He wasn’t expecting that comment and had to struggle to find his bearings. The woman was really good at tying him up in knots. “Thank you for having dinner with me last night. It was the best date that I’ve ever had in my life.”
“Me too,” she replied as she chewed on her bottom lip.
Chris was trying desperately to be polite. What he really wanted to do was kiss her good morning. “Cyra?” he began.
She looked over and put down her coffee. “Yes?”
“I’m trying to be a gentleman, but I want to kiss you. How do I bring that up without sounding too forward?”
It almost made her giggle. “You could just tell me you want to kiss me, or better yet, just do it.”
He really liked that idea. Standing, he pulled her to her feet and her body went against his. Without saying another word, his lips sought hers to taste and explore the depths of her mouth. The kiss was hot and steamy and showed her what was growing in him. Where there was the sheen of politeness on the outside, it was far from what he was feeling on the inside.
What he wanted was to take.
Steal.
Ravage.
God, she had him so twisted and knotted up he might never find a way to come undone again. The scent of her perfume was sweet and flowery and reminded him of some wild out of control garden.
Doctor Christopher Leonard was a man on fire. The woman in his arms had lit the fuse, and it was only a matter of time until he went off.
Cyra fell into the kiss and allowed it to take over all of her senses. The scent of his aftershave was intoxicating. The feel of his body beneath her hands was maddening and the taste of him was making her only crave more and more.
She prayed that it would never end. What Cyra wanted was to stay exactly like this until the end of time as she remained in his arms and pressed against his body. Never had she wanted another man quite like this.
Everyone fell away, leaving Chris to stand alone in her mind. Yep, she was falling. There were the telltale signs. Her heart was racing, she was all hot and bothered, and Cyra was willing to skip work just to stay in bed all day with him.
When he finally broke the kiss, they were both breathing heavily. “Wow.” It was all he could think of at the moment.
Cyra used her thumb to wipe the lipstick from his lip. “You could say that again.”
“Wow.”
She started laughing at his silliness and how it so easily caught her off guard. Before she could make a comment, there was a knock on the door. Almost immediately, the humor fell away, and her face must have shown the worry.
“Cyra, tonight?” he asked, praying she knew he wasn’t just talking about dinner.
Trying to focus on him and not what was waiting outside her door, she nodded. “Yes Christopher, tonight.”
He kissed her once more as he wanted to offer her reassurance. “Want me to answer it?” he asked, as the knock became angry pounding. Chris had no issue with facing down the man behind the door.
“No, I’ll get it.”
“I’m right here.” Chris watched her tentatively move towards the door, and that said it all in his mind. The woman was scared shitless.
As far as he was concerned, this was far from over.
Cyra knew she needed to just face it. “Yes?” she asked from the safety of the locked door.
“Open up. It’s me.”
Her stomach fell as she prepared to face her partner. Unlocking the door, she stood back as it was pushed open. In that moment, she was so very glad she wasn’t alone.
“I brought you coffee. We need to head over to the morgue and get our assignments from the bosses,” Thomas Rickard stated. There was calm in his voice, as he had forgiven her for blowing him off last night. What he wanted was to just start a new day, and he was pretty sure that he was here early enough to beat the other man.
“I already have some, Tommy.”
At that moment, Chris decided to make his presence known. He walked around the corner, with both cups in his hand. “I’ll make sure she gets to the morgue, Agent.” Chris stated. “You can head in without her.” The look on Rickard’s face said it all, but regardless of that, Chris stood his ground.
As his eyes flashed in fury, he opted to bide his time. He wasn’t happy to be taking orders from the ME, yet he knew he didn't have any choice. On the Fed power scale, medical examiner outranked special agent. Then, toss in that the man was one of Elizabeth Blackhawk’s lackeys, and he was screwed.
Cyra glanced back and forth tentatively between the men. Gone was the easiness from Chris’s face and body. It was replaced with a hardness that she had never seen in him before. As he moved closer, he handed her a cup and wrapped his arm around her waist.
