Peak of Desire Ch. 12

Of course she was aware that Mia and Cody had known each other for quite some time, but Erica still couldn't stand the fact that Mia was accepted and liked by his mother and sister. Couldn't they see her for what she was?

It wasn't only Mia's hateful attitude that bothered her, but Erica also got the strong feeling that there wasn't something quite right about the woman. There was something sneaky about her, and every time Erica was in close proximity with her, she began to feel very uncomfortable.

To say that Mia was unstable would be putting it nicely, because Erica had a feeling that she was batshit crazy. She hadn't yet done anything to completely confirm Erica's suspicions, but she guessed it was only a matter of time before something happened to prove her right.

Releasing an irritated sign beneath her breath, she continued to watch Noelle and Mia talk, feeling not only incredibly out of place, but also sad. She was Cody's girlfriend, so what sense did it make for her to feel like an outsider? It just didn't seem fair or right, and if Mia thought she was going to drive a wedge between her and Cody, she had another thing coming.

Catching movement from out of the corner of her eyes, she averted her gaze from Mia, and realized that Cody's mother was waving her over. As she reached Cody's bedside, Helen offered a look of concern.

"Why are you sitting all by yourself? You look so sad and lonely."

She gave a little shrug. "I noticed you and Cody were talking, so I thought I'd give you some privacy."

"There was nothing private about it, we were just discussing old times. Right, Cody?" She patted him on the hand.

"Yep."

Helen's eyes shifted from her son to Erica, then she suddenly got to her feet and said, "I'm gonna take a restroom break. Keep Cody company while I'm gone." She offered Erica a little smile, then headed for the door.

Laying her palm on his chest, Erica gently caressed it. "Your mom's really nice."

"Yeah, she's awesome. She seems to like you, too."

"Really? What did she say?"

"She said you seem like a lovely girl, and that she thinks we make a good match."

Her face visibly brightened. "That's kind of her to say."

"Mom is always right, so if she says we make a good couple, then it must be."

"I never doubted that we did. Did you?"

"Of course not."

Erica leaned down to press her lips against his forehead, then tenderly brushed noses with him. She was just pulling away when he made a request.

"How about one on the lips?"

Feeling a bit self conscious about Cody's sister being only a few feet away, she hesitated. Yet the power of his stare and the temptation of his lips proved to be too strong to resist. She joined her mouth with his in a tender peck, then pulled away.

"That was too quick. Give me another."

"Cody, your sister." She cocked an eyebrow, briefly darting her eyes in the direction of Noelle."

"So what? She knows I kiss."

A smile tugged at her lips, then she once again sealed her lips to his. It'd been her intention that the second kiss they shared would also be brief, but the sensual power he wielded over her caused her lips to linger over his for a little longer than she'd planned.

"Hey you two, get a room!" Noelle jokingly called out.

As Erica abruptly pulled her lips from Cody's, he said, "We do have a room."

Noelle gave a light chuckle in response. Mia, however, seemed anything but amused by the loving moment that Erica and Cody had shared. The look she gave Erica was nothing less of complete animosity, and her hazel eyes had narrowed to near slits. Offering Mia a brief glance, Erica curled her lips into a pleased smile, then directed her attention back to Cody.

She reached into her purse, and after grabbing hold of a square shaped object, lifted it up for him to see. "I thought you might like to listen to some music, so I brought you an iPod."

Rudely interjecting, Mia said, "You do know his arms are paralyzed, right?"

She whipped her head around, and addressing Mia in a sharp tone of voice, said, "It's incomplete paralysis, which means he can still use his hands." Then she looked back at her boyfriend. "Right, Cody?"

"Yep. I appreciate you bringing the iPod, but you didn't have to go out and buy one."

"I didn't. My mom bought it for me awhile back, but I already have an mp3 player that I use, so this one's just been sitting around collecting dust."

"Well thanks, I appreciate it."

"No problem."

Clearly irritated that her attempt to embarrass Erica had failed, Mia promptly shifted her attention from the couple, choosing instead to continue her conversation with Noelle.

Happy to have Mia's attention off them, Erica turned on the iPod and started flipping through the menu. "I created a playlist for you. Just a couple of albums I thought you might like." She scrolled through the list so Cody could have a look at them.

