NY State Trooper- The Complete Box Set

by Jen Talty

  Ryan shifted, tucking her feet off to the side and leaning on one hand. “I know you loved him,” she whispered.

  A single cloud shifted in front of the sun and the wind kicked up. He glanced out toward the direction of the lake and could almost smell the rain coming. Grey clouds collided in the darkening sky.

  He ran a hand across his unshaven face. The stubble scratched at his calloused hands. “Lisa wanted to start over where no one knew her. She resented you, because the world seemed to ignore the fact that you grew up—”

  “Dirt poor, and my parents were trailer trash.” She shook her head. “I just ignored the whispers, the little jabs here and there. I still do.”

  “That’s not how she saw it. She saw that you were somehow better than her. Adding the unwanted pregnancy and the constant gossip of her being a gold digger, well, she lost it. And her sudden return has me wondering.”

  “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.” As the sun peered out again, she shifted to her feet and brushed her hands across her fanny. “So, because the woman was insecure, you now think she’s out to get me?”

  He chuckled. “I’m suspicious of anyone who might’ve said something negative about you, even if it was five years ago.” He rose, dusting off his uniform before he adjusted the bear and car in front of Johnny’s grave.

  “Do you really think Lisa could’ve done something like that?”

  He took her by the hand, noticing his own hand didn’t tremble. He looked down at the grave and patted his heart. “I never thought I’d be able to come here like this; thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She leaned into him and planted a moist kiss on his cheek. “But you didn’t answer my question.” Their hands swayed back and forth as they strolled to her SUV.

  No. He hadn’t answered her question because he honestly didn’t know the answer. Not only was Lisa an insecure, vindictive woman, but she had some other issues, too. She’d been known to let her temper fly out of control. She’d tossed a few objects at him during heated arguments, and right before she left, she’d belted him a good one.

  “I think Eddy has some real serious sexual issues. Not sure he’d actually harm anyone, but he definitely needs help.”

  She shook her head. “You’re still not answering my question.”

  “I’m running all the usual suspects through my mind. Let me do this my way. Okay?”

  “Fine,” she said, not sounding convinced.

  “Tom’s got a record that’s sealed. It could be something; it could be nothing. George still wants to hurt you, so I’m sure he’d do whatever it took.” Standing about ten feet from the car, he turned to face her and shifted his sunglasses up to his forehead. “Lisa looks like she’s got the kind of life she’s always wanted. A rich husband and money to burn. But I’d be a bad cop if I didn’t look at every angle.”

  Her lower lip quivered as she bit down on the glossy flesh. She stared into his eyes, but fear loomed behind her pupils.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I hope you don’t regret last night.”

  A surge of unknown emotions choked him. He didn’t regret it, but he didn’t know how he felt about it. He wasn’t supposed to feel anything. “I regret nothing. But I don’t want to hurt you.”

  She smiled, easing some of his fear, but not all of it. “You can’t hurt me, Jared. And while last night was amazing, I know it wasn’t about us, or…I don’t know how to say this.”

  “It wasn’t about romance,” he said. “It wasn’t about a beginning, but an ending.”

  “No, not ending. A change. There’s a difference.”

  “Okay, a change.” Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to hold her one more time, he cupped her face and drew her lips to his. One tender kiss, nothing romantic, nothing sexual. Just lips against moist lips. Then he slipped his arms around her and tucked her head to his chest.

  “I hired a contractor to fix up the carriage house.” Unable to resist her soft skin, he glided his hands under her light jacket, lifting her blouse from her slacks in search of warmth. “I think it’s best for you to stay with me.” Inhaling her soft hair that still held the scent of peach shampoo, he closed his eyes. “You would be safer with me.”

  “I hate inflating your ego, but I have to agree.” Her hair blew into his face. He didn’t bother to brush it away.

  “It sucks being right all the time.” He laughed, forcing the serious edge of his emotions from his voice. He didn’t have feelings for Ryan, not that kind anyway. He was just caught up in the case, dealing with his son in a new way, and moving.

