“Only once, sir. I found out she was in high school and told her to look me up when she graduated.”
So far, everything he was saying matched up to the journal. He looked too scared to lie.
Quinn was still furious. “You should have told me all this when it happened Jimmy Lee. Plus, the second that girl was killed, you should have been removed from this case. I would have helped you get out from under this.”
Jimmy Lee stared down at his hands.
“That would explain why the day I was called to her crime scene, you looked really rattled,” added Callie.
“Yeah, I was afraid that I would lose my job, plus I really liked her. She was sweet and kind. I really would have liked to start something with her.”
Quinn rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Jimmy Lee, because you didn’t come to me, my hands are tied.”
“Sheriff, please don’t fire me,” he begged. “I’ve always wanted to be a cop, since I was three years old.”
Nate tried to help out. “Would you be willing to voluntarily submit to a DNA test and giving us an alibi for all the nights of the murders?”
First, he looked shocked. “You think I did all this to those women?” Jimmy Lee was horrified.
“Honestly, yes. We have a receipt for a baseball bat that you purchased after the season leagues ended. Plus, with the dead girl’s diary, and the information that someone leaked about Susie Barnes to the reverend, it’s not looking too good for you,” said Quinn, staring down the man. “The details regarding the report weren’t to leave this room.”
“I didn’t know that, sir. I didn’t hear you say that.”
“So, you immediately think it’s okay to run and tell the primary suspect in the case?” asked Luke.
“No! I didn't tell the reverend anything. I’m catholic and don’t even go to his church. In fact, I never said it was her to anyone!”
“Then how did it get out?”
He shrugged. “The only time I discussed it was with Ellen. My girlfriend was pissed. I tried to explain we had a big break, and I couldn’t leave work if something like that came up.”
“So, you told her?”
“No, she said something along the lines of, ‘oh it was probably the witch trying to get even’, and I didn’t deny it. You know how smart women are! They figure everything out.”
They all knew how word spread- gossip.
“I don’t know if she told someone or not. I just know I didn't betray you, Sheriff. I’m so sorry!” Jimmy Lee was sick to his stomach.
Quinn paced back and forth before stopping in front of his deputy. “If you give us your DNA sample, and decent alibis that check out, I’ll put you on administrative leave instead of firing you. The only thing saving you is that the victim admitted in her diary that you weren’t aware of her age. Nothing more.”
“Yes, sir, thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet, Deputy. If I find out that you’re holding anything back, I’ll make sure you swing for these crimes,” he snapped, and then glanced over at Nate. “I need some fresh air.” With that, he walked out the door, slamming it behind him.
“I didn’t do it,” he said quietly to Callie.
“Let’s get this part done, so you can head home,” she said, desperately wanting to comfort Quinn.
Where her heart was with him, her mind was on the case. Yeah, this was one more reason she left the FBI.
The job always seemed to have to come first.
Chapter Fourteen
Monday Evening
A fter receiving Jimmy Lee’s DNA sample and alibis, Callie and Quinn packed up for the day. They weren’t the only ones. Right behind them were the two Feds. Everyone was worn down and needed a break. They had been going straight since Sunday morning and without rest, they would be useless. The entire team was edgy and unfocused.
Quinn drove home in silence. The entire ride, Callie sat beside him getting worried. After the confrontation with Jimmy Lee, the sheriff had been off-balance, and it was unnerving. Pulling his car into the garage, he sat there staring ahead. A part of Callie was terrified to find out what was eating away at his soul. She had a sneaking suspicion that it wasn’t Jimmy Lee’s betrayal.
Glancing over, his face confirmed her suspicions. The man was in pure anguish.
It broke her heart.
“Quinn, is something wrong?” she asked, hoping it had nothing to do with their relationship. Was he still thinking about finding the right woman to settle down with to have his kids? Was it because she didn't race after him when he left angry? Callie didn't know where this was heading, but it made her incredibly nervous either way.
“Yeah, something is,” he said, getting out of the car. “I need to talk to you, Callie. I’m afraid it can’t wait any longer. I have to get this over with because it’s tearing me apart. I can’t continue on like this.”
Suddenly, Callie felt like crying. She knew it was coming. The sheriff definitely believed that he had made a mistake with her, and he was about to give her the, ‘it won’t work speech’. All the potential scenarios flooded through her mind, like her going back to her place, or them not being compatible.
Callie followed him to his backyard, feeling like the ax was about to drop. She tried to tell herself that it had been fun while it lasted.
That her heart would be fine.
She could survive this too…
Yeah, that was a waste of effort. Already, her heart was breaking into a million little pieces. Without Quinn, she couldn’t carry on. Life began when they first kissed.
It was a beautiful night as the sun was setting in the sky. Across the horizon were slashes of red and purple. It was like a canvas covered in violent, angry strokes. Funny, that’s how her heart was feeling inside.
Raw.
Wounded.
Damaged.
Quinn led Callie to his picnic table, taking a seat. He stared completely ahead, unable to look at her.
“Okay, Quinn, what do you need to talk about?” she asked, as the tears began filling her eyes. She blinked furiously, trying to hold them back until she could be alone.
