Page 18 of Triggered By Love
“You can write whatever you want, but since I didn’t commit a crime, you can’t hold me.” She moved to close the door in his face.
“No, you didn’t commit a crime, but I’m concerned for you, and your neighbor reported a domestic disturbance.”
“She should mind her own business. Nothing happened.”
“I know Mrs. Joan Bonet,” Jason said. “She’s an extremely calm and competent person. She heard raised voices and violence. She’s seen the man who did this passing her in the hallway. It doesn’t make her feel safe to have someone who’d hit a woman in the face roaming the building.”
“He won’t bother her.” Tatiana pursed her puffy lip. “Please, let it go.”
“Who is he? Someone famous? Important?” Jason’s radar was triggered. “Mrs. Bonet says he wears wraparound sunglasses indoors.”
“He might be a married man, so you’ll understand why I need to be discreet. I won’t testify or file a report, so you might as well be on your way. I’m sure you have other calls to respond to.” She forced a smile that must have pained her split lip. “Thanks for dropping by.”
Jason fished a business card from his pocket and scribbled his cell phone number on the back. “Call me. I mean it. If you need anything. If you’re afraid of anyone.”
“Is this some kind of detective pickup line?” She took the card with the tip of her manicured fingernails as if it were hazardous waste.
“No. I want to assure Mrs. Bonet her call was justified.” He knew Mrs. Joan Bonet was Brando’s widowed mother, having visited her apartment many times while investigating the shooting. The building was old and did not come with a concierge. Residents buzzed visitors in through an intercom system and sometimes held doors open as a courtesy.
“You should tell her to butt out.” Tatiana retreated behind her door and started to shut it.
“If he comes back and bothers you again, I’ll be here.”
The door clicked behind him, and he turned around, coming face-to-face with Avery Cockburn stepping off the elevator.
Her eyes widened as she took note of the apartment number marked over the doorway. She was carrying a handled plastic food container, and her purse was slung over her shoulder. As always, she was stylishly dressed and looking lovely in a sweet girl-next-door way which meant minimal makeup and conservative clothes.
“Jason, I mean, Detective.” She turned past him toward Mrs. Bonet’s apartment.
He made a move for the stack of food containers. “Let me get that for you.”
“Why?” She arched an eyebrow. “I didn’t bring enough for you.”
“I’d never think of crashing your hot date,” he said as she kept walking. “How’ve you been?”
“Busy, and you?”
“Busy, but I still have time for a friend.”
She hooked a glance at Tatiana’s doorway. “Hey, don’t let me cramp your style. Anything new?”
Before he could respond, she shook her head as if shaking off a pesky fly. “We agreed to put it in a box. Guess nothing’s popped out?”
“Nothing yet.”
She arrived at Mrs. Bonet’s door, but her hands were full. “Can you knock for me?”
“Oh, no, allow me.” He grabbed the food containers. “I can’t let her think I let you carry them the entire way.”
“Which I did. You know her, don’t you?” She raised her hand to knock but left it suspended in midair. “But of course you do. You must have come here for…”
She trailed off, so he used his free hand to knock.
“Why Avery and Detective Burnett?” Mrs. Joan Bonet’s face shifted from pleasure to wary concern when she took in Jason’s presence. “Is everything okay?”
Jason stood back while Avery entered. “I was at Miss Renzi’s place. She claims she’s okay, and I ran into Avery coming out of the elevator.”
Mrs. Bonet whisked Avery inside and said, “Come in, Detective.”
