Page 103 of Triggered By Love
“As long as the chemistry explodes.” Larry’s voice sounded like he was leering.
Avery wondered if Larry not only knew what his father’s strange tastes entailed, but if he could be the one enabling them. Could he also have done similar private shows with the dead models?
“We’ll put on a good act,” Avery said. “But this new model won’t be dressed like a firefighter.”
“That’s so last year,” Larry agreed. “Just make it good.”
“I have to warn you, though. I haven’t told the model the lengths we’ll go. I suggest we tone it down this time.”
“He’s not the football star, is he?” Larry asked hopefully.
“Definitely not.”
“Who is it?”
“It’s a surprise,” Avery said. “Since he’ll be wearing clothes I’m not showing, what’s the big deal for us to do the private show next week?”
“Dad’s feelings will be hurt. He’s working so hard fundraising for your dad’s congressional run. Doesn’t he deserve a bit of R&R?”
“Of course, he does. But this model might not follow the script.”
“That’s your problem, not mine.” Larry’s voice was dismissive. “You understand how important it is for his ego that you put him first.”
“I understand, but…”
“Great. Don’t disappoint him.” The call ended.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Jason ranHarvey Leach through the system. The guy was relatively clean with minor drug and shoplifting offenses. All charges were dropped, no doubt due to his father’s influence. He was the ne’er do well, or black sheep, between the two brothers. Where Larry graduated from Yale, Harvey never made his way out of the chorus line of various Broadway shows. He made a note of Harvey’s last known address in Hell’s Kitchen and went by to question him.
No luck. No one answered the buzzer, and the neighbors minded their own business. He’d have to find probable cause to get a warrant on Harvey, but that required Ivanna to finger him as her attacker or a witness to place Harvey at the scene of a crime.
Frustrated, he returned to the Melbourne Building. His heart was still thudding when he rushed to Avery’s doorway. What if Harvey or Larry had gotten to Avery while he was out investigating? Could one of the brothers have jumped him while the other one ingratiated himself with Avery?
Avery opened the door to his frantic knocks. “Where’s the fire?”
Her eyes were bright, and her cheeks were rosy. True, one brow was slightly furrowed, and her breathing was uneven.
“I needed to know you’re okay.” He grabbed her and held her close. “We have a lot to go over, but I uncovered a connection between your models and the ones who died. Also, I think your barista friend knows the shooter.”
She gasped and pushed from his embrace. “What makes you say that?”
“They live in the same building. I should have followed up after that night I spent with Saul, but things went crazy.”
“Wait, wait, slow down.” Avery’s hands guided him to the couch. “Sit, take a deep breath. What’s going on?”
He slumped onto the sofa, but his muscles were too amped to relax. The pain from the near miss of the lead pipe throbbed over his neck and shoulder.
Avery rubbed his shoulders, causing him to wince.
“What happened?” She peeled back his shirt to take a look. “Did you fall?”
“I’ll explain later. But we need to go over your model lineup from last year. Do you remember booking Draco, the dragon man?”
“Yes, dimly. I mean, my memory of that day was wiped out by what happened. Alida’s assistant sent me a list, and I was looking over it.”
“Pull it up and also your images from the show,” Jason said. “Draco is Popo’s nephew, Joselito.”
