At noon, she walked up the street to a deli and grabbed a sandwich and another cup of coffee. She was sitting there scrolling through her phone when it rang.
“Stansworth here.”
“Detective Stansworth? This is Detective Harrington from Zone Five Police Department in Atlanta.”
Julia’s heart leaped to her throat. She hoped this was the break she’d been waiting for, but she had to play it cool.
“Detective Harrington, how can I help you?”
“Actually, it’s more like how I can help you.”
“Is that right?” Her heart stopped.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m in the Midtown division. We just picked up a woman by the name of Jolie Mariota. She was caught on the campus of Georgia State with enough coke on her to kill a horse.”
“Really? And this benefits me?”
“Yes, ma’am. Her fingerprints matched the woman you’ve been looking for. A Sara Donovan?”
Julia exhaled heavily. She couldn’t believe it. Sara would be coming back to stand trial for two murders and the coke charges which were inconsequential as far as she was concerned.
“That’s fantastic news,” she said. “When can I come get her?”
“She’s been booked, so she’s yours whenever you want her. What do you need from me?”
“Oh, Detective, you’ve done more than enough. I don’t know how I can thank you. I’ll try to book a flight so I get there tonight.”
“Sounds good. We can have dinner and chat about the cases.”
“It’ll probably be too late by then.”
“So I’ll have a snack.” He laughed.
“Okay, well, it’ll be my treat. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
“I’ll email you directions to my office.”
“Thank you.”
She hung up the phone and practically ran back to the office. She checked in with the powers that be, marked herself out of the office for the rest of the day, and headed to the airport where she barely got a flight. While waiting for takeoff, she texted Cullen.
On my way to Atlanta. Don’t know when I’ll be back. I miss you already.
Atlanta? Does this have anything to do with Sara?
It has everything to do with her. Okay, I need to turn off my phone now.
Be safe, baby.
I will. I’ll call you tonight.
Chapter Twenty-five
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport was bustling when Julia got off the plane. It was ten o’clock there, but she was still on Pacific Coast time. She worried about Detective Harrington, though. It really was late for dinner, but she was starving, so she’d at least see if he still wanted to meet.
She hailed a cab and gave the directions for the Zone Five police station. The cabby gave her an odd look, but drove her there without a word. When she arrived, she showed her badge to the officer at the front desk.
“I’m Detective Stansworth from Portland Police Bureau. I’m here to meet Detective Harrington.”
“Have a seat. I’ll let him know you’re here.”
A few moments later, a tall, beefy man came through a door and approached Julia.
“Detective,” he said. “So good to meet you.”
“I’m so happy to be here. You have no idea.”
He smiled at her.
“I think I have a pretty damned good idea. So, dinner or would you like to see the prisoner?”
“As much as I’d love to see her, I trust that she’s who I’m looking for. Let’s go get food and I’ll see her in the morning. Does she know I’m coming?”
“I haven’t said a word.”
She smiled a slow grin.
“Oh, that’s going to make it that much sweeter.”
“That’s what I was thinking, too.”
Julia enjoyed her dinner with Harrington and he was nice enough to drop her at her hotel after. She knew she needed her sleep, but she was too excited, so instead she called Cullen.
“Hey, baby,” Cullen answered.
“Hi, gorgeous. How are you?”
“I’m great. So you’re in Atlanta, huh? For how long?”
“I’ll be flying back tomorrow. We got her, Cullen. She’s ours.”
“That’s so fantastic.”
“I think so, too. I can’t wait to see her face when I walk into the interrogation room tomorrow.”
“Oh, so you haven’t seen her yet?”
“Nope,” Julia said. “Not yet. I figured I’d save that little treat for the morning.”
“Where have you been? It’s got to be late there.”
“It is. I went to dinner with the detective who arrested her. He was a nice guy and I’m eternally grateful to him.”
“I’m sure you are.”
“What are you doing?”
“Getting ready for bed, which you should be doing, too.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Julia said. “I know.”
“So tell me good night and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Good night, Cullen, I miss you.”
“I miss you too, baby. So very much.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Take care and be safe.”
“Always.”
Julia was up early the next morning despite the late hour she went to sleep. She was excited and ready to get Sara and take her back to Portland. She couldn’t wait to make sure she spent the rest of her life behind bars. Everything was ready. She felt the cases were airtight. It was time.
She arrived at the station and met with Harrington.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked.
“I am.”
“Okay. I’ll call ahead and make sure she’s in an interview room. Then we can drive over and you can see her.”
“Excellent. She’s not going to be happy to see me and I can not wait.”
Harrington laughed.
“I do love that attitude. I’m sure she’s going to freak.”
“Did she ask why she couldn’t post bail?”
“We told her we had reasons for wanting to retain her. She may have figured it out.” He shrugged. “Who knows?”
“Okay. Well, make your phone call so we can go.”
They drove over to the jail and Julia took a deep breath. She needed to be calm, cool, and collected. She couldn’t bubble over like a schoolgirl. She had to be on her game.
“You ready?” Harrington said.
“I am.”
Harrington walked into the room first.
