Roll Away Your Stone 17/18
Series: Secret
Story: Roll Away Your Stone
Chapter: Marking Territory
Rating: R
Pairing: Nikki/Nora
Disclaimer/Details of Participation/Terms & Conditions: Not mine, no monies are being made and if I were to bill the owners my hourly rate...well...you get the idea. Oh, yeah, since like ch. 6 this has been unbeta'd...epp! All missing words and misspellings...are my dog's fault. =0)
A/N: I’m not sure what to say about this chapter…so, I’ll leave you to it. Take care everyone.
Ch. 17 - Marking Territory
Sometimes, I think family should come with an editing feature. I love my Aunt Peggy; I do, but some days…
I swear the woman lacks the sense God gave a gnat.
Nora and I have been sitting here listening to her drone on and on about the garden she’s designing for a local hospital, the name escapes me, for the past half hour. While it’s all well and good that she feels like she’s contributing to the betterment of society with roses and tulips, we have a murder to solve.
Nora sits to my left on the couch in the drawing room, but I think my lover’s gone comatose. Her green eyes are looking towards my aunt, but they have this glassy quality that looks suspiciously like what happens when I start talking clothes.
I do draw a breath when I feel her hand settle on top of my thigh.
“…and I just told Linn that if she was going to insist on the stone walkway we were not going to be able to afford the bird baths that Cheryl had picked out,” my aunt buzzes on, “And do you know what she said to me?” Aunt Peggy’s voice climbs a little higher and I suppress the wince.
“She said,” the woman continues, apparently not caring if we want to take a guess at what Linn said, “that if I hadn’t insisted on the Spirea or the Hydrangea that there would be plenty in the budget.” She clucks her tongue and then finally draws this little story to a close, “Well, I said it was a garden and what garden is complete without some Spirea or Hydrangea? None, that’s what.”
“Hmm-uh, I completely agree,” I say automatically.
This causes my aunt to reach out and pat my knee. Her eyes scan my forehead and scalp, pursing her lips the longer she looks. “You know Nikki dear, I know a fantastic plastic surgeon. Why don’t I set you up an appointment for later this week? I’m sure he’ll be able to take care of those for you.”
Nora’s grip tightens on my thigh and I quickly cover her hand with mine while I answer, “You know Aunt Peggy, these aren’t so bad. My hair’s already growing back and the scrapes will fade.”
“Well, yes dear, but it’s so unbecoming that a lady of your stature should be forced to walk around with such a blemish,” my aunt objects as my teeth grind together.
“Please Aunt Peggy, Nora and I do have a bit more to do before we can call it a day,” I say ignoring the comment. “We’ve been up since early this morning and we have to meet Darius and Nora’s brother for dinner in an hour.”
“Darius?” she questions, “The colored man with the nose ring?”
“That would be him,” I answer. “So can you tell me what you know of Logan’s big project? How did it start and did he tell you why he was so intent on the idea?”
“Nikki,” my aunt’s eyes skirt to Nora briefly before focusing back on me, “I understand you feel this need to sow those wild Beaumont oats, but don’t you think that it’s time to grow up a little and renew your associations with your peers?”
My mouth opens and closes for a few seconds before I recover. What is it about today? First Logan, then Dan, then Jen and now her? Did I piss someone off that I’m not aware of?
“I am her peer,” Nora grits out as her eyes narrow.
My aunt offers Nora a dismissive laugh and waves her hand. “I hardly think that working with her and sharing a bed with her gives you the right to call my niece a peer. I’m sure you are not without your charms, detective, but my Nikki will require more as she gets older. It doesn’t appear to me that you are capable to offer that to her.”
When did this turn into this?
“I think that’s enough,” I say and stand, pulling Nora up with me. Aunt Peggy scrambles to her feet and without letting Nora’s hand go, I step into her personal space. I’m not one to be so…forceful, especially with my aunt…
She did, however, cross this line first.
“If I may speak for myself here,” I hiss, “I’m not entirely sure what has gotten into you today, but until you can apologize to my partner we have nothing to discuss. What I need is her,” I raise our interlocked hands up to Peggy’s eye level. “She provides me far more than I need and she will continue to do so regardless of what you may think of it.” Dropping our hands, I lean in further and ask, “Do you have anything to add about Logan and the Renaissance House?”
“You will not take that tone with me, young lady. After everything that’s happened, you would think you young ones would understand, mixing with people not at your level will inevitably get you hurt or worse, killed. If you’re so intrigued with Logan and his pet project, I suggest talking to that woman he married,” she states coolly. “Your lifestyle choices Nicollette are going to get you killed. You can’t expect your family to stand by and watch you throw away your heritage. I’ve been telling that father of yours for years that he should make you quit. What drove you to join the police I will never know…” she trails off and shakes her head. “You are a Beaumont and a Tilton and that requires a certain level of responsibility. It’s high time we quit coddling you and force you to remove yourself from amongst the filth Arthur’s allowed you to wallow in.”
