Obsession (Stalker #1) (20 page)

I go out into the hallway and make sure Kev isn’t home yet. I can’t believe my luck. I know she’s knocked out so I decide to go back and get her car from the garage and park it near the house. I get back inside and go to Abby’s apartment door and find it unlocked.
Weird. Did Kev leave it open the last time he was here? Why else would it be unlocked, right?
I prop the door further open to keep it that way for when I get back.

I go back to my place and find some rope. I grab Tiffany and throw her over my shoulder and carry her down to Abby’s place. It has high ceilings so this should work out perfectly. I think she’s mumbling something, but I can’t tell. It doesn’t matter anyway.

Tiffany is about to commit suicide in Abby’s apartment.

This old house has some beams at the top so I throw the rope up and around and tie a noose.
Thanks, Google.
I put the chair just so, and then I grab Tiffany and sit her on the chair, which is difficult since she’s so out of it. She doesn’t wake. I put the noose around her neck lightly and then tighten the fuck out of it. Her eyes bulge open and she’s looking at me with panic. I smile at her. “Shhhh, it will all be over soon,” I soothe her. She’s too drugged to move.

I tug on the rope and start lifting Tiffany. Her legs are flailing and her hands fly to her throat.
Sorry, Tiffany, but you can’t stop this.
I leave her hanging for about two minutes before her legs find the chair and kick it over, making it look like she has done this to herself. The struggling stops.

She’s dead and hanging in Abby’s apartment
.

Fucking perfect.

All I need to do now is clean up my apartment, get rid of the evidence, which means all of my Xanax is now flushed down the toilet and so is my Rye. Just in case. Eventually they will find what she has in her system and none of it will be found in my apartment. I find the used condom and wrap it up. I stuff it in with the other garbage I have in my bin. None of Tiffany’s things are in my place. I triple checked.

After all is said and done, I need to head outside and hide and wait for Kevin to come home so I can follow right behind him. This should keep all suspicion off of me.

So, I wait…

Thank fuck it isn’t too long when I see Kevin pull into the driveway from my hiding spot. I left the front door slightly ajar and made it look like someone clearly messed with it. It’s going to freak him out and that thought makes me smile because I know I’m fucking up his entire life right now. Coming home to find a dead body hanging in your house, especially when you’re a cop, will probably not make for a good next few days, at least.

It takes him a few minutes and I notice when he sees the open door. He looks all around to see if he can spot anything. He can’t, so he goes in. I wait. I start to make my way up the street and pretend like I’m noticing something weird at my door, but push on through. I hear Kevin on the phone and I know he’s called 9-1-1 to report it. I walk into Abby’s apartment, pretending like I’m seeing it all for the first time. My eyes bug outta my head when they land on Tiffany, dead, hanging in the air.

“Holy Fuckin’ Christ!” I look at Kevin as he finishes on the phone. “Kev, what in the fuck happened here?!” I exclaim.

“It would seem there is a dead woman hanging in Abby’s apartment, Brody,” he states the obvious and is in full-on cop mode.

“I can fuckin’ see that, brother.”
Was brother too much?
“Do you know her?” I question him and nod my head towards Tiffany hanging, averting my eyes as if I’m horrified.

“Fuck no, I don’t know her. Do you?” he fires back.

“Fuck no, I just got back from a date and our house is a fuckin’ crime scene!” I run my fingers through my hair.

“The police are on their way and will probably question us,” he states, matter of factly.

“Yes, of course, Kev. I’ve never seen anything like this and feel like I’m going to throw up.” I make a beeline to the front of the house and make myself blow chunks over the railing. I’m still retching when I hear Kevin come outside. I hear him light a smoke.

“Here, I brought you some water.” He puts a bottle of water on the railing.

“Thanks,” I mutter, wiping my mouth with my sleeve, turning around to face him. I take his offering and swish my mouth out and spit over the railing, and then take a real drink.

“First dead body?” Kevin asks me as I get out my smokes and light one up.

“Like that? Fuck yeah, it is. I mean I’ve been to funerals and shit, but not this.” I inhale on my smoke and make my hand shake a little for added effect.

“Right, sorry, this shit isn’t normal, not even for cops and especially not in my fucking house, for Christ’s sakes.” He’s pissed.

“What the hell do you think happened, man?” I’m sure I sound concerned and friendly enough.

“Fuck, man, I wish I knew. I’ve never seen her before. I’m waiting for the cavalry to arrive to find out.” He continues smoking, and now takes a seat on one of the chairs. I can hear the calvary he’s referring to in the background. Time for the show. I’ll just wait outside until someone wants to talk to me. I sit opposite Kevin.

