The Ultimate Romance Box (6 Bestselling Romance Novels)

by Eckhart, Lorhainne

Detective Ladd pinned her in place with a sharp gaze. “This must be horrible for you, Ms. Alexa.”

  “It is.” Had he noticed her brief moment of reprieve?

  The detective nodded. “I’m glad you’re handling it better than many women would. No hysteria, no panic, except for a moment outside.”

  Dante gathered her in his arms. “Indeed it’s terrible for Alexa. Any other woman would have collapsed after all she’d faced this week.”

  “I’m sorry, Ms. Alexa. Be assured we’ll do everything possible to find those responsible,” the officer firmly said.

  Ladd shrugged. “We’ll take another tour of the apartment, then we’ll talk.”

  “I’ll make us some coffee,” Dante suggested. Promising support, his arm surrounded her waist. He tugged her out of the bedroom and its mayhem.

  “Very good idea. I’m sure Ms. Alexa can use a cup.” Officer Raines gave her a supportive smile as he ushered them to the living room. “Careful where you step. We haven’t cleaned the floor yet.”

  Ignoring them, Detective Ladd swept his eagle gaze around the room and examined the bar area. “Hmm,” he muttered and picked up the big flashlight. “Hmm,” he repeated and swiped a flash over the lamps, ceiling, and walls.

  ****

  Preparing a pot of coffee allowed Dante to collect his thoughts and sort a few questions. What had the detective discovered when he’d uttered a few hmms? Why did he allow Alexa private time in her closet under such crucial circumstances? Why had she suddenly relaxed in spite of the bedlam that had erupted in her condo?

  The aroma of freshly-brewed coffee invaded Dante’s nostrils and cleared his mind. He poured four cups of coffee and placed them on a tray. Careful to avoid stepping on broken glass, he tiptoed to the cocktail table of the living room. “Black for everyone.”

  The beep of his cell phone reminded him he hadn’t returned the junior lawyer’s call. He went back to the kitchen and slipped on to the balcony through the side door. The rain had abated, but big clouds still darkened the sky.

  “Yes, Jay. What’s up?”

  “I paid a visit to Tom Dalen, told him I work for you, and we’re investigating Bairey’s death. He answered my questions without problem. Nice fellow.”

  Leaning against the inner wall, Dante darted watching glances around him and spoke in monosyllables. “Yes.”

  “As you suspected, he lent money to Steve, $200,000 at ten percent, two years ago.”

  Dante whistled softly. “Ten percent? That high?”

  “Tom said he did it only for Julia. He has known her for years, since before her marriage to Steve, and was feeling sorry for her, but he didn’t trust her husband. Loans and More, Inc. was facing bankruptcy. Clients were threatening to take Bairey and his partner to court. Meanwhile, Carter Morton wanted Bairey out for ruining him.”

  “Good job, Jay. Anything else?”

  “This sum was far from being enough. Apparently, Bairey was going to ask Greg Partson to lend him a big sum to get the investment company out of trouble. Also Juan did a search on Dianna Oliveira.”

  “Anything interesting?”

  “She was involved with a drug lord in Sao Paolo and did jail time, before coming to the U.S. About the surveillance of your grandmother’s house, everything is going well. By the way, Juan said your sister is a beauty.” A chuckle sounded on the other end of the line.

  “Thank you for reassuring me, but tell Juan that flirting with a client, especially his boss’ little sister, may get him fired.” Dante caught a glimpse of the detective walking out of the bedroom suite. “Bye, now.”

  Reassured about Nonna and Isabella’s safety, Dante entered the kitchen and joined Alexa and the men who sat across from her. He’d wait to hear what they had to say before sharing any information.

  While sipping his coffee, Detective Ladd stared at Alexa above the rim of his cup. “Good and strong. We needed that, right, Ms. Alexa?”

  “Yes. Thanks, Dante, for the coffee.” She set her cup back on the table and smartly waited. The silence weighed heavily for a moment.

  “So, Ms. Alexa, were you relieved the intruder didn’t find your collection of gems?”

  “Very relieved, but...”

  “Are you sure? Nothing is missing.”

  She shook her head.

  Understanding dawned on Dante, and he stifled a smile. “Smart move, Alexa. I’m glad you hid them before we left.”

