Risking It All

by Max Hudson

  “Because that’s the third time I’ve seen you load your weapon since we came downstairs.”

  Harry hadn’t realized he had been doing it over and over again. Checking that the safety was on, he tucked his gun into the back of his jeans.

  “I can’t promise anything, Drew. And the same goes to you as well.”

  “Touché.” Drew looked over his shoulder, even though there was nobody there. Then he turned back and lowered his voice. “I’ll be close by if you need me.”

  “I got this.” Harry squeezed Drew’s hand. “Wish me luck.”

  The urge to kiss him was tempting, but Harry didn’t want to risk anyone hearing what they were up to. He turned off the light to the kitchen and stepped out into the backyard. It was pitch black now, and it took a moment for Harry’s eyes to adjust. He took out his flashlight and turned it on, flashing the light across the grass. There was a gap in the hedge at the far end of the garden where the hedge itself had died, and Alex often used it to slip in and out so nobody had to see him from the front. With their home backing onto some woods, it was perfect to disappear into.

  Harry hovered at the end of the garden, resisting the urge to pace. He hated waiting, and Alex always made him wait. Then when Harry’s guard was lowered, he would turn up. It was something he had done his whole life. Harry hated being on the back foot with his brother.

  This time, it wasn’t going to happen.

  But even as Harry thought that, he heard a sudden rustling of leaves behind him and he spun around, his heart missing a beat. He pointed the light at the hedge and saw Alex stepping through, holding a hand up to shield his eyes.

  “Fuck, Aaron. Do you want people to know what you’re up to?”

  “Well, if you do tell me to turn all the fucking lights off.” Harry pointed the flashlight at the ground, but he didn’t turn it off. “Why did you want to meet here?”

  “With a potential lockdown happening, you would raise a lot of questions if you were out and about without a proper reason.”

  “How thoughtful.” Harry sneered.

  “And it’s quiet here. Very quiet.” Alex tucked his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. “Perfect for what I need to do.”

  What he needed to do. Harry wasn’t sure about that. He could only hope what Alex was about to do didn’t happen before the FBI got hold of him.

  “I’ve had time to think about what you want me to do; to keep doing what you want. Well, I stand by my previous decision.” Harry lifted his chin and fixed Alex with a steely glare. “I won’t don’t it.”

  “You won’t?”

  “No, I won’t. I don’t care how much you need to do pest control on Agent Martindale. Hiding you from the feds for a couple of days was bad enough, but what you’re asking me to help you with is way above my paygrade.”

  Alex arched an eyebrow.

  “You want to be paid to do this?”

  “No, I just want to be left alone. For good.” Harry took a deep breath. This was harder than he anticipated. “Stop coming to me asking for ‘help’. You don’t need help from me, you just want to make me squirm. Just like you have all these years. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re setting me up for his murder.”

  Alex shrugged.

  “Shouldn’t be too difficult, seeing as you’ve moved your kids out and Martindale’s moved in. From what I hear, he’s been in your home all day.” He smirked. “I wonder what you two have been up to. I seem to remember catching you with a man not too long ago. And Agent Martindale refused Rosalie’s advances. He might find you more enticing.”

  Harry swallowed. He was not about to give in to that. Alex was making him squirm again.

  “What makes you think I’m not going to go to the FBI and tell them what you’re up to?” He demanded. “And how do you know I’m not here with them? That Agent Martindale isn’t listening in on this?”

  Alex sniggered.

  “You think I’m stupid, don’t you? That I’m cocky enough to meet you on your turf without their knowledge? I know you’ve got them close by. And I have a contingency plan.” He gestured at the woods behind him. “Unlike them, I know this area like the back of my hand. I need to. By the time they realize what’s happened, I’ll be long gone. They won’t get me, and they won’t get to you before you die.”

  Harry tensed.

  “You’re going to kill me with federal agents a stone’s throw away?”

  “I’m not.” Alex looked over Harry’s shoulder. “She is.”