“I’ve never seen anyone commit suicide before and never where I live, either. Oh God, could she be friends with your friend that is living here?” I’m trying to build a scenario for him.

“I mean, she could be, but if she is, then I haven’t met her before. I thought I knew all Abby’s girlfriends. Fuck, I need to call Jake and let him know something bad has happened here and it obviously has something to do with Abby,” he says, sounding pissed.

“Kev, can I do anything to help?” I ask, hoping to fuck he says no because if Jake’s coming, I’ll need to get the hell out of here. He might recognize me and I can’t chance it.

“Naw, just give your statement to the cops and you can split. Do you have somewhere you can go tonight?” he asks, putting out his cigarette.

“Yeah, I have a friend I can stay with. I might stay all week. This is fuckin’ creepy and weird.” Kev nods his head in agreement.

All the cars are piling onto the street and the show is about to start. I see Kev is about to call Jake, but he’s waiting now because all his cop friends are here. He gets up and starts to head in, but turns to me.

“Brody, someone will take your statement in a few minutes. Thanks for being patient and waiting,” he says. I pull out another smoke and light it up.

I smoke while watching loads of cops going in and out of the house.

I sip my bottled water and wait. It only takes about ten minutes or so for a cop to come back out and find me. He starts questioning me. I’m sure I left him satisfied. I was out on a date and came home to find the front door open and it looked like someone jacked it up a bit. I heard a man’s voice inside and followed it to find Kev inside Abby’s apartment on the phone, calling it in.

“Do you know the deceased?” No. I told them I didn’t even know the chick that used to live there, and that Kev told me she moved in with her boyfriend. No, I haven’t seen anything weird or suspicious. I travel a lot for work,
blah, blah, blah
, but the cop seems to buy it all.

I ask if I can go to my apartment and grab some stuff so I can split. The cop asks if he can come with me and look around my apartment. I tell him sure and to follow me. I know I’ve gotten rid of everything so I go straight to my bedroom to pack up my shit; I let the cop wonder around alone. I can’t be watching over his shoulder or it will look obvious. I gather up my stuff and go to the bathroom to make sure I have everything I need. I come out and tell the cop I’m ready to go. We make our way back downstairs and I ask him if I can talk to Kevin before I leave. He tells me to wait outside so I go and light up another smoke.

Kevin comes out a minute later, “How’s it going in there?” I ask, concern in my voice.

“Looks like a suicide. There was a note in her pocket. I need to call Jake. His name is on the note and he will be needed for questioning,” he answers. I suppress my grin.

“No fuckin’ way!” I feign shock.

“Her ID says her name is Tiffany Jackson, and I’m assuming she’s his ex-wife.”

I inhale my smoke and offer Kevin one, which he takes.
“Fuck, man, do you think she’s the one that’s been causing your friend problems?” I question.

“I suppose, but I won’t be the lead investigator since it’s my house. It’s a conflict of interest. But, I’ll need to get Jake down here to identify the body.” He continues smoking.

“Do you have somewhere to stay, Kev?” I ask, hoping I sound like a friend.

“Yeah, I got some buddies I can stay with, but it’s going to be a long night. You can split though, and get outta here, I know it’s already freaked you out.” And I nod my head.

“The cops have all my info, man, if you need anything, just call.” I give him my phone number and he puts it in his phone. “Thanks man, I’m sorry this happened, and I hope your friends are ok,” I say, gathering up my bags.

I give Kevin one of those man hugs with a pat on the back, like we go way back and are friends. It’s the only play I have and it’s working. “Call me when it’s safe to come back. I’ll be at a friend’s place for the rest of the week. After that, I’m not sure.” He nods his head in understanding.

I start to head out and make my way to the parking lot, but I can hear Kevin behind me talking to Jake.

“What in the ever loving fuck do you mean, Kev?!” I’m practically shouting into the phone.

“Exactly what I said, Jake. I’m so sorry, but I need you to get down here as soon as possible.”

Fuck, can this be happening? “What am I supposed to say to Abby?,” I ask, like he should have all the answers.

“Tell her something has happened at her apartment, but don’t let her come down here, Jake. It’s not pretty,” he warns.

“Well, since Izzy’s here, she can’t come and that’s what I’ll tell her.”
She’s so not going to like this at all.
“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” I say. Abby is looking at me with concern in her beautiful eyes. I hate what I have to tell her.

“Ok man, see ya soon,” I say to Kev and we both hang up. Abby is staring at me and I put my phone down and put my head in my hands for a minute.

“Jake, you’re freaking me out. What the fuck is going on and you better tell me the truth!” She stands in front of me with her hands on her hips. I can’t tell her this and then leave her the fuck alone.

