by Geri Krotow
“Rio, let’s take our clothes off.”
“No talking.” He grasped her hands and entwined his fingers with hers, placing their hands in the space between both of their chests. She felt his heartbeat match her own and the turn-on was more than she could handle. Pressing her lips to his, she kissed him as if it was the last time she’d be able to.
Rio held her hip and lifted her off him. Before she could protest at the lack of contact, he had her pajama shorts down around her feet. She unzipped his cargos and reached for him as his pants fell to meet her bottoms.
Rio had her tank top up, off and over her head, and she knew she’d find it somewhere strange later as she did the same with his T-shirt.
“We have to stop meeting like this.” Her words came out in short pants and she shook with want. He stood next to her, his shoulders blocking her view of the French doors that led to his backyard.
“Rio, your neighbors.”
“Screw ’em.” He kissed her hard and brought her hips up against his erection with his hands cupped under her buttocks, kneading and caressing her with a skill she wanted to get on her knees and thank God for. “They’re not up yet, anyway.” With no further conversation, he bent down and lifted her into his arms.
“Rio, this isn’t going to tire you out for work today, is it?” She looked up at his face as he walked down the short hall to his bedroom. Not the guest room, where she’d been staying, but his room, his sanctuary.
As if being with Rio wasn’t enough, once he placed her on his bed, she was inundated with his scent on the sheets and her desire peaked from the extra stimulation of her senses. As Rio lay down next to her, she rose on all fours and started kissing him at his neck, his shoulders, his chest. Bracing her hands on his shoulders, she straddled him again, but this time didn’t allow their pelvises to meet. Instead she kept inching down his torso, licking and kissing his hard abs as her hands massaged his shoulders.
“You’re killing me here, Kayla.” His words were punctuated by sharp intakes of breath and she let her power over him make her lovemaking more ardent, more intense. When she got to his erection and lowered her mouth to it, the groan of satisfaction from Rio was worth every minute of keeping her own satisfaction at bay. She sucked and kissed and licked until Rio took hold of her hips and moved her to the side.
No words as he suckled each of her breasts with tenderness and passion, his fingers inside her, moving, making her hips gyrate in a desperate attempt to reach the climax his lovemaking always promised.
Rio chuckled against her stomach, her belly, lower. She moaned. When his tongue dipped into her belly button and then kept going, she ran her fingers through his hair and urged his head lower. Again Rio interlaced his fingers with hers and held her hands to either side as he dived into her center, his tongue further arousing her swollen and wet insides until she screamed his name at the peak of her climax. As she came back to planet earth, Rio didn’t wait. As soon as he had a condom on, he was on top of her, moving over her, and entered her with their eyes connected. She couldn’t keep her eyes open for long but it was long enough to see that this was more than lust for him, too.
Nothing sounded sweeter to her than Rio’s hoarse utterance of her name as he came and brought her with him, their bodies slick, hot and completely engulfed in bliss.
After several minutes, she felt Rio stir and raise himself over and to her side, resting on his back. She curled into him and traced lazy circles on his chest, loving how completely relaxed his profile appeared in the lightening room.
“Sun’s up.” She kissed his shoulder.
He opened one eye and snorted. “I won’t be again for a while, thanks to you.”
They lay together for a few moments longer, until Rio’s deep exhalation alerted her to what they both needed to do today.
Catch a killer.
* * *
Cynthia’s wedding day had dawned damp and drizzly, but the sun was starting to peek out from behind big white and grey fluffy clouds as she drove to the mayor’s house. Kayla wasn’t worried about the ceremony, since she’d arranged to have the path from the back door of the house to the gazebo covered, and the gazebo was large enough to hold the entire wedding party along with a handful of guests, and keep them dry. The other guests would be given white umbrellas as they arrived at the house, to keep the appearance of the ceremony uniform and “tasteful, not tacky” as Cynthia had requested.
