Perfect Night (Mason Creek)

“Okay, that’s all Emma.” Sheriff got up and turned off the recording.

“That’s all. You brought me here to accuse me of murdering my father for insurance money?” she shouted. “He didn’t have any other policies. I checked through his things.”

“No. I did this to protect you because as I’m sure you will learn, he did take out a policy.”

“No,” she whispered.

“Yes.”

She looked in disbelief. “Please don’t tell anyone. I don’t want anyone looking at me differently.”

“This is a part of an investigation.” He looked at the mirror when he said it. “None of it can be spoken about until the trial. I promise, and if it doesn’t come up then, your secret is safe with me.”

The sheriff left the room with the door open. Emma didn’t leave. I had a feeling she knew I was on the other side of the glass.

Chapter 31

Emma

It didn’t take long for Aiden to walk into the room. As I suspected he’d been behind the glass.

“Did you know that was going to happen?” I asked. There was a knife’s edge to my tone I couldn’t take back.

He held up his hands in a pleading gesture as he said, “Yes.”

“You couldn’t warn me, could you?” I’d seen enough cop shows to figure it out.

“No.”

His eyes pleaded me to understand. “You couldn’t contact me because of our relationship, and it could be used against both of us.”

He nodded.

“Do you think I had anything to do with it or this money?” I spat.

“Hell no,” he said and closed the distance. “Of course, I don’t. But he had to do it for the record. We couldn’t leave holes a defense team could use in their favor.”

“Why would Dad take out a policy?”

“I have the same question. Do you have any ideas?”

“None.”

“Do you know if your father used an insurance agent or just bought insurance online?”

“I think he had an agent. He has policies to cover the bar for theft, fire and other business insurances.”

“Can you get me the name of your agent?”

“I thought you couldn’t talk to me about the case.”

“I’m not. I’m gathering information. I would ask that you don’t contact the agent. If they contact you, that’s fine. At least until after I speak to them and get the information I need.”

“Okay,” I said. “Can I ask if you’re any closer to solving this case?”

“I have a theory,” he said.

“But you can’t tell me.”

He silently agreed before kissing my forehead. “Will you be home tonight?”

Alarm filled me. “Are you kicking me out?”

“No. I just—”

“Aiden, today sucked. But I don’t blame you. I wish we weren’t in this situation.”

“Me too.”

“I might be late since Jack had to come earlier to cover me. I’ll probably stay until we close.”

He feigned a dagger to his heart. “I guess it’s hot dogs for me tonight.”

I laughed and it felt good after all the anger. “You’ll survive.”

“Maybe, maybe not. You’ve spoiled me.” He kissed me lightly. “Get back to work.”

And I did. I returned home late at night; Aiden was up in his room watching TV. He turned it off when I came in. “Hey stranger, I thought you’d never get home.”

“Missed me?” I teased, enjoying our banter.

“Missed you, I’m not whole until you’re with me.”

I spun around and my jaw opened. “Mr. Faulkner, did you steal that line from somewhere?”

“No. But you stole my heart.”

I moved over and crawled on the bed. He caught me and rolled us on our sides. “You’ve got all the lines tonight.”

“I’m just not holding back anymore. You have to understand, you’re it for me. My father told me that when I found my person, I’d know it. You are my person, Emma.”

There was no holding back now. “I’m falling in love with you Aiden. So no jokes, okay?”

“No jokes. I’m serious about this, about you, about us.” I was caught in the web of his gaze. “That’s why I need you to do one thing for me.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t be alone tomorrow.”

Aiden

I couldn’t answer her questions so I filled the spaces where words would have been with tender kisses and soft touches until she burned with desire. Then I filled her other places until she begged for release. I’d learned her rhythm and the tempo she needed to cross into bliss. I gave her everything she needed to get there. I held her tight because I knew what was coming, and I hated it for her.

Tomorrow was that day. All the pieces had come together. It was time to topple the bastard that had caused harm to Emma’s father and left her with the pain of it.

There was no perfect murder. Everyone made mistakes. You just had to find them.

I’d made a request to interview a person of interest and it was agreed to. I had my questions lined up in my head, but I also had notes and pictures ready to use.