By seven sharp, Mattie parked on Pandora Street. Waiting for a pause in the traffic, she trotted across Wharf Street and walked toward Nautical Nellies restaurant, an old building, as were most near the downtown core. Rust colored brick walls encased the quaint eatery with a fisherman’s net strung across the ceiling. Starfish and seashells tangled between the woven ropes added a nautical feel. Across the timber cross beams, wooden buoys and lobster traps enhanced the marine deco.
Stuart rose from a leather wrapped bench when she stepped into the lobby.
“Hello!” he greeted, and popped a quick kiss on her cheek.
“Hi. Hungry?”
“Really hungry. Our table’s ready.”
They wandered through the dimly lit restaurant accented with candles on each table to a window seat facing the harbour. “Nice.”
Stuart waited for her to sit before taking his own seat.
In a button down shirt and black blazer, he made a handsome image, but nothing remotely close to Greg’s mysterious, raw aura. After seeing him at home instead of in a corrections centre, something tugged at her heart. He had a natural gait like a panther when he walked. Sleek and all toned muscle. His stride. His voice. But most of all, the way Greg looked at her made—
“You must have had a long day too.”
“Sorry?” She jerked a smile onto her lips.
Before Stuart queried where her thoughts had been, the server appeared next to their table and they ordered drinks.
“You look a little frazzled. Tired?” he asked.
“It was a long day. I might not be the best date on the planet tonight.”
His slow gaze paused to meet hers. “Can’t imagine that happening.” He offered her a menu.
If this had been a couple weeks ago, she might have lavished in his compliment like syrup soaks into crushed ice, but she couldn’t stop hearing Greg in her mind. He’d dropped a kibble of doubt in her brainpan that Stuart may be part of this and on a fact finding mission of his own.
Mattie checked out the restaurant and couldn’t see the Admiral anywhere. She didn’t know if he’d planted himself inside or outside, or maybe he’d decided not to come.
After giving her order, she sat back and enjoyed her beverage. “I suppose I’d be taking advantage of our date if I probed about any further findings on the school teacher?”
“I’d kind of be disappointed if you didn’t. You’re a journalist after all.”
“True, but even I need to shut that off. Sometimes it can be dangerous for your health.” She watched his eyes. Her father told her the truth always resonated from their depths, but there was no change in Stuart’s. No acknowledgment that he knew Sergeant Montgomery paid her a visit.
“Ever thought about doing something else or taking a break from journalism?”
“Your tall, dark and scary friend visited me today. His warning was clear.”
Stuart’s brow creased tight. “Sergeant Montgomery?”
“I’m not leaving journalism. I’m not dropping this case. I’m going to focus on the facts and I’m going to figure this out. I no longer care who I bring down. If a cop is dirty, if he’s done something illegal, like slaughter innocent women, I will make sure he pays for it.” She swept her straightened hair over her shoulder and leaned over the table. “And if you’re part of it and trying to lead me astray, I will never forgive you.”
A slow smile curled his lips. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Mattie. No one could ever mislead you.”
“You did.” She nodded sharply. “Yup, I might be obsessed with my job, but I’m obviously just a stupid woman with a soft heart. When it comes to your friend, the Sergeant, I’m not soft. I’m pissed off.”
“And you should be—at me, not him. When this is all over, and I know it will come to an end, I’ll tell you everything.” He gave her an exhausted smile. “Besides, you’re just too beautiful to argue with.”
She knew her pros and cons, beautiful wasn’t one of them. Her phone beeped with a text, and she shrugged. “Sorry, my parents snowbird in Arizona. We keep in contact.” She dug out her phone and read the text, but didn’t let any expression color her cheeks.
That’s the cheesiest line I’ve ever heard. The Admiral texted.
Where the hell was he?
“They okay?” Stuart queried.
She nodded. “They’re just saying goodnight.”
She texted a quick response. I know it’s a lie.
“You said you have brothers. Where are they?” Stuart asked as the server placed two platters of appetizers between them.
“Two overbearing brothers, one in Calgary and one in Edmonton. How about you? Where’s your family?”
“Back east. Ontario. My sister just got married and my parents live outside of Waterloo.”
“How do you like Victoria? You’ve only been here for two years, right?”
“Like it a whole lot better now.” He stabilized a piece of fried cheese between his fork and knife and delivered it to her plate. “Ontario OPP has more action than Victoria, but I don’t mind the winters here.”
She plucked a lemon from the platter and squeezed it over the brown bubbling goodness. “Suppose not. Thank you.” They nibbled in uncomfortable silence. “I can’t seem to stop thinking about Bethany, today’s victim. And the other innocent women.”
Stuart stopped chewing, and then resumed. “She had a daughter, but no husband.”
