Casanova Killer (4 page)

“We’re already on it. For a socialite, Jenna led a relatively quiet life, from the bits and pieces we’ve unearthed so far. Her companion, John Meadows, had taken his family on two-week vacation in the South of France. He returns home tomorrow. I spoke with him earlier this morning, but he knew little of Jenna’s daily routine. Our tech department is going over her credit card statements to try and form a pattern of her activities.”

Jerry stood and began to pace, a sure sign that the wheels were turning. Ethan watched as she moved along the span of windows, openly admiring the unconscious grace with which she moved.

“Three kills in less than a month doesn’t leave a lot of time for romancing his victims, even if he’s working more than one at a time. He’d have to stalk them before hand, at least a little, to find the perfect intro into their lives.” Jerry had no idea of the picture she made as she paced.

“He did disappear for two months. He could have been stalking them during that time, now he’s picking them off, one by one.” Dylan added as he surreptitiously watched Ethan watch Jerry. He didn’t like the gleam in the other man’s eye.

“You think he made a list, now he’s working it? It’s plausible, but that means that he could strike again sooner than we initially calculated.” Nate’s phone buzzed as he spoke.

“I’d say the scenario is more than plausible, it’s highly likely. Serials do not typically go dormant, unless they’re dead or in prison. He had to be getting his kicks, even if he was only planning and stalking.” Jerry stopped and looked out the window in the direction of the bridge. “Stalking and creating a list could also be part of his process. How sure are you that he was in London for the entire six months during which the bodies were found?” She turned to face Ethan. “Could he have already been on the Riviera, stalking his next group?”

“Absolutely, even if he flew over for a few days at a time. It’s only a little over one thousand kilometers between Portofino and London. The four bodies were strewn on the cliffs between Portofino and San Remo, but he met Carolina in a Portofino night club, so we think that was his base.”

“If this holds true, he’s already “dating” his next victim, maybe even the next two.” Jerry started pacing again. “We need to get me on that list.”

“Jimmy should have a game plan for us by lunch today. Dylan, I need you to begin re-interviewing friends and neighbors. Check your email for the list.” Nate looked straight at Ethan, but spoke to Jerry. “Jerry, you and Ethan spend the morning getting to know each other. When you appear in public, you have to be convincing.”

Ethan read between the lines of Nate’s message. ‘Hands Off, Keep it Professional’ came through loud and clear. Jerry didn’t seem to notice the innuendo, so Ethan nodded once at Nate to show he understood. What in the hell did these Americans think he was? Ethan thought. Between Dylan’s barely disguised animosity and Nate’s private warning, the two men must think he’s as bad as Casanova.

“Will do, Boss. Thanks.” Jerry smiled at Nate’s face on the monitor as she turned.

Dylan switched off the television and searched his email for names and addresses. “Looks like I’ll be in the neighborhood most of the day. Call me if you need anything.” He, too, addressed Jerry but stared at Ethan.

“Sure, sure. We’ll be fine. Come back by for lunch, if you like. The fridge is stocked.” Jerry stopped pacing long enough to say goodbye to Dylan.

“I may do that. Barnes.” Dylan’s unsmiling nod was a warning in itself.

Ethan was glad to see the man go; he was beginning to get under his skin. After a long flight and even longer few months, being scrutinized by Dylan Dawes was the last thing he needed. Turning his attention to Jerry, he leaned back and let himself admire the focus and energy she was already devoting to this case. He could practically see her brain spinning as her long legs ate up the floor. Ethan’s mind was moving almost as fast as Jerry’s appeared to be, only his thoughts centered on her, not the case.

Damn, had he ever seen such a beautifully enigmatic creature? Everything about her spoke of quality, but he’d sensed the fire inside of her. Hell, he’d almost been burned by it.

Remembering the touch of her skin, he felt his own begin to tingle. What the hell was happening to him? No wonder Dawes and Nate were protective of her. If every man who met her had the same reaction he did, she had to be one special woman.

And what about Dawes? He’d assumed that Dylan’s attitude was due to him and Jerry being a couple, but they sure didn’t act like it. He’d never touched her, hardly ever looked at her the whole time he’d been here. Could it be that they were just friends and partners, not lovers?