Being wired wasn’t as uncomfortable as she’d expected, thanks to the Trail Hikers having up-to-date technology. Some of the equipment wasn’t even on the commercial market yet. She’d have to take off her clothes for anyone to see the superthin wires and tiny microphones. Rio had wanted to hook her up with two-way comms with SVPD but she’d declined. She didn’t have the training for it.
SVPD was providing security for the event, since as far as the public knew, the mayor was conceivably at risk in light of Meredith’s murder.
Rio was in an unmarked police van in front of the house, listening to Kayla’s feed. She placed a large basket of extra flowers on the back porch, hoping she wouldn’t need them. The bridal party’s flowers were in the refrigeration unit of her van.
“I don’t see why you’re so upset. He’ll show up. The men went out for nightcaps after the rehearsal dinner.” Cynthia’s voice wafted out of the open door and Kayla caught a glimpse of Gloria walking into the dining room in a bathrobe. The woman even ate breakfast at the formal dining table?
“It’s not like him. He’s very prompt and is always at your father’s side. And he’s your godfather—he has to be here.” Gloria’s voice was high-pitched and reflected worry as Kayla eased closer to the door without putting herself in their line of sight. They knew she’d be out here, but perhaps didn’t realize she could overhear them.
“What’s got you so wound up, Gloria? Mickey isn’t in the wedding. Even if he doesn’t show up, Dad can survive without him today. My wedding has nothing to do with the mayor’s office.”
“Don’t kid yourself.” Gloria’s stunning retort was as sharp as if she’d slapped Cynthia.
“Let’s not get ugly on my wedding day, Gloria. It’s important to my father that it’s perfect for me, remember.” Was Cynthia warning Gloria?
“Yes, yes, we’ll keep it perfect for you. But you need to learn some hard truths about adulthood, Cynthia. Charles wouldn’t be marrying you unless you fit his résumé, too.”
“We’re in love, Gloria.”
“Save it for the wedding guests. You don’t need to BS me.”
“No, I suppose I don’t.” Dishes clattered as they served themselves food. Kayla didn’t think their voices would reach the microphones nestled between her breasts, but she’d make sure to memorize everything they said to pass to Rio and Claudia. The Charbonneaus, whether by marriage or blood, were a miserable, conniving lot. It was a matter of time before one of them slipped up and revealed the way to the murderer.
“That’s enough, Cynthia.” Gloria’s censure was sharper.
“Excuse me. You’re only six years older than me, Gloria. I don’t take orders or reprimands from you. Let’s keep this civil for as long as we can. And trust me, you’re in no place to tell anyone what to do.” Did Cynthia know about Gloria and Mickey’s affair?
“I’d say that the line for civility was crossed long ago. Look over your shoulder—it’s way back there, about the time I married your father.”
Meow, meow.
“That’s enough, ladies.” Tony Charbonneau’s cajoling voice sliced through their bickering. “What on earth is upsetting you both on this great day? My baby girl is going to marry a wonderful man.” Silence, other than the sound of cutlery, fell inside the house. Kayla stood to stretch her quads as she’d been crouching next to the flower basket for several minutes. A soft footfall was her only warning before the back doors opened wider and Cynthia strode through. Kayla grabbed a handful of flowers and made as if to add more to the balcony.
Cynthia’s stare wou
ld have made her blood run cold only a week ago. Now, with Trail Hikers training behind her and an automatic weapon hidden on a calf holster under her pant leg, Kayla stood and stared back at Cynthia.
“What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be getting the gazebo ready?” She looked at Kayla as though Kayla was a family servant rather than a professional working in the twenty-first century.
“The gazebo’s ready. I’m finishing up with this railing. I’m here if you need anything before I give the flowers to your attendants.”
“Why are you on the porch?” Cynthia looked back at the threshold she’d just passed, then again at Kayla. “What did you overhear?”
“What’s to overhear? I’ve been on the phone with my assistant and placing the flowers. Did I miss something you need done, Cynthia?”
Cynthia Charbonneau’s beauty, if you could call it that, was entirely due to her father’s bankroll. And that meant it was highly likely that the funds he’d been embezzling from Silver Valley had paid for top-of-the-line skin treatments, spa time and probably a collagen injection or two. But as the woman stared at Kayla, there was no attractiveness. Only an ugly energy reminiscent of feral cats when they were about to attack.
