Burn in Hell_A Jake Carrington Mystery Page 9

  “Not a problem. Are you hungry?”

  “You bet.”

  “Finally, I’ve found someone who can keep up with my eating.”

  The place Jake picked to eat dinner gave Kyra more insight into Jake and his personality. A noisy, busy, fried-food restaurant, specializing in fish, she was glad when she spotted meat on the menu. It amazed her that she felt more at home here than where she’d dined with Phil last night. Once again observing the ease with which they talked. Nothing about their conversation seemed forced. She had to be careful because she found her guard dropping around him. Jake had a way of pulling personal information from her.

  “You must be an excellent interrogator.”

  “Why?” He popped a piece of lobster into his mouth.

  “You have a way of pulling a person out of her shell.”

  He laughed and reached over to offer her a piece of his lobster. She shook her head, pressed her lips tightly together.

  “I’m just getting to know you. Am I being intrusive?”

  “No, I…like your style.”

  “Good, because I like yours.” He grinned.

  Stuffed, they walked the beach again after dinner. Jake put his arms around her to keep her warm when the air cooled as the sun set. Being so close to him made her downright hot. It’s been a long time since all her parts had caught on fire. I could fall in love with Jake if I’m not careful. Whoa, where did that thought come from? Earth to Kyra, this is only the second date. And let me remind you, he’s a cop.

  “Where did you go?” Jake asked.

  “Sorry, the ocean makes my mind float.” She saw his expression. “In a good way.”

  He stopped, turned her toward him and kissed her. Heat spread through Kyra’s body, stopping at her core. She wanted to throw him down on the sand and jump on top of him. Oh yeah, it’s been awhile, she mused. Pouring everything into the kiss, his response gave her great pleasure as he harden against her. If we were closer to home, this could lead to a big mistake. Pulling her lips from his, she looked into his eyes and smiled. He smiled back. I love his smile. I can’t believe how hot and bothered it makes me. Who would’ve thought—a smile, of all things.

  “I think we better stop,” she said, holding on to him for balance.

  “Why?”

  “I…because I want to go slow.”

  “I told you we’d go at your pace. I just wanted to show you how much I desire you.”

  “I figured that out, Jake,” she joked.

  “Do you always use humor to get out of a situation?”

  “Am I in a situation?” She stared.

  “A question?”

  “Okay Jake, I want you too. I’m not divorced yet and I’m confused. I’m not a modern girl. Tommy’s the only man I’ve ever made love to. I don’t know what’s acceptable anymore. I want to go at my own pace. Sex isn’t casual with me.”

  “Okay, but I’m available if you do decide you want casual sex.” Wiggling his eye brows as he said it, Kyra punched his arm.

  “Funny.”

  Drawing her closer when she shivered in his arms. “Let’s get back. You’re cold, aren’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  Back at the car, Jake unlocked her door, and opened it. Holding the door open, he took her in his arms again, kissing her before she could climb in. Damn, same reaction.

  “I’m warm now,” she blurted out, face turning red.

  Jake bellowed. “I can make you warmer.”

  “I’m sure, but I’m hot enough right now, thanks.” She smiled and climbed into the car.

  *

  Pissed wasn’t the word Phil would have used. I haven’t been this angry in years and I can’t even explain why. She was certainly enjoying Jake’s company. Phil had watched for a while before he approached them. Kyra seemed relaxed, even animated, with this guy. Last night she acted stiff and on edge with him, only relaxing as she drank more wine. Phil reminded himself she’d made no promises to him. It didn’t curb his anger. Who’s Jake? The cop or the ex-husband? He’d have to do some research. He always liked to know his competition and there was no mistake—this guy was his competition. It was clear as day.

  The more Phil thought about Kyra with Jake, the angrier he got. He thought she said she wasn’t going to see the cop again. Though not 100 percent sure, his gut told him Jake was Kyra’s cop. The bastard stood up to intimidate me. Height didn’t bother Phil. He’d dealt with being small his whole life—he’d taken down much larger men than Jake. That thought calmed him some.

