Houston Knights Fiction
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Warnings. Strong Warnings!! This story contains strong scenes with a strong subject, it is a highly dramatic piece not intended for young readers. -  Rated - R

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Masquerade

By Jana

“Lundy. LaFiamma. Get in here,” Joanne Beaumont hollered through her open door.

“Right away, Lieutenant,” Levon called, as he rose to answer the summons.

Meeting Joey on the other side of the desk, he looked at his partners face, took in the half smile, and prepared himself for a quick, cutting comment.

He was rewarded with, “Figures. Only ten minutes until I was out of here. It’s been the slowest day in Houston’s history, which, Levon,” he said with a smirk, “ I might add isn’t saying all that much, and now we have a meeting.”

“You in a hurry, LaFiamma?”

“Just wanting parole from some of the people in here today.”

Nodding, Levon smiled and agreed, saying, “Today wasn’t one of the best. Seeing Gutierrez and Joe Bill lose their star witness in a drive by shooting, does put a damper on things.”

“Yeah. Sometimes it just gets to me.”

Me too, Joey, me too. Whadda ya think she wants?”

“LUNDY, LaFIAMMA, I said NOW!”

“I reckon we’d better get on in there and let her tell us rather then stand here speculating,” Levon said, hurrying to take the comfortable seat in front of her desk. Joey would hate that. Fighting over the chair was a ritual and today was his day.

Scowling, Joey entered just behind Levon and remained standing, although he did send a quick, wait til next time, look to his partner, only to be rewarded with that big Texas grin Levon always sported. Trying to control his temper, he moved further into the room and said, “What’s this about, Lieutenant?”

“I need you two to hear me out then get back to me tomorrow with your answer.”

“Shoot,” Joey said.

“I’m listening, Joanne,” Lundy added.

“These are the facts as I have them. As you are aware there are always rings of criminals preying on the rich, through blackmail. Normally this is not in our jurisdiction, but a case just crossed the line, and I thought of you two.”

“Now just a minute, Joanne......Hear me out Lundy, before you interrupt, and that goes for you too, LaFiamma” Lt. Beaumont added, as she watched Joey adopt an injured look that seemed to say, Me? Interrupt? You must be kidding.

Watching Levon very closely, Joanne continued, “Now, as I was saying we have some very rich, widowed, ladies of Houston that are being blackmailed by a ring of male escorts, headed by Miss Sheila Lamont. Initial probes by Vice are showing this to be a very widespread problem, mainly because the ladies won’t press charges.” She noticed the almost imperceptible tightening of Levon’s lips at Sheila’s name, and wondered if LaFiamma had as well.

“Yeah, I know how that goes, Lieutenant. No one wants people to know that they shelled out big bucks to buy companionship to a ball, just so they could feel attractive,” Joey broke in.

“Sounds like you know quite a bit about this, partner,” Levon goaded, wishing he could keep quiet, but needing to release a little of the tension caused by hearing Sheila’s name bandied about.

“Happened all the time in Chicago,” Joey declared. “What are ya getting at Levon?” he finished, his voice becoming more forceful.

“Hey, just settle down there partner. I was just commenting how you probably knew all sorts of rich folks back in Chicago”

“Sure you were.”

“Now however,” Joanne cut in before the tempers rose any higher, “Things have changed. Over the past two weeks, two of the widows have turned up dead, their wills bequeathing all their monies to the Ryder Foundation. Although hidden under layers of legitimate businesses careful checking has found that the Ryder Foundation is one of Miss Lamont’s private holdings. That makes it a case the chief wants Major Crimes to handle.

“Why us, Lieutenant?” Levon questioned.

Looking down at her desk, Joanne shuffled papers, refusing to look at either man as she said, “We looked over all the best candidates in Homicide and....... Levon, I know Sheila tried to break up you and Caroline’s marriage, and LaFiamma, your um.....”

“Yeah,”

“Well, you would be perfect to infiltrate the ring of escorts. You’re single, drop dead gorgeous if I read the ladies right, you ooze Italian charm, and you dress better than any other person on the force. Your expensive tastes have the big guns above me saying you’re the perfect choice.”

“Now wait a minute!” both men began in unison, “there is no way I’m going to.........”

“Just take tonight to think about it. Please. Look around the office. Do you see another pair so perfect for the job? All I’m asking is that you think about it.”

“What about our current cases?” Levon tried.

“They would be handed out to other officers until this case was over.”

“I’ll think about it Lieutenant,“ Levon said rising, “but I won’t promise you anything.”

“Right,” Joey agreed, opening the door as they prepared to leave. Seeing Levon looking at him, he asked “What Lundy?”

“I was just thinking that this is your kind of case.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Joey added, once again refusing to rise to the bait.

“Well LaFiamma, you would get to dress up all pretty, dance those waltzes you love, and eat at those fancy restaurants with a whole lot of rich women. Sounds perfect for a man from the refined city of Chicago.”

As LaFiamma slammed the door , Levon flashed a quick smile at Lt. Beaumont, and watched in amusement as she shook her head.

“Wanna go to Chicken’s? We can talk about this case,” Levon asked as they walked to their cars.

“No, not tonight. I think I’ll go home. Pasta sounds good.”

“Suit yourself,” Levon drawled, as he fired up the Jimmy, and watched his partner climb into the deep blue Cobra. Driving to Chicken’s he thought about his partner and his car and smiled. Joey would be in heaven, but he didn’t want to take the job.

This whole idea stunk. He hated Sheila Lamont. Oh, she was gorgeous. Just the type of shallow woman for Joey, he smirked. Her hair was honeyed blonde, her eyes a deep green, her tan showed no bikini lines, and her hourglass figure was unrivaled. While he was playing football at Texas A&M, Sheila had pegged him as the man for her. He was an A student, a major star on the football team, and very popular. Unfortunately for Sheila he was also in love with Caroline. Had been forever as far as he was concerned. Sheila felt that this was a mistake, and worked hard to arrange situations that made him look bad, hoping to scare off Caroline. Luckily for him, Caroline saw right through Sheila and never wavered. The only comments he could remember her making was to confirm that he preferred her deep auburn tresses to Sheila’s honey blonde. There was never any question, and now Joanne wanted him to get familiar with the gorgeous, yet now even more dangerous Sheila Lamont.

HONK. HONK.

The blare of the car horns behind him startled him out of his thoughts, and he quickly eased his Jimmy through the now green light , and made his way to Chicken’s, where he intended to eat ribs and play pool until he was very, very tired. He would think about this more tomorrow.

Joey, on the other hand, drove straight home, and after throwing together the start to a rich carbonara sauce, he went for a quick run, then returned, cooked his pasta, ate, and read until sleep overtook him.

Waking early he threw himself into his exercise routine with a vengeance.

Lift.

Release.

Lift.

Release.

Lift.

Release.

The steady rhythm of the barbells acted as a soothing ritual for the frustrated Italian. The dilemma was weighing heavily on his mind and sleep hadn’t come easily last night. What little sleep he did get was fraught with dreams. As his body relaxed, he started his daily process of erecting the barriers, so no one would be able to see into his soul. Although his body didn’t show it, his mind held many dark secrets, and he wasn’t ready to share them with anyone. Not even Uncle Mikey was aware of the bottled up trauma he carried with him.

Eldest son, of eldest son, etc. was a curse. His body was a curse. His face, a curse! To make matters worse, the tolls taken over the years to his body, had created in Joey, a personality that he could only describe as a curse as well. It took to much thought to dwell on the why’s anymore, so he just dealt with the symptoms. He tried to control his sharp tongue, his quick temper, his low frustration level, and his hatred of criminals.

Lift.

Release.

Lift.

Release.

