Melodie's Song [The Black Dahlia Hotel 3] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Read online

  Logan cleared his throat and told the same story he’d told Jack the night before. Melodie sat quietly, sipping her coffee.

  Dane asked, “Melodie, have you heard anything more from your manager or the police?”

  “No. Jasper would have called me if he had seen Karin again.”

  “This is disturbing. The security here is going to be pretty tight, but guests will be here to have a good time not have their every move monitored. The only place in the hotel that is actually impervious to an unauthorized entry is the tenth floor where the dungeon and theme rooms are located. If a situation occurs, head upstairs immediately. As you know, the security system is currently being tested. You both should wear your white bracelets at all times. Don’t worry about taking them off to swim or shower. They are waterproof. And if they aren’t, we want to know about it. I’m going to have security keep an eye on your signals at all times. Also, keep your charged cell phones with you at all times. We need to be able to communicate with you if something looks off.” He looked to Jack and Jamie. “Anything to add, gentlemen?” Jack shook his head.

  Jamie said, “We’ll do our best to keep you safe here. If it becomes necessary, you can both be moved to the Golden Dolphin, which is currently in port. If you have any reason to believe your stalker is in town, if she’s spotted in the area, do not hesitate to let us know. The security team aboard are all ex-special forces and black belts, and the ship is armed. Sometimes we pass through unsavory areas on voyages. The ship is a very visible, expensive target with wealthy passengers aboard, so we have to be prepared for any eventuality. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of that security. Some of the team is on shore leave, along with a rotating schedule of the rest of the crew, but we can accommodate you if necessary.”

  Logan stood and shook hands all around. “Thank you. I’ll do whatever is necessary to keep Melodie safe. I think she is in more danger from Karin Sanders than I am. Karin wants me. She wants Melodie out of the way.” Then he grinned. “And by the way, we got engaged in your French Room last night, Jack.”

  “Congratulations. Kaylin will be thrilled.” Jack was obviously happy for them. “She is sure you two are perfect for each other. I happen to agree.” He leaned over and kissed Melodie’s cheek. “Much happiness, Melodie. I have every confidence you can keep this wild Apache warrior in line.”

  Dane stood up as well. “Let me show you the security office and introduce you to the head of our team here. I also need to brief him on the situation.”

  * * * *

  In the security command center behind the administrative offices at The Black Dahlia Hotel, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, Saturday late morning, December 5, 2015

  Dane Dunross led the group further back into the administrative offices to a steel door that was closed and locked. He knocked and a buzzer sounded. He opened the door and gestured for Logan and Melodie to enter.

  Ernesto Blanco, the head of the security team, was watching the array of monitors and the GPS tracking system. The entire hotel complex, public rooms, and grounds were covered by camera surveillance. He was watching all of the people currently on the premises, looking for anything unusual or out of the ordinary. Usually, a turn at the security monitors was uneventful and boring, especially now, before all the guests arrived. He turned in his swivel chair and greeted his guests. Dane explained the situation.

  “We’ll have Big Brother’s eyes on you at all times.” Ernesto smiled. “The surveillance cameras switch over to infrared at night, so we also have eyes in the dark.” He pointed to the GPS tracking system. “We’ll always know where you are.”

  Logan looked intrigued. “Even off premises?”

  “Anywhere in the world. This is a system similar to those used by the big logistics companies to keep track of cargo. As long as you are wearing your bracelet and it hasn’t been disabled, we can track you. Needless to say, do not disclose the significance of the bracelets to anyone. Your life may depend on your being able to retain the white bracelet in any situation. I suggest you mix it in with the colored club bracelets so it doesn’t stand out as being different or important.”

  “Thanks, guys. Mel and I are going back to the suite for a while and then down to the pool for the afternoon.”

  “Enjoy your stay and try to relax, but keep your eyes open.” Ernesto stood to shake their hands.

