No Greater Hell (Lost and Found, Inc. Book 4)

by Jerrie Alexander

  Holly turned her head and stared out the window. If she ignored him, maybe the wide-open pastures would relax her. The visibility went on for miles and miles, interrupted occasionally by a herd of cattle or rows of horse barns. She understood how someone could find peace here.

  She had to stop caring how Jake felt or was doing. He pulled at her heart, generated a deep, sensual desire she couldn’t explain. Protecting her emotions was going to be important during her stay.

  Jake could try to convince her that they weren’t friends, but it wouldn’t work. He’d protected her. Defended her. Fought for her. In the end, he’d killed to save her life. As sick as he had been, down deep, he had hung on to a shred of decency.

  Hell, maybe he was right. Maybe she was suffering from Stockholm syndrome.

  CHAPTER 12

  Ivan’s stomach roiled with the need for revenge. The thought of his brother lying on a slab in the morgue burned through his system. Before he left to meet the reporter, he would have a plan in place.

  He sat on the bed and dialed a contact in Detroit.

  “Ivan, what can I do for you, Bro?” Big Mike always came through. Ivan paid without haggling and Big Mike liked that.

  “I have a unique problem and know you can get it done. My brother was murdered.”

  “Who did this?”

  “I’ll take care of that situation. For obvious reasons, I can’t claim his body, but I want him out of that fucking morgue. Do a good job, leave no trail or witnesses, and there will be a little extra for you. Luis Soto at Soto Funeral Home in Laredo will expect you to deliver Angel.” Ivan gave Big Mike a telephone number. “You let Luis know when you’re an hour or so away. He’ll be ready.”

  “This morgue, how big of a problem will I have to get inside?”

  “I don’t know. You figure out how to get in and out. Steal a fucking ambulance and fake some sort of paperwork. I’m not going to lay out your plan for you.”

  “You know stealing bodies isn’t my line of work, right?”

  “You decide if you want to work for me or not.” Ivan didn’t appreciate it when people pushed back, especially not the hired help. “Force me to find somebody else, and I will rethink who gets my business.” Ivan knew exactly what was coming next.

  “It won’t be cheap.”

  Ivan had learned long ago that love didn’t conquer all—money did. “Have your best men do this job. Tell them to treat my brother’s body with respect.”

  “It will take a day or two to pull this off.”

  “Get it done before they dispose of his body like he was garbage.”

  “Consider it done.”

  Ivan quickly shared the pertinent information. He finished his call with a second warning that Angel should be treated respectfully.

  Ivan called Luis, explained the situation, and requested Angel’s body be cremated. He trusted Luis to place the ashes in an urn and keep it until Ivan could spread the ashes somewhere.

  Ivan took a quick shower and then shaved nice and close. He studied himself in the mirror while he combed his hair. He proudly flashed a white smile.

  His good looks had always irritated his mother. More than once, she’d lashed out at him because he was a mirror image of his father. Ivan had no point of reference since the sorry bastard had hit the road soon after Angel was born. Dear old Dad couldn’t face the fact that he’d fathered a child whose brain would never fully develop.

  Nobody ever heard from him again, which was a good thing because Ivan would have killed him if he ever showed his face. Mama had mostly stayed drunk until the day she decided to commit Angel to a state home. It was a fatal mistake. That night she died in her sleep from an accidental overdose.

  Ivan added a touch of his best cologne before being satisfied with his appearance. He was keeping his date with the reporter. If she knew the name of the nurse responsible for Angel’s death, he’d have it before morning.

  Ivan left for town early. He parked in the parking lot of the bar to wait for…shit, what was her name? He shrugged. It didn’t matter. She’d never make it inside for drinks.

  She’d never make it home, either.

  ****

  Jake risked a glance in Holly’s direction. Hallelujah, she’d gone to sleep. One more question or observation from her and he would’ve popped a vein.

  Some of her hair had slipped out of the smooth ponytail she’d worn at work. A long blonde strand rested on her cheek, tempting him to brush it aside for her. Touching her wasn’t a good idea, so he tightened his grip on the steering wheel and kept his eyes on the road.

