by Nora Roberts
“You look like hell.”
Grinning, Zack rubbed a hand over the stubble. “You don’t look so hot yourself. Let me call a nurse.”
“Nurse.” Nick shook his head, almost imperceptibly, then frowned at the IV. “Is this a hospital?”
“It ain’t the Ritz. You hurting?”
Nick thought about it and shook his head. “Can’t tell. Feel…dopey.”
“Well, you are.” Swamped with relief, Zack laid a hand on Nick’s cheek, left it there until embarrassment had it dropping away. “You’re such a jerk, Nick.”
Nick was too bleary to hear the catch in Zack’s voice. “Was there an accident? I…” And then it came flooding back, a tidal wave of memory. “At the bar.” His hand fisted on the sheets. “Rachel? Is Rachel all right?”
“She’s fine. Been in and out of here. I had Rio browbeat her into getting something to eat.”
“You.” Nick took another long look to reassure himself. “He didn’t shoot you.”
“No, you idiot.” His voice broke, then roughened. “He shot you.”
When his legs went watery, Zack sat again, buried his face in his hands. The hands were trembling. Nick stared, utterly amazed, as this man he’d always thought was the next best thing to superhuman struggled for composure.
“I could kill you for scaring me like this. If you weren’t flat on your back already, I’d damn well put you there.”
But insults and threats delivered in a shaky voice held little power. “Hey.” Nick lifted a hand, but wasn’t sure what to do with it. “You okay?”
“No, I’m not okay,” Zack tossed back, and rose to pace to the window. He stared out, seeing nothing, until he felt some portion of control again. “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Looks like you’re going to be that way, too. They said they’d move you down to a regular room sometime soon, if you rated it.”
“Where am I now?” Curious, Nick turned his head to study the room. Glass walls and blinking, beeping machines. “Wow, high tech. How long have I been out?”
“You came around a couple times before. They said you wouldn’t remember. You babbled a lot.”
“Oh, yeah. About what?”
“Pinball machines.” Steadier now, Zack walked back to the bed. “Some girl named Marcie or Marlie. Remind me to pump you on that little number later.” It pleased him to see a faint smile curve Nick’s lips. “You asked for french fries.”
“What can I say? It’s a weakness. Did I get any?”
“No. Maybe we’ll sneak some in later. Are you hungry?”
“I don’t know. You didn’t tell me how long.”
Zack reached for a cigarette, remembered, and sighed. “About twelve hours since they finished cutting you up and sewing you back together. I figure if he’d shot you in the head instead of the chest, you’d have walked away whistling.” He tapped his knuckles on Nick’s temple. “Hard as a rock. I owe you one, a big one.”
“No, you don’t.”
“You saved my life.”
Nick let his heavy lids close. “It’s kind of like jumping off a ship in a hurricane. You don’t think about it. Know what I mean?”
“Yeah.”
“Zack?”
“Right here.”
“I want to talk to a cop.”
“You’ve got to rest.”
“I need to talk to a cop,” Nick said again as he drifted off. “I know who they were.”
Zack watched him sleep and, since there was no one to see, brushed gently at the hair on his brother’s forehead.
* * *
“I told you his condition is good,” Dr. Markowitz repeated. “Go home, Mr. Muldoon.”
“Not a chance.” Zack leaned against the wall beside the door to Nick’s room. He was feeling a great deal better since they’d brought his brother out of ICU, but he wasn’t ready to jump ship.
“God save me from stubborn Irishmen.” She aimed a hard look at Rachel. “Mrs. Muldoon, do you have any influence with him?”
“I’m not Mrs. Muldoon, and no. I think we might pry him away once he checks in on Nick. My brother shouldn’t be with him much longer.”
“Your brother’s the cop?” She sighed and shook her head. “All right. I’ll give you five minutes with my patient, then you’re out of here. Believe me, I’ll call Security and have them toss you out if necessary.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“That goes for that giant who’s been lurking around the corridors, too.”
