Living in Shadow

by Georgia Florey-Evans

  Beau pulled Haley tighter against his side. “We’ll take any good news we can get.”

  “Somebody high up in Dohner’s organization is talking. She contacted the office in Chicago and told them she was ready to make a deal. They’re in the process of working things out right now, and if this woman talks, Dohner will be done for good.”

  Beau suddenly dropped his arm from around Haley and stepped a few feet away from her. “Who’s turning, Elliott? What’s her name?”

  Elliott frowned. “It’s Ted Dohner’s niece. Her name is Audrey. Why?”

  Audrey. Haley immediately recognized the name, and her heart sank. She was the woman Beau had dated for four years, and even though their relationship hadn’t been what it seemed, it was there.

  “I’ll leave you two alone.” She spoke softly, but Beau didn’t even acknowledge her words before she turned and left the room.

  Not knowing where to go and feeling completely lost, Haley found herself back in her bedroom. The way he stepped away from Haley at the mention of her name--it couldn’t have been more apparent Beau was worried about Audrey Dohner. Beau must have feelings for her. Maybe he hadn’t realized how deep they were until he found out she was in danger. Haley felt an emptiness settle in her heart, for she knew she was going to lose the man she loved back to the world he’d left. And there was nothing she could do about it.

  She gave in to the tears and sank onto the bed, her heart breaking into a million pieces. After giving her heart, completely with no reservations, to Beau, he would no longer want it. The stress and fear she’d dealt with nonstop for the past several weeks contributed to the tears that were falling, and she gave in to them. She had never felt more alone.

  Chapter 50

  Hardy’s heart pounded. Audrey Dohner was turning against her uncle. She could shut the entire organization down. The concept of freedom from the danger associated with the man was unbelievable. It meant a whole new life with Haley, able to openly give her his real name. It was too much.

  “What is the matter with you?” his brother-in-law demanded, sounding angry.

  Hardy looked up, his mind whirling. “I just can’t believe Audrey is doing this.”

  “Who is she to you?” Elliott seemed a little calmer, but still unhappy.

  What did who Audrey was to Hardy matter now? He waved his hand. “She was just part of my cover. We pretended to be a couple so she could be with her real boyfriend, and I didn’t have to play the field. We weren’t even really friends; we just used each other for what we needed.”

  “Well, then, you just did the most stupid thing I’ve ever seen you do,” Elliott flatly informed him.

  “What do you mean?” Beau looked around, wondering why Haley was suddenly so quiet. “Where’s Haley?”

  “I’m going to tell you what I mean, and then you’ll be able to figure out where she is.” Elliott crossed his arms in front of him. “When I mentioned Audrey’s name, you went all mushy-eyed, brother. I had the distinct impression this Audrey was somebody who meant an awful lot to you.”

  “But Haley knows the truth about Audrey.”

  “Since Haley looked like she wouldn’t have minded if the earth opened up and swallowed her whole right before she excused herself and fled the room, I’d say she thought the same thing I did.”

  “She knows the truth—about everything.”

  “I don’t think what you’ve told Haley matters right now. If you don’t want to lose her, you’d better find her and straighten this out. Now.”

  What had he done? After Haley’s initial knee-jerk reaction to his pseudo-relationship with Audrey, she’d gotten past it. And now, Hardy had unintentionally given her reason to believe it meant more to him than it did.

  “Which way did she go?” His voice was hoarse.

  “Toward the back hall. Probably her bedroom.” Elliott sadly shook his head. “I hope you can fix this, Beau. That woman is the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

  “Don’t you think I know that?” Beau asked before he turned and headed toward Haley’s room.

  What was he going to say to fix this? He was still trying to figure it out when he reached her room. Her door was closed, so he softly knocked. When there was no answer, he knocked again and then waited a few moments before quietly opening the door.

  The room was empty. “Haley?” Maybe she was in the adjoining bathroom. When she didn’t answer, he walked in, only to see the bathroom door standing open and unoccupied.

