Blood Ties (16 page)

“How can he be so sure of that?”

“How can you be so convinced of Kelly’s innocence?”

“Intuition…Right, Aidan’s tells him Noel isn’t completely innocent. Has Aidan’s intuition ever failed?”

“Not regarding a case.”

“What do you mean?”

“His intuition has failed him with a couple of women he’s been in relationships with. He can’t figure out the opposite sex, but when it comes to crimes, he’s pretty flawless.”

“Okay, I get it. Noel must be somehow related to the murders then. What’s the deal Violet will offer?”

“Four years in jail with the possibility of parole after the second. A hundred thousand dollar fine, plus two years of community service once he’s out of jail.”

“Wow, that’s a lot. Don’t get me wrong, I want Noel to pay for the crimes he’s committed, but isn’t it a bit harsh?”

“If he’s found guilty by a judge or jury, he’ll have a larger fine to pay and more community service hours to fulfill. Yes, Violet is being a bit
unforgiving, but only because of her belief that Noel deserves it.”

“I understand, okay. Anything else?”

“They’ll be searching Kelly’s place once more. Violet wants to be as thorough as possible, she doesn’t want to miss any bits of evidence. They’ll be going in tonight.”

“What do they expect to find? I mean, considering Kelly’s living again there, if she was guilty and if there was any evidence, she would have gotten rid of it, don’t you think?”

“What I think doesn’t matter. Captain Nicholson stands by Violet, and he’ll support her requests. She’s got enough evidence to ask for another warrant, and Tank knows he can’t stop her, so tomorrow or tonight at the earliest, we’ll learn if there was any further evidence found.”

“Okay.”

“By the way, I’m taking you out for dinner tonight.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re pretending to be in a relationship and we haven’t once been on a date, and if we were, I’d have taken you to every restaurant in town.”

“But no one will witness our date.”

“Fine, it won’t be a date then. I’ve seen this small Indian restaurant on the way over and I want to go there. I think it’ll be a good way for you to keep your mind off things for a while, and we’ll both go and try ethnic food. I promise it won’t be a date, Sam.”

“How can I trust you?” I asked hesitant.

“We’ll go out on a real date when the cases are closed, I promised you that, didn’t I?”

“Yes,” I replied slowly, eyeing him suspiciously.

“Not a date, just dinner. Indian dinner.”

“Okay.”
“Great. I’ll come pick you up when it’s time. Are you done with the coffee?”

I gulped down what was left and placed the empty mug on the tray. The plates only had crumbs on them; we’d
eaten the toast while we’d talked.

I resumed my work, managing to find plenty grammar mistakes. I’m glad when I do so, otherwise I feel I’m missing the errors and I think the book will come out horribly.

Before I realized, there was another knock on the door; Jared had come to let me know we’d be leaving in ten minutes, so I had enough time to finish the chapter I was at and wrap things up.

Jared drove to a place called Taj Majal, which looked absolutely beautiful. The lights were dim and there were red, purple and green chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. The waiters and waitresses were dressed in saris, looking gorgeous.

Considering it was the first time for the both of us eating Indian food, Jared ordered a plate that consisted of different kinds of meat with four small portions of diverse side dishes, so that we got to try many meals. I ordered red wine for myself, and Jared asked for a beer.

We spent the evening talking about the future, where we’d like to go, what we’d like to do, what we would have done if we hadn’t ended up in our professions, how many kids we wanted (he three, me two), and other topics that avoided the situation we were currently it. It was
a great non-date.

Even though we were full, Jared insisted we stop for ice-cream. I wondered why he’d do so, which led to my asking him. He replied ice-cream was one thing he could never get enough of, and he wanted me to taste the wonderful flavors from a small parlor he’d known all his life.

By the time we were done, I was grateful for his insistence, the flavors were unique and delicious, and I was surprised I’d never eaten at that parlor before. Jared called it his diamond in the rough place.

