The Watcher Read online

  “Come on,” Rachel said, dragging her by the hand to the end of the line.

  Isabel took note, watching as three more people immediately stood in line behind them. The park was bustling full of people with smiles and a variety of baked goods.

  “He's been around on Sunday's for the past couple of weeks,” Rachel said as the line moved forward. “I guess word of mouth spreads fast,” she took note, watching as Isabel peered at all of the seemingly content people around them.

  By the time they were fifth in line, Isabel noticed the TW's Baked Goods & Catering in plain script on the door. This made her angry. Whoever this TW was, was taking away from her business. As if on cue with her thoughts, the man leaned out of the van to hand a teenage couple what looked like two buttery pigs-in-a-blanket. She paused trying to recall his familiar face. Watching as he nodded and smiled while talking to the next set of customers.

  “He's hot, isn’t he?” Rachel gushed beside her friend before adding, “Isa,” as she watched her march to the van's sliding door.

  “Hey, Terrance Walters,” Isabel barked, stopping in front of the large van. She glared, watching his smile turn to startled before being immediately replaced with a grin as she assumed he recognized her. “Step out of the van,” she ordered in an authoritative tone.

  “Excuse me?” He said, his voice deeper than she remembered.

  “You heard me. Step out of the vehicle,” she repeated her command.

  “Pssst,” he blew her off with the wave of a hand. In the background someone asked, “What’s going on?”

  “Isa,” Rachel called at her side.

  “Do you have a permit to be here?”

  “Actually, yeah. I also have a vending license, commercial business permit, an LLC for this operation, and there are no solicitation laws for this area and park.” He rattled off everything on each finger in particular.

  “Let me see your documentation,” she demanded.

  “Let me see your badge,” he retorted, his smile returning triumphantly.

  “Isa,” Rachel repeated.

  “Yes,” she answered, quickly adding, “Did you know he's a criminal?”

  “Actually, I’m a man who paid my debt to society, out here trying to make a respectable living.”

  This silenced Isabel. Rachel put a hand on her shoulder to whisper something in her ear. The crowd of customers watched curiously until Terrance asked a middle age woman standing near, “How can I help you?” Continuing business as usual.

  “Just give his food a chance,” Rachel suggested only to watch her friend cross her arms and sulk.

  When it was their time to order, Rachel alone stepped forward. Watching as Terrance tried to disarm Isa with a sexy lopsided grin and eyes that oozed seduction. While Isabel’s closed off body language and entire facial expression read, murder.

  “Hey, hi, TW.” Rachel waved a teal French-tip, well-manicured hand, to call for his attention.

  “Hey, Rachel, how can I help you?” He asked through full lips that she found irresistibly attractive.

  “Um, my business partner,” she gestured to Isa with emphasis, “and I would like to try your spicy pigs in a blanket, potato and cheese turnovers, and glazed peach bear claws. Two each, please.”

  He raised an eyebrow at Isabel who squinted and glared at him before he turned to the four small ovens to retrieve their order.

  “Thank you,” Rachel said upon receipt. She handed the food to a reluctant Isabel before fingering through her pocketbook for a business card. “Tomorrow morning at eight, right?” She said, business like.

  “Whaaat?” Isabel exclaimed before being guided back towards Rachel's SUV.

  The pair of binoculars that had been watching TW for the last two hours drifted left behind the tinted driver's side window. Following the two beautiful brunette Hispanic women as they strolled from the catering van to a newer model Trailblazer. The lens zoomed in on the slightly shorter, Sofia Vergara-ish one of the two. Watching as she disappeared behind the passenger door, he started the engine of the rented black Ford Escape he was in and waited thirty seconds before maneuvering into traffic two cars behind them. Only slowing down slightly to read the sign that spelled Bella's Oven. He touched the Wi-Fi browser on his GPS screen and typed in the business name, quickly receiving photographs and articles of criticism and praise.

