“No one who should remember her, does. I can’t even find her birth or death certificate. It’s like she never existed. The real problem, I have my memories about her and this picture. That’s it.”
“That sounds a little far-fetched.”
“I have to meet her.” Matthew took one step as Kelly grabbed his arm.
“You can’t do that. You’ll scare her to death.”
“Then you introduce yourself. You have a friendly smile.”
“That will not happen. For now, let’s keep our distance and enjoy the zoo. Maybe tonight we can find them at the concert.”
“At least that’s a plan. Thanks for believing me when no one else has.”
chapter 18
Highest Bidder
The sun set over Lake Pontchartrain as the Sweet Melissa captained by Dr. Franklin headed toward it.
Debra stood by his side; her hand squeezed his shoulder. Her raven silk hair blew in the wind. “It’s a beautiful evening for a boat ride.” She took a deep relaxed breath and flipped her hair away from her face.
“Without a doubt. Glad you could join me. I’m distraught over the news about Kara.” I hope she doesn’t realize I don’t mean it.
“What kind of evil person does that to another human being? It’s a gruesome way to die.”
“My guess, a sick minded individual, indeed.” He took ownership of the fact with pride.
“Can we change the subject? The whole idea of a serial killer on the loose eats me up. It’s too close for comfort with your assistant being a victim. When they capture that freak they should execute him and not spend taxpayer’s money on a trial.”
“I thought you wanted to change the subject. Let’s talk about why you joined me tonight.”
“You made me an offer I can’t refuse. I didn’t want to wake up with a horses’ head in my bed.”
“Excuse me?”
“The Godfather movie? Make me an offer I can’t refuse. It’s a classic everyone needs to watch.”
“Not my style. However, to keep with your theme, I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse. I’ll cook dinner, if you choose the wine.”
***
With Cristi still spread eagled and chained, she felt the sting from the pressure washer pelting against her skin as Morty hosed her from head to toe.
“I’ve got to get you cleaned up. You go on sale tonight and you’ll bring lots of money. A private bidder from the Sudan pledged his starting bid at one million dollars. I told you, you had a sweet pussy.”
Cristi fought to escape the forceful water that mortared hard against her flesh; panic encapsulated her body. Her blistered brand on her shoulder burned like fire. She realized if she screamed, he would crack his belt across her back; so, she held strong to her inner soul.
“Good, I’m finished.” He turned off the tortuous device, dropped the hose and flashed a wicked shameless grin.
Milo snaked in unannounced.
Cristi’s eyes squinted. Maybe, if I can’t see him, I’ll wake up from this nightmare.
Milo watched his every step. “My crib ready?”
Morty jerked around to face Milo who handed him $13,210 in cash.
“That should cover my rent for six months.”
“It’s like you requested. Unfurnished and sound proof. Been untouched since the day they sent you up the river.” He flung the key to Milo and looked at his watch.
“Let me remind you to never rent it to anyone. If you do, I’ll suck the air out of your lungs.” Milo used his mental power and choked Morty giving him a little dosage.
Morty’s face turned red; his eyes bulged.
Milo released his hold. “Now that’s clear, you mind if I have another go at Baby Cakes?”
She’s all yours. Your performance will be perfect during her auction.
“What charity are you donating the auction money to tonight?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but the American Cancer Society and the Battered Women’s Shelter on Broad Street.”
What the hell? Cristi bit her chapped lower lip.
“Interesting choices.” Milo sat on Morty’s rusty chair; legs spread opened. He scratched his balls.
“Since when do you care?”
“It’s not that I care, I think it’s odd for you to give the money away.”
“I’m not in it for that. I love the thrill. Besides, those organizations need it.” Morty stoked the fire using the tip of the branding iron.
“I get the cancer thing, but the women’s shelter doesn’t make any fucking sense.”