My retort isn’t even formed as Nora steps between the two of us. For the second time that day she puts herself on the line for me, “Listen Peggy, I could care less what you think of me, but I swear to God if I ever hear you talk to Nikki that way again, I will provide you with a first class ticket to the emergency room free of charge.”
“Call your junk yard dog off Nicollette. She does not want to get on my bad side,” my aunt warns.
“Lady, I could give a shit less; you’re already on mine,” Nora growls.
Finally catching up to what’s going on, I yank Nora back and spit at my aunt’s feet, “Allez en enfer! Family or not, you can take the silicone spread around your body, Peggy Beaumont, and…” I stop unable to say what I really want …I can’t make the words form…
I do the next best thing though.
I leave the woman no time to respond as I drag Nora away and out of the house. As I hit the sidewalk and practically run to the car, I can’t tell who is shaking worse, me or Nora.
“She did what?” Darius howls as I fill him in on our encounter with Peggy Beaumont.
The whiskey sour Casey brought me no more than two minutes ago is already empty. Nora being the sweet creature she is, is already flagging down our friend and waving both empty glasses around.
Darius rocks back in his chair shaking his head. The beads in his hair clink as the braids sway together.
“You should have seen Nora, Dar,” I sigh and grab Nora’s hand, pulling it into my lap.
“She got up on that steed didn’t she?” Darius gives Nora a rueful grin and winks at her. “That’s the Nora I know.”
“Twice today,” I inform him and then lean over and peck my knight on the cheek.
My kouzin’s head cocks to the side and I explain, “You know about Logan, but when we get to the station, Dan rips us a new one. At first Barrett stepped up and defended the decisions made amongst the four of us, but Dan wanted me to stay back.”
“Asshole,” Nora grouses from next to me.
I roll my eyes and carry on, “So he tells everyone to go, but Lancelot here had another idea. She pretty much told him to keep his mouth shut and if he didn’t quit acting like a horse’s ass she’d shut it for him.”
“You threatened your boss?” Darius whistles. “That’s not brave, Nora, that’s foolish.” He wags a finger at her.
“Nora? Foolish?” Casey questions as she sets down a tray full of fresh drinks. “I’ve known this of her for years. Foolish is her natural state.” The bartender pokes her tongue between her lips and sends us a grin.
“Ya’ll can…”
“Nora,” I warn her off. She huffs but decides to keep her mouth shut. “Cas, you going to sit a spell?” I really would like to sit down with her and find out if she’s okay.
She pulls out a chair, one that was vacated by Chris, and picks up her beer. “I’m done for the night. So what did Dan do?”
“Desk duty,” Nora grumbles and takes a long drink from her rum and coke.
“No way?” Casey and Darius say at the same time.
“He called me an over protective bitch,” she growls.
“You called him an asshole,” I remind her gently.
Her lips purse, but she keeps quiet as the D.J. queues another song. I hear Chris whoop and look to the dance floor. He and Patrick are rubbing together looking like they’ve been coming here for years. I shake my head and go back to the conversation at the table.
“Whatever,” Nora finally says, “as if that was just the icing on the fucking shit cake we’ve had today.”
I nod. “True.”
“There’s more?” Darius presses us.
“Bad day?” Casey leans forward and rests her forearms on the table to hear the conversation better.
Nora shrugs at me and I take that as the go ahead. “We were called out to a scene at five this morning. The victim was an old friend. Then we had our run in with Dan after we finished telling my other friend that her husband was murdered. We can add a scoop of our new partners betting on whether Nora and I are an item…”
“Wait,” Casey, interrupts me, “what?”
“We got split up and are working with two other detectives. They had a personal wager that Nikki and I are together,” Nora answers her, dropping her head into her hands.
“They cool?” Darius speaks up now, concern creasing his brow.
I nod, “If that didn’t beat all, Jen stopped by, pissed Nora off. We got to end our day with my aunt being a complete and utter bitch,” I say sourly. I still can’t believe she…I had it out with my father on our way over here. He said he’d sort it out, but right now…
I’m not even close to being interested in what apology Peggy Beaumont can offer Nora. Her opinion of me…well, that was tarnished when I joined the force. It was near shot to hell when I came out her.
“Jesus, NIk,” Casey reaches over and takes the hand that was wrapped around my glass, “I’m sorry, babe. You need anything?”
“The drinks are plenty enough, Cas. Thanks,” I say and give her hand a squeeze. “What about you, you okay?”
