Bad Guys Don't Win (Janet Maple Series Book 4)

by Marie Astor

  “Honey, may I come in?”

  “Come in, Dad,” Janet called back.

  Her dad walked into the room with Baxter trotting by his side. Baxter had been fitted with a tuxedo to match the wedding theme—all men in the wedding party wore black ties and Baxter had a matching black bow and a black top hat to finish off the look.

  “Is it time?” Janet asked, her voice catching.

  “We’ve got all the time in the world,” her dad said comfortingly.

  “Baxter, you minx, you look positively dapper!” Janet cooed as she scooped Baxter into her arms. “Have you come to see me off?”

  Her mom hovered over Janet. “Now, Baxter, careful with those paws of yours—that’s very delicate lace—”

  “Baxter is the reason I have a groom waiting for me at the end of the aisle today,” Janet reminded her mom. “Who knows how all of this could’ve ended had it not been for him?”

  “Speaking of waiting, Dennis looks pretty lonely up there, so I wouldn’t make the poor bugger wait too long. You know I’m only kidding, right? I couldn’t have wished for a better son-in-law,” her dad added. “That reminds me. Dennis said Baxter had a message for you in his jacket pocket.”

  “He did?” Janet smiled. It reminded her of the way Dennis had proposed—by attaching the engagement ring to Baxter’s collar. She reached for the pocket in Baxter’s tiny tuxedo and found a folded note. Her heart racing, she opened it:

  “Janet, my love, I know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the wedding day, so I won’t break the tradition. But I did want to tell you these very important words before meeting you at the end of aisle, and I couldn’t think of a more appropriate messenger than Baxter. After all, this story could’ve had a very different ending had it not been for our dear four-pawed friend. I may be pig-headed and stubborn at times, but I will promise you this—I’ve never loved anyone as much I love you and I never will. I will love you and cherish you always. Now I’m not saying there won’t be some bumps and pitfalls along the way, but I promise you to always be there to carry you over them. You are the love of my life and the song in my heart. I can only hope to be a good enough husband to deserve you.

  Love always, Dennis.”

  Janet folded the note and tucked it into the bodice of her dress, right next to her heart. Her nervousness had vanished completely. How silly of her to have doubts. Dennis Walker, the man she loved waking up next to and spending each waking day with, was waiting for her to join him and begin their journey as husband and wife. That was all that mattered.

  “Come on, Dad.” Janet sprang up to her feet.

  “Careful, honey! Watch those heels,” her mom warned her.

  “I’m fine, Mom,” Janet replied. “I’m floating on wings of love, remember?” She hooked her arm through her dad’s. “Let’s not keep Dennis waiting.”

  As Janet leaned on her dad’s arm and walked down the aisle flanked with flowers and trees, she was hardly aware of the high heels she was wearing or the numerous guests who had come to see her and Dennis tie the knot. Her eyes were focused on the only person who mattered—the man waiting for her by the altar—and she truly felt as though she were floating on air.

  “I know you’ll take good care of her.” Janet’s dad winked at Dennis as he left her by the altar and took his seat next to Janet’s mom.

  Dennis moved in closer and Janet felt her breath catch. You’d think after living with the man and seeing him wake up with messed up hair, hungover after a long night out, she’d lose the ability to be wowed by him, but that wasn’t true. His hair slicked back with not a strand out of place, Dennis looked stunning in his tailored tuxedo, which accentuated his cinched waist and broad shoulders. She felt a shiver running down her spine, almost wishing the justice of the peace would hurry up with the vows already, so that she and Dennis could be alone in their bridal suite.

  “Dearly Beloved, Dennis and Janet have invited us here today to share in the celebration of their marriage—their wedding,” the justice of the peace began in a low and deep voice.

  As the justice of the peace proceeded on with the ceremony and spoke about the importance of marriage, Janet had never felt surer of herself or her decision to marry Dennis. When the time came for Dennis to read his vows, Janet locked her eyes on his.

  Dennis said his vows in a deep and certain voice. “I, Dennis Walker, take you, Janet Maple, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.”

