“But then how could they have known to come here?” The answer came to her instantly. “They followed me here.”
“And waited until we left before coming in.”
“Do you suppose that’s who was peeping in the window last night?”
“It seems a logical deduction. They sure as hell weren’t shy about letting someone know they were here.”
“I can’t believe Bernadette wouldn’t have reported it. She’d think it was me and would be hoping for yet another excuse to throw me out. She comes in here for every other little thing. Why not this? Unless she’s the one who did this to scare me into leaving.”
“Another plausible theory. We’ll figure it out.”
They heard cars pull up outside. Kurt picked his way over the debris field and opened the front door. In minutes the place was swarming with more law enforcement personnel than she’d ever wanted to see in her personal space—all jockeying for control. Hades curled into her, quivering at the rush of people. Midge cuddled him, trying to soothe his fears with gentle ear rubs while she watched the power play before her. Full disclosure was next and a decision was made. One sheriff deputy went to talk to Bernadette. Another started a perimeter check.
Midge tried to block the enormity of the mess surrounding her. This went beyond searching for something and well into destruction. It was going to take forever to clean up. She feared her precious collection of first editions was ruined. If it had been intruders hunting for the ketamine, they would have gone right to the source and been subtle about it to avoid detection. There was no way Jeremy could have withstood that beating and not divulged the information.
Kurt, Jess and a third NCIS agent they called Vic engaged in muted conversation with the DEA agent. Every so often they glanced her way. The attention unnerved her. She wanted to scream that she’d done nothing except let people into her life against her better judgment. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes, willing the nightmare away. Movement near her a few minutes later opened them.
Jess sat beside her. “I understand we have a brave guard-cat here. Mind if I see?” He gently scratched Hades’ ears.
He relaxed enough to let Jess pick the hairs from his claws with tweezers and put them into an evidence bag.
“Looks like we’ve got a little skin here, too. Whoever this cat smacked is going to have some gouges to show for it. Want to tell me your take on this?” Jess tucked the bag in a large tackle box.
“I didn’t do this. This isn’t me.” Midge wanted to scream the words loud and long. Did she need a lawyer? Should she call Phillip? He might be teaching high school now, but he still had his law degree. “Maybe you should ask Jeremy.”
“Jeremy Forton died last night from his injuries.”
Fuck.
“Your take on this?” he said again.
“Someone hunting for drugs wouldn’t have made a mess like this. They wouldn’t want to be detected. Whoever did this was sending a message. My landlady wants me gone, but this took stamina and I can’t see her expending that kind of effort. What I don’t understand is why she didn’t call this in. There had to be a hell of a lot of noise. She comes in whenever she damn well pleases, so I’m sure she would have charged in here over this. Hell, she walked in on Kurt and me yesterday.”
“Maybe she was out,” Jess suggested.
“In that storm? We wouldn’t have gone out if not for Claudia. Besides, Kurt had to park on the street last night because of the snow piled in front of the garage door. She couldn’t have gotten out.”
“We’ll see what the deputy can pull out of her. Can you give me a list of who’s been in here recently? It will help when we start analyzing fingerprints.”
“Me, Kurt, my landlady, Petty Officer Susan Bolotnik and Jeremy. They are the only ones since I’ve moved here. I clean weekly.” God, the mess.
He scribbled the names on a small notepad. “Anything else come to mind? Anyone else cause you any grief? Think, Midge. This is the third time in as many days that you’ve been at the center of an incident.”
Fear rippled through her. Midge ordered herself not to panic. That was impossible. There was no coincidence here. Someone was setting her up big time and there could only be one person in the world who hated her enough to do so—Colonel Dean Stanford.
Breathe.
“We’ve got a body.”
Heads whipped toward the deputy poking his head through the front door.
“From the description Special Agent Davidson gave, it looks like the landlady.”
Midge’s stomach turned. She wanted to run away as fast as she could, to leave all this behind. But there was no place far enough, no time long enough to evade Stanford. He’d said he’d get her when she least expected and had made good on that threat.
Jess patted her knee and walked away. She fought hyperventilation and the terror running through her mind. The next thing she knew, Kurt had his arms wrapped around her and his lips pressed to her forehead.
“Come on.” He rubbed her back. “Let’s pack you and his highness up and get you to my house. You’re not going to be able to take your SUV.”
It was part of the scene. She hoped they hadn’t destroyed any evidence by parking it in the garage. “I’m afraid to be alone. It’s Stanford. He’s after me.”
“We’re considering that as well and will look into it.” Kurt tucked his arm around her as they started up the stairs.
“I’m still afraid.”
“I don’t blame you. I’m not leaving you.” He squeezed her shoulders.
She glanced his way. “Don’t you have to work?”
He smiled. “I am working. I’m protecting you.”
Midge elbowed him. “You know what I mean.” She jerked her head toward the activity below them.
“Right now you are my only concern. You come first. There’s nothing here I can do that someone else can’t. Jess will be by later to brief us. Vic is going to watch us pack your things.”
She jerked to a stop. Hades tensed, digging claws into her neck again. “Why? I sure as hell didn’t do this. I was with you all night.”
