Beauty and the Chief (12 page)

“Can I go with you?”

Mark didn’t need to debate. “Are you sure you want to go?”

She nodded. “Please.”

“All right. We can stop for something to eat when we’re done.”

***

They had no problem getting the landlord to let them into Tina Kimball’s apartment, but it was obvious that the man wasn’t anxious to stick around. After fidgeting a minute in the hallway, he left them alone on the promise that they would lock up and return the key to him.

Jillian couldn’t blame the man. The pleasantly decorated room of sage green and rose gave off a tomb-like feel. A light layer of dust had accumulated on everything. Jillian had to fight the urge to throw open the windows and let in fresh air.

Mark moved through the living room as if noticing nothing amiss. Jillian shivered, feeling foolish. She had worked in old, abandoned places quite often, but there was something about knowing that the person who lived here had died a violent death that, even though it hadn’t happen here, lingered.

They split, Mark going into the bedroom while Jillian moved into the kitchen. It was easy to see there were no roses there, but a tall, crystal vase sitting beside the sink caught her attention. It didn’t take much imagination to see it filled with the fragrant blood-red blossoms. She was freaking herself out. Still, she drew closer to examine the vase visually, knowing better than to touch it. A dried leaf stuck a couple inches below the lip.

As a designer, she had taken a botany class for her science credit so she had no trouble identifying it as a rose leaf. Though she had no way of telling what color the roses were or how long the leaf had been there. Again, it wasn’t hard for her imagination to pull up the image of a grieving family member tossing the wilted blooms away when they cleaned the perishable foods from the fridge, then leaving the vase by the sink.

Turning around, she spied the wastebasket by the fridge. It was empty, even the liner was gone. Still, Jillian moved closer to investigate. There on the floor between the wall and the fridge were several dried, shriveled, blackened petals. Her fingers trembled as she picked one up. Even age didn’t completely hide that it had once been red. Her stomach felt like a lead weight settled in it, and her legs went weak. She put a hand on the fridge to steady herself.

Tina had received flowers just like Sandra had − like she had. No, it couldn’t be. The thought ran through her, and she shook her head in denial as the truth of it sank in. It couldn’t be. It was just coincidence.

Jillian fought to get breath back in her lungs and hold off a wave of sickness that threatened. She lifted her eyes, letting them roam over the room before her gaze was drawn inexplicably back to the fridge. She froze. The woman in the newspaper clipping stuck to the fridge wasn’t familiar, through the caption told her all she needed: ‘Tina Kimball awarded the Top Realtor of the Month.’

“Jillian.”

She jumped at the sound of Mark calling her and turned just as he came into the kitchen. “Nothing in the bedroom. What is it?” He was at her side before she could begin to form words. One arm slid around her, pulling her to his side as the other came up to cradle her face. “What is it, sweetheart?”

She raised her palm, holding the petal to him. She saw the significance register on his face.

His eyes immediately started to search the room. “Where’d you find it?”

“On the floor, by the waste basket.” She pointed, “And Mark.” She pointed at the fridge. His gaze followed to the clipping. She felt him stiffen and knew he’d made the same connection as she did.

***

“Come on, let’s go.” He took her hand, wanting to get her out of there as fast as he could.

They rode in silence. If either thought of food, neither said so. Finally, Jillian spoke up. “Where are you taking me?”

“My house.” He couldn’t get his mind off the possibilities of a connection.

“Mark, I can’t.” When he didn’t budge, she continued, “What about Abby?”

“We’ll pick her up.” He flipped on his turn signal.

“Mark.” There was objection in the sound of his name.

He wasn’t surprised by it. “Look, I know it might be nothing, but I’m not willing to risk it or risk you.”

She was silent a minute then reached out to lay her hand on his arm. “Pull over, please.”

Mark went another couple hundred feet before he complied. He sat, staring straight ahead, hands locked on the wheel, afraid that, if he looked at her, he would crumble to her will.

