Ethan ignored the jibe. “Our boy wouldn’t be caught dead at typical tourist traps, but he may be trolling coffee shops, bistros, and the like, in the neighborhood.”
“Do you have any idea how many bistros, cafés, bakeries, juice bars, and coffee shops are in Nob Hill? We could hit a different one every ten minutes and be busy into next week. We should start with Sonja’s favorites, I assume Jimmy’s already checked for overlaps with the other victims.” Jerry questioned Dylan.
“Probably, but I haven’t seen the report.” He picked up his phone and began texting, this time to Jimmy, with a copy to Nate. “I know he requested her credit card statements, but I don’t know if he has them yet. Everything is in her companion’s business name. She doesn’t have even a single account in her name.”
“What an idiot,” Jerry spoke without thinking, then felt bad. “Sorry, I mean what woman puts herself in that position? No bank account, no credit history, no property. She’s totally dependent on the good graces of her companion.”
“What about the companion? Has anyone spoken with him?” Ethan asked.
“He’s out of town, but we’re on it. I seriously doubt he knows more about her daily activities than her credit card statements will give us.” Dylan slid the newspaper over to Jerry. “You two look good together.” He teased.
She wrinkled her nose and then glanced down at the photo. The camera had caught her between crying jags. She was grateful that the angle was from the side, rather than straight on. She was standing close to Ethan, just before getting into the car. The homeless lady he’d helped was visible in the background.
“At least we’re getting press.” She threw back at Dylan. Feeling her face becoming flushed at the memory of riding home, snuggled against Ethan, she attempted to change the subject.
“You should speak to Kim, officially. If anyone knows more than the credit trail, it’ll be her. She and Sonja were close.”
“Good idea. I need a reason for the inquiry, so as not to blow your cover. Sonja didn’t have any close family, so who else might report her missing?” Dylan mused aloud.
“Say it was the neighbor.” Ethan offered. “Did you ever speak with the one on the first floor?”
“Not yet. A Miss Abigail Collins lives there, alone, with her two cats. That’s my first stop today, then I’ll hunt down Kim. I spoke with the landlord last night. He was no help at all; lives in Los Angeles, never even met Sonja.”
“I’ll call her after you speak with her.” Jerry added. “She may tell me more than she’ll tell you.”
“It’s possible. I’ll call you after I find her. You two have fun today. Smile pretty for the cameras.” He stood and headed for the door.
When they were alone, Jerry struggled to find words for Ethan. She’d spent the night thinking of him as much more than a partner, but she didn’t want it to show.
“I suppose I should get dressed,” Ethan began, perplexed at Jerry’s sudden shyness.
“Okay, I’m ready whenever you are. We can go to breakfast, and then meander around the area, I suppose.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Ethan disappeared, leaving Jerry alone with her thoughts.
If she allowed it to intrude, the night before was crystal clear in her mind. The memory of her mother’s face, and the feel of Ethan holding her close, meshed into one warm feeling of being cared for, cherished, loved. The feeling was as foreign to her as the lavish luxury of her current situation.
Jerry avoided reliving the pieces of her childhood at all costs. She blocked out much of the horrors, most of the time, but found that she could recall any event at will. Groping hands reaching for her at night, days of terror when she waited, as quietly as possible, to be let out of the closet, moments so terrible that she prayed for death to take her away. She’d considered her beauty a curse then, attracting more attention than she ever wanted, in ways that no little girl should ever experience.
Being consigned to a group home at the age of sixteen was the best thing that ever happened to her. Meals were regular, school was a must, and the matrons in charge of her floor had no interest in her body at all. During the last two years of high school, her natural aptitude blossomed, earning her a scholarship to college, far away from her home state. She had no desire to ever return to Louisiana, nor did she claim it as her own. She fashioned her life as she wanted, during the four years it took her to graduate, suppressing memories best forgotten, and focusing on the life she had never dared dream of, as a child.
