Skylar Wolfe Mysteries: Snark Bundle Read online

  "Stay here,” he said as he began to turn around. “I have to go look at the body. I have more questions for you."

  "Fine, but he was murdered. Not here, because there isn't enough blood. There are dice on his eyes with the number three showing, and there’s blood on the front of his shirt. That's all I could see," I said with a smirk.

  He spun back around. "Did you touch the body?"

  "Nope, I wouldn't contaminate a crime scene," I said. "Uncle Joe would have my head if I did that."

  Little wrinkles appeared on his forehead. "And who is Uncle Joe?"

  "He's my uncle's best friend. You know him, Chief Sullivan." I winked at him.

  He cursed under his breath, then he growled, "Stay here."

  "I wouldn't think of moving," I said.

  He looked back at me as he walked away. I didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize he didn't trust what I was saying. I held back the laughter as he turned away.

  My stomach growled as I stood there. I was hungry.

  Aiden's partner ducked under the tape. She was heavy, short, and looked really mean. She would be a fun one to mess with, especially since I’d never seen her at the station.

  She glared at me as she walked over to confer with Aiden. I just smiled back.

  What I was curious about was why Aiden glanced from the body, to me, and then back to the body. I was just itching to go and find out, but I was trying to be good. I sighed in relief when he came back over to me, and the woman detective went back to Levi. I felt sorry for my cousin for having to deal with someone who obviously didn't have a sense of humor.

  "Miss Wolfe, I mean, Skylar," he corrected himself when I raised an eyebrow at him. "Does the word ‘sky’ mean anything to you?"

  "Yes, it's one of my nicknames. I don’t allow anyone to call me that anymore," I said.

  "Did you recognize the man?" he asked.

  I closed my eyes and tried to picture the face. I hadn't been looking at it though. "I don't know. I really didn't look at his head."

  "Are you willing to take another look," he asked.

  "If you tell me why," I said, shaking my head.

  He sighed. "Are you really the Skylar that the chief warned me about?"

  "He warned you about me?" I laughed, feeling very loved.

  "Yes,” he said, looking me up and down. He was sizing me up.

  "Yep, that sounds like him." I snickered.

  He looked conflicted for a moment. "I can't tell you everything, but this isn't the first victim. The guy has ‘sky’ carved into his chest, and you already know about the dice. Your name is too much of a coincidence. I want to know if you knew him."

  "Not the first victim?” I squinted. “Let me guess, he's the third."

  "I can't tell you.” He shook his head. “Now, will you look to see if you know him?" he asked.

  "Sure." I shrugged.

  So, this was the third victim. Now, I knew what the dice represented. I just had to figure out the rest.

  There was no way I could resist a good puzzle like this.

  I walked with Aiden to the body. He was gazing at me the entire time. The coroner stepped back as we approached, and I crouched down to get a better look.

  I pulled out a new set of gloves from my pocket and absently put them on. I forgot about the two men standing there while I focused on the dead man. He seemed familiar now that I really looked at him. I pulled back the edge of his open shirt. Carved into his chest as Aiden had said was the word “sky”. That's not what killed him though. I couldn't see a cause of death. As I looked at the face, I smelled something that gave me a hint of what caused his demise.

  "I may know him, but I can't place it yet. I'd bet he was poisoned," I said, stepping back.

  "How do you know that?" the coroner asked. He seemed upset.

  "Nothing else obvious, and if you put your face by his, you get a hint of almonds." I glanced back at the body. "Were the others poisoned?"

  "Yes," Aiden said. His eyes widened and he shook his head.

  "It's probably a woman. Right handed, and she has help," I stated.

  "How the hell would you know that?" the coroner asked, his brown eyes peering at the side of my face.

  "I don't believe we were introduced." I glanced up and pulled off my gloves. "I'm Skylar Wolfe."

  He seemed a little taken aback. “Philip Blade,” he answered, stumbling over his words.

  "Blade?” I giggled. “Your last name is Blade?” I asked again just to be sure. “And you’re a coroner? I guess that's fitting." I laughed harder.

  "Can we get back to the body," Aiden said sternly. He needed to loosen up a little.

