Witness Pursuit

by Wadsworth, Joanne

  16

  All the way to the hospital, Lydia puzzled every possible angle open to her. Sure they had more leads now in Johnny Taita’s case, but that wouldn’t stop Gilchrist from seeing her moved again before the day was out. And she was committed to making certain Tyler didn’t lose his brothers.

  Gunnar met them at the main entrance. He remained behind her, Ben ahead, and Tyler and Brigs hemmed her in on either side as they strode in.

  Gunnar would be the perfect addition to her plan. At first she’d thought to get Gilchrist alone, but Tyler was too smart not to know she’d try that. No, Gunnar was Gilchrist’s partner, but not her handler. If she could get him on her side, she might be able to convince him to move her on his own, and leave Tyler behind. She had to speak to Gunner, and without Tyler catching on.

  In the wide corridor to the elevators, people darted out of their way. She would too if these four fierce looking men strode her way. They were all outfitted in black, and she wore the bulletproof vest Tyler had insisted on underneath her shirt.

  Gunnar pressed the button for the top floor and they traveled up. The doors swished open, and a uniformed officer stepped forward to check them over. He nodded at Gunnar and sent them through.

  When they passed the nurses’ station, Gunnar stopped and faced them. “We can’t commandeer an entire ward, but we’ve got Ladd Hyena and Drake secured in separate rooms at the end of this corridor. Hyena has an officer posted inside and outside his room, and Drake has a guard with him. Only legitimate visitors who have family can get into this ward, but as you can see, it’s fairly clear.”

  She rubbed her arms as she checked out the waiting room. A woman in her mid-forties sat hunched in a metal-legged chair, her head between her palms. An officer sat beside her.

  Tyler pressed a hand to the small of her back then ran his thumb over the vest under her shirt. “This is where you’ll wait.”

  “Sure.” She hadn’t expected him to let her anywhere near Hyena. She turned to Gunnar. “Who’s she?” For some reason, even with her face downcast, the woman with the dark messy hair looked familiar.

  “She’s Drake’s mother and she arrived from Wellington this morning. We let her in to see her son, although the reception didn’t go well. Drake screamed at her to leave. A detective’s chatting with Drake now, and then coming back to question her. An officer is sitting with her because of the earlier disturbance. Every precaution is being taken.”

  “Drake said he doesn’t want anything to do with his mother. She gave Hyena Drake’s address.”

  “Yes, the lady’s already admitted to that, but she said she had no idea why Hyena wanted it. She said Drake was Kern’s boy, not hers. She thought she was being helpful. A detective will interview her formally, and she’s agreed to wait.” Gunnar looked over her shoulder. “Ah, here’s Gilchrist.”

  Gilchrist strode toward them, extending his hand to Ben. “Good to see you. I can only say I appreciate your team’s arrival, no matter it took me by surprise. All issues aside, it’s my client’s safety that comes first, and we have Ladd Hyena under heavy guard. He’s woken, and his doctor has confirmed he’s of sound mind to be interviewed. We’re all set if you’d like in.”

  “Yes we would.” Ben turned to Gunnar. “Do you mind if we commandeer you to keep an eye on Jenna? There’s no one else we trust.”

  “No problem. She won’t leave my sight, and this ward has several officers posted within.”

  Tyler slapped Gunnar’s shoulder. “She’s also not to leave this building, or this floor. She doesn’t speak to anyone, and you don’t listen to any request she makes to go through re-identification without me. If she tries to bring up the subject, I want to know.” Tyler’s gaze sharpened on hers. “Have I covered everything?”

  Jeez, she hated how efficient he was.

  “Yeah, sure. Idiot.”

  Brigs chuckled. “Sorry, inappropriate.”

  Tyler ran a finger under her chin. “Take a seat with Gunnar. I’ll be back before you know it.”

  “I’m sure you will. If I holler, make sure you come.” With a huff, she turned on her heel and followed Gunnar to the waiting room where he chose seats in the far corner.

  “Gunnar, I’d still like to talk about re-identification.” She crossed her legs as she sat.

  “Are you trying to get me into trouble? I heard your man.”

  “Yeah, but I’m the client, not Tyler. Would you at least hear me out?”

  “I’ll give you one minute.”

  She straightened, rubbing her hands together.

  “Wait. I hear someone.” His gaze shot to entrance. A detective strode in. “Nope, he’s fine. He’ll be here to interview Drake’s mother.”

  The detective raised a silver badge and flashed it Gunnar’s way before heading across to Drake’s mother. The woman eyed the detective, her mouth twisting to the side.

  Whoa. Something about the woman was still infinitely familiar. Sure, she had the same slanted eyes as Drake and high cheekbones, but there was more. It was as if she’d seen her before.

  The detective cleared his throat. “Ma’am, I’ve spoken to your son, and you’ve given me conflicting information. Your name is not what you told us.”

  The lady stood and shoved her hands on her hips. “I agreed to an interview. I know I gave Ladd Hyena Drake’s address, but that’s not a crime. Drake’s father wanted it, so I found it.”

