Page 166 of Triggered By Love
Joan was shocked and bowled over by Avery’s suicide attempt. She consoled her in front of Jason to move on from Brando’s memory, assuring her she was more than happy with the fashion show and tribute. She worried over her like a mother hen and wept in Avery’s arms, racked with misplaced guilt at the thought her grief over Brando had driven Avery to such extremes.
Jason was tempted to set her straight, but it would happen soon enough once Avery’s accusations hit the media.
Kerry and Finn completely disbelieved Avery’s story, and she had to clue them in that they were trying to catch the killer off guard. After that, they went along with it, appearing extra sensitive and placating.
Saul and Ivanna appeared concerned, but they were more frightened about any blowback coming toward them. Saul was out on bail for the false bomb threat charge. He insisted he hadn’t removed the memory card and that he handed the camera to the police when they arrested him. Ivanna backed up his story. They appeared to believe Avery was suicidal, and Ivanna insisted she had nothing to do with poisoned quills. She even showed the cuts on her fingers from working with the porcupine headdress, but that could have been before she dipped them into a pufferfish liver paste.
Trent was a mystery. He grew sullen and apologized to Avery for triggering her memories of Brando by his presence. He said he loved Brando like a brother and let his own grief overshadow any consideration he had of her feelings. He thought he was helping out by working with Blade, and now, he was sorely disappointed Avery thought he had anything to do with Brando’s death. He explained that Brando had invited him and Jayla to the show last year, and he’d only made friends with Saul, Tatiana, and Ivanna after meeting them during the after-party.
Jason wondered why he’d be in a partying mood after his supposed best buddy was killed, but he shelved that question for later.
As for Blade, well, he was glorying over his supposed rescue of Avery in the elevator and taking credit for the quick response of the police and ambulance. It was just like him to be dismissive of Avery’s mental health.
“Looks like you got stuck with crazy chick,” he said with a jocular voice.
“Have you found the memory card yet?” Jason asked, ignoring the jibe.
“What for? There’s no crime.” Blade shrugged. “Looks like you chased bunny tails for nothing.”
Blade’s dismissiveness had Jason fuming, but now was not the time to lose his cool.
“I don’t believe Avery would take her own life,” Jason said, staring into Blade’s ice-blue eyes for a clue. “You were there. What was her mood like?”
“How would I know what she was really thinking?” Blade shot back. “You’re compromised, Burnett. You’re letting your emotions get in the way of police work. That’s why you’re sidelined. Chief is plenty pissed with the way you took the victim from the hospital without her parents’ consent.”
“She’s an adult, and she chose to go with me.”
“Anyway, as it turns out, she wasn’t a victim.” Blade pointed his finger accusingly. “You’ve been had, Burnett. This is all a big publicity stunt. Do you not see it? She’s got so much free media attention, it’s worth billions. Her Shopahol sales are off the roof, and the ‘I Heart NY’ pose of hers has gone viral. They’re making a mint on T-shirts.”
“She didn’t pull a stunt,” Jason said. “I don’t believe it.”
“What am I doing, wasting my time arguing with you?” Blade hefted both of his shoulders and touched his gun. “Get out of here. I’ve got real police work to do.”
“Yeah, and I’m taking Crazy Lady shooting,” Jason added. “Got her a Smith & Wesson Shield.”
“How cute, his and hers.” Blade’s mocking tone followed him from the precinct.
* * *
After spendingthe week trap and skeet shooting, target practice, and quail hunting, Avery was ready for Friday night in the city.
True to form, Jason had spread the rumor that he and Avery were not going to the Broadway show. Kerry and Finn had agreed to take their seats, which were premium, because they would be close enough to see the whites of the actors’ eyes.
Avery stopped by her apartment to get dressed. Kerry was busily trying on all of Avery’s evening gowns from fashion shows past.
“That’s too overdressed for a summer show,” Avery said with a critical eye. “You should wear something stylish but casual. It’s only Times Square.”
“Aren’t we going in a limo?” Kerry asked. “Will there be paparazzi?”
“Everyone these days is a photographer.” Avery opened another section of her wall-to-wall closet. “Oh, look, this is so you. Remember when you pretended to be my mom?”
“That was fun. I’m surprised how easily we fooled the guard into thinking I was an aging hippie.”
Avery held up a trendy tie-dyed print handkerchief blouse and a pair of dark-wash jeans with strategically placed rips. “I’ve got the perfect flower-power sandals to go with this.”
“Add a fake nose ring and a bandanna headband, and I’m groovy!” Kerry swung the outfit around and danced around the room. “How about you?”
“Should I do leopard spots or tiger stripes?”
