“I’m not afraid.” If I admitted it to myself, I was a little scared. The rumpled sheets on the twin bed were an undeniable invitation.
“Suit yourself.” He shrugged and crossed the room to a small desk in the corner. He pulled out the drawer, reached inside and took out a large manila envelope. He tossed it to me and I caught it against my chest.
I read my name and address in Diesel’s slanted handwriting. My mouth went dry. “May I have a glass of water?”
“Sure.”
I watched Blaze step into the open kitchen, take down a glass from a cabinet, then again brought my attention to the envelope. I should open it, but something kept me from being in any hurry. This could be a simple letter. Or closure. Possibly opening a can of worms for which I wasn’t prepared.
“Here you go.”
I looked up. Blaze held a glass of water out for me to take. I took it and our fingers brushed. The water splashed over the rim onto my hand. “Thank you.”
“Relax, baby. I don’t bite.” He grinned.
I drank half the water in one gulp. I couldn’t hide my nervousness.
“I knew you’d come.” Blaze walked the four steps to the bed and plopped down, stretching his long legs. He had a hole in the knees of his jeans and another so close to his package that if he moved a certain way there was a possibility he’d flash me. I wasn’t totally displeased with the idea, which made this far more dangerous than I thought it would be.
“Of course you did.” I got my mind back on track. “Don’t let it get to your head.” I clutched the envelope tighter.
“Aren’t you going to open it?”
“I don’t know.” I held it against my chest. The thin envelope seemed foreign in my hands. I could feel something small and hard inside.
“What? Just open it,” he growled in irritation.
“It’s addressed to me, not you, so I can do what I want.” I set the water down. I was shaking and afraid I’d drop the glass.
“As you please.”
“Blaze, an agent by the name of Peterson called me and asked questions regarding Diesel’s death. How would he even know that I was involved with Diesel years ago?”
Blaze scratched his cheek and shrugged. “Peterson and another detective have been talking to everyone, looking for any lead. Someone must have mentioned your name.”
“You didn’t tell him about the envelope, right?”
“Hell no. Peterson is a shark looking for fresh meat to harass. He cares more about this shit than local law enforcement. They bagged Diesel’s body and called it good riddance of a club member. Peterson thinks he’s onto something.” Blaze sniffed. “Don’t worry.”
Easy for him to say. I needed to get away. “I should go.”
His jaw clicked. “I guess so.” He stayed on the bed.
“Thank you for keeping this for me, and inviting me to the memorial. I hope they find who killed Diesel.” My voice sounded weak to my own ears. I took a backward step toward the hallway. “Again, thank you.”
“Yeah, you said that once or twice.” His gaze remained on me. I wished I had the capability of reading his mind. Was he relieved to see me go?
“Goodbye, Blaze.” I swiftly turned on my heel and made my way down the stairs. My heart beat heavily and sweat beaded between my breasts. I half-expected to hear his heavy booted footsteps coming behind me, and felt disappointed when only my steps echoed off the walls. Why would he come after me? It wouldn’t do any good, and he knew I couldn’t stay.
Tears blurred my vision as I stepped into the evening air. The sun had set and several security lights flickered on. I made my way toward my car across the parking lot. I wasn’t aware of anyone else around until his voice intruded upon my thoughts.
“Miss Rose?”
I jumped and jerked my chin up. A man, wearing a grey business suit, stepped from the shadows. Curiosity mixed with fear made my mouth dry. I was on edge. “Yes?”
“I’m Agent Peterson.” He flashed a badge then stuck it back into his pocket. “We spoke on the phone yesterday.” He pulled a toothpick from his mouth and dropped it to the ground as he moved closer.
My stomach turned. Was the Agent here to see me? Not possible. He wouldn’t have known I’d be here. Remembering that I had the envelope clutched in my hands, trepidation splashed over me. I didn’t do anything wrong, but a sliver of guilt made me question my actions. My mind raced. Should I tell the detective about the envelope? I couldn’t. I’m sure it had nothing to do with Diesel’s murder. But what if somehow it did?
