THE WRONG END OF A GUN
A Noir Mystery Short
By R. Barri Flowers
Cover Image Copyright 2013 by Jason Stitt
Used under license from https://www.shutterstock.com
THE WRONG END OF A GUN is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, business establishments, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
OTHER BOOKS BY R. BARRI FLOWERS
FICTION
Before He Kills Again (A Veronica Vasquez Thriller)
Dark Streets of Whitechapel (A Jack the Ripper Mystery)
Dead in the Rose City (A Dean Drake Mystery)
Forever Sweethearts (A Love Story)
Justice Served (A Barkley and Parker Mystery)
Killer in The Woods (A Psychological Thriller)
Murder in Honolulu (A Skye Delaney Mystery)
Murder in Maui (A Leila Kahana Mystery)
Persuasive Evidence (A Jordan La Fontaine Legal Thriller)
Seduced to Kill in Kauai (An Exotic Thriller)
State's Evidence (A Beverly Mendoza Legal Thriller)
TEEN FICTION
Christmas Wishes: Laura's Story (A Young Adult Holiday Fantasy)
Count Dracula's Teenage Daughter (A Transylvanica High Novel)
Danger in Time (A Young Adult Time Travel Mystery)
Ghost Girl in Shadow Bay (A Young Adult Haunted House Mystery)
TRUE CRIME
Mass Murder in the Sky: The Bombing of Flight 629 (historical short)
Masters of True Crime
Murder at the Pencil Factory: The Killing of Mary Phagan 100 Years Later (historical short)
Murders in the United States
Serial Killer Couples: Bonded by Sexual Depravity, Abduction, & Murder
The Pickaxe Killers: Karla Faye Tucker & Daniel Garrett (true crime short)
The Sex Slave Murders: The True Story of Serial Killers Gerald & Charlene Gallego
* * *
PRAISE FOR CRIME & THRILLER FICTION BY R. BARRI FLOWERS
"A police procedure of the highest order, mixing equal parts Sue Grafton and Jeffrey Deaver with a sprinkling of Patricia Cornwell at her best." — Jon Land, author of Strong Justice on MURDER IN MAUI
"A masterful thriller set in the dark underbelly of Maui, with lots of fine action, down and dirty characters, and the vivid details of police procedure one would expect from an author who is also a top criminologist!" — Douglas Preston, co-creator of the bestselling Pendergast series on MURDER IN MAUI
"Infidelity and murder in paradise lead to a one of a kind case for PI Skye McKenzie Delaney, and an enjoyable ride for the reader. Definitely put this one on your list." — John Lutz, Edgar winner and bestselling author of Pulse on MURDER IN HONOLULU
"Intriguing mystery in a tropical paradise with a dynamic PI. A compelling, intriguing read." — Allen Wyler, author of Dead Wrong on MURDER IN HONOLULU
"It gets no better than this! R. Barri Flowers has written another thriller guaranteed to hold onto its readers! It was so gripping that I forgot to breathe a couple of times!" — Huntress Reviews on DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL
"A compelling and powerful account of Jack the Ripper.... Flowers has captured the sights and sounds of New York City and London's East End in 1888.... The action is fast paced; the suspense building to a peak to the finale." — MysteryAbout.com on DARK STREETS OF WHITECHAPEL
"An electrifying and enthralling legal thriller that will appeal to readers of Nancy Taylor Rosenberg and Barbara Parker." — Harriet Klausner on STATE'S EVIDENCE
"A model of crime fiction .... Flowers may be a new voice in modern mystery writing, but he is already one of its best voices." — Statesman Journal on JUSTICE SERVED
"Quick action and tight dialogue make it a jolting thriller, but it's also got the psychological tightness of a good mystery puzzle... Good book to put on some slow jazz with and relax, letting your brain work on some problems that are nothing like your own." — Robert A. Sloan, author of Raven Dance on DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY
"Incredible story and a very, very good read." — Dan Zupansky, host of True Murder on Blog Talk Radio on THE SEX SLAVE MURDERS
"Selected as one of Suspense Magazine's Best of 2011 books." — John Raab, CEO/Publisher, Suspense Magazine on THE SEX SLAVE MURDERS
* * *
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Wrong End of A Gun
No Going Back – Bonus Excerpt
Before He Kills Again - Bonus Excerpt
About the Author
THE WRONG END OF A GUN
South Lake Union was the Seattle neighborhood I called home, located at the south tip of its namesake, Lake Union. Bounded by Interstate 5 on the east and Aurora Avenue on the west, it was in the midst of an economic redevelopment. So what else was new? Fortunately, there were still places to escape the realities of life through booze and broads.
I spent the last half hour at such a place on Aloha Street called Rusty's Bar and Grill. Dark and dreary, it was one of those retro dive bars that refused to apologize for turning its back on the present and it also offered cheap cocktails.
The décor was fashionably outdated and underwhelming with garage sale variety stools and tables and framed photographs of city landmarks. A jukebox in the corner was playing B.B. King's "The Thrill Is Gone." There was a worn out pool table nearby with two men playing in hopes of impressing a dame who couldn't decide which one of them she wanted to take home.
