“I’ll watch you die. I can’t wait until they put the needle in your arm.” Josh wished Beth wouldn’t bait Kane. She had no idea just how volatile he could be.
Face red with anger, Kane stormed toward Beth with his hand raised to backhand her. “I told you to shut up!”
Collins jumped up and stood between Kane and Beth. “Don’t hit her again.”
So that was how Beth got the black eye. Kane had lost his temper and hit her.
“Why do you care? She’s as good as dead. I don’t know why you needed her in the first place.”
Collins smiled. “I need her to draw Grant Wilson out in the open. You kill Josh Wilson, I kill Grant Wilson. Both of us get a little satisfaction. I’m going to make him hurt in ways he can only imagine.” Hand on Beth’s shoulder, Collins replied, “Then I’m going to take Beth to Mexico with me. I can’t have Nina so her sister will just have to do.”
Beth jerked her shoulder. “Don’t touch me.”
Kane’s nostrils flared. “I smell smoke.” Kane pointed at Collins and three of the other men. “Go check it out.” Two of the men did as ordered. At first Collins just stood there staring down Kane. “Now!” A look of pure hatred on his face, Collins trotted out of the room to catch up with the other two men.
Kane glared at one of the other men still in the room. “Kevin, when Collins returns kill him. He is too cocky for his own good.” The man nodded his head. “Then we are out of here. Agent Tilley must have betrayed us. It’s obvious Josh Wilson is not coming. We’ll take the woman with us and use her to draw him out.”
Leaving his hiding place, Josh shouted, “I wouldn’t dream of missing the party. Don’t move.” He pointed his weapon at Kane. “Drop your guns.” Kane’s man lifted his gun and pointed it at Josh. He squeezed the trigger and Kevin fell bleeding from his chest at Beth’s feet. She gasped in shock. Eyes riveted on Kevin, she began to squirm to get out of her restraints.
Kane’s finger twitched as he thought about pulling the trigger. “Don’t even think about it. I’ll drop you where you stand.”
He lowered his weapon. “You’ll never get out of here.”
“Drop your weapon to the floor.” When Kane hesitated, Josh yelled, “Now!” Time was running out and Josh knew he had to hurry. Collins and the other three men would be back any moment. He didn’t have enough materials to build a very big fire. It wouldn’t take but a few minutes to extinguish the flames.
Seconds passed before Kane dropped the gun to the floor. Josh moved behind Beth. Propping his weapon on one arm, he fished into his pocket and retrieved his knife. Flipping it open with his thumb, he cut the ropes around her hands while keeping his eyes trained on Kane. Rubbing her wrists, she stood on weak legs. Even though he gave the appearance of being calm and collected, he was scared witless. Not for himself but for Beth. “Go out that door, turn left, and don’t look back.”
“What about you? The odds are not in your favor. There are too many men for you to fight alone.”
“I’ll be fine. Get out of here so you won’t be a distraction.” He snapped out with a warning look, “I’ll do better if I don’t have you to worry about.”
Beth kicked off her shoes and walked across the floor in her bare feet. She stooped and picked up Kane and Stevenson’s pistol. “Please be careful.”
“Go!”
A pistol in each hand, she stopped in front of the door as if she had changed her mind about leaving him. Suddenly a spray of bullets hit the wall above her head. Beth screamed and stooped low as she raced back toward Josh. He grabbed her by the arm dragging her behind the yellow barrels. Shoving her to the floor, he lifted the automatic weapon over the barrels and opened fire. In all the confusion he couldn’t see who he was shooting at. He just kept squeezing the trigger over and over.
“FBI, drop your guns!” Josh poked his head out from behind the barrels and saw Uncle Tate, Dylan, Stan, and Marcy bust through the front door with their weapons drawn.
“Stay here. Don’t you come out from behind these barrels.”He left the automatic weapon, preferring his pistol. Josh stepped out from behind the barrels in time to see Kane and Collins run through the door that led up the stairs to the roof. He gave chase.
