by Piper Stone
I knew better. I’d seen the looks on their faces, could still feel Rafael’s arms holding me, the amazing warmth even though he was soaked from the excessive rain. As I slowly made my way down the stairs, I held my breath. When I reached the landing, there was no obvious sign of them, although I could see more light coming in through various locations. They had to be outside, maybe attempting to find their way off the island.
I moved quickly through the house and into the kitchen, noticing one of the glasses they’d been drinking out of positioned on the island. I ran my fingers across the rim before making my way outside. The sun was bright, forcing me to shield my eyes. Squinting, I moved toward the railing, surveying the damage below. It looked like a war zone, dozens of trees down, the pool furniture ripped apart, several pieces tossed into the pool.
While the ocean remained tumultuous, at least the skies were clear. There was still no sight of any of them. I made my way down the stairs, careful to avoid the carnage as I moved around to the side, my breathing shallow. A terrible feeling remained, a series of mental images that I couldn’t get out of my mind.
Everything had been a setup, one that had ensnared Sawyer first. Only, the real asshole who’d started the game either hadn’t planned for Sawyer’s need for revenge.
Or maybe he had.
I hurried along the path, making my way toward the front of the house. The moment I caught sight of Sawyer, I almost screamed out his name. I could tell he was talking to someone, his hands animated. As I rushed forward, my heart raced.
He was standing with Rafael and Jax, the two of them crouched down and studying... a body. Jesus. The horror was very real. Swallowing, I moved closer, finally running toward Sawyer.
“Thank God,” I exclaimed, obviously surprising all three.
“You’re supposed to be resting,” Sawyer admonished. There was no playful tone, just a statement as if I no longer mattered.
“You need to listen to me. Carter didn’t do this to you.”
He shook his head, darting a look at the others before trying to shield me. “You don’t need to see this carnage, but Carter is responsible.”
“No, he’s not,” I insisted. An eerie feeling pooled into my stomach just before I heard a crack from a distance.
“She’s right. I knew my decision to send her here was a good one.”
The male voice boomed from behind the men. As the intruder walked forward, I could see the instant recognition on Sawyer’s face. While Jax and Rafael kept their weapons directed at him, the intruder had his gun pointed at Sawyer’s head.
“Bart Reynolds,” Sawyer said quietly. “Fuck. Me.”
“I can see I caught you off guard, Sawyer. Then again, you were never that bright. You just managed to get yourself in the middle of something you should have walked away from,” Bart stated with angry defiance as he quickly surveyed the area, both hands remaining on his weapon. When Rafael attempted to take a step to the left, Bart snarled, “I wouldn’t do that. Even if one of you can get off a shot, it won’t be before I blow your friend’s brains out, which I have no problem doing. I suggest you drop your weapons so we can have a quiet discussion.”
“Fuck you,” Jax said.
Bart took two steps closer to Sawyer. “I assure you that I’m a crack shot.”
“Who the hell is this asshole?” Jax asked.
“The new vice president of the company,” Rafael answered. “I knew something was squirrely about you.”
“Amber Barclay,” I said, trying to divert Bart’s attention.
He shifted his gaze toward me, narrowing his eyes, although his arms remained solid, prepared to shoot. “Fascinating. I knew your snooping was a problem. She’s my lovely bride. She was also right about getting rid of you, Ms. Archer. Or is it all right to call you by your given name, Delaney Elizabeth Della Valle?”
Jesus Christ. The fucker had targeted me months before.
Sawyer turned his head, staring at me. “Della Valle. Wine. Your family,” he barely managed.
“You are correct. Her father owns the majority shares of the Della Valle winery, the most powerful and influential winery in the world.” Bart laughed. “When you came on board, Ms. Archer, I knew that Carter’s days were required to be numbered. You were hired simply because of your heritage, Ms. Archer. Carter wasn’t the dumb oaf I thought he was. You see, he did his fact checking, hoping that you would add cash to his failing company. Of course, he had no way of knowing that the failure of his poor little company had only a limited amount to do with his lack of financial understanding or his ego.”
