The Devil's Dwelling (29 page)

“I’m staying with Mona.”  I told him.

You are staying at my place until the bomber is caught.” He said with authority in his voice. “You will be safe at my place.”

“I’ll be okay staying here with Mona.” I tried to assure him even though I was afraid I might be putting Mona in danger.

“No, you are putting Mona in danger.  Meet me at Macy’s.  He hung up before I could argue with him.

“Looks like I will be staying with Hayden.” I told Mona.

“He thinks me staying here will put you in danger. Can I leave Bailey here?”  I asked knowing Mona wouldn’t mind. “It’ll be hard to have him at Hayden’s.

“Of course you can. Bailey and I are buddies.”  Mona, rubbed Bailey’s back and gave him a pat on the head.

“You don’t mind? He’ll need to be taken out to hike and poop. I’ll try to get over here to take him out but he’ll still be a problem for you.”

“I can handle it. Don’t worry about him. We need to keep you safe until we finally get the bomber behind bars.” 

I gave Bailey a hug and headed out for Macy’s.

Hayden was parked in the underground parking near the side entrance.  I parked next to his rig, hopped out of the Honda and walked over to his Viper.

“What are we doing here?”  I asked not thinking I didn’t have anything to wear.

“We are getting you a new wardrobe.” He smiled. “Unless you want to run around in that outfit all the time.”

I laughed. “I haven’t thought of much since the bombing. Guess I will need some clothes.” I tapped my forehead with my fingers.

Hayden took me by the hand and we walked into Macy’s.  We first hit the sports wear department and I purchased or should I say Hayden purchased me a boat load of clothes. Then to the make-up counter where I chose a few items.  We hit Walgreen’s on the way to Hayden’s place and I picked up much needed toiletries.

Hayden parked in the secured parking of his building and I followed in the Honda.  He called over a young man and asked him to bring up our purchases.

We entered the elevator and Hayden pushed the button and clicked off the camera‘s. I was standing against the wall of the elevator. Hayden placed his hands on the wall on each side of me and leaned in for a kiss.  “I want you to know I’m having you stay at my place for your safety. No other thoughts but I wouldn’t be against a few night caps.”  He smiled and kissed me on the forehead. He clicked the camera’s back on and the door opened.

Hayden unlocked his door and let me enter first.  Olga was making my bed and tidying up the room.

“I hear we have a house guest.”  Olga smiled at me.

“Hopefully, only for a short time.  I don’t want to be a bother.”  I told Olga who was shaking the sheets out.

“You’re no bother.” She turned and smiled at me. “Let me know if I can get you anything.” She slipped a pillow in it’s case and patted it flat.

“I think I have everything I need. I pretty much know where everything is located.” 

The door bell rang and Hayden opened the door.  The young man’s arms were full.

“Where shall I put these bags?”  Hayden pointed to the guest room where I will be staying.

“I’ll be right back up with the remainder of the bags.” He said as he looked around the room. It must have been the first time he had seen Hayden’s private quarters.

He brought up the second group of bags.  I put everything away in the bathroom and went for my clothes. I looked around and all I could see were empty bags.

“Hayden, where are my clothes?”

“Olga, took them to the laundry room.” She said they needed to be washed. Something about sizing in the fabric and other people trying them on. Anyway, she’ll hang them up when she’s finished with them.”  He smiled and took me by the hand.  We walked into the living room.

“I really need to call Randy. He’s going to be upset with me staying here.”  I picked up the phone.

“I called Randy before I asked you to stay here. He’s okay with it. He knows you will be safe here.”  Hayden set back on the sofa with his fingers weaved together behind his head.

“I should call.”  I opened my phone and looked at the number pad.

“You’re right he would want to hear from you.” He said as he got up from the sofa and headed for the deck area.

I hit speed dial.  Within moments Randy came on the phone.

“Hi sweetie, are you okay?” Randy’s caring voice came from the other end of the phone.

“Yes, Hayden told me he talked to you about me staying at his place.”

“I want you to be safe. Of course, you can stay here.” His voice trailed off knowing I would be safe at Hayden’s.

THIRTY-FIVE

I was sleeping in when the phone rang.  It was Randy.

“Hi Sweetie.  You up and about?”  He asked with a cheerful voice.

“Actually, I’m still in bed but need to get to the office. Mona will be calling in a few minutes wondering why I’m so late.” 

“Can you and Mona drop by the office this morning? I have some information for you on the massage parlor murders.”

“Of course we can.  I’ll be there in about an hour. But don’t hold me to it. It might take me a tad longer.”  I giggled.

“Not a problem. I’ll be in my office all morning.”  Randy said as the phone went dead.

I jumped up and raced to the bathroom. I was opening every drawer trying to remember where I had placed my personal items.  Finally found my tooth brush and paste. Brushed my teeth and gargled.  Located my new hair brush in another drawer and a large clip to clip my hair up.  I turned the shower water on and instantly it was hot. I showered and shaved my legs and under my arms. Turned off the shower water and took the towel from the rack and dried off.  I wrapped the towel around me and walked over to the mirror and dabbed on some make-up, pulled my long curly red locks up in a pony tail and called it good to go.  Olga had placed my clothes in the closet while I was sleeping. I slipped into my new jeans and a soft teal blue tee shirt. I pulled my boots on and laced them up.

Lee was in the kitchen.  I walked in startling her.

She stepped back and caught her heart before it jumped into her mouth. “Tiffany, I didn’t know you were here.” 

“I’m sorry I startled you. Yes, I’ll be staying here for a short while.”  I told her.

