by Carsen Taite
“I promise.”
Emily still wasn’t convinced, but she was boxed in. She’d go with the agents, give her statement, and make a plan. She’d almost lost any chance to have any sort of future with Cade. She wasn’t about to let that happen again.
*
Cade climbed into Kennedy’s Jeep and shut the door, thankful for the short reprieve from the commotion pervading every inch of her house.
Her house. She studied the outside of the bungalow as they drove away and recalled the spark of hope she’d had when Kennedy had driven her here the first time. Now that hope was marred by the reality she might never return and she understood for the first time the house had never really been hers. The tableau of the librarian living in a quaint house in a quiet little town was fiction, and the biggest fiction of all was that she could be safe if she just pretended to be someone else. Which left her with some hard choices.
“You sure you don’t need to go to the hospital?” Kennedy asked.
Cade touched the bandage on her neck. She hadn’t forgotten, but it was the last thing on her mind. “I’m fine. What’s going to happen to Emily?” Emily might be the DA, but she’d still shot someone and the FBI, not to mention the local press, was going to have a lot of questions.
Kennedy started the engine. “They’ll take her statement and that will be that. Of course, she’s guaranteed to get reelected for the rest of her life. Small town DA shoots mob hit man. Talk about making good on campaign promises to deliver justice.”
Cade could tell Kennedy was trying to inject some levity, but she wasn’t ready to look on the bright side. “And me? What now?”
“I’m going to debrief you, but I imagine Agent Grant will have some questions once she’s done talking to Emily.”
Cade waved a hand impatiently. “Not now now. I mean, what about the future? Am I supposed to go on pretending to be Cade Kelly, librarian, or do you already have a new identity lined up for me?”
“To be perfectly honest, I don’t know what the department is going to recommend, but I think you’ll have some choices to make.”
“I can’t believe he’s still alive.”
“I think you’re looking at this the wrong way.”
“How so?”
“If Fontana is dead, the Oliveris have a reason to avenge his death. But now Fontana has exposed the family and he’s alive to talk about it. Even if he keeps omertà, it’s likely the family will disavow him. The last thing they want to do is get a US Senator riled up by being connected to the man who tried to kill his daughter. Fontana’s only hope at this point is to flip on the Oliveris, but even if he doesn’t, there’s no way they’ll come after Emily.”
“And me?”
“They might still want your head on a platter.”
“You can’t keep me safe.” Cade leaned back in her seat. Defeat was exhausting, but accepting it was the first step to getting through it. “Fontana stumbled over me completely by accident. No matter what you do, you can’t guard against everything.”
“You’re right, but we can make it harder.”
“How long until I have to decide?”
“It’ll probably be a few days before you have to make a permanent decision, but we should move you somewhere safe as soon as we finish today.”
Cade nodded. She’d expected as much, but she wasn’t prepared to rip the fabric of the new life she’d managed to piece together quite so soon. Emily had come to the house to see her. What might have happened if Fontana hadn’t been waiting? Would Emily have forgiven her lies, now that she knew Cade had had no choice? Would they have made plans to begin again? Would Emily have accepted the danger that came from being with her?
The answer to the last question was clear. Emily had already demonstrated risk was no deterrent by engaging Fontana in a gunfight. She’d won today, but even the greatest shots sometimes miss. Cade’s gut clenched at the possibility it might have been Emily on the floor bleeding from a bullet instead of Fontana. She might not care about exposing herself, but she wouldn’t be able to bear it if anything happened to Emily because of the risk she’d assumed.
Cade stared out the window while she searched for the strength to let the last few words she’d exchanged with Emily back at the house be their final good-bye. A few minutes later, she noticed they were turning into the parking lot of the courthouse. “What are we doing here?”
“We’re doing your debrief at the sheriff’s office. The closest FBI division office is in Dallas.”
