CHAPTER 14
SNAKE THREW OUT his orange peel as he watched the Sheriff’s truck pull into the parking space in front of the brick building. The blind woman wasn’t with him. He’d left her behind at the station.
Eating his orange, he swiped the juice from his mouth.
Itching to do some killing, the longer Snake dealt with the likes of the pig with a badge and the blind bitch he was getting more hyped, and angry. The boss was breathing down his neck to take care of the situation, adding more and more shit for him to take care of. What Snake would like to do was slice the man’s throat. That’d take care of one issue.
If only…
The bastard needed taken down a notch or two, thinking he had life by the balls. No, the boss thought he had Snake by the balls. No one led him around by a nose ring.
The Sheriff got out of the truck and headed into the building.
Snake had heard about Cade’s short temper for bad guys, his spot-on shooting skills and a family of cops. This just kept getting deeper. He could handle hurdles, but if anything happened to the Sheriff his family could be dangerous to Snake’s well-being. However, the longer this shit continued, the itchier his trigger finger got. Cade was doing a damn good job keeping his girlfriend safe, but nothing would protect her from Snake’s wrath. He had too much at stake here. The Boss allowed him to do his business while keeping him and his brother from behind bars. After this job was over, the asswipe couldn’t demand anything else from Snake. His due would be paid in full.
In the end, because the chick was causing him so much grief, he’d see that she made amends before he sliced her pretty throat. He had a feeling that underneath her bulky clothing she had a nice pair of tits and a firm ass. Snake was a T and A man. Big, small, firm or dimpled, he didn’t give a damn. He liked to play with breasts that jiggled, and plunging into a virgin ass. If he had to guess, he’d say the chick would suit him just fine.
He wasn’t particular when it came to a good piece of pussy. Just like his whiskey. He never turned a bottle or a lay down. It had been a long time since he’d had a sweet, innocent snatch. He bet she’d taste like blueberries and smell like expensive soap.
His mouth watered.
His dick stretched and he grabbed his crotch, rubbing his groin.
Pulling down the zipper, he released his aching cock from the confines and wrapped his sweaty fingers around his long dong. It had been a long time since he’d been this hard, this crazy for a hard fuck. He could have about any pussy he wanted for a twenty, but buying cunt wasn’t doing it any longer. No, he ached for tight, slippery, smooth pussy.
As he moved his hand up and down his rod, he stared at the window into the Sheriff’s station, imagining he could see the blondie through the veil of the curtain. Her long hair that he wanted to grab in a tight fist and pound into her flesh. She’d fight. Yeah, the smart ones always did. He’d like that. Most women did resent his intentions at first, but that only made the game more fun…
He squirted all over the steering wheel and dashboard. The windows were covered in a layer of fog and he clicked on the cool air. He used a fast food napkin to clean his mess from inside the car he’d borrowed from his brother. Lowering the window, he tossed the used paper towel outside onto the sidewalk next to the peel, zipped his jeans, then slammed the car into drive. He had a hankering for a burger.
~~~**~~~
Ria bit into her burrito, savoring the taste of cheese, black beans and sour cream. “I haven’t had one of these in so long.” Prior to the murders, she would meet Phyllis once a week for burrito Tuesday at the local taco shack. Considering she’d been a little preoccupied for the last few weeks, she hadn’t had the chance to grab a burrito, or see her friend often enough. “Thank you for bringing me one. I know the ambiance isn’t like sitting in the park listening to the kids play. I miss seeing Grace and Markie.”
“Well, although I think Grace would think it’s exciting visiting the Sheriff’s station, I decided it best to leave them at home.”
“You didn’t have to take your lunch break and visit me, but thanks for bringing my mail.” Ria took a sip from the straw in her Coke can.
“I wanted to, honey. I also wanted to check in and make sure you’re doing okay.”
“That’s sweet of you, but I’m okay.”
“Are you spending your days here at the station and nights at the Sheriff’s cabin?”
Although they were the only ones in the office because Deputy Holloway had gone out on a call, Ria still felt the need to keep her voice down low. “You say that in a negative tone.”
There was a long hesitation. “No, I don’t think of it as negative, but I worry about you.”
