Chapter Twenty-Seven

 

 

Tom looked out the passenger window, watching the trees go by. One of the reasons he loved living in Tulsa was the fact that a twenty-minute ride could take you from concrete and traffic to rolling hills and trees that had been there longer than Oklahoma had been a state.

Anna made it a point to turn up the radio as they pulled out of the garage. It was clear she wasn’t interested in idle chitchat. I didn’t really want to talk to her anyway.

The ride was relaxing, almost too relaxing. He let his head rest against the seat as he waited for his first glimpse of the lake. His mind drifted to thoughts of exploring those woods when he was a boy. He grew up not twenty miles from Lake Keystone. It was there that he first realized he wanted to be a cop.

The car suddenly veered off the road. What the hell? Anna slammed on the brakes, nearly throwing him to the dash.

He wondered why she was smiling. “What are you doing?”

“Tom, I think that if we are going to work together, there are few things I need to get off my chest.”

Oh God, here we go again. Aloud he said, “Like what?”

“For starters, this jacket has got to go,” she said as she unbuckled her seat belt.

“I beg your pardon?” Tom watched in astonishment as she wiggled out of her jacket.

“Look, I have to be honest with you; the reason I have been so mean to you is because I actually find you quite attractive.”

“You find me attractive? But I thought—”

“Shh.” She placed a finger on his lips. “There’s a time for words and a time for action. Right now, I could use a little action.”

She unbuttoned her shirt and let it hang open. She took his hand and placed it on her breast, closing her eyes as his fingers made contact.

She arched into his touch. “Do you like the way that feels?”

“Oh, yeah,” he whispered, pulling the front of her bra down to expose her nipples. They stood erect, a testament to her interest in his caress.

He fondled her, afraid to take so much as a second to wonder at her change of heart. She hiked up her skirt until he could see the red silk of her panties.

Ah, her body is everything I imagined and more.

She grabbed him by the hair on the back of his neck and pulled him over the armrest, kissing him eagerly. Her tongue felt warm in his mouth, searching deeper with every stroke.

He let his hand travel down to her thigh, expecting her to begin the protests at any second. She didn’t. His breath nearly caught in his throat as her hand started to move south. His body was trembling by the time she reached for his belt. The sudden chill where once it was warm soon followed the sound of his zipper sliding open. He was exposed, pulled free of his trousers.

Her fingers gripped him lightly, a direct contrast to the ferocity of her kiss. The tender touch worked its magic; he stiffened under the caress.

She pulled her face away from his, her smile communicating her intentions. She leaned towards him, pushing him back farther against the seat. Her head passed his face, down his chest, over his stomach, slowly. He could see her mouth open as it neared its destination. His muscles tightened in anticipation of the moist heat that was about to surround his shaft.

“Tom.” He heard her voice, but it sounded as if it were coming from outside of the car.

How can she say anything with her mouth where it is?

“God damn it, Tom. Wake up! We’re here.”

Tom sat up in his seat with a start. Oh, hell.

She frowned at him. “You might want to wipe the drool off your chin.”

He quickly brushed off his mouth with the sleeve of his jacket, shooting awkward glances at her as he did so.

“Why are you smiling at me like that?”

He tried in vain to remove his smile. “Nothing.”

“I didn’t ask you what your life was worth, I asked you what you’re smiling at.”

Ah, now that’s the Anna I’ve come to know and love.

“Tom, you’re starting to make me a little uncomfortable. You had better wipe that smile off your face or I am going to do it for you.”

“Easy, girl. Can’t a guy just be happy to wake up and see you beside him?”

“No, not you. And quit calling me girl. I am a woman and you would do well to give me the respect I deserve.”

Tom’s smile faded away. “Respect has to be earned not given.”

“Then we both need to work on earning it. Because, by what I have seen so far, you don’t even respect yourself.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“How many officers do you know who would fall asleep on the way to a location that could very well be where The Puppeteer is hiding out?”

“Look, I—” He stopped short. There was really nothing he could say to excuse such behavior.

Tom shook his head and turned away from her. He glanced out the window and took in his surroundings. They were sitting on a narrow road. Man, there are a lot of places for a killer to hide out here. He couldn’t see more than a few feet in either direction, the woods were so densely populated, the trees so thick along both sides of the road, hardly any sunlight was able to creep through their cover.

