Chapter 11
24 Hours Later
“The adult film industry was recently rocked with the brutal murders of members of the film crew in addition to the attempted murder of Cum Again Studio’s top male star, Levi Andres. It is reported that the near death of Andres has prompted the return of Kandi Kyses. As soon as we can get an interview with CAS representatives, we’ll bring you up to date. Reporting from Cum Again Studios, this is James O’Brien for SXY.”
Hands trembling, Clar turned off the TV. She dreaded what the next few minutes would bring. Outside, in front of cameras, she’d have to re-invent Kandi Kyses. She’d have to give a performance convincing enough to lure a killer out from hiding. The same crazed maniac that probably killed Dylan last year. The nutcracker who murdered the studio film crew. The killer who’d left Levi near dead with a message just for her.
What had any of them done to that person? What had she done to provoke these murders?
Clar drew in a deep breath then adjusted the skullcap, hardly recognizing the image staring back at her. The tight, diving V neck top barely concealed the fleshy breastplate. Her full figure pinched from being squeezed into a waist-cinching garment that she’d sworn off a year ago. The makeup made her feel more like a clown than a beautiful woman. The person she’d vowed to never be again emerged slowly from the depths leaving a sour taste in her mouth.
“I don’t know if I can pull this off, Jacki. I worked hard to have a normal life.” Clar fought the urge to let the tears stinging her eyes stream down. “It’s been a while since I’ve acted. I buried the person I was back then over a year ago. And now...”
“I know. If it’s too much, then don’t do this. We’ll think of a different way to get the guy.” Jacki stood nearby in the shadows. She’d become one of Clar’s pillars of support on this scheme of theirs to catch the murderer. “And for the record. You haven’t changed, only the packaging is different.”
“Going undercover isn’t the issue, I’m at peace with that.” Clar grabbed the long blonde Farrah Fawcett 70’s style wig, stroking its golden fibers while her stomach twisted in knots. “I never in a million years thought I’d be back here.”
“Hey, look at it this way. The Elvira breastplate saved you from getting implants again.”
“Geez, leave it to you to come up with that!” Clar laughed, the tension of doubt ebbing. “I signed up to do this and I’ll go through with it. Just hope it works the way we planned it.”
“Don’t worry. Clint will be in the studio with you and I’ll be out front with Evie screening everyone who comes in and out. Jimmy is on the street with his ear to the ground. If something’s amiss, we’ll know about it.” Jacki’s reflection stepped into the mirror, frustration creasing her otherwise beautiful face. “We’ve got your back.”
The clean faced, beautiful cowgirl Clar knew and loved had been replaced by a modern-day Jezebel. Complete with exposed breasts peeking out of her top, big hair the color of the setting sun on a winter’s day, and more makeup on her face than any cosmetic company had in product.
Clar turned, stifling a giggle. “You, um, well...”
“Look like I belong in a porn movie?” Jacki quipped, tucking her bulging breasts back into the bra. “No disrespect intended.”
“Let’s just say your assets will draw some attention.” Clar chuckled. “Clint will have a...hard...time of it for sure.”
“Exactly what I was afraid of.” Jacki tugged at the hairpiece. “The last thing I need is that ex-Ranger on my trail.”
“Um, I think he’s exactly what you need. A warm body on those icy winter nights. Picture him putting up hay or working Max. Yum is what comes to mind.” Clar winked, then turned back to her own reflection.
For a moment she’d forgotten about their plan. She’d forgotten she’d be going back in front of the camera, real or not. She’d forgotten a murderer was out there hunting for her, if the wrappers scattered on the floor around Levi meant anything. And the cryptic message about wanting more candy kisses. What else could it mean other than someone was out to get her?
Standing, Clar shook out her arms and hands. Sucking in a deep breath, she scrutinized the reflection looking back at her. As good as it’s going to get. Ready. Set. Shoot. With a curt nod Clar said, “Let’s see if Clint is ready and get this shindig started.”
***
C LAR WALKED INTO THE front office, her hips and breasts swaying with each step as she inched her way toward Jimmy. Every blood cell in his body went into a turbo boil of lust. Exit Clar Turner. Enter Kandi Kyses.
A low whistle floated around the room. “Wow! What the hell happened to Clar? Where is she?” Clint mocked concern looking around the room before sliding up next to Jimmy. “Damn! You are one hell of a lucky man, O’Brien.”
Jimmy had all but forgotten what this side of Clar looked like. Yes, she was sexually slutty as hell and looked ready for action. Yes, his damn penis reacted like any normal male would making his pants a bit uncomfortable. Did she really turn him on heart and soul? Not as Kandi Kyses, adult film star. It was Clar Turner, candy maker, who pushed his buttons. Underneath all the goop and costume was the woman he adored.
“Looks like I’m not the only one,” Jimmy remarked as Jacki followed Clar into the office.
“Hmph, I prefer my women with horse shit on their boots, not their face.” Clint smiled, picked up the camera sitting on the desk, turned and adjusted the crotch of his pants.
Jimmy chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “And you accused me of having it bad.”
Both Clar and Jacki scowled, tossed their heads, then flipped a shoulder at them. Jimmy burst out loud with laughter. “I guess we’ve been flipped off, Mason.”
