Stripped Read online

“Sports isn’t my thing.” He pulled on his sleeve. “I’m a nerd.”

  “I wouldn’t describe you as that.”

  “Your uh...” He chewed his bottom lip. “Mother died when you were young too, right?”

  “Once and for all, how do you know all this about me?”

  “Let’s just say someone at your precinct told me some things about you.”

  “Someone at my job’s been feeding you information? Who?”

  “If I told you it would defeat the purpose.”

  “I can’t believe a cop I work with has been sneaking behind my back and telling you my business.”

  He lifted his finger. “I didn’t say it was a cop.” Lines sprouted from around his eyes as he smiled.

  “Unbelievable.” She let out a harsh breath.

  “Learned more interesting things. You dated Grayson Paul. Got involved with him while investigating him for murder. That’s comforting.”

  “Why?”

  He stroked his chin. “Means I might have a chance with you.”

  “Enough of this.”

  He grabbed her hand as she stood. “In my lab, I tried to kiss you.” He rose, strengthening his grasp. “And, I won’t say I’m sorry because I’m not.”

  “You want me to arrest you?” She pulled her hand from his. “Is that what it’s gonna take for you to get the hint? I want nothing from you unless it’s about Autumn’s murder.”

  “I’ve never felt this way before, Deidra.” He raised his hands, moving his fingers as if he struggled not to touch her. “Usually I have an undeniable effect on women but with you it’s the opposite. I have this intense need to make things better for you. Give you peace and happiness.”

  “You want me to have peace, Jonathan?” She sniffled, nose irritated from the variety of flowers. “Let me do my job and stop playing this game.”

  “It’s not a game. Something powerful is happening with us and we’re helpless to stop it.”

  Connie came through the path and halted, glaring at Dee. “Am I interrupting something?”

  “No.” Jonathan smiled. “Detective Wilks, I didn’t tell you how lovely you look today. That pink blouse brings out your pretty green eyes.”

  She half-smiled, switching her focus to Dee. “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing. I was talking to Jonathan about Autumn’s murder.”

  Connie nodded, approaching. “Did you find out anything?”

  “I was telling the insistent detective yet again, that I didn’t have more to offer concerning Autumn. Sorry if no one here gave you any answers.”

  “Dee, we’d better get back to the station.”

  Jonathan whispered to Dee as he passed, “Come back tonight at seven for dinner with me and the ladies.” He kissed Connie’s hand. “Goodbye, Detectives.” He disappeared in the garden.

  “What?” Dee combed her fingers through her hair. “Why are you looking at me like that, Connie?”

  “What’s going on with you and Jonathan?”

  “I was questioning him.”

  “He was all over you and you didn’t seem to mind it.”

  “Get out my face with this shit, Connie.”

  “Listen.” Connie grabbed Dee’s arm as she tried to leave. “We might not be best friends but you’re my partner and I’m worried. You’re letting him get to you, Dee.”

  “That’s insane.” She cackled. “If it weren’t for the case, I wouldn’t be talking to him at all. Autumn’s murder is the only thing we should be worried about. What you’re seeing is all in your head.”

  “Are you attracted to him?” Connie’s pointy nose wiggled. “Are you?”

  “No.” Dee gritted her teeth. “It’s offensive you’d even ask that. I could never be interested in a man like Jonathan. I love Winston, remember?”

  Connie sneered, walking away. “Do you?”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  That night, Tran stepped aside while Dee entered Jonathan’s dining room.

  The crafted, hardwood furniture brought stuffiness to the space but the bright green walls eased Dee’s apprehension.

  “Please sit down.” Tran held out the wooden, Valencia chair with the embroidered back.

  Fixtures of antique brass and metal accents presented bursts of warmth and charm throughout the space.

  Dee sat, her butt sinking into the smooth, leather cushion.

  “Jonathan should be out in a few minutes and you’ll eat once he arrives.”

  “Okay.” Dee’s senses perked up at the aroma of fine wood and Pine Sol. “What are we having?”

  “Maple glazed duck breast, crispy potatoes and mushroom salad courtesy of Jonathan’s garden.”

