Chapter 4
“You were pretty hard on her.”
“And you were pretty soft. For a minute there, I thought you were going to put your arms around her and let her cry on your shoulder. She looked like she needed a big strong man to get through it.”
He cast her an exasperated look. “I was just being polite.”
“That’s one way to put it,” she said snidely. They were back in her office after processing the crime scene and updating the rest of the team.
She had missed getting her jolt of caffeine because of the early morning call and felt it clear to her bones. Moving towards her tiny table, she programmed coffee and stood there tapping her feet impatiently while it brewed.
“Want some?”
“Yeah. And for your information, I was just buttering her up. She is not my type.”
She smirked as she brought him a cup. “She is every man’s type. Big boobs obviously bought and paid for and thin as a rake with that smoldering look going on.” She sat on the front of her desk and crossed her legs at the ankles. “Men always lead with their dicks. And she was jerking you around.”
A frown touched his brow. “You did not have to tell her to stop sniveling like a damn idiot.”
“Someone had to.”
“Just because you’re not human, doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t,” he shot at her. It stung, but she would never give him the satisfaction of knowing it did.
“Well, this android is going to dig a little more into the club and its owner. If you are up for it and you’re done feeling sorry for that moronic bitch, you can join the party. In the meantime, we have two more DBs to add to the ones already in the morgue.”
“Look, I’m sorry…”
“For what? Saying that I don’t have blood running through my veins? I happen to stand for the victims, always.”
“And I don’t?”
“When your glands are not involved, you’re a hell of a cop.”
“You are a piece of work, aren’t you?” He shoved up from the uncomfortable chair and marched over to the stingy window. “How the hell are you going to play femme fatale when you don’t know the first thing about seducing a guy?”
That stung as well, and she struggled to play it cool.
“I am assuming there are books that highlights those very attributes. I intend to pick one up. And for your information, the subject is not the type to fall for batting eyelashes and silly smiles. I am going in as myself and playing it by ear.”
He came around and let out a breath at the look on her face. He knew her enough to realize that he had hurt her with his thoughtless comments. But dammit to hell! He hated the fact that she could be so cold and focused. He would not be panting after other women if she would…
He reined in his thoughts abruptly and walked over to sit back down. “How soon?” He was not going to apologize, because she would not accept it.
“This weekend.” She went around her desk and opened her laptop. “There is a showing at Le Galleria and I managed to finagle an invitation to the event. It is a Jackson Colby showing which makes it a pretty sweet deal.
Pendergast and family will be there as they are major sponsors and he is a patron of the arts. We have a few things in common.” She smiled grimly.
Which makes it all the easier.”
“Margo.”
She looked over at his sober expression curiously. He never called her by her first name unless it was something meaningful and personal.
“What?”
“Be careful.”
“I have my piece…”
“This is something new for you. Your usual is infiltrating a gang or pretending to be a victim in order to close a case. This is entirely different. You will be dealing with a giant – a man of immense means and it could blow up in your face.”
“Aww, you care.”
“I am serious.” And he was. “Merrick Pendergast is a formidable opponent and did not reach the status of multi-billionaire by being a moron. If he finds out…”
“He won’t.”
Brad eyed her closely. “How far do you intend to take it?”
She pressed keys and avoided his eyes.
“As far as possible.”
“Does that mean sleeping with a suspect?” He asked tightly.
Her head snapped up as she glared at him. “I will not grace that with a frigging response.”
“He’s an attractive man.”
“So? You think I’m some goddamned rookie who cannot keep my libido in check?”
“No. I think you are an excellent cop who sometimes goes the extra mile to get to the meat of the case. I am just saying that you should be careful.”
“Noted. Thanks, mother.”
“Joke all you want, but this could end up blowing up in your face.”
“Your vote of confidence is inspiring.”
“Just be careful,” he muttered.
*****
Brad’s comments and concerns had raised some of her own. Damn him to hell! She was going in and getting chummy with the man himself and find out what she can and then get out again. Simple. It should be simple. Then why was she having second thoughts? She had mapped out a plan to her commander.
She had a cover of course. She was using her own name to avoid confusion. She was an author – she grimaced at that. Who the hell would believe she could write anything.
She was a romance novelist and before that she had been a photographer. Well, she was an amateur one, wasn’t she? She loved taking pictures of still life. And she loved the arts.
She could embellish if needed. Decline to talk about her book. She had once busted a novelist who turned out to be innocent and they had become friends of sorts. Charmaine could give her some pointers.
All she needed was for him to notice her. And why the hell would he when he was used to beautiful women? She was going to be herself. He was accustomed to women falling all over themselves. All she had to do was be aggressive and loud, when a guy came onto her. Simple. She keep thinking that as if saying it enough was going to make it so.
And her wardrobe was woefully inadequate. Sliding through the clothing there, she contemplated a simple black dress and cast it aside. Too simple. She was digging through the rest when she pulled out an electric blue romper. She had bought the damn thing in a moment of weakness and never wore it.
It was dipped low in the front and had fitted her like a second skin. She had braided her hair for the meet, the long black and white braids, going all the way to her ass.
