Body in the Woods, page 23
“Yes?”
“Did the police ever come by and pick up Hines’ laptop? The one Rudy worked on?”
“No, Jack. They didn’t”
“Good. Very good. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“I don’t know how to thank you, Jack.”
“You don’t have to. Just keep calm and we’ll talk everything out tomorrow.”
Too restless now to stay in my room, I grabbed my iPhone and went downstairs. After pouring a cup of hot coffee, I found an empty chair in the lobby. Sipping on my hot brew, I thought about my schedule for the morning which included returning the rental car and checking in for my flights. I set the coffee on the table beside me and must have dozed off. I awoke to the sound of my iPhone ringing. Caller ID indicated Vance McGruder.
I wasn’t ready to talk to him but accepted the call.
“Hello, Vance.”
“Jack! Why aren’t you answering your phone? I’ve been calling since early this afternoon. It either gives me busy signals or goes straight to your voicemail!”
“I’ve been a little busy here, Vance. Turned my phone to airplane mode.”
“Why? It’s only 7 pm.”
“7 pm Pacific Time, Vance. I happen to be on Eastern Time. I’m on St. Simmond Island.”
I don’t think he heard what I said, or if he did it didn’t register.
“Jack! I’m so relieved. My lawyer just called! Hines isn’t dead, Jack. He’s been arrested on some island off the coast of Georgia! Jack! I knew you’d come through for me! I’m officially a free man!”
“Vance…You can calm down now.”
“But, wait! I’m not finished. Here’s the best part. My lawyer didn’t say how Hines was arrested. So I called the Wild Oaks Police Department and got a hold of that detective who came to the house to talk to you.”
“Detective Campbell, Vance.”
“Yes! Yes! Detective Campbell. He told me that you’re the one who found Hines. Jack, what can I say? You did it! But how did you know Hines was alive and on St. Simmond Island?”
“Can’t go into that right now. I’m still at my hotel on the island. I leave very early tomorrow morning and I’m going to stop back at the cottage in Santa Rosaria for a couple of days. After that I’ll be back in L.A. and settle my account with you. When I see you, I’ll fill you in on everything. So you just hang tight until then, okay?”
“Sure, Jack. Of course! See you in a few days!”
Vance could wait. Let him think I’m at the cottage in Florida. I needed time to decide how to handle things with him.
It was another sleepless night thinking about what he’d done. Should I confront him with what Hines had told me? Not a good option. Should I just forget it? Nope. Couldn’t forget about him possibly being a traitor.
All night my mind went round and round.
CHAPTER 52
Sunday, August 12
4 am came way too early. But I needed that time to check out, return my rental, and check in for my flights. Thankfully, there were no issues until I checked in and advised the counter agent that I had packed a gun and ammunition. Guess that wasn’t something they encountered very often. But a supervisor was called and finally everything was cleared.
An hour-and-a-half later we were landing in Atlanta and I made the long trek from Concourse D to Concourse A which ate up most of my hour connecting time. Arriving at Gate 24A, I heard my L.A. flight was already in the boarding process. But since I held the magic first-class boarding pass, I went ahead and found my seat and settled in. I was looking forward to a beer and something solid to eat.
The seat next to me was empty and I hoped it stayed that way. There was no way I wanted to engage in conversation with anyone this morning. One of the first-class flight attendants walked back to my seat. She was a striking Black woman, tall, perfect figure, and short hair. For some reason she looked familiar.
“Good morning, Mr. Ludefance. My name is Janine…uhmm, I believe I had you on another flight not too long ago?”
“Yes, I think you did. I thought you looked familiar.”
“Welcome aboard. May I offer you a Mimosa?”
“No, thanks. I’d prefer a Samuel Adams.”
“I’m sorry, we don’t have Samuel Adams. If I remember correctly, you ordered Blue Moon?”
“Quite a memory, Janine. I’ll take a Blue Moon.”