  There was only one way to get through this without making a fool out of himself, and that was to keep his mind on her safety.

  He spotted a roadside gas station, pulled in, and then killed the engine. Holly didn’t stir. The day’s excitement had wiped out her energy. She was probably down for the count. He let the dog out, waited until she did her business, and then put her back in the pickup with Holly.

  Once the gas tank was full, he ran inside and grabbed a couple of snacks and drinks. He was back on the highway for another hour before Holly shifted in her seat. He turned his head to find her looking at him. “You stare at everybody or just me?”

  “Just you.”

  Her answer surprised him, but he wouldn’t dare ask for an explanation.

  “There are a couple of bottles of water and some cheese crackers in the sack by your feet. I bought the dog a snack too. She’s probably ready for a bite to eat.”

  Holly pulled the sack onto her lap. She passed Jake a bottle of water and then opened one for herself. She fed the dog, and then she cupped her palm and poured the dog a drink, spilling water on her jeans. If that troubled her, she didn’t show it.

  “Want me to watch for a rest stop? I think there’s one up ahead.”

  “Depends on how much farther we have to go.”

  Jake glanced at the clock. “Another forty-five minutes.”

  “Then I’m good.” Holly fed the dog another cracker.

  She was quiet until he drove over the cattle guard and under the sign that read Donovan Cattle Ranch. Jake slowed the pickup, giving Holly a chance to look over the property as they approached the house.

  “Are you sure your aunt is okay with me staying here? It’s bad enough she had little warning, but I’m a stranger.”

  “She is. You’ll find Alice is friendly but plain spoken. She wouldn’t have said yes unless she meant it. You will like her. She’s the best thing to happen to the Donovan family with the exception of my mother.”

  “Where are your parents?”

  “Dead. Mom to cancer and Dad drank himself into the path of an eighteen-wheeler.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Me too.”

  “How old were you?”

  “Twenty-three. I was already in the military when Dad died.”

  “Tell me about your aunt.”

  “Alice is a well-educated city girl who fell in love with a country boy named Charles Donovan. He was always a bit of a recluse. He preferred horses, cattle, and the solitude of living in the country. A friend introduced him to Alice and she stole his heart.”

  “Any children?”

  “A couple, but both babies died just a few months after birth. I think they stopped trying after that.”

  “That’s heartbreaking.” Holly’s voice, soft and low, gave his heart a tug.

  “They were disappointed but they had each other. I spent quite a few summers with them as a kid, and they seemed happy.”

  A feeling of peace washed over him when the house came into view. It meant he was half a mile away from home. Two huge oak trees shaded the front yard, making sitting on the porch swing in May bearable. This was where Jake belonged.

  Alice had initially jumped to the wrong conclusion when he called her about bringing a woman to the ranch. He’d been quick to interrupt her and explain. This situation was serious business and she had to understand the risk of allowing a woman whose life
was in danger stay at the ranch. Always one to jump in and help, Alice had readily accepted that having Holly at the ranch might pose a threat.

  Truth be told, he wasn’t sure where he’d have taken Holly if Alice had said no. His only other option would have been to call Nate and ask if the lake house outside of Dallas was available.

  “It’s lovely.” Holly interrupted his train of thought.

  “My uncle did a good job with the place, considering it was two hundred acres of mesquite trees and scrub oak when he bought it. Judging from the pictures I’ve seen, it took a lot of work. Alice came along and added the woman’s touch.”

  “The wrought iron sign over the gate is beautiful.”

  A painful ice-pick stab blasted into his temple. He remembered another gate. Kay jumping out and opening that gate while begging him to hurry. The road was rough, full of potholes, but still she’d urged him on. Overcome with the memories, he stopped the pickup, dropping his head in his hands as the scene played out in his mind. He was supposed to kill her and Holly after he had possession of a ring. That ring was evidence that would’ve put his boss’s son, Hank, away for murder.

