Tansy Taylor (15 page)

“Yes, it is.” She broke a piece of cookie off and stuck it in her mouth.

“Is there any reason you’d expect the victim to experience car vandalism? Have you noticed anyone making threats to her recently?” His gaze deepened and I could see Callie shrink back into the booth beside me just a bit.

Callie paused and looked down at her hands. “Nope, no reason.”

Detective Smith paused, and then wrote something in his notebook. Damn, I thought, he knows she’s lying.

His eyes narrowed and he cleared his throat. “So you’re saying there’s nothing going on that Tansy is involved in or a person she is involved with, that you would be suspicious of?”

“Um, yes. I’m not aware of anyone that would want to hurt Tansy or her car.” Callie was looking off to the left and had twisted her napkin into a skinny rope.

I hoped maybe it was only obvious to me that she wasn’t being truthful.

“What exactly is the relationship that Tansy has with the gentleman that came to the scene from Mr. Big’s Used Cars?” His brown eyes burrowed into Callie’s, she was a deer caught in the headlights.

“That is not relevant!” I slammed my hand down on the table. “What does my love life have to do with anything?” I saw a hint of red creeping up from underneath the collar of Smith’s pristine white dress shirt. He cleared his throat.

“I just have to make sure all potential leads are followed. He was within the vicinity and could have had access.”

“Why would some guy I haven’t even been out on an official date with yet write a creepy warning on my car and then torch it? I can’t think of one reason, unless he really wanted to drive me on our date tonight, which he isn’t.” I growled. I crossed my arms and huffed up my chest.

“She’s right. I’ve met Sa-Johnny and he’s really nice. Even my Buster said that he was one of the nicest guys.” Callie didn’t realize right away that she had said more than we had agreed to say.

“Now, who’s Buster?”

“Oh, um, he was my fiance.” Her face went white and I reached over and put my arm around her.

“Buster’s been missing for a week. His truck was left over at Big’s, but there’s been no sign of him. We think he’s been killed.” I let it all out in one quick breath.

“So, he’s missing, but you think he’s been killed? Has there been a report filed at all?” Smith quickly went from suspicious to concerned.

Callie nodded. “Yes, but they said since there was no blood or a body that it was simply a missing person case. But I know something happened to him. He wouldn’t just disappear and not say anything.” She grabbed the twisted napkin and dabbed at her eyes.

Detective Smith wrote all of this down in his little notebook and then asked the obvious question.

“Have you two been looking into this on your own?” There was no escaping those penetrating brown eyes. I had a feeling he was really good at his job.

We sat there in silence, which of course was enough of an answer.

“Let’s say that Buster was killed, or at the least, kidnapped. Don’t you think if you are nosing around into his disappearance it might provide a reason for someone to write a threatening message on your car directing you to stop looking into it and then torch your car as an added incentive?” The question dripped with sarcasm; Smith was pissed off.

“Um, maybe?” I answered, meeting his stern stare head on.

He slammed his notebook shut.

“You two need to steer clear of this mess. One guy is missing, a Russian mobster is dead, and your car has been torched. My guess is that you are dealing with some pretty bad people. If I were you I’d take that advice on your car and back off. Leave the investigating to the police.” He was definitely ticked off.

Callie and I both sat there, shrinking back into the squishy booth, like scolded school children.

“Do I have your word you’ll stop your own little investigation and leave this to the professionals?” I thought about Sam, and the fact that he was a professional, and since he was helping us that it was actually like we were leaving it to the professionals even if we did continue looking into it, just not the professionals that Detective Smith was referring to.

“Yes. We’ll leave it to the professionals,” I said solemnly.

Callie nodded gravely.

He looked back and forth at us. “I’m serious, you know that right? Something could happen to you, like going dead or missing yourself. I don’t need you two adding to the already gigantic pile of paperwork I have just from the last two cases. So, keep your noses clean.” He stood and brushed the wrinkles from his slacks and put on his suit coat. He took a card from his pocket and handed it to Callie, it was identical to the one that I had, minus his personal cell number.

“You can call me anytime to check in on the status of Buster’s case, okay?”

Callie took the card and nodded. “Thanks Detective Smith.”

He turned his attention back to me. “I’ll give you a call when I have a completed police report. If you want I can fax it over to your insurance company, if you need me to, otherwise it’ll come in the mail.”