“Tell me about the women in Europe.” Jerry’s demand broke through his musings, none too soon as far as he was concerned. He didn’t like the direction his thoughts were traveling.

“What would you like to know?” He focused on her eyes; they were back to a bright shade of blue with hints of green, totally clear as she stopped and looked into his.

“How did they dress, how did they wear their hair, how did they carry themselves?” Jerry began pacing again. “Were they classy, slutty or something in-between?”

“Primarily classy, but not stuffy. Their wardrobes were the edgy side of couture; I guess you’d say they dressed appropriately for their age. Each of the women had long brown hair, similar to yours.” But nowhere near as beautiful, he thought. “Each woman was strikingly beautiful, as are you.”  Ethan stopped before he said too much. He wouldn’t have her thinking he was already smitten, even if he did feel like a love-struck puppy.

Jerry blushed, but turned away from him to hide it. He thinks I’m beautiful, she thought then swiftly brushed the thought away. She knew she was beautiful, hadn’t her looks been a curse for as long as she could remember? No one took her seriously growing up, she’d been fending off unwanted male attraction for as long as she could remember. Shuddering slightly, she pushed those thoughts away as well.  

“What did they do all day?” She asked. “When they weren’t busy entertaining their companions?”

“They were all incredibly fit, but none belonged to the same gym or used the same personal trainer. Aside from keeping themselves beautiful, they shopped.”

“That’s it? No charity work, no hobbies, just shopping?” Jerry’s look of incredulity made him laugh.

“That’s about it. Though they surely had other interests, but none that we’ve uncovered. One woman in England liked to paint, but for the most part they pampered themselves when they weren’t trying to maintain their beauty.” Ethan stood, gathered the coffee cups and went to the kitchen. “What would you do if you were in their shoes?”

“I am in their shoes, sort of. But to answer your question, I would have to find some other way to stay busy. Maybe I’d travel.”

“Not possible. Part of her job description is 24-7 availability. When he calls, she’s there.” Ethan came back in the room and moved to stand at the window, near Jerry.

“You’re right. Okay then, I would at least find a hobby. Not painting, I can’t draw a straight line if my life depended on it. I love to read, so I could do that for part of the day. Maybe I’d take up needlepoint or beading or gardening. Who knows. I cannot imagine not being productive in some way.” Jerry glanced at Ethan and noticed that he’d stepped closer to her.

“No idle hands for you, then?” His voice was softer than before, probably because he was suddenly so close.

“No. What are you doing?” Jerry turned to face him, but didn’t step away. She believed in holding her ground, but she doubted she could move even if she wanted to.

“You heard Nate. We have to get comfortable with each other before we go out in public.” He stepped even closer, tilting her chin up with one long finger. “I think I’ll kiss you,” he murmured, his eyes boring into hers.

“You think you’ll…” Jerry’s words disappeared as his lips met hers, gently, sweetly with barely an ounce of pressure. As quickly as he touched her, he pulled back. His eyes, softer now, were nearly covered with long black lashes. Instantly dizzy, Jerry braced her hands on his waist to keep from falling.

“Did you mind?” His eyes were smiling now, almost as if he could see the erotic images racing through her mind.

“Only if you stop,” she told him and raised her lips to his. It’s just a kiss, she told herself even as he folded her in his arms and took them both deeper. Swirls of light filled her head, competing with the fireworks she swore she heard in the background.

Chapter Five

“What time is he picking you up?” Kim’s voice came through the speaker as Sonja placed the phone on her dressing table.

“He said one, so I have to hurry. He’s always so punctual.” She began smoothing moisturizer on her face.

“Must be a British thing. Charlie couldn’t be on time if the house were on fire.” Kim sighed. “Where are you going today?”

“He said to dress for an outdoor adventure and to wear comfortable shoes, but he wouldn’t tell me where we’re going. There’re so many hiking trails around here that it could be anything.” Sonja inspected her nails as she waited for the moisturizer to soak into her face.

“When’s Randall coming home? Aren’t you worried that he’ll find out about your English suitor, Mr. Wonderful?” Kim giggled.

“He’ll be back on Friday, so I’m not worried. Besides, he’ll have to make nice with Charlotte before he sees me.” Satisfied that she could get by without a touch-up, she dropped her hands and began applying color to her eyelids.

