by Geri Foster
Kendall looked across the room at the thumb drive sitting on the counter. Could that be the cause for all the gun power? How did they know they’d found it in the first place? Perhaps, now that some were being arrested, Lucas could get to the bottom of this mess. And if one of them was on the thumb drive murdering the DA, then the mystery would end and they could all go back to normal.
Except for Bobby Joe.
No matter what happened, she still had to deal with him and his craziness. Even if he managed to get out of this jam with the killers, he’d get into something else. It was his nature. He didn’t have the sense to walk away and change his life.
Maybe he simply didn’t want to.
Her cell phone rang, and she picked it up when she saw it was Rachel calling. “What’s going on? I heard there was a disturbance at your apartment complex.”
“There was, but it all seems to be under control now. At least, the shooting has stopped.”
“Shooting!” Rachel screamed. “There was shooting? Oh my God.”
“Yes, but it’s over now. Several people showed up to help Lucas and Marcus.”
“Who on earth goes around shooting up Rainwater?”
“I think it’s the same guys who were waiting for us after the trial Monday.”
“Really?” Rachel’s voice hushed with disbelief. “They came back?”
“I think so. I’m not sure. I’m still hiding in my apartment. I barely stuck my head out.”
“Don’t do anything until Lucas or Marcus say it’s okay. I don’t want you hurt.” Rachel took several deep breaths. “Tell me, is Lucas okay? He’s not hurt, is he?”
“No, I peeked out earlier and they both seemed fine.”
“Thank God. I worry so much about him.”
“You love him. Of course you’re going to worry. It’s only natural.”
“What did you and Marcus decide?”
“Is now really the time to ask that?”
“Yes!” Rachel shrieked. “You need to distract me or I’m going to march my way over there, dangerous or not.”
“Okay, okay. I wasn’t sure. I was going to think on it overnight. But, after all this, well, it kind of puts things in perspective. You’re right. When you know, you know. And I know that if anything had happened to Marcus just now it would have broken me to pieces. So, we’ll be moving to his place. Especially if this mess with the thumb drive isn’t over.”
“That a good idea. And I think you and Marcus make a cute couple.”
“Yeah, yeah. Well, we’ll see. My parents are sure going to be happy. My mama has been begging me to get out and date more. Now, I’m moving in with a guy.”
“A guy they’re very fond of. I think if they had to pick a man for you, it’d be Marcus. And keep in mind, the families are very close.”
“I know, I know. You don’t have to convince me.” Kendall stilled. “I think they’re coming in now. Want me to have Lucas call you?”
“When he gets a chance.”
Marcus walked through the door, his shirt ripped, his knees scuffed, and only one shoe. “What happened to you?” she asked. “You get in a fight?”
“You might say that.”
* * *
James and Snooky were lucky to get away as lightly as they did. He had a bullet in his shoulder and Snooky took one to the thigh. The doc they kept on their payroll waited for them to return to the hideout.
James looked over at his partner and didn’t like what he saw. Snooky appeared way too pale, even in the dim light. “You okay, buddy? Don’t pass out on me now.” He looked down at Snooky’s wound. “Keep that belt tight around your leg. It’ll stop the bleeding.”
“I am, but it hurts so bad. How long before we’re there?”
“No longer than twenty minutes. You can make it.”
“Yeah, I’ll be okay. It burns like a hot poker, though.”
“I know, I took a bullet like that once.” He rolled his arms. “My shoulder is no walk in the park, either, but we’ll make it. We always do.”
“Where did all those people come from? I thought it was just the two guys. Did you see the old lady with the shotgun? Damn, it was bigger than her.”
“I saw, she nearly blew my head off with the thing. I took two shots at her but missed.”
“They got Farris and Mahoney,” Snooky reminded him.
James already knew that. “They took out Woods too. I saw him get hit.” He shook his head. “Right between the eyes.”
“We were ambushed.”
“I don’t know what it was, but I’m not going back there. We’ll have to think of something else. Rainwater’s a good place to get your head blown off.”
“How else can we get that thumb drive? If those two have the thing, that means it’s in the Sheriff’s possession and he’ll take it right to the Attorney General.”
“I saw them go to the geek’s house and walk out with the thumb drive. I followed them, and they didn’t have time to even see what was on it, even if they could. My guess is they plan to take it to someone who knows computers. Have the techy person crack it.”
“Now that the Sheriff has it, I bet he doesn’t bother to find out what’s on there. He’ll just turn it over as evidence.”
“We have a good guy in the Attorney General’s office. He might be able to intercept the whole process.”
Snooky shook his head. “It’ll cost us.”
James whipped his head around and glared at his partner. “How much is my ass worth? I don’t care what it costs if it keeps me alive and out of prison.”
* * *
Exhaustion saturated Marcus’ body as he come down from the adrenaline rush. Shooting at a bunch of gang members will get the old ticker pumping, for sure. Five men showed up, armed and dangerous. Luckily, David had enough foresight to round up a few extra citizens or they’d have been toast.
Before he knew it, Kendall was in his arms, hugging him like a mama bear. He relaxed into her embrace and smiled, feeling like a hero. It felt good to be cared for by her. He had no intention of breaking the embrace any time soon.
