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Lost Bitches (an Abel Kane Mystery)
Lost Bitches (an Abel Kane Mystery)
Lost Bitches (an Abel Kane Mystery)
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Lost Bitches (an Abel Kane Mystery)

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Private detective Abel Kane is on the case. And he is willing and able to do what it takes to get the job done. What starts off as a seemingly simple dognapping case turns into much more when the mob, a pretty call girl, and several hunky men get involved.

LanguageEnglish
PublisherGerald Lopez
Release dateMay 31, 2015
ISBN9781310637186
Lost Bitches (an Abel Kane Mystery)
Author

Gerald Lopez

Gerald was called to write at various times in his life. When he was young, the writing consisted of plays and short stories. Then he explored the fine arts and literature, earning a bachelor’s degree in the latter while minoring in art history. In his studies he was fascinated by and enjoyed analyzing characters, their personalities and motivations. To him it’s always been the characters who make a story special. Once again writing has taken hold of him. In the past it was just an amusement, but now—for Gerald—writing is a passion to live, eat, and breathe.

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    Lost Bitches (an Abel Kane Mystery) - Gerald Lopez

    Copyright © 2015, 2016 by Gerald Lopez

    All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

    This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

    Cover Art Copyright © 2015 by Gerald Lopez

    Acknowledgments

    My special thanks go to the following:

    To John for his helpful comments and suggestions.

    To my wonderful Beta readers, Joyce, Johanna. Murphy, and Brandi: for their comments, and often extremely helpful suggestions.

    Dedication

    This book is dedicated to my lil precious lost bitch on the cover. My sweet Lady Galadriel, who left us too early, just a few months past her tenth birthday. Now she is immortalized on the cover of my book.

    Author’s Notes

    Wherever possible, the syntax and spelling in this book follows guidelines set forth in The Chicago Manual of Style, and in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary.

    Table of Contents

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3

    Chapter 4

    Chapter 5

    Chapter 6

    Chapter 7

    Chapter 8

    Chapter 9

    Chapter 10

    Chapter 11

    Chapter 12

    Chapter 13

    Chapter 14

    Chapter 15

    Chapter 16

    Chapter 17

    Chapter 18

    Chapter 19

    Chapter 20

    Chapter 21

    Chapter 22

    Chapter 23

    Chapter 24

    Chapter 25

    Chapter 26

    Chapter 27

    Chapter 28

    Chapter 29

    Chapter 30

    Chapter 31

    Chapter 32

    Chapter 33

    Contact the author

    About the author

    Other books by Gerald Lopez

    Lost Bitches

    an Abel Kane Mystery

    Chapter 1

    Pre-Dawn Huddle

    WHEN POLICE detective Trevor Figg parked in front of private detective Abel Kane’s new office and home, he wasn’t overly impressed. It was located at the end of a long and curving street filled with mom-and-pop restaurants, stores selling cheap tourist souvenirs, old motels that charged by the hour, and large storage unit facilities. The only good thing about the area was Tina’s Doughnut Shop. Figg had stopped there earlier and bought a dozen freshly made, and still warm, glazed doughnuts, along with a large cup of coffee. Although it’d only been three a.m. when he stopped at the shop, and it didn’t officially open for business until three thirty, Tina had opened the service window for him. They were longtime friends who’d gone to school together from the time they were in kindergarten until they’d graduated community college. They’d even dated in high school and, because of their special connection, Tina was always happy to make an exception for him and open the shop early. Especially when he gave her his sad hound dog look.

    After getting out of his car and drinking some of his coffee, Figg gave Abel’s building a closer look. He could see why the immense two-story structure appealed to his best friend. It had to do with its location at the end of a narrow strip of land overlooking the water. And, it didn’t take his detecting skills to realize the water, and the fact Abel could moor their small two-man fishing boat there, was the main draw. There wasn’t enough land to build on directly to the right or left of Abel’s property, but further up—on a wider part of the street, were two storage unit facilities. Before Figg got to the door, Abel called out to him from an upstairs window.

