Ransom

by Laramie Briscoe

  He shifts uncomfortably on his feet, sighing. “It’s complicated.”

  “Uh huh.” I raise my eyebrow at him as I open the door and hook Rambo’s leash on him. As I’m about to give him more shit, Menace and Renegade walk over to us, effectively cutting off our conversation.

  “Let’s go.” Mason hitches his chin to Nick as the two of them take off through the field and up to the house.

  I watch them for a little while, looking at the old farmhouse my mom was raised in, that I’ve been to once in my life. This is a part of my heritage that’s been kept from me, but if it’s painful for people to talk about, especially my parents, I’ll deal with not knowing.

  “C’mon.” Renegade motions in front of us. “Let’s see if he can find anything.”

  I click my tongue to get his attention. “Find dope!” I tell him. Like he always does, his ears perk up and off we go.

  “Does he stop?” Renegade pants as he runs alongside me and Rambo.

  “When he’s on a track? Not usually.” I wipe the sweat from my brow. “I can slow him down, but he’ll hardly stop. I do a lot of cardio.” I laugh as he breathes heavily.

  Right then Rambo stops, scratching and barking at me, whining loudly. “What did you find us?” I pull up on his leash while Renegade kneels.

  “Looks like weed, and lots of it.”

  Rambo sniffs around some more, and then he pulls on me. “He’s got something. You can stay here if you need to.”

  “You calling me old?”

  The last thing I want to do is offend Stella’s dad, especially when I’m nervous as fuck about being around him after last night. “No,” I yell over my shoulder.

  He’s slow to catch up with us as Rambo takes me down what looks like a cut path through the woods. We run for what feels like half a mile and then we bust through a clearing, where there’s nothing and Rambo stops. “Fuck,” I grunt, panting after the run we’ve just been on.

  “You got anything?” Renegade yells from where he is quite a way behind us.

  “They must have gotten into a vehicle, he just stopped.”

  Investigating the area, I notice there’s a spot worn in the grass. Carefully picking my way across the clearing, I bend down, seeing that it’s been worn down to dirt. It’s wet, with a small puddle of water, an outlying sliver of the same water running to the side.

  “Somebody was idling here,” I tell Renegade as he catches up. “This is the condensation from an air conditioner.”

  “The question is,” he pauses to wipe his mouth against his long-sleeve shirt. We’re all hot, sweaty, and after this Rambo needs a rest. “What were they here for? The weed? The still we’re dismantling? Or was there something in the house?”

  “I don’t know,” I answer truthfully. “We’ll probably never know after we’ve come out here and made all this racket. With the show of force we have here today, they’ll probably never come here again.”

  He looks around the clearing. “One thing I do know? I do not want to be out in the open like this. Let’s head back, see what everyone else has found.”

  I agree, nodding as we begin backtracking, stopping to take pictures of what we’ve found and making notations of where it is on the map. Tomorrow our drug unit will come out and burn all of this.

  When we finally crest the hill, seeing the rest of our unit and the other officers who’ve come to help us, I breathe easier, but the sun is going down in the sky. More than anything I want to get out of here before it gets dark.

  But dark means good things tonight. It means I’m that much closer to seeing Stella, and I can’t fucking wait.

  Chapter 7

  Stella

  “Are you going over to Ransom’s tonight?” Kels asks as she and I watch one of our shows on Netflix. I have about twenty minutes before I have to leave, and we’re getting in one last episode of This is Us before I do.

  “Yeah.” I yawn, picking my phone up from beside me.

  She’s lounging in our chair, I’m spread across the couch, which was the worst thing I could have done when I came home. It’s been a long day, and damned if I’m not tired as hell.

  “You gonna make it?” She giggles. “Maybe you should pack a bag, just in case you end up staying.”

  The thought has merit, but I don’t want to seem presumptuous. Grabbing my phone, I fire off a quick text.

  S: So I’m super tired because it was a really long day a work today, but I want to see you. Would it freak you out if I bring a bag over in case I’m too tired to drive home?

