Heart of Fire (9 page)

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

She watched the silhouette of the city grow larger as they approached.  It was magnificent.  Danni did not realize how much she missed it until the lights called out to her.  She missed driving down the streets while on detail.  She loved the solitude that she shared with Annabel, but she missed the excitement of the streets.  As they drove to their destination, Danni witnessed several drug transactions in process.  She laughed when she saw them smile at her as she passed.  The word must have already been put out on the streets that she was no longer a problem.  She shook her head when she fought the urge to just bust them anyway and call in uniform officers to pick them up, but there was no time for small time busts.  They had a bigger fish to catch.

Annabel exited the car first when they pulled up.  Danni had to jump out to catch up with her as they approached the tall figure dressed in black who stood at the edge of the parking lot.  His hands were behind his back as he waited for them, Danni smiled and waved as they got near, but when he came into view, she could see it was not Frank.  Alarmed, she unsnapped her firearm and removed the safety.  She was ready to attack if she needed to.  She approached him with caution as he scrambled to unload the items from his trunk.  “Where’s Frank?” Danni asked confused as she looked at the supplies on the ground.

“He’ll meet up with you tomorrow.  He had an emergency.”  He handed her a folded piece of paper with instructions where to meet up the next day.

“Are you going to be with us or are we solo on this?” she mused holding the paper in the light to read it.

“I’m not on this case,” Agent Fisher said annoyed. He was excited that he was pulled from the research department to meet with them until he was told he was only dropping off the equipment and that would be the extent of field work.

“Where are Lopez and Kent?” she snapped.

“Like I said, I’m not part of this case, Frank asked me to meet you and give you the equipment because I was the only one still in the office.” He offered no further explanation as he got in his car.

What the fuck Danni wanted to say but she kept her mouth shut.  “What the hell was the point of coming out here if he’s not here?” Danni snapped as she watched him step in his car and drive off.

“What does the note say?” She tried to look over Danni’s shoulder to see what was written, but Danni already put her arm down and held it next to her leg.

“To sit tight after we go wire the Burns house and follow-up on a few of the leads he listed.”  She shrugged annoyed.

“I’m down for it.  I’d rather being doing this than sitting back at the house doing nothing.”

“But this means we’re still in limbo,” she snarled. 

Annabel said nothing else when she saw the nerve ends pulsate in the veins in Danni’s neck and  followed her lead and picked up the equipment and headed back to the car.

Danni made a few calls as instructed.  She looked at Annabel looking at her.  “What?”  She grinned.

“Just love the way you handle business,” she said with a wink.

She rolled her eyes a little embarrassed.  “
Whatever, let’s get going.”

“Where to boss?” Annabel laughed.

“First stop the Mayors house to set up surveillance equipment, then we get a room and wait.”  She shrugged.  “Like you said, it’s better than doing nothing at all.”

It only took an hour to set up the cameras and listening devises. Danni took the time to explain to the Mayor that no matter what, he was to wear the watch she brought that had a homing device set in to ensure if he was taken they could always find him.  He tried to argue at first until she explained that if he is taken, the only way he would be found was dead.  He hesitantly took it and replaced his gold Rolex with the leather strapped cheap watch.

Danni cringed as they left the Mayors’ house.  She always felt like she needed a shower.  He had this way of looking at her like she was a piece of meat he could not wait to savor.  “Yuk,” she groaned when Annabel laughed at her expression.

“Aw come on.  He thinks you’re hot baby.”

“I’d rather eat bullets then even think about it anymore.”  Danni shuddered over the sick, disgusting thought.

Annabel let out a hearty laugh.  “
Okay.  Okay enough then.”  She blinked back as Danni pinched her on the side.

“Where now Pacelli?”

“Pick a hotel, we need to set up surveillance first thing in the morning, and we need to get some sleep.”

“Sleep you say?” 
Sleep was not on her mind as she watched Danni adjust her belt.  She imagined taking if off with her teeth.  “The Marriott has nice suites.”  ‘And each room has a hot tub,’ Annabel said under breath imagining a night of romance before their life started to get complicated.

“Oh no, we need our rest, I know what you want, and as enticing as you are, oh how easy it would be to take you, but I need to be on my game right now.” 
She leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.  “When this is over, I will take you to any hotel you want,” she whispered as she nibbled on her ear.

