Hell Is Burning

by Morgan Kelley

  That spoke volumes.

  “Was Carrie seeing anyone? She’d tell her Bff’s, right?”

  “She was dating a few guys. She’d get asked out, she’d fool around, and then find out they were scumbags. It always ended the same. Before long, she’d be single again. It’s hard to get a man when you’re famous.”

  Yeah, that was especially true when you stripped down to pasties on a stage to do your job. Emma wanted to shudder at the mere thought. In hers and Greyson’s bedroom anything goes, but on a stage in front of four hundred horny men?

  Yeah, no.

  “Carrie was at all his classes,” she added. “She was teacher’s pet, but you couldn’t blame her. She needed her body in top shape.”

  If there was any animosity, Emma couldn’t hear any. It appeared that the woman genuinely liked her friend.

  “You have to find the animal doing this,” Laura stated. “You have to find the person who killed my friends.”

  She began weeping.

  “Detective, can I take my wife home? She only came to class today to get some peace. This isn’t helping.”

  Emma nodded before handing them her card. “If you see anything, or something pops into your mind, give me a call.”

  “Is my wife in danger?” he asked. “Should I keep her the hell out of that meat market?”

  Emma didn't know what to tell him. As of yet, no married women were taken, but she wanted to err on the side of caution. “I’d stay at home a few days, if you know what I mean.”

  He got it.

  “Thank you.”

  With that, they drove away.

  It didn't take Greyson long to get to her side. “Well?”

  She told him everything. When Emma got to the hand on butt part, he lifted a brow.

  “You’re not joining a gym. Ever.”

  She stared at him. “That’s all you got out of all of that? We actually have a new lead, and Liam has jumped to the top of the list.”

  Croft thought about what James Bleu told him. “You can add Fred Dyson. He’s been hanging out next door. I’d also add James Bleu to the list too.”

  “Why?”

  “I never told him Carrie was dead, but he’d immediately used her name in the past tense. So, he either overheard us, or he killed her.”

  “We didn't release the name yet.”

  “I know.”

  Emma glanced over at the bakery. “Let’s have the team run the records, and see what we find.”

  “Damn it!”

  She grinned. “You thought you were going to get a blueberry muffin, didn't you?”

  Greyson’s hope of breakfast went out the window. “I was hoping my wife would have mercy on me.”

  Emma went up on her toes and gave him a kiss. When she finished, she patted him on the scarred cheek. “Grab two, get us some coffees, and try not to be a glutton while you’re in there, Mr. Croft, or your love affair with muffins is over. We have to fit in two interviews today before we head home to get ready.”

  He kissed her on the lips. “I have the best wife ever. I love you.”

  With that he headed off to get them breakfast. Emma got into the vehicle and stared at her notes.

  In the silence of the vehicle, she began talking to herself.

  “What the hell am I missing?”

  As of that moment, she didn't have a clue.

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  LVPD

  Conference Room

  Curtis’s phone rang, and he immediately recognized the number as police dispatch. Answering it, he grinned.

  “We’ll be right there. Send the location.”

  When he hung up, the rest of the team was watching him, waiting for the details.

  “The BOLO just came in for the black Caddy. They have it, and there’s a body inside.”

  “And you’re excited about that?” Tessa asked.

  “Yeah! It means I can get out of here.”

  As he went to stand, Mace put his hand on his shoulder. “Yeah, I hate to break your heart over this, Curtis, but you’re grounded.”

  “What? Why?”

  Tessa slid her phone across the table to let him read the text message that Greyson sent earlier. Curtis, under no circumstance, was to leave that office.

  “Shit!”

  “You’re wearing a bull’s-eye still, Curtis,” Tessa said. “We’re in the same boat. The bosses told us to lay low, and you’re going to have to join us.”

  “This blows. I want to do something.”

  Mace clipped on his sidearm. “I’m not a target, so I’ll go. I’ll get lots of pictures, and we’ll hopefully have something to use to close this.”

  “I need you to close this,” Curtis said. “If this person killed Brynn, I can’t move on unless we wrap this up. I don’t want this on my mind for the next year.”

  He understood. “Trust me. Emma will close this. We’re still working on it. I swear, but you have to believe in us.”

  “I do.”

  “There’s tons of trace. Start working on that, and as soon as I get Max to pull everything, we’ll all start cross comparing it, okay?”

  Curtis had to let it go.

  He didn't have a choice. He’d already hurt his family enough, and if Greyson wanted him inside, he’d do it. He owed them that much.

  “You have fresh eyes,” Mace said. “Find something.”

  Curtis pulled the papers toward him.

  That was exactly what he planned on doing.

  If he couldn’t be out in the field, he was going to make his family proud.

  It was time to crack this wide open.

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  Liam Eckerly’s

  Home

  Pulling up, they found a small cottage-like house. It wasn’t close to the rest of the homes, but instead had trees surrounding it. It gave it the essence of seclusion.

  That much greenery was an odd thing to see in Vegas unless you were in the game lands or a state park. The desert was pretty much just that--a whole lot of sky scrapers, casinos, and sand.

