by Claire Adams
So after twenty minutes of gratuitous conversation, my old friend and bodyguard slipped a deck of cards from his pocket, and for the next hour, we sat around the coffee table playing poker. Luna had taken me for twenty bucks and beaten Joe out of thirty before I threw in the towel.
“You’re a real shark,” said Joe, gathering the deck.
“My dad and I play a lot of cards. He taught me everything I know.” The proud smile on her face was masked by the longing in her eyes, and I was sure it hadn’t been easy missing her father.
“Remind me to never gamble with the good preacher,” said Joe.
I wondered how he knew about her father, but remembered Luna telling me they’d talked when I sent her out on errands at work. Occasionally she’d use her own car, especially if I was out of the office, but she’s often had Joe to take her where she needed to go.
I felt a tinge of jealousy for my old friend, who at forty, was only two years older. Considering his job as my personal bodyguard, he was also in much tighter shape. Not that I was slob, but Joe had more bulk.
“Let’s play another.” Luna bounced in her seat and folded her cash. I hadn’t seen her so happy, and I had to wonder if it was the night before or Joe’s charm that her glowing.
Joe wiped his brow. “How about Go Fish? I’d like to eat later.”
She winked and placed her short stack on the table. “Lunch is on me.”
He dealt their next hand as a chuckle rolled from his mouth. “My kind of woman.”
Minutes later when Mason showed, the mood shifted. He came in with his usual whirlwind and dropped bombs in his wake. “I talked to the detective this morning. Seems he’s so busy, he nearly forgot about us.”
Before I could say a word to respond, he lifted a finger and met my eyes. “That’s a good thing, by the way.” He lowered himself beside Joe and narrowed his eyes at the pair like he’d never seen anyone playing cards before.
I leaned back and shifted to face Mason. “Did you find out more about the other woman?”
He took out his phone and placed it on his knee. “Yes. Let me find my notes.” He swiped at the device and held it in his palm.
“The detective sent this message. It says she’s a former worker for G2 Security who was assigned to your dispatch room.” He glanced up as I shook my head, but quickly found his place in the message again. “Her sister claims she’d bragged about having a relationship with her boss. She says it was you. So did a few others in her family and group of friends, who she told the same.”
He pushed his phone towards me, which showed a photograph of the woman in front of me. She was a pretty young woman with dark hair and brown eyes that almost looked black, the kind of eyes you wouldn’t forget, but for me still wasn’t ringing any bells.
Luna leaned in and glanced over my shoulder. After a second, she gasped and snatched the phone for a better look. “I know her. She did work for you. She came in to the office several times a week to turn in reports. Sweet girl, but always seemed a little nervous.” She passed the phone back to Mason.
“Nervous as in giddy, or nervous in a bad way?” Mason shrugged, glancing back and forth between us. “Maybe she had a crush on Gabriel?”
“Wouldn’t be the first one,” said Joe. “I’ve had to run a few off a time or two.” He leaned over to get an eyeful of the image. “I’ve seen her watching. Seemed harmless, didn’t get too close.”
Mason swiped the screen. “I’ll put a bug in the detective’s ear, but know this, Joe: he might want to talk to you.”
Joe shrugged and straightened his collar. “Not a problem. I’m sure they know where to find me.”
Joe was a good man, and I was confident I could depend on him to help my case. I glanced over to Mason, who was still skimming his phone. “What happened to her? The girl – Tammy was it?”
Mason nodded. “She was strangled and dumped three blocks from G2 headquarters.”
“So whoever did it thought she had a relationship with me and killed her. When that didn’t work, they came here to Vegas to do the job right. They had to have lured Cindy and Stacey here somehow.”
“The killer could have used you or the event as an excuse to get them here,” said Joe.
The man had a point. It was possible, but unlikely since Cindy would have said as much. Something didn’t sound right about the theory. “I’m not sure about that.”
