Last Dance (COBRA Securities Book 14)

by Velvet Vaughn

  “Once or twice.” The detective looked up sharply from his notebook, one brow raised. “We dated for a couple of weeks, years ago. He hasn’t been here since.”

  He was back to scribbling notes. “Who has a key to your apartment?”

  “Besides myself, Colin Rafferty and Tandi Tremane. She watches over my apartment and gathers my mail when I’m away.”

  “Where does this Tandi Tremane live?”

  She pointed to the unit beside hers. “Next door. She should be home any time.”

  “What about Colin Rafferty? Who’s he?”

  “He’s an old friend. He’s just visiting for a few days.”

  “I’d like to speak with him, too.”

  “He’s sitting down over there, resting his knee.”

  The detective glanced at Colin and then turned back to face her. “That’s all the questions for now.” He reached in his pocket and withdrew a business card and handed it to her. She glanced at the name. Ted Black. At least she’d been correct that it was a color. “If you think of anything else, give myself or Detective Parsa a call.”

  “When can I go back inside my apartment?” Not that she would ever be able to live there again. Not after Marcus had died there. But she wanted to pick up a few things she’d need over the next few days while she tried to find a new home.

  “Not until the crime scene investigators are done. Probably sometime tomorrow or the next day.”

  There wasn’t anything she needed for the live show tomorrow. Hair and makeup would be done on set and the costumes were waiting for her. Still, she’d like to have her athletic shoes. Running calmed her and she needed calm right now.

  Detective Black tipped his head and then headed to speak with Colin. She leaned against Mason, absorbing his strength. His body heat wrapped around her like a comforting blanket.

  She glanced up at his handsome face. “How much longer do we have to stay?”

  “Just until they finish speaking with Harlow. Then we’ll get out of here.”

  “There’s a bed in my trailer. We could stay there.” It was small, and it’d be a tight fit, but lying in Mason’s arms sounded like Heaven right now—and caused a thrill to shoot down her spine.

  “Sawyer and Harlow have a two-bedroom suite. It’s where I stayed until yesterday. You can have the bedroom. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

  And the thrill was gone. She sighed. “What about Colin?”

  “He’ll have to find his own accommodations. I don’t want anyone knowing where we’re going, not even Russell.”

  Colin would be upset, but he’d only be staying in town another day or two. There were plenty of hotels and motels in the area. The detective finished speaking with him and he hobbled over.

  “I’m so sorry, Cass.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “But it is.”

  Mason’s body stiffened. “What do you mean?”

  “The detective asked about the key to your apartment. When I took out my keyring, it wasn’t there.”

  “When was the last time you used it?” Mason asked.

  “Yesterday, when I tried to get inside but you had the door barricaded. Since the lot at the studio is guarded and safe, I left my keys in my car. I guess someone stole it.”

  “How did they know which key to take?”

  Colin grimaced. “It was labeled. I label all of my keys so I can find them easily. I had to give the cops my entire ring so they could dust for prints, along with my car. So it looks like I’ll be hitching a ride with you.”

  “About that—”

  “Cassidy Swain, what in the world is going on?”

  Cassidy turned to see Tandi Tremane standing behind the yellow crime scene tape, a look of worry on her face. She headed to her friend, instantly missing the warmth of Mason’s body. She hugged Tandi, engulfed by an exotic mixture of patchouli and jasmine, and felt tears gather again.

  “Are you okay, baby doll?”

  She cleared the lump in her throat. “I’m okay, but a friend was murdered in my apartment tonight.”

  “Oh, good Goddess, were you there when it happened?”

  “No. We came home and found him.”

  “I see it wasn’t the gorgeous hunk of a bodyguard, nor the one on crutches. Who was it?”

  “One of the dancers from the show.”

  “What was he doing in your apartment?”

  “I’ve no idea. He wasn’t invited.”

  “That’s it, we’ll have to move,” Tandi announced. “This used to be a safe building.”

  Cassidy wholeheartedly agreed.

