Face in the Frame (6 page)

“I’m bored,” muttered Ross. “Do you really need us here for this boss?”

“Shut it ya dick,” Brodie said, straining to hear Cass’s exchange with Lucas.

“What’s this guy done anyway?” said Christian.

“He might have cut off a lot of people’s faces and stuck them in a museum,” replied Brodie.

“What?” exclaimed Christian and Ross in unison.

“You know you look gormless with your mouths hanging open.”

Now they knew they were onto something exciting they perked right up and eagerly listened in on the conversation going on between Lucas and Cass.

“I didn’t know Cass had been attacked,” said Christian. “Did he…rape her?”

“He tried,” replied Brodie, voice strangled with anger. “But she managed to fight him off. She took a bit of a beating though.”

“Shall we track down the bastard who did it and give him a good kicking?”

“I offered a while ago but she turned me down,” said Brodie. “Don’t mention it to her, she doesn’t like to talk about it.”

“We won’t, will we Ross?” said Christian.

“Course not,” he replied, looking furious. They were all very fond of Cass.

Brodie knew all too well how painful that memory was for Cass and it troubled him that she’d told Lucas about it so easily.

“Don’t fall for him Cass,” he muttered. “Don’t you dare fall for him.”

“So, what about your family?” said Cass, determined to get something of use out of Lucas to keep Brodie happy. So far they’d discussed trivial things like films and books and they’d just finished dessert. The meal was almost over. God help her if she went away from this empty-handed.

To her surprise, Lucas looked as tense as she’d felt when he’d asked her the same question.

“Have I said something wrong?” she said.

“No, sorry,” he said, unwinding slightly, smile sheepish. “I get on as well with my family as you do yours.”

“Oh no. Did something traumatic happen to you?”

“No, not as such, not like it did to you. My parents and I have never got on. In fact they’ve done nothing but put me down all my life.”

“They don’t appreciate how far you’ve come?”

“Not really,” he said sadly, looking down at his plate. “No matter what I do, it’s never good enough.”

“I can relate to that. That’s just how my parents treat me.” She wasn’t trying to reel him in, it was the truth. Her brother had always been the shining golden boy while she was the rebellious, disrespectful daughter.

“Let’s not spoil a lovely evening talking about them,” he said. “Would you like to go for a walk? I love to walk in the moonlight.”

“Okay, sounds nice,” she replied.

“Cass, what are you doing?” sighed Brodie.

“Why’s she wandering about in the dark with someone who likes cutting people’s faces off?” wondered Ross.

“She’s probably hoping to get more information out of him,” said Christian. Although his relationship with Cass had always been purely platonic he adored her and was determined to defend her against Brodie’s wrath, which was clearly building, his amber eyes taking on that dangerous whisky sheen.

“She’d better,” hissed Brodie through a clenched jaw.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” enthused Lucas, leaning on his silver-topped cane.

“Lovely,” smiled Cass, gazing down at the reflection of the moon in the water.

“Look at all the different colours play.”

“Colours? I only see silver and black.”

“There are so many subtle shades and hues in between and they change with the movement of the water. It’s fascinating. Sorry, I hope I’m not boring you?”

“Not at all. It’s interesting to hear an expert’s perspective. You see things other people don’t.”

“I’m not sure I’d go that far,” he replied with that timid smile she was becoming so fond of.

“I would. Some people would pay a fortune to hear what you just told me.”

“But you get to hear it for free because you treat me like a normal person. It’s a long time since I’ve felt normal.”

He looked so sad she wanted to cheer him up. Linking her arm through his she said, “let’s go dancing.”

“Dancing?” he laughed. “Are you serious?”

“Yes. I love to dance and I don’t often get the chance. It’ll be fun. Do you dance?”

“Actually I do,” he said, grin broadening. He ran his thumb along the line of her jaw. “You’re amazing.”

Her heart started to thud when he rested his hands on her shoulders. He was going to kiss her but he looked so unsure of himself and he hesitated. She solved the dilemma for him by pressing her lips to his, enjoying the warmth of his hands cupping her face and the way he tasted of the lemon sorbet he’d had at dinner.

