Fatal Mistake

by Karen M. Davis

  Drug dealers made life hard for UCs when they requested they indulge in the product with them. It was seen as a sort of bonding, rapport-building exercise. It also served as a test. Refusing free drugs was suspicious, so to talk your way out of an invitation to party with them, you had to have a good excuse and be one hundred per cent convincing to prevent creating doubt in their minds.

  For a moment, besides the muffled sounds of music, the room was deathly silent. Rocco was out to impress, showing off his flamboyancy, his wealth, his importance. Turning down his generosity without insult was no easy feat. His entourage – Tiffany, Lucky, Erika and Johnny – looked on silently while Rocco stared at Rex with his chest puffed out and jaw protruding, deciding whether to be offended or not.

  Picking up on this, Rex kept talking. ‘Seriously, mate, you know what it’s like . . . Well, no, I don’t suppose you do. Once you’ve had a problem, like Lara has, and like I have as well, there’s no bones about it. It’s like an alcoholic: you just can’t touch the stuff or you’re a goner.’ Rex took a sip of his beer. ‘I’m not an alcoholic, so I can still have this stuff – thank god, because I love it. But the rest is just business.’

  ‘What about him?’ Rocco, frowning, pointed to Batman, who shook his head furiously.

  Rex snorted. ‘I’ve told him if he touches the stuff, I’ll kill him too. I don’t want my niece being anything but the courier while I’m away. Dylan needs to keep a clear head to keep her in line and away from temptation.’

  Rocco still didn’t appear happy.

  ‘She got arrested, mate; caught doing a deal. My contact with a corrupt cop was the only thing that stopped her getting a crim record . . . possibly even going to gaol.’ Rex spun the tale like a pro.

  ‘Who was the cop?’

  ‘Harry Burgh,’ Rex said. ‘He was a piece of shit.’

  ‘I know, I knew him too,’ Rocco said, relaxing noticeably. ‘I gave him the nickname “the Grub”. It’s Burgh backwards, you know. Perfect name for the creep.’

  Rex had him now. Mentioning Burgh had established credibility. Thank god for Rex and his ability to think on his feet, Lexie thought. He’d also inadvertently exposed Rocco as not just a drug dealer, but a bullshit artist. It had been Rex and his mate Bluey who’d given Burgh the nickname ‘Grub’. Word spread like wildfire through both circles: the police telegraph and the criminal underworld. Burgh’s corrupt exploits and mean-spirited behaviour touched many – and not in a good way.

  Rocco bit his lip, seemed to come to some decision. ‘I understand, mate.’ He glanced up at Rex, who towered over him. The tension eased. ‘I only do it sometimes myself for those reasons. Don’t want to become dependent, you know? I was just being hospitable as you said, but hey—’ he threw his hands in the air like he was under arrest, ‘—I’m not going to push anything on anyone.’

  Rex raised his beer in the air in a salute to Rocco. ‘I know that, mate. That’s why you’re such a good bloke.’

  Rocco beamed accordingly.

  Lexie felt the knot in her stomach slacken.

  Rocco directed his gaze at Lexie, ignoring Batman, who still had his arm around her. ‘I’d like to show you my office and talk some business now, if that’s all right. Since you’re going away—’ he looked back at Rex, ‘—your niece and I need to get acquainted, and now is as good a time as any to do that.’

  Lexie thought it strange he wanted to talk business at his birthday party, but didn’t raise the point. ‘Of course,’ she replied, deliberately avoiding Batman’s and Rex’s eyes.

  Moving to Lexie’s side, furthest away from Batman so he could not hear, Rocco leant in close to her, tilted his chin skywards, as she was still slightly taller than him, and spoke into her ear. ‘I like you and I know we’re going to go together so well . . . work well together, I mean.’

  If she had missed the implication, his lips brushing her earlobe quashed any doubt. Rex studied his beer bottle, suddenly fascinated by it. He was letting her handle Rocco’s obvious interest her way because, as of tomorrow, she’d be on her own. Apart from Batman, that is. Though she got the feeling Rocco didn’t consider him much of a concern.

  Lexie turned to Batman and told him in front of Rocco that they were going to talk.

  ‘Of course,’ he said, as though this was a common occurrence.

