Shakedown

by Michelle Roth

  “You've got thirty thousand reasons to be nice, Roger. I just ordered the tickets. We leave tomorrow, baby.”

  “I can't wait to get rid of this fucking dog. The giant bastard always hated me. Wouldn't let me get near Cass. Not that it would have mattered. Cold fish. Nothing like you, love.”

  It went silent. Mike could only imagine what they were up to. He cringed. So, they were in it together. That was probably gonna break Cass's heart, too. She had written off Roger, but Marla's betrayal would be a shock.

  He couldn't worry about that just yet. The main objective was to get Roddy back. He hurried through the small alley and cut through to the next street over. Quickly, he dialed his friend on the force. When he picked up on the third ring, Mike said, “Chris. Remember the dog case I told you about? Found the dog, and also the location of the thirty thousand in cash the thieves managed to extort from my client. Additionally, Roger Millman, the suspect has an outstanding warrant for his arrest.”

  “No shit,” Chris said by way of answer. “I gotta say, when you told me you were gonna have her pay the ransom, I thought it was a stupid idea. What's your 20?”

  Mike quickly rattled off the address, then disconnected when he'd gotten Chris's promise to send a squad car over. He also really hoped these assholes weren't going anywhere anytime soon. He wanted to end this tonight. He wanted to get Cass her money and her dog back. And, so he waited.

  When plain clothes officer in an unmarked vehicle pulled up in front of the home, Mike grinned. It was show time. He watched from his vehicle down the street as the door to the house opened. Moments later, a marked cop car pulled up.

  Mike walked over to stand near the front yard, where one officer stood waiting. She asked, “You the PI that called this in?”

  “Yep.” He nodded. “The dog in there was reported stolen by Cassidy Werner on Monday afternoon. Either Roger Millman or Marla Francis broke in to my client's home and stole the dog. They then proceeded to extort money to the tune of thirty thousand out of her as ransom money.”

  “That so,” she asked. “That's a lot for a dog.”

  “You're telling me. That's an incredibly valuable show dog and a beloved pet, though. Can I call my client and let her know her money and funds will be returned tonight? I can produce receipts for the money and paperwork for the dog.”

  “Not so sure about that. Lemme check.”

  He watched her walk into the house. He really prayed Roddy could go home. The money would work itself out eventually, but it was Roddy that mattered the most to Cassidy.

  The officer appeared again a few minutes later and said, “Uh. That monster won't let us anywhere near him. I'd rather not have to taze a dog and then drop it at the pound. Assuming your client can produce ownership paperwork, would she be willing to come get him?”

  He grinned. “I'm sure of it. Let me call her. The money?”

  “Evidence for now, but likely it can be released to her pending further investigation.”

  “Understood. Thank you. I'll give her a call now.”

  He took a deep breath and dialed.

  “Hello?” Cassidy answered, picking up on the first ring.

  “We've got Roddy. He's safe. He's not letting anyone near him. Poor guy is probably scared out of his mind. Not hurt though. Can you come get him? He'll probably respond best to you under the circumstances.”

  Her shaky and relieved voice came through the line. “Thank God. I don't even know how to thank you, Mike. Where are you? Where is he?”

  “Be sure to bring your registration paperwork for Roddy. The police are asking for proof of ownership. As for where it he is... You know where Marla lives,” he asked gently.

  “Yes.” Her voice cracked when she whispered, “Was it Marla?”

  He heard the tiny break in her voice and felt an answering pang in his chest. “Marla and Roger. I think they're an item.”

  “Why— Ya know what? I'm coming to get Roddy. I'll think about this later. I'll be there in ten minutes,” she said abruptly, then disconnected the line.

  Mike whistled. She was fucking mad. Honestly, he couldn't blame her.

  When her car pulled up, she barely turned it off before she ran up the sidewalk toward him. Her eyes bright with tears, she asked, “Where is he?”

  He directed her to the officer on the scene who escorted her into the residence. There was the sound of raised voices. Moments later, Marla and Roger were both escorted outside. He hadn't heard the exchange, but he was sure it hadn't been pleasant.

