Misconceptions Page 8

  Joe squeezed Dominique’s hand, then released it.

  Heat flooded her cheeks. She hadn’t felt cared for in such a long time. What would he do if she confessed everything to him? Her cell phone vibrated again. She checked the caller ID and rolled her eyes … a text from Channing.

  Channing: Where r u?

  He would never believe her if she told him. She texted back: Work

  Channing: Any leads?

  Dominique: Just got a big one!

  Channing: Call me.

  Instead, she put her cell phone away and asked Joe. “I know this may sound strange, but do you think I could meet your dad?”

  Chapter Eleven

  Dominique balanced her laptop bag and the tray of food as she navigated through the hospital’s cafeteria, thankful she hadn’t spilled her chicken noodle soup when she bumped a rack of chips. She took her place in the long line of restless people waiting to pay for lunch.

  She cocked her head and studied the man in front of her. Where had she seen him before? Ah, of course. “You’re Houston Armstrong, aren’t you? Joe's brother?”

  “I guess I can admit to that.” Houston let out a slight laugh. “You’re his girlfriend, Dominique, right? We were going to meet for lunch, but he got paged and had to leave.”

  She blushed. Unsure of how to respond, she changed the topic. “Would you like to join me? Seats can be hard to come by in this cafeteria.”

  He smiled. “Thanks.”

  After they paid for their lunches, she led him toward an empty table along the back wall. “I need a place to plug my laptop in later. I have a lot of work to do, and my office can be so distracting.” Especially when Penelope is on the prowl.

  She placed her lunch tray on the table and tucked her laptop safely away under the seat. Now all she had to do was to figure out a way to steer the conversation to the recent baby kidnappings. “Are you coming off a shift or getting ready to start one?”

  Houston sighed. “Finishing a long one. I got called in to work last night. I wouldn’t work another case like this one if you paid me a million dollars.”

  “Rough night?”

  “You could say that.”

  She stuck a spoon in her soup and stirred the contents. “Another kidnapping?”

  Houston took a sip of his coffee. “No, but the case is related.”

  This was her chance. “Do you have any other leads or suspects?”

  “Nothing so far.”

  “Any gut instincts?”

  “You’re not a tabloid reporter are you?” He examined her through narrowed eyes. Just as she thought he might have recognized her, his face relaxed and he grinned.

  She laughed, maybe a little too hard. “No, no. It seems like the cops investigating the actual crime scenes usually have a different perspective, that’s all.”

  “Well, if I were in charge of the whole investigation, I’d start with the person who’s usually behind ninety-nine percent of the crime in this city."

  “Who’s that?”

  “Vinnie Fernandez. If he’s not responsible for the crimes himself, I’m willing to bet he knows who is.”

  That name again. Dominique made a mental note, as she tried to think of a good follow-up question.

  “You and Joe been dating long?”

  Houston’s question took her by surprise. “Well, I don’t know if I’d use the word dating.”

  “I’m sorry, I just assumed. You were with him at the station, and your name has come up a few times in conversations lately.”

  “No need to apologize. Several nurses have asked me the same thing today after one of them saw me with Joe at the church service last night. Apparently, the rumor mill at the hospital is going full force.”

  “I’m sure you devastated a slew of pining nurses when they heard the news.” Houston’s smile reminded her of Joe’s.

  “I’m sure they’ll be relieved when they find out the truth. We’ve shared a few meals … and I do enjoy his company.” Heat traveled up her neck and face. She must be deep red. Without a clever comment to make up for her babbling, she let out a laugh. “I don’t know what I’m saying. It’s just that what people saw last night, isn’t what they think they saw. Does that make sense?”

  Dominique caught movement out of the corner of her right eye. Penelope was headed straight toward them, her face sporting a sour look.

  She stopped in front of their table and poked a finger towards Dominique. “Are you aware you missed another staff meeting?”

  “Yes. I sent you an e-mail to let you know that I couldn’t attend. I have loads of work I need to catch up on.”

  Penelope scrutinized the table. “Is this your idea of working?”

  This woman was a piece of work! Dominique’s short temper flared, but she attempted to keep it at a low burn. “No, this is my idea of lunch. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  Penelope cleared her throat. “There are several items that need your immediate attention. One in particular. There are a few discrepancies with your social worker’s license. I’m afraid the hospital can’t wait on this matter.”

  Darn that Penelope. Leave it to her to bring this matter up in front of Joe’s brother—a cop no less! Dominique stole a glance at Houston, who apparently wanted to hear her response as much as Penelope did.

  “That’s odd. What did Kevin in Human Resources say? He handled all of my paperwork.” Always answer a question with another question, a standard reporter technique.

  Penelope looked aside and let out a sigh. “I haven’t spoken with him yet.”

  “Well then, I would start there. Anything else I can help you with?”

  Penelope’s left eyebrow raised. “You weren’t much of a help at all. I’ll be back in touch.” She turned and stomped off like a spoiled child who’d just been told she couldn’t have a second ice cream cone.

  Houston laughed. “Nice lady.”

  “She’s a real challenge to work for.”

