Spirits, Stilettos, and a Silver Bustier

by Deanna Chase

  I shook my head. “One of my models is going to help me pack up, and then I’m giving her a ride home. It shouldn’t take long.”

  “All right.” They headed off as Julius found me.

  “This was quite the party,” he said.

  I nodded, suddenly nervous. We had a date in about forty-five minutes. I cleared my throat. “Did you come with Marc?”

  He nodded. “I thought I’d catch a ride back with him, unless you’d rather I stay. I wanted to take care of a few things before you got back home.”

  Oh jeez. What was he planning? It didn’t even matter. The fact that he was planning anything had my heart doing flips in my chest. “No. Go. I have to take care of a few things first and then drop off one of the models. I should be about thirty minutes behind you.”

  “Perfect.” He moved in, cupped both palms over my cheeks, and bent, giving me a slow, thorough kiss. “I can’t wait to dance with you.”

  His tone implied dancing wasn’t exactly what he had on his mind right then.

  I sucked in my bottom lip and took a deep breath. “Me either.”

  He ran his hand through my hair, took one last look at me, and then strode out of the building.

  “That was hot,” Nissa said from behind me.

  I glanced back at my model. Her body was fully painted from the waist up with a blooming sunflower field. “Yeah, it was.”

  “If my date has moves even half as hot as that, it’s going to be one hell of a night.”

  “Your date?” I raised an eyebrow. “Who?”

  She waved toward the door. “He’s outside talking to someone. When we’re done here, he’s taking me out for a drink.”

  “Does that mean you don’t need a ride home?” Anticipation of seeing Julius sooner than I’d expected left a tingle in my belly.

  She giggled. “Not anymore. He’s just so cute, I couldn’t resist when he asked me out.”

  I nodded, infected with her enthusiasm. “Sure. I mean, why not? What did you say his name was?”

  “Eric. He’s tall, built, but not too bulky, interesting eyes, the kind you want to study for hours.” She let out a happy sigh. “It’s been forever since I went out on a date with someone who didn’t spend all night regaling me with beer-bong stories.”

  I snickered. Ah, to be twenty-two again. “If they went to college, those stories never really stop. They just spend less time reminiscing about it.”

  She thinned her lips. “Good to know.” Then she glanced around at the almost-empty showroom. “I’m ready to start packing stuff up when you are.”

  “Sounds good.” I waved a hand toward the storeroom where our clothes and my extra supplies were. “Shall we?”

  While Nissa was getting dressed, I gathered my things and then went to thank Lucien for everything.

  “No, thank you,” he said. “It went even better than I expected. The community support has been amazing. Don’t be surprised if you get some wholesale orders next week. There were at least a half dozen gallery owners in here tonight. They loved it all.”

  “You’re joking,” I said, my voice high with surprise. That was the last thing I expected to hear. “But I’m selling them here.”

  His smile turned to a grin. “But this isn’t the French Quarter, is it? You’ll do well if a gallery or two picks you up.”

  “And you wouldn’t mind that? Look at all you did here. I think you deserve to have an exclusive for a while.”

  He waved a hand, totally unconcerned. “So you take orders to fill a few months from now. It’ll be fine. We don’t have an exclusivity agreement. And even if we did, I wouldn’t hold you to it. You need to strike while the iron is hot. And this is just the thing you needed to get started. I’m honored to help share you with the world.”

  Well, if that wasn’t enough to make a girl cry, I didn’t know what was. I wiped a tear away and gave him a watery smile. “Thank you. You’re… just too good to be true.”

  “That’s what all the girls say,” he said with a wink.

  “Stop.” I laughed. “Do you need me for anything before I leave?” I asked, praying he said no. My feet were killing me and Julius was waiting.

  “No. Go. Celebrate. I’ll be in touch in a few days to let you know how much we sold.”

  “Wonderful.” We said our good-nights and I waited near the door for Nissa to reappear.