W
e finished our ice-creams and went back home; before Jared could start sweet-talking me or flirting with me, I excused myself, said good night and went to sleep. I was looking forward to whatever discoveries Aidan, Ben and the rest of the investigators would make.

And I was afraid I was beginning to grow too used to Jared’s presence in my life. I liked him, there was physical chemistry between us, but he’d move back to New York when the case was closed. I didn’t want to add any more hurt to my future.

I stirred dazed in my bed. I knew a sound had awoken me, but I couldn’t figure it out. Then the phone rang again and I realized that that had been what had disturbed my sleep.

“Who is this?” I asked with a groggy voice, completely unaware of the time.

“Sammy, it’s Rod. Are you up?”

“What time is it?”

“Half past seven.”

“It’s early Rod, what’s going on?”

“Kelly has been arrested. They’re charging her for the murders of Susan, Olivia and Dawn, a girl who was found a couple of nights ago.”

“What?” I asked, sitting up and really waking up.

“Yes. The DA and a couple of crime scene investigators or something like that came in last night with a search warrant. I have no idea as to where or how, but they found a chip, a cell phone chip, and apparently they’ve linked it to the victims. A detective and the DA arrested Kelly an hour ago. Steven is with her right now, and I’m about to go there; I had to stay here because Sara suffered a pressure drop, so we stayed put until she felt better.”

“Is she alright?” I asked concerned.

“Yes, she’s terribly worried about Kelly, but she’s as healthy as can be expected. Anyway, can you meet us at Tillman Station?”

“Yes, sure, we’ll be there as soon as possible. Do you need me to take anything?”

“No, your presence will be enough. We won’t be doing much; it’s basically for support and to become informed about the situation.”

“Of course, I understand Rod. I’ll meet you there as soon as possible.”

I crept out of my bed and tumbled into the living-room, where I caught Jared already up and changing into his trousers. I was gladly startled to find his bare chest spotless; apparently he’d taken a quick shower.

“Hey Sam, Aidan called, they found the chip.”

“Yes, in Kelly’s house, Rod just phoned and said they arrested her. Are you going down to Tillman Station?”

“Yes, Aidan said Captain Nicholson and Violet wanted a meeting, so I have to go down there. Are you going as well?”

“Rod mentioned something about moral support for Kelly, so I’ll just take a quick shower and we’ll leave in fifteen minutes, okay?”

“Sure, we’ll get coffee at the station and I’ll make some toast to eat on our way over.”

“Great, I’ll be right back,” I said, turned around, and made my way into the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later Jared drove us to the station. My mom and Rod were talking with Steven, and I could see Aidan with Violet, but I ignored them.

“Sammy, you’re here, finally,” my mom said as she ran towards me; I could see she was very upset. “Kelly is waiting for an interrogation. Steven will join her, he just wanted to clear some details with us first. Jared, it’s so nice of you to have come, but it wasn’t really necessary.”

“I just wanted to be with Sam throughout this ordeal, I didn’t want her to be alone. Is there anything I can do for you Sara?”

“No, thank you. I’m just so sad; it feels like a nightmare, I just want to wake up.”

“What did Steven say?” I asked.

“From what he’s talked over with the DA, the evidence seems pretty categorical. I don’t think Kelly would murder anyone, but Steven said it doesn’t look good. I’m so worried!”

Rod embraced her, trying to
tranquilize her. Jared held my hand, as any supportive boyfriend would. I noticed from the corner of my eye that Aidan was staring at us.

“Jared, will you come with me to get some coffee?” I asked him, expecting an affirmative answer.

“Sure, Sam. Can I get you anything?” Jared asked my mom and Rod, but they both shook their heads.

Steven stood by himself, and Rod led my mom back to his side. Jared and I walked towards the coffee vending machine and there Aidan joined us.

“I’ll keep my parents company and tell them you had to leave for a business call if you need to have a meeting,” I whispered loud enough for both to hear.

“Thank you Sam,” Aidan said, and I was startled to hear how at ease he sounded.

“Okay, I’ll see you later then;” I smiled tightly at the Davies brothers and walked to my mom’s side.

