Chapter Fifteen

The thorough staff search took most of the afternoon, but he and Sanchez finally found a detective in another precinct who was a close enough match to Dayle. Her height and hair were very similar. From a distance, those would be the most distinguishing features. Their lieutenant made a call to her boss. He was willing to loan her for their sting when plans were solidified.

After a lot of discussion, they decided the most believable plan might be to stage a dinner out with Elijah, then have him called away, leaving her to find her way home. They scoped out a lot of possible restaurants before deciding on one which had a darker entrance with a few nearby alleys where bad guys could lie in wait.

The next afternoon was the day before the interview. Dayle joined them for an hour so they could discuss burying a few taunts to the killer in the information she provided. The three of them sat, sipping coffee, in their office. Elijah spoke first. “Are you comfortable with people knowing we’re dating?”

“Of course, as long as it serves a purpose and isn’t just for gossip.”

“The reason I ask is that you could stress the equality of such a relationship. You don’t even have to say my name, just that you’re dating a detective. He understands you are equal partners, and he’s happy to cook your dinner if you work late.”

“You’re a terrible cook. You told me so yourself.”

“But I’ll buy you dinner if you work late.” He grinned. “The point is, that’s the kind of thing that’s going to push his buttons. Having a man in the kitchen instead of a woman.”

“Good idea. And how about mentioning that we had to come to terms about salary because the D.A.’s office pays better than the police department.”

“Ouch.” He gave a mock wince. “No, that’s perfect.” He got serious, meeting her gaze. “After this interview, you’ll have to take extra care, especially traveling back and forth to work. We should wait a few days after to allow him to make his plans. You need to keep a low profile just until it’s done.”

“Who did you get to be the fake me?”

“A detective from one of the other precincts. Her name is Susan Carmichael.”

“Does she really look like me?”

“Same height and body type. Her hair is similar, too. We can enhance with makeup to alter her face a bit.”

“Will she wear a microphone?”

“A mike and a tracker in case of emergencies.”

“Sounds foolproof.”

He shook his head. “Nothing is foolproof, but I think it should work.”

“Okay.” Sighing, she stood. “Better get back to paperwork, I guess. Let me know how my substitute makes out.”

“Will do.” Watching her leave with regret, he got back to work.

****

Around eight-thirty, he took a chance and walked to Dayle’s office to see if she was still working. As the elevator doors opened, she walked out, smiling when she saw him. “I hope you’re coming for me.”

Security were the only people left that he could see, but he still lowered his voice as they moved to the door. “I was hoping we might catch up on some sleep together.”

“That’s the best invitation I’ve had all day.”

“How about we might swing by your place to get you some fresh clothes, then go back to my place. Is that okay?”

“That’s lovely.” She took his hand as they walked to the car. “You look stiff. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just a few too many hours slumped over a desk, I guess.”

She smiled up at him. “I’ve heard a back massage can do wonders for things like that.”

“Are you volunteering?”

“Absolutely.”

“I’ll gladly take you up on that.” He opened the door for her, waiting as she slid inside and settled her briefcase on the floor. As they drove to her apartment, he told her about his lunch with Seth.

“It’s nice of you to encourage him.”

“We need more men and women like him. He knows how to work hard and pay attention. And he seems to have a good rapport with everyone he works with.”

“He was thoughtful enough to help out at the shelter, too.”

“Exactly.”

Elijah went upstairs with her when they arrived at her place. For some reason, she didn’t match her surroundings. Oh, they were very elegant, but lacked personality. He wandered into the bedroom, amused to see her bed was unmade. She noticed his glance and chided him. “Oh, I know. I never make mine until right after I get home in the evening. Even then, I just spread it up and immediately set out my clothes on the chair for the next day. Isn’t that awful?”

“Actually, I do the same thing myself, so it amused me.” He wandered into the attached bathroom as she grabbed a few cosmetics off the countertop to go with her. “Shower in the morning or at night?”

“Always morning. I’d never wake up otherwise.” She poked her head out. “Mind you, I might add a night time one if I had company.”

