The Ultimate Romance Box (6 Bestselling Romance Novels)

by Eckhart, Lorhainne

  Alexa blew out an exasperated sigh.

  Crushing his heart with Dianna, and others. Dante shrugged. How like Greg to play the doting ex-husband. “Where did you watch the recording of the surveillance camera?” Dante leaned forward, interested in hearing the practical details.

  “On my computer, here.” They all followed his glance to Alexa’s office. “I haven’t watched it for months. See? I trust you, sweetheart.”

  “That’s too bad.” Detective Ladd raised a sarcastic eyebrow. “Can we watch it now?”

  “Sure. The camera only covers the front door, entrance hall, and living room,” Greg explained with a blunt tone free of emotion, as if he were about to demonstrate a new equipment to his audience. “The file is on the hard drive. Its capacity is sixty days. And the new recording replaces the older one. So we can only see the last two months.”

  “That’s more than enough,” Dante grumbled, and then whispered into Alexa’s ears. “Is there anything you don’t want these men to see?”

  She hissed through gritted teeth. “I never walk in my undies, or without, if that’s what you mean. But we were together...”

  “I couldn’t care less if Greg bawls over it,” Dante answered in her ear.

  Greg settled into the comfortable chair in front of the opulent antique desk and turned on the old computer. “I left it here, because it was more practical. I used to read my emails every day when I came to check on Alexa. But I found it too slow and bought a laptop, in my apartment downstairs. Here we go.”

  They bunched behind him while he replayed the recording.

  They watched Alexa’s few visitors pop on the screen. Nothing interesting for three-quarter of the file. Mostly Greg himself, one or two maintenance guys, or men from the building security.

  “I’m not used to receiving visitors,” Alexa said. Dante was away during the previous two months.

  And then Steve appeared on the monitor screen. The video showed him standing at the door talking to Alexa.

  “That was the day I didn’t let him in. The day before he died,” she commented with a grim tone.

  The images flipped to show Steve arriving with two glasses and entering Alexa’s apartment with his key.

  “So he didn’t take the glasses from your kitchen cabinet,” Dante commented.

  “But they are mine. Although, I’ve never noticed two glasses missing.”

  “Look carefully now.” Dante squeezed her shoulder, alerting her not to miss any details.

  Several exclamations echoed as they saw Steve stop at the bar and pick up the carafe. A moment later, Alexa came out of her bedroom. Her open mouth and gestures attesting to her screaming as she spotted him.

  On the mute screen, the script continued. Steve smiled, showed the carafe and goblets, and then turned his back to her as he poured the drinks. He gave her one goblet and held the other. Then he put it on the table, pulled his phone from his pocket, and walked to the balcony.

  The video showed Alexa looking at him, waiting, then taking the glass on the right side, the one that was previously in his hand and moving toward the kitchen. She strolled back with another similar glass.

  When Steve came back from the balcony, Alexa still had her glass in hand, and he took the other one that she’d never touched.

  “Stop for a moment,” Detective Ladd ordered as he scribbled on his pad. “Mr. Partson, you will make me a copy of the whole file.”

  “Absolutely. Shall I continue?”

  “Yes, please.”

  The next scenes showed Greg’s presence when he announced the news of Steve’s death, and Dante’s arrival.

  “You can fast forward,” Ladd suggested.

  Greg banged on the desk as they witnessed Dante and Alexa’ hugging and exchanging blazing kisses. “How dare you paw her, you miserable SOB?”

  “From this, you can see that Alexa is very dear to me,” Dante amiably answered, while Alexa chuckled. “You’ll see many more similar scenes from this past week. Try not to pay attention.”

  “Quiet, please,” the detective ordered. “Ah, here I am,” he added with a satisfied smile, as he appeared on the monitor. “This must be the few times I came to interview you.”

  “Not interesting to our case.” Greg fast forwarded.

  “Oh my God, who is that?” Alexa gasped, and the three men hunched forward. In broad day light, a masked man entered the apartment after Alexa left, rushed to her bedroom, and left almost right away, with nothing in hand.

