Here Without You [Red Hook, Texas 4] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lee Rose

  Noah sighed. “We just got him to talk this morning. Drake handled him. I was still too pissed off. He came into our town to kidnap Holly. He slept the night away comfortably and had a good breakfast. I was tempted to kick his ass out into the street, but hopefully Judge Connelly will deal harshly with him, too.”

  Drake stood up from his chair. He looked just as frustrated as Noah was. This was hard on all of them. “He says Gerald paid him to bring Holly to him. They were supposed to meet in the woods, and Gerald was giving him free drugs. Gerald knows he is too hot in town. They have a new supplier from the Houston area, and supposedly this guy is coming to set up shop around our towns. He thinks he can take over the drug community.”

  That was not good news to any of them. They were all silent for a minute, then Noah spoke up.

  “I have already spoken to the sheriff in Morehead. Gerald is known there, too, for selling. He is as determined as we are to stop Gerald and his supplier. We are keeping each other updated.”

  “Do we know who his supplier is?” Matt asked, his stomach clenching with tension. Red Hook was filled with hardworking families. They did not need drugs to be brought in on a high level.

  Drake shook his head. “We don’t have that information. If we catch Gerald, then we can find out. I talked to Pete, but he claims to know nothing. I know he is lying, but not even the death of Kara was enough to get him to snitch on his big brother.”

  “I have Jack finishing up the area of the woods that hasn’t been searched. He will keep me updated,” Noah added. “Okay, boys. I say we have a lot to do and little time. I have a meeting with the mayor in thirty minutes. Maybe he will let me hire some new deputies.”

  They all stood up and left the station. Matt walked with his brother. “My stomach hurts with this one, Tony. I feel bad things coming. Suppliers from big cities come with lots of men who mean harm to these people.”

  “I know,” Tony agreed, his mouth thinned with anger. “We need to get this scum off the street, and soon. We all have family and friends here. I care about this town, too. I don’t want it to change.”

  “I hate that Holly is a target. I want to hide her in our panic room and not let her out until this is all over,” Matt confided in his brother.

  Tony chuckled. “I don’t see her cooperating with you on that. She is a smart girl, Matt. She knows to be alert. Has she started back to work yet?”

  “No, she wants to, but I asked her to wait a few more days. I really love her and I can’t lose her,” Matt said, heading for his police vehicle. He got in the driver side and Tony got in the passenger side.

  “Let’s get these scumbags off the street. Between the both of us, we will protect your girl,” Tony promised.

  Matt nodded and drove down the main strip of town. People walked up and down the street, unaware of what was going on. Matt was determined to keep these people safe.

  * * * *

  Holly sat in her niece’s bedroom, watching Hope play with her toys. Faith was folding clothes and putting them away. Faith had not gone into work today. She had a doctor’s check-up and had just gotten back. “Does Mom know what is going on?”

  Holly felt guilty for not telling her mom everything. Maybe tonight she would call her and tell her about her reunion with Matt. Rebecca knew Holly had been pining for him. “Not the whole story. I told her about the first incident with Pete because it made the news and I was afraid she would see it on TV. She was worried, but I assured her I was okay. Do you think I should tell her all of it? I hate for her to worry. I feel like I am always worried we are going to do something to start her drinking again. Silly, isn’t it? We’re adults.”

  “It’s a reasonable fear, Holly,” Faith answered her, “but in the end, it is her responsibility to stay sober.”

  “They are coming for Hope and Carlos’s birthday party in July. Hopefully all of this will be over,” Faith said in between a few yawns. “She will hear the gossip, so maybe you should tell her. Assure her it is all under control. I told her she should just move down here, and she promised to talk it over with Ted.”

  “I know Noah and everyone are working hard to solve this. With one girl dead and one hospitalized, it is a serious situation. Matt is really worried. I have never seen him like this. I am surprised he doesn’t have guards on us,” Holly admitted, feeling anxious herself. She was tired of hiding and feeling sick to her stomach all the time.

  Faith laughed. “He does.”

  “What?” Holly looked around the room and Faith rolled her eyes. “Greg is outside, parked across the street. I thought you knew.”