  She bit her lip, and her gaze averted toward her suite. “It’s a horrible feeling to know a burglar entered my condo, my own bedroom. Thank God, he didn’t take anything.”

  “Yes,” Ladd said. “But that means he may come back. And be dangerous.”

  “Oh.” Alexa paled and stiffened.

  “Think about it. Your bedroom, office and guestroom were ransacked, your kitchen and bathrooms searched. The intruder was looking for something valuable. At first, I thought about a paper, or some evidence incriminating him, but then I realized you have a fortune hidden here. Does anyone know you keep your jewelry at home?”

  “Probably.” Alexa twiddled her fingers. “I change earrings, bracelets, or necklaces often, to match them with the outfit I wear. Obviously I’m not going to run to the bank on a daily basis. Anyone can guess I keep most of my jewelry at home.”

  “Two days ago, you had a drawer full of items. Today it was almost empty. What made you decide to hide them before going to the funeral?”

  “I always put them back in their place. Except two days ago. I was too...shaken by the bad news and forgot, but I removed them the next morning.”

  Ladd glanced at the officer, but continued, “Was it Mr. Partson who installed a safe?”

  “No, it was my father, but Greg knew about it of course.”

  “Your father?”

  “I lived in this apartment with my Dad since I was ten, then during my marriage, and after my divorce.”

  “How come your father did not install a security system on the door and windows?”

  “Why would he? Our high rise has the best security system. The security agents at the reception desk spend their time peering at closed circuit TV. They monitor all areas of the building and would catch any trespasser attempting to sneak in. But we never expected the problems to come from...”

  “From within the Blue Waves. Someone with the key,” Dante finished her sentence.

  “I see.” Ladd exchanged another glance with Officer Raines. Dante frowned, annoyed that they hadn’t yet communicated their findings.

  Ladd’s phone rang. He looked at the id and scrunched his eyebrows. “Yes, Mr. Partson?” He nodded a few times. “You can come if you want,” he added as if he was inviting Greg to a drink in his own place.

  Alexa pinched her lips. Dante immediately draped his arms over the back of the sofa, behind her. Let Greg see right away that Dante had assumed the role of serious boyfriend.

  “Can we clean this mess?” Alexa waved her hand around. “It’s really getting on my nerves.”

  “In a moment, Ms. Alexa. I want Mr. Partson to see it. Then we’ll collect all of that in a bag and take it to the lab for fingerprints examination.”

  The door bell chimed. Dante held Alexa’s shoulder. “I’m sure these gentlemen can open.”

  She shrugged and gave him a sideway smile. “Good. I’d rather not be the first to be smacked with Greg’s outrage.”

  “What the hell is going on here? Alexa?” Greg’s bellow answered her.

  Dante controlled his snort. “You know him so well. Don’t move. They can handle him.”

  “Who do you think did it, Mr. Partson?” Ladd didn’t waste time turning on his little recorder.

  “I hope you find out soon, detective, and send him to rot in jail.” He stared at the bottom of the Chinese bowl and moved it with the tip of his Loafer. “I bought this antique piece in Hong Kong. It’s unique, invaluable. Its shipping cost me a bundle. Good thing it’s insured.” He strode toward the bar and lingered there scanning the area. Dante caught hi
s gaze flipping from the broken ceramic on the floor to the ceiling and lights. What was Greg looking for?

  The officer put on latex gloves and started collecting the pieces, arranging them on the table. “I’ll wrap them after I clean this floor.”

  Greg returned with a glass of Scotch in hand. Instead of sitting in a chair, he remained rooted in front of them, his bushy brows gathered into a scowl. “What d’you think you’re doing pawing my wife?”

  “Ex-wife,” Dante specified without blinking. “Don’t take offense, Partson. I’m her lawyer.”

  “And my boyfriend,” Alexa’s tender smile melted his heart.

  “What the—”

  “Mr. Partson, please have a seat. We have important news for you and need your input.”

  “Shoot, but first tell Cantari to show some decency and behave in public.”

  Although Ladd shrugged, Dante realized it was the wrong moment to antagonize Greg. He removed his arm from behind Alexa’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. No one will attack you here.”

