Dangerous Secrets (O'Connor Brothers Book 3)

by Rhonda Brewer

  As he was getting ready to start supper, his front door opened, and he groaned. He really should have expected it because it never failed, when someone was sick or hurt his grandmother was the first one to show up with food. Nanny Betty was his father’s mother, and although she wasn’t quite five feet tall, everyone in the family knew better than to get in her way.

  “Inky, come take dees containers so I can see how our girl is doin’.” Nanny Betty stood inside the door holding two bags. It wasn’t the fact that she was there, it was the fact she used his nickname. He hated it, and no matter how much he complained to his family, his grandmother still called him Inky.

  “Nan, you didn’t have to do this. I was about to cook supper.” Ian grabbed the two bags and brought them into the kitchen.

  “Ya need ta be concentratin’ on takin’ care of our lass here not in da kitchen cookin’.” She pulled off her coat and hung it on the hook. Ian inwardly cringed because that meant Nanny Betty wasn’t leaving anytime soon.

  “Hi, Mrs. O’Connor.” Sandy was obviously trying to stifle a giggle.

  “Mrs. O’Connor was me mudder-in-law, and she was a cranky old witch. Ya, call me Nan.” Nanny Betty bent over and tucked the small throw blanket around Sandy’s legs. “How are ya feelin’, dear?”

  Sandy glanced at Ian as he braced his shoulder against the door jam. He shrugged his shoulders because he was no longer in control while Nanny Betty was in the house.

  “I’m a little sore, but I’ll be fine.” Sandy smiled at his grandmother, and his heart melted.

  “Well, a course ya will because ya’ve got one a da best doctors in da world lookin’ after ya.” Nanny Betty sat next to her on the couch, and her small hand felt Sandy’s forehead. “I brought enough food fer a couple a’ days fer both of ye so Inky can concentrate on ya.” Ian closed his eyes and shook his head. The woman was never going to stop using that name.

  “Oh, I’m sure Inky will take good care of me, Nan.” Sandy chuckled, and Ian narrowed his eyes at her. If she thought she was going to get away with calling him that she had another thing coming.

  After a discussion on why Nanny Betty was quite capable of walking home on her own, he walked his grandmother to the door. She’d given him specific instructions on how the food in the containers needed to be stored and heated, he walked back into the living room and caught Sandy with her hand over her mouth laughing.

  “Don’t even think about it.” Ian pointed his finger at her. “It’s not funny.”

  “I’m sorry.” She said, trying to hold back a giggle.

  “I’ve been trying to get the family to forget that stupid nickname.” Ian groaned.

  “I think it’s cute, Inky.” Sandy giggled again.

  “Keep it up, woman, and I’ll take you over my knee,” Ian warned.

  “Promises, promises.” She teased, and it went right to his dick.

  “Don’t tempt me.” Ian stalked over to where she sat on the couch and brought his face inches from hers. “Because, baby, I’ve been waiting a long time and my willpower is at its breaking point.” When she gasped, he knew she got his meaning. He brushed his lips against her slightly open mouth and ran his tongue across her lower lip. “I hope you heal fast.” He winked as he stood up.

  “I think I may be feeling a lot better.” She smiled making him laugh. She may be feeling better, but she certainly wasn’t well enough for what he had in mind.

  “I’m going to get some supper for us.” He pressed the remote control into her hand. “Find something for us to watch.”

  “You know that you can be really bossy.” Sandy rolled her eyes and flicked on the television.

  He’d figured out a long time ago she always had to have the last word. If they were texting, he’d always end the conversation with the phrase ‘in the am’ and she would text back the letter k. He tested her a couple of times and would text a k back to her and sure enough, she’d text another back. It always made him chuckle to see the k.

  When he returned to the living room, she was curled up on the couch with her hands under her cheek and her eyes closed. He stood watching her while holding two plates with turkey, ham and a couple of different salads in one hand and two bottles of water in the other.

