All the Hidden Sins

by Marian Lanouette

  He walked over to her, ran his hands up and down her arms, looked into her eyes. God, he wanted this woman and wasn’t that sick, in this room of all places?

  “Your gambling doesn’t bother me, Kyra, unless it got you in with the wrong people.” The phone in the processing room rang.

  Her shift in mood landed like a punch in his gut as she turned away from him to answer it. After a few minutes she hung up.

  “It’s a crazy day, Jake. This one won’t finish before eleven and the other one by noon. Now I have one that will arrive about eleven. I won’t be able to break for lunch. I can’t leave the ovens unattended. Why don’t you ask your questions now?”

  “I don’t want to bother you while you’re working.”

  “It’s not a bother, and this way my morning will go faster. Shoot.”

  “If you owed someone money and didn’t have it, what would you do?”

  “I’m not proud of this. I used my son’s college fund and my 401k. Did the guy have assets?”

  “We didn’t find any. No one’s seen him in three weeks. He might’ve skipped to avoid his debt?”

  “I can’t answer those questions, for two reasons. First, what were his gambling habits? And second, who did he owe money to and how much?”

  “I understand. Your friend Phil’s a bookie. Well, actually not a bookie, per se, but he runs the gambling in the state.” If he wasn’t looking at her he would’ve missed the flinch. He’d hit a sore spot.

  “I didn’t know. He’s never offered me his bookie services.”

  “What other services was he offering you?”

  Kyra tightening her fists at her side didn’t get by him. He’d stepped over a line. “That’s damn insulting. You don’t deserve an answer but I’ll give you one anyway. As I’ve told you before, Phil and I are friends. I’m sorry you don’t like him, but how did we go from your missing guy to this?”

  “Your friendship with him doesn’t add up. How did you meet him?”

  “Not to get an attitude here but what business is it of yours?”

  “I’m trying to look out for you.”

  “I don’t need looking after. He doesn’t run the casino. I took out a loan and paid off the casino. I’ve had no business dealings with Phil.”

  “Have you seen him lately?”

  Kyra laughed at him. I guess I deserve that. “Are you jealous?”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t have anything to do with the question.”

  “It certainly does. What’s going to happen tonight when you see Mia?”

  Damn her. “You haven’t answered my question,” he said, annoyed.

  “You haven’t answered mine.”

  “Because I don’t have an answer for you.”

  “You can’t do any better than that?” Her attitude had him wanting to shake and kiss her at the same time. “At least be honest, Jake. It’s Mia all the way. Without realizing it, you’ve been using me to make Mia jealous.”

  How had she turned the table on him? “Christ, no, where did that come from?”

  “For the last three weeks all I’ve heard was how much you loved Mia. Now that she’s back in the picture you’re confused. What’s up?”

  “I’ll say it again. You’re a tough one. I enjoy being with you, Kyra. Are you going to tell me there’s nothing more than friendship between us?”

  “I can’t tell you a lie. But don’t mistake excellent sex for anything more than what it was.”

  “Don’t be insulting.” Why was she deliberately trying to piss him off?

  “I’m not, I’m being honest. You’re afraid to face Mia because you don’t want to be hurt again.”

  He stared at her. Kyra had hit the a sore spot. A knock interrupted the argument.

  “I hate to interrupt, but your eleven o’clock cremation’s here. I sent the funeral director to the garage.” Dina looked back and forth between the two of them before she eased out of the room.

  “We’ll talk tomorrow after your session with Mia.”

  Jake stared after Kyra as she walked out the connecting door to the garage. He left without another word.

  * * * *

  Kyra pulled up to Phil’s gate at six fifty-five. Once again, the guard searched her car before clearing her to continue on her way to the house. She drove to within feet of the front door and parked. Before getting out, she checked her mirror to make sure her makeup was intact. Satisfied, she climbed out and rang the bell.

