Beep!

  “Shit!” Dear God. She’d stepped off the curb. Jerking back, she slapped her hand over her heart and calmed her breathing. What the hell is wrong with you? He remained motionless, almost daring her to come to him. Anger replaced whatever level of fear she might have had. He was toying with her and she was pissed. If he had any information about the murders, by damn he was going to tell her. She sprinted back toward the car. He was still in plain sight when she threw open the door and climbed inside.

  Gunning the engine, she reversed out of the parking spot, her tires squealing when she braked to a halt. Traffic kept her idling but he remained still, statuesque. Was he grinning? Asshole! She looked continuously from right to left and after a full minute, her impatience took over and she floored the gas, careening in front of oncoming traffic. Honks and hand gestures only infused her increasing rage.

  The few seconds she’d taken her eye off of the sidewalk, Michael had disappeared. She checked her rear view mirror and eased into the right lane, determined to find him. Whether confronting him was a good idea didn’t matter any longer. If he had something to say to her, then he was going to spill everything.

  Leaning forward, she craned her neck and noticed a man walking briskly. In definitive motions, he turned a corner, his pace quickened. She hissed given the traffic was crawling. When she made it to the turn, she jerked the steering wheel and flew down the street. Michael was nowhere to be seen. She drove for several blocks, turned around and headed the opposite way. No sign of him. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Slapping her hand on the dashboard, she was forced to stop at a light and debated what she should do. If he didn’t want to be found, then he had several opportunities to hide in a store or slide down a back alley toward his car.

  This was stupid. She’d wasted twenty minutes. Time she didn’t need to lose. She pulled to a curb, shoving the gear into park, and climbed out of the car. She scanned every inch of both sides of the street. He was there. He was watching. He was also laughing. She’d bet on her medical license the man had played her all along. She debated calling Montana. He should know what he was dealing with.

  Reality slithered into the back of her mind. What was she going to tell him? That some guy that she’d never be able to identify appeared to be standing on the opposite side of a public street? Or that she decided to follow some stranger, driving like a maniac in an effort to track him down? Now she rolled her eyes. Her behavior was bordering on insidious.

  Disgruntled, she eased back into her car and pulled out her phone. Missed call. Hmmm… At this point she was either going to go to Master Sampson’s house or crawl into a hole. A sly smile crossed her face, desire burning within. Time to shed the mask.

  “One beer. That’s it. I’m not in the mood,” Montana said under his breath. He’d had disturbing thoughts the entire day and his concerns about Destiny’s safety were off the charts. She wasn’t returning his calls. They’d driven by her home and the office, finding nothing. With no direct threat, he couldn’t authorize a patrol car to watch her home, no matter how damning Michael’s note seemed to them. But he knew that it was only a matter of time.

  “Yeah. Yeah. That’s what you always say. There’s nothing more we can do. Every cop in the city is looking for Michael. We’ve been to his place of employment, talked to the ex and there are officers staking out the shit hole he lives in. I think we earned a brewski.”

  He shoved his hands into his pockets and nodded toward Grant. Exhaustion mixed with frustration. Soon rage would consume the rest of him. “We’re missing something.”

  “When you figure that out, let me know, partner. Come on.”

  They walked into the dimly lit corner venue and pushed through the crowd toward the bar. This was their usual hangout, a joint frequented by cops and members of the local fire department. He acknowledged several off duty officers as they passed.

  “What it be, guys?” The bartender grinned as he leaned over the bar.

  “Hey, Joe. Two draft Budweisers,” Grant answered. “Any activity today?”

  “Nothing to write home to mama about,” Joe answered. He shot a look around him before placing both hands on the bar. “I’m hearing this serial killer case is in nowhere land.”

  “Yeah? What else have you heard?” Montana rubbed his eyes and eased onto a stool. They were getting heat from all sides.

  “Just that the guy you’re looking for is missing.”