Even the exercise he so desperately needed added to his problem. As the sweat rolled off his glistening torso and slicked back his thick black hair, he felt another momentary stab of fear, as he thought about the assignment Lieutenant Beaumont proposed yesterday. The mere thought was abhorrent to him. To say yes to the Lieutenant would rip open all sorts of deeply hidden wounds. To say no would require an explanation to Levon. An explanation he was not prepared to give.

Levon seemed to have a personal interest in the case. He hadn’t said as much, but judging by his body language, Joey had been as sure of it as he was of needing air.

Levon was too perceptive for Joey’s well being. Levon could get past his guard.

Being partners for just over a year, had seen them through some rough times, both work related and personal. Each was accustomed to the others moods, and they now functioned well together as a team. Something that had seemed more like a fantasy than a reality only seven months earlier, but now he respected and liked Levon for himself, all laid back Texan ways and cowboy boots included. He knew his partner felt the same way about him too, although neither would readily admit it. While the year had brought them this closeness, it wasn’t long enough for each to know the others secrets. Hints were there sometimes, but not confirmation.

Like Levon for example, Joey was certain he was cautious primarily so he wouldn’t cause anyone pain unless absolutely necessary. Yes hints and educated guesses were useful, but, if incorrect they could lead to problems, so Joey was biding his time, and learning more about his partner daily. He wasn’t ready to trust anybody, not even his partner, with intimate first hand knowledge that was not mandatory, but that didn’t change the necessity of making a decision.

As he showered and dressed he thought over the case itself, and not the implications. People were being murdered. Someone had to put a stop to it. Could he do what Joanne needed? A slight tremor ran through his body as he heard the doorbell ring.

Before he could get to the door, he heard Levon yelling from the hallway.

“Open up, LaFiamma. We need to talk.”

“Hold you horses” he shot back. Just saying that made him smile. He could just picture his laid back partner hanging on to the reins of that big beast he called a horse, and saying, Hold up there, Fooler.

When LaFiamma got the door open a crack, he smiled, as he watched Levon shoulder his way inside, without waiting.

“Something on your mind, Levon?”

“You know it, so don’t play wise with me LaFiamma. I’m not in the mood.”

“Fine, want to talk about it over breakfast. I was just going to make a frittata,” he said, moving to the kitchen and starting to dice onions.

“A what? Never mind, if you’re cooking, I’ll eat. Now what do we tell Joanne?” Lundy asked, taking a place at Joey’s kitchen table.

“What do you want to tell her?” LaFiamma countered, not wanting to be the one to start this off.

“I want to tell her no!” Levon shot back, then added, “but I can’t think of a way to do it without causing all sorts of questions.”

“Sometimes I feel like I live my life that way,” Joey mumbled, as he thought back to the first time this man had saved his life. “What’s eating you about this one Lundy?” He lit the gas stove and whipped the egg.

“Nothing, I just don’t like it. I think we need to follow up on our other cases, close off the lose ends, get Eddie Miller. You know what I mean.”

“I agree that I don’t want to hand our cases over to anybody, but that isn’t what’s bothering you. Now talk Levon, or I won’t feed you.”

As Levon stared at the table, Joey added, “If you don’t want to start I’ll do it for you. You know this Sheila Lamont, don’t you? I noticed your face yesterday every time Lt. Beaumont mentioned her name,” he added, as he threw in the chopped ingredients.

“Damn you, LaFiamma. Stop looking at me in those meetings why don’t ya. Yes I knew...um know her,” he finally got out through clenched teeth.

“Well?”

Something smelled good. “Well what?” Levon asked.

Taking a knife, Joey cut the frittata in half and placed a portion on each plate, then picked up a fork and began eating his, while letting Levon’s remain on the counter.

“Am I going to get some? It smells good.”

“Are you going to talk about Miss Lamont?”

“That’s blackmail LaFiamma, and you know it.”

“Are you talking?”

“Fine, just give me that whatever you called it and I’ll tell you,” Levon said reaching for the plate Joey offered him. Picking up the fork he ate a bite then began talking. “I knew her in college. She wanted us to be close, but I was already dating Caroline. I told her no, but she didn’t want to listen. She tried all sorts of things to break Caroline and me up. I just don’t want to deal with her again. By the way, this is delicious.”

“Thanks.” Joey said, clearing his plate and smiling to himself. Levon could pack so much emotion into so few words. The way he said close, just dripped of sex. The left out chunks of his college times were huge, and even if he withheld food and sat there silent all day, Levon wasn’t going to give him more. This is what he’d been thinking about. The hints were there, but was he right or wrong. Only one way to find out. “Levon, just how close to the mark would I be if I asked if you had some first hand knowledge of her skills as a blackmailer?”

“Don’t ask.”

“Fine, I was just curious,”

“Don’t be. Now are you coming to work or not?”

Boy was Lundy flustered.

“Yeah, let’s go. You driving or am I?”

“Me. That sports car of yours is a death trap just waiting to happen,” Levon said smiling, then sobered as he immediately remembered the night it almost was.

Catching the look, Joey clasped his partner on the back, and said, “Let’s go.”

They drove to the office in silence, each lost in their own thoughts and respecting each others privacy. When they reached the precinct , neither was ready to truly commit themselves, but both knew they were going to say yes.

Approaching the elevator like two condemned men going to the gallows, they ran into the happy face of Annie and her ever present manila folders.

“Going my way?” she questioned?

“If your heading upstairs, Annie, looks like we can tag along,” Levon said, smiling.

“Well actually, since I have you both here, I can tell you and save myself the trip. I have the ballistic reports you needed on the Miller case. Seems the gun that was found was not the gun that fired the bullets.”

“Wht’da ya mean Annie. I has to be that gun.”

“Sorry, LaFiamma, but it isn’t.”

“Damn. Now what, Levon. We’ve combed the entire area for evidence, Guess it’s back to the bar and another talk with Bruno.”

“No LaFiamma, this time, someone else will have that pleasure,” Levon reminded him. “We will be tackling that other case.” As Joey moaned, Levon said, “Guess you can ride up with us after all, Annie, seeing as how you will be giving this information to someone else.”

“You boys working a new case? You don’t seem overjoyed.” Annie asked, as they exited the elevator and headed into the office.

“Looks that way,” Joey muttered, as Levon shook his head in agreement.

“Well if you boys are this thrilled I’m glad I’m not Lieutenant Beaumont this morning.”

“And why would that be, Annie?” Joanne questioned , a grin on her face.

“Uh..Lieutenant we didn’t see you sitting there,” Levon said.

“Obviously,” she laughed. “I’ve been waiting for you two. My boss wants your answers. Let’s go to my office and you can tell me.”

Crossing the floor, they exchanged hellos with a few of their friends, before Levon shut the door to Beaumont’s office firmly behind them.

“Well?” she questioned.

“I think I can speak for both of us when I say we are not thrilled, but we’re gonna take the case.” Lundy said quietly.

“Thank you both. I really think you are best suited for the job, and I know it will be a little rough on you Levon, but she needs to be stopped, before anyone else dies.” Rising, Joanne moved to her door, opened it and asked a man they had never seen to enter.

“Lundy, LaFiamma, this is Lieutenant Baxter of Burglary/ Homicide. He was handling the case before the chief kicked it over to major crimes. He’ll fill you in, then we will get your covers in place.”

Lieutenant Baxter inclined his head and offering each his hand, shook theirs saying “Lundy. LaFiamma. The Lieutenant tells me good things about you. The department is counting on you.” He handed a file to Lundy and as he opened it, LaFiamma leaned in, and both got their first glimpse of the two deceased women. As outrage replaced personal concerns they turned to Lt. Baxter, who continued to fill them in.

“The way we have it figured Lundy, we will arrange for you to run into Sheila Lamont , and you will attempt to re-capture her interest. We need you both working the inside on this one. LaFiamma, you will apply for a job at the Raven’s male escort service, and we have already arranged for you to get it, though by the looks of you, this wouldn’t have been a problem,” he said, as he looked Joey over thoroughly.

