Diana (7 page)

"That's such bull, man. You don't just kill someone because the lines are long. What kind of idiot thinks like that? Go take a walk, loser,” the cashier yelled at the man who had spoken earlier.

The killer instantly felt compelled to back up the patron's comments. She was the loser. He owed the patron nothing, had no idea who the guy was who suggested that a patron was responsible for Barbara's death, yet this man supported him. The man was right on target, and had probably thought about killing one of the cashier's himself but didn't have enough guts.

He had enough guts, though. Now, he needed to figure out how to get the word out about Barbara and the other lowlifes of society.

He needed to do something more intense this time. He had to admit he was filled with anticipation, never expecting to feel so rewarded from taking another human being's life. He wasn't this satisfied in his job anymore or in anything. The thought, and the immense control he'd experienced as he ended the cashier's life was...

He didn't know how to describe it.

He'd been down and unable to find anything worthwhile in life. His job used to have so much more meaning. He didn't remember the last time he couldn't wait to get there, to experience the unexpected events of the day with such purpose and pride. Where did that pride, that respect and adoration for what he did for a living, disappear to?

He shook the thoughts from his head, knowing he had to get ready to leave for that job and in less than thirty minutes.

Then the ideas and fantasies began to emerge inside his mind. Thoughts of power, control, and fulfillment that his recent experience evoked. He was in charge now, not the lowlifes of society, the welfare losers, junkies, and incompetent workers and criminals. He was number one and held their fate in the palm of his hand.

He looked down at his hands, fascinated and lost in the meaning of his thoughts and words.

Hands that had wasted so much time doing such meaningless work. It was over. There was no turning back now, and he was thrilled to his core about it.

The bright orange and red flashes brought his attention back to the screen. The flashing pictures of flames and injured victims from a house fire held his full attention. The coverage continued for many minutes as he watched the clock, noting the airtime. The investigators stated the fire was suspicious, and they would be certain to capture the one responsible.

He laughed at the pompous fire chief and his vow, then glanced at the clock again. If he didn't get a move on it, he would surely be late for work. In his head, he planned his next moves. He knew he shouldn't be in such a rush, but it was so difficult to wait.

The power and control he felt was addictive, to say the least. He now had a better understanding of the thought process of killers he'd only read about. He grabbed his things and headed out the door to work.

Diana sat in the passenger's seat of the unmarked police car, waiting for Jerry to return with coffee. They'd just picked up the full report from the medical examiner's office and were headed back to the precinct. They needed the coffee this morning, especially her. She flipped open her cell phone, recalling it vibrated multiple times while they were in the ME's office.

Her dad called, as well as her brother Brian.

"Call Daddy,” Diana said, using the voice activator on her cell phone to place the call. The phone connected her and began ringing.

"Hello."

"Hello, Daddy. What's going on?"

"Oh, just checking in on you. Where ya at?"

"Just finished with the ME's office. Jerry's getting us some coffee before we head back to the precinct. Do you need something?"

"Yes, I was just wondering if you would do me a huge favor on Saturday."

"What's the favor?” She didn't hide the sarcasm in her voice. If her dad was asking for a favor, then it was something she wasn't going to be too happy about.

"I'm going to the baseball game on Saturday with some friends. I got these tickets months ago, and now your mom was invited to some party."

"Are the seats good? I'll use your ticket. Who's going?"

"Hold on there. I didn't say anything about giving up my front row ticket. Your mom's car is in the shop and my Expedition holds more people, so I need to take it. Can you give her a ride to the party? Her friend Julie will give her a ride home."

Diana sighed and laughed. She should've known better than to think her dad would give up front row seats to the Yankees.

"What time does she need me to pick her up?"

"The party starts at 2:00 p.m."

"No problem. I'll be there by 1:30 p.m."

"Thanks. So how is the arm?"

"Fine. It's practically 100 percent."

"Sure it is. Be careful out there. I'll talk to you later."

