Sweet Vengeance

by Cindy Stark

"Yeah, yeah. I know what it is." He pulled out his wallet and nodded toward the door. "Why don't you let me buy you a pop out of the machine? That'll settle your stomach, and you'll be able to get to work solving that case none of us old detectives could."

  Allie was grateful for the few-minutes' reprieve. Walking to the pop machine gave her a chance to collect herself, and by the time they returned to Cates' office, she was better prepared for what waited there. She sat her soda aside and steeled herself when she re-opened the file. She tried not to focus on the photos and skipped to the part where the case had been documented.

  "So your suspects were Tommy Trasatti and...Jase Tyler?" That shocked her. She tried to keep her face an unemotional mask.

  Cates twisted the lid off his soda and nodded. "Witnesses put them both in the area." He eyed her. "Know anything about either of them?"

  Allie shrugged. "Not much about Trasatti. My friend just said his organization was suspected in the shooting."

  "Your friend didn't mention anything about Tyler?"

  Allie played innocent. "No." She gave him her best interrogation look. "How about witnesses to the shooting? Did you find anyone?"

  "None that came forward, not for the actual shooting, anyway. There were some who saw the cars race away. One vehicle belonged to Trasatti and the other to Tyler. But, by the time we caught up to them, there was no evidence pinpointing either one. Can't convict just 'cause they were in the area."

  Allie's curiosity got the best of her. "Tell me what you know about Tyler." She glanced at the notes. "Jase, is it?"

  It was Cates' turn to shrug. "He's a bit of an enigma. No criminal record. Owns quite a bit of property around the district. Never anything we can pin on him, yet his name is constantly connected to the underworld. Pretty shady character if you ask me." He took a drink of soda and sat his bottle on the desk. "We'll get something on him eventually."

  Allie nodded. "Sounds more like it's the Trasatti guy anyway." Cates studied her, and she quickly turned her focus back to the file.

  She worked for a while, trying to create a profile of the murderer, but it seemed kind of pointless since she already knew who had done it. From time to time, she glanced at Cates who seemed to be busy working on his own cases. She'd read through the notes several times, but she'd gotten more info from Cates than from reading the files. It was the cop's intuitive perspective which never made it on to the pages of the report that interested her the most.

  "So what do you think the motive was?"

  The cop played with his moustache. "Drugs, guns. Deal gone bad, maybe."

  Maybe it was her cop's intuition at work, but she could sense he wasn't telling her everything he knew. "Seems a little too cut and dry. Doesn't it?"

  He shrugged. "Does it?"

  She widened her eyes in pretended innocence. "I get the sense you're not telling me everything." She flicked at the file. "This isn't any better."

  He narrowed his eyes. "Seems like you're not telling me everything, either." He let the unspoken question hang in the air between them.

  She held his gaze, determined to not give away anything further. "I don't know what you mean. If you don't believe my credentials, call my office and check."

  He smiled. "I already did that. Called while you were at lunch. You check out just fine, Miss Fox."

  Her heart beat against her chest. "Then what's the problem, Sergeant Cates?" She blinked her eyes.

  "Guess there's not one." He glanced at the clock. "It's almost quitting time. Come back tomorrow, and I'll see what I can dig up for you on the Trasatti family. I'll even let you have a gander at Joey Pagano's personal file."

  Allie's throat constricted. Joey had a file? Sure, he'd hung around with the wrong bunch of kids, but never in all the years she'd known him had he talked about getting arrested. "The victim has a file? For what?"

  "Come back tomorrow, and I'll show you." He stood and walked to his office door, opening it. "In the meantime, if you feel the need to do some super-sleuthing, see the secretary on the way out. She should still have a few comp tickets for the democrat's fundraiser this evening. Mayor's running for re-election next year, and he needs all the help he can get. Good chance Tommy Trasatti and his cronies will be there. And wherever Trasatti goes, Jase Tyler usually shows up. Might be a good night to size up your suspects, do a little interrogating of your own. Maybe you'll pick up something we overlooked."

