Raped

By William Malic

Privet Detective Sam Bittner and his wife Serena investigate the alleged rape of a daughter of one of America’s richest men. Working from outside of the legal system they discover twisted connections and interfamily associations that lead to a unexpected outcome. Lies and damn lies lead to missteps but in the end the illustrious duo confirm people who have it all can be afflicted with vices.
This is the second book where Sam Bittner, security specialist and detective, solves a case for members of the socially elite class most people can only dream about. They are not immune to greed or manipulation but only they can afford Sam Bittner.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781312375253

Book preview

Raped

Raped

By William Malic

Prelude

Private Detective Sam Bittner was first introduced in Kidnapped.  After solving the high-profile case where scores of woman from super-rich families were kidnapped and a cross country search for their whereabouts propelled his already blossoming practice into a much sought after security and detective agency he again is call upon to solve another case involving one of society’s riches families.  This time he has a partner and wife.  He met Serena when she was one of the women he rescued.  The fell in love and now she is his partner in both business and life.  If you liked Kidnaped you will enjoy this mystery.  Even if your have not read the first novel this one will stand alone.  However you may consider getting a copy of Kidnapped, available in e-book through your favorite distributor.

Enjoy,

William Malic

Chapter 1 -- Routine

Paige Hamm had what most people didn’t have.  She had plenty of time, even though she had responsibilities at the non-profit where she volunteered three times a week. Of course there were accountabilities inherited with her social class; a highly selective relationship with some of the wealthiest members of society who wield substantial political power.  Having graduated from the University of Virginia only three years before, she adapted well to her new role as PR consultant for the charity whose mission was to create sustainable solutions to the root causes of poverty.  It was her way of giving back for having the privilege of being born into a family of seemingly unlimited wealth.  However her primary role, one she appeared to cherish more than any other, was being a wife.

One might assume that between her trust fund and future inheritance along with her husband’s heritage the couple would have no immediate needs that could not be met.  In many ways Hunter Hamm was the dream spouse.  Apart from his physical appearance, which was extremely pleasant to the eye, he was gently and caring.  He was determined to provide for his family on his terms and not rely on legacies.  Hunter wanted to be a self-made man, making it big without the aid of their families’ influences.  He was driven; which meant sacrifices for the young couple.  Already gone for two nights and another four or five to go on the road meant Paige had a lot of quiet time at home.  Paige was lonely.

A slender frame walked by the door to Paige’s office which was always opened.  Cindy Henderson poked her head in and announced, I have some free time for once tonight.  David is taking the kid’s to soccer practice and will stop for dinner afterwards to treat the tribe to pizza.  Do you want to go out for dinner with me?  Cindy knew Paige would be alone another night without Hunter and felt sorry for her.  Cindy’s husband was always home evenings and with the three kids they were seldom separated.  Ten years older than Paige, she relished an occasional night out with someone not related to her.  Cindy wasn’t lonely but she often felt suffocated by her family.  Any chance to escape was a welcome diversion.

Paige looked up and smiled.  Cindy was the quintessential stay-at-home wife who volunteered more to get a breather from domestic duties rather than a true passion for social reform.  They had gravitated to each other immediately when they discovered they were both UVA alumni.  Are you sure?  I can’t see you staying away from the kids more than a few hours.  Cindy brushed her blond hair back with her hand giving that ‘please, rescue me before I pull my hair out’ look.  Okay, I am certainly not pressed for time, with Hunter out of town.  It would be fun, but I insist on paying.  Cindy looked relieved.  Paige admired the woman who was still as beautiful as a new bride and as trim even after three kids and a serious bought with medical problems.  She had nearly died before she went into remission.  The family was doing okay financially she suspected but they were by no means as well off as Hunter and her.  Cindy did not object to the offer of being treated.  I have a few things to clear up here, but after we can take off.  It should only be a half hour or so.

That sounds great, just holler when you’re ready, Cindy bubbled.

Once Paige had finished she met Cindy who was waiting for her with apparent anticipation.  As they left the offices they decided to head down town on foot.  Where would you like to go? Paige asked

If it were me and the kids we would be going to McDonalds, Cindy joked. Paige grimaced.  How Cindy could retain her girlish figure was a mystery.  Then chasing three very active kids around all day probably didn’t hurt.  You said you’re treating so you get to choose, I am not fussy.

