“I think he answered every question.” Crunch stood up, and again his eyes glanced at the pretty waitress.
“You should ask her out,” Bethany whispered as she walked by Crunch.
It was incredibly funny to see such an alpha male drop his head to hide the blush that turned his cheeks red. Bethany winked as she linked her hand into Aaron’s arm and walked toward the exit.
“I don’t think she’d be interested,” Crunch whispered back as Aaron paid for the food.
“If you don’t ask, you won’t know.” Bethany poked Crunch’s chest. “But don’t introduce yourself as Crunch.”
It appeared that Hunter ‘Crunch’ Crawford might be a brave and protective bodyguard, but when it came to women, he was as shy as a teenage boy.
Bethany felt odd walking into her old high school. The building looked and smelled the same. Even though it was the end of the school day, there were still some students roaming the corridors, some of them waving or saying hello to Aaron.
The girls told her the previous night that he volunteered with the after-school programs and from the way the kids acted when they saw him, the students liked him.
They made their way to the office, Aaron frequently stopping to point out something new in the school or chatting briefly with a student. Crunch seemed at ease which made Bethany feel calm.
“Hey, Ivy, is Father Wallace in his office?” Aaron asked the familiar woman behind the desk.
“Hi, A.J.” Ivy smiled at Aaron. “He’s in there. Go on in.”
“Bethany, come on in and see him. He was asking about you not long ago.” Aaron motioned for her to follow him.
“I knew that was you.” Ivy came around the desk and wrapped Bethany up in a hug.
Bethany felt uncomfortable with the woman hugging her because she didn’t recognize her. She glanced at Aaron for some help, but all he did was laugh at her expression.
“Ivy, I don’t think she remembers who you are,” Aaron informed the excited woman.
“I’m sorry. I’ve been away for a long time.” Bethany felt terrible that she didn’t remember the smiling woman.
“Does the name Ivy Ray mean anything to you?” Ivy grinned.
“Oh my God. How could I not recognize you?” Bethany embraced her sister’s former classmate. “I thought you moved to England?”
“I did, but my husband and I came back about five years ago.” Ivy smiled. “Is Ally back as well?”
“Yes, I should give you her number, and you can give her a call.” Bethany stepped back from Ivy.
“That would be great.” Ivy handed Bethany a piece of paper to write the number.
“I thought I heard familiar voices out here.” A raspy male voice boomed.
Bethany glanced up to see Father Wallace walking out of his office. He had aged but still had the friendly smile that made you feel as if you could tell him anything. He’d been head of the school for as long as she could remember, and she guessed he wasn’t retiring any time soon.
“Father Wallace, it’s so good to see you.” Bethany wrapped her arms around the chunky priest in a tight hug.
“It’s good to see you back, Ms. Donnelly.” Father Wallace smiled down at her.
“Father, I have the addresses for the list you gave me. Should I leave them with Ivy?” Aaron asked, pointing the papers toward where Ivy had taken her place back at her desk.
“We have some students that are sending out the invitations. They are in the art room preparing them now.” Father Wallace motioned for them to follow him.
“See you again, Ivy.” Bethany waved as Ivy picked up the ringing phone.
The art room was at the end of the corridor next to the music room. Bethany had spent a lot of time in both places during her year in Holy Cross. She was part of the choir and had her piano lessons there as well.
Inside the art room, a dozen students scurried around a large table in the middle covered with colorful papers and envelopes. Crunch waited at the entrance of the room while Bethany followed Aaron and Father Wallace inside.
“Mr. Watts, we have more addresses for you.” A young man looked up from the computer he sat behind and jumped to his feet.
“This is Mr. O’Connor and Ms. Donnelly.” Father placed his hand on the teenager’s shoulder. “This is our student council president, Quintin Watts.”
“I know Mr. O’Connor from basketball.” Quintin nodded at Aaron.
“That’s right, Quintin is one of the best point guards on the team.” Aaron’s compliment made the young boy perk up instantly with pride.
