Page 11 of 3rd Tango
We share a chuckle, and part of me thinks he actually does miss it some days. I do, too. “Is there anything else you’ve come across that points to even the slimmest thread connecting Gayle with those murders, or any others?”
He fiddles with his sunglasses. “Like I mentioned, I’m working my way through the notes, but Helen’s got a nose for crime. My concern is she might get herself in trouble. He could be dangerous, so I’m sticking close to her to keep her safe. If she hired you, along with working with us in the CSCC, she’s serious about this.”
“When I say she’s been obsessed with this guy, I’m not kidding. Honestly, I’m surprised he hasn’t taken out a restraining order.”
“I’ve warned her to be careful. Investigating cold case murders could alert the killer and he, Morton or whoever it is, could come after her. Protecting her and the other members of my group is my number one priority.”
“Ditto, believe me. I appreciate you looking out for her. Meg and I try. So does Dad, but Mom has a mind of her own. She doesn’t alert us when she’s walking into the lion’s den.”
He grins. “Because she knows you’ll try and stop her.”
“Precisely.”
“I’d like to continue working the case, if you’ll have me,” Baez says. Yep, he misses the work. “Pro-bono, of course. Between the two of us, we can comb through everything, hash things out. It will give you extra creditability with your mother, if there isn’t anything there. I’ve got no skin in the game, so think of me as an outside, independent resource.”
It’s a good idea, and he’s right. I could show Mom all the evidence in the world that Gayle is innocent, and she wouldn’t believe me. An independent source like Alfonzo, with the same FBI background I have, and many years of experience, might do the trick.
I extend a hand over the table. “Sounds like a deal. I never turn down qualified help, especially when it’s free.”
He shakes it, and laughs. “She told me you were smart.”
We exchange a few more general ideas about where to go next, and he leaves.
I’m finishing my sandwich and iced coffee when JJ texts me.We still on for tonight?
On our way home from the festival, he mentioned bringing over a movie. I told him to throw in a gallon of ice cream, and I’d consider it a date.
A second text follows.I have three flavors.
He knows me well, or maybe I’m simply too easy.
You’re on, I reply.
6
Meg
Marie’s website wasn’t bad. It wasn’t good either, but I’m not exactly an expert, so what do I know?
After Charlie begged off, Jerome and I spent another hour with my mom, then had her drop us off at the train station.
I now sit in my home, one half of the duplex I share with my sister, putting my laptop to work. Jerome is beside me on the sofa and the faded scent of his spicy soap distracts me, launching my thoughts to waking up in bed with my guy.
I love him. I know I do. He brings a level of calm and understanding that’s long been missing in my life. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
He peers at the screen as I scroll through the featured paintings.
“What are we looking for?” He asks.
As if I should know? Welcome to the land of Schock where we’re not altogether sure what we’re doing until we stumble upon information that could, in fact, blow a case wide open.
“Charlie met with one of the guys from that cold case group mom hooked up with. Turns out, he thinks she’s on to something.”
“Seriously?”
I pause briefly at a navy blue lighthouse then click to the next photo. “Scary, I know. Apparently, this guy is a former FBI agent—which immediately gives him credibility with Charlie. He’s retired now and has a handle on my mom’s research.”
Click.
