TANYA_Trouble With a Capital T

by Taylor Lee

  “Okay, just a few more orders from this insufferable asshole, who at the moment does know what is best for you. First, hang on to me for a moment longer. You can get back on your high horse in a minute. But for now, grab a few big breaths and then you can have a drink of water. And, if all of that works, then I’ll let you move a few inches away from me.”

  Instinctively knowing that he was teasing her purposefully, a crazy but skillful way of jerking her out of her fear, she nodded and took the glass of water from him. Carefully taking small swallows of water, she was struck when he swiped at her tears with his thumb and murmured, “Heck, maybe we can even get rid of these.”

  Sitting up straight, Tanya swallowed hard. Then, not willing to meet his gaze, she pushed at him, working her way out of his embrace. When she regained a bit of her equilibrium, she tried to emulate his cocky demeanor and murmured, “Thanks. I . . . I think I’m ready to climb back up on my high horse.”

  Ryker laughed aloud. “Ah, that’s better. I see signs of the feisty woman who is always ready to go for my jugular, if not my manhood.” Confirming that he felt her flinch at his unintended suggestive allusion, he moved several inches away and rose to his feet. Turning to the shaken sheriff who was hovering beside them, he said with a chuckle, “I don’t know who needs to be patted on the back more, Sheriff Trouble, your daughter or you. As I said to Tanya, sir, take a few breaths and when you feel steadier, perhaps we all can have a welcome swig of that excellent booze of yours.”

  ****

  Five minutes into his presentation, Ryker saw her chin go up in the air. On the one hand, he was profoundly relieved that she seemed to have gotten her rioting emotions under control. He still ached from the way she had clung to him, insisting that she couldn’t breathe, begging him to help her. He marveled that he’d been able to speak calmly when his tortured reaction to her fear felt like a fierce drumstick not only beating at his heart but his equilibrium as well. If her father hadn’t been anxiously hovering at his side, he would have picked her up in his arms and held her on his lap, not letting her go until he was sure she’d recovered completely.

  Now, seeing her expression tighten, he braced himself for her assault. He didn’t have long to wait. As he clicked through slide after slide documenting the scope of the border corruption scheme he was investigating, she broke into his commentary.

  “Stop for a moment. I presume you think this information is important. I’ll give you that it ain’t cool. So my advice to you is go for it. Do all the things that you hotshot undercover agents do to add to all the notches you have on your belts. What I don’t understand is what the hell does it have to do with the CCSO, specifically with Sheriff Trouble and me, his deputy?”

  Ryker breathed out a hard sigh, knowing that the brief respite they’d had in their unbridled relationship had ended—at least for the moment. He forced himself to nod as if thoughtfully considering her smart-assed remark when what he really wanted to do was to grab her and haul her out of the room, as he’d come close to doing earlier. He knew there was no way that he could convince his spunky antagonist that they were fellow law enforcement professionals, not competitors. The problem—in fact, the crux of the issue they were facing—was that in any instance where their organizations collided and a federal crime was involved, he was in charge.

  Seeking common ground, he ignored her testy interruption and said carefully, “Fortunately, to date, I’ve confirmed that the CCSO and specifically Sheriff Titus Trouble and his deputy are not participants in the crimes I’m investigating.”

  Having thrown out that olive branch and seeing her scowl darken in response, Ryker decided to further ignite her anger so he could shut it down. He tossed her a cocky grin and added, “However, I’ll admit, either through ignorance or by turning a blind eye to the rampant criminal activity taking place under your noses, you and the sheriff have significantly added to the complexity of the task facing me.”

  As he’d anticipated, a fiery flush stormed across her face, confirming Tanya’s flaring anger. Before she could attack, he held up his hand. “Relax, Deputy Trouble. I’m just pulling your chain.” At her angry gasp, he continued, keeping his tone light but not hiding his annoyance at her dismissal of the truce he had extended.

