The man behind the desk looked up, smiling. “Good morning. You must be Miss Ellsworth from the Call. Let me tell the mayor you are here.” He knocked lightly before stepping into the other room. Linnie looked around the large office; gleaming marble and beautiful wood details spoke to the opulence of the city. Mayor Sutro had done much to improve San Francisco as both a citizen and the mayor of the city. His latest plan was to open his own extensive private properties to the public with newly built baths. Linnie knew the story was big news, but this wasn’t what she had meant when she told Mr. Weathersby that she wanted to do more important stories. I guess it is a start. She sighed as she waited for the secretary’s return.
“Good afternoon, Adolph.”
Linnie started and turned at a voice both familiar and frightening. The inner office door had opened, and Charles Vonn smiled as he exited. Quickly, she turned her back to him, hoping he wouldn’t recognize her. Here it was; she had proof of a connection between the two men. After sneaking into his house and getting kidnapped, she thought, all I had to do was hang around City Hall.
“I’ll get those plans over to you this afternoon.” Vonn closed the door. “Ma’am.” He walked by her and out the door. Linnie released a long ragged breath. Grasping her notebook and camera bag tightly, she fought to control her trembling hands.
“Miss Ellsworth,” the secretary said pleasantly, “the mayor will see you now.”
• • •
Linnie spent the rest of the day at her desk writing her article on the new Cliff House Baths and getting it and the photographs she had taken prepared and to print. Setting down the pile of photos she hadn’t used in the story, she sat back in her chair exhausted, shoulders slumped, one hand draped on the arm of the chair, the other covering her tired eyes. She didn’t hear the footsteps approaching her desk, but the subtle citrus, woodsy scent she drew deep into her lungs had her smiling as she dropped her hand and looked into Alec’s eyes, as blue and changeable as the ocean.
“Hello.” He smiled, and she felt the weariness of the day disappear. He sat in the chair next to her desk and picked up one of the photographs of the mayor she had taken that day. “Were you able to find out anything in your meeting?”
Looking around to see who might be listening, Linnie leaned toward Alec. “Not so much in my meeting, but when I was waiting to see the mayor, Vonn walked out of his office and was saying something about some plans.” Seeing Alec’s eyebrow quirk up, she added, “He didn’t recognize me. But I do wonder what he’s cooking up with the mayor. More important than that,” she smiled as she pushed her notebook over to him, “I was able to get the name of the laboratory and the doctor from Scotty. I was going to head over there now that I’ve finished this story.”
“By all means,” Alec stood, offering her his hand, “let us go speak with this gentleman.”
Linnie started to protest, but Alec cut her short. “There is no way I am willing to let you approach this doctor on your own. We don’t know what type of person he is or if he is working with Vonn. No arguments.” Nodding, Linnie retrieved her hat, notebook, purse, and gloves and headed toward the door.
Chapter 16
“The hospital opened the beginning of this year,” Linnie explained as they pulled up to a six-story building faced with California granite. “I wrote the story about the dedication party, so I was able to tour the facility before it opened.”
Alec was impressed by the grandeur of the Grecian portico they had passed under and the imposing granite steps leading to the entrance. It was on par with many of the grand buildings in London and the East Coast. “Certainly looks like they put great thought into the design.”
“Just wait,” Linnie said as they exited the coach and ascended the stairs. “Mrs. Lane had many progressive ideas about the layout of the hospital.” They entered a spacious vestibule tiled in brown and gray marble mosaics, and gleaming mahogany woodwork with a large white marble panel with an inscription. “This was Mrs. Lane’s idea,” Linnie whispered. “She felt visitors needed to be received in an area separate from the actual hospital to reduce any disturbances to the patients.”
They approached the reception desk and inquired after Dr. Barkan. The young woman directed them to the sub-basement. After exiting the elevator, they proceeded past the operating amphitheater and to his office, adjacent to the morgue.
“Dr. Barkan?” Linnie knocked on the doorframe. “May we have a minute of your time? I’m Adeline Ellsworth of the Call. I spoke with you earlier today.”