  Then, surprising Lexie, Batman reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. One arm circled her hip as he bent down and spoke into her ear exactly as Rocco had done. ‘Everyone’s watching, so go with me on this.’

  Oh no . . . she had a moment of panic. What was he going to do? And what choice did she have but to go with it? To resist or pull away was not an option.

  Then his lips were on hers. Lexie wasn’t sure how it happened. Or how her arms somehow linked around his neck. All she knew was that this moment felt unreal and that Batman’s lips were soft, his mouth quietly demanding. She kissed him back. What else could she do? This is just an act. You are playing a part.

  She tried to erect an imaginary wall to block her thoughts, her feelings. But wretched emotions slipped through the cracks and Lexie was filled with guilt, anger . . . and something else she was unwilling to contemplate.

  Then it was over. Batman was pushing her gently away. Lexie dropped her gaze to the floor to avoid meeting his.

  ‘Damn . . .’ she heard Tiffany groan beside them. ‘You guys should get a room.’

  Lexie looked up, trying to gauge the others’ reactions. Rex looked mildly amused. Lucky and Johnny were uninterested and talking among themselves. Erika and Tiffany were staring at them openly. Rocco had his arms crossed across his mighty chest and was drilling an arctic glare into Batman, who pretended not to notice.

  Lexie felt a chill as goose bumps tap-danced along her spine. That kiss was a bad move, a deliberate challenge. She only hoped Batman hadn’t gone too far with his blatant display of possession and inadvertently earned himself an enemy. ‘Johnny will show you to my office,’ Rocco told Lexie. ‘Just give me ten minutes to socialise, show my face in the club, and I’ll meet you there.’

  ‘Perhaps it would be better to talk another time,’ Lexie suggested. ‘When you’re not so much in demand. This is your party – I hate to take you away from your guests.’

  Rocco shook his head. ‘I’m always in demand and you are not taking me away from anything.’ He flashed a wide smile. ‘I will see you soon.’

  • • •

  Exactly ten minutes later, Johnny dutifully told Lexie he would escort her to Rocco’s office. As they left the VIP room, she eyed the small bin beside the door that contained Lucky’s discarded tissues. Throwing a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure she was not being watched – the group were talking, drinking, paying her no attention – she seized the opportunity, kicking the bin discreetly as she passed. It fell onto its side, spilling a sea of tissues and papers onto the floor. Lexie scooped the mess back into the bin, took a handful of Lucky’s sputum-filled tissues, pressed them into the palm of her hand, righted the bin and fell back into step behind Johnny, who missed the whole thing.

  Outside the VIP room, Lexie followed Johnny down a flight of stairs and a long narrow corridor. He had not looked back at her once, but watching the back of his head just in case, she pushed the tissues into the small handbag slung over her shoulder. She felt suddenly light, almost without gravity, as a sense of accomplishment washed over her.

  I may have captured Lucky’s DNA but I really have to wash my hands . . . Gross.

  Her heels tapped against the cement floor and the club music faded to a distant hum as they passed two doors before Johnny stopped at a third and inserted a key. Pushing it open, he showed her into a large, lavishly decorated office. Lexie detected the lingering smell of cigarette smoke as she took in her surrounds.

  Rich brown carpet covered the floor. The walls were painted a stark white. There were no windows as they were underground. A large red-wood desk with royal blue leather chairs filled the space
to her right. Floor-to-ceiling wooden cupboards ran along the back wall. An Oriental room divider partially concealed a daybed along the left wall and a wet bar took up one corner, with an assortment of liquor bottles hanging in a glass cabinet above. Next to it was a small kitchenette. A large television hung from an arm in the opposite corner of the room and a door left ajar hinted at a small bathroom.

  ‘This is Rocco’s office,’ Johnny said, stating the obvious. ‘Can I get you a drink while you wait?’

  Lexie stood just inside the door watching Johnny help himself to a beer from the bar fridge. It was a brand she hadn’t seen before. The label read Mythos, which she assumed meant it was a Greek beer.

  ‘I’ll have a glass of white wine, thanks.’ Not that she had any intention of drinking it.

  Johnny poured the wine. ‘Sit down, make yourself comfortable while you wait. Rocco shouldn’t be too long.’

