“Once you own bitcoins, they behave like physical gold coins: they possess value and trade just as if they were nuggets of gold in your pocket. You can use your bitcoins to purchase goods and services online, or you can tuck them away and hope that their value increases over the years.”
“That’s wonderful,” she said, “but what exactly is a ‘wallet’?”
“Well, a wallet is a small personal database that you store on your computer drive, on your smartphone, on your tablet, or somewhere in the cloud. It keeps track of how much monetary value you have accumulated. The beauty of Bitcoins is that transactions can’t be cancelled by a bank; for example, putting a Cancel Payment on funds.”
“Oh, Roger. You are such a dear. I will have to get myself set up with Bitcoins to make sure I can’t be cheated out of my money.”
“You learn fast, my dear. Your prowess on the Dark Web will only be rivaled by your ability to successfully hunt for liaisons.”
“Don’t you know it. Watch out, Roger. I’m going to be a powerful woman, and soon.”
“I should add that at any point in time, you can cash out your bitcoins by withdrawing them directly to your bank account.”
* * *
Wednesday, September 10th
As the Chief of Police of the District of Columbia, Barbara Haywood had many things on her plate. However, today, one very special person of interest caught her attention. No one knew her name, but her picture had shown up at many crimes and acts of malice. The best thing to do, she decided, was to put out an All Points Bulletin, for all law enforcement personnel to be on the lookout for this character. She had somehow managed to escape the victims, as all of them had not remembered a thing about her.
Nevertheless, Barbara determined that she would be caught—most likely unawares—and be put in jail for her crimes. She could not escape her and her forces. Nope. The reputation of the District of Columbia Police Department had been challenged, and Barbara was not going to allow some callous murderer and accessory to many acts of violence escape justice. Not on her watch. “You’re as good as mine, honey. Just you wait…”
The number for Dan Hightower was on speed dial. After touching the button to send the call through, he answered.
“Hightower.”
“Dan. We’ve seen enough pictures of the perp to have a good idea of what she looks like. We’re putting out an All Points Bulletin on her. If anyone sees her, her whereabouts, her outfit all will be noted, including where and at what time. What we’d really like is where she hangs out the most and what her place of residency is, but we’re working on that as well.”
“Thanks, Barb. I appreciate all your help. Keep us up to date on what you have, and of course, we’ll do the same for you. This woman is evil, through and through.”
Dwight Ordman sat in his office, reviewing the surveillance videos from the night club that evening, seeing if there was any footage of this ‘Rob’ person. He came across some footage of Shauna entering the club, being escorted by a rather tall, somewhat handsome man. “Figures; he is not only a predator, but he’s good looking as well. A wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
The footage showed him going into the club, dancing on the floor with Shauna, who appeared to be getting more under the influence of the GHB as time went on. Finally, this ‘Rob’ carried her off into a side room, where he apparently raped her.
Having enough evidence to nail the guy, he called up Barbara Haywood.
“Barb. Do you or someone you know have access to criminal databases, especially for child molesters and pedophiles?”
“Well, not really; but my friend Dan Hightower at the F.B.I. might have access to that. He’s investigating a case where some woman always shows up at places where someone is hurt, or disappears. She happened to be at the club where Shauna Williams got raped. She was in a conversation with ‘Rob’ and Shauna. Give him a call. I’ll give you his number. Tell him I referred you to him.”
“Okay. Sounds like a step in the right direction.”
Dan pondered all the information he knew. The woman in the videos had shown up in murder cases, rape cases, even the miscarriage of a child. She had to be caught, even if none of the victims who were still alive remembered anything about her. The one case that bothered him most was the recent rape case, where the rapist and the woman were seen together. More frustrating was the fact that she had no criminal record; in fact not much was known about her at all, least of which, her name. He sincerely hoped that Barb Haywood and her police force could help find this woman, and have her brought in for questioning.
The ringing of the phone broke into his contemplation.
“Hightower.”
