“Yeah, my dad had an interior designer do my room at home and he moved all this stuff in yesterday. You were busy with your own furniture being delivered. I moved the old stuff next door, hope that’s okay. I work better when I’m in my own surroundings. But this computer is all you, Jack. I love it!”
“Writing really is your life, isn’t it?”
“Since I was a kid, all I’ve ever wanted to do was write.”
“Who knows, kiddo, you may be able to write a book by the time you get done working here.”
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course not, I want you to be successful. You know me, I’m all about ‘girl power’.”
“You’re a smart man, capitalizing on the female psyche.”
“Over the years I’ve realized a couple of things. One, that I need all the help I can get. And two, that I’ve also known some fantastic women along the way,” I say wistfully, thinking of my mother and Valerie. They set one hell of a powerful example. I lean in toward the computer monitor and read along. “Let’s see what you’ve got here.”
This morning marked anything but a peaceful fishing trip for one Louisville resident. I’m certain when he planned his early morning trek into the great outdoors, murder never crossed his mind.
Although the discovery was made on dry land, it more than qualifies as the catch of the day. The early morning fisherman, who has asked that his name be withheld, discovered a severed human leg. The medical examiner confirms it to be the leg of a woman. Interestingly, the limb had a message written on it. I won’t divulge any details that could interfere with the ongoing investigation, but suffice it to say that I’ve dubbed the perpetrator of this crime ‘The Riddler’.
The horrifying discovery leaves us with several questions. Who is the dead woman? Was she a resident of Louisville, one of our own? Where is the rest of this woman’s body? Why did the killer dismember her? Was the leg disposed of unsuccessfully or was it placed deliberately to taunt the authorities in a game of Hide and Seek?
Whatever the killer’s intentions, I’ll be here covering his story as it unfolds. The Urban Elite Guardian blog is your inside source for the latest news about this heinous crime.
In the meantime, here’s how you can help. We’re asking anyone who may have a loved one missing to contact your local police, and to file a missing person’s report if they have been missing for over twenty-four hours.
I’m Max and if you have a story to tell or a lead that needs to be checked out, I’m right here waiting to hear from you at the Urban Elite Guardian. Feel free to contact me, Louisville, because I’ve got your back.
“I like it. You didn’t reveal too much but you interacted with the readers in a meaningful way.”
“Thanks,” she says with a broad smile. “I debated including more details about The Riddler’s message, but I felt like if I did it would draw every serial killer wanna-be out of the woodwork. There are a lot of sick fucks who don’t have the balls to kill but want a ride on the fame train, so they take credit for kills they didn’t do.”
“Good thinking, Max. I think you may have found your calling. Authorities always keep some detail out of the public record, that way if a suspect comes along who knows details we’ve withheld, then we know they’re tied in to the crime somehow.”
“Well, that’s what I was thinking. Also, I’d be flooded with e-mails and it takes away from work time when I have to stop and answer them all.”
“I’m assuming you understand how dangerous this line of work can get?”
“In all honesty, I’m an adrenaline junkie. I’m also fascinated by the criminal mind.”
“A potentially deadly combination. And all the more reason for me to keep a close eye on you.” I cut my eyes, giving Max a long, considering look as I weigh my next words. “What is it Max?”
“I’ve got a weird feeling the killer is going to contact me and want to interact with me. Just think about how brazen he was to leave that severed leg out in the open like that. And then to write a message on it? He’s desperate for attention. What do I do if he does contact me?”
“Does that scare you?” I probe gently.
“Hell, yeah, Jack -- The guy cuts off body parts for entertainment. I can’t even begin to imagine the blood and gore on scene of where he cut that body up. Honestly, the average person would puke their guts out. He has to be one seriously sick guy to do that.”
