“At her age, and with her looks you’re trying to tell me she’s still the big V, no way?”
Ice gave him a cold hard stare, Wolf’s disbelieving scoff almost made him confide, but he remained stoic, no way was he going to elaborate on his and Kathy’s sex life with any one of these clowns regardless of how tight they were.
*
Wolf knew he’d overstepped the mark and tried to regain some ground. “Okay, okay, if not an ex-lover, then it’s someone who wants to be doing a little mattress time with her.”
“I’m afraid you might be right. She’d been getting weird phone calls for weeks until I got her number changed. Now this.”
Wolf listened, intent on storing every detail as Ice explained.
“She thought she saw an old flame from her hometown yesterday, but when she tried to attract his attention the son of a bitch disappeared into the crowd. Although they never fucked, they did date, and he was mighty pissed when she moved away. Kathy said he’d been acting weird before she left, following her about everywhere, and it really creeped her out.”
“A stalker? That doesn’t sound good. You got a name?”
“Ian Roberts.”
“Tell you what buddy, I’ll hang on to these cards and see if I can track down who sent them and why,” he volunteered.
“Thanks, I’d appreciate it, and keep it under wraps will you? I don’t want Kathy getting spooked over something that might turn out to be nothing.”
“Consider it done. I just pray this is some harmless admirer, but I’m afraid it’s got the stink of something more sinister.”
“I hope you’re wrong, but my gut is telling me the same thing.” Wolf fired up the engine and steered Red-Hot closer to shore where Frosty was already wading out with Sarah. Hawk wasn’t far behind with an armful of skis. Ice helped Sarah on board before hopping over the side and going back to join the others.
* * * *
Havoc and Kathy were still on the beach gathering up the rest of their belongings ready for the second trip back.
“Y’all saw Shane and me making out in the ocean today didn’t you Havoc?”
“Yep, but we didn’t look long.”
“I’m so embarrassed,” she drawled.
“Don’t be, and don’t take any notice of Hawk either. He didn’t mean anything. The kid engages his mouth before his brain, that’s why we call him Boy Blunder.”
Kathy laughed. “Poor Hawk, you guys are so mean.”
“Nah, it’s all good fun.”
“Yeah, until someone loses an eye.” She giggled.
By the time Shane reached the shore, Kathy and Havoc had everything packed and were waiting for their ride back.
“Wolf should be back in about twenty,” Shane announced, dropping beside her and draping a proprietary arm across her shoulders. “Got any plans for tonight, Havoc?”
“Yeah, got a hot date,” the big man answered with a silly grin. “My mum’s flying in to spend a few days with her sister who lives in San Diego,” he explained for her benefit. “And I’ve been roped in to take ‘em out for a feed tonight. God knows what they’ve got cooked up for me tomorrow.”
Although Havoc grumbled, his affection for his mother and aunt was obvious and it warmed her heart to hear.
“But don’t go blabbing to Wolf. You know what he’s like. He’d tag along with his bloody camera, happily drop me in it, and then take a freaking picture. So far I’ve managed to keep this visit from him.”
“Yeah, he’s driving everyone nuts with the thing,” Shane remarked. The edge to his voice had Kathy praying Wolf hadn’t snapped a shot of them earlier in the water.
Wolf was back in less than twenty, and the trio waded out to the speedboat with the remaining gear. The sun was sinking at a rapid pace and there was a distinct chill in the air. Shane gave Kathy a leg over the side, and she took a seat up front next to Wolf.
“The others have split. Sarah was tired, and they had to pick up the kids, and Hawk’s got a hot date.”
“The kid’s turning into a regular Casanova.” Havoc’s remark was laced with innuendo.
“You got that right, I can’t keep up with his conquests.” Wolf chuckled as he gave Red-Hot more throttle and she skimmed over the waves.
When they reached the marina, Shane secured the boat and Havoc handed Kathy onto the jetty.
“Thanks for a wonderful day guys,” she said.
“We’ll do it again soon, but next time you have to ski.”
