The Ashford Place Page 7

  “That’s awesome,” Belle said. “You two are lucky to have each other.”

  Ally nodded. “How about you? Did you ever want kids?”

  Belle sipped her wine to prevent a reflexive hell, no from launching out of her mouth like a ballistic missile. “I never gave it much thought, but I did have a cat I had to put to sleep a few months ago.”

  “Oh.” Ally’s mind was clearly working to make the connection. “I’m sorry.”

  “So Chloe sounds like a great kid. I’d love to meet her.”

  “We can arrange that,” Ally said. “Have you heard from your ex anymore?”

  “Uh, no, and that’s how I prefer it.”

  “Then it’s totally over and not just on lesbian hiatus?”

  Belle laughed. “You have some interesting relationship terminology. What’s a lesbian hiatus?”

  “You know how lesbians have to break up a minimum of three times before it’s officially over?”

  “Yeah…” Belle said through more laughter.

  “Well, the time in between is the hiatus. That’s usually when some poor, unsuspecting wretch gets lured in, only to be cast off when the hiatus is over and the original couple decides to try it again.”

  “You seem disturbingly knowledgeable about this phenomenon. Were you the caster-offer or the wretch?”

  Ally laughed. “When my ex and I were together we saw enough of our friends traipse through that minefield, but after we split, I was the wretch.”

  “Eww, I’m sorry,” Belle said, hoping to avoid having to confess that she’d been both in her time. “No. Mary is absolutely a done deal. My lawyer said in thirty days it’ll be signed and sealed.”

  “Were you together long?”

  “Eleven months. Lived together for seven.”

  “Eleven months? And you were already living together and broken up?”

  “I told you I was a tad hasty with Mary,” Belle said. “But in all fairness, it was kind of a whirlwind when we met. The physical attraction was instant, we shared some interests, and I’d just turned thirty-nine. The bell was about to toll. So one night after four months and way too much tequila, I asked her to move in.”

  “Phew,” Ally said. “If you’d said too much Riesling, I would’ve been outta here.”

  “Look, I’m not proud to admit to that misguided act of desperation, but I think anyone would be lying if they said they’d never made some type of desperate relationship choice. Okay, I may have made more than the average person, but that’s why I don’t drink tequila anymore.”

  Ally laughed and absently slapped Belle on the thigh. “Why do you think I’m keeping my mouth shut?”

  “You should start talking now. I’ve said enough.”

  “None of my decisions involved tequila or shacking up after four months, but I think I can take some of the heat off you.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  “Okay. Here it goes. The ex I mentioned, my partner of thirteen-plus years and a fellow member of the Hartford PD…God, I can’t believe I’m telling you this.” Ally covered her eyes with the hand that was resting on Red’s head.

  “Come on,” Belle said. “You can’t stop now.”

  “Okay, okay. She cheated on me at least once that I know of, and I forgave her, but when I said I wanted us to take custody of Chloe, she said it was time to pursue different paths in life.”

  Belle recoiled with contempt. “Really? After thirteen years? Good riddance.”

  “Here’s the desperate-choice part—at first I didn’t take custody of Chloe so Jericca wouldn’t leave me.”

  “Jericca? What kind of douchebag name is Jericca?”

  “Her parents supposedly couldn’t agree on naming her Jessica or Erica,” Ally said, “but that’s not the point.”

  “I get it. You chose a woman over someone important in your life. It’s not a crime. Lots of people have had to make that choice.”

  “But I chose a woman with no integrity over an innocent child, a member of my own family.”

  Belle was surprised to learn that Ally had not always been the model of moral decency she’d pegged her as. But then who was?

  She gave Ally’s hand a squeeze. “It sounds to me like you’ve more than made amends for it.”

  “I have, but sometimes when Chloe is having a bad day or upset about whatever upsets twelve-year-old girls, I remember how I was almost another adult in her life who let her down.”

