“No. It was just surprising after hearing Bustos, Montoya, Santos, and Rojas.”
Lucia’s smile returned. “Yes, I suppose it is. He’s eighteen and one of my best workers.”
The table fell silent as Vince scribbled notes. Lucia used the time to study him further. Definite lover material. Maybe something good would come out of the horrible events of the last two days.
“Right,” he said. “I want details from the last two days. Go over the events with me, please.”
“I’ve already done that with the officers who came in. Didn’t they write you a report?”
“They did, but I want to hear it from you. Sometimes people remember things the more they talk about them.”
“Fine.” Lucia blew out a breath. “Let me go tell Carmen I might be a while. I’ll be right back.”
Vince lifted his head from his notes to watch Lucia walk toward the counter. He tried to ignore the growing woody that rubbed against his boxers. He could kick himself in the ass for not paying better attention to the report. He’d expected the owner of Dulce Tienda to be an older woman, not the twenty-something, drop-dead gorgeous woman who’d sent his cock into overdrive when she’d smiled at him. He’d tried to stay aloof, tried to focus on work. Hell, he’d dug into the food she’d given him with the express idea that eating would take his mind off his hard-on. It hadn’t worked.
When Sanchez had told him Lucia Caro was a piece of work, he didn’t mention the woman was a knockout. Her dark brown eyes were full of mischief, and her body – oh man, her body. Barely five-foot-five, maybe twenty-five or thirty pounds overweight, nice and curvy with large full breasts and lush hips. She had beautiful cocoa skin and midnight hair peeking out from under the bandana.
He imagined her on her knees, begging for his cock. That image was replaced with one of her turning so he could grab her hips and plant himself deep inside her. She would scream for more and he would give it to her. Over and over and over again. She would submit to him all night long, then beg to start again in the morning.
“Fuck.” He breathed the word out under his breath and shifted in his seat. “Down, boy. You’ve been dead for a month and you pick this time to wake up?”
His unruly cock refused to listen to him. It started to pulse as Lucia walked back to the table. When she pulled the bandana from her head and shook out her long black hair, he knew he had to have her. It was curly and hung halfway down her back.
Beaumont! Get a hold of yourself. What are you, a teenager? You have a job to do, so forget about topping her. Now.
He cleared his throat and lowered his gaze back to his paper. “Anytime you’re ready to start, Ms. Caro.”
“Lucia, please. Ms. Caro is my bitch of a sister. Well, now she’s Mrs. Castile.”
He grinned and nodded. “Okay. Lucia.”
“Look, it was pretty much the same Sunday and Monday mornings. Can I just tell you one story, and then fill in the blanks for the difference?”
“Sure.” Just hurry up and start before I tell you to get on your knees.
“Fine. When I went into the back, I turned on the light. At first, I thought maybe someone had forgotten to clean up Saturday night. There was flour on the counter and on the floor. And sugar. I can’t begin to tell you what a mess that was to clean up.”
Sugar. He imagined Lucia on a worktable in the kitchen, with him above her, trailing a line of sugar over her nipples and down to her pussy. Or maybe he’d use warm melted butter. Watch her wiggle. See how long she could lie still, then think of a suitable punishment for the bad little baker when she moved against his orders.
His cock jerked and he groaned lowly. “Go on.”
“So I’m not so mad, or scared, at first. That’s all that happened that night, except for the cookies. But on Monday morning, well, things were much worse. I came into the main room and turned on the lights. There are ten tables, each with four chairs. I had two tables, and eight chairs that weren’t broken or overturned. They’d smashed the glass on the display cases. I just had it replaced on Tuesday, and I had an alarm system put in that same day. I had to close all day. Today’s the first day we’ve been open since Monday.”
Vince frowned at her. “You didn’t have an alarm?”
“What were they going to steal, flour?”
He fought back laughter as his own words to his captain were thrown back in his face. “You do take in money every day. Do you have a safe?”
