by K. J. Cazel
"Anyway, when I talked to one of the lawyers, he said that all employees who have access to an unreleased book have to sign a confidentiality statement. If they are found releasing any information, they are subject to heavy fines and dismissal."
"Anything else?"
"Yea, but you are not going to like it."
"It seems that, J.J. Brown, was a first time author. The accounting department has been holding all royalty checks since December. Ms. Brown told them she would give them an address where to forward them. No forwarding address yet."
"So, she's missing?"
"Appears to be."
The Captain came by and shook his head as he looked at the white board. "You don't have much on our Victim 3. You have 72 hours. If there is no new evidence on Victim 3, this case goes cold. We always have a new murder to investigate." He walked away.
"Shit! Tom said under his breath.
"Okay, can you find out more about J.J. Brown?"
"I'm on it. What about Sam?"
"Going to take her shopping tomorrow."
"What?"
"That men's cologne she keeps relating to may be a clue. When I interviewed Rizzo he was flattered that a cop was complimenting him on his choice of cologne. He was nearly shitting in his pants when he said it's an exclusive at Frankie’s Emporium down on Wells."
"I hope that pans out. We certainly don't have much. I'll let you know what I find out about Brown."
Tom shuffled through his paperwork. He called Kane County Sheriff's Department to see whether they had any leads on their victim. They reported that they had contacted authorities in Iowa and were awaiting the dental records for Nancy Hughes. His call to Grundy County Sheriff's department yielded no new information about Samantha.
***
Early the next morning Tom pulled up in front of Carole's bungalow. After ringing the doorbell, Carole greeted him.
"Tom, we weren't expecting you."
"I'm sorry. I don't want Sam to go into work today."
"Is there something new?"
"Well, I'm taking Sam shopping."
"I don't understand?"
"Just following a lead."
Carole turned and saw that Sam was coming to the door ready to head off to work.
"No work today. Give 'em call and let them know you won't be in."
"Tom, what's up?" Sam asked.
"Going shopping."
"What?"
"You'll see."
Ten minutes later, Tom and Sam headed for the Red Line leaving Tom’s car parked in front of Carole’s bungalow.
As the walked, Sam asked, "Do you want to tell me about what were shopping for?"
"I need a new dress shirt."
Sam looked him strangely. She wondered why he needed her for such a task. It was a short ride to the Wells Street Station. When they disembarked the train, Tom held Sam's hand as they maneuvered down the slippery metal staircase. As they walked down the sidewalk, Tom didn't release his grip. After a few minutes, they arrived at Frankie’s Emporium. They both looked in the window. The labels under each of the mannequins indicated that this store carried exclusive men's clothing. When they entered the store, they were immediately accosted by a slick sales clerk attired in a tailored suit and white shirt and tie.
The clerk eyed the suspiciously, "How can I help you today?”
Tom dropped Sam's hand to talk to the sales clerk. Sam walked over to the sweater table and fingered the softness of the cashmere sweaters. Although not watching, she could hear Tom as he discussed what he was looking for. The sales clerk brought Tom to a counter were stacks of dress shirts were displayed. The clerk sorted through the shirts and handed Tom a shirt in the size Tom requested. Tom didn't hesitate as he took it from the clerk's hand.
"I'll take it."
The clerk took a step back, and he realized he had made a really quick sale. He snatched the shirt back and went to the cashier station. Sam turned to join Tom at the counter.
"Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Tom paused a moment and replied, "Yes, a friend of mine said you have a cologne exclusive to your store and I might be interested in."
"Yes, yes, we have Hominis Hominis. We import exclusively from Italy. It is very expensive. Here is a sniff card to see if you would like it."
The clerk presented Tom with an advertisement card with the men's scent on it. When the edge was peeled back, the scent was ready for sampling. Tom peeled back the edge. The smell was very strong. Tom turned to Sam so she could have a sniff. He watched Sam eyes widened as the fragrance assaulted her senses. She made no comment. She quickly walked away to distance herself from the two men and stood by the entrance.
