“You’re sure you haven’t been watching too many crime shows?”
“If you’re giving me shit, just think what the chief’s reaction will be?”
“What are you planning, Davis?”
“I need evidence to link the brass to the wharf fire and Benson’s death.”
Niles lowered his voice, “This is serious business.”
Davis took a gulp of his coffee.
“What about Grayce?” Niles asked.
“What about her?”
“Is she still investigating?”
“Grayce better not be involved.” Davis couldn’t control the surge of anger slipping into his voice, his body. He didn’t want Grayce near the Russian mob. They were ruthless. “Today, I confronted the brass. I tried to refocus the heat on me.”
“You’re playing a treacherous game.” Niles’ eyes darted back and forth, searching each person who walked into the coffee shop.
Niles’ sudden apprehension made Davis tense. His gut clenched around the doughnut he had eaten. Niles didn’t offer his usual encouragement for Davis’ plan. Everyone seemed different today, or were his suspicions making him doubt everyone? “If anything happens to me…”
“Davis, nothing is going to happen to you. You need to rethink this before you make any accusations.”
Davis had made a mistake, confiding in his friend. This wasn’t the time for re-thinking. It was the time for action. He needed to get the evidence. “I’m not planning to accuse anyone until I have real evidence.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Stay out of it, Niles.”
“But…”
Davis shook his head. “If I’m wrong, what then? If I’m right, I think my man will show himself tomorrow. I’m assigned to assist in a technical practice, he’ll be there.”
Niles let out a slow whistle and shook his head.
Davis stood to leave. “Whit, on Ladder Seven, is a mountain-climbing friend. He’ll watch my back.”
Chapter Forty-Nine
The cars in front of Grayce snaked slowly down Mercer Street. Like in her nightmare, she couldn’t reach Davis, couldn’t warn him. She swallowed hard against the panic gripping her throat and stomach, twisting them into tangled knots.
She had gone to Davis’ office to return Mitzi as they had agreed, but hoped for the chance to talk with him. He wasn’t in his office but had gone to the Space Needle to practice a technical rescue. Why would a fire investigator be part of a rescue exercise on the Space Needle?
He wasn’t answering his cell phone and, according to the office assistant, he had left for the Space Needle an hour ago and Assistant Chief Maclean was in charge of the drill. She was living her nightmare.
Mitzi, on alert, her head and eyes pointed straight ahead, sat next to Grayce in the passenger seat.
Waiting in line to cross the bridge under repair, Grayce dialed her cell phone. “James…pick up…”
The phone continued to ring.
“Darlin’, I’m in the middle of waxing my legs, I’ll call you later.”
“James, meet me at the Space Needle.”
No response. Had she lost service? Then she heard James’ throaty chuckle. “Is this a surprise party? It’s not my birthday…”
“James, this isn’t a joke.”
“I can’t meet you. I need all day to get ready for Gay Bingo.”
“Maclean has lured Davis to the Needle. He’s in danger.”
“But, Darlin’, Tony is here and we’re testing my make-up with my new fabulous wig. We’re on the final touches.”
“Forget Gay Bingo.” She didn’t mean to shout, but she was wound tight.
“But…”
“You have to help me. Davis could die.”
“All right, all right. LaBete is on her way.”
“Call me when you get there.”
Grayce drove faster than she should’ve down Westlake. The fear that she might be too late pressed against her diaphragm, making it hard to catch her breath. As if sensing her panic, Mitzi licked Grayce’s face, trying to soothe her.
“We’ll save him, Mitzi.”
* * *
Grayce and Mitzi ran between the long lines of tour busses to the Space Needle’s visitor’s entrance. Chinese tourists filled the entire waiting area. Rapid-fire Mandarin echoed throughout the cavernous space as if she were in Beijing.
She couldn’t see where the line to the elevator began. Squaring her shoulders, she started toward the elevator. No one responded to her gentle nudges. She pushed Beijing style, using elbows, shoulders, hands. Smiling and nodding, she made her way to the front of the line-queue Kung Fu.