  The grapevine was ripe. Montana gave Grant a look. He wasn’t in the mood to hear any crap. “We’re looking for him.”

  “Prostitutes. Who cares?” Joe snorted as he moved away.

  “Yeah, who cares?” Grant hissed. “Does it matter that we have Senators and prominent businessmen involved?”

  “Possibly involved. Michael certainly isn’t part of that particular pack. Neither was Mark Ramos, but he is dead after one night with a submissive.”

  “Why couldn’t he be?”

  Montana gave him a look. “Do you think he had that kind of money?”

  “Good God. You know how money can be hidden away.” Grant admonished.

  “Maybe.”

  “Let’s concentrate on Mr. Cavanaugh.”

  “Yeah. He seems to know some of the best clients or at least know of them.” They’d taken two hours to look through Michael’s apartment. The guy not only kept a list of victims or possible victims, he also had a detailed list of Club Noir clients – something he would check with Mistress Jade on. How could a psychiatry patient have acquired so many names? “We need to go down the list one by one.”

  “And what do you think the Sargent is going to say?”

  “That we’re doing our jobs.”

  Grant laughed. “Right. This is an election year. The Mayor is breathing down his neck but oh, the Mayor just might be on this list. We have a potential perp. If you ask me, the guy is looking pretty damn good as our murderer.”

  Montana wasn’t so certain of anything any longer, except for his feeling regarding Destiny. Then again, he wondered whether his judgment was already clouded given their relationship. Relationship. They had one night of sex. “Drink. I need to think.”

  “You mean you need to find your sweetie.”

  “She’s the only connection and she was on Michael’s list!” He realized he’d raised his voice just enough that others looked in their direction.

  “We’re trying to find him. Okay?”

  Joe pushed two beers in their direction. Montana grabbed the glass, chugging one third. He thought about his time with Destiny, both intimate and otherwise. She was not as forthcoming as she pretended. She was also putting herself in harm’s way with her amateur investigation. Should he allow her to go undercover? He could lose his badge.

  They sat quietly, drinking their beer and listening to various conversations. Grant shifted, enabling him to see the entire crowd. “Maybe there’s more than one killer.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “What if this is about more than some guy hunting down and slicing and dicing for kicks?”

  Montana tilted his head. “Go on.”

  “I don’t know. You keep telling me the lifestyle is about domination, which in my book means control. Then again, what if Mistress Jade is part of a larger scheme?”

  “As in she’s the ringleader of a major crime ring?” Not that the thought hasn’t crossed his mind.

  “Think about it. She’s behind this Submissive for Hire gig. She knows everyone who’s anyone in the city so she could certainly blackmail at will. What prominent citizen would really want their sick needs coming out in the public?” Grant’s eyes opened wide. “I think I may be onto something here.”

  He sighed and thought about his partner’s words. “Maybe. I do think we need to talk to Ms. Devereaux again.”

  “We do. Finish your beer.”

  “Yep.” Montana gulped the liquid as he thought about Grant’s concept. Blackmail. Of course. What if she was playing both sides? Money was the root of all evil after all. His phone buzzed, vibrating against his chest. He yanked out his phone. “Precinct.”

  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.”

  He tilted his head as he ushered her inside. “Does that mean that you’d like to take care of payment right away?”

  “I would. This is a business rendezvous after all.” The words allowed her to keep her distance. She held her head high until he nodded and gestured her further inside.

  Chris remained quiet as he walked to the back of the house and into what appeared to be an office.

  She was surprised the house was rather austere in furnishings. There were few pieces of art and what there were seemed to express a myriad of intense emotions. Splashes of vibrant color, muted but angry faces and disjointed bodies seemed to scream out violence and oppression. She kept her distance from his desk as he pulled out a checkbook.

  He gave her a single look before grabbing a pen. “Ten thousand dollars is the arrangement. One night, anything I request and from here on out you are my submissive. Do you understand?”