Paige felt a pang of guilt.  She was very ‘fussy’ when it came to restaurants.  Whenever she and Hunter went out it was only five-star; four-star was roughing it.  In that way she was truly spoiled.  To choose one of her regular haunts might be too ostentatious.  The good think though was they would not have to worry about getting in; there was always a table for the Hamm’s.  At least you get to choose the cuisine.

Cindy gave her a funny look than realized what she meant, generally I pick somewhere where they serve food I at least have a chance of recognizing.  Has to have a kid’s menu too, but that’s not important now I guess.  I don’t know if I am dressed properly for anything fancy.

Paige gave her a look over.  The woman could have been dressed in sweats and looked good.  She was wearing a white shirt and black knee length skirt.  You look fine, Paige assured her.  She ran choices through her head.  There is a little bistro not far from here.  Its good food and I assure you everything is recognizable.  Hunter and I go there when we want to have a quite dinner and not be bothered by other guests  Paige took a deep breath hoping she had not been too obvious in classifying the place as one her social friends would probably not visit.  Cindy bowed gently and passed her arm in front of her indicating Paige should lead the way.

The walk through the historic district, with small shops and businesses on either side of the street was pleasant.  Paige often had a hard time keeping pace with Cindy.  Normally she almost sprinted to where ever she was headed; probably training she had gained from chasing the kids around.  Paige on the other hand enjoyed a more leisurely pace.  She always had plenty of time and rushing was not in her repertoire.  Stopping to admire a window display she was almost bowled over by Cindy.  The two women laughed, even though Cindy had nearly run up Paige’s legs. I am sorry, Cindy apologized, I can be such a klutz.

Instinctively Paige stroked her right leg which had taken the brunt of the assault.  There wasn’t any visible damage but it did sting a bit.  Hunter often told her he loved her legs; which he said were curvaceous, breathtaking, sensuous, delicious, and even saucy: legs that go for miles and don’t quit.  The rest of her was equally delicious but her legs were always the attribute he most raved about.  Stepping back Paige looked at Cindy who appeared mortified.  Hunter would like her legs as well.  No harm done, Paige tried to soften her features so as not to further worry the woman.  It was my fault.  I am the one who stopped without notice.  But those pumps on that manikin are drop dead gorgeous.  She pointed to the window.  Changing the subject seemed to work as Cindy gawked at the shoes.  Paige wasn’t sure if Cindy was as appreciative but she was sure the $250.00 price tag had caught her friend’s attention. We better move on before I am tempted.  Paige wished she had not added the tag line.

At dinner they filled the time between courses with small talk, mostly about what Cindy’s kids were doing.  One thing for sure, Cindy lived for her kids.  Paige wondered if when Hunter and she finally decided to have a family if she could be so dedicated to her own children.  Their relationship was as a couple, which they were very content to enjoy for now; however the time would come when they would have to face seriously some family planning, especially since both sides of the families were dropping hints.  Sex was good, though they saw it as recreational not for procreation purposes for the time being.  She wondered how Cindy and her husband ever found time to enjoy each other, though evidently they had done it at least three times.

I don’t know how you do it, Cindy interjected disturbing Paige’s dreamy vision of Hunter coming home and the two nearly ripping each other’s clothes off.  If David had a job where he was away as much as Hunter I would simply die.  I have to have my teddy bear at night if you know what I mean.  Paige realized they did it a lot more than she suspected.  I can’t go more than a night or two without him.  Some women complain their husbands want too much loving.  I live to love mine.

I have a teddy bear, Paige chuckled, but I generally snuggle up to Sophie, our little dog.  She keeps me warm when Hunter is away.

Ooh, Cindy smirked, I didn’t know you went both ways.  I hope you don’t have any ideas for tonight.  I never went there, even in college.

Paige picked up on the meaning, Why do you think I picked this little romantic getaway?  I was hoping you could stop by my house for a night-cap?  She winked.  Cindy’s face went serious with a hint of blush.  Just kidding silly, I love my man and he is the only one I need, even though it may be only be every other week or so, but we make up for lost time when he is home."

Did you ever experiment in college, Cindy had a teasing look on her face.

Actually I did, Paige was surprised she was telling tales.  Nothing serious, mind you, just a lark.  It wasn’t bad, but not like being with a man.  Hunter has taken the urge away permanently though, so don’t worry.