Yet here she was, years later, remembering the woman who gave her life, only to leave her to face it on her own. Logically, she knew her mother’s death was not her mother’s fault, but she’d spent so many years placing the blame for her miserable existence squarely on her mother’s shoulders, that it felt odd to associate her memory with love. Even odder still was the fact that Ethan had become part of it; he was her partner, no matter how convincingly he played the role of lover and friend. She could not afford to blur the lines.
Just then, Ethan appeared, dressed in slacks and a button down shirt tailored to fit his frame. Did the man ever look bad? Jerry wondered, as she admired the way he moved into the room with confidence. Casual elegance suited him to a tee.
“Shall we?” He waited by the door with an inviting smile.
Logic fled as Jerry rose to join him.
~~~
“Why are you asking so many questions? Has something happened to that girl? Who’s gonna take me and Percy to the vet?” The crotchety octogenarian eyed Dylan as if he was the devil incarnate.
Pasting on a smile to hide his impatience, Dylan tried to reassure the woman. “She’s been reported as missing, but we don’t know that anything has happened to her. Do you remember seeing the man she left with two days ago?”
“Humph. The only man I ever seen her with was Mr. High and Mighty, Randall something or other. Drops by every other night, like clockwork, up until this past week. Must be out of town ‘cause he sure wouldn’t miss what that girl’s giving him, if you know what I mean.” The woman raised her chin and gave her best holier than thou impression.
“Did you see the man she left with, two days ago?” Dylan asked again, his polite demeanor was beginning to wear thin.
“Oh, I saw him alright. Didn’t even have the decency to come inside, waited for her out by the curb, like he was picking up an order at a drive-thru window or something. He’s been coming around ever since the other one’s been gone, but I never seen him come inside.”
“Can you describe him for me?”
“Big fella, black hair, fancy clothes, fancy car. Other than that I didn’t pay much mind. What that girl chooses to do with her life is her business, no matter how wrong it is. Like my mother always told me; men won’t buy the cow, if they get the milk for free.” The woman’s grey head bobbed up and down for emphasis.
“Yes, Ma’am. Did you see the man’s car?” Dylan asked, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.
“It was red, one of them convertibles. That’s all I know.” The woman turned away from the door. “Percy, get down off that counter,” she called to the unseen animal. Turning back to Dylan, she put her hands on her hips. “Look, if that girl got herself in trouble, I’m not surprised. Nothing good comes from cavorting with men that way. Still, she was nice enough; always spoke to me, even ran errands for me on occasion, and promised to take us to the vet tomorrow. Now, I guess I’ll have to call a cab. Anyway, I hope you find her.” She began pushing the door closed, but Dylan slipped his card through in the nick of time.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d call me, if you think of anything else that might help.” The card disappeared, just before the door clicked shut.
~~~
“These scones remind me of my housekeeper’s specialty as a child. I’ve never found any anywhere that could rival hers, but these come close.” The delight in Ethan’s eyes made Jerry want to buy out every scone in the place, just for him.
“I?
??ve never had scones before, but these are good.” Jerry smiled at the expression of pure joy on Ethan’s face.
“That’s a crime, never having had scones.” Ethan placed another one on her plate. The small bakery, just around the corner from the condo, enticed them inside with the delicious aroma of baked goods, but the quaint atmosphere kept them at a small café table in the corner. Even though the table was adjacent to the front window, a prime location to see and be seen. It felt intimate, as if they were alone in the city, immune to the constant stream of sightseers, and city dwellers.
“I’d have to agree, these things are a little taste of heaven.” Jerry followed Ethan’s lead, spreading strawberry jam onto the soft center of one steaming slice of bread. “But you say your housekeeper makes better?” Jerry’s gave him an incredulous look.
“Hard to believe, but yes, just a bit. She adds something that takes the fluffiness to a whole new level.” He took another bite and audibly sighed. “I’ve tried to bribe the recipe from her, but she’ll have none of it. Tells me that if she gives me the recipe, I’ll never come back to see her.” He grinned.
