Salvation At Sunset (A McGinty's Of San Antonio Series Novel Book 5)

by Donalyn Maurer

  “Dad?” Garrett growls.

  “Yes. He’s been keeping tabs on you. Every time you deployed he told me. He told me the reason you hadn’t called was because you were away fighting for our country. I knew you’d come back.”

  Garrett's face is laced with confusion. He shakes it all off and goes on talking to his sister.

  “Raleigh, I’ve been trying to call. I called like crazy.”

  “What?! I didn’t get any calls. I’ve been waiting. You said you were coming back for me. I’ve been waiting, Garrett. I would have answered. I promise. I knew you’d come back. All this time, I knew you’d come back. I knew you didn’t leave me like she said,” she sobs.

  I don’t even realize I’m crying until I see tears dropping all over the truck seat. My God, she’s been waiting. For over a decade, she’s been waiting.

  “I went there, Raleigh. I saw you.” Garrett mutters full of guilt and confusion.

  “What? You were here? When?”

  “A few weeks ago. You were with mom. Y'all were down on Main. Saw Deke at the diner. He told me you were engaged.”

  “Garrett, noooooo. God, no. That’s what they want. Grandpa and her. I’ve been trying to play along. I had to. Otherwise…” her voice trails off and I hear a whimper.

  “She been hurting you, Raleigh?” Garrett demands and my eyes fly to his. His face is red and his jaw is ticking.

  “No. Daddy wouldn’t let them. Grandpa and mom, I did what you told me, Garrett. Daddy told me too. He knows I don’t want to be with Bodean. He’s trying to fix it. Just said not to upset them. Said to play along for now. I’ve been faking it. They believe me,” she confides.

  “Jesus Christ, I’m so sorry. I should have known. FUCK! I’m coming now.” Garrett reaches for the ignition.

  “NO! Wait. I need you to wait. There’s going to be a secret rally on the outskirts of town soon. The area is going to be crawling with them. Wait a few days. Let things settle. When it’s clear I’ll call this number back. Bella? She’s your friend?”

  Garrett gives me look of such deep gratitude and love I don’t have the words to explain how it makes me feel.

  “Yes, she is. Raleigh, don’t wait too long otherwise I’ll just come.”

  “Okay. I missed you,” she whispers.

  “Missed you too,” he replies.

  “Bella?”

  “Yes,” I respond, choked up.

  “Thank you,” she whispers again.

  “You’re welcome,” I offer through my sniffles.

  “I’ll call you. Just a few days. I have to go now. I love you.”

  “Love you too,” Garrett whispers and Raleigh clicks off.

  After Garrett and Raleigh hang up, Garrett reaches over and yanks me into his lap. I let out a surprised yelp and my hands fly to his chest. Next thing I know his lips are in mine. Not a soft kiss, a hard, bruising kiss. His hands lock around me. One in my hair and one around my back only breaking apart to come up for air.

  “Bella, thank you,” he whispers.

  “Honey, you’re welcome. I told you I was going to pull you from your hell. I may not be able to fight what you saw over there but I assure you, Garrett, I will fight your family. You will not suffer at the hands of them anymore. You are not alone. You have me and my family, the McGinty’s, Bradshaw’s, Holloway’s. We’re going to help you. And Raleigh. Your parents will be sorry they ever hurt you,” I vow.

  His lips twitch.

  “What you don’t believe me?” I straddle his lap.

  “Oh, I believe you, Bella.” He brings my lips to his.

  As the kissing turns heavier, my hands slide under Garrett’s shirt. I forget where we are, but when a "Whoop, whoop!" fills the air, both Garrett and I freeze. I don’t even make it out of his lap when two men from the Sheriffs’ department appear at Garrett’s truck window.

  A tall, freaking hot as heck, African-American man with a goatee and another not as tall, but still at least six foot man, are peering at us. The shorter man is extremely handsome and built like a mountain with the hint of tattoos peeking out from his shirt cuffs.

  “Sir, ma’am, just a few miles up the road there.” The African-American officer points ahead. “Is a lovely Hyatt with nice beds and lots privacy,” his voice is laced with humor.