  “He’s wearing the same ski mask as the man who tried to kill me in the ocean,” she mumbled.

  Steve was already dead. Who was this one?

  “He hasn’t stolen anything,” Ladd mused, his eyebrows scrunched.

  More pictures of people visiting scrolled by, showing Dante, Greg, Ladd, and Dianna.

  “Since when do you socialize with Dianna?” Greg asked with a scowl.

  Alexa shrugged, not ready to reveal the reason of Dianna’s visit and her claiming to be scared of Greg. “She came once.”

  The video continued and the camera focused on the mask man again. “Good God, it’s the same guy again. He came twice.” Alexa hugged herself, her pallor betraying her intense emotion.

  Dante sent her an understanding look, but abstained from reaching for her in front of Ladd and Greg. “The first time he must have hidden the ring to incriminate you, and—”

  “And the second time,” Greg interrupted with a loud angry tone. “The bastard is staying much longer to search your apartment. He’s obviously looking for the safe. You have a million dollars worth of jewelry, plus the sum you keep for emergencies. But he’s going away empty-handed.”

  “We’ve seen enough. Mr. Partson, can you make me a copy now?”

  “Sure.”

  “Greg,” Alexa said with a firm tone. “Show me how you open the surveillance file and what’s the password you use?”

  “But—”

  “No buts. From now on, I’m the only one accessing this file.”

  Dante stifled his grin.

  “Good idea, Ms. Alexa.” Ladd surprised them by nodding. “Well, Mr. Partson?”

  “Here, click on this icon,” Greg grudgingly replied. “It starts the program. Now, open the file. I can’t give you my password.”

  “Change it and give me a new one. Use 21AJan86.”

  “What’s wrong, sweetheart, don’t you trust me anymore?”

  “The password, Greg? Don’t force me to bring a technician to rip the whole thing apart.”

  Greg mumbled a curse and changed the password. “Here it’s done.”

  “Wait. I’ll see if I can open it.”

  “Alexa! Don’t you think you’re going too far?”

  “Not far enough. I’ve reached the point where I don’t trust anyone. I’ll take care of myself without your so-called protection, Greg,” she muttered as she typed the new password and sighed with relief when the file appeared on the screen.

  “Happy now?” Greg asked with a scowl.

  “Just satisfied.”

  Proud of her assertive initiative, Dante hadn’t interfered. Eventually, he’d suggest she remove the surveillance camera, or replace it with a more modern camera if she still wanted such a device in her apartment.

  Greg gave a flash drive to the detective. “If you don’t need me I’m leaving.”

  “Ms. Alexa,” the detective said after Greg left. “Don’t touch that computer. I’ll send a cop to pick it up and bring it to our lab.”

  “Detective Ladd, now we know that Steve came with the glasses, one of them laced with the Valium. We also know that Alexa was drugged at the time she signed the check. It looks to me that Steve is the guilty one here. May I suggest you search his apartment?” Dante’s firm voice sounded like an order rather than a suggestion.

  “Steve is dead. He can’t be the guilty one. We’ve already searched his room. Let me finish my investigation,” he threw over his shoulder as he left.

  Alexa shook her head. “By
the time he finishes his investigation, it may be too late to find more evidence.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Alexa grabbed a bottle of water and settled in a lounge chair on her balcony. The serenity of the ocean had always helped her collect her thoughts. Would Ladd be able to solve the mystery of Steve’s death and the events surrounding it?

  “We can’t wait for Ladd to work by the book.” For a change, Dante had bypassed his favorite beer, and sipped on a Coke.

  “What else can we do at this point?” she mused without taking her eyes off the yacht gliding on the azure water. How she wished she could cruise on such a boat with Dante at her side. But right now, she lived in a tangled web and had to extricate herself alive before daring to dream.

  “I’m going to search Carter’s apartment. He and Steve lived together for two years. I may find something interesting.”

  “Are you crazy?” She spun to face Dante. God, he was serious. “What if he catches you?”