Actually, I had two beers and I started feeling better. An hour into the flight breakfast was served, including a cheese omelet, crispy bacon, pan fried potatoes, and biscuits. As I munched away, the pilot announced we were flying over New Orleans. Thoughts of my dad flooded over me and a feeling of nostalgia descended. I tried shaking it, but it was persistent.
After the breakfast trays were cleared away, hot coffee and tea were served. Deciding to wait on coffee, I asked for another beer as I forced my mind to put New Orleans to the side. I needed to evaluate and try to understand Heinrich Hines.
Knowing what I did about him, that he was a conceited and egotistical man, perhaps even bordering on a psychotic and evil genius, I pushed further. The more I evaluated him in my mind, the more I grudgingly had to contend that his murdering the unknown man in the woods was a case of self-defense.
What would I have done in his shoes? Probably the same thing he’d done and particularly since Hines’ believed the unknown man was either a CIA or a Mossad trained assassin. The other man was there with orders to kill him. It was a case of kill or be killed.
Although I wouldn’t have gone to the extent of burning his face and hands. But I understood now why it was necessary; Hines’ plan was to escape and never be found again. The CIA and Mossad never give up on ‘getting’ their intended target.
Then there was that look in his eyes when I told him he had a son. I’ll never forget that look even though it lasted less than a moment.
If the Wild Oaks Police were able to retrieve the yellow jeep from the depths of the canyon and find the high-powered rifle and scope, that’s the evidence that Hines murdered out of self-defense. I wondered though, if the dead man was CIA or Mossad, would he or could he ever be cleared?
As for Mariana, there was no way I could ever reconcile Hines making a good husband or father. He’d forced her into sex with him. And seeing her growing belly he must have, on some level, speculated it was his.
But, that really it wasn’t any of my business. Or, let’s say, I was trying not to make it my business. She trusted me. She obviously was attracted to me, as I was to her. But keeping it in a logical context, I knew I didn’t want to pursue a relationship with her.
After finishing another beer, I let my mind settle on Vance McGruder. I’d avoided it until now, but getting closer to L.A. I’d soon be back on his turf and needed to decide on how I’d handle the now very awkward situation with him. I began to dislike him more and more for what he’d done.
If what Hines said was true, Vance had sold U.S. technology secrets to a foreign government. Treason. Not something for me to confront him with. Not something for me handle on my own. The best option was to compile a detailed report and send it to Colonel Scott at the Pentagon. He’d helped me immeasurably in bringing Holler down. I knew I could trust him to pursue an investigation and if necessary the prosecution of Vance.
I’d have to play ‘politically correct’ ball with Vance. Something I hated to do, but entirely necessary in this instance. I was curious as to how much he was going to pay me. After all, he was a ‘free man.’ At least for now. What was that worth to him? Enough for me to be able to buy the cottage in Florida from Patty? Oh, the thoughts that went round and round in my mind.
I nodded off and slept the rest of the way to L.A. Our flight landed right on schedule at 10:15 am and after deplaning I headed for the rental car shuttle stop. I figured it would be easier to rent from here and return here. I wasn’t planning on staying more than a few days to wrap everything up with Vance. At Dollar, I opted for a midsize Toyota. It didn’t have the push button start, but it was only for a few days. Before leaving the rental lot, I called Mariana to let her know I was on my way. She sounded relieved and said she was anxiously waiting for me.
For once, traffic was light both on the 101 and 405 and I arrived at Hines’ home a little after 11:30 am. As I parked the rental car in the driveway, Mariana opened the front door and hurried out. She approached me as I was getting out of my rental, and surprised me when she threw her arms around my neck and kissed me square on the mouth.
I felt her kiss intensify and she pushed her breasts hard against my chest. The feeling energized me. I’d not been with anyone since Lee and I were together back in June and I couldn’t help but be aroused by her touch.