  “Attack?” Concern replaced Greg’s angry tone. “Alexa, were you here when this happened? Someone attacked you?”

  “No, we found the mess when we came back from the funeral. These gentlemen witnessed the shape of my condo as soon as I opened the door.”

  Ladd explained the whole situation in a few words.

  “Alexa’s jewelry is insured, like everything else here, but I’m glad she didn’t forget to put it in the safe. Detective Ladd, do you think this incident is related to Bairey’s death?” Greg tented his fingers. Dante followed the direction of his gaze as it scanned the living room and rested on the bar. Did he want another drink or was he trying to remember something?

  “I can’t say yet, but there’s more.” The detective paused until he had Greg’s full attention again.

  “More?”

  “Ms. Alexa was attacked yesterday. Someone tried to drown her when she took an early swim.”

  “What?” Greg lurched out of his chair, panic wrinkling his face. “Alexa, my poor child.” He stepped forward and cupped her face between his hands. “Are you okay now?”

  “I’m fine, Greg. Honestly, I am.”

  “Sweetheart, why didn’t you call me?” He released her and pointed at Dante. “Did you know about it?”

  Dante nodded. “We spent the day at Holy Cross Hospital.”

  Visibly shaken, Greg rubbed his forehead. “Why didn’t anyone notify me? Alexa is my responsibility. Detective Ladd, you have to find the miserable SOB who tried to kill her and ransacked her condo.”

  “If you are so concerned about Ms. Alexa’s safety, maybe you can help us, sir.” Ladd shot Greg a knowing glance.

  “I’ll do anything to help you catch the man who harmed Alexa.” His vehement voice sounded sincere.

  “Greg,” Dante halted him. “Did Steve Bairey borrow money from you?”

  Greg turned his head toward him and held his gaze for a few seconds. “He asked me for a big sum. His company was in deep financial trouble. I refused. Even at the 10% interest rate he offered. Never trusted the guy. I know I would have lost my money. Why the question?”

  “Because Tom Dallen admitted that he lent Bairey $200,000 at ten percent, a few months ago.”

  Greg snorted. “Bad move, but then Dallen is not a businessman. Detective Ladd, I suggest you investigate Loans and More, Inc. while you’re at it?”

  Dante stifled a chuckle at Greg’s arrogant tone, but the detective scowled and raised an eyebrow. “Thank you, Mr. Partson.”

  Greg shrugged and left, as the officer followed him. “I’ll get a box to carry the broken pieces. Be back in a few minutes.”

  “Ms. Alexa,” The detective said. “Is there anything else you can remember from the time you dated—” He stopped short and cleared his throat. “I mean from the time you went out with Steve Bairey. Anything that can help the investigation?”

  Alexa frowned. “No, nothing.”

  Why couldn’t Ladd lay off her? Dante decided to redirect the detective’s mind on the other condo owners. “Detective Ladd, as Alexa’s lawyer, I made a list of plausible suspects and their motivations.”

  “Really, I’ll be curious to hear that.”

  Dante extracted his iPhone and shuffled the screen with his thumb. “Everyone has skeletons in his closet. Here are my assumptions on Suspects’ motives. I’ll read it to you.

  1-Greg Partson still cares about Alexa in an obsessive fatherly way. Maybe he couldn’t stand to see Steve harassing her.

  2-Dianna Oliveira wants to marry Greg, but he’s spending too much money and time on his first wife and delaying their marriage because of Alexa. Steve has asked Dianna to help him convince Alexa to marry him or else he would tell Greg about some sordid details from her past.

  3-Julia Bairey resents Steve who’s been cheating on her for ages. A bad divorce would leave her penniless because Steve poured all his money in his company and too many bad investments. With Steve dead, she’ll collect his life insurance.

  4-Tom Dallen has lent big sums of money to Steve who had never returned any. Besides, he’s in love with Julia Bairey and wants to protect her from her unworthy husband.

  5-Carter Morton is Steve’s partner. Maybe he and Steve had a fight about business. Maybe he’s had it with Steve’s procrastination to get the job done.”