  I’m nervous as I wait for him to respond. This is much closer to boyfriend/girlfriend territory than I’m sure he wanted to be in. Never mind I just invited myself to stay at his house. If this doesn’t send him running for the hills, I don’t know what will. Waiting for him to respond is like waiting for Christmas to get here.

  R: I thought I’d have to work harder to get you in my bed, Stelle…LOL! No seriously, I’m beat too, it’s been a fuckin’ long day. But I wanna see you, it’s what’s kept me going, the only thing I’ve been looking forward to.

  A smile spreads across my face.

  S: I told you I’m a good southern girl until you convince me I’m not. Also, I think I said I wasn’t hard to convince. You almost home?

  R: Heading there now, meet me?

  I’m already getting off the couch.

  S: See you there!

  “Excuse me, we were watching a show!” Kels grumbles as I walk toward my room.

  “Ransom said he’s been looking forward to seeing me all day.” I hold my phone to my chest like most women would a bouquet of flowers.

  “He’s liked you a long time,” she reminds me.

  “I forget the two of you are close.”

  “Hello, our dads are best friends. We spent as much time at their house as we did ours.”

  A feeling comes over me, maybe jealousy? “Did you and Ransom ever…” I let the thought trail off as she laughs.

  “Oh my God, no! Never even thought about it. Not with Cutter either,” she mentions his little brother.

  “Always had eyes for Nick?” I give her a little shit about it.

  “Maybe he’ll start to notice me like you’ve started to notice Ransom.” She shrugs. “If not, I’m having fun hanging out with him. One day it’ll be our time. Go get your stuff packed,” she reminds me.

  I run across the room, hugging her tightly. “Thanks for being understanding.”

  “Umm, dude, I’m gonna eat your chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and use one of your Lush bath bombs. This night is perfect.”

  “I love you, Kels.”

  “Love you too, go get your hot piece of man meat.” She stops, shivering and turning up her lip. “And I will never say that again about Ransom as long as I live.”

  Laughing, I go to my room and start packing a bag. She might not say that ever again, but I will every day of the damn week.

  He and I pull into his driveway at almost the same time. His police-issue SUV pulls in right before me. Luckily for the two of us, he doesn’t live anywhere near other members of the MTF, and most of them don’t just show up at each other’s houses. Neither one of us are too concerned with hiding my car.

  He gets out at the same time I do. “Hey.” He grins, taking that full bottom lip of his between his teeth.

  “Hey.” I smile back, waving like a fucking idiot. I can’t help it, I’m excited to see him.

  “I’d love to hug you right now,” he says as he starts to open the back door, to get Rambo out, “but I stink. We went for a nice long run in the woods, and it’s been hot as fuck today.”

  His hair looks wet and I can see sweat stains on his long-sleeve shirt. “Why the long sleeves?” I’ve never thought to ask my dad, but I’m sure in this relationship there are a lot of things I’ll be asking I’ve never thought to ask before.

  “Tattoos.” He pulls the sleeves up, showing the tattoos on his strong forearms. “We used to be able to show them, but then we go
t a new Police Chief and City Manager.” He grimaces. “I like both of them, but they have no idea how hot it is out there.”

  Going to the back of my car, I grab my bag, putting it over my shoulder. His green eyes follow the move. “You were serious about letting me stay, right?”

  “Yeah.” He scratches at the beard on his chin as he lets Rambo out. The dog comes over to me, standing on his back legs and putting his front paws on my stomach, begging for attention. I give him some, ruffling his fur, before he walks back over to Ransom and has a seat beside his master. “I do have an extra bedroom, ya know, if it’s a little too soon for you. Cutter uses it mostly.”

  “I don’t know, Ransom. I’ve been eyeing that California King since the first time you gave us a house tour. I think it’s just about big enough.”

  His eyes darken with a lust I’ve not seen in them yet. The feeling washes over me, leaving goosebumps in its wake. “Barely big enough for all the things I could do to you.” His voice is low and hoarse, a rasp of emotion ready to roll over my body.

  “That’s a promise I’ll hold you to. Not tonight, but give us some time.”

  Rambo stands when Ransom makes a noise. “I got all the time in the world for you, Belle. But for now, let’s get on inside.”