Collins turned and shot sending Josh diving for cover. Seconds passed before he stood and raced up the stairs. He opened the door to the roof and didn’t see them anywhere. He ran to the side and looked over the edge. They were on the fire escape. Bullets barely missed him as he followed Kane and Collins. Josh jumped over the rail to the cement below to shorten the distance between the two men. Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he stretched out his long legs gaining on Kane. He reached out and shoved Kane to the pavement falling on top of him. They rolled end over end across the crumbling pavement. Josh’s pistol went flying.
Both men grappled for possession of the pistol. Kane grabbed the pistol first, Josh placing his hands on top of his. Bending his hands back, Kane pressed the pistol against Josh’s chest. With all the strength he could muster, Josh pushed the gun away. It was a fight for life or death and neither man wanted to die. The sound of the pistol firing so close to his ear was deafening. Again the gun fired. Still in shock, Josh wondered if he had been shot. He pushed Kane’s limp body off him and saw the blood in his dark hair. Eyes void of life stared at the sky. A puddle of blood pooled around Kane’s head.
“Josh, are you okay?” He looked up into his brother’s face. When he didn’t answer, he asked again, “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.”
“Where’s Collins?”
“He went that way.” Josh pointed toward the direction Collins had taken. Grant dashed toward the docks on the other side of the warehouses. More than likely they had a boat tied to the docks and that was how he planned to make his escape.
Bruised and battered, Josh struggled to stand and followed his brother. It didn’t take long and Grant was completely out of sight.
A line of boats came into view as Grant ran along the docks. A shiny red speed boat caught his attention. He remembered seeing one just like it in Kane’s boathouse. He heard the motor spring to life. Running at full speed, he jumped the last few feet and landed in the back of the boat. Collins slammed the throttle in forward causing Grant to lose his balance. He fell against the back of the boat almost going overboard. At the last minute he caught the side of the boat and hung on. After gaining his footing, he struggled to the front of the boat. Collins swung and nailed him right in the jaw. Dazed, he swung at Collins and caught him in the nose. A jet of blood spewed all over him. Collins shoved Grant and he lost his footing. He grabbed the front of Collins shirt, and both went over the side of the boat into the frigid water.
The boat veered back toward the dock slamming into the pier before exploding sending pieces of debris all over them. The cold water made it difficult to swim. Grant’s muscles felt heavy and numb. He managed to get his hand on top of Collins’ head and pushed him under the water. Collins scratched and clawed at his hand. Gurgling noises was the only sound Grant heard. In mere seconds Collins would be dead, never again to bother them.
Then he heard his brother’s voice, “Grant, don’t kill him! Grant!” His eyes shifted to the docks and he saw Josh flaying his arms. “Don’t kill him!” He gripped a handful of Collins hair and pulled him to the surface. He sputtered and coughed as he filled his lungs with air. Grant wrapped his arm around Collins’ neck and started the long swim back to the docks.
Josh leaned over and pulled Collins out of the water. “Give me your hand.” He took Grant’s hand and lugged him onto the dock. With his arms wrapped around his brother he held him tight.
Gasping for breath, Grant stuttered, “I-f you wouldn’t h-ave stopped me I w-ould have kil-led him.” Neither said another word. Minutes passed as they stayed in that same pose until Beth came running down the docks in her bare feet. She dropped to her knees and began kissing both of them on the cheeks. She didn’t seem to notice they were wet and bleeding.
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br /> ****
Beth closed her eyes and enjoyed the wind on her face as Josh turned onto Maple Street in Taylorsville. It was the second time she had ridden on a motorcycle and she loved the feeling of freedom. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his back. The sun shine relaxed her to the point she had to fight to keep from dozing off. A motorcycle was not a safe place to take a nap. Last night she didn’t go to bed until three o’clock because she was working on the Mallory case. It went to trial early in the morning and she needed to prepare. Hours of work still awaited her when she got home.
The sound of Josh’s Harley purred as he increased his speed. Curious to know where they were going, she opened her eyes and saw the neat row of houses that banked the street to the left. A couple of small businesses were on the right of the street. Taylorsville was a small town with only three restaurants, one building supply house, two antique stores, a Dollar General, and a Food Lion. It was the county seat of Montgomery County.