“That’s even worse. Who has her little girl?”
“Child services. Her parents live in Saskatchewan. They’re coming to take guardianship over her.”
“At least she’ll be with family.”
Stuart nodded and glanced around the restaurant. The low murmur of voices from each table knit together to make a comfortable hum. Sunday night dining in Victoria’s waterfront hardly ever slowed down.
“Busy tonight,” she said.
“There’s a convention in town. Lots of visitors staying at the hotels.”
He might not want to talk about the Ripper, but she had to keep probing. “Worried about how many unsuspecting women are roaming the streets?”
“Nope.” He pushed his plate aside. “Right now, I’m enjoying dinner with you.” He winked at her.
Stuart could not be part of this cover-up. He simply had too much sweetness going on. Wouldn’t she know if he were a bad person?
“Don’t want to make myself sound like a total loser, but this Sunday night is probably turning out to be the best in a year.”
Stuart blinked with surprise and then grinned at her. “I like the sounds of that,” he said, tilting his head.
“I wouldn’t get too excited over that, since it’s my first date in two years. Think your calibre might be slipping.”
His brow wrinkled with feigned hurt. “Our second date. A real date.”
Had he just admitted that the first date wasn’t his idea, and now he was making amends? She hoped so. Whether the spark for Stuart was little or nothing at all, she still wanted a friendly relationship with him.
They enjoyed their meals and chatted about Victoria in general. Just before excusing herself, she pushed for a little more info. “Do the police have any idea how Diana got to Market Square or how long it had been since she’d talked with someone? She’d been missing for several days, but…”
“No,” he said and sat back in his chair. “I don’t. I’m not working on the task force anymore.”
What the hell did he just say? Not working on the case? Of course he was. “You made the announcement about Bethany today at the gardens.” He’d been called to the scene. He had to be assigned to the case. “Since when?”
“Mattie, can’t we just enjoy tonight without talking shop?”
“Sorry.”
He smiled, but for some reason it didn’t reach his eyes. “I want to know more about you.”
“Okay, well that will have to wait for a minute because I have to use the ladies room.”
She wove her way to the restroom and had her skirt around her waist when a text came in. Really? Good thing Facetime was optional. She pulled her phone from the outer pocket of her purse and read the message. The smile that had started to find a happy home on her mouth turned into a frown.
He just put something in your drink. Knock it over and get out of there.
“No,” she whispered.
She texted back. Are you sure?
Get out.
Too suspicious. He’ll figure it out.
Don’t drink it. Make an excuse.
Shit.
She quickly finished and twisted her skirt into position. Washing her hands, she tossed the paper towel into the bin and thought she might as well toss her love life there too. She hated being conned. And for a second time.
Strolling back to their table, she saw Stuart topping off her wine glass.
He replaced the bottle on the table. “We can order another if you want.”
“Thanks, but…” He lifted his glass to propose a toast. “Stuart, I have to drive. I take that drinking and driving thing very seriously.”
“Take it from me, you’re not over the limit. You barely had two glasses.”
“I’m not a big drinker anyway. I’m parked on the corner near the Baird and Banker. Walk me to my car?”
He paused before taking a drink from his glass. “Is it something I said, or maybe I didn’t say enough about the investigation and that’s why you really came out with me?”
“No.” At the moment, she felt more hurt that he was trying his best to manipulate her. A smiling, handsome face, and behind it was nothing but bullshit. “That’s not it at all. I had a seriously long day and I enjoyed the wine and appetizers, but I have to dine and dash,” she said without a hitch, even though she felt a little like crying.
“Aren’t you feeling well? You seem upset.”
How come everybody could read her? She wasn’t that obvious. She couldn’t believe she was going to do this, but she had nothing to lose now that he’d dosed her drink. Time to pull the woman card.
“Sorry.” Mattie rolled her eyes. “I got my period this afternoon, too. I’m a cranky hen.” Nothing turned a guy off more than talking about girl’s monthly menstruations.
“Aw, well, yeah,” he said, rising.
Worked every time.
She gripped her purse. “Thank you, Stuart.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
She gathered her coat from the lobby and waited until he’d paid the bill. As he held open the front door for her, she offered him a gleaming smile she didn’t feel. They crossed the street and walked a block up Pandora together. The street was deserted. A popular pizza place with large windows allowed her to see the tables were full and people laughed and munched on their dinner.
“I’m parked up here.”
Stuart walked beside her until she stopped in front of a line of stores, dark and closed for the evening. She nodded toward the other side of the street.
He placed an arm around her waist and guided her across the wet pavement, once a neon green taxi passed by.
“Thank you, Stuart.”
He lingered next to her vehicle, and she put a few paces between them.