When we finally pulled apart, I couldn’t help but notice she was barefoot and wearing a thin, silky pajama top that was just long enough to reach her knees, no bra, and barely-there under panties. We smiled that knowing smile. After retrieving my roll-aboard and backpack from the trunk, I pushed the lock on the keychain. The rental made its chirping sound and the lights did a quick on and off.
Mariana grabbed the roll-aboard and backpack, and I followed her into the house. She disappeared down the hallway, returning a few minutes later. I knew she wanted more than just company and right now that was just fine with me.
“Are you hungry, Jack? I can cook you something to eat.”
“No thanks, Mariana. I’m still full from the breakfast I had on my flight.”
She looked up at me with a hungry look in her eyes. Before I knew it she took my hand and led me down the hallway to what I assumed was one of the guest bedrooms complete with adjoining bath. Definitely not Hines’ master bedroom. That would have been a complete turn-off.
She closed the door and started to undo my belt and zipper. There wasn’t any need to talk. We both knew what the other wanted. She gently pushed me down onto the side of the bed. As I pulled her close, I undid the buttons on the front of her pajama top revealing her swollen breasts and hard red nipples.
Cupping her breasts gently, I took in the aroma of her perfume and felt the fire emanating from her body. I stood up again, lifted her and set her in the middle of the bed. I quickly peeled off my jeans and underwear. Kneeling on the bed between her parted legs, I slid her panties off and revealed her beauty, ready for the taking.
Running my hands up to her tummy I cupped her breasts again, gently massaging them. I leaned over and kissed her on the lips, then her long neck. From there my mouth slipped down to her belly button and on down to her opening made all the more delicious with her trimmed pubic hair. She was making sexy noises and I wanted her more than I thought possible. She put her arms around my neck and pulled me tight, then grabbed my manhood.
Freeing myself from her hands, I thrust into her with one push. She screamed, but it was a scream of ultimate pleasure rather than pain. Slowly, I started oscillating myself with deliberate motion until she came with a swift and deep orgasm. She was mumbling words I couldn’t understand. Finally, I pulled out of her and ejaculated onto her stomach and collapsed beside her.
We laid there for a long time, both completely satisfied.
CHAPTER 53
Monday, August 13
Waking up slowly, my first thought was I hadn’t slept that well in many nights. My second thought was I couldn’t quite figure out where I was. Then I remembered. Turning on my side, no Mariana. Putting on my underpants I rushed to the bathroom.
As I was relieving myself, I felt pain radiating from my back. Looking in the mirror, I noticed scratches on my back. I hadn’t realized it at the time. My God. She was one fiery sexy woman.
After washing my face and hands I went out to find Mariana in the kitchen. The delicious aroma of bacon wafted from the oven and she was in the middle of flipping blueberry pancakes in the frying pan. I walked up behind her as she bent to open the oven to check on the bacon. I felt like grabbing her rear end, but instead hugged her around her waist and kissed the back of her head.
“Good morning.”
She turned in my arms and hugged my neck.
“Good morning, Jack. There’s coffee ready. Would you like a glass of orange juice?”
“Coffee.”
She untangled herself from my hug, opened a cupboard door and reached up to the top shelf for a coffee cup. She was wearing the same silky pajama top with several buttons undone and her beautiful breasts partially showing. At that moment it seemed like I couldn’t get enough of her. I felt like skipping breakfast, lifting her into my arms and taking her back to bed.
I sat at the kitchen table enjoying my coffee and watching every movement she made as she finished preparing our breakfast. Famished from our love making last night, I devoured every bite.
Sipping on another cup of coffee, I heard the baby crying.
“Jack, please excuse me. I’m going to breastfeed my son.”
Mariana excused herself and was gone for some time. When she returned, she was holding her son in her arms. When he saw me, his face lit up with a big smile.
“Can I hold him?”
“Of course, Jack.”
She handed him to me and he grabbed my finger and wouldn’t let go. He felt heavy. Obviously, a healthy little boy. I couldn’t tell if he looked like his father. While I was coo chi, cooing him, he burped white drool out of his mouth. I grabbed a napkin and wiped the drool then tried to hold his head more upright. He seemed much happier and started cooing back at me.
