by Kell, Sheila
AJ put his hand up and stopped her mid-sentence. “We’re well ahead of you. And we won’t include you, Kate. You’re out right now. Relax and spend some time with your sister. You always say you don’t get to see her enough.” He grinned. “Maybe you’ll finally introduce me.”
She shook her head. She couldn’t picture AJ and Ariana together. “AJ…”
Jesse cut her off. “What about protection for Kate? If she’s the target, you need to take care of her.”
She should be pissed he interrupted her. Again. But, was that concern she heard in his voice? Couldn’t be.
“I don’t need anyone to protect me. I can take care of myself.” There was no way she was going to let other agents follow her, possibly putting themselves in jeopardy. Her right hand may be useless, but she didn’t think she’d have a problem with a weapon in her left hand. She wouldn’t be accurate, but there were plenty of bullets in a clip.
“It doesn’t matter what you want. We are assigning you a protective detail.”
Kate jumped up. “No, AJ! I won’t have it. I don’t want anyone else hurt if this lunatic is after me.”
The men stood.
AJ shrugged. “They’ll still be there, whether you want it or not.”
Kate gave a half-hearted shrug. It was protocol, so he wasn’t going to change his mind. It would only be a few days. She planned to go back to the office as soon as possible. She’d survive desk work while she healed. They had too many cases to work for her to lie around like a princess. Her priorities were her shooter and the Facilitator. They both needed to be removed from the streets.
“Okay, but no one stays in my apartment. They have to remain outside.”
AJ nodded. “Done.”
“AJ, promise me you’ll keep me updated.” She couldn’t just sit on the sidelines, oblivious to what was happening to catch her shooter.
The glow of his smile warmed the room. “Of course I will.”
She trusted him to do just that.
Kate ushered the men to the door, but Jesse hung back. “Would you like to watch an Orioles game with me tomorrow night?”
Kate didn’t hesitate with her response. “I don’t think that’d be a good idea. I don’t mess with men who are involved in another relationship.”
He flashed an irresistibly devastating grin. “That’s good to know. I’ll be over at six o’clock with dinner, popcorn and beer.”
He left before she could respond. He could show up at six o’clock all he wanted. She’d show him the door. That’s what she wanted, wasn’t it? No. What she wanted could never happen.
CHAPTER FOUR
The Facilitator slammed his fist down on the desk in front of him. He hated failure. She’d survived.
This had been his first time using a drive-by shooting to murder someone. It had been thrilling watching people all over the street duck for cover. It had been a shame he hadn’t been aiming at them.
Dammit. He should have been successful. How could he have foreseen that Jesse would be there to save her? He’d watched Kate for days and knew her morning routine by heart. He’d had her in his sights. She should be dead. Jesse should be mourning right now.
He stood and walked from behind his large oak desk, crossed his office to the bar and poured himself another drink. He looked around the paneled room and couldn’t summon the pride he’d once held. He’d worked hard to have a successful, legitimate business to keep one step ahead of the law.
He’d make Jesse suffer just as he’d suffered. He’d ruined his life. If Jesse hadn’t convinced that weasel he’d bought his bomb parts from to give him up, he’d never have been accused of murder. His wife never would have left him.
The charges had been dropped when the state’s witness disappeared. He’d made sure the weasel never resurfaced. But, it was too late. Jesse had convinced his wife that he was guilty of murder. Yeah, he’d killed them, but that shouldn’t have mattered. His wife should have stood by him, no matter what. That’s what a wife did. A wife didn’t believe an FBI agent over her own husband, no matter what the evidence showed.
He returned to his desk and took a long drink, barely feeling the burning sensation as he swallowed the scotch. He felt numb. Nothing mattered anymore except revenge.
His wife Kathy was the best thing that had ever happened to him. Now she was gone. Eighteen years and she’d walked away. All because of Jesse’s accusation.
He’d tried to win her back. He’d brought her flowers, jewelry and asked her to dinner. She’d refused the gifts and wouldn’t go anywhere with him.
