Say Goodbye to Melody

by Velvet Vaughn

  Grant wrapped his arm around Melody. “I’m not a cop.”

  “You look like one.” He glanced back and forth between them. “Wait a minute, you can’t use my confession. It would be hearsay.”

  Grant lifted his phone, which had more than earned it’s keep tonight. “Got it all on tape.”

  “Without my permission.”

  “We’ll let the lawyers argue that point.”

  Any traces of the elegant, dapper businessman disappeared. “They’ll kill me in prison,” he sighed, his voice resigned. “The men I owe money to, they’re powerful. They can get to anyone, anytime.”

  Melody was unfazed by his desperation. Grant hugged her against him.

  “You destroyed my business and because of your actions, however indirectly or even unintentional, a woman died tonight, Elliot, along with a police officer. I have no sympathy for you.”

  #

  All the weight of what had transpired pressed down on Melody as they entered Grant’s apartment. So much so, it was a physical ache, almost as if a boa constrictor was wrapped around her chest. She couldn’t feel relief that the ordeal was over because of everything she’d lost.

  They’d spent most of the early morning at the police station, explaining how they happened to catch Burton Kline breaking into Deanna’s apartment. She was able to explain their access to Deanna’s place by being her friend and boss. Once Grant turned over the recordings, the authorities were more than happy to focus their attention on Kline and Kingman. Cops had searched Kline’s house and found the phone he used to detonate the bomb in a trash can behind his house. His garbage pickup was scheduled for the morning, so he figured he’d be safe getting rid of it that way. They also found more of the ingredients used to make the bomb, plus a ten-gallon jug of gasoline that was mostly empty. They assumed he used it to set her house on fire.

  Kline had included instructions inside the backpack he carried to Deanna’s detailing how to build the bomb. Police found the website he’d printed it from on his computer, even though he’d tried to delete his history. They’d also found the deleted copy of a note he’d sent to Deanna supposedly from Elliot Kingman, telling her to place the bomb in Melody’s shop and that it was a fake to set Deanna and Elliot up for the fall. They figured he added the part about it being fake so Deanna would actually go through with it. Melody would like to think that placing a real bomb would be a line Deanna wouldn’t have crossed but then, she obviously didn’t know the other woman at all. She never would’ve thought she would cause her harm. She still couldn’t believe she’d stolen from her and damaged her reputation by tampering with her products.

  When they handed over the recording from Elliot Kingman and explained his involvement, Detective Hurley had sent cops to Kingman’s house to arrest him, but he was gone. They found his name on a flight manifest scheduled for Mexico City out of Indianapolis, so as soon as he arrived at the terminal, he was arrested and was being transported back for questioning.

  It was over. The threatening notes, the break-ins, both at her home and store, the theft, the desecration of her product was all finished with Deanna and Kline’s passing and Elliot’s arrest. She’d have to testify at the trial, but that was a worry for the future. She couldn’t muster the energy to care right now.

  Grant led her to the bathroom. He slowly undressed her while she stood like a mannequin and then divested himself of clothing. He was the injured one, yet he was taking care of her as if she were the one with road rash and shrapnel wounds. She should be the one taking care of him. He turned on the shower, guided her inside and picked up the bar of soap.

  “I should be doing this for you.”

  “Shh. Let me take care of you.”

  The words uttered softly and sincerely were her undoing. The damn burst and she was swamped with grief. She cried for her house, for her business, for the cop who lost his life, for the loss of her friend, even though she betrayed her. She cried for her shattered dreams. Grant held her through it all. When she was left with no more tears, he finished rinsing them both off and then he swung her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He placed her gently on the sheets and climbed in after her, gathering her against his chest.

  “What am I going to do?” she whispered.

  “You are going to get a good night’s sleep, and in the morning, you’re going to start over.”

  “I don’t know if I can.”

  His arms tightened around her. “I do. I know you can, Mel. You are the strongest, most amazing woman I know. I have no doubt you will be able to not only rebuild, but come back stronger than ever.”

