Blood in the Water (Dixie Mafia Series Book 2) Read online

  “Stay on it.”

  “Gotcha, boss.”

  “Did you find evidence of any feeds from the other women?” Jane asked.

  They needed something, anything, to tie him to a murder. She wanted Valentine strapped down on a gurney, waiting for a lethal injection instead of Jessup.

  After they’d left the morgue, Jane had emailed the information to Georgia so she could dig up the court records. It was safe to involve her, since Jessup was the criminal in question, not Valentine.

  “I could only see yours since I had the cameras and I could follow the feed directly, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there were others.”

  Neither would Jane. Most likely, he’d surveilled his victims before the attacks, so he could catch them when they were the most vulnerable. Given Valentine’s predilection for trophies, he probably taped the murders. If the videos could be found and then entered into evidence, it’d be enough to convict him, assuming he was identifiable in the film.

  “How’d he get so tech savvy? Is he a hacker or something?” Byron asked Jane.

  “No, but he’s got enough money to pay someone to cover his tracks.”

  “Yeah, one of the black hat types.” Vick tapped away on her keyboard. “I’ll see if I can find out who helped the creeper, so I can follow the breadcrumbs.”

  Jane thought it was strange Vick didn’t think of herself as a “black hat” hacker. After all, she worked for the Dixie Mafia.

  “Now, I found some other stuff. While he’s got the video feeds locked down, some of his other, er, files had basic password protecting.”

  “Yeah, and this guy is a weapons-grade perv.” Jasper Tan scooted up a chair and sat down beside Vick.

  Byron muttered something under his breath. “You aren’t distractin’ Vick, are you?”

  “Nah, boss.” The camera swirled and again it was Vick on screen. “My Vixen needed me, so I rode to her rescue.” Jasper kissed the young woman’s forehead, and she grinned.

  The two of them were sort of cute.

  Wait a second. Mobsters are cute? Spending time with Byron is warping me.

  Byron scowled. “Oh, for the love of….”

  “We found a mega-ton of porn, and it ain’t the regular kind, boss.”

  “I’m almost afraid to ask.” Byron scratched his chin. “Lay it on me.”

  “Sick shit, like girls bein’ tied up and beaten.” Jasper’s mouth tightened. “And then it got freaky.”

  “Freakier than bondage and discipline?”

  “Yeah, like some Japanese hentai nastiness. There was a girl who was a cow.”

  “Nah, I think it was a cow who was a girl.” Vick stuck out her tongue and shook her head like she’d tasted something sickening. “It was girl-cow kind of hybrid. And then—”

  “Speakin’ of creepy shit,” Jasper interrupted. “Did you know Hello Kitty is a girl, not a cat?”

  Vick shuddered. “Ewww!”

  Jane was right there with her.

  “Hold it right there. You’re gonna give me nightmares.” Byron held up a hand. “We got the gist, Valentine’s a pervert. We don’t need a blow by blow account.”

  Jane shut her eyes. She didn’t even want to think what Valentine was doing with those recordings of her.

  “I’m gonna take a few runs at gettin’ into his other files. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. And as a heads-up, the feds tried to get into his laptop, but couldn’t. When they entered the wrong password too many times, the motherboard burned up.” Jane wanted to warn her in case he’d booby-trapped the files.

  “A strong cryptosystem, huh?” She cracked her knuckles. “I love a challenge. And the feds ain’t got nothing on me. I’m gonna break this code, and I’ll tell you what the sicko’s up to.” She placed two fingers on her forehead in a salute. “Vick out.” The screen went black.

  Jane slumped back on the bed. Her head ached just thinking about the situation.

  “You look like you’re about ready to lose it.”

  “It’s been a long couple of days.”

  Byron stood. “Tell you what. I’m gonna give you a bit of space. I’ll take a stroll and have a smoke, then get us some takeout for dinner. Sound good?”

  Actually, it sounded amazing. Going to a restaurant would mean dealing with a group of strangers. Even under the best of circumstances, she found it exhausting.

