by Rebecca Deel
“Better. Thanks for asking.”
“If she needs anything, let me know. We love that girl and what she does for our precious fur babies. Now, what can I get for you, honey?”
That made him grin. “Five specials to go.”
“Coming right up. You want some coffee while you wait?”
Did the coffee come in a gallon-size bucket? “Yes, ma’am. Thank you.”
She snagged a white coffee mug and filled it with the fragrant, steaming liquid. “Have a seat, Mason. I’ll put your order in. We’ll have you fixed up in a few minutes.”
He slid onto the padded stool and sipped the brew while listening to the quiet hum of conversation behind him. In between delivering meals and refilling drinks, he talked with Cindy about the progress on the Oakdale apartment complex.
“I can’t wait for the work to be completed.” She beamed. “My granddaughter is planning to rent an apartment there when she arrives for college in the fall. She’ll be sharing the space with her two best friends from high school.”
“They’ll enjoy living there. The complex features two nature trails, a full gym along with two pools, and plenty of green space. Your granddaughter needs to contact the leasing agent soon, though. I hear the apartments are filling up fast.” He gave her the agent’s name and number. He’d lost count of how many inquiries he and his boss had fielded since Elliott Construction began work on the site.
Cindy grabbed her phone and sent a text. “Thanks for the tip, Mason. I’ll see if your order is ready.” She hurried to the kitchen as Mason finished the last of his coffee.
A moment later, Cindy returned with a large bag. “Here you are. I added an apple pie to the bag. My treat.”
After he settled the bill, Mason leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for the coffee and pie, Cindy.”
“You bet, sugar. Come back and see us soon.”
He turned to leave and pulled up short when he saw Todd Fitzgerald glaring daggers at him from two feet away, hands fisted, cheeks red.
Not the time or place, Mason reminded himself. He had an avid audience and didn’t need citizens in the diner calling in a disturbance to Ethan.
“Fitzgerald,” he said, voice soft.
“They don’t know the real Mason Kincaid, do they?”
“Mason?” Cindy came out from behind the counter as conversation dropped to nothing in the diner. “Everything all right?”
He glanced at her with a wry smile. Nothing had been right since the night he graduated from college until he’d met Nicole. “Yes, ma’am. He’s from my hometown.”
Mason turned back to Fitzgerald. “If you want to talk, we’ll go outside. Otherwise, I have meals to deliver.” Noticing two people on their cell phones with their attention locked on the unfolding drama, he wondered how soon law enforcement would conveniently drive by this location.
The other man tipped his head toward the door.
Marginally better. Mason’s truck was parked directly in front of the large diner windows where their eager audience could watch the action. Any action wouldn’t be at his instigation.
He followed Fitzgerald outside. Once he stored the food inside the cab of his truck, Mason eyed the brother-in-law of the woman he’d killed. “Stirring up trouble for me won’t bring your sister-in-law or your niece back.”
“Did you get my delivery?”
The age-progressed pictures of his victims, the ones that haunted his dreams. “I got it.”
“You killed them.”
“Yes, I did.”
The man stared. “No denials or protestations of innocence?”
“It would be a lie.” He sighed. “Look, Fitzgerald, I understand you’re hurting. I apologized to you and the rest of your family at the sentencing hearing. Nothing I say will make up for the loss of your family members.”
“You stole their futures.” His voice broke on the last word.
“I know,” Mason said softly.
“You don’t deserve to live when they’re dead.”
Pain pierced Mason’s heart. “The law says otherwise. If I could go back and undo that one decision, I would do it in a heartbeat. I can’t. You and your family have to live without your sister-in-law and her baby to love and cherish. I have to live with the knowledge that I caused the deaths of two innocent people, and deal with the guilt and regret every day of my life.”
“You think that’s enough penance, that the slate is wiped clean?”
“Nothing I do will make up for your loss or balance the scales of justice. The only thing I can do is be a man of honor and warn others of the dangers of drinking and driving.”