She finally let him go and stepped back. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” he said, then pulled her close again. “But don’t let that stop you.”
“Did my father go home?”
“Yes, and he took Grandma Hope with him. They were both cussing up a storm. I’m surprised they didn’t shoot each other.”
She waved her hand. “They always do that. It’s part of their relationship. Mama grows concerned when they get along too well.”
Marcus looked around. “Grab a bag, put some clothes in it and let’s go to my house tonight.”
“But I have a bed.”
“So do I. It’s in the guest room, but it will do. I don’t want anyone coming back here tonight and finding us alone.”
She must’ve seen the logic in his words for she immediately disappeared into her bedroom.
* * *
Bobby Joe wasn’t in a good mood. Prison life sucked and he was in for no good reason. So he pushed his old lady around, so what? That wasn’t anyone’s business but theirs. That damn Lucas needed his head bashed in for sticking his nose where it didn’t belong. Bobby Joe planned to take care of that problem just as soon as he got out.
And did he ever have a treat for Kendall. It was her fault he ended up in jail to begin with. What kind of wife puts a restraining order out on her husband? Hadn’t he been good to her? Worked hard to give her the things she wanted?
Ungrateful brat.
His roomie, a Mexican in for manslaughter, punched the pillow on his cot. He’d run over a guy and kept going until the cops caught him. Cortez was also the leader of the meanest gang inside. They ran drugs, cigarettes and weapons. Everyone answered to him and his men. You couldn’t get far without his help.
For that reason, Bobby Joe didn’t push the guy. He didn’t want his throat cut in the middle of the night, and Cortez was just crazy enough to try it. That’s why he
slept with one eye open.
Aside from the possible danger, Cortez had other qualities Bobby Joe found useful. Cortez had no privileges, while Bobby Joe could make phone calls. That’s what Bobby Joe did for Cortez to buy his safety—he made important phone calls to Cortez’s business contacts on the outside. That meant Bobby Joe was learning a lot about how the man ran his organization and since the Mexican was in for years, Bobby Joe worked hard to be the gangster’s right-hand man.
Job security for when he got out. He’d need some help taking care of James Cole and his men. Since he didn’t have the thumb drive and no way to look for it, he knew what awaited him. Death, if he didn’t get his act together. Cortez was his insurance policy. Since the Mexicans out-numbered James’ group, Bobby Joe felt more comfortable locked up every day. That didn’t mean he still didn’t look over his shoulder. He wasn’t that stupid.
He rolled over on his bunk, unable to sleep. What he needed was a plan to get that thumb drive and patch things up with James before he managed to get someone inside to off him. He didn’t want that to happen.
He’d tried to call Kendall twice, but she’d blocked the number from the jail. That forced him to waste a call to Petey to contact her and tell her to find what he needed, or he’d come looking for her when he got out.
When he checked back, Petey said Marcus was hanging all over her and he couldn’t get close without tangling with him. Petey was a coward. It was one thing for him to go after a woman, an entirely different scenario to go after a man.
That meant Bobby Joe’s life was on hold. Damn Marcus and damn Lucas. They’d both pay for this.
* * *
Marcus felt relief the noise had finally stopped and they could gather their thoughts. Four men were sprawled out on the grass, dead, and they weren’t sure who did what. But the authorities were handling it now, so he and Kendall had time to allow their bodies to calm down and settle back to normal.
Marcus had been a gun owner since he was a kid, but he’d never been in a life or death struggle or shootout. That was a perk to being a lawyer—they rarely had to step over the line in the sand. It was one thing to argue a case in court, and another to fight to stay alive.
Kendall returned from the bedroom and settled on the couch. He plopped down beside her. “Do you need anything else?”
“I was thinking,” she started.
He put his arm around her. “You think too much. We’re going to my house. It’s safer. I don’t want to stay here tonight.”
“But whoever those guys are, they probably know where you live.”
“They might, but I’m certain they know we’re here, so let’s leave.”
She stood, a frightened expression on her face. “Okay, I packed a bag. Let me grab it.”
Marcus stood and walked to the counter and picked up the thumb drive. “Who’d imagine something so small would be so much trouble.”
“You can thank Bobby Joe for that.” She leaned against the frame of the bedroom door. “Are you taking it?”
“Yes. We’ll meet Lucas tomorrow as soon as I contact my computer guy. I want him there when whatever is on here is exposed.”
“I bet it’s really serious or my ex wouldn’t be so anxious to get his hands on it.”
“I think we all know what to expect. If it is determined Bobby Joe has been keeping this evidence from the Attorney General, he’ll be in a lot more trouble than he is now.”
She shoved away from the wall. “Good, maybe for once he’ll get what he deserves.”
Kendall disappeared into the bedroom and Marcus looked around at the mess left behind by flying bullets. While she used the bathroom, he picked up as much as he could so no one would be harmed by the broken glass.
She came out carrying a pair of shoes in her hand and carefully stepped around everything to grab her purse. “Let’s go. I can’t do anything physically, I’m too exhausted.”
