Lauren

by Laura Marie Henion

  Then, it hit her. She had to blink and take another look. Was it a wedding picture?

  Eddie noticed her facial expression.

  Lauren swallowed hard, moved closer, and took in the outdoor scene in the picture. Eddie was in a black tux, standing next to his bride, his wife.

  She felt the pressure in her chest, as she placed her hand against her heart. She wasn't sure how to feel about it. He'd never mentioned a wife, or that he was married. Was he still married? Her shock turned to fear.

  The woman in the picture was the complete opposite of Lauren. She had short blond hair, blue eyes, and was very thin. An attractive woman who looked amazingly happy, and so did Eddie.

  "That's Sarah,” he said, interrupting her thoughts, and she turned to him. He took her hand in his. “I wanted to tell you. I wanted to tell you a lot, but, I was ... scared."

  He touched her chin, and looked down into her eyes. “We were married for a year, had dated for two before that. She was a wonderful woman. Kind, caring, gentle, and a nurse at the local hospital."

  "What happened to her?"

  "One night after work, she was coming home from the hospital, and I was working on a case. Someone broke into the townhouse we were living in, about three miles from here. She was raped and murdered."

  "Oh my God, Eddie. That's terrible. When did this happen?” She still held his hand.

  "Over four years ago. You have no idea how hard it was for me to come to your hotel room that night. Not to mention, when I showed up at your home."

  "I could tell something was stopping you. It was as if you were afraid."

  "I was afraid, and I felt guilty. These are feelings I've had for too long. You've taken all that away. You made me open up my heart. You've taught me to love again."

  Lauren hugged him, held him close. “I'm glad you told me. Now I understand, and I'm sorry I got so mad at you that night."

  "No, please. I'm sorry, and I hope it doesn't bother you too much that I was married before. I know there's a big age difference between us."

  "I don't mind, and I don't think the age difference really matters. Do you?"

  "No, come here.” He pulled her body against his.

  As he held her against his chest, she felt their connection, their bond. After his revelation of the truth, and telling her how his wife was murdered, she had a better understanding of his personality. She couldn't even imagine being married and having her spouse murdered. The tears stung her eyes, threatening to escape, but she couldn't do that.

  The sensation of Eddie's hands caressing her shoulders, her back, then waist had her sighing against his chest. Allowing her hands to roam across his backside, she heard, and felt, his heartbeat increase. He gently kissed her forehead, her cheek, and along the base of her neck.

  Rolling her head back to give him better access, she closed her eyes, and allowed him to ease her mind, after the evening's events.

  His lips covered hers, while his arms picked her up off the floor.

  A small gasp of surprise escaped her. Widening her eyes, she caught Eddie's gaze, and it burned with need. The same she was certain hers reflected. He smiled.

  She held onto his neck, kissed his chin, his clean-shaven jaw, then back to his lips, as he carried her down the long hallway and into the master bedroom. Scanning the room, she found there was a king-size bed, framed by four solid, wide, wooden posts. The detail around the frame was classy and masculine, done in a checkered pattern. The rest of the furniture was coordinated perfectly. The window treatments were navy blue and burgundy plaid, with dark wooden blinds.

  Eddie put Lauren down, and stood in front of her. Caressing her arms, gliding the palms of his hands over the silk camisole, he inhaled.

  "Sexy as damn hell” he whispered, before kissing her again, across her lips, then to her jaw, and neck. Slowly, he made his way, precisely finding every curve of her shoulder, then her chest.

  He moved the straps to her champagne camisole off her shoulder, nibbling the small protruding bone, then lowered it, until the voluptuous mound of flesh emerged, free and unrestrained.

  "No bra. Very sexy,” he whispered, in a sultry voice that did a number to her thighs.

  Meticulously, he sucked and nibbled, as he wrapped his arms around her waist. He closed the distance between their bodies, and molding his mouth against her breast. He moved over to her left side, equally feasting on her other breast, before making his way up her shoulders, back to her neck.

