Twelve Shades of Midnight:

by Liliana Hart

  All he had to do was convince her that he was willing to learn to be a part of her world. He believed in her. And in them.

  Chapter Six

  Daniel began yelling as soon as Gage entered the hallway. The kid stood with the door pulled close to his body. As if that would stop his loud echo from entering the room behind him or anywhere else on the hospital floor. Two nurses on the other side of the locked ward gate shushed at the kid.

  It was amazing what a considerable donation to a hospital could get you.

  Gage got a single nod from the private security guard who stood watch. Hands at his sides, the giant man took a deep breath before nodding that the situation was under control. This kid would get on anyone’s nerves.

  Daniel the Geek. Yeah, that fit the criminal the kid had been. In Gage’s mind he needed a criminal name to separate the potential person the kid might become. Because if this deal fell through, Daniel the Geek was heading to a federal penitentiary.

  “Where the hell have you been? Do you realize we’re locked in a psych ward? There could be crazies out there.”

  “I don’t consider it locked in here.” He turned the kid and pushed him through the door. “As much as everyone else is locked out there.”

  Marta was awake, sitting up and watching a tabloid news show on the portable television he’d asked to be delivered since none of the rooms in this ward had them. She pointed the remote and the background noise disappeared.

  “It’s good to see you awake and ready to conquer the world,” he said to her, ignoring the constant questions being thrown at him from Daniel the Fiancé. “We’ll get you out of here as soon as our doc says it’s okay. You’re safe. Hallie will be here in a sec.”

  “You are not settling us with that bit–”

  “Daniel, please. I told you it wasn’t anyone’s fault but my own. I should have been more careful and stuck with the plan.” She stretched out her hand and he took it. The loving action calmed the brilliant man.

  What in the world did Marta see in the constantly complaining Daniel? She was so quiet and refined. He was the total opposite. Love was a strange thing, but it looked like they had it.

  “Yeah, about last night. We’re a little confused why you headed over to the motel on your own.” Out of the corner of his eye he saw Hallie slip into the room.

  At least she wasn’t mad at him. They’d concentrated on the case on the drive over. The first sentence she spoke in the car was a plea to put their personal life on hold. He agreed to the rain check and asked her to find out who was responsible for the hit and run.

  “I thought the woman I was supposed to meet called and said to take a cab to that motel,” Marta explained. “Obviously that wasn’t the case.”

  Whoever had tried to kill Marta knew about his investigation. The rest of the car ride had been bringing Hallie up to speed. He had to save these kids and get Daniel the Geek on the straight and narrow.

  He needed evidence to present to his supervisors. He was close to getting the documents Daniel had told him about. Once they were in his hands he’d have a legit case. Witness protection would be a clean break for the kids and a good start at a new life together.

  “Do you remember what she sounded like? High voice? Low voice? Any accent?” He’d met the twin cousins.

  “Not really. She sounded like anybody from around here.”

  “Their accent is very authentic Southern belle. Emma deliberately lowers hers trying to sound more tragic.” Hallie explained watching both of the kids. She shook her head. Her signal to him that she didn’t feel anything unusual.

  Maybe that super power of hers would come in handy.

  “So my father knows and tried to kill me?”

  “He works for some bad characters. It could have been any of them.” Gage tried to soften the blow, but the reality was that her father could have hired the sedans who hit her.

  “How do we find out?” Daniel asked. “There’s got to be something I can do while we’re cooped up.”

  “That’s my job,” Gage assured him.

  “Where’s your cell, Marta? I’ll get Essie to see if she can find out where the call came from.” Hallie took the phone from Daniel and left the room.

  The loving geek sat on the edge of Marta’s bed, leaning on the headrest. “How long do we have to stay here?”

  “You’re safe–”

  “Oh. Oh. Oh.” He pointed at the television. “Marta turn that up. Have you seen this story?”

  Gage reluctantly turned around. The bottom of the screen was a news headline: VAMPIRES IN BELIZE?

  “Authorities are still waiting to question the one lone survivor from a strange attack in the jungles of Belize. The report states that a dozen men and women at an archeological dig were attacked by an unknown animal leaving strange bite marks on each of their necks.”

  “That’s right people. Vampires do exist and they’re alive in South America.”

  Just what Gage needed…more of the woo woo factor seeping into his reality. Vampires? As if an entire family with super-sized extra sensory perception wasn’t enough.

  “Come on, Daniel. I don’t have time to waste on this crap.”

  “So sor-ry,” Daniel exaggerated. It didn’t take ESP to know he didn’t mean it. “Maybe if we had something else to do I wouldn’t be so interested in vampires. I am so bored.”

  “You don’t strike me as the over-achiever type, Daniel,” Hallie said coming inside the room again. “What exactly did you do for Chandler?”

  “He filed tax returns,” Marta said.

  “How would that keep you busy?

  “On a good day I could file forty or forty-five.”

  “You’re talking about fraudulent tax forms.”

  Gage caught Hallie’s wink. They’d already had this discussion, but she wanted more details and wanted to “tune in” as her grandmother had called what she did. By getting the young couple to talk about it, she’d know if they were telling the truth.

