For Old Crime's Sake (Chase Charley Mystery Book 1) (17 page)

I hurried along the sidewalk lost in thought. I was walking home from my long day at work. I had mostly tuned out the people around me. But I still hadn’t let my guard down with looking over my shoulder for Doug and Russ. They were really trying to push me to my limit. Maybe they would realize that intimidation wasn’t working. They seemed a bit clueless though.

A car pulled up beside me and I figured it was Dangerfield. If he wanted to talk with me then he could park the car and come up to me like a normal person. I continued to walk down the sidewalk without looking over. I’d act as if nothing was out of the ordinary. The faster I walked the more the car stayed with me.

Someone wrapped his arms around me and shoved me into the back of the car. It caught me so off guard that my head was swimming. The next thing I knew, I was being shoved into the back of a car. I managed to hang onto my bag, but it hadn’t been easy. Hair was in my eyes and my shirt was now twisted.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” I asked, trying to sit up in the backseat. Doug and Russ didn’t answer me, which made me freak out even more. “So you’re not going to tell me?”

The two men exchanged a look, and then Russ said, “We want to talk.”

“Good, talk amongst yourselves and I will go back to walking on the sidewalk.”

The car sped away from the curb. I wondered if anyone had even noticed that I had just been abducted. They probably hadn’t even bothered to look up. Would anyone notice that I was missing? Where was my neighbor when I needed her? She could have beaten them over the head with her pocketbook. I was all alone. No one would be able to help me out of this.

Doug, driving the car, said, “Don’t worry, we won’t hurt you.”

“Well, that is very reassuring after what you just did. Please forgive me if I don’t believe me.”

“You are a snarky one, aren’t you? Always full of quips.”

“I’ll try to keep my snarkiness to a minimum just for you. Of course my last comment was just as snarky as ever.

“I’ll ask you again and I expect an answer this time. What the hell do you want?” I asked.

I knew they wanted Dangerfield, so my life could very well be in serious danger. I could knock Doug over the head, but since he was driving that wasn’t an option. I was in the car with them until they decided to stop. It smelled like sweat and chili in there and my stomach was turning.

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

Oh, no. I had heard this before. I was afraid I didn’t like where this was going. “No way.”

“We haven’t even told you what it is yet. How can you say no?”

I didn’t want to tell them that I had overheard their conversation with Dangerfield. It made me sick to even think about what they were about to ask.

“I think you should reconsider,” Doug said as he glanced in the rear-view mirror.

It looked as if he was telling me that was the way it was going to be. I wasn’t going to be a part of their game though.

“Why me?” I asked. “I have nothing to do with anyone of this. Besides, do I really look like I could pull that off?”

They both looked at me as if reconsidering their request. “Just the same, we think you will be just fine for the job.”

“That shows what you all know. I think you’re clueless.”

“You are the perfect one to do something like this. No one will ever suspect you,” Russ said.

“That is what you think. I am not willing to find out if it’s true.”

“Just do as we tell you and everything will be fine,” Doug said.

“You say that, but I know it’s a lie. I’m not stupid.”

“You shouldn’t be so stubborn.” Russ gave me a warning glare.

“Okay, I have had enough of this conversation. I want out of this car right now.” I reached for the door handle.

“Just give us a couple more minutes,” Doug said.

“No, I demand that you let me out right now.” I grabbed my purse tighter to my chest in preparation for leaving the car.

I had to figure out how to get out of there. But I knew I couldn’t just jump out of a moving car. It had to stop sometime though. Up ahead there was a stoplight and I prayed that it would turn red before we reached it. I stared at the light and wished for it to turn as if that would make it happen.

This was my chance and I was going to take it. I mustered all my courage and opened the car door. Everything seemed muted as I attempted to pull off this plan. The noise from the traffic was lessened. The sound of people talking was quieter. In one quick motion, I jumped out of the car. They probably yelled at me, but my adrenaline was pumping so hard that I didn’t even hear.

As my feet hit the pavement, I ran as fast as I could, weaving around the crowd. I didn’t look back but I assumed they were back there somewhere. I needed to make it to my apartment and then lock the door. I had a new lock on the door now, but did that make me safe?

My lungs weren’t happy with me as I ran into my apartment and locked the door behind me. I leaned against the door, pulled out my phone and dialed Marc’s number, unsure of what to say when he answered. After just two rings, he picked up and I wasn’t prepared. I was silent.

“Hello,” he said again.

I had to say something before he hung up. He was the only person I felt could help me right now. And I barely knew him. He hadn’t even been in New Orleans long. Dangerfield wasn’t any help. He was just getting me into more trouble.

“I need to talk with you.” I probably sounded nuts.

“Would you like to meet me later?” he asked.

“It’s kind of important and I need to meet you now.” I moved over to the window and peeked out.

He paused for a moment and I knew that wasn’t a good sign.

“If you’re busy I understand,” I added.

“Oh, no. It’s not that. I’m just surprised that you called and want to see me.”