I sat by my lonesome inhaling the stale odor of cigarette smoke that was engrained in the walls. Fresh off a bitter divorce and not looking for any company of the female persuasion, I was content to finish off my mug of beer and call it a night.
That was before she walked in.
A cross between Marilyn Monroe and Charlize Theron, her alabaster complexion lit up the place. Short golden blonde hair framed a heart-shaped face that featured full ruby lips. Tall, with plenty of curves in a tight red dress, and three-inch heels, she definitely caught my attention.
She wore dark shades and seemed to be scanning the place as if searching for a reason to stay.
When she sat down at the table next to mine, I wondered if this was my lucky day.
I didn't wait to find out.
"Buy the lady a drink?" I asked.
She shrugged. "Sure, why not?"
I smiled and slid over to her table. "What's your pleasure?"
"Gin and tonic."
I flagged down a barmaid and ordered two cocktails. "You're new here," I said to the gorgeous gal beside me.
"I've been around," she said coyly.
"I think I'd remember if you had."
"That's sweet."
I've never been known for my sweetness, but I wasn't going to complain. "By the way, I'm James."
"Hi, James." She stuck out a small hand with long, polished nails. "Gabriella."
I shook her soft hand and didn't want to stop there.
"Anyone ever tell you that you look like...um, what's that good-looking actor's name?"
As far as I was concerned, any tall, good-looking, dark-haired actor could fit the bill. "Yeah, I get that all the time," I said.
Gabriella smiled and left it at that.
The drinks came and I stayed focused on the object of my interest.
"Why don't you tell me something about yourself," I suggested.
She removed her glasses, revealing eyes that were sexy pools of ocean blue. "What do you want to know?"
Everything came to mind, but something told me that might take more
time than she had. So I cut to the chase.
"How about how you ended up here with me?"
She laughed. "Don't sell yourself short."
"I never do."
"Good." She sipped her drink, her lips lingering on the rim of the glass for a moment. "I'm married."
"Where's your husband?"
"Does it matter?"
I wasn't necessarily looking to step into another man's shoes, but wasn't against it either. "No, not in my book."
She looked relieved. Or maybe a bit nervous. I couldn't be sure.
"He's home right now, probably wondering where I am," she said.
"Too bad for him."
"He's not very nice when he's angry."
"So why make him angry?"
"Why not?" She widened those big baby blues. "Sometimes a girl just wants to have fun."
I grinned. "So does a guy."
Gabriella licked the gin off her lips. "You probably have a wife and kids at home."
"Not quite," I said. "She's an ex and has full custody of the kids. So I'm on my own."
She gave me a dazzling smile. "Doesn't have to be that way."
"Oh...?"
"Maybe we can have fun together?"
"Maybe we can."
The smile left her pretty face. "This isn't a good place to talk."
The conversation seemed to be working fine for me up to that point. "You have a better place in mind?"
"Meet me tomorrow night."
I wondered if I could wait that long. "When and where?"
"Denny Park at seven—near the play area."
"I'll be there."
She smiled again. "See you then."
Gabriella put on her shades, then got up and left.
I wanted to follow her, but decided not to. I went home by myself to an apartment I rented on North Yale Street. It was a studio and a big step down from the house my ex walked away with in the divorce settlement.
But at least I had a roof over my head and a bed to climb into. I would've preferred to do so with Gabriella, but that would have to wait for another day. I put my head on the pillow and counted down the minutes till I could see her again.
* * *
Denny Park was Seattle's oldest park and a cornerstone of South Lake Union. Once a cemetery, it has undergone extensive renovations over the years and given people a place to hang out and hope muggers looked the other way.
But I was less interested in its past than my potential future with Gabriella.
I found her occupying a bench by the children's play area. What I had in mind was strictly for adults.
Gabriella was dressed to kill in a low-cut, fuchsia dress.
I sat next to her. Her flowery fragrance smelled like a slice of heaven.
"I wasn't sure you'd come," she said.
"I was too intrigued not to."
"I'm not that interesting."
"I beg to differ." We were sitting so close that our legs touched. "What does your husband think you're doing right now?"
She smiled. "He thinks I'm visiting my sister."
"And where does your sister think you are?"
"With a really sexy guy at the park."
I grinned. "I'm okay with that."
"I'm just looking to have a good time."
"Isn't that why we're here?"
She looked away. "My husband is a very jealous man."
"Why are you telling me this?"
Our eyes met. "Because I want you to know what you're getting into."
"Thanks for the warning, but I can take care of myself. And you too, if that's what you want."
"Eric's much older than me and he's been married twice before. I think he sees me as a beautiful woman that he can control and show off at parties."
"Like a trophy wife?"
"Yes, something like that."
"What did you see in him? Is he rich or something?"
"He's someone who makes my life easier."
"At what price?" I asked.
"I can't answer that."
"Can't or won't?"
She chewed her lower lip. "He cheats on me. He still sees his last wife and probably other women, too."
"Why do you stay with him?"
Her eyes narrowed. "Why do you think?"
"You tell me."
