by A. R. Ford
Ryder grabbed the laptop bag before exiting the room. Nick remained silent. When he spoke, his voice was quiet, and flat. “Why would she do this?” he finally asked.
“Why did she cheat on you? Lie? Hurt you? I ask those questions about my mom often.”
Nick’s dark eyes caught my gaze. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand why she did the things she did. I’m thankful she’s no longer a part of my life.”
He stepped close enough that our bodies touched before embracing me. It felt good, right, to have his arms around me. Of all the things in this crazy, chaotic world, Nick calmed me. “I’m thankful for you,” I murmured.
“Are you trying to flirt with me?”
“Always.” His mouth felt good against mine. The taste of mints and Nick was so exhilarating, and soothing. It was the first passionate kiss we’ve shared since the explosion. “I kind of like you.”
“I kind of like you, too, Leah. Your mom, and Jacinda, are on the list until we can prove otherwise. I’m okay with it.”
“Thank you for understanding. Now we have something to investigate that might lead us somewhere.”
Chapter 17
Nick
WE MADE PEACE WITH the explosion. The insurance companies settled the claims quickly. It felt good to no longer have a mortgage, or car payment hanging over my head. The remainder of the money would serve as a nest egg to rebuild our home, and buy a new car.
After Leah’s diagram found its way onto the dry erase board, we began filling in the blanks. Shroud was an important part of the process. Leah and Ryder continued their info seeking on Shade Tree Lane, while I turned to more traditional methods. Informants on the street coughed up some information. Most of it pointed to Jacinda. I was furious to learn that she had betrayed me, yet again.
That evening after Leah returned from her nightly run on the treadmill, the displaced fury overflowed. It came from nowhere, roaring to life in an instant. Perhaps it had been fed by reminders of Jacinda’s indiscretions. “Hanging out with Ryder again?” I quipped after she stepped from the shower.
Leah’s eyes flashed with anger, her body stiffening. “Ryder is a friend, Nick. You know this. He and I spend a lot of time together trying to get more leads on Soranno’s associates.”
“Is that why you get out of bed almost every night, and meet him in the office upstairs? I’m awake most of those nights, Leah. Sneaking out to see your friend is something I’m aware of.” My tone was bitter, acidic as the words flew from my mouth. Pain filled her eyes at my words.
“I would never cheat on you, Nick. That’s what you’re insinuating, isn’t it? How fucking ridiculous,” she snapped while putting on a robe. “I’m not Jacinda. Learn the difference between your ex, and me.”
The words stung. I shoved her against the wall, pinning her arms above her head. Her body was taut with tension, eyes narrowed, jaw set. “Do you test me on purpose?”
“Not on purpose. I can’t believe you’re jealous of Ryder. Now let me go before I put my knee in your balls so hard our grandchildren will feel it,” she snapped. The knee was raised to emphasize the threat.
What else could a man do when his most sensitive body parts are threatened by the woman he loves? Exactly what I did. I kissed her hard, hands cupping her face, thumbs caressing those high cheekbones. “I’m an ass, forgive me.”
The knee was lowered, and she relaxed the instant I kissed her. “Forgiven. I didn’t want to hurt you. Next time you have questions, just ask me. I’m not hiding anything from you.”
I raised an eyebrow before the realization came that the erection pressing uncomfortably against the zipper of my jeans nudged against her belly. “It’s been too long, Leah.”
Her lips found mine in a hungry kiss that left me breathless. “Maybe we should do something about that.” The robe slipped to the floor. The woman I loved was now naked in my arms.
I made love to her more gently than I’ve ever taken her, drawing our pleasure out until neither of us could hold back. The spine-melting mutual orgasm left us trembling and panting for breath.
Leah nuzzled my chest after curling against me. “I love you so much, Nick. Never forget that.”
“As long as you never forget how much I love you, baby.”
We slept through the night without waking. The reaffirmation of our love was emotionally, and physically beneficial it seemed. Life was much easier knowing we were still devoted to each other.
