Page 11 of Brek's Obsession
Brek nodded and turned a chair around, straddling it. “Yeah, I don’t like it Trace. The call came in just after you left. From a house on the very edge of town. I don’t think I even knew this house was there. It is tucked back out of the way the front is obscured by massive trees and a lot of brush and whoever lived there before never came to town. The girl who lives there now is the same. I get the feeling she rarely leaves.”
Trace nodded and Brek went on, “When I got there, the intruder was gone. He must have fled when I pulled up. But he had unlocked the side door in her house, and it smelled as if he walked in her house at one point. As if he stood outside her bedroom door. It’s always the same smell of that weird cologne. Stacy did tell me that the man was in her house, but smelling is cologne confirmed it for me.”
Trace’s eyebrows drew down and then one raised again. “I remember. It’s a very distinct smell. One I don’t recall smelling before. Until the break-ins started happening that is.”
Brek nodded, “I know. It is a very distinctive scent. I don’t know where I know it from and want so badly to remember. I checked her house and he was gone. He went to her house at night, when she was home. It isn’t like the other break-ins around town at all. He isn’t just toying with people anymore. It's like he has a message to send or something now. That he wants us to start worrying now. I don’t like that he is getting bolder with what he is doing. It bothers me. Who is this guy and what does he want? Why is he targeting this girl now? Or is he?”
Brek took his hat off, running his fingers through his hair.
Trace shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m just as frustrated with it as you are. None of this makes sense and no one in this town knows anything. The lead tonight was of course a dead end.”
Brek had to bite back a laugh at the look on Trace’s face. And at the sound of disgust in his voice. “What happened?”
Trace shuddered, “When I got there, she was in a damn silk nightie Brek. There were candles all over the living room and fucking rose petals on the floor man. She practically threw herself into my arms, which I sidestepped, making her fall flat on her face. Oh boy. She was mad as a hornet. I got out of there as fast as I could after that. I didn’t want to know what she was going to do next. And I don’t need that coming down on the department or me.”
Trace shook his head and glared at him. “I won’t take another one of her calls Brek. I am telling you right now, it’s not going to happen.”
Brek finally could take it no longer. He burst out laughing, throwing his head back and laughing so hard he could feel tears streaming down his cheeks.
When he looked at Trace, the man was also laughing and it took them a few minutes to stop because whenever they would look at the other, they would start laughing again.
Brek took a few deep breaths, calming himself, “I'm sorry Trace. That really sucks. We had to be sure though. But we need to tell her that from now on, if she doesn’t actually have a tip, we won’t be coming. You and I are not her playthings. Next time she calls, we will both go together. I swear.”
Trace nodded, “Fine. But so help me Brek, if I have to go over there again without you, things are going to happen. Not good things.”
Brek chuckled, “That’s fine. And I get it. I don’t want her throwing herself at me either,” he sobered, “I didn’t tell you about the girl who lived at the house with the break in.”
Trace nodded, “Okay. I’m all ears.”
Brek let out a breath, “When she opened the door to her bedroom, and I got a look at who she was, and saw her beauty,” he blew out a breath, “She’s it for me Trace. My woman.”
Trace sat back; his eyebrows raised so high on his face it was almost comical. But this wasn’t funny. “Are you serious?”
Brek nodded, “I never thought love at first sight happened. I normally scoff at stuff like that. I would have sworn up and down that it wasn’t true, but now? I am a firm believer. I have lived in this town since I was born. I have seen every girl that lives here. Not one of them has made me want more, even when I went to college expecting to maybe meet someone there, but I never did. Sure, there were beautiful women, but I never went out with them. I just wanted to get done with college as soon as possible.”
Looking down he said, “I always thought there was something wrong with me. Like my body was broken or something. I never felt a pull to anyone, and I never once thought of a woman for more than a passing thought. But tonight? Seeing her? I knew it without a doubt she was it for me.”
He looked back up and Trace’s mouth was hanging open. He shut it and shook his head, “I was not expecting that. But I am so happy for you Brek. You found your girl. Congrats man. That’s amazing.”
Brek grinned, “Thank you. The only problem now is getting her to see it.”
Trace laughed, “I don’t think you will have to work that hard.”
Brek barked out a laugh and Trace sobered, “I wish it was me. But with my past and everything else, I just don’t think it’s meant for me.”
Brek put his hand on Trace’s shoulder. “I guarantee when you find her, you will be the best man for her. You will love her so much. Which is more than you realize.”
Trace gave him a wary look, “You think?”
Brek nodded, “I know. If what I feel for my girl after meeting her for just minutes is any indication? Yeah, you will be just fine.”
Trace smiled, “I can’t wait.”
Brek grinned, “You going to stay here tonight?”
Trace shrugged, “Neither of us is on call, but I told Jake to stay home. He doesn’t need to come in. It’s slow and I can catch up on paperwork. Go home and I will see you in the morning.”
Brek nodded and stood. “All right, if you need me, don’t hesitate.”
