Until death, p.27
Until Death, page 27
“I don’t know,” she announced. “Something. Anything but sit around.”
“Do you think we should illegally search the suspects’ homes?” Dane demanded. “Should we risk being arrested for breaking and entering on the hopes we might actually find something?”
Raina followed him with her arms across her chest and disgust on her face. “Well, I--”
“Even if we knew what we were looking for, it’s probably locked in some safe,” he continued with little emotion then cast a glance at her as they approached his room. “Do you know how to crack a safe? Disarm a security system?”
“No, but--”
Dane stopped by his bedroom door and turned toward her with a serious look on his face. “Well, you’re in luck,” he announced simply, “because I do.”
Raina followed Dane into his room and shut the door behind them. She watched as he approached his closet, removed a suit bag, and hung it on the door. When he opened the bag, there were several neatly pressed military uniforms. He removed a black outfit from the back and looked at it while frowning.
“I thought you were out of my life forever,” he muttered to the uniform.
“What sort of uniform is that?” she asked with a strange look on her face.
“That, my dear, is a tactical combat outfit,” he teased and offered a playful grin. “Or as I prefer to call it; my stalking outfit.”
“Like Batman?”
He eyed her and raised a brow. “More like Zorro,” Dane replied then muttered. “If Zorro stole from the rich and kept it for himself.”
Raina ran her finger over several sewn spots. “What happened here?” she asked. “Someone not so crazy about you breaking into his house?”
“Uh, that was a little disagreement in Iraq,” he informed her. “Got me ten stitches, a purple heart, and my first stolen helicopter.”
“You mean that was from your military days?” she asked with surprise then suddenly eyed him. “Wait, your first stolen helicopter? How many did you steal?”
“Six, I think,” he replied. “Although I did blow up a few dozen.” Dane shook his head while frowning. “Such a shame too. I like helicopters.”
“You were a pilot?”
“Oh, God, no,” he casually replied. “They’d never let me fly a helicopter.”
“I thought you said you stole them,” she remarked and eyed him suspiciously. “You certainly didn’t put them in your pocket.”
“No, but I never actually landed one successfully,” he informed her. “I sort of crashed them. Six stolen, six crashed.” He thought back reflectively and smiled. “I miss flying.”
He tossed the outfit onto the bed and removed his shirt. She eyed the familiar scars on his arms, chest, side, and back. She remembered them well from earlier that evening. Seeing the sewn material on his uniform told her how he acquired his scars.
“You’ve seen quite a bit of action, haven’t you?” she asked while studying his upper body.
“More than I care to remember,” he informed her then sank into his own world. “We lost a lot of good men--good friends. I always managed to walk away even with a few extra holes in me and down a pint of blood or two.” He offered a tiny, strange laugh. “When we went on dangerous missions, my commander would tell the new guy; ‘if the mission takes a crap, stand behind Great Dane’.”
Raina appeared to sink into thought and remembered her father telling her the same thing once. She finally looked at him and smiled.
“Why’d they say that?”
“I suppose because I’m tough to kill, and I always have a plan,” he informed her then raised his brows along with a sly grin. “Even if it sometimes involves methodically crashing a helicopter.”
Raina stared at him, studied his boyish grin only a moment, and then threw her arms around his neck, kissing him passionately and aggressively. Dane appeared slightly surprised but returned the kiss without hesitation and lowered her to the bed.
Chapter 52
Murder Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Dane was dressed in his black, combat outfit while Raina lay naked on the bed beneath the covers. She looked pleasantly rumpled but contented while watching him. Despite their quick yet particularly satisfying romp, Raina still felt an overwhelming urge to pounce on the handsome, mysterious butler. He traded in his suave, distinguished gentleman’s suit for a rugged warrior’s uniform, and it made her want him more.
“Is there something you want me to do while you’re off prowling?” she asked while raising her brows seductively.
“I wouldn’t mind if you waited in bed for me,” he teased while grinning.
“I could wait in my private Jacuzzi,” she replied with her own sly smile.
“Even better.”
Raina then turned serious as concern overtook her playful mood. “How long do you think you’ll be gone?” she asked while shifting nervously.
“A couple of hours.”
“Hmm, I might be a little pruney by then if I waited in the hot tub,” she remarked. “Is there something else I could do instead?”
“No, just don’t let anyone know what I’m up to,” he replied.
“I don’t even know what you’re up to,” she remarked while studying him. “Are you going in blind, or do you actually have a plan?”
“I told you, I always have a plan,” he announced while grinning. “When framing me for Callie’s murder backfired, our killer went out of his way to make your father look guilty. That makes me suspicious.” He raised his brows while eyeing her. “Why attempt to frame me at all? Why not just go for your father in the first place?”
“So you know what you’re looking for?” she asked with surprise.
“Yes, but I’m not sure it’s tied into the killings,” he insisted while considering the question. “Where I find it will tell me if it’s connected.”
“Can you give me a little more information than that?” she asked.
“You should ask yourself how the killer knew about my past, and why he wanted to frame me,” Dane informed her. “If you can come up with those answers, you’ll be able to figure it all out.”
