"He's still sleeping, Max. You shouldn't have drugged him. I don't like that."
Max laughed. "You know we'll have to get rid of him. He'll never give you up. He's too jealous."
"No," she said firmly, "if any harm comes to Nick, I won't do this, Max. I'll talk to him. He'll come around."
Max snorted. "Don't count on it, but we can talk about that later. Come and sit next to me."
But then the man cursed, as a knock sounded on the door.
What was going on? Nick wondered. Were Chloe and Max? Then a terrible realization came to Nick. Chloe had crossed over. It happened once in a while, even to the best D.E.A. agents. The lure of money, big money, was too much, and they crossed over to the other side.
And, he thought, perhaps that's why they drugged him. He looked at the date on his watch, and his eyes flew open. It couldn't be...they must have drugged him all along, so he'd have no conception of time.
A deep voice with an accent came from below. "Well, well, where did you get this lovely senorita?"
Chloe's cool, calm voice answered, "How do you do, Mr. Ortiz?"
"And, where is your wife, Max?"
Max replied, "Her head ran into one of my bullets, Ortiz. She's six feet under, where she belongs."
Nick held his head. They'd killed Tess? When? It was worse than he thought. Chloe not only defected, she may have been an accomplice to murder. What else?
Her voice again. "I saw the factory today, Mr. Ortiz, a very good operation. Clean. I especially like the gas pellets. That will bring some big money."
Nick frowned. Gas pellets? What were they talking about?
"Ah, yes," the man replied, "it is good, isn't it? You are to join us, then? What a pleasant thought."
She laughed. "I may. Max and I haven't talked about my cut yet, though. It depends."
"She'll join us," Max said, with confidence, "I'll make it worth her while."
Chloe laughed again.
Nick's face grew hard. So, that's how it was. He slowly retreated to the hallway, and stood, shaking and trying to control his anger. How could she? He'd never seen it in her. Disappointment hit him, then fear. What were they planning for him? He'd have to stop them now, while he still could.
He crept down the hallway, to Max's room. Rummaging through drawers, he finally found a gun. It was only a twenty-two, but anything would do at this point. He checked, saw it was loaded, and realized he was prepared to use it. Even on Chloe, if necessary.
Hearing the front door slam, he slowly, carefully made his way back to the hallway, and then to the bottom of the stairwell.
Chloe's voice. "So, what is my cut, Max? Make it worth my while, or I'll stay with Nick."
Max's voice, husky with emotion, replied, "I'll give you anything, Chloe, anything."
"Let's stick to basics, Max, and leave the romance for later. I want numbers. Let's go over your books."
Nick stepped out of the shadows, with his gun trained on both Chloe and Max. "Yeah," he said loudly, "let's hear the numbers, Max."
The two of them were standing in the center of the room, and Max had his arms around Chloe's waist. She pulled from him, looked startled, then cried, "Nick!"
"Hey," Max said, as his hands came up in front of him, "take it easy, Nick, we'll cut you in, man. Don't worry."
"Sit down," Nick said in a low voice. And as Chloe moved towards him, he gestured with the gun, and said, "Both of you."
"But, Nick--" she cried.
"Sit down!" he said harshly, "I don't want to shoot you, Chloe, but I will if I have to."
He could see the hurt in her eyes, but it didn't faze him. She was a traitor, and now, she was his prisoner. She sat, with her hands folded in her lap, while her eyes darted to Nick, then back to Max.
"You're under arrest, Max, for drug trafficking, smuggling and murder. You're under arrest, Chloe, for aiding and abetting. You have the right to remain silent..."
He went on reading them both their Miranda rights, as Chloe's face registered shock.
"What are you doing, Nick?" she cried, "You can't arrest me! What the hell is wrong with you?"
"Shut up!"
Max snorted. "F.B.I.?"
"No," Nick sneered, "D.E.A., asshole."
Max looked at Chloe with disgust. "And you?"
"She's the bad seed," Nick breathed.
Chloe's eyes grew wide. "What are you talking about?"
He smiled slightly. "Too much for you, 'eh Chloe? The money, the big houses? Too much of a temptation?"
