The Killer Enigma, page 1
The Killer Enigma
Charles V Breakfield and Roxanne E Burkey
© Copyright 2023
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
With certain exceptions, no part of this book may be reproduced in any written, electronic, recording, or photocopying form without written permission of the publisher or author. The exceptions would be in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews and pages where permission is specifically granted in writing by the author or publisher and where authorship/source is acknowledged in the quoted materials.
This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the authors’ imaginations or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or people living or dead is coincidental.
Published by
ISBN: 978-1- 946858-68-9 (paperback)
ISBN: 978-1- 946858-67-2 (e-book)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2023908292
Interior and eBook design: F + P Graphic Design, FPGD.com
First Edition
Mystery | Crime | Suspense
JJ stopped his silver Porsche Carrera at the valet station of Mama Elise’s Ristorante. He got out and grinned at the attendants who crowded to the front of the car. “Her name’s Sophia. She hates getting scratched,” he added when he pitched the keys. The tallest attendant caught the ring and held it high as the group vied to park it. JJ circled the car to the passenger side. “Can you drive a standard clutch without stalling it?”
The hand-off of the keys to the attendant who commented he could, resulted in another chuckle.
“Sophia is a Tiptronic with both manual mode and automatic capabilities. Use the automatic mode, guys.” Fingering his black longish hair away from his forehead, he hoped the argument over who would park his car might continue for a few more minutes.
JJ circled the car to the passenger side. He lifted the handle and soundlessly opened the door to reveal the long, sculpted legs of the girl of his dreams. Jo reached his offered hand, wrapping her soft fingers with the French-tipped manicure around his fingers to secure her grip. She tugged on the hem of her short red leather skirt to prevent it from riding too high as her legs hit the pavement.
“Sweetheart, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of your legs,” he whispered.
“I know, but later, honey,” she giggled, and gracefully stood in one fluid motion. At the last second, she grasped her beautiful red chapeau, letting her mane of wavy, ebony hair tumble down her back.
A couple of inches taller than her lithe five foot nine, JJ scooted his hand around her waist, brushing her bare back. “You look beautiful.”
He felt her gentle elbowing in his side. “You always say that. I feel perfect with you. Let’s duck inside before someone spots us.”
They walked to the front door. JJ pulled it open and escorted her toward the hostess desk. The rich Italian seasonings of garlic, onions, and bread assaulted his nose. He heard the piano near the bar playing easy listening jazz. Mama Elise’s Ristorante was a favorite destination when they escaped their busy work demands. Like teenagers, they held hands waiting their turn.
A pretty young girl, looking way too grown up in her evening gown, with her perfect makeup and dark hair pulled into a bun, raised her eyes and grinned from behind the hostess station.
“Evening, Cecilia, you look lovely,” JJ commented. “I know your Granma is delighted you’re working here. We have reservations, and I hope Mama reserved the back table I requested.”
“Of course, she did. Do you need menus tonight?”
Swaying beside JJ to the music, Jo licked her lips. “I always like to look and see if something piques my tastebuds, so yes.”
Cecilia picked up a couple. “Right this way, please.”
“Cecilia, did you speak to your Granma about your desire to try modeling?” Jo asked while they walked toward their table. I’m still willing to make the introductions to Lara if you get her approval.”
Setting the menus on the table, the girl looked up, a twinkle in her eyes. “Not yet. I still want to work with you at Destiny Fashions, though I doubt I’ll get as popular and well-known as you. My sixteenth birthday is a little over a month away. I plan to ask her that morning.”
JJ pushed in Jo’s chair as she sat. Jo patted the girl’s arm and smiled at her. “Let me know when to speak to Lara. If it works out, I will watch over you, too. You must keep up with your studies, no matter what."
Cecilia’s face burst into a grin. “Yes, ma’am, I will. Enjoy your dinner. Oh, and we have your Italian style escargot in wine sauce this evening.”
Jo opened the menu and peered at JJ over the top. “At least I know my appetizer order. I’m so glad we made time to enjoy a dinner out. I do love this place, honey.”
“I agree. The atmosphere is perfect, food delicious, and service impeccable. Maybe you will join me in a dance later before dessert?”
The waiter appeared and took their orders. He replaced the menus with a warm basket of soft breadsticks and butter. They each broke off a small sample, enjoying the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
“These are dangerous to me,” Jo announced, pushing the basket toward him.
He curved his lips as he noticed the love reflected in her eyes, and his heart swelled. “You know it is nearly our first anniversary. I hope you can arrange time off to celebrate before the holidays.”
“I asked Lara the schedule for the next couple of months. I’m sure she’ll let me know soon.
The music shifted from jazz to traditional Italian, causing them to look toward the bar. JJ noted the enormous fig tree with its massive branches appearing to sustain the roof. Strings of red, white, and green lights flickered into the bar and danced on the glasses as they were transported by staff to the diners. He heard fragments of intimate conversations between the seated couples.
Their wine arrived, and JJ toasted to their health and love. The sweet tone of their glasses touching punctuated his statement.
