Encountering Evil: Dark Horse Guardians Book Two

by Armstrong, Ava

  "You want the saltwater farm, don’t you, Lara?" Eliot said in a deep voice that was almost a whisper. Lara looked down for a moment, as if hiding from him. He studied the thick dark eyelashes that adorned her eyes. Then Lara's green eyes looked into his. "Yes, but I think Ben might think it's too expensive. Really it's out of our price range. And, Ben just bought me the most adorable little bungalow for my business. I couldn't believe he surprised me like that! He's the sweetest man I have ever known." Eliot remained silent for a minute. "That was very kind of Ben to purchase a property for you. Quite a gift, I'd say." Eliot could feel himself struggling to find flattering words to utter about Ben Keegan, and he was choking on them. He knew it was an awful thought, but the reality was that Ben might not return from a mission someday and Eliot wanted nothing more than to take care of Lara. Eliot couldn't suppress the urge to outdo the handsome Lieutenant.

  "If you want Clearwater Farm, I can make sure you get it." Lara tilted her head and gave him a quizzical look, "What do you mean?" Eliot leaned closer to her even though no one was within earshot, "I can buy it and put it in your name." Lara's eyes opened wide. "Why would you do such a thing?" A wry smile played upon Eliot's lips as he gazed directly into her green eyes, "Because I want you to be happy." Lara examined the man sitting before her offering her a two million dollar piece of real estate. She had to ask the question, "What's the catch?" Eliot formed a triangle with his fingers in front of his lips as if pondering his answer for a long moment. His dark brown eyes looked honestly into hers, "There is no catch. I have millions of dollars, Lara, and no one to spend it on. It would give me great pleasure to see you happy at Clearwater farm." Just as he uttered those words, Sterling Brown, the owner of the property approached their table. "Beautiful night, isn't it?" Sterling was looking directly at Lara. "It's a perfect night," Eliot smiled and motioned for Sterling to sit. "Can I buy you a drink or interest you in a glass of champagne?" Sterling sat down and winked at Lara, "Thought you'd never ask!"

  The conversation at the table focused on the idea of Eliot purchasing the saltwater farm. He never mentioned handing the deed over to Lara. Sterling did not question Eliot's interest in the place. He was excited to talk about the sale. Eliot had a real estate attorney who could handle the transaction rather quickly. "But, we need one other person's approval." Eliot added. Lara felt Eliot tap her leg with his beneath the table. At that point, Eliot wrote a number on the back of a napkin and slid it across the table to Sterling Brown. "That's what I'm willing to pay." Sterling stared at the number on the napkin and seemed hesitant. "It's worth two million all day long. You know that, Eliot." But Eliot reasoned, "I've taken out the realtor's potential commission. Actually the figure I've given you is a fair one." Sterling ran his hand through his white hair and Eliot could see he was seriously considering his offer of cash and a 30-day closing.

  The two men had nearly finished the bottle of champagne and Sterling rose to join his wife at a table across the room. But before he left their table, he turned to Lara and took her hand in his. "I want you to have the place. It should be filled with children and a happy young couple in love." Eliot watched as Lara's heart melted. Sterling gazed at her as if guessing Eliot was handing the property over to her, yet he didn't question it. He watched Sterling Brown drift across the room to join his wife for dinner.

  Eliot only wished it was him Lara was melting over instead of Lieutenant Ben Keegan and his pathetic little gift of a tiny bungalow. But he'd settle for being a close neighbor and friend. Finding a way to weave Lara into his life was Eliot's number one priority, no matter what the cost.

  ~ Ben ~

  When the sun came up, Ben and his team left the motel in pairs, staggering their exit. Each man with a new disguise, they slipped into the rented vehicles. Some rode together and dropped off at bus and train stations in the event they were being followed. Ben arrived in the west end of Boston and took a bus ride home. He hadn't showered for two days and noticed a few people moved away from him on the bus. He was dressed like a homeless person and surely smelled like one. He took a cab home and arrived at Noon. Einstein was excited to see him, but Lara was out renovating something somewhere. He sent her a text letting her know he was home and things went well. He remained vague in his communiqué with her, as always.

