Simply To Die For

Chapter 12

D amn! They’ve already started. Screw it. That fucking LA traffic on the 101 blew my plan out of the water or I would have been in place before it all started. Now I’ve got to find a way to get into position without being detected. Tough, but not impossible with these morons, they are so predictable.

“This is James O’Brien for SXY coming to you live with an update from outside Cum Again Studios where Kandi Kyses is inside. Kandi Kyses has agreed to a brief interview. We are expecting her at any moment. Could she be returning to the screen? Or is she here to be at the bedside of fellow star, Levi Andres. As you all know, Mr. Andres was brutally attacked and left to die alongside one of his co-stars and the entire film crew. The police still have no suspects and no leads in this case, nor the Dylan Cameron cold case.

“Kandi Kyses quietly left the studio a year ago without a trace. The question burning on everyone’s mind is why? Why leave at the height of her film career? Where did she go when she retired? What was she doing? At one time, this reporter heard something about chocolate and bunnies. That lead left me with chocolate on my face and licking my chops.

“Looks like Ms. Kyses is on her way.” The camera swung, capturing Kandi Kyses as she sashayed through the door and down the walk, head held high, hips swaying with each step. Long blonde hair waved through the California breeze, free and easy.

“Kandi Kyses, let me say on behalf of every red-blooded man out there—thank you for coming back. We’ve all missed you. I’ve missed following your outstanding career.”

“Thank you, James. I missed all of you too.” Kandi smiled, the tip of her tongue lingering for a brief moment on her upper ruby red lip.

“Careful now, you’ll make me blush and ruin my tough guy image. Let’s put all the innuendos aside and get to the heart of the matter. Your fans and admirers want to know where you’ve been for the past year. I couldn’t even get a bead on you, and believe me, I’ve tried.”

“Now, Jimmy.” Kandi sucked in her bottom lip, running a fingertip over Jimmy’s mouth. “A girl’s gotta have some secrets, doesn’t she? I’ve been preparing for my next roll and film, that’s all. It takes time, my love.”

“Yes, I guess it does, but just the same I have so many questions to ask you. Where have you been? Up until lately it’s been pretty boring around here without you. Does your retirement have something to do with chocolate and bunnies? Or are you here to comfort Levi Andres? What’s the real reason for your return?”

“My, aren’t you full of questions? Some of which have no validation to even entertain answering, I’m sure.” Kandi flipped her blonde hair at the camera, then winked. “As you know, Levi is a good friend of mine. Off screen, he’s been like a little brother to me. When I heard he’d had an accident, I knew I had to be at his side. Family takes care of family, that’s what I’ve always believed.”

“Yes, but how do you feel about what has happened? First the murder of Dylan Cameron on set with the killer yet to be found, followed by your sudden retirement. Now the deaths, and the brutal beating of Levi while on set in the middle of a scene, about to make love to his co-star. Some may say you know more than anyone and that you’re afraid to come forward. Do you believe these two incidents are interconnected? Do you think it’s the same killer? Or just a copycat. What makes you think you being here is going to help solve a cold case and the recent homicides?”

SMACK! Kandi’s hand splattered across the reporter’s face, sending a message loud and clear.

“Mr. O’Brien, I believe this interview is over!” The camera followed Kandi as she stomped her way back into the studio, shaking her hand.

Hmph. Andres is no more a movie star than my big toe. More like odd man out with the ladies. As I thought, Andres’s beating had been too good for her to resist not coming back to LA. Ha, mission accomplished!

I can see why every man in the world lusts after her. Kandi Kyses movies are highly sought after because of what she does to a man. Hell, I’ve got a boner just watching her strut. Granted, she’s not the thinner woman of a year ago. Her body’s fuller with sexy womanly curves begging to be manipulated. Yeah, well, looks are deceiving. Never trust a woman who makes chocolate like she’s having pretend sex. Rich. Delicious. Mouth-watering.

She smiled at O’Brien like he was a popsicle for her to lick slow and easy. She makes me sick. What kind of black magic does she use to get every man wanting her? I’ll find out her secret and use it to my advantage, then destroy her. I’ll take back what should rightfully be mine from birth.

Sickening, totally sickening. So full of shit! She’s no more returning to what they call acting than I am. Maybe if they knew how big of a liar she is, they’d cast her aside like yesterday’s garbage. Her deception runs deep and dark as a black hole. Time to bring it to light. To expose her. To have her pay for the sins against others. Against family. Against me.

There we go, let’s get to the real reason why the bitch is back, O’Brien. Tell them who brought you back, bitch!

The look on her face couldn’t have been more precious. She was pissed! Her pursed mouth made her head look like it could explode with nails driving right into O’Brien’s face. Ha, that would have been great! I’d have him out of the way and no one would be none the wiser.

