Scene of the Crime

by M. J. Williamz

  She made a note to call the locksmith again in the morning and went back downstairs.

  “What can I do?” she said.

  “We’ve got this under control, Detective. Do you have any more orders for us?”

  “I don’t think so. If I think of any, I’ll let you know.”

  “Have a good night, Detective.”

  “I’ll do my best. Keep up the good work.”

  “What’s it like in there?” Cullen asked when Julia slid back into the car.

  “You still have some clothes here.” Julia started the car. “And thank you for staying put.”

  “I know. You were gone a long time.”

  “I have a job to do.”

  “Understood. Do you think I’ll be able to get my clothes any time soon?”

  “I doubt it.”

  “Fair enough.”

  They rode in silence back to Julia’s house.

  “Have you given any thought to the fact that you could have been in that house tonight?” Julia finally spoke.

  “Shit. You’re right. Damn. Now I don’t know how to feel. Relieved?”

  “Relieved?”

  “Yeah. I’m glad she bolted so I wasn’t there. I could have been killed, Julia.”

  “Yeah. I know.” She didn’t trust herself to say anything else.

  Julia let them in her house.

  “You want another beer?” she asked.

  “At least.”

  “I hear that. You sit down. I’ll get the beers.”

  Julia went into the kitchen. She prided herself on being calm and collected and cool under pressure. But as she reached for the bottle opener, she couldn’t ignore her shaking hands. She rested her head against the fridge and took a deep breath. She easily could have lost Cullen tonight.

  “You okay?”

  Julia jumped when she heard Cullen’s voice.

  “I thought you were in the living room.”

  “Sorry, I don’t mean to intrude. I just wanted to check on you and I’m glad I did.”

  “Can I ask a favor?”

  “Anything.”

  “Will you hug me?”

  “Now?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Cullen opened her arms and Julia stepped into them. She wrapped her arms around Cullen’s neck and held tight, trying to steady herself. Cullen’s arms around her waist felt amazing. Everything felt right. Maybe they had a future, maybe not. But she wasn’t ready to lose her. That much she was sure of.

  Chapter Twelve

  Cullen stepped back before she did something stupid.

  “You sure you’re okay?”

  “I’m fine. Some days the job is harder than others.”

  “I guess.”

  They walked back to the living room, and Cullen sat back on one couch while Julia sat on the other. Cullen wondered what she was thinking.

  “You want to talk about it?” Cullen said.

  “Nothing really to say. We lost a good man out there tonight. For no reason. And we could have lost you.”

  “But we didn’t. Lose me I mean. I’m still here.”

  “Thank God.”

  “I didn’t realize you lost someone tonight.”

  “Yep. The officer standing guard over Sara’s house was killed in the gunfire.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  Julia smiled weakly at her.

  “There’s really nothing to say.”

  “No, I suppose there’s not.”

  “Damn. That beer went down fast. Are you ready for another one?”

  “Give me a minute.”

  Cullen chugged the remainder of her beer then handed Julia her empty. Their fingers met briefly and again Cullen felt washed in heat, but she felt like a total heel. Julia had had a rough night and really needed a friend. If she couldn’t be that, she should just leave.

  “I should get going after this one,” Cullen said.

  “Nonsense. I’m a cop and I can’t, in good conscience, let you drive after five beers.”

  “You just drove.”

  “After two. And maybe I shouldn’t have, but you’re staying here tonight.”

  Cullen smiled at her.

  “Oh, I am, am I?”

  Julia smiled back.

  “Yes. Yes, you are.”

  “Well, okay then. Cheers.”

  They clinked bottles and Cullen took a long swig. It tasted good and helped soothe the fear at how close she’d come to being killed. But it did nothing to put out the flame burning inside. She wondered for a brief second in which room she’d be staying. Julia’s? She took another drink and her phone buzzed. It was a text from Sara.

  “What’s wrong?” Julia said.

  “I just got a text from Sara.”

  “Are you going to read it?”

  “I don’t really want to.”

  “Maybe she’ll tell us where she is. Please, check it.”

  “Fine.” She read it out loud.

  I’m okay. Just wanted you to know. I’m sorry we didn’t get to say good-bye.

  “Okay,” Julia said. “Ask her where she is.”

  “She won’t tell me.”

  “You’ll think of a way.”

  Cullen sat quietly for a minute before texting Sara back.

  I’m glad you’re okay. Where are you? Can I see you?

  “Ooh. That’s good. You’re devious. I like it.”

  “I don’t really want to see her, you know.”

  “I didn’t think you did. Oh. I just heard your phone. What did she say?

  I can’t tell you where I am. I’m safe though. They’ll never find me here.

  But I want to see you, Sara.

  That’s not going to happen. I’m sorry, Cullen. We had a good run. Thanks for the memories.

  “Shit,” Julia said. “She’s hiding and she’s not giving anything away. Not even to you.”

  Cullen sat silently drinking her beer. She’d really fallen hard for Sara. Had Sara ever cared about her at all? Had it all been a big game to her? Like life? She didn’t like feeling used, especially by a drug dealing murderer.

