AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Grant swiveled in his stool. “Maybe they’ve found Michael.”
“Givens.” Montana gripped the bar. He’d anticipated another murder. “Yeah, we’ll be right there.” He ended the call and inhaled.
“Should I ask?”
“Finish that beer, partner. We have work to do. Another body.”
* * *
“What the hell am I seeing?” Grant blinked several times.
Montana crouched down. He’d seen some vicious crimes in his tenure, but the dismembered body dumped in what appeared to be a makeshift grave was horrific. “Who called it in?”
“Patrol officer. He’s pretty shaken up. The killer has some balls. I have to give him that.”
“You’re assuming the killer is a male.” The location was in an area of the city being renovated near the river, but there were several bars and trendy eating establishments within walking distance. He swung the flashlight around in an arc. Traffic was minimal but the road within two hundred yards was never empty. “Someone had to have seen the hole being dug. Any witnesses?”
“You mean grave and no one has come forward yet.” Grant wiped his mouth and took a step back.
He concentrated the beam on the body. “From what I can tell, some sort of a saw was used.”
“To cut her to shreds. This is different than the other kills. I don’t think it’s the same guy.”
“He or she was angry, but same MO.”
“Meaning?” Grant knelt down and breathed out. “Poor girl. She can’t be more than twenty-five tops.”
The way the torso was angled, Montana was able to shine the light on crisscrossing whip marks. “She’s been beaten in a similar fashion as our three women vics. She was also bound at some point. Notice the ligature indentations.”
“I think you’re stretching it. Not only dominating assholes use belts and whips you know.”
“No, but take a look at this.” Using his gloved hand, he shifted the body, uncovering what appeared to be the tattered remains of intimate clothing.
“What the hell is that, a nightgown?”
“Corset. Notice the color. White.” He looked up as the Medical Examiner arrived. “Mr. Crandell can certainly tell us, but my guess is some of the whip and rope wounds aren’t fresh.”
“Meaning she was kidnapped and held?” Grant groaned.
“Exactly. I wonder if this is Maria Sanchez or Donna Walker.” He rose to his full height as the ME approached.
“Only one way to find out. I’ll make some calls.”
“Good.” Montana glanced back down at the girl. His next stop would be Club Noir.
* * *
Destiny held her breath as she drove up the length of the driveway. She peered out the windshield at the impressive house. Brightly lit, the Tudor style home and what she could see as expansive grounds were not what she had anticipated. From what she’d been able to determine on line about Christopher Worth, she’s expected a modern mansion of some sort.
She parked her car and remained sitting for a few minutes, collecting her nerve. The dress was something out of the back of her closet, emerald green in color. He hadn’t specified anything but her presence and there’d been no time to shop. While she wasn’t certain what to expect, she was prepared for almost anything. Almost.
Swallowing hard, she latched onto the handle and thought again about calling Montana. He’d called her three times and left one message – simply to call. Of course he’d be upset with her. Tonight wasn’t necessarily about the murders. She wanted to know more about the enigmatic man hiding behind a classic ruthless tycoon persona. There was much more to Chris.
After a few seconds of additional hesitation, she tapped on the front door. Hearing footsteps, she recoiled into the shadows, prepared to leave if necessary. What are you worried about? He’s a man, not a monster.
Chris opened the door, his eyes immediately flashing his appreciation. “You’re right on time and you look amazing.”
“Thank you. Mistress Jade stated that you were prepared for an entire night.”
