Smash Cut (19 page)
Authors: Sandra Brown
Tags: #Legal, #Suspense, #Fiction, #General, #Georgia, #Thrillers, #Rich people, #Atlanta (Ga.), #Trials (Murder), #Legal stories, #Rich People - Georgia
Creighton entered his condo building through the lobby and stopped to pick up his mail. Wedged into the narrow slot on the front of his brass mailbox was a folded sheet of paper. He spread it open, read the message quickly, then cursed as he headed for the elevator.
Billy wanted to see him. Immediately. Underlined and printed in capital letters.
He formed a fist, crumpling the note. The idiot had actually come into his building, stuck a note in his mailbox, when how many times had Creighton told him not to contact him under any circumstances?
Of course Creighton had broken that covenant this morning when hed gone to the motel, but Billy wasnt allowed the same privileges.
He took the elevator up to his condo and went straight to his bathroom, where all the walls were mirrored. He stripped and turned on the shower. That fucking mutt of Mitchells had made a mess.
Killing it had been in the back of his mind for a couple of days. An Ace hardware store had equipped him, complete with painters overalls, just in case he decided to reenact the scene from
The Godfather.
The rude manner in which Mitchell had treated him today in his office had doomed his dog. Creighton had got some payback for that by catching Mitchell in Athens with Julie, groping her like a horny teenager. Then the guy had had the nerve to dress him down. When Mitchell had stopped at a restaurant on his way back to Atlanta, it had seemed providential that Creighton go ahead and do the dog.
A man who defended thieves for a living really should know better than to leave his house without setting the alarm. That had been Creightons only concern. That and the dog barking. But the drive-through at Burger King had solved that problem. Shed growled and barked a couple of times, then hed tossed her the burger and shed almost choked herself gobbling it down.
It didnt take any time at all.
Then, in the shelter of shrubbery in Mitchells backyard, hed removed the ugly jumpsuit, boots, and gloves hed worn over his clothes, stuffed them into a garbage bag, then tossed the bag into a Dumpster behind a supermarket on his way home. Hed stopped at a car wash with a high-powered hand wand and used it to blast the gore off the knife with which hed severed the jugular and the hacksaw that had finished the job.
But he could smell stale blood on himself. He liked the odor only when it was fresh.
As he scrubbed himself now, he thought about Billy, who apparently couldnt take instruction. He sensed edginess in the note hed left, a mounting desperation that could prove troublesome.
Creighton could relate to having an urge so strong it made your skin itch from the inside. Of course, he knew how to govern his impulses, but he mistrusted Billys ability to do so. He reasoned that, despite the risk involved, he must heed the mans frantic summons.
By the time hed lathered and rinsed twice, his plan was in place. He dried off and slicked his hair back with gel, which made it appear shades darker. He dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt.
Then he raided his kitchen, packing the items he took from the pantry and fridge in a foil-lined tote bag provided by the gourmet market where he shopped.
A half hour after entering his building, he left through the same door. Tonight he was driving something less conspicuous than the Porsche. The SUV was navy blue with tan trim. The interior was tricked out with every available option, but from the outside, it looked like any one of a thousand such vehicles on the streets of Atlanta and her suburbs. Which was why he had driven it today. It hadnt attracted attention in either Athens or Derek Mitchells neighborhood.
And, just as a precaution, hed switched the license plates on it twice this week.
He wasnt happy to be again climbing behind the wheel. Hed already covered a lot of ground this evening. Driving to Athens, then speeding back ahead of Mitchell. Dealing with the dogalthough the cheeseburger had made them friends, hed had a hell of a time getting her onto the bed, which Mitchell had apparently made off-limits.
Hed had a full day already. He would much rather have been settling in to enjoy the cool, dark serenity of his home theater with an unlimited selection of films to watch.
But A mans gotta do what a mans gotta do. Colin Firth.
Love Actually.
To avoid his car being seen at the motel, he parked in the shadow of a discount carpet store that was already closed for the day, then took the tote bag and walked across the full parking lot of a seedy-looking lounge next to the motel.
How convenient
, he thought. He actually detected a path worn into the blacktop between the door of the lounge and that of the motel office.
