by Laura Scott
“Call Garth, tell him Alex Rhine is the mastermind behind the meth dealing.”
“Trina? Jeremy? Are you all right?” Garth’s voice grew louder as he approached. When he saw them, he hurried over and dropped to his knees. “I was afraid you were in the trailer when it went up.”
She managed to crack a grim smile. “That was Rhine’s plan. Thankfully Jeremy got here in time. If he hadn’t woken me up . . .” she couldn’t finish.
“I issued a BOLO for Rhine. Any idea where he might be headed?”
“No.” The pins and needles in her arms receded. “Did you find my squad?”
Jeremy and Garth exchanged a grim look. “No sign of it anywhere. I’m sure Alex had it taken away.”
“You have to find him, Garth. Before he takes his drug operation somewhere else. He sacrificed the trailer for a reason. I’m sure he already has a new plan, maybe even a new trailer.”
“I know.” Garth glanced over to where the rusty trailer was still burning, clouds of dark smoke billowing from the clearing. “The volunteer fire department will be here soon. I need to go.”
“I want to come with you.” Trina tried to push herself upright, but a wave of dizziness assaulted her.
“You’re too dehydrated to go after Rhine,” Jeremy protested. “Let’s get you to the clinic, you’ll feel better after a fluid bolus.”
She didn’t want Alex to get away, but there was no denying she felt weak and useless. Two things she detested.
If she’d had a K-9 partner, she wouldn’t be in this mess. Something she intended to make sure Sheriff Donnelly understood.
“Well look at this.” She froze when a sarcastic voice cut through the trees. “I can’t believe you got out of the trailer.”
Rhine. “Get down,” she croaked, reaching for her weapon. Multiple shots rang out, the ringing in her ears intensified as she rolled out of the way and onto her stomach. She took aim, frantically searching through the trees for Rhine.
“I think I got him,” Garth said from behind her.
“Anyone hurt?” she asked.
“We’re fine. You?”
“I’m good.” She wasn’t, but not because of the gunfire. It was humbling to realize how close she’d come to dying. How close Jeremy had been to being injured, or worse, too.
If they’d died today, she wouldn’t have been able to tell him how much she loved him.
Using the grass and brush for cover, they waited for several long moments but heard nothing more. Sirens whined, and she knew it was likely the volunteer fire department. Garth spoke into his radio, informing dispatch they needed backup, but she couldn’t seem to relax.
Not until she knew for certain.
“Trina.” Jeremy crawled forward until they were side by side. “It’s over.”
“I need to see him for myself.” She knew in her head that Garth had fired first and that his bullet likely had hit its mark. Yet Alex had grown larger than life in her mind’s eye, to monster-like proportions.
She wanted, needed him to pay for his crimes. For the murder of Timothy Eden. For all the people he’d gotten hooked on drugs.
For Steven.
More sirens filled the air. She knew the volunteer firefighters would stay back until the scene was clear. Two deputies charged up the trail, Doug Carbine and Sheriff Donnelly himself. They huddled around Garth speaking in low tones as Garth filled them in.
Jeremy helped her stand, and behind the cover of the deputies, he took her back to the dirt road where the volunteer firefighters waited.
She heard the deputies searching the woods, and it didn’t take long to hear someone shout, “Found him!”
“Do we need a bus?” another called.
“Nope. He’s not going anywhere but the morgue.”
Trina dropped her chin to her chest. Alex was dead. And for what? Easy drug money? It just didn’t make any sense.
Jeremy’s arms came around her, drawing her into his embrace. She rested against him for a moment, soaking in his strength, before she tipped her head up to look at him. “I love you.”
His eyes widened in surprise, and a smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “I think you must be delirious from dehydration.”
She appreciated his attempt at humor but shook her head. Then winced at the pain. “No, really, I need you to know I’m in love with you. I should have told you sooner. I knew I loved you last night, letting you walk away was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And today, when I thought I was going to die . . .”
“Don’t.” The word was low and harsh. He tightened his grip. “It gives me the chills to think about how close you were to blowing up in that trailer.”
“I didn’t because you came for me.” She rested her cheek against his chest. Maybe his idea of a relationship was different from hers, but she didn’t regret telling him the truth. She loved him and wanted to be with him.
This was what was important.
In that moment, she knew that her mission had changed. Oh, she still wanted to eliminate every drug manufacturer and dealer in the county, but that wasn’t her main purpose any longer.
Being in the trailer, knowing she was about to die had changed her. She’d been given a second chance at life. At love. And this time, she planned to hang on to those things with both hands.
It was what the old Steven would have wanted her to do.
“I love you, too,” Jeremy whispered against her hair. “I’ll continue supporting your mission, Trina, if that’s what you want. I’ll relocate here to Clark County as soon as I can complete the pathology fellowship program. I want to be there for you in every way.”
“Oh, Jeremy.” She pushed away far enough to look up at him again. “A relationship will only survive if there’s give and take from both of us. I want to support you, too. We’ll find a way to work everything out, together.”
“I love you so much,” he whispered. He framed her face and gently kissed her as if afraid she might break. She wasn’t fragile, and she returned his kiss with a passion that proved it.
