He exhaled and gripped the glass, bringing to rim to his lips. The taste of the liquor was soothing, yet he remained tense. She had said little since her discipline. While he hadn’t wanted to push her too far, she was more than ready to accept her obedience. She was curious, intrigued by his insatiable desires. He was worried he might lose control.

  Destiny shifted and he could see her pained expression as the material brushed across her welts. Perhaps he’d used more force than he should have, but her response was more than he’d anticipated. She wanted more. He walked toward her until he could see his reflection in the plate glass window. The bright moon highlighted the backyard and shimmering pool. She seemed to be studying the landscaping, drinking in what could be her new surroundings.

  “What are you thinking, sweet Skyler?”

  She lowered her head, a slight smile crossing her face. “Why you chose me.”

  “Why? I think you know why,” he whispered after consideration. The connection between them was formidable, unfounded. She was the woman he’d seen in visions for months. The ‘why’ was something else. He was drawn to her as she was to him. Unseen forces? Perhaps. While he wasn’t a religious man, their meeting had to be about karma.

  “I thought I did.” She darted a quick look and hid behind her glass of wine.

  “You do. You’re terrified of your thoughts and decisions. Your needs.”

  “I’m terrified I’m losing my mind.”

  Christopher laughed. She was fresh and powerful in her own right. He flanked her side, gazing out at what he’d taken for granted since he purchased the house. He didn’t care about the exterior. He wasn’t a homebody and had little need for entertaining. His alone time was far too important. “You’re finding your soul.”

  The words seemed to startle her. She turned toward him, her eyes twinkling in the dimness. “I’m not the woman everyone thinks that I am.”

  “Are any of us who we portray ourselves to be?”

  She shook her head. “No. That I know well from my patients. We all hide behind masks, some thicker than others. We perform on a day to day basis for our family, our jobs and the people we love. For many, madness is a viable option then dealing with what has become the norm.”

  “How sad yet profound. Why does anyone bother any longer?”

  “Good point,” she said then rolled her eyes. “I’ve become jaded over time.”

  “A protection.” He placed the palm of his hand on the small of her back. While she didn’t flinch, he could tell she was still uncomfortable. He brushed his fingers up and down her arm and moved in front of her. Nodding in reassurance, he lifted her chin with his index finger. “You are an amazing woman and I’m honored to have your trust.”

  Her lower lips quivered and she swallowed. “I don’t trust easily. I can’t.”

  “I know.” Lowering his head, he pressed his lips against hers, allowing the kiss to be a gentle reminder that he was first a man. When she responded by parting her lips, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into the heat of his body.

  She clung to him, digging her nails into his arm, and moaned into the kiss.

  He eased his tongue inside, simply tasting. He’d never experienced such joy, such dark and intense needs. He wanted nothing more than to own her, keep her safe from the monsters outside. A shifting thought sent a chill racing down his spine. He was the monster. Breaking the kiss, he took a long stride backwards.

  Confused, she opened her mouth as if to ask why then looked down.

  “I’m sorry. I know you need space and time.”

  “What I need is to know the real man,” she countered.

  “What if I told you that you wouldn’t like the real man?”

  Destiny sipped her wine before responding. “What if you don’t like the real Dr. Blade?”

  Before he had a chance to respond, his cell phone rang. He tipped his head back, resisting cursing, and tugged the iPhone from his pocket. “I apologize. I’ll just be a minute.”

  “Of course, Sir.”

  He smiled as he walked away. “Christopher Worth.”

  “Christopher. This is Jade Devereaux. There is a situation that you need to be aware of.”

  This was the last person he wanted to hear from. “As you are well aware, I’m busy this evening. Can it wait?”

  “I’m afraid not. I value your patronage and it seems the police have convinced themselves that I have a murderer amongst my clients.”

  Murderer? He exhaled and gripped the phone. “Meaning?”

  “You are aware of the women that have been murdered recently?”

  “I am.”

  “I hate to say, but a couple of the victims worked for me,” she stated, her voice hollow.

  He allowed the information to sink in and took long strides out of the kitchen. “I’m not certain what you’re getting at.”

  “I’m telling you that Skyler has been in contact with the police. She led them to another client of mine, one who is very innocent and as you can imagine, mortified at the accusations.”

  “Why are you calling exactly?” Christopher rubbed his eyes. Memories of the blood on his clothes, the missing hours blanketed the forefront of his mind.

  “Because I believe Destiny may be working with the police. I believe you may be getting a visit from two detectives.”

  The words were chilling. “What if your client is the murderer?” A bead of sweat formed at his brow.

  Mistress Jade laughed. “I assure you, I vet my clients very well before allowing them access to my girls. You, of all people, should know this.”

  Her research was very good, but certainly not all encompassing. “I’ll take your concerns under advisement. At this point I have no reason to be alarmed.” The hesitation on the other end was palpable.

  “Very well. I warned you. Whatever happens now you are responsible for. Good night, Mr. Worth.”

  Christopher glared at the phone. “Fuck.” Was he to honestly believe she’d called every one of her clients? He debated his choices before walking back into the kitchen.

