Knock at the Door, Murder in the Night 1/2
Knock at the Door, Murder in the Night 1/2
MASTER POST
Link to art master post: HERE
It was a dark and stormy night, and the phone was ringing.
Usually Adam would have ignored it, because he had just gotten to sleep, but he remembered he had a case. And his client was Kris Allen, so he rolled over in his bed and picked it up.
"Hello," he grumbled.
Just because he had to answer the phone didn't mean he had to be happy about it. There was no one on the other end, empty space and a quick breath before the dial tone.
"Fuck."
Adam rolled onto his back and stretched. The week had been long enough without adding crank callers. He closed his eyes, trying not to think about Kris Allen-and not succeeding. This week had been a surreal dream, meeting Kris, and Cale, well, hell, all of the members of Brand New Shoes; and on top of that, he was certain Kris had been flirting with him all week… Flirting. With him. Adam let a small smile slip, letting that settle in his mind before sharply reminding himself about the rules on clients.
But as soon as Adam found the guitar, Kris Allen would no longer be a client. Adam couldn't wait until he could flirt back. Well flirt back and accept the consequences, because he was incapable of not flirting. Especially with Kris Allen. Nobody could blame him.
Adam felt himself drifting again when the pounding at his door commenced.
"Brad, if you’re here because you’re too drunk to walk home again, I swear I am going to-" Adam blinked as he opened his door. "Kris?"
Kris Allen stood at his door.
Soaking wet.
Again.
"I lost my umbrella again," Kris said a half smile on his lips.
Adam couldn't help but laugh. "You need to stop coming to me like this. I might get ideas."
"I would be interested in hearing these ideas."
Kris stepped forward and Adam automatically took a step back. It was hard enough maintaining professionalism around Kris on a normal day. But with his white t-shirt soaked through and jeans plastered to his body, Kris was the very definition of trouble.
Which was how they had first met.
"Why don't we get you some towels?" Adam turned, not waiting for Kris to come in and close the door.
Client. Client. Client. Adam repeated to himself.
"Adam, hold on a sec. You haven't even asked why I'm here."
Adam turned, praying the dark room would hide everything it needed to. "I usually don't ask my clients too many questions. It's saved me from an early death by shock."
"Ask me."
Something in Kris's voice should have warned Adam, but it was one in the morning, and Adam's instincts didn't function well on so little sleep and distraction.
"Fine. Why are you here at one in the morning, soaking wet and really demanding?"
Kris grinned, it was almost predatory. "I thought you'd never ask."
Without warning Kris walked across the room, and his body pressed against Adam's, and drove him into the wall; He kissed Adam sloppily, mouth desperate and open. Adam could taste the faint hint of whiskey, and his mind raced too fast to stop anything at first. Then his hands were pushing Kris away.
"You're drunk."
"I saw you sing," Kris burrowed into Adam's chest, hands roaming dangerously.
"You saw me-you were at the Upright?"
"Mmmhmmmm. Why were you singing such a sad song?"
"Sometimes I do that."
"Next time you can sing a sexy song," Kris began to move again, and Adam pushed him away.
"As much as it pains me to say this, I think you've had too much to drink. And I don't sleep with clients, no matter how hot. Go take a hot shower, okay? And we'll talk."
Kris leaned in briefly, his face unreadable. He shook his head as if to clear it. "Sorry. I-"
"Just go. We'll talk when your head is clear."
Adam watched Kris shuffle away and winced. It was one in the morning, which was bad enough, but now he was horny, and his favorite pajamas were damp.
The night could not possibly get worse.
The phone rang again.
One week earlier
Kris didn't know what to expect when he entered the offices of one Adam Lambert, Private Investigator. Not the red haired wild child at the secretary's desk, who grinned at him, eyes widening in recognition. She was flirting with a young man in a suit, David on his shiny name tag, who also stared when he saw Kris.
It took Kris a moment to realize it wasn't that he had been caught in the rain. It was because he was Kris Allen.
Kris still thought of himself as just a guy.
He had a mind boggling amount of money, got to write and perform music for a living, but somehow he was still the kid at the bar earnestly singing Michael Jackson covers in the hopes he might get dinner.
Even thought things had been weird lately, he thanked God every day that Cale had come along. If they hadn't started writing, Kris might have had to try for American Idol or something. Not that it would have been bad, but Kris had a feeling American Idol wouldn't get him. Not at all.
"You can go on in," the girl said. "You are here to see Adam right?"
Kris nodded. "Yeah. I don't need an appointment?"
"Oh." The girl blushed. "Sorry. I thought-no, never mind what I thought. Um, no, Adam's schedule is open. I'll let him know you’re coming."
"Okay."
