Shadows of Doubt by Mell; Corcoran Read Free Book Online Page A

looked every bit the Irish boxer he once was. Waves of chestnut hair fell in choppy layers to frame the strong angular face and wily hazel eyes.
    â€œAll the arrangements have been taken care of, my Dom.” There was the faint lilt of Ireland in his voice. “All your usual personal effects are packed and ready to go. All the gear you may or may not require is packed and ready to go as well. The jet leaves Dulles at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time and arrives in Burbank rather than LAX at 2:43 p.m. Pacific. Your preferred suite at the Chateau is being prepared according to usual specification as we speak and I’ve arranged for a separate car to take your things to the hotel since I was certain you would want to deal with business immediately.”
    Max nodded in approval. “And the meetings?”
    â€œMy Dominor, ass kissing shall commence in you’re suite at precisely 7 p.m..” Frank’s face remained formal and all business as he continued his sardonic recital despite the muffled snickers and snorts within the room. “With an estimate of one hour for each report and ritual brown nosing, I anticipate that you’re ass should be thoroughly kissed and tuckered out by 1 a.m..”
    â€œExcellent.” Max had long grown accustomed to Frank’s colorful embellishments and only cracked a slight grin. “Grab your drinks and let’s get down to business. We have much to discuss and sort out before I leave.”
    Weather conditions in Washington had been close to blizzard-like and delayed their departure by several hours. With that and the infamous Los Angeles rush hour traffic, they were seriously behind schedule when they finally arrived at the Department of Coroner well after dark. Peter Carpesh ushered Max and Frank nervously through the corridor and back into a large storage area that was icy, smelled of antiseptic, formaldehyde and death. The walls were lined with cantilevered shelving, stacked with dozens of bodies stuffed in bags either waiting to be claimed or otherwise disposed of. They approached the stainless steal rolling cart that the body-bag in question was placed on and Carpesh unzipped it to reveal the body of one Angela Talbott. Max’s body began to vibrate with rage as he took in the level of brutality inflicted upon the girl. Though there was no signature left by the killer, Max knew instantly from the very depths of his core that this was his guy.
    â€œAnd what of the previous victim?” Max growled.
    â€œMm.. my Dominor...” Carpesh stuttered nervously and shrank at the anger in Max’s voice. “...that was over two months ago. No next of kin was located, no one claimed her. There was little I could do to stall so she was cremated a few weeks ago.” The Ukrainian’s eyes darted about as he tried to think of something that would appease his Dominor. “But! Detailed photos are in the file I sent, along with copies of all reports, as well as my notes.” He looked at Frank apprehensively.
    â€œThe report is at the suite along with copies of the data on this one here.” Frank interjected on Carpesh’s behalf, which was clearly appreciated.
    â€œI contacted the local agents, three times before the body was disposed of.” Carpesh’s accent was growing thicker by the minute once again. “No one came or followed up with me. So when this girl came in, I contacted the Council directly. Miss LaRue requested everything I had and then, well, you know the rest since you are now here.” Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his crisply ironed lab coat, Carpesh waited for Max to begin reprimanding him.
    â€œFrank, bring the car up and make sure our guests for this evening are on time.” Max’s eyes never left the body of the brutalized girl as Frank nodded, then hurried out of the room to comply. “Mr. Carpesh, I am deeply disturbed that you were not