  “Is something wrong?”

  “Unfortunately I have a business situation. Our night will need to end.”

  Destiny turned to face him. At first her look was pensive. Then her expression was knowing. “Very well. I’ll get my things.”

  Ten minutes later he stood very alone in front of the fire. Swirling his refreshed drink, he thought about the past few days. “You fucking monster.”

  After gulping the entire drink, he threw the glass into the fire.

  The shower did little to refresh him. Montana managed to swig down a few sips of coffee before heading to work. The morning news had been damning. They’d kept their information about Michael quiet, therefore according to the press, they had no suspects and the community was up in arms, terrified of the new mass murderer. This wouldn’t bode well for the investigation.

  He strode into the office, exhaustion about the only thing he could concentrate on. As he walked past several of the other detectives, he could feel eyes on him. Yeah, he and Grant looked like idiots. As he sat down in his chair, he looked at his phone yet again. Destiny had yet to respond to his messages or texts. He flipped on the computer and slumped in his seat. This was going to be one hell of a day.

  “You look like shit.” Grant placed a cup of steaming coffee in front of him.

  “Thanks. Always so chipper in the morning.”

  “Well, at least the ME should have his report later today.”

  “As if we don’t know what he’s going to say,” Montana said under his breath. He fiddled with the files on his desk. The killer was toying with them. They needed to get ahead, anticipate the next victim. “Did you find Donna Miller?”

  “Eight of them to be exact. Common name,” Grant said then shook his head. “I’ll check on the warrant again, but it’s not sounding promising.”

  “Why the hell not?”

  “Gentlemen. I need to see you in my office.”

  Montana looked up at the Sergeant. His face was expressionless, but his eyes were full of venom. “Is there a problem?”

  “My office. Now.”

  Grant opened his eyes wide and shrugged. They followed Sargent Wallace into his office.

  “Close the door.”

  Montana closed the door. “Is this about the warrant?”

  “The warrant? You mean regarding Club Noir?” Sargent Wallace huffed.

  “Yeah. We have information that the latest victim worked with Miss Devereaux as well. That gives us one to many connections,” Grant offered.

  Sargent Wallace glared from one to the other. “I’ve had complaints that you’ve been rousting her clients, interfering with her business.”

  “Rousting? We only talked with her.” Montana narrowed his eyes and took a step forward. He bristled and clenched his hands.

  “That’s not the way I heard it. I also had a call from Mr. Peterson. Mr. Ralph Peterson?” Sargent Wallace huffed. “I think you know him.”

  “We do, but he’s-“ Grant started.

  “He’s a major supporter of various business in the city. He’s also an advisor to the Police Council. Gentlemen, you pissed off the wrong man. He’s threatening to take police harassment to the press. Now, as you can imagine, this isn’t something that our department needs,” Sargent Wallace stated as he leaned over his desk.

  “With all due respect, we merely questioned him for information. He is involved in the scene.” Montana wasn’t surprised. Ralph Peterson certainly had connections.

  “The scene? I don’t care if he fucks a stable full of women. You are on a fishing expedition. You barged into Club Noir and demanded information, threatening Jade Devereaux that if she didn’t provide you with a full list of her clients, she would be prosecuted!” Sargent Wallace snapped. “She called you initially, remember?”

  “She knows more than she’s telling!” Montana countered.

  “You have no probable cause.”

  “Hold on here,” Montana hissed as he closed the distance. “At least three of the murder victims worked for her. I say there is plenty of probable cause for a warrant, if not more.”

  Sargent Wallace reared back. “And what about Michael Cavanaugh, the man who not only has pictures of the victims that could only have occurred while participating in a crime and the list with names of the murdered women?”

  Grant coughed and shifted from one foot to the other.

  “Sir, we have probable cause and that’s enough to give us the warrant needed.” Montana shook his head.

  “No, it’s not enough. The press is all over this, let alone the Mayor and now the Governor breathing down my neck. You’re a rogue cop, Detective Givens.” Sargent Wallace reared back. “You leave me with no choice.”

  “What the hell does that mean?” Montana demanded.

  “That means, detective, that you are being relieved of your duties on this case pending investigation.”

  “What the fuck?” Anger boiled in him, bridging the surface.

  Grant held out his arm and took a step forward. “We’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “No, you haven’t as of yet, Detective Miller, but your partner has by sleeping with a suspect.” Sargent Wallace shot Grant a look before tilting his head toward Montana.

  Montana sucked in his breath. How the hell did the Sargent find out? There was only one man who knew he’d slept with her. Furious, he fought lunging toward the Sargent. “The victims were her patients.”

  “Exactly. And she should be considered a suspect and not a girlfriend. You’re on leave effective immediately, Detective Givens. I’ll need your badge and gun.”

  Blinking several times, Montana bit back the nasty words that would no doubt get him fired. He turned to look at Grant, who’s face bore his guilt of conscious. After a few seconds he jerked out his badge, tossing the shield onto the Sargent’s desk and unsnapped his gun. “This isn’t over and you know it. The killer isn’t done yet. Blood will be on your hands. He held the gun in his hand, gave the Sargent a harsh look and dropped the piece onto his desk before storming out.

