by Jan Graham
Steve committed the tidbit of information to memory. He’d think about the fact Rhia had said she babysat Meg’s girls on Sunday night later. It must have been a misunderstanding because he couldn’t imagine Rhia telling him a blatant lie.
“Well, I have some information you won’t like.” He brought his thoughts back to the case. “I received a copy of the bail bond information this morning. Guess who paid and signed Mr. Johns’ bail receipt?”
Carlie shrugged, the frown creasing her brow indicating she was thinking even as she did so.
“The ghost of Elizabeth Hastings. She paid one hundred and eighty thousand dollars cash, gave her old address from before she sold the house, signed the papers, and walked out the door with our wife-beating scumbag.”
“You’re joking, right? This is too surreal,” Carlie asked, watching Steve add the information to the whiteboard.
“I wish it was a joke. You need to talk to Patrick and his mum, find out if they know of any connection to the drug situation. Johns doesn’t strike me as the sort of man who would be involved in making and selling drugs, but the connection’s there.” Steve couldn’t believe they hadn’t found Elizabeth Hastings. He had the feeling she was the key that would unlock the case. “Have you been keeping tabs on what the detective at head office has been doing to find Mrs. Hastings?”
“Not really, he just sends me updates every so often. I have no reason to believe he isn’t doing everything he can to find her. Did you know he’s Cal Webster’s cousin? They share a house together.” That piece of information was not really useful, interesting but not relevant to the case.
“Contact him, get him to send copies of all the traces and information he has about her. I’m sure he must be missing something. Extra sets of eyes might be able to figure out the missing link.” Carlie gave a nod as she left his office and headed back to her desk.
Steve settled back into his chair and smiled. Cal’s cousin, he wondered if it was the cousin Cal often spoke about. The last mention of him had been he was married and no longer willing to share his new wife with Cal. Steve chuckled to himself. He hoped for the sake of women everywhere that Cal’s cousin was still married. The last thing this state needed was two Webster men hunting the unsuspecting women in the city and surrounding suburbs.
He picked up his mobile to call Rhia, knowing she’d only answer the phone if she didn’t have a student with her. He wanted to confirm if she had told him she babysat last night. If she didn’t look after Meg’s children, the next mystery to solve would be why Rhia had lied.
* * * *
“Are you sure you should be doing this?” Jaxon asked nervously. “I mean maybe you should just call it quits and move somewhere else. Someone’s bound to find out.”
Harper looked at Jaxon with disdain. Was everyone going soft on her? What was it about the male species these days that had them turning tail and running away from their commitments? Yes, Jaxon was only in his twenties, but she thought he was made of sturdier stuff. Harper assured herself that his sense of adventure and the need for an adrenaline rush would keep him on her side. After all he was meant to be the wild boy of his family. She also noticed he said you instead of we in his statement. As if he wasn’t up to his eyeballs in the same shit she was.
“Of course I’m sure. Now help me, will you? The man’s a wife beater, he can’t just roam loose.” Jaxon handed her a length of chain. What a great help he was. “If I didn’t need him, then he wouldn’t be here. Until I convince him he needs us in order to get those two punching bags of his back home, then he needs to be restrained.”
She picked up the ball gag and hesitated for an instant with it. Did she need to gag him? Would it just make him angrier when he woke up? She pried his mouth open and shoved it in, fastening it tightly at the back. Who cared if he was angry? He’d called her a fucking lunatic when she’d mentioned her plan to him. The rude, wife-beating bastard deserved a bit of discomfort.
Jaxon danced nervously beside her. She’d have to deal with him as well. Just one more to add to the list of idiots determined to get in my way.
She indicated for Jaxon to leave the room and quickly followed him, shutting the door behind her. She’d have to lock the door if she went out, now concerned that Jaxon would be stupid enough to let the man go while she was at work. Her faith in Jaxon was floundering, and that meant he could become a liability. The last of the drugs had been sold over the weekend, and he still hadn’t found anyone else to assist with the cooking of a new batch. Not that she had the final ingredient. After the recent theft, the police were all over the pharmaceutical company from whom she’d purchased the pseudoephedrine from, and the employee who’d sold her the stuff kept delaying her much-needed sale.