  "I told you what I know,” I said. “By the way, what time is it?"

  He looked at his watch. "Almost seven."

  "Damn it, I'm going to miss my shows. And I haven't even had dinner." I sighed. "I need to send Levi for food. Do you think he's up to driving?"

  "You two are going nowhere, but to the station," Aiden said.

  "Do you have a TV there?" I asked.

  "No,” Aiden said. “Now, come on. I want to talk to the chief."

  "Can we stop for Chinese on the way?" I gazed at him.

  "No, come on." His irritation was pouring off him. I thought he looked even better all hot and bothered. He grabbed my arm and started tugging me toward his car.

  "Are you manhandling me, detective?" I smirked as he dropped his hand.

  "Don't make me use handcuffs," he said, tightening his lips and narrowing his eyes.

  "That sounds like fun." I winked at him.

  "Skylar, leave the poor detective alone,” Levi said, still leaning against the Jeep. “He's just doing his job."

  "Detective Starry, this is Miss Wolfe, the other witness," Aiden said, turning to his partner.

  "It's Skylar. Really, Aiden, I thought we agreed to use first names," I said, glancing at him.

  He let out a heavy sigh. "Just get in the car."

  I turned to the woman detective and smiled. "Is your name really Starry?"

  "Yes, what of it?" she sneered, glancing me up and down.

  "Just curious, I bet you want to stop and get Chinese on the way. Lou's is just up the street. We’ll pass it," I said.

  "Skylar, if you do what the detectives say, I will make sure you get your Chinese," Levi said, stepping into the conversation.

  "Okay,” I chirped. “I call shotgun." I skipped over to the car and lifted the handle to the passenger’s side door. It was locked.

  "In the back," Aiden said, pointing to the back of the car.

  "But I don't like riding in the backseat,” I huffed, gazing at the empty passenger seat through the window. “Besides, I called shotgun."

  "If you get into the back, I'll call Dex to make sure your shows are recorded," Levi said, sounding tired.

  "You're the best," I said, stepping aside to let Aiden open the back door for me. I winked at him as I sat down. He was speechless.

  "Sorry detective, but you just have to know how to talk to her," Levi said as he got into the back with me. I listened while Levi called our friend, Dex, asking him to set up the recorder for us. He was the best hacker I knew and worked for some super secret company.

  I looked at Lou's wistfully as we passed it. It was always easier to think on a full stomach. My gaze focused on Levi. "You promised me Chinese," I said.

  "I will get it for you," he replied.

  "I don't know why we have to go down to the station. I mean, I told you more than you knew before. I bet you didn't know the killer was a woman," I said, pouting.

  "How do you know that?" Starry asked from the front seat.

  "I have my ways." I smirked.

  "Skylar, be nice." Levi shifted next to me in the seat.

  "Not without food," I grumbled, cutting my eyes at him.

  "I want you to look at the other victims and see if you know them," Aiden said.

  Levi turned to me and gazed into my eyes. "Do you know who the dead guy was,
Skylar?”

  "Maybe," I said. I was glad that my den was not too far from the station.

  We got out of the cruiser and followed the two detectives into the building. Cory was coming out as we were going in. He stopped in his tracks.

  "Skylar, what are you doing here?" he asked, arching his brows.

  "I don't know, ask him." I pointed at Aiden and rolled my eyes.

  "She's a witness in a murder," Aiden answered, finally pulling off the dark sunglasses covering his eyes.

  He had the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. They contrasted nicely with his ink-black hair. My first assessment of him being scrumptious was right on.

  "Do you need me to stick around?" Cory asked, switching his gaze from Aiden to me.

  "No, I can handle this.” I was touched he would offer.

  "Just give me a call if you need anything." He looked concerned, but turned and walked away.

  "Starry, go ahead and take Mr. Wolfe to the squad room,” Aiden said, turning to his partner. “I'm taking Miss Wolfe to the chief."

  "Skylar. Aiden, my name is Skylar and that is Levi," I said the words slowly so he could understand them. Apparently, he wasn’t getting it.

  "Just come with me, Skylar," he said through clenched teeth.