He put his game face on before turning towards her again. “How much further is this house?”

“Not far, maybe a half a mile or so. I didn’t want to get too much closer for fear he might be out in his yard or something.”

“Good thinking.”

“Come on, let’s go,” she urged and stepped out of the car.

Tom nodded as he emerged from the passenger seat. He pulled his 9mm out of its holster and checked the clip, flicking the safety off for good measure.

“Nice piece,” he commented as Anna checked her .38 snub.

“Thanks.” She spun the chamber before slapping it back in place with a flick of her wrist.

“Hey, where are you going?” she asked in alarm when Tom stepped off the road and into the woods.

“The trees will provide us with a lot more cover than the road.”

“Call me silly, but won’t he be able to hear us if we go traipsing through the woods?”

“Not if we’re careful,” he replied, not understanding why she was so hesitant. “Don’t tell me you’re afraid.”

“It’s not that. I just don’t think it’s very wise to go in that way.”

“Oh my God, you are afraid. The big bad Anna Perez is scared shitless to go into the woods.”

“I am not.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“Oh, just shut up already.” She waved him off with her free hand. “Let’s do this if we’re gonna do it.”

She didn’t give him an opportunity to answer as she stormed by him and pushed her way into the trees and brush.

“I stand corrected,” Tom quipped, falling in behind her.

The snapping of branches beneath their feet was the only sound he could hear. The silence unnerved Tom to no end. There was a complete absence of noise among the trees, no crickets, no birds, nothing but the rustle of people winding their way through the woods. That is the sound of one hand clapping, Tom thought, causing him to laugh aloud.

“What’s so funny?” Anna demanded, pushing a branch out of the way, as she squeezed between two trees.

His smile vanished in an instant. “It’s just the lack of noise out here getting to me.”

“It is awfully quiet out here.”

“What do you make of it?”

“It is the sound of impending destiny.”

Tom stopped to stare over at his partner. “What are you smoking?”

“They are holding their breath, waiting.” She turned towards him. “They know why we’re here and they know that he is waiting for us at the end of this little trek.”

“You are so full of shit, it isn’t even funny.”

“Today is the day The Puppeteer gets apprehended. It is his destiny and it is our destiny to bring him down.”

“Wow.” Tom stared at her in mock admiration.

“What?” Anna pursed her brows, as if not liking the look on his face.

“I had no idea.” He paused as he wiped his hand over his mouth to conceal his smile. “That I needed to bring my hip-waders with me.”

“You’re an asshole,” she spat, turning on her heel.

“Yeah, but you gotta admit, that was some pretty deep shit you were spreading around.”

She shot him the bird without turning around as she stomped deeper into woods. Tom followed behind with a new spring in his step; he was practically giddy with the knowledge he could push his new partner’s buttons so easily. He scanned ahead for signs of the house. The branches entwined tightly, making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead of them.

Just when Tom was beginning to wonder if they were going the wrong way, he spotted a flash of light that broke through the shroud of leaves. It was a reflection, sunlight bouncing off a window.

As they edged closer to the house, the trees started to thin out. Tom could see a clearing less than ten feet in front of them. Kneeling together behind a tree, they both surveyed the area for signs of movement.

Once he was sure no one was in the yard, Tom let his gaze shift to take in the house. From their vantage point, they could see two sides, one with a door and the other with a row of windows. They were still crouching as they slipped from beneath the trees. They scurried across the lawn, praying no one would spot them.

When they reached the house, they froze with their backs against the wall, listening for any movement from inside.

Tom slipped a mirror out of his breast pocket and angled it towards the window, moving it slightly as he took in the entire room.

“All clear,” he whispered pulling the mirror away.

“Let’s check out the other side.” Anna nodded her head towards the edge of the house as she spoke.

“But there is a door right here,” he countered, pointing with his pistol at the steps beside them.

“Yes, but we haven’t seen the other door yet.” She moved away from him before he had a chance to argue.

“Shit,” he muttered as he followed her. She won’t be happy until she gets us both killed.