When the kiss ended Cass’s eyes slowly rolled open and she smiled. “That was nice.”

“Very.”

“Are you ready to go dancing now?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” he said, holding his arm out to her, which she accepted.

As they walked she surreptitiously slid her hand inside her dress, removed the bugging device and dropped it into the water.

“What the fuck happened?” yelled Brodie.

“The signal’s been lost,” said Ross.

“I know that you prick. Why?”

“Dunno,” he shrugged.

“Fat lot of use you are,” he snarled back at him. “Now she’s all alone with him.”

“How dangerous is this guy?” said Christian. “Cass is as hard as nails. If he tried anything she’d kick his teeth in.”

“I’ve no idea how dangerous he is, that’s the problem and Cass isn’t invincible.” He thought furiously, eyes tick-tocking from side to side. “She mentioned dancing, she likes to go to Club Profile. That’s where they’ll be headed.” His eyes snapped back on Christian and Ross. “Get your coats on boys, we’re going dancing.”

The two younger men looked at each other in dismay.

CHAPTER 6

“Wow, you’re really good,” beamed Cass as she and Lucas moved across the dance floor.

“So are you. I haven’t danced in ages, this is fun,” he said, taking her hand and spinning her round, making her laugh. He was actually managing to dance with the cane in one hand, which somehow made him look even more impressive.

A number of people in the nightclub were watching them, knowing exactly who Lucas was but neither of them cared, they were enjoying themselves too much. He pulled her against him and she gazed up at him, realising sensations were running through her that up until that point had only been for Brodie. Had she finally met a man who could take her mind off her useless crush? All the other men she’d dated had been temporary distractions but with Lucas it was different.

As he spun her around again she glimpsed the watching crowd and was stunned to see Brodie staring back at her. Then she was spun back the other way and was facing Lucas again.

“Are you alright?” he asked her. “You look a bit shocked.”

“I thought I was going to fall over then. It’s these heels.”

“Sorry, I do tend to get a bit carried away. Shall we get a drink?”

“Yes please.”

She glanced over her shoulder as Lucas took her hand and led her off the dance floor but Brodie had vanished, if he’d even been there in the first place. It was probably guilt creating an illusion after she’d ditched the bug.

Lucas led her to a quiet table in a corner, away from the speakers and the gawpers and she sank down gratefully, anxiously scanning the assembled crowd, relaxing when she failed to spot Brodie.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Lucas asked her.

“Fine. Just getting a little tired.”

“Sorry, I’m keeping you out too late,” he said, looking disappointed.

“No, I’m fine,” she replied, forcing a smile.

When he took her hand she hastily looked around again, praying she didn’t see Brodie anywhere. She didn’t see Brodie but she did see Christian standing by a pillar on the dance floor, jerking his head to the right with an apologetic look. She followed the direction Christian was indicating and was dismayed to see Brodie leaning back against the bar, eyes locked on her, his disapproval seeming to roll across the room and wash right over her, depressing her happy mood.

“Are you listening?” said a voice.

She looked to Lucas and smiled. “Sorry, I was miles away there.”

“So I see. What’s wrong?”

“I’m just getting tired. Do you mind if we go?” she replied, forcing herself not to look Brodie’s way. She should have tossed the bug before saying she wanted to go dancing.

“Alright,” he said, looking a little confused but not objecting.

He assisted her on with her jacket - she loved these little gentlemanly ways of his - then took her hand and led her to the door, weaving in and out of the other clubbers. He was stopped on his way to the door and asked for his autograph, Cass taking the opportunity while he was signing the piece of paper thrust at him to glance around for Brodie. She saw him making his way towards them and the second Lucas had signed the paper she took his arm and practically dragged him to the door.

“Cass, what is going on?” he said.

“I need to get outside, the heat’s making me dizzy.” She realised this lie was a huge error when his arm went around her waist to support her. It was a sweet gesture but an unwanted one with Brodie so close but - unless she wanted Lucas to click onto what was going on - she was forced to let him leave it there.

