by Piper Stone
“But you don’t believe any of this shit. Do you?” Riker already knew the answer.
“I don’t believe in coincidences. His son is also missing in action, not killed as we originally were told. I will say this. Our asses might be court marshalled given the digging we’ve done. Who the hell knows?” A long breath escaped Stoker’s mouth.
“Then why bother asking for the information?” Moose’s question sounded accusatory.
Stoker walked closer to the man, his eyes full of venom. “Because that’s what we do as a team. The entire town we consider a team, in case you haven’t noticed. We care about people.”
“Okay. Let’s not allow this to get out of hand,” Antonio moved closer. “That word. Team. Remember it, all of you. We’re smack in the middle of shit that we shouldn’t be. Listen up and shut up.”
Stoker gave him a sideways glance before nodding. “I think the investigators, whatever their real titles are, knew that Cooper and I were connected to the mission. That’s why they homed in on us, not for some bullshit about the bombs.”
“Stoker and I believe that the mayor knows a lot more than she’s telling anyone,” Cooper added. “There’s more to this story.”
“The mayor was petrified. That was obvious,” Zane said.
“Unbelievable,” Antonio muttered under his breath.
“Well, there’s nothing we can do right now,” Landen added.
Riker leaned his head against the wall. “I assume the mayor is being protected?”
“She’s at a safe house at this point. The sheriff wouldn’t say anything else.” Stoker shrugged.
The room grew quiet.
“What about this Friday awards ceremony?” Moose broke the silence.
“She’s insistent that the event goes on as planned. You know the mayor.” Stoker shrugged.
Riker sniffed. “Good time to pick her off.”
Stoker nodded. “Yeah, the sheriff will no doubt have a full detail there. I’m certain FBI and CIA will be there as well.”
“And you two are going to be more involved?” Garcia asked.
Cooper and Stoker shared another look, Stoker hesitating before answering. “In a manner of speaking. We’ll be debriefed tomorrow. That’s all we know.”
“If they really tell us the truth,” Cooper added.
“So, we wait. Investigator Nelson still thinks the bombing isn’t over. I believe that man over the military any day.” Antonio allowed the words to sink in. “Eyes and ears open, I guess.”
“All we can do.” Riker grabbed another beer then headed for the back door. “You guys can analyze this to death. I have other things to do.”
“Lover boy,” Landen teased.
Riker gave him the finger before walking outside.
Jessica leaned back, a smile on her face. “I think we have a good plan in motion.”
“A plan, huh?” Riker studied Trinity’s face. She was much more relaxed than before.
Trinity eased out of the chair. “Jessica is good. I’ll give her that.”
“I’ve had too many years of experience dealing with the damn press,” Jessica answered as she laughed and struggled to her feet. “Ugh. If this baby doesn’t come soon, I’m going to lose my mind.”
“You are as big as a house.” He couldn’t resist. “And that better not be wine you’re drinking, or I’ll make certain Stoker knows.”
“Uh-huh. I can still take you down so don’t you dare tell Stoker a thing. One glass isn’t going to hurt this baby. A fighter like his mama.” Jessica stuck out her fist. “Just ask Stoker. I beat him up all the time.”
Riker rolled his eyes. “Right. I happen to know the real story, sugar plum”
“Sugar plum. See what I have to deal with? If you stay here, just make certain you know what you’re getting involved with or should I say who. Tough bunch of men, but…” Jessica inched closer, whispering in Trinity’s ear.
Trinity laughed, her eyes flashing as she squeezed Jessica’s hand. “Totally agree.”
“I’ll leave you two alone. You have a lot to talk about.” Jessica huffed, the smile remaining on her face. “You have the courage. You can do this.”
“I know. Thank you for talking with me. I feel a hell of a lot better.” Giving Jessica a hug, Trinity softened her gaze as she looked at Riker.
Dear God, he could see such love in Trinity’s eyes. He held his breath as Jessica walked by, allowing her fingers to trail across his arm. When the door was closed, he closed the distance, leaning over the railing. “Are you considering staying?”