“Dan Hightower. This is Dwight Ordman from the Law Firm of Ordman, Bartholomew and Pittman. I have just gotten off the phone with Barbara Haywood, and she recommended you to me.”
“How can I help you?”
“Well, I was hired by Shauna Williams’ mother, Rose, to try to catch Shauna’s rapist. I hear that some woman at the scene, who would be an accessory to the crime, is the subject of a manhunt by the police department, and you guys as well.”
“Yes. Do you know anything about this woman…at all?”
“Unfortunately, no; but I do know a bit about Shauna’s rapist. What I need from you is to see if you could use your resources to identify this guy. I hear you have access to databases that keep track of people like him.”
“We do. In fact, I can have my computer forensics department look into it. A friend of mine in that department is really good at what he does. Why don’t you give me any information you have on the predator, and I’ll give it to Stan right away.”
“We know he’s about six feet, two inches, medium build, and goes by the name of ‘Rob’. Unfortunately, that’s all I know about him. But I can send you the video footage of that night.”
“Yes, we especially need the video footage. Makes it easier to identify him.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
* * *
Stan Lindahl observed the footage carefully. Getting a good frontal image of ‘Rob’s’ face, he took a snapshot of the frame, and loaded it onto his computer. He then pulled up the National Sex Offender Registry in the National Crime Information Center database. Entering the name ‘Rob’ and location to be the metro Washington D.C. area, two matches appeared on his screen.
From the picture on the first suspect, a Robert Randall, the man looked too old to be in his twenties, and too short to be six feet, two inches or so. The second suspect’s name was Robert Quayle, and he fit the bill perfectly: height of six feet, two inches, slim build, well dressed, and had been suspected in several rape cases where minors were involved. He immediately got on the phone to Dan.
“Hightower.”
“Dan. I think I’ve got a match on that ‘Rob’ guy. His name is Robert Quayle, and he fits the description exactly. He’s also got a rap sheet for cases involved sex with minor girls, usually around fifteen or sixteen years of age. Most of his victims are in High School, and he usually takes them to the Capital Scene. In all cases, the drug, GHB was found in the victims. I’m almost positive this is our pedophile.”
“Good. Send a copy of the file to Barb Haywood at D.C. Police, and she will send it to a lawyer who’s representing the victim and her family.”
Fifteen
Thursday, September 11th
Reviewing her balance sheets for he escort business, she found it doing well. So well in fact, that she decided to check on each of her girls. She dressed up in a very professional looking suit, and called Phoebe.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Phoebe. This is Perri. Why don’t we meet at a nice restaurant, and discuss business.”
“Sure. Where do you want to meet?”
“I’d like to go to that nice restaurant in the very old, classic, and elegant hotel on Sixteenth and K Streets. The have private booths where you can close the curtains, and have a little more privacy. It’s very sw
ank, and very expensive, but I can afford it. Dinner will be on me, of course.”
“Great. What time?”
How about seven-ish? I like to have a little latitude when I make appointments.”
“Seven-ish it is. I’ll see you there.”
Poisonous walked into the grand hotel, and marveled at how classically ornate it was. Walking up to the chargé d'affaires, and said, “I have a private booth reserved for seven o’clock, under the name of Perri L. I’m expecting a guest as well.”
The chargé d'affaires looked over his schedule list, and finding her name, said, “Very well, Madame, please follow me.”
Fine leather covered the bench in the booth, soft and luxurious to the touch. “Ah, yes. This is definitely my style.” She sat down, looked at the menu while waiting for Phoebe to arrive. A few moments later, the tall dyed-blonde walked in the door. The chargé d'affaires walked her to the booth where Poisonous waited, and seeing her, said, “Hi, Perri. This is a very nice restaurant. Very posh and swanky.”
“I’m glad you appreciate my choice and my taste. Order anything you like from the menu, and we can get down to business.”
