Mine to Hold

Chapter 5

Emmerson paced in the station’s hallway while Emmett finished taking Rumor’s statement. She’d already met with the sketch artist, but that hadn’t produced good results, even though she’d tried her hardest to pull that memory from her brain. His mother actually had to admit that Rumor had given it her all.

For his entire life, the station had been a second home. As a small boy, he used to love to come visit his mother. She’d been a beat cop back then, but she was a proud deputy and loved her job. Her aspiration had always been to be the chief of police and she’d worked damn hard to get there.

Emmerson remembered fondly the day his mother’s dream had come true. It had been a happy day in his house. His father bought a cake and pulled everyone out of school early. They had a massive party with friends and family. All Emmerson had ever wanted to do was be like his mother. To serve and protect the community in which he’d been raised.

His cell vibrated.

Rhett.

“Hey, brother, what’s up?” Emmerson asked.

“I’ve got a few more things on Rumor and you’re not going to like one of the things I found,” Rhett said.

Emmerson pinched the bridge of his nose. This morning he thought he needed space. Time alone with his thoughts. That’s why he’d gone to the dock. Of course, that was always where he went to think. But what he really needed was a friend. Someone to listen without judgment and that’s exactly what she’d done. She was more than a breath of fresh air. “I’m listening.”

“I found her last foster care family situation. It wasn’t the greatest. But the disturbing part is one of the other kids who was living there with her at the time was a young man by the name of Tony Angelo. He went to prison about six months after he aged out of the system for having a suitcase full of drugs. They tried to pin a murder on him, but they didn’t have enough evidence to do it. He was due to be released seven years ago, but shit went down in prison that tacked more years on his sentence. He got out six months ago.”

“Okay. That’s not a connection I want to hear, but that doesn’t mean Rumor and this Tony idiot were friends.”

“Nope, but you have to admit, that’s a little too close for comfort and I want to dig deeper.”

Emmerson sighed. “Yeah. Just let’s not poke a bear we can’t put back in a cave.”

“One more thing,” Rhett said. “This Tony guy, he’s up and disappeared.”

“Fuck. I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Nor do I, but if I were you, I’d keep all this information from our mother. At least for now. She’s not a suspect. And this has no bearing on the case.”

“Unless you connect Tony to Tom Hemming’s drugs. Then it might be a different conversation and I need you to look for that connection.”

“Agreed,” Rhett said. “What about Emmett? Nathan?”

“I’m not ready to loop them in yet. Too many cooks in the kitchen, if you know what I mean.”

“Look at you being a rebel.” Rhett laughed. “When Mom finds out, she’s going to sit your ass to the sidelines. Without pay.”

“I’m getting kind of used to it,” he said. “I can deal with Mom’s wrath. I just don’t want my brothers pissed off. Those few years with Jameson after he found out Steve was his biological dad were pure fucking hell.”

“The worst. I’ll be in touch.” The line went dead.

Emmerson let out a long slow breath. His brothers were his lifeline. His father, the voice of reason.

His mother? Well, she was his boss. He took orders from her and did the best he could to make her proud.

He loved her with his whole being. And he knew she loved him back.

But sometimes, she could be a real pain in the ass.

His mother stepped from her office with that confidant swagger that came from being a cop for over three decades. She was as tough as nails, and while she had a soft side, she rarely chose to show it. “You need to go home and sleep.”

“I will as soon as Rumor’s finished.”

“I don’t like her living in your pool house.” His mom folded her arms and leaned against the wall. His mom was a force to be reckoned with. She had the best resting bitch face of anyone he knew. She was direct and never held back her opinion. As a boss, he valued and respected her. She knew when to follow the letter of the law.

And when to bend them.

As a mother, she’d been strict and tough. She demanded her boys stay out of trouble, which had proved impossible for all of them. As the chief of police, she had a reputation to uphold, and being seen as weak or soft wouldn’t help her lead her deputies or keep the community safe.

