by Laura DeLuca
Robert snorted. “You mean aside from getting this snot-nosed brat out of my way permanently? Oh, don’t worry; it was wonderful having you join us on the stage, my little Rebecca—like a breath of fresh air after having to play alongside that washed-up ballerina, Petya.” He gave Rebecca a look that was definitely not the fatherly expression she had become accustomed to. “But him!”
“No, don’t!” Rebecca screamed when she saw Robert was ready to strike. “Leave him alone!”
Undeterred by her protests, Robert proceeded to kick Justyn in the ribs. Once, twice, three times. The awful thud as his foot made contact with flesh and bone made Rebecca flinch each time, especially when she thought of the bruises that were only beginning to heal. Nevertheless, when she heard Justyn groan, it lifted her spirits, because at least she knew for certain he was still alive.
“This punk, this child, came in and took over my theater,” Robert continued. “He stole the part of Jekyll right out from under me. I have been the star of the shows at Tamilio’s for the last decade or more! Fernando had no business handing him my role. Can you blame me if it turned me into a bit of a Hyde?”
“And there I have it! The confession I’ve been waiting for!”
Rebecca jumped when she heard the new voice enter the conversation. She twisted toward the cellar entrance, despite the knife that was only inches from her back, because she had to see if someone had come to her rescue after all. Rebecca thought she would faint with gratitude when she saw the familiar man stepping down the stairwell.
“I always knew you’d admit to it eventually,” Officer Weston declared, looking as arrogant as ever as he descended slowly into the basement. “I just never expected it to be so easy.”
The officer kept his beady eyes glued on Robert, and the light above him glared off his shaved head as he pulled back the hammer on his pistol. At any other time, Rebecca would have dreaded seeing him. This man had put her and Justyn through hell. But despite his lack of couth and good judgment, in the end, he was one of the good guys. Based on his declaration, Rebecca even dared to believe he had been on their side all along and the whole game he was playing with Justyn had only been a ploy to lure Robert out of hiding.
“He killed Albert and the other chef!” Rebecca found herself exclaiming in a breathless rush. “And … and he planted the drugs in Justyn’s car. The whole thing was a setup! It was Robert! He … he did it all!”
Officer Weston glanced in her direction and studied her as though realizing she was there for the first time. As he eyed her up and down with his eyes narrowed, Rebecca noticed something a little odd about the veteran cop. He wasn’t wearing his uniform. He was dressed in only a black T-shirt and black jeans. Stranger still, he was actually grinning, even though the seriousness of the situation called for the grim face Rebecca was used to seeing. The cop actually snickered a little before turning his attention back to Robert.
“Looks like quite the mess you’ve gotten us into, Robby.”
“Yes, well, you’ve always known the theater was my first love, Andy,” Robert replied casually. “Our little side business was simply a way to provide the plush lifestyle a man of my broad spectrum of talents deserves.”
In her corner, Victoria was rolling her eyes, but Rebecca started to quake all over again as she watched the two older men exchange comradely grins. For the first time, she noticed the barrel of the gun Officer Weston was holding had never been aimed at Robert or even Victoria. The revolver was pointed at her. Even through the haze of panic, Rebecca remembered the veiled voice she had heard outside the freezer. Obviously that was Robert plotting with Officer Weston—with Andy. Officer Weston was more than simply a nasty, profiling cop. He wasn’t a good guy at all. He was part of Robert’s convoluted scheme all along. The two of them were partners.
The truth was a little more than Rebecca could handle in her condition. Terror, desperation, and betrayal overwhelmed her. Her vision blurred as the room spun in circles. Unable to hold her ground any longer, Rebecca slipped into the welcome black void of unconsciousness.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Rebecca woke to a cool hand pressed against her cheek. Though her head was cradled upon something soft, she could feel the cold cement beneath her legs, which were only covered in nylon stockings. The chilly air of the cellar made her shiver. The memory of where she was instantly assaulted her, but she willed herself to stillness. Rebecca realized she couldn’t have been out long or she probably would have been dead already. There were voices all around her, but she kept her eyes closed, hoping the feigned unconsciousness would lull her adversaries into a false sense of security.
