by Lee Taylor
Suddenly, he’d looked up, and she would have sworn he’d sniffed the air. No, not that; he was listening. Wind chimes had sounded from the back of the house. Since the air was still, hot, and dryer that an old whore’s privates, something else had to have made the noise.
Pulling his gun from under his belt, he headed to the back door. He stopped, and his glare spoke the words he didn’t need to. She held both hands out in front, acquiescing to his unspoken command, and then moved to cover the baby with her body.
She heard Rhondo break the glass in the door’s window, and she dared a peek. He hadn’t moved, just waited, and obviously it paid off. Someone outside had broken cover, and Rhondo raised the gun calmly and shot. Then, Debbie heard his “Humph” of triumph as he continued to watch. Finally, he moved back to where she huddled frozen in fear, the baby’s seat under her protection.
Rhondo sat on the floor beside her. His voice sounded rusty, as if that tender tone hadn’t ever been used. “You’ll take care of him. Love him.”
Tears gathered, and her throat filled. “Of course I will. He’s a beautiful little boy, a gift. I’ll always look after him.”
“Teach him right from wrong. But don’t let him be a sissy. Help him to be a man. A strong, good man.”
“Yes, of course.”
“Tell him his daddy loved him.”
“Oh yes.” Clogged, her voice sounded rough.
“You know what I have to do, don’t you?”
She knew what he should do. Give himself up. But she also knew he’d want to die before going back inside. Understanding that Cory could have been the man he’d shot, threads of hatred interfered with her need to have compassion. She’d never wanted to kill anyone before. But if he’d shot her husband, she’d kill him easy. All the emotions jangling around inside turned her thoughts wild.
So instead of answering, she just nodded.
As his hand reached toward her, it took all her strength not to flinch or slap him away. Like stone, she watched to see what he planned to do next.
He bypassed her, and ever so gently, he rested his big palm on Alec’s head, and caressed. Forever he sat there, as if instilling through spiritual links his adoration for the child.
Not wanting to spook him, she didn’t move or speak. Torture would have been easier than having to sit quietly and watch the madman who’d raped her stroke her child. And all the while she wondered if he’d just killed her husband, the true father of her baby.
Chapter Forty-Four
After Cory smacked his arm, Kai knew he should wipe the grin from his face, but damned if he could. Lit up from inside, his heart swelling, he felt like a man stretched ten feet tall. This gorgeous woman, who’d passed out at his feet, had the hots for him—no, she actually loved him. And he liked the knowing.
In fact, he liked it very much. His own heart wobbled around inside, filling him brimful with so much tenderness, that like a mountain spring turning into a waterfall, it was impossible to contain. Waiting for her to recharge, he held her in his arms.
Slowly she began to emerge from her faint, the shakes that had attacked her body started to fade. Her long eyelashes fluttered and then lifted. His first sight of her adorable eyes, sapphire in normal times, now black ice with worry, and he knew he was truly in love for the first time in his life. She lifted her shaking hand to caress his face, wincing when she saw the blood still draining… but from a superficial wound.
“You’re okay,” Aurora said softly.
“I’m fine. What about you? I barely caught you before you hit the ground.” Kai kissed her hand and held it against his lips.
“Hey, you two, I could stand a little help if you’re finished with the schmoozing. I have a wife and kid in that shack, and it’s about time to get them out.”
Kai helped Aurora to stand, and kept his arm around her shoulders until he knew she was steady on her feet. “I got a quick peek in the window before the rotted rope broke on those blasted chimes. Both Deb and the baby are fine.”
He wouldn’t tell his friend about the picture he’d seen of Rhondo holding his son’s hand, appearing fixated on the tiny baby. Or the terror on his wife’s face as she’d watched helplessly.
Kai knew how he’d feel if that were his family inside with Rhondo. He’d want to rip the bastard apart limb from limb. But he also knew his friend had gotten sick of the killing when they were overseas. His reason for becoming a cop had been to try and stop bloodshed, not add to it.
Kai glanced around and noticed the string of cop cars lined up on the main road. Rhondo would see them also. Never knew what a perp might do once his escape route had been closed.
Aurora stepped away, and Kai saw her mentally harden, the earlier soft glow on her face replaced with grim determination. Lips tight and eyes narrowed, she surveyed the surroundings like a professional who knew her business.
Moving over to Cory, she spoke so only the three would hear. “Did you send some troopers around the perimeter to close off any chance of his escape?”
“Got them in place already.”
Cory turned first to her, and then to Kai. “Showdown” was all he said, all he needed to say.
“Oh yeah! Today we take this prick.” Not even a small doubt crept into her tone. Kai decided it was as if she knew something, a premonition.
Made the hairs stand up on his neck a little. Made him realize he’d do anything it took to have a future with this woman. Maybe even give up his intention—his sick revenge.