    Yo, Figg, meet me out back.

    The police detective walked around the wide rectangular building to the back. The building’s cement patio ended at the water’s edge. In the middle of the space was a concrete, tile covered staircase leading to the second floor. The wide deck upstairs provided shade below. A bird diving down to catch a small fish for breakfast caught Figg’s attention, but didn’t keep him from hearing his friend’s bare feet plodding along the ground toward him. Mere seconds later, he was being squeezed from behind, kissed on the cheek, and lightly bitten on the ear.

    You were so distracted just now, I could’ve snuck up on you and had my way with that hot body of yours, Abel said. He slipped his hands inside the tank top Figg was wearing, reached up, and pinched his nipples softly.

    You can never sneak up on me, Abel Kane. I always know when you’re near.

    Oh yeah, Abel said. You can feel my presence because we’re so in tune to one another, huh.

    More like I can smell you coming.

    Shee-it, you damn pig. You know I never stink. He removed his hand from inside Figg’s tank top and put them in the pocket of Figg’s shorts, feeling around until he got hold of the police detective’s cock through the fabric.

    That’s true, Figg said. I’ve never known you to smell, but I could hear you coming a mile away.

    Only because I wanted you to, otherwise I could’ve been as silent and unseen as a ninja.

    Both of them laughed. Then Figg turned around, hugged Abel, and kissed his cheek. Let’s launch the dingy, ninja-dude, Figg said.

    I’m ready, Abel said. Our fishing poles and bait, along with my orange juice, are already aboard and waiting.

    The small motorboat was tied to one of the concrete pilings that ran along the back of the property. Figg slipped on a wet spot walking toward the boat, but Abel caught his arm and kept him from falling.

    I keep telling you those damn flip-flops you wear every time we go fishing are gonna get you hurt. That’s why I go barefoot. My toes can grip the surface if need be.

    Yeah, I can see it now, Figg said. The first time I fish barefoot I’ll step on a damn fishhook.

    Abel just chuckled, then took the doughnut box from Figg so he could get in the boat easier. Before long, they were out on the water and had cast their lines. They were ready to sit back and wait for their baited hooks to lure their prey. While they waited, the two ate doughnuts, and drank their coffee and orange juice while enjoying the serenity of the moment.

    I don’t know how you can drink that poison, Abel said.

    How are you gonna sit there and complain about my coffee when we’re chowing down on fattening glazed doughnuts?

    Abel just shrugged his shoulders and smiled.

    I see you’ve let your beard and mustache grow in, Figg said. Was that for a case?

    Yup, I almost wish it was white like your hair, instead of being all brown like mine. It would’ve helped me fit in better with the assholes I was investigating.

    Hell, enjoy what you got while you’ve got it. He ran his hand along the top of Abel’s, short, buzz cut brown hair. That widow’s peak of yours is getting more and more pronounced, buddy.

    "That’s why I keep it buzzed close… buddy. When are you gonna fill me in on where you went and what you did during your two weeks off? I’ve never known you to be so secretive. I kind of figured you were with your lady friend."

    Not jealous, are you? Figg said.

    Naw. I’ve come to accept the fact you’re hopelessly and unchangeably straight, but not narrow.

    Not that you haven’t tried your best to turn me with your wicked ways.

    They laughed again.

    Oh, shit, it’s gonna be one of those mornings, Figg said. I can just tell. Anyway, I was visiting my ‘lady friend’ for two weeks, and seeing how serious we are about one another."

    Did you go fishing?

    As a matter of fact we did. She’s good at it too—baits her own hooks and everything.

    The next thing you’re gonna say is she helped you clean the fish.

    Yup.

    No freakin way!

    Yes way.

    You didn’t tell me you’re dating a dyke, Figg.

    That’s because she’s not one, you rude son of a bitch.

    Call my dead mother what you will, but don’t call me rude—you shit.

    OK, but don’t call my lady a dyke. And why the hell do you have to use a word like that anyway? Those are your people. And I hate the way that word sounds—I always have.

