Page 68 of Poison

"Because he's cocky. I'll get him pissed off good and proper, and he'll confess if only to keep me scared. He wants me to be afraid of him, so I won't do something like this... I know I hurt you. I'm sorry we can't be together, and I fucking hate Lucien for making you feel so low. He should be kissing the ground you walk on. You're kind, funny, charming, generous, and a really good fuck. I'd jump in your arms right now if it weren't for…"

"The bartender?"

I nodded. "I got Hobbs' records of transactions from his computer. The problem is, without Alex, I don't know how to decipher them. I know you can, which is why I need you. You're also a senator, so you can get the cops to wire me up. Hobbs is too smart to leave a trail that will lead to him. All he will do is give words. I need someone listening in." I sighed. "And I don't know what he'll do to me when I get him to confess."

Beau remained silent for a very long minute, picking up his clothing. When he was fully dressed, he asked, "How do I know you'll keep your end of the deal?"

"I'll hand this over even if I can't make Hobbs confess. I don't want Lucien to have this any more than you do." I brushed a hand along his face. "You really do deserve so much better than him. I know what it's like to feel trapped with someone you love who treats you like shit. I hope one day you will ditch that loser and find someone who will truly love you. I wish it could be me, but… I'm in love with someone else."

He stretched his lips into a thin line. "Give me a few days. I'll have to pull some strings."

Chapter 47

Beau entered the club around nine PM on Wednesday evening, but he wasn't alone. He escorted a short, stocky black woman wearing a blue business suit to our usual booth. When he motioned me over, I left the pole after my dance and drifted towards them. It was awkward trying to figure out where to sit. Did I sit next to him? Or his friend? Or did I simply just stand? Beau scooted over, giving me my answer.

"This is Chief Nelson. She's the Chief of Police in Top Hill."

The woman held out her hand, and I quickly shook it. I gripped the booth seat anxiously with both hands, trying to force myself not to fidget. This was it. There was no going back. "Senator Wakeland says you may be able to get Mr. Trevor Hobbs to confess to the murder of Mr. Alex Freeman?"

I nodded.

"How are you so sure?"

I could've really used some Nova to get through all this. I'd hit Cherry up right away if I didn't need my mind to be crystal clear. "I've known Trevor for thirteen years. Trust me, I can get him to say it." I was going to risk getting my ass beat and probably raped, but she didn't need to know that.

"He hasn't already confessed to you?"

I shook my head.

"Then how do you know he did it?"

How much did I tell her? Running away as a servant added more to my debt, so I needed to come up with a lie quick. "Hobbs found out I was seeing someone. He thought it was either Alex or someone else, and Alex was helping me keep it a secret. The moment I mentioned another man, he turned the TV on... Hobbs didn't confess, but the look in his eyes and the way he said Alex's name... I knew he did it." I cleared my throat. "The way he did it, the way his voice sounded…" A shudder ran down my spine. "It was a threat. He may not try to kill me, but he will hurt someone I care for again if I don't play by his rules."

The Chief of Police reached into her pocket and pulled out a sticker with golden wiring. "We will look into Mr. Hobbs, even if you can't get him to confess. And we will conduct a surprise audit on him to look into your status as a servant. Hopefully, we will be able to get to him before he has time to wipe his records."

"I have them. I just don't know how to tell what's what."

She nodded. "The moment you peel the protective layer off of this sticker, it will pick up any conversation you take part in. You will need to stick it to your chest so that we can get clear audio and voice recognition... which means you'll have to wear a shirt."

"Look, lady, typically I prefer to be fully clothed." I held up my bracelets and shook them. "But I'll make sure to be covered. When can you have a team ready?"

"We can have a sting team in place within an hour of when you give us the word."

"Can it be tonight?"

"I don't see why not."

"Good, I'll put it on before I leave tonight. Hobbs will take me home, and that's when I'll get him to confess."

"Then we will get set up near your apartment. If you are in danger or feel like you will be after getting him to confess, use the word 'checkmate.' We will come running. I highly suggest that you don't use it until we have a confession. He needs to say it, not simply imply it. That is very important."

"I'll get him to say it."

The woman got to her feet and smiled kindly. "Good. I will have my team set up and ready for when you get home. Good luck, Mr. Braun."

She left, but Beau stayed behind. I could feel his sad eyes on me, which made me even more uncomfortable. I needed to be strong. It was going to be hard enough handing the man I had loved for so long a death sentence.

"Are you sure about this?" he finally asked.

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