by N Kuhn
Leaning back, he rubbed his hand over his eyes. Scratches at the door drew his attention away. He closed the laptop, letting Bear inside. His beast slid across the floor to his bowls and began eating noisily. Beau poured himself a cup of coffee and sat back down. This explained her wary behavior yesterday. She had looked so frightened when he made his presence clear. Before that, he had seen a carefree woman, beautiful and happy. The way she spun around, arms stretched wide, he couldn’t remember a time he had felt so happy, and over nothing but sunshine and grass. He grabbed his cell phone from the counter and dialed up a friend of his in the FBI field office in Dallas. Thomas Holmes was someone he used for leads on hard cases. They had served together and remained close.
“Beau, what is it today? Cheating husband, runaway heiress?” His friend laughed, jovial for such an early hour.
“Hey T-Man. How’s being a G-Man treating you?” His friend rambled on about his wife and new baby, happily living a life that Beau claimed to never want. His parents had an unhappy marriage and he suffered for it. They tried to play him against each other or flat out ignored him. He had counted down the days until he turned of age and could join the military.
“So, what is it you need this time, bro?” Beau sighed.
“I need info on a wit-protection. I know you can’t give me details, but I need to speak to the agent in charge. I think their witness is in danger.”
“Man,” he could hear Thomas groan on the other end. “You know I can’t discuss that kind of thing.”
“No, I know man, I just,” Beau got up, pacing his kitchen. “I only need to warn the agent in charge.”
“Look, what’s the witness name? I’ll see what I can find out.” Beau gave him the info, and promised to get to Dallas soon for drinks before hanging up.
He slumped back into the stool at his counter, staring into space. That they didn’t know exactly where she was or him, was good. He used a P.O. box in Dallas, so that’s where they were thinking the woman was. He would wait to hear back from Thomas before responding to the email. He was going to have to turn all that money down. If this was what he thought, them trying to find her to take her out, then he would have to keep her safe. Being alone over there wasn’t good. This Ciminelli family could already have guys in the Dallas area. Beau filled a second cup of coffee and headed to the door. He slipped his sneakers on and called Bear to follow. Beau made his way across the yard, to the kitchen entrance on Mara’s porch. Squinting from the bright sun, he cursed himself for rushing out without his hat. He hoped it didn’t put her off that he only wore a white tank top and baskbetball shorts. He could see her sitting inside at the island in the kitchen, slumped over something. Bear barked before he could shift the coffee cups to knock, gaining her attention. He smiled, trying to look pleasant and not spook her. Her eyes widened as she slid off the stool. She stood, staring at him for a moment. He raised the mugs, tilting his head. Slowly, Mara moved to the doors, unlocking them to slide open.
“Morning, I figured since you just arrived yesterday, you may not have gone grocery shopping yet. Coffee?” Silently, Mara moved so he could come in. Bear started to follow but Beau stopped him.
“Stay,” he commanded. She laughed a little. Such a quiet sound, like her voice just wasn’t used to making it.
“No, it’s ok, he can come in. I wouldn’t be able to tolerate the sad puppy eyes he’s giving you right now.” Without waiting for an invite, Bear pushed himself past them, plopping down on the floor next to the island. The coffee in the mugs sloshed slightly at the pressure of being moved by the large dog. Beau shook his head, handing a cup to Mara.
“Thanks, you’re right, I haven’t got anything here yet. I was just making a list.” She accepted the cup, taking a quick sip.
“I wasn’t sure how you take it, but I drink mine black. I can run back for sugar and milk if you need it.” She shook her head.
“Really, this is great. I need the caffeine. I have a lot to do today.” She motioned for Beau to take the other stool, gracefully shifting herself into the high seat. Her bare feet dangled, pink painted toes pointing towards the floor she couldn’t reach while sitting. Her long blond locks were piled high on top of her head. She looked like she had just crawled out of bed as well, with her baggy tee and tiny shorts. As if suddenly self-conscious at his perusal of her, she tugged at the shirt. Beau forced his eyes to move back up to hers. He wanted so badly to tell her everything, but he couldn’t. Not yet. There was no point in scaring the woman unless necessary.
“So, a bed and breakfast huh? This is a great home for that. It’s huge and there’s plenty of room.” He felt nervous. Small talk wasn’t something he was in good practice with. Keeping to himself mostly, Beau didn’t have to manage in social situations. Mara shifted in her seat.
“Yea, hopefully I can get it off the ground quickly. I have to build a website and get it out there.”
“Yea, and tourism here is growing because Tony finally opened up to let people in. The hotel can’t sustain everyone, it’s not that big.”
“That’s what I’m hoping, plus there’s lots of hiking trails around, so maybe family vacations, romantic getaways. I hope if I can build a good enough business, that I can start hosting small weddings too.” He liked that she had plans, ideas. She seemed motivated and this town could use something like that.
