Slay Bells Ring (An FBI Romance Thriller Book 12)

by Morgan Kelley

  He had a point.

  “We have a better shot at overpowering one frontal attack than two.”

  “Are you sure?” Ethan asked. “I don’t mind hanging out with the Marshal.”

  Callen, ever the calm partner, took one for the team, suspecting that wasn’t entirely the truth. “I’m on it.”

  Dakota grabbed his gear. “Great. I’d love a partner,” he offered, trying to be friendly. The last thing they needed was aggression in the ranks. He could be a team player.

  Before Callen could head out, she stopped him. “Hey, handsome?”

  He waited.

  Elizabeth did something she didn't always do. Crossing to him, she pointed at her team.

  “Close your eyes and count to twenty.”

  Chris Leonard laughed, but they all obeyed.

  Elizabeth didn't like giving the rumor mill details, but the paper had pretty much outed them. So, she kissed him in the morgue.

  As Elizabeth’s lips found his, Callen’s arms wrapped around her body. While she was held against his torso, she made the most of it.

  Fingers found his long brown hair, and she used it to hold his mouth steady.

  When she finally set him free, just as the team was about to hit twenty, she could feel his body reacting to her touch.

  It heated her blood.

  Staring into his chocolatey brown eyes, Elizabeth wiped some lip gloss from his lip. “Be safe, okay? Don’t let the Marshal talk you into anything stupid.”

  He grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Do I get a kiss too?” Dakota asked.

  Callen scowled at him. “Do I get to punch you in the face until you bleed?”

  Elizabeth snorted.

  “That’s a disaster waiting to happen,” Ethan admitted.

  She was well aware.

  “Kevlar!” she yelled as an afterthought.

  Callen grinned and winked as the door closed.

  Now she had to face the music. Turning toward her team, she crossed her arms over her chest. “I swear to God, I’ll hurt you if you say a single word.”

  Tony cleared his throat, but Merry knew the boss lady wasn’t kidding. Her hand found his mouth to save his life. Instead, she changed the subject.

  “Uh, is it too early to start up the baby pool?”

  Her team was getting bold. Before, they would have waited for her to be out of the room. As Chris opened his mouth, she pointed at her two doctors. “They know the father and approximate due date. They can’t play.”

  They both scowled as she ruined their advantage.

  Merry offered her a fist bump. “Thanks, boss.”

  Ethan was amused. “While Callen and Dakota are out searching that house, we’re going to head to the travel agency. We have a date with Juliet Singer. If you find something, call us.”

  They all saluted as she headed out.

  Once outside, Ethan stopped her in the hall.

  “What?”

  “We’re suiting up too. I have a bad feeling.”

  She completely understood. “Christ, Ethan, so do I. I want to get this case done and get the hell out of here. The hairs are standing up on the back of my neck. I feel like we’re being watched.”

  He did too.

  “We’re out of here soon. Hang in there, baby.”

  Yeah, she knew that was easier said than done. They were trapped there until the killers were found.

  Time was running out.

  * * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *

  He snuck away.

  Clyde had told his girl that he was going for some supplies, and that wasn’t exactly a lie.

  No, it was true, but he was taking a detour before he got them. There was something he was compelled to do.

  He needed to take one of them out.

  Clyde knew the original plan was to take and torture them, but honestly, he found a much better target.

  The two Feds expected it, and that wouldn’t work.

  No, it would be too easy.

  They would expect him to come for them, and they’d be ready. Instead, he was going to let them fear it, all the while doing the exact opposite.

  It was time to switch it up.

  After all, this was his game, and he didn't have to answer to anyone. Not his girl, not the FBI, and not the US Marshals who hunted them.

  No, in this case, they all would bow to him.

  He was the one picking and killing, and before the holiday hit, he’d add more bodies to the count.

  No, they weren’t going to be heads in boxes.

  They deserved violence.

  If you wanted to play cop, you had to expect to go out in a blaze of glory.

  Well, these two would.

  Today, one was going to fall. All it would take was a well-timed shot, and it was over.

  This was an equally great present.

  He couldn't wait.

  * * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *

  Deputy Dotson’s Home

  The ride there was silent.

  There was no conversation between them. In fact, Callen sat there with his glasses on and his mouth closed. While he’d work with the man, there was still seething hate for him. It was wrong, but he felt what he felt.

  There was nothing he could do about it.

  Callen had recently learned that he was allowed to feel. No matter what the situation, his feelings were just as valid as anyone else’s.

  That was a life lesson he’d struggled with. He was as worthy as anyone else.

  Now he was living it.

  “You hate me, don’t you?” Dakota asked the man helping him search the deputy’s home. They were wandering around, trying to find anything in the woman’s drawers and personal space.

  “Pretty much.”

  “Well, don’t sugar coat it.”

  He shrugged. “Listen, it’s not you personally. I’m sure you’re an upstanding US Marshal, and as great as the next guy. If we were at a cop convention, I’d probably buy you a beer, but we’re not. You’re her ex, and I’m her present. We’re not supposed to be friends. It’s like an unwritten law.”

