Indebted

by Sharon C. Cooper

  One last push and she came hard, convulsing in his arms, and a hot tide of passion raged through his body catapulting him over the edge. Weak in the knees, he staggered a bit before lowering her body until her feet touched the floor of the shower.

  Man, that was…

  Laz rested his forehead against the tile, unable to do much else as he caught his breath. Having sex in the shower hadn’t been planned, but sure had been enjoyable, he thought as he held her around the waist. He couldn’t remember the last time he had…

  “Oh shit.”

  “If that expletive is about our lack of a condom, I’m on birth control,” Journey said, breathing hard near his ear.

  Laz relaxed, though he was pissed he’d slipped up.

  “That was incredible,” she panted. “But, Laz, I don’t think I can move.”

  He chuckled and drummed up what little energy he had left. “I got you, babe.”

  Holding onto her, he got them cleaned up and ran a towel over their wet bodies, not caring that they weren’t completely dry. When they made it to the bed and Journey’s head hit the pillow, her soft snores started before he could even get settled. He had never seen anyone fall asleep that fast, but felt a little proud knowing their lovemaking had worn her out.

  He pulled the sheet over them and stared down at her sleeping form, barely able to keep his own eyes open. He didn’t know what the future held for them, but he planned to put all of his energies into making their relationship work. He just hoped he didn’t screw it up.

  Hours later, Laz woke slowly. A sliver of sunlight crept through the spot where the curtains were pulled together. There was no way it could be morning already.

  Without moving, he glanced down at the top of Journey’s head nestled against his chest. She was sprawled over him, her arm and leg across his body as if she were trying to hold him down.

  Feeling as if he had run a marathon—twice—his eyes drifted closed. Thankfully, he had the day off. Journey had zapped him of all energy and if given the opportunity, he could sleep for a week. He must have dozed off because when he reopened his eyes, she was staring up at him.

  “Good morning,” she mumbled.

  “Morning, beautiful.” Now this he could get used to. Waking up to her sweet face beat the hell out of waking up alone in bed.

  Journey lifted up and started to move off of him, but he stopped her with a hand on her back. “Where you going?”

  “Well, I was getting off of you so that you could breathe.” She flashed a shy smile. Surely, she wasn’t implying that she was heavy.

  “I like you laying on top of me, and I love waking up to you.”

  She smiled and it was as if the whole room lit up. “I like waking up to you, too.” She scooted up higher and kissed him. “I’m hungry.”

  “I guess I should get up and feed you then.” Thoughts of the conversation they never had the night before came to mind. “But first we need to talk.”

  “If this is about Gwenn, I told you last night that you don’t have to tell me.”

  “I want to.”

  This time when she made a move to climb off of him, he didn’t stop her.

  How was he going to share the darkest time of his life with her? Just thinking about the year after Gwenn’s murder made him want to shut down. It did help that Journey snuggled next to him, and his arm automatically went around her, needing to have her close.

  “My first year as a detective, I cracked a case that the department had been working on for years. There was a big-time drug dealer who had relocated the bulk of his business from Chicago to Atlanta. Like most detectives, I was hungry for a big case. Cocky, and I had something to prove, not just to myself, but to some of the other detectives.” Laz exhaled loudly, as the memories flooded to the forefront of his mind. “I was determined to take this drug supplier off the streets, especially since he’d been evading arrest, and I got him. Caught him with his pants down, literally. There were enough drugs in his possession to put him away for life.”

  Without realizing it, Laz moved his arm from around Journey and pulled away, but with a hand on his torso she looked up at him.

  “It’s time you stopped running, Laz. Tell me the rest.”

  He stared at her for a minute, surprised at her words. His coping mechanism had always been to keep moving and avoid questions. But he knew she was right.

  Huffing out a breath, he laid his head back on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling, trying to get his thoughts together.

  “After this guy was convicted, I went after his whole operation.” Laz closed his eyes tightly and pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to hold onto his composure.