  “Isabella Rollins?” The other probes.

  What?

  It clicks that these are the same two Sheriff's from the impound lot the other morning. How did I not notice how good looking they were then?

  “Oh, hey, y'all.” I blush.

  “Well, hey there, ma’am. Nice to see you again. Can I get y'all to step on out of the truck?”

  “Sure.” Garrett plops me back down on my seat and opens the truck door and steps out.

  Both size him up as Garrett helps me climb out the driver’s side. I can’t help but blush again when they smile at me.

  “I’m Deputy Lopez.” He reaches out and shakes Garrett’s hand.

  “Garrett Cooper,” Garrett replies.

  “Deputy Walsh.” He follows Lopez and shakes Garrett’s hand. “Glad to meet you, Garrett and happy to see the frown off this girl’s face and in its place, a smile.”

  “Same and thanks,” Garrett replies, wrapping his arm around me.

  “How have things been, Ms. Rollins?” Deputy Lopez asks giving his attention back to me.

  “Nothing else but some calls and text messages have happened since the day y'all were there,” I tell them, embarrassed over the entire situation.

  “Hey, listen, we both live near you and your parents house. Hell, half the SAPD and Bexar County Sheriff’s department live in that area. If he tries anything, he won’t get by us.” Deputy Walsh states.

  When he says he, it confirms what I thought and that they believe its Tad Kearny too.

  “Can’t say how sorry we are over what happened to you,” Deputy Lopez conveys and my embarrassment starts to lift.

  “Piece of garbage.” Deputy Walsh shakes his head.

  “So you believe me? You think it’s…”

  The deputies share a glance before looking back at me.

  “Yes. We believe you. Can’t say much but we’ve heard of this guy and his family. Just some rumors,” Deputy Walsh informs us.

  “Want you to know, we’re making sure we keep a close eye out. Not only on your home, but your parents and we notified some of our brothers in blue to keep an eye on your parents shop during their downtown patrols. He tries anything we’re going to catch him and when we do, he’s going down,” Deputy Lopez promises.

  “Thank you.”

  “From now on, I’ll be around too,” Garrett announces.

  “That’s good. We’re really glad.” Deputy Walsh looks back at Garrett. “You from around here? You got a bit more drawl than most around here,” he quizzes, chuckling.

  “No. Served in the army for a long while but originally from Divor.” Garrett divulges. He tenses. He accidentally let that slip.

  “Divor, huh?” Deputy Lopez looks over at Deputy Walsh; neither gives away any reaction.

  “Yes, sir,” Garrett states simply, but shame is thundering from him.

  “Well, welcome back. Thank you for your service. Glad you made your way down here, you’re better off. Glad to have you,” Deputy Walsh counters, and Garrett relaxes a little.

  “Yes, sir. You’re right and thank you.”

  “Guess we need to be getting on.” Deputy Lopez reaches into his front shirt pocket near his badge. “This is my card.” He pulls a pen from the same pocket and starts writing on the back. “This is my personal home and cell number.” He explains while writing. “I live on Magnolia, about four streets over and a block up from you. Anything happens, you call 911 first, and then you call me. Call me for anything if you need too.” He hands me the card and shakes hands with Garrett.

  Deputy Lopez hands Deputy Walsh his pen. Deputy Walsh does the same, pulling a card from his pocket and writing his personal information down before handing it to
me.

  “I live on the other side of Broadway. It may take me a bit longer to get to you but call me if you need to. Like Deputy Lopez said, call 911 first, though. We’ll be right behind them if you need us,” Deputy Walsh offers with a smile and also shakes hands with Garrett.

  I smile at both of them but it turns into embarrassment again when Deputy Lopez points up the road and simply says, “Hyatt.” He winks and walks off with a grinning Deputy Walsh following.

  They both climb into black and white SUV and Garrett and I watch as they pull back out on the road and give us a final whoop from the siren.