Agent Peterson came to stand near me. I got a strong whiff of aftershave lotion and tobacco. His slicked back hair, his clean-shaven jaw and bright white smile reminded me of a movie star. He was almost as tall as Blaze, but not as broad shouldered. “I didn’t expect to see you here today, ma’am.”
“I came to the memorial.” Thankfully, my voice worked.
“I had the impression you had no desire to come back to Wings.”
A cool breeze swept across my skin but didn’t dry the sweat between my breasts. “I came for the memorial. That’s all.” I’d never been good at hiding the truth. The few times I’d lied as a kid I’d gotten a firm swat on my behind, teaching me a lesson. The only secret I’d ever successfully managed was my feelings for Blaze.
“Well, you’ve saved me a trip from coming to visit you.” He maintained a blank face.
“You were coming to see me? I thought I answered all of your questions on the phone.”
“Face-to-face is needed sometimes. Diesel had your contact information written on paper and shoved in an address book.”
“I don’t see how this would make you want to speak further with me. Will you be talking to everyone in the book? I’m sure there were hundreds of contacts”
“Are you agitated, Miss Rose?” A smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “Your address was jotted down on an electric bill dated from last month. I thought this was strange considering you said you two hadn’t been in touch since you left three years ago.”
“I was telling the truth. No contact at all.” I moved toward my car. The detective’s gaze dropped to the envelope. “I should be going.”
His gaze lifted. “Diesel had been under surveillance for nearly six months with the ATF. Do you know who the ATF is and what we do?”
“Not personally.” I needed water. I needed to get out of here. “I have no clue what Diesel was doing and now that he’s dead, he’s no longer doing anything.”
“Your friend, Blaze, has been under investigation too.”
My chest tightened and I forced my body to relax. “What does this have to do with me?”
“I believe Diesel had your contact information for a reason. Planning a visit to catch up on old times? Mail you a card or letter?” His gaze dropped to the envelope for a split second. “If you received anything, and you’re withholding that information, you’re impeding a federal investigation which is a felony offense. Those are harsh accusations for a first grade teacher.”
I stayed quiet but thoughts of being arrested spun around in my head. The envelope grew heavy in my hands. I wasn’t a criminal and I wanted no part of criminal activity.
“Are you staying here in town tonight?” he asked.
“No. I’m going back home.” I kept my gaze steady with his, but my heart pounded so loud that I swore he must have heard the sound. “Do I need to stay here?”
“No. Best to stay clear of Wings, especially now.”
“I’m not following you.”
“I’ll explain, but first—” he rubbed his chin and sighed. “—do you mind if I ask you a couple more questions, Miss Rose? It won’t take but a second.”
“Isn’t that what you’ve been doing for the last few minutes?”
He smoothed his tie. “You have no reason to worry. I’m sure we can get to the bottom of this.”
I didn’t want to answer anything, but what choice did I have? “Sure.”
“Were you and Blaze a
couple at one time?”
My heart skipped a beat. I clutched the envelope tighter. “No. Why would you even think such a thing?” No one could have known…
“No worries, ma’am. I heard through the grapevine that you left Wings because of a lover’s triangle.”
“I left because I no longer wanted to be here.” More sweat beaded underneath my armpits. Could the detective see that I was nervous? Would he automatically think I was hiding something?
“Good choice. But Blaze stayed. Hmm…that couldn’t have been rewarding for you.”
I took a step back and pressed against the side of my car door. “I don’t know what you’re insinuating, but I’d rather you just come out and ask. Games are for my first grade class.”
He chuckled. “Right after you left, Blaze and Diesel got into a pretty nasty knockdown drag out. Some words were tossed around, a few threats. And then two months ago, Blaze and Diesel got into an argument again.”
“Arguing happens in a club. Testosterone and all, you know.” I forced a smile to my lips, one that I didn’t feel inside.
He nodded. “Sure, I get that, but this argument was about you.”
My throat swelled. My hands turned clammy. “About me?” I didn’t realize I’d said the word aloud until he answered.