“Yes, yes, come in Miss Ellsworth.” He stood and gestured toward chairs next to his desk. Alec noted the doctor, a tall, portly man with a full mustache and beard, prominent nose, and high forehead, seemed very friendly and relaxed. Linnie introduced him. “A pleasure m’lord,” Barkan said with an easy smile.
“As I said on the telephone, Doctor,” Linnie pulled her notebook from her bag as she sat, “I’m doing a follow-up story on the disarray at the coroner’s office and how the staff here at the Lane Hospital has been helping.” Alec smiled. Linnie hadn’t told the doctor the full reason for the visit. He sat back, waiting to see how she planned to broach her cousin’s case.
“What would you like to know, Miss Ellsworth? We have handled hundreds of cases for them and sent them extensive reports with our findings. Even with our move to the new facilities, we have made it a point of pride to keep meticulous notes on every procedure.”
Linnie wrote in her pad, her head tilted just slightly. “When you created those reports, did you keep copies of them here? I have heard from Dr. Hawkins that conditions are still deplorable at his office. There is no decent repository for records, and should there be a fire, those records would be lost.” Alec saw her eyes narrow as she continued her interview. “As an example,” she flipped to another page as if she were consulting notes, “Dr. Hawkins admitted that they had lost the report you supplied them on a murder victim.” Alec watched as she paused, again pretending to consult notes. “A detective Thomas Landry was murdered, and the autopsy was performed by your staff, but the report has been lost.”
Dr. Barkan sighed as he leaned back in his chair. “This has been an embarrassment to our fine city, hasn’t it? It will be a relief when the city council gets around to allocating funds to relocate and update the morgue.”
“Can I quote you on that?”
He waved his hand. “Of course. I have been very vocal in my disappointment with the whole situation. As to your question about copies of reports, follow me.”
He stood and escorted them to a room several doors down. Dr. Barkan unlocked the door, and they stepped inside to a room filled with rows of filing cabinets. “Here is where we keep all our autopsy reports. He walked down one of the rows, perusing the neatly labeled drawers. Stopping, he pulled opened a drawer and rifled through the files. “Ah yes, here it is; the file on the Landry autopsy.” He smiled indulgently at Linnie. Alec could see the tension in her body as she tried not to appear too eager. Stepping up behind her, he discreetly placed his hand on her back. She looked at him with a small smile of gratitude.
“Now that’s odd.” Alec saw confusion on Barkan’s face as he opened the folder. Linnie tensed under his hand. Looking over her shoulder, he could see the file was empty. “The report and all the autopsy notes appear to be missing.” Setting the folder down, Barkan looked through the drawer to see if perhaps the papers had fallen out. The whole time, Alec could feel Linnie trembling. He desperately wanted to take her in his arms to comfort her, but knew they could not let on how important this was. The doctor looked over at them. “This is highly irregular, and it appears that we need to have a review of our practices as well. I will have to have my staff audit our records.” He gazed thoughtfully at all the cabinets. “There is no telling how many records are missing. This could cause quite the scandal should the police or district attorney’s office need these.” Peering at Linnie, he seemed disconcerted. “What I just said must be off the record, Miss Ellsworth.”
Alec could feel Linnie pull herself up, a slight arching in her back as she inhaled. “I understand Dr. Barkan, but when your audit is complete, I would like to speak with you again to see how many records are missing. This could be an important story. Since you had to use a key, I assume access is limited.”
“Well, yes. Only myself, my secretary, and hospital security have keys to this room.” After they walked out and he locked the door, Dr. Barkan turned to them, apologizing again and promising to contact her.
They descended the staircase back to the coach in silence. Once inside the coach, Alec pulled Linnie into his arms. She slid her arms around his waist, and he felt her melt into him. Gentle sobs shook her frame.
“I was so sure we’d find that report.” She pulled back, accepting his handkerchief, dabbing at the tears on her cheeks.
Reaching up, he took the cloth and gently wiped her face. “It looks like Vonn has been very thorough in covering his tracks. We’ll have to see what the others have found out.” Alec leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. “It’s not over, Linnie. We’ll get to the bottom of this.” Silently, he vowed he would use whatever means necessary to help her solve this. Her happiness, he realized, mattered more to him than his revenge.