  “Well?” Julia seemed impatient.

  “Well, what?”

  “Text her back.”

  “What can I say? I have nothing to say to her.” Cullen was feeling bitter and didn’t care who knew it.

  “Say something. Maybe she’ll text you again if you do.”

  She swallowed her pride and texted back.

  I’ll miss you. Take care.

  “There. You happy?”

  “Very.”

  Cullen tossed her phone on the coffee table. She couldn’t help but notice Julia could barely sit still. Cullen finished her beer.

  “Ready for another one?” she said.

  “Yeah. I’ll get them. You look like you’ve lost your best friend. We’ll talk about it when I get back.”

  Cullen handed Julia her empty and sat back against the couch. Why had Sara texted her if she’d never cared about her? Maybe she had in some way. That made Cullen perk up somewhat. Only somewhat though because deep down, she really didn’t believe it.

  “So why so morose?” Julia handed Cullen another beer.

  “I’m not. I’m fine.”

  “Bullshit, you’re upset. Are you mad I made you text her?”

  “No.”

  “No? Then what?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Yes, you do. Now talk to me.”

  “I just wonder if Sara ever had feelings for me, that’s all. I feel like I’ve been played, and I don’t like it. Not one bit.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s got to be hard. Do you think you’ll pine for her for long?”

  “I don’t pine for her.” Cullen laughed sardonically. “I’m glad it’s over. I’m just sorry she wasn’t prosecuted before she got away.”

  “It’s okay. You can be honest with me. I’m sure it’ll take a while for your feelings for her to die down, even with all you know. You two were together how long?�
��

  “Like six weeks.” Cullen laughed again. “Not a major relationship by anyone’s standards.”

  “Did you love her?”

  “How am I supposed to know? I thought we were heading that way, but it was way too soon to know that.”

  “I don’t know, Cullen. I feel like when you know, you know.”

  “When was the last time you were in love?”

  It was Julia’s turn to laugh. Hers wasn’t dry or cold. It was deep and real.

  “We’re talking about you now.”

  “Ah yes, but cheer me up. Tell me who broke your heart.”

  “Oh, aren’t you sweet?” Sarcasm dripped from her words. “Wanting to know all about my broken heart.”

  “Oops. So I take it you weren’t the one to call it off?”

  Cullen struggled to sound calm, while she churned inside over the thought of someone hurting Julia.

  “Not even. Although, I must say I wasn’t completely surprised. Still, it hurt.”

  “I’m sorry. We can talk about something else.”

  “I’m just picking on you. It all happened seven years ago. I’m fine. She wasn’t right for me. I can see that now.”

  “Was she butch or femme?”

  “Is that important? Relevant?”

  “No, I’m just curious what your type is.”

  “She was like me. Not butch but not into dresses or makeup either.”

  “How long were you together?”

  “Only two years,” Julia said. “But I really thought she was the one.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Julia sighed.

  “Thanks. But it’s all good. I’m over her and hoping to move on someday. What about you? Do you think you’ll ever be ready to move on?”

  I could move on tonight, Cullen thought.

  “Oh, yeah. I’ll move on. Sara didn’t take a chunk of my heart. I’ve been protecting it far too long to allow that to happen.”

  Julia pondered what Cullen had said. So Cullen had been hurt. The thought made Julia sad.

  “Talk to me. Tell me all the sordid details.”

  This time when Cullen laughed it was genuine and was music to Julia’s ears.

  “Not much to tell, really. We were together ten years. She cheated on me with my best friend. The rest is history. Which is why finding out Sara hadn’t been honest with me was so hard to take.”

  Julia’s heart was breaking for Cullen. She’d been deceived twice now. Would she ever be able to trust again? Julia truly hoped so. She had plans for them. Someday. Not now, of course. But someday when Cullen was ready to try again.

  “That sucks. Big time,” she said.

  Cullen blew out her breath.

  “It is what it is. I just need to be even more vigilant next time. If there ever is a next time.”

  “Do you think you’d be willing to try again? Or do you think you’ll be too gun-shy?”

  “I like to think I’ll be able to try again. I mean, I want to find that special person, you know? I want my happily ever after and I think I deserve it. Not to sound egotistical or anything.”

  “Don’t worry, you don’t,” Julia said.

  “I think I’d make some woman a good wife.”

  “I agree. You’ve got a lot to offer, Cullen. I just hope you find a woman who can see that and will be open and honest with you.”

  “Me, too.”

  “I’m getting hungry again. Don’t ask me how because this beer should be filling me up. You ready for round two?”

  Cullen laughed again.

  “Sure, why not? Let’s eat.”

  Julia thought while they devoured more pizza. She had a lot of work ahead to get Cullen to fully trust her. She’d have to make a point of proving how honest and upfront she was at every opportunity without being obvious about it. It wouldn’t be easy, but she truly believed it would be worth it.

  When the last piece of pizza had been consumed, they grabbed more beer and went back to the living room.

  “I may call in for tomorrow,” Cullen said. “I’m not going to be in any shape to work.”

  Julia laughed.

