Deceiver Page 5

  I shake my head and remove the syringe from the I.V. “Well, those are obviously very important qualities for any good woman.”

  His red, cloudy eyes begin to haze over, and his pupils constrict. I walk around to refill his water pitcher. I know it’s the LPN’s job, but I can’t stand the thought of him being thirsty or uncomfortable.

  Afterward, I pour him a fresh glass of water and look around to make sure we’re alone, though I know we are. Satisfied, I sit down next to him in the visitor’s chair that no one ever uses and take his hand in mine. He turns his head toward me, and I can tell he’s trying really hard to focus.

  “Isn’t there someone I can call for you, Mr. Donovan?” According to the charts, he has two children, but I’ve never seen either one of them here.

  “No. Thank you, hon. My wife, my brothers, and my sisters have all been gone for a long time.”

  “What about your kids?”

  He sighs. “Haven’t seen either one of them in years. My son lives in Chicago, some hot-shot CEO or something, and my daughter ran away when she was thirteen. We never heard from her again.”

  “Oh, no. Did you contact the police?”

  “The police, a private investigator, friends, family. We tried everything. I don’t know where she’s at today, if she has any kids, or if she’s even alive anymore.”

  My heart aches for him. “I’m sure your son would come, if you asked. Don’t you think?”

  He shakes his head. “Nah. Don’t bother him yet. He’ll come soon enough.”

  I look at him, not quite sure what he means.

  “For the funeral.”

  I look down at his wrinkled, little hand in mine and stroke it as I smile. Why try to bullshit an old bullshitter? We both know he’s right.

  “What about friends? Any friends I can call?”

  He shakes his head. “No. There’s no one. I’ve been alone out there on the farm for years.” He stares at the muted television on the wall. “Well, wait.”

  I sit up straight, squeezing his hand. “Yes?”

  “Maybe you could just check to make sure my neighbor is feeding my dog?”

  I nod. “Of course, I can. I’d be happy to do that. Where do you live?”

  “Route Seven, Bauxite. Out near the old Sheridan Highway. Jessie Stratford has the farm next to mine. I’ve already talked to him, and he’s going to take my dog when I’m gone.”

  What? Holy fucking Fritos. I shake my head, hoping that I heard him wrong. “Jessie Stratford? Mr. Stratford?”

  “Yeah. Do you know him? Nice guy. He’s lived next door to us for years. I was friends with his father, Eugene, before he died. We farmed together, shared equipment, labor, whatever. Jessie and my kids grew up together. In fact, they used to play together all the time.”

  I think about Mr. Stratford and imagine him growing up next door to Mr. Donovan. What would Mr. Donovan say if he knew that Mr. Stratford had killed a little girl? Oh, no. Who’s going to take his dog if Mr. Stratford is in prison?

  The morphine does its job, and Mr. Donovan’s lids begin to droop. I stand up, patting his hand, and smile down at him. I don’t want to upset him or worry him. It’s not like there’s anything he can do about it now.

  “I’ll take care of everything,” I assure him.

  “You’re a good girl, Nurse Putnam,” he mumbles sleepily. “Find yourself a good man and settle down.”

  I chuckle. “I will. I promise.”

  Picking up my clipboard, I head toward the door.

  “Oh!” I pause and turn around. “What’s your dog’s name?”

  “Rufus.”

  “Rufus,” I repeat, closing the door behind me so he can rest.

  I finish my rounds and then hide beside the elevators to scout out the nurses’ station. I want to make sure the ogre is gone before I drop off my charts and grab my stuff. The coast appears to be clear, so I sneak over quietly and replace the records on the rotary shelf.

  “Hey you!” Jen Lowery, the evening shift nurse, strides toward me wearing her usual don’t-nothing-ever-bother-me smile, and I cringe, placing my finger to my lips.

  “Shh.”

  “Oh.” She looks nervously from side to side, making sure Nurse Hatchet is nowhere to be seen. “Sorry,” she whispers.

  I’ve no doubt the old battle-axe is lurking somewhere nearby. “That’s okay. I just finished rounds. Everything is going fine, no problems, and Mr. Donovan and Mrs. Lewis are both drugged and happy. Don’t forget to give 362 his insulin, and I think… that’s it.” I grab my purse from the file cabinet and stuff my arms into my jacket.