Cade looked at the building. From where they were parked, she could see the front steps of the courthouse where she’d met Emily the first time. A chance meeting but a meaningful one. She’d had hope for the first time since she’d moved to Bodark that a full life was possible, but she’d been deceiving herself from the start.
Three hours later, Cade had repeated the story of what happened at her house over a dozen times. She’d seen Sheriff Nash and his deputies come and go, but no sign of Emily. It was for the best. She’d already decided to let Kennedy find her a new place, a new name, a new start. She no longer cared about her own safety, but she’d do whatever it took to protect the people she loved, and as much as she’d tried to resist it, she loved Emily fiercely. Enough to endure the pain of leaving her so Emily could find happiness with someone who loved her without the trappings of a past that could do her harm.
*
“Where is Cade?” Emily asked for the third time. She’d spent the last few hours sitting in the same conference room she’d been using as the war room in the Miller case, going over every aspect of today’s shooting, from the time she’d left her office and drove to Cade’s house, to the moment Fontana crashed to the floor in Cade’s kitchen. She’d answered every question, multiple times, but no one had answered hers, and her nerves were frayed as a result. The only information the FBI had shared was that Fontana was in surgery and might recover. The news was bittersweet and she’d become distracted wondering about the implications.
Agent Grant stood. “We’re done for now. It’s possible we may have more questions later, but I can safely say, you don’t have anything to worry about. If you—”
The door burst open and her parents rushed into the room. Both of them ran to her, and their barrage of questions was a welcome reprieve.
“Are you okay? What’s going on?”
“We just heard and came as fast as we could.”
Emily relaxed into her mother’s embrace. Normally, she would have asked them to step aside while she handled her own affairs, but nothing was normal about what had happened today, and she was uncharacteristically happy to have them come to her defense.
“I’m okay,” she said. She gave them a quick summary of the shooting, glossing over the part about charging into Cade’s house on her own. “And I think Agent Grant is done asking me questions, isn’t that right?” She stared pointedly at Grant, daring her to tell her father, the senator, otherwise.
“That’s correct,” Grant said. “I’ll leave you alone so you can talk with your family.”
She started toward the door, but Emily called out, “Wait.”
Grant turned back. “Yes?”
“Cade Kelly? You were going to tell me where she is.”
Grant’s jaw was set, but she flicked a glance at Emily’s father, and then met Emily’s eyes. “She’s at the sheriff’s office. I’m headed there now.” She didn’t wait for a reply before she left the room.
Emily started toward the door, but her mother grabbed her arm. “Em, let us take you home.”
Emily shook her head. “I can’t. I have to find Cade.”
“Is that the woman who’s life you saved?” her mother asked.
Had she? Or had it been the other way around? She’d spent her life working toward one goal after another, but so far work was all she’d ever accomplished. She’d even made looking for a relationship seem like work, until the day Cade had walked into her life. From their first chance encounter, every moment with Cade h
ad been spontaneous and passionate, whether they were sharing a meal or making love. Hell, even their arguments had been zealous. She smiled at the prospect of sharing a lifetime of heated exchanges with Cade.
A vision of Cade’s face before they parted flashed in her mind. Cade had been troubled, and it seemed like more than her near brush with death. Emily had sensed Cade was saying good-bye and not just for now. She could hardly blame Cade for wanting to retreat, but could Cade only find sanctuary if she was on the run? Emily’s pulse raced at the idea she might never see her again.
She faced both her parents. “She’s the woman I love and I need to find her right now.” She ran out of the room without waiting for a response, but she heard their footsteps following close behind. They probably thought she was crazy, but she didn’t care. All she cared about was finding Cade.
*
Cade looked up at the knock on the door. She’d been sitting alone in a small room at the sheriff’s office for the last few minutes waiting while Kennedy made a few phone calls in the hall outside.
“Are you ready to go?” Kennedy asked.
“I thought the FBI were going to have some questions.”