“Procedure and precaution. If you uncover something while we gather your things, Vic will be there to record it.”
Because he’d be an objective observer.
“All right.”
With her words, Kurt called Vic to join them. His ready smile put Midge at ease. He extended his hand once he reached the step below them.
“Special Agent Vic Brownell. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
He looked like he meant the words. She accepted his handshake, trying to smile and failing.
“I wasn’t aware Kurt was seeing anyone. My wife will be beside herself with excitement. Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to keep her enthusiasm contained until you’re ready to meet. Helen has a tendency to get ahead of herself sometimes. She’s been trying to fix Kurt up since she met him.” He shrugged. “My little matchmaker.”
The light in his eyes said love.
“We’re…new. Space would be appreciated.”
“Come on.” Kurt put his arm around her shoulders and they continued up the staircase. “We’ll get you packed then we’ll head to Zach’s to get Miss Kitty. She should be able to take Hades’ mind off all this.”
She snorted. “And who’s going to do that for us?”
“Us?” He winked. “You get your clothes. I’ll get what you need from the bathroom.”
“I don’t think there’s much left.”
“Then we’ll get more.”
She closed her eyes and leaned into the kiss he pressed to her temple. “Everything is such a mess, Kurt. I feel sick inside at the thought this person has touched my things, my clothes.” All her toys were going in the trash.
“I would feel the same way. I’ve got a washer and dryer at my house.”
“Bless you…again.”
Midge kissed his cheek and walked to her bedroom. Vic kept a respectful distance behind her as he follo
wed.
She spotted the red wig lying in a puddle of crimson on the floor the moment she crossed the threshold. The color of the wig reminded her of the blood on Jeremy’s face. A wave of nausea washed over her.
“You okay?” Vic touched her back. “You look a little pale.”
Midge nodded. “I just want to get this done.”
I just want my life back.
Chapter Ten
Midge studied her reflection in the bathroom mirror. She looked as if she’d pulled an all-nighter. Shadows underscored her eyes. Claw marks ringed her neck from Hades’ grip. He’d refused to release her until Kurt had walked out of Zach’s house with Miss Kitty in her carrier. Only then had Hades allowed Midge to put him in his. He’d spent the short ride from the Taylor house to Kurt’s telling Miss Kitty everything. For once, his love interest hadn’t ignored him. The two had curled into Hades’ basket once things were set up at Kurt’s. Miss Kitty had wasted little time grooming him.
She’d been expecting a bachelor home, but Kurt had nested very well. Blues and creams were his color choices—soothing, safe…a sanctuary. They’d put her things in the second bedroom. He’d promised to make room in his closet and drawers for her clothing right before he’d gathered her delicate items for washing. He’d nested in her heart as well. Midge didn’t try to dissect the love blooming there. It would either last or it wouldn’t. She’d take it as her right and treasure every second for now.
Live in the moment, not the past.
Even if the past was hurtling her way… Dwelling on it wasn’t going to make things better.
“Those scratches look nasty,” Kurt said from the doorway.
“I’ve got ointment in my things.”
Kurt had managed to salvage her toiletries and they now occupied space throughout his bathroom. He’d even remembered to grab the box of tampons she’d had under the sink. The man had ‘keeper’ written all over him. It was a wonder he hadn’t been snatched up long ago.
“Let’s get a shower. We’re both getting a little ripe.”
“And the cat hair covering us doesn’t help.”
“Probably should have waited to wash clothes. You can go first.”
“I’d rather we shower together,” she told him. “I don’t mean to sound like a baby, but I don’t want to be alone while you shower. And don’t go all logical on me and say I can sit on the toilet and wait for you—or that you’ll have me memorize the code for your gun safe if I need a weapon.”
“I wouldn’t dream of being the voice of reason right now.” Smiling, he stepped up behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. Their gazes met in the mirror. “But I am giving you the code for the gun safe on the floor of my closet. I want you protected at all times. Also, for the record, I’m not thrilled about leaving you alone, either. I was going to follow Hades’ example and wait on the other side of the door while you showered.”
Midge managed a laugh, draped her arms over his and leaned against him. Kurt kissed her cheek, then patted her hip.
“You get the water warmed up. I’ll get a towel and washcloth for you.”
He moved back and pulled his shirt over his head. She followed suit, stripping herself of clothes as he did. While she reached to twist on the shower, he gathered an extra set of towels from the closet by the door. They stepped under the spray together, wrapped in each other’s arms. Warmth seeped into her bones, chasing away residual chill. It was a shame it couldn’t wash off the bad. Too soon, he released her. They reached for her washcloth at the same time.
“Let me do the honors.” He slipped it from her fingers. “Relax, sweetheart. Let me give this to you. I promise I’ll wash all your worries away.”
Midge didn’t think that would be possible, but she gave herself over to him. He rubbed the soapy washcloth in slow circles over her, leaving no spot untouched. She closed her eyes and leaned against the stall, content to let him stroke the tension from her body. He even washed her hair, making her feel treasured and decadently spoiled.
