by CORY CYR
“Leanne is it? Look, I’m flattered, but I have a girlfriend.” I could barely believe my own words. In another lifetime, I would have asked her to my office or used one of the spare rooms. But now it was different. I was taken. Off the market. Had someone.
I could tell by the coloring of her cheeks that she was embarrassed. “I apologize. I didn’t know.”
“Regardless of the fact that I have a significant other, just for future reference, we’d rather not have employees dating other employees. I believe that was in the handbook you received during your orientation.”
I felt like a tyrant when her eyes filled with tears. “Please, I like this job and don’t want to get fired.”
“No one is getting terminated. Just keep your flirting under control.”
“I will, Mr. Kendrick.”
“It’s okay, Leanne, to call me Jasper. No need to be so formal.”
She moved quickly back behind the counter.
I strolled through the front doors. The sky now looked angry, and the rain was heavier. The winds were so strong it rattled the shutters. I called Daisy and told her to make sure she was home before dark. I didn’t elaborate because I didn’t want her apprehensive.
Since it was almost noon, I walked into the kitchen and ordered a sandwich. We would have a skeleton crew for at least three days. The personal trainers weren’t working, the entire office staff had relocated to the mainland or their homes, and the pool areas, along with the beaches, were empty. Even security had gone to St. Thomas until the storm lifted. The remaining clients were asked to stay within the confines of the hotel. It was eerily quiet except for the howling winds and the sound of rain.
My cell rang as I got into my Hummer. I was hungry, so I bit into my fish sandwich before answering.
“Kendrick here,” I said as I swallowed.
“You’re eating. Sorry to disturb your ass,” I heard Kai say with a chuckle.
“Just grabbing lunch. I spent the morning making sure VIP was secure. Speaking of arses, why isn’t yours here? I told Reese to go lock down his home, but you and I haven’t talked about the impending storm.”
“Yeah, about that… Tegan’s all freaked out, so I’m staying put. She’s worried about the baby, the house, and a ton of other shit. You know women. How’s Daisy handling it?”
“To be honest, I might have minimized this storm’s potential. She’s pretending to be strong, but I know she’s worried, too. The generators have been checked, and all the shutters are in place. We lost over a dozen clients who decided to fly home before it hits. Guess I can’t blame them. We can’t control Mother Nature.”
Kai laughed. “Yup, another woman neither of us can control. Who knew? Well, I just wanted to check in with you before the cell reception goes to hell. Still got a sat phone?”
“Of course. We still have four on the island. Mine and Reese’s, along with the hotel and medical. I’ll check in if anything goes south. Otherwise, you’ll hear from me after the storm passes and I can assess the damage.”
“Daisy and you could come and stay with us. Open invitation.”
Now I laughed. “Tegan would love that.”
“No, she’s the one who told me to ask. I think she just wants another woman to talk to.”
“I have to stay. How would it look to the employees who have chosen to stay if all the partners bail? Besides, Reese is either staying in the hotel, or I told him to grab a bag and bunk at my house. Between us, someone will be here to make sure the roofs stay on.”
“Don’t even joke about that, Jasper. I mean it. If you change your mind, you can still come. And drag lonely boy with you. We have plenty of room. It won’t get bad for another few hours.”
“No, the ocean is too choppy for any boat to sail. Besides, we managed the last storm just fine. I can’t ask some of the staff and clients not to be concerned and then leave. It wouldn’t look good. Furthermore, Daisy can’t be seen on the mainland. She’s still hiding out.”
“Okay, but I’m texting you the quickest route here just in case.”
I sighed because Kai was going to do whatever he wanted. We said our good-byes, and then I finished my lunch before going to my office. I decided to grab a few files since it would probably be days before I got back. Both Daisy and I could work from home.
I stopped by to see her. “Hey, I’m on my way out. Please remember to be home before dark or if the weather gets worse. I know it’s only a few miles, but I don’t want you driving in these strong winds and heavy rain.”