  The tiny chills ran over her entire body, as Eddie pulled the camisole completely off her. His hands reached for her jeans. He unbuttoned, then unzipped them quickly, appearing delighted at the raspberry material underneath.

  Lauren pulled Eddie's shirt from his jeans, and ran her hands through the tiny brown curls peppered across his muscular chest. She didn't bother to kiss and nibble his neck first, as he had done to her. Instead, she went right for his chest, taking the small pink flesh between her teeth, nibbling lightly, then harder.

  He lifted her up, and covered her mouth with his, as he ran his finger across the waistband of the raspberry string bikini she wore. His large, solid hands caressed each cheek as he removed the panties. They fell sideways, in an embrace, to the bed.

  She sat on top of him, straddling his hips. He pulled her closer. They were chest-to-chest, flesh-to-flesh, breathing steady and controlled.

  Their kissing intensified, their bodies in need of more, but Lauren continued to tease him, to test his tolerance. She kissed his neck, his torso, then lower, finally taking him into her mouth.

  * * * *

  Eddie moaned with delight, glided his fingertips through her hair, smelling her shampoo, and the essence of their shared desire. He wanted to be inside her, claiming her as his own, making her only ever want him.

  The feelings, emotions, and need to possess all of her were immense. She looked up at him, as if sensing his feelings. Her eyes were wild with lust. He took this moment, this opportunity, to take control, grabbing her hips, and rolling her to her back.

  Long brown curls scattered across his pillow. He held her hands a moment, then tested her tolerance as well, scooting down, while his tongue and lips made their way to what he craved the taste of.

  She closed her eyes and grabbed Eddie's hair. She was so responsive.

  "Now, Eddie, please.” She panted.

  He glanced up, smiled, then glided his way over her skin with his tongue and lips. Getting in position, he moved his hips against hers, instantly entering her. They both sighed in relief and pleasure.

  Their hands instinctively entwined, their gazes locked, and their bodies swayed in their rhythm, fulfilling their every need and desire to be one. The motion increased in speed, their mouths dried, their hearts pounded, as the ultimate, simultaneous climax overcame them both, in an explosion.

  Then Eddie fell against her, breathless, with his mouth pressed against her silky skin.

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  Chapter 13

  It was 5:00 a.m. Lauren got out of Eddie's bed. She started to get dressed, when she heard him behind her.

  "You sure you got to go?” He sounded tired. His voice was husky.

  She turned toward him, as she pulled up her jeans and clasped the button. The sheets barely covered his waist, and she fought the urge to jump back into bed with him.

  "I have to, Eddie. We should be careful about this, for now, I mean.” She picked the camisole up off the floor.

  He got out of bed, pulled on a pair of boxer shorts, and came toward her. She stood there, holding the camisole against her bare chest, while he stood in front of her.

  He wasn't afraid to speak his mind, or make known his intentions to her. “You mean you don't want anyone to know about us?"

  "It's bad enough Tom knows, and Jack has his suspicions. We should wait until the case is over."

  Eddie pulled Lauren closer. He ran his fingers under her hair, holding the base of her head and neck, while his other hand and arm wrapped ar
ound her waist.

  "I know you're right. I just love the way you make me feel, and I'm worried about you. I don't want you to leave."

  Eddie began kissing her again, pulling her body against his, and taking the camisole away from her chest. He squeezed her tighter, her naked breasts against his flesh. The palm of his hand lay against her ribcage, as his other hand massaged and stimulated her breast, in preparation for his mouth.

  Once his tongue hit her flesh, she gave in.

  "A little longer ... then I have to go,” Lauren whispered, and Eddie moved her back onto the bed.

  * * * *

  An hour later, Lauren left Eddie's place. She didn't head straight back to the city. Instead, she headed toward the River Point Police Department, and directly to her father's office.

  "Well, look who it is? My God, woman, you look fantastic!” Steven Soranno told Lauren, as they met outside the police station.