“Uh...Lieutenant Beaumont, perhaps.........” He began. He just couldn’t do it. Levon was sitting so still and he could feel the bile rising in his own throat, but as he looked down at the photos of the murdered women, laid out on Joanne’s desk, he swallowed his discomfort and finished with “Never mind.”

“Okay, It’s settled then. You two wrap up your cases and have them on my desk in one hour, then we’ll begin operation “Undercover”.”

Filing out of her office, Joey looked at Lundy and whispered, “Nothing like a little pressure to start the day.”

“Shut up.” Levon shot back.

“Right, what ever you say, partner.”

As the men spent the next hour laying out all their current cases for other people to take over, both kept quiet as they thought about what was to come. Finally Levon broke the silence, asking, “How are we to stay in touch. I mean, you’re my partner. I feel like we are going to be very alone playing both sides of this case.”

“I don’t like it either, Levon,” Joey answered, “But unless they allow us to meet at Chickens for dinner I think we will be alone a lot. Maybe we can work out a schedule among ourselves, for time to go over what we uncover.”

“I know we need to stay in touch. Maybe with your good looks you can get invited up to the big mansion I know Sheila owns and we can meet there.”

“Not a bad idea, Levon. You’re thinking already. What a partner,” Joey said sarcastically. “Hell, you have the easy job.”

“Easy. You don’t know what you are talking about. I have to buddy up to a woman I despise. I’ll tell you some of the things she pulled one day, while you get to dress up, eat at the fancy restaurants, dance the night away, and sleep in.”

Staring at his desk, Joey quietly said, “Levon, I just want you to know that this isn’t going to be easy for me. I am not looking forward to a second of this.”

“Who do you think you’re kiddin? This is right up your alley partner.” Levon shot back, smiling, then he looked for the answering gleam from Joey’s eye, as he was sure his leg was being pulled, but was stunned to find that Joey wouldn’t look at him.

“Hey, is there something you’re not telling me?”

“Like what, Levon?”

“In that secretive Italian mind it could be anything. Wanna talk.”

Smiling, Joey said, “I think I asked you that this morning. You said so little that now it’s my turn to be quiet and just not say anything right now. Drop it.”

“I hate it when you get like this, man. Fine. You want it dropped, I’ll drop it, but if you change your mind, I’m there.”

“Thanks, Levon. Now we better get this to the Lieutenant and get started. Things will work out and we’ll nail this woman who tried to wreck the best thing in your life, Okay?”

“I’m counting on it Joey. It’s the only reason I said yes. Revenge isn’t right, but I want this.”

“I’ll help you, that’s what partners are for,” Joey said, as he picked up the stack of papers and headed towards Beaumont’s door.

Following right behind him, Levon added, to quietly for Joey to hear, “Don’t you forget that either partner.” Something was going on with Joey, and he had missed the first signs, but Joey had slipped, and now he was nervous. He would do his best to keep an eye out for his partner.

“Here you go Lieutenant, all signed, sealed and delivered. What do you want us to do next?”

“LaFiamma, you report at three p.m. to Ravens Male Escort service for your interview. They have an outfit for you to try on downstairs.”

“Hey, what’s wrong with my own clothes?”

“I would think you would enjoy having the department pick up the tab on this, LaFiamma. You can dress in style, at no expense to you. What’s not to like?”

Seeing Joey grimace, Levon watched, as his partner said, “Nothing, Lieutenant.” Yes something was up, but would he talk. No!

“Lundy, at the same time Joey is interviewing you are going to be eating with Candace, from vice, at Tres Vivage, in the metropolitan district. Miss Lamont is said to be there every Tuesday and Thursday at three, after her hair appointment. Candace will be acting as a girlfriend. Maybe she can spark the same feelings in Sheila that Caroline did.”

“Right. I know Candace. No chance of her getting hurt is there?” Lundy questioned.

“Shouldn’t be. When you see Sheila, you are to allow her the closeness she want’s if things play out the way we hope. If she doesn’t go for you this time, we will have you back up LaFiamma from inside Raven’s.”

“Are we making up our own covers Lieutenant?” Joey questioned.

“No. I was just getting to that. Levon, you are going to be a horse breeder. Since you know horses this shouldn’t be a stretch for you to talk about. Here is a dossier that details your holdings. LaFiamma, you are new to town and in need of some money while you look for work. You have done this before in Chicago, so it was a natural place for you to look here, while you try to get your bearings.”

“How will Joey and I keep in touch, Lieutenant?”

“ I know this is going to be hard, but sources say that the top escorts work from her house, and we feel they are the ones that she is having blackmail the ladies. We expect Joey to become noticed very quickly, and be moved over there. Levon, I expect you will be spending time with her as well.”

“I don’t like the way you say that, Lieutenant. I have no intention of sleeping with her to shut this ring down,” Levon practically shouted.

“I didn’t say that, Levon. I don’t want you doing anything you feel uncomfortable with. Hopefully we can have this finished in two weeks at the latest, and you should be able to stay out of her clutches that long. You just need to get into the house and see if you can locate any files, evidence, or proof that may help us, in case she doesn’t take to LaFiamma. Also you and LaFiamma can make plans and share information there.”

“Have I said I don’t like this, Joanne?” Levon asked.

“A few times, and it has been noted. Now go on you two,” Joanne said as she reached for the ringing telephone, as she motioned them out of her door. As they left they were both surprised to hear her call, “Wait a minute, get back in here.”

“What is it, Lieutenant?” Joey asked as she replaced the receiver.

“I just thought you should know, we just had a third lady turn up dead, all her money bequeathed to the Ryder Foundation as well. That makes it even more critical that she be stopped, and soon.”

“Were on it,” Joey said, as they both headed outside away from the building and into the lion’s den.

“Luck, Levon”

“Same, Joey.” Levon called smiling, then turned around and said, “I have anti-bug equipment left over from the Collins case, that I haven’t turned in yet. Why don’t you call me when you get in tonight and let me know how it went. I can make sure my place is clean.”

“Will do, Lundy. Take care.”

Neither had long to wait as the three o’clock hour grew near.

Lundy went over his dossier in detail, committing all the facts to memory and filling in the gaps himself. He picked breeds of horses to raise, filled in his background after Caroline’s death, by giving him a reason to quit the force and change careers. He decided Sheila would know he was a cop, and he felt that the death of his wife could have sent him over the edge enough to lead to his continued interest in horse breeding. Joanne was right. It wasn’t a stretch. There was a time when he thought this would be his career, but police work called him and Caroline’s death actually strengthened his resolve to put all criminals behind bars.

LaFiamma went to the press room and was fitted in an Armani suit. He had similar ones hanging in his closet and really didn’t like having the force cover the cost but knew that to complain, would at least cause Levon to question why. Everyone was so sure that he would love this job, and he didn’t want them to find out differently. If he couldn’t cope he would deal with it when the time arose. He added his favorite Paco Raban cologne, brushed through his hair and mentally steeled himself to make polite small talk while allowing himself to be thoroughly looked over without cringing.

At two thirty Levon picked Candace up and the two got in his Jimmy and headed over to Tres Vivage chatting as they went.

“I think it is wonderful that you and LaFiamma are taking this case, and I’m glad that I can help in a small way. Do we need to go over anything before we get there Levon?” Candace questioned, as they rode along.

“I think the story goes that we met three months ago at a rodeo and have spent a lot of time together since. Looks like we’ll have to kiss a bit to make this seem real,” Levon grinned.

“I think you may be right, Levon, but then again, kissing you has never been all that hard,” Candace said, blushing slightly.

“Don’t worry, I feel the same way. Remember we made the choice after our last cooperative assignment that we would not get involved but stay friends. The chemistry is still there though.”

