Spectrum (Stone Society #14) - Faith Gibson Page 0,22
to raise the bed a little so you can talk to Officer Dowd, okay?”
Once Stella was in a seated position, she turned to the cop. “I’m ready.”
“Miss Bentley, do you know who did this to you?”
“No. He was large, about Zeke’s size, but his hair was dark, and he had a scar running down his left cheek.”
“Can you walk us through what happened?” The officer held a tablet in front of her, ready to take notes.
“I was driving home from the grocery store. I went the back way because…” Stella glanced over at Zeke.
“What is it? Did you remember something?” Zeke sat next to her and took her hand.
“I usually shop at the Farm Fresh Market, but I didn’t want to drive that far, so I stopped at a store closer to my house. Bradley was there, and I didn’t want to talk to him, so I left and went to Farm Fresh anyway. I was still a little shaken from seeing my boss, so I drove the long way home because it’s all back roads, and the scenery is nicer. A truck drove up behind me and crossed the double yellow line. I thought he was going to pass, but instead, he rammed into my car. He hit me a couple times, and I spun out. The man pulled me out of my car and hit me until I blacked out.”
As Stella spoke, Zeke had to calm his beast. Hearing Bradley had been in the same store didn’t sit well with Zeke, and he figured there was more to the story.
“Did the man say anything to you while he was hitting you?”
“No. I have no idea why he attacked me.”
“Miss Bentley, why didn’t you want to speak to your boss? Do you not have a good relationship with him?” Officer Dowd’s partner asked.
“I went out with him about a year ago, and ever since, he’s tried to get me to go out with him again. He sends flowers and calls on the weekend. He disrupts my class. I’ve told him I’m not interested over and over, but he won’t take no for an answer.”
“If you have a fiancé, shouldn’t that give him the hint you aren’t interested?” Office Dowd asked.
Zeke didn’t want Stella to have to lie, so he answered for her. “Our engagement is new.”
Stella grinned at Zeke, squeezing his hand.
“Is this true, Miss Bentley?” Officer Dowd was watching them closely.
“It is. We haven’t even told my mother. We were going to announce our engagement when we took her to supper next week. It’s why I’m not wearing my ring.” It was all Zeke could do to keep a straight face. Either Stella had grasped what he said to her during the night, or she had some amazing psychic abilities. As for Sheila, she crossed her arms over her chest but didn’t dispute her daughter.
“The forensic specialist was able to get skin from under your fingernails. It’s being run through the various databases. Hopefully, your assailant has priors and is in the system. This isn’t like television where results are instantaneous. This could take up to a week if not longer.”
“And if he isn’t in the system?” Zeke asked.
“We’ll find him. I’m going to go back to Farm Fresh and ask to see their security feed. Hopefully, he followed Stella from the store and his truck was caught on camera. Miss Bentley, what kind of car does your boss drive?”
“A black Mercedes. Why?”
“Just covering all my bases. Your fiancé has my card. If you can think of anything else, please give me a call.”
Stella nodded, her eyes drooping. But still, she smiled at Zeke and mouthed, “Fiancé?”
Zeke grinned back and shrugged. He leaned over and whispered, “It was the only way the nurse would let me in last night. Did you hear me talking to you last night?”
“I thought I was dreaming.”
“Stella,” Sheila started, so Zeke sat up. When Stella turned toward her mother, Sheila’s eyes were filled with tears. “Why didn’t you tell me how bad things were with Bradley?”
“I didn’t want you to worry.”
“It looks like I have good reason to.”
“Not anymore, you don’t.” Zeke’s phone pinged. “Excuse me.” When he checked the message, it was from Cyrus. Zeke had forgotten about his brother, and he felt like shit for it. “I need to call my brother. I’m going to step out in the hall for a second.” Zeke stood, then leaned over and softly kissed Stella on the lips. “I’ll be right back.”