by M. Z. Kelly
Deidre explained what we were seeing. “The House is approximately 10,000 square feet, constructed entirely of smart glass. Privacy is accomplished by applying an electric current to micro-particles embedded in the glass walls, thus creating opaque partitions and rooms.” She smiled. “It’s a technological marvel and also extremely energy efficient.”
She led us inside, where she introduced us to a beautiful young woman. “Kendra is in charge of day-to-day operations. She’ll walk you through the House.”
Kendra, who had blonde hair, perfect features, and flawless skin, introduced herself before leading us into a room where several young women and a man were being instructed by one of their Controllers.
“This is the PAS, or Personality Adjustment Section,” Kendra explained. “Our Betas are provided with personality keys that perfectly match an Alpha’s traits. Once a Controller finishes with a Beta, she or he will know their assigned subject’s life story, including the Alpha’s parental influences, schooling, friends, past relationships, intellectual and emotional strengths, and any potential weaknesses that others might use to influence him or her. The role of a Beta is to not only complement their Alpha, but to assist in making choices that result in the best of all possible outcomes.”
After we watched the group’s Controller lecture his class for a few minutes on how to access personality keys for their assigned Alphas, Kendra led us down an adjacent corridor. As we walked, I asked Deidre Blaine what kind of financial arrangements were made with the Betas.
“They’re paid based upon a mutual arrangement with the Alphas. Some earn six figure salaries. In some cases, money is secondary and the remuneration is less.”
“As in the case of Paulina Kristoff?” I said.
She stopped walking and looked at me. “Paulina had a special role with Cole Abrams. She was assigned to help facilitate my daughter’s relationship with him. In her case, money was unimportant.”
“She was in love with him, wasn’t she?”
She moved on down the corridor as I followed. “Some people might call it love. In my world, it’s called achieving maximum compatibility.”
We spent another hour being led through dozens of classrooms, where Kendra explained about the various types of programming the Betas received from other Controllers. The topics included achieving intellectual and emotional compatibility, relationship management, and short and long-term goal setting.
When we reached a final classroom, it occurred to me that what was being taught in the House of Darwin was a method to achieve both compatibility and control. I knew that those tools could be used to do as much harm as good, depending on how they were handled.
“This is our Intimacy Section,” Kendra explained when we stopped outside an opaque door. “For obvious reasons we won’t be entering today. I can, however, tell you that our Betas receive instruction on not only how to physically please their Alphas in every way imaginable, but also how to achieve maximum intimacy and pleasure.”
Buck smiled and said, “This place is pretty different from where I went to school.”
Deidre came over to him. “What is taught behind these walls, Detective, is state of the art. If you’d like a more detailed tour, I can probably arrange something for another time.”
Buck’s gaze came over to me. His smile was still there as he looked back at our host. “I’ll keep it in mind.”
We finished our tour and thanked Kendra before taking seats on an outdoor patio with Addison and her mother. I’d noticed during our tour that Addison had little interaction with her mother. It occurred to me there were probably a lot of unresolved issues over her past decision to quit the program, despite the fact that her mother specialized in achieving what she called maximum compatibility.
After chatting for a few minutes, I explained that we felt the murders of Bert Prince and Cole Abrams were linked. “There appears to be some financial issues involved in both crimes. Addison has told us that Cole’s funds were stolen from his accounts. In the case of Mr. Prince, money was being taken from his wife and daughters’ holdings.” I glanced at Addison, then looked back at her mother. “Your daughter has told us that some of the Betas may be using their positions for financial gain.”
“I believe this meeting has been very productive,” Deidre said. “It’s given me a chance to both explain my business operations and solve a couple of murders.”
“Can you explain what you mean?” I said.
“I know who’s behind both killings.”
FORTY-SIX
“We’re listening,” I said to Deidre Blaine, noticing for the first time that her daughter also seemed to be interested in what she had to say.
She took a moment before answering, giving me the impression that what she had to tell us was weighing heavily on her. “A few years ago, I hired a Controller. His name is Nicolai Asimov. After a couple of years, it was brought to my attention that Mr. Asimov was taking his duties to another level and he had his own agenda.”
“What kind of agenda?” Buck asked.
“As I’ve explained, the House of Darwin is all about relationships and compatibility. Asimov had another motive. I believe he was using his Betas to become deep operatives for financial gain.” Blaine looked at her daughter. “Paulina was one of those secret operatives.”
Addison’s voice pitched high in anger. “Why didn’t you tell me about this?”
“When I found out about what was happening, I confronted Paulina. She told me she regretted her actions and it would never happen again. I believed her.”
As Addison shook her head and mumbled something about betrayal, Buck said, “Did Paulina admit she was working for this Asimov character?”
Deidre nodded. “She said she wasn’t being sufficiently paid for her services with Cole.” She looked at her daughter. “That’s why she agreed to work with Asimov.”
“Why didn’t she say something to me about that?” Addison demanded. “All she needed to do was ask and I would have paid her more.”
“Paulina was in love with you, as well as Cole. She described her relationship with you both as conflicted. I don’t think she wanted to make what might be interpreted as unwarranted demands.”
