Austin

by Stone, Piper

“Okay. But just for a couple of days.” She backed away, her face ashen.

  “For as long as it friggin’ takes to find this asshole.” After she scampered down the hall, I took a deep breath then moved toward her front door. Not only did I need a breath of fresh air, I was certain the asshole had planted the bomb under her Mercedes while she’d spent the night with me and maybe I could confirm my thoughts. Her house was the logical location, especially since she never parked her vehicles in her garage.

  I walked the grounds, finding nothing out of the ordinary. Of course the asshole would be careful, the bastard doing his job within minutes without leaving any sign that he’d been on her property. I knew the type. Hell, I’d been the type.

  Sighing, I glanced from one side of her front yard to the other, scanning every shrub and tree to see if there was a single disturbance. The remaining glimmers of sun sent a series of rays highlighting the entire area, but that didn’t mean shit. After a full minute, I was resigned to the fact I’d find nothing. My anger increasing, I shifted toward her front door, a shimmer catching my eye. What the hell?

  I shifted toward the bank of shrubs covering the front of her house on one side, crouching down and reaching in. Whatever was half buried in the mulch was definitely metal. The second I shifted the implement into the light, a cold chill shifted down my spine.

  A Leatherman, a utility knife that thousands of men and women carried, only this wasn’t any army knife. This one was special, designed for military use. As I studied the instrument, my blood began to boil. This was the epitome of a smoking gun, including the engraved moniker on the side.

  D.O.G.

  As I rose to my feet, I felt for the duplicate I carried in my pocket at all times, Vader engraved on the side. A sense of urgency crept in. Whoever had lost the piece while installing the bomb would return after discovering its absence. We had to get the hell out of here.

  I moved back into the kitchen, finding a Ziploc bag as well as grabbing a paper towel. While I doubted there were any fingerprints, maybe we’d get lucky.

  After retrieving it, I stormed into the house, making a call to Hawk.

  “What did you find out?” I hissed, clenching the Leatherman in my fingers.

  Hawk exhaled. “My buddy at the department confirmed that every scrap of evidence that he found was directly a result of a boosted level of pressure and lines that couldn’t handle the spike. I don’t think what happened to Francesca has anything to do with the fires.”

  “Maybe. Maybe not, but you know that something is fishy. That explosion was not about her political views.”

  “Just bring her here. Maybe we can figure something out.”

  “Yeah, well,” I said as I glanced toward the doorway. “I think C-4 was used. In fact, I know it was.”

  “What? That’s almost impossible. Besides, how the hell would you know given the damage to the vehicle?”

  “From something I picked up from the scene. And from the Leatherman I found at her house.”

  “Wait a minute,” Hawk breathed. “Are you talking about a MUT EOD?”

  “Exactly, the very one all of us carry, the one with a spike specifically designed to carve out a section of a C-4 brick.”

  “Jesus Christ. This is getting out of hand.”

  “Whoever is responsible held credentials like our own.”

  Hawk huffed. “You need to keep your mouth shut at this point. Both of your lives are likely in danger.”

  “Yeah, I get it.”

  “I’ll see what I can find out from my deputy friend.”

  “Don’t mention the Leatherman just yet.”

  Hawk hesitated. “I hear you, but if the bomb was military grade, then someone has to know something. I’ll make a few calls.”

  “I appreciate that. I’m bringing her to your place in a little while.”

  “Good. Glad you were there, buddy. I know how much you care about her.”

  “Yeah, me too.”

  After ending the call, I slipped the phone as well as the Leatherman into my pocket, thinking about Hawk’s last sentence. The second I’d seen the bomb, the series of flashbacks in my mind as well as my extensive training had been the only reason that I’d been able to get her far enough away from her Mercedes before it exploded. And during those few horrific seconds where everything seemed to be in slow motion, all I could think about was the possibility of losing her.

  Jesus.

  My pulse racing, I finished the glass of whiskey as I waited, shifting my hand to the barrel of my gun. I planned on keeping the weapon on me from now on.