“I am. I have a lot to think about, but I want something different. This entire experience has taught me that I can’t live a lie any longer. I have you to thank for that first. Jessica and Shannon also nudged me. Well, pushed like the strong women they are.” She laughed and moved her wine glass back and forth between her hands.
“What about acting?”
“Well, I have a movie that I just finished and I’m under contract for one more. Well, that is if anyone will consider hiring me after this fiasco.”
Riker brushed his fingers across her cheek. “They’d be fools not to. I’d like you to stay.”
“Yeah?”
“Very much so.”
“Why?” she asked, her voice little more than a whisper.
“Because you allowed light back into my life. You allowed me to feel again. I had no idea how dead I was inside until you smashed into my life.”
Biting her lower lip, she shook her head. “You’re never going to forgive me for the accident. Are you?”
“Probably not.” Using his thumb and index finger, he pulled her jaw closer. “I’ll let you make it up to me over and over again.” Capturing her mouth, he wanted the kiss to be soft, a slight touch, a whisper of what he felt for her.
Shivering, she slid her arm around his neck, holding the back of his head, her eyes shimmering.
Slipping his tongue just inside, he groaned as the kiss continued, every part of his body tingling. When he eased back, he kissed the tip of her nose.
“I heard you were getting an award,” Trinity purred.
“News travels fast. Yeah, for saving the little boy.”
“I fell in love with you because of that newscast, remember.”
He cocked his head. “And here I thought you fell in love with Zane, you know the welcoming party?”
“You’re terrible. Zane is a great guy, but the moment I saw those steely eyes, that gorgeous and very dirty face on television, I was hooked. You should consider acting.” She rubbed the tip of her finger across his nose.
“Over my dead ass body,” Riker huffed and smacked her on the ass.
“Oh!”
“Careful or I’ll have to give you more spankings. Yes, I think I will.”
She shook her finger. “No, you don’t. Jessica told me how to handle you guys and your Burnout club. Domestic discipline, huh?”
“The only way to treat a lady.” Grinning, he pulled her in for a tight hug. “Does that bother you?”
“You’re serious about that, aren’t you?”
He’d thought about the question, remembering what he’d shared with Rose. “It’s in my blood. I’ve always wanted control.”
“Could have fooled me.” Laughing, she rubbed her hand up and down his back before pulling away. “I’m not sure I can live that way, not entirely. Don’t get me wrong, I like the spankings, but I don’t know if I’m that kind of woman.”
He caressed the side of her face. “Not a deal breaker, lady. I’d just like to have you in my life.”
Trinity smiled and rose onto her tiptoes, kissing his lips. “You’re amazing.”
“What about the reporters? Are you going back to California to deal with this?”
“No.”
“Then what are you going to do?”
She bit her lip and gave him a mischievous look. “I’m going to handle this my way. With the help of Jessica and Shannon.”
“You know what?
I think I’m petrified.”
Trinity paced back and forth as she wrung her hands. This was more nerve wracking than she wanted to admit. “Why am I doing this? Why? I’m crazy. No one is going to believe me.”
“Relax. Everything is going to be all right. Besides, they’re going to believe your attorney.”
She glanced at Troy and smiled. “No offense, but you handle corporate law.”
Troy laughed. “Not today. Besides, I know my way around a courtroom and how to finagle the bad guys.”
“I understand that you do. You’re a good friend and I don’t even know you.”
“I owe these folks my life. You heard me say that before.”
“Someday, I need to hear the entire story,” she said as she gave him a look.
“That’s for a bottle of liquor and a long night. Let’s just say that I was a dumbass, getting involved with the wrong people. Almost destroyed my life with my little boy.” Troy exhaled. “I’m a lucky man to have a second chance.”