Kris grinned as he overheard the girl on the phone. "Adam, client on the way. I may have implied he was your boyfriend. What? It's not my fault; he's exactly your type! No, I-"
Kris opened the door. He hadn't expected leather and glitter, although since Adam came on a recommendation from Cassidy, Kris shouldn't have been surprised. But he was. Pleasantly, because Adam was kind of hot.
"We'll talk about this at length Allison, I think he-"
Kris stood in the doorway and watched as a pair of blue eyes focused on him, and Adam's mouth dropped open. Kris revised his earlier thought. Definitely hot.
"You're Kris Allen."
Three albums and multimillion dollar sales still didn't ever replace that reaction for Kris. He nodded once.
"Sorry about the wet, I left my umbrella in my car and then it just opened up."
"No. It's fine,” Adam waved him to a chair. “Maybe I can convince myself to replace my furniture if it gets ruined enough."
A wry smile crossed Adam's face, and Kris felt a skip in his heart.
He briefly wondered if Cassidy had sent him here purely because of Mr. Lambert's investigative skills.
"So, ah, what brings you here today?"
Kris sat down gingerly in a battered green chair. "Well, Cassidy referred me to you, actually."
"Cassidy? Cassidy Haley?"
The look Adam gave Kris was enough to start a warm flush. Kris hated it, but after twenty-six years, he was used to it.
"Yeah."
Adam didn't say anything, but his face showed a mix of incredulity, curiosity and if Kris read it right, implications on Kris's exact relationship with Cassidy.
"He made me some jackets for my last tour," Kris said, trying to explain.
"I'm sure he did."
Kris's mouth twitched, and he felt the blush rising higher, but his eyes never left Adam's. Okay maybe there had been that one night, but Kris wasn't going to divulge that sort of information on a first meeting.
"All right, I'll let it be. So what brings you here?"
"Well, it's stupid, but one of my guitars was stolen. The police have it on file, but I'm pretty sure it's low priority, because it really isn't worth that much. But I want it back," Kris's voice rose a little.
"Details. I need more than that," Adam tapped his pen against the notebook.
"Sorry. Um." Kris looked away from Adam's hands. "Bought it for my girl in high school, but it hung on our wall for years and then I started playing it and wrote a song-"
"Red Guitar."
Kris grinned. "Yeah. No offense, but you don't look like a typical fan of the band."
"None taken. I had no idea who Brand New Shoes was until Cassidy pointed you out. The music is great," Adam grinned.
Kris couldn't quite believe someone like Adam could like his music. But if the music industry had taught him anything it was that fans came in all forms. Especially really hot guys in leather and glitter. (Kris pretended he hadn't thought that, because this was supposed to be a professional relationship.)
"Thanks. Cale says I should have scrapped the song, but he says that about everything he doesn't have a hand in writing. He's usually right. But he was wrong about that song. But not about Katy."
"Katy? That's the girlfriend, right?"
Kris grimaced. "Ex-girlfriend. We broke it off almost three years ago. But I'm okay with that."
"So you think she stole it?"
Kris shook his head. "No. She tried to rid herself of anything involving me. She said I loved the guitar more than her, so... No."
"But if she thought the guitar was important to your songwriting? Did she want to maybe cash in on your fame? Or to try and screw with you?"
"It's not very Katy like, no. But if you want to interview her, feel free."
Adam nodded, and Kris felt himself relax. It was a twenty dollar guitar that wasn't even worth that, but for some reason, it helped him write.
"Well, I need a list of who has access to your house," Adam said. "I'll start from there. Would it be possible for me to see where it was kept?"
"You think one of my friends took it?" Kris didn't even want to think of the possibility.
"Most of all crimes of a personal nature are committed by someone we know."
"A lot of people come in and out of my house," Kris tried to imagine who it could be, but it hurt his heart too much. "I can get you a list. Do you want an advance? I don't even know your going rate."
Adam laughed, "Yeah. I have a contract. Let me call Allison."
Kris watched Adam pick up the phone. He hadn't been this distracted, well, in forever.
But his momma had told him not to stare, so he tried to keep the conversation going, to ignore the heated looks Adam sent his way. Kris reminded himself to kill Cassidy later, wondering if this was the real reason he had been sent here. He had thought Cass had been awful concerned in a guitar he didn't care about. Kris shook his head as Adam hung up the phone.
The door opened, and Adam's secretary, Allison, slipped in the room, her hair even brighter against the black suit she wore. She gave Kris the contract, and turned to Adam. Kris watched as Adam's face tightened. Adam put his face in his hands as Allison walked out. She flashed Kris a grin and shut the door.
"Do you take checks?"
Adam looked up. "What? Yes. Yes. Sorry."
Kris let out a low chuckle. "It's okay. Will you call with news?"
"Yeah. I'll get back to you. Just make sure to reread the contract if you get pissed at me."
