The Song Bird
Friday
Station House
Eames and Goren were doing paper work at their desks when Captain Dan Ross bellowed for them.
“Goren….Eames get in here.”
“You think he would say please just once.” Alex stated.
Goren and Eames walked into Ross’s office. ADA Carver and Mike Logan were present.
“Close the door.” Ross ordered.
Bobby closed the door.
“I got a call from the commissioner.” Ross began. “The mayor has a friend who is having problems with a stalker. The mayor wants NYPD to put our best people on it, which is why he called the commissioner who called me to put some of my people on it.”
“This person must be really important or famous for the commissioner to call major case.” Logan stated.
“Well it depends on what your definition of important is. This woman is a night club singer.” Ross said and rolled his eyes.
“A night club singer.” Eames and Logan said with bewilderment.
“She is a very upstanding member of the community and gives very generously to many charities. Matter of fact, she donated $10,000 to the NYPD last year. This woman deserves our help and respect.” Carver said.
“What’s her name?” Bobby asked.
“Melina Madison.” Ross answered.
“I’ve heard of her. The papers claim she is the best in the club singing business.” Eames said.
“Yeah, she sings at that club that opened two years ago. Oh….what is it called…” Logan said as he was trying to remember.
“The Cocobonga.” Alex filled in.
“Yeah. That’s the one.” Logan said as he pointed his finger at her.
“I want the three of you to go down to the club and get a formal statement from her. I also want you three to work a schedule to guard her. I’m going to assign a couple of patrolman to drive by her house every couple of hours, too. She needs to be under constant guard until we catch this loon.” Ross said.
“Don’t you think this is going a bit overboard? She’s a singer, not the President of the United States. Another department should be able to help her. This sounds like a simple stalking, not something that Major Case would normally handle.” Alex stated.
“Normally, I would agree with you Eames, but this is different. Number one, the mayor and the commissioner are on my back about this case. The commissioner ordered me to put my best people on it. Number two, this guy isn’t just a crazed fan. From his letters, phone calls, and other actions this guy means this lady harm.” Ross said.
“What do you mean other actions?” Bobby asked.
“He broke into her penthouse once already.” Ross answered.
“Did he take anything? Did he hurt anybody?” Eames asked.
“Well….”Ross trailed off.
“He went into Ms. Madison’s bedroom and rifled through her lingerie drawers. He took a couple of pairs of panties, three nightgowns, two pairs of stockings, couple of bras, and ejaculated on her bedspread. He used a publicity photo of her for inspiration. He left it on the bed when he was finished.” Carver answered.
“Ewww.” Eames said with disgust.
“Great, a perverted stalker.” Logan said with repugnance.
“Maybe we can get a lead from the guy’s semen. Have you had it analyzed yet?” Bobby asked.
“Olivia Benson from SVU is running it for us. She was willing to help us out.” Ross answered. “She’ll call Alex if she finds out anything.”
“When did this bedroom incident happen?” Logan asked.
“Three days ago. I don’t think she was taking these threats seriously until that happened.” Carver said.
“Well, I guess we better go talk to her and start protecting her before this freak does something more drastic.” Logan stated.
“A patrolman is at the club guarding her now. He’s been with her for the past three days. I want one of you to relieve him tonight. Work the rest of the schedule out for yourselves, just don’t leave her alone at anytime.” Ross said.
“Yes sir.” Alex said.
“I spoke with Ms. Madison an hour ago. She will be expecting you.” Carver said.
The three detectives left the office.
Cocobonga Club
Logan, Goren, and Eames walked into the elaborate club. Everyone was dressed in semi-formal attire, the waiters wore black bow ties, black pants, and white long sleeved shirts. The waitresses wore black skirts, which cut off slightly above their knees with white blouses. There was a large stage where the band was playing. The group was playing a slow jazz melody. Beyond the stage was a medium size dance floor where seven couples were slow dancing. All of the tables were covered with white tablecloths and a vase with one white rose as the centerpiece.
