"What the hell does that have to do with it?" she demanded. "We work together on this one. And don't throw up the fact that I have someone," Samantha said. "That's lame."
"Okay. Then how about the fact that you won't fit in? People are more likely to talk to me than to you."
"I've seen you talk to people. I don't think that will be true."
Sikes walked over and stood between them, grinning.
"You girls fighting again? Need a referee?"
"Get lost, Sikes," Tori said, glaring at him.
"Whoa, Hunter, calm down. Just trying to stop a catfight here."
Tori turned and strode purposefully into the ladies' room. Samantha followed.
"You can't keep doing this," Samantha said.
"Doing what?"
"Taking over. Making all the decisions. We're partners, Tori. Why the hell don't you want me going out with you?"
Tori shoved her hands into her jeans and turned to look in the mirror, meeting Samantha's eyes in the reflection.
"Because the places I'm going, I don't want you at."
"Why?"
"Because they're not... nice places."
"They're bars."
"Leather bars. Sex bars. Not dance clubs," Tori said.
"And you think I'll judge you?"
Tori shrugged.
"Do you frequent these places on off hours? Are you afraid someone will recognize you?"
"No, of course not."
"Then?"
Sam walked over and turned Tori to face her.
"I'm not going to judge you based on what I might see tonight, Tori. There are plenty of straight bars that I wouldn't set foot in. What's the difference?"
"We need information, Sam. If you go in, looking all wide-eyed and shocked, no one's going to talk."
"I'll be fine. And if someone hits on me, I'll trust that you'll take care of them."
Tori allowed a smile to touch her face and Sam grinned in response.
"Okay. You can go. But... change clothes. Jeans. We need to start about ten."
"Okay. Meet you back here?"
Tori nodded and watched her walk away. She wondered what Sam would tell Robert.
"Gay bars?"
"Yes, Robert," Samantha said. She cradled the phone as she pulled on her jeans. "I'm sure it'll be after midnight before we're done. I'll call you tomorrow sometime."
"Why don't you just come over here when you're done?"
"Because it'll be late, Robert."
"I could wait up. It's Friday night, Samantha."
She bent her head back and stared at the ceiling. Why was he being difficult?
"Robert, please. I'm too tired to argue about this. When we're done, I'm coming home and going to bed. I'm not coming to your apartment. Now, we'll talk tomorrow."
"How will I know if you're okay?"
"Why wouldn't I be okay? We're going to some bars, asking questions. That's all."
"Samantha, anything could happen. I think you should at least call me when you get home."
"Why are you doing this?" she asked quietly.
"I just... worry about you. You've had this job barely a month and we've hardly seen each other. When we do, you're always tired. I just don't like what it's doing to us."
"You really want to have this conversation now?" She sat down on her bed and crossed her legs. "This is my job, Robert. Not eight to five. Just like yours is not eight to five. It's not like I'm going out for a night of fun. I'm working," she said.
"I know. I'm sorry. I know this is important to you. But... I want to be important to you, too."
She sighed. It shouldn't be like this. It was getting much too complicated. He was acting like she was going out on a date, for Christ's sake.
"Robert, you're blowing this out of proportion. I'm just working late. That's all. Now, I've got to go. I'm going to get a quick dinner, then head out. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Okay. I'm sorry. I love you, Samantha. Please be careful."
She squeezed her eyes shut. "I love you, too," she murmured.
She tossed her phone on the bed, staring at it. She was actually surprised by his reaction. When she was still with Assault, she'd had to go out nights on numerous occasions. She never recalled him being this upset by it. Of course, she'd never willingly gone out. She'd always wished she could stay home. With him. This time, it was her choice to go out. In fact, she'd had to practically beg to go out with Tori.
Chapter Sixteen
Samantha walked into the squad room, finding Tori exactly where she thought she'd be. Sitting at her desk, staring at the computer.
Tori looked up, her eyes moving over Sam. Faded jeans, boots, tight T-shirt tucked inside, black belt. No bra? Well, she certainly looked the part.
"Do I pass?"
"Better than me."
Sam's eyes flicked over Tori. She had changed into black jeans and a dark shirt. She looked as powerful as always.
"I don't think so," she said. "You look nice." She sat down at her desk and opened the bag she carried. She pulled out containers of Chinese food and tossed Tori a fork. "I took a chance that you hadn't eaten." She shoved one of the boxes at her. "Shrimp and chicken, both. I wasn't sure what you'd like."
"Anything," Tori said as she took a bite. "Mmm. Thanks."
Sam smiled and opened her own. She knew Tori would not take the time for dinner. She wondered how she survived at all.