She nods. “An old high school friend overdosed. His family is worthless so me and our other two girl friends from high school took care of everything.”
“Awe, cher,” Darius offers his support and squeezes her shoulder.
Casey just shrugs it off. “You all can be sympathetic when I’m done being pissed at him.” We all nod and she asks, “I got the skinny from you two, but what have you been up to Darius?”
“Runnin’ around like a fool,” he answers. “There was some drama at a youth center and I’ve been in and out of court acting as a guardian for one of the kids until they get his living situation straightened out.”
“Bad?” Casey asks and sips her beer.
“Mom tweeks, dad hits the pipe…it’s not good,” he explains.
Darius’ eyes turn to the two approaching us and I can hear Chris singing along to the song, “We can head to the crib in a lil bit, I can show ya how I live in a lil bit, I wanna unbutton your pants just a lil bit, Take 'em off and pull 'em down just a lil bit, Get to kissin' and touchin' a lil bit, Get to lickin' and -- a lil bit…” The shorter man grinds his bottom into Patrick and laces their hands together in front of his neck. He continues to put on a show using his behind to rock Patrick back and forth in front of the table, “Baby you got me feelin' right, my mama gone, you can spend the night, I ain't playin', I'ma tryna fuck tonight. Clothes off, face down, ass up, c'mon!”
We all crack up, but Patrick just rolls his eyes at his partner’s antics.
They’re both shiny from their stint on the dance floor, but given the day, I’ll take genuine happiness where I can get it. They look genuinely happy.
“Nik?” Darius calls out to me. He doesn’t say anything more, just levels me with one of his inscrutable looks.
“Too much to process today. When I hit it, if Nora’s not around you know…” I stop there. He knows me.
Dipping his chin, the corner of his mouth quirks up slightly before dropping back down. He turns his gaze towards Pat and Chris. “What you know about Fifty Cent?” his eyebrows dance as he questions Chris’ musical knowledge.
Chris leans back in his chair and downs a few gulps of water before he answers, “I was on that cut during the final production stages.” He winks at Darius and amends, “The album’ll be released next month.”
“Cool, didn’t peg you for a rap, hip-hop guy,” Darius nods his approval. “Some of it’s all right…I wish they’d get off the bling and car tip, but…”
“I know, it’s an issue. Rap and hip-hop, the way it started…ya know a lot like the punk movement or even earlier the rock and roll innovations in the fifties, but like everything…” Chris holds his hands up.
“People wanna make that chedda and we all get screwed,” Darius finishes up.
“Woah,” Casey interrupts, “we all get screwed? I call bullshit. The reason they make that shit is because people buy it. If the dumb asses would quit thinking that’s actually how life is and stop buying the over produced tripe,” she cuts a look to Chris and amends, “No offense, but record labels would push for more honest representations from their artists.”
Chris chuckles around the bottle of water. “You actually have a point, but…since Sony pays my bills, I’m just gonna smile and shut up.”
I feel Nora shift beside me. Looking over, her phone’s to her ear and she answers, “Delaney…yeah…we’ll be right there.”
That’s our cue.
I look to Darius for help. He waves his hand and says, “You two go rescue kittens and shit. I’ll handle these two.”
I lean over the table and kiss him on the cheek. “Love you.”
“Me too, kouz’. Be careful,” he whispers against my cheek. I nod and feel Nora tug on my belt loop.
We wave goodbye to our table and I ask on our way out, “What’s going on?”
“Barrett and Armstrong have a suspect in the box,” she states breaking into a light jog towards the car.
“Run us through,” Nora demands before I’m even through the door of the observation room.
On the monitor, Benny sits across from a woman, maybe early forties, on the smaller side, but she’s got that look about her…washed out eyes and hair. Barely a spark behind the light grey eyes. Her and Benny are just staring at each other.
Dom’s arms are crossed over his chest and he’s glaring at the monitor. Without looking up, he answers Nora’s demand, “We went to see Tia Walker before we were supposed to go home. Tia gave us some background on why Logan’s interest shifted. Apparently, last year, Logan and Tia were out at the movies and they met our suspect, Mrs. Debbie Banks. She was out panhandling, had a kid with her. Logan and Tia started talking to her and Logan directed her to a shelter. Since then, Logan’s been trying to do something for women like her.”
Dom shifts his weight from foot to foot, but his eyes don’t waver from the screen. “So fast forward some months and here we are. Benny was smart and asked Mrs. Walker about the number from the throw away cell, she recognized it right away. So we swung by the place the Walker’s helped Sullivan get. She tried to rabbit as soon as she saw the badge.” He shakes his head and spits, “She ain’t even had the damn balls to deny our accusation. We were gonna make her sweat it out overnight, but…we thought you’d two want in on this.”