“You were the one milking us dry,” Sawyer said, anger increasing in his tone. “The bastard hid his tracks. But I was getting too close. I was at the point of figuring it out, wasn’t I?”
“Yes. You are correct. When you noticed initially, I thought nothing of it but enlisted Amber to become your best friend. Granted, I had no idea just how close you two would get, but all is fair in love and war. You confided in her, allowing me to begin the process of eliminating you if necessary.”
“You also orchestrated the fact I found Amber with Carter. Didn’t you?” Sawyer pressed.
“I know. You think I’m a bastard. I thought it would be good to continue the bad blood between you,” Bart said, laughing.
“You’re a pig,” Sawyer hissed. “Why was it important for you to have the company? Why?”
“It’s a Ponzi scheme,” I said as I walked closer. “First you drain down the capital, making the stock worth little. Bart would ceremoniously purchase the stock, pretending that he gave a shit about the company. The financial crisis would cause the board to become unhappy with Carter as he struggled to recoup losses and shove aside what had occurred. Since they’d already had the scandal with you, Sawyer, the board wouldn’t accept any new ones. You see, the Barclay family is one I know, considered direct competition to my family’s empire. So, once Carter was gone, Amber would use her family’s money to infuse capital while looking for new investors, but products wouldn’t be delivered. However, it would be too late. Bart would cash in the stock as well as take the investor’s money, thereby making millions. Then he and his new bride would disappear.”
“Well, bravo, Ms. Archer. I guess your father actually taught you something,” Bart said, snickering. “Sadly, I knew you’d continue pushing until you found answers, Sawyer. When I learned of your escape, the joy I felt knowing karma was working in my favor was tremendous. While I wasn’t certain how you’d make an attempt on Carter given your penchant for revenge, when I discovered Rafael sniffing around, I had him followed.” Bart’s eyes glistened.
“You bastard,” Sawyer seethed.
“You didn’t really think I would find out about your sordid past, Sawyer? You don’t give me enough credit,” Bart continued. “It wasn’t difficult to make the connection that with a fast powerboat, you had every intention of coming to this island to corner Carter, then flee to a country without extradition.”
“But you didn’t count on the hurricane,” Rafael snarled.
“Or the fact Sawyer has friends,” Jax added.
“No,” Bart said, exhaling in an exaggerated fashion. “And I admit that I didn’t enjoy spending the night in one of the fortified sheds, but it was worth it to have all of you in one place. Too bad you won’t be able to tell your story to anyone. Now, lower your weapons or your friend dies.”
There was no doubt that none of us would be leaving the island, yet Bart would go unscathed, taking his position with no opposition.
“We’re not dropping our weapons, you fuckhead. I suggest you realize that you’re outnumbered.” Rafael’s angry words only fueled Bart, the asshole’s shoulders heaving.
He shifted just enough he was behind Sawyer, placing the barrel to the back of Sawyer’s head. “As I said, lower your weapons.”
“Just do it,” Sawyer hissed. I knew him, one of the men I’d fallen in love with. There was no way he would surrender without a fight.
As Rafael and Jax began to do as Sawyer requested, a light seemed to shine in front of my eyes, a moment of true clarity. I slipped my hand into my pocket, no longer shaking.
Then I raised my gun.
* * *
There were no flashing blue lights or screaming sirens. There was only a massive helicopter hovering over the island, the churning blades creating a blur of sand as it attempted to land.
But I had no doubt who was inside.
Carter and the authorities.
The end of the fantasy was now a reality. At least I’d saved one of the men I’d fallen hopelessly in love with. While there was no rhyme or reason for my feelings, I no longer cared. I would support all three of them no matter what hell we all had to endure.
A nervous laugh threatened to bubble to the surface as the helicopter finally landed, the door swinging open almost immediately. As several men jumped out, I turned to face Sawyer, studying his incredulous face, and his usually dark eyes that held such intensity.