  The weather was slightly overcast with clouds building by The time Terrance and his nineteen-year-old kid brother, Chris, arrived at Bella's Oven. He surveyed the small establishment as they walked through the cupcake embossed logo and company name door. Noting that there was no bell at the top or chime to indicate a customer’s arrival. The place had a miniature café feel to it with three booths lined on each side to the left and right. Behind the booths sat three small tables with stools to seat four. There was a side display glass that showcased various baked goods and cookies. The display glass ran around to the front counter that held four more outer stools between the cash register. Two more display cases stood on each side of the swinging doors that led to the office, refrigerator, and store room. In these cases were beverages and additional pastries.

  “Hellooo,” Terrance called out, placing his baking box on the counter.

  Rachel emerged through the doors. Her voluptuous body was appealing in a stylish gray, feminine business suit. Her three inch open-toe heels; which put her at around five-seven, were teal to match her toenails and manicured finger tips.

  “Hi, TW,” she greeted him with a warm smile and handshake.

  “Rachel,” he said as Isabel emerged to stand next to her. “This is my brother and catering employee, Chris.” He introduced before adding, “Hi, Isabel,” upon eye contact.

  She scoffed, “It's De- Gonzalez to you, Walters,” she said, catching herself before the detective reference, snidely.

  “Isa,” Rachel admonished.

  She shrugged, “Okay,” relenting a tad bit. “We don't have to be so formal.”

  “No doubt. Call me Terrance or TW,” he said, unable to stop staring at her. In his opinion sexy wasn’t a sufficient enough word to describe her. She has a dusky olive complexion, smooth skin that flowed angelically and eyes that were magnetic, a copper-brown that drew you in with each glance and seemingly knew your every intention. Her thick lush hair was streaked cocoa and caramel and pulled back into a pressed ponytail that rested at her upper back.

  “What’s in here?” She asked, tapping the box he'd brought along.

  “The ingredients needed to wow you,” he responded, looking at her small, flawless, soft looking hand as it lingered on the box. Her manicure was immaculate. He noted how each fingernail was hand painted white and red with little hearts and well detailed roses.

  He opened the box as everyone stood at attention around the prep table. He pulled out sugar, honey, flour, chocolate chips, cinnamon, various meal spices, beef, chicken, pork strips, and plantain from the box.

  “I' m going to prepare y'all a family recipe of alcapurrias- beef filled plantain fritters, pumpkin spice filled donuts, and vegetarian turnovers along with almond and chocolate chip shortbread cookies,” he said, holding their rapt attention before asking, “Where can I work?”

  TW and Chris followed the ladies to the kitchen area which held two large grills, an eight top stove and four standing ovens alongside a walk-in refrigerator and freezer.

  He immediately went to work measuring, mixing, stirring, and pouring in preparation for the preheated ovens before moving to the stove and grill to work on the alcapurrias and mozzarella-cream spinach turnovers.

  “Can I help?” Isabel asked, surprising him as she stood beside him. Usually he would say no. He hated being disturbed while he was in his cooking zone. However, her classic Coca-Cola bottle shape- so small around the waist and perfectly generous at the bottom- coupled with her intoxicating scent that was seducing him with each inhalation. “Yeah,” he cleared his throat.

  “This dough,” he grabbed an already prepared ball, placing
it between them on the prep counter, “needs to be kneaded.”

  He began the process for her. His fingers expertly massaging, pressing, and spreading the dough. She stepped in, following the same pattern with her small hands beside his big ones. After they made ten circular shapes, he darted off to get the cheesy cream spinach filling. Placing the filling to one side, he buttered the other end and folded it over and sealed the ends with a fork and buttered the outside before placing it on a baking sheet. Isa did the same with the remaining portions.

  “My God, that was amazing. Everything was amazing,” Rachel lauded as they sat at the table left of the entrance nearest the display counter. Placed before them were sampling plates of everything Terrance made.

