Sinful Deception

by Mel Comley

  “Hello, Rico.”

  “Samael, is that you?”

  Samael approached him slowly. “Yes, brother, it’s me this time.”

  Rico held out his arms, and Samael walked into them, clasping his brother in a hug. “I have missed you, little brother.”

  “And I you,” Rico replied. “Why are you here?”

  Samael waved toward the lab. “I believe you have something I need. Shall we go in and talk about it?” He followed Rico to the entrance and waited as he unlocked the huge metal door. “How’s Val doing?”

  Rico was silent for a long moment. “You hurt her bad, Samael. You didn’t have to do that.”

  “She messed up, Rico. How else can I control my interests if I allow them to go unpunished?”

  “We’re going to get behind schedule on the trials. Her eyes are swollen to tiny cracks.”

  Samael continued to smile as he followed Rico to the door marked Office. He’d warned Val about the trials. He would have to punish her again before he went back to the UK.

  Rico opened the office door and motioned for Samael to enter. “We don’t have much here to drink.”

  “That’s okay, I won’t be staying long.”

  He sat in Val’s chair behind the desk. “I want Duke MacIntyre, and I understand you have him.”

  Rico’s huge bushy eyebrows knitted together. “Who told you that?”

  Samael withdrew the scalpel from his pocket and began to clean his nails. “Who told me isn’t relevant, Rico. Where is he?”

  Rico crossed to the desk and flipped on the computer and monitor. “That’s him.”

  “Somewhat of a mess, isn’t he? What’s wrong with him?” Samael asked.

  “Close as I can figure, he and the woman had some kind of adverse reaction to the sedative Dr. Jackson gave us to knock them out. Must have mixed with the drugs they were taking.”

  Samael leaned in and peered at the monitor. “Will he live?”

  Rico grunted. “Doubt either one of them is going to live. What do you want him for?”

  “A business deal.” Samael sighed and stood. “I can hold them off until Monday. Dead or alive, deliver him to me then. I’ll call you and let you know where.”

  “When are you leaving for the UK?”

  “As soon as I conclude my business here.” Samael walked through the office door and headed toward the entrance.

  Rico stopped only long enough to lock the office door before rushing after him.

  “It was nice seeing you again, brother.” Samael turned, placed his hands on both sides of Rico’s head, and kissed him on the forehead. “We shouldn’t wait so long before we do it again.”

  “I will look forward to it.” Rico pulled him in for a hug. “Maybe soon we can both return to the UK.”

  “This new girl you have, I’d like to meet her.”

  “No, Samael. Leave her alone.”

  “I watched her leave. She’s pretty, far too pretty to stay with you, Rico. She’ll only wind up hurting you in the end.”

  “I’ll take my chances.” Rico took a deep breath and raised a hand to rub the right side of his face. “You harm her, Samael, and I will never forgive you.”

  Samael slapped him on the back. “All right, Rico, I promise not to harm her. Is that good enough for you?”

  “I will bring her with me when I drop off MacIntyre. You can meet her then.”

  “What’s her name?”

  “Candy. Dr. Jackson is adopting her.”

  Samael hugged him again before walking to his vehicle. “I’ll see you soon, brother.” Candy was becoming more interesting by the minute. Rico was enamored, and Val was adopting her. She must be quite the catch. He was looking forward to Monday: a gift for his precious Foxy and a chance to meet a new adversary. He would keep his promise to Rico not to harm her, at least not physically. Instead, he would take her as his own until he became bored. Once he was finished with her, she would be worthy of his brother, and thankful for Rico’s affection.

  He glanced at the dashboard clock: 5:30 a.m. Foxy would either be awake or waking soon to take her detestable mutt for a run. Samael dialed the special phone he’d given her and waited for her to answer.

  Her voice sounded sleepy. “Hello.”

  “Good morning, love.”

  Samael grinned, waiting for her to go through the normal deep breaths and counts to ten, surprised when this time she didn’t. “What time is it?”

  “Five thirty, love. I figured you’d be out by now, taking a morning stroll. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

  “Why are you calling so early, Samael? You said you’d found MacIntyre. Where is he?”

