“I believe she was headed to Captain Ford’s office with my boss. They’re trying to work out the schematics of all the cops that’ll be in plain clothes outside the event.”
“Are we bringing guns?” she asked hopefully.
Briggs shook his head. “I am, and I’d bet my life on Croft carrying his, but I don’t know where you’ll put one in an evening gown. Do they have pockets?” he teased.
Oh good Lord. What had she gotten herself into?
At the knock on his door, the captain looked up only to find both Crofts standing there. One was smiling and the other was staring at him with a completely blank look on his face. He’d seen more animation on one of the bodies in the morgue.
“Do you have a minute?” Emma asked, stepping into the room. Behind her, she heard the door click closed. Immediately, her husband was protectively at her side.
“I do. I didn't expect to see you again today. What can I help you with now?”
Croft stared over at her, unaware that his wife had been in here already once today talking to the man. Curiosity was piqued that she’d specifically made a trip in for something else.
“We have the details regarding the situation. I was discussing with you earlier,” she replied as her husband took her hand in his.
The action wasn’t missed by Ford.
Croft relaxed, knowing his wife had been in dealing with work, and not the man riding her again behind his back. When she squeezed his hand reassuringly, there was further calm.
“Okay, what do you have?” he asked, leaning back.
“We’ve been cleared to enter the gala. The commissioner procured four invites for the new director of the FBI,” Emma replied, nodding at her husband.
“Great! You and Westmore can go in miked and prepared for anything that should come up.”
Croft shook his head. “No, they can’t and won’t.”
The man looked confused. “I’m not sending two of my female detectives into a situation where there’s a killer taking women. I have a responsibility to my people. They need protection.”
He began to feel the tension creeping up his body at the implication. “It seems that you’ve forgotten that one of the women, my wife, will be safely beside me. Let me take the time to reassure you that I won’t let anything happen to her. Detective Westmore will also have an FBI escort the entire evening.”
Emma knew the pissing match was oncoming. Testosterone was about to meet more testosterone in a head to head battle.
“Despite what you think of the FBI, I can promise you that I’m very good at my job.”
The man crossed his arms, ready to object.
Stepping in, Emma tried to calm them both. “Gentlemen, first of all, we all need to take a breath and calm down,” she directed towards her boss and husband. “Secondly, we women are just as capable of keeping ourselves safe. Plus, we’re generally calmer than men in bad situations.” Emma alluded to the circumstances at hand. “This is case in point.”
“I’ve been given access as a personal invitation from Mason, Captain Ford. The commissioner said no cop on duty on the inside. If you have a problem with that, you need to take it up with him. He just finished eighteen holes and is at home as we speak.”
Ford wanted to lose his temper. “Then why do you need me? It seems the FBI has this all worked out.”
Emma took over, feeling her husband’s arm still rigid and tense. “We’re allowed to step up the police outside the event.”
“Randall Mason doesn’t want the inside to be less than perfect, and he thinks cops will screw it up. So, there’ll be times when we’re outside, so make sure our backs are covered.”
He took a breath. “I can put undercover officers throughout the street. We have enough detectives to mingle in the crowds and hide in plain sight.”
“If you need extra, we do have the full staff at the FBI office at your disposal,” Greyson said, amicably.
Emma was relieved. It appeared the stress was over, and the men were calming down.
“You must have a very close relationship with the commissioner, Director Croft,” he said, with little to no emotion in his voice.
“You could say that.”
Here they went again. It was Emma, this time, who tensed at what her boss was throwing around.
“Tomorrow afternoon at two, Greyson and Agent Briggs will be conducting the briefing.” Emma just wanted to get her husband the hell out of there and as fast as possible.
“I’ll be there,” Ford stated. “I’ll make sure the entire team is ready to go.”
“There’s no need, Captain,” Emma added, “We have it under control.”
It was his turn to grin. “I’m sure your husband is quite capable, but I need to be there. I’m going to be one of your undercover cops in the crowd.”
Emma painted a smile on her face that gave nothing away. “That’s great. I feel better already,” she stated.
It was funny, because neither man knew if she was being sarcastic or serious.
* * *
Back in the office, they found the young agent working steadily at his tablet. He was so intently focused on his work that it was almost entertaining to watch.
“I almost have it,” he said, not looking up. “All set!” he exclaimed finally. “If you check your emails, you’ll see that our meetings with the attorneys are all set up for tomorrow. We have double appointments at the same time. I’ll have you know that it’s not easy to get in to see them on a Saturday either!”
Emma was pleased. “That’s terrific,” she stated and was glad that they could cross it off their list. “I want Harrison Tyler’s attorney,” she admitted. It wasn’t because she was expecting it to be fun, but wanted to get as much detail from them and didn't want the newbies missing anything.
“Works for me,” Briggs said, packing up.
“Where are you running off to?” she questioned, surprised that he was really leaving early. Yeah, Greyson said he could, but he was actually letting him?
Croft grinned. “Yes, I’m keeping my word,” he answered, winking at his partner.
