Scene of the Crime

by M. J. Williamz

  They took their wine out back to watch the snow that had begun to fall again.

  “So, do you think you’ll be able to get away without going in tomorrow?” Cullen said.

  “I don’t know, babe. I hope I don’t. I’ll see if the forensic examiner will be in. If so, I want to talk with her. If not, I’ll stay here.”

  Cullen squeezed her hand and said a little prayer to whatever powers might be listening that the forensic woman wouldn’t be in. She wanted another day like this with Julia, and another and another. She really couldn’t imagine not wanting to spend every day for the rest of her life with her.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Julia woke early Friday morning and checked her email. Randi had sent her a reply saying she’d be out of the office that day but that she’d see her on Monday if she had any questions. That was a relief. She climbed back into bed and, listening to Cullen’s steady breathing, was soon asleep herself.

  She was groggy when she woke later to the feel of Cullen’s hand caressing her hip while she nibbled on her neck. She didn’t stay groggy for long. She came fully awake and rolled over to face Cullen. Aroused and not thinking, she kissed Cullen and wrapped her leg around her, pressing their bodies together.

  The feel of Cullen’s long, lean legs against hers sent her reeling, but the feel of her pelvis pressed into Julia’s almost sent her over the edge. She pulled her closer, needing more contact.

  “Hey, baby?” Cullen said. “Julia?”

  “Hm?”

  “We need to stop.”

  “Why?”

  Cullen propped herself up on an elbow and looked down at her. Her face was flushed and her dark eyes shone.

  “Are you serious?”

  Julia’s mind cleared, and she took a shaky breath to calm her hyper aroused nerve endings. She pulled her leg off Cullen and rolled over onto her back.

  “I’m sorry. I wasn’t fully awake. I was working off feelings instead of thinking things through.”

  “Damn. I thought you were finally ready.”

  “No, not yet. Time, Cullen. We need to give it time. Come on, let’s get some coffee and get started on our day.”

  “What are we going to do today? The Duck game isn’t on until two thirty.”

  “I don’t know. What time is it?”

  “Nine.”

  “Dang, we slept in. Let’s get coffee. That’s priority numero uno.”

  They bundled up and sat out on the deck admiring the white landscape. The snow had stopped but hadn’t melted. It was beautiful out there.

  “I love snow as long as I don’t have to go anywhere in it,” Julia said.

  “And now it’s all ice, which is even worse.”

  “True. Is it supposed to snow anymore?”

  “Let me check.” Cullen slid her phone out of her pocket. “No. Rain by this afternoon.”

  “Bummer.”

  “It was fun while it lasted.”

  She slid her phone into the pocket of her hoodie and Julia heard it buzz.

  “Is that her?” She leaned forward, excitement coursing through her veins.

  “Let me check.” Cullen looked at her phone. “Yep.”

  Julia got up and read the text over Cullen’s shoulder.

  How was your Turkey Day?

  Nice. How did you spend your day?

  Thanksgiving dinner for one. But it was yummy.

  “What should I say now?” Cullen asked.

  “Ask her if she’s making friends, that kind of thing.”

  Haven’t you made any new friends yet? Contacts? People you could hang out with?

  LOL It’s been a week, Cullen. Not quite, actually. I’m working on meeting people.

  Yeah, you need to set up your clientele.

  “Easy, Cullen. Don’t sound bitter.”

  “Why not? I am.”

  Everything will come together. I’m sure of it.

  Good. I wish only the best for you.

  “Better?” Cullen said.

  “Much.”

  Sara didn’t respond so Cullen put her phone away.

  “And now my day sucks. I hate hearing from her.”

  “I get that, but it helps. Every little bit helps. And soon she’ll be locked up with no access to a cell phone.”

  “God, I hope you’re right.”

  “I am.”

  “Speaking of that, do you have to go to work today?”

  “Nope. I’ve got the day off to spend with you.”

