Scottsdale Squeeze: a romantic light-hearted murder mystery (Laura Black Mysteries Book 2) (12 page)

“Thanks Max, I really appreciate it.”

We were still walking in the middle of the rain forest. Off the main path, there was a small trail leading into the tropical jungle. Max took my hand and led me down this trail. It went in about twenty yards, took a bend, and ended at an “employees only” gate. Still holding my hand, he looked down at me.

“OK, enough business. Have you thought any more about my offer?”

Only every day.

“I’d still like to see if there is something between us,” he said. “I’d be glad to start out slow and see where things take us.”

Oh, I know where things would take us.

“Maybe we could take off for a quiet weekend,” he said. “Somewhere beautiful with a white beach, a blue ocean, and a lot of palm trees.”

Yum!

“You don’t know how good that sounds,” I said. “But every time I think of being with you, I get visions of being asked to be on Mob Wives of Scottsdale. I don’t think I could be part of that lifestyle.”

“Wife, huh? Well, maybe someday I can make you change your mind.”

And then he put his arms around me and pulled me in for a kiss. I didn’t even try to fight it. Actually, as he led me down the path, I was secretly hoping he would kiss me. Kiss me at the very least.

As with my first kiss with Max, I seemed to enter into a dream world. The noises of the zoo faded into the distance and the sunlight seemed to dim. The only thing I could feel was Max with his arms around me and his lips on mine. My breathing stopped, the whole of my being was taken over by waves of mounting excitement. As before, my lips took on a mind of their own as I began to kiss him back. He curled his arm around my waist and pulled my body against his. I felt his body responding to mine as the kiss deepened and lingered. The heat from his body was intense. My mind started racing and my libido, which had been awakened by being with Max, had now kicked into high gear. The fluttery butterfly feelings in my stomach had now traveled throughout my entire body. I felt helpless and I felt like I was floating. I wanted him and all the arguments about who he was or what he did for a living dissolved and were gone.

No, no, no.
Damn it!

I pushed myself away from him. The sensations were starting to overwhelm me. My breathing was fast and I knew my face had blushed a bright red. I lowered my head and hid my face in my hands.

After a moment, I started to calm down. I looked back up at Max, who was still loosely holding me in his arms. He now had a slight knowing smile. The smile annoyed me, a little bit.

“How can you do that to me?” I asked. “I tell myself I want no part of you, then you kiss me and I’m ready to have your babies.”

“Babies, huh? I’m not sure we’re ready for babies, but I do like the way your mind is going.”

“Shut up,” I said. “Come on. Let’s get back out to the main path. Otherwise, I’ll make you do something to me that might get us both arrested. Neither one of us needs that right now.”

Max held my hand and walked me to the main path. We then walked back through the zoo and out to my car. He said he would give me a call when he could arrange a meeting with Tony, but it probably wouldn’t be until sometime the next day or even the day after.

Although he didn’t kiss me again when we parted, he also didn’t let go of my hand the entire time as we walked back through the zoo. I wasn’t sure what to make of that, but I know I liked it. I liked it a lot.

~~~~

The sun had set and the western sky was still bright with fiery oranges and reds. The day had already been a long one and I didn’t have another move I could make until I talked to Tony.

Without thinking, I found I had driven the fifteen minutes back to my apartment building. I parked, and then took the stairs to my floor. After the kidnapping, the thought of being alone in an elevator was still too much for me.

I went into my apartment and collapsed on my couch. Marlowe must have heard me come in. I heard the cat door in the bedroom swing open. A moment later, he hopped onto the couch and collapsed on my lap. 

I had been petting Marlowe for about two minutes when my phone rang. It was Pam.

“How are you doing?” I asked. “You were amazingly brave today. Thank you for trying to warn us.”

“Thanks, but it didn’t do a lot of good. They still kidnapped Jackie and from what I heard they almost killed you.”

“I’m fine and we’ll get Jackie back. So far, you’re the only one who’s been injured.”

“I’ll be OK. My face hurts where they hit me and I’ll have a bruise for a few days but I don’t think they seriously injured me. I put an ice pack on it and the swelling is almost gone. Do you have any news on Jackie?”

“Haven’t heard anything yet. The police are sending out everyone they can spare to look for her. But honestly, I’m not sure they believe the kidnapping story. They are treating her more as a fugitive suspect than as a kidnapping victim. I’m spending my time looking into the places the police won’t think to go.”

“That’s what we’ve been thinking too. We want to help. We were planning on hitting a couple of the clubs tonight and asking around. We know everyone worth knowing in Scottsdale and maybe somebody will know something.”

“What a great idea,” I said. “When and where are you starting? I’d like to come along.”

“We are going to meet at the Maya Day and Nightclub about nine o’clock. You can probably find us near the pool.”

“Perfect, I’ll see you there.”

I had just put the phone down when Sophie called. She sounded annoyed.

“Hey Sophie” I said. “What’s going on? I thought you and Milo were going to the Rhythm Room tonight.”

“We were, but he called to cancel. Seems his boss called a big meeting and he can’t make it.”

“Sorry it didn’t work out. Dating a henchman seems a lot like dating a cop. Neither one had a predictable schedule.”

“That’s so true. What about you? Are you working or playing tonight? I need to get out and do something.”

“Actually, a little of both. The Scottsdale cougars and I are going to work a couple of the clubs tonight and search for information on Jackie. We’re meeting at Maya about nine. Why don’t you come along? I’m sure Lenny won’t mind if I expense both of our covers for the night.”

“That would be great, although I’m going to need to change and redo my make-up. I’m good enough for Milo and a blues club but not if I’m going to hang out with cougars. Those women sorta intimidate me, you know, a little.”

“You’ll be fine. See you at nine.”

After I hung up, a wave of exhaustion came over me. This happens every time I schedule myself a late night after a long day. I looked at the clock and decided there wasn’t enough time for a nap, but maybe there was time for a quick dinner. I pulled out my phone and called Reno.

“Hey,” I said after he answered. “You free for diner?”

“Actually, I’m off duty for the weekend. I was going to call you and see if you wanted to make a night if it. I’m never sure with your crazy schedule.”

Damn! Tonight?

“I’d love to do the whole night, but dinner is all I can squeeze in. I don’t know if you heard, but Jackie Wade was kidnapped this morning and I need to try and track her down.”

“I’ve heard. And I’ve also heard there are several teams working on the case already. I guess Jackie is some sort of celebrity in Scottsdale. Apparently, city hall has already taken an interest in the case. Between that and the stories in the media, the department is going all out to find her. Are you sure you need to be out there too? I can think of a much better way for you to spend your Friday night.”

Oh, Yum!

“Trust me, I’d much rather be with you. But I was there when Jackie was kidnapped. I have to try to get her back. I’m meeting up with Jackie’s friends and we are going to hit some of the clubs to see if we can pick up on any rumors.”

“So, just dinner then?”

“Unfortunately, yes. What about Frankie’s?

“Frankie’s would be good. I’ll meet you there in about a half hour.”

“Let’s make it an hour. Jackie’s friends are all cougars and I need to redo myself.”

“Cougars, huh? Are you thinking about switching to young boys? Should I be worried?”

“Ass.”

