He looked confused. “What do you mean?”
“If you want on the team, give us something that we don’t have. Why should we let you in, giving you all we managed to dig up? Tomorrow after the press conference, you need to deliver. If it’s good, you’re going to be part of our team.”
“And if it’s not?”
“Then you’re one hell of a lousy cop.” She paused before continuing, “Oh, and really bad at being a criminal. You can’t hide a body for shit, Sheriff.”
He got red at her dig. Working with this woman was going to be nothing but sheer hell.
“Like us or hate us, we have a job to do. We’re going to save the next woman from dying with your help, or not. If you get in my way, I’ll roll right over you.”
The man didn't look happy.
Elizabeth wondered if it was because the FBI just beat him down, or if it was because he had to work with a woman. At this point, it could be either.
“See you tomorrow.”
It was all he said before leaving. Once he was gone, she turned toward her team. “Doctor Armstrong, get on that skull. Doctor Magnus, you need to head to the site and babysit your bone geeks.”
“Alone?”
That made him nervous as hell. Doctor Seston would be there, and he didn't want a repeat performance.
“No. You can take Merry. She’ll keep you safe.”
They all looked over at the much smaller woman. It was amusing to think that their anthro needed a bodyguard, and that it was going to be the head tech.
“While there, Merry, poke around and do your techie thing. Just don’t let Doctor Magnus get spooked by anything… or one.”
He gave her a look, and she winked at him.
“I’ll go,” stated Jaxon. “I don’t mind.”
She shook her head. “Anyone who’s thrown a punch today isn't going out in the field. Think of this as kindergarten. You’re prohibited from going out to recess.”
Callen tensed at her words. Surely, she wasn’t going to punish him like a child…
“Seaton and Madden, be ready to meet us at the hotel around dinnertime. We want a report from you on all the people that we’ve come across. Unlike last time, we won’t be missing a single thing. Am I clear?”
They nodded, heading out.
Finally, she addressed the simmering temper in the room. “Callen, clean up. You’re a mess.”
He could tell she wasn’t happy. The tone of her voice was clearly indicative of the bad mood that was brewing.
“You get to watch the team. I don’t trust the sheriff won’t send one of his deputies to cause shit.”
“So, I’m being punished too?” he asked, his voice low and void of all emotion.
“No. Ethan and I have an interview.”
He didn't look happy at all.
“I told you. Fist fights aren’t allowed here in the FBI.” Before he could say anything, or point out that Ethan had been involved too, she was gone.
Ethan didn't know what to say. He was between the two people he loved most in life. “I’ll keep an eye on her, Cal. Hang out here. It’ll all blow over. I’ll text you when we’re heading toward the hotel. You can meet us there.”
With that, he headed out.
Callen stood there, angry, shocked, and a little hurt that his woman had walked away from him. He was defending her honor, and that pissed him off.
Chris strolled over and patted his arm. “I feel for you, Callen. It’s all those female hormones.”
“Yeah, I hope.”
For the first time, Callen wished she wasn’t pregnant. Instead, he wanted his rational Elizabeth back.
In the vehicle, he was wise enough to say nothing. There was a dead empty look on her face as she stared out the window. Finally, when he couldn’t take the silence anymore, he interrupted her thoughts.
“How mad are you?”
“A little.”
“At me?”
“No.”
“At Callen?”
“Yes. I know why he did it, but the timing was shitty. I had just lectured two of our staff about BS like this. I just need to calm down and let it go.”
Elizabeth had come a long way. Before having kids, she’d likely have been the one who dove into the fight to kick someone’s ass. Now, she was mellowing.
That might not be a good thing.
Blackhawk hated pointing out the obvious, but he would. “I was involved in that fight, so maybe you should be mad at me too.”
Elizabeth knew that Ethan was just trying to protect his brother. From childhood until now, he had always been the one to watch Callen’s back.
Only this time, they couldn’t excuse what happened.
“The only reason I’m not pissed at you is because you jumped in to save him, not take the first swing. I know that Callen has issues with physical contact, but he can’t go punching out deputies. Plus, didn't he just ask me to not shield him? He wanted to take the world on to keep me safe, and there are consequences with that.”
Ethan saw it from her perspective. Elizabeth had a point.
“I won’t be mad long. I just need some time away.”
Pulling into the driveway, Ethan understood. When he went to get out, she grabbed his wrist.
“Can we take a minute?”
He grinned wickedly. “Want to hop in the back and have some naughty sex?” he asked.
Elizabeth snorted. “No. I was thinking we could call Wyler and talk to him. I’m still rattled over his anger the other night. It was so unlike him that it has me worried. If I can just stop dwelling on that, then I’ll have one less thing on my shoulders.”
If this would help his wife relax, why not? “Sure, baby, we can do that.”
Pulling out his tablet, he handed it to her.
“Maybe you should pretend you’re not here. He might go easier on just me.”
Blackhawk agreed.
When the tablet beeped and Wyler’s face appeared, Elizabeth wasn’t smiling. If anything, she knew how to get to the man.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?” he asked.
