Blood Ties (6 page)

Without hesitation I nodded.

“There isn’t the slightest bit of doubt in your mind, whatsoever?”
Jared tried again, and I shook my head, once more, without hesitation.

“Okay then. I hope there’s no more evidence, and that the home-made bomb can be explained.”

“Me, too.”

We looked at each other and sighed. We both smiled due to the fact that we’
d done it in unison; I guess we were kind of silly that way.

“I don’t suppose I can convince you to go out for a run, right?
There’s still a bit of daylight, and it’d be for about half an hour only. I haven’t ran this week yet and my legs need it,” I said with as much persuasion as I could muster.

I looked beseechingly at
Jared and pouted my lips. Unfortunately, I don’t have an adoringly cute begging face; it actually contorts into a funny way, so the overall effect was Jared erupting into laughter and nodding.

“But we’ll wait for a while, until we’ve made our digestion. Do you usually go out running at this time, like a
routine, or does it depend on your mood?”

“You think someone may be waiting to run me over,
Jared?”

“Yes, Sam.”

“I usually run at seven or eight at night, depending on the time I get back from the office, so as today we’ll be going earlier, no one will be expecting me on the streets.”

“Okay. Go change and we’ll leave in forty minutes.”

“Thanks!” I said, hopping off to my bedroom.

Jared
took the dishes to the kitchen and then called Aidan. I guess he wasn’t very pleased because I overheard a slight argument. Then Jared hung up and changed.

After I was done, I placed my clothes in order, checked my schedule for the following day, and paced around impatiently. I knew that if I sat down to watch TV or read a book, I’d get
lazy and wouldn’t want to go out running.

Finally, we left.

Jared, having longer legs and being more physically fit, clearly slowed down his pace to run by my side. I jogged with my iPod, letting my body adjust to the rhythm, my speed marked by the beat of the songs I listened to. Once, I cast a glance at Jared and I saw him look around; he was set on finding anything or anyone out of place that could imply any sort of menace.

The last few rays of sunshine shone
on the horizon, and the cool temperature was only bearable tanks to the exercise.

We got to
an avenue intersection and I saw the white light for crossing, so I didn’t slow down. I stepped on the street, but before I could move forward, Jared’s arm sprang forward, hit me in the chest and sent me flying backwards.

Before I could even process what was going on, a car sped by at a dangerously high
velocity. If Jared hadn’t thrown me on my ass…

He removed my earphones and looked sternly at me.

“That’s it, we’re going back, now,” Jared stated, leaving no room for discussion.

He grabbed me by the hand, pulled me up, wrapped his arm around me and walked me hastily back to my apartment. My feet moved due to inertia, I was doing absolutely no effort to
budge; Jared basically moved me.

We rode the elevator and I could almost see and smell the fire blazing in his eyes.
Jared was the maddest I’d seen him, and even if I hadn’t known him for long, I’d be surprised if he could possibly look any angrier.

Jared
unlocked the door and opened it; he grabbed his gun, which I discovered he kept under his jacket in one of those strap-on vests, and motioned for me to stay put. I nodded and waited as Jared quickly went around my house, turning lights on and checking everywhere to make sure there were no intruders or unwelcome packages.

“From now on, until the case is solved, I’m not taking any more chances with you, understood?”

I nodded and walked into my apartment.

“Go take a shower; I’ll call
Aidan and then I’ll take one. If you see anything out of place, you let me know, okay?”

“Will do,
Jared. Will we be driving to the station later on or can I put on pajamas?”

“You won’t be leaving your apartment unless it’s necessary, so your pj’s will be just fine.”

“I am going in to work tomorrow, right?” I half-asked, half-stated; there was no way I’d become a hermit.

“I’ll have to clear it with
Aidan, but if I’m tagging along and we check every package you receive, I don’t see why not.”

“Good,” I replied with relief.

I went to my bathroom and took a long hot shower. I was in shock, so I didn’t really grasp the fact that someone had tried to run me over. My mind was cloudy; everything seemed surreal; I felt like I was in a Dalí painting.

I dried myself and changed into my comfy pajamas.
Jared was on the phone with Aidan; I could tell due to his shouting; his voice was crystal clear, even if he was in a police station a few miles away. Jared was fuming and looked like he was about to punch a wall, certainly leaving a hole in it. I hoped he wouldn’t do that.