“You play dirty Pacelli, so take this warning, when this is over; you are mine, so bring the handcuffs.”

The playful statement took Danni by surprise.  A cold shower was definitely in order now.  Her mind reeled with the thought.




A knock at the door shook Danni out of her seat.  She opened it and a courier handed her a brown envelope.  She took it without any question when she saw in her name printed on the front of the large brown envelope.  She sat on the bed and emptied the package.  Included was a mini tape recorder and pictures.  The note was from Frank.  Danni looked around then got up and knocked on the bathroom door.  She stuck her head in and asked Annabel if she had called Frank and told him where they were.  Annabel peaked around the curtain.  Water dripped from her on the floor.  “No babe.  Why?”

“A package was delivered from him.  What the hell?”
  She returned to the bed and sat back down and shuffled through the contents.  She turned on the recorder and listened.  It was Frank’s voice that came across.  He advised that the bags had a tracking devise, and that there were two more in a black box that she and Annabel were to wear at all times.  He gave detailed instructions on how to use the tracking equipment, who to follow and where to be at nine p.m. the next evening.  He gave no clue to where he was other than he would meet up with her then.  He ended the tape saying, “I bet you wonder how I knew where you were.  Keep this in mind Danni and stay alert, if I found you within minutes after you checked in, that would tell you how easy you are to find.  For future references, don’t use your ATM card,” then he laughed and the message ended.

Annabel sat on the bed behind her.  She put her head on her shoulder and water dripped down Danni’s shirt making her nipples erect.  “
You’re getting me wet woman.”

“I sure hope so.” 
She playfully tickled her.  “On the serious note what’s in the envelope?”

Danni gave her a brief description of the contents and the taped message from Frank, Annabel laughed when Danni held her finger to her head acting like it was a gun and pulling the trigger.  “As you can see, I am no better, I just made a huge rookie mistake and Frank waited for me to make it.”  She sighed and pointed to the contents.  “
I’m going to shower.  How about you put all this stuff up and order room service.” 

A little annoyed by Danni’s tone, she sighed.  “
How about, I order room service and pretend you asked me nicely, and while you are in the shower I will be more than happy to clear the bed and when you’re done, you can help me put all this stuff up.”

She liked the forcefulness in Annabel’s voice and offered no objection as she walked into the bathroom.




Danni stepped out of the bathroom and the aroma of food made her smile, but what caught her attention was the bottle of wine.  “Oh no,” Danni said and took slow steps back into the bathroom.

“No wait.  Come back,”
Annabel yelled after her.

She reentered hesitantly.  With slow, unbalanced steps they met half way.  They stood within inches of one another.  Danni closed her eyes and surrendered to her kiss.  Annabel carefully removed the towel that stood between her and Danni.  Cool fingers touched her shoulder and rounded her breast.  She gave into the temptation and allowed Annabel to lead her to the bed.  As she deposited her on her back, Annabel reached over and handed her one of the plastic cups filled with the red wine.

“Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Trying is not on the agenda Pacelli.  Doing is what is on the menu,” s
he teased, her hand gripped tighter around Danni’s wrist as she bruised her lips with hers.  “You want to eat food now, or would you rather eat me?”  The question sent chills down Danni’s spine.

“Oh I am very hungry right now.” 
She pulled Annabel up and deposited her on her face.  First breathing in her scent and then dipping her tongue deep inside her wet center.  “Come for me sweetheart.”  As if on command, Annabel’s body began to convulse as the orgasm ripped through her.  She pinched her own nipples bringing on a second then a third.  She was breathless, her legs felt like jello and her heart pounded in her chest.  Her vision blurred as she tried to focus down on Danni’s face.  She rolled off of her and lay heavily on her back.  She struggled to get her breathing under control and scolded herself for letting Danni take control of their love making.

She could feel Danni move up her thighs giving one last lick before she deposited herself on top of her.  “
That was good.  What’s for dessert?”

She tried not to laugh but could not help herself.  She never knew what smart ass remark would escape those beautiful lips of Danni’s, and she loved it.  They always laughed, no matter how serious things got.  They could always find humor in anything.