"I assume you didn't do laundry," she said. "Did you break down and go to your apartment?"
Tori nodded, still chewing.
"Where is it, anyway?"
"South."
"South of here? South of Dallas? South of the interstate?"
"What? You want an address?"
Sam shrugged. "I just would like to know where you live."
"Here, mostly."
Sam shook her head. "You know that's not healthy. You have to have some place to escape to."
"I have my boat."
"And how often do you go out there?"
"More often in the summer, and why all the questions?" she asked as she stabbed a shrimp with her fork.
Samantha shrugged. "I just don't know anything about you."
"I lead a terribly boring life. There's not really anything to know."
"All work and no play?"
"Pretty much."
Samantha knew absolutely nothing about the lesbian lifestyle, but Tori was just so attractive. She couldn't imagine why she was single. She wondered if she ever dated.
"What thoughts are running through that pretty head of yours?"
"Just... wondering about your love life," Sam admitted.
Tori laughed. "I'm not exactly a sociable person."
"You don't date?"
"I wouldn't call it dating," Tori said dryly.
"One-night stands?"
"I wouldn't really call it that, either."
Sam's eyes widened. "Sex for hire?"
Tori laughed again. "I've never had to pay."
Sam watched as Tori stabbed another shrimp and slipped it in her mouth. Yes, attractive. In fact, she was... well, Sam wouldn't say beautiful. Not in the normal sense. Her skin was nearly flawless and those eyelashes, God, who wouldn't kill for them? Then those eyelashes opened and dark brown eyes captured her own. Her eyes were warm, gentle. Not the angry, indifferent eyes she'd found that first day.
"Now what are you thinking?"
Sam gave her a quick smile.
"None of your business," she said and she shoved a forkful of rice into her mouth.
"Are you sure you're up for this?" Tori asked again. They were parked down the street from the most popular leather bar in the city. She'd watched as Sam's eyes widened at the sight of a woman wearing a dog collar, being led into the bar on a leash.
"Why did she have a... leash?"
"Dominant-submissive. It's all about control," Tori said.
"Why would she do that?"
"They're role-playing. You'll see a lot worse inside. Maybe I should just go in by myself. You can wait out here," Tori offered.
"No. I can handle this," Samantha said. Couldn't she? God, did women really do that?
"We'll just go in, ask a few questions, then leave. If they know we're cops, they'll never talk to us. Don't flash your badge," Tori warned.
"We're not exactly going to fit in," Samantha said. "I mean, look at us. We look normal."
"They won't all be wearing collars, Sam. In fact, some women go just to watch."
Tori opened her door and got out, waiting until Sam walked beside her.
"Stay close to me."
"Don't worry. I won't let you out of my sight," Sam said.
It was dark inside and nearly everyone wore black, she and Tori included. The music was loud, pounding, almost sinister in its sound. She tried to act casual as she looked around, but the sight of a woman bound at the hands, being forced onto the lap of another, made her eyes widen. She felt a hand take hers and she thankfully squeezed Tori's fingers with her own. She let Tori lead her to the bar without a word.
"Sit."
They sat side by side, looking around without speaking. Sam watched as the bartender came over, a tall woman with spiked hair. She wore a leather jacket, opened-and nothing else. Both her nipples were pierced, linked together by a tiny silver chain.
"Scotch," Tori said.
"And what about for your pet?"
"She'll have club soda."
Samantha was about to protest when she felt Tori's hand squeeze hers. She kept quiet.
"We're looking for a friend of ours," Tori told the bartender. "Lorraine."
The woman shook her head. "Don't know a Lorraine."
"What about Crystal?"
"Crystal? Blond?"
Tori nodded.
"Yeah. Haven't seen her in a week or so." She set their drinks on the bar. "She belongs to Johnny."
Tori raised her eyebrows.
"Down there," she pointed.
Johnny was a massive woman, sitting at the end of the bar, alone. Tori looked at Sam, then bent closer.
"Stay here," she whispered. "Don't talk to anyone."
Samantha nodded, watching only out of the corner of her eye as Tori walked away.
Tori took her drink and sat down next to Johnny. The woman finally looked at Tori, then away.
"Too butch. Not interested," she said.
Tori rolled her eyes. As if. But she kept her voice low.
"I'm looking for Crystal."
"The bitch is gone. Not one word, just gone." Then the woman turned to Tori. "Why the hell do you want my Crystal?"
Tori discreetly pulled her badge out and flipped it at Johnny.
"What the hell?"
"I'm with Homicide. A woman was found murdered," she said quietly. "She went by Crystal on the street."
The woman stared at her for the longest time, then narrowed her eyes.
