“When you find them both, come back. I want to do this one myself.”
Vitaly paused, then nodded, but once he was outside, he shook his head. Considering his boss’s phobia for getting his hands dirty, this threw a monkey wrench into him quickly and quietly killing those two. He feared that the Butcher would find them before Ivchencko had time to carry out his revenge. If time got short, would the LKA protect them if they copped a deal? He didn’t want to go back to prison, but if that had to happen, a German prison was surely better than a Russian prison. But would his boss go for that? Probably not. He’d never been incarcerated to date, and his privileged lifestyle was proof enough he couldn’t deal with being confined. He might find that he was well and truly on his own. He could go to Brezhnev himself. The Butcher valued loyalty above all else. That was another possibility. Throw his lot in with the brotherhood, and hand over Ivchencko. Vitaly had a lot to think about and very little time. He pulled his collar up to ward off the cold as he walked to the nearest tube station. He would have to make a decision by the time he returned.
STANDING IN A SHOWER on one leg was not easy. Elsa tried leaning against the tile, but it was slippery. All she wanted to do was shampoo her hair, bathe, and then put on clean pajamas.
“Are you okay,” Lukas called through the door. He’d offered to help, but she insisted she could do it herself.
Elsa hated to admit she wasn’t faring well. She blew out a breath and cursed as the shampoo bottle slipped through her fingers landing on the floor. “Scheisse!”
Lukas, hearing the crash and her expletive, immediately came into the bathroom. “What happened?” He waited, not wanting to invade her privacy by pulling back the curtain.
“Nothing. I just dropped the shampoo.” She tried balancing while bending over to grab it. His hand slipped under the curtain and found the bottle, holding it up for her while he stayed on the outside. She smiled, taking it.
“Okay now,” he asked.
“Maybe not quite so okay.” She needed help. Her knee hurt, and her skin still felt tight.
Lukas crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on the wall, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. “Is that your way of asking for my assistance?”
She poked her head out from behind the curtain and looked at him. “It might be.” She looked down, suddenly self-conscious. “But I don’t want you to see me like this. My skin...”
He reached out and touched her face. “Is beautiful. You’re beautiful. Nothing is going to make me think otherwise.”
Elsa chewed her lower lip. “Do you think you could shampoo my hair?” Her voice was soft, unsure. It was so completely opposite the confident, tough woman he knew her to be, and it endeared her to him more than he could express in words.
In answer, he began tugging his shirt over his head. Then he unbuckled and pulled off his pants and underwear. Kicking them to the corner, he stepped into the shower behind her and took the shampoo bottle from her hand. While she steadied herself with her hands on the wall, he lathered her hair, gently massaging her scalp with strong fingers.
“That feels nice.” She leaned her head back, letting him rinse the soap thoroughly before he worked conditioner through her locks.
Lukas smiled. He loved the feel of her soft, red hair slipping through his hands. He was enjoying himself until he glanced down and caught sight of the angry, red welts on her sides and front. The doctor told her they would heal, but she might be scarred for life. Eventually, they would be thin, white lines, barely visible, but she would have a constant reminder of being tied up and tortured. As for his own feelings on the subject, he knew that if he got the chance to be in a room with Ivchencko, he’d kill him.
“How about the rest of you?” He left her hair piled on top of her head to soak.
She glanced over her shoulder. “Gently.” Her eyes contained hesitancy, fear of the pain from being touched, and also a hint of seduction.
Lukas knew he would do everything in his power not to hurt her. He grabbed the soap and used his hands to first clean all uninjured areas of her skin. He started with her feet, giving them a gentle rub, even between each toe. She giggled. Then he worked up her shapely calves, caressing her good knee, and barely skimming the injured one. The front of her thighs had welts, so he avoided that part and moved to her backside, which was untouched by the whip. He allowed himself the pleasure of running his soapy hands freely over the back of her thighs, her lovely ass, and up her back to her shoulders. She purred.
That sound resonated all throughout his body causing no end of havoc. His erection rose, prodding her. He tried to maintain a little distance. After all, she was barely able to stand, and they had company out in the living room by way of her brother and two officers. Elsa arched her back bringing her rounded bottom up against his throbbing hardness.
“Elsa, don’t. I don’t want to hurt you,” he whispered in her ear.
“Then we’ll be careful.” She turned her head and kissed him. He kissed her back awkwardly as there was nowhere he could put his hands without causing her pain. Standing behind her, he could only touch her arms. But there was one other spot in front, down low that was unblemished by the whip. She placed his hand there, and when his fingers slid between her warm folds, she melted.
Slowly, he worked her, rubbing softly. She pressed her back against his chest seeking closer contact. “Lukas, please.”
He wouldn’t tease her tonight. She’d been through too much. He moved to enter her, holding her up under one arm, and by his own hand pleasuring her from the front. She was hot and slick as he slid in inch by inch. They were surrounded by steam and the scent of soap and hair conditioner. It was like a scene out of one of his fantasies. Any sound would echo in the small bathroom, and it was an exercise in discipline to be inside her and not be able to verbalize the sheer ecstasy of it. Elsa leaned slightly forward onto her hands, supporting her weight as she pushed back and down onto him. His thrusts increased and his fingers kept time on her sensitive nub. She was close, so close. Her stomach muscles tightened, then everything exploded. The spasms felt so damn good. Only a moment after she orgasmed, Lukas tensed and came inside her.