Josh pulled into the driveway of a small white house with black shutters and a small well manicured yard. A yellow birdbath centered the yard and two bluebirds fluttered as they bathed in the water. Five red azalea bushes were blooming against the front porch showing a riot of color. On the left side a vine grew up the middle of the house heavy with buds and would be in full bloom in a couple of weeks.
“I thought we were going to get lunch at Better Burger.”
“I have a surprise for you.” He cut the engine, dropped the kickstand, removed his helmet, and scrambled off the motorcycle. He seemed impatient as he watched her remove her helmet and throw her leg over the seat to crawl off. She bent over and fluffed her hair. Helmet hair was not a pretty sight.
Had Josh bought a house? She didn’t want to live in town. She loved Twelve Oaks except for the commute. But Taylorsville would be an even longer commute. Standing there staring at the house, she didn’t budge when he tugged on her hand. “Come, I want to show you something.”
“Did you buy a house?”
“Not yet. I wanted to get your consent first.”
Still in shock, she asked, “You’re buying us a house?”
“Not us, you.” Now she was really confused. Why would Josh buy her a house if he didn’t plan to live with her?
Too stunned to speak, Beth remained silent as Josh propelled her toward the front porch. She could feel his excitement as they followed the narrow sidewalk to the front porch steps. A swing with a bright red cushion was suspended from the ceiling. Two bright red chairs banked the porch wall. She loved its charm, but not enough to live there.
Josh opened the front door and she stepped into a large living room with wood floors. “It’s not very fancy, but you can decorate it any way you like. The floors are good and solid. To prove his point he stomped on the floor. Maybe a colorful rug would help tap down the noise of walking on wood.” The staircase had an oak banister ascending to the second floor.
Beth took several deep breaths to control her temper. “Why would I want to live here? It is too far from work.”
He turned to face her, placed his hands on her shoulders, and smiled. “It is the perfect place for a small-town law firm.”
She glared at him. “How many times must I explain that I can’t afford to start my own law firm?” So beyond furious she gripped her hands into fists to keep from punching him. “How can I get it through that thick skull of yours? I have a job.”
His smile grew. “I’ll buy the house for you. You can start your own law firm right here in Taylorsville. It’s only twenty minutes from Twelve Oaks.” He released his hold on her and spun around the room. “The upstairs has room for storage.” He crossed to a closed door, opened it, and stepped into a huge bedroom. “This can be your office. It is the biggest room.” Quick strides had him crossing the living room and opening another door. “You can rent this space out to another lawyer or maybe have a partner.” Her head was reeling as she listened to him plan her life. “Can’t you see how perfect the house will be for a new business? The location is ideal.”
She jammed her hands into her jeans pockets to keep from attacking him. She didn’t even try to conceal her outrage and anger. “No, Josh! You can’t just plan my life without consulting with me first. I’ve told you my plans.” She began to pace back and forth. “I will work at Phillips, Robbins, and Daniels a few years until I have saved enough money to start my own business. I will. . .”
Josh interrupted. “Your job is killing you. You’re tired and worn out.” She stopped pacing and faced him. He touched his fingers to her cheek. Of course he was right. She was exhausted and she hated her job, but sometimes a person had to suck it up and deal with things. She had no other choice.
“You have rings under your eyes from not getting enough sleep. You’re always working. Let me do this for you, Beth.”
Josh reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black box. He dropped to one knee and opened the box revealing a huge diamond ring. Beth placed her hand to her pounding heart. “Will you marry me, Beth Reynolds?”
“I need to sit down.”
Josh helped her to the floor since there was no furniture in the house. “Place your head between your knees.” He dropped down beside her. “You’re white as a piece of cotton. Does the thought of marrying me make you sick?”
Beth took several deep breaths. When she felt calmer, she lifted her head and looked at him. “It’s a bit much at one time. I don’t think you know how to do anything without shocking the hell out of me. Are you sure you want to get married?”