  No, this wasn’t over and there was only one way of getting the upper hand.

  CHAPTER 21

  Destiny stood on her back deck, savoring the time alone and thinking about the night before. The warm morning and light breeze cascading across her skin created goose bumps on her arms. Standing in bare feet and a light dress, she tipped her head, savoring the fragrance of wildflowers. She was grateful there were no early clients. She wasn’t certain she could face them. As she sipped on her coffee, she relived the night before. She remained euphoric, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The time spent with Christopher had been enlightening.

  She shifted and instantly was reminded of the aggressive discipline. Several of the welts would bruise. She’d wear her marks, his marks, like a badge, not of honor but of ownership. She gasped and pressed her hand over her mouth. Was she really considering the concept? Nothing seemed real any longer, not her profession or her most basic desires. She would drift through the day, contemplating when and if Christopher would arrange to see her again.

  The kiss had been amazing, but not what she’d expected. He’d told her, no romance. Then why something so intimate? She brushed the tips of her fingers across her lips and slumped against the railing. What in God’s name was she going to do? Red flags were there, but she was ignoring the most basic warning. Why? Seeing him meant succumbing and he would accelerate her training. What did he want, to collar her? She had no way of knowing, but suspected he was a sadist. The thought was riveting.

  Wrinkling her nose, she thought about the call. Whoever was on the other end had rattled the man. While he hadn’t told her anything, not even a hint regarding the conversation, she knew enough about him to gather he was upset, if not angry. Groaning, she took another sip of coffee. He was more of a mystery than before.

  She glanced at her watch and walked back inside. The September day was humid with storms predicted for late afternoon. Of all days, she had a late patient coming in and wouldn’t be home until after eight-thirty. She couldn’t help but think about Michael. He needed her help. If only he’d reach out.

  The coffee now tasting bitter, she poured the remainder down the sink then heard a knock on the front door. She hesitated before walking down the hallway, fear creating a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. A single form stood behind the frosted glass. “Yes?” she questioned without opening the door.

  “Jesus Christ, Destiny. Do you have any idea how many times I called you?”

  “Montana?” She unlocked and opened the door, shocked by the look on his face. “What’s wrong?”

  “What do you mean what’s wrong. Did you not see the news this morning?” He pushed his way inside.

  She opened her mouth to object then shut the door. “No. I was busy and in no mood for crap on television. Why?”

  “Because there’s been another murder.” He turned to face her. “Does the name Maria Sanchez mean anything to you?”

  A cold chill swept into her system. She blinked and tried to control her breathing. “She missed an appointment.” Dear God. What the fuck was going on?

  “She’s dead, mutilated by a machete. And there’s more.”

  “More?” Her voice sounded weak.

  “Yeah. Your good buddy Michael is most likely the killer and I believe you’re his next intended victim.”

  The news hit her hard. She eased against the wall as the lights seemed to dim, flashes floating in front of her eyes. “I saw him yesterday. He was outside my office.”

  “And you didn’t fucking call me?” Montana hissed and walked toward her.

  She shook her head and looked away. “I tried to find out what he was doing, but I lost him.” He had been waiting for her.

  “You are out of your mind. You could have gotten yourself killed. What is wrong with you?”

  “Michael. I can’t believe he’d hurt me. I can’t.”

  “Well, there’s a hell of a lot of evidence in his apartment to the contrary, including a list with names of the victims.”

  “What?” She tipped her head. The man was dead serious. “Where is he? Did you arrest him?”

  Montana snorted. “We have an arrest warrant out for him but he seems to have disappeared. Where did you follow him to?”

  “Near…” She tried to remember what he was wearing. Was he really there to kill her. Was he waiting for her or someone else?

  “Destiny. Listen to me. You aren’t safe here alone and I need to know exactly what you saw, where he went and if you’ve had any other contact with him. Phone call. Text. Anything else suspicious.”

  “He just walked around the block and I lost sight him. I tried Michael’s number several times, but he hasn’t returned any of my calls. I don’t know where he is. He hasn’t been at work for days, according to his boss.”

  “There has to be something you noticed, or a clue as to where he might be.”

  She folded her arms as a fog formed in front of her eyes. “No. I don’t know Michael that well. I can’t believe he’s dangerous.”

  “Yeah? Think again. You need to take this seriously. There were two additional names on the list and yours is one of them. You need police protection.”

  Destiny turned and walked toward the kitchen.

  “Where are you going?”

  “I need a drink.” Patients or no patients, she sensed Michael’s behavior was escalating. If only she’d seen the fracture before. Could she have helped him? “Do you want one or is the good detective on duty?” She pulled out a bottle of bourbon from under the counter. When Montana hesitated she looked in his direction. “What’s wrong?”

  He removed his suit jacket, tossing the coat on a kitchen chair. “Seems like I pissed off the wrong people.” He loosened his tie and rolled up his sleeves. “I’ve been suspended.”

  “What? Why?”

  “The man you were concerned about complained to my boss and Mr. Peterson has connections.”