Intentions (Carpenter/Harding Book 6) Read online

  “I know you have the letter,” Jordan said, startling Ellie out of her thoughts. Her tone was light, non accusatory. Still, Ellie felt the need to explain herself.

  “I didn’t read it. I just wanted to…give you the chance, in case you change your mind.”

  Jordan shook her head. “I’m not going to.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” Jordan turned off the stove and put some bacon and eggs on Ellie’s plate, then her own. “You can read it if you want. I don’t mind or care. I don’t want anything to do with it.”

  “Derek told you?”

  “Come on. Eat. It’s fine. Let’s forget about it.” There was the slightest edge to her tone.

  “Okay. How did it go with the realtor?” Ellie wasn’t sure how she felt about Jordan giving her permission to read what Darby had written to her. Maybe they were all overestimating him, though there was no denying he had been fixating on her. There was no telling what was in it until one of them actually read it.

  “She says we could do an open house in a couple of weeks—have you talked to Kate yet?”

  Ellie had been unsuccessful trying to find her at the end of her shift, and frankly, she’d been too tired.

  “Not yet. After this weekend, I swear.”

  “I know you’ve been busy, but this is kind of important. I might be homeless soon.”

  “That’s ridiculous, you won’t be homeless! You can always stay with me until we find—” Ellie stopped midway in her explanation when she realized Jordan was yanking her chain. “That’s not fair. You’ve been up longer than I have.”

  “Sorry about that. However, Derek told me they broke up.”

  “Oh no. That’s going to make me sound like a bitch. A happy, crazy in love bitch, but nonetheless.” Ellie sighed. “I know it’s selfish, but I wish we could have this time to figure it all out without the drama all around. I can’t even blame her. I sure have made some rash decisions after something bad happened…Not you,” she added quickly. “Don’t even go there. When I first knew you, I wanted your life, and I wanted you.”

  “Oh, wow,” Jordan said, clearly self-conscious.

  “It’s true. I’m worried Kate will regret all of this. She’s not all that sure what she’s going to do instead of being a cop—and Derek’s a good guy. So this is really none of my business, but I have to tell her. I guess I’ll see if I catch her later.”

  “Yes, but finish your breakfast first.”

  Jordan had barely finished the words when Ellie’s cell phone rang from somewhere in the bedroom. By the time she found it, the ring tone had stopped, and there was a text message from Kate.

  “Hey, E. I took the rest of the vacation days I had left, and I’m going to hide out at my grandparents for a bit. Don’t worry, I’ll cover my part of the rent. I just need to get away from it all. Good luck, Kate.”

  Ellie called her number, glad Kate picked up right away. “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

  Kate laughed wistfully. “I think so. I haven’t done anything spontaneous like this in more than a decade, so I can’t say for sure, but…I’ll be okay. Don’t worry.”

  “Jordan and I are looking for a place together,” Ellie blurted out. “Oh my God, I wanted to find such a better moment to tell you. When are you leaving?”

  “Cab’s here now, so I can’t talk much longer. It’s okay, Ellie. Don’t think I haven’t seen this coming. I’m happy for you.”

  Was this too easy?

  “Keep in touch, okay? I really hope everything works out for you.”

  “You too. You haven’t gotten your results yet?”

  “It’s Saturday, so…I’ll let you know. Have a good trip.”

  When she ended the call, she saw Jordan standing in the doorway, and walked right into her embrace. Both of them were tempted by the unmade bed, the idea of shutting out the world for a little while longer—because whenever something new, better, began, something else had to end. They’d both had their share of that.

  * * * *

  Ellie had planned to go back to her apartment on Sunday night, but Jordan didn’t have to work hard to convince her to stay, even if it meant they had to get up early on Monday morning.