Elsa stood up straight, feeling him slip out. She turned, and the look in his eyes before he kissed her senseless took her breath away.
He pulled back and held her chin. “You are the most beautiful, incredible woman I’ve ever known.”
She didn’t know what to say, so she simply kissed him putting everything she felt into it.
Smiling like fools, he rinsed her hair, and ran the soap back over a few parts again, including his own body. He helped her out of the shower, wrapped her in a towel, lifted her up, and sat her down onto the chair in her room. He dried himself off, and quickly dressed. By the time he walked back into her room, she was wearing an old Oktoberfest T-shirt and a pair of shorts. He grabbed a comb off the dresser and settled in next to her, combing her hair.
“Lukas Trommler. You are a very good boyfriend.”
“I am, aren’t I? Who knew?”
Anno called out from the living room. “Hey! What’s taking so long? Is Elsa all right? Does she need anything?”
Lukas laughed. “She just needed a little help.”
“I’m fine, brother,” she yelled. To Lukas, “what’s he doing out there, anyway?”
“He’s playing World of Warcraft with one of the officers.”
“Some guards.” She shook her head.
“They’re all right. You need to put the steroid cream on those welts. Want me to do it?”
She looked down. “No. I can do it.”
He handed her the tube. “It’s about time for your pain medication, too. I’ll get that while you do this.” He got up.
Elsa looked at him. “Not sure I need any. I think you already took care of my pain, Doctor Trommler.” She grinned.
“Anytime you need an injection, madam, I’m here.” He winked, and walked out to the kitchen, chuckling.
Chap
ter Nineteen
HEINZ ARRIVED BACK in Berlin by lunch. With his shoulder bandaged and his arm in a sling, he was released home after a nurse checked his wound. Mahler stayed by his side, making sure he got home safely. She left him long enough to go home and pack a few things. Heinz didn’t get a chance to object. She’d appointed herself his personal nurse. Who was he to argue?
Faust showed up before she returned, ringing the doorbell. Heinz struggled to rise off the couch and answer.
“Good. You’re alive.”
“Is that your way of saying you were worried about me?” He backed away from the door and walked cautiously to the sofa.
Faust closed the door and followed. “No. This is.” He sat down and looked at his friend. “I’m sorry, Joseph. I didn’t mean to drag you back into all this and put you in danger.”
Heinz sighed. “Well, now I’m one up on you as you’ve never been shot before.”
Faust grunted. “Not sure that’s a race I’m willing to pursue. How’d it feel, by the way?”
He raised an eyebrow. “How do you think? It hurt like hell!”
“Yes, well.” He looked around. “Where’s Mahler?”
Anger faded and a small smile appeared on Heinz’s otherwise grumpy countenance. “She went home to grab some things. She’s insisting on staying here while I recover.”
A look of mock surprise came over Faust. “Is that so? Hmmn. It seems at least one good thing came out of this then. And it’s about time, too.”
“What do you mean?”
“Joseph. It’s been obvious for a while.”
“What’s obvious?”
“That you two—"
Mahler walked in.
“Herman. Are you bugging my patient already?” She dropped a large bag on the floor next to her purse.
“Forgive me, detective. But time is not our friend right now. I’ve invited Kreiss and Trommler over as well as Jager and Kelner.”
“I know. I saw them pulling up as I walked in.” She came around and sat down next to Heinz. The look Faust threw at Joseph read, “See?” He looked at her. “Beimer should be arriving shortly.” He checked his watch. “We have much to go over. A lot happened overnight, and Elsa came up with a good plan.”
This surprised Heinz. “My Elsa? Really?”
Mahler elbowed him. “Why are you so shocked? She’s a sharp young woman.”
“Yes, she is. I guess I can take a little credit for that,” said Heinz. “She’s had the benefit of my wisdom for the past three years.” He leaned away before Birgitta could swipe him.
‘Oh, Joseph. Honestly!” She got up at the sound of the doorbell.
Elsa and Lukas came in. Elsa stopped and hugged Birgitta. “I’m so happy to see you!” The two women fought back tears.
Behind them, Jager, Kelner, and Hugo waited, uncomfortable with all the female emotion. Finally, everyone got through the door, shook hands, hugged, and were grateful to be together again.
Once they were all settled, and Mahler passed around bottled waters and cokes, Faust addressed them. “Last night, Ivchencko snuck into the hospital and killed Koslov. I’m sure he could’ve easily done the same to our Elsa, but he left his card instead.”
“What! Why am I only hearing this now?” Heinz sat forward, alarmed.
“Because, Joseph, you were in surgery, and then recovery. And then we had to wait for you to arrive back home. Believe me. This is the earliest I could inform you.” Faust stated the facts.
He took a deep breath to calm himself. “Proceed, Herr Direktor.” Sarcasm dripped from his words. Mahler reached out and took his hand.
