Free Lauren by Laura Marie Henion

before they left. He had her. His cool, suave moves had instantly made her putty in his hands.
    He reached into his pocket to pull out the precise amount of Ecstasy. He would not want to overdo it. Craving a challenge tonight, he questioned for a moment whether he should use the drug.
    He carefully placed it into the glass of white wine.
    She returned, lips glossy and pink, and she was blushing ever so slightly.
    "Finish your wine, beautiful, and we'll be on our way."
    "I don't know. I mean I really don't know you, and my friends..."
    "Your friends are having a great time. We'll talk a little more, then we'll go."
    He played the game so well.
    As he scooted the stool closer to hers, he drew her in deeper, then gently placed his hand on her thigh. The heat was intense and she felt it, too, he was sure of it. She licked her glossy pink lips, and he cupped her chin in his hand.
    "You have the most kissable lips,” he whispered, then moved his face closer to hers.
    He was gentle as he placed his lips over hers, a small sample of what he desired. He was careful not to overdo it and released her lips, then kissed each cheek, slow, softly while staring into her eyes. He finally ended the gentle trail of kisses near her earlobe.
    "You're delicious,” he growled in a low, sexy voice that seemed to heighten his prey's arousal. She turned from him to take a long sip, finishing her glass of white wine.
    With each lie, each claim of valor, he beat down their innocence, their ability to follow their gut. It gave him great pleasure to have that power, and as the drug kicked in, he knew his time was limited.
    Carefully, he tipped the bartender, then closely held his prize as they made it to the front entrance. He got her into the truck and slowly exited the parking lot and made it to the highway.
    On the way home, there was a registration check. The cop barely seemed to notice the female passenger. She probably looked tired to him, perhaps a bit drunk. The patrol officer allowed them to pass and the killer continued to drive to his private, little playhouse.
    "I feel so dizzy. I want to go back. Something isn't right.” She held her head and tried to focus on the direction they were going in.
    "Shhhh. Don't you worry, my beautiful girl. We're going to have some fun, just you and me."
    He kissed her forehead, and she laid her head against his shoulder.
    She wanted him. Oh, yes, she wanted him.
    "You're mine ... and we belong together...” he began to sing.
* * * *
    A week later, Lauren and the other detectives were no closer to finding a vehicle, or locating any possible suspects. To top it off, another young woman went missing in the Stone County area. The media was having a field day.
    Eddie and Ken watched Lauren on television, as she stood at the podium answering questions and avoiding them.
    "She's good,” Ken added.
    "She's real good,” Eddie said, and thought she looked gorgeous on TV.
    He took in her appearance. Lauren wore a pair of black, pin-striped, slim-fitting dress pants and a beige blouse. Her hair was all done up in a fancy sophisticated style atop her head, and she wore diamond stud earrings and a diamond pendant.
    The word ‘classy’ entered Eddie's mind and he wished that damn podium wasn't in the way, so he could see her body again.
    His wish came true as he heard the voice right behind him.
    "Hello? Didn't you guys hear me?” Lauren asked, and both Ken and Eddie turned toward her.
    Eddie knew the report was a repeat from this morning, but he had no idea Lauren was on her way here.
    "Oh, hi, Detective Phelps, sorry about that. You sounded great and you look great on TV, as well,” Ken said, and smiled.
    "What are you doing here?” Eddie said, and then just stared at her, and tried to act as if he didn't care.
    "Nice to see you too, Lieutenant,” Lauren barked back, just as the chief of police entered the room.
    "Eddie, Ken, it looks like Detective Phelps will be staying in town a while. She'll be working this