Calling the dead, p.32
Calling the Dead, page 32
“You promised,” Novice said, and started crying.
“Save it, weakling. I promised you something in exchange for another heart for Ogun. Instead, you chose to put your dick in the mouth of a girl you were about to kill. What exactly did you think would happen, you fucking idiot?”
“She seemed so sincere.”
“She’s a hooker.” Teacher sounded exasperated. “What about that concept don’t you understand? You should be proud of yourself for what that brief moment of pleasure cost you.”
“I know all that already. I lost my knife and the kill.”
“You don’t understand, do you?” Teacher whispered so close to Novice’s ear that, if he closed his eyes, he could almost feel Teacher against his back. “Right now the true warrior is holding your weapon of choice, and she’s talking to your prey. Only this time she’s telling the story, not you, by what you leave behind at the sacrifices. She’s describing the moron who caught her and how brilliant she was to get away. You’re done, because instead of leaving a cold trail, you’ve left the warrior a map right to your door.”
“Sept’s not that good,” Novice said, but even he wasn’t convinced by the way he said it.
“We’ll see which of you is a better hunter.”
“Only one of us will walk away from this alive, and it’ll be me. Sept’s too weak not to give in to my demands when I threaten to drive a stake through someone she feels so strongly about. She’ll be here and alone whenever I want her to be.”
“Tall talk from a little man, but remember, this is your last chance.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not about to waste it.”
*
“You coming home soon, Seven?” Keegan asked.
“Keep my side warm, but I’m afraid this will be a long night.” Sept stood outside the medical tent and stared up at the sky as she told Keegan what had happened.
“He left one alive?”
“Not by choice, I’m sure, but Erica’s a friend of mine, so I’m praying she got a good enough look at him to make a difference.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Can I do anything?”
Sept held her finger up to Nathan for one more minute. “She’s one of Brandi’s girls that I actually took there before she died on the streets or her abusive boyfriend killed her. We’re not best friends, but she’s way too young to throw her life away for twenty dollars a trick.”
“Don’t blame yourself. I can hear in your voice that you’re trying to.”
“I’ll do my best, and don’t let anyone in until I get back.”
“Love you, and be careful.”
“Love you too.”
When they walked in, Erica was sitting on a cot rocking back and forth, still wearing the jacket the guardsman had given her on the street. Her wounds had been treated, but the decorations Novice had made were still in place. When she saw Sept she started crying, and Sept sat and held her until Erica was finally able to talk.
With Sept’s gentle questions and Nathan taking notes out of Erica’s sight, Erica told them the entire story, including how she got away. That made her cry harder, and Sept stopped talking until she calmed down. Then Erica handed Sept the knife she’d refused to give anyone else.
“If I show you a picture, can you tell me if he’s the one who did this?” Sept asked.
“I think so.” Erica took the picture Sept held out and studied it so long that Sept felt her heart slow and sink in her chest. “This guy’s hair’s too dark, and I can’t tell if his eyes are green. The guy who did this to me had green eyes, a well-trimmed mustache, and light sandy brown hair. I can’t describe his face well, but I know for sure it’s not this guy,” Erica said as she gave Sept back her copy of Damien’s official police ID picture.
“You’re positive?” Sept needed the reassurance.
“I’m positive. From what I remember of his face, it’s not him.”
“And the picture he showed you of his wife, was this her?” Sept held up the picture of Noel and Sophie she kept in her wallet.
“That’s not the woman he showed me. That I’m sure about.” Erica gazed up with an expression that begged for reassurance. “Can I take a shower now?”
“In a little while, but we have to process you first. I know it sounds degrading, but it’ll help us catch this guy.”
“You’ll take me home afterward, right?”
“I’ll call ahead and have Wilson make you some hot chocolate. I’m sorry this happened to you, Erica, but I’m glad you survived.”
“I only wish Tameka had been as lucky.”
“Don’t worry, he’ll pay for that.”
Sept stood aside when the female officer from George’s office arrived and took her kit out. She swabbed the inside of Erica’s mouth for any remaining trace of Novice, then took pictures of the number seven on her head and the bottom of her foot, where only a small hint of the shepherd’s hook was left—at least, that’s what Sept thought it was when Erica had described it to her.
“One more thing, Erica,” Sept said as the woman took her last set of photos. “He told you his name was Novice and he was taking orders from someone named Teacher?”
“That I’ll never forget, because he was talking to this Teacher guy.”
