Beck

by Toye Lawson Brown

  “We said what was needed weeks ago. Unless you are a realtor, you and your friend should leave before he and the owners show up.” I had to alert Beck that Trina was not alone. But how? With the apish man clinging so close to Trina, there was no way to pick up my phone and make a call.

  “When I finally get rid of you and your mother, life will be perfect.” Trina pulled the chair from the sign-in table and sat down, crossing her long, jean-clad legs.

  “What does my mother have to do with this?”

  “Oh come on, princess.” Trina’s dark eyes bored into me. She fumbled for something in the pocket of her jacket. Grape Ape stood behind her like a trained robot. He didn’t blink, speak, or move without her permission.

  By the time my gaze returned to Trina, I had found myself looking into the muzzle of a damn gun.

  “Don’t pretend you don’t know Jonathan is planning to divorce me. In the process, he has signed all his assets and property over to you and Elouise of all people. I get nothing after putting up with his black ass all these years. That motherfucker got to be crazy if he thinks I’ll walk away quietly and broke.”

  My heart leaped into overdrive. Great. A crazy woman with a fucking gun. Where the hell was Beck?

  “Take it easy, Trina.” I held out a hand. “I didn’t know anything about Dad doing any of that, and I'm sure Mom doesn't either. They hardly even talk. You should talk to him. You know he never does what he says.”

  “The motherfucker followed through this time. I was served this morning. Lock the damn door.” Trina’s voice sounded a few octaves deeper as she issued the command to Grape Ape.

  My face must have betrayed her shock, because Trina stood and cocked the hammer on the gun. “That’s right, honey, say a prayer. Because you know your ass will not leave this place alive.”

  My pulse rate kicked higher. My father’s crazy wife was my stalker, and her ghetto upbringing had returned. Gone was the refined doctor’s wife who enjoyed fine wine, expensive dinners, and luxury living.

  “You’re making a big mistake, Trina,” I said. “You will not get away with this.” I readied the knife in my hand. I would kill the bitch with no regret.

  “Oh, please, darling. I saw your bodyguard. He is at home and being watched. So feel free to throw a tantrum or do whatever. Your punk-ass white knight will not ride in to save you.”

  I shook my head. “You are an asshole, Trina. Mom tried to tell Dad that he couldn’t take a trick out the hood and make her a queen or smart.” I sucked my teeth. “Do you think Beck would actually leave me alone?” My ghetto didn’t sound as harsh as hers. I couldn’t show her fear.

  Her brow furrowed. “I hate you and your bitch-ass momma. But I’ll take my chances.” She turned to Grape Ape. “Go outside and take a look around. If he is out there, get rid of the fool.” Trina ran her finger up the sleek nuzzle of the gun. “Bruce, fail at this, and you’ll meet the same demise as Clinton.”

  My blood chilled. Trina had killed Clinton. Shit!”

  Grape Ape’s heavy footsteps pounded on the hardwood floor. What were my chances of actually making it to the door and getting away? Not good, probably. On the other hand, I couldn’t sit still and do nothing; I had to make a break for it.

  If I zigzagged, a bullet might hit me in the back or miss me entirely. I’d reported on how to avoid a sniper. Cleveland SWAT had given tips and demonstrations on how to keep moving if gunfire erupted in a mall or school: never run in a straight line and dive for cover when possible.

  I’d decided to make a run for it. Maybe the commotion would alert the neighbors.

  “Okay.” I held up a hand. “We can talk; you are holding the gun, which puts you in control.”

  “Smart girl. First, I want you to lock the door. In case your bodyguard was lurking around and overpowered Bruce, I still have you to use as collateral.”

  Was this a dream? Or was Trina that damn stupid? She had given me my escape. She had more than twenty years on me—she would never catch me once I was out the door.

  I had to tamp down my emotions and stay in control. Fingers trembling, I walked by Trina, keeping my shaky legs under control, and to the door. She was close behind me.

  Dammit!

  I pretended to deal with the lock, my sweaty fingers sliding over the latch—it was now or never. Turning around, I shoved Trina with all the strength I had in me. She stumbled backward and fell hard across the table, knocking the contents on top of her.

  Not bothering to see if she was out cold, I wrenched the door open and took off in a full sprint.

  Halfway down the block, I heard a shot ring out. That wasn’t stopping me; I intended to keep running until my adrenaline ran out, or a bullet collapsed me.

  Heavy footsteps hit the wet pavement behind me.

  Shit! Bruce.

  I pumped my legs harder, but he was gaining on me. How could someone as big as him run so damn fast? He caught me and twisted my arm. Terror made my feet clumsy, but I refused to give up and fought. I was a wildcat refusing to be caged.

  Stay alive. You have to stay alive to warn your parents, to say goodbye to Beck. Every muscle stiffened as Bruce tussled with me on the ground, his knee in my chest. I couldn’t breathe. The knife was still in my hand. I swung at his face, connecting with his jaw. The sound of it ripping through his flesh made me gag.

