by Erin Wade
TWO WAYS TO DIE
A Java Jarvis Thriller
by Erin Wade
Edited by Katherine Fleming
Copyright 11/2019
ISBN: 9781708223939
Covers by Joolz & Jarling
Julie Nicholls & Uwe Jarling
©11/2019 Erin Wade
www.erinwade.us
Independently published
By Erin Wade
Two Ways to Die is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright 12/2019 Erin Wade
All Rights Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—mechanical, photocopy, electronic, recording, or any other, except for brief quotations in printed reviews—without prior permission of the author.
DEDICATION
To the one who has always supported me in everything I have ever undertaken. You have encouraged me and have always been my biggest fan. Life is sweeter with you.
Erin
Acknowledgements
A special “Thank You” to my wonderful and witty “Beta Master,” Julie Versoi. She makes me a better storyteller.
~~~
A heartfelt “Thank You” to Laure Dherbécourt for agreeing to beta read for me. She has added insight and an incredible knack for catching incorrect homophones.
~~~
A huge “Thank You” to Julie Nicholls & Uwe Jarling for our beautiful cover.
~~~
A special “Thank You” to Kathryn-Ann Nourse
Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
for the voodoo doll artwork at the end of the chapters.
Someone
If you are lucky, in your lifetime someone
will come along who takes your breath away.
Someone who gets into your head and
touches your every thought.
Someone who makes the time fly when
you are with her but makes it crawl when
she is away from you.
Someone who only needs to hold your hand to
turn a thunderstorm into the brightest sunshine.
Someone who makes you wish for snow so
you can snuggle with her in front of the fireplace.
Someone who makes you laugh.
When she comes along, don’t lose her.
Do whatever it takes to have her in your life.
. . . from “Two Ways to Die”
by Erin Wade
I’m the One You Need
You don't scare me
I've ridden a lightning bolt.
You can't hurt me
My heart is too remote.
So, bring your pain and doubt
to my doorstep, we will work it out.
At the end of the day after you share
your disappoints and unsavory deeds
I'll hold you gently in my arms and
you'll know that I'm the one you need.
. . . from "Two Ways to Die"
by Erin Wade
CONTENTS
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chaper 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
CHAPTER 1
Classy slumped onto the stool as the bartender pushed an Irish coffee to her. She sipped it and marveled at the taste as it warmed her throat and insides. “Thanks, Randy.”
“You through for the night?” Randy asked.
“The sun’s up isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I just wondered,” Randy ignored her querulous answer. “Pender was in here looking for you. Said he had a whale.”
“Yeah, that probably means he wants me to do a four-hundred pounder.”
“Jesus Classy, why don’t you get out of this business. A looker like you, you could find a decent job.”
“You think Pender would just let me walk away,” Classy huffed. “I’m his biggest meal ticket right now.”
“Yeah, and he’s using you up. How many last night? Ten johns in twelve hours.”
“Look, Randy. I told him I wanted out. He said the only way I was leaving this job was in a body bag.”
“He’s just trying to scare you. Pender’s all bark and no bite. That’s why he runs girls. He can intimidate them.
“Just take your money and run, Classy. Get the hell out of Orleans.”
Classy studied Randy for a long time. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I should leave. Go back home and start over. This certainly isn’t what I had planned for my life.”
Another customer entered the bar. “We’re closed, sir,” Randy advised him.
The man asked for directions and Classy closed out the sounds around her. As she always did, she withdrew to a place where no one could reach her. A place where Classy didn’t exist. A place where . . . where . . . she couldn’t even recall her own name.
“Hey, you deaf?” Pender shook her elbow. “I swear. Classy. Sometimes I think you go into a trance or something.”
“Sorry, Pen. I’m just exhausted.” She drained her coffee cup and slid from the bar stool. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Wait, I need you to take care of one more john.”
“Seriously, Pender. I can barely stand up.”
“Thousand bucks. Twice your usual take,” Pender dangled the carrot in front of her. “He’s waiting for me to call him. He’ll pay with PayPal.”
“Like I’d ever see that,” Classy snorted.
“I’ll pay you cash, right now. Just . . . please Classy. He requested you. Look!” Pender pulled a wad of money from his pocket and started counting out hundred-dollar bills. “Your five thousand from last night and another thousand for this fellow.”
Classy licked her lips as she recounted the money. With this and what I have saved I can get out of this town, s
he thought.