    Abel leaned over, kissed Figg, and slipped him tongue. Figg matched him move for move. As he always did. After a minute or two, he sat back again.

    Who’s the better kisser, me or her?

    You’re both different. She’s soft and gentle while you’re more wild and aggressive.

    That was diplomatic, but you didn’t answer my question, Abel said, smiling slyly.

    She doesn’t have a beard that scratches my face when we kiss. OK! You have her beat when it comes to kissing, but she’s anxious to catch up.

    What the hell? You didn’t tell her details about us… did you?

    She asked and I told. You know I’m as honest as they come, with those I love.

    Honest and stupid. What did you tell her?

    She knows about our special friendship, and even has an interesting theory about it all. Besides, she’s a lot like you only with the good bits I prefer.

    I’m curious to hear her theory.

    And you will, straight from her mouth, one day soon.

    It’s that serious, huh?

    She’s the one, Abel.

    I thought Mary was the one and only one.

    She was, and I thought she’d always be. Mary will always be the first Mrs. Figg… and just cause she’s been dead a while doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten her. My lady friend Monica was a complete surprise. You two will like each other. And she understands that Mary will always have a place in my heart. The same way I know her dead husband, Angelo will always have a place in her heart.

    Do you love her?

    Yes and she loves me too, if you can imagine that.

    That’s not so hard for me to imagine. I’m happy for you, Trevor. He extended his hand to Figg, but instead got a kiss on the lips.

    When I’m married, that part of our relationship will come to an end, Abel. But I won’t ever act like it never happened.

    You’re a decent man, Figg. You always have been. I’m tired of this fishing spot. What’s say we head over to crab park. I’m in the mood to catch me some blue crabs.

    I guess your new place is perfectly located. It’s right on the water and only a block away from the park the blue crabs call home. God, it’s good to live in Florida.

    CASEY BROWN looked through yet another garbage can in the park. His stomach growled because he was hungry and desperate for something to eat. The food he’d brought with him in his backpack had run out and he had no money to buy anything. He began to question his decision to refuse the advances of the truck driver who’d dropped him off in the city of Aguilar, Florida. It wouldn’t have been a big deal if the guy had asked for a blow job, but he’d never bottomed before and he wasn’t about to do ‘that’ for the first time with the fat, sweaty guy who’d given him a ride. Jackpot! He’d found a discarded, half-eaten Big Mac.

    We’ve got half a box of glazed doughnuts that would make a better breakfast than garbage, Abel said, then handed the young man the box of doughnuts.

    Thanks, Casey said. He took the box, opened it, and removed a doughnut which he began hungrily devouring.

    And here I thought there was no such thing as a good Samaritan anymore, a young woman said, as she emerged from the shadows with an Irish Setter on a leash.

    Wow, I’ve never known the park to be so busy at this time of day, Figg said. It’s not even dawn.

    I have nowhere else to go, Casey said. I hitched a ride with a truck driver and he dropped me off here.

    And where are your folks, little boy? Abel said.

    Probably at home nice and snug in their damn beds, Casey said.

    I suppose you’re out here because you didn’t want to snuggle with the truck driver who gave you a ride, the unknown female said, as she walked closer to the small group.

    Abel took a long look at the kid in front of him. The boy couldn’t be older than eighteen. His messy brown hair was long in the front and covered one of his bright blue eyes. He was pale and slim. At his height, which Abel guessed was about five foot seven, he could easily pass for younger. The baggy shorts, oversize T-shirt, and canvas shoes he wore with white socks added to his youthful appearance.

    What’s your name, Son? Figg said.

    Casey… Casey Brown, Sir.

    That was too polite a reply… this one’s brand new to the streets, Abel thought. Then he looked at the girl. She wasn’t new to the game. Her face was made up sort of like a doll’s. It was pretty in an almost unreal way. The eye makeup accentuated her large blue eyes and the deep red lipstick she wore made her small, but perfect, mouth look pouty. When the dog moved, the girl turned to look at her. Abel liked the way her nearly waist-length, dirty blonde hair was parted to one side. It was shiny and flowed down from her shoulder, past her small breasts to end at her narrow waist. She wore a striking, knee-length red dress with short sleeves that would catch most people’s eyes. Looking down, Abel noticed her red stiletto heels. Her beautiful Irish Setter wore an ornate rhinestone collar. When he looked back up, he noticed she’d been checking him out.

