In the Blink of an Eye

By Sharen Skylar

The first in a series "In The Blink of An Eye" tells the unraveling of mysteries behind a strip club and the rape and murder of the women who work there. Beyond seductive strip club walls you will see that the women are not the only things to be uncovered. As the crimes are being investigated, Zac Harmon, together with his fellow cops, will find themselves drawn into the investigations farther than they ever thought imaginable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 5, 2010
• ISBN: 9781449061159

Sharen Skylar

SHAREN SKYLAR is the imaginative author and mastermind behind the creation titled, "Line of Sight." In addition to her highly anticipated series of suspense novels, she is currently working on her fourth novel in this series titled, "In The Blink of an Eye." Sharen currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where the bright lights and big city set the stage for her next big production.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

He stared down at the curvy female stretched out on the grass. She seemed to be asleep, taking a nap. But he knew better. She was resting all right, but she wasn’t going to wake up.

Riley Campbell casually glanced over his shoulder to make sure they were still alone. Confident that he’d picked the right spot and their presence hadn’t alerted anyone, he continued to gaze at the once attractive Becca McDonald.

She wasn’t pretty now, he thought, as he slid his belt back through the loops on his pants. Her beauty was now marred by split and puffy lips, her eye and cheek beginning to swell and it made her look . . .scary. Riley smiled as he crouched down next to her and arranged her body so that her knees were together, making her look almost demure.

That was a joke, he thought. She’d been so easy. When he’d slipped her the note at the Velvet Lap Men’s Club, he’d watched her in the mirror as she read it at the bar with her back towards him.

She didn’t acknowledge him at first. But then she folded the small piece of paper, slipped it into her very small skirt, which barely covered her ass, and turned to him. When she moved, her large breasts bobbed. He smiled at them. He liked big tits.

She studied him from across the room, trying to decide if the note was for real. He was clean-shaven, in his late twenties or maybe early thirties and nicely dressed. He was handsome and looked quite harmless.

Riley held her gaze for several long moments until she finally smiled back at him and wrote something on a cocktail napkin. His heartbeat quickened with anticipation.

Becca brought him a beer along with her own little note telling him where she’d meet him at the end of her shift, two hours away. Then they could discuss the arrangement he was offering.

He put a twenty on her tray and when she went to make change for him, he put his fingers lightly on top of her hand to still her movement.

That’s for you, beautiful, he murmured quietly.

Not quite sure what to make of that, since she was still fairly new to the topless dancing game, she just stood there for a moment and then nodded. Thanks. I appreciate it. And she meant it. Getting a thirteen-dollar tip for just putting a beer on the table was nice. It also put a smile on her face.

There’s more where that came from, he whispered.

He watched her walk away. He didn’t even want to see her dance. He’d see that later. Tipping his head back, he poured the beer in his mouth and swallowed, then stood, smiled and left. He’d definitely see her dance later in private.

Becca finished her shift, changed but left her heavily applied makeup on and drove to their rendezvous at The Casual Corner. Feeling a little foolish for even thinking he was really going to be inside, she parked her car, locked it and walked into the noisy bar.

She’d picked this place because it was close to her home and she thought she’d be safe in a crowded environment. She didn’t know how charming Riley Campbell could be.

She walked inside, scanned the room and saw him sitting at a table against the back wall watching her. She took a deep breath and closed the distance between them, coming to stand in front of him. And waited. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so awkward.

Riley could see the unease on her face. He put out his hand, motioning for her to sit down and smiled again.

"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked with a chuckle in his voice.

Uh, sure, she said nervously, looking around the bar. A dark beer would be great.

He walked up to the bar and returned with her beer a few minutes later. Then he sat back and watched her take big gulps. She really looked cute, being so nervous.

So why do you want me to dance for you? she asked and then shook her head. I mean, you could’ve seen me dance at the club for a lot less money.

He smiled his most charming smile for her. I wanted to see you in private. I want you to dance just for me. He put up both his hands, palms facing her in a motion of surrender. No sex, he said defensively. I just want to see you dance.