“Pretty classy place.” Eames commented.
“Good evening, my I help you?” the hostess asked with a large smile.
“Yes, we are here to see Melina Madison.” Logan answered.
The hostess giggled and said, “Of course you are. Everyone is here to see Melina.”
“We’re not fans, this is official police business.” Alex said and showed the hostess her badge.
“Oh yes, Melina said some detectives would be coming by to speak with her. She is about to perform her next set, but she told me to get you a table and make sure you were comfortable. Please follow me.” the hostess said.
The hostess walked the three detectives to an oval shaped booth next to a tinted window that looked out on the street.
“How about this table? It has a view of the street and a wonderful view of the stage.” the hostess said.
“This is fine.” Alex said with annoyance and slid into the booth.
“Would you like anything to drink or eat?” the hostess asked.
“No we’re on duty.” Alex answered.
“I wouldn’t mind a Coke.” Logan said.
“Yeah, I would like a glass of water please.” Bobby stated and sat down on the end of the booth.
Logan sat down on the other side of Eames.
“Coming right up.” the hostess said and walked away.
“Alright Eames, I can practically see the steam rising off of you. What is the matter?” Logan asked with a hint of annoyance.
“For a woman who is afraid for her safety, she has no problem performing and making us wait here like we are her gofers. People are dying in the streets that really need are help. I can’t believe the Captain pulled us to baby-sit this wannabe.” Eames answered.
“She has to work like everyone else. Maybe she couldn’t cancel her shows.” Logan said.
“Yeah Eames, you are judging this woman without even meeting her, yet.” Goren said.
“I saw a picture of her in the paper. Trust me, she is a showbiz diva. I bet she is going to drag us to every store and mall in New York asking us to hold her purse while she goes and try something on. I’m telling you guys she is going to be a real pain in the ass.” Alex retorted. “I hope we can get this solved quickly and get back to solving real crimes.”
Logan rolled his eyes and shook his head at Alex’s comments. Bobby wasn’t surprised at Alex’s attitude. He could tell in Ross’s office that she didn’t want to be bothered with this case. Alex also mentioned in the car that she did not like being used to uplift elected officials status in the political arena.
“Hi, who had the Coke?” a waitress asked with a smile.
“Me.” Logan said as he raised one finger in the air.
“I had the water.” Bobby said.
The waitress sat the drinks down with small napkins.
“Thank you.” Bobby said.
The waitress smiled and walked away.
Logan took a sip of his soda and looked at Goren.
“Well Goren, I know how Eames feel about this case. What are your thoughts? You haven’t said much.” Logan said.
“I’m okay with this assignment. I think it will be interesting. What do you think?” Bobby asked.
“I think it will be interesting, too. Plus, I would like to help this woman. I hate hearing about cases like this. This stalker sounds like a real scum bag.” Logan answered.
The lights became dim.
“I guess the show is about to start.” Alex stated.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. The Cocobonga presents to you the one and only Melina!” the announcer exclaimed.
The entire crowd applauded. The stage went dark. Then a piano began to play. A spotlight slowly appeared on a 5 foot 4 inch mocha skinned woman with jet black hair that was pinned on top of her head. Then she began to sing the song Obvious by Christina Aguilera.
Logan’s eyebrow rose at Melina’s noticeable beauty.
“Damn. This is going to be interesting,” he whispered to Goren and Eames.
Eames shook her head at Logan’s comment.
Bobby didn’t hear a word that Logan said. He was mesmerized by Melina. Logan continued to check out Melina. She was wearing a long white dress with a split on the one side going up to her thigh. Her figure was like a Coke a Cola bottle.
“Now, that’s a body I wouldn’t mind guarding.” Logan murmured.
“Oh for Pete’s sake. She’s just a woman.” Eames whispered.