“What did you do with Fernando?”
Robert sounded almost concerned while Officer Weston’s voice was cold and detached when he replied. “Don’t worry. Your girl did a good job. Tamilio was out cold. I dragged him into his office and blocked the door. Even if he wakes up, he won’t be able to get out on his own. Should buy us plenty of time.”
“Good.” Rebecca could envision Robert nodding his head in approval. “I don’t want anything happening to Fernando. I can’t have my theater being shut down.”
Weston snorted. “That’s the least of your problems, Robby. We’ve got two witnesses we need to get out of the picture.”
That declaration forced Rebecca to pop her eyes open despite her resolve not to give away her advantage. The first thing she saw was the violet material of Victoria’s dress, and Rebecca realized her head was resting in the other girl’s lap. When she turned ever so slightly to look across the narrow aisles, Rebecca detected movement. Justyn was also beginning to stir. He moaned and tossed against the cement, but had yet to open the dark eyes she adored. A part of her feared he would never get the chance.
Sometime while Rebecca had been insensible, Robert stepped away from Justyn so he and Weston could plan out their double homicide. Rebecca thought this might be her one chance to get to Justyn while he was unattended. Instantly alert, she tried to pull herself into a standing position so she could run to his side, but Victoria held her back and Rebecca was still a little too unsteady to put up a strong enough fight.
“Wait,” Victoria whispered so low Rebecca wasn’t even sure she had spoken at all until she continued, “I know you got no reason to, but I need you to trust me. It’s the only way we’re all gonna get out of this alive.”
Rebecca narrowed her eyes and was going to argue, but again, the voices of Officer Weston and Robert caught her attention. She swallowed hard as the two maniacs debated her future or lack thereof, but she was happy to see they weren’t in agreement on everything. She realized whether she trusted Victoria or not, now was not the time to make any rash decisions. The way Weston waved his gun around made Rebecca a little nervous, especially since she was pretty sure the safety was off.
“Really, Robby, is all this damn drama necessary? Let’s just shoot them and get the hell out of here.”
“Oh, Andy, you’re so unoriginal. As usual, my plan is more than simply poetic justice,” Robert explained. “There is a method to my madness.”
Weston rolled his eyes. “So tell me, what’s the brilliant plan? I sure hope it’s better than the last one. I’m still trying to clean up after you and Albert.”
“That damn fool,” Robert scoffed. “I wanted him to put a scare into those kids so they would stop snooping around. That’s why I hid the keys and delayed their departure. But Albert was supposed to send someone they wouldn’t recognize.” He shook his head. “Albert never did take orders very well.”
“Another screw-up like that one, and I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to keep the rest of the force off your back,” Weston declared.
“You’re the one who shot him,” Robert argued. “Despite Albert’s shenanigans, everything was proceeding completely according to plan until that point.”
“According to what plan?” The cop’s face turned almost scarlet. “The plan where we get to spend our golden years in the slammer? Your boy was a
bout to get nailed for assault because you didn’t let him in on your brilliant idea to take the heat off us by framing the kid. He thought he was getting rid of the competition. Once everyone, including your buddy Fernando, I.D.’d him and pressed charges, how long do ya think it would’ve been before the snake ratted us out for a deal?”
“Still, there are … cleaner ways to remove a problem.” Robert stroked his syringe. “Guns are much too vulgar for my taste.”
Weston snorted. “You didn’t have a problem using one of my guns to off that chef upstairs.”
“Desperate times.” Robert shrugged and sighed. “I didn’t realize Joe was going to be in the kitchen today. Once he saw me, there was no way around it. We couldn’t have him telling the police I was here before all the fun began. But no worries. The boy will take the blame for Joe’s death, just like everything else. Everyone was already starting to have doubts about the little prodigy. When they find him dead of a heroin overdose with his new bride strangled at his feet, all our problems will be solved.”
