BURNT (The Wild Flames #1) Page 10

  As Kevin heard her he, knew she had come again and it put him over the edge. He held one hand against the wall and one arm was wrapped around her waist. “Ugh...ugh...oh God baby...” he moaned, releasing inside her.

  His mouth latched on to her neck as he cradled her in place. Their bodies were weak now, but still connected as one. Tara’s raspy breathing was barely audible over the sound of the shower. She rested her head against his, all the energy drained from her body and mind. She relaxed as Kevin lowered her legs to the floor, but kept her pinned to the wall for support. His lips met hers as they tried to regroup. She could only imagine the night getting better. And it had only just begun.

  “Let’s dry you off, okay,” he whispered. “You go relax in my room and I’ll put those dishes in the dishwasher and clean up a bit downstairs.

  “Okay,” Tara answered. Her mind was still vacant.

  “I’ll grab us the extra bottle of wine and two glasses,” he winked. “We’ll continue this celebration in my bedroom.”

  “Are you trying to get me drunk?” she said slowly, feeling his hands roaming up and down her wet back.

  He smiled. “I can’t imagine what we’d end up doing if I got you drunk. I love what just happened while you’re still sober. Not to worry, I’m just kidding. The wine will just add a nice, relaxing touch.”

  “Sounds fun,” she said.

  Kevin smiled, leaning forward and shutting off the water. He stepped out of the shower and offered his hand to help once she could move again. She stepped over the tub and stood in the middle of the bathroom. It felt heavenly, allowing him pamper her as he wrapped a towel around her and gently dried her off. He then wrapped another towel around his waist. She admired his ripped body, with muscles still glistening. She sighed. She wanted him all over again.

  “I’ll be back in a minute,” he announced. “Don’t get lonely without me.”

  She smiled. “I’ll try not to.”

  After he left, Tara walked into the hallway and picked up the clothes that were strewn along the way. She threw them in the laundry hamper in his bedroom. A smile rose from her face as she thought of how sweet Kevin had been to offer her a dance after dinner. She was glad she didn’t rush upstairs so quickly as to miss out on such a tender moment. She collapsed on his bed waiting for him, and grabbed his remote to find something relaxing to watch on TV. The news was on the first channel she picked, showing a female news anchor doing another Breaking News story on the screen.

  “We open this segment with breaking news. Another death occurred in our small town tonight. Amy Watters was found dead just an hour ago.”

  “No...No...” Tara whispered, covering her mouth.

  “What’s wrong?” Kevin asked, walking back into the room. She pointed at the screen as the news anchor continued.

  “Police reports say the woman was found suspended from a tree in the backyard of her Steury Oaks home. It was ruled a homicide due to the signature burn mark on her chest. If you have any information please call the local authorities.”

  She could feel the tears streaming down her cheeks as she turned to Kevin. His eyes met hers and he quickly put the glasses and bottle down. He plucked the remote from her and turned off the television so she wouldn’t have to be more upset. He sat on the edge of his bed and wrapped his arms around her.

  “I can’t believe it,” she whimpered, shaking like a leaf. She didn’t want to leave the protection of Kevin’s arms.

  “The police will find whoever is behind this,” he said, doing his best to reassure her.

  She nodded, but the disbelief didn’t leave her heart. Bodies kept adding up and no suspects were identified. It was starting to look like this person would keep getting away with it. Her mind went back to the conversation she had with Amy. She wondered if her boyfriend had something to do with it. Amy hadn’t told her who her new boyfriend was.

  ***

  Kevin held on to Tara’s hand as they walked into work the next day. He didn’t want her to have to deal with the tragedy alone, so he agreed to take Amy’s shift when their boss phoned. Working the shift would help Tara get through the day. The moment he pulled into the parking lot, he spotted the police cars at the entrance. He glanced at her.

  “Are you sure you want to go to work today? It’s going to be difficult. No one would look down on you if you chose to stay home.”

  She shook her head. “We’re all going through this. I want to be here.”