Sweat beaded on her neck under her ponytail. She had worn her business suit and Jimmy Choos as a gentle reminder to Davis that she was a highly-regarded scientist. It was part of her plan for when she revealed her non-scientific abilities to Davis. This was her strategy before she discovered that Davis was on the Space Needle. Her professional image would work to her advantage. The burly security guard, earpiece in place, towered over everyone.
“Excuse me. I’m Dr. Grayce Walters. I’m part of the fire department’s rescue team. Can you direct me to the area where I’m to join the fire department?”
The hefty man inspected her and Mitzi. “Assistant Chief Maclean didn’t say anything about a dog.”
“Mitzi works with Ladder Seven. She’s a rescue dog. He may not have thought to mention her.”
The guard scanned the crowd like a Doberman; his eyes darted back and forth.
“I need to get up there. Assistant Chief Maclean isn’t going to be happy that we’re late,” she said in her most authoritative voice.
A rush of tourists pressed from behind when the elevator door opened. The security guard stepped between her and the tourists. He walked the few steps to the elevator and spoke with the operator. “Take Dr. Walters to the mezzanine level. She’s joining the fire department.”
She and Mitzi walked to the back of the elevator. She had no interest in the view from the glass doors. The tourists filled the elevator, taking pictures of Seattle Center and Queen Anne Hill from their cell phones. She caught a glimpse of the security guard on a walkie-talkie.
The elevator lurched and so did her stomach. She hated heights and had no need to watch their ascent. She closed her eyes. “Mezzanine level, ma’am.” A path opened between the sea of tourists. Assistant Chief Maclean stood waiting.
“Dr. Walters and Mitzi, what a pleasant surprise.”
Maclean stepped forward and grasped her by the elbow. His face was expressionless, but his fingers dug into her elbow.
Mitzi’s low growl was in rhythm with the low rumble of the elevator.
“You’re part of the department’s rescue team? How convenient.” He dragged Grayce along the corridor.
Mitzi continued her low grumble and pulled on her lead toward Maclean.
“Keep that mongrel away from me, or you’ll regret it.”
Grayce pulled Mitzi closer.
“Why in the hell are you here?”
“Where’s Davis?” She asked.
“A little desperate, following your boyfriend to his job?”
Panic rippled through her body, making her shaky. “I need to see him.”
Maclean’s laugh echoed down the narrow hallway. “This is a rescue. No one is allowed to waltz up here. Either you can take the elevator down or wait for him in the mechanical room. What will it be, Dr. Walters?”
“I’ll wait.”
“It’ll be a long wait. He’s on top with Toni.” He lowered his voice and leered at Grayce.
Grayce ignored Maclean’s coarse remark. “Please tell him I’ve an urgent message.”
She searched Maclean’s face. Nothing showed in the harsh angles, but the muscles in his jaw were clenched, deepening the jagged lines along his mouth.
“This way, Doctor.” He pointed to a metal door with a “No Entry” sign.
Mitzi brushed against her when they m
oved into the room. The dog’s presence steadied her. Equipment and clothes were strewn throughout the room, serving as the staging area for the firefighters. Maclean’s fury permeated the small space, making it hard for her to breathe. She tried to put some distance between them, backing further into the room.
“I don’t know when Davis will be finished.” Maclean emphasized “finished” with a fiendish laugh.
A bone cold chill ran up and down her spine, sending icy panic to every vertebra, every nerve pathway. How could she stop Maclean? If she tried anything, he would call security. She needed to find Davis. Where was James?
“As always, it was a pleasure, Dr. Walters.” Maclean closed the door. She heard the lock turn.
Adrenaline raced through her body, making her as queasy as if she were tilting with the rotating Space Needle.
One part of her mind screamed silently, the other was grimly aware that she was reliving her nightmare. She was too late to save Davis.
