FORBIDDEN LOVE

by LAURA HARNER

  Tapping her pencil on a pad of yellow paper filled with doodles and random words, Dani looked up. “I don’t like where this is heading, LeAnn,” Dani said quietly. “When was the last time you saw Del?”

  “I don’t know. Last week, maybe? At Constantine’s. He and Nicolette were going out when Beau and I arrived. Why?”

  “Did he set off any alarms? Look like he was using, again?”

  LeAnn hitched her hip on the corner of the desk and cocked an eyebrow at Dani. “Shit, Dani. Was Del mixed up with Beaker? I thought he was clean.”

  “I don’t know. The security camera caught Del in the Pier District parking lot around the time Beaker was killed. He looked like he had a bat in his hand. Three guesses as to the cause of death on our good buddy Beaker, and the first two don’t count.”

  “Fuck. What’s Del say about it?”

  “That’s the thing. According to Nicolette, he left late last night to go to South America on a story for the magazine. He’s supposedly following the drug trail from the rain forests to Généreux, or some such bullshit. And it was bullshit. I know when Nic is lying.

  “I just spent the afternoon checking. Del’s passport hasn’t been scanned in the last eight weeks. No plane tickets have been sold in his name from here to Chicago. Both the Demetrios and Courtland private jets are still here. So neither his grandfather nor his daddy provided air transportation. In fact, Del didn’t leave town in any of the normal ways if you plan to catch a flight.” Dani reached into the jar and grabbed her own handful of candy before pushing it across to LeAnn.

  “Feels like one big waste of a day. I spent all morning flashing pictures around the Pier District, and no surprise there. No one saw anything. No one heard anything. No one knows anything.

  “The only person who I can positively place in the vicinity near the time of Beaker’s death is Del and the only people in the vicinity near the time of Crease’s death are Constantine and Hawk. And they were there a couple hours after, not before.

  “There’s another person in play here, LeAnn. I can feel it. Someone who knows about the security camera, someone who deliberately avoided it when he approached both the Mona Lisa Motel and the Pier.

  “And if we work on the assumption that the two crimes are related, we’re looking for someone with enough skill to get past the Charbonnet security and into Hawk’s—”

  “Ah…Danielle, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Hawk said smoothly from the doorway.

  “Hawk. I thought we were meeting…” she trailed off for a minute, remembering their plans. “Excuse me, LeAnn. This is Hawk. Hawk Charbonnet. Hawk, Detective LeAnn Delacroiux.”

  “Charbonnet,” LeAnn said, sliding from the corner of Dani’s desk. Her eyes narrowed at his outstretched hand and she hesitated just long enough to make the shake awkward.

  “Nice to meet you, LeAnn Delacroiux.” He took her hand in a businesslike grip, then released her. He smiled and looked at Dani. “I didn’t have your number, and something’s come up. I’m not going to be able to meet you and your friend Tolley for drinks tonight. I thought we could have a rain check.”

  “Sure, no problem,” Dani said, keeping her face neutral. She scribbled her number on a scrap of paper. “Here’s my number, Hawk. Give me a call sometime.”

  “Thank you, and here’s my card, sugar,” Hawk drawled, handing Dani a card that she immediately felt had something taped to the back. She didn’t look at it, just slipped it into her pocket, and tried not to think too hard about how disappointed she was that he was skipping out on drinks.

  “Danielle, I’ll call you soon. Ladies.” Hawk gave a little bow and stepped out.

  Both women watched him go, before LeAnn finally said what they both were thinking, “Wow!”

  Dani laughed. “Tell me about it.”

  “Yummy as that ass truly is, what the hell are you doing planning drinks with a Charbonnet?”

  “Hmm…” Dani made a little noise. “Listen, LeAnn, I really do need to go, I’m meeting Tolley, and we’re looking for apartments. It would be a great question to ask some other time. Maybe Beau has an opinion. Why don’t you ask him when you get home? See you tomorrow.”

  Dani swept from the room with a grin on her face. She’d just set her uncle Beau up for a long night of questions from his wife. Just a little payback for the interruption this morning.