  Dakota glanced over at him. “By that rule, I can hate you too. She was mine, and you and your brother stole her.”

  “So hate me. Then we don’t have to talk.”

  “I thought you were going to be the easy going one of the two.”

  Callen glanced up. “I am, but all bets are off when it comes to Elizabeth. You’re the enemy.”

  “Gee. Thanks,” Dakota stated. There was a pause. “What if I told you that I was sorry? Would that ease the tension?”

  “Are you really sorry?”

  “No, she’s always been a great kisser.”

  Callen glanced over. “See? Shit like that is going to get you shot. I won’t even try to run. They can take me away.”

  “I was kidding. I’m glad she’s happy, and you must do it for her because she didn't want to settle down with me.”

  He didn’t speak.

  “Can we meet in the middle?”

  “No.”

  “Are you really going to be pissed this entire case?” Dakota asked. “And over one kiss? I told you…I didn't know she was married. My idiot brother neglected to give me all the information.”

  “So, let’s switch roles and see if you finally get it. She’s your babe, and you catch some sexy native manhandling her. Are you able to let it go?” Callen asked.

  “Sexy Native? Someone’s got a healthy ego.”

  “Her words, not mine.”

  Dakota pondered it.

  “The point is, no, you wouldn’t. No man can. It eats away at us until we snap. Ethan punched you. I didn't get my chance.”

  “So you’re waiting to punch me?”

  “No, I’m just not in the mood to have a discussion with you. If I ignore you, I won’t be tempted to break out your teeth and shove them back into your mouth upside down.”

  He stared at him. “She is your soul mate. She once th
reatened to rip out my colon…”

  “Yeah, and tap dance on it. She’s vicious like that.”

  “And you love her?”

  “She’s the mother of my children, and she’s carrying my last child. So, there’s your answer.”

  “Any pictures?”

  He stared at him. “We’re supposed to be working.”

  “Come on! Lighten up and show me your kids. I’m offering the olive branch.”

  Callen pulled out his phone and scrolled through the photos. There was one where all four kids were sitting on their couch. They looked like angels. In reality, they were told they could have ice cream. Much like wild mongrels, food worked as a bribe.

  “Who are they?”

  “That’s Callen James. He’s the oldest and Ethan’s son. This is Ethan Jackson, and he’s my son.”

  He looked at the man. You two named them after each other, and share the same woman? That’s funny shit.”

  Callen wasn’t laughing. “In our culture, you honor your family. Naming our children after each other is a special bond. It makes me his Godfather of sorts.”

  “I see. Who are the little girls? Holy shit! That little one looks like Elizabeth.”

  Callen was well aware, and he wasn’t pointing at Cat.

  “That’s Charlie. She’s named for her grandfather, and Ethan’s second child.”

  “She’s cute as a button,” he said, pointing at the other little girl.

  “That’s Catherine, or Cat. She’s my daughter.”

  Dakota spoke with absolute sincerity, “You have a great family, Director. You’re a lucky SOB.”

  Callen was well aware.

  “Thank you. Can we get back to the search?” he asked. “Elizabeth is going to skin us alive if we don’t find something.”

  He laughed. “She’d never do that. She’s sweet as pie.”

  Callen was amused at the man’s naivety. “Oh, well, then you can tell her we didn't find anything. I’ll watch. I love a good ass kicking in the morning. It makes my damn day.”

  “Are we best friends yet?” Dakota asked.

  Callen shook his head. “Not even if you gave me a kidney and saved my life.”

  “Really? Not even then? So we can’t have a secret handshake each time we meet?”

  “You’re irritating.”

  “You like me already. We’re going to be best buds, I can tell,” he teased.

  He shrugged. “Well, if you give me a kidney and save my life, I’m obligated, but only because I’d have to wear your organ around town.”

  Dakota laughed. He could tell he was getting through the shell. He didn't want to have enemies. That’s one sure fire way to get yourself killed.

  “I think I found something,” Dakota offered.

  “What?”

  “She was packing.”

  “Really? How do you know?”

  He picked up a see through bag with mini tubes of girly things. “Here’s sunscreen and glasses too.”

  Callen lifted his brow. “So, one more person planning a vacation who gets murdered by two serial killers—that’s very interesting.”

  “Should we call Elizabeth?”

  “I’ll text my brother. If they’re in their interview, she won’t’ want to be disturbed.”

  He sent the message, detailing what they found.

  “I think it’s safe to get the hell out of here,” Callen stated. “We’ll grab a coffee. You’re buying.”

  “I am?”

  “You kissed my pregnant wife. You owe me a lifetime of coffee. Trust me, it’s the least you can do.”

  Dakota laughed. “Deal.”

  He was right. The Native was cracking. Before long, they’d be on decent terms.

  Heading outside, they walked toward the vehicle. Callen tossed the man the keys so he could drive. As he was lowering his arm, he first heard the noise before the searing pain struck.