“Look at me, please.” When he didn’t, her hand came over to pry his fingers from the steering wheel. There was a shifting beside him, and a second later, she dropped over the console into his lap.

He tried to close his eyes, but it was no good. The second her lips touched his, they flew open, and he took another dive into her deep blue pools. The warmth of her lapped over him, and he was drowning in her. A smile played at the edge of her lips, and a hand came up to caress his face.

“I appreciate you wanting to protect me.”

He started to speak, but the hand shifted to lay a finger on his lips, keeping the words back. “I know what you’re doing, and it’s wonderful, but it’s too soon. We don’t know for certain that there’s a connection. We don’t know if the flowers are from the same guy. We don’t know if he knows me, if −” she swallowed. “If I’m a target.”

“Jillian.” The finger couldn’t keep her name from slipping out.

“I know. I won’t say I’m not frightened.” There was a tremor in her voice, and his hands clamped around her. “Could it be that he knows who I am, that he’s now turned to me?” Her eyes searched him for the answer.

Mark fought the urged to yell out in frustration. “I don’t know, but I don’t like the possibility.” He tightened his hold.

Jillian tipped her head down to rest against him. She only rested there a second before easing back. She studied his face. “I don’t like the possibility, either, but I can’t go home with you. It’s too soon. Jordan doesn’t know anything that’s happened. He hasn’t had time to even start accepting me. How would it look if he woke up and I was there?”

“Jordan actually likes you already. He told me that on the way home last Sunday. He was wondering if I was going to date you.”

“He did?” A twinkle picked up in her eyes before she turned back, looking serious. “Still, I can’t come home with you. We’re rushing things as it is, especially for me, Mark, I can count all the men I have ever gone out with on two hands, ones that I have let kiss me on one. I have never let a man kiss me like you do, and I’ve known you a very short time.

“I take it that means you’ve never sat in any other guy’s lap.” Mark felt his own lips pulling up. His hands spanned her back, running up and down. Her intake of breath was gratifying, as was the shiver that ran through her that he knew had nothing to do with fear or tension. It was all heated awareness, and it blazed in her eyes.

“No.” She tried to rise but he held her there.

“You started this. Finish it.”

She raised her chin defiantly. “I won’t go home with you.”

“If I don’t concede right now, what else will you do to persuade me?”

She looked at him shocked and then relaxed. “How about a kiss as reward for agreeing with me?”

“I didn’t say I agreed, but I do concede I might have overreacted and rushed things. You’re right. We are moving fast, but that doesn’t worry me. I know how I feel and it couldn’t be fast enough for me. I do need to talk to Jordan some, but I can’t have you in danger. This guy is a psycho. He’s a killer. And the moment I find that he is after you for certain, you are going to my house, a safe house, or I will lock you up if I have to, whatever it takes.” There was no give in his voice. “No argument on that.”

She was slow to nod but did. “You’d lock me up?”

“Yes. In the most secure cell I have, if that’s what it takes. But, until we find out one way or another, I will take you to work and pick you up. If I can’t make it, I’ll have an officer do it. You will check ID before you go with anyone, as a precaution. I’ll pay someone to watch the shop for you so Nan can go with you or I can pay someone to accompany you − whichever you like. You’re not to be alone, ever.”

“I have ball practice tomorrow night.”

“I’ll take you if I can. I’ll also try to stay. If not, you’ll be with the kids until I get there to pick you and Jordan up. Agreed?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not going to argue?”

“No, I know what this guy did − will do, if it’s him. I’m not stupid. I hate it in movies, when you know the bad guy is waiting outside the door, and the woman walks out to see if anyone is there. I’ll be careful.”

“Good.” Mark knew he sounded stern and didn’t expect it when her lips twitched again.

“That brings up one thing.” Her voice dropped to teasing. “I never checked your badge to see if you’re you.”