“Yeah, I know what you mean.” He opened the door and looked out at the chaos.
An ambulance still worked the scene and Lucas stood in the thick of things, instructing those who showed up to go home as he calmed the neighbors. They stepped over to him and Marcus said, “We’re going to my house tonight.” He looked around. “You need any more help?”
Lucas put his hand on Marcus’ shoulder. “No, I’ve got it all under control. You two get out of here. There’s been enough excitement for one night.”
“Think they’ll come back?”
“Not if they know what’s good for them, they won’t. I have people covering every street into the city from every direction.” Lucas looked down at the thumb drive in Marcus’ hand. “Keep that on you at all times. I don’t want it getting lost after everything we’ve been through to see what’s on it.”
Marcus held it up. “It’s in good hands. I’m calling Calvin in the morning to see if he can meet with us in the afternoon.”
“Good, I’ll be there.” Kendall approached, and Lucas gave her a one-armed hug. “Get her someplace safe. Both of you try to rest.”
Inside Marcus’ car, Kendall leaned her head back and let out a sigh. “This has been crazy.”
“Yeah, I need a beer.”
“I need a bed.”
He grinned. “I can provide both.”
Chapter 15
Marcus’ home offered Kendall a lot more security than her apartment. The sparseness of the interior reminded her he’d moved several things over to live next door to her. Those items were still in the apartment.
She pictured herself living here. She couldn’t deny she loved his home with all its openness and beautiful furniture. Moving in permanently was a big step, but she was ready to make the change and move forward.
Looking across the living room, she watched Marcus make his way confidently to the kitchen to get them a beer. She admired his effortless movements, the way his broad shoulders stretched the back of his shirt, and how nicely he filled out the jeans he wore.
What a catch for any woman.
Looking around some more, she imagined waiting for him to return home after a long day at the office. It warmed her heart and made goosebumps dance on her arms.
He disappeared, and she considered what it would be like if they never got married, just living together…sleeping together. No, she thought too much of herself to be a live-in lover. There had to be a future for them, something permanent…somewhere down the road.
He walked toward her with his hand stretched out, his palm wrapped around a longneck. “Come over here and let’s relax for a few minutes.” He sat on the couch, holding both their drinks.
She moved to where he sat and dropped down beside him, ready to move forward with their relationship. Her stomach was a little nervous, but she had nothing to fear from Marcus, so why the jitters? She’d enjoyed his touch and his kisses, so why be wary now?
Taking the beer, she brought it to her lips as Marcus put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side. She looked up at him and lowered the bottle where they could click against each other. “Here’s to silence.”
He smiled. “I’ll drink to that.”
They both took a long drink then smiled. He leaned closer and captured her mouth in a slow, sensuous kiss. When he lifted his head, she put her beer on the end table, took his hand, and rose.
“I think it’s bedtime. Aren’t you tired?” She hoped her voice didn’t tremble and he wouldn’t think her too forward.
He cocked a brow of uncertainty. “Are you sure?”
She tilted her head and smiled, everything in her screaming this was right. “Yes.”
Marcus smugly grinned in return. “All right.” He clasped her hand and stood, then led the way to the spare bedroom.
Excitement and trepidation had Kendall’s heart threatening to jump from her chest any second. Standing at the edge of the bed, Marcus gently pulled her toward him and tilted his head. His mouth touched hers only slightly, but enough to make her warm and reckless.
Whil
e the kiss started soft and caressing, soon his tongue was making sweet love to her mouth in wild and untamed need. She gasped, clutching his shoulders, silently begging for more. Unable to control her movements her hands slid down his back to grasp his bottom, pulling his hardness against her.
Kendall knew he gentlemen enough to allow her to take the initiative, to one to lead the way, the one to set the tone, but she wanted too much, and she wasn’t willing to wait. A guttural sound slipped from her lips as she pressed against his hardness. She broke the kiss and stared up at him. “I want to be a part of you.”
She watched as he slipped off his shirt, then hers, more slowly. He unhooked her bra then reverently cupped her heavy breast, planting a worshiping kiss on the mounds of each. Then he placed his hand on her waistband and pulled downward. She stood naked and unashamed before him.
He eased her back on the bed while kicking out of his jeans. They both lay on the bed, exploring, touching, stroking, licking, kissing, and the tension mounted. He rolled on top of her, his sex hot throbbing against her lower stomach. On his elbows, he stared down at her. “I love you Kendall, I always have and always will.”
Eyes barely open, she said. “I love you, too.”
He entered wetness slowly, as they’d began, then everything changed. Once inside her he swelled and pulsed, stroking between her legs igniting a raging fire. Her nails dug into his back, her head moved from side to side as the pressure inside built to such a point she thought she’d die. Her climax came loud, strong and racked her entire body with shudders. Enthralled in his own lust, Marcus called out her name as his body went ridged and Kendall thought she’d reached heaven at last.
* * *
James popped two oxy tablets and chased them with a warm beer. The doc came and left after patching him and Snooky up from the gunfight at the apartment complex. Luckily, their wounds weren’t as serious as he thought. Still, four of his men had been killed. That wouldn’t go unpunished.
