Possessed

by Stacy-Deanne

  “Fine.” She got her purse off the woven two-seater. “I guess this is it.” Her eyes pleaded as if she expected him to keep fighting but he’d had enough. “I’ll see you around, Gage.”

  He grabbed the top of the wooden chair. “You’ll regret turning on me.”

  “Is that a threat?”

  The door opened and Detectives Quarter and Wilks strolled in.

  “That’s what I’d like to know,” Dee said. “Is that a threat, Gage?”

  He threw his head back, grabbing his waist. “What the fuck is this about?”

  “Well, well, well if it isn’t my old pal Ursula Vickers.” Connie took her shades off. “Funny finding you here.”

  Gage glared at Ursula who rushed out the cabana.

  “Should we let her go?” Connie asked Dee.

  “We’ll get to her later.” Dee closed the door. “Right now we have some questions for our buddy Gage here.”

  “Shit.” He grabbed the peach wine cooler and sat on the swing. “How did you get in here anyway?”

  “Your maid let us in.” Connie sat on the wicker chair covered in lavender upholstery. “Beautiful estate you have. Your pool is amazing.”

  “What do you want?” He sipped, clenching his teeth afterwards. “It’s my day off and I’d like to enjoy it, which I can’t with you two here.”

  “You’re used to getting what you want, aren’t you?” Dee sat on the round bean bag chair. “Rich boy.”

  He snickered, shaking his head. “Here we go.”

  Dee smiled. “I bet there’s nothing you can’t get.”

  “We’re wondering how far you’d go to make your wishes come true,” Connie said. “Did you kill Lang because you wanted Ursula?”

  “Seriously?” He guffawed. “Get the hell off my property.”

  “We heard every word between you two just now,” Dee said. “You’ve been fucking each other for a while.”

  “I didn’t kill Lang to be with Ursula.” He set the wine cooler on the floor. “If I wanted Lang gone I’d have broken up with her.”

  “Maybe not.” Connie rocked her head. “You have your reputation and status to consider. Someone like Lang would’ve been acceptable in your social circles but someone like Ursula not so much.”

  “I don’t care what people think of me. If I’d wanted to be with Ursula then I would’ve been.”

  “You’re in love with Ursula,” Dee stated.

  He faked an obnoxious laugh. “Not even close. Ursula and I were just friends with benefits.”

  “Nice try,” Connie said. “I saw how you were looking at her. You care deeply about her.”

  He sat erect, clearing his throat.

  “We heard the pain in your voice when you asked her if she thought you killed Lang,” Dee said. “Doesn’t seem like a man who doesn’t care about what Ursula thinks of him. Which means you most likely love her.”

  “It wasn’t supposed to be so complicated. Ursula and I hit it off after we met at one of Lang’s student’s recitals. We had sex the same night. We just had this unspeakable hunger for each other. At first it was curiosity and then it turned into much more.”

  “Did you love Lang?” Dee asked.

  “I swear I did with all my heart.” He touched his breast. “But, I was falling in love with Ursula.” He got his wine cooler and sipped. “She’s like a drug. You get one hit and you long for more.”

  “She’s a beautiful woman,” Dee said. “Easy to see how a man could be swayed by her.”

  “She’s more than beautiful. We connected on a level I’d never experienced before. Pretty soon the pillow talk I had with Ursula outweighed any conversation I had with Lang and I hate myself for feeling that way. I didn’t murder Lang though. I’m telling the truth.”

  “You hid this from us.” Connie reminded him. “That makes it hard to give you the benefit of the doubt.”

  “You arrested Meadows, right? Didn’t he do it?”

  Dee wiggled her foot. “Everyone’s innocent until proven guilty.”

  “Speaking of Hock...” Connie clasped her hands. “You’re reaffirming that you never heard of him and had no idea he was being intimate with Lang?”

  “Course not.” He scowled. “I still don’t believe she was involved with him or that she went to that sex club.”

  “You understand how it wouldn’t look too good for you if you knew about Lang and Hock?” Dee inquired. “That would give you one hell of a motive to kill her.”