  Ellie wanted to check a few things before work, but when she let herself in, she wondered if there was really anything pressing. The place felt too empty and big now, reminding her of her previous apartment she had first shared with Rhonda, and then rented by herself. Her ex hadn’t been as gracious as Kate, leaving Ellie hanging with the rent or space she didn’t need. Then she’d met Jordan. And Jordan bought a house. Complicated, adult affairs…She couldn’t wait for the day when they’d have everything sorted out and could start their lives together.

  She went to her bedroom where she’d put the letter into a desk drawer, and took it out again. Closure. Endings. Beginnings.

  Stalling, Ellie put it aside and turned on her laptop instead to check her emails.

  What she saw distracted her for a moment from the other task at hand. When had she last checked…Of course. Before her shift. She hadn’t expected the email to come on a weekend, but…

  There it was.

  Truth be told, at the moment, she almost dreaded opening it as much as reading Darby’s words. What if she had been fooling herself all this time? What if she didn’t make it?

  That wasn’t possible. She had been well prepared. She had known the answers.

  Ellie clicked on the mail, and then her eyes welled up when the content was exactly what she had hoped for. How could she have had any doubts? She hadn’t lied to Jordan the other morning—this was what she had always wanted, and she was much closer to realizing that goal. There might not be an opening in Homicide right now, but she could try out for a department a bit further away. In fact, it might be good for her and Jordan if they didn’t work so closely together, at least for a while. Their other plans would definitely make up for the time they couldn’t see each other at work.

  After everything that had happened in the past few months, she knew Jordan felt protective of her, and the same was true vice versa, but in their respective careers, they had to give each other the necessary space.

  Finally, she took a deep breath and picked up the letter, to get this over with too. She’d have to write a text to Kate and tell her the news. Call Jordan. The rest of their friends could wait until tomorrow.

  Ellie removed the single sheet of paper from the envelope, and started to read.

  My Dear Jordan…

  Chapter Three

  My Dear Jordan,

  As you probably already know, I am dying. Obviously, that’s not your fault, but there’s no denying you made mistakes. All of our actions have consequences. You stopped me from fulfilling my mission, but since I liked you the best of all my subjects, I decided to give you a word of warning.

  It saddens me that I won’t be the one to teach you, but we can’t always get what we want, can we? It’s out of my hands now. I hope that when the time comes, you’ll be ready.

  We shall meet again on the other side.

  Yours sincerely,

  J.D.

  * * * *

  When Ellie stood on her doorstep less than half an hour after going to her apartment, Jordan knew right away that she didn’t have good news. There was no way she could have failed the test, that, Jordan knew with certainty.

  “This must be really important if you couldn’t wait to tell me at work.”

  “I passed the exam. They emailed this weekend.”

  “That’s great! I mean I knew you would. Aren’t you happy?” Perhaps Ellie was still in the grip of the past weeks’ stress, the work schedule, studying, preparing for the test. That was an explanation as good as any, was it?

  “I am. I swear…but I think we cannot ignore this,” Ellie said somberly.

  Jordan recognized the folded piece of paper Ellie had taken out of her purse, right away. “No. Whatever it is, forget about it.”

  “We need t
o take it to Lieutenant Carroll. At the very least, he needs to be aware of it.”

  “Unless there are specific threats, I don’t think—” Jordan resisted the urge to simply walk away from the conversation, but barely. She knew Ellie had only her best interests at heart, but she wished she’d let it go. Darby’s days were counted. He could threaten her all he wanted to. It wouldn’t change anything—for him, for her. They had something to celebrate. The past had to stay in the past.

  “They are a bit vague, but yes, there are threats.”

  Ellie leaned forward, embracing her, making it impossible for Jordan to distance herself.

  “I’m sorry. I’d never bother you with this if I didn’t think it meant something.”

  It was silly, really. Words on paper couldn’t hurt her. He couldn’t.

  “I need to go to work,” she said, her resistance faltering.

  “I know. I can drive, and you read it on the way.”

  Apparently, she had no choice in the matter—and when had she ever been able to say no to Ellie?