“I don’t dislike women in general, it’s the beautiful and single brash woman I loathe. They’re nothing but trash. Look at her.” Morty darted his eyes toward Cristi who remained motionless as the flames from the iron cast stove flickered and lit her skin. “They remind me of my mother who sold me for drug money. It’s her fault I’m the way I am. You want a cig?”
Cristi juddered her breath. She should have wasted you. She faded in and out of consciousness.
“I prefer green. Now I understand why you sell who you sell. I get it.”
Morty moved to Cristi. He brushed his rough palm down her back. “There was one thing my dad taught me before he ditched us. Trash belongs in the dump. If it has value, sell it. Money is money.” His hands stroked her skin beginning at her shoulders down to her perfect globes. “I’ll leave you to her. Be sure to perform for the live auction.”
“With pleasure, Morty. Just don’t show my face.”
“If you want to wake her, the ammonia is on the workbench. Just don’t kill her. She is in hot demand.” Morty took his leave.
***
Morty’s apartment looked rather bare considering the money he earned from his branded stable collection.
“Deedra, launch my Red-Light program.”
“The Red-Light program has launched. Live auction starts in one minute.”
Awe, I really hate to let Cristi go.
His computer screen faded from blackness to a list of fifty bidders who posted their assigned confidential code name and country. Each time a higher bid surfaced, the bidder’s identifier moved to the top of the list.
“Bidding has commenced. The highest bid is one and a half million dollars from Nigeria.”
Morty watched the screen. It’s slow out the gate.
“The highest bid is three million dollars from the Sudan.”
He must really like Cristi.
“The highest bid is three million, five-hundred and fifty thousand dollars from Venezuela.”
A grin of savage male triumph emerged on Morty more than pleased with the bids. She’ll go for at least five.
“The highest bid is four million and two hundred thousand dollars from the Sudan.”
Bids came one after the other in rapid fire for the last twenty seconds as Milo exploded in her in full view of the auction participants.
“Auction has ended. The highest bid received was twelve million dollars from the Sudan. The Sultan transferred the money to the three accounts you specified.”
“Deedra, send a D-Mail confirming receipt of payment and the details for shipping the package.”
***
The Swamp Festival concert began at 8:00 PM that featured the King of Zydeco, the grandson of Rockin Dopsie Jr., a New Orleans native, famous for playing the washboard, his soulful voice and his moves like James Brown. His Papa D nicknamed the performer, Elvis, at birth.
Lorenzo and Blaze secured their spot to the left of the stage. Matthew and Kelly took their position three rows behind them.
The King of Zydeco held the microphone against his lips. “Somebody scream!”
The crowd responded as a huge roar rippled.
“Ya’ll ready for some old-time funk?”
The crowd screamed and waved their hands high in the air. “Hell yea.”
“It’s time for James Brown.” The band’s drummer took the cue and pounded the drum four times and the song Get Up I Feel Like A Se
x Machine electrified the crowd. The Zydeco performer danced, gyrated and landed in the splits bouncing back up to his dancing feet.
***
Debra and Dr. Franklin convened at the main cabin’s dining table. She placed her fork on her plate and leaned back. “That was fabulous. I realize you’re a professional surgeon, but a chef? Stop it.” She sipped her wine.
“What can I say, I have more than just one specialty.”
“Oh, do you? Please enlighten me.” It aroused her to tease him.
“If you don’t know, I’ll remind you.” Dr. Franklin rose, grasped her hand, directed her out of her chair and led her to the master bedroom cabin.
“I guess, I’m about to be reminded.” She smirked as she turned and gazed into his eyes. Her body tingled as she anticipated his touch.
As her lover, he sensed her desire and observed her nipples awakened through the thin silk blouse.
The steamy lovers entered the master cabin, entangled in each other’s arms. Dr. Franklin unbuttoned Debra’s blouse.
“Maybe you shouldn’t use your hands.” Her playful tone teased him further.
“No rules tonight. Make love to me no holds barred. I want you free enough to be yourself.”