  “Okay,” Jen whispers. “Have yourself a great night, and don’t worry about us. We’ll be fine. See you tomorrow?”

  I shake my head. “Nope. I’m off tomorrow. I’ll see you Wednesday, though.”

  “Okay. I’ll tell her you’re sorry you missed her when she comes back.” She giggles. “See you Wednesday.”

  By seven-thirty, I’ve managed to get a shower, shave all my critical junctures, put on some make-up, wash and dry my hair, brush my teeth, and find the perfect outfit. Well, as perfect as I’m going to get in my wardrobe. I stand in front of the mirror now fretting over a few misbehaved curls and some stubborn lint, but basically ready. I smile and nod at the mirror.

  I have just enough time left to run through the house and make sure there’s not any embarrassing contraband lying around anywhere. I start with the guest bathroom first. There’s soap, hand towels, toilet paper… Ack! I walk over, scooping up the latest edition of Cracked Magazine from the floor by the toilet and fling it beneath the cabinet. Dangit, Josh.

  Next, I head into the living room where, immediately, I spy my latest trashy novel on the coffee table. I stuff it beneath the couch cushion, grab my empty wine glass and chocolate wrappers, and hustle them into the kitchen. My phone rings with perfect timing.

  Oh, no. He’s calling to cancel! Not sure why my mind always jumps to the worst possible scenario, but it does. I hold the phone in my hand, staring at the caller’s number uncertainly.

  “Hello?”

  “Mom?”

  Crap. I was going to leave him a note. “Hey, baby. Whose phone are you using? Everything okay?”

  I glance at the clock in the kitchen, hoping like hell Dan doesn’t show up early.

  “Yeah. Everything’s fine. I just got off work, and I’m using the phone in the office. Would you mind if I go hang with Eric for a while?”

  Can it be true? Could my luck actually be changing? “Well, sure, honey. You go ahead and have fun with your friends.” Okay. Take it down a notch. He’s going to get suspicious. “Just remember it’s a school night.”

  “I know. I’ll be home around eleven. Love you.”

  “Love you, too. Be careful.” I hang up.

  That couldn’t have worked out any better if I’d tried.

  There’s a knock, and once again, the timing is perfect. I take a deep breath and walk to the door, straightening my clothes and fluffing my hair as I go. I press my hands against my stomach, trying to tame the ferocious butterflies that have taken up residence. Oh, God. Please don’t be gas. I swing open the door.

  “Well, hell— Oh.” There it is. My curse is back.

  “Hello, Mrs. Putnam.”

  “It’s Ms. Putnam. Hello, Mrs. Gilmore. How can I help you?” My butterflies suddenly sprout sharp fangs.

  “I was just thinking that with Mr. Putnam gone and now poor little Josh working all the time, you might be getting kind of lonesome over here. So I brought you my latest copy of the Arkansas Chronicle. The electric company sends me one every month, you know and there’s some mighty fine recipes in here. Oh, and I know you’re not much in the kitchen. So, I thought Josh might like some of these cookies I just baked.”

  “Oh. That’s so nice…” Evil minion. I squint as I’m suddenly blinded by headlights pulling into the driveway.

  “Oh, my. That’s not Josh, is it? Are you expecting company? It’s so late.”
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  “Actually, Mrs. Gilmore. Yes. I have a date.” I hear Dan step out of the car and slam the door. “I’m not sure if he’s made reservations or not. So I should probably get my things together. Thank you for the cookies. Oh, and the magazine.”

  Mrs. Gilmore doesn’t hear a word I’m saying as she stares curiously at Dan walking up the sidewalk.

  “Hello.” He smiles at Mrs. Gilmore, and she scowls back at him.

  “Hmph! Well, I’ll just save these for Josh, then,” she informs me, grabbing the cookies and marching past Dan like he’s unwelcome family.

  He stands aside to give her the sidewalk, watching confused as she stomps across the yard back to her house.

  “Was it something I said?”

  I laugh. “No. I think my ex-husband pays her to harass me.”

