Leo: Zodiac Killers #9 Read online

  Leo

  Zodiac Killers #9

  WL Knightly

  BrixBaxter Publishing

  Contents

  Find WL Knightly

  Description

  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

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  About the Author

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  WL’s Facebook Author Page

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  Description

  Carter Hamilton, the Zodiac’s Leo and king of his San Diego-based mega church, is used to being adored and followed by millions. When the church elders’ financial decisions begin to dent his wallet, he’s determined to look out for himself. But when the recent death of Justin Finch makes it impossible to collect the man’s debt, his only option is to blackmail Brandy into paying it back and then some.

  * * *

  Darek Blake finds himself on a solo mission when Special Agent Reed puts him on the hunt for information about Ken Sin’s religious affiliations. But when he brings Carter into the mix, will it prove helpful or deadly?

  Chapter 1

  Carter

  Carter stood at the window of his office looking out at the dimly lit parking lot where his secretary Peggy was getting into her car after a long evening of choir practice. A soft knock sounded at his door, and he closed the blinds and hurried to greet the visitor.

  He had been expecting Keely Milton, a pretty little blonde who was new to his congregation and having a hard time dealing with a divorce that resulted from her having a miscarriage. He was hoping to offer her more than prayer to ease her troubles.

  When he opened the door, he was pleased to see that Keely had dressed the part. Her low-cut dress was given a modest look with a white cardigan, but the heels she wore screamed harlot. He was about to find out which kind of girl she truly was.

  “It’s good to see you, Ms. Milton.”

  “Thank you for seeing me, Pastor Hamilton.” She walked into the office and dropped her handbag in one chair as she sat in another across from his desk. “But please, call me Keely.”

  “Then I have to ask you to call me Carter.” He gave a wink. “Pastor Hamilton reminds me so much of my father. Makes me realize how much I miss him.” He gave a soft sigh, but in actuality, he had always had a rough relationship with his father who had wanted him to live up to his higher standards when Carter was much better at living up to his lower ones.

  He was a chip off the old block when it came to one thing, and that was using his power as counselor and pastor to fuck the young women of the congregation.

  “Of course. I’d rather call you Carter anyway.” She gave him a warm smile as he walked over and sat on the desk in front of her.

  He leaned forward and took her hand. “What can I do for you today, Keely?”

  “I’m just having a hard time, I guess. I mean, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but my husband and I split up recently after I miscarried our baby.”

  “Is that what happened, Keely?” He knew in his profession that the story others wanted him to hear wasn’t often the truth. Keely had been so broken when she first arrived at the church, and she was trying too hard to pull off the good girl act. “God is telling me that he wants you to trust me, Keely. How might I endear myself to you so that you’ll find me worthy of your confidence? Of your wicked truth?”

  She shifted in her chair uncomfortably and brushed her fingers through her hair. “That’s so amazing. How you knew, I mean.” She wiped her eyes which had filled with tears so full they were about to spill down her cheeks. “There is more, but it’s so hard.”

  “The truth will set you free. And what you confess here in the privacy of my office will not leave it. I’m sworn to keep confidence with everyone I counsel, the same way a doctor or lawyer is.” He patted her hand, stroking it softly to comfort her.

  More tears came, and he reached over and handed her a tissue. “Thank you,” she said. “It’s just I didn’t want anyone here to know what I did. So, I lied about the miscarriage. I actually had an abortion. I bet you think I’m just horrible. My husband and I had already been having problems, and he had been messing around with a few other girls at the club I worked at.”

  “You were a waitress?”

  She met his eyes but quickly looked away. “No, I—” She clammed up and pulled the hem of her dress down over her knees. “I was a dancer at a gentleman’s club.”

  “Oh, I see.” He patted her hand again and let it go, standing to his feet to walk to the window. He wanted her to feel a sting of disappointment, when in fact, it was the best news he’d heard all week.

  “I’m sorry. It’s so inappropriate. I know that now. I’ve changed. I’m trying to hard to do better. I just didn’t want to lose my job; my body was all I had going for me, you know?”

  “I understand. It had to be horrible seeing your husband want all of those other women, too.”

  She nodded as her face scrunched up into an ugly cry. “Yes, it was. He hadn’t even been happy about the baby. And when he started messing around, I just wanted to put things back to how they were. I just wanted his attention again, but he was so angry. It was the final nail in the coffin of our troubled marriage.”

  “It’s a shame.”

  “I know. I’m so ashamed.” She put her head down and dabbed her nose and eyes.

  He walked back over to the chair and knelt beside her. “No, that’s not what I mean, dear one. You are letting him make you feel shame when he should have been cherishing you.”

  She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “But I did a horrible thing.”