"Get the fuck out of my face."
The large woman pushed away from the bar and walked off, chains dangling from around her waist.
"Great, Hunter," she murmured. "That went well." But, at least they had a name. They could bring her in for questioning. She looked around for Sam, her eyes widening. "Oh, shit," she whispered.
"I'm with someone," Samantha said, but the woman sat down anyway.
"Don't see anyone," the woman said. Then she reached out and captured Sam's wrist, pulling Sam's hand toward her. "I'm claiming you."
"You're... what? ” Sam tried to pull her hand away, but the woman wouldn't release her. "Get your hands off me."
"Dance."
"No."
"I said yes."
Sam's eyes widened.
Then Tori appeared, grasping the woman's arm and squeezing hard.
"She's mine," Tori growled. "Don't touch."
"Hey, man," the woman gasped, releasing her hold on Samantha. "The bitch was alone."
"She's not alone. She's with me."
Tori moved between them, shielding Sam. She felt Sam's hands grasp her waist urgently.
"Then she shouldn't have looked at me."
"She'll be punished, don't worry."
Samantha's hands tightened their grip, listening. Finally, the other woman shrugged.
"You better keep her on a tighter leash," she muttered as she walked away.
Tori turned, meeting Sam's eyes. She leaned forward, close to Sam.
"You okay?"
"Yes. I don't mind saying, I thought about pulling my weapon."
She heard Tori chuckle, then finally relaxed her hold on her.
"Come on. Let's get out of here."
"You don't have to ask me twice," Sam said.
Back in the car, Sam leaned her head back and sighed. She had been frightened. The woman scared her, with her spiked hair and chains. She couldn't imagine the type of people that frequented that bar on a regular basis.
"Did you get anything?" she finally asked.
"Yes."
Tori pulled out her cell phone.
"Sergeant Reynolds? This is Hunter. I need you to send out a unit and pick someone up." A pause. "Leather Girls," she said. "A woman named Johnny. She's inside. We need her for questioning. She's a large woman, military haircut, wearing a leather jacket with chains around the waist." Another pause. "Larger than that. It'll be another couple hours before we get back." Tori glanced at Sam and rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know she'll be pissed if we hold her that long. Let me worry about that." She tossed her cell phone on the seat and started the engine.
"She knew Crystal?"
"Yes, but she wouldn't talk. We'll question her later."
"Where to now?"
"Bed of Roses," Tori said. "It's a sex club."
"Sex club? What does that mean?"
"It means that anonymous sex is acceptable. On the premises," Tori clarified.
"Like a brothel? They have rooms and such?"
Tori grinned. "Not exactly. Just lots of nooks and crannies."
Sam's eyes widened. "In the bar?"
"Yes. It'll be dark. Women go there for sex, that's all."
"You mean, they go to meet someone and have sex?"
"More than one, most likely," Tori said.
"More than one?"
Tori laughed. "Don't stare. And certainly, don't look at anyone that's alone. They'll think you're interested."
"Is that legal?"
"No."
"You won't leave me alone, right?" Sam reached out and grasped Tori's arm. "Not for a minute?"
"No. I promise."
This time, they parked three blocks away. Sam walked silently beside Tori, glancing at her occasionally. She wondered if Tori ever frequented bars like this. She was nervous, and she shoved both hands into her pockets as their footsteps echoed on the sidewalk.
"Remember, be careful who you look at," Tori warned.
"I'll only look at you, I promise."
"You'll be fine. Just stay close."
"Don't worry," Sam murmured.
As soon as they walked inside, she was thankful when Tori again grasped her hand. The music was louder than before, if possible. Couples were everywhere, in the shadows, on the dance floor, at the bar. She stared as they passed by one couple, openly touching below the waist. Then she jumped and gasped.
"Someone just grabbed my ass," she hissed. "Please say it was you."
Tori laughed and pulled Sam closer to her as they walked to the bar.
"Not me," she said. She sat Sam down, then pulled her stool close, putting one arm behind Sam.
Despite Tori's warnings, Sam couldn't help but look around her.
Couples were locked in embraces... kissing and touching as if they were completely alone. Her eyes were drawn across the bar as two women sat on the same bar stool. One straddled the other's lap and Sam stared as their hips rocked together. Their mouths were joined and she watched as their tongues dueled. She felt her body respond, felt herself go warm all over as she watched them. The woman on top threw her head back, mouth open. Sam's eyes narrowed as she watched the other woman move her hand between them. The woman's scream was silent, but Sam knew she had reached orgasm. She squeezed her own legs together, uncomfortable for having stared but unable to stop herself.