“You don’t have to. I feel pretty safe here, and with Phoenix.” For the last few days they had spent hours talking and getting to know each other. Nearly crossing a boundary after coming back from the wedding, neither had made a move to cross that line again. It wasn’t that Ria didn’t want to, but she also liked the fact that Phoenix respected her. How many other men would have turned down an opportunity to have sex?
“I’m having Grace’s birthday party this Saturday.”
“Oh my gosh. I almost forgot it was coming up. Is she still into ponies?”
“Yes. She wants one, but she doesn’t quite understand horses need places to roam. Our backyard is too small for a kiddie pool let alone a horse.”
Ria smiled. “I remember you and Troy thought about relocating to the country. Any more thoughts?”
“I feel like I’m too busy to think about moving right now.”
“What’s going on? Is Markie keeping you up late again?”
“No. He’s sleeping all night long now,” Phyllis preened. “But…it’s Troy.”
“What about him? Same issue?” Ria pushed her burrito to the side and propped her elbows on the table.
“I think…,” Phyllis started. “I think he’s seeing someone.” There was an obvious quake to her voice.
“Troy? Seeing someone? I don’t believe it.”
“I wouldn’t have either, but there are warning signs that I can’t overlook.”
“Signs? Like what?” Ria couldn’t imagine anything coming between the two lovebirds.
“You know I’ve mentioned Troy’s libido before, right? Well, he hasn’t tried to touch me in several weeks.”
Ria sighed. “But you did say you haven’t been up for intimacy because of work and other things. Maybe he’s giving you space?”
“He was late getting home from work Thursday. I was already in bed and woke up when he climbed in next to me. I rolled over, wanting to snuggle, but I smelled a woman’s perfume.”
“He’s a doctor, honey. Maybe he brushed up against a patient and her scent lingered on his clothing.”
“I see your point, but he’s acting different. Distant.”
“I’m sorry.” Ria reached across the table and patted Phyllis’s hand. “He loves you, sweetheart, and I remember you thought he was cheating before and that’s when he was planning you a surprise birthday party. I don’t think he ever forgave me for letting you in on the surprise so you wouldn’t be suspicious. This could be one of those times.”
“My birthday has already passed, and he didn’t even get me a card.”
Ria settled into the cushioned chair. “Have you talked to him about your qualms?”
“No, I haven’t. And you’re probably right. I’m allowing my brain to work overtime. So, enough about me and my troubles. Tell me more about that hunk you’re living with.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m living with him. I’m his guest,” Ria corrected.
“Yeah, right.” Her tone was cynical.
“Phyllis! Stop right there. I know you want me to find Mr. Right, settle down and have a family, but keep in mind I haven’t known him long.” She wanted to be careful with what she admitted to.
“And I see the glow in your skin and the smile you gave him the other day. Maybe you should pay close attention to your feelings.”
“I am, and my instinct is warning me to take things slow. There are so many reasons why.”
“I know, but on the other hand, when it’s right, it’s right, and prolonging the inevitable could be taking a risk of losing him. I’m curious, is the new color to your cheeks due to what I think it is…,” Phyllis teased.
“No, we haven’t had sex. Almost, but we didn’t get that far.”
“What? You were in the “zone” and didn’t find out if he’s as good in bed as his moves promise?”
“Things are never as easy as you’d like to believe they are. He’s sort of right in the middle of a case right now, you know, catching the bad guys who want to put me six feet under. The man needs his complete and total concentration.”
“Pfft. There’s more to it than that. Confess. Two single, beautiful people don’t spend every night in a remote cabin and don’t do the funk, unless…”
“Unless what?”
“Unless you block his attempts.”
“And you think I’d do that?”
“Yes.”
“Well, if you must know, he was the one who put his brakes on.”
“Wow! Too bad.”
Ria shrugged. “It was for the best. Now, tell me, do I have burrito all over my face? In my teeth?” She put on a cheesy smile.
“No, you’re clean. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drop food on yourself. As for me, I’m wearing a glop of sour cream on my new blazer and probably a toasty O in my hair from feeding the kids this morning.”
“And you love your life. You know it.”
“I do, but I’ve been thinking. Maybe I should take a few days off, call my mom, have her watch the kids so I can take Troy on a romantic vacation.”