Kris tilted his head. "You think I'd get angry?"
"My methods have been known to be unusual and not everybody likes them."
"I think I can handle it. After all, have you seen my fans?"
Adam laughed. "True." He stood up and held out his hand. "Thanks for coming by."
"Thanks for listening, and not acting like a complete fantard."
"Well, my shrine is being reconstructed, so you missed out. I totally expect backstage passes."
Kris nodded. "Absolutely."
Kris shook Adam's hand again, laughing as he closed the door behind him. Then he picked up the phone.
"Cass? Please tell me you didn't just send me here for a booty call. Because he's not my type. Even though he totally is."
Kris hung up, irritated that Cassidy hadn't answered and he'd been forced to leave a voice mail. He looked at the girl at the desk.
"Allison, right?"
She nodded warily. "I'm sorry for assuming that you were one of Adam's boyfriends. I mean he doesn't have a boyfriend, but that wouldn't mean that he couldn't have found one since yesterday, and even though you are like super famous you are completely his type."
Allison bit her lip, and Kris laughed.
"Don't worry. Apparently Cassidy thinks Adam is my type. Which is unfortunate really."
"I thought-" Allison swallowed. "Well you dated that one guy. Jake? Jack?"
"John. I did. But I don't date fans."
"Well Adam doesn't date clients so I guess you're in the same boat. But you should totally give him a chance afterwards. He's amazing."
Kris looked at Allison, whose face was a mixture of pleading and assurance. "I'll think about it."
The smile on Allison's face was enough to make him feel guilty.
Present day
Adam picked up the phone, wondering who would be calling at one-thirty in the morning.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Lambert? This is Lieutenant Seacrest with the LAPD."
"Ryan," Adam sighed. Every conversation started like this. "We've talked a thousand times. I know who you are."
"Lambert. This is official business," Ryan spoke in short sentences, as if to draw out any and all potential drama in a statement.
"Fine," Adam sat down and waited to hear which past client had irritated Ryan now.
"You have a client. One Kris Allen."
"Yes," Adam held his breath. This could not be good.
"Do you know where he is right now?"
"No. I imagine at home in bed," Adam wasn't sure why he lied, but he did it anyway.
"Since I am currently standing there, I don't think so," Ryan's voice was hard.
Adam felt himself go still. "May I ask why you’re calling me?"
"Well, Mr. Lambert, I got a phone call from a payphone saying I should probably come to one Kris Allen's house, as there had been a commotion. So I went. You know what I found?"
"No," Adam strained to keep his voice steady. His heart pounded.
There was a long pause, and then Ryan said, "A dead body, a red guitar and one missing owner of said guitar."
Adam sat, keeping his eye on the bathroom door. If Kris walked in now…
"As soon as I see him, I'll call you. Meanwhile, is it okay if I come to the scene? Help out?"
There was another pause and Adam could tell that Ryan was about to say no.
"As long as you keep out of the way, another pair of eyes would be welcome. And I'll hold you to that promise. If I find out you've been hiding anything…"
Adam swallowed and held the phone in his hands. Then he remembered the phone call that had woke him up and wondered. Was it the same person who had called Seacrest? Was that the killer? Who was dead?
Was Kris the killer?
Adam had to push any feelings he had aside to ask himself at that. Because even though Kris was his client, and even though Adam felt attracted to Kris, if he had killed someone…
Adam couldn't believe it. Killing someone was the very opposite of everything Kris Allen stood for. And if he had learned anything about Kris this week, it was that everyone loved him, and Kris loved just as much in return. Plus the phone call and Kris's arrival at Adam's door had been too close together.
"Hey, what's up?"
Adam looked up, prepared himself to tell Kris the news. His mind started running possibilities, ways to keep Kris safe. Kris might argue he could take care of himself, but if the killer had been trying for Kris…
Adam sighed and stood, trying not to laugh at Kris in a robe too big for him, looking adorable and hot all at once.
"Well, we have a problem," Adam said.
From the Case Files of Adam Lambert
Name: Katy O'Connell
Relationship to Victim: ex-girlfriend, childhood sweetheart
General Impressions: In another life, I think we could have been best friends. She has a certain sense of humor that compliments my own. I love her hair (Remember to ask what she uses!) I don't think she's as crazy as the fans portray her. It's obvious that she and Kris had something special for a long time. However, even when she says she loves him, I don't believe her. I just think she's holding on, because, well, can you blame her? Seriously, she had something really good and it slipped away. So I can't blame her for trying to hold on. Although, the insistence that she and Kris are getting back together? Kind of creepy.