  Ben promptly got into the shower and soaped from head to toe, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of the hot water pounding on his weary body. As he emerged and entered the bedroom, he heard Lara fumbling with the lock on the door. Ben draped the towel around his waist and opened the door and she fell into his arms. He embraced and kissed her eagerly not noticing the towel had slipped to the floor. No words were spoken. He felt Lara come alive with his kiss and he wanted more. He slid the sundress off her shoulders and touched her perfect breasts. Lara pushed him onto the sofa giggling and she straddled him. Ben was overwhelmed with all of the sensual treats she offered. He inhaled the warm scent that drove him crazy and continued kissing her as he efficiently removed the barrette from her long dark hair. All at once the silky mass spilled down onto him. His hands were on her shapely bottom. "Oh God Lara, I've missed you so much, you have no idea…" he was frantic now. But he made sure everything happened in slow motion because that's the way she liked it. She made love to him slowly and deliberately and he postponed his satisfaction as long as he could. He felt her hot breath on his face and sensed her irregular breathing. For a moment she stopped breathing and tightened her grip on him. He was thoroughly hypnotized as he watched her. With his past lovers, if you could call them that, he had never taken the time to observe a woman as she experienced ecstasy. Ben had never made love like this. As he lost control with Lara they both collapsed on the sofa, out of breath. She was now lying with her back against his chest. Ben nuzzled the nape of her neck, "I can't stop thinking about you. I've never felt like this before…ever. Darlin’, I'm crazy in love with you."

  He waited as she caught her breath. Lara whispered, "I love you, too, Ben. I was so damned worried about you…why didn't you contact me?" He immediately felt regret for not calling or texting her during the mission. But when he was in hyper-vigilant mode he went to a different place in his mind. "I wanted to call you, but it all went down so quickly…plus, you know what I told you about communications when I'm doing this stuff. It could put me and the team in danger." He wrapped her tightly in his muscular arms and kissed her neck gently. "It won't always be like this. Someday, maybe I will live a normal life." Lara sat up and looked at him as if he just pronounced something significant. In shock, she uttered, "Really?" Ben instantly knew that statement might have been misleading and he regretted saying it. "Well, someday."

  Deep down he knew he could never work a typical nine-to-five job. He would feel like a caged animal. He was a warrior and needed to use his body and his mind continuously doing something that made a difference in the world. He needed the camaraderie of his brothers more than he needed food. He knew he had to quickly change the subject. "Hey, it's a beautiful day, let's walk Einstein and take a ride on the bike. We can stop for lunch and maybe go swimming at Panther Pond. I'm sure your mother and Rusty would like to have company on a hot sunny day." Lara looked at her phone. "Let me move this one appointment and I'll change my clothes." He observed her as she made a quick phone call all the while feeling her eyes linger on his naked form on the sofa. Winking at her, he didn't cover up with the towel. He was drunk with Lara's attention. His thrill twenty-four hours ago was the adrenaline rush and the mission; at this moment his thrill was Lara.

  They quickly dressed and took Einstein for a long walk. "What did you accomplish while I was away?" Ben queried with a smile. "Well, Ben, I have something to discuss with you…it's a lovely saltwater farm." Once Lara shared the story about the sailing trip with Eliot, dinner at the yacht club, and tour of the saltwater farm, Ben's happy smile had disappeared. He knew Eliot was behind the whole idea. "Why do you want to live in Falmouth Foreside two doors down from Eliot Stone and all of his high societ
y trust fund friends? Wouldn't you rather live on a farm – a real farm – just twenty minutes north of Portland?"

  Lara was quiet but her lovely green eyes were riveted on his face. Ben continued, "I checked out a farm just before I left. You remember. I showed you the photos on my phone. It was when I secured the bungalow for your business. I'll take you out there tomorrow…you'll see. I think you might like it." Lara smiled. "I'll see your farm if you'll see mine…" Ben knew he would be making a trip to Clearwater Farm two doors down from Eliot Stone's estate the next day. But, for Lara, he would do it. Her happiness was paramount to him. He would go to the ends of the earth for her. Whatever she wanted, he'd make it happen. His life was empty before her.