  She followed Ang to the dining room where Phil was already seated at the head of the table.

  Phil stood and waited for her to come to him. Surprised when he kissed her on the lips, a shudder of revulsion passed through her. “Have a seat. Maria will start serving.”

  Maria brought in the first course, a salad and Italian bread with olive oil and herbs to accompany it, instead of butter. Kyra grabbed a hunk of bread, swiped it through the oil, and placed a piece in her mouth, figuring she’d let Phil steer the conversation.

  “Kyra, besides missing you, I need to discuss Jake Carrington.”

  Hoping she showed no reaction, she replied, “Why?”

  “I find him interesting, don’t you?”

  “I do, but for different reasons.”

  He nearly spit his wine out as Kyra smiled at him. “Oh, how you amuse me.” But he got serious fast. “I want everything you have on him, understand?”

  She stared at him. Why did I accept his dinner invitation? It was a bad idea.

  “What do you want to know?”

  He’d poured her wine. Sipping it, she studied him over the rim of her glass and continued when he didn’t answer. “He’s a gentleman. I enjoy his company.”

  “Stop the bullshit.” It surprised her when he spoke to her in such a harsh manner. “What cases is he working on and how far has he gotten with them.”

  “I was serious when I told you he doesn’t talk to me about work. He mentioned, in passing, he’s overseeing Missing Persons and is working on one of their cases but his main focus is still Homicide.”

  “What case in Missing Persons?”

  “I don’t know.” Maria walked into the room and picked up their empty salad dishes. Phil waited until she left. They sat in silence. A few minutes later, Maria returned with their dinners. Steak for her. Fish for Phil.

  She’d lost her appetite. Though she tried to keep her hands still, the tremors continued. Folding them together, she held them on her lap under the table to hide her fear. The way Phil looked at her made her skin crawl, as if a thousand tiny bugs slithered over her flesh, devouring her inch by inch. She resisted the urge to scratch. Calm down, Kyra.

  “Eat. Did Carrington tell you who he was working with in Missing Persons?”

  “Yes, he mentioned it. Why?”

  “No reason. You’re sure he never said the name of the case he’s working?”

  “I’m positive. Is it a name I should know?”

  “No.” He put a piece of fish in his mouth while he continued to study her.

  “Who told you I was at the casino Saturday?”

  “It’s not important, but I’m sure you can figure it out.”

  “Why is my being there important?” She was pushing and knew she shouldn’t.

  “Everything about the people who work for me is important.” She cut into her steak and took a bite—Freak this, I’m in deep trouble here.

  “How seriously are you involved with Carrington?”

  “It’s not going to be an issue going forward.” She frowned.

  “Why?”

  “He’s meeting tonight with the woman he says he’s in love with.”

  “I see.” He tapped his fingers on the table. It drove her crazy. “And that’s it? If he decides to start dating her again, you’re going to back away?”

  “Yes.” She answered
his questions when she could with one word, knowing it irritated him. Petty, yes, but who cared? Certainly not her.

  “You continue to surprise me. It’s obvious you like him. Why give up without a fight?”

  She took another sip of wine while she formulated her answer. “He loves this woman, not me. Why fight to stay with a man who doesn’t love me?” She heard the strain in her voice, but tilted her head and quirked her eyebrow.

  “Yes, why indeed? Well, it’s not important. You’ll tell me what happens when you decide? Dessert?”

  “No thanks, I’m full.”

  “It’s not like you not to enjoy your food. Does it bother you, Jake’s meeting this woman?”

  “Yes and no.”

  “I see.”

  She was sure he did, and against her better judgment, she asked the next question as they got up from the table. “Why are you interested in him, Phil?”

  Snakes crawled over her flesh as he wrapped his fingers around her neck and slammed her up against the wall, his hand squeezing the air from her lungs—his other gripped her upper left arm. His strength overpowered her. Two of him appeared in front of her as her vision blurred.

