“She keeps falling into my arms.”
I grinned. “I went out for a run the first morning I was back to clear my head, and when I returned, I thought he was a burglar and pulled pepper spray on him.”
“Yes, because those donuts are so dangerous,” Hugh quipped.
“You brought her donuts. You are a brave man,” Champ said before turning his attention to me. “Tell me you dabbled on the dark side and ate his donut.”
“No, but in full disclosure, I did think about it, but only for a minute. I swear Slaughter House is out to ruin me. So, tell me about the feds. What could they possibly want from me that they couldn’t get from you and the nest?”
“Nest?” Hugh asked.
“It’s complicated.”
“Not really, she’s just always in a hurry,” Champ interrupted. “The nest is the service we provide to people in trouble. It’s similar to witness protection, only it’s victim protection.”
“Champ trains them how to fight, take care of themselves, survive, and how to hide off the perpetrator's radar,” I said.
“And she sees any potential problems,” Champ added.
“So, what do the feds want with you?”
“She witnessed a murder,” Champ said.
“In my dream,” I corrected. “And I told them everything I know, even where to look to find the killer. So, I have no idea what they want with me.”
“Well, you’ll find out in twenty minutes. I told him he could talk to you in my office.”
“Not both? Which one came back?”
“This one isn’t one of the previous ones. He’s new, but I didn’t catch the name, just the shiny badge.”
My shoulders deflated. I hadn’t meant to deal with any of this while I was back with my mind being all over the place. “Perfect.”
Champ and Hugh’s conversation turned to questioning each other as if testing the waters to see what type of person the other one was. When Champ asked Hugh what his intentions were with regards to me, I chimed in and answered. “He wants to buy Slaughter.”
“Problem solved.” Champ rubbed his hands together. “Sell him the house and then get your ass back here. I think the longer you stay there, the more hazardous it is to your health. Besides, I need you to come back. One of our safe houses was compromised, and we need to scout some new locations.”
I was beginning to think the same thing about my health. The compromised safe house was a problem. Finding just the right hiding spot before the transitions was getting harder and harder.
The car pulled up outside Beaumont Foundation, and the driver opened the back door, letting us all out. The others went before me. Hugh held out his hand to ease me out while Champ waited with my crutches.
The walk into the building was slow and tedious. With each step, my breath became more labored. For being in good shape, I discovered these crutches were still kicking my butt. Not to mention how many times I’d stepped on one of their toes.
“Peter working today?” I asked as I gazed into the face of everyone as we passed.
“I saw him this morning, but I haven’t checked his schedule,” Champ said.
“Peter?” Hugh asked.
“The ex that moved in,” I clarified. “I work with him too.”
“Ouch,” Hugh said as we rode the elevator up to the executive floor.
With a little bit more help, I stepped off, and Stella met us with a smile.
“Sir, he’s already here. I put him in the conference room.”
“Thanks, Stella,” Champ said, and I headed toward the conference room.
Champ held the door open as I hobbled inside, with Hugh bringing up the rear.
A man dressed in a dark suit stood at the window, looking down at the street below. His dark brown hair was cut in a military style. A white shirt poked out at the collar, contrasting with the black suit.
He turned and smiled.
“No, just no,” Hugh said, touching my arm, getting me to stop from moving in farther.
“Hugh. It’s good to see you again,” the man said.
Champ and I exchanged a look. “You two know each other?”
“We’re related,” Hugh said.
The man pulled out a chair and gestured for me to sit. “I’m FBI Special Agent Porter Anderson. I’m married to Hugh’s sister, Clara.”
“Right, prepared tub girl,” I said, starting to understand while I eased into the seat. I handed Champ my crutches.
“What are you doing here, Porter? Did Clara send you to try and talk Libby out of selling me the property?”
Porter’s lip twitched at the corners, making Hugh’s eyes narrow.
“She has no say in this,” Hugh said, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Why would your sister not want you to have the property?” I asked, unable to hold my tongue.
Champ sat next to me and leaned in. “I should have made us some popcorn.”
They both turned their glare on Champ.
He shrugged. “This is my office, guys. You should have picked somewhere else to have this family squabble if you didn’t want witnesses.”
Porter took a seat and gestured for Hugh to do the same. “Clara is kind of headstrong and protective when it comes to her brothers. She’d go to any lengths to make sure her family is safe. We both would.”
“That doesn’t answer my question,” I said, clasping my hands on the table. “Why wouldn’t she want to see her brother fulfill his dream?”
Hugh finally unlocked his gaze and glanced at me. “She’s worried about the type of new clientele that would come to town. People like my family, only not so nice.”
He’d used the code to help me understand. Clara was worried about special people coming to town. I fixed my gaze on Porter. “Well, it’s either Hugh or the investor, and the investor wanted to turn it into a hunting lodge at first but now wants to turn the place into a haunted freak show. So, which do you think would do more harm?”