Chapter 17
Dinner was wonderful. Linnie couldn’t remember the last time she had been so entertained by a dinner partner. Alec had gone out of his way to keep her smiling and relaxed. It was such a pleasant change after the afternoon’s bitter disappointment. One evening of not caring, of not worrying, of not feeling the sadness that had been her life for the past three years. Linnie watched as Alec spoke with the waiter and marveled again that this man had come into her life.
“I’ve asked the waiter to have dessert and coffee sent up to my room.” He took her hand in his. “I hope that wasn’t presumptuous of me.”
“Not at all.” She smiled as they stood and headed for the lobby. “But what about Kara and Hawke?”
“They are at the gala at the mayor’s this evening.”
Linnie couldn’t help smiling as she watched the skin around his eyes tighten and desire darken his eyes. Oh yes, she was done waiting. This was the man she wanted, and she knew he wanted her. Walking toward the elevators, she admired the figure he cut. Other women turned to watch him go by. He was a handsome man, she thought, both inside and out. As the elevator operator let them out on his floor, he tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and they approached his private entrance to the suite of rooms he shared with Kara and Hawke, heat pooled low, sending erotic pulses through her. He opened the door and followed her inside. They entered a small sitting area separated from the larger one she had been in before, and closed off from his bedroom by a set of sliding doors. There was a smaller dark green settee and chair with a dark wood table. Stacks of papers were piled to the side, reminding her that Alec and his companions were here for their own business interests. How much longer would they be here, she wondered. A tray with the coffee and dessert Alec had ordered was waiting for them. Lifting the silver cloche, Linnie inhaled the fragrance of the decadent cream cake and fruit. “This looks delicious. Would you like some?” She picked up a fork and cut a piece of the cake and lifted it toward Alec. Her breath caught as he leaned in, never taking his gaze from her as he opened his mouth and took the dessert onto his tongue.
“Delicious,” he said with a wicked smile as he stepped closer. He took the fork from her and reached down to get another piece. “Your turn.” His voice was as silky as the treat he offered. Her body was on fire as she delicately wrapped her lips around the fork’s tines and pulled the creamy concoction into her mouth. She saw his pupils widen, and she reveled in the effect she had on him. She arched her neck back as she swallowed, then lowered her head, looking at him from under her lashes.
Reaching her hand up, she caressed Alec’s face. She stretched up to meet his lips as he bent toward her. Chills danced along her skin; anticipation and desire swirled through her body, leaving her short of breath. Softly, his lips claimed hers. They were so warm. He was so warm. She felt his hands sliding up her arms; the heat blazed a path through the cloth of her blouse. She wanted to feel more. Sliding her hand from his cheek, she arrowed her fingers through his hair. The silky strands tickled her palm, sending more shivers through her body.
“I want you, Linnie.” His words were uttered on wisps of breath against her ear. A shiver coursed through her. “I need to feel you.” His lips reclaimed her mouth more urgently. She felt his tongue nudge at her lips, and she eagerly opened to him. Their tongues danced a dance as old as time; silently asking, silently answering.
Linnie moved her hands to his shoulders, tugging at his jacket. Eagerly, Alec helped her remove it and reached for her hair.
“I’ve wanted to see your hair down since the first time I saw you,” he whispered as he pulled the pins from the heavy bun, running his fingers through the waves as they cascaded down her back. “It’s beautiful, the color of the setting sun blazing o’er the highlands.” He pulled some of the strands over her shoulder and rubbed them against his cheek. His eyes were hot with desire. “I want to wrap our naked bodies with your hair. I want it sliding over my skin as I make love to you.”
Linnie’s heart pounded so hard she was sure he could hear it. Desire burned through her as he unbuttoned her blouse. “I want to taste all of you.” Her head fell back as he traced his tongue along her throat, following his hands lower.