I created a diversion by having the three of them look at the structure of a doorframe and once I was sure Jared and Aidan were inside an office, I shut up.

“Can I be with Kelly when she’s being interrogated? I don’t want her to be alone,” my mom asked Steven, who, after considering the option, shook his head.

“Sara, it’ll be best if we don’t have any distractions. I know you want what’s best for Kelly, and I’ll be by her side advising her when to talk, when
not to, and seeking the best deal we can make with Christie. I don’t want Kelly any more stressed by having your presence there, okay?” Steven explained trying to be as polite as possible.

My mom was about to protest, but Rod nodded understanding Steven’s words and pressed her hand firmly, letting her know Steven’s reasoning made sense.
With reluctance, my mom nodded and took a deep breath, trying to ease her concern.

Violet walked towards us and, after greeting us courteously, informed Steven it was time for the interrogation. The next hour and a half went by slowly, very slowly.

I called Maggie to let her know I wouldn’t be going in during the morning, and later spoke with Mark, giving him the basics of the situation, avoiding details; he was very comprehensive but asked about the manuscript. I reassured him by telling him it’d be ready on Friday at the latest, and he was relieved.

Jared was with Aidan and Captain Nicholson, witnessing the interrogation; not being there, ignoring what was going on, having to wait with my mom and Rod to know what was happening in the room, was eating at my insides.

Finally, Violet emerged from the room, looking impassive. Steven followed her with a somber stare. He walked up to us and said we should talk privately, which set my mom into a frenzy and she demanded to be informed. The policemen and women stared at us but then minded their own business. I waited for Jared to appear, but I guess he had things to talk over with Aidan and Captain Nicholson.

“Sit down Sara, please,” Rod urged her, and he lowered her onto a bench, seating beside her; I knelt by her other side, and Steven lowered himself to be at our same height.

“Kelly and Noel are being charged for the three murders. Christie claims they’re accomplices. When Noel was under arrest on Sunday night, Kelly killed a woman to try and clear Noel. Unfortunately, the victim was called from a cell phone that used the same chip for calling Olivia, and said chip was found in Kelly’s place last night during the search.”

“But Kelly was asleep, Rod and I can vouch for her,” my mom said, on the verge of tears.

“You two were asleep, according to Kelly herself. Kelly said a woman named Maggie was with her until midnight; as the murder took place at around one, she has no indissoluble alibi.”

“But she’s in a cast,” my mom pleaded.

“Yes, but I think we all know, Sara, that she’s exaggerating her injuries. If the victim knew Kelly, she could have let her in and Kelly could have overpowered her by knocking her over the head or giving her a roofie or something like that.”

“Will they run a toxicology exam?” I asked.

“Yes, but it’ll take a few days,” Steven replied.

“What did Kelly and Noel say?” Rod enquired.

“Kelly says she’s innocent and that someone’s setting her up because they don’t want her to succeed in her career. And I haven’t spoken with Noel yet, I’ll get to that after I finish going over some details with Kelly. She’s also being charged with your attempted murder, Samantha.”

“And what is the prospect? Will the DA offer a deal or will she go to court? What’s going to happen before that?” Rod asked, trying to place his thoughts in order.

“Due to the amount and gravity of charges against both Kelly and Noel, they’ll remain under custody. Kelly will be placed in the hospital wing of a female medium security prison, Noel will go to a male medium security prison. Christie has agreed to keep him separated from convicted prisoners, which is a good thing. She said she’d talk things over with Captain Nicholson who, along with Detective Davies, has been investigating the different cases that are related. Things do not look good, and I think that if we went to trial, they could both face the maximum sentences.”

“But you are their lawyer Steven. You’re excellent, that’s why Kelly hired you. How can you give up so easily? You’re supposed to fight this, Kelly and Noel can’t end up in jail,” my mom said, a few tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry Sara, but the evidence Christie has gathered is not circumstantial. Noel has other charges that he’s already accepted as true, and Kelly doesn’t have a bulletproof alibi. Right now, with my experience and knowledge of the legal system, I recommend we wait for the deals Christie has to offer, and then we take it from there.”