“Other than her being in the wrong place at the wrong time, I don’t understand why.” But truth be told, he knew the why. Any good cop would. However, he did want to hear his mom’s perspective and the only way to get the honest answer he desired was to push the right button.

“The timeline,” his mother said. “I can’t believe you haven’t connected those dots.”

He ran a hand over his unshaven face. God, he hated that and if he didn’t shave soon, he’d look like a buffoon. “If you’re talking about the chatter of a new drug dealer making waves in Miami last month and us finding some of that cocaine in our town about the same time Rumor rolled in and how she stayed in that very hotel, that fact hasn’t gone over my head.”

“You know how I feel about coincidences.”

“I don’t believe in them either.” He raised his hand. “But there are a dozen people who stayed there and two of them besides Rumor have spent time in Cali. I also have her employment record along with every known address she had in the last five years. She’s never been anywhere near Tom Hemming and her record is clean. The only thing she’s guilty of is bad timing and a shitty childhood.”

“Tom’s originally from California. Same as Rumor. That gives me enough reason to be concerned. And you should be too.”

“There’s more than one person from that state living here and don’t start in on the timing again. I hear you. I understand your hackles are up. Mine are too. I’ve read the intel on Tom and it’s not good. But two days ago, you trusted Rumor enough to bring her into your home and suggest I take her out.”

His mom glanced down the hallway. “I follow my gut and it tells me she’s not a drug dealer or a criminal.”

“So, what’s the problem?”

“The thing you don’t want me to keep bringing up.”

He sighed. The one thing his mother had always told him was not to ignore the simplest of details. It was those things that tripped up even the best cop. And she had a point. The day those drugs landed on the streets of Lighthouse Cove had been the day after Rumor had shown up.

“I’m not going to continue to lecture you,” his mom said.

“Good.”

“But I want you to stay observant and whatever you do, keep your dick in your pants until this thing is over. After that, you can take her to bed.”

He smacked his forehead. “Ma, really? Besides me being a grown-ass man, do you really need to put it that way?”

“Sometimes I think it’s the only thing you boys understand.” She reached out and squeezed his biceps. “If she hadn’t been from Cali, hadn’t rolled into town when those drugs showed up, or hadn’t been staying across the street when the murder occurred, I’d still be trying to fix you up with that girl. But until this case is put to rest, I’m not only asking you as your mother, but telling you as your boss, to keep a safe distance.”

“I’ll keep it professional.” He held his mother’s gaze, praying she didn’t see right through the fact he’d already crossed the line. A single kiss wasn’t a big deal. But now that he’d done it, he wanted more. Rumor was intoxicating. Addictive. And he couldn’t put her out of his mind if he tried.

“Something tells me that’s going to be impossible.” His mother sighed. “Just be careful.” She arched a brow. “Crossing streams makes things complicated.”

Emmerson rubbed the back of his neck. He understood and respected his mother’s concern, although he didn’t view it quite the same way. Maybe he should. Maybe he was letting his emotions cloud his better judgment. It had been a long time since a woman had turned his head and made him want to do anything other than have a good time.

His cell phone buzzed.

He pulled it out of his back pocket and groaned.

Edwina: I heard about the murder. I know how tough this must be for you right now. I thought I’d stop by later with a nice home-cooked meal. You never take care of yourself when you’re on a big case.

He rolled his eyes like a toddler. That woman sure knew how to get under his skin without even trying. In the few years he’d been with Edwina, the only big case he’d ever worked had been the one that ended their relationship. No fucking way would he respond. He’d already told Edwina he wished her well, but they had nothing left to discuss.

Ever.

But that hadn’t stopped her from trying.

He told himself that if he ignored her, she’d give up.

“What’s going on?” his mother asked. “You look like you swallowed a lemon and it made you constipated.”

He might as well fill his mom in on what was happening because he wasn’t sure it was going away. He lifted his cell and handed it to his mother. “If you want to be disgusted, you can read the text chain. You’ll notice I’ve only responded once to tell her to stop.”