Jo sipped the wine and expelled a groan of appreciation that put a smile on her well-known face. “Honey, I received another letter from Lily.”
“And what did our favorite Texas proprietress have to say? Is she well? Any news of the girls?”
“Of course, she misses us and has a room available whenever we want to return. Renata is learning additional recipes and planning the breakfast menus. Lily says she’s excelling at math and art.” Jo chuckled. “Apparently, Renata still flips between English and Spanish when excited. Lily says her Spanish is improving, but she still helps with Renata’s English per Ann’s request. She sent along thanks for the language software app you provided.”
“Excellent. What else?”
“A few more incidents happened in town, keeping the gossipers happy and the sheriff busy. Camila’s in some of Renata’s classes in high school. Hank and Ann finally finished their formal adoption. The girls have secured a loving home and part-time jobs they love. After school, Camila helps with caring for their horses and has convinced Hank to offer riding lessons.”
“That means the next time we get to visit we’ll see them both. Good. I know you miss them, sweetheart, but we need at least a week, preferably two to enjoy that trip. Should we add that destination in the hat for our anniversary getaway?” JJ asked.
“Maybe. But then we don’t get the alone-time you wanted. Staying at The Flower is not exactly quiet romance time. I thought you wanted…”
“There she is!” a loud voice announced.
Flashbulbs strobed into their secluded corner. A man, microphone in hand, rushed past the waiters with a cameraman on his heels. JJ stood, blocking the intruders’ direct access to Jo. Other diners looked on with interest but remained seated. The obnoxious pair moved like boxers in a ring, bobbing and weaving to close on their quarry.
The man with the microphone launched into a barrage of questions with the cameraman filming. “Jo W of Destiny Fashions, how does it feel to be adored by millions? Who’s with you? Someone said you got married, but this can’t be the guy. He’s not a well-known celebrity. Are you cheating on your husband? Harold, get a shot of this loser. We might find out who he is and do an exposé.”
Without enough room to do anything but keep them from getting too close, JJ slammed the palm of his hand on the table. It sounded like a gunshot. He pushed the guy with the camera, resulting in the device falling to the floor. He stomped on it while that man protested, “My equipment, man.”
“Tough luck, buddy. Get outta here and take that fool with you,” JJ demanded, shaking with anger.
The waitstaff formed a line that encircled the paparazzi and herded them toward the door for ejection. Jo covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shuddering in what JJ knew were tears.
He reached her side and pulled her close, to escape into the kitchen. The interviewer evaded the wedge of the waiters and rushed behind them. “Jo W, where’s your next fashion shoot? I need an exclusive.” He grabbed Jo’s sleeve, tearing it.
Jo screamed, “No comment!”
JJ latched onto the microphone and ripped it from the guy’s hand. “No more chances, idiot,” he growled as he slammed the device into the owner’s gut and broke it in two. A sidekick connected and put the man on the floor moaning.
Cecilia motioned from the door to the kitchen. Resoundin
JJ inhaled shakily. “Thanks, Cecilia, for saving us. We need to leave but clearly not via the front door.”
Mama Elise stomped into the kitchen. “JJ, the front of the restaurant is surrounded by fans and reporters. I’ve called the police, but it will take time before they arrive.”
JJ looked upward as if for divine intervention, then placed a call.
“Hey, JJ,” Brayson answered. “Your security application is indicating you and Jo have drawn a crowd. The satellite view suggests cameras and live transmissions. Were you serenading her in the street, man?” Brayson jested.
“No,” JJ replied through clenched teeth. “I’m not certain who alerted them. Mama usually keeps our arrivals under cover.”
“The restaurant event is uploading real-time reporting comments. I was able to redirect the upload of the film clips and photos. I destroyed them and have a temporary block in place. The editor will think the camera guy messed up.”
“Brayson, how close is your Timothy Project to reality?” JJ shot a loving look in Jo’s direction.
“I was remote testing Timothy before your application went nuts. I don’t have enough control to maneuver it around that sort of crowd. Without a driver, the vehicle might attract more attention if the bright lights hit it wrong.”
“Agreed, but if you can get it to the back entrance of this place, I might have an idea.”
“I can remote control it to the door. The keys are under the mat if you want manual control. Enter the passcode on the keypad.”
“Let’s do it. We’ll add a case study for your efforts and proof points. You kept the tinted windows, right?”
“Of course. But stay away from the filming lights. It’s still illegal to have unregistered driverless vehicles on public streets.”
“I don’t think we have a choice if we want to escape without Jo getting injured. If you can get it here, it won’t be driverless for long.”
Silence ensued. “Okay, boss. Fifteen minutes. I’ll text you.”
The roar of the growing crowd echoed in the kitchen.
“We need to leave,” Jo said, with fear reflected in her eyes.
“Working on it, honey. Give me a few minutes.” JJ turned toward Cecilia.
“Cecilia, can you drive the Porsche?”
“You know I can. Granma has me drive hers all the time.”