Her eyes grew wide, then she clenched her hands into tight fists. "Fuck you!" she yelled, "You think...oh, Jesus Christ, Nick! Think whatever you want! Just call Ellen now. We have to set this thing up for tomorrow, so we can net everyone. We can get Ortiz, and the chemist, and the Mid-East guys all at once. I've seen the lab...I know where it is, Nick. And there's more going on there than you think."
He observed her coldly. "Coming back over to our side now, are you?"
"I never left it, you asshole! Call Ellen. Now!"
Chapter Twenty-Two
At noon the next day, in conjunction with the Mexican authorities and the F.B.I., Drug Enforcement agents stormed the lab, closed it down, and arrested the chemist, as well as Manuel Ortiz, and four Mid-East terrorists.
Simultaneously, in the United States, twenty bikers were arrested, their drugs and property confiscated, and their clubhouse shut down permanently.
'Limpy' Simms was arrested for drug possession, drug trafficking, and prostitution, along with his girlfriend Sandy. 'Ace' Harding was arrested for possession of a stolen weapon, gun-running, and drug possession. 'Big Bob' Thompson was arrested for drug possession, drug trafficking, and possession of stolen merchandise. 'Tiny' McAllister was killed in a shoot—out with F.B.I. agents at his home.
Later that afternoon, Nick sat on the plane, next to Chloe, while Max sat the next row over, handcuffed to the seat.
"Still mad at me?" Nick asked softly, as he grabbed Chloe's hand.
Jerking away from his grasp, she spat, "You, how dare you think I'd crossed over! After all I put up with. You and your damn memory lapses, and your jealousy, and, oh, never mind! I hope I never see you again in my life!"
He chuckled, but then looked concerned, as he noticed she was sweating, and clutching at her stomach. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine!" she snapped, "Just leave me alone." But she wasn't fine. She stood up suddenly, edged past him, and ran down the aisle to the restroom.
Sighing, Nick looked over at Max. "Women." He stretched, "Well, fella, guess you won't be having any women for a while, will you? As a matter of fact, you might even be one in prison, how's that grab you?" Nick laughed softly, as Max glared at him.
Ellen met Chloe as she got off the plane in Los Angeles. Hugging her friend excitedly, she said, "You two are the talk of Washington, not to mention the D.E.A. Look!" She held up a newspaper. A front-page article announced the seizure of the 'Crash' factory, and the ensuing arrests.
Chloe smiled wryly. She didn't care about the newspaper article, or any kudos they might receive from anyone. She was bone tired, as well as furious at Nick. How could he have done that? Thought she'd crossed over! What an insult. He'd hurt her deeply. "I just want to go home, Ellen. I'll rent a car, so you can take Nick and Max downtown."
Peering at her, Ellen said, "You all right?"
Then, Chloe started laughing, and she couldn't stop. Finally, almost hysterical, clutching Ellen's arm, she gasped, "All right? Yeah...yeah, I'm okay. See you later, Ellen." Picking up her flight bag, wiping the tears of mirth from her eyes, she added, "I assume I can take a couple weeks off?"
"Sure," Ellen replied, watching her curiously, "let me know when you're really okay again."
She watched Chloe walk down the hallway until her friend was out of sight. But Ellen knew she'd be all right. It might take a little time, but Chloe would get over this whole thing. And she'd really cheer up, after Ellen told her the other news. The D.E.A. wante
d Chloe to take Ellen's job, after her promotion papers went through. They'd both been promoted.
Nick walked up, with two other D.E.A. agents, and a handcuffed Max in tow. "Where's Chloe?" he asked. His gaze was anxious, as he searched the aisles and corridors of the airport.
"She went home," Ellen replied.
As another D.E.A. agent held Max, Nick pulled Ellen to one side. "Think she'll ever forgive me?"
Ellen smiled knowingly. "I imagine so. Give her a few days. She's been through a lot, and she's exhausted. You look tired, too. Can you make it home okay after we take Max in?"
Nick's eyes were bleary, and his face sported a stubble. "Where do I live again?" Then he grinned, as Ellen's expression grew serious. "Just kidding."
