SEDUCTIVE: A Contemporary Romance Anthology Read online

  “Amen. I’ll call you later.” Ethan kissed his wife deeply and remotely opened his car.

  “Be careful.”

  “Always.”

  CHAPTER TWO

  Ethan and Dane made their way through the news crews and the crowd which had gathered outside the InterContinental Buckhead. Their old director waited for them outside the employee entrance. “Aragon. Briggs. This way.”

  They shook Walter Abbott’s hand and then Ethan guided him into the security office. “Good seeing you, man. Not under these circumstances though. What do you know so far?”

  “Not a whole hell of a lot. The victim, James Parr, checked in a couple nights ago. He’s some kind of big wig in the financial district. He owns a huge company. Filthy rich. You know the scenario. He was found by a housekeeper with a bullet between his eyes.”

  “You reviewed the cameras?” Dane asked. Abbott looked at him as if he had two heads. “All right, I get it. So did you find anything after reviewing the cameras?”

  “No. Just normal comings and goings. Jerrae went up and spoke to him. Maybe he had a complaint about the front desk or something.”

  Ethan did not want to have to interview Jerrae, but she had spoken to the victim so she had to be questioned about that conversation. “Where is she?”

  “Probably in her office.”

  “Come on, Dane. We’ll be back, Walt.”

  “Murder in Buckhead. I know the press is taking this and running into the end zone with it.” Dane said as they made their way to the lobby area.

  “I know. The pressure is going to be on the APD to solve this quickly and quietly.”

  Jerrae was exiting her office as they approached. “Hey, Ethan; Dane.”

  “Hey. Walt said you went up to James Parr’s room. Was there some sort of problem?” Ethan asked.

  “I remember James Parr from when I worked at the Ritz Carlton. He was never a problem guest. But he recognized me too and we struck up a conversation in the lobby. He was expecting a brief to be delivered to the front desk for him and he asked me would I personally bring it up once it arrived.” Jerrae explained.

  “Why would he want you to do that?” Dane asked her.

  She hesitated. “I think he was attracted to me.”

  Ethan sighed. “Still seeking special attention from guests?”

  “I never sought anything from anybody!”

  “You know you enjoy every glance, every comment, every come on. Was James Parr crossing any lines with you?”

  “I wouldn’t allow that. I mean he was a nice man and I didn’t mind bringing it up. Plus, I have a man. I don’t need special attention from anyone but him.”

  Jerrae locked eyes with Ethan. He knew she was searching for some kind of reaction to that news. “Congrats. I hope it works out. Did Parr have any company?”

  “Not while I was up there. He was staying here due to a convention. He’s the registered guest and no one else is on the reservation.”

  “Does anything or anyone else stand out to you?” Dane inquired.

  “Not right now, but if anything comes to mind I’ll give Ethan a call.”

  Ethan bit his tongue. “You do that.”

  Ethan walked off. Dane started after him. “Later, Jerrae.”

  They went off to interview the housekeeper who found James Parr deceased. She didn’t have much to offer either. When he didn’t answer her knock, she entered and found him on the bed with a hole in the head.

  Ethan and Dane headed back to the car. “We’re going to have to dig up some dirt on this guy. He pissed somebody off and we need to figure how and who.”

  “Do you think Jerrae knows more than what she’s telling? She did say she knew the cat from before.” Dane pointed out.

  “I don’t know yet. But she’ll be calling. Trust.”

  Jerrae was pacing her living room as she waited for Jax to show up. She was wondering what was taking him so long when she heard the key in the door.

  “I got your shrimp egg foo young. Break out the Moscato.” Jax set the food down on to the dining room table. When she didn’t move, he turned to look at her. “What’s up?”

  “Ethan and Dane are working the Parr case.”

  “So I’ve finally crossed paths with your ex. You look worried.”

  “Well, it’s a little nerve wracking having people you know so close to…”

  “Just keep cool. This may work to our advantage.” Jax removed the cartons from the bag. “Damn, not enough duck sauce.”

