“This way.” Maddie tugged on Nick’s hand and led him to a small alleyway between two buildings. The space was far enough away from the lot that they wouldn’t draw attention from the gathered police officers.
“What are we doing here?” Nick asked, following Maddie into the alley.
“We have a guest in here,” Maddie replied, smiling when she caught sight of Tina. The girl, who couldn’t have been older than nine when she died, had pink barrettes in her hair and a quizzical look on her face. “How are you, Tina?”
Nick was used to listening to Maddie talk to air so he took up a protective stance at her side and continuously looked to both ends of the alley to make sure they wouldn’t end up trapped. He figured Maddie would lead the conversation to the correct place because she had so much experience doing exactly that.
“It’s busy today,” Tina said, giving the appearance she was bouncing even though she didn’t have physical feet to propel her along the sidewalk. “There are a lot of people here and Big Wally is gone. He hasn’t been here all day.”
“He’s in jail,” Maddie supplied. “He got himself in trouble yesterday and he’s going to be in jail for five years.”
Tina widened her eyes. “For real?”
Maddie nodded gravely. “For real. He’s not coming back for a while.”
“That’s … huh.” Tina made a series of faces that Maddie found adorable. “I don’t know what to think. I wish he was gone before because my brother was working for him when I got shot and I might still be alive if that happened.”
Maddie’s heart rolled. “I’m sorry about that. I really am. We can’t go back in time, though.”
“Oh, I know that.” Tina was somber. “Even when it happens in books, that’s not real. That’s make believe … like Santa and the Tooth Fairy.”
“Yeah, well, it’s still fun to imagine things like that.” Maddie desperately wanted to touch the young girl and give her solace but it wasn’t an option so she decided to focus on the business at hand. “What can you tell me about the people hanging around here today? Have they been saying anything?”
“I heard Old Mr. Jones say that we’re never going to get any peace here now that all those bodies were found. He says the cops will move in and not leave until they’ve scared everyone off.”
“Do you think that’s true?”
Tina shrugged. “Mom can’t leave because she doesn’t have a lot of money so I don’t think everyone will leave. Old Mr. Jones might leave, but it won’t be everybody.”
“No, probably not,” Maddie agreed. “I see the police have a semitrailer over across the way. Do you know if they found anything in it?”
“I was watching, but I went away for a little bit,” Tina replied. “I missed when they opened it, but I think it was empty because the cops said it was a waste of time to come out here.”
“I see.” Maddie looked to Nick for help. “I don’t know what to ask her.”
“I think you’re doing fine, love.” Nick smiled. “I wish I could see Tina because she sounds delightful, but I think you’re doing a good job getting your answers.”
“He’s pretty,” Tina said wistfully, giggling as she took in Nick’s tall frame. “He has pretty eyes and he looks pretty when he smiles at you.”
“He’s definitely pretty,” Maddie agreed.
“Hey, are you guys talking about me?” Nick teased.
“Tina thinks you’re pretty,” Maddie volunteered. “I have to agree with her. You’re the prettiest person I’ve ever seen in life.”
Nick grinned. “Thank you. I feel the same way about you.”
Maddie held Nick’s gaze for a second longer than necessary before turning back to Tina. “Have you heard anything interesting today? We want to find the man who killed those girls, but we’re not sure where to start.”
“You should talk to Maraschino.”
The simple statement caught Maddie off guard. “Who is Maraschino?”
“She’s the woman over there.” Tina pointed toward a bottle blond holding court on the corner across the street from the alley opening. She wore leather garters and a bustier that pushed her breasts up to fanciful heights. “She’s not with no one so she might hear stuff from a bunch of different people.”
“I don’t know what that means,” Maddie hedged. “She’s not with anyone?”
“She’s on her own.”
“I … .” Maddie broke off and ran her tongue over her lips. “Tina says we should talk to that woman Maraschino because she’s not with anyone. I’m not sure what to make of that.”