"What'll it be, ladies?"
Sam pulled her attention from across the bar and glanced at the woman who approached.
"Two beers," Tori said. Then she reached into her breast pocket and pulled out the pictures of their victims. When the bartender brought their drinks, Tori laid the pictures out.
"Do you know these women?" Tori asked.
The woman stared, then raised frightened eyes to Tori.
"Jesus Christ... that's Angie," she said. "Who are you?"
"Homicide," Tori said quietly. "Do you know them?"
The woman pointed to Lorraine. "That's Angie."
"Angie? Got a last name?"
"No. I just know her as Angie. What happened?"
"She was found in a Dumpster a few weeks ago," Tori said. "What about the others?"
The woman shook her head. "No."
"Anybody here might know them?"
"Angie was a minor. She could only come in with a date," she said. "She's dead?"
Tori nodded.
"Damn," she whispered. Then she looked around. "She used to come with Beth."
"Is she here?"
"Only comes on Saturday. But Dana's here. She knows them both."
"Where?"
The bartender looked around, then pointed. "Over there. She's kinda... busy right now. The blond chick over there against the wall."
Tori and Sam glanced where she pointed to find a short blond woman locked in an embrace with a taller redhead. The blonde's shirt was gone.
Tori sighed, then glanced at Sam. Her eyes were still locked on the couple. Tori nudged her with her elbow and Sam's head snapped around.
"It's not polite to stare," she teased.
Sam blushed and grabbed the beer mug with both hands. She kept her eyes firmly focused on the foam at the top.
"I just can't believe people are actually doing it right here," she whispered. "Why don't they go someplace private?"
"Because they get off on this."
"What? With people watching?"
"That. And with strangers. They don't want to know names. They don't want to date them. It's just... sex," Tori said with a shrug.
Sam flicked her eyes at Tori, then back to her beer.
"Have you ever come here?"
Tori drank from her beer before answering. She considered lying. No telling what Sam would think if she knew that she had been one of those women a long time ago.
"Yes. I've been here a couple of times," she admitted. It was years ago, but yes, she'd come looking for a night of anonymous sex with strangers. And she didn't know their names. She didn't want to.
Sam looked around, her eyes lighting on another couple across the bar from them. She tried to imagine Tori here, with someone sitting on her lap, kissing her, touching her. She couldn't. Not with some stranger. She wanted to think of Tori with someone who loved her, cared about her. This was... degrading. She watched the women across from her, saw one's hand slide down the other's body and disappear between her legs. She pulled her eyes away, glancing again at Tori. Tori was watching her.
"I'm sorry," Sam whispered. "I don't like to think of you coming here."
"Then don't. I was young and foolish. And I wasn't getting off with people watching," Tori said quietly. "I just... needed... someone."
Without realizing what she was doing, Sam reached over and took Tori's hand. She drew it onto her lap.
"Have you not ever had someone, Tori? Someone to love you?"
Tori turned in her seat, her eyes sliding down to where Sam had her hand clutched between her own. Then she raised her eyes and met Sam's green ones that stared at her so expectantly.
She shook her head slowly.
"I've not ever been receptive to... love," Tori admitted. "I don't really have anything to offer."
Samantha wanted to disagree. She knew Tori had a lot of great qualities. And she had a sense of humor that she tried so hard to hide. Well, hide from others, not her. Samantha suspected Tori was more herself lately than she'd ever been. Unfortunately, Tori never let anyone else see this side of her. She came across as arrogant and abrasive. It was an act, Samantha now knew, to keep people at bay. It was as if Tori didn't want anyone to get close to her. It was as if she didn't want anyone to love her. Sam was about to voice her thoughts when Tori squeezed her hand.
"Come on. Before our girl finds her next partner."
The blonde was now dressed. She reached behind her for her drink, the ice long melted. She looked up as they approached.
"Wow. Two? I'm not sure I'm up to it," she drawled. "Maybe you," she said, reaching for Samantha. "I'm not sure I could handle tall, dark and dangerous there."
"Are you Dana?" Samantha asked.
The woman looked surprised.
"Do I know you?"
Tori pulled out her badge. "We have some questions," she said.
"Cops? I haven't done anything wrong."
"Do you know a girl named Angie? She comes in with Beth?"
"Hey, I know she's a minor. She's never come with me, and I've never bought her a drink."
"She's dead," Tori said. "Where can we find Beth?"
"What? Angie's dead?"
The woman sat back down, staring.
"What happened? Surely you don't think Beth had anything to do with it?"
"How well did you know Angie?"
