Hamilton looked through each photo, his face becoming redder and his lips thinner. “So, the woman had a stalker. Who else knows about these?” he sneered.
“No one except for the guy we came across in the hotel garage,” Kiersten said.
“Go on.” Hamilton dropped the pictures to his desk.
“The girl that was found in the alley was working with Franco. They stole briefcases, wallets, you name it, and sold them back to the owners. However, they came across those pictures in one suitcase and, because Franco realized what they were worth considering Annie Steele had been found dead and was the Senator’s mistress, he thought he could scam more money later. The owner of the briefcase shot Franco, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he didn’t kill the girl too. A source informed us that the syringe found on Annie Steele’s floor was laced with fentanyl,” Deegan said levelly. “She also had bruising that is evidence of foul play. She didn’t willingly overdose.”
“Where do the events in the garage come into play?” Hamilton asked.
“The girl gave us the number where they called to sell the owner back his briefcase,” Kiersten said. “Deegan called and made arrangements to meet the killer under the disguise that he was a scammer too.”
Hamilton went back to his seat. “Let me get this straight. You have pictures of a dead girl who not only was suspected of overdosing but is linked to a Senator. We have two more dead bodies that are connected, and Cade here almost got herself killed. What the hell!”
“Annie Steele didn’t willingly use those drugs,” Deegan said confidently. “She was murdered, just like Franco and the homeless girl, maybe because of something she knew or because her situation with the Senator was exposed.”
Kiersten looked at Deegan’s profile. Would he confess that Kline was his buddy, and about the video? However, he didn’t…
Hamilton rubbed his forehead in agitation. His face was three shades of purple and he had a grim look. “I should be putting both of you on unpaid leave. Do you realize how many lives you’ve put in danger?” He shook his head, looking back and forth at each of them. “But I won’t. What I do want is for the both of you to find the bastard who knocked around one agent and shot at another. Nobody messes with my agents and gets away with it.” He pounded his fist into his palm.
Realizing they were off the hook for now, Kirsten stood and Deegan joined her.
“Thank you, sir,” Kiersten said.
Before they could make it to the door, Hamilton muttered, “Hey you two vigilantes?” They turned to look at him.
“Yes, sir?” they said in unison
“Don’t screw this up. Make it quick and easy, but no bloodshed. You hear? This is off the record and I don’t want a bloody trail. Got it?”
They nodded.
“You have one week.”
Once they were outside, Deegan stopped her. “Why did you do that?”
“Take the blame and get us out of trouble? Hell, I don’t know.” She gave her head a shake.
“I don’t need you doing that. I’m a grown ass man and can stand up for the decisions I make. He could have laid the hammer down on you.”
“And I knew he’d fire you quicker than he would me. We both know that, especially since this isn’t the first time you’ve been on the line for going against protocol.” She kept walking. Her entire body hurt. Seeing the hard set of his jaw and his unusual silence, she stopped. “Deegan?” he looked at her. “It’s not your fault that the homeless girl is dead.”
“Yeah, right,” he muttered and stomped toward his truck.
He was already in the driver’s seat by the time she had made it to the passenger seat. “Although I think it was crazy that you gave her your number, I can see why you did it. We have no clue what really happened to her. It could have been an overdose.”
“Or the killer could have found her.”
“She was living on the edge, Deegan. We see this all the time. You giving her money and asking her questions wasn’t the reason why she died. She was caught up in something very dangerous.”
He turned his pensive gaze on her. “I don’t believe the girl overdosed any more than I believe Annie killed herself. If I’d found the killer sooner there would be one less death. If I hadn’t come into the garage when I did, you could be—” His face became hard. “We have to find the killer.”
She laid her hand on his elbow. “We will. We’re getting closer. I can feel it.”
He blew out a long breath through the corner of his tight lips. “My God, Kiersten. You’re bruised and banged up. This is all because of me. I should have never asked you to help with the case.”