  “I’m a big boy. I can defend myself.” A half smile stretched his lips to one side, but a grim determination sparkled in his eyes. “It’s obvious that Steve was up to something nasty before his death.”

  She shivered in spite of the bright afternoon sun burning her skin. “Do you think the drug was intended for me?” She forced the words out of her mouth and barely heard her own voice.

  “Darling, I don’t want to scare you, but yes, I’m convinced now that the adulterated drink was for you. You saved yourself by not drinking it.”

  “Do you think Steve wanted to kill me?”

  “Not kill you. The dose wasn’t strong enough, but put you to sleep.”

  “And then what?”

  “I don’t know. We can only speculate.”

  “Kidnap me?” She swallowed, understanding he didn’t want to frighten her with horrible possibilities.

  Dante grabbed her hands. “This bastard hasn’t hesitated to steal your key and enter your apartment several times. He’d drugged you and had you sign a two-million dollar check addressed to him. He lied to you saying he was leaving for Atlanta to prevent your suspicions. He was capable of anything.”

  “Assume I drank the laced Amaretto and fell asleep. Then what? He was in the Jacuzzi at the time.”

  “I think he was giving himself an alibi. He wanted to be seen. He would have come back to take you.”

  “Just like that? Carry me out? It doesn’t make sense.”

  “What if he had help? What if his partner was in it, too, and ready to lend a hand when needed?”

  “Oh God.”

  “Remember, a man tried to drown you, and then ransacked your apartment after Steve’s death. I have to go to Carter’s apartment now, while he’s at his office. It’s only 3:15. He never comes back before six or seven.”

  “How would you enter?”

  “Same way Steve did. I’ll tell the office secretary that I lost my key, and charm her into letting me borrow the spare one from the security board.”

  Alexa arched her eyebrow. She didn’t doubt Dante’s smile could melt the plain Barbara into giving the key and more if he wanted. “I’m sure she will,” she retorted, her tone more pinched than she intended to.

  He chuckled. “Thanks for your confidence. While she’s getting me my key, I’ll follow her to the locked room and I’ll manage to snatch Carter’s spare key. They are all hanging on the same board.”

  Alexa’s pulse raced. “What if Barbara notices something?”

  “If Barbara says something, I’ll knock the board to drop a few keys and help her pick them up from the floor while apologizing for my clumsiness.”

  “I can just picture the scene.” They both laughed, but she immediately sobered. “What if Carter comes back early?”

  Dante’s grin faded. “We need to plan carefully. I’ll have my iPhone. Your number is programmed. If I find something, I’ll call or text you to send the detective. If Carter comes back, I’ll just punch your number. If you hear a ring with no answer, call the police immediately.”

  “I want to come with you, stay in front of the elevator to warn you if he returns.”

  “If he sees you, he may get suspicious and hurt you, or hold you. Please, Alexa, stay here and keep your phone handy. If I’m worrying about you, it’ll distract me.”

  “But—”

  “I’m a black belt in karate. And I grew up in a family where it was important to learn to defend myself. Let’s not waste time.” He pulled her from her chair and ushered her inside.

  “What if he has a gun, Dante? I wish you’d take a weapon.”

  “I don’t own one. Considering my family history, I’ve never asked for a permit to carry firearm. They would have refused it and asked too many questions. But don’t worry, I have good fists, and know a few moves.”

  She bit her lips and nodded. He’d never mentioned anything about that part of his family background. Now was not the moment to bring up the subject. “So you’re just going downstairs with... without anything to protect yourself?”

  He caressed her cheek and smiled. “I need one thing from you. For good luck.” He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her so tenderly. “If everything works well, we’ll have a lot to talk about later.”

  He kissed her again as if he wanted to show her his deepest feelings.

  “And if—”

  “Just remember that you own my heart.”

  “Oh Dante.” Tears filled her eyes.

  He pulled back and frowned. “Would you have a pair of latex gloves?”

  Unable to talk, she opened a kitchen drawer and gave him a pair.

  “Dante, stop. Please, reconsider. Carter may sue you for breaking into his apartment. The scandal may destroy your career, hurt your family.”