“Unbelievable.” Addison folded her arms and began tearing up.
“What exactly did Paulina say about how Asimov used her?” I asked.
Deidre took a moment before answering, probably feeling the impact of her daughter’s emotions, and maybe because she was unsure about how to respond. “She told me that once a Beta used her resources to take money from an Alpha’s account, that gray money, as she called it, was laundered through anonymous interconnected shell companies. The money then went offshore to Cayman or Swiss accounts. They used lawyers, instead of bankers, in these transactions so they had client-attorney confidentiality. Paulina told me that the anonymous companies were formed without money, products, or employees, all designed to separate the parties involved from the stolen funds. After the funds were washed, it eventually came back to Asimov.”
“Do you think Paulina was also involved in the thefts from Bert Prince’s family and his death?” I asked.
She shook her head. “She confided in me that another Beta was at work with him, but she wouldn’t give me a name.”
Buck looked at me. “If there was another operative, or Beta, at work, she was probably the one who set up Addison for Abrams’ murder.”
“It also means that she’s probably still involved with the Princes, but operating under deep cover,” I said, looking back at Deidre. “Where can we find Asimov?”
“I have no idea. If I did, I would probably kill him myself.” She took a moment, reaching over and touching her daughter’s arm. Addison pulled away from her. Deidre looked back at me. “Asimov took one of the most beautiful businesses ever created and corrupted it for his own financial gain. I hate his guts.”
“Wonder where we go from here,” Buck said to me.
Deidre answered. “If you find Nico
lai Asimov, you’ll find your killer.”
FORTY-SEVEN
“You think this Asimov guy has his own House that he’s operating somewhere?” Buck asked me as we left Deidre Blaine. Addison had stayed behind because her mother had said they needed to talk.
“It wouldn’t surprise me. If he took what he learned from Blaine about her operations and used that for his own financial gain, he could have operatives, or Betas, throughout the country.”
“Which means he could even be operating out of state.”
We drove through the hills, chatting about Blaine’s business before I asked, “What do you think about the programming the Betas receive?”
“Seems harmless on the surface, but it makes me wonder how many are using their positions for their own gain, maybe similar to what Asimov is doing. Could be that Darby’s partially right about thinking they’re high-priced escorts, since sex seems to be a big part of their training.”
I glanced at him. “It sounds like Deidre is willing to give you a special tour if you’re interested.”
He chuckled. “My daddy told me to steer clear of snakes, polecats, and certain women. I’m pretty sure Deidre Blaine fits into one or more of those categories.” He glanced at me. “Besides, I’m seeing someone.”
“Really?” I’d tried to keep my voice even, despite my disappointment.
“Just a couple of dates, nuthin’ serious.” His eyes held on me for a moment. “You and Noah still good?”
I nodded, but found myself saying, “Things have cooled off a bit.”
We made a turn, coming back down into the city as he looked back at me. “Anything you wanna talk about?”
I took a breath and lied. “Not really.”
The truth was, I not only wanted to talk to him about Noah, but I also wanted to tell him what I’d learned about Collin Russell and Harlan Ryland being behind my love-dad’s murder. I suppressed the urge to unburden myself about everything, at the same time pushing down my emotions.
“You okay, Kate?”
I nodded, but kept quiet, knowing I was on the verge of losing control.
We were in the city, with the sun beginning to set, when Buck surprised me by saying, “I heard there’s a pretty good view from a place called The Terrace that’s around here somewhere. It’s supposed to be on the roof of some hotel.”
“The Standard,” I said. “I’ve been there a couple of times.”
“I could use a drink. What do you say we stop by...” He must have sensed my hesitation. “Nothing serious, I’m just feeling like I need to wind down a bit.”
I surprised myself by saying. “I think I’d like that.”
The Standard Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood was an iconic structure, probably best known for its exterior sign that was upside down. Someone had once mentioned to me that Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz, amongst other celebrities, had been investors in the hotel. The most notable feature of the historic building was the rooftop pool and bar that offered stunning views of both the city and the mountains beyond.
Buck and I settled in at a table and ordered drinks. He decided on a beer, while I ordered a glass of red wine. As we waited for our drinks, he placed his Stetson on a chair and commented on the views. “Not as nice as what you see in Texas, but it’s not bad for a city.”
I chuckled. “How are you adjusting to urban life?”
He shrugged. “I’m pretty good with it. I like my job and the people I work with.” He smiled.
I laughed again. “If you can get along with Darby, you should be nominated for sainthood.”
“Darby’s got his good points, I just haven’t found any of them yet.”
“Me neither.”
We took a moment, watching as the shadows of evening descended on the city. Buck then said, “I’ve been thinking a lot about Bernie’s situation.”
I sighed. “Me too. I don’t know what I’ll do if he’s reassigned.”
“I’ve got an idea about how we might swing the odds in our favor, if you wanna hear it.”
“Of course.”
“I don’t know if you’re aware of it, but Acting Chief Dunbar used to work with the sheriff’s department at one time. He was the head of vice for a while.”