His mood jumped to meet hers. “Considering you’re sitting on me and I can’t get to it, I guess I’ll have to prove it another way.” He swooped in, not giving her any time to pull away. Not that she tried. The kiss was all encompassing. He savored it, savored her. She was his.

“Oh wow, you have quite a way to end an argument.”

“We may have to argue a lot. And, I think we need to make it a rule that you sit on my lap when we do.”

Jillian laughed. “That did work out pretty well. I wanted to get your attention.”

“You got it, but it would probably be best if you climbed back to your own seat now.”

Mark’s mind drifted from the play on the soccer field. There was nothing concrete. They still had no link to the flowers, though Sandra and Jillian’s were the same variety, they didn’t know yet about Tina’s. They also didn’t know if the other victim had received any roses. If she had, she didn’t mention it to anyone who could remember for certain.

One thing they did come up with was that her picture did appear in the newspaper within a month before her murder. She was on the board for a local fundraiser and had been interviewed regarding it.

All three, four including Jillian, had their pictures in the paper. All sounded like they were good people. Jillian and Lori served the community, Tina was a hard worker and conscientious person and Sandra’s quick reaction saved a child. They were all beautiful, within five years of the same age, and they all were fair haired, blondes to light brown.

Too many similarities. It had to be a pattern − a pattern Jillian fit. Mark figured that, if he wanted to try to be positive about it, if Jillian was the next victim, then it gave them one up on catching the killer, knowing where he was going to strike. It didn’t make him feel better.

He watched Jillian go after the ball as the boys tried to pass to keep it away from her. She was Monster in the Middle. He laughed as she almost slipped and went down, but at the last moment, she got a toe on the ball, deflecting it out of the circle. The passer traded her spots, and the game continued.

His gaze went to his son. Jordan loved soccer, and Mark was beginning to understand why. It was a lot of fun. He was catching on pretty well, for an old man without any experience. The boys had to work hard to take the ball from him when he joined in the practice. He’d have to get Jillian to give him some one-on-one practice. She’d already promised Jordan that she would help him.

He smiled at his son. It looked like things were going perfectly between him and Jillian. Jordan thought she was great, and she seemed to return the sentiment.

The ball came his way, and Mark managed to make the pass. His mind only stayed on the drill only a second before it shifted to the discussion he’d had with Dr. Barlow. The doctor advised caution. He went over the conversation.

“If the killer found out Miss Taylor’s identity, he could shift to her,” Dr. Barlow had speculated.

“Why would he do that?”

“It could be for several different reasons. She took his victim away, threw off his rhythm. He had it all planned, was executing the killing how he liked, but Miss Taylor interrupted that. So he wants revenge or maybe something more in another area all together.”

“Like what?”

“It’s hard to say. A lot could depend on how much he’s hooked on his routine. It could be because she does fits the profile he’s looking for, and she was able to prevent him. He might see her as better than the rest; that maybe she is the one. Or it could be as simple as she is the next in line. This man has a ritual. If the flowers are from him, they could be part of it. The pictures in the paper may be how he finds them, but they have to have certain qualifications. The thing is, his time line seems to be off if Miss Taylor is next. He has usually waited about a month between them. I’d say he takes the time to pick his next victim. He has accelerated that, maybe because Miss Taylor fit perfectly and was right there. I’d say he’s becoming more volatile. What is certain is that he’s smart and dangerous.”

Mark was jerked back to the present as the ball came his way. He moved to get it but was too late and the boy snuck it away. Amidst rolling cheers, he took his place as the Monster in the Middle. A minute later, Jillian blew her whistle and split the boys up for a scrimmage. By the time they were finished, Mark felt he’d had a good workout.

“How about we take Jillian home for dinner?” Mark asked Jordan as he helped the boys gather up cones.

“Sure, but she might be a little tough.” Jordan quipped then laughed at his own joke.

Mark tossed a ball at his son, which Jordan dodged and chased after, still hooting with laughter.

