Kyle (Hope City Book 4)

by Maryann Jordan

  “So, they chose a place in plain view, no cameras, but so little traffic that a truck can sit here for days and no one would notice or complain.” Looking toward the two officers, he asked, “Did they discover it?”

  “Yeah,” Todd replied. “Because it looks so new, it caught their eye and they decided to ask the guy if it was his. He’s the one that told me it’s just been sitting here for a few days. They ran the plates and then called it in.”

  “Well, once processed, I guess Mr. Ying will be glad to get his truck back,” Alex said, eliciting a chuckle from the others.

  22

  Kyle’s day had been long, and he drove to his house, concerned that Kimberly had not confirmed that she was going to meet them there. They had bounced back and forth between houses and he hoped she would be waiting for him. Going through the front door, his gaze snagged immediately on the coffee table. A key lying on top of a piece of paper was in plain sight. Snatching the paper up, he could easily see it was from her, already recognizing her handwriting.

  I suppose I’m taking the chicken way out by leaving your key and this message. I heard you talking to Alex this morning and know that you read over my notes from work. If you have to investigate my employer, I can respect that. But I can’t respect or condone you using me to that end. I’m giving back your key because right now it feels disingenuous to keep it. Kimberly

  He read the note three times then tossed it back to the coffee table next to his house key. Dropping his head back, he closed his eyes and planted his hands on his hips, cursing his actions. It was foolish to have talked to Alex in her house with the possibility that she would overhear. But it was even more wrong to have looked through her work papers without her permission.

  Dropping his chin, he jerked his phone from his pocket and dialed her number, frustrated when it went to voicemail. Turning on his heel, he stalked to his truck and drove to her house.

  He still had his key to her house but knocked on the door, hating that she did not answer. Looking up and down the street, he didn’t see her car in its usual parking spot. Plopping down on the front step, he decided to wait. A few minutes later, Bob walked up and saw him sitting on the stoop. “Hey, Kyle, are you locked out?”

  “No, she’s not here right now. I just thought I’d wait for her outside.”

  “Yeah? How about some company?”

  He wasn’t sure how to politely say that he preferred being by himself and watched as Bob sat on his front stoop.

  Bob surprised him when he said, “I’ll be honest, Kyle. I saw Kimberly earlier and she said that you were investigating Kilton. That the robbery might be an inside job.”

  He looked toward Bob and held his gaze for a long time, impressed that the other man did not look away.

  “My partner and I were going to come to see you today, but we got called away. I know that Tammy Rutgers reports to you, so you’re going to know all the shipping details.”

  “You want to make this official? Go ahead, ask me anything.”

  “Okay. I’m convinced that someone knew the route that the van was going to take. It was supposed to deliver to that particular pharmacy later in the afternoon but, even with the time getting moved up by several hours because of the change, the truck involved in the theft was already waiting there. Tammy knew the routes. You knew the routes. And the drivers knew the routes. I just found out today that Porter has that information as well. So that leaves me with a small pool of people that could have known what route they were taking.”

  Bob sighed heavily and looked out toward the street. “I know you’ve got to look into me, but I’ll tell you, I had nothing to do with it. And I’d bet my life that neither did Tammy.”

  “Okay, if I take you at face value for right now, what does that leave me with?”

  “That leaves you with Porter, Charlie, and Joe.” Bob looked back at him and said, “But, of course, if I’m lying to you, I could just be setting them up.”

  “Yep, that’s right. But I can already tell you that Charlie and Joe’s stories don’t match up.”

  Bob’s gaze jerked back to Kyle and his brow lowered. “Damn.”

  “Tell me about those two.”

  Bob propped his forearms on his knees, clasped his hands together, and stared down for a moment. “Did you know Joe had a stepbrother that was a user?”

  “Fuck,” Kyle bit out.

