Free Life in Death by Harlow Drake Page A

that day? When did you first see her?” Nicolet asked. He wanted to get Cobb off the proverbial hot seat.
    “I heard Mina’s door slam shut around seven. I didn’t actually see her, but she was a creature of habit and ran every morning at seven.” She stared at Cobb with love-sick eyes.
    “When did you actually see her?” Nicolet continued.
    “Around one in the afternoon. A delivery boy brought her flowers to me when she wasn’t home, so I left her a note to come over when she got back.”
    Cobb took out his notebook and pen. “Who were the flowers from?”
    “I don’t know. She never told me.”
    Cobb smiled. “That doesn’t mean you don’t know…. ”
    She crossed her legs and bounced them up and down. “Why should I know, Detective? The card didn’t say…. ” She covered her mouth with her hand.
    Nicolet chuckled. “What did the card say?”
    She sighed. “I love you more and more each day.”
    Cobb rolled his eyes. “What man would say that?”
    “I doubt seriously the flowers were from a man. They were probably from her girlfriend, Veta.”
    Cobb grunted his acknowledgement.
    “What kind of flowers were they?” Nicolet asked.
    “Roses, of course. Red roses. Mina didn’t like the card or the roses—not one bit. She looked disgusted. She tore the card up and told me to keep the flowers. I assumed she and Veta had fought."
    “Where’d the flowers come from? What store?”
    “Chandler Florists.”
    Cobb scribbled notes.
    Mrs. Reynolds leaned forward. “I can’t say I’m surprised by all this. Mina was different. She had weird stuff in her apartment, and men and women came and went from her place all hours of the night. I didn’t know what to make of it. A sweet girl to be sure, but definitely strange, and she may have been loose, too.” She rolled her eyes.
    Cobb and Nicolet looked at each other.
    “You said her apartment was strange…. ” Nicolet prompted.
    “Oh, yes, all those hideous African masks on the wall—atrocious. There was one thing she really loved. It was a horrible little statue of a man in ropes with feathers on his head. The eyes seemed to follow you wherever you went. Scary.” She shifted in her seat. “Can I offer you some refreshments before you go?”
    Nicolet let Cobb answer for them. “Sorry, ma’am, we really have to go.”
    “Please don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel so old.” She lightly touched his arm.
    Cobb jerked away from her, turned on his heels, and left the room.
    “I’m sorry about my partner. He’s not really a people person.”
    Her shoulders slouched. “So I gathered.”
    Nicolet shook her hand and thanked her for her time.
    “If your partner ever does become more receptive, have him call me.” She winked.
    “I certainly will.”
    Nicolet went out to the car, where Cobb waited.
    “She likes you, man. Why don’t you go for it?” Nicolet playfully punched Cobb in the arm.
    “Who?” Cobb raised his eyebrows.
    “Your girlfriend, Mrs. Reynolds.”
    “Fuck you. I don’t date old women. I got standards.”
    “Which is why you won’t get laid anytime soon.”

CHAPTER 17
    Kari's fingers played nervously on the phone. Her heart fluttered with the anticipation of hearing his voice again.
    “I have to leave town,” she said as soon as she heard his voice.
    Silence. Nice. Very smooth.
    “Hello?” She checked to see if their call was disconnected.
    “I’m here,” Nicolet said in an icy tone.
    “You said to call if I ever have to leave town… so I am. My son has gotten into some trouble and I have to go get him.” She fiddled with her watch clip, opening and closing it. The call from her ex had come as a surprise, and though she regreted the reasonf or the call, she was just grateful her son would be coming home.
    “You have a son?”
    “Yes, I do. Some detective you are,” she said in an effort to lighten his mood.
    “You don’t exactly have a room that screams a boy lives here .”
    “That’s because he doesn’t.