  Tired and cranky on Monday, he thought it was about time he found out about Jake. A little competition didn’t faze him as long as he won. Last night he lost sleep thinking about Kyra with Jake. When she called he ignored it. Let it go to voice mail. Not able to take it any longer he listened to her voice message. It sounded business-like, not personal, and that annoyed him immensely. She was certainly getting personal with Jake on the beach. He placed a phone call to Wilkesbury. His contact at the police department picked up on the first ring.

  “Wilkesbury Police Department, Detective Stack speaking.”

  “Hi, Carl.”

  “Phil.”

  “Sorry to bother you at work, what’s new?”

  Phil knew Carl would call him back on a secured line once he hung up. Phil had set up the signal between them years ago. He called Carl and shot the breeze; then Carl would call him back outside the police department.

  “I’m sorry to rush you, Phil. I have a work-related call I have to take.”

  “Okay, talk to you later.”

  Carl had just informed him another cop was close by, listening in on his conversation. When he’d set up this system, he thought Carl tended to be overly cautious, but he now appreciated the security. He waited patiently for Carl to call back. Ten minutes later he did.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting Phil, I couldn’t get rid of the guy.”

  “No problem, I have some questions.”

  “Okay, shoot.”

  “Do you have a cop on the force by the name of Jake? I don’t have his last name. He’s about six feet tall with red hair.”

  “It could be the lieutenant,” Carl said.

  “Is he homicide?”

  “Yes. Listen Phil, he’s straight-forward.”

  “What’s his last name?”

  “Carrington. You’re not going to approach him, are you?”

  “No. I met him over the weekend. No one mentioned his last name. It got my curiosity up. I like to know who’s who, you understand. I can smell a cop twenty feet away.” I’m talking too much. A bug like Carl doesn’t need to know my business.

  “Yeah, I know.”

  “Is he your boss?”

  “No. I work missing persons.”

  “That’s right…okay, thanks Carl. I’ll talk to you soon. One more thing, is he involved with anyone?”

  “No, he’s a player, but he did get seriously involved with someone recently. I heard through the grapevine that she dumped him. It messed him up.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  Phil hung up. He gave a lot of thought to what Carl said. So, Jake’s a player. Was he playing Kyra? The jerk better not hurt her. He could make Jake’s life miserable if he so desired. Phil had political connections throughout the state. The thought made him smile. Yeah, if Jake became a problem he’d ruin his career. The more he thought of it the more he liked the idea of Jake Carrington meeting an untimely death. Wouldn’t it be rich if he had Kyra cremate him?

  Chapter Thirteen

  For a change, Kyra felt great when she woke up Monday morning. What a wonderful weekend and Jake’s the one who made it wonderful. The money helped too. She needed to be careful with Jake. He’s turning out to be more than a distraction. After two dates, she understood what Dina had meant when she said he grabbed hold of your heart and didn’t let go. What am I going to do about Phil? Phil, Phil, Phil. He’s not a man you brush off. She needed to tread softly there to come out alive.

  Ph
il must be really mad. He didn’t return her call last night. What’s up with that? One date does not a relationship make, she mused. A control freak and her boss—Kyra had to keep that in mind at all times. Not good to mix business with pleasure. She’d correct her mistake today.

  Her business cellphone rang as she walked into her bathroom. Not recognizing the number, she answered. “Hello.”

  “Ms. Russell?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Stan Slawlaski from Bridgeport.”

  “Yes?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m with the Slawlaski Funeral Home?”

  “Okay, what can I do for you?”

  “Mr. Lucci told me to call you?” Still nothing.

  “Who is Mr. Lucci?” she asked, baffled.

  Silence.

  “I must have the wrong number, sorry.” The guy hung up. Weird, Kyra thought.

  A few minutes later, her personal cell rang. Checking the phone she saw Phil’s number, causing alarms to go off in her head.

  “Phil?”

  “Good morning, Kyra. How are you today?”