Shit, that left hook had to hurt! Left the bastard with his big mouth hung to the floor. I’ll reward her for it. Then I’ll take my revenge like I did with the others.

Kandi will wish she never returned and had stayed up north with her chocolate bunnies. But I need her here to complete what I’ve started with Dylan Cameron. I want what’s mine and I’m going to get it!

As for the cops, they’ll be chasing their tails for a long time before they find me. And by the time they do, Kandi Kyses will be anything but kissable.

***

“W HAT THE HELL WAS THAT all about out there? Are you pissed because I didn’t fawn all over you?” Jimmy rubbed the red mark fanned across his cheek, the shock of it lingered in his eyes.

Clar hoped it stung as much as her hand. It took all she had to keep from shaking the sting away, instead she massaged the center of her palm with the pad of her thumb.

“No, you asshole! Drilling me about Dylan, and then Levi. And that shit about where I’ve been?” Clar backed up, waving everyone from her. “What the hell was I supposed to say? You made me feel like a complete piece of mindless fluff.”

She didn’t want to calm down. She didn’t want anyone telling her to calm down. She had the right to be pissed off. But at who and what expense? To make their act as convincing as possible in case the killer was watching? Even now, away from the camera, she wanted to keep acting this out, not to let her guard down. She didn’t want anyone else to get killed if she eased up for a second. That scared the hell out of her more than her portrayal during the interview.

Clar swallowed an acid lump of regret lodged in her throat. With so much at stake, she wouldn’t back down regardless of how much she wanted to. Everything had to go according to plan, even if feelings got hurt along the way. Improvise Jimmy had said. He didn’t say anything about hearts breaking. Or losing the trust she’d started to feel for him.

“That, out there, was not what I agreed to. Not one damn bit. You haven’t changed, James O’Brien. Always after a story no matter the cost. Trying to make an innocent person out to be a guilty shit head. Don’t ever come near me again!” Clar reached out to steady herself. The room spun slowly, causing her to take a few deep breaths. If she didn’t calm down, she’d be sucked into a drain of swirling shit.

Breathe, slow and easy. 1. 2. 3. Breathe in, blow out.

“Do you have something to be guilty of, Ms. Turner? Is there some information you’re hiding that could shed light on the recent attacks?” Jimmy popped the wall with his hand, his back ramrod straight with anger and frustration. “Damn it! What the hell do you want from me, Clar? I’ve given you everything—”

“Congratulations, you’ve reminded me why I tried to avoid you as much as possible for years. All you’ve given me is pain in my ass. Just get the hell out of my life, O’Brien! I never want to see you again.” Clar grit her teeth, giving Jimmy a shove in the chest. Him grilling her hadn’t been part of the plan as she knew it. That’s the press for you, give them an inch and they take it all the way to the twilight zone. “You broke your promise to me about doing this interview!”

“Promise? I didn’t promise you a damn thing. I told you I may ask about Levi and where you disappeared to.” Jimmy rubbed the back of his neck, confusion burning in his eyes. “What the hell did you expect, that we’d sit down for tea and biscuits and have a leisurely chat about the weather or the current fashion trend? I did this because you fucking forced me to against my better judgement, and then you flip out on me.”

“How dare you make light of my feelings!” Clar glared at Jimmy, shaking, unable to control her emotions. She thought she’d been prepared, but she was wrong. He’d turned back into Jimmy the newshound before her eyes and she’d freaked. Hell, she was still freaking. She couldn’t help overreacting. The interview didn’t go as she’d expected. She’d no idea that he’d be such an ass and make her out to be a wanna be savior. “You insinuated I thought I was back to save the day. We both know that’s as far from the truth as possible.”

Maybe I’m not cut out to do this undercover stuff after all. Why did I think I could be like dad? What made me think James O’Brien and I could work together, finally after all these years? When this is done and the killer’s behind bars, I’m going to pack up Levi, head home, and try to salvage what’s left of my new life.

“Can you two hold it down?” Clint stepped between them, pushing Jimmy back a step or two by thumping him in the chest. “You, my friend, are acting like a damn jerk!”

“Hell, if I am! Miss High-And-Mighty started this.” Jimmy snatched his backpack, shoving the station mic into it. Next, the camera jostled into its case, the lid snapping shut. “She’s mad, totally mad.” Jimmy shoved past Clint then grazed the man coming through the door without a second glance back at Clar. “You all can deal with her, I’m done.”

The urge to break down and cry raged in Clar. What the hell had she done?

***

A FTER THE NIGHT ON the beach, sweet feelings started to emerge. All hope of her heart’s true desire gone in minutes because she couldn’t handle the press. Hell, the press couldn’t handle her. The press being James O’Brien!