"These are all bands I love. How'd you know my taste in music?"

"The first day I came to your house, I took a peek at your CD collection."

"And you remembered what I liked, huh?"

"Yep."

"Cool. Well thanks again, it'll be nice to have some tunes."

"You're welcome, sweetie." She placed her hand over his, caressing it with her palm. "Have you been able to move your legs at all yet?"

"No, not even a little."

"It's only the second day after surgery. I'm sure with a bit more time, you'll get your mobility back."

"Yeah, maybe."

"You still have sensation in your limbs, though. So that's good."

"Yeah, I'm real lucky." His voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Realizing he didn't like discussing his lack of mobility, Erica decided to change the subject. "Bet it'll be good to get back home, huh? You can sleep in your own bed, and you won't have to eat hospital food anymore."

"I won't be able to sleep in my bed. It's on the second floor, remember?"

"Oh yeah, that's right."

Glancing off into the distance, a faraway look came into his eyes. "I won't be able to do anything like I used to. I won't be able to get up to my bedroom, I won't be able to cook or use the bathroom on my own...." His voice trailed off and a look of dismay came into his eyes. "I'll be completely helpless. I won't be able to do the simplest things."

Realizing he was slipping into a dark place, she did her best to boost his mood. I'll be there to help you. So will your mom and sister. You'll have all our support."

"Exactly, I'll have to depend on other people to do everything for me."

"Only for awhile. You'll get your independence back."

Taking no notice of the words she'd spoken, Cody continued to talk. "I won't be able to wash windows anymore, either. What the hell am I gonna do for work? And rock climbing...I won't ever be able to do that again." A look of intense sadness crossed his face. "My life is gonna be horrible."

"No it won't. Honey, you have to stop talking like that. You have to believe that you will walk again."

"So what if I do believe and it doesn't happen? Then what?" He gave her a hard stare.

Uncertain of just how to respond, she said, "Just try to focus on the positive."

"That's easy for you to say, you're not the one who's paralyzed."

Deeply distressed by the swift change in his mood, she could only sadly look back at him. She was unsure of what to do or say, and as Noelle joined her at Cody's bedside, she saw the other woman give her a faint smile.

Noelle didn't have to speak a word for Erica to understand that Cody's sister felt badly about the sudden tension that had risen between her and Cody.

Reaching out to take hold of her brother's hand, she said, "Listen, I know this isn't easy for you. You're the one lying in that bed, so of course we don't fully understand all that you're going through. But you've gotta realize that getting angry and lashing out isn't going to solve anything. All it will do is push people away from you, and I know you don't want that."

"What I want is for people to cut the bullshit and stop trying to make it seem as if everything will be okay."

"So what should we do? Just accept you'll be paralyzed forever?" She shook her head. "No way, I refuse to do that. When I say I believe that you'll walk again, I really mean it. Whether it's weeks, months, or years from now, I don't know. But in my heart, I know it's gonna happen."

He emitted a deep sign, briefly averted his eyes from Noelle's, then looked back at her. "I'm trying to be positive, I really am, but it's hard to do when everything's so screwed up."

"I know, Cody, I know. But you've never backed down to any challenge before, so why would you start now?"

A thoughtful expression came onto his face, but he said nothing in response, only silently stared back at his sister.

"See, you can't even answer the question. So you know you can get through this."

"Yeah, I guess."

"You guess? That doesn't sound like the Cody I know."

"Maybe that's because I'm not the same Cody. Getting stabbed in the back kinda tends to change a person."

The expression on Noelle's face conveyed that she was trying her best to remain positive, but her brother's somber mood was clearly making it difficult for her to continue the positive encouragement.

"We aren't giving up on you, Cody. Just know that." She released his hand and retook her seat next to Mia.

Glancing at her watch, Erica saw she only had half an hour left before she was due at the bookstore, so she leaned in to give Cody a peck on the lips. "I have to go to work now, but I'll stop by later tonight, okay?"

"You don't have to come out for a second visit. You can always see me tomorrow."

"I don't feel like waiting until tomorrow. I wanna see you again tonight." She allowed a moment to pass, waiting for him to speak, but when he didn't, she posed a question. "Do you not want to see me, or what?"

"No, it's not that."

"Then what is it?"