  “I’m fine and you?” My aren’t we being formal today.

  “Good. Stan Slawlaski just called me, confused.”

  “Well, so am I. He called and asked for me; then he mentioned a Mr. Lucci. I didn’t have a clue. Is that your last name?”

  “Yes, I thought you knew that.”

  “No, you never told me. So what did Mr. Stan Slawlaski want?”

  “He wants to arrange a cremation.”

  “Phil…this is between you and me, right?” Her stomach roiled at the thought of others knowing the acts she committed for him.

  “Mr. Slawlaski works for me.”

  “How many people know about this, Phil?”

  “Kyra, remember, I don’t answer to you, you answer to me. All Mr. Slawlaski knows is his next cremation will be done at your place instead of at the Bridgeport crematory.”

  “Let me tell you the whole conversation with Stan, so the next time he calls he can give me more information.” She proceeded to fill him in while he listened without interrupting her.

  “I see why you were confused. I’ll talk to him. He’s not the brightest bulb.”

  Kyra looked at her watch. If she didn’t get going soon, she’d be late for work. She needed to do her make-up and hair before getting dressed, but she knew the incident yesterday at the beach needed to be addressed.

  “Phil, I’d like to come visit you tonight for a little while. Is that okay?”

  “Why?”

  “I think we should talk about yesterday.”

  “What’s to talk about?”

  Oh yeah, he’s really pissed. Shit. “I don’t know. You seemed upset.”

  “Why, because you’re going out with Jake Carrington? I thought you said you were probably not going to see him again?”

  Oh shit, he knows Jake’s name. How did he get the information so fast? “I did. When he called I changed my mind. The beach sounded wonderful.” Shut-up, Kyra, you’re talking too much.

  “Okay, but I can’t see you until ten o’clock. I have other plans, okay?”

  Ball buster. Of course it’s not good. “Okay, I’ll be there at ten.”

  “See you then.”

  *

  Very childish of him to put her out, but he didn’t feel amicable at the moment. He could guess why she wanted to see him, though he didn’t want to hear it. It was obvious in her kiss. She felt nothing for him. Why not? Why the damn cop? Well, he’d remind her who owned her tonight.

  “What?” he screamed at a knock on his door.

  “Boss…”

  “I’m fine, Angelo.” He waved him away.

  Phil watched Angelo pull up a chair and sit across from him, ignoring the dismissal. He cocked his head to study him.

  “Don’t know what go away means, Ang?”

  “I know what it means. I think we need to talk.”

  “About what?”

  “The redhead.”

  “Her name is Kyra,” Phil emphasized.

  “I know her name. I think she’s trouble.”

  “You think every woman’s trouble.”

  “Not so, my wife’s a peach.”

  “I’ll agree there’s one good woman in the world. Happy?”

  “I like Kyra. She can provide a great service for us, Phil, but I don’t think she’s interested in a personal relationship.”

  “Be careful where you tread, Ang.”

  “It’s not anything against you or her. It’s just not a good match.”

  “Why?”

  “She sees you as her boss, nothing more.”

  “Why?”

  “She was put out Saturday night when you brought her in here first to discuss business. You did it to remind her you were the boss.” Angelo smiled.

  Angelo’s overstepping his authority, but I’ll let him continue. They’d been together for many years. Usually, Phil respected him and his opinions. Most people didn’t know Angelo was his partner.

  “It’s only your opinion.”

  “No. I know you, Phil. I watched her the other day. She’s a professional, takes pride in her work. You pushed her away before you even asked her out. You did the whole ‘I own you’ thing, didn’t you?”

  Phil chuckled. “I did. How’d you know?”

  “Well, that’s not the way to win a woman, especially a woman like Kyra. Has she been to the casino yet?”

  “No, I’m surprised. She definitely has a problem, but no, she hasn’t gone since last Tuesday. What do you make of that?”

  “Maybe she’s trying. I know she wants her son back.”