Billys room was the last on the ground floor of the wing that extended behind the building, away from the busy street. As Creighton approached the room, he glanced over his shoulder, but as far as he could tell, just like this morning, his arrival had gone unnoticed. This wasnt the kind of place that catered to people who wanted to be seen.
He tapped the door once. Billy opened it almost immediately and sagged with relief upon seeing him. Thank Jesus. I was afraid you wouldnt come.
Creighton nudged open the door with the toe of his shoe and stepped into the room. The air inside was warm and humid, and reeked of Billys anxiety. I sensed an emergency. He carried the tote bag into the kitchenette and set it on the bar. But what were you thinking to come into my building?
Nobody saw me.
Youre sure of that?
Positive. Do you think Im an idiot? I dont want to get caught any more than you do.
Billy was trying his best to maintain his swagger, but Creighton detected fissures in his cocky façade. Which validated Creightons decision to act quickly, before the man shattered completely and ruined everything.
He took a bottle of beer from the tote bag. I think you have a touch of cabin fever. How about a beer?
Thanks.
Bottle opener?
Behind you. Top drawer.
Creighton found a rusty church key and used it to open the beer. It foamed over the lip of the bottle and onto the countertop. Some dripped onto the floor. Creighton ripped off a paper towel and knelt to wipe it up. Billy seemed not to notice the mess or the time Creighton was taking to clean it up. He was pacing like an animal in a cage.
Once hed tidied up, Creighton turned around and passed the bottle to Billy, who snatched it and sucked from it greedily. Thanks.
Youre welcome.
Arent you having one?
I dont drink.
Right. I forgot. Billy looked at the tote bag as though noticing it for the first time but showed little curiosity in it. He rolled his shoulders and assumed an aggressive stance. Listen, Creighton
Im listening.
I dont want you to do it.
Creighton began removing food and utensils from the tote bag. He knew exactly what Billy was talking about, but he pretended bewilderment. Do what?
Billy drank from the bottle of beer. Nobody else gets hurt, okay?
Oh. Youre referring back to our conversation of this morning. Why are you obsessing over that? He smiled as he unwrapped a package of deli sliced ham. Its not your concern, its mine. And Im not worried in the least. You shouldnt be, either. I trust you like ham.
She wasnt part of our deal.
Not initially. But Im flexible. Another beer?
Billy looked vexed, but he said ham was fine and agreed to another beer.
Creighton turned his back to open the second bottle, but he saw out of the corner of his eye the nervous movements that Billy didnt want him to see. Billy wiped his hands on the seat of his jeans. He ran one hand around the back of his neck. His teeth pulled at a loose piece of skin at the corner of his lip.
Creighton swapped bottles with him, the empty for the full one. Ready for a sandwich?
Sure. Okay. I havent eaten much today. Theres mayo in the fridge.
I brought deli mustard.
Great.
Creighton nodded toward one of the barstools. Sit down, Billy. Youre making me nervous. Billy took a seat, but he was far from relaxed. He propped his foot on the lower rung of the stool and jiggled his knee. By contrast, Creightons motions were slow and methodical as he prepared two sandwiches, spreading slices of bread with mustard, stacking the ham just so. Swiss or provolone?
Doesnt matter. Watching him, Billy said, You dont have to do it.
Intentionally misunderstanding, Creighton said, I dont mind. Really. For weeks, youve been eating out of cans. I thought youd welcome the change of cuisine.
Cut the bullshit, Creighton. You know what Im talking about, and its not the goddamn sandwich. You dont have to kill her.
Creighton continued stacking cheese and ham onto the slices of bread.
Billy propped his forearm on the bar and leaned across it. She doesnt know anything about Paul Wheeler. It would never cross her mind that I was involved in that.
It might.
It wont. How could it?
Things have a way, Billy. The smallest thing can trip you up. Youre my partner. I have an obligation to protect you.
No you dont. The main reason I wanted to see you tonight was to tell you that were square. Im gonna split. Tomorrow. You were right. I should have left Atlanta right after killing Wheeler. Did you see that black detective on the six oclock news this evening?
No, I missed that.
Well, one of the people I got cute with, a secretary at one of the businesses where I picked up a job application, she recognized me from the security camera photo and called the police.
She didnt have any information on you, did she? Not even your real name?
No.
Or an address. Phone number?