“I’ll take them both home,” Rachel promised. She looked around quickly as the door opened. “Alexi?”
“We’re finished.” He couldn’t keep the satisfied gleam out of his eyes. “I’ve got some rounding up to do.”
“He identified them?” Zack demanded.
“Cold. And he’s raring to testify.”
“I want—”
“No chance,” Alex said quickly, noting Zack’s clenched fists. “The kid figured out how to do it the right way, Muldoon. Take a lesson. Keep him in line, Rach.”
“I’ll try,” she murmured as her brother hurried off. “Zack, if you’re going in there to talk to him, pull it together.”
“That son of a bitch shot my brother.”
“And he’ll pay for it.”
With a curt nod, Zack walked by her and into Nick’s room. He stood at the foot of the bed, waiting. “How are you feeling?”
“Okay.” He was exhausted after his interview with Alex, but he wasn’t finished. “I need to talk to you, to tell you. Explain.”
“It can wait.”
“No. It was my fault. The whole thing. They were Cobras, Zack. They knew when to come in and how, because I told them. I didn’t know…I swear to God I didn’t know what they were going to do. I don’t expect you to believe me.”
Zack waited a moment until he got his bearings. “Why shouldn’t I believe you?”
Nick squeezed his eyes tight. “I messed up. Like always.” He poured out the entire story of how he’d run into Cash at the arcade. “I thought we were just talking. And all the time he was setting me up. Setting you up.”
“You trusted him.” Zack came around the side of the bed to put a hand on Nick’s wrist. “You thought he was your friend. That’s not messing up, Nick, it’s just trusting people who don’t deserve it. You’re not like them.” When Nick’s eyes opened again, Zack took a firm hold of his hand. “If you messed up anything, it was yourself by trying to be like them. And that’s done.”
“I won’t let them get away with it.”
“We won’t,” Zack told him. “We’re in this together.”
“Yeah,” Nick said on a long breath. “Okay.”
“They’re going to kick me out of here so you can get some rest. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Zack,” Nick called out as his brother hit the door. “Don’t forget the fries.”
“You got it.”
“Okay?” Rachel asked when Zack came out.
“Okay.” Then he gathered her up, held her hard and close. She was slim and small, and as steady as an anchor in a storm-tossed sea. “Come home with me, please,” he murmured against her hair. “Stay with me tonight.”
“Let’s go.” She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I can buy a toothbrush on the way.”
* * *
Later, when he fell into an exhausted sleep, she lay beside him and kept watch. She knew it was the first time he’d done more than nod off in a chair in nearly forty-eight hours. Odd, she thought as she watched his face in the faint, shadowy light that sneaked through the windows. She’d never considered herself the nurturing type. But it had been very satisfying to simply lie beside him and hold him until the strain and fatigue of the past few days had toppled him into sleep.
The bigger they are, she thought again, pressing a light kiss to his forehead.
Still, as tired as she was, and as relieved, she couldn’t find escape in sleep herself. How daunting it was to realize she’d come to a point in her life where she wasn’t sure of her moves.
Love didn’t run on logic. It didn’t follow neat lines or a list of priorities. Yet, in a matter of days, the bond that had brought them together would be broken. They would go into court, and it would be resolved one way or the other.
Now was the time to face the what-happens-next.
He’d asked her to move in with him. Rachel shifted to watch the pattern of shadows on the ceiling. It could be enough. Or much too much. Her problem now was to decide what she could live with, and what she could live without.
She was very much afraid that the one thing she couldn’t live without was sleeping beside her.
He shuddered once, made a strangled sound in his throat before ripping himself awake. Instantly she moved to soothe.
“Shh…” She touched a hand to his cheek, to his shoulder, stroking. “It’s all right. Everything’s all right.”
“Hurricanes,” he murmured, groggy. “I’ll tell you about it sometime.”
“Okay.” She rested a hand on his heart, as if to slow its rapid pace. “Go back to sleep, Muldoon. You’re worn out.”
“It’s nice that you’re here. Real nice.”
