Zander_Heroes at Heart

by Maryann Jordan

  Disconnecting with a smile, she looked up as Miss Ethel walked into the room.

  “What’s put that smile on your face?”

  Standing, she took the tea tray from the older woman’s hands and set it on the coffee table. “Believe it or not, that was Rafe. He called to apologize and say that he’s coming home soon.”

  “That boy always finds his way back, no matter how much success pulls him far away.” Sitting, she asked, “Did he say when he was coming?”

  “Not for certain, just that he’s hoping this week. I guess it’s a good thing that I’m moving out.”

  “I certainly don’t mind all the company, but I have a feeling Alexander is anxious to have you back with him.”

  Rosalie zipped up her suitcase and placed it on the floor of the room. With a smile, she twirled in a circle, her arms wrapped around her waist. Today…I move back in today. Zander was coming to Miss Ethel’s at lunchtime so they could eat with her before she moved out. Rafe was expected imminently, although which day, he was unable to say until he could make the flight arrangements.

  Walking down the stairs she passed Miss Ethel putting on her coat. “Are you cold?”

  “I was just going to get the mail from the mailbox,” she explained.

  “I’ll get it,” Rosalie offered, kissing her on the cheek. “You sit down. We should have time for tea before Zander gets here for lunch.”

  Patting her cheek, Miss Ethel turned to head into the kitchen as she walked out onto the front porch. The sun beamed down, but the late fall day gave evidence that winter was just around the corner. Wrapping her light sweater about her tighter, she walked toward the mailbox at the end of the front walk. Seeing a man alighting from his vehicle, staring at her, caused her to slow her steps. She returned his smile, tentatively, as she took the envelopes from the mailbox.

  “Rosalie?” he called out as he neared.

  She blew out a breathe in relief. “Rafe?” He tilted his head to the side as though inspecting her carefully. Suddenly uncertain, she asked, “Um…are you Rafe?”

  A wide grin crossed his face. “Yes, yes, I am.”

  Taking a step towards him, she attempted to hide her surprise that he did not match her expectations. “It’s so nice to meet you finally. I know Zander will be so pleased you are here in time for lunch.”

  His smile lessened slightly, as his eyes shifted to the house behind her. Not wanting to seem uncharitable, she had a hard time reconciling the man in front of her with the knowledge that he was a model.

  “Um, do you want to come inside? Miss Ethel was just fixing tea.”

  “No, no,” he replied in haste. Looking back at his car, he said, “Um…I have some things in my car. Perhaps you would come help me with them.”

  With a backward glance at the porch, she noticed Miss Ethel had stepped out. Reassured, she nodded, “Sure.” Waving toward the house, seeing Miss Ethel walking down the steps, she called out, “I’m going to help Rafe get some things out of his car and then we’ll come in.”

  “That’s not Rafe,” Miss Ethel’s voice rang out, her steps taking her closer to Rosalie. “That’s not Rafe!”

  Blinking in confusion, she looked back at the man and his face twisted in anger, but before she had a chance to move away, he grabbed her arm, dragging her toward him. A cloying scent of cologne filled her nostrils and she stumbled. The memory of him crowding her, touching her back, leaning over her, annoying her slammed into her. Other scenes of him coming into the restaurant in Baltimore began to flip rapidly through her mind. She cried out as her memory now included feeling him hit her over and over in the dark parking lot at Grimm’s.

  “Get back, old woman!” he yelled, wrenching her arm as she tried to jerk out of his hold. “Stop fighting,” he growled, “if you want the old woman to stay safe.”

  She immediately stopped struggling, her chest heaving. “Why are you doing this?” she cried, fear clawing at her gut, her gaze shooting between his face and Miss Ethel, who continued to approach.

  “You let her go,” Miss Ethel ordered, her face set in anger.

  “She and I’ve got unfinished business,” he spit out, opening the trunk of his car. Looking down, he said, “Get in, or the next thing you’ll hear is the old woman’s screams.”

  Gasping, she looked up just as his fist made contact with her jaw. She fell backward into the trunk and the lid slammed down, then blackness descended.

