Hulk Chapter 16
After the less-than-stellar information gathering of yesterday and the looming deadline for tonight, I didn’t delay in going over to see Kevan Frost. Per usual, Wire had information within no time.
I knew not only his address, what he looked like, and what he drove, but also his family members’ names and more.
As a college senior, he lived alone in an apartment in Whittier, which wasn’t far from Cherokee.
Since I went without Celeste this time, I rode my bike. My brothers all offered to come with me, but I assured them I’d be good. And they all had work today. Capri and Celeste were working on holiday things.
When I arrived at his apartment building, it was clear that what Wire said was true.
Kevan’s family had money, and they paid not only for his tuition but also for his apartment and more.
I wondered if he’d stop having them support him after he graduated?
Would he get a job, or just waste the money they spent on him?
Walking up the sidewalk to his first-floor place, I inspected the other units to see if anyone was peeking out windows or wandering outside.
It was deathly quiet. With college out for the holidays, I didn’t worry that he was in class.
And I came early, before he’d have time to be up and gone.
In the parking lot, I saw his car. I pounded twice on his door, then waited.
It took four times before the door was opened.
Standing there in a pair of sleeping flannel pants with no shirt on, hair standing up, and yawning was my target. He blinked and furrowed his brow at me.
“Hey, what’s all the racket about, dude? I was asleep,” he grumbled.
“It’s ten in the fucking morning. Time to get up. I know you didn’t work last night, so no reason to still be in bed. I’m here to talk to you about Capri Malcolm,” I fired off.
He blinked, and his brow furrowed more. “Capri Malcolm? Who the hell is she?” he asked.
“She’s the young woman you go to school with who was assaulted at a party early last month,” I snapped.
His expression cleared. “Wait, you mean the one who was raped? I, what, I mean, why would you be here asking about her?”
I moved forward until I was in the doorway. He backed up. Smart. “Because she’s my niece and I’m looking for the fucker who did it,” I snarled.
His hands flew in the air as he stumbled backward. I followed him into the apartment, closing the door behind us. We didn’t need an audience for this.
“Listen, dude, I’m sorry, but you have the wrong guy. I never touched that girl. I wasn’t even in town the night it happened.”
What he said about being out of town was true, but I wanted to ensure there wasn’t something he might’ve overheard. And I wanted to ask him about Vanessa and how they knew each other.
“I know you weren’t, which is why my hand isn’t around your neck. I want to ask you a few questions. Be honest with me, and this won’t take long,” I countered.
“Sure, sure, yeah, uhm, have a seat,” he mumbled as he walked over to the small living area off the entry.
It had a loveseat, one end table, a large screen television, and a gaming chair. He sat in the chair, so I perched on the loveseat. I got right to business. His eyes were staring at my cut. I watched him gulp before he met my eyes.
“Ask me whatever you want. I have nothing to hide.”
“First, I want to know, since it happened, have you heard any gossip around campus about that night? Anything that sounded off or like someone knew more than they were saying?”
“I mean, sure, people are talking about it. Girls are scared that it could happen to them. Who can blame them? There was talk about her being drugged and not knowing who did it, which makes it scarier. A few girls in my classes were talking about transferring next semester. I told them that it could happen anywhere. It’s a disgusting truth.
Rape occurs far more often than people realize.
“Most people had no idea who she was. When they found out, those who recognized her said she was quiet and nice. She doesn’t seem to have many friends.
No one said anything that I heard that made me think they knew more than they should.
You say you’re her uncle. How is she? She didn’t return to school. ”
All I detected in his voice when he asked was genuine concern.
“She’s working on her recovery. She’s staying with her family. And yes, she’s my niece. The cops have stalled out on finding the person who did it. I have another question. How do you know Vanessa Latham?”
“Vanessa Latham is in a few of my classes. She’s a friend of Capri, I heard. Why?”
“Have you ever had conversations with her? Has she asked you to go on a date with another girl?”
Astonishment filled his face. “Ask me to go on a date with someone? Hell no, she hasn’t.
As for talking to Vanessa, she’s said hi in passing in class and on campus.
Once she asked me about an assignment we had due.
Other than that, no, we haven’t spoken. Who is the girl she was supposed to ask me on a date with? ”
Recalling Julianna’s worry, I didn’t tell him. “I’d rather not say. You’re sure that there were no other times you spoke? She’s not your friend?”
“Dude, I swear there’s nothing more. I’ll take a polygraph if I have to. What did Vanessa say about it? Did she claim she had?”
“I haven’t seen her,” was all I said.
“Well, I’ll be asking her. Is there anything else I can answer for you? If I hear anything when we go back to school, I’ll make sure to let you know.”
Again, I was getting nothing but sincerity from him, just as it had been with the three girls.
“Thanks. I don’t have any other questions, but if you think of anything or hear shit, call me. Here’s my number.” I produced from the inner pocket of my cut the piece of paper I’d jotted my name and number on. As he took it, he pointed to my cut.
“I see your name is Hulk, and you’re an enforcer. You hurt people, don’t you?”
“What makes you say that?” I asked as I rose to my feet.
“I’ve seen and heard stuff about bikers and that position.”
“Don’t believe everything you hear, son. The Pagans don’t go around hurting honorable people. I’m here hoping to find the person who hurt Capri. Her aunt is my old lady. That’s a wife in my world. We don’t appreciate anyone doing that.”
Kevan didn’t ask more questions, but he escorted me to the door.
Before I left, I shook his hand and thanked him for speaking to me.
I felt his gaze on me until I turned the corner.
I sure hoped he wouldn’t call the cops. If he did, I’d deal with it.
However, the vibe I got was that he wouldn’t.
It wasn’t long before I was headed back to the compound. Goddamn, how I wished I had a lead.