“Mattie.” Stuart’s head bowed and he shook it slowly.
“What?” She laughed nervously. “I’m sorry for cutting our date short. Maybe I’ll ask you out next time.” She swallowed thickly.
“I doubt that will happen.” He raised his head and stared at her, his eyes void of warmth. “I really like you. I felt that spark when I first saw you. I wanted to keep you….” He shifted a step closer. “I don’t want to do this, but I don’t have a choice.”
“See me again?” she said, her throat tightening. “Okay. You can join the rest of the male population. I understand.”
“No, you don’t.”
His hand slipped from his coat pocket, then behind his back. Her heart rate beat with an uneven tattoo. What was he hiding?
“Stuart, I’m not the catch of the century, I know this. If you don’t want to see me again, I’m not going to go all crazy woman on you.”
His arm stalled in its forward movement. “I’m…not like them.” He shook his head as if at war with himself.
Deep creases etched his forehead. “Like who, Stuart?” She took a step closer instead of away. Stuart could…not…be…a…killer. He was her friend.
She’d never felt so alone and confused. His body language warned her to run.
“I’m in deep, Mattie. You have to understand. There’s no way out.”
“Mattie! Holy shit, girl. What the hell!” The Admiral appeared out of nowhere. “I can’t believe it’s you. I haven’t seen you since first year UVIC,” he shouted from across the road then sauntered quickly to her side.
Stuart’s mouth seamed tight and he slid his hand back into his coat pocket.
“Hey, Roger. Wow, I can’t believe it. Stuart, I’d like you to meet a fellow journalist. Least I think he became a journalist, Roger Denver.”
The Admiral threw his thick arm around her shoulders. “Sorry to interrupt. I just saw you and thought, that has to be Mattie Bidault.”
Stuart shuffled away.
The Admiral squeezed her to his side, and all the air from her lungs squished out. “You look great, girl. You’ve lost weight.”
Shit. He deserved a punch to the kidneys for that remark.
The Admiral chuckled. “I’m just in town for a couple of nights. Got time to see an old friend?”
“Sure…Stuart?”
“I gotta go. Dayshift tomorrow. I’ll call you, Mattie.” He quickly trotted back toward the waterfront.
“Give me the keys,” The Admiral whispered in her ear, watching Stuart retreat.
She didn’t argue and placed them with shaking fingers into his open palm. She jumped into the passenger seat, locked the door, then closed her eyes. “What was behind his back?”
The Admiral had approached from that direction. He had to have seen it. Maybe Stuart was just scratching an itch.
“I couldn’t see it clearly.”
“Tell me,” she choked out. She let out a little gasp and covered her face. “Was I going to be the ninth victim?”
The Admiral’s warm fingers squeezed her hand for reassurance, then started the car. “You’re not a victim, but it’s not safe for you to be alone. I’m taking you to your condo. You’re packing a bag and staying with us. It’s the only way we can keep an eye on you.”
She shook her head. “I want to go home and bury my head under a pillow. I can’t believe this. I’m scared shitless.” She slapped her thigh with frustration, then palmed her hands at her chin.
“Rely on your instincts, Mattie.” He turned right onto Government Street, another right on Yates and a left onto Wharf Street. The Parliament Buildings came into view, beautiful with the brilliant white lights that followed the angles and curves of the structure.
“My instincts have gone to shit,” she hissed. “My friend. Stuart. He dosed my drink.” She shook her head and breathed through her nose while watching the inner harbour roll by through the window. “Hey, wait a minute! “Do you know where I live?”
He gave her an unapologetic glance. “Always know your surroundings.”
“Is that a SEAL thing?”
He chuckled as he drove into her underground parking. “Guess it is.”
He accompanied her upstairs. When she entered her condo, she heard Brandon and Mary laughing.
“My roommate and her fiancée,” she said over her shoulder. “If they stay home, I should be safe here.”
He shook his head. “Overruled, you’re coming back with me.”
“He’s a cop and he’s almost as big as you.”
“Are you sure you can trust him?”
“He’s RCMP,” she whispered. “Hi, guys,” she greeted, coming around the corner to find Mary and Brandon snuggled together on the couch.
“Hi, and a hey.” Mary grinned when she caught sight of the Admiral behind her.
Mattie dropped her purse on the maple side table covered with one of Mary’s handmade doilies. “Thought you two would be at Brandon’s tonight.”
Mary rested her head on Brandon’s shoulder. “We could be if that would work better.” She winked at the Admiral. “Introductions?”
“Sure, um—Admir—” she paused. “Thane Austen, this is Mary Bekkett and Brandon McCambridge.”
Brandon leaned forward and shook the Admiral’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Pack a bag,” Thane ordered. “I’ll start explaining.”