  She examined the card from her pocket as she walked. It was a creamy ivory and very expensive-looking business card for Mr. Hawk Charbonnet, Esquire. Taped to the back was a small mailbox key, which covered a handwritten note asking her to meet him at the given address and to bring Tolley.

  Chapter Nine

  Arriving at the address provided by Hawk, Dani couldn’t help but feel like this was her own personal looking glass and she was stepping through without a clue what might be on the other side.

  “What the hell is this, Dani?” Tolley asked.

  “I have no idea,” Dani said as she tried on a hard hat that was sitting on the table. “All I know is suddenly I feel like we’re in a music video for the Village People.”

  “It’s fun to stay at the…” Tolley sang, throwing his hands up in the air to form the letter Y. His deep voice echoed across the cavernous lobby.

  Dani laughed and put the bright yellow hat back down. She looked around the vacant first floor of Généreux’s newest luxury high-rise. It hadn’t opened yet, but looked as if it was in the final stages of inspection. She expected the place would be humming with activity within a few weeks. The whole building dripped with class, ten stories of conspicuous consumption. Polished black-marble floors, smoked glass, fountains, and soon-to-be-filled planters would soon give the space an urban-chic ambience. It was nothing like Généreux had ever seen. Even her mother’s building didn’t compare with this luxury.

  “Listen to this, Tolley,” Dani said as she skimmed the brochure she’d snagged from the table. “The lower level consists of high-end boutiques, a gourmet coffee stand, a pub, and a world-class dining experience at Renaissance. Floors two through six will provide office suites for the discriminating executive.’ Oh, brother,” she said and rolled her eyes. “Discriminating. Guess that leaves us out. ‘Floors eight through ten are marked as exclusive residential.’ Oh my God! Look at this, Tolley.” She pushed the brochure toward him and pointed at the final bullet. “Floors nine and ten are listed as Resurgence, Incorporated, President and CEO, Hawk Charbonnet.”

  The doors behind them that led back to the street audibly locked.

  “We have a gen-u-ine locked-door mystery, Detective,” Tolley drawled, rubbing his palms together. “Give me that key, Dani. I can’t wait to see what’s next!”

  ****

  In the study of the Charbonnet mansion, Julian Franco said, “I don’t think you’re going to like this, Julian.” He was one of Julian’s most trusted advisors, and clearly unhappy with his report. “I’ve spent the day tracking down the ownership of the new Renaissance Tower, and you were right. The original real estate and building permits were buried underneath a myriad of dummy corporations and layers of attorneys.

  “I finally located the name of the company. They are expecting to open the doors in just a few weeks, and completed all the final building inspections today. Previously confidential documents have necessarily become part of the public record. The company is called Resurgence, Incorporated.”

  “What did you find out?” Julian asked.

  “Resurgence has bought controlling interest in at least four other companies and purchased a significant amount of real estate near the Pier District. Given the location of the Towers, I would say in all likelihood they intend to create an upscale waterfront district. Permits have been issued with surprising ease, however, the principle investor or investors aren’t identified.”

  Julian wasn’t happy. “Find a loose thread, Joseph, and pull it. I want to know who is behind this. Twice they have outbid me on properties I wished to purchase. Junior was also investigating this matter, but
it seems you have been able to get more information than he has. Renaissance, Resurgence. It’s a goddamned theme. It sounds as if someone is planning a new beginning.”

  “Well, yes,” Joseph cleared his throat. “I may have already found that loose thread you’re looking for, Julian. One name kept appearing in the legions of legal representatives involved in each of the negotiations and contracts.”

  “Tell me,” Julian demanded, “then we will decide how to stop this encroachment into my territory.”

  “Hawk Charbonnet.”

  ****

  Tony sipped a cup of coffee and settled in to watch the Charbonnet mansion. Some people might think being an FBI agent was exciting stuff. The truth was, most of it was routine cop work. He’d spent today in his office looking for a connection that would help him justify turning his obsession with Julian Charbonnet into a legitimate branch of the official investigation.