“It’s about our relationship. We need to talk about what’s happening between us. I don’t think we should live together like this, Callie,” he said, finally glancing over at her. In Quinn’s chest, his heart squeezed as big tears started to slip down her face.
“I see,” she whispered, staring straight ahead as she bit her lip to keep from really sobbing. “I’ll pack my stuff up, Quinn, and be out of your way after we go inside. I can stay at my house with Nate and Luke. We don’t have to live together, and I understand what you’re saying,” she stated, standing up so she could retreat into the house.
Quinn was confused as he analyzed her words. There was a sense of helplessness as incredible hurt appeared on her face. Then, it occurred to him what she was assuming, and it ripped him to pieces.
How could she think he didn't want her?
It was the opposite. Quinn knew he’d die without her.
Moving so she was facing him, Quinn dropped to his knees in front of her, forcing her to sit. “Baby, I don’t think you understand what I’m saying. I can’t just live with you like a roommate. What I’m trying to tell you, and failing miserably, is that I want you to marry me. I want to be your husband. I can’t bear the idea that you don’t belong to me forever.”
Callie stared at him blankly, as if she hadn’t heard what he said.
Had he just proposed?
She couldn’t tear her eyes from his face. “Excuse me?”
“Will you marry me, Callista? I want you to live with me, have my children, and stay with me forever,” he said, wiping the tears from her face with the pad of his thumb. The entire time, he was holding his breath, as he waited for some sort of response.
Callie closed her eyes and tried to regain her balance. This man easily turned her well-ordered life upside down. When she opened them, her heart began beating again. Here, Quinn had sai
d the words she was waiting to hear from him, since he told her he loved her.
“Oh God, Quinton! I thought you didn't want to be with me anymore. I love you, so of course I’ll marry you,” she replied, throwing herself onto his body, and knocking him into the grass.
“How could I not want to be with you? I’ve been chasing you for weeks, Callista! I’m madly in love with you,” he whispered against her lips. This was the most amazing day of his life. Need and love swamped him as he deepened the kiss. All around him was the calming scent of his woman. Now, she was going to be his wife, and he couldn’t imagine his life without her by his side.
He was filled with elation.
Joy.
Happiness.
And most importantly, completion.
When Callie finally broke away from the kiss, she stared down into his handsome face, needing to know something. “Quinn, I have to ask you a serious question,” she said, as his face went from relaxed to cautious.
“Anything, baby.”
“Exactly how many kids are we talking?” The corners of her mouth turned up in humor as she waited for his response.
Quinn was amused as he rolled with Callie, until she was trapped beneath him. Leaving kisses across her throat, he finally gave her an answer. “I don’t care, as long as they’re with you.”
Callie buried her face in his neck. “Come on! Let’s go eat, and then head to our room to celebrate out engagement.”
How could he argue with that?
“Anything you say, baby. I’m all yours.”
“Yeah, you most certainly are.”
Walking into the house, she realized that her brother and Luke had arrived. She couldn’t wait to tell them the good news. This was quite possibly the happiest day of her life. Now, she was looking forward to being a married woman.
“It’s about time you came in. We’re starving,” said Luke, unable to miss the large grins. “We thought you’d be rolling around in the grass the rest of the night.”
“Yeah, I was about to come out and break it up,” muttered Nate. “I had the bucket of ice water all ready.”
Callie was going to enjoy telling her brother that she was engaged. “We were celebrating, thank you very much.”
“Oh, what were you celebrating? The sunset, the green grass, or maybe it was the fact that the sun would be coming up tomorrow?” he asked snidely, staring at the sheriff.
Quinn dropped the bomb. “No, I just asked Callie to marry me, and she said yes.”
Both men stopped moving and glanced from Callie to Quinn, wondering if the man was kidding.
“He did!” she exclaimed, bouncing excitedly.
“Shit! I didn’t see that one coming!” Luke declared.
“Well?” asked Callie.
Nate crossed to his sister and the man beside her. He wrapped his arms around one of his best friends in the entire world, and was happy for her. “I hope you know what you’re doing,” he said softly.
“I do,” she replied, her eyes filling with tears. “I really do, Nate.”
Then, he faced his sister’s fiancé. “I really hope you know what you’re getting into,” he said, holding out his hand. “Welcome to the family, and I’m glad to see that you’re making an honest woman of my sister.”
Quinn shook the offered hand. “I’m ready for the challenge.”
“Hey! I’m standing right here,” she objected.
Luke was next to offer his congratulations. “I’m so happy for you,” he said, pulling her into a hug.
Quinn didn't miss the pain in the man’s face, and he felt nothing but sympathy for him.
After releasing Callie, Luke crossed to the sheriff and stuck out his hand. “Good luck, Quinn. You’re getting a gem and are one incredibly lucky SOB.”
“I know and thanks. You know, my brother-in-law has a sister who’s a model. I think you might like her.”
“What does she model?” he asked suspiciously, waiting for the catch.
“Skimpy underwear,” he replied seriously.
“Oh, yeah, baby, I’m up for that,” he said grinning, even though his heart wasn’t fully into it.
Fate had plans, and this wasn’t his path to take.
