Page 17 of Unhallowed Murder
No one was in the hallway when she stepped out, and she leaned against the wall and found her center. She could handle the emotions of solving a murder, but rape was another story. Wendy was hers, though, and she’d stickwith the case until it was solved.
Ronnie was alive and strong. She’d handle whatever was thrown at her. Always had, always would.
She stepped into the viewing room, and Carter told her, “Flores’ girlfriend’s mother sells crap at the corn maze. Leather dog leashes and shit. The girlfriend helps her man the booth.”
Ronnie blew out a breath. “Do we know which nights she worked?”
“Unknown. The mom sells whips and human collars and restraints online, but just sells the dog leashes and collars at craft fairs.”
“Know your audience, I guess.” She considered the possibilities. “If the girlfriend knew Flores screwed Wendy, she might’ve killed her in a jealous rage, but a single shot to the head doesn’t equal a jealous rage.” She crossed her arms. Uncrossed them. “Get me a workup on the mother, too, but don’t contact her. Put the three men in holding, far from each other so they can’t talk. It’s after midnight. I’ll plan to be back by ten at the latest. Call me if you need me before then. Good work, everyone. Thanks.”
The vampire would be awake until dawn.
If Ronnie was asleep by four and woke at nine, she’d be fine.
Chapter Ten
Josef heard her in his head before he saw her.
I’m close. Are you here?
I am. Pull around back, go through the alley, and I’ll instruct my security guys to let you park in the employee lot.
Thanks.
Always.
As promised, a young werewolf directed her to a parking space. “Lieutenant. Josef asked me to bring you to him. If you’ll follow me, I can walk you in the back, away from the customers.”
“I have her, Jeremy. Thank you.”
She looked up to see Josef in a black suit with a charcoal shirt and no tie, on a smallbalcony. “You’ve had a long day, Lieutenant. We have a rooftop courtyard. Food will be brought to you up there momentarily.”
“Food would be good, thank you.” She’d assumed she’d be able to place an order, but she didn’t mind that he’d already done so for her.
“I brought a bottle of wine that I believe will go well with your steaks.”
The building was only three stories tall, but was on a hilltop above the city proper, and was one of the taller buildings on this block. Ronnie stopped short when she reached the rooftop courtyard, lit by dozens of candles and torches. A huge two-person chaise lounge was nestled between greenery, giving plenty of privacy and a view of the night sky. “Surely that isn’t up here all the time?”
“Only when we wish to use it. It’s taken inside otherwise, so the upholstery isn’t ruined.”
He motioned her to the table. “Please have a seat, a server is—” He nodded to the female server who stepped into view.
“Six steaks, medium rare. Two loaded baked potatoes, and a platter of fried mushrooms.” The server settled the plates as she told what they were, and reached for the wine. “Would you like me to open and pour, Josef?”
“Please, Cindy. If you can bring a pitcher of ice water and some more sour cream, I believe we’ll be good. I’ll let you know telepathically if we need anything else — no need to check on us.”
She gave a small bow and left.
“You heard my thoughts and knew what I wanted.”
“This bothers you?”
Immensely. She met his gaze. “As soon as you ask the question, you know the answer without me verbalizing it.”
“You’re a good cop, and a good person, with honor and valor. You hold yourself to a standard of high morals and ethics, even more than your Sheriff’s Department asks of you. I can’t imagine you’d have thoughts you wouldn’t want me to know.”
“I have secrets. Private shit that’s no one’s business.”
