Chapter 18 #2
“Don’t worry. Half my family did as well.
” The memories were painful but justified.
“If only I’d gone with her. I’d just gotten the damn prosecutor’s job in Miami.
So fucking far away. I’ll never forgive myself.
And trust me, I was a thorn in the Chicago PD’s side, but they didn’t seem overly interested in solving the case.
I kept pushing, even taking a week off, managing to hunt the motherfucker down.
He’d shot three innocent people that night. All because he was high on drugs.”
“Oh, my God.”
I shook my head. “The police were none too happy I interfered. My first real taste of realizing my chosen profession was not always honorable.”
“What happened to the person who killed her?”
“Given a slap on the wrist on a different charge. I almost lost complete faith in the justice system then, but I turned my anger into becoming even more determined to fight against brutal criminals and ensure victims were given justice. But I feel like over the last couple of years I failed in doing so as I failed my sister.”
“The reason for Raven Intel.”
Smiling, I brushed hair from her face. “I wasn’t the brilliant creator of the idea.
We all have similar stories from our respective professions.
In truth, I was somewhat hesitant at first that it would work.
But we’ve proven ourselves. However, what we do is against the law.
At least a portion of the time. Yet I feel compelled. ”
“Vigilante justice.”
“Not for public consumption.” I tweaked her nose and for some crazy reason, it felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. At least for now.
“Don’t worry, bad man. Your secret is safe with me.”
“It’s not even about keeping what we do secret as much as it is about fighting the misrepresentation of the laws and the corruption within our system. And it’s everywhere.”
“You believe someone you know is involved.”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Then we’ll get him. All of them. Whatever we need to do, we’ll bring justice to the women involved.” Her touch was gentle, nurturing.
And it created another wave of desire.
“Only you’re not going to be placed in harm’s way.” Was it possible I cared about this woman when I didn’t even know her?
“You mean I’m required to follow your rules.”
“Exactly. I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“It won’t and do you want to know why?”
Narrowing my eyes, I studied her for a few seconds. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”
“Ah, ye with little faith. Because you’ll be by my side.”
The moment shared was as heartfelt as it was awkward. I’d never told any other woman I’d dated about my sister. The thought of doing so was too invasive. Too intimate. But as everything else with her, was also completely natural.
“Where are you going?” she asked as soon as I left the bed.
“After my sister died, I either worked or played music.” I had no idea why I suddenly felt the need to drag out my electric guitar.
“I didn’t know you could play.”
“Don’t get your hopes up. It’s a carry-over from when I was a teenager and thought I was going to be the next great Steven Tyler.”
“Aerosmith? I love Aerosmith.”
I admired the way she could compartmentalize her life, including the concept the man she’d submitted to only hours before was a vigilante.
Up until this point, I hadn’t really thought of what Raven Intel was doing as anything but claiming justice.
Maybe being around Reese was forcing me to question everything.
As I started playing, an Aerosmith song even, she wrapped her arms around her knees, rocking in time to the beat. I also couldn’t remember the last time I’d enjoyed working my fingers, or when I’d last had rough calluses.
I was completely absorbed in providing Reese with a concert when my phone rang. It was four-thirty in the morning.
She lifted her eyebrows, biting her lower lip while I reached for it. “Chase. Please tell me you have some good news.”
“Given I didn’t want to get too close to his vehicle, he got away. There was an accident on the interstate. However, he was careless. It’s a good thing you told me the dude smoked.”
“Why?”
“Because we found a lighter that dropped from his pocket into the sand.”
Chuckling, I pumped my fisted hand. “Finally, a break. Get me those fingerprints.” Although my instinct was working overtime. I knew one person who smoked, a nasty habit and I’d even commented on it. “I have a feeling about this one.”
“You gonna tell me or keep in suspense?” he chortled.
“I don’t want to taint it.”
“Hopefully, I’ll get them back later this morning. Speaking of which. Why are you up so early? Or did you simply not go to bed last night? Too busy?”
“Shut the fuck up and get to work.”
As soon as I hung up the phone, I breathed out, puffing my cheeks as I did.
“What?”
“A break.”
Now we just needed one more.
The fingerprints couldn’t come back fast enough.
The early morning light had yet to give way to the heat of the Miami sun when my phone rang again. Expecting one of my buddies, I almost answered without looking.
Luckily I didn’t make that mistake.
“Drake Cavanaugh.”
“Mr. Cavanaugh. Lucifer.”
Hearing his voice made my skin crawl. “What can I do for you, Lucifer?”
“It’s what I can do for you. I have an event this evening that I think you’ll find particularly enjoyable.”
“Short notice. I have other engagements most of this week.” I purposely sounded bored.
Reese had her arms folded, walking toward me with a pensive look on her face.
“Yes, I apologize, but one of our members arranged for a lovely party at my favorite club and I thought you might be interested in joining us.”
“What kind of party?”
“Just a little pet party. There’s a club some members frequent that is hosting it. Many of the core members are going to be there.”
I laughed. “I see. Another test I must pass.”
“As I told you before, we’re very cautious.”
“And so am I.”
“Then come to the party, Drake. Bring your slave of course. Unless you’ve grown bored with her. I’d be happy to take her off your hands.” In fact, he was far too eager to do so.
As if something had changed.
“Not at all, although at some point I might enjoy acquiring a second. I’ll consider the party. Email me the location but know that I’m not in the mood to play clandestine games any longer. Either I’ll show or I won’t. That will be my choice.”
Perhaps I’d irritated the man, but at this point I couldn’t care less, and pushing him was necessary. And I had a feeling he was even more curious about my sudden appearance in the city.
It was time to fulfill his curiosity.
“Very well and I do hope you will consider attending. I’ve spoken with several of the club members who all are in agreement that you would make a perfect fit for our community.
So you are aware, we have a certain hierarchy within the organization as any well-run corporation does.
Call them my board of directors. Their intuitions and decisions are by far more important than mine and vital to our cause.
These patriarchal members are eager to meet you and hopefully, extend a full invitation.
And don’t worry, Drake. They are the men I trust the most in my life, a small but powerful group that I believe you will enjoy getting to know.
Masks are required this evening, but by all accounts, they won’t be necessary again.
Unless we consider vetting new members that is. ”
He laughed as if he’d just invited me over to a barbeque to meet his buddies. “Very well. I’ll make a point of dropping by this evening.”
“Excellent. I’m looking forward to a lively discussion.”
“Yes, I am as well.” As soon as I hung up the phone, I allowed a long, slow gaze to fall from her face to the floor.
Why did I have a terrible feeling I’d be walking into an explosive setup? Maybe so, but with an address we’d be ready.
Time to unveil the bastards behind the secret club.
“What just happened?” she asked.
“The beginning of the end.”