  “On second thought, if this is too painful, maybe—”

  “Long story short, those bastards pumped heroin into Gwenn, but made it look like she had ODed. She didn’t do drugs. Ever. She had just received her master’s in environmental science and… She was curious about everything, always needing to find answers and crazy smart, too.” He squeezed Journey, trying to find strength in her being there beside him. “I guess I have a thing for smart women.”

  Laz tried to return Journey’s smile, but anxiety roared through him.

  “I found her…dead,” he choked out before clearing his throat.

  Journey laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arm around him. Strangely enough, that simple move brought him a comfort he had never felt when discussing that horrific time in his life. “When I arrived home that night, the back door to our house was standing wide open. I knew then they’d gotten to her.”

  “Oh my, God, Laz. I’m so sorry. No one should have to—”

  “I lost it, Journey. I fuckin’ lost my shit.” He shook his head, trying to wipe the vision of her body lying lifeless on the floor near the sofa. “I went after the whole fucking organization like a man possessed, starting at the bottom and working my way up until I got to the second-in-command. I had nothing to lose, at least that’s how I felt at the time. Journey, I did some things…”

  Silence filled the room, narrowing like a noose around his neck, the knot tightening with each passing second. Laz debated on just how much to tell her. He could easily be spending his life behind bars for the shit he did back then, but he’d gotten lucky.

  Journey placed a finger on his lips when he started to speak again. “I’ve heard enough. Thank you for telling me.” Her finger was then replaced by her lips in a lingering kiss that brought with it a sense of understanding and no judgment. “I hate you had to go through that, but it explains your low tolerance for drug dealers.”

  Laz had no tolerance for drug dealers. Since that night, he had vowed to clear the city of as many of them as possible. Some days were better than others in accomplishing that goal, whereas other days he just wanted to walk away and never look back.

  If you’re ever looking for a change… Hamilton’s words floated inside Laz’s head. Maybe it was time for a change.

  Time to let go. And time to move on.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “We’re a family. We always have each other’s back,” Malik Lewis, the founder of Supreme Security, said in front of the group of security specialists. “All of us are accustomed to working as a team and being a part of a brotherhood and sisterhood of protectors. Whether you have a military background or law enforcement experience, the bond you had with your brothers while serving the country or the bond you had with your brothers in blue—that’s the same type of connection we have aspired to create here at Supreme.”

  Laz listened as Malik went on to tell the group more about the company, even though Laz had heard a similar speech from Mason and Hamilton. But Malik, who some referred to as Tree, since he stood at 6’8”, impressed Laz with his forward thinking. The former Navy SEAL had started the security agency in Chicago after retiring from the military. The company not only offered personal security, but also residential and corporate security. Since its conception, Supreme had expanded to Atlanta with talks of opening off
ices in other cities.

  “Over the next few weeks, either Mase or Ham will give you more detail about our collaboration with the event planning company,” Malik said. “Now, I don’t know about you guys, but I have to get the hell out of here. My wife and kids are expecting me back at the hotel in thirty minutes, and with Atlanta’s fucked-up traffic, I…” He stopped and shook his head when everyone started laughing.

  Laz had heard that the big man had a serious cursing problem that he’d been trying to clean up now that he was married with two small kids. Seeing that so many of the security guys were happily married with families had Laz thinking about his own relationship.

  He and Journey had been dating for almost two months and it had been the best months of Laz’s life. Their work schedules made it a little challenging to get together every day, but so far they had succeeded. Even if it meant stealing away in a stairwell to share a kiss.

  It amazed him that in just a short period of time, Journey had become such an important part of his life. Granted they still argued over stupid stuff, but it only attracted him to her that much more. They were good together, each balancing the other’s strengths and weaknesses and Laz could definitely see a future with her.

