Scent of Gardenia (Scott Tucker Series) Read online

  “You say some nice things. That was one of them. Here’s to the future and not the past.”

  “I’ll drink to that.” I smiled at her over my glass, but instead of the beer I could smell her perfume again. “I’ve really missed the scent of Gardenia.”

  She gave me a soft smile. “Now you’re racking up extra points. Keep it up and you may just win the Kewpie doll. I wanted to say something else, but I didn’t want you to turn red again…at least, not yet.”

  “Mercedes, you really are one of a kind.”

  “Why, thank you. I’m also a profiler, and I probably know you better than you know yourself. However, there have been some times when you’ve surprised the hell out of me…like the time at the cabin. I’ll leave you to think about that, right now I have to use the ladies room. If you’re hungry order us something…I haven’t eaten anything since breakfast.”

  I tried not to notice her legs as she stretched for the floor, but I saw her smile. Her mention of the cabin brought some indelible pictures back. God she’s gorgeous—maybe that’s why she makes me so nervous.

  Chapter 5

  When she came back she moved her stool over next to Scott’s. He had a questioning look on his face.

  “Don’t worry Scott I’m not going to bite you. I have some things I need to talk to you about, and I don’t want to share them with anyone else.” She flipped her hair behind her ear, lifting her glass with her other hand.

  She watched him studying her and she liked the interest he was showing. She held her glass with both hands. She could tell he was staring at her fingers and red nails. If you only knew how I want to wrap those fingers around you. Wake up Scott and smell more than the perfume.

  “So Mercedes, what do you have to discuss with me?”

  She turned toward him resting her knee against his leg. She detected his expression change like she had just turned on a switch. He didn’t move his leg and she wondered what he was thinking. She was thinking about their time at the cabin and how close they were. What are you thinking Scott?

  *.*.*

  She was intently watching me. Neither of us said a thing. I could feel her eyes drilling into mine like she was staring into my mind. I wanted to look away but she had them locked. I knew she could see the pain of losing Lisa. I could sense her loneliness. We both needed the closeness of each other. I wanted to be with her but not here. I was thinking of our time at the cabin…

  She finally broke the silence. “Thanks Scott. I needed that, I really did.” She started to cry, turned on the stool and headed toward the ladies room.

  I sat there spinning my glass, staring at the bubbles. I don’t totally understand why I can’t express what I’m feeling. Maybe it’s the fear that I can’t hold the emotions in any longer. I tried to focus on something else in the pub. I spotted Maggie near the bar giving me that ‘go ahead’ expression. She repeated it again, and then her eyes focused over my shoulder and turned quickly away.

  I knew Mercedes was returning based on Maggie’s reaction, but I also sensed the fragrance of Gardenia again. Mercedes climbed up on the stool without looking at me and whispered, “I’m sorry about that Scott. I don’t know what came over me.”

  She started to reach for her glass. I put my hand on hers and she looked over at me. “Mercedes, there’s no need to apologize. I guess we’re closer than either of us realize. If anyone should be apologizing it should be me. I should have called you at least one of the times I thought about you. I didn’t want you to feel I was using you to fill a void. I should have thanked you for attempting to save my life. I owed you that.” I took a deep breath, retreating from her eyes.

  She flipped her hair away from her face, responding after some thought. “The fact you thought of me, and thought of calling, makes me happy. If I had lost a loved one, I would be hesitant as well, but Scott…in my own way, I did lose someone too. Our time at the cabin was precious and I’ve replayed it many times…it was like the best movie you’ve ever seen—you can watch it over and over.”

  I studied her, realizing her strong façade was just a well-designed defense mechanism. “Thanks Mercedes. A long time ago you asked me if we could be friends, and possibly date. I don’t think I could or did answer you then, but if you’re still interested, I would really like that.”