"Get out of here, Nick. Read the paper, too." She thrust the newspaper into his hand, and laughed.
Two days later, Chloe sat on the sofa, watching dusk approach as shadows crept across her living room.
Events of the past weeks were replaying over and over again in her mind. Meeting Nick, living with him, loving him, catering to him.
And Tess. Poor Tess, she was the innocent victim in all this. But then, Chloe felt like a victim too. Nick's little toy.
She shifted in her seat slightly, as thoughts of Nick ran through her mind. The beach, the Jacuzzi, their tiny bedroom, where they'd shared so much passion for such a brief time.
But then she remembered the other Nick, the one she'd been forced to deal with, carefully, cautiously, fearfully. And then, to have him turn on her in the end! To think so badly of her, and mistrust her so much, he'd actually arrested her. After all she'd been through!
However, after a few minutes, she found herself wondering what else could he think? After waking up like he did then hearing her conversation with Max.
She tried to put herself in his place. Would she have arrested him? Mistrusted him?
Sniffing, wiping her eyes, which had suddenly filled with tears, she realized she'd never know.
And as darkness finally descended, she barely heard the light tapping on the front door.
As the sound finally entered her racing brain, she was tempted to ignore it. But then, she cursed as it repeated.
Drawing her dressing gown tightly around her waist, she answered the door, after flipping on the porch light.
But her mouth fell open when she saw Nick standing there, while her disbelieving eyes took in his appearance.
He'd cut his hair. It was still on the long side, but styled now, and brushed back from his face. Clean-shaven, he stood in a spotless, white, silk shirt, open at the collar. He held a gray Armani suit jacket slung casually over one shoulder, and gray loafers showed under his tightly creased matching pants. And as he gazed at Chloe heatedly, silently, the heady scent of his aftershave came to her.
"What do you want?" she said warily, her eyes still roving over him.
His lips twitched. "What do you think?"
She moved to close the door, but his hand shot out and held it. "No, Chloe. Don't. We have things to discuss, you and I."
"I have nothing to say to you," she said in a low tone, as she looked away.
Laughing softly, he pushed his way in the door. "That's too bad. Because I have a few things to say to you." Flipping on the kitchen light, he turned and observed her closely. "You look terrible. Have you been sleeping?"
"Gee, thanks. Now that's what a woman wants to hear. Yes, I have been sleeping," she lied, "and what's more, I've been sleeping alone. It's been heavenly."
One of his eyebrows quirked up, and she could tell he was holding back a smile. "Really? Good. Because we're going to dinner. Go get ready, woman."
Her mouth hardened at his tone. "You can't tell me what to do anymore, Nick. And I don't want to go anywhere with you."
But he continued staring at her silently, his gray-blue eyes intense, until she finally relented. After all, she thought, dinner wouldn't hurt. She hadn't left the house in two days. Maybe afterwards, she'd tell him what she really thought of him.
She said slowly, "Well, all right. But just for old times sake. And I want to get home early."
He nodded.
"Where are we going?" she said with a sigh.
"You'll find out when we get there."
"Well, what should I wear?"
He grinned. "How about that red number I saw you in when we first met?"
Smirking, she replied, "I was supposed to laugh at that dress, remember? When we got back from downtown. Way downtown, wasn't it?"
He said nothing, but his eyes held a hint of humor, as he replied, "You look sexy in that thing. Wear it for old times sake, Chloe."
She sniffed. "I might. Give me a few minutes."
Chloe came out fifteen minutes later, with her hair down, wearing the red dress, and a pair of red heels.
"You're beautiful," he said softly.
"Right...let's go, Nick."
After following her out, he led her to a black Lexus.
"This yours?" she asked, as he opened the door for her.
"Drug dealers aren't the only guys with a Lexus, you know."
She looked over at him, as he drove. "Where are you taking me?"
Grinning, he replied, "I'm fixing you dinner."
"Oh, great! What are we having, macaroni and cheese?"
He laughed. "No. Actually, I'm fixing chicken picatta, with a Caesar salad, and noodles florentine."
"Right. Tell me another one, Nick. Where do you live? A hovel again? I can't wait to see it. Really I can't."