  “There’s something missing in a mother who gives up her son.” He thought of his own mother. How she deserted him to fend for himself against a mean drunk at the age of nine.

  “She didn’t give him up, Phil. I did the research. Her husband had the money to get custody and pushed it through. He was taken from her.”

  “Because of her problem,” Phil stressed.

  “Yes, because of the gambling, but most people don’t lose their kids because of it. Her husband’s family is connected in Wilkesbury.”

  “What do you think of him?”

  Phil knew Angelo’s research skills were the best. People would be surprised to find out how deftly he handled a computer.

  “He works hard, but he hasn’t made any big splash in life. He married young, had a kid, and works. I understand the divorce is ripping him to pieces.”

  “He sat in wait for her Saturday night until she got home.”

  “He’s the one who wanted the divorce. He couldn’t handle her gambling. She’s okay?”

  “Yeah, it shook her. I think I should talk to him.”

  “Phil, don’t. I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to. I think she can handle herself. Let’s keep her strictly as a business tool, okay?”

  “She doesn’t want me to talk to him, but she wants to talk to me tonight about yesterday.”

  “Is she coming here?”

  “Yes, I told her I’m not available until ten o’clock.”

  Angelo shook his head and laughed. “Pissy, aren’t you?”

  “I guess I am. I really like her, she’s different. On another note, what do you think about Joe Dillon?”

  “He’s ambitious. At the moment he serves a purpose. Why?” Angelo frowned.

  “It just seems…I don’t know. Let me think about this before we discuss it.”

  Phil tapped his pencil on the desk.

  “Discuss what, Phil?”

  “There’s something about him I don’t like. He had no qualms about setting up a woman with a small child.”

  “You don’t like him because he set up Kyra.”

  “It’s not funny.”

  “Yeah, it is.”

  Phil didn’t think so. Angelo should stop laughing for his own health, Phil thought.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kyra worked through her day in a fog. One minute she’d be s
miling, thinking of Jake. The next, her stomach would turn upside down when she thought of Phil. What would she tell him tonight to keep their business arrangement intact while keeping herself alive?

  Saturday night’s dinner went okay, but there was something off about Phil. She guessed if you could order someone’s death, you couldn’t possibly be normal. What does that say about you? It didn’t even bother her when she disposed of the body for him. Not being bothered really surprised her. It was her job to dispose of bodies. Something she did every day. As she scooped the remains of today’s cremation from the chamber, she rehearsed what she’d tell Phil. Her thoughts were interrupted when the intercom speaker boomed to life.

  “Kyra?”

  She walked over to the intercom then depressed the button. “Yes, Dina?”

  “Jake’s on the phone for you.”

  “Thanks, I’ll grab it in here.”

  Kyra walked into the processing room to grab the phone. “Hello.”

  “Hi Kyra, I wanted to give you a quick call…tell you I had a great time yesterday.”

  “Me too.”

  “What night would you like to go out this week?”

  “I can’t tonight or Wednesday, any other night’s fine.” Smiling when she realized she’d been waiting all day for his call. Her body turned into a furnace, the fire raging, when she thought about or talked to him. It made her feel alive for the first time in ages.

  “How about tomorrow night?”

  “Sounds wonderful, what time?”

  “Is seven good?”

  “Yes. How about I cook for us?” This could get her into trouble, she mused.

  “No, I’ll take you out.”

  “You sure? I don’t mind cooking.”

  “Yep, this way we can visit without distractions.”

  “Distractions?” she said coyly.

  “Yes, you know what I mean.”

  “I do. Seven it is. See you then, Jake. Thanks for calling.”

  “Bye.”

  A huge smile spread across her face as she hung up. If she could get through tonight, everything would be fine.

  *

  Jake hung up, shaking his head. He’d blown the perfect opportunity with Kyra. He should’ve accepted the dinner invitation at her condo. Boy, he was definitely attracted to her. The timing just wasn’t right. He wouldn’t push her, but hoped making love would be in their near future. Jake liked that she didn’t do casual sex. How stupid was he? It just made him want her more.