  Where was she? Hardy fought back his initial panic with the knowledge they were on Elliott’s estate, surrounded by security that allowed his niece and nephew to freely play outside. No matter where Haley had gone, she was safe.

  But he still needed to find her—to explain his reaction to Elliott’s news. Why hadn’t he held onto Haley more tightly?

  Thinking maybe she’d gone outside to find Callie and the kids, he stopped at his room long enough to pick up his jacket. Elliott was no longer in the family room when Hardy walked through on his way to the back door.

  Callie and the children were just coming in when Hardy reached the door.

  “Have you seen Haley?” he quietly asked his sister.

  Her accusing eyes met his. “She’s out at the barn. I thought it might help her to visit Dipper.”

  Dipper was the horse Callie had gotten for her sixteenth birthday. He had lived at their grandparents’ and then been stabled nearby until she married Elliott and moved to the estate.

  Callie waited until Blake and Tabitha had headed to the bathroom to wash their hands before she turned on her brother. “I don’t know what you did, but she’s been crying. Hard. Like her heart is broken. Now, if you’re just going out there to upset her more, leave her alone with Dipper.”

  “I made a foolish mistake, and I need to set things right.” Hardy just had to figure out how to accomplish that. “I won’t upset her anymore.”

  Callie gave him a measuring look before she stepped aside to let him walk out the door. Hardy had only been out to the barn a couple of times, but didn’t recall it being this long of a walk.

  His own heart broke when he saw Haley with her head against the old horse’s shoulder, her hand rhythmically petting the roan. He could see her red, swollen eyes from there.

  “Haley.” He softly spoke her name.

  She didn’t look at him. “Will you please call Charlie or Fred to come get me? I don’t have their numbers, and I want to go home.”

  Hardy opened the gate and walked closer to her. “Please, Haley, listen to me. Give me a chance to explain. Things aren’t like you think they are.”

  His heart caught in his throat when her bloodshot eyes met his. “You had a life before we met. I know that. I just fooled myself into believing a four-year-long relationship didn’t really mean anything to you. I know better now. It still matters to you. She still matters.”

  “No.” He shook his head and walked toward her. “Audrey doesn’t mean what you think she does. I love you, Haley, only you.”

  “I saw how you reacted when you realized she’s in danger.” Haley’s voice was full of defeat. “You couldn’t get away from me fast enough. It’s okay. I understand. I just need to go home now.”

  Hardy had finally reached her, but it was clear she wouldn't let him touch her. “I’m sorry for how I reacted, but I’m telling you the truth. All I was thinking about was if Audrey follows through with this, I will finally be free from Dohner. I could be Beau Davis again, to everybody. I could give you my real name. That’s what I was thinking.”

  Haley shook her head and slid back along the horse’s side, farther away from Hardy. “If I were who you were thinking about, you wouldn’t have let go of me. If you won’t call one of the men, I’ll just ask Elliott to.”

  There was only one thing left to say, and then he was going to tell her everything. “Haley, I used Audrey. It’s awful, and I’m ashamed of myself, but she and I weren’t even friends. We used each other to meet our needs. Th
at’s all it ever was. And the truth is, I’m looking at her as a tool now, too. She’s a human being, putting herself in danger, and all I’m thinking about is what it will mean to me if she goes through with it.”

  “I don’t believe you.” Tears were once more welling in her eyes. “You kissed her and held her, like you do me. It meant something to you, Beau, and you’re lying to yourself if you say it didn’t.”

  “It didn’t.” Why wouldn’t she believe him? “Nothing has ever meant what you do, Haley. Nothing has even come close. I’ve never felt this strongly about another human being.” It was time to share everything. “You asked me to share why I was mad at God.” He drew a deep breath and prayed for her to understand. “Her name was Kari Jeffries.”

  She looked sharply at him. “You had another girlfriend?”

