~ SHEILA ~
The loud footsteps of paramedics sounded like white noise and the haphazard movement of bodies up and down looked blurry. All my vision was fixated on was Tracy in that white bag and the mixture of emotions that came with looking at her in that state-lifeless! How unreal this felt. This couldn't be happening. How could this happen? I mean who could have done this to my friend? She had always lived on the edge but was careful enough to never allow this happen. If only I picked up that damn phone.
"Lunatic"! Bustaine spat out in irritation as he covered his nose with a hanky to wad of the fowl stench emanating from the room.
"He certainly is" I couldn't concur more.
"You're certain it's a he?"
"He was dumb enough to live his cloths before rushing off, so yes, I'm certain. She never left a hangover's trace in her house more than a night."
"Sonofabitch! After busting a few nutts, he went straight for a bullet in her head" He picked up the pillow that was tossed carelessly around her head peeping though the bullets holes.
"The cloths say he was meant to be a one night stand but after observing the semen on her leg and the bruises, I think he must have gotten a little rough before finishing her off"
"Anyways, we will run that by autopsy. In the meantime, how are you feeling?" Was that really a question? How did he think I will feel?
Bustaine Sandor was a major part of my family and as part of the family, he encountered Tracy a few times during functions and milestone's celebration. So he knew how devastating this must have been for me. Bustaine played a major role in getting me hired after my internship. To colleagues at the firm, I was his protégé, to me- he was more of a father-figure. I didn't only win and lose cases with him but relied on him for emotional, social and even financial advice.
"How do you think?"
"I'm guessing this is your case. Any leads on who might have done this?"
We followed the emergency unit carrying the body.
"Already spoken to my old buddies from Shukettes, they said they went to a club nearby, had a few drinks and she left with a night-buddy. I thought those ugly worn out boxers and juggins belonged to him initially but CCTV showed him live angrily in different cloths and she- alive closing the door behind him".
"See you've already been working…was any other person seen entering?"
"None that I saw but will take a better look when I'm settled and in the right frame of mind". We went outside and he was ready to take his live when my attention drifted to an inquisitive neighbour hanging on the reigns of her door as she tried to make sense of what was going on.
"I trusts you will get to it. Oh Sheila, you can take the rests of the day off if you wish. There's really not much to do today". Following ethical measures, this was a case and I am keen on not mixing emotions with business no matter the client but I needed this break to suck up all of this and he knew it.
As I watched him drive-off, my focus shifted again to the neighbour still standing at her door way. I didn't have time to question all the neighbours before the ambulance came in but from the look on her face; I didn't think she will be of much help.
***
Judging by the time, Bran should be back. Ben didn't call to ask what the calling was about the night before. I just saw a missed call from him and a text advising me to ditch work and come home, he will pick up Bran. So I guess he must have already heard the news from a third party. Some part of me was low-key happy I wasn't the one to break that news to Bran and the other part hoped Ben hadn't told him yet. Dreading a confirmation to that thought, I decided to sit in the car a little while taking all this in again before going in.
Finally mustering the courage to approach the house, I got in to find Bran and Ben quietly enclosed in an episode of Hotel Transylvania. They were never quiet while watching this show meaning the grief has already set in. I tiptoed to the kitchen to store the groceries hoping not to get notice and avoid bringing up the topic.
Bran was a smart kid and a little too mature for his age. I knew he understood the dynamics between life and death but how to cope with loss was what I wasn't ready to start teaching him. Not at this age. The crappy noise from the brown paper bag gave me away. They both turned to the direction of the noise.
"You're back" Ben said with an understanding look that conveyed that statement meant more than what was said. Bran was quiet.
"Yeah…hey boy how was school?"
"Who killed Aunt, mum?" Hmmm. That question took me by surprise. I mean I knew I would have to answer that soon but not so soon and not so direct and blunt like that.
"We don't know sweetheart but he better be ready for what's coming to him because I will fight tooth and nail to make sure whoever did this pays for it"
"Bran, you've had enough play time, I think you should go and tend to your books ok". Ben cut in trying to cut me some slag. Bran slug out of the coach and disappeared lifelessly upstairs.
Despite dealing with my own grief, this was the most painful part.-watching my poor boy hurting. Hurting like an adult...silently. Ben on a normal circumstance won't allow him near TV on school days. I suspect the movie was meant for a distraction. This was a loss, Bran will feel for a while. No nanny will be able to feel in that space. Tracy practically raised Bran alongside Ben and I.
"How are you doing?" Ben asked me as he gave me a forehead kiss while taking the bags from my hands.
"I'm really getting tired of that question." I followed him to the kitchen table.
"I know and also knowing you, I know you're already digging in. Is it a bad time to ask any leads?"
"We got a description of the one-night-stand she took home but not why he left early and why she locked the door on him"
"So you mean the only suspect left her alive?"
"Unfortunately… but knowing Tracy, I doubt he's the only suspect" I took a seat on the dining table. My whole body was hurting.
"Uhhh….It's sad. May she rest in peace"
"Not while her murderer is still breathing. Not under my watch!"
Ben finished putting the last bottle of pickle in the fridge when he turned to asses me.
"What's really going on with you?" he approached with a knowing look, grabbing my hands in his and pulling me towards him. My fingers were trembling and my head was throbbing but not just from tiredness or plain grief. I felt guilty.
"Ben-who knows? Maybe, if I answered that call, she would still be alive".
"I knew it. You're seriously blaming yourself for her life choices"? That was harsh and extremely disrespectful for the death. Ben read the expression on my face and readjusted.
"Ok, you know I really never liked that friendship. I only tolerated it because of every other thing that she was. You're married Shel and you're not an emergency contact for every hangover that she has. Look-we have a lists of people on the line who we think might have done this." He said convincingly as he stroked my cheek.
"Nonetheless she was murdered Ben. That doesn't excuse murder. Her life choices don't make her bait for rapists and murders"
His hands paused on my cheek. "Did you just say rape?" He face looked pale as he asked.
Talking about this continued to increase the tumbling throb in my head.
"Ben I'm tired. We will continue this topic tomorrow please. I need a bathe".
"You want me to heat up the bathe-top for you?"
"That would be nice….."
He was always supportive and knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it.
"Would also like me to help you out?" his grin turned sexy as he leaned in for a kiss.
"You can't be serious…." I honestly hope he's joking. Sex was a no-no even for a distraction at this time.
"I know...I know. Just pulling you're legs." He paused for a minute
"You know…I'll like to pull them in real sense..." he grinned again.
"Ben!" I raised my voice this time maybe he didn't hear me the first time. He chuckled, so did I. Again, this man and knowing what I need.
"Go upstairs and get your bathe. I'll join you soon." He kissed me one more time and left me to myself.