  "You know, Aiden, you need to learn how to relax a little.” I chuckled under my breath. “You seem a little too uptight. Maybe, if you loosen that tie and undo a few buttons—”

  "I will not loosen my tie or undo anything," he said, interrupting me before I could finish my sentence. He stopped in front of the chief’s office and raised his fist, getting ready to knock on the door.

  I opened the door before his hand had a chance to hit the wood.

  "Hi, Uncle Joe." My smile beamed as I stepped into the room.

  "Skylar, what are you doing here?" he asked, glancing up with a mix of surprise and concern twisted into his expression when he noticed Aiden behind me.

  "He dragged me in," I said, shaking my head and pointing over my shoulder.

  "Livingston, what is going on?" Joe lifted his brows.

  "She found a body on the front step of her office. One that is connected to two other cases. I believe she is somehow connected to this."

  "Are you talking about the Dice murders?" Joe asked, tiny wrinkles indenting in his forehead.

  I took a seat and leaned back. The front of the chair tipped, legs lifting off the floor while I listened. Why did I need to be here for this? I wondered.

  "Yes, sir,” Aiden answered as he stepped in front of the desk. “She may know the latest victim. It might be a coincidence that the word ‘sky’ was carved into the victims, and her name being Skylar, but I doubt it." Aiden placed his hands on his hips.

  "Sky.” Joe glanced at me. “Wasn't that one of your nicknames in high school, Skylar?"

  "Yep," I said, leaning back too far, almost falling.

  Aiden caught the chair and pushed it forward.

  I stifled a laughed.

  "Where's Levi?" Joe asked, his eyes shifting toward the door.

  "He's sitting out there with Starry," Aiden said.

  "Good, I want these two under protection.” Joe locked his gaze on Aiden as he scratched his head.

  I leaned forward, slamming the legs back down. "No, way."

  "Skylar, I will not argue with you on this.” Joe placed his hands on his desk. “I promised your uncle I'd look after you two while he is down in the Keys."

  "Only if you allow me in on the case," I said, shaking my head.

  "Making demands like always?" he questioned in a voice that made most people do whatever he said. It had no effect on me; I knew he was a big teddy bear.

  "And I want to be paid as a consultant," I added, meeting his eyes straight on. I was one of the few that could hold his stern gaze. I didn't blink or look away. I knew how to work him.

  He looked away first. "Fine, as long as you agree to protection."

  "I can deal with that." A smug grin pulled at my lips; I loved winning.

  "But sir," Aiden objected, gazing from me to Joe.

  "She's one of the best investigator's I've ever met.” Joe glanced up at him, eyes serious. “As good as you, and besides, she will be an asset to your team."

  I smirked at Aiden as he glowered at me. This hadn't gone the way he wanted, and I loved it.

  "Take her into the squad room and get her up to speed.” Joe leaned back in his chair. “Although I'm sure she's halfway there already."

  "Yes, sir," Aiden said, annoyed.

  We left Joe's office and walked through the station until we reached the squad room.

  "You look cute when you're annoyed," I teased, meaning every word.

  "The chief was right about you," he grumbled.

  "That I'm smart, beautiful, and talented?" I asked in a sweet voice, knowing what he was really going to say.

  "No, that you can be a real headache when you want to be," he said.

  "Careful, Aiden I might think you like me." I laughed as we entered the room. I inhaled the scent of the food as soon as I stepped inside. "Levi, you are a god among cousins." I skipped over and kissed his cheek.

  He handed me a carton and chopsticks. "Here's your fried rice," he said, also handing me a bottle of cream soda.

  "Uncle Joe says hi,” I said, stuffing a mound of rice in my mouth. I had been craving this for hours. “Let's get down to work."

  "Work?" Levi squinted.

  "Yep, Uncle Joe hired us to consult on the case.” I took a swig of the soda.

  "How did you manage it?” He held his hand out. “Wait, don't answer that question. I don't want to know."

  "You can't be serious, Livingston,” Starry protested. “I can't work with a civilian."

  "Afraid I'll show you up, Starry Night?" I grinned mockingly, taking another bite of my rice.

  "It's Detective Starry," she growled as her face turned red.