Once again Bobby did not hear this exchange. All he could hear was the angel that was singing sweet music on the stage. All he could see was Melina. Of course, he noticed her body, but he was more focused on her face. She had dark eyebrows, which matched her dark brown eyes. She was wearing burgundy lipstick that really showed off her full lips.
“Wow.” Bobby whispered.
Eames looked over at him.
Uh oh… not you too Bobby.
Melina finished her song and the audience applauded. A few men whistled with delight. Bobby and Logan clapped with the crowd. Eames was focused on the surroundings and the people in the room.
The band began to play another song; this one was called Reflection by Christina Aguilera.
Bobby found Melina’s voice soothing.
I liked the first song and I like this one, too. It’s like her singing gives insight on who she is and what she is feeling.
Melina’s voice seemed to soothe Bobby’s inner savage beast that arose on occasions.
Melina finished her song and the band smoothly and quickly transitioned to another melody. Melina started to sing I Could Fall In Love by Selena.
Bobby leaned back against the booth. He felt that Melina was singing the song to him and no one else. Logan was becoming enthralled by Melina as well. Eames rested her arms on the table as she watched the performance. Melina’s singing seemed to lull Alex’s anger and annoyance she felt before arriving at the club.
I have to admit she has a beautiful voice. Maybe she isn’t all that bad.
Melina finished her song and the crowd went wild. She got a standing ovation. Even Logan stood up and clapped and whistled for her along with the other men.
“Logan.” Eames said with shock
“What?” Hell, you have to admit she’s good.” Logan said as he sat down.
Alex couldn’t help but smile. When the commotion finally died down Melina spoke.
“Thank you. Thank you so much.” she said in shy tone.
“And thank you for coming to the Cocobonga. This is my last performance for the night, so goodnight and drive safely.” she said with a big smile.
The crowd applauded again as Melina took a bow. Some people stood up and applauded her.
“We love you Melina!” a group of college girls screamed.
Melina smiled and waved to them and left the stage.
Bobby’s stomach instantly knotted up. He sat up in his seat.
Where is she going? He was about to get up to go after her when he felt someone nudging his arm.
“Bobby.” Eames loudly repeated.
“Huh.” Goren said stupefied.
“This is Thomas Warner, the owner.” Eames said.
Goren looked up at the tall man with light brown hair.
“Oh yes, nice to meet you.” Bobby said and shook the man’s hand.
Logan had an amused smirk on his face.
“If you would follow me. I’ll take you to Melina’s dressing room.” Thomas said.
Bobby rose quickly from his seat almost tripping over himself in the process.
Geez Bobby! Alex said to herself with an astonished look on her face.
It took every ounce of control Logan had not to bust out laughing.
Thomas Warner suppressed a smirk and began to guide the way. After a moment he began talking.
“Don’t worry about your bill for the drinks. They’re on the house.” he said.
“Thanks.” Logan said.
“No…. thank you. I’m glad you guys are here. If anything ever happened to Melina I would have a stroke. She’s the one who saved me from going under.” Thomas stated.
“How did she do that?” Alex asked.
“The first two months the club was open it didn’t do very well. I thought I would have to close my doors for good, then my business advisor gave me an idea. Live entertainment with a dance floor. So I hired a band and created a dance floor. It seemed to have worked. Business picked up, but not enough to turn a profit, so after a few weeks I decided to advertise for a singer. Which is how Melina ended up working here, then I hired three back up singers. I got a complete return on my investment in the by the sixth month and then some. She is more than just a singer around here. Melina is also the creative consultant of the Cocobonga. She help me redesign the whole club to make a more positive impression on the customers.” Thomas answered.
“She sounds amazing.” Bobby said in a low tone.
“Oh she is. There’s nothing that girl can’t do when she puts her mind to it. Plus, she is the sweetest and nicest woman you’ll ever meet. You’ll love her. Everybody loves her.” Thomas said.
“Except the stalker that’s after her.” Alex stated.
