Kill Count (Detective Marcy Kendrick Book 4), page 1
KILL COUNT
A DETECTIVE MARCY KENDRICK THRILLER
THEO BAXTER
Published by Inkubator Books
www.inkubatorbooks.com
Copyright © 2024 by Theo Baxter
Theo Baxter has asserted his right to be identified as the author of this work.
ISBN (eBook): 978-1-83756-410-1
ISBN (Paperback): 978-1-83756-411-8
ISBN (Hardback): 978-1-83756-412-5
KILL COUNT is a work of fiction. People, places, events, and situations are the product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is entirely coincidental.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher.
CONTENTS
Inkubator Books
1. The Dancing Queen
2. Homicide of a Hollywood Starlet
3. Case Sharing with Vice
4. Catching Up over Nachos
5. Back at the Scene of the Crime
6. No-Show
7. Track Marks between Her Toes
8. DEA Deals In
9. Like a Territorial Cat
10. Doing a 180
11. Assassinating the Jack of Hearts
12. Vexing Valerie
13. Death and Trauma
14. Chasing El Gato
15. Drinks with the Boss
16. BBQ and Bitterness
17. Smashed Windows
18. Progress and a Persistent Pursuit
19. Oh Valerie
20. Late Night Guest
21. Death of a Drug Dealer
22. A Trip to the Beach
23. The Viper of Death
24. Hidden Files and Disturbing Encounters
25. Strange Behavior
26. Ambushed
27. Feeling Beaten, Bloody and Bruised
28. Getting the Dirt
29. Breaking Valerie
30. Dirty Cops to the Left of Me, Dirty Cops to the Right of Me
31. Blood-Lusting Boss
32. Valerie’s Video Testimony
33. Killing the Queen of Clubs
34. A Wake-up Call
35. Caught in the Act
36. He’s a Ghost
37. Persuading an Assassin
38. Bringing in the Black Cat
39. Killing the Kingpin
40. Media Circus
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1
THE DANCING QUEEN
EL VIBORA
The bright flashing lights rotated on the ceiling, vibing with the music in the club. It wasn’t my scene, but then I wasn’t there for a good time.
I headed for the bar and ordered a Hornitos Tequila on the rocks. Then turned and leaned back against the bar counter as I scanned the room. Young, nubile bodies writhed against each other on the dance floor. The party atmosphere was electric, and it seemed everyone in Los Angeles wanted to partake. However, I was only interested in one of those bodies.
“That’ll be fifteen, man,” the bartender said, grabbing my attention.
I tossed him a twenty and grabbed my drink. “Keep it.”
I turned back to the dance floor to track the woman I was after. I found her in the middle of the floor surrounded by sycophants. Ruby Gold. That wasn’t her real name of course, but her porn name. When she’d first arrived in LA, she’d been plain Brenda Sheller, a young woman from Lansing, Michigan, with blonde hair and brown eyes that held the warmth of a warm summer day. Nobody would look twice at her. Not until she turned herself into a Kardashian clone and changed her name. Now she had curves in all the right places thanks to implants, and dyed black hair that seemed dull and lackluster to go along with her now vacant brown eyes. It was a shame, really.
I watched her, trying to see if she was here with anyone, but the way she changed partners, it didn’t seem so. That worked in my favor. As I sipped my drink, I delayed—procrastinated, if you will—what I came here to do. This was a part of the job that I didn’t care for. I swallowed the rest of my drink and slammed the glass on the counter, then headed for her.
Approaching her, I slid my hands about her waist and pulled her flush against me. “Dance?” I murmured huskily into her ear.
She giggled and looked up at me, her eyes glazed over. I could tell she’d already partaken of something earlier that evening. “Sure,” she agreed.
We moved together to the beat of some nineties boy-band song I didn’t know the name of, nor did I actually care. It served its purpose. Running my hands over her body, I could tell she was into it, enjoying the way our bodies fit together. Had to admit, I enjoyed it as well.
It was getting late though, and I needed to move this along. “I’ve got a room and some dope; wanna take this party somewhere private?” I whispered in her ear as I caressed her body through the slamming red dress she wore.
“Is it the good stuff?” she asked, practically begging.
“Only the best, baby.”
A slow grin crossed her red lips. “Let’s get out of here, then.”
Taking her hand, I led her out of the club. “My hotel is just down the street.”
“What’s your name?” she asked as we walked along. “I’m Ruby Gold.”
I smiled. “I know. I’ve seen your films.”
“You have? Am I better than Mia Khalif?” she questioned, staring up at me as she hung on my arm, trying not to trip over her heels.
“You’re exquisite.”
She seemed to like that answer. She glanced up as we reached my hotel. “Oh wow, the Bradford. I’ve only stayed here once.”
“Then you’ll enjoy this immensely. I’ve got a great view.” I pushed the button for the fourteenth floor.
“Oh?” She leaned into me, wrapping her hands around my waist.
As we got in the elevator, I said, “I’ve got a premium view of the rooftop pool.”
