Chapter 14
Chapter Fourteen
Kain
Outside on the patio of The Laughing Matter, we wolfed down burgers, fries, and a platter of wings.
“Two bodies were discovered in New York last week. Same MO.” Godfrey wiped his hands on a napkin. “The women’s hands were tied together with a rope while holding stems of bleeding hearts instead of black roses.”
Victor Hawthorne’s fascination with black roses earned him the title the Black Rose Killer, with a wide network that protected him from being caught. I never understood his fascination with black roses, but then again, I didn’t understand the psyche of a serial killer.
All of Hawthorne’s captives had a black rose cross tattooed on them. My friends and I were no exception. He’d branded us as under his dominion. We could have removed the ink after the escape, but we kept it as a reminder of our survival.
“Too many similarities.” Hudson leaned back into the chair. “We need to find the killer.”
“It must be more than one person.” I chewed on a fry, thinking. “The murders span several states. He couldn’t have done it alone.”
Back then, the police confirmed that ten bodies had been burned in the explosion. DNA showed Hawthorne had perished that day. Who was this psycho trying to mimic Hawthorne’s evil crimes?
“I’m waiting for some info from the West Coast,” I said, wondering if Newton had anything new for me. “Once I have something, I’ll let you know. I’m also looking into the incident at the Boston Harbor Hotel.”
“I heard about it on the news, but we all know the media picks what they want to share. What happened?” Hudson asked.
“A guy with a cross tattoo on his face is on the run. The cops are looking for him.” I briefed them on the explosion.
“You think he’s one of Hawthorne’s followers?” Godfrey asked.
“My gut says yes, but I’ll need more info to confirm. When Timber gets back, we’ll compare notes about the Bleeding Hearts Killer.”
“Seems like criminals are on the loose,” Godfrey said. “They multiply like cockroaches. By the way, do you guys still have nightmares?”
“Just had one the other day,” I admitted. But when I fell back asleep, I dreamed of Eva, which allowed me to sleep better. I wasn’t going to share what we were doing in my bed.
“I have had none in years, thank God.” Hudson finished his iced tea. “You?”
“About a month ago,” Godfrey said. “Not so bad, but now that they’ve returned is probably a sign.”
Hudson’s phone buzzed, and he sighed. “I’ve gotta run. Stori needs a ride to the airport. Her ride got a flat tire.” He rose from the chair. “We’ll reconnect soon.”
“What’s Stori up to these days?” Godfrey asked.
Stori was Hudson’s younger sister. She was all he had left after their parents died in a car accident.
“Focusing on her career,” Hudson replied swiftly. “That’s how it should be. Her last boyfriend was an ass.”
“Glad we don’t have a younger sister to—”
Something drew my attention to the sidewalk. My heart skipped when I saw Eva walking toward me with an older man. That must’ve been her grandfather. All thoughts switched off as desire surged in me.
Our eyes connected, and my cock twitched at that instant. I hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her, a special flower that stood out from the rest. My body hadn’t yearned for anyone like this before, and my mission was to make her mine.
In my mind, she was already mine—my passionflower. In my dream, we were already a couple.
As I stared at her, questions bombarded my mind.
Why had she said no when I asked her out?
Was she seeing someone? No woman had ever declined my advances.
I had what most men and women wanted: wealth, a healthy and fit body, a charismatic personality, and power that stemmed from all the previous reasons.
If those traits didn’t qualify me for one date with her, then what would?
For her to say no without hesitation intrigued me even more.
But I had to be careful now. I didn’t want to frighten her.
We were supposed to meet to discuss the incident at the Boston Harbor Hotel. I had planned on calling her later today, but now I could ask for her schedule.
“What are you looking at?” Godfrey’s voice popped my bubble, whipping me back to reality.
He wouldn’t know I was looking at the attractive brunette in jeans and a light blue jacket. “Just enjoying the view.” Not a lie. In my book, the view was spectacular.
“My ass.” He snorted. “Who’s caught your eye? I can see it on your face, man.”
“The brunette with the older man.”
“Oh, she’s hot.”
“Hands off.” I flicked him a warning glance.
Godfrey laughed. “I’d like to know who she is because she’s got you all worked up.”
“I’m not worked up.”
“Okay. You’re just losing it.” He smirked. “I was sitting here talking to you when I realized you weren’t listening.”
Fuck. How had I not heard Godfrey speak? This was the second time I’d lost my train of thought because of her.
The waiter came, asked if we needed anything else, and blocked my view of Eva.
The next thing I heard was Eva shouting, “Help! Stop him!”