Deadly Image

by Tamelia Tumlin

  “Too late. They came too late to save me. Do you have any idea how much pain is involved with burns?” Laura took a lighter from her pocket and flicked the switch. The small flame flickered in the dim room. “Do you know how many years it takes skin to heal after it’s been burned almost to the bone?”

  Fear shivered down Lexi’s spine. Oh, Lord. Was she going to burn her?

  ”Laura, please don’t.”

  Laura held the flame toward her face. Lexi recoiled as the heat warmed her cheek. “Don’t what? Do this?” Laura pushed the lighter toward Lexi’s left shoulder. The heat singed her skin and the stench of burnt flesh filled the air. Lexi screamed as pain ripped through her.

  Laura laughed and pulled the flame back. “Too bad your big-shot FBI boyfriend isn’t here to save you this time.”

  Lexi swallowed hard to keep from crying out. Though the burn was small, the flesh on her shoulder arrowed pain throughout her arm. Lexi blinked and tried to concentrate on what Laura was saying.

  Boyfriend? Why did everyone think Ace was her boyfriend?

  More importantly, why did the thought of Ace being considered her boyfriend send a thrill through her veins? Had she actually fallen for the handsome agent? Could she so soon after Carl’s death?

  Lexi pushed the question to the back of her mind. She needed to keep Laura talking. If she kept her distracted, she might could find a way to escape. “Why did you cut the brakes on my mom and dad’s car? What did they ever do to you?”

  Anger flamed in Laura’s eyes. “What did they do? They left me behind. Because I was hurt and not perfect like you, they threw me away. Why couldn’t they have taken me too? I needed parents just as much as you did. You didn’t deserve them after what you did to me.”

  “Laura, they wanted to take you too. But the doctors said you’d be better off getting the help you needed in the facility. Mom and Dad couldn’t provide that for you.”

  “Liar! They just didn’t want to be bothered with a disfigured child. Not when they had a perfect one for their family!”

  “That’s not tru–”

  “Shut up! Just shut up! It doesn’t matter now. Soon they’ll be dead and so will you, then I’ll have the family I always wanted.” Her eyes slitted. “The family I deserve.”

  “Mama?”

  Anna’s weak cry cut through Lexi like a knife. Her eyes darted to the cot in the back. “I’m here, baby! Mama’s still here.”

  Laura turned to Andrew. “Put the kid in the car. I’m going to finish this one off and then we’ll be on our way. We’ll take care of the Carlisles later.”

  Andrew made a move toward the back. Lexi shoved to her feet, teetered once more to gain balance, then lunged for him. “No! Don’t touch her!”

  Startled, Andrew fell to the floor as Lexi’s body slammed into him. The gun flew out of his hand and skidded across the concrete. Laura sprinted to the back of the shed to get it.

  “Run, Anna! Run!” Lexi prayed her child had enough strength to do it.

  Anna slid off the cot, clutching a teddy bear, and ran across the concrete, reaching out for Lexi. “Mama, mama!”

  “No, baby. Outside. Run and hide! Hurry!” Lexi pushed all of her weight onto Andrew knowing it was only a matter of time before he overpowered her.

  Laura reached down for the gun. “Don’t you go anywhere, Anna. Not if you want to see your mama ever again.”

  Anna stopped at the front door, tears streaming down her fear-stricken face. Lexi’s heart froze.

  “No, Anna! Don’t listen to her. Run. Run as fast as you can and hide. I’ll find you, I promise!”

  Anna looked from Lexi to Laura, then she flung open the front door, letting in a stream of sunlight, and ran.

  Please, God. Keep her safe.

  Andrew shoved Lexi off of him and scrambled up.

  “Come back, you little brat!” Laura shrieked, then pointed the gun at Lexi, eyes wild and lips curled. “You! You–”

  A shot fired.

  Someone screamed.

  Lexi assumed it was her, so she closed her eyes and waited for the pain that was sure to come. She didn’t feel anything. No sting. No throbbing. No nothing. She’d have thought getting shot would involve pain on some level. Maybe not. Or maybe she was already dead.

  “Freeze! FBI!”

  Lexi’s breath caught in her throat. She doubted Heaven had a police force, so maybe she wasn’t dead after all.

  She opened her eyes to see Laura’s lifeless body lying face down on the concrete floor, blood pooling beneath her left shoulder and the gun only a few feet away.

  Oh, Lord! She was dead. Her sister was dead.

  Lexi lifted her eyes to the door.

  Ace stood in the doorway, gun pointed at Andrew, brutal anger etched in every line of his face. “Put your hands up and kick the weapon over here.”