  Holly shook her head. “My mind is filled with so many thoughts right now that I am surprised I know my name. I am sort of glad I’m not working right now. I wouldn’t be able to give it one-hundred-percent attention, and that is a must.”

  Faith sat on Hope’s bed. “It’ll be over soon, sis. Alana keeps me updated and she says Noah is so upset about all of this. The whole town is talking about the two girls. Kara’s funeral is tomorrow. No one wants a drug epidemic.”

  “I know.” Holly stood up and looked out the window. She spotted Greg and felt slightly better. She needed to keep busy so she would not feel so upset. “I am going to make us lunch. What should we have?”

  Hope looked up from the floor where she had been playing with some dolls. “Pancakes.”

  Faith laughed. “That is breakfast, silly.”

  “Pancakes,” Hope said again.

  Holly laughed. “Okay, munchkin. Come and be my helper so Mommy can take a nap.”

  Hope jumped up and grabbed Holly’s hand. “Night, Mommy.”

  Faith kissed her daughter then looked at Holly. “Thanks for all you do, Holly. I really appreciate it.”

  “No problem,” Holly said. She liked being able to give back. Her sister had spent much of her own childhood looking out for Holly. “Is Liam coming home for lunch?”

  Faith nodded and headed for her room.

  Holly and Hope went downstairs to the kitchen to get lunch started. Holly couldn’t stop thinking about Matt and all the others out there searching. She hoped they all stayed safe. The sooner Gerald and his buddies were off the street, the sooner Red Hook residents could relax.

  Chapter 14

  Matt looked at his brother’s angry face. He had been on the phone, and Matt wondered what was going on. “That was Alicia. A stranger is having lunch there. Fancy suit and beady eyes, her words, not mine,” Tony explained.

  “So it begins,” Matt muttered. He was glad Holly was at Faith’s house and promised not to leave.

  “Alicia says he is scary and made some rude comments to one of the waitresses. Now she is scared to wait on him, so Alana is.” Tony looked angry.

  Matt let out a few curse words. “Noah is going to freak out if this asshole says one thing to his wife. It could be a bloodbath.”

  “We’d better head over there. I am sure Ray has informed Noah of what is happening,” Tony said calmly, but his eyes were like ice.

  Matt and Tony arrived at the same time Noah and Drake did. They parked in front, letting their arrival be known.

  “Great minds think alike.” Noah patted them with amusement on the back. Matt had already spotted the stranger sitting by the window. When he spotted them, his eyes widened with surprise. Good, you need to know the folks of this town have protection.

  When they entered, Alicia was at the hostess station. Her cheeks were pink with anger. When she spotted the four of them, she looked relieved. “I am so relieved to see all of you. Ray is about to come out here and tell that guy off. He slapped Alana on the ass.”

  “He did what?” Noah lost all amusement, and turned and headed for the stranger. Alana tried to stop him by getting in his way, but he just gently moved her to the side. “Move over, darling.”

  “Oh shit,” Drake mattered, seeing Ray coming out with a baseball bat. His brown eyes were narrowed with anger. “No one messes with my sisters.”

  “There goes our
calm lunch,” Tony observed, while Matt rolled his eyes. Drake calmed Ray down and got him back in the kitchen.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw two more strangers come in. Matt nudged his brother and gave him the ‘here comes trouble’ sign. Tony nodded and took a few steps toward Alicia. He whispered something in her ear and she looked worried, but she nodded. She went behind the bar counter and got out of the way.

  Alana walked up to them, looking harassed. “Thank God my parents are off today. This would not be good for my dad’s heart.”

  Drake nodded. “Go stand with Alicia. I think she is very worried about all of this.”

  Alana sighed, looking back where her husband was standing over the stranger’s booth. “Don’t let my husband kill him, please.”

  “We’ll try,” Drake assured her. As soon as Alana was behind the bar and hugging her sister, Drake went up to Noah. Matt and Tony waited for the two strangers to sit down with the man Noah was yelling at.

  Tony pulled up a chair right next to the booth, and so did Matt. He had his eyes on the newcomers.