"I just don't want you to feel like you're obligated."

"Why would I feel obligated? You're my boyfriend, and I care about you."

"It takes half an hour to drive here from your place, which means that coming and going makes an hour of travel time."

"I don't care how long it takes. I'm stopping by tonight," she said in a firm tone of voice. "Allright?"

He nodded.

"I should be by around eight. See you then, okay?"

"Yep."

She leaned in to give him a peck on the lips, then leaned back a few inches so they could make eye contact. Then looking him straight in the eyes, she said, "I'm in this for long haul. Whatever path you go down, I'm going along with you."

He gave a slight nod, but the look in his eyes told her there was still some doubt in his mind. It made her heart ache to see his lack of belief in her, but of course she was fully aware that the road they were taking would be anything but easy. Yet despite this fact she knew she would do everything in her power to keep them together.

* * * *

Three days after filing the police report, Erica was contacted by the detective who was handling Cody's case. Upon arrival at the police station, she checked in at the front desk, and after giving her name and the purpose of her visit, her message was relayed to the detective. She took a seat on one of the uncomfortable wooden benches while waiting, watching as cops brought handcuffed suspects into the building.

A large bulletin board on the far right wall was filled with missing persons flyers, and photos of retired officers hung on the opposite wall. The scent of pine sol mingled with the rich smell of coffee, creating a fragrance which was mildly unpleasant. After what seemed like forever, she caught sight of the detective, who gave her a smile in greeting.

"Thanks for coming in, Erica."

Detective Hanson's hair was golden blonde, worn in a slicked back style which emphasized his receding hairline, and his bushy mustache, which was in need of a trim, reminded Erica of the thick, bristly whiskers of a walrus.

"No problem," she said, offering a weak smile.

"Follow me." He turned on his heel and led her down the hallway.

As they reached his office he gestured for her to enter first, then followed behind her and took a seat in a creaky wooden chair with wheels. Clasping his palms, he allowed them to rest on the surface of his desk. "So, last time we spoke, I told you we brought Natalie in for questioning.

She nodded. "You also told me that she gave you a lot of information about her husband, but that you hadn't found him yet." She gave a brief pause. "Please tell me you guys were able to locate him."

He gave a deep sign. "We *were* able to locate the suspect, and we did make an arrest. His name is Richard Hewson. The bad news is, we won't be able to charge him with anything more than aggravated battery."

"That's it? Why not attempted murder?"

"The injuries your boyfriend sustained aren't life threatening, so we're filing a lesser charge."

"But you heard the voicemail with your own ears. He threatened Cody's life."

"That's still not enough."

"What about the fact that's he paralyzed? Shouldn't that increase the severity of the charges?"

"Yes, but even still, if he does get convicted, he most likely won't get anymore than six months to a year."

She gave him a look of utter disbelief. "You're kidding me, right?"

He shook his head. "That's if he does serve time."

"There's a possibility he might not? He stabbed and paralyzed my boyfriend. Cody could have died, and you're telling me this nutcase might walk free?"

"I know it's hard to believe, but there's two reasons why we may not be able to convict him. One, we don't have enough evidence connecting him to the crime scene. And two, you haven't been able to provide us with a detailed description of him."

"I told you, it was dark in the apartment and he ran out the door. I didn't have time to see much of anything."

"I understand that. But we need more than just a general description. Tall, Caucasian and heavyset male doesn't help us narrow things down."

"Did you interview any of the neighbors? Maybe somebody got a good look at him."

"We did speak with the neighbors, and one of them did report a suspicious looking man entering the building just before nine p.m. The description she gave us fits Richard's body type."

"There you go, you've got another witness."

"But she wasn't able to give a description of his face."

"Alright, so there isn't a facial description. But there must be a surveillance camera at that door. Why don't you guys study the tape to see if you can get a look at his face?"

"We already did that, but the hood he was wearing obscured his face."

"You refer to this guy as if you're certain that he's guilty." Erica cast her eyes intently on Detective Hanson.

"I am certain. But I can't prosecute the guy, I can only investigate."

She blew out a breath of exasperation. "Have you guys located the knife yet?"

"Yes. But there weren't any fingerprints on it. Anybody with half a brain would obviously either wear gloves, or wipe off the prints."

