It was the night of the Snowflake Ball and he was still working. So much for his plans to take Valentina out, but the sooner this man was caught, the better. According to the ME, Alyssa had been injected with far more than the other two girls. The high dosage had caused her to go into cardiac arrest. That may have explained why Arianne said the woman had been clutching her chest in pain. But why were her arms by her side when they found her?
The chief said Ryan could take off early and that was the plan. Hopefully, he would get to the ball before the dance ended. If he’d learned anything in the last few weeks, it was that life was short.
With a groan he put all the papers on his desk in a folder and shoved them in a drawer. They had no leads and no fingerprints. The footprint they’d found at Tracy’s trailer belonged to the guy who reads the electrical meters. Never in his career had he felt so helpless, but he wasn’t giving up. Ryan had requested photos and names of any other possible victims in unsolved cases in Georgia but time was running out. Hopefully, he’d have them by tomorrow.
There was nothing else he could do at the moment, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t stop living. With so much bad in the world, it was time for some beauty, and that meant only one thing—Valentina.
It didn’t take long to get dressed and be on the way to Firenza. On the way, he stopped at the flower shop and picked up a bouquet of red roses. He didn’t know Valentina well enough to know all her likes but she seemed to enjoy the flowers he’d sent her the first time. Driving down a side street, he spied a man backing his lawnmower out of the garage so he pulled over and stopped.
“Where you headed?” he shouted over the sound of the mower, and finally had to get out of the truck so the man would see him. The older guy sported a suit and tie. “Lucky, what the hell are you doing?”
“Probably the same thing you’re doing. Going to the dance.” He idled in the driveway.
“On your lawnmower? It’s too damn cold and dark out to do that.”
“Well, some dumbass took away my license so I can’t drive anything else,” Lucky spat.
“Put that thing back in the garage and this dumbass will give you ride.” Ryan pointed to the still open garage door.
“Well, all right, but only because I want to look good for the ladies. You never know, I might meet the next Mrs. Bauer tonight.” Not waiting for a response, Lucky revved the engine, parked it in the shed, and shut the door.
Ryan shook his head and waited in the warm truck for the crazy old coot.
The first thing Lucky noticed in the truck was the flowers. “You get them for me?” He settled in and buckled his seatbelt.
“No, someone better looking.” They backed out of the driveway and headed off down the street.
“That could be anyone, but I’m thinking it’s the pretty lawyer who just moved here. I’ve heard the rumors that you were sporting her around town. If I were a few years younger, I might give you a run for your money.”
“If you were a few years younger, I’d be worried,” he teased, and the old man laughed. “So, how did you get all those ladies to marry you, Lucky?”
“I asked them, simple as that.” So much for getting advice from the older generation. Things used to be so much easier in the old days, it seemed.
“Simple as that, huh?” Things might be a little more complicated with Valentina and her family. “What if she’s from a very traditional family?”
“Then ask the father before you ask her. If you can win them over first, there’s no way she can say no.” Everything seemed uncomplicated to Lucky.
“What if they still won’t accept you?” Ryan pressed.
“Then don’t give them a choice.” Lucky placed his elbow on the armrest. “I know about her family, everybody does. It’s like the movie with Brando. Make an offer they can’t pass up.”
He pondered the advice as they pulled into the driveway of Firenza. That would be a last resort. Roman would come around. All he cared about was his sister’s happiness. It was ridiculous to be thinking about this stuff already anyway.
It was like a winter wonderland driving down the lane to Valentina’s club, with white Christmas lights hanging from the trees. The parking lot was packed. Ladies in long dresses and men in tuxes walked arm and arm to the building. After finally finding a parking spot, they both exited the vehicle.
“So how am I going to get home?” Lucky wondered.
Flowers in one hand, Ryan dug in his pocket and handed the guy a twenty. “Take a cab. No offense, but I’m hoping to take someone more beautiful home.”
The guy didn’t argue, just took the money and stuffed it in his jacket. “I know I give you crap, Donavan, but you’re all right.” The both started walking. “I hope you get the girl.”