“I hope you can catch this guy. I’m afraid he’ll end up hurting her and my business. Did you know he threw a rock through my window last week during Melina’s rehearsal. Scarred the hell out of her and the girls.” Thomas said.
“Did you get a look at the guy’s face?” Logan asked.
“Nope. I wasn’t here when it happened. My assistant manager was though. When he heard the crash he ran out front. The guys in the band ran outside to back him up, but by the time they made it outside the guy was gone.” Thomas said.
“Ah here we are.” Thomas said as they approached a door with an officer standing in front of it.
“Hey Broody, how’s it going tonight?” Logan said to the officer.
“Good…Logan. Hey Detective Eames…Goren.” the officer said.
“Hey.” Eames and Goren said in unison.
“I guess you’re here to see the star of the show.” Broody asked.
“We sure are.” Alex answered.
Officer Broody knocked on the dressing room door behind him.
“Yes.” a female voice answered.
“Melina…it’s Tommy and I got the detectives from Major Case with me.” Thomas said.
“Come in.” she said.
Officer Broody opened the door for them.
Thomas was the first one to walk-in.
“Aaahhh, there’s my million dollar baby.” Thomas said as he walked with open arms to the beauty sitting on a stole next to a vanity table.
“Oh Tommy.” Melina said bashfully.
Tommy kissed Melina on the cheek.
Goren, Eames, Logan, and Officer Broody filed into the dressing room. Broody closed the door behind them.
“Well here they are my dear. New York’s finest.” Tommy said.
“About time.” an unknown man in the room replied.
Goren, Broody, Thomas and Logan gave the man an annoyed glare.
“Manning, don’t be rude. I’m sure they came to see me as soon as they could.” Melina said with embarrassment.
“Ms. Madison, I’m Detective Alex Eames and these are my partners Detective Mike Logan and Detective Bobby Goren.” Alex said as she extended her hand.
Melina shook Alex’s hand. Then, Logan shook Melina’s hand.
“Nice to meet you.” Logan said with a smile.
Ooooh…he has a strong hand shake.
Melina smiled back. Then she turned to Bobby to shake his hand.
Hmmm has a more gentle handshake.
“We caught your last performance. You have a lovely voice.” Bobby said as he shook her hand.
“Thank you. I appreciate that.” Melina said bashfully.
“The grouch over in the corner is my agent, Drew Manning.” Melina said pointing to her agent.
“I might be a grouch, but I am the best there is.” Manning said.
“An agent for a night club singer?” Logan asked.
“Well, I do commercials and spots for TV shows.” Melina explained.
“She’s not going to be in this tired old night club forever. Melina has real singing talent. She is going to make it to the big leagues soon.” Manning said.
“Careful you viper.” Thomas said spitefully.
“Boys, please don’t start arguing.” Melina pleaded.
“Maybe we should get to the business at hand.” Alex interrupted.
“Yes please.” Melina said.
“How long has this guy been stalking you?” Alex asked as she pulled out a notepad.
“About three months.” She answered.
“How did it start?” Logan asked.
“First, I started getting these horrible letters in the mail. He used letters from a magazine to make the letters. At first, he would just say things like, you have everything and I have nothing or you think you are better than everyone else, I’ll teach you bitch, and die Melina die. After the first few weeks the letters were getting more horrific, for example describing what he’ll do to me before he kills me. Those letters he wrote in blood. After a month and a half the phone calls started.” Melina explained.
“Phone calls?” Logan inquired.
“Yes, when my maid answers he hangs up, but if I answer he just breathes and moans.” Melina explained and looked down in her lap with embarrassment.
Bobby wanted to comfort her, but he knew that wouldn’t look appropriate.
“What else?” Alex asked.
“That was it for the first ten weeks, then he got more creative.” Melina said.
“You mean the bedroom incident?” Logan asked.