“Thanks that would be great. They said they just needed it to show that the car was indeed totaled.” Unfortunately, I’d dropped down to liability only to save money, I’d have to replace my car on my own. I sighed. Today had been a crappy day.

*****

Detective Smith finally left and I felt like I needed a strong drink, but finished off my diet Coke instead.

“Sorry I spilled the beans about Buster.” Callie was chewing nervously on her lip peering out at me from under her bangs.

I shrugged. “It’s not like he wouldn’t have found out sooner or later there was a connection. Besides, I thought about it and frankly, it’s probably better that the police know there may be something more to this whole thing. Maybe this will light a fire under them in finding out what happened to Buster, you know?”

“Ya, I suppose that is true, which is good. So, I know that we agreed that we would ‘leave it to the professionals’, but that isn’t stopping us from planting those bugs today, right?”

I gave her a wink. “Of course not. Let me help you with this table and then we can head over to Big’s.

We cleaned up and then wandered out to the car. I glanced around casually to make sure that the good detective had in fact vacated the premises. There was no sign of his car. I also noted that it didn’t appear that there were any suspicious vehicles that might be doing surveillance for any bad guys around either.

“So, I figure I’ll just hang out in the car while you go in and plant the bug and pick up Buster’s stuff. They be less suspicious if you’re emotionally fragile and on your own.”

“Don’t worry, that might not be much of a stretch. I’ve been feeling pretty low today and I decided I didn’t want to take any of those anxiety medications the doctor prescribed. I feel like I could crack at any moment. I had to excuse myself at least three times today because different things triggered my memory-a smell, a laugh, a hat. It seems sometimes no matter what I do I am surrounded by reminders. I know I freaked at least one guy out-he ordered a dry Reuben, just like Buster, and I started sobbing right there.” Callie shrugged. “I know it’s going to take a long time, you know. Sometimes it just feels hopeless.” I had no words for her, I knew it was hard.

“Anyway, I definitely should be able to plant one in Big’s office, since that will be where Buster’s stuff is, but I’m also going to try and get one in Ronnie’s office, hopefully on his phone.”

“Okay, but be careful. I have a bad feeling about this.” I shivered.

Callie looked at me for a minute. “A bad psychic feeling or a general bad feeling?” she asked.

“I’m not sure what the difference is-just a bad feeling. It’s probably just nerves or something. Maybe you should take the walkie talkie and leave it on low, just in case you get in trouble, you can beep me and I can come in.” I put my hand over my gut, it was either a bad feeling or a case of indigestion, or both.

“Good idea. I’ll just slip it in my pocket. I was a bit on the nervous side, honestly.” She followed up with a worried chuckle.

I gave her a hug. “You’ll do great. You don’t have to say anything that’s a lie; just stick the bugs in there. Maybe you could ask to use Ronnie’s phone and call me, then stick it on the bottom of the phone or something?” I flipped the walkies on and handed her one.

“Good idea; well, wish me luck.” Her smile came out as more of a tight lipped grimace.

“I’m right here if you need me.” I squeezed her hand and she climbed out of the car.

She glanced back at me. I gave her the thumbs up and said a little prayer.

The minutes seemed to take hours to tick by. I checked the time on my cell phone five times in three minutes. I figured she should be inside by now, maybe even in Big’s office. I turned the volume up on my warlike as high as it could go. I could make out the sound of Callie’s voice, and then a deeper voice, probably Big. It was loud and booming, but I couldn’t make out the words. The fact that the warlike was hidden in her coat pocket was making it sound as though I was listening to people talk while I had my head under water. I didn’t detect any angry tones though, as far as muffled voices went, Big’s sounded loud and cheerful while Callie’s sounded quiet. He was probably trying to be consoling.

Minutes went by and I heard what sounded like a nose being blown. That was good; things were going according to plan, for once. I checked my phone, we were seven minutes in.

Two minutes later my phone rang from an unfamiliar number. It was Callie.

“Hey sis,” she said, sticking with the cover. “Just thought I’d call and let you know I’m on my way. I left my phone at the diner, so I didn’t want you to worry if you couldn’t get a hold of me.” Her voice sounded weak, like she’d been crying.

“You’re doing okay?” I asked, concerned that this was too much for her.

“Yup. Just leaving Mr. Big’s now. I had to get all of Buster’s stuff.” She sniffed into the phone.

