Southern Exposure (Southern Desires Series Book 2)

by Jeannette Winters

  “Roger that.” Then the man waved to the others, and they immediately headed to the choppers.

  Mark was right behind them. She watched silently as Mark hobbled inside. No one was forcing him. He really was leaving. Worse than that. He was leaving without even responding to her proclamation of love.

  That’s because he doesn’t love me. And that’s good, because I obviously don’t know the man like I thought I did. The man I loved wouldn’t have killed anyone. I don’t know who you are, Mark Collins. But don’t come back here; if you do, I won’t be here.

  When all the choppers were out of sight, Hannah turned and walked toward the house. She needed to be alone. There was too much to process and no information or facts to help. Don was standing on the porch, watching her.

  As she climbed the stairs, he said, “I think you should sit out here with me for a bit and let me tell you about our friend, Mark Collins.”

  She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. Hannah already knew he was a liar. What else did she need to know after that?

  “Don, I don’t want to hear any more lies. Not from Mark and not from you. So unless you’re ready to tell me the truth, then I’m going inside and having one hell of a good cry.”

  Don reached out for her hand and led her to the porch swing. “You can listen and cry. But I’m going to tell you the truth. What you do afterward is your business.”

  She had no choice but to follow him as he half dragged her along. This was the first time she’d seen Don serious. Normally he was all smiles and jokes. I agree, Don. Today is not a day for laughter. People were killed in my home. I need to know why, and I need to understand how Mark was involved.

  Hannah sat near Don, closed her eyes, and prepared to hear the ugly truth. She wasn’t going to judge him until she heard all the facts. But once she had them, she’d need time to figure out what she’d do with them. He obviously wasn’t the man she’d thought he was. And I really love that man. You broke my heart, Mark. And you don’t seem to know it.

  “Just remember everything I tell you must be kept confidential.”

  There wasn’t anyone she’d want to admit this to. How she’d let a man into her home and her heart, and she never knew who he truly was. She was a fool, and that was something she planned on keeping to herself.

  “Let’s get this over with.”

  “I’m sure by now you realize Mark is not just your average contractor.”

  No shit. “I do.” Her voice was lacking any emotion. All she wanted was the facts. Things that she wished she’d heard from Mark, but since he couldn’t be bothered to stay and explain himself, then she’d settle for second best.

  “I’m not even sure where to start.”

  “How about with who the two dead people are.”

  “Mark suspected terrorists of some kind, but who and from where we don’t know yet. Or at least, not that I’ve been informed. The Navy keeps many secrets from their best friends.”

  And lovers.

  “What I can tell you was your tenant wasn’t here for a room. Mark had been monitoring them all along. Somehow they caught wind of it and decided it was time to take him out.”

  “You mean, they were going to kill him?” Her heart raced at the thought. She might be angry as hell right now, but she’d never want him hurt.

  “Yes, ma’am. And from what I gather, not just him. While waiting for his team to arrive, he let me in on their conversation. I was on the target list as well as you. So before you question him on how he could pull that trigger, you better think of what would’ve happened if he hadn’t. Those body bags would still be full, but you and I would be in them.”

  Hannah felt dizzy and thought she could vomit. She lived a quiet life; this was surreal. Don was as serious as they come, and that scared the hell out of her.

  “Are we still in danger?”

  Don shook his head. “Mark wouldn’t have left if he felt there was any lingering danger.”

  I know that. I just had to confirm. “So Mark was here all this time to spy on my tenant?” It hurt. He’d gone to such great lengths, including Sissie, so he could be in this house. All the Navy needed to do was reach out and ask her permission. She loved her country and would’ve said yes. There was no reason for lies and deceit.

  “You’re wrong there. He was here because he needed some R&R. His job is mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. Between deployments, he likes to help others, like you, who could use a handyman.”

  “Are you in the Navy with him? Is that why you’re here?”

  “Hell, no. I couldn’t deal with someone telling me what to do all the time. I guess that’s why I’m my own boss.”

  “So he honestly was here to help me?”

  “That he was. And that he did.”

  If you mean by destroying my bathroom and eliminating my one tenant, then yes he did. “I’m sure he tried his best.”

  “Hannah, Mark cares a lot about you. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t have dragged my ass down here to help.”

  “I thought you were hard-up, looking for work.”

  “No.”

  More lies. I can’t deal with this. I don’t think anything is the truth right now. “I don’t understand any of this, Don. Why bring you here? He knows I don’t have money to pay you. I don’t have money to pay him. Never mind the type of cash it would take to fix up this dump.”

  “You might want to change your words when you see the place.”

  She looked at him puzzled. She’d seen it last week. Her bathroom was destroyed, and everything else looked like it was in as bad of shape. “I know you both did your best, and trust me, I appreciate it, but I’m a realist. I obviously only found that one tenant because they needed the place to hide out and not be noticed. No one in their right mind would want to stay here. Heck, I don’t even want to be here.”

  Don got up. “Let’s take a walk.”

  He went to the door and held it open for her. As soon as she entered, she saw the hallway had been freshly painted. No holes in the walls and the hardwood floors were shining like she’d never seen before. The banister looked brand new, though she knew it wasn’t. This is amazing.

