by Jamie Hill
“Ten-four, Chief.” Ben ended the call. “Head to the office. Everyone stay alert.”
Nick said, “Jo, I guess we’re coming in. See you in a few.”
“Be careful.”
“I always am, doll face.” He pushed a button on his steering wheel and the call disconnected. Glancing sideways at Ben, he raised his brows. “Well, now.”
“Yeah.” Ben looked at the women in the backseat. “You two okay?”
Addie and Mitzi were holding hands. Addie appeared shaken, but Mitzi seemed happy.
“It’s over,” she breathed. “It’s finally, fucking over.”
“Maybe.” Ben cautioned. “We still need to take precautions. We haven’t officially been given the all clear where you’re concerned.”
Addie gazed at him. “How does that work?”
Ben shrugged. “It’s complicated, but we have people who know this kind of stuff. Until we’re sure that the heat is off Mitzi, we’re staying under.”
“What about me?” Addie searched his face. “I mean, it seems like my part in this over.”
“We’ll find out more when we get there. Bear with us a little while longer.”
Nick glanced at her in his mirror. “As Yogi Berra once said, it’s not over until it’s over.”
Mitzi made a face. “Did Yogi Berra really say that? Or is that just another internet colloquialism?”
Nick pulled into the parking area of the Witsec office building and glanced around. “Pretty sure he really said it. Wish we had a secure parking lot.”
Ben spotted Evan, Jordan, Doug and Olivia waiting just inside the door for them. They all wore vests and were brandishing their weapons. He nodded in their direction. “Looks pretty secure to me.”
Nodding, Nick pulled up to the front door. “Okay, kids. I’m going to drop you off here. Stick with Ben and his band of merry marshals. I’ll park and be in shortly.”
Ben caught his eye. “You be careful.”
Nick smiled. “Of course.” He pushed the button to unlock the truck.
Rhodes opened the door and motioned them in.
Still glancing around warily, Ben climbed out of the truck and opened the back door. He grabbed Mitzi by the arm and helped her out, while motioning for Addie to stay put. Rushing Mitzi to the building, he gladly turned her over to Rhodes who pulled her inside and passed her off to Doug.
Ben returned for Addie. “You ready?”
She nodded.
He looked at Nick. “You have no idea if Yogi Berra really said that, do you?”
Nick grinned again. “Oh, hell no.”
Ben pointed at him. “Careful. This feels too easy.”
“I’ll be fine.”
With an arm around Addie’s waist, Ben hurried her into the building and Rhodes closed the door behind them.
“What a frigging mess,” the chief muttered as they walked briskly to their offices. “Four prison guards were found dead outside of Leavenworth. The killers took their van, uniforms and ID’s. They drove a few miles outside of town before they shot four inmates in the head at point blank range. They must have had a car waiting. There’s been no sign of them. A farmer found the van a little while ago.”
Addie said, “I need to speak with the DA.”
“You can use the phone in my office,” Rhodes told her.
In the Witsec bullpen, Ben released his grip on Addie so she could follow the chief.
She gave him a small smile before she went.
Ben inhaled, and blew the breath out.
Olivia folded her arms across her chest. “Wow. So she’s the new ADA?”
He turned to his partner. “Yeah. Addie Decker. I’ll introduce you when she comes back. Good to see you. How’s your dad?”
She nodded. “He’s home, and driving my mom crazy. Pretty much back to normal.”
Ben smiled. “That’s great. Oh, Olivia, this is Mitzi Pomeroy, our witness. Mitzi, this is my partner, Olivia.”
Mitzi extended a hand and the women shook. “My, you people certainly have a lot of partners. Kinda makes me miss the Palace.”
Olivia blinked. “The Palace?”
Shaking his head, Ben replied, “Don’t ask.”
Doug grinned. “So, did you have a good week? Learn anything new?”
Ben rolled his eyes. “Yeah. I learned that level three-fifty of Candy Crush is a bitch. I’ve been stuck on it for days.”
Nick and Jordan entered the bullpen. He nodded to Ben, who breathed a sigh of relief.
