“What does that mean?”

  “It means that we found Michael Cavanaugh’s body.”

  The news wasn’t what he’d anticipate. “What?”

  Grant nodded. “Yeah. While he has marks indicating torture much like the others, I think his murder was more of an execution.”

  “An execution. That doesn’t mean he’s not our killer.”

  “Not according to the medical examiner. He’s been dead for days.”

  Montana tilted his head, glaring up at the sky. “Fuck!”

  “Yeah.”

  “The ME is certain?”

  “One hundred percent.”

  “The construction area is active. Why didn’t anyone find the body before?”

  Grant lifted his eyebrows. “He was dumped here but killed somewhere else.”

  “My God. The real killer wanted us to think Michael was responsible for the murders,” Montana said between clenched teeth.

  “Right on the money, partner. What do we do?”

  He dug into his pocket, pulling out the card. “See if you can find any DNA on this. Maybe our killer is running scared.”

  “Or maybe he’s just getting started. You’ll be lucky to find anything on the card.”

  “No other DNA?”

  Grant shook his head. “None. There is no saliva, semen, flesh under fingernails. Nothing.”

  Montana squinted. “Fucking fantastic. Well, we need to go to plan B.”

  “Which is?”

  “A decoy.”

  Grant shifted and placed his hands on his hips. “You mean someone going undercover as in Dr. Blade and no you don’t. You’re not on this case any longer. Do you hear me? You could lose your badge or go to jail.”

  Or die. Destiny’s nightmare rushed into the back of his mind. After a few seconds Montana nodded. “You’re right. We have to look in another area. We need to go over every detail again, including the clients on Ms. Devereaux’s list, however limited it is. She gave us a basic roster and I’ll guess they’re low on the totem pole, but maybe one of them will talk.” The idea wasn’t a bad one. See if one would turn on another.

  “There is no we here. There’s an entirely new team on this and talk about bringing the FBI in.”

  Montana hissed. “The fucking Feds?”

  “Hot case. Only a matter of time this will go national.”

  “No. That’s not why they want to bring the Feds in,” he said under his breath and glanced back up at the scene.

  Grant followed his gaze. “You’re thinking the very rich clients don’t want their names smeared so they’ll do anything, including committing a crime to stop allowing that to happen.”

  “Exactly.”

  “This just gets better and better. I’ll check for DNA. However, I don’t know what else to look for with the list. I’ve cross referenced until I’m cross eyed.”

  “Connections. See if any of the men are working together for any reason whatsoever. Maybe this is bigger than we’re aware of.”

  “Fascinating. Are you talking conspiracy?” Grant huffed.

  “Do you have a better idea?”

  “Honestly? No. Worth a try. You stay out of this and I’ll call you.”

  “Donna Miller?” Montana had the desperate need to get back to Destiny. The nagging in his gut was on high alert.

  “I checked on Michael’s mother. She’s fine, but I don’t think we have to worry about her any longer.” Grant raised an eyebrow.

  “No, I guess not.”

  “I pulled a favor from my buddies in Seattle. Her place is being watched. We’ll know if she’s a target anyway.”

  Montana nodded. “Good. What about the license plate?”

  “Oh yeah. You’re not going to like what I have to tell you.”

  “What?”

  “Christopher Worth. He’s worth about two hundred million dollars. Big wig real estate guy. He has no priors. There is little controversy that I could find about him. For all practical purposes, he’s an upstanding citizen.” Grant sniffed and shoved his hands into his pockets.

  Montana shook his head. “Fuck! I should have known. The mystery deepens. Let me guess, he’s a member of the club.”

  Grant grinned. “Well, he’s not on the list that the good Mistress gave us.”

  “I feel a ‘but’ coming on.”

  “I found some information that he’s had a past with one Ms. Jade Devereaux.”

  He opened his mouth, a strangled sigh pushing past. “I was right. The list isn’t complete.”

