Sinister Intent Page 7

  The man’s eyes bulged like ping pong balls, his face becoming distorted and filled with blood. He struggled, clutching at the thick fingers that circled his throat, desperately trying to dislodge them. But he was no match for Rex, who was easily double his body weight. Rex gripped harder, lifting the man’s body off the ground. His legs dangled and kicked helplessly and it was only when Rex registered the choking sounds and the veins protruding from his temples that logic returned and stopped him from squeezing the life out of the bastard.

  As suddenly as he’d attacked, Rex released him, removing his hands from around his throat and flinging him off like a discarded piece of garbage. The man stumbled backwards, clutched his neck, coughing and gasping air.

  When he could finally talk, he wheezed, ‘You’ll be very sorry for what you just did.’

  ‘That is the last time you ever threaten me, arsehole,’ Rex spat back, fighting to control his rage. ‘Just remember what you can do to me, I can do to you.’

  The man stared up at Rex. His arm shot out and his fingers formed the shape of a gun aimed straight at Rex’s chest. With a wicked smile he simulated racking the slide and pulling the trigger.

  ‘Booom.’

  He fixed Rex with a malevolent glare. ‘This is not the end of it, Donaldson. In fact, it’s just the beginning.’

  The hardest thing Rex ever had to do was slam the door on him leaving all of his reptilian features intact.

  CHAPTER 8

  From his concealed position in the corner of the room, Josh watched Lexie Rogers make her way across the crowded bar. She was tall; he guessed around one hundred and eighty centimetres; in heels she was over six foot. Her hair was long and hung like a golden mane to her waist. Her skin-tight jeans, Josh noted, clung to ridiculously long legs and held the attention of nearly every male in the room.

  The seductive sway of her slim hips trapped his gaze and filled his mind with dangerous images that were incredibly vivid and completely out of line.

  Out of all the women in Sydney, she was the last one he should be thinking about.

  Never, ever, mix business with pleasure.

  Now at the bar, she ordered a drink, laughed at something the barman said and then glanced around as though searching for someone. Josh found himself staring at her face and wondering about her.

  He’d been surprised when Lexie walked into the office two weeks ago. He’d been perched on the side of Brad’s desk, discussing nothing in particular, when Brad’s eyes had grown round and his mouth stopped working. Instinctively Josh had followed the direction of his gaze. A woman, a very attractive woman, stood in the doorway inspecting the sign on the door that told her this was indeed the detectives’ office. Venturing hesitantly into the room, she stopped short when she noticed their eyes on her.

  For a moment there was an awkward silence before Josh found his voice. ‘Can I help you?’

  ‘Oh um,’ she smiled nervously, ‘I’m the new detective. I start here today. My name is Lexie Rogers and I – ’

  Before she could finish her sentence the boss, Casey Blair, had darted out of her office, gushed an enthusiastic greeting at the girl, welcomed her to the office and begun filling her in on all the standard must-knows – location of ladies’ toilet, meal room, gun safe room.

  Josh’s first thought, besides the obvious, was that this new detective looked somehow familiar. Yet he was sure they had never met. She was not the type of woman any man would forget in a hurry. She had been wearing a three-piece suit that was tailored but feminine and her hair had been pulled into a classic ponytail at the back. She looked professional and classy. As Casey guided her towards him their eyes had locked before they both glanced away as strangers do. But they each came back instantly to take a second look.

  As introductions were made, Josh found himself staring into bottomless brown eyes framed by long dark lashes. Her full lips parted in a wide smile when he welcomed her to the office and when she extended her arm in greeting he took it willingly, not realising the palm of his hand had suddenly become an erogenous zone. He was not prepared for the lightning bolt that shot up his arm. Startled by his reaction, Josh dropped her hand and instinctively took a step backwards.

  As Casey Blair continued the introductions Josh watched his colleagues reduced to slobbering fools as the new girl lavished them with her charm; smiling, laughing and chatting while shaking their hands. He was pleased to note she appeared delightfully unaware of the impact she was creating. Still, he refused to lower himself to visibly drooling over a woman – any woman. He found his male colleagues’ obvious adoration mildly amusing, though mostly embarrassing.