  “Good call. I wish I could do the same. But we’ll be busy tomorrow. Too much stuff going on with Sara’s case. Maybe I’ll be able to just work in the morning, though. You know. Go in and check on things then leave around noon. Maybe we can do something tomorrow afternoon? There’s an indoor miniature golf course in Beaverton. Would you like to check that out?”

  She held her breath waiting for Cullen to answer. She’d essentially just asked her for a date. Something besides drinks. Would Cullen freak out? She’d probably just graciously decline. That was more her style.

  “Heck yeah,” Cullen said. “That sounds like a lot of fun. I’ll head home to shower and change and then I’ll meet you there.”

  “Okay.” Julia fought not to let her overwhelming relief show. “That should work. I’ll text you in the morning to let you know what time I’ll be able to sneak away from work.”

  Cullen looked at her phone.

  “Did you get another text?” Julia shifted into cop mode.

  “What? No. Just checking the time. It’s after one. Not that I’ll turn into a pumpkin or anything, but it’s past my bedtime. And you need to get up in the morning.”

  “True. Okay, come on. I’ll show you the guest room.”

  “Before you do that, your coffee pot looked rather space age. Since you’ll be gone before I wake up, will you show me how to use it?”

  Julia laughed. Cullen was cute. So damned cute.

  “I tell you what, I’ll make you a pot before I leave. Fair?”

  “Thanks, that would be great.”

  Despite the late hour, Julia had a hell of a time falling asleep. Knowledge that Cullen was in the bed across the hall was making her crazy. She considered going into her room and crawling into bed with her just to see what would happen. Maybe they’d only have a night, maybe they’d have more. But she stayed put. It wouldn’t be fair to Cullen. She needed to mourn the loss of her relationship, fucked up though it was.

  When Julia’s alarm went off, she wanted to throw her phone across the room. She felt horrible. She was tired and marginally hungover, and her stomach was protesting all the pizza she’d eaten. She turned off her alarm and promptly fell back asleep. She awoke a half hour later panicked and hurried to the kitchen, cussing the whole way. She’d be late and that wouldn’t be good.

  She poured a cup of coffee then headed for the shower. She let the hot water pound her until she remembered she was running late. She dressed quickly and went to the kitchen to fill her travel mug.

  There stood Cullen in boxers and an undershirt. Julia paused in the dining room and just enjoyed the vision before her. Cullen was tall and lean and muscular. Her lithe body beckoned to Julia. She knew if she got too close, she’d touch the merchandise and that could blow everything.

  “You’re up early,” she said.

  Cullen jumped and whirled to face her. Her small breasts were clearly outlined by the undershirt, her nipples at attention. Julia longed to take the morning off and make Cullen forget all about Sara.

  “Shit. I thought you’d be gone by now,” Cullen said.

  “I’m running late. I’ll pour myself one for the road then I’ll set it up for you, okay?”

  “Sure. I’ll go put some clothes on.”

  “You don’t have to.” The words were out before she could stop them.

  Cullen arched an eyebrow at her.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Look, Cullen, you don’t have anything I haven’t seen before.” She hoped she sounded calmer than she felt, and she hoped Cullen didn’t notice her blush. “And you look comfortable, so don’t change for my benefit. I’m out of here anyway.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  Cullen leaned her ass on the kitchen counter and crossed her ankles. She looked absolutely delectable. Julia shook herself from her reverie and took care of the coff
ee pot.

  “I’ll text you,” she said. And, fighting the urge to kiss Cullen good-bye, headed to the station.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The station was subdued when Julia finally arrived. They’d lost one of their own the night before, and it was weighing heavily on everyone’s mind. She checked her email first to read the reports from the guys the night before. The rest of the night had gone smoothly. They were boarding up the windows on Sara’s house later that morning. No more incidents were reported so Julia closed her email and took the stairs two at a time to the lab.

  She found Mike bent over a microscope.

  “Morning, Mike,” she said.

  “I expected you earlier.” He looked up from the microscope.

  “Sorry. What have you got for me? I really need you to look at something.”

  “If it’s about the bullets, save your breath.”

  “I won’t. I need that comparison done ASAP.”

  “I figured. I’ve already done it. The bullets from last night’s shooting were from the same gun as the one who shot the Montague kid.”

  “Seriously?” Julia wanted to hug him. “You’ve already run the tests?”

  “I have.” He smiled. “And they’re a match. You want to see?”

  “Hell yeah.”

  He stepped away from the microscope and she peered through it. She didn’t need Mike to tell her what she was looking at. The striations were identical. So whoever shot Montague shot up Sara’s house. Why? Were they trying to kill her or just send a warning? And who was behind the shootings?

  “Thanks, Mike.” She patted his upper arm. “Great job. Now get me the report sooner rather than later, please.”

  “I’ll type it up by the end of day.”

  “Thanks.”

  She went back to her office. She was really getting somewhere. She just didn’t know where and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling. Julia went down the hall to check on the unit who were tracking Sara.

  “Any info on Donovan?” she asked.

  “Not a thing. No one’s reported her license plate anywhere. We don’t even know which direction she went in.”