A jolt of heat ran through him, and he met her gaze. “Good to know.”

Laughing, she zipped her case and opened her closet. She selected a suit and blouse. “Why don’t you carry the case? I’ll take this so I can lock the door and set the alarm.”

After settling in the car, they made their way to his house, grateful the traffic was light. Letting them into the house, he closed and locked the door behind them. “Make yourself comfortable. I’ll take these upstairs and make us something to eat.”

Upstairs, he hung her clothes in his closet, surprised by the pleasure the small gesture caused. He set her case beside his dresser and turned to head back down, only to find her standing in the doorway. “Aren’t you hungry?” he asked, allowing her to fit the meaning to her wish.

She laughed and took a few teasing steps toward him. “Sometimes, satisfying hunger starts with a backrub.” Reaching up, she undid his tie, flinging it onto the nearby chair. He liked the playful light in her eyes and let her set the pace. She undid the buttons of his shirt, one by one, letting her fingers play against the hair of his chest. After tugging it out of the waistband, it joined the tie.

“Allow me,” he said, barely touching her before she waggled a finger at him.

“You just wait and watch.” She reached for his belt buckle, going slow enough for his patience to wear thin. After a moment, he was naked, and she still had her clothes on. “Lie down.” Her husky tone took the sexual tension up another notch. He did as she asked, watching as she slipped her blouse off. She knew what she was doing to him. He could tell by the smug expression on her face.

At this very second, he was the luckiest man in the universe.

When her bra joined her blouse on the floor, his heart revved. The sound of the zipper on her skirt sounded like a taunting countdown. He wanted to grab her and throw her down on the bed. Only discipline kept him in place. She was the very definition of beauty to him with her long hair cascading down to her nipples. His own piece of art.

The mattress dipped as she knelt beside him on the bed. “Turn on your stomach.”

Elijah was a very smart man. He did as he was told. As she mounted his hips, her body glided against his, and he almost groaned out loud. Then her hands began to rub, starting at his shoulders and working their way down. Her fingers dug into all the tight, bunched muscles, and now he did groan in pleasure. “Oh, that feels amazing.”

She chuckled. “I’ve barely begun.”

“You’re going to kill me, but it’s a worthy way to die,” he murmured. After ten minutes of her treatment, his body turned into a bowl of jelly. She moved over his buttocks and down his legs, rubbing and pummeling. He was so relaxed, he might have slept except for one thing. Her touch had caused a predictable response. One part of him was most assuredly not relaxed.

“Turn over.”

He did as she requested, meeting her beautiful eyes. With a satisfied smile, she swung her leg over him again. Easing up his body, she fit her legs around his hips and rubbed against him like a cat. He was so glad to feel her wet heat because he wasn’t sure he could wait any longer. As if she knew, she raised up on her knees and took him inside her. He murmured her name, and she began to move, holding him tight by the simple grasp of her toned muscles.

Reaching up, he stroked her breasts. “Your skin feels like satin,” he said, thrusting up to meet her. The glide of her thighs against him drove him mad.

She threw her head back, murmuring sounds of pleasure reaching him now. To him, she looked like a temptress who men could never ignore. Not this man at least. He picked up the tempo, driving into her, desperate to ensure her pleasure. When her body tightened, he touched where they were joined and she came with a loud moan, her body spasming around him. Content now, he let himself be beckoned into an almost endless orgasm. They held each other, gasping, until they were both replete.

Holding her tight, he shifted so that she lay beside him. He ran his hands through her hair, cupping her head. Their heartbeats finally slowed. Smiling, he said, “I’m not sure I’ve ever had such an amazing experience before.”

“That was the goal,” she whispered, touching his cheek.

“Goal met and surpassed.”

They stayed wound around each other for a while, then empty stomachs had them dressing in comfortable clothes before digging in the refrigerator for leftovers. After that, they went back to bed and slept deeply, undisturbed, until morning.

In the morning, they had an extra-long shower together, then had to hurry to work, armed only with a trail mix bar each for breakfast. Neither of them missed a big breakfast. As he dropped her off at work, he kissed her. “Good luck with the interview. Let me know how it goes.”