  The anger Jake had felt when he’d caught Hank about to rape Holly gripped him even now. He saw the fear in her eyes, could almost feel the weight of the knife as it left his hand, flew across the room, and then slid deep into Hank’s chest.

  Soft hands slid around the nape of Jake’s neck. Holly’s warm breath brushed across his cheek. “What can I do?”

  “Just give me a second.”

  Her fingers massaged the tendons in his neck. The dog whined as if sensing the fear and anger in the air. Jake took a couple deep breaths, counting the seconds while he pulled air into his lungs and forced it out. The pain in his head finally subsided, a dull ache replacing the sharp, penetrating stab.

  Jake straightened his spine. Holly should not be subjected to his problems. Mad at himself for showing weakness, he shook his head. “I’m okay. These headaches come and go fairly quickly.”

  “What happens when you have one?”

  “Sometimes nothing. On rare occasions, memories surface.” He pointed to the barn where Alice was waving both arms. “Luckily, it’s never happened while I was driving.”

  Holly smiled and waved. “Your aunt is excited to see you.”

  “She’s dying of curiosity.” Jake laughed and waved his arm out the window. “She’s almost as nosey as you.”

  “What does that mean?” Holly sat back, jerking her hand away as if he’d scalded her.

  He let that question drift out the window. He wouldn’t allow her to start psychoanalyzing him.

  “You just don’t want people to care about you.”

  He hit her with a hard glare. “So you do understand.”

  She snapped her mouth shut and returned his glare.

  He’d hurt her feelings, but he’d stopped her probing. When would she realize that being his friend, lover, or nurse was out of the question? He parked and let the dog out with him. Holly hesitated before exiting the pickup and when she did, she stood off to the side.

  “I thought you’d never get here.” Alice gave him a quick hug, then turned her attention to Holly. “I’m Alice Donovan. Welcome to our home.”

  Holly came forward and grasped Alice’s extended hand. “I can’t thank you enough. If at any time I become a burden, please tell me, and I will leave.”

  “Nonsense,” Alice huffed out. “I don’t often get to hang out with another female. If I want a reasonable conversation, I usually talk to the cows or horses.” She grinned and winked at Jake. “I see you brought a friend.”

  Holly put up both hands. “She’s not my friend. She and Jake are inseparable.”

  “Then we’ll leave them to entertain each other.” Alice slipped her hand around Holly’s waist. “Come on inside. I made up the spare bedroom for you.”

  Jake and the dog walked down the path to the barn. Once Alice and Holly were indoors, he pulled out his phone and called Dalton.

  He answered on the second ring. “Everything okay?”

  “Yeah. I won’t call again until we get a burner phone, but I wanted to ask about Rey.”

  “The doctor says Rey should stay in the hospital for a few days, but he’s already threatening to check himself out. He’s awake and barking orders. I temporarily accepted a badge strictly because it makes my nosing around legal.”

  “That’s a good idea. Keep me in the loop.”

  “Will do.”

  Jake stuffed his cell in his hip pocket and walked into the horse barn. He stopped, closed his eyes, and let the sounds and smells of the ranch surround him. Some people didn’t appreciate the fragrance of fresh cut hay, horse manure, and saddle leather, but to Jake, it was pure ambrosia. He loved watching the foals run and play with their tails in the air and nostrils flared, ready to challenge the world. He never tired of the sight.

  This ranch was the closest he’d gotten to finding peace. It invigorated and renewed his spirit every time.

  Alice had made him feel welcome. She gave him time to work through everything that had happened without prying. There was no reason to hide his shame here. Neither she nor the animals passed judgment on him.

  He honestly didn’t believe he’d brought trouble to all that was left of his family, but he stood ready to protect her and the ranch. He would allow no one to disturb or threaten the tranquility of this place.

  “Come,” he said to the dog. He picked up a small bucket, filled it with water, and then placed it on the ground in front of her. She didn’t hesitate to drink.