  Belle’s heart ached at the regret Ally wore on her face. “Absolution is always hardest to get from ourselves. I’ll bet she doesn’t even think about that time in her life,” she said as she refilled their glasses. “I mean equestrian camp and a new rescue greyhound when she comes home? That’s winning at life if you ask me.”

  “Thanks, Belle.”

  “No need to thank me. I didn’t want to drink this whole bottle myself, which I would’ve had you not popped in.”

  “I don’t mean for the wine,” Ally said with a warm smile.

  Belle smiled back, her insides all jittery. “Besides, if anything, you’ve probably learned to be healthfully discerning in your subsequent relationships.”

  “I haven’t had a relationship since Jericca. I’ve dated, but nothing serious.”

  “How can that be? You’re a lesbian who wears a uniform.”

  “I’m a discerning lesbian in a uniform.”

  “That day you pulled me over and started flirting with me, I assumed you had a wife or girlfriend and were a typical player cop.”

  “I beg your pardon. I’m not a player. And if you recall, I was the victim of the typical cheating cop.”

  “Sorry,” Belle said, holding up her hands in surrender. “Painting with broad strokes again.”

  “I should say so. And secondly, I was not flirting with you. I was doing my job in a friendly manner. That’s all.”

  “That’s actually disappointing. I’ve always had a secret cop fantasy.”

  Ally scowled. “Of course you have.”

  “I’m kidding. Honestly, I’ve never had one of those. I have a nurse fantasy.”

  “What a relief. I thought you were unoriginal.”

  “I’m teasing, Deputy.” Belle gave her a gentle kick in the side of her leg. “But if I did have a cop fantasy, you’d be the perfect specimen to…never mind. This second glass is going to my head.”

  “No, no, I’d like to hear this.”

  “No, it’s nothing. I mean nothing you haven’t heard before, I’m sure.”

  Ally’s mocha eyes were like lasers boring through her. “Try me.”

  Usually as smooth as soft-serve when it came to the ladies, Belle suddenly felt tongue-tied. “Well, you’re incredibly attractive. And you have this way about you, I don’t know. I haven’t been able to name it, but for some reason, I already feel comfortable around you. Maybe it’s because you’re in law enforcement. I came all the way up to this part of the state by myself, not knowing a single soul, but I feel like I found a friend in you. Corny, isn’t it?”

  “Not at all.” Ally’s smile affirmed her agreement.

  Red jumped off the couch, stretched his limbs, and plopped down on the cool wood floor in the foyer.

  “Obviously Red thinks you’re corny,” Ally said, and they both laughed.

  “Dammit. I left the diary upstairs,” Belle said after she sipped her wine. “I’ll get it.”

  “Mind if I come with?” Ally said. “I’d like to see what you’ve done so far up there.”

  “Sure,” Belle said after a slight hesitation. The line between innocent flirtation and full-on seduction seemed to be vanishing. “I still have a lot to do, but it’s coming along.”

  As they arrived at the top of the stairs, Belle felt the heat of Ally’s presence against her back. They walked into the master bedroom, and Belle went to the scroll of papers sitting on the dresser.

  “This looks great,” Ally said. “I love the gray.”

  “Thanks. It’s called Storm Cloud. I’m goi
ng to get some lavender and yellow accents when I’m ready for staging. Luckily, the flooring up here is in better condition than I thought.”

  “It’s going to look amazing.” Ally glanced around the room as though imagining her own decor innovations.

  Belle glanced at Ally’s tan, shapely calves and slender torso. She loved tall girls, especially tall, intelligent girls with a warm personality. Now she had a single one standing in her bedroom, and all the old instincts were stampeding back. They could crawl into her bed only inches away and cap off the night sharing that sweet sensuality that only women, skin on skin, could share.

  But would Ally go for it? She had a past and seemed like she’d been through it all during her days in the Hartford scene, but how far in her past was it?

  Belle took the papers from the dresser and walked toward Ally, who still seemed lost in her imagination. “Here you go,” she said softly.

  Ally turned to her, and their eyes locked. She reached for the papers, but Belle held on. It was a standoff. When Ally smiled, Belle released them to her and moved in for the kill.

  Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed Ally tenderly, savoring the silky texture of her lips sweetened with wine. To Belle’s surprise, Ally hadn’t backed away. She threw her free hand around Belle’s waist and pulled her closer.

  As their delicate kisses grew harder, more passionate, Belle wrapped both arms around Ally’s neck.

  They undulated together in the rush of intensity between them. Belle had already made peace with swerving off the moral highroad and was about to steer Ally toward her bed, when Ally suddenly, gently pushed her away.

  “We shouldn’t do this, Belle. I’m sorry.”

  “Why not?” she said, all steamy like car windows at a drive-in.

  “I don’t want to move so fast,” Ally said.

  “You’re right, you’re right. Sorry about that.” She tried to save face by touching up her messy bun in the mirror above her dresser.

  “Well, you don’t have to be sorry. I mean, it was nice.”

  “It was,” she said to Ally’s reflection in the mirror. She turned and braced herself against the dresser. “Too nice.”

  “Right. I think we’re both wise enough to realize how complicated we’ll make things if we go any further.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Right now isn’t the right time,” she said, not because she believed it, but because it seemed like the appropriate thing to say.

  Ally arched an eyebrow. “Especially for you.”

  “What do you mean ‘especially for me’?”

  “You’re barely out of your last relationship, and you won’t even be here in another month or two.” Ally began pacing. “And my life, well, it’s structured and stable, the way one’s life should be when one is raising a kid.”

  “And someone like me would make you unstable?” Belle tried not to show how much the suggestion offended her.

  “Not you. The situation.”

  “Well, gee, I guess my plan to destroy your life has been foiled.” Belle rushed past Ally, her bare feet slapping the hardwood steps as she clopped down the stairs.

  “Belle.” Ally chased her down to the foyer. “That’s not what I meant. C’mon. You know that.”

  She sighed. “I know. I’m sorry for overreacting. I just thought we had something between us, and I acted without thinking.”

  “Hey.” Ally nudged her and smiled. “If things were different, who knows what would’ve happened up there. It’s not just you feeling some type of way.”

  “Thanks, but you don’t have to patronize me.” She opened the door for Ally.

  “I’m not, Belle. I just…I hope you’re not mad at me.” Ally stood in the doorway.

  She offered a sincere smile. “How could I be mad at you for speaking the truth? It’s cool. Don’t worry. Happy rereading,” she added, indicating the journal pages.

  Ally saluted with the scroll to her forehead as she stepped out onto the porch. She stopped before heading down the steps. “For the record, I wasn’t trying to sugarcoat anything.”

  Belle offered a stoic smile to ease the tension.

  She closed the door after Ally made it to her truck, then went upstairs. Her light, airy mood was mashed down by a mixture of disappointment at Ally’s rejection and her own impetuosity that never failed to dig her into a spacious hole in which she could bury herself.

  When would she ever learn?

  Chapter Six

  With the stone patio finished, Belle enjoyed her first alfresco breakfast at the new umbrella/table set she’d recently purchased. She’d broken her own house-flipping cardinal rule of not spending big money to add personal accents or items for staging. But then she argued that if a house had a new stone patio and fire pit, wasn’t some elegant outdoor furniture needed to complete the picture?

  She tore off a piece of her croissant for Red, who was waiting patiently for her to drop something on its way to her mouth, as was often the occurrence. As they both chewed, she glanced out across the yard to the lush woods framing the property. Almost two acres. Decent chunk of real estate. Plenty of space to host summer shindigs. Even if the future owners were inclined to install an in-ground pool, they’d still have plenty of room for cornhole or badminton tournaments. And when the koi pond was installed off to the side of the yard? With all those amenities, this place would be the ideal summer destination.

  Someone might even want to open it up as a cozy little LGBT-pet-friendly bed and breakfast, dripping in rustic Connecticut charm.

  “What do you think, Red?” she said, patting him on the head. “Would you like to be an assistant innkeeper?”