“I suppose that would be his summer car to go along with his summer house?” Anna motioned to the black car sitting in the driveway.

“Nice ride,” he said, stepping close enough to put his hand on the hood. “It’s still warm. Someone has used it recently.”

He looked up to find her waving at him frantically. She had her back against the wall near the front steps. It took Tom only a split-second to see the door was ajar.

“Looks like probable cause to me.” He moved in closer to inspect the jamb.

“Scuff marks?” she whispered, kneeling beside him. “Why would he break into his own house?”

“Maybe in his haste to leave the other house, he forgot his keys.” Tom shrugged, fingering the abrasions.

“I think we should call this—”

Before she could finish the sentence, Tom pushed the door open.

Anna flinched as the door creaked. They both held their breath, listening for footsteps. When none came, they entered the house. To their left was a staircase; to their right was a long hallway that looked as if it might lead to the room they had checked from the backside of the house.

Tom signaled for Anna to check out the living room as he moved towards the stairs.

“It isn’t wise to split up yet,” she cautioned in a whisper.

“Why, are you scared?” He grinned at her.

She rolled her eyes. “No, I’m just not stupid.”

“We could cover more ground if we split up.”

“We could give him a chance to take us from behind if we aren’t watching each others backs,” she pressed.

Tom was prepared to retort, when a moan followed by a muffled voice from upstairs cut him short. They could hear the sounds of a struggle coming from one of the upper rooms.

“We caught him in the act,” Tom whispered.

They slid up the stairs as quietly as possible. Three closed doors faced them at the top. There was a shirt, a sandal and a pair of jeans strewn in the hallway.

Which door? Anna mouthed to him silently.

The sound of something smacking against the wall narrowed the guesswork considerably.

“I’ll take the prize behind door number three.” Tom grunted, lowering his shoulder in the direction of the door at the end of the hall.

He was nearly at a full sprint by the time shoulder and wood collided. It splintered at the knob and burst open, dumping Tom into the middle of the room with his weapon drawn.

“Get away from her, you son of a bitch!”

“Who the fuck are you?” the man screamed as he rolled off the bed.

The woman, who was moaning only moments before, was screaming now. She was frightened, not by The Puppeteer, but by the maniac who just barreled into the room.

“Nice collar.” Anna watched the young woman scrambling to find something to cover her naked body.

“We didn’t— I didn’t— How did—?” the man on the floor stammered, but failed to complete a sentence.

“Easy, son, keep those hands where I can see them,” Tom barked.

“Perhaps he could keep them in plain view and still manage to salvage a little dignity.” Anna snorted. “Very little.”

“What’s your name?” Tom demanded, his weapon still trained on the suspect.

“D… D… Dan… Dan Meyers, sir.”

“Wh… wh… what are you doing here?” Tom mimicked the young man’s stutter.

Anna laughed. “I think that’s a no-brainer, Tom.”

“I— I—,” was all Dan could manage.

“Breaking and Entering is a felony, boy. What were you thinking?”

“I— I—,” he repeated.

“You sound like a broken tape player I used to have.” Tom laughed sadistically. “Do you want to know how I used to make it work?”

Dan shook his head.

“I would give it a nice hard smack,” Tom explained, holding his free hand up for emphasis.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Anna spun on the girl as she bolted for the door.

“To get my pants,” she answered sheepishly.

“I am only going to ask you one more time—”

“It’s her uncle’s house.” he interrupted, pointing at his girlfriend.

“Shut up and listen,” Tom snarled. “You will answer my questions to the best of your ability and you had better make me believe your answers or…”

“Or what?” Dan finally asked when Tom just stared at him.

“Or I will march your naked ass into the station, put you into a holding cell for a few hours with some other less than desirables, and then ask the questions again.” Tom gave him a wink. “Do we understand one another?”

“Yes, sir.” He nodded, pulling his knees up to his chest.

“Good, now… how long have you been coming to this house?”

 

“Well, I can think of better ways to have spent my morning,” Tom huffed as they trudged back to the car.

“Yeah, it would have been better if he had actually been there, but it was still productive,” Anna said defensively.

“Sure, it was very productive. I nearly shot a kid for having sex with his girlfriend.”

