by Anthology
“If he leaves, his mother dies.” The tip of the knife pressed into Cassie’s throat until a droplet of blood ran down her neck and into her matted hair. She whimpered, her eyes as big as saucers, her feet sliding against the sheet as she tried in vain to leverage herself away from the blade.
My heart raced as I stepped closer to the side of the bed. “I said, move away, or I’ll shoot.”
Finally, the perp glanced toward me. His body language relaxed as he exhaled an exaggerated sigh, as if I were interrupting his evening’s entertainment. With the flick of the knife, the rope restraining Cassie’s arms was severed, and he dragged her by the hair to the edge of the bed before placing her between us like a human shield.
In the few minutes that I’d spent surveying the situation, I’d missed my chance to shoot. There was now no way I could get a clean shot without risk of hitting Cassie.
“I believe we have ourselves a stalemate.” Even though his face was covered, the glint in his eyes was enough to show that he enjoyed this macabre game. “This is a refreshing change; I was becoming bored with how easily the women gave in. They would beg me to let them live, or promise not to go to the police. Two even offered to prostitute themselves in exchange for their pathetic lives.” The bloody tip of the knife slid around Cassie’s throat until he used it to pull a lock of hair from her face. “But this one, she’s different. She didn’t beg for her life; she begged for her son’s.”
A lone tear fell from the corner of Cassie’s pale blue eye as her bottom lip quivered. She loved that kid more than anything, so much so she had been willing to sacrifice her own life in order to let him live.
Rafferty still clung to Barney for comfort, and I let them be. It was too risky for Barney to spring at the perpetrator with a knife held at Cassie’s throat. All it would take was a miscalculation by a few inches for Barney to push the blade into Cassie instead of tearing away the hand that held it.
Sirens wailed in the distance as backup finally made its way to the neighborhood. The southerner looked to the window in the direction of the police cars. “Well, this has been fun, but I’m afraid I need to take my leave ... for now.” With one arm still wrapped tightly around Cassie’s chest, and the knife at her throat, the attacker edged around the room toward the door, and his escape. My gun had never left the target of his head, as I willed him to make one tiny slip so I could end this nightmare.
He was only a few paces from the door when he crossed in front of Barney who stood protectively in front of Raff, his hackles up, his sight laser-focused. With a subtle nod and simple command, Barney flew at the knife handle as simultaneously, I grabbed Cassie’s arm and swung her back towards the bed.
Barney had the guy on the ground, ripping into his arm, but he refused to drop the knife. Cassie had lost balance and for a moment I had stumbled to regain my footing, but I now stood over the man, gun aimed and ready to fire.
“Bad doggie,” Rafferty cried as he flung himself on Barney’s back, not understanding why Barney was growling and biting someone.
It was the diversion the guy needed. I couldn’t shoot; in the mass of limbs and bodies I couldn’t get a clean shot, and the scumbag knew it. He lashed out, striking Raff and then kicking Barney so hard in the ribs I heard a sickening crack. With a speed that surprised me, he sat up and slashed at my leg. I fell to the ground but managed to get out two shots as he sprinted from the room and down the stairs.
Barney whimpered as he tried to stand. He came to my side but was in no condition to take chase. Cassie was down on the floor, Rafferty’s head cradled to her chest as she rocked him lovingly, cooing to him that he was okay.
What a disaster. He had gotten away. We were all injured to a certain degree, but at least we were alive.
I refused to go to the hospital, instead asking that the paramedic stitch up my leg at the scene. I had been lucky; he had lashed out wildly and only connected with the tip of the blade so the gash wasn’t deep. Once the paramedics found out that Barney was a police dog, they bandaged his ribs and treated him like they would my partner, because that’s what he was.