  #

  Mason watched Cassidy closely for any signs of a breakdown. She’d suffered a huge shock and hadn’t had time to process it before being subjected to endless grilling from the cops.

  “So where are we staying tonight?” Colin asked him, pulling his attention away from Cassidy talking with her neighbor, Tandi.

  “I’m taking Cassidy to a safe house. I’ll drop you off at a motel of your choice.”

  “What? No. I want to stay with Cass.” Colin’s tone was defiant, but it didn’t faze Mason.

  “Sorry. No one will know where she’s staying. Not even you.”

  Colin stiffened his spine. “That’s not fair. She’s been my friend for years. I’m no threat. I demand to know where she’s staying. I need to make sure she’s safe.”

  “She will be. She has me. This isn’t open for discussion.”

  Cassidy returned and he resisted the urge to pull her into his arms, especially with Colin fuming at his side. He didn’t feel the least bit guilty for keeping her former partner away. His sole mission was keeping her safe.

  Colin hobbled forward, intercepting her before she reached him. “Cass, I want to stay with you tonight.” He glanced over his shoulder and scowled at Mason. “You’ve suffered a shock and you’re in danger. I want to be able to protect you.”

  Cassidy met his gaze before answering. “I’m sorry, Colin, Mason is the professional and I’m deferring to his judgement. I’ll see you in the morning at the studio.”

  “But I’m leaving after the show. I won’t get to see much of you. We haven’t even had a real chance to catch up.”

  “I hate that this is happening, but the timing is bad. And maybe it’d be best if you left. I don’t want you in danger from whoever is targeting me.”

  Colin glanced over his shoulder at Mason again and then lowered his voice. “Can I speak with you? Alone?”

  “Okay.”

  “Stay close,” Mason ordered, making it clear he’d heard Colin’s plea.

  Cassidy moved a few paces away with Colin limping after her. Though his hearing was excellent, he couldn’t make out what Colin was saying with all the ambient noise. Whatever it was, Cassidy’s eyes rounded in shock.

  “What’s going on over there?” Sawyer moved beside him, Harlow tucked under his arm.

  “Not sure. I think he has some intense feelings for her, but she denies it.”

  Now they were hugging, and jealousy twisted his gut. He turned away. “I’m not telling anyone that we’re moving into the suite with you two, not even Russell. So if anyone asks, you don’t know where she’s staying.”

  “Got it.”

  Cassidy returned with Colin at her side. Tears shimmered in her eyes and her smile was forced. Colin looked dejected.

  “I’d better find a place to stay tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks for letting me borrow your car.”

  “Bye, Col.”

  He made his way to Cassidy’s SUV and maneuvered inside, using both hands to lift his left leg inside. After backing out, he gave a small wave and motored away.

  Cassidy sniffed. “Can we leave now?”

  “Yeah. I’ll let Detective Parsa know.”

  #

  While Sawyer and Harlow headed to the hotel using one route, Mason took a different path so no one would know they were staying together. He also wanted to make sure they weren’t followed, he’d told her, t
hus the winding and sometimes confusing journey he took to go what basically amounted to a few miles. Before they departed, the men loaded the boxes of security equipment into the back of the SUVs. Mason had dug inside for a Kevlar vest for her to wear. It wasn’t as bulky as she imagined it would be. She appreciated the safety measures, but her heart was heavy.

  Cassidy couldn’t look her former partner in the eye. Earlier, when he’d wanted to speak with her privately, she had no idea the bombshell he would drop on her. He told her how much he’d missed her over the years and seeing her again brought all the feelings rushing back. He wanted to be with her. He’d almost said the “L” word, but she cut him off before he could voice it. To say she was shocked was an understatement. She’d insisted to Mason that there wasn’t anything romantic between them, and she still felt that way. Colin did not.

  She hated hurting him. He was already struggling with his injury and not being able to dance for weeks, possibly months. She felt like she was adding to his misery and that made her sad.