“Involved with the wrong people. Sounds like what I’ve done my entire life.” Marvin had been calling her non-stop. At least she’d been able to give him something to chew on the last time he’d harassed her. The chance of him being here? Then again, did she want him to be here? Yes. The truth was, yes.
“Well, then you can change that. Right now. Tonight. Just follow my lead. Okay?” Troy winked. “I do know what I’m doing. I’m actually a damn good attorney.”
“I’ve heard.”
Hearing a knock on the door, she groaned. “Come in.” When Ana walked inside, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Is everyone here?”
Ana glanced at Troy then gave him a once over. “Oh, there are dozens of people here. And who is this sexy man?”
Trinity smiled. “Ana Phillips, meet Troy Bruester. This is my attorney.”
“And you’ve been keeping him a secret, why? Is every male in this town good looking?” Ana sauntered closer, slapping her hand on her hip. “Wowie is all I can say. Hollywood, you’re missing out.”
Troy blushed. “I haven’t had a woman look at me like that in a long time.”
“Stupid. Women are stupid.” Ana fanned her face.
“Well, if the two of you can stop flirting,” Trinity teased. “Any sign of Chance?”
“Not yet, but I’m certain we can find a couple cowboys or smokejumpers to kick his ass,” Ana purred.
“No violence. Not right now.” Troy winked.
Shannon opened the door, popping her head inside. “We’re ready. The place is packed balls to the walls.”
“Shit. I don’t know if I can do this.” Trinity started pacing again, her anxiety as high as it had ever been.
“You can, and you will. This is about your freedom. Do you understand?” Troy kept the tone of his voice soft yet direct.
“I do. Riker has continued to tell me exactly the same thing.” Trinity wanted nothing more than to have the man by her side, but everyone was right. This, she had to do on her own. Her terms. Her life.
“Good. Then I’m ready if you are.” Troy grabbed a file off the desk and nodded toward the door. “One step at a time. That’s what I’ve had to do.”
“I can do this. I can do this.” Sucking in her breath, she smoothed down her dress and brushed her hands through her hair. Plastering on an award-winning smile, she walked to the door, following Troy outside into the hallway.
“Here we go,” he whispered and moved into the restaurant.
As soon as she walked into the light, she was swarmed, dozens of reporters, cameras and microphones shoved in her face. She managed to keep the smile as she trailed behind Troy to the designated spot. Shannon had insisted that Ziggy’s be used for the press conference, closing down the restaurant except to those on the invitation list. She could barely see anything, or anyone given the lights, the flashing bulbs from cameras. Where was Riker? Where was everyone else?
Troy took her arm, leading her to a marked off area. He stood behind the podium, nodding to her as she settled back behind him. He faced the cameras and held out his arms. “Ladies and gentlemen.”
Her teeth were chattering, her knees knocking, and she tried desperately to locate Riker. Just when she thought she was going to have a panic attack, she noticed his face, his smile and his penetrating eyes. Breathing a sigh of relief, she felt the courage that she so desperately needed fuel every cell.
“I’m going to make a statement and there will be time for a few questions. I’m Troy Bruester, attorney for Trinity Hargrove. Eight years ago, Ms. Hargrove was enrolled in college in her hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. While in college, one of her professors, David Miller, committed a heinous act resulting in the death of his wife. While there was speculation at the time regarding Ms. Hargrove and her involvement, she was ruled out immediately as a suspect. There was no romantic involvement between Ms. Hargrove and Mr. Miller. I repeat, there was no romantic involvement. While what occurred is horrific and has left Ms. Hargrove with ugly memories, there is no scandal. There is no open case. There is no new evidence as suggested by Mr. Spartan’s erroneous claims. In fact, we will be seeking action against Mr. Spartan for libel.” Troy looked around the room, his gaze stopping on Jack Spartan, who stood with a slack jaw.
Trinity allowed a slow breath to escape as she noticed Marvin standing smack in the middle of the room. From Troy’s deep and authoritative voice to the way he commanded the room, especially Jack Spartan, he had the reporters eating out of his hand. She resisted squealing as Marvin gave her an admiring nod of respect.
