Beyond Secrets, The Art of Murder_A Madison Hart Mystery

by DB Jones

  “You know what you tell me won’t go any further unless you say I can tell Jim.”

  There was a knock at the door, and when Jessie turned around, in walked Detective Logan. “Hi,” Jessie said.

  “Hi, Jessie. What are you doing here?”

  “Oh, I just stopped by to say hello to my old friend, Maddy. Are you two working tonight?”

  “Actually…”

  Josh interrupted Madison. “We sure are.”

  “We’re in the middle of this thing, and we can’t stop. Your friend is quite a driving force when it comes to investigating.”

  “Well, I’d better leave you two to your work. Maddy, don’t be a stranger.”

  “Maddy? I like that,” he snickered.

  Madison just ignored him. “Are you ready to go?”

  “I am.”

  Josh looked different that night. All she had ever seen him wearing was his detective attire, a suit, and jacket. Seeing him in tightly fitted jeans and a casual sports shirt, reminded her of how good-looking he was, but she sure wasn’t going to let him know that she noticed.

  Damn, she looks hot tonight. Wish she would loosen up a little. You know what they say, all work and no fun. “Do you like Italian food? There’s a nice place on Lake Lily that serves good Italian if you’re interested.”

  “You must have been reading my mind. I love Italian food. Let’s go; I’m starving,” Madison headed for her car.

  “Don’t you want to go in my car?” He looked dumbfounded and confused.

  Madison snickered. “I thought we were going in separate cars.”

  “No, I’ll ride with you if you insist on driving. I just thought since you had been driving all over town today, you might appreciate someone else driving.” Josh walked over toward her car.

  “You know, that’s a great idea.” Madison closed her car door and walked toward Josh’s car.

  “Damn woman, you sure are complicated,” he said under his breath.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” He hurried to his car before she changed her mind again.

  It was a short drive to Antonio’s the Italian restaurant on the lake. The place sat on the corner of 17-92 and Maitland Avenue and overlooked the lake from the tables of the terrace on the second floor. The night air had a slight cool breeze, but it was refreshing.

  Josh and Madison took the elevator to the second floor, passed the bar and started out on the terrace. Madison sat facing Lake Lily and could see the fountain in the center. A walking path encircled the entire lake, with several spots for sitting along the way. When Madison was a child, the entire town would gather there for the 4th of July celebrations and the Lion’s Club would set up a hole-in-one island on the lake as a fundraiser. There was no telling how many golf balls were at the bottom of the lake. She couldn’t remember a single person ever making a hole-in-one, but it drew a lot of attention.

  “Hey, Madison, you seem to be in deep thought. I hope it’s not the case? We’re here to take a break from the case, remember?”

  “No, it’s not about the case. I was just reminiscing about my childhood, and the care-free fun we used to have playing around Lake Lily. When did life get so serious?”

  Josh wanted to answer her but could see she wanted to stay in the moment a little longer.

  The waiter seemed just to appear at the table. “Would you like to start the evening with something to drink?”

  Josh didn’t want to disturb Madison’s moment, but he quietly asked her if she’d like to get some wine or would she prefer a drink.

  “Huh? I’m sorry. What were you asking me?”

  “I was just asking if you’d like something to drink; a cocktail or some wine.”

  “I think some wine for me. A good Merlot will be fine.”

  “Let’s get a bottle,” Josh said cautiously.

  “Okay. I could use a good relaxing evening with some wine.”

  Josh turned to the waiter and gave him their wine order. As they waited for their wine, they read over the menu, and then Madison put her menu down and looked up at Josh. “I’m so tired, Josh.”

  “Do you want me to take you home?” he asked without hesitation.

  “No, but if you don’t mind, I’d like you to order for me. I just can’t think anymore today. This case has me stumped, and I feel fried tonight. Do you mind?”

