Chapter 23: The Tampons

Benoit quickly got his phone out and dialed Julia's number. It went straight to her voicemail. He waited for the beep before he started talking.

"Julia, if I did somethin' to deter you from stayin', I would like to rectify my mistake. Please call me back."

He hung up the phone and huffed sadly. Rubbing his face, he walked back into the living room. No, he was going to call her again. Benoit dialed her phone once more and it went to voicemail.

"Julia, I do not know why you left, I do not know if it was somethin' I did to upset you..." Suddenly the wheels started turning in his head. She only did this after the call from Emily. "Julia, chickapen. Whatever it was that Emily said to you, it is not worth you leavin'. Please come back."

He hung up the phone and started pacing back and forth, biting on his thumb nail. He waited for a few minutes before calling her once more. This time...she actually answered.

"Benoit..."

"Julia!" he exclaimed almost excitedly. "What is goin' on? Why did you leave?"

"...I...I can't say."

"What do you mean? Was it somethin' Emily told you?" he asked sadly, sitting on the floor and leaning against the couch.

"I..." he heard her sob. "I can't say, but we need to...to go our separate ways, Benoit. I'm sorry."

Benoit's face dropped. "What do you mean? Are you leavin' me?"

"...Yes, but it's not because of anything you did."

Benoit frowned. He couldn't believe this was happening. "Julia, listen to me. I'm...I-I'm beggin' you, chickapen. Please come back and let us discuss this like adults. I do not appreciate you runnin' off like a scared little child."

"But I am scared!"

Benoit frowned even more. "Of what?"

"...I have to go."

"No. No Julia, do not hang up. Don't-"

There was a click on the other end and Benoit dropped the phone, shocked to his core. What was he going to do? He couldn't just let her go. Not like this.

He picked up his phone and dialed Marta. It rang two times before she picked up.

"Hello?"

"Marta, it's Blanc," he said, standing up and walking to the door. "Is Julia on her way to you?"

"Yes, but what is this about? Detective, she said she broke up with you. What is going on?"

He grabbed his car keys. "She received a call from," he opened his door and locked it behind him, "my very unstable ex-girlfriend and whatever, "he started walking down the hall, "transpired with that conversation made Julia leave me."

"Is your ex-girlfriend the one who attacked Julia's car with a baseball bat?"

"Yes," he said, exiting the building and marching to his car. "Same person who rammed her car with you guys in it. Actually it," he unlocked his car, "was her brother that did that, but," he opened the door and got in, "the point is, Julia was spooked and has vacated my apartment because of it. Would you," he started up the car, "know anything about that?"

"No, she didn't say. Wait, I think I see her coming up the driveway."

"Are you at Harlan's?" he asked as he put the car in drive and pulled out of his parking space.

"Yes, we finally moved in the other day."

"I would congratulate you, but the current circumstances require my full attention," he explained as he drove out of the parking lot and onto the street. "She must've left right after I did."

"Where did you go?"

"I left to go purchase her some...feminine hygiene products." Benoit stepped on the gas and went in the direction of the highway.

He heard Marta laugh. "You went to buy her that? Tampons or pads?"

Benoit blushed. "She asked for tampons, and when I got to the store, I was rather confused about the sizes, seeing as how I do not know her size, so I bought her all three."

Marta laughed harder. "The sizes. Oh my goodness. Oh, she's coming up the steps now. I will talk to her then I will call you back."

"Thank you, Marta."

"You're welcome."

Benoit hung up the phone and concentrated on driving.

Benoit walked back into the diner with the saddest look on his face. He sat back down in the booth he had previously occupied and held his head.

"What was that about?" Sarah asked Benoit.

"That was the woman I'm...very much in love with," he replied.

Sarah whistled. "You're in love with her already?"

"Yes. I am not sure how it happened, exactly, but...it did happen," he said, drinking his coffee.

Sarah was now more interested in her food and began eating more. "She's beautiful though. Wait, she looked very familiar. What's her name?"