He remembered his last encounter with her at her apartment.
“What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to see you, Kathy. I miss you.” He handed her the roses, long-stemmed red roses, her favorite. “These are for you.”
“Don’t do this. You know I won’t accept them. We’re finished.” The chill in her voice struck him hard in the gut.
“Don’t say that. There has to be a way. I love you. I need you in my life.” She’d been his balance. Around her he hadn’t been just a stone-cold killer. He’d been a loving husband and a successful businessman. He needed her to help him keep that balance. Without her, he feared he’d fade into the darkness and never return, living his life only for his hobby, his distraction, killing.
“You should’ve thought of that before you killed those people.”
“The charges were dropped.”
“Yes, but I believe you did it anyway.” Then she broke his heart when she whispered, “You scare me.”
He felt the tightness in his chest. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her and push her away even more. He wanted her to love him like he loved her. She did once. She could again. He was sure of it. “Don’t be scared of me. I’d never hurt you, Kathy.”
“What about the next time someone crosses you? Will you kill him also? Will I be married to a mass murderer? Or have you killed before and gotten away with it?”
He’d killed plenty of times and never been suspected. He wouldn’t give up his hobby, not even for Kathy. She just didn’t need to know about it.
After she’d left him, he’d thrown himself into what he loved, watching the life drain from someone. To irritate the cops, the Facilitator had been born. He wanted the police to run in circles, fear for their city. It had been a shame Jesse had left the FBI. He’d love to see him work a case he’d never solve. Maybe he’d play games with his brother AJ.
Kathy didn’t understand. She’d loved the lifestyle they’d lived. Did she really think it had all been gained legitimately? Everything he’d done, he’d done for her.
“I’m serious, don’t come back here. I don’t ever want to see you again.” She shut the door in his face.
He stood on her doorstep for a few minutes thinking about his options. He could break down the door and make her see reason. That wouldn’t work. She said she was scared of him. He would find a way to make her love him again. He was confident she would come back to him. She just needed time.
He looked down at the divorce papers that had been delivered that morning. She was really doing this. She was really going to leave him for good.
An animalistic growl formed in his throat. It was all Jesse Hamilton’s fault. It was Jesse Hamilton who’d charged him. Jesse Hamilton, who’d made his wife leave.
He swept his arms across his desk and papers flew everywhere.
Jesse Hamilton would pay.
CHAPTER FIVE
Slacks flew across the room at Kate’s frustration of dressing with one hand. She searched her closet for something simple and found it in the banished area of the closet. Even though it was a dress, it was perfect. No buttons. No zippers.
After dressing, she towed her FBI protective detail with her to the Irish Pub for a late lunch with her friends. Happy Hour wasn’t for a couple of hours, but people crowded the bar. As usual, the mounted TVs were on sports channels. It still held the title of “Best Daytime Bar.”
&n
bsp; Spotting Josh and Mary, Kate moved toward them while her detail claimed a table next to them.
Mary looked cheerful in a sundress with large multi-colored flowers. She’d accessorized with large flower jewelry, a necklace, a bracelet and earrings that would have looked gaudy on most people but looked fashionable on Mary.
She slid into a chair at the table then saw the large bruise on Mary’s face. She opened her mouth to speak, saw Josh’s subtle head shake, and closed it. Her blood boiled. The bruise ruined the cheerful effect of Mary’s outfit.
Mary bowed her head. “He came by the apartment.” She spoke in a soft voice that had been barely audible over the noise in the restaurant. She brushed her shoulder length, strawberry-blonde hair forward to hide the bruising before continuing, “I let him in.”
“Why? You should be calling 911 instead of letting him into your house. He’s breaking the restraining order, and he’s dangerous.”
Dan White was Mary’s ex-fiancé. After she moved in with him, he became violent, hitting her when he became angry or when she didn’t do as he said. Kate couldn’t get her to press charges, so her hands were tied. Mary had never called the police on him and wouldn’t let Kate or Rylee interfere.