Both Mary and Brandon’s eyes rounded a little.
“Admiral, I don’t—”
“Now, Mattie.”
She nodded jerkily and trotted to her room. The deep rumble of the Admiral’s voice seeped through the wall as she threw a couple sweaters, shirts and underwear into a carry-on bag, along with some jeans and her sneakers. In the bathroom, she swept her arm across the right side of the counter and stuffed her toiletries into a bag. Returning to her bedroom, she zipped up her case, then rolled it to the front door.
When she came around the corner into the living room, the expressions on Mary and Brandon’s faces were pretty much what she expected. Brandon’s was whitewashed with professional concern and Mary looked horrified.
“I don’t believe it,” Mary spouted when the Admiral finished speaking. She shook her head. “I just can’t believe it. Are you sure?”
Brandon didn’t say anything. He glared at the Admiral while Mary continued with words of disbelief.
“I’m taking her with me. Lieutenant Commander LaPierre will be there as well. We can both watch her.”
“LaPierre!” Both Mary and her fiancé said at the same time, rising from the couch.
Brandon went into cop mode. “He was accused of killing one of the victims.”
“He didn’t do it,” Mattie said, pulling her hair back into a high ponytail and tying it with a hairband.
Brandon’s brow tightened with concern. “This is pretty hard to swallow.”
“Swallow it or not,” the Admiral said harshly. “Mattie may have been the ninth victim if I hadn’t followed her. She’s tripped over a connection to the murders that’s made the Victoria PD nervous. Her date tonight was a setup.”
“Stuart is so nice,” Mary exclaimed. “He’s quite the lady’s man, but a killer? No way. There’s a group of cops at Vic PD. They’re all flirts.”
Course Mary would know that.
Mary had both men’s attention. “What do you mean there’s a group of them?” the Admiral asked.
Mary shrugged, her eyes darting toward Brandon. “You know, a group of cops that hang out together all the time. They’re all single and apparently hot in bed. I wouldn’t know,” she added quickly, “but that’s the word. The girls actually call them the Dream Squad. Stuart is one of them.”
“Not unusual for a group of members to hang out with each other,” Brandon said, sticking up for his fellow law enforcement officers.
“Same with the SEALs.” The Admiral strode to the window overlooking the harbour. “LaPierre can’t leave the country, but I may have to take Mattie away for her safety. She’ll keep in touch.”
“Where will you be?” Brandon asked.
The Admiral sized him up.
“Listen…Admiral,” he said, throwing on his cop voice like Superman dons his cape. “I need more information and I need the whole story, not an abbreviated version. I’ll come to you.”
The Admiral agreed and wrote down Greg’s address.
Brandon tucked the scrap of paper into his shirt pocket. “I’ll come by tomorrow.”
Mary stepped across the boutique size living room and hugged her. “Mattie, please be safe.”
“I will.” She followed the Admiral and closed the condo door behind them, then stopped.
The Admiral halted and turned. With an empathetic expression, he said, “I know. It feels like the world is crumbling around you. Kayla felt the same way when the Blood Shark hunted her. But I promise you, we’ll get to the bottom of this. We’re bringing in reinforcements to keep our investigation in-house.”
“Who?” she asked, drained of energy and wanting to turn around and lock herself inside her condo.
“Greg is an officer with the Canadian Special Forces. Some of his JTF team live here in Victoria. We’re going to do some recon of our own.” He stepped to her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You’re human, Mattie. Fear is a healthy emotion. When you stop feeling is when you should be worried. You can trust Greg. He’ll never leave you unprotected. I’m bringing you back to his place, because that’s what he wants.”
She stared into his rugged features. “I barely know him. Or you. I—” A wave of wooziness overwhelmed her and she needed to close her eyes for a few minutes to square herself away. He gave her a little squeeze and his polar-blue eyes gave her strength with the determination she saw in them. “I just need to rest.”
“You can rest at LaPierre’s place.”
He urged her to put her feet in motion, and she let him guide her to the elevator. “Why would he care what happens to me? He’s out of jail.” She crossed her arms and waited for the doors to open.
The Admiral smiled down at her. “Might have something to do with his profession, but more than likely it’s because of the way he looks at you.”
“I’m not a damsel in distress.”
The doors opened and they stepped inside. The Admiral pushed the button to the parking level. “No, Mattie, you’re not. And that’s what’s intrigued him. He’s just returned from deployment. For men like us…” He arched a brow. “It’s when we’re the hungriest for a connection.”
“Don’t you guys work in teams? What connection?”
The Admiral crossed his arms over his powerful chest. “The feminine kind. A woman can stop war from churning inside of us.” He smiled down at her. “An extraordinary woman can draw us back into the light.”