  Harry turned. And saw Rosalie Muleham walking toward him from the house. How long had she been there? Wearing dark clothes, full SWAT gear and helmet, she looked like one of the federal agents who had come in the armored van now parked down the street. She had a federal-issues gun pointed at Harry’s head, walking somewhat awkwardly. The gear had to be weighing her down; she wasn’t strong enough to deal with it.

  How the hell had she managed to slip past everyone else?

  “You thwarted our plan to get rid of Martindale,” Alex said smoothly, “And you’re threatening to turn us over. So now we’re going to get rid of you before we go after Martindale himself. I’m sure if my theory on what’s happened with you two is correct, then he’s going to be distraught after you’re gone. He’ll be left completely open for us.”

  “You’re surrounded, Alex.” Harry didn’t turn away from Rosalie. The gun was not wavering in his direction. “Even if you kill me, you’re not going to get away.”

  Alex chuckled.

  “Oh, but I will. I always do. We both have a contingency plan. By the time anyone realizes what’s happened, we’ll be long gone.”

  Harry doubted that. Already, he could hear a commotion in his ear. The feds were moving in. He could only hope they got there in time.

  “Any last words, Aaron?” Alex asked. “Or shall we just kill you? Seeing as you’ve outlived your usefulness. I can’t have you coming after me as well.”

  “Fuck you, Alex.”

  Alex snorted. Then there was a rustling of leaves. Harry glanced over his shoulder, and saw only blackness, but Alex was gone.

  ***

  Harry had told Drew about how Callow would be getting into the garden. The woods out back that surrounded the closed off road were dense, and they were vast. Callow had come and gone through them so many times that he knew the area like the back of his hand. But there were a few places where he could come out. One of them was a turn-off near the freeway, where Callow would have a car ready.

  When Harry left the kitchen, Drew headed out the front door to his car. If he was quick, he would be able to get to Callow’s destination before that bastard did. Providing he didn’t hurt Harry in the process. His colleagues wouldn’t let anything happen to Harry, but Drew still only trusted himself to keep his lover safe.

  Lover. That was a title he hadn’t used in a while. Boyfriend sounded better. Was Harry now a boyfriend? Or was he something else? That was something Drew was going to discuss with him later. Hopefully, Harry would be just as amenable with a new title. Circumstances had made their meeting unfortunate, but Drew didn’t regret it. After all this was done, he had gotten something out of it.

  Harry Bryant.

  Drew got onto the empty freeway and turned off at the designated spot. Further along the turn-off, just as Harry had predicted, was a car. It was the one with easy access to the freeway, which could take Callow to anywhere he wanted to go.

  Drew pulled up behind the car and got out. Withdrawing his gun from its holster, he hurried to the car and checked it. It was unlocked, with the keys still in the ignition and a duffle bag open on the passenger seat. Drew took out the keys and tucked them in his pocket. Then he shut the door and leaned against the bonnet.

  And he waited. If Harry was right, Callow was going to come out at some point along this side of the woods. From the crackling in Drew’s ear, Callow had left and was heading through the trees. Drew had situated some men in the woods, but he had told them to just watch Callow. Do not
approach.

  He wanted Callow for himself.

  There was a crackling of twigs and leaves, and Callow hurried out of the trees to Drew’s left. He looked toward the car, and then did a double take. Drew brought his gun up, pointing it at Callow. The urge to pull the trigger was great. Give him a matching wound. One that he wouldn’t recover from.

  “Don’t move, Callow. You’re under arrest.”

  Callow’s eyes widened. Then he relaxed and smirked.

  “Hello, Martindale. I was wondering where you were.”

  “Waiting for you.” Drew advanced on him, keeping his distance. “On your knees. Hands on your head. Now.”

  Callow was still smirking as he lowered slowly onto his knees. He was giving up far too easily. What was he up to?

  “I didn’t think Harry would be anywhere without his new loyal hound with him.” Callow sneered.

  “He’s got better morals than you have.”

  “Really? I doubt it.” Callow sniggered. “He’s my twin brother. How do you know he and I haven’t been on this together? That we’re both killers?”

