“With all my brothers present.” Her sigh acknowledged the difficult conversations to come. The thought of having a dog nearby lent comfort even if it felt like a temporary crutch.
Chapter Nine
Daryl, her half-brother, would be so disappointed. He’d said from the start she wouldn’t finish the task, and she’d proven him right on not one, but two occasions.
“The little black-haired slut.” From her vantage point on the bluff’s tree line, Havoc steadied her high-powered binoculars on a low-lying limb. Choosing a setup with an enhanced ocular lens allowed for a wide field of view where she could take in the whole area at once.
Emergency personnel dotted the scene, scurrying around like frenzied ants. Various reporters with their camera crews pestered everyone within sight. It was chaos. It was heaven.
“Isn’t that sweet. They’ve already rallied around the little princess.” A second assassination failure looked horrendous on her record, but as a budding entrepreneur, she could sweep the incident under the rug. Only her brother knew the truth, and he wouldn’t tell.
Even from a distance, she saw how the siblings surrounded their sister and blocked the public and reporters’ views to the attorney.
Each man, a cop or investigator living in or near Portland, scanned his surroundings. One used his phone to take video of the bystanders, no doubt sending it to Lexi, their family’s hacker.
A giggle bubbled up at the thought of Lexi skimming through the facility’s security footage looking for some small scrap of evidence, some blurry photo depicting the prior night’s activities. You can’t see what isn’t there.
Neither she nor her brother could match keyboard skills with Ethan’s girlfriend. Instead of saving the computer nerd as the last target, he should’ve made her the first. Men ceased to think a situation through when they knew it all.
The fact Havoc always had a backup plan proved her worthy of the task. Due diligence with preparation supplied her with the resources she’d tap into and the things she needed to learn. She’d chalk today’s failure up to her brother’s incompetence.
Fascination with the study of orchids would gain her entrance into her first mark’s world in a place he considered safe, his sanctuary. Credlin’s intelligence dictated her fund of knowledge be thorough yet curious, detailed yet eager to learn more.
Online photos depicted the soon-to-be divorced businessman a stud. She couldn’t wait to find out. Every job should have its perks. The fact she found hers between the sheets made the prep work worthwhile. Traveling a good distance to obtain contact lenses was a minor inconvenience.
Once she ensnared the ex-husband in her spell, she’d press her advantage and move on to the second of three marks, using the tools gained from the prior to incriminate the next. Both the supervising attorney and one associate from Abby’s firm were scheduled for mind games.
Merry goose chases were such fun. This was the part of the job she enjoyed most. The similarity of a lioness chasing down smaller game, anticipating its sharp claws and teeth tearing through its prey came to mind.
This time, the quality of deception and betrayal would rival anticipation of the final act in any scheme ever devised, and the law would be the teeth in the bite against the lawyer. How appropriate.
* * * *
Despite Abby’s reassurance to her brothers, Royden insisted she ride to the hospital for examination. He wasn’t about to take any chances.
“I don’t like the double standard. I’m lying on a stretcher, all buckled in, and you’re sitting on the other one, watching out the back. I’ll bet my last dollar there’s a McAllister vehicle both in front and behind us.”
Royden took her hand in his. “The world is full of double standards, sweetheart. You know life isn’t fair.” He grinned, knowing it would infuriate her. He intended to keep her fear at bay until she regained her confidence.
Once in the ER and awaiting confirmation of x-ray results, the physician advised her ankle was probably sprained, not broken. Abby claimed it felt better and resented the testosterone insistence of the x-ray. Crimson climbed her cheeks with her brothers’ ongoing conversation outside the room. She felt like a child caught in a horrific windstorm.
“Might as well lay back. It’s going to be a while before the films are read.” Royden claimed the chair beside her stretcher, unable to keep his heel from bouncing on the tile floor.
“Jeez. Not the way I planned to spend my Saturday.”
“At least we’re together.” Standing once again, he felt edgy enough to need motion to contain his anger. Another outing, another attempt on Abby’s life.