  They opened their doors and headed up to the entrance. He saw her hesitate as he held the door open for her. They were unable to finish their romantic evening after hearing the news about Amy. All he could do was hold Tara and make sure she felt protected for the rest of the evening. Kevin hoped she would know deep down that he wouldn’t let anything happen to her.

  They walked into the main entrance and immediately, several faces turned to them. Marge, one of their bosses, came over to speak to them before they could clock in.

  “I’m sure you heard,” Marge said, glancing around the building.

  Tara slowly nodded. “How could we not?”

  She nervously looked toward the officers and Kevin could tell she was struggling to tell them something.

  “What are they doing here?” Tara asked.

  “They want to question everyone. They don’t have any leads and they’re hoping someone here can give them something to go on.” She looked pitifully at them.

  “Don’t go far, they’ll be questioning everyone sometime this morning. We closed the office today, so don’t bother clocking in.”

  Marge shot them a disheartening smile and then disappeared into the side office.

  “Just tell the police officers everything you know,” Kevin said to her. Amy and Tara had talked earlier the previous day, because he remembered seeing them together. Tara didn’t mention what they discussed.

  “I’m scared,” she whispered.

  “Hey...” Kevin said, turning her to face him. “You have nothing to be scared about. After all, you don’t know what happened. It will be fine. I promise you.”

  She took a few deep breaths. She looked exhausted. He could tell she hadn’t slept.

  “Kevin Crawford!” Came a booming voice from the end of the hall.

  Kevin looked up when he heard his name. He shot a look back at Tara and gave her a smile, hoping it would put her mind at ease.

  “I love you,” he whispered.

  “I love you, too” she said, squeezing his hand as he got up and walked away. Kevin needed to remember the words he said to Tara. Tell them what you know and let the officers do their job.

  Chapter 10

  Kevin sat on his hands. Whenever he was nervous he tended to talk freely with them. The two officers sat opposite him; one male and the other female.

  “Thank you for giving us the time to speak with you today, Mr. Crawford,” the woman said.

  “Call me Kevin...please,” he said, knowing his voice was already shaky.

  “Kevin...” the female officer started. “I’m Officer Tina Jessup and this is my partner, Officer Roy Grayson. We just have a few questions to ask. We hope to make this as simple as we possibly can.”

  He nodded, letting out a breath of air. “I’ll help you with whatever you need.”

  “Great,” Officer Jessup said. “How well did you know the victim, Ms. Watters?”

  “We didn’t know each other too well. We met when we were hired here at the petting zoo at around the same time. We’ve worked together for a few months.”

  “Is it true you and Ms. Watters went on a date?” Officer Grayson asked.

  He hadn’t really thought about it. It was only one time and he did it on a whim. He nodded. He was surprised they knew about it.

  “It was so long ago and I don’t even know if it would qualify as a date,” he answered. “We did go out once and nothing became of it.”

  “Were you ever going to tell us about it?” Officer Jessup asked heatedly.

  Kevin hesitated.
He had no idea when he would have had another opportunity to talk to them before this.

  “I didn’t think it was that big of a deal, he said with hesitation. “I’m surprised you even know about it. I mean...”

  “Were you trying to hide something from us?” she probed, staring intently at him.

  He shook his head, wondering if they were playing some kind of good cop-bad cop routine, or if he had just entered the twilight zone.

  “No...not at all. I’m sorry,” he offered. “It wasn’t relevant, I don’t think. But sure, I guess I should have told you.”

  He sat back in his chair, suddenly flustered, and mostly dissatisfied by the way he was being treated. He wasn’t a criminal, but he felt like one already.

  “We find out most facts, eventually. So, it would be best not to withhold any information,” the male officer pointed out.

  Kevin nodded and looked down at the desk. “Duly noted.”

  His heart was now racing. Just get me through this, he thought.

  “So, you and the victim did go out once before. That’s it?” Officer Jessup asked. He nodded, still looking down at the desk. “Where were you last night?”

  His eyes widened. He never thought he was a suspect. How could this happen?

