The Intruder

by Joannie Kay

  "I know! He's impossible!" she quickly retorted, and Jason laughed outright before taking out his stethoscope and saying, "Let me listen, sweetheart." He listened to her heart and lungs and then checked her throat and ears. "You are much better, Kari," he smiled.

  "Do you think I could take Kari to look at a couple of apartments tomorrow, Jase?" Jake wanted to know.

  "Yes. But no more than a couple, and only if she feels up to it, and if they don't have a lot of stairs to wear her out."

  "Got it. I thought I'd take her by Ma's place, too," Jake admitted.

  "Sounds great." He took out a pad and wrote and then handed it to Kari. "This is a release for you to go back to work, sweetheart. You might not feel like working a full day on Monday or Tuesday," he warned, "So be prepared for that. If you feel worse, or start running a temperature again, you call me immediately."

  "I will, Jason. Thank you so much for taking care of me, even when I got so nasty and was rude." She stood up to kiss him on the cheek.

  "You're welcome, Kari. And," he gave Jake an apologetic look before saying bluntly, "it would please me to be the first to welcome you to the family. Now, if Jake hasn't talked to you yet about his feelings, you get on him until he does. None of the family wants him to let you slip away now that he's found you!"

  Kari giggled, and then shocked Jason by answering, "I'm not going anywhere without Jake. I feel the same as he does. Like I was knocked over the head with a club and dragged off to a cave! It's as elementary as that. Jake and I belong together, even though I'm sure we're going to fight constantly until we get it all sorted out."

  Jason laughed heartily and then said, "This is my cue to exit. Good luck, brother. You've got your hands full with this little lady."

  Once Jase was safely out the door, Jake looked at Kari and said, "My family is totally crazy, sweetheart. They mean well, but they are crazy."

  "Like my Dad," she nodded. She got up and started to clear the table, but Jake promptly swept her off her feet and sat her down again.

  "You cooked, I'll clean up. It'll be good practice for the future. I'm one of those modern guys who thinks a husband should help out," he said with a perfectly straight face.

  "Uh huh," she nodded. "Tell me another one."

  "I'm wounded that you don't believe me," he teased her, and they continued like that until he was done straightening the kitchen. When he was finished, he came over to her and said seriously, "Do you trust me, sweetheart?"

  "Of course I do!" she was amazed he would ask her that.

  "Good. We're going to go into your bedroom and pack a few things for you to bring over to my place for the night. I promise my motives are gold, but I really do need to get out of here, Kari. Each day I'm here only increases the odds of your neighbor spotting me, and it would put your life in danger. I want to take you home with me where I know you'll be safe while I deal with Darles."

  "Just what is it you think the man has done?" she asked curiously. When Jacob looked at her as if deciding whether or not he should tell her, she added, "I don't like to be treated like a child without a mind, or even worse, like a delicate female who can't handle the truth. Jacob, if we are going to make this work between us, it is going to mean sharing things with me... I won't wilt, I promise. I'm a lot tougher than I look."

  Jake grinned and nodded. "We'll get you packed while we talk. Come on." As they headed for the bedroom, the doorbell rang again. "Go on into your room, sweetheart."

  "Don't be ridiculous!" she snapped, and before Jacob could stop her, she reached the door and opened it without asking who was on the other side. "Yes?" she didn't recognize the man who quickly stepped inside her door.

  "I live next door," Quincy Darles turned on the charm. "I've been remiss in introducing myself, and thought to remedy that." He was all smiles, until he saw Jacob standing there. His eyes narrowed imperceptibly and the lines around his mouth tightened, but his smile never faltered as his eyes darted from Jake to Kari and back again. "Well, friend, I wondered where you disappeared to," he said with easy charm. His cold gray eyes looked over at Kari once again and Jacob felt a chill clear to his soul. "Now I understand perfectly."

  "Kari said she hadn't met any of her neighbors yet," Jake's voice was smooth as silk. "I wondered at that..."

