Heart of Light

by T. K. Leigh

  Greg sighed, uneasy about what marrying another woman would mean. He opened the bags of Chinese take-out he brought with him, and grabbed a few plates out of the cabinets.

  “Hey,” Mark said. “It’s okay to move on. It’s what Angie would have wanted. How do you think she would feel if she found out that you’ve spent the past almost thirty years of your life being an insufferable prick?”

  A smile crossed Greg’s face as he sat down at the kitchen table. “She’d kick my ass, that’s for sure.”

  Mark nodded in agreement, having a seat. “So what brings you by tonight?” He began stuffing sweet and sour chicken into his mouth.

  “They found her body.”

  “Who’s?” Mark asked excitedly as he raised his overweight frame from his chair and grabbed a soda and water from the refrigerator, handing the water to Greg.

  “Holly’s.”

  “Shit. After all this time? What was the body like?”

  Greg wiped his mouth with his napkin and took a drink of water. “Well, that’s the thing. She’s been missing for over twelve years, but wasn’t killed until about a month before the body was found. Her wrists were cut and she was drained of blood. They were definitely sending a message. And the way her throat was slashed…”

  “Yeah?” Mark asked, looking up from his food.

  “Columbian necktie.”

  “Fuck. That certainly is sending a message. Do you think there was gang involvement? I know that way of killing has typically been associated with gangs.”

  “I don’t know,” Greg said, slowly losing his non-existent appetite. “But I remember a bunch of cold cases from when I was a detective up here involving murders with a possible organized crime connection that used this exact method of killing. I just think it’s a bit suspicious that now we find Holly’s body in the same condition down in Houston, thousands of miles from where this all started. Originally, we were just thinking that Angie was involved with some small time punk who convinced her to leave home. But the more I think about it, maybe we’ve been looking at everything all wrong. Whoever sent those guys to kill Angie was smart. It’s almost like he waited to strike until I was gone, and he knew that you would cover for me. He knew I would kill those bastards when they shot Angie. I just can’t believe I didn’t see it all beforehand. Whoever orchestrated this planned it thoroughly. He bided his time, waiting until we felt comfortable that Jolene would be safe and that’s when he came and took her. Fifteen years had gone by, for crying out loud!”

  Mark shook his head, avoiding Greg’s eyes. “I don’t know. That’s all a bit of a stretch. If he wanted to make you pay, why didn’t he just kill you, or Holly, or Jolene when he knew your location? You make it sound like he sat on that information for years.”

  “And I’m sure he did. This is a smart guy. Hell, Jolene disappeared without a trace. Nothing for over ten fucking years. Not one sighting. Even after all the investigative work you did here in Chicago while I was in rehab. I thought for sure this guy would still be in this area, but I guess we were wrong. It’s almost like he wanted me to know that he was taking her…” He trailed off, his throat catching.

  “Hey. I’m sure she’s okay. She was always a tough cookie.”

  “But if it’s true…”

  “Don’t think about it,” he responded quickly, giving his friend a reassuring look. “You’ll worry yourself sick thinking about every possible scenario. Focus on what you know as concrete evidence… Holly’s body and the uncommon method of death. Were any bullets found?”

  “No. The only marks were at the wrists and throat,” he lied. He trusted Mark, but he didn’t want to get his old medical examiner friend in trouble. If anyone found out that he had disobeyed orders and conducted a full exam of the body, he could lose his job. Greg couldn’t have that on his conscience. “Are you still on good terms with the Organized Crime Unit here in Chicago?”

  “Yeah. Why?” Mark asked, raising his eyebrows.

  “They won’t listen to me anymore, especially once everyone found out about the drinking and me getting assigned to a desk job when I moved back here. They want me to just forget about it, thinking that the guys responsible for Angie’s death were shot. I’ve tried to talk to them, but they don’t think Holly’s death is connected to Jolene, considering she wasn’t killed until a little over a month ago. There’s no telling where she had been for the past twelve years. Can you…?”

