Monroe, Melody S. - Verdict (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Melody S. Monroe

  He dialed Tom’s cell. Five rings, six rings. Pick up, dammit.

  * * * *

  Tom Traynor and Harrison Lowry burst into Richard’s office. From the speed with which they rushed in, and the pissed-off look on their faces, Richard knew his grip on things might slip further.

  “What’s wrong?” He painted on his best face of concern.

  Harrison stepped forward. “You know damn well what’s wrong. Why did you deny knowing Stone?”

  He’d already prepared his answer, one that held a lot of truth. “I wanted to protect him.”

  Harrison stiffened. “Just tell me how denying you know who Stone is, helps him in any way.”

  “The Georgia cop told me Ashley Wood was dead, killed in a hit and run. The MO fit juror number five’s MO. It couldn’t have been an accident. I figure the longer I keep Stone and Susan at the police station, the better.”

  “That’s bullshit.” Tom, who was usually quiet, spoke with a wealth of venom.

  “Just exactly what do you expect me to do?” Thomason put all acting aside. If these two could figure out a way to get him and Stone out of the mess, he’d be ecstatic. He had to keep his wife and two children safe.

  Harrison locked gazes with him. “Call the cops back and tell them to release Stone. Have Stone get back to DC, ASAP. We have to find a better way to protect Ms. Chapman.”

  Too bad Harrison didn’t understood why his plan wouldn’t work. To enlighten him, however, would cost him his job and his freedom. “If you insist.”

  Richard would be forced to tell his blackmailer that Ms. Chapman and Watson were on their way back here. Their lives would end too soon. And he liked Stone and wanted to protect him.

  He expected the Stone-support team to nod and disappear. They didn’t. Fine. It would be their fault their prize prosecutor died, not his.

  The irony of the situation didn’t escape him. His job was to keep people safe, and yet he couldn’t even protect his own family from blackmailing monsters. If only his wife wasn’t bedridden, he’d put them some place where no one could find them.

  Harrison and Tom stepped toward him. He picked up the phone and pushed redial. When he reached the Georgia cop, Richard claimed he wanted to get to a secure line before admitting he knew Stone Watson and the girl.

  “We have a few more questions for them,” the Atlanta cop said. “Then we’ll release them.”

  “Excellent. Do me a favor.”

  “Sir?”

  Richard liked the sound of the respect in the man’s voice. “I haven’t been able to contact Detective Watson. Tell him he’s to return to DC. Pronto.”

  “Will do.”

  Richard swallowed hard and hung up. He stared at Harrison Lowry. “Happy?”

  “Tickled pink.” Harrison turned his sourpuss ass around and left.

  Tom unclenched his fists. “What happened to the bodyguard you sent down to protect Ashley Woods?”

  Richard pretended to flip through a file. “I’ll check that out. He should have been there by now. Of course, he’ll have to return as soon as he arrives, now.”

  Tom stomped out.

  Richard prayed he’d done the right thing.

  * * * *

  Susan sat alone in a small, windowless room waiting for word about what they were going to do with both of them. No one had come to check on her for three hours. Her butt had nearly fallen asleep from the hard chairs, and she was losing patience fast. What could possibly be holding them up? Surely they weren’t going to arrest Stone. She’d been the one driving, not him. Not having a driver’s license was bad, but Stone would pay the fine, whatever it was.

  A lead ball rattled in the bottom of her belly. Had Stone’s brain swelled and he’d shown some signs of disorientation? Had they taken him to the hospital and didn’t want to tell her?

  She needed him to be safe. Funny, just a day or two ago, she couldn’t wait to get away from him. The jurors’ deaths had brought them together.

  Though the room was no more than ten feet by ten feet, she had to pace, had to do something. After she’d sat for those few hours after the accident, her muscles had bunched and tightened. Her knee had swollen, which made walking painful but sitting was worse.

  She stood. When she took a step, sharp pains stabbed her chest and her knee, but she might find some relief if she could just get the blood to flow again.