“My turn!” the demand was accompanied by Danni being rolled over onto her back.  She pulled herself on top of her but sat up.  She reached over for the cheesecake and smeared it over Danni breasts and down to her clit.  “Now this is the kind of dessert I like.” 

Before Danni could protest, Annabel was suckling on her nipple taking it deep into her mouth.  She pushed her down in her journey and stopped and held her in place as she suckled on her clit.  Within seconds Danni’s body exploded into ecstasy and the orgasm ripped through her.  Annabel looked up briefly and smiled; she pulled her back in her mouth, but felt a little resistance.  She held on tighter, she was not letting Danni have her way.  She knew what she wanted, and taking her partner to new heights was one of them. 

She dipped her tongue deeper into her tasting the fresh flow of fluids, it made her want to come again, but as she felt tender flesh swell again the faster she caressed the area and inserted her tongue.  She could feel Danni’s body stiffen again.  She moved up and pulled her clit into her mouth.  She sucked lightly at first, then with force. 

The pressure built and when the orgasm started, it was nothing like she ever felt before.  It was not just the amazing feeling that shocked all her senses making her body convulse but the joy that filled her heart.  A single tear escaped her eye but it was not sadness, she never been affected in the way Annabel made her feel.  She closed her eyes as she said to the abyss.  I love her.  I am truly madly in love with her.  Thank you God for bringing her to me.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The streets were deserted as Hollywood walked slowly home.  She turned up the volume on her IPOD singing along trying to tune out the uncomfortable feeling she was having.  She looked to her left then to her right.  The feeling like she was being watched scared her.  She took a shortcut through an alley behind her apartment unaware of the dangers that lurked in the darkness.  She casually counted her earnings from the night and smiled when it occurred to her she had enough to pay the rent for another month and extra to put into her savings.  She needed to save and move, and go back to college, she only needed fifteen more credits for her bachelor’s in psychology, and with her insight of drug use and prostitution she believed she could discourage others from living the same life. 

She was proud of herself, she had joined AA and had been clean and sober for a little over a week, but she was not oblivious to how easy it would be to relapse, so she struggled with her demons second by second, minute by minute not to use, and now each time she looked in the mirror, her reflection disgusted her.  She recalled how stunning she once was, but now the person staring back at her in the mirror was no longer recognizable.  She could see the damage the years of drugs use did and how it aged her.  She had aged beyond her years and it saddened her, but she rationalized that forty five was still young enough to finish her degree and once her teeth were fixed, she could work on her appearance. 

She had already made an appointment to have all her teeth pulled and have implants put in, courtesy of the Mayor, she met with him a few days back to ask for his help, she figured it was the least he could do, since over the years she helped keep his fetish for the women a secret.  He argued with her at first, telling her he owed her nothing, but when she reminded him how easily his career would end if the papers got a wind of his extracurricular activities, he hesitantly gave in.

It was not her style to make idol threats, but with the recent rash of killings she was spooked, and when she tried to counsel some of the other girls to consider a change with her, came up with a solution for them to share a house together, get real jobs and all go back to school, they laughed.  One even went as far to say, how can I afford to buy my drugs then?  She told herself no matter what the others said, she was getting out, and to her surprise, Sally one of the new girls who hooked to feed her children agreed to join her, she told Hollywood, she was in line for a house and assistance, and if they put their money together, they could make it.  Hollywood was delighted, she had an exit strategy, she just needed a little bit more money to pull it off, but she was not sure how long it would take to make it, since her visit with Danni, each time a car pulled to the side of the road, and the man would asked for a quick fuck or a blow job, she would hesitate, and if the man was really sleazy she would say no. 