  Allie closed the file and stood. She'd just been dismissed. "Thank you for your time, Sergeant Cates." She smiled. "I believe I'll take you up on your offer for this evening, and for tomorrow."

  "Don't forget the short skirt." His manner had turned from interrogating to friendly in the space of a blink.

  "Wouldn't dream of it."

  Cates watched the young profiler walk out of his office, eyeing the curves of her shapely long legs. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.

  He sighed and picked up the phone. It only took a few moments for the familiar voice to answer.

  "Cates here. I just had a very interesting visitor in my office. Somebody you'll want to check out. She's digging for information on the Winslow and Pagano murders." He paused, waiting for the surprised response he knew he'd get. This case had been dead in the water for years and a new lead had finally surfaced.

  When the questions on the other end of the line finished, he continued. "That's what I said." Cates smiled. "She'll be going to the Democrat's party tonight."

  He waited for the next expected reply. "Go, or don't. Your choice. But I'm thinking this might be our missing girl from six years ago. She fits the description. Thought you might want to pass along that info."

  * * *

  Cates had been more than cooperative, Allie thought as she stepped out of the cab onto the rain-soaked streets of Chicago. She was grateful the unfamiliar hotel had a sheltered drop-off zone that protected her from the elements. The downtown lights reflected off puddles of water, while a heavy musty scent filled the air.

  It seemed pretty obvious Cates didn't completely buy her story. That was okay. She didn't need him to believe her as long as he was willing to provide her with information.

  Allie had wondered how friendly or territorial the police department might be when she requested information on Joey and the Trasatti family, but she'd lucked out when they'd handed her over to Cates. So far, so good.

  She tucked her black evening bag, compliments of Jase, under her arm and headed for the front doors. In fact, Jase had paid for her whole outfit, including a black designer dress and Jimmy Choo shoes. She hadn't brought anything with her that would have been suitable for such an occasion, and, she had to admit, she wouldn't have been able to afford it anyway. It was Jase's fault she was there. Why shouldn't he foot the bill?

  By the time she was finished with the evening, he'd have his money back, minus a couple of bucks for tonight's event, and she'd have a new dress for her efforts.

  Honestly, since she'd made the decision to come to Chicago, her life had taken on a surreal quality—which it always seemed to do when Jase was involved. She had no idea why she'd splurged on such expensive clothes, but when her hotel concierge had sent her to the Magnificent Mile, she found herself shopping at Chanel and Louis Vuitton. It wasn't like her to be so frivolous.

  The dress she wore was daring. Much like her new attitude since she'd scaled the fence that surrounded Jase's property in Oregon. It was cut low in front, and with the help of a push-up bra the sales clerk insisted she buy, it made her appear more endowed than she actually was. Her gorgeous black pumps sported three-inch heels making her legs appear longer than they were. No wonder all the Hollywood ladies dressed like this. It was hard to not enjoy feeling so sexy.

  The grandeur of the hotel was evident once she was inside. Elegant red walls were set off by huge vases of exotic flowers. As she walked across the plush carpeted floor, the glittering chandeliers winked at her from above.

  All in all, she looked forward to what the evening had in store. She fe
lt like Cinderella, and after all the years, she wouldn't mind seeing Jase's expression when he saw her, not to mention the reaction he would have when she forced him to accept his money back. And he would take it. That or she'd be a constant nuisance until he did.

  As far as Tommy Trasatti was concerned, there would be no real reason to have contact with him tonight. She would just observe.

  Maybe she wouldn't even go back to see Cates tomorrow. Did it really matter why they'd tried to kill her? She owned a new life now...or at least she would as soon as Jase butted out. There was no reason to dredge up the past. It wouldn't bring Joey back, and there was no doubt it would bring more pain into her life.

  Two women sat behind a red-draped table outside the entrance to the ballroom. They gave her a welcoming smile as Allie reached in her purse. Her fingers skipped over her gun and lipstick, and she pulled out the ticket that would allow her to enter.