“You’re right. The chemistry is still there. Maybe we should re evaluate this again when it’s over, if the feelings are still there. I must admit that making it look like I care for you will not be a hardship,” Candace said smiling.

“Same here, just take care to keep yourself safe, you hear me?” Levon stated firmly.

“No problem cowboy,” she smiled back happily at him.

“That was a quick trip, seems were here already,” Levon said, pulling up to the valet parking and handing his keys to the attendant.

“Will you be staying long, Sir?” the valet questioned.

“Just an early celebration; drink and appetizers,” Levon said, as he helped Candace from the Jimmy.

“That will be fine, Sir,” the valet replied taking the keys and giving Candace a thorough appraisal, before he opened the door and admitted them to the exclusive restaurant. As they entered the valet leaned over to Levon and quietly said, “she’s a real looker Sir, if you don’t mind my saying so. You’re very lucky.”

“Yes I am,” Levon replied, and found himself thinking that the man was correct. Candace was as nice as she was beautiful. Too bad Sheila had to be at the other end of this assignment.

As Levon propelled Candace through the glitzy lobby and up to the reception desk, he noted that many heads turned to look at them.

“Reservations, Sir?”

“Name of Lundy,” he replied, pulling Candace a little bit closer and feeling her arm snake around his back.

“Right this way.” the Maitre de replied, as he led them to an exclusive table overlooking the Houston skyline. “Will this do, Sir?”

“Perfect,” Levon said, as he seated Candace, before taking the seat next to her. As the Maitre de left, he asked, “what would you like to drink?”

“A soda actually, but I think maybe we should go for some champagne, to celebrate the big sale you just made,” she replied grinning.

Smiling in response, Lundy said, “A bottle of Moet and Chandon Blanc de Noir if you please.”

“Certainly, Sir. I’ll have it here in a minute. Would you like to order now?”

“I think we’ll wait until we’ve had a glass to celebrate,” Levon replied.

“An excellent decision. I’ll be right back.”

Turning to Candace Levon caught Sheila entering, just as Candace said happily, “I could get used to this.”

“Don’t let my partner hear you say that,” Levon joked, then turned serious, briefly to say, “Sheila Lamont just came in.”

“Oh, then now’s my chance to snuggle,” Candace replied as she drew really close to Levon and ran her hand back and forth across his thigh, in plain sight of the patrons.

Blushing slightly, he responded, “Don’t you think you’re overdoing it a bit?”

“Not if we want to attract her attention. I can feel her looking at you already.”

“Great,” Levon muttered, as the sommelier returned with the champagne and poured them both a glass.

“Are you ready to order yet sir?”

“Yes. We’ve decided on the pate de foie gras, with toast points, and the oysters on the half shell,” he said, leering at Candace, as he watched her blush.

“Right away Sir. Excellent choices.” the waiter said as he left, anticipating a hefty tip.

As Candace leaned even closer, she whispered, “Now would be a good time for one of those kisses, sweetheart. She’s looking right at us.”

Turning and allowing their lips to meet, Levon felt Candace tremble lightly and allowed himself the chance to taste her lips more fully. Their last kiss had been full of suppressed longing. He kept telling himself that this time it was for a good cause and he wasn’t ready to get involved with her yet, but his body seemed to be having other ideas. Breaking off the kiss, before he wasn’t able to stand up without embarrassing himself, Levon just looked at Candace and muttered, “Have Mercy.”

Smiling at his reaction and her own increased heartbeat, she said, “We certainly have her attention. I think she’s on her way over.”

“Just what I wanted,” Levon sneered, as Candace laughed at his reaction.

“No matter how you feel about her, and I bet there is a story in this, you need to play your part, so look lively,” Candace taunted, as she drew even nearer to the handsome, blonde cowboy, and took his hand.

“Levon? Levon Lundy?” Sheila Lamont questioned.

“Yes, can I help you?” he answered politely, and was rewarded with a slight scowl on her part.

“Levon, it’s Sheila. Sheila Lamont. You remember, we dated in college.”

“Sheila! How wonderful to see you again,” he said, with a trace of disgust in his voice. She always liked a challenge, so he was going to give her one. “What have you been doing with yourself?”

“Oh, a little of this, and a little of that. Investments. You know the sort of thing. What about you?” Sheila made a point of asking.

“Let’s see, after Caroline’s death I quit the force and went into horse breeding, just like I wanted. Doing real well. My girlfriend Candace and I are just celebrating my latest sale.”

“I’d love to hear all about it Levon,” Sheila said, moving closer to the table and leaning down to whisper, “how about we get together for old times sake and discuss it over dinner, say tomorrow night?”

“Candace is busy tomorrow, so I guess that would be fine. Where do you want to meet?”

“I’ll pick you up at your place. Just give me your address.” Sheila replied.

“I don’t think so. I’ll meet you. How about Tourlenes, say around seven for dinner. I’ll buy of course, and that way ..” he said, looking at Candace, “I’ll be back in time to have the night with you.”

“Are you sure you won’t change your mind and attend that benefit with me, Levon?” Candace pouted prettily.

“You know how I hate those events. I only attend them when there’s no other choice.”

“One can always hope, but having you for the night is compensation enough,” Candace said, smiling knowingly at Sheila.

“I’ll look forward to it, Levon,” Sheila countered as she went back to her table, flashing Candace a look of pure venom.

As she walked away, Candace leaned in to Levon once again, and whispered, “Be careful of her. She looks like she could be evil if crossed.”

“Tell me about it,” Levon quipped, as the waiter brought their appetizers and they began to eat, taking care to look each other in the eye and share pieces of the toast with each other. “Is she still looking at us?” Levon finally asked.

“Yes, she is, but I think she’s getting ready to leave,”Candace answered as she seductively savored the last oyster, while looking directly at the approaching woman.

As Sheila drew near, her scowl deepened, only to be replaced by a dazzling smile when she had Levon’s attention. “I’m excited about our date, Levon” she said, as she saucily smirked at Candace on her way out, trailed by a fantastic looking man.

“Wonder who that is?” Candace said out loud.

“That man. Probably one of the escorts she uses. Think Joey can hold his own against his type. He’s handsome.”

“Have you ever looked at LaFiamma closely, Levon?” Candace asked.

“Pardon me? Of course I look at him. He’s my partner.”

“When you look at him, what do you see, Levon?”

“My partner. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious,” Candace replied smiling. “You must be the only person in Houston who doesn’t think he’s a walking Italian God. He’s gorgeous, Levon. Truly gorgeous,” she said, then added, “If you like the dark haired, sexy, gorgeous type that is.”

“Is that a fact. I only noticed his hostile personality at first,” Levon bantered back, “then as time went on, I began to see him as a really good cop. I can’t say I ever paid much attention to his looks, one way or another. Many people would say that this is a good thing,” Levon countered, smiling once more at Candace’s amused face. “Do you like the sexy, dark haired, gorgeous type?”

“Not when you add in that hostile personality,” she shot back, then broke out into a full throated laugh. “Truly Levon, men like him, you don’t marry, you just look at, and many women want to add them to their bedpost notches, but that’s as far as it goes.”

“Good news for me,” he said. “Ready to go. I think our mission here is accomplished.”

“I think it is. Are you gonna be okay Levon? I’m worried about ya. It’s obvious that you don’t like her.”

“I have until tomorrow to gather up my reserves, then if I recall, I’m going to spend the night with you.”

“In your dreams, Levon. In your dreams.”

“But you said........”

“Levon, you didn’t think that I....”

“I got ya,” Levon said, as he removed his wallet and left a hundred and fifty dollars on the table to cover the tab and the waiter. “Let’s go.”

