Armed and Fabulous (Lexi Graves Mysteries, 1)

  ~

  "The building is definitely being watched," said Maddox. He stood to one side of the window, looking out onto the street below. I had waited quietly for the past hour while he made phone calls, talking cryptically. "Don’t worry," he said to me.

  "Why would I worry, Adam? You're here." I didn't ask, Can you stay over? But I wanted to. I really wanted to. I didn’t want to leave my home, but I didn’t want to be alone in it either.

  Maddox shook his head. "I can't guarantee your safety here."

  A knock at the door interrupted us. I flopped backwards, my shoulders hunched, while Maddox went to answer it. After a moment, he returned with Solomon. Solomon held a small plastic bag, which he handed to Maddox. Maddox looked inside it, then at me, and I had a feeling I wasn't going to like what he had to say. But first, he put a finger to his lips as Solomon took out a black device and moved around the apartment.

  “It’s clean,” he said after a while.

  “Thought so, but can’t be too sure,” said Maddox.

  At least my thoughts about a bug hadn’t been totally wrong. Given that I’d forgotten about it pretty quick, I was glad my apartment was confirmed bug free. “What’s in the bag?” I asked.

  "You need a disguise."

  "Like a costume?" That wasn't so bad. I could do costumes.

  "Think of it as a makeover." Maddox held out the bag and I took it reluctantly, peeking inside. After a moment, I looked up and frowned, not quite believing what I was looking at. Maddox continued, "If we take out a pretty blonde, all they have to do is follow us, and we don't know what kind of manpower they have. If one of us walks out with a different woman, maybe we can throw them off. Your upstairs neighbor is a brunette."

  I didn’t know how Maddox knew that. I didn’t even know that.

  "You want me to dye my hair," I said flatly. I looked back in the bag and a tear pricked at my eye. Okay, call me vain, but I really loved my hair. It had been a boring, dark brown all through high school and college, and only a couple of years ago, I'd taken the plunge and bleached it a gorgeous, glossy blonde. I'd grown it out so it swung to mid-back, and, if I didn't say so myself, it was my crowning glory. And now it would all be gone.

  "You can fix it later," said Maddox. "After this is over."

  "I guess." But I knew I couldn't. It had taken too much work, too long and too many dollars to get my hair to look like this. Now my job was in jeopardy, I probably wouldn't be able to afford the disaster relief session with my hairdresser to get it this good again, or the upkeep either. Still, blonde or dead? The decision should be easy, but it was compounded by all the other horrible things over the past week. Combined with the murders, the creepy gifts, and the home invasion, it was all becoming a bit too much.

  I blinked back the tears as Maddox continued, "You'll need to pack a few clothes. A week's worth maybe. I'll take them out so it doesn't look suspicious."

  "Then you'll come back for me?"

  Maddox shook his head. "No, they probably already associate me with you. Solomon will take you out in an hour."

  I glanced over at Solomon. He leaned against the doorjamb, hands in pockets. He nodded, just a slight incline of his head. They had probably already discussed what would happen if it came to this. It should have reassured me that they had contingency plans. But it didn’t.

  "Okay," I said, the box of hair-coloring clutched in my hand. "I guess I'll pack and dye."

  Maddox flinched.

  I slid past Solomon and walked down the hallway to the bedroom. The lights were on, and someone, Maddox I suppose, had drawn the curtains. I opened my closet doors and stood in front of them, wondering what someone on the run would pack. That immediately discounted all my dresses and pretty shoes. I shoved jeans and tops and a couple of sweaters on the bed, adding underwear—with a grimace—socks and a pair of pajamas. Moving to the bathroom, I packed my travel bag with a few items of makeup, deodorant and my hairbrush, tucking them in the middle of the clothing. I left them all on my bed.

  Back in the bathroom, I pushed both doors closed and pulled the box of hair dye out of the bag, placing it on the sink. After a few deep, calming breaths I snapped the carton open and pulled out the instructions and the plastic gloves. It was now or never. I took one final look in the mirror, swung my blonde hair for the last time and got on with the job.

  First, I pulled my hair into a ponytail, and took out my scissors. Snip, snip, snip. Three inches of hair fell to the floor. I gathered it with my hands, brushing them off over the little plastic wastebasket under the sink. Standing in front of the mirror, I pulled out the band and let my hair swing free. I pulled on the plastic gloves.

  Forty minutes later, and a new me reflected from the mirror. In place of the blonde was a glossy, dark brown, cut shorter and fuller. It framed my face and still swung past my shoulders. It seemed to enhance my coloring. My face looked paler, my eyes bluer, my lips more red. It lifted my spirits a little; actually, I didn't look too bad at all. Not blonde and pretty anymore, but still pretty. I felt slightly better.

  I scrubbed the last little blotches of dye from the tops of my ears and pulled out some nail polish remover. After a couple of minutes rubbing, my nails were plain and I cut them shorter, too. Next went my clothes. I switched the dress for black skinny jeans, a pale blue top and a zip-up, black sweatshirt, pulling on sneakers last.

  When I went back to the living room, both men turned to me and I stood there hesitantly, awaiting their verdict.

