4

 

Tab paced behind the impromptu stage. At least he could use the cold air as an excuse for the redness of his cheeks. Car doors slammed and news crews moved into position for his conference. He rubbed his palms together to halt their trembling. It did no good. He tussled again with his necktie but had no luck getting it knotted.

“You’d better pull yourself together, darling.” Paige took the tie and slid it under his collar. She squeezed it, causing Tab to jerk back. “I knew you had too much to drink last night.” Someone walked by causing her to loosen her grip.

Tab recalled when he first met her. She’d been a blonde, blue eyed beauty queen. Now she was just another old woman trying to reclaim her youth. At least she could work a crowd and his constituents liked her. Besides, her daddy’s money kept Tab from dwelling on her flaws.

His father-in-law, the great Edward Kellerman, opened one of the first personal injury law firms in the city of Jacksonville. Before he retired, he owned half the land off Roosevelt, across from the naval air base. Now Kellerman saw to Tab’s political career.

“Everyone’s here,” said Phillip MacNelson, the best campaign manager the Kellerman money could buy. “Here let me do that.” He shoved Paige out of the way and grabbed the necktie.

Six months before Tab announced his candidacy; his father-in-law brought Phillip in from California. The sour odor of the gel Phillip used to spike up his hair drifted over Tab. As much as he disliked Phillip, Tab had to give him the credit for their rise in the polls.

“The bags under your eyes are large enough to carry toy poodles.” Phillip glimpsed him over. “And look, you’re absolutely shaking.” He grabbed Tab’s hands and caressed them. Tab jerked his arms back.

Paige stepped between Phillip and her husband. “He’ll do just fine. He always does.” She pecked her husband on the cheek then rubbed off the remnants of lipstick she’d left behind. “Maybe after we’re finished here, you should go home and get some rest.”

“Time to get the show on the road.” Phillip patted Tab on the side of his arm.

He inhaled one final breath then walked to the podium. This could be the most important speech of his life.

 

****

 

Whoever fixed the coffee that morning did a good job. It sure beat last night’s sour mess. Sloan figured the others wouldn’t agree but this morning he needed it strong. One taste jolted him to attention. Sloan leaned forward on the desk staring at the television in the upper corner of the room. Hainsworth strolled to the podium, waving at supporters in the audience. The mayoral candidate had little fan base in the police department. He’d said accusatory things in the past while on the city council. Little doubt he’d make their lives even more difficult if he became mayor. Unfortunately, an officer involved shooting of a ten-year-old only furthered his political agenda.

Hainsworth’s hands shook when he adjusted the microphone. The wind blew his dark brown hair and even with the chill outside, sweat covered his forehead. The one thing Sloan always noticed about Hainsworth was his eyes showed absolutely no emotion, making it hard to read him.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” Hainsworth began.

Beside him stood his wife, the rich, snobbish Edward Kellerman, and Phillip MacNelson, his campaign manager. A weasel if Sloan ever saw one.

“I just want to make a comment of the unfolding events that occurred last night. I want to offer my condolences to those who lost a loved one in this tragedy.” Kellerman paused, Sloan figured for effect. “I also want to thank the two individuals inside the club who stopped the killer. Without their efforts, we can only imagine how many more would have died. They are indeed heroes.” Another pause. “Finally, I want to congratulate the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for its quick response. I know in the past I’ve been hard on them, as well I should. But when a good job is done, it should also be applauded.”

Nearby, officers whistled and hooted at the pronouncement. Some grumbled it was about time they got some recognition for the effort they put in. Sloan remained silent deciding instead to listen and watch. He figured that like most other politicians, Hainsworth would say whatever he needed to win.

“The state attorney is on top of this case and will work hard for a conviction.” The politician leaned on the podium. “The killings are added proof that crime is on the increase in Jacksonville. The shooter chose to walk into a bar where patrons were enjoying themselves and randomly kill as many as he could. I have little doubt he’s a repeat offender. Since judges allow these criminals to walk the streets, we will need strong leadership not only in our community but in our police force as well. If elected mayor, I will work hand in hand with the elected sheriff to keep our community safe.”

Sloan lowered his legs. He’d heard enough. Hainsworth complimented the JSO just enough to ease some of the tension but before it ended, he began his political diatribe. Sloan didn’t miss the fact Hainsworth insinuated weak leadership in the sheriff’s department.

“What’s wrong partner?” Raven walked in. Her dark hair was wet and pulled high on the back of her head. It carried the scent of floral shampoo.

“Hainsworth just gave his I’m-better-for-the-city-than-anyone-else speech. The guy rankles me.”

“You and everybody in the department. Anything new happen while I was out.”

“I’m reading through the autopsies, and it seems the first victims were the three men at the Gardner table. All seated near the rear of the place. Sprague then turned and fired on another man. This was followed by a woman who sat a few feet ahead of the first victims. All that before killing the waitress while making his way to the door. It appears to me he took the last shot as he was leaving. The media is calling this random, but everything about Sprague says controlled.”

“I agree. He doesn’t strike me as the type to just walk in somewhere and start shooting.”

