Alone

By Laura Burke

The killer is terrified that everyone they meet will somehow know what happened, will know their shame. And so, they pave the nation’s seminars with the corpses of physicians, believing only the deaths of their tormentors will finally set them free of their debilitating fear of humiliation.

Detective Masson and Tara finally find themselves alone together for a long deserved vacation in sunny Miami. During their first night, they cross paths with a physician attending a seminar in their hotel who feared she was being stalked. Her fear weighs on their minds and tarnishes their efforts to enjoy their vacation. Immediately upon returning home to Chicago, Masson receives a call from FBI Agent Wright. A physician was found dead in their hotel room. Masson and Tara befriended feared it was the physician they had met. Upon the insistence of Agent Wright, Masson and Tara attempt to solve the vicious crime. But as the case unfolds, they are called in on several other murders in various states that seem to be related. As they begin to realize they’re hunting a serial killer, they quickly find themselves in a race against time to find the murderer before they kill again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Burke
• Release date: Feb 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370256884

Laura Burke

I have always been and always will be a storyteller. Since childhood, I have dreamed of becoming an author. Now, as I see my stories in print, my dream has become my reality. Since I was eight years old, mysteries have been my passion, especially murder mysteries. So much so, that after working as a nurse for twenty years, I became a Private Investigator. I worked in close contact with police officers and detectives on several closed-case files with amazing results.

Book preview

Chapter One

Masson was happy to be back in Chicago next to Tara. Having her by his side made him the happiest man on earth. It felt like they had been apart for months when it had only been a couple of weeks. As soon as he walked through the door of their new condo, Tara ran and jumped into his arms wrapping her legs around his waist. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she buried her face in his shoulder.

Hey there, I guess you missed me a little. Masson laughed as he held her just as tight against his body.

Missed you isn’t the word for it. Tara began kissing him all over his face and neck.

Masson carried Tara over to the sofa and sat down with her on his lap. I hope the next case goes better than this one. I never wanted to see you get hurt. Tara, I love you so much and I really think we should take some time off and just relax for a couple of weeks. What do you think? Do you have any place you would like to go?

It doesn’t matter to me where we go or we could just stay here as long as we’re together.

Well, I think we should get out of the city for a while and just have some fun. You have been through so much being in the hospital and helping to take down a killer.

You know, I haven’t looked over the condo yet. Everyone has said it was beautiful, but without you here with me, well, I just didn’t feel like it was my home yet. Imagine five hundred square feet, four bedrooms, four full baths and I’ve only seen the bedroom, kitchen, and here in the living room.

Well, don’t you think it’s time to see the whole place? After all, I know you probably want to change some of the furniture and maybe the paint colors, now don’t you?

He took her by the hand and they started aninspection of their home. They started at one end, the master bedroom. This four-bedroom suite offers five thousand square feet with panoramic views from the spacious terrace, which is furnished and overlooked the park. It was at the top of the world to Tara. It was ideal for entertaining; there’s a media room, plus a dining table for ten with an adjoining kitchen with a serving island and marble countertops. With four bathrooms, three full marble in all bathrooms with bathtubs and oversized glass-enclosed showers, there was also a guest powder room.

The master bedroom includes an expansive walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom with sleek glass tiles, exotic stones and marble, an oversized shower and a deep-soaking tub. The best part was a twelve-by-twelve panic room equipped with Wi-Fi and telephone. It was so camouflaged you would never know it was there.

I don’t know, we’ll look at it together and then decided. Oh, before I forget, Masson, the guy from the gun store called and my background came in. He said I could pick up my gun anytime I wanted. I wanted to wait until you were here so you could go with me.

You know, honey, this place is like a resort. Just one thing I want to know, who is going to clean this place?

I guess we’ll have to hire a maid at some point in time. What about the guy from the gun store, can we just put it off for a few days?

Okay, if that’s what you want. Let’s finish the tour of our new place, your new place. Maybe we can discuss plans on taking a vacation as we take in the place. Now, tell me, where would you like to go?

Masson was holding her hand as they walked through the condo and seeing all the beautiful furnishing. The color scheme of each room matched the furniture down to the carpet on the floor. The furniture was high-end and very expensive. Tara had made one heck of a deal.

I had one of the agents deposit the check in the bank for us. I really didn’t want to go out after the garden incident, and they were happy to do it for me. Can we get rid of them now that you’re home?

I’ve already taken care of it. Agent Wright pulled them off as soon as he knew my plane had landed. We’re on our own for now.

I hope Randy was a big help to you. You know he’s superb on the computers. After meeting him, you wouldn’t think he was an FBI agent. He just didn’t seem the type, did he?