  He started panting as she massaged him behind his ears.

  To Belle’s delight, Ally came around the corner of the house, her face shaded with a Danville Sheriff’s Department baseball cap. She had to stop looking so good at any given time of the day. It wasn’t fair.

  “’Morning,” she said as she approached. “Hope it’s not a bad time.”

  “Nope. Red and I were having a little breakfast before I tackle the first-floor spackling. Would you like some coffee?”

  “No, thanks. I just came from Ethel’s.” Ally stood across from her as she glanced around. “This patio is gorgeous. I love the flagstone.”

  “Angelo does great work. Thanks for the recommendation,” Belle said, cooler than wet grass at sunrise. “He’s going to make a fire pit over there at the edge and a koi pond under that oak tree.”

  “Wow. That’s going to look fantastic.” Ally took a sip of her bottled water as she glanced around.

  “Thanks. I have to say, this place is growing on me.”

  “That could be dangerous when it comes time to sell.”

  Belle shrugged as she sipped her coffee. “My heart is still set on that beach house.”

  It was a proud moment for Belle, acting so cool in the presence of the woman who set her briquettes aflame.

  “Would you care to sit down?” Belle asked.

  “Oh, thanks,” Ally said absently, dragging a chair out and sitting. “So I looked up Judy’s death certificate. The cause of death is listed as phenobarbital poisoning.”

  “What kind of drug is that?”

  “Sleeping pills. They’re in the tranquilizer family. ‘Mother’s little helper’ they used to call them.”

  “The ‘downers’ Craig had mentioned. You think Judy got into her mother’s sleeping pills to commit suicide?”

  “The manner wasn’t ruled a suicide. They put ‘undetermined.’ That type of medication is easy to misuse. If she was just looking for a high and washed them down with booze, it could’ve killed her accidentally.”

  “Then we’ll never know for sure,” Belle said.

  “Not unless you can locate another friend who can provide more insight into her mental state back then.”

  “I’ll see if Craig will give me his sister’s name so I can track her down.”

  “I also finally had a chance to talk to Bob about everything.
He said he remembers Craig because he and the Wheeler family were so much trouble during his first few years as a deputy.”

  “Does he remember anything about Judy?”

  “He said sort of, because his mother taught catechism, but then he said she taught practically every kid in town for forty years, so his recollection’s foggy when it comes to specific ones.”

  “Did you ask him about sex-assault cases on minors?”

  “I did, but again, he said nothing stood out in his memory, which isn’t surprising. The guy’s in his mid-seventies.”

  “Well, I refuse to believe there weren’t any.”

  “I’m sure it happened as often as it does now,” Ally said. “But keep in mind that back in the day, kids feared authority figures and adults in general more than they do now. If another adult disciplined a kid for bad behavior, he’d go home and get it again from his own parents. Really, it could’ve been anyone—a teacher, a priest, an uncle. All we know for sure is that the perp was male.”

  Belle sighed and slumped in her patio chair.

  Ally picked at the label on her water. “I’ll keep going through the paper files for complaints and arrests when I have time, but you should prepare yourself for the real possibility that we won’t ever find out who assaulted Judy or if her death was a suicide.”

  “I know,” Belle said. “It was so long ago. Even if you find out something new, it’s not like it’ll benefit Judy in any way.”

  “If she were looking down now, I’m sure she’d appreciate your efforts to get justice for her. I mean, even if we found the guy, do you know how unlikely it would be that we’d get a conviction?”

  “Don’t even tell me that.”

  “It’s the truth. You can’t cross-examine a few pages from a journal. The guy’s defense attorney would claim she was emotionally unstable from her father’s tragic death and made the whole thing up. And a jury would probably believe it, especially if you parade a feeble old grandfather in front of them.”

  Belle rolled her eyes with disdain. “Anyway, I’ll see if I can contact Craig’s sister, and if that doesn’t work out, I’ll have to drop it.”

  Ally got up and stretched. “That’s a good idea. Bob would give you the same advice.”