  Bolstered by Grant’s confidence, exhaustion slammed into her and she fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

  #

  Grant remained awake most of the night, or rather, morning. Dawn had painted the sky shades of pink and blue when they finally returned to his apartment. As soon as Melody fell asleep, he’d eased out of bed and called Luke to fill him in on everything. Next, he let Mason and the Addison brothers know what happened.

  Tyler and his crew had dug deep into Kingman’s background and discovered he was in profound debt. All his bank accounts had been drained, even the one he kept in the Grand Caymans. Grant didn’t want to know how Tyler found that out. The information jived with what Kingman had said about needing an influx of money. It also explained why he was selling his house, though it was already mortgaged to the hilt.

  Tyler hadn’t been able to connect Burton Kline to Andrew Polk yet. Polk was a petty criminal from Terre Haute. They hadn’t been able to link him to Kline or anyone in Bloomington. Tyler would keep digging until he connected the dots.

  Grant was worried about Melody’s mental state. She’d taken so many hits in such a short amount of time. He was glad she broke down in the shower. It wasn’t good to hold so much inside and she’d managed brilliantly dealing with both Kline and Kingman. Reality would hit her again once she woke up. He knew she was strong enough to bounce back, he just hoped she knew it as well. He’d be by her side the entire time. Assuming she wanted him there.

  He also had a surprise for her, depending on her state of mind. Taylor was waiting to hear from him before anything was planned. It would be good for her heart and soul.

  After he made the calls, he’d climbed back in bed and she’d rolled to him instantly, draping her body over his but never waking. He’d managed a few hours, but now he was awake again. The urge to roll her over and slide into her was almost overwhelming and it was all he could do to resist.

  He’d placed his phone beside the bed and it buzzed. Melody’s lids blinked open and her beautiful blue eyes focused on him. Then she smiled, and Grant felt as if someone had ripped open the curtains he’d closed to block the daylight and let the sunshine pour in.

  “Hi.”

  “Hi yourself.” Then he kissed her. It was sweet and gentle, and he would’ve kept going but the phone rang again. He recognized his brother’s ringtone.

  “It’s Luke. I need to get that.” He reached over and picked up the phone.

  “Hey, Luke.”

  “I hope I didn’t wake you, but I have news. Is Melody there with you?”

  “Yeah, she’s here. I’ll put you on speaker.”

  “Hi, Melody.”

  She rolled off him and grabbed the sheet to cover herself. “Grant, I’m naked,” she mouthed.

  He covered the phone and smirked. “It’s not a web cam.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Uh, hi, Luke.”

  “How are you, Melody?”

  “I’m doing better after a few hours of sleep.”

  “Good. I wanted to let you know that you don’t have to worry about testifying at Elliot Kingman’s trial.”

  “Did he plead guilty?”

  “No, he’s dead.”

  Melody shot up in bed, her nakedness forgotten. “Dead? How?”

  “Someone got to him in prison while he was waiting for his bail hearing.”

  “He said the peopl
e he owed money could get to him anywhere,” she murmured.

  “Looks like he was right.”

  After Grant disconnected with his brother, Melody collapsed to his chest. He was currently toying with her hair, lifting the strands and letting the silk slide through his fingers. She seemed better, but he didn’t want to push her.

  “I can’t believe he’s dead.”

  “He brought it upon himself.” He deserved it for harming Melody.

  “He said he owed a lot of money. I wonder for what?”

  “He had a raging gambling addiction. Tyler discovered that he’d been to rehab several times under an assumed name, the most recently last year.”

  “I remember he sent around a memo saying he would be in the Bahamas for six weeks’ vacation. It must’ve been a lie to cover his true destination.”

  “No matter how many times he went, he still couldn’t kick the habit.” He lifted another strand of hair and slid it through his fingers. “Something I’ve been meaning to ask you. How did you know that picture you found of Deanna and Elliot Kingman was taken last week?”

