Blood Ties Page 10

  “Did you find anything relevant?” I asked once we were on our way.

  “I’ve gone through it with Aidan. He’s recommended me to keep you as objective and detached as possible.”

  “What? Are you kidding me? Aidan’s kind of an ass,” I cried, clearly mad at Aidan’s notion that I wouldn’t be able to stay objective if I knew what evidence and theories were in play.

  “Aidan doesn’t want to force you into a situation of having to keep things from your family. He wants to have you make up your own mind about things.”

  “Oh, please Jared! Aidan is only making sure I don’t run around telling Kelly there’s evidence against her!”

  “Not at all, Sam. For whatever reason, Aidan trusts you. He doesn’t want to have you alienate yourself due to knowing too much. No matter how strange and unbelievable that may sound, Aidan’s trying to protect you, honestly.”

  “Whatever. I should be able to decide objectively if I alienate myself from my family or not. I still think Kelly’s innocent, and if you tell me what you’ve found, I can either confirm or dismiss your suspicions.”

  “You don’t have to talk me into anything Sam; I’ll tell you what I’ve found. I just wanted you to know that Aidan has suggested me to stay mum on the subject, for your own sake, okay?”

  “Yes, fine, Aidan’s very protective and cares about me, whatever. Now Jared, please tell me if you found something incriminating.”

  “This won’t be passed on to anyone else?”

  “No!”

  “Fine, I was just checking. The e-mails were normal, except I noticed that a few weeks ago, Kelly sent you many, indicating or practically ordering you to answer her. By the fifth e-mail, she was cursing at you, and she seemed a bit violent. Why didn’t she just call you?”

  “She did. All this has to do with her manuscript. She called me and left me messages, but I didn’t reply them because I was taking care of other clients. Kelly can’t stand not being everyone’s priority, but that wouldn’t drive her to kill me.”

  “If you say so…”

  “I do.”

  “Fine.”

  “Anything else you’ve found you may consider of relevance?”

  “I traced an e-mail from Maxwell asking to meet you. Not that there was anything suspicious in it, but it simply called my attention.”

  “Yes, he wants to see me due to Kelly’s manuscript, but as I haven’t even read it yet, I don’t have anything to talk about with him.”

  “Does Kelly know this? She could consider it backstabbing or something of sorts.”

  “She knows. Max contacted her earlier; he had his lawyers try to sue her to avoid having the book published. But Kelly’s lawyer, Steven, found a loophole or something legal and she’s allowed to have what she’s written published.”

  “And why does Maxwell want to have a meeting with you?”

  “Either he wants me to try and persuade Kelly not to become a published author, or he wants to bribe me to stop the manuscript from becoming something else.”

  “Would he use violence?”

  “He’s gone to anger management and is clean. I think he’d be pretty stupid to attempt any sort of violent act against anyone.”

  “Okay. What about Raymond Parker? You’ve cleared him as Susan’s murderer, but could he hold grudges against you and Kelly?”

  “There’s no motive that can confirm that, or evidence, or did you find incriminating e-mails?”

  “Not at all; he’s only sent you jokes or dinner invitations, but nothing worthy of further investigation.”

  “If my sister is cleared, there are no further leads, are there?”

  “Unfortunately, you’re right. But Kelly is the only suspect and we’ve got the evidence that confirms our suspicions.”

  I sighed. Jared—and probably Aidan, Captain Nicholson and Riley—thought Kelly was guilty of at least my killing attempt and the staging of her own attempt.

  The rest of the ride was spent in silence. There wasn’t an elephant in the car, but we weren’t exactly at ease either.

  Sandy’s mom was devastated; she was consoled a big number of people had gathered for the funeral; co-workers, classmates, friends…Annabel and Peter made an appearance, and I thought it was very considerate of them. Maggie was also there; Sandy and her had met setting appointments for Susie and me. I let Sandy’s mom know Kelly was unable to attend due to a slight accident; she appreciated my words and attempt of giving her some sort of solace, and resumed the fighting back tears and embracing company.

  Jared stood by my side; he was very kind to everyone I introduced him to, offering words of comfort, listening to what people had to say about Sandy, and speaking marvelously about her, based on what I’d told him about her.