“What a happy baby.”
“He has been a wonderful baby.”
Looking up, I saw Mariana staring at us. If looks had words hers were most transparent. She shook her head, took the baby back, and without saying a word left the kitchen.
When she returned, I took one look at her rosy cheeks and knew what I wanted. I stood up, took her hand, and led her back to the bedroom. We made love until early afternoon. It would have been longer, but the baby was crying again.
While she attended to her son, I took a shower and dressed in my sweats. No plans of going anywhere for the time being. It was a strange feeling of lightness that I felt. Partially because a load had been lifted off my shoulders.
My investigation had wrapped up successfully. Hines had been arrested and would soon be returning to California for arraignment on murder charges. Actually, I was beginning to have a strange sense sympathy for him, while at the same time my dislike for Vance McGruder was intensifying.
I did give a momentary thought to the police surveilling the house. Would they still be out there somewhere? Ah, hell. So what if they were. I had nothing to feel guilty about.
Picking up my iPhone, I realized it was still in airplane mode. As soon as I switched it off, it rang and caller ID displayed ‘Unknown caller.’ I debated whether to answer. Unknown callers never turn out well.
“Hello?”
“Jack Ludefance?”
“Yes?”
“This is Jason Randall. We met in my office a few weeks back.”
“Mr. Randall. Yes, I know who you are. What can I do for you?”
“Actually, I feel that I owe you an apology.”
“Apology? For what?”
“Mr. Ludefance. Please. I’m sure you’re aware that you’re all over the news right now. Jessica and I agreed that we’d like to take you out to dinner.”
“Actually, I’m not aware of it. I’ve not watched the news lately. And taking me out to dinner really isn’t necessary, Mr. Randall.”
“Not aware? Huh. Well, you need to catch up then. As for dinner, Jess and I feel as though we could learn a great deal from you. We wanted to pick your brain, so to speak. What do you say?”
“I can tell you what you want to know on the phone, Mr. Randall.”
“We’ve been in business for over five years, Mr. Ludefance. All our cases have been wealthy clients’ infidelity cases. We’d like to be able to take cases such as what you’ve been doing. We wouldn’t be taking business from you, of course. Your territory is Florida. Come now. From one professional to another, we could learn a lot from you. Really, it would be an honor.”
“Look, Mr. Randall. I’m about to wrap things up here and head back to Florida. When were you planning on this dinner?”
“We could make it tonight. Spagos in Beverly Hills?”
“Spagos, Beverly Hills. Sure, why not?”
“Perfect. We’ll expect to see you say around 7 pm. Do you need directions?”
“No. I’ll find my way.”
Spagos. Beverly Hills. No doubt pricey. Too bad if they had a dress code. All I had with me was blue jeans and a few shirts. All of which needed washing. No way was I going back to Vance’s to get my suit. Let him think I was at the Florida cottage until I was ready to see him and settle up.
Gathering my dirty clothes, I came out to the living room and found Mariana dressed in her blue jeans and T-shirt.
“Mariana, can I wash my dirty clothes here?”
“Of course, Jack. Hand them to me and I’ll put them in the washing machine right now.”
“I didn’t mean for you to do them. I’m perfectly capable.”
“Hush. I said I’d take care of it.”
While Mariana loaded my clothes, I took out my iPhone, Googled Spagos, and saved the directions. Not wanting to talk to anyone else, I set my phone back on airplane mode. Mariana came back and sat opposite to me.
“Do you want go out for lunch?”
“Thanks, but the baby is sleeping right now. I don’t want to wake him just yet. Besides, I can prepare sandwiches here. What would you like?”
“Whatever you make would be fine. I just thought you might want to get out of the house. I have an appointment tonight with two local PIs for dinner. After that I might just go ahead and stop by Vance’s house, settle my account, and head back to Florida.”
That wasn’t my plan at all, but I was curious to see what her response would be.
