The lady and the four suits filed out and gave William the impression they were the Secret Service running late to protect the president.
“Humph. I wonder what all that was about.”
#
Josie searched high and low through her old medicine cabinet for a bottle of Excedrin, but finally found it in the back of a cosmetic drawer. What time was it, she wondered, and how long would she have to wait until Michelle returned?
She walked back into the bedroom and, once again, stepped over a stack of boxes in the center of the floor. From the corner of her eyes, she recognized a pink storage container beneath one of the boxes. Turning toward it, Josie felt a warmth spread throughout her body.
She knelt and removed everything on top of the container and then popped it open. Piles of letters and pictures assaulted her memory and wrenched out her heart. “Summer of ’88,” she read the storage label.
Josie had forgotten she’d stored these things at her father’s home. She reached inside and withdrew a poem that William had left on her pillow one morning. “The taste of you.”
A smile fluttered across her lips while the poem evoked the same emotions as it had sixteen years earlier. She reached for another envelope, but this time a small stack of pictures spilled out onto the floor.
She picked up a photo and blushed at the memory of her slinking across a grand piano in a red-sequined dress.
“We really had a lot of fun together,” she whispered. “We were perfect together.” Her vision blurred beneath a thin sheen of tears.
Josie laid the picture against her chest and thought back to the first time she’d ever made love...
“There’s no need for you to be shy,” William whispered against her ear. “You’re beautiful.”
After weeks of dating, it was the first time that Josie had mustered up the nerve to invite him into her bedroom. It was the first time she’d invited any man in there, and now that they were there, she couldn’t stop trembling.
“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to,” he said.
“No.” She placed his hand across her heart so he could feel how hard it was beating. “I want to do this. I want to make love to you.” As always, she melted at the sight of his dimpled-cheeks and the gleam of his bright smile.
“I want to make love to you, too,” he said. He looked into her eyes and tilted her face so her mouth could receive him.
It was the sweetest kiss ever and it melted all thoughts of Etienne from her mind.
Though the knots in her stomach unraveled, her heart hammered with anticipation. This was a big step, and there was no doubt in her mind she wanted to do it.
William’s warm lips slid lovingly from her mouth and settled along the crook of her neck. As if he’d activated a switch, Josie’s eyes rolled while her head dipped back.
Her breath thinned as he peeled down the straps of her dress. Shortly after, her knees knocked at the sound of him unzipping her dress. “It’s not too late, you know. You can still back out.” Her dress fell and pooled at her feet. “I have to tell you, I’m praying that you don’t.” Josie still didn’t answer, and William stopped. Their eyes met for a long searching moment. “Josie?” He eased a finger down her jawline and cupped her chin. “No pressure.”
There was something about the calm blue of his eyes and the silkiness of his voice that assuaged her nervousness. Before she knew it, she was melting all over again.
“Don’t stop,” she whispered, and glided her arms around his neck. “Don’t ever stop.”
His smile was a mischievous one and when his strong hands cupped her full breasts, she was eternally branded as his. She gently pulled his head down, and within seconds she was intoxicated by the simple taste of his kiss.
When William unhooked her bra, Josie was breathless. He turned his head to pepper kisses along the curve of her shoulder. Desire surged in impatient waves while his hands skimmed down the curves of her body and looped inside the lace of her panties.
Something new was happening and she couldn’t extinguish the persisting throb between her legs. She leaned back and allowed his breath to caress her skin and her Victoria’s Secret to join the rest of her clothing on the floor.
“It’s your turn,” he said in a ragged whisper.
It was the first hint of the power she possessed over him, and she was emboldened by it. Taking her time, she unbuttoned his shirt, and then peeled the material from his broad shoulders.
Josie drew in a breath and lightly ran her fingers through the fine hairs on his chest. He was a beautiful specimen of a man. She couldn’t believe he belonged to her.