She made a mental note to talk to Sally and see how long it would take to get the housing assistance.  Just as she reached the long stretch of gangway that led to the street she hesitated, she thought she heard footsteps, when she stopped and listened, there was no noise.  She smiled and shook off the uneasy feeling and as soon as she turned the corner and her apartment building came into view she gasped in horror, a sudden burning pain shot into her back.  She screamed and cried out as her head was yanked back by her hair.  She was forced to come face to face with the person who assaulted her, she blinked back in shock.  “You, why?”  But the words trailed as she felt a blade slice across her throat.  She wrapped her hand tight as the blood came spurting out.  She stumbled a few feet forward but lost her balance and fell to the ground.  She crawled on her hands and knees the rest of the way to the sidewalk in front of her building, her life force oozed from her down into the sewer drain painting the sidewalk on its way.  She tried to pull herself up but her attempt failed when a foot pressed heavy on her back and held her in place.  Another sharp pain shot into her back as the blade entered and pierced her right lung.  She coughed as the blood filled her lung she choked out another cry as she lay twisted on the curb.  She knew the end was near as she listened to her attacker laugh as the knife plunged in her one last time.  Her bleach dyed hair soaked red with blood as it drained from the gash across her throat.  Still holding on to life, she scratched the letters DA in blood on the sidewalk before her body collapsed and became limp.  The street was empty and dark and only the light that silhouetted her limp frame shined dimly from the end of the street.  She watched in horror as the light grew darker while the last of her body’s life force slipped from her.

First on the scene was Detective Lancaster, he had just finished a bust on the next street over and was heading back to the station when he saw her limp lifeless body.  He immediately coordinated a search of the area then taped it off with a block radius to keep on lookers away.  Lights and sirens filled the surrounding area.  Lieutenant Hagerty pulled up as soon as the crime scene investigators did.  Side by side, they discussed what needed to be done.  He pushed through the crowd with force as he cleared the path.  “
Don’t leave nothing unturned,” he ordered as he lifted the tape for the team to get under.

The flashes from the cameras could be seen down the block.  Onlookers gasped as the body was removed and the pool of blood became visible.  Channel Ten News stood in the background reporting the tenth killing in the past year.

“This is Rebecca Olivares reporting from the corner of Jackson and North Fourteenth.  The Night Walker strikes again taking the life of the tenth victim.  The identity of the victim is unknown at this time.  Officials stated they will transport the victim to Lubbock for an autopsy first thing tomorrow.  Stay tuned as more details are revealed.”

Danni woke from a sound sleep as she heard the news flash.  She sat up in a panic and cleared her vision as the scene was displayed on the television screen.  She reached for her phone and dialed Frank’s number, but there was no answer.  She left him a message asking him to get the details of the murder.  She shot out of the bed, and put on the clean street clothes she wore earlier.  As soon as she reached the car it occurred to her that Annabel was still in a sound sleep.  The main focus now was to get to the scene before all the evidence was washed away.  She approached with caution surveying the area.  Lieutenant Hagerty stood on the sidelines and supervised the investigation.  Danni casually strolled up alongside of him.  He did not notice her at first which gave her an opportunity to see the bloody inscription on the walkway.

“What we got Hagerty?”

He shot around and looked at her confused.  “What are you doing here?  I thought you were out of town?”

“I got back into the city today.”  A smile crept across her face which hid her deception.  Danni did not lie to him, she was not in the city, she was in the country, and she did just drive back in today.

“Good, I want you on this.  The Mayor is breathing down my neck to find the son of a bitch,” h
e huffed.  “They should have the evidence bagged and processed by tomorrow.”  He continued with a sigh, “This is the tenth woman Pacelli; we got to get this guy.”

“I’m still on vacation until Monday, but I’ll pick everything up and check out a few leads.”  Danni knew it was time to get bring him into the investigation.  “
Hey Hagerty, let’s go get some coffee.”

The puzzled look made Danni laugh.  She was so busy giving him a hard time any change in her personality would confuse.

“You pick a hell of a time to go on vacation Pacelli,” he smirked and nodded his head.  “Where too?”

“I saw a little dinner a few blocks down on the boulevard.” 

They both casually got in Danni’s car and pulled off.  “No coffee, just need to get you out of ear shot,” she confirmed his suspicions.

Danni explained each event to date as they transpired.  She watched his left brow raised astonished by what he was listening to.  She explained how they went into hiding and how she involved the Fed’s.  By the time she finished he was flustered.  The anger was apparent on his face.  The thought of the security risk and a possible bad cop irritated him but he had his suspicions.  That is why he put her on the case.  He may not be a fan of female officers but he was sure she was a good cop.  He felt like a proud dad as he looked at her.  When she was assigned to his division he fought it with everything he had.  He told himself she would not make it and that made it easier when he had to change the locker room from all male to unisex.  But, over the years, she had proven herself to be as capable as the men if not ever better.