Mason didn’t seem convinced, either. “Apparently, neither are the police. I think it’s why you remain a free man.”
My jaw set tight as I thought through every person I knew. I didn’t have any enemies I’d think would be capable of something like this, and nothing had seemed off about Cindy. “From the way she acted, I don’t think Cindy expected to see me.”
Luna rose and crossed the room toward the coffee. “Maybe she didn’t expect to see you with me.”
“I don’t doubt that, but she was surprised I was there. At least, that’s what it seemed like. I’m sure the police have asked their family and friends. Is there any way to find out?”
“Already on it,” said Mason.
I glanced down to the stained carpet and realized there was one more thing I needed his opinion on. “What would you think about another move? The media will find us wherever we go, but if we could get set up in a small home somewhere, something big enough to move around where Luna and I don’t feel so imprisoned… I could buy the place furnished and have the security installed.”
“I don’t think calling a realtor would hurt anything, given she keeps her mouth shut. But if anyone finds out you’re buying another property here, it could stir up the media again. Despite your security, you’d have to have men on the ground. I’m not sure Joe alone could handle it. No offense, man.”
Joe shrugged off the comment, not that it was anything malicious. Mason did have a point, though. A bigger place meant more security and more ground to cover. “I’ll call her after lunch. What kind of house would you like, oh wife of mine?”
Luna crossed the room and placed Joe’s refill on the table with hers. “Oh no: your money, your decision.” She held up a hand in protest. I could tell by her determined expression, the tight set of her jaw, and the straight line of her mouth, that she wasn’t having any part of it.
“Fine, I’ll make sure it has a library and a tub with jets. You’ll be all set.”
She narrowed her eyes as her smile dawned briefly. “A jet tub would be nice.”
Mason curled his lip, and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to see he was irritated by the whole idea. “Hopefully, the four of us will be headed back to the good old City of Angels sooner than we think. I’ve actually been pushing the idea, especially since LAPD is on the other case.”
“Anytime I’ve mentioned it to the detective, he gives me the same stern warning not to leave town.” The detective had seemed more than adamant about it.
Mason raked is hand through his blond hair before tapping his phone out of habit. “You’re a man who could easily flee the country, Gabriel. Much easier than you could buy and set up another home on a whim, which is apparently pretty damned easy.
“I say save your money and let me keep pressing. I’ll turn up the heat. He’s trying to keep you close for his convenience, and hearing you talk about dropping serious cash to be comfortable, I’m not so inclined to cooperate with his requests too much longer. I’ve only done so to try and take the heat off of you. Sticking around makes it seem like you have nothing to hide and aren’t afraid.”
Afraid? I normally wouldn’t be afraid of anything, but glancing at Luna, I realized I was afraid – for her. “Well, see what you can do. This has gone on long enough, and if they aren’t going to formally charge me, then I’m not spending any more time here than absolutely necessary.”
Mason slipped his phone back into his pocket. “I’ll let him know, but to be clear, my telling him that could make him decide it’s time to get a warrant. If that happens, it could be a very long time before you see LA aga
in.”
Joe cleared his throat. “Wouldn’t he make bail?”
“This is a double homicide investigation; he’s lucky they haven’t slapped the cuffs on him already, and bail is not guaranteed. All it takes is one person trying to make an example of him, given his wealth, and he’d be locked up until a trial. Some things can’t be bought.”
“Well, I’m going to have Luna call the dispatch managers and see if they remember why this woman was let go. If it was the layoffs, it would have happened recently. But if it wasn’t, I’d like to know what happened.”
Luna met my eyes with concern. “What if they won’t talk to me?”
“If that happens, I’ll call them myself. I don’t anticipate any issues, other than how long it could take them to respond. If they don’t know anything, I want them to ask around. Discreetly, of course, but someone has to know something. I’m sick of waiting for things to filter down.”
Mason sighed and rubbed his eyes as if he were growing tired of my impatience, but I couldn’t help it. I’m a man that gets things done. “It’s a long process for a reason, Gabriel. They need to get it right. A rush job is going to land you in jail instead of the killer: remember that.”