  He made eye contact with Isabel, who returned his stare expressionless. He noticed that she wore, seemingly, no makeup. Her beauty as natural as nature. “What do you think?” He asked her, aware that she'd eaten seventy-five percent of each sampling.

  “It was good,” she nodded. “Really good.”

  A family of four customers entered the bakery. Looking like the Oswald’s as they greeted everyone and approached the counter to look up at the menu. Isabel rose to meet them around the register.

  “Hey,” Terrance spoke up, “would you all like some free samples?”

  “Sure,” the father shrugged, leading the family to the side display counter on which Terrance dishes sat.

  “Wow!” The father exclaimed, chewing on a pumpkin-spice filled donut. “May I?” He asked, reaching for a creamy spinach turnover.

  TW nodded his assent, watching as the kids and wife enjoyed his samples as well.

  Rachel smiled and made eye contact with Isa before she broke off to examine a vase of roses she hadn't noticed a moment before at the end of the counter. The attached card read: To Isabel Gonzalez, Beautiful flowers for a beautiful girl.

  “Are these items on the menu?” The wife asked.

  “Um, not yet,” Terrance said before being cut off with- “But they will be,” as Rachel chimed in. “Right?” She looked up at TW expectantly.

  He peered at Isabel who surprisingly gave him a light smile which swayed him to give his assent.

  “How early can you be up tomorrow so we can go over the details and your ideas?” Rach asked

  “About 2:30 a.m.” Terrance joked.

  “Okaaay,” Rachel grinned, “How about seven?”

  “ No doubt.”

  “Bye, Terrance,” Isabel spoke up. “No more flowers, please.”

  It felt like the moon, sun, and life rose, set, and flew by at the speed of light during the following five weeks.

  Once TW placed signs up throughout the county in the various parks and establishments he did business at stating that he joined forces with Bella’s Oven, business exploded. He'd made changes to the advertising logo, which now included a couple of actual food items to go along with the lone cupcake. He also placed a chime over the door and a security system, including a series of cameras. The overhead menu grew to include his special dishes, desserts, and beverages. The biggest and best change came with their partnership, him convincing her to expand with his catering company in their shared name.

  They were on their way to their first big catering job together, A wealthy Polish couple's wedding. He glanced over at the passenger seat, noticing how distant she had grown in the past few days. For the most part, she'd almost always had her guard up, allowing only fleeting moments and glimpses into her private life. However, the past couple of days seemed like her essence was surrounded by a fortress.

  “Are you nervous?” He asked, watching as she pulled her gaze from the sights passed outside of her passenger side window.

  “No,” She responded softly, “but I do have to talk to you when we get the opportunity.”

  He nodded, knowing she didn't want to speak with their catering employees- his younger sibling, Chris and Ebony along with her sister Maria in the rear seats of the van.

  The wedding took place at a private country club on the expansive outdoor patio. It was in full swing two hours into their stay. The couple was young and fell into the mold of current American culture so the DJ spun a lot of pop, hip hop, and R&B records. Couples and loose individuals of all ages, children to elderly, heated up the dance floor.

  Their food was a big hit. They had to replenish three times in the current short period of service and were slated to stay two more hours to reach their quota. At request, they'd distributed all of the business cards they had on hand.

  Isabel watched as Terrance entertained a small group of women around a serving table and knew he was in his element. She watched as his hands accentuated his words and not for the first time, noticed the muscular build under his well fitted shirt. A build that other women were noticing as well. That, his easy smile, Intelligence, and the way he carried himself would be a big draw for any woman. Especially Rachel, who whether he knew it or not was smitten with him. It would be a lie if Isa couldn’t admit that at times she felt something for him, however, their past and backgrounds didn’t, as she saw it, mesh. Yet, she knew that he was into her and the decision was whether or not to entertain it or put a permanent stop to it.

  He caught her eye, between a woman touching his broad shoulder and speaking whatever her drunk mind produced, and curled his full-lips into a broad smile. She watched as he excused himself from the company of women whose eyes followed him to the pastries and beverage table at which she stood, and turn her back to him, busying herself with the baked goods presentation.