“I think she means Maraschino is an independent,” Nick supplied. “She doesn’t have a pimp and runs her own business. Since she’s not loyal to any boss other than herself, she’s more likely to take money in exchange for information.”
“Oh.” Maddie brightened. “That sounds like a great idea.”
“Of course you would think that,” Nick muttered under his breath.
“You don’t think it’s a good idea?” Maddie challenged. “May I ask why not?”
“I think it’s a fabulous idea,” Nick lied, allowing his sarcastic side to come out and play. “Let’s go to the corner and talk to Maraschino, the famous independent prostitute. That’s exactly how I saw this day going.”
Maddie refused to let Nick drag her into an unnecessary fight. “I’m glad we’re on the same page.” She patted his hand. “Tina, we’ll be around in case you want to talk later. We’re going to talk to Maraschino now, though. Is she easy to get along with?”
Tina shrugged, seemingly unbothered about being abandoned. “She’s probably not going to like you, but she’s going to love him.” Tina jerked a thumb in Nick’s direction. “Have him do the talking.”
Maddie wasn’t sure that was going to be an option. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
NICK TRAILED BEHIND Maddie as they crossed the street. He was alert, his eyes constantly scanning, but irritation threatened to overwhelm him and it took everything he had to keep from blowing up at Maddie. He couldn’t believe how lackadaisical she was being in regards to her safety.
“Tina suggested you do the talking, but if you’re not up for that I can do it,” Maddie said as they hit the sidewalk.
Nick wrestled his full attention to his fiancée. “What?”
“Tina seemed to think that Maraschino would be more open to answering questions from you because you’re a man. You’re obviously annoyed, though, so if you don’t think you can do it tell me now.”
Nick scowled. “I think I can manage to ask a few questions.”
“Great.” Maddie’s smile was impish. “I’m looking forward to watching you try. By the way, if she puts her hands on you I’m going to have to break them.”
Even though he wasn’t in the mood to question Maraschino, Nick couldn’t stop himself from barking out a laugh. “I’m glad to know you’re willing to fight for my honor.”
Maddie gave Maraschino a cursory look as they approached. “I hope it doesn’t come to that. I’m pretty sure she can take me.”
“I think we’ll be okay.” Nick squeezed her hand. “Let me do the talking.”
As it turned out, Nick didn’t even have his mouth open before Maraschino decided she would be the one doing the talking.
“If you want a threesome that’s going to cost you three figures,” Maraschino warned, snapping her gum as she glanced between them. “It would’ve cost more if you were both ugly, but I can tell you both bathed today so I’ll give you a deal.”
“Oh, well, that’s a very charming offer,” Nick said, pulling a fifty from his wallet and holding it up. “As it happens, though, we’re looking for information instead of calisthenics.”
Maraschino rolled her eyes at the lame joke. “Of course you’re looking for information, I should’ve seen that coming. You two clearly don’t get adventurous when it comes to hitting the sheets.”
Maddie couldn’t stop herself from getting offended. “Hey! We’re very adventu
rous.”
“Don’t let her get to you, Mad,” Nick chided, flicking the fifty so it crackled. “Do you want the money or not?”
“I guess that depends on what answers you’re looking for,” Maraschino said after a beat. She very clearly wanted the money but she wasn’t willing to answer questions until she knew the specifics of the agreement. “Are you looking for dirt on the cops or the criminals?”
It was an interesting question. “I guess we’ll go with the criminals,” Nick replied after a moment’s hesitation. “We need to know what you can tell us about the bodies found in that lot.”
“There isn’t much to tell,” Maraschino replied. “No one knew it was happening and when the bodies were discovered we were all shocked.”
The response sounded rehearsed. “You had no idea it was happening?” Nick challenged. “How can that be? Are you telling me you never slipped into that lot to service a client?”
“I don’t think I like the way you use the word ‘service.’”
“How should I use it?”
“I don’t know, but you’re kind of judgmental,” Maraschino argued. “The truth is, no one went to that lot because we all knew Big Wally owned it. No one wants trouble with Big Wally so we stay away. It was pretty simple.”