“Now, as I said, Ms. Hargrove is prepared to take a few questions after she makes a statement of her own.” Troy ushered her forward.
Trinity felt more confident than she had in years. She gripped the podium, smiling directly at Jack, who was backing out of the room. Asshole. “Jack. Do you have any questions for me? Would you like for me to give you a story?”
The entire room laughed, several photographers turning to snap Jack’s picture.
He bristled, his face turning red.
“I could tell you about two heroes, men who risked their lives saving a little boy and his dog. Two men, along with an amazing team that work together to actually save property and the lives of every man and woman in Missoula and states beyond. They race into danger, caring about the people around me. Caring about the women they love. They welcome strangers with open arms, unlike what I was forced to endure for years. I’ll be happy to make the arrangements, so you can meet these heroes. That is, if you’re man enough.” Trinity kept her head held high, a smile on her face and knew that she’d captivated the room.
She heard a whistle from the back, everyone beginning to clap. After a few seconds, she held up her hands, quieting the room. “Please meet the Jackals, heroes to all of us.” She could tell they were stunned, Riker’s face as red as a beet.
Troy flanked her side, a grin on his face. “True heroes.”
“Come on. Let’s give them a round of deserved applause.” Trinity held her hands over her head, clapping.
As the men streamed out, one after the other, Trinity realized she’d never been so proud in her life. Tears were in her eyes as they waved to the crowd, after a few seconds enjoying having their pictures taken.
“You did good,” Troy whispered.
“So, did you.” She caught Riker’s admonishing look, one that clearly stated she was so going to get it, then noticed Jack’s departure out of the corner of her eye. Good. Fucking. Riddance.
When the roar died down, she eased back behind the podium. Riker moved closer, his arms crossed, his face beaming.
“My name is Carrie Simmons. I’ve been lucky enough to provide hours of entertainment, working with some of the finest actors in the business. I’ve learned many things, including the fact that there is little trust in Hollywood, the kind of trust as well as love that I’ve found in this amazing town. To that end, I’m here to announce my retirement from acting.”
“No!”
&nbs
p; “You can’t!”
The exclamations were loud and varied.
“Ms. Hargrove. What will you be doing?”
Trinity took a deep breath and locked eyes with Riker. “I’m going to be staying in Missoula and writing my first book.”
Chapter 13
“Exactly what did you think you were doing parading us around in front of the press?” Riker moved behind Trinity, allowing his voice to remain husky, a hint of anger. However, there was no way he could pretend. He was ecstatic with the outcome.
Leaning back, she exhaled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, keeping her nestled against his chest. “I thought my man should garner at least some attention. After all, he is going to be presented with a prestigious award.”
Breathing in the scent of her exotic fragrance was enough to intensify his already raging libido. “Ah, yes, but you kept this from me. Grounds for a spanking.”
“Mmm… Should we go ahead and leave?”
“And miss Jack Spartan being run out of town? Not a chance in hell.” Turning her around, he shook his head. “You did good. You had those reporters eating out of your hand.”
“I did what I should have done a long time ago. I found the courage. Didn’t hurt that Troy has a way with words.” She nodded in Troy’s direction, laughing as she kneaded Riker’s shirt. “I think my cousin has found something she likes in little ol’ Missoula.”
Riker followed her gaze. “The guy deserves a break. Maybe he can find happiness.”
“We all deserve a break.” Trinity snagged a kiss before chuckling. “Don’t worry. I don’t think the press will rake you over the coals.”
He studied the photographers, the way they were catching every move they made, and let out a long, slow breath. “I don’t like notoriety.”
“I don’t think you have a choice, sexy man. Uh-oh. Here comes my agent.”
“I’ll get rid of him if you’d like.” Riker winked.
“Marvin, I can handle,” she purred.
“Trinity. Do you think we could talk for a few minutes?” The man gave Riker a curious look before concentrating on Trinity.