by Laura Marie
The thought of Bret touching her, kissing her, annoyed the hell out of Steven. A guy like that was scum, and rumor had it he was into some kinky sexual activities even with underage girls, besides his ability to blackmail, con, and exploit people. Thank God Victoria was safe. He would die if anything ever happened to her.
He knew her well. Victoria was always strong minded, determined, and a fighter. She never gave up easily, Steven recalled as he gently touched her long brown hair.
He was certain many men found her attractive, interestingly enough Tod Kafrey came to mind.
Tod and the way he had looked at Victoria were unnerving. Steven didn’t like it one bit, and it was more than just a simple jealousy.
He had this uneasy feeling that just wouldn’t budge. He wanted to ask Victoria about Tod, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to know just how close they were. He thought about the way Tod had grabbed Victoria back at her mom’s house. The way he had kissed her and shown concern for her safety.
Did Victoria have deeper feelings for Tod that maybe her brother wasn’t aware of? Did she sleep with him? Did Victoria share her bed with Tod? He wondered as he held her tighter, hoping that she didn’t but knowing that if Victoria slept with Tod, then Steven was partly to blame.
* * * *
Victoria slowly opened her eyes, immediately pleased with the feel of Steven’s muscles under her chin and cheek. She turned slightly and softly kissed his skin, again and again.
Surprised he was awake, she jumped a little as her gaze moved up toward Steven’s face.
“Hi,” he whispered as she leaned in closer to his lips, kissing them tenderly.
“I didn’t know you were awake. I was just enjoying your skin and being in your arms.”
“And I was enjoying being here with you, too.”
Victoria smiled and snuggled closer to Steven as he caressed her hip, then her bare backside, giving it a little squeeze.
“It was some night, huh?” Victoria asked.
“Sure was, baby, but the best part was in that hallway over there with you,” Steven commented as he pulled her on top of him.
“It sure was. So how do you think my family is going to act now? Will I have escorts and bodyguards, or what?”
“All of the above and then some.”
“Oh, God, this is gonna be fun.” Victoria rolled her eyes and groaned.
“Well, let’s see, you have police officers in your family, detectives, firemen, military personnel, construction workers, and so on. I’d say you’re going to be pretty much covered.”
“You forgot Marine and SWAT team commander,” Victoria gently nibbled on Steven’s lower lip.
“Your brother, cousins, uncles, and I are working out a schedule. You’ll be safe with your family and me around.”
“I know I will be. So how much do you think the FBI will get out of Bret?”
“A lot, I’m sure. It’s the local detectives who worked the case that will probably be the most help. I’m sure Detective Don Phelps and your good friend Detective Kafrey will be needing you.”
Victoria couldn’t help but notice the sarcastic way Steven said Tod’s name.
“What’s wrong, Steven?”
Steven placed his hand under Victoria’s chin and gave her a serious look.
“What exactly went on between you and that Detective Kafrey?”
“Nothing went on between us. We’re just good friends. He was working my father’s murder case and is a very caring person.”
“Did you sleep with him?”
“Steven!” Victoria yelled as she jumped up from her laying-down position against his chest and sat straight up straddling his hips.
“Well, what am I to think? This guy shows up at your place whenever he wants. He grabs you like he owns you last night, never mind the fact that he had his tongue down your throat. I thought I handled that pretty well last night.”
“Steven, stop it. Don’t be silly. We’re just good friends. We were never intimate and I never even went on a date with Tod.”
“Well, has anyone told him that? Because the man is in love with you.”
“He knows I love you. He always has. Besides, he said good-bye last night. He knows there will never be anything but a friendship between us.”
“Well, I sure as hell hope so because I’m not about to share you with anyone.” Steven pulled Victoria back down against his chest, rolled her to the side, then covered her body with his.
Instantly, their lips met, and Steven separated her legs with his, revealing his instant hardness against her belly.
They kissed each other deeply, wanting more of one another, needing to make up for lost time.
“You’re all mine, baby, all mine,” Steven whispered as they made love again.
* * * *
Steven held Victoria around the waist as she kissed him good-bye.
“Okay, Peter will be here in about twenty minutes. I’ll call you from work today, and remember to be on guard.”
“I know, Steven, don’t worry. Everything is going to be fine. I love you, and you be careful.”
“I will. I love you, too.” Steven hugged Victoria again, holding her tight. “I don’t want to leave you.” He gently held her face in his hand.
Victoria placed her hand over his, then kissed the palm of his hand. “Go, Steven, and don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
Victoria closed the door and locked it. Victoria leaned back against the door, closing her eyes, smiling wide, overjoyed at how wonderful she felt. After a few minutes, she took a quick shower, then got ready for work. She was just about done when Peter arrived.
“You look happy this morning. Did I just miss Steven?” he asked with a smile as he watched her gather her papers for work and stuff them into a portfolio.
“Well, why don’t you tell me? I thought you guys all had a nice schedule going on where I won’t have much alone time.”
Peter got serious a moment. “You know we have to, Tory. There’s no telling who else may be involved with the case, and if your suspicions are right, then you could be in danger.”