“No, you nearly shot a man who had gained unlawful entry into a house which happened to be an alternate residence for a known serial killer.”

“When you put it like that—”

“It sounds less like a near tragedy and more like a couple of detectives doing their job?”

“Yeah, something like that.” He smiled at her.

Tom fell silent as they reached the car.

“You know, the look of disappointment on your face almost makes me feel sorry for you,” she said. “Almost.”

When he didn’t offer a response, Anna turned the car around and started the long journey back to the station.

What was I thinking? Tom chastised himself. I just took my partner and charged into that house without even once considering the consequences. We didn’t call for backup. We burst right in like Rambo and Rambette. What if he WAS in there? What if it had been a trap? God damn it, man, didn’t you already see one house explode while chasing this guy?

He let out a heavy sigh as he leaned back into the headrest. “Did you get anything good out of the niece while I was talking to D-D-Danny boy?” Tom smiled at the thought of how he made the boy stutter.

“Teresa?” She began without taking her eyes from the road. “Not really, she just said her uncle had told her she could use the house anytime she wanted.”

“Then why did they have to break in?”

“She mentioned that he used to hide a key for her in one of those fake rocks, but it wasn’t there.”

“I don’t suppose she had any idea where Dr. Pearlman might be hiding.”

“Don’t you think I would have told you if she did?”

“When was the last time she saw him?”

“She said it had been a couple of years. They had fought the last time they spoke and she figured he was still mad at her.”

“Didn’t she see his name and picture all over the news?”

“I am sure she was ashamed to be associated with him.” She cast a sideways glance at him. “Wouldn’t you be?”

“Even still, an anonymous call wouldn’t have caused her any more shame.”

“What did you want her to do, call us up to say that she doesn’t know anything, but she is related to him?”

“I guess I can see your point,” Tom relented. “I’m just aggravated. It felt like we were so close and now we’re right back where we started.”

“How long have you been a detective, Tom?”

He was taken aback by the question. “What’s that got to do with anything?”

“It’s just that you sound like this is the first time you’ve chased down a clue that led to a dead end.”

“Hell, that’s just part of the job. It’s an investigation, not a deer hunt on a 40 acre reserve.”

“Then why are you sitting there with the same look on your face I’m sure you wore on prom night?”

“What, you’re too cool to be disappointed when things don’t go your way?”

“No, I just know better than to take this so personally. If you can’t maintain a certain amount of distance from your case, you end up…” her voice trailed off before she could finish the thought.

“End up like what?” Tom glared at her. “Like me?”

“You end up burned out and alone,” she said after a moment’s silence. “If you let the job consume you, then there isn’t any room for anyone else in your life.”

“What do you know about my life?”

“Look, it’s obvious you are very passionate about being on the job. You love chasing down clues and cuffing the bad guys. You’ve been on this case for a long time. How long can a love go unreciprocated before it turns to hate? Yet, I am willing to bet it isn’t in you to hate the job, so you look elsewhere to unload your rage. Once you have alienated everyone around you, there is no one left to hate but yourself.”

“Of all the…” Tom started to give her a good tongue-lashing, but thought better of it.

He turned his gaze back out the passenger window, letting her words sink in. He thought of his ex, his kids, the friends who had come and gone. Am I really all alone?

“How can you expect to stick with a job like this, if you don’t care?” he asked without turning away from the window.

“I never said I didn’t care. My point is, we’re going to have hurdles catching this guy and I need to feel comfortable that you’re going to be able to handle the tough breaks.”

“Lady, I have been doing this job since before you wore your first training bra.”

“I am not asking whether or not you were a good detective; your record speaks for itself. I want to know if I can count on you if we get into a pinch.”

Tom’s lips curled as his anger boiled up. Who the hell does she think she is? It was all he could do not to tell her where to stick her condescending attitude. He let a few scenarios play out in his mind. None of them could persuade him to rebuke her, because deep down, he knew she had reason to be concerned.

Hell, I have already led one partner to the slaughter. She just wants to make sure that she doesn't share for the same fate.

Aloud he said, “Yeah, you can count on me.”

“That’s all I wanted to know.” She smiled at him.

As he returned her smile, Tom wondered if the storm had finally passed.