Every Dog Has Its Day

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Josh tore down Main Street, weaving in and out of traffic and flashing his lights to blow through the intersections. He had plenty of time to get home, but just felt like airing out the new Camaro he’d been commissioned.

Matt had taken the car the first few days, so this was his first night with it. He was enjoying the way the powerful car handled.

When he passed Broad Street, he glanced to the right, toward South Providence where he’d grown up. Until his teens, when his mother had finally smartened up and ditched his old man, Josh had lived in a series of cockroach-infested apartments in inner-city ghettos. Now here he was, making good money in a respected career, driving a brand-new sports car, with a pretty wife and plenty of action on the side.

“This country’s been good to you, boy,” Josh said aloud, quoting his Uncle Jack, a retired Lieutenant who, years ago, had taken his mom and him in. Uncle Jack had gotten him on the right path, and helped him get into the Academy.

Josh turned the corner and hit the brakes, slowing the car down to a crawl. He was approaching the Knights of Columbus hall where a crowd of people, all in costumes, were emerging. He pulled over, lit his last cigarette, and watched the colorful crowd cross the street.

The last couple out the door were a man dressed as some type of phantom, and a woman dressed as a cat. They stopped two cars down from him and kissed. Her mask left her lower face open.

Josh stared at the gloves on her hands and whispered, “It can’t be this easy.”

The streetlight caught the gleam of a wedding band on the man’s hand, and Josh killed the motor. The woman took her partner’s hand, and led him across the street. Josh’s excitement grew when he saw them heading for the Marriott across from the hall.

He reached into the glove compartment and grabbed his two-way, planning on calling for back up…but then decided against it. If it wasn’t her, he’d look like an ass.

But if it was? What a feather in his cap this would be! Right out of his w***e’s bed, he might make the biggest bust of his career!

He got out of the car and, crossing the street, managed to get in front of the couple. They were listing to the side as they walked, he noticed.

“Excuse me.” He lifted his hand. “Can I have a word with you?”

The guy stared at him through eyes bleary from drinking. “Ask us what? Who the hell are you?”

“Detective Josh Wilson.” He flashed his shield.

“Hey, we’re not driving,” the woman slurred. “We have a room for the night.”

Josh looked her up and down, taking in her long legs and impressive t**s. She had long blonde hair and blue eyes behind the mask. Those eyes were half-shut, and she was leaning on the guy, but it could be an act.

“Sir, do you know this woman?”

“Of course I do. She’s my wife.”

“What’s the matter, officer?” she asked. “Why are you bothering us?”

“Sir, can you step over here for a minute, please?” Josh took a couple of steps to the side, and gestured for him to follow.

The guy said something reassuring to her, and followed. As he approached, Josh stared past him, watching to see if the woman would run.

“Is there a problem, detective?”

“Listen,” Josh said softly. “I’m not here to judge or bust balls.”

“What do you mean?” The man looked confused. Behind him, the woman stood there with her arms folded, tapping her booted foot impatiently. She didn’t seem scared, just annoyed.

“I need to know if that’s really your wife. Like I said, if she’s just your fun for the night, that’s cool. That’s not what I’m here for.”

“You know, not every guy is a punk who can’t keep it in his pants,” the man said heatedly. “Christ, someone sees a guy happy to be with a woman, and it can’t be his wife?”

“I said I’m not judging, and neither should you. Not everyone’s a boy scout,” Josh admitted. “But you’re saying that’s your wife?”

“Hold on.” The man pulled his wallet from beneath the costume, and showed Josh his driver’s license: Derek Jacobs.

“Julie, can you come show the detective your license?”

“I suppose.” She stumbled over to them, and when she reached them, leaned against Derek as she had before. It took her a moment to dig into her small purse and produce her driver’s license.

Josh glanced from one ID to the other, “I’m sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs. This was a misunderstanding.”

“You’re looking for that woman, aren’t you?” Julie asked. “The one killing married men.”

“I can’t say.”

“You pretty much just did,” she shrugged. “Well, good to see you doing your job.”

“So it’s true?” Derek asked. “She always dresses like a cat?”

“Always? We don’t know,” Josh lied. “But she did the last time.” The press had made sure people heard that after the last victim was found. “So just checking.”

“Well, I’m checking in. Have a good night, detective.” Julie stumbled away, righted herself, and headed into the hotel.

“Sorry again.” Josh felt like an i***t.

“Don’t be,” Derek countered. “It’s good to see the police are being diligent. This thing is getting damned creepy.”

“That it is,” Josh agreed. “You have a good time with your wife tonight, sir.”

“You as well, detective.” He pointed at Josh’s hand. “I meant what I said. Not every guy is a cheat. There are plenty of good men like us around.”

“Yeah.” Josh gave him a friendly clap on the shoulder, and went back to his car thinking that good men wouldn’t head home with another woman’s p***y on their face.

Might not be good, he thought, starting the car and revving the engine, but he was happy.