  I witnessed the twinkle in her eyes, and her immediate smile. Her hand was shaking as she reached for her glass. “You lucky boy…you just won the Kewpie doll.” She added, “I wish I wasn’t going out of town tomorrow.”

  “We still have tonight.”

  She put her glass down, turning so that we were touching under the table again. “No Scott, our next time together is not going to be that rushed. I’ve waited over three years for you to answer that question, and I’m going to enjoy our next time together. Maybe you will too.”

  Maggie came over to the table with another round of drinks. “Judging from the look on her face—she said yes.”

  I smiled at Maggie. “Yes, I guess you could say that. Thanks for the refill.”

  “The manager sent it over as a thank you for coming back in to see us. I think he still has a thing for redheads, because he doesn’t do that very often. I also think he wants you back…well, maybe you can come too Scott.”

  *.*.*

  “Scott, it’s getting late and I need to talk to you. That’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed our conversation so far.” She took a sip of her beer, then continued, “Two things. The first is my dad, as you know, is in real estate. Well he continues to complain about the process the Real Estate Board uses for new listings and updates. He has some ideas and wants someone to help him document the current process and help determine a better way of doing business. He’s got the ears of the Real Estate Board, but needs to do it up professionally, and that’s where you come in.”

  “The second thing is much more complex, relating to a case I’m connected to. Without going into too many details; rich young men are coming up missing. Our hands are pretty much tied because, as near as we can tell, the men are last seen in and around Bermuda. They just vanish, never to be heard from again. I’m involved from a ‘profiler’ point of view. I have some suspicions. To be honest, I haven’t shared all of them with my colleagues at the Bureau.”

  She added, “As a matter of fact, I’m headed to Bermuda for a few days to meet with the authorities there to see if I can learn anything that hasn’t already been shared. Here’s how this might relate to your office. Larz Nielsen, who is the father of the latest missing man, lives in Brookline and wants his own investigation. The family is very wealthy. The father is pushing the authorities in Bermuda and at the Bureau for more action. That’s why the Bureau is popping for my trip. They want to make sure there’s nothing that will reflect poorly on us.”

  “Anyway, I’ll know more after my visit, but this family wants to do their own investigation into the son’s disappearance. I’m in a position to recommend Paddy’s office to them. Larz Nielsen also knows Victor Young, the Attorney General, and is campaigning with him for some additional help.”

  “Thanks for sharing all of that. I will be glad to talk to your father about the real estate listing process.”

  She reached into her purse and handed me a card. “Here’s my dad’s office information, with his direct number on the back. He obviously knows about you from all that happened years ago, but he also knows about the expansion of Paddy’s business. Anyway, he’s primed for your call and looking forward to you touching base with him.”

  “That sounds great. Thanks Mercedes. Do I need to be concerned about what happened with your sister and her disappearance?”

  “No. If anyone should feel uncomfortable about that—he should. After all, it was her that was trying to kill you.” Her expression changed to a smile. “Well actually, when I interrupted her, she was engaged in what looked like a more pleasurable endeavor. She did have your precious parts in her hand if I remember correctly.”

  I could feel my face turning
red. “Mercedes, what she was doing was not at all pleasurable…well at least not for me.” I wanted to change the subject. “Mercedes, related to what’s happening in Bermuda—I received a letter from Charlotte Williams, who you might remember was held hostage and almost killed. Well, her brother is one of those missing men.” I pulled the letter out of my pocket and handed it to her. She read it quickly and handed it back.

  “This is exactly why we’re trying to take a more active role there. My suggestion is; take Mr. Nielsen up on his request for a private investigation and incorporate her request into it.”

  “With that I have to run. But it does give us a starting point, doesn’t it?” She laughed, climbed off the stool to straighten her short skirt. “I can tell you still like my short skirts, don’t you?” She put her arms around my neck and kissed me on the lips. “Scott, give me a week. Then call me to let me know how things are progressing. Thanks again for seeing me on such short notice, maybe the next time it won’t be so short,” she said, winking at me.

