Burn in Hell_A Jake Carrington Mystery Read online

  “I had to ask.”

  “Why?”

  “There are times when I look at you and your voice and expression both broadcast a deep desperation.”

  “You don’t think losing my son’s a good enough reason to make me desperate, angry, and sick?” She stood and paced the living room, almost knocking over the planter by the reading chair.

  “I’m sure it is.” He walked over to her, but she turned away before he could comfort her. She felt like a heel, lying to him.

  “I think you’re right. We could both use some sleep.”

  “I didn’t mean to upset you—”

  “I’m just cranky. As I said, it was a hell of a week with Tom, and an exhausting one with you.” She smiled.

  “It was a great week with you. Are you kicking me out because you’re tired or pissed?”

  “Maybe a little of both.”

  He took her in his arms, started rubbing her back. “I really didn’t mean to insult you, but after talking to this guy’s family today I got a better picture of a gambler. I just want to make sure you’re safe.”

  “I’m safe. I haven’t heard from Tom again this week, so maybe he got the message.” She could only hope.

  “I hope so. Do you want to go out to dinner tomorrow night?”

  “Sure.” She’d better keep her guard up. Her heart sang with joy, knowing that he still wanted her. Very confusing, she thought.

  “I’ll call you. Think of some place you want to go.”

  “You don’t have to go, Jake. I sorry I was bitchy.”

  “I’m leaving anyway, you need sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He kissed her good night once they reached the door.

  “I’m sorry.” She felt miserable for having attacked him.

  “Stop apologizing. It’s okay to let off steam. I hear it’s even healthy.”

  She locked the door and put her alarm on when he left. Exhausted, she went directly to bed. But her mind wouldn’t rest, her stomach wouldn’t settle, and her hands wouldn’t stop shaking. She felt like Jake and Phil were trains on the same track, heading toward a colossal head-on collision. I’m the conductor responsible for keeping them from derailing or colliding. Afraid Jake’s new case would destroy her life.

  *

  On the drive home, Jake tried to figure out why Kyra went crazy just because he asked her a question about gambling. It wasn’t intended as an insult. He planned on helping her if she’d gotten in too deep. Her reaction made him question her friendship with Phil again. Tomorrow Jake would start his research on one Mr. Phil Lucci.

  The next morning, Jake found Louie sitting in his office, sipping coffee. Louie and his wife Sophia had given him the coffee machine as a Christmas gift. Louie helped himself to it freely. Knocking Louie’s feet off his desk, Jake grabbed a cup before he sat down.

  “Comfortable, Louie?”

  “As a matter of fact, I am.”

  “Get your ass out of my chair.”

  “Grumpy, aren’t you? What, didn’t get any last night?”

  “Curb your humor. Kyra’s a lady.”

  “How’s Mia?”

  “You know, Louie, you cross a lot of lines. Just because we go way back doesn’t give you the right to interfere with my life.” He sat, staring Louie down ’til he turned away.

  “Who’s interfering? I was only inquiring after Mia.”

  “We’re done, Louie. Why can’t you get that through your thick, Italian head?”

  “I’ll ask again. Why are you so grumpy?”

  “I’m not grumpy. I have a lot on my mind.”

  “Yeah? Like what?”

  Jake looked around his office. It reflected him in every way. It was a large office which gave him room to pace, to think. He did both often. Each surface was uncluttered. Free of paperwork, he kept only his active cases on his desk. He made sure he kept up with all the paperwork and reports the job required. The inside wall was all glass, except for the door, and looked out into the bullpen. It did have curtains for those times he needed privacy.

  His detectives were busy—some on the phones, others typing away on their computers, a couple standing around drinking coffee. He knew he was stalling to avoid answering Louie’s question, but didn’t know if he wanted to involve him. Last night, after lying awake for many hours, his cop’s mind told him Kyra had to be involved with Phil. Spinning his chair around, Jake stared out the window at hoards of college kids going to class, and made a decision. He’d keep his thoughts to himself for now, until he finished his research. If Kyra was involved with the mob, then, and only then, would he bring Louie in on the investigation. He didn’t want to prejudice Louie against Kyra. For some reason, Louie loved Mia.