“I don’t need anything else from you. Just stay out of the way.” Kayla knew Cynthia’s words reached Rio’s ears and wondered what he made of her tyrannical tone. Probably thought what Kayla did. That Cynthia had been spoiled her entire life.
“When are the groom and his attendants expected? My assistant is bringing the boutonnieres separately.”
Cynthia waved her hand as if her soon-to-be-husband was no more than an accessory. “Charles will show up an hour before, no sooner. There’s no reason for him to. They had a fun time after the party. I wouldn’t be surprised if he is hungover, along with the rest of the men.” Cynthia didn’t seem to care her husband might be hungover on their wedding day. She didn’t care about the wedding as long as she got a high-powered groom out of it.
“Are you excited about graduating from law school next week, too? You have a lot of milestones happening in such a short time.”
Cynthia’s smirk made it clear that Kayla was the florist, damn it, not her therapist. “It’s not pressing on me. I’ll graduate, pass the bar and start my law career under Charles’s wing. No one can say anything since he’ll be my husband.” She laughed. “I know I’m not the usual blushing bride. Let’s just say I’m more practical. The people, people like you, in Silver Valley are ludicrous. You’ll be happy as a florist, probably get married and have babies. That’s not for me. I’ve known since I was a small girl that I’m headed for bigger things.”
* * *
Gloria stared at Tony. She knew her husband was capable of underhanded business. Sure, he broke the law here and there, but it was always for the good of the people he served. Mickey helped him with that.
Mickey.
He’d ignored her last night at the rehearsal dinner. Of course he did. He’d been there as Cynthia’s godfather, but it was obvious he was only there for Tony. To do whatever Tony needed him to do.
“You’re awfully quiet, Gloria. Did you have your share of vodka last night, too?” Tony grinned at her, his forkful of scrambled eggs and smoked salmon halfway to his smug mouth. His lips were thin and tight, not generous and sweet like Mickey’s.
“Where’s Mickey, Tony? I thought he was coming over to help you get ready and to keep everyone calm.”
Tony shook his head. “I told him to sleep in, take it easy. He’s done enough for me these past weeks. Why are you so worried about him, Gloria?”
Tony’s question was scary and too close to the truth, but as she looked at his open expression, his tired eyes, she realized it was just her guilt.
“No, no. It’s wedding-day jitters, that’s all. Honey, you know I just want whatever’s best for Cynthia.”
“I know, sweetheart.” He chewed. “Tell you what. After she’s married and on her way to her own life, I’ll take you on a nice trip, okay? You want Atlantic City or maybe even Vegas?”
“Oh, Tony, that would be so fun!”
He pointed his fork at her. “Okay. So, just stay calm and collected today and remember, it’s Cynthia’s day. Everything else can wait.”
Gloria thought a trip was a good idea, but she’d rather go with Mickey.
CHAPTER 18
“Any questions?”
Rio looked at the assembled group of SVPD and other local law-enforcement officers who were working the Charbonneau wedding with him. Half would be in uniform, providing legit security for the political figures. It wasn’t questioned by the mayor, who’d fallen for Rio’s explanation that because Meredith had been murdered, it was imperative that they keep Tony safe, as well as his family. That they were all potential targets. Tony had eaten it up.
“No, sir.” A collective response, which Rio expected. They’d already gone over every possible aspect of the takedown ad infinitum for the past seventy-two hours.
“Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Let’s do this.”
Rio walked out of the briefing room before the crowd dispersed, wanting to speak to Colt Todd alone before he went to the unmarked van where he’d check with the comms team to make sure all was up and running with Kayla’s equipment. For all he knew she’d already captured some pertinent evidence.
“Head on in, Rio. I’m grabbing more coffee.” Colt was only a minute behind Rio. He took his spot behind the large desk and motioned for Rio to sit down. “Are we ready to do this, Rio? How’s Kayla holding up?”