Cindy gave a low whistle, Wow, who would have thought.  I had a roommate one year that went both ways.  She nearly convinced me to try it but I guess I was too scared or hung up on some ingrained puritanical morality or something.  I never regretted not taken her up on the offer but I do wonder what it would have been like sometimes.  Does that sound perverted?

One man’s perversion is another’s normalcy, Paige philosophized.  I don’t feel any guilt for trying it that one time, but I can’t say I would miss it if I hadn’t.  It happened and that’s it.  Sometimes I tease Hunter about a threesome but he doesn’t take the bait.  This incidentally is great, since if he did I don’t know if I could go through with it.

I think David fantasies sometimes, Cindy sneered slightly, but he would never have the nerve to suggest anything out of the usual.  I am fine with what we have and would not change anything.

Paige pondered if things ever got old and stale with Hunter if she would want a change.  Perhaps the long times without each other were good for their marriage.  Each time was like it was starting all over and they were doing it for the first time.  Not the first time ever, that was not her fondest memory, but the first time without the awkwardness of the real first time.  Having periods of lonely nights, eating hurriedly prepared tasteless meals made the exotic spices of love making that much more exciting to the palette.  Many of her society friends bedded down in separate rooms and only cohabitated by appointment.  It didn’t seem to be the way to live.  They married for status or financial reason.  She married Hunter for love.  The rest was just icing on the cake.  How did we get on this subject, Paige was tiring.

I am sorry, Cindy was quick with apologies, I should never have gone there.  I hope you don’t find me offensive.

Of course not, Paige quickly countered, We girls can talk about sex sometime too.  The men do it all the time.  It is the time of liberation right?"

After dinner they walked back to the offices.  Cindy waved good bye from her older model mini-van after making sure Paige was safely in her Mercedes and no one had been hiding in the back seat.  Paige honked the horn and backed out of her parking place.

It was dark when Paige turned into her driveway.  They lived in an upscale neighborhood, not gated and well below what would be expected.  It was comfortable.  Hunter wanted a home that he could afford on his salary and Paige wanted one that wouldn’t be like a museum as her childhood home had been.  Both had their wishes.  There were no servants, except a cleaning lady that came in three times a week.  The yard was well manicured by a service.  Paige felt for the first time in her life as if she really lived in a home, not a self-imposed prison.  Of course there was a monitored security system.  From the car she deactivated the security monitors and turned lights on inside.  The neighborhood was safe but in today’s world one could never be completely sure.  She didn’t want to enter a dark house were someone might be hiding in the shadows, so she turned on lights so there would not be any shadows.

Before she even opened the door she could her Sophie panting and whining on the other side.  Impatiently she could be heard dancing around on the tile floor.  After what must have seemed like an eternity to the dog, Paige opened the door.  Unlike most breeds who would have paused a moment to make sure it was indeed her owner who was coming in, Sophie immediately launched into her nightly super-excitement ritual.  Hunter called it her wiggle routine.  It would start at the tip of her nose and gyrate throughout her body till exiting from the tip of her tail, then start all over again.  Sophie was a mixed breed, a rescue dog, probably some Beagle, maybe Dachshund and definitely a little Chihuahua.   They could have chosen a pure breed, but then they would not have their Sophie.  She was definitely one of a kind; the kind they loved.

The jumping up was one thing Paige tried to discourage with not much success.  It was hard to break the habit when the other owner acted just as excited as the dog and almost encouraged the behavior.  Hunter would come home and Paige realized he also went into his wiggle routine when Sophie came running.  She had to admit she would do a little wiggling herself.

Avoiding most of the dog’s attempt to jump on her and gingerly stepping so as not to trip as the dog weaved in and out of her feet she headed directly to the kitchen.  In the kitchen she turned to Sophie who finally managed to contain herself and sit down.  She petted her briefly for showing restraint then dispensed her evening ration of food.  It was a nightly procedural attempt at calming the dog somewhat.  Sophie seldom ate immediately because she was more interested in her nightly walk and of course relieving herself.  Paige retrieved her leash and attaching it to the dog’s collar returning to the door without forgetting the pooper scope and disposal bag.  Without any hesitation she opened the door.

Hunter had often warned her to be more cautious.  She should make sure no one was around before leaving the house and walking down the street at night.  The neighborhood had a few streetlights, mainly at intersections but there were long stretches of deep shadows unless the neighbors had their porch lights on.  Paige never understood why she should be wary in her own neighborhood.  Neighbors were within an easy shouting distance and unlike