And she would wear makeup. Not much of course, because she was not that type of girl. Taking a deep breath, she set about getting ready.
*****
“Darling, I thought you were going to check out the collections upstairs?” He felt the touch of her fingers on his arm and forced himself not to move away. He was bored with the entire scene and most of all with her.
He had been seeing Jennifer for the past four months and she was beginning to think they were exclusive. He need to break things off.
Pasting a smile on his lips, he handed the glass to a passing wait staff as he turned to her. She was in her forties and well preserved.
She was a judge, and they had met some time ago when his company had come under investigation. Her ash blonde hair was cut in a chic page-boy style that suited her small face with its pointed chin. They were good together, but he was not interested in taking things further.
“Why don’t you go ahead?”
“Are you certain?”
“I am, yes. Go on.”
“Don’t blame me if I see something I cannot live without and put it on your tab.” She remarked with a pity smile.
“Please feel free.”
With a wave of one hand, she drifted away. He had to get out of here. He needed a proper drink and some brooding time. His brother and family were here, pretending that they were united. He was about to turn and go into one of the private rooms when he noticed her.
It wasn’t that she was the most beautiful woman in the room, far from it. But she was the most striking. He leaned back against the wall and watched in amusement as she turned her head and stopped a guy who was approaching with just one look.
Merrick’s eyes flickered briefly over the man and realized that it was Barry Stavros, a very wealthy and entitled owner of several shipping lines.
Plucking another flute from the passing waiter, he settled back to watch the show. Several men approached her, and one was brave enough to move in closer for a conversation and was brave enough to touch her. He did not get a second chance.
Her hand snaked around and gripped his wrist like a vice and had the man backing off. He just had to meet her.
Tossing back the rest of the drink, he made his leisurely way towards her and stood at a distance in case she gave him the same treatment.
“Is it just men in general or the ones who approached you were just not good enough to strike up a conversation?”
She turned her head to look at him and he felt a jolt right through his heart. She had mahogany brown eyes and the sexiest lips he had ever seen. Her gaze was direct and bold as they slid over his face.
“They were morons.”
His thick brows lifted. “You could tell from a distance?”
“I have a feel for that sort of thing. I know who you are.”
“You do?” So far, he was not getting the stone cold eye. “You have me at a disadvantage.”
“Margo Sullivan.” She did not simper or extend her hand but just turned back to examine the painting she had been studying. “I know a little bit about art, but this is crap.”
He bit back a laugh and felt his interest peaking.
“It’s by a very famous and upcoming artist.”
“Still crap.” She leaned forward to look at the name. “Vinnie Cadaver. Really? Is that his real name or something he made up to appear more interesting?”
“I think the latter. What don’t you like about it?” He had drawn closer during the debate. “It’s little squiggles that could have been done by a two-year-old.”
“It’s called abstract for a reason.”
“A reason to give whoever this is to splash some paint on canvas and call it art.” She turned to look at him again and he felt the breath lodging inside his throat. “Would you buy something like this?”
He turned to look at the painting, to gather his composure. “I have two of his paintings. In another year or two, it would have doubled in price, making it an incredibly wise investment.”
“Darling.” They both turned as the woman walked over and slid her hand through his arm possessively. “I thought you were joining me.”
“I got …, detained.”
Margo was not certain if what she saw flashed on his face was annoyance, but it was quickly removed. “Jennifer meet Margo Sullivan. Margo, this is Jennifer Westley.”
Margo forced herself not to appear flustered. She recognized the woman and the name and knew her to be a judge. Not that she ever had an occasion to be inside her courtroom, but still, she did not want her cover to be blown.
But she did not have to worry. After a dismissive look, the woman nodded briefly, before turning to look at Merrick.
“We should go and see if we can find something for your bedroom,” she murmured seductively, causing Margo to roll her eyes. She was just turning away when she caught the amused look on Merrick’s face and realized to her chagrin that he had noticed her reaction.
“Give me a minute, will you?”
Jennifer hesitated, sending her a fulminating look before flouncing away.
“You’re probably going to have to buy her a stack of paintings to make up for sending her off.”
“Possibly.” He was surprised by his unusual reaction to her. She was a stranger, a woman he knew nothing about, but he felt drawn to her and wanted to see her again.
“How about coffee?”
She gave him a puzzled look and felt her heart quickening. “What about it?”
“We should have a cup. Tomorrow.” He swore beneath his breath as he remembered he was going to be gone for the weekend. “I have a business trip…”
“No.”
A frown touched his brow. “No?”
“You’re involved and I’m not looking for a relationship.” She was going to play it cool, Now that she had peaked his interest, it was time to pull back a little. She could not have him thinking she was easy.
“I’m not…,” he felt frustration ripening when he caught sight of Maurice and his wife heading their way. “Look…”
“Merrick, darling. You have got to see this painting.” He turned towards his sister-in-law with a polite look on his face and when he turned back, Margo was gone. He scanned the crowd with a hint of desperation and saw no sign of her.
“Please excuse me.”
He went as far as the parking lot, but it was as if she had vanished into thin air. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his dark blue dress pants, he rocked back on his heels – the keen sense of loss astounding him.
