Finding Shayla Read online

  Jazz was taking her on another moonlit cruise. This time on her private yacht. She promised her a delicious dinner and wonderful dessert. And Shayla couldn’t beat the company. At seven o’clock she opened her door to head downstairs and there stood Jazz, looking debonair in a charcoal suit with a purple shirt and gray tie. She was gorgeous. Shayla smiled.

  “What a treat seeing you here,” Shayla said.

  Jazz placed her hands on Shayla’s hips and walked her back into her room.

  “I’ve wanted to do this for so long. It might as well be now.”

  Jazz kissed Shayla then, softly and gently at first, but was soon applying more pressure with her soft, firm lips. Shayla’s head spun as the kiss intensified and when she felt the tip of Jazz’s tongue pass over hers, her knees buckled, and she sat on the bed.

  “Are you okay?” Jazz said.

  “Much better than okay. You just literally knocked me off my feet.”

  Jazz grinned her devilish grin.

  “Happy to oblige. Now, can you stand so we can do it again?”

  “I don’t trust my legs,” Shayla said.

  “Well, if I sit down and kiss you, we might never get up and then your beautiful, sexy dress will get wrinkled and we’ll miss a wonderful night on the lake under the stars.”

  “Hm. When you put it that way…”

  Shayla stood and Jazz took her in her arms and kissed her. Shayla kissed back with a passion she had forgotten she had. Her world tilted off its axis as the kiss continued. Jazz finally closed her mouth and stepped back.

  “Come, my lady, my yacht awaits us.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  It was a chilly October night, but the yacht had portable heaters situated on the deck. There were a multitude of stars once they got away from the city. Shayla thought she’d died and gone to heaven.

  They fed each other chocolate covered strawberries, which Jazz argued were more of an appetizer than a dessert. They dined on perfectly cooked ribeyes and ate Tiramisu for dessert. Shayla was full and content. She was the happiest she’d been in many years and she owed it all to Jazz.

  They sat on a bench against the hull with Jazz’s arm draped over Shayla’s shoulders. Shayla was at once at peace and aroused. When Jazz turned Shayla’s face toward hers and leaned in for a kiss, every nerve ending in Shayla’s body hummed.

  She let her tongue meander into Jazz’s mouth that tasted of red wine and the sweet dessert they’d shared. She turned toward Jazz some more and kissed her harder. Her whole body raged with need. She needed Jazz in a way she’d never needed anyone else in her life.

  Robin’s face appeared in her mind.

  “You’re a frigid bitch.” That was what he’d say after he raped her.

  But she wasn’t frigid. Right? Obviously. Frigid people didn’t feel like this.

  Jazz gently pulled away.

  “Come home with me tonight,” she said. “Please.”

  “Jazz… I don’t know what I can do. But I’ll try.”

  “That’s all I ask. We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for. Trust me.”

  Shayla had no choice. She had to trust Jazz. Wasn’t that what real relationships were founded upon? And Jazz would never hurt her. Of course, that’s what she’d thought with Robin as well. And, damn, had she been wrong.

  But Jazz wasn’t Robin. She was nothing like him. She cared about Shayla. She seemed to cherish her. Shayla took a deep breath. She’d do her best to allow Jazz to care for her. To love her. To make love to her.

  They docked and walked up to Jazz’s waiting car. Jazz’s arm was once again around Shayla’s shoulders. Shayla felt comforted and safe. Jazz was wonderful. Shayla needed to not mess this up.

  They snuggled together in the limo on the way to Jazz’s place.

  “I must warn you, I like the lap of luxury,” Jazz said. “My place is rather opulent.”

  “I can’t wait to see it.” And she couldn’t as she was curious beyond words.

  “I also don’t allow many people to see it. It’s like my private place. Where I can get away from everyone and everything.”

  “I’m honored you’re allowing me in.”

  “Shayla, you mean the world to me. You know that, don’t you?”

  “And I’m crazy about you,” Shayla said.

  “But? I sensed a but there.”

