Everybody, Lindy!
an excerpt

Chapter Twenty-One

I had no sooner pulled into the garage parking spot when my cell phone buzzed in the pocket of my jeans. I kind of hoped that it wasn't Molly, since I was basically finished with the errands. Then again, I was still in the car, so it wouldn't be the worst sense of timing, either. I turned the engine off, unfastened my seat belt and retrieved my phone.

I didn't recognize the number on the display, so I immediately doubted that it was Molly. It was a local call though, and my gut sank. [i]Please don't let this be work,[/i] I moaned inwardly.
"This is Lindy," I said cheerfully, trying to use a good weekend voice.
"Is this Lindra Cullis speaking?" It was a female voice that I didn't recognize, calling from what sounded like a rather busy place.
"Yes, it is. May I ask who is calling?"
"Good morning, Miss Cullis. This is Lieutenant Stiles. How are you today?"
Ah, this was good. I was anxious to get this call.
"Please, call me Lindy. I'm doing rather well, considering recent events. How are you?" I didn't see any reason not to be pleasant, especially if Molly thought that she'd be cooking for Officer Palmer. You never know where the right introduction was going to happen.
"I'm doing well. Thank you for asking." I heard a smile in her voice, which was a nice touch. "Is this a good time to speak to you?," she asked.
"Sure, right now is fine. What can I do for you?"
"Well, I'd like to discuss what we found in your apartment and the on-going investigation. I'd also like to send a squad to go inside with you."
"A squad? Why do we need to do that?," I asked, a bit confused.
"Just in case anything was stolen, ma'am. It was hard to determine what might have been missing and, given the nature of this crime, we'd like to get the information from you right away."
I nodded. "OK, that makes sense. So tell me, what happened in there? I'm a bit anxious to get in there and clean up."
"I understand completely," Lt. Stiles said, still with the verbal smile. "Luckily, I think most of the damage is superficial. Unfortunately it will take some time to get it clean up. We can recommend some services that can help you with that, if you like."
Sensing that this was going to be an extended telephone conversation, I stepped out of my car and walked a short distance to retrieve a building cart. The building management provided a number of modified carts that were available to residents to use for taking things to their units or out. In fact, I suspected that I'd be making extensive use of a cart or two in the coming days. I rolled it back to the car and opened the passenger door to get the box of liquor out of the front seat.

"Yeah, that sounds like it might be a good idea. Of course, I haven't seen the place yet but I'll take your word for it. Getting back to some semblance of normal is a priority," I explained.
"Of course it is. I will include the information with the officers that we dispatch to meet you."
"I appreciate that. Thank you," I said sincerely. I had no idea who to call or what sort of mess I was facing, so any offer of assistance was appreciated. "One second, please?" I set the phone down to lift the box out of the car and set it on the cart. The bags used for the groceries were complete with handles, but the box would prove to be tricky with just one hand. That and it was precious cargo... and pretty darn heavy!
"I'm back, thanks again. So, what was found?"
I shut the passenger door, opened the door behind it and started taking bags out of the back seat. I was using all sorts of bad lifting moves but I was too stubborn to not attempt to multitask.
"Well, we ran a few quick tests and determined that the red substance we initially located was, in fact, not blood. Officer Palmer reported that you suspected it was theater makeup. Does that sound correct to you?" Her voice sounded a bit off, as if she didn't believe me or that this was now a great joke that was going around the precinct.
"Yes, that's true," I answered. "That's what I get for not clearing out every remnant of a failed relationship."
"Sorry, I'm afraid that I don't understand," Officer Stiles replied, sounding a bit confused.
"My ex," I explained, "was... is a theatre guy. Not a particularly good one, to tell a tale, but he had all 'the stuff'. Makeup, costumes, props, and just about anything that might fit the part, so to say. Trust me, no amount of property was going to grant this guy talent. Sad for him, but true."
Officer Stiles snickered on the other end. "Frankly, I understand that point very well. Too well. It's probably just as well that the relationship didn't work, eh?"
The giggles struck and I tried to answer calmly. "Oh, you have NO idea. Yeah, it could have been so much worse. Good to know my luck still runs in some circles."

