by Celya Bowers
He’d called her disposable cell phone and claimed he had the details of the latest shipment and how she could find the person she was looking for. In truth, Natasha felt like this had all the parameters of a set-up. Before she could abort the mission, her journalistic nature kicked in. What if she could the information she needed? She could blow this thing wide open and perhaps save someone from a life a drug. She’d seen first-hand, what that life could do to a person.
She turned down Salamander Drive and drove past the Sierra Apartments. There he stood on the corner of Camden and Hughes. He waved at her when he noticed her car approaching. She stopped a few feet away from where he stood. Just in case things jumped off, she promised herself as she reached under her car seat and retrieved her gun. It was small enough so she could keep it out of sight and hopefully he wouldn’t noticed.
He knocked on her car window. “Are you going to let me in or what? You know people are looking for me?” He whined, just like always. Sometimes, she just felt like turning him over to the authorities. Reluctantly, she unlocked the passenger side of the car.
“Yes, I know. I told you that investigator came by my job. My boss was suspicious about my hot story if I was getting visitors,” she said as he slid inside the seat. The aroma of the car changed instantly. She waved her hand in front of her face. “When is the last time you bathed? I know for a fact the night shelter lets people take showers for free.”
“Just chill, all right?” He glanced around. “Did you tell anyone you were coming to meet me?”
Did he think she was this stupid? “No one followed me here.” She wouldn’t tell him that someone knew exactly where she was and whom she was seeing.
“Good.” He looked up and down the road.
Something was wrong. Normally, he was cocky and very in-control, but today he was nervous and jittery. “What’s up?”
“Nothing,” he said a little too quickly. “I sent a note to that detective to stop looking for me. I don’t want to be found.”
“I bet someone in your family hired him to find you.”
“I told my sister to leave it alone or she was going to get what Rachel got. She’s in the hospital. Pierre’s thugs got to her.”
“How’s Rachel doing?”
He shrugged his narrow shoulders. “I don’t know. It was either her or me. I wasn’t going out like that.”
Natasha stopped the car and looked at him. Surely, she heard him wrong. Was he really that kind of man? She took a deep breath, trying to keep her stomach at bay. This was the kind of man she hated: weak men who used women as their shield. “Are you telling me that you sent those men to beat up an innocent woman?”
“He wanted his money or the drugs. I had no choice.”
Weak. Natasha had to focus on the bigger prize, or she would have tossed this idiot out of her car and called the cops to have him arrested. Poor woman. This was the best man she could have found. She shook her head. No wonder she was still single if this was the example of men out on the dating scene. “So, you sent drug dealing thugs to attack her?”
“I wasn’t going to send him to beat up my family,” he explained. “Look Pierre said I could either give him the money or .... he let the sentence finish itself. “I wasn’t going to send him to my sister. Not this time.”
“So, this isn’t the first time you offered up someone else?” Natasha could see the train wreck her interview just became.
“I have to look out for me.”
“You have a family. One that is most likely looking for you. I’m sure they would love to know that you’re safe. I’m sure they know about Rachel.”
“Probably. My family is always looking down on me. Everybody got a degree and a job, but me.”
“You choose this. I’m sure they would help you if you genuinely wanted help,” Natasha said. “I see this all the time. It’s the pressure of trying to live up to your parents’ standards.”
He shrugged. “I guess. When I bombed out at college, things went downhill after that.”
Natasha shook her head. “So, you thought this life was the way to go?” She hated whiny men.
“No, I want a better life, I just don’t want to work hard to get it.”
Typical. Everybody wanted something for nothing. “What did you have to tell me?”
“Pierre has a shipment coming in Thursday night.”
“How is he getting it? We’re not near any water, is someone carrying?”
He turned those beady brown eyes on her. “Why are you so concerned how it’s getting here. You just want to get Pierre, right?”
“I’m a curious person,” she lied. “I want to know how it’s getting into Arlington and yes, I want to get Pierre. Why are you so willing to turn Pierre over?’
“Why do you want him so bad? You aren’t really about the drugs. You want Pierre. What happened? Someone you loved died from a drug overdose. This is not just about a story,” he said. “This is about revenge.”
“My reasons are my business,” Natasha said. “My job is to report the news and that is what I intend to do.” She took a calming breath to steady her voice. “I intend to be where the exchange is taking place. Where is the drop?”
***
“Are you sure this is okay?”
Sean looked up from the desk drawer in Rachel’s apartment. This place was cramped but looked like she did the best she could. His dad was standing watch by the door, while he rifled through Rachel’s desk. Just maybe he could find a hint to tell him where DJ was hiding. “Yes, Dad, it’s okay. The woman is in the hospital. She’d been beaten by thugs. I’m hoping for clues of some kind.”
“So, who am I looking out for?”
“I wish I could tell you, Dad. I’m hoping the person I’m looking for, but maybe those thugs might come back, and I would love to get my hands on them. They beat that poor woman within an inch of her life. Who does that to a woman?” He continued searching. He went through the bills and noted DJ’s name wasn’t on any of the bills. Sean shook his head. What kind of man doesn’t take any responsibility? He’d never met the judge’s son and he hoped he never did.