“Yes, ma’am. Seems a little odd, don’t you think. With you far away, out of the picture and all. Not to mention your contact in the house of a dead man with dollar signs next to your name. Does that mean anything to you?”
“No it doesn’t. And I-I have no clue why they were arguing, especially about me. It’s possible you heard wrong from whatever vine leaked this information to you. Like I told you on the phone, I haven’t spoken with anyone from Wings in years except yesterday when Blaze came to tell me the news of Diesel’s death.”
“Ahh, very sweet of him.” Agent Peterson sniffed loudly, took another toothpick from his jacket pocket and situated it between his lips. A long three seconds ticked by. “Blaze threatened to kill Diesel. Do you find that interesting?”
I counted to three, controlling my nerves. “I-I didn’t know. I mean, that doesn’t sound right. They were best friends. They owned the shop together.”
He shrugged and the jacket tightened across his shoulders. “Not since last year, ma’am. Blaze bought Diesel out, involuntarily from what I remember. Sounds a tad messy, wouldn’t you agree?”
I nodded.
Blaze wouldn’t hurt Diesel. Never…
“Your friend Blaze is a suspect right now in the murder of Diesel. Just thought you should know. That’s why you should steer clear.”
“Wouldn’t local law enforcement be investigating Diesel’s death? Not ATF?” I asked.
“Is there a problem here?”
I jumped at the sound of Blaze’s voice. I didn’t hear him approach, but I couldn’t remember feeling more relief than I did at that moment. But respite didn’t remain. Blaze hadn’t mentioned the argument…especially that he had threatened Diesel. Blaze was now a murder suspect.
“Hello, Blaze. Just the man I came to see.” Agent Peterson’s jaw stiffened and his gaze narrowed.
“Then why are you harassing my company?” Blaze’s hands tightened into fists.
“Ah, relax, my friend. I wasn’t harassing Miss Rose. Much easier to talk here than at the police station. Right, Miss Rose?” The man’s words held insinuation.
“Yes, I guess so. If you’re finished, I’d like to leave now.” I had the car door already open and tossed the envelope onto the passenger seat. I met Blaze’s gaze and he gave me a quick nod.
“Yes. If I need anything further I’ll certainly contact you,” Peterson said. “Take my business card.”
I grabbed the card, slipped inside the car and turned the key, grateful it started. I couldn’t bear to have another episode where it refused to get me the hell out of here. After I pulled out of the parking lot of the bike shop and got onto the highway, I started breathing normally again.
Blaze couldn’t have murdered Diesel. There was no possible way. And I knew Blaze wouldn’t be involved in illegal activity.
But all of this was serious for Blaze.
I glanced at the envelope, wrinkled from where I’d practically crumbled it with my hands. I wanted answers. I needed to know what Diesel wanted to tell me.
Pulling over to the side of the road, I put the car into park and stared at the envelope for the longest time. With shaking fingers, I finally opened the sealed flap and turned the envelope upside down. A folded piece of white paper slipped onto my lap followed by a silver key. I held it up, looking at it closely.
“Why would Diesel give me a key?”
I unfolded the paper, but the sun had fallen enough that I couldn’t see the writing. I turned on the overhead light, my heart pounding hard against my chest. A part of me wanted to crumple the letter and toss it out the window, along with the key. But I couldn’t. I was a part of this, whatever it was, and I needed to find out why Diesel had my contact information.
Holding the letter up in the light, I started reading…
Bambi,
If you’re reading this, it means something bad has happened to me. You’re the only one I can trust. Trust no one. Tell no one. Keep the key close. It’s worth a lot. You’ll find the answers at my house. There is something hidden in a box under the bed. I know you’ll understand and know what needs to be done. Be happy.
Diesel.
My stomach slammed into my chest.
What was at his house? In a box?
And telling me to trust no one…
I dropped the letter to the seat. Why would he do this to me? Why would I be the only one he could trust?
What happened between Diesel and Blaze? They were once close, like brothers. And Blaze had lost Diesel’s trust? Why?
I knew Blaze. At least, I once did. He wouldn’t hurt anyone.