  Garrett has been a nervous wreck since he spoke to Raleigh. I want to help but I’m not sure what to do for him. He’s been pacing for the last hour that we’ve been home. I decided to cook us spaghetti for dinner and while I was in the kitchen, Garrett went out in the backyard and sat down by the garage. I can see him through the kitchen window and I’ve been keeping an eye on him in between checking on the sauce, noodles and bread. I only break from my vigil when my phone goes off. It’s my mom and I know I have to answer. She’s and Victoria have probably been worried sick over what they heard earlier.

  “Hey, Mom,” I say softly still watching Garrett.

  “Hey, baby. How is he?” she inquires tenderly.

  “Truthfully? I just don’t know. His demons are attacking from every side.” I confide.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispers.

  “Me too. He’s going for help. I thought that was the end, but then I found out he has a sister. He’s worried sick about her now.” Garrett stands and walks to the very back of the yard and stares off into the distance.

  “Sister? Why is he worried?”

  “She’s in Divor.”

  “What do you mean she’s in Divor?” She gasps, and that surprises me.

  “That’s where he’s from, Mom. Divor. He left when he joined the military. She’s still there. He’s going to get her soon,” I explain as I walk back over to the stove to stir the noodles and sauce.

  “Garrett. Garrett. Oh, my God. How old is he? What’s Garrett’s last name, Isabella?” I’ve never heard this tone from my mom, so I stop what I’m doing when my heart takes on a different rhythm.

  “Cooper,” I respond cautiously.

  When I hear her whimper and her feet rushing along the wood floors of my parent’s home, my hands start shaking. I turn off the oven along with the burners and make my way to sit down at my table because my legs are shaking too. This can’t be good.

  “Case!” My mom yells, her voice cracking as she calls for my dad urgently.

  There's a crash and some rustling. “Jesus, Skye, what’s wrong?” My dad asks in concern.

  “Garrett. Bella’s Garrett. He’s from Divor.”

  “What the fuck?” My back goes straight at my dad’s tone and I stand from the chair.

  “Mom!” I call out my voice now trembling. “What’s wrong?”

  “Garrett Cooper, Case. It’s him,” my mom cries.

  “Give me the phone.” My dad demands. “Isabella?”

  “Dad, what’s going on? You guys are scaring me.” I whimper as I walk on shaky legs to the window. My mouth has gone dry and I start shaking as my brow becomes wet from sweat. My hands are clammy and an unnerving cold travels through my veins as I look back out the window at Garrett.

  “Listen, I don’t know. The only way I’d know one hundred percent is if I saw him. His back, God, his back.”

  “His back?” I blink at Garrett, my vision becoming blurry. I try to blink it away but I can’t. I look down at my kitchen floor and try to gather myself.

  “Yes.” Pain is evident in my dad's tone.

  The phone in my hand crashes to the floor, my breathing becoming heavy. I can’t catch a breath. Somehow I walk out the back door and down the steps. Garrett hears the door and turns towards the house but I’m already halfway to him. When he sees me, I must look a mess because he rushes to my side.

  “Bella, what’s wrong?” he asks, scared.

  “Turn around.” I order softly.

  “What?”

  “Please turn around.” I repeat.

  Garrett is confused but turns around. I reach for the bottom of his shirt and raise it up. I clear the waist of his jeans and keep going until the shirt is up around his shoulders. Garrett’s head falls forwards when I lean forward and start laying tiny kisses along the faint red scars running across his back.

  “Bella,” Garrett brings me around to face him.

  I gaze up in his beautiful face and see so much pain that I feel like I’m going to die.

  “It doesn’t hurt. It hasn’t hurt for a long time.” He tries to convince me and pushes the hair from around my face and cups my cheeks. “How? How did you know?”

  I ignore his question. I want to scream at him. Call him a liar. It still hurts. Instead of releasing my voice full of fury it comes out in a squeak.

  “You were whipped? By who?”

  “Baby,” he groans and pulls me close.

  “Why? Why?” I manage to croak out and lock my lips trying to hold back my sobs for him.

  “I embarrassed them.” he discloses and wraps me up tight.

  “How? What could you have possibly done to deserve that?” I whisper in his ear.

  Garrett leans back from our embrace and leads me over to the back porch. He has us both sit on the step before he goes on.

