Chapter 01: Target Acquired

“Alexa…why don’t you come out and play? I promise I’ll make this quick.” She heard his cruel voice maliciously taunting her. The sounds of his footsteps grew closer to where she hid and she looked around for anything she could use as a weapon. Alexa was badly bleeding but couldn’t see how severe the injury was to her shoulder or side. Pressing her fingers tighter against her rib cage, she stifled her pained cries. “Alexa…come out, come out, wherever you are.”

Quietly, she made her way across the engine room to the maintenance door and hastily unhooked the hatch. The metal squealed, alerting him of her position. And she impulsively raced back toward the ladder to get herself top side. The door behind her sprang open and light from the upper deck poured into the tiny room, perfectly outlining his silhouette in the doorway, knife in hand and a sadistic grin on his face. “There you are!”

—Mt. Springs: Present Day – One year, two months earlier —

“Take it all off honey! I’m paying good money to see what you got!” The drunken shouts kept coming from the audience in front of the dancer on stage. Looking over the crowd with disdain, she hid it well behind a pleasant smile and a sexy switch of her hips. The man most rallying the crowd moved closer toward her and flicked another wad of singles in her direction. The music slowly died and the dancer bent down to pick up the money she’d earned and slowly made her way back stage.

“Give another round of applause for Diamond!”

Jade, poked her head from behind the curtain and watched as the front doors opened. The second he stepped inside, his security moved in behind him and she smiled to herself as he moved to the VIP seat reserved for him. It had been the same for the last month. The high rollers package was laid out in his honor, drinks on the house and the cover charge was waived. He came for the show, only on Fridays and he only came to watch her. “Up next for your viewing pleasure is the one you have all been waiting for. She’s got the hips that sink ships, the legs that never quit, and the ass that could bring a grown man to his knees. She’s the belle of the ball, the one, the only, Jade!”

The howls and cheers that initially welcomed him into the gentleman’s club were replaced by a slow, methodic beat accompanied by a bright spotlight. The night’s VIP stood from his seat and moved a little closer, stopping barely ten feet away from the edge of the stage with his arms folded across his chest. He wanted his to be the first face she saw when she exited the backstage. He wanted her to know just how much he enjoyed her show and how much he anticipated tonight’s performance. 

A tiny glimpse of her edged out of the black curtain hanging behind the pole, her bare leg, adorned in a strappy six-inch stiletto leading up to a luscious calf that already sent her adoring fans into an uproar.  He licked his lips as next she revealed an arm and slowly pulled back the veil which held her captive from viewing. Then, from out of a dimmed spot light and a dark puff of smoke the most exquisite display of feminine beauty appeared. 

Tongues wagged from opened jaws as the Bahaman enchantress danced and swiveled her toned hips to the front of the stage and silence filled the room as she slowly mesmerized her viewers with a well timed, sexy weaving of her body. The suppleness of her exposed flesh was enough to send a thousand pulses racing. Just as the beat dropped again, the exotic beauty flashed a smile in the direction of her onlookers taking their breaths away. Her long, brown hair flowed down her back and over her left shoulder in waves with a bright red rose tucked into it.

As if she could sense him taking in every inch of her curves, she looked his way, locking eyes, rocking him to his very core. They were the most stunning shade of forest green and matched perfectly with her honey rich, sun kissed skin. Sauntering toward him she seductively swayed her hips running her hands along her body ever so slowly. At the end of the stage, she began slowly removing her lace and leather costume piece-by-piece dropping it carelessly at her feet. 

His tongue flicked across his bottom lip as he watched her and she winked teasingly to her number one fan before giving the rest of the crowd what they were waiting for. Now standing before them in just her ruby red thong and stilettos, she made the last two minutes of her song count and the shower of money told her she was doing it right. Breathlessly the DJ called for a round of applause for their superstar dancer and the crowd was on their feet. Alexa didn’t bother with the offerings of scattered dollar bills of multiple denominations on the floor. Instead, she gave one last, long look over her shoulder beneath her dark lashes toward the mystery man and disappeared off stage.

As she made her way back to the dressing room, she smiled to herself on her job well done. Finding it clear gave Alexa the peace and quiet she was in need of and she threw herself to the chair in front of her vanity. The loud music blaring through the paper-thin walls mixed with chatter and the occasional fighting of the other girls made her head ache and she rubbed at her temples, seeking relief from the arising pain.

