He shrugged. “Where?”
“She was the receptionist at Isabella’s Escort Service.” She paused, letting the information sink in his head a little. “Coincidence? I say no.”
He huffed and set his glass upon the counter, then started pacing in front of her. “But that still doesn’t make sense to me. Why would a friend I’ve known since college, want to set me up? We’ve been best friends for several years. He’s like the brother I never had.”
“Austin? What is Derek’s last name?”
He paused in his pacing to look at her. “Martin. Why?”
Little by little, everything was fitting together. But what was Derek’s motive? She took slow steps toward Austin, and stopped when she reached him. She touched his arm. “The owner of Isabella’s Escort Service is Mr. Martin. The ditzy blonde receptionist told us that when Kurt and I went there to ask questions. We could never find Mr. Martin. But I’d studied some pictures on the wall of that office, and the man who was in those pictures of the outdoors, was none other than your friend, Derek.” She took a deep breath and released it. “Did you know your friend owned a call girl business?”
“No,” Austin said softly.
“That’s how he met Hillary. And that’s how he was able to find girls for you so easily to go out with.”
“But…” He shook his head again. “I never once paid for his girls. Why would he do that if he owned the business?”
“Maybe he was trying to get you interested in a different way. Maybe he eventually wanted you to be one of their main clients.”
Austin raked his fingers through his hair. “I wish I knew what his purpose was, especially if he took my weapon and killed Hillary with it. But we can’t be sure, can we?”
“Actually, we can. Whoever took your weapon would have had to return it. Right?”
He nodded.
“Then I’m sure they’ll be on your security cameras.”
His eyes widened, and it was as if relief spread across his expression. “Yes, we could have caught it on the security footage.”
She shrugged. “Well, what are we waiting for? Unless…do I need to obtain a warrant for you to release it to me?
“Of course not. Let’s go look at it now.”
He led them out of the suite and into the elevators. She kept her eyes on the electronic board that displayed what floor they were passing. Excitement bubbled inside of her, anticipating the thrill of finally solving this case.
Out of the corner of her vision, she could see Austin staring at her. Suddenly, her nervous stomach turned into something else, and the excitement flowing through her grew warm. Not again! Why couldn’t she ignore these feelings she’d had for him? Why? Because she probably still had them.
“Brittany, I need to apologize for not telling you the truth about Hillary.”
Closing her eyes, she didn’t like the way his pleading voice tugged on her heart. “No, you don’t.”
“Well, you’ll have to listen to me, anyway. We’re in an elevator, so you have no choice.”
She looked back at the electronic display, thankful they were almost to the bottom level. “Only for a few more seconds.”
He reached over and pushed the red emergency button on the panel. Immediately, the elevator stopped. The sudden movement from the contraption made her stumble and she fell against him. His strong arms held her against him.
Heat consumed her, stronger than it had done before. His body against hers…was very bad! And looking into his smoldering green eyes was her undoing. Little by little, her heart began to mend, even though she fought it from happening.
“Please, Brittany, listen to me. I need to apologize and get this heavy restriction of guilt off my chest.”
And speaking of chests… Her hands splayed upon his muscular frame, and just as before, she loved feeling his erratic heartbeat beneath her palms.
“At first, the reason I didn’t tell you the truth about Hillary was because I was embarrassed that my cousin would go into that profession. You had once mentioned I had a kind and giving heart. Well, my kind and giving heart wanted to help her. No woman should have to lower themselves to do such a despicable thing. That’s why I’d paid the escort service to let her go. When she returned to me earlier this year and begged my help again, I struggled to say no.”
He paused, and his beautiful green eyes reflected the pain he must be experiencing. A lump of emotion clogged her throat.
“Remember our evening at the park? I had decided to tell you then, but you had to leave. Later that night when you dropped by, I was determined to tell you the truth.”
“Why didn’t you?” she asked softly.
“Because you had confessed your true identity as a police detective. After that, I was scared that if I told you the truth, you would suspect me of being guilty—and I wasn’t. I know I should have been honest with you, but I’ve had my share of bad policemen in my life, and I worried that you might be one of them. I have yet to see a policeman treat me as though I’m not the criminal. Just because I’m wealthy, doesn’t mean I’m a terrible person.”
Regret for everything she had thought about him the past three days flushed through her. Tears stung in her eyes, but she was so tired of crying, she didn’t want to shed anymore tears. She knew Austin well enough to know that he was telling the truth now. His expression was easy to read this time.
“What about Kurt and your family connection with him?”
He shook his head. “Kurt never liked me. I tried to become friends with him, but after a while of him trying to get me into trouble every time I turned around, I gave up. He didn’t come visit his father very often, but when he did, he always threw accusations at me. I still don’t know what I ever did to earn his hatred. My mother, on the other hand, was a terrible stepmother to Kurt, for which I feel awful about. I can only guess that Kurt took out his frustrations on me since he couldn’t take it out on my mother.” He stroked her hair as his gaze gently caressed her face. “Don’t hate Kurt. I don’t blame him. I’m sure his mother had said some terrible things about me and my mother. Kurt was only defending his mother, I’m sure of it.”