  ~ Lara ~

  Lara packed her leather sack and hopped onto the Indian motorcycle with Ben to ride to Panther Pond. It was a great day to visit Rusty and her mother. The thermometer was pushing ninety degrees and it was humid and sunny, perfect for a cool dip in the pond. Lara wore shorts and a T-shirt. She never tired of embracing Ben on the motorcycle. With helmets and goggles in place they were off like a rocket stopping only briefly to inhale a couple of loaded cheeseburgers and a bottle of water. As Ben pulled the Indian motorcycle into the Panther Pond compound, Rusty was standing there to greet them and wolf-whistled, "Wow, that bike is a beauty. I used to ride one of those in my younger days." Ben shut the bike off and Rusty lovingly admired every little detail of the 1940's Indian replica. Lara hugged her mother and Rusty and they were excited to see them, "Come on down to the pond. I hope you have a swimsuit. It's too hot to stay out of the water today." Lillian laughed, "Are you two hungry?" Ben smiled, "Thanks but we just had a snack. You go on down to the water's edge and we'll get our suits on."

  Lillian and Rusty meandered down to their lawn chairs partly submerged in the water. Lara could hear her mother, "Oh, this water feels so good today…" Lara watched Ben as he dropped his clothing on the floor and slipped into loose swim trunks and flip flops. "Come on…" he teased Lara. She was always mesmerized by his body without clothing. Just the sight of him shirtless made her stare. But when she glanced at his perfect rear, well – that was it. She fell apart. She had just made love to him ninety minutes earlier but she was getting that funny feeling again just glancing at Ben. She held his gaze and dropped her clothing to the floor. It was as if a switch turned on inside him. He embraced her wildly, kissing her as if nothing else in the world existed. Her lips parted ever so slightly. His hands moved frantically over her body. "We really shouldn't do this now…" Lara whispered, "Not here." Ben stopped long enough for her to tug her conservative floral swimsuit on and then he French kissed her leaving her weak in the knees. With his strong arms he picked her up and carried her down to the water’s edge. She screamed as Ben tossed her into the water then dove in after her. Lillian and Rusty were laughing. Ben and Lara stood up to their necks in the cool pond water and they were kissing again. Rusty looked at Lillian. "Ah, young love." Lara saw her mother smile as she glanced her way and waved. It seemed her mother’s eyes reflected the pure happiness Lara was feeling at that exact moment. Lara realized she had never been this happy in her entire life.

  ~ Bettencourt ~

  Coming to the end of his day shift, Officer Randall Bettencourt decided to drive by the house that Lara had mentioned to him -- the one where she heard the blood curdling screams. Ralph Perkins’ truck was parked in front of the Farrington residence so the officer parked his cruiser down the street and casually walked up to the front door and knocked. Ralph came to the door and invited Bettencourt inside. “Come in, officer, am I parked in a bad spot?" Bettencourt stepped into the entryway, “No, you’re fine. I’m curious. Tell me about the screaming going on next door?" Bettencourt watched as the contractor averted his eyes. "I don't really want to get involved, officer." Ralph seemed a bit nervous. Bettencourt pressed him, "Just exactly what did you see or hear?" Ralph Perkins was an honest man and couldn't lie. "I saw a young girl get the shit kicked out of her."

  Bettencourt wanted details, "Who was assaulting her?" Ralph Perkins swallowed and closed his eyes, "Her father." Perkins gave him the details. "The argument was about the teen-aged daughter dating a guy that wasn't Muslim." Although he hadn't planned on it, Bettencourt called the station for back-up. "I'm checking out a possible domestic at 1735 Birch Street up here on the West End. Send someone just in case it gets ugly and tell him to park behind my cruiser. I don't want to make a grand entrance if you get my drift."

  Bettencourt waited until the other officer arrived and briefed him on the reported domestic assault. The two officers walked up to the large brick mansion next to Diana Farrington's and rang the doorbell. A small thin dark-skinned man opened the front door, obviously a servant. "Yes, can I help you?" his English was perfect. "Who lives here?" Bettencourt asked. "Ali Farouz" the servant replied. As soon as the servant spoke the name, a heavyset Middle-Eastern man wearing a turban and white robes pushed the servant aside. "And, what do you want?" he puffed his chest out as if challenging the officers standing on his porch. Bettencourt calmly stated, "We are checking out a domestic violence report." The large man became enraged. "What are you talking about? This is my house. I do what I want in my house. You are not welcome here!" Bettencourt attempted to calm the man. "We need to check your daughter. We need to talk with her. We understand she has been hurt." The man became more agitated. "My daughter? She's not here! What do you want with my daughter?" Then he slammed the heavy mahogany door in Bettencourt's face. The officers turned and walked away. "We'll get a warrant." Bettencourt said quietly. "We'll come back tomorrow and meet the daughter…with a warrant…and a whole army of back-up if we have to."