"Do you sell a lot of this?"
"It is exclusive to your store. We have about 100 clients we cater that use this fragrance.”
"That many?"
"As I said, not everyone can afford it. Would you like a bottle?"
"How much?"
"$235.00 for 1.7 oz. Eau De Parfum Spray”
“I think I'll pass. Thank you anyway."
Tom could see the clerk was disappointed as he turned to write up the sale slip. When he finished, he handed it to Tom. Tom reviewed the bill...$129.60. Tom handed the clerk his credit card. When the transaction was complete, Sam and Tom left the store.
One hundred clients were too big of a net to cast. Tom had hoped that the net would have been much smaller.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Once outside Sam closed her eyes, leaned into Tom and started breathing heavily.
"What's the matter Sam?"
"I -I-I saw him," she answered in a weak voice.
"Where? Where?"
"When I smelled the full scent of the cologne. His face flashed in front of me."
"Let get outta here. I want to get you back to the precinct for the police sketch artist to get in down on paper."
The winter sun beamed through the clouds as Tom and Sam waited on the platform for the Red Line. He held Sam's hand tightly reassuring that everything would be all right. Tom used his cell to let Steve know they were on their way in and that the police sketch artist was needed.
***
Steve greeted them on their arrival and ushered them to the corner office. Steve made the introductions, and everyone took a seat around the table. Sam sat directly opposite the artist.
"Okay Ms. Goodrich. I'm ready." His large white sketchpad was poised to receive the details. "Let's start with the shape of his face."
Sam closed her eyes. She hesitantly started. "He had a square jaw with a cleft. He had dark black hair." She watched as the artist's pencil flew across the paper.
"How was his hair cut?"
"Regular I guess," she turned and at Tom. "Like his." Steve could see that Tom wanted to make a comment, but he just leaned back in the chair giving Sam a faint smile. The artist sketched in the hairline.
"His had narrow icy blue eyes." The artist switched pencils and sketched and colored in eyes. He again switched back to the black pencil and asked: "The eyebrows?"
"I don't know." She closed her eyes again to picture the image she had seen.
"They were straight." The artist sketched in the eyebrows. "Like these?"
"Maybe a little closer." The artist erased what he had drawn and penciled in the new brows. "Okay?"
"Yes."
"Now lets do the nose."
Sam looked at the artist and paused before answering.
"Romanesque."
Tom shook his head placing his hand on his face, suppressing his comments. The artist looked up and then returned his attention to the sketchpad.
"How about the lips?"
"Narrow. I see a snickering smile." The artist’s hand quickly drew in the features. "Any moles or scars? How about the ears?"
"I don't remember any. The ears were close to the head."
The artist finished adding the last detail. He turned his creation to Sam. She gasped when she saw the rendering. "Yes, Yes
, that's him."
Tom's eyes widened. He knew who it was.
"Steve this sure looks like Mr. Williams." Sam turned to Tom. "You mean from Robinson—Williams?"
"Just met him the other day. This sketch is a very good likeness."
Steve left the room saying he'd be right back. Tom and Sam continued looking into the eyes of the man pictured. "Sam do you remember anything else."
"It's like it out there. I just can't grab it."
Steve returned to the room. He brought his laptop with him. He took a seat at the top of the table and signed on. Once the computer opened to his home page, he entered 'Rodney Williams & Robinson—Williams’ in the search engine. The little ball swirled just a few seconds and multiple links came up. Sam and Tom listened as he read down some of the titles of the links. When he read, ‘Millionairess Dies In Car Crash’ he clicked on the link. Steve turned the computer so both Sam and Tom could see the posting.
Next to the article was a picture of Sarah Williams. Tom took the computer from Steve and turned the screen to the sketch artist.
"Can you sketch Mrs. Williams with black hair and glasses?"
