IMHO - Lilith and Ficfangirl are the best team a fledgling writer could hope to work with. Both have added greatly to this story and I couldn't be happier. Now, if I could stop fiddling with the chapters after their approval, all would be good. Alas, it hasn't happen yet and all errors are mine.
I have to say that I'm so thrilled by the response to the last chapter and my anxiety over. Thank you for taking the time to review. Welcome to the new readers. Thank you for the PM's, some I still need to respond to and I will soon, I promise. And most importantly, thank you to those who have stayed with me on this journey. You make it worth writing. I appreciate each and everyone of you.
So many of your questions will be answered in this chapter. I'll be curious as to your thoughts.
~ J *+* D ~
"Hell is empty and all the devils are here."
~ William Shakespeare ~
Chapter 36
Rose
A week has passed after the very enlightening meeting with Charlie and Renee Swan. They left to collect their belongings and check out of their hotel. In my opinion, they were far safer staying in my home and they agreed. During this time, Charlie asked detailed questions wanting to know everything about Edward's time in prison and the escape. He was having trouble wrapping his head around Bella's involvement, but finally came to terms with it. It happened and nothing could change it.
We also plotted our next moves. Charlie was going to shadow Judge Banner for the time being. If he were spotted and suspicions raised, someone could follow him back to his hotel. Garnering information about guests is a simple matter of greasing a palm or two. Information would not be so readily obtainable in my uptight part of town.
Emmett and I had brought Sam up to date regarding Edward and his escape. He was horrified to learn that Banner singled Edward out for an early demise, but the letters proved it. He now understood my sudden disappearance and agreed with the choices I made. We also discussed, in greater detail, the conversation Emmett and I had with Mrs. Stanley.
"There are several issues that bother me. The one that stands out the most is the man in the legal field. Now that we know about Banner, do you think he was the one Miss Mallory was infatuated with?" Sam questioned.
"The legal field encompasses a broad spectrum of occupations. It could be anyone from attorneys, investigators, judges or officers of the law. Banner fits the bill and now that we know his prior history and the threat on Bella's life, he's certainly at the top of the list. What we need to find out is how long has he been here in Texas? There were four murders prior to Miss Mallory's that took place in the last five years. But where would Miss Mallory have met him? By all accounts, she only seemed to work and didn't have much of a social life." I wondered out loud.
"That will have to be one of the things we ask Charlie to find out about Banner. How long has he been here? Does he have any acquaintances in La Porte? Does he have a wife, family or mistress? How is it that no one recognized him from his wanted poster? Surely someone would have made the connection, wouldn't they? He'd have to have an ally on the force who removed them, but whom?" Sam spouts offs.
"Careful there, Sam, you're starting to sound like me," I snickered.
"Maybe that's because I've been around you too long or you haven't been around to anticipate my questions," he laughed easily. His gaze lands on the Morbier clock hanging on the wall which he's always admired. "I need to get going. I want to get home at a decent hour."
"Tomorrow, Emmett and I will visit Mr. Newton. After that, we'll head to New Orleans. We'll stay at the Monteleone Hotel. If you need me or if there are any wires that come in, you can forward them to us there," I remind Sam of our immediate plans. "Oh, and check in with Charlie and Renee. Maybe have them over for dinner or something."
"Will do, Rose." Sam rises from his chair and Emmett and I follow suit. Sam holds his hand out to Emmett. "Thank you for saving Edward, Emmett. I'm glad you were there." His eyes cut to mine and, with a sly smile, he suggests, "And take care of Rose. She's special to me and my family."
Emmett easily laughs, "I'll take care of her as long as she'll have me."
"I think you're in it for the long haul, Emmett." Sam chuckles at my raised brow as he walks over to me, giving me a very unlike Sam hug and whispers in my ear, "It good to see you happy, Rose. Take care of yourself and stay safe. I'll see myself out." He quickly releases me with a sincere smile as he turns to wave goodbye and walks out the door.