“I know how that is. Charlie used to come straight to me, but now he always placates his wife first. Doesn’t matter to me, as long as he pays the bills.” Kim laughed.

“I hear that.” Sonja’s laugh was like a child’s; high-pitched and free. “If I play my cards right with Oscar, I’ll be the one in the big house.”

“Oscar. Who names their child Oscar?” Kim asked.

“Old money, baby, that’s who. It’s a family name, handed down for generations to the first-born son. Along with all of that lovely green stuff. Or gold. Or whatever.” Sonja applied her face like a pro; within minutes she stared back at the improved version in the dressing mirror. “He makes me feel like a princess. I really do like him so much,” she confided.

“You’re so lucky. Finding a young, rich, gorgeous man who isn’t already taken, or gay, is such a coup. When do I get to meet him and does he have any friends?”

“I know, right? It’s such a pleasure to be with someone close to my own age; no little blue pills for Oscar!” Sonja’s laugh rang through the phone line, sounding more genuine than she felt. Truth was, Oscar had not made a move towards the bedroom, but she couldn’t tell Kim that. His steamy kisses told her how attractive he found her, but that was the extent of their physical relationship. Perhaps today would be the day he took it to the next level. “Sorry, babe, I’ve gotta bolt. He’ll be here any minute and I need to get dressed.”

“Have a great time; call me tomorrow!” Kim enthused.

“Thanks, I will. Say hi to Charlie for me. Remember, you can’t say a word to him, or anyone, about Oscar. I can’t risk Randall hearing about us before I’m ready to tell him.”

“Don’t worry; I won’t spoil your fun. Just remember your friends when you land the whale.”

Sonja giggled. “From your lips.”

Chapter Six

“I can’t imagine why anyone would want to go out in public in this getup.” Jerry grumbled as she walked into the great room of her Nob Hill condo. “I look like a rainbow Popsicle.” She pulled the colorful leotard higher on her shoulders.

Both men stared as she entered the room, Dylan’s sandwich poised halfway to his mouth and Ethan’s coffee cup suspended in midair. Dylan found his voice first.

“I can tell you why, you look amazing. Make sure you wear a coat or else you’ll stop traffic.” Dylan grinned at Jerry’s blush.

“Yes, ummm, yes.” Ethan’s tongue wouldn’t work and his thoughts were all jumbled. Seeing Jerry dressed in a body sculpting leotard and matching tights nearly caused his heart to stop.

“Shouldn’t there be more to it than this? I’m doing yoga, not ballet.” Self-conscious but determined not to show it, Jerry moved towards the kitchen. “What’s wrong with a decent pair of sweats? I can downward dog with the best of them just fine in my old clothes.”

“Check the dresser, there should be coordinating pants.” Dylan told her, then went back to his sandwich. “Katherine took yoga.” He answered Jerry’s unspoken question.

“Thanks, I’ll look after I eat. How is the ex, by the way? You haven’t mentioned her lately.” Jerry went about preparing her lunch.

“Things are good. We’re finally on speaking terms again. How about bringing some chips to the table when you come.”

Jerry grabbed a bag from the stocked pantry and joined the men. Ethan was looking everywhere but at her.

“That’s good. What’s it been, three years since the divorce?” Jerry handed Dylan the chips.

“Something like that.” Tearing open the bag, he chose to change the subject. “So, yoga this afternoon, then an appointment at the salon. Sounds exhausting.” He grinned.

“Bite me. So what did you find out this morning?”

“Not much. The neighbors were useless; apparently people keep to themselves around here. The latest victim, Jenna, had a doorman. I’m meeting him this afternoon. He’s been on vacation since she disappeared; the cops haven’t even talked to him yet. Maybe he can shed some light.”

“Doormen can be excellent sources. Bring cash.” Ethan finally found his voice.

“Got it covered.” Dylan nodded, then attacked his lunch.

“You’re not eating?” Jerry asked Ethan. Since their searing kiss earlier, they had both been careful not to touch the other. She wondered if it had affected him as much as it had affected her. The kiss cemented their chemistry; no one would doubt they were a couple. They had spent most of their free time chatting, getting to know likes and dislikes that meant nothing to the case, but everything to their supposed romance. Jerry liked knowing that he loved dogs, enjoyed reading and played rugby. She’d also found that opening up to him about her own life was effortless.