  She tried to do a few exercises to loosen her muscles, but her body wouldn’t cooperate. Her mind wandered back to Ashley Wood and to who was driving the SUV. Stone had said a black SUV had followed them for a short while in Lake City. There was no way the driver could know where they would be headed next, unless they, too, had the addresses of the jurors.

  That was it. Whoever was killing these people was heading north, picking off the jurors one by one. She prayed the other jurors out west were safe. Soon they’d come after her. Though why she wasn’t dead already when he’d had two chances to kill her was anyone’s guess. Maybe she had a role to play. Only what could it be?

  She leaned on the chair to steady herself from the terrible thoughts. Her stomach grumbled, and she had to go to the bathroom really badly.

  Susan pounded on the door. They couldn’t ignore her forever, goddammit.

  The door opened about ten minutes later. “Come with me, Ms. Daniels.”

  “About time. I need to use the bathroom.”

  The guard nodded when they got to the bathrooms. “I’ll wait outside.”

  The small bathroom was clean, but the floors were stained with dirt, and the grout needed a good scrubbing. She used the toilet, washed her face and hands and stepped back into the corridor. In the hours she’d been detained, the sun had set and the sky had turned a purplish blue. Now they wouldn’t be getting on the road until tomorrow, which would further hinder notifying the next juror.

  When the guard and she rounded the corner, Stone was standing in the middle of the corridor, his shoulders tense and his lips drawn back. The relief forced out a breath. His skin was pale and his head wound was oozing. He looked a mess, but she didn’t look much better.

  When he noticed her, he smiled, which transformed his face from tired to handsome, and her heart skipped a beat. For an insane moment, she wanted to throw herself in his arms, but for many reasons, she refrained.

  Captain Vargas, or whatever his designation was, turned to her. “You two are free to go. From the impact on Ms. Wood’s car, we realized your vehicle couldn’t have done the damage. The truck that hit her had a much higher bumper than your rental car.”

  Stone narrowed his eyes. “And our car? Will you release it?”

  “I’m afraid it can’t be driven. You two were lucky you got as far as you did. The front end was crushed into the engine and the axle is nearly cracked in two. I’m sorry. I’ll be happy to have one of my men drive you to a hotel.”

  It was the least they could do. Now they’d have to rent another car and find another hotel room, all the while using a traceable credit card. Christ. They might as well go on the nightly news and give the killer their location.

  “Fine.” His sharp tone implied losing the vehicle was anything but okay.

  Stone slid next to her and slipped an arm around her shoulder, acting as if they were a single unit. She soaked in the comforting action.

  As they stepped outside the police station, the cold air slapped her in the face. Even with her sweatshirt on, she shivered. Stone only had on the shirt she’d handed him in the car. Poor man must be freezing, but he didn’t act as if the weather affected him.

  She turned to the officer. “What about our luggage we left in the trunk?” They needed warmer clothes.

  “We’ve got it for you.”

  She leaned into Stone. “Can’t your people in Virginia have someone deliver another car? Or help us out?”

  “I don’t think I’m their favorite son. Besides, I think our killer has a direct line to someone in the office.”

  Her hands fisted. “Who do you think it
is?”

  “I wish I knew.”

  From the rigid set of his jaw, she understood he wouldn’t elaborate. Pure speculation wasn’t his MO.

  “Do you think we can get another rental tonight?”

  “I can call from the hotel, but I don’t expect it’ll be easy with our track record.”

  The Georgia policeman helped them into the back seat of the cruiser and took off for downtown. The traffic thickened, then thinned as they wound their way through the city. “Where do you want me to drop you off?”

  “The Hyatt in downtown Atlanta.” Stone turned to face her and kept his voice low. “The security will be tighter in a high rise than if we’re in a motel in the suburbs.

  As they pulled to the curb in front of the hotel, the cop apologized for the inconvenience. “I almost forgot, Agent Watson. Captain Vargas wanted me to tell you that your boss wants you to call him.”

  His jaw tightened. “Thanks.”