“Now that’s an invitation I can’t refuse.” She leaned in and parted her lips. They passionately kissed as they hungrily stripped each other of their clothes. Their desire to taste each other overpowered any sensibility as they stripped any remaining clothing between their pulsating bodies leaving a trail to the bed.
He removed her white lace bra; her puckered nipples invited him a little closer. His hands slid over her smooth shoulders and stopped at her lower back. She moaned and beckoned for more. Hard and fast didn’t extinguish the passionate flames which burned between them.
The warm drift of her breath against his skin aroused him. He caressed Debra’s ass and thrust his pelvis against hers. She whimpered as she desired his power inside her. He caressed her inner crease.
“I can’t take this.” She muscled him onto the bed. He lowered himself onto the top of her. She trembled at his touch as she prepared to receive his glory. He baited her using his fingertips.
She became a pool of moisture at his will breathing hard. She lifted her hips, spread her legs more than ready and slipped his velvety shaft into her warm moist pearl. Their bodies ground in unison.
***
“Everybody having a good time tonight?” The Zydeco King whisked his washboard. “Nawlins is three hundred and fifty years old. It’s time to celebrate our city.”
The crowd screamed.
Lorenzo kissed Blaze on the cheek. “Are you having fun?”
“Absolutely. I’d have fun anywhere because I’m with you.” Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed Matthew and Kelly. She leaned close to Lorenzo. “Do you remember that freak I keep seeing? He’s behind me.
Lorenzo looked over his shoulder. “Where?”
Blaze looked back. “I think he saw me looking at him and left. He’s freaking me out. The news reported the Sorority serial killer stalks his victims before he kills them.”
“Let’s talk about this on the way home. He can’t hurt you as long as you’re with me. So, let’s live this free moment.”
“You’re right.”
The Zydeco King pulled off his washboard and stood at the edge of the stage as the crowd screamed. A row of arms caught him after he dove from the stage.
***
Roth perched his butt onto the steps of Blaze’s apartment building. He looked at his watch. I’m not waiting much longer. He observed Milo who left the shed. Milo’s Swastika tattoo shined in the moonlight. Something’s awkward about his behavior.
Sam rounded the corner from the back of the shed. He stopped, barked and turned in circles. Once again, he barked and loped back toward the shed. He stopped midway, stood at attention and gazed his alert eyes at Roth.
“Sam, what’s wrong boy? You’ll wake up the entire neighborhood.”
Sam barked and galloped back to the shed. Once at the chained door, he scratched it and continued to bark.
“Sam. What did you find?”
Sam barked again and scratched harder.
“Okay. Okay. I’m coming.” Roth ambled toward the shed.
Sam turned in circles, barked and headed to the back out of Roth’s sight. Sam returned, barked and darted back and pawed the shed’s side. The only thing that separated him from Cristi was the thick sound barrier wall. He still smelled her and the danger which surrounded her fate.
Inside, Cristi winced in pain and moaned. She jerked the chains around her wrists with the only ounce of strength which remained.
“Okay, boy. It’s probably a cat or a raccoon. Don’t kill it. I’m coming.”
Roth crept to the back. Sam barked once and stood at point not taking his eyes off the shed.
Roth shook his head. “Is anyone here? Do you need help?”
Morty bolted from the side and faced Roth as he pointed his rifle at him. “You better belong here; or you die where you stand. Put your hands in the air.”
Roth raised his hands high over his head. Sam stood at attention at his side and growled. “Easy Sam. Stay calm.”
“You’re that kid who asked about Blaze Angela. You better talk.”
“I’m only looking for my dog. See, he’s right here. He chased a cat and wouldn’t stop barking. It could’ve been a nutria. Hell, I don’t know. I’m very sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to alarm you or anyone else. You can call the police. I’ll tell them the same thing. I’ll even call them for you if you like.” Roth slowly pulled his cell phone from his front pocket.
“Watch it.”