“I’ll have breakfast ready for you in a short while.”  She took the eggs from the refrigereator.

“No, that won’t be necessary. I’ll get something on the road.”  I told her as I threw my bag over my shoulder.

I got in the elevator and pushed parking garage level.

The elevator door opened. I walked toward the Honda parking space. I looked up and the space was empty.  I heard a voice from behind.

“Tiffany, Hayden said for you to take the Lightning pick up.”

“Where’s the Honda?”  I asked a little confused.

“Hayden had one of the guys take it to the body shop.  He said it need a little body repair work.”  He smiled at me shaking his head.

“He’s right there but I could drive it with it’s beat up front end.” 

He tossed me the keys to the Lightning Chevy truck.  I really didn’t want to drive Hayden’s favorite sporty pick up but it was his decision to have the Honda worked on.

I met Mona at the office.  She was sipping on coffee and licking the jelly from the sides of her hands as it dripped from her jelly donut.

“Mona, you are a mess.”  I laughed at her.

“Get washed up Randy wants to see us.”  I picked up a couple of files on Linda’s desk and thumbed through them while waiting on Mona to freshen up.

“Looks like we have plenty of ‘no shows’ to pick up.”  I laid the files down on her desk and glanced out the window while waiting on Mona.

“Tell Mona I’ll meet her out front.”  I told Linda as I stepped out the door.

I got in Hayden’s pick up and waited for Mona.

Mona came from the office and hopped in the pick up.

“What’s with this fine lookin’ pick up.  Why are you driving it?” 

“Hayden took the Honda to the body shop for repair.”  I looked out my side mirror and pulled from my parking space.

We arrived at the Sheriff’s office before noon. The deputy was standing at the counter when we walked in the office.  “We’re here to see Sheriff Reagan.”  I told him as I sat my bag on his counter.

“Who may I tell Sheriff Reagan is here.”  He said with authority.

“Tell him it’s Tiffany and Mona.”  I turned and walked to the row of chairs lined up in the middle of the room where Mona had already chosen a seat.  Within a few minutes Randy was inviting us into his office.

Randy shut the door behind us. “Take a seat ladies. I have some news for you. We got the ballistic test back on the bullets used on the murder victims at the massage parlors.  The same weapon was used on all the murders.  We are looking for a serial killer and Tiffany for some reason someone is trying to kill you.”  He shook his head in wonder of who would be wanting to kill the woman he loves.

“How is Sophia doing.  Has she regain consciousness?” Mona asked.

“Sophia is still in a coma. We aren’t sure when or if she will regain consciousness. Her family is thinking about taking her off the life support.”  Randy set down at his desk. “Right now she is our only witiness.” He fumbled through his file.  Closed it and bounced it on his desk, pulled his desk drawer open, slide the file in and closed the drawer.

“That’s all I have.  You two be careful.”  Randy warned us.

“Thanks Randy.  We will keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”  We excused ourselves and made our way out of the office.

I turned around, opened the door and looked at Randy. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. You wanna do pizza and a movie Friday evening at my place?”  He smiled and gave me a wink.

“I’d like that. Seven at your place.”  I blew a kiss and closed the door.

“I’ve got a hunch. Let’s stake out The Oasis Bar.  I think Curly and Marty are into something illegal.  Marty was arrested for transporting drugs and hasn’t showed up for court.  We need to watch what’s going on with those two.  If we can bring Marty in that’ll be a big payday.”

“How about this evening?”  Mona said. “Let’s go by my apartment and let Bailey out for his hike and poop. Then we can get some take out food and stake out the bar.”

“Sounds like a plan.”  I turned the sporty pick up toward Mona’s apartment.

Bailey was ready to get out of the apartment.  Mona opened the door and he flew into my arms knocking me on my butt, licking and pawing me.  Mona tossed me the leash and I hooked him up.  Bailey and I jogged to the park.

Bill the Dog Park Ranger was on duty with Buster. 

“Hello Bill.” I yelled across the park waving.

Bill waved back and started walking toward me.  Bailey was romping across the park toward Buster. 

“I haven’t seen you in some time. A blonde lady has been bringing Bailey to the park.” He took a plastic bag from the bag rack and picked up dog  poop someone had left behind. “I don’t understand why people can’t pick up after their pets.”  He shook his head and wiped his hands on his pants.

“The blonde lady is my friend.”  I didn’t give out any more information. 

Bailey romped for a while and Bill and I exchanged a few words out of courtesy.

I whistled for Bailey and he came running. 

“Let’s go Bailey. I’ve got things to do and you need a drink.”

“Bill, you take care. I’ll see you and Buster again soon.”  I hooked up Bailey and waved as we jogged toward Mona’s apartment.

Mona and I stopped off at Mia’s pizza for our dinner.  We picked up a large pepperoni pizza and a couple bottles of water and headed to our stake out the Oasis Bar. 

“I don’t think anything will happen out front. Let’s stake out the alley.”  I turned the pick up toward the alley and  parked behind a large dumpster.  I could see the back door of the bar from my vantage point. A dim light shined on the back door.  We watched a few guys go in and out.  My bet was they were selling drugs out of the back of the bar.

After staking out the place for a few hours we decided to head out.  Marty drove up in his maroon Chrysler.  We set tight.  He went in the back door and after about an hour he left carrying a large box.  He loaded the box in the trunk of his rig. We follow him down Main Street. He drove to a house on Pine Street, parked in the driveway and unloaded the box.  A man met him at the door holding it open for him to pass through the doorway.