Heiress to a Curse

by Zandria Munson

  Putting aside the thought, Alexandra slipped the plastic trash bag from the tall copper waste bin that sat next to the sink. She flipped the receptacle over and placed it beneath the window.

  Surprisingly, Marius remained silent as he watched her step onto the trash can to peer through the window. She hoped he was soaking up the full view of her legs and backside in the fitted dress she wore instead of thinking she was crazy.

  She gripped the metal bars and looked outside. She could see a back alley with a set of large Dumpsters and several fire escapes on an opposing building. It was vacant, yet her feeling that the killer’s trail was near remained with her. She scanned the area again, looking for any possible places of concealment. Either the killer was in the Dumpster or he’d…

  She realized it the moment she saw it. The killer hadn’t come through the store, but had gone around the back to the alley and had entered a manhole. The lid was slightly lifted and a steady stream of smoke wafted out.

  Stepping down from the bin, Alexandra turned to Marius. He was leaning against the doorjamb with his arms folded across his broad chest. It was obvious that he was enjoying her display.

  With a jerk, she righted her clothing. “How do you feel about narrow, wet places?” she asked.

  He raised one dark brow. “I enjoy them thoroughly,” he replied in a heavy voice.

  Alexandra cleared her throat when she realized how lewd her inquiry sounded. “The sewer,” she corrected quickly. “There’s a manhole in the alley out back. I need to go down there.”

  He was silent for a moment then he pushed away from the doorjamb. “Am I wrong to assume that you are seeking far more than an interview?”

  She closed the distance between them and slipped her purse from his fingers. “Does it really matter? You offered to come along, and you’re free to leave if you feel uncomfortable. This is my job.” She tried to appear indifferent, but the idea of scampering around alone in the sewers of New York City wasn’t that appealing. Especially if a serial killer was lurking within those murky shadows.

  To her relief, Marius stepped aside and motioned for her to lead the way. Together they left the store and circled the building. The alley was quiet with no signs of activity. As they moved toward the manhole, Alexandra could feel her premonition growing stronger. Mady’s abductor had definitely passed through there.

  She knelt and placed a palm against the metal lid. He’d been in a hurry, running perhaps. She could see his blurred image in her mind’s eye, his frantic breathing and the sweat on his skin. There was something he had to do, something urgent.

  Her heart began to race and Alexandra looked up at Marius. “Can you open it? I have to go down there.” She could tell that he wasn’t keen on the idea of entering the sewer, and his compliance was definitely a mystery. It was almost as if he felt compelled to remain with her.

  She stood and stepped back as he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, revealing the swarthy skin of his arms. Strong hands took hold of the lid and with very little effort, Marius rolled it aside. Below, the sound of running water could be heard and the scent of stale air poured out.

  Marius turned to her. “Are you certain about this?”

  Alexandra exhaled an anxious breath. “Yes,” she replied.

  He nodded with a grunt and when she moved to begin the descent down the rail ladder, he placed a hand on her arm. “I will go first,” he said.

  The look in his eyes told her that he’d guessed that the possibility of danger lay beneath the city’s streets. A sense of security and warmth crept over her. No man had ever been willing to take risks for her.

  With easy grace, Marius entered the manhole and proceeded down the ladder. Alexandra peered after him until he disappeared into the darkness. She draped the strap of her purse over her shoulder then began climbing down. Her pumps weren’t exactly made for such activity and she found that she had to steady herself a few times.

  At the bottom she found Marius staring into the darkness. “Do you have a light?” he asked as he assisted her to the ground.

  She thought quickly then reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. The small illumination revealed that they’d entered a fairly wide tunnel with stone walkways on either side of a flowing drain of muddy water. They moved forward. Alexandra ran her hands along the walls, hoping to connect with any energy left behind by either the killer or Mady Halman. She felt certain that he’d been hurrying to get to the girl. And she knew that Mady was still alive.

  “This place is foul,” Marius commented.

  Alexandra shot him a glance, humor filling her thoughts. “It’s a sewer. What did you expect? A perfume shop?”

  Her eyes trailed over him in the dim lighting. He certainly looked out of place in his designer clothes. She’d bet anything that this was the most excitement he’d had in his entire life.

  She laughed softly, drawing Marius’s attention. “What amuses you?”

  “Nothing,” She sobered and drew to a halt. The tunnel had come to a split.

  Alexandra closed her eyes, hoping to sense any lingering energy in the air. It was no use. The signals were too scattered, no doubt the result of the killer’s frantic mood. For an instant, she considered suggesting that they split up, but realized that it wasn’t feasible. Not only did Marius not have a light, but he also had no clue what he was looking for.

  “We must go left,” he said suddenly.

  Alexandra looked at him. “What?”

  He met her questioning stare. “The individual you are seeking went in that direction.”

  She sent him a curious look. “How can you be sure?”

  “I can smell him,” he replied.

  Alexandra searched his face. Did he actually expect her to believe that he could smell the killer? His expression told her that he was being honest. Perhaps he’d picked up a trace of cologne, she told herself. Like women, men could probably identify a familiar fragrance.

