by W L Knightly
Jake had seen the toll meeting her father and brother had taken on her, and it had him worried about her. “You weren’t so terrible, Jo. You’re due a reaction when it comes to those two. But don’t let them get you down anymore. They are not worth it, you know? They don’t deserve someone as special as you in their lives.”
Her voice grew softer. “Thank you.” She cleared her throat. “I didn’t call to talk about them. I wanted to know how you were and let you know that Kendra didn’t have anything on her record back home. She also didn’t have anything show up in the old neighbor’s interview or the old housekeeper’s. She’s well liked, and there doesn’t seem to be anything out of place.”
“I guess we’re barking up the wrong tree,” said Jake. “Unless his old co-workers dish something out.”
“Maybe, but you’ll never guess. The new neighbor called in today.” Jo’s words surprised him.
“The one who walked over to speak with us?” He waited as Jo gave an affirmative response. “What did she want? Did something happen?”
“She said that a young man, about Kendra’s age, came up to the door, and Kendra went out to talk to him. They stood on the stoop, talking for about ten minutes.”
Jake wondered if the killer would be dumb enough to stick around town. “Did she say if she’s seen him there before?”
Jo sighed. “She didn’t say, but Kendra didn’t invite him inside, and at one point, she could tell that she was upset. They seemed to be arguing, and then she said he hit the wall and then shook out his fist when it hurt.”
“Yeah, that’s what happens when you punch a wall. You get hurt. Was there any security cameras around that would show us something?”
“Maybe, but Kevin said he released the body. The funeral is tomorrow. If there is footage, I’m sure it’s the last thing on her mind. I say we wait until after the funeral. It would be different if we still suspected her.”
“I agree.” Jake liked that they could still agree on things, even if they were fewer and farther between. “But did she give a description? Surely, the woman gave us something to go on.”
“She said he had dark blond to brown hair, fit build, dressed casual. She couldn’t remember too much. She said he was pretty average.”
“That could be anyone. Maybe it was a delivery boy or someone in the family. There are always lost relatives who pop up when someone wealthy passes away. Who else do we have to suspect?”
Jo shrugged. “I think it’s time we try and close in on the Hangman. I mean hit him hard. Comb the areas. Leave no stone unturned. He’s out there, laughing, and we need to catch him. It’s been too long already. He thinks he’s got the upper hand, I’m sure.”
Jake liked the idea of going after him, but he knew what it could mean. “We could push him further out. As for him thinking he has the upper hand? Who cares what he thinks? I say we let him think it, and then we’ll pull the rug out from under him. He’ll get sloppy. It’s what I’m counting on, Jo.”
“As long as he doesn’t get to kill my dad and brother before I can prove all the shit they’ve done and lock them up, then I’m okay with it.”
He was surprised to hear her say it. He had never considered that she’d want to try and get her father convicted for anything. “You’re seriously going after them?”
“Yes, I am seriously going after them. Just as soon as this case is over. I would need your help, you know?” There she went, needing him again. If she kept it up, he’d never fully retire.
Jake knew he would be able to talk some sense into her later, but bringing up more about her stupid brother wasn’t going to sit right at the moment, and he didn’t want to upset her. “We’ll talk about it then.” He didn’t want to spoil the mood between them. He closed his eyes and focused on her voice.
With a lazy tone, she mumbled, “Fair enough.”
It was quiet for a moment. Then he heard her yawn. “You’re sleepy. Why aren’t you in bed?”
“Who says I’m not?” She rolled over, and he could hear the rustling of fabric. “I’ve been in bed for an hour now.”
He carried the phone to his bedroom and laid down on his own. “Then, I guess we’re in bed together.” He hadn’t been ready for bed and usually didn’t even attempt to lie down until he felt tired. There was no sense lying in bed and staring at the ceiling any longer than he had to.
She giggled, the sound like music to his ears as he wondered what she looked like, all cuddled up in her bed. “Then maybe you’ll actually get some sleep,” she said. “Since I seem to be your sleeping pill.”
He’d often thought the same thing about her. She was good for him in more ways than one.
“Yeah, I thought I’d get better, but nothing has changed. I might catch a few hours here or there if I’m lucky.”
“Not as good as you sleep on my couch, do you?” Her voice was full of certainty.
“No, not that good.” He kicked off his shoes to get comfortable. “It turns out that retirement isn’t a cure for insomnia after all.”
Jo giggled. “Your invitation is open ended. I could use the company. What about you?” Her voice had gone quiet, her tone so soft it put a chill down his back. He would want nothing more than to go to her house and sleep next to her, but he was pretty sure it wouldn’t stop there, and while she might think it was what she wanted too, he needed to be sure.
“Does that mean you want me to come over right now?” He narrowed his eyes and wondered if she’d lost her marbles. Surely, she wasn’t thinking clearly. “I think you better be specific.”
“Why not? We’re adults, and we can do whatever we want. We could talk about the case like we have in the past.”
“You should be careful what you wish for.” He just might be talked into going over there to give her exactly what she wanted—what he wanted too.