  “Not raised together. Different dads and different last names. The only reason I know is that I stopped by the funeral home for family visitation when his mom died a few years back. He introduced me to his brother and then a couple of days later we were just shooting the shit and he mentioned that his stepbrother hadn’t been out of jail very long. I think he mentioned using, maybe even dealing.” With his head still facing down, he twisted around and caught Kyle’s eye. “I’ve never had a reason to suspect Joe. And I sure as hell don’t hold anything against him that someone in his family has ever done.”

  “Out of curiosity, when I said that their stories didn’t match up and asked about the two, you told me something about Joe. Why is that?”

  Bob’s brow crinkled. “I don’t know. I can’t tell you who’s lying when it comes to them giving different accounts, but I just don’t know anything about Charlie that’s suspicious at all. Hell, Joe’s stepbrother doesn’t make Joe suspicious either. I guess it’s just something I thought of.”

  Kyle looked over as another car drove down the street and spied Kimberly. She parallel parked several doors down, bumping her back tire against the curb. If he wasn’t so concerned about her state of mind, he would’ve smiled. Instead, he watched as she got out and threw a glare his way. The two men stood, and Bob turned to reach out his hand.

  Grasping it in a shake, Kyle said, “Appreciate the information.”

  Bob waved toward Kimberly before going inside his house as she stomped up the front steps.

  Opening her door, she marched inside, and Kyle followed. Rounding quickly, she said, “What were you talking to Bob about?”

  “I’m not at liberty to tell you right now. It was official.”

  She reared back as her eyes bugged out of her head. “Official? You were questioning my neighbor officially?”

  “He volunteered to be questioned officially, so yes. And not as your neighbor, but as an employee and a person of interest.”

  “A… a… a person of interest?”

  He wondered if her eyes could widen anymore and sighed heavily. “Kimberly, I don’t want to talk about this now.”

  “Well, guess what? We don’t always get what we want, do we?” She held out her hand, wiggling her fingers. “Keys.”

  He was struck with déjà vu and wondered if she recognized the similarity from weeks before. Stepping closer, he said, “Sweetheart, I’m sorry.”

  She pinched her lips together in a tight line. “You betrayed my trust, but it’s all supposed to be better because you say you’re sorry?”

  “No, not because I just say that I’m sorry, but because I truly am. What I did yesterday was wrong. I wasn’t snooping, but the material was lying right there in plain sight, and I did start looking through it. All I could think about was finding out who’s getting drugs on the street.”

  “All you care about is taking out somebody at Kilton.”

  “No, that’s not true.”

  “How long have you been investigating Kilton Pharma? Since before meeting me the first time?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Is that why you’re with me?”

  Hands on his hips, he shook his head. “You know that’s not true. You know that who you work for has nothing to do with how I feel.” He dropped his chin to his chest for a moment then lifted his gaze back to her. “Damnit, Kimberly, I’m not after Kilton. I’m trying to get the leak of prescription drugs off the street. The way I went about it wasn’t right when I found your notes, but my motives were pure.”

  Indecision crossed her face, then she shook her head. “I don’t have tim
e for this right now. I’m going to a friend’s house.”

  “Whose?”

  “That’s my business.”

  He wanted to argue that her business was his business but knew he should tread carefully. Sucking in a deep breath, he let it out slowly. “All right, but I’d like to know you accept my apology.”

  “Kyle, I’m still upset. And I need some time and space, and you’re going to give me that.”

  He nodded slowly, hating to agree but understanding her need. “Okay, but will you let me know when you get in? Not because I’m trying to keep tabs on you but because I worry.”

  Her shoulders slumped as she held his gaze. “Yeah, I’ll do that. I promise.”

  “Men suck.”

  Kimberly, sitting on the floor with her back to the sofa, rolled her head to the side and looked at Caitlyn. Not usually one for making such negative declarative statements, she was surprised. But then Caitlyn was on her third glass of wine, so her tongue was loosened.

  “Hear, hear,” Sandy agreed.

  Sandy was sitting on the other side of the room, so Kimberly rolled her head toward her. “Come on, girls. They don’t really suck. They’re just… kind of sucky.”

  Bekki laughed and propped her feet on the coffee table. “Well, you’re the one who started it by talking about Kyle.”