He gripped the handle of his door. “Stay away from Nicole. She has nothing to do with the past. If you want to take your pain out on someone, come at me, not her. Like your sister-in-law, she’s totally innocent. Leave her out of whatever you’re planning.”
Fitzgerald moved closer. “Ms. Copeland doesn’t know you like I do. You’re a no-good, lousy, stinking drunk. You should be wasting away behind bars where you can’t kill anyone else.”
Wouldn’t do any good to tell Fitzgerald that he hadn’t touched alcohol since the night of the accident and would never let another drop pass his lips. He didn’t want to hear it, and wouldn’t believe the words. “On the contrary, Nicole knows all about me, good and bad. By some miracle of God, she loves me anyway. I know it doesn’t change anything, but I am sincerely sorry for my role in the loss of your sister-in-law and niece.”
Fitzgerald growled, balled his hand, and slammed his fist into Mason’s jaw.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Mason’s head whipped sideways as pain exploded in his jaw. Blue-and-white lights lit up the night as he staggered back against the truck, hand to his jaw.
“What’s going on here, Mason?”
Terrific. The police chief himself. “It’s nothing, Ethan.”
“Try again. I just saw this man punch you. Do you want to press charges for assault?”
He shook his head. Man, talk about pouring fuel on the fire.
“Are you sure?” Ethan pressed.
“Let it go.”
The six-foot-four police chief pointed at Fitzgerald. “Step over to my vehicle. We’re going to have a talk. Mason, be at my office tomorrow morning at 7:00. Don’t be late.”
Mason drew in a slow breath. He’d had his required meeting with Ethan the morning of Riva’s death. Ethan scheduling another meeting wasn’t a good sign. “Yes, sir.”
Ethan motioned for Fitzgerald to precede him.
From the corner of his eye, Mason noticed a subtle movement to his right. Not far away, Gene Patton stepped back into the shadows. The confrontation with Fitzgerald ought to make Patton’s day. He’d witnessed the punch and would be sure to spread the news about the fight. By the time the news spread, however, Mason was sure to seen as the aggressor.
Mason climbed into his truck and cranked the engine. His jaw ached. He’d had plenty of punches to the face and body during his years in prison.
Nicole would flip when she saw his jaw. At least he had the satisfaction of knowing that he’d warned Fitzgerald to stay away from her. She had enough to deal with without adding additional baggage from his past.
He arrived at home ten minutes later and walked into the living room with the to-go meals.
Nicole’s smile of welcome faded. She scrambled to her feet as Matt moved closer to look his jaw and whistled. “What happened?”
“I ran into Fitzgerald at the diner.”
Dawn frowned. “Who’s Fitzgerald?”
He explained his history with the Fitzgerald family.
Matt handed him a chemically-activated ice pack, then took the bag of meals and handed them to Dawn. “Did you hit your head against anything?”
“I’m fine, Matt.”
“Why didn’t you defend yourself?”
Nicole threaded her fingers through Mason’s. “How do you know he didn’t?”
“His hands. Answer the que
stion, Mase. You know how to deal with an attacker. Why didn’t you use your training?”
“Besides the fact that diner patrons were watching from the windows, I figured he had a free shot coming. The anniversary of his sister-in-law’s and niece’s deaths is in two weeks.”
“That doesn’t give him the right to hurt you,” Nicole insisted.
Matt scowled. “I know you couldn’t be the aggressor without landing behind bars, but after that free shot, you should have ended the confrontation with him on the ground.”
“If he’d tried to punch me again, I would have. As it was, I didn’t have a chance to respond. Ethan was close enough to see what happened and lit up the night with his cruiser lights. He asked me if I wanted to press charges.”
“Are you?”
He shook his head. “If he comes after me again, I will.” Mason looked down at the woman he adored. “If he comes after you, all bets are off. I will take him down. No one is going to hurt you again.”
“Together, Mason.” She cupped his cheek with her palm. “We face everything together. We’re a team. Don’t forget that.”