But anger changed people. I stared at the key, flipped it around in my palm. For something that weighed so little, it certainly weighed heavily on my shoulders.
I should take the letter back to Blaze. I wanted no part of whatever Diesel had dragged me into.
Better yet, I could call Agent Peterson. I’m sure this was what he referred to as impeding an investigation. He’d know what to do.
But could the Agent be trusted? I doubted it. Blaze said he was a ‘shark looking for fresh meat’. I had no idea who I could trust.
Putting the letter and key back into the envelope and stuffing it into my purse, I put the car into drive and pulled back onto the road. I needed time to think. I couldn’t allow myself to be dragged into this spider web.
I had a job as a schoolteacher.
I had left my old life in the past.
I didn’t care what I’d find in the box at Diesel’s house.
I didn’t want to embroil myself into a case where I’d be unsafe. I could be arrested. I wouldn’t last in prison.
Yes, tomorrow I would call Agent Peterson and end my association, once and for all.
I woke up from a nightmare. Sweat beaded on my forehead and my hand trembled as I reached for the bedside light. I turned it on, but my hand got caught in the shade. The lamp wobbled, then fell off the side of the table, shattering on the floor. “Shit!”
My nerves were shot. I sat up, looking at the mess on the floor.
I started to slide from the bed but a noise downstairs stopped me. I waited. Nothing.
Sliding back the covers, I made a huge arc around the glass and slowly made my way across the floor of my bedroom, turning on the overhead light. The hairs on my neck stood erect and goosebumps marred my flesh as I stood at the doorway, listening. My heart thumped so loudly, the beats were all I could hear. I knew something was wrong.
I stepped down the hall, tiptoeing. Nothing seemed amiss, but I needed to be sure. I stood by the top of the stairs, listening but not seeing anything through the pitch black.
And then I heard the floor creak at the bottom of the stairs.
“Rena?”
I heard my name whispered and I backed up, swiveling and making my way back into the bedroom to the nightstand. I reached for my phone but couldn’t move it far because it remained attached to the charger. The footsteps were louder, closer. My breathing deafened me as I concentrated on the screen and keyboard. A noise from behind me made me freeze. A hand came up around my mouth, stifling my scream, and a strong arm snaked around my waist, dragging me close. Heavy breathing tickled my ear.
“Rena, don’t make a sound. Are we alone?”
I reacted on instinct. I brought my elbow up and struck something hard. I heard a crack, followed by “Ouch!” Released from the strong hold, I turned and my mouth fell open. “Blaze? What are you doing here?” I stood statue still, the back of my legs pressed against the nightstand. His smell, leather and man, enveloped me, but my fear remained stiff in my bones. Blood dripped from his nose, quickly turning his white T-shirt into tie-dye red and white.
He lifted his hand and held his nose. “Damn, Rena.”
“No, damn you for sneaking up on me!”
“I saw your light flash and then heard a loud crash. It scared the shit out of me. I thought you needed help.”
“I accidently broke the lamp. But why were you spying on my house? And you’re hurt.”
“Just a bloody nose. It’s not broken, thankfully.” He cupped his face. “I’m glad you know how to handle yourself.”
“Oh my.” The bleeding continued streaming from his nose.
“Don’t move. There’s glass everywhere and you are barefooted.” He picked me up into his arms and I settled against his chest.
“Blaze, put me down. You’re hurt.” He carried me to the door and placed me on my feet. “Thank you. Come on. You need something on that.” I grabbed his hand, leading him down the hall and into the bathroom.
“I’ll be fine, except I’m bleeding all over your floor.”
“Sit.” I pointed to the toilet.
“If you say so.” He tucked his bottom lip between his teeth as if to keep from laughing at me. He sat and his knees brushed mine.
Fighting past the tingles in my body, I gathered the first aid kit from the medicine cabinet, a clean, damp towel, and faced him. I hadn’t seen this much blood in a long time. His gaze met mine and he grinned. “That’s a lot of blood.”
Leather for Two: Wings of Steel MC Page 5