Free The Face of Fear: A Powers and Johnson Novel by R.J. Torbert

Rachelle.”
    “Yes,” Rachelle said, “and they know you and Bud are the cops, and if they followed you around now, they know where I live.” Rachelle gave Paul an icy stare that even surprised him. It was clear that
    Rachelle was confused over her feelings about Paul, the loss of Timothy and how this case would affect their relationship.
    “I’m sorry,” Paul said. “I came here because I’m concerned about you.”
    “Don’t be,” she replied. “Please leave me alone.” They started to leave, and as Paul and Bud got to the door, she spoke again, saying, “I’ll be there Saturday. You got me into this, and now I’m not quitting. I have a story to write for next week’s paper, and I need to be better than Newsday . I’m writing this, not them.”
    “Rachelle,” Paul said, but the door had already closed behind them. Paul looked back at Bud, who was shaking his head.
    “Just thank your lucky stars you’re not sleeping with her, my friend, because if you were, you would be hurting more than you already are.”
    “I am hurting,” Paul replied. ”and I wonder if I should order her as a cop not to show up” He sat down in the passenger seat instead of getting behind the wheel.
    Bud put his hand through the window on Paul’s shoulder and said, “That’s the price you pay for having a good heart my friend,” Bud looked back at the house before turning to Paul again. “remember, you are the one who wanted this, if you think you are going to tell a woman what to do then you still have much to learn when it comes to things like this. Besides, I think she wants to share this with you”
    Paul nodded in appreciation to Bud as he walked around the car. Both of them were oblivious to Rachelle looking out the side of her window, behind the blinds. No one would ever know that she witnessed the hurt on Paul’s face or see the tears streaming down her face.

Thursday, June 16
    T hree Days Until Ransom Due
    The Newsday headline for Thursday read: GHOST FACE VISITS PORT JEFFERSON VILLAGE WITH A KILLING. The story detailed the killing of Timothy, Rachelle’s article, and the flaws exposing the lack of security on the Cross Island Ferry. It even had the story of Paul and Bud getting involved and the relationship between the murder and the kidnapping of Deborah Lance and the fact that Rachelle’s article was the “seed” of stirring things up. The article also went on to expose that there was a relationship between Robert Simpson, the butler, and Deborah Lance. “What the fuck?” Bud said as he read it over breakfast. He called Paul to come downstairs to Z Pita and, as if on cue, Paul sat down by the time his message machine had picked up. Bud placed the paper down in front of Paul with his finger and said, “Read this shit.”
    Paul read it and said, “I think it’s time we pay Mr. Simpson a visit.”
    “Agreed,” Bud replied. “Let me get something first. I could eat a fucking horse!” Tina came by and took their order as they discussed the article. Even photos of the mummy, zombie and scarecrow masks were shown. Rachelle was also in the restaurant for the morning shift, but she did not come by the table. It was awkward for Paul and Bud, but they wanted to give her space. As they left, Paul said goodbye to Rachelle, and she gave a quick wave to them as if she was just too busy.
    Paul was halfway out the door when he came back in and said, “See you tomorrow.”
    Rachelle returned a half-smile and replied, “OK.”
    “What’s wrong?” Paul asked. “Why are you being like this?”
    “I can’t discuss it right now,” she said.
    “Are you going to speak to me?” he asked.
    “I don’t know,” she replied. “Things are getting complicated for me.”
    Paul nodded in puzzlement and left. As he sat in the car, he said, “I don’t understand women anymore. Maybe I don’t need them.” Bud looked at him and said, “You into guys?”
    “Are you nuts?”
    “Sounds like a no to me. Then stop