by Maria Pease
“Yeah. Sure.”
“Do you mind if I head out, too? I’ve got another project to work on.”
“I’ll see you both tomorrow,” he said.
I drove out of the lot feeling guilty for keeping Frank in the dark about my meeting with Chanel, but I couldn’t risk losing the case after all the work I’d put into it. I had to get to the bottom of it all, no matter what it took.
Chapter 47
Living alone, I don’t keep a household schedule of laundry and shopping, but since I was playing hooky, I decided to get some things done. I headed to the grocery store and stocked up on some goodies, and then went home and cleaned. By the time I’d done my last load of laundry, it was time to get ready to meet Chanel.
After a hot shower, I got dressed, put on some make-up, and added a spritz of perfume before making my way to Miramonte Winery. The evening was clear and cool, and I was glad I’d grabbed my coat on the way out.
I parked the Jeep and checked myself in the mirror, looking for any sign of nervousness. I took in a deep breath, grabbed my bag, and moved to the entrance. I stepped inside and was greeted by a hostess.
“Hello. I’m meeting Chanel Pinkay.”
She smiled, “Right this way, please.”
After everything Jan had told me, I expected Chanel would keep me waiting, and boy did she ever. As I waited, I took out my recorder, legal pad, and notes and went over the questions I wanted to ask. When the waitress came to check on me for the third time, I ordered a glass of chardonnay and a small cheese platter.
It had been almost an hour with no sign of Chanel, and I was getting pretty irritated, despite Jan’s warning. I was packing up my bag when I heard her voice. I watched her greet the staff on her way to the table.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” she said, waving at someone across the room. “Time just got away from me.”
Biting my tongue, I reached in my bag, took out my recorder and switched it on. “Do you mind?”
Chanel sat down and waved the waitress over, ordering a chardonnay for herself and another for me. She looked to see who else was there and then turned her attention back to me. “It’s Laci Connor, right?”
“Yes. Chanel, do you still want me to do the story on you?”
“Of course.”
“Look, I’m not trying to be rude, but keeping me waiting isn’t going to work for me.” From the look on her face, I was sure not many people stood up to her.
“You may not understand, but I’m as busy as you are, so when you disrespect me and my time, you also disrespect yourself.”
She looked at me and I smiled. After a beat, she spoke. “You’re right. I do tend to get caught up in my own world. I apologize.”
“Accepted,” I said. “Shall we get down to business?”
Chanel went on to tell me about the kind of piece she had in mind and filled me in on the timeline and growth of her company, Pinkay Cosmetics. The anniversary was coming up and she was planning on relaunching in a big way. She wasn’t interested in an interview-style write-up where I met with her a few times and wrote her story. Instead, she wanted an in-depth piece. Like it or not, I’d be spending a lot of time with Chanel Pinkay.
As I listened to her, I realized that this meeting was very different from the other times we’d met. Then, she’d dismissed me as someone unworthy of her time, but our interaction tonight felt very different. I couldn’t help but think that standing up to her had made all the difference.
The server returned to see if we needed anything and Chanel ordered two more chardonnays and a Charcuterie Board – a sharable dish of serrano ham, house-made hummus, dried fruits, blue cheese, and crispy bread. It was delicious. By the time we’d finished, I had more than two hours of recorded content and a wine buzz. We decided to meet again the following day at noon.
When I arrived home, I found Jake at my door and I have to say, he looked delicious. He headed to the kitchen while I ran upstairs to freshen up. I had a pretty good buzz going and I wanted to make good use of it. I returned downstairs and found Jake standing in front of my refrigerator with a big smile on his face.
“You have food!”
My heart skipped a beat and I smiled. “Wine, too. Would you like some?”
Jake made himself a roast beef and cheese sandwich, added a handful of chips and opened the wine. As he ate, I sipped on another glass of Chardonnay and watched him. Once done, we cleaned up and headed upstairs.
He didn’t have to do much to get me naked. He had a way of looking at me that just seemed to make my clothes fall off. I honestly didn’t know how he did it, but I really didn’t care. Jake’s touch made me weak in the knees and as he moved his hands slowly down my back, I took in his cologne. We skipped over the foreplay and the covers went flying. By the time we called it quits, it was after 1:00 AM.
The sun streamed through the blinds, waking me before I was ready. Opening one eye to check the time, I realized that I may have had too much wine. Jake went down to start the coffee while I dragged myself into a hot shower. Although I didn’t feel I was in tip-top shape, the hot shower improved my situation greatly.
Downstairs, I found Jake cooking up some omelets. He set a plate in front of me, offered me a cup of coffee and arranged toast and an assortment of jams on the table.
We must have worked up an appetite because the only sound in the kitchen was the crunching of our toast. After another cup of coffee, I was starting to feel like myself again.
Jake took the dishes to the sink, poured himself another cup and sat down. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“Why have you been avoiding me?”
“Have I? I’ve just been busy, I guess.” I lied.
“I spoke with Monique yesterday. She mentioned that she was helping you with a dog-napping case.”
“Yeah.”
