Urban Renewal (Urban Elite Book 1) (21 page)

Jack

Knowing all the shit that goes down on these city streets, I’m always relieved whenever I cross paths with Lady Luck. Spotting her as she works her corner means she’s made it one more day, and this evening is no different. I see her at her usual intersection and immediately my shoulders loosen up a little and my hands relax their white-knuckle grip on the wheel. But my relief is brief as I remember the solemn task that brings me to this part of town.

Ask any cop about their least favorite part of the job and they’ll tell you the same thing: death notifications. You take an oath to protect the people who live in your community. Then one night – say, 3 a.m. – you’re sitting in a stranger’s living room as their world falls apart. Hell, as the bearer of the worst possible news, you’re the bastard who’s rocking their world to hell and back. And here’s the kicker: you’re powerless to do a damn thing about it except express your condolences and finish out your shift.

Lady’s unsavory line of work doesn’t change the fact that she’s got a big ol’ heart – a heart I’m about to break. So, yeah, I’ll do my job. But this is the part of the job I hate.

Valerie’s hand is warm as she strokes my arm through the fabric of my button down dress shirt. She’s already got a good read on my mood. I reach across my chest, cover her hand with mine and give it a brief squeeze. I drag in a deep breath and Valerie rolls her window down as I pull up next to where Lady’s striking a come-hither pose on the sidewalk.

Lady’s gold sequined mini-skirt shimmers like a disco ball as she struts across the sidewalk toward us. She leans in at Valerie’s open window like we’re just shootin’ the shit, but she knows better. Like I said before, sixth sense.

“What’s up, Jack? I see you’ve got your better half with you today. Hi, doll.”

Valerie slaps my arm in jest. “Ha! Did you hear that? I’m the brains, you’re the brawn. Hey there, Lady.”

They share a high-five and more laughter. “You’re the beauty
and
the brains. It’s easy to see why this one fell so hard for you. You’ve got it all, baby girl: you’re a strong, independent woman with looks, a rockin’ bod, and the talent to put a bastard behind bars. You’ve got my respect, that’s for sure.”

A little levity goes a long way in moments like this. But I know if I don’t break up this little love fest, it’s just going to make this harder. Lady beats me to it, turning serious as she looks over at me.

“You don’t look good, Jack. Why so serious, baby?”

I’d rather she hear this from me than someone else, so here goes. “I’ve got bad news, hon.”

She backs up from the car window as if the distance will make my statement less true. “No, no, no-- Please don’t tell me Chineka’s gone.”

“Lady, I promise you, I’ll catch this bastard.”

“You won’t have to, because if I find out who this freak is, I’ll kill him myself.”

“Let me do my job, Lady. You don‘t want to get mixed up in this. I know this one strikes way too close to home, but emotions can lead someone to make mistakes, big mistakes. I don’t want you getting hurt.” She just nods, sobbing into the hand she has pressed over her mouth. Even worse than death notifications, I hate having to ask questions after delivering such shattering news. But, again, it’s my job. “Lady, do you think her pimp is capable of doing something like this?” I highly doubt her pimp is a serial killer but I’ve gotta ask.

“No way. Not his style. Now, he’ll beat a women down if she ain’t makin’ enough bank for his lazy ass, but he ain’t no freak ass serial killer.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so either.”

“All that profilin’ shit y’all be doing and you got no idea who this guy is?” she asks as she looks from me to Valerie and back again.

“This guy’s all over the grid as far as his signature.”

“Signature? What the hell is that?”

“It’s a killer’s personal way of doing things; their unique style, if you will. It helps us not only profile them but identify their kills. Cutting up body parts is part of this guy’s signature.”

“That’s one sick motherfucker.”

“Yes, he is. Now, listen, I need to know you’re gonna be careful out here. Any way you could take some time off?”

“Baby, now you know I still got bills to pay.”

“Yeah, I thought you might say that.” I can’t help but feel disappointed. “Okay, then, do me a favor. Ask around and see if anyone’s had any close calls recently. Maybe just a gut feeling that kept a girl from getting into a john’s car, or even a girl who did get in and had a narrow escape.”

“So you’re finally hiring me?” she chuckles, but her laughter soon fades when she sees the grim determination on my face.

“I meant what I said, Lady. It’s a standing offer. Whenever you’re ready to get off these streets, I’ll hire you. Hell, I’ll come down here and get you myself, just say the word.”

“You know what, Jack? With all the craziness going on out here anymore, I might just take you up on that. I’ll think about it.” With a warm look in Valerie’s direction, she says, “You struck gold with this one. You best treat him right, now.”

Valerie looks my way, her eyes soft with the tenderness she only gives to me. “Every chance I get.”

