Vendetta (Otter Creek Book 10)

by Rebecca Deel

  After stowing his equipment bag against the wall, Marcus dropped into the nearest chair and urged Paige sit in the chair beside his.

  She wasn’t sure she wanted the details, but from his body language and eyes, he needed to talk. “Tell me.”

  After receiving a nod from Maddox, he told her everything, including the split second when he made the decision to pull the trigger.

  Her heart hurt for him. To face that choice and be forced to pull the trigger must weigh heavy on him. “You had no choice, Marcus.” Paige tightened her grip. “He would have killed you or your teammates. Again, you chose to protect.”

  Maddox handed Marcus and Paige a bottle of water each. “She’s right. O’Reilly was aiming at me. Marcus, you didn’t make that decision alone. There were four of us in that room. Three of us had Special Forces training and had faced that choice many times over the years. We reached the same decision. There wasn’t another alternative. O’Reilly took the choice out of our hands. We reacted the way we were trained, the way I trained you.”

  “I know,” he said, his voice soft. “Doesn’t make living with pulling the trigger any easier.”

  “It’s not easy for any of us. If it was, we wouldn’t have a conscience.”

  Marcus might have the training to be a Fortress operative, but he didn’t have the heart for the work. Paige cupped his face between her palms. “You fired the gun for me, Marcus. Thank you for protecting me, for protecting the family we’ll have some day. Our children will be safe because of what you did.”

  Some of the pain left his eyes. “I love you.”

  Her lips curved. “I love you, too.”

  “You didn’t fire the fatal shot.”

  Marcus turned to stare at Maddox. “I didn’t?”

  The operative’s lips curved. “O’Reilly had three shots center mass, one in the right shoulder. We’re trained to take out threats, Marcus. It’s second nature. Your bullet hit the shoulder, an incapacitating, but nonlethal wound.”

  “I still pulled the trigger.”

  “To protect in a firefight,” Paige pointed out.

  Maddox’s phone chimed. He checked the screen. “Good news. Jo’s plane is on final approach. I’ll take your equipment bag with me.” He tossed a set of keys to Marcus. “Take your almost grandmother to the Garden Hotel in Murfreesboro. You have a suite reserved.”

  The next day passed in a whirlwind of activity. Claire knew the exact places to go for Paige’s wedding dress and shoes. The second half of the day was spent replacing items she lost when the cabin exploded.

  At least Rod and Meg Kelter were getting a new cabin, courtesy of Fortress Security. The insurance company had balked at rebuilding a dwelling lost from an RPG.

  On Friday morning at 11:00, Paige walked down the aisle of a church on the outskirts of Nashville on Brent Maddox’s arm. She smiled at Nicole and Mason who waited at the front of the church with Marcus and the church’s pastor.

  Brent stopped beside Marcus. The Fortress CEO kissed Paige’s cheek before sitting beside his wife. Claire snapped pictures during the short ceremony.

  Finally, the minister said, “Marcus, you may kiss your bride.”

  The audience of operatives and their families applauded and cheered as Marcus lingered over the kiss. When he lifted his head, he escorted her to Jo.

  Her grandmother wrapped her in a tight hug. “I’m happy for you both, Paige.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to stay in Nashville for another day or two, Gram?”

  “I miss the orchard, dear. It’s time for me to go home.”

  “All right. We’ll be home Sunday afternoon to pack for our trip to Orange Beach.”

  Jo grinned. “Sunday night will be interesting. I can’t wait to see the faces of our church family when you and Marcus walk into the auditorium with matching wedding bands.”

  Marcus led her to the other side of the aisle to the dark-haired couple wiping tears from their eyes despite the broad smiles on their faces. He bent down and kissed the cheek of the woman. “You okay, Mom?”

  “Are you kidding? I’m terrific. I thought I wouldn’t see this day in your life. I’m grateful to have this chance.” Francesca Watson hugged her son, then Paige. “I’m glad Matt has you.”

  “You don’t mind him keeping his new name?”

  “It’s simpler for your congregation and your town. And truthfully, we almost chose Marcus for his first name when I was pregnant with him.”

  Neil Watson wrapped his arms around Paige in a gentle hug. “Welcome to the Watson family, Paige. You let me know if my son doesn’t treat you like a princess.”

  “Oh, come on, Dad,” Marcus muttered.

  Paige smiled. “Yes, sir. You don’t have to worry, though. He treats me like you treat Francesca.”

  Satisfaction gleamed in Neil’s eyes.

  They continued down the aisle, greeting the operatives and their families as they went. In the church’s fellowship hall, tables loaded with food ringed the room.

  Nate turned to Paige and Marcus. “Everything is ready. Fill your plates and sit at the head table. I’ll take care of Jo as soon as Mason escorts her and Nicole down here. Better start eating. Once people arrive down here, you won’t have a chance.”