“Was someone else there?”
“I guess.” When the woman finished photographing her wounds, Erica put the jacket back over her hospital gown. “I didn’t see him, though, sorry.”
“That gives us more to go on, so don’t be sorry. As much as I hate what happened to you, you’ve proven what I’ve known all along. You’re a survivor who’s going to make it, and you’re the break I’ve been waiting for.”
“Thank you.” When Sept put her arm around Erica to walk her out to the car, she fell against Sept. She let Nathan drive them to the Red Door while she sat in the back with Erica.
Once Erica was in her bed, with Brandi on one side of her and Shawana on the other, Sept said, “I’ll be back tomorrow with some more pictures for you to look through, and the artist will be here shortly to try and sketch something from what you remember of your attacker. Brandi and Wilson will be here with you so there’s nothing to worry about, but call me if you need anything.”
“Can you stay longer?” Erica asked her.
“I’ll be back later, but I have to go to work.” Sept kissed her forehead. “Try to get some sleep after the police artist finishes.”
Outside, Sept called her father and asked for the complete file of police department employees who had access to a uniform during the last ten years.
“I don’t know how easy that’ll be to put together, Sept,” Sebastian said.
“Put as many people as you have on it, and I need a car with people you trust outside Brandi Parish’s house. He finally screwed up, and I have a survivor who saw his face.”
“He left one alive?”
Sept smiled at the excitement in her father’s voice. “Not intentionally, but I learned a few things tonight. He’s dressed like a cop because he most probably is one, and he doesn’t hide his face because he doesn’t intend to leave any of them alive. And he’s making sacrifices to these gods to see his wife again, who, most important, isn’t Noel. This guy is definitely not Damien, so if he calls, make sure you tell him he needs to come home.”
“You got it. Hopefully someone won’t shoot him on sight for what we thought before.”
“Whoever it is planted evidence at his place. Call the patrolmen you had sitting in front of Damien’s the other day in for a talk so they can describe in detail this crime scene guy who stopped by there.”
“Where are you headed next?”
“Over to give George the probable murder weapon to see if we get any fresh prints off it.” Sept had dropped it in a pillowcase, since they didn’t have any evidence bags big enough in the car. “I’ll either be at the lab or at the scene, depending on when George finishes.”
“Good. Keep me updated. I’m on my way to the office and will stop by and give Fritz the good news.”
“You got it, Dad, and get me those pictures as soon as you can.”
George was still at the crime scene and searched the knife for prints immediately, so Sept wouldn’t have to wait any longer than necessary. He found only a pair that most probably belonged to Erica.
“He was smart,” George said as he showed her the grip that had been added to the blade. “He used this, and there’s no way to lift prints off this material. He was also careful to keep his fingers to himself when it came to the blade. The only chance we might have had was when Erica stabbed him. Most people would grab the blade, but supposedly she stabbed him in a spot where it would’ve been awkward for him to do that.”
“Thanks, Uncle George. I’ll check with you later.” Sept took the knife with her and waved to Nathan to get going. “I’ll be at the office.”
“Did he find anything?” Nathan asked.
“Not yet, but let’s get to the office and start on the pictures we’ll need to show Erica, because who she described isn’t anyone who comes to mind.”
“You really think he’s on the job now?”
Sept slammed her door closed and rested her hands on the steering wheel. “As much as I’d like to say no, I can’t. Since he’s one of us, he’s been able to hide within plain sight and knows what areas aren’t heavily patrolled. That arrogance is getting ready to bite him in the ass.”
“Only if Erica can pick him out.”
“Erica won’t let us down. From what little she saw of him, and because of what he did to her, his face is carved into her memory, whether she wants to accept that or not.”
Nathan nodded and sighed. “Let’s hope you’re right.”
“Let’s hope.”
*
When Sept and Nathan arrived at the precinct, Royce was there with all the pictures from their house and from two other nearby precincts. About half of them had mustaches, but a smaller number had the right hair and color eyes. Hopefully the short list wouldn’t overwhelm Erica into being uncertain.
By the time they were done it was light outside, but the rain was coming down in heavy sheets, with no let-up in sight. Being up for so many hours was starting to catch up with them, and Sept looked forward to spending a rainy day inside, if only for a little while, when she could.
Royce came in and forced them both to go home for at least six hours to get some sleep. “Even if you find this guy today, he’ll have the upper hand on you in this condition,” he said when Sept wanted to stay longer.