  He held on to the arm of the chair. “It is a horrible thing, yes, and I know God will give you the chance to atone for that sin. He’s the only one who is allowed to judge you for it. Recognizing it is the first step. And you’re already on your way to God’s grace and forgiveness. You’ve confessed, admitted your sin. But I need you to do something for me, Keely. Something very important.” He leaned in as if begging.

  Keely nodded. “Yes, anything.”

  He reached out and touched her cheek. “I need you to stop beating yourself up. Forgive yourself. We’re all sinners, Keely. Even I’m not perfect.” He shook his head and pulled his hand away, closing his eyes. “Forgive me.”

  “For what? You’ve been so kind.”

  He looked back up with a pleading look. “It’s just; you’re so beautiful. I can’t see how your husband would leave such a gorgeous woman like yourself.”

  “Thank you,” she said, licking her lips and running her hand through her hair in a shy way as her cheeks flushed.

  “Well, I’m a man. I recognize true beauty when I see it, and well, you know how we can be. Probably better than anyone else, having been in your profession.”

  She nodded. “I’ve seen how some men act, but you’re a good man, Carter.” She reached out and put her hand on his.

  “Thank you. but God needs me to ask for your forgiveness.”

  “Oh, why? That’s not necessary, Carter.” She shook her head and gave him an apologetic look.

  “I don’t think we could c
ontinue until I do. It’s just; I can’t take my eyes off your body or stop myself from wondering what it would be like to kiss you and touch you. I mean, I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. So please, forgive me.” He shook his head and looked away again as if he were embarrassed.

  She leaned forward. “Of course. Honestly, it’s nice just to be noticed.” She got a faraway look in her eyes. “I think it’s what I miss most about my job. All of the attention.”

  “Well, you have mine.” He chuckled. Then he stood up, and his erection was damned near eye level. He sat back on the corner of his desk and put his hand in front of it. “Forgive me.”

  She grinned. “It’s not the first time I’ve given men that reaction.” She gave a little giggle that made him want to bend her over his desk and bury himself deep inside her.

  “Yes, but I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable. My wife is a bit neglectful lately, and I’m only saying that because we’re in confidence here.”

  “That’s so sad. I heard she’s away on the mission trip.”

  “Yes, she stays gone, and I try to behave, you know? Just trying to be a good husband.” He hadn’t been a good husband since he said the words “I do” and got a blow job in the men’s room from one of his girlfriends a half hour after when it was time to change out of his tux.

  “That’s horrible. It must be lonely having her gone. I know how that is. I’m lonely too now. No one to talk to after a hard day and no one to snuggle with at night.”

  “Well, you can start coming to see me here, and we’ll be lonely together. It’s so refreshing when I find someone like yourself who I can confide with as well. It’s always me listening, you know? But I know you’ll keep what goes on behind these doors a secret.”

  “Oh, of course. Everything.” She looked down at his crotch, and he got to his feet.

  “I’m so sorry. The vulgar thing has a mind of its own. You must think I’m a degenerate.” He started to step away, but she reached for his arm.

  “No, I don’t. It’s no different than the men who used to come into the club. They just wanted a little attention is all.”

  “Did you give it to them?” He stopped himself and put his hand to his mouth. “I’m sorry. That was totally inappropriate.”

  She giggled. “I don’t mind, Carter. I don’t mind lots of things.” She uncrossed her legs and then crossed them the other way as she bit her lip. “I mean, it’s hard not to feel the same kind of feelings when I see how much of a reaction you have to me. I like being adored.”

  “You’re just so beautiful. I can’t help it. You’re a little temptress. God is telling me that it is one of your gifts. In a sense, you bring healing to men with your body. It’s just not acceptable to most, but he just gave me a word that it is not your fault. He made you this way, He said. You shouldn’t be judged, but it’s the world who puts the blame on us and tries to steal our light. You should let yours shine, Keely. Let it shine brightly.”

  “Really?” She moved to the edge of her seat. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do is make others feel happy.”

  “And I’m sure you’ve made a lot of men very happy.” He smiled big and then got up to walk around to his chair behind the desk.

  “I have. I could show you how. If God would be okay with it?” Her eyes burned on his.

  She was finally playing his game. “I know it’s wrong, but if it would make you feel better? I mean, we could do this as a form of therapy.”

  “How?” She surely seemed interested and eager.

  “Well, in order to help you, I’m afraid I’m going to need you to tell me all of the dirty things you’ve done and ask for forgiveness. You might even have to demonstrate a few of them.”

  “Could I do that now?”

  “I think so. I mean, it might be better if the door was locked.” He smiled at her, and when she got to her feet, she walked over and locked the door.