  "You look different," said Maddox. "I like it."

  "Better than the blonde?"

  "Yes, most definitely. You look sensational."

  I smiled, a little color rushing to my cheeks. "Thanks, Adam," I said. "I laid out everything I'll need on my bed. I wasn't sure if you wanted them in a bag or something else."

  "I'll take them now." He nodded to Solomon. "Wait close to an hour, then take Lexi to the safe house. I'll meet you there."

  Maddox moved over to me. Placing both hands on my shoulders, he looked down at me. "You'll be okay," he said. "Keep calm."

  "And carry on?" I asked, aping the slogan.

  "You bet."

  I wasn't sure what to do when Maddox left, so I got a soda from the refrigerator and offered Solomon one, but he declined. We watched television for a while, but I only stared at the box without really seeing any of it. All I could think about was what was going to happen next. It struck me that the most dangerous few minutes would be leaving the apartment and making our way to wherever Solomon's car was parked. There was every chance that my disguise was for nothing. I gulped.

  A hand landed on my thigh, making me realize my leg had been nervously jiggling up and down. I followed the hand, up the arm, to Solomon's face.

  "Don't worry," he said, his hand unmoving.

  "Easy for you to say."

  He shrugged. "We wouldn't move you like this if we didn't think it would be the easiest and safest way."

  "You really think it'll throw them?"

  "I think they're looking for a pretty blonde all alone, not a brunette going on a date," Solomon replied. "I don't think they're experienced; if they were, they would know we had already spotted them by now. So, yes, I think you'll be fine. This is just a precaution. Maybe they just want to see what you’re going to do, if you’re going to do something."

  I tried not to gulp when he said “date,” choosing to keep my face passive.

  “Why don’t you just arrest them?” I asked.

  “Because we still need the other gang members to lead us to the money. We don’t want to spook them.” Solomon checked his watch. "Time to go," he said. "You need anything else?"

  "Uh. My cell phone and wallet."

  "Leave the phone. It's traceable. And you won't need the wallet."

  "I guess I don't need anything then." I stood up, moving toward the light switch. But just as I reached for it, Solomon's hand closed over mine. I spun, stumbled, and planted my back against the wall for support as he steppe
d closer. For a moment, all I could feel was my heart hammering in my chest.

  "Leave the light on. We want it to look like you're staying home," said Solomon, his hand still on mine. With his free hand, he reached up and pushed a lock of hair behind my ear, resting his hand for a moment as my heart raced a little faster. His lips were inches from mine, and his eyes dark. At first, I thought he was going to kiss me. I felt my eyelids flutter and I licked my lips. "I like this." He twirled the lock around his fingers and leaned in. "Sexy," he whispered, his breath warm against my cheek. “I guess I can’t call you ‘Blondie’ anymore.”

  Thank God for small mercies, I thought as he pulled back and moved towards the door.

  I took a moment to compose myself, then grabbed my purse and followed him.

  Solomon took my keys and locked the door behind him as we stepped out of my apartment. The lights were on in the living room and kitchen, the curtains drawn, so it looked like I was in for the night. As we went downstairs, Solomon took my hand in his and I was surprised at how warm he felt. It was strangely comforting too. At the door, he pulled a cap out of his back pocket and mounted it on my head, tweaking the peak so it covered my forehead, but not my eyes. Outside, instead of taking my hand, he slung his arm around my shoulder and tucked me into his side, turning off to the right and walking a little way down the street. I nearly jumped when his car lights flashed ahead.

  "Relax," he said, leaning into me as he guided me towards the SUV, and not the Lexus I expected. "This is my car."

  When he deposited me into the passenger seat, I realized my teeth were chattering, not so much from cold, but fear. I hadn't seen anyone observing my apartment, even though I'd stolen glances here and there.

  "Where were they?" I asked Solomon when he slid in and started the engine.

  "Don't look back," he said and I had to fight the natural urge to look over my shoulder. "They were parked in a blue sedan three houses down from yours."

  "You think they were onto us?"

  "Let's find out." We slid out into the quiet street and moved off. I saw Solomon glancing in the rearview mirror, and after a few minutes, and a couple of turns, he seemed to relax slightly. "No problem," he said, eyeing me as the corners of his lips turned upwards into a barely noticeable smile.

  The safe house wasn't what I expected. I was thinking perhaps it would be an underground bunker, surrounded with high security fences and guard dogs; but instead, it was an average suburban house with a neat lawn, surrounded by a street full of family homes. Solomon pulled onto the driveway and used a key fob to open the automatic garage doors, parking the car inside and closing the doors after us. We entered the house through a side door into the kitchen where Maddox was waiting for us.

  "I got Chinese," he said, indicating the cartons on the eat-in counter. "Figured we'd be hungry. Any problems?"

  "None. They didn't notice us leaving," answered Solomon.

  Maddox nodded to me. "How're you holding up?"

  "Okay," I said. "Hungry."

  Dinner was quiet. Maddox poked through the cabinets and pulled out plates and forks. We shared the food, forking chunks of egg fried rice, mu shu pork and chicken black bean onto our plates. Maddox took an egg roll, and deposited one on my plate. Digging into the bag, I pulled out fortune cookies and napkins.

