Aside of Murder

By Brick ONeil

Shelley, a high class call girl, and Ann Li, her best friend in the business, discover blackmail and revenge against clients. After many years, Shelley gets her chance to get out of the business and catches the eye of Gerald Johnson, a philandering, embezzling bank executive. What happens when they meet? Blackmail, marriage, revenge and murder.

When pools of blood are found in their home instead of Mrs. Shelley Johnson, it's up to Joan, the bank's investigator, and Detective McIntire of the police department, to track Gerald down, from country to country. When he does come back home, he leaves his own trail of revenge and murder.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brick ONeil
• Release date: Dec 22, 2010
• ISBN: 9781458029997

Brick ONeil

Brick ONeil grew up in America’s heartland, the midwestern United States, receiving a Bachelors of Arts in Religious Studies then moving to the southern United States for his Masters in Human Resources, living in both Oklahoma and Texas for some time before settling in the Pacific Northwestern coast in the Emerald City, Seattle.He has been writing professionally since 2001 and before that was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in the private workers’ compensation field, still holding his Certified Rehabilitation Counselor certification. He began writing articles and working on projects for clients while writing his first novel, Aside of Murder under his writing business, Lione Services.Now he has ten books under his belt in four genres, fiction-mystery, fiction-short story, non fiction-cookbooks and non fiction-biography. He has his mystery series, The Rose Petal Wine Murder Mysteries with two books published now out of the seven; the cookbook series, “Simple, Healthy, Fresh”, with books 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and the Ultimate; three books of short stories, Different Dreams; Unrelated: A selection of short stories and Triad: Fates, Furies and Graces finally,his short biography, Silver Linings on Dark Clouds (My Life with Alport’s Syndrome) is out as well.Find him online:http://brickoneil.com (pages for each book)http://linkedin.com/in/brickoneilhttps://www.facebook.com/brickoneil

Book preview

ASIDE OF MURDER

BRICK O'NEIL

Published by Brick ONeil and Lione Services at Smashwords.

Copyright 2010 Brick ONeil

I would like to dedicate this book to my Mother, Leota M. Henderson for all her love and support throughout her years; and to Stetson Elizondo for his unending input and dedication. Thank you very much.

The author holds all copyrights, ownership, rights and responsibilities to this work. This work is solely the author’s; any similarities to any person, living, dead or fictional are purely coincidental and unintended.

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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The little red purse was flung on the couch with such force that the clasp sprung open, money spilled over the cushions, and several pillows toppled onto the floor. Never before had she been humiliated like that. She wasn't prepared for the night, which annoyed her further. Not paying attention to where she was pacing, the tassels on the carpet caught on her three-inch heels and she stumbled forward, hitting her knee on the marble coffee table, catching herself with an elbow that shot another wave of pain through her body. Shelley roared like an injured lion, throwing her head back and shaking her mane.

Now, in addition to burning with rage, she would be nursing a welt on her elbow and a bruise on her kneecap. Kneeling on her good knee, she turned around, tore the shoes off and flung them down the hallway, only halfway listening to them ricochet off the walls. She stood up and brushed imaginary dirt off the red velvet dress that clung to her athletic body. She ran her hand through her long, thick blond hair, turned to the mirror absentmindedly on the mantle and studied her bright electric blue eyes.

Immediately she reprimanded herself for losing control like that. It was clients like Mr. Harold Askew that riddled her with longing to get out of the business. He should have been thrown in jail for the things he was asking her to do. Her boss would only tell her that she was no longer getting beat up by clients, robbed or raped and not paid. Remembering a previous conversation, she would only hear you'll paint yourself up pretty, wear next to nothing, plaster a smile on your face and act like it is most wonderful and erotic thing you've ever been asked to perform. Understand?

Her reflection looked as if it wanted to give her advice or some words of wisdom. She couldn't concentrate on any hidden meaning from the reflection. Gleaning nothing, Shelley did some facial exercises to rid herself of the unwanted tension and stress. She had learned that stress shows itself in the face, making one look older than their age. There was a race against time and Shelley vowed years ago she would win at any cost. Her slender hands and delicate fingers massaged her temples and scalp to ease the stress.

