Suds raises his brows. “Damn cat’s possessed.”
“Could be. I did a little research on the church they tore down next door. Parishioners claimed for years it was haunted. Around the turn of the century, a minister hung himself. The congregation found out he was having sex with another man.”
“Zoikes, Velma.” I pick up her vitamin and place it on her lovely lips. “Need a Scooby snack?”
“Ranks, Raggy.” She mimics the cartoon voice and chews. “Eww. The green ones are nasty. Remind me next time to swallow them whole.”
“Copy that.” I place her breakfast in front of her, plate up my own, then sit down, thighs touching. “Nice job with the neighbors, by the way.”
“Thanks, they sent me a check, yesterday and wondered if I knew someone who could banish the spirit.”
“No way. They want a real life Ghostbuster?” I snicker picturing a white van pulling up next door with ray guns.
“Don’t laugh. I found an exterminator who claims he can get rid of cockroaches, bedbugs and nasty spirits. Who am I to judge? Whatever. We can officially close the case of the haunted condo. Shaggy-doo, we need to focus all our energies on Sienna. When can we talk to her?”
“Andy should get her out on bail, today.” Imagining how I’d feel if it were my woman, my chest tightens.
My partner, grimaces and glances at the time. “Poor guy. He’s doing well to hold it together. You want me to call in sick so I can go to Manhattan with you?”
“Nah. I’m betting they won’t have her hearing until this afternoon. It takes a while to get through court and post bail. I’ll text you, later.”
“Okay, but don’t forget.”
“Sugar, you wound me.” Remembering last night, I drop my drawers, and show off her love marks.
Blushing, she glances down at her short nails. “I made those?”
“Either that or the ghost next door is working overtime.”
“Shit. I better call an exorcist.” She grins and dons her coat. “See you later, Scooby.”
At the last minute, I grab the gummy bear off the counter, tap her nose with it, and she swallows. Not until the outside door slams, do I dress in a suit and tie. Then, I bounce down the stairs and stop at the downstairs cafe.
It’s not my fault the enticing essence of real coffee wafts into my nostrils. Fully caffeinated, I drive into the city and meet my boss at the office.
“What time is Sienna’s hearing?”
“Not until mid-morning. Her making bail didn’t look good so I called Grayson. He hired a team of legal eagles to help defend her.” Slate reaches for his coat and grabs his car keys. “Let’s go.”
About an hour later, we pace outside the courthouse waiting for word. Slate’s phone pings and he turns the screen my way with a grin.
“They agreed to release her.”
“Awesome. Did the DA give Andy their evidence?”
“He’s sending me a link, now.” He reads for a moment, then pales.
“What is it?”
“As we suspected, someone modified Cal’s amplifier. New wiring wrapped with electrical tape matches the roll inside Sienna’s toolbox. If you add that to their alleged affair and the fight…” My pal shakes his head. “The evidence is piling up.”
I whistle through my teeth. “Those tube electronics are pretty old. Does she know who kept them working?”
“Hmm.” He texts, waits, and nods as he thumbs some more. “Sienna says there’s a roadie who might know. I’m messaging you his number, now.”
Sitting on the courthouse steps, I put my fingers to work and a few dozen messages later, I’m on my way to Myrtle Avenue in Queens. Sam says she’ll meet me there.
By the time I maneuver through heavy traffic and park, she’s already pacing in front of his brownstone.