  “Let me see. I’m running the homicide department, which includes overseeing everyone’s cases. The paperwork on the administrative side of things is an endless pit into hell. Now I’m running the Missing Persons department, along with us working our active cases.”

  “Okay, I guess I’ll forgive you,” Louie joked. “But on the serious side of things, I did the follow-up on Mr. Wade’s drinking buddy the night he died.”

  “Get anything?”

  “Kevin Long claims he left Dwight at the bar around ten o’clock. He had to be in to work the next morning at six a.m. so he needed his beauty rest.”

  “Did it check out?”

  “I didn’t check it out last night. I’ve got it on my to-do list today.”

  “Okay, keep me in the loop.” Jake dismissed him.

  “You sure there’s nothing else on your mind?”

  “Sure, now get out of here. I have a boatload of paperwork to process. Louie, close the door on your way out.”

  Jake waited for Louie to shut the door before he turned his computer on and typed in the name Philip Lucci. He didn’t get any hits on the name so he tried a variation of the name and hit on Phil Lucci.

  Phil Lucci’s record was pretty sparse. He had a sealed record at the age of fifteen, a burglary charge at nineteen—he served only two years of a fifteen year sentence and then nothing. Date of birth was listed as July 16, 1987.

  “Kept your nose pretty clean after that, didn’t you, Phil?” Jake said aloud. “Where did you do your time?” Jake kept peeling layer after layer off Phil’s file until he was satisfied there was nothing else to learn.

  Leaning back in his chair, Jake let the information settle into his mind. Phil’d done hard time at the Radgowski Correctional Institution, now called Corrigan Correctional Institution, in Uncasville. There were some pretty tough characters in there. Phil must have gotten some education.

  Jake would have to check to see if any of the prison guards were still around. If so, would they remember Phil? Why would Kyra date him? Even once? It was bothering him, her association with Phil. He’d have to find a way to bring the subject up again without warning her he was looking at him.

  Various questions popped into his head, angering him. How much money did she owe him? She said her relationship with Phil was strictly business. What kind of business? Was he pimping her out? Jake didn’t think so. It wasn’t her style, though he’d seen stranger things on the job. Also, she’d seemed inexperienced the other night, but she sure did catch on quickly. Was Tom Russell her only lover? Did she marry a man who only took care of his own needs? Was Phil threatening her child? And the most disturbing question. Was Kyra using him? Jake didn’t think so.

  The ringing phone startled him. “Yes?”

  “Jake, it’s Kyra. I wanted to apologize again for last night. I don’t know what got into me.”

  “It’s okay, really.” His mind shouted, what are you into?

  “You’re positive? Because you sound a little off.”

  “I’m in the middle of some research, so I’m distracted. Where do you want to go to dinner tonight?”

  “Do you want to try the new restaurant in Southington?”

  “It’s a steak house, isn’t it?”

  “Yes.”

  “You eat too
much steak, Kyra.”

  “What are you, the beef police?” She cracked.

  “How about we head to the shore for a fish dinner?”

  “I hate fish, but it sounds okay, as long as it’s not too late. I have Trevor tomorrow.”

  “We’ll stay around here then. Is eight good?”

  “Perfect.”

  After he hung up, Jake stared at the phone for a long time. She seemed normal enough today, could he be reading more into her friendship with Phil than there was? Why would she date me, a cop, if she had something going on with Phil? Kyra wasn’t stupid. She had to know seeing me would put her in harm’s way. Shaking his head, Jake didn’t want to come to any conclusions without all the facts, but he needed to go with his gut on this one.

  *

  It was a nice night so he picked her up in the convertible with the top down. Settling Kyra into the car, he climbed in and put his seat belt on.

  “Is it okay with you if I keep the top down?”

  “Yes, it’s a beautiful night.”

  “Don’t care about your hair?”

  Smirking, she said, “You can’t mess it up, it’s always wild and curly.”

  “I know. I like it that way.” He reached over and ran his hand through it, pulling her to him for a kiss.