  “I was twelve years old. I was out hiking through the woods close to sunset one evening when I hit one of the back roads and saw an old man wearing a world war two veteran cap stranded at the side of the road. He had not one, but two tires going flat and he was struggling to change them so I stopped to help him. When I was pulling off the worst of the tires, I saw several nails imbedded. The other wasn’t so bad. I quickly changed it so he could get out of there. I couldn’t leave him there. I couldn’t, Bella,” he explains, his eyes going to the ground.

  Sounds like the nails were deliberate, but I still don’t understand. “So you changed a tire. Why would they whip you?”

  “I knew what they all wanted. They wanted him. Even if they killed me, I would not let that man face a fate he didn’t deserve. I wasn’t quick enough, though. They saw me.”

  “But…” I shake my head still lost, but then Garrett gives me the final piece of the puzzle.

  “He was black, baby.”

  All the breath leaves my body. “What were they going to do to him?” I ask in shock.

  Garrett doesn’t respond he just shakes his head before standing. “I’d never witnessed any of them causing physical harm to anyone, but I sure as hell knew they did. I wasn’t considered trusted so I don’t know what all they did. They’re cowards, and as evil as they come. They only came out after dark; they hid behind hoods while slashing tires and vandalizing businesses and homes. That night there were lots of leaders from other chapters in town for a secret rally. They took me back thick in the woods so no one would hear my cries; only that night I wasn’t the one crying.”

  “Garrett, honey,” I beg him to stop. I shake my head, stand and start back inside. For what I’m not sure. I can’t hide because what he just shared is in my mind. Closing my eyes will only make it more vivid. I’m lost. My hand is on the screen door handle when Garrett’s arms wrap around me.

  “Bella, it’s okay. That night an angel was in the woods. Shots rang out. Precision shots. There were about twenty Klan members there. The leaders from different states. When I helped that man, I became his replacement. I was to meet his fate. Next thing I knew, they were scattered on the ground, groaning in pain. My dad was even shot that night. Bullet grazed him across his cheek. He has a scar running from his eye into his hairline. The rest scattered like roaches. I guess I passed out because I don’t remember anything else. When I awoke, I was in the hospital. My mom was in the room but wouldn’t speak to me. She didn’t even ask me if I was okay. Later, my dad came in with a bandage on his cheek where the bullet grazed him. He discharged us
and we went home. The doctor was a Klan member and so was half the staff. No one ever talked about that night. The men who were shot in those woods never spoke of what happened. If they did, they’d have to explain what they were doing in those back woods. That many injured would raise suspicion and bring in the Feds. I can only assume that’s the reason."

  “My God, honey.” I almost drop to my knees knowing he went through all that.

  After a few moments of embracing, consoling each other we make our way inside.

  We step into the house and I look over at the stove. Dinner is ruined but so is my appetite. What Garrett survived before he was able to escape is horrendous.

  I’m just about to reach out to Garrett again when there’s a knock on the front door. I know it’s probably my parents. He nods, giving me the okay and only then do I make my way to the front door. Sure enough, my mom and dad are standing there. I can’t explain the look on their faces. I don’t understand how they know anything, but as I usher them in the house, both their eyes meet mine. Hesitantly my dad starts towards the kitchen with my mom and me following behind. He stops just inside the kitchen and stares at Garrett for the longest time before walking closer. Garrett is sitting at the table lost in his thoughts not realizing we’re standing right there.

  “I’m sorry,” my dad says through a groan.

  “Pardon?” Garrett looks up startled.

  “That night, in the woods. I’m sorry.” His face is full of anguish and both Garrett and I rock back shocked.

  “You?”

  My dad doesn’t respond verbally, only nods.

  “Thank you,” Garrett mumbles low and deep. He’s so full of emotion, shaking his head in disbelief.

  “No. I didn’t get there fast enough. He had already got to you. That bastard deserved to die,” my dad seethes.

  “We sent help. We called every agency we could think of. They told us they’d make sure you were okay.” My mom rushes their explanation, her eyes full of tears. “Please tell me you were okay,” she pleads.

  “Yes, ma’am. He never touched me again.” Garrett's tone shows he’s overwhelmed at their revelation.