  He yelped and stood up. I didn’t have the privilege of lying on the wet ground until the queasiness passed or air filled my lungs. I had to run.

  I struggled to get to my feet. Where the hell was Beck? Why hadn’t he rescued me yet? Oh God, had Bruce found him and done away with him, as Trina ordered?

  Finally, I was on my feet and running again, but at a much slower speed. I heard tires screeching on the wet street. Trina was coming for me too. My mind was on getting away, but my legs were tired and my lungs burned. I had to stop running.

  My knees buckled, and I fell in the wet grass. A large body loomed over me, gun aimed at my head. “No, please—”

  A gunshot pierced the wind and rain. I closed my eyes and waited for death to take me away from this nightmare.

  *****

  Beck

  I jumped from the truck, drew my gun from its holster, and sprinted down the street, vaulting over hedges, not slowing up until I’d caught up to the mammoth of a man chasing Abbie. The fucking rain hampered my vision, but I was determined not to lose sight of them.

  When she fell and the asshole caught up to her, I had to do something. The sonofabitch was standing over her, the gun in his hand aimed at her head.

  Flashbacks from that night three years ago invaded my thoughts. This was not the same situation. The man was not a kid. He was a killer, and I’d been hired to protect Abbie’s life. Not only that, I had to protect the woman I loved.

  For a second, my vision took on a distinct red tinge before I yelled, “Stop! Police!”

  The man turned and aimed his weapon at me. My bullet hit the man in the chest, knocking him backward. He landed right beside Abbie, his lifeless eyes looking straight into hers.

  Shuddering on the ground, Abbie tried to roll away, but she appeared to be in shock.

  “Baby, are you all right?” Hastily, I holstered my weapon, reached for her, and lifted her off the ground. I moved my hands over her, making sure she was intact.

  She touched my wet face. “Thank God you got here in time. He was going to kill me.”

  “I would not let that happen,” I said, holding her to me. I looked over at the lifeless body of the man. If I could resuscitate the bastard, I would just to kill his sorry ass again.

  She shivered in my arms even though the rain was warm. “Is he dead?”

  I nodded. “Yes. You’re safe.”

  “What about Trina? She threatened to hurt my parents.” She became frantic in my arms. I held her tighter to calm her.

  “She can’t hurt anyone, baby. Zane has her detained at the house. Police should be there to take her ass away.”

  Abbie d
rew a deep breath and wiped her eyes. “Thank goodness it’s over.”

  “Not quite. I want you checked by the paramedics. You took a hard fall.”

  “I’m fine, really. Just in shock and so tired.”

  “I won’t argue; you really are fine all wet and slick.”

  She smiled. It was a weak and teary one, but still a smile. “You are such a tease.”

  I sat on the ground and cradled her in my arms, never wanting to let her go. “Yeah, but you love me.”

  “I do love you. Now can we get out of the rain? My hair will be a mess.”

  I couldn’t do anything but kiss her. A kiss that would never end.

  Epilogue

  Beck

  Four months later

  I watched the woman I’d declared to love forever as she unpacked boxes in our new home. The two-story colonial was in a parklike setting in the suburb of North Olmsted. It was approximately forty minutes from her father’s house.

  I didn’t mind the drive when we visited. We were busy people and didn’t see each other that much.

  The last four months had been a whirlwind. Trina was still in jail under five-million-dollar bail for the murder of Clinton and the attempted murder of Abbie. The trial was set for early next year.

  It took him a while, but Dr. Parker had wised up and seen Trina for the person everyone else knew who she was. In the meantime, Abbie and her father had promised to work on their relationship.

  As for me, I took charge of where my life was going. I had heard back from one police department, and they were interested in hiring me. I was still unsure how Abbie would take the news. Hopefully she’d examine it rationally. I wouldn’t be guarding any other women, and I would be home in the evening with her as her husband.

  Yup, I had purchased an engagement ring and was ready to propose. First I wanted to meet with her parents. Even if they didn’t approve of me, I was going forward with it. I wasn’t marrying them. And although their blessing would be appreciated, I didn’t need it.

  Abbie plopped in the chair. “Are you enjoying watching me work?”

  “Whenever I get to watch you bend over a chair, it’s always enjoyable for me.”

  “You are such a pig,” she said, and tossed a pillow at me.

  I dodged it and laughed. “When will your mother arrive?”

  She looked outside. The November sky was dark, threatening to drop snow at any minute. “Her plane should arrive at two. Dad wants us at his house by five. I can’t believe they are dating. Dad was cheating on Trina with my mom. How weird is that?”

  “I think they are doing it because they never fell out of love. It took your father a long time to realize what he’d let go.”

  She shrugged. “I guess Mom never dated because, deep down, she still loved Dad. Still weird, though.”

  I scrubbed a nervous hand down my face. “I need to talk to you about something. I ask that you keep an open mind before outright saying no, okay?”

