by Dakota Trace
Jude scrubbed his face. “Are we sure he couldn’t have hired someone to do it?”
Ethan shook his head. “No, there’s no certainty he couldn’t have had it done, but he’s only been in town for about a week, according to my sources. He checked in at the Hilton Orrington under the pretenses of tracking his mother and her lover down.” He drew a picture out of Elizebetta Vayarti and Dieter Schmidt enjoying an intimate luncheon and tossed it on the table.
Jude picked it up and stared down at the couple. “Rather striking couple, if you overlook their age difference.” He set it aside. “So what’s the scoop on them?”
Jackson answered. “Elizebetta came into town earlier last week to offer Rena a job as her Head of Security, as you’re probably aware of since you went over the contract. What you don’t realize is there’s a will leaving the son in charge of the trust left to Elizebetta by her deceased husband.”
“So Sonny flew into Chicago to keep tabs on Mommy Dearest?” Jude tapped his pen on the table.
Ethan nodded. “According to the hotel manager, the son checked in two days after Elizebetta did. According to the hotel bill, there were several nights of room service delivered to Vayarti’s suite.” He skimmed down the bill, then looked up. “Other than the night of Rena’s attack, he has an alibi for the nights in question for the vandalism.” A disgusted look crossed his face. “It seems like Mr. Vayarti likes porn and the sicker the better if the titles of these movies are anything to go by. Tales of Sintillation and Shit on Me, Daddy?” Ethan turned green around the gills.
Jackson couldn’t help but stare. He couldn’t even imagine Rena finding defecation erotic - let alone allowing a man to crap all over her. “You’re shitting me.”
Ethan tossed the hotel bill in his direction. “God, don’t make bad puns about it, Playboy. While this fucker is sick, he couldn’t be behind the attacks. He wasn’t even in Chicago, but still in New York attending some fancy-schmancy Wall Street Party on the day Jude’s apartment was hit. It was written up in the papers and there were even pictures of him and some highfalutin society chick.” Ethan’s eyes met Jackson’s. “I think we’re going the wrong direction with this. There’s no way it could be Louis using ‘BDSM hate crimes’ as a smoke screen.”
Jude nodded. “Yes, I do believe you’re right, Ethan. This doesn’t play like a jilted lover. The message this person is sending is too raw for it to be fake.”
Jackson tipped his head back against the padded headrest of his chair. “Then what you’re saying is we have to dig through a city with a population of over two and a half million people in hopes of finding the one person who has a vendetta against BDSM and knows Rena? Christ what a cluster-fuck.”
“That pretty much sums it up. Other than Louis, I don’t know where to start as far as a suspect list. I suppose we could look first at who has access to Jude’s building.” Ethan shuffled through the papers again. “Since Rena checked out the crime scene, I’d have to say I agree with her. The perp came in through the front door, not through the balcony as we originally thought.”
Jackson reached for the phone. “Let me contact the security desk at the condo and get a record of all visitors.” It only took a moment of talking to the guard at the desk to have them faxing over the sign-in sheet for the day in question.
Ethan just stared at him. “How the hell did you manage that?” He stood as the fax machine beeped.
He shrugged, as Ethan sat back down. “Well, it pays to be on the condo board.”
“Why do I keep forgetting you live in the same condo building as Jude?”
“No clue.” Jackson reached for the report. “Let me see that.” Skimming the document, he sighed. “There’re no names on here out of the ordinary, but that doesn’t mean anything.”
Jude sighed. “Damn I wish we did the security for the building. Then we’d be able to question the guards on duty and find out how the hell the perp got past building security.”
“Unless it’s someone on the payroll who did it.” Ethan stroked his chin. “Didn’t you tell me for safety purposes Star Security had spare keys to each apartment in case of a fire, along with the security codes to the apartment’s individual systems?”
Jude nodded. “Yeah, but since we installed our own private security system monitored by Larson Securities, they didn’t have the code for our place. But I wasn’t worried about a fire or medical emergency because the police would be on the way anyways.”