  The swelling in her eye was gone down a lot, but it could have been so much worse. Her brown curly hair hung over her shoulder tied with one of those stretchy elastic things women always had. When he’d first met her, she had her hair a lot shorter, but he really liked it longer.

  “Are you just going to stand there and stare or are you going to feed me?” She said without moving or opening her eyes.

  “I thought you’d fallen asleep on me.” He placed the bottles and the plates on the coffee table and pulled it closer to the couch.

  “No, I was just weak with hunger.” She slowly sat up and flinched. She was obviously still stiff and sore, but she was a stubborn one and wouldn’t take anything for it.

  “You’re not going to be a good patient, are you?” Ian put a pillow behind her back so she’d be more comfortable.

  “Nope.” She grabbed a piece of turkey off the plate and took a bite, and all he could do was shake his head.

  Chapter 6

  Sandy stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in the big fluffy towel that hung on the door. The car hit her eight days ago, and she was finally able to move around without everything hurting. The bruises on her body were fading and turning yellow as they healed.

  She leaned over the bathroom vanity and checked her reflection in the mirror. The faded bruise on her face could cover with a bit of concealer and foundation. Not that she wore a lot of makeup, but she knew if she had to cover it she could.

  She was glad to be back in her own house, but she missed Ian because the six days she’d spent at his house had been both enjoyable and frustrating. Wonderful, because he treated her like a princess and waited on her hand and foot. The last day it was starting to get on her nerves, but she was still grateful that he’d helped her. The frustrating part was that he’d kiss her but kept her at a distance because of her injuries. He was weary of her going back home. Ian worried she'd over do it, but Sandy knew she fine.

  She walked into her room and pulled on her favorite jeans and tank top. It was her usual attire when she was working from home. As she started up her computers to check her email and see if she’d gotten any her phone beeped with a message. She grabbed the phone from the desk and chuckled as she read the text from Ian.

  I’m here at the hospital. I don’t have any patients that are as cute as the one I’ve been caring for the last few days, but regretfully she’s left and has gone back to her home. It makes me sad that I don’t get to see her beautiful face in the morning.

  She held the phone away from her and smiled as she took a picture.

  Here you go. Now all you need to do is look at your phone in the morning.

  Thanks, I have it as the wallpaper on my phone.

  You’re crazy.

  About you. I’ll see you in a couple of hours. I’m only on eight hours today. So how about I pick up supper on the way back?

  I can cook something for both of us.

  No, you’re still recovering.

  Ian! I’m fine, and I’m cooking.

  I know from the last few days that it’s no use arguing with you but just cook something simple.

  Kraft dinner it is!

  LOL sounds good to me. Love you.

  Love you too.

  She held the phone against her chest like a silly school girl because she was still giddy he felt the same way she did. Loving him for as long as she did it was something she’d dreamed of but when he hadn’t shown up for that date, she’d been sure he didn’t feel the same. Even with the apologies from him for missing it, she couldn’t let go of the hurt, and it still stung when she let her mind go there. It was stupid because it was only a date and it wasn’t like they’d been together or anything. The thing that hurt the most was he never said why he’d st
ood her up. The only thing she knew was his ex-girlfriend called to talk to him about something important, and that was information she got second hand. It made her stomach churn to think of why he had been with Colleen all night.

  She shook her head because if she let her thoughts go there now, it would ruin her day, and she was feeling too good to let that happen. She pulled out her chair and sat in front of her bank of computers. She needed to get some work done so she’d have time to cook supper for herself and Ian.

  A knock had her bringing up the surveillance for her front door. It was too early for Ian, her sister and brother were both working, and Stephanie had gone into town with her sister.

  The screen popped up showing a man in a suit and holding a briefcase in his hand. He looked relatively harmless, but Sandy learned a long time ago never let your guard down with people. She pulled her revolver from the safe next to her desk and shoved it into the back of her jeans. She grabbed her phone and shoved it into the front pocket of her jeans as she made her way downstairs to the front door.