  They embraced one another.

  "Thank you, Steven. You look great, too. How is Victoria?"

  "She's good. We should try to get together for dinner. You should come by our place."

  "That sounds like fun. I'll call Tory when I get a chance."

  Steven gave her a sideways glance. “Oh, I won't hold my breath."

  Lauren smiled. “I know. I've been kind of busy and all, but I promise to call. We will get together. You know, Victoria and I already discussed this on Memorial Day?

  So, what brings you to the department today? A big head honcho meeting, or something?"

  "Actually, I just stopped by to see your dad. We made plans for lunch later in the week."

  "Sounds good."

  "What about you? Got plans with your dad?"

  "No, I didn't even call him to let him know I was coming. I've been working with the Ridgeburgh Police Department on a case."

  "Yeah, he mentioned that. I also saw you on TV. You looked great. I bet they'll ask you to be the spokesperson for all the high profile cases,” Steven teased, and winked.

  "Let's hope not. There's too much pressure, and the damn media is always trying to catch you off guard, reveal secret information, or twisting words. Did you notice that I haven't been quoted, or done any articles in the paper? I'm not taking any chances."

  "So, you're getting used to throwing around the words no comment?"

  "Exactly,” she said, and they laughed.

  "Well, it sounds like a tough case, and this guy you're after sounds ruthless. I hope you catch him soon."

  "He is ruthless, but we'll catch him. I'm determined."

  "Good for you. Well, I have to get going. You better give Tory a call. I expect concrete plans once this case is over."

  "You got it."

  They hugged again, then Steven left.

  Ruthless was an understatement, as far as she was concerned. She now knew, first hand, Ben Silver thought he was above the law. He didn't value life or give it much thought. Instead, he continued to take lives, destroy families, and cause so much pain and sadness. She wanted to stop it, and she wanted to understand Ben Silver's way of thinking.

  Lauren entered the front door to the department. The place was busy, and many gazes turned her way, as she walked to the front desk. Immediately, she was recognized. A few police officers came over. Some were friends from high school, while others just knew her as Don Phelps’ daughter, the NYPD detective.

  "Hey, Lauren Phelps, you looking for your dad?” Sergeant Conway asked.

  "Yes, I am. Is he in his office?"

  "Sure is. You go right ahead. By the way, you look great on television, but even better in person.” She smiled, and thanked him.

  Lauren made her way to her father's office. She knocked first. Her father opened the door.

  "Wow! What a surprise. Does your mom know you're in town?” He gave her a hug and a kiss. She sat down in the chair in front of his desk.

  "No, she doesn't. No one does, really."

  "Oh, you're sneaking around now? Things must be intense?” He sat back down.

  She looked at the pictures he always kept on his desk. There was one with her, her brother Dave, her mom, and her dad on her parents’ thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, from three years ago. Then, there was a picture of her and her father in uniform, when she graduated from the New York City Police Academy.

  "So how are things going? This guy you're after is an intense individual, huh?"

  "He sure is.” Lauren moved forward in her seat. She wondered why she came here, before heading back into the city. Her mind was all over the place. Was this some kind of sign? Go see your father, your family before it's too late?

  Did her father have some kind of special powers, or abilities, to help her solve this case, find the killer, and bring justice to their families? Maybe she just needed to feel safe, to feel that special strength, power, and love that a father and daughter share.

  She was a grown woman, a homicide detective no less, so why this sudden feeling of weakness and uncertainty? She was well trained, had been on the job since she turned twenty, so what was the deal? Was Silver breaking her down?

  "Lauren, you didn't hear me. Do you need to talk?"

  She saw the concern on his face. She knew she needed to gain back that control she once had. She didn't want her father to worry. It was hard enough, not telling him Silver had invaded her home, mocked her.

  "This guy is a psychopath, and I know that. I guess I'm just a little frustrated. I don't know.” She leaned back in her chair.