  At around noon I had the urgent need to leave. Jared must have perceived the sense of suffocation I was feeling because he quiet and briskly led me back to my car and drove us, in silence, to a fast-food restaurant. He ordered a cheeseburger and fries for each of us, plus a diet Coke for me, a regular Coke for himself, and he paid for ice creams we’d be getting once we were done.

  Jared waited for me to speak; he could tell I had something on my mind, but he wasn’t going to force me into sharing.

  “Susie, Sandy, Kelly, me…Related or not, it’s a shitload of violence, Jared. My best friend died, and it’s a freaking miracle if I get to spend five minutes without thinking about her unsolved murder. You and your brother, as well as your boss, think my sister tried to kill me. I’m fed up with it all!” I whispered so as to not make a scene; my eyes swelled with tears.

  Jared placed his hands on mine and looked with sensitive eyes into mine. Two tears rolled down my cheeks and he wiped them, consequently placing his hands on mine again.

  “I know it’s awful, Sam. I haven’t been in your situation, but I can tell it’s not easy. Whoever killed Susan will be caught, be sure about it. We’ll also confirm your sister’s involvement, or clear her if she’s innocent. I know you’re desolate right now, but trust me, you will overcome this situation. Sam, listen to me; you will overcome this, and you’ll be stronger person once it’s finished. This sorrow you’re feeling will pass.”

  I breathed and looked into his eyes. For whatever reason, Jared’s sight made me feel better; there was a comforting effect that came from his eyes. Jared’s mere presence had eased me.

  I nodded and we resumed our eating. Even if it wasn’t the healthiest food ever, it tasted delightful, and I let my sorrow drown in it.

  Once we were done, we went to the hospital. My mom looked like crap; she’d spent the night, barely slept, and when she did sleep, she did so on an arm chair. Rod had gone back to their place, but had shown up at the hospital at eight sharp.

  A nurse removed the lunch tray and left the room. Kelly’s bruised face lit up when Jared and I entered the room. I assumed she hadn’t yet been told that she was a suspect, otherwise she’d look much more upset.

  “Mom’s been great, and Rod smuggled Cadbury. I know it’s not on the hospital diet, or my own diet, but hell, if I look this bad, a few extra calories won’t screw me up much more!”

  Jared and I smiled at Kelly. She always managed to be cheerful, even if it was in an annoying superficial egotistical way.

  “How was the funeral?” Kelly asked, and my mom’s face turned anxious, as she looked at me and implored with her eyes for me not to upset Kelly any further.

  “A lot of people showed up; Sandy had many friends, and I think that somewhat comforted her mom,” I replied, trying to stay as upbeat as possible.

  Jared mentioned the people he knew that he’d seen at the funeral, and I corrected and added names; Kelly smiled warmly at the quotation of most people. At a few she smirked, probably doubting the nature of the visit.

  “Maggie?” Kelly asked, disturbed by the name.

  “Why are you surprised?” Jared enquired. “I thought you were friends.”

  “Oh, no, Jared! Sandy and I were friends; Sandy
and Maggie were friends. But I always had a feeling that Maggie is distant or something. I guess she’s jealous of me.”

  I stopped myself from commenting on the arrogance that Kelly had no problem to express.

  “Okay then. Anyway,” Jared said, changing the subject, “are you feeling any better?”

  “I’m kind of doped up; I’ve got a wonderful nurse to thank for that. Fortunately, tomorrow morning I’m moving back home, because there are maddening factors here.”

  “Like what?” I asked, intrigued.

  “For starters, someone had a heart attack or something last night, and the doctors and nurses ran around yelling ‘Code blue’ or some other color. Then, there’s the matter of the food, but I’m not even going to tell you about it, you must have figured it out, Sammy. This bed is terribly uncomfortable, the blankets are too thin and rough, so I spent most of the night shivering, and the pillow…Don’t get me started on the pillow!”

  I stifled a giggle and looked at Jared, who bit his lip in order to avoid laughing. Rod also found it funny, but my mom didn’t.

  “Sammy, do you know where Noel is? Mom tried reaching him, but she couldn’t,” Kelly enquired, surprisingly changing the subject from her favorite topics: Kelly being a victim, or Kelly being the focus of attention.