  Four hours later, Marcus unlocked the door to the honeymoon suite at Opryland Hotel and drew Paige inside. Her breath caught as she surveyed the lush furnishings and thick carpet. “Marcus, you didn’t have to do anything this extravagant.”

  “I wanted the best for you.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Thank you, love.”

  He kissed her briefly. “Would you like to walk around the atrium?”

  “I’d love to.”

  He brushed a hand down the sleeve of her wedding dress. “Need help with this?”

  Paige’s cheeks burned. “I can handle it.” Why was she nervous? She adored this man.

  “Go change, then. I’ll wait for you here.”

  Within minutes, they were walking hand-in-hand through the plant-filled atrium. After exploring the walkways and visiting the waterfalls, he led her to the Delta section with the boutiques and shops situated along the indoor waterway. By the time Paige and Marcus had eaten a light dinner and returned to their suite, darkness had fallen.

  Marcus cupped her face between his palms, his gaze filled with love and understanding. “Still nervous?” he murmured.

  Paige shook her head, took his hand in hers, and led him to the bedroom. Her husband smiled, gathered her into his embrace, and shut the door.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Marcus circled the front of his truck and opened his wife’s door. He bent his head and kissed her, lingering against the softness of her lips. When he lifted his head, Paige smiled at him.

  “When will we leave tomorrow?”

  “Maddox wants us at the airport by two o’clock.”

  “I can’t believe he’s sending a Fortress jet for us.”

  “It’s his wedding gift.” Marcus glanced around the parking lot, surprised so many people were in attendance on a Sunday night.

  He and Paige walked toward the door to the church when Ethan Blackhawk stepped out and approached. “Ethan, what’s going on?”

  “First, congratulations on your marriage.” He shook hands with Marcus and kissed Paige’s cheek. “I’m happy for both of you.”

  “Thanks, Ethan.” Marcus wrapped his arm around Paige’s waist, felt her trembling.

  “Second, Nick arrested Franklin Davidson a few minutes ago. We didn’t want to tip our hand to Parks.”

  Marcus stiffened. “You’re arresting the mayor here?”

  “I’m escorting the mayor and his son to the station for questioning. They’ll be placed under arrest there. You should also know Parks is planning to cause trouble tonight. Since you’re supposed to be out of town, the mayor feels this is the perfect time to bring up your questionable moral character and encourage a vote to oust you from Cornerstone.” The police chief’s mo
uth curved into a grim smile. “He won’t be happy to see you.”

  “The feeling is mutual. Do you know why the mayor, his son, and Davidson were desperate to have the development go through?”

  “Money. Parks and his son formed a holding company. That company owns two of the parcels slated for the shopping center. Mayor Parks heard about Davidson from a buddy in New York. The developer is from that area, and is well known for large deals. When Jo wouldn’t cooperate, Davidson got Bianchi’s name from a recently deceased Irish mob boss with his fingers in many real estate deals. Parks and his son stood to gain a ton of money on this deal.”

  Heartsick, Marcus looked at Paige. “Ready?”

  “Let’s do this.”

  Ethan moved aside. “You have a lot of support, Marcus. I think Mayor Parks will be unpleasantly surprised to know how much influence he doesn’t have in this church.”

  He prayed Ethan was correct. Perhaps he should have waited to marry Paige until his future was more secure. The truth was, though, he didn’t regret marrying the woman at his side.

  If Cornerstone voted him out, Marcus still had the counseling job with Fortress. Maddox had assured him before they left Nashville that Fortress would be thrilled to employ him full-time on the counseling staff. The salary the Fortress CEO quoted had stunned him. Yeah, he could definitely take care of his wife without difficulty on that salary. He still felt called to pastor, though. He’d love to stay at Cornerstone.

  Marcus opened the door to the vestibule for Paige. Together, they walked into the auditorium. As the service was already in progress, Marcus opted to sit in the back row, waiting to see how the night would play out.

  The associate pastor noticed them and smiled. When it was time for him to speak, he stood behind the pulpit and said, “I have a very special announcement to make. Marcus, Paige, please come forward.”

  The congregation twisted in their seats to watch as they walked the aisle to stand in front of the stage.

  “It’s my great honor to introduce to you Marcus and Paige Lang.”

  Gasps were heard before the congregation applauded.

  “We have light finger foods ready in the fellowship hall so we can celebrate with our newlyweds. We’ll plan a reception after they return from their honeymoon. Come congratulate Marcus and Paige.”

  Before the first person stepped into the aisle, Henry Parks stood. “How can you celebrate with this man of questionable character?” he shouted.

  All conversation stopped in the auditorium as people stared at the mayor.

  The associate pastor held up his hand. “This isn’t the time, Mayor Parks. This is a celebration, not a witch hunt.”