  “That sounds delicious.” Dee got a cloth napkin off the table and laid it over her lap. “I like duck but don’t get to eat it often.”

  “That’s good.” Tran smiled. “Jonathan had this meal prepared for you.”

  “He did?”

  “Yes.” Tran bowed as the women of The Circle flowed in one by one and stood behind the chairs with stiff backs. “Have a good meal, Detective Quarter.” Tran left.

  The women remained motionless with their hands to their sides, their flowing dresses, the only sign of movement.

  “Don’t you guys ever get bored with wearing white?” Dee snickered, but the women didn’t respond. “Excuse me?” She tapped the hand of the short, voluptuous blonde woman beside her who she remembered was Rena. “Why aren’t you all sitting?”

  “We don’t sit until Jonathan enters,” Rena said.

  “Uh-huh. That’s another rule?”

  “Yes, Detective,” Ana said from the other end of the table. “Bad things happen if we break the rules.”

  Dee stuck out her neck. “Like what?”

  “It’s a secret,” Emma said from beside Ana. “We can’t share unless you’re a part of The Circle.”

  “I’m a cop so I’m concerned.” Dee clasped her hands in her lap. “I need to make sure you’re all safe.”

  “We’re fine,” the Asian woman who’d brought the fruit to the garden spoke. “We welcome any punishment to keep us in line.”

  “This is insane,” Dee whispered.

  Shauna swayed inside, the train of her dress dragging the floor.

  “Good evening, Mistress,” the women said in unison, bowing as Shauna stood by the second seat at the head of the table.

  “Ladies.” She peered at Dee. “Detective Quarter, what do you think of our dining area?”

  The women stayed stiff, staring ahead of them.

  “It’s one of the most beautiful rooms I’ve ever seen.”

  “And, been in I bet.” Shauna flipped her black crinkles off her shoulder. “I doubt you’re used to the finer things in life.”

  Bitch.

  “Since I’m the guest here, I’ll hold my tongue on that one.”

  “Make no mistake, Detective Quarter.” Shauna’s brows snapped together as she scowled. “I’m not letting you destroy our community.”

  “Jonathan invited me.”

  “But, why did you come?” Shauna touched the back of her chair. “If not interested in him.”

  “Look woman, the only thing I’m interested in is knowing who killed Autumn and yes, you guys aren’t in the clear yet. I’m here for business.”

  “Jonathan’s taken with you.” Her expression hardened. “For some unknown reason.”

  “Is that the issue here, Shauna? Do I threaten you?”

  “I am and will always be Head Mistress of this community. I’m not threatened by you or anyone.”

  “Is that why your nose is turning red? Why do I get under your skin so much?”

  “I’m warning you, Detective. I’m watching you.”

  “I’m doing the same, Shauna.”

  Jonathan walked in, chest out and shoulders back. “Deidra.”

  The women bowed at him.

  Shauna’s face twisted.

  “I’m so happy you took my invitation.”

  “Thanks for i
nviting me,” Dee said. “Though I’m not sure everyone welcomes me.”

  “Shauna.” Jonathan kissed her cheek, and she smirked as if she’d proved a point. “You promised you’d be nice to our guest.”

  “I have been.” She clenched her teeth. “Believe me.”

  Emma and Ana held Jonathan and Shauna’s chairs as they sat.

  Jonathan lifted his napkin. “Be seated, ladies.”

  They sat in their chairs, dignified.

  “That expression on your face...” Jonathan smiled at Dee. “Something shocking to you?”

  “Is this for real?” She laughed. “Are you fucking with me?”

  “We don’t put on shows for anyone.” Shauna took Jonathan’s hand. “What you see is what you get.”

  “Do you have an issue with what you see, Deidra?” Jonathan asked.

  “Hell, I gotta be blunt because I’m not one to hold back my opinion but this doesn’t sit well with me at all.” She gestured to the women. “You treat them like slaves.”

  “Slaves?” Shauna raised her chin. “We live in the lap of luxury without having to lift a finger for what we need. We’re submissive to Jonathan because that’s the way of life we believe in.”