“As I was saying, Ivchencko could have done far more damage, but he chose not to, at least for now. We’re not sure if he meant to intimidate or threaten. And so far, we’ve heard nothing of him trying to get out of Berlin or the country. I would bet my last euro he’s still here. As Elsa said, he’s going to be desperate. He lost the shipment of girls. He lost the ship, and the cargo, which, by the way, contained nearly two thousand kilos of raw heroin.” Whistles sounded around the living room. “The Butcher is not going to just let that slide. So, we’re manipulating Ivchencko into coming in. Making it impossible for him to go anywhere without being discovered. And that plan began yesterday evening with a very carefully worded exclusive news report to the Taggesschau.” Faust went on to explain the rest, taking questions from the marines and providing as much information in answer as he could. An hour later, he said, “and it has to work. If not, we’ll all be on the Butcher’s shit list.”
AFTER EVERYONE LEFT, Birgitta picked up her bag and went to sit on the floor by Heinz. He was laying on the couch now that they were alone. Dark circles stood out under his brown eyes. He looked tired.
“Can I get you anything?” she asked.
“No. I just want to lay here and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet with you.” He reached his hand out, and she took it.
“We didn’t tell Herman about the files and ledger.” Her soft voice trailed off.
He stared at the ceiling. “No, we didn’t.” He turned to look at her. “I’m not sure I like this plan. It could go wrong so easily. If it does, we’re all in danger. But those files and that ledger, they’re leverage. Let’s just keep it to ourselves for now.” He tugged her hand, pulling her closer.
She came up on her knees at his side, smiling. “You need something?” Her question, benign.
“Yes. I need something.” He snaked his hand behind her neck and pulled her down for a slow, sexy kiss.
Birgitta’s heart pounded. For nearly five years, she’d dreamed of this moment, and now it was here, and she felt nervous, like a schoolgirl again. He pulled back, looking at her face. “Birgitta...”
She loved hearing his deep voice say her name. “Yes, Joseph.”
“Let your hair down.”
Of all the things he could’ve said, she didn’t expect that. She smiled, reaching up and pulling out the pins. Her hair tumbled down around her shoulders in glossy black curls. The scent of her shampoo surrounded him, and he breathed it in.
“You’re so beautiful.” He kissed her again until neither of them could breathe properly. “So, detective...would you go out on a date with this old man?” His easy smile, so rare, warmed her.
She dropped a quick kiss on his lips. “I’ll think about it.” She pulled away.
“Where are you going? Come back here. I need my nurse.” He started to sit up and come after her.
She dropped down by the bag and pulled out the files and ledger. “We should really go through these. There may be vital information we could use.”
“Now?” He looked at the files, disgusted by the idea.
“Yes, Joseph, now. Like Faust said, time isn’t our friend.”
“All right. All right. But only if you promise to keep your hair like that.” He reached out to twist a lock around his finger.
She grinned as she opened the first file and handed it to him. “If it makes you happy.”
“It does. You do.” And they began to inspect the material, in sync with each other.
LUKAS STOPPED BY HIS place on the way home to pick up a few things. He knew he’d be staying with Elsa until this situation was resolved. “Wait here. I’ll be quick.” He left her in the car with the engine running as he ran upstairs to grab some clothes and personal items.
She was listening to music when a knock on the window made her jump. She looked up and fought a scream. The short, wiry man stood waiting. She could see the tattoos on his hands. Vitaly? She glanced around for her purse. Spotting it, she made a grab for it fumbling to open the flap and pull out her gun when he busted the window and gripped her wrist.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, officer. Now sit still and listen!” His fetid breath blasted her as her heart pounded.
“Get your hands off me!” She tried to break his hold.
“Damn it, woman! Stay still!” He grabbed her other wrist and leaned in close. “I’m not here to hu
rt you. If you want Ivchencko, then shut up and hear me out.”
Elsa stilled. “Say your peace,” she spat, her expression clearly furious.
“Yuri is on the outskirts of town at 115 Weide Strasse. He won’t be there after tonight, so if you and your cop friends want him, act fast.”
“Why are you telling me this? He’s your boss, Ja?”
“I’m not willing to die over his petty vengeance. He wants you badly. And your boyfriend, too.”
“What? Is he still pissed at Lukas? For what?”
“He’s an odd duck. Not right in the head. This is your chance. I won’t be there, and don’t come looking for me. I have nothing against you, but if you come for me, I’ll have no other recourse than to kill you. Verstehen?”
Elsa nodded, and he let her go, walking away before she could get her Sig out. She was covered in glass when Lukas came back down to the garage.
“What the fuck happened?” He came around to her side, pulling her out, and slapping shards off her clothing.
“We have to call Faust right now. That was Vitaly. He told me where we can find Ivchencko.”
“What? Why would he do that?”
“I think he’s disillusioned with his boss. Says he’s not willing to die all because he wants revenge on you and me.”
“Why the hell is he pissed at me?”
“You sent Imani Bishop into his home. Apparently, he has a real problem with black people.”
“But that’s absurd!”
“I know, but Vitaly said Ivchencko isn’t ‘right in the head’.” She made air quotes around the last.
The Checkpoint, Berlin Detective Series Box Set Page 44