  “Your son says your word’s not trustworthy. Give me your name.”

  “Of course he’d say that, but he’s completely screwed up. As it is, he’s been in juvie and he’s only eighteen.”

  Why on earth had she even come here when she clearly didn’t care about Drake?

  She stood and took a step toward the woman. “Drake’s a friend of mine. Who are you? Why have you come?”

  Drake’s mother spun and faced her, her gaze zeroing in. “You!”

  Holy moly, she’d stood behind Taita Senior in the news footage Brigs had sent. How the hell was Taita Senior’s daughter Drake Hyena’s mother?

  The woman screeched and lunged toward her.

  Gunnar dived and tackled her.

  Obscenities flew, her shrieks pinging against the walls. She kicked and clawed for her freedom.

  Tyler sprinted into the room, Brigs, Ben and Gilchrist right behind him. He ran to her and hauled her into his arms. “What’s going on?”

  “Drake’s mother is Taita Senior’s daughter. Drake said she was into computers, but I never thought like this.”

  His hold tightened like steel on her as he scrutinized the woman. “Mia Taita leaked your information to the reporter.”

  “This is such a mess. The entire family was cleared of any involvement at the beginning. Certainly none of them matched my description, but–” She clapped a hand to her mouth. “Oh my goodness. Kern Hyena needs a kidney transplant. He’s not family.”

  “Damn it, you said the gunman had yellowish skin.”

  “I never connected it to kidney failure.”

  Drake’s mother’s fought Gunnar. “Get off me. I want access to a phone. I want to call my lawyer. Now.”

  “You’re not going anywhere, lady.” Gunnar kept her face planted to the ground and his knee shoved into her back as the detective cuffed her.

  She screamed, her gaze wild on Lydia’s. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “Why Drake? Why are you here?”

  Her gaze spat fire. “I promised Kern I’d find out where Drake was and I did, but he won’t stop using me until he has that boy’s kidney.”

  No wonder Drake wanted nothing to do with her. “I hope you rot in hell. Drake deserves better than you.”

  “It’s not illegal to find someone. I’ve done nothing wrong, and I’ll have my lawyer prove it.” Her cuffs rattled as she yanked on them.

  “Just save it.” Gunnar heaved her around and pulled her to the doors. The detective followed Gunnar from the room.

  Like sentinels, Ben and Gilchrist surrounded her
and Tyler.

  She shook, all that had happened hitting her hard.

  “Here’s Taita’s purse.” Brigs leaned over the chair the woman had sat in and snatched it up. He tossed it to Ben.

  Ben riffled through it and held up her driver’s license. “Definitely Mia Taita.” He eyed Gilchrist. “Guess where we’re going?”

  “To locate and lock up Kern Hyena.” Gilchrist clapped Tyler on the shoulder. “I could use your help. I’m leaving you in charge of Jenna Winton’s security. Once I have Kern Hyena in custody, and all the details sorted, I’ll contact you to give you the all clear. In the meantime, stay low and out of sight.”

  “About damn time.” Tyler jerked his head toward the elevators. “What are you still doing here? Get moving.”

  No sweeter words had she ever heard, and once they left, she kissed the man who’d issued them, not breaking for air until she needed it. “I want to go home, with you, but with one proviso on the staying low.”

  “Please tell me you want a big, big bed involved.”

  “Yes, and with you naked in it. For days on end.”

  “Ahh, we have the same thing in mind.” He swung her up into his arms, grinning as he carried her from the room. “Finally we’re in complete agreement.”

  17

  Digging her fingers into the silk sheet under her, Lydia held onto her thoughts by a mere thread. “Making love to you rocks.”

  “And I never want to stop.” Tyler balanced over her as The Idle Dream cruised the Pacific Ocean.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “What am I going to do with you?”

  “I say we change your name one more time. Lydia Sands and Jenna Winton, no more. I want you to be Mrs. Whitehall.”

  “Did you just propose to me?”

  “Call it what you will, but we’re getting married either way.”

  She laughed, and then relaxed back with a sigh, secure in Tyler’s arms.

  So much had happened since they’d left Blenheim. Tyler had chartered a plane to Auckland, and during the flight Ben had linked in via video conference to confirm they had Kern Hyena in custody, and the man matched her description. He’d requested she take a look at Hyena and produced his mug shot for her to confirm his identity.

  The killer’s beady eyes drilled into her, his lips twisted in an evil snarl. His fury had jumped out, making her cringe back into her soft leather seat.

  “Relax. It’s just an image. Look at me.” Tyler had lifted her hands and pressed them against the scorching heat of chest, his gaze and hold piercingly protective. “No one will ever harm you again. Do you understand me? Ever. Again.”

  “Yes.” She’d kissed him then faced Ben and nodded. “It’s him. He’s the one who killed Johnny Taita and shot Tyler. What’s going to happen now?”

