Just One More Chance: Baytown Boys Series

by Maryann Jordan

  Her heart sinking into her stomach, Jillian repeated, “Drugs? There’ve been drugs in the boxes I’ve shipped? Oh, Jesus.” The beginnings of panic hit her gut and she wondered if her legs would hold her up. “Mildred—”

  “I’ve got to go but get somewhere safe with those boys.” With that, Mildred disconnected, leaving Jillian to whirl around, her eyes seeking the boys…who were no longer making any noise.

  *

  Grant stormed out of the conference room, his face red and jaw tight, with several others right behind him. As he started to move past the counter, Mildred’s thin hand snaked out and grabbed his arm.

  “Not now, Mildred. I’ve got—”

  “Jillian’s not at the shop.” Gaining his attention, as well as the attention of the others filing out of the back, she straightened her back stiffly and added, “She’s at Dobson’s workshop with the Montwood boys.”

  Grant’s eyes bugged out, furious that he forgot she was taking them there this afternoon. “Goddammit!” he cursed, whirling around to head outside.

  Grant made it to the door just before Agent Hall demanded, “Let us handle this!”

  Twisting around, Grant drilled them with his stare and growled, “Not a chance in hell. You’ve fucked this case up long enough!” With a nod toward Mitch, he ran into the parking lot. Burt got to the driver’s side before he did, saying, “Ride shotgun. I’m driving.” Not wasting time, Grant and Burt peeled out of the lot, followed closely by the others as Mitch called for backup from Colt and Hannah.

  Mildred watched them leave, her lips pinched in worry, hoping she had done the right thing.

  Chapter 28

  Jillian’s heart pounded an erratic beat as she stared into the workshop. Aubrey was standing behind the boys, her eyes wide as her mouth gaped open. Bobby glanced between Jillian and his brother, whose eyes were glued to her.

  With a darting glance toward the office, she rushed over toward the trio, whispering, “We’ve got to go!” Reaching Junior first, she bent to grab his hand. “Come on, guys, we’ve got to get out of here.”

  Aubrey had her hand on Bobby’s shoulder as she said, “What’s happening, Ms. Evans? Who was that on the phone?”

  “Later!” Jillian hoarsely barked, her voice choked with fear. Turning, her heart jumped again as Oliver walked out of his office.

  His eyes roamed over the group, his smile sliding from his face. “Are you leaving so soon?”

  “Um…yes…I, that is we…need to go. I have to…get the boys home,” she stammered, pushing Junior ever so slightly behind her as she stepped closer to Bobby and Aubrey, all the while not taking her eyes off Oliver.

  Tipping his head to the side, he narrowed his eyes, “What’s going on Jillian? Was it the phone call? Is something wrong?”

  Jillian noted with dismay that he was positioned between her and the doorway. Sucking her lips in, she tried to remember if there was a back entrance where the kilns were placed.

  Swallowing loudly, Jillian stepped another step closer to Bobby so that she could reach out to take his arm. Pulling him slightly, she intended to place both boys behind her, but he did not move. Quickly scanning his body, she noticed Aubrey’s hand on his shoulder had tightened, her feet firmly rooted to the floor. Facing away from Oliver, she mouthed Come on to both of them. Instead of complying, Aubrey moved backwards, pulling Bobby with her. Eyeing the backroom doorway behind Aubrey, she prayed there was another exit.

  “What’s going on?” Oliver asked again, his eyes darting between the women, taking a step forward.

  “Stop!” Jillian shouted, her palm up toward him. Chest heaving, she slid backwards again, trying to maneuver Junior closer to his brother and Aubrey. “I know, Oliver. And so do the police.”

  Brows drawn down, he halted, eyes narrowing. “What? Know what? What are you talking about?”

  Not taking her eyes off him, she said, “The drugs in the shipments you have me send out.” She felt lightheaded with adrenaline, her focus shifting sideways for a second to the backroom door Aubrey and Bobby were inching toward, their feet scuffling on the floor.

  Oliver reared back, his eyes wide as his mouth opened and closed several times, no words coming forth. She continued to push Junior back, reaching behind her to grasp his hand. Hearing a noise from Bobby, she jerked her head around in time to see Aubrey pull his arm sharply. Before she could get Junior to them, Oliver advanced again.