  When they checked in, Stone asked for a room above the tenth floor and with two beds. She appreciated his request. She’d never get to sleep if they shared the bed even though she was having a hard time staying awake.

  Once they got into the room, he put her suitcase on the first bed.

  She dragged down the comforter and collapsed on top. “Why did you want the tenth floor or higher?” Being in prosecutor mode gave her a better sense of control.

  “We don’t have to worry about anyone shooting out our window.”

  At first she thought he might be kidding, but from the creases in his brow, he was dead serious. “That’s horrible.” She leaned up on her elbows, the thought of sleep evaporating.

  “We have to be more cautious from now on.” He paced the small room.

  The floor choice made sense, but she wasn’t convinced they were out of danger even at this height. She opened her case and took out her pajamas. “Why can’t your friend, T-Squared, contact this next juror? Or have the local police stand watch at his door?”

  “To address your first question, when a person moves in, they are given a cell phone. Remember, I told you only Richard has the number. Second question. In theory, Richard sent down an FBI agent to protect Gary Cho, the next living juror on the list. The bodyguard may be at the Cho’s place now, but I have no way of contacting him.”

  “And you don’t want to call and ask Richard?” She held up a palm. “I know. He’d wonder why you were asking, and he’d tell you it isn’t your job to protect the other jurors.”

  “You got it. If I contact the office, they’d order me to return to DC. When I don’t show up, they might send out the troops.”

  That scenario seemed all too possible. “Why don’t you shower, then I’ll take mine?”

  “Sure.”

  Stone gathered his toiletries.

  “By the way, where is Mr. Cho staying?”

  “Brevard, North Carolina.”

  Another state, another drive. “And then where to?” She’d been about to say, “what happens when all the jurors are dead,” but figured he’d understand what she was asking.

  “Cho’s the last one we can warn. After that we find a place to hunker down and wait for the men in blue to capture the bastard.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Susan stepped out of the shower feeling more refreshed and relaxed than she had in a long time. Wrapped in a robe, she stepped into the room to get her clothes. Stone was seated at the desk, his back bent, as he studied some papers.

  She walked up behind him, the urge to place her hands on his shoulders strong. “What are you doing?”

  He looked up and smiled. Her heated flesh turned hotter.

  “I want to map out how to get a car and figure out our approach to find Gary Cho.” His gaze dragged down her body and his lids lowered. “But I think I have everything set.”

  She was about to ask for details, when he pushed back his chair, stood and stepped close. Her breath left her as she focused on his gaze, intense and wanting. Dear God. He looked like a hungry animal ready for a meal.

  “Susan?”

  From the strangled tone, he wanted her. Both joy and a little trepidation filled her, but when he lifted his hand and touched her face, her insides melted and all thoughts about why this wasn’t a good idea vanished. She held her breath, waiting for him to really touch her, on her breasts, on her very needy pussy.

  “Yes?” She licked her lips.

  She dared to lower her gaze for a moment. His cock was straining to get out. She wanted Stone and had since that night in the hotel when he told her about his tattoo. But she was on the run from a killer.

  So? Life came with no guarantees. Go for it.

  Her pussy moistened and clarity came. Life was too short, too uncertain not to do what she wanted. She looked into his warm brown eyes and leaned closer, needing to feel his lips on hers.

  His mouth parted and he leaned down as if to kiss her. When he sucked in a breath, she stilled his arm. “Did that hurt?”

  “I don’t care. I want you.”

  He did? Joy blossomed inside her, but the thrill was cut short by his pain. “Why don’t you lie on the bed and let me check out your injuries?”

  Surely he wouldn’t buy that line. She just wanted an excuse to get him naked.

  “Turnaround is fair play. I don’t like the fact your wound reopened.”

  One stitch had burst, but the cut had already repaired itself. “I’d love for you to check out all of me.” Did I really say that?