  “On the contrary, this is the perfect time to decide if Marcus Lang should continue as pastor of Cornerstone Church.”

  Ethan started up the aisle.

  Marcus caught his eye, shook his head slightly. He turned his attention to the mayor. “What is it you think I’ve done, Parks?”

  “Why don’t you tell everyone when you married that woman?”

  “Paige and I were married Friday.”

  Triumph gleaned in the old man’s eyes. “You’ve been gone a week. Before that, you were living together in the same house. How appropriate is it for the pastor of our church to have an affair in full view of the town?”

  “It would be totally inappropriate if it were true. It’s not.”

  “Got any proof of that?”

  “I stayed at the Bed and Breakfast with Jo, Paige, Mason Kincaid, and Nicole Copeland to protect my wife from the man who attacked her. This same man broke into the B & B while we were out and left a threatening message on Paige’s bathroom mirror. I was never alone with Paige in the house. Jo, Mason, and Nicole will corroborate my statement.”

  “That doesn’t explain the week you spent together before you married her,” Parks snapped.

  Josh Cahill stood and walked up the aisle. “Marcus and Paige left town on my orders.” His cold gaze fixed on the mayor. “A hit man hired by Franklin Davidson had targeted Paige. Marcus went with his wife to protect her.”

  More gasps echoed in the auditorium.

  “You expect us to believe you?”

  “Marcus and Paige were with me and the rest of Durango plus two Navy SEALs. If you don’t believe me, ask my teammates.” He waved at the grim-faced members of his team, now also standing. “The hit man and his buddies tracked us down and tried to kill the Langs.” He paused. “But you already know that, don’t you?”

  “What are you talking about? I don’t know any such thing.”

  “You and your son were in on a deal with Davidson regarding the shopping center development, and you would lose a great deal of money if the deal didn’t go through. When Jo Jensen stood in your way, you three conspired to get rid of Paige in an effort to force Jo into selling her property. I’m happy to say your plan failed, Mr. Mayor.”

  “This is outrageous. I had nothing to do with that.”

  “Then you can explain why Davidson is down at the station with Detective Santana, pointing a finger right at you and James.”

  James leaped to his feet, his face red. “You’re the one with a vendetta, Blackhawk. We’re going to sue you and your whole department.”

  Josh stepped forward, handcuffs clutched in his hand. “Let’s go, James. You can explain it all to Detective Santana.”

  “Forget it, Cahill. You’re nothing but a two-bit thug.”

  The muscle-bound policeman smiled. “I’m a thug with a badge, Parks. You either come with me voluntarily, or I’ll place you under arrest right here.”

  With a roar, James swung at Josh who neatly sidestepped the punch and took Parks to the ground. A moment later, he hauled the cursing man to his feet and led him from the auditorium.

  Ethan laid a heavy hand on the mayor’s shoulder. “Come with me, Mr. Mayor.” All the way out of the church, Parks protested his innocence and threatened to take Ethan’s badge.

  When the door closed behind them, the associate pastor looked at the Cornerstone congregation. “Any further questions for Marcus and Paige?”

  Stunned silence in the sanctuary.

  “We’ll leave justice in the hands of the police. If the mayor and his son are innocent, I’m sure Ethan and Nick will turn them loose and find the guilty party. For now, though, let’s celebrate with our pastor and his new wife before they leave tomorrow for two weeks at the beach.”

  Marcus and Paige accepted the congratulations of their church family. When the evening was over, Marcus escorted Paige to his truck.

  “I didn’t think to ask where we were staying tonight.”

  “The B & B. You don’t want to stay at the parsonage. I have a leak in the bathroom. Mason will take care of the plumbing problem while we’re out of town.”

  “I don’t care where we stay, love. As long as we’re together, I’ll be happy.”

  Marcus kissed the back of her hand. She was right. As long as they were together, nothing else mattered. Seven years ago, he lost everything. His future wife, his family, his identity. His life had been filled with pain and despair. Now, he’d regained everything plus more. From darkness to light, from despair to hope. He’d been given his greatest gift, one he’d never take for granted. A life with the woman he loved. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead and enjoy years filled with laughter and love. He couldn’t ask for anything more.

  About the Author

  Rebecca Deel is a preacher’s kid with a black belt in karate. She teaches business classes at a private four-year college outside Nashville, Tennessee. She plays the piano at church, writes freelance articles, and runs interference for the family dogs. She’s been married to her amazing husband for more than 25 years and is the proud mom of two grown sons. She delivers occasional devotions to the women’s group at her church and conducts seminars in personal safety, money management, and writing. Her articles have been published in ONE Magazine, Contact, and Co-Laborer, and she was profiled in the June
2010 Williamson edition of Nashville Christian Family magazine. Rebecca completed her Doctor of Arts degree in Economics and wears her favorite Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt when life turns ugly.

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