"See that house up there?" He pointed to a large, sprawling, Spanish-style house on the hillside, lit with dramatic, bright lights.
She shook her head. "I think your amnesia is back."
But he exited the freeway, and headed up the hill towards the huge house.
As she walked in the front door, she looked around in disbelief. "This place is a palace, Nick." She eyed him suspiciously, as he threw his suit jacket on a chair she was sure must have been purchased at Ethan Allen. "You're house-sitting, right?" she added, as she studied the chair seriously.
He sighed. "Why is it so hard for you to believe I live here, Chloe?"
Her eyes wandered over the length of the large living room. Beige, designer furniture, a massive stone fireplace, a large painting in bold colors hanging over the sofa. They all struck a chord in her. He did live here. This place was definitely Nick.
Hesitating, glancing over at him, she said slowly, "It just seems odd, that's all."
Curious now, she strolled into the kitchen, and opened the refrigerator. The picatta was ready to cook, and the salads already prepared. Then she gazed at the counter, and spotted a bag of noodles.
Slowly, she turned, and looked at him. "Who are you, Nick? I don't even know you, do I?"
He shook his head. "Not the real me. But you basically know me. In a raw sense."
She narrowed her eyes. "You have so many personalities, I can't keep up."
He grinned.
"Let's talk," she said slowly.
"Let's not," he replied, still grinning as he moved towards her.
Two hours later, the chicken picatta and salads still lay in the refrigerator, untouched. The noodles sat on the counter, still in the bag. And, a trail of hastily discarded clothes led to the master bedroom.
Chloe's eyes were languid, sensual, as she lay wrapped in Nick's arms.
Running a hand over his chest, she began, "Nick..." then she hesitated, "there's something we need to talk about."
"About how brave you were? Shutting down this operation almost single-handedly? At great personal risk? About how you took more crap from me than any woman has a right to take?"
But she was silent, and he drew her closer. "What, baby? What is it? Tell Nicky."
"Well, Ellen got promoted, and she wants me to take her job."
"You'd be good at it. Do you want it?"
"Well, yes, but I won't be able to take it for...well, do you remember the first trip to Mexico? Yo
u see, I knew I was forgetting something, even when we got home, and then the accident happened, and I got caught up in that, and..."
He felt her shaking. "What is it baby?"
Her voice was barely a whisper, as she said, "My birth control pills...I was so concerned about other things, I forgot. Could be my diaphragm slipped in Mexico, I don't know." She took a deep breath, "I'm knocked up, Nick."
She felt him tense, then he started laughing softly, and she pulled away.
Angrily, she said, "What's so funny?" Then, in a shaky voice, she said, "If you don't want it..."
Still chuckling, he rose and strolled to the dresser. "No, that's not it. I've been suspicious about that for a while anyway, the way you've been feeling." He pulled something out of a drawer, and tossed it to her, before he rolled in bed beside her again.
Opening the small box, she gasped. "Nick! It's beautiful!" A glittering, multi-carat engagement ring twinkled at her. The marquis diamond was surrounded by many small facets in a raised setting.
"Well?" he said, expectantly.
"Well, what?"
"Will you marry me? Yes or no, Chloe?" then he lay back with his hands behind his head, and drawled, "And hurry up with your answer, woman. I've got things to do."
Flipping the box closed, she replied, "Why you arrogant—"
Pulling her on top of him, he whispered, "But I do have all night..."
EPILOGUE
About a Month Later...
Ellen looked expectantly towards the stage, and thought for the third time that night, she shouldn't be here. But when her secretary had mentioned going to Derick's concert, she'd finally relented.
For two weeks after he left, he'd sent her flowers almost on a daily basis. He'd called her from Paris, Hong Kong, Thailand and Germany.
And she'd let her machine pick up the calls. She just knew it wasn't going to work between the two of them. She didn't have time anymore for a relationship. With the promotion, and trying to wrap up her own items so Chloe could take over for her, after she and Nick got back from their honeymoon, she knew, in the midst of it all, she knew. A relationship would have to wait at least another two years.
Nicky's Fire Page 19