“Not yet, I’ll get something later. My body thinks it’s in Europe.” His answering smile warmed her heart and made her toes curl, just a little.

“Sorry, forgot. Nate asked me to tell you that you’ve got eight o’clock reservations for dinner tonight at Quincette.” Dylan noticed the energy change between Jerry and Ethan and wondered if she was taken in by the slick bastard. He made a mental note to talk to her later.

“Thanks. Any particular reason for that restaurant?” Jerry asked.

“Nope, just that it’s high end and popular among the beautiful people.” Dylan grinned at her again. “I’m sure you’ll fit right in.”

“The idea is for us to be seen; we’ll be dining out a lot in the next few days. It’s better if we have drinks at one location, then move on to another for dinner. We can cover more ground that way. We should also attend the opera one night and obtain an invitation to any important events in the next week.” Ethan snagged a chip from Jerry’s plate.

“That shouldn’t be too difficult, considering the city is rolling out the red carpet for our investigation. I’m sure Nate is already working on it.” Jerry slid a sideways look at Ethan, imagining how he would look in a tux. She couldn’t wait. “Is there anyone in particular that I should make friends with in the yoga class? Nate’s text was pretty generic.”

“I’m not sure. Rodney may have more info. He’s with the local office and will be your driver this afternoon.” Dylan picked up his empty plate and headed for the kitchen. Keep your phone handy, I’ll let you know if the doorman knows anything.” Turning to face Ethan, Dylan continued. “Why don’t you hang here, get some shut-eye. You look like you could use it.”

“Thanks, I think I will.” Ethan took Dylan’s comment in stride and didn’t rise to the bait. “Let me know if you find out anything.”

Within minutes of Dylan and Jerry leaving the condo, Ethan crashed on top of the bed. Dreams of a certain caramel-haired beauty peppered his sleep until the insistent buzzing of his phone broke through.

“Yeah.” He muttered into the phone.

“Sorry to disturb your beauty sleep, Barnes, but I thought you’d want to hear this.” Dylan’s voice boomed through the phone, jarring Ethan awake. Glancing at the clock, he realized that he’d only been sleeping an hour.

“What’ve you got?” He asked.

“The doorman remembers a man in a red Maserati Gran Turismo convertible picking Jenna up a few times last week. He never saw his face, but the car was unforgettable. Brand new, custom rims with black interior.”

“That should narrow down the suspect pool. How many red Maserati convertibles could there be in this city?”

“You’d be surprised, but we’re on it. Question is, is our guy stupid enough to keep driving that car after Jenna’s body was found? I doubt it.”

“Casanova is definitely not stupid. Still, it’s a good lead.”

“It could be. Go back to sleep.” Dylan disconnected.

“That was intense.” Jerry struck up a conversation with the twenty something buxom blond standing next to her at the athletic club’s juice bar. The woman had managed the routine seamlessly; Jerry was a little envious of her flexibility.

“Always is, Sinjen really knows his stuff.” The blonde smiled and struck a pose, one elbow on the bar.

“You were great. With your moves, you could be teaching the class.” Jerry assumed that flattery would ingratiate her into the woman’s world.

“Thanks. I’m here nearly every day; I should be good at it by now.” The blonde’s smile deepened, becoming more genuine. “I haven’t noticed you here before.”

“It’s my first time. I’m Jerry.” Jerry briefly wondered about the protocol for meeting after a yoga class; should she extend her hand? She opted for a relaxed pose, as both hands were filled.

“I’m Kim, nice to meet you.” Kim motioned to a nearby table. “Care to sit? I’m always so relaxed after class, standing is a chore.”

“Sure, thanks.” Jerry followed her to the small table. “I’m afraid I’ll be paying for the class tomorrow; it’s been awhile since I’ve stretched my body that way.” She laughed.

“Yeah, you’ll be paying for it.” Kim laughed. “Are you new in town, or just new to the club?”

“New in town. My friend has business in the area so we’ll be here for at least six months. I couldn’t just shop or sit home all day, you know? So I joined the club.” Jerry slid easily into the role. “I mean, a girl’s gotta stay in shape, right?” She winked and hoped it looked natural.

