I realized then that I lay totally naked beneath his eyes, and as he watched my nipples harden and reach for him, he stood and shucked his own clothing onto the floor. “I just want to touch you,” he whispered, and I nodded, reaching out for him. His warm, muscled body found mine and although I was a curiously odd-looking captive, he took full advantage of every uncovered part of my body. He lifted my heavy hair off to the side, his mouth sucking at the vulnerable skin beneath my earlobes and around the back of my neck. This sent chills down my body. My one healthy leg lay to the inside of the mattress and he pushed it open gently, his mouth seeking every inch of skin of my inner thigh. His hand cupped my pussy, his middle finger gently probing inside me. “My God, you’re so wet,” he exclaimed. “I want to be inside you but will have to wait for that. For now, let me pleasure you.”
I rolled my head backward on the pillow, closing my eyes and basked in the sensations he lavished over my body. Whether it was the denial or the absence of intimacy for so long, it took practically no time for me to explode. I shuddered, and he pressed his huge palms down on my tummy and my right thigh, holding me still so I didn’t affect the injured leg. His eyes practically ached with need and with my left hand, I pushed him onto his back and then used my fingers to form a sleeve around his throbbing penis. Reaching into my own self, I dampened my fingers with my own juices and used those to lubricate him as my fingers slid up and down his length at an ever-increasing speed. He was growling from the back of his throat, his breath coming quickly and then there was an almost animal cry from the man who owned my heart.
I felt tears moistening my eyes and I began to cry. I wasn’t sad, far from it. They were tears of joy, of an overwhelming need to be close to him and to feel his touch. I was terrified he would leave me again, that whatever secrets he was keeping would eventually become too great to hide and some horrible truth would rise between us; then it would be done. I couldn’t stand the thought of it. I never wanted him to leave. I knew I loved him.
Chapter 20
Brice
I left Mina’s bed early that morning, my head filled with confusing thoughts and cross-purposes. All the things that had been priorities in weeks past now paled in the realization that I wanted Mina for the rest of my life. She’d become the motivation, the purpose, and the desired result of everything I did. Unfortunately, my mind would not let me dismiss Bretherton and whatever crooked misdeeds had led him to where he was.
I knew what I had to do. The plan would remain the same, although my thirst for vengeance had considerably cooled. Bretherton and his family had to be dethroned; there were too many people whose lives had been ruined. I wanted them out of the way so that North Bay Village could be a comfortable, happy home for those who needed it the most. I knew my hunger for Mina was flaming at that moment, but we had time to grow together in a calm, steady way that would endure our lifetimes. I admitted to myself, I was in love with her. She was like a fever and an itch and Christmas every day of the week all rolled into one.
One of her teaching associates was expected to pick her up for school sometime after I’d left. When I got into the hospital, I made a call to the principal of the school where Mina taught.
“Mr. Sanders, this is Dr. Davidson.”
“Yes, Dr. Davidson. How may I help you?”
“Nina Stewart is returning to work this morning, as I’m sure you know. I’m wondering if I might impose on you to keep a special eye on her, without letting her know we are doing so? She tends to push her limits; she’s a little stubborn.”
Sanders laughed. “You’ve noticed that, too, have you?”
“It’s hard not to. Can you look out for her for me? If anything comes up, no matter how small, please let me know. You’ll find me on duty at the ER.”
“Not a problem. In fact, we have a new student teacher and I’ve assigned her to Mina’s classroom. She can handle the more active parts of Mina’s day. She’s a bright girl and I think will be quite helpful.”
“Excellent. Then I’ll leave it in your hands.”
We disconnected, and I went through the mental checklist I carried with me. I retreated to the doctor’s lounge for a few minutes and made some calls, the first to the investigator I’d hired. “Davidson here.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ve decided to dial back on further investigations. It has nothing to do with you. I think I have enough to accomplish my goal and I’ve had other things rise in priority.”
“Very well, doctor. I’ll summarize everything I haven’t given you so far and have it delivered to you if you like?”
“No, nowhere safe to deliver it. Can you have it done by tonight?”
“Yes, that’s no problem.”
“Then meet me at eight o’clock at the same place as last time.”
“Yes, sir.”
With that call ended, I made one last call. It was to Dale Augustine, the county’s prosecuting attorney. He and I had gone to school together and knew one another’s background. Like me, he was young and enthusiastic about his job. I had no doubt he’d welcome the challenge I was about to put his hands. One thing was certain. I had to get it out of my hands. It had become a load, too heavy and too much to worry about. Most of all, it could endanger Mina.
Augustine and I chatted for a few minutes and he agreed to meet with me later in the week. I wanted a chance to go over both the final dossier and make copies before turning it over to him. I hoped to hell that he wasn’t on Bretherton’s payroll.
***
“Todd, you’ve outdone yourself,” I complimented him. North Bay Village was a blank slate, begging for the first shovel of sand to be dug and foundations laid. “Do you have the cottage plans?”
“Right here. Step into my office,” he smiled and headed for the construction office, a stripped-down trailer sitting on the corner of the property. Inside was a desk, a few chairs, stacks of rolled plans, books, charts, and a computer. A coffee maker sat on the small counter. “Can I offer you a cup of coffee?”