“With this being our first case, there are a few things for you to keep in mind, Max. If this guy contacts you it’s because he wants to use you, which can definitely work in our favor. However, the bad thing about that is that once he doesn’t need you anymore -- well, I’m sure you can fill in the blanks. He’ll have it in his head that you are a way for him to reach the masses. Always remember that you’ve got back up. Nobody is going to come in here and do anything to you, I won’t allow it. Just don’t do anything stupid, like meet him alone. This type of killer who likes to manipulate and play games is always going to push the envelope and try to get you to do things you wouldn’t normally do.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, it’s easy to bond with a criminal without intending to, even when they’re the scum of the earth. That doesn’t mean you like them, it just means that you end up with a connection of sorts, no matter how twisted it is. They wreak havoc on every life they touch and yet they get inside an investigator’s head and some sort of sick bond forms.”
“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.”
“I certainly fucking am.”
Chapter Ten
His Muse
Time to see if my bait has snagged a new playmate for me. I do love the internet; an endless sea of information and the ability to be concealed behind a keyboard. Complete anonymity. What more could a sick fuck like me ask for?
I’m disappointed when I do a search and find nothing about the severed leg – more specifically, the severed leg of the nasty whore I stabbed in the heart.
I try one more thing before I give up. I run an automated search of news alerts. I search chat rooms and blogs and that’s when I get a hit—and, oh, what a hit it is.
There’s a picture of a pretty little brunette with chocolate brown eyes who looks like she just might want to play. My dick stirs in my jeans as I read her brief blog post. The sweet little thing is even inviting me to contact her? I stroke my semi through my pants, deciding that I may just do that.
I have to admit, I like a girl with brains and, even better, this one has brains and beauty. I take a moment to think before I contact her. My response needs to be something simple, nothing fussy or pretentious. Yes, back to basics, I think…
Roses are red, violets are blue,
I’m ready to play, how ‘bout you?
If you are, little blogger girl,
contact me: [email protected]
Of course, someone will try to trace the address, but they won’t find anything. I’m too smart for that. I’ve hidden my online identity underneath so many layers on the dark web that even the smartest hacker could never figure it out -- but they can have fun trying. For the first time in years, I recognize a spark of creativity and inspiration. Few women have ever been able to truly inspire me in my line of work. The first thing to do is find out who Max is. I begin by seeing if she has another blog out there and, sure enough, she does.
In spite of myself, I feel a tug at my cold, black heart as I read the blog’s ‘About’ page –and that just pisses me off.
Hi, my name is Maxine Raleigh, but you can call me Max. I started this blog when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. When we went to our support group they recommended that we do a blog and share our journey and that’s what this blog is for. We’ll be sharing all the ups and downs of this disease and we won’t be holding any of our emotions back. I’m not about being politically correct, I am about keeping it real, and right now I’m pissed; I’m pissed at this disease and I plan on doing everything I can to
kick its ass.
I read on, gleaning what information I can about this intriguing woman. This far more intimate blog she did with her mother reveals more about her than the crime blog does. I’m sure it seemed like a good idea at the time. Poor dear had no idea she would pique the interest of a stone cold killer. Oh, but I do love a fighter and this woman has the fiery spirit for battle if I’ve ever seen one. I find that I want to get better acquainted.
The blog doesn’t reveal her address but I pride myself on being versatile, so I have other ways to get that information and other personal details about my new playmate. I like her, I like her a lot. I like her so much I want to know everything about her.
I take down notes and bask in the information she has given me already. Then I browse through the large freezer, searching for just the right thing. Oh, I have a plan that’s going to confuse the fuck out of her. Really, it’s only fair, since she was able to inspire me, that I return the favor. After all, turnabout is fair play…
Chapter Eleven
Jack
“Hey,” Valerie murmurs from the doorway. I look up from my bed where I’m doing some work on my laptop. She looks me over, her hot gaze lingering on my torso and shoulders. I didn’t bother with a t-shirt after my shower tonight, just an old pair of drawstring pants that do nothing to hide my sudden erection as I lay the laptop aside.
Her eyes widen briefly as she takes in the view. She clears her throat. “I just wanted to say goodnight before I head back to my place. I still have some packing to do.”