“Is that the only reason you’re here? Forgive me for asking, but I was under the assumption that this involved the murder of one of our clients,” Champ added.
Porter smiled. “The FBI has a specialized team of people with unique talents. And we’d like to hire Ms. Slaughter’s services as a consultant for other jobs that would benefit from your…insight.”
“So, this is about work?”
“Just say no and walk away.” Hugh sat back with a huff.
“We help people and handle some unusual cases.”
“It’s too dangerous. Your own personal vendetta almost killed my sister,” Hugh said.
“I appreciate the offer, but I have too much on my plate at the moment.” Not to mention, in five years, I’d be dead.
“Of course,” Porter said, standing while I rose too, balancing my weight on my other foot. He held out his hand and grinned. “Good answer. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
“You seem pleased that I turned you down,” I said, glancing around the room. “I would think you’d want to please your wife and return with an answer she wanted.”
“My wife knows things. It’s part of who she is. So, if she says some unique people will come to town, I don’t doubt it, but in all honesty, maybe the town could use some new people. Like you, for instance. My wife isn’t anywhere nearby, and you haven’t batted your lashes at me yet or tried to flirt with me.”
I frowned. “Why would I do that when you’re married to Hugh’s sister?”
“It’s his thing,” Hugh clarified. “He emits an attraction pheromone, which is just one of his many skills.”
“Well, you must be disappointed then.”
Porter’s smile grew. “On the contrary. It solidifies things for everyone. My juju doesn’t work on the other women in her family, and clearly, you’re meant to be one of them. So, if you ever need anything, anything at all, please let me know. This family can be a little difficult to navigate.”
“Now, wait a minute.” I gawked.
Hugh’s scowl turned into a frown, and he turned his gaze from Porter to me as if realizing that he’d missed the part that I hadn’t fallen at Porter’s feet.
“Son of a…” Hugh’s words trailed off.
I held up my hand, stopping their implications. “I can’t be the only one. And just because your juju doesn’t work on me doesn’t mean I’m meant to be part of anyone’s family. I just got out of a relationship.”
“Technically, you’re still trying,” Champ added.
I pointed at him. “See, I broke up with the last one because I don’t want anything serious and most certainly nothing permanent, no matter why your juju doesn’t work on me.”
“Yes, well. We all go through denial. Enjoy that,” Porter said and headed for the door. “I have to go back and report to my boss and my wife that you turned me down. That’s only ever happened twice, and she was the first.”
13
Hugh
“I’m sorry that he blindsided you like that.” I grabbed Libby’s crutches and offered them to her. “I’m going to kill my sister for sending him here.”
“She cares about you. I get it. If I had siblings, I imagine I’d do the same,” Libby said, hobbling to the door.
“You really couldn’t feel his juju?” Champ asked as he followed behind us. “Because, let me tell you, I might have considered crossing the fence if he would have smiled that way at me.”
She paused in her tracks and watched as Stella was staring after Porter like he hung the moon. It wasn’t until the elevator closed that she shook the look from her face and returned to what she was doing.
“He wasn’t kidding,” she whispered.
“No. He doesn’t kid, and his boss wouldn’t think twice about using you and putting you in harm’s way if it served his purpose, so I’m glad you told them no.”
Champ pushed the call button. “So, what now, kiddos?”
“I’m going home to pack some things and deal with Peter, and then we’re flying back in the morning.”
The elevator arrived, and we stepped inside. Champ held the door open with his hand, not following us in. “Libby, sell the property and get back here. I need you.”
“You’re fine, Champ.”
“You sure?”
She smiled. “Of course, I’m sure.”
Hesitation clouded Champ’s eyes. “I guess, if you say so.”
“I do.”
He nodded. “Well, let me know if you have an issue with Peter or if you need some more muscle to make sure he leaves this time.”
“She’ll be fine,” I answered for her.
Champ grinned. “I’m sure she will.”
The limo was replaced with a Town Car, and the driver was waiting with the door open as we neared. Libby smiled in greeting, “Hey, Granger.”
“Ms. Slaughter, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Here let me take your crutches.”
“Thanks,” Libby said, climbing into the backseat.
I followed her onto the leather seat. She sighed and rested her head on the headrest. “I’m already tired, and we’re not even done.”
My hand brushed against hers. “Sounds like you need a nap.”
“After I deal with Peter, I might just take one.”
The twenty-minute drive to her apartment didn’t take long. The apartment complex wasn’t high end, but neither was it cheap. What it lacked in new age, it made up for with the security access points at the doors and cameras stationed around each entrance. The parking lot was filled with cars.
Granger got her crutches out and handed them to her. “I’ll be parked in the back of the lot. Just call when you need me to pull around to pick you up.”
“Thanks, Granger. I appreciate it.” She walked to the security entrance, where she punched in her code.
“I’m guessing the ex knows your code?” I had to ask.
“Yep, and he has a key.”
“You two were serious?” I asked, heading to the elevator.