  “Because you wouldn’t have murdered his wife.” Drew stepped around Callow, keeping his gun trained on the bastard’s head. “If you were partners, she would still be alive.”

  “How do you know Aaron didn’t murder his wife?”

  “You mean aside from the fact he has a solid alibi and his testimony against you?” Drew put his gun into its holster and brought out his handcuffs. “I think it’s a safe bet that he wasn’t involved.

  Callow grunted. He didn’t fight as Drew lowered one arm, yanking it behind his back.

  “My brother was meant to help me when I needed it. But he couldn’t even do that. Just like now.”

  Drew was expecting a fight, but he was still knocked off-balance when Callow jabbed his elbow up at him, narrowly missing Drew’s face and hitting him in the shoulder. Then Callow kicked back, his foot hitting Drew in the shin. Drew cried out and fell forward, landing on top of Callow. The man started bucking like a wild animal, trying to get away. Drew wrapped his arm around Callow’s neck, his legs linking around the bastard’s waist, and held on. He wasn’t about to let him get away. Not this time. Callow gargled and tried to reach back, but Drew kept his head out of reach.

  Then he felt Callow trying to go for his gun. Drew squeezed more on his neck and rolled, pinning Callow face down into the dirt. Callow let out a muffled scream and started writhing more like he was having a fit. Drew loosened his arm just a little in the scuffle, and then he was screaming as Callow bit him.

  Kneeling on him, Drew pulled his arm back and rammed his elbow into the back of Callow’s head. The pain jarred all the way up his arm, but it had the desired effect. Callow slumped back into the dirt, his head bouncing on the ground. Then he lay still.

  Drew counted to ten before he was certain that Callow wasn’t getting up again.

  Chapter Nine

  “You think you can shoot me, Rosalie?” Harry asked. He stared at Rosalie as the young woman approached him, still pointing the gun at his face. “Your sister could do it without a second thought. No hesitation at all. I don’t think you can do it.”

  “Shut up.” Rosalie snapped. “You talk too much.”

  Harry glanced toward the house. He could see the FBI appearing around the side of the house, their guns and lights pointed their way. Rosalie hadn’t noticed. If she didn’t shoot him right now, she was going to be tackled. Then again, Harry had noticed something about Rosalie. Something she hadn’t realized.

  It was why the FBI weren’t advancing immediately. Harry had this.

  “If you were going to shoot me, Rosalie, you would have done it by now.” Harry took a step toward her and watched as her eyes widened. “Alex may have promised you a lot of things and made it look enticing, but it’s nothing like that. As it is, you’re already in a lot of trouble.”

  “Alex will make sure I’m safe.” Rosalie said. “I know he will.”

  “If that’s the case, he wouldn’t have left you behind to be arrested. You’re not as smart as him. You’ll be picked up before you’ve even blinked.” Harry watched as Rosalie faltered. “Alex has never looked out for anyone except himself. Marlene never understood that, either. When it was clear that Marlene was of no use to him, he got rid of her. I wouldn’t be surprised if he made sure Marlene was caught. And if he saw any true potential in you, he wouldn’t leave you here without a backup plan.”

  “Shut you.” Rosalie hissed. “You don’t know anything.”

  She was so focused on him that she hadn’t noticed the SWAT team advancing on her. And they weren’t exactly quiet. Harry almost felt sorry for her. She had been fed a few lies and then Alex just tossed away just as quickly as he snapped her up.

  “I’m Alex’s brother. Of course I know everything about him. You love him, I get that. But he’s already made you an accessory to an attempted murder, and once you pull that trigger, you’re going to end up in jail for murder.”

  “I won’t.” Rosalie shook her head. “Alex will make sure of that. He won’t let me go to jail.”

  “Too much faith in a man who’s already abandoned you.” Harry sighed and snatched the gun from her hand. “By the way, if you’re going to shoot someone, make sure you take the safety catch off.”

  Rosalie’s mouth opened and closed. Then her face screwed up and she began to cry. Harry stepped away as the SWAT team moved in, one reading Rosalie her rights as she was handcuffed. Rosalie didn’t fight them. All the spark had gone out of her.