“Is anyone hungry?” she called from the refrigerator.
“What are we having?” Quinn replied, rubbing his hands together.
“I’m thinking burgers. Anyone else interested?” she asked.
The men looked at each other, and then broke into grins. How could they say no to that?
This was a damn good day after all.
* * *
Gorging on big juicy burgers, they all sat around the kitchen table talking casually about nothing in particular. Nate glanced over at Callie and touched her arm.
“When are you going to rebuild your office?” he asked.
She didn't even hesitate. “I don’t know if I’m going to.”
“Why not?” Nate asked.
Callie put down her beer and stared into her fiancé’s eyes. “I’ve got some things to think about. The only thing that I’m sure of at this point is that I’m going to marry Quinn. Past that, I don’t have a clue.”
He took her hand under the table and squeezed it reassuringly. “I support you no matter what you choose,” he stated.
Callie had to know. “Even if I end up deciding to go back to the FBI?”
Wasn’t this what love was all about? If that’s where her heart was, he was going to support her. “I can get a job anywhere. Like your brother said, when he background checked me, I left my job as a detective with accolades. I can go back, if that’s what it takes.”
“So, you’re coming back?” Luke asked, excitedly.
“I don’t know yet. I would have to talk to Gabe and see where he would send me. I believe that you have a profiler out of your office, Nate.”
Yeah, he did, but he never thought he wouldn’t work with his sister. “I’ll fire her.”
She started laughing. “I love you, too, but as you can see, we have to discuss this before I contemplate what to do with my career.”
Quinn agreed. “We’ll work it out by the time we’re married. What’s meant to be is meant to be.”
Who was he kidding?
He’d crawl over glass to be with Callie.
“All I do know is that if I have to leave this area, I’m not going to live within one hundred miles of my parents. They’ll kick my ass for going back,” she teased, lightening the mood.
It was Quinn’s turn to laugh. “Oh, yeah, baby! You’re the only woman for me,” he said, pulling her in for a kiss. “How can I not love a woman who’s already trying to avoid the in-laws?”
“More making out?” inquired Nate, but this time he was smiling.
Callie started to sneeze. “Oh crap,” she said. “I hope I’m not getting sick again.”
“You were sick?” asked Nate, instantly concerned.
“Yeah, I was taking antibiotics for a chest cold, but I didn’t pack them with me when I came here.”
“We can pick them up tomorrow,” said Quinn. “Now, if you don’t mind gentlemen, I’m taking my fiancée up to our room to get some sleep.”
“Uh huh, sleep,” said Luke snickering, as he elbowed his boss.
As Callie passed them, she slapped each man on the back of the head.
“Hey!” they exclaimed together.
“Goodnight, boys,” she said, taking Quinn's hand. Once more, she sneezed.
“Oh no,” said Quinn, swinging her up in his arms. “I think you need a hot shower and a good night’s sleep.” It was his pleasure to carry Callie from the room. He wanted nothing more than to take care of his future wife.
That prospect excited him.
“Hey, big guy, we have the upstairs to ourselves. Want to fool around?” she asked, nibbling on his ear.
“No, it’s time for rest. We can celebrate another day,” he said, shivering as her mouth did truly wicked things. He fought off the urge to take her up on her offer
, but instead deposited Callie on the edge of the tub.
“Can I at least have bubbles?” she asked, grinning.
“Yes, baby.”
“Can you wash my back?”
“Yes, baby.”
“Can we have sex in the tub?”
Quinn almost said yes. Staring into her eyes, they were gleaming with laughter. “Nice try, woman. Now strip and get in the tub. I’ll go get you something to wear.”
“Okay,” she said, pulling the tank top over her head. “Are you sure you won’t reconsider and join me?”
“I don’t think that’s a very good idea,” he said, trying to focus on anything but her very naked body.
“Come on, Quinn. I’ll be lonely,” she pleaded, stepping into the tub. “The sooner we get cleaned up, the sooner we can crawl naked into bed and sleep.”
“Why don’t I believe you?” he asked, even as he made his decision. Quinn would be crazy to turn down a bubble bath with a sexy woman. He was tired, not criminally insane.
Callie enjoyed the show as he stripped. It was apparent that he was battling the inner demon of desire. His body was taut with need, yet he refused to give in. She wondered what he’d do if she ‘accidentally’ trailed her lips over the delicious muscles of his abs and hips.
Yeah, he’d freak out.
It made her laugh.
Quinn stared at her warily.
“What? I said I’d behave, and I will,” she promised. “I’ll even sit all the way over here.” Callie pointed to the area furthest from him.
Finally, he caved.
He was only human, and a sexy water nymph rubbing against him would be his downfall.
Quinn sighed as the heat of the water enveloped his tired body. For the first time in thirty-six hours, he was able to relax. “This is nice,” he said.
“Yes, it is, but now I plan on breaking my promise. I think I may want to sit by you.”
Quinn wasn’t surprised. Opening his eyes, he watched her warily, but relented. “Sure, baby. Come on over.”
How could he tell her no?
Seeing the look in her eyes, Quinn suspected he was screwed. “You’re going to be bad, aren’t you?”
Sinner Repent Page 39