A sour reminder of why she refused to have a relationship. No one wanted a broken woman who hid her true self by having sex in front of a camera to escape reality, even if it was all fake. Someone like James O’Brien was totally out of her realm of possibilities. Clar couldn’t wait to get back to Wisconsin and try to find that peaceful life she’d had a few days ago.

She swiped at a tear, her gaze settling on the man who came in as Jimmy was going out. He waved, a sly smile of amusement across his face. “Hi, how’s everyone doing?”

He reminded Clar of someone, but she couldn’t pinpoint who. Probably one of those people who had a common face and looked like everyone. Still the back of her neck prickled a warning.

“Who the hell are you?” Clint placed himself firmly between the stranger, Jacki and Clar. She didn’t think the guy was a threat even though Ranger Mason appeared out of the blue.

“Me? I’m Edward DeLuca, I’m here to see Evie Dagmyer.”

Evie...his smile reminds me of Evie! Great, and I had to throw a tizzy and chase away Jimmy.

“Evie? She hasn’t come in yet today.” Clar looked Eddie over head to toe. Dressed in a black suit, blue shirt, and striped tie, he was neat as a button. The exact opposite of Evie, who always appeared as if she’d thrown something on from the clothes hamper.

“Did you say your name was DeLuca? As in the Chicago DeLuca family?” Jacki asked, looking up from the computer screen she’d been intensely studying. Her gazed traveled over Eddie pausing briefly at every possible spot where a gun could be hidden.

“One and the same. Why, is that a problem?” Eddie smiled, shoving his hands into his pockets then leaned onto the wall. He locked his gaze onto Clar.

“I’m a little curious as to why someone from a Chicago crime family would be looking for Evie Dagmyer,” Clint stated as casual as a defender of the public could. Even with Jacki sitting behind the reception desk, Clar felt more at ease with the tough cowboy figure Clint represented. Jacki was fierce and could take care of herself, but Clint was the trained professional—Texas Ranger style.

“It’s not so strange a brother looking for his sister, now, is it?” Eddie pushed from the wall; his gaze locked on Clint. “The old mob ways have been gone for a while. Or haven’t you heard Sal DeLuca has turned over a new leaf. The old man has gone legit.”

“Evie hadn’t said anything about expecting a brother today. In fact, she rarely ever mentions family.” Clar’s eyes bore into Eddie even as she flipped through the appointment book on Evie’s desk. Why wouldn’t Evie say her brother was coming in today? “Nothing is noted on her calendar and she’s a stickler for writing appointments down. And since you’re here looking for her, that tells me you haven’t heard from her either. She never called to say she wasn’t going to be here today, and if I know Evie as well as I think I do, she isn’t one to miss a day of work. Even if she’s on her deathbed.”

“In all fairness to Evie, she didn’t know I was going to be in town.” Eddie moved with the ease of a panther. Graceful and with purpose, gliding across the floor. “We haven’t spoken recently. It’s been a number of years since we’ve seen each other. We have the usual sibling feelings for each other, more times than not we agree to disagree. Our family is, how shall I put it? Competitive in nature, if you know what I mean, as well as unpredictable.”

“I’m well aware of the competitiveness within the DeLuca Family—blood or not. Your father’s infamous even in Texas.” Clint’s voice carried a bag full of suspicion.

“Mr. DeLuca, it’s nice to finally meet a member of Evie’s family. She rarely, if ever, speaks of them.” Clar rose, extending her hand out to Eddie. “As soon as I hear from Evie, I’ll be sure to tell her you stopped by.”

“Thank you, Miss?” Eddie clasped both hands around hers, his touch as light as a wispy cloud.

“Kandi, Kandi Kyses.” Clar didn’t see any reason to break character with this man. There was no real proof that Eddie DeLuca really was Evie’s brother or not.

“Miss Kyses, it’s a fantasy come true meeting you in person. Evie will definitely be surprised, and disappointed she missed me—at least I hope she is. It was great meeting everyone. Have a great day.” Eddie smiled, gave her hand a light kiss, then headed toward the door.

Eddie’s movie star looks should have landed him on the big screen, and his coffee brown eyes drew her in. Everything about him made her uneasy and on guard. The term slick rick charged through her mind in a flashing blaze of red. Wiping her hand free of the kiss, she gazed out the door gathering her wits about her. There was something very unsettling about him.

Okay, so he’s Evie’s brother. That doesn’t mean he’s anything like her and you know it. You’re still pissed at Jimmy and taking it out on this poor guy.

“Jacki, did you record the broadcast?” Clint asked, pulling out a chair that Clar plopped into.