When she got home, Al was sitting in the kitchen having coffee and reading the paper, looking as beat as she felt. “Thanks for staying this long, Al,” Sept said after he unlocked the dead bolt, and she took off her soggy shoes by the door.
“Not a problem, and thanks for clearing it with my captain. I wanted to be here, and it’s nice to get paid too, you know.” Al shook hands with her and went to gather his things. “If you’ll be here for a bit, I’ll go catch a nap and be back later.”
“I’m not moving until this afternoon, so take your time. I’ll wait for you to get back.” She locked up behind him and slumped against the edge of the glass door trying to erase the images of Erica tied spread-eagle. Erica’s survival was the most important thing to focus on, but all Sept could think about were the ropes tied to the fence and pieces of lawn equipment and how Novice had lured her there in the first place.
Novice had used her friendship with Erica to lead her to her death. What had started as some sick fantasy on his part had turned personal. Day after day she put herself on the line for the good of the city and the people who called it home, but that was her choice, and she made it freely because she could accept the consequences of what could go wrong.
“If you turn around, I’ll make you feel better than you do right now.”
Sept laughed at Keegan’s words, and no matter what she had left to do to close this case, it wasn’t a concern right now. “I feel better already,” she replied.
“You know something, Seven?” Keegan put her arms around her waist.
“I know a lot of things, but why you’re still here isn’t one of them.”
“You think after the night you had last night, I’d just run off without seeing you?” Keegan pinched her stomach as hard as she could through Sept’s jacket. “Shame on you, Seven. What kind of partner do you think I am?”
“The best one I could hope to find, since no matter how horrible my night was, having you here is just what I need.” Sept turned around and embraced Keegan. “I know that sounds so sappy I should be embarrassed, but it’s true. So tell me what else I don’t know.”
“I was going to tell you the same thing. Every time you leave I go a little crazy, but when I see you standing here, something in me rejoices. That’s equally sappy, but I’ve never felt like that.” Keegan was still in her robe and slippers.
“So what do you have in mind to make me feel good?”
“Don’t get any ideas, Detective.” Keegan took her hand. “You’ll feel great once I get you upstairs so you can shower and take a long nap. If I know you just a bit, I know you’ll leave for work as soon as your eyes open again.”
“I have to, sweetheart. We’re getting close but we’re not there yet.”
“I’m not complaining, but I want you on those cute toes of yours and not falling asleep while you’re chasing some crazed killer. Call me crazy, but I want you around long enough that I can eventually pick out china.”
“Does that mean you’ve added one more thing to your Christmas list?”
Keegan stopped on the stairs when she was higher than Sept and turned so she could kiss her since their heads were level. “All I want is to have you around safe and in one piece. That’s all I need, and the rest, whatever that is, is like meringue.”
“Don’t people usually say icing?”
“Meringue is a type of icing, and it tastes better than regular icing.”
“Do you have time for a nap?”
“For a shower, nap, and a good meal before you go back.”
With the shades down in the room, Sept was able to sleep until noon, and when she woke up Keegan was rubbing her stomach in soft circles that went lower as Sept got more awake. Over lunch she told Keegan what had happened the night before, and if Sept expected more talk about Brandi and her girls, Keegan only expressed concern over Erica and what she would have to face.
“Can you do me one more favor?” Keegan asked as Sept strapped on her gun.
“Sure.” Sept finished and kissed Keegan’s forehead. “What can I do for you?”
“It’s a two-part favor,” Keegan said, and softened it with another kiss. “First, don’t go anywhere without Nathan backing you up. I know you think he’s a rookie, but I don’t want you out there alone.”
“That’s simple enough, since Nathan acts like we’re Velcroed together. What else?”
“Will you be in the office for most of the afternoon?”
“Probably. I have a lot of evidence to go over from last night.” Sept put her jacket on and slipped her cell phone in the front pocket.
“Can you take Mike with you for a while?” Keegan held up his lead. “Mom has been babysitting for us, but she has an appointment with a new seafood vendor for lobster, and Gran is picking up Jacqueline’s slack while she’s out of town.”
“What about Carla?” Sept asked, but took the leash anyway.
“If you can’t, I could call her, but I’m not ready to ask favors of her just yet. Though my mother would probably be thrilled.”
“Don’t worry about it, I’ll take him.”
“What if you have to go somewhere?”