  “Because Deanna just cut her hair. In the photo, she was cuddled up to Elliot with her new bob. She wore it long for years. She decided on a fresh style with her new job, or at least that’s what she told me. I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

  #

  Melody’s eyes were swollen and puffy and she felt like she’d gone through the ringer. Still, the rest had done her a world of good. The numbness was gone, chased away with a newfound sense of purpose. She wouldn’t let this setback defeat her. She would rebuild, and she would succeed. And she would go after what she really wanted. Grant.

  Twisting around, she attacked his lips. He grunted in surprise but quickly recovered, his arms wrapping around her. When he tried to take over, she broke the kiss. “I’m in charge.” He lifted his hands in surrender and rolled to his back. “Wait, your injuries—”

  “Are fine,” he insisted. “Now get down here and kiss me before I change my mind about letting you lead.”

  She smiled, he smiled, and she was kissing him again. He let her take her time, explore every muscular inch of his magnificent body. She teased and licked him all over and when he couldn’t take it anymore, he’d lifted her up and eased her down over him. They both groaned at the exquisite pleasure. He guided her movements, picking up speed as they both raced to a shattering climax. She collapsed on top of him, totally drained but wanting to do that again. And again. Grant had turned her into an addict.

  After what was supposed to be a quick shower, but ended up with another round of shower sex—yep, sex addict—he ordered her to take a seat at the breakfast bar while he whipped up something to eat.

  “I can help.”

  “You just sit and relax. Do you like omelets?”

  “Love them.”

  She climbed on a stool and watched him work. He knew his way around the kitchen. With brisk, efficient movements, he diced red and green peppers and a white onion. He opened the fridge and selected a carton of cage-free eggs and a block of cheese. Wheat bread went into a toaster oven as he whisked the eggs, added the veggies and poured into a skillet before shredding cheese on top and seasoning it with salt and pepper. “You can cook.” It was a statement, not a question.

  “I’m a single guy with a world-class chef for a sister. I picked up a few pointers.”

  That was putting it mildly. He wielded a knife like an Iron Chef and if the food tasted anywhere near as good as it smelled, it would be delicious.

  His cell buzzed a text. He took it out and quickly typed a reply.

  “Was that about the case?”

  He glanced at her “What? Oh, uh, yeah, just Mason checking in.” He slid the phone back in his pocket and turned his attention to the stove.

  “Have you heard news from the police or anyone?”

  He didn’t turn as he answered. “Tyler hasn’t been able to link Andrew Polk to Kline yet, but he will.” He slid the omelet onto a plate, added buttered toast and placed it in front of her.

  Melody took a bite and her eyes closed in pleasure. “Wow, this is delicious.”

  “Thanks.”

  She scooped up another huge forkful and watched as he made one for himself. It didn’t take long for the food to disappear from her plate. She inhaled the omelet, the best one she’d ever tasted. She didn’t think Kaitlyn could do a better job. She insisted on cleaning up the dishes since he cooked. It was quick work since his apartment featured a fancy dishwasher.

  She had so many things to take care of, she wasn’t sure where to start. She needed to contact her insurance company about her house and she hadn’t gotten around to notifying them about Pearl, her totaled Mini Cooper, either. She’d need to contact the landlord, though he had to know about the bomb by now.

  Grant helped her make the calls and she was grateful for his steady support. It took all afternoon, but she was able to get everything squared away. She needed to go vehicle shopping, but that would be a task for another day.

  During the down time when they were waiting for return calls, they talked about everything and nothing. They shared tastes in music and television shows. She preferred romantic comedies while he predictably favored action movies. The more they chatted, the more she realized that she would never tire of talking to him. He had a razor-sharp mind and a wicked sense of humor. When she first met him, she would’ve pegged him for having no sense of humor whatsoever.

  She’d worried that as the day wore on, her problems would press down on her again, but Grant didn’t let that happen. She wasn’t a great cook, but she could manage. She decided she’d fix dinner for him, to thank him for everything he’d done to help her, not counting saving her life more than once.