Luna placed her hand on my knee. “I’m starving. Let’s order something different today. I’m tired of delivery.”
“I’ll go pick up whatever you like,” said Mason. “Anything to keep Gabriel here from buying a restaurant.”
Joe got a chuckle from that. “I’ll drive you. There’s a great place across town with plate dinners to go and none of that fried crap I’ve seen going in here.”
“Sounds good to me.” Luna passed Joe her short stack of bills. “Take this and-”
“I’ve got the rest,” I said. Luna opened her mouth as if to protest, but I wasn’t having any of that. “You need to get used to me taking care of you.” As the words died on my lips, she frowned, and I couldn’t blame her. How could she trust that I’d be around to do so?
Mason and Joe got to their feet and wasted no time heading off on their mission, and Luna wasted no time telling me her opinions.
“You don’t have to start pampering me because of what happened between us.” She took a sip of her coffee as I slid myself closer.
“I bought you lunch before, and you didn’t have a problem.”
“You’re offering more than lunch. You were going to buy a house knowing how I feel about it. Sure, I’m a little bored here, but I’m feeling much better now that we’re closer.” She leaned in to give me a short peck on the mouth.
“You know, having a bit of company did wonders for your mood. What if, instead of paying for a house, I fly your father or a friend or whoever you want out to see you?” Her eyes lit with surprise and she laughed.
“I couldn’t see my father coming here, not unless you’re prepared to die, but maybe Kim could get some time off. I’d love for you to meet her.”
“Kim it is.” I shrugged, but she pulled me back to her mouth, as if to show her appreciation.
She pulled away, leaving me breathless. “Thank you!”
Making her happy filled me with pride. “Oh you better be careful.”
Her eyes widened and she leaned away. “Why?”
“If you keep kissing me like that, I’m not going to want to share you with anyone.” We shared a laugh as I pulled her back for more.
Chapter Nineteen
Luna
The day before had been so much fun. I hadn’t played poker in so long that I was surprised I’d won as much money as I had. The boys had insisted on playing for a little cash, and though I was hesitant at first, I went along with it.
Waking up to the sun shining in my window and Gabriel beside me was even better. He was finally sleeping so soundly that I decided to let him sleep. Sitting up, I realized my body was no longer tender from our sex and though I’d craved more, we’d only kissed and flirted since.
Being as quiet as possible, I tiptoed into the other room to make a fresh pot of coffee and unplugged my phone from the charging station. I needed to call my dad, and I stalled until my coffee brewed and I held a nice hot cup in my hands. I liked the view from the chair in the corner, and so that’s where I parked myself for the next ten minutes as I stalled a bit longer.
Knowing I couldn’t put it off any longer, I pulled up my dad’s profile and hit the call button. I missed him terribly and hoped he wouldn’t be upset me this time.
His hello was rough, as if he’d drank a cup of acid before speaking.
“Dad? Are you okay?”
“I’m good, just woke up.” I should have recognized his sleepy voice, but I’d been so worried about him, I’d automatically thought the worst.
It was good to hear his voice regardless, but I wasn’t sure what to say. A long, painful pause followed as I sipped my coffee.
“Why don’t you let me come and get you? I could bring you back here, and you could stay until this whole thing blows over. The media is already dying down; it’s hard to get any information about it. It was on the news a lot at first, and then again when this other woman was found, but now they’ve gone to the next story.”
“I wish I could, Dad. I’ll be home soon.” I hated that he suggested coming to get me when I knew Gabriel would gladly pay his way, but I didn’t want him there. This was my space away from him, and I wasn’t sure he’d like seeing the situation firsthand.
“You keep promising. Tell me you’re safe.”
“I’m safe. Gabriel owns a security company and has a personal bodyguard.” I laughed to lighten the mood a bit.