  “At the meeting with Barrett Meier and your father that you chose to skip, I informed them both that while I’ve eliminated the CCSO from my targets, Meier’s bailiwick is definitely in my cross hairs. Given that his explicit mission is border and customs enforcement, not surprisingly, Agent Meier understands and expects that until I’m able to clear him and his guys, I’m on his ass like a fat kid on a cake. As I also told the sheriff and Meier at the meeting you chose to ignore, I’m convinced that the mastermind of the border corruption operation resides in your county. In fact, given the magnitude and sophistication of the corruption, the culprit is likely an integral part of the community.”

  Knowing that he was trying to provoke her, if for nothing else than to get a rise out of her, Tanya admitted that she was intrigued with the massive amount of information Ryker had collected. She had to admit that given the seriousness of the crimes he’d described and her father’s obvious acceptance of Ryker’s information, it was clearly something she needed to be aware of. After all, possible cartel incursions into their little piece of the planet was nothing to sneeze at. In addition, Ryker’s allusion to the possibility of trafficking reminded Tanya that she’d been concerned about the flitting presence of young women moving in and out of town. Granted, like every town, prostitution was a fact of life in Sierra Vista, but lately she was seeing an influx of young Hispanic women that had peaked her interest. The ones she’d stopped didn’t speak English and were clearly aliens. What had made her suspicious was how young and “unattached” they seemed. She’d been meaning to mention it to the sheriff but had been consumed by more pressing issues to give it the thought that she now admitted she should have. Ryker’s assertion broke into her silent musings, reminding her that she could never let down her guard with him. She quickly came to attention.

  “Excuse me, would you repeat that? My mind wandered. What did you say about Violeta Acedo? What does her murder have to do with anything you are investigating?”

  Ryker smiled. “I thought that might get a response, Deputy Trouble. As I told your father, one of the reasons I inserted myself onto Sledge Perkins’s ranch was that sophisticated border corruption specialists often try to recruit assholes who have a hard-on for illegals. Like the guys Sledge attracts. What I didn’t expect was that I would find myself in the middle of a murder investigation.”

  “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Just a damn minute here.” Leaping to her feet, Tanya was fierce. “What does my murder investigation have to do with your corruption case?” Seeing Ryker’s jaw tighten, Tanya felt her anger flare. This was exactly what she’d been concerned about when she learned that he was a Fibbie. It was a known fact that due to their perceived exalted positions, FBI agents routinely inserted themselves into local issues, assuming that no one but them could solve the crime. Particularly if the agents were as arrogant as the guy who’d risen to his feet and was facing off against her.

  Glaring at him, she demanded, “What business is it of yours who did or did not kill Violeta? In case you don’t know, this is a local law enforcement issue and you can damn well stay out of it. Furthermore—”

  Ryker put up his hand, interrupting her emerging tirade. “That’s enough. You can stop right there, Deputy Trouble. Given that I’m living on the Perkins ranch, up close and personal to the most likely killers of the Acedo girl, it is more than my business. If you will just step back for a moment and acknowledge my expertise, I think you will accept the fact that if anyone can help you solve that hideous murder, it’s me.”

  Placing her hands on her hips, Tanya was overcome with rage. Facing him, she said crisply, “Here’s a fact that I will accept, and I encourage you to do the same. Any help I need to solve the murder that took place in my jurisdiction I will
get from the county sheriff, who has ten times your experience. I—we—don’t need or want your help. Got that, hotshot?”

  Ryker rose and stepped toward her, closing the distance between them to mere inches. “That’s Agent Thompson to you, Deputy Trouble.” He allowed a grim smile to curve his lips. “Although I can understand why you might refer to me as a hotshot—among a myriad of less flattering appellations. Others certainly have. But just so you know, in addition to the important issues you missed when you ducked my earlier briefing, Sheriff Trouble and I discussed the Acedo murder. Specifically how my expertise and undercover position can exponentially help to solve the hideous murder of that innocent young girl.”

  Chapter 19

  That’s enough, you two.”

  Titus’s sharp reproach sliced through the air. Ryker was the first to acknowledge the stern man’s clear annoyance. Stepping back, he put his hands up in acceptance and shook his head as he resumed his seat across from the grimacing sheriff.