Ten minutes of swearing, arguing, apologizing and final witty remarks later,
Jared hung up and shook his head at me.

“I’m taking a shower and then, we’re talking. Stay alive while I do so, okay?”

I nodded and rolled my eyes. I sat on the couch and watched TV. I heard the shower run, then stop. Jared entered the living-room wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist. I pretended not to notice his nakedness, but I could feel my cheeks burning. He had an amazing body, which included a six-pack and well defined muscular arms. My mind unavoidably produced thoughts I didn’t really want to have regarding a man I’d never sleep with, so I had to concentrate extra hard on the news to actually take my attention from Jared’s lean body as he searched his bag for his clothes. Which wasn’t easy, as his back was ripped.

After finding boxers, a shirt and sweatpants, he left the living-room, returned three minutes later dressed, with wet hair, and he sat on the couch next to me. The fact that he wasn’t seating on the floor like earlier that day made me assume this would be a much more serious conversation.

“Sam,” Jared started, but before he could say anything else, his cell phone rang. He answered the phone and his look went from semi-serious to dead-serious. His eyes conveyed shock and the slightest bit of sadness. Jared was concerned by whatever news he’d received, and he gazed quickly at me but avoided direct eye-contact, so I knew it had to do with me.

Jared
mumbled into the phone and hung up. He looked at me and sighed; whatever information he had to give would affect me, and he knew it.

“What?” I asked impatiently.

Jared took a deep breath.

“Sand
ra is dead.”

I blinked in a sign of confusion. It had sounded as if
Jared had said that Sandy was dead. But that was impossible. Because…It was simply impossible.

“Sam?”
Jared asked, staring at me with worried eyes. “You’re pale. Are you feeling okay?”

I tried talking, but no sounds left my mouth when I opened it. I could feel my pressure dropping, so I lounged myself onto the rug and raised my legs on the couch.
Jared knelt beside me and held my back. He talked but his voice sounded very distant.

I turned my head sideways and threw up.

I opened my eyes as I was placed on my bed. I saw Jared lean over me, take my temperature and feel my pulse.

“Stay put while I clean
up, okay? Try to rest.”

Jared
left, and I waited patiently. I hated the fact that he was cleaning after me, but I could do nothing about it. I shut my eyes and focused on my breathing, so that it was strong and even. I didn’t feel hot, which meant I didn’t have a fever, but I was still a bit weak from the dropping of my pressure.

A short while later
Jared sat on the bed; I felt the mattress yield under his weight. I opened my eyes and looked into his; he seemed concerned.

“How did it happen?” I asked, not really sure if I wanted to know.

“Sandra was run over on her lunch break. She’d left the firm to run some errands and a car missed a red light…”

“Did they get the driver?”

“It was a hit and run, so there’s no identified driver. Aidan is having security cameras from nearby buildings and stores subpoenaed to check if any got a relevant image that may help catch the culprit.”

I sighed and closed my eyes.

“Did it have anything to do with Susie’s death or my package or the car when we went running?”

“There’s no evidence
pointing towards it. Maybe it was a terrible coincidence; maybe Susan’s killer wanted Sandra dead as well; or, there’s always the possibility that Sandra had her own enemies and the timing is a terrible coincidence. I seriously do not know Sam, and Aidan is skeptical as to what to consider her death, accident or homicide.”

“That sucks,” I said, unable to produce any more significant words.

“I know. It’ll take some time to check all the security footage, but I know Aidan’s taking care of the case and it’s his priority right now, so he’ll clear Sandra’s situation as soon as humanly possible.”

“Great. What are we supposed to do meanwhile? Should we call it a night or…?” I let my voice trail off because I had no idea of what else we could do.

“Actually, my boss wants to meet you, and he’ll probably want to ask you some questions regarding both Susan and Sandra.”

“As in, Sam is a suspect?”

“No; as in, Sam knows both victims and she can give significant information.”

I exhaled with relief and nodded.

“Change into something warmer and more comfortable and I’ll drive us down to the station.”

I nodded and
Jared left my bedroom. After changing into a pair of jeans, a long-sleeved grey shirt, black boots and a black jacket, I grabbed my purse and met Jared in the living-room. He made sure the door was locked as we left, and led me to the garage. We hopped into my car and he drove quietly to Tillman Station; I could see the stress in his face.