“There will be none of that. Although no one likes to get their ass kicked, it happens sometimes in this business.”
Deegan brought his hand up and cupped her cheek. “It’s late and we both could use some sleep. Let’s find a bed and zonk out.”
“Together?”
“If you think for a second that I’m going to leave your side, you’re crazy. From now until you are better, I’m your nurse. Got that?” He dropped his hand from her cheek and started the engine. “We can go back to my place. It’s not the Hilton, but—” He smiled. “That’s right. You already know.”
Her body warmed, from her roots to the tips of her toes. If they went back to his place, she knew exactly what would happen and sleep had nothing to do with it. “No, not your place.”
“Yours then?”
She gave her head a shake. “No, all my stuff is moved out.”
“You’re moving?” His brows scrunched.
“I’m building a house.”
“Why didn’t you mention it?”
“Why would I?” She shifted in the seat, putting on her seatbelt before he had the chance. “By the way, what did the text message read from the girl? Hamilton said it was the last message she sent.”
“I don’t know because I didn’t see it.” He reached in, took out his phone, clicking on the appropriate icon. “There it is.”
“Read it,” she urged.
“I know where he lives. I’ll tell you. Meet me tonight.”
“She knew where he lived? Why is it that I believe she knew this information all along?”
. “She certainly had entrepreneurial skills.”
She caught the hitch in his voice and she knew he truly felt sadness over the girl’s death. Every lawman felt the weight of those who died on their watch.
“I need a few winks. Where are we headed?” he asked quietly.
“Pull out of here and take a left.” Once they were out on the main road, she said, “Why doesn’t the killer just cut his losses and get the hell out of dodge?”
“I told you, he’s committed and loyal. You said he was trained in hand-to-hand combat. I’d bet he’s a soldier.”
She nodded. “I thought the same thing.”
“You can always back out of this case, Kiersten.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re thinking I can’t handle him,” she huffed, settling her narrowed gaze on him.
“No. I was going to say that when I’m around you I feel weak and I make poor decisions. I’d hate for you to have to save my life because I’m a blubbering idiot under the Kiersten Cade lure.”
She bit back a smile and rolled her eyes. “Funny. I think you’re so tired you’re talking out of your head. Let’s leave it at that. Turn onto the Interstate.”
“Are you keeping our destination a secret?”
“Didn’t you tell me once that you’d like to meet my brothers?” She waited for his nod. “Well, no time like the present.”
*
By the time they reached the ranch, Deegan was tired, but there would be no sleeping until Kiersten had an ice pack and pain meds to reduce the swelling on her face. She told him not to worry, but he felt guilty that he allowed this to happen to her.
In the kitchen, he opened drawers and cabinets until he’d found a plastic baggie to fill with ice along with a soft dish towel. Taking them in
to the living room he found her starting a fire in the antique stove. It took the chill off the air.
“Have a seat,” he demanded when she was finished stoking the flames. She took the corner of the couch and he handed her the ice pack. “Now, where is the first aid kit?”
“In the bathroom.”
The place was small but considering it was above the garage, he didn’t expect it to be spacious. He didn’t have any trouble finding the bathroom, or the first aid kit from under the sink. Thankfully it had everything he needed to patch her up. Back in the living room, after a stop to grab a bottle of water out of the fridge, he sat down next to her and opened the kit.
“Deegan, I don’t ne—”
“Don’t argue.” He popped the lid to the water and a bottle of pain medication. “Take two of these.”
She did as he requested, still holding the bag against her cheek.
“Now, let me see.” The cuts on her head were only minor, but the bruising looked painful. She’d have a black eye by sunrise. He squeezed a bit of healing ointment onto his finger and gently rubbed it onto the wound.
“You’re pretty good at this,” she said.
“I have my good points.” He smiled. “And thank you.”
“For?”
“Wanting to save my ass from Hamilton’s bite. I could have handled it though. After all, I got us into this mess.”
