Blackmail

by Simpson, A. L.

  “Is Miss Watson still working the club?”

  “No, sir. She quit after an argument with the owner. It was because of that, he released the fake, compromising pictures of her naked with my sister. It cost her an Accounting position she had with James Ro and Associates and ruined any chance she had of decent work. She was almost destitute when I found her.”

  “Would she be willing to go back there to try and get some answers for us?”

  “I’ve already asked her but she said there is no way she could go back. That's why I'm here. I moved her from the seedy apartment she was in to my parents' home. I thought we could keep her out of sight there while we insert an undercover.”

  “Not exactly police procedure, Jervis.” The Captain was not impressed and let his displeasure be known.

  “I know sir but, if you had seen where she was living, I'm sure you would agree with me. I really believe it will be safer for her and the police officer we insert.”

  “Did you have someone in mind?”

  “I have, sir. Kylie Montrose. I have been helping her to study for her Detectives exams coming up. She is thorough, capable and can handle herself well. She's the perfect choice in my opinion.”

  “How do you plan to get her employed at this club?”

  “I will get Miss Watson to go over every aspect of the club with her, the people who work there, teach her what to do, what to look for. I also hope to have at least two officers in the club whenever she is there.”

  “Sounds to me like you have done your homework on this. I'll approve Officer Montrose for two weeks. After that we will reassess the situation if it's not resolved earlier.”

  “Thank you, sir. I'll go down and inform her now and drive her out to my parents' home. If she agrees, of course.”

  “Yes, well. You do need to consider the possibility, she may refuse.”

  “I know but, I don't think she will.”

  The Captain stood to escort Gabe to the door. “I'll reassign her duties. Watch that girl carefully and keep me informed, Inspector.”

  “Yes, sir. Thank you.”

  Gabe left the office. If Kylie refused, he had no idea who else he dared ask.

  ****

  Gabe found Kylie sitting at her desk slogging through paperwork. She glanced up as he approached and quickly stood. “Inspector Jervis.”

  “Sit down Montrose. Can I talk to you for a few moments?”.

  “What can I do for you, sir?”

  “I have an assignment for you. I've cleared it with the Captain. I need you to come with me, we'll go through the details and if you accept it, another officer will take over your duties.

  “Okay sir, I'll close the computer down and I'm ready to go.”

  “Thank you.” Gabe waited patiently.

  Kylie stood, grabbed her bag and ensured she had her mobile phone. “Lead the way.”

  “Do you have your car here or did Glenda drop you in?” Gabe asked as they headed for the carpark.

  “I have my car. Where are we going?”

  “Mom and Dad's.” Kylie and Glenda had been there before so she knew the way.

  “I'll give Glenda a call and let her know I'll be late. I’ll meet you there.”

  “See you then.”

  They both climbed into their vehicles and while Kylie called Glenda, Gabe drove off.

  ****

  Gabe opened the door to his parent’s home and stepped inside. His mother hurried from the kitchen on hearing his arrival.

  “Hi mom. Avery around?”

  “She's down at the beach. I chased her out about an hour ago. That girl has done most of my housework this morning. She needs to rest. She's wound up so tight, I fear for her sanity.”

  “I'll speak with her and ask her to take it easy for a few days. She's had a rough run so it's not surprising. I have Kylie coming, she should arrive soon. Can you look after her while I get Avery, please?”

  “Of course.”

  “Where's dad?”

  “Where do you think?”

  His father was always busy tinkering with something in his garage. He loved to make wooden toys for underprivileged children.

  “I'll say hi on my way past.”

  Gabe jogged down the back steps and crossed to where he could hear his father hammering away in the garage. He touched the older man's shoulder to let him know he was there.

  Grant stopped what he was doing and spun around. “Hi son, you off to get Avery?”

  “Yeah, I've got Kylie Montrose coming to speak with her about the club.”

  “Kylie, huh? She'll do a good job for you. She's a good cop but make sure you keep an eye on her. Keep her safe, son.”