Agent Rickard finally spoke, “I’ll see you at work.” With that, he stormed away from the door.
It was hard not to be nervous. Cyra didn't want to see Chris get hurt. When she turned to face him, his demeanor had changed again. Gone was the chill and back was the gentleness that was there earlier.
“Want to finish our muffins and then get ready for work?” he asked, taking her hand in his as he led her back to the table.
She nodded, unsure what to say.
This was a big disaster.
Taking their seats, he moved his chair closer and kept her hand securely in his. “I promise you, Cyra, that he isn’t going to hurt you.”
His words made her eyes fill with tears. It wasn’t her safety she was concerned about.
It was his.
When they arrived at the morgue, they found it empty with the exception of Doctor Patrick Parrish. He was sitting at a counter and filling out paperwork. As he looked up, there was no love lost in his eyes.
Yeah, the locals weren’t thrilled with the Feds.
That was a huge shocker.
“Has our ME been in yet?” she asked, hopping up on the table to wait. Both men in her life took their places against the wall.
“No, he hasn’t.”
“You don’t like us do you?” she asked, catching him off guard. It was sometimes the best way to deal with people. Do the unexpected to get the most honest response.
“Not really. You came into our town, you’re taking over, and I really think that it’s unnecessary. We had one victim. I’ve never heard of the FBI coming in for one death.”
“We are trying to keep more women from dying.” It was the truth. “That’s why we come across as difficult and nothing more.”
He shrugged. “I spoke to the chief of police, and she said the killer called you out personally. Is this about your ego?”
Ethan stepped forward, ready to defend his wife. The man was dangerously close to crossing a line. Unless you walked a mile in their shoes, you didn't understand the sacrifices and pain they suffered for their careers.
“She’s right about the killer wanting my attention, but let me assure you that the ego thing is very wrong. If it comes to saving a woman’s life, I’ll allow my feelings to get kicked to the curb.”
Before either could continue, the morgue door opened and Chris strolled in, firmly holding Agent Austin’s hand in his. He smiled good naturedly at his boss and nodded at the other ME. “Sorry I’m late. Cyra and I stopped to have breakfast.”
Elizabeth grinned at her friend. “You’re not late; I’m just hanging out in my favorite place in the world.”
The minute Cyra saw her boss, she desperately tried to pull her hand free, but Chris wasn’t having it.
“Morning Agent Austin,” Elizabeth drawled, swinging her legs as she sat on the table. “I hope you had a nice evening last night.”
She stared openmouthed and was unsure what to say.
Chris stepped in and teased his boss back. “I think you had more fun than us. We saw you rush out of the restaurant pretty fast. Was there an emergency that needed your attention?”
Elizabeth snickered as the men behind her started laughing. They both knew few people would even try to tease her and fewer would get away with it. “You
have balls, Doc. I hope you know that you’re the only one I let bust my ass.”
Chris shrugged, “Tony does too.”
“Okay, maybe him.”
“Callen and Ethan,” he added as he slipped into his lab coat.
She laughed. “Okay you got me there.”
Chris continued, despite the look on Cyra’s face, “Half the staff when they salute you.”
Both men behind her were now snickering.
“Yeah, laugh it up, boys. I get it. I’m too easy going. I guess I’ll have to be more difficult to handle.”
Chris grinned. “Are you here waiting for something specific? I haven’t gotten the lab work back yet. It won’t be in until later this morning.”
Elizabeth hopped down and moved towards her ME. “I’m actually here to give out the assignments before we head out in the field.”
Cyra didn't want to go out with her partner, but she knew she needed to suck it up and deal with it.
“Callen, can you text Agent Rickard to get in here?” she asked, watching Cyra’s face and then Chris’s too. Something was definitely there. Elizabeth had worked long enough with Chris to know when he was off his game, and she didn't believe it to be sex related.