“Sure you’re okay? I peered out of the car window; I could see salesmen wandering around the lot, but nothing out of the ordinary. I had a pair of binoculars nearby if I needed them.

“Uh-huh. I’ll grab some on the way home. See ya in a bit,” she finished. The last sentence merely for effect.

I flipped the phone closed and felt a wave of relief. Three minutes later I saw Callie scurry out the doors and head back toward the car. She was carrying a small box, and her eyes were puffy and red.

Callie threw open the door and plopped herself down in driver’s seat; she looked exhausted. I couldn’t help but notice that she appeared to be several shades paler than before she left, and her hands were shaking. She turned to me, eyes shining. “I did it Tansy! I planted the bugs in Big’s office and on Ronnie’s phone.” She sat back in the seat and closed her eyes. “I can’t believe I did it.”

“You did great Callie, Buster would be proud of you; I sure am.” I smiled at her and she grinned back. “For two amateurs we aren’t doing so badly, eh?”

“Ya, but my nerves are shot. I could really use a drink.” We both sat there and laughed until we cried, the stress of the moment bowling both of us over the edge.

Chapter Twelve

I decided that Callie’s hands were still shaking too badly for her to drive me back home, so I drove while she recovered. We got to my house a little after six where Jeni was waiting with wine and snacks. I had called ahead and told her about the car, and that both us needed a stiff drink.

“Here, eat this.” Jeni shoved a brie-laden cracker into my mouth and then handed me a glass of crisp smelling white wine. “You go get yourself cleaned up and Callie and I will sit and visit.”

“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” I reached out and took the bottle of lavender blend shower gel that Jeni had pulled out of her apron pocket. “Now, I do love you both, but you better save me at least a few of those crackers and brie and at least one more glass of wine or I may come undone.” I headed upstairs to try and shower off some of my bad mojo along with all of the soot. This whole day had been a bust; I really hoped the evening would be much, much better.

By the time I got back downstairs it was quiet. There was a glass of wine and a plate of crackers and a note. I popped another cracker in my mouth and took a sip of wine. The note was from Callie; she had decided to head home before the wine settled in and amplified the exhaustion from the busy day. She would call me tomorrow to make plans and find out how my date went.

I took the plate of crackers and the wine and sat down on the couch. I had about a half an hour to sit back and relax before I had to get ready to go meet Sam. I closed my eyes.

The next thing I remember is hearing the doorbell rang. In the distance I heard Jeni talking, but I couldn’t quite rouse myself to a fully conscious state. I cracked one eyelid and noticed it had gotten dark since I’d closed my eyes. The tasty food and two glasses of wine had done more than relax me; they had put me to sleep. I had been lulled into a warm and fuzzy state accompanied by the soft scent of lavender and chamomile that I had lathered myself with during my shower. What was it with this couch and me falling asleep? That was twice this week this had happened to me!

“Tanz?” Jeni was whispering in my ear. I brushed at the hair tickling my ear.

“What?” I grumbled. I had a horrible cheesy sock taste in my mouth. I cleared my throat. “Huh? What’s up?” I was still struggling to pry my eyes open. It all tumbled into place as I made out the shape of a man standing in the doorway.

“What time is it? Is my mascara all over my face? Wait! I don’t have mascara on! My face is naked!” I bolted up on the couch and hid my face behind Jeni by whipping her around so that she was in between me and who I could only assume was Sam.

“Calm down, will you? What’s up? It’s just a guy.” Jeni was hissing at me and pushing my clenched fists free from her sweater. “Could ya let up just a bit?”

I unclenched my fists. “Sorry-not sure what is wrong with me.”

“Are you going to be okay? I can stall him if you want to go upstairs and freshen up or anything.” I nodded frantically.

“Hi Sam! Give me a couple of minutes? Sorry!” I called out to the shadowy form in the entry hall.

“No worries.” He answered, along with a hint of laughter.

Jeni wrinkled her nose and pulled her head back.

“Do I need to go brush?” I asked, pointing to my teeth.

“Oh, well, I think that might be a good idea. You also may want to do something to your hair; it’s sort of gone a little crazy since you fell asleep with it wet. You go, I’ll get tall and handsome settled with a glass of wine and some conversation.”