  His jaw tightened, as did his hands on the wheel. “Apparently, love, you need an attitude adjustment. I’ll talk to you on Monday.”

  ~

  Monday. Oh, shit, what have I done? Alex rolled onto her back and stared at the ceiling. His call had caught her off-guard, waking her from a dream that was more of a nightmare. She could still smell the fresh dirt of the grave, taste the tangy sweetness of the flowers in her hand, and feel the moisture of her tears. Call him back.

  Several deep breaths later, she punched the zero and waited for him to answer. A recording of his voice answered. “The number you have reached is not available at this time. I’ll give you a few days to think about how I’m going to punish you.” Her blood ran cold.

  “Dammit!” Alex flung the phone against the wall, immediately regretted her actions, and rushed to retrieve it. She sat on the edge of the bed, lowered her head to her hands, and let the tears flow freely. She didn’t need two full days to think about how he was going to punish her. There were only three choices: Dixie, Cinders, or Nobby.

  Dixie crawled across the bed and laid her head in Alex’s lap. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’m not going to let him get you.” Alex dried her tears and dressed quickly. She checked her gun to make sure it was fully loaded and opened the bedroom door. “Come on, girl, let’s go for that run.”

  The house was quiet, and her gaze fell on the note lying on the coffee table. Nobby’s scrawl brought a smile to her face. Plenty of stew in the fridge. Gave Cinders a bowl of warm milk. Don’t forget to turn on the security system when you leave. Be back late.

  Short and to the point. How many times did he think he had to remind her to turn on the security system? Not that it would make a difference. If Samael wanted in, he would find a way around it. He’d proven that many times.

  Dixie whined, and Alex opened the front door. “No leash today, Dixie. I want you to be able to run if you need to.” Her cell rang as she jogged into the park. “Hello.”

  Tamara’s chipper voice was a balm after listening to Samael. “Hey, figured you’d be up early. I’m going to head your way.”

  “I’m taking Dixie for a short run, then I’ll hop in the shower and be ready.”

  “You sound stressed. Everything okay?” Tamara asked.

  Alex scanned the area as Dixie ran a short distance in front of her. “We’ll talk about it when you get here.”

  “Want me to pick up something for breakfast?”

  “That would be lovely.”

  “I love your accent this early in the morning. It’s so much better than Reefer’s ‘bloody hell’.”

  “Speaking of Reefer, what are his plans for today?” Alex asked.

  “Research on Second Chance. I pulled him away from the computer last night, and he can’t wait for me to leave.”

  “Do you think he’d mind doing it here, keeping an eye on Dixie and Cinders for me?”

  The line was silent for only a second. “We’ll both be there in thirty minutes. Set the security system, and we’ll let ourselves in if you’re in the shower.”

  Alex stuffed the cell in her pocket, thankful she didn’t have to explain things to Tamara. “Dixie, let’s head home, girl.”

  Dixie trotted beside her, a huge grin on her face. “Yeah, well, don’t get used to this. As soon as I find this bastard, the leash goe
s back on. There are too many crazies in the world.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Warden Sams poured three cups of coffee and passed them across the desk. “What time did you guys leave this morning?”

  “Three a.m. So I’d appreciate it if you’d keep my cup filled so I can keep my eyes open,” Nobby said.

  “What makes you think this guy’s story is tied in with our serial killer, Warden?” Blake asked.

  “Not too many people take acid to their own face.”

  Nobby squirmed in his seat. “Damn, hurts me thinking about it.”

  Warden Sams continued. “I had our psychiatrist talk with him after he was well enough to speak. Said it wasn’t his face, and he couldn’t stand to look at it anymore. Of course, at first, we thought he was crazy, but the more he talked, the more it reminded me of Alex’s story of her sister. He said this guy took his wife and told him unless he did exactly what he said, he’d kill her. To emphasize his point, he sent a video of her screaming as he raped her then sent a package with two fingers in it. Barton underwent plastic surgery to change the way he looked so that he resembled the guy. Then he had to rape and kill a woman, cutting her, and placing a rope around her throat. He’d barely finished when the police showed up. That was five years ago. His wife’s body was found last month when an old warehouse was torn down. His lawyer got in touch with him to tell him new charges were being filed against him for her murder. Shortly after that call, he tried to burn his face off.”