  Zander’s tires squealed as he came to a halt outside Miss Ethel’s place and jumped out of his truck, barely allowing the vehicle to come to a stop. Racing up the porch, followed by Zeke, he was met by Asher, Cael, and Rafe. His eyes raked over Miss Ethel, assuring she was safe, as she stood shaking in Cael’s embrace. Another squeal of tires sounded and within a few seconds, Jayden and Jaxon arrived.

  Pete, standing with two police officers, had just taken her statement and was issuing a BOLO for the man’s license tag. Looking at Zander, he said, “Miss Ethel got his make, model, and more importantly, his tag number.”

  Cael assisted her to a seat, but she pushed their concern away. “I’m fine, I’m fine. Just so angry I could spit nails!” Looking at the others, she said, “Rosalie didn’t remember him. When he approached, she thought it was Rafe.”

  “Fuck,” Rafe cursed, then immediately apologized.

  “Son,” she said, “right now, I could cuss as well.” She lifted her eyes to Zander, saying, “Please bring our girl back to us.”

  Dropping to her feet, he grabbed her hands. “I promised I would keep her safe,” he said, his voice breaking. The others moved in, hands on his back in a show of solidarity.

  “Martin Burgess,” Pete said, looking at Zander. “The man’s name is Martin Burgess. Address is listed for Baltimore. I’ve got someone sending his driver’s license picture to Rosalie’s former employer to see if he’s the man from the restaurant that used to ask about her.” Pulling his phone out, he turned it toward him. “Is this the man you saw next to Rosalie the night of the attack?”

  He looked at the image, his heart seizing in his chest. “Yes,” he growled. “That’s the asshole.”

  “He used to work for the post office, but was let go last year due to allegations of harassing women on his postal route,” Pete said, staring at the information coming through his phone. Looking up, he continued, “He’s in a small, grey Honda sedan. Miss Ethel said the back, driver’s side had a dent like someone had hit him with their bumper at some time.”

  Zander stood, then leaned over and kissed her cheek. Shooting a look to his friends, he said, “Cael, watch her.” Gaining a nod, he turned and headed out the door, quickly followed by the others.

  “Zander!” Pete yelled. “Don’t get involved. Let me do my job!”

  Whirling around, he stalked over. “My job was to protect her,” he ground out. “I didn’t and now my job is to get her back.”

  Lifting his hands, Pete said, “I get it, man. I do. But you running around, half-cocked, looking for his car, won’t help her. And if you did happen to find him, you killing him won’t help her either.”

  “Only way you can stop me is to arrest me, Pete.” They stared at each other for a few seconds.

  Dropping his hands, Pete responded, “Fuck.” Looking over at Rafe, he added, “Keep him safe.”

  Rafe’s own glower hit the policeman. “She’s in this fucking mess because she thought the asshole was me. She was just trying to be nice. You don’t gotta worry about Zander, ‘cause if I get to him first, ain’t gonna be much left for you to arrest.”

  With that, Zander headed to his truck. Calling out to the others, he said, “Drive around. The asshole hasn’t been far and if he’s kept an eye on her, then I’ll bet he’s still in the area.” Climbing into his truck, he ignored the shaking of his hands. Pulling into the street, he willed his thoughts to slow. Gotta focus…this is one dragon that won’t get away again.

  33

  Déjà vu crept over Rosalie as she blinked her eyes open. She wa
s uncertain where she was, but she knew the pain in her jaw was from being hit. A trickle of fear slid down her spine, but instinct took over and she stayed motionless, closing her eyes to slits. On a bed. Very little light…perhaps from a lamp. The sound of cars driving in the distance. The sound of a toilet flushing in the room next to me. Moving her ankle and hands slightly, her heart leaped. I’m not restrained! Hoping her jaw was not broken, she felt anger slide into her being, replacing the fear from earlier.

  Zander filled her mind, knowing he would be frantic and wondering how he would find her. The reality hit her…I’ve got to take care of this on my own.