  Less than five minutes later, Jordan tossed the paper onto the dashboard, mulling the words over, fairly surprised. She didn’t know what she’d expected, perhaps an evil spell rising from the words? This was pure megalomaniac Darby, thinking she’d care what he thought, hoping to get a rise out of her. She wasn’t going to see him and press him on the vague hints as to events in the future. Jordan was also certain that Lieutenant Carroll wouldn’t want to waste manpower on that subject.

  Ellie waited patiently.

  “Nothing will come out of this. With him, it’s too easy to jump to conclusions, and he knows it. We got it wrong the other time, remember?” she asked softly. Of course Ellie remembered what happened when they’d thought Darby was in contact with her stalker. The truth had been even closer.

  “Better to be safe than sorry, right?”

  Jordan had to admit that the lieutenant would probably want to be in the know about Darby’s last ditch efforts. She sighed.

  Then, so be it.

  “All right.”

  * * * *

  “Good thinking, Harding. You bet I want to know about this.”

  Jordan tried not to wince, as the lieutenant turned his gaze on her. Whatever it was, reproach or sympathy, she wasn’t in the mood for either on this Monday morning.

  “If that’s all…” she started.

  “We’ll check in with the warden about any recent contacts. We won’t leave anything to chance where that son of a bitch is concerned.”

  “Thanks,” Jordan mumbled, placing her hand on Ellie’s shoulder to remind her it was time to go.

  “Just a minute, Detective Carpenter.”

  “Sure.”

  Ellie gave Lieutenant Carroll a polite smile and left.

  “Sir, I am really sorry,” Jordan said after Ellie had closed the door behind her. “I know this is nothing.”

  He shook his head, looking exasperated. “Did you not hear what I said? This might be nothing, if that’s the case, great. In case Darby is fantasizing about orchestrating some great finale from behind bars, we should all be aware of it, don’t you think?”

  “He’s bluffing.”

  “Do you know that for certain?”

  “I think I know him better than most people,” she said, feeling a headache build behind her temples. Rehashing this subject once again, with Lieutenant Carroll no less, would do that.

  “Yes, I am aware. And there’s something else you should remember: None of what happened, was your fault. Judy Lawrence is alive because of you. Let’s make sure he doesn’t get anything out of this.”

  Jordan was fairly sure that Darby was already enjoying himself at the thought of anyone taking the letter seriously. For the sake of ending the conversation, finally, she relented.

  “I appreciate that, sir. Can I go now?”

  “Of course.”

  She had intended to sneak into the break room for a fresh coffee when she realized a small group had gathered, with Ellie at the center of it. Jordan thought guiltily that this day shouldn’t be about her. She went and got herself a coffee, then joined the group. Ellie gave her an apologetic smile. Everything’s fine. We’re fine. At least, that’s what Jordan hoped to convey.

  “Well, congratulations, Detective Harding,” she said, tapping her cup lightly against Ellie’s. The uniformed officers with her cheered.

  “Don’t party too hard,” Jordan advised, amused. “It’s only Monday morning.”

  * * * *

  They were right on track. Less than a couple of weeks later, Ellie had to restrain the impulse to bounce down the stairs of the 12th precinct. This hadn’t been her first choice, obviously, and the job would come with a fairly long commute too—then again, she and Jordan hadn’t yet made a choice regarding a house, so that wasn’t anything to worry about now. Perhaps it wasn’t such a bad idea that they wouldn’t work in the same unit right away. Truth be told, as confident as Ellie was about her own skills and résumé, she still felt a tad intimidated sometimes watching the detectives in her own precinct at work. She knew it mostly stemmed from the time when she’d hung out with her friends at the Code 7, watching their table with an interest that went far beyond the professional. Now, she had a place at the table, and not just for her relationship with Jordan.