  She stared out the window at the passing scenery without seeing anything. She felt numb inside, battered first by Marcus’s murder and then Colin’s confession. A warm, strong hand gripped hers and her gaze went to where they were connected.

  “Are you okay?”

  She met Mason’s concerned eyes. “I’ve been better.” He gave her hand a squeeze and then released her. She almost reached for him, needing his touch. He was so strong and solid. He made her feel safe.

  He braked at a red light and turned to her again. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Her gaze dropped to her clasped hands. Colin’s unexpected announcement was a bombshell she wasn’t prepared for, especially after finding Marcus dead in her apartment. “You were right about Colin. He told me how much he’d missed me, and how he hoped we could be together. I had to tell him I didn’t feel the same way. I hated hurting him.”

  Mason didn’t say anything, for which she was grateful. She wasn’t in the mood for platitudes. He flipped on the blinker and turned into an underground parking garage, using a card to open the electronic arm. After making two right turns, he backed into a space next to an identical SUV, also backed in. Before she could open her door, he was there, helping her out. They’d parked next to a set of elevators and they ascended to the lobby level. Besides her purse, she had no luggage, no toiletries. Judging from the grand magnificence of the lobby, the hotel would have extra amenities she could use. They passed a trendy boutique on the way to the elevators. It was closed now but maybe she’d be able to stop by in the morning and pick up a few items to wear. The prices would be outrageous, but she didn’t have much choice.

  Two other couples rode up in the elevator with them. She stood close to Mason, absorbing his heat and strength. He ushered her off on the correct floor and then guided her to a door. After a quick rap, he slid in the key card and held the door for her to enter before him.

  Harlow and Sawyer were sitting on a leather couch and they stood when they entered. The suite was spacious with a stunning view of the city.

  Harlow rushed forward and hugged Cassidy. “How are you, honey?”

  “Hanging in there. You?”

  “Hanging in there,” Harlow returned.

  Cassidy didn’t have many close female friends. She’d lost contact with most of her pals from high school and college. There were a few women on the show she went out with occasionally, but none that she would consider a confidant. Harlow already felt like a close friend. She wondered if she could talk to her about Colin.

  Mason’s phone buzzed and she prayed it wasn’t more bad news. She already felt battered.

  “Sure, hold on a second.” He punched a button on his phone. “It’s Russell. He has news for Harlow.” He activated the speakerphone.

  “First of all ladies, I’m so sorry for what you’ve gone through tonight. I can’t believe Marcus is gone. As I said to Mason earlier, I hate to be insensitive, but the show must go on. Harlow, I’ve found a replacement partner for you. Glen Benson will be filling in for Marcus.”

  Cassidy’s eyes widened. “Glen’s coming back? That’s fantastic.” He was a dancing legend, having won so many times they considered naming the trophy after him.

  “He’s just helping out this season. I’ve sent him film of your dances and he’ll be able to learn the routine. He’ll meet you at the studio in the morning.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Ingram,” Harlow said. “I know this is hard on you, too.”

  He exhaled heavily. “I’ve never had to deal with a death on the show. We’re putting together a tribute to air tomorrow night.” He spoke for a few more minutes and then disconnected.

  “Glen’s not only a skilled dancer, he’s a wonderful person, too,” she told Harlow.

  “I used to love watching him. I can’t believe I get to dance with him.”

  Sawyer came over and wrapped his arms around his wife. “Hum, should I be jealous?”

  “I’ll let you know tomorrow. Oh, Cassidy, I almost forgot. There are some things for you in the bedroom. I’ll show you.” She patted Sawyer’s arms and he dropped them so she could lead Cassidy to the room.

  Several items of clothing, toiletries and even a pair of running shoes exactly like the ones back at her apartment were spread out on the king-sized bed. Her mouth dropped open. “How did you do all of this?” She checked the sizes. Spot on. There was even a small designer suitcase.

  “I didn’t. It’s Mason’s handiwork. He gave a list to their office manager and she had it delivered. She added some things you might want, like lotions and things.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  Harlow shrugged. “It’s what they do.”

