The Straight Crimes (15 page)

“That’s very generous.”

“I think so.”

“I wonder why she’d do so much for someone she hardly knows.”

“She’s just a real nice person.”

“I don’t think that’s it.”

“You don’t?”

“There’s more.”

“What are you sayin’?”

“Babe, she wants you. The woman wouldn’t even let me step foot in her house.”

“What? You think Traci likes me?”

“She was wearing your heart-shaped necklace.”

“Really?” Harper turned her head. “Well—that doesn’t mean anything.”

“She said you let her wear it.”

“Traci probably didn’t want you thinkin’ she took somethin’ without askin’ me. I don’t mind if she wears it. Besides, it’s just some stupid lil’ charm Mama gave me. I don’t wanna be thinkin’ of that woman right now anyway.”

He grumbled.

“Nikolas Roberts, I’ve never seen this jealous side of you.”

“I’m not jealous.”

“You most certainly are. It’s kinda cute.”

“I told you, I’m not jealous.”

“You really think she likes me, don’t you?”

“Kinda seems that way.”

“I don’t think so. I think she’s just tryin’ to do somethin’ nice for someone in need.”

“But why? Like I said, she doesn’t even know you.”

“’Cause she’s a good-hearted woman. Besides, she knows Mama ran off and that I can’t count on her.”

“You really think that’s it?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“I see how some of that could make sense, but that doesn’t explain her rude behavior, or refusing to let me see you.”

“Oh Nik, she’s just lookin’ out for me through all of this. Ever since the fire and the funeral, we’ve had reporters, police detectives, and all kinds of strangers stoppin’ by, wantin’ to ask me questions. Traci’s bein’ protective, and I appreciate it. Once y’all get to know each other, you’ll warm up to her. She’s a very kind person, trust me.”

There was something about Traci he didn’t like, but he trusted Harper. So instead of exhausting the subject, he agreed to disagree. “I hope you’re right.”

FOURTEEN

W
hile relaxing on the veranda, Traci ran her claws down her silk robe, reclined back on a lounge chair, and relished in the warmth of the early morning sun, baking her tanned skin. She lit a cigarette and carefully sipped her flavored-coffee, impatiently waiting for her breakfast.

Kendall suddenly burst through the door. “Traci, there’s—”

“Ugh…finally, I’m starving. Seriously, what the hell’s going on with you lately? I’m wasting away out here.” She closed her mouth quickly, noticing Tonya standing beside the door. “Forgive me. I didn’t realize we had a guest.”

“Good morning Ma’am.” She offered her hand. “Detective Tonya Harris, Silver Shores P.D.”

She swiftly tied her robe and stood to her feet. “Traci Galva. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“Likewise.”

“You’ll have to forgive me. If I knew we were having company, I would’ve made myself a little more presentable—especially for such a beautiful woman.”

Tonya lifted her eyebrows. “I apologize. I realize I’m here rather early.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I need to speak with Harper Jones.”

“What’s this about now? Your people have been talking to her incessantly.”

“I realize that, but we have more questions regarding the homicide of Faye Jones.”

“Of course, Detective Harris.” Traci folded her arms. “As you’re well aware, this has been an absolute nightmare for Harper. She’s quite torn up still. To be perfectly honest with you, I’m not sure she’ll be up to it.”

“I’m truly hoping she is. We need her full cooperation to help proceed.”

“I can certainly appreciate your position. I know you’re a professional, and you’ll handle this matter sensitively. I just don’t want her more upset than she’s already been.”

“Discussing this matter is pertinent to the investigation. May I please have a few minutes with her?”

“Absolutely.” She looked at Kendall. “Will you be a dear and wake Harper?”

The meek servant frowned. “She’s not here.”

Traci cocked her head to the side in amazement. “What do you mean, she’s not here?”

“She wasn’t upstairs when I cleaned this morning. I don’t think she came home last night.”

“Not again,” Traci muttered to herself.

“Is there a problem?” Tonya asked.

“No, of course not. She’s been staying out late with a friend. It’s been going on for a few weeks.” She was immediately irritated, imagining Harper with Nik, again. “She assured me she’d be home last night. Excuse me while I check on her. Kendall, will you please entertain our guest?”

“Of course.”

“Perfect.” Traci walked through the glass door and slammed it shut behind her. Her night gown blew in the air like a cape as she stomped her delicate feet across the sparkling marble floor and raced up the staircase.

She shot through the French doors to Harper’s bedroom like a dart aimed for a bull’s eye.

Fury infused her body as she stared at the perfectly-made, vacant bed. She took several deep breaths to regain her civility. “I frickin’ knew it.” Traci continued into Harper’s bathroom, hoping she’d just drawn a bath. However, all she saw was the brightness from the skylight shining down into an empty garden tub.

Enough was enough. For Traci—she had reached her breaking point.

She helplessly collapsed to the floor and sobbed. Then she pressed her warm face against the ice cold tiles, grasping the door for leverage. “Why the hell is she doing this to me? Why!” she shrieked until her voice grew raw.

Traci curled into a ball, hugged her knees, and rocked back and forth, feeling utterly defeated.

Unbridled rage coursed through her blood and possessed her. She darted back into the bedroom and began rifling through Harper’s drawers, tearing clothes out and sprawling them all across the floor.

When that wasn’t enough to satisfy her indignation, she reached for a crystal vase of lilies, hoisted it over her head like a javelin, and slammed it against the wall. She methodically watched the tiny shards shimmer and break across the room. The water dripped down the wall, soaking into the beige carpeting.