"Julia Drysdale."

Sarah blinked. "The writer?"

"Mmhmm."

"Oh hell. You hit the jackpot."

Benoit wobbled his head and winced at the implication. "Don't say that. She is rich, but that does not matter to me."

"No, I mean the romantic jackpot. She's a romance writer. Didn't you know? Oh god, I love all her books!"

Benoit chuckled. "Yes. I know what she does."

Sarah grinned and took another bite of her bacon. "So, how are you gonna win her back?"

Benoit scoffed in amusement. "I never had her to begin with, Sarah."

"Bullshit. Did you not see the look on her face? Yeah, she looked sad, but she also looked jealous."

Benoit looked out the window, clasping his hands together and holding them to his mouth. "I know. She probably thought you were my girlfriend or somethin'."

"Then there you have it. Win her back, Benny."

"But even so," Benoit turned his head and gave Sarah a serious look, "she is a suspect in a murder investigation."

"Well, do you think she did it?"

"...No, I do not."

That was true. He felt with all he was that Julia Drysdale was not a killer. And she obviously had much love for her grandfather, so that definitely put a kink in his not-so-solid theory about her breaking into Harlan's house the night he died. Still, deep down, he suspected it was his feelings getting in the way of his judgment.

"But that could be because I do not want to see her as a killer."

"Oh hogwash. You are an excellent judge of character. If you believe she had nothing to do with it, then it's true," Sarah explained, drinking her own coffee.

This was also true. Blanc knew he was missing a very valuable piece of the puzzle that would help him see the whole picture. It was downright frustrating. And it all boiled down to whoever climbed the trellis, but how would he figure it out?

Suddenly he had an idea, just like a light bulb turning on.

Julia walked up the stairs with her suitcase in hand and tears in her eyes as Marta opened the door. She frowned at Julia and eyed the suitcase. "Come on in, I just put the kettle on. You and I are gonna have some hot cocoa."

Julia nodded with a smile as she walked in, Marta giving her a hug. "Thank you for letting me stay with you, Marta. I really appreciate it."

"It's no problem," Marta said, leading Julia to the kitchen. "Now, what happened?"

"We were," Julia set the suitcase down, "watching "Deadly By Surprise" and then his crazy fucking ex Emily called me. She called me all sorts of names, then," Julia sat down at the table, elbowing it while holding her head in her hands, "her brother got on the phone and gave me an ultimatum. Leave Benoit or they'd tell him about Alice."

"Oh," Marta said as she went searching for mugs. "I see. So you left because of that?"

"Yes. The detective must think I'm no better than his crazy ex."

Marta chuckled. "I highly doubt that. I mean, he obviously likes you."

Julia lifted her head and watched Marta pour hit cocoa powder into the mugs. "You think so?"

"I know so. He asked about your favorite breakfast and made it for you, he took you to Alfonso's for your first date, he let you stay with him in your time of need, I mean," Marta said, walking back to the table. "He obviously likes you a lot. Why would you throw something like that away?"

Julia frowned and knuckled her chin, staring at the wooden table with a defeated look on her face. "Because I don't want him to know about Alice. I'd rather him think I'm crazy than cruel. I mean, you know what I did. I told you."

Marta nodded as she sat down. "Mmhmm, but that's not who you are now, is it?"

"No, but still...I...I don't think I could handle him rejecting me."

"So, instead of him rejecting you, you rejected him? That doesn't seem very fair."

Julia shut her eyes and slammed her forehead on the table. "You're right. I fucked up royally. But it doesn't matter now, it's not like he's coming after me," she said, lifting her head.

Marta smirked at her. "I don't think so," she sang.

Julia stared at her bug-eyed. "What?"

The kettle started whistling and Marta walked over to it, taking it off the hot coil. "He called me. Asked if you were coming here and also told me," she started laughing, "that he bought three different types of tampons because he didn't know what size you were."