Did she steal the guitar? No. See, to Katy, the fact that Kris kept that guitar all these years was a sign of hope. So what reason would she have to steal it? However, I think whoever did steal it may have understood that relationship between Kris, Katy and the guitar, and might have stolen it because of that. So the question then becomes, who was jealous of Kris and Katy's relationship?
Michael Sarver had been Kris Allen's head bodyguard for five years now, ever since the incident with the Italian woman. He had never lost a client.
Until now.
"I'm sorry Mr. Seacrest. I wasn't on duty. I have no excuses for you, but I'll review what security videos I have, but I am missing some. Someone who knew the system had to have taken them."
The lieutenant frowned and paced. "So that limits the list of suspects."
Michael nodded. "Yes. I'd say anyone in the band. Myself. Kris. Katy. Kris's parents perhaps. His assistant."
"So you are putting yourself forth as a suspect?"
"I had no reason to kill anyone."
"Perhaps you were angry at Mr. Allen, thought it was him coming around the corner, and Bam!" Michael jumped as Ryan clapped his hands together. "Is that how it went?"
Michael shook his head. "Lieutenant Seacrest, I have my job because I love Kris and would do anything to keep him safe. He pays me way too much and gives me every holiday I could ever want off. What reason would I have to want to kill him?"
"I'm sure there could be one. Don't leave town. I may come back to you."
Michael nodded and watched the police crawl over the grounds of Kris's house. Kris had been here since the first album, stubbornly refusing to upgrade, despite going through a break up (two really) while living here. But that was Kris. Michael was at a loss as to what to do without Kris there, and wished he had some clue. Then he saw the private investigator tear into the driveway and somehow felt things were coming to an even keel.
Michael had never met anyone like Adam Lambert in his life, and had to admit skepticism when he first visited. But Adam had been nothing but professional, even if his face sometimes betrayed him.
"Mr. Lambert!" He called out.
Michael watched as Adam veered from the house to him.
"Mr. Sarver," he held out his hand. Michael shook it.
"Mr. Lambert-"
"Adam. I have a feeling you and I are going to be the only ones on Kris's side here. Right Michael?"
Michael nodded, whispered, "Do you know where Kris is?"
Adam said nothing, looking around the grounds, his head barely dipping in a nod. Michael felt his whole body go slack.
"No," Adam said loudly. "But I don't believe him to be a killer either."
Michael nodded. "So now what?"
"Well, it would help if I knew who was dead. Then we can interview whoever was supposed to be babysitting Kris. Then I go look at the scene. After that…. We find us a killer."
Michael nodded. "Well the police called me first, because they had received the call about the disturbance. Tonight was my night off, but I came here immediately. Rueben was in charge, and he said he had heard a noise, but the all clear button had been pressed, so he thought nothing of it."
"Someone knows the system," Adam said.
"Exactly. Anyway I went to the house, and the door was already open, and everything was turned on. And then I found her."
"And?"
Michael swallowed. He had managed not to throw up on the scene, but he could still taste the bile rising.
"Katy. She. I'm sorry. I can't."
Adam put a hand on Michael's shoulder. "It's okay. So who was on Kris duty today?"
"Lee. I haven't talked with him, mostly because he's slightly drunk. I think Kris may have got him that way."
"He can be sneaky like that. Or so I've heard," Adam said.
"You have no idea," Michael said, and picked up a walkie talkie. "Rueben. I'm ready for Lee now."
Adam looked over the grounds as they waited. "I think Kris is okay. I bet he's just lying low, maybe with a friend, until he can prove he didn't do it."
Michael nodded, knowing Adam wasn't just encouraging him. Lee came forward.
"Lee. This is Mr. Lambert. He has some questions about what happened last night."
"Okay. Um, I'm really sorry Mr. Sarver."
"Just tell Mr. Lambert what happened."
"Well, it was amazing." Lee bit his lip. "I mean, terrible."
"You mean amazing," Adam corrected. "Start from the beginning."
"Well, Miss O'Connell called at about seven thirty, saying she was coming over. Kris, well, he doesn't do conflict, so he says let's get out of here. Maybe she'll get a clue then. So he says I want to go to a bar, and we go to the usual place, because they keep things on the down low, right? And, um, this amazing song comes up on the karaoke and Kris says I have to sing this. And then one song became ten, and he was drinking and singing and telling me about all the mistakes he's made in his life-I never knew he-"
"Lee," Michael said.
"No. Let him continue," Adam said. It wasn't as if he didn't know what was coming. Allison had clued him into some speculation about it anyway.
"There are some things-"
"Look, Michael, I know you want to protect him. I get that," Adam sighed. "But the thing is, I probably already know. Hell, everyone probably already knows and no one has said anything out of respect for Kris. So say it."
Lee nodded. "I never knew about him and Cale. Or that Katy was convinced that they were getting back together." Lee looked at Adam. "He really likes you."