“Thanks, Barrett,” Nora and I say at the same time.
Our eyes shift to the monitor and Dom reaches down, flicking the switch for the sound on in the room next to us.
“Mrs. Sullivan,” Benny starts out, “I’m Det. Benjamin Armstrong. Do you know why you’re here?”
She nods but remains silent. Her head droops; her hair falls and obscures her face.
“Do you know Logan Walker?” Benny asks, leaning forward, his hands clasped in front of him.
“Yeah,” her voice is quiet, but raspy.
“Did you meet with Mr. Walker at his offices last night at approximately ten-forty-five?” he prods. Benny’s demeanor is interesting. He’s going at her as non-aggressively as possible. Soft tones, non-threatening body posture and gestures. If she ran from them, he knows we have her locked down.
“Did you guys search the house?” I ask quietly.
“We’ll do that tomorrow. I wasn’t gonna wake an A.D.A. and a judge for a near non-necessary warrant.
We have her. We Mirandized her. She hasn’t asked for shit.”
“Would you like to tell me what happened between you and Mr. Walker?” Benny’s voice is nearly soothing. It’s a stark contrast to the man I know.
“I didn’t mean too,” Sullivan whispers.
“Didn’t mean to what, Debbie?” Benny backs off and leans back in his chair.
“I, uh, I went to see him, needed some help with rent.” She swallows and continues. “I didn’t mean nothin’ … he just…he didn’t do nothin’, I just…all I saw was Wayne coming at me when Logan turned around to give me a check…” She licks her lips and shakes her head. Tears begin tracking down her cheeks. “Next thing I know, his blood’s all over my hands and I’m straddlin’ his waist…” Her cuffed hands come up and cover her face.
Benny’s jaw muscles bunch then smooth out a few times before he asks, “Who is Wayne?”
It takes Sullivan a few minutes for her to pull herself together to answer the question, “My husband.”
“Where is Wayne, Debbie?”
She shakes her head; her thin lips disappear as she presses them together.
Benny leans forward and opens up a blue folder. He slides a glossy print in front of Debbie and taps the top right corner. “That’s Wayne isn’t it?”
She stares down at the crime scene photo. A young Caucasian man lies face down in a pool of blood. A large circle of blood mars the white tank top he has on. The spot that’s bloody is nearly the same spot Logan was stabbed.
Debbie Sullivan nods.
“Do you want to talk about that?” Benny questions as he gathers the photo and slips it back in the folder.
The woman shakes her head. “I didn’t mean none of it, honest.”
Benny shakes his head and replies, “Don’t really matter. If you did to Wayne what you did to Logan…”
She licks her lips and cries, “I want a lawyer.”
That signals the end of the interview. Benny simply dips his chin and adds, “We’ll have one for you first thing tomorrow. I’ll have an officer escort you back to your cell.”
She leans forward and rests her forehead on the edge of the table while Benny gathers his paperwork and folders. I watch her shoulders gently shake while Benny walks out and joins us in the observation room.
“Hey ladies,” he greets us, “Whaddya think?”
I shake my head, not able to really…
“I think the A.D.A.’s gonna have a bitch of a time with this case,” Nora answers. “I think a good guy paid for the sins of a man that ruined her life.”
Benny and Dom nod their heads in agreement.
“I’m going to have a uni escort her down to holding. We’ll regroup tomorrow morning, have a court appointed come in and talk to her, run everything by our guy and see what they want,” Dom decides.
“We should toss her house tomorrow,” Benny suggests.
“We’ll handle the search warrant,” Nora answers for both of us.
They bob their heads and Dom yawns. He scratches his stomach through the grey dress shirt he has on.
“I need to get home. My wife’s gonna have my hide if I don’t get home soon. We good?”
I nod and Nora and I head for the door. Stopping short of the hallway, I turn around and say, “Thank you.”
Benny winks at me and Dom shrugs, answering, “We did our jobs. No thanks for that Beaumont.” He grins at me and gives me his own wink. “’Sides, you and Delaney are gonna do the bulk of the paperwork. I should be thankin’ you.”
I chuckle at his assumption, turn around and follow Nora out to the car. A glance at my watch tells me it’s a little after midnight. Christ, it’s been a long day. Nora is standing by Frankie, the passenger door is open and she’s waiting next to it to usher me in. Offering her a tired smile, I slip into my spot and watch her shut the door then run around to the driver’s side to get in.
“They got her,” she says as she turns Frankie over.
I nod, but still can’t really manage to say anything. I lean back and rest my head along the top edge of the seat. I feel the tears slip down, hot and annoying, at the same time I feel Nora’s hand snake around my waist and slide me over to rest flush against her right side to bury my head in her neck.