  * * * *

  Karin was sitting at the table in her grandmother’s kitchen in Queens while she read the want ads in the New York Post. She had a cup of coffee and a plate of toast in front of her. She was bummed. She had no money for a plane ticket to Florida, no credit card to rent a car, and her grandmother had no car or money, either. How was she going to get to Florida? She had to get to Logan. She had to. If she wasted too much more time, it would be too late. The bitch might…she didn’t know what, and she didn’t want to think about the possibilities.

  Her eyes glanced over a small ad, and then came back to it. “Driver wanted to transport Cadillac CTS sedan to Palm Beach, Florida. Return transportation, all expenses and per diem mileage.” A telephone number was listed. This could be it—a way to get herself to Florida and earn some money on top of it.

  Karin called the number and made arrangements to visit the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. Mortimer Steinman in Brooklyn Heights that afternoon. She ditched the Goth look and arrived on time.

  “Well, dear, Mr. Steinman and I spend every winter in Florida. Mr. Steinman had a heart attack and isn’t able to drive down or ride the Auto Train any more, and we want our Cadillac in Palm Beach. We’re willing to pay expenses and return transportation in addition to a daily fee and mileage to have someone reliable drive our car to Palm Beach. We would ask you to drive us to the airport, then we’ll fly down to Florida, and you can leave the same day. Mortie’s sister can pick us up at Palm Beach airport, and we’ll be there waiting for you to deliver the car. What do you think?”

  Karin smiled her most charming smile. “I think that’s a great plan. When did you want to leave?”

  “Next Thursday, the tenth. We already have plane reservations.”

  “Perfect. That would work out very well for me.”

  “Excellent, my dear. We’ll see you on Thursday at nine o’clock in the morning. That will give us plenty of time to get to the airport.” They shook hands, and Karin left them with her contact information at her grandmother’s apartment.

  Perfect. This is freakin’ perfect. She would be on her way to Logan in a few days, and then good-bye Melodie Bitch Buxton. She had twelve hundred miles of open road to refine her plan.

  * * * *

  In the Hawk-Buxton Suite at The Black Dahlia Hotel, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, Saturday late morning, December 5, 2015

  Melodie looked out the glass doors that opened onto their covered and partially enclosed balcony overlooking the beach. The sky was starting to darken, and ominous clouds were hanging low on the horizon. No pool this afternoon. It looked like a storm was blowing in.

  “Logan? I had an idea of something I’d like to do while we’re here. I’d like to paint you. I brought my paints, brushes, pastels, and sketchpads. I only need to pick up some canvas. I saw an easel I can borrow in the admin offices. What do you say?”

  “Really?” He looked a little uncomfortable. She could tell the idea of sitting for a portrait did not appeal to him.

  “I’d like to memorialize our engagement. Please. It would mean so much to me.” She gave him a pleading look. “I can start with some sketches now and go out for canvas later.”

  “All right. Just for you. Let’s not make a procedure of it, though. I’m not one for sitting still for too long.”

  “I’ll try to make it as painless as possible. I promise.” She kissed him hard on the mouth and pulled him toward the balcony doors. “I can see what I want in my mind already.” She had him sit with his back to the roiling sky and ocean and immediately began to sketch. She posed him stretched out on the chaise with one leg raised as though he was holdin
g a guitar. She’d add the instrument later. She planned to make the sky behind him a dark swirl of abstract clouds, outlining his striking profile. He was shirtless wearing ripped jeans almost worn white, and his long, black hair was spread over his broad shoulders and muscular chest. She was getting turned-on just looking at him. Okay. Concentrate. This is work.

  After an hour, she could see that Logan was getting antsy. “Okay, babe. That’s enough for today. I’ll want to do some more sketches tomorrow morning, and then I’ll find out where I can get canvas.” She reached down and kissed him. “Thanks for being so patient.”