~ J *+* D ~
We arrive at the church just before noon. A few parishioners are lighting candles, silently praying and one is coming out of the confessional. Mr. Newton follows him out of the adjoining booth and shakes his hand, wishing him well, before his eyes land on us.
Emmett is dressed in his guard's uniform, looking very commanding and intimidating. Mr. Newton's brow furrows as he acknowledges us with a nod and turns to walk towards the back of the church. Of course, we follow without invitation. He stops outside a door which I assume is his office, waving us in. Once inside, he closes the door and takes a seat behind his desk. He doesn't offer us a chair, but I settle into the one in front of his desk and pull out my notebook. Emmett picks up a chair from the corner and places it between the desk and the door, subtly letting Mr. Newton know that he wasn't going anywhere until our questions are answered.
"Mr. Newton," I begin and watch as he flinches at my failure to use his proper title in his church. "Mr. McCarty is a new associate with the firm and we would like to ask you some questions."
Emmett stands and leans over the desk, towering over Mr. Newton as he offers his hand. Mr. Newton stays seated eyeing the massive hand and gingerly accepting it. Emmett apparently squeezes a bit too hard, since Mr. Newton can't hide his grimace. Not saying a word, Emmett backs into his chair and waits for me to start the interview.
"Mr. Newton, one thing that bothered me about Edward's case was the knife from the Refectory. You know as well as I do, Edward never made it there that evening. Do you know how long the silverware with the pattern found on the knife has been used?"
"That silverware was given to the church over 20 years ago. It's been used daily in honor of the family who contributed to the purchase of the old hotel, which we converted into the Seminary," Mr. Newton readily answers.
"Does the family enjoy the benefits of dining in the Refectory?" I query.
"No, no, no… We celebrated their generous donations at a picnic for the entire family and the whole congregation," he quickly responds.
"To whom does the Refectory cater?" I prod.
"To the residents of the Seminary, myself and a few other members of the church who are not housed there." He breathes out a sigh of relief at the simple questions. Get comfortable, Mr. Newton, this might take a while, I think to myself.
"No one else? You don't allow the general public into the Refectory?" I smile as I gently inquire.
"No, it's not open to the public. It's very rare anyone from the outside has been invited in," he insists, shaking his head emphatically.
"But there have been occasions when someone has. Why and when would that have been?" I push him to explain further.
"Well, the one time I remember was when a constable was honored for saving my life and those who were attending a funeral. A massive fire broke out in a warehouse next door to the funeral home over six years ago. The constable rushed in yelling, "Fire," just as part of the roof collapsed. We never knew it was on fire and he stayed to insure everyone made it out safely," he admits.
"Do you remember the constable's name?"
"Of course I do. It was Constable Apep. Constable Laurent Apep." He shrugs.
That was not the answer I was expecting to hear. "The same Constable Apep who arrested Edward for Miss Mallory's murder?" I gasp and Emmett sucks in his breath.
"Yes, the very same." Mr. Newton looks momentarily confused as he stares at his folded hands in front of him and then sighs heavily.
"You knew this and didn't think to tell us?" I'm incredulous. Had we been made aware of this piece of information, we would have looked into Apep's alibi and considered him a potential suspect. We could have suggested he had an opportunity to have possession of the knife, just as Edward did.
"At the time, I was in shock about the whole situation. It never occurred to me until you jarred my memory," Mr. Newton defends himself.
"Tell us about the evening of Miss Mallory's assault, Mr. Newton. Was Mrs. Stanley here? Is that why you had Mr. Masen see the parishioners out that evening? Don't bother to lie, Mr. Newton. I know you and Mrs. Stanley have been in a relationship for years." I'm steamed and try to focus back on my questions.
His shoulders slump and his voice is resigned. "Yes, Jessica and I have been together for years. Yes, it's my son you've seen. Yes, she's pregnant again and the child is also mine." He breathes deeply, running his hands over his face, hiding his shame. Emmett and I wait patiently for him to continue, not impressed with his embarrassment or guilt.