The door swung open and the agent strolled in. “You rang, boss?” he asked pleasantly. “Are we heading out?”
Elizabeth turned to focus on him. “Yeah, as a matter of fact, you and your partner are going out this morning. We need the apartment of Scarlet Red searched. Take Christina and a few techs and get it swept. I need you to bring in anything that looks or feels pertinent to this. We believe that we have a Satanist, and that means look for things that scream ‘I LOVE THE DEVIL’.”
The agent made note of it on his phone. “Anything else, Director?”
“When you get back, help the team unpack it all and get started. Cyra, while your partner is assisting in the lab, you get to be the paperwork monkey for us, so watch your phone to see if anything comes through.”
“Yes, Director,” she stated, praying that she would make it through the first part of the assignment.
“I could use some help too, Elizabeth,” Chris stated. “I usually have Doctor Magnus here to help out. I could use an extra set of hands to help me dig through the tox and reports as they come in from the lab.”
Elizabeth stared into his eyes. There was a look of pleading there. “Okay, you have your own personal assistant. Are you okay with that, Cyra?” She focused on the woman to gauge her response.
“I don’t mind doing whatever is asked of me,” she stated. Deep down, she was just grateful that she’d be able spend most of the day away from Thomas Rickard.
“We’re going out to visit the Church of Satan. We need to get some background information,” Elizabeth added. “You know how I love mingling with church officials.”
Chris snorted. “I have my first aid kit in the corner,” he looked over at Ethan. “You want to take it with you?”
Blackhawk started laughing. “Are you kidding? We carry our own, just in case.”
Chris and Callen started laughing.
“You three are funny. Get your giggle on, because one of these days, I won’t be the one that needs the first aid, and the laugh is going to be on all of you.”
She headed for the door.
Chris shook his head. “That is never going to happen.”
“I heard that Christopher. Do you want me to kick your ass back to FBI West? We have an ME standing right behind you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied as he saluted her. When he winked at her, she shook her head in exasperation.
Cyra didn't know what to say. She was a little nervous that Chris was so easily teasing the woman. This was after all, Elizabeth Blackhawk, and they all knew there was a fine line that shouldn’t be crossed.
“Okay, everyone heading out into the field needs to get a move on it. We don’t have time to have a party here in the morgue. Besides, people will talk.” She winked at her ME on her way out the door. “Stay out of trouble and behave, Chris,” Elizabeth drawled, following everyone out. “Cyra, after the search is done, get back here to assist the medical examiner.”
When the door closed, Chris couldn’t help but laugh, despite the nerves jangling in his belly. The whole Rickard thing made him incredibly nervous. The fear that he was feeling was for Cyra, and if she would be safe with him alone.
“Is she always that bossy?” the town ME inquired, drawing his attention.
He shook his head. “That was nothing. You should see her when she’s really mad. Elizabeth Blackhawk is an acquired taste. You either love her, or she’s your worst nightmare.”
“Yeah, that I can see,” stated Patrick Parrish. “I’m not big on the Fed invasion as it is, and she’s a bit too much.”
Chris didn't respond. Anything he said was probably going to be construed as uncomplimentary to the man. He knew where his allegiances lie and that was with his friend.
* * *
Well, from the outside, it didn't look like a church dedicated to the worship of Satan. In fact, it looked like a normal building with blacked out windows.
There weren’t any inverted crosses, signs, or notation that Jesus wasn’t welcome, but lovers of Satan could stop on by.
“It’s not what I was expecting,” stated Callen.
“Me either,” added Blackhawk. “I was picturing gloom, doom, and fire and brimstone.”
Elizabeth had to agree. “Yeah, then everyone would want to join.”
Both men looked over.
“Please behave, baby,” Ethan practically begged. “This killer isn’t right in the head, and you don’t need to poke the devil worshipers with a stick.”