“Okay, okay, I understand,” my mom said, drying her face. “Can I see Kelly now?”

“Sure, I’ll take you to her,” Steven said as he straightened up; Rod helped my mom stand up and the three walked towards the interrogation room, where Kelly was waiting.

I sat numbly on the bench, confused. Had my siblings murdered my best friend, a reader from my office and an unknown girl? Had my sister tried to kill me? Why would they have done things like that? It made no sense whatsoever. Something was terribly wrong, I knew it. But Aidan was convinced of Noel’s involvement, and Kelly had a shitload of evidence against her…
I was so wrapped up in my thoughts I didn’t notice Jared was sitting next to me, staring at me. He snapped his fingers in front of my eyes and I leapt. At first he smiled timidly at me, but when he noticed my freaked out expression, he stopped smiling and hugged me.

“Let’s go,” Jared said as he lifted me.

“Wait. My mom, Rod, they’re with Kelly, I can’t just take off…” I let my voice trail off, unsure of how to finish the sentence.

“Fine, hold on a minute,” Jared
told me.

I watched him walk towards the front desk and talk to the policewoman; she looked at him captivated, and I wondered if she was actually listening to him. She nodded and Jared returned to my side.

“That’s done; your parents will be informed we’ve left once they exit the room they’re in. Come on,” he said as he lifted me and wrapped me in his arms.

I breathed Jared’s scent and found it tranquilizing and alluring. He guided me towards
the car and drove, but I didn’t recognize the road he was taking.

“Where are we going?” I asked, but Jared shushed me.

I looked at the houses and buildings, the bare trees, the quiet that reigned the streets, the pale sky…

Jared pulled over and parked. He helped me out of the car, wrapped his arm behind my back, spun me around and surprised me by kissing me.
Startled, I made a very weak attempt to push him, but he wouldn’t budge; I decided the best thing I could do was to give in to the kiss. I believed it would be the most convenient course of action; plus, I really wanted to kiss Jared.

I’ve got no idea of how much time went by.

Jared moved his mouth slowly to my forehead and planted a short sweet kiss there. I opened my eyes and smiled. For whatever length of time the kiss had been, my mind had managed to avert all thoughts that could mess me, and I was awed that something as simple as a kiss had eased me of my troubles.

“Where are we?” I whispered, smiling
, feeling shy.

“Overton Park; it’s always been a favorite of mine,” Jared answered, his voice hoarse. “Let’s walk,” he added as he held my hand in his and
at a slow pace pulled me forward.

We made our way, our bodies close to eac
h other, without speaking. The sun shone brightly in our faces, casting a warm feeling that contrasted with the winter chill.

We had hotdogs, enjoyed the peace that was almost palpable at Overton Park, finally deciding t
o return to our lives when the sun started to retreat.

Jared received a phone call from Aidan as he drove, so we swapped places and he rode on the passenger seat. I could tell Jared was being informed about Kelly and Noel’s situation because they were named a few times. I was surprised to hear my name mentioned, but I decided I’d wait until we got home to ask what was going on.

“What did Aidan tell you?” I asked once we were sitting in the living-room; Jared’s conversation had lasted almost an hour.

“Violet is going to offer both of them twenty years in jail, with no parole until
the fifteenth year, though she’s considering making his deal a bit stricter. Bearing in mind there were three victims, plus Noel’s drug uses, plus Kelly’s attempt against you, it’s a very generous offer.”

“Do you think they’ll take it? Steven said it would probably be best, even before knowing what the offer would be. I guess my fame-seeking sister and alcoholic jobless brother won’t gain
the court’s sympathy, and Steven knows it.”

“I guess so, Sam.”

“Was that all?”

“No. Aidan was finally able to pull security videos from Sandra’s hit and run. The car was the same that tried to run you over. Unfortunately, there are no clear images of the driver, but considering the fact that Kelly has no solid alibi, it could have been her.”