"That evening before the start of mass, Jessica caught my attention. She was upset and wanted to meet with me directly after. I asked Father Edward…" That was as far as he got.
I came out of my seat, leaning across the desk to get right in his face, snarling, "It's Edward, Edward Masen or Mr. Masen to you. He is no longer Father Edward. You and Mrs. Stanley helped see to that by not being forthright in the beginning. You could have told us about Miss Mallory's trepidation of priests."
Before I could continue with my rant, Emmett pulls me back and whispers in my ear, "Calm down." I glare at him for a moment and his brow is cocked wondering if I'm going to turn on him. Slowly, I regain my composure and settle back into my chair.
"I know, I know, I…" He shakes his head and tears surface in his eyes. "I was a coward. I never thought he would be found guilty."
"Save it," I snap. "Finish telling us what happened that night so we can get out of here."
"I was greeting the parishioners when Jessica and Miss Mallory arrived here. Jessica mentioned that Miss Mallory was meeting her mystery man, 'the man in black,' for dinner and would wait outside for him. After mass I asked Fa…Edward to see to the parishioners, while Jessica and I came in here. She was upset because she found she was pregnant again and was concerned with how the community would react. She's a widow and was able to pass my son off as her late husband's, but with this one, she would be ostracized.
We were discussing the possibility of my being relocated to another church and she would sell her house and soon follow." He pauses and swallows. Blowing out a breath he continues, "Then we became intimate." He rubs his red face again and chokes out, "That's when we heard a woman crying and begging for her life."
"What do you mean?" I'm confused for a moment until he tilts his head to the door behind him and I realize it must lead into the alley. I remember Edward mentioning the door and how it provided easy access to the Refectory.
"Jessica and I listened, frozen into silence when we realized it was Miss Mallory." More tears well up; slipping down the sides of his nose. He quickly wipes his face and stares at his wet hands. "Jessica was going to open the door, but I stopped her. She wasn't properly dressed. I didn't know if the assailant was armed. My only concern was to protect Jessica and my unborn child." He pauses to gain control of his emotions as he quietly admits, "And myself."
Neither Emmett nor I said anything after this revelation. I know I was stunned until Mr. Newton broke the silence, "By the time Jessica was decently dressed, it was quiet outside and I dared to open the door a few inches. I couldn't make out anything, it was already dark, but I heard movement and then the sound of someone running. I closed the door quickly because I was afraid if Jessica's presence were known, our clandestine meeting could be exposed. As callous as it sounds, I thought about us first, even at the expense of a woman who could be dying. It was the hardest decision I ever made."
Emmett and I are not impressed by his distress. Emmett's deep voice lashes out at him, "A woman died! A woman you knew! You could have saved her life and all you were concerned about was the exposure of your sins?" Emmett stands up and walks to the side of Mr. Newton's desk and demands, "What happened after that?"
Mr. Newton is both defeated and afraid of the hovering massive man next to him. "I finally got the nerve to silently open the door a sliver again. I heard Edward quietly talking and trying to help her. I felt relieved when I heard him calling for help. It meant she was still alive. I ushered Jessica out the front door of the church and walked her home. There was an assailant on the loose and I needed her safe. By the time I came back, it was to see Edward being led away by the police. My guilt, and what little semblance of honor I had, led me to hire the best attorney I knew. I never dreamed Edward would be accused and convicted of the crime," he pleads for us to believe him.
That's when Emmett loses it. He reaches out and pulls Mr. Newton up by his cassock. "You are a spineless piece of shit! You were only afraid of the exposure of your sin, which you didn't do just once, but have been carrying on for years. You could have saved Edward from being sent to certain death." Mr. Newton pales in the face of Emmett's anger and then is horrified at his words.