Her heart finished thawing. In fact, it started melting again. Austin really did have a kind heart, just as she’s suspected. He should have more reason to hate Kurt than she did, and yet, Austin felt the need to forgive her partner. How could she not forgive Austin, especially now that she had a change of heart?
Blinking rapidly, she fought back the tears building behind her eyes. She was determined not to cry! “Thanks for explaining that to me. Now I feel rotten because I’d judged you and Kurt so harshly.”
He shook his head. “I should have trusted you sooner. I didn’t know Kurt was your partner until that evening when you confessed everything to me. It was such a shock to me, I didn’t know who to trust. I should have gone with my heart. After all,” he caressed her cheek, “you had believed in my innocence when the other detectives hadn’t. That meant so much to me.” He released a sigh. “It still does. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?”
She laughed uncomfortably. “You probably think I’m a complete idiot now.”
“Actually, I think you’re the most amazing woman I know.”
Oh, why did he have to say that? The tears she tried to hold back came forth as though a dam had opened. “No, you are the amazing person, Austin Reeder,” she said in a cracked voice.
He bent his head and captured her mouth with his eager lips. This time when the hot electric bursts of flame shot through her, it consumed her whole body. Every inch of her tingled with excitement, and although the kiss wasn’t urgent as she’d experienced with him before, it was such a tender moment…one she never wanted to end.
Suddenly, there was a beeping noise coming from the control panel on the elevator, and then crackling in the speaker. “This is the hotel security. Is there a problem in the elevator?”
Both Brittany and Austin broke apart laughing. He pushed another button.
“Sorry, Rod. This is Austin Reeder. Everything is fine here.”
“Oh, sorry to disturb you, Mr. Reeder.”
As soon as the crackling sound disappeared, they both laughed harder. She playfully slapped his shoulder. “Austin Reeder? Have you done things on this elevator that are forbidden?” She wagged her eyebrows.
He gathered her back in his arms. “Not yet, I haven’t. But there’s always a first time for everything.”
SEVENTEEN
Austin kept his arm around Brittany’s waist as they sat side-by-side and watched the video surveillance from the security footage. His lips still tingled from her sultry kisses in the elevator, and his hands ached with the need to touch her again. But that pleasure would come later. Now was the time to be serious…and catch a killer.
Brittany instructed the security guard on what day and time frame to look at. The hotel has a security camera at every entry door—four of them—and every hallway, but since they knew the killer would be returning the weapon to his room, that saved them from watching several recordings.
It was hard for him to watch the monitor screen instead of the beautiful woman next to him. She wasn’t dressed fancy. But she still looked adorable in her gray t-shirt and faded jeans that fit nicely to her hips. She’d pulled her hair back into a ponytail, but he was getting used to that quickly. There was something different about her face, too. He didn’t see that much make up, but because she was a naturally gorgeous woman, it really didn’t matter. He wasn’t used to seeing her wearing her shoulder holster with the gun tucked inside, and her badge clipped to her pocket, however, he thought it made her sexier…if that was possible.
In such a short time, Brittany had become very dear to his heart. He couldn’t imagine his life without her in it. Was it possible he’d fallen in love so quickly?
“We’re looking for a person carrying something long and bulky,” she told the security guard.
Austin forced himself to watch the monitor. He hoped it wasn’t Derek, and yet…he didn’t know who else knew he collected ancient weapons besides the board member who sold them to Austin, and Derek and the maid. He just wished he knew the reason why Derek would do such a thing.
In college, Derek played around most of the time instead of studying. But his parents paid for his tuition, and Derek didn’t seem to take education seriously. Although Austin’s mother was rich, she still made him pay for his own education. That experience made him more independent, and willing to work for what he wanted. He wouldn’t trade that lesson for all the money in the world.
“Pause it,” Brittany said in a raised voice.
Austin snapped out of his thoughts again and concentrated on the monitor. A man wearing a black hooded jacket had entered through the front doors, carrying an oblong box. His ancient weapon would definitely fit in that. Holding his breath, he leaned closer as he tried to see if the person looked familiar. “Keep playing it, but go slowly.”
“He’s carrying what appears like a flower box,” Brittany said. “Would the weapon fit in something like that?”
“It would.”
The security guard, Rod, played the recording slower. Austin watched as the man walked up to the front desk. The hotel clerk chatted with the man for a few minutes. She pointed at the box. The man said something, and she laughed. Then the man moved toward the elevator. Why couldn’t Austin see the person’s face? He still didn’t think this was Derek.
“The desk clerk knows who that is.” Brittany tapped her finger on the monitor.
Austin moved his attention to her. “How can you tell?”
“I can read body language really well.” She met his stare. “Did you notice the way the clerk smiled and batted her eyelashes at him? She also flipped a lock of hair over her shoulder. She wagged her fingers at him as he left. That tells me she’s familiar with this man, and…” she placed her hand on his, “that also tells me this man comes to the hotel frequently.”
He frowned. If this wasn’t Derek, then it was someone else close to him. He looked at Rod. “Let’s see the recording for the hallway in front of the penthouse. And play it slow.”