  “Want me to arrest her?” He grins.

  “Well, if that’s an option, let me think about it for a while.” I laugh. “Want to come in for a second while I get my things together?”

  “Sure.” I hold the door while he steps inside. “Did you say you had a son?”

  He glances around the living room as if Josh is hiding behind the furniture or something.

  “Did I?” I close the door. Of course, I do. “I mean, yes. I do. He’s seventeen, and out with friends tonight.”

  “Seventeen? Wow. You don’t look old enough to have a seventeen-year-old.”

  I grab my jacket and keys off the bar as I bask in the warm glow of his compliment. “Well, thank you, but believe me, I do.”

  “I have a daughter.” He picks up a photo of me and Josh, examining it with a smile on his face.

  “You do? How old is she?” I’d hadn’t even thought to ask… Then again, I haven’t really had a chance. We just met. Of course, he’s probably been married before. Why wouldn’t he have kids?

  “She’s five, almost six. She lives with her mom in North Little Rock. I see her whenever I can.” He places the photo back down. “Ready? I hope you’re hungry.”

  Am I hungry? I never even considered that we might actually eat.

  “Yes,” I reply, pleased to find that my butterflies have mysteriously flown away. “I could eat something.”

  “Great. I hope you like Mexican,” he says as he pauses by the door.

  “Love it.” I lean across the bar scribbling out a quick note for Josh. “By now, I’m sure you know that I left here with a man. Don’t worry. Not the Clown Killer! We’re going to dinner and I’ll be home soon. Love you, Mom.”

  I prop it up against a picture frame so he’s sure to see it. Then, I look at Dan and smile. “Ready.”

  Chapter Six

  We pull up at Tlayuda’s twenty minutes later, and I’m surprised to find that I really am famished. Most of the time, I’m so nervous on dates, especially first ones, that I can’t even think about eating. But, for some reason, I feel at ease, almost comfortable, and… dare I say it?… cherished. He acts like no one else even exists, except me. It’s strange and a little intimidating, but I think I like it.

  “Wait here. I’ll get your door,” he informs me as he steps out. He walks around the front of the truck as three women stand at the door of the restaurant checking him out, giggling and whispering.

  A smile pulls at my lips. How did I get so lucky? He opens my door and offers me his hand. I take it, hopping out of the truck as gracefully as I can, which isn’t very. As my feet hit the ground, he catches me, pulling me close, and burying his face in my hair. He inhales deeply.

  “Damn. You smell good,” he whispers.

  My knees nearly buckle.

  “Oh.” I look up, staring into soft, warm eyes. “Thank you. It’s probably the new shampoo I just bought.” Smooth, Mata Hari.

  “No. I don’t think so. I think it’s just Candy.”

  I bite my lip as my hands rest against his waist, thoughts of ripping off his clothes out here in the parking lot running rampant through my head. Dammit. Why did I say I was hungry? Food is the last thing I want now, unless it’s served on top of his naked body.

  “Come on. I need to get some food into you. As small as you are, I don’t think it would take much for you to starve right in front of me.”

  “You’d be surprised.” I smile as he closes my door and leads me to the entrance. “I eat constantly.”

  He steps through the throng of young ladies at the door of the restaurant.

  “Pardon me,” he says politely, letting go of my hand only to open the door, and then he moves it to the small of my back. I roll my eyes as the girls giggle and flutter.

  Once we’re seated, he reaches across the table to take my hand in his. It surprises me, and I jerk it away as if he’d just pinched my tit or something.

  “Oh, sorry.” I blush as I place my hand back on the table.

  “Do I make you nervous?” He grins as if that would actually make him happy.

  “No, of course not.” Yes! You do!

  “I need to tell you something.”

  Oh, no. I pick up the glass of water with my other shaky hand and take a sip. “Okay.”

  He pauses, building up the suspense before he finally gets to his point. “I got it.”

  I stare at him blankly for a second and then nod.

  “Okay. Good.” I wait for the rest of the news, but it doesn’t come. “Got what?”