“Yes. I went to Milan for a week or two. While I was gone, my maid only went to the penthouse three times, my mother lives with me, but she is very old and sick so I put her in a temporary rest home while I was gone. When I came back home and went to my bedroom a few drawers were pulled out and the contents were emptied on the floor. Then, I noticed the bed was messed up and of course you know the rest.”
“Don’t forget about my window.” Tommy interjected.
“Oh yes, last week someone shattered the club window with a rock while me and the crew were rehearsing. Tommy thinks it was the stalker.” Melina said.
“I know it was the stalker.” Tommy said.
“How do you know?” Bobby asked.
“The rock he used had a note wrapped around it with a rubber band. My manager gave it to me when he found it.” Tommy answered.
Melina looked at Tommy with shock.
“You never told me that.” Melina stated.
“I didn’t want to upset you more than you already were. You already have to deal with the letters at your house, I didn’t want to cause you anymore stress.” Tommy admitted.
“I understand, Tommy.” Melina said softly.
“Do you still have the letter from the window?” Bobby asked.
“Yeah, it’s in my office.” Tommy answered.
“Did you keep any of the other letters this creep sent you?” Logan asked.
“The first few I didn’t. When I finally caught on to the fact that it wasn’t going to stop, I started saving them. I give them to Tommy to keep, just in case something happens to me.” Melina said in a low tone.
“Nothing is going to happen to you. I’ll make sure of that.” Bobby said sympathetically.
“I have those letters in my office, too.” Tommy said.
“Ms. Madison, the three of us will be guarding you for now on. We will be doing it in shifts.” Alex stated.
“Well, I guess that’s my cue to leave.” Broody said.
“It’s been a pleasure Ms. Madison. I’m sure going to miss you.” Broody said as he extended his hand to her.
She reached out and took his hand. Bobby noticed how graceful her movements were.
“Thank you for all your help, Broody. I am going to miss you, too. Now, go home and see your wife and baby.” Melina said with a grin.
“Yes ma’am.” Broody said with a smile and left the room.
“Okay guys, I’ll take the first turn. I’ll stay with you tonight and one of the other detectives will relieve me in the morning.” Alex said.
“Sounds good to me.” Logan said.
Bobby listened to what was going on, but he was focused on Melina. He was watching her movements, like, the way her chest would rise and fall as she breathed, the way she used her right hand to brush her hair from her eyes, and the way she looked at him.
Melina noticed Goren’s intense staring and began to blush with embarrassment.
Good grief! Look at this joker. He acts like he has never seen a woman before. Hell, for all we know he could be the stalker. I got a bad feeling about him. He looks like he got a couple of screws loose himself. Manning said to himself.
“Since we are here lets see those letters Mr. Warner. Plus, I want to question anybody that was here during the window incident.” Logan said.
“Okay follow me.” Tommy said. “See you tomorrow night sweetie.”
“Okay.” Melina said.
“So, where do we have to go from here?” Alex asked.
“Just home.” Melina answered.
“Can I come along? I would like to look at the crime scene there.” Bobby asked.
“Sure, It will only take me a couple of minutes to change.” Melina said as she turned around to her mirror and began to take her make up off.
“With that said, I’ll take my leave. Later M. Keep me posted.” Manning said.
“Later Manning.” Melina said as she finished wiping her face with a damp cotton ball.
Manning left the dressing room. Melina started to reach behind her to unzip her dress when she noticed that Bobby was still in the room. She could see him watching her in the mirror. Melina flushed with embarrassment.
“Bobby?” Alex inquired.
“Yeah.” he answered.
“She’s trying to change her clothes.” Alex stated.
“Oh right…sorry…I-I’ll just wait outside the door.” Bobby stuttered.
“That’s a good idea.” Alex said with a smirk.
Bobby closed the door behind him.
“I’m sorry about that.” Alex stated.
“About what?” Melina asked naively.
“Um….nevermind. You need help with that zipper?” Alex asked walking closer toward her.