Oh, I should have stayed in the D A's office. She would lament to her reflection often. She had been a Call Girl for ten years since leaving her job as a young lawyer in the District Attorney's office, where she had been for three years. Her boss found her as a juvenile wandering the streets and had felt sorry for her. She thought it was her luckiest day when he put her on the right track and back in school. Little did she know that her future boss was accepting bribes to throw cases in favor of criminals. Shelley found out all too late he had sold her out when she finished law school. She realized she had been woefully naive, looking at the world through rose-colored glasses when this opportunity came her way.

Whenever she got this worked up over her job, she would turn off the world, take a long, steamy bubble bath with incense, oils and votive candles, have a glass of Rose Petal Wine (her signature drink) and listen to the long, soothing effects of classical music or Jazz. She was massaging her scalp and rolling her neck to loosen up the muscles when the phone rang.

There was only one person she had expected to call at this point, so she resigned herself to answering the phone.

She turned and limped toward the Victorian phone on the hall table. Sitting in the wingback chair, she picked up the receiver.

Hello?

Shelley, glad you made it home. You were quite a hit! It was her boss and he sounded absolutely ecstatic.

Well, she purred, I'm glad I was such a success and our client was happy. Her voice betraying the vile she felt toward her boss and the client. As she listened, she massaged her kneecap.

Her boss, not detecting the emotion behind the lie, went on talking. He comes into town once a month or so, and has requested you to be available.

The only thing that kept her from screaming into the receiver was the thought of a couple grand for a few hours work.

Oh, words cannot begin to explain how that excites me! She faked enthusiasm and joy; just what her boss wanted to hear. They made a standing appointment then concluded the conversation. It took all of Shelley's self-control not to throw the phone through the window at the end of the hall. Besides, she liked this phone too much. She stared at the famous St. Louis Arch through her hall window and sighed. It was unlike her to be so easily cowed. He'll get what's coming to him, She spat.

Thinking of the bath that awaited her, she got up and walked through her huge bedroom to the cavernous bathroom. She walked up the few wide steps to the gleaming white stone tub in the middle of the room. Turning the antique white ceramic handles, the water was just hot enough as she poured the scented bubble bath and oils into the steamy water. The aromatic scents wafted to the ceiling, filling the room. Next she lit some votive candles and incense surrounding the tub. Satisfied that the garden tub was filling, she walked over to the wine bottles in the small refrigerated cooler and selected a bottle from her stash of wine, a wine glass, and placed them on the shelf over the garden tub. Then she ambled over to the stereo, where she selected a handful of classical CD's and put them in the tray. The first sounds of a tinkling piano, then a deep bass cello followed, taking her thoughts away and replacing them with thoughts of a relaxing bath.

A few hours and a half-empty wine bottle later, she was relaxing in the living room reading the latest novel about a female detective in California and snuggling into a thick white terry cloth robe that covered her from head to toe when there was a knock at the door.

She was deciding whether or not to get up and answer the door when a female voice called out to her.

Shelley? Are you there? It's Ann.

Ann was her best friend, colleague, and confidante. She roused herself to a standing position, put the book face down to save her place, and then shuffled and limped to the door.

She opened the door to a tall, athletic raven haired beauty that was staring at her with concern through her oriental onyx-like eyes, which were a beautiful contrast to hers. There was an unmistakable mystical air about her.

I got worried about you when you didn't show up at the health club. You missed your training session.

Want some Rose Petal Wine? I've opened a bottle. She turned, leaving the door open and hopped-lurched back to the couch.

Ann was left speechless. She came in, shut the door and watched Shelley. It wasn't like Shelley to miss a training session; they were great stress busters for her. There was an unmistakable scent of lavender and lilies in the air, and, seeing Shelley's wet hair, concluded that she had just spent a few hours in the tub to completely forget what had transpired earlier in the day. Normally, Shelley was rock-solid; unflinching in her job.

What happened? She asked as she clipped quickly to the richly covered couch and sat down with grace.

That little pile of excrement happened.

Ah, Mr. Askew, Ann nodded in sympathy and had a look of remembrance on her fine features, well, the only good thing about him is you only have him once. No one ever has him twice.

Until now. Shelley said without emotion.