  Seriously.

  I shook my head.

  “I can try to get a hold of him,” Jared offered, and my mom lit up.

  “That would be simply wonderful on your behalf, Jared. It isn’t an imposition, is it?”

  I stared at my mom. Her eyes were twinkling, her smile was timid. Was she flirting with my alleged boyfriend?

  Rod snorted and looked at me. Yes, she was flirting with my alleged boyfriend. I was grateful for Rod; he had the greatest sense of humor and knew when to take things lightly. He hadn’t snorted after Kelly’s comments because he was aware that he’d hurt my mom’s feelings.

  I gave Jared my cell phone and he left the room. Kelly playfully demanded everyone’s attention, like any regular spoiled five-year-old. I wondered, and still do, if the fact that Kelly was born prematurely and had to stay in the hospital for a couple of weeks had anything to do with my mom’s pampering.

  I excused myself for a moment and walked to the entrance. I spotted Kelly’s nurse smoking and asked for a cigarette. I smoke occasionally, especially if I’m fed up by a particular situation; I decided that that exact moment justified the smoking.

  “I was looking for you,” Jared said as he walked up to me, his gaze letting the nurse know she had to leave; she went back in.

  “What?” I asked annoyed because I was convinced the answer would not make me happy.

  “We have to go to Noel’s.”

  “As if!” I replied.

  “Look Sam, I know you don’t want to, but I just hung up the phone. I managed to get through to Noel; he sounded groggy and confused, like he’d just woken up.”

  “Well, it’s three in the afternoon, he must have gone on a drinking binge last night; it would not be a flabbergasting occurrence!”

  “Noel sounded desperate. The second he realized he was talking with me, he begged me to go over to his place, and to bring you too. I think he’s in serious trouble, Sam.”

  “It’s his trouble, not mine, Jared! I’ve had it with Noel and his problems! Don’t you remember what happened a few nights ago? Surely you must! I refuse to continue picking up after him. He’s thirty years old, it’s time he starts acting like it!”

  “Sam, you know that after the exchange I heard between you two the last thing I want to do is hurt you by getting you next to him, but I’ve never heard anyone as desperate as Noel did over the phone.”

  “Well then, what am I supposed to do? Leave my injured sister in the hospital in order to go and help my brother find his belt because he can’t remember where he placed it?”

  “Your mom and Rod will take care of Kelly, and you know it. And all I’m saying is, we should just go and check on Noel, to make sure he hasn’t harmed anyone else or set his place on fire.”

  I shook my head. I was done with Noel.

  “Come on Sam,” Jared insisted, “you won’t even have to talk to him. I’ll help him out, all you have to do is guide me to his place and help me make sure he hasn’t robbed a bank or something.”

  I sighed and grunted. What Jared was proposing, if I indeed avoided speaking with Noel, was barely tolerable. Plus, I had the feeling that Jared wouldn’t let the subject drop unless I relented. Kind of like when I’m being stubborn too.

  “You know what, Jared? I’ll do it. I’m pretty convinced Noel will somehow manage to hurt me. I’ll be crushed and will require a serious psychological treatment as well as a shitload of ice-cream and plenty Bloody Mary’s in which to drown my grief.”

  Jared breathed and his look showed he was seriously considering my words. Maybe I could get out of the visit…

  “I make amazing Bloody Mary’s,” Jared replied and winked at me.

  I rolled my eyes. Crap, I was going to Noel’s.

  I finished the cigarette and briefly closed my eyes, hoping that when I’d open them, I’d find myself waking up from a very bad dream.

  No such luck.

  Reluctantly, I walked back to Kelly’s room, informed her, mom and Rod that Jared and I would be going to Noel’s for a moment. Kelly lit up due to the idea of having someone else hovering in a spoiling manner around her. Mom smiled hesitantly because her youngest was happy. Rod, being fully aware of Noel’s drinking situation, refrained from expressing any sort of emotion, as he was sure his dubious air would hurt mom.

  Jared led me to my car; he drove, convinced that if I was behind the steering-wheel, I’d go anywhere but Noel’s.