    Are you finished sizing us up, you perv? the young woman said.

    Just about, Abel said. I was letting you finish looking at me. Should I turn so you can check out my ass?

    Abel, Figg said, in an admonishing tone of voice.

    It’s OK, old-timer, I don’t sell myself so cheaply, the young woman said. I’m only here because I was on my way home and the dog had to take a dump.

    Don’t confuse us with a couple of your johns, girlie, Abel said.

    "What I won’t confuse you with is a gentleman," the young woman said.

    The Irish Setter lifted her nose up and sniffed toward Casey, who saw her, and gave her a piece of his second doughnut. The dog greedily ate it, then looked for more.

    Why don’t we give you a ride back home, Casey? Figg said.

    My family lives in Jacksonville which is a little more than an hour from here. Besides, I don’t have a home there anymore.

    Jacksonville sucks, Abel said. I don’t blame you for not wanting to go back. I have an empty apartment above my art gallery. And I can use someone to clean up around the downstairs space, help my sister with things, and deal with customers.

    Yeah, and to seal the deal you probably only have to give him your ass whenever he comes sniffing around, the young woman said. Nothing’s for free in this world, kid.

    You look like a kid yourself, Casey said.

    I’m a young-looking eighteen and doing pretty well for myself.

    If you call selling your body doing pretty well, Abel said.

    She didn’t say that was her line of work, Figg said. She’s pretty enough to be a model, she could’ve been out on a late shoot.

    I’m not that big a hypocrite, the young woman said. But I don’t walk the streets and never have.

    You’re way too pretty for that, Abel said. If anything you’re a high-end call girl.

    The woman smiled. "I neither confirm nor deny anything. By the looks of the two of you, you’re not any people I’d be interested knowing. In every meaning of that word."

    Ouch, Abel said, clutching at his heart theatrically. He reached into his back pocket, took out his wallet, removed his gallery business card, and handed it to Casey. My name is Abel Kane, my cell number is on that card. As you can see the last name is spelled K-A-N-E.

    You really do own a gallery then, Casey said.

    A small one. I’d pay you to do some modeling work for me too if you’re interested.

    Nude? Casey said.

    That’s what I do. Nude, but no sex involved. To me it’s all about the way the body interacts within the environment.

    The girl shrugged her head to one side, then spoke to Casey. I can get you at least a couple grand from a guy who films stroke videos. He really goes for twinks like you in his movies. And you won’t have to do him. It’s all business as far as he’s concerned.

    Casey looked at her, then at Abel with a confused look on his face.

    Why’d your parents kick you out, kid? Figg said.

    How’d you know they kicked me out?

    You were about to eat from a trash can when we got here, Figg said. I sort of figured you were out of options.

    "That’s kind of sad too, because you are in crab park, Abel said. All you had to do was pick up one of those suckers and cook it over one of the grills in this place."

    Casey laughed. You’re joking, right?

    He’s not, the young woman said. Those crabs are all over if you know where to look. Half the time you can pluck them right off the sidewalk. Just make sure you grab them from the top, so their claws don’t get you.

    I’m impressed, Abel said. You sound like you have some mad crab catching skills.

    I do, the girl said. My granddaddy and I used to come here and catch them when I was little and visited him. I loved coming here to visit from Miami. A person can get lost among the sea of people in Miami and that whole area.

    Even if I’d managed to catch a crab… I couldn’t have cooked it, Casey said. I’ve got no matches, or a lighter. I don’t smoke.

    The boy’s screwed, the young woman said. One way or another, he’s definitely screwed. You should go try and fix things with your mommy and daddy, Casey.

    I turned eighteen a couple days ago and came out to my parents, Casey said. They said I was going to hell and they didn’t care to know me anymore. So they booted me out with just the clothes I’m wearing and my backpack.