  She had earned that place. Ellie was fairly certain that the interview had gone well. The lieutenant of the other department’s Homicide unit knew Sergeant Bristol and their precinct. Ellie had worked on the periphery of several high profile cases. This was her time. The position had to be filled soon, because another detective was going on maternity leave. By the time she returned, perhaps there would be a place for Ellie in a Homicide unit closer to home.

  It was a big relief as well that according to the prison staff, Darby was having his usual delusions of grandeur. The only visitors came from the law firm representing him. There was no other interaction with the outside otherwise. He got some fan mail, but that only went one day.

  She didn’t regret bringing the letter to Lieutenant Carroll’s attention.

  Better to be safe than sorry.

  She started the car, turning on the radio as well. It was going to be a good day.

  * * * *

  Ellie was still waiting to hear back about the interview when the realtor called them to make an appointment for another viewing. It was thrilling that all of this was happening at the same time, big, life-changing decisions to be made all in one year. She couldn’t wait.

  The way to the house where she was meeting Jordan and their realtor after work took her an extra twenty minutes due to a detour. What you wished for most wasn’t always the most practical, and she regretted chiding Jordan often for that half hour commute she’d accepted when buying the house.

  But like everything else, they’d figure it out.

  Jordan and the realtor, Andrea Cox, were waiting for her in the parking lot.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “Construction sites are popping on every other street.”

  “How did it go?” Jordan asked while Cox unlocked the door of the two-story building for them.

  “Fine, I think. It’ll take some time to get there, but I’m excited.”

  “I’m excited for you.” Jordan kissed her quickly, and they walked into the elegant living/dining space.

  “I like the fireplace,” Ellie said. “This is a nice neighborhood. I didn’t know all of it was in our budget.”

  Andrea looked apologetic. “It’s not exactly, but I really wanted you to see this. It’s been on the market for a bit, so there’s more than likely room to negotiate.”

  “Okay, let’s take a look.”

  No more rash decisions. No more thinking anything could be too good to be true.

  * * * *

  As much as they’d both liked the house, Jordan and Ellie had agreed that they needed to see more places that fit their budget better. In a perfect world, Ellie’s promotion would come through right away, but
they both knew they couldn’t rely on that. That caution was warranted, Jordan realized when Ellie called her with the news that morning. She had just stepped out of the car at the crime scene she and Derek had been called to.

  “I didn’t get it. I don’t understand this, after all this gushing about Bristol and our precinct.” Ellie’s disappointment rang clearly. Jordan was disappointed, too, for her.

  “Oh, baby, I’m sorry. I can’t talk right now, but I’ll see you later. There will be something else.”

  “Yeah, sure. I need to go back, too. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  Jordan hated having to hang up on Ellie at this moment, but there wasn’t much of an alternative as she was standing over the dead body of a college student who had been found behind a dumpster. He had his wallet with him, but there were no credit cards or money in it, only his college ID. It was a rather well known fact that crime was high in this neighborhood, which prompted the question: What had Colin Buck been doing here, quite far away from campus?

  Derek stood a few feet away with the woman who had found him. She was running the small corner store in a building that looked like it might not last much longer.

  “I’m used to hearing shots every once in a while,” she said, “but this is new.”

  There were two visible gunshot wounds on the dead man’s body. As to why he’d been killed, she could think of several possibilities. Drugs were one of them. Someone might have even gone through his pockets after he was killed.

  “Anything unusual in the past few days?” Jordan asked. “A car, or people you didn’t recognize?”

  The woman shrugged. “I don’t know everybody who lives around here, but there have been some guys hanging around, waiting for I don’t know what. Not as clean cut as him, but I am sure they were up to nothing good. I chased them away. If they’re doing drugs around here, it’s not good for business. People are scared as it is.”

  “Do you have any names?”

  “What do you think? They didn’t volunteer.”

  “That’s okay. If you could describe them to us?”

  “Nothing much I can tell you. They were wearing jeans, baseball caps…wait, one of them was wearing a Jersey with the number six on it. Red, I think.”