“Dad, I’m not. Since you got mad at us, I’m worried. I just wanted to call and tell you that I’m sorry if we hurt you. I hate that you’re mad at us. Please tell me what I have to do to smooth this over.”
There was a pause. “Where are my boys?”
“Busy,” she offered, lying to her father-in-law. Yeah, it was wrong, but so was the man’s anger.
His face softened. “I just feel like an idiot, Elizabeth. I don’t normally mind when you three tease me, it’s just that I’ve done something stupid.”
She listened. “What is it, Dad?”
“I was at the cabin, working on a totem, and Bly stopped by. She broke up with that man she was dating, the one she picked to hurt me.”
“Okay, Dad. Go on.”
“We had sex. I didn't plan on it, but she talked me out of my clothes, and we did it. I’m embarrassed that I fell into this mess again. I got mad because I don’t want my boys to think that I’m going to always be the kind of person who thinks with his…” He stopped and flushed red.
“I’ve heard the word dick before, Dad,” she offered, grinning. “In fact, in our room, there is a whole lot of it going around.”
He laughed. It was the first genuine one he’d had in a while. “Thank you, sweetheart. I really needed that. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re truly one of the best things that has happened to our family.”
“I love you, Dad. Having sex with Bly doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human. You don’t plan on marrying her, do you?” she asked, crossing her fingers in her lap.
He laughed. “No. I told you. I’m never marrying again. Catherine was my one true love, and I screwed that up. When I cross over, I hope she’s waiting for me. I can only hope that in the afterlife, I’ll be forgiven.”
Ethan couldn’t help but love his father. The man didn't know he was there, so he was being incredibly candid. It touched him th
at Wyler still loved his mom.
“Well, then as long as she knows it, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Just don’t knock her up. You can’t handle more kids.”
He laughed. “She’s sixty, Elizabeth. I think we’re past that worry. Although, if you want me to be honest…”
She prayed it wasn’t going to be sex details. While she loved Wyler, the thought of him having sex with Bly was incredibly uncomfortable.
“About?”
“You. I can handle three or four more babies. My grandchildren are angels. Why don’t you get working on that after Charlie is born.”
She snorted. “Why are all the Blackhawk men so hell bent on me having so many kids?”
“We like a tribe. It’s in our blood.”
Elizabeth leaned forward to kiss the tablet. “I love you, Dad. You’re not a disappointment to us. You’re our father.”
When she used that sentence, including herself, his heart skipped. It made his day.
“I love you too, Lyzee. Now, you stop worrying about this old man, and take care of my boys and that baby.”
Her eyes filled with tears. That was something Timothy would have said to her. In fact, he had.
“I will, Dad. We’ll be home soon, and then I’m expecting some of your jerky.”
He grinned. “For you, sweetheart, anything.”
It stole her heart. That was the same exact grin that the men in her life gave her on a regular basis.
“Be safe, sweet raven.”
“Kiss the babies for me. I’ll be home soon.”
He kissed the screen to share his love, right before signing off.
Elizabeth wiped her eyes. Before she could say anything, Ethan was tugging her forward. “Come here, Mrs. Blackhawk.”
She went into his arms. When his mouth found hers, the kiss was sweet, gentle, and full of love.
When Ethan finally let her go, she stared at him. “Wow! What was that for?” she asked.
“That was for loving the men in this family even when we screw up. That’s why I know when you see Callen, you’ll be soft and forgive him.”
She laughed. “I hate the power you men have over me,” Elizabeth stated. “It’s like I was screwed from day one.”
“Yeah, it is awesome.”
“You’re just like your father, even if you don’t want to admit it.”
Blackhawk released her. “Yeah, I guess I am.” For a long time, that was exactly what he fought tooth and nail. “When we get back, I should probably head on over to the Rez to hook up with my mistress,” he teased.
She gave him the look, right before punching him in his sore ribs.
“Shit! Lyzee! That hurt!”
“That’s what you get for being a smart ass.”
After she hopped out, he couldn’t help but laugh.
When would he learn?
At the front door, they waited to be let in. When a maid opened for them, both FBI agents flashed their badges. The woman’s eyes went big, but she didn't give them any issues. Taking them into the sitting area, she headed off to find the man of the house.
Looking around, Elizabeth took in the surroundings. “I’m going to say stuffy old dude and floozy wife.”
Blackhawk grinned. This was a little game they played in the field. “I don’t disagree, but I’m going to say defensive not proud.”
She held out her hand. “Deal.”
When the man walked in, a young woman on his arm, Elizabeth rolled her eyes. As Ethan did the introductions, she watched everything.
This man was grieving. She could see it in his eyes, but the woman on his arm? Yeah, not so much.
“I don’t know what this is about,” stated Wilfred Monroe. “I was under the impression that the sheriff’s office was handling my daughter’s murder.”
His voice caught.
The young raven haired woman at his side patted his arm reassuringly.
“The FBI has linked this case to another, so we’re taking over,” Elizabeth offered. “Please know that we’re so very sorry for your loss, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe. If we can do anything for you, in your time of need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
He nodded.