“That’s a great idea. Gosh, we’re getting old. I remember when you and Troy use to run off on your trips at a slight change in the wind’s direction. He took you on that weekend trip to Paris, remember? And on your anniversary, he surprised you with a getaway to Aruba. Those are amazing adventures, honey. You and Troy might not be able to jump on a plane and fly across the world any longer, but you can experience romance right in your neighborhood.”
“You’re right. I’ll make the plans. You sure you don’t want to come stay with us again? I miss you.” There was a sad cadence to her voice.
“I miss you too, but there’s not a fat chance in hell that I’ll put you, Troy, or the kids in danger. When this is over, we’ll spend some time catching up outside of the Sheriff’s station. In the meantime, enjoy your family. I can’t even begin to tell you how lucky you are. You and Troy are just in a rut that together you can jump out of.”
“I love you, Ria. I’m so grateful I have you in my life, keeping me on my path.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
~~~**~~~
“Okay, are you going to tell me why you haven’t said more than two words since we left the station?”
Phoenix brought his gaze around and looked at her. He was glad she couldn’t see his expression, but he had to keep in mind that her instincts were spot-on. He toed off his boots by the door and watched her use her cane to navigate the furniture in the living room, and yet he knew it was habit because he’d watched her numerous times steer through the maze without her cane.
“Why do I get the feeling there’s something about this day that you’re not telling me?” She sat down on the couch, leaned her cane against the arm and tucked her feet up under her.
He wasn’t quite ready to tell her what he knew. “What do you have in your lap?”
“Phyllis came by the station today and brought me lunch and more of my mail. Since Kora’s not in town Phyllis has been helping out. I didn’t want to bother her and ask her to read each letter. There’s a stack here.”
He joined her on the couch. “I can help if you don’t feel like I’m intruding on your privacy.”
“I wouldn’t mind at all, in fact, I planned on asking you.” She held out the stack for him. He took them and set them on the table. “But you first.”
“Huh?”
“Don’t play coy. We both know you’re not yourself.” Ria looked straight at him with a narrowed brow.
He dropped back into the cushion of the couch and swiped his palm down his cheek. He was placed in a position that he didn’t care for. Since Tammy had given him the list of men she’d seen over the life of her short career, he’d been going back and forth from his desire to stay quiet or doing the right thing. “I found that girl I’d mentioned. Tammy.”
“Willow’s daughter, right?”
So, she really did listen when he talked about his work. That was a lot more than Katy ever did. She’d simply nod her head as if she heard everything he said. “She gave me information…” This wasn’t an easy subject.
“Great.”
“It was a list of the men she’d met as an escort.”
“Does the list help in finding the killers?”
“There weren’t many names on the list, most I don’t recognize, but there were a couple that I did.”
“You did? Is it someone you’re close to?”
“There’s one that...”
“Why do I get the feeling that you’re about to tell me I know the man?”
“You’re very perceptive.”
“I’ve been told that a few times. So, is the answer yes?”
“Yes.”
“Then tell me who.”
“I will, but only because I have a few questions that maybe you can help with, but you can’t say anything to anyone…yet. Not until I’m finished with questioning him.”
She untucked her feet, her face turned pale. “I don’t know. If it means that one of my friends will be hurt…”
“Ria, I understand how this could put you in a difficult spot—"
“Oh no, it’s Troy, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Her shoulders dropped. “Phyllis’s Troy?”
He nodded then realized she couldn’t see him. “Yes.”
“This can’t be true. He loves Phyllis. He’d never cheat.”
Phoenix laid his hand on her knee. “Cheating doesn’t always mean that a man, or woman, doesn’t love his or her partner. Deceit comes with a wide variety of reasons. You said yourself that they’ve had a lot of problems since their second child was born.”
She clasped her hands together until her knuckles were white. “Yes, they have, but not enough troubles that he’d hire an escort.”
“I’m sorry that I had to tell you this news. I know it’s not easy, and you probably want to tell Phyllis, but I need to speak to Troy first. I need the element of surprise on my side. Once you tell your friend I’m sure she will go in, guns blazing.”
“She’ll be angry, hurt and ready to punch him, but you don’t think Troy had anything to do with Leandra and Mason’s deaths, do you?”