  “No buts. Well, maybe one. I don’t know how far I’m ready to go.”

  “Relax, sweetheart. As I said, we’ll only go as far as you’re comfortable going. And if that means we kiss for hours on end, then so be it.”

  Jazz kissed Shayla then and all Shayla’s worries soared out the window. Everything would be fine. She and Jazz would be fine. She was ready to move forward in their relationship. If only her stomach would quit knotting up at the thought of it.

  They arrived at Jazz’s building and took the elevator up to Jazz’s floor. They stepped out into a wide open living space. The living room had a plush gray carpet and was surrounded by beautiful nude statues of women who could have been goddesses.

  One in particular called to Shayla and she crossed the room for a closer look. The woman appeared to be holding a cloth in her right hand and with her left hand she struck a pose. She was gorgeous.

  “Ah yes,” Jazz said. “She’s my favorite as well.”

  “She’s gorgeous.”

  “That she is. She’s known as Mademoiselle Modeler.”

  “Perfect,” Shayla breathed.

  Jazz took her hand.

  “Come on. Let’s give you the grand tour.”

  Shayla was amazed at the beautiful rooms. Even the guest rooms were elegantly furnished. Vases with fresh flowers were on pedestals throughout. The place was overwhelmingly attractive and comfortable at the same time.

  “Are you ready for the piece d’ resistance?” Jazz said.

  “There’s more?”

  “My favorite spot outside of my balcony which we’ll see next. You’re going to love it.”

  Jazz took her down a flight of stairs to an oasis. There were lush plants everywhere and mermaid statues lining an infinity shaped swimming pool.

  “I love my pool. Heated. Inviting. I love it. That’s the deep end and yes, I use that diving board. This is the shallow end.”

  Shayla took in the wide steps and thought how lovely it would be to sit on them and watch Jazz dive into the deep end. Someday. She hadn’t brought her suit that night.

  “It’s remarkable,” Shayla said.

  “Would you like to go for a swim?”

  “Funny. I was just thinking I didn’t bring my suit.”

  “Have you ever skinny dipped, Shayla?”

  “No. I can honestly say I never have.”

  “There’s a first time for everything,” Jazz said. “But first, let’s have some champagne on the balcony. You can see Navy Pier and Lake Michigan from one end or Chicago from the other. Your choice.”

  “Won’t it be cold out there?”

  “It’s heated. Interested?”

  “Yes. Let’s look at the lake.”

  “Your wish is my command,” Jazz said.

  The view was stunning. And Shayla wasn’t the least bit cold. The champagne was delicious. And Jazz was wonderful.

  “What are you thinking about, lovely?” Jazz said.

  “Just what an amazing night this has been. It’s been wonderful.”

  “And the night is still young. I would like to take you for a swim. Like for real. And not just to see you naked, though that will be an added benefit.”

  “Maybe after a couple more glasses of champagne.”

  “Liquid courage, huh?” Jazz grew serious. “I don’t want you to have to be drunk to get naked with me, Shay. If you do, we’ll just wait.”

  “I’m not about to get drunk. I’m just enjoying the champagne.”

  “We can drink champagne in the hot tub.”

  “Oh, now that sounds tempting.”

  ***

  Cayenne’s day wa
s going from bad to worse. She’d been on the phone with Mayor Stewart through much of the morning. She kept telling him that she’d arrested and charged Nemeyer and that the prosecuting of him would fall on someone the mayor had to choose.

  He didn’t seem to get it. Yes, he’d been born and raised in Lazu so hadn’t been mayor for more than a handful of felony cases. But he didn’t seem to understand that bringing the DA in from Casa Grande was his best bet.

  He called her three times. The last time asking yet again why a local lawyer couldn’t prosecute. Cayenne assured him one could. She just thought bringing in the big guns might help. But a local prosecutor would be fine.

  She hung up and her stomach growled. It was one o’clock, time for lunch. She sent the guard out for burgers and sat back at her desk. She took advantage of the down time to look at her data bases and see if there were any comments about Shayla’s whereabouts.