“A security company whose cameras blink out when you need them.” His tone was unfair, but I couldn’t hold it against him.
“To be fair, Dad, his company is very reliable, and I’m fine, really.” I had to get him away from the subject. “How are things going at church? Did you write this week’s sermon yet?”
“Church is, as always, wonderful. The youth kids are supposed to be doing a fundraiser for camp, so they’ve got control of the pulpit for Sunday. I’m good with that, given my mood lately. No one likes a grumpy preacher.” No, they didn’t.
“Well, it’s good you get a break. It’s also nice to change it up now and then.”
“The youth pastor asked about you again. He’s a nice man, Luna. Someone you could have a nice time with and isn’t wanted for murder.”
“Are you actually trying to set your wedded daughter up on a date?” I couldn’t help but laugh.
“You said you’re getting the damned thing annulled. Besides, no one here knows about that yet. It’s none of their damned business.”
“I agree, but maybe let this whole thing blow over before setting me up on a date, okay?” I glanced up to see Gabriel had walked into the room. His expression was hard as he headed for the coffee pot.
“You’ll miss out on a good thing if you don’t get back to your normal life.” His voice rose, and I could imagine his eyes hard as he pointed to the floor or paced. It was usually how he lectured me.
“In my normal life, as you put it, you’ve never been so eager to set me up with anyone. And besides, it’s a bit ridiculous to set me up with Roland. He’s been your youth pastor for two years and all of a sudden, he’s boyfriend material.”
“Don’t take that tone with me. I’m concerned.” I had tried very hard to keep a good tone, but his was wearing me thin.
“I have to go eat. I’ll talk to you later.” I ended the call before he could get any more unreasonable or ridiculous.
“Who is Roland?” Gabriel’s hard expression came at a bad time.
“Oh, don’t you start. He’s the youth pastor at my father’s church and my father is just an old man whose concern for his daughter is making him crazy.”
“I’m an old man, and your father’s concern for his daughter is making me jealous. I don’t like him suggesting you date, especially since you’re my wife.” Gabriel stepped into the light of the window and bent down to give me a quick k
iss.
When he pulled away, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, as if his kiss had branded it there. “Well, when the annulment comes through, who knows what will happen.” I lifted an eyebrow gauging his response.
“I may not give you one.” He met my eyes with the same challenging expression, and I wondered if he still wanted it.
Suddenly, the idea of it seemed to bother me more than I could explain, and I was thankful I didn’t have to. I didn’t want it to be a mistake that we had to fix. I wanted it to be a marriage based on love and mutual respect.
“Time will tell, I suppose.” I sipped my cup to keep him from seeing my frown.
“I’m going to jump in the shower before I order up breakfast. Maybe they’ll get the eggs right again. They were perfect yesterday.” I had the urge to follow when he wandered off to the other room.
Instead, I picked up my phone from my lap and dialed Kim’s number. Being Saturday, she’d have the day off, and I hoped the rest of her week looked promising for a visit.
She answered the phone and the music in the background poured through the phone until she turned it down. “Hey, Lu, tell me some good news.”
“Where do I start?” It felt good to have something sunny to share that wasn’t about the investigation.
“Anywhere. I can tell by the sound of your voice that it’s going to be juicy. Besides, I’m cleaning house and I’ve been at work all week. I’ve got nothing.” Her cleaning explained the loud music: it was her ritual.
“Well, I’m not sure if you’ll like part of it, but I hope you’ll be happy for me.” The lift of my voice gave me away, and through the phone, I heard a gasp.
“You slept with him, didn’t you?” Leave it to her to detect my tone.
“Yes. It was amazing, but not like I’m a walking hormone. God, what have I been missing? It’s like I look at him and bam, I’m ready for him.” And, it wasn’t a lie. My sex drive had kicked into the fast lane.
Hysterical laughter assaulted my ears. “Yes! I’m so excited for you. So was it one time, two? Three? Hey, at least you waited until you were married.”