He turned and pressed a kiss to her palm. Invisible bands tightened around his chest. He didn’t deserve her and never would.
“Enough mush for now. You’re making me miss Delilah. What did Cindy send us?” Matt asked.
Mason tore his gaze from the woman he loved. “Chicken and dumplings, green beans, and an apple pie.”
The medic rubbed his hands. “Fantastic. I’m starved.”
So was Mason. Whether he’d be able to eat or not was the question. The ache in his jaw had intensified in the past few minutes. “I’ll take the watch while I’m waiting for the ice to numb my jaw.”
A nod. “I won’t be long.”
After Matt went to the kitchen, Mason pressed his forehead to Nicole’s. “You should go eat, too.” From the way she was leaning heavily against him, his bride-to-be was almost asleep on her feet.
She shook her head. “I’ll wait for you.”
No point arguing with her. Truthfully, he enjoyed holding her and, after the confrontation with Fitzgerald, Mason needed her gentle touch and comfort. The confrontation had left him scraped raw inside, ripping open wounds that never fully healed.
He guided her to the window and nudged her back against the wall to make sure she wasn’t visible to anyone outside the house. With an arm around her waist, Mason eased the curtain aside.
The night was dark and peaceful. Hopefully, the killer would still be regrouping and leave them alone for the night. All of them could use sleep.
“Does it hurt?” Nicole murmured, her cheek resting against his heart.
“Oh, yeah. A kiss will make it better.”
She smiled. “When you’re not on watch, I’ll give you as many as you want.”
He groaned. “You shouldn’t tempt a starving man, Ms. Copeland. I’m tempted to nibble on you instead of chicken and dumplings.”
“I wouldn’t protest.”
A vehicle drove slowly down the street. Mason tightened his hold on Nicole. Had the killer come out of hiding after all?
When it continued past the house, he relaxed. Three other vehicles came and went before Matt returned.
“I’ll keep watch from the security room. That way, I’ll be able to keep track of anything happening at the front and back of the house.”
“Good idea.” His cousin, Rio, had installed a security room complete with a computer screen split into six sections corresponding to the security cameras mounted around the house. The room also included a weapons vault and some medical supplies. Most of his cousin’s equipment and supplies were stored at the huge Victorian house where he and his wife, Darcy, lived.
After they finished their meals and cleared the table, he walked to the living room with the women.
“I’m too wound up to sleep,” Dawn said.
Nicole rolled her eyes. “I think you want to wait up for a certain PSI instructor to arrive.”
“I’m allowed to wait for a friend.”
“A friend, huh? That’s a change from a couple of days ago.”
Dawn shrugged, cheeks turning pink. “Are you up for a movie while we wait?”
“I have several DVDs in the entertainment center,” Mason said. “Pick what you want.”
“Even a chick flick?” Nicole teased.
“Ha. I have a wide selection of good movies. No chick flicks allowed.”
The women razzed him for a few minutes about his taste in movies before selecting one that he enjoyed but contained a romance storyline that he tolerated. Fifteen minutes into the movie, Nicole slept against his shoulder while Dawn snoozed in the recliner.
Smiling, he turned down the volume and switched the channel to a baseball game.
Matt went to the kitchen for more coffee during the fourth inning and smiled at the sight of the sleeping women. With a shake of his head, he returned to the security room. At 10:30, he returned. “Linc is here.” He unlocked the door for the PSI instructor.
Linc walked in with his Go bag over his shoulder. His gaze tracked to Dawn, eyebrows rising. “Why didn’t she go to bed?” he asked softly.
“She was waiting for you,” Mason said.
Matt hoisted his mike bag onto his shoulder. “I’ll leave you the watch, Linc. Delilah is waiting for me. If you need me, call.” With that, he left.
Linc set his Go bag near the door and locked up behind the medic. He nodded toward the television. “Who’s winning?”
“Braves.”
He returned his attention to the sleeping women. “Do we wake them or let them sleep?”