  I heard her footsteps and felt an odd sense of relief.

  She seemed so forlorn, obviously never believing that she’d be placed in any danger. I had to admire her bravery as well as her tenacity, but it was time she realized that whatever forces she was up against would stop at nothing, including getting her out of the picture.

  “Come on. You’ll like staying at the ranch. We need to leave now.”

  “Why the urgency?”

  “Because the bomb was likely planted right here in front of your house. I’m not going to risk the asshole returning.”

  “You’re scaring me.”

  “You should be scared, Franny. We’re not playing games here.”

  “I get it.”

  “I hope you do because the asshole just upped the ante.”

  She’d changed clothes, pulling her hair into a ponytail, her eyes remaining wide open. The woman didn’t want to admit how terrified she was.

  “I’m not certain I’ll ever be able to close my eyes again,” she said softly.

  I took her by the hand, turning off the kitchen light then moving toward the door. The second I opened it, there were dozens of microphones in our faces, cameras pointing at us from every direction.

  “Oh, God,” she moaned, her hand shaking in mine.

  “Senator Montgomery. Is it true that you were staying at Big Sky Motel the night of the fire?”

  “Senator Montgomery, there’s a report that you were seen with another individual. Is there any truth to the news?”

  “Senator, were you hurt by the explosion?”

  “Jesus Christ. Get the hell out of here.” My grip firm, I pushed my way through the half dozen reporters, pulling Franny behind me.

  “Hey, buddy. We have a right to be informed,” one of the male reporters hissed as he got in my face.

  “Wait a minute. Isn’t that the guy from the picture?” another yelled from the back. “It is.”

  “He’s got a gun,” another reporter exclaimed.

  “What’s your name and your relationship to the senator?”

  “Are you in a relationship?”

  The questions came fast and furious and with every two steps I managed to take, our departure was hindered for several seconds. Pictures were being taken, the cameras rolling.

  “I have nothing to say,” Franny snapped, her voice once again reflecting her defiance.

  “Senator Montgomery. Is it true that you’re still married?”

  The question caught her off guard. I twisted my head, noticing the horror in her eyes. The same jerkoff from before had asked the damn question. When he made the serious mistake of getting in my face once again, all I wanted to do was punch him in the damn face. I knew better. That would only create issues, let alone my face would be plastered over every news source in the city.

  “We’re leaving,” I commanded in a harsh whisper.

  “Okay.”

  I was allowed to half drag Franny toward my truck, grabbing her bag then pushing her inside. “Stay right there.” When I walked around to the other side, several of the vultures were already heading in our direction. I jumped inside and started the engine, pressing down on the accelerator. At least one of the buzzards hadn’t been stupid enough to block me in.

  “Hold on, Franny.” As I pulled out, the tires screeching on the pavement, I heard the sound of Franny’s laughter.

  “Fuck me,” she whispered.
“Now we’re going to be on the nightly news.”

  Chapter 14

  Francesca

  Ruined.

  There was no doubt my career was toast, but at this moment, I wasn’t entirely certain I cared. My head ached, the scratches on my face itching like hell and I couldn’t stop shaking.

  The ugliness on television was actually worse than I thought it would be, the reporters going on and on about the incident. They captured every action Vader had made as well as his menacing stance.

  In truth, I wasn’t pissed at Vader. He was actually my hero for doing something I hadn’t been able to do. I half smiled as I studied the way all five men were in a heavy discussion, purposely keeping me out of the loop. Hell, I wasn’t in the mood to hear anything else at this point, my entire system still rattled by the day. I couldn’t believe anyone hated me enough to plant a bomb under my car.

  The sound of my phone chirping for the tenth time was just as infuriating as the entire damn day. I yanked it into my hand, at least able to smile, Katie on the other line. However, I still wasn’t in the mood to talk to anyone, at least no one that wasn’t in this house.

  “It’s going to be all right, Francesca.”

