by W L Knightly
Jake couldn’t remember the last meeting he’d actually gone to, and they had one nearly every morning. “Maybe we’ll make the next one. I’m pretty sure it’s well past introduction time.”
“Well, I don’t want to bother you every second, but you need to let me know the minute anything happens. I want to be called first thing as usual. Just because you’re getting a new chief doesn’t mean you need to forget all about me. I’m still your boss.”
“Okay. I hear you loud and clear.” Jake could also hear the desperation in O’Connor’s voice. “Are you okay, Chief?”
He let out a long breath on the other end of the line. “So far so good.”
Jake felt for the man and knew he didn’t like the Hangman having his name in his mouth either. “Well, hang in there.” Jake realized his poor choice of words, but it was too late. He closed his eyes and winced, waiting for the chief to pop off.
He didn’t disappoint. “Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. If you and Calloway don’t get on it, I’m liable to end up hanging with my entrails in a puddle beneath me.”
Jake didn’t want to think about it. The memories of the past few murders were still burned into his mind, where they would always be. The last thing he wanted was to find his chief in the same state. “You’ll be fine, Chief. Jo and I are going to find this killer. Sit tight and give us a chance.”
“My life might very well be in your hands, Thomas. Excuse me if I’m freaking out a bit.”
“You know me. I always get my man, and I’m going to get this one. He’s made things personal, so now I’m more determined than ever. Not just for you, but for me too.” The last letter had all but spelled out that he was coming for Jake if Jake didn’t back off of the case and retire. But he wasn’t going to let it turn him into a basket case.
“Well, I hope for both of our sakes, you get him fast.” There was a moment of silence. “I’ll be in touch.” Then the phone went dead.
“Well, that was enlightening.”
“How’s he doing?” Jo asked.
“Not so good. I think he’s going to turn into a basket case if we don’t figure out who this is.”
Jo’s sympathetic look gave Jake a bad feeling. She cared too deeply, and that was one of the quickest ways to get hurt. “Do you think we should go and check on him?” she asked.
“No, he’s a grown fucking man, and he’s going to be fine. Besides, getting in there and getting our leads is helping him. It’s, in fact, the best way. So, come on.” He walked across the street and then to the station with Jo in his wake.
“Do you think we’ll meet the new chief?”
“She was supposed to call a meeting. I’m sure we missed it.”
“Then I’m sure when we do meet her, it’s going to be a pleasant affair.” Jo looked a bit unsure, almost as if she wished she’d taken the initiative to meet the new chief and avoid what was sure to be an awkward situation.
“Probably. Now let’s to work.”
Chapter 6
Nina
Working weekends had always been a huge slap in the face for Nina Kline, mostly because if she had the position she wanted, she would be able to come and go as she pleased without any flak from Kevin.
But since things never went her way, she was destined to stay in her sorry-ass position until Kevin fucking Cook decided it was time to either fuck off or retire. She glanced over at his empty desk and ground her teeth.
“Could this day drag on any longer?” she asked no one, as there was no one else in the entire lab but her. Weekends were the worst, and since the only other person who had come in was still on their late lunch, she had the place all to herself until they returned. She raked her hand through her hair and stared down at the photo in front of her. The stab wounds were clean in some spots and yet mangled in others.
“Did he use his hands?” She had been trying to figure out what could have done the damage to the flesh since the judge’s casefile was put in front of her. Even the medical examiner was scratching his head on this one. Something had been wedged into the wounds after they were made.
As the clock struck four, she let out a breath of relief and eased her chair back. The letter that Thomas and his new perky partner had left was still closed up in its saran wrap, and while she hadn’t had a chance to get to it—boo-fucking-hoo for that—she figured that Kevin would be on it as soon as he arrived the next morning like the do-gooder he was.
Gary, one of the youngest and yet lesser appealing scientists on their team, came in to relieve her shift. She got to her feet and grabbed her purse out of her cubby. “Jon will be back from his lunch soon. I take it that Kevin left you instructions?”
Gary glowered her way. “Yeah,” he said with little enthusiasm. “I’m good.” The “Fuck off” in his tone was left unspoken, but that was fine. There was no love lost between her or any of the others on the team, and that was just fucking peachy with her.
“Don’t forget to clean up later, and stay off the porn sites. Also, give this a look. We’re trying to figure out what happened with these gut wounds.”
Gary didn’t even bother to dignify her with a response. She hit the door as soon as he sat down and headed down the hall to punch the fucking clock that she wouldn’t have to punch if she could only get herself promoted.
She got in her car, and her mood improved dramatically when she was able to let her hair down and take off her lab coat. She wanted nothing more than to get home and soak in a tub to get the stink of the lab off of her.
With any luck, she’d get to see Michael, and he’d make everything all better. She had a little more time on her knees with him, sucking his dick and kissing his ass, and she’d have her position in the lab and any other fucking thing she wanted. Everything was going perfectly. Now if she could just land him in a real fucking relationship, she’d be golden.