“Yes, a floor safe. But it’s well hidden, and they never got anywhere near it. Saturday night they concentrated on the restaurant and kitchen. Sunday night they ransacked the office.”
“And they took nothing?”
“Cookies. Both nights they took cookies from the walk-in. That’s the only thing not made fresh every day.”
“What time do your workers come in?” And how do you feel about submitting to a blond cop who’s had problems getting it up lately? That is, until he saw you.
“Four-thirty at the latest.”
“Yuck. No offense.”
She laughed. “None taken, Detective. I’d much rather be in bed, too.”
Vince recognized the invitation. It would be so easy to take her up on it. Sanchez’s words came back to him. She’s a piece of work. He wondered if that meant she was wild. That idea wouldn’t bother Vince. In fact, it would be a turn-on. But he liked his women submissive, and he wasn’t sure if Lucia would fit that bill.
Of course, there were ways to find out. Subtle ways. But now wasn’t the time. He just wished his cock would figure that out. At her mention of the word bed it felt like it had grown another foot.
“So there was no trouble after the alarm was installed?”
“None. They didn’t even try to get inside.”
“That means they figured what they wanted wasn’t here, or they were pros and didn’t want to risk getting caught. Tell me, Lucia, what do you think they were looking for?”
“I don’t know.”
Their gazes locked and after a few moments, Vince nodded. She didn’t look guilty, nor did she act guilty. He believed she really didn’t know what was going on.
“I need to talk to your workers. If now’s not a good time, I’ll come back later, when the other two are here.”
“No, you can talk to Carmen and Lillia right now. Tony is in the kitchen baking bread. You can go back there, but you’ll have to cover your hair.”
He nodded. “Tell me, Lucia. Do you think your bitch of a sister had anything to do with this?”
“Rebecca? Doubtful. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. She says I’m a disgrace to the family.”
Hum. Drugs? Alcohol? “What’s the problem between the two of you, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“I’m one of five daughters, Detective. We range in age from thirty to twenty-one. Rebecca is the oldest, and I’m right behind her. We’re very different.”
She stared at him, then looked toward the counter.
“Yes?” He noticed the frown that marred her beautiful face. He wanted to kiss her lips until she smiled again.
She turned back to him.
“Rebecca is married, and has four children of her own, and she’s pregnant again. All three of my younger sisters are married, too, like good little girls. Me, I like my freedom. And I like men. Do I need to elaborate?”
Oh, please do. “No, I get the point.”
“My father still expects women to get married, have babies, and be submissive to their husbands. When I opened my business, my family thought I was overstepping my boundaries, as a woman. The only member of my family that still talks to me is my grandmother, which is strange since she’s so traditional.”
“So, you’re not a submissive little female.” Damn it.
“Not in that respect, no.” She stood and gathered her hair in her hands, pulling it into a ponytail before twisting it into a bun and wrapping the bandana over her head again. “But if you want to tie me up, Vince… may I call you Vince? Then come
back later and we’ll talk.”
Chapter 2
“She said what? Damn, looks like you’re back in business, buddy.”
Vince shook his head. “Knox, I appreciate the thought, but no, I’m not.”
“You’re kidding me, right? You’re going to turn her down?” Knox Keaton stared at his best friend. “Who are you, and what have you done with Vince?”
“I can’t get involved with someone that’s involved in a case. What if she turns out to be a drug smuggler or something?”
“Then you can visit her in prison. Conjugal visits. Tie her to the cell door. Listen, my friend, if you don’t start using your dick again it’s going to fall off. There are lots of sweet little subs at Jaguars who miss you. Come out tonight. Tatum and I will be there. Chad’s having a ‘Tie One On Contest’, to see who can tie up their sub in the most creative way. I bet Pablo wins. What do you think?”
“I think I’ll be doing reports.”
“What if we come and kidnap you?” Tatum Jensen, soon to be Keaton, slid into the seat next to Knox and kissed his cheek. “Hello, Master.”