  Ryan could tell that Jared was holding something back, but that was okay. He’d come farther this week than ever before. Every year, she’d begin her crusade to save him from the depths of despair. And every year, she made it so far, only to watch him spend at least two days in the pits of hell.

  The car ride back to the hotel was quiet and uneventful. She watched the clouds roll across the sky, bringing the promise of cold rain. The wind swirled in a howling cry, and empty tree branches pitched and snapped, until the wind died down to a whisper. Storms like this were a dime a dozen around Lake George, but they could still be devastating.

  “Go straight to my place and call me before you go into the house,” Jared said, unlocking his patrol car.

  “Don’t you think that’s being a little paranoid?” She slammed her door, frustrated with having to look over her shoulder. When she went to college, she’d always race across the parking lot to her classroom, glancing around at every shadow. It took her years to be able to sit alone in the carriage house, in the dark, and not jump at the icemaker.

  “I’ve got leads, but nothing else, babe. Even I get paranoid.” He ducked his head, then slid into the driver’s seat. “Or you could get Penny and Chuck to meet us at your brother’s bar for dinner.” The window hummed as it rolled down. He flashed a pearly white smile and winked before he dropped his sunglasses from his forehead to cover his crystal clear, blue-green eyes.

  “That’s a fine thought. I’ll call your cell.”

  He saluted, and then pulled out of his parking space. “Go.” He waved her toward the hotel lobby doors. “I’ll wait here until you’re safely tucked inside.”

  She rolled her eyes and adjusted her purse on her shoulder. “Not necessary.” She turned on her heels and headed for the lobby doors. She didn’t bother looking back when she pulled back the door, because Jared wouldn’t leave for at least five minutes.

  She strolled to her office, trying to tell herself that he was just doing his job. That it had nothing to do with him being an overbearing pain in the butt.

  She closed her door and slumped into her chair. Dropping her elbows to the desk with a loud thud, she rested her cheeks in the palms of her hands.

  A loud buzz from her phone startled her, making her jump. She hit the intercom button. “What is it, Cheryl?”

  “You’ve got several messages regarding the golf tournament, and Tom said he needed to see you.”

  “Great,” she mumbled. “Call Tom and tell him I’m in my office.” She swiped at her face, running her index finger under her eyes and checking for mascara marks. “I’m in no mood to go chasing after him.” Satisfied she was put together enough, she rose and opened her door.

  “Oh,” she gasped. “Tom, I didn’t expect you this quickly.”

  He glared at her. “We need to talk.”

  “Is there a problem?” Ryan asked, stepping aside and letting him in her cramped space.

  “Shut the door,” he snapped.

  “I don’t think so.” With her heart pounding, she rubbed her hands against her pleats. “Now, what’s the problem?” She fought the urge to pray for one of Jared’s surprise visits. Seems he always showed up when she needed him. But those days were gone.

  “This is personal,” he whispered, then eyed the hallway. “Please.”

  Considering Jared’s warning words and all the suspects, Tom was really not high o
n her list. “You’ve got five minutes.”

  He sucked in his lips as if totally disgusted with her statement. “So you did sic the cops on me?”

  “Excuse me?” A tight breath caught in her throat. She gripped the doorknob just as it clicked shut. “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “Some trooper came to work this morning asking me if I had ever committed a crime, even when I was a kid.” He lifted his arms as though he were ready for a fight. “Why would anyone care?”

  Trying not to shake, she collected her thoughts. “As you know, there have been some threats made against me.” She swallowed. “I’m sure the cops are just checking around the hotel.”

  “So why pick on me? I took you out, bought you a nice dinner, and what did I get in return?”

  Careful not to make a noise, she twisted the knob. An eerie darkness seeped from his stare. “I’m sorry you feel that way. But like I said before—”

  “You’re only interested in friendship. But I guess you’re certainly interested in that trooper friend of yours.”