  “Nope. My guess is her very special clients are kept completely anonymous.”

  “You have to put the heat on her. You have to.”

  Grant exhaled. “I’ll do what I can.”

  “What money can buy.” Lies and murder. He glared at the mounds of dirt and steel poles. The mystery was beginning to unravel.

  Gina’s smile was fake as she showed the last patient into Destiny’s office. “Here you are.”

  “Thank you,” the man said as he walked inside.

  “Thanks, Gina.” Destiny was grateful Gina had stayed. Last appointment of the day. They were both unhinged after the delivery. The flowers had been hidden away, but the sight of them, as well as the card, remained in the forefront of her mind. She held out her hand. “Mr. Timmons. Thank you for coming.”

  “Brice. You can call me Brice.” He shook her hand and nodded.

  He was nice looking, professional with a kind smile and intense eyes. “You mentioned you were having nightmares that bother you. Can you tell me about them?”

  “I might be wasting your time, Dr. Blade. I haven’t had them in the last few days. Yes, they were quite debilitating and always the same horrific visions. I thought I must be going mad.”

  “Well, we’re all bothered at times by what’s going on in our lives. That’s much more normal that you can imagine. From what you’ve told me, you don’t seem to have any other concerns, or has something else manifested since we talked?” This one should be easy. Often people needed an ear, nothing more.

  “May I sit down?”

  “Of course.” She gestured then sat in the chair opposite.

  “Thank you. Nothing else. Work has been stressful and I’ve been working eighteen hour days. I’ve had some insomnia then when I started sleeping again. Boom.”

  “Okay, what about these dreams?”

  He sat back and crossed his legs, his eyes never leaving her. “The nightmare is always the same, but the women change.”

  “Okay. Go on.”

  “They come to me for punishment.”

  The words caught her off guard. Hair stood up on the back of her neck. “Punishment?”

  “Yes. A spanking. They love to be turned over my knee for a hard belting. They beg and plead, telling me they’re bad girls and need a harsh punishment. I always oblige, spanking their naked bodies until they whimper and cry.” Panting, he licked his lips.

  “Interesting. Mr. Timmons, I mean Brice, how did you hear about me?” She swallowed hard and gripped the edge of the desk.

  “A friend of mine. She said you were the best at what you do. She suggested I sit and talk with you. I told her what I was dreaming and she actually… Well, that’s for another day.” The laugh was maniacal.

  When her cell phone rang, she glanced down to see if Montana was calling. Christopher. Instantly her pussy was wet and she wiggled, the move allowing her to feel every welt. Hearing the patient describe exactly what she wanted was far too coincidental. She swallowed and hit the mute button. When she looked at her new patient, he was smiling. “I apologize. You were saying?”

  “These nightmares. I wouldn’t mind the erotic nature if they stopped there. I do enjoy spanking a woman from time to time. I love to see her face turning red, the way her voice changes to that of a little girl. I love to give her the discipline she needs. I think all women require punishment from time to time. Don’t you?”

  “Where do these visions go?” Why did his smile bother her so much? She noticed he’d sat up on his seat, his expression brimming with lust.

  “I hurt them. I’ve never hurt anyone in my life, especially a woman. I love women in and out of bed. I love the taste and touch, fucking them like the whores they are. Whores always stray and have to be put in their place. Don’t you agree?”

  She froze, her mouth dry. His words rung in her ears. Visions of being tied and whipped floated in the periphery of her vision. Then her doctor instinct kicked in. This was some asshole trying to goad her, perhaps garner a story. Yeah. She had his number. She stood to her full height and leaned over. “Mr. Timmons, I’m afraid I won’t be able to help you.”

  “I was told you were the best and that you truly understand the BDSM lifestyle. I was even told you were interested for yourself.” The grin widened.

