Prince Charming (Behind the Screen, #1) Read Online Free Page B

unlocked Rose from the chains. But that was short lived.
    ‘Hands forward.’
    She put her hands forward and he handcuffed them, and then led her to the bathroom.
    Rose stepped into the shower. The warm water felt good. He slid the door shut.
    ‘Sort yourself out. Shout me when you’re done.’
    ‘How am I supposed to do that with these on?’
    ‘You’ll figure something out.’
    She leaned into the wall and cried silently. Rose wanted to go home.
    ‘I’m not a fool you know. This is the best way.’
    Rose did the best she could to get clean with limited use of her hands.
    ‘I’m done,’ she called ten minutes later.
    The door slid open and he stood with a towel in his arms. He wrapped it around her and let her walk back into the room.
    ‘Here, put this on for now.’
    Rose took the dressing gown.
    ‘Don’t try anything silly.’ He took off the handcuffs a moment, she slipped on the gown. It felt nice to be clothed. ‘Get back in bed.’
    ‘Please don’t tie me up, I promise I won’t do anything stupid.’
    He laughed. ‘I’m sure you won’t, but I can’t take any chances.’
    The same treatment happened with Zara. Zara was a more willing participant. Eating the oats without a fuss and taking a shower. It was easy and fast. By eight o’clock he was ready to face his world.
    ‘Soon,’ he told himself. ‘My painting will be complete.’
    Misty was at the gallery to greet him. They were preparing for a showing soon and so it was busy. It took his mind off Harmony, but only just. The more desperate he wanted the picture complete, the more annoyed he became. But Thursday was around the corner. Things could soon change.
    ****
    ‘G ood morning, Derek. Looks like someone had a great date!’ said Yasmina.
    ‘Is it that obvious?’ He pulled off his jacket before sitting down in their office.
    ‘You’re glowing.’
    ‘Well, she’s a stunning woman, more so in person.’
    ‘Details.’
    ‘We started with drinks, and then extended the date and went out to eat.’
    ‘Sounds promising.’
    ‘Yes, we meet again on Friday. She has another date though.’
    ‘Oh, you’ve got competition.’
    ‘Yes, but I think I’ve got a good chance.’
    ‘Confidence. I like it.’
    They spoke a few more minutes. A file was handed to them and it took them away from the conversation. It was back to work.
    ‘Hmmm, another girl missing,’ said Yasmina. ‘I think we’re looking for the same person.’
    He studied the picture of the woman. Zara was twenty six years old, Indian and a pharmacist.
    ‘Do you think the same person took these women?’
    ‘I think so. Two women missing in the space of...’ She looked up the date Zara was last seen. ‘Two weeks.’
    ‘What do we have here?’ He pulled more information from the file.
    Yasmina studied it with him. They went through the information they had on Rose and compared notes. Two hours later they gathered in the meeting room with the chief of police and other team members working on the case.
    ‘What do we have?’ asked the chief of police.
    ‘Both victims were on dating sites,’ said Derek.
    ‘Same sites?’
    ‘Yes, but Zara was on two dating sites, whereas Rose just the one.’
    ‘Do we think it’s the same man?’
    ‘We’ve looked at locations. Thought that maybe it was to do with that. Zara is from Huddersfield and Rose from Harrogate,’ said Yasmina.
    ‘Not too far apart. You’ve spoken to Rose’s parents?’
    ‘Yes, and a close friend too. Rose was last seen the day before her date.’
    ‘What about Zara, any more information on her?’
    ‘The report states she was last seen the night before the date,’ said Derek. 
    ‘Hmmm.’
    ‘Looking at their photos, there is nothing similar about them, except that they’re beautiful women. Both have long hair, both are of medium height and slim,’ said Derek.
    ‘If this is the same guy, there has to be a pattern. Beauty? Career women?’
    ‘Zara is a pharmacist, Rose a sale assistant,’ said