“More sure than I’ve been about anything else in my life. I want to build a life with you.” He waved his hand in the air. “I want this to be your wedding gift. I love you, Beth.” When she didn’t say anything, he asked, “Do you feel anything for me?” A shadow of worry flickered over his face.
Beth thought her heart would burst. “Yes, I love you. I was just too afraid to say so. I feared you didn’t love me back.”
Josh took the ring out of the box and placed it on Beth’s finger. “Well, what do you think? Do you think you’ll be happy married to me?”
“It definitely won’t be boring. I can’t think of anything that’ll make me happier.”
“I want to build a house at Twelve Oaks. We’ll have a home full of children.”
“Slow down, Josh. My head is already spinning.” She pressed her lips to his to get him to shut up. After she ignited his passions she whispered in his ear. “I want to live a long and happy life with you.”
Turn the page to read Chapter One of
Secret of the Falls
Book three of Twelve Oaks Series
Chapter One
Elbows on the table, Lacy watched the dancers twirling and spinning in dark suits and colorful dresses. Music swept through the crowd from the band, The Secret Agents, playing near the dance floor which had been set up for the festivities in the middle of the back yard next to the pool. The members of the band were tall, dark haired FBI agents who worked with her new brother-in-law, Josh. Wearing black suits and ties, they looked similar except for one that was a little heavy. He outweighed the other four by at least fifty pounds.
They got together to practice at least twice a week as a way to release stress. Lacy thought they sounded pretty good for amateurs. As guests made requests, they had been able to play each and every song.
Two of the handsome band members had already tried to hit on her, but she completely ignored them. Men were something she didn’t have the time or patience for, and they were not in her near future. But because of her shyness, it was doubtful she’d ever fall in love. Her quiet manner was a deterrent when it came to talking to men.
It was a gorgeous spring evening and everyone was enjoying Josh and Beth’s reception. The sun’s lazy descent was beginning in the west. Champagne flowed as toast after toast was offered to the happy couple. The hum of conversation, the sound of laughter drifted over her, still she was uncomfortable. People always ma
de her uneasy.
Eyes locked on her sister Beth and her new brother-in-law, Josh Wilson, she couldn’t help but smile. They were in high spirits. Beth’s flame tipped hair was arranged on top of her head leaving her creamy, milk-white neck exposed. The short, white strapless dress looked amazing on her curvy figure. Legs like Beth’s should never be covered. Josh twirled her and then dipped her low over his knee before pressing his lips to hers. The black tux was such a contrast to Beth’s pure white wedding dress. Josh filled it out with muscle and brawn. Because of his dark looks, it was like looking at an angel and the devil dancing together. Good and evil mingling as one. She had once wished Grant and Josh would be her brother-in-laws. That wish came true. She had brothers for brother-in-laws.
The ceremony had been simple, yet beautiful. Beth and Josh were married at the waterfall just like Nina and Grant had been seven months earlier. Not wanting any fuss, the happy couple had decided on a small ceremony with approximately thirty people in attendance. The sound of the water rushing over the rocks, birds twittering about, and the riot of colorful wildflowers was the perfect backdrop for a wedding. The waterfall was the most beautiful spot on their thousand acres.
Still the tragedy of what happened there over a hundred years ago kept her from finding pleasure at the falls. Without a doubt, her ancestor, Hilda Reynolds either had an accident or was murdered. Maybe one day she would discover the true story of what happened to Hilda. It had become an obsession and she would never be able to let it go until she knew the truth.
Her oldest sister Nina sat down and took her hands. “Did you see Hilda?”
“Of course. As she did at your wedding, she stood at the top of the falls whispering for me to help her.” Even though it was a warm, April evening, Lacy shivered. She had been haunted by the ghost since she was a child. Her fingers automatically twirled the ruby and diamond ring on her finger that had once belonged to Hilda. Not only was she connected to the spirit by blood, but also the ring, which she felt had meant a great deal to the young spirit.
Shadows of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Series Book 2) Page 26