“I’ll do my best. Talk to you later.”

Full of unusual cheer, he started the day with a burst of energy.

****

Dayle had done plenty of interviews, both live and in print, but this one made her more conscious than any of them. Talking to the media was considered an essential part of her job, so she wasn’t nervous per se. She just wanted to lay enticing bait for the murderer as Elijah and Sanchez had asked.

It didn’t help that the young man, with the unlikely name of Ace McDonald, clearly believed he was God’s gift to anyone of the female persuasion. The polar opposite of anyone who would catch her eye, he had gym rat muscles, a purchased tan, and slicked back blond hair. His gleaming, bleached teeth seemed to stretch his mouth so he looked like a shark. Trying to peer down her blouse seemed to be his favorite pastime which really annoyed her.

Use him. Sitting in the cramped booth where they recorded the segment, she struggled to stay focused on the ultimate goal of this interview. The first handful of questions were what she called fluff, but she managed to steer them in a more serious direction.

“Is it hard to keep a relationship going when your hours are so demanding?”

Bingo. He probably thought of this question as flirting, but she could use it for her own goals. “Actually, my boyfriend is a homicide cop, so he understands. Whoever makes it home first cooks dinner, and he’s fine with that. We are partners. Our careers are equally important.”

A petulant expression spread over his face. “Care to share his name? Everyone loves a little gossip.”

“I’m afraid not. I try to keep the details of my private life out of the media’s eye.”

“Doesn’t your work mean that sometimes you are on opposing teams?”

She smiled. “We are all on a team that seeks justice.” Great. Now she sounded like a billboard promoting the legal system.

“Is it difficult for your significant other that your office pays significantly more than a cop makes?” The sneer on his face made her cranky.

At least she didn’t even have to try to force that question. “Actually, he’s very proud of me. It’s not uncommon anymore for a woman to earn more than a man or for a man to stay home with growing children. That’s what true partners do.”

He followed with a number of boring questions that everyone asked. They wound down from there, and she hoped she’d done enough. Now that Ace had finally clued in to the fact that she wasn’t interested in him, he barely said goodbye, hustling her out the door as soon as the segment wound down.

She texted Elijah to tell him she thought it had gone well.

****

Elijah read her text and smiled. In three days, they would set the trap and hope they caught him. Susan Carmichael was on board, and he’d picked a few other detectives he could count on to provide coverage. Hadley had apparently complained to Lieutenant Porter about not being included. When the boss asked why, Elijah had been quite honest with him about not wanting to rely on Hadley. He was always hesitant to be critical of another detective, but he didn’t trust the other man to have his back.

They had finally got a return call from one of the witnesses from the park. He had been out of town on business, but called to say he had seen a man dressed in black who didn’t look like they belonged among the others in exercise clothes. Although he wasn’t sure he could tell him much more than tall and brown-haired, he agreed to work with a sketch artist to try and help. They set up an appointment for tomorrow morning.

On the job bright and early the next day, Elijah got the bad news first thing in the morning before Sanchez arrived. Dismayed, he listened to another detective report that Susan Carmichael had been injured in a car accident the previous night. A felon they were chasing had rammed her car with his own. Luckily, she had survived with some injuries, but they included a broken leg. Their sting for the next night was a no-go unless they could find a last-minute replacement.

“Damn it.”

Sanchez hustled through the door, her arms full of a big box of donuts. “What’s goin’ on?”

He explained what had happened.

“But it’s all set up for tomorrow night,” Sanchez said, talking around a bite.

“It can’t be helped. Her leg’s in a cast.”

“Is there another female detective or even a beat cop who would work?”

He shook his head. “I don’t think so. The only other woman we found who was tall enough to pass is pregnant.”

“Well…”

“No.”

“You didn’t even let me speak.”

“You’re thinking about using Dayle again. There’s no way I’m going to put her at risk.”

“She should make that decision, not you. It’s not like she’ll be by herself. We’ll have protection in every corner.”

He met her gaze. “We both know that things go wrong during these setups all the time, despite best intentions. People get hurt. It’s not in her job description to act as bait.”