  Whatever was left of her nervousness evaporated instantly, as Janet looked into Dennis’s eyes—they were the eyes of a man in love—a man who was prepared to do anything for the woman he loved.

  Then it was her turn. “Please repeat after me—,” the justice of the peace asked Janet.

  Janet had been worried her voice might crack, but as she said her vows, her voice was as clear and certain as her love for Dennis. “I, Janet Maple, take you, Dennis Walker, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part,” Janet said and exhaled.

  “May I have the rings, please?” the justice of the peace asked.

  Released by Janet’s dad, Baxter trotted down the aisle right on cue and stopped by the best man.

  “Good job, Baxter,” Laskin whispered, as he bent down and untied the pouch with the wedding rings from Baxter’s collar. He then handed the rings to the justice of the peace.

  As Janet repeated the rest of her wedding vows and exchanged rings with Dennis, she had no doubts that Dennis was going to keep all the promises he’d made her in his letter.

  “You may now kiss the bride.” The justice of the peace smiled at them.

  As Janet stepped toward Dennis, her heel caught on her skirt, but his arm was right there to steady her. “Got you,” he murmured and swept her into a deep kiss. “How do you like being Mrs. Walker so far?” he asked with a wink after he pulled away.

  “I love it,” she whispered.

  Dennis and Janet turned to face their family and friends as husband and wife. Janet felt all eyes focused on her and Dennis, but instead of unease, it brought her joy. She spotted the Vanity Fair photographer lurking in the background, but instead of shrinking away, she smiled proudly for the picture. Sure, she was no model, but she was confident the photographer would be hard-pressed to find a bride and groom as much in love as she and Dennis were.

  As they continued their walk down the aisle, now as husband and wife, Janet saw Mila and Philip and waved at them. Philip smiled and Mila waved back, looking radiant and happy next to Philip. Knowing Philip, theirs would be a short engagement, and pretty soon Mila too would be walking down the aisle or eloping. Although Janet doubted Irene would let the latter happen.

  Janet leaned on Dennis’s arm. “Isn’t it magical?” she asked. The entire garden belonged to them and their guests. The garden was closed to public visitors after six p.m., and Philip had made sure that Janet and Dennis’s wedding was the only celebration on the garden’s calendar for that day.

  “Ouch!” Dennis exclaimed. “Did you just pinch my arm?”

  She nodded. “I had to make sure I’m not dreaming.”

  “I think you’re supposed to pinch yourself, not your husband,” he clarified. “But I’m happy to take the pinch, Mrs. Walker. Anything to make you happy. Are you happy, Janet?” he asked, his voice turning serious.

  “More than I could ever imagine.” She smiled at him. “That’s why I had to pinch you—to make sure it wasn’t a dream.”

  “It’s real all right. But I think a kiss is a better way to prove it,” he added, locking his lips on hers. “Does it feel real now?” he asked, pulling away.

  “Oh, yes,” she whispered. A few months ago, Janet thought she and Dennis were never going to have the wedding she’d dr
eamed of. But in a wonderful and unbelievable turn of events, she’d gotten everything she’d ever wanted.

  The territory of the Bronx Botanical Gardens was huge and the wedding reception—a charming old stone mill that had been transformed into a banquet hall—was a good distance away from the ceremony site. The garden had provided transportation for all the guests, but Dennis and Janet had a separate car. Irene was there to see them off.

  “All the guests are waiting for you at the reception hall. Baxter is there too—Janet, your dad has him, as agreed,” Irene informed them. “Your chariot awaits you.”

  “Is this our car?” Janet gasped at the sight of a white convertible vintage Cadillac. It was decorated with ribbons and balloons and said ‘Just Married,’ on the back.

  “It is tonight.” Dennis opened the door for her. “I thought we’d arrive in style.”

  Janet was about to get inside, when Ham Kirk caught up with them. Irene blocked his path, acting as a human shield. “Excuse me sir, but the bride and groom are expected at the reception hall.”

  “It’s all right, Irene,” Janet explained. “Ham is an old friend.”