  “I’ll see what I can do.” Mark sighed. “At least now we have something more to go on than a hunch.”

  “Not really. All we have is a dead body with a slashed throat thousands of miles away.”

  “Yes. But it was more than just a slashed throat, Greg. Draining the body of blood… That’s definitely sending a message. I’m sure Organized Crime would take an interest in that.”

  Greg brought the water bottle to his lips. “I hope so.”

  It was silent for a minute and Mark could tell the wheels were spinning in his friend’s head. “Greg, it’s not your fault.”

  Greg slammed his fist on the kitchen table in frustration with himself. “Of course it is! How could you even say that it’s not?! I chose to start drinking instead of take care of my fucking daughter! Of Angie’s daughter! I just couldn’t say no to the bottle! And, of course, the sick prick would take her on Angie’s birthday! If I hadn’t…”

  “He would have found another way to grab her,” Mark interrupted. “You said yourself that he was smart. I heard what those guys said that day. No matter what, I think this guy was going to get Jolene. He may have killed you, too. Even if you never touched a drop of alcohol, he would have found a way.”

  “You don’t know that!” Greg exclaimed passionately.

  “No. I don’t.” His voice was calm as he reacted to Greg’s outburst. “And you don’t know that you would have been able to protect Jolene even if you weren’t out drinking that weekend. Don’t you realize how guilty I’ve felt over the years, encouraging you to go on one last bender before you checked in to rehab? But I knew that it wasn’t going to change anything and you need to realize that, too. You cannot keep beating yourself up over this. Don’t they go on and on about forgiveness in your meetings? You need to forgive yourself for this.”

  Greg abruptly stood up. “I just don’t think I can. Not until…”

  “We’ll find her. I’ll talk to Organized Crime. You’re right. It’s suspicious. I vaguely remember a few cold cases coming across my desk where the victim was drained of blood and killed in the same manner. Most of the girls were…”

  “I know, I know. Runaways. Left home after getting into an argument with their parents about some modeling contract that they thought was bull. That’s exactly why you need to do this for me. It’s the same as…”

  “Okay. I’ll see if I can call in a few favors. I can’t promise you that anything will come of it. You know that this could just be a copycat.”

  Greg shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. I can’t get anyone to look into it, even though it’s as clear as day that it’s a bit suspicious, but the chief won’t sign off on the investigation. I just need to know if there’s a connection. That’s all.”