  Grant was reading his phone. Before she asked if she could borrow his kitchen, he slid it in his pocket and said, “You feel like getting some fresh air? I want to show you something.”

  Food could wait. “Sure.”

  “We should change. Put on something comfortable.”

  She found a blue sundress with white flowers that she didn’t even realize she’d packed. A pair of walking shoes and she was ready to go. He’d changed into a blue t-shirt and khaki cargo shorts with sneakers. He grabbed her hand and they leisurely strolled out of his apartment. A light breeze ruffled her hair as he pushed open the door and held it for her to proceed him. Dan Bradley was sitting in a golf cart, his hands clasped behind his head. When he spotted them, he hopped out and rounded the cart.

  “Did someone call for a taxi?”

  “No, we—”

  “Sure did.” Grant motioned for her to climb in. Intrigued, she chose the back seat, thinking he’d sit beside Dan. Instead, he climbed in next to her.

  She snuggled to his side. “Where are we going?”

  Grant shrugged. “I’m not driving.”

  She had a suspicion he’d been setting this up all day. He’d get a text and fire off a response without saying a word. She wanted to ask more questions but decided to go along with it to see what he had planned. Dan drove around the compound until she thought he was going to Luke’s house. Instead, he detoured to the large empty lot between Luke’s house and Ben’s place. Tents had been set up and music wafted from speakers set around the perimeter. Grills were already fired up and a huge table was filled with a wide assortment of side dishes. Kids were running around chasing dogs, or maybe it was the other way around. Everyone turned when Dan cut across the grass and drove right up to the tent.

  She turned to Grant. “What’s going on?” They were obviously celebrating something.

  “Let’s go find out.”

  Before she took two steps, she was surrounded by Grant’s coworkers and their families—her friends. They hugged her and murmured words of support. Tears of happiness streaked down her cheeks at the outpouring of love. The entire time, Grant stood back and watched with a satisfied smile on his handsome face. Even when he talked to someone, his eyes never left her.<
br />
  “Okay, everyone, gather around,” Kendall called out. She was standing on a makeshift dais with Olivia and Taylor at her sides. Grant walked her forward with his hands on her shoulders. He kept them there while everyone formed a semi-circle around the three women. Kendall continued, “Melody, you have been through so much in the last few days, we just wanted to offer our unconditional support.”

  She couldn’t stop the tears.

  “We have some clothes and supplies to replace the ones you lost in the fire,” Olivia said.

  “Oh, you didn’t have to do that.”

  “Yes, we did,” Taylor said. “You are important to us and we take care of our own.”

  “We went ahead and cancelled the grand opening and we’ll push back the release date on the infomercial,” Kendall said. “And for the next week, you have an entire staff of volunteers to help replenish the supply of Harmony. We are all going to pitch in to help.”

  “You guys don’t have to do that.”

  “Yes, we do.” Taylor looked over the crowd. “Reed, where are you?”

  “He stepped away for a minute to take a phone call,” Hillary answered for her fiancé. “Here he comes.”

  Reed Steele smiled and jogged up the steps to join the three women on the stage. “Sorry about that. I was securing some last-minute details. Melody, the deed to your land has been authenticated and you are the legal owner. Your cousin has accepted defeat, though I wouldn’t say graciously. We’re all set to break ground in seven days.”

  Melody’s hands flew to her mouth. “What? How did you manage it so soon?”

  “We fast-tracked it.”

  Emotion clogged her throat and she couldn’t speak. All these people had gone to so much trouble for her. She wasn’t even related to any of them.

  “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m starving,” Olivia proclaimed. “Let’s eat.”

  Melody stood frozen to the spot, overwhelmed by everything that had transpired. Grant squeezed her shoulders and then turned her around, wiping the tears with his thumbs.

  “Hey, babe, you all right?”

  She shook her head, still unable to talk.

  “Why? What’s wrong? Was this too much, too soon?”