  Thinking he might need a little more coaxing, she took hold of his hand and walked him over to the bed. Excitement coursed through her. Would she have the guts to have sex with someone as virile as Stone Watson? She’d have to give up control since she suspected a man like him would want to dominate. Wouldn’t he?

  When she reached the edge of the bed, she turned around and drew her arms around his neck. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “Nothing you do can hurt me.”

  She swore if she hadn’t had her arms around him, he would have beaten his fists against his chest to prove how tough he was. Men. On her tiptoes she kissed him softly before stepping back. “Go on. Stretch out.”

  He winked. “Can’t say no to that invitation.”

  “Be a good patient and let me do everything.” Like lick your male nipples and suck on your rock-hard cock.

  As she lifted his polo over his head, his breath caught. Damn. She’d have to be more gentle. “Where does it hurt?” Purple and yellow bruises covered his ribs.

  He pointed to his more than prominent erection. “You gonna kiss it and make it better?”

  She swatted at his arm. “How can you joke at a time like this?”

  He planted a hand on his chest. “I’m very serious. A kiss by you, or several, in fact, will help heal me.”

  In one swift move, she straddled him. “I know your ribs are sore, so lie still while I heal you.”

  “I can tell I’m gonna like this.” He grinned.

  Grabbing her hips, he lowered her until she was sitting on his very big cock, causing her clit to press against his hardness. Even though the terry cloth of her robe and the denim of his jeans prevented skin on skin contact, her juices still flowed. When she leaned forward to kiss him, her robe gapped open.

  “Here, let me help with that.” He smiled, then furrowed his brow as if what he was about to do was for therapeutic purposes only.

  In a flash, the robe’s tie was on the floor, and he pulled her shoulders toward him. The robe opened and exposed all of her. “Stone!”

  She pretended to be shocked, but secretly she was glad he got to look at her. Ugly cuts and all.

  “What? You look beautiful. Don’t worry about being all naked and delicious. Now kiss me.”

  Planting her hands on the bed next to his head, she leaned over and did just that. He opened his mouth allowing her to plunge in. More divine than heaven, he tasted of mint toothpaste. He was all man, very rough and tough. The tip of her tongue tangoed with his as h
is hands cupped her breasts. She tensed for a second until the exquisite relief of his fingers on her tits convinced her to relax. As if he’d memorized where her injury was, he avoided the area so as not to do further harm. How sweet was that?

  When he ran his thumbs across her nipples, she feared she’d come right there. Her nerves burst into flames. Not only did waves of contractions wash over her body, but the crests of her nipples radiated carnal pulses to her heart.

  To catch her breath and gain a little control, she sat back. “It’s really hot in here. Wouldn’t the patient like to get out of those jeans?” Please say yes. She had to feel his warm skin on her palm or she’d go crazy.

  “If you’ll help me.” He grinned again, and her heart raced.

  Never had she been with such a delectable man. How could she ever have thought he was out to harm her?

  He toed off his shoes. Without the hindrance at his feet, she dragged his jeans low over his hips, and her eyes widened at his bulging cock.

  “Dear God. You’re huge.”

  Stone chuckled. “You made me that way.”

  “I don’t think he’ll fit.”

  “He? You mean me, don’t you?”

  She couldn’t deal with semantics when sparks were shooting at her body from almost every direction. “Yes.”

  Lifting his hips, he dragged off his boxers. Her breath caught in her throat. She knew she was staring, but she couldn’t help it. He was magnificent.

  “You’re welcome to touch me. You said you wanted to check me out, to see about my injuries. I think my cock might have hit the steering wheel when that red truck rammed us.”

  With his lips turned down and his head tilted to the side, she almost laughed, but managed not to. Using her most serious face, she ran a finger along the length of him. Instantly, heat shot straight up her pussy.

  Stone licked his lips. “I think you need to do more tests. The best probe, I’ve heard, is the human tongue.”

  She loved his teasing. Maybe he sensed she was nervous and wanted to help calm her. She scooted back and leaned over, picking up his cock with her mouth.

  His body tensed. “Sweet Jesus, Susan.”