Her little chemist, Patrick, wanted to pull out of the team. Apparently everything had changed now that his father was in prison, or so he’d told her. Well he’d be back in just as soon as he realized his father had now been granted bail. Not that he’d be visiting Patrick anytime soon, but the threat of his father returning unexpectedly should work in her favor.
“I didn’t mind the drug stuff, Harper, but this is kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment—I can’t be party to this.”
Harper wondered what she’d ever seen in the little wimp before her. “We haven’t kidnapped anyone. He came here of his own free will when I bailed him out of jail, after my attorney assisted to get him released.” She smoothed her hand over her hair. Not only did she have to have her hair cut because of incompetent fools starting a fire, now the worry of disposing of interfering good-doers was going to turn her hair gray. She took a deep breath and addressed Jaxon once again. She couldn’t let him suspect he was irritating her and possibly heading for her disposal list.
“Sweetheart, I understand your concern. Mr. Johns is not being detained unlawfully. I supplied the attorney, and then when the judge said he could go home, I paid his bail. In effect, I bought Mr. Johns this morning. I’m responsible for him until he appears in court in a few more weeks. There’s nothing illegal or unlawful going on. He’s mine.” Harper walked over and kissed Jaxon’s cheek. “Now, stop worrying. I have everything under control.”
Harper took Jaxon by the hand and led him into the master bedroom. She knew how to calm his nerves. A few hours of letting him adore her body and pleasure her would have him forgetting his concerns over the man chained up in the spare room. If he was a good boy, she might even let Jaxon be on top for a change. He seemed to like that, and Harper didn’t mind pretending to let him be in control every so often. Besides, if he was busy taking charge, it would give her time to think.
Harper rested back against the myriad of pillows adorning her bed. Jaxon had his face planted firmly between her thighs, lapping at her folds like he was a hungry puppy. By the time he got to her clit and remembered direct stimulation of that was the only thing that got her off, she’d have her conversation with Mr. Johns plotted to perfection. At least her pussy would keep Jaxon quiet while she schemed.
Mr. Johns exuded arrogance and probably believed himself entitled to beat his wife. He clearly understood the use of force, violence, and threats to get his own way. He shouldn’t be too hard to manipulate. The prize would be getting his wife and son back. Harper knew she could make that happen by using her influence over Patrick. After all there had been no community interference with the family until that annoying ex-nun had come to town.
She regretted giving Rhia McCabe the job as social worker at the school. She should have picked one of the just-out-of-university kids and bribed them with cash not to interfere. In an attempt to save money, she’d obviously picked the only candidate for the job who had a social conscience. Jaxon murmured something unintelligible. It probably warranted a reply.
“Oh sweetheart, that feels so good, mmm, oh you make me so hot.” Harper wanted to gag as he lapped and sucked with renewed vigor, thrusting his tongue inside her. “Oh yes, yes, yes.”
She returned to her thoughts. She’d have to
tell Mr. Johns that she intended to kill Rhia. Saying she’d take care of her or the situation might not convince him. Admitting to such a thing would possibly freak Jaxon out, so the conversation would need to be held in private. Still, Johns might then spill the beans to Jaxon, assuming her little man knew the details. She couldn’t risk that. Jaxon would need to be kept away from her house guest. Either that or she’d have to keep Johns gagged. Harper screamed as Jaxon sucked her clit into his mouth…finally.
Jaxon’s face peered up from between her legs, covered in moisture. She’d come more times than she could count. Once she’d begun to orgasm he’d been like a dog with a bone, not letting go until she’d begged him to stop. As he rose to his knees, she wrapped her legs around him and beckoned him upward toward her breasts.
“Fuck me.”