"Yes, I said certain death. Luckily for him, he survived. Oh, but you don't know about that do you?" Emmett barks and Mr. Newton shakes his head repeatedly. "Then let me tell you what your little omission cost him." Emmett's eyes are furious as he recounts what he witnessed. "He's been chained like an animal, every muscle in his body aching because of the hard labor he was forced to perform. He was almost raped." He jerks on the cassock, pumping his fist into Mr. Newton's chest. "He was viciously whipped." Again his fist pounds into Mr. Newton's chest. "He was starved. He was tortured. He was beaten. He was shot." Each sentence is punctuated with Emmett's fist landing another blow on Newton's chest. Newton looks ready to pass out and feebly tries to fight off Emmett's grip, to no avail.
"All because you were a coward. You are a disgrace to the Church and, as far as I'm concerned, mankind. You're a worthless human being and you better hope that when you face Edward he will find some compassion in his heart to forgive you. Because if it was me, I'd kill you." Emmett slams his fist one last time into Newton's chest and the force pushes him back into his chair, slamming both into the wall, toppling onto the floor.
Emmett turns around and I can see the fury raging in his eyes. "I need to get out of here," he grounds out and kicks his chair out of the way as he flings the door open and storms out.
Newton is still leaning against the wall, knees pulled up with his arms hiding his face as he silently cries. "One more thing, Mr. Newton. You will be telling the truth when we appeal Edward's case. You can either go now to see Sam and write up an affidavit to what you just confessed or you can wait to be summoned." He wipes his eyes, trying to focus on me, while I pack up my notebook and pen. "You can be known as Father Michael Newton, deceiver and coward, or Mr. Newton, fallen priest who finally admitted the truth. Either way, you are a disgrace, but for Edward's sake, you will do the right thing. May God forgive you, because I never will!" With that parting shot, I turn, leaving him crying like a baby in his office.
I quickly run out and down the steps, my eyes scanning the area, searching for Emmett. When I finally spot him, he's across the street, leaning against a tree with his head down and his hands in his pockets. I slowly walk up to him, drop my bag and hug his stiff body. He doesn't return my embrace and I look up into his stormy eyes. "Calm down, Emmett. We got the information we needed. He isn't worth you being so upset."
"You're wrong, Rose. The path of Edward's whole life hinged on what we just learned. It started here. Newton is responsible. Others played a part in sending him to prison and contributed to his abuse, but Edward would never have seen the inside of those prison walls if Newton had only told the truth in the first place," he seethes.
"You're right," I concede with a startled gasp. It did start with Newton and it rocks me to the core. Sam and I never thought to question him in the beginning. What fools we were. Grasping for something to say to calm him down, I offer, "But then, by the same token, I would never have met you. Bella and Alice would never have met Edward and Jasper. As harsh as the reality is, fate had other plans for all of us."
His anger slowly abates and he finally returns my embrace. We stand here in broad daylight, locked in our embrace, seeking and giving solace to each other. "I'm glad I found you, Rose. But I refuse to give credit to Newton. We would have found each other without him – I feel it." He whispers in my hair.
I don't argue with him, instead I hug him tighter and then reluctantly pull back. We have a train to catch and I'm looking forward to spending time alone with him.
~ J *+* D ~
We're both quiet during the first half of the train ride to New Orleans. Emmett is lost in thought. I would lay odds those thoughts pertain to Newton. I can't decide by his body language if he's thinking about disembarking at the next stop and returning to La Porte to end Newton's days, or regretting that he missed the opportunity to have already done so.
He understands the concept of withholding information, he'd done it himself. I don't believe he would have had a problem if the person were of any another profession. This is the crux of the matter. The run in with Reverend Jenks had sorely tested his faith in the clergy. Now, the idea that a priest would watch another take a fall in order to save himself has pushed him beyond his limits. After meeting Newton, Emmett reluctantly admits he has lost the last hope he'd clung to with men of the cloth.
Eventually, he's able to push aside the bitter taste in his mouth and we are able to move our conversation forward. We both agree, Newton is not the killer of Miss Mallory and he spoke the truth in that he was only trying to protect his name, his standing in the community and Mrs. Stanley. Newton's inability to fight back when Emmett grabbed him was most telling. He is a man who has never learned to defend himself physically and endured Emmett's wrath without protest. No, Newton wouldn't have been able to inflict the degree of damage that Miss Mallory suffered. It was definitely inflicted by a stronger man. Newton is simply a selfish coward.