LEAH AND RYDER CONTINUED to mine the depths of the deep web. Their progress was slow, but sure. The limbs and roots of the tree began to take shape, assuming names, and identities. We settled into the office a few days after Leah and I worked through my unrealistic jealousy of Ryder. My cell phone rang. An unknown number appeared on the screen.
“This is Nick.”
“Nick, old buddy. I hear you’re looking for info.” I recognized the voice instantly. It belonged to a very prolific snitch named Fox.
“Fox! I haven’t heard from you in forever. You must be running low on fun money to give me a call,” I replied while pulling a notepad from the desk drawer. “What kind of interesting gossip do you have for me today?”
“No need in worrying about fun money,” Fox replied, his voice low. “This one’s on the house, Nick. You’ve saved my ass more times than I can count. I owe you a few.”
The tip of the ink pen hovered over the paper. I prayed the information would lead me somewhere on this case. “Tell me a story, Fox. A good story.” Leah glanced in my direction as my voice lowered.
“I hate to break it to you, Nick, but that no good ex-wife of yours is up to her neck with Soranno. Word is she was the one who planted the explosive device,” Fox chuckled softly. “Heartless.”
That bitch. It’s no wonder she visited out of the blue that day. “We thought she might be involved somehow. Thanks for that much. What else do you know?”
“Someone from the department was on the take when you had that lady in protective custody. Someone close to you,” Fox continued. He paused before continuing. “What was isn’t always what it seems.”
“What does that mean?” I asked, knee bouncing as restless energy built inside me.
“Foxes have dens, and all that jazz. This old fox has to run now. Talk to you later, old buddy.” The line went dead. I knew it was useless to try tracing Fox’s number, or location. He was an expert at the cloak and dagger combined with burner phone routine.
Leah and Ryder both looked up when I laid the cell phone on the desk. “You look like that was a fruitful call,” Ryder remarked.
“It was,” I confirmed. “Jacinda is involved. My source says she planted an explosive device at the house. Probably the morning she paid us that unexpected visit. I’m going to run the info by Agent Brendel to see if ATF found anything in the debris.”
My gut twisted at the thought of Jacinda’s involvement. Not only had she betrayed me in the worst ways possible during our marriage, she now betrayed Leah and I with Soranno. The sad thing was Jacinda wasn’t smart enough to know to leave well enough alone. She had no clue what kind of twisted mess she was a part of.
I found Agent Brendel in the conference room with Lukas and Morgan. I joined them at the table before revealing the information. “A reliable informant I’ve used in the past gave me the name of one person involved in the bombing. I thought you should know, Agent Brendel. She has no clue what she’s involved with.”
Agent Brendel gave me her undivided attention. “Give me as much info as you can on this person. We can try to pull them out, see if they’ll turn on Soranno in exchange for witness protection.”
“My ex-wife, Jacinda Hale, allegedly planted an explosive device at my house before the explosion. She showed up unannounced early one morning. Who knows what she did before she rang the doorbell?” That visit irritated me even more now. Not only had she interfered in my personal life, she was also working with Soranno. The knowledge was the coup de gras for any hope of a civil relationship we might ha
ve.
“I’m sorry, Nick. I can’t imagine how it feels to learn someone you loved betrayed you,” Agent Brendel offered. “I need everything you can give me, so we can try to find her before it’s too late.”
We sat at the table for nearly an hour as I gave her Jacinda’s last known address, the attorney that represented her in our divorce, date of birth, and anything that might help the feds. When I finished, Agent Brendel took out a cell phone, made a call, and started working to find Jacinda. Lukas and Morgan joined me when I left the conference room.
“I’m sorry,” Morgan offered as we walked toward the elevator.
“I couldn’t begin to understand how someone could do that,” Lukas added.
“It’s typical, Jacinda,” I stated. “I just wish we could get out of here for a while, and get some fresh air. I’m starting to understand what Leah felt like when she was in protective custody.”