Lucas hailed them a taxi and as they climbed in she just managed to glimpse Brodie rushing to his car, digging the keys out of his jacket pocket. The look he shot her was murderous. Cass got the feeling this time coffee and cakes wouldn’t be enough to make it up to him.

She gave the taxi driver the address of a flat Brodie owned that they used for undercover work. They never took marks back to their real homes. When the car pulled up outside the flats Lucas asked the driver to wait while he walked Cass to the door.

“Will you be alright? You don’t look well, you’re very pale,” he said, pressing the back of his hand to her face.

“I’m fine. Like I said, I’m just tired after last night then tonight. I really enjoyed myself, thank you.”

“So did I. Can I see you again?”

No. Say no
her common sense screamed at her. “I’d like that,” her mouth replied.

“Great,” he grinned. “Shall I call you?”

“Please do.”

When he leaned into her she thought he was going to kiss her and her lips puckered in anticipation. But instead he just gave her a hug. Although she knew she shouldn’t and that Brodie was no doubt watching somewhere she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder. He smelt lovely, like soap. Covertly she slid her fingers through the ends of his silky hair.

“Till next time,” he said, planting a kiss on her cheek.

She watched him jump back into the taxi, smiling at her through the window as it pulled away, disappointed he hadn’t kissed her again. What was the deal there? Dear God, she hoped he wasn’t the type to wait until after marriage to have sex because she was starting to ache for him.

Deciding it was time to face the music, she unlocked the main door and took her time plodding up the stairs, knowing Brodie would already be there, no doubt having entered the building the back way, working himself up into a rage that he would then unleash on her. She wasn’t looking forward to it.

Sure enough he was pacing the room when she entered, amber eyes glimmering in the darkness.

“Why didn’t you put on a light?” she said casually, switching on a lamp, hoping she could bluff her way out of this.

“I don’t need light to be pissed off.” He stopped pacing to glare at her. “What the hell were you thinking tonight Cass?”

“I was doing my job.”

“Your job didn’t involve getting close to that creep.”

“It’s not the first time I’ve had to get close to a mark,” she replied, plonking herself down on the couch and kicking off her heels to massage her left foot.

“This time was different. You actually looked to enjoy it.”

“I’m a good actress.”

Furiously he shook his head. “Don’t lie to me. I saw the two of you together, dancing.”

“So what?”

“You couldn’t take your eyes off him. You’ve fallen for the prick, haven’t you?”

“No.”

“When did you start lying to me Cass?” he said softly.

This affected her much more powerfully than his shouting and she felt horribly guilty. “I’m sorry, you’re right. I suppose I don’t want to admit it.”

“You’ve fallen for him?”

She relinquished her foot, looked down at the floor and nodded. “I’m really sorry Brodie, I didn’t intend for this to happen. I’ve gone on so many honey traps and I’ve never felt like this before.”

Suddenly Brodie didn’t feel so righteous or angry. He’d thrown her in front of Lucas Thorne. If it hadn’t been for his meddling they would never have met. This was his fault, him and his stupid theories. Besides, she was looking up at him with those big dark eyes of hers, begging him not to fall out with her again and he didn’t want to. Cass was a mainstay in his life. Anyway, he was confident Lucas would drop out of her life as quickly as the other men she’d dated. Having a go at her would only push her closer to Lucas. That was a trap he was determined to avoid.

He sighed and sank onto the couch beside her. “I’ve gone a bit over the top, haven’t I?”

She gaped at him.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he said.

“I thought you were going to give me a proper bollocking.”

“I was but I put you in this position in the first place.”

“But I’ve behaved so unprofessionally.”

“True but you’ve done these honey traps for a long time and it was bound to happen one day.”

“Lucas isn’t one of those scummy cheating wife beaters or criminals I usually deal with, he’s different and he treats me so nicely. After the meat-heads I usually end up with he’s such a refreshing change.”

“I can see that Cass. Are you seeing him again?”

She nodded.

“Do you want to see him again?”

Another nod.

Brodie’s heart sank even further. It seemed for the first time in her life Cass was serious about a man and it stung him. “I understand that,” he said, determined to be gentle with her. This situation had to be treated with kid gloves. “But I want you to keep in mind the possibility that he could be dangerous.”

