For Old Crime's Sake (Chase Charley Mystery Book 1) (16 page)

I tossed and turned that night, unable to drift off into a deep sleep. The air seemed hot and sticky. I pushed the sheet off my legs and adjusted my pillow. I might as well get up and watch TV or do a little research for my project.

The thud sounded as if it had come from my living room. I was almost positive that it had been inside and not something outside my window. I knew I should get out and see what it was. That didn’t make it any easier to get up and go investigate though.

I sat up in bed, straining to listen for another noise. Footsteps moved in the other room. Now I had no choice but to check it out. I wished I had a weapon, but the closet thing I could think of would be my shoe. Probably not a great choice.

I eased the door open and stepped out into the hallway. My heart thumped in my chest and I wondered what I would find. As I made my way down the hall all kinds of scenarios played out in my mind. I needed to remain calm. It was probably nothing to worry about.

The silhouette of a man stood beside the front door with his hands by his side. He was staring right at me. I wanted to call out to him and ask what he wanted, but I kind of already knew what he wanted.

Then he moved his head and I knew for sure that he saw me. He spotted me and rushed toward me. I turned to run, but stumbled before I reached my bedroom door. He yanked me back and pulled me closer to him.

I was struggling with him when someone burst through my door. I looked over his shoulder, but couldn’t tell who it was. All I could really see was this man’s back. His size was large. I hadn’t gotten a good look at his face yet. The man turned around and tried to defend himself. It was two against one now. I was hitting him in the back as he struggled with the other person. I couldn’t believe that we were actually fighting with this man. I bet he hadn’t expected a fight tonight. That would teach him to come into my apartment.

After finally getting the person off him, he ran toward the door. Thank goodness he was leaving. I hoped that he didn’t come back. I needed to call the police. What would Marc say when he found out?

My helper ran after the man. It was so dark that I still didn’t know who had come to help me. It didn’t matter though, I was just glad that someone had helped. More commotion came from out in the hallway and I was afraid that another struggle had broken out. I debated on going into the hallway or going back to my bedroom to retrieve my cell phone. I ran out into the hallway. The main door was wide open where he had run out. If there had been another struggle he wasn’t the winner. I bet he’d have a few bruises tomorrow. Of course I would too.

I stopped in my tracks when I saw her. I couldn’t believe that she had been the one to come to help me.

In the hallway stood my neighbor, wearing her pink robe and rollers in her hair. Although some of her hair had slipped from the rollers. I was still stunned to see her there.

“You were the one who came into my apartment just now?” I had to ask to be sure.

“Well, it wasn’t the tooth fairy.” She brushed the gray hair out of her eyes. “The bastard got away.”

“Did you get a good look at him?” I asked.

“I sure did. He is one ugly son of a gun. A big man too. He almost got the better of me.”

I stared at her for a moment, still unsure of what to say. “How did you know that someone had broken into my apartment?”

She straightened her pink floral robe as if stalling for more time to think of her answer. I knew she kept a watch on this building and I wouldn’t be surprised if her apartment was full of surveillance equipment. “I was watching from my front window when I saw him down on the street. He looked like he was up to no good, so I slipped into my robe and hurried on over here. I saw your door open and I figured he had gone inside. When I got to the door I saw the struggle.”

I wasn’t sure if she would allow me to hug her. “Thank you, Mrs. Perkins. You saved my life.”

She shrugged as if it was no big deal. “Do you know this man?”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so. I didn’t get a good look at him.”

“You really should be more careful of who you let in here.” She waved her finger with a warning. “It’s no wonder you have people leaving that voodoo stuff in front of your door.”

She would never get over the fact that the voodoo stuff had been in front of her door. Was there a connection between Doug, the voodoo, and the man who’d just attacked me? Or was Doug the man who had attacked me and it was too dark to recognize him?

Mrs. Perkins turned and walked over to her apartment door. When she reached the door, she stopped to look at me one more time. “Just see to it that he doesn’t come back again. I may have to really hurt him next time.”

Something told me that was the truth too. I would never cross her.

After she walked into her apartment, I looked toward the main door. Was he really gone? I stepped over to the open door and peered out into the dark night. I looked up and down from one side to the other but didn’t notice anything strange.

I had to call Marc now. Although what could he do after the fact?

Once back inside my apartment, I shut and locked the door. I still had no idea how this man had gotten into my apartment. I was worried that he would just come right back. Maybe my neighbor had scared him enough to keep him away for a while. I rushed over to the bedroom for my phone and then back to the front door so I could stand guard. With a shaky hand, I dialed the number on Marc’s card. I’d keep it on the table by the door. I hadn’t thought I would need to call him tonight. I had been wrong.

The phone rang a couple times and then he picked up.

“What a surprise to hear from you tonight. Is everything okay?” Concern filled his voice.

I looked at the clock. “Actually, everything isn’t okay.”

“What’s wrong?” Worry sounded in his voice.

“Someone just broke into my apartment,” I said.

“Are they still there?”