  Bryce Myers was well known in the community, her investigative reporting giving Katie a run for her money. However, she’d scaled back over the last few months in order to be a surrogate mother to Ashley and the love of Hawk’s life. There wasn’t a single time that she’d walked into a room where he’d been where he hadn’t watched her almost the entire time. I hoped to have that one day.

  Just as I thought the words, a rush of electricity coursed through me, Vader’s heated gaze more intense than ever.

  “I don’t know what to think, Bryce.” I was more than grateful for Hawk and Bryce’s hospitality. I was also numb inside, both the attempt on my life and the ugliness with the reporters to blame. My stomach churned as Hawk flipped from one television station to another, every network covering my fall from grace. I couldn’t stomach it any longer.

  “Why don’t we get you out of here? I have a bottle of cabernet opened,” Bryce encouraged.

  I shifted my gaze in her direction, her kind smile exactly what I needed.

  As well as the wine, although I wasn’t certain there was enough in the house to actually help my nasty mood.

  “You’re on.”

  I trailed behind her into the bright kitchen, smiling the second I noticed Ashley at the kitchen table, a coloring book and crayons in front of her. “She’s adorable.”

  “Yes, she is. And a handful. Be careful with your mug, Ashley. You don’t want to spill your juice.”

  Ashley giggled, waving to me as she looked up at Bryce. “O-tay, Mommy.”

  I could see a change in Bryce’s expression when the little girl used the phrase.

  Bryce seemed to sense I noticed, laughing softly as she grabbed two wineglasses out of the cabinet, pulling the bottle of wine closer on the island. “She just started calling me that a few weeks ago. It just happened one night when I was tucking her into bed. I admit that I cried the rest of the night. No little girl should be without her real mother.”

  “You are her real mother, Bryce. It’s easy to tell how much you love her and she knows.”

  I was surprised to see a tear sliding down her face. She darted a look into my eyes before pouring the wine. “You’re very kind.”

  “Easy to tell.”

  After pushing a glass in my direction, she leaned against the counter, glancing toward the living room. “Can I tell you a secret?”

  “Absolutely. I need something to get my mind out of the gutter.”

  She laughed, moving so that Ashley couldn’t hear. “Ashley will soon have a playmate.”

  “What?” I was shocked that she’d tell me. “You’re—”

  “Sshhh… Don’t say anything yet. I just found out today. Jake doesn’t know. I was going to tell him tonight.”

  I was so used to hearing the man’s nickname used that it caught me by surprise. “And Vader and I fucked up your plans.” I took a sip of wine, hoping the alcohol would calm my nerves.

  “Oh, I still have time. You don’t know how tenacious I am.” She laughed, her eyes twinkling. “So… Vader. He’s pretty damn hot. I’d do him.”

  When I spit out the entire mouthful, Bryce burst into laughter, immediately grabbing a paper towel. “I didn’t mean to shock you.”

  “I…” Coughing, I pressed the towel to my mouth, shaking my head.

  “I know. My mouth. Right? Hawk is always disciplining me for my vexing and over the top drama, as he calls it. I call it fun.”

  I genuinely liked this girl. “Well, if we’re comparing apples to apples, Hawk ain’t so bad himself.”

  She gripped my arm, both of us laughing together.

  “However, Vader only has eyes for you. He’s in love with you,” she said, once again glancing into the living room.

  “I don’t think so. We barely know each other. But he’s been… amazing.”

  “So I heard. Love doesn’t happen when you’re trying. It simply slams into your life, making your heart swoon and your legs weak. And the intense feeling doesn’t let you go either. I can see how you feel about him, Francesca.”

  “Call me Franny. Please.”

  “Okay, then. Franny. But I’m serious. You adore each other. He remains on edge, terrified for you. I’ve seen the same reaction in all the men when they found the right one.”

  “There’s such a bond between them. Very special.” I moved closer to the doorway, watching all five guys plotting or planning some level of revenge. But it was easy to tell just how close they were.

  “They are close, but without Vader here, they weren’t complete.”