Various devices, from bandages to IV equipment, lined the shelves on one side and adjoining wall of the room. Behind the bed, more supplies ensured staff remained ready for any eventuality. The other long wall consisted of glass where occupants could see the comings and goings of personnel when the curtain was open. Three of her brothers stood outside, either surveying the foot traffic or pestering the staff about Abby’s condition.
“I feel sorry for the nurses.” Abby nodded toward Matt, who currently spoke with her doctor.
“Don’t worry. McAllisters been here enough, everybody knows them.” Royden paced around the foot of her bed, nodding to Ethan outside the room.
“Roy? Hey, wrangler. Long time, no see. I was going to look you up next week.” The statuesque ebony-haired professional entering the room headed straight for him, arms wide. Tall and athletic, the doctor’s white lab coat couldn’t hide ample curves.
“Hi, Charlotte. How’ve you been?” Royden cast a nervous glance back at Abby, watching her mouth form a perfect O. The old nickname verged a little too close to Abby’s pet name, one she’d found fitting after one of their marathon lovemaking sessions.
“Since when did I slide from Charlee to Charlotte, fella?” Confusion knit her brow when he didn’t return her hug. “Just because I’m an ex doesn’t make me a leper, does it?”
Royden patted her arms in a conciliatory gesture before stepping out of reach. “Of course not. How long have you been in town? And how’d you know we were here?” The slight hand gesture included Abby.
“About two weeks. I’m still getting settled. I was going to give you a call and see when you wanted to get together. I heard you’d made detective. I knew you would. Hell, you’ll be running the department if you don’t quit and join a private practice, like me.”
“You’re keeping tabs on him?” Abby’s tone equaled that of calm interrogation.
“Isn’t that what friends do?” Charlee turned to smile at the patient. “Hi, I’m Charlotte Nickerson.” Street clothes under a lab coat included a skirt that revealed well-toned legs. She turned her mega-watt smile back to Royden. “We have a lot of mutual friends in the medical profession. I’m now part of the staff here. Orthopedics.”
Heat swept up Royden’s neck when he caught the severe scowl on Matt and Ethan’s faces, watching and dissecting his every move. Every word of their conversation would’ve carried through the open door. He’d long been vetted by the McAllister clan and didn’t expect the past to bite him in the ass.
“So, you finished your residency and moved back to Portland.” Royden surmised in as neutral tone as possible. “Congratulations. How’re your parents and Toni?”
“The family’s fine. How about your folks? I spoke with them last weekend and your mom told me about your promotion. It was wonderful to catch up. She told me you’d bought a house and that I should drop by.”
Thanks, mom. His parents loved Charlee and had hoped she’d stay in Portland to settle down with him. Unfortunately he hadn’t told them he’d found his forever. “My dad had minor surgery last year, but he’s amended his diet and exercise routine. He’s doing well. His blood pressure is under control.” Royden knew he was babbling, so unlike his normal demeanor. The figurative noose closing about his neck and tightening with Abby’s enlightenment suffocated his thoughts.
“Huh, he didn’t mention it
when I spoke with him. I’ll call and see if there’s anything I can do for him. Well, here’s my number.” She pulled a business card from her jacket pocket. “Give me a call so we can catch up.” With a bearing that suggested they could pick up exactly where they left off, she smiled before leaning forward to kiss him.
He turned his head to the side, so she kissed his cheek. In silent horror, he deciphered Abby’s expression and knew the minute enlightenment occurred. Sweat dampened his chest and spine between his shoulder blades. He didn’t dare mention catching up, not with three McAllister gazes bearing down on him. He wore his most sincere smile. “It was good to see you again, Charlotte.”
“Sorry. Where are my manners?” Charlee strode to Abby’s side. “I can check on those X-rays for you, Miss McAllister.” Gesturing with her left hand displayed the small diamond on her ring finger. By wearing it, she’d declared her intentions louder than if she’d shouted.