  “What do you mean by that?” The cops knew about her and Jared. They wouldn’t go around telling the world that they were having sex while someone ransacked her apartment. The only other person who would know, would be the person who’d been watching.

  “I mean it’s obvious that the two of you are an item, which makes no sense since he just took a job transfer.” His chest heaved up and down, while his fingers trembled. “I didn’t put that rat in your drawer, and I resent you implying that I did.”

  “First.” She swung the door open. “I didn’t imply anything. Honestly, the thought never crossed my mind.” Needing to get the upper hand, she looked him directly in the eyes. Damn jerk didn’t back down. “As far as whom I choose to date, or not date, it’s none of your business.”

  “I see the nice girl-next-door façade has finally cracked.” He arched a single brow. “Call off the hounds, or else,” he ground out before bolting from her office.

  Shaking out her trembling hands, she reached for her purse with the intention of calling Jared, but it seemed someone had decided to call her. Without looking at the caller ID, she flipped open her phone and answered with a shaky breath.

  “Ryan, how could you? I trusted you.”

  “Eddy?” She couldn’t believe her ears. It had been months since she’d spoken to the man. Her rump hit the corner of her desk, and she let out a little yelp.

  “You said you understood.”

  “I never said I understood.” The throbbing in her temples pulsed, shooting pain to other parts of her body.

  “I don’t like getting badgered by the cops. At least your boyfriend had the decency to hide behind a two-way mirror.”

  “I don’t have a boyfriend.” Eyeing her office, she wanted to kick herself. It wasn’t as if Eddy was hiding in some corner. “Crap,” she mumbled, looking under the desk. “Where are you?” She moved to the hallway, and looked in both directions.

  “Basically under house arrest, no thanks to you.”

  “Why’d you call me?”

  Silence, followed by muffled voices in the background, then Eddy spoke softly, too softly. “You’ll get what’s coming to you.”

  The phone went dead. “Damn it.” She punched Penny’s number. She tapped her wristwatch. Hopefully Penny could slip out of work and meet her at her brother’s bar. Jared would be the next phone call, and she was sure he’d demand she leave and go to the station or her brother’s or something. She decided to set up her own plan, and make Jared deal with it.

  But being alone wasn’t an option.

  9

  Ryan pulled into the parking lot of her brother’s bar. She glanced around for a spot just as Pat ran from the door. She winced, knowing he wasn’t rushing to her side because the rain was coming down in buckets.

  “Do you think anyone followed you?” He opened the door, offering a hand. She took it and then nudged the door closed with her hip.

  She hurried toward the well-lit entrance with Pat’s arms tight around her. He constantly looked over his shoulder.

  Her brother might have meant well, but this kind of treatment would drive her wacko. “I take it Jared called.” Water sloshed onto her already soaked feet when she shook her coat. “Are Penny and Chuck here?”

  “They’re in the back corner.” Pat grabbed her by the shoulders. “This is serious shit, ya know.”

  She wanted to stuff her fist in the man’s mouth. “That’s why I called Jared.”

  Pat narrowed his eyes. “Is something going on with you two?”

  She opened her mouth, but then shut it tight, knowing she’d just given him the answer he’d been looking for.

  “I’ll kill him,” he grumbled.

  “Why? What the hell did he do?”

  “I don’t know. You tell me.” Someone called Pat’s name, but he just put his hand up and stared her down like she was a child.

  “What I do with my life is my business. But if you must know, we went to visit Johnny together and, well, he’s different, that’s all. I think he’s finally going to be able to move past all this.”

  “And on to Rochester.” Pat arched a brow. “Can you move past this?”

  “I think I’m a little more concerned with who’s stealing my underwear, sticking dead animals in my desk, and ripping my bed to shreds, than Jared’s move.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m scared for you.”

  “Me, too,” she admitted, accepting his overpowering hug. Sometimes it was like he forgot she was half his size.