  “Charges will be laid against Kern Hyena for everything Gilchrist can slap on him. Mia Taita’s already lawyered up, although we’re well aware she’s the remaining heir to Taita Senior’s company. Add to that she leaked your information to the reporter, and she’s the killer’s ex and her dealings with him, then her motivation ramps up. She had a part in this, likely ordering the kill. The team here won’t rest until they prove that assumption is more than mere speculation.”

  “What about Ladd Hyena?”

  “The evidence of his attempt on yours and Drake’s life is solid.” He eyed Tyler. “You’ll be pulled in as a witness to what you heard when he attempted to take Lydia’s life, as will Brigs and Ronson. There isn’t a chance Hyena will see the light of day for years to come.”

  “I’ll be there. Have you spoken to Taita Senior?”

  “Yes. The news hit him hard, but at least he has the truth. He’s also requested to meet his grandson, but Drake’s not up for it yet. The doctor’s just issued his release from hospital, and he’s returning shortly straight into Ronson’s care.” He tipped his gaze back to her. “Drake wants to see you. I informed him the moment Tyler allows it, you’ll be there.”

  “Tell him I’ll call him, that I still want my ride.”

  Tyler growled under his breath. “Which will be some time away. Thanks, Ben. We’ll chat later.” He switched off the link and squeezed her hands. “Okay, we need to talk about your need to ride bikes.”

  “No.” She smiled and pressed a finger to his lips. “We need to talk about you and the big bed–”

  “Hey, come back to me.” Tyler caressed her belly, holding her and their child close.

  “Sorry, I’m here.” She looked into his beautiful eyes, those of the man who’d stolen her heart. “Do you want to go and see the others?”

  His family and hers were upstairs. Tyler had arranged for everyone to come. Nico had been beyond excited.

  “After you give me your answer on the name change. I’ve decided I want to hear a yes.”

  “Yes. I love you, and I want to be Mrs. Whitehall, but I’d prefer it if you called me Lee.”

  “Lee.” He tangled his hands in her hair. “I love you so much it hurts.”

  “Then let me help you fix that.” Wriggling her bare bottom into the sheets, she grinned. He’d guarded her a year ago, and she had no doubt, he’d guard her and their child for the rest of their lives.

  No more pain, not now they were together.

  Mrs. Whitehall. Oh yeah, she would surely love her new name.

  Joanne Wadsworth

  I love reading romance, but even more, I love to write it. My characters hound me, demanding their stories are told. And I’m happy to oblige, giving them the romance they’re after, provided they can accept a little angst and adventure along the way.

  Witness Pursuit is book one of my Bodyguards series. This is a heart-pounding line in which each story will bring you a bodyguard and the woman he protects. The next story to come will be Saria Sands and Ben Hammers’, one I can’t wait to get to readers.

  Another series underway is Magio-Earth, a fast-paced YA fantasy romance line, where across worlds, soul-bound mates battle against both love and land. Book one, Protector, and book two, Warrior, are both available, while book three, Enchanter, releases May 2014.

  There is no greater feeling than seeing my characters come to life, so thank you for joining me….where romance meets fantasy and adventure.

  To learn more about Joanne and her works, visit her website at http://www.joannewadsworth.com

  Protector

  Magio-Earth, #1

  To love and protect…across worlds.

  Eighteen-year-old Faith Stryker is prepared to leap out into the unknown world beyond her home shores of New Zealand to experience life. Only she never expected to encounter Magio, a planet with two warring countries, where its people reach adulthood at eighteen by coming into their strength and prophetic abilities. Only after Faith discovers she’s a Halfling–thanks to her warrior father she’s never met–does her own skill of forethought develop.

  Peacio’s Prince Davio Loveria is sent to the young Faith Stryker by his grandfather, but not all goes as planned. Davio discovers Faith isn’t just a Halfling, she’s also his soul-bound mate–an intense relationship he cannot, nor will not, give up.

  With two wars now waging…one of land and the other of the heart…can the young lovers find their place in the world?

  Warrior

  Magio-Earth, #2

  To love and protect...across worlds.

  Eighteen-year-old Hope Wincrest calls the Outback of Australia her home away from home. She is a princess of Dralion from the planet Magio, where the two leading nations are at war. While in the Outback, Hope is warned by her warrior father–who holds the prophetic ability of forethought–that she is about to meet an enemy protector. She doesn’t expect him to be her soul-bound mate, a man she must now work with to piece together her unknown mother’s lost heritage.

  Peacio’s Silas Carver follows the calling of his soul to Australia, only not all goes as planned. Discovering Hope is his mate has him demanding his release from their bond. She agrees, but only if he fir
st helps her learn about her mother.

  Hope must lay her life in Silas’s hands during a journey which takes them deep into foreign lands. Waging a battle of the heart, and of the land, can the young mated pair find their place with each other?

  Lyrical Press books are published by

  Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

  Copyright © 2013 Joanne Wadsworth

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

  Lyrical Press and the L logo are trademarks of Kensington Publishing Corp.

  First Electronic Edition: December 2013

  ISBN-13: 9781616505066