The artist looked at Sam and knew exactly where Tom was going. He quickly sketched Mrs. Williams. He held up the sketch. The artist then added the black hair and glasses to the sketch. When he finished, he held up the sketch for everyone to see. They all nodded in agreement that it was an excellent likeness between Sam and Mrs. Williams except now she had black hair and glasses. Sam gasped as she saw her likeness looking back at her.
Tom made the introduction, "Sam meet Sarah."
"How can that be?"
"Well, Sarah, it seems that there's a lot more to your story."
CHAPTER THIRTY
On Friday, Rodney sat in his office bored. He was never interested in book publishing. He just liked the money that provided him the things he wanted. He pulled out his iPhone and searched his saved numbers. When he found the number he wanted, he pressed the button to make the call.
"Sergio, I'll be arriving in Vegas tomorrow. I want Ginny when I get to the Palace."
"We'll be ready and waiting for you."
Rodney sat at his desk with one hand on his iPhone while the other massaged his penis. It didn’t take long before his semen flowed into his hand. He thought, “I won't have to do this tomorrow.” He smiled as he got up to cleaned himself up in his private bathroom.
***
When he stepped off the air-conditioned plane the next afternoon, the desert heat hit him squarely in the face, but it didn't bother him. He smiled as he pushed his way through fellow passengers to the waiting taxis. He stepped into a waiting taxi and commanded the driver to take him to the Palace. He felt like a kid going to a toy store. On his arrival, he quickly checked in. Sergio and Ginny sat in the lobby watching him. After Rodney received his key card, he headed for the elevator. Sergio and Ginny got up and followed him into the elevator. Once in the room, Rodney turned to Sergio and discussed the terms of Ginny's services. They agreed on $2,000 for the night. Rodney opened his briefcase and handed Sergio two packs of hundred dollar bills. Sergio left Ginny to perform her duties.
"Remember Ginny, you are mine the night and you must do what I ask."
Ginny looked sheepishly at him and started to disrobe.
"Not yet." Rodney sat down on the lounge chair and removed his iPhone setting it on record. He was tired of pictures. He wanted movies.
"Okay, I'm ready. I want to see a stripping dance." Ginny hummed quietly remembering what she had seen at the strip clubs. This wasn’t the first time a John wanted a private strip show. As she finished undressing, Rodney stopped filming placing the phone on the side table.
"I want you down of all four and beg." He reached into her little purse and took out one of the small white pouches.
Ginny panicked. She didn't know what he would do with her limited supply. Sergio only gave her two pouches for the night. She got down on all fours and started crawling to Rodney. He watched as with one hand he dangled the packet in front of him. As she drew closer he returned the packet to her purse. Again, he picked up the iPhone with left hand. With the other hand he opened his pants and pulled out his stiff penis and aimed it toward her, holding it in position.
"Okay sweetie, you know what to do," he said sardonically. As Ginny moved closer, he aimed the iPhone directly at his member. "I don't hear any begging."
Ginny looked at Rodney and his engorged penis and in a quivering voice replied, "Please, please I need it. I can't live without it." Rodney smiled as he grabbed Ginny by her hair and moved her so her mouth encompassed his penis. He juggled the iPhone to make sure he didn't miss a moment of this action.
"Eat up sweetie." Ginny's head bobbed up and down as she worked his member in her mouth. At last, Rodney spewed his semen into her mouth.
"Swallow it," he commanded.
Ginny looked up from her task, wanting to throw up. She saw the look in his eyes. She swallowed.
"That's a good girl. That's just for starter." Ginny slumped back on the floor, totally demoralized. Tears were rolling down her street, mascara making the tears even sadder.
"Get cleaned up. I didn't pay to see tears."
Ginny got up from the floor and grabbed her purse and fled to the bathroom. When she reached the sink, she placed her fingers down her throat forcing herself to throw up. When she finished, she washed out the sink and splashed cold water on her face. She wiped her face with the hotel's white towel smearing the left over mascara on them. Sitting down on the commode, she took one of the packets from her purse. She knew it was too soon. She also knew that if she didn't use one of the packets now she'd never get through the night. She didn't want to think of the consequences if Sergio didn't get a good report. She deeply inhaled the white powder, closing her eyes as the powder entered her system.
