Slay Bells Ring (An FBI Romance Thriller Book 12)

by Morgan Kelley

  The woman scurried away.

  Ethan started laughing. “That’s a new one. I’m glad you’re building up your threat repertoire.”

  “Asshole,” she muttered, getting back onto the bed. “There, my love. The mean old nurse won’t touch your bacon. I promise.”

  He grinned at her. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Cal. Now, let’s finish eating,” she offered, balancing Callen’s container on her lap as she fed him.

  “That was so hot. I swear I could fuck you silly. I may not remember it, but you will.”

  Wyler cleared his throat as he happened to enter the room just at that moment. “Really, son? Even shot? Do you have some of that libido to spare? Maybe you can bottle it and make us millions.”

  He grinned. “Have you seen my wife? She’s really hot. You can’t blame a guy for hitting it whenever he can.”

  Ethan covered his laugh with a cough. Yeah, his brother was super drugged up.

  Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed Callen. “You can hit it all you want.”

  That got Ethan’s attention.

  “Hey! Really? I’m right here. What about me? I’ve been shot too. He’s not the only one who risks his life every day.”

  “And I believe your present is at Gabe’s raising hell. You hit it a lot after that, and knocked me up. It’s not Callen’s fault he got shot after I was already expecting.”

  He grinned. “I may like this patient thing after all. I’m not above mercy sex.”

  There was a knock, and the doctor came in. “Ah yes, the nurse said he was feeling better. She also asked I prescribe you a sedative, Mrs. Whitefox.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “He was hungry, Doctor. If you were in his place, what would you do?”

  “Bribe someone to hit the vending machine.”

  Wyler put the candy bar beside his son and took his container to the couch.

  The doctor laughed. “I’m sorry about the nurse. She wasn’t aware that you were a Fed. I forgot to warn her.”

  She didn't mind. Ripping the woman a new one made her day better.

  “Mr. Whitefox, how are you feeling?”

  “Sore.”

  “Any abdomen pain?”

  “No, since I was shot in the damn chest. Is this a test to see if I’ve lost brain cells?”

  He laughed more. “Oh, you two are a match made in heaven. I only ask because some patients have this reaction when we switch them off morphine. He’ll be fine. Now, shake my hand.”

  Callen looked at him. “Are you going to steal my candy bar? I’m pretty sure she’ll kick your ass if you do.”

  He grinned. “No, Mr. Whitefox, I need to feel how tight your grip is.”

  Callen tried. It wasn’t easy. He lifted his arm, but his fingers wouldn’t work. “That’s bad, isn’t it?”

  “Not bad, just not where we want you to be. Can you pick up that candy bar with your hand? Let’s start with baby steps.”

  He struggled.

  “If you do it, I’ll give you a kiss,” Elizabeth offered.

  Callen worked that much harder, and was only able to grab it with his thumb. “Sorry.”

  She gave him a gentle kiss anyway. “You’re going to be the best patient. I can already tell.”

  He grabbed it with his other hand and tore the wrapper open with his mouth. Then he took a bite.

  “Can I see you two outside?” the doctor said, leading them away.

  Ethan headed out.

  “My love, I’ll be right back.”

  He stopped her. “I don’t want you to lie to me. We made a vow.”

  She was well aware.

  Elizabeth kissed him softly. His lips tasted like bacon and chocolate. “I swear, Callen James.”

  He believed her.

  She headed out.

  In the hall, Elizabeth leaned against the wall as she pulled her boots back on. “How bad is it?”

  “It’s not good. I’m going to call in a specialist to look at his arm. He might need more surgery at some point. It’s going to be a long road back. His career is likely over.”

  She wouldn’t hear it.

  “It’s not, and don’t tell him that. I’ll get him back to where he was. I’ll drive his ass to therapy, I’ll make him work at it at home, and I’ll teach him how to redo everything all over again with his left hand. I’m not quitting on Callen.”

  “We’re not quitting on him,” Ethan corrected

  “I’m not saying you should. I’m simply saying that he may have to think about another line of work. He can’t be chasing criminals.”

  Ethan stepped in. “He’s a mediator for the Native communities. He sits down with local law and tribes to negotiate. He’s not out in the field unless it’s with us.”

  “Oh, then that’s another story. He’s going to be able to do all of that. Callen will simply have to adjust and adapt.”

  Well, they had that.

  “I’ll check in on him later. I’ll keep the nurse away until it’s time for pain meds. I don’t need you killing her.”

  She grinned. “I am glad my reputation precedes me. I may look all sunny and sweet.”

  “She’s not.”

  Ethan got elbowed.

  “See?”

  The man walked away, whistling.

  Once inside, Callen was out cold. The candy bar was still in his left hand, and there was chocolate on his lips.

  “Lyzee to the rescue,” she said, giving him a kiss. “Mmmm, chocolate lips to match his chocolate-y eyes.”

  “Seriously?” Ethan teased.

  Wyler laughed. “I love you, sweetheart. Thank you for taking care of my boys. I see how much you love them, and I have peace.”

  Ethan pointed at his father. “I’m going to say this once, and only once. Don’t go after the man who hurt Callen. I handled it.”