  “Phil…” she struggled. “I can’t…breathe.”

  “I told you when you agreed to work for me you were not to ever question me. What about that you didn’t you understand?”

  “I’m sorry, I was making conversation,” she choked out, fighting for air.

  “I don’t like to be lied to, Kyra. There will be consequences if you lie to me.”

  “I haven’t lied to you about anything.” Her voice was hoarse. He still held on to her neck but loosened his grip as he searched her eyes, his onyx ones piercing hers.

  “Why don’t you admit you love the guy?”

  “Because I’m not sure I do.”

  “Then you’re lying to yourself.”

  He let go of her. She rubbed her neck as she gasped for air. Her mind was frozen. Angry, scared out of her wits, all she wanted to do was leave and never see Phil again. What was she going to do if he left a bruise? Jake would pick right up on it. Question her about it.

  The maid walked into the room, inquired if they wanted coffee served. Kyra didn’t want coffee—Christ, she wanted to get the hell out of there. She’d seen something in Phil’s eyes—not to be dramatic, but it wasn’t human. If she wasn’t mistaken, her fear fed him. It excited him. How sick was he?

  “We’ll have it in the parlor. After you.”

  This man’s nuts. He’s acting like everything’s normal. Didn’t he just grab my neck in his hands and almost choke the life out of me? She took the chair by the couch, not wanting to sit next to him. An escape route was what she’d need if he reached for her again. Scoping out the room, there wasn’t a chance she’d escape alive. Angelo was never far away, but she understood he’d never help her.

  Her brain misfired, her vision blurred, her concentration fading as she forced herself to sit through coffee and bullshit. Phil eventually brought the conversation back to business.

  “I’ll have another body for you by the end of the week. What day is good?”

  “I never get too much notice. It’s best to call ahead. Tomorrow is a light day. I’d be able to do it around two or three.”

  “I’ll call if that works out.”

  Dismissing me. Thank God. He stood—so did she. Phil walked her to the front door, leaned over, and whispered in her ear. “That was a small demonstration of my strength. Don’t play me, Kyra, or you’ll be dead along with your son.” He stepped back and said, “Good night.”

  Racing to the car, she jumped in and drove a little too fast down the driveway. Escape was her single goal. Phil threatened her son. Oh God, what have I gotten myself into? She’d kill Phil if he touched Trevor.

  * * * *

  “Was that necessary?” Angelo asked.

  “Yes, you heard the whole conversation?”

  “I did. She wasn’t lying to you.”

  “No, but I don’t like the way things are going in Wilkesbury. I gave her a reminder of why she should be loyal to me.”

  “The problem in Wilkesbury is Stack, not Kyra—he should’ve been the one you gave a demonstration to.” Angelo eyed Phil.

  “Oh, don’t worry, Ang, he’ll get his demonstration soon. I trust him less than ever since Carrington became his boss. Stack’s got no spine.” Phil looked out into the distance. “Was she’s telling the truth when she said she wasn’t in love with him?”

  “What difference does it make if she’s not going to see him anymore? I do have to tell you my opinion of Carrington will fall if he drops her. She’s one hot woman. I wonder what the other woman looks like.”

  “She was holding back tonight. I’ll get what she knows, all of it, when I’m ready.” He scratched his head.

  “She wasn’t, Phil. Why do you have a bug up your ass about her?”

  “I don’t trust her.”

  “You’re still pissed she picked Carrington over you, aren’t you?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, this is business.”

  “Make sure you keep it business. We have too much at stake here.”

  “Don’t threaten me, Angelo.”

  “I’m not threatening you. I’m warning you, and I emphasize—WE have a lot to lose. Your affection for this woman shouldn’t play into this.”

  “You underestimate me. I’d never let a woman undermine me. But I will have her someday, mark my words.”

  Shaking his head, Angelo eyed Phil. “You scare me.”