“Hello, Vixen. How’s your day been?”
“Better now.”
He laughed and kissed her gently. Then Tatum turned to Vince. “You’re coming with us tonight.”
“Who’s the sub here?” Vince asked with a frown. “Last time I checked, you didn’t give orders.”
Tatum grinned at him, then turned to Knox. “Master, may we kidnap Vince tonight?”
“What a wonderful idea. And if he hides from me, I’ll kick his ass.”
“Dream on,” Vince said, smiling at the waitress who sat a glass of iced tea in front of Tatum. The woman took their orders; then Vince turned toward his friends.
“So, let’s change the subject. Tatum, how’s the new shop coming?”
“Oh, it’s so cool to be your own boss. Marcy and I love it. Of course, she’s mostly working on pots, and I’m waiting on customers, but we’re thinking of hiring another person.”
“Business is that good? That’s great. But what do you mean by she’s working on pots?”
“Marcy’s a potter, Vince. I told you when you helped us move boxes into the store. Remember?”
Vince frowned, something that happened more and more lately. He thought back to last month, when Tatum and Marcy had decided to go into business with each other and open up a plant/pottery store they called The Vines that Bind Us.
He remembered laughing at the store name, and Tatum’s story for people who asked about the name of it being plants that tied Tatum and Marcy as friends. He wasn’t sure if Marcy was a sub or not. He’d never thought to ask.
A vision of Lucia Caro passed through his mind. She ran in front of him, stopped, and turned her back to him. She looked over her shoulder at him, a pout on her face. She slapped her ass.
“I’ve been a bad girl,” she said. “Will you spank me, Master?”
He shook his head to clear the image and felt his cock surge to life again. It had barely gone down from when he’d left the store and driven the twenty minutes to the restaurant. Twice in one day. Maybe Knox and Tatum were right and he needed to visit Jaguars tonight. He knew there would be more than one willing sub there.
“Might as well be talking to a fence post.”
Vince jerked out of his thoughts. “What?”
“I said, you haven’t heard a word we’ve said,” Knox replied. “We’ll be by tonight around eight-thirty to pick you up. The contest starts at ten. We can play a bit before we watch.”
“No. Thanks, though, but I’ve got work to do.” Vince stood and pulled some bills from his pocket. He threw them onto the table and then fished in his pocket for his keys.
“Where are you going? You haven’t even eaten,” Knox said.
“Not hungry. I’ll talk to you later in the week.” He walked off, ignoring Knox and Tatum’s combined yell of his name. Going to Jaguars would mean playing, yes, and it would bring pleasure. But what if it didn’t? What if he made the wrong decision and hurt a sub? What if he thought she liked pain, but she didn’t? What if he read her wrong? He had enough to deal with in his life right now.
Jaguars would have to wait. Maybe at some point in time he’d go back. But, he didn’t see it happening in the near future.
* * *
Vince could tell Joseph Black Hawk had something to hide the minute the kid sat down at the table. Tall and lanky, with his long black hair tied in a plait, the young man twisted his hands in his lap and refused to meet Vince’s eyes.
They sat at a corner table, away from the people who came in and then left with drinks and goodies.
After a few minutes of grunted “nos,” and “I don’t knows,” Vince cleared his throat.
“You and your friends break in here to steal money? Or did you do it on a bet?”
That got his attention. His brown eyes flashed angrily and his lips drew together.
“What, because I’m an Indian I’m guilty? Screw you.”
He stood, staying near the table with his hands clenched into fists. Vince stayed in his seat.
“Your ethnicity has nothing to do with it, Joe. It has to do with your mannerisms, and the nervous way you’re acting. Tell me what you’re hiding. If you and your friends didn’t break in here, you know who did. Spill it.”
“I don’t know what you mean.” Fear replaced the anger in his voice.