“And, if random, why not kill those closest to the door?”

“Good question.” Raven replaced her heels with the street issue in her drawer. “So you think he had a target. But who?”

“I would assume one of those three men. Shot his guy near the beginning to make certain he completed the job before moving on. Maybe trying to throw us off.” Before the week ended, Sloan knew they’d have to look into the financials and cell phone records of all the victims, especially the first three.

After the initial interviews, if nothing new stood out, they’d have to meet again with Teddy and her friends. Sloan breathed in heavy, hoping that something popped out at them. His heart couldn’t take much more of seeing Teddy. As brief as their contact had been thus far, her anger caused him anxiety. In the past he’d hoped if they ever bumped into each other, they could find a way back together. She’d always stayed close to his thoughts but now his heart felt the impact of her being so near. The more he kept seeing her, the more memories dashed in. With the memories came a yearning to have her back in his arms, and when he wanted something badly enough, he could become one determined man.

 

****

 

Teddy leaned on the credenza in the police waiting area and stirred sugar into her coffee. It held a rich aroma. The strong taste told her if she drank the whole cup, she’d be awake for a week. People, mostly male, milled about the room. Phones were constantly ringing at the desk areas. No one seemed to have a lot of privacy, and she wondered how they heard themselves over the other voices.

She stared at the closed door where the police met with Linda. Claire came along for added support but currently stood off with Wes Connolly. From the looks of it, Claire had a crush on him. Who could blame her? A handsome Marine. What’s not to like?

Worried Sloan might appear at any moment; Teddy couldn’t focus on any one thing.

“Excuse me.” To her left, a male voice spoke. “Aren’t you one of the witnesses to that club shooting?”

Teddy turned to the blond haired man. “Yes. I’m Teddy Federline.” She held out her hand and he accepted with a strong shake of his own. His tanned complexion gave him the look of a surfer.

“My name’s Donny Anderson. I’m one of the officers on the case.”

“More than Detective Michaels and Templeton are working on it?”

“Because it’s so extensive other officers were added.” Donny straightened his shoulders. “You’re the one who hit the guy with the tray, aren’t you?”

“Yeah. Probably wasn’t the smartest thing I could have done, I just wanted him to stop.”

“I think you’re very brave.” His flirting wasn’t very good but Teddy liked that he tried. “It took a lot of guts not to run.”

Even though nothing would come from it, Donny made her feel good knowing she could still garner attention from a man. Then her heart stopped. From the corner of her eye, she saw two people advance in her direction. The last two individuals she wished to deal with at that moment. She gave herself a mental kick for telling Ryan she’d be at the station. She should’ve known her brothers would come here instead of the condo.

“Teddy, are you all right?” Jason picked up his pace and gave her a hug. He was the younger of the two and burley. In jeans and a long sleeve plaid shirt, he looked more like a lumberjack than a canine unit officer.

“I’m fine. Detective Anderson, these are my brothers Ryan and Jason Federline.”

The men exchanged handshakes.

“I need to be going. It was nice meeting you.” Donny gave his head a nod in her direction before walking away.

Teddy inhaled a deep breath then turned to Ryan. “What are you doing here? I told you I’d meet you at the house.”

“We needed to make sure you were all right.”

She looked up at her eldest brother. He made an imposing figure at six foot six, two-thirty, all muscle. His tight t-shirt accentuated his muscular frame. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. The aroma of Old Spice drifted over her. Ryan wore the same brand of aftershave as their deceased father. Memories flooded in and tears wanted to flow out. She forced her emotions down so she wouldn’t appear weak in front of her brothers.

Jason continued to hold his hand on her back. “I know someone whose cousin is in the 9-1-1 call center. We were notified the instant they learned you were involved. Why didn’t you tell us what happened? We would have been here sooner.” Jason stood two inches shorter than Ryan and not as muscular. Except for a three year difference, he and Ryan could almost be mistaken for twins. Both garnered their facial expressions from Dad, including his dark brown hair and brown eyes. Mom had given them her smile.

“There wasn’t anything you could do.” Teddy chose not to say Ryan’s overbearing attitude might have driven her nuts.

“We could have come for moral support,” Jason said.

“I guess I was just busy helping Linda.”

“Linda’s the lady you work with?” Ryan crossed his arms over his chest.

“Yeah.” Teddy lowered her head and demanded the burning tears not to flow.

“You two are a bit out of your jurisdiction, aren’t you?” Claire walked up behind the two men before giving each a hug. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You, too. Maybe I need to get your number so I can keep track of my sister and make sure she’s staying out of trouble.” Jason gave Teddy a stern look. “She has a bad habit of taking on the world alone.”

“If that’s your way of getting my phone number, it’s the worst pick up line I’ve ever heard.” Claire brushed her long hair back with her fingers. Dark rims circled her eyes. A fake smile gave a slight turn of her lips. Teddy noticed Claire’s hands still trembled from the night before.

“What’s he doing here?” Ryan lowered his arms and stood even more erect, if that was possible.

All eyes were on the man in the corner. Teddy gulped. Sloan. She whirled away when he glanced at them.