"Later, Dad."

She noticed Jerry heading out of the deli and toward her car. That funny feeling crept into her belly again. Their relationship as partners was under some serious stress and scrutiny right now. The conversation with Commander Fontella made it worse.

She didn't like it one bit and wondered how she should approach Jerry about it. She didn't want to upset him or make him feel like he was being watched, but he was. Something just wasn't right about him lately.

Maybe the job was getting to him.

Shit, it got to her all the time, but she still did her job and no one ever questioned her capabilities or effort.

Now, she questioned her partner's dedication to the job, and more importantly, so was their commander.

"Hey, ya catch up on your social calls?” Jerry teased, as he passed Diana her foam cup of coffee.

"Not barely. I was just talking to my dad. My mom needs a ride Saturday."

"Is he going to the game?"

"How did you know?"

"I bumped into your cousin Don and he mentioned the game."

"Where did you see him?"

"The uniform supply store. I needed some things.” Jerry started the ignition and they headed back to the precinct.

Diana called Brian on the way. He was checking on her arm and showing concern for her well-being. She sighed. As annoying as it was sometimes, she would be insulted if her family didn't show concern.

They were extremely close, including the extended family. There was no doubt in her mind they would support her, or stand behind her, in any given situation.

Luke entered the hotel's main entrance, then slowly walked toward the private party area and outside gardens. He had a hell of a night last night, little sleep, and his belly was filled with caffeine. A terrible combination and he was in a horrible mood. He knew that, but the damn nightmares from the fire, and his mother's voice in his dreams, did a number on him.

Luke loved his mother dearly, and as annoyed as he was for giving in to attending his aunt's party, he was grateful his mom still had a positive influence on him. She may be dead and buried, but her spirit obviously was alive and well. He could already feel the heavy weight of guilt on his chest minimizing with each step he took in the direction of his Aunt Jane.

He constantly reminded himself he was a better person for this, and that maybe his dad wasn't so bad, and wasn't some womanizing, self-centered jerk after all.

He glanced around the gardens and the large group of people laughing, talking, and having a good time. He recognized a lot of them, including his Aunt Jane.

The woman looked absolutely the same as he remembered. She was stern-looking, in charge, distinguished, yet approachable. She received hugs and kisses hello from numerous attendees, while his father stood beside her.

Luke approached the family, which was more of a technical term as far as he was concerned. His family hadn't been complete for years, and he used the term lightly and without emotion.

His aunt caught sight of him and placed her hand over her chest in shock. Before he could stop her, Aunt Jane embraced him. For an instant, it was as if his soul leaped.

He submerged the feelings and forced a small smile. “Aunt Jane, thank you for inviting me."

"Oh, Luke, I'm so happy. I'm just so happy to see you here.” She embraced him again and began to cry.

The uneasy feeling crept into his insides, along with guilt over family and death. The emotions felt strong and overwhelming.

"I can't stay long. I have a heavy caseload and no time for personal stuff,” he said with a bit too much of an attitude. The caffeine he'd consumed raced through his veins and had a serious effect on his tone and body language.

His father gazed at him, looking angry.

Luke turned away to look back toward his aunt.

She smiled, folding her hands in front of her. “You're job is extremely important, Luke, and I wouldn't want to interfere in some major fire investigation. Be sure to eat something before you leave. You look tired.” She then greeted other guests as they arrived.

Luke moved to the side, closer toward a set of shrubs that bordered the gardens. He glanced around, noting the professionally landscaped property. There were rose bushes and an abundance of other flowering trees and perennial plantings. In the center of the garden stood a large pond with a waterfall. A few children pointed at different colored fish, as more people approached to get a closer look.

He spoke to a couple of other people he hadn't seen in years, and one annoying old woman who couldn't seem to stop touching his arm or his hands as she spoke with him.

He finally got away from her by stating he needed to use the men's room rather badly. Luke escaped through the crowd of people, grateful to not have to speak with the old woman any longer.

