Peak of Desire Ch. 15

"So how'd you guys find out it was her?"

"We located the knife she used in the stabbing."

"Wait a minute, I thought you guys found the weapon weeks ago," said Cody.

"We did locate *a* knife, but it wasn't the one she stabbed you with."

"So why did you say that it was?"

"Because that's what we were sure of at the time. Now we know that the blade she actually used, is the one she took home with her. The knife we found at the scene was put there by her to throw us off."

"But why would she switch knives? Why not just leave no weapon behind, wouldn't that make more sense?" Erica asked.

"She probably figured that leaving a knife at the crime scene would make Richard's arrest more likely. Remember, it was her intent to frame him, so she had to leave behind something that would appear as evidence." He leaned forward slightly in his chair, then clasped his hands on his desk.

"How did you guys figure out that the knife at the scene wasn't the one that she used?" Cody asked.

"According to Mia's apartment manager, a maintenance man entered while she wasn't at home and discovered a bloody knife in the air conditioning duct. Apparently she'd been bugging the manager for five months to get it fixed. Guess she forgot, because choosing that hiding place was the worst decision she could have ever made."

"So basically she screwed herself," Erica said.

"Pretty much. And not only that, but it seems that during the time when the maintenance man was in her apartment, she was out vandalizing your car."

"So on the very same day she smashed my windshield, the maintenance man found the knife in her apartment."

"Yes."

"Wow. I guess if she'd just stayed home, that knife would have never been found."

"Most likely not."

"All that trouble she went through to disguise herself, and she ends up slipping up on something so major." Cody's lips curled into a pleased smile and he said, "Fantastic, I love it."

Erica grabbed his hand, then gave it a little squeeze to signify her own feelings of satisfaction. Since they'd both endured emotional and physical pain at the hands of Mia, it was clear that this news of her downfall was a huge weight off their shoulders.

To say they were feeling jubilant would be an understatement, and their eyes briefly met to wordlessly communicate their relief at hearing the news. Glancing back at the detective, Cody posed a question.

"What I can't figure out is, why did she keep the knife? And not only that, but why didn't she at least wash it off? She must have known that blood would be incriminating."

"Of course she did. I spent half an hour interviewing the woman, and she seems to be anything but stupid. Artfully cunning is how I'd describe her. Clearly she'd have to be a master at concealment if she managed to keep you in the dark for nine whole years."

A look of embarrassment came over Cody's face and he briefly averted his eyes before answering the investigator. "Yeah, well, that was a major oversight on my part. Guess you could say I missed a lot of red flags."

"That statement wasn't meant as an insult to you, Mr. Begay. I merely said it to give you an idea of just how good she was at disguising her true nature. It's one of the classic traits of a psychopath, and I'm sure she did it to many other people besides yourself."

"So why *do* you think she kept the knife?" Erica asked.

"Probably as a memento."

"How sick," Erica said.

"Yes it is, but that's the type of mind state she has. No regrets, blunted emotional responses...it's all very customary for someone like her."

Detective Hanson retrieved a yellow case file from a stack on his desk, and after placing it in front of him, he tapped his fingers against it a few times. Then he looked Cody directly in the eyes.

"There's a transcript in here of Mia's interview with the other investigating officers. A few things in here are quite distressing, but I know you're probably struggling to comprehend how she could do such a thing to you. So if you'd like a bit more insight, I can share some bits of the interview."

"I'd really appreciate that," Cody said.

He flipped through the pages of the case for a few moments, and upon locating the sheet of paper he was searching for, the investigator began to speak.

"I know you were wondering why she didn't wash the evidence off the knife. Well, it seems that her tongue print was left on the blade she stabbed you with."

"You're joking, right?" A look of horror came over Cody's face.

"I wish I were, but it's the truth. Now, obviously you know what that means, but I'll still read the statement she gave regarding this. What she said was, and I quote her on this: 'Yeah, I licked his blood off the knife. But I did it out of love. Having someone else's blood inside you is the most intimate act there is, and I saw no other way of achieving the affection I so badly wanted him to give me.'

Erica cupped her hand over her mouth, then released a muffled, "Oh my God."

"Yes, I know. It's quite disturbing," said the Detective.

Too stunned to talk, Cody in silence with his brows deeply furrowed.

"So let me get this straight," said Erica. The reason she stabbed Cody was so that she'd have access to his blood?"

"Oh, no. I'm sure she could have found far easier ways of withdrawing blood from him if that had been her main objective. The real reason behind the stabbing was because of his refusal to enter a relationship with her."