“I like it, too.” One brow arched as she felt his hand slide up her thigh. “Don’t start something you won’t be able to finish.”
“I just want my T-shirt back.” He moved his hand up her makeshift nightie until her warm, soft breast filled his palm. Comfort. Arousal. Perfection. “Just as I thought. This is a completely nonregulation body.”
The stirring started low and deep, working its way through her. “You’re pushing your luck.”
“I was having this dream about the navy.” His fatigue had everything moving in slow motion, making it all the more erotic when he slipped the shirt up and off. Her arms seemed to flow over her head and down again like water. “It makes me remember what it was like being at sea for months without seeing a woman.” He lowered his mouth to flick his tongue over her. “Or tasting one.”
She sighed luxuriously, and even that slight movement heightened his need. “Tell me more.” His mouth met hers, so soft, so sweet.
“When I woke up just now, I could smell your hair, your skin. I’ve been waking up wanting you for weeks. Now I can wake up and have you.”
“Just that easy, huh?”
“Yeah.” He lifted his head and smiled down at her. “Just that easy.”
She trailed a finger down his back as she considered. “I’ve got only one thing to say to you, Muldoon.”
“What?”
“All hands on deck.” With a laugh, she rolled on top of him.
And it was very, very easy.
* * *
“You’re not being sensible,” she said to Nick as she walked up the courthouse steps beside him, supporting his arm. “It’s the simplest thing in the world to get a postponement under the circumstances.”
“I want it over,” he repeated, and glanced over at Zack.
“I’m with you.”
“Far be it from me to fight the pair of you,” she said in disgust. “If you keel over—”
“I’m not an invalid.”
“You’re two days out of the hospital,” she pointed out.
“Dr. Markowitz gave him the green light,” Zack put in.
“I don’t care what Dr. Markowitz gave him.”
“Rachel.” A little winded from the climb, but still game, Nick shook off her hand. “Stop playing mother.”
“Fine.” She tossed up her hands, then lowered them again to fuss with Nick’s tie, brush the shoulders of his jacket. She caught Zack’s grin over Nick’s shoulder and scowled. “Shut up, Muldoon.”
“Aye, aye, sir.”
“He thinks he’s so cute with the nautical talk.” She stood back to study her client. He was still a little pale, but he would do. “Now, are you sure you remember everything I explained to you?”
“Rachel, you went over the drill a dozen times.” Letting out a huff of breath, he turned to his brother. “Can I have a minute with her?”
“Sure.” Zack tossed a look over his shoulder. “Hands off.”
“Yeah, yeah.” The smirk was back, but it was good-natured rather than nasty. “Listen, Rachel, first I want to tell you how… Well, it was really nice of your family to come by the hospital the way they did. Your mom—” he pushed restless hands in his pockets, then pulled them out again “—bringing me cookies, and all the other stuff. Your father, coming by to hang out and play checkers.”
It should have sounded corny, he reflected. But it didn’t.
“They came to see you because they wanted to.”
“Yeah, but…well, it was nice. I even got a card from Freddie. And the cop—he was okay.”
“Alex has his moments.”
“What I’m trying to say is, whatever happens today, you’ve done a lot for me. Maybe I don’t know where I’m going, but I know where I’m not. I owe that to you.”
“No, you don’t.” Worried she might cry, she made her tone brisk. “A little, sure, but most of it was right here.” She tapped a finger on his heart. “You’re okay, LeBeck.”
“Thanks. One more thing.” He glanced over to be sure Zack was out of earshot. “I know I made things a little sticky before. Zack’s been making noises that you might be moving in. I just wanted you to know that I wouldn’t be in the way.”
“I haven’t decided what I’m going to do. Regardless, you wouldn’t be in the way. You’re family. Got it?”
His lips curved. “I’m getting it. If you decide to throw him over, I’m available.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.” She gave his jacket one last tug. “Let’s go.”
There was no reason to be nervous, she told herself as she led Nick to the defense table. Her statement was well prepared, and she had a sympathetic judge on the bench.