  Nothing. Zilch. Zippo. Nada. How was that even possible? She had to be driving to get from point A to point B. And, unless she’d traded cars…

  Cayenne sat back hard. Damn it. What if that’s what she’d done? If she wasn’t driving the Traverse anymore, Cayenne had no way of finding her. But why would she trade it in? To avoid detection obviously. Cayenne couldn’t shake the feeling that Shayla wasn’t a common criminal so she wouldn’t think like one, but still. There it was.

  The guard was back with a cheeseburger and fries for Cayenne. It was good, but she wanted something more. What day was it anyway? Wednesday. Shit. Two days before she could go to Casa Grande and tie one on. She was beyond ready.

  She finished her day and was getting ready to leave when the guard approached her.

  “Nemeyer wants you,” he said.

  “What for?”

  The guard shrugged.

  “Shit. Okay. I’m on my way.”

  She finished putting everything away in locked drawers and cabinets and then made her way to Rick’s cell.

  “What can I do for you?” Cayenne didn’t try to keep the annoyance out of her voice.

  “I was just wondering if I could sign the release to get Robin shipped out of here. My lawyer says I may have to cool my jets for a couple of more days. I may as well get that taken care of. Before either of us forget.”

  “I won’t forget. I’ll make it happen tomorrow. Good night.”

  She didn’t wait for a response. She left the station and drove to a steak house in town. She was craving a nice, thick steak with all the trimmings. And the restaurant did not disappoint.

  After dinner, she drove home, poured herself a glass of whisky and settled in to watch the last two seasons of Wit’s End. At this point she was completely hooked. And, when it was over, she checked to see when the next season would be out. She had quite a wait but hoped it would be worth it.

  She went to bed. Alone. Again. She was frustrated. How long had it been since she’d been with a woman? And Shayla didn’t count because they hadn’t sealed the deal. She needed to make a woman scream her name. Needed to watch her ride the waves of sweet release. She was past due.

  Cayenne tossed and turned in bed. It was hot, she was horny, and that was not a winning combination. She couldn’t get comfortable, no matter how hard she tried. She got up and poured herself a night cap. She threw the whisky down in one swallow. She went back to bed.

  The last time she looked at her clock, it was after three. She knew she was in for a painful morning. Her alarm went off at six and she took a cold shower to wake up. She drank a pot of coffee then headed out to work.

  Her first order of business was going to talk to Doc.

  “What’s up?” he said.

  “So, you know how this prisoner of ours is Gardner’s brother?”

  “Right. And?”

  “He wants to sign a release to have the body shipped home.”

  “Where’s home?”

  “You know, I didn’t even ask.”

  “Fine,” Doc said. “I was beginning to think about charging the dead guy rent. I’ll be only happy to see him go.”

  “Great. I’ll get Nemeyer down here to ID him and fill out the paperwork.”

  “Give me thirty to get everything ready. I’ll come get you.”

  “Sounds good. Thanks.”

  Rick looked at the dead body and identified him without the blink of an eye. Cayenne was impressed. She let Doc and Rick work out the details. A hearse from Casa Grande would transport Robin to the airport there and he’d fly back to Flagstaff.

  “You’ll need to pick out a casket,” Doc said.

  “Shit. You’re kidding me. Know where I can find a pine box?”

  “Nice try. We’ll get you back to your cell and I’ll go to the funeral home and get you a brochure.” Cayenne was more than happy to get out of the office.

  “No. I’ll have the guys from Casa Grande bring one down. Is there a computer I can use to choose one?”

  He used Doc’s computer and soon everything was arranged. Cayenne walked Rick back to his cell.

  “Shit. Even dead, Robin’s a pain in my ass,” Rick said.

  “So why didn’t your hot shot lawyer spring you yesterday?” she said.

  “I don’t know. He gave me some legal mumbo jumbo. But I’ll be out of here soon. Count on it.”

  “You’d better come back for your trial. Don’t make me come look for you.”