  He stopped behind her, her alluring scent lightly reaching his nose within three feet. He paused, admiring how stunning she looked in a 70's style beige and blue swirl pattern dress that stopped two inches above her knees. He also admired her smooth legs and toned calves which lead down to beige flats with a two inch lift at the heel. Her hair was curly, and styled upwards with a clip. Wispy strands of silky hair rested on the delicate line of her neck. He moved a step closer, noticing how perfectly round and wide her heart shape ass was in contrast to the slenderness of her waist. He loved her amazing body and was tired of her not knowing it. He wanted to wrap his strong arms around her waist and lightly kiss her neck before moving his kisses up to her jawline. Letting her know how soft his lips were before their tongues intertwined. Yet, he knew she wasn’t ready for that or furthermore, was afraid.

  He took his last step forward, placing his hand on her lower back and asked, “Are you enjoying this event?”

  She smiled up at him and nodded, “Yes, I am. But Terrance I've been thinking about all of the roses and candy you’ve been sending me lately and-”

  “Excuse me?” He inserted, dumbfounded.

  “-And it needs to stop,” she went on to say.

  He looked at her quizzically, “Isa, I haven’t sent you any roses or candy.”

  “Terrance,” she sighed, “seriously, I know you’re my secret admirer,” she said while making air quotations at the end.

  “My admiration for you is no secret. I'm feeling you and under the right circumstances, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. But I didn’t send you any roses and gauging from your reaction, it wasn’t a bad idea not to. What I have given you or shared with you rather, is my ambition, drive, honesty, and sincerity. Anything beyond that is a gift and concerns matters of the heart.” He said while grabbing her small hand to place on his chest. Instantly feeling the electricity and chemistry before she slowly pulled away. She opened her mouth to speak but found no words and chose to nod instead.

  When their successful day was over and evening lead to night, they loaded their utensils and serving dishes into the rear of the van. Terrance chose this time to remind her of their bet.

  “You know you lost, right?” He stated as they made sure the last of the boxes were secure in the van.

  “Excuse me?” She exclaimed.

  “Our bet. You said that you wouldn’t have a good time and I bet you a go-cart date that you would.”

  “
Who said I had a good time?” She smiled, making her way to the passenger side.

  “Right now, that smile. That and you admitted it earlier.” TW said, hearing his and her siblings speak their assent.

  He opened the door and settled himself in, noticing a second later, her standing outside of her opened door staring down at her seat. A vase of blood-red roses were on the cushion. His brow wrinkled in confusion as he peered from the roses to her worried expression. He grabbed the vase, detaching the card that read: Our wedding day will better than this.

  He handed the card to her. Watching her read it before glancing around the dim parking lot at the many individuals and couples smiling and eagerly chatting. Enjoying this moment in their life as they headed for luxury sedans and SUVs. “The van doors were locked when we arrived earlier, right?” She asked, receiving nods all around.

  They rode back in silence for the first half of their return trip. Isa waited until Chris, Ebony, and Maria had exited the vehicle before saying, “Around the time I arrested you and Andrew Solomon, six or seven years ago, there were two stalker cases with similar themes and patterns. We called them the Valentine’s stalker cases.”

  She squinted and looked skyward as if trying to recall the information. “The girls reported being sent excessive roses, teddy bears, and expensive chocolates. They said after so many roses, the messages attached to them grew weirder and the roses would end up in frightening places they shouldn’t have been. Like, on a bedroom dresser when one of the victims woke up and on the bathroom sink counter when the other victim was showering.”

  “Did they ever catch the alleged stalker?” He asked, rounding the corner of the street that lead to her house.

  “No, it went cold. If I’m not mistaken… Either the night before, or same night you were arrested, our last victim, Maryann Thomas was chased not far from her home and assaulted before the perp ran away.”