"I know," Adam said dryly. "The rest of the night?"
"Well, he gave me a drink-told me it was just one. He looked at me with those stupid eyes, and then the next thing I know, I'm singing ’Kiss from a Rose’ and Kris is nowhere to be found. It was about eleven or so. I think I lost him sometime after ten thirty. I feel so bad," Lee put his face in his hands. He looked like he was going to puke
"Okay. Don't go anywhere okay?" Adam paced. "Well, he was also at the Upright Cabaret around eleven-do not ask how I know that-so that leaves two hours of lost time. It was one-"
Michael interrupted, "When the police called."
"Yeah. I need time of death for anything else. But Michael, I need you to do two things."
"Anything," he said earnestly.
"I need you to keep Lee in your sights. He's a partial alibi, and if we lose him… Second, find that bar. Find anyone who can verify exactly what time Kris left. Also check with Brian at the Upright. He could tell you for sure when Kris was in and out of there."
"Done. I'll call when I find out."
"Okay. I don't know exactly where I'll be, but I may have company, so I may not answer."
"I understand."
Michael held out his hand, "Good luck, Adam."
"Thanks. You too."
Michael watched as Adam strode away, and prayed.
Six days earlier
Adam had seen the house on TV a million times. But actually going in? Even better.
"Hello?" He called into the door way.
"I'm back here!"
Adam followed the music, finding Kris and Cale in the studio, papers strewn everywhere. Kris's hair spiked in different directions, and there were two pencils behind his ear. Then Adam noticed Andrew in the back, leaning against the wall, watching Kris, guitar in hand and idly strumming.
"I just thought I'd let you know I was here."
Kris nodded and smiled. Cale said nothing. Andrew looked up, face shadowed, then back down at Kris.
Adam wandered the house for awhile, everything inside him screaming in excitement, his brain collecting information carefully. He found the empty wall where the guitar had hung, noticed a picture of a blonde holding the guitar on the shelf below.
"I took that picture ages ago. I don't know why he keeps it, except I've never known Kris to throw anything away."
Adam turned. "You must be Katy."
The woman smiled. "Yes. Kris's girlfriend."
She was beautiful. Not really traditionally so, and her face could have been a million others. But something in the way she carried herself shone through. Adam could see how Kris could have fallen for a girl like her, especially in high school.
"That's not the way I heard it."
Something flashed across her face. "Well, it's complicated. But we'll work it out. We always do."
Adam said nothing. All indications he had gotten said otherwise, but he had no desire to force the issue. That was Kris's problem not his.
"We have an interview later today: don't forget."
"I won't. I just hope you find it. It really upsets Kris when things aren't just right."
Adam watched her walk out the door, shaking his head. He had only known Kris a day, and met him a total of two times, but upset was not a word he associated with Kris. She doesn't know him as well as she thinks she does.
Adam headed out the door and to the small house across the way. Inside was a host of computers that made Adam's fingers twitch.
"You must be Lambert."
Adam stiffened at the tone of voice. It was the sort of disapproval he had heard all his life.
"Yes. That's me. You must be Mr. Sarver," Adam held out his hand, trying not to care.
The man nodded, and Adam noted the set of his body, how he barely shook hands.
"This won't take long I promise."
Sarver nodded.
"So the guitar was taken a week and a half ago, right? No videos, no sign of break in, nothing. Inside job."
"This we know," Sarver's voice took on a patronizing tone.
"Yes, but who has motive to steal it? You have access, but you can't just list something like that on EBay. Kris could, but he already has paparazzi at his door, and I don't think he's lacking for attention. That leaves the deluded ex-girlfriend, the writing partner/boyfriend, the drummer, lead guitar or keyboardist. I like the keyboardist, because according to Mr. Steen, he is quite enamored of Kris. Of course, everyone I talk to seems to be, but him more so than anyone else. Giraud, right? That's the keyboard player. Would he know the system, being so new?"
Sarver paused, and something in his demeanor told Adam he had reassessed the situation.
"Yes. Kris likes to have studio sessions at any time, and if someone gets an idea he encourages them to come over whenever they want. So Matt would know the system."
"Good to know. Anyone outside the band?"
"Besides Katy? His parents. His assistant, but he was out of town the day the guitar was stolen."
"Okay. Is there anything else I should know?"
Sarver shook his head. "Actually, I have to say something. I looked you up. Call it professional curiosity. I didn't get past the surface stories and I apologize. In one day you've already gotten further than the police. Plus after he met you, Kris started writing again, so I should thank you for that."
"Don't worry," Adam said, "Just keep everything running smooth and I'll be out of your life in no time."
Sarver laughed and Adam grinned back. They were okay.
Present Day
Kris veered between puking and crying. How had things gotten this far? How had he let this happen? What if he had been there?