  “Joe told me about some of your dealings with her. Better watch your back.”

  He has no idea!

  “I’d better get going. I’ve been working all night, and I still have hours of paperwork to do before I can head home.” Houston rose and grabbed his tray, still laden with his half-eaten lunch. “Are you done with your lunch? I can take your tray up.”

  She gathered her things together and handed them to him. “Thanks, Houston.”

  He took a step away, then turned back toward her. “Oh, if I see Joe, I’ll let him know I think he’d be a fool to let you get away.”

  She cradled her head between her hands. How could she continue lying to these people? They were all so nice. She needed to speed up her investigation. Today’s project: review again the list of patients who had given birth within the last eighteen months. But first she would focus on the baby snatchings.

  After her computer fired up, she went to Google search and typed in the name Vinnie Fernandez.

  Chapter Twelve

  Vinnie Fernandez was behind this latest murder—Houston was sure of it.

  He drove down the country road they lived on. Several horses grazed in the field across the street from his house. When he pulled into the driveway, his shoulders relaxed for the first time today. Houston loved their home, a large two-story farmhouse with a wrap-around porch. It was peaceful living out in the country away from the noise and crime. Becky made everything pleasant. He was a lucky man, and he knew it.

  He took the porch steps two at a time. When he looked up, she stood at the top with a worried expression on her face.

  Houston enveloped her in a big hug, breathing in her familiar scent. Lord, he loved this woman. “I missed you.” He spoke softly into her ear. He tried to kiss her, but she pulled back slightly. “We need to talk, Houston.”

  He brushed his lips on her forehead. “Sorry I didn’t call earlier. How’d it go at the nursing home? Is he all checked in?”

  She averted her eyes.

  “Is everythi
ng okay?” The hair raised on his arms. “The admission was routine, right?”

  “I’m not sure where to start.”

  Not good. Becky always was straight forward. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Can we talk inside? I’m a little tired.” Houston reached for the door handle. “We’d be more comfortable inside.” He kissed her lightly.

  Instead, Becky took a seat on the old wooden porch swing. “I did something I truly believe was the right thing to do, but you may not see it that way.”

  What could be so bad that she insisted on beating the bush so much? “It’s okay, honey. You know I love you; we’ll work it out. It can’t be as bad as you think.” He sat next to her and draped an arm around her shoulders. “You know you can tell me anything.”

  She hesitated. “I didn’t put your dad in the nursing home the hospital recommended. It was awful. I couldn’t leave him there.” She bit her lip and looked away.

  Houston stopped the swing. “Is he back in the hospital?”

  “No.”

  “Where is he?”

  Becky took his hand. “Right now, he’s resting in the spare bedroom.”

  He jerked back. “What did you say?”

  “He’s in the spare bedroom.” Pain filled her eyes and furrowed her brow. “Please don’t look at me that way. The place smelled of urine. I saw a few cockroaches. And when I went in the residents’ rooms, most of them had empty water pitchers and dirty linens on their beds. I couldn’t leave him at the nursing home, Houston. In fact, I wish I could have brought every last one of those patients home. Nobody should have to live like that.”

  He let the full impact of the news sink in. His father, here, in his home. Impossible. He couldn’t live under the same roof with him, not after what his dad had done. He could never forgive him. Would never forgive him.

  Becky’s eyes pleaded with him. How could she do this to him? She knew how he felt about his dad. “Why didn’t you call me?” He kept his tone even. “He was discharged to a nursing home, Becky, not our home.”

  “I’m sorry. I should have called you.” She rubbed both her arms. “I didn’t know what to do. I spoke with the hospital. He’s been officially released, against medical advice. I know this comes as a shock to you, but I couldn’t think of any other place to take him.”

  “What about Cindy and Travis? They have plenty of room.”

  “They also have four kids, and I think they may be having marital problems.”

  “What? We just saw them yesterday, and everything seemed fine.”

  “Things aren’t always as they appear. It’s a strong feeling I have. Anyway, I felt bringing Samuel here was my only option.”

  Joe's place was out of the question. It’s too small, and he was never home. “Couldn’t you have taken him back to the hospital? Sheesh, Becky, now what are we going to do?”

  She chewed on her lip. “I’m not sure. The hospital won’t re-admit him unless he agrees to take the sedatives. He refuses. And I’ve got to tell you, I think he’s right.”

  Houston paced on the front porch. This was his worst nightmare. He could barely tolerate being in the same room as his father, let alone living under the same roof. “How long will he be here?”

  “So he can stay?”

  “I don’t really think I have a choice now.” His words were cold, but he’d been forced into this position. Silence filled the air for several moments. He let out a slow breath. If he refused to let his dad stay, he’d look like a jerk. But if he allowed him to stay … How could Becky have put him in such a situation?

  “Houston, I’m sorry. You know I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you.” Her hands trembled. “Please forgive me.” Her eyes pooled with tears.

  He leaned against the railing. Their arguments never lasted long—he could never stay angry with her. But this was different. Why couldn’t she let things be?

  He hung his head. He'd never shared it with her … how could she know the full impact of this decision? He should’ve shared the truth with her a long time ago.