“Yes, thank you.” Melina answered.
Ten minutes later, Eames and Melina emerged from the dressing room.
“Okay, we are ready.” Melina announced.
“Alright, lets go.” Bobby said.
Eames was driving a large black SUV. Bobby was sitting in the passenger seat and Melina was in the back seat. Logan said he was going to question witnesses and take a cab back to the station. Melina looked down at her watch.
“Hmmm it’s only a few minutes after ten. I’m getting home early tonight.” She stated.
“Early?” Alex asked with confusion.
“Yes, I don’t usually get out of the club until one o’clock sometimes later. I usually do about three or four sets. Tommy let me off early tonight because of the stalker thing.” Melina explained.
“How many nights do you work a week?” Alex asked as she glanced in the rearview mirror to get into the left lane.
“I work Friday and Saturday nights between seven to whenever. Depending on how long it takes for me to get me sets done. I also perform one day during a regular work week. Wednesday, Thursday, or Tuesday, whichever day Tommy needs me. Tommy is pretty flexible when it comes to my schedule.” Melina said.
“I guess that’s one of the perks of being the star, huh?” Bobby asked.
“I suppose.” Melina said sheepishly.
“You’re not originally from New York, are you?” Bobby asked.
“No. How could you tell?” she asked.
“I can hear a little bit of a southern accent in your voice.” Bobby answered.
Melina laughed.
“Guilty as charged. I was born and raised in Virginia. I moved to New York ten years ago.” Melina said.
“That’s a drastic change.” Alex stated.
“Yes, it was.” Melina said. “Here’s the turn to the parking garage detective.”
Eames made a left turn into the parking ramp and slowed down to stop at the parking booth.
A security guard opened the window of the parking booth.
“Parking pass proof, please.” he requested.
Melina pressed a button to roll down the window.
“Stan, it’s me. They are my guests.” Melina said.
“Oh good evening Ms. Madison.” the security guard said with a smile and pulled a lever to raise the barricade.”
“Thanks Stan and have a good night.” she said.
“Thank you Ms. Madison, you do the same.” Stan said as they pulled off.
“Drive to the seventh floor detective, my parking spaces are up there.” Melina instructed.
“You don’t own a car?” Bobby asked.
“Yes, I have a four door Honda Accord, but I hardly ever drive it. It seems easier to just take a cab or a bus. When I bought my penthouse two parking spaces came with it so I always have one open.” Melina answered. “You’ll want space number 779 Detective Eames.”
Eames saw her target parking space and pulled into it. They were parked next to Melina’s Honda Accord. Bobby took note of the color and model. They got out of the SUV. Bobby walked over to the Honda.
“Silver…that’s a nice color.” Bobby said.
“Thank you.” Melina said.
“Special edition….2004?” Bobby asked.
“Yes…it is.” she answered.
They walked to a red door that said seventh floor. Melina swiped her security card and the door opened. They were in a long hallway. The walls were a soft yellow with a beige carpet. Then, they approached a double door with a peephole in one of them and under it said the numbers 779.
“Here we are.” Melina announced and opened the door with a key.
She walked over to the side of the door and switched on a light.
Eames let out a slow whistle.
“This is nice.” Goren said as he looked around the foyer.
“Thanks.” Melina said.
Alex looked at the keypad on the way that was not lit up.
“You don’t use your alarm system?” Alex asked.
“I do when it’s working. It short-circuited some how. That’s how the stalker got in without anyone knowing it.” Melina answered.
“Have you ever had trouble with the system before?” Goren asked.
“Nope.” Melina said.
“Do ya’ll want a drink or something to eat?” she offered.
“No thank you.” Goren said.
They heard barking and jingling. Goren and Eames looked towards the stairs, two yellow labrador retrievers ran down the stairs.
“Hey babies.” Melina said in a high pitch tone.
Melina squatted down to pet her dogs. They were happily sniffing her and wagging their tails.
