by Laura Marie
They all stopped when she entered. Victoria swallowed hard. She needed to hold back the tears that filled her eyes and were threatening to escape. Every time she saw the love of her life, she wanted to cry. They were tears of joy. Tears of pure happiness that she needed to submerge, bury deep inside and practically destroy if she were to succeed in capturing a killer.
“Hello, Victoria,” Steven said.
Victoria forced a small smile.
She avoided making eye contact. She loved him still, with all her heart.
Glancing toward her uncle, she tried to control the dizzy feeling.
“I need to get going. I’m fine now, so give me my keys.” Victoria reached out her hand toward Peter. Her body swayed a little toward the wall.
Peter gently took her arm to balance her.
“Honey, you can’t drive and you’re not fine,” Peter told her.
“I am fine. Just let me leave. I need to get out of here.”
Peter caressed her hair then placed a hand on her shoulder.
“You can’t drive. You’re too upset.”
It was obvious Steven knew the whole story. He stood there with his hands in his jeans pockets, looking handsome and sexy with his crisp, white T-shirt, tanned skin, and crew cut. Her family loved him, and they acted like he’d never left. He did, though, and she stared at Steven angrily.
“Fine, you won’t give me the keys, then I’m walking.” She started for the front door.
“Wait, Tory, I’ll drive you,” Steven called after her.
She couldn’t allow that to happen. She couldn’t be alone with him again. It was too tempting, too dangerous. What if Bret saw them together, what about Monroe and Warren? Shit. Think, Tory, think. She swung around toward Steven so fast, it felt like her head spun. Losing her balance in the process, she hadn’t realized he was already following her and was so close behind her. Her shoulder hit his hefty chest, and his arms embraced her as she lost her footing.
Silent a moment as she stared down at the tile floor, she attempted to regain composure, despite the desire that spread through her body. One simple touch, a solo warm, manly embrace from Steven, and all responsibility, commitment, and objectivity disappeared. At lightning speed, her mind forced her to focus on her goal. Be strong, Tory…You have to find your father’s killer…Your mom needs this…Your whole family needs this.
It was when his hand caressed her cheek and moved her hair away from her eyes that reality set in.
Shoving away from his body, she took multiple steps away from him. Her shoulder hit the wall as she raised her hand up for him to stay away from her. Glancing at the stunned facial expressions around her, she knew her reaction would shock them. There was no turning back, no way to minimize the blow she was about to inflict on Steven. It was the only way to ensure she went home alone and without compromising the mission.
“My family may have easily accepted the fact that you’re back, that you never left us, but I’m not that easy. I don’t want a ride from you, Steven, so don’t ask again.”
Everyone seemed surprised by her words. She was the least confrontational person.
“Victoria! What’s gotten into you?” Uncle Patrick asked, his stern tone apparent. She cringed a moment. He was a large and intimidating-looking man, but she was focused despite the remnants of alcohol in her system.
She turned her head toward him, still holding onto the meanest look she could muster.
“What’s gotten into me? What’s gotten into you? All of you?” she yelled as she turned back toward Steven, pointing her finger at him in anger.
“He leaves me, tells me to wait for him, then disappears off the face of the earth. He never calls. No one knows if he’s dead or alive!” Voice shaking, tears ready to sprout from her eyes and flood the kitchen floor, she forced herself to continue, taking another step farther away from Steven and her family.
“It was me who sat by the television set watching every news broadcast, jumping out of my skin every time the phone rang, hoping, praying that it was him!” she yelled still as she stepped back even farther away from Steven.
“He never called. He dropped me, forgot about me, I meant nothing—I mean nothing to him.”
“No, Victoria, that’s not true.” Steven tried to interrupt as he took a step closer.
She raised her hand up, a sure signal for him to step no further.
“No! I don’t want to hear it. I don’t believe anything you have to say. You had your chance. I waited too long for you…My heart”—she placed her hand over her chest, shaking her head side to side—“can’t take it anymore.” She barely got it out as her voice cracked and she turned to leave the room, unable to speak any further.
Peter called after her, following her out the front door.
“I’ll drive her home.” Peter followed Victoria.
* * * *
Jane went upstairs to check up on Sherry while Patrick and Steven got a couple of beers and went outside on the porch.
“My God…I’ve hurt her so badly.”
“Don’t believe what she said, Steven. Something is going on. She’s trying so hard all of a sudden to separate herself from her family.”
“What makes you say that?” Steven thought about how Victoria looked and how much he loved her. He was determined to prove his love to her no matter how hard she fought against him.
“She’s been acting strange for over a week now. She won’t meet any of us for lunch. She avoids long conversations or any personal ones. It’s not like her.”
“Maybe she does like this guy Bret.”
Patrick leaned against the porch railing.
“Son, there is no way she likes him. Besides, you heard her yourself. She said she loves you.”
“I know she does, and I’m not giving up on her. She’s what kept me alive out there. I survived. I pulled through because of Tory. I had to see her again. I want to be with her, marry her, start a family. I want all of it, and damn it, she’s going to see that.”