A moment of laughter recovery passed between us before I managed to say, "OK, so no blood. Still, I hope it cleans up easily but I sort of have my doubts. What else have we got?"
"Well, the part that worried the investigators," she said, the professional note of concern returning to her voice, "was that the material was used to write a threat. It was on a mirror, the one in the bathroom? Maybe it will clean up just fine. Anyhow, the person that entered your domicile was of the opinion that you should not have become involved with Ms. Bateman and her assailant."
"Really?," I replied curtly. "Maybe this person could have advised me to take another route home that night?" I took a deep breath. "I'm sorry," I said in a kinder tone. "You didn't deserve that. It's just frustrating, you know? Now I think I see why we have to have Good Samaritan laws. Trust me, I'm not sure it's worth it to get involved."
"Ms. Cullis, if I may speak openly, you managed to perform a very brave service. Admittedly it was due to a distinct departure in logic. You strike me as an intelligent young woman, and I prefer to think that you were the best sort of person to have in the right place at a very wrong time. Ms. Bateman , I'm certain, is grateful today that you chose to become involved."
I sighed and closed the car door, having unloaded all the bags from the back seat. "Oh, well. Yeah, I guess I didn't really mean that," I said ultra-apologetically. "I just wish life wouldn't throw so many curve balls. So, this 'opinion' about my involvement. Is there a reason to think that I am in any further danger?"

"Since we were unable to apprehend the person that caused this damage, we have to assume that there is some risk," Lt. Stiles stated, all business. "However, we have already spoken to your building management. We have been assured that all required security measures are in place and functioning. Still, we would prefer that you stay with friends for the next few days. We will also have a watch posted and hope to have that in place by this evening."
"I doubt that you have extra officers sitting around, looking for something to do, to make that plan a feasible one." I spoke matter of factly. "I'd rather have cops out patrolling or managing crowds or something, rather than sitting around my place waiting for nothing to happen."
"Miss Cullis, we will do what we can, but you are correct. It's a sad truth that we have to provide safety by the dollar instead of case by case. I'm glad that you understand. We will, however, increase patrols in your area and will be happy to accommodate your needs. We are looking to bring in some additional resources from the county, so we will have a watch posted through the weekend."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "To be honest, what happened to you is the best indication that we have that there is something larger at work here. The initial thought was that the attack on Ms. Bateman was a random event. We now have strong evidence to the contrary. We also have witness testimony that suggests that you are a level-headed and prepared young woman. This safety proposal is our attempt to provide protection for you without impacting you or your plans adversely."
I was pushing the cart toward the door that lead from the garage to the building lobby and I suddenly stopped. The pieces fell into place and I started to feel a bit sick.

"Wait just one moment," I said, more than a bit defiant. "This isn't about me, or at least not my safety. You're using me as BAIT!" I shouted into the phone and paid no mind to anyone that might be in listening range.
"Miss Cullis, I assure you that...," Lt. Stiles spoke up, putting the cheerful note back into her half of the conversation.
"Tell me; am I right? This is about apprehending someone responsible for this crime. My safety is a secondary concern at best, else you'd have me relocated and holed up in a hotel." I took a deep breath and asked, "Isn't that true?"
"Miss Cullis, I assure you that...," Lt. Stiles persisted but I cut her off.
"Tell me, dammit or I'll leave town right now." Sure, I was in no position to bargain, but my gut told me that I needed to know. The details didn't add up and I didn't need to be in law enforcement to see the discrepancy.

The other end of the line was quiet, relatively speaking. I could still hear the bustle in the background so I knew the connection was still intact. "Well?" I was making demands now and fully intended to make good on my threat if need be. I could easily put everything back in the car and drive away without even looking back.