She stood from behind her desk and padded to me. “I’m not used to seeing you dressed so casual at work.”
I hadn’t worn a suit, but rather beige slacks and a blue and white pinstripe polo shirt. “I wasn’t actually working, at least not in my office. I wanted to make sure the hotel and other resources we have are functioning at one hundred percent. We have quite a few clients still staying in the hotel, so I made sure our generators are ready and the storm shutters are in place. I’m getting mixed weather reports about when the strongest part is going to actually arrive on land. That’s why I’m asking you to come home either before nightfall or at the first sign of heavy rain.” I placed a kiss on her head.
“I’ll make sure I’m home. No worries.”
We said our good-byes. Then I headed to the house. I cleaned the generator and checked the pool hose. The generator allowed us to use the refrigerator, but I still packed the ice chests with water and other beverages. As soon as Daisy got home, I would lock the impact doors into place, which I’d gotten installed after the last storm. Since this one might turn into a hurricane, I decided it was a valuable purchase.
About five, I received a text from Fady. I read it three times, growing more and more irritated. She wanted me to meet her at the penthouse. If I didn’t come, she’d show up here. If Daisy saw her at our house, she would lose her mind. I was livid as I stepped into my car.
It was steadily raining now, and combined with the wind, it was going sideways. What was I going to say if Daisy got home before I came back? It wouldn’t be a lie on my part if I claimed this meeting was innocent. I chastised myself because nothing concerning Fady could ever be construed as innocent. She proved that the minute she extorted money from me. To add insult to injury, she came back here professing her love. The only reason I was bending to her will was I couldn’t take the chance of her showing up on my doorstep, wreaking havoc on my relationship.
I skidded into the parking lot and ran for the lobby, drenched by the time I got there. I swept back my hair as I entered the elevator. Catching my reflection, I realized both my pants and shirt were soaked clear through. I headed up to the penthouse, hoping I could get this over with and beat Daisy home. Banging with my fist loudly, I was trying my best to keep my anger suppressed. I knocked again, this time pressing my ear to the door. I heard nothing. I continued pounding on the door.
After ten minutes, I went back down to the reservation desk and got the master key. I headed back up and unlocked the door. The place was empty. Dark and silent. What the hell was this? She sent me a text to come over, and now she wasn’t here. I wondered what game she was playing, furious if this was just a ploy and she went to my house instead.
A chill ran down my spine as I worried about what Daisy would think. Hell, Fady could make up all kinds of shite. I knew Daisy was insecure, and Fady would use those self-doubts against her. I raced home but didn’t see any cars in the driveway. Now I was really pissed. I was glad Fady was nowhere to be found, but I was furious because the storm was here and Daisy wasn’t.
I sat inside the Hummer, contemplating my next move. Had Fady gone to her office instead? That fucking crazy bitch. I didn’t want Daisy to know about this, so I would go on the pretense that I wanted to pick her up because I didn’t want her driving.
The clouds had turned everything dark gray. It technically wouldn’t be nightfall for another two hours, but the storm made everything seem apocalyptic. I got to the parking lot and s
aw only Daisy’s company car. I sighed with relief, happy knowing that Fady hadn’t found her.
The lights flickered as I made my way to Daisy’s office. Loud voices startled me, and I kicked open the door. From that moment, everything went in slow motion. There was blood everywhere. Fear choked me, and I struggled not to close my eyes. I hadn’t seen a sight like this in years. Daisy was being held at gunpoint by a man I assumed was Maynard.
“So, whore, is this your new man? The one you think will save you? Your name’s Kendrick, right?” He spat blood on the floor. “This little wildcat never fought like this when she was with me. Guess you must have taught her a thing or two.”
I noticed deep scratches on his face and tears in his shirt. She must have gotten in a few hits before he bested her. Daisy’s face had been mutilated. I cringed. I could barely see her because there was so much blood.
“You don’t need to do this. Just let her go.” Rage was building inside me, and I felt the veins in my forehead tick.