  Lexie took a seat in one of the chairs opposite the desk. She noticed an ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts on the other side of the desktop and thought: Perfect DNA.

  Johnny walked towards her, handed her the wine and, without uttering another word, left the room. As he closed the door, Lexie heard what sounded like a key in the lock. Alarmed, she almost dropped the wine glass onto the desk in her rush to the door. It was locked. Her pulse jumped. She was locked in.

  CHAPTER 15

  Butterflies took off in Berni’s stomach as TJ introduced her to Rocco.

  ‘Now how did TJ get so lucky?’ Rocco spoke loudly so he could be heard over the noise in the club. Taking her hand, he raised it to his lips.

  Berni’s knees nearly buckled. He was so charming. After watching the sex tape earlier, it felt as if she knew him intimately, which was making it hard to breathe normally. Don’t act like a stupid school girl with a crush.

  Berni smiled and leant towards him, aware Rocco’s piercing blue eyes were on her cleavage, and breathlessly wished him a happy birthday.

  ‘Thank you, my dear.’ Rocco was smiling at her. ‘And thanks for coming to my party. It’s nice to finally meet you. TJ talks about you all the time.’

  As their eyes met and locked, Berni felt as though she’d been hit by lightning. Heat ignited the air between them. He wanted her, she realised excitedly, understanding the silent message that passed between them.

  Elation suddenly shot to alarm as she remembered TJ. What if he’d picked up on the chemistry between them? Casting a cursory glance his way, she was relieved to see him smiling ignorantly beside her. He had no idea.

  Rocco moved in close to her ear, rubbed her arm. Berni’s heart skipped a beat. ‘You have a good night now,’ he crooned.

  Then he was gone. Just like that.

  Feeling deflated, Berni watched Rocco disappear into the crowd. She tried to placate herself: he was expected to mingle, get around to everyone; it was his birthday party after all. He would come back to her before the night was over. There was no denying the attraction between them. She sensed Rocco was not the type of man to steal a friend’s woman. He had integrity. They would have to be discreet. There was no doubt they would eventually be together and TJ would be hurt. There was no avoiding that.

  She could not, would not, let anyone stand in her way. Berni felt a moment of euphoria that had nothing to do with the drugs or alcohol in her system. Soon it would be time to move on to bigger and better things. She could hardly wait.

  • • •

  Lexie told herself not to panic.

  She checked her mobile phone, and realised there was no reception. She glanced at the desk. There was a landline, so she could call Batman or Rex if necessary. This knowledge calmed her somewhat. Then, reasoning she was safe with Rex and Batman upstairs, she sat back down. This was a good sign, she tried to convince herself. They trusted her alone in Rocco’s office. Unless there were cameras in here and she was being watched. Could this be a test, a set-up?

  Lexie glanced upwards, scanned every corner, but couldn’t see any cameras. Though that’s not to say they weren’t there. They could be positioned behind the walls, or in the cupboard – there were cameras everywhere these days. UCs used all types of covert recording devices: pens, tie pins. She’d used cameras secreted in handbags and baseball caps. You could buy them over the internet. She suspiciously eyed a pen sitting in a holder on the desk.

  Okay, you’re being paranoid, but better to be safe than sorry. Assume you are being watched, so don’t do anything that would create suspicion.

  Glancing at the small bathroom, she had a thought. There wouldn’t be cameras in there, surely? Plucking the wine glass and the ashtray from the desk, Lexie casually walked into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She did a quick sweep of the room. The walls were bare, and there was only a toilet, sink and shower cubicle. Nowhere to hide a camera. Secure in this knowledge, she poured most of the wine down the sink and placed the glass on a small ledge. From her handbag she pulled out two paper evidence bags and tipped the butts from the ashtray into one and the tissues into another. She placed both bags at the bottom of her handbag. Getting these possible DNA samples on the first night was too good to be true. No. Sometimes you just got lucky, she told herself. This was one of those times.

  Rinsing the ashtray, Lexie washed her hands, left the bathroom and was just placing the ashtray back on Rocco’s desk when he walked in. Halting in the doorway, he gave her a curious look.

  ‘You’re not cleaning up in here, I hope.’