At first, I would have agreed with you, but he really came through once he started following my lead. Randy did an excellent job and with his contacts back at the FBI Agency, we were able to get a lot of the information we needed to make the arrest. You’re the one who actually broke the case. Being able to see there was a code used to communicate with Mrs. Davis was pure genius and even Randy said so. Tara, lets’ move off that case and tell me where do you want to go or do I have to pick?

I know, let’s spread out a map of the United States and I’ll close my eyes and pick a place, will that work? Tara seemed excited for a split second.

Okay, do you have a map of the United States?

Why, of course I do. She started to get up from Masson’s lap, and he pulled her back down.

Wait a couple of minutes. I’m not through telling you hello yet.

Okay, Masson, I missed you so much. Agent Wright is like a father to me, but he could be like an old mother hen too. Every time I wanted to do something in the hospital, he’d call the nurse and asked if it was all right. And the two agents he sent to stand guard at the door were just as bad. I did like the fact they were there, but don’t tell him.

Tara, he thinks of you like you are his daughter. He was really upset when I told him what happened, and he was on a plane to rush to your side.

Tara gave Masson a little squeeze and stood up to moved over to the bookshelf to retrieve the map. She had only been in the new condo for about three or four days, but everything was complete put away. There wasn’t much to put away since her old place had been destroyed, so all she had was some clothes and her books to put away. Lucky for them, the place came completely furnished right down to the dishes. One complete wall in the den was completely covered with ever type of book you could think of. She only had one small box of books and there was just enough space for her to add hers to the collection. The den was so elegant in deep-pile dark green carpet. The bookshelves were from floor to ceiling in dark walnut. In the middle of the room there was desk in walnut with a glass top. The matching chair was overstuffed and so comfortable you could fall asleep in it.

With the condo being completely furnished and her real estate agent helping the movers unpack the few boxes Tara did have. The movers moved her things in and had completely unpacked them for her except her personal clothing, which they left for her to do. They set up everything and took all the boxes and trash with them. She didn’t have any problem with the way the furniture was arranged, for everything was perfect in the den, dining room and living room.

Tara wanted to move the bedroom around but decided to wait until Masson returned to get his input. There were glass sliders opening to a balcony. The morning sun would shine in the sliders every morning. The entry to the bedroom was double French doors that led into a warm and very inviting room done in a light beige colors and silk drapes. The bed being an oversize king and there was a small sitting area with two large walk-in closets. It was like a five-star hotel. Tara had to keep pinching herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

Tara came back into the room and Masson took the map from her hand and spread it out on the floor. He took off his tie and tied it around Tara’s eyes. He led her over to the map and helped her down to the floor.

Okay, now take your hand and make big circles. When you’re ready take your index finger and place it on the map, once you put your finger down don’t move it either.

Carefully, she took her hand and circled the map several times. Then she took her finger and pushed it into the map. Unknown to Tara, Masson was moving the map as she circled it so when she put her finger down it would land on Miami, Florida. Tara, taking her other hand, removed the tie from her eyes to see exactly what she had pointed to. She hoped it wasn’t in the middle of the ocean. Masson was chuckling at Tara for she acted like a school girl on a first date.

Okay, pack your bags and be sure to pack your swimsuit; it looks like we’re going to Florida.

Masson, what if I had put us in the middle of the Gulf?

Don’t be silly, if you put us in the middle of the ocean we’d find an island to go to, but it looks like we’re going to Florida where the weather is warm.I’ll call the airport and get us on the next flight out. We’ll leave in the morning tomorrow, okay?

Sure, the sooner the better, you know being cooped up in the hospital and then here in the condo I felt like a prisoner. I couldn’t go anywhere, call anyone, and I felt funny even ordering a pizza for delivery.

Masson took Tara in his arms and held her close. Tara, I’m so sorry you felt that way. Keeping you safe was the only thing on everyone’s mind.

I know, Masson, and I know I should be grateful. But on one hand, I felt like a prisoner and on the other hand I was scared to go out. I guess I just have cabin fever.

Well, we’re going to do something about that. A week or two in the sun by the ocean with blue skies and with the surf and sand, that’ll fix you right up. The nights will be filled with a full moon and me.

Are you going to call Agent Wright about our trip?

Do you want me too?

Well, if we go off without telling him where we’re going he might get upset. I really don’t want to bother him. He has been so good to you and me. He’s so much a part of our lives.

I guess we should call him and tell him we’re taking a couple of weeks off. He was going to head back to Washington D.C. tomorrow with a couple of white feathers in his cap.