“How do you intend to leave the house undetected?” she asked with a curious look. “Everyone will see the car headlights and start asking questions.”
“I won’t turn on the lights until I’m in the tree-lined portion of the driveway,” he replied while grinning.
“Taillights?” she asked.
“Keep the others away from the lounge windows,” he teased.
Dane kissed her quickly on the lips, offered a sly grin, and left the room. She watched him leave, considered his comment, and was instantly bewildered.
§
Nearly two hours later. It was a little before two in the morning, and the parade of police and emergency vehicles had left moments before the storm had reached them. Everyone was still gathered in the lounge after their ordeal. Those who had been drugged drank tea while the effects of the sedation slowly wore off. The news of Nole’s violent death had everyone on edge, although none had been told the gruesome specifics about the killing just that he was found hanged behind the crypt. The tropical storm had finally made its way up the east coast and reached them. It had started raining nearly an hour earlier, and it wasn’t supposed to stop for a couple of days.
Raina appeared tense while listening to the rain outside and periodically glancing at the grandfather clock. She hated the thought of Dane driving in the rain along the dark back roads. A slight shiver ran down her spine as her worst fears played out in her mind. She couldn’t let the pouring rain and thoughts of her mother’s car accident distract her even if it was making her insane. Raina then looked at Sloan and Titus on the sofa. Despite that a paramedic had looked everyone over, Sloan fussed over Titus’ temple laceration. He appeared to enjoy the attention she offered, while she seemed more comforting than just any nurse. Raina couldn’t be positive, but she suspected the maid and chauffeur had finally forgiven the past. She guessed murder makes the heart grow fonder.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hospital?” Raina asked Titus and Sloan despite that the paramedics did a nice job on their bruises and lacerations.
“No, I hate hospitals,” Titus insisted and made a face. “Full of sick people.”
“The paramedic said he didn’t need stitches,” Sloan announced. “I don’t think either of us has a concussion.” She tensed then offered a smile at Titus. “I think I’m going to bed. I’ve had enough of this day.”
“What a horrible party,” Keefe groaned from across the room where he sat alongside Elana.
“I think I’m ready for bed too,” Elana remarked while still seeming slightly groggy. “Booze and sedatives are a bad combination.”
Keefe tensed and gently caressed Elana’s bare leg, since she was still only wearing his oversized button shirt. “Are you sure you want to stay here tonight?” he asked and offered a sympathetic look. “Maybe we should run away from this place as fast as we can.”
“Neither of us is in any condition to drive,” Elana reminded him. With a scowl on her face, she then indicated the Nixon’s, who remained mostly quiet in the corner of the room. “We can’t exactly get a ride with them either. They’re in the same condition as we are.”
“Yeah, you’re right. That storm is already pounding the crap out of us. We don’t want to get caught in that either,” Keefe remarked then shook his head and eyed his girlfriend. “As soon as the sun is up, though, we’re out of here. This place is cursed or something.”
Raina considered the comment and felt a cold chill run down her spine. She wondered if his assessment was right.
“Where’s Dane?” Miller finally asked while looking around. “I haven’t seen him in a while.”
“I think he was tidying the kitchen last I saw him,” Raina announced and refrained from looking nervous. “Apparently, cleaning relaxes him.”
“Maybe I should check on Dad at the police station,” Miller announced with a groan.
“He’ll be fine,” Raina insisted, not wanting Miller venturing off after his ordeal. “His lawyer was on his way there when I spoke to him. You need to take it easy tonight. You’re in no condition to be driving in this weather.”
Miller reluctantly nodded in agreement then cast a quick glance at Jenna. She smiled a little too sweetly and took his hand. He returned the smile and looked at Raina.
“As long as you’re sure,” he announced. “I’m going to bed.” Miller then eyed Jenna and hid his tiny smile. “I’ll walk you to your room.”
Sloan groaned and rolled her eyes. “Oh, please,” she announced loud enough for the others to hear. “Everyone here knows you’re hooking up.”
Miller and Jenna shifted uncomfortably but didn’t bother hiding their grins.
“I should see if Dane needs any help cleaning up before I pass out for the night,” Levi announced with little enthusiasm at the thought.
“I’m sure he can manage,” Raina announced while fidgeting. She didn’t need him realizing Dane wasn’t in the kitchen and commenting on it in front of the others. “You should rest too.”
Raina saw Tia and Olivia fussing over Jimmy Love, which reminded her that he was in the room. It was possibly the quietest she’d ever seen the flashy man. Despite how many martinis Tia and Olivia must have had, Raina thought it was interesting that they weren’t in nearly as bad shape as the others were. Thankfully, Gilda was silent for a change. Her poor husband, who had to be feeling pretty lousy himself, doted on her despite his own misery. His efforts to make her feel better were punished by the hateful looks she gave him. Hanson couldn’t even stay awake. He’d been asleep in one of the corner chairs for the last two hours. Raina again looked at the grandfather clock then saw Dane appear in the doorway, now changed back into his butler uniform. Raina was surprised but relieved to see him.
“Miss Steele, you and your brother will be happy to know I found evidence that will clear your father and point to the real killer,” he announced proudly.