  “That’s great.” She didn’t sound excited.

  “What’s up?”

  “I forgot. I need to go see my folks today.”

  “And I can’t go with?”

  “Don’t you think it’s a little soon to play meet the parents?” Cullen said.

  Julia felt like she’d been slapped. Was Cullen embarrassed to be dating a cop? Was she not good enough for her parents? Sure, she’d forgotten that Cullen was going to spend some time with them, but since she didn’t have to work, why couldn’t she tag along?

  “If you say so.” She tried to keep her voice even. “Is there a reason you don’t want them to meet me?”

  “I have no problem with you meeting them.”

  “Could have fooled me.” She didn’t try to keep the edge out of her voice.

  “I just wondered. Since, you know, we’re not sleeping together yet, is it a little soon, after a week, to meet my parents.”

  “You can go to their place. I’ll stay here.” She wanted to add not to expect her to be there when Cullen got home, but she didn’t.

  “No, you can come. I just wanted to make sure you’re ready.”

  “That’s not how it sounded. It sounded like you don’t want them to meet me, and that’s fine. It’s just that I deserve to know why.”

  Cullen took her hand.

  “I’d love for them to meet you, Julia. I’m sure they’ll remember you and will absolutely love you.”

  “What time should we be there?”

  “Nothing was set in stone. We should probably go sooner rather than later, though. I really do want to be home to watch the game.”

  “I’ll make breakfast. Why don’t you call them?”

  “Okay.”

  Julia’s thoughts jumbled together while she worked in the kitchen. Meeting Cullen’s parents was a huge step. She admitted that and it had been her idea to take things slow. So why had Cullen’s reticence aggravated her so? She really didn’t care about meeting her parents. She just wanted to be with Cullen, and if that meant spending a few hours with them, then so be it. Maybe she should go to work. That would make everything easier. She made up her mind. She’d get a few hours in while Cullen went to her parents’ house.

  She sensed rather than felt Cullen’s presence in the kitchen and turned to face her.

  “I’ve been thinking,” she said.

  “I want to hear your thoughts, but first let me tell you my folks remember you and are dying to see you again.”

  “For real?”

  “For real. Now, what were you thinking?”

  “It’s not important. Let’s eat. Breakfast is ready.”

  * * *

  Cullen let the shower pummel her as she fought to overcome her nerves. Her parents had met a lot of women over the years, but this was big. She couldn’t put her finger on why she knew Julia was the one for her, but she was sure she was. Maybe that was why. Whatever the reason, she needed to get over it. She hadn’t seen her parents in a while. Not since she and Sara had gotten together. Thank God they’d never met her.

  She finished up and dried and dressed then went out to find Julia on her laptop.

  “Whatcha working on?”

  “Looking at reports. Trying to decide how much I have and whether it’s enough to convict Sara for the Montague murder.”

  Cullen worried at how hard Julia worked. She walked up behind her and rubbed her tight shoulders. She didn’t miss that Julia slammed her laptop shut.

  “Let it go for today, baby. Let
’s go relax and hang with my folks.”

  “Sounds good.”

  Cullen’s parents lived in a large, rambling, ranch style house in the northwest quadrant of the city. As they approached the door, Cullen took Julia’s hand.

  “How are you doing?” she asked.

  Julia squeezed her hand reassuringly. The butterflies in Cullen’s stomach were fluttering at Mach speed, but the squeeze helped and she took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

  Her mom opened the door and pulled Cullen, who towered over her, into a hug. Her mom looked good at seventy-two. Her silver hair was perfectly coiffed and her arms were strong as they held her.

  “So good to see you, Cullen.” She stepped back. “And you must be Julia.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Matthews.” Julia extended her hand which Cullen’s mom shook enthusiastically.

  “I remember you from all those high school games. You were something else.”

  Cullen noticed the pink on Julia’s cheeks and smiled.

  “Thank you. That was a long time ago.”