She cared about Michael, and maybe she even loved him. She smiled, knowing she did. If only he felt more for her, then all would be right in the world. She wanted to believe him when he said he cared, but part of her knew deep down that she was just the only way he could get into the forensics lab. It wasn’t like he would want to fuck Kevin. Hell, no one wanted to fuck that loser.
She drove across town to her apartment. It wasn’t in the best neighborhood, but it definitely wasn’t the worst. It was still private enough to gain a late-night visit from her man when it was possible, but it was hardly the secure dwelling she had worked toward.
Nina pulled into the parking lot, and when she rounded the corner to her unit, she noticed someone in her spot. “Motherfucker.” She slapped her steering wheel. “I cannot believe this. Get your ugly car out of my goddamned parking space!”
She honked the horn, and a gentleman who was at her neighbor’s came out of the house waving his hands.
“I’m so sorry!” he yelled before getting into the car.
“Save it,” she said, though he couldn’t hear her. “Just fucking move, asshole.”
She looked at her phone and noticed Michael hadn’t bothered to text her back since lunch. That was when she finally had worked up the courage to text him again. Michael didn’t like a lot of messages blowing up his phone, and she could understand that because he was such a busy man, but she missed him so badly that it hurt. Mostly because she needed a release, and the batteries in her vibrator were getting low.
Finally, the man was out of her spot, and she pulled in to park. She was going to salvage what was left of the day, and that might require turning on a little charm to get what she wanted.
She walked into the building and to the elevator. Two women stepped out, and she went in, wondering who they’d been to see. As she got to her apartment on the third floor, she fished out her keys, and when she unlocked her door, she couldn’t tell if the damned thing had even been locked. Wondering that stopped her in her tracks.
Did that lock open a little too easily? Is someone here?
She had an eerie feeling as she slowly opened the
door. Looking into her apartment, she was satisfied that it was empty and all was how she left it.
Don’t be silly, Nina. You locked it. It’s cool. No one is here; no boogeyman; no insane killer.
She walked in and shut the door, locking it behind her. You couldn’t be too careful in this fucked up city, she told herself. She saw things daily that made her question if decent people really still existed.
Don’t start losing your mind now, bitch.
Going to her bathroom, she took off her shoes and unbuttoned her blouse, and that was when she heard a throat clear behind her.
The hair on the back of her neck stood up as she spun around to find Clay White standing in the doorway. “You son of a bitch! You scared the shit out of me!”
“Don’t blame me. If you had checked the apartment, you’d have found me sitting at the kitchen table, but no, you had to come in here and take your clothes off first.” He eyed her body, and she was too prideful to button back up. Instead, she went right on ahead undressing.
“Do you have to do that?” he asked, walking into the room to stand near the window.
“I don’t have to, but I’ve been in these disgusting clothes all day, and I’m ready for a hot shower and some yoga pants. So, unless you want to join me under the showerhead, I suggest you tell me what you were sent here for.” He only showed up when it was too dangerous for his boss.
“He wanted me to tell you that he can’t see you this week, and he wants you to lay low. With everything going on with the Hangman case, he thinks it’s best.”
“That’s easy for him to say. Some of us have to work, and in case he doesn’t remember, he never helped me get my promotion like he promised. Maybe if I were the boss, I could take an early vacation and lay low like he wants.” She couldn’t help but feel it was nice of him to care.
Clay rolled his eyes. “He told you, pay your dues a while longer, and when your boss retires, he’ll make it happen. He’s too important of an asset to lose at the moment.”
“Don’t tell me that square-pants Kevin is working for Michael too. And what about me? Am I not an important asset too? Would he want to lose me?” She reached around behind her back and unclasped her bra, letting it fall off her arms and to the floor until she stood there topless in front of him.
Clay grinned and looked her up and down. “You know better. And if you have a problem, you can take all of that up with Michael when you see him.”
“If I see him, you mean. I’m sick of playing call girl to him.” She looked down at Clay’s bulging cock. “Looks like I turn you on, though.”
“Beautiful tits always turn me on.” He licked his scarred lip.
“I’m serious. I’ve done a lot for him and gotten myself in plenty of trouble, nearly ruined my reputation. Maybe I’m tired of giving it all and waiting here night after night while he busies himself with the problems of others.”
“This case is important, Nina. You should know the severity of it.”
“Yes, I do. A monster killing the corrupt.” She gave him a sly smile as if it didn’t bother her in the least. “I guess I better watch my back. Unless you want to watch it for me?” Nina couldn’t help but be curious about Clay. He was not really her type, but only because he was like a snake, dangerous and something you shouldn’t play with. But that only piqued her interest more.
She stepped closer. She had never really thought about fucking Clay, but the size of his bulge made her rethink that. “Is there anything else you need from me?” She took his hand and placed it on her breasts.
Clay smiled. “You’re quite the naughty little girl, aren’t you?”
“I can be. I mean, I know I’m supposed to behave for Michael, but let’s face it. He’s not here, and who knows when I’ll see him? I do have needs, and it looks like you do too.”