  Ryan shook out the water on her coat, then hung it up on the rack before making her way to the back of the bar. She spotted Penny, who was practically sitting on Chuck’s lap. Chuck was all smiles, while he batted Penny’s nose with his finger. Must be nice to be in love, Ryan thought, trying not to be jealous as hell of her friend.

  Normally Penny’s love life didn’t affect her one way or another because it wasn’t a love life, just sex. Penny caught her eye and jumped up, waving frantically, calling out her name. At least Ryan knew she’d always be a part of Penny’s life no matter who stole Penny’s heart.

  “Thanks for meeting me.” Ryan wrapped her arms around Penny, getting almost all the comfort she needed.

  “Anytime.”

  “But I’m sure you and Chuck had other plans.” Ryan dropped her purse over the chair, then planted her butt in it.

  Chuck smiled politely. “Not really. Besides, Jared said someone was stalking you? You really shouldn’t be alone.”

  Oh, yeah. This guy was a keeper. It appeared his world revolved around Penny. His brown eyes conveyed a genuine empathy. No one could fake that.

  “I can’t say the prospect of being alone right now is all that appealing.” As much as Ryan tried, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. All the time.

  She lifted the water glass to her lips, then swallowed the lemon-flavored liquid. The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention.

  “Jared will figure all this out,” Penny said, with hopeful eyes.

  “He’s moving, Pen.”

  “When he does, you’ll stay with me.” Penny patted her shoulder.

  The chatter in the background only added to Ryan’s already fried nerves. Laughter boomed at one table, sparring words echoed at another, and still other muffled words sounded in her ears, only adding to her confusion. “I just might take you up on that.”

  “Jared told me his new job doesn’t really start for a few weeks.” Chuck folded his menu, then set it on the table. “But when he does finally leave, maybe both of you should stay with me.”

  Ryan could barely bite back her smile. Chuck’s protective tone and the way he slipped his hand into Penny’s could only be viewed as true love. “I could also stay with my brother.” Ryan took another sip of water. She’d be a third wheel no matter where she went. At least if Marci had the baby soon, Ryan would have something to do. “And I do have to find a new apartment.”

>   “Jared’s here,” Penny whispered.

  When Jared strolled into Ryan’s view, she almost forgot all her problems. His eyes locked with hers and didn’t shift until he took her by the hand and lifted her from her seat. “Hey, babe.”

  She blinked, then blinked again, trying to pull herself together as he bent and brushed his lips across her temple.

  “Any news?” she asked.

  He settled himself down, resting his arm on the back of her chair. “Nothing concrete.”

  “This sucks,” Penny said. “I mean, I can’t believe anyone other than George would do such a horrible thing to Ryan.”

  “Honey, some people are just psycho,” Chuck said. “You up for a game of pool before dinner?” he asked Jared.

  “Sure.” Jared rose. “Order me a beer and maybe some nachos.”

  “Same for me.” Chuck planted a kiss on Penny’s cheek, then strode away with Jared.

  “If you don’t want to stay with Jared, you know you can stay with me.” Penny leaned in, taking Ryan’s hands. “I know how you feel, and it’s got to be hard staying in the room next door.”

  “I stayed in his bed last night.”

  “With him in it?” Penny screeched. “Don’t mess with me.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Was it bad?”

  “Oh, good God, no.” Ryan laughed, then smiled. “It was amazing. I never knew sex could be that great.”

  “Then why do you look…never mind.” Penny scowled, tossing her napkin on the table. “You shouldn’t have slept with him.”

  “Hey, weren’t you the one giving me pointers last year?”

  “That was different.”

  “How so?” Ryan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “It’s not like he was any more emotionally available a year ago. The only thing that’s changed is he’s moving.”

  “And you think you’re in love with him.” Penny glanced over her shoulder.

  “I’m not in love with him.” How could someone be in love with a man who had nothing emotional to give? “We had sex, that’s it.”