"Get you ass out here!" she heard the John call from the other side of the door.
She stood up and looked in the mirror. She frowned as she saw her naked body. Just a short year ago she was fit, trim and happy. She thought, 'You came a long way down to the depth of this sewer.' At first, she thought Sergio was her white knight. He was so captivating and handsome. Ginny knew differently now.
"I'm waiting."
Ginny reentered the bedroom area of the suite. Rodney had stripped. He was lying on the bed waiting for her. She looked around the room. His iPhone sat on the bedside table, and his clothes were neatly folded and placed on the desk on the other side of the room. She walked over to the bed and placed her purse next to the iPhone before climbing on top of Rodney.
"You have a good memory. Now work it," he said in a harsh voice.
Ginny massaged Rodney's inside thigh working toward his penis. It didn't take long before Rodney was ready. Ginny sat on him enabling her vagina to encircle his member. She slowly rocked back and forth.
"You don't have anything to say?"
Ginny looked at him. She had Johns like this before. They wanted to feel like a lover. As she rocked back and forth her palms moved over his chest.
"You're so strong. I'm so lucky to have you as a lover," she said kittenly. Ginny though this was one screwy John. He kept changing moods.
Rodney smiled. She increased the speed of her up and down motion. She bowed her head down onto his chest and started liking his nipples. Rodney emitted sounds of delight. At last he came. Slowly she moved off Rodney and went to the bathroom. When she returned after cleaning up, Rodney was sprawled on the bed feigning sleep. Ginny headed over to the lounge chair in hope of getting some sleep.
"Not there," Rodney called out to her. He threw a pillow to the floor at foot of the bed. "There."
Ginny knew she couldn't argue with him as she crossed the floor to lie on the floor. Rodney kicked the bedspread over the edge of the bed.
"In case you get cold." Rodney smiled. He thought to himself that he was being generous. After all, she was just a whore.
It was close to midnight before Rodney w
oke up. He looked down at the sleeping whore. She was sleeping on her stomach; her long red hair flowed down her back. It reminded him of Sarah. Not wanting to waste the opportunity, Rodney got out of the bed. He stood over Ginny before he yanked the bedspread off her. She abruptly woke up and was disoriented.
"Just stay right where you are," he commanded.
Ginny braced herself. She knew he was ready to start the onslaught of her body again. Before she knew it, Rodney plunged his penis in her anus. His arms reached around her waist pulling her hips up to get a better hold of her. He pumped his penis up and down with a fierceness that wasn't there before. Because he had rested, his endurance lasted for several minutes before he exploded inside her. When he withdrew he could see signs of blood mixed with drips of his semen. He smiled. He was pleased with himself.
"Get up. Get cleaned up. I'll order room service. I need my strength. We have the rest of the night."
When she was in the bathroom, she used her last packet of white powder.
While Ginny was in the bathroom, Rodney called room service and placed an order. He directed the server to knock and leave the tray outside the room. When Ginny came out of the bathroom she went to the lounge chair and curled up. She didn't say anything.
Fifteen minutes later there was a knock at the door. Still nude Rodney checked out the peephole to insure the server had left the tray before opening the door. He opened the door and brought the tray in. He took the tray over to the desk and started to eat the steak that he ordered. Ginny stomach growled as the smell of the meal reach her. Rodney looked at her.
"Hungry?"
Ginny nodded her head indicating the affirmative.
"You can eat when I'm finished." He threw her a roll. "This should tide you over."
Ginny caught it with her cupped hands. She attacked the roll like a hungry animal burying her face into her hands.
When Rodney was done, he looked over at Ginny.
"You can have my leftovers."
As Rodney stepped away from the desk, Ginny rushed over to see what she could salvage to satisfy her needs. She looked at the plate. There was nothing left but crumbs and a cleaned steak bone. She looked at Rodney.