“Thanks.” Ryan glanced up at the night sky. “Me too.”
Valentina
It hurt like hell that Ryan was working, but he had an important job to do. The murders hadn’t kept people from attending the ball. If anything, it was as if people wanted to get out and be with others. They had extra security just in case.
Tyler and his mom, Shelly, were doing a great job. Shelly served drinks and Tyler bused tables and helped serve hors d’oeuvres. Valentina made sure to compliment them on a job well done. The kid was a great help. He always showed up on time for work and never said no to any task. His mother had blossomed as well. It was even rumored that the cook and she were taking a shine to each other.
Madison and Roman danced just about every dance. The two only had eyes for each other. Seeing them together made Valentina’s heart ache even more. How she wished Ryan was there. Everyone on the force was putting in more hours to try to find the killer.
What would he think if he knew she’d just reviewed the same reports that he must have been going over? The private detective they had in Georgia hoped to get them a list soon of who Elizabeth LaGrander-Davis may have been seeing, as well as more info on any other unsolved cases in the state.
“May I have this dance?” a voice asked behind her.
Valentina grinned and turned around. Smiling up at her was a grey-haired gentleman with a sparkle in his eyes. “Yes, thank you. I’d be honored to.” She looped her arm around his and he guided her to the dance floor. The song ended and a waltz began. “What is your name?”
“Lucky Bauer, and it’s a pleasure to be dancing with such a beautiful lady as you.”
“Well, thank you, Mr. Bauer.” The guy was a flirt, she could tell right way, but he still made her giggle. “You are quite the charmer, and quite the dancer, I must say.” He was very light on his feet and all too soon the song was over.
“I would like another one, but I think there’s someone else you’d rather twirl around the dance floor with.” He gave a slight bow.
“Oh really?” She lifted her eyebrow. “And who might that be?”
“The guy who brought me here so I wouldn’t have to drive my lawnmower in the cold.”
Lucky pointed to a handsome man by the front door. Valentina took a step forward. Her heart leapt in her chest. It was Ryan. Dressed in a suit and holding a bouquet of red roses.
“Thank you for the dance, miss. Now don’t keep him waiting,” Lucky said so only she could hear.
She kissed the guy on the cheek and hurried over to where her prince was waiting. He looked like royalty in his black tie and crisp white shirt. Valentina’s steps slowed as she got closer. The past week, Ryan had stopped shaving like most men in the area did during hunting season. Just thinking about that rough jawline along her skin made her knees weak.
“I thought you had to work.” Her smile was so wide, her cheeks hurt. Her arms couldn’t get around his waist fast enough. The warmth from his body heated her from the inside out.
“I did, but I wasn’t going to miss seeing you.” Valentina blushed as his eyes traveled slowly from her face to the tip of her red shoes. He whistled. “Wow, you look amazing.”
“It’s the dress. Madison made it for me.” She spun around.
“No, it’s definitely you.” Ryan dropped a kiss to her lips and they nearly crushed the flowers as they embraced again. “You’d look beautiful no matter what you had on. Oh, these are for you.”
“I love them.” They smelled heavenly. “Thank you so much, and thank you for being here.” She looped her arm around his waist and led him to a table.
“Believe me, I wouldn’t miss a chance to be with you for anything in the world.”
Valentina was officially the host of the party, but with such great employees, she was able to relax and spend time with the one she loved.
Loved? When did that happen? Ever since they’d sat down, Ryan had kept her hand in his. His thumb caressed her palm and just that light touch was enough to create flutters in her belly. They even danced a few times. Ryan claimed to not be a good dancer but he had all the right moves to her.
“Hey, Val.” Madison came up behind her while Ryan went to get them some drinks. “If you guys want to go, I can finish up here. Roman had to go take care of some business so I am looking for something to do. Stephanie is here also.” Valentina noticed the blonde behind her. Stephanie had been running Madison’s bridal store ever since she and Roman got married.
“Hi, Stephanie. I didn’t notice you dancing.”