  Wyler played dumb.

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  “Dad, it’s over. Callen has moved on. Let it go. He can’t hurt him anymore, but he can hurt you. If you go after him, you’ll go to jail. There is no statute of limitations on murder, even if you feel justified. It’ll chase you forever.”

  “He’s my son.”

  “I am too, and I’m asking you to promise me you won’t do anything stupid. Callen is almost healed. This might set him back. If you kill that asshole, it’ll go to trial. They’ll call Callen to the stand. In front of a room full of people, he’s going to have to tell them he was molested. Do you want that to happen?”

  Wyler didn't have to think about it. “No. Never.”

  “I just want you to think before you act.”

  “I will.”

  Elizabeth hugged the man. “Ethan kicked his ass and nearly killed him. He’s never going to hurt our family again. Let it go.”

  “Okay, sweetheart. For you, I will.”

  “Great. Now, we have to go. We’re going to do two interviews and stop in to see the team at the morgue. When we’re done, we’ll be back here.”

  “I’ll babysit the drugged up sex addict,” he teased. “I have a book to read.”

  They headed to the door.

  “Remember, Dad. You promised.”

  He was well aware. “Yes, son.”

  When Ethan was gone, he closed his eyes.

  “I hope one day, when you get to be my age, you forgive me. I really hope you can.”

  Opening them, he stared at his wounded son.

  Then he said a prayer.

  “Dad, tell me what to do. Give me a sign. I need you.”

  He waited.

  The Great Spirit wouldn’t let him down. Not now, and not ever.

  It knew best.

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

  While she drove, he did the research. They were working on the fly, since they didn't ask the tech teams to research the mayor’s staff.

  All that they could get was the woman’s name and address. It appeared that Irish Castro didn't have any skeletons in her past. In fact,
she grew up in town, and lived a quiet life.

  That was both good and bad for Elizabeth.

  She’d lived there her whole life, so they could ask around if need be. That bad was that their killers didn't have a past either, so unless the woman was willing to give her DNA, they were shit out of luck.

  “You’re quiet,” Ethan stated.

  “I miss Callen.”

  “Me too.”

  “You have to make sure he can go out in the field. We aren’t a team if one of us is missing. Even if he loses his badge, you have to figure something out. I never ask for anything, Ethan, but I need to ask for this. For him, and for me.”

  There.

  She said it.

  Elizabeth knew it put pressure on him, but she couldn’t help it. There was no way he’d bounce back if they stripped him of his badge. It had become part of his identity. He wore it on his hip as if it was part of his being. Callen was FBI now, just like them.

  “I know, but that’s not going to be as easy as it sounds, Lyzee. If he can’t pass qualifying, it’s not like I can sneak in and take it for him. While we have friends who are instructors, we can’t break the rules.”

  She was aware.

  “There has to be something…”

  “We’ll work with him. If you have to, take a leave of absence and take him to therapy, the gym, and anywhere else he needs to be. I’ll hold down the fort for us.”

  “You’re a good man and brother, Ethan. I want you to know that.”

  “Listen to me. I’m not doing anything I shouldn’t do. He’s my blood. What wouldn’t I do for him? He’s also part of our unit. I sleep with him and my wife. If I have to, I’ll take a bullet for him. I love you both.”

  She pulled into the parking lot. “I happen to think you’re pretty amazing, even if you think this is what you’re ‘supposed’ to do. That selflessness is sexy.”

  “Oh, is it? Is it sexy enough to let me roll around naked with you when we get back to the cabin later to shower?”

  She brought his mouth to hers for a kiss. As she pulled away, Elizabeth chewed on her bottom lip, knowing it heated him up. “Only if you promise to rock my world, Director Blackhawk.”

  He moaned, and then pulled her mouth back to his. With everything he had, he buried them in the kiss. It was hot, steamy, and full of lust.

  Oh, he’d rock something later.

  They’d both be smiling when he was done.

  It took him a second to remember where the hell he was, and when he did, he released her from his embrace. “That wasn’t easy to do,” he admitted.

  She understood. Elizabeth never wanted out of his arms. There, she was safe. There, she was home.

  “We should do this interview,” she said, knowing that they were out in public.

  “We should,” he admitted, right before grabbing her wrist. “Let me throw this out there.”

  “What?”

  “If you think you’re going to play shield to me, luring the killers in, you’re out of your freaking mind. I will drop you over my knee, spank you, and not in a fun bedroom kind of way.”

  She started laughing.

  “I mean it. You’re not my damn shield, and you’re not Callen’s. Got it?”

  She snorted. “Cowboy, I need to up my game. You know me too well.”

  And he did.

  Only because he was going to do the exact same thing.

  Sue him.

  She was his woman.

  “Let’s get this done.”

  As they headed across the snow, he scanned their surroundings. Ethan was pretty sure she knew he was playing protector, but it didn't matter. He’d nearly lost Callen, and he wasn’t going to risk Elizabeth too.

  On the porch, he crowded her.

  “Ethan!” she hissed, as she raised her hand to knock in the door.

  “What?”

  The man was making her insane.