  “You’d do that, wouldn’t you? Come to Phoenix and track my ass down.”

  “You know I would. In a heartbeat. The citizens of this fine town are calling for blood and I’ll be damned if it’s my blood that gets spilled.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Cayenne left Rick in his cell and went to work on paperwork. Rick wasn’t alone in his cell this morning. Tommy Grinnell and Samuel Orly were with him. They were cousins, but their families acted like the Hatfields and McCoys.

  Tommy and Samuel had ended up at the same tavern the night before, gotten drunk and belligerent and one of them picked a fight with the other. Who did what was still unclear and Cayenne was waiting for the night bartender to sleep in a little before waking him up to question him.

  At any rate, they busted up the tavern pretty well. Several broken cue sticks and at least one broken chair were the result of their escapades. They had finally taken it outside and fought in the street. That’s when the deputy saw them and arrested them.

  Cayenne rolled her eyes. Life in a small town. Gotta love it. She wondered how much longer she’d stay in Lazu. She liked the quiet of the small town. And she enjoyed being the sheriff, for the most part.

  But at times like these, she longed for the big city. With real crime. It was then she remembered she was still supposedly working on an unsolved murder case. If she couldn’t find Shayla, how did she think she’d fare in a big city?

  How had no one from California or New York spotted her car? She had to be traveling to one of the two places. Her money was on California. It was warmer all year round there. Shayla was from Arizona. Cayenne doubted she could handle a New York winter.

  She heard yelling coming from down the hall and surmised, correctly, that the cousins had awakened.

  “Let me out of here,” Tommy yelled. “Get me away from this asshole.”

  “No can do. You’re both here until you post bail. You were arrested for disorderly conduct. And assault. You’re not going anywhere anytime soon.”

  “Then at least put me in a different cell,” Samuel said. “I can’t be here with him.”

  “This ain’t the Ritz,” Cayenne said. “We have one cell and you’re in it. Both of you. Now, play nice in the sandbox and we’ll see about getting you out of here.”

  She looked over at Rick who was laying quietly with his arm over his eyes. She almost said something to him, thought better of it, turned around and walked away.

  She was back at her desk and on the phone with the bartender from the previous night when she smelled cologne. An overpowering smell that almost made her gag. She looked up to see Rick’s law
yer standing at her desk. She held up a finger to indicate she’d be with him shortly, finished getting her testimony from the bartender, hung up, and faced him.

  “Are you here to post bail?” she said.

  “I am.”

  “You’ll have to go to City Hall for that,” Cayenne said. “You’ll find it in the town square. You can’t miss it. It’s got a tree out front with your client’s car embedded in it.

  The lawyer left and Cayenne was typing up her notes from the bartender when she heard footsteps coming toward her. She looked up to see two men wheeling a casket on a gurney.

  “We’re here to pick up the deceased.” The man flipped through his phone. “One Robin Gardner.”

  “I didn’t expect you until tomorrow.”

  “He flies out tomorrow. We need a day to make him presentable for his family.”

  “Good luck with that,” Cayenne said.

  “Please don’t speak ill of the dead. Now, where can we retrieve him?”

  “I’ll take you down.”

  She punched the button on the elevator and down they went. Off to the basement to see Doc.

  “Doc,” Cayenne said. “We’ve got company.”

  He looked up from his microscope and his face lit up when he saw the morticians.

  “Am I glad to see you two. Come on in. Let’s get this guy out of my space.”

  The transfer was made and the spokesman for the men looked to Doc.

  “What about his clothes?”

  “They’re pretty ruined.”

  “We’ll need something to dress him in. Can’t send him home naked.”

  Doc retrieved Gardner’s clothes from a file cabinet and tossed them inside the casket.

  “Sorry. Wish they were in better shape.”

  “Thank you both for your cooperation.”

  Cayenne escorted them back to the main floor and watched them wheel Gardner out. Good riddance of bad rubbish.

  She walked down the hall to see Rick.

  “Your brother’s gone,” she said.

  “Thank you.”