Taylor Made Read online

“It’s pretty clear you aren’t arresting me.”

  “Not at this moment. There may be something else you can do for us.”

  Teresa Wainwright looked down at her hands and nodded.

  “Anything. I’ll do anything, just don’t tell my husband.”

  “We want an arrest, Mrs. Wainwright, but not necessarily yours. Someone is going to jail, and it’s up to you who that person is going to be. Are you picking up what I’m putting down?”

  Teresa Wainwright looked up at Delta with tears in her eyes and nodded.

  “I want the trigger man, Teresa. I don’t care how you do it or what it costs you, but turning him over to us is the only way you’ll maintain your freedom.”

  “But he’ll implicate me.”

  Delta shrugged. “What does he have on you? He’s an ex-con, Teresa. It would be your word, your family’s word over that of a convicted felon.”

  Teresa stared out the window. “I suppose.”

  “Take your chances, Teresa, but I guarantee someone is going to jail.”

  “But I have no idea where to locate him.”

  “Don’t be stupid. Of course you do. He’s still in town. He’s still trying to bleed you dry. Right now, you’re his own personal bank. He’ll stay in town until he’s certain you won’t pay him any more. If you nail him for us, I’ll destroy the tapes. Understand?”

  Teresa nodded. “He goes by the name Derek Conroy, but I don’t think that’s his real name. Maybe his probation officer will know.”

  “Do you know his name?”

  “No, but I can tell you Derek was let out of Folsom eleven days before the shooting, if that helps.”

  “That helps.” Delta flipped open the cell phone that had been laying in the console. “Tony? Check out all parolees from Folsom with release dates eleven days before the shooting. He currently goes by Derek Conroy.” Delta moved her mouth from the phone. “With a C?” she asked Teresa, who nodded. “Yes. Dig up an address, his parole officer, any living relatives in the area, and all visitors while he was locked up. Thanks.” To Teresa she said, “The driver is going to drop you off at a friend’s house for a while.”

  “But I have an appointment.”

  “No, you don’t. You’ll stay in our custody until Mr. Conroy is apprehended. At which time, you will receive the tape and be free to go home.”

  “Why can’t I go now? You have everything I know.”

  Leaning forward, Delta sneered at her. “Because I don’t trust you, Teresa. You’re a snake, and I’d rather not have you slithering around fucking things up for us. I need you to keep your mouth shut and stay out of our way.”

  Teresa Wainwright sighed loudly and stifled a sob. “Driver,” Delta said, tapping the window. “We’re ready.”

  As the limo sliced its way to Sal’s house, Delta leaned back and smiled.

  She had just laid down the perfect suicide squeeze.

  For the remainder of the morning, Delta and Connie called in every favor owed them. It wouldn’t be enough to just haul Conroy in: Alexandria’s office needed to get the credit for the collar. About twenty calls later, just before 2:00 p.m., Derek Conroy, or rather, David Seltser, was brought in for questioning. Delta and Connie were so far removed from the scene that no one but those who owed them favors knew that’d had a hand in the arrest, and none of them were about to say anything to anybody.

  Shortly after five, Alexandria called a press conference to announce that her office had a suspect in custody. Delta, meanwhile, sat on her couch with a cat in her lap, a Diet Pepsi in her hand, and her eyes glued to the TV. She couldn’t help but grin when Alexandria began her speech.

  “My office is very proud of the work done by our investigating teams to bring in a suspect.” Alexandria paused for affect. “The public should know that we will work even harder to prosecute criminals who victimize our citizens, whether a public figure, a merchant, a househusband, or anyone else who wants to walk our streets unafraid. We will do everything in our power to keep our neighborhoods and our communities safe.”

  Flashbulbs popped, reporters thrust microphones toward her face, and Delta smiled, knowing that she had done the right thing. Alexandria was good. Exceptionally so. Wainwright would need a miracle to beat her now.

  Delta hit one of the pre-programmed buttons on her phone, then pressed the receiver to her ear.

  “Isn’t this great?” Connie said, without benefit of a hello.

  “Fantastic. Looks like we can rest easy until the next time.”

  “Who got the collar?”

  “One of Leonard’s guys. Their team found the weapon in Conroy’s apartment. They’re waiting for a ballistics match.”

  “Think he’ll go down alone?”