“You mean you were being too damn stingy to give it out.” Ethan retorted. “You don’t want anyone other than Micah, Olivia, or yourself having unfettered access to your condo.”
Jackson froze. “That’s it. It would explain how the person got in without any sign of forced entry, but still managed to set off the alarm. It had to be one of the guards.”
“But didn’t you tell me, Ethan, it was the balcony door alarm that went off?”
“Yes, but…” His fingers flew over the keyboard next to him. “…that’s what I thought. According to the alarm log, the main door alarm went off several minutes later. The switchboard assumed it was us entering the home.”
Jude shook his head. “No, I entered the code when I walked in.” He scowled. “What the fuck is going on? We have more questions than answers still. It reeks of an inside job, but there’s too many variables.”
Jackson rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Let me talk to Rena. Her brother-in-law still works for Star Security. Maybe he can shed some light on the guards who worked that night. He’s supposed to be some high-ranked management. I’m sure he’ll give Rena the down low on who was working if she asks.”
Ethan nodded. “Okay. Let’s move onto the vandalism. The police report implies the attack was gang affiliated…”
As Ethan continued to read aloud from the report, Jackson squeezed the bridge of his nose. More than anything he wanted to hold Rena in his arms and forget about this whole mess. But until I can guarantee it’ll be safe, I’ll just have to be satisfied with phone calls. Man, life fucking sucks.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Rena was in the midst of showing Hank around her apartment, after they’d stopped by his home to grab a bag, when her cell rang. Smiling at him, she left him in her guest bedroom to put away his lone suitcase. It hurt her to think one suitcase was all he had to show for thirty years of marriage.
“Hello?” Holding the phone to her ear, she was shocked when she heard her brother-in-law’s voice.
“It’s time. We’re headed to the hospital. Can you meet us there?” The slightly panicked tone didn’t surprise her. Eddie was great with field operatives, but when it came to his wife, he was a total basket case.
“Sure, let me get my guest settled and I’ll meet you there.” She motioned to Hank as he came back down the hall. “You’re still taking her to Prentice Women’s Hospital?”
“Yes, but what about this guest?” The sharp retort had her freezing.
“Aw come on, Eddie. I’m a grown woman and if I want to have guests over I can. You need to worry more about getting Keisha to the hospital than who I may or may not have at my apartment.” This was a familiar refrain between them. No matter how many times she told the fool, Eddie still thought she couldn’t take care of herself. “Now get your butt in gear, make sure you grab Keisha’s bag, and for the love of all that’s great, drive carefully.” She snapped her phone shut and met Hank’s eyes.
“How do you feel about taking a trip to Prentice Women’s Hospital?” She arched a brow at him.
“About the same as the Grinch feels about Christmas.” He held up his hands. “Hate hospitals – no way are you getting me to go to one unless I’m dying.”
She shrugged. “Then how about dropping me off there?” She batted her eyelashes at him. “Pretty please? So I don’t get in trouble with my man for leaving the apartment unescorted.”
A low chuckle rumbled free from Hank. “Like you’re scared of getting in trouble with Jackson. I think you live for it.”
&nbs
p; She sighed. “You caught me. But honestly, I do need a ride. It’ll take forever to ride the “L” and Lord only knows if I’ll find a parking place close to the hospital. All those city garages are usually full, especially at night.”
Giving a ‘put out’ sigh, he finally nodded. “All right. I’ll take you but you owe me one.”
Leaning up on her tiptoes, she brushed a kiss across his cheek. “You’re the best, Hank. Just to show what a generous girl I am, I’ll make you breakfast this weekend. Which do you prefer, Baklava or Pączki?” She could’ve laughed as the man’s eyes glazed over at the mention of both types of Greek and Polish pastries.
“Can I have both?” he joked, his eyes hopeful.
She tapped her chin. “Hmmm, let me think about it…” She pursed her lips. “Throw in picking me up later after the baby arrives, and it’s a deal.”
He crossed his arms. “You drive a hard bargain.”