  “Do you want to start upstairs or downstairs?”

  Hannah was frozen to the spot. This was more than she expected, and that was just new paint. “Okay, let’s start upstairs because that was the worst.”

  He led the way, and she slowly followed. The last time she was up there she’d gotten the puncture wound on her butt. It was her own fault for concentrating so darn hard on Mark’s perfect body. Were you using that body to distract me so I didn’t know why you truly were here? If so, it worked like a charm. I have been used. That does wonders for my ego.

  She expected new paint but almost dropped to her knees when she went inside and saw the living room. It actually wasn’t just livable but beautiful. It made her apartment look horrible by comparison. “Wow!”

  “Go all the way inside. This is nothing. You need to see the rest.”

  Hannah wasn’t prepared, but she listened and went to the kitchen. All new appliances where once there were only wires. Now there were cupboards and a ceramic tile floor. “I don’t understand. How? I would’ve seen this being brought inside.”

  “You were at work.”

  That huge delivery truck. It was for me. “I didn’t order this stuff, Don. And I can’t afford it.”

  He ignored her and said, “The rest of the apartment is finished as well. Would you like to see downstairs now?”

  No. Not unless you’re trying to give me a heart attack. None of this is making any sense. “Don, I don’t know much about construction, okay I know nothing, but I do know two people can’t accomplish this in such a short amount of time.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Then how?”

  “I had my crew come in, and they did most of it in just a few days.”

  “Crew? What exactly do you do?”

  “I have my own construction company.�
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  But of course you do. She thought back to Bailey’s comment about the private jet parked near the runway. It had said, Farrell. No way. That couldn’t be his. She was almost tempted to ask, but then decided she didn’t care. The one person she did care about wasn’t here to tell her all that himself.

  She followed Don downstairs to the apartment they’d been using while working. Going through it, she found it was much like the one upstairs. As she approached the living room, she stopped dead in her tracks. There were two huge blood stains on the floor, and the walls also were covered with the dark red spots.

  That made her think back to Mark’s clothes. The blood was from them. He’d been that close to them. That close to being killed. She turned away and ran from the room. Don quickly followed. She was crying in the hallway when he approached her.

  “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking about that. I’m an idiot.”

  “No. I needed to see it.” She sniffed and wiped away the tears. “I think I want to go and lie down for a bit.”

  “You might as well enjoy your new apartment too.”

  She looked up at him. “There was nothing wrong with my place, well except for the bathroom that you guys were going to fix.”

  “And fixed it is.”

  Hannah went and opened her door. Once again fresh paint filled her nostrils. They hadn’t stopped at the bathroom as each room she looked in was freshly painted and the house was amazingly cool. The air conditioner works. Each room had been completely done over. She was going to save the bathroom for last as she’d already seen what the others looked like, she assumed hers looked the same as the other two.

  When she opened the door, she found once again she was way off the mark. Her bathroom didn’t look at all like it had. It had a walk-in shower with a stone wall, a double-sink vanity, and a Jacuzzi bath definitely built to occupy more than one.

  “How?”

  “We removed the closet in the other room. Mark hoped you’d like it.”

  I’d have to be crazy not to. It’s beautiful. Like a luxury hotel, instead of my house. “It’s all very nice, Don. Please tell him I said thank you. I’ll pay him back someday.” Somehow.

  “You tell him yourself when you see him. But I’m glad you like it.”

  She turned away in awe of the room and looked at him. “Thank you too, Don. I know this wasn’t all Mark.”

  “Hey. I needed a vacation. Why not here in good ole Savannah?” He laughed, but she could tell he was only trying to brush off his part.

  If Bailey wasn’t going through so much right now with her health, I’d tell her to take the advice she gave me and chase his butt down. But then again, he hasn’t been forthcoming with the truth with her either. And right now, she doesn’t need anyone in her life who isn’t being straight with her.

  That’s exactly how she felt. She might love Mark, but he’d kept so much from her. The excuse that it was confidential information, only shared on a need-to-know basis, was only going to go so far. I’m glad it wasn’t another woman he was talking to that morning, but I can’t compete with the Navy. I know some men are married to their careers, and the military is one of those jobs. I’ve seen him with his men. I’d have better luck competing against a super model than his team.

  It was who he was, and based on the fact that he got on a chopper and left her there with Don—that’s who he wanted to be.

  When Don left her apartment, she locked the door behind him. It wasn’t something she’d ever done before, but the blood stains were still fresh in her memory and made her think differently.

  So much has changed. I’ve changed. I’m not sure what to think or feel. It’s like a sweet dream and a nightmare all at once. I don’t think talking to Mark is going to fix anything, no different than him remodeling the entire house. It changes nothing. The bank will be happy to see it when they come to repo it next week.