No.
Then I dont see the problem. Creighton had brought along the well-sharpened knife, clean and sanitized now, that hed used on Mitchells dog. He took it from the tote bag and used it to halve the sandwiches, then laid it on the counter and slid a paper plate toward Billy. Eat.
Thanks.
My pleasure. Creighton took a bite of his sandwich. Hmm. Delicious if I do say so. I love that black pepper crust on the ham, dont you?
Billy bit into his sandwich, chewed, washed the bite down with beer. So, youre good?
Good?
With leaving things alone. I skip town. We never see each other again. We dont have any further contact. Nobody else dies.
Creighton held his gaze as he took another bite of sandwich and chewed it thoughtfully. You surprise me, Billy. When we met, you couldnt say enough bad about this girl.
I know what I said. Thats how I felt then, but now He swallowed a gulp of beer, reached for his sandwich, but changed his mind, returned it to the plate, and rubbed his forehead instead.
Whats on your mind, Billy?
Ill tell you whats on my mind. That fucking movie.
Creighton blotted his mouth with a napkin. Which movie?
The one you left this morning.
You watched it?
Yeah.
Brilliant, isnt it?
Its sick. That guy, the killer, hes sick. That scene where he
I can guess the one you mean. Its the signature scene. The brutality is so graphic, the effect is
Whatever, Billy said with agitation. I cant get it out of my mind.
Creighton whispered, Did it turn you on?
Billys jaw dropped. Hell no.
Creighton winked. Just a little?
Jesus, Creighton. No.
Creighton wanted to laugh. He was enjoying the hell out of this. Poor Billy, not so much. Creighton almost felt sorry for him.
Look, Creighton, I was pissed off at her. At one time I might have said something like I could kill her. But I didnt mean it. It was just talk. He gestured toward the TV. I wouldnt want anything like that happening to her.
Billy, you hypocrite. You vaporized my uncles brain. It was sprayed all over that elevator. You boasted of it this morning, and unless Im wrong you were disappointed that I hadnt seen pictures of your handiwork.
That was different.
Still amused, Creighton said, Really? Enlighten me.
I didnt know him. I didnt have any feelings for him. It was quick. He never knew what hit him.
I see. Creighton pushed his plate aside and brushed bread crumbs from his hands. Hed eaten all of his sandwich. You dont mind me murdering the lover who betrayed you, so long as its benevolent.
No. Yes. I mean He came off the stool like it had suddenly become hot. I mean I dont want you to do it at all.
Its only fair, Billy. Creighton calmly wrapped the leftover ham and cheese. He replaced the cap on the mustard. He picked up the knife and used the razor-sharp tip to point at Billys plate. Are you finished?
Yeah, thanks. Whats only fair?
Creighton dumped the scraps, including the paper products, into a gallon-size plastic bag, sealed it, then put everything, even the empty beer bottle, back into the tote bag. Hersheys Kiss?
No thanks. Whats only fair?
Creighton removed the foil wrapper from the candy and popped it into his mouth, then dropped the foil into the tote bag. Shes a loose thread for me, too. By rights, you should be the one to eliminate her. Shes your baggage, after all. Buthe smiledI can see how difficult that would be for you. I understand how youd have conflicting emotions over it. So, Ill relieve you of the distress it would cost you.
Billy looked like he was having trouble keeping down the beer and sandwich. You can keep
My uncle Pauls watch?
What? No. I told you. I threw away all the stuff I took in the robbery.
Creighton held his gaze for a moment, then gave the squalid room a slow, detailed survey. Honest Injun? If I searched this place, do you cross your heart and hope to die that I wouldnt find a bag of jewelry?
I swear.
Your cell phone.
Huh?
Your cell phone. Youre too smart to have been making phone calls from this room.
Its one of those disposable ones. I bought it before the robbery.
Ariel told me
I never said anything. I told you. I just called a few times and hung up. If she told you it was me calling, shes guessing, thats all.
Creighton held out his hand, palm up.
Billy worried that loose piece of skin on his lip, then went to a bureau drawer, took a cell phone from it, and gave it to Creighton, who slipped it into his pants pocket.
Makes no fucking difference, Billy muttered. No calls can be traced to me.