  “No.” No more holding anything back from the woman he loved. “I watched Kari Jeffries die. She was only twenty years old, and I watched her die.” He could feel the pain deep in his soul, finding its way to his heart. “If you look my real name up on the internet, you’ll see that Harding Davis died a hero.” He laughed derisively. “It’s all a lie, though. It was at a convenience store. A man pulled a gun. I was able to get behind the counter with the cashier—Kari Jeffries. She gave me the owner’s gun, and the man and I ended up in a standoff. I still don’t know why, but she stood up. She just stood up. I shot him, but not before he shot both of us. She was killed instantly.”

  “And that’s why you’ve been mad at God?” Haley quietly asked.

  “Yes.” He finally touched her, his hand on her shoulder. “But you’ve changed that. You’ve changed everything. I see my undercover life as a big lie I lived for five years, with nothing to show for it except bad memories and regret. And I see it wasn’t God’s fault Kari stood up and was shot.”

  “It wasn’t yours, either.” Haley’s beautiful eyes were open wide. “You didn’t have any control over that other man or that girl. You tried to help and could have died yourself.”

  “I know.” And he finally did. “Thanks to you, I know.”

  “You’re not mad at God anymore?” Her lips were trembling.

  He looked into her eyes, willing her to see the truth. “I’m not mad at him anymore. I want to make things right with him and live the way I’m supposed to. With you. Only you.” Hardy could feel long held back tears fill his eyes. “Please, Haley. I don’t want to lose you. I love you.”

  “I love you too.” The words gushed out of her mouth as she moved willingly into his arms.

  Hardy felt tears flowing down his face, and for the first time in his adult life, he let them. It was time to cry. It was time to heal. It was time to love. He buried his face in Haley’s hair and held her as tightly as he could without hurting her.

  He had no idea how long they stood, both mourning his past mistakes, but he felt like a burden had been lifted from his chest when he finally looked in her eyes.

  “Thank you.”

  She linked her hands behind his head and pulled his mouth to hers. It was the first time Haley had initiated a kiss, and it was the sweetest thing he’d ever experienced.

  He brushed her hair back from her face and smiled gently. “My timing stinks again, but will you marry me?”

  Her dimples grew deeper as her smile widened. “Yes.” She reached around his neck and hugged him, laughing the entire time. “We’re standing beside a horse in a smelly paddock, and I’ve never been happier in my life.”

  He smiled and tightened his arms for a moment before releasing her. “I promise I’ll wait for a very romantic moment to give you a ring.”

  “Okay.”

  He had to make sure everything was truly okay between them. “And you understand about my past? You accept I made mistakes and love me anyway?”

  Her brows came down in a frown. “I still think you have some feelings for Audrey, Beau. You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t.” She placed her finger over his lips when he started to protest. “But I believe you didn’t love her. Okay?”

  There wasn’t any use in arguing with her. “Okay.”

  He kept a tight hold of her hand as they walked back to the house. “So, if you think I’m more handsome than Elliott, you must think I’m more handsome than Brad Pitt.”

  She reached over and batted his shoulder. “You know you’re good-looking. Don’t go getting a swelled head.”

  They were still laughing when they walked into the family room, where Callie and Elliott sat.

  Callie’s eyes searched her brother’s for a moment before she slowly smiled. “I take it you fixed things.”

  Hardy looked at Haley and smiled. “If asking her to marry me and hearing her say yes qualifies, then yes, I fixed things.”

  Callie and Elliott both came to their feet, Hardy’s sister clapping her hands. “Wait until Mom and Dad hear. The last time I was there, Dad kept talking about Dimples!”

  She pulled Haley away from Hardy and hugged her tightly. “Welcome to the family. I’ve always wanted a sister.”

  Elliott shook Hardy’s hand. “Hopefully, everything will go smoothly, and you can have a regular family wedding. Your mom will want everybody there.”

  “I know.” Hardy looked over to see Callie leading Haley out of the room, talking about wedding dresses and flowers. Maybe the two women would have the whole thing planned before he and Haley had to leave tomorrow evening. He liked the idea of being married to Haley; he just wasn’t sure about all of the necessary preparations.

  “Have there been any more signs of the man who’s after you?” Elliott was once more back to business, which shouldn’t have surprised Hardy.