The devastation of the bedroom paled in comparison to the frustration lingering in Traci’s mind. It was as if she was fighting a battle against the strength of a thousand men. Yet it was only one that was standing in her way. She didn’t know how to compete with Nik.

After letting her emotions simmer, Traci made a stop in her bathroom to fix her face before re-emerging on the veranda.

“Well?” Tonya asked.

“I’m sorry, but your trip over here was in vain. Harper really isn’t home.”

“When do you expect her back?”

“I honestly can’t say.”

“Can you reach her on her cell?”

Traci scratched her chin, wishing she had a better answer. “No, she doesn’t have a phone, but if you have a card, I’ll take it so Harper can reach out when she returns.”

“Of course.”

“Kendall, will you please excuse us a moment?”

“Sure...”

“By the way, Harper’s room needs to be straightened up. Could you make sure it’s taken care of immediately?”

She exchanged a look of speculation with Traci. “Yes ma’am.”

“Go on.” Traci flashed a smile at Kendall as she dismissed her. Then she approached Tonya. “To be honest, your visit has me a little confused.”

“Why’s that, Miss Galva?”

“Harper was already questioned by two officers the day after the fire.”

“That’s correct.”

“So what else would you need to ask her about her dead aunt? C’mon, she’s truly devastated right now. What good’s it gonna do for anyone to keep picking the scab off her wounds?”

“I’m not looking just to speak about her aunt.”

“But you said you were investigating—”

“Her murder, precisely. I need information regarding the whereabouts of Harper’s mom, Mindi Jones.”

“Mindi? What’s she got to do with anything?”

“A neighbor alluded to a domestic dispute that occurred between the sisters just days prior to the fire. I’m interested in speaking to Mindi regarding her involvement in the incident, but no one can tell me where she is.”

Traci exhaled in dismay. “No one’s seen or heard from her. It’s like she vanished.”

“We’re well aware of that.”

“Harper hasn’t seen her since that afternoon. It was the same day she and Mindi were thrown out. That’s when she called me.”

“Really?”

“She needed a place to go, so I came and picked her up. Anyone with half a heart would’ve done the same thing. Harper was in sheer panic on the phone. She said her Aunt found a bag of needles in the house. Mindi, as I’m sure you’re aware, is a drug addict.”

Tonya nodded.

“Faye wouldn’t tolerate it so that’s why she threw both of them out. Anyway, Harper doesn’t know many people up here, so she asked if she could stay awhile until things blew over between the three of them. I told her to pack her belongings, and I’d come get her.”

“While at the residence, did you witness the altercation?”

“No, by the time I arrived, Faye had gone off to work and Mindi disappeared.”

“Did Harper mention where she may have gone?”

“Mindi’s a vagabond, a gypsy, wandering place to place and leeching on to anyone who’ll support her. However, she doesn’t have many connections in Silver Shores. I don’t know where someone so incredibly angry and desperate could possibly go. I sincerely hope she didn’t do it.” She took a sip of her coffee.

“You mean the arson and murder?”

“No, well, never mind.”

“You said ‘I hope she didn’t do it’. What were you referring to?”

Traci closed her eyes and put her hand on her forehead. “I probably shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Miss Galva…”

“It’s a bit of a long story, but it’s the reason Harper and Mindi relocated to Michigan.”

“Why’s that?”

“The women lost their home, well their trailer—if you could call that a home. At any rate, Harper told me it burnt down.”

“I wasn’t aware of that.”

“Mindi told her it was an accident, but Harper doesn’t think so. That woman was strung out, desperate for cash.”

“For drugs?”

“Collecting a bogus insurance claim would certainly pay off the dealers. C’mon, the woman’s a heroin addict. Personally, I’d question the integrity of such a person myself. Honestly, if you connect the dots, it’s hard to ignore the motive and track record of such a delusional woman.”

“It’s imperative that I verify this story with Harper as soon as possible.”

“I understand.”

Tonya walked through the house, while Traci followed behind. Then she stopped by the front door.

“The minute Harper returns, I’ll make sure she calls you, Detective.”

“Your cooperation has been greatly appreciated, Miss Galva.”

“Please, call me Traci.” She placed her hand on Tonya’s shoulder and flashed a smile. “If you need anything else, just let me know.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, thank you.”

“My pleasure, Detective...”

She proceeded to walk out of the house.

As Tonya returned to her squad card, Traci closed the door and watched with great scrutiny for several minutes—until the detective pulled out of the driveway and left.

“Damn it,” Kendall shouted, stubbing her toe on the steps. She threw down the rags and cleaner and rubbed her foot until the pain dulled.

While she sat outside Harper’s room, Kendall noticed both doors cracked open, along with a red blouse crumpled up in the frame. It was very unusual.

She stood and approached the bedroom. As she opened the door, her eyes were astounded by the sight. Everything was in total disarray.

Kendall dropped to her knees and lifted the broken glass from the shattered vase. She held the remnants in her hand and closed her eyes. Her heartbeat raced in her chest, imaging the amount of fury it would take to break a heavy vase into such miniscule pieces.

While she stepped over the glass, Kendall tossed the clothing onto the bed. Then she raced into the hallway and plugged in the vacuum cleaner.

The tone in Traci’s voice was all too familiar. Without explicit instruction, it was understood that Harper was never to know the temporary state of the bedroom.

Considering her previous insubordination, Kendall was unwilling to chance fate again—so she kept quiet, pretending everything was okay.

And whatever the truth really was, she didn’t want to know.