  “I doubt it. He’ll squeal like a stuck piggy, but I don’t think they’ll be able to get anything on the missus. Hey, thank Sal for me next time you see her, okay? We couldn’t have done this without her.”

  “Will do.”

  Delta started to reply when a knock on the door interrupted her comment. “Someone’s at the door. Do me a favor, will you, and call Alex’s office. Leave a message that says Pauline’s at 8:00 and bring the claws.”

  “Claws? Never mind. I don’t want to know.”

  Hanging up the phone and dumping a disgruntled furball onto the floor, Delta peered through the peephole before opening the door. A messenger in a blue jumpsuit stood at the door with a package in one hand and a clipboard in the other.

  “Yes?”

  “Ace delivery, ma’am. Package for an Officer Stevens.”

  Delta signed the clipboard and took the package. For a moment, she thought it might be from Megan, but the writing on the envelope told her otherwise. Opening the lavender envelope, Delta grinned. On the front of the card was a picture of Mrs. Emma Peele from The Avengers’ old television show. She was poised to strike and wore a drop-dead, black leather jumpsuit similar to the one Taylor wore. On the inside of the card, it read:

  To my favorite cop—

  If you’re ever in Rio, look me up.

  You’re the best.

  In crime and passion— T

  Opening the small package, Delta stared down at one of the most incredibly beautiful bracelets she’d ever seen. Her name had been spelled out with diamonds for the D, emeralds for the E, lapis for the L, topaz for the T and amethysts for the A. The stones were so perfectly cut that they sparkled like a kaleidoscope.

  “Geez,” Delta uttered, gently lifting the bracelet from the velvet box. Underneath was a tiny note that read: “Please keep. This one I paid for.”

  Staring down at the colorful bracelet, Delta didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It was too beautiful for words.

  “Damn you, Taylor,” Delta said to herself as she lightly ran her fingertips over the gems. As if that kiss wasn’t already burned into her memory forever.

  Setting the card on her roll-top desk, Delta started for the bedroom. She had a dinner date with a soon-to-be-reelected DA, who was sure to notice the beautiful bracelet Delta would be wearing.

  She might as well wear it this one and only time.

  When Megan got home, she would have to explain where she got it and what had really happened between her and the little thief in Rio.

  Rio? Delta smiled. If only.

  When Delta arrived at Pauline’s, she poked her head into the kitchen and nodded at the owner, who waved and jerked her head toward the back room. “Your new lady friend is in the back,” Pauline said in a conspiratorial tone. “Don’t worry, sweety. It’s our little secret.”

  Delta started to reply, but thought better of it. Let Pauline enjoy a little intrigue. “Is that for me?” Delta asked, pointing to the large bubbling pot.

  “Your lady friend brought it. I think—”

  “I already know what you think, Pauline. You troublemaker, you.” Delta winked and slid into the back room.

  Immediately, she came to a stop. Candles lit the entire room, as usual, but there were also dozens of diff
erent kinds of bouquets scattered about the room. Sitting regally and wearing a black, scoop-neck dress along with the most dazzling smile, was Alexandria.

  “Well?”

  Delta didn’t move. “I don’t know what to say.”

  Alexandria rose.. “Please, sit down. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “Drink?”

  “You said champagne and lobster. You delivered your end, and I’m delivering mine.” Alexandria sat down and poured two flutes of bubbly. “To a friendship that apparently knows no bounds.”

  Delta clinked her flute to Alexandria’s and took a sip, letting the bubbles tickle her nose. Lowering her glass, Delta smiled over the two fat, flickering candles to Alexandria’s face. She looked radiant.

  “I don’t know how to thank you, Delta. You’ve very likely saved my career, which ranks right up there with saving my life.”

  “Then, that makes us even. Not too long ago, you did the same for me.”

  Alexandria grinned. “I’m glad we’re on the same side.”

  “Me too.”

  Setting her glass down, Alexandria took a serious turn. “Delta, don’t you ever find your job...monotonous?”

  Delta cocked her head. “No. Why?”

  Alexandria leaned forward. “I don’t want an answer right now, but I have a proposition for you. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for some time.”

  Delta swallowed. “A proposition?”

  “I’ve watched you for two years now. I like the way you work, the way you think, the way you never give up. And to be honest, Delta, I think you’re talents are being terribly wasted pounding a beat.”

  “But I love my beat.”

  Alexandria flashed a bemused grin. “You make your beat exciting, Delta. You go above and beyond others. But your mind and your talents could be put to better use.”