“Oh.....” Candace smirked, as she allowed Levon to help her from the table and lead her outside. Watching Levon hand the keys to the valet, she thought that he was a very handsome man with strong morals and maybe this time they should consider seeing each other after this case was over. She wasn’t sure what he disliked about Miss Lamont, but she could sense his discomfort and knew she wouldn’t lose his interest to her. Dating a fellow officer often led to problems, and they had agreed on this a year ago, just before the advent of LaFiamma in Levon’s life. She was pleased to see the changes LaFiamma had wrought in Levon. He no longer seemed so withdrawn, and often took charge if only to get his partner to be quiet. They made a good team, but Levon was the real winner on the team, at least as far as she was concerned.

The valet’s, “Here you are, Sir.” brought Candace from her musings as she allowed Levon to once again help her into the passenger seat.

“Thank’s Levon,” she said, as he closed the door.

“Never a problem for so charming an appetizer companion,” he answered, with a smile. “Let’s get you home, then I need to get a few things done before tomorrow as well as let Lieutenant Beaumont know that I made contact and things are going according to plan.”

“I’ll tell her for you, Levon. That way you will have less contact with the force. It’ll make your cover harder to break.”

“Thanks, Candy.”

The rest of the drive was completed in silence as both thought over the meeting with Sheila and what was going to occur next. As they pulled up outside Candace’s apartment, Levon helped her from the Jimmy, then walked her to her door saying, “Please be careful, Sheila can be vindictive and I want you safe. I hope LaFiamma’s part in this is going as well as mine. The sooner this case is closed the better for everyone.” He had no idea how true his words were.

As he drove back to his house he let his mind wander back over his encounter, and decided that he may pursue Candace this time, if she was willing. Thinking about her was preferable to thinking about Miss Sheila Lamont, he thought sarcastically. What a bitch. He could feel the animosity radiating from her throughout the restaurant. He was not looking forward to dinner tomorrow. Tonight he would tell Joey all about her, and how much he wished he could trade places with him.

Joey was wishing he could trade places with anybody right at that moment. His three o’clock interview had been pushed back until four o’clock, and he had to just sit there, pretending to be comfortable as women walked in and stared at him. Actually stared was too polite a term. Drooled would be more like it. He had heard them repeatedly asking if he was available for the night, to take them to any number of different functions, and each time the man at the counter glared in his direction and answered that, no he wasn’t for sale yet, but to check back later. Just hearing them talk about him as though he wasn’t a person grated on his nerves, and he wanted to do nothing more than escape through the nearest doorway. It was at one of these moments that the door opened and a lady looked out.

“Are you Joseph LaFiamma? If so please come in so we can start your interview.”

Nodding, he stood and entered the open doorway, pulling the door closed behind him.

Under her frank scrutiny, he moved toward the only chair in the room that was not behind her desk. Just before he took a seat, he heard her say, “Don’t sit down yet.”

Stopping, and continuing to stand, he just stared at her waiting for her next move. “You sure are a cocky one, aren’t you?” she questioned.

Not knowing how to respond, he fell back on his usual pattern of sarcastic humor, stating “Perhaps you hate wrinkled suits. Armani doesn’t wrinkle. I hate waiting.”

“Are those your manners. Our ladies would not be pleased by someone this lacking in culture.”

“You will find that I lack little in the way of culture, as well as having impeccable table manners, the ability to carry on inane conversations as though I care what is being said, am well read, and travel in the best circles free of charge. I unfortunately hate waiting. I was here because I was told you were the best agency in Houston. There are others. I can usually command a high price, and can easily go elsewhere if you are not interested.”

“I didn’t say that, Joseph. Do you mind if I call you Joseph?”

“Makes no difference to me, Miss...?” he questioned.

“Miss Sheila Lamont, not that it is any of your business, Joseph. Now before I check out your impeccable manners, dancing prowess, and inane conversational abilities, I need to take care of the most important qualifications first. Please remove your clothes. I need to check for blemishes that may be unsightly to our clientele.”

Struggling to retain his composure, both at finding that he was meeting Miss Lamont this early in the game, and at knowing that he would have to strip at some time during the interview, but choking on the thought, he slowly and as seductively as possible, undid both cuff buttons, then moved to the collar button and worked his way down four buttons, before stopping and removing the shirt tail from his trousers. He then bent and removed his shoes next, followed by his socks.

Knowing that a male escort would not find this a hard task to accomplish, he continued, even though he was becoming more repulsed by the minute, and his breathing was starting to come in shorter breaths.

He then unbuttoned his trousers and opened them most of the way, baring his waist and hips from the front, before he fully removed his shirt. Turning around, he slid the pants down around his ankles and slowly stepped out of them. All in all a good performance he thought. Standing in only his underwear, a pair of low slung bikini’s, he struggled against the desire to put his clothes back on, knowing that what was coming next, would further bring back memories, best left buried.

“Please stay where you are,” Sheila said, as she picked up her phone and asked two women named, Barbara and Liz to join her.

Joey watched as a side door opened, and two lovely young women entered, and looked him over.

“What do you think? Shall we go on and give him the other tests?” Sheila asked.

“I think we should. He caused an uproar in the lobby while you kept him waiting,” the one called Liz responded. As she moved closer to Joey, he could feel her breath on his neck as she said, “Would you like that sweetheart? I’ll test you myself.”

“I think we should all test him,” Barbara stated, as she ran her hands over his back and biceps. “Good muscle physique, taut stomach,” she continued, as her hand traced his abdomen. “Great butt,” all three echoed at once as she grabbed at his posterior. “If he is cultured we have a winner.”

“Well, Joseph,” Sheila said, “get dressed, you just made the first cut. The next test is in the back room. Liz will escort you in when you’re ready.”

“Sure thing, sugar,” Liz said as Joey picked up his pants and started to redress himself. When he finished, he slung the jacket over his shoulder in a casual way, that contributed to the air of money, and said, “Ready when you are.”

“I just bet you are, Sugar,” Liz said, her voice dripping honey and sexual undertones. “Follow me.”

When the two of them entered the back room, Joey found it equipped with a lavishly set dining table, containing enough silverware for a seven course meal, as well as a gorgeous wood dance floor. This should be easy. Nothing in here he hadn’t been exposed to plenty of times.

Sheila said, “Barbara is your date. You pass with her, and you will start tonight. Liz didn’t underestimate your appeal. I already have five takers, no matter how much we ask for you.”

Feeling his stomach tighten even more, he took Barbara’s hand and began making small talk, drawing her out, as he had done at so many of his Uncles functions. He found out what her favorite foods were, her hobbies, her passions, and conversed easily on every topic. It really wasn’t hard. He had learned early that you just get them started talking and they can talk all night. If you listen carefully they give the answers to you, all you need to do is repeat them when necessary with an intelligent look, as though you find what they are saying is fascinating.

Deciding to see just how elaborate the set up was, he asked, “Would you care to dine, or would you rather I collect a plate for you to sample?”

As she simpered up at him, her eyes alight with pleasure, he knew he had the job.

“I would love dinner, perhaps you could order for me?”

“I’d be delighted, Barbara,” Joey said, as he walked her over to the table, pulled out her chair, seated her, and then, asking, “Are you comfortable?”

“Perfectly, Joseph,” Barbara answered.

“Than shall we dine?” he said as he drew out the chair next to her and seated himself a little closer than necessity dictated when he scooted back in.

As if on cue a waiter appeared, and Joey said, in full control, “We would like a bottle of 1982 Ravenswood Merlot, followed by an appetizer of smoked salmon mousse. For the main course, Barbara will have garlic roasted chicken, spring vegetables, and small red potatoes in balsamic vinaigrette. I will have a caesar salad, the penne formagio, and steamed broccoli.”