Katy wouldn't be dead if he had been at home where he belonged. She wouldn't be dead if he had just told her he felt nothing more than warm friendship.
But he could never break her heart and so he had let her stay. Let her think there was a possibility…
And now she was dead.
Kris kept trying to picture it, her smiling face empty.
"It's not your fault you know."
Kris looked up. Allison had arrived just as Adam left. She said nothing to Kris as he curled into the corner of the kitchen.
"What do you know?" Kris said.
"I've read the case files. You haven't been together for years. Plus if the affair with your best friend hadn't clued her in, I don't think anything would."
"I'm not-"
"Please. I've worked with Adam for almost three years now. I know when two men have slept together," Allison rolled her eyes at him.
"It's complicated."
Allison laughed. "I'm sure it is. But you didn't kill her."
"No, but she's dead because of me. And nothing you say will ever convince me otherwise."
Allison slid to the floor next to him. "Look, know this, Adam's gonna figure things out. When he first said he was going to be a PI, I laughed a little. But he loves it, and he’s good at it. And know that he will back you up to his grave if need be."
Kris nodded. He pushed Katy to the back of his head, if only to function. "So tell me about Adam before this. I mean, something had to lead to this."
"Can't. Sworn to secrecy," Allison said. "But I'm sure he'll tell you at some point. Now we just have to figure out how to get you out of here without the police finding out."
"Why would I avoid the police? I didn't do anything. Maybe if I turn myself in, everything will go faster."
Allison looked at him for a long time. "You aren't kidding are you? How are you even real? Trust me, if you turn yourself in, the cops around here will stop looking and you'll end up in a prison cell with some guy named Tyler and never be the same. Let Adam gather evidence in your favor and then do it."
"But-"
"Adam's going to say the same thing, and even though you are paying him, he'll find a way to convince you. Right now I think you should lie down and get some sleep."
"Fine," Kris sighed. "How did you become such a mother hen at such a young age?"
"I may be a terrible secretary, but I've been taking care of Adam for three years. I've grown up a lot, trust me."
Kris laughed. "I'm sure."
He didn't feel better exactly. He could still hear the endless repetition of it's my fault in the back of his head, but somehow Allison had made him feel lighter. No wonder Adam was pissed she was leaving.
From the Case Files of Adam Lambert
Name: Cale Mills
Relationship to Victim: friends with Kris Allen since college, cofounder of his band. Exact relationship with victim is uncertain, but they do know each other
General Impressions He seems laid back. He has beautiful hands. I wasn't staring at them too much. But having read some of the fan fiction, it isn't hard to imagine them doing something other than playing guitar. If he wasn't a suspect I might hit on him. Maybe. He seems like a straightforward guy. When I asked him about groupies he made a noncommittal comment, but I could tell it bothered him. Perhaps there was an incident I don't know about. Will have to ask Kris.
Looking at Mills when he talks about Allen is very illuminating. Cale is pretty closed up, but his whole body changes when he talks about his band mate. Rumors of their relationship seem even more valid, especially looking at Cale's online blog. Here is a quote "I will follow him anywhere. His humility is amazing and so I trust what he says and believe he is capable of anything. For his friendship and late nights at the edge…" Sounds a lot like more than friendship to me. Will have to observe interaction between the two before making a certain conclusion
Did he do it? He doesn't need to steal a guitar, but if he really is in love/lust with his best friend, the guitar does represent a rival relationship with a woman. He doesn't strike me as the petty theft kind of guy.
However he has been rumored to have been addicted to pornography, which would normally not matter, but I wonder what other addictions or obsessions he may be hiding?
Did he kill Katy? That I don't know. If he had a serious relationship with Kris, then jealousy of the previous girlfriend comes into play. Plus if Katy hung around a lot, Cale could see that as an intrusion on his territory. But both Kris and Cale list themselves as single, which further complicates things. I don't know if I'll get the truth out of either of them, but I will try
"Hmmmm, I can see the appeal now. I should have listened to Adam earlier. Now I'll have to go buy the album, watch the YouTube videos and read the fan fiction. Guess I'll be occupied this weekend."
Brad Bell leaned against the wall, hand on his hip. Allison had called in a very old favor, and luckily he had just gotten started on the deep partying when his phone rang. But she had asked for help, and had asked for him to bring a bag of his stuff.
He had been confused, but it made sense now.
"You are definitely more muscular than me. I may have to rethink a couple outfits."
"What are you talking about? Allison who is this?"
Brad watched as Kris Allen, rock star, wet dream, scrunched up his face in confusion.
Allison sighed. "Well, Kris, this is Brad. Or Cheeks, since he's decided to become an artiste. He's going to help you hide. Now I'm going to try and see where Adam is. Don't kill each other." She walked out of the room.