  She hadn’t meant to go into all her problems when she’d shown up at Caitlyn’s house earlier. After all, Caitlyn was Kyle’s sister. But it seemed as though Caitlyn had had a bad day at school with a new principal, Bekki was frustrated with one of the men at the TV station, and Sandy… well, for all her flirting, she was always irritated with men.

  “I know. He did apologize, though. It just seemed so underhanded.”

  Caitlyn set her wine glass down, pulled her feet off the coffee table, and leaned forward. “Okay, here’s the thing that you’ve got to understand. Something that Bekki and I get in spades. So, listen and learn a few things that the nuns didn’t teach you, darling.”

  Curious, she twisted around so that she could give them her full attention.

  “My dad worked for the FBI. Bekki’s dad is the Police Commissioner. She’s got two brothers who are detectives, and another one who’s a fireman. I’ve got two brothers who are detectives and another one who’s a paramedic. My oldest sister is now married to a detective. Bekki’s oldest brother is married to a detective, and another one is with a DEA agent. Are you getting what I’m telling you?”

  “Yes. You’re telling me that your family is mostly law enforcement. Uptight, always on duty, suspicious… am I on the right track?”

  Caitlyn giggled, nodding. “Yes, but that’s not all. You see, people aren’t just in law enforcement as a job or a career. It’s in their DNA.”

  “DNA?”

  “It’s who they are. They are always investigating. Always looking. Always searching,” Caitlyn said.

  “Always security conscious,” Bekki threw out.

  “And from what I’ve seen… always alpha,” Sandy added with an eye-roll.

  “Yeah, alpha for sure,” Caitlyn agreed, “but not in a me Tarzan, you Jane kind of way. Just in a… a…”

  “It’s more of a ‘I love you and want to protect you’ kind of way,” Bekki finished. Leaning back in her seat, she sighed, a slight smile playing about her lips. “That’s what I’m looking for and certainly didn’t find it where I work.”

  “I know I don’t find it where I work,” Caitlyn said. “The most domineering man I work with is the principal and he’s a prick.”

  Kimberly settled back against the sofa cushions, her legs spread out in front of her, and sipped the last of her wine. “You’re right… Sister Honoria didn’t teach me that at all.” Grinning, she added, “Although Sister Francine did say that one day a man would sweep me off my feet.”

  “Was she right?” Sandy asked.

  Looking at the curious faces of her friends, she grinned. “Yeah, she was.”

  “So, my brother’s not such an ass after all?” Caitlyn asked.

  “I never said he was an ass! He did apologize.”

  Sandy leaned over, her expression wistful. “Then what are you doing here? If I had such a man, I’d be with him.”

  “You could be, you know?” Caitlyn said. “Rory would—”

  “Right! Like the biggest, flirtiest, playerist in town would settle down?”

  “Playerist?” Bekki asked, her nose scrunched. “I don’t think that’s a word.”

  “Well, it fits Rory McBride!”

  Pushing to her feet, Kimberly smiled and said, “Dearies, it’s time for me to go.”

  Caitlyn moved over and wrapped her arms around her. “Please, forgive my brother. I really want you two together.”

  Squeezing her in return, she leaned back and smiled. With hugs given all around, she called for a taxi and gave him the address.

  Kyle sat in his living room, the TV on a game, but he paid no attention. Instead, his focus was on his phone, waiting for the text or call from Kimberly to say she’d gotten home safely. A car door slammed outside and a few seconds later he heard knocking on his door. Jumping to his feet, he looked outside and spied her standing on his stoop.

  He threw open the door. “Babe? Are you okay?”

  “I’ve been with Caitlyn, and Bekki, and Sandy.”

  It was then he realized her smile was a bit sloppy, and he looked behind her up and down the street. “Did you drive?”

  “Of course, I didn’t drive! I’ve had several glasses of wine, but I’m responsible enough to take a taxi.”

  “Why didn’t you text me any information about the driver so if you disappeared off the face of the earth, I would’ve known who you were with?”

