by Bec Botefuhr
WITNESS PROTECTION
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Copyright © 2012 Bec Botefuhr
Published by Bec Botefuhr, December 2012.
Witness Protection is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and events portrayed in this book either are from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, establishments, events, or location is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Books in this Series
Witness Protection (The Witness Series Book one)
Forsaken (The Witness Series Book two)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For everyone who believed in me, who knew that I could do it even when I didn’t believe it. My family, friends, co workers and everyone who said “You can do it.” Thank you.
For my husbands patience and love, and for not hitting me over the head for all the hours I have spent working on my novels. For my gorgeous daughters who are the best children a mother could ask for.
For all my fans, for their encouragment and belief, for their kind words and amazing hearts. You all make this possible for me.
WITNESS PROTECTION
PROLOGUE
“Miss, tell us what you saw.”
Those damn eyes are melting a burning hole into my brain, those grey eyes. He looked right at me and grinned when he slit her throat, slowly. Upside down, he had her strung upside down on a tree, sick bastard.
“Miss…”
I peer up at the officer in front of me. He is short, round and bald. He has been in his job far too long. His face is friendly though and that, oddly enough, brings me a mild amount of comfort.
“He saw me.”
“Are you certain?”
“He…saw…me.” I bite out, frustrated.
“What did you see?”
I blink rapidly, and breathe deeply. I need to steady my pounding heart. It just won’t slow down.
“I was driving home, windows down, I heard screaming. I got out of the car and hurried towards the sound, it got louder. I just came into a clearing, and there he was, he…slit her throat. She was hanging upside down. He saw me.”
“He didn’t try and come after you?”
“No, he just…kept slitting her throat. He smiled at me.” I shudder in remembrance of that cold smile, the way he just grinned as though he were merely taking a walk in the park and looking at the damned roses.
“Are you absolutely certain he saw you?”
“He saw me.”
“Can you give us a description?”
“He was covered, all except his eyes.”
“Color?”
“Grey.”
“We found the body of a young woman; we believe it is the work of BTK.”
“Excuse me? BTK?”
“Blonde Teen Killer .”
“Why do you name serial killers?”
The officer stares stupidly at me. “Well, it usually draws them out. They like to be considered special.”
I shake my head, I am still in shock. “And this blonde teen killer…picked her because?”
“She was in her teens, blonde and he slit her throat and then slung her up by her legs for wild animals to pull apart. It is his ninth killing.”
“Ninth?” I cry.
“They are all killed the same way.”
My heart is thudding. “Well, I don’t fit his profile so I am safe…right?”
The officer rubs his chin. “You might not fit his profile…but you saw him and you got away, that makes you his profile.”
CHAPTER 1
“I don’t see why I need to stay with two people I don’t know.” I huff, glaring at old man cop.
“Witness protection.” The officer explains.
“Aren’t there safe houses for that?”
“Yes, but we want you close. The killer will be looking; you could be the key to drawing him out.”
I shudder. “So you change my name and shove me with two fat, old cops who are meant to babysit me?”
The officer chuckles. “Fat and old.”
“What is so funny?”
“You will see.”
I grunt. “What is your name?”
“Officer Clancy.”
“That’s it, officer Clancy?”
“James Clancy.”
“Well James Clancy, you better know what you are doing.”
“You will be safe; both these men are cops, highest ranks. They are our best.”
“I am sure two cruddy, old cops don’t want a young girl hanging around.”
“They don’t mind at all.”
“I bet they don’t.” I bet they are two dirty, old men who jumped at the chance.
James Clancy laughs again. Why do I get the feeling the jokes on me?
“So I am now,” I pull out the new ID and read the name. “Ariana Jacobs.”
“Yes, you are now Ariana Jacobs. You will no longer be Maya Traydon.”
“Good, I hate that name.”
“You can’t tell anyone your old name, not even your family can call you by that name.”
“He saw me you know, changing my name isn’t going to put him off the scent…if he sees me…”
“That’s the next thing; you need to dye your hair.”
I frown. “Seriously?”
“Yes, it is what…honey brown? Go chocolate.”
“I don’t suit chocolate.”
James Clancy glances at me. “I beg to differ.”
“Fine, whatever.”
“Here we are. The two men you will be staying with are Nate and Ryder.”
“Well someone’s mothers didn’t like them.” I snort.
James gives me a look. “Be nice, you are in their home…I could have thrown you three states away.”
“Fine James Clancy, I will be nice.”
We get out of the car and I lug my small suitcase over to a very, very flash apartment. It is situated in a resort type set up. Lush gardens, pools, tennis courts, you name it. The men’s apartment stands alone, and is huge. Out front is a Harley Davidson and some flashy sports car. Cops. James Clancy just walks right on in, so I follow. Here goes, time to check out my new flattys, or fatties.
