Wrinkling her nose, Bailey elbowed Chase. “He’s as bossy as you are. Wait, did you say we? As in we are going to find out?”
“Did you think I’d let you do this alone? I’m in now. If Evandria killed your husbands, then perhaps they’re responsible for that package bomb that injured Peyton. Then there’s the murder of Martina Dorrell, the swim coach. I don’t like people getting blown up and shot on my watch. I’ve already talked to the Chief of Police and I’m taking some time off to devote to this case.”
Why did she have a feeling this was more about Peyton than anything? Something in the way his expression changed when he said her name. He was an actual human being at that moment.
“Besides, Chase and Josh need someone that actually knows what the hell he’s doing when it comes to law enforcement and protecting people. I can’t have civilians running around and getting themselves killed.”
Well…almost human.
“Ellis, shouldn’t you be getting back to the station?” Bailey asked, never taking her eyes from Chase. They needed some time alone. “I bet you have paperwork to do.”
Chuckling, the detective headed for the door. “As a matter of fact, I do. I’ll see you at the hospital.”
The door swung shut and Bailey lifted her arms and pulled Chase down for a kiss – long, slow and sweet. “I thought he’d never leave.”
“He is exhausting,” Chase agreed with a laugh. “But we could both use a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow we can decide if we want to investigate from here or Florida.”
She’d already made her decision. “Florida, but only after Peyton recovers. They’re down there and so are Frank’s family. Plus we have to find Uncle Nigel. He might know something about Frank and the Council.”
“Florida it is then.” He lifted her hand and kissed the fingertips. “It doesn’t matter where as long as we’re together.”
“That sounds wonderful.” But there was one thing bothering her and it was time to get it out in the open. “Is it okay…you know…that I still want to find out about Frank’s death? It doesn’t mean I don’t love you—”
His finger laid across her lips. “Don’t go there. Of course you want the truth. I would too. I don’t mind. I want to help you get the closure that you need.”
Tears she’d been holding back since the shooting began to leak from her eyes. Suddenly the whole day was too much for her and she doubted her entire mission to come here.
“What if it’s all just a silly, stupid coincidence, Chase? A fluke of the universe and me, Willow, and Peyton are chasing our tails?”
He rubbed his chin and shook his head. “Baby, you don’t believe that and I don’t either. There’s something there and we’re going to find it. Believe it.”
Her hand caressed his cheek, stubble under her palm. She loved this man so much.
“I believe in you.”
“I believe in us.” He lowered his head and brushed his lips against hers. “No matter what happens, I love you.”
For the first time in Bailey’s life, she believed those words.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Willow paced her expansive living room, the sound of her high heels clicking on the marble floors while Josh fixed them both martinis. His calm demeanor only made her more agitated. Why wasn’t he upset?
“Peyton blown up. A man shot. The swim coach dead. What’s next?”
Josh held out the martini. “Willow, please relax and have your drink.”
She took the glass with a huff of frustration. “How can you stay so calm?”
He smiled and lowered himself into the cushions of the overstuffed couch, two dogs jumping on his lap immediately. He’d charmed both of her dogs within three minutes of entering the house. The traitors barely noticed she was home. “Because that’s the way I was made.”
Willow took a gulp of the drink, the heat traveling down into her belly. “Bailey and Chase could have been killed.”
“Getting upset isn’t going to help the situation. We need to keep a clear head. This Evandria lead is all we have now. They’re depending on us since they can’t get down here until Peyton recovers.”
It wasn’t that she wasn’t up to the job; she was, but this was a pressure she could have done without. She hadn’t known Bailey and Peyton very long but she wished they were here with her now. She could use the support of someone that understood her urgency. Josh didn’t seem intense about…anything. He was the epitome of mellow, which was quite a change from the men she usually spent her time with.
She turned to the window and stared out at the backyard, remembering the last time Alex had swam in that pool. He’d been drunk – as usual – and she’d had to drag him inside, terrified he’d pass out and drown.
“How are we going to help? We can’t get the head of the Council to even meet with us.”
Josh ruffled the fur behind her German Shepherd’s ears. “I’ve been thinking about that. I think you should take me out on a date.”
She whirled around, scowling at him. “A date? You want to go have fun at a time like this?”
“Willow, where there are rich and powerful people there are social events. I think we should attend one of them. Don’t you agree?”
He was smarter and more devious than he looked and her respect for him inched up several notches higher.
“I’ve never met this guy and I go to a lot of parties. It might take some doing to get an invite to that social circle,” she warned. “I run with a rich and powerful crowd but this guy is in a whole other league.”
“I think you can do anything you set your mind to.”
That was true. She certainly had so far.
The answers had to be out there and she would find them.
For Peyton, for Bailey. For herself.
Thank you for reading Midnight Blue Beach – Wicked After Midnight
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About the Author
Olivia Jaymes is a wife, mother, lover of sexy romance, and caffeine addict. She lives with her husband and son in central Florida and spends her days with handsome alpha males and spunky heroines.
She is currently working on a series of full-length novels called The Cowboy Justice Association. It’s a contemporary romance series about lawmen in southern Montana who work to keep the peace but can’t seem to find it in their own lives in addition to the erotic romance novella series – Military Moguls and the romantic suspense series – Danger Incorporated.
Look for Olivia’s new romantic suspense trilogy Midnight Blue Beach in Fall of 2016!
Visit Olivia Jaymes at
www.OliviaJaymes.com
Danger Incorporated
Damsel In Danger
Hiding From Danger
Discarded Heart Novella (US Kindle Only)
Indecent Danger
Embracing Danger
Embracing Danger
Danger In The Night
Cowboy Justice Association
Cowboy Command
Justice Healed
Cowboy Truth
Cowboy Famous
Cowboy Cool
Imperfect Justice
The Deputies
Justice Inked
Justice Reborn
Military Moguls
Champagne and Bullets
Diamonds and Revolvers
Caviar and Covert Ops
Emeralds, Rubies, and Camouflage
Wicked After Midnight (Midnight Blue Beach Book 1) Page 24