  Mike waited patiently until Cassidy appeared, huge lion dog in tow. Looking absolutely broken, she asked, “Why Marla? I expected this out of Roger, but not you.”

  Marla stared at her coldly. “You're a frigid bitch. I always wanted what you had.”

  Roddy chose that moment to growl fiercely at her. Cassidy, to her credit, braced herself and held on to the leash even more tightly. She said, “Roddy, no. Bad dog. Heel!”

  Disgust all over her face, Cassidy all but hissed her next words. “You're just lucky I don't let him have you, ya bitch.”

  Mike watched in admiration as she dragged Roddy toward him. She stopped in front of him, the anger gone from her face. “I don't know how I will ever repay you, Mike. Thank you so much.”

  “I'm just doing what you hired me to do, Cass. I'm happy he's healthy and that you're able to take him home where he belongs.”

  “He's filthy, but seems to be in good condition otherwise.”

  At that moment Roddy laid his head against her hip as if to ask, “Can we please leave now?”

  “Just a minute, buddy,” she said, looking down at him. When she looked up, she had regret written all over his face. Mike's heart sank.

  “So, um. I'm gonna get going. I wanna get Roddy home,” she said hesitantly. “This feels really weird. I didn't think this would be so awkward. Mike, I don't want—”

  “Don't, Cass. It doesn't have to be weird.” He interrupted her, ignoring the pit in his stomach. He tried to make it easier for her. “Just go. Take Roddy home. I know you've missed your boy.”

  “Okay,” she said quietly. “So, we just chalk last night up to hormones then?”

  At his nod, she quickly said, “Okay. Thanks for everything, then.”

  Watching her walk away was one of the toughest things he'd ever done. He ignored the burning in his gut and dialed Chris. He definitely owed him a beer. And now more than ever, he sure could use a drink.

  Chapter Eight

  By the time Cassidy got Roddy home and into the bath tub, the shock had mostly worn off. Had Mike just dumped her? After one night? She revised her revised opinion of him. What an asshole!

  She understood that the job was over. She hadn't been certain how to ask him if they were going to continue to see each other. Before she could even work up the damned courage, he'd told her to just go home. She'd thought they'd had a connection. Apparently not.

  She used the removable shower head to hose Roddy down. Though he hated bath time very much, he seemed to agree it was necessary. He didn't even make a fuss when she squirted the shampoo on him and lathered. This would normally be about the time he jumped out of the tub and shook himself violently. Tonight, thankfully, he was resigned.

  When Roddy let out a long suffering sigh, she leaned down and gave him a squeeze. “It's alright, buddy. We're almost done here. Then tonight you can have chicken nuggets for dinner.”

  Roddy wagged his entire back half furiously when she uttered the magic words. You'd think her six figure earning pooch would want something more refined, but when it came down to it, Roddy was a simple dog. He wanted his bed, his mama, and an unlimited supply of chicken nuggets.

  Eventually his patience wore thin. He began to make unhappy groans in the tub. She rinsed him as quickly as possible, and then let the water out of the tub. Normally, she would try and keep him in the tile areas of the house while he dried, but she didn't have the heart. Instead, she led him through the back door, through the patio, a
nd into the back yard.

  Yelping, he tore around in excitement. She would take him to the dog run at the park tomorrow. Then the groomers, because that bath had been totally wasted. Poor Roddy. From the looks of it, he'd been cooped up in Marla's spare bedroom for days.

  She plopped down on the grass, and then wiped furiously at the tear that escaped. She would not give that bitch the satisfaction. Roger? She understood he would stoop so low. Finding out that Marla was involved had been like a knife in the back.

  Cassidy had always been kind. She'd paid Marla higher than the standard amount handlers typically made. When Roddy won, she always made a nice bonus. Hell, she even paid her daily to walk Roddy when she was at work.

  Marla had paid her kindness back by sleeping with her ex-husband and stealing her dog. When she'd asked her why, Marla had called her a frigid bitch.