“I’m not committing to anything.” She laughed.
Shane tucked her arm in his. “Yeah, catch you two later,” he said. “Oh and by the way Havoc, when you see your mom tonight, say hi from me.”
Wolf stopped what he was doing and looked up. “You didn’t tell me your mom was in town,” he accused.
“I guess it slipped my mind.”
“So where are we taking her?”
Havoc groaned, Shane grinned.
“You’re a terrible torment,” she scolded as Shane escorted her to the parking lot.
“It’s called payback, babe.”
* * * *
Sonny was getting itchy feet, fed up with being on the sidelines. He wanted Kathy with him, and he wanted her here now. He was well and truly over playing the waiting game, but he couldn’t just snatch her and bring her back here. Or could he?
Sending flowers had achieved zip. He thought she’d have bragged about them at work but no. He needed to do something constructive. He had her new phone number and was deliberating whether to tip his hand and give her a call, or whether to just go get her.
Socrates would know what to do.
Socrates was brilliant; he always thought things through thoroughly, weighed up the pros and cons before making a recommendation. He’d even advised him when Lindy was becoming uncontrollable.
When he’d first brought Lindy home, she’d been such an obliging little thing, eager to please, to do his bidding, cooking and cleaning for him, but then something changed. He saw her studying the door from under her lashes, trying the windows when she thought he wasn’t paying attention. When he confronted her, she’d said she was hot and needed air, but he wasn’t dumb. Just like Patty, she was so predictable. She wanted to get out and spread her legs for some other dude, and no way was he allowing that. In the end, he’d had to chain her up while he was at work for her own protection. She’d have had the morals of an alley cat if he’d given her more freedom.
The more he pondered, the more he realized the necessity of bringing Kathy home, but first he had to clear it with Socrates. Socrates could fly into a rage at the drop of a hat, and he didn’t want to put him off side, not yet. He’d keep him in the loop, but if he failed to sanction it then he would defy him.
Sonny wasted no time logging onto the computer determined now more than ever to bring Kathy home.
Socrates,
Time’s up, am bringing her home.
Sonny.
Stepping away from the monitor and over to the refrigerator, Sonny took out a beer and wondered what Socrates would have to say about that. Leaning against the sink his face was sullen as he peered out the kitchen window into the lengthening shadows. He could handle the days; filling his time during the sunlit hours wasn’t a problem. It was the nights he disliked. They were lonely and long and stretched ahead like a void.
Swallowing the last of his ale, he tossed the empty into the bin and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Patience wasn’t his strong point; he was getting twitchy. He crossed to the computer hoping for a message and was intrigued when he read the response.
Sonny,
If you must have a pet, get yourself a pigeon
Socrates.
Socrates was a mastermind.
Sonny still had some contacts off the island and knew just the pigeon to do the job. It would be a cinch, all the dude would require would be enough greenbacks to keep him in narcotics for a week, and now was as good a time as any to make the arrangements.
He flew out the door and down the back steps, swung up into the pickup, and reversed down the drive. The road was deserted as he backed onto it, another advantage of living in the sticks he decided as he turned in the direction of San Diego.
It was dusk when he arrived. The setting sun cast a golden halo like glow over the city skyline. The weekend traffic was thin as he turned off the main drag into a deserted alley. It was still too early for the night crowd who would converge on the city all too soon.
Parking beside a dumpster, he checked that the car was locked before setting off to walk the short distance to Chuck’s place. A necessary precaution as this was the sleazier side of town, and he didn’t want to take any chances by giving a thief an even break.
He’d known Chuck from high school and had run into him again six months ago. Chuck was a loser then, and he was an even bigger loser now, a hopeless drug addict who’d prostitute his own mother for a buck.
Sonny climbed the rickety stairs to the fifth floor apartment, the elevator displayed an OUT OF ORDER sign, but even if it had been working, he wouldn’t have risked using it. The door opened a crack when he knocked, but only as far as the metal chain allowed. Bloodshot eyes blinked back at him myopically from behind the timber door.