His Pet

She’s so beautiful, curled up on her little cot. She’s been watching me closely but averts her eyes when I end the call. I can feel the questions and curiosity practically radiating from her. I’m not particularly interested in answering her questions, although I find her curiosity endearing. No, I want to know what’s keeping her spirit intact.

Making that phone call in front of her was a test of sorts. Lucky for her, she passed. She could have screamed for help and made a fuss, but she didn’t. No one would have come to her aid, of course, but, nonetheless, it could have been…awkward.

The cot creaks as I sit on the edge. I tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear so I can see her lovely face. She’s beautiful even with no make-up, and she’s so very easy to read. I think I enjoy her most when she’s embarrassed or humiliated; in those moments her skin takes on the most charming crimson hue. I find that I want very much to see it again.

“Ask me your question, you have nothing to fear. As long as you continue to behave, you’re safe here with me.”

“You’re going out again?”

“Ahh, you’re jealous?”

“Why do you always answer my questions with a question?” There’s that unfaltering spirit again.

“Don’t you find it odd to be having this conversation with the man who abducted you?”

“Who else am I supposed to talk to?”

“Hmmm,” I murmur, quite pleased with her progress. “To answer your question, yes, I am. I’m going out.”

“You’re going to do something evil.”

My laughter fills the room. “I don’t do evil, darling girl. I
am
evil. There’s such a profound difference.”

“Are you…”

“Am I what? Enamored with someone else? Fucking someone else?” I finish her question for her. “Mmmm…not really. Not just yet. My tastes are…shall we say, eccentric? Yes, eccentric. I’m not a conventional man when it comes to my sexual appetites. I do, however, love to play and a true playmate is so very hard to find these days. I can’t allow just anyone to play with me, I must be very careful. So I’m…browsing. Testing the waters, so to speak – I can’t very well allow someone’s ribald curiosity to be my undoing, now can I? After all, I need to be here to watch over
you
.”

I’ve learned much about my little captive in this short discussion. She’s developing feelings for me, as I had hoped. Now it’s just a matter of nurturing them and continuing to gain her trust. 

“You know,” I say as I stroke her hair, “I’m considering giving you your own room upstairs. Can I trust you with that?”

She nods her head demurely. “Very well, my pet. Perhaps I’ll move you upstairs tomorrow.” If she’s a very good girl, maybe I’ll move her into the upstairs room later tonight.

“Just remember, kitten, I’m watching you—I’m always watching you.” I tap the side of the cell phone that I’m holding up for her to see. And there it is, the fear in her eyes that makes my cock throb, every time. So I lean in and whisper in her ear, “Remember, good girls get rewarded. You belong to me now. Anyone and anything you knew before are gone. Dead and gone. I’m all you’ve got now. You would do well to remember that.”

I hold her as she weeps.

Jack

After I’m assured that Lady will watch her back, we say our goodbyes. I take Valerie to her car across town and follow her back to the compound. I want to read that email for myself. Although it’s not unexpected, I’m still pissed at the idea of the bastard directly threatening members of my team. I don’t even knock, just walk through Max’s door when we arrive.

“Let me see this threatening email you were talking about.”

“Oh, boy…” Max groans.

Spider clicks on her email since he’s seated at her computer desk.

“I didn’t like it either, boss. Guy’s got a hell of a lot of nerve threatening her.” Spider can see the brass balls this guy has, too. Well, this fucker’s on my turf now and I won’t stop until I take him down.

I lean back in my chair and address everyone in the room.

“This is how this is going to go. We don’t have a full house yet. As you know, the recruiting phase of this operation is set to begin in earnest in a couple of weeks. But that doesn’t mean we’re not able to work a case like professionals. So I want everyone giving this case 100%. That includes you, Valerie. Consider yourself moved in—you’re staying here with me. We both know it was happening, I’m just calling it now.

“Nobody goes in or out of that gate without me knowing it, if they aren’t an employee. Max, you don’t go anywhere without Spider, got that? Get over whatever differences the two of you have.”

“Well, I have a date tonight with the doctor and Spider’s going—undercover—but he’s going.”

“Date night,” Spider groans. “Where we going again? The Corral, seriously? Well, at least I’ll be able to get a decent steak. But, gee, I don’t have a thing to wear.”

“Kiss my ass, Spider boy.”

“Oh, you planning on serving up dessert tonight, too?” he smirks.

“Enough with the bickering. I need your head in the game,” I snap. “You made a date with a person of interest? Damn, Max, I’m beginning to think your balls are bigger than mine.” I pin Spider with a steady look, “I don’t want her out of your sight. Nobody dies on my watch.”

Max chuckles, “Nice to know you care.”

“Oh, I care, alright. I care about catching this dirt bag and putting him away – preferably six feet under.”