  She nodded, having no time to fuss with it in her head. “We’re going to have to cross this trench. Do you think we can jump it?”

  He took a moment to examine the drain and the concrete walkway on the other side. “Yes, it is a short distance.” He backed up and leaped over the chasm.

  Alexandra approached the edge and frowned at the raging water. A short distance indeed—for him maybe. She’d never been athletic and really doubted she could make it across in her pumps and fitted dress.

  Marius extended a hand to her. “Come,” he beckoned.

  There was no other way. She had to put aside her apprehension. Failure was not an option. With renewed resolve, she jumped, reaching for him. She landed against his firm chest and strong arms encircled her, keeping her on her feet.

  Pressed so tightly against him, Alexandra could feel the thick, corded muscles beneath his shirt. His body felt so hard and so solid, a mass of steel chiseled into perfection.

  Slowly, she eased away from him. “We have to keep going,” she breathed.

  His arms lingered about her for a moment longer, then fell away. Alexandra reactivated the light on her phone and proceeded down the left passage. Marius followed silently.

  They’d been walking for a few minutes when something in their path caught her attention. As the light spilled over the area, she knew that she was looking at the spot where Mady Halman had been kept since her disappearance.

  A dirty blanket lay on the cold concrete and a length of rope was attached to the metal pipe that lined the concave wall. The rope looked as if it had been cut. Alexandra reached out and drew it into her hands. She was immediately assailed by an agonizing pain that radiated from her wrists up along her arms.

  She gasped and fell to her knees. Mady’s energy was so strong, so distressed. She’d been tied and left alone in the darkness for days, crying out with no one to hear her. She was gone now, moved to another place.

  Marius appeared at Alexandra’s side, his brows furrowed. “What is it? Are you hurt?” he asked.

  A
lexandra shook her head, grateful that the darkness concealed the tears forming in her eyes. “No, I’m fine.”

  Her eyes combed the area again. It was hard to believe that anyone would leave a child in such a state. If she’d had any doubts before, she was certain now that she was dealing with a cold and ruthless killer. She couldn’t fathom why he’d deviated from targeting women to kidnapping a child. It didn’t make sense. Unless his perversions came in a twisted assortment, perhaps he had other reasons for taking Mady Halman.

  “Let’s get out of here. I have to contact the police,” she said quietly.

  She was about to stand when she noticed a large pool of hardened wax near the base of the wall. A few inches from it sat a matchbook. She picked it up and held the light over it. An image of the killer appeared before her, his face partially concealed in shadow. He struck a match and brought it to the cigarette in his mouth. The flame danced in cold, dark eyes, and then he was gone.

  Alexandra exhaled a shaky breath and read the name on the matchbook.

  Zappo’s Bar.

  She slipped the matches into her purse, certain it could lead her to the killer. Feeling weak, she allowed Marius to assist her to her feet. Unexpectedly, he gripped her arms with a gentle but firm hold. She looked up at him, uncertain of what to expect.

  “We are not leaving this place until you explain everything to me,” he demanded.

  She searched his eyes. He seemed angry—no, furious. “I told you already—” she began.

  “No. I am no fool, Alexandra. What is this?” He motioned toward the bloodstained blanket. “What have we discovered? And why do you feel that you must risk your life to learn more about it?”

  She swallowed, trying to clear the tightness in her throat. If she wasn’t mistaken, Marius was concerned for her safety. So much so that it angered him to see her taking risks. She didn’t understand where this emotion was coming from. Until now, he’d shown a moderate amount of interest in her, his eyes trailing over her as if he was trying to figure her out. She could only guess that his reserve had concealed his true feelings for her. The thought of this strong and beautiful man actually caring and wanting to protect her filled her with warmth. There was no turning back for her now—she’d fallen for him.

  Chapter 9

  It was obvious that Detective Tyrese Beckford was skeptical about Alexandra’s report. She glanced at April then returned her attention to the man sitting across the table from them in the lunchroom at the Daily Sun.

  For the last half hour, he’d thoroughly questioned them about the incident at the police ball. Of course, Alexandra hadn’t been strictly truthful. She didn’t think she would benefit from helping detectives find the gargoyle, especially ones who were all about shooting first and asking questions later. April was the only person who knew the complete truth and Alexandra was grateful that her friend had kept quiet. Detective Beckford wanted answers, though. Her actions that night had been far more than questionable, and her excuse was not the best.

  He tapped his pen against the tabletop. “Let me get this straight. You went up on the roof to see if the creature really existed because you wanted a picture of it for the newspaper. Then, when you got up there and saw it, you tried to get an interview?” he asked with a measure of incredulity.

  “Not exactly an interview. I was trying to find out where it came from and what it was,” she corrected.

  “So you asked it questions?”

  “Yes.” She nodded.

  “I believe that’s the same thing. Anyway, did it speak to you? Did you learn anything?”

  “No, you guys interrupted before I could get my tape recorder out,” she said sarcastically and pinned him with a serious look. “I wish you detectives would put so much effort into finding missing children.” She tossed her Mady Halman file in front of him. “That little girl has been missing since last week. What’s being done to recover her?”