“Maybe I know exactly what I’m wishing for.” Her tone was defiant, but he knew she’d had a strange day as it was. He didn’t need to go adding to it.
Jake smiled, content that things were getting back to a good place with them. “Goodnight, Jo.”
Chapter 14
Michael
After another failed attempt at getting Kyle to listen to reason, Michael had gone off with Rowan to have a little fun. What was supposed to be a few hours turned into a long afternoon, and an even longer night, with the girl, who was still in his bed come morning.
She made him feel like a million bucks, young and virile, and his pride soared that he could still go all night with the much younger beauty.
But as the morning light shone down on Rowan’s bare breasts, the reminder of who he truly was came in the form of a phone call. His wife, a woman who had made him miserable most of their marriage, was calling to nag him about God knew what.
“Hello, Darling, good morning.”
“Do you know how I can always tell you’re with another woman?”
There were no secrets between them anymore, more like omission of the dirty details, but nothing more. “Let me guess. You’ve hired a PI?”
“No, why waste money on something the lilt in your voice tells for free?” Her tone was not as pleasant, and he took a deep breath and moved to the foot of the bed to talk to her.
“What’s on your mind, Brenda?”
“When are you coming home? You said that this time, you’d come home for a while. I have people asking questions about your extended stay. You have friends here who are dying to see you, and like it or not, there are still financial issues I need you to come home for. People want to see you, talk to you, know that you’re still kicking.”
“I will be home in a few days. I’m trying to talk your son into coming home with me. He’s chased that girl here, and now her husband’s dead.”
“You don’t think—”
“No, of course not. It’s got nothing to do with him. How could you even—”
“Don’t scold me, Michael. You act as if I’m a horrible mother, but how quick were you to ask him the sa
me thing?”
He couldn’t fault her. “You make a good point, but no, I already checked. My concern is he’s going to get himself into a real bind if he doesn’t go back home.”
“Well, you are too, for the record. Especially since I’m planning a trip of my own. Someone will have to check on the staff and make sure they’re getting paid.”
“Can’t you tend to that while you’re away? You’ve had to do payroll from abroad before. Set something up with the accountant, would you?”
“No, you get home and deal with this shit, Michael! I’ve held down this house for months on end while you’re off galivanting with your cheap whores, and now it’s my time to play. I’ve got a twenty-nine-year-old who’s hung like a horse and doesn’t need pills to keep it up, and a private chateau somewhere I’m not stupid enough to tell you about.”
The last time she’d told him about her favorite rendezvous, he’d shown up with a date of his own and ruined it.
Rowan stirred behind him, and he turned to see how beautiful she looked full frontal, bare cleft and all. “Have fun riding your horse, dear. I’ve got to go now.”
“I’m serious, Michael. You’re needed here, not by me, but by everyone else, and they’re driving me nuts. Once I’m gone, I’m not coming back for weeks.”
“Noted. I’ll see you then.” He hung up the phone and then leaned over Rowan, who was just opening her eyes. “Good morning, sunshine.”
She gestured at his phone. “Did I get you in trouble with your wife?”
Michael laughed. “No, sweetheart. We’re long past that phase of our lives and marriage. We’re together for photo ops, and even those are getting fewer and farther between.”
“That’s sad,” Rowan said. Then she gave a devilish grin. “I kind of liked being the other woman. One would make your wife pea green with envy if she saw us now.”
“Oh, she’d be green, all right. She hates that I see younger women. What doesn’t make sense is that she sees other younger men.” Michael kissed her lips and then quickly moved down to her breast, capturing her nipple between his lips.
Rowan smiled. “That doesn’t seem fair. But I’m glad we fun together.”
“Me too. And I could use a little fun later tonight if you want to come back.” He kissed his way down to her tummy and palmed her mound before slipping one long finger between her folds.
“Mmm, I’d like that. I have to work a shift. Could I use the shower first?”
“Of course, you can.” He pulled his fingers away. “Maybe while you’re in there, you could finish what I started and tell me all about it later.”
“Or show you?”
“That would be even better.” He kissed her hard and deep, and when he pulled away, she smiled as she got up and walked her sexy ass to his bathroom.
“Why don’t you join me?” she asked from the door. “I bet it won’t take long.” She gestured at his erection.
“You’re right about that,” he said. “I guess I’ve got a few minutes. I have a very important meeting in a couple of hours.”
“I’ll be long done with you by then, and we’ll both have a much better day, I’m sure. I’ll still show you anything you want later.”
“I like the way you think, my little dirty girl.” He spanked her bare ass and followed her to the bathroom, where she turned on the shower and reached for his cock. She stroked him so good he nearly came. Then they stepped into the warm water, and she went down on her knees to service him.
And it didn’t take long for things to escalate, but the entire time, all he could think about was his meeting and how he was going to nail the Hangman to the wall.
After they were sated and he had gotten himself decent, they went their separate ways, reminding each other of the promise they’d made. He got in the car and drove himself across town to where he was supposed to meet up with Stan’s man.