“Look, Sam. I’m sorry about the trafficking case. I know it meant a lot to you. It’s just that a case like that… well… it’s bigger than what a couple of private investigators can handle.”
To say I was stunned was an understatement. I silently stared at him, wondering who the hell he thought he was. I’d never heard Jake talk like he was above it all, but in an instant, there it was. Apparently, the fact that I’d discovered the trafficking ring hadn’t been enough. Now, it seemed he wanted to weasel his way into my case and take the credit. What he didn’t know was there was no way I was going to allow him to blindside me. I’d make sure of it.
“Yeah, well… I have to get to work,” I said.
He moved to the sink.
“I’ll do that later.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I have an appointment. I’ll talk to you later.”
He left without a word, and as the door closed, I flipped him off and stormed into the kitchen. I scrubbed those plates so hard, it was a wonder I didn’t take the color off. Game on, asshole! Just because he was a cop didn’t make him better suited to take down the traffickers, and I was going to prove it.
I called Alana and asked her to meet me at my place instead of the office, then logged on to Facebook and found new messages from Wally to Katy. A scan of his other activity showed he was still trolling, even after I’d taken his group of girls. By the time Alana arrived, I’d put together a plan that, with a little help, might just be the best one yet.
I grabbed my laptop, jacket, and keys and Alana and I were on our way. Ted had to drop off some documents in town and he said he’d meet us for coffee. We grabbed a table at Ryan Brother’s Coffee shop off Margarita Road and waited. I knew I’d have to be careful about how I sold it, but I needed someone familiar with computers and, so far, Ted was the only guy I trusted.
When he arrived, I ordered coffee and muffins and we sat down.
“What’s up?” Ted asked, picking up a cinnamon muffin.
“I need your help with something computer-related. Can you help me with that?”
“Sam, I’d like to, but I’m
swamped. I’ve got a pile of files on my desk that need attention. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I know how busy you are.” On to Plan B. “You must have colleagues that are gifted with computers. Do you think any of them would be interested?”
Ted thought for a moment then grabbed a slip of paper from his briefcase and jotted down the names of four colleagues he described as computer geniuses.
“Let me call them to check their schedules and give them a heads up. I’ll let you know when I hear back.”
Once he’d left, Alana looked at me expressionless. “What is going on?”
“We’re going undercover and you can’t tell anyone. Not even Frank,” I said.
“Sam, do you think that’s a good idea?”
“A good idea?” I pondered that for a moment. “Honestly, I’m not sure, but I think it’s going to work.”
“Are you going to fill me in?”
“We’ve been going about this the wrong way. We live in a technical world. We should be using technology to get the bad guys.”
“I’m totally lost,” Alana said.
I outlined my plan to Alana, explaining what I wanted to accomplish and how I intended to go about it. Admittedly, she didn’t jump into it with the enthusiasm I was feeling, but when I told her it would bring down the bad guys, she seemed to warm to the idea.
“You can say no. I’d understand if you didn’t want to be involved.”
“Actually, it sounds kind of exciting.”
“Awesome, I have some things to take care of, but I’ll call you later.”
I pulled out my cell, dialed Frank, and told him I’d be out for the afternoon and Alana was heading to class. Then, I dropped Alana back at my house to pick up her car.
“Remember, you can’t share anything with anyone.”
Chanel and I had agreed to meet at her office at noon, so I packed my bag, got myself ready, and headed over to her Temecula Parkway office. The address she’d given me was in a tall, yellow building she said I couldn’t miss. She was right. I opened the door to the sound of soft music and the aroma of lavender. The space was an open plan with glass that separated the sitting area and what looked like a meeting space. There was a large desk by the window and comfortable looking chairs placed strategically around the area. As expected, there was no sign of Chanel.
I heard a pinging sound and looked to see what it was. A cell phone on the desk flashed the name Monty. The noise from outside the door drew me to the lounge area where I turned my attention to the display case of make-up, creams and perfumes. Chanel pushed the door open and, startled by my presence, checked her diamond watch.
“I made it, just in time.”
Chapter 48
I wasn’t sure if it had been my speech about wasting my time or not, but I didn’t care. She was here, and I was determined to find some information that would be useful to my case. I took out my notepad and jotted the name Monty with a question mark, noting I’d have to add it to my list of things to check on. I took out my recorder and turned it on.
“Are you ready to go?” Chanel asked, gathering up her bag and some sample packages.
I felt a lump in my throat. “What? Where are we going?”
“I thought you’d enjoy the trade show at the San Diego Convention Center. Of course, you’ll be my guest. It’s a fabulous time.”
Wally flashed through my mind and my singular thought was to steer clear at all costs.
“I’d love to go, but I need to be back for a meeting later, so I’ll drive myself.”
“Okay. Suit yourself. Meet me at the vendor entrance downstairs. I’ll give them your name at the door.”
Before I knew it, I was heading Southbound down the 15-freeway, grateful I’d been able to slip out of the office unseen by Chanel’s bruisers. I was deep in thought when my cell rang.