  Mark gave his friend a convincing smile. “I’ll see what I can do. Promise.”

  ~~~~~~~~~~

  ROSA HERNANDEZ SAT IN the darkened living room of her empty house, cognizant of Falconi’s men sitting watch outside of her home, no longer able to make a move without them knowing about it. She thought back to the day that she began working for Falconi when he was first starting his hotel business over thirty years ago. She was so happy to have a job that she loved in a trendy boutique hotel outside of Chicago.

  She’ll never forget meeting Angelina that first time. The two women shared a bond and Rosa slowly learned exactly what kind of operation Falconi was running. She made it her mission to help as many women as she could. She refused to leave even when Falconi’s hotel business expanded, working for him as his head of housekeeping at his Landmark Hotel i
n Chicago.

  Over the years, she had helped dozens of girls escape. But now she was paying for it. Her husband was dead and her own daughter was trapped at the hotel. Falconi’s men watched her every move, driving her to that hotel every day and forcing her to work as a dishwasher in the kitchen. Without access to any of the high floors in the hotel, she had no idea if her daughter was still alive. All she could do was pray that she was and try not to think about what Falconi was forcing her to do. The thought broke her heart. Nearly every night, she considered taking a blade to her wrists, but she couldn’t do that. She needed to find a way to save her Marcie.

  She prayed to God, begging him to show mercy and to finally reunite her with her daughter. It was all she could do.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  THE RETURN

  CAM PULLED UP IN front of Jolene’s beach house, an awkward silence filling the car. Things had been off since the night before. The remorse he felt for kissing her tore him apart. In the light of day, he should have resisted the urge and allowed her to maintain control. He wished he had waited until he was sure she could handle it. Now, Jolene had retreated back into her shell…all because he momentarily lost his head.

  “Will you walk me to the door?” she asked sweetly, her crystal blue eyes wide, pleading with him.

  He nodded. “Of course.”

  “Thank you,” she responded quietly. Gathering her things in her arms, she stepped out of the car and walked up the dirt path to the front deck, Cam right behind her.

  “Cam.” Jolene spun around, facing him just as she approached the door.

  He halted, her sudden movement startling him. “Yes?”

  She took a deep breath. “Let’s forget that yesterday ever happened.” Looking at her feet, she nervously shuffled from leg to leg. “Well, not all of yesterday. I really liked…” She raised her head, meeting his gaze.

  He hesitated before taking a step forward, no longer seeing the frightened Jolene that had been cowering in fear and rocking herself back and forth in his living room the night before. “You really liked what?” he asked in a low voice.

  “I really liked feeling you between my legs,” she admitted. “I really, really liked that.” She smiled.

  “I really, really liked it, too, but…” Cam ran his fingers through his hair.

  Jolene looked away, her lower lip trembling. “I get it. I can’t give you what you want.” She spun on her heels and searched her purse for her keys.

  “That’s not it at all, Jolene. Remember. Baby steps.”

  She shook her head. “How long can you possibly put up with baby steps? I don’t want to hold you back. It’s not fair for you to have to…”

  “Jolene, look at me.”

  She turned back around and stared into his silver eyes, the compassion behind them making her heart break a little bit more.

  “It’s not fair for me to have to what?”

  She raised her eyebrows. “You know.”

  “Jolene,” he exhaled, leaning toward her, his mouth almost brushing against her neck. “I’d rather suffer from blue balls because of you than be with anyone else. I have a feeling you’ll be worth the wait.”

  She giggled at his words. “You’re the only man I’ve ever known who can make something so frustrating sound so sensual.”

  Pulling back, he winked. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

  They remained unmoving, not saying a word, and stared at each other for several long moments, the intensity building.

  “Cam?” she said quietly, not breaking eye contact with him as she brought her body close to his.

  “Yes?”

  “Can we go back to almost kissing? I really like almost kissing with you.”

  “Okay. But I don’t want a repeat of last night.”

  She nodded. “Me either. If I lose control and kiss you, promise me you’ll pull away.”

  He sighed. “A man should never have to make that promise to you, Jolene. It’s a difficult one to keep. But now that I know the repercussions if I don’t keep it, I’ll promise you.”

  She smiled, slowly raising herself onto her toes, her mouth poised over his. Closing her eyes, she reveled in the warmth of his breath as it kissed her lips. “Mmmm… Your almost kisses are amazing.”

  “You’re making it hard for me to keep my head here, Jolene, now that I know how delicious your lips taste.”

  “I should probably go then,” she said softly.

  “You probably should.”

  She lowered herself before turning and opening the door to her house.

  “I’ll see you tonight, baby steps. I’m glad things are back to normal.”

  Recalling what was waiting for her when she finished work that evening, she nodded, knowing that things were far from normal.

  ~~~~~~~~~~

  JUST AS THE SUN began to set, Jolene headed out of her house, starting the half-mile journey up the street toward the bar. As she walked south on the sandy road, a dark sedan pulled up beside her. Her heart started racing when the window lowered and evil black eyes looked out at her.

  “Jolene. Get in.”

  She shook her head, nerves coursing through her body. “Thanks. I don’t mind walking.”

  “Stop the car,” David ordered his driver, who followed his demand.

  Jolene wondered how far she would get if she ran. But what if she did run? Would he follow through with the threats he had made? When would it end?

  Defeated, she stood in place, the realization that there was nowhere for her to go washing over her.