  “No one forces these women to be here,” Jonathan said. “Right, ladies?”

  “Right, Jonathan,” they answered.

  “I’m not the submissive type,” Dee said.

  “All women are submissive to a point,” Jonathan said. “Don’t you ever do things for Winston? And do you enjoy doing those things? That’s submission.”

  “Women cannot control being submissive,” Asia, the black woman with the long braids, said. “We have a genetic desire to be dominated. We believe in the spiritual and natural structure of nature. Being a part of The Circle means we can be what we’re meant to be without feeling ashamed as we would in the outside world.”

  “That’s bullshit.” Dee scratched her nose. “It’s in our genes to be submissive? Where did you get that crap?”

  “You don’t understand because you’re not spiritual,” Shauna said.

  “You don’t know what I am.”

  “Once again it’s a waste to explain our ways.” Shauna rolled her eyes. “You’ve been tainted by the outside world. You can’t see this for what it is unless you’re stripped of all the narrow-minded thoughts that hold you back.”

  “Let’s forget this conversation.”

  “Why, Deidra?” Jonathan rubbed his fingers together. “A sore subject?”

  “Because I’ll never see it the way you all do. Shauna’s right. You will never make me believe women are supposed to be submissive because of our genes or whatever. You can’t base how someone acts on genetics.”

  “That’s coming from a cop?” Shauna snickered. “Don’t you base criminals actions on genetics?”

  “That’s different—”

  “Is it?” Shauna bobbed her head.

  Dee sighed. “Can we eat please?”

  Jonathan instructed the women to get the food.

  Four of them left and came back with the duck, sides, and drinks.

  One woman sliced into the steamy, golden duck breast covered in golden maple glaze.

  “That looks delicious,” Jonathan said.

  The woman placed thick slices on a plate and set it in front of Jonathan.

  “No, serve Deidra first. She’s our guest.”

  Shauna exhaled as the woman presented the plate to Dee.

  Dee sniffed the sweet maple and spices as another woman served her mushroom salad and potatoes.

  “Please.” Jonathan leaned forward. “What do you think?”

  Dee took a bite of the juicy breast, the skin melting in her mouth. “Mm.”

  Jonathan smirked. “I’m glad you like it.” He sat back. “I’d been rather disappointed if you hadn’t.”

  “Who made this?” Dee mixed the savory mushrooms with the glaze. “They need their own Food Network Show. I’m telling you.”

  “That would be Emma.” Shauna’s nose rose.

  “You made this, Emma?” Dee pointed her fork to the plate.

  The blonde smiled, her slanted brown eyes narrowing. “Yes, Ma’am.”

  Dee chewed. “Did you go to school to learn to cook like this?”

  “No, I just love cooking and picked it up on my own.” She fidgeted, giggling. “I cook all the meals. It’s the highlight of my day.”

  “As you spend more time here, you’ll see that each woman has a special set of talents.” Jonathan tasted his meal as the women served everyone else. “Well done, Emma. The duck is perfect.”

  She blushed, the air from the vent blowing her blonde ringlets.

  “Everyone show Emma your appreciation,” Jonathan said.

  The women clapped.

  Shauna bit into the duck and puckered her lips. “It’s a little salty.”

  Everyone looked at her.

  Emma went from smiling to her mouth dragging on the table.

  “I don’t think it’s salty at all.” Dee smiled at Emma. “People go to school to learn to cook this good.”

  “I agree.” Jonathan’s eyes penetrated Dee. “It’s not salty in the least.”

  Dee chuckled, sipping rosemary citrus spritzer. “Good Emma got the duck right, huh, Jonathan? I hear she’d been punished if not.”

  He cleared his throat as he chewed. “Enough about us. You’re the guest. Ladies, anything you wanna ask Detective Quarter?”

  “Do you like being a cop?” Shauna asked.

  Dee could tell she meant it as a dig. “I love it. It gives me a purpose in life.”

  “A purpose that revolves around guns and violence?” Shauna wriggled her shoulders as she chewed. “It’s such a brutal career.”

  “Who would keep people safe if not for cops?”