  Then she walked around the desk and got to her knees. “Some of the men, they’d whisper in my ear and ask me to blow them for a little extra money.”

  “And did you do that?” He was turned on by her telling him the confessions and hoped she had a lot of them.

  “I needed the money. It’s how I met my husband.”

  “Dirty girl. He knew what he was getting into then from the start.”

  “Yeah, I suppose he did.” She looked at his bulge and looked up into his eyes as she reached over and rubbed it.

  “Then it’s not your fault. He knew what was important to you when you met.”

  She nodded and undid his pants. “Yes, he did.”

  “I have a feeling that you try really hard to be a good girl, don’t you, Keely?”

  She nodded. “I’ve tried so hard lately.” She took a deep breath. “But it’s like I don’t fit in here, you know? Some of the other ladies are so judgmental. You’re not, though.”

  “Because I’m ordained by God. His word falls directly in my ears like someone whispering divine secrets to a chosen friend. You did the right thing coming to me.”

  She slowly reached into his pants and rubbed the length of his cock, which was hard and ready for her. “I have another confession.”

  “Confess your little heart out, sweetheart. I’m here to listen. Here for you to do anything you want or need to do to help you.”

  “I’ve watched you on the stage. Seen how powerful and admired you are. I’ve thought of what it would be like to fuck you.” She covered her mouth. “I’m sorry. I know cursing is bad.”

  “It’s our secret too, Keely. I’m sure we’ll have many of them.” His cock was weeping, it was so ready for her mouth, and when she leaned forward and closed her lips around it, he stared down at her and ran his fingers through her hair.

  “That’s a good girl.” He stroked her hair as she worked him, taking him balls deep until she nearly gagged. He loved the professionals and could usually spot one in a heartbeat.

  As he sat there, getting some of the best head of his life, a knock sounded at the door.

  “Fuck,” he said quietly. He pulled her away, and she wiped her mouth, hurried around to the chair, buried her face in a tissue, and began to fake sobs as he walked to the door.

  He opened it and found Ava Lindsey standing there with her hand on her hip. “Why is the door locked?” she asked, peeking around him.

  “I’m in a counseling session, Ava. May I help you?”

  “We had an appointment tonight too, or did you forget?” She gave him a cold stare. He hadn’t expected this little tryst to go on so long.

  “I’m sorry.” He stepped out into the hall and shut the door behind him. “Come to the house later; I’ll make it up to you.”

  She shook her head. “And what’s going on with the girl in your office? I’ve seen her in church, and some of the women aren’t happy at the way their husbands look at her.”

  “She’s suffering after a miscarriage and a divorce. She’s seeking counsel and nothing more. The poor creature knows that you all hate her, by the way.”

  “Because she’s a slut. And don’t think I don’t see what’s going on.”

  Carter had not wanted to fight with her. Not when he had that mouth waiting for him on the other side of the door. “Are you done?”

  She let out a long sigh. “I’ll be over later. Leave the back door open so I can slip in.”

  “Fine. See you then.” He leaned over and kissed her, and she pulled away, shook her head, and then hurried out.

  “I’m sorry, Keely,” he said as he walked back into the room. “Where were we?” He shut the door and locked it.

  As he walked over, she got up and leaned against his desk. “Do you think God would forgive me for this?” She spread her legs, showing off her soft pink gash, then tossed him her panties, which he caught and brought to his nose.

  He walked over, and she hurried to free his cock as he brought his mouth down on hers for a quick kiss. He couldn’t wait to get inside of her. “You’re already forgiven, angel.
”

  Chapter 2

  Darek

  Darek sped across town with Lizzy in the seat beside him, and he felt like his day was never going to end. It started off horribly, having to go and see that idiot, Ken Sin. He and Lizzy had agreed to make him suffer the consequences of his false confession in order to keep the case from imploding while they waited for the real killer to make another move. What they hadn’t planned was the asshole going crazy over their headfuck and smashing Lizzy face-first into a table.

  Luckily, nothing had been broken, but she looked like she’d done twelve rounds with Tyson. To make things worse, before Darek could even leave the hospital, he found out Justin was dead, and they’d gotten a call in from work. His brothers in blue reported a body that had been found inside an abandoned warehouse, and the description fit Mia.

  Total nightmare day, and it wasn’t over yet.

  He couldn’t stop thinking about Justin. Taken out by a home invasion? It was all too much. Despite the fact that the remaining members of the Zodiac Society were supposed to be banding together for survival, two more had died since the meeting in New Orleans, and with each and every passing, the killer got closer to Darek. So far, the others had all died in the order their signs were on the Zodiac, starting with Capricorn. Darek was certain this was more than a coincidence, and it hadn’t escaped his attention that he could possibly be the last man standing.