    We’ve all got our sob stories, the young woman said.

    Did you get kicked out of your house too? Casey said to the young woman.

    Hell no, I left on my own. There are worse things than getting kicked out of the family house, believe you me.

    That’s for damn sure, Abel said.

    What happened to you, Abel? Casey said.

    "My parents found Jeee-sus when I was fourteen and my sister was thirteen, Abel said. The problem was my parents decided they didn’t want to wait to meet the good Lord. They also decided we should meet him as a family. Of course, being the ‘Godly’ people they were they didn’t believe in suicide. So my momma helped my daddy on his journey by blowing his brains out in the kitchen. I managed to grab the gun away from her, then my sister and I ran and hid. When Momma finally found me she had a knife in her hand which she used to try and slice my head off before I shot her in the heart. My sister managed to keep me alive till the ambulance arrived. And that’s no lie either, as you can see by the scar on the right side of my neck."

    That’s a big scar, the young woman said.

    What’s on the left side of your neck? Casey said. It looks like a tattoo, but the script of the writing has too many curves in it for me to make out the word in this light.

    It says ‘Survivor’, Abel said. No matter how hard my momma tried to kill me, I managed to survive. I’ll always survive. Until the day I don’t.

    The Irish Setter had moved as far as she could on the leash and was squatting to take a dump.

    That dog is producing something which I think perfectly describes the last statement you made, Mr. Kane, the young woman said. But, you didn’t deserve what your momma did to you. Although, what else could you expect from a woman who names her kid after Cain and Abel from the bible. Yeah, you already had the name Kane, but she didn’t have to give you the name Abel to go with it. She must’ve hated you from the start.

    Funnily enough, I don’t think she did, Abel said. "I do think she was probably already showing signs of mental instability, and the crazed religiousness of her church just pushed her and my father to the brink."

    Some of those churches will do that to you, Casey said.

    The Irish Setter trotted up to the young woman, and the woman bent down and petted her head. Good, baby dog. Well, she’s done her business, and as much as I’ve enjoyed this conversation, it’s time for me to be on my way. Have you made a decision about who to go with, Casey?

    Casey looked at Abel. I can really use the money she’s offering, Mr. Kane, otherwise….

    I get it, Casey, Abel said. It’s good money for just jacking off on film. Hell, I’d do it too if I got the offer.

    If I believed that statement I’d make you the same offer, the young woman said. I’d love to double my finder’s fee. I just don’t think you’re hungry enough, or have the balls to go through with it.

    You don’t know him, little girl, Figg said.

    And I don’t want to know him. She handed Casey the dog’s leash then hit a button on the car clicker in her hand. Headlights blinked on and off in the parking lot and they could hear the chirping sound of her car being unlocked.

    Wow! Casey said. That red Corvette belongs to you?

    It’s the only car in the parking lot, the young woman said. Did you think I walked here in these shoes? She saw Casey look at her shoes. Never mind. Take the dog and wait for me in the car.

    Bye, Mr. Kane and Mr.… I’m sorry I didn’t get your friend’s name, Casey said.

    It’s Figg, Figg said.

    Keep my card, Casey, Abel said. If you get asked to do something more than just rub one out for the camera, and you feel uncomfortable about it, give me a call. I’ll come running.

    OK. Thanks, Mr. Kane, I appreciate that and I’ll call if need be, Casey said, before walking to the car with the Irish Setter and getting inside with her.

    That is a nice car Miss…, Figg said. We didn’t get your name.

    It’s the same name that’s on the title of the Corvette that poor Casey didn’t even know was mine.

    Maybe ‘poor Casey’ will wise up, and accept Abel’s offer one day soon, Figg said.

    Say what you will, the young woman said. I’m betting before this month is over, our little twink Casey will end up being the main entrée in a ten thug gang bang. Not many boys like him can refuse the kind of money he’ll be offered to do that type of scene. Good-bye. She walked away with a slight wiggle in her step.

    She’s a real beauty, Figg said, once

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