day on it. She’d wanted to watch the videos again. She knew she was missing something important, but she’d be damned if she knew what.
By the time she got him booked and questioned him some more, daylight was waning. She gathered up her laptop and headed home. She let herself in her bungalow and poured a glass of scotch. She was tired, frustrated, and irritated. She took a sip of the drink and fought the urge to drive to Bidwell to ask Sara some more questions. At this point, it could probably be construed as harassment and, if truth be told, she’d only be doing it to get a glimpse of Cullen.
Scene of the Crime Page 6