“Very good, Sir,” the waiter said as he left to place the order. Joey continued to make small talk with Barbara, when Sheila and Liz joined the conversation, as one would do at a gala event. Barbara introduced Joey saying, “This is my date, Joseph LaFiamma. Joseph, two of my dear friends, Sheila Lamont and Liz Carter.”

“Always a pleasure to make the acquaintances of Barbara’s good friends,” he said, then steered the conversation to general topics, covering authors, painters; both classical and contemporary, and yachting, all the time making sure Barbara looked like she was the star of the show, by adding her name here, an accomplishment of her’s there, etc.... Finally the waiter returned and served the wine, which Joey tested, and approved, then the salmon appetizer. After consuming these dishes, he cleared the table and served the full dinner. Joey was watched very carefully and didn’t make one misstep.

They may have been surprised, he thought, as he saw them look at each other and raise their eyebrows occasionally, but the time with Uncle Mikey and the rest of his family held him in good stead. He could handle fancy meals in his sleep. There were a lot of things he could do that would surprise people and why he could do them even more, but as these thoughts entered his head, he pushed them aside and concentrated. He had to get this job. He couldn’t go through an interview like this again.

Knowing that the dance floor still entered into the scenario, but not knowing when, he continued to eat, while keeping Barbara and Liz thoroughly entertained. Finally he heard music start up. They were playing a waltz.

He graciously extended his hand to Barbara, and said, “Would you care to waltz?”

“That would be wonderful,” she answered, and she rose and joined him as he pulled out her chair.

Leading her to the dance floor, he asked, “Do you enjoy dancing?”

“Yes, very much, Joseph,” she responded, “Do you.”

“Yes I do, and if my partner is as good as I expect you will be I’ll be in heaven,” he replied, as he took her hand and expertly lead her through the steps of a simple waltz. As he gained her measure of proficiency, he increased his skill level and twirled her perfectly through the much more complicated Viennese Waltz of 1781. As the music ended he asked, “Would you care to continue or would you rather return to the table for dessert?”

“They usually play a swing number next, and I love to swing,” she said, smiling. “Let’s have one more dance before dessert.”

“Enchanted,” he remarked, as he took her hand and led her through a lively swing number and then through a more modern slow dance.

“That was wonderful, Joseph,” she said as she took his hand and led him from the dance floor, her face flushed with excitement. “Sheila, Liz, he’s perfect. I would like to keep him for myself.”

“We’ll take your word for it. I must admit I could detect no flaws. Where did you learn to dance like that?” Sheila asked.

“Chicago Preforming School of the Arts,” Joey answered truthfully. The men at the precinct would be shocked, and he didn’t even want to think of the teasing he would get from Levon if he ever found out.

“Okay, Mr. LaFiamma, sit over there while we discuss the financial details.” Joey took the indicated chair and listened as they decided how much they could sell him for.

“I think we can ask $500.00 a night, other services gratis” Sheila said, smiling in Joey’s direction. “ He’s a very good looking man, can handle himself amongst the upper crust beautifully, and I can’t wait to sample him myself.”

“Wonder how long that will take, Sheila,” Liz said, flippantly.

Smiling, a very sure attitude on her face, Sheila replied, “You never know, but I’m not patient, then again today something came up that may give him a little time, before he attends to my needs. Barbara, go find a woman for him to escort tonight, and get back in here in five minutes.”

“Of course. That should be easy,” she replied, giving Joey a lingering look as she rose and left the room. She returned in under two minutes and handed a piece of paper to Sheila, saying, “I think she will be very pleased.”

“Isn’t that a little like, out of the frying pan, and into the fire. This is his first night,” Liz said.

“It may be his first night in Houston, but it is obvious to me that this isn’t his first time. He’s been using that body for ages, and quite well, I expect. He’ll be fine,” Sheila responded, then turned to Joey and said, “Here’s the deal. You get $100.00 a night plus tips you make, doing anything extra that you see fit. We supply the names of the ladies you will be escorting, a synopsis of the function you will be attending, a brief bio on the woman, and a car suitable for her status. You in return will escort her to her function, show her off in the best possible light, not stray while under our employ and have her home saying only positive things about both yourself and the agency. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“Great, welcome to Raven’s “ Sheila said. “You start work tonight. Here is the file on Mrs. Donovan. She is a widow who needs an escort to the $600.00 a plate fund raiser for Children of Domestic Violence. She is their chair woman. You will pick her up at 7 p.m. in the midnight blue Rolls. Liz will take care of showing you how the Automobile checkout works. Make sure she has a good time.”

“Two questions? First what color interior does the Rolls have, and second, all tips are mine, correct?”

“Yes, all tips are yours, and although I have no idea why you’re asking, the interior of that Rolls is white leather.”

“Perfect. Liz, I’ll let you lead the way,” LaFiamma said, as he rose and followed her to his car for the night.

The irony was, once again, not lost on him as he drove off in the blue and white Rolls. Laughing, for the first time in hours, as the stress release came, he thought about what Lundy would think if he told him the many thoughts he was having along with the cars color. Knowing his partner, he’d put a stop to the case immediately, then sit with him for the next three days, trying to find out what exactly had brought all this up again. The only good thing that came out of leaving Chicago is he didn’t have to relive these memories. Houston had been safe until last night.

Trying to fill the time any way he could think of, Joey took the time to go home, work out, shower and dress, before leaving for his date. He also took the opportunity to call Levon to see if his partner was holding up okay and to ask a favor.

“Come on Levon, pick up,” he called to the answering machine. “Those horses can take care of themselves.”

A breathless, “I’m here Joey, hang on,” met his ear, and he rewarded the voice with an unseen smile.

“Having a good time yet, partner?” he asked.

“What the hell do you think? I have to have dinner with the woman, tomorrow,”Levon sneered. “Only good thing is Candace and I hit it off pretty well. We’ll see if it goes anywhere this time.”

“You and Candace, huh? I thought you put the wraps on that one last time.”

“Yep, sure did, but that was then, and this is now. How did your interview go, Joey?”

“I got the job. Have a lady to escort tonight. I want this wrapped up Levon, so I wanted to run this plan by you, and see what you thought. It’s not like the department is handing out booklets on how they want this accomplished.”

“Shoot, man. I’m all ears.”

“I figure were both safer once were together. Your seeing Sheila tomorrow night. I met her today. She personally conducted my interview.” Hesitating just a bit as the nausea passed, he continued with “She sure is a winner. I don’t envy you your assignment any. Anyway, I was thinking of getting a hefty tip out of this woman tonight, perhaps setting up my own blackmail project and having it go bad enough that Sheila would quickly find out what I was doing. That way she would either fire me, or ask me into her inner ring sooner. I hear the members of her ring, work out of her house.” Actually he was hoping she would fire him, and the department could rant and yell, and then find someone else to do his job.

“Don’t know, LaFiamma. Sounds risky and fast to me.”

“I need this to go fast Levon, and so do you. Come on. Help me out?”

“What do you need?”

“Just a few photos of us leaving her home together. I need a few face shots then I can have a friend do some fast computer work, and viola, blackmail photos.”

“I don’t know, Joey, it sounds........”

“Come on. I know you love stakeouts, and have nothing better to do tonight, unless..are you seeing Candace tonight?”

A slight laugh present, Levon said, “No, I’m not spending the night with Candace, and when you put it that way, I’ll be happy to take the photos. Give me the address and times, I’ll leave the negatives in her mailbox.”

“Actually could you get the negatives to Frankie? He knows what I’m planning and said he’d have them waiting when I returned from the evening.”

“You were a little sure of yourself, I’d say, partner, but fine, I’ll get them to Frankie. He still in that shop near west 12^th?”

“Sure is, Levon. Here’s the address. 45 Mulberry Drive, seven p.m. That should cover it.”

“Got it. I’ll be there. Anything else I should know?” Levon questioned.