  “Okay, sounds serious.”

  “It is, but it isn’t. It depends on how you accept it. “I applied to North Olmsted and Fairview Park police departments months ago. North Olmsted offered me a position. If I take the position, they want me to start right away.”

  She glared at me, her brown eyes narrowing. “Why would you keep that from me, Beck? We should have discussed it before you put in the applications.”

  I shook my head. “No, we shouldn’t have. We weren’t a couple then. I’m discussing it with you now because we are a couple and starting a life together.”

  She crossed her legs. “What do you want me to say? Your dream is to be a police officer; you’ve been given a second chance.”

  “So you would’ve been okay with it?” I searched her face for any hidden reservations.

  She inhaled a deep breath. “If you have to be a police officer, I’d rather it be in this suburb instead of Cleveland, where a person is killed every ten minutes, it seems. So, yeah, I would be okay with it.” Suddenly, Abbie’s eyebrows pinched together. “Wait? What do you mean would’ve?”

  I smiled. “First, babe, you are the best when it comes to supporting me. But I won’t be taking the job with North Olmsted. I was promoted. I am now in charge of recruiting former police and military officers to work security for GDB. I’m not sure what the hours are since there will be some travel involved, but I promise to make time for us.”

  Abbie got out of the chair and dropped on my lap. “You mean to make time for us?”

  I eyed her quizzically. “Yeah, that’s what I said.”

  “No, silly.” She put my hand on her breast. “Does this feel different to you?”

  Now that she mentioned it, it felt much fuller. Actually, she looked more filled out. Hell, it was hard to tell, since the weather had changed and she wore thick sweaters and heavier pants. But Abbie was thin. Any changes in her body, I should’ve noticed right away.

  I pulled her back a fraction to look into her eyes. “Abbie, what are you saying?”

  She rolled her eyes. “We’re pregnant, silly.”

  Smiling like a banshee, I couldn’t find my voice. I was going to be a father. The shock hit me like a ton of bricks.

  Fuck me!

  “I’m going to be a dad? You’re having my baby?”

  She wrapped her arms around my neck. “Yes. I found out a few days ago. I was going to spring the news at dinner tonight, but I felt you should be the first to know, since you’re the daddy.”

  There was no waiting to ask her father shit now. I anxiously dug the ring box out of my pocket and got down on one knee before Abbie.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  “I also had plans for dinner tonight, but I feel it is more important I do this with just us.” I cracked open the ring box. “Abbie Parker, will you marry me?”

  Abbie’s eyes watered as I slipped the ring on her finger. “Yes, I’ll marry you. I love you. Beck.”

  “I love you too, baby.”

  I pulled her to me and covered her wide smile with a deep kiss. What a happy ending moving to Cleveland had been. It started out as a new job, in a new city, and ended with the perfect woman claiming my heart.

  The End

  Other Novels by

  Toye Lawson Brown

  Romantic Suspense Novels

  Obsessive/Obsession (Out of Print)

  Nayla’s Dilemma – The End of Justice

  Law and Disorder: Partners Undercover

  When the Music Stops

  A Journey for Justice

  Obsessed With Taylor James

  Jenna Where Are You

  Proving His Innocence

  Caught in the Trap

  Singing the Blues

  Love and Romance

  Fighting the Desires

  A Love Delayed

  Beautiful Music

  Calling For Rayne

  The Reunion

  Let Me Serve You

  Scenes to Steal the Heart

  Scenes to Steal the Heart: The Final Act

  The Perfect Combination

  Text ‘Yes’ If You Love Me

  Up to Bat

  Postcards from Havana

  Lady Guardians: Back Off (MC Romance)

  Crossing Yards – End of the Line

  Mistletoe and Cookies: A Romantic Christmas Novella

  The Man She Married

  Love and Romance Series

  Teach Me to Love Again

  Chasing Love

  On Top of the Mountain

  Love at Camp Black Bear

  Something Different

  Never Leave Me Again

  The Men of CLE-FD Firefighter Series

  Smoke & Fire a Firefighter’s Love Story

  The Men of CLE-FD the Orlando Torres Story

  Burned

  Rekindle the Flames

  The Eyes of a Stranger

  GDB Security

  Gio

  Briggs

  Toye Lawson Brown Audiobooks

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  Toye Lawson Brown

  Website: Toyelbrown

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  About The Author

  Toye Lawson Brown resides in Ohio, is an Amazon international bestselling author, and member of RWA. Her romance novels include African-American, interracial romance, romantic suspense, and multicultural stories. She was nominated for Breakout Author of the Year (2014) and Best Interracial Romance (2015) by the B.R.A.B Book Club. The Men of CLE-FD also was nominated for a Reader's Choice Award for IR/MC best series. Toye Lawson Brown lures readers from the present to her fictional world from the first page. When not writing, Toye is in the kitchen creating mouth-watering meals or sharpening her bread-making techniques.