The Trill of Danger

My sit down with the Smith’s lasted about two hours. I asked a lot of questions and really pounded them hard for answers. They told me what they could about Ivy’s mystery man, but nothing grabbed my attention right away.

When I left, I was a wreck. I felt guilty, sad. Angry. It was still pretty early in the evening, so instead of going home to wallow in my emotions, I called Bentley. To my surprise, he answered my call on the first ring. I was sure that a busy man like him would be on a flight for a one-day business trip. But he was waiting on me to call.

“I’m surprised you called,” he said.

“Yeah, so am I, actually.” I wanted to be light and airy, but I felt weighed down and full of grief. “I’m on my way to the mall, if you wanna meet me there. I don’t know exactly what we’re meeting for if you can’t help with Ivy’s case, but that’s where I’ll be.”

“Say less. I’ll meet you there.”

What am I doing? I questioned. This is a dangerous man. Handosme, yeah. But still dangerous. I don't even know if he’s innocent of this, and I’m finding myself intrigued by him.

The guilt weighed in even more. Ivy was dead, and while investigating her case, I was being reeled in by a man who was a possible suspect. His lure was powerful. His charm was exquisite, and I was his muse. I reminded myself over and over again that our interaction was strictly for the sake of Ivy’s story, but the more I saw of him, the more I got sucked in.

When I got to the large shopping mall in our city, I waited at the entrance for him to show up. His driver pulled to the entrance not long after and opened his door for him as if he were a king granted the fullest extent of luxury. Bentley stepped out of the SUV and patted the driver’s shoulder while eyeballing me, and I stood silently melting, anticipating being taken for a joyride.

“Mm, still as beautiful as I remember from last night,” he said as he approached me. “How are you?”

“I’m fine.” I blushed and looked down at my feet. “How are you?”

“Seeing you, my day just got a little better.”

The way he looked at me made my heart skip a beat. I was thrilled by his confidence and by the possible danger that lied beneath his surface. Something told me the mall wasn’t really his cup of tea, but if it meant he got to spend time with me, he didn’t complain.

We got all sorts of stares and snickers as we passed each store. I wondered what people thought of me being with him. Bentley could have cared less about what anyone thought. I think he got off by seeing people intimidated by his presence.

“You would think you killed a man. Or woman,” I said. “Everyone’s looking at you like you’re some kind of monster.”

“I’m used to it by now,” he chuckled.

“Why? If you’re a changed man, wouldn’t you want people to see that instead of what they know of your past?”

He shrugged, not really wanting to discuss it. But I, being the pushy snooper that I am, urged him on. I wanted to get a feel for what his deepest thoughts and concerns were when it came to society. That way I knew where to place him on the suspect list.

“I thought we came to shop,” he said. “I already told you what I know about what’s happening now. My past is something I’ve moved on from, so I don't really dwell on how other people feel about it. They’re entitled to their own opinions.”

I smiled, then turned away so he couldn't see the depth of it. It was rare that I met a man who was intelligent enough to keep me interested. The truth is, the way he answered my questions turned me on.

“We should really be at a boutique,” he said. “I don’t think the mall has anything to suit a woman as fine as you are.”

“A boutique!?” I laughed. “You’re the billionaire, not me. I shop where I can afford to. And hey! I find some cute things. I don’t have to wear a thousand-dollar dress to look good.”

I made him laugh. I could tell he was a humble man, but his taste was very expensive. And given his answer, he didn’t mind spending money on things that mattered to him.

“You’re right,” he said. “I’m the billionaire, so what I say goes. And I say we get out of here. Whatever you want, it’s on me. It’s the least I can do to pay my dues for your friend.”

“Whatever you’re paying should really go to her parents,” I lectured. “I’m not the one in need here.”

“Hey,” he finger gently brushed my chin as he stared directly into my eyes. “I already have my people on it. Whatever her family needs is already being taken care of. Right now, let’s take care of you.”

I felt like a schoolgirl as he led me out of the mall and into the backseat of his luxury SUV. I had broken my own code of honor: never be alone with a possible suspect. But for some reason, I felt completely safe with him. I felt sexy and wined and dined, though we hadn’t dined yet.

Bentley exuded so much class and wealth, it was easy for me to be caught in his web. His capture was mysterious and suspenseful, but I found myself craving the moment I was tangled in his hub.

“I take it you and Ivy were good friends?” he asked.

“Something like that.” I kept my eyes ahead and my senses alert. “We grew up together. You know how those kinds of friendships are. One day you're as thick as thieves. Then one day, not so much.”