His mom glanced between his phone and him while rolling her finger over the screen. “Jesus. Why didn’t you bring this to me sooner?”

“I honestly thought she would get bored. Find someone else. Go away. I don’t know.”

“This is harassment and it makes me wish I hadn’t been so kind to her all those years ago.” She handed the phone back. “You should respond, telling her not to show up. Screenshot it and send it to me. If she does, file a formal complaint.”

“I’m not sure I want to do that.”

“You’re being too soft,” his mother said. “Besides, a restraining order isn’t a big deal. All it will do is set a tone and give me and your brothers the power to arrest her if she doesn’t stop.”

Emmerson sighed. “If she shows up, I’ll go that route.”

“You won’t have any witnesses or proof you asked her to stop.”

“Christ, Ma. I know the law. I get how this works. I’ll handle Edwina.” He cocked his head. “I won’t let it get out of hand, but I’m not going to toss my badge in her face. You asked what the text was and I opted to be honest. In the scheme of things, Edwina is the least of our problems.”

“That woman is always a thorn in my side.” His mother squeezed his shoulder. “Deal with her or I will.” She ducked back into her office.

Fuck. The last thing he needed was his mother going all mama-bear on him, but that’s exactly what she’d do the next time she crossed paths with Edwina.

Emmerson: I won’t be around later. Please don’t stop by. And please stop texting. I’ve made my position clear. Don’t make me use my office to make it clearer.

That should get rid of Edwina and also keep his mother off his back. He tucked his cell in his pocket and leaned against the wall.

Rumor emerged from the last office down the hallway with Emmett one step behind.

“I need a minute with my brother. Why don’t you go to the lobby. Emmerson will meet you there,” Emmett said.

Emmerson cocked his head. He held his brother’s stare, trying to get a read on the situation, but Emmett gave up nothing.

Neither did Rumor.

“I need the ladies’ room,” Rumor said.

“You’ll see it on the way out.” Emmerson squeezed her arm. He watched her backside as she made a beeline toward the other side of the building. “What’s going on?”

Emmett raked his hand through his hair and glanced toward the ceiling. He always did that during a case when something didn’t fit, but it stood out. “The statement she gave is the identical story she gave you, Chris, and Mom.”

“Don’t tell me you’re now believing Rumor could be involved in this drug ring with Tom Hemming?”

“God, no. And Mom doesn’t either. But you know her. She gets something in her head and she won’t let it go. I have to admit the timing does have me on edge.”

Emmerson glanced over his shoulder. “I’d be lying if it didn’t give me pause. However, I ain’t going to say that to Mom. She’d run with it.”

“She already is.” Emmett nodded. “I’ll be straight with you, because Mom won’t.”

“Fucking wonderful.” Emmerson shook his head. “She had you interview Rumor not because she thought I was incapable of separating work from having Rumor rent my pool house, my attraction for her, and being a good cop, but because she wanted you to either trip her up or get something else out of her.” He inched closer. He might be the younger brother, but he could be just as intimidating. “What did Mother want to know and why didn’t you tell me before you conducted the interview?”

“I don’t need to answer the latter because you know why and you would have done the same thing in my shoes,” Emmett said with a tight jaw and frustration dripping from every syllable. “This wasn’t to see if Rumor was lying. Ma absolutely believed her story. Every piece of it. This was a routine statement, which you could have taken.” Emmett let out a long breath. “But Mother thinks—and I have to concur—that Rumor is holding back something. She was nervous as fuck. Twitchy. She constantly played with her hair. Or her leg rattled a mile a minute. Answering the questions was easy, but being here wasn’t. And she doesn’t do small talk well.”

“Would you in this situation?”

“Probably not,” Emmett agreed. “But this wasn’t basic nerves. This was the behavior of someone who has something to hide. I can’t pinpoint it, because again, it wasn’t the questions that made her uncomfortable. Her story jibes no matter how we asked the questions. It was the process. It was as if she thought at any moment there could be a shift in the discussion and I’d be breaking out the handcuffs and slapping them on her wrists.”