In no time, the lovers stood naked before one another. Both assessed, memorized, and loved what they saw.
He moved toward her. His sex brushed against her leg, sending sparks of desire clear to her toes.
Their lips met again. Each gave as much as they took and as a result created a delicious haze of pleasure. Everything tingled within her. Everything was so new.
Impatient, William swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed. Laying her against the silk sheets, he lowered himself onto her. Their lips melded while his hands danced over the rise of her breasts, the flat of her belly, and the triangular nest of curls between her legs.
Josie quivered at his fingers’ gentle invasion; but when they massaged her flower’s aching bud, she unraveled at the seams. She moaned in wild bursts and writhed shakily beneath him. The more she moved, the faster his tempo, and something fantastic built inside of her.
All at once, everything exploded. An array of multicolored fireworks burst behind closed lids. While her body struggled to extinguish the brush fires he’d ignited, a second orgasm hit and acted as an accelerant. In no time at all, she was dealing with a full rage inferno.
However, the biggest surprise were the things William could do with his mouth: soft kneading across her dark nipples, gentle kisses peppered down the center of her body, and a cool tongue that eased her body’s flames to mere ciders.
Through it all, her body still ached for completion, and she found herself begging that he give her the one thing she needed. In answer, he deserted the bed, and then returned with golden-wrapped condoms.
Her body was still quivering while he sheathed his erection. When he lowered to her, she lovingly slid her arms around his neck. She thought she was prepared for what came next; but when his thick shaft broke through the barrier of her maidenhood, she gasped at the initial pain.
William held her and waited patiently for her body to adjust to his invasion. He ground his teeth and fought for control at the way her body pulsed around his snug fit. “I’m okay,” Josie whispered raggedly against his ear. He nodded, but he hadn’t gain control over his body. She took the lead by sliding her legs around his hips and moving him in even deeper. The feeling was excruciatingly divine. William finally took over and moved with tormenting slowness. “You feel so good,” he rasped.
She wanted to respond, but couldn’t. Nothing in her life could’ve ever prepared her for this and she was more certain than ever that she’d chosen the right man to give her most precious gift.
Steadily, their tempo increased. Possessed by dual demons of pleasure and passion, William hiked her legs from his waist and settled them above his shoulders. His deep plunging drove her closer and closer to her peak.
At long last, an orgasmic cry tore from her soul. Suddenly, she felt as if she’d been flung into the wild, sweet oblivion when William gave a final thrust and emitted a mighty roar of his own.
Dreamily, she floated from a misty euphoria, sated and happy. As she shifted onto her side, William slid behind her so he could spoon her body. “Thank you,” he whispered, and then kissed the back of her head. “I’m grateful and touched you chose me.” “So am I.” Josie smiled and snuggled closer… #
Josie pulled her thoughts from the past and once again felt an incredible loss. But was it really?
It’s not too late.
The re
negade thought was like a splash of cold water. Josie blinked, and then stared back down at the pink box. While she could never go back to that magical summer, there was a real chance for her and William to create something new. And despite her earlier protest, she did want that. She still wanted him.
Chapter 33
Ming marched through the doors of the police department and was approached by Detective Hernandez who could barely contain his excitement.
“Today the gods are smiling down on us.” He clapped his hands, and then rubbed them together. “D’Angelo is just minutes from talking. I came out to call you.”
“That’s good news.” She smiled. “Why don’t I take over questioning, and you follow these guys to the crime lab. I want the prints off that glass compared to the ones in Michelle Andrews’ police record.” Ming patted him firmly on the back. “Sweet talk whoever you have to, but get this done ASAP.”
“Already on it.” Jorge winked. “D’Angelo is in the first interrogation room. Good luck.”
“He’s the one who’s going to need it,” she joked, and then headed toward the interrogation room. She took a few minutes to consult the two witnessing officers outside the two-way mirror.
“How’s he doing in there?” she asked and glanced at D’Angelo lounging back in his chair.