“Yes, Mr. Reeder.” The guard quickly switched a few screens, and then pulled up the footage.
Austin studied the monitor again. The elevator doors opened and he stepped out of the elevator, keeping his head lowered so it was impossible to see the man’s face. When he reached Austin’s door, he took out a key and slipped it in the keyhole. Immediately, something on the man’s hand caught his attention. “Stop it!”
“What do you see?” Brittany asked.
“Rod, zoom in closer.”
“Yes, Mr. Reeder.”
As the picture grew larger, Austin recognized the man’s hand. Derek also had a tattoo of an eagle on his right hand. Groaning, Austin covered his face with his hands.
“You know who it is, don’t you?” Brittany touched his shoulder. “Is it Derek?”
He nodded his answer.
“Rod, Detective Russell needs these tapes ASAP.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll get them ready for her right now.”
Austin took Brittany’s hand and walked out of the security guard’s station. She cuddled against his arm, rubbing up and down his limb with the palm of her hand.
“Are you going to be all right?” she asked in a soft voice.
“Eventually. I just want answers. I still can’t see why Derek would do all of this.”
“We’ll get answers, I promise.”
Her sweet smile lightened his heart. He stopped their progress toward the lobby, and pulled her into his arms. “I trust you. You’ve not failed me yet.”
“And I won’t, not ever again.”
Gazing into her amazing rusty colored eyes, he stroked her cheek. “Brittany? Is it too soon to tell you I love you?”
She gasped and her mouth fell open. Shock was a mild description for her expression right now. Utterly stunned was more like it.
“You…you…you…” She licked her lips.
“Yes. You heard me correctly. I’m in love with you, Brittany.”
She bit her bottom lip as her eyes watered. “Oh, Austin. I can’t believe you said it first. Usually I’m the one who says things like that first.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You’ve told men you love them before?”
She released an uncomfortable laugh. “Well, not really. But usually I’m the one who is the one being all mushy in a relationship, and the man has never returned my feelings.”
“So what do you think?” Using the pad of his thumb, he stroked her bottom lip. “Do you think you love me, too?”
“Oh, yes, Austin. I love you, too, but I thought it was too early to say anything.”
He shrugged. “Why wait? Life is short. We might as well tell each other how we feel now. That way, we can start our relationship sooner.”
Sighing, she laid her head on his chest. “That sounds Heavenly.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Okay, no more mushy stuff until we catch the bad guy.”
She laughed and looked into his eyes. “I agree.”
They turned and walked toward the lobby. Brittany reached into her pocket and pulled out her cell. “I should probably call Kurt… No, I’ll call Captain Martinez to let him know what we’ve found.”
“That’s a great idea. The quicker we can show them what happened, the sooner they will leave me alone.”
She frowned and looked at him. “I’m so sorry this has happened to you.”
“Me, too. But let’s end it now.”
He moved his gaze from her and back on the lobby as the hallway merged with the grand room. One figure stood out in the semi-crowded room. Derek! Anger flared through Austin, hotter than he’d ever experienced before. Betrayal was not a tasty pill to swallow.
“Derek!” he shouted.
His so-called friend jerked his attention toward Austin. His eyes widened.
In a flash, Brittany withdrew her gun and pointed it toward Derek. “Stop whe
re you are.”
Derek took off running, as did the blonde woman who had been standing next to him.
Brittany cussed, and threw her cell at Austin. “Call 911. Tell them officer needs assistance.”
Before he could stop her, she dashed after Derek.
Austin’s hands shook—either from fear or anger—as he dialed the number. He couldn’t just stand there waiting, so he ran after Brittany.
“9-1-1. What is your emergency?”
“I’m at the Grand Hotel on Park Street, and we have an officer in pursuit of a…killer.” Bile rose from his throat. “She needs assistance. Immediately!”
“Sir?” the operator said quickly. “Are you all right? You sound out of breath.”
“Just get her some help. She’s running after the killer…and I’m running after her.”
“All right, sir. Stay on the line and I’ll call for some help.”
Stay on the line? He slipped the cell in the pocket of his suit coat, and ran with all of his might. He was certainly wearing the wrong shoes for such an activity!
He kept his focus on the woman darting in and out of people, yelling at Derek and the blonde to stop. The people on the street screamed and jumped out of her way, thankfully. The faster Brittany rushed toward Derek, the more her ponytail of black, silky hair, flapped on her back. He kept his eyes on that since she was getting farther ahead.
Austin’s sides burned—along with his lungs—but he wouldn’t stop. Brittany needed his help in some way. He wouldn’t abandon her.
When she turned and headed west, he could picture her location. This was an alleyway. Derek wouldn’t be able to escape. Thankfully, Brittany had her gun. She wouldn’t let them get away.
Sweat poured down his face, and his muscles screamed with exertion, but he kept pushing onward. He quickly lifted the cell to his ear. The operator was still trying to get him to answer her. “Officer Russell turned down an alleyway between the Huntsman building, and Subway, going west.”
It hurt to talk. Hurt to breathe. He mustn’t stop.
Prince Charming is a Liar (Your Every Day Hero Book 1) Page 15