“I don’t see a soul in the hallway,” his father reported as he closed the door. He walked toward Jason. “Kind of weird actually. Seems like someone would have appeared at the door just because of what happened.”
Sean stopped searching. “That’s right, Dad. When we came and found her, the manager was at the door. Today, there hasn’t been a sound in the hallway.”
“Just strange,” his father said. “This place reminds me of our first apartment, barely room enough to turn around. Lots of love though.” His father started walking around the small place, looking behind pictures and picking up books. “Normally, when your mother is trying to hide something from me, she puts it behind something or under something. She thinks I don’t know her hiding places after 45 years of marriage.”
Sean laughed, remembering his mother hiding all sorts of things in the craziest of places. One memory stood out in his mind. “Dad, you just gave me a great idea.” He hurried into the bedroom and stood in the middle of the room. He noticed the mirror on the dresser, and there was a picture on the dresser. It wasn’t of Rachel or DJ. It was an older woman. Most likely, Rachel’s mother, he reasoned. He grabbed the picture off the dresser and began disassembling the photo. Once he had the backing off the picture, he hunted for a clue. Any clue.
“Did you find anything?” His dad called from the doorway. “I think I finally hear someone walking down the hall.”
Sean grabbed the folded piece of paper and shoved it in his pocket, deciding to read it later. “Thanks, Dad. I’m just about done.” He placed the pieces of the picture frame in one of the drawers and left the room.
They left the dreary apartment just as they found it.
Later that evening, Sean prepared for his date with Maddie. This night was going to be special, he mused as he put the finishing touches on the dinner table.
It was almost th
ree when he left his father’s company. He always treasured the time he spent with his parents. Today, his father helped him in more ways than he would ever know. As he lit the candles, the doorbell rang. Time for the fun to begin, he mused, as he walked to the front door.
He opened the door to a vision in pink and lace. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered. He leaned down and kissed her lightly on the lips. His vision was glued to her cleavage. It was going to be hard to concentrate on dinner.
“You look handsome,” she said smiling. “Can I come in?” She asked when he stood motionless before her.
“Oh yeah, sure.” He moved back so that she could enter the house. Sean watched her every move. The short dress seemed to cling to her physically fit body. He shook those impure thoughts from his head. “Dinner is almost ready. Why don’t we sit in the living room?”
She nodded and walked into the spacious room. She sat down and waited for him to join her. Once they were both seated, she asked, “What are we having for dinner?”
“It’s a surprise.” He wanted to know more about her. “How did your event go?”
She grinned. “It went well. I was worried since Hunter was older and seemed a little set in his ways, but he rallied and was soon charming those women. They wanted to know all about his previous books and the new line as well.”
“That’s great! So, what’s next for Hunter Brown? Do you still have to attend meetings with him?”
She laughed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.” She continued giggling when Sean didn’t answer. “Really! He’s like 70!”
He knew he had to say something, or he’d look like a jerk. “I know, but he’s still a man.” Feeling embarrassed, Sean bowed his head in shame. He shouldn’t be feeling anything for this woman, but it was too late.
She leaned over and placed a soft hand on top of his. “I think it’s sweet.” She kissed him quickly on the lips. “Don’t you worry, those women were looking at Hunter like he was today’s special. And he was eating it up with a spoon. He wasn’t used to the romance reader crowd. But to answer your question, yes, I will still go with him on the next one. A few of them are online, so you’re safe.”
He knew he was just being a man. “I know I’m doing that man thing again.” He took a deep breath and decided a subject change was in order. “I had a great time with my dad today. He even helped me search Rachel’s apartment. It looked like someone had been there.”
“You think DJ had been there? Why would he go there if people are looking for him?” She leaned against him. “He seems like a stranger instead of my brother. He’s been one big puzzle and I still don’t have all the pieces.”
17
Sunday morning, Maddie woke up early. It was going to be a big day for her. Rachel was being dismissed from the hospital later that day. She wanted to decorate the room before she arrived.
Maddie thought back to just a few days before. She had offered Rachel her guest room to recuperate. Rachel saw Maddie’s kindness as charity, and initially she refused Maddie’s kind offer. They were so much alike. Maddie had to use her diplomatic skills she reserved for her hard-headed clients.
It took some talking, but Rachel finally agreed to recuperate at her place. Maddie felt like she’d won the biggest account ever. Now was her turn to right a wrong.
She turned over in bed and smiled at Sean. Talk about doing something right. This man knew how to handle his business. Last night, she had every intention of going home and preparing the guest room for Rachel. Every time she made a move to leave, Sean use that wonderful tongue of his to persuade her to stay in his bed. Like a love-starved woman, which she didn’t know she was, she stayed.
Now as Sunday morning stared her in the face, she glanced at the bedside clock. Eight. There was still time for breakfast, she thought. She sat up and looked around the room for her clothes from the night before. Memories of a very racy striptease came to mind. Her clothes had sailed through the air landing at random places all over his spacious bedroom. This morning, her clothes were no longer scattered on the floor, but neatly folded in the chair. Along with a floral silk bathrobe.