  Blake sipped his coffee. “Could we talk to him?”

  “Mr. Adams can, but I’m afraid he’s seen you around the prison, Blake, and he knows you’re a prisoner here. Until you’re pardoned, I can’t take the chance the other prisoners will know what’s going on.”

  “I understand, Warden. Nobby, have you got your cell?”

  “Sure. What do you need?”

  “Well, what I need are those earbuds we used on the last case, but since we don’t have them, text messaging is the next best thing. If that’s okay with you, Warden?”

  Warden Sams turned the laptop around for Blake to see. “I don’t see a problem with that. I’ve had a video camera installed in the room we’ll be using with a direct feed into the laptop. You can see and hear everything.”

  “Then let’s get started,” Blake said.

  ~

  Blake sipped his coffee and watched as Warden Sams and Nobby entered the room and sat down at the wooden table. Nobby looked at the camera and gave him a thumbs-up. Two guards brought prisoner Barton into the room, chained him to the table, and left.

  Warden Sams made the introduction. “Barton, this is Detective Matt Adams. He’s been working a case similar to what you’ve described and would like to ask you some questions.”

  Barton nodded but didn’t speak as Warden Sams moved out of the picture.

  “Good move, Warden,” Blake whispered to himself. The gesture was a subtle signal to Barton that nothing he said would be used against him by the warden.

  Nobby cleared his throat. “What kind of work did you do, Mr. Barton?”

  Blake leaned into the monitor to hear the response. Damn good question, Nobby.

  “I was an accountant.”

  “And the woman you allegedly killed, was she married?”

  Barton nodded again.

  “Do you know what her husband did?”

  “He was a police officer.”

  Blake typed in a question and sent it to Nobby.

  “This guy that kidnapped your wife, was he an American, or did he ever give you a name?”

  “British, I think. It was hard to tell, because sometimes he had an accent, sometimes he didn’t. Said his name was Samael.” Barton started to laugh hysterically, jerking on his chains as the laughter turned to deep, soul-wrenching sobs. “Said the officer had to be punished. I killed her. God help me, I killed her.”

  Blake typed in one last question, and Nobby shook his head. “Thank you, Mr. Barton. You’ve been a great help.”

  Warden Sams walked into the picture, called the guards, and motioned for Nobby to go with him. Blake refilled the coffee cups and paced in front of the desk as he waited for their return.

  “Wasn’t no need to ask him that question.” Nobby blurted out as soon as he entered the warden’s office. “We’ll get the trial tape.”

  “I’ve already got it.” Warden Sams opened a desk drawer and pulled out a DVD. “I wanted to see what he looked like myself.”

  “Do you care if we take this, Warden?” Blake asked.

  “Take it. I hope it helps you find this bastard.”

  “What’s gonna happen to Barton?” Nobby asked. “He needs help.”

  “I’ve made a request to have him moved to a mental facility, but I doubt it will help. He meant to kill himself. In time, he’ll accomplish it.”

  “The only thing he had to cling to was the hope his wife was still alive.” Blake sighed. “Once that was taken away from him, there was nothing left to live for.”

  Nobby stood and shook the warden’s hand. “I think we should head back. I don’t like the idea of Alex, Dixie and Cinders being there by themselves.”

  The warden met Blake’s gaze. “The pardon is still pending.”

  “Has Gabriella said when she’ll be joining the group?” Blake asked.

  Warden Sams sighed. “Wednesday.”

  Blake shook the warden’s hand. “I’ll see you on Thursday.”

  ~

  Alex rushed her shower and had just started a pot of coffee when she heard the front door open.

  “It’s us,” Tamara called out.

  “I figured that when Dixie didn’t bark. I started a pot of coffee, should be ready in a minute.”

  “We brought breakfast. As soon as Reefer dumps all his equipment, we’ll sit down for a great bagel and cream cheese.”