  After leaving the sewer with Marius, Alexandra had made an anonymous call to the South Bronx precinct. That had been in vain, as there’d not been enough evidence to attract police attention. The area had been dismissed as a homeless camping site. She’d also given the authorities the description and license plate number of the van, but again, with no proof that it was connected to the Penn State Serial Killer, the tip had gone nowhere. She’d known better than to mention her psychic abilities on an anonymous tip, for she was sure that would have thrown any possible credibility right out the window.

  Detective Beckford glanced at the file and took an exasperated breath as he leaned back in his chair. “I know there are detectives working on that case. Now, are you going to tell me why you tried to stop me from shooting that creature?”

  Alexandra frowned at him. The detective had a way of dismissing anything she said, and she was steadily loosing her patience with him. “Detective Beckford, that creature is one of the most profound discoveries in the history of man. It amazes me that you even thought of harming it.”

  “That creature, Miss Barret,” he said as he leaned forward, “is responsible for attacking three men and nearly killing one of them. It is dangerous and has to be contained before someone else gets hurt.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Are you even listening to me? And how do you know those guys were telling the truth?” she countered. “How do you know they weren’t the ones being stopped from committing a crime? Did you see them? They’re degenerates!”

  “An eyewitness’s appearance doesn’t discredit his recount,” he told her.

  “You’re right,” Alexandra agreed. “Just as that creature shouldn’t be prosecuted before being proven guilty.”

  Detective Beckford laughed. “You make it sound like this thing is some law-abiding citizen and not a dangerous freak of nature. If you would remember, it was carrying a sword. I hardly think there will be a trial when it’s caught.”

  Alexandra’s face remained impassive, but beneath it she was furious. It was so like people to want to destroy anything they didn’t understand. Yes, the gargoyle had been armed, but he hadn’t attacked anyone. He’d chosen to depart instead of retaliating. And she was sure his departure hadn’t been due to fear of being shot.

  The detective’s eyes darted from Alexandra to April then back. “What aren’t you telling me?” he asked suspiciously.

  Alexandra exchanged looks with April. “I’ve told you everything.”

  He watched her for another moment. With a deep sigh, he stood. “Fine. Then I guess this concludes our interview. You’ll be seeing me around, though. And that includes you, too, Miss Harry.”

  April smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Detective Beckford nodded. “Have a good day, ladies,” he said before leaving the room.

  April hurried toward the door and peered around the corner. “That’s a whole lot of man.” She shook her head. “He can arrest me and throw away the key any day.”

  Alexandra joined her. Detective Beckford had paused near a desk and was speaking to another reporter. The pretty Latina seemed quite eager to answer his questions. She was leaning over her desk as she watched him write her responses in a notepad. Her breasts were practically spilling out of her shirt.

  April snorted. “Slut. Does she have to pour over him that way?” she grumbled.

  Alexandra moved back to the table and pulled the phone book toward her. “He seems to evoke that response in most women I’ve observed,” she said pointedly.

  “Oh, like you haven’t checked him out!”

  “I looked, I’ll admit. But unlike you, I’m not swooning over the guy. He’s trouble and I’m sure he’s going to attempt to pry more information out of you concerning the incident on the roof.” She removed the blue matchbook from her pocket.

  She’d told Marius everything about the Halman case, leaving out the part about her psychic abilities. He hadn’t been pleased to hear of her dangerous endeavor, but had understood her motivation. In an unexpected gesture, he’d made her promise not to follow any lea
ds alone, but to include him. She’d been shocked, yet grateful. She knew the kind of danger that she was exposing herself to, and having a companion would definitely make things easier.

  She’d traced the license plate number on the van and come up with a name. She had a place to start looking.

  April was still ranting. “So you think the only reason he’s interested in me is so he can learn more about your gargoyle stalker?”

  “I didn’t say that.” Alexandra sighed.

  “If you would recall, he did attend the ball with me before the incident occurred.”

  “I know.” She flipped through the pages of the phone book. “I’m only saying that I have a feeling he’ll try to use his charm to get information from you, that’s all.”

  “Oh, I’m certain he will.” April turned to face her. “And I can’t wait. He can bribe, blackmail or threaten me with incarceration over dinner anytime.”

  “Just try to remember that you did promise to keep quiet about everything. There’s too much going on right now. I have to find out what that gargoyle wants from me, and the last thing I need is some secret government group following my every step.”

  April smiled. “I think what that gargoyle wanted was quite apparent. I might’ve been half out of my mind with fear, but I think I know an erection when I see one. And I do believe that if Tyrese and I hadn’t intervened when we did, you would’ve found yourself ten inches fuller.” She slid into a chair and pulled out a nail file. “I think you would’ve enjoyed it, too. Don’t give me that look! Think about it—he had you spinning on his tongue. Just imagine what he can do with his—”

  “Okay!” Alexandra gritted out. “I get your point. And let’s try to remember that we’re talking about a nonhuman creature with horns and a tail. For all we know, he could be a demon.”

  April crossed her legs and began filing a nail. “Demon or not, he seemed quite anatomically compatible to me. Okay, okay, I’ll change the subject.” She held up her hands when Alexandra tossed an empty plastic cup at her.