As well as an odd sparkle, as if he’d won the war that had been in the making for far too long.
I stood with the gun still in my hand, my entire body shaking. While I wanted to say I regretted what I did, that simply wasn’t the case.
“Jesus fucking Christ,” Jax roared as he kicked the gun away from Bart’s hand, crouching down and pressing his fingers against the man’s neck. “Well, he’s still alive.”
As the reality of what I’d done settled in, the gun slipped from my hand just seconds before I fell onto the sand, gasping for air.
Sawyer raced toward me, dropping down and gathering me into his arms. “Baby. Are you all right?”
Bart moaned, wheezing from the chest wound.
“I’m... fine.” But I wasn’t fine. I was devastated at being unable to realize from the beginning that Bart was behind the charade. The wretched man’s words haunted me, the comprehension that he would go that far in order to ruin not only a company but two men. The unsettling question remained as to why, at least other than greed. Or was money truly the only reason he’d even allowed his girlfriend, now his wife to enter into a torrid tryst with a man he considered his enemy?
Maybe I simply didn’t have the ability to understand all the ugliness that had occurred, the vile thoughts running through Bart’s mind. Then again, maybe I didn’t give a shit. He’d gotten what he deserved.
At least in my mind.
Within seconds, we were surrounded, men with guns forming an impenetrable circle. But it was the single man who pushed his way through the law enforcement officers that brought what would be the finality to the ruse.
Carter.
Sawyer growled as he glanced in Carter’s direction, his body tensing, yet he held me close. When he finally lifted my chin with a single finger, I could swear there were tears in his eyes.
“I don’t know what I’m going to face, but I want you to know that I’ve fallen in love with you. I will find a way back to you. I swear.” As he pressed his lips against mine, I could hear the unsettled breathing coming from Jax and Rafael. None of this made enough sense to put into a neat little box. Maybe it never would.
But I was determined to remain strong.
When Sawyer broke the kiss, he gave me a smile as well as a single nod then rose to his feet, walking in Carter’s direction.
The tension was palpable.
“Sawyer.” Carter spoke first, angst in his tone.
“Carter. I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist my threat one way or the other.”
The awkwardness was horrible. I finally stood, inching closer to Rafael and Jax, glaring at Carter.
Carter eyed me curiously before taking a quick look at the back of the estate. “Damn hurricane. I guess you didn’t get any fabulous pictures, did you, Delaney?” He motioned to several of the officers, pointing in particular to Bart. “If the bastard is alive, lock him down on the helicopter. He’s the man responsible for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from my company.”
“Yes, sir,” one of the men said as he and two others moved forward.
Confusion fell over all of us as we watched the officers ascertaining Bart’s condition.
“Get a gurney,” the same officer commanded. “He’s alive, but won’t be for long if we don’t get him to a hospital.”
Sawyer tried his best to ignore the interaction, placing all his attention on Carter. I’d never seen such a stoic man, yet I could tell that Sawyer was determined to keep his honor as well as finding the truth.
When the remaining officers moved closer, removing the weapons from Sawyer first, followed by Jax and Rafael, finally taking the pistol out of my hand, Jax and Rafael closed the distance. They were determined to remain a force, friends forever, no matter the outcome.
“Go ahead and arrest me, Carter. I would do exactly the same thing again in order to prove my innocence.” Sawyer remained defiant, a smile crossing his face.
Carter shifted his gaze to each other of us, his eyes difficult to read. When he spoke, he did so with authority. “Gentlemen, please escort my guests to the helicopter but allow them to retrieve their belongings.”
Sawyer cocked his head, obviously waiting to be arrested.
“Are you sure, Mr. Bradley?” the officer in charge asked.
“I’m certain, Lieutenant. After all, they are innocent of any crime.”
* * *
One week later. The boardroom of Bradley Enterprises.