Next>>>
Story: Roll Away Your Stone
Chapter: Marking Territory
Rating: R
Pairing: Nikki/Nora
Disclaimer/Details of Participation/Terms & Conditions: Not mine, no monies are being made and if I were to bill the owners my hourly rate...well...you get the idea. Oh, yeah, since like ch. 6 this has been unbeta'd...epp! All missing words and misspellings...are my dog's fault. =0)
A/N: I’m not sure what to say about this chapter…so, I’ll leave you to it. Take care everyone.
Ch. 17 - Marking Territory
Sometimes, I think family should come with an editing feature. I love my Aunt Peggy; I do, but some days…
I swear the woman lacks the sense God gave a gnat.
Nora and I have been sitting here listening to her drone on and on about the garden she’s designing for a local hospital, the name escapes me, for the past half hour. While it’s all well and good that she feels like she’s contributing to the betterment of society with roses and tulips, we have a murder to solve.
Nora sits to my left on the couch in the drawing room, but I think my lover’s gone comatose. Her green eyes are looking towards my aunt, but they have this glassy quality that looks suspiciously like what happens when I start talking clothes.
I do draw a breath when I feel her hand settle on top of my thigh.
“…and I just told Linn that if she was going to insist on the stone walkway we were not going to be able to afford the bird baths that Cheryl had picked out,” my aunt buzzes on, “And do you know what she said to me?” Aunt Peggy’s voice climbs a little higher and I suppress the wince.
“She said,” the woman continues, apparently not caring if we want to take a guess at what Linn said, “that if I hadn’t insisted on the Spirea or the Hydrangea that there would be plenty in the budget.” She clucks her tongue and then finally draws this little story to a close, “Well, I said it was a garden and what garden is complete without some Spirea or Hydrangea? None, that’s what.”
“Hmm-uh, I completely agree,” I say automatically.
This causes my aunt to reach out and pat my knee. Her eyes scan my forehead and scalp, pursing her lips the longer she looks. “You know Nikki dear, I know a fantastic plastic surgeon. Why don’t I set you up an appointment for later this week? I’m sure he’ll be able to take care of those for you.”
Nora’s grip tightens on my thigh and I quickly cover her hand with mine while I answer, “You know Aunt Peggy, these aren’t so bad. My hair’s already growing back and the scrapes will fade.”
“Well, yes dear, but it’s so unbecoming that a lady of your stature should be forced to walk around with such a blemish,” my aunt objects as my teeth grind together.
“Please Aunt Peggy, Nora and I do have a bit more to do before we can call it a day,” I say ignoring the comment. “We’ve been up since early this morning and we have to meet Darius and Nora’s brother for dinner in an hour.”
“Darius?” she questions, “The colored man with the nose ring?”
“That would be him,” I answer. “So can you tell me what you know of Logan’s big project? How did it start and did he tell you why he was so intent on the idea?”
“Nikki,” my aunt’s eyes skirt to Nora briefly before focusing back on me, “I understand you feel this need to sow those wild Beaumont oats, but don’t you think that it’s time to grow up a little and renew your associations with your peers?”
My mouth opens and closes for a few seconds before I recover. What is it about today? First Logan, then Dan, then Jen and now her? Did I piss someone off that I’m not aware of?
“I am her peer,” Nora grits out as her eyes narrow.
My aunt offers Nora a dismissive laugh and waves her hand. “I hardly think that working with her and sharing a bed with her gives you the right to call my niece a peer. I’m sure you are not without your charms, detective, but my Nikki will require more as she gets older. It doesn’t appear to me that you are capable to offer that to her.”
When did this turn into this?
“I think that’s enough,” I say and stand, pulling Nora up with me. Aunt Peggy scrambles to her feet and without letting Nora’s hand go, I step into her personal space. I’m not one to be so…forceful, especially with my aunt…
She did, however, cross this line first.
“If I may speak for myself here,” I hiss, “I’m not entirely sure what has gotten into you today, but until you can apologize to my partner we have nothing to discuss. What I need is her,” I raise our interlocked hands up to Peggy’s eye level. “She provides me far more than I need and she will continue to do so regardless of what you may think of it.” Dropping our hands, I lean in further and ask, “Do you have anything to add about Logan and the Renaissance House?”
“You will not take that tone with me, young lady. After everything that’s happened, you would think you young ones would understand, mixing with people not at your level will inevitably get you hurt or worse, killed. If you’re so intrigued with Logan and his pet project, I suggest talking to that woman he married,” she states coolly. “Your lifestyle choices Nicollette are going to get you killed. You can’t expect your family to stand by and watch you throw away your heritage. I’ve been telling that father of yours for years that he should make you quit. What drove you to join the police I will never know…” she trails off and shakes her head. “You are a Beaumont and a Tilton and that requires a certain level of responsibility. It’s high time we quit coddling you and force you to remove yourself from amongst the filth Arthur’s allowed you to wallow in.”