Oh. Ann whispered softly. Not knowing what to say or do, she accepted a glass of the wine, and changed the subject. This is absolutely delightful, Shel, when did you get the new shipment?

The small vineyard I know sent my standing order last week. This helps whenever I feel overwhelmed.

Ann watched her best friend very closely, and surmised that there was something else bothering Shelley. Placing the glass on a coaster, she looked warily.

What is going on with you today?

Shelley looked at Ann with such bluntness that Ann looked slightly surprised, but said nothing.

Is that why you missed our work-out session?

Shelley nodded, sipped and stared wistfully at a print of her favorite painting. There a little girl with her back to the viewer, sitting in a field and staring at a house in the distance. How she envied the little girl, alone, a simple life, with no one to answer to but herself.

I know that he can be lewd, but don't let him get to you, Shel. Just shrug it off. Ann was concerned for her friend.Never before had she seen Shelley bothered by a client.

Shelley put the glass on a coaster, and focused her gaze on Ann.

It's not just Askew, Ann. Don't you ever get tired of the trade?

Ann was shocked at the question. Never before had she seen anything get to Shelley. True, there were clients like Askew that made the job unbearable, but that was only for a few hours at most. It helped to think of this as just another career. She had learned that every job or career has its bad days, not just theirs.

Shel, I've never heard you talk like this before. Just think of the money! You can make thousands a day!

Oh Ann, I have a comfortable life, but I've been doing this for ten years. Maybe it's time for a change.

Ann goggled at her friend, as she was seeing her for the first time.

You want out? Are you thinking of returning to the District Attorney's office?

I don't know what I want. Shelley slumped back with an uncertain frown and sipped the aromatic wine.

Ann saw that the robe had slid of Shelley's leg and saw the bruised kneecap.

Did Askew do that? Ann said pointing.

No, Shelley said with a bashful grin, I was so angry when I came home I caught my heel on the carpet then fell into the coffee table.

They looked at each other, laughed and ended up embracing each other for support.

Well, what are you going to do about Mr. Askew? Ann asked, wiping the tears from her eyes.

I was thinking of something a little Mexican…. Shelley had a mischievous look.

You don't mean… Ann suppressed a giggle.

The old standby…… Shelley said with an air of nonchalance.

Hot chili oil! they screamed together, picked up their glasses, clinked, and howled with laughter.

Ann, sensing that Shelley needed a boost, cocked her head, and sat back in the plush couch.

Do you remember when you first came on board?

Of course, like it was yesterday. We haven't been at this so long that I can't remember details. At that, Shelley raised her wine glass as if in a toast to Ann.

You came in and we sized each other up one side and down the other. The boss man thought we would be instant enemies and rivals. Boy was he shocked when we became fast friends, right then and there! Ann said with a soft chuckle, running her free hand through her long black hair, playing with a huge silver hoop earring that, somehow, didn't look garish against her slender neck.

Do you remember during our off time, we usually gambled together downstairs in the casino? The boss would give us that large account to play with, seeing that we were inseparable.

Of course he gave us that account to play with, we were free advertising for the agency. Speaking of which, do you want to head over to the casino for a little action? Shelley looked at Ann, feeling much better about life in general, now that her friend picked up her sagging spirits off the floor.

I'd love to Shel, but I've got to get going, I've got an appointment. We'll get together tomorrow; I think we both have the day off. We'll make a day of it.

I know, first the gym; I've got to make up for missing today. Then shopping and lunch. Shelley saw Ann to the door; they clung to each other for a minute or so, and then Ann looked at Shelley to see if she were really all right. Shelley nodded to the unasked question and closed the door.

The next day, the sun shone bright and beautiful in the tree-lined avenue. Shelley felt better, now that yesterday was over with and ignored the stares, cat calls and wolf whistles that followed her everywhere she went. She walked the few blocks to the health club that she and Ann belonged. She gave her insincere smile and lilting laugh to the doorman, then to the receptionist and on to the locker-room.

Upon seeing Ann at her locker, she jogged over wearing a Cheshire-cat like grin.

Well well, look who is back with the living! Ann chided, throwing her head back and laughing with gusto, taking out her shoes.

I feel fantastic! Shelley replied opening her locker. How was your appointment?