First it started out as a giggle, then Julia burst into hysterical laughter. "He didn't know my size? Oh, that poor, clueless man!"

Marta laughed into a fit as well as she poured hot water into the mugs. "That's the funniest thing I've ever heard, but it was also so cute."

"That is cute," Julia laughed. "But...oh, don't tell me he's coming here."

Marta started mixing the hot cocoa. "More than likely, yes. Sounded like he was driving when I talked to him."

"And when did you talk to him?"

"Just before you got here."

Julia groaned and smashed her forehead on the table again. "I'm an idiot. I...admit it. I'm an idiot. A big fat fucking idiot."

"Yep," Marta said as she put two big marshmallows in the cups. "A big idiot. He's a good man, Julia."

Julia scoffed at Marta. "Hey, you're supposed to help me feel better, not worse!"

"No." Marta grabbed the mugs and brought them over to the table, sitting down at the other end. "I'm supposed to tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear."

Julia chuckled, blowing on her hot cocoa before grabbing the marshmallow and taking a small bite out of it. "Mmm," she said in delight.

"Good?"

"Yes."

Marta sighed. "So, you must really like him too if you're this worried about being rejected by him."

Julia puckered her lips in and lowered her gaze, her hands encircling the mug. "I do. As a matter of fact, I...I love him, Marta."

Marta's jaw dropped. "What? Seriously? So soon?"

Julia nodded with a disgruntled chuckle. "When he made me breakfast the first time, I just...I fell hard, Marta. Real hard. And he is the most amazing man I've ever known. He's selfless, kind, and soooooo sexy, he makes my toes curl."

Marta grinned and blew on her hot cocoa, cupping the mug. "Have you guys...you know..."

Julia shook her head. "No. As I said, he's more of a fourth or fifth date kind of guy. We've only been on three."

Marta sighed and leaned back in her chair, looking at Julia with a curious expression. "When was the third date?"

"It was a double date...with my parents."

Marta blinked. "You're kidding."

"No, I'm not. It was...awkward at first, but then Charles showed up and Benoit and my dad made him leave, so...things were fine after that."

"Charles showed up?" Marta asked, abruptly sitting up straight with a shocked look.

"Yeah, but as I said, they made him leave. And after we were done and Benoit went to get the car, my parents asked me when the wedding was gonna be and when they should expect grandkids."

Marta burst into laughter. "Wow. He must've made quite the impression."

"He did," Julia smiled, taking another bite of her marshmallow.

"Does he even want any of that?"

"Yes."

Marta's jaw dropped. "You both have already discussed this?"

Julia smiled weakly and looked away. "He said he could see us having a future like that."

"Julia, has it occurred to you that the detective might be in love with you, too?" Marta asked.

Julia thought for a moment. She hadn't considered that possibility. She looked at Marta with a sort of scared expression on her face. "Even if he is, that doesn't mean he won't leave me if he finds out about what happened with Alice."

"Well, you left him, so what's the harm in him finding out now?"

"He'll lose his good opinion of me and I don't think I could handle that."

"I'm sure you're just being paranoid, Julia," Marta said, taking a small sip from her hit cocoa. "He's a detective. He's probably seen worse things happen to people."

"Yeah but I'm not a suspect, I'm his girlfriend. Or...was..."

Marta got up and sighed. "Well, I need to go to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

Julia nodded and sipped her cocoa as Marta left the room.

Benoit's phone started ringing and he picked it up. "Marta?"

"Hey, so she told me what happened. Peter told her that she needed to break up with you or they'd tell you about Alice."

Benoit closed his eyes for a moment and huffed. "I see. Is she still there?"

"Yes, she's having some hot cocoa."

"Good. How is she?"

"Upset. She thinks you'll leave her if you find out about Alice and she also feels like an idiot."

Benoit chuckled a little. "Well, I gave her my word that I would not leave. I do not understand why she will not believe me."

"Listen, Detective. What happened with Alice was bad. Real bad."

