might be the fortitude she needed. “I’ll tell you the same thing I told the police. Joel sometimes lets me stop in during social hour to display my work. Marilyn was there a couple of months ago and said she wanted to surprise her husband with a collar. We discussed the different types of jewels and she specifically wanted rubies, saying that her husband liked the color.”
“It’s usually the other way around, though. It’s highly unusual for a sub to buy her own collar. Did she say why she was purchasing it and not Terry?””
Connor took a few steps her way. Lauren could see that this wasn’t going to be a one or two question and answer conversation, so she turned and walked to the small kitchen table that she’d bought at Ikea. It wasn’t expensive furniture, but it definitely fit her personality. She set her glass down and took a seat.
“She mentioned that it was her way of making things up to him.” Connor’s blue eyes seemed to take in everything and as they landed on her wrist, she realized that she’d wrapped her right hand around it. Immediately releasing her hold, she placed her fingers on the stem of the glass and started to twirl it. “I didn’t pry. That was basically the sum of the conversation.”
Connor closed the distance and pulled out a chair. Lauren knew immediately that sitting down had been a bad idea. H e’d chosen the seat next to her, although he’d pulled it out so that he would be directly facing her. As he made himself comfortable, she shifted her knees so that they wouldn’t touch. It also dawned on her that the heat in her apartment was set a little too high. She’d have to fix that.
“How long ago did she pick up her order?”
“Winter months are always my busiest and she’d placed her order a month and a half before Christmas. As you said, the plug, clamps and collar.” Lauren couldn’t help but lower her gaze to his chest. Connor’s brown leather jacket was open, revealing a black cotton shirt that had a V-neck collar. His neck was weathered from many hours exposed to the elements and his chest had just a hint of coarse black hair. “Um, she picked it up around two weeks ago. Right before the holiday.”
“In the store?” Connor rested his arm on the table, snagging her gaze. His hands were large, with long, thick fingers. Images of him wielding a flogger came to mind, making her a little breathless. Lauren picked up her glass and took a healthy drink. She was too old to react like some schoolgirl. Thirty was right around the corner. “Did she elaborate then?”
“No,” Lauren replied, shaking her head. The movement wasn’t only in response, but more of a way to clear the wicked thoughts that were entering her head. “We exchanged pleasantries; she paid with a credit card and then left. That was the last I heard from her. The police were here yesterday with the same questions. Are you working for her husband?”
“I can’t disclose who I work for,” Connor said with a small smile. She noticed that he’d nicked his chin shaving and for some reason, the sight captivated her. Lauren finished her wine and then realized that she hadn’t offered him any. “I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to anyone about my inquiries.”
“If it helps c onvict whoever murdered her, then I’m glad I could help.”
Lauren pushed her chair out and stood. In a way, she was grateful for the work she still had to do this evening. It would keep her mind busy and not on things that weren’t good for her mental wellbeing. An image of Rick Hastlen, the accountant in apartment 310 sprang to mind. He seemed upstanding, although his thinning hair wasn’t all that attractive. Maybe she should take him up on his offer for a movie.
“Lauren,” Connor said softly as he gradually unraveled his tall form from the chair. The action brought him closer than she would
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