She gave him an impish smile. “But it’s worth it. I make everything from scratch. No premixed doughs or anything.”
He finally nodded. “All right but they better be good. Or you’re getting the shit detail at work.”
She giggled. “They’re worth it, I swear.” Rushing from the front room, she grabbed her purse out of the bedroom along with a small bag of necessities she might need at the hospital. Like ear plugs and lotion. The plugs would block out her sister’s screaming and the lotion would be good to rub on Keisha’s back if she was able to get within swinging distance without getting hit. One just never knew with Keisha.
As she re-entered her living room, she found Hank ready to go. In his hands was a book. She looked at the book inquisitively. “Planning on reading in the parking lot? I’m here to tell you first births are notorious for being long.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “No. Planning on going to Navy Pier and watching the gulls for a while.” He turned the book to face her and she wrinkled her nose as she saw it was a bird book.
“Whatever floats your boat, Hank.”
* * * *
Waving good-bye to Hank as he pulled away from the curb, Rena took a deep breath, knowing she was going to need it. The hilarity she and Hank had enjoyed on the way over to the hospital was now pushed to the wayside. She had a duty here, and it was to get her sister and brother-in-law through the birth of their first-born child in one piece.
Entering through the revolving door, she glanced around before approaching the receptionist/registration desk. A pretty little blonde looked up as she approached, a ready smile on her face. “Who are you here to see?”
“Keisha Johnson. Her husband, Eddie, should’ve brought her in a little bit ago.” She shifted slightly to squeeze a bit of the complimentary hand sanitizer into her hands while the young woman looked up her sister in the computer.
“Looks like she was brought in ten minutes ago. Once we get her settled in you should be able to go back and visit her.”
Rena smiled at her. “I’m her birthing coach, so is it okay if I head back now? This is her first time…”
The girl nodded. “Of course. She’s in room 1003.” There was a clicking sound as the woman freed the security door. “If you take the hall to the right, the elevators are there – tenth floor - then it should be three doors down and on the left.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Rena gave her a short wave as she entered the birthing wing of the hospital. When she left the elevator she’d only walked about forty feet when she saw her brother-in-law pacing outside of the room. Sighing, she moved closer.
“Hey Eddie, why are you out here?”
He paused long enough to shrug before continuing his pacing.
“Let me guess, Keisha kicked you out?”
Giving her a weary grin, he nodded. “Probably had something to do with me nearly decking the nurse who was putting her I.V. in.” He sighed. “But you know me, I hate to see her in pain, even one as momentary as putting a needle in her arm.”
She wanted to groan. It was going to be a long night. “Well then, hero, I suggest you stay out here until they finish putting her epidural in.” She gave him a quick hug. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll yell when they’re done poking and prodding on her.”
He gave another nod before resuming his pacing. “Thanks.”
She gave him a ‘thumbs up’ before pushing the door open.
“But Rena?” She glanced over her shoulder at him. “It doesn’t mean you’re off the hook about this guest thing.”
More than anything she wanted to stick her tongue out at him, but she refrained. Entering the room, she pasted a smile on her face as she joined the nurse next to her sister’s bed. “Hey kiddo. Ready to do this?”
Reclining in the hospital bed, dressed in a hospital gown, Keisha panted through a contraction, then gave a huge sigh of relief as it eased. She gave Rena a half-assed grin. “Would it matter if I said I wasn’t?”
Rena laughed. “Nope. Sorry, Sis, but I don’t think junior’s going to be talked into waiting.” She leaned in and pressed a kiss against Keisha’s forehead. Leaning back, she examined all the cords and leads running from her sister to the monitors around the bed. “Damn, you’ve got more wires hanging off you than an old switchboard at Ma Bell.”
The nurse gave Rena a grin. “You know I’ve never heard anyone put it quite so eloquently, Rena, is it?”
Rena held out her hand. “Yep, I’m the pesky older sister and official coach for this pregnancy and delivery.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Karen, and I’m going to be your sister’s nurse. So why don’t we go over what happens next before Daddy comes back in and blows a gasket?”