We arrive in New Orleans late in the evening. After collecting our luggage, we hire a vehicle to take us to the Monteleone. Once we check in and unpack, we order room service and try to relax. This particular room is one that my parents and I stayed in years ago. They loved this magnificent hotel and I remember exploring this vibrant city. Our past visits have also come in handy since I know exactly where to find the Café Du Monde. After a quiet supper, I ring the front desk and request an early wake-up call and, at Emmett's insistence, the use of their chauffer service.
Lying in bed, even after such a mentally exhausting day, my thoughts return to Banner. He's currently my number one suspect. The money he paid to Warden Black to silence Edward forever, coupled with the fact he is a known wanted killer, might be all that's needed to have Edward's conviction overturned. However, might is not an acceptable word. Edward is on the lam and that fact alone could be enough to sway an Appeals Court Judge's opinion. It's imperative that we find foolproof evidence to support our case. I'm hoping our mystery person will be the key.
The bed moves and I feel Emmett's restlessness. He spoons me and holds me tight to him. We both need a diversion and the feel of him kissing my bare shoulder soon erases all thoughts of the outside world as we lose ourselves in each other.
~ J *+* D ~
Emmett and I enter the Café Du Monde at 5:45am. Most of the tables are full, but we find a corner table, set with a variety of accoutrements for various beverages. I'm only interested in the clear view of anyone entering the door. I want to be prepared and have the upper hand on anyone I possibly recognize. Who would it be? Banner? Eric Yorkie? Someone from the courthouse?
"Welcome to Café Du Monde. May I take your order?" a pleasant feminine voice asks. It's a voice I instantly recognize!
Snapping my head around I see the woman standing to the side of the booth, "Victoria?" I'm surprised, yet happy to see her alive, if not well. She looks tired, gaunt and pale.
"It's me, Miss Hale. I take it you received my wire," she asks as she warily takes stock of Emmett.
"I did, I just didn't know who it was from. How long have you been here?" My mind returns to the state of her little house and I intuitively know she didn't trash it. She's in hiding.
Her eyes swerve to the door, taking in the features of the three men who just entered, "Not here please, Miss Hale. I'm off work now and I'd prefer to talk in a more private setting." Her gaze is constantly moving to the various patrons of the café and I notice various men are watching us. Is she afraid of them?
"You're absolutely right." I gesture towards Emmett, who inclines his head in greeting. She returns it hesitantly. "Emmett and I have a suite at the Monteleone if you'd like to go there. If not, we can go wherever you prefer." I want her relaxed if she does indeed have information regarding Miss Mallory.
"Your hotel is fine," she cautiously agrees. Emmett also senses her sudden change of demeanor and immediately stands from the booth and helps me to my feet. We walk on either side of her, slowly escorting her as we push our way through the suddenly crowded café. It must be part of their morning rush. I want to ask how she was able to get off at this time, but the greater need is to get her to the hotel, where my questions can be fully answered.
At Emmett's insistence, we used the automobile service offered by the hotel even though it was only a ten-minute walk. He didn't like the idea of us literally walking blind into whatever or whomever we were going to find. I'm glad he did, because Victoria's eyes are darting in every direction, looking at each person we pass.
As soon as we get in the vehicle, Emmett asks the driver to take us on a brief tour. The driver, used to this type of request, starts pointing out various sites of interest. During this time, Emmett is looking out the back window, trying to spot anyone who might be tailing us, while Victoria and I attempt to be interested in the driver's dialogue. Once Emmett is satisfied, he asks the driver to return to the hotel, feigning illness. Continuing our ruse, I ask if we need to pick up anything from the pharmacy. He mumbles he just needs to lie down. I swear the driver is looking at Victoria and me as he murmurs, "Lucky son of a gun."