  “Doing what?”

  “I want you to come work for me.”

  Delta’s jaw dropped. “For you?”

  “Yes. If I’m reelected, I’m going to need a special investigator. Ron Dearing is retiring, and I believe you’re the perfect person for the job.”

  “Special investigator?” Delta looked down at the champagne glass. If it was still mostly full, why was her head spinning? “You want me to be a dick?”

  “I want you to just consider the possibility. Toss the idea around with Connie.”

  “Connie?” Delta’s eyebrows shot up.

  “Of course. I certainly can’t break up the set. You two would make excellent partners.”

  “Partners?”

  Alexandria laughed. “You’re beginning to sound like a parrot. I realize separating you two would be like trying to split an atom, so I am prepared to offer you both a position.”

  “Me and Con, partners?” Delta felt a rush tickle the base of her neck. “What about Carducci?”

  “It’s only a matter of time before SWAT takes him and you have to start all over. Why not start with Connie as your partner?”

  Delta leaned back and let a sigh escape her lips. “Geez.”

  “There would be no uniform, fewer rules, and a heck of a good boss.”

  Delta nodded and tossed back her champagne. She and Connie partners? Alexandria her boss? Someone pinch her and wake her up.

  “I’ll have to discuss this with Connie.”

  “I expected that you would.”

  Suddenly, Pauline came in carrying two steaming plates. “Enjoy,” she said as she set them down. The lobster looked delectable. As Delta reached for her plate, her bracelet swung in the light.

  “What a beautiful bracelet, Delta. Is it new?”

  Delta’s face reddened. “Uh...let’s just say it came with the tape.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, and that, Counselor, is all you’re going to get from me.”

  Alexandria grinned mischievously. “Darn. And I was hoping for so much more.”

  Delta lowered her fork and smiled at Alexandria. “We do make a good team, don’t we?”

  “You and Connie?”

  Delta blushed. “Yeah. But I meant you and me.”

  Alexandria hugged Delta briefly. “Yes, Delta Stevens, we most certainly do.”

  When Delta finally got home, she was stuffed, tired, and had a champagne headache. So much had happened in the last twenty-four hours. She needed a bath and wanted to sleep for the next two days.

  When the phone rang, Delta looked at it and considered letting the machine pick it up, but she didn’t want to miss it if was Megan.

  As she reached for the phone, the bracelet hit the receiver. Guilt flooded through her.

  What had she done?

  “Hello?”

  “Delta?” The voice was unfamiliar.

  “Yes. Who is this?”

  “This is Elizabeth. Megan’s friend in Costa Rica.”

  Delta gripped the phone hard. “Is something wrong? Where’s Megan?”

  “Well...that’s what I’m calling about.”

  Delta’s heart picked up speed. “What? What is it?”

  “I don’t quite know how to tell you this, but...”

  “But what?” Delta said impatiently. “Where’s Megan?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “What do you mean, ‘you don’t know’?”

  The line was quiet except for a muffled sob. “Oh, God, Delta, Megan is missing.”

  More from Alex Westmore

  The Plundered Chronicles

  The Pirate’s Booty

  Shiver her Timbers

  Fire in the Hole

  The Timeless Love Saga

  Together in Time

  The Future of Yesterday

  Back to You

  The Delta Stevens Crime Logs

  Miles to Go

  Con Game

  Not in the Cards

  Riders of the Apocalypse

  Ride for Tomorrow

  Burning Rubber

  Eat Asphalt

  The Silver Legacy

  Darkness Descends

  The Demon Within

  Blood of the Demon

  The Umbra Mortis Saga

  The Death Collector

  The Death Committee

  The Death Continuum

  The Handler

  Dead Again

  About the Author

  Alex Westmore has lived in a haunted house, has a raging empath for a best friend, and eats up paranormal experiences with a huge supernatural spoon. To get closer to the action, she has spent time with Voodun in New Orleans, medicine men in the Southwest, and a Shaman in the Amazon.

  Alex is a five-time award winning author of several series, from zombies to demons to empaths, oh my! When she isn’t writing, she’s thinking about writing and imagining where her next great adventure will take her.

  Spice up your life! Join Alex on her next amazing adventure…you will be so glad you did. The journey begins at www.AlexWestmore.net.

  @AlexWestmore10

  AlexWestmore10

  www.AlexWestmore.net

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