“Hey.” Goren said softly to the dogs and squatted down to pet them. The lab with the pink collar began to lick Goren in the face.
“Wow, she really took to you. It usually takes her some time to warm up to strangers.” Melina said with surprise.
“Maybe it’s his cologne.” Alex said sarcastically as she watched her partner bond with the dog.
“What are their names?” Bobby asked with a grin as he continued to pet the dog with the pink collar.
“The one that just fell in love with you is Missy. She can be pretty territorial sometimes.” Melina said.
The other dog, who had a blue collar, kept sniffing Alex up and down.
“I take it this is a male dog.” Alex guessed as she watched the dog sniff her.
“Yes, that’s Kojak.” Melina said and stood up.
Melina dropped her duffle bag in the floor of the foyer and placed her purse on a small wooden table.
“Where were the pooches when the stalker broke in?” Alex asked.
“They were at the kennel.” Melina asked. “They wouldn’t have been much help even if they were here. They’re sweet, but they’re not guard dogs. So, are ya’ll ready for the ten cent tour?”
“Sure.” Alex said.
Goren stopped petting the dog and stood up.
“Well as you can see, this is the foyer, over there is the coat closet.” Melina said.
They walked out of the foyer to a short hallway.
“Over here is the living room, down the hall a little ways is the study/den.” Melina said and began to walk towards the right into a room.
The detectives followed her.
She cut on the switch on the wall, which revealed a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a light wood finished floor.
“This is the kitchen…behind that swinging door is the formal dining room.” Melina said as she pointed.
Then, she walked out of the kitchen and led the detectives up the stairs.
“There is a half bath located directly under the staircase.” she said as they were walking up.
The staircase spiraled slightly to the right. When they finished climbing the steps they were looking down a long hallway.
“This door on the right side is a full bathroom. The door directly to the left is a walk in storage closet.” Melina said.
They began to slowly walk down the hallway. Melina stopped and opened a door and cut on the light.
“This is momma’s room. It’s rather plain, but it is how she likes stuff…plain.” Melina said.
The room had light blue walls with white crown moldings. Goren and Eames looked around the room. It contained a full size bed with a dark blue bedspread, a dark cherry chester drawer with a 22-inch TV on top of it, a matching dresser drawer with a mirror, two matching night stands with blue lamps on top of each of them. The bedroom also had a small full bath.
Bobby noticed a line of books on top of the dresser. They were propped up with bookends. Her mother had a hard back book collection of every book that Danielle Steel written.
“Your mom likes to read?” Bobby asked and pointed to the books.
“Oh heavens yes. She loves reading romance novels.” Melina answered and cut the light off and shut the door.
“You said you mom lived with you. Where is she?” Alex asked.
“She is still in the temporary rest home. I thought that would be the best place for considering all this stalker business. I am going to bring her home as soon as I can.” Melina said.
“That’s a good idea. It will keep her out of harm’s way.” Alex commented.
They walked a few more steps.
“Over to the left is a guest bedroom with a full bathroom and this door on the right is the room I sleep in now.” Melina said and opened the door and cut on the light.
Eames and Goren peeked in.
“What do you mean, sleep in now?” Alex asked.
“Since the stalker went into my original bedroom, I can’t bring myself to sleep in there right now. But, I still keep my clothes and jewelry in there, and I still use the bathroom in there, too.” Melina said.
“That’s understandable.” Alex commented.
“Is that the master bedroom?” Goren asked as he pointed to two double doors at the end of the hallway.
“Yes.” she answered.
“Do you mind if I….uh?” Bobby trailed off as he pointed at the door.
“Oh yes please feel free.” Melina said catching his drift.
Goren proceeded toward the double doors. The dogs were watching them in the hallway.
“Ya’ll feel free to look around. I’m going downstairs to feed the dogs their nightly snack. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Melina said as she cut out her bedroom light and closed the door.
“Okay.” Alex said.