  Was she frigid? Was that why Mike had walked away? Well, technically she'd walked away. He'd had no problem letting her, though.

  Her eyes watered, and this time she let the tears come. She knew it was absolutely stupid to cry over Mike. It had only been one night. It had been beautiful, though. She'd never felt so desired. Then today, he'd just brushed her off.

  Tears streamed down her face. She was a freaking mess. Her dog was the most important thing in her life. She couldn't find a husband that wasn't looking to exploit her. She couldn't keep a decent guy interested in her for more than a night.

  Eventually, when her head was throbbing from the tears, she picked herself up off the grass and took Roddy back inside. She knew she'd have to go back to work on Monday, but there was no way she was letting him out of her sight until then.

  Of course, Marla's abrupt departure left many things up in the air. Could she ever trust another handler? Would she continue to show Roddy at all? She didn't know how, but she knew things definitely needed to change. At least she had the weekend to think about it.

  * * * *

  By the time Thursday rolled around, Cassidy was still no closer to an answer. She'd been rushing home during lunch to walk Roddy. With the traffic on the expressway, there was no possible way she could continue to do this. She'd been late twice this week. Her boss understood to a point, but it would wear thin.

  This weekend she would have to make some decisions about how to move forward with Roddy. She needed to hire someone to walk him during the day. Whether she wanted to or not, she'd need to learn to trust someone again.

  Still unready to think about it, she distracted herself with the mail. She'd been making it a habit to look at it more frequently. She still couldn't believe she'd been so dumb. His ransom letter had been sitting there for days. Would they have really hurt Roddy?

  When she pulled the next envelope from the stack, she felt a pit in her stomach. Her bill from Diamond and Diamond. It would likely be steep, because she'd basically monopolized one of them for three entire days. Idly, she wondered if he'd bill her for the night they'd spent together.

  It was small of her, but his dismissal still stung. Sighing, she tore open the envelope and unfolded the invoice. She scanned it, completely confused.

  Total Due: $0.00, Paid in Full.

  Had Carla paid her bill?

  Cassidy grabbed her cell and dialed. When her godmother answered, she casually said, “So, I got my bill from your detective friend today.”

  “Arm and a leg? I told you they weren't cheap, baby. At least you got Roddy back though. How's my boy?”

  “The bill was marked as paid in full. Did you pay them for me?”

  “Hell no, kid. You know I don't have that kinda money. And before you even ask, you didn't get the 'banging your godmother' discount either. Rick's not my type. The young one is pretty cute though.”

  When Cassidy didn't speak, Carla playfully asked, “Did you get the 'banged the detective' discount?”

  Her eyes widened. Holy shit. Had Mike marked it as paid in full because they'd had sex? Jesus. Was that what that had been about? She felt the bile rise in her throat.

  “Honey? You there?”

  Shocked, Cassidy said, “I'm here. And, yeah. I think I did.”

  “Oh. Shit. I'm sorry, Cass. I was only kidding,” Carla apologized. “I'd tell you way to go for finally getting laid by someone other than Roger, but I know that's probably not appropriate right now.”

  “Not in the least,” Cassidy said, still shocked. “I mean, when he blew me off after I got Roddy back I was a little upset. Now I want to kick his ass.”

  “I could tell Rick to kick his ass,” Carla offered.

  “No, no. I've got this,” she said. “I'm gonna let you go. I'll talk to you later. Are we still on for Sunday?”

  “Wouldn't miss it. I can't wait to see my best boy again. Give that bastard hell, baby.”

  “Count on it.”

  “I'll expect a full debrief on Sunday, kid. Love you.”

  “Love you too. Bye,” Cassidy said.

  She glanced at the clock. It was probably too late to stop at his office tonight. Tomorrow she would go after work. If she hadn't already been hurt by the way he'd just blown her off, then part of her might find this amusing. This only added insult to injury. God. How could she have been so stupid?

