He nodded, still grinning.
“As in she sees and hears the dead?” Julian continued.
“Yes.”
He didn't know what to think at first. “Obviously, she’s a crackpot. People don’t talk to the dead. I’m thinking that the dead have better things to do with their time than conversing with Beverly Curry.”
Tori noticed that the man’s smile wavered slightly, and she found that curious. If she hadn’t been trained to spot little tells like that, she may have missed them.
“Her psychic name is Madame Morrow.”
Tori started laughing. “I’ve heard of her. I just never saw a picture of her.”
Julian glanced over at her. “Why have you heard of some psychic?” he asked curiously.
“When I would be up at night after a dream,” Tori began, and then she realized that she may have said too much. The sheriff was staring at her, and she needed to explain. “I have PTSD,” Tori offered, and when the man didn't make a big deal out of it, she continued, “There were times that I would wake up at night and flip through the channels to keep my mind busy.”
Beckett sympathized.
They all had their secrets--scary and shameful ones--that tortured the soul. He’d trade her in a heartbeat.
Julian knew that it wasn’t just to keep her mind busy, but also to offer calm while she was scared out of her mind. Immediately, he placed his arm around her shoulders and left a kiss on her temple in reassurance.
“Anyway,” she continued, leaning into him. “I heard the name. She’s on infomercials at night.”
Beckett didn't know a lot about the Littlemoons, but now he knew that Tori was a soldier. That he appreciated, especially since his baby brother had been one before he died.
“She’s raking in the big bucks,” he offered. “One of her big money endeavors are the books. She’s published quite a few, claiming to have a divine mission from God.”
Julian wasn’t buying that at all. If anything, she was scamming people with her craziness. “Okay, so we have a psychic in our midst. What’s one more joker shuffled into the deck at this point?”
“This would be a chance of a lifetime for her. The Hesser family never lets psychics or paranormal researchers onto the property. They don’t let anyone screw with the ‘Singing Woman’,” Beckett said. “I once got a call that there were ghost chasers outside the gates and had to remove them.”
“This would be a perfect cover for her,” stated Tori. “She goes in as a wealthy donor, and scopes out the entire estate. She has the lay of the land.”
Julian’s mind began flying with theories. “Maybe this is why no one is dying,” he offered. “What if she and her husband are just stirring up the trouble, so they can blame the ghost?”
“It would sell more books,” stated Beckett.
“And,” Tori began, “it would explain why she wanted a séance too. She’s setting all this up to be some big book deal. When this hits, the Hessers won’t see it coming, and she didn't technically do anything wrong.”
“What do you mean?” asked Beckett. “They’re lying about who they are.”
Tori shook her head. “Is Curry her real name?” she asked him. When he flipped through the papers and looked up, Tori already had her answer. “So, she can say she was there to see the derby and support a charity.”
“What about the husband?”
He flipped again. “He’s a retired podiatrist.”
“Again, he told all of us that he was a doctor. He never lied to anyone.”
Beckett was irritated. “So, they have their loop hole.”
“Yes, it appears so. Most writers have a pen name. Beverly can claim they were on vacation, and so surprised by the ‘Singing Woman’, that she decided to write a book, spur of the moment. We were never asked to sign anything that protected the family when we arrived--no disclosure forms.”
Julian leaned back and thought about it, knowing that was likely how it was all going down. “Yeah, but we have an ace in the hole. They have no idea that we’re well aware.”
Tori sipped her soda. “I think I know what you’re thinking, Julian,” she stated grinning.
“We’re going to have to search their room,” he stated.
Beckett closed his eyes and sighed. “You really should have warned me about that first. I would have covered my ears so I couldn’t hear your plans to break the law!”
Tori began laughing. “Technically, we were hired by someone who is currently running the place, and she gave us authorization to search anywhere we wanted.”
Julian began laughing. “Good one, honey,” he stated, leaning over to kiss her. “I love that I married a smart, devious woman.”
“I try my best,” she stated.
“I say we head back to the house, regroup, and plan out our next phase of this plan,” Julian stated. Already, he was working up a plan to get them into the psychic’s bedroom, but it was going to take back up.
“Do you need my help?” Beckett asked, wishing he could be having fun with his job too, unfortunately, there were too many rules.
“Yeah, keep going through William Macavoy’s books until you find us something. If the Currys aren’t the ones doing this, we’re going to need a new angle.”
He watched as Julian tossed down some money and hustled his wife out of the bar without eating.
Damn!
There was a part of him that wished he could be so carefree when it came to work.
For now, he was going to eat his lunch and sulk.
Alone.
* * *
Mid-Day
Polo Match
It was official.
Kane found another sport that he would rather endure torture over instead of watching. There was nothing more irritating than a bunch of idly rich men wearing ridiculous outfits and swinging mallets at a ball.
Where was the excitement?
The fun?
The danger?
Any minute now, he was going to fall asleep. Honestly, he didn't think anyone would blame him. Then again, all three of the other men at the polo match with them were looking a little too bright and cheery. He figured Stephen Snyder was trying to keep his cover, but that didn't explain the other two.