Gazing around the room then back at her own reflection she sighed, picking apart everything from the condition of the place to her very own appearance. The flimsy, hot pink material covering the walls was only there to conceal the holes and cracks Eddie Donnelly was too cheap to repair. The lockers were rusted with exposed pipes in the back of them causing the entire room to smell of mildew beneath the perfume the girls used to mask their scent of sweat since there were no showers and only three working sinks. Even their changing stations were composed of simple wooden desks literally standing on their last leg.

But being the crowd pleaser and the top billed dancer at Sapphire came with its privileges. Instead of having to share her station and costumes with the other girls, Alexa was given all new things that almost always had tags still on them. Her arrival at the Sapphire Lounge spread like wildfire throughout the town. Bringing western dance moves with her very unique look she instantly drew in a large crowd on the second night that she put on a solo act. 

Pushing off the cushy stool, she grabbed another outfit to wear, fluffed her hair once more, adjusted the fit on her six-inch boots and stared at herself a moment in the mirror. The nervousness that came with performing had long since passed. She grew used to the disgusting, disrespectful men degrading her by calling her every kind of bitch and propositioning her for sex. Some even went as far as to try to corner her after hours, making Eddie beef up on the security on her nights.

The job came with a lot of shit but she wasn’t here by accident. She had a job to do and she’d see it out until the end. The song playing out in the main room ended as the announcer revved up the crowd for the next girl’s arrival. “There she is! There’s that confident beauty the men of the Sapphire Lounge all came out to see, Jade!” Eddie’s husky voice met her before he even rounded the corner to the dressing room. “How’s my favorite girl doin’?”

“I’m tired Eddie and I’m ready to go home.”

“Not so fast Dollface. I got a special surprise for ya!” He smiled widely kissing both her cheeks happily.

“I hate surprises, Eddie, you know that so what is it?” she frowned discourteously and watched her boss practically dance around his desk before plopping down in his chair still humming to himself.

“You hooked in a high payin’ admirer. That guy that takes over the VIP lounge on the days you dance paid triple the price for a private show.”

The scowl Alexa once held twisted into a smile that made its way up to her eyes. “Private dance? With me?”

“Yep! Do me a favor Doll, keep doin’ whatever it is you’re doin’ that keeps him comin’ back because with clients like him, I won’t need to take that third mortgage out on my house any time soon!” He pulled a wad of bills from his pocket peeling off half and slid it across the desk and she waved it off. “Ya serious? You can really turn down this much cash?” 

“Yeah, Eddie. Like I said I’m tired and I’m ready to go home.” Alexa replied. Seeing the curious stare, he gave her she felt obligated to expand on her answer. “Besides, I’ve seen where those men keep these bills before they toss them up on the stage. I’d prefer keeping my hands clean.”

“Whatever you say, ya Highness,” he laughed at his dry joke and leaned back in his chair counting the cash for what had to be the third time tonight. “Come on, Babe. You do this one for me tonight and I promise you no more after hours gigs, deal?”

“Fine,” Alexa sighed. “Hand it over.”

“Thank you, Dollface! You’re a peach,” Eddie said, slapping her half of the money to the desk. “Ya John’s waitin’ for ya in booth #3. I promised him the full Monty so be sure that man gets his hour!”

After checking her appearance one last time, Alexa stepped into the darkness of the private booth with her back toward the customer. When the music began, she flipped the single light that shined down on her, swaying back and forth to the beat. This was her first experience doing a VIP dance and it was an uncomfortable one. Various sex acts were known to take place in these booths and she hoped to high hell the man sitting in the plush armchair behind her wasn’t expecting anything of the sort.

“Come closer.” She shook hearing the unexpected smooth baritone and turned to face him, still unable to see anything other than his obviously new polished wingtip shoes and dark pinned-striped suit pants. Alexa did as instructed and instantly felt the warm grip of the man’s hand slip up her thigh.

Backing away, she pointed toward the sign above his head that clearly expressed the hands-off policy and shrugged off his touch. He chuckled lightly and pulled her back into his arms, “I highly doubt that applies to me, especially considering the generous tip I just gave you and your boss. Besides, you’re not going to tell me you haven’t thought about this moment since the first time we locked eyes. I know I have.” His tongue licked up her belly this time as his hands roamed her thighs and Alexa closed her eyes as her hand tugged at his hair.

A slimy film pulled back into his mouth and he spit it out onto the floor and looked up at her. “What the hell…?” he grunted as his jaw met with her knee. She turned the music a little louder before kicking him in the gut as he tried to stand. And when he fell on his back, she lifted her boot and smashed it into his groin. He yelled but it wasn’t heard over the beat of the music and she smiled deviously toward the man who looked on at her in surprise. Before he had the chance to call for his security, he felt the devastating weight of Alexa’s boot on his neck, crushing his throat and choking the wind out of him.