“Oh, it’s you,” a croaky voice announced.
“Let me in, I got a proposition for you.” Sonny wasted no time on formalities. He didn’t want to risk being seen, didn’t want to be connected to Chuck in any way.
He heard rattling as the security chain was unlatched. The door swung wide revealing a man with lank shoulder-length hair dressed in grimy denims and a shirt that hadn’t seen the inside of a washing machine in many a long day.
Sonny wrinkled his nose as he barged past him and flopped onto the black beanbag in front of the television, his proposition foremost in his mind. Chuck sauntered over, tucking his reddish-blond hair behind his ears, and stopped in front of him, his interest peaked.
“So what’s this job you got for me man?”
“It’s a sensitive issue, so you need to be discreet. Do you think you can handle that?” One never could tell with an addict.
“Sure, discreet’s my middle name. I told ya before I’m not cheap, but I can be bought.” Chuck sniggered as he extracted a small packet of white powder from his jeans’ pocket. Crouching low over the coffee table, he heaped the substance into a small mound. “So what’s the deal?” he inquired as he picked up a short plastic straw lying nearby and snorted the cocaine. It was done with an ease and offhandedness denoting much practice and no qualms.
“It’s simple, and I’ll make it worth your while.” Sonny assured him, barely able to keep the disgust from his voice at the other man’s habit. They were both twenty-nine years of age, but no one would have guessed it. Chuck easily came across as ten years older. The lifestyle he led had ravaged his features, making him look old before his time.
Sonny hesitated for the briefest moment while he contemplated whether Chuck was up to the task. He could be so lame at times, and this could not be botched. He’d rather do it himself than risk any stuff ups but Socrates had a point, if something did go wrong, better it be Chuckie boy’s butt in the slammer than his.
Sonny decided to bite the bullet. “Okay, here’s the deal. There’s this woman in Coronado I want you to nab.” He handed a photo of Kathy to Chuck as he spoke, so there’d be no mistaking her identity. “Don’t hurt her, just bring her to me, and I’ll take it from there. Steal a car, you don’t want anyone ID’ing yours. Oh yeah, and get yourself a ski mask or something.”
*
Chuck turned away, hiding the grin on his face. If he didn’t fuck up now, then this was gonna be an easy week. No break and enters, no snatch and grabs, and no prostituting his ass. He quickly did the numbers, hell if he played his cards right, this little job could net him a fortune and keep him high for the next couple of months.
“You know I’d do anything for you buddy, but this is gonna cost ya.”
His old school pal started the negotiations at three fifty, and he replied with a negative shake of the head. “No dice. I want at least double, and that’s cheap. Anyone else I’d charge a grand.”
Five hundred was the next offer on the table. They finally settled on seven with his bud agreeing to pay half now and half when the job was done. Chuck pocketed the bills without bothering to count them and took the yellow sticky note his friend held out.
“This the delivery address?”
*
“Yeah.” Sonny confirmed and crossed to the doorway, eager to beat feet, too much time in Chuck’s company made his flesh crawl.
“I’ll be seeing you next week then.”
“You can count on it.”
Sonny hurried down the stairs and onto the pavement. The wheels were now in motion, and all he had to do was sit back and wait. He whistled as he briskly made his way through the darkening streets to his car. He’d been prepared to pay at least a grand for Chuckie’s services, but the dumb son of a bitch had zero negotiating skills and tipped his hand early, so he’d got out of it cheap.
Chapter 12
It was nudging six p.m. as Kathy jogged the last few yards uphill along the road that ran beside the sand dunes. It wasn’t a busy road, and that was the main reason she’d chosen it. The only passing traffic was from the few residents who lived there or those wanting to take-in the view from the lookout at the top of the hill.