“Definitely. I see my body as one of my biggest assets.” Kim sat up a little straighter. “Charlie, my
friend
, sees it that way too.” Kim laughed as she emphasized the word ‘friend.’

“I can see why. It definitely pays to stay in shape.” Jerry laughed and tossed her hair back.

“I’ll say. You seem to stay fit, what’s your secret if it’s not yoga?” Kim felt an instant kinship with Jerry; they were obviously cut from the same cloth.

“I box, at least I used to.” Jerry frowned slightly. “No, really,” she responded to Kim’s raised eyebrows. “It’s a great way to maintain all this,” she indicated her body with a sweep of her hand, “and release frustration at the same time.”

“That’s something I’ve never considered. Boxing. Why did you stop?” Kim was intrigued, she knew something about frustration.

“My sparring partner became too aggressive and I got bruised. Ethan, my
friend
, didn’t like it. So I stopped.” Jerry tossed her hair again. “We moved here a week later and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to work out at all.”

“We do have to keep our
friends
happy.” Kim smiled in sympathy. “You have beautiful hair, it reminds me of my friend Sonja’s,” she added.

“Thanks. It’s a job keeping it long, but Ethan likes it. I’d have it short, like yours, if it were up to me.” Jerry preened a little, as was expected. “Does Sonja take classes here too? I need to find a good stylist in the area, one who can deal with long hair.”

“Yes, but she had other plans this afternoon. She’ll probably be here tomorrow. You can meet her then, if you come back.”

“If I can get out of bed, you mean.” Jerry laughed.

Kim looked at her watch, a white gold Rolex Cellini Cellissima. “Oops, I’ve gotta run. Charlie’s dropping by after work today. It was nice talking with you, Jerry. I hope you make it back tomorrow.” Kim’s smile was as genuine as the diamonds encircling her watch.

“Thanks, Kim, I’ll try. It was nice meeting you, too.” Jerry raised her orange juice and nodded, grateful that she didn’t wear her old, reliable Timex to class. As Kim left, Jerry found her phone and sent a text to Dylan, asking for an update. She hoped Ethan was sleeping; he’d looked dead on his feet by the time she’d left the condo.

While waiting for Dylan’s response, she sipped her juice and let her mind wander to the roller coaster ride of emotions she’d felt since meeting Ethan Barnes. To say that he was a surprise was a gross understatement. Up until that very morning, Jerry had secretly harbored a crush on Dylan. She was biding her time until he seemed ready to move on after his divorce. She knew how crazy it was to fall for a coworker, and she didn’t sit idly by, waiting for the phone to ring. She enjoyed dating, but thoughts of Dylan were always in the back of her mind. He was the measuring stick she used to judge all other men. Until this morning.

It occurred to her that she hadn’t compared Ethan to Dylan once. In fact, whatever romantic feelings she thought she had for Dylan seemed to vanish as soon as she opened the door to Ethan. Strange.

And that kiss, she thought and felt an involuntary shudder race through her. That kiss was like nothing she’d ever experienced, and she’d kissed her fair share of men. “None who looked like that,” she muttered aloud. Her physical reaction to him had been startling, but the attraction had only deepened as she’d gotten to know him.

He’d shared a little of his childhood, growing up on the Gold Coast of Australia. His father was a Diplomat, his mother was a pediatrician. Shades of loneliness had crept into his voice when he talked of being an only child, but they were soon overshadowed by the obvious love he felt for his family. “They gave me everything,” he’d said, “a solid foundation, education, travel and most of all their time. As busy as they were, I always knew that I came first.” Jerry envied him that and had managed to quickly change the subject when he asked about her childhood. For some reason, she didn’t want to lie to Ethan, but she was also not ready to tell him the ugly truth, especially in the face of his idyllic upbringing.

Dylan’s detailed text came through just as she rose to leave the club. A red Maserati, she read. Could the unsub be more conspicuous? Stepping outside into the damp day, she wished she could be investigating with Dylan, rather than going to a stupid nail appointment.

Rodney stood ready to open the back door of the shiny black town car; he looked as bored as she felt.

“Thanks,” she said and slid onto the cool luxury of the beige leather seats.