  “I’ll call you,” I said. I liked the sound of that.

  Chapter 6

  Margaret wished one of the men could apply suntan lotion to her back, but she would just have to manage by herself. It was time to roll over as she had been lounging on her back for too long. She needed to be careful since her fair skin burned easily. She loved the warmth of the sun on her body, causing tiny droplets of perspiration from her forehead to her toes. The smell of suntan lotion reminded her of her childhood and sailing with her family.

  Stretching her arms above her head and raising her knees, she was delighted to see the light-brown shade all over her body. She looked out to the aqua waters and the waves breaking over the reef in the distance. The sea was calm this morning. Her dive class this afternoon would benefit from the calm seas.

  She noticed passing sailboats in the distance, wondering if they ever trained their binoculars on her nude sunbathing. A smile crossed her face. If they did, she was sure they enjoyed the sight. She had not an ounce of fat anywhere on her body. She always noticed men staring at her breasts when she wore bikinis or sundresses. Since Bermuda was ideal for wearing sundresses, she rarely wore anything more substantial. She dabbed the moisture on her body with a towel.

  Her private beach front home provided her this luxury. It was private enough not to be disturbed from her other passion. She stood up, applying lotion to her shoulders, the back of her legs, and buttocks. She spent considerable time rubbing in the lotion, but would have much preferred someone else massaging her body. She applied lotion to her back sponge and spread it over her back. As she lay down on the chaise, she thought of the men, who if they could see through the earth above them, could see her naked body.

  Her mind drifted to the image of their naked bodies waiting for her. She was aware of the delightful feeling between her legs. It was almost time for their morning feeding. This morning she wasn’t going to dress. Her mind quickly went to what games she could engage them in today. What a gorgeous life. She could feel the rush coming just thinking about it.

  Chapter 7

  I enjoyed meeting with Mercedes last night. In the two years since I last saw her, she has become even more beautiful. She has to be my height with high-heels which makes her about five foot eight. Most of that is leg. It was hard not to think of her long legs, but the rest of her was pleasurable as well. I meant to ask her if she has a boyfriend, but judging from last night I would say no. How could anyone so gorgeous not have a long-line of suitors? Maybe her sharp tongue keeps them away? That’s it—I’ve got to get up and get ready for work.

  I was ready to shave when my reflection caught my attention. It didn’t look the same as it did yesterday. Maybe there’s a new glow after sparring with Mercedes. A few minutes later the shower was more enjoyable than normal, given the thoughts of spending some time with her in the near future.

  *.*.*

  Once again, I was first into the office and opened up. I quickly made a pot of coffee, and then went into my office getting ready for the others to arrive. I looked at the card Mercedes had given me; Stephen Strong, Executive Officer, Strong Realty Enterprises. I wonder how he feels about losing one of his daughters.

  She was one of four women who had killed four men in revenge for what had been done to them or someone in their family. I had tracked her down, but was almost her fifth victim until Mercedes intervened, and then fortunately Mike saved us both.

  Mercedes sister, Melanie, had eluded capture by jumping through the open access port into the icy waters of Boston Harbor. It was the dead of winter and she was naked. The policemen who ran to the opening never saw her surface. Her body was never recovered. Speculation was that the sea creatures consumed her body before it could wash up on shore.

  I should not bring her name up when I talk with Mr. Strong. If he brings it up that’s one thing, but I better not. I wonder if he has red hair as well.

  Even though I had blocked the memory of that ordeal for three years, seeing the Strong Realty Enterprises name brought the memory back.

  I recalled checking out suitable property where the victims could have been held, cut apart and dumped in the ocean. The listings were supplied by Mr. Strong’s real estate company, which Melanie worked for. Well I guess I got lucky and found the right site, but I got unlucky finding it at the wrong time. Melanie knocked me out. When I came to, I was naked and about to have my extremities detached. However, that was after Melanie finished enjoying some of my parts before they were removed.