Boy, do I have a story to tell you! It's just what we were talking about last night. Ann winked at Shelley through her long eyelashes and blew her a kiss, not revealing anything more. We'll talk over lunch.

It was a few hours later that Ann and Shelley were walking out of the health club and into shop after shop, linked arm in arm and heads tilted against each other, whispering in low tones as conspirators do against some cruel taskmaster. Women on the street would look at the two gorgeous, statuesque women with envy and every man would gaze at them as if to imprint them on their memory.

Their arms laden with bags and boxes, they stopped at their favorite little sidewalk café. The October day was calm and somewhat cool, but not enough for a jacket. The hostess sat them in a corner table out on the veranda, where they could see passersby going about their business, rich old women looking down their pinched noses and glossy cheeks from too many face lifts walking their equally pinched-nosed poodles and shihtzu's.

With their packages and bags surrounding them, they were sipping their water with slices of lemon, feeling the soft breeze against their skin. Shelley broke the comfortable silence.

Ok, Ann, tell me about last night. Shelley asked, leaning in as to share some deep, dark secret.

Ann gave an indulgent smile that hinted she might have done something naughty. Putting down her glass, she let her gaze wander around the street, and back to the veranda. Shelley tapped her foot then rapped her knuckles on the table to hasten the conversation.

"Last night I realized my client was going to be a major horse's ass and give me attitude.Normally I can handle attitude, but he had just a little more than I like. So, when he began to get irritating with unreasonable demands, I utilized our little scheme.

I talked him into getting tied to the legs of the bed with silk scarves. Then, I proceeded to work him up into a rather excitable state. During that time, I extracted a condom that I had filled with hot chili oil, and then placed back into its wrapper. The client was so distracted that he didn't notice the wrapper was already open. When the condom was placed, you could tell he experienced such immediate pain that he was screaming so loud I was afraid that security would burst in. Ann chortled with glee at the memory.

When I 'encouraged' him to settle down, he agreed to whatever demands I made. He agreed to behave himself and to never mention this to our boss. The client was so humiliated and humbled that he readily agreed to whatever I said! Plus having to pay blackmail money to keep me quiet.

Shelley was having quiet conniptions, but suddenly looked at Ann.

Why didn't you give old Askew the 'treatment'?

He's always two steps ahead of everyone else. He treats his pleasure just like his business: always thinking what the other person is up to. He wasn't worth getting even with. You probably found that out when you met him.

Shelley nodded, and leaned back in her chair, swirling the ice cubes around in the glass.

What's that saying? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me? He's not getting that second chance. Shelley said with a determined look upon her face. Then, she looked at Ann and nodded, because she would see to it that Mr. Askew would have what's coming to him, relishing her next appointment. This was something she never tired of doing.

* * * * * * *

'Oh, she's here,' thought Shelley, glancing at the crystal clock on the mantle. There was a loud, fast knocking at her door. Before Shelley could get to the door, it sprang open suddenly and Ann burst in, smiling and humming It's a wonderful day in the neighborhood. She placed her jacket across the arm of the chair next to the door.

You're certainly in a good mood, Ann, replied Shelley in a sly voice.

Why shouldn't I be? You're in a better frame of mind as well.

It's been a few weeks since you've seen me. How was your vacation?

Oh!, sighed Ann in contentment as she plopped down on the rich fabric next to Shelley and smoothed out the light floral print sun dress that accentuated the curves in her body. Most women could not have pulled off a sun dress so late in the year, but Ann did.

Glorious, superb, magnificent Ann grinned at Shelley, twirling a thin silver chain necklace on her slender neck and crossing her long amber legs. Shelley did a double take and saw there was a diamond star pendant on the end of the necklace. She leaned over to get a better look.

This is beautiful, Ann. Where did you get it? Ann didn't say anything and continued to twirl the thin chain, humming.

This has to be at least a full two karat diamond! Did you get that on vacation?

It was a gift from an admirer. Ann replied casually, sounding like she had avoided the question, and wasn't meeting Shelley's gaze.

Shelley allowed her gaze to drop from Ann's eyes, and then onto the diamond star pendant. Like a light bulb unexpectedly turned on behind her eyes, Shelley gasped and held her hand over her mouth, eyes wide with excitement and wonder.

