“Yes darlin’, it runs right behind the cottage.”
“And that intoxicating scent?” She sent out a prayer. Please. Oh God please let Hank be listening.
“Pine mixed with jasmine.” Amy couldn’t believe how arrogant Jim sounded. Either he wasn’t afraid to get caught or he was innocent and the killer had himself another victim.
“I really like that smell, it’s so strong here.”
***
“When we wrap up this case I’m putting that woman up for a medal.”
Larry turned in his seat and gave Hank a dirty look. “I don’t like having to stop the car to smell the flowers and listen to nature. I wish she’d be more specific.”
“You are such an ass tonight. She’s doing the best she can without sounding suspicious Ry. Hell, I don’t care how worried you are about her, give credit where credit is due.”
Larry rolled down his window and stuck his head out to get a whiff.
Hank started laughing. “Lord I wish Doc could see you now.”
“Zip it.”
“Well if you’re not happy with her directions, why not ask her for more direct ones?”
Larry sat back in his seat fuming at Hank’s wiseass comments, wishing he’d thought of planting a tracking device on her body. “You know very well her receiver is off.”
“Well it worked once.”
“Just keep driving smart ass, we should be able to spot this stream of hers soon.”
***
“Can you tell me where we are? This place looks a little familiar.” Amy was itching to turn on her receiver. She wanted to know if the guys were getting her clues.
“Does it?”
“A little yes.”
“Were about two miles off the main road.”
“Two miles? That would put us in the United States! You naughty boy you, sneaking across the border into Canada like that to pick up women.” Now Amanda was really scared. Larry couldn’t save her here. This place was way out of his jurisdiction. The only reason she knew where they were was because her husband had taken her to a cottage a few miles from here for their honeymoon.
“What can I say, I find Canadian women irresistible and worth the risk.”
***
“Nice work Doc. No wonder we could never find the murder site. We’re going to need the Americans’ co-operation on this. Then we have a jurisdiction fight on our hands.”
“Larry we’re about twenty five minutes away from the doc.”
Panic seized his heart at the thought. “Damn, she’s all alone with a madman who’s too smart for his own good.”
“She’s a smart lady. Just look at what she’s done so far. I’m sure she can keep herself safe until we get there.”
“I just don’t want her to have to do anything she’ll regret before we can reach her.”
“Just keep talking to her partner. Maybe she’ll turn on her receiver and the last thing you’ll want is for her to hear quiet.”
Larry was convinced that Hank had lost his mind, but he’d use any excuse to talk to Amy whether she could hear him or not. “Amy we’re twenty minutes away. Keep talking sweetheart and try to stall him a little.” He hoped to God she was listening.
***
“Jim is that a jasmine?”
Amy bit her lip when he slowed down the car to look where she pointed. “Why yes it is.”
“I’ve never seen an actual jasmine before. Well other than pictures. Would you get one for me?”
His suspicious look made her shiver in fright. “You want a flower? Why?”
Amy closed her eyes to steel her resolve. “Why? Well because I like flowers and I’d enjoy having that scent around while we got sweaty.”
His look went from suspicion to desire in seconds at her words. “Then I suppose we need to stop and pick you a flower or two.”
She sighed with relief when Jim pulled over to pick her a flower. Moving quickly she flipped on her receiver. If I’m going to die, I want to hear Ry’s voice at least once more.
***
“Have I mentioned how brilliant that woman is?”
Larry felt irritated. “Yes Hank you keep mentioning it. I’m worried about her Hank. She sounds like she’s on a date, not—”
“Not someone trying to capture a criminal. Oh ye of little faith. I’ve known Amy for a very long time and she doesn’t fool easily. “
Turning his mike back on Hank grinned, “Doc if you have your receiver on please let us know. My partner here looks like he’s ready to have kittens.”
“Jim oh how sweet. Now this is how a man should treat his girl. Ry never once brought me flowers, his idea of romantic was telling a girl she belonged to him.”
Larry scowl deepened when Hank started laughing.
“Now don’t move darlin’, I’ll be right back with your flowers.”
“I’ll sit right here like a good little girl.”
The quiet over the wire made Larry’s heart race.
“Hank, how far are you now?”
“Doc, nice to see you’ve decided to join us. We’re about ten minutes away. Are you alright?”
“A little worried, but so far physically fine. He’s good, Hank, really smooth. If I didn’t know exactly who he was, and what he’d done, I might actually consider dating this guy. As it is I’d rather not have to go through with… his plans for the evening. Think you could pick up the pace a little?” Amy’s trembling response frightened Larry. He’d never known her to be afraid of anything.
Hank pressed down on the accelerator before Larry could order him to. “We’ll do our best Doc, just hang in there.”
“Here you go pretty one. I picked you a bouquet, we can spread them all over the bed while we make love.”
Come on honey, think of the women he’s murdered. Go over the case files in your head. Do not let that man get to you,
Larry thought with desperation.
***
“There’s the car, but I don’t see the doc anywhere.”
“Amy honey, it’s Ry. Where are you?”
