by Jamie Hill
“Stop fidgeting.” His lawyer glanced around. “You look fine.”
“I don’t give a shit how I look. I’m uncomfortable as hell.”
“And I don’t give a shit about that. Take it easy. It’s going to be a long day.”
He still fretted. “What does she want to see me about? I thought we said all there was to say.”
“Feds are still fishing for the money. Tell them, or don’t tell them. Either way, the cartel will have it out for you. If you ever get out of prison, you’ll go directly into Witsec.”
He raised his brows. “With my family?”
“Probably not. She divorced you. If you get out, I’d expect her to file a restraining order that says you have to stay far, far away.”
Larry frowned. “You keep saying ‘if” I get out of prison. You could be more optimistic.”
“All depends on how the trial swings. If we get a sympathetic jury, you might be okay.”
And then I’m off to Rio with my seventeen million dollars. “I’ll be okay,” he affirmed.
His lawyer gave him an odd look.
Larry smiled.
* * * *
Christine tugged at her skirt as they were bustled in the back door of the courthouse.
“Stop fidgeting.” Doug glanced around warily. “You look fine.”
“I don’t care how I look. This dress is just plain tight. I appreciate Sam getting it for me, but not all size sixes fit the same.”
“She was nice to do it. She felt guilty about lying to us when she came to the house to pretend to take descriptions of E and your mom.”
“I can’t believe you called her and asked for a favor.”
“What? You needed a dress. She owed us a favor. It all worked out.”
“Hope I never owe you a favor. You’re relentless.”
“Damn straight.”
Ben met them inside. “All clear in here. They’re holding Larry over there. The FBI will take you in when you’re ready.”
She nodded. “Ready as I’ll ever be. I just want this to be over.”
They escorted her to where Gilford waited.
Doug leaned over and whispered, “You’ll be fine. I love you.”
Bolstered by his strength once again, she nodded. “Thanks. Me too.”
She followed Gilford and smiled when she heard Doug mutter, “Me too? That’s all I get?”
The door closed behind them.
“You know what you’re going to say?” the agent asked her.
Christine nodded. “I think so.”
“He’ll be handcuffed, but the cuffs won’t be attached to anything. A guard will stand behind him, far enough back to give you some privacy—but not too far back.”
“Thank you.”
He opened the door and motioned for her to go in.
Christine took a step and paused. Larry was dressed in a nice suit and was completely clean shaven. For a moment, she was taken back in time to happier days.
He sneered, and she snapped out of the fog.
“One final plea, I’m told.” He examined his fingernails. “Where’s the money, honey? Wish I knew! Wish I had a secret stash somewhere, but I don’t. The truth hurts, doesn’t it baby?”
“It hurts your kids, that’s for sure. As long as you don’t tell anyone, we’re on the cartel’s radar. Does that make you happy, Larry?”
He looked at her. “Not much makes me happy these days, Chris. Frankly, I could give a shit or less about what happens to you. You left me in my darkest hour. Divorced me when I went to prison. How do you think that made me feel? We took a vow. You said you’d stand by me in good times and in bad.”
“Our vows didn’t say anything about standing by you through felonies and misdemeanors. You screwed up, not me. If it makes you feel better to blame me, then do it. But don’t take it out on our kids. They love you, Larry. For some stupid reason, they still love you.”
His eyes flickered. “Bullshit. You and your parents have poisoned them against me. I’ll never see them again.”
“We didn’t. They know the truth, so if they’ve been poisoned it’s by your hand. I’ve never said a bad word otherwise.”
He appeared uncertain. “I wish I could believe that. I think about them a lot.”
Taking advantage of what seemed to be his moment of weakness, she pressed. “Do this for them, Larry. They still care about you. The kids will never be safe until you admit where the money is.”
Larry jumped to his feet. “Bullshit! It’s all about the money, and what the FBI wants.” He made a move for her but the guard stepped between them. “I’m done with this bitch,” Larry told the man. “Get her out of my sight.”
Shaking, she hurried out the door.
Doug was waiting for her. “Are you okay? What happened?”
She shook her head. “He’s crazy. Let’s go. It’s all going to hinge in the trial. Larry won’t admit a thing, not even for the sake of the kids.”
He put an arm around her. “I’m sorry, babe. You’re right, he is crazy.”
Ben placed a hand on each of their arms. “Let’s go, friends. They’re bringing Stewart out and everyone’s headed to the courtroom.”
“This way,” a court assistant instructed.
They followed her a few steps, when a commotion arose behind them. Loud yelling preceded the ominous sounds of gunfire.
Christine’s world went into slow motion as Doug shoved her to the ground. She felt his body lying across hers, and then more weight on top of him. A volley of automatic gunfire filled the room, echoing off the walls as glass shattered and people screamed.
A moment of silence was followed by return gunplay. Not rapid fire like the first, but a steady stream of shots.
“Cease fire!” someone yelled.
“Shooter is down!” someone else called.
“Target is down! Target is down!” another more frantic voice.
She tried to raise her head but was totally pinned. “Doug, can you move?”
“Ben, can you move?” Doug repeated.