"What about that search you did in Cody's apartment? Did you find any of this guys DNA?"

He shook his head.

"Nothing? Not any fingerprints, or even a hair from his head?"

"He was most likely wearing gloves, and we weren't able to locate one strand of his hair. We did, however find his footprints outside of the apartment security door."

"You've got footprints, a threatening phone call, two witnesses tying him to the scene, and you're telling me that isn't enough to convict him?"

"We have to prove it was him beyond a reasonable doubt. There's very little evidence that ties him to the stabbing, and the fact that there's no DNA linking him to the crime will make it easier for his lawyer to get him off.

"So basically you're telling me he'll most likely get off scott free."

"At this moment, yes, it does look this way."

"I don't believe this." Releasing a heavy sigh, she raked her fingers through her hair. "So what happens if this guy comes after Cody again?"

"If you're really feeling uneasy about this, then I strongly urge you to contact the police. They'll protect your boyfriend."

"Somehow I doubt that."

"Look, I know how frustrating this must be for you, but you've gotta understand that we're doing our best."

"Really? Because it doesn't seem like that at all."

"Hey, I know it's difficult to know that this scumbag may walk free, but in order to bring a maximum charge against him, we have to leave no question that he was the one who did it. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is."

"Feeling irritation rise inside of her, she abruptly got to her feet. "Right. Well if that's it, then I'll be on my way."

"We have him in custody, Ms. Matthews. I think that's worth something."

"You're right, it is. But you need to keep him in custody, not allow him to walk free." She turned on her heel, then headed for the door.

"We'll try our best. That's my promise to you. But either way, we'll let you know what happens," he called out after her.

She paused at the door, gave a weak nod, and then headed out into the lobby.

* * * *

The sound of a ringtone woke Erica from sleep, and after rolling onto her side to grab her cell phone off the bedside table, she hit the call answer button.

"Hello?" She spoke sleepily into the receiver.

"Ms. Matthews?"

Instantly recognizing the voice, she rose from her reclining position. It had been four days since she'd last met with the Detective, and was eager to know what was going on.

"Yes, hi Detective Hanson."

"I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Yes, but it's fine." Glancing at the alarm clock, she saw it was a few minutes past nine p.m. "So what's the update?"

"You want the good news or bad news first?"

"Let's start with the good."

"The good news is, we were able to convict Richard. SO he will be spending time behind bars."

"And the bad?"

"He's only getting six months."

"Six months?" She blew out a heavy breath then said, "Unbelievable."

"Yeah, I know. I was hoping he'd get at least a year, but apparently his lawyer was able to negotiate a lower sentence."

"Damnit," she angrily said. "How can he only get six months for stabbing someone? This isn't right at all."

"I know, and if it was up to me, he'd serve a hell of a lot longer than a year. But I don't have the power to make that happen. I'm sorry."

"I'm not blaming you, Detective. I know it isn't your fault. But it really makes me angry knowing that this sick bastard is getting off so easy."

"I understand how you feel. During my years on the force, I've seen all sorts of cases, and it burns me up knowing there are criminals out there who should be sitting in a prison cell. So believe me, I know what you're feeling." He gave a brief pause, during which a sipping noise emitted from his end of the line. Then he once again spoke. "Not that it's any consolation, but it looks like he's been ordered to pay restitution to your boyfriend.

"No amount of money is going to make up for all that Cody has been through."

"Of course it won't. I just thought I'd mention it."

"Okay. Well thanks for the call."

"You're very welcome, Ms. Matthews. And once again, I really am sorry that I couldn't do more."

"You did your best, Detective. I appreciate that."

"No problem, It's what I'm here to do. Take care of yourself, and I hope that your boyfriend will make a full recovery."

"Thanks. Goodbye."

After ending the call, she stared at the display screen for awhile, wondering if she should call Cody and give him the news right away, or wait to tell him in person. Deciding it would be best to inform him right away, she dialed in his number, then taking a deep breath, she brought the receiver up to her ear.

* * * *

After four weeks in the hospital, Cody was finally released. During the time that had passed since surgery, he'd gained motor function in both his arms, but his range of motion was still limited. Other than being able to wiggle his toes, Cody's legs were still nonfunctional, so he'd been fitted for a wheelchair.