  “Not at all.” She wasn’t the snappy, strong woman she had been the past few days. She had been spinning her wheels, too hard and too fast, trying to solve this case. At least he could go home at night, but she was living with it 24/7.

  He leaned over the table. “Madison, do you mind if I make a suggestion?”

  She knew it wasn’t going to be a choice from the menu by his body language.

  “Just say it, Josh.”

  “I know how concerned and dedicated you are to this case, but living with it day and night might be wearing you out. Have you thought of renting another place as your personal space?”

  “I’m fine where I am for now. We should be getting closer to wrapping this up, and then I’ll most likely be going back to DC.”

  Josh didn’t respond. He leaned back in his chair and turned toward the lake.

  “Hey, if this thing drags on too much longer, I’ll consider renting a studio apartment until we finish.”

  He looked at her without saying anything and just gave a slight smile. He was afraid he had stepped too far into her personal space and didn’t want to ruin the evening for either of them.

  The waiter finally came out with the wine. He poured Josh a glass for tasting, and Josh just nodded. Then the waiter poured Madison’s. She was normally a do-it-yourself, independent woman, but that night she was too exhausted to be assertive.

  The waiter poured the wine and then set the bottle on the table. Josh lifted his glass. “Here’s to solving this case and getting back to our normal lives.”

  “I’m all for that.” Madison tapped his glass with hers.

  The first glass of wine went down rather quickly, which eased the tension and then the conversation veered from the case. Madison wanted to know what brought Josh to Maitland. Of course, she already knew where he came from because Martin had filled her in when she came aboard helping the Maitland Police on this case, but she wanted to hear more from a personal view.

  “Not that much to tell. I lived in Miami and couldn’t stand the constant crime that occurred every day. I wanted a more laid back environment for work, and this job came available in Maitland, so I applied and got it. I haven’t regretted it once. I prefer a smaller town atmosphere, where you know your neighbors, and when you walk into a café or restaurant, people say hello. What about you? You seemed to have done the opposite. You were from here and chose to move away.”

  “I got wrapped up in the science end of investigating. Then one thing led to another, and I found myself with the FBI Criminal Investigation Unit doing profiles. I had never intended that as my career, but it just evolved. My real love is the investigation end of it, you know snooping around and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to see the whole picture.”

  He poured her another glass. “Have you ever thought of becoming a P.I.?”

  “As a matter of fact, I have.”

  The waiter returned to take their order.

  “I think we’d like to start with the Caprese. We’re not ready to order dinner yet.”

  “I’ll be right out with that,” the waiter said as he turned and left.

  “I just happen to love that,” Madison said with a smile.

  “I love the Caprese here. They drench the mozzarella and tomatoes in the olive oil, and if that’s not enough, they bring out the best bread with a garlic olive oil for dipping.”

  “Makes my mouth water just thinking about it.” Madison began to relax and smiled. She was loosening up and enjoying herself. Of course, the wine wasn’t hurting the mood either.

  It seemed only moments, and the Caprese came out. The waiter set the plate in the cen
ter of the table and placed a basket of hot bread with two small bowls of the olive oil for each of them. Madison didn’t wait; she dove right in. She dipped a piece of bread into her olive oil and then scooped up some of the Caprese onto her plate. She had devoured it before Josh had time to serve his plate. “I take it you’re hungry?” he said, laughing as he noticed the olive oil dripping down her chin. He reached over and wiped her chin, but she didn’t miss a beat while eating.

  Josh took a few bites but couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was one of the most intriguing women that he had ever met. She was certainly not intimidated by the presence of a man, nor did she try to put on any pretenses. She was who she was, and he liked that about her.

  She dipped her crusty bread into the seasoned olive oil. “I’m starving.”

  Finally, Madison had her full and sat back in her chair and reached for her wine. “Tell me, Detective Logan, what kind of man are you? I know you’re a fairly good detective, but what do you do for fun?”