“Did the police ever come by and pick up Hines’ laptop? The one Rudy worked on?”
“No, Jack. They didn’t”
“Good. Very good. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“I don’t know how to thank you, Jack.”
“You don’t have to. Just keep calm and we’ll talk everything out tomorrow.”
Too restless now to stay in my room, I grabbed my iPhone and went downstairs. After pouring a cup of hot coffee, I found an empty chair in the lobby. Sipping on my hot brew, I thought about my schedule for the morning which included returning the rental car and checking in for my flights. I set the coffee on the table beside me and must have dozed off. I awoke to the sound of my iPhone ringing. Caller ID indicated Vance McGruder.
I wasn’t ready to talk to him but accepted the call.
“Hello, Vance.”
“Jack! Why aren’t you answering your phone? I’ve been calling since early this afternoon. It either gives me busy signals or goes straight to your voicemail!”
“I’ve been a little busy here, Vance. Turned my phone to airplane mode.”
“Why? It’s only 7 pm.”
“7 pm Pacific Time, Vance. I happen to be on Eastern Time. I’m on St. Simmond Island.”
I don’t think he heard what I said, or if he did it didn’t register.
“Jack! I’m so relieved. My lawyer just called! Hines isn’t dead, Jack. He’s been arrested on some island off the coast of Georgia! Jack! I knew you’d come through for me! I’m officially a free man!”
“Vance…You can calm down now.”
“But, wait! I’m not finished. Here’s the best part. My lawyer didn’t say how Hines was arrested. So I called the Wild Oaks Police Department and got a hold of that detective who came to the house to talk to you.”
“Detective Campbell, Vance.”
“Yes! Yes! Detective Campbell. He told me that you’re the one who found Hines. Jack, what can I say? You did it! But how did you know Hines was alive and on St. Simmond Island?”
“Can’t go into that right now. I’m still at my hotel on the island. I leave very early tomorrow morning and I’m going to stop back at the cottage in Santa Rosaria for a couple of days. After that I’ll be back in L.A. and settle my account with you. When I see you, I’ll fill you in on everything. So you just hang tight until then, okay?”
“Sure, Jack. Of course! See you in a few days!”
Vance could wait. Let him think I’m at the cottage in Florida. I needed time to decide how to handle things with him.
It was another sleepless night thinking about what he’d done. Should I confront him with what Hines had told me? Not a good option. Should I just forget it? Nope. Couldn’t forget about him possibly being a traitor.
All night my mind went round and round.
CHAPTER 52
Sunday, August 12
4 am came way too early. But I needed that time to check out, return my rental, and check in for my flights. Thankfully, there were no issues until I checked in and advised the counter agent that I had packed a gun and ammunition. Guess that wasn’t something they encountered very often. But a supervisor was called and finally everything was cleared.
An hour-and-a-half later we were landing in Atlanta and I made the long trek from Concourse D to Concourse A which ate up most of my hour connecting time. Arriving at Gate 24A, I heard my L.A. flight was already in the boarding process. But since I held the magic first-class boarding pass, I went ahead and found my seat and settled in. I was looking forward to a beer and something solid to eat.
The seat next to me was empty and I hoped it stayed that way. There was no way I wanted to engage in conversation with anyone this morning. One of the first-class flight attendants walked back to my seat. She was a striking Black woman, tall, perfect figure, and short hair. For some reason she looked familiar.
“Good morning, Mr. Ludefance. My name is Janine…uhmm, I believe I had you on another flight not too long ago?”
“Yes, I think you did. I thought you looked familiar.”
“Welcome aboard. May I offer you a Mimosa?”
“No, thanks. I’d prefer a Samuel Adams.”
“I’m sorry, we don’t have Samuel Adams. If I remember correctly, you ordered Blue Moon?”
“Quite a memory, Janine. I’ll take a Blue Moon.”