“Where do you think you going?” Sean asked, his voice thick with sleep. “It feels like we just went to sleep.” He never opened his eyes.
“We did,” she answered, remembering just how many times they had made love in that short span of time. Being with him had become her drug of choice and she was helplessly addicted. “After that marathon last night, I need food. I have to regain my strength somehow,” she teased him. “I was going to fix breakfast since you fixed such a yummy meal last night.”
He finally opened his eyes and he moved toward her. “Sure, you can make breakfast, later.” He reached and pulled her into his naked embrace and rolled over so that he was on top of her. “For the record, my cooking is not yummy.” He kissed her until they were both out of breath. “It is delicious or tasty. Now you were saying something about needing food.” He kissed her again. “I’m feeling a little hungry myself. Unfortunately, your idea of sustenance and my idea of it, differ greatly.”
Maddie had lost all train of thought as Sean’s busy hands were taking her to paradise. Every place he touched on her body, and he’d been everywhere, left a trail of fire. Two strong fingers entered her body and Maddie thought she’d lost her mind. The sensations rolling through her were too great, she didn’t know if she could endure another shattering orgasm. She gave up the fight and leaned down and kissed him. Not caring for one second how out of control she sounded. “Oh, Sean!” The rest of the affirmation was caught in the back of her throat as she thrust her tongue in his mouth. She didn’t know what it was about this man, but something about him had her walking to the other side of freaky.
When Sean opened a sleepy eye much later than morning, he smelled breakfast. Or at least what he hoped was breakfast. He noticed Maddie was missing from the bed. He shook his head. How many times had they made love in the last 24 hours? It was like they had taken horny pills and a double dose at that. He had to get his head back in the game or she was going to think all he thought about was sex.
He shoved the covers back and sighed. His body was primed and ready for action. “Come on, no more sex!” He walked to the shower with his erection leading the way. He stepped in the shower and turned the water on full blast hoping that would help his morning problem. Today was going to be about helping Maddie, he told himself as soaped his body. She had enough going on today without him getting all handsy. He was going to be the perfect gentleman, he promised.
Once he finished his shower, he dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. He headed downstairs, walked into the kitchen and gasped. He knew Maddie could cook, but this looked like a feast. She was dressed in the silk bathrobe he had bought for her. His heart fluttered with pride.
She turned and faced him with a platter of pancakes in her hand. “Good morning,” she said, giving him a quick kiss on the lips. “I was really, really hungry this morning, so I might have gone a little overboard. I made pancakes, bacon, eggs, hash browns, and coffee.” She placed the platter on the table with the rest of the food. “Sit down.”
He surveyed all the food before him. “Wow! My dad would be in heaven right now. He loved eating a big breakfast.” He picked up his plate and started piling food on his plate. “Baby, this looks great.”
“Thank you. I woke up so hungry,” she said smiling. “And sore. I took a long hot soak in the bath this morning. We were acting like teenagers last night.” She waited a beat. “I liked it.”
He returned her smile. He could really get used to their honesty. The ex would have never admitted that she was out of her depth and she had to soak in the bathtub. This was what a marriage was supposed to be. “I’m sorry, but you kept begging for it,” he countered. “I like to please.”
“Just eat your breakfast. Rachel is getting dismissed this afternoon and I still have to get her room ready.”
“No problem. I can help you.”
“Because this is important to you and you’re important to me.”
***
It was the afternoon before Maddie unlocked her front door with Sean on her heels. Her phone rang as he closed the front door. “It’s Rachel,” she told him as she answered.
“Hello, Maddie,” she said quietly. “The nurse said I’ll probably get dismissed around three. Is it still okay that I stay with you?”
“Of course, it is. Do you need a ride?” Maddie offered and Rachel had refused each time. She was taking this pride thing a bit too far.
“No, my professor said he would come pick me up and bring me to your house.”
“Wait.... your professor?”
Rachel laughed. “I’ll explain it to you later. Yes, my professor. He’s been coming to see me every day since I called him about my lessons.”
Maddie chuckled. “Yes, I’m definitely going to need some context. Just let me know when you’re on your way. I’ll have your room ready.”
“Thank you again.” She ended the call.
Maddie sighed as she put the phone back in her purse. She wished she could help Rachel with DJ. Maybe this is what they both needed, she mused.
“I know that look,” Sean said, guiding her to the couch. “What’s wrong?” They sat on the sofa. He wrapped his arms around her. “Is Rachel still coming to recuperate here? She doesn’t need to go back to that apartment.”
“No, she’s still coming. Her professor is going to bring her.”
“That’s nice.” Sean caressed her arm.
“Don’t you get it? I think the professor likes her. She said he’s been visiting her.”
“I just don’t see the problem. Her professor? How old is this guy?”
“She didn’t say. Rachel is a few years younger than me. She might be 30. She could date a 60 year- old, right? I couldn’t imagine dating someone that much older than me.”
“Well, that’s good to know,” he said. “We’ll just have to see what kind of relationship they have. It could be like a father-daughter thing.”
“True.” She leaned against him and exhaled again. “You know we sound like parents and this is our daughter’s first date.”