Oh wait, yes it did.
They were obviously insane.
“Are you okay?” whispered Christina, as she placed her hand in his back pocket to connect them.
“God, Chrissy, I’m going to lose my mind!”
She started laughing, and when the grin curled the edges of his lips, it warmed her heart. “Hang in there, big guy. We’re almost done with this part of the assignment for the day.”
“Julian’s lucky he’s the boss, or I would have flipped a coin for this assignment. I would have rather read old books and climbed through cobwebs than this.”
When the cheer went up through the crowd, they played along like they cared.
“I can feel my testosterone dipping,” he whispered in her ear, and then he began teasing it with his teeth. Yeah, so much for that theory, because now he was thinking about her hand in his back pocket, his lips on her flesh, and the baby growing in her belly.
Christina wiggled closer as she watched the polo match. When Fredrick swung, he nearly knocked an opponent off the horse and to the ground.
“Shit! He plays dirty,” she muttered, as Kane continued tormenting her. When he whispered something in her ear, her mouth dropped open. “Kane!”
“I can’t help it. Polo gets me all hot and bothered.”
She stared at him. “You just told me it was killing your sex drive.”
When he grinned wickedly, her breath caught in her chest. God, she loved this man.
“Apparently, I was mistaken. It must be all the balls and sticks.”
* * *
Julian was quiet all the way back to the estate.
That meant one thing. He was thinking. Whenever Tori found him lost in silence, there was only one thing to help him work through it.
A ride.
And this time on a horse.
Leading him to the barn, she found Leroy feeding a mare who was expecting any day now. Her body was bloated with the upcoming delivery and Tori found herself enthralled.
“She’s due soon,” he said, staring at the woman. “Would you like to feel?” Leroy asked, as Tori moved closer.
“I would,” she said, touching the mare on the nose. When she sniffed her hair, Tori knew it was safe. “Hello, momma,” she whispered. “You seem to be ready to have a sweet little baby.”
Julian forgot what he was thinking about and focused on his wife. Her hands were sliding gently across the horse’s body, until she reached the mare’s belly. Something about it waxed poetic to him, and he was lost in the emotion of it all.
Julian would give just about anything to find that peace for his wife. He would offer up his soul to give her the happiness that they both wanted so desperately.
“You’re good with horses,” stated Leroy. “You either have a calling for it, or you don’t,” he stated.
Tori kept her hands on the mare’s body to soothe her. Sometimes, while pregnant a horse could get skittish. “I love them. They’re fast, graceful, and remind me of my past.”
Julian watched her in awe. That was a little piece of her life that Tori had never shared with him.
“Did you have a horse growing up?” Leroy asked, as the mare began chewing on Tori’s hair.
“No, my dad was in the military, and we were stationed by a farm. One of the last memories of my mother, before she left us, was a horse riding lesson at four years old. She took me, and then the next day was gone.”
Why she offered it up, she didn't know, but it came flooding back, swamping her in emotion.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Leroy said, not sure what to say next.
Julian stepped in. “We’re going to take Knight out for a ride,” he offered. “We’ll only need one horse.”
The man didn't argue. He simply helped Julian get the horse ready while Tori stayed with the mare.
When Knight was all set, Julian waited for Tori to join him. Boosting her up, he followed. Nudging the horse, they trotted out of the barn and into the pasture. It was complete bliss as Tori leaned back against his frame, and he was able to wrap his arms around her.
“I love you,” he whispered, knowing that she was hurting inside. Tori never spoke of the woman who left her as a small child. In fact, he knew that she loved horses, but never why. Now, he was acutely aware of her sadness, and it overwhelmed him too.
“I love you too, Jules,” she said, proving that the wall was slowly breaking down. “I don’t want to talk about her,” she warned.
Julian had no intention of pushing. He had learned that when it came to Tori, he needed to let her set the pace, or she would bolt.
That was the last thing he needed now.
“I wasn’t going to ask,” he stated, pulling her hair from her neck to leave kisses across the slim column. Yeah, she’d run emotionally from the topic, but he knew how to draw her back to him.
Love would always be the bridge home.
As his mouth shared the tenderness he was feeling for her, his wife responded as only she would. The soft gasp of pleasure was stolen from her lips as her hands ran up and down Julian’s legs.
“I’ve never wanted a woman like I desire you, Victoria,” he whispered.
When she turned her head toward his, lips eagerly seeking his, Julian knew that he wouldn’t deny her the chance to hide where she was safe.
In his heart.
As they kissed, Knight patiently moved along, further from the house and to where they could have a moment alone. As Julian pulled away from her lips, his heart thudded in his chest at the need building there. This was his woman and his job was to heal the jagged edges, making her whole once more.
When Knight stopped, not far from a little stream, Julian took the opportunity to hop down. When his wife took his hand and slid to the ground beside him, Julian wrapped the reigns around a branch.
Tori didn't say anything as he led her to the soft grass of the pasture beside the big shady tree. In fact, if anything, she needed Julian now. Whenever she was overwhelmed, scared, or felt like she was falling apart, this man was the glue which fixed her.