  “Look, I’m sorry, mister. I saw a beautiful woman and I reacted. I like the señoritas, if you know what I mean.” The man tried to laugh it off, which was not wise. Noah’s cheeks were turning red with fury.

  “I don’t know what you mean. I don’t know where you come from, but around here, we treat women with respect. That señorita happens to belong to me, and it pisses me off when some stranger puts his hands on her.”

  The man’s eyes widened. “Aww, man. I’m sorry.” He put his hands up in the air, giving Noah a smartass look. “Don’t arrest me, sheriff.”

  Noah and Drake sat at the table with Matt and Tony. At least now the newcomers knew they could not come into Red Hook town and do what they wanted. Matt was sure one of these men was Gerald’s new supplier. The newcomers didn’t bother to order. It was obvious they were angry with the guy causing trouble. They threw some money on the table, and Matt could see one of them push the guy that mouthed off to Noah. They got in the car and left. This was not a good sign.

  Alana and Alicia walked over to them. Noah stood up and hugged his wife. “You okay, babe?”

  She nodded and leaned against him. “I wasn’t scared. I was upset. That jerk had Cassie in tears. I sent her on break.”

  Alicia put her hand on Tony’s shoulder. “Thanks for coming, Tony. I was sort of afraid to get an attitude with him. I didn’t like the look in his eyes. ‘Cold killer’ is what I read.”

  Tony looked at Alicia. Matt could have sworn he saw fondness in his brother’s eyes. “I’m glad you didn’t. I didn’t like the look of any of them.”

  “Call one of us right away if you see them again, even if they try to act nice. I think they’re bad news,” Noah announced, rubbing his wife’s shoulders.

  Alana bit her lip with concern. Noah sat back down at the table. “Might as well eat since we are all here.”

  “Let me get some specials for you all for lunch.” She walked away and into the kitchen.

  “See you later, Tony.” Alicia patted his arm. “Call me later so we can practice.”

  After she laughed, Drake arched his eyebrow and wiggled it. “Practice what?”

  Matt and Noah laughed, but Tony glared at Drake across the table. “We’re doing a pool tournament together. We are friends, Lopez.”

  Matt was secretly pleased Alicia seemed to be pulling his brother out of his hermit cave. He just hoped the young girl wasn’t playing games with his brother’s emotions.

  * * * *

  Matt was worried about the scene earlier at The Hacienda. Gossip had already spread like wildfire through the town, and people were upset and calling the station. Noah told everyone to not approach the men and pick a fight.

  Noah hung up, looking frustrated. “This is a freakin’ mess.”

  Tony passed a folder filled with pictures around. “I looked them assholes up. The older man is Mario Novak, a well- known drug dealer in Houston. The other two work for him. Low-class criminals. The smartass is Gilbert Munoz. Has a violent record a mile long. The other one is William Howell. Haven’t found much on him yet, but I’m looking.”

  They all looked at the pictures, especially Sam and Greg, who hadn’t been at the restaurant. Noah ran his fingers through his hair. “Shit. I’m sure I am getting an ulcer.”

  Tension filled the room. Helen came in, looking grim. “Bad news, boss.”

  Noah looked resigned and waited for her to announce her news. It was obvious to all of them he was expecting another drug overdose. “Mr. Wilson at the motel called. He has a dead body in one of his rooms. Unknown male.”

  “Shit,” Noah muttered. “Okay, Helen. Close up, lock the doors. Go home and stay there.”

  “It’s going to be long night,” Drake said, pulling out his cell phone. “I am going to tell Jasmine to stay with her aunt and lock all the doors.”

  Matt went out into the hallway to call Holly. He needed to hear her voice and make sure Liam and Adam were around.

  * * * *

  “That was Matt.” Holly sat next to Faith on the couch after talking to Matt. She told her sister and Adam what Matt said. Hope was already asleep for the night and Liam was at work.

  “I called in already.” Adam frowned, looking worried. “I am not leaving you girls here all alone here. I warned Liam to stay alert, too.”

  He stood up. “I am making sure all the doors are locked. I think you should stay the night, Holly.”