  “How could you not get caught? I mean, where did you get the social security numbers and employer identifications?” Hallie asked.

  “Mr. Chandler supplied me that part. All I did was make up numbers. I have the highest rate of payout.”

  “Meaning that the IRS paid on more of your tax forms than another person Chandler had working for them? How do you know if you don’t get the money?”

  “Mr. Chandler keeps a record. We get paid a percentage of what we take down.” Daniel spoke openly about his crime. Proud that he yielded the highest numbers.

  “My father bought the social security numbers from an employee desperate for a little cash. You asked me to get two names. I did better than that. I took pictures on my phone.”

  “I just checked your phone. There’s nothing there.” Hallie told Marta, then faced him. “Can I speak with you in private?”

  As they left, Daniel turned the television on and the hosts were still discussing the mythical history of vampires.

  “I know why they hurt Marta,” Hallie whispered, grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the bodyguard. “There was a woman at the scene last night. Everyone from the motel was in pajamas or shorts, comfy clothes. She was fully dressed like she’d been at work and spoke with a super fake accent.”

  “You think she deleted the evidence.”

  “Why go to such elaborate measures? The first vehicle could have killed Marta, but they missed. The second one hits her and breaks only two bones. It was carefully planned and you heard Marta. It was a woman that spoke to her on the phone. It has to be her.”

  “But how do we find her?”

  “I’m not sure. But it makes sense. Right?”

  Gage could see the excitement in her eyes, hear it in her voice. They used to have these discussions late into the night. It was one just like this that had them both so excited, they’d kissed and had the best sex in their lives.

  He pulled her to him and kissed her. Exploring her lips like it was their first time again
. Two years was too long. Never again. He’d never wait again.

  “Did you get that mental message?”

  She pressed herself into his swelling groin. “Loud and clear.”

  Hallie sat in her comfy office chair and was glad her grandmother hadn’t waited to order office furniture. The place was coming together nicely. Each time she came through the door, her grandmother had another piece of art or window blinds or even holiday decorations.

  Pretty witches that looked like the cartoon characters from a TV show were taped just below the counter. This time a candy dish in the shape of a cauldron and full of candy corn, graced the counter.

  “Hey Grammy. Emma’s taking a shift with the lovebirds. Isn’t it time to head home?” A new clock showed a little past five. “I love that quote from Marilyn Monroe as the clock face. It’s great. Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world. I always feel that way.”

  Grammy nodded. “I’m just finishing up.”

  “I’m sure everything can wait until tomorrow.”

  “Well, sweetie, I disagree. Kyle helped me network our system today. We now have a company calendar and I was adding Emma and Essie’s handgun certification class.” She clicked a couple of keys, took a pencil and marked through a line on her list. “You’ll need to know when the girls are unavailable to help you with a case. And vice versa. What if you have plans?”

  “Grammy, the way my life is going, I’ll never have the kind of plans you’re hinting at.” She bolted down the hallway before her grandmother could ask her something more specific.

  Even after his emotions had practically screamed I love you. Even after the passionate kiss in the psych ward. Even after life seemed to be back on track with a little bit of excitement again. The future wasn’t certain. She’d thought Gage had loved her once before and he’d walked away.

  Or she had.

  What were they supposed to do? Would long weekend getaways work for them? Maybe it would. She didn’t know. What she did know was that in their two years apart neither of them had gotten with someone else. Well, at least she hadn’t. Maybe she needed to ask him about that.

  Paperwork. They hadn’t officially opened their doors and she had more paperwork than when she’d been a federal agent. Government red tape had nothing on opening a small business.

  “Knock, knock.” Grammy waved around the corner of the open doorway. “I forgot to tell you that I found the photographer from last night.” She dropped yet another piece of paper on the desk. “His name is Max Midnight. Perhaps that’s a nom de plum. He refused to email the pictures, but said he’d bring a thumb drive thingy by between five and six. Want me to wait for him?”

  “No. I can handle it. I have to make the identification, since I’m the only one who saw her.”

  “Okay then. Everything’s powered down. I’m just going to pull my sweatpants on for the ride home.”

  Oh, yeah. It was Essie’s turn to pick up their grandmother.

  “Just came back to grab Grammy. Need anything?” Essie poked her head around the corner.

  Maybe as soon as they went home, she could actually get some work done.

  “Grammy found and called the freelance photographer who took the picture of Gage and me at the scene. He’s willing to let me look through his shots. He’s bringing them by in a few minutes.”

  “Can’t he come to the house? Of course he can’t come there. What am I thinking? You don’t want to bring the business home.”

  “That’s part of it. I also just need a little peace and quiet. The house is more crowded than it used to be.”

  “I bet it is. Well, I’m taking Grammy home and forcing her to eat without you. She’s had a roast slow-cooking in the crockpot. It smells heavenly so don’t be too late.”

  “I don’t intend to be,” she called after her cousin. “It all depends on this photographer, Max Midnight.” And if I make up my mind to swing by Gage’s hotel first.

  “The photographer should be here any minute, sweetie. Should we leave the door unlocked?” her grandmother asked, pulling on her helmet.

  “Sure. I’ll wait up front.”