“Everyone’s at the polo game, so I thought we could spend some time alone,” he murmured, as his fingers sought the buttons on her shirt.
Tori wouldn’t ever say no to Julian. Not when it came to making love to her husband. He was sweet, gentle, and an amazing man. “I would love to spend some time alone with you.”
While he began removing her shirt, Tori did the same thing. Her hands lovingly ran across his body, claiming ownership. There was something so wildly sexy about her Native man, shirtless in a pasture.
Julian was already out of breath. The look in her eyes was proprietary and spoke volumes to him. Never would she stray or leave him.
They had mated for life.
Here stood, half-naked in a field, his soul mate.
Moving into his arms, Tori began working on Julian’s jeans. As he kicked off his boots, she was able to drop the Levi’s and boxers. If he didn't mind getting naked out in the open, she would give him the same thing back.
Besides, it felt right.
Helping Tori get free from her clothes, Julian stepped back to admire his wife. From the pale creamy flesh to the fiery red hair, he was enamored and always would be.
Without hesitation, Tori went into his arms, wrapping herself around him. Nothing offered more peace than Julian, and now he was letting her refill the empty well in her soul.
Her mouth sough his as her hands wandered down his torso until she found her prize. With warm fingertips, she teased and stroked him, until he vibrated in need.
Julian loved when Tori touched him. The delicate exploration always heated his blood, making him insane. “Victoria,” he murmured, as she continued to stroke him.
God! He wanted more.
Positioning her back against the old tree, Julian dropped to his knees to find the most delicate treasure he was craving. As his mouth traversed over her belly, Tori’s fingers slid into his hair.
“Julian,” she purred, as his hands joined his mouth. When he found just the right spot, she gasped.
“I love tasting you, Tori,” he murmured, unable to get enough of her. He could spend all day devouring his wife and still be hungry.
“Julian,” she moaned, arching her back as her hands buried deeper into the silky strands of his shoulder length brown hair.
Continuing on, he teased her unmercifully until he could feel her moving to the edge. As she shook, he nipped her and shoved Tori off the edge into the bliss.
Her gasp, and then moan of his name was making him wild with need. There was something so primitive about him taking his wife outside in the wide open field.
When she stopped shaking and was able to open her eyes, Julian pulled her to the ground and rolled with her, making sure she wasn’t on any rocks.
“Are you comfortable?” he asked, leaving little kisses across her lips and lower.
“Yes, Julian,” Tori answered, as she could feel him taking his place between her legs, She couldn’t wait. All that she wanted was to feel him connected to her. If anything, Julian would fill the empty spaces which threatened to swallow her whole.
“Now,” Tori begged, wrapping her legs around his hips.
At the invitation, Julian wasn’t going to be told twice. With a thrust of his hips, he impaled his woman in one long stroke.
“Oh God!” she moaned, as he drove himself home, hitting that one perfect spot. It nearly threw her off the edge.
“I want you, Tori,” he whispered, staring into her eyes. For that moment, he needed and wanted to chase away the demons that threatened to hurt her further.
Tori couldn’t speak. The sensation was far too overwhelming. As Julian began moving, she simply went along for the most amazing ride.
<
br /> Julian was focused on the pleasure and the gasps from his wife. As he drove into her, over and over, all that he could think of was Tori.
His beloved Victoria.
It all came crashing back as Julian then realized that he was making love to his wife out in the open, and she was being incredibly vocal. Instead of wanting to silence her, the urge was there to make it something unforgettable. As a little drip of perspiration ran down his cheek, he watched it land with a ‘plop’ on her delicate skin.
It drove him crazy.
“Oh, Julian,” she called, tipping her hips to now meet his frenetic thrusts. “More,” she begged, as his body shook.
“God, Victoria!” he hissed, driving into her until he could feel her shake in anticipation of the eruption.
“Now, Jules,” she pleaded. “I need you now!”
Who was he to argue with his wife, woman, and heart? With one last drive into her, the world exploded around them. The colors swirled and sound disappeared. Julian allowed himself to float until he found his way back to the surface.
Tori ran her hands up and down the slick flesh of his back. When he lifted his head and stared into her eyes, she found love once more. “I’m a lucky woman, Mr. Littlemoon,” she admitted, leaving a delicate kiss on his lips.
“There was never a luckier husband,” he replied, before getting an idea. “Hold on,” he urged, pulling them both up from the ground.
Tori wrapped her legs around his waist, unsure what he was planning. “Julian, what…?”
She didn't get to finish. It was her screech that filled the air as he tossed them both into the streaming, cool, brook.
As they went under, Tori had just enough time to grab a quick breath. When lips sought hers, and they stayed twined together, she simply let him pull them to the surface as they kissed.
When both broke water, she began to giggle.
“I was hot and needed to cool off,” he began, as they both stared over at the offended horse. They disturbed his drink.
“You’re a wild man, Julian,” she stated, grinning.
Who knew?
Lost & Broken (LIttlemoon Investigations Book 2) Page 35