Did he think I wanted to see him for reasons other than professional ones? Now I felt bad. “I really do need to talk to you,” I said.

“Meet me at the river park?” he asked.

“I’m on my way now.” I hung up my phone.

Now I had to make it to the park without running into Doug or Russ again. Maybe Mrs. Perkins could be my bodyguard. I needed tips from her. I grabbed my baseball cap and sunglasses. My feeble attempt at a disguise would probably be laughed at by Doug and Russ. Once back on the sidewalk, I glanced to my left and then to my right. So far I was good. I made it to my car with no problems and then on to the park.

After parking the car, I crossed the park, headed toward the benches. Lush green grass and large oak trees covered the expanse. I didn’t see Marc yet, so I sat on the nearby park bench to wait. The park was mostly empty. A man and woman jogged by and across the way was a man and his dog. I looked at the time on my phone. I was five minutes early.

Movement caught my attention. Marc was walking my way. His face was too handsome for his own good. He sat next to me and smiled. He looked casual in his jeans and dark blue T-shirt.

“It’s a nice evening, huh?” I looked up at the sky.

I hadn’t come to discuss the weather, so what was I doing? I couldn’t come right out and ask about the cop though. Should I tell him about Doug and Russ?

“It seemed as if there was something else you wanted to talk about,” he said.

I picked at the hem of my shirt. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, you were insistent that I meet you and your voice sounded panicked, so I assumed there is something wrong.”

“Okay, you’re right about that. It’s just that I’ve had dealings with these men and I think they’re into bad stuff.”

“What men?” he asked.

“They have been popping up everywhere. They’ve asked me to help them. I think they want me to kill someone.”

His eyes widened and the side of his mouth turned up in a grin.

“You’re not about to laugh, are you? I’m being completely serious.”

His expression changed. “What are their names?”

“Doug and Russ. That’s all I know. I can tell you what they look like. You don’t believe me, do you?”

Marc touched my hand. “If you say they are into something bad, then I believe you.”

“Thank you. I really don’t know why I called you. It’s not like you can do anything. I don’t even know much about them. Well, other than they are involved with Officer West.”

He turned to face me. “Why do you say that?”

“Well, they were at the house where I saw Officer West that night. And they were talking to him on the phone. I overheard them.”

Marc nodded. “I’ll look into this for you. I didn’t think I would hear from you again after the other night.”

“Why do you say that?”

He peered out over the park. “It just seemed like maybe you didn’t want to talk.”

“I guess I have been a little wrapped up in everything that’s going on lately. Why did you ask me out?”

“I figured it might be because of my partner interrupting our dinner,” he said. “Have you seen him again?”

“Well, kind of,” I said.

“You kind of saw him?” He fidgeted.

It seemed as if there was something he was not telling me.

“Do you know something that you’re not telling me? If you do, it’s kind of important that you tell me.”

Marc ran his hand through his thick dark hair. “There is something about Phillip West, but I just haven’t figured out what that is yet.”

I should tell him about everything that had happened, but I didn’t know where to start. All the craziness over the past few days flashed in my mind. Also Dangerfield’s good-looking face. “I saw Phillip West again because he stopped me the other day.”

“Were you speeding?” Marc asked.

I frowned. “Yeah, like the other day, right?”

He stared at me for a moment and then he said, “What are you not telling me?”

I looked down at my shoes and he touched my hand again. “You can tell me anything.” His touch felt good.

I leaned back against the park bench. If I didn’t tell him now I would probably back out. I let out a deep breath and then said, “There are a few things that have happened. I was snooping around that house again and the men took me in the house against my will.”

As I looked at him, I caught movement over his shoulder.

Marc noticed my distraction and said, “What are you looking at?”

I frowned. “I thought I saw Doug over there across the park. One of the men who’s involved with your partner.”

Marc jumped up and I followed him across the park to the location where I’d seen Doug. We paused when we reached the trees. Of course no one was there.

“Are you sure you saw him?” Marc asked.

I nodded. “Yes, I am positive.”

We stood there looking around for a moment.

“Which way do you think Doug went?” Marc asked.

“I really don’t know. He went around the trees and then I lost sight of him. Is that him?” I asked, pointing down the sidewalk.

Marc stared for a moment and then saw Doug. “That’s him. We need to catch him.”

There was no way I could run that quickly. Marc looked down at my shoes. Marc and I hurried over to his car that he’d parked down the street.

“If we hurry we can catch up to him.”

I rushed over and opened the car door. I buckled the seatbelt while Marc climbed behind the wheel. Within a couple seconds, we were on the road headed in the direction where I’d last seen Doug. I hoped that we would be able to find him again. The streets were crowded and it would be easy to lose him. Fortunately, Doug was wearing a bright shirt and that made it easy to find him.

Marc pulled away from the curb and sped down the street. We zipped in and out of traffic. Luckily, he was a good driver because otherwise we might have wrecked. I kept my eyes on the sidewalk and spotted Doug walking alone.