  Jake opened the wide wooden doors at the back of the barn. He whistled, and within seconds, four horses appeared from a nearby rise, trotted past him to the barn and directly into their respective stalls. Marbella nickered as she waited for him to close the stall door and scratch behind her ears. Duchess stomped her feet, reminding him of the pecking order in the herd.

  “Don’t be jealous. Everyone knows you’re the boss.” The tension of the drive home fell away when he stepped inside her stall, then closed the gate behind him. He ran his hands down her sides, flanks, and stomach. A small bump that pushed against his palm made him smile. “I think you’re close to foaling.” He patted her rump on the way out. “And soon.”

  He fed the horses, gave them fresh water, and then looked around for the dog. Curled up in front of the small tack room and office, she hadn’t shown any aggression or fear around the horses at all. He patted his leg, and she caught up with him at the door.

  The sun was setting as Jake walked the path to the back porch. The dog ran ahead of him and into the small flower garden that Alice labored over with love. She sniffed a few times before dropping and rolling.

  “Come,” Jake commanded but got no response. The dog’s front paws tossed dirt everywhere. Jake caught up with her just as she shook hard. Damned if she didn’t look pleased with herself as she trotted next to him to the back porch. Jake cleaned her paws and then dusted his boots off before going inside.

  The wonderful smells coming from the kitchen said Alice had been cooking ever since he’d called to ask about bringing Holly home with him. He pushed opened the screen but paused. “May I bring in the dog?”

  “Is she housebroken?”

  “Don’t know. She made it through the night in my motel room without an accident.”

  “Guess there’s only one way to find out. Bring her with you.”

  Jake washed his hands, accepted the glass of iced tea from Alice, and then sat at the table. “Where’s Holly?”

  “I expect she’s still asleep. I gave her some of my clothes, so she could take a shower. I took a peek about ten minutes later and found her face-down stretched out on the bed.”

  “That’s probably a good thing. She’s been through a lot.”

  “Supper’s a good thirty minutes away. You think we should let her rest a bit longer?”

  “Yeah. Let her sleep.”

  Alice poured herself a glass o
f tea and joined him at the table. “So, can you tell me about it?”

  “Yeah.” He would tell her everything he knew. Truth with Alice was the only way to go. “You need to know.”

  CHAPTER 13

  Ivan had sat in the parking lot patiently waiting for…fuck, what was her name? He’d just about decided the bitch had stood him up when she pulled in and parked. He got out and cut her off.

  “I’m sorry,” she purred. “This has been a huge week for news bulletins. We couldn’t wrap up until we heard from the hospital.” She smoothed her hand over her perfectly styled hair. “I broke the story that Chief Santos survived and will be fine.”

  Not news Ivan wanted to hear, but he ignored the flash of hate and slid his arm around her waist. “You don’t really want to go inside, do you? I know a place where we’ll have a lot more privacy.”

  “But I could use a drink and a bite of food. I haven’t eaten since morning.”

  “In there, we’ll have no privacy. People will be all over you asking questions. My Spanish omelet is delicious, and my house is private.”

  She leaned into him. “It does sound tempting.”

  “I’ll give you my famous foot rub afterward.” Man, she was eating this shit up. She’d come voluntarily, or he’d yank her ass into the car by the hair on her head.

  “Sounds too good to be true. Let’s go.”

  Ivan walked her to the passenger side, opened the door, and waited for her to slide in. “Buckle up.” He smiled on his way to the driver’s side. Did this cow really believe any man would touch those fat feet of hers?

  He drove to the farmer’s house, barely hearing her babble on about her boss and how not one soul at work appreciated her hard work. Ivan was about to scream by the time he turned onto the long driveway. He parked and turned to face her.

  “This can’t be your place,” she said. “The Wellingtons live here.”

  “Shut up,” he said, unable to listen to any more of her constant chatter.

  “What did you say?”

  “Shut. The. Fuck. Up. Did you get that? You stupid coño.”

  Her eyes filled with fury. “Nobody calls me a cunt. Take me back to my car.”