  “No, and I’m not sure there will be.” Hardy thought about what he knew. “He has to know by now we’re on to him. I don’t think he’ll take any more chances of being recognized.” He remembered the last meeting he had with Mitch. “We’re not easing up on Haley’s protection, though. Just in case he’s waiting for that. I’m not taking any unnecessary chances with her life.”

  Elliott’s cell phone rang before he could respond to Hardy. He checked caller ID and frowned before he answered.

  “Lawrence here.”

  His frown deepened as he listened. "Say that again.”

  Hardy saw skepticism on his brother-in-law’s face as he listened for several minutes. “And you’re absolutely sure about this?”

  Elliott’s eyes found Hardy’s as his caller spoke. “He’s right here. I’ll let him know.”

  “Okay. Thank you, Stephens.”

  What had Rich Stephens told Elliott?

  The FSA agent appeared to be stunned as he spoke. “It looks like we may not have to worry about the Janitor anymore.”

  “Why not?” What had changed?

  “A body was found. They believe it’s the Janitor.”

  Hardy shook his head. “That’s impossible. There’s no way he can be identified.”

  “He had several photographs of you and Haley, as well as a torn up picture of Wyatt Millan. They’re running ballistics on the forty-five they found on him.” Elliott shook his head as if he had trouble believing it himself. “They were even able to locate the motel room he was staying in. He was registered as Vincent Samuels. Stephens said there were more pictures hidden in the lining of a suitcase. Pictures of the three men who were killed.”

  Hardy tried to process the news. “Okay. But who took him out? He’s supposed to be the best.”

  Elliott looked gravely at his brother-in-law. “There’s no way to know yet, but we have to consider the chance Ted Dohner had it done. We have to move you, Beau. If he knows the Janitor was after you, then he knows you’re alive.”

  “But he may not know where I’m at.” Hardy’s mind raced. “I can’t just disappear now. I can’t ask Haley to do that, and I’m not leaving her behind.”

  “Okay.” Elliott held his hand up in a stop gesture. “You’re both safe here. Stephens said Fowler has his undercover cops looking into it. We should know one way o
r the other what the facts are before it’s time for you to leave tomorrow. If not, we may extend your visit here a few days.”

  Hardy needed to tamp down his emotions, to keep a level head. He wouldn’t do Haley or himself any good by jumping the gun and panicking. “Let’s not tell Haley right now, Elliott,” he decided. “She’s been through enough, and she’s finally happy. Let’s not take that away from her unless we have to.”

  “I can live with that,” Elliott agreed. “Now, what do you say we go see what mischief my children have gotten into? They’ve been too quiet for the past half hour.”

  Hardy followed the other man out of the room, his thoughts focused on Haley. She was his primary concern—her safety. And he would do whatever it took to keep her safe. No matter what it cost.

  Chapter 51

  He quickly packed the last shirt in his bag before zipping it shut. Things had gotten out of hand and snowballed. As much as he disliked it, he was going to have to get his hands dirty.

  He hadn’t believed it when the newscaster announced the body of a man thought to be a notorious hit man known as the Janitor had been found. And then Vince Samuels’ picture was shown. The implications of his identity were astounding.

  It meant Weiss had his own agenda and had been one step ahead of him all throughout this process. And if Weiss had hired somebody as well-known and expensive as the Janitor, he was receiving funds from another source. Another source with more power and money than he had. And even though he had no idea what Weiss hoped to gain, he felt confident he was next on Weiss’s hit list.

  His only hope now was to take care of Harding Davis Jr quickly, before Weiss or his unknown benefactor hired somebody else. He didn’t know who had done him the favor of killing the Janitor, but as a result, he would have a small window of opportunity to complete his plan.

  Now, there was no question whether or not to leave his son alone in Shadow. He would have to go and make sure Harding Davis was taken care of himself. He needed to finish this and disappear. Alone. His son would be another casualty, but that couldn’t be helped. It would be impossible to disappear with him along.