Creighton smiled. I feel so much better now. He hesitated, then said, It goes without saying that if youve e-mailed
Theres my laptop. It was on the nightstand. Check it out. Of course I havent e-mailed. All Ive used my computer for is to check on that bank account using the password you gave me.
Billy wanted to see him. Immediately. Underlined and printed in capital letters.
He formed a fist, crumpling the note. The idiot had actually come into his building, stuck a note in his mailbox, when how many times had Creighton told him not to contact him under any circumstances?
Of course Creighton had broken that covenant this morning when hed gone to the motel, but Billy wasnt allowed the same privileges.
He took the elevator up to his condo and went straight to his bathroom, where all the walls were mirrored. He stripped and turned on the shower. That fucking mutt of Mitchells had made a mess.
Killing it had been in the back of his mind for a couple of days. An Ace hardware store had equipped him, complete with painters overalls, just in case he decided to reenact the scene from
The Godfather.
The rude manner in which Mitchell had treated him today in his office had doomed his dog. Creighton had got some payback for that by catching Mitchell in Athens with Julie, groping her like a horny teenager. Then the guy had had the nerve to dress him down. When Mitchell had stopped at a restaurant on his way back to Atlanta, it had seemed providential that Creighton go ahead and do the dog.
A man who defended thieves for a living really should know better than to leave his house without setting the alarm. That had been Creightons only concern. That and the dog barking. But the drive-through at Burger King had solved that problem. Shed growled and barked a couple of times, then hed tossed her the burger and shed almost choked herself gobbling it down.
It didnt take any time at all.
Then, in the shelter of shrubbery in Mitchells backyard, hed removed the ugly jumpsuit, boots, and gloves hed worn over his clothes, stuffed them into a garbage bag, then tossed the bag into a Dumpster behind a supermarket on his way home. Hed stopped at a car wash with a high-powered hand wand and used it to blast the gore off the knife with which hed severed the jugular and the hacksaw that had finished the job.
But he could smell stale blood on himself. He liked the odor only when it was fresh.
As he scrubbed himself now, he thought about Billy, who apparently couldnt take instruction. He sensed edginess in the note hed left, a mounting desperation that could prove troublesome.
Creighton could relate to having an urge so strong it made your skin itch from the inside. Of course, he knew how to govern his impulses, but he mistrusted Billys ability to do so. He reasoned that, despite the risk involved, he must heed the mans frantic summons.
By the time hed lathered and rinsed twice, his plan was in place. He dried off and slicked his hair back with gel, which made it appear shades darker. He dressed in black jeans and a black T-shirt.
Then he raided his kitchen, packing the items he took from the pantry and fridge in a foil-lined tote bag provided by the gourmet market where he shopped.
A half hour after entering his building, he left through the same door. Tonight he was driving something less conspicuous than the Porsche. The SUV was navy blue with tan trim. The interior was tricked out with every available option, but from the outside, it looked like any one of a thousand such vehicles on the streets of Atlanta and her suburbs. Which was why he had driven it today. It hadnt attracted attention in either Athens or Derek Mitchells neighborhood.
And, just as a precaution, hed switched the license plates on it twice this week.
He wasnt happy to be again climbing behind the wheel. Hed already covered a lot of ground this evening. Driving to Athens, then speeding back ahead of Mitchell. Dealing with the dogalthough the cheeseburger had made them friends, hed had a hell of a time getting her onto the bed, which Mitchell had apparently made off-limits.
Hed had a full day already. He would much rather have been settling in to enjoy the cool, dark serenity of his home theater with an unlimited selection of films to watch.
But A mans gotta do what a mans gotta do. Colin Firth.
Love Actually.
To avoid his car being seen at the motel, he parked in the shadow of a discount carpet store that was already closed for the day, then took the tote bag and walked across the full parking lot of a seedy-looking lounge next to the motel.
How convenient
, he thought. He actually detected a path worn into the blacktop between the door of the lounge and that of the motel office.
Billys room was the last on the ground floor of the wing that extended behind the building, away from the busy street. As Creighton approached the room, he glanced over his shoulder, but as far as he could tell, just like this morning, his arrival had gone unnoticed. This wasnt the kind of place that catered to people who wanted to be seen.