  Which was why he’d taken on more assignments with Supreme, moonlighting when he was off duty. He wanted to get his foot in the door so when he finally agreed to make a career change, he’d have a job lined up. Laz never thought he’d ever seriously consider leaving Atlanta PD, but he could definitely see that happening. Sooner than later. The pay was better. It was more flexible. And more importantly, the work so far seemed safer.

  Once the meeting was over, Laz looked up to find Hamilton walking toward him.

  “Hey, man. Thanks for agreeing to take on this last-minute assignment,” he said, gripping Laz’s hand and giving him a one-armed man hug. “I need to head to a meeting, but Kenton is upstairs and he’ll give you the details.”

  They walked out together, but parted ways in the hallway and Laz took the stairs two at a time to the top floor where the offices were located. When he approached the executive assistant’s door, Laz heard her giggling before he stepped in the doorway. Kenton was sitting on the edge of the desk, whispering something to the woman.

  Laz cleared his throat, and Egypt practically leaped out of her seat while Kenton took his time standing to his full height. He narrowed his eyes at Laz as he buttoned his suit jacket.

  The former FBI agent was a big guy who looked as if he should’ve been a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. He was also cool in every sense of the word. They’d worked together on a couple of small assignments and Laz had been impressed each time. The man had nerves of steel and had a calm about him that could easily ward off stressful situations.

  “Am I interrupting?” Laz asked, trying not to laugh at the horrified look on Egypt’s face. Her skin was too dark to determine if she was blushing, but the way she looked everywhere but at him was a sure sign that he’d interrupted something.

  Kenton and Egypt. Interesting.

  “Ready to head out?” Kenton asked as if nothing happened.

  “Yeah, but Ham said that you’d give me details about the assignment. You want to do that now or on the way?”

  “Since we have a little drive, on the way will work. We’ll be meeting Angelo and Myles there.”

  Laz had sat on a government task force with Angelo, a former DEA agent, years ago and worked with him a few weeks ago after signing on with Supreme. He hadn’t met Myles yet.

  “Give me a minute,” Kenton said, and Laz caught the hint and stepped out of the office. On his way out he heard Kenton ask Egypt if she was all right. Laz couldn’t hear her reply, but did hear her tell Kenton to be careful out there.

  “I’m always careful,” Kenton said, and seconds later stepped into the hallway.

  “So, you and Egypt, huh?” Laz asked as they headed down the back stairs toward the equipment room.

  Kenton shrugged noncommittally. “She’s a sweetheart, but I’ve used my best moves on her. She’s too concerned about fraternizing, though the company doesn’t have a rule against it. She’s not interested in being more than friends.”

  Laz would disagree based on what he saw a moment ago. Eyes didn’t lie. The way Egypt had been looking at him once they pulled apart spoke volumes. She was interested. Besides, if she wasn’t, she probably wouldn’t have told him to be careful. Instead of telling him any of that, Laz kept his mouth shut. It wasn’t any of his business and he wouldn’t pretend to understand the workings of the female mind.

  Once they had everything they needed, including covert ear pieces, they headed out back to the parking lot where the company vehicles were located.

  “Tell me about this assignment.”

  “We’re guarding James Halsted, an investment manager and CFO of Visioneering Investment Firm. He’s been receiving threats after costing some investors over five million dollars.”

  Laz blew out a whistle as they climbed into one of the SUVs. “I guess that would piss somebody off.” He wasn’t used to being a passenger, but with Kenton’s defensive driving skills, it made sense to have him behind the wheel.

  “Yeah, I know, right? He has a speaking engagement tonight and wanted four guards. Angelo and Myles are responsible for getting him to and from the event, then you and I will help cover him while he’s there.”

  An hour later, Laz identified one aspect of the job he didn’t care much for. Standing around. Watching to ensure there were no threats or suspicious behaviors lurking nearby made for a long night.