“So, she still works for you, or your family?”
“Yes, where she’ll likely stay, even after she can no longer perform her duties. She is family.” Ethan unabashedly licked the jam from his fingertips. “My parents worked quite a bit when I was young. Ella practically raised me.”
Jerry pushed down the twinge of jealousy before it could flourish. She would’ve been happy with one loving mother; Ethan had two. “Sounds like you love her very much.”
“I do. She’s a second mum.” He smiled at Jerry warmly. “I’ve told you scads about my family. Tell me something about yours.” He invited.
“Not much to tell. I have no living relatives.” Through the years, Jerry had learned to smile when she made that statement, to avoid any unwanted sympathy.
“I’m sorry.” Ethan covered her hand with his. “That must be difficult.” He felt Jerry stiffen, and decided to back off. “There’re all kinds of family, though. Take Dylan, for example. The way you two go at each other, it feels like you’re brother and sister.”
Jerry laughed, grateful for the new direction of conversation. “It’s a pleasure to give Dylan a hard time, I’m sure he feels the same. We’ve worked some pretty tough cases together, I guess the jibes became an alternative to tension, then they stuck.” Jerry shrugged her shoulders. “No matter how much I like to aggravate him, there’s no one else I’d rather have on my side.”
“Good to know.” Ethan turned to watch the passersby. “I suppose we should get out there, walk around the neighborhood.”
“Good thing, too. I need to walk off these scones.” Jerry began tidying the table.
“You’re perfect, I doubt a hundred scones would change that.” Ethan’s eyes bore into hers for a brief second, before his expression became guarded.
“Why, thank you, kind sir.” Jerry tried to lighten the tone as they stood to leave. “But if I ate a hundred of those things, I wouldn’t fit through the door, much less into all those fancy new clothes hanging in the closet.”
“I’ll get some to go, we’ll test your theory.” Ethan grinned as Jerry poked him in the ribs.
~~~
“But who called you? Sonja’s family lives on the east coast, and they’re not at all close. What do you think happened to her?” Kim peppered Dylan with questions as she stepped aside, allowing him entry to her apartment.
“A neighbor became concerned after seeing a news article about the woman found on the cliffs several days ago. She said that Sonja resembled the lady. I’m sure it’s nothing, but it’s best that we investigate.” Dylan attempted to relax Kim with a smile. The young woman was pacing the floor and wringing her hands.
“What lady? I haven’t watched the news lately. Show me.” Kim demanded.
Dylan scrolled through several screens on his phone before presenting Kim with the image of Jenna, alive and well. The photo was taken from her apartment during the sweep.
“Oh, my God, she does look like Sonja. Her hair color is practically identical and her eyes have the same almond shape. What happened to her?”
“This woman was found murdered on the cliffs above Muir woods. We believe she was killed by someone she knew, and trusted. Someone she was dating.”
Kim sat down hard on the sofa, as if her feet had suddenly become jelly. “Sonja was dating someone new. It was supposed to be a secret.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
“Have you ever met him?” Dylan sat across from the obviously distraught woman.
“No. Sonja told me his name was Oscar; apparently he had money and an English accent. They’d only been seeing each other for about two weeks.” She paused and looked up at Dylan. “Sonja’s boyfriend, Randall, is married. He wouldn’t like knowing that Sonja was seeing someone else.”
“I’m sure he wouldn’t. What else can you tell me about Oscar?” Dylan’s voice was gentle, not at all judgmental.
“Nothing. Sonja was very closed-mouthed about their relationship. It’s odd really, she tells me everything about Randall. I just thought it was new, you know? And good. That she didn’t want to jinx it.” Kim wrung her hands together repeatedly. “Do you think Oscar hurt her? Is that why you’re here?”
“We just want to find her. I was hoping you could tell me more about her habits, where she liked to go, what she liked to do, other friends that she might have confided in.”