He tapped the door once. Billy opened it almost immediately and sagged with relief upon seeing him. Thank Jesus. I was afraid you wouldnt come.
Creighton nudged open the door with the toe of his shoe and stepped into the room. The air inside was warm and humid, and reeked of Billys anxiety. I sensed an emergency. He carried the tote bag into the kitchenette and set it on the bar. But what were you thinking to come into my building?
Nobody saw me.
Youre sure of that?
Positive. Do you think Im an idiot? I dont want to get caught any more than you do.
Billy was trying his best to maintain his swagger, but Creighton detected fissures in his cocky façade. Which validated Creightons decision to act quickly, before the man shattered completely and ruined everything.
He took a bottle of beer from the tote bag. I think you have a touch of cabin fever. How about a beer?
Thanks.
Bottle opener?
Behind you. Top drawer.
Creighton found a rusty church key and used it to open the beer. It foamed over the lip of the bottle and onto the countertop. Some dripped onto the floor. Creighton ripped off a paper towel and knelt to wipe it up. Billy seemed not to notice the mess or the time Creighton was taking to clean it up. He was pacing like an animal in a cage.
Once hed tidied up, Creighton turned around and passed the bottle to Billy, who snatched it and sucked from it greedily. Thanks.
Youre welcome.
Arent you having one?
I dont drink.
Right. I forgot. Billy looked at the tote bag as though noticing it for the first time but showed little curiosity in it. He rolled his shoulders and assumed an aggressive stance. Listen, Creighton
Im listening.
I dont want you to do it.
Creighton began removing food and utensils from the tote bag. He knew exactly what Billy was talking about, but he pretended bewilderment. Do what?
Billy drank from the bottle of beer. Nobody else gets hurt, okay?
Oh. Youre referring back to our conversation of this morning. Why are you obsessing over that? He smiled as he unwrapped a package of deli sliced ham. Its not your concern, its mine. And Im not worried in the least. You shouldnt be, either. I trust you like ham.
She wasnt part of our deal.
Not initially. But Im flexible. Another beer?
Billy looked vexed, but he said ham was fine and agreed to another beer.
Creighton turned his back to open the second bottle, but he saw out of the corner of his eye the nervous movements that Billy didnt want him to see. Billy wiped his hands on the seat of his jeans. He ran one hand around the back of his neck. His teeth pulled at a loose piece of skin at the corner of his lip.
Creighton swapped bottles with him, the empty for the full one. Ready for a sandwich?
Sure. Okay. I havent eaten much today. Theres mayo in the fridge.
I brought deli mustard.
Great.
Creighton nodded toward one of the barstools. Sit down, Billy. Youre making me nervous. Billy took a seat, but he was far from relaxed. He propped his foot on the lower rung of the stool and jiggled his knee. By contrast, Creightons motions were slow and methodical as he prepared two sandwiches, spreading slices of bread with mustard, stacking the ham just so. Swiss or provolone?
Doesnt matter. Watching him, Billy said, You dont have to do it.
Intentionally misunderstanding, Creighton said, I dont mind. Really. For weeks, youve been eating out of cans. I thought youd welcome the change of cuisine.
Cut the bullshit, Creighton. You know what Im talking about, and its not the goddamn sandwich. You dont have to kill her.
Creighton continued stacking cheese and ham onto the slices of bread.
Billy propped his forearm on the bar and leaned across it. She doesnt know anything about Paul Wheeler. It would never cross her mind that I was involved in that.
It might.
It wont. How could it?
Things have a way, Billy. The smallest thing can trip you up. Youre my partner. I have an obligation to protect you.
No you dont. The main reason I wanted to see you tonight was to tell you that were square. Im gonna split. Tomorrow. You were right. I should have left Atlanta right after killing Wheeler. Did you see that black detective on the six oclock news this evening?
No, I missed that.
Well, one of the people I got cute with, a secretary at one of the businesses where I picked up a job application, she recognized me from the security camera photo and called the police.
She didnt have any information on you, did she? Not even your real name?
No.
Or an address. Phone number?
No.
Then I dont see the problem. Creighton had brought along the well-sharpened knife, clean and sanitized now, that hed used on Mitchells dog. He took it from the tote bag and used it to halve the sandwiches, then laid it on the counter and slid a paper plate toward Billy. Eat.