“Yes, sir, and she’s doing well. I’m confident she’ll get whatever she can from the Charbonneaus, but too much of this relies on luck for my liking.”
“It’s not luck, it’s the result of hard work and timing. We have no other options at this point. You’ll bring in the mayor if he shows any hint of bolting, and definitely once the wedding is over if nothing happens before then. He’ll go to jail for embezzlement and fraud if nothing else.”
“I want him for murder.”
“I do, too, but all we have is circumstantial. Anything new on Mickey?”
“No, no match on weapons, no prints. He says he was at home the night of the attempt on Kayla. We have Kayla’s testimony that it was him the night of Meredith’s murder, but even she can only identify his voice. She never saw his face in the dark that night and never saw the shooter when they aimed at her.”
Colt frowned. “The bullets were the same, though. It’s the same weapon.”
“Right. But Ippolito doesn’t have a license for the weapon that fired those bullets, and when we searched his place and auto there was nothing. Nada.”
“We’ll force them out, Rio. If nothing else it’ll be a wedding of gangsters like no one’s seen since The Godfather.”
“Judge Blackwell isn’t a gangster.”
Colt shook his head. “No, he’s not. And he’s a good friend. I’ve tried to talk to him about Cynthia, but he won’t hear a word against her. But I guess sometimes we can’t help who we fall for, can we, Rio?” Colt looked at him and Rio felt a jolt of realization up his spine.
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m not talking about you and Kayla, Rio. Although that would be appropriate, I’m sure. How’s it been with her at your house?”
“We’ve managed.” This morning they’d done a whole lot of managing. He hid his grin.
“I like the idea of you two. You’ve needed to settle down for a while now. Maybe after the case you two can make it official. Now get out of here and keep me in the loop. I’ll be checking in with comms regularly.”
“Yes, sir.” Rio stood and left. His mind wasn’t on the comms team. It was on getting in touch with Kayla and making sure she was doing okay. He reached into his pocket for his phone and stopped. He couldn’t text her. Not now, as she was in the middle of the wedding prep. And the middle of an op. He trusted and admired Kayla, but at this moment he wished like hell that her talents weren’t placing her dangerously clo
se to a killer.
* * *
Rio rapped quickly on the back door of the comms van, parked on the block behind the mayor’s house, hidden in between two large lilac bushes.
The door opened slowly and Claudia smiled at him. “Come on in. I hope you brought doughnuts.”
He saw she was joking as there was already a bag of pastries on the tiny counter in the vehicle, along with a carton of take-out coffee.
“Nika.” Nika Pasczenko served as SVPD’s top comms officer.
“Detective Ortega. Nothing yet, just wedding chatter. The mic’s good, though. Picking up just about everything that Kayla is hearing.”
“Good.” He looked at Claudia. They were hunched on tiny stools in close confines. She looked more awake than any of them, of course. Claudia was always “on.”
“Nika tells me you two worked the same beat before you were promoted to detective.”
“Yeah, we had our times, didn’t we?” She’d been his partner and a damn good one. He’d been as surprised as anyone that he’d been promoted before her. Only seniority had made that happen, he was sure.
“I was telling Claudia that you were the best partner. You never treated me any differently because I’m a woman. I was just an officer.”
He squirmed at the compliment. “You are an officer, Nika. The best.”
“Don’t look so uncomfortable. Take the praise.” Claudia patted his shoulder.
They listened to Kayla as she spoke with Jenny, suggesting where fresh flowers needed to be placed, pointing out where some blooms had wilted in the rain.
“Has she talked to the mayor or Gloria yet?”
“No, but she’s talked to Cynthia. Nothing significant. Here.” Nika passed him her headset. His cell phone buzzed.
“Ortega.”
“Mickey’s dead.” Colt Todd’s voice was grim and the implication of the two words was like a sucker punch.
“How? Where?”
“A fisherman found his body on the bank of Conodoguinet Creek early this morning. Maybe drowned, but we need the tox report to know what got him there in the first place. The coroner suspects intoxication.”