The waitress arrived to take their order, but Kate waved her away.
“He was so apologetic. He said he just wanted to talk with me. I believed him. He’s been so nice and caring lately. He hasn’t hit me in a long time. He told me that he still loved me and still wanted to marry me.”
Josh’s jaw tightened. He’d wanted to give Dan a taste of his own medicine but promised Mary he wouldn’t touch him. When would his limit be reached? By the muscle tick in his jaw, she’d say it would be soon.
“Why would you want to marry someone who hits you?” Rylee dropped into an empty chair.
“He apologized for hitting me in the past and promised it wouldn’t happen again. I told him that I wouldn’t marry him. He told me that I would be his wife. When I wouldn’t let him kiss me, he hit me.” She hurried to add, “It’s nothing though. I should’ve just kissed him.”
“It’s nothing? You’ve got a bruised and swollen cheek, Mary. Why do you make excuses for him? I’ve told you before a leopard doesn’t change its spots.”
Guilt filled Kate as she witnessed tears form in Mary’s eyes. She’d been too harsh, again. Mary had to understand that he wasn’t going to go away unless she did something about it. And a small stint in jail might be the solution.
“I know that, but I can’t help it. Even though I don’t love him anymore, I still care about him. I know he can change. It’s just a matter of time.”
“Mary, time isn’t going to change him. When are you going to see that?” Rylee had an unusual gentle softness in her voice.
Josh broke his silence. He took Mary’s hand in his. “Mary, he’s no good for you, even as a friend. You don’t deserve to be beaten.”
“Mary, we love you. We’re just looking after your well-being. Having Dan in your life could be detrimental to your health. He doesn’t understand it’s over, and one day he may not stop in time.”
“Mary, Rylee’s right. We love you. We only want the best for you and that’s not Dan.” Kate made sure her tone had a degree of warmth and concern. She didn’t want to upset Mary any more than she already had, but she needed to get her to stop letting him into her apartment and file charges.
They knew they’d never change her mind, but they always had a bit of hope. Mary believed the best in everyone. She truly believed Dan would change and wanted to help him.
Kate slapped her hand on the table. “I’ve had enough of this. If you’re not going to do something about this, I will. I’m going to talk with him again and remind him about the restraining order. Maybe he’ll listen this time.”
The last time Kate reminded Dan of the restraining order, he’d laughed in her face. They’d been in a public place, so her options had been limited. She couldn’t arrest him because Mary wouldn’t press charges. And she couldn’t kick his ass because others were around. So she reminded him that she’d gladly take him to prison then walked away.
“Kate, there’s no need to talk to him. After he hit me, I told him to leave me alone. He left and said he wouldn’t bother me anymore.”
Mary’s naivety about Dan concerned her. “Mary, your turning him away isn’t enough to stop him.”
Mary looked away and picked up a napkin to wipe the tears sliding down her face.
Josh sensed the unbearable pain and embarrassment she must be feeling and shook his head at Kate. “So, Kate, I can’t believe someone shot at you.”
Thank you, Josh, for changing the subject. It was too much for Mary to handle at this moment. She’d gone too far.
“My hand throbs, but the pain pills help.” She held up her bandaged hand. “Luckily, it was only my hand.”
She feared it would have been much worse if Jesse hadn’t pushed her to the ground. He’d moved swiftly and had somehow landed gently, with his body covering hers. His rock-hard body.
“I’ve never known anyone shot in a drive-by. This is cool.” Josh rubbed his hands together in excitement.
Josh, an attorney, worked around the clock trying to become the youngest partner at his firm. He’d surprised her when he’d taken the time to eat lunch out of the office today. He’d removed his suit jacket and loosened his blue tie. The top button of his shirt was open. She knew he would tighten up his appearance before he returned to the office.
“Josh, it’s not cool. She could’ve been killed.” Rylee had been one of the first agents to call her after the shooting, vowing to help find the shooter.