She peeled her eyes open to watch Kurt wash. His cock stood at attention, something he seemed to ignore since he merely scrubbed and rinsed. The way it bobbed in front of him felt like a call for attention and though he might ignore it, she couldn’t. She wanted him, wanted to feel the heat of his cock in her hand and against her body.
“Is that for me or is it your going-into-battle erection?” she asked.
His eyebrows arched. Midge liked that she’d surprised him. Hell, she’d surprised herself with the question. It wasn’t like her, and since he hadn’t answered, Midge worried she might have crossed a line.
He slipped his arm around her, pulling her against him. His erection was hot against her belly. Her body begged to have it.
Kurt kneaded his fingers deep into her butt cheeks, stoking the fire that built between her legs.
“It’s one I’ve never experienced before. The best description I can give is that I’m hard because I have the hot woman of my dreams and I will die to keep her safe and protected from harm. I’ve had relationships before, but I never put that person before my own goals and job…until now. You are my priority. I’d say screw the job, but I need it to protect you.”
He’d rendered her speechless. How could she respond to an admission like that? Telling him that her feelings for him were growing with every minute they spent together would be premature.
She moved to kiss him and he met her halfway. The touch of their tongues gliding together stole her breath. Midge prayed that over-the-hill-too-fast feeling never faded, that years from now his kiss would still make her breathless.
“I want you, Kurt. I need you. Right here. Right now.”
He rubbed his erection over her stomach. “Let me go get—”
“I’m on the pill. No need. Or just come on me.”
“Damn, baby.” He growled low in his throat. “Do it, sweetheart.” He pushed her hand to his cock. “Make me come.”
Midge wrapped one hand around his dick and cradled his balls in the other. Kurt’s groan gave her more of the power she’d missed in her life. She pushed him against the wall.
“Too bad there isn’t a towel bar in here.” She traced her tongue over his nipple, loving how he whimpered. “I could bind your wrists and give you a real treat.”
“First thing tomorrow,” he gasped.
She tightened her grip on his cock. “Don’t disappoint me.”
“Never.”
“Good.” She licked her way down his torso, pausing near his cockhead. “I bet you’d like me to suck you off.”
He stared down at her. His arms were now over his head. Midge loved how he played at being captive.
“I’m yours,” he told her. “Do as you wish.”
“I see.” She released her hold and cradled his dick between her breasts. “Then come on my tits. You know you want to.”
She squeezed his balls, pressed her finger into the puckered flesh behind them and writhed against him. Kurt came fast, painting her skin with his semen. Midge wiggled her way up his body, dragging her mouth over his flesh until she reached his lips. He cupped her head and thrust his tongue around hers, quickly switching their positions.
There was nothing leisurely about his excursion down her body. He went right to the source, spreading her thighs with his shoulders. He clamped his mouth over her clit, then shoved his thumb into her pussy and two fingers up her ass. Climax swept over her with his first suck and left her spent.
* * * *
Kurt closed his laptop when he heard the vehicles pull up to the house. It was either Jess or the pizza delivery guy. Considering how many car doors he heard close, he was betting on Jess and that he’d brought company.
He hated like hell to wake Midge, but she’d want the information his team was bringing. Plus, there was no way she’d be able to continue to sleep on the couch with them here. She’d fallen asleep shortly after they’d come into the living room. He’d draped one of his mom’s afghans over her then sat
in his recliner with his laptop to research Dean Stanford. Hades and Miss Kitty had wasted little time curling up next to her.
Kurt liked the comfort of having her near him. The break-in and Bernadette’s murder had rattled him. Clearly the busybody had interrupted the would-be burglar and been killed as a result, although Kurt was sure Bernadette had her fair share of enemies. Any of them might have finally had enough. But during a snowstorm and during the same time someone was ransacking the adjoining house? Highly unlikely.
“Hey, babe. Gotta wake up.” He tweaked her big toe, loving her cat-like stretch and that sexy wake-up smile. “Jess is here with company.”
The cats jumped down as she sat up and stretched a little more. “I’ll go make a pot of coffee. Whoa, it’s dark out. What time is it?”
“Six.” He gave her a quick kiss. “I ordered a couple of pizzas about thirty minutes ago. They should be here soon.”
“Good. I’m ravenous.”
They exchanged another kiss—longer this time and interrupted by the knock on the door. Kurt cupped her face and kissed her once more before they parted—she to the kitchen and he to answer the door.
Jess, Vic and DEA Special Agent Everest stood huddled against a breeze growing colder by the second. Kurt waved them in then waited outside when he saw the pizza delivery car stop on the street. By the time he completed that transaction, Kurt was chilled to the bone and grateful he’d trusted his instinct and gotten two large pizzas. Midge had steaming mugs, paper plates and napkins on the coffee table and the afghan draped over the back of Kurt’s recliner. He was going to need the warmup. As if she’d read his mind, Midge walked to the thermostat and turned up the heat.
“Dig in, guys.” Kurt put the boxes on the table, helping himself to a slice of the barbeque chicken pizza.
“Thank you for this last indulgence before Emma comes home tomorrow.” Jess glanced up from under his eyebrows as he reached for a slice. “I trust my secret is safe with the two of you?”
Beneath the Layers Page 17