“Not that I can think of,” Joey said, then thinking Levon had hung up added, “ unless you wanted to know that the car they loaned me is dark blue and the interior is white.” Joey finished as he hung up unaware that Levon hadn’t hung up, but rather dropped the phone and had heard his parting comment.

Standing stock still, Levon felt all the blood drain from his face as his partners words echoed in his brain. Blue car, white interior. This was getting to Joey more than he realized, and as he thought back over the conversation he remembered the hesitations, the more subdued tones, and the repeated desire to end this case as soon as possible. Joey was in trouble, and he didn’t know why. Gathering his camera, he raced to his car, knowing that he would be hard pressed to get there before LaFiamma did, as he had an extra 20 miles to cover. Hopefully Joey had made plans to keep the woman from leaving to soon.

He needn’t have worried. Joe knew what he was doing, and he was doing it expertly, almost as if he had done it a hundred times before.

Joey arrived at exactly seven p.m. and knocked on the door, to have it be answered by a butler, asking for identification.

“The name is Joseph LaFiamma. I met Rose at the art gallery a week ago and asked her if she would accompany me to the Children’s benefit, only to learn that she was running it. She took pity on me and said I could accompany her if I liked. Would you tell her I’m here.”

Taken aback, the butler said, “Please come in, Mr. LaFiamma. I’ll tell Mrs. Donovan you’ve arrived.”

“Thank you. I’ll just make myself comfortable,” Joey replied, as he moved to the wet bar, poured himself a mineral water, and made a whiskey sour for Rose.

“Yes Sir.” the butler replied as he went to inform his employer her date was here. As he walked up the stairs, he thought about the man in the front room. He was different from most of the men Mrs. Donovan dated. Employed would be a better word, he knew, but this man was a little different. He seemed more sure of himself. Rich somehow, not just good looking. His story sounded plausible and unless Mrs. Donovan slipped up he wouldn’t know if he was an escort, or possibly just what he said he was.

Rose thanked her butler and asked him to tell Joseph that she would be down in a few minutes. She was excited. Every time she met a new escort she was thrilled. It excited her to have everyone speculate on who he was, and how she managed to keep finding them so handsome and young. The agency said that this one was new to Houston and that she would be pleased. So pleased in fact that they asked her for $700.00, instead of the usual $500.00, that was the standard rate. Wondering what made one man more special than another, since they were all just eye candy and a quick tumble to her, made her breath quicken. For some reason he was going to make her night wonderful. She decided that she would make him wait, take in the grandeur of her home, and her unlimited wealth, before she went to meet him.

She again seated herself at her vanity and added some more blush to her slightly tinted peach cheeks, then ran the brush one more time through her Caramel brown, dyed hair. Standing in front of the full length mirror, she turned around taking in the Escada original and noting her flat stomach, kept trim through exercise, and her lush bosom, thanks to cosmetic surgery. Deciding that she looked wonderful for a woman of 56 years, she headed downstairs to meet her date.

Arriving at the bottom of the stairway, she was pleased with what she saw. The man, Joseph was gorgeous. He had dark hair, a square face, deep blue eyes framed by outrageously long lashes, a perfect physique, and strong hands. She loved strong hands. He was walking toward her, with the grace and stealth of a panther. He looked dark and dangerous, then he smiled, his eyes lit up causing crinkles to appear at the corners and she knew that tonight would be special.

She quit sizing him up for the moment when he took her hand saying, “Rose, I’m so happy to see you again. I hope you still enjoy whiskey sours. This should help you relax before you need to put on that self assured air and dazzle all those patrons for your cause.”

“Yes, thank you,” she answered, taking the drink from his outstretched hand and allowing him to lead her to the leather divan in the drawing room. His voice was mesmerizing to her. He didn’t have a southern drawl, and he sounded slightly dangerous. As he continued talking, she noted that he had filled in gaps in how they met quite naturally, and the other thing that amazed her is how at home he seemed in her house. The trappings of wealth didn’t seem to faze him.

“What.....” she stammered, when she realized he was standing and holding out his hand to her.

“I think we should be leaving. The host can’t be more than fashionably late,” he said, smiling his captivating smile at her once again.

“Of course,” she replied, as she allowed him to usher her to the door and drape a satin wrap around her shoulders.

Opening the door, he leaned in close, and whispered, “You’ll let me know if you become chilled. I can find ways to keep you warm.”

“I’m sure you can,” Rose replied, a dreamy smile on her lips as she contemplated a wonderful end to her evening. This man was so refined.

He opened the door to the Rolls, stopped again to talk with her, making sure Levon had ample time to take pictures, then helped her inside. He then moved around to his side of the car, quickly started it up, and drove smoothly to their destination. He was dreading the night more with every passing moment, and he knew that by going inside his nightmares would escalate.

Levon quickly took the requested photos and delivered them to Frankie, then went home to contemplate his next day, and Joey’s plan for tonight. He wanted to be there when things went down, but didn’t relish the thought of having to sit in his car until all hours of the morning. Setting his alarm for midnight, he crawled in to bed and decided to get some shut eye, then wake up and wait for his partner in case things went wrong.

While Levon slept, Joey was undergoing one of the most difficult nights in recent history. He was popular. His seat by the hostess guaranteed that. He was ogled and stared at by every lady present, including the coat clerk, who had the effrontery to ask him to come back and visit for dessert. He danced with Rose a few times, but spent much of his time surrounded by other ladies. Returning frequently to her side, he expressed his desire to stay with her, which made her blush like a schoolgirl, but she leaned over and firmly said, “I’ll have you to myself all night. Right now, allow the other ladies their pleasure. I am not a jealous woman.”

Nodding his acquiescence, Joey left and spent the majority of the night on the dance floor with one partner after another, dodging question after question about which agency he worked for. He stuck to the story of meeting Rose at the Art Gallery, claiming he was an artist, then realized his mistake as he spent the rest of the night trying to put a stop to the continued “Wanna come up and view my gallery?” suggestions.

Dancing kept the women to the manageable number of one at a time, allowing him an easier time fending off the hand attacks. He had his posterior grabbed more times than he could count, phone numbers handed to him continuously, one woman even went so far as to press so closely to him during the Tango that he was sure she wasn’t wearing underwear.

Finally diner was announced, and he, once again performed flawlessly. As Rose beamed, he could tell he was most of these ladies idea of a wet dream. Deciding he needed a few minutes to himself he lightly kissed Rose’s cheek and said, “Excuse me for a minute while I take care of some business. When I return I would love a dance.”

“Certainly Joseph,” she said, as she pressed her lips hungrily to his. Seeing the lust in the women’s eyes turned her on, and she was looking forward to continuing this night. He would be receiving a huge bonus.

Kissing her back, he forced down the bile that threatened to spill over, excused himself, and headed directly to one of the unused banquet rooms. Shutting the door firmly behind him he turned out the lights as his knees gave way and he sank rapidly to the floor, his back sliding along the door until it could no longer support him. He had to get control. In a few minutes he would be expected to become a showpiece again. Nothing could alter that image. It was what the department needed, Rose expected, and everyone demanded. Shaking, he whispered, “Levon,” to the still air and then let out a strangled gasp as one of the more memorable nights flashed across his mind.

He was eighteen, rich, handsome, and at his prom, with easily the prettiest girl at Saint Ignatius High School, Miss Claudia Gamberleoni. The only problem was that he hadn’t asked her. She had asked him, and sensing his hesitation had insisted her parents call his Uncle Mikey, who agreed to the date.

“Joey,” his uncle said, “This time you do as you’re told. She’s from an influential family that does a lot of business with us. You are going to take her and keep her happy. Humor her. You can do that for me, can’t you Joey?”

“Sure Uncle Mikey.”

“That’s a good boy, now go do what ever you were doing.”

“Yes, Sir,” he’d replied.

