Wright In Danger

Chapter Sixteen

He had stood in the wake of the destruction. The officers on scene had walked him through all the damage that had been done. As he walked through every room his blood pressure had risen. He went through everything to see if anything had been stolen. Finding nothing taken, it raised the question of why they had done it. While Rosalie was talking with the officers, he slipped off to check to make sure they hadn't got into his safe. He would hunt them into the ground if they had. Going into his bedroom, he got it open. He relaxed at seeing Terra's engagement ring exactly in it's place. 

Having learned they had got in through the back door, he headed back to the station. There was nothing more he could do there and the thought in his mind that kept circulating was that the break in wasn't random. It may have appeared that way from the destruction they had caused but Beau deep down, knew otherwise. Nothing had been stolen. And this happens on the heels of Loraine getting threatened. Recalling the recognition in Harris's eyes, something told him he was going to get his suspicion confirmed and he had to be ready.

The chief stood in his doorway. His expression unreadable. Walking in, Beau took a seat, dropping his head back. He listened as the chief took his own seat, not saying anything. Allowing Beau to put his thoughts in order. Lifting his head and meeting the chief's gaze, he knew he had to say something. "The place was an absolute disaster. Not that they took anything." Rubbing at his chin the chief was thoughtful. "Why do you think that is?" He really didn't want to voice it but the man deserved to know what he was thinking. "They wanted to send a message. That they could get to me if they wanted."

"I suppose this is the part where we get honest with each other. When your previous chief talked with me letting me know you were go for coming to Clairview I was looking forward to meeting you. He went on to tell me you had recently had a loved one pass away and asked that I not force you into anything you weren't ready to face. I won't lie. I was curious. Though when we met it only took the one look in your eyes to know, I wasn't about to ask you then about it." Beau shouldn't have been surprised at the chief's being able to read him so well. Yet he was. "I appreciate you not pressing me to talk about it back then. I was still coming to terms and learning how to...cope."

"How is that going for you?" He was blunt and Beau understood his need to be. "The nights are still difficult. I'm better when I can keep my mind engaged and only work does that for me. I know I should find myself a hobby but..." he shrugged. "You're grief hasn't led to any disciplinary action and I haven't had to worry about keeping a close eye on you. That doesn't mean you shouldn't come to me if it gets to be too much." He understood that and respected his chief's words. "I can't force you to tell me all the details of what happened before you came here, Tanner. I'd like to believe you'd be open to telling me on your own. I'll be here willing to listen, anytime." 

He could only nod. That day wasn't today. He wanted the investigation wrapped up before he returned to that sad and tangled story. "Thank you, sir. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to head over to Tamera's and speak with whoever lives with her. My hope is that Allison has been there and they can give me insight to how they viewed her." Pushing to his feet, Beau did the same. "Go ahead. I'll keep tabs on your house." Leaving the room, he motioned for Rosalie that they were leaving. Falling into step beside him, she didn't ask until they were nearly at the car. "Where are we off to now?" Sliding behind the wheel, he shut his door as he turned his head. "We're going to Tamera's house. I want to talk with whoever resides with her."

Pulling up to Tamera's residence, there was a single car in the driveway. Having looked up her information it had her mother listed as living with her. He crossed his fingers the apple had fallen a bit farther from the tree. Knocking, there came the sound of a barking dog. Or more correctly put. Yapping. Sharing a look with Rosalie, there was no refrain in her eye roll. The door opened to Sophie Willis. The woman could easily be mistaken for being younger than she was. Brown eyes moved from one to the other. "What did that girl do now?" That had Beau's attention. Tamera didn't have a record but that didn't mean officers hadn't been involved in her past. "I assure you, she hasn't done anything. We are actually here to talk with you."

"About her though, right?" When Beau didn't answer, she let out a weary sigh before letting them in. "I swear. It's always something with that girl."  Making themselves comfortable in the living room, Beau could tell she wanted this over as quickly as possible. "I only have two questions and we'll be on our way." Gauging his honesty, she gestured for him to continue. "Has Tamera ever brought Allison Wright over?" Of all the reactions, he hadn't expected exasperation. "Yes. That girl has been over. Not that I liked it any. I've told Tamera I don't want anyone over that isn't family. Next thing I know, she's got that Wright girl in tow. I took her as the nervous type the way her eyes kept jumping all over and keeping herself real close to Tamera." 

Anyone would be entering a home they aren't familiar with. It was normal. Apparently she took issue with this. "You have a strong opinion of Allison. Did something happen while she was here?" It would help better understand where the woman was coming from. "She didn't do nothing. I just didn't like the way she came in here." It was apparent that was all she was going to say about that. Fine. "What was Tamera's reaction after hearing that Allison had been kidnapped?" Looking away, she turned contemplative. "She wasn't sad. That's for sure. When I asked if she wanted to talk, she got angry and stormed off to her room. I found it strange. Bring the girl under my roof and then not shed a tear for her. This is the question you really wanted answered. Isn't it?" He nodded. "It was. We appreciate you talking with us. We'll show ourselves out now."

Back in the car, Rosalie spoke first. "So Tamera is heartless. Her co worker gets kidnapped and she really doesn't care. Why bother bringing her over then and tick off your mother? It doesn't make a lick of sense." He was of the same opinion. "You saw the look on her mothers face, right? She's lost as to why her daughter is the way she is. That was difficult to witness. Parents are supposed to know their children better than anyone." Blowing out a breath, she leaned her head back. "Maybe some people just aren't meant to be understood."

Back at the station, he was in need of a coffee. Heading into the break room, he went about pouring himself a cup. He did feel bad for Sophie Willis. Her daughter was grown and she didn't understand her. A tough spot to be in. Tamera's was going to flip her lid when she learned they had stopped by. Not that she would confront them. No. Her dislike of law enforcement kept her at bay. Taking the first sip, he felt the tension ease. As he started for his desk, the phone went off. So much for a few minutes to himself. Picking up, he had a hunch as to who it was. "Hello. Officer Beau Tanner." Voices could be heard in the background before they answered. "Detective. I see my timing is good. Harris Crowne. I was hoping you could spare a few minutes to come and talk with me." Beau's eyes landed on Rosalie. She was doing something on her computer. "Yeah. I need the address and I'll be right over."

It was easy to make his excuse to her. He claimed he wanted to drive by the house see if the officers were still there. The drive to Harris's location took just over thirty minutes. Having been asked to park a ways a way from their exact spot, he did. Climbing out, he looked around. He'd been doing his job long enough to know when he'd been followed. He hadn't. Coming to the garage door, he looked up at the security cameras. No knock necessary. The door came up seconds later to Harris. "Welcome to our humble abode, detective." Giving a terse nod, he stepped inside. The place was a hive of activity. 

"You have probably already guessed as to why I've asked you here. Your guess is right. I did my research. Beau Tanner. The detective that tracked the same man I am currently after. Yousseff. Have you told Rosalie about your past?" His silence was answer enough. "She'll need to be let in. He's back in business and he's not done with you. She should know that her life is about to hit by a shock wave."