I pick up the glass of bourbon I’ve been working on and toss it back, watching her over the rim. The bottle of Old Rip Van Winkle is on my nightstand so I reach for it, pour myself another and take a small sip, never taking my eyes off her. The hair on the back of my neck stands at attention and I swear I feel a tingle at the base of my spine as the sexual tension that’s always simmering between us bursts into full flame. The predator in me likes what I see when she tosses her hair over her shoulders like a nervous colt and smooths the fabric of her skirt with trembling hands.
I set the glass on the nightstand and slowly slide my legs over the side of the bed. Her body tenses in anticipation as I prowl toward her and I fucking love it. No, Valerie going home just isn’t going to happen. I stand in front of her, not quite touching but close enough to feel the heat radiating off her body. I reach around her and close the door. Her breath hitches when I flip the dead bolt.
“Yeah, think again, babe.” I grab a fistful of her blonde hair and tug hard, jerking her toward me. She’s breathing heavily as she slams into my chest. I run my tongue along her jaw and clamp down on her ear lobe just hard enough to let her know she’ll be leaving when I say so, and right now I’m thinking she’s not going anywhere tonight. The way her curves melt into me lets me know she’s on board with my plans.
“That’s a good girl, you’re getting the message.” She bites her bottom lip and closes her eyes, leaning her head back against the wall as I slowly unbutton her shirt and let it drop to the floor. I run the back of my hand along the ripe curve of her cleavage, my knuckles pressing into the soft flesh that’s straining against her lacy white bra. I recognize it as a recent gift. I hum softly in approval as I slide my fingertips beneath the lace and feel her heart flutter under my hand. She knows how this works; she wears the lingerie I give her or she pays the price for disobeying me.
“Don’t fucking move,” I growl in her ear before I return to the bed and retrieve my three fingers of bourbon from the nightstand. With the glass tilted up to my lips, I prowl back over to her while taking a long draw of the amber liquid. When I reach her, I lean in and press an open-mouth kiss on the plump flesh of her breast. I linger there, suckling the velvety skin as I savor the smooth combination of fine Kentucky bourbon and her unique essence. She moans and I know her knees are getting weak. I also know her panties are soaked because the scent of her arousal is in the air between us. Yeah, this is just what I need.
“You know,” I murmur as I set the glass down on the credenza to the left of the door, “I think that’s what drew you to me in the first place. We took one look at each other and recognized what we needed. You could tell that I take what I want and you had never been taken before, not really.” I let my lips wander in a lazy trail up to her collarbone as my hand skims over her hip to her ass, kneading the firm flesh and pressing her belly against my hard-on. “But you wanted it. You had wanted to be taken for a very…very…long time.”
My fingers move with expertise, unhooking her bra and letting it slide down her arms to the floor. I dip a finger into the glass, this time letting the bourbon drip over a dusky rose nipple. Her back arches as I lick the flesh to a firm peak.
“Oh, fuck, Jack,” she moans as her breath catches in her throat.
“That’s it… there it is,” I rasp against her skin. I unzip her skirt, sliding it down over her hips. She kicks the fabric into a corner while I hook my thumbs under the sides of her dainty white G-string. One hard yank and I’m tossing the shredded fabric across the floor to join her skirt.
“I wonder what that sweet pussy of yours will taste like when it’s dripping with fine bourbon. Ah, you’re moaning again, baby.” I drop down to my knees and smack the inside of her thigh so she’ll spread her legs for me. “Mmm, and so very wet for me,” I rasp as my fingers toy with her slick folds and slide inside before I pull away to dip a finger in the bourbon one last time, this time drizzling it over her clit. I tilt my head back so I can watch her watch me lapping up all that bourbon. I exaggerate the long swipes of my tongue over her swollen bundle of nerves, making sure I get it all.
“Mmm, tastes good. Pussy and nine hundred dollar Kentucky bourbon, that’s nice. Can I have more, baby, more of that hot little pussy? Can I sink my cock down in there real deep until you’re begging me to come? Hmm?” She nods frantically, her breathing ragged as I swipe more of the bourbon over a firm, peaked nipple.