One by one the men rolled off and the three of them looked at each other. Ben’s shoulder was bleeding. “You’re hurt!” Christine cried.
“I’m okay.” He shook his head. “Are you hurt?”
She checked her extremities. “I don’t think so. Doug?”
“I’m fine.” Grabbing each of her arms, he examined her quickly to make sure. “I don’t see anything.” He turned to Ben and pulled back the corner of his suit coat. “Fuck, you’ve been shot. Tearing off his own coat, he held it to Ben’s wound. “Christi, apply pressure. I’ll get a medic.”
He climbed to his feet amidst the smoke and rubble and looked around.
Ben winced when she pressed his wound.
“Sorry.”
“It’s okay. Guys, I see a lot of people down. I’m not sure I’m a priority.”
“You are to us.” Doug muttered. “Hang on.” He rushed off, leaving her and Ben to stare at each other in shock and amazement.
“What the hell just happened?” she whispered.
“Someone is interested in postponing this trial, I guess.”
“That’s putting it mildly.” She couldn’t see anything besides people frantically moving around.
Doug returned. “We need to drive you to the hospital. First estimates are twenty people wounded. We’re not waiting in line.” He held a hand out to Christine, and pulled her to her feet.
They both helped Ben up. “I’m fine. Don’t fuss.” He took a step and almost went back down.
“Arm around the neck, come on buddy.” Doug nodded to Christine and they flanked Ben, draping his good arm over Doug’s shoulder for support. “We’ll take it easy, but let’s get the hell out of here.”
Mass confusion ensued, and they walked right out the door. An officer stopped them on the sidewalk, and Doug flashed his badge. “We’re US Marshals protecting a witness.”
“Crap!” The cop became flustered. “You need an ambulance.�
��
“We’ll drive. Where’s the closest hospital?”
“I’ll give you an escort. Flagg!” He grabbed another cop. “Lead these US Marshals to the hospital, then get your ass back here. There may be more.”
“Yes sir!”
They bundled Ben into the Expedition and Doug fastened his seat belt so it held the bunched up jacket on the wound. “Let’s go,” he ordered.
Christine hurried into the car and buckled up. She watched Doug with amazement. She’d never seen him in crisis mode, and it was a sight to behold. Her heart was bursting with pride.
At the hospital, they could tell that most of the ambulances hadn’t arrived yet. Ben was rushed by gurney into an examining room.
“He’s a US Marshal,” Doug advised, “and he’s armed.”
A nurse removed Ben’s gun and the badge clipped to his belt. “Hang on to these. You’re not supposed to have guns in here, but given the circumstances, I don’t think anyone’s going to complain for a while.”
“Thanks.” Doug tucked the gun in the back of his pants, and pocketed the badge.
Christine suddenly started shaking, and couldn’t seem to control it.
He’d been checking the scene, but once he realized her condition he pulled her into his arms.
Neither of them spoke.
His cell phone vibrated, and he answered it. “Chief. Yes, we’re all right. Ben took a bullet in the shoulder, but I think he’ll be okay. Christine and I brought him to the hospital. It was a cluster-fuck there. We didn’t stick around waiting for an ambulance.”
She watched his face, and could tell when something changed. He looked at her. “Okay, we’ll check it out. Thanks. I’ll keep you posted.” He ended the call.
Her heart thudded. “What?”
“Larry and his lawyer were shot. His lawyer died at the scene. Larry’s been rushed to emergency surgery.”
She blinked, trying to process the news. Larry?
His phone vibrated again and he answered it. “Jackson. Yes, we’re here already. We’re in the ER waiting room. Okay.” The call ended.
“Who was that?”
“FBI keeping tabs on us. Gilford is coming to get you.” Before he finished the sentence a detail of armed agents led by Gilford swooped in and ushered them to a room in the back.
“Is your marshal okay?” Gilford looked over both of them.
“He’ll make it. GSW to the shoulder.”
The agent turned to Christine. “Your ex-husband wasn’t so lucky. He’s got bullets in several major organs and it’s really just a matter of time. Doctors are going to try and operate, but he asked to see you first.”
“Oh God.” She thought she might be sick.
“You don’t have to see him.” Doug scowled. “No one would blame you.”
“No, I’ll go.” She glanced over her shoulder as she was whisked away, leaving Doug behind.
Through swinging doors, she entered the crowded room where Larry was being treated. The floor was littered with bloody rags and instruments. A doctor barked at her, “You’ve got two minutes before we take him to surgery.”
She nodded and approached the bed. Covered with blood and bandages, he looked dead already. “Larry?”
He opened his eyes. A small smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “Chris, you came. I’m so glad. I was thinking about what you said. I realize what I did wasn’t fair to the kids…or you. I wish I could go back and change things.”
Gripping his hand, she squeezed. “Larry, be strong. There’s still time. When you get better—”
He winced. “Chris, stop it. I won’t get better. Now listen to me. There’s a locker at the bus station, number three-fifty-seven. You got that? Three five seven.”
“Three five seven,” she repeated, tears streaming her face.