  Jolting upward, she shot her gaze around, seeing she was in a cheap hotel room. Recognizing the bedspread and standard picture on the wall, she realized it was the same hotel she had stayed at when she first came to Richmond. That means I’m not far from Grimm’s! If I can get away…

  Hearing the water in the sink turn off, she scanned the room for a weapon, but found none. As the door opened, she watched as the man stepped into the room, his eyes narrowing when they landed on her.

  “I thought you were dead,” he said.

  Stunned at the anguish in his voice, it still did not match the venom in his eyes. Feigning ignorance, she lifted her shoulder in a barely-there shrug. “I…don’t remember you. I don’t remember a lot of things.”

  His pupils dilated as he stared, hard and unyielding. Tilting his head to the side, he repeated, “You don’t remember me? You don’t remember anything?”

  “No…should I know you?” Fingering her jaw, she adopted a confused tone, asking, “How did this happen?”

  He jerked around, his eyes narrowing further. “You truly don’t remember?”

  “No,” she lied, then looked around the room. “How did I get here?” Seeing the tension on his face ease, she hoped he continued to believe her subterfuge.

  His shoulders relaxing, he smiled, stepping forward. Lifting his hand slowly, he barely touching her bruised jaw. “We’re old friends, you and me. I saw you were hurt and brought you here to take care of you.”

  Her stomach lurched as his finger ran over her face. “Oh…uh…thank you,” she murmured, scooting back. “Can I use the bathroom…please?” Attempting a shy façade, she hoped he would fall for her deception.

  He stared for a moment, indecision in his eyes, before replying, “Yeah…sure.”

  She stood, holding herself steady while walking past him into the small, windowless room. Nothing to use as a weapon here either. Waiting a moment, she flushed the toilet so he would not be suspicious before washing her hands.

  Opening the door, she spied him standing at the window, holding the curtain back slightly to peer out. “Will you be taking me home now?”

  Turning to her, his eyes flashed dark. “Your place is with me. It’s always been with me…I just had to prove to you that no one else can have you but me. I’m the only one who can take care of you.”

  Unease slithered over her, recognizing his loose hold on sanity. Continuing to pretend ignorance, she nodded slowly. Desperate for a reason to leave the room, she placed her hand on her stomach, rubbing in circles. “I’m really hungry. Can we go get something to eat?”

  His eyes darted wildly about the room. “No,” he bit out. “We need to stay here. But…but, I can order something. There’s a pizza place nearby. I can call them.”

  Forcing the panic to recede, she agreed, “Sure, that’d be great.” Maintaining her distance, she perched on the side of the bed, farthest away from him, keeping her eyes pinned on him. He picked up the phone in the room, dialing the number from a flyer laying on the small table. I’ve got to get him when the pizza is delivered. That’ll be my chance. Determined to keep him calm in the interim, she waited until he hung up.

  “Um, so we’ve known each other for a while?” she asked, her voice soft, belying the pounding of her heartbeat.

  He smiled, easing into the single chair in the messy room. “Yeah…we met in Baltimore. I’m Martin. Martin Burgess. You worked at a restaurant and that’s where we met. We got to talking, started to see each other, you and me. Had some good times.”

  Knowing he was lying, she nodded encouragingly, clutching her hands in her lap to hide the trembling.

  His smile was replaced with a scowl, as he continued, “But then you left. Didn’t tell me where you were going. You just up and left.”

  “Oh, well, I’m glad it all worked out.” Spying the lamp on the nightstand nearest her, she considered using it as a weapon. When the pizza delivery comes, I can hit him from behind. Swallowing deeply, she hoped that would be true.

  “But it didn’t work out at first,” he ranted, standing as he raked his hand through his hair. “You pushed me away, so I had to punish you.” His eyes darted to her face, his Adam’s Apple bobbing, as he continued, “You understand that, don’t you? If you’re not with me, you can’t be with anyone.”

  He took a step toward her, so she rushed, “Yes, yes. I see that now. I need to be with you.”

  Her words appeared to soothe him. Nodding, he heaved a sigh, “Good. It’ll all work out now that I have you.”

  Attempting a smile, she prayed Zander would find her in time, but knew she had to be ready at any moment to take him on herself.

  Eyes peeled for a light grey sedan with a large dent in the side, Zander raced through the streets. With his cell phone on, he and the others stayed in contact, expanding the grid they had determined would be the best plan.