  Her father watched her. She was trying to act tough, but she knew she needed him. “Lauren, you know what kind of a person this Silver guy is. You are correct in labeling him a psychopath, but he's an organized serial killer out to cause shock, rattle you, and the other detectives working this case. To keep you off balance. You can find this guy."

  "I don't know why I'm questioning my abilities.” She wondered if meeting Eddie, and opening up her heart to him right now, caused these feelings of vulnerability? Now was not the time for this.

  "It's perfectly normal to react this way. You and I respect life. We respect the fact we all have the right to live our lives, do the right thing, and abide by the laws.

  "Unfortunately, there are people out there who don't value life, who don't believe in the law, and only believe in the power they feel when they commit murder. Think about it. To us, these killings are senseless acts, but to the serial killer, he has the power over life and death. He's in control, and that control, that feeling, and the belief no one can stop him, makes him feel untouchable."

  "I want to find him and stop him. He's playing a game with us now, and I don't want anyone else to get hurt."

  "That's understandable. You know, usually these types of offenders don't just wake up one day and decide to kill."

  "I know that. I'm sure he's had his share of willing partners, women who enjoy the roughness, and getting dressed up as he requires. That's why I want to try and question some of the female employees he worked with. It's just a hunch, but maybe he was involved with one of them. I don't know."

  "Sure you do, honey. That sounds like a great idea. A lot of times, people like this have a secret location, or a hideout area, where they feel safe and uninhibited. You're a great detective. All this digging around and gut feelings, or instincts, if you want to call them that, usually pay off. You're doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing. You will get this guy because you're good, and you're working with some of the best detectives.

  "Actually, I received a few phone calls from some higher ups, both the city and locally. They're impressed with your work. You can get this guy, kiddo. I know you can."

  Lauren stood up. It was getting late, and she needed to get into the city, and to the warehouse.

  "Thanks for the pep talk, Dad. I needed it."

  "Anytime, sweetheart, and remember, you're not just a cop, you're a cop's daughter."

  Lauren smiled, then gave her dad a hug. He had the most amazing power, and he didn't even realize it.
>
  She said goodbye, and headed into the city. She had a new hope, a new sense of commitment, responsibility, and determination.

  She thought about her dad, and their relationship. He was always there for her, to guide her, pick her up when she fell, or felt she failed. His smile alone, at just the precise time, empowered her, gave her that extra kick to accomplish the task at hand, and to succeed. She decided that once this case was over, she'd make serious plans to spend some quality time with her family and friends.

  * * * *

  Lauren sat outside of the commercial building, in the Bronx watching the employees enter for work. She waited, for one in particular. The young woman who wouldn't admit to knowing Ben Silver, even though Lauren had a hunch she did.

  It was 9:00 a.m., and she wondered if she were given the wrong information about the girl's work schedule.

  She thought about last night with Eddie, and how hard it was to leave him this morning. He didn't want her out of his sight. They actually argued about it. He was worried and fearful. She knew it had a lot to do with what happened to his wife, Sarah.

  She figured she needed to cool things off with Eddie. Silver was playing games, and now she needed to get her mind focused, to be sure to catch his mistake, when he made it. As perfect as Silver thought he was, he would screw up, and she would be there to catch him.

  She had a job to do, and finding Ben Silver any way she could was all that mattered right now.

  By 9:30 a.m., she figured the girl was a no show. She remembered the business owner saying, sometimes, Salina Bard didn't show up for work.

  The dispatcher interrupted her thoughts. They were trying to locate her. She wondered why Tom hadn't called her on her cell phone. As she reached down to her hip, she realized it wasn't there.

  "Shit."

  She responded to the dispatcher, and was connected to Tom.

  "I thought I told you to go nowhere alone, or call in first. I tried your cell phone, and got your voice mail. I'm in the car. Where are you? I'll meet you right now,” he told her.

  She understood his concern, told him where she was, and that she left her cell phone at home, without realizing it.