Amy came to with her head pounding. As her head started to clear all she could hear was the sound of Ry’s voice in her ear and went limp with relief that the men had finally arrived. She just wished she could answer them.
But Jim… Kazinsky she told herself. Call him Kazinsky. Kazinsky had knocked her unconscious with chloroform the moment the cabin came into view.
He wasn’t taking any chances that she would get away. He’d also resorted to keeping her gagged and tied to a chair while he prepared the setting. It seemed he planned to deviate from his usual path and actually planned on bedding her first. She needed to get his attention, cause a commotion so that the boys could find her.
A loud crash caught Kazinsky’s attention. “So you’re awake, my pretty one. Good. I’ve almost set up our little love nest. Then we see exactly how good you are in bed.”
“Humph.”
Kazinsky smiled, he liked this one. She had spirit. “Now, now. Where’s the eager little tart I picked up at the club last night?”
“Arghh, Aggohe.”
Oh yes this one he’s going to keep around for a few days. “Don’t you like being tied up sweet pea?” He ran his fingers down her face, enjoying the shiver that ran through her at his touch. “I thought for certain you would be more than interested in a little BDSM.”
“Nght.”
“You’ll be untied soon enough. Can’t fully experience your passion if you’re all tied up, now can I? Just a little longer darlin’. Then we can have some fun and you can get even with me for tying you up.”
The gleam that entered her eyes at his announcement excited him. She was anticipating tonight he could tell. “Dht worghht fgh wghl.”
Kazinsky laughed long and loud at her response. This one he really liked.
***
“Up there, let’s go. Quietly, we’re running out of time before he decides it’s time to—”
“I know partner. The doc is s
mart, she’ll do anything she has to in order to stall him.”
“That’s what worries me.”
“Front or back?” Larry looked the place over taking in all the details, the low lying bushes around the windows, the fields stretching from the back of the property for miles. The myriad of entrances and exits Kazinsky had built into this cabin to give himself a fighting chance to escape impressed him. The man was thorough. He took it all in with one thought in mind. Where could Amy be? “According to the doc they’re in the bedroom. So front may be best.”
“How the hell do you know that?”
Larry didn’t respond. “Amy, once for yes and twice for no. Are you still in the bedroom?”
“Argh.”
“Is he with you?”
“Argh, Argh.”
“Is he in the other room?”
“Argh, Argh.”
This wasn’t good. “Is he outside?”
“Argh.”
“Amy honey, hang in there. We’ll get you out of this.”
“Agsohe.”
Hank laughed quietly. “Guess she’s still mad at you. Man I forgot how spirited she could get when pissed off.”
Hearing Hank’s snort of laughter, Larry shrugged. He had more pressing things to worry about. “I’ll make it up to her later. Let’s just get her out of there first.”
Hank grabbed his arm and pulled him into the nearest bush. “There he is. What’s he doing? He’s picking… flowers? Partner, I don’t remember flowers at or around any of the other scenes. What’s he up to?”
Larry felt a chill run down his spine at the sight. He’s planning on keeping her for a while. This can’t be good. Pulling his arm out of Hank’s grasp, he stealthily made his way to the cottage. “I don’t care. Stay here and keep an eye on him while I free Amy.”
“We both go in, then we take him into custody.”
“I need you to stay here and let me know when he’s coming. We can’t afford to get caught by surprise.”
He could tell that Hank wasn’t happy with that order but saw the truth of his words. “Fine, but the minute I see him enter the cottage, I’m following him in if you don’t have the doc out yet.”
“Deal.”
Larry slipped into the cottage keeping low so that his silhouette didn’t show through the windows and warn Kazinsky of his presence. He slipped into the back bedroom and stopped cold. The room looked like the ultimate romantic getaway. Kazinsky had placed candles and flowers everywhere; silk kerchiefs draped the lamps to dim the lighting giving off a highly sexual atmosphere. The bed had been turned down, the red silk sheets looking extremely inviting for a night of pure passion.
The only thing that looked out of place was the woman tied to the chair. Amy! He rushed over to her, heedless of the windows, intent on only one thing; setting her free and taking her into his arms to make sure she was okay. “I’m here honey, hold still while I undo the knots.”
“Hrgh.”
“Okay I’ll remove the gag first if you promise not scream.”
“Rghhhhh.”
A soft chuckle escaped his lips at her annoyed tone. “Yes love, right away.” He gently untied the gag and lifted it away from her mouth.
“It’s about time.”
“Shall I take care of the rest of your bonds Amy? Or would you like to berate me a bit more first?”
“You’re enjoying this a little too much Detective Stevens.”
Larry caressed her cheek before going back to untying her. “I must admit having you at my mercy does hold a certain appeal. You can’t run away from me tied up like this.”
“Detective, if you think for one minute that I—”
Larry undid the last knot, and threw the rope as far from her as possible. He gently took her wrists in his hands and rubbed circulation back into them as he talked. “Hank is outside keeping an eye out. We need to move Amy. Can you walk?”
“I’ll crawl if I have to Ry.”
“I’ll carry you if it comes to that, love.”
They made their way back to where Hank awaited them. Larry prayed he could get Amy to their car without getting caught. God it seemed wasn’t listening to his prayers that night.