  Mercedes, who was suspected at being involved, put things together and found the missing real estate listing and tried to rescue me. The two of them fought and Mercedes wound up being tied up and forced to watch her sister’s actions. Then the cavalry arrived several minutes later, saving both of us. Mike and the others watched Melanie bolt for the hole in the floor. That was the last we ever saw of her.

  Now I have to meet with their dad. This should be interesting, but I can’t overlook the business lead. I heard Paddy’s and Mike’s voices and dialed the number on the card.

  Chapter 8

  “Strong Realty Enterprises, this is Jean, how can I help you.”

  Paddy and Mike slowed as they walked by my office. “Yes, my name is Scott Tucker and Mr. Strong is expecting my call.” Paddy came back to my office door with a questioning expression. I gave him the ‘thumbs up’ sign. He smiled and disappeared.

  “Yes, Mr. Tucker, he is expecting your call. Please hold while I see if he is available to take your call now. Thank you for holding.” I was holding for just a moment. “Mr. Tucker, I’m transferring your call now to Mr. Strong. Please have a nice day.”

  “Scott, its Stephen Strong. Mercedes said you would be calling me soon. You’re smart to call me this early. I expect she told you what it’s about?”

  “Yes, Mr. Strong, she—“

  He interrupted, saying, “Please Scott, call me Stephen. Please continue.”

  “Thank you. She told me you have some ideas on how to improve the real estate listing process.”

  “Yes, and that’s a good introduction. The best approach, if you have some time, is to show you what we deal with every day and then I can elaborate on the problems associated with those methods, and make some suggestions. Mercedes says you’re a bright Harvard graduate, and some other things more personal, and you’re helping Paddy O’Brien expand his business. I have some contacts at the Real Estate Board that can be influential if they see how positive changes can be made. They just need to understand in more detail what I’ve been spouting about. Regardless, when can you come over to see what we do?”

  “Well M…Stephen, I have some things I need to finish this morning, but would this afternoon be too early?”

  There was a moment of silence on the other end. “Scott, I like your style. There’s nothing on my calendar that can’t be switched around. You call the time.”

  “How about 1 p.m.?”

  “Excellent. I’ll see you then. Goodbye.�
�

  I didn’t even have time to say goodbye. That went much better than I expected. Sounds like Mercedes shared some personal thoughts. I took a deep breath and headed toward Paddy’s office.

  *.*.*

  I was two steps out my office when Mike yelled at me.

  “Hey Scott, you owe me an update on seeing Mercedes. How did that go?”

  When I stepped into his office, he motioned me to have a seat. “Mike, I wish you could have been there.”

  “Really, I don’t think so. Tell me the details.”

  I didn’t answer immediately. “Where do I start? Well she’s as gorgeous as ever. Her entrance stopped all conversation in the pub. You can fill in the details there. I realize I should have called her some time over the last two years…I owed her that much. She made me as uncomfortable as ever, but I enjoyed being with her. It just takes some getting used to. To that point, we’re going to be seeing each other when she returns from a trip.”

  I could tell he was filling in the blanks, which detectives are known to do. “Interesting, I’m glad you met her there alone. Did I hear you calling her dad’s office?”

  “Well, there were two advertised reasons to meet with me. One was a business opportunity with her dad and the Boston Real Estate Board to improve the real estate listing process. The other is more sensitive and involves Mercedes’ trip to Bermuda.”

  “I heard Mercedes’ name mentioned,” Paddy said as he stuck his head in the door.

  “Yes Paddy, I met with Mercedes last night. I was just telling Mike she has one opportunity for us to help improve the real estate listing process. Her dad has some ideas. I set up a meeting with him for this afternoon. The other relates to Mercedes trip to Bermuda. I was just coming to see you. This will save me explaining it twice. She’s going down there in an unofficial/official Bureau capacity to learn anything more about rich-young men disappearing.”