Doug turned to Nick, still grinning. “Maybe I should be asking you. Learn anything new this week?”
“I learned how much I miss my wife when we’re apart, but that’s nothing new.” Nick pressed a kiss to Jordan’s temple.
She gazed at him lovingly.
Mitzi glanced at Doug. “These guys were perfect gentlemen, so you might as well give it up.”
“What?” He raised his hands innocently.
She waved him off and looked at Ben. “Can I use the ladies’ room?”
“Of course. You remember where it is?”
Mitzi nodded and walked down the hall.
Ben glanced at Doug. “You can lay off the teasing, now. Mitzi’s all right.”
“For a madam,” he chortled.
Nick shook his head. “She wasn’t a madam, she owned a sex club. She’s actually an ordinary person, as witnesses go.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Considering she owned a sex club.”
Ben bristled. “Look, drop it, okay? We got along fine this week. Mitzi likes sports and poker and game shows. We talked about all kinds of things, but the club never came up. It just didn’t.”
Doug and Olivia looked at Nick.
He shook his head. “It didn’t. Maybe we didn’t let it, I don’t know. But I have to agree with Benji. She’s a decent woman who didn’t do anything wrong. She didn’t deserve what happened to her, but she took it in stride and ended up being a pretty good sport.”
Doug made a face. “I can’t believe the sex club never even came up. I have to say I’m a little disappointed.”
Ben smiled. “You didn’t want the case, if I recall. It might have been a whole different thing if you’d have been there.”
“I’m sure it would have been.”
Jordan shot Doug a look. “Says the man with the wife and three kids. Admit it, partner, you’re trying to live vicariously through Nick and Benji. I’m pleased to say that ain’t happening.”
Nick smiled at his wife. “I did kind of wonder about the club, though. But I never asked.”
“Good man.” She gave him a light kiss.
Rhodes and Addie returned to the bullpen. “Well, kids,” he announced. “Looks like we’re not quite done yet.”
Addie glanced around the room. “Who’s up for a trip to Pomeroy’s Palace of Pleasure and Pain?”
* * *
Addie found the expressions on their faces priceless.
Ben blinked. “Excuse me?”
She chuckled, and looked up as Mitzi returned. “Mitzi, good. You need to hear this.” She added quietly, “Chief, I really think you should break the news.”
Rhodes nodded. “Mitzi, come in and sit down.” He pulled a chair up for her. “We’ve got some information to share with you.”
She sighed and took her seat. “Go ahead. I’m not sure much can surprise me anymore.”
The chief folded his arms across his chest. “Apparently when Ryan North and Jason Keeling robbed your club, they were looking for more than money and booze.”
Mitzi’s brow wrinkled. “Like what?”
“Information,” he continued. “According to our FBI sources, David Wilson was dealing drugs for the cartel that Antonio DeMarcus fronts.”
“I still don’t believe it,” she insisted.
Rhodes shrugged. “I’m sorry. Per the feebs, DeMarcus got the idea that Dave was skimming from him. Worse yet, he was keeping information in a file in case he ever got caught. He must have been smart enough to
realize that any law enforcement agency would gladly flip him in order to catch a bigger fish.”
Ben asked, “What kind of a file?”
The chief shook his head. “No idea. But apparently the information is still out there. Someone’s broken into the Palace a couple of times and tossed the place. The KCPD and the FBI have also gone over the club with a fine tooth comb, to no avail.”
Mitzi sprang from her chair. “They’ve broken into the Palace? What have the police done about it? Can’t they keep that from happening?”
“Apparently not. But they’re hopeful that if you go, you’ll be able to uncover something they haven’t. You know the place better than anyone.”
Ben frowned. “Is that safe? Isn’t DeMarcus still after her?”
Rhodes made a face. “We can’t be sure, so we’re erring on the side of caution. Of course it wouldn’t be safe for her to waltz right in the front door. But I think you three might be able to slip in and out unnoticed if you use standard protocol. Cover of darkness and all that.”