  “Darling, right now all I can think of is the danger threatening you. This man tried to kill you and may try again.” He blew her a kiss and left. She stared at the door for a long moment and held her cell phone between her hands.

  He was going to risk a lot for her. Maybe his life.

  Dante, I love you.

  ****

  Snatching Carter’s key from the board had been a piece of cake, but guilt needled Dante at distracting Barbara with compliments about her skirt and her new coiffure. He’d promised to take the sweet middle-aged woman for dinner to thank her for her kindness. He didn’t add with Alexa, but swiftly left the office.

  A moment later, he rode the elevator to the fifth floor. The hallway was blissfully deserted. The tarnished brass number 502 gleamed dully in the dim light. After donning the surgical gloves, Dante eased the key into the lock and admitted himself into Carter Morton’s place. A pungent smell of stale cigarettes smoke made him wrinkle his nose.

  Silently closing the door behind him, he stood still listening for a moment as he scanned the surroundings. The layout of the apartment looked familiar, a reproduction of his 2102 perched many floors above this one.

  He padded to the narrow kitchen, surprisingly clean for a bachelor’s pad, without any apparatus on the neat granite counter top—as if it had never been used. Not even a coffee maker. A cabinet revealed four coffee mugs and four glasses. Dante didn’t bother searching the others. He retreated to the living room, passed the dining room table, and headed to the hallway leading to the bedrooms. Stopping in his tracks, he stared at a closed door, barred by a yellow tape.

  Since the police had been through Steve’s room, Dante ignored it and ventured into the other room, Carter’s bedroom as spotless as the rest of the apartment. A laptop sat on a desk. It was on, and the emails page open.

  “Dio mio.” His pulse raced at the unique opportunity to browse through Carter’s laptop, but his spine stiffened. Carter wouldn’t have left his laptop on while at the office for a whole day, which meant he’d just stepped out for a short errand. “My good luck.” But time was of the essence now.

  Dante sat at the desk, slid the drawers out, one after the other, and flipped through the various papers. Utility bills, bank statem
ents, nothing really interesting.

  Inside the lower drawer, his hand hit something hard. He lowered his head and peered at a smaller drawer hidden inside. He jerked it to get it out and gasped at the sight of three airfare tickets to Las Vegas with the names of Steve Bairey, Carter Morton, and Dio mio...Alexa Partson.

  A horrible thought slunk through his brain as he scrutinized the tickets. They were planning to abduct Alexa. Date of departure: April 12, 7 pm. The day Steve died. Dante took a deep breath and gulped his anger. After shoving the tickets into his pocket, he replaced the small drawer inside the other, and closed it.

  Determined to learn more about Carter, Dante concentrated on the opened page of emails and scrolled down to the date Steve died. An email addressed to Robert Mason, esq. attracted his attention. He clicked on it. “The three of us will fly to Las Vegas. Steve will marry the woman on April 12. Be ready at the Golden Palace Chapel with all necessary papers. We want a quick ceremony as soon as we arrive around 11 pm.”

  A chill ran through Dante’s spine. Here was the proof of their planned crime. He didn’t have the time to open all the emails. He riffled through the more recent and opened the latest one dated last night, addressed to... “Dio mio, Dianna Oliveira.”

  His temper flared as he read, “She’ll be arrested soon and out of the way. Change of plans. I’m clearing the account. See you in London on Saturday.” The day after tomorrow?

  Not wasting another second, Dante texted Alexa: Call Ladd & cops. Now. Here for Proof.

  He tried a few other emails. They all confirmed that Carter and Dianna had concocted their plans together. An email sent by Dianna vented her anger: “That idiot deserved it. He can’t do a thing right. Now he’s gone instead of her.”

  And Carter’s response. “I messed up in the water. I’ll get her soon.” Dante’s fingers clutched on the mouse, as he remembered Alexa’s limp form the day she’d almost drowned.

  But Dianna had more brains than both men. “No time to waste. Get her gems. Cash the big check and let’s get out of here. The old man is being a nuisance.”