“Now see, that’s where you’re wrong. My wife—you do remember she is still married, right? She had the audacity to talk to the FBI. In fact, the bitch was quite chatty, and I just can’t let that go. I mean, how would it look to my associates if I allowed this traitor to live?”
I shook with fear. I’d sworn to protect her. “If she dies, you die. Plain and simple. No one will stop me from choking the life out of you.” Every single nerve was pulsating like a cancer eating away at my flesh. I knew he had to die.
Maynard laughed as he put the gun to Daisy’s stomach, pinning her against the wall with the other hand. “As I see it, I have the damn gun. I seriously doubt you’ll be saving anyone. I plan to kill my wife and dump her body next to that British woman I snuffed, the one that set up this little reunion. So, Kendrick, I don’t see you doing diddly shit, except maybe dying.”
With every word, I sensed, despite his bravado, he was anxious. Perspiration dotted his forehead, and the stench of sweat permeated my nostrils as I towered over him, three times his size. In my eyes, he was just a gnat to be swatted and stepped on. I loathed the fact that I would enjoy tearing this man apart.
I did a roundabout kick that forced the gun to go flying, but not before a shot rang out.
I jabbed him in the throat, hearing his windpipe crack, which brought Maynard to his knees, clutching his neck. I pushed him over with my foot, then shoved my knee into his groin, pummeling my fists into his face. Grabbing the firearm from the floor, I shot straight into his chest. He would drown in his own blood. It would only take minutes, but it would be a well-deserved agonizing death.
Screaming profanities, I ran to Daisy.
Maynard gurgled as he took his last breath.
“Oh, Jasper, no. What did you do?” She sobbed, every cry strained. “You killed him.”
I kneeled next to her, putting the gun down, then pulling Daisy close to my body. Her one eye was swollen shut, and her lip was split in several places. It was difficult to assess her facial injuries because I saw so much red—blood that was hiding the massive amounts of damage. Her beautiful face was drenched.
The wound in her stomach bled profusely, and I pressed my hand to it, trying to stifle the flow. I had caused this. When I’d kicked the gun from Maynard, the resulting shot had hit Daisy.
“You don’t get to leave me, Daisy. I won’t allow it. I have to get you to medical,” I said, turning away because, for the first time since I was fourteen, tears threatened to surface.
“I can’t let you do that,” she said, her breathing becoming shallow.
“What do you mean I can’t do that? You’ll die if I don’t. If you die, I’ll die. Don’t make me live without you.”
“Give me the gun, Jasper,” she said between heaving breaths.
I was confused. “I don’t understand.”
“Give me the goddamn gun. We don’t have long until I black out.”
Daisy pushed me away and grabbed the gun lying on the carpet.
“What the fuck are you doing? I need to get you help,” I whispered, wanting to comfort her.
She struggled as she pulled up her beaten body and emptied the clip into Maynard’s lifeless form.
“Leave me be, Jasper. I can’t let you do this,” she said, coughing up blood. “No matter what happens, they’ll think I killed him.”
“The Feds will never believe it. I injured multiple areas of his body.”
“That’s why I unloaded the gun into him. They’ll believe it, especially when they knew he was gunnin’ for me. Now hand me a towel and get out of here. Go home. I’ll call for help.”
“No, I’m not leaving you. I can’t. Jesus, please,” I murmured as I continued pressing my hand to her wound while cradling her in my lap.
“If they find out it was you, you’ll go to prison or get deported. I love you too much to let that happen. Now get outta here. Don’t make me ask again. I won’t call for help until you go, so if you stay, you’ll just be watchin’ me die,” she whispered, clinging to life.
She pushed me away again, and I let her go. Between her fingerprints and the blood on the gun she held, there would be no way they would find out I killed him. I had never been a selfless person, and here was a woman who loved me enough to put her life before mine.
“I’ll wait a few minutes before I call someone.”