"Yes, you are correct Miss Cullis," Lt. Stiles finally said after an uncomfortable period of silence. "I had hoped we wouldn't be having this conversation but, as I stated earlier, you are a very intelligent person."
"Flattery will get you some where," I quipped and I heard Lt. Stiles try not to laugh.
"Look, Miss Cul... Lindy. You are in an unfortunate position. No one will blame you if you decide to leave town for a while until this blows over or is resolved. But you are the only reliable source that we have right now. It's my personal hope that we can get Ms. Bateman's assailant to shed some light on this for us, but he has retained some very good legal representation."
"No leaning, eh?," I asked sincerely.
"Not in the least. If we had set bail - any amount - I'm quite certain that he'd be out right now. We cannot keep him forever, and we gotta get this garbage off the street. Pardon my language, but we're doing what we can to resolve this quickly. Something or someone big is behind this and we need to know more."
If that was language, I'd hate to hear her get all riled up.
"We're doing all that we can, but time is against us. We have guards posted with Ms. Bateman and we have quietly alerted the law enforcement officials down-state to keep a watch on your parents."
"My parents!," I exclaimed. "Are they in danger??"
"Not at this time," Lt. Stiles replied cooly, "and I don't see a reason to worry them. But we are not taking any chances."
I held onto the cart as I felt the strength leave my legs. This was worse than I imagined. I took a few gulps of air and tried to calm my racing heart, wishing now that I hadn't answered the telephone.

"Lindy? Lindy, are you still there?" Lt. Stiles sounded calm. "Lindy, we need your cooperation. You have our every assurance that we will do everything legally possible to resolve this."
"Legally possible?" My voiced sounded as if it didn't belong to me. "That doesn't mean anything. You've got nothing and you're stringing me along and you're hoping that the people behind this are bold enough to try something else." The anger built within me once again. I pushed the cart forward and into the lobby.
"Lindy, it's not like that," Lt. Stiles tried to explain.
"It's not? Please, enlighten me. I would love to hear your version of how this is going to work." I pushed the button to call the elevator and cooled my heels. Luckily the lobby was empty, save for the desk attendant.
"Lindy, we're doing what we can. We may experience a break and get this wrapped up very quickly. Please, tell me that you are willing to cooperate or tell me that you're not. I need to get a squad out for you either way."
The elevator door opened but I stood still.
"Did you just threaten me?" My voice, still not quite my own, was stoic and clear.
"Lindy, please. Just cooperate."
"Hold on. I may lose the connection..." I said, stalling for time as I entered the elevator.
"Lindy. Lindy, please. Miss Cullis, please come back to the phone..."
I wasn't interested in listening for the moment. I weighted out the options during the short ride upstairs.

Luckily the decision was pretty clear. There weren't enough floors in my building to debate at any length. I didn't see any other way to even pretend to feel safe and I certainly didn't want to spend my weekend in the pokey.

"I'm here. I was in the elevator and it's prone to dropping calls," I lied.
"Miss Cullis, what have you decided?" To me, Lt. Stiles sounded a bit frazzled, which pleased me. I'd hate to think that this was an easy task for her.
"I will do what I can to help. I want this to end and if that means helping to bring that about, I'll do it."
The relief in Lt. Stiles' voice was obvious. "I'm glad to hear that, Lindy. Really. Tell you what, I'll come out myself when you are ready to enter your apartment. I'd like to thank you in person for helping us with this matter."
"That's really not necessary," I said but it was her turn to cut me off.
"It *is* necessary. Lindy, this is huge and I really appreciate it. I can be out there in about half an hour, forty-five minutes tops. Will that work with your schedule?"
"Sure, that's fine. I've got groceries to unload. Stop by hungry if you like, I'm making breakfast for my host." Damn, was I being friendly to someone that threatened me just a few short moments ago?
"Actually, that sounds awesome. You and I can discuss details when I get there. Anything else for now?," she asked.
I bit my lip and fired away. "Um, yeah. Is Officer Palmer single? It's not for me, it's for my friend." I cringed; how very tacky.
Lt. Stiles laughed. "Would that be your host?," she asked.
"Damn, yeah. Do I want to know?"
"Yes he's single and no, you don't want to know. Suffice to say, her coffee impressed him. Breakfast conversation should be interesting," she said with a laugh before she ended the call. I realized, due to the turn in the conversation, that I still didn't know what else I was going to be faced with in the apartment. Ah well, breakfast sounded like a better place to start. I wheeled the cart over to Molly's door, dug out her keys and let myself in.