With any luck, the two would make a nice deal, and he could have Kellen Madden hunted down like a dog and taken out before Josephine had the misfortune of meeting him. The very thought of his girl working with such criminals had been the entire reason for putting her someplace like Spokane, where he had control and the violent crime was not as bad as other places. He’d thought he’d give her an opportunity she couldn’t refuse, but as it turned out, Madden had chosen that very time to retaliate.
What luck.
Stan had highly recommended this new guy, and even more, he had stuck his neck out even after the whole Kyle thing, which really showed what a solid guy he was when it came to business. Just when Michael thought he was done with him for good, that his chances of getting a hired gun to work with him again were slim, good old Stan came through.
He drove to the other side of town, down Trade to Kennedy where the people on the street were not as clean and carried everything they owned with them from corner to corner. The air smelled like piss, and there was one abandoned building after another. This was the old town, the forgotten part of the area that most people didn’t even think about anymore unless they wanted to buy drugs or do a shady deal.
Michael checked the address on the paper. Then he found the building where he was supposed to meet up with the hitman. The garage door was open, so he pulled on in to keep anyone from seeing his car. He killed the engine and saw the shadowed figure of the man standing across the room. He got his gun from the glovebox and put it in his pants. Then he opened the door and stepped out.
“I’m Michael,” he said, holding up his hands.
“Glad you came alone.”
“Just how you instructed.”
“Put the gun back in the car,” said the raspy voice.
Michael gave a nervous laugh. “I don’t usually meet up with anyone unarmed. It’s nothing personal.”
“And I don’t do business with people who don’t trust me.”
“Are you armed?” asked Michael, who didn’t get an answer. He grew uneasy about the meeting but took the gun out of his pants and put it back in the car. “There, is that better?”
“Yes,” said the dark, towering figure. The man didn’t approach. Instead, he waited for Michael to do so, and he grew more uncomfortable which each step he took away from the car.
“So, Stan said you’d be interested in our deal for twenty? That’s a reasonable rate. I’m prepared to pay it.”
“Twenty and I give you Madden.”
“It’s a deal.” Michael stopped several feet away, still unable to see the man’s face. “Do you want to shake on it?”
The man took a step forward, holding out his hand. As soon as Michael’s hand was in his, the man tilted his head up just enough for the light from the high windows to shine across his face. But by then, it was too late.
“Madden!”
Kellen Madden put a death grip on his hand, and no matter how much Michael struggled, he couldn’t get away. He was a fool for leaving his gun behind, and now it was all the way across the fucking room.
“Stan gave me up to you?” He didn’t understand how the two even knew each other.
“No, Stan didn’t know I was watching him or that I masked his phone number. You’ve been talking to me the whole time. I messaged you once you left from your payoff. I’ve been here and there watching you, waiting for the right time to strike. And now, that moment is mine.”
Michael struggled, and he swung on Madden, who ducked and came up swinging. “Do you really want to try and fight it?”
“I’m fighting for my life. I know what you want to do to me; to my son. I’m not going to let that happen.” He turned to run back to the car, but Madden was faster, grabbing him by the collar. Soon, his hard, muscular body was up against Michael’s back, his hot breath in his ear.
“I should gut you right here and leave the rats to eat you,” said Madden. “It would still be better than the way your son killed my little girl. Imagine if that were your little Josephine. She’s so much like my wife, that daughter of yours, that I bet she bleeds the same. I bet she would balanc
e things out for me. What do you think?”
Michael paled as he struggled to get away. He didn’t think the man was about killing those who had done him no harm. “You stay away from her. She’s got nothing to do with this.”
“Neither did my sweet, young, innocent daughter. Wrong place, wrong time, I’m sure. But that didn’t make it any better all of those years, you know? That didn’t make my anger and sadness any less. And that’s why it won’t make what I’m going to do to you any less.”
“Let me go. I didn’t kill your family. I didn’t lay a hand on your daughter.”
“But your son did, didn’t he? Tell me, Michael. Did you know what a monster you were raising? What a worthless, spoiled, piece of shit, murdering addict you raised?”
Michael knew the man didn’t want an answer, so he closed his eyes and began to pray for the man to release him as he continued on. “Makes me wonder what other things you’ve done. Why you raised a son like him. You know you deserve everything you’re going to get for what you’ve done to me. I even considered saving you until last, just so you could watch your son die, but then I realized that bastard might get off to watching you die. He hates you, doesn’t he? And I just bet that a part of you, even if you try to keep it buried deep down inside, hates him too.”
Michael’s anger reached a new level, and he was about to react again, to try and fight harder than before, but before he could, something sharp stung him in the neck.
The world turned black as his body went limp.
Chapter 15
Dannie
It was common for Dannie to finish most of her work by eleven, and for some reason, the entire office slowed down as if the time were a magic number, and today was no different. So, in her lull, when the officers had quit stopping by her desk to flirt and the chief was on her early lunch locked up in her office doing her yoga and eating yogurt, Dannie spun her chair around and pulled up her favorite online shop.