  Opening the door, David raised himself, towering over her in his crisp black suit, his broad shoulders making him look like an intimidating man. “Come, Jolene. Let’s have a little chat before work. Then I’ll drop you off so that you’re not late.”

  Words didn’t come. She simply nodded and climbed into the back seat, shaking with apprehension.

  “Give us some privacy for a moment, Richard,” he said to the driver, who obligingly stepped out of the car.

  Jolene wondered to herself how many secrets that man must keep for his boss on a daily basis. And she knew that she was just another one in his Pandora’s Box.

  David turned to look at her, his expression turning from calm to severe. “Did you forget about our arrangement?”

  She bowed her head. “No. How could I? It’s all I can think about.”

  A sly grin crossed his face. “It’s all I can think about, too, princess.”

  The timbre of his voice gave her pause.

  “But I do realize that certain things need to remain in place in your life so that no one gets suspicious. I know this Cameron fellow has a thing for you. And you have a thing for him. As much as I hate to admit it, he appears to be a rather smart and observant individual. He’ll most certainly catch on if things change between you two so abruptly. Yes, I was angry when I realized that you had gone home with him this past Saturday. I was fucking raging mad, Jolene,” he said, his voice rising.

  Taking a deep breath, he clenched his fists, hating the thought of having to share Jolene with anyone. “But I need secrecy just as much as you do. I’m a reasonable man so I will allow you to continue to see Cameron on the condition that you return home every night. Do not even think about staying over at his place again. You can be his during the day, but you’re mine at night. Or I will not only call up Mr. Falconi, I will make sure that Cameron can never practice again in any state for the rest of his life. He’ll be lucky to be flipping burgers when I’m through with him. Do you understand?”

  Jolene stared wide-eyed at David. It was one thing to risk her own freedom, but she couldn’t jeopardize Cam’s livelihood. David was a powerful man, and she knew that he would be able to carry through with any threat he made.

  “I said, do you understand…princess?” He reached up and gently caressed her face before grabbing her by the back of the head, making her nod. “Good girl. Now, show me how thankful you are for my understanding.”

  Jolen
e’s chin quivered as he unzipped his pants and forced her head into his lap.

  ~~~~~~~~~~

  AFTER DAVID DROPPED HER off, Jolene ran into the bar, darting for the staff room, her stomach churning. She threw open the door to the bathroom and retched into the toilet. She held on to the porcelain, heaving in repulsion about what she had just been forced to do in the back seat of a government car.

  Over the years, she had learned to turn it off. She knew what was expected of her and she went through the motions, showing no feeling, not letting any of the men get to her. She had stopped caring. She had been broken down so all that was left was the shell of a formerly vibrant young girl. But Cam had slowly begun to build her up and turn her feelings back on…feelings she never thought possible. And that made her arrangement with David painful. She felt the shame and remorse tenfold more than she had in the past.

  Sobbing, she fell onto the bathroom floor, her cries consuming her body. She needed to let out all her pent-up anger, rage, and frustration. Then she could survive the darkness that would come at night.

  A gentle knock sounded, startling her. “Jolene? Are you okay?” Elsie asked through the door.

  Jolene quickly wiped her tears, trying to compose herself. “I’m fine,” she said, her voice shaky.

  “Bullshit. Let me in.”

  “I’m just not feeling well. That’s all.” She raised herself off the floor and cleaned up before heading out of the bathroom to face Elsie, knowing she had to do it eventually.

  “Do you want to go home?” Elsie asked, her eyebrows raised in concern.

  “No!” Jolene exclaimed quickly.

  “Office. Now.” Elsie glared at her. “You’re not going out there until we talk. So we can talk now and you can get on with your shift, or you’re going home. You’re in no state to be slinging drinks.”

  Jolene shot daggers at Elsie before softening her expression. She was right. She couldn’t possibly go out and serve drinks with a smile on her face, knowing that her heart was slowly breaking with each glance at Cam.