She didn’t understand it but she agreed to it. Five hundred dollars was a lot of money. Okay. Where? she asked, finishing off the beer.

I’ve got a boat at the marina. He stopped when she drew her brows together and looked troubled. If that bothers you, we can go to my house or a hotel. Wherever you’d be most comfortable, he finished.

Becca thought for a few seconds. He wouldn’t be offering her the choice if he was up to something. No. Your boat is fine. I’ve never danced on the water.

He gave her directions but sensed she preferred to follow him. He knew that her being in her own car made her much more at ease.

As she drove behind him, she thought about what she was going to do. Since she hadn’t thought to bring anything to play music on, she guessed she’d just twitch her hips to a song in her head. Maybe even give him a little kiss. He was kinda cute. Then she’d go home five hundred dollars richer.

After the twenty-minute drive to the lake, they pulled into the dark marina lot and parked side by side. Before he got out of his car, Riley slipped off his shoes and put a pair of rubber gloves inside his shirt, against his skin.

He’d known that the chain would be up, blocking access to the actual marina. This wasn’t a real entry anyway, but she didn’t have to know that. He walked over to her car, opened the door and waited for her to step out.

It’s just over there, he said motioning to the side. The gate’s locked again. He managed to sound annoyed but actually, he was quite pleased. He could hardly keep from chuckling. He knew that nobody would be watching the parking lot at this time of year.

Becca didn’t know that though, and she walked with him into the shadows. When the light was behind him, he slipped his hand under his shirt and slid a glove on. Then he stopped walking and waited for her.

She turned and smiled until the crack of his hand hitting her face stunned her and made her stumble backwards. He reached out to keep her from falling, then slapped her again, harder this time and then let her fall to the ground while he put the other glove on. Stars shot through her vision.

Becca tried to scramble away but she was no match for him. He reached down and dragged her up to her feet again. He slammed his fist into her face, and she crumpled back to the ground.

Through tears and fear she managed, What do you want? Please just let me go home. Her voice was little more than an anguished whisper. She wiped at the blood on her lips and stared at the man in front of her as he tapped his belt with his fingers. As if that was her biggest concern at the moment, all she could think was he’d told her no sex and he’d lied to her.

But Riley hadn’t lied at all. He didn’t want sex with her. He had something else in mind. His eyes stayed locked on hers as he undid his belt buckle and slowly pulled the leather through the loops.

Now she noticed the gloves on his hands and that he wore no shoes, only socks. She was terrified and could only stare at him in disbelief.

He bent down slowly, and draped the belt around her neck, pulling the end through the buckle and then with a vicious yank, hoisted her to her feet yet again. He easily held her off the ground, her back against the tree. She clawed at the belt around her neck, trying to loosen it. She kicked furiously but her feet touched nothing except air.

Her eyes widened in fear and pain and mindless shock. Urine ran down her legs and splattered on the ground. Riley made no sound, but continued to pull on the belt until she finally stopped moving. His grin, once so inviting, turned into a leering sneer of controlled hatred. When he was sure she was dead, he dropped her and knelt down beside her, removing the glove and unzipping his pants.

No sex for you, sweet thing, he said in a cocky tone. Just for me. He took his hand to himself and with practiced skill, brought himself to climax and used the glove to capture the essence of Riley Campbell. Then he sat back and watched her for a few minutes while his breathing returned to normal.

It was glorious! He knew it would be. He wasn’t disappointed in the feelings, but Becca hadn’t been much of a challenge to him. Next time, he thought, he’d like someone to fight with him a little bit more, put up some resistance. That would be so much better.

Standing, he removed the glove from his other hand and slowly backed away from Becca McDonald, using his socked foot to remove any traces of his presence there and went back to his car. He put both gloves into a plastic bag, which he’d dispose of later, and drove away contentedly humming a tune he’d heard at The Velvet Lap earlier that evening.

He knew he wouldn’t be caught. He knew all the tricks, knew all the rules. After all, he was a cop.