  Cops are hopeless. Most of them would jump on anything in a skirt with a heartbeat. This girl didn’t stand a chance.

  Since that first meeting Josh had ensured he was always polite. He had exchanged greetings and superficial pleasantries with the new detective but he was careful to keep it purely professional, and not display anything other than a passing interest in her arrival. Not that he thought she’d care but he didn’t want Lexie thinking he was just another pathetic fool vying for her attention.

  Small fingers clutching at his arm, demanding attention, interrupted his thoughts. Tori placed a drink on the table and flashed him an inviting smile.

  ‘There you are, lover. You’d better go easy on the alcohol, baby, or you know what will happen. There will be no lovin’ for Josh tonight!’

  Her hand, now resting over his, felt invasive and he fought the urge to push it away. Why had he agreed to meet Tori here tonight, he wondered. He was such an idiot sometimes. Their liaison, association – relationship was too strong a word – had run its course. It was as over as last week’s news, so why was he procrastinating and prolonging the inevitable?

  Because you hate the tears, the accusations, the dramatics.

  Guzzling his fourth – or was it fifth? – bourbon and coke, Josh enjoyed the magical effect of the cool liquid sliding down his throat. Twelve years of dealing with death, violence and the seedy side of society hadn’t dulled his sense of horror. But like a lot of cops he used liquor as a way to self-medicate. What else blocked memories best left buried, numbed fragile human emotions?

  Besides, it was the culture of the job. Alcohol fixes everything. And even though he was aware he probably drank too much and too often, he didn’t care. It was not like it was a problem. Josh was in control of his drinking. He could stop whenever he wanted – he just didn’t want to.

  Already feeling the therapeutic effects of the alcohol, he watched through a haze as Tori leant intimately towards him. Possibly sensing his detachment, she rubbed her inflated breasts against his upper arm suggestively. Josh was uncomfortably aware of the physical contact. It was ridiculous, really. Only a few weeks ago they’d been at it constantly, rooting like rabbits, and now he could hardly contain his distaste for the woman. What was his problem?

  Her hand squeezed his arm.

  ‘Come on, sweetie, do you want to go back to my place? I’ll make you a delicious dinner and then . . . I’ll be your dessert.’

  He wished she’d just go away.

  ‘I don’t think so, Tori. I’m feeling a bit . . . drunk.’ Blissfully numb more like it. ‘It’s probably better if I go home.’

  ‘Come on, baby. You’ve hardly paid me any attention all night,’ she purred, now sliding her nipples against his arm.

  Josh felt nothing, not even the slightest hint of arousal. From the corner of his eye he noticed Lexie leave the bar and manoeuvre her way across the room. As though drawn by an invisible magnet, he jumped off the bar stool in one fluid movement. He really should check on her welfare, see how she was feeling after her hospital visit, he told himself. Since he’d been in charge of the search warrant that had turned to shit the least he could do was show a little concern!

  ‘Just seen someone I need to speak to,’ Josh told Tori. ‘Sit tight, I’ll be back in a minute.’

  He watched Tori’s face turn petulant and he stifle
d the urge to laugh as he turned away and moved into the crowd.

  —

  The bar, infused with the insatiable energy of life and love, not to mention alcohol, seemed to breathe around Lexie as she jostled her way through the mass of writhing bodies. It was incredibly crowded, even for a Friday night, and congested venues really weren’t her scene any more. She hated to admit it but they made her uneasy.

  Tonight, she had been coerced here at the insistence of Dani, who was on the prowl, hoping to spot the apparently gorgeous young doctor who had treated Lexie after the search warrant attack. Being across the road from the hospital, it was a well-known fact that the Royal Hotel was a popular drinking hole for the Prince of Wales medical staff. It seemed, since she’d already spotted a number of cops with whom she was acquainted, police also frequented the place. It figured; the cops came here to pick up the nurses who were here to pick up the doctors.

  Lexie battled her way through the powerful mass of individuals, struggling to make it back to where Dani was waiting for her without incident, injury or spilling the majority of the drinks she clutched desperately in both hands.