  Not that anything was happening officially either. Mostly, it was a file that received little attention because Julian was very careful and evidence was hard to come by. Tony had begged to lead a more active investigation into Julian, but the brass had shut him down. If they knew he was putting illegal bugs in Charbonnet’s place, they’d fire him. Of course, if he nailed a genuine lead because of the bugs or because of information Dani found, they’d look the other way. Smug bastards.

  He figured he must have been wrong about Dani fucking Hawk already because she’d been plenty pissed this morning when he’d suggested she go to any lengths to get close to the younger Charbonnet. She’d acted offended, but Beau had taken care of that, let her know she would follow orders. And what do you know? Dani Delacroiux had knuckled under. She’d arranged a meeting early this morning. She was a fine-looking piece of ass, nice and feisty. Maybe he’d give her a tumble when this was over.

  He wished he’d thought to tell Dani to keep Hawk busy tonight so he could be sure to get more listening devices in place. He checked his mirrors again, and watched as the lights in the mansion went out. He hadn’t seen Hawk come home. In fact, he hadn’t been able to get a bead on him all day. Maybe he should take a chance and try to get in there again before Hawk returned. Just take another quick look around, plant the bugs, and get out. It would be very quick since he wouldn’t even have to toss Junior’s room this time.

  He had planned to tie Julian to the murder of the drug dealer at the waterfront, until Hawk had shown up in Généreux. Now he was sure getting to Hawk was the key to getting to Julian. He would wrap them both up in this murder and send them away for a lot longer than the racketeering charges the bureau was making noises about working. Father and son would both rot in jail. Unless he could arrange an accident first. He smiled slowly, and he knew it wasn’t a nice smile.

  ****

  Constantine read the confidential reports, then put them back in his personal safe and thought over the contents. The first file was the complete background of the murder victim Beaker Downing. What a ridiculous name. Petty thief turned drug dealer. Minor convictions as a juvenile, never in custody more than sixty days. Known to work the Pier District and the surrounding neighborhoods. Dealt to a lot of kids. Dealt to Del. The prick had deserved what he got.

  Next, Hawk Charbonnet. Now that was an interesting and revealing report. Hawk had been a ruthless businessman throughout Europe, and an oilman in Texas. It seemed he liked his fingers in a lot of pies. He’d been raiding floundering companies for years, taking the profits and walking away without a backward glance. There’d been some unconfirmed reports about loan sharking and major gambling operations.

  It didn’t look as though any of those operations were connected to Charbonnet Enterprises. Interesting. He wondered if Julian knew about his son’s independent activities. All in all, Constantine didn’t think so. Julian wasn’t the type of father to encourage any type of work outside the family.

  Hawk was the name and money behind Renaissance Tower. There had to be a way to use that information to his advantage.

  ****

  Dani and Tolley were both grinning foolishly at the game of follow the clues Hawk had set up. The key had opened a mailbox labeled First Clue. Inside it, they’d found a magnetic key card labeled Second Clue and a note directing them to the penthouse elevator. The elevator rode smoothly to the top floor, and both the front and rear doors of the car glided silently open. The rooms on either side were sparsely furnished with what looked like the same vintage worktables they’d found in the lobby. Blueprints, folders, and more brochures littered the surfaces. A small sign hung from the crystal chandelier that sparkled above one of the entryways. It read Third Clue and instructed them to follow the smell.

  “What is that?" Dani asked, her nose wrinkling appreciatively.

  “Mmm…pizza,” Tolley said, licking his lips..

  Admiring the stunning floor to ceiling view, they walked through a large room to find a gourmet kitchen bigger than Dani’s apartment.

  “Oh. My. God!” Tolley said. Dani followed his gaze as he eyed the professional-grade appliances, granite counters, and copper accents. “Look, a real stone-fired pizza oven, and there are two giant pies in there. This is better than the set of Cooking Today. I think I’m in love. Do you think Hawk would let me be his sex slave? Seriously, there is nothing too depraved he could ask of me, not as long as I could play in this kitchen.”

  Dani laughed. “Make your best pitch, Tolley. Where’s the next clue? Since Hawk’s not here, I assume there’s another.”

  Tolley was already peeking in the oven and cupboards. “No clues over here. Try the fridge.”