ONE

Zachary Harmon, known to people he worked with as Zac and by one old friend as Harm, lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. He was trying to find a spark of motivation to get out of bed, get dressed and go in to work.

So far he wasn’t having any luck.

He knew he should just call in. Take the day off and spend it with his four-year old daughter Rachel. He also knew that he wouldn’t do that. He couldn’t.

Taking a deep breath, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and sat up. He swung his long legs over the side of the bed.

October 10th was always a miserable day for Zac. This would’ve been his sixth anniversary with Denise. But instead, Denise had missed their daughter’s last two birthdays and their last two anniversaries. He wanted to be angry about it, but he just couldn’t be. It wasn’t her fault.

Resigned to going to work after all, not that he’d had any real doubts about it, Zac walked into his bathroom and turned on the shower, ignoring his reflection in the mirror. He probably should shave but decided against that as well. He didn’t want to look clean-shaven and attractive. He wanted to look grubby and ugly to match his mood.

He stepped into the shower and let the hot water beat on him while he tried desperately not to think about his wife. He still loved her though, and that made it so much harder to get through this day every year.

After taking a long shower, but still feeling unrefreshed Zachary Harmon slid the glass door open, reached for a towel and looked at his daughter Rachel sitting on the bathroom floor, waiting for him. She looked like a miniature Denise.

Hi, Daddy, she said happily.

Jesus, he thought, still reaching for the towel. He didn’t want to make a big thing about his nudity at the moment, but he was all too aware of her deep brown eyes considering the area below his waist.

Hi, little girl, he finally said as he watched her tip her head, then reach down to pull her panties out by the elastic and peek inside. She didn’t have what her daddy had and now she narrowed her eyes at him with suspicion.

What’s that? she said letting go of the elastic.

Zac had finally put his hand on the towel and started drying his hair before he answered her. If he were quick enough, she wouldn’t really hear what he was saying. It’s called a penis, he mumbled. He’d never looked forward to having the birds and bees conversation with her and felt completely embarrassed and unready. The fact that his daughter was only four and was wondering why he was so much different than she was made it a lot worse. Of course she heard exactly what he’d said.

You make babies with that! she yelled jumping to her feet.

Zac felt both his brows lift in astonishment at her remark. Well . . . uh . . . yeah. he stuttered. When in doubt, confuse the issue and ask questions. Who told you that?

Rachel just shrugged her shoulders daintily and smiled at him, but kept her eyes locked on the object under discussion. As he dried off, he wished for the first time in his life that his manhood would shrivel up and disappear to avoid the intense scrutiny of those curious eyes. Finally, he managed to get the towel around him and tucked the corner under the edge, causing her to lift her eyes to his and him to let out the breath that he’d been holding.

Miss Avery says you’re cute, Rachel informed him. You could make a baby with her!

Zac moved past her, slid his fingers through her honey blonde hair and snapped up his toothbrush, putting some toothpaste on the bristles. He slid the switch to on, shoved it into his mouth and muttered Uh-huh. Since he couldn’t brush his teeth the entire morning, he finished up and turned to face her and smiled. She suddenly looked a lot older than four.

With her small hands on her hips and a pout on her face she repeated to her daddy what her teacher had told her. I need a mother’s inflew . . . infru . . . She stopped, unable to say the word.

Influence? Zac asked while he crossed his arms against his bare chest and just stared at his daughter. I need to have a talk with your teacher, he said, extending his hand to her and then pulled her up into his arms. He didn’t think Miss Avery should be telling her things like that.

I’d like a mommy, Rachel told him, putting her head down on his shoulder.

He held her tight, too tight maybe, his face in her soft hair and tried to keep the tears back. You have a mommy, he said, knowing it was a lame reply. She’s just not here. It broke his heart that she didn’t remember Denise at all and yet Denise was all he could think about. Hey, he said suddenly, and with a cheer he didn’t feel, causing Rachel to lift her head and look him in the eyes. Who’s your favorite daddy?