“We’ll let him ride in the car and I’ll put the windows down. I’m sure he’ll love it.”
“Are you sure? Now that I ask, I sound like I’m five years old.”
“Honey, seeing your mom with someone new can’t be easy, so don’t worry about it. If something happened to my father and my mother started seeing someone else, I’d be asking you to drive me to therapy.”
“Thanks, Seven, I owe you one.”
“If I’m lucky I can get Mike to pick this guy out of a mug book.”
“That promise of being careful goes for the dog too.”
As soon as Sept put Mike in the backseat he stuck his head out the window, and Keegan stood outside and waved until she reached the corner. This level of domesticity wasn’t something she’d hoped for, but all of a sudden picking out china sounded enticing. “You really are in love, Savoie,” she said, and Mike barked in agreement.
Chapter Forty-One
Novice opened his eyes and closed them right away when the pain in his side and in his groin flared. He had taken all his pain pills, but they hadn’t helped. He had been able to sleep the night before only after he’d decided how he’d eliminate Sept, then kill Erica.
“Isn’t that wishful thinking?” Teacher asked.
“Last night was a temporary setback, but I have a plan to get this all done. I don’t know why, though, since you haven’t kept a promise yet.”
“The strong receive rewards, and so far I haven’t seen strength in you.” Teacher’s voice floated closer and settled next to him. “Chango is your last chance to make this right.”
“You don’t think I can, do you?”
“Since you can barely move, I have my doubts, but I won’t discount you yet. You’re certainly persistent.”
“Even if you don’t give me my reward, I’ll kill Sept or die trying. No matter what happens, I come out a winner. But if I do kill Sept as my sacrifice to Chango and you don’t deliver, I want you out of my life.”
“If you don’t succeed, Novice, that’s exactly what’ll happen.” Novice felt Teacher’s breath on the back of his neck. “You may not think you need me, but when you’re all alone in Sept Savoie’s crosshairs, you’ll beg for me, and all there’ll be is silence.”
“That’s just wishful thinking.”
*
Sept and Nathan sorted through all the photos of the latest crime scene and the prints that were lifted from different places in the yard. “Has the city informed us whose house this is?” Mike lay on the floor beside Sept with his head on his paws, eyeing her movements.
“Save it, weakling. I promised you something in exchange for another heart for Ogun. Instead, you chose to put your dick in the mouth of a girl you were about to kill. What exactly did you think would happen, you fucking idiot?”
“She seemed so sincere.”
“She’s a hooker.” Teacher sounded exasperated. “What about that concept don’t you understand? You should be proud of yourself for what that brief moment of pleasure cost you.”
“I know all that already. I lost my knife and the kill.”
“You don’t understand, do you?” Teacher whispered so close to Novice’s ear that, if he closed his eyes, he could almost feel Teacher against his back. “Right now the true warrior is holding your weapon of choice, and she’s talking to your prey. Only this time she’s telling the story, not you, by what you leave behind at the sacrifices. She’s describing the moron who caught her and how brilliant she was to get away. You’re done, because instead of leaving a cold trail, you’ve left the warrior a map right to your door.”
“Sept’s not that good,” Novice said, but even he wasn’t convinced by the way he said it.
“We’ll see which of you is a better hunter.”
“Only one of us will walk away from this alive, and it’ll be me. Sept’s too weak not to give in to my demands when I threaten to drive a stake through someone she feels so strongly about. She’ll be here and alone whenever I want her to be.”
“Tall talk from a little man, but remember, this is your last chance.”
“Don’t worry, I’m not about to waste it.”
*
“You coming home soon, Seven?” Keegan asked.
“Keep my side warm, but I’m afraid this will be a long night.” Sept stood outside the medical tent and stared up at the sky as she told Keegan what had happened.
“He left one alive?”
“Not by choice, I’m sure, but Erica’s a friend of mine, so I’m praying she got a good enough look at him to make a difference.”
“Oh, honey, I’m sorry. Can I do anything?”
Sept held her finger up to Nathan for one more minute. “She’s one of Brandi’s girls that I actually took there before she died on the streets or her abusive boyfriend killed her. We’re not best friends, but she’s way too young to throw her life away for twenty dollars a trick.”
“Don’t blame yourself. I can hear in your voice that you’re trying to.”
“I’ll do my best, and don’t let anyone in until I get back.”
“Love you, and be careful.”
“Love you too.”