  Jake put the car in gear. They drove to the restaurant, but didn’t have reservations. There was a forty-five minute wait, so they grabbed a drink in the bar. The place was crowded, standing room only. The only spot available put them in front of the restrooms.

  “Lovely atmosphere, Jake.”

  “I picked it just for you.” He grinned.

  “Well, at least you get to check out all the pretty girls.”

  “There’s only one I’m interested in, and that’s you.”

  Blushing. “Thank you.”

  He leaned in to whisper in her ear but stopped in mid-word.

  “Jake.”

  “Mia.” He became ramrod straight.

  “How are you?”

  “Fine, you?”

  “Good.”

  He didn’t know what to say. For two months, he’d known exactly what he wanted to say to her. Now, confronted by her, he was tongue-tied. He couldn’t voice his thoughts with Kyra there. Her absence filled him with agony and seeing her now brought back the pain of their last conversation. Silence filled the air.

  “Hi, I’m Kyra.” She reached her hand out to shake Mia’s.

  “Sorry, Kyra. Mia, this is Mia…I’m sorry, Kyra Russell. Kyra, Mia Andrews.”

  “Hi, I won’t hold you up. It was nice meeting you, Kyra, and good seeing you, Jake.”

  “Same here, Mia,” Kyra said.

  “Mia…take care.”

  What was wrong with him? Talk to her, his mind screamed. He sipped his beer while he watched Mia walk away. There were so many things he wanted to say, but he couldn’t, not in front of Kyra. He turned back to her. Her eyes bored into his.

  “Why don’t you go talk to her, Jake? It’s pretty obvious you want to. I can see you still care for her. I can take your car home.”

  “I do care for her. I told you that from the beginning. And we’re on a date, Kyra. I’ll talk to her another time.” He rubbed his thumb over her cheek. “Are you trying to dump me?” She was a hard one to figure out, he mused.

  “No, I care for you more than I want to. It would hurt to lose you, but I’d never have your whole heart, would I?”

  “Do you want honesty?”

  “Always.”

  If only you would give it to me. “Then yes, you’re correct.”

  “Carrington, party of two.” The hostess announced.

  Jake raised his hand and said, “That’s us.”

  They walked by Mia. Jake noted she was with her girlfriends, not a date. It made him feel better. Their eyes locked as he passed. If he wasn’t mistaken, he saw jealousy in her eyes.

  Their waitress came over immediately to take their drink orders. Jake was ready for another, but noticed Kyra had barely touched hers.

  “Do you want wine, or do you want to stick with the vodka?”

  “I’ll stay with the vodka.”

  “I’ll have a Prada martini, straight up.”

  “What’s Prada?”

  “Polish vodka, as smooth as mother’s milk.”

  “Tasted a lot of mother’s milk, Jake?” Kyra joked.

  “Definitely, I have a thing for lactating women.”

  Kyra could always make him laugh. It’s why he liked her so much. He hoped he was wrong about her connection to Phil Lucci. He secretly sulked through dinner, trying to get a view of Mia without Kyra noticing.

  They ordered their dinner and ate. He wouldn’t say conversation was forced, but his mind was definitely elsewhere.

  “Are you all right, Jake?”

  “I’m fine, Kyra. I’m sorry, I’m not great company tonight. Seeing Mia threw me for a loop.”

  “Stop apologizing, it’s not necessary. Why don’t we call it a night and head home?”

  “I’ll be right back then we’ll leave.”

  “Mia!” She was coming out of the women’s room, walked right into Jake.

  “You moved on quickly, Jake,” Mia said.

  “Don’t start, Mia. You want to talk, call me. Now is not the time or the place…”

  “Goodbye, Jake.” Before Mia turned away Jake saw her anger, but more, he saw the hurt in her eyes.

  Jake grabbed her arm, forced her to look at him. “What do you want from me, Mia? I mean really want, because I’m lost here.”

  “I miss you, Jake,” she whispered.

  He went to reach for her, but instead he steeled himself, keeping his arms locked at his sides. “I miss you too, but you know it was your choice…”

  “No, Jake, it was yours. You asked for more than I could give at the time.”