Do you think he’ll be mad with us for taking a couple of weeks off? Tara’s eyes started to fill with tears.

Tara, we’re not his employees. We’re his consultants and work when we want to and take off when we want to, understand?

Yes, but—

No buts. I have a contact in Miami, and he has a condo right on the beach. I’ll call him and see if we can use his place. He’s usually in California this time of the year at his company, so I don’t see it being a problem.

Okay, but I think we should tell Agent Wright that we are planning to take off for a couple of weeks. I'm going to pack.

Listen, let's go out for dinner tonight. What's your favorite restaurant?

I don’t know. I’ll have to think about it, and I’ll get back to you.

Listen, I’ve got to go out for a little bit, so when I get back we'll go to dinner. How about that little Italian place, okay?

Yes, but where are you going? Tara looked at him with a very inquisitive look on her face.

Masson took her in his arms and held her tight against his chest. Look, there is a couple of things I have to do. Agent Wright asked me to do a couple of things to finish up once I arrived here. I promised him I would. Like I said, I'll be back in a few so you go ahead and pack. When I get back, we'll go to dinner and we'll have the rest of the night to make up for the past couple of weeks.

Aye, Aye, sir. I'll be waiting at the door.

Masson left the apartment and headed for the jewelry store he had passed on his way from the airport. He wanted tonight to be very special. Since he had made her his partner in the private investigation business, he also wanted to make her his life partner.

His cell phone began ringing. Masson looked at the face of his cell phone to see who was calling him. He had just left Tara so it couldn’t be her. It was Agent Wright, just who he didn't want to talk to right now.

Hello, Agent Wright.

Masson, I just wanted to make sure you arrived home all right. Tara, is she all right? I mean, I spoke to the agents who were staying with her and they said she was pretty shook up after the Mrs. Davis incident. I wanted to make sure she's all right.

Yes, she's okay, better now that I'm home. I let the agents go for I'm home now and really didn't think there was any further danger. Everyone is locked up and all.

Yeah, everything really came together nicely. Listen, Masson, we need to talk about a couple of things and I'm going to be in Chicago next week. Do you think we could get together?

No, Tara and I are going to take a trip. I think we both deserve to take a week or two off and relax. It has been nonstop for the past few months.

Oh, yes, you two do deserve some time off. Where are you going?

Agent Wright, I'm not going to tell you because if you really need me, I'm only a cell phone away. But you're not going to call me, right?

Okay, I'll try and manage for a week or two without bothering you two.

Thank you. What did you want to see me about?

Well, it'll wait until you come back. I'll change my plans and schedule my trip to Chicago after you two get back. You know, the leaves are starting to change in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Is that where you're going?

Agent Wright, I'm not going to tell you, so stop asking.

All right, I'll let it go for now.

Masson hung up the phone as he walked into the jewelry store. He turned his attention to the clerk behind the counter. As he looked over the different settings in the rings his mind was spinning.

Boy, I didn't realize they came in so many different settings! How are you supposed to make up your mind?

Well, let's start at the beginning. How much are you looking to spend?

I really hadn't thought about that.

Okay, do you want a lot of diamonds or only a couple? We even can show you what we call a solitaire, which is only one diamond.

All right, let's look at that and maybe a setting in the middle with small diamonds around it.

Okay, now what color diamond?

What are you talking about what color? Don't they come in white?

The clerk started to laugh. Sir, they come in yellow, pink, chocolate and natural white.

Okay, how about chocolate with white around it?

Now, what size do you want the middle diamond?

Good heavens, how many more questions? I just want a damn engagement ring.

Let me show you a couple of settings and see if you like them.

The clerk put the tray up on the counter. There must have been six or seven rings on the velvet pad, and he was amazed at the beauty of each. He pulled a couple to the side and pushed the others to the back of the tray.

I like these two. He picked each one up and turned it over and over in the light. Boy, they both really sparkle, don't they?

Yes, they are magnificent stones.

Okay, I like this one. What is the next step?

We need to know what size she wears.

That's an easy one. Here is a ring she wears all the time on the left hand, the third finger. He gave her the ring, and she slid it on the size bar.

She then took the ring he had chosen and put it on the size bar. Well, it seems you have picked out a winner. It's the exact size you were looking for. So, do you want me to hold on to it?

I'll take it with me. What is the damage?

You must really be a lucky person, this one is on sale. It was seventy-five hundred, but because it's on sale, it's only three thousand. Will that be credit card or check?

There isn't anything wrong with it, is there?

No, sir.

He took his wallet out of his pocket and found his credit card.Here put it on my charge card.