  Kari didn't know what the heck was transpiring between the two men, but Jake didn't look or sound like himself. He looked... dangerous and like the sort of man she'd steer clear of under normal circumstances. Something was going on, and she decided to keep quiet and let the two men settle it.

  "Darlin', you go on in the bedroom and wait for me," Jacob ordered, his implied meaning very clear... and insulting. The look he flashed her warned her to obey him instantly, and the pat to her bottom made her cheeks burn with embarrassment. She found her legs carrying her into the other room. Once the door was closed, Jake looked at Quincy Darles and said in a low voice, "This is my territory, Darles. If you expect to do business, then back off."

  "I don't know who the hell you think you are, James, but you don't tell me what to do... I tell you!" the man fairly hissed the words he was so angry.

  "Tell that to someone who gives a fuck what you think," Jake returned in a cold voice. For two cents he'd like to rearrange the man piece by piece and then hang him out to dry in a dark corner of prison for the rest of his natural life, which wouldn't be long once word got out among the prison population.

  "You did this on purpose, James. Right under my nose."

  Jake gave him a cocky grin. "Still sore about the other night, Darles? I found another buyer who was willing to pay a fair price."

  "You're a dead man, James."

  "Like I was the other night when you arranged a meeting?" Jake scoffed. "I'm on to you, Darles. I know what you think, where you are, and what you plan on a daily basis, and I'll always be a step ahead of you. It's my business."

  "You have someone in my organization!" Darles blurted furiously before quickly regaining his composure. "It would seem we have a standoff for now, James, but it won't be like this long, and then I'll hand you your balls on a silver platter and make you eat them!"

  "Fuck you, Darles. Now get the hell out of here and let me get back to work." The door slammed and Jake knew he didn't have a moment to spare. If he wanted to protect Kari, he had to get her out of here, and fast! Darles would be calling his henchmen as soon as he was out of hearing.

  Jake rushed into the bedroom to find that Kari was dressed in jeans and a sweater and was throwing things into a small bag. He was impressed. "We have to leave right now, sweetheart. No time to explain. Come on!" He grabbed the bag and her hand, and only paused long enough for her to grab her handbag and cell phone, and for him to get his laptop, which he shoved into his own bag before leading her out the back door to her small patio, which was hidden from Darles by a solid wall of fencing. "Don't talk now," he whispered, "and if I give an order, obey it as if your life depends on it, because it does."

  Kari nodded. This was the Jacob she was in love with and trusted. That other man in her living room was undercover, and once she was over her initial anger at the crude way he sent her to her bedroom, she realized it was his way of protecting them both. She'd hurried to get dress and pack a few necessary items, positive they would be leaving as soon as he got rid of the slick and smooth talking Quincy Darles. Explanations could wait until they were safe and away from danger. She made herself keep pace with Jake, although her legs were feeling weaker by the second, and soon she was breathing hard and couldn't help slowing down.

  Jacob realized that the little redhead was struggling to keep up and he cursed himself for leaving his car so far away, but he'd had no choice. He didn't dare draw attention to the fact that he was in Kari's apartment. Once he was positive they were out of Darles' sight, he stopped and said, "I'm going to carry you, sweetheart. It might not be too comfortable, but it is necessary. I'll buy you McDonald's later..." he promised, then, to her mortification, he bent low and scooped her over his
shoulder and held her firmly in place with one arm around her legs while he fairly sprinted the two miles to the parking lot where his car was 'hidden'.

  Kari couldn't believe it when he gently put her on her feet and reached into the pocket of his jeans for his car keys and didn't even appear to be breathing hard! How was that possible! She was breathless and didn't run the distance! He had the door of his sedan open within seconds and then tossed their bags and his laptop into the backseat before carefully picking her up and gently placing her on the car seat. As he placed the seatbelt around her he asked, "Are you holding up, sweetheart?"

  "I'm fine, Jacob," she reassured him. "How could I be less than fine when I'm with you?" she asked lovingly, shocked by the strength of her feelings for the man.

