Field Stripped: 15 Steamy Military Romances

by Marissa Dobson

  As they got closer, the police stopped them, telling them it was a crime scene.

  “I am the owner Mary-Alice Roberts, and this is Al Sanderson he is the second contact should I not be available. Can you tell me what happened?”

  “Well, Ms. Roberts it looks like, someone tossed a brick through your window we will be sending the brick to the crime lab.”

  “Why would someone do that? Teufel Hundens is a well-respected business.”

  “I have to ask have you had any arguments or confrontations lately, where someone might target you?

  “I did just get dumped by my ex, and he was banned from Teufel Hundens for unpaid tabs, we did have words Sunday night at Casper’s Landings.”

  “What is your ex-boyfriends name if I may ask?”

  “His name is James Cocker.”

  “Do you know of anyone one who would want to cause you harm?”

  “No… I don’t.”

  “Do you have security cameras?”

  “Yes, they cover the inside, the back door and the parking lot. I can get you the video if you would like.”

  “That will be wonderful. You won’t be able to repair your window until later; do you have anything to board it up?”

  Blondie turned and asked AL,” Do we have anything to board up the windows?”

  “I think I got some plywood in the storage shed, don’t worry about it Lil Mary, I will take care of it.”

  “Well, Officer we can board these windows up till later, is there anything else you need?”

  “No… I think that will be about it Ms. Roberts, don’t forget to drop off that video later today, here is a copy of your report, just make sure you bring that with you. I will let you know if we find anything out.”

  Al retrieved some plywood from the storage shed and with Blondie’s help he nailed them in place until the glass could be replaced.

  “Do you want to close Teufel Hundens, until the window gets fixed?” Al asked with a serious expression. “Whatever you choose, I will support you Lil Mary.”

  “As much as I hate to admit it, I think closing till the windows are fixed is a good idea. Hopefully, we can get them replaced fast.” Who do you think did that Uncle Al? I mean yeah James is an asshole, but I don’t see him doing something like this.”

  “I don’t know honey… Let’s go home… do you want me to come up and have coffee with you or are you going to be fine?

  “I’ll be fine Uncle Al… I will have some tea and go back to bed… see ya at breakfast.

  Blondie and Al walked back to their house, separating when they got to Al’s floor. Blondie really hopes it was just some kid trying to be a badass and not someone with actual evil intent.

  Unlocking her front door, she went to make some sleepy time tea and hopefully fall back to sleep. As she finished her tea, she saw that her answering machine was blinking. Hitting play, she waited where it would normally list the phone number it said caller unknown, then the following message played.

  “The brick was just a warning… keep running your mouth bitch and that has-been along with you will pay for it.”

  Blondie didn’t recognize the voice, but she had a pretty good idea who it came from. She would inform the police when she went to drop off the surveillance video. Climbing into bed she was determined to go back to sleep, she wasn’t going to lose her sleep over some dumbass who thought they could scare her.

  Jake woke, he was feeling pretty good, he didn’t have any nightmares and actually got a full ten hours of sleep. He was looking forward to working with Blondie.

  Jake made some coffee and sat down at his desk, he already decided he was going to work with the company’s contractor and architect; he would be meeting up with them later this week. As he went through his messages, there was one from Blondie saying that Teufel Hundens was going to be closed for a few days for repairs and for him to call her back.

  Dialing her number Jake waited till Blondie picked up.

  “Hey Handsome, I didn’t expect you to get back to me so fast.”

  “I just got up, what’s going on Babydoll?”

  “Well, someone thought that Teufel Hundens would look nice with the front windows broke out, police say they don’t know who did it yet, but I think I have an idea. I have to drop the surveillance video off, and I also got a threating message on my phone, so I have to let them know about that.”

  “Do you need any help or want me to come with you? I am free now that I don’t have to work tonight.”

  “Al is taking care of the window… insurance will pay for it, but it will be a couple of days, I guess they need to order custom sized window as they are going to replace the whole thing not just the glass. I would love for you to come with me to the police station though as I am pretty sure the message on my phone was directed towards you also.”

  “What do you mean it was directed towards me?”

  “I don’t know Jake, but I think that James is the one behind it, but I can’t prove it yet.”

  “I will be over in twenty minutes, stay where you are we will go to the police together. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Jake pulled his Jeep into Blondie’s driveway, as he got out… He saw Al over at Teufel Hundens talking with someone about the windows. Giving him a wave Jake pushed the buzzer.

  “It’s me Babydoll, let me in.” Jake said when he heard her voice

  “It’s open, come into the common room,” Blondie replied as the door unlocked itself.

  Jake opened the door and went through the entry to the common area. Blondie was sitting on the couch going over paperwork.

  “Hey Babydoll,” Jake said giving Blondie a kiss on the cheek and sitting down next to her. “This is a pretty nice setup... I really like all the tropical plants.”

  “Yeah, I like it too… it is something Al and I designed together. I am waiting for him to come back from talking with the insurance guy. He is on my policies, so I don’t have to deal with them… they always treat women like we are stupid, and I tend to get pissed at them, so it is better for all involved if Al takes care of it.”

  “Makes sense, so what did this phone message say?”

