Protecting His Witness

by Katie Reus

  Once she was done pouring out the liquid, a sense of elation surged through her, powerful and potent. She never tired of seeing the beauty of flames eating up everything in its path. No two fires were the same yet they were all just as wondrous.

  Moving to the back of the boat, she reached inside her purse for her lighter. She was going to be off the boat when it went up in flames, but she wouldn’t go too far. In case those inside managed to escape, she’d just shoot them. Not as much fun, but if she had to do it, she would. Then she’d leave exactly the way she’d come. It would take at least a few minutes for anyone else to see the blaze and that would give her enough time to make it to her car. She’d be ditching it and replacing it as soon as possible though.

  As her fingers clasped around the cool metal of the lighter, she couldn’t fight the smile spreading across her face. She flicked it on. The small orange flame danced before her eyes, beautiful and hypnotic. Hungry. But before she could toss it onto the back deck, a bright spotlight suddenly shone in her face. She lifted a hand, trying to shield her face.

  “Hands in the air now! Drop the lighter!” an angry male voice shouted.

  “Hands up now!” Another louder voice followed.

  Panic slithered down her spine as she tried to look around. The spotlight was making it difficult but she could see the silhouette of multiple men, some on neighboring boats, and they all held guns. She could also hear and feel footsteps pounding down the dock coming toward her.

  There was no way they were taking her in alive.

  Feigning surrender, she held her hands up as the shouting continued. But she didn’t let go of the lighter. As the steps grew closer, she let her body go lax and fell forward toward the opening between the two tied up boats. She tossed the lighter as she fell.

  She heard shots and angry shouts right before she hit the surface of the water. The cool wetness was a rush against her senses as she kicked and swam with all her might. She might not be able to get away but she was damn sure going to try.

  Too disoriented to tell how many men there had been, she knew it was enough that her chances of escape were slim. But if she could take down one of them with her, she’d do it.

  Chapter 13

  From the safety of Blue’s SUV, Jordan watched the live video feed one of the Red Stone men had set up across from the decoy boat they were using to trap Celia Olson. Jordan was still uneasy about the whole situation for multiple reasons. Vincent had to be using a lot of resources. Five of his co-workers had flown down on one of Red Stone’s private jets to help him out. That couldn’t have been cheap.

  And it was all just to help her. She hated that she might be affecting his job somehow. This wasn’t a small favor. These men were working together to trap a maniac they knew nothing about. She knew all the men were highly trained but still, anything could go wrong. And the woman might not even show up. She shifted in the passenger seat again, hating being so confined. Realistically she knew there was nothing she could do and would only be in the way, but with Vincent putting his life in danger for her, she felt like she should be doing more to help.

  “It’s going to be fine,” Blue murmured without looking at her. Sitting in the driver’s seat, he’d been vigilant in scanning the surrounding area of the parking lot they were in.

  The lot was next door to the marina, but they were completely blocked from sight by a metal warehouse that housed boats not in use. The rest of the Red Stone men had parked there too, but Blue’s SUV was separated from the rest so that if anyone tried to sneak up on them it would be impossible. Not to mention the big man was armed to the teeth. Even the video feed she was watching had some sort of anti-reflective screen on it so that it didn’t put off a glow for anyone potentially watching them to see.

  “I know.” She wasn’t sure if that was true, but she was going to be positive. Everything would be fine because it had to be. She focused back on the screen. “I see something,” she whispered even though it was just the two of them in the vehicle.

  “Yeah, they see her too.” Blue tapped his earpiece.

  “They’re sure it’s Olson?” The men had mounted four cameras so Jordan was watching four small screens on an already small laptop. It was difficult to tell much about the individual she saw walking down the dock. But her destination seemed clear; the woman was making a direct line for the boat where Vincent had stashed the tracker he’d found in her phone.

  Jordan was still kind of awed by the kind of trap they’d set up; complete with audible recordings so it would sound like people were inside the boat. When Vincent had explained everything to her she’d been impressed by how fast the team of men had been able to move.

