Amanda's Return

by June Kramin

  “All this time you knew it was her?”

  “Of course not. I just put that together after everything that’s happened. It just makes sense.”

  “If she knew where the book was, she had to have read everything in it. She was far from the innocent player I thought she was. All the information was right there. She knew the truth about Angie. I’ll bet Sue made a deal with her about keeping the secret. I have no doubt she put all of this into Angie’s head. Promises of riches if they took out Angelo.”

  “And getting rid of you when the time came.” Eddie nodded.

  All the pieces finally came together.

  “She knew I’d come for Angelo.”

  Mandy rubbed at her arms as she got a chill. Eddie taking her from her home actually saved her life, whether that was his intention or not.

  “I’m still confused why Ray tried to kill me.”

  “He must have followed us there. Maybe he cooked up something with Vince before he died. Can’t say, Mandy. He’s not really an issue anymore.” He paused. “You want me to take care of Kermit and Axle for their part in this?”

  “No. Whoever was behind paying them to beat on Angelo so I’d show up, it actually gave us a few days that we desperately needed. They’re nothing. No one else needs to be killed over this.” She sighed. “Is this really it, Eddie? We square?”

  “You’re done. You sure you don’t want to come to the warehouse one last time and say your goodbyes? Sully is there with Gunner waiting on word about the kids.”

  “This is one goodbye I can live without.”

  “Anything in particular you want me to tell them happened to you?”

  “Just tell them I decided I wanted to pursue other things. That I didn’t want to end up like my brother, after all, and I won’t ever be back.” She looped her arm through Hunt’s. “Tell them I went all girlie and fell in love and finally accepted that Vince was right, and I don’t belong here.”

  “Fair enough. Have a nice life.” Eddie rolled up the window and the limo drove away.

  Chapter Sixty-Two

  A few months later, Hunt walked into the FBI training gym in Tampa carrying Hannah. He watched for a few minutes as Mandy sparred with James before he walked over and let his presence be known.

  “I thought you were giving up the rough stuff in your third trimester, babe?”

  She lit up at the sight of him and walked over, taking Hannah from his arms. “How’s my baby girl doing?”

  Hannah gave her mom a kiss then scooted down and ran to James with her arms high over her head. “Uncle James! What did you bring me?”

  He picked her up and swung her around. “New York is running out of things you don’t have, little missy.” She stared at him, smiling. “You have me figured out, peanut. Walk with me to my locker?”

  “Uh huh.”

  Before he left, he walked over and shook Hunt’s hand. “I didn’t know you were back,” Hunt said.

  “I didn’t know I was going to be either. It’s just a quick weekend thing. Can I steal you two for dinner?”

  Hannah laced her fingers together and batted her eyes at her father. Hunt laughed. “Sure.” When they walked away Hunt gave Mandy a kiss then placed his hand on her stomach. “How are you two?”

  “We’re fine, Daddy.”

  “You know you shouldn’t be boxing around like that, babe.”

  “I was going easy on him.”

  “And what about the rest of the class?”

  “They’re a good bunch. They baby me almost as much as you do.”

  He grinned and kissed her again. “It’s my job.”

  “Speaking of that, my boss asked me about you again. They really want you as an instructor at the range. Someone is keeping an eye on your scores.”

  “I think one Blaine back on FBI payroll is enough. Call me silly, but I like my squad car.”

  “And you like having your name back.”

  “I’m not going to lie there.”

  “Did you tell Hannah your news?”

  “I wanted to wait for you. You know she’ll be thrilled to go to Disney World this weekend. It has been two whole months. It has to be killing her.”

  Mandy laughed and wrapped her arms around his waist. It wasn’t easy to do with her belly.

  “How about we let my parents take her, and we take one last vacation before your son is born?” Mandy lit up. “You even say you want to go to New York, and I’ll beat you, woman.”

  She laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of it. You pick.”

  “How’s Key West sound?”

  “Perfect actually. Close but not home. I like the idea.”

  “I’d like to drive. Is that okay, or do you want to fly? Can you handle the long drive?”

  “Give me potty breaks. I’ll be fine.”

  “Whatever you want, babe. You’re the mob boss. I mean, boss.”

  Four days later, Hunt and Mandy were relaxing on a beach in Key West. Hunt had pushed their chairs together and had his hand at Mandy’s belly. She wasn’t as brave as some of the younger pregnant women that exposed their bare bellies. She still preferred an old fashioned maternity swimsuit, despite it looking like it was made by Omar the tentmaker.

  Hunt tried his hardest not to let his eyes stray, but the skimpy suit tops and g-string bikinis were plentiful on this perfect day. Every time he worried he was the slightest distracted, he gave her belly another rub. “I love you.”

  “Stuff it, Blaine.”

  He chuckled and leaned over, giving her a kiss. Hunt noticed a gentleman take the lounge chair next to hers.