When they finally broke apart to breathe, she grinned. “I’m going to follow your suggestion.”
He looked dazed and confused. “What suggestion?”
“To get our community to support a K-9 program, a fundraiser to help offset the cost. I’m going to do it.” She glanced around the clearing. “A K-9 would have been a huge help in uncovering the truth about Alex. And after all this, I’m pretty sure I can get Sheriff Donnelly’s support, too. Think about how much of this mess could have been avoided.”
“I agree. And I think you can do anything you set your mind on. I love dogs and will do whatever I can to help.”
She looked back over to where the smoke was still rising above the trees. Having heard the all clear, the volunteer firefighters were trudging up the path with hoses connected to a large water truck. “I hope the fire doesn’t spread. It’s been a dry summer.”
“Let’s go. I want you to be seen in the clinic.”
She didn’t want to leave, but she understood her role was that of a witness in the case they’d build against Alex and his ultimate death. Garth would be on modified duty pending the outcome of the investigation into Alex’s shooting, but it wouldn’t be the first time.
Jeremy helped her into the passenger seat of his car, then headed for the clinic. Once they were inside, he immediately took charge, ordering an IV and a liter of fluid.
He was right, she felt much better afterward. The nurse on duty cleaned up all the cuts on her face and hands, then let her stand. Jeremy came in, raking her with his gaze.
“Better. But I’m ordering you home to rest.”
“Okay, see, that’s going to be a problem.” Trina narrowed her gaze.
He lifted a brow. “What is?”
“You can’t order me around like any other patient.” She stabbed a finger into his chest. “Understand?”
He looked surprised. “Doctors always give orders. It’s just what we do.”
“Cops give orders, too.” She tilted her head to the side. “Okay, how about we follow each other’s suggestions?”
“Deal.” His expression softened. “I love you, Trina.”
“I love you, too.” She wrapped her arm around his waist. “Take me home.”
“Is that an order? Or a suggestion?” He teased.
She laughed. “Both.”
As they walked into the bright sunlight, Trina reveled in the sense of peace.
Being with Jeremy would never be boring. And she was okay with that.
Epilogue
Three weeks later . . .
Jeremy watched as Trina took the German shepherd puppy from its crate. The animal was already nine months old, the previous pups she’d had her heart set on were too young. This one had a shiny gold and black coat, and Trina had named her female future K-9 partner Stevie in honor of her brother.
Trina led the pup through a series of very simple commands, then turned to grin at Jeremy. “She’s so smart!”
“Like her partner,” he agreed. He’d applied and been accepted into the pathology fellowship program starting the following Monday. And Trina had been accepted into a K-9 training program in Lansing. She would only be there for twelve weeks before she’d head back to McNally Bay, but that was okay. They’d continue seeing each other as often as they could.
It wouldn’t be nearly enough, but he was determined to make the best of the situation. Eventually, they’d both be living in Clark County. Dr. Patton had actually agreed to hold off on retiring until Jeremy could take his place.
Trina and Stevie approached, the future K-9 jumping up and down with excitement.
“Down,” Trina said sternly.
Stevie instantly dropped to a sitting position, her impossibly large ears pricked forward, waiting for her next command.
“You really like giving orders, don’t you, Deputy Waldorf?”
She laughed. “As much as you do, Dr. McNally.”
He pulled out the small velvet ring box and dropped down to one knee. Trina’s eyes widened in surprise, and Stevie wagged her tail, her entire body trembling with the desire to run over to jump on him.
“Trina, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her slate gray eyes filled with tears, and she threw herself into his arms, knocking him backward so they were both on the ground. Unwilling to be left out of the fun, Stevie joined them, licking both of their faces.
“Yes, Jeremy,” she finally managed. “Stevie, down! Yes, I’ll marry you.”
“I’m glad.” Jeremy crushed her close and kissed her deeply. “I love you so much, Trina.”
“I love you, too.”
“I think Deputy McNally of McNally Bay has a certain ring to it.” He smiled, stroking Stevie’s soft fur.
“Hmm.” Trina leaned against him. “Do you think Jemma will mind setting aside a weekend for us to be married in the gazebo?”
He kissed her again. “Knowing my sister, she’s already holding a weekend for us. But there’s no rush, Trina. I’m willing to wait until you’re ready.”
She tipped her head up to look at him. “I’m ready to be your wife, Jeremy. Whatever date works for Jemma is fine with me. Together we’re going to make Clark County a safer place to live.”
“I can’t wait.” He pulled Trina to her feet and grabbed Stevie’s leash. No matter what difficulties they might face in the future, he knew that this was exactly where he wanted to be.
In McNally Bay with Trina, now and forever.
Ready to read Jake and Brianna’s story? Click Here!
Dear Reader
I hope you’ve enjoyed Jeremy and Trina’s story. I’ve had so much fun writing about the McNallys, and I want to thank each of you again for the lovely notes and emails you’ve sent telling me how much you like the series.
Please remember how important reviews are for authors. If you enjoyed To Believe, please take a moment to leave a review on the site where you purchased the book. I would be very grateful!