  “Fine,” Irene said grudgingly. “But don’t be late to your own reception,” she warned them.

  “I promise not to detain them for long,” Ham promised. “Janet, you’re the most radiant bride I’ve ever seen. I wish you much happiness.” Ham kissed Janet on both cheeks. “Dennis, congratulations!” Ham shook Dennis’s hand. “You’re a very lucky man.”

  “Thank you, Ham.” Dennis smiled. “Now, why don’t you get down to business already,” he added.

  “Am I that transparent?” Ham quipped.

  Dennis arched an eyebrow. “Have you forgotten what I do for a living?”

  “Oh, heck, I know you’re going to Paris for your honeymoon, but I just got in the case of a lifetime. Just wait till you hear it—”

  Janet frowned, but knew better than to object. After all, she married Dennis Walker who never left a stone unturned. “I guess we could reschedule our flight. Our tickets have an open date—”

  Dennis shook his head. “I’m taking my wife on a honeymoon. We’ll both be back in two weeks. The case will just have to wait till then.”

  Ham chuckled, slapping Dennis on the shoulder. “You can’t blame me for trying. Dennis, I think married life agrees with you. Enjoy yourselves on your honeymoon. The bad guys will be here when you get back.”

  “Shall we, Mrs. Walker?” Dennis opened the car door for Janet.

  Janet slid inside and carefully arranged her dress. “Full speed ahead, Mr. Walker.”

  Janet knew being married to Dennis Walker wasn’t going to be easy—their job was bound to throw many more crazy cases their way. But if there was one thing she was sure of, it was that her life with Dennis was going to be just like their wedding—filled with surprises.

  The End

  The End

  A Note from Marie Astor

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed reading Bad Guys Don’t Win as much as I enjoyed writing it. I would love to hear your thoughts about the story. Please visit me at www.marieastor.com or drop me a line at marie@marieastor.com.

  If you would like to be the first to know when the next book in the Janet Maple Series comes out, please join my mailing list at www.marieastor.com. I never share my email list with anyone and I only send out updates when I have a new release.

  Thank you for reading my book!

  Hope to hear from you soon.

  Happy reading,

  Marie

  About the Author

  Marie Astor is New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author. Marie is a die-hard romantic, which is why she loves writing romantic suspense and contemporary romance. In her spare time, Marie enjoys being adventurous out-of-doors. She often gets new story ideas while she is hiking up a mountain or trying to avoid bumping into a tree while skiing.

  Marie loves receiving emails from readers and always answers all of her emails personally. Visit Marie at www.marieastor.com.

  Janet Maple Series

  To Catch a Bad Guy

  Catching the Bad Guy

  Bad Guys Get Caught

  Bad Guys Don’t Win

  Sinful Business Series

  Thirsty for Payback

  Baiting Trouble

  Standalone Contemporary Romance Titles

  This Tangled Thing Called Love

  Lucky Charm

  Smitten at First Sight

  A Dress in a Window (a short story collection)

  More books by Marie:

  Over the Mountain and Back (a young adult fantasy adventure novel)

  Please read on for an excerpt from Thirsty for Payback, book 1 of Sinful Business Series

  Thirsty for Payback, book 1 of Sinful Business Series

  In a blink of an eye Allyson Roberts loses her fiancé, her employment, and her fortune. Just when she seems to have hit the bottom, Ally is recruited by an undercover agency that is interested in her skills. She takes the job with only one goal in mind: payback. Getting even is the only thought on her mind as she convinces herself that her heart has no room for love–or does it?

  A former top agent in his field, Jake Morrissey has inner demons he can’t put to rest. Now he bides his time as a training instructor. He’s sworn off women, but try as he might he can’t keep his eyes off Allyson Roberts. When he’s asked to partner up with Ally on a new assignment, Jake is tempted to end his retirement. Will he keep running from his fears or will he find the strength to become the man he once was?