  “Where are my manners? Please come in.”

  Cullen stepped aside to let Julia enter before her. She rested her hand on the small of her back before following her in.

  “Cullen’s dad is in the family room watching football.” She rolled her eyes. “Tell me, Julia, do you watch football?”

  “Not very often, I’ll admit.”

  “Oh, wonderful. I just knew we were going to get along.”

  Cullen laughed.

  “Nothing wrong with football.”

  “Are you sure you can’t stay and watch the game with your father this afternoon?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Maybe, though?”

  “I’ll give you a definite maybe,” Cullen said. She really wanted to watch the game in the privacy of her own home where she could yell and scream and cuss at the TV if she wanted. She might be an adult now, but she wouldn’t be caught dead swearing in front of her parents.

  “Why don’t you go join your dad?” Julia said. “I’ll help your mom in the kitchen.”

  “Everything’s under control in the kitchen,” Cullen’s mom said. “But let’s go introduce you to Bob, and then you and I’ll visit while they waste away in front of the boob tube.”

  “That sounds good.”

  Cullen followed the two of them down the step and into the family room.

  “Bob,” her mom said, “I want you to meet Julia.”

  Her dad got out of his recliner gracefully and shook hands with Julia.

  “Well, if it isn’t the star of the team. So good to see you again, Julia. It’s nice to see Cullen returning to her roots.”

  It was Cullen’s turn to blush. Her dad patted her shoulder.

  “Welcome to our house,” her dad continued. “Can we get you anything?”

  “You and Cullen relax and watch your games. I’ll take care of Julia.”

  Cullen felt bad leaving Julia alone, but her dad was watching the Alabama game. If they lost, Oregon would be in the playoffs so this was important. She couldn’t miss it.

  At halftime, she went to the kitchen to get her dad and herself a beer. She passed by the table in the corner of the room and glanced down.

  “Mom! What are you doing?” It was clear she was showing Julia Cullen’s baby pictures.

  “What?” Julia smiled up at her. “You’ve always been adorable.”

  “It’s wonderful that you think that,” Cullen’s mom said. “I think I’ll enjoy having you around.”

  “I’m glad she meets with your approval,” Cullen said sarcastically.

  “Is your game over already?” her mom asked.

  “It’s halftime.”

  “I’ll put out some snacks then.”

  “I’ll help,” Julia said.

  “Nonsense. You sit tight. I’ll be right back.”

  “How are you doing?” Cullen whispered in Julia’s ear.

  “I’m doing great. I love your mom. How are you doing?”

  “Not bad. We can stay for another hour or so, but then I’m going to want to head home.”

  “Fair enough, today’s for you.”

  Julia smiled up at her and Cullen’s heart melted. Damn, but she was crazy about Julia. She just wished she could show her how much.

  “What are you thinking?” Julia said.

  “Nothing we can discuss at my parents’ house.”

  “Ah. Got it.”

  Julia winked at her and Cullen almost kissed her. She decided to be strong, though. While she’d never made any bones about being gay, she didn’t think she needed to make out with Julia on her first trip to their home.

  “Get some food,” Julia said. “And I’ll see you in an hour or so.”

  Cullen took the beers to the family room then went back to the dining room where she filled two plates full of deviled eggs, salami and cheese, and veggies and dip. She handed a plate to her dad and sat down just in time for the second half kickoff.

  The third quarter ended, and Alabama was down by a touchdown. Cullen was excited and wanted to watch the rest of the game, but decided she’d just check the score when she got home.

  “Okay, Dad, it’s time for me to head out. It was good seeing you.”

  “Cullen. Don’t stay away so long next time, okay?”

  “You got it.”

  She walked back to the kitchen to find Julia and her mom poring over her sports pictures.

  “Seriously, Mom?” Cullen said.

  “Seriously,” Julia answered. “I’m thoroughly enjoying myself. But you’ve got our coats so I’m guessing it’s time to leave?”