  “Jillian, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I swear, I don’t. I…I…” his gaze moved from her face to Aubrey, his mouth falling open. “Oh, my God!” he cried out. “You?” Looking back at Jillian, his face pale, he said, “I didn’t pack the boxes…she did all the packing.”

  Her braid whipped around as Jillian whirled to stare at the young woman, whose hand was now firmly clamped around Bobby’s arm. “Wh…wh…you?” she gasped. She felt Junior’s body vibrate as they noticed Bobby’s chin quiver. Stepping closer, Jillian growled, “Let go of him!”

  “You’re not in a position to tell me what to do,” Aubrey said, her voice low and controlled. Her free hand reached into the large purse hanging across her chest, slowly pulling out a small handgun. All eyes focused on the weapon in her hand, as a tear slid from Bobby’s eye.

  “Oh, Jesus, what have you done, Aubrey?” Oliver asked, “Why?”

  Sucking in her lips, Aubrey continued to move into the doorway, Bobby’s arm in her grasp as the gun remained pointed at Jillian. Her eyes slid to Oliver and she shook her head slightly. “It’s not personal. Honestly…it’s just business.”

  “Business?” he shouted, his jaw tight with anger as his hands fisted at his side.

  “I needed a way to ship—you provided it.” Jerking her head toward Jillian, she added, “Her doing the actual shipping just made it better—it was the Galleria name on the boxes.” Her mouth curved in a half-smile, as she said, “My supplier gave me a heads up that things were getting noticed down here, so I came in today to get rid of some stuff, before I take off. Honestly, I didn’t know you all were going to be here today.”

  For a moment, only the sound of panting breaths was heard as Jillian tried to process the scene unfolding in front of her, Bobby’s pale face staring at her. “Please,” she begged, “let him go.”

  “Sorry, but I’ve thrown my shit into the kiln and the heat should soon take care of the evidence.” Glancing down at Bobby, she said, “This little one here will be my insurance that you stay right where you are and don’t move.”

  “No!” Jillian screamed along with Junior.

  “I won’t hurt him,” Aubrey said, with a slight shake of her head, her eyes pleading for understanding. “I’ll let him go as soon as I’m safely down the road.”

  “Take me, please. Take me instead!” Jillian implored.

  “Sorry, but he’ll be easier to control.” With that, Aubrey jumped back through the doorway, pulling Bobby with her.

  *

  Driving slowly to keep the road dust to a minimum, Burt maneuvered the SUV to the end of the drive. Colt and several of his deputies followed behind, as well as the other BPD and the large, black FBI SUV. Alighting, Grant jogged over to Mitch’s vehicle, wanting to rush toward Jillian but knew her safety would depend on following the plan. Before he could speak, Ginny ran over, binoculars in her hand. He took them, immediately catching Jillian’s car parked outside the workshop near the large, open bay doors, next to Oliver’s truck. A small camper was parked on the right side of the building, next to another open door.

  Tossing the binoculars back to Ginny, he headed over to the group as they planned their tactical maneuvers. Unfortunately, Colt and Agent Hall appeared to be in a standoff.

  “This is my fuckin’ county,” Colt stated, his voice hard and firm.

  “We’ve got jurisdiction,” Agent Hall argued back.

  “Where’s your fuckin’ men? Huh? We’ve got this covered!” With that, Colt turned to Mitch and said, “Take your officers around toward the front—I’ve go
t mine near the back and side where the camper is.”

  “You can’t just go storming in. If that trailer is a rolling meth lab, it could explode,” Agent Hall said.

  “All the more reason to get Jillian and the children out of there,” Mitch growled, turning to Grant. “You okay?”

  A curt nod was his answer, as he forced his mind back to his military training, tamping down the fear curling in his stomach.

  With plans quickly made, the group set out. Colt and several of his deputies circled around toward the back along with Hannah, who had just pulled up. The two FBI agents were on the phone to their field office, calling for backup.

  Grant started to move forward, when Mitch halted him. Looking down at the hand on his arm, he lifted his eyes to his Chief.

  “You gotta stay cool. I know…I know how this feels,” Mitch stated.

  Grant nodded curtly, acknowledging Mitch’s own situation with Tori earlier in the summer. “I’m good.”