  “Thank you.”

  “Anytime, darlin’.” He threw on his suit jacket and headed for the door. “See you in a few.”

  As soon as he left, she pulled out her cell phone and FaceTimed Georgia.

  After a second, her friend appeared on the screen. From her surroundings, Jane knew she was still at the office.

  “Hey, check out my Olivia Pope suit.” Georgia stood and did a twirl in front of the camera. She was wearing a gorgeous white linen suit.

  Jane understood the reference. Sometimes, they ordered Chinese food and watched Scandal on Netflix. The heroine of the show was famous for wearing white and riding to the rescue. Jane suddenly realized how much she missed Georgia. She wished they were having a quiet girls’ night working on a garden variety case.

  “You look fantastic, very professional. I guess you saw the consultant?”

  “Yes, I squeezed it in this morning.” She sat down again, and Jane could see the dark circles under her eyes. “I wanted to keep busy.”

  “How are you?”

  Georgia shrugged. “I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since you told me about Valentine, and I’m jumpin’ at shadows.”

  Jane sighed. “Sounds familiar.”

  “Every time there’s a knock on the door, I lose it. Like he’s gonna spring out at me with a knife. Maybe I watched one too many slasher movies as a teenager.”

  “You aren’t alone. I’ve been worried about it too. Are you ready for more scary news?”

  Georgia groaned. “There’s more?”

  “Yes, I found out Valentine recorded me at my apartment. He didn’t just have surveillance cameras.”

  “Ewww.” Her brow furrowed. “You know he probably used those to—”

  “Don’t say it.”

  “Jane, can we be honest with each other?” Georgia bit her lower lip.

  “Always.”

  “We both know you didn’t take time off to relax. You’re lookin’ for dirt on Valentine, which is why you had me researchin’ Jessup’s case today. By the way, I just emailed you the information you asked for.”

  Dammit. She should’ve done it herself and kept her assistant clear of the matter.

  “I saw where the murder took place—on a property belongin’ to the Valentine family. Did you think I wouldn’t figure it out?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Come on, it’s me. I ain’t gonna turn you in. Hell, I’ll even help you, if there’s anythin’ I can do. Did you find any evidence?”

  “I’m sorry, but we can’t discuss this.”

  “Jane, please.”

  “I mean it, for the sake of both our legal careers, we can’t and we won’t talk about it. Understand?”

  Her lips thinned. “Fine, but if you need anything, all you have to do is ask. Especially after you look at the files I sent you—the Jessup arrest and conviction is all kinds of hinky.”

  “Thank you for doing the legwork.” Jane had suspected as much. After she finished speaking with Georgia, she’d familiarize herself with the case, so she was ready for tomorrow.

  “No problem, but you’ve got to promise me something.”

  “What?”

  “If anythin’ happens to me, you—”

  “Nothing is going to happen to you, Georgia.” The words were firm. “Because you’re going to be very careful, right?”

  “Yes, I’m takin’ security very seriously, but this mess has got me thinking about the will you put together for me.”

  “You don’t need to because you’re not going to die.�
��

  “Neither one of us knows what’s gonna happen, Jane. We’re all in danger as long as Valentine’s on the loose. Brady’s dad waived his right to custody, and my folks are too old to care for a child. You’ll be her legal guardian if somethin’ goes wrong.”

  Georgia’s parents didn’t have her until they were in their early forties. And her mother had gone into the nursing home last year after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They’d signed the paperwork together, and Jane had been happy to take on the responsibility. At the time, it’d seemed like such an unlikely scenario.

  “I remember.” Jane removed her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose. Talking about all of this made it even more real—and terrifying.

  “I just need to hear you promise me again. Worryin’ about her future has been keepin’ me up at night.”

  Jane certainly understood where Georgia was coming from. Planning things always made her feel more comfortable.

  “Of course, I’ll take Brady. I wouldn’t have signed the custody arrangement part if I didn’t mean it, but I won’t need to because we’re both going to make it through this.”