“He’s quite a character,” the police captain, Amy Tompkins said, shaking her head. “But Jorge did a pretty good job priming him for you.”
“That’s good to know.”
Amy nodded. “When you’re through with him, I want to hear everything you have on this Andrews’s kidnapping. From what I’m picking up, it sounds like something for the record books.”
“You got it.” As usual, Ming took a few deep breaths and slid on her best game face before she burst into the interrogation room.
D’Angelo’s gaze jumped up to meet Ming’s hard stare seconds before she swiped his feet from off the table and made herself comfortable. “Tell me about your relationship with Michelle Andrews.”
“Ah, Det. Delaney. What happened to my little Mexican friend?” A sly smile sloped the street thug’s thick lips. “I didn’t scare him off, did I?”
“No one here is your friend, D’Angelo. You got something for me or not? And before you speak, let me warn you: If I find out that you’ve lied to me about knowing, planning, or aiding in any of Michelle’s illegal endeavors, I’ll lock you up for so long that you’ll forget how to spell freedom; let alone remember what it means.”
D’Angelo laughed, but then fell silent when Ming’s expression remained hard and serious. He cleared his throat. “I ain’t got nothin’ to do with any murders.” Ming crossed her arms and waited patiently. D’Angelo looked uncomfortable. “All right. She came and saw me today. Is that what you want to hear?” “All I want is the truth.” She kept her eyes trained on him. “We already suspected she came to see you.”
“Well, that explains why you dragged my black ass down here.” He started to kick his legs up again, but thought better of it when Ming’s gaze smote him. “Now that I’ve confirmed this for you, am I free to leave?” “No.” “Figures.” D’Angelo rolled his eyes and hardened his jaw. “What else can I do for you, Det. Delaney? I live to serve you.” “I need to know whether Michelle Andrews is masquerading as her twin sister Josephine Ferrell.” He tossed up his hands. “I don’t know.” Ming allowed a deafening silence to choke the truth out of him. “She might be. She didn’t confess if that’s what you’re getting at. I’m not a priest.” Nodding, she swallowed her irritation and attacked from a different angle. “What’s your specialty, D’Angelo?” His sly smile returned. “A jack-of-all-trades and a master at a few.” “Uh, huh. But you’re pretty good about forging documents, right?”
D’Angelo laughed. “Now I have stupid stamped on my forehead.”
“I see it pretty clearly. After all, you’re trying to con me.” She finally smiled. “Just we haven’t been able to put you out of business doesn’t mean we don’t know everything about you.”
His expression quickly turned somber. “Big Brother?”
“Always around to keep you in check.” Ming winked. “The question now is: What would Andrews want with a man in your line of work?” He said nothing. She lifted her brows in mild amusement. “Was that little piece today worth acquiring a new boyfriend down in lockup?” Shock colored his expression with vibrant red hues. Ming enjoyed being in her element. “Big Brother is always watching.”
“Fine.” His eyes rolled again. “This ain’t worth it. Michelle came to see me about getting a passport. Said she needed it in a hurry. But I’m guessing you knew that as well?” Already suspecting something along these lines, Ming nodded and waited for him to continue. “She also said that she needed some protection.” “She purchased a weapon?” “Nah. Michelle already had that covered, but she wanted to borrow some muscle, so I loaned her a few of my best men.” “That was awfully nice of you.”
D’Angelo’s smile made a dramatic return. “Let’s just say that she made it worth my while. The girl is a freak in the bedroom. Knows just how a man likes it, if you catch my drift.”
“Unfortunately. Did you provide her with a passport?”
“No, Your Honor,” he replied, bitingly. “I didn’t exactly have time since your lynch men stormed my place thirty minutes after she left.”
“What was the name she wanted on the passport?”
He hesitated, but finally gave up the ghost after another lethal dose of the silent treatment. “Josephine Ferrell. Are you happy now?”