  “Well… It pretty much said the brick was a warning and for me and the has-been to stop running our mouths or we will pay for it. That is why I think it is James because he called you a has-been before. But it wasn’t his voice, and I don’t see him throwing bricks through windows.”

  “He might have had someone do it for him. He did make a scene at his work yesterday. I was there looking for a property, and his boss put him in his place. Don’t think he liked that, I also had a conversation with his boss about James’ behavior outside work and some other things.”

  “I thought you had a house? Were you looking for something else?”

  “I do have a house… I was looking for a particular type of property. I can’t tell you about it yet, but I will… trust me Mary.”

  “I do trust you Jake; you have not given me any reason not to.”

  Al, walked into the commons, “Got everything taken care of Lil Mary, should have it replaced by Thursday. Hey Jake, how’s it going Marine.”

  “It’s going as good as it can, Al… about to take Mary down to the police station.”

  “Good… I will take care of things here with the vendors as they are still scheduled to come in.”

  “Thanks again, Uncle Al, it means a lot to me.” Getting up from the couch Blondie gave him a hug.

  “Come on Jake, we are taking your Jeep… let’s get this bullshit taken care of.”

  Shaking his head, Jake got up and said, “Whatever you say Babydoll, just remember I am driving.” Swatting her on her ass, he walked to the door and held it open for her, and winked at Al.

  Al laughed “He has your number, Lil Mary, see ya later. Jake, you behave yourself and if you need anything give a call.”

  Blondie and Jake got in the Jeep and headed to the police station. As
they pulled into the station, they saw James walking down the steps, he didn’t look very happy. They stayed in the jeep until he left, not wanting to cause a commotion.

  “Come on Mary… James is gone, let’s give the police the video and tell them about the phone call.” They got out of the Jeep and went into the police station.

  Walking to the front desk, Blondie introduced herself to the officer sitting there. Within minutes, her and Jake were going back to meet with the investigating officer.

  “Ms. Roberts so nice to see you again, I hear you have the surveillance video for me and something else had happened.”

  “Yes, Officer… When I got back to my house, I had a message on my phone… I can play it for you if you wish.”

  After the officer had listened to the message, he said, “I can see where you would think it came from Mr. Cocker. We pulled him in for an interview, and he did seem bitter against you, but he has an alibi. From what I understand, you had a perfectly good reason for banning him. We will continue to look into the case and go over the evidence we are still waiting on lab results from the brick. I will be in contact with you. I suggest that you stay with someone, just to be on the safe side. Should you need anything, here is my card.”

  “Mr. Peterson that goes for you also, I know you can handle yourself, but if you need anything, please call.”

  “Thank you for everything, Officer,” Blondie said as she stood up, shaking his hand she started to leave. Jake shook the officer’s hand and followed after Blondie.

  “Mary wait up, what’s the matter?”

  “Of course, he had an alibi, did they actually think he would admit he was behind it.”

  She came to a stop as Jake grabbed her arm turning her to him.

  “It’s ok, Babydoll. I won’t let anything happen to you. You can stay at my house if you want.”

  Jake’s cell phone started to ring, and he answered it, “Peterson… What… Okay, we will be there in a few minutes… See you soon.”

  “Come on Mary we have to get back to Teufel Hundens, Al, said that James showed up. He was pissed and saying some crazy shit… Al chased him off.”

  They got into the Jeep; Jake made sure they were buckled in before tearing out of the parking lot as they high-tailed it back to Teufel Hundens.

  Pulling in they saw Al, waiting for them.

  “Mary-Alice I am telling right now, you are going to stay with Jake… James made some serious threats, I already called the police they are working on a restraining order against him. Honey, he has gone off his rocker, talking about it’s your fault he is getting audited at work, and lost a huge contract. “

  “Oh shit,” Jake said, “This is all my fault… I put a bug in Ronnie Samson’s ear about James and told him I would only work with his company if James wasn’t involved in the handling of the condos. James must have overheard me; He was rude to me yesterday when I was trying to find property for the resort I am working on.”

  “Wait, what are you talking about? What condo’s? What resort?” Blondie asked, “Who the hell are you?”

  “I was going to tell you honestly Mary,” Jake said, as he held on to Blondie’s arms, holding her in place so she wouldn’t leave.

  “As soon as I got Warriors Hope approved and started. I didn’t want you to think I was using you. I need to work and keep busy. That is why I applied at Teufel Hundens. I could care less if you paid me pennies, I don’t need the money. I have more money than I will ever need.”

  “Who are you, Jake… Why are you so important, I noticed it at Casper’s Landing. Nobody has that much pull just by making reservations.”

  “I am the major shareholder for Peterson Resorts; My father was the President before he died. My uncle is current President, I never wanted to be part of the business I just happened to inherit my father’s shares.”

  “Still doesn’t explain why you were at the reality company, Jake and why didn’t you tell me?” Blondie was visibly upset that Jake hid who he was from her.

  “Very few people know who I am because I served in the Marines and was never an active part of the company. I was going to the different reality companies to figuring out what companies we would use to sell the condos for the new resort. I could only do that if I weeded out the companies by seeing if they would take the time to deal with an average everyday person.”