  She glanced at her Fitbit, wanting to talk to Harlow about Colin, but it’d have to wait. “It’s so late. We need to try to get to sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

  Harlow hugged her again and then walked out to her husband. After goodnights, Sawyer and Harlow retreated to their room and closed the door.

  She glanced up to see Mason standing in the doorway. “Thank you for the clothes and things.” She indicated all the items on the bed. “That was very thoughtful. How did you know what sizes?”

  “You’re about the same size as my wife, so I guessed.”

  All the air rushed out of Cassidy’s lungs and she staggered back a step. Wife? He was married? Black spots danced in front of her eyes and that’s when she realized she wasn’t breathing. She’d been fantasizing about a married man. His wife was home waiting for him to return, while she was busy having improper thoughts and climbing all over him in her sleep. “You’re married?” Somehow, she managed a normal tone while her insides were rioting.

  “Widowed.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.” His wife was dead? If possible, she felt worse. He was probably still heartbroken. “It must be hard.”

  He lifted a shoulder. “It was a while ago.”

  “What happened to her…no wait, you don’t have to answer that. It’s none of my business.”

  “No, it’s okay. She was murdered.”

  Cassidy gasped. “That’s terrible. Did they catch whoever did it?”

  He nodded. “They did.” His cell buzzed and he took it out of his pocket and glanced at the screen. His brows crinkled as he read the text.

  “Bad news?”

  He looked up at her as he punched in numbers. “It could be.” He turned and walked out into the living space while he talked. She prayed everything was fine. She didn’t think her heart could take another hit.

  After placing the suitcase on the cedar dresser, she filled it with her new clothes and then carried the toiletries into the bathroom. Mason was still on the phone, so she took a quick shower and changed into a t-shirt and pair of shorts to sleep in. After brushing her hair and teeth, she headed back to the bedroom.

  Mason walked in carrying a small bag and some clothes. “I need to jump into the shower. I won’t be long.”

  “N
o problem. What was the phone call about?”

  “The police located Barry Nelson’s car, but no sign of him.”

  “Where did they find it?”

  “Approximately two blocks from the studio.”

  She dropped down to the bed. “Oh, God, he’s here? He killed Marcus?”

  “We don’t know that he did, but he’s definitely a suspect. It won’t be long until he’s caught.”

  While Mason retreated to the bathroom, Cassidy tugged down the covers and climbed under the sheets. Could Barry be responsible for all the attacks on her? And poor Marcus. Was that Barry’s attempt to set her up?

  The shower kicked on and she squeezed her eyes shut, trying hard not to picture Mason naked under the water. He’d been married. He said his wife’s death happened a while ago, but he remembered her sizes. He must’ve loved her very much.

  Unbidden, an image of Marcus’s face, frozen in death, popped into her head and she snapped her lids open. She’d never forget the look of shock, the wide eyes. He hadn’t been expecting the knife that killed him. Her heartbeat picked up and she breathed deeply to ward off a panic attack. She’d never be able to sleep.

  A cloud of steam floated out when Mason opened the door. It was scented with an intriguing mix of woodsy soap and aftershave. He wore another Marine t-shirt, this one black with a yellow logo, and shorts. “Well, goodnight, Cassidy.”

  He started to leave but she called his name. He turned in question. “Stay. Please. I can’t…I mean I shouldn’t…” She sighed. “I don’t want to be alone.”

  He studied her so long, she thought he’d refuse. Instead he nodded, placed his bag on the dresser and closed the door. He moved to the other side and climbed under the covers before snapping off the bedside light. She reached up and turned hers off, too.

  She thought he might be laughing or something because the bed was vibrating. Then she realized it was her doing the shaking. “M-Mason?”

  “Yes?”

  “C-Could you p-please hold me.”

  He scooted over and wrapped his arms around her. “Shh, it’s okay. I’ll keep you safe. Always.”

  With his strong arms around her, his body heat surrounding her, the shaking eventually ceased, and she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.