  “Fairly good. I’m a damn good detective,” he said with certainty as his tone of voice started to rise. He leaned toward her with his hands on the table. “I’ll bet I’ve solved more cases in my career than you have as an agent.”

  Madison laughed. “It sure doesn’t take much to get you all stirred up. Sensitive, are we?”

  “Okay, you got me. I guess I am sensitive about my job. I’m a damn good investigator, and you know it, but I think you enjoy pushing my buttons, don’t you?” He leaned back in his chair. “Now I see how you attack your suspects. You hit them where they’re vulnerable, and then dig in. I should have seen that one coming.”

  “I was just playing with you.”

  He looked at her with one eyebrow raised and lifted his glass to her. “I owe you one and karma’s a bitch.”

  “Lighten up, Logan. We’re just having fun tonight, and besides, I think you’re cute when you get huffy.”

  “Well so far, it’s at my expense.”

  There was tension brewing between them, but neither was willing to admit it. Two strong personalities butting heads together have an unlikely chance they will ever let down their guard long enough to share an intimate moment of any kind.

  They had reached the end of their bottle of wine when the waiter stepped up and asked if they were ready to order. Madison leaned forward, “That Caprese was great and filling, but I’d like some more wine. What about you, Logan?” She raised her brow up and down.

  “Sure. Why not? Would you please bring us another bottle of that Merlot.”

  The waiter left, and Josh leaned into the table, “You know people can get in trouble if they drink too much,” he said seductively.

  “Well, if we get in trouble, I know someone who will bail us out.”

  The waiter returned with the bottle of wine and was just about to open it when Madison stopped him. “Can we just buy that bottle, unopened of course, and take it with us?”

  The waiter wasn’t sure but told them he’d be right back.

  Josh didn’t say a word. He just stared at her. Could she be planning something? He could only hope.

  Madison leaned in closer to him, “Is that okay with you? It’s getting so crowded in here and noisy. I thought we could take the bottle and sit by the lake.

  The waiter returned without the bottle of wine. “I’m sorry, sir, we cannot sell a bottle to go with your dinner, but if you’d like, the gentleman downstairs has a bottle for you. You can buy one there to take with you.”

  Josh thanked him. The waiter laid the tab down on the table, and Madison and Josh both grabbed for it. “I invited you,” he insisted.

  “Yes, but I mentioned it first.” Neither would give up their hold on the bill. “Madison, if you don’t let go of this, I’m going to throw myself on the floor, roll around, and stomp my feet like a two-year-old.”

  Madison burst out laughing. “Oh my God, the vision of that is almost worth the fight over this, but I will let you get away with it this time. However, next time, it’s my turn.”

  Josh didn’t respond. He slipped his credit card into the server’s book. Madison excused herself and said she needed to use the ladies' room and would be right back.

  Josh paid the bill, and they took the elevator downstairs to the market and deli area. Josh walked up to the counter and asked if there was an order for him.

  “Your name, sir?” the young women asked.

  “Josh Logan.”

  She turned to the several bags and boxes to go. “Yes, sir.”

  She handed Josh a box, which confused him for a moment. “Are you sure this is mine?”

  The young women looked at the name, “You are Mr. Logan, aren’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well then this is yours, and there are two wine glasses in there for you.”

  Josh pulled out his wallet and started to pay. The woman put up her hand to stop him from paying. “Oh, no, sir. Your bill has already been taken care of.”

  Josh thanked her but looked very confused. He turned and mumbled to himself. “Wow, I wonder if this is compliments of my friend, Greg. I’ve known him since he opened this place. I wonder why he didn’t stop by the table like he usually does? I’ll have to thank him next time I see him.”

  Madison was waiting near the door. She didn’t seem surprised it was in a box. They walked across the street to the park area by the lake. There was a table overlooking the water, and Madison nudged Josh toward it.

  “This looks perfect.”

  No matter where they sat, they could see the lake and watch the fountain in the middle. Josh set the box on the table and opened it. There wasn’t just a chilled bottle of wine and two glasses, but two cannolis in plastic containers.