  She emerged from the back room wearing skintight jeans and a billowing white peasant shirt. The outfit made her look even younger than her twenty-two years.

  “Do you want to change first?” Nissa asked, coming to a stop beside me.

  I glanced down at the beautiful dress, remembering the way Julius had looked at me earlier, and shook my head. “My other clothes have paint on them. I’ll be fine until I get home.”

  “Okay then. Lead on.”

  We ended up making three trips, and when we were done, Nissa pointed to a white Honda Civic. “That’s my date. See ya later.”

  “Thanks.” I waved as she slipped into the passenger’s side.

  Eager to get home, I jumped into my VW.

  Only, when I twisted the key in the ignition, nothing happened. The engine didn’t even try to turn over. “Oh, son of a monkey!”

  I tried one more time, and when nothing happened, I pulled my phone out and called my roadside service. No one answered. I checked the number again. Yep, it was the correct one. Still no answer.

  “Damn.” I jumped out of the car and hurried back to the gallery, only to find it dark. Lucien had already left. “Plan B.”

  I walked back to the car, debating on whether to call a cab or Kane. He would come get me. There was no question about that. But it was already past eleven and no doubt he and Jade were already in bed doing God knew what. A cab it was.

  Leaning against my car door, I called the operator and asked her to connect me to a cab service. As I was waiting, the white Honda pulled up beside me.

  Nissa leaned out of the passenger window. “Something wrong with your car, Pyper?”

  “I think the battery is dead. I’m calling a cab and will deal with it tomorrow.”

  “That sucks.” She glanced at her date, whose face was hidden in the shadows. “Do you think we could give her a ride home? We’re headed that direction anyway.”

  “Oh no, that’s okay. I don’t want to intrude on your date. I’m sure the cab will be here in no time.” I didn’t know whoever was driving, and for some reason, I felt really awkward about it. Not that I had any reason to. I wouldn’t hesitate to offer a friend of a friend a ride if they had car trouble.

  “Come on, Pyper. We’re headed to Frenchmen Street. You’re on our way.”

  There really wasn’t a socially acceptable way to say no. And honestly, I was being prickly for no reason. It had been a great night. And it wasn’t over. If I ever got home, it was just starting. Finally I nodded. “That’s really kind of you. Thanks.”

  I slid into the backseat, and just as I got my seatbelt buckled, I glanced up and met her date’s eyes in the rearview mirror.

  “Hello again, Ms. Rayne.”

  My entire body went numb with shock. “Officer Brant.”

  Chapter 27

  “What are you… ah, I mean, I didn’t know you were here.” I clutched the door handle, ready to bolt. I did not want to be anywhere near Officer Brant. His smarmy, fake good-guy vibe made my skin crawl.

  “You two know each other?” Nissa asked, surprise in her big wide eyes.

  “Sure.” Brant reached over and patted her knee. “Why else did you think I was at the gallery opening?”

  Shoot. He had said he was going to stop by when he came into the café earlier in the day, hadn’t he? Why hadn’t I seen him? Just as well, his presence would’ve ruined my good mood. I sat back in the seat and tried to collect myself. He was a cop, and even thoug
h his methods were far from what I’d call acceptable, he’d only been doing his job.

  “So, Pyper.” Brant glanced over his shoulder. “I assume you know we arrested a new suspect in Ruby’s case yesterday?”

  Of course I’d heard. But the NOPD didn’t have him in custody at all. According to Marc, the Witch’s Council had him. But maybe Brant wasn’t in the know about that. “You mean her murderer?”

  Nissa gasped. “Oh, gosh. I heard about that, Pyper. I’m so sorry.”

  He gave me a pointed look. “Innocent until proven guilty, Ms. Rayne. You should know that as well as anyone.”

  Nissa frowned at him and inched a little closer to the door. His crappy cop attitude was getting on her nerves as well. “Maybe we should talk about something else. Like what club are we going to? There’s this great place—”

  “Did you have a nice evening?” Brant stared at me in the mirror.