You are! she said putting her little lips against his and giving him a loud kiss. Who’s your favorite little girl?

You are! Zac mimicked her and didn’t try to stop the tear that slid down his cheek.

Rachel touched the tear then looked at him. Don’t cry, daddy. It’ll be okay. We’ll get us a mommy soon. She wiggled out of his arms and ran to the door, turning to smile at him. We’re gonna be late again, she sang with a happy, teasing lilt. That meant a trip to McDonald’s for breakfast.

Hurry up and get dressed, he shouted after her. Zac watched her run from the bathroom as he removed the towel, tossed it over the shower door and walked into his bedroom to get dressed. Damn teacher, he thought as he pulled on his boxers and sat on the bed to put on his socks. Rachel was too little to understand that you didn’t just go out and find a new mommy and wished like hell that Miss Avery would stay out of their business.

They were really late this time. They made the quick trip through Mickey D’s and headed towards The Learning Curve. Miss Avery had been watching for them and when she saw the car pull into the driveway, she met them outside. It gave her a chance to talk to Rachel’s daddy, which was one of the highlights of her day.

She wasn’t happy to see Rachel carrying the bag with her breakfast. It meant she’d have to eat in the office again, otherwise all the other children would want to help her eat her breakfast, such as it was.

She watched Zachary Harmon walk towards her, with his daughter holding his fingers. He was wearing a nicely cut grey suit that left nothing to her imagination about his build and felt her face flush. With the beard shadow along his jaw, he reminded her of a pirate.

Good morning, Rachel. Mr. Harmon. She watched as Rachel reached up with her hand not holding the bag and wiggled her fingers at her dad to pick her up. When he did, she gave him the biggest and noisiest kiss she could and put her hands, bag and all, around his neck for a hug. Over her blonde head, Zac locked his gaze onto Miss Avery’s and hoped that she could read in them that he wanted to talk to her.

Gonna get the bad guys today, Daddy? Rachel asked as her daddy dangled her feet above the ground for a few seconds, then let her stand on her own.

I always try. He gently pushed her in the direction of the steps. Go on inside so I can talk with your teacher. Zac beamed at her. When she skipped to the steps and jumped up them one at a time, he turned to speak. Miss Avery, he began, the happy smile gone from his face.

June, please. She knew she had a crush on the man standing in front of her and couldn’t help it. He was just so attractive and big and protective and . . ." Her thoughts scattered like marbles when he continued speaking.

Miss Avery, he repeated, bent on ignoring her first name until he saw how sad her eyes looked then softened. Okay, June. Look, Rachel mentioned that you told her she needed a mother’s influence . . .

Well, she does, June Avery interrupted him. It can’t be healthy for a young girl to be completely surrounded by men all the time. Right then June wished she was in that situation. I just wanted you to know that if there was anything I could ever do . . .

He interrupted her. She’s just fine. This is a rough time for me, for us, but we’ll be okay. I’m not in the market for a new wife or a new mommy or anything else and I would appreciate it if our personal lives remained personal. Zac watched as two large spots of crimson stained her cheeks. He ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head. I’m sorry, this is just a bad day for me. But he was talking to her back now as she hurried up the steps and inside the building. Fuck, he muttered. I hate October 10th.

By the time Zac arrived at the police station, his mood had gone from surly to bitchy. He’d even left his cup of coffee sitting on top of his car and had driven off before he remembered it was there, as if trying to prove how absent-minded he could be.

That and the little confrontation at the daycare had started what was, as far as he was concerned, the worst day of every year off on the proper footing. The last thing he wanted now, before he had his coffee, was to see a note taped to his monitor saying his presence was requested in the conference room.

Muttering to himself, he decided to take a chance and get a new cup of coffee before heading into whatever kind of meeting this was. He was quick as he poured the coffee into his own mug and sipped it as he walked. Ah, he sighed, feeling almost like a new man. Almost, but not quite.

He opened the door and stepped inside thinking that it probably wasn’t a good sign to see this many people in this room this early in the day. Zac glanced at his watch and knew it was going to be a pisser of a day.