  As I gave him directions, Jared followed them, carefully driving down the streets, making sure we weren’t being followed and keeping a sharp eye on the surrounding traffic.

  Jared parked, but I refused to budge. He gave me a stern look and, after huffing, I got out of the car.

  Jared dutifully followed me as I made my way through the bushes and onto the veranda. I removed a key from the base of a dried plant that seemed to weep on an urn. I unlocked the door and walked ahead of Jared down the hallway, up to the worn down door.

  I knocked gently, looked at Jared, shrugged and turned around, but before I could take off, Jared firmly—but softly—held my arm. With his other hand, he knocked with much more force than I’d used, and smiled defiantly at me. I grimaced back at him, and we both heard Noel making his way to the door, as his feet dragged and he stumbled against furniture.

  Scared, worried, jumpy eyes stared into mine. Honestly, I’d never seen Noel in such bad shape. Even if relief swept over him when he realized Jared and I were standing in front of him, the fear didn’t leave his eyes.

  “Come in!” Noel ordered, and we did.

  His place was a mess. Magazines covered the floor, ashtrays loaded with cigarette butts lay scattered around the dining-room table, piles of dusty books sat on chairs, and half-filled glasses—with beer, vodka or whisky—stood in whatever empty space there was. A horrible smell of confinement made my stomach quiver. There was also a very distinct scent coming from Noel’s bedroom, but I wasn’t one hundred percent sure of what it came from; I hoped my intuition was wrong, otherwise…

  Unfortunately, my perception wasn’t wrong. On Noel’s bed, covered by a blanket, a body lay motionless. Noel twitched with fear, and Jared moved to clear the body’s face to check if it was someone we knew.

  I gasped in horror as the big blonde curls fell and bounced, and Olivia’s dead eyes stared into space.

  10

  “You have got to be kidding, Noel!” I spat, anger erupting from my skin.

  Noel looked ashamed, scared and confused. I couldn’t help but wonder what had him perplexed; he’d killed someone, period.

  “Do you know this woman, Sam?” Jared asked, and I nodded.

  “This is… was Olivia, one of the readers of Orchid Books. I ca
n’t believe it. I can’t believe you, Noel! What the fuck is wrong with you? How the hell did you kill her? Why did you do it?”

  “I don’t know! Samantha, I seriously do not know!” Noel shouted, at first mad, but his anger turned into fear, a shitload of fear.

  Right then and there, I hated my brother. I really did. I absolutely loathed him. Yet the tremor in his voice, his body’s involuntary quivering, the panic in his eyes… My gut told me he wasn’t lying. Could Noel have murdered a human being and not remember?

  “We’ve got to call the police,” I stated, suddenly realizing we were in a crime scene and that a murder had taken place.

  “But Sam—” Noel started, but I dismissed him by shaking my head.

  “You won’t make us accomplices. If you murdered someone, you are to be held responsible for your actions. And don’t even start talking about me and my righteousness or moral superiority or whatever you feel like berating me about!”

  Noel looked helpless and frustrated; he’d been stopped before he could go ahead with one of his philanthropic rants, and he didn’t like it.

  I looked at Jared and he nodded; he understood instantly I wanted him to call Aidan, so he left the bedroom and I heard him talking with his brother.

  “Sam…” Noel mumbled, trying to be articulate and calm.

  “Save it,” I cut him off and left the room.

  My eyes wandered aimlessly through the dining-room as Jared finished his conversation. He closed the lid, placed his cell phone in his jacket pocket and looked at me hesitantly.

  “Aidan will be here immediately. Your brother will be arrested. I’m sorry Sam,” Jared whispered, being careful so as to not be heard by Noel.

  I shrugged and shook my head.

  “Whatever he did, he has to pay for. I’m just surprised because he looks completely baffled, aren’t you?” I replied in the same low voice.

  “Could he be acting?”

  “He’s not good at faking anything.”

  “Okay; I understand what you mean, Sam. Noel could either be in shock or denial, or maybe he was too drunk to even remember what he did.”

  “I know, Jared. And I’m not defending him or anything like that; if he goes to jail, I won’t pay for his attorney. I simply want to know that he’s really guilty.”