  His arms crossed, the detective snorted. “You forgot two people on your list. Dante Cantari: officially a respectable lawyer with a big firm. But with big skeletons in his closet. He comes from a long line of Mafia guys, and he cares about Ms. Alexa Partson. He has even asked Bairey to leave her in peace. And the prime suspect, up until yesterday. Ms. Alexa Partson. She shared a drink with the victim before he drowns but she can’t explain how one of the glasses contains traces of Valium, or why there was a ring hidden in her drawer. Now the list is complete.”

  “Maybe you should search their apartments,” Dante suggested, not impressed by the detective’s acerbic tone.

  “Mr. Cantari, thank you for the advice.” Ladd exhaled with exasperation. “Now you take care of Ms. Alexa, and let the police do its job.”

  Dante squinted at the detective. “Sure.” Not that he planned to remain inactive when the killer who’d tried to drown Alexa was on the loose, and had ransacked her condo.

  As soon as Ladd and the officer collected the broken pieces in a box and left, Alexa went to her room. Dante smiled when she returned wearing a pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. With her hair in a bouncing ponytail and face free of make-up, she looked like a high school student. “I’m going to clean this mess.” She fetched an electric broom and wiped the floor diligently.

  “Do you mind if I call a security agency and install an alarm system on your doors and windows?”

  “Go ahead, please. This week has been a nightmare. I don’t know how I’d have survived without you.”

  He gathered her in his arms. “I’m glad I was here to help. Soon, I hope, things will go back to normal.” He pressed her hard against him. She seemed so vulnerable although she’d been holding her own during the funeral and when they discovered the break-in.

  Sadness shadowed her eyes and a sigh escaped her lips. “Normal? Nothing has ever been normal in my life.”

  “I promise things will improve. Please, trust me.” He sealed his promise with a deep kiss.

  Chapter Twelve

  Alexa threw another load of lingerie into the washing machine and finished tidying her bedroom and the guestroom while Dante paced the living room talking on the phone. A new calm replaced her previous dismay. In spite of tearing apart her apartment, the intruder hadn’t found the safe and her jewelry.

  Two days ago, she’d escaped from a killer in the ocean, and today, she’d managed to protect her valuables from theft. Trust yourself, girl. You can survive on your own. But he might come back to hurt again or steal or... How long would she be able to deal with a determined enemy and cope with new blows?

  If she kept pond
ering things and speculating, she’d soon have the mother of all headaches. Through the bay window of her bedroom, the view of the ocean tempted her, the water tranquil and greenish blue in the late afternoon. Yet a shiver crawled down her spine. It would be pure stupidity to swim on her own. Or even with Dante, if her attacker decided to show up with reinforcements or weapons. With a brusque movement, she lowered the shades to block the scenery that she’d loved since a young age. No place seemed safe any longer, not her home or the beach she loved.

  To prevent a depressing mood from submerging her, she rummaged through the drawer of her night table, and reached for her small Bible. Thank God, the intruder hadn’t touched her most precious possession. From between the yellowed pages of her sacred relic, she extracted an old photo. With reverence, she touched the face of the beautiful young woman holding a little girl who looked so much like her. “I love you, Mom. Help me.” The young woman’s smile never failed to comfort her. Carefully, Alexa hid the only picture she had of her mother between the pages of her Holy Book.

  A strong shower should adequately replace the missed swim. She strode to her bathroom, peeled off her clothes, and stepped under the warm water.

  “Alexa.” The faint call, hardly audible, interrupted her as she shampooed her hair. “Alexa.” This time Dante’s voice covered the water rush.

  “I’m in the shower,” she yelled, and then turned down the faucet.

  “Oh sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

  “I need to rinse my hair. I have soap in my eyes.” She blinked. Hardly making out Dante’s form just outside the glass door, she wiped her face with her fingers.

  “I’ll help you.” He chuckled as he yanked off his clothes and stepped in.

  “Oh.” Fascinated, she narrowed her eyes to swipe a blurred gaze over the naked expanse of his skin. What a magnificent body, broad shoulders, bronzed chest narrowing at the hips into white flat abs, and his erection hard and ready for her. “I...you...”

  “You look beautiful.” His husky voice echoed her thoughts. “Nothing like a good shower to refresh a body,” he added with a laugh. He turned up the faucet and drew her into his arms.