Chapter 21
Alexia
The party of the year.
Or so I’d been told. I had to laugh. We weren’t a huge firm by any standards within Miami, but there were prosecutors and judges who feared our tenacity.
Working with victims to provide justice had been our signature, created by a woman who’d been a victim herself a long time before.
That was the reason we’d been drawn to each other. We both had stories to tell. I admired her greatly, which was the only reason I’d agreed on coming to the party.
“You look stunning.” Maverick crowded my space, his hand firmly placed on the small of my back.
I tilted my head as I turned slightly, giving him a onceover. “You clean up pretty nicely.” I rubbed my folded fingers across his jaw, enjoying the white-hot tingles. “You even shaved.”
“That’s what happens when you force me into a penguin suit.”
“I adore you in a tuxedo. Very handsome and debonair. Besides, we’re celebrating your new contract. You remember. The one I helped you obtain? I am a damn good attorney.”
“And you’re never going to allow me to live that down.” He pushed us further into the room and toward one of the bars.
I could feel all eyes on us and while I knew a number of people in the room, I still had a strange feeling of being watched. “Not a chance. But I am excited for you.”
“Uh-huh. You’re just a very bad girl.”
“Don’t you forget it.”
“Why are we here again?”
“Because my boss asked me to attend. A big night for our company. Plus, you can’t fool me. I know exactly what you’re doing, Mr. Bestseller.”
I spun around to face him, adjusting his bowtie. Almost immediately, we both sensed the presence of the photographer they’d hired for the evening. I knew all about the game plan. It felt a little like we were spies, pretending to be two people we weren’t.
With the jazz musicians already providing a sensual backdrop, the entire office suite festively decorated, the lights dimmed, and the champagne flowing, I could easily pretend this was a fabulous date and nothing else.
Instead of hoping to lure a killer into the midst.
I leaned against my date, taking full advantage of the photographer.
“This is a who’s who of Miami stars,” I told him, nodding toward a group of men. There were a half dozen judges, attorneys from other firms, as well as media personnel.
“The mayor was even invited,” Maverick said with disdain.
“You know him?”
“Let’s just say he wasn’t my greatest fan back in the day.”
“Don’t look now, but my boss is headed in our direction. Now, be nice.”
“I’m always nice.”
“You’re usually a grouch. Who are you kidding?”
He playfully swatted me on the bottom and I laughed.
“This must be the famous Maverick Callahan. Betty Landers. One of the founders of this company.” She held out her hand.
“I don’t know about famous,” he said, laughing as he shook her hand. “From what I understand, you have an amazing team of attorneys at your disposal.”
Betty smiled and I sensed how proud she was of everything we’d accomplished. “I’m thrilled at the work we’ve done, but there’s much more to do. Victims are altered for life. No matter what the experts say, they never fully recover.”
“We do all we can to make their road to recovery as smooth as possible,” I added.
“Admirable,” he said. “Criminals are very cunning.”
“Yes, they are. They twist reality to suit their needs. I don’t need to tell you just how many victims are out there.
They need representation and people who care.
And I’m sorry to sound melancholy. This is a party.
It’s obvious you’re one of the good guys, Mr. Callahan.
I only ask that you treat my little star with the respect and love she deserves.
She’s truly like a daughter to me. I wanted you both here for a special night. ”
The faraway look in her eyes was one I’d seen only recently. She was lamenting about her past, something we all did from time to time.
“Don’t worry, Betty,” I told her, squeezing Maverick’s arm. “I’ve got him wrapped around my little finger.”
While Maverick groaned, Betty and I laughed. Being here was more relaxing than I’d originally thought.
“I’m glad to hear it.” Betty studied him carefully as if dissecting his intentions. “I’ve heard you’re very formidable. You were an excellent FBI agent. What you did to save her life several years ago was amazing. The only survivor of such a horrific crime. You must consider yourself a hero.”
“Quite the contrary, Ms. Landers. I don’t feel good about the case at all.”
“Perhaps one day you’ll afford me the luxury of sharing with me why. I admire your tenacity. Even if sometimes criminals are misunderstood.”
Her choice of words surprised me.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Landers,” he told her. “I haven’t lost my touch. If anyone dares try and touch her again, I will do what’s necessary to prevent her from being hurt. And I do mean anything.”