As the server approached, she said, “I’ll start off with the Royal Serbian caviar, followed by the Charcuterie Board, and for the entrée, I’ll have a Wagyu Sirloin cooked very rare. And please bring some very spicy hot sauce as well.”
“I see your fondness for hot sauce hasn’t changed,” said Chloe as she grinned at her, teasing. Chloe also ordered from the menu, but not as extravagantly as she.
“You’d better believe it; but let’s get down to business. Tell me how your business is doing.”
“Actually,” Phoebe said, “I’ve been seeing a couple of guys: very wealthy, very mannered, and serious studs in the bedroom. I’ve enjoyed catching their eye, and it’s been quite lucrative, thanks to you.”
“Good; in fact, very good. So how are the other girls doing?”
“Well, Tanya and Chloe have each found a guy they’re interested in, and are playing up the flirting aspect of their pursuit. They are enjoying their job immensely.”
“What about Sherry?”
“Now this is interesting. She was actually approached by this young executive, who drives a brand new Corvette, heads up a department at the Discovery Channel, and is amazingly handsome: tall, athletic, blue eyes, honey blonde hair and a trim, athletic build. I think she’s really into this guy.”
Poisonous winced. “That sounds a lot like someone I know. I’ll have to meet this gentleman.” This must be Shane.
“He’s quite the gentleman.” Winking, Chloe said, “and quite the lover too, at least that’s what Sherry says.”
“Well, sounds like all of you are doing well. I’d say we celebrate by enjoying our really expensive dinner, and let the servers pamper us through the entire process.”
As the TNC taxi took her back to the Metro View complex, a strange sensation came over her. She felt both nervous, and even jealous. Her heart pounded wildly in her, as the thought of Shane Logan now took her breath away. When she walked into the condo, and into her room, she contemplated Shane and her attraction to him to the point where the image of him in her mind so overwhelmed her, that she decided she had to see him for herself.
Ignoring her absolute fear of the fact she was attracted to him, she made up her mind to visit him and Sherry. She changed back into Poisonous and flew towards Sherry’s scent; picking up Shane’s scent as well. As she got closer to the scents, she found them emanating from the Four Seasons Hotel in the Eastern end of Georgetown. She changed back into Perri, and walked into the Lobby. The scent of both Sherry and Shane became more powerful as she walked towards the restaurant. She encountered Sherry and Shane walking down the corridor towards the elevators.
Not wanting Shane to know exactly how she felt, or what business she had with Sherry, she quickly broadcast strong suggestion into Sherry’s head. I’m your friend. We know each other through mutual friends. Sherry noticed her, and walked towards her with Shane in tow.
“Hi, Perri. I want you to meet my friend. Perri, this is Shane Logan.”
A large knot formed in her stomach, accompanied by nervous butterflies; she had to muster all her strength to keep herself from trembling. Her hand went towards him, and he, being a gentleman, took hers and shook it.
“Hi, Shane. Nice to see you again.”
Sherry looked at Shane and said, “Shane, this is Perri Loliyekar. We know each other through mutual friends.
Still holding her hand, Shane looked at Sherry and said, “We’ve met, Sherry.” Turning to Perri, he said, “Hi, Perri; good to see you again as well; the pleasure is all mine.”
As she beheld him, those blue eyes of his mesmerized her. Her body temperature crept up little by little, until her face was bright red. Moreover, she felt something she had never experienced before: that infamous green monster called jealousy. She didn’t want Shane to be seeing anyone else, but she had to let it go.
“I’m sorry, but I need some fresh air. It’s rather warm in here.” One more look at Shane, and a loud, pounding heart joined the body heat in making her dizzy. “It was nice seeing you again, Shane,” she managed. “Maybe we’ll see each other again.” She turned to Sherry, and said, “Have fun, sweetie. You have a very handsome friend.” One final look at Shane, which only added to her feeling like she was losing control, and she walked away, ducked into a Women’s room in the lobby, and amazed herself as she broke into tears. After calming herself she changed to Poisonous and flew back to the condo.