  "Don't you worry. You're safe; I won't let anyone or anything hurt you as long as I have one single breath left in my body." The words were a sacred vow, and he sealed his promise with a kiss before running around the car and hurrying them away from the neighborhood. "I have to make calls, sweetheart," he explained, taking out his cell phone. He hit one number and said impatiently, "Linda, it's Jake. I need to speak to Ma, no matter how busy she is." A few seconds later he said, "Ma, just listen. Don't go to Kari's apartment for any reason at all." He shook his head and rolled his eyes, "No, we did not break up. It's too dangerous there. Kari is with me and that's all I can tell you over the phone. Just stay at work and when you're done, go on home. Kari and I aren't at her place." He listened again, and then said, "I am sorry about the dishes, Ma. You buy whatever you need to replace them and I'll pay the bill. They aren't worth risking your life, do you hear me? This is not just your son you're talking to, Ma. It's a Police Lieutenant used to being obeyed." He listened once more, and then said, "I love you, too, Ma. And you bet I'll tell you everything as soon as I can. I need to call Jason now..." He said goodbye, and then called his brother. The conversation was much briefer because Jase didn't ask for explanations. "Thanks, bro. You bet I'll call if I need back-up." His third call was for reinforcements. Kari was impressed by the cooperation and respect he received.

  By the time that call ended they were pulling into a gated community and Jake showed his badge to the guard on duty. The older man nodded, and greeted Jake by name, and said, "It's a shame this little gal is in some trouble, Lieutenant. If you need me, let me know."

  "I will, Gus, and it's still Jake to you," he grinned.

  "Even with that new shield?" the man teased.

  "I should still be saluting you," Jake replied seriously, and then said to Kari, "Sweetheart, Gus took me in as a green rookie and partnered me. What I learned, I learned from him. You'll be safe here. Gus can spot trouble a mile away."

  "High praise, youngster," Gus was beaming. "Sweetheart,' is it?" he looked at Jake in surprise."

  "Kari is my future wife, Gus. I've been undercover, and inadvertently put Kari in danger. She's not guilty of anything except being beautiful," he added, and it was Kari's turn to blush a fiery red.

  "I'll keep her safe, son. My word on that." Gus never thought he'd live to see the day his young partner fell hard for a woman, but he knew that when and if it happened, the young woman in question would be special. "You've got a fine man, Kari. He's not like other men who'll hand you a line then be on their way. He's for life."

  "I know," Kari whispered, her green eyes shining.

  "Do you want me to help you check out the house?" Gus was suddenly all business.

  "No, I'll do it, and then I'll give you the all clear to let you know we're safe." It was standard procedure. Gus would give them ten minutes to make that call, and then he'd call 911 and come running to give assistance.

  "You stay put here while I check the house, Kari. If something happens, drive yourself to Gus. He'll tell you what to do." He was proud of the way she nodded. He locked the car doors securely, and then drew his gun and made a thorough check of the house, room by room. He used his cell to call Gus as he went back to the car to get Kari, and once they were inside, he showed her around the nice home. It was a safe house, and he'd used it before to house witnesses. As far as the neighbors knew, it was owned by a wealthy widow who lived with her adult children now and rented it out occasionally to someone she knew who was visiting the city for a brief amount of time and didn't want to stay in a hotel. The cover worked. Neighbors expected to see different people at times, and no one came over to welcome them to the neighborhood when they were only going to be staying for a couple of weeks or less.

  At Jacob's insistence, Kari called her Father and let him know she was doing well, and she casually mentioned that she was visiting with a friend while looking for a new apartment. Her Dad seemed pleased, and assured her he was extremely busy with work, but told her to call if she needed him and he'd drop everything and come right away. She thanked him, and then hinted that she and Jacob were becoming more than just friends. That news didn't shock her parent as much as it should have, and she wondered what Jake had told him. Still, it didn't matter. What she needed was an explanation. She closed her cell phone and then looked at Jake.

  "So, Jacob, what is it that Quincy Darles does that has you looking to arrest him, and why are we in danger?"

  "We'll get to all of that, sweetheart, but first, we have a little matter to discuss about safety... and why you opened the door of your apartment without asking who was on the other side. And that discussion is going to happen with you over my knee!"