“So, where did you move from?” He asked her, trying to just make conversation. She fidgeted, showing how nervous she was. He could see she was trying to think. The clues just kept adding up. Either she was afraid to admit where she was from, being the thief she was accused of being, or she hadn’t fully learned her cover story the Feds gave her.
“Chicago.” She didn’t elaborate. He pushed more.
“Any family down here? I’m just wondering why a beautiful woman like you would move to the middle of nowhere by herself. Do you have friends around here?”
“No, I just wanted a change. A slower pace of life. I’ve always wanted to live in Texas.” She pushed the mug of coffee away from her.
“So, I have a lot to get done today…” She trailed off and he took the hint. He took the cups and moved toward the door. Bear jumped up to follow.
“Well, if you need anything, I’m next door. Maybe I can make you a welcome dinner tonight?” She looked at the floor, her toes wiggling.
“I don’t think so, but thank you. I just have a lot to get done.” Wow, it wasn’t often Beau was shot down by the ladies. It threw him off his game.
“Ok, I understand. Some other time then,” he backed out, and she said goodbye as she closed and locked the door. He stood there a moment then turned to head back home.
Beau spent the day wondering what Mara was up to, trying to figure out the truth in this situation. He moved about his greenhouse, not really paying attention to the tasks he was doing. His body was on autopilot while his brain drifted off. The ringing of his phone finally pulled him from his trance. A quick look at the screen told him he had been out here for hours. The sun was setting and he swiped to accept the call from Thomas.
“Bro,” the man exclaimed. “You’re in some deep shit. I got pulled into the Directors office for my inquiries on that girl.”
“Sorry man, I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”
“Nah, it’s ok. She’s in some deep shit. She has testimony to take down a crime family. But I can’t get more than that. Wanna tell me what this is about?”
“I can’t, sorry you got in trouble. I’ll get ahold of you when I can get into town.” He hung up, shoving the phone back in his pocket. A sleeping Bear woke as Beau exited the greenhouse. He had been in there almost all day. Now the air was cooling off as the sun set. Spring time was great. Hot days, cool nights, without the stifling summer heat yet. He wiped sweat from his brow as he headed towards his house. A man in a suit strode around the corner and Bear began barking. The dark shades and suit told him this was probably the FBI. He figured that if Thomas got talked to about the case, that he woul
d have had to tell them it was for his PI friend. He wasn’t mad. Hopefully he could get the answers needed.
“Beau Belmont?” The man asked.
“That’s me. Can I help you?” He held onto Bear’s collar, trying to keep the barking dog next to him. The man pulled out his badge, flashing it at Beau.
“Agent Parker. Travis Parker. Can we talk?” Beau nodded, leading the man into his kitchen. The agent stood by the door, shoving his sunglasses into his suit jacket as Beau pulled a beer out of the fridge. He offered Agent Parker one, but he shook his head.
“What can I do for you,” Beau slid onto the stool, sipping on the ice cold drink.
“Why are you asking about a witness? A Julie Chaney.” He crossed his arms, leveling his gaze at Beau.
“Are you the agent in charge?”
“I’m the one here asking the questions.”
“Because she’s in danger. I know she’s next door. I need to warn the agent in charge.”
“Why would you think she’s in danger and how do you know who she is?” The man’s posture stiffened.
“Because someone from New York just tried to hire me to find her.” Beau opened his laptop, pulling his email back up.
“What is it you do for a living, Mr. Belmont?” The agent finally moved into the kitchen, coming to a stop next to Beau.
“I’m a PI. I don’t advertise. I go by references. So I don’t know where they found my information. But they only want me to find her. They claim she stole a lot of money from their client.”
“Do they know where you are?” Beau shook his head and turned the computer towards the man so he could look through the file he was sent.
“No, my mailing info and everything goes to a P.O. box in Dallas. There’s nothing linking me to this house. It’s under an LLC name. I cherish my privacy.”
Agent Parker scrolled through the file, shaking his head.
“I can’t believe this,” he mumbled to himself. “One fricking day, and we already have a leak.” He stood, running a hand through his hair. Beau kept quiet as he watched the man pace, mumbling to himself. He stopped abruptly, glaring at Beau.
“You were a Navy SEAL, correct Mr. Belmont?” His eyes widened.
“Yes, but those records are supposed to be sealed.” He began to feel defensive.
“It seems we both have friends that can get us info we aren’t privy to.” Agent Parker moved to the counter once more, bracing himself against it. He leaned in towards Beau. “So you may or may not have guns or weapons on hand that you could easily access?” His voice lowered to a whisper. Beau narrowed his eyes at the man.
“Why?”
“I can’t be here all the time, it would draw too much attention,” the agent said, still talking quietly. “But she has to stay safe. She’s been through too much, and yet is still willing to testify. Her ex almost killed her. She doesn’t have anyone’s money, they are lying to you. What she has, is her life. She escaped with that just barely. And the money we gave her to start over with.” The man’s face was full of concern. Not only for his job, but for the beautiful woman next door. The scared little kitten who was trying to grow some claws. Beau nodded and got up from his stool.