As she walked in the door, and headed toward her room, Evie called out. “Hey, Poisonous! What’s going on?”
Shaking her head and rolling her eyes, she walked into the living room, dreading yet another inquisition. “Well,” she answered, “I’ve just had a business meeting with one of my employees. We dined at a very expensive restaurant, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”
Evie’s blue eagle-eyes zeroed in on her. “Poisonous, you’re shaking. Are you alright?”
“I guess, I got overheated in the hotel where another employee was working. It was hot in there, and I guess my body is still trying to cool off.”
“I’ve never known you to worry about heat; either in temperature, food, or sex. I’d say you saw someone who you are very attracted to.” As a grin grew on Evie’s face, she added, “and I’ll bet it was Shane Logan. He’s the only person that you find very irresistible.”
“You know, Evie. First, I don’t know where you come up with such ridiculous notions. Second, I don’t appreciate you making me an object of your humor. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m returning to my room.” She walked away, not looking back, although she heard Evie praying for her heart; specifically that it would break, and that she would literally see the Light. Bracing for the worst, she put on her night clothes and lay in her bed. As Evie prayed, the feelings in her heart bounced around from joy and happiness to a heavy sadness. In addition, Evie’s prayers convicted her. Perhaps she should change her ways.
“I don’t know how to take this. I’m so attracted to Shane Logan it overwhelms me. I’ve got to find a way to get him out of my heart.” That goal, however, wasn’t going to be realized tonight. More and more thoughts of Shane flitted through the meadow of her mind like butterflies, until emotion so overtook her that she broke down and cried.
* * *
Friday, September 12th
The morning sun arose, and peeked through her window, rousing Poisonous out of a fitful sleep. Shane had haunted all her dreams: he had pursued her, and she had pushed him away. Finally, she had started crying in her dream. I love you Shane…but we can’t be. I’m evil, and I have made you a womanizer. We just can’t have this kind of relationship. Then, he had cornered her, and kissed her passionately, which led to them making love—not sex—and she felt even more attracted to him.
Now fully awake, throwing off the covers, she arose from the bed, and realized her night clothes were sticking to her
. Sweat drenched her entire body, to the point where she had to discard her soaking wet night clothes, and take a shower. As the hot water flowed down upon her, she made up her mind that the only way to get Shane out of her mind was to have find someone else: no real love need be involved; just attraction. After that, she would see what would happen. The first person that came to mind was Sam Bittenbeidter. It made sense. A gentleman treating her like a lady appealed to her. No matter how evil her heart, she also had pride. She appreciated any man who took the time to see more in her than just her body; to see and think of her as a woman—a lady, in fact. Roger Bonilla came to mind immediately. “Thank you Roger, for making my stay on Earth so very enjoyable and lucrative.”
The card Sam had given her sat upon her desk. She put on her outfit for the day, went to the kitchen and not being much of a cook, made herself a rudimentary breakfast of some cereal and some cherry-flavored toaster pastries. A glass of orange juice rounded out her breakfast menu. Breakfast done, she decided to give Sam Bittenbeidter a call.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Sam. This is Perri Loliyekar. I was wondering if I could meet you for some coffee this afternoon. Perhaps at that nice coffee house near DuPont Circle. There are items on the menu for light fare, if you’re in the mood for a small bite.”
“Well,” Sam answered, “this sounds quite lovely. How about for lunch—say, around one o’clock-ish?”
“Sounds just wonderful; I’m looking forward to it.’
Poisonous ascended from the DuPont Circle Metro station, walked down 19th Street and turned into the coffee shop located just before N Street, N.W. Sam’s scent wafted into her nose. Something about it seemed familiar—she had come across that scent many times before. But wait…that smell belonged to dark spirits like herself. Now the scent pushed her curiosity up several notches. This couldn’t be, could it? Her interest in Sam Bittenbeidter went up even higher than when she first met him.
Poisonous: A Visit To Earth (DC Angels Book 2) Page 18