  This man was their best suspect, and bringing Emma there made Greyson Croft edgy. As he began heading up the stairs, Greyson unsnapped his holster. When Emma went to do the same, he gently pushed her behind him.

  His message was clear.

  While she didn't mind the view, she did mind being pushed aside like a child. She could have argued, but instead she pinched him hard on his ass.

  He gave her a look, and then wiggled his eyebrows before knocking.

  “Pervert,” she muttered, too tired to have an argument over something that would never change.

  Croft waited until he could hear footsteps. Emma flanked one side of the door, and he took the other, just in case. They weren’t taking any chances.

  Vegas was loco.

  “Yes?” the man asked, opening the door.

  It was hard to miss that he was sniffling, and his eyes were rimmed red.

  Someone was mourning.

  Or was he sorry he was a deranged killer.

  “Liam Eckerly?” Greyson asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Director Greyson Croft and this is Detective Emma Croft. We need to interview you regarding the death of Kelly Granger and other women from your gym.”

  He stepped back. “I assumed someone was coming. I just didn't think they’d send you two,” he stated. “You’re Vegas’s top cops.”

  Greyson followed him in. When the man collapsed on a couch next to a pile of tissues, he began studying him like prey. He was either truly grieving or an excellent actor.

  “I can’t believe that Kelly is gone.”

  They asked him about the other women, and he stared blankly at them.

  “I don’t know who Shirley is, and I’m only aware of who Blanca is because of the scene she caused in the gym. All staff were shown her picture and told to keep her out of the building.”

  “How long were you dating Kelly?” Emma asked as he ran his fingers t
hought his blonde brown hair.

  “About a year. We were pretty steady. Kelly wasn’t a Yoga instructor, but she could be. I wanted her to quit her sales job to focus on that, but she needed money. She had a shitload of student loans.”

  “Did you know Carrie Corwell?” Emma asked.

  There was a slight reaction at the name, and both Emma and Greyson saw it.

  “Yes. She was in my class.”

  “We hear Kelly was chummy with her,” she stated.

  “Yeah, she was. We like Carrie. I imagine she’s taking this hard. I haven’t answered any of my calls since I found out Kelly was gone, so I haven’t spoken to her.”

  It was time to drop the bomb. “This morning, we found Carrie Corwell dead too.”

  He stared openmouthed.

  “I’m going to be sick.”

  He rushed from the room and to the bathroom not far away. When he slammed the door and began puking, they waited for him to finish.

  In the meantime, Emma decided to have a look round. She could check out the pictures while the man was tossing his cookies.

  Greyson watched her. “Emma,” he whispered. “Tread lightly. We don’t have a warrant.”

  Emma gave him a look. It wasn’t her first day on the job. She moved toward a shelf and found some photos in frames. “They were close, Grey. Closer than he’s letting on.”

  She checked out the one shot with both women on his lap. His hands were in inappropriate places, but neither woman seemed to mind.

  They were either drunk, or…

  She heard him running the water.

  When she jumped back into her seat, she had just enough time before the door opened.

  “I’m sorry. Like I said, we were friends,” he stated, sitting back down on the couch.

  “Where were you last night and the night Kelly went missing?”

  He thought about it. “When Kelly went missing, I was here. I had five classes that day, and I wanted to get to bed early. She had to work, and then she mentioned the gym and treadmill. Kelly liked cardio.”

  “And Carrie?”

  “I don’t see why you’re asking,” he stated. “Kelly was my girlfriend, but Carrie was just a friend.”

  “You were at the gym last night clearing out your girlfriend’s locker,” Greyson stated. “It was just about the time Carrie was there, and then she went missing.”

  “You think I hurt them? I loved my girlfriend.”

  “And you wanted in Carrie’s pants,” Emma added.

  He stared at her.

  “You were caught feeling her up in Yoga class.”

  The man didn't say anything in his defense, and that spoke louder than words.

  “We have a witness to corroborate that you liked to touch your students.”

  He got angry. “I’m an instructor. I have to touch them. It’s important they get into the right position.”

  “And what position was Carrie getting into with you?” Emma asked. “Did you do it behind Kelly’s back?”

  He lunged for her, but wasn’t as fast as Greyson. He had him by the shirt and back on the couch, pinned to the cushion.

  “If you even touch her, you’re dead. While you may get your jollies from feeling up students, you won’t put one finger on my wife. Are we clear?”

  He nodded and only then was he set free.

  “As I was saying, you were trying to get in Carrie’s pants, so you just need to come clean.”

  Liam sat up.

  “We’re swingers, and Carrie was trying it out.”

  “Trying you out, or the act of exchanging partners? To my knowledge, in order to swing, you really need to have a significant other.”

  He stared at her.

  “Your silence says it all. Was Kelly aware you were dipping into her friend pool?”

  He shook his head. “No. We brought it up, she declined, and then Carrie approached me when Kelly wasn’t around.”

  “What do you mean by approached?” Greyson asked.

  “She fucked my brains out and told me to keep my mouth shut, okay?”

  Yeah, that said it all.

  It looked like Kelly and Carrie weren’t as close as they appeared. Liam and Carrie…well, that was another story.