“Honestly, that could be more to do with the concept that Mom had you do the interview, and not someone she was more comfortable with—me.”

“I thought about that and I would normally agree had I not met her before the party or spent any time with her at Mom’s house,” Emmett said. “It’s something for us to consider moving forward on this case. And something I want you to think about since she’s living in your pool house.”

Part of Emmerson wanted to lay into his big brother. Tell him to fuck off. But that wouldn’t do him any good. Besides, Emmerson had one ex-girlfriend who resorted to criminal behavior.

And another one who was cheating right under his nose.

His track record read like a rap sheet.

“I appreciate you keeping an eye out for me.” He squeezed his brother’s shoulder. “I’m taking all of this under advisement and keeping Rumor at arm’s length.”

“For some reason, I seriously doubt that.” Emmett arched a brow. “Just promise me you’ll be careful.”

“I always am.” Until he got his heart broken.

All Rumor wanted to do was go home and take the hottest shower possible. She’d done what she could to remember every detail possible of the night in question. She wanted to help Emmerson in his investigation. She desperately wanted him to solve this murder and would do her part as a good citizen. To make up for what she couldn’t have done all those years ago.

That last thought made her want to cry and laugh at the same time.

For fifteen years she’d done what she could to put the past in the rearview mirror. To be a good person.

But she’d witnessed her boyfriend kill a man in cold blood and she’d done nothing.

It didn’t matter that the man in question was a drug dealer. He was still flesh and blood.

And now, because of her inaction once again, someone else was dead.

She stared into the mirror as she gripped the sink to keep her hands from shaking. This was her worst nightmare.

Taking out her phone, she googled the murder and scanned the few articles.

Heather Green found murdered.

Heather had moved away from Lighthouse Cove ten years ago, but recently returned six months ago. She had a record that included drugs, sex trafficking, and dealing. She’d been living in the motel for the last month.

But the article didn’t say anything else.

No other names had been mentioned.

The article did cover the fact that the police had few leads except a new drug runner from Miami but didn’t mention their name either.

She dropped her cell into her bag.

“Get ahold of yourself. You did nothing wrong. You gave a statement. You have nothing to worry about. This has nothing to do with you.” She squared her shoulders and stepped from the bathroom, making her way into the lobby.

“Hey, Rumor,” a male voice called.

She glanced over her shoulder.

Nathan. Another cop. Another brother.

“Oh. Hi,” she said, smoothing down the front of her jeans. “How are you?”

“Hanging in there. Sorry we had to drag you down here. How’d things go with the sketch artist?”

“I wasn’t much help,” she admitted.

“We appreciate you trying.” He smiled. “Where’s Emmerson?”

“Talking with Emmett back there.” She pointed. “I was told to wait in the lobby, but I think I’m going to go outside for some fresh air.”

“I don’t blame you. I’ll let Emmerson know that’s where you are.”

“Thanks.” She made her way through the main doors. The hot, humid Florida air smacked her face. Closing her eyes, she let her skin soak up the sun’s rays. Flashes of when the police had found her living alone flooded her brain. The questions. The fear of being taken from her home. Child protective services. Her first night in foster care. It all came crashing down.

“Rumor?” Lucy Ann’s voice lulled her to the present. “Are you okay?”

Rumor blinked. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

“What are you doing here?” Lucy Ann asked.

“I had to give a statement about what I saw at the motel.”

“Ah.” Lucy Ann gave her a weak smile. “The whole town is on edge about that. I’m so sorry that you’re being dragged into it. If you need any time off, just let me know.”

“That’s not necessary. Besides, I didn’t see anything useful.”

For Emmerson’s sake, she wished she had and that thought confused her because it would only complicate things for herself and she wanted no part of this investigation.

“How is Emmerson holding up?” Lucy Ann asked.