Ben looked at him. “Us three? Meaning who, exactly?”
“You, Nick, and Mitzi. I realize Olivia is back but I’d rather keep Pierce on the case.” He held a hand up when Olivia started to object. “And I’m not being sexist. I’m just saying that Pierce is more familiar with the case. I’d rather not switch marshals midstream.”
“I agree with that,” Ben replied. “Olivia can be more useful to us here, helping Jordan keep tabs on things. What about Addie?”
She was tickled that Ben had asked. “I’m off the case for now. Unless you get something to incriminate DeMarcus, and then we’ll see about filing new charges. But my part in this particular case is done.”
He nodded enthusiastically. “Agreed.”
Addie couldn’t help but wonder why he was so quick to chime in. He obviously didn’t want her going on the road trip to Kansas City. Now it would be just him, Nick and Mitzi. Going to a sex club, for goodness’ sake. Despite all the amiable feelings she’d developed for the other woman, she wasn’t sure what she thought about this latest development.
She definitely wanted to be able to talk to Ben. Addie looked at Rhodes. “That GPS blocker thing you all have on your phones. If I’m going to be working with you, is there any way I can get that?”
He seemed to think about it for a minute before holding out his hand. “Give me your phone.”
She removed it from her pocket and handed it over.
“Martina,” he called to their office assistant.
The brown-haired woman joined them in the bullpen. “Yes, boss?”
Rhodes held out the phone. “Run this upstairs and have Mike work his magic to make it secure.”
“You got it.” She took the phone and left again.
He turned back to Addie. “She’ll be back in a few.”
Addie nodded. “Thanks.” She looked at Ben. “Easy as that.”
“Easy as that,” he agreed.
“I’m going to need a ride home, since my car is there. Is there any way—?”
She hadn’t completed her sentence when Ben turned to Nick. “Can I use your truck to run her home?”
“Sure.” He dug in his pocket for the keys.
Rhodes told Nick, “You have time to run her home, Pierce. You’re not going to be able to get into the club until tonight. When you get to Kansas City you’ll need to check into a motel and wait it out.”
Addie saw the exchange of glances between Ben and Nick, before Nick said, “No big deal.” He tossed his keys to Ben. “You take care of the ADA. I’ll spend a few extra minutes with my wife.”
Ben snatched the keys mid-air and nodded. “Thanks.” He cast a quick glance at Addie then looked away.
Martina returned and handed the phone back to Rhodes. “All set up, boss.”
“Thanks.” He passed it back to Addie. “There you go. You won’t notice a difference, but your calls and text are now secure.”
She accepted her phone and stuck it in her pocket. “Thank you very much.” Addie moved in front of Mitzi. “Good luck in Kansas City. I’m not sure if I’ll see you again.”
The woman reached for her and gave Addie a hug. “Thanks for everything. I know this wasn’t the outcome you were hoping for, but I can’t say as I mind that much. I really wasn’t looking forward to testifying.”
Addie hugged back. “I know. You would have done great. But I totally understand. Take care, Mitzi.”
They pulled apart. Mitzi glanced toward the other marshals and smiled. “I’ll be in good hands.”
“Right.” Addie cleared her throat and walked to the door. “You ready, Markham?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Ben followed her out.
She walked briskly to the parking lot. Emotions from the week threatened to overwhelm her, and she wanted to clear her head before tears fell.
“Hey, slow down.” He caught up to her and grabbed one hand. “You okay?”
Addie sniffed. “I’m fine. It’s been a crazy week, and now all this stuff today. I’m a little overwhelmed.”
Ben squeezed her hand. “Let me get you home.”
“Thanks.”
He unlocked Nick’s truck and opened the door for her.
Addie climbed in and fastened her seatbelt as he got in the driver’s side.
“Crazy is right,” he commented as he started the truck and began to drive. “Can you believe how that all went down? One minute we’re headed to the courthouse, and the next we find out the defendant is dead and the trial is off.”