Clutching his vest, she began undoing the many buttons. “Oh why are there so many impediments? I swear you have on more items than I do.” Pushing the vest off his shoulders, impatience and need drove her. Looking into his eyes, she took the placards of his shirt in her hands and ripped it open. Buttons flew, and she heard a deep rumbling coming from the magnificent chest finally exposed. She saw a twinkle and a hint of surprise at her bold move. He pulled her toward him, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. Her hands were trapped against his chest, and she could feel his heart thundering. It had been so long since she had felt a man’s skin against hers. Reveling in the feel, she slid her hands over the taut muscles of his chest and burrowed under his clothes, wrapping her arms around his back.
As he deepened the kiss, she felt his hands hot against her stomach as he finished undoing her blouse and slid his hands under her chemise. A sound of raw need tore from her lips. His hands covered her breasts. Her nipples hardened against his palms, and her need to feel everything drove her on.
Since Robert’s death, she’d pushed down any carnal needs, rejecting all advances, not wanting to feel … fearing the pain of loss again. But this man. This man had rekindled her banked desires, and she wanted to drown in the sensations coursing through her body. Alec removed her blouse and chemise. Cool air teased her already sensitive nipples. She slipped her hands down his sleek sides, moving steadily downward over his pants until she felt the hard bulge.
Grabbing her around the waist, Alec lifted her, pressing her bare breasts against his naked chest. She thought she would die, overwhelmed by the sensations. Grabbing her head with his other hand, he pulled her lips to his as he carried her to the bed. Lips still locked, he laid her on the bed, and she felt the ties on her skirt loosen as he tugged it over her hips. Arching her back, helping, she reached for the closure at his waistband.
Removing the last of his clothing, Alec laid beside her on the bed, running his hand down her body, his fingertips leaving goose bumps in their wake. “You’re so beautiful.” His eyes followed the contours of her body as his hand continued its journey. Leaning over, he took one of her nipples in his mouth. She arched into the wet heat. He moved to lave attention on the other breast as Linnie moaned, rubbing her hands up and down his back, urging him on. He rested his hand on her mound. The anticipation and tingling had Linnie moving her hips restlessly under the gentle pressure.
• • •
“You are so responsive. Your body vibrates with desire.” Alec felt her skin heat and marveled
at the flush adding a rosy glow to her ivory skin. Looking up into her eyes, half-closed with desire, emerald shards shining through thick lashes, he was awestruck at the depth of passion in this woman.
“Your nature is as fiery as your hair.” He moved his head lower and reveled in the picture of lust in his arms. Her head lay across his arm; her hair splayed across the bed, scarlet ribbons he wanted wrapped around him. Small, quick breaths came from parted lips, plump and moist from his kisses. He felt close to bursting, he was so hard. He needed her, but he wouldn’t rush; he wanted to take her to the highest peaks over and over before giving into his own release.
“You were made for loving.” He looked into her eyes. “You were made for loving me.” He kissed her hard as he slid his hand down, parting the folds and feeling the moist, slick heat of her.
Circling her tip while watching passion flood her cheeks, he slid his finger into her. She nipped at his lips and clutched at his hair. Thrusting in and pulling out, caressing her with his fingers, he felt her tense, a deep moan vibrating out of her as she came apart.
Pulling his finger out, Alec moved over her and entered her. It feels so right, he thought as he pulled back and slid into her welcoming body. This is where I want to be, where I need to be. All thoughts flew away as she began moving with him. She rolled her hips, and Alec couldn’t hold back. Kissing her, he increased the rhythm, driving them both higher and higher until they flew apart. Moving off her, he drew her close. Linnie lay against his side, her head resting on his chest, one arm encircling his waist, lying pliant in his arms.
Kissing the top of her head, Alec reveled in a contentment he’d never felt before and vowed to never let her go. He caressed her back until both fell into a deep sleep.
• • •
Opening her eyes, Linnie was reluctant to move from the warm cocoon of Alec’s arms. Smiling, she thought about what had happened. It was so much more than she remembered of her time with Robert. She had enjoyed the marriage bed, but never as intensely as with Alec. His passion sent shivers dancing across her skin as she recalled the feel of him inside her. They’d been one, and when she’d felt his release pumping into her, she had flown with him. Her arousal increased as she lay there, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest as he slept. Slowly, she started caressing his skin. Sliding her fingertips across his chest and down his abdomen, she felt a change in his breathing.
The Heart You Need Page 8