Double Down (21 page)

“
I don’t know when it was sent. Someone shoved it through my mail slot. I found it last night when I got back from St. Louis.”

“
Do the police know about this?”

I nodded. “I dropped the original by there this morning on my way to work.”

“
What did Detective Delgado say?”

“
He hasn’t seen it.”

That produced a slight smile that he immediately tried to suppress. “You better tell me the rest. What did you find out in St. Louis?”

I told him about what Dee and Stan said about Monica having pull with someone high up and that Connie had introduced Monica to Darryl. I also told him Mrs. Comb’s story. “The police never found any diaries. I think that’s what the killer was trying to find. We know she told Arnie Waters I was in on the blackmail. When her killer couldn’t find them in her apartment or in the office, he must have thought she’d given them to me.”

“
It could also be Martin looking for that newspaper clipping, or Jerry McCrea looking for that accounts page.”

“
True. Martin could easily have sent the threat and cut my brake lines, but I can’t see Monica letting him in the office after hours. She wasn’t that stupid.”

“
You’re probably right, but I’m not taking any chances. Promise me that you won’t leave tonight until I can walk you to your car.” He got up and leaned over my desk, his blue eyes boring into mine.

What could I do? I promised. I spent the rest of the day trying to make a dent in the paperwork on my desk, and returning phone calls, not even leaving for lunch. Charlene brought me a sandwich from the cafeteria. She sat and watched while I ate, probably to make sure I took a break. I’d already briefed her on my trip when I called her from the St. Louis airport. She didn’t know about the letter, and I couldn’t see any point in telling her, but she’d witnessed the scene Martin made. While she wasn’t exactly hovering, I caught her watching me throughout the day. She called several alarm companies for me. No one could come out until later in the week. Mom called and checked up on me. The only one I didn’t hear from was Delgado.

Even Darryl Collins called. “Hey Val, welcome back. I heard about your accident. Are you sure you’re up to being back to work so soon?”

“
I’m feeling fine. Thanks for asking.”

“
I was really surprised when Tony told me you went to St. Louis to the funeral. It was nice of you to represent us. I really should have gone, but I had commitments I couldn’t change. How was it? Were there many people there?”

“
It was nice. There were some employees from the St. Louis Royal there. Of course, Dee attended and friends and neighbors of Monica’s mother.”

“
How’s the investigation going?”

“
As far as I know there aren’t any new developments. Alan would probably know more than me.”

“
Oh really, from what I hear you’re dating the lead detective.” When I didn’t say anything, he went on. “Under the circumstances, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. It could look like the hotel was trying to influence the investigation.”

“
The case was reassigned to another detective. If there’s nothing else, I really need to run. I’m late for a meeting.” There was no meeting, but I really didn’t want to discuss my personal life with Darryl.

Alan showed up around five o’clock. When everyone started to leave for the day, he insisted that I leave too. He didn’t want me in the office by myself. I didn’t argue. It was my first day back since the accident. I was exhausted both emotionally and physically. He walked me to my rental car, checking all around it, and even getting in and starting it. Finally, he got out and motioned for me to get in the driver’s seat. “Please wait here until I get into my car. I want to follow you home.”

He was getting on my nerves. I almost snapped at him to stop fussing, until I looked at his face. It was a plea and not a command. “Whatever,” I said not very graciously. I waited while he got into his car. He drove behind me all the way home. As I pulled into my driveway, the phone rang. It was Alan asking that I let him check out the house before I went in. He pulled up and parked in front of the house. I rolled down my window when he walked up. Rolling my eyes, I handed him the keys. After a few minutes, he motioned for me to come in the house. I couldn’t help it. Looking both ways several times, I ran to the house, slammed the door, and leaned against it. Huffing and puffing loudly with wide eyes I looked at him and said, “Are you sure it’s safe?”

He rolled his eyes and I laughed.

He shook his head and smiled. “Nice. I’m trying to protect you and I get theatrics.”