  Chapter Five

  "Now, Jacob...! Be reasonable!" Kari quickly backed away from the big man. She did not want another spanking. "It's my apartment, and I am used to answering my door when someone knocks."

  "Without asking who is on the other side?" Jake listened in disbelief, unable to believe she was trying to defend her actions.

  "I am not as suspicious of people as you are," she informed him.

  "Kari, sweetheart, it is a matter of your safety to learn who is on the other side of your door before you let them inside. There are all manner of people in this world; you cannot risk your own safety by assuming that everyone who knocks on your door is honorable. You need a spanking to remind you to ask the next time, and that spanking is going to happen right now," he stated inflexibly.

  "I'm not a little kid, Jacob!' she stomped her foot in exasperation. "I don't need a spanking to... No, Jacob!' she cried out when he pulled her into the kitchen and found a bowl scraper that looked like a miniature paddle with a handle. He took her to the table in the breakfast nook and bent her over the table before dropping her jeans and panties and lighting into her with his hand. "Yikes, Jacob! Stop!"

  "No, sweetheart, I'm not stopping until you mend your attitude."

  "Okay, okay, whatever you say! I'll check who's on the other side of the door from now on! Please, stop! Owwwwww!" His hand was as hard as a board, and she suspected her bottom was already as red as could be!

  Jake ignored her pleas. He knew well and good she was just trying to stop the spanking, and there wasn't a bit of genuine remorse for her actions in her words. "It is common sense to know who is on the other side of a door, Kari. Anyone with good intentions won't mind answering you." He reinforced his words with hard spanks meant to chastise. Her bottom was already turning a bright red, and he was far from finished with the lesson. It was one she needed to learn and learn well.

  "Owwwww! Owwwww! OWWWW! Not so hard, Jake! You're killing me!" Kari insisted.

  "No, I'm not killing you. I'm setting your cute little fanny on fire because someone should have taught you this lesson years ago." He switched over to the scraper and it make a satisfying thwack when it met her bottom.

  "YeeeOUCH! What is that thing?" Kari cried out in pain. "It hurts too much. Stop! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please Jake, stop! I'll do better from now on, I promise!" Kari was at the end of her limit. The pain was simply too overwhelming and with her sensitive skin she was going to be black and blue in a short while! "No more, please!" She started sobbing and finally stopped fighting the spanking. "
Oh, Jacob, please stop!" she begged.

  Jacob heard the utter desperation in her voice and stopped. Kari's bottom was a deep red, as were her upper thighs and her sit spots. She was sobbing and she was shaking when he pulled her up in his arms. "I never ever want to see or hear of you opening your door to someone you don't know without asking who it is and what they want. Even if a man claims he is there to do maintenance because the landlord called him, you tell him to wait until you verify that information. Do you hear me, sweetheart?" She nodded, and he said, "If you ever do something so foolish again, this spanking will seem like child's play compared to the one you'll get then." He held her for a while and his cell phone rang.

  "Tobias here," he said shortly, and then listened, a grim expression on his face. "I figured as much," he looked at the teary-eyed redhead beside him and his expression grew foreboding. He saw Kari shiver, and he tried to smile, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He was furious and it showed. "Keep an eye on him, Robbins. If there's anything I need to know, call me, day or night." He listened again, and then said, "Thanks," before hanging up the telephone.

  "It didn't take Darles long," he told her. "He and three other men just left your apartment, sweetheart. They would have killed me and taken you."

  "But why?" Kari demanded, the thought of four strangers inside her home without permission made her sick at heart! And, it terrified her, too. What if Jake hadn't known to get them out of there? "I don't understand any of this, Jake. What on earth could Darles want with me?"

  "You're young and beautiful, you have red hair and green eyes. Your skin is ivory and creamy smooth, and you look like an angel but you have spirit." He could see she still didn't understand and he felt like kicking Keith for keeping her so innocent of the world. "Darles deals in white slavery, sweetheart. You're worth a lot of money."