As he looked on, she reached down the side of her other boot and retrieved her glock handgun. Slowly screwing the suppressor in place, she watched him squirm and wiggle to free himself and a smile curved her lip. “Dimitri says you’re forgiven.” Three shots burned from the barrel, digging into his prone body, two in the chest, one in his head.

Alexa prettied herself up, hid the weapon again in her boot and silently slipped out the backdoor. “Should have kept your hands to yourself,” she laughed callously and ran to her awaiting light blue Porsche Carrera GT. She gave one last look toward the Sapphire Lounge and kissed it goodbye. She never really liked the place and the way Eddie named every dancer after a precious stone. Alexa had a long journey ahead of her and time was ticking away. She hurried out of the area making a quick right onto Copeland.

Passing an abandoned lot littered with dirty diapers and drug needles, she pulled off to the side of the road and got out. Opening the trunk, Alexa retrieved a canvas bag, checked the area for any witnesses and secreted into the alley. Quickly she undressed and tossed her clothing into a garbage pail behind the industrial dumpster. She pulled the wig from her head and threw it into the flames. Peeling off the thin layer of latex prosthetic that covered her from head to toe, the Island beauty that had captivated the stage turned into a raven haired, blue-eyed Caucasian woman.

As the trash burned, Alexa made her way over to a nearby storm drain, disassembled her gun, wiped it free of prints and tossed the pieces inside. The flames would burn throughout the night destroying what little evidence she’d left behind. Tossing on her change of clothing, she slid back behind the wheel of her car and started the engine. 12:57 a.m., she glanced at the digital numbers on her dash, checked each of her mirrors before pulling off and hit the road. Somewhere in that pile of crud, soiled newspapers, and molded food containers the provocative beauty of the Sapphire Lounge died and it was time to move on to the next.

A delicate, young woman made her way inside The Madison sky rise apartments of downtown St. Claire. The place wasn’t as prestigious as she’d hoped, but it would do for the time being. Balancing a few boxes and her keys in her hands, she pushed the button for the elevator and waited. “Lift’s broken,” a man dressed in a white dress shirt and black slacks stated as he watched from behind his desk. “You’ll have to use the stairs.”

“But I’m on the 7^th floor,” she replied, readjusting the load in her hands. Alexa sighed in frustration as the less-than-helpful security guard simply shrugged and started up the stairs.

She reached the 7^th floor landing and clumsily made her way toward her door, stumbling on her own feet, she tripped beside a man just stepping out of his apartment. “Oh!”

“Geez! What the hell is in that thing? A bag of bricks?”

“50-pound blender?” Alexa joked as the man hopped again in pain. “I’m really very sorry, I didn’t see you there,” she smiled in embarrassment and gathered her belongings into the broken box.

“No, it’s my fault,” he replied, staring at her a moment as he was taken in by her brilliant blue eyes and bright smile. “Here, let me give you a hand with that,” his warm voice pierced the stillness of the hallway and she nodded her appreciation.

“Thanks.”

“It’s no problem at all.”

“I asked the doorman downstairs but he seemed too busy with his puzzle books to pay me any mind.”

“That’s Phil and unfortunately the only way to get his attention is with a bottle of Jim, Jack, Johnnie or Jose.”

“Oh. Well that’s good to know.” She started toward apartment 713 and turned the key. Allowing him inside first, the man set her belongings onto the table beside the sofa before rushing into the hall for the last box. “Thanks again. I’m such a klutz; it’s remarkable I got them here in one piece!”

He shrugged and wiped his hands on his pants before extending it for her to shake. “I’m Gavin, by the way, I live right across the hall in 710,” he flashed a megawatt smile that was both charming and alluring.

“Hannah Taylor I uh, live here,” she smiled in return. “Can I offer you a drink or something? I’m pretty sure I have my glasses unpacked.”

“Oh no, I’m fine.” His eyes took in the place and he whistled. “Boy, maybe I oughta get your help decorating my apartment. It looks too much like a bachelor pad. Of course, it’s also half the size of yours. I’m just a measly mechanic. I could only afford the mini version,” he smiled.

The apartment was done in the same dark wood overtones and offset gray linoleum as his.  But Alexa’s choice of black and dark brown furniture gave the place a sleeker appearance versus the lighter shades of tan and white he’d used. She had a modern kitchen with brand-new stainless-steel appliances which was much bigger than the one in his apartment. Although, she’d also chosen to stock her fridge and pantry with food, indicating her kitchen would see usage; unlike Gavin’s that was only equipped with a microwave and endless boxes of fast food. The living room, however, was the same size yet she made the space appear larger by separating the place he used as a dining area for a small computer desk and bookshelf.