“I know you’re right. I just want some closure, I guess. I want Daddy’s killer behind bars, and I want everything over with.”
“So do I, and so do the rest of the family.”
“Is anyone going to be watching over Mom? I’m worried about her.”
“Yeah, Uncle Jack, Tom, and Alex are going to work out a schedule. Mom’s as thrilled as you are.”
“Well, she’ll just have to deal with it like I am. Besides, I just focus on when it’s Steven’s watch. No offense, brother.” She winked.
“None taken. I’m glad you two have worked things out. You are meant to be together and you love one another so much. Needless to say, I’m still trying to recover from the whole Bret Collins relationship.”
He gave Victoria a stern look.
“I’m sorry about that, Peter. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you about the undercover operation.”
“We’ve always been so close, Tory. I thought you knew that you could tell me anything?”
Victoria realized she had hurt her brother’s feelings.
“I was focused on finding Dad’s killer. I knew that you, Uncle Pat, Brian, and the rest of the guys would deter me from getting involved. There didn’t seem much choice in the matter, and ultimately not telling you made my act more convincing for Bret.”
Peter sighed. “I suppose I would have done the same thing. I don’t think I would have performed as well as you did though.” He smirked then shook his head, running a hand through his hair. “You have no idea…how irate we all were. I wanted to rip Bret’s head off.”
Victoria smiled. “That was a pretty nice right hook you gave him. Personally, I would have gone for his nose.”
Instantly, he pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Tory, but you better not do anything so dangerous again. You hear me?”
“I hear you, and I love you, too.”
Pulling away from the embrace, he smile
d at Victoria. “Now let’s get a move on it.”
She grabbed her other things and headed to work.
* * * *
When Victoria arrived at the magazine, John, Debbie, and the rest of the staff greeted her. She even received applause and a standing ovation. Once things settled down, she went to her office along with her editor, John.
“You surprised the hell out of me, young lady. I had no idea you were capable of this. You had everyone fooled. Your article, along with the charges filed against Bret Collins, is front-page news. The phones have been ringing off the hook about interviews, the release date for this issue of Search and Seizure, and your personal involvement with this story. My God, Victoria, what were you thinking? We’re all so glad you’re safe. Oh God, listen to me carrying on.” John finally settled down.
“It’s all right, John. I understand everyone’s surprise and concern. I’m glad we were able to get the article out and that the newest issue of Search and Seizure is coming out this week, as well. So what’s the plan for today?”
“Well, that’s up to you and what you’d like to do first. Everyone’s fighting for the first interview.”
“They’ll just have to keep fighting. I’m not talking about any of it. I can’t until the FBI and district attorney give the okay.”
“But what should we say? Are you sure you can’t—?”
“I will not jeopardize this case, John. I did all of this to help find my father’s killer. We have to wait, and that’s final.”
“Well then, you should probably start looking over the final drafts. They will go to the printer in two days. Again, Victoria, I’m very impressed, very proud of you, but most importantly, I’m glad you’re safe.”
“Thanks, John. So am I,” Victoria said as her phone rang. John excused himself, then left her office closing the door behind him.
Victoria answered her cell phone as she looked out her office window. She had a great view of the property and a large fountain, which was surrounded by colorful gardens. It was one of the best views in the building located directly in the middle, on the fifth floor.
“Hello.”
“I am so mad at you, girl, you have no idea,” Celina’s voice shouted out of the phone.
Victoria smiled, knowing this would be Celina’s reaction. “I was waiting to hear from you, Celina. I’ve been a little busy. I’m so sorry.”
“Sorry! That’s all you have to say for yourself? Sorry? I had to find out the true story from your mom and Uncle Patrick. That’s just not right. You were off playing make-believe with Bret Collins, sneaking around with Steven, and working undercover like some secret agent all while playing goody-goody magazine writer who’s absorbed in her work. Damn…you should be in the movies. You’re a hell of an actress.”
“I am truly sorry, Celina. I had no choice. I couldn’t tell anyone, and you know how badly I wanted to find my father’s killer.”
“I know that, that’s why I’m going to forgive you. So how about we meet for lunch and you tell me everything?”
“I don’t think I can. I’m under surveillance. I have to stay closed lipped and I’m gonna be buried here under paperwork for most of the day. How about tonight we meet and you can catch up with Steven. I’ll cook dinner and we’ll just relax.”
“It sounds good, but won’t you two want to be alone, catch up on lost lovemaking time?”
“Oh, Celina, we’ll have time for that. Steven and I are going to be together forever. It’s so great, and I’m so happy. I thought I’d never see him again. I’m just so happy.”
“I’m glad you are, and you deserve happiness. I heard about him getting shot and his recovery. It’s good to know that he never stopped loving you. Being a prisoner of war and recovering from being shot are good enough excuses for me to forgive him.”
Victoria laughed. “I would think so. Listen, I’ll call you from here before I’m ready to leave. Bring Cathy with you tonight.”
“Sounds good, Tory. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Victoria hung up the phone and continued working.