“Put on Jo’s hat, saunter out the front, and present the ticket for my Porsche from the valet. Show your face so they won’t attack you thinking you’re Jo, though your body size and hair are a close match. Keep your hair in the twist. Drive off and weave around a few streets to give the reporters the brushoff. Then return to the back of the restaurant. I think thirty minutes should do it. Let the valet park it. I’ll get it later.” He cleared his throat and turned back to Mama.
Cecilia nodded and disappeared to change.
Mama Elise embraced Jo with tears welling in her eyes. “I apologize your meal got interrupted. That back table is typically secure, but I should have added extra guards at the door. I will next time.”
Jo sniffled and wiped her eyes. “Not your fault, Mama. But I was so looking forward to your food tonight.”
Mama patted her shoulder and pinched JJ’s cheek. “I told my head chef to make it to-go. I held his hand, promising him you’d love it regardless of the container it’s served in. I added a couple of wine bottles to complement the flavors; he insisted on the perfect wine. There’s no charge for the meal or extra entertainment.”
“Don’t be silly, Mama,” JJ said, then added a hug. “It’s no one’s fault.” He provided payment and pressed it into her hand. “Next time I’ll ask you to close the restaurant and buy all the tables. Please convey our gratitude to your entire staff.”
He faced Mama, but continued holding Jo’s hand. “Are the guests tonight friends of yours?”
“Of course. I only allow close friends when you dine here.”
“Do you think you can get them to help with a ruse?”
“What do you want done? I’ll tell them myself.”
“I need you to tell a few of the guests to please start out the doors as if finished eating, and three minutes later, shout that we escaped dressed as waiters.”
Mama grinned. “I’ll make it so.” She strode out the door to the main dining room and returned several minutes later with a smug look on her face. She picked up their bagged meal.
A waiter approached Mama, and she whispered into his ear.
“We are ready, and the waiters are leaving.” Mama said. “Cecilia grabbed the car and is taking it to my home. You can retrieve it anytime you wish. No one followed her.”
JJ pulled Jo close and promised, “Come on, sweetheart. Dinner will be served shortly on our patio table. I’ll even play soft Italian jazz.”
Jo hugged Mama, and the two left.
Enclosed in Timothy, Jo mumbled, “I don’t like pushy reporters. Thank heavens on the shoots we use extra security.”
JJ patted her knee. “I know how hard it is for you, sweetheart. It’ll be okay.”
Early the next morning, JJ slipped from bed and went to his office at their home in São Paulo. Jo planned to sleep late to recover from the reporter invasion they endured the prior evening. He powered up his computer and frowned at the email avalanche received overnight. Ordinarily it was standard business as usual, but the events at dinner and his bride’s restlessness through the night resulted in his distraction. The good and bad sides of success left him wanting to make this first anniversary celebration memorable. They designated October, even though the real date was December, to avoid competing with the Christmas season. The family agreed to honor their wishes.
The savory, strong Indonesian blended coffee was normally able to launch his mental faculties into overdrive, but his thoughts were unable to advance from neutral. The handle of the cup swaying between his thumb and forefinger moved but went nowhere. The text window beeped an inbound message. He opened the exchange sent by Brayson Morris, his right-hand support.
JJ, you’re not replying to my urgent email. You want to talk about it? You can push your coffee handle around, but we need to get some business done.
JJ ground his teeth, annoyed at his transparency. He jammed the icon to escalate the chat message to a voice/video call.
“Morning, JJ,” greeted Brayson. “I suspect the paparazzi debacle left a cloud over your entire night. I’m the poster child for CATS’ emotional rescue division, ready to offer high-spirited motivational counsel, pithy sayings, stale advice, and, if irrelevant, musically recount bawdy lyrical humor pilfered from tunes penned by the musical genius of Lonny Lupnerder.”
JJ frowned, digesting the teasing for a few heartbeats, and then he chuckled, which evolved into a boisterous laugh.
Brayson grinned and his eyes sparkled as if waiting for JJ’s control to return.
“Thanks, Brayson,” JJ said, after regaining his composure. “I needed a diversion. Jo is a mix of mad and frustrated. She loves the work and the fame, but a little privacy would be nice now and again. We wanted a relaxing night out before her next shoot in Mexico. She leaves early tomorrow morning and wanted to plan our anniversary celebration. Our work schedules are messing with her newlywed glow, which worries me. I see the maelstrom of new requests for CATS’ support to defeat the new cyber onslaughts. I need to focus before we commit the team, but my mind is going in circles.”
“I’m glad you’re not signing before reading. One of those is a doozy; we may need new hires to complete the assignment. We can talk through them faster.” Brayson made an odd face and cleared his throat. “Burn out. Boss, we’ve seen it in our clients and contractors. Left untreated, it wreaks havoc and doesn’t end well.”
“I don’t work hard, man,” JJ countered.
“You work at racing speeds. You also push the limits of two to three hours of rest when Jo’s home so she can rest. Noble, but lack of sleep can take a toll.”
JJ tilted his head and twisted his mouth, considering denying the comments. “I want to be an innovative leader of this team and a dynamite partner for a gorgeous supermodel.”