She shrugged. “No, we’re in this together. Now it’s become a mission.”
“I’m sorry but I won’t think straight until I’ve had a few winks.”
“Okay.” She stood. “You take the couch. I’ll take the bed. See you in the morning.”
He barely remembered laying down because the second he closed his eyes, he was out like a light. What felt like minutes, he was awakened by an animated voice, laughter, and the sunlight streaming in through the windows of the tiny apartment. He brought his head up and blinked, wondering if he was seeing correctly. The space was full of brawny men and Kiersten was standing in the circle of the cowboys as she greeted each of them with a tight hug and smile.
Deegan sat up and Kiersten met his gaze from across the room. “I’m sorry. We woke you. I have a pot of coffee on and I’m sure you’ll want to use the bathroom. Then we’ll make introductions.”
He felt the wrath of five sets of eyes on him, but she was right. He could certainly use a bathroom stop and a large cup of coffee.
Lifting the seat to take care of morning business, he heard more laughter coming from the Cade clan. He wasn’t sure he was quite ready for a meeting of sorts, but he didn’t have a choice. Flushing the toilet, washing his hands, and splashing his face with cold water, he stepped back into the outer room feeling more human.
Kiersten shoved a steaming cup of coffee his direction and he accepted it with gratitude.
Deegan had heard great things about the Cade brothers, but there was nothing to prepare him for meeting the five muscular men in person. He dragged his gaze from each brawny, above average in height, man as Kiersten introduced them. Phoenix, Kace, Zander, Nixon, and Cull. That should be easy enough to remember. Although Deegan was tall and muscular himself, he wasn’t too proud to say he’d hate to piss off one of the Cade brothers. They would be a force to reckon with.
“Nice to meet you,” the one called Phoenix said. The others mumbled a half-hearted greeting. They all had similar looks and pale blue eyes.
“Don’t tell Ma and Pa I’m here and that I have a couple of bruises,” Kiersten said over the rim of her coffee cup. Although she did have a black eye, the swelling was down and she looked rested. She wasn’t holding her side like she was last night.
“And how do you plan on keeping you being here a secret?” Kace asked.
“We’ll put Deegan’s truck in the barn and lay low. I don’t want to be the source of making them worry any more than they already do.”
“So that would mean you and Bronx plan to stay here, in the garage apartment? Together?” If looks could kill, Deegan would be dead. Nix stared at him with obvious loathing while Kace cracked his knuckles and one corner of Zander’s mouth dipped into an agitated frown. Cull was grinning as if he knew something the others didn’t.
“Relax.” Kiersten shook her head in warning. “Neither one us want anyone to know we’re here. We’re working a case that needs our extra focus.”
“A case?” Nix chuckled. “That’s what you’re calling that? He didn’t have anything to do with almost getting you killed, did he?” A thumb was pointed in Deegan’s direction.
“No. I told you!” Kiersten sighed.
“How can we help?” Phoenix asked.
“Well, we don’t plan on asking you boys to do any more work than you already do. My sisters-in-law already share you way too much with criminals.” Kiersten loved her brothers, and their wives, and there was no way she could ask them for help.
“Look, I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we want to find this asshole, make a single file line, and each of us have a few minutes alone with him for what he did to you, sis,” Zander said gruffly.
“I’ll be the first in line,” Nix growled.
“Okay. Okay. Thank you, but Deegan and I have this covered. If I need something I’ll ask, but seriously, I can handle myself,” she assured them. She gave Deegan a side glance. “We both can handle ourselves.”
Deegan appreciated the way the Cade men were protective over Kiersten. He wanted to pledge to them that he’d protect her too with everything he had, but he knew she’d be ticked. She wanted everyone to see her as an equal and not a woman in a male-dominated career. Hell, Deegan had never viewed her as anything but an equal. He’d bet a limb that she was the smartest agent at the department. And one of the bravest. Not many people, man or woman, could suffer a knock down drag out and walk the next day. And here she was, even managing to smile. Deegan had lots of respect for her.