The woman didn't even bat an eyelash.
She was either numb or completely hated the dead girl. Then again, she barely looked legal herself.
“Mitzi and I are crushed. I can’t believe that my only child is gone. She came here often on break, and I assumed that the house was safe. I can’t figure out what happened. I don’t know where I went wrong.”
Elizabeth pointed to the couch. “May we?”
“I’m sorry. I forgot my manners. You’re pregnant and should sit. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water would be wonderful, thank you,” she said, playing nice. They were a victim’s family, and deserved the compassion.
For now.
“Mitzi, be a good girl and run along and get our guests a drink?”
She didn't look happy about being dismissed.
“Certainly, Willy. I’ll be right back.”
With that, she was gone.
“Is this your first child?” he asked, motioning to her midsection.
Elizabeth ran her hand over her baby bump. “No. We’re blessed with more than one. She’s our fourth.”
“I always wanted a big family, but Magdalene’s mother left us right after she was born. I think she changed her mind about being a parent. It wasn’t easy being alone and raising a child. Then one day, like a miracle, my medical invention caught someone’s attention. I was very rich, and I could afford help raising my daughter.”
“How long have you been married to Mitzi?” she asked.
“Less than a year.”
“You look happy,” Ethan added, more to keep Elizabeth from saying something…inappropriate.
“We are. I was very lucky to find her. I believe she’s my soul mate.”
When she opened her mouth, Blackhawk lifted a brow in warning. It almost made her want to laugh. “We really need to ask you some questions,” Elizabeth stated, taking the bottle of water from the woman when she returned.
“Okay. Feel free. We have nothing to hide.”
That was good to know. Now, it was time to see if it was an accurate statement or a pile of bullshit.
“How was your relationship with your daughter?”
“It was good,” Wilfred Monroe replied.
“There was nothing out of the ordinary going on? Was your daughter acting unusual before she disappeared?”
The man lowered his head. “I don’t know. Magdalene liked to think she knew what was best for her. We gave her plenty of leeway too. If she wanted a new car, she got it. When she wanted to shop, I didn't say no.”
“Guilt, huh?” Elizabeth asked.
The man didn't say anything.
“Mr. Monroe, it’s common when a parent is absent from the picture that the other compensates for it. My mother died when I was young. My dad did everything he could to ease the pain. I’m not judging you.”
He glanced up. “I hope you’re right. I didn't know she was coming here. This is our retreat. I grew up here in Belleville, and knew it was secure. That’s why I put this house here. I thought we’d all be safe. I see I screwed that up too.”
Elizabeth looked at Mitzi. “Did she say anything to you?”
“We didn't get along.”
It was short and sweet.
“Okay, so no one knew she was coming here. Do you have any staff who work here full time?”
He nodded.
“Can I speak to some of them?”
He nodded again.
“If you want, Mitzi will show you to the kitchen,” Wilfred offered. “That’s where you’ll find our housekeeper.”
Elizabeth followed the young wife out, once more rolling her eyes as she tried to walk in ridiculous ‘fuck me’ heels. There was a time and place for them, all day long wasn’t it.
Once gone, Ethan continued the questioning. “Did
Magdalene mention any men hitting on her?”
There was a pause. “There was a guy once. The last time we were here. He was circling like a buzzard over a rich bunny.”
Blackhawk began making notes. “Who?”
“I think his name was Clarence Rickert. I mean, what the hell kind of name is that?”
Ethan could have pointed out that the man was named Wilfred. He probably shouldn’t be tossing stones in a glass house.
“What happened?”
“My daughter, obviously out of her mind, wanted to marry that boy. She knew him maybe three weeks. All I know is that he was a gold digger. Can men be called that? I’m so out of the loop. I guess it doesn’t matter now.”
Again, Ethan could have made reference to the man’s own life and Mitzi. She wasn’t exactly with him for his good looks. Not many young, big breasted babes liked older, balding men.
In fact, he couldn’t name one.
It’s why at forty two, he worked out like a fiend. He wanted his woman to appreciate his body.
“What happened?”
“I offered him some money, and he took it. My daughter was crushed. I told her that’s how life was. I only wanted to protect my own. You know how those lowlife people can get.”
He tried to keep the cool veneer in place. “That’s tough to say, sir. You see, I was one of those lowlifes, I guess,” Blackhawk stated. “I grew up on a reservation, Mr. Monroe. I didn't marry into money. My wife and I work hard, so no, I don’t know how those ‘lowlife’ people are.”
It seemed to shut the man up.
“So you offered him money and he left.”
“Yes.”
“And your daughter never saw him again?” Ethan inquired.
“Not to my knowledge, but then again, I’ve already told you that she didn't really appreciate me getting in her business. For all I know, she could have been seeing him behind my back.”
He was torn. Ethan already disliked the man, but he and Callen had girls. He could see them doing what Wilfred Monroe had done.
No, that was a lie.
They wouldn’t bribe some male to leave. They’d skip that option, and instead, beat the hell out of any boys who tried shit with their little girls.
Dead Shall Speak (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 10) Page 35