  “You just told me not to play shield.”

  He ignored her.

  Instead of arguing, she knocked on the door. From somewhere behind it, they could hear footsteps. They were moving their way.

  When the door opened, there stood a woman in a pretty dress.

  “Can I help you?”

  “Can we come in, Irish Castro?” she asked. “We’re with the FBI, and this is related to your boss’s death.”

  She immediately stepped back. “Certainly! O.M.G! I’ll do whatever I can do to help.”

  Elizabeth rolled her eyes.

  Already, the blonde woman was making her crazy. This was going to be a fun interview. She was a little too bubbly, and way too happy. No one was like that normally.

  “Have a seat.”

  Just then, a man walked in.

  “Irish, are you ready for church?” he asked, and then stopped. “Oh, I’m sorry! I didn't know we had company.”

  Immediately, he moved protectively to her side.

  “Who are they?”

  He must have noticed the guns.

  Good.

  She liked when people were focused on them. That generally meant they weren’t going to yank their chain. This young couple looked like they were a little too scared to lie.

  She told him who they were, and they sat.

  “What can I do for you? Mr. Boone was a really nice man.”

  “Was he ever inappropriate?”

  She shook her head, and curls bounced all over the place. “Never. He was a gentleman. He would walk me out to my car when Rick wasn’t picking me up.”

  Elizabeth focused on the man. “Name please.”

  He swallowed. “Rick Goldberg, ma’am. I’m Irish’s boyfriend. You know…I’ve been kissed by THE Irish.”

  He grinned, and his girlfriend giggled.

  Elizabeth didn't laugh.

  There was no smile.

  In fact, she kept her expression blank for a reason. There was nothing she liked better than rattling a few cages. Call her a bitch, but she was cranky.

  “That’s great, Mr. Goldberg. How long have you lived here?”

  “Not long. My dad was a traveling minister. We moved around a lot. When I met Irish, I didn't want to leave. That was about a year ago.”

  “And you, Irish?” Granted, she already knew the answer, but why not let the woman hang herself. Elizabeth hoped her lie detector went off.

  “All my life. I didn't even leave to go to college.”

  “How long did you work for the mayor?”

  “Two years.”

  “What did you do for him?”

  “I ran his errands, I answered his phones, and I’d arrange his schedule.”

  “Did you book vacations for him?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “What are the last few things you booked?”

  She thought about it, but before she could answer, her boyfriend was blabbering again.

  “Is this going to take long?” Rick asked. “It’s the Sunday before Christmas, and we have church. There’s the living nativity.”

  Elizabeth wanted to poke out his eyes.

  Or staple his lips shut.

  “I’ll tell you how it ends, Rick. He’s born with the sheep, he dies, gets shoved in a hill, and he comes back to life again. The end. It’s the same show every year. You’ll catch next year’s service.”

  He shut up.

  Elizabeth was glad. If they wanted to go to church for some story, so be it. Frankly, she had the makings of a horror movie on her hands.

  “Again, what’s the last thing you booked?”

  “There was a romantic couple’s trip for him and his wife. They were going to get massages.”

  She made notes.

  “Did he often go away with his wife?”

  Irish shook her head. “No. Work always seemed to interrupt it. Every now and again, a deputy would show up, and she’d need his assistance. They’d head off to handle law stuff, and I’d have to break the news to his wife.”

  “How did she react?”

  “Not well. Sh
e was pissed.”

  Rick gave her the look.

  “Sorry, I meant angry.”

  Elizabeth glanced over at her husband. “Will you run Rick? He’s pissing me off.”

  “Wait! What did I do?”

  “Anyone who doesn’t curse is suspicious. That makes me think you’re up to something.”

  “I just don’t like to use profanity.”

  “Damn! See? I’m getting more and more suspicious.”

  Ethan wanted to laugh. With his wife stirred up, they were all screwed. She was hell bent on finding the person who shot their partner.

  When she did, there would be hell to pay.

  “So, as we were saying, the little woman wasn’t happy when the hubby cancelled.”

  “No.”

  “Did she know he was cheating?”

  She gasped. “He wasn’t! You can’t besmirch someone’s credibility like that.”

  “Well, I’m not besmirching anything, and who the hell uses that word. Really? You have to be shitting me.”

  They flinched.

  Elizabeth didn't know if they were just really good actors, or if they were really this lily white.

  They screamed virgins.

  “When’s the last time you saw him?”

  She told her the date and time. “He had just left work. On his way out, he told me he had a date. He was picking up flowers.”

  They’d found those in the deputy’s garbage.

  “Did he mention who the date was with?” Elizabeth had all this information. What she wanted to know was if these two had it.

  “His wife, I’d assume.”

  “Wrong. She was out of town on the trip you booked with her sister. So, guess again. Who could it have been?”

  “I don’t know.”

  Elizabeth switched it up. “Did Mayor Boone hang out with a man by the name of Cooper Douglas?”

  She laughed. “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Cooper wasn’t into politics. Salvatore tried to get the man into his corner, but he was too into his young wife to care.”

  She said it with distaste.

  “What’s wrong with that? He’s older than me, and we’re married.”