He hesitated, managing his words carefully. “I can’t say yet, but I have to investigate every possible lead. After all, he knows a lot about you, the studio, when you’d be there working. There’s not a lot to go on right now. I’ve been the type who has stayed focused on the evidence that points at a person’s guilt and not enough on the parts of the case that provide reasons why they are not-guilty. I’m taking everything into consideration.”
“When do you plan on speaking to him?”
“I called his office. He will be in a conference tomorrow out of town. I’d like to cover my bases where he’s concerned so I’m heading there tomorrow.”
“I’m going too.”
“That’s not a good idea.”
“These are my friends, Phoenix.”
“Yes, but ask yourself if you being there will help the situation.”
“Maybe I can convince him to be more truthful than he would be otherwise.”
“Or he might clam up because he doesn’t want to talk in front of you.”
“I know him. I can help. I want to help. After all, my best friend will be hurt in all this.”
“Please tell me you don’t want to go just so you can wring his neck or hit him over the head with your cane.”
“I can’t promise that I won’t want to, but I’ll refrain myself. Please, Phoenix. If you were in my shoes, wouldn’t you want to be there?”
“I probably would, but I’m investigating this case. I tell you what, I’ll take you as long as you promise you’ll sit back and not say a word unless I see it as beneficial. You need to allow me to do all the talking. Even if you have to bite your tongue.”
“Fine.” She crossed her arms over each other as if she were cold. “Why? I can’t seem to wrap my head around why Troy would risk losing his family. His life. What’s the enticement?”
“You’re asking the wrong man, sweetheart. As bad as things got between Katy and me, not once did I think of cheating. People have their reasons and sometimes it doesn’t make any sense. I know you have loyalty to Phyllis, but if you decide to tell her later, make sure that you’re telling her for the right reasons. This could very well destroy their marriage.”
“Are you suggesting I don’t say anything?”
“No, I’m only stating the facts.”
“If a friend knew Katy was cheating, would you want him to tell you?”
What could he say? No matter which way he spun this, it would come to her caring for her best friend. He respected her devotion, and in her shoes, he’d do the same. “Let’s speak to him tomorrow and get more details, but in the meantime, can you tell me about Troy?”
She settled herself into the cushion. “If you’re asking if there’s reason to think he’s involved with the murderers, the answer is no. I’ve known him as long as I’ve known Phyllis. He’s a good man.” She blew out a long breath through tight lips. “I would have never believed he would do this to her.” Her eyes misted.
Would she cry? Damn, he couldn’t take it if she did.
His hand was still on her knee and he didn’t realize he was massaging her leg until he felt her muscle tighten.
“We’ll know more tomorrow.”
She scooted to the edge of the couch. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to go lie down. This is a lot to wrap my head around. You can ask me any questions about him when I have time to soak this in. Is that okay?”
“What about your mail?”
“We can do that later. There’s probably nothing important.”
He watched her get up and leave the room, feeling as if another weight had been laid upon his shoulders. Phoenix didn’t like to see her hurt. He could have kept the news from her, but having her input about Troy told him a lot about what he’d find tomorrow. Although cheating didn’t make him a bad guy, it also made him a suspect until Phoenix could rule him out. There were several factors here. Tammy had just turned eighteen, and although legal, she was still a kid. He didn’t like the idea of a man taking advantage of her in a natural setting, but in this case, she was getting paid for entertainment purposes, making Phoenix even angrier. As Sheriff, it was important for him to remain unbiased so that he could see both sides of the fence. He knew Tammy, watched her grow up and he wanted to help her get her life in order.
He looked down the hall where Ria had gone into the bedroom. He hoped he was making the right decision allowing her to tag along tomorrow, but the alternative was her staying in Abbie without him. Although he trusted his deputies, he wanted to keep her close. Ria along could be an asset. Nothing could scare a man straighter than when he realized he was on the edge of losing his family. If someone had known Katy was cheating, Phoenix would have wanted to know, but his case was different. They didn’t have kids, had only been together for a few years. From what Ria said about Phyllis and Troy, they had been high school sweethearts, now with two young kids, and both seemed to be good parents. Phoenix had no clue why a man would risk it all, and hopefully tomorrow they would find some answers that would get him one step closer to finding the killers, and securing Ria’s safety.