  Hannah walked into her new bathroom and started the tub. I might as well enjoy it while I have it. Because just like Mark, this soon will be only a memory.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The house was so empty she couldn’t stand it any longer. Don left a few days after Mark. He said he wanted to finish what he’d started. Which was amazing and she’d never be able to thank him enough for that. Her father’s dream of having all four apartments finished and ready for renting was complete. The only issue was Hannah didn’t want anyone there. Her poor judgement of character could’ve gotten them all killed. She should’ve asked a lot of questions, but instead, because she wanted to be left alone, she asked none. It was a mistake she’d never make again.

  Mark still hadn’t returned. He said he’d be back, but the time frame on when was vague, and a week later still no word. Probably another lie. So why am I still holding onto this stupid hope that he wants me and wasn’t able to tell me then because of his job?

  She spent days battling what to do permanently. Should she find an apartment in town and continue working as a waitress or go back to Providence and look for work there? Or maybe it’s time to try someplace totally different. A place for a new beginning because this is coming to an end.

  Hannah had never felt so alone as she did now. Anything would be better than this.

  Putting down her book, she was about to head inside. She saw a black Lincoln town car pulling into her driveway. There was only one person in town who drove that. Great. The bank manager has come to claim the property. At least, he’ll be a happy man when he sees all the improvements. Too bad I won’t see any of the benefits.

  She wished Mark and Don hadn’t spent so much money and time fixing the place. It was making it so much harder now to leave. Before the improvements she wanted to be anywhere but this house. Now it was where she wished she could stay. How ironic is that? You don’t appreciate what you have until it is slipping through your fingers. Then it’s too late. All you can do is mourn the loss.

  Hannah had been on an emotional roller coaster lately, and it was so much more than just the house. Losing her father started it all. Then saying goodbye to the one man she had ever loved was like another knife in her chest. And worrying about Bailey and what her test results were made her feel like her life was spinning out of control. Again.

  Reminds me of the day my father called me to say he had some news. I had never felt such fear or pain. Even with all the uncertainty in my life, losing my Dad, and saying goodbye to Mark are scars I’m sure I’ll carry forever.

  She was tempted to toss the keys to the banker and walk away, leaving everything behind. But this wasn’t his fault. He’d been warning her for months. It was time to pay the debt. One she had absolutely no way of paying.

  As he got out of the car and stepped onto the porch, she forced a smile and offered him a seat.

  “Mr. Fitzgerald, I’ve been expecting a visit from you.”

  “I wouldn’t be here if you’d returned any of my voice mails I’ve been leaving on your phone the last few weeks.”

  “I’m sorry. I guess I—” She wasn’t going to lie. That’s not who she was. Just say it. “I couldn’t bring myself to listen to them. I knew what you were going to say, but that didn’t make it any easier. I’ve come to love being here, and leaving is going to be harder than I thought it’d be.”

  “That’s what’s nice about having choices now.”

  Choices? That’s a funny way to put it. My choice is to go willingly or have the cops escort me off the property. “Is it too much to ask for twenty-four hours?”

  “To do what?”

  Cry until I have no tears left. Oh, I’ve done that already over Mark. If Mr. Fitzgerald would’ve showed up twenty-four hours later, he would’ve found the house vacant anyway. Hannah had a place she needed to be tomorrow. But she wasn’t planning on staying with Bailey. All she wanted to do was be a loving and supportive friend, then come home. But home is no more. Maybe I can call Sissie. Or maybe I’ll find a job in Providence. Even though she knew this day was coming, she’d never thought about where to go. It
was foolish but she felt if she planned it, it was admitting defeat. And until this very moment, Hannah held onto a sliver of hope. And now I’m left with nowhere to go.

  “I just want to pack a few personal things I’d like to take with me to Providence.”

  “Do you need a ride to the airport? I’d be happy to provide you transportation,” Mr. Fitzgerald stated.

  You really can’t wait to get me out of here, and you haven’t even seen what the place looks like now. “I can manage myself, thank you.”

  She really couldn’t believe how cold Mr. Fitzgerald was. For the past year, he’d been very understanding, even though his hands were tied and he couldn’t turn the other cheek any longer. This day could’ve come so much sooner had it not been for his kindness. I guess having to do this doesn’t agree with you anymore than it does me. She understood it was only business. The loan was way overdue, and foreclosure was the only thing left.

  “You know how to reach me if you change your mind.” He got up and was about to leave when he said, “I almost forget about the paperwork. That’s why I came all this way.”

  Her heart sank. The final paperwork was turning the property that her father had worked so hard to keep, over to the bank. Sorry, Dad. I genuinely tried. I didn’t want to disappoint you. Honestly, you knew what I wanted before I did. I want this house. I want it to be my home. To raise a family here. You gave me everything I needed as a child, and I was too foolish to appreciate it. Until, now. Thank you, Dad, for showing me who I really am and where I belong. I love you and miss you so much.

  Mr. Fitzgerald pulled out the paperwork and handed it to Hannah.

  She opened it but her eyes were too blurred with tears for her to be able to read it. “Where do I sign?”

  “Sign what?”

  “The foreclosure paper? Don’t you need my signature?”

  “This isn’t foreclosure paperwork, Hannah. This is the deed to your home.”

  She looked at him puzzled. “I don’t understand. The bank holds the deed until the mortgage is paid off. Why are you giving this to me now?”