  The two of them moved toward the building, staying behind the vehicles parked out front. Covered by the others, Grant jogged to the side of the doorway, flattening against the outer wall. Hearing Ginny call over the radio that there was movement on the south side of the building, he inched toward the corner, watching as Mitch moved to the wide front door. He held his weapon, sucking in a deep breath, forcing his racing heart to slow.

  *

  As soon as Aubrey disappeared around the corner, Jillian and Junior both attempted to dash after her, only to be pushed aside by Oliver. Jillian stumbled into Junior as Oliver grunted, “Stay with him! I’ll get her from the other side!” as he ran toward he door.

  Righting herself, she heard raised voices sounding from the distance just before a shot rang out, causing her heart to skip a beat. Junior tried to lunge out of her arms, but she held firm.

  An explosion sounded as a blast of heat shook the building’s foundation, knocking Junior and Jillian down to the ground. She rolled over, trying to protect Junior with her body, as they both lay on the ground.

  *

  Grant’s heart stopped as the building shook, the roar of an explosion sending heat through the open doorway as the glass windows shattered outward. Jillian! God, no!

  Running around the corner, he took in Colt’s deputies surrounding the trailer, Burt coming out with Bobby in his arms as the others rushed toward a body lying on the ground. His feet stumbled as he staggered forward, his eyes never leaving the bloodied body on the ground. As he got closer, he watched dazedly as one of the EMTs rolled her over…Not Jillian! Dropping to his knees, his breath left his body in a rush as he turned toward the flames coming from inside the workshop.

  Staggering to his feet, he ran around to the front of the building, just as Mitch radioed for him to enter. Junior, his face covered in soot with debris scattered around, was attempting to stand as Mitch reached him. Jillian had scrambled up to run toward the back, unheeding the fire coming from the kiln room.

  Jillian screamed as muscular arms banded around her chest and waist, a familiar voice demanding, “Stop, I’ve got you, baby. We’ve got to get out of here.”

  Jerking back, her head hit his chin as the air rushed out of her lungs. “Grant—Bobby! She’s got Bobby!”

  “Burt’s got him. He’s safe.” Grant’s arms tightened for a second, assuring him that she was safe in his embrace, before he scooped her up and ran outside, following Mitch with Junior in a similar hold.

  Once away from the burning workshop, the sound of sirens coming closer could be heard. The Baytown, Easton, and North Heron fire trucks were arriving, as well as the EMTs.

  Dropping to the ground with Jillian still in his arms, Grant looked over just in time to see Junior dash over, throwing himself at the pair. Tears streamed down his dirty face as Grant assured him Bobby was all right. Inconsolable, Junior startled as they saw Burt stalking their way, with Bobby in his arms, setting the child down as soon as his eyes landed on Jillian.

  Bobby raced toward his brother, slamming into all of them, his body shaking. The four huddled on the ground in a heap of arms, legs, hugs, and tears as the police, FBI, and EMTs all worked around them. Jillian wrapped her quivering arms around both boys with the feel of Grant protectively at her back. Gulping air, she twisted her head around, panting, “Oliver? I don’t know where he went.”

  Grant looked up at Burt for an explanation, and he glanced to the boys before mouthing, “EMTs are with him.”

  Shifting her weight, Jillian transferred Bobby into Grant’s arms before pushing up to her feet. “I need to see him.”

  “Babe—” Grant started.

  “He pushed me and Junior aside so he could get to Bobby first.” Her words caught in her throat as she sucked in a sob.

  “Wait,” he ordered, his voice gentle. “Let me check first.” Squeezing the boys, he said, “Guys, stay here with Jillian and Officer Tobber okay? I need to check on someone.”

  Gaining the boy’s nod, Grant stood and allowed Burt to kneel on the ground with them as he turned to Jillian. Squeezing her hand, he promised, “I’ll be right back.” With a kiss to her forehead, he jogged around to the side of the building, where a multitude of law enforcement had gathered around as the fire fighters sprayed the building.

  Recognizing Zac on the floor next to Oliver, he made his way over, anxiety eating at his stomach. This man tried to save Jillian and the boys. Peering over the EMTs shoulders, he let out a whoosh of air, seeing Oliver alive and conscious, although his face was pinched in pain.