“Before you go, I was thinking we could all use a night to relax. If you want, Curtis, we’ll order dinner and maybe swim up on the roof. On a Friday night, it’s generally empty up there. Most people are out drinking and partying.”
He started laughing. “If you think I’d turn down dinner and ogling the boss man’s babe in a bikini, you’re out of your mind.”
Greyson growled, or it sounded fairly close to being one. When the young man started laughing, he too joined in. If he didn't know his agent was all tied up in knots over the detective, he’d get mad.
“We’ll eat around seven.” Emma supplied. “No skinny dipping, so wear a swimsuit!”
He started laughing on the way out. “Yes, Mom.”
Now, Croft was entertained. “My how fast they grow up.”
Emma punched him hard, only to have him lunge at her. When he pulled her against his side and bit her on the neck, she yelped.
At that very moment, Brynn entered. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” she said, laughing at the look on her partner’s face.
“No, you’re not,” she replied, trying to get away from her husband’s clutches. When his phone rang, she managed to escape.
Glancing down at the ID, he looked up at his wife. “It’s the lab. I’ll get this. Don’t forget to invite your partner,” he said as he exited the room.
When he was gone, Emma shook her head. “It’s like he assumes that I can’t figure things out on my own,” she retorted with a smile on her face.
“He’s intense.” It was all she said.
Emma knew what her partner was thinking. “You believe that he’s bossy, overbearing, controlling, and wonder how the hell I put up with it, huh?”
She snorted. “Yeah, pretty much.”
Shrugging, Emma went with the truth. “When I was sheriff of Celestia, I didn't think I could handle the murders there. I was sca
red, broken, and in pieces, and then rode in my knight in shining Kevlar. If he wasn’t as strong as he was or as pushy, I don’t think I’d be here today. When I’m with him, I feel safe. I don’t have to worry or stress the little things. I know he’s got them.”
She smiled. “I understand what you mean. I wasn’t judging, I just don’t think I could handle the bossiness. Is he like that all the time?”
Weighing her options, she found the words that would answer that best. “He has his moments. When it’s just the two of us, no, he’s fairly laid back and calm. I know you look at him and see a dominant personality, but he’s so much more. We balance each other out, and I love my caveman.”
Brynn snickered. “I think that assessment is damn spot on.”
Emma knew not every woman could handle Greyson Croft’s heavy-handedness. She simply could and that’s all that mattered. There was no point in telling Brynn, that when Greyson was all strong and in charge, it stirred her up. It was possible she was crazy, but their relationship worked. He was the man, and she liked climbing all over him as his woman.
Secretly, she loved being married to a caveman.
It was a win-win in her eyes.
“Hey, what are you doing tonight?” she asked, changing the subject. Since talking about her husband and his dominant behavior was making her think about sex, it was best to switch to something more appropriate.
“I was going to go home and wash my hair.”
She started laughing. “How about dinner and swimming in the rooftop pool?”
That brightened her day. “I would love to go swimming, and then maybe we can talk about this thing tomorrow night. I’m scared shitless.”
Emma didn't get why, and it must have shown on her face, because her partner was looking at her like she’d lost her mind.
Apparently, Brynn needed to elaborate. “Are you telling me that you’re okay with the whole gown and black tie thing?”
If anything, she was more than okay with it. Emma was looking forward to the entire damn thing. “It’s going to be so much fun. The men are taking the briefing tomorrow afternoon, since all they have to do is shower and put on a tuxedo. You and I are going to cut out, get a mani-pedi, some hair styling, and shop for a knockout gown for each of us.”
“That sounds terrifying. I think I may be sick.”
The mere fact she was going to get to see her husband in a tux made her flush in anticipation. There was something innately sensual about getting dressed up in something glamorous, and seeing the man you loved do the same.
Speaking of sexy devils, Greyson strolled back into the room commanding both their attention.
“That was my head tech,” Croft said, watching Emma’s partner blanch. That was a very curious reaction, and he’d have to investigate further.
“What did he have for us, babe?” she asked, still trying to picture him in his tuxedo. Oh yeah, she was looking forward to tomorrow night.
As if he knew what she was thinking about, he glanced over at her and winked. “The toxicology report is in, and the woman wasn’t on any meds or drugs. Her system was clean.”
“Okay, anything else?”
“There was DNA found. It was the same as the first two victims. All three of them had sex with the same person shortly before being killed.”
Emma pondered it. “That’s one hell of a coincidence,” she admitted. “How did three different women, from three different Vegas shows, all have intimate contact with the same man?”
Brynn knew there was only one way. “It has to be someone affiliated with the shows. That’s the only possibility. The chance that one man would have unprotected sex with three women, and they become victims to the killer, is a zillion to one.”
Croft spoke up. “Unless it’s the killer.”
That was a distinct possibility.
* * *
Tomorrow was the night.
The brand new show was set to have its big opening debut. All the important people would be there as they celebrated his glory.