Chapter 7
“Now where should I leave you, Officer Chappa?” Rubbing his thumb and forefinger under his chin, the killer spoke to the motionless body. He didn’t contemplate over the fact he felt absolutely no remorse, no guilty feelings, just a cold hatred. Looking down, he spotted the tiny splatters of blood on his shoes.
“Damn it!”
In a rage, he kicked the body repeatedly, nearly twisting his ankle as he lunged and pounced on the flesh until he broke into a sweat.
Breathing hard, he whispered, teeth clenched as he stood up straighter.
“Something special I have planned for you. Somewhere everyone can appreciate my work.”
He smiled, then laughed at the instant epiphany that emerged inside his mind. He had to work quickly. He was losing light and everything needed to be perfect. One more day, just one more day, and the next step of his plan would be in motion. He smiled. “Duty calls. Time to leave, my little friend, but I’ll be back real soon.” Smiling, he walked away.
* * * *
Victoria was surprised to hear the knock at the front door. It was nearly seven in the evening. She had just finished eating a little something for dinner and wasn’t expecting anyone. She hoped it wasn’t a family member. She had gotten off easy earlier in the day when Peter drove her home and didn’t question her or push for answers. She remained silent the whole way home, mostly praying she could hold out as long as it took. She couldn’t wait until this was over.
Peeking through the side window near the door, she recognized the convertible that sat beside her car in the driveway.
Panic set in, then confidence, knowing she had come this far and was ready for anything.
“Bret, what are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you.”
“You sounded funny on the phone today. I had to see you, in case you needed me.” He leaned forward to kiss her cheek.
She forced herself into her role, hoping the investigators watched outside.
“Come o
n in. I’m fine really.” She sat down on the couch and he joined her.
It was hard to believe he was a killer, sitting there so handsome, so perfect.
“What happened at your mom’s?” he asked.
She took the opportunity to draw him in, make him think she built a wedge between herself and her family. Victoria needed him to trust her. She explained everything to him.
“So where does Steven Soranno fit into all this?” he asked.
She was momentarily caught off guard by the name, but recovered quickly.
“I loved him once, before he left me, wrote me off. My family has forgiven him, but I haven’t.” With each lie against her lover, her heart grew heavier and the pain increased in her stomach.
Looking away from him made it easier to tell such lies. Her heart raced, her stomach ached, but she forced herself to play the part.
Bret put his hand on her knee, and she focused on her mission.
“He’s no good for you. You deserve so much more. I can give you anything you want, Victoria, anything.” He touched her cheek, inched his body closer to her on the couch.
Victoria held her hand against his. She bowed her head and sighed, pretending to agree.
He whispered to her, “You’re so much better than them. You’re meant to be with someone who can provide the finest things for you. Everything and anything your little heart desires.”
* * * *
He lifted her chin with his hand, looking into her big brown eyes, knowing she needed him, wanted him to protect her, control her, own her, and he smiled. She would play the role of submissive when he finally had the chance to consummate this relationship, and the thought made him smile deep inside. She hadn’t a clue.
Touching her, practically hearing the triumph that came with her defeat, he knew he couldn’t have planned this better if he tried. Everything was working naturally, and in his book that meant fate was on his side.
Staring at Victoria as she stared at her clasped hands, he had an overwhelming urge to take her right there on the couch. Consent or by force, it didn’t really matter. He nearly ruled her, had her separating away from her family, the family he hated. The Mardullos and Malleys thought they owned this town. Their righteous ways stood in the way of every change he imagined in achieving River Point’s re-birth. Danny Mardullo resisted change. Look where it landed him.
Whoever stood in the way of his plans was certain to achieve the same fate.
He refocused on Victoria and sealed the partnership she was oblivious to.
“Tell me, baby, what do you want? What are your dreams?”
* * * *
Victoria followed the pattern of buttons on Bret’s shirt, slowly raising her gaze until she was level with his. The gleam in his eyes, the confident, arrogant expression displayed that the sick bastard was on a power trip, capable of deceit, murder, and he offered to share it all with her. This was it.
“I can’t take it anymore, Bret. My family wants to control me, tell me who I should be with, what I should be doing. I’m sorry they won’t give you a chance, that they hate you. I hate them for it!” She shocked herself at how convincing she sounded.
In an instant, Bret’s lips covered her own.
He kissed her lips softly, then more deeply. His hands groped her shoulders, her back, her sides. Like a slimy octopus, his hands were everywhere.
Shifting in her seat, attempting to place some space between them and dislodge his lips from her own, she placed her hands against his chest.
His breathing was rapid, his eyes red and savage-like. Not capable of hiding her shock and apprehension, Bret smiled as if he could read her thoughts then calmly regained control.
“I’m here for you. We’re a team, you and I, and no one will break us. Between all of our connections, we can own this town, this county, if you’re willing to be my partner.”
His thumb caressed her chin before holding it between his palm and fingers.