  Chapter Nine

  It was a full week since he'd seen Cassidy, five days since Mike had mailed out her bill. He hadn't been able to charge her. Maybe that made him some kind of sentimental schmuck, but so be it. Even if she hadn't been interested, he had wanted to help her. Hell, he'd changed her doorknobs.

  He rubbed a frustrated hand over his face. He hadn't slept for shit in days. As much as he'd liked her, clearly he just needed to move on. She'd probably gotten the bill, shrugged at it, and moved on.

  Sure, she'd been polite when she'd brushed him off, but it was so lowering to admit he'd felt used. He, who typically had no issue with keeping things casual, had made the mistake of thinking a one night could be more.

  He took a swig of his now cold coffee as he pored over phone records. He'd been working a cheating case for the last few days. They were the bane of his existence. Mike had gotten pictures of the husband cheating. The wife had asked him to pore through the phone records to 'find the bitch's number'. He was only thankful she hadn't asked for a name or an address. He would have declined.

  He was about to give up for the day and head home when he heard voices in the front lobby. His door was closed, so hopefully Lara would take that as a sign to leave him the hell alone. She'd been after him for the last few days about his lack of sleep. He loved her like a sister, but she was a god damned nag.

  A moment later, his door opened. Cassidy walked through it. She looked gorgeous … and really pissed.

  “Cassidy...”

  Instead of answering, she held out the bill he'd sent her and then asked, “What's this about?”

  “I didn't feel right charging you,” he said. “So I didn't.”

  The truth was he couldn't bring himself to charge her. He'd been emotionally involved in the case since she'd sat down in his office. At first it had been because he'd felt like shit about being a jerk to her. After that, it had been because of his feelings for her.

  “So, what? You put me on some sort of blow job payment plan and didn't bother to tell me?”

  “What are you talking about?” he asked, mystified.

  Ignoring him completely, she continued. “It was bad enough that you blew me off afterward. Fine. You weren't interested in me. Signal received. But then you mark my bill paid in full like the other night was some kind of payment for services rendered. I've never felt so cheap in my whole life, Mike. Thanks.”

  He gaped at her as she dropped the bill on his desk and turned to leave. He stood up and said, “Now wait just a fucking minute. I don't know what the hell you're talking about. That's not what happened here at all, Cass. You blew me off. Or you were in the process of doing it. I just made it easy for you. The only reason I didn't charge you is because I wanted to help you. I liked you. You were the
one who got all weird.”

  “I got weird? You couldn't get away fast enough the next day.”

  “I wanted to make sure I had everything I needed. I knew how important Roddy was to you. The last thing I wanted to do was fuck something up and risk your dog's life, Cassidy.”

  When she studied him, but didn't speak, he earnestly said, “I like you. The only reason I said what I did to you on Friday is because I thought you were blowing me off. I tried to kiss you that morning and you didn't want to kiss me back. You turned away.”

  “I had just woken up. I totally had morning breath!” She looked absolutely mortified. “That was the only reason I turned away, Mike. I didn't realize you took it like that. I'm so sorry!”

  “My mouth had been all over every inch of your body by that point, Cass. Do you really think I would have cared about your morning breath? I just wanted to kiss you,” he quietly explained.

  “Shit. I'm sorry, Mike.” Her expression turned hopeful when she hesitantly said, “If you wanted to, you could kiss me now.”

  He circled around his desk as a tidal wave of relief swept through him. He hadn't wanted things to end like they had. When he reached her, he asked, “Can I?”

  At her nod, he pulled her into his arms and took her mouth in a searing kiss. When they eventually separated, he ran a thumb gently along her cheekbone. “Before we go any farther, I need to ask you something.”

  Her face a mask of confusion, she said, “Okay.”

  “I've been meaning to upgrade our billing system. Could you talk to me a little bit more about this blow job payment plan? It sounds—”

  Cassidy smacked him on the arm, a mix of humor and outrage on her face. “No. I will not!”

  Laughing for what felt like the first time in days, he lowered his mouth to hers. When she slid her arms around his neck and sank into the kiss, he kicked his office door closed with his foot. Yeah, he thought. This was one hell of a way to end a case.

  The End