“What the hell do you want me to do?” Decessus asks, trying to keep the desperation out of his voice.
“Get creative.”
Hoeksema hangs up before Decessus can reply.
“Shit!” he snaps and tosses the phone across the car.
For the first time in a long time, things are not going as planned for James Decessus.
twenty-four
Brooke never gave her key back when she broke up with Stanley and Stanley never bothered to change the locks. That’s why she can let herself into his apartment without the courtesy of a knock.
Although, in a few seconds she’s going to wish she hadn’t.
“Hey, it’s me,” she calls out in the apartment. “I am beyond exhaust-” The words die in her mouth.
Her brain can’t process the scene before her.
The apartment is a mess. Everything is torn apart and tossed around, as though there was a brutal fight.
Then she notices the blood on the floor and on the walls.
She sees the two muscle men off to the side, but she’s not processing them.
Brooke realizes the blood on the floor has a human shape.
“Stanley?” she whispers hoarsely.
Brooke drops to her knees, lightheaded. The room is spinning around her.
“You came. Excellent.”
Brooke looks up and to the left.
Dicky Ramburg is standing at the entrance to the kitchen, dressed in a black velour suit. He’s drying his wet hands with a towel. He smiles at her expression of horrific confusion.
Dicky gives a passing glance to Stanley as he settles his large weight down on the sofa.
“I suppose I should explain,” he begins. “Stanley and I have a very special kind of relationship. He doesn’t screw around with me and I don’t kill him.” Dicky picks at something under his nail. “Bringing you to a business transaction like he did, that was screwing around with me.”
Brooke’s face is pale and her eyes shimmer with frightful tears. Her lips tremble as she looks down at the blood covered form of Stanley Morris.
Stanley twitches as he takes a shuddering breath.
Brooke looks back at Dicky.
“Oh, he’s still alive,” Dicky assure her. “The little bastard is worth far more alive, than dead, these days.” Dicky crosses his fat legs. “I was absolutely shocked to learn that Avery had a sister. I can’t imagine how it never came up in any of my dealings with her or your father. And to discover that you were, should I say working?” He shakes his head. “It doesn’t really feel like you were working with Stanley. No, your relationship is definitely more personal. Regardless, it was a disappointing revelation.” He clears his throat loudly.
“You’re going to have some questions later,” Dicky continues, “after the shock has worn off. I’m going to give the answers now, so pay attention.” He points a chubby finger at her. “I am holding you responsible for this and failure of Stanley and I’s previous business transaction. I know that seems, unorthodox.” He shrugs. “I don’t particularly care. You’re the one that didn’t authenticate the skull. Since then I’ve learned a little more about this skull and I’ve decided that I want it for myself. So now, you’re going to find me the real skull.” Dicky kicks at Stanley. “Your man here will provide you with all of the historical details regarding this very special human skull. You needn’t worry, I’ve already called 911. The EMT’s should be here shortly. And now here’s the really important part: if I don’t get that skull.” He pauses to make sure he has her full and undivided attention. “Brooke? Are you listening? You really want to be listening to this part.” He gets direct eye contact with her. “If you don’t get me that skull, I will kill Stanley. I will kill your sister. I will kill your mother. And finally, when everyone else is dead, I will kill you.” The squiggly line that is his mouth, twists upwards in a smile. “So get me the damn skull.”
Dicky gets up from the sofa and the cushions groan in relief.
Brooke’s only vaguely aware of the three men leaving the apartment. Her vision’s blurry as the tears begin to roll down her checks.
Stanley coughs up blood and mumbles something.
With a shaky hand Brooke pulls out her cellphone and dials the only number she can remember.
It rings twice and a woman answers, “What’s up, I’m getting ready to go to sleep.”
“Avery,” Brooke says. “I need your help.”
REAPERS IN HEELS
CONTINUES IN:
VOLUME 2:
DIAMONDS BEFORE DEATH
A Diamond Before Dying (Book 4)
No Diamonds Upon Death (Book 5)
Diamonds and Death (Book 6)
Only the Dead Wear Diamonds (Book 7)
Death, Debutantes, and Diamonds (Book 8)
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Krumbine loves to write! He’s happily married and lives in Manhattan, NY where he enjoys reading in Central Park, going to movies and discovering new stand-up comedians.
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Stop By and Say Hi!
You can connect with Jason at either his website, www.jasonkrumbine.com, Facebook, Twitter (@jasonkrumbine) or good ole’ fashion email [email protected]. He’s always up for a talk about the newest Star Trek movie or what’s happening in the world of comic books and TV.
Also by Jason Krumbine
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Alex Cheradon
(A science fiction, action adventure, fantasy series)
Volume 1
Fruitbasket from Hell (Book 1)
A is for Amnesia, B is for Bullet (Book 2)
Little People, Big Crimes (Book 3)
Volume 2
One Time Only (Book 1)
Welcome to Crazytown (Book 2)
Odd Man Out (Book 3)
Heaven’s Superhero
(Christian science fiction, fantasy, adventure series)
Volume 1 – The Third Creation
Heaven’s Superhero: The Third Creation – Part One
_______________
Reapers in Heels
(Urban fantasy romance series recommended for Mature Readers, 18 & Up.)
Volume One - Death & Stilettos
One Stiletto in the Grave (Book1)
Death Wears Stilettos (Book 2)
A Grave Full of Stilettos (Book 3)
Volume Two – Diamonds Before Death
A Diamond Before Dying (Book 4)
No Diamonds Upon Death (Book 5)
Diamonds and Death (Book 6)
Only the Dead Wear Diamonds (Book 7)
Death, Debutantes, and Diamonds (Book 8)
_______________
The Castle Sisters
(An all-ages science fiction adventure series)
Volume One – The Impossible Darkness
The Impossible Rescue (Book 1)
The Arctic Isle of Doom (Book 2)
The Invasion of the Imaginary Friends (Book 3)
The Mall of Eternity (Book 4)
The Doomsday Event (Book 5)
_______________
Rupert & Me
Tales From Under the Desk
Holy Words from Under Desk
Dear Rupert
_______________
Other Books
Explorers of the Unknown
Outlawed Love
A Graveyard Romance
Cupid’s Daughter
The Grym Brothers
Death & Stilettos Page 41