The perfect place for her to sulk and have a pity party of one. Damn it! She’d come too far to accept that invite again. One party like that in a lifetime is more than enough, even for her.

“What do you think, cowboy?” Jacki spat, coming to Clar’s side. “Are you okay?”

“Oh, I don’t know, what do you think? I slapped a member of the press across the face. Most likely will get carted away by Cameron, charged with assault, and spend the rest of my life behind bars. Levi lays in a hospital bed unable to put two coherent words together. My candy business is suffering because I’m here chasing a killer. I’ve probably lost my only chance at happiness. And then to find out that Evie has a brother who seems to be the polar opposite of her, yet not. Other than that, I’m peachy.” Clar laughed nervously, knowing full well this was the tip of the iceberg. She wished Jimmy were there instead of having stomped off like a little boy who’d gotten his hands slapped for snatching a cookie out of the jar.

“Let’s settle down and take a look at the recording. I didn’t see anything suspicious, but that doesn’t mean someone wasn’t lurking out there.” Clint grabbed the DVR and headed down the hall toward Studio A, where the latest murders had taken place.

“What about Jimmy? Shouldn’t he be here as well?” Clar pushed out of the chair and her world snatched her back to reality. She’d have rather stayed in the world of make believe behind the camera where she knew what the next line would be. “He has a keen eye for this investigative stuff.”

Jacki looked up from gathering the sheets of information she’d garnered from Evie’s computer. “Technically he should be, but he’s not. It was his choice to walk out.”

“Yes, but I can’t help but feel that I drove him to it. That I’d taken things a bit too far.”

“He’ll get over it, now let’s get started,” Clint called back from the hallway seconds before pulling open the studio door. “I’ll get things set up.”

“Clar?”

“Yeah?” Clar turned, feeling Jacki’s hand around her arm.

“He’ll be back,” Jacki said, then swept past her and into Studio A.

If only Clar could be so sure, she might feel better. If wishes truly did come true, he would ride up on his white steed and continue searching for the killer with them. Knights riding white horses up to the castle to save the damsel only appeared in fairy tales, and Clar’s life had been as far from a fairy tale as one could get.

“I figured if we each take a third of the screen, the chances of us missing anything is low.” Clint stood at a table in the back of the room, the DVR hooked up to the home theater projector.

Jacki sat in the middle of the room, shuffling her notes on the table. Clar knew from experience Jacki would have everything sorted in date order for easy viewing. Clar pulled a chair to the far left where she’d be able to concentrate on her third of the screen.

“Well, I guess I can get rid of this now.” Clar slid the long blonde wig from her head, followed by the skull cap. She ran a hand through her now flattened spiked cinnamon colored hair. It felt like a cool breeze had come into the room relieving the heat that had been trapped there. “I hate these damn things. I never want to wear one again. It’s amazing how one gets used to less hair; feels great in the heat of summer.”

“I’ll settle for a ponytail,” Jacki said, pulling her hair up from her neck.

“I hope so, I don’t know many cowgirls with short hair,” Clint said, flipping the lights off. “I prefer women with a long flowing mane, which is why I own mares instead of studs. I also like them sweet smelling, not like the overuse of perfume someone in this room has on.”

“Are you sure it’s not your overuse of aftershave, Clint? It’s overwhelming in this room,” Jacki shot back.

“Can you two knock it off, and just start the damn DVR?” Clar chided, hoping sooner or later they would get together to settle the dust stirred up between them.

The interview finally started to replay on the wall across from the projector. Clar smiled seeing Jimmy doing what he loved, report the news even if it was staged this time around. Damn the man was sexy as hell, more now than when she’d first met him on the beach. That was a lifetime ago, long before her film career when they were both wandering aimlessly through life.

“I’m going to start again and slow it down as much as I can. Make sure you’re not watching the interview, you both need to keep your eye on the background,” Clint said as the projector came to life again, exposing even the smallest movement they’d all made.

Clar cringed when she saw her hand land on Jimmy’s cheek. Her heart bled with grief. Pulling her gaze from the two of them, she concentrated on the edge of the building catching a shadow in the hedges. “Clint, can you back that up?”

“Yeah, how far?”

“A few seconds. I thought I saw movement, but it could be nothing.” Clar stood closer to the wall, her vision concentrating on the thick hedges lining the corner of the studio. “There!”

“Where? I don’t see anything,” Jacki quipped, her chair scraping on the floor.

“Thought I saw a shadow right—backup a few seconds again.” Clar kept peering at the wall, waiting for the replay of that section of the interview. “Clint, are you going....”

The room went dark and Clar stiffened. A hand, cold as ice, wrapped around her face from behind. A cloth covered her mouth and nose. Panic gripped her as the sickening smell pulled her down into a swirling drain of nothingness.