Cassie and Rafferty had minor bumps and bruises, but I worried about the psychological affect that the trauma would have on both of them. Rafferty had thought that he’d awoken hearing Santa on the stairs and had run from his room to see him; he had instead been confronted with a masked man carrying a serrated fishing knife. Cassie seemed to be holding it together, no doubt for Raff’s sake more than anything. I went to speak to them and Cassie looked up at me, her eyes glazed over. I wasn’t sure if anything that I said sunk in, so instead I wrapped my arms around them both and tried to still their trembling bodies.
Evidence at the scene was quickly collected. It was the first boot-prints the forensic team had managed to obtain as the snow was still solid. The perpetrator had also left the house so quickly that the backpack he’d carried with his torture tools, had been left by the side of the bed. This was a huge win for the department because they could determine makes and models, and hopefully trace where the tools and been purchased and by whom. Even with meticulous cleaning of the implements, the team would find some evidence of blood. It was almost impossible to remove every trace of DNA, and this would hopefully provide undeniable proof that he had murdered the other women. With my description of size and voice and Cassie’s detailed account of the ordeal, these were the first solid leads the department had had since the maniac had started to terrorize the women of this city.
By the time the police had finished questioning us and the forensic crew left, the sun was up and the snow that had once held perfectly formed boot-prints was now a trail of dirty sludge.
It was Christmas day.
Cassie let out a deep sigh as I sat beside her on her couch and placed two fresh cups of coffee on the low wooden table in front of us. She looked exhausted, with her eyes red-rimmed and dark shadows beneath them.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t get the guy, Cassie.” Reaching over, I took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I should have shot as soon as I walked in while I had the chance.”
She hunkered in, resting her weary head on my shoulder. “You saved me.” Her voice was thick with emotion as she wrapped her arm around my waist and pulled me closer. “And you probably saved Raff too. Who knows what he would have done to both of us.”
I knew exactly what he would have done. The thought alone sent a shiver down my spine and I was glad that the department had kept the details of prior cases from the press. Cassie didn’t need to know the full extent of what could have happened to her.
“Was that the guy I’ve seen news reports about? He mentioned other women.”
I nodded and swallowed the lump in my throat. “Yep, that was him. But you’re safe now.” An uneasy foreboding crept through me. He wasn’t finished yet; he had been interrupted and fled, but my gut told me he wasn’t done with Cassie. “I’ll fix your windows today, and I think we need to increase security—maybe a surveillance camera or an alarm.”
Cassie raised her head from my shoulder and studied my face. “Do you think he’ll come back?”
“Not while I’m here, and not after I ensure this place is locked tight.”
Rafferty had been sleeping in his bed, but his footsteps on the creaky stairs made me look over to see he was still in his pajamas, and in the process of wiping the sleep from his eyes.
“Did Santa come?” he asked, taking in the tree that still had the same few gifts beneath it that had been there the day before.
“Oh crap,” Cassie said under her breath. She had been in the process of gathering Raff’s presents from their hiding place in the top of her wardrobe when the attack had taken place.
“You know what, buddy?” I said, calling Rafferty over to sit between us on the couch. “I think with so many people here last night, Santa may have left your presents in another room.” Raff frowned at me. “Well, you know he doesn’t like to be seen.” He seemed to ponder this a moment before nodding his accept
ance of my explanation.
Cassie smiled at me. “Liam’s right. I think maybe he left them upstairs while we were down here talking to the police. Should I go get them and bring them down?”
Rafferty’s rosy cheeks spread into a broad smile. Cassie gave him a tight hug and tenderly kissed his hair before making her way to the stairs. With Rafferty in the room, Barney, who was lying by my feet, thumped his tail three times before heaving himself to a sitting position.
“Go easy on Barney,” I said to Rafferty. “He’s a little bit sore.”
Rafferty rubbed his bruised cheek. “Me too.”
They sat side by side, comforting each other, both a little worse for wear.
“Look what I found!” Cassie exclaimed, her arms loaded with beautifully wrapped gifts.