She was terrified.
She rose with the rest of the court when Judge Beckett came in. Ignoring the twisting in her gut, she gave Nick a quick, confident smile.
“Well, well, Mr. LeBeck,” Beckett began, folding her hands. “How time flies. I hear through the grapevine that you ran into a bit of trouble recently. Are you quite recovered?”
“Your Honor…” Puzzled by the break in courtroom routine, Rachel rose.
“Sit, sit, sit.” Beckett gestured with the back of her hand. “Mr. LeBeck, I asked how you’re feeling.”
“I’m okay.”
“Good. I’m also informed that you identified the three desperadoes who broke into Mr. Muldoon’s bar. Three members of the Cobras—an organization with which you were associated, I believe—who are now in custody awaiting trial.”
Rachel tried again. “Your Honor, in my final report—”
“I read it, thank you, Counselor. You did an excellent job. I’d prefer to hear from Mr. LeBeck directly. My question is, why did you identify these men, who a relatively short time ago you chose to protect?”
“Stand up,” Rachel hissed under her breath.
Frowning, Nick complied. “Ma’am?”
“Was the question unclear? Shall I repeat it?”
“No, I got it.”
“Excellent. And your answer?”
“They messed with my brother.”
“Ah.” As if she were a teacher congratulating a much-improved student, Beckett smiled. “And that changes the complexion of things.”
Forgetting all Rachel’s prompting, he took the natural stance. The aggressive one. “Listen, they broke in, busted Rio’s head open, shoved Rachel around and waved guns all over the place. It wasn’t right. Maybe you think turning them in makes me a creep, but Reece was going to shoot my brother. No way he was going to walk from that.”
“What I think it makes you, LeBeck, is a clear-thinking, potentially responsible adult who has grasped not only the basic tenets of right and wrong, but also of loyalty, which is often more valuable. You will likely make more mistakes in your life, but I doubt you will make the kind that will bring you back into my courtroom. Now, I believe the dis
trict attorney has something to say.”
“Yes, Your Honor. The state drops all charges against Nicholas LeBeck.”
“All right!” Rachel said, springing to her feet.
“Is that it?” Nick managed.
“Not quite.” Beckett pulled the attention back to the bench. “I get to do this.” She slapped the gavel down. “Now that’s it.”
With a laugh, Rachel threw her arms around Nick’s neck. “You did it,” she murmured to him. “I want you to remember that. You did it.”
“I’m not going to jail.” He hadn’t been able to allow anyone, even himself, to see how much that had terrified him. He gave Rachel one last squeeze before turning to Zack. “I’m going home.”
“That’s right.” Zack held out a hand. Then, with an oath, he dragged Nick into a hug. “Play your cards right, kid, I’ll even give you a raise.”
“Raise, my butt. I’m working my way up to partner.”
“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I have other clients.” She gave each of them a highly unprofessional kiss.
“We have to celebrate.” Zack caught her hands. There was nothing he could say. Too much that needed to be said. “Seven o’clock, at the bar. Be there.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Rachel,” Nick called out, “you’re the best.”
“No.” She tossed a laugh over her shoulder. “But I will be.”
* * *
She was a little late. It couldn’t be helped. How could she have known she’d get a case of criminal assault tossed at her at six o’clock?
Two years with the PD’s office, she reminded herself, grinning a little, as she pushed open the door of the bar.
When the cheer went up, she stopped cold. There were streamers, balloons, and several people in incredibly stupid party hats. A huge banner hung across the back wall.
Next to Rachel, Perry Mason is a Wimp.
It made her laugh, even as Rio hauled her onto his shoulders and carried her to the bar. He set her down, and someone thrust a glass of champagne in her hand.
“Some party.”
Zack tugged at her hair until she turned her face for a kiss. “I tried to make them wait for you, but they got caught up.”
“I’ll catch up…” she began. Then her mouth dropped open. “Mama?”
“We’re already eating Rio’s short ribs,” Nadia informed her. “Now your papa is going to dance with me.”