“What?” Rebecca could stay silent no longer. She finally pulled herself to her feet, despite Victoria’s silent protests. “You’re crazy if you think anyone would believe that! Justyn would never touch heroin and he certainly wouldn’t hurt me!”
“Oh, poor dear Rebecca.” Robert forgot his debate with Weston long enough to give her a melancholy look. “I really hoped it wouldn’t have to end this way. I’ve enjoyed your company more than you imagine. However, twice now I’ve caught you snooping around. I thought perhaps after Al’s little accident, you would realize you were out of your league, but you were only more determined to prove your fiancé’s innocence. You are one persistent little thing. I’ll give you that.”
Robert stepped closer to Rebecca and brushed her cheek with his gnarled fingers. Rebecca instinctively smacked his hand away. “Don’t touch me, you sadistic bastard!”
Robert wasn’t offended by the rebuff. If anything, he was only amused. “I admire that fire in you almost as much as I admire your talent on the stage—such a lovely voice, angelic, really. But I’m afraid you got a little too close to the truth for my peace of mind. Such a waste. I detest it had to come to this. Though I must admit, I do find playing the role of the villain to be unbelievably exhilarating.”
“Never have I been on such a thrilling ride.
There’s an evil within me that burns deep inside.
It fills me with power and makes me feel so alive.
There’s nothing more thrilling than being Mr. Hydddeee!”
Rebecca didn’t think it was possible for anyone to look more sinister than Justyn when he sang those lines, but Robert took menacing to a whole new level, especially since he was still wearing the Victorian top hat and fur cloak over his modern-day apparel. Rebecca was beginning to think she’d been wrong when she’d gauged his sanity level. At the moment, Robert seemed far more the deranged lunatic than the serious businessman. As he sang, he once again stroked her cheek, but his other hand held the point of the needle dangerously close to her throat to deter any further rejections. Rebecca heard Victoria’s breath catch as his hand ventured lower, getting obscenely close to her breasts. Refusing to allow him to see anything but disgust, Rebecca caged the whimper growing in her throat and glared at him as his cold hands touched her bare skin.
“Get. Your. Filthy. Hands. Off. My. Wife!”
They both spun around just in time to witness Justyn making a feeble attempt to pull himself to his feet. His legs were decidedly shaky, and blood practically poured from a gash on his forehead. Had he been aware of it, he probably would have already hit the cement again. However, Justyn’s focus was solely on Rebecca. Even though he winced and swayed slightly as he took a few steps forward, his voice was strong and laced with a fury that made Rebecca’s blood run cold. Watching Justyn and Robert stare each other down was like watching two Hydes having a face-off. Unfortunately, Robert still had the upper hand. He was armed and had backup, which was something Justyn must have ascertained even though he had only recently regained consciousness. Her husband made no efforts to attack, but only glared at Robert as he used the rack of wine bottles to steady his shaky footing.
“Why, Justyn, I’m so glad you’re awake,” Robert said cordially. “This wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun if you’d slept right through it.”
“Even I’m going to enjoy this part,” Weston agreed. “Damn punk kid has been a real P.I.A.”
“Pig! I knew something wasn’t right with you,” Justyn countered. “Do you really think you’ll get away with this? You’re both either crazy or senile.”
Weston was unaffected by the insult, but Rebecca saw Robert’s hand tremble with fury for the first time at the insinuation. Obviously, his vanity was his greatest weakness. Rebecca and Justyn exchanged glances across the room, and she knew he caught it too and would use it to every possible advantage.
“Why, yes, Justyn, as a matter of fact, I believe we will get away with it. It’s quite a simple plan, really. Here’s how the story will play out.” Robert collected himself quickly and gave Justyn a cordial smile, but it did nothing to mask the hatred in his eyes. “You see, not long after you arrived at the theater, you took a hit of heroin. Trouble is, it was a little too much and I’m afraid it might also have been laced with a little something … extra. Before the tainted drugs finally killed you, you lost your mind and went on a rampage. You killed that poor young chef and tried to kill Fernando. But the worst part of all is that in your drug-induced rage, you even attacked your own beloved bride.”