“Come on, Joe. Sit back down and tell me about it. Lucia not pay you enough? You decided to come in and search for more cash. Of course, I don’t really buy that because, as an employee, you know where the safe is. Maybe your friends forced you into it and you refused to show them the safe? Honorable, but stupid.”
“It’s not like that. I mean, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Vince nodded, then took a drink of his iced tea. “I went by your school today. They tell me you haven’t been there all week, yet you’ve come to work. Are you avoiding your friends?”
“No. I just haven’t felt well.”
“But here you are, working around food no less. You must not be too sick. Wanna tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help you.”
“That’s rich. Help from a cop. You probably think I’m just like any other drunk Indian and I broke in looking for money. I didn’t do it!”
His voice rose and Vince turned his gaze toward Lucia, who stood at the counter, watching with a concerned look on her face.
“I don’t classify people by race,” Vince said.
“Right. All cops do.”
“Not all of us. Why don’t you tell me why you’re scared? Or better yet, why don’t you just confess and we can all go home.”
Joe shook his head. “I suppose you think my friends and I got high, got the munchies, and broke in here for cookies.”
“Did you? Come on Joseph, admit it. A judge will look on you much more favorably. I won’t even use the handcuffs when I take you in.”
“Screw you. I have to go back to work. Find some other sucker to arrest for this because it wasn’t me.”
He stormed back to the counter. Vince watched him avert his face from Lucia’s as he walked behind the counter and into the kitchen. She watched him with a sad look on her face, and then crossed the room and sat in the chair he’d vacated.
“He’s just a kid,” she said. “You shouldn’t have said those things to him.”
“He’s hiding something. Did you notice his nervous gestures, and the fact he wouldn’t meet your eyes, or mine?”
“He’s had a tough time lately. His father deserted the family seven months ago. Joe barely goes to school. He’s working all the time to put food on their table and keep a roof over their heads.”
Vince nodded thoughtfully. “Where else does he work?”
“He delivered pizzas for a while, but I don’t know if he’s doing that anymore. And I think he worked at a convenience store near the university. I don’t know if he still does. He gets defensive if you ask about thin
gs. He refuses to take help.”
“And you don’t think he had anything to do with this?”
“No. I trust him completely. Please don’t upset him.”
“Lucia, you’re upset, aren’t you? And I’m sure the rest of the employees are, too. Probably just a little scared about what they might find when they show up for work at four-thirty in the morning tomorrow, or the next day.”
“True, but…”
The bell over the door opened and Lucia turned her head toward her new customer. Vince took advantage of the break in the conversation to stand and put his notebook in his pocket. He wanted to get back to the station and run Joseph Black Hawk’s name and see if he’d been in any trouble with the law.
“Hello, Mast… um, hello, Vince.”
He turned toward the newcomer and was surprised to find Pamela Balder, a regular at Jaguars, talking to Lucia.
“Hello, Pamela. Coming for some food?”
“Yes, my every-other-afternoon treat of flan. It’s heavenly.”
“I’ll get some for all of us,” Lucia said, heading toward the counter. “Sit back down, Vince.”
“No thank you, Lucia. I need to get back to work. I’ll be in touch, though.” He nodded and turned his attention to Pamela. “Say hello to Richard for me.”
“I will. He mentioned the other night that it had been a while since we’d seen you. Maybe tonight?” She lowered her voice. “They’re having a contest.”
“I’m sorry I have to miss it. Good luck, though. I’ll be pulling for you.”
Once outside, Vince pulled his cell phone from his pocket and called Sanchez.
“Start a trace for me on a kid named Joseph Black Hawk, age eighteen.” He gave the address and then clicked his phone shut, telling himself he was going to be too busy tonight to go to Jaguars and take part in the fun. He just might spend the time ordering pizzas, to see if Joseph Black Hawk was his delivery person.
* * *
“So, is Vince investigating your break in?” Pamela took a bite of flan and rolled her eyes toward the ceiling. “So good.”
Dark Redemption Page 23