  “Yeah.” Blue’s one word answer seemed pretty typical of what she’d seen of him so far. He didn’t talk if he didn’t have to.

  That was fine with her. Right now she was tense and on edge, just wanting this whole thing to be over so they could move on with their lives. She was still reeling from Vincent’s confession about buying her a ring years ago. Nothing in the world could completely take her mind off that. Not even this situation.

  Eyes glued to the screen, she frowned when the woman tentatively stepped onto the boat. She tapped that video feed to maximize it. The other three immediately minimized, giving her a full view of Olson. Her hair was pulled back in a bun and she looked almost casual as she reached into her purse and pulled out… “What is that?” she murmured, unsure what the small box looking thing was. Even with the full screen, the woman’s back was to Jordan and she only got a brief flash of whatever it was.

  “Lighter fluid.” Blue still wasn’t looking at her as he scanned the area, but he was clearly getting updates from one of the men.

  “They’re just going to let her spray it everywhere?” Jordan asked as the woman started splashing it all over the boat. It wasn’t as if anyone was actually inside, but still, she hadn’t thought they’d let it go this far.

  “This is incriminating evidence. They’ll stop her before she sets it on fire and if they don’t, the evidence will be even stronger. Vincent wants this woman put away for life.”

  Yeah, so did Jordan. So if for some reason they couldn’t tie Olson to the car bombing or anything else, at least they’d get her on this. Trying to fight the building tension inside her, Jordan watched as a bright spotlight illuminated the woman. Even without audio, she knew what was happening when the woman put her hands up in the air.

  But when she suddenly dove for the water and the boat went up in flames a second later, Jordan gasped.

  “Shit, Vincent’s gone in after her,” Blue muttered.

  A pure burst of panic launched inside her, making it difficult to breathe as her throat tightened. Without thinking, Jordan threw the door open. The laptop slammed to the floorboards as she jumped outside.

  “Jordan!” She ignored Blue’s warning shout as she started sprinting across the parking lot. Gravel spewed up under her sandals as she ran. She could hear Blue coming up behind her but she didn’t care. Olson was in the water and Vincent was in there with her.

  For all they knew she was armed. In fact, she almost definitely was. The woman was clearly unhinged and would have come prepared to hurt them in as many ways as possible. Jordan’s heart beat out of control as she reached the edge of the warehouse that stood between her and Vincent.

  But Blue raced past her and turned, his hands held up, a weapon already in one hand. “Stay behind me. That’s an order.” The sharp tone made her eyes go wide.

  Under normal circumstances someone ordering her around would annoy her, but he was right—and he had a gun. She couldn’t go racing into an unknown situation without help. She took a deep, steadying breath that did nothing to calm her heart and nodded. “I will.”

  He gave her a nod before peering around the corner of the building. “We’re clear. Stay close.”

  She did as he said, staying only a step behind him as they hurried around the building. In less than a minute they’d made it to one
of the connecting docks. By now she could see the fire blazing about fifty yards away. Men were shouting and she could see a couple people emerging from their boats.

  “Vincent’s got her. He’s okay.” Blue finally stepped to the side and let her walk next to him along the dock.

  She couldn’t see him. Damn it, she needed to see him. “You’re sure? And we’re safe? No more threats?”

  He nodded. “The threat has been contained—she’s in flex-cuffs. You’re safe.”

  That was all she needed to hear. Taking off, she sprinted down the rest of the dock, her shoes slapping loudly on the planks. As she neared the scene, she saw two Red Stone men trying to contain the blaze with fire extinguishers and a man she guessed to be a resident of the marina joining in. So far it hadn’t spread to any other boats. Vincent was nowhere to be seen.

  In the distance she heard wailing sirens that almost drowned out the obscenities Celia Olson was screaming.

  The woman was face down on the dock with her hands secured behind her back and her feet tied as well. Someone needed to tape her mouth, Jordan thought, as she scanned for Vincent.