  “Yeah, we need to get home.”

  “Okay.”

  “Thank you so much for bringing Julia over today,” her mom said. “It was so nice visiting with her.”

  “We’ll come over more often, I promise.”

  “Come over next Sunday for dinner, say four o’clock? Please?”

  “I’d love that,” Julia said.

  “Sounds good to me,” Cullen said.

  She hugged her mom good-bye and stood aside while Julia hugged her.

  “You take good care of my Cullen,” her mom said.

  “You have my word.”

  “Good. You drive safely, Cullen.”

  “Will do. See you next week.”

  On the drive back home, Cullen took Julia’s hand and held it on her thigh.

  “I hope my mom didn’t bore you to tears.”

  “Not at all. She was very pleasant. She loves you so very much.”

  “This is true. She seemed quite fond of you, as well.”

  “Good. I really enjoyed meeting her and I can’t wait for next Sunday.”

  “Do you miss your parents?” Cullen said softly.

  “All the time. I mean, I try to be pissed and indignant and all, but it’s hard to take that my parents don’t love me anymore.”

  “Have you ever thought about reaching out to them?”

  Julia shook her head.

  “That’s not going to happen. I don’t need that sort of rejection in my life again.”

  “I’m sorry, Julia. They don’t know what they’re missing.”

  “Thank you, Cullen. I appreciate that.”

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Sunday evening, Julia and Cullen packed their bags and drove to Julia’s house. Cullen had had such a wonderful time spending four days with Julia and didn’t want to see it come to an end. But they both had to work the next day so decided to stay at Julia’s for a few nights.

  They had dinner out then picked up some beer and headed home. Cullen tried not to think about everything that was going down at the office. She didn’t want to contemplate layoffs and budget cuts, but that was reality. She knew it paled in comparison to what Julia faced every day, but still, it was her reality and it wasn’t pleasant.

  She was thinking it was about time to go to bed when her phone buzzed. She hadn’t heard from Sara in a few days and w
asn’t complaining. Still, she knew what she had to do.

  “You just tensed up,” Julia said. “What’s going on?”

  “My pocket just buzzed and I’m sure it’s Sara.”

  “Good.”

  “Why? I’ve been enjoying not hearing from her.”

  “We need to narrow down where she is. Try to find out more from her.”

  Cullen took her phone out and showed the text to Julia.

  How was your weekend?

  Nice. How was yours?

  Have you heard from that bitch lately? Is she still trying to frame me?

  Cullen glanced at Julia before answering. Julia wasn’t framing Sara. She had proof that she’d murdered those people.

  “What should I say?” she asked Julia.

  “Tell her you haven’t seen me.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yes.”

  I haven’t seen her. Why? Are you thinking about moving back?

  “Oh, good question, Cullen. You’re a natural at interrogation.”

  Cullen laughed dryly.

  “Gee, thanks.”

  Hell no. I love where I am and there are no paranoid cops looking for me.

  Well, that’s good, I guess. Is it still warm there?

  It was in the high sixties today. I’ll take it.

  Are there colleges there? Can you ply your wares?

  No comment. But don’t you worry. I’ll be fine. I’ll talk to you later.

  “Shit. I think I blew it.”

  “No worries. She can’t confirm anything over text, but she didn’t deny it either. So it’s safe to say that wherever she is, she’s dealing.”

  “Why can’t she just get a regular job?” Cullen mused aloud.

  “That’s not how criminals work, babe.”

  “I suppose that’s true.”

  Julia started playing on her phone.

  “What are you doing?” Cullen asked.

  “Checking temperatures in my target cities.”

  “Okay and what are you finding out?”

  “Atlanta seems like our best bet now. I’ll call them in the morning.”

  “I thought you liked Ft. Lauderdale.”

  “It looks like it was warmer there today.”

  “You know, you’re working under the assumption that a drug dealer and murderer is telling the truth.”

  Julia nodded slowly.