She especially enjoyed this alone time; apart from keeping her fit, it made her feel serene and allowed her to reflect on her day. She was later than usual today, having decided to accept a spur of the moment invitation to have coffee with Anne and Len after school. They’d met at La Patisserie, and it had been pleasant sitting in the fresh air, catching up over cappuccinos. They hadn’t stayed long though, Len had a dentist appointment and Anne had a family function to attend, so they’d arranged to see a movie together Monday night. She’d declined at first, hoping the other two would go as a couple, but Anne wouldn’t hear of it knowing that Shane’s schedule dictated that he’d be away. Kathy had kept their romance pretty much under wraps not wanting to read too much into it. Shane’s insistence on casual and “when this thing has run its course I’ll walk away” speech echoed hollowly in her head. Only Anne had an idea of her deepening feelings, but she guessed the time was coming to be honest with Shane, and admit how she really felt. If that meant breaking up, she’d just have to deal with it.
The wind that had started as a gentle breeze when she’d set out had picked up considerably. It whipped strands of hair across her face and brought with it a distinct chill. The sky had darkened, and the smell of a coastal shower was in the air. Kathy checked her watch. It was getting late, and the streetlights had just come on. Evening was drawing in. She hadn’t reached her intended goal but not wanting to chance a drenching, turned around to retrace her footsteps.
Kathy hadn’t gone far when her eyes skewed to a white van by the curb. She’d noticed it earlier parked at the foot of the hill, and she knew it was the same van by the bright blue stripe down the side and the dent in the front fender.
The fine hair on the back of her neck prickled, but she dismissed the uneasy feeling as the wind picking up and an overactive imagination. But as she drew level with the van’s side door, a freckle-faced man with stringy reddish-blond hair was revealed, crouching in the opening. Wearing a scowl, and dressed in denims and an unbuttoned plaid shirt over a black Tee, he looked menacing. Kathy gave him a hasty glance and stepped up the pace, but as she passed by, she heard his feet hit the pavement behind her and was pulled up short by a vicious tug on her hair.
She opened her mouth to scream, but his hand cut off her breath, his other arm snaked her midriff, and he lifted her bodily off the ground. Kathy struggled and fought with all her strength, gouging deep furrows along the length of his arm and biting hard on his fingers. As her teeth found purchase, her attacker reefed his hand from her mouth.
“Quit it bitch or y
ou’re dead meat.”
Kathy took the advantage and screamed. Her assailant swung her around and silenced her with a sharp punch to the side of her face. The force of the impact split her lip and almost knocked her off balance.
A loud horn and the screech of brakes nearby caused the man to wheel around. The distraction was enough to give her the upper edge and, reacting on instinct, she lifted her leg and kneed him with as much force as she could in the groin.
He dropped like a stone and doubled over.
“Get in girl, hurry.” A woman in an SUV gesturing wildly shouted at her.
Kathy flew into motion. She raced over and jerked open the car door, barely having time to clamber aboard before the wheels spun. The vehicle fishtailed down the street, leaving a spray of gravel in its wake.
“Are you all right? Who was that man?” Her savior inquired, swiveling to face her.
“I’ve no idea. He just jumped out of that van and grabbed me. Thank God you came along when you did.” Kathy wiped her mouth with a shaky hand. The metallic taste of blood was strong. “I’m bleeding.”
“There’s a tissue in the glove compartment help yourself.”
Kathy buckled her belt and sat back in the seat shaking, chaotic thoughts raced through her mind. Was the attack related to the phone calls and flowers, or was it a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time? The more she thought about it, the more she had to believe that the attack wasn’t random, and the realization terrified her.
“I’ll take you to the local precinct, you should report this.”
Kathy nodded. She remembered seeing the van parked at the bottom of the street earlier, but there’d been a number of people hanging around, so perhaps that was why he hadn’t grabbed her then, it had been too risky. Being a creature of habit, anyone observing her would know this was the same route she took every time she went running.
“Here dear, use my cell if there’s someone you want to call.”
Kathy glanced at the silver-haired woman beside her and accepted the phone with a murmured thanks. She was an older lady of an indeterminate age with kindly blue eyes that crinkled when she smiled.
Desire Unleashed Page 17