I scurried past her down the back hallway avoiding any eye contact with Sam. I could hear Jeni getting him settled. I beat feet up the stairs to make myself at least halfway presentable. I took one look in my bathroom mirror and decided that would be easier said than done. I started with my teeth and face, just the essentials. A quick wash, a little moisturizer, and a hint of mascara and lip creme I looked much better.

Now, for my hair. It was pink, curly, and contrary to Callie’s belief that it was all okay, it was singed in places. The overall affect was a halo of pink frizzy burnt curls, with a flat side from how I’d been sleeping. There wasn’t a whole lot I could do with it but find a hat to hide it under. I ran into my room and rummaged through my hat box. I came up with a cute little gray hat. It was a cross between a beret and a hat that a Rastafarian would wear to cover up her dreads. It was fat enough that I could stuff all of my pink curls in so that they would have the appearance of being under control in a cute sassy manner, rather than just in jail.

I snuck a peek in my mirror and pulled a couple of springy curls free in order to make it look like I wasn’t completely bald under the hat. I wasn’t sure if it produced the cute sexy look I usually went for when wearing this hat. Oh well. I grabbed my gray cashmere wrap and headed back downstairs, feeling, at least, like I was a little bit more put together.

I stifled a yawn as I walked into the living room. Sam and Jeni had made themselves comfortable and were sampling some wine and what appeared to be more cheese and some of the yummy crusty bread from the little French bakery a couple of blocks down.

“Well, now that your date is here, I must be off.” Jeni looked at Sam and reached out to shake his hand. “It was really nice to meet you Sam.”

I gave her a silent ‘thank you’ and she waved me off with a wink and a smile. “I have plans of my own tonight, believe it or not. And,” she cut me off before I could get out my snide comment; “it’s not with my sewing machine. It’s with a lovely man who sells me beads. He’s taking me out for Japanese, and I’m super excited, because I have just the kimono for the occasion.” She did a little bow and walked backward as she excited the room. We were left with silence, but once our eyes connected, any sense of awkwardness slid out as well.

“So, you’re feeling better? Sorry I showed up here, it’s just you were late and when I called your cell Jeni answered and she told me it was probably better if I just came over here or I’d be waiting for at least another hour.” Sam grinned. “Not to be selfish, but I’m pretty hungry.”

He stood and came over to me. Before I could answer he swept in and took my face gently in his hands. My breath left me as it had earlier, this man turned me to putty. It really was cliche and so unlike my usual feminist ways, but I was completely and utterly happy the minute he touched me. He calmed me in a way that no lavender bath oil could, yet at the same time charged me with a sexual energy I couldn’t ignore. He kissed me tenderly. Before I even knew what was happening my body sunk into his, melding us together like we were two missing pieces of a puzzle. His kiss deepened and his hands ran down my back pulling me closer to him. My hands snaked their way into his hair, drawing his head down further. The kiss had started out tenderly, but quickly turned into unchecked passion. Our tongues danced perfectly, his running over my freshly brushed teeth and making my knees quiver.

Sam broke the kiss off and pulled away. “So, you ready to go?” His eyes were hungry, sure, but I figured he was talking about his stomach.

My stomach growled as if to second the motion. “Yes, I’m starved.” I grabbed my purse and followed Sam outside to his car.

“Nice ride,” I said, taking in his flashy BMW. “No beat up Jeep tonight?”

He laughed. “Thanks. I bought it a year ago when I came into some money. The Jeep is more for undercover work. This is my normal preference. Less noise, more comfort.” He came around and opened the door for me. I’d forgotten that manners even existed after my last few boyfriends.

“Hmm, very mysterious; ‘came into some money’. A bonus from a job?” I couldn’t help but be a little nosy; it was just in my nature.

His answer wasn’t any less cryptic. “You could say that is was a bonus of sorts I guess. Anyway, a story for another time. You ready for a tasty dinner?”

“Oh, I am. I haven’t had Moroccan food in ages and I am so looking forward to it.

*****

Dinner at Marrakesh was fantastic. I left the restaurant feeling satisfied and full. What had been one of the crappiest days ever had finished on a much needed high note. Sam was a total gentleman at dinner letting me talk about myself and listening to me drone on and on about growing up in a small town. The little bit I learned about him consisted of the fact that he had grown up in a suburb of Denver and that he was one of three boys. His mother had died when he was a teenager and his dad and his other brothers all worked at the family auto shop. I felt like he had gotten the better end of the deal as far as getting to know each other. But, I figured that as far as I could tell the date was a success and I would have many more opportunities to discover more.