“The password is our anniversary date. Inside you’ll find some stuff, and directions to another locker in a different town. Next password is Rusty’s birthdate. In that locker you’ll find the overseas bank information. Take the money, Chris. Seventeen million. Buy the kids whatever they need. Buy them whatever they don’t need. Just make sure they know their daddy loved them, and he did right by them in the end.” He closed his eyes.
“Larry, no!”
His eyelids popped open once again. “I wish I could have done right by you. I was wrong, Chris. I was so wrong. I’m sorry.” He closed his eyes again, and slumped.
Alarms and buzzers went off.
Someone shoved her aside, but she couldn’t move. She stayed there, crying, until his face was covered by the bloody sheet.
“Come on.” Doug slid an arm around her waist and led her out. “Ben’s going into surgery. They said we could wait in here.”
The room was crowded, but they found two seats in the corner.
She glanced around. “Are we safe here?”
He shrugged. “Safe as we can be. This place is crawling with cops and injured law enforcement officials. It’s going to take a while before it’s really secure, but I think we’ll be okay for now.”
“Is Ben hurt badly?”
“I saw him. He’s tough. He’ll be fine.”
She nodded, wiping her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Christi. You didn’t love the man anymore, but he didn’t deserve to go out that way.”
Sniffling, she thought about what he said. “I’m not sure what he did deserve. He seemed at peace with it being his time to go. He told me he was wrong, he was sorry, and to tell the kids he loved them very much.”
Doug shrugged. “Nice words. Too little, too late.”
She wiped her face one last time and gazed at him. “He told me something else, too.” Lowering her voice, she added, “Where we can find the seventeen million dollars.”
His jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me?”
“You always ask that. Would I kid about such a thing?”
“Where the hell is it?”
“Details are in two bus lockers, one in Chicago, and the other in another town. He said something about overseas bank information.”
He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Oh my God!”
Christine smiled. “I know, right? He said to spend it on the kids.”
Doug looked at her with disbelief. “No way! We’d be on the run for the rest of our lives! Always hiding, always looking over our shoulders.”
“With seventeen million dollars.”
He shook his head. “Christi! You can’t be serious.”
“Why not? How will it be so different from Witsec? Always on the run, always in hiding, for the rest of our lives.”
“With the support of the US Marshal’s Service behind us. It’s completely different.”
“I thought you were mad at the US Marshal’s Service. I thought you didn’t know what you wanted to do.”
“I am. I don’t know. Other than marrying you, I have no idea what I’m going to do.”
She smiled again. “We could have a million dollar wedding, and still have sixteen left over.”
“When I said you could choose your name, I didn’t know it was going to be Kardashian.”
“Just tossing out possibilities.” She sighed. “And just imagining, of course. I could never keep the money after everything he did. But it was fun to think about it for two seconds—and see the expression on your face. Priceless.”
Speechless for the first time since she’d known him, he could only smile.
Gilford stood at the waiting room entrance peering around. He appeared relieved when he spotted them. Motioning them to come, he said, “There you are. We’ve got a secure waiting room set up around the corner.”
They followed him to a just-as-crowded area, but this one had a lot more cops. McGuire approached, his arm in a sling. “You two okay?”
Doug nodded.
“I just checked, your marshal is almost out of surgery. Docs say he’ll make a complete recovery.”
“Excellent.” Doug breathed an audible sigh of relief.
&nb
sp; The prosecutor looked at her. “Did you talk to Stewart before he died? Did he give you anything?”
“He was really weak,” she said truthfully.
“Damn it! Carlos de Salazar put the word out that he wouldn’t seek further retribution now that Stewart is gone. ‘The price of a man’s life’ he said, or some such bullshit.”
She cocked her head. “What does that mean?”
“It means he’s not looking for the money anymore. Unfortunately, other people still might be. If Stewart would have told you where it was, you’d have been in the clear. No one would have a reason to bother you anymore.”
“In the clear?” Her mind raced. “Does that mean no more Witsec?”
“No more Witsec. You and your family would have your lives back.”
She looked at Doug.
His grin was the most gorgeous sight she’d ever seen.
Epilogue
Silver Lake, Kansas
Ten months later
“Stop right there!” Christine hollered.
Doug and Ethan froze in their muddy tracks. Daisy continued prancing around the kitchen floor, leaving brown paw prints as she went.
“You, out!” She pointed to the dog.
Ethan’s eyes widened. “But Mom, it’s pouring outside.”
“She can go under the deck. I’m sorry, but the three of you should have had enough sense to come in out of the rain sooner. I just finished cleaning house, and now this.”
Doug grabbed the dog’s collar and helped her out. “Go on, girl.”
Daisy whined and Ethan whined louder. “Mom!”
“It’s all right.” Doug placed a hand on his shoulder. “We goofed up, boy. Leave your shoes here and go get into dry clothes. When you come back, start mopping this floor. I’ll change and get some old towels to dry off Daisy.”
“Okay, Dad.” Ethan smiled at him and made a face at his mother as he walked by.
“Hey!” she called after him.
“Let it go, Christi. I’ll talk to him later.” He pulled his soaked T-shirt off.