So he wouldn’t make a fool of himself, pick her up and run from the danger, he stuck his hands deep into his pocket. A plastic card poked into his fingernail, and the pain made him pull it out. It was the card one of the victim’s mother’s had given him. A card featuring “The Serenity Prayer”. And it read:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
A sledgehammer to the head couldn’t have hit him any harder. To receive this message at this time had to be more than a coincidence.
He pictured again the sight of the big lug tenderly cuddling the hand of the tiny infant, and the ball of hatred he’d nourished in the pit of his stomach began to unwind.
Aurora and Cory believed in the law, in justice, and maybe he needed to also. With his mind now firmly made up, relief felt sweet. He’d choose Aurora and a future.
Cory’s excited voice broke into his thoughts. “The door’s opening. He’s coming out. Be careful that he isn’t using Debbie as his hostage.”
All three took their stance, weapons drawn and ready. Alone, Rhondo stepped off the veranda and ran into the open. Then he raised his gun and began firing wildly in their direction.
Without any hesitation, three weapons blasted.
But only one bullet killed.
Afterword
Thank you so much for reading Roll the Dice, book two of the Vegas Series.
If you enjoyed reading this novel, it would be a very kind gesture for you to leave a short, honest review on Amazon. Authors thoroughly enjoy knowing that readers like their stories. Hopefully, others will read your words and choose to buy the book because of your sentiments and that would be real sweet!
Amazon Review Page
Other Works by Mimi Barbour
Partners
Book 1 of the Vegas Series
Hot Sassy and Intriguing! What's Not to Like?
~ Reviewed by – Windigo
Tough cop meets her match
~ Reviewed by – Clare Chu
Fast paced thriller with a heart of gold
~ Reviewed by – Gail MacMillan
Just a taste for greater things to come
~ Reviewed by – Beverly Wells
When attractive Las Vegas detective Aurora Morelli makes a friend, she takes the relationship very seriously…and if anyone hurts that person, they’re going down! While Aurora may be slim and dainty on the outside, she has the heart of a lion, and when angry,
the manners of a she-cat. The sick schmuck who dared attack her partner is now her prime target, and nothing or no one will stand in her way—except maybe her new partner who arrives in town seeking vengeance on the same culprit.
Kai Lawson, a Bruce Willis lookalike, annoys her. From the very beginning nothing seems to go right between the two of them, leaving Aurora to question if they should even be working together—especially after he shoots her—and not accidentally! Constant screw-ups on the job and the undeniable attraction building between them makes reaching her goal seem almost insurmountable…almost!
To purchase Partners on Amazon, click here.
Vegas Shuffle
Book 3 of the Vegas Series
Left high and dry, Aurora battles against her love for Kai. She eventually fights her way out of the pain of abandonment when she learns that Kai unknowingly left her with a part of himself she can love. Of course, she’s also forced to take on another partner. Lisa Jordan is a ditzy gal who gets under her collar at first, but soon her chatty cheerfulness and incredible skills wins her a place on Aurora’s best-friend list.
Then there’s the good-looking devil, Jeff Waters, who’s the owner of the fantastic new casino in town. He makes up his mind he desires Aurora. She’s his type of woman, and he’s the kind of guy who’s used to getting what he wants.
To purchase Vegas Shuffle on Amazon, click here.
High Stakes Gamble
Book 4 of the Vegas Series
Aurora loves her mommy role and is fascinated by her little angel, Lily. When babies start to disappear in Vegas, not once did Aurora ever imagine that Lily would be one of the kidnap victims. So when the unthinkable happens, it forces Aurora to once again partner with Lily’s daddy, Kai, who’d previously walked out on her. This time, her heart will be kept firmly in lock-down where it’s safely resided since he disappeared and left her high and dry.
Almost a year later, still heartbroken over having lost Aurora, Kai learns he’s become a daddy. When a crazy lunatic kidnaps his baby girl, nothing can stop him from working the case, not even Aurora’s gun pointing at places on his body he’d like to keep intact. Hope arises when Aurora’s lips tell him to drop dead, but her hungry eyes plead for more of his tender brand of loving.
To Purchase High Stakes Gamble on Amazon, click here.
Spin the Wheel
Coming – June 2013
Spin the Wheel, Book #5 in the Vegas series is another short bridge story introducing Lisa Jordan, Aurora’s partner. Lisa will be at Aurora and Kai’s wedding and forced to spend the evening with Jeff Waters, a man whose very presence makes her feel about the same age as her three-year-old adopted nephew, Noel. Not only can’t she talk with the man around, she can’t think straight when his gorgeous grey eyes search hers as if he’s trying to figure her out.
Jeff is intrigued with the long-legged, curly-haired beauty who tries so hard to ignore him. When they end up spending the night together, he knows he’s met the one and only. Now all he has to do is get her to acknowledge the fact that she really does like him even when she’s sober.
The Vicarage Bench Anthology
A Three Book Set
Imagine having to share your body with an invading time traveler.
Dr. Tobias Andrews, guardian of the magic, assists each trapped spirit—
but not until every story’s happy ending is assured.