“No, my neighbor chased him away.”

I would love to see his face when he found out my neighbor was a little old lady.

“Okay, I will be there in just a minute. Stay with your neighbor if you can.”

“She went back to bed,” I said.

“Well, I will be there soon.”

I wasn’t sure what to do until he got there. I paced across my living room floor and watched the door as if I expected the man to burst through at any second. After about ten minutes, a knock sounded on the door.

I rushed over and said, “Who is it?”

“It’s Officer Marc Marquez.”

I recognized his voice, but I was still nervous. I took in a deep breath and turned the lock. After easing open the door, I saw Marc’s handsome face staring back at me. I opened the door wider and gestured for him to come inside. He stepped into my apartment and looked around.

“Are you all right?” He looked me up and down.

I folded my arms in front of my chest. “I’m okay now.”

Marc checked the door. “Did the person take anything?”

“I don’t know how he got in because there is nothing wrong with the door,” I said. “As far I know nothing is missing, but it’s not what they took that I’m worried about.

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Officer West threatened to plant drugs in my apartment if I didn’t stop snooping around.”

Marc’s dark eyebrows knitted together. “Why are you snooping?”

I frowned. “That is the question you ask? Not why he would do that? You know why I’m snooping. Because I told you I saw him bring a dead body out to his car.”

“That’s a big accusation.”

“It’s the truth,” I said.

Marc studied my face. “Can you give me a description?”

“It was dark and it happened fast. He had dark hair. He was tall, and he wore black. I know that’s not much help.”

“You know I have to file a report for this,” Marc said.

I nodded. “That’s what I expected.”

Now his partner Phillip West would know. Although he probably already knew. I had a feeling he was somehow responsible for this. But how would I ever prove it? He knew how to stay out of trouble with the law.

“It’s for your safety too,” Marc said.

I leaned against the arm of my sofa. “I understand, but I don’t think we’ll ever find out who did this.”

“Don’t say never. I won’t let this go. If someone is harassing you, then I want to find out who.”

I loved to hear the passion in his voice. It made me feel as if he really did care.

Marc looked at the door again. “You should get this lock changed right away.”

I pushed the hair out of my eyes. “I will call as soon as possible and get someone to change the lock.”

Marc looked around my apartment again. “Are you sure he didn’t take anything?”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so.”

Marc stared at me. “Suppose he wasn’t trying to plant something? What if it was unrelated to that? What do you think he wanted?”

Should I tell him that I thought this man might have wanted to kill me? Would Marc believe me? I bet after all that had happened with his partner Marc was suspicious of him too. Would Marc confront him? I’d like to hear that conversation.

“You know, if you need someplace else to stay tonight, you can go to my place. I’m working, so I wouldn’t even be there to bother you.” His big brown eyes were enough to make me melt.

“Thank you. I think I will be fine here for the rest of the night.” I didn’t think I’d go back to sleep though.

“If you’re sure,” he said.

I smiled. “I’m positive.”

Of course I was nervous to stay here alone, but I did have my neighbor. She didn’t seem to be worried about someone breaking in. She was probably already back in bed. Or she might be listening in on what was going on in my apartment. At least I knew I could count on her if I needed her.

If I stayed at Marc’s apartment he would have to come home sometime. That would be tempting. And I wasn’t sure I needed the temptation right now. As I looked at Marc I couldn’t help but think about the package of hot sexuality underneath that blue uniform. His short dark hair laid in thick waves and I envisioned plunging my fingers into it.

This was a weird time in my life. I was confused and didn’t know what I wanted. I hoped that I could figure out what I wanted soon though.

“Well, you’ll call me again if anything happens. Even if you think it’s nothing.”

“I promise I will call if I think anything is suspicious.”

I told him this, but I wasn’t sure if it was true. I wouldn’t call him unless it was really serious.

I stepped closer to the door so that I could shut it when he left. He turned to face me once he’d stepped out into the hallway. His gaze traveled down to my lips just the way that Dangerfield’s had done. Would he kiss me? I knew that I would kiss him back. After a few seconds, he looked me in the eyes again. Maybe I was sending off a vibe that I didn’t want to be kissed. After all, I had just experienced a traumatic event.

I watched as he walked across the foyer toward the door. With his hand on the doorknob, he looked back at me one more time. Part of me wanted him to stay and the other part wanted him to leave. A part of me wished that he had kissed me.

Now I would be alone again. My mind would think up all kinds of crazy scenarios. I stepped back inside and locked the door. As soon as the sun came up I would find someone to change the lock.

I was walking down the street headed for work. Another day and I was no closer to finding out if Michael Hook was the dead man. If I didn’t hurry up, I might find myself in the trunk of that cop’s car. A day of research might lead me in the right direction, so I was going to give it a try.

I was lost in thought, but I did notice someone up ahead of me. I shouldn’t be surprised to see him. It seemed lately that I ran into him everywhere I went. Of course we did live close to each other, but this wasn’t exactly a small town.