I felt like a zombie covered in blood, so I snuck into my office and changed into clean clothing, stuffing the soiled items into a plastic bag, which I would burn later. I beat my fists on the steering wheel, yelling in anguish, then drove away like a madman. At home, I nervously waited for a phone call. I didn’t care about myself, only her. I couldn’t imagine a life without Daisy. And she was willing to sacrifice herself for me.
Thirty minutes later, I got the call.
“Jasper, it’s Dr. Stillwater. Look, there’s been an incident. Ms. Jones, our accountant, was gravely injured. From what I could tell from the ultrasound, there’s a bullet in her spleen. I’m giving her units of blood because she’s lost so much. I couldn’t get Life Flight because of the storm, but the coast guard is coming. It’ll be cutting it close, but the hospital on the mainland is prepped for emergency surgery. There was another person involved, a man. He’s DOA. I can’t give you much detail, but it might have been him that did this to Ms. Jones, which resulted in her killing him. But I’m just speculating. I’ve called the police on St. Thomas, but nothing can be done until the storm passes. The man’s on ice right now. I couldn’t leave him in her office. It’s a bloodbath in there, but it’s also a crime scene, so my hands are tied.”
Collecting myself and curling my fists, I asked calmly, “Is she going to be all right?”
“I’d like to give you better news, but she’s lost a massive amount of blood. It appears he not only shot her, but beat her severely, she has multiple fractures and trauma to her face. All we can do is hope for the best. I’ll keep you informed.”
“I’d appreciate all updates,” I responded, choking back my despair.
I found my sat phone and called Kai, telling him the entire story. “Please go to the hospital. I’d feel better knowing you’re there.”
“Good God. Of course I’ll go. I am so sorry. Keep the phone by you, and I’ll call as soon as I know anything. If Reese isn’t there yet, get him immediately. I don’t want you to be alone.”
After pouring myself some bourbon, I got ahold of Reese. I hardly ever drank hard liquor, but I needed to calm myself. If I didn’t, I’d go mad. Not knowing was the hardest part. If she died, it would be my fault for waiting to get help. I wanted to be with her right now, but I knew me showing up would present unwanted questions. I was sure the Feds were involved by now. There was no way the local police didn’t contact them since the FBI must have notified their department upon arrival. They had to know that Daisy was their star informant. Some good they were. They allowed Maynard to get to her. They let this happen. Was this the karma I had always feared?
And after
the storm lifted and they did their investigation, would they believe the story that Daisy told them? And if she died, would it matter? I wouldn’t care. They could do to me whatever they wanted.
For the first time since my family was murdered, I cried. As I paced, I realized I had no control over what happened next.
When Reese finally arrived, he looked as disheveled as I was. I explained everything, then sobbed in his arms.
It was five hours later when Kai finally called.
“They had to give her multiple transfusions and remove her spleen, but she survived the surgery. She’s in ICU. Currently, she’s listed in serious condition, but if she makes it through the next forty-eight hours, her chances for a normal recovery are good. I have to tell you if it weren’t for my notoriety, the damn nurse wouldn’t have told me anything. Family only. Jasper, you have to go get her mom. The brunt of the storm will pass us soon. Have Reese take you to the mainland tomorrow.”
“It is tomorrow,” I said with a slur.
“Now is not the time to drink. Get into the shower and clean yourself up. I’ve already called the crew, and our plane will be fueled and ready by nine. Even if the storm hasn’t passed yet, you fly. Now put Reese on the phone.”
I gulped back emotions I had spent years suppressing at every turn. Now I couldn’t anymore. I howled into the phone, embarrassed by my behavior, knowing Kai was searching for words of comfort.
“Christ, Jasper, I don’t know how to help you, brother. Daisy is strong. She’ll be fine. I know it. Get yourself together, because if her mom sees you break down, she’ll think the worst.”
“I know. I know.” I wiped my eyes with my sleeve as Reese patted me on the back.
Guilt racked me because I’d sworn I’d keep her safe, and I failed. Not only was she injured, but she took the rap for me. God, I didn’t deserve her.