“Good Job Pacelli.”  He smiled as he patted her on the shoulder.

She was a little taken back since he had never acknowledged her performance in the past.  She smiled her appreciation.  “
I’ll take you back to your car.  I need to get back to the hotel.”  She handed him her new cell number as he got out.  “Call only from a pay phone,” she instructed, and smiled as she drove off.

His demeanor shocked her and she was a little upset with herself for giving him a hard time in the past.  It occurred to her he was on her side and willing to help in anyway.  That is the way it should have always been, she thought but dismissed it just as fast.  “
Time to get back to the hotel and wake up Annabel, we need to get the investigation going,” she said aloud as she dialed Frank’s number.  She was prepared to leave another message but he answered.

“Danni, did you see the news?”
his question was urgent.

“Just left the scene and Hagerty is on our team.”

“Are you sure he’s on the up and up?” the hesitation in his voice expressed his suspicion.

“Yeah, he is,” t
he shame in her voice was apparent.

“Good, text his number to me and I will get a hold of him in a few hours.  I am going to send one of the guys to the lab to make sure none of the evidence disappears.  This is now an official FBI investigation Danni.  I’m not trying to step on your toes but since I have been using resources here, it caught the attention of my superiors.”

“This is my case Frank.” 

“You’re still a part of it and you will still get the collar, I’ll see to that,”
he reassured.  “I’ll see you tonight as planned.  Make sure you wear the tracking device as instructed.  It’s my ass on the line now if anything goes wrong.”

She grunted as she disconnected the call.  “
Fuck!” she snorted.  Just she pulled into the hotel parking lot, she flipped the car around.  She needed to take control of this case and was going not going to let anyone take it away from her.  She sped towards the interstate flashing her lights along the way.  She mused how easy people got out of her way as she flew past.  It did not take long before she pulled in her parking space at the precinct.  She took the back stairs up to the lab, and watched through the glass window as the evidence was sorted.  She waved for one of the technicians to open the locked door.  He shook his head in defiance as he pointed to his watch.  Noting the sign that stated no unofficial personal allowed between the hours of eleven p.m. and six a.m.

He stepped out the door after she pounded on the window several more times.  “
You know the rules Pacelli.”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass about the rules; I have a murder to solve.  Just give me the damn pictures and I’ll sort the rest later!” 
She had no time to debate.  At least the pictures would give her a little bit of missing information.

“That I can do give me a minute to print them off.” 
He rolled his eyes shutting and locking the door behind him.

She waited patiently as he made the prints and almost pulled his arm out of socket as she snatched them out of his hand

Danni decided she wanted to be in the solitude of the hotel room as she looked over the pictures.  She grabbed an empty evidence bag and a magnify glass, note pads and labels. 

“Pacelli?”

A female voice caught her off guard.

“Travis, I thought you worked second shift.  What are you doing here at this hour?”
  She looked at the clock on the wall and noted it was a four fifteen a.m., Danni made a mental note of the time.

“I heard about another murder, I wanted to see if they needed any help with the investigation,”
Travis chimed never taking her eyes off the package of pictures.  “I thought you were on vacation Pacelli?” she inquired lightly.

“I am.  Well I was.”

“Oh, so then, um, do you need any help with the investigation?” she stuttered.

“I got this Travis, but thanks anyways.” 
Once down the hall, Danni stopped long enough to collect her thoughts.  “This stinks,” she mused and wrote down the officer’s name. ‘Wendy Travis, four a.m.  was in forensics.  No reason to be there.  If she wanted to assist, she would have gone to homicide.’  Danni looked over her notes, she would not add to the list of suspects until ruled out.  She turned around and stormed back to the lab.  Conner had just walked in with bags of the evidence, she needed help and she knew she could trust him.  He was a reliable source of information who knew how to keep his mouth shut.  When she approached the locked glass room, she tapped on the window.  He pranced around and waved as he walked towards the door.

“What’s going on Pacelli?  You’re looking good girl,” h
is flamboyant display wavered when he spoke to her.