by D. L. EVANS
“Well,” she reassured me as she put dishes in the sink “I’ll deal with it Adam. Don’t worry about us, I can handle Roger and I’m sure not agreeing to anything with this stupid cloud of doubt and suspicion hanging over him. Now, tell me what’s happening about your book. All this paper mess everywhere reminds me how your place looked when you were writing the Stalking Murders. How is it shaping up? Is it going to be another murder story?... Maybe about Morgan, or Hennessy?”
“Yes, no and maybe. Truth is I don’t know yet. Mack is providing me with condensed versions of his notes and I’m adding my own preambles. Guess I’m getting swamped. Mack is a little, um, what’s the word... enthusiastic about helping me. He has some valid suggestions but I’m going to have to beat him off with a stick if he gets any more involved.” She laughed. “Some of these files have to do with the two missing women and the one found decapitated, but I have quite a bit on Morgan and Hennessy too. I’m also quite fascinated with Vlad Roman as a potential character.”
“Humph, you and the rest of the world.” she interrupted.
“... and I find I keep coming back to him as a suspect, at least in my version of reality. In real life, he doesn’t have a motive, unfortunately.” I finished.
“I take it that Mack has checked that all his lovely models are alive and healthy?”
“You got it,” I agreed. “Not to mention adoring of the great master as well.”
“Are you going to make him a villain in your book, even though he’s innocent in life? He could sue your ass off.” She laughed.
“I’m going to take artistic license and either make him the bad guy, you know, an artist wanna-be who kills his models ‘cause he’s insane, or maybe I’ll use him as a red herring. This book will be fiction so I’m going to play with facts as usual. You won’t recognize him when I’m finished... I hope. I’ve got a rough draft of the first chapter if you’d like to read it?”
“Great. I’d love to. I’m so pleased Adam, you have no idea.”
Her eyes sparkled and she gave me a kiss on the cheek. She took the manuscript I handed her and curled up on my couch, immediately immersed in the words. I started to clean off the table when Lauren looked up and said, “You know, talking about Roman, when I interviewed him on my show he said something that seemed strange. I can’t quite remember what it was but I do remember the unsettled feeling he gave me for a minute.”
The ‘phone rang. I answered. It was Mack.
“I just wanted to fill you in on the days events,” Mack said. “Things are happening Adam. Can you feel it?”
“Feel what?” I answered.
“I don’t know exactly but something’s in motion.“
“Christ. I’m surrounded by spooks. You sound just like Annie. What’s in motion?”
“I told ya. Things are starting to gel. We’ve traced the legit security company at Summerhill Glen back to Harmon. We think - that’s Reese and me- think Harmon’s running a little illegal scam involving extra cameras, not exactly in the contract. They’ve got to be linked back to the fox’s den. He could easily hide them in that huge building where they actually design and build the damn things. He almost never leaves the place. Now’s the time to be careful so things can’t backfire in court and bite me in the ass. Reese is getting a court order to search the building. By the way, I’ve asked Annie a favour. Tomorrow, at nine sharp I want both you and Annie to meet Reese and me, plus our little team of buskers outside Harmon Labs. Can you make it?”
“Sure. Did I hear you right? You want Annie and me in on a police search? Harmon’s not going to go along with that.”
“Harmon is at the end of his rope. If he puts up a fuss then you don’t go in but I’m betting he’s cleaned the joint and thinks he has nothing to hide.”
“You really want Annie to see if she can sense anything, don’t you?”
“If I’m right, I think the accident victim from her past is watching her from somewhere in that building. I’ll bet Annie will know. Is there a problem with this, Adam? This is as much for her as anyone. How much longer can this go on? I’ve already asked her and she’s anxious to go.”
“Then count me in. Lauren is here and she wants to know if you’ve heard anything on Vlad yet?”
“Lauren is there?.....uh, no, tell her nothing yet.” He went strangely quiet on the line. I struggled for something to say. “Oh yes, Mack. Remember when I asked you to record Lauren’s show when she was interviewing Roman, that night I was over for dinner?”
“Are you fucking with my head, Adam?” I could hear the panic in his voice. I imagined the infamous closet with all the DVD's of Lauren’s shows in his living room.
I waited a long minute while he fumed, worried sick that I would say something. “You know,” I explained carefully as though he couldn’t remember, “it was before my own electronic stuff was hooked up and I was curious about him?” Lauren tilted her head with a puzzled expression on her face. I smiled reassuringly.
“You’re on thin ice mate, real close to death maybe,” he hissed. “That closet is private.”
“Well, “ I continued quickly, “Lauren remembered something that Roman said that seemed a bit strange and she can’t recall what it was. I was wondering if you kept the DVD?... (silence) You did? That’s great. I’ll have her pick it up on her way home and have a look at it, you know, to jog her memory. If it’s all right with you.... “ (silence) Thanks Mack.”