  “What? How?”

  “We’ll have insider info on what’s going on; if they’re hot or cold. As a matter of fact, I want you to feed your dude misinformation.”

  “Are you crazy, Jax?”

  He stopped. “What did you just ask me?”

  “I mean why draw any attention to myself? Won’t that appear suspicious?”

  “Just make him think you’re still wanting to hook up with him. That shouldn’t be too hard for you.” Jax said with a dash of sarcasm.

  “Ethan is once again happily married. He’s not thinking about me.”

  “And that disappoints the hell out of you, doesn’t it?”

  Jerrae felt like Jax was trying to catch her out there. “Please. He had his chance. You know I’m all about you, baby.”

  Jax laughed. “Of course you are. Just keep in touch with homeboy.”

  “Do you really question my loyalty, Jax?”

  “Jerrae, I question everyone. In my line of business you have to.”

  She went into the kitchen and got the bottle of Moscato from the counter. She so didn’t want to have to talk to Ethan. Not about the murder or anything else. She had broken things off with Ethan. It was like the man was too good to be true and she was sure she was being played. He didn’t immediately get back with Bria which surprised her. He was always talking about her while they were together. She knew things between them were very amicable. And not just for the sake of their sons. She sometimes wondered why they even separated. She didn’t have that kind of relationship with her children’s father. Her relationships were not friend based.

  “You’re thinking about him right now.”

  “Yeah because I’m trying to figure out what I’m supposed to tell him.”

  “Let me know what you come up with.” Jax took the bottle from her and uncorked it. “Let’s eat.”

  The Aragons were heading back to Atlanta after visiting the University of Georgia in Athens.

  “What did you think, Dad?”

  “I know you’ve got the academics down packed because you’re smart like your mother. But I did like what the athletic department staff had to say. When I was in high school I had wanted to go to Syracuse University. I really wanted to get into the NFL.”

  Warrick sat up closer. “Ma is always talking about how good you were as a tight end.”

  “Man, I’m not even going to be modest. I was crazy good. That’s how I know I could have made it in the pros. Your grandparents weren’t very supportive and then I had to leave school altogether.”

  Bria rubbed her husband’s knee as he drove. “If you had went to Syracuse and then the NFL we would have never met.”

  “Then y’all wouldn’t have me!” Rafer chimed in.

  “I don’t believe that. You guys ARE my life and even if things had gone down differently, you still would be my wife and you two would still be my sons. I honestly feel like that.”

  “You’re right. There are no coincidences. Everything happens for a reason and is orchestrated to be carried out just as it was preordained to.”

  “I hope I’m destined to be an all-star player.” Warrick flipped through the paperwork he received from the school.

  “I do, too. But you know as your mom I’m not happy about the potential for you to get seriously injured. Ugh, the concussion rates alone…”

  “I know, Ma. But I’ve got to stay positive and not worry about that kind of stuff. I could get hit by a Marta bus, but that can’t stop me from cros
sing a street.”

  “Hmm; you may get being smart from me, but being a smart mouth is your father’s doing all day.” Bria and Ethan laughed.

  “I think I want to be a singer,” Rafer said. The youngest member wasn’t trying to be left out of the conversation.

  “I’ve heard you sing in the shower. Nah, bruh.” Warrick teased and playfully punched his brother in the arm.

  “Hater!”

  They all laughed. “It’s okay, Raf. You keep practicing and you just might become a singer one day. I’ve always wanted to learn how to write lyrics. I can be your ghostwriter.”

  “Serenity loves that book of yours you gave her. She says you’re now one of her favorite writers.”

  “Your girlfriend’s trying to score brownie points? I’m just kidding! Please tell her I said thank you. I like Serenity. She’s a good girl. Are you guys going to the prom?”

  “Yeah. She’s been looking for a dress since freshman year!”

  “What college is she going to?” Ethan asked as he looked for a parking space at IHOP.