  Lexie shrugged and smiled. That was exactly what she was doing. ‘Just emptying the ashtray, that’s all. I’m a bit OCD. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.’ Her face turned serious. ‘Besides, since I was locked in here, I had to do something to fill in the time.’

  ‘I’m sorry about that, I didn’t want you to be disturbed.’ He walked past her and took a seat behind his desk. ‘And I’m sorry I took longer than expected. It’s hard to get away from some people, you know . . .’ He glanced at the almost empty glass of wine in front of her. ‘Would you like another drink?’

  Lexie shook her head. ‘No thanks, I’ve had enough for a while. And I’d appreciate not being locked anywhere in future.’

  Rocco nodded his head. ‘Fair enough. It won’t happen again.’ He got up and helped himself to the same type of beer Johnny had chosen. On his way back from the bar, he stopped and hovered beside her for a moment, before returning to his seat.

  ‘Is black your natural hair colour?’

  It was a casual comment that sent silent alarm bells clanging. She was learning quickly how easy it was to become paranoid doing this kind of work. That constant fear of discovery could be a killer – literally.

  ‘I like to mix it up a bit,’ she replied, avoiding answering the question directly. ‘I get bored easily.’ She made a show of glancing around. ‘You have a lovely office.’

  ‘Thanks, I like it. And I can assure you it’s secure. There are no cameras or listening devices in these walls – I have the place combed every week – so you can speak freely.’

  ‘Good to know. I like that you are so security-conscious.’

  His eyes rested on her chest. ‘It’s the only way to run a business without . . . problems.’

  Lexie nodded. ‘That’s smart.’

  Rocco’s eyes travelled back to her face. ‘Can I ask you a personal question?’

  ‘Of course.’

  ‘Are you and Dylan exclusive?’

  Lexie remembered Rex’s words – Rocco has to want what he can’t have, think he has a remote chance – and chose hers thoughtfully.

  She sighed as if about to bare her soul. ‘I’ve been married before and my husband cheated on me with a close friend.’ Lexie kept her story close to the truth. ‘I’ve been on the receiving end of infidelity. I wouldn’t do the same thing to someone I care about. Even if I was attracted to another.’

  ‘And are you attracted to me, Lara?’

  She smiled. ‘You are a very good-looking man, Rocco. Which is why it’s best to kee
p things strictly professional between us.’

  ‘That’s not very adventurous of you.’

  ‘My uncle takes this business seriously. He wouldn’t want me conducting myself in an unprofessional manner while he’s away.’ Lexie shrugged, smiled. ‘You know what they say: never mix business with pleasure.’

  Rocco studied her for a long moment. She didn’t shrink from his gaze, knowing it was important to show strength, that she would not be railroaded, stood over or put into a position of sexual subservience.

  ‘I’ll accept that for now. For now,’ he repeated pointedly.

  Lexie ignored that comment and tried to steer the conversation towards business. ‘I don’t want to consume all your time, so should we get down to what you wanted to discuss?’

  Rocco picked up his beer bottle and took a sip. ‘Are you looking to make an order any time soon?’

  Lexie nodded. ‘I’d like to get some Charlie.’ This was what Rex had ordered previously. It was best to stick to the one drug instead of dabbling in a variety. ‘I know our customers reported the last two batches were of good quality. What price can you do per gram?’

  ‘One gram sells on the streets for three hundred at the moment. To cover our costs, we can give it to you for two fifty.’

  This was the same price Rocco had charged Rex. She was pleased he wasn’t trying to put one over on her. ‘Can you do any better, sell it to me for two thirty?’ This was pushing it, but she had to try. After all, it was about the money. Lexie gave him a lingering look she hoped would charm him. Rocco held her gaze. Her face broke into a suggestive smile. He smiled back. ‘I know you’re not buying at full price, so you can afford to do a bit of a discount.’

  Rocco laughed. He had a deep, throaty chuckle. Opening the top drawer, he pulled out a packet of cigarettes and lit one. He dragged on it deeply, blew the smoke out of the corner of his mouth. ‘How many grams are we talking?’

  ‘I can get rid of a quarter of a kilo easy.’ That was more than Rex had ordered last time. The trick was to up the order each time but not enough to make them suspicious.