Well, that just couldn’t happen. Something had to go horribly awry. Someone had to throw a wrench into his perfect little plan.
It was time.
While they were all partying inside, misery would be knocking on the back door. There would be death, and it would fall on the shoulders of the police for not figuring it all out in time.
How much more spoon-feeding did they need?
Obviously, the people in charge of the investigation weren’t seeing it clearly.
That was easily rectified too.
Tomorrow night, the death would happen, whether they liked it or not.
There would be revenge and a righting of wrongs from three decades ago.
Since they didn’t get the thimble, it was time to give them another clue.
The police were such a waste, but one could always take advantage of the situation. This would come as a blow to Randall Mason, once and for all!
It was time to get all their attention.
After all, ingenuity was the mother of invention.
* * *
Emma stood in their room, slipping into her bikini. She’d bought a new one while Greyson had been away on business. She was hoping when he saw her choice, he’d approve.
When they had arrived in Vegas on their honeymoon, he had insisted on picking out one of her swimsuits. There was something inherently sexy about wearing something your spouse took the time to select. It had been fairly revealing but with this one, she couldn’t wait to see his reaction.
Emma was ready to stir up her caveman.
Coming out of the bathroom, Greyson caught sight of his wife, checking out her body in the mirror. It was damn near obscene, and it made his blood boil and not in a bad way. It was just a reminder how she was made for him. His wife was lean from head to toe, with ideal curves that drove him crazy.
“Holy shit, Emma! Are you trying to kill me and every man in the city that sees that on you?” he questioned, stalking towards her. The black bikini was tiny on the bottom and even more miniscule on the top. The cheery pink polka dots that covered it made his head swim. Oh, it hid everything that should be covered, but left little to anyone’s imagination.
“So, does that mean you don’t like it?” she inquired, turning to face him. Her eyes ran the length of his swim trunk clad body. Her husband was a delicious specimen of masculinity.
He started laughing as he pulled her towards him. “You’re such a tease, my little kitten,” he whispered, holding her lips to his as he plundered her mouth mercilessly. God, if he wasn’t the luckiest man in the whole damn world, he didn't know who was.
As Emma was pressed against him, it was evident what his opinion was of her swimsuit. Already, he was hard and excited. Yeah, that’s the effect she was going for tonight.
Releasing her, he stared down at his watch. “You’re lucky I don’t have more time, or we’d be naked.”
“Promises, promises, Greyson Croft,” she purred, watching his eyes change from calm to the stormy gray of a man on the edge.
“You’re not wearing that out of this room,” he retorted, pausing as the buzzer sounded. “Change, Emma. I’m not having Curtis drown in the pool while he’s trying to ogle you under water.” He stopped at the door. “I mean it. That’s for my eyes only. Put on a more suitable one.”
Emma waited until he left, and did the exact opposite of what he wanted. When would her sexy husband learn that demanding only made his life more difficult? Besides, tonight was the perfect night. His partner wouldn’t even notice. Brynn was going to be there, and she distracted him.
Pulling on her shorts and t-shirt, she headed out to the kitchen to find her husband setting up the Thai food he’d ordered. Brynn was dropping her bag and Emma motioned to her.
“Bring your things. You can get dressed in here.” She wanted to escape Greyson, in case the bikini police decided to do a random spot check. It would take the fun out of the poolside unveiling.
Brynn foll
owed, knowing she needed to discuss something important. Once in the room, she closed the door. “Can I talk to you?”
Emma sensed her seriousness. “Yes, what’s wrong?”
It was best to just get it over with. “I slept with your husband’s head lab tech. It was a stupid one night fling, and now I’m wondering if I should be upfront and honest with Curtis.”
“You realize that you’re not dating the man, and anything that happens before you actually start isn’t his business, right?” She wanted to offer her friend and partner reassurance, but there was nothing to say. Until she began a relationship with Briggs, he honestly didn’t have anything to say about it.
“You think? I just know he was over the edge about me staring at the man. Once I tell him, it may make him insane.”
Wasn’t this the story of Emma’s life?
“The only thing I can tell you is, if it’s bothering you so much, tell him. If it’s going to stand in your way of happiness, go for it,” she said, keeping her back turned, until he partner finished dressing.
“Okay, I’m done.”
Emma turned and started laughing.
“What?” Brynn asked, looking down. Granted, she wasn’t as thin as Emma, but no one ever laughed at her in a bikini.
She shook her head and lifted her shirt to show her.
Brynn got it and giggled. They had the same swimwear, just in different colors.
“Well, I guess my husband demanding I wear something different really isn’t going to matter now.”
Brynn was mortified. “He ordered you to change?”
Laughing, she shook her head. “Yeah, and we see how that worked for him. It’s one thing to have a bossy man, it’s an entirely different thing to listen to him,” Emma replied, waiting for her friend to dress. “Come on. Let’s go eat and stop thinking about unhappy things. We have men to torment tonight.”
Brynn liked that idea.
Vegas is Dying (A Croft & Croft Romance Adventure Book 2) Page 28