  “She got accepted a few places, but she’s going to do Kennesaw State.”

  Ethan’s phone rang. It was Dane. “What up, my dude?”

  “Come on, guys. If he’s talking to Dane, this could take a minute.” Bria and the boys got out of the car and went in to wait for a table.

  “I’ve been looking into James Parr. He seems to be above board, Eth. A few of his business partners have murky pasts, but nothing funky stands out currently though. There was nothing unusual about the convention he was attending either. Some kind of Japanese trade commission thing.”

  “Was he married?”

  “Twice. The exes are on opposite coasts. One’s in New York; the other’s in L.A. He has a grown daughter with the New York wife and she’s a dancer with the American Ballet Theatre.”

  “Any bad blood there?”

  “Not really. No cheating or abuse. The L.A. wife turned out to be a lesbian so that was the end of that.”

  “So the key to this is not going to be laid out in plain sight for us I see.”

  “Of course not. But I did catch a break in that other case. The homicide over on Piedmont.”

  “Good. We need something to come together.” Ethan gets out the car. “The fam is waiting for me inside IHOP. We’ll talk more shop when I get to the office.”

  “Roger that.”

  Ethan, Bria and the kids laughed while they chowed down on pancakes and omelets. Afterwards, he dropped them off at their house and made his way to work. His phone rang again. He didn’t recognize the number.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, Ethan; it’s Jerrae.”

  He rolled his eyes. “What’s up, Jerrae?”

  “Would you be able to stop by the InterCon any time today? I think I have some information about Mr. Parr that might help.”

  “Is there a reason why you can’t tell me over the phone?”

  She paused. “It’s been a long time and now our paths have crossed twice. I just thought maybe we could talk over a meal. I can treat you to Southern Art.”

  “I can’t do that while on duty, but I’ll see if I can meet you in the lobby. I hope you do have something that can help, Jerrae. I don't have time for games.”

  “Why would I be playing games?”

  “Why is a good question.”

  “I’ve already told you I’m seeing somebody.” Jerrae said without disguising her frustration.

  “I didn’t say anything about you playing games with your man. Are you?”

  “Look, just come by and I’ll tell you what I heard and what I remembered. Bye.”

  Ethan shook his head. He often wondered what he ever saw in Jerrae. She is a gorgeous woman, but always tries to get over in one way or another. He doesn’t doubt she remembered something about the victim, but it’s not above her to use it as an opportunity to see him. Although she was the one to break it off, Jerrae honestly expected him to shrivel up and die over it. Or be like all her other exes who tried their best to stay in the picture even while they were together. She’d entertain their foolishness, but Ethan wasn’t the one. He often had to call her out on her need for attention. Yes, the break up hurt, but mainly because he still wasn’t over losing his marriage. It just felt like one defeat after another.

  Ethan went to Dane’s desk as soon as he made it to work. “What you got?”

  “The suspect’s mother has finally given us some information. Initially she didn’t want to give her son up, but the gang he’s affiliated with is allegedly coming for him. They think he snitched. She said she’d rather see him in jail than in the grave.”

  “So what did she volunteer?”

  “That he has a white girlfriend in Griffin. She thinks he might be hiding out there because his crew doesn’t even know about her. The mother’s not liking her isn’t because she’s white , but due to the chick trapping him by getting pregnant.”

  Ethan looked skeptical. “Since when is pregnancy a trap for a murderer?”

  Dane nodded in agreement. “Apparently this thug has a heart of gold and doesn’t want his son not to know his father. How about not being a gangbanger? I think that would make a better impression on your kid.”

  “Do we have the girl’s name?”

  “I already called Griffin P.D. Carrie Bell works at a Waffle House. She’s been picked up in the past for shoplifting Pampers.”

  “Yeah, he’s Dad of the Year.” Ethan glanced down at a text message. Bria left him a racy message. He couldn’t help but smile.

  “Someone just brightened up your world. Let me guess; Bria?”

