Free Dead Heat by Kathleen Brooks Page B

rape, and murder. I hate that Kenna and Dani were dragged into this, but at the same time, if not for them this would still be going on. Girls would still be made to… it’s too horrible to even think of.” Paige felt sick just thinking of what those poor girls had to go through. She had heard the story of Kenna accidentally walking into one of the parties and witnessing her then boyfriend, Chad Taylor, attempting to rape a woman while some of the most powerful men in the state and federal government sat back and watched. She was only now getting a taste of what Kenna and Dani must have felt that night when they ran from Chad. “Did you learn anything else?”
    “Yes. Thanks to Dani’s tip on the bartender at the club in New York. We tracked down the bartender and found him at the gym both he and Chad belonged to. We threatened him with life in jail and he started talking instantly. Turns out he would signal Chad if there were any new young women who were unaccompanied coming into the gym or the bar. He thought Chad just had a type of girl he liked to hit on. Turns out they were probably the girls Chad would either bring to the monthly parties at the law office or he would pimp out to the judges and other VIPs who were regulars at those parties.
    “The bartender led us to Chad’s place. Agents are going through the place with a fine tooth comb. It is obvious he didn’t think he would ever get caught. He has all kinds of papers and pictures lying around. Even had a note that lists the fake name Judge LeMaster hid the 9-1-1 tape under. Apparently, LeMaster sent a clerk to listen to the tape. The clerk returned it to evidence, but purposely misfiled it. It can’t be classified as destroying evidence. But if Chad had not written down the file it was hidden in, then we may have never of found it.
    “The tape confirms everything Kenna said. You can hear her screaming for them to stop the rape and then you can hear Chad attacking Kenna. Afterwards, you actually hear Bob and Senator Bruce ordering the death of the girl.
    “ Normally, I think the best way is to capture a criminal alive so they can pay for their crimes. But I think the best punishment he could get was to have Dani kill him. After hearing parts of the tape, no man deserved it more. Chad would never think she had it in her and that makes it all the better in my mind.” Cole leaned back in his chair and ran his hand through his hair. He was obviously agitated that men like Chad and the New York boys had taken advantage of innocent women.
    “I know it was hard on Dani, but I think Ahmed is helping her with his experience in killing people. Things like how to handle the nightmares and flashbacks. I think, deep down, she feels the same way you do. She knows he is dead and knows he won’t ever get out of jail someday. I think it brings her a certain peace. At least it did until this. I still can’t believe it happened. I didn’t even know assassins existed in the real world. I thought it was just something in the movies.”
    “They are very real. Which is why I am so worried about you. Movies can’t hurt you, but this guy can.” Paige looked away from Cole and down at her napkin. She didn’t want him to see she was starting to worry now that she knew all the facts.
    “I see you have already run out of things to talk about.” Kandi sashayed her way over to the table. Paige stifled a groan when she heard Kandi’s grating voice. She raised her eyes from her napkin and almost choked with laughter.
    Kandi leaned against Cole’s chair in tight barely there shorts and Ed Hardy t-shirt two sizes too small. She looked like she had raided a fifteen year old's closet.
    “You know, Kandi, I have some great clothes at my store more suited to a woman of your age. You should check them out.” Paige grinned and gave a slight bat of her lashes.
    “Oh! Aren’t you a dear? I only wear designer clothes. I know you can’t afford them, and probably know nothing about