I love hearing from my readers! Please drop me a note from my website at www.laurascottbooks.com, or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/LauraScottBooks, or via Twitter at @laurascottbooks. Also, if you want to keep up on my new releases and to download a copy of a free novella that is not available for sale on any outlet, please take a moment to sign up for my newsletter which can also be found on my website.
The last book in the series is Jake’s story. To Promise will be available in a few months. In this book you’ll finally learn the truth about Lucy’s murder. For those of you who want a sneak peek, I’ve included the first chapter for you to read.
* * *
Sincerely,
Laura Scott
To Promise
Chapter One
Flying to McNally Bay had been a massive mistake.
Brianna Murphy leaned against the white pillar of the gazebo overlooking Lake Michigan and watched the waves rippling across the surface with the breeze. The summer sun had begun its slow descent over the western horizon, and while the warmth was nice, hotter than Ireland ever experienced, she missed the green lush landscape of her home.
Why had she been so foolish? She’d never chased a man before, and she wasn’t sure why she’d done so now. Despite sharing a couple of heated kisses beneath the starry Irish sky, she’d soon realized, especially after Jazz’s wedding that Jake McNally wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship.
And she didn’t do flings, especially with handsome American men.
So what if he’d invested in her father’s farm, bringing them from the edges of bankruptcy into the best year they’ve had in a decade? She didn’t owe Jake anything. After all, he’d made loads of quid over and above his initial investment and would for the next several years.
The fact that he hadn’t asked her to accompany him to Jemma’s wedding, had stung. Thinking it was the pressure of the wedding itself, she’d decided to surprise him with a post wedding visit. Not only was it a way for them to spend additional time together without impacting his Visa, but she’d hoped that being with Jake and his family would make him realize what he’d be missing when he left Ireland, for good.
But the exact opposite had occurred. With each touristy outing they’d taken together, Jake had become more and more distant. To the point she barely recognized the man she deeply cared about.
Was this the real Jake McNally, then? If so, the man she’d fallen for was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.
Time for her to head home, putting Jake McNally out of her life, and her heart, for good.
“Bree, can I get you something to drink?” Jemma asked, joining her in the gazebo.
“No, done more than enough for me, you have.” Bree smiled and hoped her sadness wasn’t too obvious.
“You helped me cook breakfast earlier, so offering lemonade isn’t too much.” Jemma’s keen gaze seemed to pick up on her morose mood. “Have a seat, I’ll join you for a bit.”
Bree didn’t want to impose on Jake’s youngest sisters who co-managed the McNally B&B, more than she had already. Especially when Jake had been annoyed at her unexpected arrival. The past couple of days had passed with nothing but painful politeness between them.
It was about to drive her mad.
“Here you go.” Jemma returned several minutes later carrying two ice-cold glasses of lemonade. She handed one to Bree and then pulled the two deck chairs over.
“Thanks a mil.” Bree sat more so to make Jemma happy than anything. She owed Jemma, especially after how she’d arrived without an invite the day after her wedding.
She couldn’t bear to leave the same way. Jemma and Jazz deserved better from her.
“You can’t let Jake’s stubbornness get to you.”
Bree winced. She did not want to talk to Jemma about Jake. “He has a right to his feelings, I suppose. And I shouldn’t have dropped in without ringing him first.”
“Bree, you are always welcome here in McNa
lly Bay.” Jemma took a sip of her lemonade. “Jake’s been on his own for a long time, moving from one place to the next. I think he really enjoyed his time in Ireland.”
Maybe, but she knew he’d spent far more time in England, due to the limitations on his visa, than he had in Ireland. In Ireland, visitors could only stay for 90 days total within 180 days, so Jake had made the most of learning about horse racing while he was in England. After that, it hadn’t taken that long to get her father’s farm running in the black. Jake helped her father buy the two-year-old thoroughbred colt they’d named Dark Rogue, then convinced Seamus Murphy to enter Rogue in a race taking place in Berkshire, England. The unknown colt had come from behind to win a decent purse in two of the races that day, and several others in the weeks that had followed. After being established in England, they’d returned to Ireland where Dark Rogue had won more races. Jake had returned to England to discuss the colt’s success. Several investors had expressed interest in having their colt sire the next generation of Rogue offspring. The stud fees they were willing to pay were staggering.
The Murphy Equestrian Farm was profitable at last and would for a long time, thanks to Jake.
If only he hadn’t been so charming.
She cleared her throat. “I’ve come to realize Jake prefers to be on the move and a mere woman isn’t about to hold him back.”
Jemma sighed. “We were so excited when he brought you to Jazz’s wedding.”
Her face felt frozen, as if it might crack. “Me, too,” she finally admitted. “But I sensed a subtle change in our relationship after we returned to Ireland.”
“Oh, Bree.” Jemma reached over to gently squeeze her hand. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She forced a smile. “Learned how to travel across the ocean by myself, didn’t I? And I’ve enjoyed being here with you and Jazz.”
“We’ve loved having you, here, too.” Jemma’s sympathetic gaze only made her feel worse. As if she’d somehow failed the twins.