  “I’d never heard of Meadows until he was arrested.” He breathed through his nostrils. “Is that all you needed?”

  “That’s it for now.” Connie stood, fixing her blouse. “Thanks for the cooperation and if you feel like disappearing, don’t.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  “What are you worried about?” Connie and Dee sat in the lounge eating lunch. “Jonathan is dead. You should shout it from the rooftops.”

  “Connie.” Dee took the plastic lid off her salad. “I thought you’d be more sensitive.”

  “The man put you through hell.” She bit into her whole grain ham and cheese sandwich, the spicy mustard stinging the inside her jaw. “Why can’t you move on?”

  “Something’s off.” Dee crunched lettuce. “I can’t put my finger on it but it feels strange.”

  CeCe strolled into the lounge with a folder, whistling.

  “Talk about strange.” Connie swallowed her food.

  CeCe stopped at the table with a goofy smile. “How are you today, Detectives?” He set the folder between them. “That’s the report from forensics on the findings in Hock Meadows’ car.”

  Dee took it. “Thanks.”

  “Did you read it?” Connie stuffed a falling tomato back into her sandwich.

  “No.” CeCe jeered. “Why would I?”

  Dee read the report.

  Connie grabbed her can of orange soda. “You can go now, CeCe.”

  He smirked, bowing. “Enjoy the rest of your day, Connie.”

  “Wait, a sec.” She snapped her fingers. “You hear about Jessica Jacobs? She’s missing.”

  “Yeah.” He took in a sharp breath. “Detective Phelps is on the case.”

  “I was talking to her about it.” Connie jiggled the can. “Jessica worked at the coffee shop across from your apartment.”

  “Yeah?” He shrugged, glancing at Dee whose attention stayed on the report.

  “You didn’t know her?”

  He thrust his shaky hand into his hair. “No, I didn’t.”

  “Did you ever go to the coffee shop?” Connie picked up her sandwich. “You’re not one not to notice a pretty girl.”

  “What is this, Connie?” He gripped the edge of the table. “Are you interrogating me?”

  “Just asking. Why so defensive?”

  “I didn’t do anything to Jessica Jacobs.”

  “Who said you did?”

  “I’ve tried to be your friend but you’ve made it more than obvious you don’t want me to be. Let’s leave it at that, shall we?” He left.

  “He’s lying,” Connie mumbled. “He knows something about Jessica Jacobs.”

  “Forget CeCe, look.” Dee handed her the report. “They found no blood in Hock’s car.”

  “You’re kidding me.” Connie scanned the findings.

  “Just semen, which means shit since he admitted having sex with her in his car.” Dee rubbed her hands together. “You know what this means.”

  “It means our case has gone up in smoke. Damn it.”

  “There is no way Hock could’ve beaten Lang and not gotten blood somewhere in that car.” Dee sighed. “We gotta keep waiting on the DNA results from the scene and hope we get good news.”

  Connie skimmed the report. “In the meantime?”

  “We got to let Hock go. We have nothing to hold him.”

  “Shit.” Connie tossed the report on the table.

  Dee chewed her fingernail. “I want a warrant for Gage’s car and place.”

  “That ain’t
happening.” Connie slurped soda. “No way in hell a judge would grant a warrant when we have squat.”

  ****

  A Week Later

  “What the?” Lydia leaned up in the seat of her wine-red Nissan Maxima, the lights from the cop car behind her blared through the darkness. “Shit. What did I do?” She pulled off the road before making it to the underpass. “This is the last thing I need.” She left the car running and dug in the glove compartment for her insurance.

  An officer with olive skin and rugged features got out the cop car and approached her. “Ma’am.” A smile livened his gorgeous face. “How are you doing tonight?”

  “Is there a problem, officer?”

  He glanced inside the backseat, shining the light on her luggage. “Going someplace or coming from somewhere?”

  “I happen to be returning from a trip. What difference does that make? Why did you stop me?”

  “Take your hand off the wheel.” His square jaws clenched. “Step out of the car.”

  “Wait, a minute. Why did you stop me?”