  Where the hell was he? Despite what Blue had said, a tendril of fear trickled down her spine until she saw Vincent talking to one of the men she’d met earlier. Harrison Caldwell, if Jordan remembered correctly. They were standing off to the side along a small dock that connected two of the bigger ones that held boat slips. Her heart swelled at the sight of him.

  Vincent had his shirt and boots off, both laying on the ground in a soggy heap next to him. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest as he nodded at something his friend said. Jordan didn’t care who he was talking to. She took off again, running down the dock and he immediately looked up. No wonder, because she was noisy and making a giant spectacle. And she didn’t care.

  When she was near enough she launched herself at him, not caring that he was soaked or if she looked like a maniac. He let out a soft grunt as she wrapped her legs and arms around him. At the last second she realized he could be injured but as he crushed his mouth over hers in a dominating, hungry kiss she figured he probably wasn’t.

  Running her hands over his back and shoulders, she told herself that he was okay and unharmed but it didn’t stop the tremor that rolled through her.

  Vincent pulled back first, his breathing uneven. “It’s over.”

  Even though the screaming woman jarred Jordan’s senses, she knew Vincent was right. It was finally over. “I love you, Vincent. I should have told you earlier but I was afraid. I love you so much it scares me. I don’t think I ever stopped and…I know you said no more apologies, but—”

  He put a gentle finger over her lips, his pale eyes seeming to glow under the moonlight. “Then don’t. I love you too. That’s all that matters. We can finally move forward with our lives. Together. I wasn’t kidding. I’m not letting you go again.”

  A sudden onslaught of tears burned her eyes. A life with him was all she’d ever wanted but deep down, she’d never thought it would happen. When she’d come to see him, it had been about getting forgiveness and closure. No matter what they faced now, whether from his family or with Celia Olson, she knew they could handle anything thrown at them. Because she was never walking away from him again. “Good because I’m never leaving again.”

  Chapter 14

  One week later

  Over her glass of wine, Jordan watched the wives of Vincent’s friends talking and laughing across the island in his kitchen. Well, technically it was hers now, too. She’d officially moved in pretty much the moment they’d returned to Miami. He’d simply refused to let her leave. Not like she wanted to anyway. She still had a ton of stuff in storage but she would get to it eventually. That was definitely not one of her most pressing concerns at the moment.

  “Can you believe the way Vincent has been acting all evening?” Charlotte asked almost conspiratorially as she glanced over her shoulder through the sliding glass door where all the men were hovering around the grill.

  Curious what the other woman meant, Jordan put her glass of wine down. “Like what?”

  Charlotte’s head snapped in her direction, her dark eyes widening as if she’d forgotten Jordan was there—which she might have. Jordan had been quiet, trying to get to know all the women individually. So far she’d clicked with Belle, but the other woman was now outside with her husband Grant. And since Vincent’s mother and sister were also outside, Jordan had been hiding in the kitchen.

  Yes, hiding. And she wasn’t ashamed to admit it. They were intimidating.

  The dark-haired beauty cleared her throat and shot Lizzy a ‘help me’ look before she glanced back at Jordan. “It’s just funny to see him so territorial over a woman. He’s practically growling at any man who talks to you, even the married ones. He’s never even brought a woman around so I hope you don’t mind me saying that it’s a little entertaining.”

  Before Jordan could respond, Lizzy continued. “I’ve gotta say, I love seeing him like this. He’s so happy.”

  Jordan’s cheeks heated up. She was glad they thought so because she felt the same way. It was almost too surreal to be with Vincent again. “I am too.” When her phone buzzed across the island she snatched it up. Normally she would have just left it in their room, but she was waiting on a call. When she saw Edith’s phone number on the caller ID she quietly excused herself.

  For the most part everyone at the barbeque knew what had happened to her and what had gone down in Key West so she didn’t feel rude by dipping out for a few minutes.

