CHAPTER 5
As Cole’s care came to a stop in the driveway of his house in the Hamptons, he couldn’t help but admit that Rose was the reason for his soon return, not the house needing some minor repairs as he had explained to his assistant.
Every time he saw a short brunette walking past him, he found himself looking twice to make sure it wasn’t Rose. He missed her and barely even knew her.
He knew it was a bad idea to come back for the weekend, but this morning when he had woken up to another Saturday alone in the city he knew exactly where he wanted to be.
Cole knew he had no guarantee of seeing Rose, yet he had packed a bag and driven all the way to the Hamptons on a Saturday afternoon. He didn’t have a plan beyond coming to the Hamptons; he’d play the rest by ear. Maybe he could buy her some stronger black bags and take them over.
He laughed at the desperate idea as he unlatched his seatbelt.
Cole heard the sirens approaching before he noticed them stopping in Emmaline’s driveway in the rearview mirror.
Cole swiftly got out of the car and ran across the road.
“What’s going on?” He demanded from the first paramedic to climb out of his vehicle. The man looked past Cole towards his house where his car was parked before turning back to Cole.
“Do you know the lady that lives here?” He asked wanting to ascertain Cole’s relation to her before giving more information.
“Yes.” Cole lied. Well he did meet Emmaline once, he placated himself. “Is she ill?”
A middle aged police man moved between Cole and the paramedic. “I’m sorry Sir; you need to wait outside so we can assess the situation.”
“Screw this.” Cole barked before running towards the house. He briskly pulled open the front door grateful it wasn’t locked.
As he stepped inside he realized he didn’t know what he expected to find, but it wasn’t Rose crouching in tears over Emmaline’s lifeless blue body.
“Rose?” He asked confused.
Her brown eyes were puffy and swollen from crying; she brushed away the tears and sniffed. “I found her like this.”
Paramedics and Police rushed into the house demanding they step away from the body.
“I know this is hard for you, but you need to step aside so we can do our job.” The police men said gruffly.
Cole moved towards Rose and pulled her against him. As soon as she was in his arms she broke down in sobs. He didn’t want to think of how she fit against him, or how good it was to smell her floral scent. Pushing those thoughts aside Cole pulled her aside softly stroking her back as he heard police men and paramedics talk. At least five hours. Strangulation. No sign of struggle.
This couldn’t be happening, Cole thought, not in a safe gated and guarded community. He continued stroking his hands over Rose’s hair observing the paramedic. He continued to check Emmaline’s body for any signs of struggle or wounds but he found nothing.
The paramedic turned to the police officer. “We need to wait for the coroner to confirm but my money is on strangulation. There aren’t any defensive wounds on her.”
The police officer jotted something down in a notebook. “No sign of forced entry, she must’ve known her assailant.”
Both men turned towards Rose where she was still in Cole’s arms. The police officer narrowed his eyes. “Don’t go anywhere, we need a statement from you.”
“We’re not going anywhere.” Cole said stiffly. “I’m going to take her onto the porch until you’re ready to take that statement.”
The police officer nodded. Cole ushered Rose onto the front porch of Emmaline’s house. They sat down on the porch swing; it swayed softly as their weight settled. Without asking, Rose moved against Cole and wept for her friend.
Cole put his arm around and pulled her close. “It’s going to be all right.” He said in a soothing tone not knowing what else to say.
“How can it?” Rose sniffled. “Emmaline’s dead. Murdered!”
“They police are going to find whoever did this. Just you wait and see.” Cole soothed but he felt Rose stiffen against him.
“Really? Do you know the average rate of murders that are solved in this country?”
Cole frowned. “No?”
Rose narrowed her eyes. “Less than 60%, that means justice is a long shot for Emmaline.”
Shocked by her facts Cole simply nodded. “I’m sorry she’s dead. I know she meant a lot to you.”
Rose nodded and burrowed against him again before speaking softly “I was sleeping. I was right next door sleeping when it happened. I didn’t even hear anything.”
Cole ran his fingers through her hair as much soothing her as himself. “It’s not your fault Rose. You can’t go blame yourself. Emmaline wouldn’t have wanted that.”
Rose stiffened. “You didn’t even know her.” She accused him.
“Actually…” Cole craned his neck to see her eyes. “I met her last Saturday.”
Rose narrowed her eyes confused when the police officer stepped outside. “Would you like to accompany me to the station or would you like to give your statement here?” He asked Rose.
“Here, if you don’t mind.” Rose said sitting up straight.
“Right, so let’s start.” He said as he jotted onto his notepad. “When was the last time you saw your neighbor?”
“Yesterday around 5pm.” Rose answered.
The police officer asked all the expected questions and when he seemed satisfied he closed his notebook. “Thank you for your cooperation. We’ll have this typed up and let you know when to come by the station to sign it.” The accusatory tone in his voice had disappeared.
Rose nodded as the police officer started for his car. “Hold on! Was she strangled?” She called out.
The police officer narrowed his eyes. “Miss I can’t confirm or deny until the coroner has done his examination.”
“Please.” Rose pleaded. “Just nod if you think so. It looked like it. I just need to know if she died of natural causes or not? At least tell me that.”
The police officer’s eyes softened. “M’am I can confirm it wasn’t natural causes.”
As the police officer got into his patrol vehicle Cole could see Rose starting to shiver from his seat on the porch. Without thinking he moved towards her pulling her into his arms. “Come on, you’re coming with me.”