Chapter Fifty
James, in his favorite black skirt, silk blouse, red pumps and matching crimson Chanel lipstick, stood at the bottom of the stairwell leading to the top of the Space Needle. The flash of his volunteer I.D. for The Outsider had worked. He was about to interview Assistant Chief Maclean for Seattle’s gay newspaper. The security guard didn’t recognize the name of the newspaper and granted him admittance. The guard looked like more of a Sports Illustrated fan, probably the swimsuit edition.
“I’ll get Assistant Chief Maclean.”
“Oh, don’t bother Stewart. He’ll just get irritated with you. Give me a moment to get my camera,” James said.
He was lucky that he had packed his camera in his Prada bag, ready for the evening. He and his friends loved to be catty and dissect every ensemble.
James batted his two pairs of false eyelashes. “I’m ready to go up. Thank you for your patience. You’re such a thoughtful gentleman.”
The blonde’s sweet face colored with a charming pink. “Why don’t I go first…high heels on stairs can be tricky?”
James’ little black skirt was tight and short to emphasize his best attribute, his finely shaped legs highlighted by his red Alexander McQueen platforms. “Oh, how considerate of you to think of my modesty, but I’m really not shy.” James squeezed the guard’s arm.
The guard sounded breathless. “Hold on to the handrails. I wouldn’t want you to fall.”
From the bottom step, James watched the guard’s tight bum. He needed to stay focused on his mission. He was here to protect Grayce and possibly Davis. He found it hard to believe that Davis needed his help, but if Grayce had gotten herself into a dangerous situation, then he needed to be there for her.
He and the guard climbed two stairwells, each requiring an access code card. The fire department’s presence on the Needle had lessened the tight security practices or he never would’ve been able to finagle this easy entrée.
He was in drag at a fire department practice to rescue super hero Davis, and had no plan for what he was going to do once he got to the top. He might let Grayce explain, if she were up there. But she hadn’t answered her cell phone, and who knew where she could’ve gotten off to.
The guard lifted the heavy hatch, opening onto the dome.
“I can’t believe you were able to open that heavy door. You don’t look like you’re that strong. James ran his finger down the man’s arm. “Must be all lean muscle under that white shirt.”
The guard reached down and assisted James to the tower. “First I need you to rope up and you’ll need to stand right here. The firefighters will come to you.” The guard placed the rope over his head.
James gave his high pitched giggle. “How sweet of you to be concerned I might fall off. What a spectacular day.”
With the clear sky, James turned to take in both mountain ranges. Mount Rainier shined in all her glory as did Mount Baker. The sun dazzled the usual gray waters of Puget Sound.
“It’s stunning. I’m breathless.” He fluttered his hand on his well-padded chest.
Below them, two hunky firefighters and one tall blond woman stood chatting, unfazed by their precarious positions. The men were in T-shirts. And what specimens they were. This adventure surpassed Gay Bingo.
With the guard’s signal, the firefighters, well roped-in, scrambled up the angle of the dome with ease. Everyone here was real. And for a moment, James wanted to throw all pretense and glamour away and become something unvarnished and true. He quickly came to his senses as he watched the men’s thighs work. Yes, much better than Gay Bingo.
“James Dewitt, reporter for The Outsider.”
The tall blond woman eyed him. “We already did a photo shoot this morning. We’re wrapping up.” Her stare was disconcerting. It took all his self-control not to check whether his boobs were still in place. Grateful for the rope snuggly wrapped around his waist since he was having trouble balancing in his McQueen platforms on the uneven surface.
The hunky firefighter, with dark sultry eyes, asked, “The Outsider?”
“It’s really a personal piece: Why would you want to risk your gorgeous selves?”
He needed to tone it down. But this was way too much fun. “I’m really here to interview Assistant Chief Maclean. Where is the chief and has my photographer arrived?”
“Maclean is giving an interview for the gay newspaper? I don’t believe it.” The hunky stud laughed.