  ~ Ben ~

  Swimming in the pond with Lara overloaded Ben with sensual stimulation. As a former Navy SEAL to say he loved the water would be an understatement. He lived for the water. But right now he did not want to come out of the pond because he needed to take his mind off the intimate kiss with Lara. His thoughts turned to Elvis and he made a mental note to contact him with the secure satellite phone once he got home. Genuinely concerned about his brother, Ben hoped he made the appointment with the urologist as Doctor Lewis suggested. Thinking of his team and missions always brought him to another place in his mind, a very unpleasant place sometimes. But nevertheless he was able to climb out of the water and flop into a lawn chair without embarrassing himself.

  After a short rest, he swam laps for thirty minutes then ran five miles while Lara visited with her mother and Rusty. He would lift weights when he got home. As he came back from his run, he jumped back into the water to cool off. When he crawled back onto the beach to catch his breath, he watched Lara as she tugged at her bathing suit. Her one piece swimsuit was riding up in the back. Her long dark hair was loose and covered her shoulders and back. She looked like a sexy mermaid. She was close enough for him to reach out and pull her down on top of him. "Hey, you are even more beautiful when wet!" Ben kissed her brushing her hair away from her face revealing a woman both wholesome and sexy at the same time.

  Lillian and Rusty were laughing again. "It's time for dinner, you two." Ben and Lara scrambled up to the patio table near the grill. "Hey, we've got salmon on the grill tonight, that's your favorite, Lara!" Lara smiled, "I'm coming in just a minute. I need to comb my hair." She searched for her sack and pulled out a wide tooth comb and ran it through her thick dark mane, then secured it into a side pony tail and slipped on a cover-up. Ben enjoyed watching Lara interact with her mother and Rusty. There was a genuine love there that could not be denied. Just like the love he had for his mother and father, which reminded him – they were invited to Newton to a fourth of July cookout. Ben's entire clan would be there, all six of them. Seamus was even flying in from Ireland. However, Seamus wasn't coming to the United States just for the family outing. Ben had business with him and wanted to meet face-to-face rather than communicate via phone or computer. He needed a few million dollars. Even Moshe and Rachel were coming from Israel. B
en smiled at the thought of seeing his good friend again…more than a good friend really. Moshe was the man responsible for saving his life at a very dark moment.

  As the afternoon waned, Lara suggested it was time to head home to take Einstein for a walk. Ben watched as Lara hugged her mother, "We've got to leave, but thanks for the refreshing swim and dinner." They quickly changed into their dry clothing. Ben hugged Lillian and punched Rusty's arm before leaving. Helping Lara onto the motorcycle, Ben adjusted her helmet and goggles just so as he kissed her shimmering pink lips. Then he revved the bike. They were on the road heading home as the sun began its descent toward the horizon. Ben relished the feeling of Lara's arms around his waist. Her hands moved occasionally across his chest and he loved it when she explored him in that oh so subtle way. He slowed the bike down and took his time getting home. He wanted to savor every moment with her cheek pressed against his back and her hands on his front. She probably had no idea she was driving him crazy with her gentle gestures. There was a remarkable innocence about Lara that made him love her even more. She was seemingly unaware of her own seductive qualities. No woman ever held this power over him. Ben was a willing hostage to her sensual charms.

  ~ Lara ~

  While riding home on the motorcycle, Lara was trying to think of a way to entice Ben to view the saltwater farm with her. She thought it would be best if she first viewed the farm that Ben had chosen near Yarmouth. She wanted to remain as neutral as possible on the subject. She could tell he did not want to live near Eliot or among the wealthy in Falmouth Foreside. Lara wasn't so much in love with the idea of living in a wealthy neighborhood herself. And she didn't really need to be near Eliot. She was in love with the property and all its historical details, especially the sandy ocean beach. And, more importantly, she envisioned herself living there with Ben, having children, lounging on the beach with family and friends. She imagined Ben loving the place because it was on the water. She knew he had a connection with the ocean. It was in his blood; he was a frogman.