Roth’s heart pounded as if it were about to pop out of his chest. He shook not knowing if he would shit or piss in his pants. “I’m sorry. I was only getting my dog.”
Morty lowered his rifle. “Don’t let me catch you or your dog back here again. I’ll shoot you the next time and won’t ask questions. Now, get the hell out of here.”
Relieved, Roth bent and grabbed Sam’s collar. “Heel.” He and Sam bolted and did not look back until they reached the safety net of the orange and white van.
chapter 19
Search Parameters
Congressman Thompson entered the reception hall to Twist and Shout by the Beatles sung by the front man of the wedding reception band. He scanned the packed event. The bride and groom let everything loose as they twisted to the song. They’re having fun, good for them. The band and the out-of-control dancers who twisted to the song on the dance floor seemed carefree and tanked-up.
The band leader twisted in a full circle as the song ended. “All the single ladies to the dance floor. It’s time for the bouquet toss.”
The dancers scattered like ants as the single women gathered around the bride.
Congressman Thompson, confident he chose the best reception venue gleamed politician style. A perfect place full of voters who will remember me taking the time to congratulate the bride and groom.
The bride stood in the center of the dance floor. She turned her back to the single women as the groom stood to her side. He leaned in and gave her a kiss. “Aim well. There are a lot of single ladies behind you.”
The bride looked over her shoulder. “You girls ready?” She tossed the bouquet toward the women who fought for the flower prize much like seagulls fighting over thrown bread.
The Congressman headed for the bar and merged into the line six people deep. A man wearing a tuxedo with a pink carnation on his lapel, joined the line behind him. He turned to the good-looking stranger. “Are you here for the bride or the groom?”
“I’m a friend of the grooms. And you?”
“Neither, I’m Congressman Thompson. I thought I’d congratulate the newlyweds on their nuptials. I got married a couple of days ago and thought it would be a nice gesture.”
“Would be, but I don’t think you’d be welcome. The bride’s dad is running against you in May.”
“Thanks for the heads up. You want to leave and get a real drink?”
“Absolutely. I’ve been looking for an excuse to leave. Now, I have one. I’m Michael Edmunds. Nice to meet you.”
“Let’s get out of here.”
***
Marge entered the garage lab furious at Judas. She stared at him with fury. “You can’t go through with this. It wasn’t safe twenty years ago and it’s not safe now.”
“You worry too much. I’ve made lots of advancements in laser and sonic communication. The fourth dimension is now a reality and not a theory Hawking predicted.”
“Hawking also made lots of predictions and issued lots of warnings.”
“Name one warning about what I’m doing that Hawking preached.”
“He wrote that if aliens ever came, they would likely be hostile and take over our planet. They would annihilate us.”
“I’m not contacting aliens from outer space. That’s up to the crew on the U.S.S. Hawking. Remember, I’m contacting the fourth dimension.”
“Hawking also warned, ‘We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn’t want to meet.’ That should be reason enough to stop what you’re doing.”
“If you don’t like this, you can leave. File for divorce. Get away from me. This is the most important scientific discovery ever made. Hell, I got more support working for Dr. Angela than I do from you. Now get out and leave me alone.”
Marge reached for one tool on the lab table. Judas grabbed her by the arm and shoved her away. The plasma cube pulsed followed by a loud obnoxious static noise. “You would use that to stop me? Don’t make me angry again.”
“Can’t you see what it’s already doing to you?”
Judas glared at Marge. He pointed to the door. “I’ve told you before you’re welcome to leave.”
“You know that’s not what I want. I want the man I married. Not this… whatever you have become. I’m begging you. Stop this before it’s too late.”
“It’s already too late.” Judas placed his hands over the cube.
The plasma ball pulsated sending an electrical blue discharge onto Judas as his body shook like an earthquake. A sinister dark robotic voice enveloped the lab. “I am Judas, I come from the fourth dimension.” Judas’ eyes turned electric blue.
The Keystroke Killer Page 19