My retort isn’t even formed as Nora steps between the two of us. For the second time that day she puts herself on the line for me, “Listen Peggy, I could care less what you think of me, but I swear to God if I ever hear you talk to Nikki that way again, I will provide you with a first class ticket to the emergency room free of charge.”
“Call your junk yard dog off Nicollette. She does not want to get on my bad side,” my aunt warns.
“Lady, I could give a shit less; you’re already on mine,” Nora growls.
Finally catching up to what’s going on, I yank Nora back and spit at my aunt’s feet, “Allez en enfer! Family or not, you can take the silicone spread around your body, Peggy Beaumont, and…” I stop unable to say what I really want …I can’t make the words form…
I do the next best thing though.
I leave the woman no time to respond as I drag Nora away and out of the house. As I hit the sidewalk and practically run to the car, I can’t tell who is shaking worse, me or Nora.
“She did what?” Darius howls as I fill him in on our encounter with Peggy Beaumont.
The whiskey sour Casey brought me no more than two minutes ago is already empty. Nora being the sweet creature she is, is already flagging down our friend and waving both empty glasses around.
Darius rocks back in his chair shaking his head. The beads in his hair clink as the braids sway together.
“You should have seen Nora, Dar,” I sigh and grab Nora’s hand, pulling it into my lap.
“She got up on that steed didn’t she?” Darius gives Nora a rueful grin and winks at her. “That’s the Nora I know.”
“Twice today,” I inform him and then lean over and peck my knight on the cheek.
My kouzin’s head cocks to the side and I explain, “You know about Logan, but when we get to the station, Dan rips us a new one. At first Barrett stepped up and defended the decisions made amongst the four of us, but Dan wanted me to stay back.”
“Asshole,” Nora grouses from next to me.
I roll my eyes and carry on, “So he tells everyone to go, but Lancelot here had another idea. She pretty much told him to keep his mouth shut and if he didn’t quit acting like a horse’s ass she’d shut it for him.”
“You threatened your boss?” Darius whistles. “That’s not brave, Nora, that’s foolish.” He wags a finger at her.
“Nora? Foolish?” Casey questions as she sets down a tray full of fresh drinks. “I’ve known this of her for years. Foolish is her natural state.” The bartender pokes her tongue between her lips and sends us a grin.
“Ya’ll can…”
“Nora,” I warn her off. She huffs but decides to keep her mouth shut. “Cas, you going to sit a spell?” I really would like to sit down with her and find out if she’s okay.
She pulls out a chair, one that was vacated by Chris, and picks up her beer. “I’m done for the night. So what did Dan do?”
“Desk duty,” Nora grumbles and takes a long drink from her rum and coke.
“No way?” Casey and Darius say at the same time.
“He called me an over protective bitch,” she growls.
“You called him an asshole,” I remind her gently.
Her lips purse, but she keeps quiet as the D.J. queues another song. I hear Chris whoop and look to the dance floor. He and Patrick are rubbing together looking like they’ve been coming here for years. I shake my head and go back to the conversation at the table.
“Whatever,” Nora finally says, “as if that was just the icing on the fucking shit cake we’ve had today.”
I nod. “True.”
“There’s more?” Darius presses us.
“Bad day?” Casey leans forward and rests her forearms on the table to hear the conversation better.
Nora shrugs at me and I take that as the go ahead. “We were called out to a scene at five this morning. The victim was an old friend. Then we had our run in with Dan after we finished telling my other friend that her husband was murdered. We can add a scoop of our new partners betting on whether Nora and I are an item…”
“Wait,” Casey, interrupts me, “what?”
“We got split up and are working with two other detectives. They had a personal wager that Nikki and I are together,” Nora answers her, dropping her head into her hands.
“They cool?” Darius speaks up now, concern creasing his brow.
I nod, “If that didn’t beat all, Jen stopped by, pissed Nora off. We got to end our day with my aunt being a complete and utter bitch,” I say sourly. I still can’t believe she…I had it out with my father on our way over here. He said he’d sort it out, but right now…
I’m not even close to being interested in what apology Peggy Beaumont can offer Nora. Her opinion of me…well, that was tarnished when I joined the force. It was near shot to hell when I came out her.
“Jesus, NIk,” Casey reaches over and takes the hand that was wrapped around my glass, “I’m sorry, babe. You need anything?”
“The drinks are plenty enough, Cas. Thanks,” I say and give her hand a squeeze. “What about you, you okay?”