She shrugged. "Not that well. I never saw her other than in here. She and Beth were... well, I don't know if you'd call it dating, but they saw each other sometimes."
"What is Beth's last name?" Sam asked.
"Perkins. But Beth wouldn't-"
"We're just trying to find out more about Angie. Did she have family?"
Dana shrugged. "I think she was a runaway."
"Where can we find Beth?" Tori asked again.
"She works nights. She's a nurse."
"Which hospital?"
"Parkland Memorial."
"Okay. Thanks."
Tori took out the other two pictures and showed them to Dana.
"Do you recognize them?"
"Jesus," she whispered. "Yes. I mean, I've seen them. I don't know them. This one," she said, pointing to Crystal. "She was kinda strange. Into S&M and all that. I've seen her in here a couple of times."
"You've been a big help, Dana. Thank you."
They walked out onto the sidewalk and Sam rubbed her palms on her jeans.
"I feel like I need to wash my hands," she murmured. "Now what? You want to go see if they picked Johnny up?"
"No. Not yet. I have an idea," Tori said.
Sam followed as they walked to Tori's Explorer.
"They were all teenagers, minors. Angie was a runaway. Maybe Crystal, too."
"Yes. And?"
"And they couldn't get into a lot of the bars. At least not alone. There's a club, more of a coffeehouse than a bar, really. Belle's. Usually a younger crowd."
"Belle's? Isn't that a hostel?"
"Yes. Next door to the coffeehouse."
"So, we think our guy is targeting young lesbians. Where better to find them than at a hostel for young lesbians?"
"Maybe. Or he could be staking out the bars and watching."
It was nearly midnight as Tori drove them through downtown and on to the edge of Deep Ellum. The parking lot in front of Belle's was nearly empty. The music coming from inside was quiet, almost soothing. Nothing like they'd heard at the last two clubs.
"Not very popular tonight," Sam said.
"No. Not Friday and Saturday nights. That's when they all sneak into the bars."
Inside, the coffeehouse was well lit, with tables spaced evenly throughout. Only a handful of young women were inside.
"Well, well. Detective Hunter."
Tori and Sam turned, looking at a well-dressed woman coming from the back. Sam recognized her but couldn't place her.
"Counselor," Tori greeted.
"It's been a while. What brings you out here? Official business?"
Tori nodded.
"This is my partner, Sam Kennedy."
"It's Samantha," she said as she shook the other woman's hand.
"Anything I can help with, Detective?"
"Just want to ask a few questions," Tori said. "Do you know Belle?"
Charlotte Grayson laughed. She opened her purse and took out her keys, looking at Samantha with appraising eyes.
"Belle's my cousin," she said. "I haven't seen you around," she said to Samantha. "New in town?"
"No, she's not," Tori said.
"My, my. Possessive, aren't we, Detective?"
"We just want to ask a few questions," Tori said again.
"Well, I was just on my way out. Call me sometime, okay? I think you still owe me dinner."
"Sure."
She looked again at Samantha, then brushed past them and out the bar. Sam looked at Tori with raised eyebrows.
"Defense attorney?"
"Used to be. Works for the DA now."
"You have a history?"
Tori smiled. "It was a long time ago."
"Tell me."
"Later. Come on," she said. She walked to the small bar and sat down, then smiled at the young woman who walked up to them.
"Hello. What can I do for you?"
Tori took out her badge and the three pictures. She laid them across the bar.
"Do you know them?"
"Oh my God," she whispered. She covered her mouth with her hand. "What happened?"
"You recognize them?" Samantha asked.
"Yes. Angie, Crystal and Rachel," she said. "What happened?" she asked again.
"They were murdered, left in Dumpsters," Tori said.
Her eyes widened. "I read about that in the paper. They didn't give names."
"No. Angie and Crystal are Jane Does."
"What do you mean?"
"We can't identify them, no priors," Tori said. "We need some help. What do you know about them?"
"Maybe you should talk to Belle. She knows them," she said.
Tori nodded.
The woman left and Tori glanced at Sam.
"Maybe a break," she said.
"Yes. At least to their identity," Samantha said. "What is the woman's name?" she asked.
"Who?"
"You know, the attorney."
"Oh. Charlotte Grayson."
Samantha nodded. She'd heard the name before from Robert.
"How do you know her?" Samantha asked.
Tori leaned her elbows on the bar and smiled. It had been years since she'd thought about it. God, she had been so young.
"It was my first year as a detective," Tori said, remembering. "She grilled the hell out of me on the stand. And she was so good, she even had time to flirt with me while she was doing it," she said. "She cornered me outside the courtroom afterward. She bet me dinner that we'd sleep together that day."
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