“Obviously someone didn’t stay away,” Nick pressed.
“No, but that doesn’t mean it has anything to do with Big Wally,” Maraschino argued. “There’s a rumor going around that all the women found in that field were independents and it was a warning from El Capitan that no one would be allowed to freelance on their own terms any longer.”
Nick and Maddie exchanged a quick look.
“Have you ever met El Capitan?” Nick asked.
Maraschino shook her head. “No, and I don’t want to. There’s been a lot of pressure up and down the way for everyone to sign up with someone – at least for protection or something – but I don’t want that. I want to be in charge of my own destiny.”
“What will happen if El Capitan pushes the issue?” Maddie asked, forgetting that she was supposed to remain quiet. “Would he do something to you if you don’t agree to his terms?”
“Oh, he’ll definitely do something to me,” Maraschino said. “It’s not an if, it’s a when.”
“So what will you do?”
“Leave.” Maraschino’s answer was simple. “By the end of the week I will have enough to move my operation to Orlando. Personally, I can’t wait to get out of here. I only have to hold on a bit longer.”
“To your knowledge, did anyone see those bodies being dropped?” Nick asked. “I mean … someone went into that lot at least twenty times to discard bodies. I can’t say I buy the theory that they were all working girls – because I happen to know at least a few of them weren’t – but even if the bulk were, someone had to carry those bodies into the lot. I have trouble believing that individual was never seen.”
“That’s because you don’t understand the nature of this street,” Maraschino said. “Everyone knows to be off the streets by two because otherwise it’s bad news. That’s when the runners are out, and you don’t want to be out when they are. It will end up bad for anyone who wants to hide his or her face.”
“Hmm.” Nick stroked his chin. “What you’re saying makes sense. The really bad stuff happens between two and five because that’s when the police presence is at its lowest. The killer probably knew that and adjusted his plans accordingly. It would be much easier for him to operate at a time when no one was watching because the nature of street life made it dangerous for someone to look too hard.”
“Exactly,” Maraschino said, plucking the fifty from Nick’s hand. “This is a rough area, but it’s tolerable during the day. After midnight, it’s a whole other world.”
Nick nodded. “Thank you for the information. I hope you make it to Orlando safely.”
“I do, too,” Maraschino said. “It’s just a few more days. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to survive it.”
“Why wouldn’t you?” Maddie asked. “If you’re an independent, why would someone want to stop you?”
“Because if word gets out that I manage to escape, it will be a source of hope for all those around me,” Maraschino replied. “There’s nothing more dangerous in the trenches than hope. Everyone knows that.”
“You’re definitely right.” Nick grabbed another fifty from his wallet and handed it over. “Get out sooner rather than later if you can.”
Maraschino accepted the bill. “Thank you. I’m definitely planning on it. In fact … .” She trailed off at the sound of a car engine and flicked her eyes to a speeding vehicle as it raced around the corner.
Maddie had time to register two things before panic set in. The rear window of the car was down and there was a man with a gun poking his head out. That gun just so happened to be pointed in their direction. Everything else was a blur as time slowed down and she fought to force her body to move.
Nick realized their predicament at the same time and was spurred into action. “Get down!” he roared, throwing his body on top of Maddie’s and pushing her toward the pavement.
The next thing Maddie heard was an explosion of bullets and all she could do was cover her ears and pray they would survive the assault. She was helpless otherwise.
11
Eleven
Maddie’s heart pounded so hard the careening blood was enough to drown out the sounds of the gunfire as it set her veins on fire. Nick pressed her to the ground, completely covering her body with his, and she struggled to fight off the overwhelming shaking fit that overtook her. Ultimately she gave in, squeezed her eyes shut, and held on for dear life.
Maddie had no idea how long she was on the ground before Nick’s voice finally penetrated the haze she willingly succumbed to.
“Maddie?”
She didn’t immediately answer.
“Love, look at me!”