“Okay, but he’s the last one today.” She slipped the greenbacks inside her bra and took the note with the address of her client.
##
Barron Windom drove his Mercedes through the gates of his thriving business, Mulch & More Landscaping Supplies. His daughter was getting married tomorrow and he needed to move some money around in his accounts to cover the expenses that had skyrocketed.
“Boss, you’d better come look at this,” his manager skipped from one foot to the other. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Barron laughed. “What’s so exciting you can’t stand still, Willie?”
“At the back of the lot, where the road dead ends.” Willie’s wide-eyed glare made Barron pay attention.
“Is it something bad?”
“Yeah, boss, really bad.” Willie sprinted a few feet ahead of Barron as if checking out things before his boss proceeded.
“There,” Willie pointed a shaking finger toward something half buried in the mulch pile.
Barron pushed past Willie for a closer look. “Oh, dear Jesus,” he exclaimed before he threw up.
CHAPTER 2
Java Jarvis half listened as the Director droned on about the purpose of the new task force. She was more interested in the brunette at the other end of the conference table.
They were introducing themselves, their name, rank and serial number. Each talked about their specialty, areas in which they excelled.
“I have a license to . . .” the redhead’s voice faded away as Java wondered which of her own licenses would be required for the assignment they were undertaking. Java had a driver’s license, a commercial driver’s license, a pilot’s license, a concealed carry license, a license to perform weddings, baptisms and funerals, a license to kill, a license from Microsoft declaring her a computer genius—to go with her degree from MIT, a notary license, a license to practice law in Louisiana, and a liquor license. Her weapons of choice were a Glock, a knife, and her bare hands in that order.
“Java, it’s your turn,” the director repeated. “Would you like to share your areas of expertise with us?”
“Umm, I have a driver’s license and I love computers.”
“That’s it?” The brunette smirked.
“Oh, and a concealed carry license,” Java added smirking back.
“You look like a girl scout,” the brunette taunted her.
“That’s my other specialty,” Java grinned. “I look harmless.” She wiggled her eyebrows at the brunette. “Trust me, I’m not!”
The brunette gave her a sultry look, smiled slightly, and shrugged.
She’s flirting with me, Java thought. Yep, she’s flirting with me.
“Your base of operation is a restaurant called Java’s Place, or as the locals refer to it, Java’s.” the director continued. “Java actually owns it and has operated out of it for several years. It’s amazing how much information one can glean from a tongue loosened by booze. As always, Java will run the operation.”
“Barbie, you’ll do your dumb blonde waitress routine.” The Director addressed a cute little blonde with dimples to die for, who was anything but a dumb blonde.
“I need a better cover than a waitress,” the brunette demanded.
“Oh, we have a better cover for you,” Java grinned. “You’re the head dish washer.”
The brunette didn’t rise to the bait. She knew she’d be front and center in the operation. That was why she was here.
“Chris you’ll take over as head cashier and part-time hostess. Kat, you’re the resident blues singer during this maneuver.”
The brunette raised a perfectly arched Belizean brow and gave Java an “I told you so” look.
Katrina Yvonne Lace was one of those breathtaking beauties that drove both sexes mad. Brown bedroom eyes with a permanent “think you can handle this” look and a right cross that would lay low anyone who tried, made her irresistible.
“You’ll report to Java,” the director concluded.
Java locked gazes with Kat. “That means you’ll be working under me,” Java’s devilish grin made Kat blush and scowl.
“It means I’ll file sexual harassment charges against you if you even glance at me sideways,” Kat threatened.
“Oh, she scratches,” Barbie giggled. “I see claw marks and blood in your future, Java.” Everyone laughed.
“Ladies,” the Director quieted them. “We’re after a killer—or killers—that travels between Louisiana and Texas. Java, you want to bring us up to speed?”
##
Java pushed a remote control that raised a panel exposing their electric white board.
“I miss chalk,” Barbie spouted.
Java zipped a “Z” across the electric whiteboard with her finger. “I don’t know,” she grinned. “I rather like fingers, don’t you Kat?”
“Director, must I work with her?” Kat glared at Java.
“You four were handpicked, Kat,” FBI Director Karen Pierce quipped. “You know Java’s just trying to get a rise out of you. This is one of the goriest cases I’ve ever worked. Before we finish, I think you’ll welcome Java’s attempts to distract you.”
