Together in Darkness

by Sloan McBride

  "I've already ordered it."

  "I'm going up to the bedroom."

  He didn't stay long. The vibes he got from the room told him there was a new twist to this game. “Damn!” he mumbled. Jake hadn't thought it could get much worse, but then he shouldn't have underestimated his opponent.

  * * * *

  A small lamp cast light on the crime board. This day had gotten him no closer to a solution. Jake sat on the bed, knees bent, and fingers steepled in front his face. His Glock lay beside him, yet that provided little comfort for his worried mind. At 12:05 a.m. his cell phone vibrated, making a faint buzzing noise.

  In a grave voice he rang out, “Austin."

  "Up late again, Agent? Thinking of me, no doubt."

  Jake closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall.

  "What? No greeting for me? I'm hurt."

  Jake sat silent.

  "I visited Allison last night. The room smelled of roses. I half hoped I'd see the ones I'd been sending her somewhere by her bed. Beauty at rest with her hair sprayed across the white pillow."

  The tone in his voice softened as if he were reliving the scene while he related it. “It took restraint not to put my hands around her neck. My cock throbbed with anticipation, but I want more from Allison."

  Jake's eyes were open now. One hand clenched the phone while the other gripped his gun. The thought of those hands that had killed so many touching Allison almost propelled him through the phone to end this once and for all.

  "It's funny, but I've never been sexually aroused with the women I've killed—except once, and you know which one I'm talking about, don't you, Agent? That's how I know Allison is special. She's like a thirst I can't quench, a hunger that consumes me."

  Jake's mind screamed with agony, but he dared not show it.

  "I'm going to have her ... all of her. And you can't do anything about it. I'll like the idea of you helpless when I take her. Picture Allison tied to a bed, spread eagle. She'll be naked because I took the pleasure of cutting off each piece of clothing. Then I'll rub warm scented oils all over her body, massaging her and making her squirm."

  The Surgeon paused in his description. “Can you imagine me ramming my cock into her? Hmmm? Does it make you want to kill me?"

  "No!” Jake replied in as calm a voice as he could manage through clenched teeth.

  The killer's tone turned cold once again. “We're more alike than you think."

  Jake slammed the phone shut. They weren't that different. It wasn't like the thought of killing him hadn't crossed his mind.

  A little while later, the phone vibrated once more. Still reeling from his last conversation, Jake flipped the thing open. “What?"

  "Thought you might want to know that Caprizzi wants an update on the situation, and he's threatened to send me to Wyoming to live out my days catching cattle rustlers."

  "Did you confess?"

  "Hell, no. He's not gonna break me."

  Jake couldn't help but chuckle. “Linc. You're a piece of work."

  "Yeah, I know. It always drove my Ma crazy. So what's going on there?"

  "Things are escalating. We found voice-activated bugs under some tables and kitchen counters, and a couple of pin-hole cameras in the living room, kitchen, and bedroom.” He growled. “I'm not sure what's gonna happen next, but I don't like it."

  "What are you going to do?"

  "Suggest to Peter that we take Allison into serious protective custody."

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

  Kat yawned. “So that settles it. Mission accomplished and all that."

  "I'll be glad when this is over,” Allison said.

  "Which thing are we talking about now?"

  "The Penny Sale.” Allison got up and took her plate into the kitchen.

  Kat followed. “I've noticed that you haven't been taking the pills as much lately."

  "The headaches have diminished."

  "Uh, huh."

  Allison looked over at her friend. She knew that tone. “They have. To tell you the truth, I'm relieved. It scared me before when I passed out in the park."

  "I'm sure it did. It scared a lot of people."

  "Oh, don't start.” Kat's look of innocence had Allison shaking her head.

  "I'm just saying a lot of people care about you."

  "Right. I have loads of friends."

  Serious now, Kat took Allison by the shoulders. “There is more to you than what you let on. I know you're up to something even if you won't tell me what. Be careful."

  "Don't worry.” Allison patted Kat's forearms. “I'm fine, just a little wired. Having a madman break into your house will do that to a person. Wanna take a walk down by the cove?"