“Along with three innocent men, who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Ben glanced sideways at her and smiled. “They weren’t exactly innocent men. They were in prison, after all.”
She shot him a look. “You know what I mean. They didn’t deserve to die today.”
“You’re right, of course. We have Antonio DeMarcus to thank for that.”
“That man is evil, Ben. Find something on him so we can arrest that animal and get him off the streets.”
“We’re gonna try. You know, if we do find anything, the case will likely be handled in Kansas City.”
“Fine by me. I don’t need to try the man. I’ll just sleep better knowing he’s behind bars somewhere.”
Ben pulled into the driveway of her condo and turned the truck off. He placed an elbow on the back of the seat when he swiveled to face her. “I’ll sleep better when you’re in my arms. I was hoping that might be tonight, but it looks like we’ll have to push it back a day or two.”
She gazed into his eyes. “You think that’s all it’s going to take, a day or two?”
He brushed a lock of hair away from her face. “I sure as hell hope so.”
“Mitzi seems pretty tickled to have you and Nick all to herself.”
Ben set his jaw. “Don’t give in to the kind of nonsense Doug was trying to stir up. We just spent a week with Mitzi. She was perfectly fine.”
“She was,” Addie agreed. “But we weren’t in a sex club, either.”
He laughed. “You think that’s gonna make any difference? It’s an empty, abandoned building, Addie. I don’t think setting foot inside the place is going to set off any fireworks.”
She stuck out her lower lip. “It better not.”
Ben leaned in so his face was mere inches from hers. “Now, setting foot in your empty condo, that could be dangerous. Which is why I’m going to say goodbye out here.”
Addie pouted again. “Your chief said you weren’t in a huge hurry. Maybe you could come in for a few minutes?”
He ran a hand along her cheek, allowing his thumb to graze over her lips. “I’d never be satisfied with a few minutes, and I don’t think you would, either.”
She pressed her lips against his and murmured, “Don’t overestimate how easy I am to satisfy.”
He chuckled. “We might not even mess up the sheets, huh?”
“Are you kidding me? We’d barely make it through the front door.”
She opened her mouth enough to let him in, and moaned as he devoured her. Addie slid her arms around his neck and tried to drag him closer. It wasn’t happening in the truck, and they both knew it. She pulled back to gasp for air. “Come inside for a few minutes.”
He pressed his forehead against hers. “We had the opportunity for a quickie several times this week and we resisted it. I think we need to continue to resist it. I want more for you, Addison Decker. Of course I want to be with you, but you deserve better than being shoved up against a wall. You’re worthy of so much more.” He kissed her lightly.
Sighing, she opened the passenger door and climbed out. “I’m going to miss you. Our first date is finally over. And you’re going on a road trip with Mitzi.”
“And Nick,” he reminded as he exited the truck. He removed her bag from the back and handed it to her. “And for the record, counselor, if anyone asks, would it be okay if I said I was seeing someone? Because I don’t feel all that ‘unattached’ anymore.”
Addie’s stomach fluttered. “That would be so okay. More than okay.” She leaned up for one more kiss. “Thank you.”
“I’ll miss you, too. But we’ll be back soon. And you’ll be the first call I make.”
She grinned. “We can text each other. You can keep me posted, and let me know how it’s going.”
“I’ll try. We’ll be working tonight, but I’ll text if I can.”
Addie carried her bag up the driveway. “Be careful,” she called.
Ben’s eyes twinkled. “You know I will. I’ve got a lot to come home to.”
“Yes, you do.” She unlocked the door and stepped inside. Her mail was strewn all over the floor. Addie glanced around and realized that her furniture was tipped over, pictures frames broken, photos ripped in half. The place was, in effect, destroyed.
She stuck her head outside but Ben had already backed down the drive and was halfway up the street.
Addie looked at the living room again, and her heart sank. Someone had ransacked her condo.
Chapter Six
Kansas City, Kansas
Antonio DeMarcus sat poolside, reclining in a chaise lounge, as his beautiful young wife splashed in the water. Her white string bikini was so small, she really needn’t have bothered with it.