He was interrupted by another call which seemed to take forever. Sanchez filled the time texting, her fingers a blur of motion. When he finally got off the line twenty minutes later, she continued to try and persuade him. Fed up, he put an end to it by standing. “I’d better update the lieutenant and get his take.”

Reluctance had him dragging his feet. He knew that if he filled his boss in, the likelihood was that the FBI would be called in to take over. It couldn’t be helped. When he turned the corner to rap on the door, he found Dayle sitting in his boss’s office. Surprise, closely followed by suspicion, had him frowning. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I’ll come back later.”

“No need.” Porter waved him inside. “We were just talking about your case. I heard your decoy was injured.”

“Yes, sir. We’ll work on finding another policewoman, but it will take time.”

He gestured him to the seat beside Dayle. “I think we have a reasonable solution, but I’ve been informed you’re not happy with the idea.”

It was true. That warning chill he’d had when he saw her there was legitimate. “Sir, using citizens in a sting has never worked well. It’s too risky.”

“Dayle isn’t exactly a typical citizen, is she?”

“No, but—”

“I think this might be our only chance of catching him, Black. We are running out of time on this one. If we don’t catch him, I’ll have to call in the Feds, and none of us want that.”

“I’d rather let them take over than allow her to get injured.”

“She can wear a vest, carry a gun, and wear a tracker. You can hand pick the people you want to help you, however many you need.” He sighed. “We have to stop him, one way or the other.”

He looked back and forth between them. “Between you two and Sanchez, it appears I’m outnumbered.”

“It’ll be fine, Elijah.” Dayle smiled. “And we can have a celebration and finally get some real sleep when it’s done.”

A few moments later, they left the office. He didn’t speak until they were out of his boss’s hearing. Trying to keep frustration at bay, he asked, “Did Sanchez tell you about Carmichael?”

Making no attempt to prevaricate, she answered, “Yes. She texted me. Don’t be angry with her.”

“She knew this wasn’t what I wanted.”

“Hey.” She pulled him to into a quiet nook where they couldn’t be overheard. “I love that you’re a protective person, but I’m a tough cookie. I can take care of myself.”

“So tough that you’ve been stabbed before?” The burst of words came out of nowhere. He wished at once he could take them back when he saw the shocked expression on her face. “I’m sorry, Dayle. I shouldn’t have said that. It’s just that taking unnecessary risks is not in my wheelhouse.”

She huffed in a breath and let it trickle out. “Surviving that attack ultimately made me a more confident person. I escaped an abusive husband and learned that we can never let those men win. That’s part of the reason I want to help, both here and at the shelter.” She put a consoling hand on his arm. “Did you ever hear that saying about evil thriving if good men and women do nothing? This is a textbook case. We have to do something to put a stop to these murders.”

He leaned down to put his forehead against hers. “Okay. I’ll have to trust your instincts on this. But you have to promise me if anything goes south, you’ll bail and save yourself.”

“Deal.” She glanced around, and seeing no one nearby, kissed his cheek. “When do we have the big meeting when we nail down the particulars?”

“Tomorrow at three. The dinner reservation is at seven. That will give everyone four hours to go over the details and finish preparations.”

“Okay. Your office, three sharp. I’ll see you then.”

He watched her walk away, her confident stride making a mockery of his fear. This case gave him the twitches. He couldn’t help but wonder what tiny sliver of information he was missing that could solve it.

When he arrived back at the office, he and Sanchez ran over the list of people who would take part. They took a drive to check out the exterior of the restaurant to ensure that nothing had changed. So far, so good. Security cameras were on every nearby building—they’d already checked to make sure they were functional.

Four of the men would be outside, two in front, two in back for better coverage. The two female cops would be inside, one bussing tables and one serving. Impossible to know if their killer would follow her outside or already be waiting. They would sit at the most visible table.

Around eight p.m., they parted company and headed home. When he arrived, he texted goodnight to Dayle and told her he missed her. She replied with a string of funny emojis in an obvious attempt to cheer him. At this point, he just wanted tomorrow to be over.