He shook his head. “Look, I can sense that you are getting upset so let’s not discuss this anymore today. I just hope in time you will learn that you can trust me with your secrets. You are safe with me Karli, no matter what preconceived notions you may have of me. Now if you’ll excuse me, I really must take a shower. We have other important matters to discuss when I’m done.”
Fuck!
***********************
I started pacing uncontrollably while Leo was in the bathroom. What the hell am I going to do? I thought about leaving until I realized that would only confirm his suspicions that I was hiding something. Dammit! I decided to stay and pretend things were normal.
I put on the complimentary hotel bath robe and ordered breakfast from room service. My omelet looked great but I really wasn’t hungry anymore. Leo came out of the master suite wearing a pair of black slacks with nothing else. His hair was wet and he smelled like that wonderful manly soap again. He saw the fruit plate I had ordered for him and smiled at me while grabbing a piece of pineapple.
While taking a bite he asked, “Is there something wrong with your eggs?”
“No, I’m just not very hungry.” I replied. I took a sip of coffee and continued poking at the eggs with my fork. “So, are you going to tell me what happened last night?”
“Ah yes.” He replied. “Jordyn is dead.”
I dropped my utensil. “What?..... When?..... How?”
“Well, she stepped away for a break last night around eleven. Thirty minutes later, I noticed that she hadn’t returned yet. She was dancing behind screen number one before her break and the lights were still off. I checked with Kendra who told me that she mentioned stepping outside for a cigarette.”
“Yeah, but she’s never late coming back from breaks.”
He nodded. “That’s what Kendra said too, so she tried calling her cell phone but did not get an answer. I found Jordyn’s robe in the employee break room and took it with me to capture her scent. My men and I left the bar and began searching the casino and surrounding areas. The trail was leading us towards a service entrance, which continued to a loading dock. That’s where we found the source of the sirens we heard. There were several police cars blocking off the alley. Upon closer inspection, I saw Jordyn, lying dead on the ground. Her heart had been ripped out of her chest and pieces of her flesh were missing from her upper arm and torso. Detective Alexander pulled up shortly
thereafter. I stepped away to call you while he was getting caught up to speed by the officers who arrived first on the scene.”
“Oh my God, it happened again??” I groaned as I held back the bile rising in my throat. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
Leo nodded again. “I’m afraid so.”
I took some deep breaths. “That explains why he didn’t call.”
“Pardon?” He asked.
“Um, nothing. Please continue.”
“Well, I sent my man inside to notify Kendra while I stayed on the scene. Vance noticed me and filled me in on the details. Apparently, a housekeeper found her there while she was taking out the garbage. Jordyn’s injuries seem to be consistent with Leslie’s. They won’t know for sure if it is the same suspect until Forensics can run some tests, but they now know that Leslie was killed by a Stryker demon.”
“I’ve never heard of a Stryker demon before.” I said. “Do you know anything about them?”
“Yes.” He replied. “Their breed is near extinction which is probably why you’re not familiar with them. Strykers usually stay in their human form and are pretty docile unless provoked. The ones who give into their inner beasts though can shift into hideous creatures with sharp teeth and claws. They’re known for feasting on their victim’s skin and hearts.”
“Oh my God, that’s disgusting!” I cried.
“Yes, they can be very vicious while in attack mode, but they typically pick their victims at random. That is what is most perplexing. It seems an awfully big coincidence that both women work at the same place.”
“What else did Vance say?” I asked.
“He asked for your whereabouts because he wanted to ensure that you were safe. I told him that I just spoke with you and you were still upstairs in my suite. He insisted on going up to see you but I told him that was unnecessary. I mentioned that you were likely readying yourself for bed and needn’t be bothered. I assured him that I would remain close to you throughout the evening and talk with you in the morning about the events that transpired.”
“Oh I bet that went over well. Lovely, now Vance probably thinks I slept with you.”
He smiled. “Would that be such a bad thing?”
I stood up from the table. “I really need to get back to my apartment.” I said. “Will you please call the front desk and ask for a cab while I get dressed?” Needing to get away from Leo so I could calm down, I shut myself in the bedroom and got dressed. I grabbed my bag after packing it and started walking briskly towards the door.
Leo stepped in front of me and asked, “Are you upset with me, my love?”
“I’m upset about the situation.” I replied. Okay, not entirely true.