“Darlin’ where exactly do you think you’re going?”
Amy stiffened and started to slowly tremble under his hands at the sound. She slowly turned to face Kazinsky. “Well you see Jim, Ry here came to apologize for everything. He proposed so I won’t be able to stay after all.”
Heat and desire coursed through him at her mention of becoming his. “Sorry buddy, but I couldn’t stand the thought of losing her. She is the love of my life after all.” Larry wrapped his arms firmly around Amy’s waist, to stem her trembling.
“She’s definitely a special piece of ass. So special that I really don’t think I wish to be parted from her until after our special night. I spent so much time and trouble making things perfect for her that it’s the least I feel I deserve.”
Larry bristled at his implication and pulled Amy closer to his body. “Over my dead body.”
“That can be arranged.” The menace in Kazinsky’s voice and the mad glint in his eyes warned Larry to be prepared for anything. Kazinsky shifted his stance and pulled the knife from his boot his eyes never leaving Amy’s beautiful face.
Larry interposed his body between them blocking Amy from Kazinsky’s sight. “Try it and see what happens, you madman. Amy is mine!”
The moment Kazinsky lunged at them, Hank stepped out from behind the bushes and knocked him over the head with the pommel of his gun. Kazinsky crumpled at their feet without a sound. Larry gathered Amy in his arms when she cried out, whispering soothing words in her ear. When she calmed enough to walk he escorted her back to the car while Hank put handcuffs on Kazinsky and waited for them to return.
Chapter 5
Larry dragged a laughing Kazinsky forcefully into the precinct and shoved him at the desk sergeant. The man was quickly getting on his nerves, with his taunts and crass remarks all the way back to the precinct. The arrogance he possessed was enough to make Larry want to beat him senseless. “Book him on kidnapping and eight counts of murder in the first degree. I’ll take Amy home now; she can give her statement in the morning. She’s been through enough for one night.” Larry felt grateful that Hank hadn’t once laughed, snorted or made a nasty comment at him to lighten the mood.
“Really Detective you know you have no case. Admit it, I’ll be out as soon as my lawyer arrives…”
“That, Kazinsky, is to be determined. Get him out of my sight.”
Hank waited until Kazinsky had been taken away before commenting. “I’ll contact the Americans concerning jurisdiction and a warrant to search the property. Maybe they’ll back us on the arrest. I mean, technically he wasn’t in his home so he was fair game. Go home and get some rest once you’ve dropped off the doc. I’ll take care of the paperwork.”
“Thanks, I don’t want to leave Amy alone in the car longer than I have to. I’ll see you at nine am then.”
“We should have the American representatives here by then, so don’t be late,” Hank called out after him, knowing without a doubt who would be coming up once the name of the woman they rescued was released.
Larry waved his acknowledgement and turned back to the car. Amy had refused to enter the station until Kazinsky was out of her sight. “Kazinsky is being processed as we speak. Hank asked me to take you home.”
He thought for sure she would have forgiven him by now, but the turn of her shoulder and pissed tone of her voice informed him she was far from being ready to let go of her anger. “Fine, but don’t expect me to talk to you.”
“Come on Amy, I’m sorry about whatever it is I’ve done.”
He must have said the wrong thing cause the temperature in the car dropped about thirty degrees and she still refused to talk to him. Pulling up to her house, she still hadn’t said two words to him and he was royally tired of the silent treatment. She’s the one that hadn’t reacted
to their kiss. For him that kiss had kindled the desire he felt for her into an inferno. Opening her door he offered her his hand to help her out. “Come on, I’ll walk you to the door.”
Amy glared at him ignoring his outstretched hand. “Don’t bother.”
Larry fumed, when she brushed his hand away then got out of his car without assistance. “Listen very carefully Doctor! In this you don’t have a choice. I will walk you to your door and then just for fun, I will check your home to make sure every room is empty and everything is in order before I leave.”
“I can do that for myself.”
He loved her stubborn streak. It kept him on his toes; he liked that she challenged him. “Consider it proper procedure.” He stood his ground letting her know she wasn’t going to win this argument.
“Fine, lead the way Rambo.”
Larry was at his wits end with her tonight. Now that he knew she was safe, he couldn’t stop obsessing about that damn kiss and she did everything in her power to avoid discussing it. “You wait here while I look around.”
“This spot, or can I enter and sit on my sofa?”
He was ready to strangle her, the stubborn woman. “That spot!”
“Yes oh great one.”
Taking a deep breath Larry stopped walking. “What is wrong with you? Why are you being so damned difficult?”
“Difficult? I am not being difficult. I am being indifferent. If you want difficult, I can show you difficult!”
Larry closed his eyes and counted to ten. “Why?”
“Why? Why?”
Amy actually laughed at him at that point and instead of making him furious it deflated him. He would never win her heart. The thought flashed through his mind like a train wreck.
“I had to badger you to keep my cover. Good lord, Detective Stevens, until last night I thought I was… Finish looking around and get out. You’ll never have to worry about my attitude again.”
Psychotic SKIU Serial Page 5