“I’m supposed to meet the assistant chief here. We tried to call him on the walkie-talkie. He hasn’t responded,” James said.
“Maclean’s probably down directing Davis.”
The blond bombshell chimed in. “Davis will love that.”
“Where is Davis?”
“You know Davis?” The gargantuan woman scrutinized him from his Alexander pumps to his fabulous blond wig. He couldn’t be sure if she saw him as competition or knew he was in drag.
“I’ve a mild acquaintance with him.” He rolled his eyes, implying the opposite. “Do you know where my photographer or Davis might be?”
The security guard stood close to James. “There was no photographer. Assistant Chief Maclean allowed a woman access. She said she and the poodle were part of the rescue team.”
He and the blond both turned at the same time to look at the security guard.
“She must still be at the mezzanine area,” the guard said.
James didn’t like the sound of Grayce meeting Maclean. “I need to find my photographer. Will you excuse me?” The situation grew more ridiculous. But what did you say in such circumstances. As Miss Manners would say, good manners never fail. “Thank you. Will Davis be down there too?”
“Davis is on the halo, about to fall off. I’m waiting to rappel down and rescue him.” The blond stuck out her generous chest when she announced her forthcoming rescue. Definitely marking her territory.
For the first time since reaching the top, James felt a tingling weakness behind his knees. “How does Davis fall off?”
The dark-eyed, handsome dude spoke, “He’s roped, as a Space Needle engineer would be who’s working on the halo. And like a worker who might slip or get injured, Davis will fall and dangle. Toni will rappel down with that basket and rescue the victim, taking him to the ground.” He pointed to a steel cage placed next to a neatly coiled rope.
He didn’t like the sound of Davis dangling. There were too many possibilities for mistakes.
He had no doubt that Toni could save Davis, but only if she had a chance. He needed to get down. “I’m so impressed.” He meant it.
“I’ve got to get my photographer and get down to the halo. I want to get shots of you coming over the edge. The angle will be fabulous.” He had no damn idea what the halo was but he needed to find Grayce and get to Davis. “See you down at the halo.”
James took the two steps to the hatch. The security guard took his arm. “I’ll go first.”
He didn’t have time for flirty games. “Thank you.”
Chapter Fifty-One
He waited for the signal to drop.
He wasn’t nervous about the dangle. The operation was an efficient, well-run drill. From years of climbing, he knew every detail of every sequence. His body was primed. His senses heightened. His heart pumped against his chest, his muscles were tensed, as if ready to climb Mount Rainier.
Hyper-vigilant, he decided to walk the halo one last time. He had already inspected the entire surface of the three-foot wide, angled platform. He paid particular attention to the tensile steel cable encircling the halo. The thin wire must support his body weight when he hung suspended. He had found no hint of tampering.
He had also checked his own equipment. Harness, rope, and the carabineer connecting his nylon rope to the safety wire were in perfect working condition. All appeared secure. He trusted Toni’s ability, assigned to rappel down for his rescue.
Tourists waved through the wire mesh and glass to Davis from the observation deck. Not feeling particularly social, he forced a smile and a nod.
What could Maclean possibly try with hordes of witnesses watching within a hand’s reach?
He stood at the outer perimeter of the halo, gusts of wind whipped through his hair. Nothing stood between him and the one hundred and forty yards of hard ground below.
He wanted this whole damn business to be finished, so he could get on with his life. When this case was over, he was ready to grovel, beg, do anything to have Grayce back. He was glad she’d remained out of the investigation and safely at home with Mitzi. Wait a second, Grayce was supposed to bring Mitzi to his office today. And he’d forgotten, what with his entire focus on this Space Needle practice rescue. He felt a sinking sense of helplessness at the thought of Grayce believing he had forgotten her. How was he ever going to be able to explain to her? He shook his head and forced all thoughts of Grayce from his mind. He couldn’t afford any distractions during this critical event.
The Grayce Walters Romantic Suspense Series Page 25