"And how are you going to help me hide?" Kris asked, still confused.
Brad grinned. He didn't get to play dress up often, and doing it with someone he knew Adam liked? Even better.
"See honey, Allison realized that we are of a similar build, and so for the next few days, you are going to be me. Not that you could be so fabulous, but I think we can pull it off. "
Kris blinked and Brad almost laughed. This was fun.
"I'm going to be you? I think I can handle that."
"You aren't going to argue?" Brad sighed. "I was hoping for a good argument. Aren't you straight boys supposed to hate dress up and makeup?"
Brad bit his lip as a slow grin crept across Kris's face. Okay, now Brad definitely saw what Adam had said about him.
"Now who's been telling stories about me?" Kris stood and leaned in to whisper in Brad's ear. "Just because I had a girlfriend doesn't make me straight. It's the worst kept secret in Hollywood you know."
"Now this is relevant to my interests." Brad leaned back and looked into Kris's eyes. "You’re very attractive."
"Hmmm," Kris said, running a finger down Brad's chest.
There was something about the tilt of his chin. Or the pout in his lips. Brad couldn't quite place it.
"Well are you going to make me you, or are you going to just stand there and stare?"
Brad blinked. "Oh. You are good. Please tell me you are available."
Kris shrugged. "Yes and no. I'm single, but you aren't my type."
"I'm always good for a one night stand. I promise it will be worth your time."
"Thanks. I'll remember that."
"Was that sarcasm? I don't know if I should help you then." Brad crossed his arms. He did not leave a party where there was likely to be sex just to be led around.
"Maybe. Maybe when you are dressing me I'll tell you about tour bus sex."
Brad grinned. "Now you are talking. I've always wondered."
"Well being small helps," Kris smiled.
"I imagine." Brad picked up his duffle. "You know, after all of this is over, you’re probably going back to your rock and roll life, but don't forget the name Cheeks. I will be famous."
"Someone as fabulous as you? How could it not happen?"
Brad scowled again. "We're going to have to talk about that mouth of yours."
"I'm sure you'd love to talk about my mouth."
"Okay, who are you, and where is the vanilla boy I'm supposed to be hiding?"
Kris laughed. "Sorry. He doesn't exist except in my PR team's dreams. Right now I've given them all collective apoplexy from the release of certain photos from my less discretionary youth."
"Now that is a story I want to hear."
Brad followed Kris to another room. This was the easiest favor he had ever repaid in his life. One day, he'd possibly share the story with his friends.
Adam didn't even blink when he saw Brad on his couch. It happened often enough that it didn't matter anymore. He was piled under a ton of blankets, but Adam recognized the pant leg sticking out and the pair of boots he had given Brad so many years ago. He just wondered why Allison would let him in.
"Adam?"
That was not Brad's voice.
"What the hell kind of dream did I walk into? Am I really that tired?"
Adam watched as Kris sat up and blinked.
"Allison thinks if I dress up as him I might be able to hide better."
"I never even thought of that. How did she convince him though?" Adam asked.
"He owed her a favor? Plus he said it was easy. It may have been because I flirted with him."
Adam felt his dick twitch at the thought of that, but the day's events had been too much for more than a passing thought.
"Adam?"
"Yeah?"
"Will you tell me?" Kris asked.
Adam had known that Kris would ask, but he had hoped it would daylight, and he had more sleep. It was not meant to be. Adam sat down on the couch and ran a hand through his hair.
"I'm not going to lie to you okay?"
Kris nodded, his eyes wide.
Adam took out his notebook, looking at the scrawled handwriting, the smell of rain and fresh blood still in his nose, the images seared in his mind.
"It looks like Katy showed up at your house around nine last night. The videos show her puttering around the kitchen and various other areas of the house. Anyway, around ten the video went out. When it came back on at twelve-thirty…"
"Just say it," Kris clenched his teeth.
"When it came back on, Katy was on the floor, dead, and there was no one else around."
"Was it bad?"
Adam nodded. "Whoever did it had a lot of anger stored up. A lot."
Kris bit his lip. "I have to turn myself in."
"Excuse me?"
Adam watched as Kris stared at his hands. "As much as I wished Katy out of my life sometimes, I never hated her that much. Plus I left before the video went out. I'm innocent."
Adam sighed. "You don't get it. She was killed in your house with your guitar that conveniently went missing two weeks ago. To the police, that puts you at number one on their suspect list. Unless we get reliable witnesses that put you at the bar closer to time of death, we have nothing."
"I can't just sit here! She died! She died because of me!" Kris yelled, standing.
"No. Whoever killed her wanted to kill her. There was no mistake. And I won't let you go to jail for something you didn't do."
"You can't make me do anything. I hired you."