We're dropped off by the side entrance of the hotel. Emmett guides Victoria to the elevator while I pay the driver, tipping him generously. I flirt outrageously with him, hinting that if he were available later in the day, I'd enjoy continuing our tour, maybe as a private tour if he kept it between the two of us. He perks up at the idea of the money and my company. I give him a sultry smile and hope he'll give nothing away if he's asked any questions.
Once we reach our room, Victoria visibly relaxes. I offer breakfast and she declines. "I drank enough coffee to keep me awake for the next two days." Emmett and I both order from room service and ask simple questions about her relocation to New Orleans.
By the time room service arrives, she's almost docile. She accepts a glass of water and as we eat she begins her tale. "You have to believe me, Miss Hale…"
I interrupt her, "Please, call me Rose."
"Thank you, Rose," she shyly smiles and returns to her tale. "You have to believe me. When I met you, I really didn't think that I knew anything about Lauren's personal life." She looks contrite for a moment as she admits, "I was dealing with my own personal issues and honestly didn't give hers the time of day." She takes a moment to clear her head of regret.
"It's odd when I think of what I'm about to tell you, but now it makes perfect sense." She looks at our confused expressions and continues, "I was working when I received a letter delivered by Constable Apep. Really, it was more of a note. About James. You might remember I told you about my boyfriend who was in prison. He was supposed to be getting out after serving his five year sentence." Tears cloud her eyes as she chokes back a sob.
"I didn't open the envelope immediately, I noticed the postmark and the return address was that of the prison where James was incarcerated. It was odd that it had my name on it, but not my address. I didn't think anything more about it at the time. I assumed it was from James, letting me know his release date. I wanted to be alone when I read those magical words." She paused for a moment. "He was very descriptive of his desires for our reunion." Victoria smiles softly, temporarily lost in private memories.
She rouses herself from the past. "I thanked the Constable for his personal delivery of the note and tried to leave. However, he was insistent that I read it in front of him, I refused. That's when I felt an inkling that something wasn't right. He seemed frustrated and intense as he pressured me to open it. I knew then something was very wrong."
I vaguely remember Mrs. Cope letting me read the letter during my earlier investigation. I never wrote down the information though, because she had been so distraught about Victoria missing and it didn't seem relevant.
Victoria takes a deep breath, "Laurent… Constable Apep, had been after me for many years to date him. While I admit in the beginning I enjoyed his attention, it was nothing more than a light diversion. I stayed true to James." She stares at us and we see the truth of her words written in her eyes.
"I finally buckled under the pressure and silently read the letter in front of him." She shakes her head in disgust. "I was bluntly informed that James de Sade was dead. That's it! No, we regret to inform you or we offer our condolences. Just a short typed note, which stated: To Whom It May Concern, James de Sade died on May 13, 1918. Signed by Warden Jacob Black. With no actual signature." Emmett and I look at each other as we both suck in our breaths. James was in Birmingham? With that bastard, Warden Black? Was Banner involved in this, too? I've heard or seen the name James de Sade before. Was it from Banner's list?
Victoria mistook our reaction, assuming it was because of the callous nature of the letter, and nods her head at us. "As soon as I read the note, I ran into the back, cried for a while and then left by the back door, not wanting Constable Apep to see me breakdown if he was still there. My head was spinning and my heart was broken. I needed to leave town for a while. I went to my house and packed only the clothes I'd need, money and valuables. I had a feeling Constable Apep would be making his presence known as soon as he learned I was no longer at work." She smiles ruefully at us.
"Within 10 minutes, I was driving with no destination in mind. After an hour or so, I pulled over to the side of the road behind a grove of trees and let my emotions have their way. For hours I cried for James and the injustice of his death so close to his release. I knew about the hard labor he performed. Little comments he'd made alerted me to the harsh conditions he suffered. All of it combined must have broken him. The first time I visited him, he'd only been in prison for six months. He looked stronger in body, but weaker in spirit. I attributed it to his loneliness because he seemed stronger by the time I left."