  “It’s been two months, Mia.”

  “I know.”

  “No, you don’t. You haven’t a clue. And now, because I’m with another woman, you want to do this. I can’t—” Jake turned away from her, and walked into the men’s room.

  He heard someone coming in and turned from the urinal, shocked, as Mia pushed her way in. “Christ, Mia.” He zipped up, turning to her.

  “No, Jake, you listen. It’s been hell for me too. I don’t know how to fix this.” She pointed to him, then to herself.

  “Mia, I’m on a …” A man walked in, looked at the both of them, turned and walked out.

  Jake never took his eyes off of her. “I’m on a date, Mia. Call me tomorrow. We’ll talk or meet up, whatever you want. I’m just not doing this now.”

  *

  It wasn’t right but she admired his as he walked to the men’s room. Blinking, not trusting her vision when Mia cornered Jake.

  Disbelief, shock and one ‘what the hell’ hit her as Mia pushed her way into the men’s room after Jake. What balls that woman had. How should she handle him when he came back? Confront him or comfort him? What she’d seen in his eyes when he first saw Mia wrenched her gut.

  Never taking her eyes off of the men’s room door, waiting and holding her breath, Kyra saw Mia exit, and locked eyes with her—Mia broke eye contact first, but not before Kyra noticed her tears. How would Jake act when he got back to the table? She didn’t have to wait long to find out. He walked out of the men’s room and came straight to the table, signaling the waitress on his way. He must be a great cop because his face held no expression—blank, his eyes flat.

  You’re in there somewhere Jake, but where? She decided to confront him, but then she saw the fissure in his composure. It was slight, but there. Kyra had sympathy for him, but she was very angry also. Where does she stand here? Her thoughts upset her. She had no right. He’d been honest with her from the beginning.

  The waitress brought the bill. Kyra’s mind kept throwing questions at her while Jake settled up with the waitress. “Are you ready, Kyra?”

  She nodded.

  He walked around the table an
d pulled out her chair. Thank goodness they didn’t have to walk by Mia to leave the restaurant. Walking in silence, they reached Jake’s car.

  He opened her door. She started to climb in but he pulled her back up. Taking her in his arms, he whispered, “I’m sorry I ruined your night.”

  Kyra put her arms around him. She rubbed her hands up and down his back, offering comfort. “You didn’t, Jake. It’s no one’s fault we ran into Mia tonight. I wish I knew how to erase your pain.”

  “You being here’s enough.” She wondered if that was true.

  At her door, she asked, “Do you want to come in?”

  “Yes.”

  Once inside, Jake closed and locked the door. Once again, he took her into his arms. She put her arms around him. Leaning up on her toes, she kissed him gently on the lips. Jake pulled back, looking into her eyes.

  “I really care for you, Kyra. You know that, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I do. You don’t have to reassure me.”

  “I’m not. It was a little awkward tonight—shit, a lot awkward.” He broke the embrace, paced the room.

  “Is that the first time you’ve seen her since the break-up?”

  “Yes.”

  “I see.”

  “All my feelings came back, whacking me upside the head.”

  “You’re so poetic.” Kyra forced a smile, hoping to relax Jake.

  “Right, more like idiotic. Still want me to stay?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?” Oh Jake, for so many reasons.

  “Because I enjoy your company. And tonight you need a friend—I’m your friend.”

  He walked over to her, gave her a hug. “Thanks.” Christ, I was hoping for more.

  “You’re welcome. Do you want a drink?”

  “No, just you.”

  He took her chin in his hand and tilted it up, studying her. At that moment he realized he needed her, changed his mind about talking to her tonight.

  “Well, you’re in luck. I’m available.”

  “That makes me the luckiest guy alive tonight.”

  “You sweet-talking devil, come into the bedroom before you spew more lies.”

  “Not lying.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Saturday morning, Jake draped an arm around Kyra as he rolled over. Snuggling in closer to her, he hoped she’d become aware of his need. She didn’t move, so he pushed in a little closer.