  Holly nodded. Her stomach was tied in knots. She was worried someone would get hurt. Matt had promised to text her and keep her updated. She had already heard from Alicia was happened at the restaurant earlier. She was glad they had run off scared, but the men were probably still in town, and that worried her. She said a silent prayer for the safe return of all of them.

  * * * *

  They were all shocked to find Gerald’s body at the hotel. Matt was actually speechless, and he stood by the bed. The room was neat, as if Gerald had not even put up a fight.

  “What the hell? I thought he was working with Novak.” Noah looked bewildered at Gerald’s body. Gerald was lying on the bed with a bullet hole in his head.

  “This is messed up,” Drake said. “He brings them here to work with him and this happens. What went wrong?”

  Greg pulled Noah to the side and said something in his ear. Noah frowned, but nodded. He looked at Drake. “Drake, get everyone away from this room.”

  Drake nodded and went outside to get all the gawkers away from the room. Sam had already been out there trying to keep people back.

  Matt’s curiosity rose when Noah closed the door. He motioned for Greg, and Greg opened the connecting room door. A petite blonde girl came in through the door. She had been crying and her black mascara was dripping down her cheeks. She looked around the room nervously. Noah had covered Gerald’s body with a blanket. She walked around the bed quickly and sat in one of the chairs by the wall.

  Noah kneeled in front of her. She looked young and scared. “Greg tells me you were here.”

  Matt sucked a breath in. An eyewitness. Maybe they could finally wrap this case up.

  The girl nodded. “I was in the bathroom. I heard yelling, and it took me by surprise. I heard two different voices besides Gerald’s.”

  She started crying again and Matt got her a bottle of water out of the mini-fridge. She took a drink and a couple of deep breaths. “I turned off the bathroom light. I didn’t see anything. I was too afraid to look, but I could hear everything.”

  “How well did you know Gerald?” Noah asked her.

  “I met him in a club in Morehead. I’ve seen him around, but I didn’t know him well. We came here to party.”

  Noah nodded. “Okay, go on.”

  “One of them had a Latin accent. He accused Gerald of ripping his boss off of some drugs. Gerald was arguing, saying he gave some dude drugs to get him a girl. He blamed the girl for getting his brother in trouble,” she continued.
<
br />   Matt had a hard time standing still and listening to this. “Another voice said he didn’t care about Gerald’s personal life. He wanted the money or the drugs back. I heard a shot. I waited behind the shower curtain. I was too terrified to move. Then I heard you all moving around and I went out the connecting room door.

  “Thank you so much.” Noah motioned for Greg. “Greg is going to take you home, okay?”

  She stood up and nodded. Greg led her out of the room.

  Tony pushed himself off the wall. “Well, this a plot twist.”

  “Do you think this means Holly is out of danger?” Matt wanted to know. He had a gut feeling this wasn’t over, but he wasn’t sure if it was just him feeling this way.

  “I want to say yes, but my gut is telling me different. These guys are killers and I want them out of my town.” Noah opened the door back up and let the coroner come in and take Gerald’s body. Matt was exhausted. It had been a hell of a day, and his mind felt like it was in chaos with all that was going on. He followed his brother out of the room, glad to breathe in some fresh air.

  “You going to get Holly?” Tony asked.

  “No. It’s late, and I need a shower and a bed.” He was in a messed-up mood. Everything going on weighed on his mind. He took out his phone and texted her, explaining that it had been a long, stressful night and he just need to sleep. She texted right back that she understood. She told him she was having a camping night with Hope and would see him tomorrow. He smiled, feeling a little better that, for tonight, she was safe.

  Chapter 15

  “Matt, I need my own clothes,” Holly argued with him the next morning. He had been at the station all day. He told her about Gerald. She was sad that his life had ended so young, but that was the danger of being involved with drug dealers. She knew something else was going on, but Matt refused to tell her. She knew he didn’t want her to worry, but it was still frustrating. “I know you’re busy. Liam is off today. He can take me by my cottage real quick, and I’ll come back here. Faith isn’t feeling good and I’d like to spend the day with her.”