Still laughing I said, “I’m sorry but it was just a little too cloak and dagger for me.” I moved away from the door heading for the kitchen. “Do you want something to drink?”

He took his jacket off and threw it over the back of the loveseat. “How about we order some Chinese. I’m starving.”

I stopped. “Were you planning on staying?”

He grinned. “Is that an invitation?”

“
No it’s not. I appreciate your concern, but as you can see, I’m fine.”

“
Relax. I just thought we could share some dinner, or are you expecting company?”

“
No.” Delgado hadn’t called in two days. This was Alan and we were friends again. I knew there was nothing in my refrigerator to eat. Why not share dinner? Even though I didn’t want to admit it, I really didn’t want to be alone. “Okay, the menu’s by the phone. Order me some Cashew Chicken. I’m just going to change.” I went into the bedroom and changed into sweats. When I came out Alan had taken off his tie, rolled up his sleeves and turned on the TV.

We ate in front of the TV like an old married couple.

Finally standing up and stretching I said, “It’s getting late.”

“
You mean it’s time I went home. I can take a hint.” He stood, retrieving his coat and tie from the back of the couch. “You sure you don’t want me to stay?”

I walked him to the door. “It’s not a good idea.”

“
Detective Delgado wouldn’t like it?”

At this point, I wasn’t sure if Delgado would care, but I said, “Probably not.”

At the door, he turned, and holding me by the shoulders gave me a quick kiss on the mouth. “Call me if you change your mind.” He waited on the porch until he heard the lock click.

Chapter Fourteen

I didn’t see or hear from Delgado until Wednesday morning when he came charging into my office waving a copy of my threatening letter. “When exactly were you planning on telling me about this?” he roared.

“
When I saw you?” I replied, walking around him to shut my office door. I probably should have been mad, but the minute I got close enough to smell him, I got weak in the knees. He smelled like soap, sunshine, and fresh air. He was wearing a black T-shirt that hugged his torso, tucked into jeans riding low on his hips, and tennis shoes. He looked hotter than ever with his hair tousled and a couple days growth of beard. I reached up and touched his face, “Are you going to kiss me, or should I wait while you yell at me some more?”

He leaned into my hand closed his eyes. “Woman, you’re making me crazy.” He pulled me into his arms. He didn’t kiss me, just held me tight, resting his head on my shoulder slowly breathing in and out. After a minute, he raised his head and looked at me. “I can’t believe how much I missed you.”

When he kissed me, I believed him.

He started slow just brushing his lips against mine. He tasted as good as he smelled. Then he deepened the kiss. Warmth spread throughout my body. By the time he was finished, my back was up against the door, with his body pressed against mine. The warmth had turned into a raging fire. He stepped back, and I slumped against him, waiting for my heart to slow down. Holding on to my hand, he led me to the two chairs sitting against the wall. We sat down next to each other.

He still had creases between his eyes, making him looked worried, but he seemed calmer. “Now tell me about this letter.”

So I did. I also told him about firing Martin Sanders on Monday. “So far I haven’t had any trouble from him.”

“
I should have gone home with you. I’m sorry. I’ve been undercover for the last couple of days. When the desk sergeant told me about that letter, I nearly went crazy.”

“
You don’t have to apologize for doing your job. You know, I
can
take care of myself. I am being careful. Security walks me to my car every evening.”

“
Right. Harris has been taking care of you. I wonder why that doesn’t make me feel better.” When I started to protest, he held up a hand to stop me. “I know I should be grateful. At least he was here. Val, don’t take this the wrong way, but I’d really feel more comfortable if you had a good security system at home.”

“
I agree. Charlene’s called around. No one’s available until the end of the week.”

“
Let me make a few calls.”

“
Do you know of any progress on Monica’s case? Have they talked to Jerry about the withdrawals from the fund?”

