Read Online Blood Crimes: Book One by Dave Zeltserman - Free Book Online Page B

he said. “You’re paying me for my confidentiality. As long as you’re not asking me to break the law, I’m under no legal obligation to go to the police with any hunches I have.”
          “You do realize this hunch of yours is ridiculous?”
          “Yes, ma’am.”
          “What you’ve so ingeniously discovered has been nothing more than a series of bizarre coincidences.”
          “I realize that’s possible.”
          “No, Donald,” she said confidently, her sing-songish lilt back, “it is most definitely only a coincidence. But still, it’s been a lucky one since it led you to
Jim
. And only four days ago he was in Kansas City?”
          “Yes, ma’am.”
          He could hear a slight purr on her end as she considered that. Then, “Any ideas where
Jim
might’ve gone next?”
          “None yet. But I have a few more leads to check out. From our previous sightings, he seems to be heading to the East Coast.”
          “It does seem that way.” Some more soft purring, then, “Donald, keep me informed if you find anything.”
          “I will.” He hesitated, and wiped his handkerchief along his face and neck. “Serena, there is something else.
Jim
is traveling with a young woman, probably in her early twenties. I have a sketch of her that I am confident is of a good likeness.”
          A painful silence, then her voice crackling like a whip, she asked, “Why haven’t you mentioned this to me before?”
          Her tone took Hayes by surprise. He found himself stammering, telling her he needed to confirm this first, but that he was now convinced of
Jim
’s traveling companion.
          ‘Is…Is she pretty?” Serena asked hesitantly, sounding a bit like a little girl.
          “A matter of taste,” Hayes said.
          “Would you say she’s pretty?”
          “Not really my type,” Hayes lied.
          “I see…Have you identified her?”
          “No, not yet. I’ve sent her drawing to my old police partner in Brooklyn, and no matches to any missing persons reports.”
          “Fax me her sketch as soon as you can,” she said; then impatiently, “Anything else?”
          “I have an idea on how to flush them out,” he said. “I’d like to have my staff send her sketch to motels around the country. I have a good idea of the type they’ve been staying at, and we could target them offering a reward to anyone who spots her and contacts us. In a month we could have full coverage. It wouldn’t take long after that.”
          “That is an excellent idea.” Her voice had softened back to its earlier sing-songish lilt. “I knew there was a reason I hired you other than simply your rugged good looks.”
          Hayes found himself blushing. “There is a downside,” he said. “We could end up being flooded with false identifications. It could be expensive tracking them all down.”
          “Expense isn’t an issue. It sounds well worth doing. Bravo, Donald, I am quite impressed.”
          She must’ve put the phone down. He could hear her clapping on her end. Then the light tinkling of her laughter.
          Hayes’ blush deepened. He also felt himself hardening between his legs. It was amazing the effect her voice could have on him—more powerful than a handful of Viagra. He was grateful more than ever that he had that tattooed and pierced freak of a waitress waiting for him.
          “We could also get her sketch in newspapers across the country and offer a reward for information. It would be expensive, but we’d probably find her in a week or less—”
          “No, Donald, your other idea sounds more than adequate. Newspapers would draw too much attention. But I am very pleased with your progress. Very much so. Please do continue to keep me informed.”
          She hung up.
          Hayes let loose with a loud