Straight-faced, Ming stood from her chair. “Ecstatic.”
#
The day might have started off pretty badly, but Michelle loved how everything had turned around. During her ride back to the Ferrell Estate she reviewed everything that had transpired at Keystone and couldn’t help the smile that exploded across her face. Josephine didn’t hold all the cards after all.
You know what happens when you get overconfident, Michelle.
“It’s Josephine. And I’m not listening to you.”
The cackling voice inside her head only laughed. You still have to kill her, you know. The world isn’t big enough for two Josephine Ferrells.
Michelle hated to admit it, but the voice was right. How long could she bank on Josephine’s fear of going to the police? Since she was most likely off the drugs, wouldn’t she soon discover that she had no real memory of killing Daniel?
“That woman is officially a pain in the ass.”
True. But we still have to deal with her.
Michelle nodded and drummed her fingers against the steering wheel as she tried to devise a new plan. “How in the hell can I find her?”
The voice in her head fell silent.
“I always have to think of everything.”
She turned her beloved red Jaguar onto the estate’s curvy driveway with her mind wrapped around finding Josie and the large check she’d receive, possibly as early as tomorrow. At least now she didn’t have to start selling things in the house.
Michelle parked the car in the east wing garage and entered the house through the kitchen. But she stopped cold when the house alarm began its slow beeping. She never set the alarm. Quickly, she dashed to the nearest keypad. “What the hell is the code?” She couldn’t remember. Josie had told her once, but...damn. The steady slow beeps began to pick up speed, narrowing her time to enter the correct code.
“It had something to do with someone she met in Paris,” she fretted. “Initials. Someone’s initials.” On a whim she punched in C.H.W. with no clue to why, but was certain she was right.
An error message strolled across the small green screen and the countdown continued.
Maybe it’s in the wrong order. “Shut up,” she hissed, but then punched in W.H.C. Another error message. Michelle’s heart hammered. Why couldn’t she remember this? She punched in H.C.W.
Error.
H.W.C.
Error. W.C.H. The alarm chirped twice and the bee
ping stopped. Relieved, she slumped against the wall.
That was close.
Michelle agreed. If the alarm had gone off and the security office called, she had no idea what the Ferrell password was to prevent the cops from being sent to the residence.
Who set the alarm?
An icy chill slithered down her back. She certainly hadn’t set it. She glanced around the large, spacious kitchen, half-expecting a gremlin or ghoul to jump out. When, at last, she found nothing out of the ordinary hovering in any of the nooks or crannies, she proceeded to tiptoe out of the room.
The rest of the house was a huge fortress. Someone could be hiding anywhere.
“Josie,” she whispered. “She set it.”
She’s screwing with you. Oh, this is good. Instead of us finding her, she’s come to us.
Michelle had the same thoughts. Where in the hell were those damn bodyguards she got from D’Angelo? Yeah, she’d gunned it on the highway, but shouldn’t they have been there by now?
Where did you put the gun?
“Upstairs in my bedroom.” She glanced around as she inched through the house. “I should have seen this coming,” she chastised.
The voice said nothing, undoubtedly because it agreed with her.
One thing she noticed was that the house seemed to creak each time she took a step, and no matter how much she tried to control her breathing, its sound magnified and bounced off every wall. When she reached the spiral staircase, Michelle had the ingenious idea of sliding off her pumps.
Afterward, she hesitated to ascend.
Don’t tell me that the big bad wolf is afraid of a little mouse.
Michelle bristled and took her first step, but her brave front didn’t last long. Halfway up, she found herself wondering again about her absent bodyguards. Was she walking into some kind of trap? Had Josie somehow bribed D’Angelo’s men?
Wouldn’t this be a delicious game if she had?
Michelle’s heart rammed in her chest, her palms itched, and a line of sweat beaded across her hairline. No, it wouldn’t be a good game. The only games she liked were the ones stacked in her favor.
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