He flipped through a few pages, then said, "This is quoted verbatim, as well: 'I couldn't stand the thought of him being with other women. Especially not her.'

Knowing full well who Mia had been referring to, Erica felt a shiver dance along her spine. Holding Cody's hand a bit tighter, she listened as Officer Hanson continued on.

'I thought he would eventually dump her, just like he did all the others, but when he didn't, I realized I'd have to take matters into my own hands.'

Breaking from his reading of the transcript, he said, "Now at this point, one of the investigators asked Mia what she hoped to achieve by stabbing Cody, and here's her response.

'I never wanted to kill him. I just wanted him crippled. I wanted to teach him a lesson. Wanted him to see what suffering was like, because he put me through so much pain. He dated a lot of sluts over the years, yet I'm the one he refused to have a relationship with. I can't stand men like that. They say they want a good woman, but go after the loose bitches.'

Clearly distressed, Cody blew out a small breath, then crossed his arms in front of his chest.

'I knew if he was in a wheelchair he would be dependent on me. I also knew he'd have trouble finding a woman who would accept him in his condition. I thought Erica would leave him, but the bitch stayed around.'

Looking up from the file, Detective Hanson said, "This transcript goes on for quite awhile, so I won't read everything. But I will let you know that what she had to say towards the end of the interview was quite discomposing." Casting his eyes on Cody, he said, "I'll refrain from reading it out of consideration for your girlfriend."

"No, I want to hear it. Keep going," Erica said.

"Are you sure?" Detective Hanson asked.

"Sweetie, if he says you shouldn't hear it, then it's probably best to take his advice," said Cody.

"I still want to hear what she said." The tone of voice Erica used was firm, and redirecting her gaze on the investigator, she addressed him. "Go ahead, Detective."

The Detective hesitated a moment before finally starting to read.

'I hate being in love with him, but I can't stop myself. He has this power over me. He knows what he's doing and he enjoys it. All I do is think about him, and it drives me crazy. We're meant to be together, and no matter how much he tries, he can't keep me away from him. It won't happen. I won't let it.'

He closed the file, then cast his eyes on the couple. "Clearly it's our job to make sure she never makes good on that promise. And aside from keeping her locked up for the full six years, I'll personally do everything in my power to make sure she's sent to a mental institution after her release from prison."

"I truly hope she will be," Cody said with a disturbed expression on his face.

"We'll be contacted before she's released, right?" Erica asked.

"Yes, of course. But please don't worry yourselves about all of that now. Just live your lives and enjoy each other. You two have been through a lot and deserve to be happy."

Briefly averting their gaze from Officer Hanson, Erica and Cody shared a look which conveyed their amorous feelings for one another.

"I'm sorry you've had to suffer through this, but you can be rest assured that she's out of your lives. If either of you ever need to speak with me, for any reason at all, please don't hesitate to call." He retrieved two business cards from a small holder on his desk, then gave one to both Cody and Erica.

"Thank you, Detective Hanson. We really appreciate your help." Noting his extended hand, Erica reached out to clasp palms with him.

"Thanks for everything. I really am grateful," Cody said, then shook hands with the investigator.

"You're very welcome. And I'm happy to have been of service."

He walked them both to the door of his office, then offered some words in parting. "All the best to the both of you. Take care, you two."

They nodded, then made their way down the hallway and out of the police station. Still on crutches, Cody had a bit of trouble maneuvering himself down the steps of the police station, but with Erica's assistance, they eventually made it to the curb, where they'd parked Cody's truck. Once inside, they put on their seatbelts, yet instead of driving off immediately, Erica exhaled a heavy breath, then sat unmoving in silence.

"You okay, baby?" Cody's face with etched with concern.

"Yeah, I'm good. I'm just so relieved this is all over."

"So am I. It's been a nightmare, hasn't it?" He grabbed her hand and held it tenderly in his. "But it's brought us closer together, and I'm grateful for that."

"Me too."

They gazed into each other's eyes for a few moments, then leaned in for an oral embrace. Her soft, sweet lips pressed firmly against his own, and she was promptly overtaken by their deep, soulful kiss. When their lips broke apart, their foreheads pressed together and they gave each other an adoring look.

Running his fingers through her hair, he said, "Thank you for being by my side through all of this. You really are amazing."

"You're welcome. And just so you know, you're amazing as well."

"Only half as much as you are."

This caused her to smile. Neither spoke another word, yet the energy they emitted perfectly conveyed the relief and happiness they felt. He stroked her cheek with his thumb, and still forehead to forehead, they sat in silence, ready to emerge from the darkness that had been holding them hostage.