“Why am I still here?” Sara said. “I hope you’re here to release me.”
Julia walked in and Sara’s face blanched. Her mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. Julia fought not to break into a wide smile.
“Ms. Donovan,” she said.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to take you back to Portland. You’re coming back to stand trial for the murders of Sherry Bergstrom and Donald Montague. Not to mention your arrest for possession with intent to distribute. I hope you enjoyed your night behind bars last night because you’re going to be behind them for the rest of your life.” She turned to Harrington. “Did you get us booked on a plane?”
“I did. Let’s get out of here.”
Guards were waiting for them when they landed in Portland. They escorted Sara to a waiting van, but Julia opted to take a taxi back to the station rather than accompanying them to the jail.
She finished up the transfer paperwork then headed out. She was ready to meet with the DA on Monday. They had an appointment at nine and Julia was beyond ready to get the ball rolling.
Julia sat in her car and called Cullen.
“Hey, baby,” Cullen said. “Where are you?”
“I’m back and I’m heading home. But then I thought I’d rather come to your place. Would that be okay?”
“Hell, yes. That would be awesome. We can go grab some lunch then come back here and make out.”
Julia felt her face heat as well as other body parts. A make out session with
Cullen was just what the doctor ordered.
“I’ll drive as fast as I can,” she said.
Cullen laughed.
“Drive carefully. I want you here in one piece.”
“Yes, ma’am, I’ll see you in a few.”
Cullen picked up the dirty clothes on her bedroom floor and threw away the cartons that last night’s dinner had arrived in. She brushed her teeth, slipped into some jeans, and was ready for Julia.
She heard the knock a few minutes later and opened the door to see a radiant looking Julia standing there. She took her by the hand and pulled her inside.
“You look amazing. Traveling across the country and back in one day certainly agrees with you.”
Julia laughed and leaned into Cullen.
“Why, thank you. That’s good to know.”
Cullen closed the distance between them and took Julia’s lips with hers. They were soft and yielding and tasted like fall. Such a wonderful combination. Cullen held tighter to keep from falling over. She was lightheaded as all the blood in her system had headed south. She was soon swollen with desire and knew she’d have to end the kiss soon.
She didn’t get the chance as Julia softly closed her lips and backed away.
“Damn, Cullen. If that’s the way I get greeted when I return, remind me to go away more often.”
“Silly girl. I’ll greet you like that if I just saw you five minutes ago. I love kissing you.”
“Mm, I love it, too. Not to be a wet rag, but I haven’t eaten today. Let’s go get some food.”
“Give me a minute so my legs can work right. They’re a little shaky at the moment.”
“Got it. Let’s go sit on the couch for a minute then.”
“No, I’ll just want to kiss you again if we do that. Let’s head out.”
“I want something with substance,” Julia said. “What do you want?”
“You.”
“Very funny, to eat.”
Cullen glanced over at Julia and arched her eyebrow. She gave her a most lascivious grin. Julia laughed and swatted her arm.
“Okay, okay. I want pizza. Let’s go get pizza.”
“Sounds good.”
“We could have had it delivered,” Cullen said.
“I didn’t want to wait that long.”
“You are just scared I’d ravish you if we stayed in the house.”
“Maybe.” Julia laughed. “Maybe indeed.”
They ordered their pizza and found a table.
“So, tell me,” Cullen said. “What was her reaction when she saw you?”
“It was awesome. The color drained from her face and she stared at me like her worst nightmare had come true. She recovered quickly though, and then she was pissed and I mean royally.”
“That’s great. I’m glad it went well. And now she’s cooling her heels in the jail downtown?”
“Yes, she is. I meet with the prosecutor Monday to go over the cases. Should be a slam dunk.”
“I hope so.”
They finished their lunch and started back to Cullen’s place.
“Why don’t we stop for some beer?” Julia said.
“But you’ll have to drive home tonight.”
“I can stay in the guest room.”
“Do you think that’s such a good idea?” Cullen pictured Leslie and knew she wouldn’t be happy with that arrangement.
“Sure, I’ll be in the other room so no temptation. And that way I can wake up here and we can spend the day together tomorrow.”
Cullen still wasn’t convinced, but she had pulled into the store parking lot.
“I don’t know, Julia. I’m not sure what Leslie would say.”
“Then she doesn’t have to know. Seriously, though, if you’d rather I not then just say the word. I don’t want to interfere with the good work you’re doing to move forward.”
Cullen parked her truck and sat there thinking. She was making good progress even in the few short days she’d been working on it. Still, the idea of all day today and tomorrow with Julia? She wasn’t strong enough to say no. It wasn’t like they were sharing a bed every night.
“Cullen?” Julia said. “Say something.”
Cullen smiled at her.
“Let’s go get some beer. I think your plan sounds great.”
They each grabbed a beer and Cullen sat on the couch to watch her Ducks game. Julia remained standing.
“What’s up?” Cullen said.
“I think I’d like to put on some sweats if that’s okay.”
“Sure, you want me to get them for you?”
“No, thanks. You settle in for the game. I’ll be right back.”