  "What's your first name anyway?" I swallowed the rice, pressing her even more.

  "It's none of your business," she snapped as her jaw pulsated.

  "You really need to get your panties out of a twist.” I laughed. “Maybe, a massage will help.” I held up my hand. “Oh, no, wait. I know. Sex. Yes, sex will help. Do you have a boyfriend?"

  "Ladies, can we just focus on the case?" Aiden interrupted, shaking his head.

  I smirked and turned toward the front of the room. Starry was so easy to mess with and it would be a shame not to. I glanced up at the board. It had pictures of two people I didn't recognize. I figured they were the first two victims.

  Focusing on my mission, I walked up to the board. Sitting on top of the nearest table to the front of the room. Aiden and Starry began whispering back and forth. I knew they were probably talking about me, but I let it slide.

  There were a couple of photos of the bodies. They looked to be poised the same as the one I found. There were names under the photos that looked to be from the DMV. The names didn't seem familiar either. I took at the statistics and things written in the files. The bodies were found at seemingly random places. I needed to be in my den to think better. I ate my Chinese and drank my soda as I stared at the pieces of the puzzle, trying to put them together.

  "Coming up with anything?" Aiden asked, interrupting my thoughts. "We got an ID on the body from tonight. His name is Calvin Sales. Married, but there are divorce proceedings. Looks like they have separate addresses. Wife's name Britney Sales. I will want to talk to her. Here's a picture of him." He held out his hand, offering me the file.

  I took it from him and flipped through it. Calvin looked familiar. "Let's talk to her in the morning. I want to know what I know first. I don't think I’m familiar with any of them except for this Calvin guy. Take me to my den," I said, hopping down from the table.

  "Your what?" he asked, lifting his brows. "We need to talk to the wife."

  "My ‘den’ or you can call it an office if you want to be boring," I said, tapping my foot impatiently. "She can wait until morning." br />
  "You agreed to be under my protection so I can’t leave you there. Besides, I want to talk to the wife sooner rather than later," he said.

  "We shouldn’t question her until we know more,” I argued. “I want to remember where I know this guy from first. As for the protection thing, you will be with me. I assume you know how to shoot that thing." I nodded toward his gun.

  "Of course I do." His expression twisted, taking offense to my words.

  "Well, then let's go," I said.

  "Why?" he asked.

  "This room is rather uninspiring." I walked toward the door, throwing my empty container in the trash. I gave him no choice but to follow me.

  "Starry, why don't you head on home. I'll stay with these two," Aiden said, finally giving in. Dealing with me was a losing battle.

  "As long as I don't have to be around her anymore," she grumbled the words. Then she turned and walked out the door, mumbling something under her breath.

  "Skylar, you really shouldn't aggravate her," Levi said as he shook his head.

  "It's her choice to be aggravated.” I rolled my eyes. “She probably just needs to get laid.”

  "You shouldn't say things like that either.”

  "Why? It's the truth." I sighed. Why couldn’t I just say what I was thinking? Levi was always correcting me.

  "Never mind," he exhaled.

  I just shrugged it off.

  As soon as we stepped foot outside the door, I called shotgun.

  "What?" Aiden turned to me, squinting.

  "I was calling shotgun before Levi could. I don't want to sit in the back again," I said, thinking that he really needed to get a clue. Maybe he wasn't that cute if he was this dumb. Nah, that wasn’t it. He was just uneducated in the ways of fun. Right then, I decided I was going to have to teach him how to enjoy himself a little.

  "I think I need a translator just to talk to you," Aiden said, shaking his head.

  "I'm lucky I grew up with this." Levi chuckled as he walked beside us.

  I ignored them as thoughts flew through my head. The answer to the mystery was in my head somewhere. All I had to do was unlock it. This wasn’t something to worry about, things like this usually came to me eventually. Once we got back to the den, we went into the back door since the front was still considered a crime scene. When I walked through the door, I went straight to the bathroom, closed the door, and turned on the shower. Then I jumped in, determined to get Billy’s stench off of me. Luckily, I always kept clothes here. Actually, Levi did. I always forgot about stuff like that.