  It was hard not to feel sympathy for her position as Harry watched her being led away. Alex had made it sound like he needed her. But Rosalie had only been a means to an end. When that didn’t work, he had decided to cut everyone loose. Find other people to get rid of Drew. Alex sure had a hard-on for the FBI agent who almost caught him.

  Then again, considering what Drew was like, it was difficult not to have a hard-on for him.

  ***

  Callow was alive. But he was still unconscious as he was loaded into the ambulance with an armed guard. Drew made sure that Callow had a watch over him at all times. Once he had been checked over in the hospital, he was going straight to custody.

  Finally. It was over. The man who had been the bane of Drew’s life for years was now going to jail. And he wouldn’t be coming out unless it was in a box, if the judge had anything to do with it. It would take a very stupid judge to let him see the light of day again.

  Drew was on a high as he drove back to Harry’s home. Checking in, it was confirmed that Rosalie had been arrested as well. She hadn’t even tried to flee. Even though she was meant to shoot Harry, she had just stood there unable to pull the trigger as the SWAT team moved in. She had frozen up. The woman might have been able to flirt outrageously and attempt a seduction, but she couldn’t kill anyone.

  Maybe that’s why Alex didn’t bring her along with him when he left. He knew she would only slow him down. Rosalie was just as much a victim as the others.

  Much like Harry. He had never wanted to be related to a serial killer, and he never wanted to be a part of it. Harry would be interviewed extensively over his involvement before anyone decided what was going to happen to him. If he was lucky, he would get a suspended sentence and a community order. He wouldn’t be able to be a cop after that, and Drew knew that would crush Harry. He loved his work, that much had been clear. He would be floundering, trying to figure out what to do.

  Drew wasn’t about to let him drown.

  The SWAT van was pulling away, along with one of the big black SUVs the FBI possessed. Drew gave the drivers a wave and then he pulled into Harry’s drive. Harry was standing at the doorway, arms folded as he watched the feds leave. The light was behind him, but Drew could see his hunched shoulders, his head tilting as he stared at the floor. He looked really lonely.

  Not anymore. Drew locked up his car and hopped up onto the porch. Harry looked up and frowned.

  “Aren’t you
going with them?” He asked. “This is a case you wanted to crack yourself.”

  “Callow’s not going anywhere if he’s in the hospital.”

  “What?” Harry stared. “What did you do?”

  “He’s not dead. He’ll have a headache for a while.” Drew led Harry into the house, shutting the door behind him. “I wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Really?” Drew took Harry’s trembling hand. “Can you say that without shaking?”

  “That’s just the adrenaline.”

  Drew didn’t believe that. It wasn’t every day that Harry had someone pointing a gun at him. He was a traffic officer; that was a rare thing for him. Everything was going to be coming out of him now.

  “Do you need something to help take your mind off it?”

  Harry looked at him thoughtfully. Then his eyes darkened. God, Drew would never get bored looking at those green eyes. They were just beautiful.

  “I can think of a few things.” Harry tugged Drew closer. “But it would require your cooperation.”

  “I’m at your disposal.”

  “Good.”

  Their kiss was fierce, and something slammed into Drew. He needed this as much as Harry did. There had been a moment with Callow where he could have been shot again, maybe even killed this time. Then he wouldn’t be coming home, either.

  He felt Harry undo the Velcro straps of his vest, and Drew shrugged it off, letting it drop to the floor. Then Harry gripped hold of Drew’s shirt and jerked it open. Buttons flew everywhere and something ripped. Drew growled and pressed Harry against the wall, allowing Harry to push his shirt off his shoulders and rake his fingers down his arms. He reached between them and squeezed Harry’s erection, which seemed to thicken in his hand. Harry broke the kiss with a gasp. He was breathing heavily.

  “I think you need this as much as I do.”

  “I think you might be right, Officer Bryant.” Drew smirked as he rubbed Harry’s crotch. “I’m all yours.”

  “Good.” Harry nodded toward the stairs. “Get what we need upstairs. And then join me in the front room.”