  Now they were following their client to a small stage that had been set up in the front part of the ballroom. Laz and Kenton stood a short distance behind him, while Angelo and Miles stood off to the side. Ten minutes into the man’s speech and Laz wondered who had chosen James Halsted to be one of the featured speakers. The guy, with his Ben Stein monotone voice, was not only boring, but kept losing his place in his notes. Maybe he was nervous, but based on the audience’s disinterested expressions, they didn’t care either way.

  “In closing,” Halsted said, “I’d like to leave you with this, history has proven that you’re better off paying a qualified investment manager to manage your financial affairs. If…”

  Laz made eye contact with his team in preparation of walking Halsted off the stage and to the lobby. Originally their client had planned to stick around until the end of the event, but after receiving the threats, he’d decided to leave immediately after his presentation.

  Laz and Kenton moved in sync, flanking the man as they headed to the lobby of the hotel. They had parked near a side door to make entering and departing the facility easier. He and Kenton stayed a step ahead of Halsted while Angelo and Myles pulled up the rear. Everything was fine until they got to the parking lot and a man leaped out from between two vans.

  “Gun!” Laz yelled and the gunman disappeared between the cars, his hard footsteps echoing through the lot.

  As planned, Angelo and Myles covered the client, making sure they got him to safety, and Laz and Kenton were responsible for pursuing and disarming the gunman.

  “Go right,” Laz mumbled to Kenton, who nodded and they split up. Adrenaline pumped through Laz’s veins as he stayed low, slipping between cars searching for the man. They went up and down aisles, knowing the guy couldn’t have gone far, but seeing him nowhere.

  “Client is secured,” Angelo said through the earpieces.

  “Copy that,” Kenton replied.

  Hearing rustling to his left, Laz crotched down and spotted the perp’s feet. He was hiding on the other side of a white sedan, and Laz whispered his position to Kenton as he eased up on the perp.

  “Atlanta PD, drop your weapon!” Laz yelled.

  The guy startled, turned and fired.

  “Sonofa…” Laz dived behind a pickup truck just before one of the windows shattered. When he heard the guy start running again, he went after him, staying low as he got closer. He saw Kenton moving pa
rallel down the next aisle.

  The guy fired again and kept moving until Laz cut through a set of cars and lunged.

  “Oomph!” the man grunted when Laz landed on his back, his gun flying out of his hand.

  “Stay still, asshole!” Laz ground out, breathing hard as he pressed his knee into the man’s back and secured his hands behind him.

  “You good, man?” Kenton asked Laz, after securing the perp’s weapon.

  “I’m good. Though I could’ve done without the excitement tonight.”

  Kenton laughed, and bent forward with his hands on his knees, breathing just as hard as Laz. “Don’t front, you know you live for this high.”

  Laz chuckled, but didn’t admit that the chase had been the highlight of the evening. He pulled out his cell phone and called for a pickup.

  By the time they were done answering questions and getting their client home safely, it had been two o’clock in the morning. Add another forty-five minutes to get to Journey’s place and Laz was dead on his feet.

  “Hey,” she said sleepily when she opened the door for him. Even with partially opened eyes, bed-hair, and no makeup, the sight of her still had blood rushing to the lower part of his body. His woman was sexy no matter the time of day, and Laz felt like the luckiest man alive.

  “Hey, beautiful.” He followed her into the dark foyer where he kicked off his shoes, setting them next to her small pile of expensive footwear. Next came his suit jacket which he hung in the coat closet.

  Normally he would’ve pulled her into his arms and devoured her juicy lips, but even walking from the front door to her bedroom was taking effort.

  He started for the bathroom, but realized she was in there and instead, mechanically went through his routine of getting undressed. After putting his gun in the top drawer of the nightstand, he stripped down to his boxer briefs, leaving the rest of his clothes wherever they landed.

  Laz sat on the edge of the bed and just as he dropped back onto the mattress, the bathroom door opened.

  “Ah, my poor baby,” Journey said, standing next to the bed in a white sheer nightie that made his dick stir, but the rest of him couldn’t move. “Don’t tell me you’re tired. I had big plans for you tonight.”