Chapter 4
Ihelped Zoe file a report through the online portal, then I filled out my report.
I thanked Zoe for calling it in, but told her to let the department handle it from here.
I headed back to the boat and picked up dinner to-go from Diver Down. JD and I chowed down with Cinnamon and Ginger on the sky deck. The beauties were taking good care of Jack, and he was milking it for all it was worth.
I told him about the situation with Zoe and the Pearsons.
“You think she’s making it up?”
I shrugged. “I think she saw something. But maybe not what she thinks she saw.”
“Some people are just looking for attention. You look into Pearson’s background?”
I nodded. “The guy runs a venture capital firm. No history of domestic abuse. No priors.”
We shot the breeze, drank fine whiskey, and filled our bellies. The evening was pretty low-key. We could use a little downtime, but I didn’t think we were going to get any.
My phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number.
I looked at the screen with dread before answering. At this time of night, it couldn’t be good. I swiped the screen and held the phone to my ear. “This is Deputy Wild.”
“Hey, it’s me.” Catalina’s soft voice was unmistakable.
“You’re out of jail.”
“Thank God. That place is dreadful.”
“Get used to it.”
“Now, that’s not nice.”
I tried to stifle a chuckle. It was rich, coming from her. “Neither is killing people.”
“I didn’t kill anyone.”
“Save it.”
She paused. “My lawyer says I shouldn’t talk to you.”
“Your lawyer is right.”
“I just wanted to see how you were doing.”
“Outstanding. You know Miguel Gomez is dead. Somebody put rocuronium in his IV. I’m sure you wouldn’t know anything about that.”
She was silent for a long moment. “We don’t have to be enemies, you know.”
I laughed. “I told you if I found out you were involved in your father’s business, I’d bust you.”
“I’m not mad at you. You were just doing what you thought was right. But apparently, the prosecuting attorney doesn’t agree with your assessment.”
“Give it time.”
“Can we just put all of that aside?”
“Multiple murders. The attempted assassination of a US Senator. Sure. Water under the bridge.”
“Unfounded allegations without a shred of conclusive evidence.”
“Just wait. I’ll get the evidence,” I said with determination.
“That’s what I like about you. Your focus and dedication. Your commitment. It’s admirable. I’ve never met anyone quite like you, Deputy.”
I said nothing.
“We don’t have to hate each other.”
“I don’t hate you. I feel sorry for you.”
“Sorry for me?”
“Sorry that you chose the wrong path. It’s going to lead to one of two outcomes. It always does.”
She sighed. “You know, I liked it when we were on more amorous terms.”
“Well, that’s not going to happen again.”
“But it was so much fun.”
Catalina was an enjoyable woman with enticing qualities when she wasn’t causing mayhem and destruction.
“It wasn’t that special.”
“Now you’re just being mean, and you’re lying. I know you miss me.”
I scoffed.
“I miss you.”
“It’s not going to work.”
“What’s not going to work?”
“This. Your attempt to soften me up. I’m not going to give you a pass. I’m going to put you in jail for the rest of your life.”
“I’m not trying to soften you up. Actually, I like you quite the opposite,” she said in a mischievous voice.
“Catalina…”
“You can talk tough, but you can’t investigate me. With our history, any evidence you gather will be suspect. That’s someone else’s job now. I’m guessing your boss told you to stay away from me.”
“And that’s exactly what I intend to do. You’re trouble.”
“You like trouble.”
“No. I don’t. I hate it.”
With a smile in her voice, she said, “So, it’s settled. We’ll be enemies. But we could be enemies with benefits.”
She let it hang there.
“Let’s be honest,” she said. “The sex was phenomenal.”
“Good night, Catalina.”
“Good night, Deputy. You’ve got my new number now, in case you want to revisit this conversation.”
I ended the call and slipped the phone into my pocket.
JD asked, “What was that all about?”
I smiled. “She misses me.”
“I guess that’s better than being on her hit list.”
We called it an early night. Cinnamon and Ginger tucked JD in and looked after him during the night.
I tried to put Catalina out of my mind.
My phone rattled the nightstand bright and early the next morning. I reached a sleepy hand for the device, saw the caller ID, and swiped the screen. I scratched out. “What is it now?”
“I need you to get to the country club,” the sheriff grumbled. “We’ve got a homicide.”