  Alex made a face, glad Tamara wasn’t in the room yet. She didn’t have the heart to tell her she hated bagels and cream cheese. Dixie rubbed up against her, and Alex grinned. “Looks like you get a second breakfast, but don’t tell anyone.”

  “Did I hear somebody say ‘coffee’?” Reefer walked into the kitchen. “I could use it in an IV this morning. Tamara snores like a horse when she’s overly tired.”

  “You can always take a nap while we’re gone.” Tamara placed a bagel in the microwave, punched in fifteen seconds, and opened the cream cheese. “I promised Reefer we’d talk before we left, so tell us what happened this morning.”

  “He called and woke me up from a nightmare. I guess I insulted him, and he told me he’d give me two days to think about my punishment.” Alex bent and stroked Dixie’s head. “It will either be Dixie, Cinders, or Nobby. We’re going to have to watch the three of them around the clock until Monday.”

  “Why Monday?” Reefer asked.

  “He told me he’d call me on Monday. He knows where Duke MacIntyre is.”

  “Dammit, I knew we should have left that tap on your phone.”

  Alex shook her head and pulled out the cell Samael had given her. “It wouldn’t have made a difference. He gave me this so he could call me or I could call him. Since he’s going to punish me anyway, there’s no reason not to share it with the team.”

  Reefer examined the phone. “Hell, Alex, this isn’t even on the market yet. It’s a special model programmed to only go two ways, and the signals don’t go over the regular airwaves, so it can’t be monitored.”

  “So how did this dickwad get one?” Tamara placed another bagel in the microwave, punched in the numbers, and hit Start. “One or two, Alex?”

  “One or two what?”

  “Bagels.”

  “Oh, one is fine.” Alex gathered her hair at the nape of her neck and tied it in a ponytail. “How do you think he got it, Reefer?”

  “Beats me. I’ll check with a few friends, but unless he has some upperclass security clearance, there’s no way he got it legally.”

  Tamara handed Alex a bagel smothered in cream cheese.
“They’re delicious. You want one, Reefer?”

  “Can’t stand the things myself. You or Alex can have mine.”

  “Alex?”

  “Tamara, you can have it. One is plenty for me.” Alex held her hand down to her side when Tamara turned her back, and Dixie immediately licked off the cream cheese. She glanced up to find Reefer watching her, a grin spreading across his face. Alex shook her head and mouthed, “Please don’t.”

  Reefer walked over to Tamara, placed an arm around her, and kept her back turned long enough for Dixie to wolf down the entire bagel. “You two should head off. The sooner you’re back here, the sooner I can stop worrying about you.”

  Tamara turned, eyeing Alex’s empty hand and Dixie still licking her lips. “Good, wasn’t it, girl? Let’s go, partner.”

  ~

  “I called Mrs. Brockhurst and told her we were going to stop by.” Alex had been quiet since they’d pulled onto the road. “We may not have to interview Janice’s friends. She found a couple of yearbooks and said we could use them to see if any of the girls were in there.”

  “That would be great and save a lot of time.”

  “Not sure about the time saving. If we do find out who they are, we’re going to have to track down the parents and find out why they haven’t reported their daughters missing and then inform them their daughters are dead.” Tamara gripped the steering wheel. “It’s times like this I hate my job.”

  Alex shook her head. “If we find something, I think we should leave that decision up to the chief. At least you get one bright spot today: you get to tell Mrs. Brockhurst that Janice didn’t run away, that she was trying to save a friend.”

  Tamara concentrated on her driving and keeping her lead foot off the pedal. The news wouldn’t bring a lot of comfort to Mrs. Brockhurst, but it would relieve the guilt and the endless nagging what-ifs. “Doesn’t Nobby have to go to the hospital on Monday?”

  “Yes, and he’s going to throw a fit, but I’m going with him.”

  “Let me go with him.”

  “Thanks, Tamara, but I want to go.”

  “Hear me out, okay? You’re too close for him to be comfortable hearing the news with you. The chief isn’t allowed to go because we’d be putting his life in danger, and Blake can’t carry a gun. Reefer hates hospitals and would go stir-crazy, and Crimshaw would try to find something funny, and Nobby would kill him. I’m the perfect choice.”