“As a matter of fact, I’ll take you up on that. Todd, we need to talk. I’m going to take you into my confidence because you’re one of the few people I truly trust.”
“I appreciate that. I also have some questions for you. Why don’t you go first?”
“You know me pretty well, but there is something you know nothing about. Years ago, I saw a student cheat. All by itself, I realize it’s not a big whoopee, but it started a chain of events that I’ve been watching over the years and recently, I hired an investigator to look into some statistics and records, public and private. What he came back with confirmed my suspicions and went way beyond. It’s corruption at a level that blew my mind, to tell you the truth. There may even be a murder involved.”
“Brethertons?”
I look at him in shock. “What makes you guess that?”
He smiled. “Like you say, I know you pretty well and while I didn’t grow up around here, it doesn’t take long to see how things work. You’ve never been one who could stand to see the little guy put down. Sometimes, I think you should have chosen the law. So, I don’t know the details and I’m not really sure I want to. But you know that I’ve got your back and if you need something from me, just let me know.”
“I’m surprised I’m that transparent, especially when you didn’t know any of the backstory from here where I grew up. Makes me a little skittish, the tell you the truth. No telling who else is on to me.”
“You’re the kind of guy who can take care of himself, Brice. What’s got you worried?”
“Her name is Mina. I went to school with her and always had a crush on her, she actually was my sister’s best friend. She never wanted anything to do with me. I had a bit of a bad reputation and she was a good girl. I didn’t blame her. In fact, in some sense, you could say that she inspired me to become a better person.”
“Must be a special lady.”
“She is.” I nodded and took a drink from the hot coffee Todd had given me
. “So, here’s the thing. She fractured her leg a few weeks back and I pretty much moved into her place to take care of her.”
“Is that what doctors do nowadays?” Todd grinned with sarcasm.
“It’s not what you think.” I sighed. “Oh, well, maybe it is to a certain extent. I confess I wanted to get closer to her. I took her out one night after I first moved back and well, one thing led to another and before I knew it, she was in my bed. With all this should going on with Bretherton, I couldn’t let her get too close to me. I’ve got plans, Todd, you know that. That land you’re looking at out that window, that’s all going to end up as some pretty cool housing options for low income and seniors. You’ve seen the plans, you know what I’m up to. When I thought about being with Mina, it meant I had to give up this dream.”
“Why? Why would she make you give it up?”
“Because the part of it you don’t know yet is that when all this is built, and people are living here, I’m going to file to secede from the city of Bretherton Bay.”
“No shit?”
“It’s been the plan all along. The Brethertons are insanely proud of their name and everything they’ve bought with it. So, I decided to put the screws to them the best way I could. I was going to help people on their land, put another name on it and take it out from their stinking, controlling hands.”
Todd whistled. “That’s a helluva plan, Brice.” He reached for an architect sketch and unrolled it on the table, having his finger on one of the building prototypes. “You’re going to make this whole village right there on the other side of the bay, aren’t you?”
I nodded.
“You’re one helluva man, Brice. I have to say I’m proud to know you. I also have to say you’re one kind of a fool. This Bretherton family is nothing to mess around with, especially if what you suspect is true. How are you can keep yourself out of their sights?”
“That’s where you come in. You’re going to build this first village for me. Then I’m going to deed the entire thing over to your name. Brethertons don’t know you from Jack, so they’ll be left guessing, but I’ll know, and that’s enough. Anyway, I got an appointment with the prosecuting attorney and if I can put any stock in the information I’ve got, they’re going to be dealing with their own legal matters and won’t have time to worry about this place. Every month, you’ll give me half the rental income and I will use that to build the next one, and the next one after that. You see where I’m headed.”
Todd nodded. “Pretty sweet, if I have to say so myself. I had no idea when I asked you to start a construction company that you were thinking anywhere near this scale. Little houses, yes, but a whole city?”
“Village,” I corrected him. “Hey, I control a lot of money and right now it’s sitting in Bretherton’s bank. When we’re granted that secession, I’m going to pull the plug, and that money comes out, too. This development you see before you, it’s not just cottages for rent. There’s going to be a whole little village here, complete with its own city government, medical center, retail and most importantly, a bank. Well, actually a credit union. That’s where my money’s going.”
“So, Brice, why are you telling me all this? You’re kinda giving away your whole game plan. If I wasn’t who you know me to be, I could do you some real harm.”
I looked him straight in the eye. “I trust you, Todd. And more to the point, I need a partner. I want Mina in my life and I don’t want her to get just leftovers. She’s the kind of gal who wants the cottage, picket fence, and three kids. I want that with her. So, I’ll be the married doctor and you will be my business partner who handles everything in return for half the profit. Are you interested?”
Todd laughed. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No, the last thing I am is kidding.”
Chapter 21
Mina
It was only eleven in the morning, but I was already exhausted. I’d no idea how much it had taken out of me to stay in bed for three weeks. Mr. Sanders had placed a student teacher, Katie, in my class and she was a lifesaver. Everyone was being very solicitous; even Mr. Sanders was sliding past my door about every half hour, nodding as he caught my eye. Most of the children were well-behaved and since they’d been together already during my three-week vacation, they seemed to already have a pattern to their day. Everyone, except Lukey. My sub had arranged the seating chart so that he was sitting in the front row, right next to my desk. I wonder why?