When they walked in, Erica was sitting on a cot rocking back and forth, still wearing the jacket the guardsman had given her on the street. Her wounds had been treated, but the decorations Novice had made were still in place. When she saw Sept she started crying, and Sept sat and held her until Erica was finally able to talk.
With Sept’s gentle questions and Nathan taking notes out of Erica’s sight, Erica told them the entire story, including how she got away. That made her cry harder, and Sept stopped talking until she calmed down. Then Erica handed Sept the knife she’d refused to give anyone else.
“If I show you a picture, can you tell me if he’s the one who did this?” Sept asked.
“I think so.” Erica took the picture Sept held out and studied it so long that Sept felt her heart slow and sink in her chest. “This guy’s hair’s too dark, and I can’t tell if his eyes are green. The guy who did this to me had green eyes, a well-trimmed mustache, and light sandy brown hair. I can’t describe his face well, but I know for sure it’s not this guy,” Erica said as she gave Sept back her copy of Damien’s official police ID picture.
“You’re positive?” Sept needed the reassurance.
“I’m positive. From what I remember of his face, it’s not him.”
“And the picture he showed you of his wife, was this her?” Sept held up the picture of Noel and Sophie she kept in her wallet.
“That’s not the woman he showed me. That I’m sure about.” Erica gazed up with an expression that begged for reassurance. “Can I take a shower now?”
“In a little while, but we have to process you first. I know it sounds degrading, but it’ll help us catch this guy.”
“You’ll take me home afterward, right?”
“I’ll call ahead and have Wilson make you some hot chocolate. I’m sorry this happened to you, Erica, but I’m glad you survived.”
“I only wish Tameka had been as lucky.”
“Don’t worry, he’ll pay for that.”
Sept stood aside when the female officer from George’s office arrived and took her kit out. She swabbed the inside of Erica’s mouth for any remaining trace of Novice, then took pictures of the number seven on her head and the bottom of her foot, where only a small hint of the shepherd’s hook was left—at least, that’s what Sept thought it was when Erica had described it to her.
“One more thing, Erica,” Sept said as the woman took her last set of photos. “He told you his name was Novice and he was taking orders from someone named Teacher?”
“That I’ll never forget, because he was talking to this Teacher guy.”
“Was someone else there?”
“I guess.” When the woman finished photographing her wounds, Erica put the jacket back over her hospital gown. “I didn’t see him, though, sorry.”
“That gives us more to go on, so don’t be sorry. As much as I hate what happened to you, you’ve proven what I’ve known all along. You’re a survivor who’s going to make it, and you’re the break I’ve been waiting for.”
“Thank you.” When Sept put her arm around Erica to walk her out to the car, she fell against Sept. She let Nathan drive them to the Red Door while she sat in the back with Erica.
Once Erica was in her bed, with Brandi on one side of her and Shawana on the other, Sept said, “I’ll be back tomorrow with some more pictures for you to look through, and the artist will be here shortly to try and sketch something from what you remember of your attacker. Brandi and Wilson will be here with you so there’s nothing to worry about, but call me if you need anything.”
“Can you stay longer?” Erica asked her.
“I’ll be back later, but I have to go to work.” Sept kissed her forehead. “Try to get some sleep after the police artist finishes.”
Outside, Sept called her father and asked for the complete file of police department employees who had access to a uniform during the last ten years.
“I don’t know how easy that’ll be to put together, Sept,” Sebastian said.
“Put as many people as you have on it, and I need a car with people you trust outside Brandi Parish’s house. He finally screwed up, and I have a survivor who saw his face.”
“He left one alive?”
Sept smiled at the excitement in her father’s voice. “Not intentionally, but I learned a few things tonight. He’s dressed like a cop because he most probably is one, and he doesn’t hide his face because he doesn’t intend to leave any of them alive. And he’s making sacrifices to these gods to see his wife again, who, most important, isn’t Noel. This guy is definitely not Damien, so if he calls, make sure you tell him he needs to come home.”
“You got it. Hopefully someone won’t shoot him on sight for what we thought before.”
“Whoever it is planted evidence at his place. Call the patrolmen you had sitting in front of Damien’s the other day in for a talk so they can describe in detail this crime scene guy who stopped by there.”
“Where are you headed next?”
“Over to give George the probable murder weapon to see if we get any fresh prints off it.” Sept had dropped it in a pillowcase, since they didn’t have any evidence bags big enough in the car. “I’ll either be at the lab or at the scene, depending on when George finishes.”
