Old Mob Money (COMPLETE)

Ch. 8 Romance where you least expect it.

Detective Jack Johnson's POV

I left the scene of impact with Leena, with a racing heart, furry tongue and butterflies fluttering in my gut. This would have to be the strongest reaction I've ever had to a woman.
And yet I'm craving her touch, to be near her again! I thought to myself.
Gleefully, I made my way (albeit, a tad more carefully) towards the store I had my eye on just a split second before being yanked off the road.
As I very slowly walked the 2 blocks to where I needed to be, I allowed my imagination to drift a little.
I pictured Leena and I on a date.
I imagined Leena and I getting married, on some cute little countryside somewhere.
I could even stretch so far as to picture mini Leena's and mini Jack's running around...
And that was when I caught my reflection in a window I was passing.
My grin, was wide showing off all my white teeth, that I was blessed with.. straight, white, and none missing! Not bad for a traditional Aussie bloke!
My hair, windswept from walking the city beat, and from having my hands ran through it so many times, gave me that almost 'fresh-out-of-bed' look, crossed with a styled look.. "Not bad Jack!" I congratulated myself prematurely,  in my mind as I approached the store I was looking for.
Myer- a conglomerate of businesses owned by the Coles-Myer 'Empire' (for lack of a better word.)
I figured I would start small, at a store level, and work my way up the ranks to the CEO Richard Goyder, if that's what it took of course!
So, entering the busy store, and taking a last long look at the receipt, I noted the department, and clerk I was looking for in particular.
Rosalina Giovanni in the female shoe department..
With that information memorised, I made my way through Myer, until I found the distinct smell of leather. Shoes and handbags.
Then, who did I notice chatting with a few staff arond the Ladies Shoes Department, but Leena!
My heart skipped a beat or ten, my stomach reverted to butterflies, and I immediately noticed my hands begin to sweat.
What was with me?!
I'm not what you'd call a 'womaniser' but I've never struggled with a female like this before!
As I slowly walked towards the women, my ears couldn't help but pick up on their conversation topic..
"Oh Lee, I'm so jealous! Shorter hours, more pay and travel?? Gurl! You are more blessed than you realise!"
"Who are you leaving us for Leena! Spill the beans!"
"I can't girls! I have already signed the confidentiality agreement. I can no more tell you what I do, that tell you who I do it for. I'm sorry! But I'm not throwing away all those nights spent at home studying to lose my job to gossip. I love you girls, I will always stop in to say hello, time permitting. But I'm not throwing away this opportunity!"
I took that pause at the end of Leena's little speech to approach the three girls, and I reckon Leena damn near jumped out of her skin when she saw it was me!
"Jack! D-did you follow me here?"
For the briefest of moments, it looked like Leena had paralysing fear in her eyes.
It only lasted but a moment.
But I swear, clear as day, it was there.
I grinned widely at her.
"I already gave you my number, why would I be following you?" I replied with a hint of sarcasm.
Leena's breath seemed to hitch in her throat slightly, but then she covered it with a breathy laugh.
"OK Jack, why are you here then?"
I winked at the 2 ladies behind her, and I swear you could hear their panties drop.
"Leena, I actually need a word with one of the Greek goddesses behind you. Would you be so kind as to introduce me?"
Leena had to cough to cover up her natural snicker that responded to my tongue-in-cheek humour. "Sure th-thing Jack! This here is Pam, and this is Susan."
Leena said, pointing first to the blonde, then to the redhead.
I looked to Pam, and then to Susan, shooting them my friendliest "I'm-your-local-copper-who's-actually-quite-sweet" mega-watt smile.
"Hi Pam. Hi Susan. How are you both today? I'm Detective Jack Johnson, I'm with the NSW Homicide Division of the police force, and I'm hoping one of your kind selves could help me out with some information?"
At that moment, Leena shuddered, and the fear I saw in her eyes was not just there for a fleeting moment, it was plain as day on her face and in her eyes for at least 10-15 seconds.
I straight away began to think to myself.. "Why would such a beautiful woman be so fearful of the Police? Could it be linked to childhood trauma? Could it be linked to family? A husband...?"
That last thought, was enough to make my stomach turn, without knowing the answer to it. But even the concept of another man with his filthy hands on Leena made me feel sick to the stomach.
Pam and Susan both blushed slightly, and were exceptionally happy to smile, and make themselves available to me.
Susan leaned towards me, and with her lower lip mashed in between her teeth, she whispered "So, a Homicide Detective? Has someone famous died? How can we help?" Then she almost petted my arm at the end of her question.
Even my button up shirt couldn't hold the sleaze back.
Pam wasn't going to be outdone by Susan though, "So Jack! How long have you been a Detective?" And then patted my other arm. I have to swallow to physically hold back my revolt in front of Leena.
She was honestly a picture of perfection compared to the other two. But seemed to be biting back a smile.
Just as I was about to dig into the important questions, Leena excused herself. "Sorry Susan, sorry Pam, I have to get going. Mum has an appointment this afternoon that I am going along with her for. I'll catch you two on the flip side. Nice seeing you again Jack." And with a mere wave, Leena was gone from my sights again. I really hoped she'd call me.
Then, I pulled out my receipt, still covered in blood in the evidence baggie and turned back towards Susan and Pam.
"Any chance you can identify this transaction for me please? I'm looking for a killer."