“Sure, that’s easy.” Kim was relieved to be able to help. “Most of the time, Sonja kept to a schedule. Randall liked to know how to find her on a moment’s notice, if you know what I mean.” Kim wrinkled her nose. “Since he’s been out of town, and she started seeing Oscar, her schedule went by the wayside.”
“How did she meet Oscar?”
“She met him at a juice bar, near her apartment. Kim would go there at least four times each week, after her power walk.”
“When was this?”
“Nearly two weeks ago, right around the time Randall left town. Don’t get me wrong, Sonja was loyal to Randall. I’ve never known her to step out on him before, but Oscar just swept her off her feet.”
“How so?”
“He took her on the town, you know, fancy dinners, nightclubs, all the good stuff that Randall couldn’t do with her. She told me he was very romantic.”
“So, she thought they had a future?”
“I think so. At least she hoped they did. Sonja was tired of the lifestyle. She wanted a family. Randall would never offer her anything more than a place to live, and a platinum card.”
“I understand.” Dylan flipped open a notebook. “Why don’t you tell me about Sonja’s schedule, start with the name of the juice bar where she met Oscar.”
~~~
“If I drink another coffee, or eat another pastry, I’ll explode.” Jerry hooked her arm through Ethan’s as they strolled past trendy shops selling overpriced must-haves.
“Too much of a good thing?” Ethan smiled down at her, then turned his attention to a particularly fashionable window. “That dress would look smashing on you.” He nodded.
Jerry followed his gaze and nearly sighed with admiration. The emerald green, beaded. gown shimmered with sparkling crystals in the midday sun. The simple cut, a sweetheart neckline and long, straight, skirt would hug her in all the right places.
“It’s beautiful, but I can’t imagine where I’d wear it.” They both stopped to admire the twinkling beauty.
“We’ll find a place, trust me. Let’s go in.” Ethan was pulling her towards the boutique’s door.
“Ethan, no.” Jerry told him in hushed tones as she pulled back slightly. “My closet is filled already.” She doubted her checking account could handle the purchase, and she knew that Nate would never approve it as a business expense.
“Let’s just see how it looks on you,” he coaxed, giving her a killer smile.
When Jerry emerged from the dressing room, Ethan nea
rly swallowed his tongue. She was a vision; the dress fit her like a glove, emphasizing her small waist, elongating her already slender neck, and creating an alluring décolletage that beckoned him to bury his face in her smooth skin.
“Amazing.” Though standing was suddenly difficult, he couldn’t help but go and touch her. Placing both hands on her shoulders, he turned her towards the three-way mirror. “Just look at how lovely you are.”
Her shoulders tingled beneath his touch, and his hot breath brought goose bumps to her neck, but it was the hungry look in his eyes that had Jerry’s knees wanting to buckle. She managed to stay upright, heeding his request to look at their reflection.
The couple in the mirror was sophisticated, polished, and gorgeous. Jerry very nearly did not recognize the woman as herself, when she finally pulled her eyes away from Ethan’s.
“The dress is lovely,” she breathed, still in awe of the perfection of their reflection.
“Yes, but it’s you who brings it to life. Simply stunning.” Ethan trailed his hands down her arms, pleased when he heard her breath hitch at his touch.
“I’m not buying it.” Jerry tried to keep her cool, but the feel of his warm fingers, and the closeness of his body, made it difficult.
“Of course not.” He inched closer until he could smell the light scent of strawberry that drifted up from her hair. They stood there for a long moment, staring into each other’s eyes in the mirror.
“Aren’t you two the ones in the paper?” A nasally voice broke the spell of the moment.
With obvious effort, Ethan let go of Jerry, stepped back, and turned towards the intruder. “Our picture was in the newspaper this morning.” He said politely to the short woman holding a purse almost as wide as she was.
“It thought it was you. See Maude, I told you we’d see some celebrities on this street.” She nodded to her friend, barely visible over the clothing display.
“Excuse me,” Jerry made her escape back into the dressing room, leaving Ethan to handle the women’s curiosity.