He looked disgusted. “I doubt it. The detective who has the case now is a lazy SOB. He didn’t even bother to take a statement from you, did he?” I shook my head. He closed his eyes and rubbed the back of his neck.

“
You look tired.”

“
I haven’t gotten much sleep. I was on my way home, but I had to stop by and see if you were all right.”

I stood, pulling him up with me. “I’m fine. Go home and get some rest.” I kissed him goodbye, and pushed him out the door. I couldn’t help but notice he looked just as good walking away.

Just before lunch, the alarm company called. They said they had a cancellation, and could I meet them at the house in an hour. Their white logoed van was parked in front of the house when I got there. I was prepared to sit down and discuss what I would need, and get an estimate. The technician informed me “my husband” had already spoken with his office. He was there to install their state of the art system. When I asked how much it would cost, he said since the account was already paid, he didn’t have those figures with him. No doubt Delgado added a bonus if they could install it right away. The technician got right to work, saying it would only take a couple of hours.

Part of me was relieved that I wouldn’t have to sift through all the technical jargon to select the best system, and part of me was pissed. When Delgado and I broke up, how the heck was I supposed to give back an alarm system? Plus, I didn’t need Delgado to take care of me. I made good money. I would have called and yelled at him, but he’d looked so exhausted when he left that I couldn’t bring myself to wake him up.

I called Charlene and told her I wouldn’t be back for a couple of hours.

“
I’m glad you called. Mr. Collins was here. He wants you to call him. In addition, I have a package addressed to you from a Mrs. Combs in St. Louis. Alan wouldn’t let me open it. He said maybe security should take it and check it out.”

I couldn’t imagine what Mrs. Combs could be sending me. “Mrs. Combs is the neighbor that I talked to at the funeral. Let me call her and confirm that she actually sent me a package. I’ll call you back and let you know what I find out.” I got her number from directory assistance. Mrs. Combs answered on the third ring.

“
Mrs. Combs, this is Valerie Peterson. I was Marcia’s boss in Las Vegas. Remember we met at her funeral?”

“
Of, course, dear, I expect you’re calling about the package I sent you.”

“
Yes, I just wanted to verify that you were the one who sent it.”

“
I understand. You can’t be too careful these days. Talking with you about Marcia and Joey got me to thinking. After you left, I remembered that just before Marcia left for Las Vegas, she came by to see me. I was surprised because I hadn’t seen her for a number of years. She gave me a box and asked me to hold it for her. She didn’t want her mother to have it. She said she didn’t have anyone else that she trusted to keep it safe for her. I put it in the attic and forgot all about it. When Lorraine said that Marcia’s diaries weren’t among her things, I wondered if that’s what was in the box. I went to the attic and there they were. I guess now they belong to Lorraine, but Marcia was so adamant that she didn’t want Lorraine to see them.”

“
You sent me Marcia’s diaries?”

“
Yes dear. I wondered if there might be something in them that would help find her killer. I couldn’t bring myself to give them to the police and have her private life on display for everyone to see. In addition, I was afraid they would just turn them over to Lorraine. I can’t read them either. I opened one, and just seeing her handwriting brought back too many painful memories. You seemed like such a nice sympathetic person, and it looked like you had a close relationship with that good-looking detective from Las Vegas. Oh, dear, I know I’m rambling.”

She paused and took a breath. “Let me start over. I sent them to you because I was hoping that you would be willing to read them. Then if there’s something in them that the police need to know, you could tell them. If you didn’t find anything, then maybe you could just send them back to me. I know it’s a lot to ask.”

Wow, she sent me Monica’s diaries. I was itching to get my hands on them. Still I wasn’t sure I could keep from turning them over to the police. Wasn’t that withholding evidence? Even if I sent them back to Mrs. Combs unopened, I should at least tell the police they existed and where to find them. On the other hand, it was possible that even if I did turn them over to the police, they wouldn't read them or initiate an investigation. Didn’t Delgado tell me that the detective now in charge was lazy?