  “And Snake?”

  She swirled her wine, taking a sip before answering. “His death almost broke each one of them in different ways. That’s what’s happening with Vader. Until he comes to terms with his guilt, he’ll continue to have sleepless nights. But I wouldn’t worry. With you by his side, he’s going to be just fine. That is as long as you fight for his love.”

  “Fight, huh?”

  “They aren’t easy men to love. Let’s face it. They’re gruff and still prefer hunting down danger rather than living a normal life. They act as if nothing bothers them when it’s easy to see they’re really creampuffs inside.”

  I lifted my glass. “You are perhaps one of the smartest chicks I know.”

  Her bright smile held a hint of mischief. “Just observant as hell, another thing that drives my man crazy. Now, stop letting the ugliness on the news bother you. It’ll blow over.”

  “What the hell am I going to do with my life?”

  “Well, just let me know if that ex-husband of yours gives you any trouble. He and I have tangled before and he’s been on the losing end.”

  I narrowed my eyes, instantly remembering a series of pretty nasty articles she’d written on him. “Oh, my God. You’re that reporter, the amazing and very talented writer who put the horrible man in his place.”

  “Guilty as charged. It’s fun to dig up dirt on your adversaries.”

  I thought about what she said and smiled. “You and I might have to chat one day.”

  “Any time. I loathe that man with a passion.”

  “So do I.” As we laughed, clinking glasses, I heard the sound of boots heading in our direction. Vader, leaning against the doorway.

  “Look, Mommy. It’s the painted man,” Ashley said as she pointed.

  “Ashley, honey. That’s not nice,” Bryce said, rolling her eyes so only I could see.

  “Oh, I call him that all the time, sweetie,” I said as I gave him a hard onceover. Hard-bodied.

  Sexy.

  Dangerous.

  Amazing.

  Hero.

  Lover.

  A series of tingling sensations rushed into me.

  He grinned, flexing his arms on purpose. I was surprised at the way he reacted around the little girl,
his eyes always twinkling. As he sauntered closer, he switched his attention, his eyes locked on mine. “I thought you might like to go for a ride. You know, cowboy style.”

  “On a horse? Um, I would except I can’t ride.”

  “Piece of cake. You know where to go, Vader,” Bryce said, and I swore the woman was purring.

  I wrinkled my nose as I glanced at her, more lighthearted than I thought I could be. “Speak for yourself. I was tossed onto a massive steed one day and when the terrifying beast took two steps, I screamed at the top of my lungs. Of course, I was maybe seven at the time.”

  Both Bryce and Vader laughed.

  “You live in Montana, girl. I’m from a big city and know how to ride. I think you’ll have your hands full, Vader. Show her the ropes. Come on, Ashley. Why don’t you help Mommy start dinner?”

  “Yay!” Ashley clapped her hands.

  As Vader approached, I could see that horseback riding wasn’t the only thing on his mind. “Come on. You need to learn to trust me.”

  “I already told you, I do with my life.”

  He kept his gaze for a few seconds, as if he wasn’t certain whether to believe me.

  Then he led me outside, and I did something I thought he’d jerk away from. I reached for his hand. When he squeezed my fingers, a moment of lightheadedness sailed into my system. We were both quiet as he headed for one of the barns, the walk allowing me to get a really good look at the ranch. “This is beautiful.”

  “Hawk’s done a lot of hard work. Maybe one day I’ll own a place like this.”

  “Is that what you want to do, ranching?”

  “I don’t really know, Franny. I haven’t figured that out yet.”

  “You will. When the time is right, you will.”

  “Did you always want to work in politics?”

  “Hell, no. I just fell into the career in truth. I wanted to be a writer, an author of fabulous books that would put me on the charts.” I laughed softly. That seemed like a lifetime ago. “But I went to law school instead, a decent job to keep a roof over my head.”

  “Then you should do it, becoming an author I mean.”

  “Are you suggesting my career is gone?” While I was teasing, I could see how much my words bothered him.