It was Jordan who took over, asking Jillian to dinner on the way to the car. “Dad wants you to come to dinner. Are you going to come?”

Jillian looked surprised. “Is it okay?”

“Yeah. We can watch a movie after, if it’s not a mushy one. I don’t have any homework.”

“Actually, I’m not much of a mushy movie fan. I like action and adventure.”

Mark saw the man loitering by the car just before Jordan said, “Hi, Toby.”

“Toby, I didn’t see you there.” Jillian started in surprise. “Why didn’t you come over to practice?”

“You didn’t need me. He was there.”

Mark caught the man’s glare.

“Mark’s going to help me when he can. You can still help.” Jillian stepped toward Toby, but the man pulled back.

Toby’s eyes went to Mark then back to Jillian, softening as they did. “He might not like me hanging around if you’re dating him.”

“Toby, I’m still your friend. I told you that already. If you want to come to practice, you can, all right?” She waited until he nodded. “Good, we’re all done for today so I’ll see you later. Okay?”

He nodded again and ambled off with his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

Mark watched him go before turning back to her. “You might want to be careful around him.”

Jillian looked up surprised. “Toby?  He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

“I’m just advising caution. He still has a man’s body, and a man’s hormones, even if his mind and maturity level is behind.” Mark wasn’t sure what he was warning her about for certain, but he just wanted her to be careful.

“He’s very conscious of his strength. He tries hard to please people.”

“I understand.” Mark wanted to press it but was worried he was coming off over protective. Luckily, Jillian’s next words took the need away.

“I’ll be careful.”

“Thank you.” He leaned down, gave her a peck on the cheek, then looked over at Jordan, who’d been watching them in silence and winked.

Jordan grinned back, seeming to accept what was happening between him and Jillian.

***

Mark brought his cereal bowl and juice to the table and sat next to his son. “So what’s on for tonight?”

“Nothing. Are you going to see Jillian tonight?”

“Possibly. Is that okay?” Mark decided it was as good a time as any to talk about it with him.

“Yeah, I like Jillian.”

“So you said the other day, but I was wondering if it’s all right with you, if things got serious between us.”

Jordan thought for a minute. “Yeah, it’s okay. Are you and Jillian dating? I mean I know you went out, but are you going steady?”

“Well, I don’t think I’d use the term going steady but, yes, things are becoming serious with Jillian. I care for her a lot. It’s been a long time since I’ve cared for a woman like I do her. I need to know how you feel about that. It affects you, too. I won’t do anything that, well, you can’t handle.”

“I like Jillian. She’s fun, pretty, and she’s nice.”

“Yes, she is.”

“Dad, is Jillian in danger?”

Mark froze at the question. “What makes you ask that?”

“I get it that you like Jillian a lot. But there’s something bothering you, too. You’re worried about her.”

Mark shook his head. Jordan was growing up too fast. He was also very observant. “You’re right. I am worried. Do you know how I met Jillian?”

It was Jordan’s turn to shake his head but it was in the negative.

“There’s a killer who’s been attacking women. Jillian was jogging with Abby when there was an attack on a woman. Abby saved her.”

“That’s when Abby got hurt?”

“Yes. Well, there’s a possibility that the killer has found out who Jillian is and is after her. We don’t know yet. Until we do, I’m trying to keep an eye on her when I can, and Jillian is being careful not to be alone.”

“Why doesn’t she just come and stay here?”

Mark liked how his son thought. “Jillian feels it’s too soon yet. She was worried what you’d think. She doesn’t want you to feel that she’s going to interfere with our relationship. Which she won’t, but she wants you to like her.”

“I do like her. I think she should come live here.”

“I’ll talk to her about it.”

“Are you going to ask her to marry you?”

Mark hesitated only slightly, deciding to get it all out. “I’m thinking of it. Would you be okay with that?”

There was a thoughtfulness that came over Jordan then he nodded. “I think you should get married again, and I think Jillian would make a good mom.”