  Feeling a light tap on her shoulder, Lexie pivoted. Piercing green eyes, impossible to ignore against the tanned skin and dark hair, gave her all their attention. ‘Hi Lexie.’

  Josh Harrison. The bar suddenly seemed very hot.

  ‘Oh hi,’ she replied at the same time that a patron, pushing past, caused Josh to fall into her. His shoulder bumped her arm, causing some of the wine she was carrying to slosh onto the floor.

  Josh glanced at the now half-empty glasses.

  ‘I’m sorry about the drinks.’ He shook his head in exasperation. ‘This place is ridiculous. What are they? I’ll get you another round.’

  Lexie shook her head. ‘No, it’s fine. Really.’

  ‘No, it’s not. Chardonnay? Am I right?’

  Lexie nodded but protested that he didn’t need to buy her new drinks.

  ‘Look, I just wanted to see how you’re feeling. You were hurt at the search warrant – are you all right?’

  ‘Um . . . yes, I’m fine thanks,’ Lexie stammered, completely tongue-tied.

  What was it about Detective Sergeant Josh Harrison that put her on edge, she wondered. Was it his sense of aloofness? He was always friendly and polite, yet at the same time removed, on guard; it was almost as though he had an instinctive mistrust of everybody – even other police. Some cops were like that, it was the nature of the job; expect the worst and you won’t be disappointed. Lexie suspected Josh was the type of guy who knew everyone, yet no one truly knew him.

  ‘I’ll be back at work tomorrow afternoon, actually. Doing a special operation with Brad.’ She rattled on, wishing her mouth would stop.

  Lexie noticed that Josh was studying her intently. She wondered what he was thinking. He showed little emotion yet it was as if his eyes were searching her soul, seeking out her secrets. She suddenly felt stripped, exposed. She glanced away momentarily, breaking the contact.

  ‘So there’s no permanent damage?’

  Lexie wasn’t sure if he was serious or having joke. She laughed anyway.

  ‘No, apparently not. Beside a few bruises I’m as good as new.’

  Josh nodded, his face serious. ‘That’s good.’

  He stared at her until the prolonged silence stretched to the point of becoming awkward.

  ‘Glad you’re okay. Take care.’

  And with that he turned and walked away.

  Feeling slightly bemused, Lexie watched him disappear into the crowd.

  —

  Lexie found Dani where she’d left her at the front of the bar. Recently Lexie had developed a habit of gravitating towards doorways and exits whenever she was in a public place. In a crowded pub like this she felt decidedly more comfortable being able to observe who came in and out. It also provided her with a sense of security; that she was in easy access of an escape route if necessary.

  No issues whatsoever. You are completely normal, Lexie.

  She handed Dani her drink. Dani stared at the glass with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. ‘What happened to the rest of it?’

  ‘Sorry. I’m wearing it. It’s crazy in here.’

  A young guy from uniform walked past and gave Lexie a wave. His name was Tim, or was it Jim?

  ‘Everyone drinks here,’ Dani complained. ‘It’s such a cop hang-out . . .’ Dani stopped mid-sentence, her eyes becoming like saucers. ‘Ah, Lexie . . . Do you know this hunk coming towards us?’

  Glancing over her shoulder, Lexie saw Josh walking their way carrying two glasses of wine. He stopped in front of them.

  ‘This is for spilling your drinks, ladies,’ he said, handing one glass to Lexie, the other to Dani. They both took the drinks automatically.

  ‘You didn’t have to do that,’ Lexie started to protest.

  ‘I wanted to. Just say thanks.’

  ‘Thanks,’ they both said in unison.

  Lexie felt a not so subtle nudge in her ribs. ‘Oh, sorry.’ She made the introductions. ‘Josh, this is Dani.’

  ‘Hi Dani,’ he gave her a nod.

  A small blonde suddenly appeared beside Josh, hooping her arm around his in a show of possession. Lexie took in her bright red lipstick and black, bone-crushing lycra dress that displayed a petite figure and massive cleavage. Tottering on dangerously high heels she shot them an unmistakable message – ‘Stay away from my man.’

  ‘Come on Josh, we need to go.’ The girl began pulling at his arm.

  Josh glanced at her as though just realising she was there and nodded absently.