“I think I probably should use a pitchfork instead,” she replied nonchalantly. When she noticed that they were both staring at her, she explained. “You know… The thing that the devil holds…”
Ethan stopped her before she could go on. “I get it. What I’d like to not get, is a mob of angry Satan worshippers who are intent on tracking my sarcastic, wicked temper-ridden wife home when we leave.”
“Amen.” Callen stated and then started laughing. “Sorry, but I couldn’t help it.”
Elizabeth offered him a fist bump. “Good one, Cal.”
Rolling his eyes, Ethan pulled the door open and stepped inside. Okay, now he believed he was in a church dedicated to worshipping the devil.
“Holy shit,” muttered Callen as his gaze flickered around the place. There were black walls, dripping candles and red décor. “It looks like Elvira’s personal space exploded all over the place in here.”
She would have laughed, except it was an accurate depiction of the room. It was filled with satin and all things dark and dismal. Yeah, she could see a bunch of fruit loops praying to the devil in here.
“Can I help you?” asked a man, walking towards them. He was carrying a staff and had a long pointy beard.
Elizabeth watched the individual approach with amusement and curiosity. “We’re looking for Arlen James,” she said, holding up her badge for him to see.
Both men behind her followed suit as they moved closer to her body.
As he got closer, it was hard not to notice that his eyes were a weird, milky white color. It only added to the creepiness of the entire surroundings. The man in black, who was carrying staff with ram antlers had sightless eyes. Yeah, this all just screamed Halloween to her.
“I’m High Priest Arlen James. Can I ask why you need to see me?”
Callen wanted to deflect as much attention as possible off Elizabeth and onto himself. It wasn’t only for her safety, but his brother’s sanity. Ethan was ramrod stiff and looked like he might shatter at any second. He tracked Arlen James’s stare and the lecherous grin didn't bode well for him. “We were wondering if we can show you a picture of a woman. We’re hoping that you can tell us if she’s a member of your church.”
He shrugged. “I’ll look at it for you.”
Ethan handed him the
tablet and watched him scan the photo. “She’s rather delicious looking but no, she isn’t one of ours. I would remember her. We don’t get many blondes. Our members tend to be raven haired much like you,” he stated, directing that at Elizabeth.
She didn't even react to his words. This wasn’t her first rodeo in Creepyville.
Arlen James ominously stepped towards Elizabeth. “Have you ever been to a Church of Satan?” he asked as he moved even closer.
Elizabeth still didn't respond to his close proximity. She could feel Ethan and Callen’s hands on her lower back. “I don’t buy into any religion, and especially one where people dress like it’s Halloween every day.”
His voice boomed in laughter. “Yet you wear something for protection around your neck. I can feel the energy trying to wrap itself around you and keep you safe. It won’t help you here. My Lord is more powerful than your charms.”
It unnerved Elizabeth that he knew it was on her body. She almost glanced down to see if her shirt was open, but she managed to refrain. She was going to take solace in knowing that Wyler achieved what he intended. “I don’t believe in your ‘Lord’. What I do know for a fact is that a woman was killed and an inverted pentagram was placed on her body.”
He shrugged at the inference. “Anyone can make one of those. I doubt you have any of my followers to blame.”
Ethan was getting edgy. “Do you use an altar in your ceremonies?”
“Yes.”
“Can we see it?” Elizabeth inquired.
He considered all his options before answering. “You may, but there is a catch.”
She wasn’t amused by his game. “Yeah?”
He stepped closer and yet she didn't move. “The women in our church are only permitted to view it when they lie naked on it. Want to be my guest? I can promise you that the pleasure will be… life changing. We have an altar service tonight at ten and would love to show you what we do here.”
Callen was ready to kill the man for placing that visual in his head. “If I kick the shit out of a pervert while on vacation, will that get me fired?” he asked his brother.
“No, and I’ll help as long as you act as my alibi in court.”
Devil Hath Come (an FBI/Romance Thriller ~book 7) Page 14