Mark wasn’t too surprised at Jordan’s directness. He always pretty much said what he thought. They’d set a rule long ago to be honest with each other.

“I’m thinking she would, too. We’d better get you to school. Come on.”

***

It was funny Jillian thought, as she watched the boys gather up their gear and head for the cars. She missed having Mark at practice tonight. Even though he’d only been there the one time. He’d seemed to fit. Warmth flowed over her. He seemed to fit in every part of her life. She tried to convince herself that it was too soon but there was no way to deny that she was in love with Mark.

She wanted to burst with the sensation just as she wanted to burst when Jordan had greeted her at practice with a hug around her waist. What ten-year-old boys still gave hugs? She smiled, hers did. She turned to watch him, and then had to look away. He was her boy. The strength of the feeling had her brushing away a tear.

A movement she caught out of the corner of her eye had her jerking back around. Jillian didn’t quite know what attracted her attention, but she searched the area toward the baseball diamonds, playground and the concession building. She wanted to dismiss it, but the ice that seeped through the warmth she was feeling wouldn’t let her.

Someone was there. Then she saw the flash of sunlight off a lens. She wished she could believe it was the sun reflecting off a plain piece of glass or metal, but she knew it wasn’t. She could almost hear the camera shutter whirl. There was no doubt he was taking pictures of her!

She froze then shook it off. No, she was being paranoid, everything was getting to her. She caught the motion of whoever it was pulling back and knew it wasn’t paranoia.

The hoot of victory was loud enough to catch her attention. She glanced to the side, unwilling to fully look away. The quick action was enough to spear her with fear. The other boys were gone. The parking lot was completely empty. The park was deserted, just Sam and Jordan remained.

Terror spiked as she watched the boys run over toward where she’d seen the flash. Balls scattered all over the field, the closest not more than twenty-five feet from the concession booth. She knew the yelling was Sam and Jordan seeing who could kick the farthest.

“Sam, Jordan, come back!”

The boys slowed.

“We’ll get them,” Sam yelled back, and the boys raced again.

Jillian didn’t even realize she was running until the first ball flew high over her head back toward the ball bags. “Jordan!” she cried out. “Sam!”

The boys had already passed where she’d seen the flash. She scanned the area and saw nothing. He was gone. Please, let him be gone. The words ran through her mind just before she caught sight of him. He was still there, back farther in the shadows, by the bleachers, between them and the parking lot.

Jillian’s stride faltered, as she became caught in his sight, like invisible threads wrapping around her. It was him. It was The Beast. She could almost hear him say ‘Beauty’ in her mind as he reached out a hand toward her. She shook her head.

His hand made a slashing motion then both arms stretched out beckoning her to him. She wanted to scream, but the breath froze in her. Unconsciously, she took a couple steps back away. His attention shifted to the boys.

It was enough to break the spell that bound her. “No!” she yelled at the Beast. “Sam, Jordan!” She ran for them. No way would he get close to the boys.

The boys must’ve heard her distress, because they froze and turned toward her. Jillian reached Jordan first, and wrapped her arm around him. Sam took a step toward them. Jillian caught and pulled him into the circle of her arms while looking back over her shoulder. She’d lost sight of The Beast.

“Jillian, what’s wrong?” Jordan stood straight, and though his head only came to her shoulder, he was alert, scanning the area much the way she had. Proving he was his father’s son, he was ready to protect.

Jillian looked back to where the man had been, but he wasn’t there. Again, she wanted to believe he was gone but didn’t dare. “We need to get back to my bag. My cell phone is there.” Her voice hushed. She couldn’t keep her fear from seeping out. “Just leave the balls and let’s stay together.”

“Dad should be here soon,” Jordan added by way of assurance.

Jillian pleaded that it would be so. She searched the area again and saw nothing.

“I don’t see anything.” Jordan echoed her words.

“Me, either,” Sam added. “What you looking for?”