  "I have a better idea.” The sparkle in Kat's eyes warned Allison she would probably regret asking.

  "What?"

  "Let's go dancing."

  "Dancing?"

  "Hell, yeah. Blackburn's Pub should be open and they have a kick-ass band this week."

  "I haven't danced, out in public, in a while. I'm not sure I'm ready for that. It's been a strange couple of days, too."

  "You need that,” Kat said as she prodded Allison toward the door, switching off lights as they went. “Besides, your watchdogs will be close by."

  Resigned, Allison said, “All right. For a little while.” She just barely managed to grab her purse and keys before her friend shoved her out the door.

  "Woohoo! Party here we come."

  * * * *

  Jake had been even more restless after his talk with the killer, a man he had known so well a long time ago. He jumped in the shower hoping to relax his muscles. The steam usually had a soothing effect.

  Later, as he walked into the bedroom, towel drying his head, the phone rang again. “Austin."

  "Jake, it's Zach. Peter wanted me to call and let you know that your pigeon has flown the coup again."

  "What?"

  "Allison Brody and her friend left her house. It looks like they're going out."

  "Out? It's midnight for Christ's sake.” He threw the towel on the bed. “Shit! The woman loves playing with fire."

  "It seems so,” Quincy commented dryly.

  "Who's on surveillance duty tonight?"

  "Stephens and Bennett."

  "Have Stephens tail her to wherever she's going, then call me back and let me know where they end up. I'll take it from there."

  "Sure thing."

  Jake rustled through the closet tossing clothes on the bed. He hastily dressed, grabbed his keys and flew through the door. His cell phone vibrated as he slid into the driver's seat.

  "They ended up at Blackburn's Pub."

  "I've seen it. I'm on my way."

  Zach snickered. “Do you want backup?"

  "Smartass.” Jake flicked off the phone, sure another confrontation with Allison was on the horizon and wondering how it would end.

  Pulling into the Pub's parking lot, Jake saw Allison's car. At least she had parked under the light. He waved to Stephens and went inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust.

  Even after midnight, the smoky interior hummed with commotion. The band played an old tune Jake recognized. He scanned the booths, tables, and bar area but saw no sight of either woman. The pungent smell of beer and cigarettes wafted in the warm air being pushed around by ceiling fans.

  He cautiously maneuvered through a small crowd to reach the edge of the hardwood floor. There he saw Allison and Kat Rubin laughing and dancing like they didn't have a care in the world. A certain relief washed through him as he watched Allison dance. Even in the dim lighting, he saw her lips move with the words to the song the band beat out.

  Laughing at the witty banter between Kat and some muscle-bound blond, the hairs on Allison's arms suddenly raised and a charged tingle shot across her neck. She searched the crowd until her eyes settled on Jake. The scowl on his face didn't surprise her.

  "Looks like you're in for another sco
lding,” Kat warned.

  "Like hell I am. Can you manage?"

  "Hey, you know me."

  Allison laughed. “Yeah."

  Allison wended her way through the deluge on the dance floor. Jake's leather encased arms were crossed over his chest and his legs were slightly parted with knees locked, a body brimming with energy.

  The music slowed.

  Paying no attention to those around her, Allison stopped a few inches from Jake. Her hands slowly slid their way up his sides, pausing when she felt his gun holster. She wasn't sure what registered on his face, as her hands rested on his back and she began to move her body with the rhythm.

  Jake's eyes darkened and he released his arms to encircle hers. Shifting his position, he squeezed their bodies tightly together, front to front. His long fingers massaged her buttocks. Their bodies swayed in unison across the dance floor. One of Jake's legs was positioned between Allison's and when she lowered during a particular move, her inner thighs and woman's center rubbed sensually against it. She took her turn exploring his tight butt through the black jeans he wore.