“There he is,” I yelled out.

Marc tried to glance over as he drove. “Where is he going?” he asked.

I watched him for a second. Doug stopped in front of an Italian restaurant.

“He just walked into that restaurant.” I pointed.

“Are you sure he went inside?” Marc asked.

I nodded as I stared at the building. “I’m positive.”

“I hope you like Italian,” he said.

“It’s my favorite.” I unbuckled my seatbelt.

“Perfect. It looks like we are having dinner.” He opened his door.

I wasn’t sure how things had turned out this way, but with him it always did. Marc parked the car in front of the restaurant and we hopped out. I had no idea what would happen once we were inside. I just hoped Doug didn’t walk out the back door before we could find him.

Marc held the entrance door open for me. A dark-haired middle-aged man wearing a brown suit stood behind a podium.

We approached the podium and he said, “Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, we do,” I said, not giving my fib a second thought. I glanced over at Marc and Marc knew to follow my lead.

“What is the name?” the man asked.

It sounded like he didn’t believe us. I couldn’t imagine why, certainly not because we were underdressed. Men wore suits and women wore clothing a lot more fancy than my jeans and t-shirt. Maybe the host was intuitive.

“The last name is Chase,” I said with forced confidence.

The man peered down at the list and scanned the names with his index finger. He looked up at me and smirked. “You’re not on the list.” I thought he might kick us out at any second.

I scoffed. “That’s absurd. Of course we’re on the list.”

Marc flashed his badge. “We’re on an undercover investigation. Are you sure you don’t have a table?”

The man’s eyes widened. “You’re investigating the restaurant?”

“We’re on a case involving someone we think is dining in your restaurant right now. That’s why it’s imperative that we get in right now,” Marc said.

The man stared at us, then finally said, “I’ll see what I can find.”

He disappeared around the corner. I hoped he wasn’t calling the police, although lucky for me I was with the police. However, I wouldn’t want Officer West to show up.

“That was impressive,” I said.

Marc smiled. “Thanks. It’s not a lie.”

“No, I’m just not sure if I would have thought of using that excuse.”

The man returned and motioned for us to follow him. We trailed behind him across the crowded restaurant floor. As we crossed the room, I tried to scan every face in the room. So far, I didn’t see the man and I worried we were doing this for nothing.

As we neared the back of the restaurant, I spotted Doug and nudged Marc. Doug was sitting at a table with another man I didn’t recognize. Luckily, there was a vacant table next to theirs.

“There’s a table.” I pointed.

“I’m sorry, but that one is not available.” The host’s tone hadn’t warmed to us still.

“Why not? There’s no one sitting there.”

“Sorry, it’s just not.” He clutched the menus to his chest as a shield.

“I don’t think the New Orleans Police Department would be happy with that.” I didn’t look over at Marc. I hoped he wasn’t upset that I’d said that.

The man sighed and immediately guided us toward the available table. I smiled and Marc shook his head.

“You are so bad,” he whispered.

“I know.” I winked.

Our table was close enough that we could hear every word of the conversation. We’d gotten lucky and talked ourselves into the best spot. Now I couldn’t let that opportunity go to waste. After handing us the menus the man took over. I suppose he was sick of dealing with us already.

“Now what do we do?” I whispered.

Marc sipped his water and talked over the top of his glass. “Listen to their conversation.”

“Do you think Doug recognizes us?” I asked.

“I guess not. He hasn’t even looked this way.”

“Wouldn’t he be surprised if he does look over and sees us?” I laughed.

“They’re ordering right now,” Marc said. I took a sip of my water.

Just then a waiter appeared at our table. He had long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and wore the restaurant’s uniform of black shirt and black pants. How had I ended up having dinner with Marc again? It was as if fate was stepping in and forcing me on dates with this man.

“Tonight our specials are…”

Marc held up his hand and stopped the water. “That won’t be necessary.”

“Do you know what you’d like to order?” The waiter didn’t make eye contact with us.

“I would like the spaghetti bolognese,” I said.

The waiter took the menu without saying a word.

“I’d like the lobster ravioli,” Marc ordered.

Once the water left our table, I focused my attention on Doug and his dinner guest. I wasn’t sure if Doug had noticed us yet. He wasn’t looking our way, so I assumed he hadn’t. I inched my chair a little closer in the direction of their table just in case the restaurant got noisier.

“What are they saying?” Marc asked.

I listened for a moment. “They are talking about an arrangement. I don’t know what kind though. Doug mentioned his boss.”

“What is his boss’ name?” Marc asked.

I listened for a moment longer. When Doug said the name I knew I had to write it down.

“His name is Frank Powers,” I whispered. “Have you heard of him?”

Marc shook his head. “No, never heard the name.”

I scribbled the name down on my napkin and shoved it into my purse. At least I felt as if I had accomplished something.

Marc stared at me. “I’m impressed with your snooping abilities.”

I smiled at him. “Thank you.” 

Marc took another drink of water and then said, “You are good at this.”