  “Good. Now, no more talk about this. I did want to ask you about her gambling comment. Do you believe she’s lost interest?”

  “It seems that way. Perhaps gambling was a way to end the marriage.”

  “Well, it did the job. I didn’t bring up the attempted rape, neither did she.”

  “Phil, it’s between her ex-husband and her—don’t get involved. It’s obvious she can handle herself.”

  “Don’t dictate to me. I’m not going to do anything now. I’ll bring it up at our next dinner date.” His lips pressed together in a thin, mean smile.

  “What date did you schedule it for?”

  “I didn’t. It’ll be at my whim, not hers.”

  Chapter 26

  Yesterday, after he left Kyra’s office her statement about him being afraid played over and over in his head. Was there any truth to it? And again, she’d avoided the subject of Phil Lucci. What was he to her? Even today he couldn’t get it off his mind. Jake was grateful for Louie’s call. “Go.”

  “Nice greeting.”

  “I’m not in a nice mood, Louie.”

  “The warrant for Church’s apartment has come through. Do you want to swing by the station and pick me up or do I meet you there?”

  “Meet me there. I’ll be there in twenty minutes. I have one stop to make.”

  “Okay, boss.” Louie called him boss when he wanted to bust his ass. What I need, another clown.

  Alone time was what he wanted to sort through his cases. He drove as far as the entrance of City Park and threw the gearshift into park. Jake pulled out his notes. One thing continued to eat away at him. Was it incompetence on Stack’s part in the way he handled the Church case? He kept coming back to a big fat no. Then there was his and Louie’s case—the death of Dwight Wade. His gut screamed homicide, though Louie had no leads. He hoped Louie’s morning had been more productive.

  Jake tried to keep his mind on his cases. Not succeeding, he put the car into drive and headed toward Louie’s location.

  Outside the apartment complex Jake spotted Louie’s car but no Louie. Jake hoped he hadn’t entered Saul’s place without him. A quick scan of the parking lot showed Louie chatting up Mrs. Standish. After five minutes, Louie gave him a wave. Jake headed over to the pair.

  “Lieuten
ant, you remember Mrs. Standish?”

  “I do.” He gave her a curt smile.

  “Lieutenant, Sergeant Romanelli was telling me you don’t have anything new on Mr. Church.”

  “It’s unfortunate but he’s correct. Please remember what I said in our initial interview. For your own safety, do not talk to anyone about this.” His mind on the search, Jake turned away from her.

  “I haven’t, but I did tell the sergeant there’ve been people snooping around again.” Jake’s attention snapped back to Mrs. Standish.

  “I took her statement—we can review it while we execute the warrant,” Louie said, with a crooked grin.

  Jake nodded to him. “Mrs. Standish, you’ve been a great help. Thanks.” He headed again toward Church’s apartment. He heard Louie behind him.

  “She called again?”

  “No. She was outside when I drove up. I stopped and said hello.”

  “What did you get?”

  “Descriptions of the guys who came the second time and a license plate number.” Louie smiled when Jake pulled up short.

  “That’s great. As soon as we’re done here, run it.”

  “I have Brown running it now. Who put the bug up your ass today?”

  “I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

  “Such as?”

  “The usual.”

  “Oh, that’s clear. Glad I asked,” Louie said.

  “Let it be. We have a job to do here—can we get to it?”

  “Sure. Want to grab a beer after work?”

  “Can’t. I’m seeing Mia tonight.”

  “Oh.” Thank God Louie didn’t pursue the conversation.

  They got the search done and called in the crime unit in hopes of finding fingerprints to identify the men who had escorted Church out of his apartment. Jake had requested the warrant and done his own search because the file showed Stack had done neither. Sloppy, sloppy work. The more Jake played with it—the more he came to the same conclusion. Purposeful carelessness. Not for the first time, Jake wondered, who owned Carl Stack?

  As if reading his mind, Louie asked, “Jake, are we going to get into it with IA?”