The clerk took his card and the ring to box it and run his charge card. It only took a few minutes for her to come back. Mr. Masson, I have to ask, how did you get her ring off if she wears it all the time, to bring it in?

It was lying on the dresser, and she was really busy. She only takes it off when she's doing her nails. We’re going on vacation, and she was going to do her nails. When she put it on the dresser I slipped it off and put it in my pocket. This is the only time she takes it off.

Here you go, sir, good luck.

Masson slipped the small box into his pocket and started back to the apartment. He was wearing a smile from ear to ear. His cell began to ring. Without looking, he reached into his pocket to take it out to answer.

Masson.

Agent Wright here. I had a couple of things to go over with you, and I was so concerned about Tara I forgot to go over them. Do you have a couple of minutes to talk?

Sure, what can I do for you?

First of all, Eric, are you sure our girl is all right?

She's doing great; at least she appears to be doing all right. I thought she might still be upset, but she doesn't have any apparent residual effects from the experience.

I told you she was a keeper. Tara is a tough girl, and I'm sure a great partner once she is trained a little more by you.

Okay, Agent Wright, you have something up your sleeve, what is it?

Chapter Two

Eric Masson, you seem to know me so well. That’s a little scary, you know? But, you are right, there is something. Are you able to talk or should I call you back later?

No, I can talk. I had to run an errand, so I'm like a couple of blocks away from the condo right now.

Tara isn't with you?

No, she's at home. What's going on?

"Look, we're use to taking chances and getting into the trenches and we've put away some pretty bad people in the past year or two. I know it hasn't been easy for you to decide to quit the police force in New York. Then, starting your own private detective agency couldn’t have been easy. I want you to know you are the best ex-officer I've ever worked with.

Your instincts are superior to any of my agents. Don't get me wrong, we train our agents to be the best of any law enforcement agents in the world. But you can't teach them street smarts, and you can't teach them instincts.

Oh, now I know you want something.

We have several ongoing cases that are going down a dead-end road and before they are closed, they are going to end up in cold case files. That means I'll have more unsolved cases.

Look, Agent Wright, if you're trying to get me to join the FBI, well, I'm afraid I'll have to turn you down. I like what I'm doing, and I like working alongside your agents. We always make a good team. I think the working arrangement we have is working well, why would we want to change that?

I don't want to change it. I want to continue our working relationship, and I want to include Tara in our arrangements.

Agent Wright, what's going on?

I just wanted to convey my appreciation for you and Tara. There was something lacking in my job. You two have given me a new outlook and enthusiasm to go to work every day. I was seriously thinking about retirement.

You retire, are you kidding me? Maybe you need to take a vacation too, but not with us. I'm taking Tara on a vacation, and I have a big surprise for her.

You're going to ask her to marry you, aren't you?

Yes, I just bought the ring and I have it in my pocket. It was even the right size.

Where are you going to go?

I'm not telling anyone where we're going. I haven't even told her exactly where until we're at the airport getting ready to board the plane.

You'll have your cell phones, right?

Yes, but it doesn't mean we're taking any calls.

Okay, but please keep in touch with me even if you are on vacation. As soon as you get back let me know when you’re ready to go back to work, got a possible case for you two.

Masson began laughing. You know, I don't know if we're just lucky or you really like us.

Masson stood outside the high-rise building. He took out the small box with the ring inside. Opening the box carefully, he looked down at the diamonds shining in the bright sunlight. A smile came over his face as he closed the box and slipped it back into his pocket. He thought to himself how was he going to get Tara’s other ring back on the dresser where she had left it.

He walked inside and spoke to the security guard at the desk. Pleasantries were exchanged, and he made his way to the elevator. Once he reached his floor, he walked over to the door and placed his key in the lock and opened the door. Tara was standing on the other side with a black see-through gown on. Masson took one look at her and then sweep her up in his arms and carried her into the bedroom. Gently laying her on the bed, he started taking off his jacket and unbuttoning his shirt.

Tara laid still as if being posed with her eyes closed. Masson thought to himself this was perfect. He'd throw his jacket up on the dresser and then when he pulled his jacket down the ring he had borrowed would be pulled off the dresser.Next, he threw his shirt to the floor and then his pants. Tara opened her eyes and reached up for Masson to pull him down upon the bed.

Masson was just as excited as Tara, and the wanting in both was explosive. She moaned with anticipation as Masson slipped on top of Tara and found the forbidden land. Masson made love to her slow and easy, wanting it to last as he pleasured her. Tara's passion was heightened at his tenderness. They climaxed together, which only showed their love for each other to be more real than even they had imagined.