  “I will. Glenda would have my balls if I let anything happen to her. Catch you later.” He jogged across the back garden and down the steps to the beach. He was looking forward to seeing Avery. He had missed her this morning.

  He paused at the base of the steps and observed Avery. She was laid back on a lounge in the cabana, eyes closed, open book across her lap. Wisps of hair lifted in the breeze and gently caressed her face. Her long legs were draped over one of the bean bags. God she's gorgeous. His cock danced, his heartbeat sped up, his blood heated until it ran like molten lava through his veins.

  He stepped toward her. “Avery.”

  She started, her legs jerked upward, the book was catapulted from her lap into the air.

  “Sorry, sweetheart. I didn't mean to frighten you. You were sleeping?”

  “Yes, I must have dozed off while I was reading.”

  He bent over and captured her lips in a knee buckling kiss.

  “The cop I would like you to talk to will be here anytime. Can you come up to the house?”

  She stood, stumbling as her legs threatened to give way. Gabe pulled her to him to prevent her from falling. She clutched at his shoulders. He felt so good. Shivers tiptoed down her spine in response to his touch. Again their lips met in a searing, bone melting kiss. Avery wanted more and boldly lowered her hand to his cock. She caressed the hard muscle for only a few seconds before he groaned and pushed her hand away.

  “Sweetheart, the officer will be waiting.”

  “Okay, let's go.”

  They strolled up to the house, hand in hand.

  Chapter Nine

  Kylie was seated outside on the balcony with Gabe’s parents when he returned to the house with Avery.

  “Avery.” Kylie was surprised. “I didn't know you knew Gabe and his parents.”

  The girls embraced each other.

  “You two know each other?” Puzzlement edged Gabe’s voice.

  “Yes, Kylie was the officer……… Oh, NO!” Avery’s shout startled the others. She paced the room, her fingers frantically dragging at her curls. “No, no, no, no. There is no fucking way Kylie is going into the club. I'll do it.”

  Gabe moved in front of her and held her arms gently.” Calm down. What the hell is going on?”

  “Kylie is not going into the club in my place, I'll do it. I would rather crawl back to Vince than allow her to be subjected to such filth.”

  “But…” Gabe began.

  Avery wrenched herself from his arms and rushed to where Kylie stood. She placed her hands on the officer’s shoulders. “Forget about this assignment, Kylie. It's too dangerous. If Vince got the slightest whiff that you are a cop, he'd kill you. It was bad enough when I didn't know who Gabe had in mind but knowing it's you,” she paused. “It's not happening. End of discussion.”

  Gabe was beginning to understand how Avery had survived the past months. This girl had spunk, determination, backbone.

  “Will someone please tell me what I was going to do and evidently, what I'm not doing now? I'm a big girl. I make my own decisions.”

  “Sorry, not this time, you don't.” Avery was adamant. There was absolutely no room for negotiation.

  Gabe's parents glanced at each of the young people in astonishment.

  “Sit down and we'll talk about it. Calmly.”
Gabe ordered.

  The girls relented and sat. Gabe poured them a large glass of cola from the pitcher on the table before he sat next to Avery.

  “Now, back up and tell me how you girls know each other.”

  “Kylie was the officer who gave me the news about mother and daddy. She stayed with me for the first couple of days. Forced me out of the apartment to have a meal and helped me get through the funeral.” Avery scrubbed at a wayward tear.

  “Since then, I have been dropping in on Avery once a week and taking her out for dinner. It's been the only decent meal she has.” Kylie added. “How do you know each other?”

  “We found out Tegan had been working at a strip club with Avery. The detectives working Tegan's case thought I might be able to build a rapport with her and use her as an informant to get Tegan's killer. The problem is Avery had already quit as you no doubt know.”

  Kylie nodded. She had been horrified when she had found out where Avery worked and relieved when she had quit. “So where do I fit into all this?”