Lukas grinned at my words. “I forgot to mention my parents have a dinner every Sunday at their place. They wondered if any of the Knight Security staff might be interested in joining us. I’ll have Riley pick you, Leah, and Ryder up Sunday around one. We’ll handle the security details, so your safety won’t be compromised.”
“Sunday dinner at the Knight household? Sweet! I think Leah and Ryder will enjoy it. Thanks, Lukas.”
From previous conversations with Lukas and Morgan, it was apparent that their mother was a phenomenal cook. Sunshine and fresh air could only help improve Leah’s emotional state. I couldn’t wait for Sunday.
Chapter 18
Leah
A CLOUDLESS BLUE SKY, and warm temperatures greeted us on Sunday morning. Nick and I packed swimsuits after Lukas told us about the pool, and the weekly volleyball tournament held there. Ryder declined the invitation swearing he would burn to a crisp in the sun. I didn’t doubt his claim. He rarely went outside, and preferred working at night while sleeping during the day. Rose elected to stay behind to keep Ryder company.
The smell of charcoal wafted through the air as we left the SUVs parked in front of a huge ranch-style house. Lukas led us along a brick walkway to the back of the house. We entered the pool area through a door in the tall privacy fence. Sarah waved from a lounge chair. I smiled when I saw the baby sitting on her lap. I left Nick’s side to meet the youngest member of the Knight clan.
“It’s good to see you, Sarah.” The baby on Sarah’s lap looked like Lukas, but had his mother’s down-turned hazel eyes. My heart melted upon seeing the chubby, smiling baby boy.
“Leah, meet the love of my life.” Sarah lifted the baby into my arms. “This is Nicolas Ryan Knight.”
I readily accepted the baby who gazed at me while reaching out with one hand to touch my face. “Oh, Sarah! He’s adorable! How old is he?”
“Four months. I think Nicolas has stolen another heart,” Sarah giggled. “Would you mind holding him while I run to the restroom?”
“I’d love to take care of him,” I murmured. I was hypnotized by the baby. Tiny fingers touched my face. The comforting scent that all babies possess filled my senses. My heart blossomed the instant the tiny fingers clasped my index finger.
Lukas and Nick appeared at my side. “I think you’ve lost your woman to my son’s charm, Nick,” Lukas chuckled. “Mom, dad, come meet our guests.”
An older man looking very much like a mature version of Lukas and Morgan appeared with a slender older woman at his side. The woman’s greying hair was cut in a pixie cut very much like mine. “Leah and Nick, this is my dad, Max, and mom, Dot. Mom and dad, meet Nick and Leah. They’re the newest members of our team.”
Hugs were exchanged in greeting. Morgan arrived at that moment with his fiancée, Brittney. More introductions were exchanged. The Knight clan was warm, and welcoming to everyone. I immediately felt at ease here. Morgan plucked Nicolas from my grasp. I understood the baby’s inexorable attraction to others. Nick deftly steered me toward the pool house.
Once inside with the door closed, he sat the duffel bag containing our swimsuits on the floor. He cupped my face in one hand, dark eyes searching my face. “I have something important to ask you.”
“I’m intrigued.”
Nick produced a small velvet box before dropping to one knee. The diamond ring glistened against the dark velvet. “Marry me, Leah. Make babies with me. And make my life complete.”
“Of course, I’ll marry you,” I laughed. “Now put that ring on my finger, and make it official.”
Nick slid the ring on my finger, and kissed me. He grabbed my hand, opened the door, and ran outside shouting, “She said yes!”
The onlookers cheered while clapping. I was lit from within by the love that Nick and I shared. It was a spectacular day to celebrate. We changed into our swimsuits after eating the smorgasbord of food Dot and Max prepared. Our gathering felt strangely like a family picnic.
Nick and I held hands as we jumped into the deep end. I surfaced only to be followed by Nick a few seconds later. He swam closer before whispering, “You and a bikini are a dangerous combination, Leah.”
“You and swim trunks are dangerous, Nick.”
“Sounds like a date,” he laughed. “Let’s enjoy the day. I need to work off some of the cheesecake Dot forced me to eat.”
