All the Hidden Sins

by Marian Lanouette

“This is my dream car.”

  “Yeah, it’s a V8, and it handles like a dream.”

  “I bet. What year is it?” He helped her into the car.

  “It’s last year’s model.”

  Zooming out of the garage, he turned right, onto a back road instead of the highway. It was a smooth ride. The trees whizzing by the only acknowledgment of motion. Leaning her head against the seat, she noted its comfort. He started talking and drew her into the conversation and reality.

  “I want to lay out the whole deal for you before you interrupt. Afterward I’ll answer any questions you have.”

  “Okay.” Tapping her finger on her leg was her only outward sign of nerves. She hoped.

  “The group chose you for two reasons. First: you’re pretty, with a great shape. Second: you hold a unique position.”

  Oh, shit! It’s worse than I imagine.

  “They set this up to give you a choice. You guessed the first choice. Mr. Garcia is a Whale and he likes redheads. You fit the bill. He spends millions at the casino each year. My boss likes to give him what he wants. He likes oral sex.”

  Her stomach shot up to her throat. She swallowed hard, forcing the contents back down.

  Joe never looked at her. His face a blank.

  “Your second choice involves your job.”

  “My job?”

  “Remember, no interruptions until I’m done,” he reprimanded. “You work at the cemetery, correct?”

  He looked over at her, but she didn’t respond. She nodded.

  “Don’t you do all the cremations there?”

  “Yes,” she whispered. This had to be a nightmare. Kyra pinched herself. Nope, it’s not.

  “Okay, this is difficult for me…” He paused, but didn’t fool her. “They need you to dispose of a body for them.”

  * * * *

  He’d stalled long enough. With his reports processed for the day and his review of his staff’s cases completed, Jake headed home alone. Another long night with no one but Brigh to talk to. Mia’s absence echoed through his halls. But tonight he had a choice. Go to Dina’s party or stay home.

  Did he want to socialize with other cops? Dina was nice enough. If Miller and his cronies showed up he’d leave. He didn’t need a confrontation, especially with a dirty cop. It was something to break up the boredom. He knew most of the women she hung out with. And none interested him. He’d have to attend to see if she’d surprise him. Lord knew his life had been empty this last month.

  Decision made. He drove into the garage. Brigh jumped up on him as he opened the inner door to the house.

  “That’s a good girl. Did you miss me?”

  Jake rubbed his hands over Brigh’s coat, than scratched her behind her ears as she licked his face. He let Brigh out the back door and waited for her to complete her business. After filling Brigh’s food and water dishes he jumped into the shower to get ready for the party.

  * * * *

  Kyra woke with her head between her knees. Joe was holding it down. He’d parked the car on the side of the road. Please tell me it’s a nightmare. Did he say he wanted her to dispose of a body for him?

  “Are you all right?”

  “No, I’m not. Are you for real?” Her curls curtained her face as she turned toward Joe to gauge his answer.

  “I’m afraid I am.”

  His stare bored into her skull. What was she going to do? If she said no, would they kill her? They’d have to. Her other choice was to be on her knees with the dirty, disgusting man in the corner. It hit her hard. They’d picked him on purpose. They wanted her to get rid of their body, not do the man.

  Her mind whirled around as she tried to come up with an alternative solution. Joe got back in the car and pulled out in traffic. He better be taking me back.

  “There’s no choice number three?” she asked, with no hope.

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “You set it up this way on purpose. And that fat slob—not in this lifetime. You gave me only one real choice.”

  “You have two choices.”

  “Yeah. If I pick the man how many times do I have to do him?”

  “Until he gets tired of you.”

  He can’t be serious. Once would be too many times. Not that she’d even consider it.

  “You’re saying this wipes out my debt one hundred percent? That I walk away with cash. How much cash?”

  She had to try to reason through the craziness. More than anything, she wished for a miracle. One to end the calamity her life had become. With more money she’d be able to provide Trevor with some stability in his life.