Miller appeared surprised and sprang to his feet. He immediately regretted his sudden movements and clutched his head. “You have?” he gasped then seemed relieved. “That’s great. Who’s the killer?”
“I don’t have sufficient evidence to announce that just yet, but I think once I have a look at this, I’ll know.” Dane held up a flash drive on a decorative keychain.
Everyone stared with curious looks at the flash drive he held. Raina cast looks at the others within the room and attempted to gauge their reactions, but they revealed nothing. They all seemed equally curious and did little to draw suspicion on themselves.
“I’ll get with the two of you in the morning after I’ve had a chance to look at it,” Dane informed them. “If that’ll be all, I’ll be turning in now.”
“Uh, yes, of course,” Raina announced. “Goodnight, Dane.”
Dane left the lounge as everyone stared after him. Once he was gone, everyone seemed to tense simultaneously, making them all appear guilty.
Chapter 53
Busted!
Dane sat behind the computer in the study a little after two in the morning. By the male and female moans coming from the monitor, it sounded as if he were watching a low-budget porn movie. The study door quietly opened. Dane didn’t bother looking up since he was expecting the visitor.
“I’m glad you got my invitation, Elana,” Dane announced with little emotion and pressed a button on the keyboard. The sounds from the video stopped.
Elana stood in the doorway to the study and frowned then shut the door behind her. “What invitation?”
“You know damned well where I found this flash drive, and I’m sure you recognized the keychain as your own,” he informed her. “This flash drive contains all the dirt you’ve been using to blackmail people of influence around town.” He eyed her with surprise. “Were you actually blackmailing your own sister, or was Callie in on it with you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she scoffed while folding her arms across her chest.
“You can deny it all you want, but we both know it was you,” Dane insisted. “You videotaped Callie with Mr. Nixon then used the video to extort money from him. I assume you made a decent amount of money off it, but then Mrs. Nixon found out about the affair, fired Callie, and ended your gravy train.” He raised a curious brow. “So what happened? Did you attempt to blackmail your own sister after she married Mr. Steele? Did you threaten to show him the video if she didn’t pay you hush money?” His eyes narrowed while staring at her. “I think she refused, and in a fit of rage, you hit her on the head. You couldn’t have her telling anyone, or it might get back to the other people you were blackmailing, and then you’d go to jail.” He considered the comment and grinned. “Or worse.”
“I certainly didn’t kill my sister,” she scoffed while glaring at him. “Go to the police with that flash drive. You can’t prove I blackmailed anyone.”
“I don’t have to prove anything,” he replied with little concern. “I just need to open my big mouth. The accusation will be enough.” Dane’s eyes widened in false horror. “Imagine if all those people you’ve been blackmailing find out it’s been you all along--” He shook his head then smiled deviously. “I wouldn’t want to be you when they found out, and I doubt they’d be interested in whether or not there was any proof.”
There was a tense moment of silence between them as they exchanged glares across the desk. Elana sneered at him and sat on the edge of the desk facing him.
“Callie knew her affair with Farley wasn’t going to end in him divorcing his wife, so we came up with the blackmailing scheme together,” Elana informed him. “Callie realized it would require her involvement in a sex tape, but she knew it would be worth it in the end. Besides, if we played our cards right, Farley would be the only one seeing that video anyway.” Elana managed a tiny laugh. “Callie even played the martyr going as far as to tell Farley not to pay the blackmailer. That way he’d never suspect either of our involvement.” She stared at him and shifted uncomfortably. “Well, considering you haven’t gone to the police, I assume you want something,” she huffed. “Some sort of deal?”
“You’re absolutely right,” Dane informed her. “I want half of your take.”
Elana gritted her teeth but seemed to have little choice if she didn’t want the rumor coming out. “Fine, but then you stay the hell out of my way.”
“Of course,” Dane announced while grinning slyly. “I wouldn’t want to prevent you from making us money, now would I?” He leaned back in his chair and raised a skeptical brow. “Oh, and by the way, you’ll have to try harder the next time you try to frame me for murder. Planting that necklace and those old articles in my locked box was pretty stupid.”
She could have attempted to deny the accusation, but she was more curious than anything else. “What did you do with the necklace?” Elana asked with some annoyance.
“I thought you said you didn’t murder your sister?” Dane remarked while eyeing her cleverly. “You practically admitted to taking the necklace to frame me.”
“I know what you’re thinking,” she insisted. “But you’re wrong.” Elana drew a deep breath and shifted on the corner of the desk. “After she screwed up things with Otto by fucking Nole, she came to me for help. The necklace was a down payment.”
“Down payment on what?”
She rolled her eyes and groaned. “Keefe and I were going to help her extract money from Otto.” She raised her brows. “One way or another.” Elana adamantly shook her head. “But I didn’t kill my sister. She was alive when I left her in the gazebo around twelve thirty.” She frowned and again studied him. “So what did you do with the necklace?”
“Let’s just say I intend to use it to get Mr. Steele off of a murder charge,” he informed her. “Unlike you, I know how to frame a person and get away with it.”
“Why would you want to get Otto off the murder charges?” she demanded. “If he takes the fall, the police stop their investigation.”