  When she stepped inside the ballroom, she felt like she'd entered another world. The glitz and glamour of the 1920s beckoned her to come and play.

  She'd arrived early, and the ballroom was barely half full. She made a beeline for the side of the room. It was always a good idea to spend a few minutes staking out the place, and one of the large fan palms that edged the room provided the perfect cover. She needed to know if Jase was there yet, and also if Tommy "Bones" Trasatti had arrived as well. Back at the precinct, she'd studied the mobster's photo, burning the image into her mind so she'd be prepared if she ever had the unfortunate opportunity of crossing his path.

  She scanned the room full of men in tuxedos and women in elegant evening wear. There were even some ladies dressed as flappers accompanied by men sporting old-fashioned gangster costumes. Beautiful displays of white lilies perfumed the air with a sultry scent. The musicians played the jazz sounds of the roaring twenties, though not many people had found their way to the elegant marble dance floor, yet. It wouldn't be long though. Not with the numerous waiters circulating with trays of champagne. Allie might have looked like she belonged, but this definitely wasn't the Chicago she remembered.

  A commotion near the entrance caught her attention, and she watched, fascinated by the entourage who entered. She pictured a similar scene generations ago when Prohibition had fueled organized crime. A tall man entered, complete with a black zoot suit and white tie. A black fedora hat sat at a jaunty angle on his head. A small party of people circled in behind him. The man had a classic blond beauty on one arm and a busty redhead on the other. Allie ran a hand over her smoothed-back short hairdo, trying to calm her nerves. The new arrival was none other than Bones Trasatti.

  She swallowed as the group started in her direction. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a nearby waiter and changed her stance so she would not be staring directly at him as he passed. He was taller than she'd expected, with dark hair and glittering black eyes. Power rolled off him in waves, and if she hadn't known he was a cold-blooded killer belonging to the family who had made her life hell, she might have found him attractive. His gaze caught on her as he passed, and he turned his head a little to get a better look at her. Allie rotated and walked in the opposite direction.

  It wasn't recognition that had registered on his face. No, the look he'd given her was pure lust.

  She took a sip of champagne and headed to the other side of the room, grateful for the guests who continued to arrive, and who would put more people between her and Bones. The last thing she needed would be for the hit man to hit on her.

  If it wouldn't put her identity at risk, she'd love the opportunity to interrogate him, especially if he didn't realize her intent. But it didn't look like that was a likely outcome of the evening. She'd spent countless nights pouring over the details of the night Joey had been murdered, and one question constantly burned in her mind. Why? Why did they kill him? Why had they been so desperate to find her?

  Those things didn't matter now, she reminded herself. Finding Jase, making him take his money. That was her goal.

  Allie continued to cruise along the edge of the room, staying near the palms, but also keeping her eye on the door as best she could. Her mission for the evening was Jase.

  "Hello."

  Allie turned and her heart stopped. Bones Trasatti had ditched his entourage and now stood only feet from her, a seductive smile on his handsome face.

  "Hello," she returned, trying to keep her voice steady, as the hairs on her arms grew taut. Dear God, she stood face-to-face with the man who had more than likely murdered Joey.

  "Are you here alone this evening?" He glanced around as though looking for her date.

  "Maybe." She tried to play it cool. Her heart thumped so loudly in her chest, she was surprised he couldn't hear it.

  He arched a brow. "Maybe, huh?" His voice was smooth, educated, and not at all like the thugs she'd known as a teenager. "Is that maybe enough I can ask you to dance without fear of someone punching me in the nose?"

  His unassuming air and the thought of someone walking up to Bones Trasatti and punching him almost made her laugh. It would be the last mistake that person would make.

  Could she make herself dance with someone who had Joey's blood on his hands? Then again, how did she say no without drawing more attention to herself?

  He obviously had no idea who she was, and she had no intention of telling him. If she were lucky, maybe she'd get some tidbit of information out of him while she waited for Jase to show. "I suppose one dance would be fine."