  “You get a clean slate and one hundred thousand dollars.”

  A hundred grand? For that kind of money, who did she have to burn? The governor? “When do I have to give you my answer?”

  “I want your answer now, but I’ll give you until Thursday night. We’ll meet at the casino for dinner in the Whale Room again. Afterward, we’ll take another ride to discuss all aspects of the deal.” He mentioned dinner, like that alone will sway me. Joe’s a freakin’ idiot.

  She inhaled a couple of times to calm herself. He’d given her time. All she had to do was come up with a counter offer. Joe pulled into the casino parking garage and she realized she had a few minutes more to ask questions.

  “Why me? I’m sure there are other people who owe you more money.”

  “You don’t owe me anything. You owe my bosses. Why you? It’s obvious—you have a unique job. My bosses find that and your beauty an asset. Remember, you’re the one who put yourself in this position.

  “You’re small potatoes to these guys, a pawn, but right at the moment, a necessary pawn. Either take care of their Whale or take care of their body. It’s your choice.” As he parked, she watched his hand as he reached into his jacket. He pulled out an envelope and handed it to her.

  “What’s this?”

  “I took up some of your time tonight. My bosses want to show their generosity.” Joe dropped a thick envelope with cash sticking out of it onto her lap.

  Without a word, he disparaged my character. The bastard’s treating me like a hooker. It doesn’t matter if I performed or not. Well, now I understand how Joe and his employer regard me. And all because I gamble? With force, she jerked the envelope off her lap and threw it in his face. Her body quivered with anger as she got out of his car. With her head held high, she walked away without another word. She checked her emotions and forced back the tears until she reached the safety of her vehicle. Once inside the car, her eyes erupted and the river of tears flowed. How in God’s name did she save herself from this predicament?

  You did this to yourself, Kyra. Joe’s cold, unforgiving words echoed in her head.

  She sat there, parked in the garage for a long time, unable to stop tears and find her mad. She pounded her hands on the steering wheel as she cried some more. She started to hiccup as the tears ran dry. She put the key in the ignition, took a deep breath before she drove away. On the dark stretch of road, her mind played back Joe’s conversation. She knew her third choice was death. Right now it was her cleanest choice. One her son might be able to live with—and not know how low she’d sunk in life.

  “I’m such a loser!” she screamed.

  How’d I get this low? No pride, choice or self-esteem left. Forced now to give up total control over her life if she agreed to do what they asked. I only need one big win. One win, dear God.

  The dashboard clock read eight o’clock. Too early to go home. The silence gave her time to mull over Joe’s words and the deal. More than anything she wanted a drink. Where did she go on a Tuesday night? Then it hit her. Dina’s party. She’d go, Lord knew she needed to get her mind off her problems for a while.

  * * * *

  Kyra knocked on the door. Dina swung it open. A big smile spread over her face as sh
e hugged her before pulling her into the apartment. Dina was a work friend. They weren’t close, but she needed human contact tonight. Kyra looked around the room and smiled. The ratio of men to women were in the women’s favor. More men meant more choices.

  “I’m glad you came,” Dina said in her sing-song voice.

  “Me too. I needed a night out. Thanks for inviting me.”

  “I’ll get you a drink and introduce you to some people.” She leaned in and whispered, “People as in men.” Dina winked. Her infectious giggle brightened Kyra’s mood.

  Kyra rolled her eyes for effect. Dina had been trying to set her up since she heard about the divorce. She studied Dina. Long black hair, beautiful black eyes, high cheekbones to die for, full lips, and a nose a little too big for her face. Otherwise, she’d have been flawless. Gracefully, Dina glided back to the bar to get her drink. Kyra watched her every movement. Dina was graceful, while Kyra was clumsy.

  “I’m good, Dina. I don’t need a man in my life right now. It’s too messed up.” Why didn’t Dina understand? She’d been divorced twice. Dina always had a boyfriend.

  We each have our vices. Dina’s is men—mine’s the casino. She held a genuine affection for Dina. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body, plus she was a great admin.