    

The door to the bedroom was closed but that only made his mind wonder about what gems were to be found in there. “I have posters of cars and half naked women everywhere.” He laughed at her scrunched nose and quickly corrected, “I’m kidding, about the half-naked women anyway. I’m really too much of a car buff to ever leave it out of my décor.”

“You don’t have to tell me,” Alexa pointed toward a model car and Gavin turned to take a look.

“Wow, a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda, complete with the Hemi seal and chrome wheels, nice choice.”

“Yeah, I was actually looking for something like the one I own but they were all out of Dodge Chargers.”

“You mean that cherry red 1969 Dodge Hemi Charger in the parking deck is yours?”

“Yep! I won it in an auction.”

“Fuck me, you’re not LegalBeaver28, are you?”

“Wait, how did you…?”

“I’m GearStud33! Damn. You really owned me in that auction. I thought I had you in the last minute but you were faster,” he touched a hand through his black hair and Alexa caught a glimpse of a sleeve of tattoos hiding beneath the long sleeved cotton shirt he wore. “Well, you know deal’s done and you won fair and square and all BUT it would be pretty neighborly of you if you let me take it for a spin sometime.” Again he gave her one of the most gorgeous smiles he could muster.

“And what do I get out of this deal besides more mileage on that R/T 426/425 HP, 4-Speed fully documented with numbers matching parts and 13,645 original miles?”

“Numbers matching?”

“Still has factory air in the tires, or so I hear,” she winked and leaned against the wall beside him.

“Uh well, I’d say that’s at least a steak dinner.” Gavin turned on the charm, which wasn’t hard to do considering he was a hottie. With rugged good looks and a cool, outwardly demeanor, his black hair was trimmed neatly and spiked on the ends tapering off at his neck. And his smooth, tanned skin was decorated in various pieces of art, or what was visible. A diamond studded earring was in his left ear and a few hoops adorned both as well as one in his left eyebrow and a snug piercing on his bottom lip.

“That sounds nice.”

“And you know if you play your cards right, I might let you get behind the wheel of mine. It’s not blue like your model toy over there but uh…”

“You have a ‘70 Cuda?”

“Also, a Hemi, 425 horsepower, suspension tailored for heavy-metal acceleration which I’m sure could give your Dodge a run for its money any day of the week.”

“You are on!”

He chuckled at her excitement and backed into the bookcase behind him, knocking one from the shelf. “The Elements of Legal Style by Bryan Garner,” he read as he placed it back on the shelf. “Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges by Antonin Scalia and Bryan Garner and How to Argue and Win Every Time by Gerry Spence, are you some kind of lawyer or something?”

“Something,” Alexa laughed and rubbed the back of her neck nervously. “I applied for a position at the State’s Attorney’s office but I never heard back from them. To be honest I’m still job hunting. Can’t be a lawyer if I’m not practicing.”

“Well, I may be able to pull a few strings for you. I know someone who works down there.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t and it would be no trouble at all, really.”

Alexa thought for a moment, nibbling on her bottom lip and Gavin inched closer, savoring the smell of vanilla. “Thanks so much, Gavin, really. I’m loving this place already!”

“Yeah, Hannah,” he smiled, still staring into her eyes, “Things are definitely looking up.” She nervously broke their gaze and he cleared his throat and backed away. “I uh, guess I should get going. I’ve taken up enough of your time. But feel free to knock on my door if you need anything. If I’m not home I’m usually at the garage on 52^nd and Madison; it’s just a ways up the street.”

“Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.” Alexa walked him to the door and watched as he backed into the hallway. Gavin waved one last time and started down the stairs.

Sitting at her desk, she pulled up the Sweet Tooth candy distribution website and entered into the chatroom marked for fundraising.

            10:01 p.m. – Special delivery from Saginaw. –

She typed and waited. Moments later a message from CaramelK appeared in the flow of other chatters.

            10:02 p.m. – How was the weather in Michigan? –

Alexa typed back in response:

10:03 p.m. – Cold and wet. I just finished my customer’s order. –

A blinking tab indicating private chat popped above her name and she clicked the link and entered a room with the user CaramelK.

10:05 p.m. – Good work with that last job ‘Jade.’ The client was very pleased. –

10:06 p.m. – As was I when his funds cleared. –

10:07 p.m. – And how’s the progress on your next Gift Basket? –

The blinking cursor stared at her for another minute before she finally responded:

              
               10:09 p.m. – Target acquired. –

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