  Nissa and I glanced at each other. Her lips were formed in a thin, tight line. No doubt this was the last date Brant would have with her.

  “Yes.” I focused on the road, willing him to drive faster.

  “It’s good you have so many prints of your work. I think most people take life for granted. But an artist, one who shares her work with the world, she’s the one who will live on no matter how short her life is.” He made a left turn onto Camp Street, cutting off another car in the process.

  “Hey, Eric, watch out,” Nissa said, holding on to the dash. “You almost hit that guy.”

  He glanced over at her. “Don’t be so dramatic. There was plenty of room.”

  What a complete ass. There was no way I was leaving her with him when he dropped me off.

  “He had to swerve onto the sidewalk just to avoid hitting us.” Nissa twisted, looking back at me. “You saw that, right?”

  I nodded.

  Brant chuckled. “Good thing he did. Do you have any idea what happens when someone files an insurance claim against a police officer?”

  “An angel gets their wings?” I asked.

  He shot me a murderous glare and barked, “You’ll want to control that wit of yours, Ms. Rayne. That investigation isn’t over, and I’m sure Dell would love to question you again.”

  “Is that a threat, Officer Brant?” I seethed in the backseat, my hand clutching the door handle. He’d gone way over the line. The next time he stopped, I was out of the car. By now we were only a few blocks from the French Quarter. I’d rather walk than be subjected to his bullshit one moment longer.

  His hands tightened over the steering wheel. “Consider it a warning.”

  “Eric!” Nissa glared at him. “You’re not being very nice.”

  He cast her an impatient look. “And you’re butting into a conversation that doesn’t concern you.”

  Her mouth dropped open in surprise and then her features grew tight. “I think you should pull over.”

  I felt like cheering her on from the backseat. Good for her. He was being an even bigger ass than usual.

  “Why?” he asked as we crossed Canal Street and entered the French Quarter.

  “It’s late. And I’ve lost my desire for that drink.”

  “Yeah,” I chimed in. “We can walk from here.”

  “Don’t you ladies know it’s dangerous out here at night?”

  “On Chartres?” I asked. It was easily one of the least crime-ridden streets in the entire city. “I think we’ll risk it.”

  “Just pull over,” Nissa said, anger clear in her tone. “I think everyone will be better off if we just part ways now.”

  He shook his head. “I don’t think so. We’re almost there.”

  “Oh, for crying out loud,” I mumbled, waiting for him to stop at the upcoming stop sign. Only he didn’t. He blew right through it, barely missing a tourist walking across the street. Panic flooded my system. “Please stop the car,” I said as calmly as I could muster, trying to reason with him. “You’re going to kill someone.”

  Nissa was well past asking him for anything and was reaching for the ignition.

  “You’re right. I am.” Brant slowed, but instead of pulling over, he reached over and hit Nissa with a stun gun right before she was able to kill the engine.

  She screamed and convulsed in the front seat. Within seconds, she was limp.

  “Oh my God! What are you doing?” I cried and reached for Nissa, ignoring my flight instinct. If I bolted from the car right then, what would happen to her?

  “Let her be. She’ll live.” He waved the stun gun at me and turned left into a garage space beneath a three-story brick building. I’d been too distracted by his attack on Nissa to notice the wooden gates opening. I glanced around, horror taking up residence in my chest as I realized exactly where we were.

  He’d just pulled into the small garage space connected to Tyler’s building.

  I scrabbled for the door handle, yanking as hard as I could. Only nothing happened. The door was locked. And there wasn’t a latch for me to pull. I raged, pounding my fists on the window. “Let me out of here.”

  He pulled the car into the parking space, ignoring me.

  Oh, hell no. This evil piece of dog shit wasn’t getting the best of me. I fumbled for my handbag. The sound of the zipper filled the car and Brant froze.

  “Don’t even think about calling anyone. I’ll break your fingers one by one until you’re begging me to end your miserable life.” Pure hatred streamed from his now beady eyes. He’d transformed from the good-looking, charming cop to a caricature of his former self.