“Forced? I only saw a drooling man scarfing down cheesecake.”
“Guilty as charged. I promised Morgan and Lukas a game of volleyball.” He swam away, muscular arms propelling his body through the water with ease.
I drank in the sight of him in swim trunks. He joined Lukas and Morgan for a manly conversation that no doubt involved sports. For the first time in my life I felt like I had a future, a future that included Nick.
Unknown
“YOU’RE SURE THEY LEFT the building?” Soranno asked after releasing a cloud of cigar smoke to float upwards.
“Positive. Your men surveilling the building reported it. The tail confirms they are at the Knight residence.” I wanted nothing more than to snatch Leah Craig from Nick Fowler. He didn’t deserve her. He had done nothing to earn her love. “Say the word, Soranno. I can get past the few agents they have posted.”
“Some other time. Taking her now isn’t a wise move. You’ll get your chance,” Soranno assured. “I know just the leverage we need to ensure our target comes willingly.”
It angered me that Soranno could discard my idea so easily. There was nothing I could do now. I would be patient, bide my time. He owed me, and I planned to collect. Part of my payment would be Leah Craig.
Leah
THAT EVENING I SAT with Rose in the general living area drinking herbal tea. Rose was responsible for thoroughly corrupting my choice of beverages at late-night hours. She returned frequently for visits, or to stay overnight with us. Tonight, was one of those nights. Of course, she cried upon hearing the news of the engagement. I felt completely accepted, and loved.
“Did you set a date?” Rose asked, dark eyes dancing as she smiled.
“There wasn’t time to talk about that,” I replied. “You didn’t warn me about Nick’s passion for cheesecake, or competitive sports.”
Rose laughed at my words. “I can imagine with several competitive men present you didn’t see Nick for some time.”
“Hours.” Nick enjoyed the time away as much as I did. He spent much of our afternoon with the Knight brothers in the pool playing volleyball. I enjoyed the time sitting with the others watching the men play, and talking. “You’re excited about the engagement.”
“I’m beyond excited, Leah. You’re good for Nick. I’ve never seen him this happy. I know you love him, and you’ll take care of him. On top of that you’re going to be my sister by marriage. Who wouldn’t be excited?”
“How did I get so lucky? I found the love of my life, and a best friend at the same time. Thank you for everything, Rose.” Tears filled my eyes when we shared a one-armed hug.
“Don’t go getting emotional, girls,” Nick said. “We’re supposed to be celebrating, not crying, an
d eating ice cream.”
Rose and I laughed simultaneously at Nick’s words. He had the habit of appearing silently. I wasn’t sure if it was the cop, or the private investigator coming out in him.
“No tears here.”
The evening passed as we sat talking, and laughing. Ryder joined us. Before long even he was caught up in the warm camaraderie. It was a great ending to a spectacular day.
Chapter 19
Leo
“IS EVERYTHING IN PLACE?” I sat back in the chair near the window so I could look out at the city that made me the man I am today. Warner. Hungry for heroin. People with money to blow.
“Yes, sir. Our people on the dark web have intercepted communication between the woman and someone named Enigma. There is the potential for a meeting in the park at Lake Orion. That would give us the perfect opportunity to make our move,” the masked man replied.
“You know, you’re turning out to be worth every penny spent on your disappearance. You know what to do. Have people at every street and vantage point between Knight Security and the park. Have everything in place before they let the woman leave the building.” A plume of smoke trailed out of my nostrils. I’m certain I resembled a fire-breathing dragon to most people. Only the traitorous, opponents, or weak needed to fear me.
“Yes, sir. I’ll make sure everything is in place. Is there anything else?”
“You should probably make plans for a honeymoon, shouldn’t you? You’ve had a hard-on for Leah Craig since you saw her in the safehouse,” I laughed.
“I have everything ready for her,” he muttered.
“Touchy, touchy! Get everything ready.” The masked man made it to the door before I spoke again. “Make sure you don’t disappoint me.”
The huge man paused, stiffened, and turned slightly. “I never disappoint.”