  ‘Enjoy the drinks.’ He directed his gaze at Dani. ‘Nice to meet you.’

  Then he turned back to Lexie. ‘See you at work. Have a good night.’

  He disappeared through the doorway, the girl on his arm, and was instantly swallowed up by the darkness of the street outside.

  Dani grabbed Lexie’s arm and gushed: ‘He works in your office?’

  Lexie rolled her eyes. ‘Yes, he does. And don’t even think about it. He’s way too smooth, too confident for his own good. I also recall you swearing off cops after the last one . . .’

  ‘I’d make an exception for him.’

  Lexie felt an irrational tightening in her stomach.

  ‘Forget it. It looks like he has a girlfriend anyway.’

  Not that it would matter to Dani. Any man was fair game as far as she was concerned.

  A couple vacated a table near where they were standing. Dani pounced on it as if her life depended on it. Once seated, Dani asked about Lexie’s parents.

  ‘Have you spoken to them lately?’

  Lexie gritted her teeth. ‘Yes, I ring Mum every few days; have dinner with them once a week like a good daughter should but . . . it’s difficult. I don’t really like going to their new house at Coogee. I understand why they had to sell – they couldn’t stand the memories – but it’s not my house. It’s not where I grew up, you know?’

  She sipped on her chardonnay. ‘It was bad enough after Lincoln died and then when I got hurt . . .’

  Lexie avoided using the word ‘stabbed’. It was just too confronting.

  ‘Mum’s always so worried, wants to know everything I’m doing. It does my head in.’

  Dani nodded in agreement.

  ‘I understand why you didn’t want them to know about this latest incident, then. At least with my mother I don’t get hassled. She doesn’t even know who I am most of the time.’

  Lexie knew Dani was making light of her dementia, but it had to be hard, watching your own mother deteriorate before your eyes.

  ‘How was she last weekend when you visited?’

  ‘Very frail and in her own little world.’ Dani shrugged. ‘That’s enough about me. I don’t really want to talk about it. Have your nightmares settled down?’

  Lexie lowered her eyes and took a sip of her wine.

  ‘I heard you when you stayed at my place. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, you
know,’ Dani said, gently. ‘Can I ask what they’re about?’

  Since becoming a cop Lexie often dreamt of death. She’d assumed it was just an occupational hazard she would learn to live with. But added into the mix with the events of the past two years, contemplating her own mortality and devising the easiest, most unobtrusive way to expire, had at times become a disturbing obsession.

  Lexie hated talking about her weaknesses and it was times like this she used her sarcastic sense of humour to mask her fear and embarrassment. The more grim or uncomfortable the situation the more jokes she cracked.

  Lexie shrugged and let out a soft laugh. ‘They’re about death, just the usual. Nothing out of the ordinary! Doesn’t everyone have nightmares about death?’

  Dani gave her a long look. ‘No, Lexie. Don’t act all nonchalant with me. Not everyone has nightmares about death. It’s not normal.’

  What Lexie hated even more than talking about her shortcomings was that her friend could sense her vulnerabilities despite her best efforts to hide them. It was one of the curses of their friendship, a comfort as much as an annoyance.

  Lexie waved her hand in the air dismissively.

  ‘No one ever said I was normal. Now, change of subject please. We’re supposed to be out having fun. No deep and meaningfuls tonight. Okay?’

  Dani shook her head but let it drop.

  ‘Okay you win, as usual. So how are you finding being the new girl? Has anything exciting happened . . .? I mean apart from the other day at the search warrant?’

  Lexie thought about Katia Johannson, the woman who had set herself on fire. She pushed the image of her burnt body away and shook her head.

  ‘No, nothing; just routine stuff.’

  ‘Has anyone asked any questions?’ Dani asked carefully. ‘You know, about what happened to you previously in the line of duty?’

  ‘My boss broached the “incident” when I first started, but besides that, no one has said anything. Not even my partner.’

  Dani pulled a bemused face. ‘That’s strange. Maybe they don’t want to pry or upset you. How are you going working with Harry Burgh? Has anyone asked any questions about Lincoln? I would have thought the fact your brother got shot on duty would be big gossip . . .’