Obsession

Detective Miranda

Melody and Kim gave me a hard time about the car. They took it as if I was excusing Ben's behavior because he bought me a new car. Oh, it wasn't the car that turned me. It was his touch. It was his lips and his body. I lost all my wary thoughts because of his embrace. I didn't want to admit that I was blind to anything and everything now. I didn't want answers. I wanted him. The week went by fast. I spent all my free time finishing up school work and studying. I got together with Kim and had study sessions at her apartment. She was shocked I was allowed to go but I ignored all of her comments. She did see that I was happy so she quit making comments at one point too. Ben and I had gotten even closer. We had a few dates that week. He had set up a meeting with the dean of the law school he wanted me to apply to. He told me it was a sure thing. I didn't want to think of what he did to help me get in but I was going to work my ass off so I didn't stress it. I still didn't know how to tell Kim about it though. We had planned to go to law school together so we can lean on each other. Melody was going to finish getting her degree nearby too so we would still be able to see each other regularly. They didn't know these moments would be some of our last moments together. But that's why I didn't take them for granted and spent them laughing and joking around.

 The next week was about the same. Ben was being even sweeter. He helped me study and began to cook dinner for us. We took bubble baths to relax and spent so many wonderful nights tangled up together. It was last Thursday when I got the first call. Detective Miranda had called me three times. I finally answered his fourth call. He asked me if we could meet up and talk. I told him I had class and no extra time to spare as I was getting ready for finals. His tone made me worry because he seemed confused as to why we spent so much time trying to reach him and now I was playing hot and cold with him. I told him I would get back to him with a better time but I never did. He left me voicemails and I listened to them all but quickly deleted them. Kim asked me about him once but I told her half the truth. That he had called but I was busy and I tried to call back. I told him it had been this back and forth thing with us just missing each other. She seemed to believe it and never brought it up again until today.

"So, no word from Detective Miranda," she asked almost accusing me of something.

"No, why?" I questioned.

"No reason really, he just seems very willing to meet up with you and you keep avoiding him," she said.

"WHAT!" I shouted. I was confused, had she been talking to him. Did he call her? There was a knock on the door while we were studying in the apartment.

"Hello," I heard a male voice say. "Can I come in." Melody let the man come in. He looked about the same age as Ben. He had sandy blonde hair. He was wearing a tan button-up shirt and black pants. His badge was visible on his waist. He had a tie on but it was loose as it laid on his shirt. The top button of his shirt was undone. It looked like he had a rough day but he still looked suave. He had dark green eyes that judged you immediately. He walked over to the couch where Kim introduced herself. Maybe this is what I look like with Ben. Her falling head over heels for some older man. Is that why she was so willing to throw me to the wolves? I wasn't even pissed I was just shocked and trying to take it in.

"Hello, Miss Sky," he said.

"Hi," I said as politely as I could.

"Can we chat for a moment?" he asked as if I really had a choice in the matter.

"Sure," I said a bit more abrupt this time."

"First off, what is the nature of your relationship with Mr. Richards?"

"I am his daughter's babysitter," I told him.

"Is that all?" he questioned. I looked over to Kim and she said she hasn't told him anything. I sighed and then answered him.

"I am currently I guess dating Ben," Detective Miranda just looked at me and wrote something down on his notepad.

"Why did you contact me?" he asked.

"I heard what happened to his wife," I said. "And I was curious to learn more about it."

"So you don't suspect he had anything to do with her death," he said with a relaxed tone.

"No, I don't," I snapped. I didn't want to show any emotion especially since he was doing a damn good job at playing cool.

"So, the fact that she looks very similar to you has nothing to do with your curiosity," he stated.

"I," I had no words.

"Sky, I want to be blunt and honest with you. I was taken off this case as soon as I arrived on the scene. I did not see the body or examine any part of the area of the crash. My chief came to the site herself and told me I was to go home for the night. Then two days later the case was ruled an accident. No other detective was put on the case and all of the files are gone. Except for my personal files I kept at home."

"Is that why you are so invested in it," I asked him. He laughed and then said.

"I am not bitter but the facts do tell a different story and if her body was in any condition to show foul play then what else can be said. The car already had evidence pointing to a possible homicide. Your rich boyfriend covered it up and yes I have stayed in the loop to see what I can find out."

"There is nothing to find out,"

"So has he told you what happened that night,"

"No, he doesn't talk about his wife at all,"

"And that doesn't make you curious," I didn't say anything. "They had a fight. Neighbors all heard yelling and shouting. One witness even heard threats being made to the victim. The police had been called to that residence 3 times since they had moved there. There was a motive and there was a history of violence."

"Was there evidence of violence," I asked.

"You tell me," he said. "Does he seem violent, possessive, or even a tad bit unhinged."

"He is a kind and caring man. He is a good person and father,"

"Miss Sky, why don't you ask him what happened that night. Ask him to talk about his wife." I looked at everyone in the room and realized I knew I had to this time. I had to ask but I was afraid of the answers I was going to get.

"I will leave it to you. If you ever want to talk or have something for me you have my number," he left, and soon so did I.