  “Yep. She’s the sun, but this morning I got a call from the dark cloud. A.K.A. Jerrae.”

  “She’s got some information?”

  “So she says. But I have to go to the InterCon to get it.”

  “What kind of bull is that?”

  “Dude, you already know.” Ethan ruffled through his desk for his Parr notes. “I hope whatever she’s got to say gels with what we already know.”

  “You want me to go with you?” Dane asked.

  “No, I think she’ll be more forthcoming if it’s just me. That’s her main motivation anyway.”

  Jerrae wore a pretty wine colored suit to work that day. She paired it with an off white silk blouse. The pencil skirt was just the right amount of tight and the split was barely acceptable at work. She remembered Ethan liked the professional, but sexy look. It bothered her that Jax had encouraged her to dress up for him. He wanted Ethan to think Jerrae wanted him again. It was supposed to throw him off.

  She recalled the day she met Jax. He had such a commanding presence. Tall, dark and chiseled like stone. They literally ran into each other at New Birth. She laughs about it now because Jax Rollins is no holy roller. He was at the popular church to humor his grandmother who was being honored for her service to the community.

  “Excuse me, sister.”

  “No, it was my fault for not looking where I was going.” Jerrae smiled sweetly at him. “Are you a member here?”

  “Not at all. My grandmother attends services here. She grabbed me by my ear and made me come.”

  “Somehow I find that hard to believe.”

  “Okay, she didn’t pull my ear, but if you know Margaret Rollins you know not to turn her down. Plus she’s receiving some sort of award today.” He extended his hand. “She would get me for not minding my manners. I’m Jaxson Rollins. Pleasure to meet you, sister…?”

  “Jerrae Tate.”

  “Pretty name for a beautiful woman.” Jax held onto her hand longer than necessary.

  “Thank you. Are you here with your wife and children, as well?”

  Jax grinned. “Just get straight to it, huh.”

  Jerrae had to laugh at her own transparency. “Why waste time if you’re a husband? I’d like to conversate some more with you. You seem very interesting and I want to know if I’m right.”

  Interesting was only the beginning when
it came to Jax. To say it was a whirlwind romance wasn’t accurate enough either. He kidnapped her emotions and held her body captive. She was consumed and happily so. Sometimes his intensity was overbearing, but that was his way. Deep. She considered herself lucky to have a man like Jax Rollins.

  Jerrae jumped when she heard the knock at her office door. “Oh, Ethan. Come on in. I was daydreaming. Have a seat.”

  Ethan started to remain standing, but then thought it was better to just play nice. “You’re looking nice. How are the kids?’

  Jerrae wasn’t expecting the small talk. “They’re good. My ex-husband has them with him. We do joint custody. They ask me about you sometimes. I’ll tell them you said hello.”

  “Please do. And I’m glad they’re okay.” He pulled out his notepad just to have something to do. “What you got for me?”

  “When I bought the package up that James Parr was waiting for, he had gotten a phone call. I started to just leave it on the desk, but he signaled for me to wait. I don’t think he expected the conversation to go the way it did because he lowered his voice. I couldn’t make out the words, but his tone was very angry. He spoke for maybe another minute and hung up. He apologized and said it was his partner. I think initially he wanted me to wait so he could maybe flirt a little, but that call killed that. He tried to give me a tip, but I wouldn’t accept it. Then I left.”

  “Do you know which partner?”

  “He didn’t mention his name to me directly, but just before he lowered his voice I heard him refer to the caller as Dewey or Davey. Something like that. But I’m leaning more towards Dewey.”

  “Did you see him after that?”

  Jerrae took a minute to answer. “I don’t think I did, but one of the girls up front said she thought he may have had too much to drink because he was a little unsteady as he passed the front desk.”

  “Okay, that’s a worthwhile tip. Anything else?”

  “Not that I can think of, but then again I didn’t remember all that the first time you asked me about him.”

  “Well, just call me if you or anyone else has any more details.”