  “I was with my girlfriend the whole night.”

  The officer poised her pen, readying her little notebook to document his answer.

  “Girlfriend?” she asked. “And what’s her name?”

  “Tara Matthews,” Kevin replied simply. He had nothing to hide.

  “Tara Matthews?” Officer Grayson repeated her name, looking across at Officer Jessup. “Is she the next one on our list to question?”

  Officer Jessup nodded.

  “She can vouch for your whereabouts?” Officer Jessup asked.

  “Yes,” he said, rolling his eyes and hoping that they didn’t notice.

  Kevin was anxious to get out of that room. They would belt out questions, look down, make notes, and nod to each other. Yet, there was no reason he should be questioned at all. He had not done anything wrong, let alone something criminal.

  “Am I free to go?” he asked.

  “Just one more question,” Officer Jessup stopped him. “Do you have any idea what Ms. Watters was planning on doing last night? Or, perhaps who she might have been with?”

  He shook his head. “I wish I could help. I didn’t know her well and we rarely talked. I saw her here yesterday, but only briefly and just long enough to wave. I’m sorry I can’t provide any more information.”

  “Okay. You’re free to go. Send in Ms. Matthews.”

  He sighed as he got up from the chair. He walked out of the office and went to Tara.

  “It’s your turn,” he said.

  She turned to him. “How did it go?”

  He smiled. “Let’s just say, if you know anything...you better share it. Nothing gets by them.”

  “Okay. Thanks for the heads up.” She moved past him and he watched her disappear into the office. She hoped it would be over with soon.

  ***

  “Good morning, Ms. Matthews.”

  “Good morning,” she replied, nervously sitting down.

  Tara thought of what they might have asked her, but now, facing the two of them, it was just a jumbled mess.

  “First off we just have a few questions to ask you. We hope to have you out of here quickly,” the female officer shared. Tara smiled, looking between the two.

  “My name is Officer Tina Jessup and this is Officer Roy Grayson. First question for you...how well did you know the victim?”

  “Well...we started working at the petting zoo at the same time and I enjoyed talking to her. I think we could have been good friends, had we gotten the chance.”

  She cringed at the thought, because the words were true. It killed her inside how Amy died so violently, and so young.

  “Where were you last night?” Officer Grayson asked.

  Tara expected the question. She had no doubt in her mind they were all suspects. The police needed someone to blame and it made sense if they could lay blame on one of them.

  “I was with my boyfriend, Kevin, all night. We got together about seven o’clock and didn’t leave each other’s side until this morning.” She didn’t feel strange admitting it. She needed them to know the truth.

  “Did he tell you to say that?” Officer Jessup asked.

  Her inquiring stare was like something Tara had never seen. She was quick to answer.

  “What? No...it’s the truth. Kevin and I were together all night. I swear!”

  She nodded. “Okay. Calm down. We have to ask to be sure.”

  Tara tried to calm her nerves. It felt like they were trying to break her. Tara refused to cave. She had nothing to hide.

  “Do you know anything about what might have happened? Maybe you weren’t involved, but do you have any idea who she was going to be with? Or, what she was going to be doing?”

  “I don’t know what she was going to be doing, but I do know who she was going to be with. Yesterday we talked and she told me she was going to be going out with her boyfriend last night. They were supposed to be having an important conversation, and she was very excited and nervous about it.”

  Both officers were taking down notes. “Have you ever met her boyfriend? Do you have a name?”

  Tara shook her head. She wanted to be able to assist them further.

  “I’m sorry. She never told me. I just know they have been dating for a month...possibly two. I’m not even sure. She said she didn’t know his family, but I’m not sure if her parents knew him.”

  “Well, we appreciate the information,” Officer Jessup concluded. “If we need anything else, we’ll be sure to contact you.”

  She got up from her seat and before leaving she looked back at them. “I hope you find this person and they rot in jail for the rest of their life. Then hopefully this town can get back to being like it was.”