You're kidding! Shelley gasped.

Ann continued to smile, looking as if nothing was out of the ordinary, except for the wide grin that played across her beautiful, caramel-colored face.

It is beautiful, isn't it? Ann questioned, with a look of fondness spread about her eyes onto the necklace.

How did you get it? Shelley asked her, her question having an entirely different meaning now.

It arrived this morning by special delivery. She replied with a slight giggle.

This certainly must have put him back a pretty penny. Shelley whistled under her breath. Was there a note?

Just this Ann dug a folded up paper from her small purse and handed it to Shelley.

The star that shone your eyes the night we met

Never before has anything been like

As the sparkle now that holds me yet

Please find this gem upon your neck so light

Well, he gets points for rhyming. Shelley said with a grimace.

That was a specific request of mine; he had to include a poem partially written in Iambic Pentameter. Ann quickly said, with a wicked smile.

Shelley raised her perfectly arched eyebrows at Ann with a smirk, Iambic Pentameter?I'll have to remember that one. How did you get him to spring for such pretty bling? Shelley said with a slight smile.

Ann rolled her eyes at the rhyme Shelley made, then took out a memory stick and waved it in Shelley's face.

All he needed was a little motivation. This little stick had our entire encounter recorded, thanks to our technologically advanced friend. At that, she kissed the memory stick and placed it back in her purse.

Shelley folded the paper and handed it back to Ann.

Have you decided about Askew, Shel? Ann sat up straight and held Shelley's hand.

It was Shelley's turn to give a wicked smile and squeezed Ann's hand.

'OH Yes' was all the reply Ann needed, as she sat there thinking he was going to get more than the 'old standby'.

Later that night in the Casino's hotel, Shelley had spent some time getting the room ready for her client. Her boss demanded she meet with him on his monthly visit to St. Louis. When Shelley acquiesced to his request without so much as a quibble, he was delighted, as no one else in the agency was quite so quick to agree to a second time with Mr. Askew.

A few hours later Askew knocked on the door and entered when Shelley said seductively Enter.

He opened the door and found all the lights out, save for candles of all sizes, lit around the suite. It would have been romantic, except for all the candles were black, which gave the room an eerie feeling, like there was going to be a ritual sacrifice. He was having trouble adjusting his eyes to the darkened room from the overly bright fluorescent lights in the hallway.

Hello? He asked in a small, tentative voice, entered the room and quietly shut the door. He could not see Shelley anywhere in the suite. There were black sheer fabric panels attached to the walls and there was a black bedspread on the bed with zebra striped pillows at the top of the bed. This was not what he had in mind for the evening and felt like he was walking right into a trap.

Right at that moment, he heard a movement behind him that made his heart pound fast in his chest and beads of sweat broke out on his forehead. Before he could turn around, he felt his right arm being twisted from behind, getting pinned to his back, as a hand appeared with a cloth and covered his nose and mouth. A feminine, steely voice whispered behind him.

That's right….deep breaths……in….and out. He saw the room growing darker and darker until he saw nothing and felt nothing.

He didn't know how much time had passed since entering the room, nor could he see anything when he opened his eyes. At first he thought the candles had been blown out, but realized a blindfold had been placed around his eyes. He realized he was wrong when he could see a faint, hazy glow about the room from the bottom of the blindfold.

What the hell is going on?! He demanded. Your boss is going to hear about this! He lay there looking angrier than a hornets nest, practically foaming at the mouth. He tried to get up from the bed, tear off the blindfold all with the desire to smack the bitch around for this. With a thrill of terror, he realized that his arms and legs had been tied to the bed; he was completely vulnerable and completely naked.

After struggling for a few, futile minutes, he knew he was at the mercy of this woman he had humiliated so terribly their previous meeting. He strained in the silence to hear her walk around, and could hear nothing but the candles crackling their wick. The pounding in his chest was unbearable and his breathing was rapid and uneven. The blindfold was wet with perspiration, stinging his eyes. Twisting his wrists, he tried, in vain, to grab the fabric that held his wrists. It was then he heard a soft chuckle that held his heart in a vice-like grip.

He turned his head from where