On the line was Alex Zimmerman, a self-proclaimed computer nerd with degrees in computer science and engineering. He said he’d spoken to Ted and was intrigued by the project and wanted to learn more about it.
“Can you meet me later today at the Temecula library?”
He agreed, so I called Alana to let her know the plan. She said she’d already be there with her group and would be in the study room.
The convention center looked crowded. I found a place to park and headed to the vendor’s entrance. I waited for about ten minutes then headed to the door. Chanel had already gone inside but had left my name as promised. As I strolled the aisles, I realized it might be more difficult than I thought to find her. The place was packed with people selling everything from herbal supplements and fragrances to massage chairs and specialty vodka. I thought about just hanging out at the vodka table as they were offering free samples but decided that could be dangerous.
When I caught sight of her, she was unloading some large boxes. She had a large table, and I imagined there would be a beautiful display up in no time. I was about to head over when I spotted Wally on a ladder, putting up a large Pinkay Cosmetics banner. I stepped back into the crowd as my heart pounded.
This presented a complicated situation for me. I knew Chanel was expecting me and even if she’d mentioned the name Laci Connor, it wouldn’t have set off any bells for Wally, but my face would be another story. I couldn’t let him see me, so I stayed back and watched.
As visitors moved about, I spotted a thin young man in a black smock approach. He and Chanel embraced, and he began setting up a tray of beauty products. I set my attention back to Wally and found him putting the boxes onto a dolly. He sent a signal to Chanel and headed toward the back entrance, moving right by me. I quickly turned my face away when he glanced in my direction. He moved through the exit, and I slid through the crowd and over to Chanel.
“Hey! Where have you been?”
“I had a tough time finding parking.”
“You should have gone to valet.”
“This looks great,” I said, admiring the display.
“Graham, this is Laci, the reporter I was telling you about on the way down.”
“Nice to meet you.” He reached out his hand.
“Graham is an amazing make-up artist and a famous You-Tuber.”
“Nice.”
“Are you going to put me in your expose?” His voice was higher than I expected.
“I’m not sure yet.”
He looked me up and down, disapproval written all over his face.
Graham seemed like a snooty little shit to me, and I wondered why Chanel was connected to him. He seemed like one of those annoying kiosk workers who would drag you in to try out his product, regardless of your protest. Before I knew it, he had a forty-something woman in his chair, flirting as only a flamboyant gay man could.
I listened as Chanel touted the benefits of her skincare and make-up to anyone who would stop and listen. I was bored and found the whole thing an absolute waste of my time. How was I going to find out anything in this environment? My ringing cell was a welcome distraction and I headed to the woman’s restroom to talk.
Frank asked me to head to the office as soon as I could, he had some news.
“What’s it about?” I asked.
When he wouldn’t tell me on the phone, I knew it couldn’t be good.
“Okay, I’ll see you in about an hour.”
I made my way back to the booth and let Chanel know that I had to go.
She reached over and gave me a brief hug, while Graham annoyingly raised an eyebrow.
I turned on my heels. “What a putz,” I said, under my breath. I weaved through the crowd and right past the refreshment table. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Wally nibbling from a sandwich platter. My heart raced as I rushed past him.
I pushed open the door and glanced back to see him staring in my direction. My adrenaline had shifted into high gear, and as I moved down the steps, I felt him following me. I quickly slid around the corner and hid under a stairwell.
He moved past me, catching up with a young redhead and h
er friend.
Feeling around in my purse, I found my stun gun and mace. I was ready for a confrontation.
When their ride pulled up, the girls quickly brushed him off and disappeared into the car.
Disappointed, he retreated back to the convention center.
I drew in a deep breath, feeling relieved. Clearly, he’d been trolling for young girls and I was thankful they’d gotten away. Nonetheless, I got out of there as fast as I could.
Frank’s truck was in the lot when I arrived an hour later.
“Hey, Frank. What’s up?”
“It looks like we’re going in to make some arrests on the dog-napping case. The DA said we have enough to convict.”
“That’s great! I’ll call Alana; she won’t want to miss it.”
“Sam, please think about that. You know how crazy it gets. It could be dangerous.”
“Frank, she has to be included. We’ll explain everything to prepare her.”
“Maybe I should call the captain. We can let him make the decision.”
“Come on, Frank. If she’s going to do the job, you can’t leave her out of the best part of it.”
He shook his head. “Shit, Sam.”
I called Alana and let her know the good news and explained that we’d have to brief her on what to expect. The excitement in her voice confirmed that it had been the right thing to do. Hanging up, I powered up my computer and found Jan had sent several emails, all including bits and pieces about dealing with Chanel. I scanned them and sent her a note, thanking her for the heads up and telling her I’d keep her in the loop. Checking the time, I realized it was just about time to meet with Alex.
“I’m heading out,” I said.
“We’re going in tonight. Be back here by 6:00 PM.”
I nodded and waved as I pulled the door closed.
When I pulled into the library parking lot, I spotted Alana’s car and pulled in next to her. Inside, I scanned the meeting rooms and found Alana and her group practicing a presentation. I signaled I’d be in the sitting area by the windows overlooking the park.