  “I am happy to provide you with a list of names of other psychiatrists if you like.” She moved to walk around her desk, realizing her legs were shaking. Suddenly he was directly behind her. She could smell his cologne as well as the stench of cigars and garlic. Nauseated, she kept calm, refusing to allow the jerk to see her sweat.

  “I don’t want another doctor. I want you.”

  Destiny clawed the wood on the desk and swiveled around the corner. “I’m not the doctor for you and never will be. Thank you for coming in.” She remained unblinking until he took several steps back.

  He gave her a once over, his eyes settling on her breasts. “That makes me very sad. I believed you were different, not like the others. But I was wrong. Dead wrong.”

  “I wish you the best of luck, Mr. Timmons.” She maintained her composure until he walked out of the door. Then she slumped against the desk, panting as fear enveloped her system. After a few seconds she was able to breathe normally and walked out to the reception area. “Is the door locked?”

  “No, but I will. Are you okay?” Gina asked, her face full of concern.

  “That was weird. Some asshole reporter, no doubt. He thought I would give him an exclusive. Bastard. I’m not accepting any new patients until this murder investigation is over.” Hairs stood on the back of her neck.

  “I understand and I’ll kick him in the balls if I see him again.” Gina smirked as she locked the door.

  “I might just allow you to do that.”

  “Don’t tempt me,” she said then laughed. “So, that detective certainly cares about you.”

  Destiny smiled. “Yes, he does.”

  “And I think you care about him too.”

  “He’s nice.”

  “Nice is for puppies and children at a park,” Gina said as she chuckled. “You really like him. I don’t blame you. He’s sexy if you ask me.”

  “Well I’m not asking you.”

  “Just saying.”

  She shook her head. “I’m glad I have you. Have I told you that lately?”

  “Not enough. I know. I rock your world.”

  “You do. Just behave.” She glanced at her watch. “Go home. I’ll be fine.”

  “The detective would kill me. I’m staying until Mr. Knight in Shining Armor arrives,” Gina said then plopped down in her chair.

  “You’re bad. Terrible.” She heard her phone ringing again. For some reason she was terrified to look at the caller.

  “Why you love me so much.”

  Destiny rolled her eyes and sauntered back into her office, eyeing the phone. “Mistress Jade.” She debated answering, but her curiosity was far too great. “Yes?”

  “Ah, Destiny. I’m glad I caught you,” Mistress Jade purred.

  “What can I do for you?”

  “I have another Dom who is very interested in getting to know you. This is by special request.”

  “I will have to check my calendar.” Christopher wanted more. She was excited, her nipples swelling.

  “Yes. Well, I will need to know your answer within the hour so he can make arrangements with you.”

  She rubbed her finger across her lip, thinking about the kiss. “I know where Master Sampson lives.”

  “The client is someone else, an incredibly special and long-time customer. He noticed you at the club and insists on seeing you.”

  “Another client?” Destiny wasn’t ready for anyone else.

  “Yes. You aren’t exclusive to Master Sampson. You must know that.” Jade’s voice was terse.

  “Of course. I will call you within the hour.” Fear slithered in beside her longing.

  “See that you do.”

  She groaned and eased her phone onto the desk. Montana would kill her for even considering going.

  “The killer isn’t Michael.”

  Hearing the odd clip in Montana’s voice, she turned around. “How do you know?’

  “Because he’s dead.”

  “What? How?” A fog returned, invading every inch of her mind.

  “Murdered ironically enough.” Montana walked into the room, his face pensive.

  “Jesus Christ. So what now?”

  “At this point we’re at a dead end.”

  Destiny lowered her head and gathered her courage. “Maybe not.”

  “What does that mean? Did something happen?”

  “Yes. No. Nothing. I just had a call from Mistress Jade. She wants me to meet a very special client.”

  “Christopher Worth?”

  Taken aback, she let out a long breath. “No. How did you find out his name? You’re spying on me.”

  “I’m a cop. Remember? Besides, I’m trying to protect you, even though you’re going off half-cocked. He’s dead, which means the ballgame is wide open.”