“Ryder, Nate, we are here.” He yells out.
“Coming Clancy.” I hear a male voice call out from the bedroom.
I turn and peer around the lush apartment, wow. It is all polished white floors, white walls, top range electrical equipment, flashy kitchen and lush lounge. Well, two men sharing a house with a good wage, it makes sense.
“Hey.”
“How’s it going Clanc?”
I hear the two voices and turn, my mouth opens to announce a polite hello, however, when I see the two men that turns to a dribbling stammer. Perhaps it is the two gorgeous men in front of me, or perhaps it is that fact that both are so equally beautiful and in the same room, it is daunting. I blink; sure I am seeing this all wrong. Two cops, two very hot cops in a house and…I am staying with them? It’s a joke right, soon two fat old men will come out and yell “Gotcha!”
The first cop, the one that draws my eye, is tal
l dark and handsome. Heck, he is better than tall dark and handsome; he is extraordinary and so fucking beautiful. He has longish black hair, all ruffled and disheveled. His eyes aren’t blue, and they certainly aren’t green, heck, they are like aqua. His eyes are a one of, a colour I have never seen before on any person and they are striking against his olive skin. His body is firm, hard and rippled. He stands at about six foot and is as broad as a linebacker. A tribal tattoo swirls over his left shoulder and down his left arm.
The second man is the complete opposite to the first. He has blonde hair that is thick and long. His eyes are a deep chocolate brown and he has the skin of a country boy, darker than the first mans. His body is tall and lean, if you could put a pair of jeans and a cowboy hat on him, he would look the part. His looks are equally as striking as the first man, but he doesn’t have that dark and dangerous feel. He looks gentle, sweet even.
“Ariana, this is Ryder and Nate.”
I blink stupidly, I open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out.
“Well, aint it a damn pleasure,” Says the blonde haired man, reaching out to offer me his hand. “Nate.”
I take it and shudder when he curls his fingers around mine. “A-A-Ariana.”
“That is my pal, Ryder.”
I look at the dark haired man, whose gaze is raking me from head to toe. “Pleasure.”
His voice his husky and deep. Nate’s has a western twang. God, I am going to die.
“I…thank you for taking me in.” I manage.
“Pleasures all ours.” Nate grins towards Ryder who gives a half smile.
“We have changed her name,” Chuckles James Clancy, who knew all along these men were God’s gift, I will be sure to punish him for that later. “I have told her she needs to dye her hair ASAP. I will keep regular checks on the building and expect you to give me regular updates. That killer is out there, and no doubt waiting.”
“We got it Clanc, cops remember?” Ryder says, leaning his magnificent hip against the counter.
James Clancy grins. “Yeah, yeah. Just watch her, don’t let her go out alone…”
“Cops.” Nate reminds him.
“Right, well, get that hair dyed will you?”
“Yes James Clancy.” I smile and he grins back at me. Stupid old fool, he is kind of addictive.
“Well, report in this evening and in the morning. We will keep you updated with our process.”
“The girl that was found?”
“Bianca West, nineteen, blonde…”
“It was him again then?” Ryder asks.
“Yeah, it was. Ariana said he saw her, we can’t be sure what happened.”
“I am not delusional, he saw me.” I snap.
“No doubt.” Nate says, giving me a smile.
“No one is questioning that, we just can’t be sure of anything until he pounces…or doesn’t.”
“So, how long do I have to stay here?” I ask, folding my arms.
“Until we know if he is going to track you down.”
“Fine.” I huff.
“Well,” James Clancy says, walking towards the door. “Enjoy.”
I snort and glare at him as he walks out the door. When he is gone, I turn back to the two men. Oh lord, this could be interesting.
“So, is what is your real name?” Ryder asks.
“I thought I am not meant to tell anyone.” I say, keeping my arms crossed across my chest.
“Cops.” Nate reminds me.
“Hmmmm.”
“Can show you my badge, if you like.” Ryder says with a hooded gaze.
“Let me guess, it’s in your pants?”
The two men roar with laughter.
“Are you always so antsy?”
I huff again. “I am not antsy.”
“Ok…are you always so snappy, rude…”
I frown. “I am not trying to be rude; I have been upended from my home, job and life…to stay with two men I don’t know. How the hell would you feel?”
“Must be hard.” Nate says, well at least someone has some manners.
“It is hard, and I just want to be alone. Do I have a room?”
“This way.”
I follow them down the hall and into a spare room, when I walk in, I gape. Wow, huge doesn’t even cut it. King sized bed, a desk, a couch and a television. I can see a door, which I assume is a bathroom.
“Oh wow.” I whisper.
“Not so unhappy now eh?” Nate grins, I flinch away as they step in closer.
“Don’t panic baby, we don’t bite.” Ryder muses.
“Don’t call me baby.” I snap.