“But I wasn’t.” Neither was Jesse. She’d been extremely thankful on both accounts.
The waitress returned, clearly annoyed that they were taking up her table without ordering. Mary ordered a bowl of Maryland Crab soup, Josh selected the pub’s specialty burger, and Kate and Rylee ordered crab cake sandwiches. Kate ate Maryland crab, cooked any way, at any time of the day.
“Do you get to be part of the investigation or are they making you take time off? I know you, and I’m guessing even if they put you out on medical, you’d still work the case.”
Kate couldn’t help laughing aloud at Mary’s statement. She knew her too well. “AJ’s leading the investigation and is going to keep me in the loop while they make me stay home. I couldn’t convince my boss otherwise.”
“I wondered what Agents Brent and Keller were doing here. I take it they’re your protective detail.” Rylee gestured to the next table. The agents nodded at her.
Kate sighed in mock resignation. “Yes. AJ did what I would’ve done had it been him that was shot. But I’d prefer they weren’t here.”
“No, Kate. You should have protection. We wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.” Mary looked at her hand. “Well, anything else.”
She loved her friends for not asking her if her injury would affect her future as an FBI agent.
Josh cleared his throat. “What about the guy that also got shot? Couldn’t they have been after him?”
“Yes, it could’ve been him, but it’s most likely me they were after.”
The harsh reality that someone may still be trying to kill her hadn’t completely settled in. The undeniable and dreadful facts of the shooting and the wound on her hand were grim reminders someone had already made an attempt, but they also could have been trying to kill Jesse. Icy fear twisted around her heart. Their relationship may be complicated and she’d contemplated shooting him herself, but she didn’t want someone trying to kill him.
“I’m the FBI agent who makes regular enemies.”
Josh looked around nervously. “Should you even be out? Shouldn’t you be holed up somewhere? Like a safe house or something?”
That had been the argument she’d had with her detail. She’d won by telling them they’d have to physically restrain her from having lunch with her friends. She didn’t worry about their safety because with the detail and
Rylee, she knew no one was getting close to her friends.
Rylee shook her head. “You watch too much TV, Josh.”
“One good thing came of it. We get to have the pleasure of watching you try to eat with only your left hand.”
Leave it to Josh to say something that made them all laugh out loud.
Their food arrived, and they chatted about everything except her injury and Dan visiting Mary.
Josh left to return to work, and Mary slipped out to avoid more conversation about her ex.
When Kate and Rylee were alone, she decided to tell her about Jesse. She cleared her throat. “Jesse is coming over tonight to watch the ball game.”
Rylee smiled. “That’s great. Isn’t it?” She’d met Jesse at the agency, and Kate had envied how well they got along. He never tried to rile Rylee like he did her.
“I don’t know.” Kate exhaled a troubled sigh. “We don’t get along all the time, and now he wants to spend time with me. He kissed me the other night, when we left the bar. It’s confusing.”
Rylee raised her eyebrows. “And?”
Kate shook her head. “And nothing. My problem is that I’m attracted to him.” Attracted was an understatement. He invaded her dreams. She couldn’t stop thinking about his hard body against hers and his wickedly, delicious lips claiming hers.
Rylee laughed. “How’s that a problem?”
“He’s in a relationship.”
“Really?” Rylee’s look of surprise was almost comical.
“According to AJ, he doesn’t do relationships, but apparently he’s wrong. Do you think he wants to cheat on his girlfriend with me?”
Rylee’s lipped tightened into a thin line. “I don’t see it from Jesse. Maybe they just broke up. Maybe he just wants to watch the game with you.”
“And the kiss?”
“You’ll just have to ask him about it.”
“Believe me, I plan on it.”
“You haven’t been on a date since Mark.”
Kate dated Mark Strickland for nearly a year. Things had been going well until she found out he was only with her for her money. Even though he’d been the only man to accept her as she was, she hadn’t hesitated to break off the relationship.