We had parked a few blocks away and I pulled my wrap tight around my shoulders fighting off the end of summer chill.

“Cold?” Sam asked and then wrapped his arm around me. A nice warm feeling coursed through me; more to do with hormones than any heat generated by his arm.

“That’s nice.” I settled in to the crook of his arm. I couldn’t believe I may have found Mr. Right after the string of losers in my past.

We arrived at the car and Sam turned me to face him. His warm soft lips teased mine into a tasty kiss. He pushed me back up against his car and leaned in. Our kiss deepened and I started to feel a bit intoxicated, whether from the wine we’d shared or the kiss, I wasn’t sure. I knew though, if I didn’t stop soon I wouldn’t want to and while that wouldn’t be unwelcome on a normal day it would put a hitch in my psychic ability and my help to Callie.

I pulled away and moaned. “Sam…”

“Tansy…”He leaned in and started to go for my lips again.

“Sam…No. I can’t get involved on that level right now.” I put my hands up to keep him from getting any closer.

“What level would that be?” he asked innocently, teasing one of my curls that had peeked out from under my cap.

I pushed at his chest, fiddling with the collar on his shirt.

“You know what level. I’m also sure you realize how attracted to you I am.” He was so frustrating which was exciting, but at the same time totally aggravating.

“I know you keep saying that you don’t want to go any further, but I was just hoping. I’m so drawn to you, I just can’t help myself.” He took his pinkie and traced my jaw and down my neck to my collar. His light touch sent chills down my spine and I could feel goose bumps pop up on my arms.

My conscience was batting between what I wanted to do and what I needed to do. I groaned; this was so unfair. It took all of my strength but I pushed Sam away from me, opened the car door and got inside.

Sam dropped his hands down to his sides and his shoulders slumped in defeat. I watched him as he walked slowly around the car, took a deep breath and then got in. He was silent as he started the engine. It was obvious that he was disappointed, but I just couldn’t risk it.

“Sam, I-”

“No, Tansy, it’s me.” He shook his head. “You were very clear the other day about boundaries and your reasons for it. I won’t try and push you again. I’ll do my best to respect what you want.” He paused and then turned to face me. “I don’t have to be happy about it though, do I?” He winked and gave me a quick kiss.

I smiled. “No Sam, you don’t. If it makes you feel any better you should know that what I really want to do is rip all your clothes off right now. I don’t think I’ve ever been more attracted to anyone before in my life.” I slapped my hands down on my knees. “I know this is crappy, but I promise, when this is all over-you and me, we’ll have some fun.” I reached over and planted a soft kiss on his cheek, breathing in the wonderful scent of his cologne.

“Well, with an offer like that, I suppose that I’ll do my best to manage. Besides, I can’t very well be upset when the reason is because you’re helping out one of your friends.”

“Thanks Sam, that means a lot to me.”

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. We pulled out and headed back down the road to my house. There was a palpable silence in the car, and I couldn’t help but feel that although Sam had said he was fine, it didn’t ring true. I watched his profile out of my peripheral vision. His eyes were locked on the road ahead and his jaw was clenched. He had lost the easy going attitude that had been on display all evening at dinner. Maybe there was something else besides me on his mind.

He turned his head and caught my stare. “What?”

“Oh, nothing.” I shrugged and winked. “Just appreciating what a great looking guy I found.”

This time I got a genuine smile in return.

“So what are you going to do tomorrow?” he asked, the tension suddenly gone.

“Hmm. I hadn’t really thought about it. I suppose I’ll look for a job for most of the day. It is definitely a priority. I’m not really sure about the rest of the day. I’ll have to see what pops up on the agenda.”

We pulled up into my driveway. The absence of my car was notable and I felt a sudden rush of sadness. It wasn’t a fabulous car, but I had owned her since my father bought it for me my junior year of high school.

Sam interrupted my reminiscing. “Well, I’m pulling a long shift tomorrow; we’re so backed up being short a man that I doubt I’ll get out of the shop until after six. After that I have to go and meet a potential client for drinks. I probably won’t have an opportunity to talk to you or see you tomorrow unless you stop by for some reason.” He turned the car engine off and then turned to me.