She looked down at his erection and was tempted to touch it. Clay might actually be a hot guy if it weren’t for the rather large scar on his face that went from his cheek to his mouth. She strangely wanted to know what it would be like to have him suck her nipples with his twisted lip.
“Now what kind of friend would I be if I fucked his girl? And before you go threatening to expose him, I should probably remind you to keep your mouth shut. That would be bad all around, and there’s no way you’d survive the whirlwind you’d reap.”
She let out a huff and stepped away from him. “Are you really that loyal to him?”
“It pays to be.” He walked around her to the closet door where her robe hung on a hanger. “Put this on.”
She snatched the robe away from him and threw it over her shoulder while she slipped out of her pants. “So, you turn me down out of loyalty?” She rolled her eyes. “Lame.”
Clay pegged her with a glare. “That, and the fact that I have higher standards about where I stick my dick.”
Her eyes narrowed, and a slow smile spread her lips. “Maybe you’re hot for Michael. I bet you get a big boner like that every time he walks in the room.”
Clay did not look enthused. “I’ve killed men for lesser accusations. I may be a cold-hearted killer, but I prefer ladies with manners instead of thirsty cunts like you who want to posture. I know you don’t pull that shit on Michael, so I’d take it easy if I were you.”
She was sick of his shit and ready for him to leave. “Is that all you came here for? To give me another goddamned message? Did he happen to say when he’d call? I need to hear from him.”
Clay smiled. “I was sent to tell you to stop texting him. He’ll call you when he’s ready. Shit is getting serious, and if you want to continue under his protection, then I suggest you behave like a good little girl.” He turned and walked toward the door.
“Fuck you.” She ran out behind him, the robe draped around her but not closed.
He looked her up and down. “No thanks, sweetheart. I’ve already passed on that. And just in case I didn’t make myself clear, you had better keep your fucking mouth shut. You don’t want me to come back here if you don’t.”
As he opened the door, she couldn’t help but get in a few more words. “Yeah, well you and Michael both just might get what’s coming to you one day!” As he shut the door, she let out a grunt of frustration and banged her hand on the wall. “Asshole!”
Chapter 7
Jake
Monday came after a long weekend of no new leads and no sleep. The chief was about to lose his mind or drive Jake insane with calls of concern, and he was beginning to rethink the whole stay on until this killer is caught idea. The only positive thing was Jo, who he had found sitting at his old desk with a smile slapped on her face.
“Why are you so fucking cheery this morning?” He hadn’t stopped for breakfast, so he walked over to her coffeemaker where he found his mug washed and ready.
“Well, I’ve had two cups of coffee, and I’m excited that we get to talk to Tanner’s boss today. I have a good feeling about it. If the man can get us a name, we could have this case solved by the end of the day.”
Jake raised his arms to stretch and yawn. “I’ve had no coffee, which I’m about to remedy, and little sleep. I don’t think we’re about to bust this case open because I think this killer is smarter than we both think, and I keep waiting for another body to be found.”
“You don’t think he’s going to take a break? You don’t think he’s out of victims?”
“Well, the chief was named, and I guess we would have to assume there are others. I mean, let’s face it. There are a lot of crooks in this department. If this asshole is cleaning house, I’d say he’ll be killing for the next six months to a year.”
“There has to be an end. The killer is working toward a goal, and I’m pretty sure that once he completes it, then the game will be over.” She picked up her cup and turned it up. “Why so negative?”
“Because I hate this. I hate the waiting. Forensics and the medical examiners are coming up emptyhanded. We’re emptyhanded. The guy is good. We both know he’s wearing a hood, somet
hing he can see out of. I’m wondering if he made it himself or bought it somewhere.”
“It looked like it could be homemade. Probably himself. He’s not that good of a tailor either. The gloves were just basic black driving gloves. He looks like he’s trying to be some kind of supervillain.”
“Does that make me the hero?” Jake gave a chuckle, but maybe that’s exactly what the killer wanted, for the hero to prevail.
“I think he sees himself as the hero,” said Jo.
She was probably right. “So, are you ready? It’s time to take your happy butt down to the construction site.”
“I can’t wait.” She got to her feet as Jake downed his coffee. “Don’t bother to enjoy that coffee.”
“No time, but it will serve its purpose and do its job. But we had better hurry and do ours. I don’t want them to break for an early lunch or go home because of an inspection.” Assuming they were even at work. He tried to stay positive.
As they left the office, passing the chief’s old office, he asked, “Have you met our fearless leader yet?”
“No,” said Jo. “I did ask Dannie as I was coming in. She got here early. I think she was doing the walk of shame with one of the other officers. Let’s hope it wasn’t Sam.”
“Oh man.” Jake shook his head. “Did she tell you anything useful?”
“She said that the new chief hasn’t shown up until nearly noon both days, and she’s holed up in her office on the phone. She did hold her meeting but after most of the units were already on the street.”
“Efficient. I guess we don’t have to worry about her taking the chief’s spot for too long.”
“Yeah, let’s hope. All of those phone calls could be her about to make a power move.”
He sure hoped she was wrong about that but didn’t comment as they got to the car.