She swallowed. "Isn't that what all men do? Cheat?"
I thought of my ex who started fooling around with her boss before the divorce.
"Some women cheat too," I told her.
Gabriella put a hand on my knee. "Why shouldn't women get their fair share?"
I put my hand on hers. "You're right, why shouldn't they?"
"Eric will be going out of town on business tomorrow."
I liked where this was headed. "I'm listening."
"If you come over at around eight tomorrow night, we'll have the whole houseboat all to ourselves."
"A houseboat, huh?" I'd never been inside one before. "Eight o' clock it is."
She gave me the address. "I like you."
"Works both ways."
She kissed me hard on the mouth. "Till tomorrow..."
Gabriella got up and sashayed away. I went in the opposite direction.
Things were beginning to look up again in my life. I had this beautiful lady to thank for that.
* * *
The next day I made my way to the Yale Street Landing marina, eager to hook up with Gabriella and see how many ways we could please each other.
Only a smattering of houseboats were moored there, but enough to tell me that I had stepped up quite a few notches in wealth. I was beginning to understand why Gabriella was in no hurry to pack her bags.
I'd barely stepped onto the floating walkway leading to the moorages when a dark-haired, well-dressed Latino man bumped into me.
"Excuse me," I said.
He gave no response, and hurried past me.
I continued on my merry way, sure that this would be a night to remember.
Her houseboat was hard to miss. It had an end moorage and was the biggest and classiest of them all.
The wraparound deck offered a full view of the city skyline and the surrounding water caught reflections that danced across the lake. I figured this place had to be worth a mint. But the main attraction for me was the lady inside.
Gabriella opened the door before I could ring the bell. I gave her the once-over and liked what I saw. She was wearing a carnation-colored robe that revealed a lot of cleavage. I wondered if she wore anything underneath it.
"Right on time," she said.
"Did you think I wouldn't be?"
"Not really." Her cheeks flushed. "Come in."
I walked into a wide, open living and dining area. It had cane furnishings, rich, paneled walls, multiple windows, and more than a touch of class. I could get used this quickly.
I returned my attention to Gabriella. She was everything I ever dreamt about. With any luck, this could turn into a regular gig.
"Would you like a drink?" she asked.
"Sure, why not."
"I've got wine, whiskey, brandy, beer..."
"Wine," I said.
She handed me a long-stemmed glass and filled it with Cabernet Sauvignon.
"Does your husband go away on business often?"
"Often enough."
I grinned. "Works for me."
"I'm glad it does."
I put my glass down and pulled her close. I kissed her passionately, tasting the wine on her tongue.
After a while, she pulled away. "Why don't we go in the bedroom where it's more comfortable?"
"Lead the way."
She took my hand and we ended up in a spacious master suite on the main floor. It had a king size four-poster bed and crisp red satin sheets ready to be wrinkled.
"I'm yours," Gabriella cooed.
I didn't want to give her a moment to change her mind, so I untied the belt on her robe. Indeed, she wore nothing beneath it. Her voluptuous, naked body begged to be caressed.
<
br /> She kissed me, ran her tongue across my lips, then laid down on the bed, her long, shapely legs making me forget any woman trouble I had in the past. She curled a finger and beckoned me to join her.
I got undressed in a hurry and joined her on the bed.
Our lovemaking was slow and deliberate. I spent what seemed like forever lost in her touch, her firm breasts, her velvet-soft skin, her legs wrapped around me, hands cupping my buttocks.
A loud noise in the hallway interrupted our passion.
"What the hell was that?"
Gabriella's eyes widened. "I think my husband's back."
My heart skipped a beat. "You said he was out of town."
"He must have taken an early flight," she said, jumping out of bed and grabbing her robe. "You have to get out of here!"
I agreed, but knew I couldn't get dressed and out of there without her husband seeing me.
I had just put on my pants and loafers when a sixty-something man burst into the room. He was heavyset, paunchy, and wore a designer suit. His eyes narrowed to slits as he glared at Gabriella.
"You bitch!"
She cowered behind me as though she expected me to go from lover to protector.
"Hey, why don't we talk about this?" I told him.
He sucker-punched me on the chin, stunning me. My legs gave out, but I got up quickly. He was bigger than me, but I was younger and quicker. He swung again. I ducked and hit him twice in the stomach.
He doubled over, gasping for air.
I thought it was over, but he suddenly charged at me like a battering ram and got me in a headlock. We both fell to the floor.
During the struggle, he ended up on top of me. He put his massive hands around my neck and started to choke me.
Desperate and unable to break free, I balled my hands and slammed them against his temples as hard as I could.
It worked.
He groaned and released his grip on my neck. I scrambled out from under him and got to my feet. But so did he...
I couldn't believe he was ready to go at it again.
Then a shot rang out.
The man clutched his chest and fell flat on his face.
I turned and saw Gabriella holding a gun in her hand.
"You killed him!" I said.
"Yeah." She regarded me with eyes that had gone cold.
I tried to collect my thoughts as I moved toward her. "Look, you could say you shot your husband in self-defense."
"That won't be necessary," a man's voice said from behind me.