  "What does yours say?" asked Maddox as I snapped the cookie open.

  I unpeeled the strip of paper. "It says, 'The one you love is closer than you think'." I screwed it into a ball and tossed it onto the counter. Stupid fortune cookie.

  Maddox raised his eyebrows.

  "Let's hear yours."

  He snapped it open. "Patience."

  "Come on," I prompted.

  "No, that's it. It says, 'Patience'."

  "Oh."

  Maddox nodded at Solomon. "How about yours?" he asked as he slid off the stool and moved to the refrigerator.

  "A thrilling time is in your immediate future." Solomon met my eyes and smiled. I think my heart skipped a beat.

  "Well, how about that," said Maddox, but he didn’t sound particularly peeved as he uncapped three beers, sliding them down the counter. I swallowed my bite of egg roll and took a sip. Cool, refreshing libation washed down my throat, and for a moment, I just closed my eyes and enjoyed it. I tried to pretend I was just having dinner with friends and not hiding like a big wussy-pants.

  When I opened them again, Solomon had finished eating and was washing his plate over the sink. I hadn't even heard him move. Afterward, he walked back over and tossed his keys to Maddox, who caught them in one hand, before offering his own.

  "I'm parked a block down the street," said Maddox. "The Ford Focus."

  "Where are you going?" I asked Solomon.

  "Only one of us needs to stay," said Solomon. "I have work to do." He shrugged his jacket on and walked out of the kitchen without a backward glance.

  "Adam? What now?" I asked. I picked up my plate and followed him to the sink, drying after he rinsed.

  "Now we wait it out. This safe house is only known to Solomon and me, so we're not expecting any activity. The perimeter is wired for movement and sound and the house is alarmed. The house is only partially furnished, so there's not a lot to see. We can watch a DVD on my laptop if you like?"

  "Sure."

  I followed Maddox along a narrow corridor and he pointed out a bedroom. I ducked my head inside and saw a bed with a pillow and quilt folded on top. A bag was on the floor at the foot of the bed. He beckoned me and I followed him into the living room. Sparse wasn't the word. There were two sofas and a coffee table, with a lamp in one corner. A desk on one wall held boxes of electronic equipment and the other walls still had the faded outlines of picture frames.

  Maddox's laptop sat on the coffee table and was open, showing a four corner split screen, each with a different image of the outside of the house. One quarter showed the garage door; another the front door and a patch of lawn; the third showed the rear door; while a fourth monitored the street.

  "Our team is also watching these images," he told me.

  "Any cameras inside the house?" I asked.

  Maddox shook his head. "No, not necessary."

  A thought occurred to me. "Where are you going to sleep?"

  He pointed to the sofa and I noticed a second quilt and pillow folded and placed to one side. "There."

  "Sorry." I didn't like the look of the bed much, and the sofa looked like it had seen better days.

  "No worries. I've done it before."

  I dropped onto the sofa and looked around at the blank walls and the stripped room, my heart sinking. My apartment wasn't overly cozy, but it was home and I missed it already. I missed my things and the familiarity. I missed my normal life. I missed my family. I wanted to go out with Lily and have fun, or work up a sweat at the gym. I even wanted to go to the concert with Vincent and wave my new hair around like a rocker. Suddenly, everything seemed uncertain—I didn't know when, or if, I could go home. My job was almost certainly over, which meant I would be back at the temping agency soon. Potentially anyway.

  "It'll be okay, Lexi. It's not for long."

  "How do you do this?" I asked as he settled next to me. "How do you wait it out? Knowing that the bad guys are looking for me? That anything could happen?"

  "I just do," he said. "And this is better than leaving you alone as a target. I don't want yours to be the next dead body I see."

  Well, if that didn't drive it home, I don't know what would.

  "What about work tomorrow?" I asked.

  "You sprained your ankle," Maddox said. "And I'm at a conference."

  Maddox had thought to bring a small selection of DVDs with him, so I thumbed through them and handed him a comedy. He slid it into the laptop's disk drive and we sat there, neither of us really watching. With beers in hand, it could have been any night, but I couldn't shake the frightened, no, terrified, bit of me that knew I was hiding. In the space of a week, I'd seen more bodies than during my entire life
time. I didn't know which was more upsetting: being chased by the SUV, having my home invaded, or losing the blonde. Before I could stop myself, my shoulders shook, and a big, gaspy sob escaped me.

  "Hey," said Adam. "Hey, it'll be okay."

  "No, it won't!" I wailed, pushing the heels of my hands against my eyes. Not that it stopped the tears sliding over my cheeks. "This has been the worst week ever. I loved being a blonde and you took my favorite dress because it had Dean's blood on it!"

  Maddox chuckled. "I thought you were going to say the corpses creeped you out."

  "That too!" I sobbed.

  Maddox wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into him, stroking my hair while I soaked his shirt. He was big and warm and comforting and I relaxed against him as I sobbed the frustration and fear away. I didn't have to worry as long as Maddox stayed with me. I knew he would protect me. I just wasn't keen on the idea of what he had to protect me from.

  Most of all, I wanted it to be over.