  “I also have particular needs for the Disabled Veteran’s Resort I am planning on building and running with Ham… My uncle told me the company would buy the property, but I would handle all costs that involve the running of it. The company that James works for had the perfect property, I was dealing with Ronnie Samson, and he only found out who I when I went to put in a bid for the property.”

  Shaking his head, Al said, “I don’t know what James is up too but if he was an honest businessman, he wouldn’t be getting so upset.”

  Blondie, turned to Al, “You knew who he was all along didn't you?”

  “Yes, I knew he was an honorable man that he served this country, and yes that he happened to very wealthy. Jake is a humble man, in the short time I have known him, he has been nothing but respectful to those around him and even stepped in to stand up to certain assholes. It isn't the amount of money a man has Mary-Alice that makes him worth something… it is the way he helps others and stands up for what is right.”

  “I am sorry, if I deceived you Mary, but for your safety will you stay at my house… you don’t have to sleep with me or even in my bed, you can sleep in the spare room. Please Baby, let me keep you safe.”

  Blondie huffed, as she let a large breath expel before saying, “I trust you Jake, I really like you, but right now I am so very pissed at you. I will stay with you… In the spare bedroom, until this mess is cleared up.”

  Blondie walked away and turned saying over her shoulder, “Al, I going to pack… I will be right back down…Jake you don’t have to show up for work when the window is fixed, Teufel Hundens will be fine with just one bartender.”

  Jake chuckled as he looked at Al, who was shaking his head, “I think I’m in love with that feisty lady. I am also pretty sure she just fired me.”

  “Give her time boy… Let’s get past this first before you go asking her to marry you.”

  “What… I haven't said anything about Marriage… Yet.”

  “Okay, Jake I am ready,” Blondie hollered as she walked out the door pulling a suitcase behind her.

  “I’ll keep a watch out here,” pointing his finger at Jake he said, “Jake; you keep my Mary safe you hear me, Marine.”

  “I hear you Al, I got her… Call me if you hear anything from the police. Come on Babydoll, onward to my house.” Jake put Blondie’s suitcase in the back of his Jeep, and then they got in and headed to his beach house.

  Blondie, pinched herself as they pulled into Jake’s garage, “This is your house?”

  “Well, I share it with Ham, now that he is moving in but yes this is my house… Come on Mary let’s get you settled.”

  Jake was very respectful of Blondie, knowing that she was still pissed at him. He didn’t mean to hide anything from her, but he was always a private person especially when it came to his family. Shit… Ham is the only person besides his uncle who knew mostly everything about him.

  He showed her to her room, telling her that there were towels in the cabinet, and the bathroom was across the hall. If she wanted to watch TV or something to eat, she could go to the second floor.

  “Did you pack a bathing suit?”

  “No, I didn’t think to.”

  “I will take you shopping tomorrow… I have a pool and spa; those are on the first floor… not to mention I have a private beach. I will leave you alone now… If you need anything, let me know… I am going to be in my office.”

  “Thank you, Jake… Seriously, I might be mad at you… but I still care for you,” Blondie gave him a kiss on his cheek and went to her room.

  Blondie read for a few hours before going to take a shower. She wrapped hers
elf in a towel and went across the hall. She saw that the light in Jake’s office was still on.

  Getting into the shower, Blondie had time to think. Now that she thought about it Blondie felt horrible for being mad at Jake. He was nothing but nice to her, and treated her with respect. Even when they had sex, he was sure to make sure she got hers first. Banging her head against the shower wall she thought, You’re stupid Blondie… you most likely ruined your chance at happiness.

  Blondie finished her shower; wrapping the towel around herself, she opened the door. She saw that Jake’s office light was off. Sighing she went back to her room, got dressed for bed and went to sleep.

  Blondie was awoken by screams. Turning on the hall light, she ran to down the hall to Jake’s room… turning on his bedroom light, she saw him tossing and turning in his sleep.

  Knowing from personal experience with her dad, she stood at the door and called his name. “Jake… Jake, your dreaming… Jake… Jake wake up,” she yelled.

  Jake came awake with a start, noticing that his bedroom light was on, he looked towards the door and saw Blondie standing there.

  Blondie walked forward as she saw he was now awake.

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “Naw, Babydoll but I wouldn’t mind if you sat with me a while.”

  Blondie walked over to the bed, pulling up the blanket she climbed into bed with Jake, scooting over she cuddled next to him.

  Jake laid his head on her chest to listen her heart beat. Blondie ran her hand over his head stroking his hair. She played with his hair as she felt him relax even more she leaned down and kissed the top of his head she whispered, “I’m sorry, Jake.”

  “Why are you sorry Babydoll?”

  “I knew everything I needed to know about you… Finding out you were rich didn’t change who you are… You’re still my hero Jake, whatever may happen you will always be my hero.”

  Epilogue

  Blondie had been staying on and off with Jake for just over two months, things were going moving along nicely. They both now had clothes at each other’s houses. When they aren’t at Teufel Hundens Jake was working on the project for Warriors Hope. Blondie is helping him as much as possible; Al even offered to cater the meals for the families.