"You know about it?" Benoit asked as he pulled off the highway. He was speeding like a crazy person but he didn't care.

"Yes. She told me all about it years ago."

Benoit sighed. "I do not suppose you can give me the details?"

"It's not my place. I'm sorry."

"I understand. Listen, I should be there in about twenty minutes. Do you think you can keep her there until I arrive?"

"Sure."

"Thank you, Marta."

"You're welcome, Benoit."

Benoit hung up and floored it as he got onto another highway.

After talking to Greatnana Thrombey, Benoit got a call from Lieutenant Elliot about a fire at the Norfolk County Medical Examiner's office. The detective met up with Trooper Wagner and they both drove into South Boston towards the office. When they reached it, fireman and cops were everywhere as they were trying to put out the fire.

Benoit whistled at the sight of the burnt up building after rolling his window down. This had been a pretty big fire.

The detective got out of the car and made his way to Elliot who was talking to firefighter. "What's the cheese?" he asked the lieutenant.

"Oh, hey," Elliot said to Benoit. They took a walk. "5:00 am. Security systems here are all triggered. Now, this thing went up really quick, so that means blood stores, records, anything of that nature, it's all gone. There were no employees here, so, thank God for that."

"Mmhmm," Benoit agreed as they stopped walking. He took another look at the building after glancing briefly at Elliot. "What about security cameras?" he asked, pointing around at nothing in particular.

"Oh yeah," Elliot replied, pointing upwards. Benoit looked to see a burned security camera. "Speaking of security, the surveillance tape at the Thrombey estate showed nothing out of the ordinary."

Benoit looked at him in surprise. "Nothing?"

"Nothing."

"Well, what's still pendin' from the autopsy?"

"Just a report of the blood work."

Benoit looked back at the building, the wheels turning in his head again. "Blood work? Hmm. Someone went through quite a bit to cover up their tracks, it would seem," he said, gesturing at the building.

"Yeah, maybe."

Benoit sighed, looking around before grabbing his phone to dial Julia. He still needed to explain himself. After three rings, it went to voicemail.

"Miss Drysdale...Julia, please call me back. We need to talk about what occurred at the diner. Listen, after all this is over...I would like to ask you an important question. I know it is rather unusual, but I would like to ask you face to face. Please call me back so we can set up a meeting.

"Benoit hung up and frowned. "Who was that?" Elliot asked.

"Oh, I was leavin' a message for Julia...I mean Miss Drysdale," Benoit corrected himself.

Elliot eyed him with intrigue. "Since when did you start calling her by her first name?" he said with a smile.

The bridge of the detective's nose went a little red. "It was a slip up, is all."

"Uh huh," Elliot teased.

Benoit frowned, turned his back to him and dialed Julia's number again. As it was ringing, he shifted about and spotted a blue car up the way. Wait, wasn't that Miss Cabera's car? He hung up the phone and started making his way towards the car. What was she doing here?

Suddenly the car drove away and Benoit became frustrated. What in the hell was that girl doing? He started backing up.

"Elliot!" he yelled, turning around and jogging. "We gotta go! We gotta go!"

"Who was that?" Elliot asked as some cops were rounded up.

"That was Marta Cabrera's car! Let's go!"

"Oh damn!" Elliot exclaimed as they got in a cruiser with Trooper Wagner. They drove off to chase after that car.

As they were chasing down the car with two other cruisers, Blanc tried calling Marta'a phone.

"C'mon, Marta, what are you doing?" he said to himself.

The sirens were blaring as they got closer. Luckily Marta's car didn't seem very fast.

"Vehicles in pursuit on Washington Street!" Wagner said into the police radio.

"No force," Elliot said. "Make sure you say no force."

"No force."

"We got a possible murder suspect."

"I said that, I said that."

Benoit narrowed his eyes as they got closer to Marta's car. Soon they were alongside it and Benoit started calling Marta again, Wagner honking his horn. He stuck his head out the window with his phone, pointing at it, when he was shocked to see Ransom in the passenger side...and Julia in the back seat.