Actually, I had two beers and I started feeling better. An hour into the flight breakfast was served, including a cheese omelet, crispy bacon, pan fried potatoes, and biscuits. As I munched away, the pilot announced we were flying over New Orleans. Thoughts of my dad flooded over me and a feeling of nostalgia descended. I tried shaking it, but it was persistent.
After the breakfast trays were cleared away, hot coffee and tea were served. Deciding to wait on coffee, I asked for another beer as I forced my mind to put New Orleans to the side. I needed to evaluate and try to understand Heinrich Hines.
Knowing what I did about him, that he was a conceited and egotistical man, perhaps even bordering on a psychotic and evil genius, I pushed further. The more I evaluated him in my mind, the more I grudgingly had to contend that his murdering the unknown man in the woods was a case of self-defense.
What would I have done in his shoes? Probably the same thing he’d done and particularly since Hines’ believed the unknown man was either a CIA or a Mossad trained assassin. The other man was there with orders to kill him. It was a case of kill or be killed.
Although I wouldn’t have gone to the extent of burning his face and hands. But I understood now why it was necessary; Hines’ plan was to escape and never be found again. The CIA and Mossad never give up on ‘getting’ their intended target.
Then there was that look in his eyes when I told him he had a son. I’ll never forget that look even though it lasted less than a moment.
If the Wild Oaks Police were able to retrieve the yellow jeep from the depths of the canyon and find the high-powered rifle and scope, that’s the evidence that Hines murdered out of self-defense. I wondered though, if the dead man was CIA or Mossad, would he or could he ever be cleared?
As for Mariana, there was no way I could ever reconcile Hines making a good husband or father. He’d forced her into sex with him. And seeing her growing belly he must have, on some level, speculated it was his.
But, that really it wasn’t any of my business. Or, let’s say, I was trying not to make it my business. She trusted me. She obviously was attracted to me, as I was to her. But keeping it in a logical context, I knew I didn’t want to pursue a relationship with her.
After finishing another beer, I let my mind settle on Vance McGruder. I’d avoided it until now, but getting closer to L.A. I’d soon be back on his turf and needed to decide on how I’d handle the now very awkward situation with him. I began to dislike him more and more for what he’d done.
If what Hines said was true, Vance had sold U.S. technology secrets to a foreign government. Treason. Not something for me to confront him with. Not something for me handle on my own. The best option was to compile a detailed report and send it to Colonel Scott at the Pentagon. He’d helped me immeasurably in bringing Holler down. I knew I could trust him to pursue an investigation and if necessary the prosecution of Vance.
I’d have to play ‘politically correct’ ball with Vance. Something I hated to do, but entirely necessary in this instance. I was curious as to how much he was going to pay me. After all, he was a ‘free man.’ At least for now. What was that worth to him? Enough for me to be able to buy the cottage in Florida from Patty? Oh, the thoughts that went round and round in my mind.
I nodded off and slept the rest of the way to L.A. Our flight landed right on schedule at 10:15 am and after deplaning I headed for the rental car shuttle stop. I figured it would be easier to rent from here and return here. I wasn’t planning on staying more than a few days to wrap everything up with Vance. At Dollar, I opted for a midsize Toyota. It didn’t have the push button start, but it was only for a few days. Before leaving the rental lot, I called Mariana to let her know I was on my way. She sounded relieved and said she was anxiously waiting for me.
For once, traffic was light both on the 101 and 405 and I arrived at Hines’ home a little after 11:30 am. As I parked the rental car in the driveway, Mariana opened the front door and hurried out. She approached me as I was getting out of my rental, and surprised me when she threw her arms around my neck and kissed me square on the mouth.
I felt her kiss intensify and she pushed her breasts hard against my chest. The feeling energized me. I’d not been with anyone since Lee and I were together back in June and I couldn’t help but be aroused by her touch.
When we finally pulled apart, I couldn’t help but notice she was barefoot and wearing a thin, silky pajama top that was just long enough to reach her knees, no bra, and barely-there under panties. We smiled that knowing smile. After retrieving my roll-aboard and backpack from the trunk, I pushed the lock on the keychain. The rental made its chirping sound and the lights did a quick on and off.