  Attraction tangled with desire. The air became thick with need and the hunger Allison saw in Jake Austin's eyes set her on fire. When she stood up straight again, Jake's right hand clutched her hair and his left arm wound around her waist. With his lips teasing her ear he said, “When you play with fire, you can get burned.” His teeth nipped at her lobe.

  Allison pushed out of Jake's arms and played at being put off by his remark, but her body still sizzled from their brief contact. She turned and walked back to the table and grabbed her jacket and keys. She'd been ready to leave anyway, she told herself.

  "Come on, Kat."

  With a huff and a quick good-bye kiss for the guy she'd been dancing with, Kat walked over to retrieve her purse. Jake waited by the door, holding it open as Allison and Kat left. “I give as good as I get, Ms. Brody."

  She glared at him and exited the bar with a sniff. The corner of her mouth curved slightly.

  "I guess I'm taking a cold shower this time,” Jake mumbled as he followed the women out to the parking lot.

  * * * *

  With no preamble, Jake stalked into the command post the next day. He hadn't slept at all, but there was a precision in his gait and his actions. Tossing his jacket on the chair, he removed the lid to drink his coffee.

  Lancaster sat in front of the board nursing his cup for the morning. His bleary eyes said he hadn't slept much either. Jake had sympathy for the man and he nodded a greeting as he passed on his way over to where Peter and Margo were talking. “No new cases have been reported, Peter,” Margo advised. “It's like he just disappeared."

  "No. I'm sure he's out there waiting for his time."

  "Peter, can I talk to you for a second?” Jake asked.

  "Sure."

  Jake motioned to the table where Lancaster sat.

  "What's up?"

  "I want Allison Brody put under some serious protective custody."

  Lancaster's cup stopped midway to his mouth. “What brought this on?"

  At first the intensity of Jake's voice was low. “The Surgeon wants Allison with a heated need he's finding hard to control. First though, for lack of a better analogy, he wants to mate with her. He's convinced she's a special gift just for him."

  "And how do you know all this?"

  Jake paused for a moment rubbing his hands across his face and through his hair. “Because he told me."

  Immediately conversation in the entire room ceased. Lancaster spoke first. “You talked to him? When?"

  "Last night,” Jake sighed. “He called me."

  "Great.” Lancaster bounced up from his chair. “We'll check The Stern Trawler phone records, see if we can trace the call.” He rushed over to the phone on the desk, but before he could dial, Jake placed his finger on the button.

  "Wait. He didn't call me on the house phone, he called my cell."

  The other man replaced the handset. “Your cell number?"

  Jake nodded.

  "We can still try to trace it."

  Peter crossed his arms, but didn't say anything.

  "No. He's called before. The first couple of times I tried to find him, but he relays the signal through different places."

  "The first couple of times?” Peter Carmichael ground out. “And how many times has he called you?” The flash in his eyes and clenched jaw told Jake that Peter held his anger in check only by the barest string of will.

  "More than I care to count.” Jake's head and neck pounded.

  "Oh, and you didn't think it necessary to clue us in that the murderer frequently contacts you?"

  Jake felt as though the whole world rested on his shoulders at that moment. He dropped into a chair and hung his dark head, placing his hands on the back of his neck.

  "He started calling me about a year ago.” He looked at Lancaster. “I told you, he makes it personal. He taunts me, tries to break me, and this time, he might succeed."

  Margo's fingers were already moving over the computer keys when Peter said, “Get the phone records from his cell."

  "On it."

  "You're in deep shit. Caprizzi will hit the roof. You'll be lucky if you're not suspended for this."

  "I know."

  "What were you thinking, Jake?” Tobias asked.

  Jake turned weary eyes on his colleagues and Lancaster before saying, “He's gotten close enough to Allison Brody to kill her. Our meager attempts at protection have provided no safety for her and no challenge for him."

  "Do you really think she'll agree to protection?"

  Jake shrugged. “I'll be her shadow if necessary. Hell, I might just kidnap her for her own good."

  Lancaster's body rumbled with laughter, breaking the tension that had filled the room. “I don't want to be anywhere near if you try kidnapping Allison. I've been in the room with the two of you during a disagreement. No, I'm sure I'd rather be far, far away."