  “It makes you happy?” Ana asked.

  “Yes.”

  “What attracts you to it most?” Rena asked. “Having a brotherhood and place to belong?”

  “Guess you can say that.”

  “But, do you belong there?” Jonathan asked. “Or is it a smokescreen? If not, why are you so empty?”

  “Who says I’m empty?”

  “Your eyes do.” He pointed to Dee. “Look at our eyes. None of us are empty and we haven’t been since we found each other.”

  “You don’t have to be empty or alone.” Rena smiled at Dee. “The police department doesn’t have to be your only family.”

  Dee swallowed mushrooms. “I don’t need to join some cult for a purpose.”

  “This isn’t a cult,” Emma said. “It’s a family.”

  “A family that assures you’ll never be alone, Deidra.” Jonathan watched her with glassy eyes. “Isn’t that your biggest fear?”

  “This was a mistake.” She scooted from the table. “I shouldn’t have come here.”

  “Hold on.” Jonathan clapped at the women. “Get the cups.”

  A woman nodded and left the room.

  “The cups?” Dee asked.

  “It’s something we do during dinner.” Jonathan’s mouth curved into a mysterious smile. “An entertaining ritual.”

  Dee twitched, huffing. “I don’t understand.”

  The woman returned with a tray of upside down cups and stood by the table.

  “Every woman gets a cup turned upside down,” Shauna said. “And if there is a seed glued inside her cup, she’s the woman who gets to spend the night with Jonathan.” She kissed him. “Besides me. I get to spend every night with him.”

  Dee gaped as the woman placed cups by everyone except Shauna and Jonathan.

  “I have no idea who gets the seed,” Jonathan said. “It’s strictly by chance.”

  The woman set one by Dee’s plate.

  “You got to be crazy to think I’m taking part in this madness.” She batted her eyes. “I’m not a member of The Circle, remember?”

  “You’re our guest,” Jonathan said. “We wanted to include you.”

  “I’m not doing t
his.” Dee shoved the cup toward Rena who looked inside it.

  “It’s the seed.” Rena showed the seed glued to the bottom of the cup.

  Shauna exhaled, her mouth twisting.

  “Well, well, well,” Jonathan said. “Look who got the seed.”

  Dee stood, grabbing her purse from the floor.

  Jonathan rose from his chair. “Deidra?”

  She rushed out the door.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  “I missed you last night.” Winston held Dee from behind, munching the back of her neck in the police station lounge the next morning.

  “Stop.” She giggled as she got a soda from the machine. “We can’t do this here.”

  He grabbed her breast as she turned around. “I’m not doing nothing.”

  “We can’t be kissing and stuff like this here.” She squirmed, checking the doorway. “We gotta be professional.”

  “How can I be professional when you’re so goddamn beautiful?” He kissed the tip of her nose, the hair on his chin tickling.

  A group of detectives entered the lounge and headed to the icebox.

  “Chill, okay?” Dee patted Winston’s hard chest, which did nothing to stop the sensation between her legs. “We’ll pick up where we left off after work.”

  He did a lazy nod. “So, where did you go last night? I called and you never answered.”

  “Umm. I was out.” She opened the soda, watching officers leave the lounge. “Had something personal to take care of.”

  “Is something wrong?”

  “No, no.” She sipped the tingling drink. “It was about Dad. Eh, funeral home stuff.”

  “How come you didn’t call me back?”

  “Sorry, I was tired when I got in.” She chuckled. “You keeping tabs on me now?”

  “No.” He turned, watching as she walked to the table. “Just curious that’s all.”

  “I told you where I was.” She sipped with her hand propped on her waist. “You don’t have to be curious anymore.”

  “It’s just that you tell me everything.” He sauntered toward her, hands locked. “I wanna make sure everything is okay.”

  “Everything’s fine.”

  Connie walked in, fixing her gun in her holster. “Morning.”

  “Morning, Connie.” Winston smiled, semi-waving.

  “Dee.”

  “Connie.” Dee gestured with her can. “Ready to start the day? Let’s find out what happened to Miss Autumn.”