  Excerpt from Thirsty for Payback

  (Book 1 of Sinful Business Series)

  By

  Marie Astor

  Chapter 1

  Allyson Roberts ran her hand over the silky dress fabric. It was a beautiful dress, the color of sky blue, its smooth material cascading in intricate ruffles that must have taken forever to sew. The question was whether the gown was right for the occasion that Allyson was shopping for. She eyed the sparkling diamond solitaire on her ring finger. A wave of giddiness surged through her. To think that she was now engaged was almost too good to be true. She and Ronald Graystone had been together for two years, ever since their junior year at Duke, and last night he had proposed. The timing was simply perfect: graduation was coming up and Ron’s parents would be there for the festivities. After the ceremony they were all supposed to go to this super expensive restaurant to celebrate the happy news, which was why Allyson needed a dress. Mr. and Mrs. Graystone were very formal, so Ally knew she had to get it right.

  Not that Ally was a stranger to grand affairs. With her father being who he is, she’d grown up with her share of opulence. Their house in Westchester was a ten-bedroom mansion with a ballroom that had a twenty-foot ceiling. As a child, Ally had taken this splendor for granted, but when she went away to boarding school at fourteen, she became aware of the fact that not everyone’s reality was like hers. Granted, the girls at Miss Porter’s didn’t exactly come from poor homes, but the name Victor Roberts elicited genuine awe from the majority of her classmates. It was then that Ally first became fully aware of her social standing.

  Victor Roberts came from humble lower-middle-class beginnings, born to an electrician father and a kindergarten teacher mother. With a degree from MIT, which he had obtained on a full scholarship, he built his industrial empire from the proverbial scratch. The story of his success inspired a mixture of admiration and jealousy from myriads of people. At least once a month there would be an article about him somewhere, the subject ranging from the latest venture he was embarking on to speculations about his personal life. Not that Ally knew much about either. Her father spent the majority of his time at work, and even when he was home he was usually locked up in his study, which served as his command center. When she was younger, Ally’s care was relegated to her governess; when she grew older, to the boarding school mistress, and later to college professors. Her mother had passed away from a heart condition when
Ally was only five, and Ally had never been aware of another woman by her father’s side. As she grew older and began to understand these matters, she questioned her father about it, to which he replied that he had never met a woman who could replace Ally’s mother. Still, Ally was not naïve and realized that her father was not a monk, but whatever women had briefly entered Victor Roberts’ life had remained secluded from the press and Ally’s eyes.

  “Oh, I just love that one!” Madison exclaimed, snatching the hanger from Allyson’s hands. Madison ran her dark purple-colored fingernails over the dress’s fabric. “Love the spaghetti straps and the delicate ruffles—sexy and sweet! Ronnie will love it.”

  Allyson shot Madison a dubious glace. “Don’t you think it’s a bit much? I was thinking of something more formal. Oh, and by the way, I hope you’re going to get another manicure before graduation.”

  “You know I am; I have one every week. My usual is OPI Go Goth. They’ve got my name on the nail polish bottle at the salon.”

  Allyson shook her head. “I’m sure they do. But I was hoping you’d change your color to something more—”

  “Boring?”

  “No, feminine. Like lavender or pink.”

  Madison grimaced. “Those are the colors my mother wears. I’m not going near them.”

  Allyson resisted the urge to contradict. Sometimes she wondered just how genuine Madison’s eccentricity was. Ally’s secret guess was that most of it came from Madison’s desire to irk her parents, and Ally had to give Maddie her due: she had certainly more than accomplished this goal. But then Allyson wouldn’t want to be in Maddie’s shoes, or Ron’s for that matter. At first glance, siblings Madison and Ronald Graystone led a charmed life. Twin offspring of Viola and Richard Graystone, they stood to inherit a fortune, but with that came responsibilities and obligations that were almost as great if not greater. Viola Graystone was one of the most venerable society ladies in existence: there wasn’t a charity ball that she hadn’t contributed to in some shape or form, or a charity committee she wasn’t a part of. Madison was expected to follow her mother’s example. Yes, a college degree was beneficial, but Mrs. Graystone saw its purpose as more for achieving well-roundedness and putting it to good use when contributing to social causes, and it went without saying that Duke University was the perfect place for meeting a suitable match.