“Good morning, Ms. Stewart,” he’d greeted me with a sing-song voice that told me he was up to something. “I know somebody who likes you…”
“Morning, Lukey, I see you’re in fine spirits. Now, please sit down and stay quiet with the others.”
“Don’t you want to know who he is?”
I had no idea what he was talking about, but it was a small town and Lukey had eyes like an eagle. There was no telling what he was likely to say.
“Lukey, be quiet. We’ll talk about this after class,” I said firmly, but he wasn’t to be put off that easily.
“Mina has a boyfriend, Mina has a boyfriend,” he sang out.
“Lukey, and now you have an invitation to visit Mr. Sanders in the principal’s office.”
There was a general intake of breath as that action carried the same weight as the wrath of God among fourth graders. Their eyes enlarged as they watched Katie reach for Lukey’s hand and escort him out of the room. There was dead silence in the classroom and not a single rubber band or spit wad flew.
“Now then. Take out your social science books and let’s review the chapter you were supposed to read last night.” I’d managed to restore order, but I wished Lukey’s mouth could be sewn shut.
I asked Bobby to stand up and read a few paragraphs of the text and while he did, I let my mind wander to my night with Brice. Odd, but teaching and life-guarding had fallen to the bottom of my priority list. I wanted to be with him all day and all night. Geez! I realized at that moment that he would be moving out, and I didn’t even know when. I was letting my heart carry me away. Suddenly, I wasn’t so chipper. Bobby had stopped reading and was looking at me quizzically. “Keep reading,” I told him, and his little shoulders sighed in defeat as he read on. I made a mental note to ask Brice about it that night.
***
After school, I couldn’t bring myself to go straight back to Rose Arbor. My period of incarceration was up, and I was a free woman. It wasn’t easy, and I’d had to fib to Brice. He’d arranged for another teacher to pick me up, but as soon as he left, I canceled that and drove myself. I was lucky enough to find a parking place in front of the door at Coffee Grounds and managed to get inside after only winging two or three people with my crutches. I chose a stool and had just settled when I heard a familiar giggle behind me. With as much excitement as I could muster in a crutch swivel, I opened my mouth to greet Marcy and froze. She was sitting with David! She hadn’t spotted me yet, so I shook my head at the barista and clumsily exited. I managed to get back in the car. It was probably a good idea if I made it back to Rose Arbor before he got home.
Marcy and David on a date! Hadn’t Brice warned her off him the way he’d warned me?
***
Brice came through the door wearing a shoulder bag briefcase. I felt a little shy to see him after the night we’d spent together. “Hi there,” I greeted him and started to get up to give him a kiss.
“No, stay put. I’ll come to you.”
“Is that a promise?”
He was pre-occupied, and it took a couple seconds for him to catch my innuendo. He grinned and hugged me hard with a kiss in the middle. “That’s cute. How did today go?”
“You mean you’re asking how long was it before Lukey went to see Sanders? Just a little over an hour.”
“Lukey?”
“Oh, sorry, thought I might have mentioned him. He’s a student in my class and my primary candidate for drowning last summer. His mother doesn’t pay attention and he pushes boundaries.”
Brice
swung around, and he leaned against the counter. “Ohhh… that Lukey.”
“You know him then?”
“Maybe. Can’t comment on anything other than I may have met him. He brought up your name, as a matter of fact. Said you were pretty.”
“Well, that explains a few things.”
“Such as?”
I blushed again. “Lukey started sing-songing about me having a boyfriend. I wasn’t sure what he was talking about, I was afraid maybe he thought it was David. I had to send him down to the principal’s office.”
“Huh. God, I remember those days,” he said, pulling a glass from the cupboard and filling it with water.
“I saw David today and he wasn’t alone.”
“Where?”
Damn! I walked myself right into that trap. “Okay, so you caught me. I drove myself just fine, so you don’t have to preach.” He didn’t respond but turned his back to me. I thought that strange.
“So, who was he with?”
“He was at Coffee Grounds with your sister Marcy.”
His back stiffened.
“If you are worried about him being around me, why haven’t you warned her as well? Or is it just me you don’t want him near?” I said teasingly.
He never said a word as he slammed his glass into the sink and disappeared out the door. I was stunned. I supposed he was worried about Marcy too, after all.
Chapter 22
Brice
“This is some fairly compelling research,” Dale Augustine commented as he leafed through the paperwork as I relayed the gist of why I was in his office.
“It’s all there. It’s just a matter of lining up columns A and B.”
He nodded. “So, what is it you’d like me to do?”
I wasn’t sure how to take his question. Was he asking my advice or asking what I wanted from the deal? I edged forward on my chair. “Look, Dale, you and I have known one another since school. Now, without prejudice, if you think you’d like me to get up, walk away and forget this happened, just say the word. I’m not interested in damaging your politics or affiliations. I get it. This is how small towns work.”
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