“Mr. O’Connor, could I talk to you for a minute?” Quintin asked shyly.
“Sure, what’s up?” Aaron showed so much interest in the young man, and that was the Aaron she remembered.
“No offense, but could I talk to you in private?” Quintin blushed as his gaze went from Aaron to Father Wallace and then to Bethany.
“Sure, you want to step outside?” Aaron nodded toward the door of the art room.
Quintin nodded, and Bethany gave him a wink as he followed Aaron outside. She scanned the room, watching the remaining students scurry around as they prepared what looked like hundreds of envelopes.
“All these students are in grade twelve,” Father Wallace explained.
“It’s great they are willing to help with this.” Bethany glanced behind her where Crunch stood near the entrance.
The door opened, and Bethany expected to see Aaron and Quintin returning but instead, the last person she wanted to see walk through the door, tapping frantically into her phone.
Bethany glanced at Crunch, and part of her wanted to tell the bodyguard that the woman that walked through the door needed to be taken down. It was childish and probably wouldn’t go over well, but the vision of Raquel Evans tackled by Crunch made her smile.
Although, if Raquel were anything like she was in school, she’d probably enjoy being tackled by a handsome, muscled man. No. Bethany wouldn’t do that to Crunch.
“There you are, Father Wallace.” Raquel scurried toward where Bethany stood by the priest.
The once teenage boy’s dream had aged and not well. Bethany knew Raquel was the same age as she was, and it was a little shocking to see the deep creases in Raquel’s once perfect features. She still dressed in clothes that showed her ample breasts and too much makeup.
“Raquel, how can I help you?” Father Wallace gave Bethany a soft smile as he turned to the woman still tapping into her phone.
As Raquel spoke to the priest, Bethany didn’t miss the glances she kept throwing her way. The fact that Raquel didn’t seem to recognize Bethany was a relief. Not that she could intimidate Bethany anymore.
When Raquel finished her conversation with Father Wallace, she turned. Bethany tried hard not to show any hint of recognition as she nodded to the woman and slowly walked toward Crunch.
“I’m sorry, you look familiar. Do we know each other?” Raquel asked as Bethany stopped next to Crunch.
“I’m not sure,” Bethany lied.
“I’m Raquel Evans.” She smiled, and Bethany saw a hint of the pretty girl from high school.
“I’m sorry, the name isn’t familiar.” Bethany didn’t want Raquel to think she was memorable enough that Bethany would know her the minute she saw her.
“Beatrice?” Raquel said slowly.
“No, my name isn’t Beatrice.” Bethany tried not to roll her eyes.
“Goodness, right. It’s Bethany, right?” Raquel stood taller and smiled like the bitch she was.
“Yes, but I still can’t remember you.” Bethany tilted her head and met Raquel’s gaze.
“I’m sure A.J. would be surprised to see you here.” Raquel tossed her frizzy hair over her shoulder.
“I doubt that.” Bethany turned to Crunch who appeared completely confused.
“Who’s this handsome guy?” Raquel cooed as she reached over and touched Crunch’s arm.
“Hunter Crawford, this is Raquel Evans.” Bethany introduced Cru
nch to her old nemesis.
“My, you’re so strong.” Raquel ran her long fingernail up Crunch’s arm, and he stepped back.
The move seemed to give her the hint that Crunch didn’t want her to touch him. Bethany touched his arm, and he smiled down at her. It was a childish move, but she wanted to show Raquel Crunch didn’t mind Bethany touching him.
“It’s so great to see you again, Bethany.” Raquel pulled Bethany into an awkward hug.
“You too.” Bethany pulled out of the hug as soon as she could.
“It’s been so long. I thought you moved away?” Raquel crossed her arms under her ample breasts, pushing them practically out of her low-cut blouse.
“I did. I just moved back recently.” Bethany glanced toward the entrance as Aaron and Quinton walked back into the art room
“Oh A.J., honey, look who’s back in town.” Raquel reached her hand out to Aaron as if they were a couple.
