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“She was afraid of something or someone.”
“One of her patients?” Grant asked.
Montana smiled as the couple embraced, kissing as they waited to cross the street. “She had a disturbing session earlier in the day. I think she was rattled at the guy’s behavior.” Her fear was palpable. She’d remained shaking even after the first drink. By reputation she was a pit bull, highly respected by colleagues. He doubted she was spooked easily.
“Worth checking out?”
“I don’t know.” He leaned forward, stealing one last glance at the couple before they disappeared down an alleyway. “I do believe there’s a connection between the victims. I also believe there’s a direct association to the BDSM community.”
“Then we check out the kink clubs as we discussed,” Grant said under his breath.
“You and I both know infiltrating the S & M scene isn’t that easy. They can detect a phony in a second.”
Shaking his head, Grant sat back in his seat. “Look, partner. We’ve worked some fairly gruesome cases in our time. This one’s hit us both pretty hard.”
“And your point?” Flashes of the past rushed into the forefront of Montana’s mind. He’d suppressed so many years, preferring to pretend an entire chunk of his life had never occurred. The concept was easier than facing his demons.
“My point is I agree with you. We can’t simply waltz into a club and expect anyone to give us the freaking time of day, let alone information about the bowels of darkness.”
Montana coughed. “You know nothing about the lifestyle at all. Do ya, buddy?” A few seconds ticked by. His skin itched. He thought about the last night, five years ago almost to the date. The evening had turned ugly, a horrific hailstorm impeding investigation attempts on a series of grisly gang related murders. There were bodies in the streets, blood pouring into the drains. He was supposed to have the night off. If only he had.
“Earth to Detective Givens.”
“What?” He jerked his head toward the voice. Sweat dripped from his forehead. His heart was beating so fast echoes bounced in his ears. “What did you say?”
“Wow. You really are rattled.” Grant rose to his feet. “We need to get going. I doubt our illustrious Mistress Jade will take kindly to us being late.”
Montana grabbed his arm and stood, glancing at his watch. “What are you getting at?”
Grant looked at him sideways and kept his voice low. “I may have only been your partner for a couple of years and we ain’t bosom buddies, but I know you pretty well.” When Montana remained quiet, he exhaled. “I’ve read your file.”
“Which part. The section that talks about my four commendations or the arrest record?” Montana bristled.
He turned his head until he was able to stare into Montana’s eyes. “I know you worked undercover for almost three years. I know your behavior changed after a single night. You quit the force. You shut down. Knowing your stellar record and your personality, I’d have to say whatever occurred on the night before you all but vanished had to have been damning. My gut tells me this case is opening raw wounds. My fear is that this time, the monster will destroy you.”
As Grant wrenched his arm free and headed out of the coffee shop, another chill trickled down Montana’s spine. His sole purpose was delving into the twisted world of one man who controlled the entire porn and drug community, including every kink bar in the city. He wasn’t supposed to touch the merchandise. He wasn’t allowed to get involved. He certainly shouldn’t have fallen in love.
But he had and she was dead because of his ridiculous actions.
CHAPTER 6
“Mr. Worth?”
Christopher didn’t bother looking up from his computer screen. He was well aware he was needed in the conference room. Today was for all practical purposes ‘D’ day. This was his last-ditch effort to garner the deal, secure his future not only in his firm, but perhaps along the entire east coast. Acquiring the last remaining viable land surrounding the James River would land him millions. The massive project had been in the planning stages for years, then fell silent only six weeks into the original construction phase. He could also purchase the bankrupt property for a song. He simply had to secure the contract.
He and his team of architects had spent months and thousands of dollars on updating the design to include townhouses as well as stores and restaurants. The final decision would be made and delivered by courier in the morning. “Tell them I’ll be there in a few moments.”
“Sir, you know how they are. They don’t like to wait.”
“That’s exactly why I’m going to keep them waiting.” He shifted in his seat, slowly looking at his assistant. She was a demur blond, a young lady with a work ethic like no other. He admired her innocent looks, suspecting she was a tiger in bed. The thought gave him a smile. He refused to snack on the hired help, no matter his increasing needs. She was far too good at her job to be brought into his nefarious world.
“They abhor tardiness. You know that, sir.”
“Yes, as you continue to remind me.”
“I’m sorry, I…”
“No need to be sorry, Jennifer.” He clicked out of the file he was working on and rose to his feet. Walking to the window, he glanced out across the river. His thirtieth floor corner office in the James Center allowed him an amazing view of Richmond. He fingered the glass. Ruthless. The word had followed him for years. “You’re my assistant for a reason. You keep me on my toes.”