They shared a moment and I could tell Betty was testing him in her own way. Just like a mother hen would do. “Yes, I believe you. I wished I could have helped her years ago. At least you were there. Enjoy the party, but don’t go anywhere too quickly.” Betty pointed her finger at me.
“What are you doing?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
“Nothing that you need to be concerned about, my girl. Just make your way to the participation room in about fifteen minutes. It’s very important you be there.”
She kept the smile on her face as she backed away.
“Participation room?” he asked, his brow arched.
“A large enough space to accommodate every employee. It takes up part of a floor. The cafeteria is on the other side.” I stared after her, shaking my head. She was certainly more reflective tonight.
“I thought firms such as this didn’t have that sort of money.”
“Our board of directors is rich. At least so I’ve heard. Two years ago we moved into this fabulous space. How interesting that I’ve yet to meet any of them.”
He tilted his head. “That’s odd.”
“They support firms like ours throughout the country. They each have their own careers. They pop in from time to time but I’m usually too busy to notice. Come on. Let’s get a drink and maybe, if you’re a good boy, I’ll show you my office.”
“Private?”
I turned to face him, nuzzling closer. “Very. Interested?”
“Don’t tempt me.”
“I like tempting you.”
“You seem concerned about Ms. Landers. What happened to her? She was a victim. Yes?”
I nodded as we moved from one room to another.
“Yes. I don’t know all the details because she’s a very private person, but she was raped by someone of importance who got away with the crime.
She became pregnant by the perpetrator and given her family’s religious background, was refused an abortion.
From what I understand, she lost the baby. But she doesn’t talk about it.”
“Jesus. I can imagine how horrible that must be.”
Why did I see his wheels turning?
As soon as we were in line for the bar, Jessica appeared.
“There you are,” she said and had to lift her head to study Maverick’s face. “I was hoping you brought a date. He looks even better than on the book jacket.”
“No flirting allowed,” I told her. “Stay away from her, Maverick. She does bite. This is my assistant Jessica.”
“My guess is you have your hands full in dealing with Alexia,” he said, as they shook hands.
“You have no idea.” She grinned and took a step away before I could pinch her. “You have me to thank for you two hooking up.”
Choking, I gave her a stern look. “We’re friends.”
“Uh-huh. I know you too well.” I’d be damned if she didn’t wink.
“Hey,” I jumped in. “Don’t ruin my reputation.”
“Too late,” he murmured and the light touch of his hand sent a wave of goosebumps across my arms. Which of course my assistant noticed.
“He’s good for you,” she said, trying to keep her voice down. “You’re glowing.” Even as she said the words in jest, I could hear angst in her voice.
“What’s wrong?”
“Have you been listening to the news?” She glanced between us.
The tingles turned into my skin crawling. “No. Why?”
“They identified the second woman who’s gone missing. Another attorney. What is going on? Another girl kidnapped? It’s crazy.”
The chill coursing through me was brutal, icy. “I don’t know.”
“Even worse,” she continued, her hand shaking as she brushed her fingers through her hair. “The police located a girl that they think is Ashley Boudreaux. She’s dead.”
“Where?” Maverick gritted out as he stepped in front of me.
“The Everglades. Is it happening all over again?”
Maverick and I looked at each other and he took my arm, steadying me. “I don’t know. I’m sure the police are working on finding out.”
“I need to make a couple phone calls,” he stated, his mind already processing what he’d just heard.
“Let’s go to my office where it’s quiet.”
Jessica’s question was a valid one. What in God’s name was happening? The monster was goading me. I sensed it in my bones. I led Maverick to my office, barely able to say hello to the few people who’d tried while passing us. By the time I was inside my office, I was shaking.
“What’s going on, Maverick? The real killer is doing this because of me.
Isn’t he? He’s punishing these girls because I got away.
Because I care about you. What in the hell am I supposed to do?
” I was close to a full-blown panic attack.
I couldn’t do this. The fucking bastard.
What the hell right did he have to destroy more lives?
“Breathe. I’m getting to the bottom of this.”
“It’s out of your control. Even your friends can’t stop this madness. The killer is playing us. He’s too smart.” Yes, I was close to losing it.
He closed the door behind us while I moved to my desk, flicking on the light.
How many hours had I spent inside this very room, pushing aside fears and apprehension, replacing the emotions with confidence so the victims believed they were in capable hands?
Dozens. Right now, I felt as if the entire world was working against me.