  Dina was one of those women who always needed a man around and wished it for her friends too. Kyra didn’t. In fact, since she’d found gambling, she’d lost interest in sex.

  “Divorce is confusing. What do you want to drink?” Dina jumped from one subject to the next.

  “I’ll have a rum and Coke with lemon.”

  Dina mixed the drink while Kyra scanned the room to see if she recognized anyone.

  “Here it is.”

  Turning back to Dina, Kyra accepted the drink. “Thanks. I’m glad I came.” Kyra smiled.

  “Me too. Ohhh…he’s yummy.” Dina crooned, looking across the room.

  Kyra followed her gaze to the front door and had to agree. She’d seen him somewhere before but where? A looker, in a rugged kind of way, he stood about six feet tall with brownish-red hair, more red than brown. His comfortable, broken-in jeans shaped a firm ass. He wore a light jacket with a tight black tee under it, displaying a well-defined chest and abs. “Who’s he?” Kyra tried for casual.

  “Jake Carrington. Lieutenant Jake Carrington. The perpetually single male. Attentive, hot and a great date, but don’t get serious—commitment phobia,” Dina warned.

  “Sounds lovely.”

  “Oh no you don’t. He’ll break your heart. You don’t want a relationship until you date him. Then wham—once he’s got a hold on your heart, he walks away. Oh, but what a ride.” Dina grinned like the devil.

  Kyra laughed. It was something she needed after the day she’d had. “I wouldn’t mind the ride.” Laughing, they both turned back to the bar.

  * * * *

  The redhead caught his eye the minute that Keller from Illegals opened the door. She seemed familiar. Instead of greeting a bunch of his fellow cops, he walked up to the women.

  “Want to share?” Jake asked, amused when both women jumped.

  “I didn’t see you there, Jake.” Dina leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Hi, Dina. What’s new?”

  “Nothing, you?”

  “Same old thing.” He stood there, looking between Dina and her friend. Years of reading people and situations told him they were up to mischief.

  “Um, Jake, this is my boss, Kyra.”

  “Hi, Kyra.” He held out his hand. She took it. Nice, firm handshake.

  “Hello.”

  Redheads weren’t his thing, too close to his own coloring, but this one… He realized he’d held her hand a little too long and dropped it.

  “You’re Dina’s boss. You work at the cemetery, right?”

  “I do.”

  “What do you do there, Kyra?” Her name rolled off his tongue. He liked the sound of it.

  “This is a conversation stopper. I cremate people for a living.”

  “Where’s the joke?” He stared into her eyes, waiting for the punch line.

  “No joke.” The corner of her mouth tugged up.

  “Interesting.” He reached behind the bar, grabbed the bourbon, poured four fingers. For the life of him he drew a blank, words escaping him.

  “What do you do, Jake?”

  “I’m a homicide cop.”

  “Interesting.”

  He liked a woman with spunk and this one oozed it. “I asked for that one.”

  “You did.”

  “You look a little nervous. Don’t like cops?”

  “I have no problem with them. Never talked to one before.”

  “Ouch.” Jake frowned.

  He had a live one here, but she was hiding something. Something about him made her nervous. It must be his job. Even in social situations he read people. It was what made him a good cop and what had annoyed Mia. She was trying to camouflage her nerves. It might be fun to discover her secrets.

  “I’m told I can be a bit abrasive.”

  “Yeah? Who told you that?”

  “My soon-to-be-ex-husband.”

  Another conversation stopper. The three of them stood there in an awkward silence.

  “Who wanted the divorce?” Jake asked. Both women looked at him like he’d grown a third eye. Oops, wrong question.

  “He did, but it’s mutual,” she said, annoyance clear in her tone.

  She offered no more. He should move on, say hi to the guys. But Kyra held his attention, and few had since Mia.

  “Kyra—Gaelic isn’t it?”

  “Yes. My name warns you, in case you missed the red hair and freckles.”