Jaxon seemed surprised at the request but dove in anyway. He impaled her with a sudden force that made her cry out in surprise. Maybe it had been a while since she’d let him be on top. He stared down at her lovingly. She closed her eyes and went back to her own thoughts as he pumped away on top of her. She smiled as she envisaged Rhia’s demise. She might even offer the use of her to Johns. He was definitely the sort of man who enjoyed taking a woman by force. Nuns were celibate, so she’d still be a virgin. Rhia probably hadn’t found anyone to date in the short time she’d been back and sex would be the last thing on her mind. Harper knew she was brilliant, but this idea was second to none. Johns would certainly go through with the plan if she offered him Rhia for a short time. After all, what man wouldn’t want a virgin sacrifice to sweeten the deal?
“Yes, yes, yes. That’s so damn good.” She opened her eyes to see Jaxon beaming down at her with pride. He yelled his own release before collapsing on top of her. Oh hell, she’d never get him to relinquish being on top now. He thought she’d just come. Jaxon looked euphoric as he held her. She decided to let him. After all, she was waiting for the sedative to wear off her friend in the spare room.
She’d send Jaxon out to buy them some take-out for dinner once she heard movement from her house guest. That way they’d be able to have a private talk. It would take her at least a week to organize things. Hopefully by the time Rhia was disposed of and life returned to normal she’d have workers ready to start cooking the drugs again. If she couldn’t find any willing participants, then she could probably blackmail Johns and his family into doing it. After all, Patrick was the chemist in the family. Maybe if he did the cooking then her customers wouldn’t drop dead.
A loud thud from the room down the hall drew her attention. Her guest had either fallen off the bed in his drug-induced sleep or he was awake and attempting to get free. She sent Jaxon to check while she had a quick shower. Sex made her feel so icky. The sperm, the moisture between her legs, Jaxon’s perspiration clinging onto her body. It was why she preferred to be on top, less body contact and she could push him out so he didn’t come inside her. The clean-up was so much easier.
Feeling fresh and relaxed after her shower, she headed to the guest room. Jaxon guarded the door. She heard the muffled grumblings of her guest before she entered the room. Johns lay on his side, his face as red as the ball gag wedge in his mouth. He looked like a trussed pig ready to be placed on a spit. His arms, still secured behind his back, the chain circling his waist and chest, the cuffs on his feet that ensured he couldn’t walk.
His cries immediately increased, as did the redness of his face when he saw her. She pulled up a chair and sat down, silently staring as he screamed at her through the rubber mouthpiece.
“When you’re done, Mr. Johns.” The irritating man continued his tirade. Not that it bothered her. She couldn’t understand a word he said. Harper checked her nails for imperfections as she waited. She noted a few tiny chips in the enamel, but they’d be easy to touch up later. She smiled as silence finally filled the room. “If you promise to be quiet and listen to my proposal then I’m happy to remove the gag. Do you agree to that?”
He nodded and tried to sit his bound body upright. “Jaxon, please help our friend sit up and remove his gag.”
Jaxon walked confidently over to the bed, assisted Mr. Johns to sit up and bent forward to remove the gag. Harper winced as the man’s knees thrust upward, hitting Jaxon in the groin. As Jaxon bent further forward, attempting to recoil in pain, Johns head butted him. Jaxon hit the floor with a thud. Harper stared in surprise at his motionless body. His eyes were shut, a large lump evident on his forehead. The ball gag rested in one hand while his other hand rested at his crotch. Harper sighed in frustration. She’d have to order home delivery for dinner.
“Arh, that feels better,” Johns stated as he adjusted his position on the bed. Harper wasn’t sure if he meant having the ball gag removed or hitting Jaxon, but at least he seemed pleased, that was the main thing. A hostess should always make guests feel comfortable. “So what do I have to do to get the chains taken off?”
“Agree to stay here until I have my plan in place and then help me carry it out.” Harper waited for his reply.
“I’m listening.” His eyes narrowed suspiciously as she spoke.