  “You seem kind of distracted, babe. We’re on vacation. Relax.”

  “I’m just wondering how to go about asking about Angelo.”

  “You know you’re not supposed to be in touch with him.”

  “They owe me this, though. Eddie promised to leave him alone. It’s not fair.” She glanced up at him. “I’m sorry, but you know how I feel about him.”

  “I know. I’m not threatened by him. If you think it’s safe, I’ll look the other way while you pin James on the mat and try to extract the information from him.”

  As if on cue, James showed up next to Hunt. “James?” Mandy said. “Why are you on our vacation, and why are you on the beach in a suit?”

  James laughed as he removed his coat. “My plane was late.”

  “Late? Late for what?”

  “After what we’ve all been through, I thought you wouldn’t mind.”

  “It’s not that I mind…I just don’t get it.”

  James called the waiter over and ordered three Sex on the Beach and one more that was a virgin.

  “Thirsty, James?” Mandy asked.

  He just shrugged. “I’ve been working on that problem for you.”

  “Could you be more specific?”

  “Sue’s estate.”

  “You found it?”

  “Not too many places to hide that kind of money when you know what you’re looking for. She wasn’t after the jewelry because she needed the money. That’s for sure.”

  “So, what happens with it? I suppose finders keepers.”

  “You have a better idea?”

  “Yeah. You let me find Angelo and give it to him.”

  “What makes you think I want it?”

  Mandy whipped her head around. Angelo was sitting on the chair next to hers. She squealed but stayed put. “You’re a little out of commission. Allow me,” Angelo said as he stood up, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then sat on her chair.

  “Why are you here?” He motioned towards James as if that were answer enough. “Were you in Florida all this time? Did you guys lie to me about California?”

  “No. I’ve just been here the past few days. I’ll be out of here next week. Picked a nice spot in—” James was shaking his head no. “Europe.”

  “You called him here?” Mandy asked James.

  “It was your husband’s idea.”

  “Hunter Blaine. I let you play mob
ster for a few days, and now you can lie to me? You are so in trouble, mister.”

  He laughed as he took her hand and gave it a kiss. “Take it out on me later.”

  James took an envelope out of his coat pocket and handed it to Angelo. Angelo put his hands up. “I was being serious. I don’t want that money. Too many bad memories are attached to it.”

  James thrust it towards him again. The waiter showed up, and Angelo accepted the envelope, not wanting to create a scene. They got their drinks, and the waiter walked away without showing an ounce of concern.

  “I know what Eddie gave you isn’t enough to do Jack. Not by your standards, anyway. It’s not like we’re going to offer you anything but the right to disappear. The bank address and all the codes are there. Just take it and shut up before I change my mind.”

  “Won’t you get in trouble, James?” Mandy asked.

  “This isn’t on the books. I trust you’ll keep your mouth shut.”

  “Hey, I just work the floor. I keep my nose out of that stuff.”

  “Yeah, well, once upon a time, so did I, kid. So did I.” James took another sip of his drink then stood up. “Enjoy your vacation.”

  “You’re leaving already?”

  “Heading to the Bahamas, and no, it’s not for pleasure. I don’t know whether to kiss you or kill you for giving me a taste of field work again.” He put on his sunglasses and walked back towards the pier. “See you next time.”

  Angelo offered Mandy the envelope. “I don’t think I should take this, Mandy.”

  “You know we can’t take it.”

  “Darci was killed because of this.”

  “It wasn’t because of that and you know it.” She placed her hand on his. “Take it. Go make a life for yourself. An honest life.”

  “There you are, Garrett.” A tall, blonde woman with a heavy accent and her chest bursting out of her bikini walked over to Angelo and gave him a lingering kiss. “Found you, baby.” She smiled at Hunt and Mandy. “Did you make new friends?”

  “Uh…yeah. Denise, this is Hunt and Mandy. They’re from Tampa. Just here for the weekend.” Hunt reached over and shook her hand. Mandy smiled pleasantly at her.

  “You going to come swimming with me?”

  “In a second, sweetie. Go ahead. I’ll join you.” She kissed him goodbye and ran towards the water.

  “Garrett?” Mandy asked.

  “It was my grandfather’s name on my mom’s side.”

  “Nice to see you making an attempt at a relationship for a change. I’ve never heard you refer to someone as sweetie before.”

  He shrugged. “She was the realtor on a villa I bought in Greece. Very low key nights. I’m liking it.”

  “Greece? You weren’t supposed to tell us that, Angelo. I mean, Garrett.”

  He stood and threw the envelope on the chair then covered it with a towel. “Yeah, well, fuck ’em.” He ran off to the water.

  About the Author

  June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.

  She enjoys riding her Paint horse, Ringo, around the small ghost town they are playfully reestablishing with the neighbors. Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.

  Other Musa Titles by June:

  Hunter’s Find

  Double Mocha, Heavy on Your Phone Number

  http://www.junekramin.com/