Let Us Prey by Blake Banner

Author:Blake Banner [Banner, Blake]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-10-13T17:00:00+00:00

EIGHTEEN

When I got home, I made myself a steak sandwich and poured a generous glass of Irish. Then I sat at the computer and put in a couple of hours’ research. There was something nagging at my mind, and I wanted to confirm it. As I ate and drank, and worked my way through the endless pages my searches dredged up, it all slowly began to make sense. One after another, the missing pieces began to slot into place. All except one.

Her call came at eleven p.m., pretty much when I expected it.

“Detective Stone… John, it’s Emma.”

“I know.”

“I need…” A sigh, loud enough for me to hear, and then she started again. “You were right. I do need you. How did you know? How could you have known? We need to talk. Can I come over?”

“Where are you? It’s late.”

“At home, on Madison Avenue.”

“This isn’t Madison Avenue, baby. This is the Bronx.”

“You make it sound so…”

“It is. Get a taxi. You have my address.”

I hung up before she could answer.

It was almost midnight when I heard the distinctive sound of a yellow cab outside. The door slammed like a gunshot in the dark, quiet street. Heels tapped at a half run, and my doorbell rang. I counted slowly to thirty before I got up and went to answer it. I stood blocking the way, looking down at her.

“I thought you weren’t coming. I was going to bed.”

“My husband… Look, I’m here now, aren’t I?”

I stood aside and let her in.

She stood, uncertain, in the middle of the floor. I watched her a moment, then reached out my hand. “Give me your coat.”

She slipped it off and handed it to me. She was wearing a short, tight black dress that showed off all her curves. They were all the right size and in the right places. She was to celibacy what bacon is to vegetarianism. She said, “Thank you,” like it was a meek apology.

I checked the pockets and the lining of her coat. She watched me do it, frowning. I threw the coat on the sofa and went and stood really close to her. “I have to be sure you’re not wearing a wire…”

I put my hands around her waist and ran then slowly up her sides and over her back and ass. Her breath shuddered. I smiled. It wasn’t a friendly smile.

“Don’t get the wrong idea, babe. I am just being careful. You want a drink?”

She nodded. I fixed her a martini, extra dry, and poured myself another Irish. She sat on the sofa. I handed her her glass and sat in my armchair. She sipped and looked at me reproachfully.

“You’re not being very friendly.”

“I want you to be clear, I am not a sap that you can play like your husband. You’re as hot as a Carolina reaper, and I’d like nothing better than to take what you’re offering, Emma, whether you’re offering it or not. But before we get close and cozy, you are going to understand. I don’t need you.

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