At the station,
Jared saw Aidan on the far side of the place; they nodded at each other and, gently taking me by the arm, he led me towards his brother. Without saying a word, Aidan walked into a room and we dutifully followed. Once we were inside, Jared closed the door and Aidan shut the blinds.

We were in a regular office, with a couple of desks and their corresponding chairs; there was no two-way mirror or anything that might compromise our gathering. If we’d been seen going into the station, we could pull it off as being called in for either recognition of the body or to confirm information, or something of sorts.
I sat on a chair; Jared sat next to me and Aidan sat behind a desk.

“Are you alright after the running incident?”
Aidan asked me, and I could feel the anger in his voice.

“Yes, I’m fine. I’d almost forgotte
n about it, with Sandy’s death…Have you got any leads?”

“None so far, but I’m working on it. Do you know anyone who could have done it?”

“Not really. I was acquainted with Sandy and I liked her, but we weren’t excessively close or personal, so if she did have any enemies, I’m not the person who’d know such a thing.”

“Okay. I’ll check with her family and get information regarding her friends.”

“My sister, Kelly, can probably help you. They were closer than Sandy and I were, so Kelly probably knows more about Sandy’s personal relationships.”

“Thank you, I’ll check with your sister, then.
Captain Nicholson will drop by any minute now; he’s my boss and is keeping up with the case. I’ve got no idea as to why he wants to speak with you directly, but if it’s for the investigation’s benefit, I won’t question it. He probably thinks Jared and I are being too slow, and the fuck up when you went running pissed him off big time, so he’ll want to express his displeasure,” Aidan made his own anger evident as he spoke through clenched teeth.

“Which means, he’ll give me a piece of his mind,”
Jared added.

“Which you totally deserve!”
Aidan replied, quite heatedly.

“I said I was sorry and there’s no way of knowing if it was an actual conscious attempt on Sam’s life or if it was a mere accident!”
Jared tried to defend himself.

“Stop arguing over what happened earlier today! We’ve got to focus on Sandy’s murder!” I interceded.

“You have to live your life; Sandra’s death is up for investigation, and you won’t interfere. It’s enough you’re wrapped up in Susan’s murder. I haven’t ruled Sandra’s death as accidental or intentional yet, and so far, there are no links to Susan’s murder, so it does not involve you at all,” Aidan almost barked at me.

“Fine,
Aidan. You deal with everything and I’ll just live my life as if there had been no package or no best friend killed. Will that do?” I asked deadpan.

“That will be just perfect,”
Aidan replied, just as cold.

“So
Jared can leave my place?” I asked defiantly; hoping, for whatever reason, he wouldn’t reply with an affirmative response.

“That’s out of the question!”
Aidan stated.

“No way!”
Jared said at the same time.

I stifled a giggle and nodded.

The door opened; under the doorframe stood a stout man who was in his mid-forties. His head was covered with grey hair; his brown eyes looked mad, and he had a scar that run from the bottom of his left ear down his jaw and finished in his chin.

“Samantha Pearson?” Captain Bruce Nicholson asked, looking at me; I nodded, attempted to stand up, but he motioned for me to remain seated. “You two, leave.
Aidan, take Jared’s statement regarding the almost-run over. Then check with Samaire to confirm whether any evidence was left on Sandra. I’ll let Miss Pearson go once I’m done talking with her.”

The Davies brothers nodded reluctantly, stood up and left. Captain Nicholson sat down where
Aidan had been, got a cigarette from a pack he had in his pocket and lit it up with a lighter from the desk.

“So Miss Pearson, did you recognize the driver that almost ran you over today?” Captain Nicholson asked, without beating around the bush.

“No, sir. I was running, my mind was on something else; I didn’t even notice the car until Jared pulled me backwards. The car sped by so fast I didn’t even see the license place. All I can tell you is that it was maroon with tainted windows, four doors and no bumper-stickers.”

“Yes, I gather
Jared said the same, though he did get the license plate. What can you tell me about Raymond Parker? Could he have killed Susan Andrews?”

“Not really. I mean, I talked to him and he appeared genuinely
distressed. He was about to propose to her, and I think they were going to move in together before she died.”

“No relationship is full of blossoming roses. Was there no trouble between them?”

“They had been on the outs recently, but due to stress from their jobs and the discussions that come from making big decisions such as moving in together.”

“So nothing that could lead him to murder her?”

“Not really. Were there no fingerprints or further evidence recovered from the crimes scene?”