“I had no idea.”
“It’s been more than a decade since he transferred over to the police department, but some of the old-timers still remember him.”
“He’s not someone you easily forget.”
He nodded. “The thing is, Dunbar was involved in taking down an escort service. According to the rumors, he was caught red handed…” He smiled. “Maybe that’s not the best choice of words. Let’s just say he was caught with his pants down.”
“Was he disciplined?”
“Not from what I heard. One of the higher-ups swept everything under the rug.” He brushed a hand over the stubble on his cheek. “I’m just thinking if word got around, especially to the press, about what happened, it just might put an end to Dunbar’s chances of becoming the permanent chief.”
I smiled. “Now that’s what I call leverage. How do you think we should use it?”
“Maybe we wait and see how things go with Bernie. If they go sideways, we go to the mat with Dunbar, threaten to expose everything. I’m willing to tag along if that’s the route you wanna go.”
Our drinks arrived as I said, “I appreciate that. If it comes down to that, I could use all the support I can get.”
After the server left, Buck clinked his glass to mine. “To old times and new times.”
“How about, to better times?” I took a sip of my wine.
He set his glass down. “It sounds like it’s been a rough weekend.”
I chuckled. “There were a few good moments.” I took some time and told him about my family reunion, and my sister’s husband’s former nickname. “I’m not sure if I’ll ever see Amanda or Geoff again.”
“Sounds like old Smiley got what he had coming.” He tipped up his beer, set it down. “I remember you saying something about your sister being difficult. I think she also got what she deserved.”
“I would feel bad about what happened, but they’re both the epitome of egotistical snobs.”
He took another drink, then said, “I’ve got a brother, but we don’t talk as much as we used to. Funny how family tends to grow apart from one another.”
I nodded, but didn’t respond. Maybe I was just feeling sorry for myself, but I was thinking how some families never got a chance to be together or grow apart.
Buck cut his eyes toward the darkening skyline. “What do you say we catch the last of the sunset?”
I walked with him to the perimeter of the rooftop deck. The sun had painted the sky with hues of red and gold. We stopped at the railing, each of us commenting on the beautiful sky.
“There’s something else, isn’t there?” Buck said after a moment.
I looked up at him. The setting sun had turned his beautiful eyes the color of the darkening sky. I felt like I was being drawn into them. At the same time all my emotions were beginning to overwhelm me like the warmth of the sun melting a frozen lake.
I took a step closer to him, nodding. “There’s a lot going on.” I took a breath, barely holding my tears at bay. “Maybe too much for me to handle.”
He reached over and took my hand. “What is it, Kate? I want to help.”
His touch ignited an explosion of sensation, a combination of both desire and sorrow for what we once had, but lost.
As my tears streamed down my cheeks, I said, “I think my life is in danger.”
FORTY-EIGHT
As it turned out, I only partially told Buck about my concerns, limiting what I said to my suspicions that Collin Russell and Harlan Ryland were behind my love-dad’s death, based on my conversation with Kellen Malone. Maybe I’d kept the information about Noah from him because of vanity, not wanting him to know I’d made another mistake in choosing a bad relationship. Regardless of that, Buck had encouraged me to tal
k to Lieutenant Edna and Captain Dembowski and ask them if they would take another look at the case and offer me some protection. I told him I would think about it, but I was still reluctant, having already gone down that road and been turned down.
As I parked at the station the next morning, I tried to put personal issues aside and concentrate on work. Leo was at his desk when I got to my work station and asked about our meeting with Deidre Blaine.
“It was very interesting,” I said. “I ran into Edna in the hallway. He wants to meet in a few, and I’ll update everyone.” Since I’d already told Buck about my meeting with Kellen Malone, I decided to also fill Leo in. When I finished, I said, “I’m fairly confident now that both Collin Russell and Harlan Ryland were behind everything that happened. I guess I’ll try and talk to the lieutenant about it again, but I’m not sure it will do any good.”
“Did you mention Pearl to Malone?”
I nodded. “He remembered him being with my dad and Oz on a couple of occasions, and my dad saying something to Oz about Pearl keeping secrets.”
“Secrets?”
“Yeah. He wasn’t sure exactly what he meant.” I could tell that Leo was worried about his old friend. “I don’t suppose there’s anything new on Pearl’s whereabouts.”
“Nothing. I might go by his place and have another chat with the caretaker that you talked to.”
“I guess I’ll talk to Edna after the meeting about what Malone said, and my concerns about Pearl again.”
“It’s worth a try, but with Dunbar running the show, I wouldn’t look for any favors.”
I hadn’t told him about my suspicions that Noah was involved with Russell and Ryland, and, since I hadn’t told Buck, I decided to keep it to myself for now. I’d previously filled him in on Dunbar wanting Bernie reassigned when he was medically cleared, so I filled him in on what Buck had said about our acting chief’s past.
“Buck thinks we might be able to leverage what happened to get Dunbar to change his mind,” I said. “If word gets around about his problems in vice, it just might change the mayor’s mind about a permanent appointment.”