Jimmy glanced at his watch. Two o’clock and no sight of Evie. “Has anyone heard from our favorite receptionist today?” Thumbing through an appointment book on her desk, he noted she’d penciled in today’s interview. He knew she’d at least would have known they were going to be there today. What the hell could be keeping her?
Clar turned, her face scrunched with worry. “No, it’s not like her. But then again, this is all about me and Levi, so who knows. Maybe she’s caught up in traffic. Or wants to make a grand entrance.”
“Maybe.” Something unsettling prickled at the back of Jimmy’s neck. “If we don’t hear from her by the time we’re done, then I’m calling Cameron. We can’t delay this any longer though. Jacki, can you manage until she shows up?”
“I think I can handle what walks through that door,” Jacki said, pulling up to the desk. “While I’m here I’ll do a little digging of my own.”
“Clar—ur Kandi—your adoring public awaits your arrival,” Jimmy said, lightly squeezing her hand. Gawd, how he wanted so much more from her. This wasn’t the time, but it would be and the sooner the better. Or he’d have to find a way to relieve the pressure mounting between his thighs. “Give me a few minutes to set up and then make your entrance.
“Clint, stay close in case the killer is hanging around. The last thing I want to report on is the live assassination of Kandi Kyses.”
“You got it.” Clint swung the camera on his shoulder and pushed through the door to the parking lot.
“Jacki, are you sure you’re okay in here alone?” Clar looked at her friend, worry etched across her face.
“Yes, now get the heck out of here. We can’t catch a fly without the honey.” Jacki waved them away from the desk and the task she’d set out to do.
Jimmy took Clar’s elbow and leaned in, “Don’t worry, I’d never let anything happen to you.” He followed Clint’s path, dread squeezing around his heart.
I hope we’re doing the right thing here. Damn, I should have told Cameron!
***
C LAR STOOD PEERING out the door’s smoky tinted window. Every fear she’d had was pushed aside into a part of her mind no one would be able to reach. The person she’d worked hard to become neatly packed away for safe keeping. She could do this. She had to do this.
“Clar, I’ll be standing just outside at the end of the walk, waiting for you.” Jimmy pointed out the window toward the sign that marked the studio’s entrance. “Clint, I’ll need you to be in a position that will keep me on camera but also give you the ability to stay aware of the surroundings.”
“How will I know when you want me to come out?” Clar hoped to delay Jimmy from leaving her alone with her thoughts. What was she worried about? Some newscast about her return? Questions about where she’s been? How she felt about the recent murders and Levi’s near-death beating? Hell yeah, every one of them.
***
“D ON’T WORRY, I’LL HANDLE the story until you’re ready. Remember to just go with whatever I come up with regarding the attack.” Jimmy placed a reassuring hand on her arm and gave it a light squeeze. “I have to ask, Clar, you know that.”
Clar rubbed the tingle of fire that spread under her skin straight to the tips of her painted toes. “Of course you do, it’s your job. It’s what you’re good at. Just don’t fawn all over me like you used to. That’s all I ask.”
“If I don’t people will wonder what’s up.” Jimmy brushed his lips at the corner of her mouth, blazing her with desire. “It’ll be like not riding a bike for a while for a few minutes, but then you’ll remember right away once things get rolling.”
Jimmy pushed through the doors to the outside, Clint a few steps behind, camera slung onto his shoulder.
“That’s what I’m worried about—remembering.” Glancing at the wall clock, Clar drew in a shaky breath. She’d give him a few minutes to get the broadcast set then go out to her adoring public. Adoring indeed. Somewhere out there was a killer who wanted her and she didn’t think it was for pleasure.
She was still trying to process everything. All the images of recent customers hadn’t sparked a warning bell, neither did any of the on-line orders. Whoever it was had to have been in her shop, but when? What the hell had she done to provoke such horrible actions?
“Clar, would you turn on the TV so I can help keep an eye on things out there? Clint might miss something.” Jacki never peeked over the top of the monitor on Evie’s desk. She’d been working on breaking the password code so that she’d have access to any records.
Evie hadn’t shown up for work yet, that in itself was unusual. She was as punctual as the church bells announcing the hour. Clar wondered what kind of game Evie was up to and why.
Clar pressed the on button. “You’ve got your head buried already. How do you plan to do both? Break the code and watch the broadcast?”
“As soon as I hear O’Brien’s voice it’ll have my devoted attention.” Jacki continued to peck away at the keyboard, writing down word sequences as she went along. It was going to be a long process, but if anyone could find out what Evie’s password was, it would be Jackson Wolfe.
“We interrupt this program for breaking news. We have James O’Brien at Cum Again Studios where it is rumored the queen of adult films, Kandi Kyses, is on the premises. James, what do you have for us so far?”
“Thank you, Charles. I can tell you the rumor is no longer a rumor. Kandi Kyses did indeed return sometime late last night in a black truck. Why she’s here and where she’s been is a matter of speculation. One can only imagine it’s been the latest attacks that has brought her back to the studio. As soon as there is more developing news, I’ll let you know. Thank you, Charles. For SXY, this is James O’Brien.”
“There you have it, folks, the buxom blonde has indeed returned to Cum Again Studios. As soon as we have any new developments, we’ll bring you up to date.”