Mariana grabbed the roll-aboard and backpack, and I followed her into the house. She disappeared down the hallway, returning a few minutes later. I knew she wanted more than just company and right now that was just fine with me.
“Are you hungry, Jack? I can cook you something to eat.”
“No thanks, Mariana. I’m still full from the breakfast I had on my flight.”
She looked up at me with a hungry look in her eyes. Before I knew it she took my hand and led me down the hallway to what I assumed was one of the guest bedrooms complete with adjoining bath. Definitely not Hines’ master bedroom. That would have been a complete turn-off.
She closed the door and started to undo my belt and zipper. There wasn’t any need to talk. We both knew what the other wanted. She gently pushed me down onto the side of the bed. As I pulled her close, I undid the buttons on the front of her pajama top revealing her swollen breasts and hard red nipples.
Cupping her breasts gently, I took in the aroma of her perfume and felt the fire emanating from her body. I stood up again, lifted her and set her in the middle of the bed. I quickly peeled off my jeans and underwear. Kneeling on the bed between her parted legs, I slid her panties off and revealed her beauty, ready for the taking.
Running my hands up to her tummy I cupped her breasts again, gently massaging them. I leaned over and kissed her on the lips, then her long neck. From there my mouth slipped down to her belly button and on down to her opening made all the more delicious with her trimmed pubic hair. She was making sexy noises and I wanted her more than I thought possible. She put her arms around my neck and pulled me tight, then grabbed my manhood.
Freeing myself from her hands, I thrust into her with one push. She screamed, but it was a scream of ultimate pleasure rather than pain. Slowly, I started oscillating myself with deliberate motion until she came with a swift and deep orgasm. She was mumbling words I couldn’t understand. Finally, I pulled out of her and ejaculated onto her stomach and collapsed beside her.
We laid there for a long time, both completely satisfied.
CHAPTER 53
Monday, August 13
Waking up slowly, my first thought was I hadn’t slept that well in many nights. My second thought was I couldn’t quite figure out where I was. Then I remembered. Turning on my side, no Mariana. Putting on my underpants I rushed to the bathroom.
As I was relieving myself, I felt pain radiating from my back. Looking in the mirror, I noticed scratches on my back. I hadn’t realized it at the time. My God. She was one fiery sexy woman.
After washing my face and hands I went out to find Mariana in the kitchen. The delicious aroma of bacon wafted from the oven and she was in the middle of flipping blueberry pancakes in the frying pan. I walked up behind her as she bent to open the oven to check on the bacon. I felt like grabbing her rear end, but instead hugged her around her waist and kissed the back of her head.
“Good morning.”
She turned in my arms and hugged my neck.
“Good morning, Jack. There’s coffee ready. Would you like a glass of orange juice?”
“Coffee.”
She untangled herself from my hug, opened a cupboard door and reached up to the top shelf for a coffee cup. She was wearing the same silky pajama top with several buttons undone and her beautiful breasts partially showing. At that moment it seemed like I couldn’t get enough of her. I felt like skipping breakfast, lifting her into my arms and taking her back to bed.
I sat at the kitchen table enjoying my coffee and watching every movement she made as she finished preparing our breakfast. Famished from our love making last night, I devoured every bite.
Sipping on another cup of coffee, I heard the baby crying.
“Jack, please excuse me. I’m going to breastfeed my son.”
Mariana excused herself and was gone for some time. When she returned, she was holding her son in her arms. When he saw me, his face lit up with a big smile.
“Can I hold him?”
“Of course, Jack.”
She handed him to me and he grabbed my finger and wouldn’t let go. He felt heavy. Obviously, a healthy little boy. I couldn’t tell if he looked like his father. While I was coo chi, cooing him, he burped white drool out of his mouth. I grabbed a napkin and wiped the drool then tried to hold his head more upright. He seemed much happier and started cooing back at me.
