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“Yeah.”
“My question is. Why did she go to this guy’s house? Does she have a death wish?”
Montana bristled. “Do you understand anything about the D/s lifestyle?”
“You have all the acronyms down now, partner. Must be the short lived stint you had,” Grant laughed then cleared his throat. “I know enough to realize I want no part. Beating a woman? That’s crazy.”
“That’s not what the lifestyle is about.”
“Seems likes you are the expert.”
He gunned the engine and resisted snarling. “You don’t have to like what she’s into. You just have to learn about the community.”
“The community. You make this sound like a convent or worse.” He mumbled under his breath. “Do her patients know?”
“Of course not. She’s just investigating!” Montana realized he’d snapped.
“Right. Okay. What do I need to know?”
He shot Grant a look. “Simply that she goes by the name of Skyler. Remember when Mistress Jade said she has a very special set of clientele who pay handsomely for companionship outside of the club?”
He laughed. “Yeah. Companionship. Sounds like glorified prostitution to me.”
They remained quiet until Grant pointed toward an upcoming sign. Montana squinted. The entrance to the community was flanked by massive brick columns and landscaping that had to cost as much as a basic home. From what Destiny had told him, the secret club was very much about rich men and their dark desires. He shuddered and flicked on the turn signal. “BDSM is about trust, control, letting go and understanding.”
“Yeah? Well, from what I’ve seen and read, it’s also about pain.” Grant twisted his head to look at Montana. “And murder. Don’t forget murder. 4201. Up the road and turn left.”
Murder. Yeah, he was well aware and knew the murders weren’t over. The madman had more in store. He pulled into a long driveway, the aggregate flanked by massive oak trees. The Georgian colonial fit the surroundings. Plantation like, he could almost envision servants sweeping out of the front door to meet their every need.
“Impressive.”
“Suffocating.” Montana yanked off his seat belt and exited the vehicle. He scanned the surroundings. There was nothing telling about the façade or the manicured landscape. Then again, he suspected the man would hide his particular proclivities.
“You can say that again. Still, I’d like the man’s money.” Grant shook his head as they walked toward the front door. “You want to take this one?”
“Sure.” He knocked on the door and took a step back, glancing up at the second floor windows. Ralph Peterson had no real understanding of why they were coming to have a chat. The man opening the door was not just surprising. The demure looking professional held the persona of a meek and mild mannered accountant instead of a multi-million dollar mogul. “Mr. Peterson?”
“Yes? You must be Officer Miller?”
Montana smiled. “That would be my partner, Detective Miller. I’m Detective Givens. We just need to ask you a few questions.”
“Ah, detectives. Of course. Please come in.” Ralph gave them both a once over before opening the door and allowing them in. “I must admit that I was surprised at your call.”
“We just want to ask you a few questions about a case we’re working on.” Grant raised his eyebrow.
Catching the look, Montana studied the surroundings. Lavish, the man had certainly spent a great deal of money on artwork as well as furnishings. When they were led into a leather clad living room, complete with an oversized bar and expansive entertainment system, his curiosity was piqued.
“A case? About?” Ralph waved toward the closest couch. He remained standing, a huge smile plastered on his face.
Montana smiled but refused to sit. He already didn’t like the man. There was no time to be subtle. “Tell us about your membership to Club Noir.”
The smile disappeared, replaced by an expression of anger. “Club Noir? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“I think you do. Your name is on a list, a very long list and one provided by the Mistress of the house, Jade Devereaux?” Grant grinned.
Of course the man was uncomfortable. They’d struck a nerve. “Mr. Peterson, we don’t care about your late-night activities. We simply want to know about a rendezvous you had with one of your selections.” Montana chose the words carefully.
Ralph shifted from foot to foot and kept his expression pensive. “I go to the club and enjoy meeting submissives. Nothing more. I’ve met many of them.”