  Laughing, he said, “Me too.”

  “You don’t say.”

  “You don’t take any guff, do you?”

  “I always imagined if I was interrogated, there’d be a bright light,” she halfheartedly joked.

  “Interrogated? I can accommodate you.” He winked. “Handcuffs and all.”

  Kyra choked on her drink. “Thanks, I’ll pass on both.”

  She was fire and playing with her might not be smart. He’d find out soon enough.

  “We’ve met before.”

  “Have we? Where?” Kyra studied his face.

  “At the pet shop. You had an active kid with you.”

  “My son Trevor. I remember now.”

  Neither noticed Dina move on to another group. Jake looked down into Kyra’s sad, vivid green eyes. For some reason, they tugged at his heart. Great, Jake, how stupid—just what I need, more baggage. He hadn’t gotten over Mia. They still hadn’t talked since the night she walked out. But still, he had no business flirting with another woman. It meant nothing, but how long should he wait for Mia to make up her mind?

  “I lost you there for a moment. Where’d you go?” Kyra said, snapping her fingers.

  “Oh, nowhere important.” He shrugged.

  “Fine.” She looked embarrassed, turned away from him. Jake laid his hand on top of her arm to get her attention.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I’ve no right to be talking to you. You’re in the process of a divorce. I recently broke up with someone.”

  “It’s okay, a little conversation never hurt anyone. Do you want to grab a drink somewhere?”

  “Yeah, I’d like that,” Jake said, as a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. An entanglement wasn’t what he need right now, but he enjoyed the banter with Kyra.

  “Okay, where?”

  “Is the Holiday Seasons good?”

  “Yes.”

  Chapter 4

  “I’ll see you in the morning, Dina. Thanks again for the invite.”

  “Take care. I’ll want details tomorrow,” Dina whispered into Kyra�
�s ear.

  “Good night, Dina.” Jake kissed her cheek.

  “Be good.” Dina smiled.

  “Why? That’s no fun.”

  Jake walked Kyra to her car. “I’ll meet you there,” Kyra said.

  “You don’t want to take one car?”

  “No, it’s wise to take both.” In case I want to do something foolish and go home with you. He tapped her roof. “Lock your door.”

  “Thanks, copper.”

  Climbing into her car, she watched him in the rearview mirror as he walked away laughing. She pulled out of Dina’s condo parking lot.

  What the hell are you doing, Kyra? He’s a cop…a freaking cop, for God’s sake. How did I come from talking to… What do I call you, Joe—a hood, a criminal, the mob—to talking to a cop? Not talking, but going out for a drink with him. What kind of stupid has come over me?

  Laughter bubbled out as tears poured down her face. She pulled into the bar’s parking lot. Tilting the rearview mirror down, she wiped away her tears and checked her makeup. I don’t look good. She reapplied her lipstick. If I was smart I’d go home. This is going to cause trouble in the long run. But…how much can one drink hurt?

  A yelp escaped her lips as she jumped toward the center of the car at a knock on her window. She took a deep breath in and released it when she realized it was Jake.

  “I didn’t mean to scare you. Didn’t you see me pull in?” Jake offered her his hand to help her out of the car.

  “No.”

  “Were you crying?” he asked.

  “I told you—nerves. We should do this some other time?” Cripes, what was she doing here? What was she, nuts? He’s a freakin cop.

  “You’ll find I’m a good listener, if you need an ear.”

  Wish I’d met him last week. “I’m fine. Sometimes the pressures of the job, the divorce, life, gets to me. See? Whack-job. Run for your life.” She laughed without mirth.

  “Not running. Do you still want a drink?”

  “I guess I do.” Pretending everything was fine, she laced her arm through his as they walked into the bar.

  * * * *

  He didn’t understand what provoked her tears, but she wasn’t fine. Kyra had piqued his curiosity. Call it his cop intuition but something was off with her. He enjoyed a good puzzle. Kyra seemed stretched. No, more than that. She seemed afraid. Of him? No, not him.