“What a happy baby.”
“He has been a wonderful baby.”
Looking up, I saw Mariana staring at us. If looks had words hers were most transparent. She shook her head, took the baby back, and without saying a word left the kitchen.
When she returned, I took one look at her rosy cheeks and knew what I wanted. I stood up, took her hand, and led her back to the bedroom. We made love until early afternoon. It would have been longer, but the baby was crying again.
While she attended to her son, I took a shower and dressed in my sweats. No plans of going anywhere for the time being. It was a strange feeling of lightness that I felt. Partially because a load had been lifted off my shoulders.
My investigation had wrapped up successfully. Hines had been arrested and would soon be returning to California for arraignment on murder charges. Actually, I was beginning to have a strange sense sympathy for him, while at the same time my dislike for Vance McGruder was intensifying.
I did give a momentary thought to the police surveilling the house. Would they still be out there somewhere? Ah, hell. So what if they were. I had nothing to feel guilty about.
Picking up my iPhone, I realized it was still in airplane mode. As soon as I switched it off, it rang and caller ID displayed ‘Unknown caller.’ I debated whether to answer. Unknown callers never turn out well.
“Hello?”
“Jack Ludefance?”
“Yes?”
“This is Jason Randall. We met in my office a few weeks back.”
“Mr. Randall. Yes, I know who you are. What can I do for you?”
“Actually, I feel that I owe you an apology.”
“Apology? For what?”
“Mr. Ludefance. Please. I’m sure you’re aware that you’re all over the news right now. Jessica and I agreed that we’d like to take you out to dinner.”
“Actually, I’m not aware of it. I’ve not watched the news lately. And taking me out to dinner really isn’t necessary, Mr. Randall.”
“Not aware? Huh. Well, you need to catch up then. As for dinner, Jess and I feel as though we could learn a great deal from you. We wanted to pick your brain, so to speak. What do you say?”
“I can tell you what you want to know on the phone, Mr. Randall.”
“We’ve been in business for over five years, Mr. Ludefance. All our cases have been wealthy clients’ infidelity cases. We’d like to be able to take cases such as what you’ve been doing. We wouldn’t be taking business from you, of course. Your territory is Florida. Come now. From one professional to another, we could learn a lot from you. Really, it would be an honor.”
“Look, Mr. Randall. I’m about to wrap things up here and head back to Florida. When were you planning on this dinner?”
“We could make it tonight. Spagos in Beverly Hills?”
“Spagos, Beverly Hills. Sure, why not?”
“Perfect. We’ll expect to see you say around 7 pm. Do you need directions?”
“No. I’ll find my way.”
Spagos. Beverly Hills. No doubt pricey. Too bad if they had a dress code. All I had with me was blue jeans and a few shirts. All of which needed washing. No way was I going back to Vance’s to get my suit. Let him think I was at the Florida cottage until I was ready to see him and settle up.
Gathering my dirty clothes, I came out to the living room and found Mariana dressed in her blue jeans and T-shirt.
“Mariana, can I wash my dirty clothes here?”
“Of course, Jack. Hand them to me and I’ll put them in the washing machine right now.”
“I didn’t mean for you to do them. I’m perfectly capable.”
“Hush. I said I’d take care of it.”
While Mariana loaded my clothes, I took out my iPhone, Googled Spagos, and saved the directions. Not wanting to talk to anyone else, I set my phone back on airplane mode. Mariana came back and sat opposite to me.
“Do you want go out for lunch?”
“Thanks, but the baby is sleeping right now. I don’t want to wake him just yet. Besides, I can prepare sandwiches here. What would you like?”
“Whatever you make would be fine. I just thought you might want to get out of the house. I have an appointment tonight with two local PIs for dinner. After that I might just go ahead and stop by Vance’s house, settle my account, and head back to Florida.”
That wasn’t my plan at all, but I was curious to see what her response would be.