Thanks.
My pleasure. Creighton took a bite of his sandwich. Hmm. Delicious if I do say so. I love that black pepper crust on the ham, dont you?
Billy bit into his sandwich, chewed, washed the bite down with beer. So, youre good?
Good?
With leaving things alone. I skip town. We never see each other again. We dont have any further contact. Nobody else dies.
Creighton held his gaze as he took another bite of sandwich and chewed it thoughtfully. You surprise me, Billy. When we met, you couldnt say enough bad about this girl.
I know what I said. Thats how I felt then, but now He swallowed a gulp of beer, reached for his sandwich, but changed his mind, returned it to the plate, and rubbed his forehead instead.
Whats on your mind, Billy?
Ill tell you whats on my mind. That fucking movie.
Creighton blotted his mouth with a napkin. Which movie?
The one you left this morning.
You watched it?
Yeah.
Brilliant, isnt it?
Its sick. That guy, the killer, hes sick. That scene where he
I can guess the one you mean. Its the signature scene. The brutality is so graphic, the effect is
Whatever, Billy said with agitation. I cant get it out of my mind.
Creighton whispered, Did it turn you on?
Billys jaw dropped. Hell no.
Creighton winked. Just a little?
Jesus, Creighton. No.
Creighton wanted to laugh. He was enjoying the hell out of this. Poor Billy, not so much. Creighton almost felt sorry for him.
Look, Creighton, I was pissed off at her. At one time I might have said something like I could kill her. But I didnt mean it. It was just talk. He gestured toward the TV. I wouldnt want anything like that happening to her.
Billy, you hypocrite. You vaporized my uncles brain. It was sprayed all over that elevator. You boasted of it this morning, and unless Im wrong you were disappointed that I hadnt seen pictures of your handiwork.
That was different.
Still amused, Creighton said, Really? Enlighten me.
I didnt know him. I didnt have any feelings for him. It was quick. He never knew what hit him.
I see. Creighton pushed his plate aside and brushed bread crumbs from his hands. Hed eaten all of his sandwich. You dont mind me murdering the lover who betrayed you, so long as its benevolent.
No. Yes. I mean He came off the stool like it had suddenly become hot. I mean I dont want you to do it at all.
Its only fair, Billy. Creighton calmly wrapped the leftover ham and cheese. He replaced the cap on the mustard. He picked up the knife and used the razor-sharp tip to point at Billys plate. Are you finished?
Yeah, thanks. Whats only fair?
Creighton dumped the scraps, including the paper products, into a gallon-size plastic bag, sealed it, then put everything, even the empty beer bottle, back into the tote bag. Hersheys Kiss?
No thanks. Whats only fair?
Creighton removed the foil wrapper from the candy and popped it into his mouth, then dropped the foil into the tote bag. Shes a loose thread for me, too. By rights, you should be the one to eliminate her. Shes your baggage, after all. Buthe smiledI can see how difficult that would be for you. I understand how youd have conflicting emotions over it. So, Ill relieve you of the distress it would cost you.
Billy looked like he was having trouble keeping down the beer and sandwich. You can keep
My uncle Pauls watch?
What? No. I told you. I threw away all the stuff I took in the robbery.
Creighton held his gaze for a moment, then gave the squalid room a slow, detailed survey. Honest Injun? If I searched this place, do you cross your heart and hope to die that I wouldnt find a bag of jewelry?
I swear.
Your cell phone.
Huh?
Your cell phone. Youre too smart to have been making phone calls from this room.
Its one of those disposable ones. I bought it before the robbery.
Ariel told me
I never said anything. I told you. I just called a few times and hung up. If she told you it was me calling, shes guessing, thats all.
Creighton held out his hand, palm up.
Billy worried that loose piece of skin on his lip, then went to a bureau drawer, took a cell phone from it, and gave it to Creighton, who slipped it into his pants pocket.
Makes no fucking difference, Billy muttered. No calls can be traced to me.
Creighton smiled. I feel so much better now. He hesitated, then said, It goes without saying that if youve e-mailed
Theres my laptop. It was on the nightstand. Check it out. Of course I havent e-mailed. All Ive used my computer for is to check on that bank account using the password you gave me.
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