14. The Police #2
Going to the police for help is the most logical solution and something a normal person would likely do in this situation.
She took the stairs up to the building, an ugly tan square building that desperately needed a facelift to fit in with the buildings surrounding it. Most of the architecture was of a French persuasion, and the police station stuck out with its stucco exterior walls.
Inside was a room full of desks, most facing another desk, some facing a wall. Stacks of paperwork along with case files were strewn about amongst the various desks. She was more focused on the officers. She was looking for either Johnson or Wagner.
Darla felt most comfortable with them since they knew she had been with Richard when he had been killed. They would be the easiest to convince of her innocent nature and the fact that she couldn't help that the wealthy dead man was giving her his fortune.
“Can I help you, miss?” An older gentleman in a uniform approached Darla. She was still standing in front of the door and stuck out like a sore thumb in this room of coordinated chaos.
“Oh, yes. Actually, I am hoping to speak to Officer Johnson or Officer Wagner. Are they here today?” Darla looked past the man, hoping to spot them herself.
“Yes, Wagner is here. Johnson is out on patrol.” The old man turned and waved his hand beckoning her to follow him. “Have a seat here at his desk, and I will track him down for you; might be in the back getting a cup of coffee. Apparently, he had a late night working on a case.”
Darla blushed and wasn’t sure what triggered the reaction. She knew that Wagner was at her apartment last night asking questions with Johnson, but the fact that she knew an intimate detail about a man she just met must have released the blood to her cheeks.
How long has it been since I have considered a man this way? I need to keep my head and heart in check. I’ve forgotten how easily women blush.
She sat in the chair next to a desk. It was the only one that had stacks of papers in neat piles.
There was no clutter on the desk and no family pictures.
She tried to remember additional details about his physical appearance.
He seemed young, likely not married. She found it strange he wasn’t out on patrol with his partner, Johnson.
“How can I help you, ma’am?” A deep rich voice spoke above her as Officer Wagner pulled out the desk chair to sit. A wry smile played on his lips as he took in the sight of her sitting there, coffee in hand and a sleepy disposition.
Despite his weariness, he was an attractive man. He had green eyes and brown, wavy hair styled into place out of his face. He had a slight shadow where a beard might grow, and he had obviously skipped the shave this morning.
“Good morning. I don’t know if you remember me … ” Darla began, allowing the silence to go on too long as she studied his handsome features.
“Of course I remember you. How are you holding up? I hope you got more sleep than I did last night.”
She hadn’t. After they left, she had removed the remainder of the photos of Doug and eventually had a fitful night of sleep. She had never outwardly killed anyone before. Richard was left to die in Ellen’s mangled body, which was eventually found and made headlines.
“I must admit I did have a hard time falling asleep. I am thankful I am able to conceal it better than men can with a little bit of powder.” She smiled weakly, a private joke to herself after spending so many years as a man and having to relearn how to be a woman in this decade.
Officer Wagner nodded, understanding. “Yes, what you went through yesterday will stay with you for your lifetime.” Darla watched him closely after he spoke, curious if he had experienced murder firsthand as well.
“Well, you must be here to give your official statement, right?” Wagner asked as he took a sip of his steaming coffee, watching her face closely.
His intensity made her blush again.
“I actually came to ask a favor. It is a complicated favor, but I knew that after everything that happened yesterday, you and Officer Johnson would be the most compassionate to my situation.”
“We really do need your statement.” He glanced over his shoulder and lowered his voice. “But I will do my best to oblige a lady in need.” He smiled and she felt a drop in her stomach.
It was distracting in the best way. She looked down, attempting to regain control of her thoughts. He wants to protect me. Dare I think, take care of me? I can’t remember the last time a man wanted that.
“Well, as you know, I was spending time with my friend Doug and Mr. VanHugh in the park. Mr. VanHugh took a liking to me, the same that a father would with a daughter. He told me, ‘You are the daughter I wish I could have had,’ and he explained to me that he wanted me to inherit his estate and entire fortune.”
Darla watched Wagner’s face to see if a sense of disbelief showed.
It remained stoic, deep in thought, so she continued.
“I was quite in shock at first, and told him I couldn’t possibly accept.
He insisted, saying it had to do with me losing my parents earlier this year and trying to navigate life on my own. ”
Thank you, checkbook, for that detail, she thought before continuing, making sure to speak in a calm manner. “He told me he was very sick and had made plans for the end of his life. That he would know it in his gut when he found the right person. And, well, he chose me.”
Darla wished she had a cup of coffee in her hand, something to hold to resist the urge to fidget, something she had never felt the need to do before. She waited earnestly as Wagner thought and studied her back.
“The wealthiest man in the region, who has no children of his own, decided he was going to leave his entire fortune to a random stranger?”
“Indeed, he did. Mr. VanHugh told me that, if needed, his chief of staff, Charles, would provide the last will and testament explaining the details.” Darla sat straighter, trying to avoid feeling defeated, because she wasn't. Yet.
“So what do you need my help for?” Wagner asked, leaning forward, and was clearly intrigued by her situation.
An uncomfortable knot formed in her stomach at his question. What did I need his help with? she wondered. What is wrong with me?
“After we were told to leave our departed friends at the park, I casually mentioned the news to Mr. VanHugh’s driver. He became upset, saying that the money belonged to his staff.”
“You don’t agree that the people who served him loyally for years deserve a piece of what they helped build?” Wagner raised a lone eyebrow.
Darla looked away for a moment to compose herself. She felt angry and didn’t want to have to explain why at the moment. She looked back at Wagner.
“I think that Mr. VanHugh would know best how he wanted his legacy to be honored, and it is not up to us to interpret it but to continue to honor it.”
Officer Wagner thought for a moment and nodded. “Okay, continue.”
Darla took a deep breath. Almost there, she thought.
“Mr. VanHugh told me the location of a key that would unlock his vault. His will stated that whoever retrieves the key and takes it to the bank will be his successor. Seeing as how Mr. VanHugh’s driver was following me today, I need a police escort for my safety to retrieve said key. ”
“What is in it for me?” Wagner smiled devilishly at her.
Of course he wants something in return. Men always want something for themselves. Darla stood suddenly.
“I knew this was a mistake. Good day, sir.” Darla turned to leave, and Wanger grabbed her wrist.
“I’m sorry. That came out wrong. I’m not looking for a payout. I swore when I took this uniform to protect and serve without selfish ambitions.” He nodded his head, asking her to sit back down. Darla reluctantly did so, but with more reserve in her tone than before.
“Then what do you want, if not money?”
“Honestly? A date … ”
Darla felt a mixture of shock and admiration. She looked down, feeling butterflies and she realized he was still holding her hand after he initially stopped her from leaving.
“I don’t know what to say. I have been through so much lately. Between my parent’s death and now my friends. I just don’t know yet.”
“I didn’t know about your parents. I’m sorry to hear that. We can take it slow. How about I take you to coffee instead?”
Darla considered his suggestion and nodded in agreement as a smile formed. I knew it would be easy to get him to help me.
Wagner smiled at her and let go of her hand. “Before we go though, can you walk me through yesterday in the park? Just one more time?”
He pulled out a pen and waited for Darla. Just talk about it one more time. Then you can get the key and start fresh in your new life. Whether or not that includes Wagner is yet to be seen.
Darla nodded and recounted the tale of her latest switch one last time.