“I gave him a key because I was going to be home late and he wanted to cook me dinner. Not because I’d invited him to stay.”
An out-of-order sign hung on the elevator with tape crossing it off to block the usage.
She sighed, and her head drooped like she was getting a headache.
“What floor do you live on?”
“Third.”
“Okay.” I took her crutches and leaned them against the stair railing before scooping her up in my arms. She was slight and skinny, and it wasn’t hard.
She squeaked, not expecting it. “You don’t have to carry me. I can make it up the steps. It just might take me a while.”
“Don’t worry. I’m getting used to carrying you.” I made it up the two flights of stairs and lowered her to her feet. Her gaze held mine and her face softened, unlike the first time we’d met.
She smiled, and my gaze dropped to her lips. She placed her hand on my neck and lowered my mouth to hers in what was probably meant to be a quick kiss, but I found myself lingering.
My hands were resting on her hips, steadying her stance and in no hurry to pull away. She tasted like peppermint. Her soft lips were like heaven against mine. A soft murmur vibrated from her chest as she leaned into my hold. I could have kissed her for days and never had my fill.
She eased away. Her eyes were still closed as her racing heartbeat matched my own. “Thanks for the lift.”
“If that’s how you show your appreciation, your feet won’t touch the ground again.”
A genuine smile filled her lips, and a blush crept on her cheeks.
“Let me grab your crutches.” I held up my finger and jogged down the stairs and back up.
When I reached the top, she was no longer standing at the steps.
She was standing in an open doorway, staring into an apartment as I approached.
“I knew you’d come back.” The six-foot linebacker in front of her was holding out his hand. He looked like he could take on the whole football team and probably win.
“Peter. Why are you in my apartment?” she asked while trying to shove the mountain aside as she passed him. He moved with ease against her touch.
“Well, you wouldn’t move in with me, so I’m moving in with you. That’s what people do when they’re in love.”
I stepped into the foyer with her crutches and watched the drama play out.
“We aren’t in love. I broke up with you. Why can’t you understand that?”
“I thought you were just being indecisive. Women don’t break up with me, baby.”
Libby sighed and almost fell as I handed her the crutches.
“Who’s your friend?” Peter asked.
“This is awkward, honey,” I said, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. Peter watched the movement, and his eye twitched. “You didn’t tell me he was living with you.”
Libby pressed her lips together in a fine line. “That’s because he’s not.”
I held out my free hand. “I’m Hugh Bennett, and I’m sorry about all this, but you know how it is when it’s love at first sight.”
“Libbs?” Peter asked. “Did you tell Howie here that you don’t do serious?”
“It’s Hugh, and it’s none of your business. Now please, give me back my key, and I’ll send over your stuff.”
Peter remained unmoving.
“Now!” she yelled and stabbed the air in the direction of the door. “You’ve gone too far this time, Peter. So, let me make this clear. We aren’t dating. I’m not getting back together with you. I don’t have cold feet, and if you ever try to do something like this again, I’ll call the law. Have I made myself clear?”
“You weren’t kidding when you said Slaughter House was evil. Look what it’s done to you, and you’ve only been back a few days. You need to sell it, Libby, and when you come crawling back to me and begging for me to take you back, I will.”
“I think she’s made her choice,” I added.
/>
“Don’t make this worse than it is,” Libby whispered.
“Yeah, Henry. Don’t make it worse. I eat men like you for lunch. You don’t want to see me mad.”
“It’s Hugh. Not Henry, not Howie. Now get the hell out of here, Peter, before you make things harder on yourself,” Libby said.
Peter grabbed his wallet and keys off the counter and glared at me in passing on his way to the door. “You haven’t won. She’ll come back to me.”
He walked out the door and slammed it behind him. The sharp sound made Libby jump.
“He’s an interesting character,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.
“He wasn’t like that when we dated.”
“He seems a bit stalkerish. That big guy doesn’t know how to take no for an answer, and now you have to work with him too. That’s going to be awkward.”
She hobbled to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator door. “You didn’t have to tell him we were dating. I didn’t ask you to do that.”
“Consider it a perk for kissing me.”
“I knew that was a bad idea,” she said, taking two water bottles out of the fridge. She tossed me one before opening hers and taking a swig.
“It was the best idea you’ve had yet, but don’t worry, after watching that exchange, you’ve made it very clear that you don’t do serious, and besides, you’re not staying in Mountain View. That would defeat the purpose of talking you into selling me the property.”
“Exactly,” she said. “That’s why nothing will ever happen between us.”
“Oh, darling. You’re too late to say that. It’s already happened, but going forward, we’ll keep it with the caveat of no strings attached.”
“Hugh.” My name came out as a warning as I walked into the kitchen.
I set my bottle down and cupped her face, lowering my mouth to hers again as a reminder of what it was like. It was the type of kiss that I’d been itching to give her since she threatened me with pepper spray.
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