  When she pulled open the front door, the man standing on her step jumped back and then nervously raked his hand through his hair. His eyes moved up and down her then he met her eyes. He was older and balding but probably quite handsome in his younger years.

  “Can I help you?” Sandy asked because the staring contest they were having was getting a little annoying.

  “I’m looking for Dr. O’Connor. I was told he lives here.” The man stood a little straighter.

  “That depends on which Dr. O’Connor you’re looking for,” Sandy watched as the man pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and read it.

  “Dr. Ian O’Connor. I have the address of 2 Hart Road.” He handed the paper to Sandy.

  “That is the correct address but the house next door is two.” Sandy handed the man back the paper. “I’m his umm... friend. Maybe I can take a message for him. He’s not home at the moment.” She wasn’t sure how to refer to herself because they hadn’t really put a label on what they were to each other.

  “My name is Leonard Anderson, and I have some legal business with Dr. O’Connor.” He said, but something about the way he spoke gave her a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

  “I’m not sure what time he’ll be home but if you give me your number I can have him call you.” Over Leonard’s shoulder, Sandy saw movement. James and Keith were heading up her driveway talking to each other in hushed tones.

  “Sandy, everything okay?” Keith asked as both he and James approached the steps. Leonard turned and took a step back since both James and Keith towered over him. It was almost comical the way he tripped over himself to put some distance between him and the brothers.

  “Everything is good. Mr. Anderson was just looking for Ian.” Sandy explained. Keith’s expression had her raising an eyebrow. He wasn’t someone that showed a lot of emotion, but she’d known him long enough to see the concern on his face. It was the way he furrowed his eyebrows and clenched his jaw.

  “I’m his brother. What do you need to see him about, Mr. Anderson?” Keith sounded ominous.

  “It’s…. ummm…. legal business for Dr. O’Connor…. I’ll come back later.” Leonard started to back down the steps and stopped at the bottom. “Good day gentlemen.” If it weren't so strange Sandy would probably be laughing at the way, the man hurried toward the black BMW at the end of her driveway. He jumped into the car and sped away.

  “You know maybe if you smiled more you wouldn’t scare people, Keith.” Sandy chuckled but stopped when she noticed James was also stone-faced. “Okay, what’s going on?”

  “We’re here to meet Ian.” James began. “We have something he needs to know.”

  “Who died?” She knew they didn’t miss the sarcasm but something in the way James glanced at Keith and then out over her front yard. “My god someone did die. Who is it?” The first one Sandy could think of was their grandmother since she was in her late seventies. “Is Nanny Betty okay?” James continued to look out over the lawn and Keith was reading something on his phone. “Oh, for fuck sake, are either of you going to tell me what’s going on or do I need to call Stephanie?” She placed her hands on her hips.

  “Nan is fine, and this is something we need to speak with Ian about first. If he wants to tell you, that’s his business.” Keith didn’t look up from his phone.

  “You know, Keith, if it’s bad news I hope you let James tell him because you’re heartless.” Sandy turned back into the house and slammed the front door. Keith may be her boss, but she didn’t walk on eggshells around anyone, and if he fired her over this she didn’t care because she would have no trouble finding other employment.

  She stomped upstairs to her office ready to scream, but halfway up her front door opened, and Keith called out to her. She stopped and debated whether she should just ignore him or answer him. She decided if she ignored him he would just follow her because you didn’t ignore Keith.

  “What do you want?” Sandy turned and leaned her hip against the rail.

  “Don’t get pissy with me, woman. I’ll tell you this. Ian’s going to need some time to digest this, but if by some chance, he contacts you to talk, try to be understanding.” With those words, Keith turned walked out the door without waiting for her to respond. The man was so mysterious about things sometimes, but he was a great boss, and she knew his family was the most important aspect of his life. Whatever was going on with Ian, she knew Keith wasn’t taking it lightly. She just wished she knew what the hell was going on.