Dawn stirred and opened her eyes. She smiled when she saw Linc. “Hey. You made it. Are you hungry?”
“I wouldn’t say no to a meal.” His eyes twinkled. “I didn’t have time for dinner.”
She lowered the footrest and stood. “Come on. Mason bought dinner at Delaney’s.”
“I see.” He looked at Mason. “Is that where you got the bruise to the jaw?”
“Yeah. Long story. I’ll fill you in later. Matt kept watch in the security room. Down the hall, first room on the left.”
“I’ll heat your dinner and bring it to you,” Dawn said. “We have soft drinks, coffee, or water to drink. What’s your preference?”
“Water’s fine. Thanks.”
She smiled and left.
“I’ll be in the security room if you need me.” With that, Linc walked down the hall.
Mason wanted to let Nicole sleep exactly where she was, but she’d be more comfortable in a bed. He eased away from her, then slid on arm under her knees and one behind her shoulders.
She woke with a gasp when he lifted her into his arms.
“It’s all right. I’m carrying you to your room,” he murmured.
“Two months and five days, and I get to sleep in your arms every night.”
“I’m looking forward to that day.” He kissed her forehead as he passed the security room and angled her through the doorway of her room.
He set Nicole on her feet at the side of the bed. “Need anything?”
“Kisses. Lots of kisses.”
He gave a rough laugh. “I need the same thing, but I don’t trust myself right now. Rain check?”
“Deal. The debt’s due tomorrow.”
“Copy that, Ms. Copeland,” he murmured and brushed her lips with his before forcing himself to release her and walk out while he still could.
On the way to his room, he heard the low hum of conversation in the security room and realized that Dawn was going to keep Linc company for a while. Maybe Nicole was correct. There might be a romance brewing between Linc and Dawn.
He popped three over-the-counter pain killers into his mouth and swallowed them, then stretched out on top of the bed fully dressed. Although he didn’t anticipate trouble overnight, he’d learned to be prepared for anything on missions. This one, however, was more personal than any other. He dropped off to sleep.
&
nbsp; Mason woke when Linc walked in and said, “Mase, Ethan’s here.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Nicole woke with a start when she heard Mason and Linc speaking in low tones in the hallway. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and shoved her feet into her running shoes, thankful she’d chosen to sleep fully dressed again. “Mason?” Looking at the love of her life, she saw the worry in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Is it another attack?”
He shook his head. “Ethan’s here.”
Nicole glanced at her watch and frowned. “It’s after 1:00 a.m. He should be at home in bed. Why is he here?”
“I don’t know, but the reason can’t be good.”
She threaded her fingers through his. “Let’s find out what he wants.”
“You’re tired and still healing, Nicole. Go back to bed.”
“No way. Linc, I hope you have the Fortress lawyers on speed dial because if they arrest Mason, I want the toughest lawyer on the planet to have his back.”
He grinned. “Maddox only hires barracuda lawyers to defend his employees and their families.”
“Excellent.” She headed for the living room.
The police chief turned to face them, a grim expression on his face. “We need to talk, Mason.”
“About what?”
“Where you’ve been for the past four hours.”
Mason stiffened. “What happened?”
“We can do this here or at the station. Your choice.”
Nicole’s hand tightened around Mason’s. Not good. Something bad must have happened. If Ethan took him to the station to question him, Nicole wouldn’t be able to hear the questions or offer Mason moral support. “Talk to Mason here. Would you like some coffee, Ethan?” Maybe sitting around a kitchen table for a question-and-answer session would take the formality out of Ethan’s interrogation.
“I would appreciate a cup.”
“Come back to the kitchen. I’ll brew a fresh pot if we’re out.” She motioned for the men to take a seat at the table. A glance at the carafe revealed a full pot of coffee.
She grabbed two mugs, filled them, then set them in front of the men who faced each other across the table in silence. She sat beside Mason and wrapped her hand around his. “What’s going on, Ethan?”