There were a lot of people on the sidewalk, but I spotted Dangerfield right away. He was kind of hard to miss with a face like a movie star and a smile that could hypnotize someone from fifty feet away. With his suit and dashing good looks, he always attracted a few stares. He never seemed to glance back to see if anyone was following him. I was now always looking over my shoulder. This whole ordeal had made me paranoid. How could I not be though after all that had happened? Dangerfield would be well advised to be paranoid too. A little paranoia was always a good defense. 

I hurried my steps so that I could catch up to him. I hoped that he didn’t notice me. Honestly, I wasn’t trying to follow him this time. It just kind of worked out that way, but I doubted he would believe me.

If I went in there I would have to talk with him. That wouldn’t be so bad. I doubted he would tell me anything that he had found out. I could get it out of him though. He fell for my tricks easily.

Since he went into Café Mojo, I figured it would be fine for me to go too. After all, I needed coffee too. He didn’t have exclusive rights to this shop.

I was already thinking about the delicious beignet and my favorite coffee. So Dangerfield and I shared the same favorite coffee shop. It looked as if we had quite a few things in common. I wouldn’t tell that though because it would just go to his head.

Before I got to the door, I spotted Doug and Russ. They turned and walked into the café. I knew it wasn’t a coincidence that they were here again. Why did they keep following us? I wanted to ask them to stop. I doubted they would do as I told them though. I was sick of their games. Maybe it was time I stood up to them and told them the way that it was going to be. I bet they weren’t used to people standing up to them.

The place was crowded so I might actually get by without being spotted. How would I listen in on their conversation? That was a much tougher problem. I could just walk up and sit down at the table with them. I would love to see their reaction to that. Although they would probably stop talking about anything if I did. No it would be better if I just eavesdropped on their conversation.

I walked into the café and grabbed a paper by the door. That would be my disguise if I needed it. A bit old spy movie, but it would work. I wasn’t going to question a tried and true method. It was a classic for a reason. So now that I had a bad plan, it was time to see if I could make it work.

I scanned the area to see where the men had gone. I looked toward the back of the coffee shop at the counter were orders were placed.

Dangerfield was at the counter ordering and Doug and Russ were standing nearby, but not in line. When Dangerfield got his coffee and croissant, he turned around and Doug and Russ stepped forward. Dangerfield looked less than enthused to see the men. I didn’t blame him because I felt the same way.

Finally after talking a couple more seconds, Dangerfield actually spoke with them. I really wanted to know what they were saying to him. I wondered if Dangerfield had been to visit Keith Howard. Maybe he had inside information.

I still couldn’t believe that they hadn’t noticed me. That was a good thing though. They talked to him for a minute, then pointed across the café. I ducked behind my newspaper. After a couple of seconds, I peeked over the top. They weren’t looking my way, so my cover hadn’t been blown yet. If I wasn’t careful though it would only be a matter of time until they saw me. I would worry about that when it happened though.

Once the men had taken a table by the window, I ran over and grabbed the table next to them. I’d cut off a man who had intended to sit at the table.

“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t know you were going to sit here.”

He frowned, but walked away. I settled in at the table, trying to act normal. No one was paying attention to me, so it must have been working. I strained to listen to their conversation over the music and the noise from the other customers. I leaned in closer until I almost fell out of the chair. After righting myself again, I moved my chair a little to the left so I could hear better.

“We have a proposition for you,” Doug said.

This could not be good. I couldn’t wait to hear what they had to say this time. Wasn’t the visit to Dangerfield’s apartment enough?

“Why are you following me? I thought we said all we had to say last time,” Dangerfield said.

“It’s a matter of life or death this time,” Doug said.

“Whose life?” Dangerfield asked.

“We should talk outside.” Doug motioned toward the door.

The men stood and then Dangerfield pushed to his feet. They waited for him as if they would give him an escort out of the building. He tossed his cup into the trash and then motioned for the men to go first. They waved for him to go first. I didn’t think they would allow that to happen. Dangerfield offered a fake smile and moved forward.

Now was the time. I had to go after them. I jumped up and hurried toward the door. I couldn’t let them get away without seeing what happened.

I weaved around the guy I’d stolen the table from and reached the door. He frowned at me and I gave him a smile. He wasn’t having it though. I stopped my attempts at being nice and just ignored him. I had to get outside before I lost the men.

I stepped out onto the sidewalk. Dangerfield was already a good distance away. Where were the men? They weren’t beside him anymore. I looked around but didn’t see them. I didn’t like when I couldn’t see these guys. They were the type who should always be watched with a close eye. They definitely shouldn’t be trusted. I still couldn’t believe what they had said to Dangerfield. I had to tell Marc about this. But I didn’t want to get him involved.

There was nothing left for me to do right now. I would go to work and reflect on what I had heard. Maybe I’d call Marc for an update. An update, not a date. I didn’t know who I could trust. Anyway, I would see if he’d found out anything.

I watched over my shoulder every few seconds, because I knew that the men could pop up at any moment.