~~~~

I went into the bedroom and pulled out several outfits, finally deciding on my short black skirt with the multi-colored sparkles. I love this skirt. No matter what I do to it, it never wrinkles, plus the sparkles always make me feel special and sexy whenever I wear it. I then settled on my second favorite red knit top. It has a plunging neckline and if I wear the right bra, it makes it look like I actually have cleavage. My favorite red top had ripped when I was standing too close to a building when it had blown up a couple of months before.

I then spent the rest of my time trying to fix my hair and make-up. Like Sophie, I was starting to feel slightly intimidated at the thought of being with a group of Scottsdale cougars all night.

~~~~

Frankie Z’s is a small family-run restaurant off of Hayden and Via Linda. It’s one of those places that have been around for as long as anyone can remember. Ever since Reno had taken me there on our first date, about a year and a half ago, I’ve come to regard it as “our” restaurant. It is run by Frankie Zappitelli, a small and ageless Italian woman.

I walked in and saw Frankie was at her usual place at the hostess stand. She was wearing her standard long black dress, flat black shoes, and single strand of pearls. Her salt and pepper hair was pulled up in a tight bun, held in place with a black knitted hairnet. When she saw me, she smiled her broad smile.

“It’s good to see you back again. It’s been almost a month. Where you been eating if not here? It’s not so good as my cooking, eh?”

“Hi Frankie,” I said. It always smells so good when I walk in the door.”

“It’s the essence,” she said. “The garlic. With it, everything is beautiful. Your cute boyfriend is already here. I put you two in the corner on the patio, very romantic.”

She then walked me through the lounge. Frankie’s son, Little Zappy, was working at his usual spot behind the bar. Little Zappy is in his mid-forties and must weigh three hundred pounds. He waved as he saw me walking through with his mom. Frankie then led me to the outdoor patio where fragrant jasmine vines covered the red brick walls. It was beautifully lit with dozens of strands of white Christmas lights. Italian love songs were softly playing in the background.

Reno was looking over the menu when I got to the table. When he saw me, his face broke out into a smile. I always take that as a good sign. I sat next to him and leaned over for a kiss. As always, Reno smelled wonderful.

“You look great,” he said. “Maybe I should take you out to the clubs if you’re going to look like that.”

“Maybe you should. Has there been any word on Jackie?”

“None at all. But, as I was telling you, there already are several teams looking for her. Apparently, she has friends who are well connected in city politics so this is getting a lot of visibility. Most everyone in the department agrees it was a genuine kidnapping. But a vocal few think this was just a set-up to have Jackie disappear. The lead from homicide is all but accusing Lenny of having planned the entire thing.”

“That’s stupid. I was there and it was legitimate. Plus even Lenny wouldn’t do that to one of his own people.”

“Nevertheless, people know how Lenny works and there’s been some talk. It will be in everyone’s best interest if she’s found quickly.”

Dominick, another one of Frankie’s sons, brought over our drinks and breadsticks. We ordered dinner and then talked. It was great being with Reno. Sitting next to him and talking about my day is always so perfect. Whenever we are together, I think about Reno and me being together every night and how great it would be. It kills me we can’t spend more time together. Sometimes I blame him but with his cop schedule and my chaotic life, it’s no wonder we only see each other once or twice a week.

I let out a sigh. Reno heard it and looked at me.

“Oh that was just a sigh of frustration we can’t ever seem to be together for more than an hour or two at a time,” I said. “It makes me wonder what it would be like to be two normal people with normal day jobs. We could have dinner together whenever we wanted and even spend the entire weekend together whenever the mood struck us.”

“You think you’re frustrated? Here I am, dating a beautiful and sexy woman and we never have time for anything more than dinner. To be honest, I was getting more action back when I didn’t have a steady girlfriend.”

“Oh, yeah? You want to go back to dating normal women? Ones with normal schedules?”

“Naaah, normal women are boring. But something’s gotta change or I’ll go nuts. I keep hoping our schedules will match up someday soon and we can actually spend some quality time together.”

I held up my glass.

“Here’s to hoping for better schedules.”

He held up his glass and lightly clinked it against mine.

“Better schedules, soon.”

~~~~

Reno walked me out to the parking lot. I was in the back row and I noticed it was relatively dark where my car was parked. This, of course, started giving me some naughty ideas. My heart started beating faster and my mind began to race.