  “Zander? Jaxon and I’ve just circled the neighborhoods spreading out from Miss Ethel’s. We’ve checked all the parking lots and alleys.”

  His heart heavy, he replied, “Keep going north. Rafe and Asher’ve got the west side, near the mall and the shopping centers there. Also, they’re checking the—hang on, Pete’s calling.” Hitting the button, he bit out, “Pete? Talk to me.”

  “Your hunch was right. Seems he just used his credit card at Tino’s Pizza Place, not too far from us. I’ve got units on their way to get the delivery address.”

  “I want him.”

  “Man, let us do our job. I’m calling you just to let you know that he’s still in the area, like you thought. Not for you to do a damn thing.”

  “Let me know the address—”

  “No. You and your brothers stand down. I’ll let you know as soon as we have him.”

  Slamming his hand on the steering wheel, he opened his mouth to argue when a little red car with a Tino’s Pizza sign on the top drove by, turning into a parking lot. “Fine, Pete,” he agreed, “call me when you know.”

  Disconnecting, he dialed Rafe as he made a U-turn at the next intersection. Quickly explaining, he said, “I’m on his tail. Might not be the right delivery, but I’m taking a chance. I’m on James Street and he’s…shit! He’s heading into the Westside Hotel. Let the others know and get here ASAP.”

  Watching the young man alight from the car, jogging up the stairs, Zander recognized this place. Rosalie had stayed here when she first got to town. Feeling a punch to the gut, it hit him Martin must have been here all along, just waiting for his chance with her.

  Spying a grey sedan in the lot, he hoped he wasn’t too late.

  Martin turned from the window, his assessing gaze landing on Rosalie before moving toward the door.

  He noticed as she stood and turned toward her, but before he could speak, she smiled while asking, “Is the pizza here? I’m starving.”

  He snapped his mouth closed and nodded. “Yeah…I’ve already paid, so I just have to tip the guy.” He peeked out the security hole while reaching into his back pocket for his wallet. He opened the door, counting out a couple of dollar bills.

  Not hesitating, she grabbed the lamp, giving a herculean tug to make sure the plug pulled from the wall, and hefted it over her head as she charged forward. Barely noting the delivery boy’s wide-eyed expression, she brought it down just as Martin turned, throwing his hands up to protect his head.

  Zander ran up
the stairs at the end of the hotel, rounding the corner on the third floor, seeing the pizza delivery boy standing in a doorway. The pounding of his heart matched the pounding of his booted feet as he raced along the outside corridor. Barely aware of the squealing of tires in the parking lot below, he neared the door.

  The delivery boy visibly flinched as an ear-piercing scream and crash from inside the room rang out, driving all thoughts from Zanders’s mind except one. That was Rosalie’s voice. With his hands in front to push the boy out of the way, he was halted as the boy stumbled backward into him almost bringing both of them down.

  Moving the boy out of the way, he made it to the door in time to see Rosalie standing over Martin, the remnants of a broken lamp in her hand, just before she tried to jump over him to get to the door. Martin, his head and arm bloody, reached up to snag her foot just as she jumped and caused her to stumble. Looking up, she saw Zander standing with the light shining behind his body, looking every bit the avenging angel.

  Zander rushed forward and kicked Martin’s arm, releasing Rosalie and causing Martin to scream out in pain. She fell into his arms, crying, “You came, you came.”

  Red with rage, he gently moved her outside before turning back to the man dragging himself to his feet. With a punch to the abdomen, Martin doubled over in agony, his hands clutched around his middle. Grabbing his shirt, he pulled Martin up straight before landing a full-fisted hit to the jaw, dropping him back onto the bed, unconscious. Bending down to go at him again, he felt his arms pulled back and he whipped his head around.

  “No, no, baby, please no more,” Rosalie begged, hugging his arm to her chest. “It’s over, please no more. I don’t want you to get in trouble.”

  His chest squeezing with emotion, he turned, cupping her face with his rough hands, his gaze now landing on her bruised and swollen jaw. Rage returning, he bit out, “He put his hands on you—”