“Okay, we won’t say anything to Ma and Pa, but once they find out you’re here and we didn’t tell them, the bruises won’t matter because Ma will open a can of whoop ass on all of us.” Cull laughed.
“I only need a few days and the bruises will fade enough that I can hide them under concealer,” Kiersten said.
“Isn’t that what you used to do to hide hickeys?” Phoenix teased.
She slapped him playfully on the shoulder. “No, that’s what I did for you…all of you.” She pointed at each of them. “I’ve been a very good sister.” She smiled and Deegan’s heart lit. She was different here on the family ranch. Playful. Relaxed. Young. And so damn beautiful that he was weak. All he could think about was how much he wanted to make her his, permanently. He’d even quit the department to have her. “Now you cowboys go home to your wives, and Cull, you and Sally have a wedding to plan. Who’s going to sneak us some of Ma’s food out of the main house first?”
For men who loved to talk, none of them spoke.
“I could drive to the grocery—”
“No, Deegan. I want Ma’s cooking. She always keeps leftovers. One of them can do this, although Ma and Pa have the skillset of ninjas. It’ll have to be one of you who is sly.” She smiled and looked straight at Zander and they all followed suit.
He squinted. “Wait? Why me?”
“Because you’re the sneakiest. Even as kids when we were sneaking out, we all got caught and you never did,” Nixon said with a grin. “We got our tails busted and you thought it was funny. Let’s see if you still have the skills.”
“I don’t because Wynn has proven it. Marriage does that to a man. Weakens him,” he announced with a shrug.
“Fine, be a baby, Zan. I’ll do it. They’re probably both gone by now anyway.” Cull shook his head in irritation. “If I’m not back in twenty, come in search of me.”
They all left but Cull promised he’d come back soon.
Deegan looked at Kiersten who was messing with the fire in the woodstove. “I like how you all get along.”
“Trust me, it can be suffocating at times.
Sure, we love each other dearly, but they are too protective, and it’s probably why I grew up not wanting to be taken care of by any man.” She stoked the fire alive and he admired her skill. Just another to be added to her list of many.
“You don’t need a man, Kiersten. You need a champion because that’s what it’ll take.” He smiled.
Closing the door to the stove, she shrugged. “Unfortunately, there aren’t many champions left in the world. I would know because I’ve met every single Mr. Wrong.”
“Come on, you should hold out hope. There are just as many women out there who like to drag a man through the coals only to bust his balls.”
“Does that mean the Deegan Bronx has been hurt once or twice?” She seemed suddenly very interested.
“Sure. Who hasn’t had a broken heart?” Although he’d been in bad relationships, how could he tell her that he had it bad for her? That he couldn’t even think about another woman because her image popped up in his head and monopolized all his thoughts.
“That’s why we keep our hearts close,” she said nonchalantly.
He wondered if she really meant that? If so, that would mean he might never have a chance with her. He wanted her more and more each hour that passed, more than he wanted his next breath.
“I’m going to take a shower. Hopefully Cull isn’t a sloth because I’m hungry.”
He watched Kiersten head into the bathroom and close the door. He was hungry too, but food couldn’t touch the deprivation.
Deegan had just poured himself a second cup of coffee when the door came open and it was Cull carrying two bags of groceries. He placed the bags on the counter, taking out a small basket of eggs. “These are from the chickens.”
“Thank you, Cull. I appreciate it.”
“I brought Kiersten some of her clothes too. She in the shower?” Cull looked toward the hall.
“Yeah.”
“Good. This gives us some time to talk.” Cull leaned against the counter and hooked his thumbs in his front pockets.
Deegan knew what the other man was thinking. “Don’t worry. I admire and respect Kiersten.”
Taken by the Lawman (Lawmen of Wyoming Book 6) Page 9