She nods. “An old high school friend overdosed. His family is worthless so me and our other two girl friends from high school took care of everything.”
“Awe, cher,” Darius offers his support and squeezes her shoulder.
Casey just shrugs it off. “You all can be sympathetic when I’m done being pissed at him.” We all nod and she asks, “I got the skinny from you two, but what have you been up to Darius?”
“Runnin’ around like a fool,” he answers. “There was some drama at a youth center and I’ve been in and out of court acting as a guardian for one of the kids until they get his living situation straightened out.”
“Bad?” Casey asks and sips her beer.
“Mom tweeks, dad hits the pipe…it’s not good,” he explains.
Darius’ eyes turn to the two approaching us and I can hear Chris singing along to the song, “We can head to the crib in a lil bit, I can show ya how I live in a lil bit, I wanna unbutton your pants just a lil bit, Take 'em off and pull 'em down just a lil bit, Get to kissin' and touchin' a lil bit, Get to lickin' and -- a lil bit…” The shorter man grinds his bottom into Patrick and laces their hands together in front of his neck. He continues to put on a show using his behind to rock Patrick back and forth in front of the table, “Baby you got me feelin' right, my mama gone, you can spend the night, I ain't playin', I'ma tryna fuck tonight. Clothes off, face down, ass up, c'mon!”
We all crack up, but Patrick just rolls his eyes at his partner’s antics.
They’re both shiny from their stint on the dance floor, but given the day, I’ll take genuine happiness where I can get it. They look genuinely happy.
“Nik?” Darius calls out to me. He doesn’t say anything more, just levels me with one of his inscrutable looks.
“Too much to process today. When I hit it, if Nora’s not around you know…” I stop there. He knows me.
Dipping his chin, the corner of his mouth quirks up slightly before dropping back down. He turns his gaze towards Pat and Chris. “What you know about Fifty Cent?” his eyebrows dance as he questions Chris’ musical knowledge.
Chris leans back in his chair and downs a few gulps of water before he answers, “I was on that cut during the final production stages.” He winks at Darius and amends, “The album’ll be released next month.”
“Cool, didn’t peg you for a rap, hip-hop guy,” Darius nods his approval. “Some of it’s all right…I wish they’d get off the bling and car tip, but…”
“I know, it’s an issue. Rap and hip-hop, the way it started…ya know a lot like the punk movement or even earlier the rock and roll innovations in the fifties, but like everything…” Chris holds his hands up.
“People wanna make that chedda and we all get screwed,” Darius finishes up.
“Woah,” Casey interrupts, “we all get screwed? I call bullshit. The reason they make that shit is because people buy it. If the dumb asses would quit thinking that’s actually how life is and stop buying the over produced tripe,” she cuts a look to Chris and amends, “No offense, but record labels would push for more honest representations from their artists.”
Chris chuckles around the bottle of water. “You actually have a point, but…since Sony pays my bills, I’m just gonna smile and shut up.”
I feel Nora shift beside me. Looking over, her phone’s to her ear and she answers, “Delaney…yeah…we’ll be right there.”
That’s our cue.
I look to Darius for help. He waves his hand and says, “You two go rescue kittens and shit. I’ll handle these two.”
I lean over the table and kiss him on the cheek. “Love you.”
“Me too, kouz’. Be careful,” he whispers against my cheek. I nod and feel Nora tug on my belt loop.
We wave goodbye to our table and I ask on our way out, “What’s going on?”
“Barrett and Armstrong have a suspect in the box,” she states breaking into a light jog towards the car.
“Run us through,” Nora demands before I’m even through the door of the observation room.
On the monitor, Benny sits across from a woman, maybe early forties, on the smaller side, but she’s got that look about her…washed out eyes and hair. Barely a spark behind the light grey eyes. Her and Benny are just staring at each other.
Dom’s arms are crossed over his chest and he’s glaring at the monitor. Without looking up, he answers Nora’s demand, “We went to see Tia Walker before we were supposed to go home. Tia gave us some background on why Logan’s interest shifted. Apparently, last year, Logan and Tia were out at the movies and they met our suspect, Mrs. Debbie Banks. She was out panhandling, had a kid with her. Logan and Tia started talking to her and Logan directed her to a shelter. Since then, Logan’s been trying to do something for women like her.”
Dom shifts his weight from foot to foot, but his eyes don’t waver from the screen. “So fast forward some months and here we are. Benny was smart and asked Mrs. Walker about the number from the throw away cell, she recognized it right away. So we swung by the place the Walker’s helped Sullivan get. She tried to rabbit as soon as she saw the badge.” He shakes his head and spits, “She ain’t even had the damn balls to deny our accusation. We were gonna make her sweat it out overnight, but…we thought you’d two want in on this.”