“Good. Keep me updated. I’m on my way to the office and will stop by and give Fritz the good news.”
“You got it, Dad, and get me those pictures as soon as you can.”
George was still at the crime scene and searched the knife for prints immediately, so Sept wouldn’t have to wait any longer than necessary. He found only a pair that most probably belonged to Erica.
“He was smart,” George said as he showed her the grip that had been added to the blade. “He used this, and there’s no way to lift prints off this material. He was also careful to keep his fingers to himself when it came to the blade. The only chance we might have had was when Erica stabbed him. Most people would grab the blade, but supposedly she stabbed him in a spot where it would’ve been awkward for him to do that.”
“Thanks, Uncle George. I’ll check with you later.” Sept took the knife with her and waved to Nathan to get going. “I’ll be at the office.”
“Did he find anything?” Nathan asked.
“Not yet, but let’s get to the office and start on the pictures we’ll need to show Erica, because who she described isn’t anyone who comes to mind.”
“You really think he’s on the job now?”
Sept slammed her door closed and rested her hands on the steering wheel. “As much as I’d like to say no, I can’t. Since he’s one of us, he’s been able to hide within plain sight and knows what areas aren’t heavily patrolled. That arrogance is getting ready to bite him in the ass.”
“Only if Erica can pick him out.”
“Erica won’t let us down. From what little she saw of him, and because of what he did to her, his face is carved into her memory, whether she wants to accept that or not.”
Nathan nodded and sighed. “Let’s hope you’re right.”
“Let’s hope.”
*
When Sept and Nathan arrived at the precinct, Royce was there with all the pictures from their house and from two other nearby precincts. About half of them had mustaches, but a smaller number had the right hair and color eyes. Hopefully the short list wouldn’t overwhelm Erica into being uncertain.
By the time they were done it was light outside, but the rain was coming down in heavy sheets, with no let-up in sight. Being up for so many hours was starting to catch up with them, and Sept looked forward to spending a rainy day inside, if only for a little while, when she could.
Royce came in and forced them both to go home for at least six hours to get some sleep. “Even if you find this guy today, he’ll have the upper hand on you in this condition,” he said when Sept wanted to stay longer.
When she got home, Al was sitting in the kitchen having coffee and reading the paper, looking as beat as she felt. “Thanks for staying this long, Al,” Sept said after he unlocked the dead bolt, and she took off her soggy shoes by the door.
“Not a problem, and thanks for clearing it with my captain. I wanted to be here, and it’s nice to get paid too, you know.” Al shook hands with her and went to gather his things. “If you’ll be here for a bit, I’ll go catch a nap and be back later.”
“I’m not moving until this afternoon, so take your time. I’ll wait for you to get back.” She locked up behind him and slumped against the edge of the glass door trying to erase the images of Erica tied spread-eagle. Erica’s survival was the most important thing to focus on, but all Sept could think about were the ropes tied to the fence and pieces of lawn equipment and how Novice had lured her there in the first place.
Novice had used her friendship with Erica to lead her to her death. What had started as some sick fantasy on his part had turned personal. Day after day she put herself on the line for the good of the city and the people who called it home, but that was her choice, and she made it freely because she could accept the consequences of what could go wrong.
“If you turn around, I’ll make you feel better than you do right now.”
Sept laughed at Keegan’s words, and no matter what she had left to do to close this case, it wasn’t a concern right now. “I feel better already,” she replied.
“You know something, Seven?” Keegan put her arms around her waist.
“I know a lot of things, but why you’re still here isn’t one of them.”
“You think after the night you had last night, I’d just run off without seeing you?” Keegan pinched her stomach as hard as she could through Sept’s jacket. “Shame on you, Seven. What kind of partner do you think I am?”
“The best one I could hope to find, since no matter how horrible my night was, having you here is just what I need.” Sept turned around and embraced Keegan. “I know that sounds so sappy I should be embarrassed, but it’s true. So tell me what else I don’t know.”
“I was going to tell you the same thing. Every time you leave I go a little crazy, but when I see you standing here, something in me rejoices. That’s equally sappy, but I’ve never felt like that.” Keegan was still in her robe and slippers.
“So what do you have in mind to make me feel good?”
“Don’t get any ideas, Detective.” Keegan took her hand. “You’ll feel great once I get you upstairs so you can shower and take a long nap. If I know you just a bit, I know you’ll leave for work as soon as your eyes open again.”