That was an odd question and she wasn’t sure how to answer. “He’s tired.”

“I’m sure he is.” Lucy Ann nodded. “He takes these kinds of things to heart, especially when he knows the victim.”

Rumor jerked her head. “He didn’t tell me that.”

Lucy Ann sighed. “I’m not surprised. It’s not like any of us have spent any time with Heather since high school. She has always run with a tough crowd. His mother picked her up twice before we all graduated and three more times after that. I’m pretty sure that Emmerson has slapped cuffs on her as well before she moved away. Heather had a troubled childhood. Her dad was a real loser and her mom wasn’t much better. Poor Heather barely stood a chance. But it wasn’t like Rebecca didn’t cut her break after break when she was a teenager. I’m sure Emmerson is taking it hard. As if he could have done something to prevent her death, when there was nothing at all. If Heather wouldn’t give up the drugs or the lifestyle, his hands were tied.”

Rumor actually understood that. Tony not only lived to do drugs, but the greed had gotten to him and he wanted the bigger piece of the pie.

“Thanks for telling me that. I understand a little better why this case has Emmerson so tied in knots.”

“There’s that and the fact that Emmerson is just one of the good guys. He’s kind, generous, and has the biggest heart. He hates to see anyone hurting. Even the Heathers of the world. He tried to help her, just like he tried to help that ex of his, Edwina. She’s a real piece of work.” Lucy Ann leaned closer. “If you ever cross paths with that one, don’t believe half of what comes out of her mouth. She has her sights set on Emmerson again, and she’ll lie, cheat, and steal to get him.”

“I’m sure he’s smarter than that.”

“Oh, he is. But she doesn’t care who she hurts in the process.” Lucy Ann smiled. “And a little birdie told me that Emmerson is quite smitten with you.”

“Smitten?”

“Yeah. You know. Has a case of the hots for you.”

Rumor’s heart did a little tango in her chest. It was an unwelcome sensation. But worse, her lips curved into a smile.

“Glad to see the feeling’s reciprocated.”

“I said nothing of the sort.” She did her best to frown.

“You didn’t have to.” Lucy Ann winked. “Speak of the devil.” She took off up the stairs. “Emmerson, you look like shit. And you really need to shave.”

“Gee, thanks. It’s nice to see you too.” He paused to give Lucy Ann a peck on the cheek. “What are you doing here?”

“Heather had been in the café the day before the murder. Your mother wants a statement.”

Emmerson ran his fingers through his hair. “She didn’t mention that to me. Was Heather with anyone?”

“She came in alone. When three different people came to her table, but didn’t stay, I knew what was going down and asked her to leave. She gave me a hard time, but I told her I’d call the cops if she didn’t.”

“What did she do?” Emmerson asked.

“She paid her bill, cussed at me, and walked out the front door. I stood there and watched her get into a nice SUV with a man behind the wheel.” Lucy Ann held up her hand. “I didn’t get a plate. Not for lack of trying. And I didn’t recognize the man, nor did I get a good look. All I can tell you was that he had shoulder-length dark hair. I couldn’t even tell you his age.”

“Why didn’t you call me? Or one of my brothers?”

“I couldn’t prove what she was doing?—”

“Lucy Ann. After everything that went down with Trinity, you should have called us before even asking her to leave. We all know she’s bad news. It doesn’t matter that we were all once friends.”

Oh. That was interesting.

“I get it and you don’t need to lecture me. I got enough of that from Phil. It won’t happen again. I feel bad enough she’s dead.”

He squeezed her arm. “That’s not your fault.”

“Doesn’t mean I won’t regret my decision, even if I couldn’t prove what she was doing.” She waved her hand. “I watched the scene and I didn’t see anything passed between her and the people who came to visit. No envelopes. No money or drugs that I saw. They weren’t regulars. Or townspeople. Trust me, I watched them like a hawk and all I saw was conversation.”