In She’s Me: chubby, shy Lucy McGillicuddy who lives in a small English village in 1963 is forced to share herself with 2006 top model Jenna McBride. This experience teaches them both valuable lessons that enable them to finally accept true love.
In He’s Her: schoolteacher Carrie Temple has to make space for Vegas casino owner Rhett Parks, whose spirit invades her heart as well as her mind, and won’t leave. At first she desperately wants him to get out, but soon she can’t bear for them to be apart.
In We’re One: Vegas nightclub star Crystal Davis wants nothing to do with men until she’s seduced by Ashley Parks while they flee from a killer. Ashley traps her spirit inside of him to keep her safe, but she soon convinces him to trust her—it’s his safety they need to worry about.
Three soul mate stories to that just keep getting better.
To purchase The Vicarage Bench Anthology on Amazon, click here.
Mimi’s Mix
A book from each of Mimi’s Series
Partners:
When attractive Las Vegas detective Aurora Morelli makes a friend, she takes the relationship very seriously…and if anyone hurts that person, they’re going down! While Aurora may be slim and dainty on the outside, she has the heart of a lion, and when angry, the manners of a she-cat. The sick schmuck who dared attack her partner is now her prime target, and nothing or no one will stand in her way—except maybe her new partner who arrives in town seeking vengeance on the same culprit.
Kai Lawson, a Bruce Willis lookalike, annoys her. From the very beginning, nothing seems to go right between the two of them, leaving Aurora to question if they should even be working together—especially after he shoots her—and not accidentally! Constant screw-ups on the job and the undeniable attraction building between them makes reaching her goal seem almost insurmountable…almost!
His Devious Angel:
Without the angel forcing him to brake, Liam could have killed the gorgeous girl who ran in front of his car to save a little boy. He owed the rescuer big time and would pay his debt no matter that she acted cranky and became more difficult with every meeting. After all, how hard could it be to walk a bunch of mangy mutts?
Men are scum and no one can tell Sadie any different. It’s why she stays away from them. Until a crazy, hotshot soldier runs her down with his convertible. Now because she’s bruised and sore, she’s stuck having to accept his help in her elite dog-walking business. Just her luck that some of the expensive pets go missing, and Liam decides the puppy-mill rumor needs to be investigated. And once they’re forced to spend more time together, mutual attraction spirals out of control.
He’s Her:
A casino owner from Vegas, Rhett Parks, was relaxing on a bench in a small English town. To his dismay, a young woman interrupted his sanctuary. A minute later, his body was out cold on the ground and he was taking up residence inside of the intruder - schoolteacher Carrie Temple - and without her permission.
Her first words get out didn’t solve anything because he had no idea of how he got in. During the next few weeks they fought each other, taught each other and began to love each other, not an easy accomplishment considering the situation, but doable, as Rhett proved too sweet, naïve Carrie.
They became involved with strange Dr. Andrews who assured them he had the answers to solve their problem, but Rhett’s brother Ashley, who they turned to for help, was absolutely certain, that the man they were putting their faith in, was a charlatan and a quack.
To purchase Mimi’s Mix on Amazon, click here.
About the Author
Mimi Barbour lives on the beautiful east coast of Vancouver Island and fills her days with writing and promoting her work. The rest of her day is spent in her garden, doing minimal housework, and visiting with her husband while he cooks their dinner.
“The favorite part of my job is meeting the characters from each new book. Designing them the way I want and having them act however I think they should. It’s thrilling, especially when most of my make-believe folks are so very interesting. They’re fun and surprising, and in most cases people I would love to interact with in reality.”
My Contact Page
My website: http://www.mimibarbour.com/
Or my blogspot: http://mimibarbour.blogspot.com
Or follow me on twitter: https://twitter.com/MimiBarbour
Or on Facebook
My author page on Amazon
Copyright
Roll the Dice
Book Two of the Vegas Series
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the
author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.
COPYRIGHT 2012 by Mimi Barbour
ASIN: B00925VCF6
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
Contact Information: [email protected]
Cover Art by Steven Novak
Edited by Bob Reed
Dark Powers
A Decorah Security Series Novel
By Rebecca York
Ruth Glick writing as Rebecca York
Main Menu
Start Reading
Table of Contents
Afterword
Decorah Security Series by Rebecca York
Praise for Rebecca York
About the Author
Contacts
Copyright
Chapter One
Death or disaster were only seconds away.
Ben Walker leaped from his car, shouting a warning at the slender blond woman crossing the Decorah Security parking lot, oblivious to the battered pickup truck bearing down on her, sun glinting off its windshield.
Dashing into the traffic lane, he snatched her out of the way while the truck rattled past.
The woman he’d pulled to safety clutched his broad shoulders and buried her head against his chest.
While he held her close, he fixed his gaze on the rapidly departing vehicle. It was blue, with no particular distinguishing features except a dent in the left rear bumper. The license plate was smeared with mud. All he could make out was the letter “J” at the beginning.