“I’m aware she’s back.” Aaron didn’t look amused.
“And why didn’t you tell me?” Raquel put her hands on her hips and glared at Aaron.
“Probably because I haven’t spoken to you in more than ten years.” Aaron stepped around Raquel and wrapped his arm around Bethany’s waist.
“Ah... Umm… you two are together?” Raquel stammered over her words, and her eyes were as big as saucers.
“Yes, we are.” Aaron kissed Bethany’s temple.
“I just thought after the way she left…” Raquel fidgeted with the bracelet on her arm.
“Yes, she left because she’d overheard someone saying something that wasn’t true and misunderstood a conversation between me, Cory, and Joey, but we worked things out, and we’re picking up where we left off.” Aaron grinned.
“I see.” Raquel’s cheeks were flaming red, and Bethany wasn’t sure if it was anger or embarrassment.
“Well, we need to go.” Bethany nodded to Raquel. “I’d like to say it was nice to see you, Raquel, but we both know that would be a lie.”
With that statement, Aaron led Bethany out of the art room and out of the school. Bethany practically held her breath as they hurried outside and toward the SUV. They stepped next to the vehicle and Bethany started laughing.
“I can’t believe you said that.” Aaron chuckled.
“Me either, but I couldn’t help it.” Bethany laughed.
“She kind of scares me. She doesn’t have a sense of personal space,” Crunch grumbled as he opened the doors to the vehicle.
“I think she probably thought you and I were together and it was her way of trying to irritate me.” Bethany rolled her eyes.
“I honestly have not seen her in at least ten years. I’ve been volunteering at that school since then and not once have I seen that woman there. I’m guessing she’s trying to take credit for all the planning of the anniversary party.” Aaron shook his head.
“Who cares? At least she knows we both know what she did back then, and I don’t want to give her another thought.” Bethany clicked her seatbelt. “She’s already consumed too many of my thoughts over the years. No more.”
Aaron reached back from the front seat and grabbed her hand. He squeezed it in support and even though she was probably in the sights of a murder, she felt like a weight lifted off her shoulders. No more would Raquel Evans keep her from what she wanted.
Chapter 16
It wasn’t natural for a man to have a hard-on for an entire week. Aaron was sure that men probably died from the condition, but here he was at his desk trying to concentrate on the information Nick had given him, but all he could think about was the kisses between him and Bethany every night before she’d go to bed.
She was frustrated too and made it known to him the previous night. It wasn’t that he didn’t want her, because God knew he did. It just terrified him that the last time he’d made love to her, she disappeared, and it was hard to shake that fear.
“I think we should probably set the whole thing on fire and blame it on Nanny Betty.” Nick sat in the chair from Aaron’s desk.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Aaron stared at the weird statement from his brother.
“I was just checking to see if you were listening since you haven’t heard anything I’ve said for the last five minutes,” Nick smirked.
“Sorry, just something on my mind.” Aaron glanced down at the papers in front of him.
“Something or someone?” Nick crossed his ankle over his knee.
“Can I tell you something?” Aaron leaned his elbows on the desk and folded his hands.
“Do you need to ask that question? Of course, you can.” Nick leaned back in the chair.
“I’m scared shitless,” Aaron admitted.
“Of what?” Nick reached behind him and closed the door to Aaron’s office.
“These feelings are coming back so damn fast, and I’m not sure if it’s from remembering how I used to feel about her or if I never really stopped feeling this way about her.” Aaron flopped back in his chair.
“You can’t even say what the 'feelings’ are?” Nick chuckled as he used his fingers as air quotes around the word feelings.
“I know what the feelings are, asshole,” Aaron grumbled.
“Then say it.” Nick raised an eyebrow and smirked.
“Nick,” Aaron sighed.
“Until you say it out loud, you’re never going to figure this out.” Nick pointed his index finger at Aaron.