“You listen to me Adam,” Mack said with a thick Irish accent, “Lauren finds out what’s in the closet and yer a fucking dead man walking,” Mack threatened and slammed down the ‘phone.
“.... Sure,” I said to the dead line, giving my best smile to my sister. “See ya tomorrow.” I gently hung up and turned to Lauren. “Do you mind picking up the DVD...? I just assumed you’d like to see the interview again. You know, find out what he said that was... unsettling?”
“Great. No problem.” Since, as far as Adam knew, she had never been to Mack’s house before, Lauren remembered to add, “Just write down his address for me. I am surprised though that you bothered to catch any of my shows. I didn’t know you cared. “
“Hey, I’m the nice and caring one. Just ask Mom. Besides, I was curious about the great artist and I’d heard that it was quite a coup getting him for an interview. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.”
“Yes, I’m particularly proud of that one, I’m glad you recorded it, or should I say that Mack did. Not to change the subject Adam, but what I’ve read here so far is terrific. This story about the little boy nearly drowning in the Don River was in the papers a while ago… but saved by a headless corpse? Wow. It’s going to be a sensational way to start things off. No one will be able to put it down. Give me a minute to finish and I’ll be out of here so you can get back to the computer. No wonder Mack can’t stay out of the picture. He can smell another best seller too, I bet.”
“Are you kidding? He wants to star in the movie! He’ll be taking acting lessons next. Thinks he’s a ringer for Piers Brosnan, younger of course.” We both laughed.
She read for a few minutes and finished the chapter. “Incredible!” was her only other comment. I wrote down Mack’s address and she put it in her purse. As she walked towards the door, she paused and asked, “Remember when you said that Mack would be very upset when he heard that I was engaged?”
“Ya, what about it?”
“Did you mean that he would be upset that I was getting married or just that he didn’t like Roger for some personal reason?”
“Why?”
“Just answer me.”
“He doesn’t like Roger for sure but he’s more than a little fond of you. Is that what you wanted to know?”
“He doesn’t act like he does. In fact, I find him rather stiff and formal when I’m around.”
“Hmmmm. I wonder why?”
“Is he... you know.... a dangerous person? I sense that he’s always being careful, trying to stay detached and unemotional in case
he loses his temper. Am I close?”
“Spot on. He’s capable of incredible emotion, violence even, but control is everything to him. He had a father that ... well, didn’t control his temper.”
“I see. Yet, he’s been your best friend and partner for years. Why aren’t you singing his praises to me?” She placed the first chapter back in the folder and gave me her serious ‘I’m waiting’ expression.
I struggled for the right words. “Look, I recall once before telling you that he was a decent guy and you nearly bit my head off. Matchmaking is not my thing. I have enough trouble sorting myself out. In fact, I think it’s my philosophy that it’s everyone’s job in life just to figure out what the hell is going on."
“Fair enough. You’re right. I just wish that he would let me know.... oh, I don’t know what.” She sighed. “Forget I said anything. I’m glad I’m going over to his place. I hear he makes the best cup of coffee on the planet and I need one. See you later.”
It wasn’t until she was out the door that I thought ‘how did she know Mack made the best coffee in the world?’ It would take twenty minutes to drive to Mack’s place. Ten more minutes to get in the door and get comfortable. I waited. Half an hour later I called Lauren’s cell ‘phone. She answered. “Is Mack in the kitchen making coffee?” I asked.
“Adam. What’s the matter?”
“Is Mack there?” I repeated.
“He’s in the kitchen grinding coffee beans, no less. I have the DVD. Do you want me to get him?”
“No. I’d rather he didn’t know that I called. Look towards the wall opposite the kitchen. Do you see a closet beside the bookcase?”
“Yes. Adam, what is this about?” she whispered.
“Nothing terrible. Just go look in that closet. See you tomorrow.” I hung up.
Chapter Fifty-Four
Mack McKenzie
Mack arranged chocolate biscotti biscuits beside the steaming coffee on the tray. Lauren had mentioned a long time ago that they were her favourite and Mack remembered. He remembered everything about Lauren. He was going to make a good impression if it killed him. It Looked like Roger was out of the picture and maybe, just maybe Lauren was not too upset over the break up. Mack would be there for her.
Mack carefully balanced the tray of coffee and carried it into the living room. Lauren walked over to him and took the tray away, placing it on the nearby end table. Mack was caught off guard. He'd planned to start the conversation with casual comments about the successful bank opening, hoping to make her comfortable, but her aggressive action of taking away the tray before he even got to the coffee table left him speechless. He was about to ask her what was up when he noticed the door to the cupboard was open. Lauren had obviously seen his enormous collection of Town Talk DVD's stacked in order on the shelves and the professional publicity photos of her neatly taped on the back of the door. He was inarticulate with shock.
