Hollywood Blood: A Hollywood Alphabet Series Thriller by M.Z. Kelly Read Free Book Online

card was found in the street near the residence?”
    I watched as Skully mopped his brow, a vein pulsing in his head. “I have no comment at this time.”
    “Shit,” I said, turning off the TV. I stood up and paced around the room. “How in the hell does Tristan know any of that?” I was so angry I wanted to scream.
    “You know how these things go,” Jack said. “The department has more leaks than the Titanic.”
    “Yeah, and those leaks will eventually sink us all.”
    A key piece of evidence had already been compromised. In any homicide investigation some information is held back, used to determine a possible motive and suspects. After what I’d heard from Skully and Tristan, I knew we were already on a sinking ship, barely treading water.
    Jack came over to me with more wine. “Let it go for the night, Kate.” He kissed me and I felt warm all over. I sipped the wine again, my head already spinning from the alcohol.
    We went back to the sofa where things got a little more heated. When Jack surfaced for air and more wine, I gave him the key to my apartment. “So that you don’t have to wait on the steps, next time,” I explained.
    He took the key. “Suppose I walk in, find you with another guy.”
    “Anything’s possible. I know this fellow who’s pretty strong and awfully hairy.”
    “He sounds a little threatening.” His lips found my neck.
    “He’s very protective… even has a jealous streak.” I started to moan.
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    We continued to kiss until I stood up, took his hand and we headed for the bedroom. I saw that Bernie was still working on the rawhide chew in the corner of the living room.
    “My guy can sometimes bite, too,” I said.
    “Maybe he’s a vampire.”
    I pushed the bedroom door closed behind us . We came together, breath and lips and hands, as we stumbled across the room. We headed for the bed, clothes flying off.
    “Ever heard about something called, Monkey Penis?” I said.
    Jack pul led me down to the bed. “No, but I’ve heard that some remarkable things can be done with a banana.”

 
    Chapter Nine
     
    Jack’s phone rang as the gray light of dawn seeped into the bedroom. I heard him saying something about a flight reservation before he came back to bed.
    I glanced over at the alarm clock. It was just after seven. I groaned, thought about my promise to meet Charlie and Pearl at the Dawg pound, as Charlie called it. Jack put an end to that thought. It was almost eight by the time I regained enough of my strength and senses to look at the clock again.
    Then I remembered his earlier phone call. “You leaving town, Bautista?” I was still trying to catch my breath.
    “The sheriff said to be gone by sun up or there’d be a hanging. Looks like y ou just might have got me strung-up.”
    “ Yeah,” I said, amidst a tangle of sheets and blankets. “Heard they’re forming a posse, coming after you.”
    Jack came closer, kissed me. I sat up, bunched my pillows and pulled the sheet up around me. I knew I should head for the shower, but instead asked, “So what gives?”
    He leaned over on one arm, looked at me, then looked away. “I got a job offer, Kate. Old friend from Homeland Security gave me a call. He wants to meet in DC.” He looked back at me. “I couldn’t say no to meeting with him tomorrow, but I haven’t said yes to the offer.”
    I exhaled, my gaze drifting away. “I’m not sure what that means.” I looked back at him. “For us.”
    He smiled. “Maybe a coast to coast relationship. Different cities, hotels, airports. Might be exciting.”
    “Yeah, unless the posse gets you first; strings you up.”
    My phone rang. I pulled the sheet up with me, covering myself as I went for the phone on the dresser.
    A coast to coast relationship . It was the last thing I needed. After a year of being single, not trusting, I’d finally found someone. Now, as quickly as we’d gotten together, it all seemed to be slipping away. Maybe I