  The bell sounded, letting her know her family had left.

  The house was full and Hallie did need a couple of minutes to get her thoughts together. Not about the case, just about the man who’d hired them.

  Gage.

  He’d followed this case to Texas and planned to involve her from the beginning. But what was his end game? An occasional hookup when he was in Dallas? He wanted to talk about it. He’d invited her to dinner…at his hotel.

  She walked up front to keep an eye on the door, arriving just as a man opened it. “Hi. You must be Max…”

  Nausea. Her legs grew weak. This man wanted to kill her. She turned, slamming her shoulder into the wall. It was difficult, but she forced her legs to move. She had to get to her gun behind her desk. The man caught her hair, yanking her backward, shoving her to the newly carpeted floor.

  Chapter Seven

  Shark-dead eyes stared at her while thick fingers circled her neck. Hallie could smell the stench of jalapeños. See the crazy delight take over his craggy features. Feel her body and mind going limp.

  “Sorry to interrupt but Grammy wanted to know– Oh my God!” Essie shouted. “Let her go!”

  The world faded to a small circle surrounded by black and then beautiful air rushed into her lungs. However it had happened, Hallie was grateful to be alive.

  Coughing hard, but definitely alive thanks to her cousin’s interruption.

  For a wild moment there had been a void. Her ability had completely disappeared. Her own icy hand replaced the rough ones that attempted to choke the life from her, searching to make certain she was still whole as she raised onto her elbow.

  It took all of her effort to draw enough oxygen to regain control of her movements. She wanted to keep her eyes closed and wanted to let someone else handle chasing her attacker. Allow herself to be rescued or handled or whatever the helpless did.

  The stranger had to be close enough to finish what he’d started. His intent had been clear as soon as he’d crossed the threshold into her office. He wouldn’t give up that easy. Her cousin had just saved her life.

  “Grammy call 911,” Essie shouted through the door.

  “No,” she whispered, trying to avoid another run-in with the police. There would be time later.

  Her grandmother asked. “Do you think we should move her?”

  “I can walk.” She tried to reassure them she was okay. Her voice sounded injured, rough and raspy, and seemed to upset them more. The back door slammed. “We have to get that guy.”

  “My bike’s out front. I can follow him,” Essie said. “Are you really okay?” She took her face in her hands, looking hard into her eyes. “Did you recognize him?”

  “No,” she croaked, noticing her cousin was dressed in leather. “Let’s get going.”

  “I got this.” Essie ran, snagging her helmet from the floor where she’d dropped it.

  “No. We go together.” Her attacker had been intent on killing her. Not robbing. Not raping. He’d knocked her to the floor and begun choking. “Did she hear me?” Her grandmother tugged Hallie upright. “She can’t go alone, Grammy. I need my gun.”

  She didn’t quibble that her grandmother turned to her safe and punched in the code. Weapon in hand, Hallie ran to the front. “Go home. Now. I don’t know if the office is secure.”

  At least her legs still worked. She flew through the door, waving her arms in the air to get Essie to stop. She straddled the back and asked, “Who are we following?” before Essie spun the motorcycle out of the parking lot.

  “I saw that hunter green car shoot out from between the buildings. That must be our guy.”

  Hallie’s body finally bounced back. She could think again and feel. She could swear that they were the ones being followed. Did her attacker have a partner? She opened herself like she’d been practicing.

  They slow
ed for a red light and a dark sedan waited a car’s length in front of them near the crosswalk.

  Coincidence?

  Hallie learned a long time ago not to believe in coincidence. These weren’t random men waiting until she was alone. They’d been hired by someone.

  She tapped Essie’s shoulder. “We’re being followed.”

  “Which way should I go?” she shouted. “To a police station?”

  They couldn’t let these guys get away. The two of them didn’t have the street smarts to out-run, out-drive, or out-maneuver professionals, especially through north Dallas traffic. But she could on foot.

  Happy Feet. Gage’s voice echoed in her head from the last time she’d been on assignment. She was qualified. Rusty, but capable.

  “They want Marta and Daniel. They won’t stop until they have them.” Hallie’s heart raced, but she’d made a decision. “We have to end this. Can you do your part without argument and let me do my job?”

  Her family was in danger since the men following them had invaded their office and knew who they were. Who could they go to for help? Another detective agency? The FBI? What would stop them from abducting Grammy or Essie to get what they wanted?

  She had to hurry. The light would turn green at any moment.

  “Don’t go back to the office and don’t go home,” Hallie instructed, stuffing her gun in her cousin’s pocket. “Give that to Gage. He’s staying at the Galleria. You remember where that mall is? Dallas Parkway and Spring Valley. Give me your cell. I know you can track this. They’ll take mine and hopefully not find this one.”

  Hallie gripped the bike’s saddle, bracing herself for the fast start as traffic switched. Essie sped across the intersection, cut off two cars, turned down the first street, then screeched the motorcycle to a stop. “You sure you want to do this Hallie?”

  She had a shaky feeling. It might have something to do with her racing heart, but her gut told her this was the right choice. “It’s the only way we’re going to put an end to this. Don’t get caught, Essie.”