  Still standing on his stoop, she narrowed her eyes and planted her fists on her hips. “Are you trying to be a jerk… again?”

  He started counting to ten but only made it to four. Reaching out, he snagged his hand around her waist and gently pulled her inside. Staring down at her green eyes, all other thoughts fled his mind, and he simply wanted his lips on hers. Bending, he kissed her. A kiss to claim and possess, but he knew it was she who claimed his heart and possessed his soul. Finally, he lifted his head, sucking in a ragged breath.

  She reached up, placing her palm over his wildly-beating heart. “Earlier, you asked for forgiveness. I give it.”

  The tight band around his heart eased, and he let out a long breath.

  “Caitlyn and Bekki had a lot to say about the men in their families.”

  Brows lifted, he asked, “Was it good or damning?”

  Her lips quirked and she said, “A little of both.” She ran her tongue over her bottom lip and sighed. “They were raised in families with a lot of people in law enforcement. They told me it’s in your DNA. I was raised with sweet nuns. I’m not sure my past experience makes it easy to always understand what you’re thinking or going through.”

  The grip that had hold of his heart squeezed again, and he quickly said, “I don’t want our pasts to keep us from the future, Kimberly.”

  She shook her head quickly. “That’s not what I’m saying, Kyle. You and I look at people from two completely different perspectives. I’m just saying that I’m having to get used to being with someone who has such a suspicious mind.”

  He slid one hand over her shoulder and cupped her cheek, his fingertips gliding through her silky hair. He rubbed his thumb over her soft skin, drowning in her expressive eyes. “This is all new for both of us, sweetheart. I can’t change who I am, but I can promise I won’t use you. And I’ll share whatever I can about your workplace, especially to make sure you’re safe.”

  “And Bob? What on earth does he have to do with anything?”

  He hesitated, battling with what to say. Finally, still cupping her cheek, he admitted, “Kilton Pharmaceuticals is huge in the industry, one with ties to big money, lobbying, and politicians. Not all the strings that get pulled are the altruistic desire to find a cure. One of the biggest
problems we have on the street is legal pharmaceuticals getting into the wrong hands.”

  Her tongue darted out to moisten her bottom lip, but she remained quiet, simply nodding for him to continue.

  “The street value is in the millions, something you know because you’ve been researching. Some of those drugs come from Kilton Pharmaceuticals.” He watched as his words penetrated and her eyes widened. Expecting her to argue, he was surprised when she simply nodded again. Still choosing his words carefully, he added, “We have every reason to suspect the Kilton van theft was aided by someone at Kilton.”

  She gasped, sputtering “But… but Bob wouldn’t—”

  He slid his thumb to settle over her lips, stilling her protestation. “I didn’t say he did it. But someone who knows the delivery van schedules would be a person of interest to talk to. I had some questions for him, and his knowledge is beneficial.”

  ‘Tammy? Or the drivers themselves—”

  “I’m not going to speculate with you—”

  “But I can get in there and ask questions. I can do some checking for you—”

  “Oh, hell no, Kimberly. Absolutely not,” he barked, wanting to throttle her but wondering if it was the alcohol making her reckless. “Okay?”

  She sucked in her lips, thoughts working behind her eyes, then nodded.

  “Hey,” he said, pulling her attention back to him. “How drunk are you?’

  A slow smile spread over her face. “Why?”

  “Because I don’t mind fucking you when you’re tipsy, but not drunk.”

  “Oh, I’m definitely just tipsy—”

  Breathing a sigh of relief, he scooped her into his arms and carried her up the stairs where he proceeded to show her just how much fun tipsy sex could be.

  23

  Kimberly made her way to Bob’s office the next morning. Kyle’s words about Kilton Pharmaceuticals ending up on the streets of Hope City still rang in her ears. Worrying her bottom lip as she walked, she wondered how to keep interviewing employees for human-interest stories while considering if they were involved in something illegal. It also crossed her mind that if Kyle’s investigation proved true, Kilton Pharmaceuticals would once again take a deserved hit in the media.