  Zac nodded to the other EMTs and said, “He’s ready for transport,” then supervised as Oliver was lifted onto a gurney. Looking up at Grant, Zac said, “Minor burns and possibly a broken arm. Could’ve been a lot worse, but lucky for him when the kiln exploded he was still behind a wall.”

  As he was rolled toward the ambulance, Jillian watched in horror, but then Oliver gave her a wan smile. Rushing to his side, she cried, “Oh, my God, you’re hurt!”

  “He’ll be fine,” Zac assured. “He’s stabilized and we’re taking him to the hospital.”

  Grabbing Oliver’s hand, she squeezed it, her voice hoarse as she whispered, “Thank you.” As he was lifted into the ambulance her legs suddenly felt like jelly. As though he knew, Grant wrapped his arms around her, lending her his strength.

  Clutching Grant’s shirt in her hands, she whipped her head around as shouts were heard from inside the building. Heart pounding, she attempted to twist around to see what was happening but Grant’s unyielding hold on her kept her in place. Afraid to speak, she sucked in her lips, swallowing deeply.

  She watched in stunned silence as a body bag was brought around and loaded into another ambulance. Sheriff Colt and Mitch were behind the EMTs, as other deputies and police appeared from the sides of the building. A man and a woman, dressed in dark suits, stopped the group before moving on to the side of the trailer.

  Grant, holding her weight, felt the change as her body tightened. “Easy, babe. She’s gone.”

  Twisting around, her face a mask of fury, she bit out, “But she could have—”

  “Babe, hang on right now…for the boys.”

  Her narrowed eyes widened and she nodded jerkily, sucking in a breath. Opening her arms as the boys rushed over, they clung to her once more.

  Grant gently pulled Junior away from Jillian’s hold, turning the young man toward him. “Listen, Junior. It’s okay. You’re safe…Bobby’s safe…and…the woman can’t hurt you anymore.”

  Nodding, Junior sucked in a shuddering breath, getting control of himself. He dashed the tears, and Grant pretended not to notice them. With a hand on the boy’s shoulder, he squeezed lightly before adding, “You’ll have a chance to tell us everything that happened, okay? But for now, just be happy that everyone’s all right and know that I’m real proud of you.”

  Junior eked out a half-grin, his teeth starkly white against his sooty face. He looked up at Jillian, now standing by Grant again, before wrapping his thin arms around B
obby.

  Zac and another EMT walked over to assess the boys and Jillian. Discovering nothing more than a few scratches, Zac shook his head. “Man, you guys were so lucky.” Smiling down at Junior and Bobby, he grinned. “You’ll have some cool stories to tell at school won’t you?”

  “Zac!” Jillian started to protest, but stopped as Grant gave a little warning squeeze.

  “Watch ’em, babe,” he whispered.

  No longer tearful, Junior and Bobby grinned widely, first at Zac and then at each other. Sam walked over and said, “Boys, if you’ll come with me, we’re going to head back to the station. Your dad’s coming in and, no doubt, Miss Mildred will have some donuts for you.”

  Jillian watched as the older officer walked off with Junior and Bobby, before whirling around to Grant. “What the hell is going on?” she cried, finally letting her anger show.

  Mitch appeared at the door of the workshop and headed toward the couple. Stopping at her, he lifted his hand to cup her face. “You okay, cuz?”

  “Yes, but I don’t understand,” she began, but was quickly cut off as the noise of approaching vehicles roared up the gravel drive. FBI and DEA vehicles pulled all around them, accompanied by several large, unmarked panel vans. Agents in full HAZMAT suits poured from the vans and made their way around to the back of the building.

  Staring in open-mouthed awe, Jillian leaned back against Grant’s front once more, before he moved her toward the cruiser. “But…”

  “We can’t stay here,” Mitch said, walking beside them. “It’s an FBI crime scene now and, with the presence of meth, they have to decontaminate it.”

  “It was here?” Jillian screeched.

  “She was using her trailer as a rolling meth lab,” Mitch replied.

  “She said she put evidence in the kiln to destroy it,” Jillian remembered.

  Grant and Mitch shared a look over Jillian’s head. “Fuckin’ idiot!” Grant growled. “That’s stuff highly combustible.” His arms hugged Jillian tighter against him, the adrenaline wearing off, the terror of what could have happened sinking in.