  “My apologies, Sheriff Trouble. As I’m sure you’ve surmised, your daughter and I both seem to have a short fuse—at least with one another. Frankly, I’ve always prided myself on my equanimity under trying circumstances, but that was before I met your deputy. I admit, I’ve been amused by watching her taunt men with her outrageous behavior. I guess it serves me right that I respond to her provocations much like the legions of other men she baits.”

  Still standing, Tanya glared at him. “First of all, I don’t ‘bait’ men unless they deserve it. And if anyone is outrageous, it is you.”

  “Tanya, please do as I asked. Sit down.”

  At her father’s frowning reprimand, Tanya tossed her head, then moved to the chair next to the sheriff across from Ryker. Doing her best to calm the anger that was swirling inside of her, she sank onto the chair, then appealed to her father. “Look, Dad, I know you agree that he—Agent Thompson—like all federal agents, thinks that he can interject himself into local issues even when he clearly doesn’t belong.”

  Before Ryker could take issue with her out-of-line assertion, Titus responded. “You’re correct, Tanya. That has been my experience on a number of occasions in the past. However, it has not been my experience with Agent Thompson. In fact, on the professional level, Agent Thompson comes as close to a consummate FBI agent as I have met.” Shaking his head to keep her from interrupting, Titus continued, “Furthermore, Deputy Trouble, I agree with his assessment regarding the Acedo murder. I think when you step back and consider all the ramifications, having an undercover agent in place among the most likely murder suspects is a godsend and one that we should take advantage of.” He added, “Besides, as I’ve told you several times, taunting men like Manny Davis and the others is reckless and not something I will permit.”

  Ryker couldn’t help but be grateful at the sheriff’s surprising endorsement. He’d known that the sheriff was professional to the core, but he hadn’t expected him to insert himself into the drama between his daughter and Ryker. That he had done so indicated that the sheriff was as uneasy about Tanya’s provocative behavior as he was. Glancing at his watch, he acknowledged how dog-tired he was. And he admitted how angry he was with Tanya—for many reasons. Goddammit, if anyone should know how dangerous Manny Davis was, it was Tanya. And then, of course, there was that prick she was engaged to. Seeing that Tanya was about to take issue with her father’s endorsement of him, he decided now was a good time to leave. Rising to his feet, he spoke to the sheriff, ignoring the fulminating deputy who rose when he did.

  “Thank you, Sheriff Trouble. I appreciate your validation. I hope with time your deputy will come to see the wisdom of your words. However, don’t think I don’t understand the basis of her distrust.” Deciding humor was called for, he said with a grin, “What’s that old saw that says, ‘when top-level people look down, they only see shitheads. When the bottom-level people look up, they only see assholes . . . ’ ”

  At the sheriff’s appreciative chuckle, Ryker added, “Not to say that I consider federal agents to be the top level of anything, but the sentiment holds true.”

  Seeing Tanya’s glower, Ryker admitted he was as angry as she clearly was. Instinctively, he knew that he best leave now before he did something he’d regret. Again speaking to the sheriff, he said, “It’s been a long night . . . for all of us. If you don’t mind, I’ll excuse myself. Thank you again, Sheriff Trouble. I’m glad you’re on my team.”

  Seeing Tanya’s chin go up a few dozen notches, her defiance was a gutshot to his smoldering libido. As he walked past her, Ryker’s simmering anger overrode his good intentions. Reaching for her arm, he kept his voice as level as he could. “You need to know, Tanya, I’m reaching the end of my patience on this issue.” Grabbing her hand, he spread her fingers and pointed to her ring. “As I told you, you need to get rid of this. Now. I mean it.”

  Clearly startled, Tanya said, “What . . . what if I don’t?”

  He snorted. “You already know the answer to that question, sweetheart.”

  As he strode to the door, she called after him, “What . . . what will happen? I’ll be stuck with Bram?” She added derisively, “I dunno, hotshot. At least he just thinks I’m fat, not a fraud.”

  To her surprise, Ryker turned back and in two large steps was at her side. Grasping her chin, he tipped her face up to his. His voice was soft, rife with anger. “On that point, sweetheart. You lose as much as an ounce off that gorgeous body of yours and I’ll haul you up on my lap and force-feed you. You got that, Deputy?”