  “How about this instead?” I whipped the gun out and pointed it at his head. Thank heavens I’d been too tired to remember to put it away the night before.

  He froze, staring down the barrel of my gun. “I doubt you have the balls to shoot a cop.”

  “Try me.” I held the gun steady, more than ready to put a bullet in his eye, but I didn’t want to shoot him if I didn’t have to. The corruption in the system meant there were no guarantees I wouldn’t be hauled off to jail again and labeled a cop-killer.

  He must have seen I meant what I said, because he let the stun gun fall and raised his hands slowly so I could see them. “Okay. Let’s just calm down. I only wanted to talk to you.”

  He was full of more bullshit than a cattle ranch. “Unlock the doors.”

  Brant didn’t move.

  “I said unlock the goddamned doors.” I waved the small 9 mm slightly just for effect.

  “All right. Calm down.”

  “With your left hand. Keep the other one visible.”

  Gritting his teeth, he moved his left hand to the door panel and hit the button. The sound of freedom rang through the car.

  “Hands back up,” I ordered.

  He hesitated.

  “Now!”

  “All right.” His other hand shot up.

  “Good. Now stay right there. Do not move, or I will shoot you.”

  He didn’t say a word, but hatred shot out at me from his steely gaze. The feeling was entirely mutual. Keeping my eyes locked on him, I reached for the door handle. The door opened easily, and ever so slowly, I eased my way out of the car. I stayed low, keeping the gun trained on him, determined to get Nissa out as well. I had no idea what I’d do after that, but at the very least maybe someone from one of the other units would come home and we’d have help.

  I pulled Nissa’s door open. Her purse fell out onto the cement, the contents scattering everywhere. “Don’t even think about trying anything,” I said to Brant.

  He tracked me with his eyes, not moving an inch.

  But as soon as I reached for Nissa, he lunged forward, pushing her out of the car. Her limp body toppled over onto me, knocking me to the ground. The gun clattered onto the cement, sliding out of my reach. And before I could move, Brant was on top of both of us, clutching my wrist so hard
I thought he’d break it.

  “Let go of me.” I bucked and kicked to no avail.

  “Shut up.” His knee landed in my gut, knocking the wind out of me.

  He’d won. I was defenseless, trapped under him while my body pulsed with pain from his blow.

  “That’s a good girl,” he cooed in a revolting tone as he released me. “Now get up.”

  I curled into a ball on my side, still barely able to move.

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” He reached down and pulled me up by my hair. “On your feet. It’s time to go inside. You’re not going to mess up my plan this time.”

  I whimpered and barely got my feet under me before he started dragging me toward the building’s door. My gaze landed on Nissa still lying on the ground. She stirred and then our eyes met. She jerked her head up, but I shook mine slightly, indicating for her to stay still. As soon as he pulled me into the building, she could go for help.

  “Don’t even think about it, bitch.” Brant sneered as he looked up into a round security mirror, eyeing Nissa. “Move one inch and you’ll wish you were dead.”

  “He’ll kill you anyway!” I cried. “Run!”

  “You dumb—”

  Whack!

  Pain shattered through my head and my world turned black.

  Chapter 28

  I woke in the dark to the sound of whimpering. My wrists and ankles were bound, and a bolt of panic shot through me as I twisted, trying to peer through the blackness. I saw nothing.

  “Nissa?” I whispered as I lifted my head and nearly vomited from the pounding in my temple.

  “Pyper?” Her voice trembled with fear.

  I swallowed the bile in the back of my throat. “Do you know what happened?”

  “Eric. He knocked you out and dragged us in here.”

  “Where is here?” I reached my bound hands out in front of me, trying to orient myself. The hardwood floor stretched into the distance, no furniture anywhere.

  “I think it’s the second-floor apartment. But I was a little out of it. I’m not sure.”

  The lights flooded the room.

  I recoiled, my eyes watering in pain.