“Fine, I care about her. A lot. I…I love her. I don’t think I ever stopped.” Aaron blew out a breath.
“You did a good job of hiding it, but you never stopped loving her. You played with sex and women to forget her, but it didn’t work, did it?” Nick was right, but it pissed Aaron off because it wasn’t long ago Nick had his share of one-night stands.
“What was your excuse when we would do the double pick-up at the clubs?” Aaron smirked.
“I was just a sex hound.” Nick winked.
“Now that you’re in a relationship, you aren’t anymore?” Aaron laughed.
“No, now I’m worse. I just don’t have to leave my house to get some.” Nick stood up and grinned.
“Anyway, the slug they pulled out of Randy Knight and the rounds they collected at Bethany’s place. Not the same guns.” Nick tapped his finger on top of the papers in front of Aaron.
“How many fucking shooters are we looking for?” Aaron scanned the document.
“Well, we know there are three different weapons. Shooters? Who knows.” Nick turned to leave the office. “Your first step, tell her how you feel. Maybe you’ll find out she feels the same way.” Nick gave Aaron a mock salute as he left the room.
He knew Bethany was going through the invoices that Randy Knight had submitted. He’d warned her not to call any of the pharmacies or people. Aaron wanted her to make a list of people from her files. Craig agreed it was the best way to go and gave the police full access to anything they needed.
Aaron didn’t know where to go next with the case. The composite of the shooter had gone to all news programs and social media, but all leads they received were dead ends.
Then there was the conversation he’d had with Quintin. He was a great kid, and Aaron knew he was going places. The day at the school he asked Aaron if he could talk privately, Aaron honestly thought it was about girls.
When he asked what to do if he knew of someone selling drugs in and around the school, Aaron asked for the name of the person. Quintin was resistant to giving anyone’s name for fear of retribution because he’d said the person selling was working for a dangerous group.
When Aaron tried to push Quintin, he shut down and walked away. By the time they’d gotten back into the art room, Aaron had eyed Bethany dealing with the last person she’d probably wanted to see. She’d handled it well, but it took everything he had not to tell Raquel precisely what he thought of her.
“Hey, they just pulled a body out of St. John’s Harbor, and I was told to take you to the scene.” James stu
ck his head in through the doorway.
“Male or female?” Aaron snatched his jacket from the back of his chair and followed James out to the parking lot.
“Male,” James replied as they both hopped into the cruiser.
“Age estimate.” Aaron didn’t know why they’d call him for this particular body.
“Rick said late teens or early twenties,” James replied
“I don’t understand why we are going to this scene. Shouldn’t this be St. John’s jurisdiction?” It wasn’t that they didn’t join with the city in cases, but they never called unless they were sure it involved the instances from the Hopedale division.
“They found your card in the guy’s wallet.” James glanced at Aaron.
Aaron tried to remember the number of cards he’d handed out over the last couple of weeks. With all the cases he’d worked on, he probably handed out a hundred or more.
James was quiet as they made their way down the highway toward St. John’s. Aaron’s thoughts raced as he tried to think about who it could be that they’d pulled out of the water.
The docks on the harbor front practically glowed from the lights of police cruisers. Spectators crowded behind the police tape, curiosity getting the better of them. It sickened Aaron to see how people flocked to see someone else’s misfortune.
James cursed several times as he tried to maneuver his way through the crowds of people blocking the entrance to the apron of the dock. It took several minutes to finally pull up to the several rookie police holding the spectators back.
“What the fuck is wrong with people?” James grumbled as Aaron followed him to where Rick stood next to a blue tarp on the ground.
“How the hell did you get here before the medical examiner?” Rick was frustrated.
“It took us almost ten minutes to get through the people, and we had lights flashing.” Aaron stepped toward the tarp and grabbed the corner.
He lifted it off the body, and his stomach turned. Aaron knew the deceased, and it made him sick to see the kid laying on the damp concrete a bluish color to his skin.
Dangerous Witness (O'Connor Brothers Book 7) Page 12