I jumped up to help, taking the larger parcels from her and placing them by the tree. We sat back while Rafferty crawled over, his eyes wide. It was such a privilege to be allowed to be a part of this Christmas morning with Cassie and Rafferty. The circumstances for me being with them may not have been ideal, but I was still so happy to be able to share it with them.
“Thank you for being here.” Her eyes were teary as she once again rested her head on my shoulder.
“Thank you for letting me stay,” I said quietly to Cassie as Rafferty ripped open the first of many presents.
She smiled sweetly. “Well, in the spirit of Christmas, and to show my undying gratitude, I would love for you to spend the day with us.”
I couldn’t contain my smile as my heart raced in my chest.
“And ...” She stood and went over to the tree. Gingerly, she bent to retrieve a small box that had been obscured around the back. “This is for you.”
I took the small gift that had been beautifully wrapped, but hesitated. “I didn’t get you or Raff anything. I’m so sorry.”
To my surprise, Cassie bent down and kissed me softly on the cheek. “You’ve given us so much more than you could ever know, both you and Barney. More than money could buy. We’re still here because of you, and I don’t know how you knew we were in trouble, but I was willing you to come and somehow you heard me.”
I gently pulled her onto my lap. “Barney heard you. He knew something was up and woke me. His connection to Raff is something I’ll never understand. It truly is a miracle.”
An Eve to Remember
By Brandy L Rivers
A night on the town for my birthday. That was all I wanted after another long day at work. Never mind the fact it was also Christmas Eve. I just needed to get laid. So my partner—as in work partner—took me to a local bar we’d passed nearly every day we were on duty.
“It’s Eve’s birthday. Let’s get her drunk,” Damon announced to the smiling redhead behind the bar.
“Not too drunk. We work tomorrow,” I warned. Besides, a one-night stand I could enjoy. A drunken one, well, that didn’t appeal to me. “And no setting me up. Let me find my own guy.”
He held up his hands with a smirk. “How about drunk enough you go home with someone? You’re too uptight lately. Need to get laid—like you said earlier.” Damon patted me on the back then gave me a one-armed hug. “I’m sure you’ll have no problem finding a man to help you unwind.”
He didn’t mean himself. Damon was a newlywed, and I happened to love his wife.
My problem was keeping a man. I refused to date another cop. The rest of the men felt emasculated because I held authority or some bullshit excuse. Men were such babies. They all claimed I either worked too many hours, took my job too seriously, or I just didn’t care enough about them. I’d given up on finding someone.
My new plan was to find a stranger who didn’t know me or what I did for a living. And that’s why we were in a bar neither of us had ever set foot in.
Hopefully I’d find a birthday lay and make it to work the next day. I’d volunteered to work Christmas so I could avoid going home. Mom kept nagging me to settle down and get married, and Dad would reminisce about his days on the Seattle police force. I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but chose to do it in New York City where I wouldn’t have to hear my mother complain about my choices too often.
Damon’s phone buzzed again. He checked the message with a longing gaze.
Smiling, I nudged him toward the door. “Go home to your pregnant wife. It’s Christmas Eve.”
He rubbed a hand over his short hair. “What about you?”
I shrugged. “It’s a hell of a lot easier to pick up a man without one sitting right next to me. Tell Bianca I said Merry Christmas.”
Damon gave me a hug and leaned back with a grin. “Thanks. Happy birthday.”
“Get out of here.” I shoved him gently.
Damon tipped his head and walked out the door. I turned back to the bartender. “I want something strong. What do you recommend?”
Her brow arched. “Sweet or sour.”
“Maybe a little of both.”
“Purple Rain.”
I always did love Prince. “Sounds perfect.”
She placed the drink in front of me, and I turned to find a man had taken Damon’s seat. Mouthwateringly gorgeous, well built, dark skin, and almond-shaped onyx eyes that held mine. One side of his perfectly sculpted mouth pulled up in a sexy grin.
Talk about luck. “Good evening,” I greeted, hoping this was a start to a memorable night.
“What are you celebrating? Christmas Eve?” He had a rich, velvety voice.