  Jake didn't see the humor in any part of this situation.

  "Maybe you both should go away.” Peter paced the small room. “I agree that she needs protection, but I also think you need to distance yourself from this case, immediately."

  Jake started to protest, but thought better of it.

  * * * *

  "What do you feel?"

  "A pressure, but it's not painful."

  Yanni smiled. “Good. You're learning. The key is to know what you want and set up appropriate barriers.

  Allison tensed. “I feel him. He doesn't push hard, just enough to let me know he's there."

  "He toys with you."

  The phone rang. Allison knew who it was before she answered. “Hi, Paul."

  "You missed your appointment today."

  "I'm sorry. I've been working on.... “She glanced at Yanni. “I've been working on my Yoga."

  "And how's that going for you?"

  "Actually, quite well.” Yanni made funny faces.

  "If you won't come to me, I'll come to you."

  "Paul, that's real...."

  "I'll not take no for an answer. You've been high strung, washed out, not sleeping. To say nothing of the headaches, the passing out. Whether you like it or not, I'm still your doctor and I won't rest until I know you're okay."

  Allison sighed. “Paul, I'm fine. I had a rough spot, but it's gone now."

  "I don't believe you, Allison. I'll be there at two.” He hung up.

  "Great. I don't need this now. I wish I'd never called him. What am I going to do, Yanni?"

  "I am not the best one to ask how to handle your doctor."

  "He's not my doctor.” Yanni's brows rose questioningly. “Okay, so he is my doctor, but he's not my doctor."

  "If you say so."

  Allison chuckled. The phone rang again.

  "Allison, it's Detective Lancaster."

  "Hello, Detective."

  "Would you mind coming down to the station? We have some things we'd like to discuss."

  "I c
an be there in a half-hour."

  "That's fine. Thanks."

  Allison hung up, wondering about the meeting. Her last encounter with Jake had been embarrassing. She'd acted shamelessly and he responded. She blamed it on the stress and the gallons of alcohol Kat had coaxed into her. “They want me at the station. I better get changed."

  * * * *

  At the police station, Peter told Lancaster he wanted to question Allison Brody. “No problem,” Bill said. “I'll be an observer."

  Jake thought Lancaster gave up too easily. “Coward."

  "Hey!” He held up his hands in mock surrender. “She's a nice lady and I don't want to get into the whole good cop, bad cop scenario."

  The intercom buzzed. “Ms. Brody is here."

  "Send her back, please."

  A uniformed officer opened the door to the conference room where everyone waited. At first, she was a little nervous. The small room seemed crowded.

  Jake sat at the end of the table. She sensed conflicted emotions raging through him. The intensity of his gaze almost knocked her off her feet.

  "Hello, Ms. Brody. We haven't been formally introduced. I'm Special Agent Peter Carmichael. I head this team."

  "Hello.” She shook his hand and instantly knew that he and Jake Austin were friends and this situation burdened that friendship.

  Carmichael shifted on his feet. Although he wore the bureau attire, his suit was a bit wrinkled. The jacket had been discarded and his striped shirtsleeves were rolled up to his elbows. While the look came off casual with the loosened tie that hung a little askew, Peter Carmichael wasn't relaxed.

  Guiding her around, Carmichael introduced the rest of the team. “This is Margo, she's our computer guru. That debonair guy with the shades is Dr. Zachariah Quincy, the pathologist, and this is our forensic photographer, Genevieve Tobias."

  "Just call me Tobias or Ginny."

  Allison nodded. “Hello to you all. It's nice to see that Agent Austin is backed up by such a diverse group of friends."

  "I wouldn't go so far as to say friends,” Quincy said with a devilish grin.

  Allison grinned also. “No, I'm sure with that temper, he doesn't have many people hang around him if they don't have to."

  Quincy blinked and laughed. “How true you are."

  Peter moved up, shoved Quincy out of the way and pulled out a chair for her to sit. “I've been led to believe that you have information that could aid us in this case."