"What the hell is she doing with them?" he thought, staring at her face.

She and him locked eyes and Julia looked at him with regret. Oh, that poor woman. She did not look like she was enjoying any of this. Was this her brother's doing? It had to be. Suddenly Marta slammed on her brakes and they all went driving past.

"Woa!" all three men yelled.

"Turn back around, Wagner!" Elliot snapped.

"I'm going, I'm going!" Wagner snapped back, turning the car around and go after Marta once more.

They drove into South Boston after the girl, the two cop cars ahead of them as the raced down the street. They saw Marta pull into an alley.

"Get around and catch her from the other side!" Elliot yelled.

"I'm trying!" Wagner shouted.

"Everyone, let's remain calm here," Benoit stated.

They finally managed to find Marta's car parked in an alleyway and they stopped. Benoit got out, took a deep breath, and walked to the car, knocking on Marta's window.

All three of the suspects got out with their hands up. Julia was avoiding Benoit's gaze as he stared at her in amazement.

"That was the dumbest car chase of all time," Elliot said. "Put your hands down."

"I spoke to Wanetta Thrombey, Greatnana. Night of the party, he saw someone climbin' the trellis to the third floor," Blanc said, looking at Marta.

As Trooper Wagner and Lieutenant Elliot were putting Ransom in their car, Julia turned to Blanc. "Detective, why are they arresting my brother?"

""Ransom came back, she said. I don't know what he came back to do, but we'll find out," he explained, staring into Julia's eyes. She still looked a little frightened, the poor thing. He glanced at Marta. "Did he ask you to drive when he saw me comin'?"

"Yes," Marta replied before getting into the car.

Benoit looked at Julia with a soft smile. "Well, this is the second time I've had to chase you today, but I'm glad I caught you the second time." Julia didn't react like he'd hoped and she was about to get back into the car but he held the door shut. "Miss Drysdale, about earlier, I-"

"Really, Detective Blanc. You don't need to explain-"

"Blanc, you coming with us?" Elliot ask him.

"I'll drive with Marta," Blanc said with a shake of his head. He glanced back at Miss Drysdale. "Yes, I do need to explain. That woman at the diner was my-"

Julia shoved her hand up, clearly not in the mood for his explanation. Oh boy. "I don't care who she is, it doesn't matter."

"It doesn't matter?" he thought with a frown.

"Well why not?" he asked in a frustrated voice.

"Because your personal life is none of my business," Julia snarled before getting into the car.

Benoit rolled his eyes in irritation and walked around to the other side of the car. "Why won't she just hear me out?" he asked himself.

Julia was on her second cup of hot cocoa, along with Marta, when Marta's mother walked in. "Ah, Julia. Good to see you. How are you?"

Julia smiled at her sadly. "Well, I've been better," she said.

Marta's mother frowned. "Oh, I'm sorry. What's the problem?"

Julia sighed and drank some hot cocoa. "Men troubles," Marta explained.

"With that detective?" Marta's mom asked.

"Mmhmm," Marta replied.

The two started conversing in Spanish when Alicia, Marta's younger sister, walked in. "Hey there, Julia," she said, walking to the fridge to grab a snack.

"Hi Alicia," Julia said glumly.

The door bell rang and Julia stood up, knocking her chair over. Oh no. Benoit was here. Shit.

Marta walked out of the kitchen and Julia grasped her mug tightly. She was panicking. Really panicking. She had to fight the urge to run upstairs and hide like a child. Where could she run to? Julia knew he'd just follow her and not back down.

When she saw Benoit walk in, all the blood drained from her face. Oh, how he wished she'd just run up the stairs. She didn't want him to know about Alice. She didn't want to tell him. She didn't want Peter or Emily to tell him. No, she had to stay strong and keep her secret locked up tight. Even if that meant keeping them apart.

"Julia," Benoit said softly from the doorway.

"Benoit," she said back.

"Let's talk," he said.