“I know that’s what you think but he’s really not. He’s so sweet and gentle.”

“You know you can’t judge by first impressions. I’m sure Jack the Ripper’s mummy thought he was sweet at one point.”

“I get what you’re trying to say but trust me on this one Brodie, please. You wanted me to meet him so I could gauge him and I have. Lucas is so gentle and he loves art. He wouldn’t go around cutting off people’s faces and sticking them on walls. He likes to create things, not destroy them.” She caught his doubtful look. “Your gut’s telling you something different, isn’t it?”

“I’m sorry Cass but it is.”

“You’re wrong,” she said determinedly.

“You’ve always trusted my gut before.”

“I have but you’re not infallible.”

“I can’t believe you’re doubting me.”

“It’s not that I don’t trust you, you know I do, more than anyone else, but I don’t agree. I’ve met Lucas, spent time with him. You haven’t.”

“Then I need to spend some time with him.”

Her eyes narrowed at the mischievous look on his face. “Oh hell, what are you going to do?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be my usual subtle self.”

“You, subtle?”

“I can be when the situation calls for it. And if it keeps us good then it’s worth it.”

Cass was astonished. “Are you trying to wrong-foot me like I did to you?”

“No. I’m trying to do the right thing here sweetheart, work with me.”

She smiled and gently nudged his arm with her elbow. “Thanks Brodie.”

“You’re welcome. Jesus, I surprise myself sometimes, I thought I’d be tearing you a new one.”

“So did I to be honest. I was prepared for battle.”

“Cass, you’re my number two. I can’t operate without you. You’re also one of my best friends. Some poncy artist isn’t going to come between that.”

“Wow, I’m touched,” she smiled.

“I’m doing this on one condition. That you keep your guard up with this pri…I mean man until we establish for sure that he’s nothing to do with Fred’s disappearance.”

“Promise.”

He patted her hand. “That’s my girl.” Wearily he got to his feet and yawned.

“Did clubbing take it out of you?” she said.

“I’m too old for that shite.”

“Not you Bossman,” she smiled up at him.

Brodie looked down at her and felt a mixture of frustration and love. He would not allow Lucas Thorne to come between them. “Well, you must be tired so I’ll get off then. See you in the morning.”

“Aye you will. I’ll get the coffee and cakes again.”

He just nodded before leaving, slouching down the stairs and out the door. Christian and Ross were waiting for him by his car. “Well?” he asked them.

“Thorne went straight back to the penthouse he’s renting,” replied Christian.

“Address?”

“I already sent it to your phone.”

He nodded stiffly. “Well done.”

“Is Cass okay?”

“She’s fine.”

“So she still works with us?”

“Course she does. Jesus, the business would fall apart without her. I said she can date him if she wants.”

“You did?” they exclaimed in unison.

“Aye. I can be the bigger man when necessary. If I’d said she couldn’t see him I would only have pushed her closer to him. This way she sees him a couple of times, gets bored and dumps him like she always does with men. End of story.”

“You sure about that Boss?” said Ross. “She looked pretty smitten.”

“Don’t give me that old fanny. Now get yourselves back to Lucas’s. I want you to keep a close eye on that bastard.”

With that Brodie hopped into his car and sped off, once the engine of his ancient blue Astra eventually started, leaving them standing on the pavement.

“Wait a sec, we used Brodie’s car to get to Lucas Thorne’s. How are we going to get there now?” said Ross.

“Aw crap,” groaned Christian.

The second all the cleaners had left the museum Bill made his way straight to the Face in the Frame exhibition and to Sylvie.

“Missed you hen,” he smiled, pressing her button.

Her eyes opened and she smiled before launching into an explanation about women’s clothes that went right over his head.

“You must get so lonely,” he said when she’d finally finished. “You need friends to keep you company while I’m not here.” He almost pressed the button of the face beside hers, until he realised it was a handsome young man. He scowled at that face before turning to the woman’s face on the other side of Sylvie, who looked to be of her own age. She too was very pretty but not as special as Sylvie. He pressed the button and she started to talk, her voice slightly nasal but no less interesting.