“They are, but I just talked to Grant and convinced her you could use a change of clothes and a hot meal before they dig in. Come on before she changes her mind.”
Cade almost said she would rather just get the interrogation over with, but her body said otherwise. Her head pounded and every muscle ached. She wasn’t hungry, but she’d probably feel better if she ate something. “Okay.”
She followed Kennedy into the lobby, mindful of the stares from the deputies standing around. They’d probably never seen this much excitement. The story of Leo Fontana’s capture would likely become a legend around these parts. Sheriff Nash was probably stewing in his office, consumed with jealousy that Emily, not he or one of his own, had taken Fontana down.
Emily. Where was she right now? Despite Kennedy’s assurances, Cade worried about the consequences of Emily’s involvement in the shooting. But you’re running away. How worried can you be?
The thought struck her like a brick. She’d made the decision that it was easier this way, ducking out without saying good-bye, but the decision not to see Emily before she left was a purely selfish maneuver. Emily had shot a man to keep her safe. Her bravery was undeniable. Cade had a choice. She could take the coward’s way out or she could honor Emily’s actions with some bravery of her own. Once she’d listed the options, she knew there was really only one choice.
They were almost to the door where a car waited outside to whisk her away. Cade grabbed Kennedy’s arm. “Where is Emily?”
Kennedy shook her off. “I don’t know. Seriously, Cade.”
“I’m right here.”
Cade spun around. Emily was standing a few feet away. Her face was flushed, she was out of breath, and she was breathtakingly beautiful. Cade closed the distance between them. “Are you okay?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
Cade reached for her hand. The connection was strong and immediate. “What can I do?” She took a deep breath and dug for the courage this moment required. “I’ll do anything.”
Emily’s eyes searched hers, but Cade didn’t shy away—she’d said she’d do anything and she meant it.
“Stay.”
“I want to,” Cade said.
“But?”
“I don’t want to put the woman I love in danger.”
Emily’s lips slid into a slow, hazy smile. “Don’t you know by now, the woman you love loves you back? Danger, be damned.”
Cade answered in the bravest way she knew how, by pulling Emily into her arms and saying, loud enough for everyone around them to hear, “I’ll stay with you forever, if you’ll have me.”
Chapter Twenty-six
June
Cade slowly opened her eyes to soft light filtering through the window. It had taken a while for her to get used to sleeping with the blinds open, but there was no substitute for waking up to the natural light, especially when the morning rays illuminated the beautiful woman lying beside her.
Emily was still asleep. No small wonder since they’d been up half the night making love. The covers were rumpled around her body, revealing the gentle curve of her shoulders and the soft slope of her chest. As much as she didn’t want to disturb Emily’s sleep, Cade couldn’t bear not touching her. Trying her best to be quiet, she leaned close and traced a trail of featherlight kisses from the soft skin of Emily’s neck to the hint of cleavage.
“Good morning.”
Cade almost regretted waking her. Almost. “Good morning. Sorry about that.”
Emily rolled over into her arms. “Sorry about kissing me?” Her tone was light and teasing.
“Never.” Cade shoved the covers down and pulled Emily closer, desperate to feel skin on skin, but content to savor the slow, gradual build of arousal she’d come to enjoy since she’d moved in several months ago. She teased her tongue from Emily’s mouth down to her chest, dipping to circle her nipples, but easing back as soon as she sensed each wave of pleasure begin to crest.
“You’re driving me crazy.” Emily’s breath was ragged with want.
“That’s the plan.” Cade nipped at her breast. “Every day for the rest of your life.” She sucked one of Emily’s taut nipples into her mouth and her pulse pounded as Emily arched closer. Seconds later, she groaned as Emily trailed a hand along her inner thigh.
“Someone woke up ready,” Emily murmured as she slid her fingers through Cade’s silky, wet folds, loving the way Cade’s body writhed with every pass.
