Page 26 of Mayfair Madame (Mayfair Heights #1)

Chapter Twenty Four

Naomi

“ E llie thinks you hate her,” I said as I walked into my study.

“What?Of course I don’t.”

Melinda could have fooled me. We’d already fallen out over this, but I wasn’t about to do that again. She was a very dear friend. One I’d hate to lose.

“How was your weekend?” I opened the takeaway coffee cup, added some sugar, and gave it a stir. They never put enough in it.

“Itwas uneventful. Shopping, cleaning. You know, the usual stuff.”

She really needed to find a hobby, or maybe she should hook up with a certain young lady who worked in the bakery. Maybe then she’d be less inclined to be all up in my business.

But hey, I couldn’t tell her that now. Or could I?

“You know you should get out more.”

“I’m not asking her out, Naomi.”

“I didn’t even mention her name.” I laughed because I didn’t have to.

“What did you tell me about meddling in other people’s business?”

“Touché, Melinda. I won’t interfere again.” But we both knew I was lying. I’d not meddle, but I’d do what I could to get them together. She deserved her happiness.

“So, what else happened?” She changed the subject. “More messages?”

“Another text message and a letter in the post this morning. I promised Ellie we’d see Josh, but I don’t see how that’ll help. I might just leave it a while and see if I get any more. Hopefully, with the other problems Godfrey has, he’ll drop it.”

Even I didn’t believe the shit I was telling her, and I was pretty sure Melinda didn’t either. But I wouldn’t let this ruin my life. I had a life to live, a curvy detective to explore. I’d come through worse. This was just another bump in the road.

“We can only hope. Look, Naomi, I can’t stay long today. I’ve a list a million miles long. A few personal things too I need to take care of. Is it okay if we cut it short?”

“Of course! Jeez, Melinda. You have this place running like clockwork. A couple of days away won’t hurt.”

“Oh, I don’t need a couple of days.”

“Eh, take them anyway. If anything crops up, I can handle it.”

I’d done it before Melinda had joined me. Yes, there were probably a few more issues now that the retail side of things had grown, but I wasn’t just a madame. I had an astute business mind, which was why Rupert had trusted me with his building.

He wasn’t a man who trusted easily, and he trusted me as I did him.

“But stay and drink your coffee first.”

“If you don’t mind, I won’t. I’ve so much to do.”

Wasit me, or was she acting peculiar? Either way, it didn’t matter. There was nothing that couldn’t wait.

“Call me when you’re next around. I can take care of things in the meantime.”

She gathered her bag, fiddled with the strap, then shook her head as if deciding.

“Bye, then. Speak to you soon.”

Moments later, the front door closed. What had got into her?

I pottered around the apartment, tidied the kitchen, and changed the sheets on the bed. A cleaner came in three times a week, but it’d be a couple of days before she arrived.

The letter still lay on the floor in the kitchen. I picked it up with some tongs and placed it into a plastic freezer bag. Ellie would have been proud.

Perhaps I should turn my hand to forensics when this old body sagged and my looks went, but then I thought of the blood. Not to mention the other bodily fluids, and I shuddered.

URGH. The thought of it turned my stomach.

Howlong would Ellie be? She probably wouldn’t even be home yet, so it gave me time to take a bath and get ready for an afternoon of good food, plenty of drinks,and then hopefully, some mind-blowing sex. I had a few things in mind, and I almost danced to the bathroom with excitement.

An hour later, suitably shaved and primped, I stood before the floor-length mirror in my bedroom. I’d opted for a pair of navy Capri pants, an off-the-shoulder white top, and navy pumps. I turned this way and that, scrutinising my appearance.

Was a neckerchief too kitsch? Did it give me a cosmopolitan look, or did I look too much like Audrey Hepburn?

I ditched it but picked up a cute clutch bag that matched perfectly with the shoes. Oscar would have been proud of my choices.

I snapped a photo and sent it to him.

Me: Out to lunch with Ellie. Looking very chic , mwah!

Oscar: You look fabulous, darling . Have a spectacular time.

I’d texted Ellie and told her I’d meet her downstairs at one. It was quarter past twelve now, but it didn’t do to be late.

I spritzed on my favourite perfume, touched up my lip gloss, and grabbed my bag.Finally, a proper date.

“Goodafternoon, Miss Reeves. How are you today?” Walter asked when I arrived in the lobby.

“I’m feeling wonderful today, Walter. How are you?”

“Very well. Can I get you a taxi?”

“I’m having lunch with Ellie at Lorenzo’s. No taxi is necessary today.”

“Of course. Enjoy your afternoon.” He nodded and resumed whatever he had been doing.

“Oh,before I go. A letter came today. Do you know whether it was hand-delivered or from the postman?” It was worth a shot.

“I don’t rightly remember. I’ve seen no one here who shouldn’t have been here.”

I thanked him and tried my best to put it out of my mind, determined to have the best afternoon with Ellie.

I stepped out onto the street. The sun shone, and my heart soared, happier than I’d been in a long while. Summer always had that effect on me, but now, with Ellie in my life, I experienced a joy that warmed my soul.

Pedestrians jostled me as I made my way to the main entrance. It seemed busier than usual.Tourists of many nationalities filled the street, chattering in their native languages. Some stopped to take photographs; others to gaze at the spectacular architecture that surrounded us.

Tour guides with umbrellas grabbed their attention. I stood for a moment and listened to what they had to say, although I’d heard it all before.

I couldn’t stand here all day, though, and was about to move away, when a firm hand gripped my wrist and something sharp dug into my side.