Her breathing is ragged as she tries to hold back her tears. "James wasn't one for making friends easily. It was entirely his fault. James never understood social niceties until he met me. He had a rough upbringing. He stole, lied, fought and cheated. His worst crime was armed robbery. It took a while until he changed for the better. He got a regular job and promised to repay the money he stole. He wanted to settle down, marry me and start a family. He had almost saved all the money he stole and was excited to be able to repay the sum to the bank. Things were looking brighter for our future." A smile momentarily curls her lips as she remembers the good times.
"Before he could make amends, the law caught up to him. We expected it. We hoped that with James being a changed man and his intent to return the funds he would receive a lesser charge. Somehow Apep and his partner tracked him down. That was when I first met Apep," she sneers. "He and his partner busted into our home and Apep held me back as I tried to get to James. His partner beat him to within an inch of his life for no reason at all. He had no weapon on him and he wasn't resisting arrest."
"Apep kept telling me it would be okay and he would look out for us." She snorts at her words. "I tried to hire a lawyer, but all those that Apep recommended refused to take James' case. I pleaded with the judge to let me pay for his release and he denied bail. He told me no amount of money could buy his freedom," she bristled.
"Who was the judge?" Emmett asks, even though we both knew the answer.
"Judge Rhys Banner! I'll never forget his arrogance," she snaps. It took a few moments for her to calm down and continue her story.
"I later learned that what Apep meant by 'us,' was me and him. He would unexpectedly show up at my home or work to ask me out. He would visit often, but on the first anniversary of the beginning of James' prison sentence, he showed up at my work in a fancy new black suit, with polished shoes, flowers and candy. He badgered me to go out with him. I refused, of course. He was persistent though." Her mouth is set in a hard line. "At least once a month he would visit in his uniform, but on each anniversary marking James' incarceration, he arrived dressed to the nines in his suit. Every time he asked me to step out with him and every time I refused."
"As strange as this may sound to you, I loved James. He wasn't perfect and he did a lot of things wrong, but to me he had potential and he loved me. I couldn't ask for more." She takes a sip of water and savors another moment of her past.
"What bothered me was the last time Apep was dressed in his suit. It was obvious that my continued refusal to go out with him enraged him. I put it down to frustration, since he knew that James would soon be home. We argued horribly on the walkway in front of the shop. I'd had it and walked inside, passing Lauren and running into the washroom to calm down. Mrs. Cope came in and tried to soothe my frayed nerves. That was the last time I ever saw Lauren."
Tears fill her eyes again. "After hours of crying on the side of the road, one thought kept running through my head. Lauren was assaulted on the same evening I had once again refused Apep's formal yearly invitation. I had an epiphany. I didn't see Lauren leave that evening. She usually stayed late and locked up with Mrs. Cope. I remembered that the papers were sure they had finally arrested the murderer of all those other women, since all the deaths occurred on the same day. The same day as James' incarceration? I, I... had to know." She stutters, trying to catch her breath.
"I turned my vehicle around and returned to Mrs. Cope's shop. I had keys and I made sure the doors were locked and all the shades were drawn. Mrs. Cope is a collector of news stories of unsolved murders. She fancies herself a female Sherlock Holmes and is enamored with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. She has a small file cabinet dedicated to her morbid little hobby. Inside the cabinet are individual folders with written information about the cases on the front of each folder. The folders are filed by the type of crime and whether they were solved or still open. Flipping through the folders, one date stood out." She rubs her arms as if she's taken a sudden chill.
"It was the day of James' incarceration. Four articles regarding four separate women, one killed each year on the same date. Behind it, I find Lauren has a file and it confirms she too, had been assaulted on that date, but died the next. My heart started racing." She presses her hand to her heart and I do the same. Emmett hasn't moved a muscle. "Each year, Laurent made his special visit, dressed to the hilt in his black suit bearing gifts. Each time, I declined his advances and each time a woman lost her life. Could it be true?" She looks at Emmett and me with fear in her eyes. "Could I be the catalyst for each of those women's deaths? Oh, God! Please don't let it be so!" She flings herself out of the chair and crosses her arms in front of her trying to give herself comfort as she paces the room.