  It stole his breath as he gasped.

  The blow knocked him to the ground.

  After that, everything went fuzzy. All he could hear was his name being called by the Marshal. Lifting his fingers, he saw the blood.

  There was lots of it.

  That’s when he realized that the killer had gotten him.

  Only not how they expected.

  * * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *

  Sunshine Travel

  The Place Memories are Made

  It was like walking into a Hawaiian themed party. There were fake palm trees with twinkle lights, some woman trying to hang flowers over her neck, and coffee mugs that resembled coconuts.

  Then there was the music…

  Holy crap!

  It freaked Elizabeth right out.

  How could anyone work this way? All the bright colors, Hawaiian music, and cheeriness would make her homicidal—well, more than she already was.

  There was such a thing as too much of a good thing.

  This was proof.

  When a cheery woman approached, Elizabeth was going to belt her if she tried to lei her. It wouldn’t be a love tap either.

  “Welcome to Sunshine Travel. Where can I send you to make your dreams come true?”

  “We’re looking for Juliet Singer.”

  “That’s me.”

  They pulled out their badges and waited for the woman to read them.

  “What’s this about? Are you both looking to book a vacation?”

  “No, but you can help us. How about you explain why we have six dead people, and all of them bought vacations from you?”

  “What?”

  She rattled off their names. “And let’s add Deputy Dotson to that mess too.”

  “Technically, I didn't sell her a vacation. She put down a deposit. It’s not a sale until she pays for the entire package.”

  Elizabeth move closer. “Listen, you’re our primary suspect. Maybe you should stop being an idiot and tell us what you know.”

  “I know we didn't do anything.”

  “Who is we?”

  She pointed at the picture on the wall. “That’s my partner, Filip. We opened this business a year ago, and it’s booming.”

  “Where is he?”

  “He works opposite days as I do. That way we can each work less hours. It’s how we stay competitive. We’re here all the time and Sunday too.”

  She made notes. “How about telling us about your customers? Did you know them outside of work?”

  Juliet thought about it. “It’s a small town. We see each other in passing.”

  “I need more than that.”

  “The deputy is a familiar face. I’ve seen her around when she’s working. I’ve run into her at the diner. She’s always there grabbing lunch or dinner.”

  “Okay, and?”

  “Lily Schneider works out at the same gym as I do. I know her to see her, and to sell her a vacation, but that’s it.”

  The woman stopped talking.

  “Here’s my partner now.”

  They turned to watch some guy enter the building.

  “Holy shit! It’s frigid out there,” he said huffing and puffing from the cold. “Hey, Juliet, what’s happening?” he asked, checking out the two people in their business.

  “Oh, Filip, six of our customers have been killed.”

  She told him all about it.

  He whistled. “Oh man! If that gets out, we’ll lose customers.”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that should be the worst of your trouble. You could go to jail and sit on death row.”

  He raised his hands. “Wait a second! We sell trips. How did we kill anyone? We pimp happiness. That’s all!”

  “How did someone find out that these six people were going to be on vacation?”

  He tried to think about it.

  “Tick tock, Filip. In a few seconds, the bracelets come out.”

  “What! I know!”

  “I can’t wait to hear this.”

  “We had a break in two weeks ago. Someone stole our one l
aptop. I reported it to the cops.”

  She paused. “We’re going to check.”

  He headed toward a desk. “I can do better than that. I had to have a copy of the police report for the insurance company. Here,” he said, holding it out.

  She took it.

  As she began reading it over, it looked like the man was telling the truth.

  Damn it!

  This had been their best shot. If someone stole the customer roster, that was going to put them back at square one. Anyone could be the killer at this point.

  They didn't have a motive to pin anything on these two. It looked like they were in the clear.

  It would have been so perfect too. They found a couple who could be Bonnie and Clyde.

  Shit!

  Shit!

  Shit!

  It looked like it was back to the drawing board.

  As Elizabeth folded the paper, Ethan’s phone began ringing. He stepped away to answer it.

  “We’ll help out anyway we can. Just tell us how. We care about our customers. They’re family. We don’t want this to tank our reputation,” Filip stated. “Whatever you need, just ask.”

  “Can we have a list of couples who bought vacations? That way, you can be forthcoming, and maybe we can stop someone from dying.”

  He hesitated.

  “You offered your help,” she reminded him.

  Filip thought about it. “What do you think, Juliet? It’s not invading people’s privacy, is it?”

  “Do it. These weren’t only our customers, Filip, but our friends. We’re a family orientated business. We don’t want to look like we have anything to hide.”

  “Okay, but can you not tell them you got it from us? I don’t want them to think we’re infringing on their privacy.”

  She was good with that. “Deal.”

  He began printing it out. Filip had just handed it to her, when Ethan touched her arm. She glanced up into his face, and it was quite apparent that something had happened.

  Immediately, she thought one of her babies had been hurt.

  “We have to go.”

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, as he led her to the door. “Please tell me, Ethan. I need to know.”