“You’re not really expecting me to answer that, are you Miss Pearson?”

“One can only hope.”

“Yes, keep on hoping. What about your sister’s relationship with Miss Andrews?”

“They’d known each other for all their lives, due to my relationship with Susie. Over the past year, Susie represented Kelly during her divorce from Maxwell Lair. Kelly was ecstatic with how it turned out, so in case you’re wondering, no, I don’t think my sister could have killed Susie.”

“Okay. What about Miss Andrews’ assistant, Sandra?”

“What do you want to know about her? I already told Jared, we weren’t that close, so I can’t give you any personal information.”

“How about your sister’s relationship with Sandra?”

“Do you think she did it?”

“Miss Pearson, I’m the one asking the questions.”

“I guess they got pretty close; they got along fine and I’m sure Kelly will be devastated when she learns of Sandy’s death.”

“Was Sandra in a relationship? The fact that you weren’t close doesn’t mean she couldn’t have mentioned a partner sometime.”

“I know she broke up with a man last year, but I’m not sure I heard her mention anyone else since then. Sandy plunged herself into her work, and Susie tried to keep matters as professional as possible at the office, unless it was unavoidable.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, when she broke up with this man, Sandy was in tears and couldn’t help it. Susie gave her the day off, and if I’m not mistaken, took her out for margaritas at lunchtime.”

“That must have been fun,” his tone was dry. “
Any illegal activities either Susan or Sandra were involved in?”

“Not that I’m aware of. Susie used to smoke weed, but as far as I’m concerned, she wasn’t doing it any more. She smoked cigarettes now, because she didn’t have time to go to a gym and she said she needed a vice that wouldn’t make her fat. Sandy smoked from time to time, but she mostly did it out of stress or on social outings.”

“Okay, nothing illegal then. Were they happy with their jobs?”

“Susie loved what she did, and Sandy felt great not only with her specific work, but she was very pleased with having Susie as her boss. They were both respected at
James & Walker, so if their murders are connected, I highly doubt it had something to do with people at the firm.”

“I see. Is there anything in particular you think is rel
evant regarding Susan’s or Sandra’s deaths or the attempt made on your life?”

I sighed and thoroughly considered everything
I knew, suspected and feared, and looked seriously at Captain Nicholson.

“My sister, Kelly…
Even if her fingerprint was found on a piece of plastic from the home-made bomb, I know she didn’t try to kill me.”

“I am not pleased that you know that, Miss Pearson. That should be strictly
confidential, but I’ll overlook it for the time being. I’ll take under consideration what you’re saying regarding your sister, but I can’t simply ignore evidence. Anything else you want to tell me?”

“I can’t think of any particular client or opponent of Susie’s that would want both her and Sandy dead. She worked with sports stars, actors
and actresses, businessmen and women, and plain filthy rich folks who would never stain their hands with blood.”

“That doesn’t mean they couldn’t hire someone to do the dirty work.”

“But Susie’s murder was intimate or passionate or something like that, right? And Susie was only sleeping with Ray; I highly doubt she’d cheat on him, especially with a one night stand.”

“How so?”

“Susie lived structurally. She slept around until she was twenty-three. On her twenty-third birthday, she swore she was done with that and promised to only sleep with men she was in relationships with. I know it sounds kind of dumb and you probably think a promise like that can be easily broken, but with all due respect Captain Nicholson, you didn’t know Susie. You have absolutely no idea how determined she was; whatever she set out to do, she’d follow through, and a promise like the one she’d made was easily kept.”

“I see what you mean, Miss Pearson. That’ll certainly help with clearing suspects and throughout the investigation. Have you received any written or oral threats since the package, besides the incident with the car?”

“Nothing. But it’s only been a few days and I’m always with Jared, working or at home. There were no weird phone calls or anything of sorts.”

“Okay. Different ways you are connected to Susan and Sandra?”

“Susie and I have been best friends since forever. She represented my sister throughout her divorce. I met Sandy through Susie; otherwise, I’m not really sure we would have met. That’s it, Captain Nicholson. I honestly do not know what other piece of information I can give you regarding Susie or Sandy.”

“Very well, Miss Pearson. I want to thank you for what you’ve told me,” he said as he stood up, and I did the same. “Please, wait here while I call
Aidan and Jared. I’ll talk to them but they’ll be here in ten minutes, okay?”