“Now, play with your tits for me. Give me a show like a good girl or I’m going to have to stop.” She runs her hands up over her stomach to her gorgeous, heavy breasts and squeezes them over and over, her heavy-lidded eyes starting to glaze over. “Hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen,” I groan hungrily, just before I bury my tongue in her soaked opening and suck on her clit. Her legs start to shake as I work my magic until she’s melting in my mouth like fine chocolate.
I grip her ass with both hands and press her hard into my mouth as she lets go. As her pleasure gushes over my tongue, her flavor puts that Kentucky bourbon to shame.
I don’t give her time to recover before I pull her down onto her hands and knees. With my pants pushed down over my hips, I grip my cock and slide the broad head back and forth through her luscious pussy lips. “I’ve been a gentleman all goddamn day, woman. I’m. Fucking. Done. Gonna take you any way I want now, you hear me?”
“Fuck, yes… Do it…,” she groans as she lowers her head to the floor and tilts her ass up toward me. I’ve got the weight of the world on my shoulders these days, decisions and responsibilities everywhere I turn. But right now, as my hand slides over the lush curve of her ass, my life is simple and, fuck me, but it’s a beautiful sight.
As always, Valerie reads me so easily and knows what I need. “Give it all to me, Jack, I want you to. Take it out on me…”
Well, shit. I never could tell her no. With a guttural groan, I thrust the full length of my cock into her sweet snatch and hold her still against me as I struggle for control. I smack my hand down on her ass and pull back to study the red handprint as it gleams on her ivory skin. Can’t resist reaching down to stroke it – fuck, it’s the next best thing to beating my fists on my chest like a goddamn caveman.
My hands grip her hips like a vice and I brace for what I know will be a punishing pace for both of us. I signal my intentions with a hard swivel of my hips and begin to thrust in earnest. I’m determined to control her pleasure as we move together in a relentless rhythm that borders on brutal.
My head rolls back when her inner walls squeeze me like a goddamn fist. When that telltale surge of heat starts to tingle in my lower back, I stroke her clit the way she likes, determined to bring her along with me. I leave her in no doubt that I’m calling the shots here as I gasp in her ear, “You better come with my cock buried in you or you’re in trouble.”
Right on cue, her body clamps down on me as she comes apart and claws at the carpet like a feral creature in ecstasy. My orgasm surges through me and I roar with pleasure as my cock pulses inside her.
Moments later, we’ve barely moved, both of us still gasping for breath. With my chest curved over her back and my arms wrapped around her waist, I know I’ve given her what she needs, what no other man can give her. My hand glides down her lower back and over her ass as our breathing slows. With a soft kiss to her shoulder, I gently pick her up and hold in her in my arms, getting us settled in bed for the night.
She’s practically purring as she drifts off to sleep in my arms. I kiss the top of her head and pull her closer against me, enjoying the quiet as I finish off my bourbon. Life is good.
Chapter Twelve
Jack
“Good morning, beautiful.”
“Mm, I slept well. I’m glad I stayed.”
“You mean you’re glad I made you stay.”
“You say tomato, I say tamahto.” She stretches like a feline and my cock stirs -- my cock that’s already a fine example of morning wood.
“Girl, you better watch it or you’re going to be late,” I smirk as I arch a brow at her and stroke my cock, my intentions crystal clear. She jumps up buck ass naked and darts for the shower before I can grab her.
“No can do, darlin’. We’ve got a sicko out there cutting up women, remember?”
I groan, punching my fist into the pillow. This guy’s not only a serial killer, now he’s a cockblocker too. Finally I haul my ass out of bed and follow her. She may just find herself up against the shower wall and getting fucked anyway. I slip into the shower and she moves back, allowing the water to wash over me. I grab the shampoo and begin lathering her hair as I talk quietly. “I want you to be careful. This sick fuck wants to play and I don’t want him setting his sights on you.”
Urban Renewal (Urban Elite Book 1) Page 5