“I’ll do what I can. When do you think she will be needed to testify?”
“As soon as we find her slimeball ex and Mr. Ciminelli. Unless we find someone else who can testify. I hate the idea of her doing this. I got to know her while we were holed up. She’s a great person, just, she got in a bad situation.”
“Do you think that maybe we could speed that up? If I accept this job and lead them into a trap? Do you think they would come here to handle her themselves?” Agent Parker shook his head no.
“I won’t allow it. These men are dangerous. One, I can’t let a civilian put themselves in danger and two, I won’t allow you to put her in danger. What if it doesn’t work? If they follow you back here? Find her next door? I can’t do it.”
“No, but I can. You can just set up the trap. It’s our only choice. Instead of spending years on a man hunt, where they are the ones hunting her, let us hunt them. Bringing them to Dallas and springing a trap is the best chance to get them in custody and get this over with for her. It’s the only way she can truly move on. Also, I like it being quiet out here, I don’t need to spend my nights worrying that everything my dog barks at is someone who has finally found her. Or that when she gets that bed and breakfast rolling, that innocent people are going to be hurt when they try to get to her.”
“What do you get out of this Mr. Belmont?” The agent began to look at him suspiciously.
“Nothing, except maybe a chance with Mara, without the worry that someone is going to hurt her. You can tell just by looking at her that she’s a tightly spun coil. She’s ready to jump at the slightest noise. A scared little kitten. She has a chance at a new life thanks to you guys, I would assume, right?” The agent nodded in agreement. “Then let’s make sure she keeps that chance.”
Agent Parker made some calls and sat down to plan out the details with Beau. They got the go ahead from the case agent in charge. Beau would get to keep the money they paid him for this job and he would help them spring a trap to get Ciminialli and Mannetti. By the time the agent left, it was dark out. Beau took Bear for a walk in his own yard and stood staring at the light coming from Mara’s kitchen. Without thinking, his feet shuffled forward, propelling him unconsciously to her door for the second time that day.
Chapter 3
Mara danced around her kitchen. Swaying her hips to the latest country song on the radio, she felt a feeling she had never had before. The ability to actually enjoy cooking a meal, listening to music, it was things she had only seen on TV or in movies. But to actually be doing it was a whole other thing. She had made progress today. Grocery shopping was done, she drove around the tiny town of Fort Mavis and looked at everything. She spoke with the grocery owner about deliveries when she was open and the lovely older man was open to it. George said there was a teenager who made deliveries to the older people in town, so he could certainly add her onto his trips. She stopped at the farm supply store and bought a bunch of seeds, potting soil and other gardening needs. The lady there was helpful in telling her how to plant flowers and vegetables so that they grew proper. Her mind was reeling at all the ideas the woman had. A trellis with flowers growing up it for weddings. A bench near the pond, flowers everywhere. She even helped Mara learn what food grew easily in their area and what didn’t. The woman was Jennie Marshall. She had moved here after retiring from teaching in Dallas and spent her days gardening. Though Mara had to be careful about meeting new people, this woman was so kind and even offered to come help clean out the garden the next day. Mara couldn’t say no. It felt good to actually be able to make a friend as well.
Stirring the sauce on the stove, she twirled happily, not having a care about the red liquid dripping onto her pajama top she had thrown back on. Feeling sweaty from unloading all her goodies, she wanted to eat dinner before heading off to shower and crawl into bed. As she spun around again, she shrieked. The open door on her kitchen patio was now full with a large man and hairy dog. The wooden spoon full of sauce splattered on her white kitchen floor.
“I’m so sorry ma’am. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just was about to knock.”
“What are you doing here again? I mean, I get it’s a small town and you are all friendly, but now you’re starting to creep me out, always showing up and what not.” She laughed nervously as she bent to pick up the spoon, wiping the spilt food with a towel from her shoulder.
“No ma’am, I know you said you were getting supplies. I just wanted to see if you had need of help unloading anything heavy. Just trying to be helpful is all. I didn’t mean to scare you again.” He took a step back and Mara felt bad for snapping at him. She just wasn’t used to people actually going out of their way to help each other.
“Please, come in, I’m sorry. It’s just taking some getting used to, being in the country.
” Beau stepped in, his tight jeans clinging to every manly inch of him, the blue shirt he had on, stretched tight across his chest and arms. She was used to being around men who had more muscle than brain, but none of them every made her feel as small as Beau did. Just his presence in the room alone made her feel swallowed up whole. As her heart rate quickened, she felt her body warm. The reactions this man brought out of her were new and slightly startling.
Mara stood, setting the spoon onto the counter. Beau took a step inside as Bear shoved past him, before he could shove the door shut. The dog sniffed at Mara’s feet, licking the little sauce that she had missed. When he found no more scraps to lap up, he sat, leaning his heavy body against hers. She instinctively reached down, threading her fingers in his long fur. It soothed her nerves somehow, that this large animal took to her so quickly.