  “You don't,” Avery glared at Gabe.

  Gabe glared right back. “Avery didn't want to go back to the club which I understood. I talked to the Captain this morning and he gave me permission to insert you with a cover story of being her friend and hearing about the club when you talked. Two other officers are to be inserted into the crowd for your protection.”

  “I'll do it,” Kylie said.

  “No. You. Will. Fucking. Not.” Avery spoke through gritted teeth.

  “Seems you have an impasse, son,” Grant said.

  Tears built in Avery's eyes and after marking a trail down her face, they dripped from her chin. Ruby offered a tissue and the tears were swiped away. “I can't let you do it Kylie. Vince is too clever. He would see straight through you. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to you. How would I face Glenda? No, I'll do it. I'm the only one Vince won't suspect. He’ll have heard how desperate I am. It won’t take much to convince him I’ve been living on the streets.”

  Gabe dragged his fingers through his hair and pleaded with his father. “Dad, you were on the force for more than forty years. Explain to Avery how careful and organized we are.”

  Before Grant could open his mouth, Avery interrupted. “Good, if you are all so careful and organized, you'll keep me safe. The others know me. They’re more likely to open up to me.”

  “Avery,” Gabe growled. He couldn't allow her to go back. How would he stand in the crowd and allow other men to ogle her body? He'd mop the floor with the bastards.

  She stared into his eyes. She noted the pleading and concern reflected there. “Vince said I would be back. That I would come crawling to him. I'm the obvious choice. You have all been so good to me, please let me do this for Tegan.”

  “Did you know her well?” Ruby asked quietly. “What was she like when she worked at that horrible place?”

  “Tegan was exquisite and in more than a physical sense. She was kind, gentle, patient. It was easy to believe she was older than fifteen. You raised a beautiful daughter and I vow to help you bring her killer to justice.”

  “She had been so quiet for the past few weeks. We thought it was because she had exams coming up, she always worried. When she stayed out late, we never questioned she wasn't at the library or a friend's house.” Tears welled in Grant's eyes as he spoke.

  “I'm so sorry,” Avery murmured.

  “I wish she’d come to us. We would have found a way to get her out of there.” Gabe added.

  “It might be too late for our daughter but let's get those fucking bastards behind bars before they hurt someone else’s daughter.” Ruby's swearing caused her husband's and son's heads to jerk around.

  “Mom,” Gabe admonished. His mother never swore. It was totally out of character.

  “Get over it, son. They are bastards, fucking assholes and a whole myriad of other gutter slime words I can think of.”

  Ruby's attitude helped alleviate some of the tension and they all chuckled.

  “Well, if that's decided, I'll get going. I'm happy to take over if Avery changes her mind. Call me.” Kylie hugged Ruby and Avery before Gabe escorted her back to the car. She opened the door but before getting in, turned to face him. “You make sure you have our best cops watching her. I swear to God if anything happens to her, I'll tear their fucking balls off and stuff 'em in their asses.

  Gabe chuckled. “I'll make sure she doesn't get hurt. No way am I going to let anything happen to her, ever.”

  So, the boss is losing his heart. She was elated. Avery deserved a good man like Gabe.

  “See you tomorrow.” She slipped behind the wheel.

  As Gabe stood watching the car drive away, a sick feeling invaded his gut.

  ****

  Avery sat alone on the balcony, deep in thought. Good one, Avery. How the hell am I going to cope with being back at the club? At least I'll have an out this time. I'll be protected. Will Gabe be watching over me too? She shivered. I could pretend he is the only one there, my dance could be exclusively for him.

  “We need to talk.” Gabe's voice brought her back to the present. Gruffness, almost anger tinged his speech. “Come down to the beach with me.” He offered her his hand and she slipped her soft hand into his calloused one.

  Ruby appeared from the kitchen. “Where are you off to? Do I need to hold dinner?”

  “How long do we have?” Gabe asked.

  “A couple of hours.”