*****
She should feel proud of herself. She had made the connection and her ploy had worked. She had put out the bait and he had fallen for it. All she had to do now was to reel him in.
He was involved with a judge. Sitting on the side of the bed, she kicked off the killer heels and massaged her insteps. She had wanted to explore the rest of the gallery but thought it prudent to just leave. She had not expected him to move so quickly and on the first meeting and his invitation to go for coffee had thrown her at first.
But she had the presence of mind to decline the invitation. And had taken the opportunity while he was distracted by his family, to leave. Rising, she peeled the figure-hugging material from her and tossed it on the sofa across from the bed. She had not bothered with underwear and had felt completely naked.
It amazed her that women dressed like this several times a week. Slipping on an old robe, she went into her office to sit at her desk. Bringing up his information, she read that he had been seeing the judge off and on for several months. Which meant it was not a serious relationship.
All she wanted was information and she had been holding men off for years, doing so with Merrick Pendergast, was not going to be too difficult. Ignoring the foreboding that had settled inside her chest, she continued to make notes.
*****
Selecting a cigar from the slim gold case in his desk drawer, he searched for a lighter and took it along with a snifter of brandy out on the terrace. Lowering himself into the comfortable chaise, he stretched out and flicked the lighter open.
Squinting his eyes against the flavored smoke, he dragged it into his lungs and leaned his head back to stare at the star-studded sky. The rain had passed, washing everything clean. He could still smell the moisture as it clung to the leaves of the trees surrounding his own private patch of land.
His townhouse was situated on a slight incline, offering a spectacular view of the city, while giving him complete privacy. Jennifer had protested and made her disappointment clear when he declined her offer to go back to her place.
He was going to have to break things off with her. Plucking the cigar from between his teeth, he studied the smoldering tip with a frown. He would like to think that meeting Margo Sullivan had extraordinarily little to do with his decision to part ways with the judge, but it did. He wanted to see her again.
Only, he did not have a number for her. All he had was her name. And her acerbic sense of humor. She had fascinated him as no other woman had before. Stubbing out the cigar, he sat forward and wrapped his hands around his knees. And allowed the memories to invade his mind.
He had met her at a function she was catering. He could picture her now, calm and collected even when it had turned out that the hostess had invited more people than was catered for. She had simply picked up her phone and have her staff bring more food.
He had watched in fascination as she handled several men who thought she was easy prey. She had been polite and firm, and in the end had them slinking away. He had been caught not only by her beauty, but her composure and found himself walking over to meet her.
She had turned him down the first three times, but he had kept coming back and before long, they ended up in his bed.
Their love affair had lasted three years and during that time, she never once asked him if he was every going to propose. Then she became pregnant, and it was all they could think about. It was at that point; he knew he wanted her in his life.
Reaching for the glass, he took a healthy sip and relished the burning sensation in his throat. Leaning back, he closed his eyes and found himself going back to earlier. Margo Sullivan. A smile played around his lips, and he felt the pressure around his chest easing off.
She had flawless skin, he mused and found himself wondering how old she was. Forty? Late thirties? Her body was long and lean, and he had seen the muscles in her forearms. Her lips had made him hungry for a taste and that had surprised him.
Not since Laura had he felt such an intensely powerful hunger and even with her, it had been a pleasant buzz.
“Oh Christ!” He whispered, running a hand at the back of his neck. What the hell was wrong with him?
Perhaps he was never going to see her again. It was just a quick punch of lust and nothing more. Yes, he had enjoyed having a conversation with her. She had certainly livened things up. Maurice had asked who she was when he returned, and he had made some offhanded comment.
Putting her out of his mind, he rose and went to get ready for bed. He had an early flight in the morning and many things to go over before his meeting.
*****
The nightmare came that night and had her springing off the pillows, her body drenched in sweat. It had been a long time since she had them, and the familiar headache came along in the aftermath.
Scrubbing her hands over her face, she switched on the lamp and pulled her knees up to her chin defensively. It was nothing, she decided fiercely. She was okay, she was fine. She had dealt with being abandoned and had learned to live with it.
She was stronger for it – the drug aspect of the case had brought it all back, but she was going to do the job. Her mother had been a junkie and had ended up giving her away, but she was not going to allow that to hinder her from doing her job.
Swinging her legs off the bed, she sat there for a minute to get herself together before rising to go to the bathroom to get a glass of water. Downing it thirstily, she filled the glass again and drank some more, until the awful thirst was contained.
Putting the glass down, she peered at herself in the mirror and wondered what Merrick Pendergast saw when he looked at her. She had hoped to make an impression, and it appeared that she had. Somehow, she had gotten him to notice her.
Frowning at her image, she smoothed a hand down her throat and up again. She was not vain, had never taken the time to study herself. She was not into enhancements and would simply slap soap on her face and rinse with warm water and consider it done.
Her hair took a hell of a long time and every few months, she would sacrifice her hard-earned money to sit in a beauty shop to get it trimmed and conditioned. Easing away from the mirror, she went back into her bedroom and tried to get some sleep.