Harper explained her plan. Lure Rhia to Harper’s rented farmhouse, kill her, and dispose of the body in a shallow grave somewhere in the bush. Without Rhia’s influence, Harper would convince Patrick to return home with his mother, he’d continue to help her make the drug, and Johns would get his family back plus a profit from the sales. Rhia would be gone, and life would return to normal for both of them.
“The plan won’t work,” he said with a deadpan look on his face.
“Please explain why.”
“Firstly, I’ll probably go to jail when I appear in court next. Secondly, I don’t want the kid back, so if there’s any killing to be done he goes as well. Thirdly, do you really want to make an enemy out of Superintendent Steve Jax?”
“I have no intention of making an enemy of anyone,” she stated emphatically.
“Well then, you best not murder his girlfriend.”
Damn it, when had that happened? No wonder he was so insistent about running the drug education program Rhia had initially proposed.
“Are you sure that’s the case? Where did you get your information from?” The man didn’t look like he had the sense or the connections to know who was fucking the chief of the local police station.
“My last arrest, I overheard some of the staff at the command centre discussing it. Seems it’s only a fairly new arrangement between the two of them, but apparently he’s…what was the word the admin woman used? Oh yeah, he’s smitten.” Johns’ face turned evil. “So you might need to reassess your perfect plan, Ms. Hastings.”
Harper couldn’t believe the turn of events. It was a complication, but not impossible to deal with. Jaxon moaned loudly from his position on the floor. Her guest glanced down and chuckled. He leant forward and stared at Jaxon as he sat up and open his eyes. Jaxon lifted his gaze to the figure on the bed and squinted. Her little toy was obviously trying to focus.
“Boo.” John’s voice echoed around the room.
Harper couldn’t help but smile as Jaxon fainted in response to the sight before him. Her house guest may be quite amusing to have around for a while.
“So, providing I can come up with an acceptable plan, do you and I have a deal, Mr. Johns?”
“We will come up with a plan, Ms. Hastings. So yes, we have a deal.”
Harper walked forward to unchain her guest. She hoped she was doing the right thing. She explained the terms of his release before undoing the lock. He stayed in the house, except when he had to go and report to his parole officer. Violence toward her would not be tolerated. Until they had developed a concrete plan, he was not to contact his family and needed to abide by the rules of his parole. She didn’t want to lose one hundred and eighty thousand dollars. They’d need to start production again once the coast was clear. He agreed to every condition, giving her a friendly smile as she unlocked the chains that bound him. He stood up and stre
tched his limbs.
“So tell me, do you have any thoughts on how to avoid the wrath of Jax, when all this goes down?” he asked politely.
“Well, I’ll have to think about it some more, but I don’t see why we couldn’t kill him as well.”
Chapter Twenty
Rhia was grateful that for once Harper Roderick wasn’t at work. She tried to dismiss the hopeful thought that the Principal’s illness would last longer than a day, but it remained firmly entrenched in her mind. Rhia disliked few people. Unfortunately her boss was on the list of those for whom she just couldn’t find a redeeming feature.
The woman hadn’t really done anything that warranted such animosity. Apart from interfering in Rhia’s desire to help the students at the school, the woman had been pleasant enough. Rhia remained convinced that the pleasantries were a cover for something less good-natured. Not that she had any proof for such beliefs. Her discussion with the school’s secretary this morning had been enlightening. According to the perpetually cheerful woman at the administration office’s front desk, Harper had been under considerable stress lately. The home she’d been trying to renovate had been burned down by teenage drug users, and Harper was also burned in a kitchen fire at the house she currently lived in around the same time.
Rhia had agreed with the gossiping secretary that indeed both events would have been stressful, but it didn’t account for the doubts she held. In fact, it only fueled them.
She wasn’t a woman who believed in coincidences. Steve hadn’t said much about the drug investigation, but he had mentioned a missing person who’d escaped the fire which destroyed the old farmhouse. Until today, Rhia had been unaware the farmhouse belonged to Harper Roderick. One woman, two fires, what are the chances? Rhia was going crazy trying to decide if the parallel events had anything to do with each other. Or if indeed there were two events.