Lauren was thrilled. At last the mouthy, but gorgeous little Irishman had nothing to say. She stepped out of her heels. They were now exactly the same height. Mack remained silent but she noticed a slight red colour on his clean-shaven cheeks. She took a step closer to him, which put her squarely in his personal space. He was breathing deeply, and no doubt struggling for something smart to say to cover his embarrassment.
To her surprise he said, "I was planning a long campaign to win your … respect. I planned to help you get over Roger and start with me. Am I out-to-lunch?"
Lauren waited a long, long moment and then whispered, "Y'know what I think?"
Mack could hardly speak. What ever could she be thinking right now? He cleared his throat. He could smell her shiny hair and feel her breath, she was that close to him.
"I must admit that I have no idea," he confessed still feeling flushed and embarrassed.
"I'm thinking, the best way to get over someone, is to get under someone else."
Mack thought about those words for about a nanosecond before he took her in his arms and kissed her. It was savage and stunning as he reacted to the primal emotion that was now running through him. Lauren responded instantly and moulded herself against him, feeling that he was already hard and demanding. Several kisses later she pulled back and stared into his dark blue eyes. "Go get what we need," she ordered.
Mack returned from his bedroom with the necessary protection. Lauren smiled as he came to her without hesitation this time and held her head in a deep kiss. She probed his mouth with her tongue and teased him until he had to pull away.
Mack backed her onto the generous couch and on his knees he started undoing the buttons to her silk blouse. He was too slow for Lauren. She helped him by ripping the delicate fabric, scattering the buttons everywhere. Mack was busy praying to God, thanking Him that his prayers were answered. Mack stared into her eyes. The pupils were dilated with lust as she wiggled out of her skirt and bra, leaving a lacy triangle covering her. Her breasts were incredible!
She could not get enough of him. Mack stood and took off his clothes as quickly as he could and then joined her on the couch. He used his teeth and tongue, nipping, sucking and kissing as he made love to her face with his mouth alone. He wanted to devour her. It was as if he was starving.
Lauren wanted all of him. She had never felt such fire. Every touch, every shift of his body was like a choreographed move in a fantastic dance of passion. Mack anticipated her every need; flooding her senses as she moved with him. She wanted to know every inch of him as she ran her fingers over his shoulders, back and sides, then lower, over his belly and lower still, until she had him in her two hands. She squeezed him, cupped him, stroked him. It took a few seconds to slide the condom on as he moaned with pleasure.
Almost insane from her touch, he tore away the lace triangle and found her wet and ready for him. He touched her everywhere, driving her wild with desire. The cherry red nipples on her full, firm white breasts became hard in his mouth as his hands worked.
She opened for him and guided him, and he thrust deeply. She moaned and writhed pulling his waist to her in an ever-increasing rhythm as they moved together. Time spun away. It became suspended. They crested the wave together, mouths meeting and sliding into continuous kisses.
Lauren felt she had lost her mind. With his touching and kissing Mack had taken her higher than she had ever been before. Where did he get all that wicked energy? He was insatiable and had incredible stamina. She ran her hands down over his flat stomach, once again taking him in her hands. She leaned over and ran the tip of her tongue over him, just the lightest fleeting touch, before straddling him face to face. She rubbed him against her, kissing his neck and rocking her hips. Then she arched in an edgier demand and Mack kissed her lips as he entered and brought her to an instant orgasm that ripped through her, emptying her mind and stealing her breath away.
Mack lay comfortably beside Lauren as she calmed. Her skin glowed. How had this amazing woman ended up in his arms? He ran his fingers lazily over every inch of her slowly, savouring her skin, the smooth silkiness. She smiled at him.
"What are you thinking? she asked."
"You have an awesome amount of freckles," he said and they both laughed.
"I was wrong about you Mack, so wrong. I can't believe how amazing we are together. It's magic".
Then she looked at him and was bewildered by the look on his face. "You look sad, what's the matter?" she said. "Am I alone in this? You don't feel the same? Talk to me… What are all those discs about?"
Mack didn't answer. The words wouldn't come.
She rolled over to face him. "Don't tell me that I was just a fantasy and now that I'm really here, you're not interested anymore? I'm just a one-off?" Lauren was fuming. She moved away from him and sat, beautifully naked on the bedside chair.
Mack suddenly knew he had handled this badly. "Christ, no, no. What are you saying girl. Being here with you is everything, Lauren, EVERYTHING. You're the most amazing woman on the planet, in every way possible. That's the point. We started off badly
, you remember?"
"Sure, but that was a long time ago now. What's that got to do with anything now? Even Savannah told me to give you a second chance. She was right, she was always right. That's what made me think I was too quick to judge you… so what's wrong now?"
"It's just that I'm a crude sort of guy, Lauren. I'm not in your league. It's only a matter of time until I say the wrong thing, put my foot in it, or embarrass you."
Lauren was speechless. There was actual pain in his eyes. "Maybe you had it right the first time." He said softly, almost in a whisper.