  He pulled her down into his lap. “This is what’s been in my mind the whole time. Not so very patient at all.” He crushed his mouth to hers and slipped his hand inside her shirt. He had her bra unclasped before she knew it. The man had excellent coordination, something she had already known. His mouth went down and latched on to one of her nipples…

  * * * *

  In the Hawk-Buxton Suite at The Black Dahlia Hotel, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida, Friday early morning, December 11, 2015

  Melodie looked up from the easel. Logan was stretched out in the same position he’d been in every morning for a week. She had been able to locate an excellent art supply store and had canvas delivered. Dane’s secretary had been happy to lend her the easel she’d seen in the office, and she had been able to borrow an old twelve-string guitar from a friend of Kaylin’s. Actually, it was a beautiful, old Spanish instrument, and Logan had become very fond of it. He wasn’t going to want to give it up when the painting was finished. He’d tuned it and begun playing as soon as she had brought it up to the suite. He really was an amazing musician. He played anything from hard rock to classical pieces. She loved watching his long, strong fingers work the frets.

  The painting was coming along very well. She was quite satisfied with the stormy black-and-gray cloud background that had an abstract feeling. She was currently working on Logan’s strong, hawk-like profile and the highlights in his long hair. The details of his body and long legs stretched out on the chaise and the details of the beautiful guitar had not been difficult.

  She was going to leave his facial features for last because that would be the most challenging part of the picture. She knew Logan was curious, but she kept the canvas covered with a sheet she’d borrowed from housekeeping when she wasn’t working on it. So far, he hadn’t peeked, although she knew he was tempted.

  “Do you want to go to the pool after lunch? It looks like it’s going to be a gorgeous afternoon. I wouldn’t mind some fresh air and sunshine.”

  “Fine with me, babe. By the way, Dane made arrangements for me to join some guys he knows for a deep-sea fishing charter tomorrow morning. Do you mind?”

  “Not at all. Kaylin invited me to go shopping at the Galleria Mall on Sunrise Boulevard tomorrow. She needs a few odds and ends for the cruise. The wedding is in two weeks, and I think she’s a little nervous.”

  “That’s good. Do you need anything for the cruise? Do you want my credit card?”

  “You are a very brave man, Logan Hawk, but no, thanks. I have my own credit card. I will probably pick up a few new things myself.”

  Melodie was amazed at how easy and comfortable she and Logan were together. They had enjoyed each other’s company, walking the beach and swimming in the pool and the lazy river. They had eaten on their balcony or in the dining room and gone out to dinner and to Jack’s Black Iris Club several times. She didn’t think they had gotten on each other’s nerves during the whole eight days—except when Logan got tired of sitting in one position for too long. She had to remember than he was used to being active, not sitting around.

  She had not planned to be away from the gallery for such an extended time. Jasper was doing fine, and she hadn’t had a real vacation since the stabbing. It felt good to just relax—not to have anywhere she had to be, no one she had to answer to—except, of course, her Master. In fact, as far as she could tell, Logan had no interest in a D/s relationship except in the bedroom or dungeon. He was perfectly happy to defer to her in whatever she wanted to do.

  She did notice that he had not let his guard down, and when they left the hotel, he was always looking over his shoulder for Karin Sanders. She did wish this was over and they could go back to a normal routine. Maybe Karin had given up and realized that Logan was never going to be hers. Doubtful, but she could hope.

  Early Saturday morning, they had breakfast on their balcony. It was actually easier for the staff to bring up their food than to serve it on the dining terrace. “Well, have fun fishing and bring home a big one, oh mighty fisherman.”

  “I plan to do just that. I’ve never been deep-sea fishing before, but I spent summers trout fishing on the Rez. Itza-chu and I liked to tie our own flies.”

  “Who is Itza-chu?”

  “It means ‘great hawk’—my grandfather.”

  “How will he feel about you marrying outside the tribe?”

  “I’m only half Apache, and he says that’s not my better half. He adores my mother. She never tried to deny the Apache side of my heritage and made sure I spent lots of time with my grandfather. He will love you. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Okay. I’ll leave the worrying to you. I’m going downstairs to wait for Kaylin.”

  “The offer of the credit card is still open. Have fun, but keep your eyes open, and spend some money.” He grinned.

  “Oh, you can count on that, but I’m good about the credit card. See you later. Love you, baby.” She leaned down and kissed him before she left the suite.