Even Keisha giggled. Karen definitely had Eddie’s number.
* * * *
Several hours later found Rena walking the halls with her sister, and an I.V. pole. It seemed at the moment the only thing helping her sister was the continuous walking. The moment she laid down in the bed, her contractions would stop, so Rena had resigned to walking the halls. In fact, she and Eddie had been taking turns. This particular turn was Rena’s. As they paused once more in front of the nurse’s station, Rena’s cell rang. The familiar tune of 1985 had her smiling. As she answered it, she wondered what her Dom would think if he knew she’d assigned such a rock-a-billy song as his ringtone.
“Hello?”
“Hey, ma peekôn. Still at the hospital with your sister?”
Holding onto her sister’s elbow, she helped her around the corner. “Yes. Let me guess - Hank called you?”
A low masculine chuckle filled her ear. “Of course. He wouldn’t be doing his duty as your guard if he didn’t report in about you spending the entire night at the hospital. How’s your sister doing by the way? Not running you ragged, is she?”
Looking over at her sister, she smiled. “Jackson wants to know how you’re doing? Should I tell him?”
Keisha glared. “Ask him how he’d be doing if something the size of a watermelon was trying to come out an opening the size of a lemon.”
Rena sighed. “You really want to get me in trouble with the man who likes to paddle my ass? And here I thought I was the sadistic one.” She turned back to her phone as Keisha paused once more for a contraction. Rubbing her hand across the small of her sister’s back, she waited for it to pass before returning to her call.
“Sorry about that. We’re walking the halls. Every time we stop, her contractions stop, so I’ve probably walked five miles already.”
“Well don’t wear yourself out, Rena.” The stern admonishment surprised her.
“White Boy, I thought we agreed outside the bedroom, we were equals…”
“We also agreed to have each other backs.” His voice softened. “I don’t want anything to happen to you because you pushed yourself too hard, baby.”
Her heart nearly melted. “I won’t let it go too far. Eddie and I are taking turns walking her.”
There was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone. “Which reminds me. Do you thin
k your brother-in-law would mind looking into the guard logs for the day of Jude’s break-in?”
Her brow furrowed thoughtfully. “I can ask. Are we thinking the perp didn’t come in the window, now?”
“Well, there were major doubts after your investigation. The police report only verified what you thought. Now we need to see if someone in security let someone go up, or if one of the guards took the spare key to Jude’s condo and let themselves in.”
“Okay, I’ll ask. When the time is right.”
“Thanks, Rena. Now you be a good girl and listen to Hank, or I’ll have to punish you the next time I see you.”
“Promises, promises, Sir,” she sassed before hanging up the phone. Next to her, Keisha stared at her with a huge smile on her face. “What?”
“You did it. I knew you couldn’t give up the lifestyle. You actually took a chance, Sissy.”
Rena flushed. “Now calm down, you don’t need to go announcing it to the whole world…”
“I’m just so-o-o happy for you. Please tell me he’s good to you. That he gives you what you need.”
Squeezing her sister’s hand, she nodded. “Yes, he is, or rather was until this freak started stalking us. But it’ll soon be taken care of.”
“So that’s what you wanted to talk to Eddie about?”
“Yep.” She quickly glossed over the facts of the case, not going in too deep. After all her sister was in heavy labor at the moment and didn’t need the extra stress.
They had just rounded the corner leading back to Keisha’s room, when Keisha’s hand tightened around hers as another strong contraction hit. This one seemed longer and harder than the previous ones. There was a sudden gush of water and Keisha gasped as the floor was deluged. Keisha’s eyes widened in genuine surprise.
“I made a huge mess…” Her expression was horrified.
“Well, what did you expect? You’re having a baby. They’ll clean it up. These floors have seen their share of amniotic fluid.” When her sister still looked worried, Rena threw out a red herring. “Now let’s go get this baby born. I have a hot date with Sir and a belt if you get my drift, and your boy is holding up the schedule.”