The girl twirled a strand of long gold hair around her finger. “I doubt you would notice anyone tonight except the guy you’re with,” she teased, and nodded in Ryan’s direction.
“That’s true, but what about you?” Valentina glanced over to where Dominic stood against the wall. His eyes were locked on Steph. “Any guys catch your fancy?”
“Heck no.” Her response was quick, too quick. From what she’d seen, the girl never went out and dated less than Valentina had.
“What about Dom? He’s a handsome man.” He was dressed in a suit and his long hair was tied in back. He was a fine-looking guy, that was for sure. Without his usual lumberjack attire the man looked like a male model who had just stepped out of a high-end fashion magazine.
His face flushed red when Steph peered his way and Dom quickly glanced elsewhere. Madison and Valentina eyes locked. To say the pair had a strong dislike for each other whenever they were in the same room was putting it lightly. Yet the two were often found peeking at the other when they thought no one noticed. What was the saying? There was a fine line between love and hate.
“I’d rather dance with the devil, but that’s what he is, isn’t he? A demon with long hair,” she spat, and planted her hands on her hips.
“Come on, there must be someone here you want to be with.” Madison had not given up on finding her friend a mate.
It was slight, but Stephanie’s gaze flashed in Dom’s direction before drifting to the floor. “No, I’m just not interested. I’ll probably just go home, if that’s okay. I’m tired.” Her hand rose to her mouth to hide a yawn. “It’s a busy time of year at the art center.” She volunteered there when she wasn’t working at Bells and Bows.
“That’s fine if you want to go home, but I’m not letting you leave alone,” Madison said, and motioned Dominic over. “Roman doesn’t want any woman going home unattended. Not until that killer is caught.”
The poor girl went pale and grabbed Madison’s arm. “No, not him. Can’t Arlo take me?”
“Arlo’s busy. Dom will take good care of you. Don’t worry.”
Valentina noticed Steph’s cheeks turn pink and added, “I trust him with my life and so does my brother. You have nothing to be concerned about.”
Valentina’s handyman and part-time bodyguard weaved through the crowd as smooth as any dancer. The man’s eyes were focused on Steph the whole time as she half hid behind Maddy.
“Dominic, I need you to take Stephanie home and see her safely inside. Check out the place too and make sure everything is good before you leave.”
He nodded but his face remained stoic. Madison gave him her friend’s address and gently shoved the shy girl in his direction.
“Really, Madison, I don’t need someone to go with me.” The girl shook her head and planted her feet. “I’m not a child.”
“Three women have been murdered and whoever did it is still out there,” Valentina insisted.
“You’ll be safe with me.” Dominic smiled, and all three women turned in his direction. The man was not a talker, hated spending time around people, and saying something meant to calm another was unheard of. When he held his hand out to her, Val’s and Maddy’s mouths dropped. Stephanie didn’t seem to noticed their reaction and with great hesitation took one small step forward and then another. The Caponelli cleaner tucked her small hand in the crook of his elbow and led her from the room.
“What the hell was that?” Valentina uttered.
“I don’t know, but I can’t wait to find out tomorrow.” Madison folded her arms across her chest.
“What did I miss?” Ryan had returned with two glasses of champagne. He held one out to Madison. Would you like some champagne?”
“No, thanks. Since Valentina wants to go home with you, I said I would take over.” She winked at Ryan and Val’s face flushed. Her friend just set her up, but she didn’t mind, not in the least.
He didn’t wait for a denial. “Thanks. Let’s go, then.” Ryan put his arm around Valentina and quickly guided her out of the ballroom.
“What’s the rush?” Her heart was giddy. Finally, they would be together, all night long.
“I don’t want you to change your mind.”
She’d barely gotten her coat on before they were out the door.
Light bits of moisture hit her face. “Look, it’s snowing.” With arms outstretched, she twirled around and tried to catch a snowflake on her tongue. Before she knew it, her feet were out from under her and she was in the air. Ryan had picked her up and was carrying her toward his truck.
“I didn’t want you to fall and break your pretty neck.” He kissed her forehead.
“I’ve already fallen.” Her finger traced his jawline. “For you.”