Scanning the room, he realized he knew almost everyone here. Seated at the head of the table was Chief-of-Police Charles Murdock, Charlie to everyone when he wasn’t in a bad mood. Standing at the window, seemingly watching both the morning traffic move along and Zac, was Captain Keith Gunther. Both men nodded at him and motioned for him to sit down.

He sat next to his long time friend Cooper Scott. Sitting across from him was Mickey Corrello, who worked in homicide. The only person he didn’t know leaned over, extended his hand and introduced himself.

Brent Mauger, he said pleasantly. Vice.

Zac looked around the room again. Two from vice, two from homicide and two big dogs. He raised his eyebrows at his captain, asking for the scoop without saying a word. Gunther cleared his throat and looked him in the eye.

Zac watched his captain and decided the man needed a vacation. He looked tired. Then again, who in this room didn’t need a vacation? He sure did. He sat back while he waited and thought of different places he could take his daughter.

He hoped she let him take her camping. Hiking or fishing. The thought made him smile. Denise had thoroughly enjoyed camping so she could get away from the busy city and also to get away with him, where they were so close, so alone and so intimate. Where they’d made love all night under the velvet sky sprinkled with diamonds.

Shit, he thought to himself, he shouldn’t be thinking about Denise right now. It wouldn’t do him any good. Besides, Rachel would probably want to go to Disneyland.

It suddenly occurred to him that no one was talking. He raised his head to see everyone staring at him and wondered how long he’d zoned out? It couldn’t have been too long, his coffee was still warm.

Care to join the conversation? Gunther asked him. Without waiting for a reply, he continued. Is anyone here familiar with The Velvet Lap?

Zac leaned over towards Cooper and mumbled, Yeah, I take my daughter there for dinner all the time.

Cooper couldn’t hold back the snort of laughter as Murdock frowned at them.

Gentlemen, he said, looking around the room with no amusement in his eyes. "Are any of you familiar with the name of this particular establishment?"

Zac just couldn’t help being a smartass today. Well, I have heard of the place and I’ve always wondered about the name.

Evidently it was contagious because Mickey Corrello had a quick answer, too.

I think that the Velvet Pussy was already taken.

Ah, Zac said. Thanks for clearing that up. I’ve lost lots of sleep wondering.

Okay, okay. Fun time is over. Let’s get serious now, shall we? Murdock said.

Zac pushed his chair out, stood up and went to stand by his captain before he spoke. Seems to me it’s not your everyday strip joint.

Place could’ve been called Curves Galore, Mickey added.

Home of the average woman, Cooper tossed in his few cents.

For the man who appreciates the larger woman, Brent said to the group.

"So, it’s safe to say you’re all familiar with The Velvet Lap," Murdock said looking around the room at the four detectives.

That’s good because you’re all going to be working together on this one, Gunther told them. Zac and Coop will be the primary investigators and Mickey and Brent are the legs.

This is fascinating, Zac said while he rolled his eyes. Looking into the mysteries of chunky strippers, but what does homicide have to do with it?

Why don’t you explain it to him, Coop? Murdock said.

Parker Ronald, Coop said with contempt. Piece of shit slime ball. We’ve been watching him for a couple of months now. Cooper Scott stood up to pace around the room. He deals in cocaine but not in the usual fashion. Word is that he deals to his girls.

Oh, that’s nice, Mickey growled.

The stuff is coming in from Hawaii. We don’t know the how or even the who. It’s very quiet. What we do have is what Parker does once he cleans it up a little. His girls are well endowed, so he gives them some to take the edge off. Helps break the ice and keeps them chatty. Men respond to a pretty face, loose lips. The big tits are just a bonus.

So bust him. What’s the big deal? Zac asked with irritation.

"The drugs are only one aspect of it. Once he gets them hooked, he gets them to hook. Cooper Scott shook his head at what he’d just said. Not all of the girls, mind you, but quite a few. They get into him for big dollars and he works a deal for them to pay off their debt. He gets almost everything from her and all the while, they’re still using and he’s still collecting. If they don’t want to fuck to pay him back, then he’ll add a little rape into the threat."