  Glaring at the astonished sheriff and his daughter, Ryker nodded and said curtly, “Good night, Sheriff Trouble, Deputy Trouble.” Shaking with anger, he turned on his heel and strode from the room.

  ****

  For a long moment, Tanya stood speechless, rooted to the floor. Which was a good thing. Her legs were like rubber bands, virtually incapable of walking her over to a chair. Sucking in as much air as her tortured lungs would allow and determined not to faint, she forced herself to breathe. Feeling her father’s hand on her arm, she gratefully leaned against his tall body. Neither of them spoke as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer to him.

  “Here, honey, let’s get you over to the sofa before you fall down.”

  Nodding in agreement, Tanya didn’t try to respond. She knew there was no way words could get past the grapefruit-sized lump in her throat. Instead, she just nodded and clung to him for support. Grateful when they reached the sofa, she sank down with a deep groan. Slamming her eyes shut, she was determined not to let her father see the tears threatening to fall. For what seemed like the hundredth time in the last week, she asked herself what the hell was wrong with her? Startled, she heard the stammering question flee from her lips as she appealed to her clearly concerned father. “What’s . . . what’s wrong with me, Dad? Help me. I . . . I don’t know what’s happening to me.”

  Her father’s long, hard sigh was audible as he sank onto his chair. Without answering, he reached for the bottle of Jameson and poured each of them a glass of the amber liquid and then reached for his pipe on the table beside him. Carefully packing the carved wooden bowl with aromatic tobacco, he took his time lighting it. In a practiced ritual that Tanya had seen him repeat countless times when he was dealing with a challenging issue, he struck a match. The familiar sulphur tang filled the room. He lit the pipe and with several deep inhalations brought the tobacco to a glowing ember.

  After several long moments of silence, Titus spoke carefully. “That’s a good question, Tanya, and I’m glad you are asking it.”

  When it was clear that was all her taciturn father was going to say, at least for the moment, Tanya was surprised at the heated response that sprang from her lips. “Jesus, Dad, man up! I need you to answer the questions that are driving me to distraction.” When he nodded, giving her permission to vent, she turned on him. “Fine, Dad. Tell me this—do you still like him? Still glad that a ‘man of his stature and strong will has come into my life’?
”

  Tanya glared at her father, glad that she could turn the caldron of challenging images and thoughts that were threatening to take her down into an attack. It was immaterial that her father was the last person she was angry with. But he was as good a stand-in as anyone for the man she wanted to attack. After all, the sheriff was here. Ryker had leveled his strikes and then stormed out.

  Titus fastened her in place with a solemn gaze. Holding his silence for another long moment, he breathed an audible sigh, then said carefully, “To answer your heated questions, Tanya, I’m surprised to say that, with a number of caveats, my answer is still yes. I do like him and I believe our agent is an honorable man, if an exceedingly arrogant one. Plus, he clearly cares a great deal about you.” Seeing her fierce frown, he qualified his assessment. “Am I happy that he upsets you? Makes you cry? No, I’m not. I’m also not happy that he has apparently called you a fraud. While I would need to know the instigation for that charge before passing judgment, the last thing I think you are, Tanya, is a fraud. Indeed, my daughter, you are honest to a fault.”

  Tanya knew that her father was referring to the fact that she usually said anything she felt like saying, never qualifying her charges no matter how outrageous. Until the daunting, blue-eyed stranger had come into her life, no one dared to take her on a second time. Not after she’d zinged them with one of her infamous put-downs. No wonder her father was studying her with a thoughtful frown. She wished that she hadn’t asked him to comment on her untenable situation when he said firmly, “Enough of how I feel about Agent Thompson. Let’s go back to the question you asked me. What the hell is going on with you, Tanya?”

  Tanya looked down at her hands, aware that she was twisting them in her lap. Seeing her father follow her glance and narrow his gaze further, she knew it was useless to try to evade his knowing query. Spreading her fingers apart in a helpless gesture, she shook her head and blew out a hard sigh. “Honestly, Dad, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I really don’t. Most of the time I’m angry and I don’t know why. And . . . and then, I just feel like crying. Which doesn’t make sense. I never cry. You know that, Dad.”