As he left and pulled the door closed behind him he heard his Uncle Mikey’s best friend Chuck say, “Good call Mike. Joey might not have much in the brains department, but his body will take him places. If he ever needs to he could sell it.”

His uncle had laughed the comment off, but Chuck was right, and he knew it. Joey had learned that fact, first hand at the age of fourteen.

Pulling himself together, he switched on the lights and exited the room. Within two minutes he was again captured by a female, and as far as he was concerned accosted. She pressed close and barely let him pass, allowing a hand to trace his retreating form, as a delighted chuckle left her lips.

Entering the dining room, he was greeted by Rose, who took his arm possessively and said, “I was about to come looking for you.....”

“And I was about to get us a few glasses of Champagne to celebrate your resounding success,” he finished for her.

“That sounds wonderful, but how can you tell it’s been a success?”

“All I see are smiling faces and you’re looking pleased as well. That can only mean that there’s a reason to celebrate.” When they reached the wet bar, Joey leaned close and whispered, “Would you like to give me an estimate of how much you made for the children and I will propose a toast?”

“I don’t know.......” she began. He was handsome and well mannered, but most escorts weren’t that sharp, she had decided. Now was the time to celebrate, not try to rectify a poorly made speech. “I really don’t think so, Joseph. I would rather just share this glass with you,” she finished.

Her face was very transparent. He’d seen that look on countless others before her. She thought he was to stupid to carry it off. Smiling slightly, he decided that he wouldn’t feel bad about putting her through a few days of torment dealing with his fake blackmail scheme. It wouldn’t be long now. The evening was drawing to a close and people were slowly making their way outside to their waiting automobiles.

Joey stayed by Rose’s side and bid everyone goodnight, then turned and said, “ready to leave?” He was anxious to get the next step over with. He knew he could pull it off, but blackmail went against everything he believed in, no matter how good the cause.

“In a minute,” she said, as she eyed him hungrily. “Help me gather the centerpieces for the hospital.”

“Sure,” he replied, reaching for the nearest one. As soon as he leaned over the table to retrieve it, she pressed herself tight up against him and groping, moaned as she reached for his hair and pulled his face to hers. Once again he found himself returning a kiss that sickened him. Desperately needing to escape, he freed himself and picking up a bottle of champagne, said, “Let’s continue this where it’s more comfortable.”

Pouting slightly she allowed herself to be led to his waiting Rolls, all the while anticipating a night of steamy romance. He on the other hand, just wanted a good nights sleep, void of dreams, but knew he was hours away yet. It was 1 a.m. and they were just pulling into her driveway. Then he noticed the Jimmy parked near a large tree. Levon was checking up on him. It was a wonderful feeling, one like he hadn’t ever really felt before. Normally he was alone. “Here we are. Let me get your wrap for you and I’ll walk you in.”

“You will stay won’t you?” she questioned. No one ever turned her down, but it was not required that he stay. What would she do if he didn’t? That was easy, she smiled to herself. Pay even more for him next time. He would be to good to lose.

“Of course,” he said, opening the door. “I forgot the champagne, I’ll grab it then be right back,” he added, flashing her a seductive look and winking briefly.

“I can’t wait,” she whispered huskily, letting her hand briefly touch his face.

Hurrying to the Rolls, he retrieved the bottle then headed to the mailbox and retrieved the photos. As he opened the manila envelope, he jumped, when he heard, “Having fun, LaFiamma?”

“Levon,” he whispered, “What do you think you’re doing?”

“Checking to see if the pictures came out okay,” came his innocent reply.

“I don’t have time for this. Just wait in your Jimmy thing and I’ll be out soon.”

“Let me see, LaFiamma?”

“No!,” Joey replied, trying to keep the pictures away from Levon’s grasping fingers.

“Come on,” Levon said again, as he moved beside Joey and got a good look. “Boy those should do it.” he whistled. “LaFiamma you’ve gone to far,” he said as he took a closer look. Somehow, whomever Joey paid had managed to make it look like Mrs. Donovan was with a boy of about sixteen.

“Lundy, she works raising money for Children of Domestic Violence. I know her sort. You have to hit them where it can hurt. She would probably relish a picture of herself and the mayor.”

“I don’t know,” Levon said again, as Joey lowered his head, but not before Levon caught a good look at his eyes illuminated by the lamplight. Something was still bothering his partner. “Want to talk about it, Joey?” he questioned with about as much fear as he had when Joey was about to drive his car off the cliff.

“What? There is nothing to talk about. Trust me Levon. This will work, even if it is distasteful. Just go wait for me, will ya?”

“Fine,” Levon said to Joey’s retreating back, thinking that he would do more than wait. He would be sure Joey got that damn blue rolls with the white interior back to the agency and was home safe and sound, before he would be able to get any sleep.

“Hello,” Joey called, as he re entered Rose’s mansion.

“Over here, gorgeous,” Rose said, as she draped herself across the white leather couch dressed only in a see through negligee.

Taking a deep breath, Joey moved over to her and sat on the floor beside the couch. As she stroked his hair, and stretched seductively, he said, “You may want to reconsider what you are doing, after I show you what was delivered to me outside.”

“What would that be, lover,” She crooned, as she watched him open a manila envelope.

“That would be a picture that is going to be worth $10,000 to me before the night is out,” he said, his voice taking on a slightly menacing tone as his eyes hardened.

She was once again reminded that for a moment upon first seeing him, she felt him to be dark and dangerous. Looking at the picture he extended for her perusal, she decided she should have forgotten his smile and stayed with dangerous. Infuriated, she hastily grabbed his jacket coat he had carelessly flung aside and covered herself with it. He wasn’t here for sex and a tip, he was ensuring he got a big fat bonus.

“How could you,” she screamed, causing the butler to come running.

“May I assist you Madam?” he questioned.

“No, I’m fine, just go,” she instructed, then waited as he walked from the room saying, “Very good madam.”

What he heard listening at the door excited him. She could afford the money, but not the publicity of having whatever was in that picture made public. The way she was carrying on the man Joseph must have pulled a fast one. He was delighted. He hated working for her. She never gave any praise, took him for granted, and in general treated all men like animals. It was nice to see one get the better of her. Wishing Joseph LaFiamma luck, he left, humming Bowie’s, “Changes” softly to himself.

“I’m sorry but a check just won’t do. You can cancel them,” Joey was saying. “I would prefer cash. Less messy that way. Nothing to declare.”

“I’ll ruin you,” she spat.

“You don’t have the power and I have the proof right here,” he taunted. “Now please go get the money. I know the meals were paid for in cash tonight, so the tax deduction taken could be larger.”

Reluctantly, she rose and retrieved a satchel from behind the stairwell. Opening it, she counted out ten thousand dollars and handed it to him, then took the picture he offered. “And if I call the cops?” she asked.

“Then I will have the picture published.”

“It’s not a real photo,” she hissed, outraged.

“You’re right, but the damage will be done before you can prove it. Goodnight,” he replied taking her hand and lightly kissing her fingers. “Enjoy the rest of your evening,” he added as he pulled the front door shut behind him. Not caring what her state was at the moment, Joey went to the Jimmy and said, “Done. Now I’m going home, unless you want something to eat,” he added as he opened the bag for Levon.

“Now who said crime didn’t pay? Think it’ll work?” Levon asked, before he said, “Go on. I’ll follow. I need my beauty sleep.”

It didn’t take long for Joey to return the Rolls, and Levon to confirm that he had made it safely home. Before he knew it, Levon was winging his own way home, happy in the knowledge that his partner would be okay for the night. They had been there for each other tonight, but tomorrow would be a different matter. They would each be on their own, and it didn’t sit well with Levon. Partners were partners for a reason. They should not be separated on a case.

Continue

Back to fic page – Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – Part 5 – Part 6 – Part 7 – Part 8

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The Texan Dungeon

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