Shrugging, I offered my hand. “My birthday. I’m Eve.”
His eyes twinkled as we shook. A tingle traveled up my arm and down my spine.
“That’s too good to be coincidence,” he answered.
“My mother thought the combo was cute.” I rolled my eyes. My name had been the butt of too many jokes in the past.
“Happy Birthday, Eve.” He downed his drink, so I did the same.
Before I could turn to order, he caught the bartender’s attention. “We need another drink. Hers are on me.”
“That’s really not necessary,” I started.
He shrugged. “Please, allow me. You look like you could take your mind off life. I say we dance after this drink.”
I licked my lips and nodded as another drink appeared before me. “I need a name if we’re going to dance.”
“Kenji.”
Japanese. Interesting. Though I didn’t want too much information. Curiosity ran rampant anyway, but I pushed down the questions, hoping to ignore them indefinitely. Truth was, I was afraid of getting too close and finding another man who hated my job.
The bartender nodded at Kenji. “You can trust this one. He helps out when drunks turn into assholes.”
I nodded, wondering if he was her friend, an old flame, or someone who spent too much time in a bar. He did have a good guy quality, and the way he watched me gave me goose bumps. I had no doubt he wanted me naked.
I slung back my drink, deciding two drinks might be enough. I was already buzzed and didn’t want to put myself in DUI territory. Sliding out of the seat, I ran my fingers across his thigh. “Let’s see what you got.”
He followed, a salacious smirk on his tempting mouth. His big hands wrapped around my small waist and I had to smile as his thumbs skated my toned stomach over the thin shirt.
“I like a strong woman,” he murmured, pulling me closer.
Words that warmed me through. Too many men couldn’t handle a tough girl. I went willingly, wrapping my arms around his neck as we moved to the music.
I had to smile when “Purple Rain” came over the speakers. His hard body moved with mine, ramping up my desire. “Spend a lot of time here?”
“Not hours. Usually come in after my shift. Have a drink, maybe two. Head home.”
“Long shifts?”
“Yeah, but I love my job. What do you do?”
Not wanting to ruin a good night, I shook my head. “Let’s not ruin this with too many details. I find misconceptions often come with job titles.”
“Fair enough.” He bent to whisper in my ear. “Later, we can talk.”
I wasn’t so sure about that, but I pressed closer, more interested in what we could do together. “What did you have in mind?”
“We could make our own fireworks.”
Leaning up, I nibbled his ear. He groaned, his hand slipping down to cup my ass, drawing me against his hard length. That sealed my decision.
“Where are we going?”
He nuzzled my neck. “I live a few blocks down. Come back to my place?”
After Kenji paid and we gathered our coats, I followed him outside. He held out his hand, and I took it. Callused hands, but I craved the connection.
The snow fell around us. His lips curved into a smile as he tugged me closer. His arm slipped around me.
“I do love the snow in New York,” he admitted.
“So do I.”
We made it to an apartment building. He led me inside and down the hall. First floor, but spacious. Japanese artwork hung on the walls, but the furniture was modern. One wall was cluttered with pictures of what I assumed were his family.
A spark of interest for more than the promised passion ignited. Instead of asking, I bit my tongue and turned to him.
He walked toward me. “Want a drink?”
Tempting, but that wasn’t my goal. “No. I want you.”
“I’ll grant your birthday wish,” he murmured before his sexy mouth closed over mine, his tongue delving in. His taste was divine, or maybe I was that desperate, but I needed more. I hadn’t been kissed like that in—ever.
He walked backward, pulling me with him as he devoured my mouth, leaving me achy and needy. Inside his room, he turned the light on, his mouth taking a detour down my throat.
Slipping my hand into his low slung jeans, I gripped his hard length and groaned. Smooth skin over hard cock. Temptation at its finest.
“Greedy,” he teased. His head came up, his dark eyes devouring mine. I moved my hand in long, teasing strokes while opening his pants with my other hand.