I honestly would have never believed I’d be sitting in one of the leather chairs, invited along with Sawyer.
Sawyer reached over, taking my hand into his. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Where else would I be?”
“Oh, I don’t know, working on that new career of yours,” he said, laughing.
I gave him a mischievous look, although I had butterflies in my stomach. Everything that had happened during the last week seemed like a whirlwind, including the fact Carter had sent some of my photographs to a friend of his. “I just have a few pictures going in a magazine. Nothing special.”
“Nothing special, huh? I think that having your beautiful photographs featured in the finest magazine in Miami is spectacular. Oh, and being asked to photograph one fabulous mansion for Florida Living isn’t too shabby either.”
“First of all, the mansion you’re talking about is owned by Carter’s parents. I think they felt guilty.”
“So what?” he growled as he pulled my hand to his lips, rubbing them across my knuckles. “Your career will flourish. I’m so proud of you.”
A wave of heat pooled between my legs, the usual desire threatening to spiral me out of control.
“You’re an amazing photographer.”
“And not a winemaker?” While we’d had little time to talk about my family’s heritage, I knew it bothered him.
“We’ll talk about that later. After we get through the bullshit of today, but no more secrets.”
“No more secrets.”
He was right. While the extensive investigation was still ongoing involving the former vice president and his wife, there were details that hadn’t been finalized. At least Sawyer’s record was in the final stages of being expunged, no charges filed regarding the killing of the assassins who’d descended on the island. I continued to be amazed at the lengths Bart had gone through in order to try to ruin Bradley Enterprises, only to rebuild it in order to bilk investors.
There were still so many unanswered questions and I knew that Sawyer would never be able to let the situation remain in his past unless they were answered.
And there was only one man capable of doing that.
“What do you want in life, Sawyer?” I asked as I studied the expansive room, the view of the harbor absolutely incredible. On the surface, Bradley Enterprises still seemed to be thriving. Sadly, news of Bart’s arrest had taken a toll on the stock and the already tarnished reputation. It was the opinion of various experts the company would be forced to take bankruptcy.
&nbs
p; He thought about my question before giving me a slight smile. “I’m not sure.”
At least it was an honest answer.
I heard the click of the door and sucked in my breath as Carter walked in alone, slowly closing the door behind him. In his hand was a thick file. I was surprised when he didn’t take his usual place at the head of the table, instead moving to sit across from where we were in the middle of the table.
“I know you were expecting the entire board of directors, but I thought we should have a private conversation first,” Carter said quietly.
“What do you want, Carter? Are you still determined to ruin my life?” Sawyer demanded, wasting no time.
“That’s not my intention, Sawyer. I thought you already figured that out.” Carter glanced in my direction. I could tell the man remained tense. “I’m glad to see your injuries have healed, both of you.”
“We’re not here to talk about our health,” Sawyer retorted. “I also don’t know your intentions, Carter. Hell, I don’t know shit except you stated you believe I was innocent of all crimes. But you’ve told me jack shit otherwise.”
“Which I backed up by making certain you didn’t spend another night in jail for a crime you didn’t commit!” Carter inhaled, shaking his head. “This isn’t about the past, although I understand why you still hate me. However, the future of Bradley Enterprises is still important to me and in truth, I believe it is to you as well, Sawyer.”
I wrapped my hand around Sawyer’s arm, trying to give him encouragement. I knew the man was still filled with such hatred and I didn’t blame him.
Sighing, Carter took a deep breath then pulled something from his pocket. “To answer your question, does this look familiar?”
I could see what appeared to be a jump drive in his fingers. Orange in color. I’d heard every detail of what Sawyer had found. If it had come to light, a smart detective would have narrowed down the suspect with relative ease.
Sawyer was perplexed, leaning closer, then taking it out of Carter’s hand. “You had this all along. You bastard. I should kill you.”
“By all rights, I can understand why you think that way,” Carter said with more emotion than I’d ever heard out of the man. “This was found in Bart’s possessions.”