  Officer Grayson and Officer Jessup nodded their approval. “I can tell you one thing...” Officer Jessup stated. “We’re on the case, and we’ll work diligently to get our guy...or girl.”

  Tara nodded, leaving the office. She walked back to where Kevin was sitting. He immediately stood up.

  “So?” he said.

  “I want to go home,” she replied, feeling depleted and ready to forget the day. He wrapped his arm around her and she hung her head on his shoulder. Tara hoped they meant what they said, because she didn’t know how much more she could deal with.

  ***

  Kevin looked up from his homework as Jake came down the stairs. He had a suitcase in his hand.

  “Where are you going?” Kevin asked, putting his notes to the side and staring at the suitcase.

  “I thought I would go stay with Marcus for a few days,” Jake answered.

  “Marcus?” Kevin asked, perplexed. “I have never heard that name mentioned before.”

  “You don’t know all my friends,” he answered.

  Kevin picked up on Jake’s defensive tone. He shot Jake a glance.

  “He just moved into a new place and has an extra room.”

  Kevin frowned, processing the information. “Do Mom and Dad know about this sudden vacation?”

  He stared at Kevin. “I’m old enough. I don’t need their permission.”

  “I know you don’t, but it would be nice if you told them. After all, you’re still living under their roof.”

  “Maybe not for long,” Jake mumbled.

  “What??” Kevin asked, looking over at his brother with curiosity.

  “Nothing. I have every right to do what I want to do.” He stared at Kevin, waiting for a rebuttal. “Do you mind?”

  “No...not at all.” He watched Jake until he reached the door. “Got a number where you can be reached?”

  Jake turned around, “I have Marcus’ number on my dresser. Any more questions?”

  Kevin shook his head. “No. Have fun bro!”

  “Thanks
,” Jake mumbled, turning back to the door.

  He opened the door and Kevin’s eyes looked past Jake. Two officers were climbing the porch step.

  “Hello...Jake Crawford?” Called one of the officers.

  Jake hurriedly shot Kevin a glance. Kevin walked to the door, instantly recognizing the officers from earlier that day.

  “Officer Jessup. Officer Grayson. What are you doing here?”

  “Mr. Crawford,” Officer Jessup replied.

  She turned back to where Jake was standing. Her eyes honed in on the suitcase and then to Jake’s face. “Going somewhere?”

  “I...I...” Jake stammered.

  “What are you doing here?” Kevin asked again.

  “We’re here to see Mr. Crawford.” She raised her eyebrows, “The other Mr. Crawford.”

  Kevin looked at Jake, and back at the officers. By this time, Officer Grayson had removed his handcuffs.

  “Mr. Jake Crawford, you are under arrest for the murder of Amy Watters.”

  Kevin stood in shock, watching the officer put the handcuffs on his brother’s wrists.

  “I didn’t do anything,” Jake shouted.

  Kevin looked down to where the suitcase was sitting on the floor and he quickly pushed the thought away.

  “Anything you say, can and will be used against you,” Officer Grayson was firm as he recited the Miranda Rights.

  “You can’t be serious,” Kevin argued, following them out the door.

  They quickly walked him to the police car, with Kevin was trying to defend his brother as they walked.

  “You have the wrong guy. Why would you ever think Jake had anything to do with this?” He paused as Officer Jessup turned to him. “He didn’t even know the victim.”

  Officer Jessup opened the driver’s side door and looked at him.

  “You’re wrong, Mr. Crawford.” Officer Jessup answered. “It turns out they knew each other quite well. He was her boyfriend.”

  She climbed into the car. Kevin opened his mouth to shoot out another argument, but she kept talking.

  “You’re more than welcome to come down to the station, but if we have anything to say about it, he won’t be going anywhere.”

  She slammed the door shut and the car pulled away from the curb. Kevin looked on as the car drove off, noticing Jake staring back at him through the rear window. His stomach sank. He turned away and ran back into the house, nearly tripping over the suitcase. Why was he leaving in such a hurry? he thought, grabbing his phone and calling up the one person he could confide in.