  Andrew’s eyes darted to the gun on the floor.

  “Don’t even think about, Faulkner! I’ll drop you in a heartbeat. Just give me a reason to.”

  Andrew’s shoulders deflated as he kicked the gun across the floor. Ace lowered his gun when Sheriff Dawson and Zach rushed in to arrest him.

  “You okay?” Ace was beside Lexi in two strides. He knelt down and untied the rope around her wrist.

  Lexi rubbed her arms. Every muscle seemed to be crying out in pain from being constricted for so long. “I’m okay. I need to find Anna. I–”

  “She’s fine. The other officers outside will take care of her. We pulled up just as she was running out the door.” Ace stood, then held his hand out to help her to her feet.

  “Thank goodness.” Lexi glanced over at Laura. Sadness flowed through her. She hadn’t even had a chance to get to know her sister. Now she was dead. Life really wasn’t fair sometimes. And if what Andrew said were true, then it was all her fault. She’d started this horrific chain of events when she’d started the fire. Now her sister had paid the ultimate price for it.

  “I didn’t have a choice.” Ace cleared his throat. “It was her or you. I sure wasn’t going to let it be you.”

  “I know.” Lexi blinked back the tears.

  Ace pulled her to him and wrapped his arms around her. She welcomed the comfort and warmth of his embrace. She felt safe with him.

  “Sometimes people do stupid things and there are consequences.” He gave her a hug.

  “But this is all my fault. I’m the one who started the fire when we were kids. I’m the reason Laura had a miserable life, and now I’m the reason she’s dead.” Even in the one-room shed Lexi’s voice sounded small. “All my fault.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Deputy Owens – I mean Andrew – said it was in the report. They thought I was the one who started the fire.”

  “Even if it’s true, you can’t blame yourself. You were just a child and it was an accident. You shouldn’t carry that burden with you.”

  Lexi lifted her head. “But you do. You blame yourself for your brother’s death. Maybe it’s time you let go of the burden too.”

  Ace stilled. “Let’s go see about Anna.”

  * * *

  She was right, Ace realized as he pulled into Lexi’s driveway the next day. It was time to stop blaming himself for José’s death. God had forgiven him a long time ago and it was time he forgave himself.

  And to forgive his mother.

  She’d left them, true. But it was time to let go of the pain. He’d spent so much time trying to keep his relationships at a distance that he had missed out on finding a family of his own.

  For the first time in his life, he wanted to have someone to come home to. To have someone to share his life with. To have someone like Lexi.

  Ace parked and got out as Lexi walked toward him.

  “I hoped you’d stop by before you left.” Lexi gave him a tremulous smile.

  “All the paperwork has been completed and filed, so we’re heading home. I just wanted to check on you before we did.”

  “We’re fine now. Thanks to
you.” Lexi’s eyes softened as she looked at her child playing in the dirt underneath the oak tree. “Anna’s doing well. Kids are very resilient.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. How are your parents?”

  “Dad is getting out today and Mom is being moved to a regular room. She’ll be in the hospital at least another week, but the doctors are pleased with her progress so far.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Ace shifted his weight to his other foot. “I guess I should get on the road. You’ll let me know if you ever need anything, won’t you?”

  Lexi tilted her head to look up at him. “I need something now.”

  “What?”

  “Now that everything is back to normal, I’ve had a little time to think.” A flush climbed her face. “I’ve sorted out my feelings.”

  Ace’s pulse galloped. What was she saying?

  Lexi palmed his face, her eyes searching his. “I realized that I don’t want to lose you. I thought it would be too soon after Carl’s death to get involved with anyone, and some people will probably say it is, but sometimes things happen when you aren’t expecting it. I think I’m falling in love with you, Ace, and if you still care for me, I’d like to give us a chance. See where it goes.”

  Ace studied her face for any sign of doubt. He didn’t find any. “You’re sure?”

  “Very.”

  “Long-distance relationships are hard.”

  “They are.” Lexi agreed. “Luckily, you’re only forty-five minutes away. That’s not so bad. A lot of people commute over an hour to get to work every day. I think we can commute to see each other if we want this to work.”

  “I can’t give you the luxuries you’re used to,” Ace warned her. He wanted to make that clear up front. He couldn’t bear it if she were disappointed in him someday for not being able to provide her with things she wanted.

  “I don’t remember asking for any luxuries. All I need are you and Anna. So, are you through?”

  “With what?”

  “Making excuses.”

  “I’m not making excuses. I just want you to be clear on what you’re getting.”