“And we’re going to party, just the two of us?” Her smile was lascivious.
“Absolutely.”
The elevator hummed as it climbed, and when it opened on my floor, I led her down the corridor to the room I’d reserved under a false name. I’d have to burn this alias when I was finished here, but I figured it was worth it. I used the keycard to get into the room and watched her stumble in. She really was a beautiful woman. It was too bad she had loose lips.
“So? Where is it?” She sank down on the plush mattress of the king-sized bed and tossed her purse on the table.
“Impatient, aren’t you?” I smirked. “One minute, princess.” I headed for my case and opened it. Inside lay a couple of needles, a few glassine packages of fentanyl, as well as a few vials of heroin. The only question was, how much should I administer? I didn’t want her to suffer; she didn’t deserve that. I glanced over my shoulder at her. “Get undressed and scoot up to the headboard. I’m going to make you fly.”
She squealed and did as I asked.
As I turned back to my case and looked once more at the needles, her dress fell next to my feet, a puddle of red that reminded me of a pool of blood. That wouldn’t be happening here this evening. There would be no blood.
I picked up one of the fentanyl packages and poured it into the vial of heroin and shook it slightly to mix it. I filled one of the syringes with the heroin now laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. I regretted having to do this, but the hit was ordered, and I didn’t have a choice. Still, I could give her one last amazing night before she passed.
I held up the syringe and rubber tube I would use to find her vein, as I turned back to her. “Any special spot you want it?” I asked, then set them on the table next to the bed as I admired her naked body on display for me.
“Nowhere noticeable. I usually do it between my toes,” she answered.
I nodded as I took off my shoes and stripped out of the jeans and shirt. Climbing onto the bed, I moved over her, drawing her in for a passionate kiss. The way her body felt curved into mine was a luxury I didn’t often get to enjoy. Skimming my hands over her, I got her hot and bothered. I moved down her body, planting kisses along the way.
She writhed beneath me as I continued down her leg, kissing all the way down to her foot. I held it in my hand. I wouldn’t need the tubing for this, only if I was going to inject it into a vein. I smiled as I picked up the syringe and uncapped it.
She squirmed, clearly anticipating the high I was about to give her.
“Hold still,” I murmured as I spread her toes. I held her foot firmly as I injected the poison into her. A wave of regret passed through me, but I let it go. This was the job I was paid to do, and no matter how much I disliked murdering women, it wasn’t my call.
“Mmmm, so good,” she murmured, sinking back onto the bed.
I made love to her as she flew, making sure she enjoyed every last breath she took. It didn’t take long, but I did manage to finish before she breathed her last.
When she was gone, I pulled on a pair of latex gloves from my case and then headed into the bathroom and turned on the water in the raised tub, then added bubbles and bleach.
Picking
Glancing in the mirror, I noticed the dark, wavy wig I was wearing was coming loose, so I adjusted it and resealed it. Moving back to the bedroom, I cleaned up, putting the syringe back in the case, then stripped the bed and stuffed the bedding into one of the garbage bags I pulled from my suitcase. I’d toss it in the laundry room on my way out of the hotel. The other bag I had, with the empty bottle of bleach and garbage from the room, I’d throw in a dumpster outside the hotel. Picking up her dress and panties, I laid them out on the bed next to her purse and arranged her shoes on the floor just beneath.
I got dressed, then reached into the pocket in the lid of my drug case and pulled out a card. It was the queen of hearts from a Black Cat playing deck. I set it on the dress. I wiped down the room, her shoes and anything else I’d touched, making sure no one’s fingerprints would be found.
After taking a few pictures and giving Ruby Gold one last look, I gathered my things and left the room.
2
HOMICIDE OF A HOLLYWOOD STARLET
MARCY
An annoying rattle drew me out of sleep, but I didn’t know what it was. When it stopped, I snuggled closer to Frank. I’d stayed the night at his place. It was one of those rare occasions when we not only had an evening free together, but today as well, once we both officially woke up.
My thoughts drifted to the evening before. Frank had taken me to a restaurant on the beach, the Water Grill. We’d tried their wild Spanish octopus appetizer and then had their smoked hamachi nachos. It had been delicious. Afterwards, we’d caught the latest Keanu Reeves action movie. From the theater we’d gone for drinks, then come back to his place and spent hours wearing ourselves out under the covers. It had been well after two in the morning when we’d finally fallen asleep.
Last night had been great, and I was looking forward to relaxing with him and unwinding today after the past month of chasing down suspects. That was one thing about LA, crime didn’t sleep, and homicides were plentiful. Frank had it easier out here on the coast, not that I’d say that to him. I knew he worked just as hard as I did, but it wasn’t exactly the same. He dealt with more domestics and armed robberies and things like that, whereas I dealt with serial killers and high-profile murder cases. Both were exhausting, of course, and we deserved some time off together, so I was grateful to have it.