Glancing around him, he then stopped dead in his tracks at the sight before him.

A mix of emotions ran through him. His father caressed the arm of a certain young woman Luke knew. Damn his father!

Diana smiled as she spoke to her commander. She was surprised to find out Paul Fontella was Jane Sipona's brother. Initially, she was annoyed her mom had talked her into attending the party with her, but now that she knew someone, it didn't seem so horrible.

Her commander gave her a kiss on the cheek and complimented her outfit.

"I've never seen you with your hair down, Pellino. You're a knockout,” he teased, then smirked.

Diana smiled back. “Every so often, I let my hair down."

"You should do it more often. It suits you."

"Thank you."

"Paul, there you are. I was looking for you,” a young woman interrupted as she approached them. She stood next to Paul.

Diana recognized the annoyed look on her commander's face. It was obvious, after a few minutes of non-stop talking, the young woman had the hots for her commander, but he didn't share the same feelings.

"This is Diana Pellino. Diana, this is Celia.” Paul took a few steps away from Celia and moved closer to Diana.

"Nice to meet you, Celia.” She couldn't help but feel weary.

"How do you two know one another?” Celia asked Diana.

"We work together."

"Oh. Are you his secretary?"

Diana was insulted, and she had every right to be, but she held her temper.

Paul put his arm around her shoulders and grinned. “Detective Pellino is no secretary. She's one of my top investigators, and the daughter of Vincent Pellino. You remember Vincent, Celia."

Celia's cheeks flushed and she turned away a moment.

Paul caressed Diana's arm as he spoke to Celia. “Apology accepted, right, Diana?"

She smiled, suddenly feeling like an outsider standing in the middle of some coded conversation with hidden meanings. Celia walked away in a huff.

Paul let go of Diana and gazed at her. “Sorry about that. She can be a real pain in the ass."

"I gathered that, sir."

"Please, call me Paul while we're here. We're not at the department. We're at a party.” A breeze caressed her back and lifted her hair forward. The commander touched a lock of her hair. His hand made contact with her cheek.

She had an uneasy feeling, as he gently placed the locks of hair behind her shoulder. Chills ran up her spine. She trembled when a deep voice interrupted the moment, and she sensed a large man behind her.

"I see you haven't changed a bit, Dad."

Paul's facial expression altered, and Diana turned to see who was behind her. She was shocked to see her brother's friend Luke towering over her, appearing angry and confrontational. She found herself admiring his looks and clothing. He fit nicely into the khaki dress pants and a white, button-down dress shirt. The muscles in his neck pulsated.

She had no idea what was happening.

Paul seemed affected by Luke for only a moment. Then, he made introductions.

"Diana, this is my son Luke. Luke, this is—"

"I know who she is. I'm surprised at you, Dad. Well, maybe not surprised because this is just like you. You do realize that you're more than twenty years older than her? You're a jerk!” Luke walked away.

"Luke, wait!” Paul called after his son, then looked at Diana.

"I'm so sorry about that. I hope you're not embarrassed."

She shook her head but was stunned at the event. Did Luke think that she and his father were romantically involved? Suddenly, she had the urge to disappear. This wouldn't go over well at work. The cops lived to gossip about other cops, and she had worked too hard to get to this point in her career. She sure as hell didn't need her fellow detectives thinking she was sleeping with the boss.

"I'd better get going,” she said.

The commander touched her hand to stop her. “I'm sorry. My son and I have a bit of a complicated relationship. He didn't mean what he said."

"Don't worry about it, sir. I'm ... it will all work out. I'd better go say hello to your sister and find my mom."

She walked away, but couldn't help the anger in her. She was annoyed at Luke for assuming she was involved with his father. She was annoyed at Celia for her sexist comment, and she was angry with her commander for placing her in such an awkward position. Most of all, she was angry with herself for allowing her mother to talk her into attending the party with her, when she should've refused and just dropped her mother off.