  “You were speeding.” He lowered the flashlight, brows contracting. “Now get out the car.”

  She jerked back. “I wasn’t speeding.”

  “Back there I clocked you.”

  “I wasn’t speeding, sir.” Lydia got that feeling in her gut that something wasn’t right. “Not trying to be disrespectful but you’re wrong.”

  “I don’t believe so.” He tugged on the door. “Get out the car.”

  “What?” She struggled to read his nameplate. “Listen, Officer Stavrop—”

  “Stavropoulos.” He batted his long lashes. “It’s Greek.”

  “You can’t just stop me for no reason and make me get out the car. I did nothing wrong. Look, my sister is a detective with the Baltimore Police.”

  “That’s nice.” He displayed a flat smile. “Get out the car.”

  “Her name is Dee Quarter.” She bounced in the seat, tugging on the wheel. “You know? The cop Jonathan Wild kidnapped. I’m just going to her place now. That’s all. I wasn’t speeding.”

  He leaned, peering into the back window. “Do you give me permission to search your vehicle?”

  “What?” She shifted in the seat. “No way. You can’t search my car.”

  “I believe I have probable cause to search it.” He stood straight, hooking his finger in his belt. “Get out or I’ll arrest you for interfering with the police.”

  She guffawed. “Are you crazy?”

  He glared at her. “Get out the car now.”

  She dropped her hands from the wheel. “Please, I—”

  “Now. I won’t ask you again.”

  Lydia stepped out the car, fighting tears. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Just relax.” He turned her around, taking out his handcuffs. “It’ll be all right.”

  “What are you doing?” She writhed as he pulled her closer, cuffing her wrists. “You can’t do this. Get off me!”

  “Sh.”

  “No! What are you doing?” She looked around for help. “Stop!” She thrashed against him. “You can’t arrest me!”

  “I suggest you calm down.” He walked her to his car. “I’m being nice to you, Lydia. That can change if you upset me.”

  “Lydia?” She examined his expression for a hint of why this happened. “You know my name?”

  “Shut up and get in.” He forced her in the back of his patrol car.

  “No, please. ” She sobbed, whimpering. “Listen. Are you taking me to jail?”

  He stuck the flashlight in his pocket and got in beside her.

  “Oh god.” She wiggled, kicking. “Don’t touch me! Help!” She scooted to the window. “Someone, help me!”

  “I’m not gonna hurt you.” He took out a roll of tape and slapped some on her lips. “Just stay calm, Lydia.”

  “No,” she murmured. “Mm!”

  “You give me any trouble...” He yanked her hair. “Or make this any harder than it has to be and I will hurt you. Do you want that?”

  She shook her head, tears trickling off her cheeks.

  “Then be quiet.” He got out his phone and made a call. “Yeah, I got her. Hurry and come get her car before some sees you.”

  Lydia sobbed.

  “It’s okay.” He stroked Lydia’s hair after ending the call. “Everything will be fine.”

  ****

  “No!” Lydia kicked as Lucian carried her into his guest bedroom. “Why are you doing this? At least tell me.”

  “Settle down.” He struggled with his arms wrapped around her slim waist. “I told you I won’t hurt you.”

  “Like I believe that. You won’t get away with this.”

  He threw her on the walnut sheets. “I’m not the enemy.”

  “It seems like you are.” She slid to the headboard. “Help! I’ve been kidnapped by a fake ass, lunatic cop!”

  “I’m not a lunatic.” Lucian dabbed his sweaty face with his handkerchief and stuffed it back into his pants pocket. “And, I’m a real cop.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “I am.” He reached for her. “Come here.”

  “Don’t touch me.” She kicked at him. “Help!”

  “You’re just wasting energy.” He snatched her hands and freed one from the cuffs. “No one’s gonna hear you.” He latched the other cuff to the headboard, holding her in place.

  “You bastard. My sister will kill you for this.”

  “Dee’s my friend.” He got off the bed. “Worked with her for years.”

  Her panting slowed. “What do you want from me?”

  Lucian stroked his hands, finding it hard to keep his mind on business because she was so beautiful.