  “So you are. Christopher is not the killer. I assure you of that. Someone else asked for me. I told Mistress Jade I wasn’t certain I had the time.”

  Montana nodded and closed the distance, hesitating while he looked out the window. He took both of her hands into his. “Do you trust me?”

  “I do. Why?”

  “No, do you trust me with your life?”

  Destiny searched his eyes and could see fear and worry as well as frustration. “Yes. I trust you more than anyone.”

  “Then call her back. Tell her you’ll go.”

  CHAPTER 24

  Montana fidgeted with the glass, rubbing his thumb back and forth across the crystal. He was taking a significant chance using Destiny in a sting operation and one not sanctioned by the police department. He was also taking her life into his hands. He’d fought his nagging demons on the way back from the crime scene but could see no other way. She was still the only lead in a convoluted case.

  He took a gulp, savoring the bourbon, and went over the plan in his mind for the tenth time. He’d follow her to the destination, wait and watch from a secluded location. Then he’d call for back up. Yeah. The ‘what if’s’ were killing him. So many things could go wrong. He was convinced she was still a target. He finished the drink and moved toward the bottle on the counter. While he needed to keep his wits, he also required some sort of courage, whether contrived or not.

  “Pour me one.”

  Tipping his head in her direction, he whistled. “Wow. You look…”

  “Like a whore?” Destiny asked as she entered the room.

  “No. I was going to say amazing.”

  She glanced down at her attire and snarled. “This was in the back of the closet. I’m lucky the dress still fits. You should see what’s underneath.”

  He very much wanted to. The body-hugging crimson sheath accentuated her full breasts and narrow waist. Imagining the slinky bra and panties underneath pushed his cock into a full erection. He poured her a drink and tried to gather his wits. “Are you certain you want to do this?”

  “Yes. If I can help catch this monster, performing is easy enough to do.”

  “But dangerous.”

  “I understand.” Her expression was serene, but she groaned.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. Today was odd.”

  “Did something else happen?”

  She laughed. “Just some reporter trying to obtain information for a story. The press is all over this.”

  “They’re all leeches, if you ask me.”

  “Sensationalism.”

  As he handed her the glass, he allowed their fingers to touch. The electricity was still there, sizzling to the point he was forced to look away.

  “Why is this happening?”

  “The murders or this incredible connection?”

  “Both,” she asked then sipped her drink.

  “I wish I knew.” He smiled and took a gulp of his own. They were both tense, unprepared for the future.

  “You know what’s weird? The concept of meeting a stranger is both exhilarating and terrifying.”

  “I can imagine,” he managed. “Tell me about Christopher.”

  “There’s very little to tell. I’ve met him a couple of times, only once for a session.” Destiny leaned against the counter.

  “A session. Wow. That’s what they call it now.”

  “Montana, we didn’t have sex. That’s not what being a submissive for hire is about, at least not for me.”

  He believed her, but he doubted the very special clients held the same convictions. “I understand. You want a man who takes control as well as provides a heightened level of ecstasy.”

  “Exactly. Your experience from being undercover might have jaded you, but I believe the desire is still there. Tell me, is that what you want?”

  “To control?”

  She nodded. “You wanted to own me, have me submit to you. Am I right?”

  “I never thought about such a question before the other night, but yes. When we were together and the way you acted, easily submitting, I wanted nothing more than absolute control. I fed off of your desires. I was blinded by an almost guttural instinct to dominate. Years ago, I might have thought the idea out of the question of my personal reality. Now, I want nothing more.” He heard the nervousness in his laughter. There was no denying his needs.

  She tipped her drink. “To new experiences.”

  “Yes.” As they touched glasses, he shivered, envisioning tying her to a cross, whipping her before pushing her to her knees. He swallowed hard as he could almost feel her mouth on his cock, sucking as he held her head. “What time is this Dom supposed to call?”