  “Thank you for reassurin’ me.” There were tears in Georgia’s eyes.

  “You’re welcome.” Jane rubbed her hands together and blew on them. They suddenly felt cold as ice. “Okay, let’s talk about something else.”

  “Well, since you asked for it.” Georgia leaned forward, eyes sparkling. “How’s Byron?”

  For once, Jane didn’t try to wriggle out of it. “He’s been nice, actually. Kind, even.”

  “You think he’s nice?” She snapped her fingers. “Talk about progress. You like him, admit it.” Georgia said it in a sing-song tone which grated on Jane’s nerves.

  “I tolerate him.”

  Even as she said the words, Jane knew it was a lie. Byron Beauregard was more than the sum of his parts. He might be a former hitman and an Underboss in the Dixie Mafia, but he had depth. Sure, he’d done awful things, but he was protecting her. Jane was confused about him and didn’t have time at the moment to examine her feelings on the subject.

  “Oh, please, don’t even try to deny it.” She bounced up and down in her seat. “This is exactly what I needed to cheer me up. I’m so excited for you.”

  “There’s nothing to be happy about.”

  “Yes, there is.”

  “What’s goin’ on with your hotel room?” Georgia frowned as she glanced left and then right, peering through the screen. “Why is it so…fluffy?”

  “We’re in the bridal suite.”

  “Oh, my God!”

  “I know.” Jane couldn’t believe it either. What a nightmare.

  “No, Jane, this is me being pleased but shocked. It’s almost like fate put you two together. If anyone deserves a bit of fun, it’s you.”

  “Fun went out the window when a serial killer confessed his love to me.”

  “This is a silver linin’. I know you don’t like breaks from your routine, but if you don’t try new things, life gets boring. Remember when I first went to work for you? You wouldn’t even have lunch with me.”

  “I used to get a lot of work done on the lunch hour.”

  “Yes, but think about the good times we have at the salad bar now.”

  She’d resisted at first because it wasn’t “appropriate” for her to “fraternize” with an employee. But Georgia was persistent, and Jane was ultimately glad she did. Georgia had become her best friend. Still, having a relationship with Byron Beauregard would cause a lot of headaches.

  “You’re in a bridal suite with a handsome man tryin’ to save your life. Sounds like a fun, new experience to me.”

  “A man who also happens to be a mass murderer. This isn’t a romantic movie I’m starring in, Georgia, it’s a slasher film.”

  “I only want you to think about it.”

  “I will.” Jane wished she could think about anything else.

  “Good, and I know what you need right now.”

  “A bottle of whiskey and witness protection?” Jane rubbed her forehead, trying to stave off the inevitable tension headache.

  “Look at you—makin’ jokes! Sure, its gallows humor, but I’m still impressed. I think Beauregard’s good for you. What you need is someone cute and loveable.”

  “He is neither of those things.”

  “No, what you need is some time with her.” Georgia lifted Brady into her arms.

  “Hi, Aunt Jane!”

  Instantly, Jane melted. “Hi there.”

  Georgia was absolutely right. The sight of Brady with her chubby cheeks and a sweet smile was exactly what she needed—already, she felt better.

  “I’ve missed you.”

  “When are you coming home, Aunt Jane?”

  “Soon.” Jane sighed. More than anything, she wanted a hug from Brady. And then one from Georgia.

  Then a long one from Byron too.

  Somehow the memory of his hug was never far from her mind.

  Stop it. A smart woman doesn’t cozy up with the Dixie Mafia.

  Georgia kissed Brady’s cheek. “Since this all went down, I can’t stand to have her out of my sight.”

  “I don’t blame you.” They were in complete agreement about Brady’s safety.

  “When you come home, can we have our Disney day, Aunt Jane?”

  “Absolutely. I’m sorry I had to break a promise to you. Tell you what, we’ll do a movie marathon. I’ll make popcorn, and you can pick the movies.”