I shifted closer to Frank, enjoying his strong arms wrapped around me as I used his chest as my pillow. He was surprisingly comfortable, and his rhythmic breathing soon began lulling me back to sleep. My eyes drifted closed again in the dim morning light that was peeking through the curtains. I was nearly asleep once more when the sound I’d heard before started up again.
What the heck was it? Had a mosquito or fly gotten into the house? I wondered. I lifted a hand and swatted at the air, trying to make it go away.
“Babe, I think that’s your phone,” Frank murmured into my hair.
“Ugh.” I rolled over and grabbed the offensive object from the night table. It had stopped, but as I picked it up, it started vibrating again. “Angel, why the hell are you calling me so early?” I glanced at the digital clock on the table. “It’s not even six a.m.”
“Good morning to you too.” He chuckled. “Captain called; we’ve got a suspicious death at the Bradford.”
“So? Why are we on it? It’s our day off,” I complained as I flopped back on the bed.
“Yeah, I know, but apparently the vic is some actress, and the mayor wants us on it.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me. Does he not realize we aren’t superhuman? We need breaks occasionally,” I grumbled.
“Come on, Supergirl, this is what we get for solving so many high-profile homicides. Now, get your butt in gear. I’ll meet you at the Bradford in twenty.”
“Yeah, gonna be longer than that. I’m in Santa Monica.” I sighed.
“You’re where?” He paused. “You stayed at Frank’s?” He sounded irked. “He there with you?”
I sat up and moved to the edge of the bed, letting my feet dangle. “Yeah, we were asleep. Need I remind you? It. Is. My. Day. Off.”
“Whatever. I’ll hold the scene.” He clicked off.
I felt Frank move behind me, and then his lips were on my shoulder. I turned and slipped into his arms. “I’m sorry. I’m being called in. An actress is dead, and the mayor has decided Angel and I are his favorite flavors of the week as far as detectives go.”
Frank chuckled. “Well, you’re definitely my favorite flavor, TT.”
I laughed and kissed him. “I need to get moving. Angel is already on his way there.”
“You get dressed. I’ll go make the coffee.”
“Shower with me first?” I suggested. I knew I was procrastinating, pushing back because, as I might have mentioned, this was supposed to be my day off.
“You don’t have to ask me twice.” He stood up, grabbed me around the waist, tossed me over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry, and moved to the bathroom while I laughed. He continued to hold me as he turned the water on and let it get warm before setting me on my feet under the spray of water.
It felt good being with Frank. I loved all our time together, and I was kind of pissed that I was going to now miss out on spending the day with him.
After the shower, I dried my hair and got dressed while Frank, dressed only in a towel around his hips, made coffee. I hadn’t planned on being called into work, so all I’d packed in my overnight bag was a pair of dark blue jeans and a bright red V-neck T-shirt. It would have to do.
Once I was dressed, I headed back into the bathroom and brushed my hair, which was getting longer than I normally liked. It was past my shoulders now, almost hitting the middle of my back. Maybe I’d go see Callie, Angel’s girlfriend, and have her give me a cute bob. In the meantime, I pulled my hair tight and twisted it into a low bun at the base of my neck.
I laced my tennis shoes, packed up my bag, put on my holster and secured my weapon, then headed to the kitchen, depositing my bag and purse on the couch in the living room as I passed through. Frank handed me a travel mug of coffee. “Thanks,” I said, taking a sip and savoring it.
Just as I was about to head into the living room to grab my things and leave, my phone buzzed again. Pulling it out of my pocket, I looked at the screen.
“Who is it?” Frank asked.
I held up a finger and answered, “Captain?” I glanced at Frank, and his brow furrowed.
“Turn on the news, Channel 5,” Captain Robinson said.
“What’s going on?”
“Hurry, Kendrick—”
I clicked on the TV in the kitchen and hit Channel 5.
“—found dead in a bubble bath at the Bradford. Again, Hollywood starlet Ruby Gold, age twenty-six, has been found dead of an apparent drug overdose at the Bradford here in Los Angeles early this morning. Sources at the hotel have informed me that LAPD are on the scene.”
“I have a feeling this is going to be a bad one,” Frank murmured, gathering my things for me.
“How in the hell did they get that information, sir?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” the captain answered, “but I want you to find out. I want that leak shut up.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll get on it. I’m leaving now, but I’m coming from Santa Monica. Angel is already on his way.”
“Get there ASAP, Kendrick, but keep it safe,” he replied.
“Yes, sir.” I hung up and turned to see Frank at the door with my bag and purse. I gave him a rueful smile as I shouldered the bag and took my purse with my free hand. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. Go be the supercop we both know you are,” he said, pulling me into him and kissing me as I tried not to splash coffee on him from the travel mug. “I’ll call you; maybe we can set something up for later?”
“Maybe, have to see how this goes.” I kissed him once more and then jogged out to my car. Setting my coffee on the hood, I pulled my keys from my purse and opened the door, then clicked to open the trunk and dropped my overnight bag in before shutting it. I pulled the driver’s door open and tossed my purse in, then started to get in myself.