Masson rolled to one side and then cradled Tara in his arms as she fell asleep. Carefully, he eased himself out of bed and headed for the shower. After taking a shower, he walked into the bedroom and looked down upon Tara sleeping like a newborn baby.

Remembering the ring he had in his pants pocket he quickly walked over and took the small box out of his pocket. He placed it into his suitcase, which was open and partially packed. He had to place the box somewhere that Tara won't be going into, he thought. The perfect place would be inside his small shaving kit. Tara would never look inside there. He then took the ring he had borrowed and placed it back on the dresser. She would never have missed it.

Just as he finished zipping the small kit back up, he heard Tara stirring and calling his name.

Masson, what are you doing?

You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to wake you up. I thought I'd finish packing.

I started to pack, but you didn't tell me where we were going in Florida so I don't know what to pack.

Oh, would you like me to pack for you?

Sure, I can just see right now what you would pack, one nightgown and nothing else, right?

Something like that. Masson began to laugh.

Let me take a shower, and I'll finish packing and you can watch.

Okay, but I get to say what you can take and what you can't.

You know, I'm famished. How about we get something to eat and then I'll finish packing?

Okay, what do you feel like eating?

I really don't feel like going out, so we can order in. There's a great menu on the counter for Chinese, how about that?

Masson noticed the mere mention of going out and Tara had been shaking. She was trying to hide it, but her whole body was vibrating. He knew she was still suffering from her ordeal.

If you don’t want to go out we can order in. Sounds okay to me if we stay in if that’s what you really want. Tara, are you still having trouble with the situation that happened?

No, I just don't really feel like going out. I rather stay in and spend the time with you alone; I really don’t want to share you with the outside world. This is your first night back, and we've spent so much time apart and all. I just thought it'd be nicer to spend the evening in.

Masson could tell she was holding back something but didn't want to push her. The incident at The Garden had actually played on her mind more than she was willing to admit. This trip they planned would do her good and give them some quality time together. He wanted to spring the question on her, but he had to wait. He had planned the perfect trip down to the last minute.

The Chinese food arrived, and they sat down at the table to eat. Tara had placed two candles on the table, and with them lit it cast a very romantic evince to the room. After they finished, Masson reached over and took Tara by the hand.

You go and finish packing, and I'll clean up out here.

Eric Masson, you said you'd help me pack.

Okay, take clothes for a warm climate, a sweater or a light jacket. Then,maybe a couple pair of heels, sandals and a pair of walking shoes. My sexy lady you can forget the nightgown, you're not going to need one.

It sounds like all you want me to pack is shoes.

Okay.

Both began to laugh as Tara started toward the bedroom. Her curiosity was overwhelming and she wanted to know where they were going in Florida, but didn't want to spoil Masson's surprise. Tara decided to behave and not pressure him into telling her and continued to pack what she thought she'd needed. As she closed her suitcase, she saw out of the corner of her eye Masson standing at the doorway.

Masson, how long have you been standing there?

Just a couple of minutes. I didn’t hear your complete conversation with yourself, just the last two minutes. You know, it's still early and if you want we can go down and pick up your gun.

No, can you call them and tell 'em we'll pick it up when we get back?

Yes, if that's what you want. Tara, are you sure you're feeling all right?

Yeah, I'm all right, Eric. I just want to spend the evening alone with you.

Masson walked over to her and took her in his arms. Pulling her close to his chest, letting her know he loved her and it was okay. He had on a t-shirt, and he felt her tears through it that were running down her face. Taking his hand, he placed it under her chin and lifted her face up toward his.

Listen, Tara, it's okay. I'm here, and anything you want to tell me it's okay. You know you are the toughest lady I've seen, and you’re smart and beautiful.

Masson, I really had second thoughts about being your partner. I don't know how you could be a cop for all those years. You looked at guns every day. You had to chase bad guys every day. I only had to face one gun and be threaten by it. I came unglued. Maybe the blow to my head did something to my nerve. But to be really honest, I really don't know if I can do what you do. The tears from Tara began flowing like a wild stream.

Oh my goodness, Tara, not all cases are like this, and yes we've had a couple of terrible ones, but you've been there from the beginning and have added so much to each case. Why, even Agent Wright said he was really proud of you. How brave you are and how smart; you make an excellent partner.

He actually said that? Tara, still sniffing, asked.

Yes, he did, and even Randy said he'd love to be your partner on the next case. He said you really have away with computers.

I just don't know if I can get used to this type of life.

Tara, it doesn't matter to me if you are my partner or not just as long as I know you're not giving up.

I'm not giving up. I'm willing to give it another try, but I think I need to take a breather before I go out on another case, is that all right?

"As long as you want, Tara, take