“Abby, go get your phone and bring it to me, please.” She knows by the tone of my voice I’m not fucking around and does what she’s told. She comes back out and hands me her phone.
“Password, please,” I say gently. She gives it to me and I scroll through her contacts until I find Dallas, and I call her.
Fuck, it’s late now and I hope she’s up.

“What’s up, whore?” Dallas answers.

“Hey, Dallas, it’s Jake. I need you and Justin to get to my place as soon as you can. Something has happened and I need to go to Abby’s old apartment right now. I don’t want her to be alone after I tell her what’s happened,” I say, hoping she doesn’t argue with me.

“What the fuck do you mean, Jake?!” Dallas is screaming into the phone.

“I mean, I need you to get here as soon as fuckin’ possible because I need to go, and Abby will be here alone with Izzy.” She’s not going to let this go.

“Jake, you better tell me right fuckin’ now what the fuck is going on. Justin and I are getting ready, as we speak,” she informs me. At least, she’s listening.

“Dallas, I haven’t even told Abby yet, and she’s standing here all kinds of confused as to why I’m calling you and asking you to get your ass over here. Please let me tell her and she can fill you in when you get here.” I’m hoping to fuck she agrees.

“We are in the car, and should be there in about fifteen minutes,” says a panic struck Dallas.
Thank fuck she’s coming.

“Thanks, Dallas, she’s going to need you and maybe your bitches, too. I’ll let you decide when you get here. I have to go tell her now. I’m not sure I’ll see you when you get here, but I got to go now.” I’m sure she knows I’m serious now.

“Ok Jake, we are on our way.” She hangs up. She’s probably pissed I wouldn’t tell her, but I need to tell Abby first.

“Abby, grab the smokes and head out back, please.” I have to be in control because I know she’s going to lose her shit. She does as she’s told while I grab my jacket and a jacket for her. She opens the door and Ozzy goes running. I put on my jacket and head out with her, helping her with her jacket. I grab the smokes and light one up handing it to her and then light one up for myself.

“Abby, I don’t know how the fuck to tell you this.” I inhale, watching her eyes grow big.

“Jesus Christ, Jake, what the fuck is it and why did you call Dallas to come over?” she says, sounding a little snippy.

“Abby, I’m just going to rip it off like a Band-Aid.” I look her dead in the eyes, take a drag, and exhale. “Tiffany killed herself tonight.” I take another drag.

“Holy Fuck! What the fuck do you mean she killed herself?!” I see her hands start to shake and I hate that I have to tell her the rest.

“Abby, she hung herself in your apartment, that’s why Kev called and I have to go,” I say. She has a stunned look on her face and I’m not sure if it’s quite sinking in. Maybe it is, I don’t know. I’m having a hard time with this myself.

“What the fuck do you mean she hung herself in my apartment!” she screams, smoking her cigarette furiously. She starts pacing.

“Baby, I’m so sorry. Kev called and told me and he needs me to go to your apartment to identify her and I need you to stay here with Izzy. I don’t want you to be alone, so I called Dallas.”

I can hear her muttering to herself and I have no idea what she’s saying, but her hands are starting to fly around all over the fuckin’ place.

“Abby, come here, please.” She turns to me and walks towards me. I flick my smoke and pull her into me, kissing the top of her head. I mean, what do you say to your girlfriend when your ex-wife kills herself in your girlfriend’s apartment?
Fuck if I know!
I can feel her shaking in my arms and I know she’s crying. “Shhh, it’s going to be ok.”
What the fuck else can I say?

“Jake, I can’t believe this.” She looks up at me, tears in her eyes. “Why are you even apologizing to me? This is all my fault,” she says as she looks down and starts sobbing. I’m trying to comfort her the best I can and it feels like I’m failing, and on top of that I have to leave her. “Jake, I’m so sorry, I just fucked up your life and Izzy’s, too.” I squeeze her tight to me.

“NO! Don’t you dare even think it, Abby! Her actions are not in your control.” I hear the rumblings of Justin’s truck. I pull Abby from me so I can talk to her. “Dallas and Justin are here, ok, I have go and I’ll be back as soon as I can, ok?” I say, looking into her sad, teary eyes. I kiss her lips softly. “I’m going to let them in and send them out here.” She nods her head yes and lights up another smoke.

I open the door before Dallas and Justin reach it, so they don’t wake Izzy.

“What in the ever loving fuck is going on, Jake?” Dallas is shouting.

“Dallas, please stop shouting, Izzy is sleeping and I’d rather not wake her right now.” She nods at me and crosses her arms across her chest. She is tapping her foot impatiently, waiting for me to tell her what the fuck happened.