  “I hope you like cannolis. It looks like my friend Greg fixed us up. Wish I had a chance to thank him.”

  “Yeah, that was nice of him.”

  Josh handed her a cannoli. Just as Josh was about to release the box he blurted out, “You did this?”

  “Oh, you are a good detective.” She smiled at him.

  “Damn, I’m slow, though.” He pulled out the other cannoli.

  “How and when did you…?” Then he remembered she left for the ladies' room. “But how did you know…oh, I remember telling you I knew the owner, and you asked him what my favorite dessert was, didn’t you?”

  Madison grinned. “Damn, you’re good at your job. Now let’s open that wine before I sober up.”

  “Woman, you are filled with surprises.” He set the wine glass on the table and opened the wine.

  She raised her eyebrow. “Oh, you have no idea.”

  Josh poured the wine and opened the box with the cannoli. He reached for the dessert and pointed it toward Madison as if he was going to make a toast. “Here’s to surprises.”

  Madison took her cannoli and tapped his. “To surprises. Yep, I can see why you like these things.”

  They finished their dessert and sat drinking, laughing and watching the couples strolling around the lake late into the night. Josh began to stand. “I’d better get you home before I have to call someone at the station to drive us back.”

  “Not a bad idea. We have to get back to reality tomorrow and dig into the case, but it sure was nice to do something to get our minds off of it for awhile, wasn’t it?”

  “I think we both needed the break and the diversion.”

  Madison wasn’t drunk, but she was feeling no pain or cares in the world. For the first time, since this case started, she almost felt human again.

  Josh drove her back to the office and walked her to the front door. He hesitated for a moment. Damn, I want to kiss this woman.

  Madison turned toward him and leaned in close. “We still have a little wine left in this bottle. Do you want to come in and help me finish it?”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  She didn’t turn on the lights, or set the bottle on the table in the office, but pulled back behind the curtain of her makeshift
bedroom and placed the bottle on the nightstand.

  Shit. Am I dreaming or is this woman about to seduce me?

  Madison turned to Josh, “What is holding you back, detective? You’re not intimidated by my badge, are you?”

  “Hell no. I just can’t figure you out. One minute I think it’s a challenge for you to be in the same room with me, and then the next minute you kiss me.” Josh pulled Madison against him and then put his hands on the back of her head and drew her into his kiss. It was Josh kissing her this time. He kissed her softly and then pulled back and looked into her blue eyes, to see if this was going to continue. Her eyes were still closed, and her lips were ready for more, and this time he kissed her passionately. Madison put her arms around his neck and fell into his hot, wet kisses. Her body was pulsating stronger with each kiss. Josh kept engulfing her with his tongue and then slightly pushed her away from him. He backed her up against the wall and pulled her blouse over her head. He held her arms up against the wall as she grasped his fingers through hers.

  Madison pressed her warm lips against his. Josh reached around her and held her tightly as he backed her onto the bed. Madison reached up from the bed and undid his buckle. Josh slowly laid her down on the bed. He couldn’t believe he was standing over such a beautiful woman. She was not only knockout gorgeous but was intelligent and strong. Her body shimmered as she lay there waiting for him. He crawled up next to her. Madison reached around his back and pulled him into her.

  Josh rolled over and took Madison’s face in his hands and kissed her eyelids. “Woman, you are a surprise.” Madison returned his kisses with a gentle kiss. She didn’t say much but kept looking at him in disbelief. She had not intended for this to happen, but it did. She sat up on the edge of the bed, turned and looked into his eyes. “Now what? I hope this isn’t going to mess up our working relationship. I can’t have you watching over me like some pit-bull. I’m still an agent and can damn sure take care of myself.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt.” He sat up next to her. “We can keep our jobs strictly business. We’re professionals, and we have a job to do. Now let’s finish this wine, and then I’ll get out of your hair so you can get some sleep.”