“What do I have to do?” Her eyes were wide, showed her innocence, fear, and vulnerability. He was confident and enjoyed this.
“Whatever I ask you to. We can start tomorrow at the memorial for your father.”
Victoria was shocked. The son of a bitch was using her, and she wondered why she was so surprised.
“What do you have in mind, Bret? I’m not sure what you mean.”
Bret placed his hand on her inner thigh and leaned in to kiss her. She was disgusted, annoyed, and angry, but this was what Warren was looking for.
“Trust me, Victoria, and we’ll be rich.”
He continued to touch her, talk softly to her, and try to seduce her as his hand moved past her upper thigh.
“Bret, please stop, we’re moving too fast.” She pushed her hands against his chest. His body leaned against hers, pinning her to the couch.
She was powerless against him and scared to think he would hurt her or worse.
“Does this have something to do with Steven?”
“What?” Steven’s name caught her off guard again. What was Bret planning? Her heart raced, her palms began to sweat, and her voice shook.
“I know what you two once had.” He leaned closer, laid his lips against her neck, then down the valley between her breasts. When his tongue hit her blouse, he looked up into her eyes.
“That’s over now. He made his choice.” She prayed she sounded confident and that he didn’t sense her shudder at the touch of his tongue against her chest. Nauseous feelings consumed her.
“He’s back in town and hanging around your family.”
“He can hang around them all he wants. It won’t change how I feel about him or them, and especially not you.”
As if waiting for some convincing, he stared at her as he attempted to reveal her guilt.
This time, Victoria took control, kissing Bret, trying to prove she wasn’t lying.
Praying kissing was enough to convince him, she pretended defeat and conceded.
He held her by her wrists. She was caught off guard by his abrupt use of force. She wondered what this guy was capable of, and her gut answered—murder. She hoped he didn’t go any further.
“Are you scared?”
She shivered beneath him.
He scattered tiny kisses against her neck and collarbone while he continued to press her wrists at her sides.
“Why? Should I be?” She held her ground, unsure of whether that was the right angle, and to her relief, it was as he let go and pulled her up off of the couch.
“Things just might work out between us after all.”
He held her in an embrace, his arm secure around her waist, staring down into her eyes with such certainty, confidence, and control.
“Next time, when you’re feeling better, I’ll be staying the night.”
He kissed her good night and left the condo as Victoria wondered what the hell had just happened.
* * * *
Brushing her hair, Victoria started to get ready for the ceremony when she heard the report on the television set. A patrol officer was missing from the River Point Police Department.
She watched as the picture of the officer appeared on the top right-hand corner of the TV.
She didn’t recognize the man in the picture at first, but after the newscaster said “Ronnie Chappa,” she remembered who he was. He had been on the force for about five years and was a bit of a know-it-all. Her father didn’t like him much, nor did a lot of the other cops. Most importantly, he was the one corrupt cop Monroe and Warren mentioned being present during the current investigations. They had given her access to updated information on the case files and she couldn’t help but wonder if he was dead or if his disappearance had something to do with her father’s case?
Victoria didn’t have time to call Warren. Her brother was on his way.
Thinking about last night and the way Bret acted, she couldn’t help but think he was involved, as well. The way he touched her and restrained her was the most frightening experience she ever ha
d. As soon as she had the chance, she would share her concerns with Monroe and Warren. Perhaps it was best if she weren’t left alone with Bret Collins.
She looked at the clock, knowing Peter would be here in five minutes. He was never late. She zipped up the short, one-piece sleeveless dress. It was floral and bright, a state she tried to mentally pretend to be in as she slipped on her white, high-heel sandals to match.
She had gone over everything with Bret this morning despite her apprehension. The plan was certain to do more damage than just ruffle some feathers. The sensation of butterflies in her stomach was nearly overwhelming.
Victoria looked in the mirror, applied her eight-hour lip color just as the doorbell rang.
It was Peter, all right, and off they headed to pick up Mom and then meet the rest of the family at the police station.
When they arrived, they were surprised to see how many people showed up and how much media coverage there was, as well. Photographers stood everywhere, and they bombarded Victoria’s mother and the rest of the family as they arrived.
All the firemen and police officers in the family wore their uniforms. Victoria scanned the crowd trying to deny whom she searched for. Her breath caught in her chest. She nearly died when Steven showed up behind her. Turning toward him, she consumed the sight of him wearing his full Marine Corps dress uniform, medals and all. He stared down at her, even if she had worn a pair of stilettos, or “hooker heels” as her brother called them, he would still be much taller.
His body filled out the uniform jacket to perfection. Large, wide shoulders, a chest filled with medals, achievements all honorable, but her gaze passed them over and instead followed the tapered jacket to his trim waist. The butterflies she had earlier now felt more like a stampede of mice. Little claws, long, whipping tails, and vibrating whiskers had her stomach in knots and pain.
He was gorgeous, from his military hairstyle, Rambo facial expression, all the way down to his shiny black uniform shoes. A complete fantasy package wrapped up and held together by the shiny brass buckle clipped slightly above the waist.