“My ex-wife killed herself tonight,” I say. Justin immediately covers Dallas’ mouth with his hand before she screams again. I say a silent prayer of thanks that he knows Dallas so well. “That’s not even the worst of it.” I see Justin move Dallas to the front of him with his hand still over her mouth.

“Jake, I don’t know how much longer I can hold her, so spit it the fuck out, man,” Justin advises me.

“She hung herself in Abby’s apartment and Kev called and asked me if I could go down there to ID her. I probably have to answer a fuckload of questions and I didn’t want Abby to be here alone,” I spit out, watching as Dallas’ big brown eyes go fuckin’ huge. She rips Justin’s hand off her mouth.

“Are you fucking shitting me?!” Dallas asks. And all I can do is nod my head yes. “Where is Abby right now?” I’m thankful she’s not shouting anymore.

“Out in the backyard smoking, but she may need something stronger.” She approaches me and I’m not sure what the fuck is about to happen here. The five foot nothing little blonde comes over to me and reaches up to hug me. I reach down to meet her.

“I’m so fucking sorry, Jake. We got this. Abby will be fine and so will Izzy,” she whispers in my ear.

“Thank you Dallas, I can’t thank you enough.” She pushes back from me.

“Justin, you’re on roll patrol, I’m going outside.” And off she goes towards the back door.

“Justin, thanks, man.” I reach out to shake his hand, but he pulls me in for a man hug. “No need for thanks. We’re family now, man. Abby and Dallas are more like sisters than cousins, which means you’re practically my brother-in-law, the way I see it.” I’m thankful for his words. They mean a lot. I don’t have any family besides Izzy now.

Fuck.

How the fuck am I going to tell my baby that her mom is dead…

“Thanks, I really have to go, but please, make sure Izzy doesn’t wake up. She’s a heavy sleeper so it shouldn’t be a problem, but just in case,” I plead.

“You got it, and don’t worry about a thing here. We got this, and I should probably apologize in advance for the shit storm that will be your house when you get back,” he warns me.

Whatever. I’ve got to go.
“I don’t know what that means, but thanks again,” I say, as I head out the front door.

Climbing into my Jeep, I buckle in and text Kev to let him know I’m on my way.

Nothing feels real right now. It all feels like I’m in this dreamlike state and floating above it all. You don’t think anyone you know is going to kill them self. I know I didn’t like her for the most part, but I wouldn’t wish her dead… Ok, maybe I’ve wished it, but you don’t ever think it’s going to happen for real. Why the fuck would she kill herself in Abby’s apartment?

Questions upon questions are swirling through my head and I’m having a hard time concentrating on the road. I light up a smoke for the drive and notice my own hands shaking.

How the fuck can Abby think this was in any way her fault? She thought she was going to fuck up my and Izzy’s life, and then Tiff hangs herself in Abby’s apartment. That sends a clear fucking message. I wonder if she even thought about Izzy.

Izzy… Fuck. What the fuck am I going to do?!
I bang my hand on the steering wheel.

It only takes me fifteen minutes to get to Abby’s place. I see Tiff’s car out front. It’s fucking real. Cop cars are everywhere, caution tape blocking shit off. Jesus. I find a place to park on the street, and make my way to the house. I see Kev out front having a smoke. I light up another and head straight for him on the porch.

“Kev, what the fuck happened, man?” I ask on an inhale. He reaches in for a man hug and we do the back pat and pull away.

“Jake, I’m so fuckin’ sorry, man, I can’t even believe it myself.” He reaches for a plastic baggy with a piece of paper in it and hands it to me. I go under the porch light to read it and can see it’s Tiff’s writing.

Clearly, she was drunk or something, it’s obvious. The note is written in Tiffany’s scribbles and calling Abby a fucking bitch, whore, slut who stole her husband. At the end of the note, it tells me to rot in Hell.
What in the fuck am I supposed to do with that?

I hang my head and Kev gives me another pat on the back. He hands me her driver’s license so I can verify it. “Yup, that’s her.” I glance inside the door, wondering what’s on the other side.

“Jake, we can do it here or wait till she’s at the morgue. It’s up to you, but she did hang herself and it’s not a pleasant sight. It’s going to be a hard thing to see,” he warns me.

“I don’t think it matters where I do this and I’d rather get it over with.”

Kev nods his head in understanding. “Ok, let’s go then.” He flicks his butt into the can, and I do the same after one last drag, and brace myself.

Holy Mother of fucking Christ. Nothing could have prepared me for this. Nothing. My ex-wife is hanging dead in my girlfriend’s apartment.

“Yeah, that’s her,” I say as I turn around and walk the fuck back outside. Kev comes back out with a bottle of water for me.

   I need to sit down.

             I need to breathe.