  He glanced at Becky huddled on the swing, and his anger deflated. Her kind heart was one of the things he loved most about her. How could he ask her to be anything less than what she was?

  He opened his arms, and she stepped in and hugged him tightly.

  “I’m so sorry. Please know I would never hurt you intentionally. I truly didn’t know what to do.”

  He pressed her closer. She always smelled so good, and she felt just right in his arms. He would not let his dad come between them. His father had ruined what little family life Houston had growing up. He wouldn’t let him ruin his marriage.

  Houston kissed Becky lightly. “Shhh, I love you, Becky. It’ll be okay. I love your caring heart. It’s what makes you such a wonderful wife and nurse. We’ll figure something out.”

  Wrapped in each other’s arms, Houston drank in the stillness. After a few minutes, he kissed her forehead. “Let’s go inside.”

  When he took a step into the living room, he broke a vow he’d made to himself years ago—the promise that he would never again, under any circumstances, live under the same roof with Samuel Armstrong.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Tuesday morning, Travis pulled into the parking lot of the model home at the front of an upscale subdivision which doubled as his business office. The two-story brick home, with custom stained glass windows and professional landscaping, showcased his talents as a professional builder. Normally, he also considered it a private getaway, but today it felt like a prison. He could almost hear the metallic sound of a cell door slamming when he closed the door behind him.

  The empty lot made his stomach churn. He never thought he’d miss seeing Scott’s beat-up Ford Windstar, but now he’d be happy to see it every day for the rest of his life. He’d never forget the expression on Scott’s face when he told him he was letting him go. Even worse, he hadn’t been able to answer any of the questions Scott fired at him. All he’d been able to say was that his final paycheck would be sent in the mail. He shook his head at the dismal memory.

  Travis checked his watch. The new accountant would be in at nine, which left him a little over a half an hour to get things ready. First, he needed to deposit cash into his bank account so payroll could process.

  Inside, his footsteps rang out on the hardwood floors as he passed the empty reception desk. Thankfully, it wasn’t one of the days the part-time receptionist came in. This would give him a chance to talk with his accountant without the risk of their conversation being overheard.

  A car pulled into the parking lot, followed by the slam of a door. Probably the new accountant. He hurried to his office, the room which would have served as the master bedroom in a residential home, and grabbed a few files from the in-box on his desk. It would be better to look busy, as if he were carrying on business as usual.

  The front door opened, and heels clicked on the hardwood floors. Someone gave a soft knock on his door.

  “Come in!”

  “Hello, Travis, it’s good to see you again.” Angelica, the hostess from Vinnie’s restaurant, stood before him. Her long dark hair was pulled over to one side, and the cut of her red dress left little to the imagination. Words stuck in his mouth.

  She raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t Vinnie tell you to expect me?”

  “No … I mean … It’s just … ” Heat spread throughout his body, and his hands felt numb. The effect she had on him now was just as strong as the first time he met her. This could be a problem.

  They were completely alone, just the two of them. How was he going to fight this temptation? He looked at the picture of Cindy and the kids on his desk. He loved his family; he needed his family. He would have to keep things strictly professional.

  “Where’s my office?” She smiled. “Or are we sharing this one?”

  How could her smile be friendly and seductive at the same time? He ignored her innuendo regarding sharing the same bedroom. “Upstairs, first door on the right. Afte
r you get settled, please come back down. There’s a few things we need to go over.” Travis tried to make his tone authoritative and professional. He must maintain the upper hand in this relationship.

  “I’ll be down shortly.” She turned to leave, then came back. “I don’t know how much Vinnie told you, but you work for me, Travis, not the other way around. We’ll get along just fine if you remember that.” She left the door open behind her. The smile she gave him this time didn’t match the cutting tone of her words.

  Fifteen minutes passed before she made her way back down the stairs. Reporting to Angelica wasn’t part of the deal he’d made with Vinnie. Or was it? If he couldn’t establish control, he’d never be able to sever the contract.

  She entered the room. “You ready to get down to business?” She placed several file folders and a large ledger on his desk.

  He eyed the folders. “Are those for me?”

  “Very good. You catch on quick.” She winked. “You need to keep these in a safe with a combination lock, which, of course, I will have access to. From now on, you’ll have two sets of books. One for the IRS to see and another that will document new business. I’ll handle both sets of books. You need to familiarize yourself with these eight companies, enough so that if you’re questioned, you’ll be able to talk intelligently about them.”

  “Are these actual companies?”

  “To you they are. I can’t really divulge a lot of details, Travis. You’ve just begun working for Vinnie. Trust must be earned.”

  He didn’t miss her choice of words emphasizing he was working for Vinnie. He needed one small victory, however small it may be. “I have a secretary who comes in three times a week. She’ll put your employee information into our system.”

  “I need a list of all of her responsibilities.”

  “She answers the phone, handles some scheduling, and does a hundred other miscellaneous things I usually don’t have time for.”

  “Vinnie doesn’t like outsiders interfering with his businesses, but I’ll speak with him and see if she can stay.”