"Victoria, do you need to take a break? Give yourself some time to calm down?" Emmett asks and walks over to her with a glass of water. She takes the glass and sips at it.
"These thoughts have been tormenting my mind and I need to release them. They haunt me day and night. I need to know if it's possible or if I'm crazy, imagining all of this." Her breathing is erratic when she speaks again. "I remember seeing Constable Apep that day and he was dressed in his full black suit. He works out of Houston, right?" I nod my head in confirmation. "Then how did he end up being in the alley in La Porte in his uniform? He wouldn't have jurisdiction there, would he?" She brings up a valid point.
"After I put the folder back in Mrs. Cope's filing cabinet, my intuition was screaming at me. I needed to get out of there and fast – so that's what I did. I had the money that James saved for restitution and I came here. I've been in hiding ever since. I truly believe Constable Laurent Apep is responsible for Lauren's and the other women's deaths. And I fear now that James is gone, I'm next." She's sobbing so hard she's on the verge of collapsing. Emmett is still by her and easily lifts her up into his arms and carries her to his chair, sits and cradles her like a child.
I'm instantly beside him trying to soothe her with words of comfort. "We'll take care of you. It will be okay, we'll keep you safe." After 20 minutes she's worn herself out and fallen asleep. Emmett carries her into the smaller room, lays her gently on the bed and covers her with the blanket from the foot of the bed before quietly closing the door.
He walks over to me, pulls me up from my chair and hugs me tightly. After her story, we both need comforting ourselves. What she shared is farfetched, but at the same time, it makes perfect sense.
Constable Apep was the arresting officer out of his jurisdiction. How was this overlooked?
Carlisle said it was Apep who asked him for help. He was in uniform and knew exactly where Edward was with Miss Mallory. Yet earlier, he was in his black suit. It wouldn't take him long to change.
Why was he still in La Porte? Because he made a date with Miss Mallory? She lived in La Porte.
All of the murdered women died or were attacked on the anniversary of the date of James' entrance to the prison in Birmingham? Would Constable Apep be privy to that information? Of course he would!
Victoria couldn't hire a lawyer for James and Judge Banner wouldn't accept money for bail or to let him pay off the debt. How long have Apep and Banner known each other? Did they work together to prevent Victoria from seeking aid for James?
Was Constable Apep the man in black? His uniform was black and so was his suit. Was Miss Mallory accusing Apep that night in the alley before he arrested Edward? Did she never get his name?
Emmett is the first to break the silence, "We need to protect her. If her suspicions prove correct, and I'm leaning in that direction, she could very well be the next victim."
"I agree," I mumble into his shoulder. "We could contact Demetri. Peter gave me his information. Maybe he could give us an idea of where she would be safe. She can't go back to Houston. Not with Apep and Banner there."
He sighs and releases me. "Give me his information and I'll track him down. I should do it now while she's resting. You stay here and don't let anyone in. I'm sure you're safe, but I want your promise," Emmett quietly demands, holding my gaze.
"Trust me, we aren't leaving this room until you return." I've never been as nervous as I am at this moment.
"Do you have your gun?" Emmett asks as I walk over to my bag. I pull out a notebook, flipping through the pages looking for Demetri's contact information.
"Yes, it's in there." I nod towards my purse. Emmett puts my purse on the table as I find Demetri's information and write it down on a piece of hotel stationery. I hand it to Emmett. He tilts his head to my purse. He's too proper to open it himself and I smile. I open the purse and pull out my gun. He checks to ensure there are bullets loaded and the barrel is clear, then places it on the table. I need to physically protect Victoria and I've never had to do that for anyone before. It's rather nerve wracking.
"I'll be back as soon as possible. You be safe," he insists as he pulls me to him and kisses me hard.
"You, too," I whisper. In the next minute he's out the door and I'm locking it securely behind him.
~ J *+* D ~