They’d danced this dance dozens of times since Cade had moved in. Every time was different, but every time was the same, and Emily had learned to count on the consistent surprises of their lovemaking. Morning sex had become one of her new favorite things, and her breath hitched as she recognized the signs Cade was getting ready to come. She slowed her strokes to savor the moment. “I’m getting used to this.”
“Taking control?” Cade asked, her voice weak.
“Maybe.”
“I’m getting used to letting you.”
Emily answered with a deep kiss, using her tongue to explore Cade’s hot and ready mouth while she used her fingers to keep a steady rhythm. It wasn’t long before the slick caresses left Emily aching for more, and she entered Cade with first one finger, then another, reveling in the way Cade’s body thrashed beneath her in response to the increasing pressure. “That’s it, baby. I love making you come.”
Cade whimpered, her eyes hazy and dark, and Emily knew she was close. She lowered her mouth to Cade’s breasts, and as she began licking her way between them, she shuddered at the feel of friction between her own legs. Cade’s thigh brushed against her swollen sex with increasing pressure and she settled into the touch, riding the steady build of ecstasy.
“Come. With. Me.”
The staccato of Cade’s request signaled it was time. Emily quickened the pace, her fingers penetrating steady and hard while she grazed Cade’s clit with the pad of her thumb and coaxed Cade’s body to stiffen and then quake with the beginnings of a powerful orgasm. Within seconds, Emily felt Cade’s hand in her hair, pulling her closer. Their lips met and at the same instant Cade rubbed her finger against Emily’s throbbing clit sending her spiraling with her into waves of euphoria until they were both consumed.
*
An hour later, Emily walked into the living room wearing a short, silk robe, and Cade sucked in a breath. “I need you to put more clothes on if you expect me to get any studying done.”
“Was this morning not enough?” Emily teased her.
Cade shook her head. “Never.”
“Not to worry, I’m leaving for the office soon.” Emily pointed at the television. “Besides, that, my dear, is not studying.”
Cade used the remote to turn the volume down. “I beg to differ.” She pointed at Emily’s father on the screen. “Senate hearings are an excellent example of t
he legislative process and constitutional law in play. What do you want to bet there’s a question on the bar exam about it?”
Cade slid over to allow Emily room on the couch, and for a few minutes they both remained riveted to the screen. Last month, Senator Sinclair had approached Cade to help him draft comprehensive legislation to toughen up the laws used to combat organized crime. Cade had worked with him on the language, and she’d been impressed with how swiftly the senator had formed a coalition to support the proposals in his bill, including increased penalty ranges and special grants to beef up enforcement agencies dedicated to going after big crime families.
For the past few weeks, she’d spent her days at the senator’s local office, doing preliminary research to help him prepare for the hearings, and as a result, she’d gained access to inside details of the federal case into Vincente Oliveri. What she’d learned about the reach of the Oliveri family astounded her, particularly as it applied to her.
Sam Wade, the murder victim who’d worked in personnel at Jordan College had had a pretty bad gambling problem, and his Vegas bookie owed a debt to the Oliveris. Fontana confessed to the feds that once he obtained the information that Cade was working at Jordan College, he’d used the Oliveri connection as leverage to get Wade to provide him with Cade’s home address, which hadn’t been included in the same file as her career dossier. Apparently, Fontana thought it would be cleaner to get the info from Wade rather than following Cade around under the watchful eye of Bodark citizens.
When he met Wade to get the information, Wade tried to blackmail him, and died because of it. When Miller stumbled onto the crime scene, Fontana figured it was a brilliant stroke of luck that would allow him to evade detection, so he could take his time plotting a way to make the most of his information. His employer, on the other hand, had chastised him repeatedly for his carelessness. Seeking redemption, Fontana had concocted the haphazard scheme to lure Emily into his grasp and use her as leverage to get Senator Sinclair to do Oliveri’s bidding. When his plan failed, he knew he was finished with Oliveri, and made the decision to rat him out to save his own hide.