So, I repeat, Zac said again. Bust him. Sounds like you’ve got dealing, extortion and prostitution. What’s the problem?

Well, what we have is shaky, can’t back it up. Most of the girls are too scared about retaliation on Parker’s part, Brent told him.

So, is this pure speculation? Or do you actually have someone inside talking to you? Mickey asked, looking from one vice cop’s face to the other.

Cooper shot a look to Brent and both men slid a glance to Charles Murdock, who just cleared his throat and looked out the window. That was answer enough. But Coop clarified things a little more.

We had a direct source from inside, but she’s a dead end now.

Zac shoved his hands in his pockets. Literally? he asked quietly, assuming this was how homicide was involved.

Literally. Found her body this morning.

Raped? Beaten? Sodomized? Made an example of? Mickey wondered since he knew a little about Parker Ronald.

Strangled, Keith Gunther advised his detectives.

We’ve got one of our own inside now, Coop said looking directly at Zac. And you and I are going clubbing tonight, so try and put on a happy face.

Zac sighed and walked over to stare out the window at nothing. He caught a glimpse in his mind of Denise and then his little angel baby Rachel. All he wanted was to get through this day in one piece.

He really should’ve stayed home.

TWO

Because Zachary Harmon wanted this day done and over with, it crawled by slower than anything he could imagine. As thoughts of spending a quiet evening with his little girl dwindled away, he made arrangements to have his mom pick up his baby and take care of her until he could get home.

Normally, Zac didn’t like to work any overtime. Lots of guys put in for it, but he tried to avoid it. It was understandable. No one thought badly of him for it. In fact, most everyone understood his reasons.

As a rule, his time belonged to his daughter after six in the evening. He wanted as much time with her as he could possibly fit in, but he didn’t want to smother her.

He went to work after dropping her at daycare and they each had their own things going on until he picked her up after work. Then, they belonged to each other. They didn’t watch much television, they played games instead.

At four years old, Rachel Harmon could read and write well. Zac played Scrabble at least once a week with her and in the beginning he’d had no trouble beating her. But now, it wasn’t so easy for him to win. Their scores were very close and sometimes she actually came out the winner. Zac couldn’t have been more proud.

She also played poker with the guys. She knew a full house from a flush and had a poker face that wouldn’t quit. He was sure June Avery would certainly not approve, but the way he looked at it was that he was teaching her the value of math!

Well, no games for them tonight, he mused. Looks like he and Coop were going to pay a visit to the Velvet Lap and see what they could see.

While Zachary Harmon was trying to make the best of a depressing day, his best friend, Eric Mansen, was enjoying the last of his days off. As a firefighter with the 4th Station House, he worked five days on and then had five days off.

October 10th was important to Eric, not like it was to Zac, but because he felt a deep responsibility to help his friend survive this day every year. He did feel, after all, involved from the very start.

Stretched out on the couch, only half watching the Colorado Avalanche whoop up on the Dallas Stars, he wondered if it was getting any easier for Zac to get through this day. This memory. He’d talked to him earlier and knew he had to work late and also knew that Zac would stop by on his way home tonight and they’d sit and talk for awhile. They always did.

Eric also knew that Zac was having a hard time keeping his mind off his wife today. He’d told him as much. In a way, he could relate. He sometimes had trouble keeping his mind off Zac’s wife as well. Sometimes he remembered it like it was yesterday, even though it was almost two years ago.

It was a beautiful October day. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day in the desert, cool and clear. Zac and Denise had just celebrated their fourth anniversary and they still acted like newlyweds. Holding hands, stealing kisses every chance they could and still being so much in love. Just three months earlier Rachel had turned two.

Eric was going to take care of the little girl that now called him Uncle Eric, so Zac and Denise could go to San Francisco for the weekend. Only Zac didn’t know where they were going. Denise had done a