Chapter 11
Victoria felt her heart race along with the sensations of nausea from reading the draft. As she absorbed the words, her words, her emotions along with the facts of the investigation, she sensed an uneasiness within her. Running her fingers through her hair, then rubbing her eyes, she couldn’t help but wish that it were completely over. She finished reading the article drafts and felt tired and in need of a break. Some strong coffee and a stroll down the hall would do her good.
“Hey, gorgeous.”
Victoria jumped in her seat, startled to find Tod there. She dismissed the uneasy feeling, smiled, and stood up from her chair.
“Hey, I didn’t even hear you come in. What are you doing here? Is everything all right?”
“Everything is fine. I wanted to come check in on you.” He stood by her desk, picking up a picture of her, Steven, her mom, and her dad.
“This is a nice picture. I guess things are working out between Steven and you.” He placed the picture back down on the desk.
“Yeah, we’re making progress. How about you? Are the agents invading your territory or what?” Victoria asked. She watched Tod, who seemed only partly with it.
“They got the department under their complete control. The media is all over the place. It’s a madhouse over there. I decided to take a break. Maybe we could get lunch, talk a little bit. I was worried about you.”
“No need to worry anymore. I’m fine, and Bret Collins is going away for good. I’m not sure if I have enough time for lunch, look at this desk.” Victoria motioned her hand toward the pile of papers and yellow sticky notes scattered about.
“You look like you could use a break, too. We could grab a couple of sandwiches and head down to the park. I’ll have you back in forty minutes.”
“Well, I’ll have to make sure Steven and Uncle Pat know I’m with you. They’ve been working out a schedule playing bodyguard for precaution.”
“I know that. I spoke to your uncle at the department. I told him I was planning on taking you out for lunch. He knows we’re together, so you’ll be safe with me.” Tod smiled.
She wondered if she should call Steven anyway, then figured he could reach her on her cell phone. “Let me tell Debbie where she can find me, then we’ll head out. It’s gorgeous out there today and lunch in the park sounds nice.”
Victoria told Debbie where she was off to, then she left with Tod for lunch.
* * * *
“River Point Police Department, Officer Jerome Rodriguez speaking.”
“Officer Rodriguez, this is Detective Willie Shay with Creek Valley PD. I’m looking for Detective Tod Kafrey.”
“Sure, Detective Shay, hold one moment and I’ll see if he’s here.”
Detective Shay waited on the phone a minute hoping to speak to the detective. This homicide he had late last night was definitely connected to the murders in River Point. It had to be.
“I’m sorry, Detective Shay, but Detective Kafrey’s not here right now. I do have Detective Don Phelps, though. He’s been working with Kafrey.”
“That’s fine. I’ll speak with him.”
The police officer connected the call, and the two detectives introduced themselves over the phone.
“So what’s going on, Detective Shay?”
“Well, I had a homicide last night of a young woman, Casey Pellonie. Brutally murdered and tortured. She was bound, stabbed multiple times, her face slashed, and had wads of paper shoved down her throat. I heard you had a few homicides where the victims were tortured, stabbed, then suffocated with dirt. I’m not sure if there is a connection or not.”
“That sounds pretty interesting. What else can you tell me?”
“Her hair was dyed brown. It was done there in the motel room.”
“The killer wanted her to be a brunette?”
“I guess so, and if there is a connection, then the killer is still out there.”
> “Tell me everything about this girl, where she worked, who she hung out with. I think the agents are going to want to talk with you.”
“I can be over there in twenty minutes. I’m waiting on word from the lab. We found fingerprints on the box of hair color as well as in the bathroom and the bed. The woman worked at a restaurant and bar called Mallorie’s in New Jersey.”
“What? Did you say Mallorie’s?”
“Yeah, why? You know the place?”
“Yes, I do. Get over here as soon as you can, bring everything you’ve got, and don’t wait on the lab, the FBI agents will get that moving along ASAP.”
* * * *
Don went right to Monroe and Investigator Warren with the news. They were extremely interested, and everyone was looking for Detective Kafrey.
“So, whoever killed this Casey woman could be responsible for killing the others,” Monroe stated.
“There are a lot of similarities. Plus, this time he screwed up and may have left prints. We could get him, connect him with the other murders.” Phelps looked at Monroe, then Warren.
“Get me everything you’ve got and let me know when Detective Shay arrives. We’ll start trying to figure out who this guy is.” Warren was certain the killer was still out there.
“I’ll call the lab and get them to move more quickly on the prints.” Monroe flipped open his cell phone as the men parted.
* * * *
Victoria sat in Tod’s unmarked, navy-blue Caprice police car. She could hear the dispatcher and other officers talking over the airways. There was a fender bender down on 9W near the shopping center, and someone locked their keys in their car in front of Louie’s pizza place. Victoria smiled as they passed each location and headed further out of town.
“Where are we going? I thought you said deli sandwiches and the park?” Victoria asked.
“Don’t worry about it. It will be nice, you’ll see.” Tod winked.
The uneasy feeling returned again. This time it was worse.
Tod kept driving down the highway, then into the Valley Point Motel parking lot. It was a dive located outside of town with nothing around it. What the hell was he thinking?