  Dani opened the door and found Fourth Clue taped to a mini keg of Lone Star beer. There were pint glasses chilling next to it, so Dani poured them each a glass.

  “Yum,” Tolley said and downed a third of his in one long pull.

  “I’m glad you approve,” said Hawk’s smooth voice from the other side of the room.

  Dani gave an embarrassing squeak and turned to see Hawk leaning casually against the counter.

  He grinned. “Some detectives you are.”

  “What? We followed the clues!” Tolley exclaimed, mock indignation in his tone.

  “Only the ones I put right in front of your noses. You let me sneak right up behind you. And for the record, no, you may not be my sex slave, Tolley. However, I could see my way clear to making a deal with you. My kitchen for Danielle as my sex slave.”

  “Done!” Tolley laughed. “Sorry, Dani. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Pour you a glass, Hawk?”

  Dani rolled her eyes, hiding the secret thrill that ran through her at Hawk’s words.

  “Sure, then let me show you the place,” Hawk said. “I hope you didn’t mind the bit of a tease on the way in?”

  “Are you kidding?” Dani laughed. “You own Tolley for life now.

  Hawk smiled into her eyes. “They should all be that easy.” After a long moment he looked away. “Yes, well, come on, let me show you around. The pizza will be ready in just a few minutes.”

  Their tour was whirlwind, and Dani found herself mostly drawn to the impressive views. None of the rooms they saw were furnished and before they completed the tour, the kitchen timer called them back to take the pizzas out of the oven.

  Tolley took charge of cutting the pizzas, while Hawk found paper plates and paper towels. Dani refilled everyone’s glass.

  “Sorry,” Hawk apologized. “Not much of a gourmet meal here. We don’t have to eat standing, though. I do have one room furnished. Let’s eat in there, and I’ll tell you the story about this place.”

  He led the way to a room they hadn’t seen yet. It was, as Hawk promised, furnished, but in a style best described as English pub. Tolley nearly swooned. There was an oak bar complete with brass foot rails, a couple of tall bar tables, a pool table, dartboards, and card tables. A large flat-screen television dominated one wall. All in all, a great place to hang out with friends.

  “Damn, Hawk,” Tolley said. “Guess we’ll go ahead a
nd have the Super Bowl party at your house this year.”

  “Hell, yeah,” Hawk said, thickening his accent the way he did sometimes. “Why don’t you see if you can figure out the remote? Danielle, I wonder if I could speak to you a minute in the hall. No offense, Tolley.”

  Grinning, already aiming the remote, Tolley said, “None taken.”

  Hawk set the plates on the table; Dani placed the glasses down beside them and followed Hawk into the hall. He closed the door behind them.

  He stood, just staring at her for the longest time. Dani calmly looked back, trying to keep her pulse in check. He looked good in blue jeans and a polo shirt. She was tempted to make the first move, but sensed he needed this time, so she waited.

  Hawk cupped her face with one hand. “Danielle,” he said.

  “I’m here, Hawk,” she said and placed her hand over his.

  He lowered his mouth and brushed his lips over hers, light as a whisper.

  “Do you trust Tolley? Will you tell him about this morning?”

  “I already have. He knows what Espinoza asked me to do. He knows you spent the night,” she said. “I would trust him to go through any door with me.” That was the highest praise one cop could give another.

  “All right, then I’ll trust him, too. I have some things to tell you, and I would rather tell you in front of someone you trust, for your own protection. Let’s go back in.” He started to open the door, then stopped and met her gaze. “When we’re finished talking tonight, I want you to stay. I just wanted to let you know that now, up front. I want you to stay the night with me.”

  ****

  Telling Danielle and Tolley about how he’d made his fortune was difficult. Oh, he didn’t them all of it, especially not the illegal parts, but he told them enough for them to realize he hadn’t been a very nice man. He’d admitted his takeovers had cost people more than their jobs. He’d stolen their dreams.

  He’d told them about Techkneaux, and how that had been his entry into growing his business by building rather than destroying. He’d gone back to some of those earlier companies he’d bought out and funded their resurrection.