“All right. Thanks for letting me know,” he said. “Say hello to Phil and the kids.”

“Get some rest before you fall over, and for the love of God, shave. Facial hair is not a good look for you.” Lucy Ann patted his cheek.

He laughed. “I will.” He jogged down the last few steps and placed his hand on the small of Rumor’s back. “I take it you heard that conversation.”

“Kind of hard not to when I’m standing two feet away,” she admitted.

“I hate to ask, but were you working that shift? Did you see what she was talking about?”

“I was not there.” Thank God for small favors.

“I need you to do me a favor and be very quiet for this conversation.” He pulled open the door to his personal vehicle before sliding behind the wheel. He tapped his cell and set it in the cradle.

“Hey, Emmerson. I’m about to head into a meeting. What’s up?” Rebecca, the chief of police and his mother, asked.

“You mean an interview with Lucy Ann? About the case that I’m supposed to be leading?”

“You’re tired and need to sleep.”

“Not the point. You should have told me.”

“I’ll send you the report when I’m done,” Rebecca said.

“Are you going to pull me off this case? Because if you are, I’d prefer to know that now.”

“Where’s Rumor?” Rebecca asked.

“Waiting for me by my car,” he lied right through his teeth.

Something Rumor wouldn’t have expected from him and she wasn’t sure how she felt about that.

“Look,” Emmerson said. “Rumor mentioned Heather was fighting with a man. Lucy Ann is the only other person to mention Heather with a man. I wanted to?—”

“Cut the bullshit, Ma. Either you know something I don’t and are choosing not to share it with me. Or you don’t trust I can do my job. Or both. So, just be straight with me.”

“All right. You and Heather have a history,” Rebecca said.

“Going to the sophomore dance together isn’t a history. It was two dates when I was a dumbass kid rebelling against authority, which happened to be my mother. And if you’re going to bring in my other exes and how all that turned out, I’m going to march my ass right back into the station and be part of that interview.”

“You’ve got a lot coming at you, especially with this thing with Edwina. That was disturbing to say the least and I’m not happy with how you’re handling it.”

“Seriously? That’s why you pulled this stunt?”

“Yes,” Rebecca said. “And it wasn’t just what you showed me. That woman has been?—”

“Not another word, Ma. I’m dealing with it and you better not meddle. Got it? Now, what else do I need to know that you’re keeping from me?”

“Nothing,” Rebecca said. “But this has gotten personal for you and I know how you get. Go home, Emmerson. Get some sleep. We will regroup tomorrow.”

“Later, Ma.” He tapped the screen and yanked the gear shift. “Thank you for being quiet.”

“You’re welcome, but I wish I hadn’t heard any of that.”

“Family politics.” He chuckled. “My mother thinks I’m soft. She always has. And part of her is right. Even if I ever wanted to be chief, I’d suck at it. Nathan is the best man for the job. He’s got my mother’s balls.”

Rumor covered her mouth.

“No. Go ahead and laugh. Even my dad says that Mom has a bigger set. She had to in order to make it in her profession. But sometimes it’s frustrating as hell to be her son. I didn’t take this job to be an asshole. To push my badge in people’s faces. I want to do good. To help and protect people. Not go around arresting every idiot who makes a mistake, and that included Heather. I just wish she hadn’t come back and made the same stupid decisions.”

Never in her life had she met a man as passionate as Emmerson. Or as caring. She reached out and placed her hand on his knee. It was a bold statement. But something told her that he needed someone—anyone—to have his back. “Being soft doesn’t make a man weak. It just means you can see both sides of a coin. That’s a gift that most people aren’t capable of.”

“Believe it or not, my mom has it too. She really can have a big heart. She just can’t show it.”

“I rest my case.”

He took her hand and kissed it. “You’re good for my soul.”

Rumor wasn’t so sure about that, mostly because she was going to haul ass out of town the second she got her get out of jail free card.

She would become another one of those women he hadn’t been able to read properly and that broke her heart.