“Personally,” Barbie laughed, “I’m looking forward to working under Java. She’s a legend in the world of—.”
“Bedrooms,” Kat butted in.
“I was going to say criminal investigation,” Barbie smirked. “But maybe you know more about Java then I do.
“Thank you, Barbie.” The smile disappeared from Java’s face. “Each of you were selected for this assignment because you have special skills.
“Kat is one of our best profilers and although she looks like a sexy cream puff, her abilities in hand-to-hand combat are phenomenal. Trust me she can kill a man faster than you can blink an eye. Kat’s married and I respect that. As far as I’m concerned that takes her off the market, which makes my teasing harmless. Have you noticed that I keep the table between Kat and me when I razz her?”
Everyone laughed, and the group relaxed. Beginning to meld into the cohesive unit they would need to be to survive their assignment.
“Although we’re all licensed to carry guns, we won’t during this operation. We were selected because of our hand -to-hand combat abilities.
“Chris Canton’s weapon is pressure points. Let Chris get her hands on you and you can be dead or paralyzed within a few seconds.
“The newest member of our team, Barbie Wallace is as deadly as a rattlesnake. Her specialty is poisons. I’m guessing that Barbie has enough poison on her person right now to kill everyone in this room. Am I right, Barbie?”
“Maybe,” Barbie blushed.
“Don’t be fooled by her innocent, blushing. She’s a blonde. Blondes can blush at will.” Java demonstrated letting a slow redness creep up her chest to her face. “It’s in our genes.”
“How many women has that worked on?” Kat demanded.
Java cleared her throat. “I’ve lost count. Director Pierce will supply us with every gadget imaginable. If we need it Karen will get it for us.” Java continued.
“In front of each of you is a large envelope with your identifications: driver’s license, passports, birth certificates and a couple of credit cards in your alias.
“Drop the titles and ranks. Always call each other by your first names. Use the alias last names we’ve assigned to you. They’re all backed up in every database imaginable. Beau Braxton will be our police coordinator with the local authorities. He’s working another decapitation murder right now and couldn’t make this meeting. He’ll join us for dinner and drinks later tonight.
“This case has been turned over to us because we have the heads of four women and no bodies. We think we’re dealing with one or more serial killers.”
“Were all the heads found in Louisiana?” Barbie asked.
“No, two in Louisiana and two in Texas,” Java answered. “All the details of this case are in the envelope in front of you. Read it all tonight and familiari
ze yourself with the photos of possible suspects and their background. You’ll see those characters drinking and dining at Java’s Place. Are there any questions?”
“I have one,” Kat smirked. “Who came up with the name for our team?”
“Serial Killers Investigative Resolution Team,” Java scowled. “I think the head of the FBI had to be the brain trust behind that title. I mean how insane is it to form an all-female serial-killer investigation team and give them an acronym like SKIRT?”
“I’ll see if I can’t get that changed.” Karen frowned.
“Any more questions?” Java asked. “No. Then let’s go to dinner. Beau will meet us there.”
##
“May I buy you a drink, Kat?” Java asked.
“Why?”
“Because I’d like to,” Java grinned her best little girl grin settling into the seat next to Kat. “Where’s your husband? If I had a woman like you, I’d never get very far away from her.”
“If you had a woman like me, you wouldn’t know what to do with her.”
“Try me,” Java growled.
Kat leaned over and whispered in Java’s ear. Java’s eyes darted around the room as Kat’s soft lips brushed her earlobe.
The team watched as the two sparred with each other. “Is that a controlled blush that just enveloped you,” Chris laughed, “or is Kat setting you on fire?”
“I was just asking Java an innocent question,” Kat purred.
Java cleared her throat and licked her lips. “There’s no such thing as an innocent question.”
The four talked and danced as they waited for Beau to join them. It was obvious Barbie was enamored of her new boss.
“I swear Java, I keep expecting you to rip open your shirt and expose a big S on your chest,” Barbie giggled as she touched Java’s arm.
“Yes, I’m sure she’s had more than one big ass on her chest,” Kat retorted.
“S a big S as in Supergirl,” Barbie hissed.
Java smiled, enjoying the good-natured teasing going on between her teammates even if it was at her expense. Kat shot her a smoldering look and Java sobered. “Enough joking around ladies. We’ve got some nasty work to do.”