  Ten minutes later, she collapsed on Vincent’s bed and pushed out a sigh of relief as she set the phone down on the comforter. Her hand shook slightly, but from elation not fear. After the Key West police had arrived at the marina last week and arrested Olson, the Feds had swooped in only a few hours later and taken her away.

  With Olsen arrested and gone they’d all been free to leave too. Jordan had felt as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders, but there had still been a dark cloud hanging over her head as she waited to see what would happen with her crazed attacker.

  Apparently California and Texas were now fighting over who got to prosecute her, but that wasn’t Jordan’s problem. Olson had confessed to being the one who helped Curtis Woods—Curtis had lied about his brother’s involvement—in his murderous rampage. She’d also confessed to killing Corey. According to Edith, Olson was so proud of every one of her kills. She’d refused legal representation and wanted the world to know how great she was. Edith had also told Jordan that the woman had a pretty terrible upbringing in the foster system. The stuff of nightmares. But Jordan didn’t care. She’d ruined so many lives, Olson wouldn’t get any pity from her.

  Jordan was just glad to have her life back, that justice was being served and a complete psychopath was off the streets. She didn’t care where Olson served her time, though if Texas managed to get her, they’d be seeking the death penalty. At least that’s what Edith had told her. Olson’s fingerprints had been connected to a string of home invasions and murders over a decade ago.

  Jordan wanted to tell Vincent everything she’d just learned but decided to wait until this evening. They had a houseful of people barbequing and enjoying themselves right now.

  As a thank you to all the men who had helped her and Vincent in Key West they’d decided to throw a party. Of course, she knew Vincent didn’t need an excuse to throw one. She loved seeing him so relaxed and having a good time. Now it was time to put on her party face and return.

  Hell, she had a lot to celebrate now. As she stood up, someone knocked on the bedroom door. “Come in,” she said automatically.

  Jordan froze when Vincent’s mom walked in. So far Jordan had been able to make polite conversation with the petite woman, but she’d avoided being alone with her or Zoe. Maybe that made her a chicken but she didn’t care.

  Swallowing hard, she smiled. “I just had to take a call but I’m heading back out there in case you need privacy.” Maybe s
he just wanted to use Vincent’s bathroom or something.

  Tanice Hansen gave her an assessing stare, her dark eyes unreadable. Vincent was right, his mom was a little scary. She was a beautiful woman, with flawless skin that made her appear decades younger than she had to be. And she was impossible to read. “I like the changes you’ve made around the place. It actually looks like someone lives here now.”

  Jordan hadn’t been expecting that. Of course, she didn’t know what she was expecting from Tanice. “Thank you.” So far she’d only made a few small changes, but Vincent had been living like a caveman and she was adding feminine touches. Lord, the man hadn’t even had a wine opener. Thankfully he’d told her she could do whatever she wanted.

  Tanice stepped farther into the room, looking around, again with that assessing eye. Lord, what was she thinking?

  Jordan tried to think of something polite to say but felt like a deer in headlights.

  His mother continued though. “When Vincent told me he was moving in with a woman after only a week I was stunned. But then he told me he’d known you back in California. He didn’t want to tell me everything, but eventually the whole story came out about why you left him and what happened in Key West. I don’t know why that boy thinks he can keep secrets from me,” she murmured, almost to herself.

  “Oh.” She didn’t know what else to say. Jordan had broken Vincent’s heart seven years ago then put the woman’s son in mortal danger a week ago. If she was a mom, she probably wouldn’t be a fan of someone like herself.

  Taking her completely by surprise, tears spilled down Tanice’s face as she stepped closer until they were only inches apart. Jordan wasn’t very tall but Tanice was even shorter. “I know we haven’t had a chance to talk alone yet, but I just wanted to say thank you.”

  Jordan blinked, unsure what she meant. And she hated that the other woman was crying. She wanted to reach out and comfort her, but didn’t know if she should. “For what?”