  “I didn't kill her. I loved Kelly, and the sex was super-hot with Carrie. She’s flexible and highly sexual. She pranced around a stage practically naked eight times a week. She’d get off work, and need an outlet. Yoga wasn’t cutting it.”

  Greyson lifted a brow. “And you went to the show to watch her get all hot and bothered.”

  “This is Vegas. Everyone watches.”

  “How many times?” Emma asked.

  He hesitated.

  “I can get your financials, and then have a room full of people pull your life apart, or you can just tell me. Which do you prefer?”

  “I saw the show nine times.”

  Croft whistled. “You must really be a fan of ‘Sexcapade’,” he stated.

  Emma got it. “That’s how he had sex with her. He’d tell his girlfriend he was going to a show, and he’d sneak in with Carrie when he could.”

  He looked guilty as sin. “It was always after the show. She liked to be horny during the production. Carrie said it made the act more believable if she was hopped up on horniness.”

  Emma shook her head. “We are definitely canceling that show.”

  Greyson was beginning to agree. Don’t get him wrong. He was discovering that he liked some kink with his sex, but not on a stage where people were paying to watch.

  Vegas was a pit of sin.

  “I didn't kill her. I was getting the best sex of my life. I just didn't want to lose Kelly, so we had to keep it quiet.”

  “Thus the made up story about swinging with the lead actress telling you she didn't really want Kelly involved.”

  “Yes.”

  “She wanted you all to herself.”

  “I guess.”

  “And that didn't send up red flags?” Croft asked. “Son, you’re an idiot.”

  The man didn't respond.

  Well, so much for sweet and loving friend to all. Carrie Corwell was skanking it up with her friend’s partner. That painted a whole other picture of the woman.

  “Did Kelly know?”

  He shook his head.

  “At first, when Kelly went missing, I thought there was a chance that Carrie had hurt her. I really did, but now that she’s dead, I don’t know what’s going on anymore.”

  “Well, it’s going to get worse, Liam.”

  “How?”

  “Someone beat in Kelly’s face, and then raped Carrie. That just screams disgruntled man who is boning both babes,” Greyson stated. “Maybe they both called it off, and you were left satisfying your own needs.”

  “Oh God! NO!”

  “Yeah, start praying. Now’s a good time to confess your sins.”

  “Do I need a lawyer?” he asked.

  Emma wanted to be sarcastic, but she held back. This man was a big enough idiot. “I’d call one as soon as we leave. You have no alibi, you were working at the gym with all these women, and you were screwing two of them. If anymore turn up dead, you better pray you have one hell of an airtight alibi for their disappearances. You’re sinking fast.”

  He swallowed.

  “My techs will be stopping by to get your DNA. Are you going to make me jump through hoops to get it, or are you going to cooperate with us?”

  “You can have it. I won’t stop you. I didn't do this. I swear! I didn't kill them. I loved them.”

  Emma stood. She wanted to smack the man in the head. “Well, if you loved Kelly, you had a funny way of showing it.”

  He started sobbing.

  Emma didn't feel bad for him.

  Honestly, he deserved it.

  Chapter Fifteen

  When Mace arrived at the vehicle, he was ready for just about anything. When the BOLO had come in, stating there was a body in their missing car, he could only imagine what he would find.


  With the way this case was going, anything was possible. For all he knew, it could be more dead women that the killer didn't get to string up.

  He wouldn’t be surprised.

  As he approached the blocked off trees, he noticed that the passenger door was open, and he could see the blood splatter on the driver’s side window.

  It was crystal clear what had happened.

  This wasn’t going to be a suicide. Someone had been in the passenger’s seat and done the deed. Brain blowback was the telltale clue.

  “Detective,” a cop called. “The partial plates match what Detective Croft called in. I believe we have the same Caddy.”

  “Has anyone touched it yet?”

  He shook his head, pointing behind Mace at the tech van just pulling up. “This is exactly how we found it. It looks like whoever did this was hoping some wild desert scavenger would climb in and screw with the body before we got here.”

  Thank God that didn't happen.

  Mace was hoping they’d find something. This case was causing them to chase their tails.

  “Thanks for finding it so fast,” Mace offered.

  “No problem. This one came across as priority one. It must be nice to be banging the head Fed. Emma Croft gets some primo treatment. I guess money talks.”

  Mace cut him off before he could further insult his partner. “Get over to the tape and make sure no one crosses it. As for Detective Croft, don’t make me kick your ass for insulting my partner.”

  The cop laughed as he walked away. “Whatever. She’s crooked, and we all know it.”

  Mace ignored him.

  If he didn't, he’d kick the man’s teeth in. He was well aware that the Crofts were as straight as arrows, and he only hoped one day they’d be vindicated. With each passing week, more cops began believing the hype.

  He only hoped it didn't get Emma hurt.

  Heading toward the vehicle, he approached from the passenger side. Staring in, he saw a familiar sight. There was a dead body with one shot dead center to the forehead.

  Someone had gone out like Thomas Booker, the dirty cop who abducted Emma, and Lana Dumas.