Abby’s slight gasp signaled recognition and placing the appropriate puzzle pieces in order. Despite the coolness of her gaze, immeasurable pain lurked within. “So, you knew Royden well, once upon a time. A lot of things have changed.”
“Yes, we grow, we learn. Thankfully, some things remain the same. Royden and I had planned to marry. The last two years of my residency took me east, but now I’m back.” Turning back to Royden, she added, “We haven’t spoken since what, June? Well, except for the emails around Christmas. I was hoping to surprise you.”
“Yep, did that. Charlotte.” he was careful to use her proper name, “Things have changed, though.” The surprise churned the acid in his stomach. Charlotte’s assumption that they could pick up where they’d left off after not seeing each other for ten months was preposterous. In hindsight, the Christmas email he’d received and not thought much about held more significance. Apparently, she’d kept up with his parents, something he’d failed to do adequately. In respect to what they’d shared, he would explain, Abby was his future.
“I’ll check back with you in a bit.”
He’d long understood Abby’s mindset. She wasn’t one to engage in subterfuge, unless it involved trial. The pain etched in her furrowed brow broke his heart.
As soon as Charlotte left, he prayed his efforts of damage control would succeed. Her brothers could wait their turn.
“She seemed nice. When were you going to tell me you were engaged?” Abby’s neutral tone failed to cover a world of pain.
Coming to the point might head off more hurt feelings. “I didn’t tell you about her because—I don’t know—she’d moved away. She and I are not and were never engaged. I’m not keeping any secrets from you, sweetheart. That ring was a pre-engagement symbol. Yet, she walked away.”
“She still wears it? How odd.”
“It was a promise ring, given long before she relocated to the east coast. I didn’t ask for it back because I didn’t want to hurt her. She used to keep it on a necklace because of going into surgery. I guess putting it on was her way of declaring her intentions, but Abby, it’s not going to happen. I love you.”
Royden’s desperation multiplied. Matt, standing outside Abby’s line of sight, started for the door, held back by Ethan and Lucas. Interference from her brothers could cost him the love of his life. Charlee equaled a force of nature when it came to something she wanted. Two seconds into their conversation detailed Royden on the menu. He had to be convincing to salvage what he cherished most.
“Abby, you’re the one I’m with, the one I want. No one else.”
“Hey, we all have a past. It comes with age.”
“Yes, but when we promised each other full disclosure, I assumed it pertained to anything significant.”
“And a prior engagement isn’t important?”
Royden gritted his teeth. “It wasn’t an engagement as such. We were waiting until she finished her residency, but she moved east. I haven’t seen her or spoken with her since I met you.” He had returned an email, but with general comments, as one would with an old friend.
Charlotte’s obvious comfort and familiarity with kissing him and resting her hand on his chest added fuel for later fires.
“Amazing, how much she resembles me, long black hair, direct, and professional.” Uncertainty clouded her gaze.
They were anything but good. You don’t know the determination of Charlotte Nickerson. She’d set her sights on becoming Mrs. Patterson before medical residency moved her across the country and was now back to stake her claim.
The ER doctor’s return interrupted further discussion. Ending a conversation on shaky ground was not acceptable. He should have told Charlee that he and Abby planned on marriage, or at least declared they were living together. Stunned disbelief that she not only wore, but also flaunted the small diamond had held him mute. He had a lot of explaining to do.
Chapter Ten
“Hey, sweetheart. Time to wake up. Your brothers are gonna be here within the hour.” Royden’s easing down on the bed rolled Abby toward him.
After leaving the hospital, she’d caved, agreeing to stay at his home. He hadn’t given her time to mull over the conversation between him and his ex, which she still needed to do. Men may not see it, but a woman knew when another aimed for her man, and Charlotte Nickerson held more determination than most, judging by her demeanor. Royden needs time alone to think things through.
Abby stretched and yawned, trying to clear the remaining cobwebs from her thoughts. “Wow. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”
“Maybe because you didn’t get much last night?” His apologetic grin failed to register as sincere.