“Thanks, Barrett,” Nora and I say at the same time.
Our eyes shift to the monitor and Dom reaches down, flicking the switch for the sound on in the room next to us.
“Mrs. Sullivan,” Benny starts out, “I’m Det. Benjamin Armstrong. Do you know why you’re here?”
She nods but remains silent. Her head droops; her hair falls and obscures her face.
“Do you know Logan Walker?” Benny asks, leaning forward, his hands clasped in front of him.
“Yeah,” her voice is quiet, but raspy.
“Did you meet with Mr. Walker at his offices last night at approximately ten-forty-five?” he prods. Benny’s demeanor is interesting. He’s going at her as non-aggressively as possible. Soft tones, non-threatening body posture and gestures. If she ran from them, he knows we have her locked down.
“Did you guys search the house?” I ask quietly.
“We’ll do that tomorrow. I wasn’t gonna wake an A.D.A. and a judge for a near non-necessary warrant.
We have her. We Mirandized her. She hasn’t asked for shit.”
“Would you like to tell me what happened between you and Mr. Walker?” Benny’s voice is nearly soothing. It’s a stark contrast to the man I know.
“I didn’t mean too,” Sullivan whispers.
“Didn’t mean to what, Debbie?” Benny backs off and leans back in his chair.
“I, uh, I went to see him, needed some help with rent.” She swallows and continues. “I didn’t mean nothin’ … he just…he didn’t do nothin’, I just…all I saw was Wayne coming at me when Logan turned around to give me a check…” She licks her lips and shakes her head. Tears begin tracking down her cheeks. “Next thing I know, his blood’s all over my hands and I’m straddlin’ his waist…” Her cuffed hands come up and cover her face.
Benny’s jaw muscles bunch then smooth out a few times before he asks, “Who is Wayne?”
It takes Sullivan a few minutes for her to pull herself together to answer the question, “My husband.”
“Where is Wayne, Debbie?”
She shakes her head; her thin lips disappear as she presses them together.
Benny leans forward and opens up a blue folder. He slides a glossy print in front of Debbie and taps the top right corner. “That’s Wayne isn’t it?”
She stares down at the crime scene photo. A young Caucasian man lies face down in a pool of blood. A large circle of blood mars the white tank top he has on. The spot that’s bloody is nearly the same spot Logan was stabbed.
Debbie Sullivan nods.
“Do you want to talk about that?” Benny questions as he gathers the photo and slips it back in the folder.
The woman shakes her head. “I didn’t mean none of it, honest.”
Benny shakes his head and replies, “Don’t really matter. If you did to Wayne what you did to Logan…”
She licks her lips and cries, “I want a lawyer.”
That signals the end of the interview. Benny simply dips his chin and adds, “We’ll have one for you first thing tomorrow. I’ll have an officer escort you back to your cell.”
She leans forward and rests her forehead on the edge of the table while Benny gathers his paperwork and folders. I watch her shoulders gently shake while Benny walks out and joins us in the observation room.
“Hey ladies,” he greets us, “Whaddya think?”
I shake my head, not able to really…
“I think the A.D.A.’s gonna have a bitch of a time with this case,” Nora answers. “I think a good guy paid for the sins of a man that ruined her life.”
Benny and Dom nod their heads in agreement.
“I’m going to have a uni escort her down to holding. We’ll regroup tomorrow morning, have a court appointed come in and talk to her, run everything by our guy and see what they want,” Dom decides.
“We should toss her house tomorrow,” Benny suggests.
“We’ll handle the search warrant,” Nora answers for both of us.
They bob their heads and Dom yawns. He scratches his stomach through the grey dress shirt he has on.
“I need to get home. My wife’s gonna have my hide if I don’t get home soon. We good?”
I nod and Nora and I head for the door. Stopping short of the hallway, I turn around and say, “Thank you.”
Benny winks at me and Dom shrugs, answering, “We did our jobs. No thanks for that Beaumont.” He grins at me and gives me his own wink. “’Sides, you and Delaney are gonna do the bulk of the paperwork. I should be thankin’ you.”
I chuckle at his assumption, turn around and follow Nora out to the car. A glance at my watch tells me it’s a little after midnight. Christ, it’s been a long day. Nora is standing by Frankie, the passenger door is open and she’s waiting next to it to usher me in. Offering her a tired smile, I slip into my spot and watch her shut the door then run around to the driver’s side to get in.
“They got her,” she says as she turns Frankie over.
I nod, but still can’t really manage to say anything. I lean back and rest my head along the top edge of the seat. I feel the tears slip down, hot and annoying, at the same time I feel Nora’s hand snake around my waist and slide me over to rest flush against her right side to bury my head in her neck.
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