  * * * *

  Melodie was standing just inside the door of the lobby when she saw Kaylin drive up in a gorgeous red Ferrari. She ran out and jumped into the car.

  “Beautiful car, Kaylin. I think I’ll apply to the Sheriff’s Office.”

  “Ha! It’s Jack’s, of course. BSO salaries do not run to Ferraris unless you’re on the take.” Kaylin drove out of the entrance of the hotel and turned onto Ocean Drive, and then made a left onto Sunrise Boulevard. “The mall is just up the street. There are a couple of great places for lunch, and Macy’s and Neiman Markup are there as well as a lot of smaller stores.”

  “Sounds good. I think I’ll pick up a few things for the cruise as well. Logan kept trying to give me his credit card. I told him no, of course.”

  “He just wanted to do something nice for you. Sometimes men want to do something nice, but don’t know what.” She grinned. “Let me see your ring.”

  “Don’t have one yet. We’re going to shop for one together when we get back to New York. But you can see the antique silver cuff bracelet that belonged to his grandmother.” She shot the bracelet out from under the cuff of her white gauze shirt. “Logan’s proposal was sort of impromptu. I don’t think he had been planning to ask me right then. This unscheduled vacation because of Karin has scrambled up a lot of things.”

  “Oh, Melodie, that’s beautiful. I love Indian jewelry, especially turquoise. It brings out my eye color—or so I like to think.”

  Kaylin pulled the Ferrari into the covered parking lot behind Macy’s. “I always park here. That way, I don’t lose the car. Jack said to valet park, but I hate to do that. I always think those guys are tooling around town in my car while I’m shopping.”

  They hopped out and Kaylin carefully clipped the keys to the handle of her shoulder bag. They walked in the Macy’s entrance and looked around. They both immediately spotted the shoe department and made their way in that direction.

  While they were combing the clearance racks, Kaylin said, “Do you want to duck into Mayors Jewelers later, just to check out rings?”

  “No, thanks. I think I’ll wait for Logan. He’s been so patient about sitting for his portrait that I’d hate to disappoint him by jumping the gun on the ring.”

  “How’s that going, by the way? Did Del’s guitar work out?”

  “Oh, yes. It’s beautiful. Logan tuned it and immediately began playing. I think we’re going to hav
e to pry it out of his cold, dead hands. He’s not going to want to give it back.”

  “Well, he should make Del an offer. It’s not like he’s attached to it or anything. I think he bought it at a garage sale or flea market or something.”

  “I’ll have to let Logan know.”

  They made their way to the resort-wear department and again began checking out the clearance racks. Melodie laughed. “I sense a pattern here, girlfriend.”

  “Oh, yeah. All of us are clearance shoppers. My maid of honor, Chloe, loves Ralph Lauren, but she absolutely refuses to buy it unless it’s on sale.”

  “It can be pricy. Some of his blouses go for a hundred bucks or more. I do like the quality, though.”

  Once they had an armful of possibilities, they made their way to the dressing room and got side-by-side stalls. Kaylin said over the divider, “So, how are you doing with the BDSM thing? I understand from Jack that you’re a newbie.”

  “I’m okay with it, although I never would have thought I’d actually be doing it—my friend Pansy and I used to joke about it after we read Fifty Shades. I wasn’t really surprised when Logan told me he was a Dom. He has a very alpha, dominant vibe—or maybe it’s just his stunning facial features. I can’t wait to start painting them.”

  “I got involved with it when I went undercover in Jack’s club while Del and I were investigating that serial killer case. Chloe had been dating a Dom, and then they broke up, but none of us knew about the BDSM aspect until the Baker case came up. Jack’s receptionist was one of his victims, and we thought the perp might be a member of the club because surveillance video showed him carrying one of the club’s duffel bags.” She giggled. “It was sure an eye-opener for me.”

  “I like these capris. I might get them in a couple of colors. I think there were matching tops on the rack as well. I’ll check when we go back out for round two.”