  He held a hand to her back as they walked to the dance floor. Her thoughts scattered in a million directions like the spray from a shotgun shell. The hand that touched her was the hand of a killer, she reminded herself. But he felt so warm and alive. She swallowed. Unlike Joey who was cold in his grave. They reached the dance floor, and he turned and took her into his arms.

  The music was slow, and Allie was surprised he kept a modest distance between the two of them. Just like couples would have back in the twenties.

  "I don't believe we've met before, Miss—"

  "Fox. Alexandra Fox. And no, I don't believe we have either, Mister—"

  "Tom Trasatti. My friend's call me Tommy."

  Or Bones, she thought. "Nice to meet you, Tommy." He grinned, and she found herself returning the gesture.

  "Do you live here, in Chicago?" He raised a brow.

  "No. I'm just visiting. It's my first time here," she lied.

  He nodded. "I hope you enjoy your stay. So, tell me, how did you wind up alone at some political bash when you're new to the area?"

  "First off, I never admitted to being alone." She smiled. "And secondly, my aunt has a friend on the planning committee. She gave me a ticket, and I thought, why not? Hopefully, it won't be boring." The lies seemed to roll easily off her tongue.

  "It's getting more interesting as the night progresses." His dark eyes caught hers and held.

  The hit man was definitely hitting on her, and whether she liked it or not, the woman in her responded to his raw male sexuality. She laughed and looked away, reminding herself he had a very ugly side.

  When her gaze landed on an angry-looking Jase watching them from the edge of the dance floor, she gasped.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Jase's arms were folded, and if thoughts were actions, Tommy Trasatti would be dead. Allie might very well be, too. The shock of seeing him caused her to stumble, which in turn forced her farther into Tommy's arms in order to keep herself from falling. "Oh. I'm so sorry."

  "Not a problem." Tommy held her closer and probably thought her actions were a ploy on her part to flirt with him. She tried not to push away, but she was far past her comfort zone. The scent of his cologne danced across her senses, and for the first time since meeting him, she felt fear. Whether it was fear for herself or fear for Jase, she didn't know.

  Lucky for her, the song came to an end. Tommy held on to her, seemingly reluctant to let go. "Will you join me at my table for a drink?"

  "No—"

  "If you don't li
ke the crowds, I can arrange for a private sitting room."

  Being alone with Bones Trasatti was the last thing she wanted. She forced herself to smile. This man certainly had a lot of power. She tried to ignore Jase who still stood at the edge of the dance floor, glaring. "Maybe later. I do need to find my aunt's friend and thank her for the invitation."

  He smiled and took a step back. "Until then." He took her hand and kissed it, his breath warm on her skin. "I'll be waiting."

  Allie casually made her way off the dance floor, and not in the direction of Jase. She needed a moment to figure out a plan on how to handle him. Getting caught dancing with a man who wouldn't hesitate to kill her was not how she planned to greet Jase. He would rip her to shreds for being so stupid. But what choice had she had?

  She weaved through the throng of dancers toward the open terrace at the back, hoping she'd get lost in the crowd and buy herself a little time.

  She barely made it through the terrace doors when an iron hand circled her arm. Jase didn't stop but continued to drag her to the farthest edge of the terrace, pausing next to another convenient palm that gave them a small amount of privacy. He positioned her between the railing and himself, allowing her no chance of escape.

  "What...the hell...do you think you're doing?" His whispered words were choppy, and it was obvious he had a difficult time controlling his anger.

  She was a little angry herself. "Take your hands off me. You have no right to drag me around like that."

  He released his hold but refused to move back. "Do you realize who you were dancing with?" He continued to whisper, but there was no mistaking his wrath.

  "Of course, I do," she answered back in an equally clipped tone. "But he has no idea who I am."

  "Are you sure about that? Are you willing to risk your life to find out?"

  The effect of having Jase so near had begun to exact its toll. Her anger faded as her eyes drank in the sight of him. He was devastatingly handsome. Maybe even more so now, dressed in his tux. She inhaled, allowing his scent to intoxicate her more than the champagne ever could. "I was in control of the situation."