  Chapter 7

  Ian pulled into his driveway and hopped out of his car humming to himself. After grabbing a laptop and briefcase out of the trunk, he headed toward the front door. A quick shower, a bottle of wine and then over to Sandy’s to spend the evening together. He’d been looking forward to it all day.

  He got to the door and pulled his key out to unlock the door, but it opened startling him. He stepped back with his fist ready to strike until he saw James standing inside the door.

  “Jesus Christ, bro. Warn a man you’re gonna be in his house when he gets home.” Ian chuckled as he stepped in and placed his things on the chair next to the front door. James didn’t speak, and when Ian turned, he saw Keith walking out of the kitchen.

  “Ian. we need to talk to you.” Keith’s voice was calm, but something in his tone told Ian his night just went to hell.

  “What’s wrong?” Ian glanced back and forth between his brothers.

  “I think you should probably sit down.” James motioned toward the living room.

  “Just spit it out.” He was getting that stomach flutter that told him whatever his brothers were about to say was going to make him need a bucket handy.

  “Ian, it’s about Colleen,” Keith said.

  “What about her?” He hadn’t heard from her in eighteen months, and since the last time ended with her disappearing, he didn’t really want to hear anything about the woman.

  “Ian, maybe you should sit down before we tell you.” James lay a hand on Ian’s shoulder, and he pulled away.

  “Just fucking tell me.” Ian snapped.

  “Ian, she’s dead.” Keith blurted out.

  “Christ Keith, couldn’t you be a little more sensitive.” James sighed.

  “What? Dead?” Ian stepped back and fell into the chair behind him, but the familiar lurch of his stomach had him jumping to his feet and running to the bathroom.

  He didn’t know how long he’d been in the bathroom heaving but once he pulled himself together and returned to the living room the rest of his brothers had arrived. They were all quietly talking until Nick looked up and spotted him bracing himself against the door jamb.

  “You want some of this, bro?” Mike held up a bottle of water, and Ian nodded as he reached a shaky hand out for the bottle.

  “You should probably sit so we can tell you what we know,” John said, and Ian didn’t want to hear anything, but he needed to know. He knew he didn’t love her anymore. Tho
se feeling were long gone, and it took that night eighteen months ago, to help him figure that out. Nearly losing Sandy also taught him that what he felt for Colleen was not even close to what he felt for Sandy. Colleen was his past, but she was still part of his history. He’d been in love with her but she’d also been his best friend for most of their childhood. Hearing about her death was like a punch in the gut.

  “You should probably bring a bucket. You know how Ian gets.” Aaron said. Ian knew it wasn’t to make fun, it was because whatever they had to tell him was probably going to make him sick. Before anyone else spoke, James placed a bucket next to Ian.

  “What happened?” It was hard to get anything out, but he forced himself to say the words.

  “I was on duty today when an APB came in looking for Gerald Morgan.” John started.

  “Colleen’s brother?” He knew that’s who it was, but he had to try and speak again to make sure his throat would not close over.

  “Yes. Gerry’s a person of interest for a double murder in Winnipeg, Manitoba.” John continued.

  “Double murder? Gerry?” He found that hard to believe since the guy he knew growing up wouldn’t hurt a fly.

  “Almost two weeks ago, they found the bodies of a man and woman in Gerry’s house, and he was nowhere to be found.” John looked away from him and then back up again. “Ian, the woman, was Colleen, and the guy was her husband. His name was Carter Taft.”

  “Did you know she’d gotten married?” Mike asked.

  “I knew she was engaged.” Ian lay back against the back of the couch and threaded his fingers through his hair. “So, what happened to them?”

  “They were both shot in the head. From what Uncle Kurt could find out, they both died instantly.” James picked up because John seemed to be finding it hard to continue. Colleen had been the closest to Ian, but she’d been friends with all of them.