Adam watched as Kris headed for the door. He sighed again and followed, grabbing Kris's wrist.
"Yes, and if you had read your contract, part of my job is protecting the client. So I'm sorry."
Kris gasped as Adam snapped the handcuff on. "Did you just handcuff me?"
"I did. Now let's go sit down, and talk about suspects."
"I don't want to."
"Stop acting like a child and sit down," Adam turned and looked at Kris. He had mussed up his hair, and his eyes were red. "What's the matter?"
"How am I supposed to sleep if I'm handcuffed to you?"
"Don't worry, your innocence is safe. If I haven't jumped you by now, I'm not going to start."
"I-I wasn't, I just," Kris rubbed his face with his free hand. "Fine. Tell me the rest."
Adam looked at Kris again. "You were on and off for what? Seven years?"
Kris nodded.
"Have you cried yet?"
"I can't," Kris whispered. "I tried. I tried so hard, but I feel empty. I loved her. Even if it was just for a little bit I loved her, and I have nothing."
Adam's heart broke along with Kris's voice.
"So tell me what evidence you have."
Adam let the moment lie, and sat down again, trying to ignore Kris's hand brushing against his.
"Well the killer cleaned up well, but he or she-"
"The only other woman who had security codes was my mom. I'm pretty sure she didn't like Katy, but she's in Arkansas right now."
"Okay." Adam looked at his notebook, ignoring the big brown eyes focused on him. "He left behind some clues. We have tire tracks, although it’s possible he stole the car. It looks like he and Katy may have eaten a very late dinner. We don't know what because someone cleaned up very well."
"Katy. She hates-hated a dirty kitchen."
"Anyway, hopefully the ME will be able to determine the last meal. We may be able to pull fingerprints off the pay phone the killer made his two calls from. Also we found some sheet music. I didn't get a chance to look at it, but I'll campaign for the chance. There’s a chance that Sarver might be able to recover the damaged video from the gates so we can get a license plate. He and DeWyze are also going to try and firm up your alibi. The guitar is under scrutiny, but the killer wore gloves, so no luck there. We also got a partial footprint from the front door. But that's all."
"That seems like a lot," Kris said hopefully.
"It is and it isn't. It's a lot of threadbare and circumstantial evidence. If we can find the car we might be able to get more, but without fingerprints or hair, hell even a snatch of a picture would help, it's going to be hard to convince Seacrest you didn't do it."
Kris let out a breath. "So what do you do now?"
Adam looked at his watch. "I try to catch about an hour or two of sleep, then go into the office and review my files, see if I can narrow down the suspect list."
"And what about me? You can't just leave me here handcuffed to your bed."
Adam suppressed a grin. "As appealing as that sounds, you come to the office with me. I've taken Brad there once or twice, so it shouldn't be too surprising. Plus my new secretary hates when I mix business and pleasure, so the opportunity to annoy him is just bonus."
"Wait. I thought Allison was your secretary?"
"She was. But she joined a punk rock band. So I got a new one. I forgot you haven't been to the office since she left."
"Is she good?"
Adam looked at Kris in disbelief. "She's fucking amazing."
"When this is over, remind me to go watch her. I'm touring again soon, and I love inflicting a variety of opening acts on my fans."
"You'd do that?" Adam asked, surprised.
"Why wouldn't I?" Kris looked confused, as if Adam's question had been in a foreign language.
Adam shook his head. "You are not even real. Come on, I'll set you up in my room. I'll sleep on the couch."
Kris said nothing as Adam led him down the hall. Adam noted the surprise as Kris stepped into the room.
"What did you think my room would look like?"
"I was thinking more satin. Maybe a few mirrors," Kris said.
"Well the bed frame is very old and very sturdy, if you were wondering," Adam replied.
"I wasn't. But thank you. Do you really have to keep this on me?"
Kris shook the hand that was attached to Adam's.
"Yeah," Adam said, unlocking his side and attaching it to the bed frame. "See, the problem is that underneath the rock star lays a terribly honest guy who wouldn't hesitate to lie to me if it meant doing the right thing, which would be turning yourself in. In other words, very necessary."
Kris sighed, and curled on his side. "Night then."
"Sleep well."
Adam stood, trying to not picture what he really wanted to do in that moment. Instead he rubbed his eyes and walked to the door. He almost made it out before he heard the sound. He turned and looked at the bed, noticing that Kris had curled himself into a small ball, his whole body shaking as he tried to muffle his crying. Adam stood motionless, because his self imposed rules didn't cover this. He walked back to the bed and sat down carefully. He laid a hand on Kris's shoulder. Kris froze.
"It's okay," Adam whispered, "just let it out."
Adam blinked away his own tears, forgetting sleep as he pulled Kris close and let him cry.
PART TWO