  “We'll be back. We're going for a walk on the beach.”

  “Okay. Be careful.”

  Gabe and Avery were silent until they reached the cabana. She turned to face him, her head tilted back to stare into his eyes. “Are you angry?”

  “A little. I don't want you at the club.” And, not for the reasons you think. The danger is bad enough, I can protect you from that. It's those bloody pricks salivating over your body, that bothers me the most. The thought was excruciating, like acid corroding the lining of his stomach.

  “I don't want to do it either but I will arouse less suspicion than anyone else.”

  “I know you're right but…”

  Avery placed her fingertips over his lips. He feathered tiny kisses on them.

  She understood how he was feeling even though he didn't realize she did. It thrilled her that he didn't want her exposing her body to other men. He cared about her like she cared about him. “Will you be there?”

  “I'll be front row. No-one, and I mean no-one, will get near you. If anyone lays one fucking finger on you, they’ll be carried out in a coffin.”

  She chuckled. “You can't follow me to the dressing room and I expect Vince will be there waiting when I finish.” This was what scared her the most. Gabe and his officers could be trusted to protect her while she was on stage but, what was going to happen once she returned to the dressing room? Alone.

  “We'll go over the details later. Right now, I have something better to do.” He gathered her in his arms, crushed her to his chest and thoroughly devoured her lips until she was breathless.

  When he pulled away from her, she panicked. She didn’t want him to leave her alone at this moment. “Where are you going?”

  He moved to the side of the cabana. “There are heavy, thick curtains that can be lowered for privacy. Right now, I want privacy.” He untied the first one and it billowed down to the ground. When he had released all the curtains, the sun was blocked out and the interior was dim, completely private.

  He peeled off his clothes while she stood rooted to the spot. She would never get tired of worshipping his naked perfection. As he kicked off his boxer shorts, his cock sprang to attention.

  Avery smiled. His cock was hard, purple tinged. The veins pulsated as blood rushed to the area.

  “Like what you see?”

  “Oh, yes.”

  “Do you want it?”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Come and get it then.”

  Avery approached him slowly, a little shy.
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br />   “Come closer.”

  She stepped close enough for her breasts to brush his chest. Her nipples were hard, her breasts swollen with want. She reached out to enfold him but he backed away.

  “Uh uh. I’m going to teach you the different ways to make love. Remember?”

  “What do I do?”

  “Take off your clothes.”

  She tore off her dress, bra and G-string then stood waiting before him like an obedient soldier.

  His gaze burned her with its smoldering intensity as he took in every inch of her delectable body.

  “On your knees.”

  “What?” She was a little confused.

  “Kneel down.”

  She dropped to her knees and he moved close. She was eye to eye with his swollen cock.

  “Touch it. Run your fingers over it.”

  Her hand trembled as she reached for him. “It's hard but so soft at the same time. Like steel covered in satin.”

  Her hand fluttered over his cock with the lightest of touches. He struggled to stay upright. Droplets of cum glistened at the tip. She spread it with her fingers, lubricating his length. Before he could say anything more, she lowered her mouth and drew him inside. Her tongue seduced him, her fingers cupped and tormented his balls. He trembled, it took all his willpower not to collapse in a heap.

  Avery sucked him in until his full length disappeared. Her tongue caressed every centimeter of the silken skin, she felt the ridges of his veins against her tongue. His pre cum was salty but sweet. A nip caused him to groan. Her pussy flooded with the juices of her arousal. Her nipples ached with want, she tried hard to ignore her own feelings of passion. She wanted to put what she had learned from books into practice. Hopefully her lover would approve.

  He rested his hand on her head, gently gyrating his hips, easing his cock in and out with her rhythm. When she reached up with her free hand and held his ass firmly, he almost lost it. She had him pinned. His cock was being tortured by her talented mouth, in a nice way of course. His balls were being fondled to death, again in a nice way, and her hand on his ass was gripping and squeezing.