He’d spent hours showing her, not with words but with touch, how much she meant to him. By the time she passed out from exhaustion, he’d left no doubt that she encompassed the center of his world.
With each soft caress and slow glide of him joining their bodies, he reaffirmed their bond indestructible. When she’d closed her eyes, his featherlight touch brushed her forehead down the bridge of her nose before sliding across her cheek, demanding without words that she hold his gaze and feel everything he offered. Words became unnecessary.
“I’m up. I’m gonna grab a quick shower.” She extended her arms and pulled him closer for a kiss.
With his quiet steps away, so went some of her assurance. Flashbacks of the speculative gleam in his ex-girlfriend’s gaze, understood by any woman, declared the battle for Royden’s soul had just begun. He’d detailed his previous relationship on the drive home from the hospital even after she assured him she didn’t need to hear it.
Water sluicing over sore muscles circled the drain as confused thoughts wheeled around her mind. The timing of Charlee’s appearance combined with Abby’s affinity to danger watered the seed of uncertainty. She needed time alone, in her own home, to sort through the events and facts threatening to overwhelm her composure. As many times as she’d sorted through her brothers’ antics and dances with the law, they could grant her one night of surveillance outside her apartment complex.
Coiling her hair in a quick bun, she felt ready to face her family, due to arrive any minute. Straightening her suit jacket equated to mental preparation for facing her siblings as well as removing telltale wrinkles from Royden’s amorous bent when they walked through his door. The bathroom mirror reflected evidence of their tryst with slightly swollen lips, flushed cheeks, and eyes that sparkled despite the coming storm.
Royden’s success in fending off her sibling’s visit the prior afternoon earned him more than a gold star. After an evening of conversation, he’d spent an hour on a conference call with her siblings, assuring them of her well-being and sketching an outline of his association with Charlotte. He’d understood Abby’s need for a break to gain her equilibrium and hence had run blocker, much to Matt’s frustration.
Downstairs, the doorbell rang, followed by a creak and Royden’s murmur. Her eldest brother, Matt, was first to arrive for the family inquisition and made no such concession in lowering his voice.
&n
bsp; Her conscience chided her for dragging her feet while her better half took the brunt of the initial greeting. As much as she loved her family, every work-related meeting entailed walking a legal tightrope. They’d each straddled those lines, something she’d refused to do or acknowledge. Royden didn’t mind facing down five angry McAllisters, claiming it would be like just another day at the office.
Each click of her heels on the hardwood reinforced her mental equilibrium. At the top of the stairs, she cleared her throat. “Hi, guys. Glad you could join us.”
Matt and Billy stared open-mouthed while their girlfriends Kathryn and Remie snickered.
“Told you they were fine.” Katt elbowed Matt in the ribs and received a stern look in return.
Behind them, Hoover, Lexi’s shepherd mix, plowed through the congregating group and into the great room, bouncing with Diego, who’d spent the night trying to wedge himself between her and Royden.
“Hoover, that’s rude.” Lexi, the family’s resident hacker, tugged her McAllister inside. “C’mon Ethan, let’s put this food on the kitchen table.”
“It wouldn’t be a get-together without a meal,” Caden mused as he and his older brother, Lucas, preceded Kaylee and Megan inside, each bearing grocery bags.
Royden just nodded and smiled. “I should’ve expected this.”
“Damn right you should’ve. You’re family.” Matt softened his gaze as he watched Abby walk into Royden’s arms.
“All right. I know you guys are here to talk, but I’m setting ground rules before we start.” Abby gestured for everyone to find a seat. Between the recent acquisition of extra furniture plus Ethan and Caden tugging Lexi and Kaylee into their respective laps, everyone settled.
Each woman smirked, having adjusted to Abby’s style of dealing with McAllister problems by drawing her line in the sand.
“Okay. I don’t want to hear about anything illegal. I value my job and I’m not adept at bending.”
McAllister Justice Series Box Set Page 33