  “I want to see Tangled again.” It was Brady’s current favorite movie. For a few months, she’d gone through a Frozen phase and Brave before that. “I love when she hits Flynn with the frying pan.”

  “Me too.” Jane mouthed a thank you to her friend.

  “Anytime.” Georgia kissed Brady’s cheek and set her down again. “Now, we should be heading home, and you’ve got a busy night ahead of you.” She raised an admonishing finger. “Don’t you dare let the fancy room go to waste.”

  And then Georgia and Brady were gone.

  Leaving Jane to fret about staying the night in a hotel room with Byron.

  Chapter Twelve

  An hour later, after she and Byron had eaten the takeout he’d brought back to the room, they sat in a somewhat comfortable silence. He’d insisted on lighting every single candle in the room, which gave the space an unnervingly warm glow, almost a sparkle. Combined with the lace and lingering smell of roses, the bedroom had a dreamy, sensual aura.

  And it wasn’t…too horrible.

  Byron studied her over the rim of his whiskey glass. Something was up. He’d come back with a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle whiskey. She’d refused a drink when he’d offered her some, even though it sounded good earlier and looked even better. She had to keep her wits about her.

  Jane was trying to get up the nerve to change into a pair of yoga pants and a t-shirt she’d retrieved from her luggage. They were neatly folded on the chair across the room. Being dressed in comfortable clothes around him seemed like a bad idea, an invitation of sorts.

  Although, she didn’t know why she bothered dressing for bed. Getting any sleep tonight was off the menu.

  “We’re gonna get more personal tonight.”

  More personal? She’d already shared too much with him.

  “Tell me about your first time.”

  The question came flying out of nowhere.

  “The first time I did what?”

  “Had sexual relations.” His eyes danced at the formal term. “Made love.”

  Perhaps, she should’ve had the whiskey. Talking to him was so much easier when she was drunk.

  “Come on, Jane, spill. I want to know you even better. Besides, this’ll make our ruse easier for people to believe.”

  “Speaking of, this fake relationship is moving way too fast for me. Why’d you pick a that ruse anyway?” He could’ve gone with the brother and sister option.

  “Seemed like the thing to do at the time.” He smirked. “Come on, ou
t with it.”

  This had to be some sort of ploy, a seduction.

  “Why don’t we talk about you instead?”

  “I asked you first.” Jane doubted Byron confided in anyone. Someone like him was bound to have dark and dangerous secrets.

  They stared at one another for the longest time as she hesitated.

  Jane was reluctant to part with such an intimate tale, but the silence was overwhelming, a giant vacuum in the room swallowing up what little peace of mind she had.

  “Okay, fine.” Jane clenched her jaw. “It happened my sophomore year of high school. There was another boy, like me. He had Asperger’s and we were friendly, but not boyfriend and girlfriend.”

  “Why not?”

  “I was focused on my school work and so was he, but we were curious. No point in doing something if you aren’t going to do it well.”

  “My feelin’s exactly.” Byron saluted her with his glass. “And I always get the job done.”

  “Anyway, I’d been checking out books from the public library on lovemaking.” Jane lifted her chin. “I needed someone to conduct experiments with.”

  The sex education class she’d had in high school was pointless and skipped all the important information, so she’d investigated on her own.

  “So he was your lab partner?”

  “I suppose so.”

  “Find out anything interestin’?”

  Jane thought about it a moment. “Unlike the penis, which is multifunctional, the clitoris has only one purpose—pleasure.”

  His mouth fell open, but he didn’t speak.

  “It has many more nerve endings, which makes it a superior organ in my opinion. I was able to induce several orgasms in a row, but my ‘lab partner,’ as you put it, only managed three.”

  “You don’t say.” Byron had a silly sort of smile on his face. “And did this lucky young man pleasure you?”

  Jane thought back on it. “Yes, he did an adequate job.”

  Byron hooted. “Damn, darlin’. You can be harsh, but in this instance, I kinda love it. And since then, has it ever been better than adequate?” He took another sip from the glass.