  “Hello! Thank you for dining at Tlayuda’s. My name’s Tod, and I will be your server tonight. Can I get you something to drink? Any starters?” Tod moves his glance from Dan to me, lingering, and then his demeanor changes dramatically. “Anything?”

  His eyes glimmer as he smiles. Is this kid flirting with me?

  Dan apparently notices it, too. He sits up straight in his chair, clearing his throat, and taking on an authoritative air. “Bring me a Sam Adams, please.”

  The kid nods and then points at me. “And, what can I get for the beautiful lady?”

  I almost choke. “Uh… Just a glass of wine for me. The house red is fine.”

  “Alright. I’ll be right back with your drinks,” he says, winking.

  It’s been so long since anyone has flirted with me, I wasn’t even sure I wasn’t imagining it. I try to play it cool in case Dan didn’t notice.

  I suspect he’s noticed, though, as he watches the waiter walk away, and then fixes his eyes on me. He seems amused. “Well, I think you can add one more new member to your fan club.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, feigning innocence.

  “Your new admirer,” he teases.

  “Pfft. You’re crazy.” My fingers fidget nervously with the salt shaker.

  “That boy is obviously smitten.” He grins, skimming his forefinger across my arm. “He was trying to move in on my girl before I’ve even had a chance to move in on my girl.”

  “What boy?” Maybe if I act clueless.

  Dan smiles. “Our waiter. You can’t tell me you didn’t notice.”

  “I didn’t notice anything.” I try to hide my grin.

  “I can’t say I really blame him, I guess. Still, I may need to let him know that I have no intention of sharing my date with him tonight.”

  I laugh. “You didn’t finish telling me your news.”

  It might be best to distract him and get him on a different topic.

  “Oh, that’s right. So I got it.”

  I smile and shake my head. Here we go again. “Got what?”

  Exasperation is starting to creep in by now.

  “The search warrant.” He smiles broadly. “I got the judge to sign off on it today.”

  “Oh, that’s fantastic!” I light up as if he’s just proposed to me. “So, you went back and searched the property, then?”

  “No, I—”

  “And here we are with your drinks.” The waiter hovers for a moment, placing our drinks in front of us, and then directing his attention back to me. “Now, what can I get you to eat?”

  Oh, great. I haven’t even looked at the menu yet. I cut my eyes to Dan, who’s watching
the waiter with a smirk.

  “Why don’t you just bring us some chips while we look over the menu?” Dan suggests.

  “Okay. Just let me know when you’re ready,” he says to me as if I were the one who made the suggestion.

  I look down at my lap, biting back a smile.

  “We’ll let you know, son,” Dan says commandingly, and Tod saunters off like a scolded child.

  I look back up at Dan, and he shakes his head. “Smitten. The boy is smitten.”

  I laugh and open my menu. “I’ve never been here before. I’m not sure what’s good.”

  “It’s all good,” he informs me. “I used to really like eating here.”

  “Used to?”

  “Yeah. Before their staff started trying to steal my dates. I don’t think I’d feel safe bringing you back here again.”

  I giggle. “Tlayudas. I think I’ll try those. If they’re good enough to name a restaurant after…”

  “Yeah. They are good,” he agrees.

  I place my menu on the edge of the table. “So, did you go search his place today?”

  “Oh, no.” He places his menu on top of mine. “I could have, but it was already so late, and I knew we’d be searching in the dark before long. I would rather start fresh in the morning and have the daylight to work in.”

  I nod. “That makes sense.”

  “Plus, I didn’t want to take a chance of getting held up and then miss our date.” He grins and winks at me.

  I almost have to pick up the menu and fan myself with it. Is he serious? Did he really put a murder investigation on hold for me? I take a sip of my wine, and Tod lands back at our table anxious for our orders. I let Dan order for both of us, hoping to keep Tod distracted.

  A few minutes later, our food is sitting in front of us.

  “What do you think?” Dan asks as I take a bite of my Tlayudas.

  “Mm,” I moan, mouth full and a string of hot cheese dangling from my chin.

  That was embarrassing enough, but to my dismay, he sits there and watches me eat, which poses a serious choking hazard for me.

  “This is great. Want some? There’s no way I can eat all of this.” I wave my hand at my overflowing plate.