Both men laugh again and I watch as they walk off down the hall, singing “Don’t call me baby.” Assholes. I shut the door angrily and fall onto my bed, flustered and alone. Here I am trapped with two gorgeous men who I don’t know, in a house I don’t know with a name I don’t know…and wondering if I am going to be murdered by a man I don’t know. It doesn’t get better than that.
I get up after a moment, deciding to make the best of the situation and shower. I unpack what little things I brought and go to step into the shower when I hear the bedroom door open. Sighing, I wrap a towel around myself and peer out. Nate and Ryder are standing at the door, looking far too gorgeous for my liking. They also look far too cop like, scanning the room. Ryder is wearing a black shirt and vest now, and a gun is tucked into the belt of his black jeans. Oh my.
“Showering.” I say from the door and two eyes swing my way.
“So you are.” Nate grins, still wearing his shirt and faded jeans.
“Can I help you?”
He lifts a box and rattles it. “Hair dye.”
I sigh and shut the door; I pull on my clothes and walk back out.
“What is GI Joe doing dressed like that?”
Ryder gives me a look. “I am going to work for a few hours.”
“Well, ta ta.”
Nate laughs and Ryder glares.
“Nate, keep her in line.”
“Yeah, I got it.”
“You listen to what he says.” Ryder says in a stern, dominant voice.
I laugh. “Yes boss.”
He gives me a long, hard look and then turns and walks out of the room.
“Sit.” Nate says with a chuckle.
I do and he walks up behind me, when his shirt touches my back I straighten.
“Not used to being touched much sweetheart?”
“What is with you two?” I ask in an amused tone. “Sweetheart and baby, let me guess, it works on girls right?”
“Nothing is with us, those are nice names and no, it doesn’t work on girls.”
I go to open my mouth but he cuts me off.
“Girls come to us on their very own.”
I snort. “I bet.”
“No boyfriend then?” He asks, draping a towel over my shoulder.
“None of your business.”
“So there is, hmmmm, interesting.”
“How is that interesting?”
“You come across as untouched.”
“I beg your pardon, I have had sex!”
“How many times?”
“What?” I snap. “None of your business!”
“You got hurt huh?”
I stiffen. “Drop it.”
“Alright, alright. Lean back.”
“No.”
“I will tug these pretty locks.”
I let out a frustrated sound and lean back, Nate leans over and grins down at me. Stupid, beautiful man.
“So what crawled up your partner’s ass and died?”
Nate chuckles. “Ryder is a bad boy, it is an image.”
“Yeah I got that, doesn’t mean he needs to be an ass.”
“He isn’t so bad. Girls love him. He just doesn’t do a lot of chit chat.”
“What about you?”
“I am the nice guy, of course.”
“Of course. What color is that?”
He shoves the box in front of me and I
sigh. “Chocolate.”
“It will suit you.”
“No, it won’t.” I mumble.
“Trust me.”
“I know my hair, it won’t.”
“You have light olive skin, big brown eyes and a pretty round face, it will suit you.”
“Someone pays far too much attention, and I am not round!”
He laughs and rubs his fingers through my hair, oh, that is nice.
“You have a round face, not fat but round, delicate round.”
“Delicate round, now I have heard it all.”
“You’re real pretty.”
“For a round girl.”
He bursts out laughing and I can’t help but join in.
“You and I will get along just fine.”
I smile to myself, I think we will.
“There, all done.” He says after a moment.
I stand and turn, doing a nice twirl. “Well?”
“It’s wet, sticky and gross. You don’t look good.”
I smile. “How long till I can rinse this?”
“Half hour.”
“Thanks.”
“I know it is uncomfortable for you.” He says suddenly as I am walking to the shower.
I turn and meet his brown gaze. “Yeah, it isn’t easy being thrown into a strangers house and not knowing how to feel.”
“It will get easier, I promise. Ryder and I, we aren’t so bad to live with.”
“It’s not that I think you are,” I say, sitting on the bed, he sits beside me. “It’s just that…well…I don’t know either of you, I am not allowed to live my old life, I had to quit my job and change my number. Everything has been upended.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I am grateful though,” I say gently. “I really am.”
“We won’t let anyone hurt you, and we will find him so you can go back to your life.”
“Is he really a serial killer?”
“Yeah, and you are the closest anyone has ever got to finding him.”
“I was just driving home,” I croak. “Just driving home from a weekend away with my sister, I heard a scream and…”
He takes my hand, and the move shocks me. I don’t pull it away, but I am uneasy.
“Go on.”
“I heard her scream, so I pulled over and got out. I thought…maybe someone had fallen or been hurt but I was wrong. I was lucky I hid, because I think it could have been worse. She was strung up on a tree, and he heard me approach. He turned, grinned and then slit her throat…he saw me, he looked right at me.”