“He’s in charge of the shooting,” Teddy whispered.

“He’s a cop?” Jason shook his head. “JSO must be desperate.”

Ryan stepped toward Sloan but stopped when Teddy grabbed him by the arm. “Don’t start trouble,” she pleaded. “It’s been a long night, and I just want to get this over with.”

Ryan gave a nod. “I hoped to get an update but if they’re finished with you, we can leave. I can check in later.”

“I’m just waiting on Linda. They’re still talking with her.”

The door off to Teddy’s right opened, and Linda followed Raven Templeton out. Her two brothers offered their condolences to her.

“Hello, my name is Raven Templeton.” She let the “r” in her name curl longer than necessary. “My partner and I are in charge of the killings last night.”

She held her hand out to Ryan. He shook it quickly and introduced both himself and Jason, adding that they were with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Jason accepted her handshake and gave her his best Federline smile. She would be Jason’s type, thin, petite, and beautiful. Just how Jason liked his women.

“What’s the status?” Ryan continued to glare at Sloan.

“We’re just finishing with our preliminary interviews. We thought it wise to interview Ms. Gardner while events were still fresh in her mind.” Raven said. “As you know, we’ll have to follow up if this thing goes to trial. Of course with all the evidence, he’d be a fool not to plead and try to save his skin.”

“I’ll give you my number,” Ryan said. “When you need Teddy back, we’ll bring her.”

“I’m not going anywhere. I have a job, and can’t take any time off.” Teddy’s attention focused totally on her brother.

“You’ll need to take a leave of absence.”

“I will not. If you decide you want to play babysitter, you’ll just have to do it here.” Her fists curled. If he wanted a fight, she’d give him one. Just because he took up the job as father when their parents died didn’t mean he could dictate every aspect of her life.

Ryan ran a hand down his face. “This is not the time or the place to get into this now. We’ll talk later.”

“There’s nothing to discuss now or later,” Teddy said. “My occupation is just as important as yours.”

Her older brother sighed. “Did I say it wasn’t? I just assumed you’d want to get out of Jacksonville for a few days. You can even bring your friends. We have plenty of room,” he said. “Besides, I’d think the last thing you’d want would be to bump into Sloan Michaels every time you turned around.”

“Why? Because he’s not a loser or fat and ugly like I’d hoped he’d be.”

“Teddy, don’t get hysterical.” Ryan’s voice went low.

“I’m not getting hysterical,” Teddy whispered and leaned toward him. “I’m not going to let you bully me. Like I said before, if you want to keep an eye on me, you’ll have to do it here.”

“You know I can’t do that. I have other obligations.”

“So do I. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She turned to Raven. “Detective, where’s the ladies room?”

“I’ll show you.”

Raven trailed Teddy to the outer hall and followed her inside the restroom. “Is there anything I should know about you and my partner? He acts strange every time he sees you, and from the discussion I just heard, you and Sloan have met before.”

“We dated in college.” The look on Raven’s face indicated she knew there was more so Teddy added, “He dumped me.”

“That explains why you would hope he was a fat, ugly loser.”

Teddy grinned. “Did I really say that out loud?”

Raven put her arm over Teddy’s shoulder. “I’ll tell you what, when this is all over I’ll fill Sloan full of donuts. Making him fat is the least I can do for a sister done wrong.”

 

****

 

Sloan had stayed in the hallway and tried to watch Teddy by the coffee machine but when Donny walked up to her, Sloan’s blood rushed into his ears and his face warmed. He had to walk away. He’d never noticed Donny approach any other witness. It didn’t take much to figure out why. He found her attractive. Who wouldn’t? A woman who looked as good as she did would garner attention from most men.

Raven caught on pretty quick that something was up between him and Teddy. She asked about it a couple of times that morning, but he wouldn’t tell her. No doubt, she headed over to Teddy’s group to see if she could find out. It didn’t take much for her to get information, especially from a man. Her slender South American build and flirty ways caused most men to fall under her spell.

“I dislike the idea of you being near my sister.”

Sloan hadn’t heard Ryan walk up behind him. He turned to face the large man. “I’m the lead detective. She’s a primary witness. That’s as far as it goes.” Nothing much changed about Ryan since they’d last met. He still exuded the same amount of charm as a cougar ready to leap.

“Just so driving her isn’t part of that job.”

“I’ve gotten over the accident. Too bad you haven’t.” Sloan tore his jacket from the chair. A walk in the brisk cool air might be a better remedy than punching Ryan in the nose. He had used Sloan’s car accident against him at one time. It wouldn’t happen again.

“You leave my sister alone.” Ryan seized his arm. “The last thing she needs is you back in her life.”

Sloan jerked away and stormed out the double-hung doors. Women’s laughter sounded behind him. When he glanced over his shoulder, Raven wiggled her fingers at him. His pulse pounded out an extra beat when his eyes met Teddy’s. Even though he cared for her, he knew demons of the past still chased him. And until he conquered them, there would be no hopes of a relationship with Teddy, or anyone else for that matter.