Julia looked amazing in Cullen’s sweats, and Cullen’s heart raced at the sight of her. When Julia curled up next to her on the couch, she thought she would combust from the heat surging through her veins.
Forgetting about the game for a moment, she pulled Julia against her and nibbled on her neck and earlobe. Julia squirmed against her, pressing her breasts into her chest. Cullen kissed up her neck until she reached her chin. She sucked on it and ran her tongue over the soft skin.
“You’re making me crazy,” Julia said.
“Mm, I know the feeling.”
She kissed her full on the mouth then. Julia met her kiss with an open mouth and Cullen felt her shiver when their tongues met. Urged on, she leaned into Julia, forcing her down onto her back. She climbed on top of her and ran her fingers through her silky blond hair.
She brought her hand down to cup her jaw and reveled again at how smooth her skin was. She was losing herself in the kiss and dragged her hand down Julia’s arm until her hand came to rest on one of her small, firm breasts.
White-hot chills coursed through her, settling between her legs. Julia moaned into her mouth and Cullen needed more. She felt the pressure of Julia’s arms against her chest. She came to her senses and quickly sat up.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m not complaining,” Julia said. “Not one bit. I just knew one of us had to break it off, and I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be you this time.”
“You’re right.” Cullen took a deep breath to calm her shaking limbs and racing heart. Damn, but that had felt good. Julia’s breast in her hand felt so right. She was glad Julia stopped her before she slid her hand under her hoodie because that was next on her agenda.
“Have a drink of beer,” Julia said. “That’ll cool you off.”
Cullen picked up her beer with a trembling hand.
“I hope I’ll be strong enough not to jump your bones tonight,” Cullen said.
“You won’t jump me. We both know that’s not okay. Besides, I’ll be in the other room. I’ll lock my door if you need me to.”
“That won’t be necessary. I can be strong. I know I can.”
“Why don’t you settle down and watch your game? You can sit in the recliner if you need to.”
“No, I’ll be okay. Come here and watch with me.”
She draped her arm around Julia and held her close. All was right in her world.
Chapter Twenty-six
Julia stretched when she awoke the next morning and tried to get her bearings. Oh yeah, she was in Cullen’s guest room. She lay back and played over the night before. The Ducks had won, which pleased Cullen no end. The beer had flowed and they’d both been feeling good.
Her mind drifted back to earlier in the evening and their mini make out session on the couch. Damn, her whole body came alive when she reflected on the way Cullen’s hand had felt on her breast. Her mind had short-circuited briefly. She’d wanted more, craved more, and almost gave in. She’d come to her senses just in time. She needed Cullen and soon.
She stretched again and made herself get out of bed lest she be tempted to take matters into her own hands. She didn’t need to do that, tempting though it was. She was saving that for Cullen, whenever that may be.
Cullen was nowhere to be found when Julia wandered through th
e house. Coffee was made, though, so she knew she was awake. She looked out at the driveway. Cullen’s truck was there so where was Cullen?
She helped herself to a cup of coffee and sat at the dining room table to drink it. She was halfway through when Cullen came in from the garage. She was a sweaty mess and every nerve ending in Julia sparked. She’d never wanted her as much.
“Ah, I wondered where you were,” she said.
“I’ve been trying to work out every day. You know, Leslie suggested exercise, and I do love lifting weights and using my punching bag.”
“What a great way to take out your aggressions, too, right?”
“Indeed. I’ve thought about putting a picture of Sara on the punching bag, but didn’t bother.”
Julia laughed uncertainly. It was funny, sure. But it also meant Cullen had deep-seated feelings for her. Even if those feelings were hatred and disgust, Julia longed for the day when Cullen would feel a twinge of those rather than being consumed by them.
“I’m glad you didn’t. You want to join me for a cup of coffee?”
“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll drink some water then hit the shower. Is that okay with you?”
“That’s fine, but come here and kiss me first.”
“But I’m all sweaty and disgusting.”
“You’re hotter than hell. Please, kiss me.”
Cullen laughed, then acquiesced. Julia grew lightheaded when their lips met. She wanted to pull Cullen closer and prolong the kiss but knew Cullen wasn’t feeling as sexy as she looked.
Cullen came out after her shower wearing black sweatpants and an Oregon Ducks hoodie.
“You and your Ducks,” Julia said.
“Go Ducks.”
“I’m hungry. Is there anything here to eat?”
“I’m afraid not, but there’s a deli over by the grocery store that makes a mean breakfast. Shall we?”
“Let me get dressed and brush my teeth and hair. I’ll be ready in a sec.”
She emerged feeling better and kissed Cullen soundly.
“What was that for?” Cullen asked.
“Does a girl need a reason to kiss her boi?”
Cullen grinned.
“No. I don’t suppose she does.”
After breakfast, they drove into the city and bowled for a few hours. Cullen wiped the floor with Julia, but Julia didn’t mind. She thoroughly enjoyed her time with Cullen, and watching Cullen’s form as she bowled made her heart race and her hormones rage. She wished to God it was time to sleep together. She was beyond ready. The waiting was killing her.
Scene of the Crime Page 20