“No! No one is … is going to fall for that lie!” The outburst took more strength than he had to spare. Rebecca gasped when Justyn swayed. He placed one hand against his mangled forehead, while the other continued to grasp the wine rack for support. “Everyone knows … I would never … never hurt Becca.”
“Everyone will believe what I want them to believe,” Robert insisted. “Especially when they see how hard poor Rebecca tried to fight back to save herself and her unborn child. She even managed to break one of those wine bottles over your head before you finally strangled the life out of her. Victoria arrived only minutes too late to save anyone, but she witnessed everything, including your confession of killing Albert. So you see, Lord Justyn, you’re the only crazy one here. The lines have been written, and there is no way we’ll get anything other than a standing ovation once this story has played out.” He laughed and gestured over to his partner. “After all, the law is on our side, and you already have a record.”
“Screw you!” Justyn cursed.
His absolute fury drained what was left of his energy. Rebecca let out a small screech when Justyn finally lost the battle he was waging with his balance. Blood loss and probably a concussion made it impossible for him to stand any longer, and he collapsed to his knees. Rebecca tried to run to his side, but once again, Victoria restrained her.
“Don’t do it.” Victoria warned with a nod in Weston’s direction. “There ain’t nothing you can do for him.”
“Stop it! Get away from me!” Rebecca was about to spit in Victoria’s face, hoping the shock would make the Latina release her grip. But instead, Rebecca grudgingly glanced toward Weston. She swallowed hard when she remembered the gun was aimed in her direction. Justyn saw it too and did his best to get everyone’s attention back on him.
“You son of a bitch,” Justyn’s voice was barely a heated whisper, “if you touch Becca, I swear to the gods, I’ll … I’ll—”
“You’ll what, Lord Justyn?” Robert asked. Rebecca was forgotten as he concentrated on the real focus of his loathing. He lurched toward his prey, wearing a sinister snarl. “Where is that pretty vocabulary that charms all the ladies and even men like Fernando into giving you everything you want?”
“You’re pathetic, Robert!” Justyn growled. He twisted his face into a scowl even as he clutched his side. “A washed-up … pathetic old man. No matter what … you do to me, it isn’t going to change that! You
’ll never be the star you think you are!”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, that’s so, you disgusting piece of sh—”
Again, the wrath washed over Robert’s face, consuming his rational side. Rebecca wailed when Robert kicked Justyn in the ribs for the second time. She struggled in Victoria’s grasp, not even caring where the gun was trained, but the Latina was surprisingly strong. Her long nails dug into Rebecca’s flesh, drawing blood. Despite her best struggles, Rebecca couldn’t break free from her death-grip. Robert hit Justyn again, and Rebecca could only weep as she watched her husband double over in pain and try to catch his breath. She was certain bones were breaking, or worse. The fact that Rebecca knew Justyn was trying to buy her time until help arrived or she managed to escape was no consolation. She wept with each new strike.
“Who’s pathetic now?” Robert raged as Justyn coughed and spit blood onto the floor.
“Leave him alone!” Rebecca screamed. “Get away from him.”
Rebecca might as well have been a ghost for all the good her protests did. Not even Justyn was paying attention to her anymore. Her husband was dazed and only half-conscious as Robert struck him again and again. Finally, Officer Weston grew impatient and interrupted the beating with a loud grunt.
“Enough, Rob. Give it a rest.” Weston studied his watch. “I know we ruffed up that chef a little to make it look like he fought with Patko, but you’re taking this too far. You might have stalled those other kids, but the rest of the wedding party is going to be here soon, and I’ve only got so many bullets. Let’s get this over with. I’ll take care of the girl. You take care of him.”
“With pleasure,” Robert agreed.
“No!” Rebecca shouted when the cop shoved Victoria out of his way and twisted her arms behind her back. “Get your hands off me! Let me go!”