“I have to, sweetheart. We’re getting close but we’re not there yet.”
“I’m not complaining, but I want you on those cute toes of yours and not falling asleep while you’re chasing some crazed killer. Call me crazy, but I want you around long enough that I can eventually pick out china.”
“Does that mean you’ve added one more thing to your Christmas list?”
Keegan stopped on the stairs when she was higher than Sept and turned so she could kiss her since their heads were level. “All I want is to have you around safe and in one piece. That’s all I need, and the rest, whatever that is, is like meringue.”
“Don’t people usually say icing?”
“Meringue is a type of icing, and it tastes better than regular icing.”
“Do you have time for a nap?”
“For a shower, nap, and a good meal before you go back.”
With the shades down in the room, Sept was able to sleep until noon, and when she woke up Keegan was rubbing her stomach in soft circles that went lower as Sept got more awake. Over lunch she told Keegan what had happened the night before, and if Sept expected more talk about Brandi and her girls, Keegan only expressed concern over Erica and what she would have to face.
“Can you do me one more favor?” Keegan asked as Sept strapped on her gun.
“Sure.” Sept finished and kissed Keegan’s forehead. “What can I do for you?”
“It’s a two-part favor,” Keegan said, and softened it with another kiss. “First, don’t go anywhere without Nathan backing you up. I know you think he’s a rookie, but I don’t want you out there alone.”
“That’s simple enough, since Nathan acts like we’re Velcroed together. What else?”
“Will you be in the office for most of the afternoon?”
“Probably. I have a lot of evidence to go over from last night.” Sept put her jacket on and slipped her cell phone in the front pocket.
“Can you take Mike with you for a while?” Keegan held up his lead. “Mom has been babysitting for us, but she has an appointment with a new seafood vendor for lobster, and Gran is picking up Jacqueline’s slack while she’s out of town.”
“What about Carla?” Sept asked, but took the leash anyway.
“If you can’t, I could call her, but I’m not ready to ask favors of her just yet. Though my mother would probably be thrilled.”
“Don’t worry about it, I’ll take him.”
“What if you have to go somewhere?”
“We’ll let him ride in the car and I’ll put the windows down. I’m sure he’ll love it.”
“Are you sure? Now that I ask, I sound like I’m five years old.”
“Honey, seeing your mom with someone new can’t be easy, so don’t worry about it. If something happened to my father and my mother started seeing someone else, I’d be asking you to drive me to therapy.”
“Thanks, Seven, I owe you one.”
“If I’m lucky I can get Mike to pick this guy out of a mug book.”
“That promise of being careful goes for the dog too.”
As soon as Sept put Mike in the backseat he stuck his head out the window, and Keegan stood outside and waved until she reached the corner. This level of domesticity wasn’t something she’d hoped for, but all of a sudden picking out china sounded enticing. “You really are in love, Savoie,” she said, and Mike barked in agreement.
Chapter Forty-One
Novice opened his eyes and closed them right away when the pain in his side and in his groin flared. He had taken all his pain pills, but they hadn’t helped. He had been able to sleep the night before only after he’d decided how he’d eliminate Sept, then kill Erica.
“Isn’t that wishful thinking?” Teacher asked.
“Last night was a temporary setback, but I have a plan to get this all done. I don’t know why, though, since you haven’t kept a promise yet.”
“The strong receive rewards, and so far I haven’t seen strength in you.” Teacher’s voice floated closer and settled next to him. “Chango is your last chance to make this right.”
“You don’t think I can, do you?”
“Since you can barely move, I have my doubts, but I won’t discount you yet. You’re certainly persistent.”
“Even if you don’t give me my reward, I’ll kill Sept or die trying. No matter what happens, I come out a winner. But if I do kill Sept as my sacrifice to Chango and you don’t deliver, I want you out of my life.”
“If you don’t succeed, Novice, that’s exactly what’ll happen.” Novice felt Teacher’s breath on the back of his neck. “You may not think you need me, but when you’re all alone in Sept Savoie’s crosshairs, you’ll beg for me, and all there’ll be is silence.”
“That’s just wishful thinking.”
*
Sept and Nathan sorted through all the photos of the latest crime scene and the prints that were lifted from different places in the yard. “Has the city informed us whose house this is?” Mike lay on the floor beside Sept with his head on his paws, eyeing her movements.