  The words were hollow, said without inflection. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good.” He sighed as he ripped off and handed her the check. “This isn’t about romance. This is only about my pleasure. As per the contract, there are no safe words, no out once you agree.”

  Was he testing her, trying to see what she was made of? No out. Was this what her patients had experienced? Ugly thoughts and visions floated through her mind. No, this man wasn’t going to hurt her. She held her ground, nodding and lowering her eyes. Before she looked away, she’d caught a glimpse of sadness. Shoving the check into her purse, she continued to gaze down, unmoving, awaiting his instructions.

  “Come into the living room.” Chris walked past her without so much as a gesture.

  Destiny followed. Her skin crawled with each passing minute from fear and reservations about her ability to follow through. She stole a glance at the room. The incredible stone fireplace was the centerpiece. Leather seating and wood grain tables were positioned in a cozy setting, complete with a fur rug covering much of the area in front of the hearth. Candles and low lighting illuminated shadows in the far corners of the room.

  “You may drop your things in the chair,” he stated as he walked closer to the fire.

  “Yes, Sir.” She did as he commanded, placing her purse on the chair.

  “Turn around in a full circle, arms out.”

  The tone of his voice was commanding, full of husk. She obeyed and shivered when he walked closer.

  He stopped two feet from her. “Once again.”

  Destiny twirled, her heart racing.

  “Very nice. The color suits you. Remove your clothes. Leave on your heels.”

  The command was expected but she shivered, terrified of what was to come.

  “You will respond when I give you an order and answer my questions. Am I clear?” Chris took a step closer.

  She jerked her head up and was admonished by the cold expression on his face. “Yes, sir.” Her fingers fumbling, she untied the front of her dress. She kept her head down and sucked in her breath, resisting tears that threatened to form. She’d wanted this. She needed to know and experience. There would be no looking back.

  When the dress had fallen to the floor, she started to turn around to unfasten her bra.

  “No. I need to see all of you.” Chris exhaled and folded his arms.

  “Yes, sir.” Her lips were dry, her throat clenching. She closed her eyes as she unfastened and removed her lace bra. Cold air swept across her chest. Instinctively she crossed her arms over her breasts.

  “No. You never hide your body from me. Never. Discipline will be swift and severe. Do I need to be any clearer, Skyler?”

  Jesus. He’d use her submissive name. “No, sir. I understand, Sir.” Yes, she heard the hint of scorn in the tone of her voice. She lowered her arms and clenched her fists.

  “Panties.”

  She’d never felt so damn naked in her life, but she did as she was told.

  “Very nice. I approve. Every time we are together you will be inspected.”

  “Inspected?”

  Chris exhaled and closed the distance, cupping her chin. “You’re impetuous. You’re also unsure of what you want, so I will ask you one time. Are you here of your own free will and do you want to stay?”

  Destiny darted her eyes up to glance into his. His expression had softened. “I do, Sir. I’m just…” A nervous laughter slipped past her lips.

  “Afraid? Don’t be. You long for someone to control you, dominate you in a manner that allows you to experience pleasure and pain. Fear will ease in time, only desire and the hunger to please remaining.” He rubbed his thumb across her lips and gave her a slight smile. “I’ll never harm you, but I will hurt you. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, Sir.” This time her voice was shaking, however, she refused to be timid. “I do, sir and I want.”

  “I’m glad to hear.” He kept just the tips of his fingers on her skin as he rubbed down the length of her neck to the tops of her breasts. “Very nice indeed.” He continued the path, encircling first one nipple then the other before moving behind her. He wrapped his hand around her neck, digging his fingers into her skin as he used the other hand, palming her spine all the way down to her buttocks.

  She held her breath and once again closed her eyes. When he tapped her on the ass, she issued a single moan.

  Chris squeezed her neck and lowered his head, whispering in her ear. “Obedience begins with discipline. He swatted her twice more on the buttocks before breaking the hold and inching back.