“Bitch, I knew I’d find you.” Warm spittle coated the side of my face, and I knew without looking who brandished the knife. “Say or do anything, and I’ll cut you so deep.”

I struggled to wrest myself from his grip and hissed as the knife pierced my side. I tried again. I was younger and stronger than him, but his hand around my wrist was like a vice. I lashed out with my other hand, intent on clawing his face.

“We’re surrounded by people, bitch. I could cut any of these. So, be a good whore and stop struggling.”

I couldn’t let him do that. These were innocent people he threatened. Women and children, old and young. I wouldn’t risk their lives. I didn’t doubt he’d carry through on his threat. His voice reeked of desperation and malice.

“You won’t get away with this.” I inhaled sharply. He twisted the knife, and pain shot through me.

“Oh, I have every intention of getting away with it. I’ll gut you and leave you for dead, and no one will know who did it. Now move.”

Another sharp jab with the knife propelled me forward through the crowd. Where was he taking me?

We passed the entrance to Mayfair Heights. Guy was coming out of the gym. If only I could catch his eye.

“No funny business. Keep walking, bitch. I’ve got plans for you.”

For an elderly man, he was strong, and I remembered how he’d shoved me a few weeks before. Then he’d been fuelled by lust and alcohol; now he was fuelled with hate. A powerful emotion.

“Just let me go, please.” I wouldn’t beg, but I’d do whatever it took to keep me alive. He was intent on hurting me, but I didn’t know how much.

Would he have the guts to kill me? I fucking hoped not.

“Downhere.” He shoved me down an alleyway a little way from the Heights and rammed my back into the wall. With no one around, my odds increased. The hours I spent at the gym wouldn’t be wasted, but that didn’t stop the terror that consumed me.

“I dropped the charges against you. Why are you doing this?” Bile fought its way up my throat at his foul breath. Maybe I could talk my way out of this.

He looked unkempt; his wild eyes darted this way and that. Was he on anything, or was this a consequence of his rage? His beard was straggly, and his clothes were stained. It looked like he hadn’t washed in days.

“You took everything from me. My home, my wife, my livelihood. I’ve got nothing because of you.

I should take you right here, shove my cock right up that tight pussy of yours.

You’re nothing but a fucking whore. I told Clement that the night we first met.

I’ve seen women like you. Offer it up on a plate and then cry when we give you what you want. ”

“I never fucking wanted you. That was all in your own tiny mind.”

“Don’t push me, bitch. It wouldn’t be the first time I’d killed someone. Some women just don’t know when to shut up.”

Whoa,I wasn’t expecting that, but fear took hold. If I stood here any longer doing nothing, I could be lying in an alleyway bleeding out. My hands tingled, and pain radiated through me, a deep throb now in my side. I had to do something.

There were times I wished I were more diplomatic and that I could keep my mouth shut.But I hadn’t got where I was by being downtrodden and dominated. No, fuck that shit. There was only one way I was getting out of this.

“You did that to yourself. I’m surprised your wife stayed with you this long.

I’m betting you couldn’t satisfy her, and she’s already got someone on the side giving her the fucking you couldn’t.

Is that why you assault women? Because you do it to feel important?

Huh, impotent more like. I’m betting I’d need a magnifying glass to find your micro-dick. ”

Then sometimes it probably wasn’t the smartest thing to do. That epiphany hit me as the blade sank deeper into my side.

I slumped against the wall, held up only by his hand on my shoulder. Lightheaded and nauseous, I tried to keep it together. The only thought that went through my head was that he’d ruined my perfect outfit. The blood would never come out of this top.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”

Was that Ellie? What was she doing here? That couldn’t be right. We were supposed to be meeting at Lorenzo’s for a meal, then drinks, then sex. Another fucking date ruined!

“Move along, girlie. Nothing for you to see here.” He tilted me away from prying eyes, no doubt wanting to hide the blood that gushed from my side.

“Girlie? Fucking girlie? I think you’ve forgotten where we first met, Lord Godfrey. Detective Ellie Sharpe, and I’m here to arrest your sorry arse. Don’t fucking move.”

“You’ve got nothing on me. I’m just having a chat here with an old friend.”

“Oh, spare me the fucking excuses. We both know exactly what’s going on here. Step away from her, Godfrey. Naomi, are you okay?”

I shook my head as best I could, barely able to breathe through the pain. I didn’t think Ellie realised there was a knife sticking in my side.

She pulled out her phone. “This is Detective Ellie Sharpe. I need a unit at Mayfair Heights. Assault in progress.”

“Don’t come any closer. I will kill her.”

Itwas difficult to concentrate, but the moment I saw the fear and anguish in her eyes, strength surged through me.

With a yell, I pushed him away, the excruciating pain almost bringing me to my knees. He staggered backwards, and I took my chance.

I stumbled but made my way to Ellie. She grabbed me, and her hand came away red with my blood.

“Jesusfucking Christ, Naomi.” She dialled another number. “Ambulance to my location.Stab wound.”

“Do we have enough to put him away now?” I winced as she pressed something against my side.

“Yeah, we do, baby. We’ve got him this time.”

A commotion in the alleyway drew my attention, and I turned around to see Guy with his knee pressed to Godfrey’s back.

“When did he get here?” Why did everything hurt?

“You need to stop talking, Naomi, but you’ve drawn quite the crowd. Now stay still until the paramedics get here.”

“Do you ever think we’ll have a normal date, where one of us doesn’t end up in the hospital?”

She laughed and placed a kiss on my forehead. “Well, we’ve plenty of time to try.”