  “I know exactly what I’m getting.” Lexi laughed. “Now kiss me already.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Ace grinned, then leaned down and kissed her on the lips. Warmth spread through him and for the first time in his life, he finally felt as though he belonged somewhere. “Bossy little thing, aren’t you?”

  “You haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until I give you a ‘Honey Do’ list.”

  “I think I’ll look forward to it.” Ace pulled her into his arms and kissed her again. “Definitely looking forward to it.”

  EPILOGUE

  Ace turned on the kitchen light, pulled a mug from the cabinet and poured a cup of steaming dark roast blend. He sat down at the kitchen table, the Saturday newspaper in one hand and coffee mug in the other. A yellow piece of paper fluttered to the floor. He reached down to pick it up.

  Honey Do List

  Pick up large package of diapers

  Install child-proof locks on the kitchen cabinets

  Take Anna to soccer practice at 3:00

  His lips curved into a smile. Lexi had made good on her promise of giving him “Honey Do” lists. For the past two-and-half years he’d seen more “Honey Do’s” than the law allowed, yet each one still sent a thrill through his body. God had blessed him with a wonderful family: a loving wife, an adorable step-daughter and an energetic son.

  “Good, you found the list.” Lexi appeared in the doorway holding their seven-month-old. “I need to add one thing to it.” She padded across the floor in her pink fuzzy house shoes.

  Ace reached for the baby. “How’s my little guy this morning?” His son snuggled against his chest, cooing. The scent of baby powder filled the air. Ace’s breath hitched. He had a son. He had a family.

  “Teething.” Lexi smiled as she leaned over to jot down Tylenol on the list.

  “And how’s my beautiful wife this morning?” Ace slipped an arm around her waist and hugged her.

  “Cranky. José kept me up most of the night.” She leaned over and planted a kiss on her husband’s lips. “But I wouldn’t trade one minute of it.”

  “Me either.” Ace grinned, his heart swelling with joy. “I love you, Mrs. Valdez.”

  Her eyes softened. “I love you too, Ace. Always and forever.”

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Tamelia Tumlin has worked with several online publishers, but is now writing exclusively for Steel Magnolia Press. Juggling motherhood, teaching and writing is a challenge, but one she welcomes to pursue her passion.

  Her romance stories range from sweet and sassy to dark and dangerous. Titles include:

  A Time for Healing (Christian Romance)

  Catering to the Italian Playboy (Contemporary Category Romance)

  A Dragon’s Seduction (Paranormal Romance Novella)

  Home Is Where the Heart Is (Contemporary Category Romance)

  Her Royal Protégé (Contemporary Romance Novella)

  Blind Love (Sweet Paranormal Romance Novella)

  Seducing the Night (Spicy Paranormal Romance Novella)

  * * *

  These books and more are available to purchase direct (and risk-free) from your favorite outlet(s). See the Steel Magnolia Press website at www.steelmagnoliapress.com.

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  Subscribe to Fresh Leaves, the Steel Magnolia Press newsletter, to be notified of new releases and subscriber-only specials: http://eepurl.com/gCgrX.

  (You can also subscribe from the Steel Magnolia Press website.)

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  If you enjoyed this work, please leave a review to help other readers decide if it’s a story they too would like to read! A couple of sentences are all you need to write. Thank you!

  * * *

  A Dragon’s Seduction

  Firefighter and Gatekeeper Brayden St. John guards the Northern portal to Jarithia the same way he fights fires: with honor, bravery and his own set of rules. But when the dragonshifter meets a certain lovely sorceress, he soon learns that rules are meant to be broken. Even his rules.

  Sorceress Callie Gautreaux, owner of Ribbons and Roses Flower Shop, walked away from her powerful family and her Magik years ago. Now, as a malevolent wizard invokes a rogue Chaos dragon to terrorize the streets of New Orleans, she must join forces with her sworn enemy – an ultra-sexy dragonshifter – and face her past in order to save the humans. But can she save her heart from the dragon's charm?

  * * *

  Catering to the Italian Playboy

  It was humiliating! How could caterer Sophie Westbrook ever face the sexy Italian hotel tycoon again after the way she’d practically thrown herself at him six years earlier…and ended up in his bed? Yet here she was back in his hotel wearing only a G-string and a smile.

  Maximus Rinaldi is not pleased to find a half-naked exotic dancer in the middle of his business meeting…until he discovers she’s the mystery woman he shared one unbelievable night with years ago. Max is determined to win her back into his bed, but Sophie has a secret that might just turn the sexy Italian playboy’s life upside down!