  “What?” Her face kept its loveliness despite the venom she spewed. “Just tell me what the hell is happening.”

  “The only thing you need to know is to not be afraid of me.”

  “Who was that you called to get my car? Has someone hired you to do this?”

  He took out his phone and dial while she glared at him.

  “Lucian,” Jonathan answered the phone. “I hope this means good news.”

  “Yeah, I got her.”

  Lydia curled her sexy legs underneath her. “Who is that?”

  “I hear her.” Jonathan moaned. “I can’t wait to see her again.”

  “You were right.” Lucian’s eyes caressed Lydia’s gorgeous body. “She is something else. I can see why you’re taken with her.”

  Lydia scrunched her face.

  “Now what?” Lucian asked.

  “Make sure she’s on that jet by tomorrow. Everything is set up for your flight to Wales. Good work, Lucian. You’ve made my day.”

  “You won’t hurt her will you?”

  “No. Lydia’s bait to get Deidra. I’ll let her go when it’s time.”

  Lucian lifted his chin. “You will?”

  “Lucian, this is none of your concern. You’ve done your part. After this, I’ll try not to bother you anymore. Just make sure Lydia gets on that jet, okay?”

  “Okay.” Lucian ended the call.

  Lydia sat flat. “Is that the person you called before?”

  Lucian checked for other messages on his phone.

  “You’re gonna pay for this.”

  “I’m not a bad guy. I just got caught up in something.”

  Her top lip lifted, showing teeth.

  “Truth is, I owe someone a favor.”

  “Who?”

  He admired the curves of her kissable lips.

  Lydia frowned. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  “You’re a beautiful woman.”

  She squirmed.

  “Great skin.” His gaze dropped to the muscles in her toned thighs. “Pretty brown eyes.”

  “Don’t you touch me.” She made a fist with her free hand.

  “I’d never force myself on you.”

  “I’m supposed to believe that after you’ve abducted me?”

  “I’m a go
od person, Lydia. Haven’t you ever gotten stuck in something and couldn’t get your way out?” He walked to the side-by-side window, the security light shining on the grass.

  “Please. Just tell me why you’re doing this.”

  He took her phone from his other pocket.

  “What are you doing with my phone?”

  “Texting your sister and letting her know you’ll be back later than you expected.” He wrote Dee the text. “That way she won’t be suspicious when you don’t show up.”

  Lydia lay back, sighing.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “Here you are, Ma’am.” The waiter set the elegant plate in front of Connie. “Kalamata Pork Tenderloin with Rosemary.”

  She sniffed the food. “Hm, thanks.”

  “For you, sir.” The waiter graced Grayson with a plate of turkey tetrazzini and sautéed mushrooms.

  “Thank you very much.” Grayson scooted closer to the table, his white nylon dress shirt remaining wrinkle free. “It looks delicious.” His eyes flashed when he smiled at the waiter.

  Another server brought a bottle of Chardonnay and filled two gold-rimmed glasses.

  “Will there be anything else?” The first waiter smiled.

  “No, thank you.” Grayson laid the napkin in his lap.

  “Enjoy your meals.” The waiter smiled, leaving the table.

  “This smells great.” Connie tasted the tenderloin. “Mm.” The succulent pork melted on her tongue, rounded out by the rosemary and garlic. “It’s even better than it looks. How’s the turkey?”

  Grayson munched, nodding.

  She laughed, covering her mouth. “Guess that means it’s good, huh?”

  He moaned, his eyes rolling back in his head. “Fantastic.”

  “I love it here.” Connie sampled the vegetable medley, spying at the well-dressed couples sitting in the Victorian-inspired room of dark woods and gold accents. “You know Jake Jensen used to be the executive chef here before he had his car accident.”

  “Yeah, Dee told me.” Grayson chewed. “He’s one hell of a cook.”

  “Thanks for bringing me,” Connie said, the aroma of roasted meats and fruity wine capturing her. “I needed this.”

  “What are you thanking me for?” A tiny drop of wine settled on Grayson’s mustache after he sipped. “I’m the one reaping the reward of being in your company. I love your hair.”