Maddie finally wrenched open her eyes, gasping when she found Nick’s face two inches from hers. His eyes were wide and wild, worry etched across his handsome features. “Nicky.”
“There you are,” Nick choked out, exhaling heavily as he ran his hand over Maddie’s torso. “Are you hurt? You didn’t get hit, did you?”
“I … .” Maddie mentally checked her body for points of pain. “I don’t think so. My hip hurts a bit from hitting the pavement, but I’m okay.”
“Are you sure?” It wasn’t that Nick didn’t believe her. It was simply that he needed to check himself. His heartbeat was slowly returning to normal, but just barely. He was almost manic as his hands searched Maddie’s body. “What hurts? I don’t care if you think it’s minor. I want to know what hurts.”
Maddie carefully pulled herself to a sitting position and rubbed her hand over her elbow. “I’m going to have a few bruises from hitting the ground, Nicky. I’m not hurt, though. In fact … .” Something occurred to Maddie and she swiveled quickly to find Maraschino crouched low behind a Dumpster. The woman was as white as death, her chest heaving. Since her breasts were barely covered by her low-cut top, Maddie couldn’t help but worry her impressive bosom would break free for the world to see, but that was hardly their biggest problem.
“Are you okay?” Maddie asked after a beat.
Maraschino shifted so her gaze snagged Maddie’s. She looked shaken but determined. “I’m fine. I’m not the one who got hit.”
“Who got hit?” Maddie asked, confused. “I’m okay. You’re okay.”
“Yeah, but your man isn’t.” Maraschino’s tone was matter-of-fact. “Check out his shoulder. He’s about to go down.”
“What?” Maddie’s eyebrows flew up her forehead as she turned and found Nick’s normally healthy complexion going ashen. “Nicky?” She rolled up to her knees and searched his body for signs of trauma. Her gaze immediately fell on his left shoulder, the T-shirt material there torn as the blue fabric dampened with blood. “Oh, my … Nicky.”
Nick did his best to remain calm even though he
sensed Maddie was going to fall apart. “I’m fine, Mad. It’s just a graze.” He grimaced as he attempted to rotate his shoulder. “It’s not a bad wound.”
Maddie wasn’t about to take his word for it. She clawed at the shirt and ripped the shredded fabric away so she could get a better look, almost reeling back in shock at the sight of the blood. “Oh, Nicky.” Maddie choked on the words. “I … you … .”
“Maddie!” Nick bellowed her name to get her to focus. She barely managed to lift her eyes and the way her lower lip trembled caused Nick’s heart to constrict. “It’s okay, Mad. I swear it’s just a graze. It’s not a bad wound. I’m not going to die on you or anything.”
Maddie didn’t appreciate his attempt at levity. “That’s not funny.”
“I know. We have to get off the street, though. We need to move into that alley and call Dwight.”
Maddie stared at him for what felt like a very long time. In reality, it was probably only five seconds. “No, you need to go to the hospital.”
“I’m not hurt that badly, Mad. That’s not necessary.”
“You’re going to the hospital.” Maddie was firm. She had to be. If she gave even an inch she would burst into tears and she didn’t want Nick to feel as if he had to take care of her when he was nursing a gunshot wound. “Don’t even think of arguing with me.”
They were at a crossroads. Nick knew it. Compromise was in order and he was desperate enough to get her off the street that he had no problem agreeing to go to the hospital. “Fine,” he conceded. “If you go in that alley until help arrives, I will go to the hospital. Then you will see my wound isn’t that bad.”
“As long as you’re okay it doesn’t matter.”
Nick leaned over and gave her a quick kiss. “I swear I’m fine. Now … help me get up. We need to call Dwight and get out of the line of fire.”
ONCE DWIGHT AND THE ambulance arrived, Nick was more reticent about visiting the hospital. Maddie’s courage found steady footing while waiting, though, and she was absolutely adamant about making sure Nick got proper medical care, so much so that she threatened to knock him out and carry him to the hospital herself if he didn’t agree.
Grave Danger (A Maddie Graves Mystery Book 12) Page 10