  He reaches for my bag, which I give to him, impressed by his manners. Judging by the dark circles under his eyes, he’s had a physically demanding day, yet he’s being a gentleman. Somehow, I knew he would be.

  “I’m gonna go take a shower. Make yourself at home. If you wanna order pizza from the Double Dip, they’ll put it on my tab. They know what I like, just give them my address,” he tells me as he stands at his kitchen table, beginning to take off the armor that proclaims him to be an officer of the law.

  I’ve watched my dad do this a million times, probably more. I always saw my mom eyeing him when he did, and I never got the fascination. Right now though? Now I get it. My eyes are glued as he takes off his thigh holster, sitting his gun down on the table, next comes his utility belt, and then I’m mesmerized as he unhooks his bulletproof vest, sighing as he pulls it over his head.

  “I’m thankful for that thing, for the protection it gives me, and all the extra pockets, but damn it’s hot, and heavy as hell.”

  I reach over. “Can I pick it up?”

  My dad doesn’t wear one like this. His is plain, it’s not as big as Ransom’s, he can’t hook his fingers in the sides like Ransom does. His doesn’t have a ton of pockets, which I guess Ransom needs because of Rambo.

  “Go for it.”

  When I lift it, I expect it to be light, but I actually struggle. “It’s heavier than I thought.”

  “Yeah, every night it’s like working out wearing a weight vest. I wear about thirty pounds of gear, and then Rambo weighs near seventy. I have to be strong.” He runs his hand through his hair.

  “You sure are,” slips out before I can stop it.

  He gives me a smirk. “Order the pizza, Stelle. I’m hungry.” The flash in his eyes makes me wonder if he’s only hungry for food.

  As he walks away from me, down the hall to where his bedroom is, he takes the shirt off, giving me a clear view of his muscular back. He’s gotten some new ink back there, and damned if I don’t moan in disappointment when he disappears into his bedroom.

  Rambo looks between the two of us, seeming as if he isn’t sure who to stay with. “Go ahead,” I tell him. “He’s your person, I get it.”

  Rambo nudges me with his head before padding down the hallway and laying outside Ransom’s door. I can hear the shower kick on. The bathroom he has attached to his bedroom is as spectacular as his California King. One day, I’ll give it a shot. Maybe we’ll give his big bathtub a shot together.

  Trying to ignore the fact Ransom’s a few feet from me, naked and wet, I grab my phone and place the pizza order. Then I go sit in the living room, trying to remind myself that good southern girls don’t put out on the second date.

  Chapter 8

  Ransom

  Turning the shower off, I sigh as I step out, letting the steam surround me. I’m almost positive a shower has never felt so good before. I’m a little reinvigorated, but I’m also hungry as hell and want to spend this time with Stella. I make quick work of wiping my body off, running the towel through my hair, and putting on a pair of sweatpants.

  “Hey.” I smile at Rambo who lays outside the door to my room. “Did you decide to come hang out with me?”

  He whines before laying his head on his paws and then looking up at me with the most pitiful look I’ve seen him give in a while. “I know, you’re hungry, but if you eat when you’re too hot, you puke – and bub, tonight we gotta keep impressing her.”

  It’s funny, since I was paired with him, I’ve always talked to him like he’s another human being, and I swear, sometimes he understands what I’m saying as if he is one. Tapping my hip, I whistle low. “Let’s get you some food.”

  Turning the corner into my kitchen, honest to God, my chest aches when I see Stella sitting at my breakfast bar, playing on her phone. She lifts her head and gives me a smile that goes right to my gut. Immediately all the shit I’m sick of today is gone, and all I want to do is find out what’s been going on with her since she left me last night.

  “Feel better?”

  Looks like she’s found my paper plate stash and she’s set out a couple of drinks for us. The pizza sits unopened as I watch her set her phone down.

  “I feel like an entirely new person,” I admit, walking over to give Rambo his food. When I see that he’s happily chomping away on it, I walk over to where she sits. “And now I can do this too.”

  Opening my arms wide, I wrap them around her, hugging her tightly. This is something I’ve never had. The type of relationship where you just need a hug at the end of the day to make it all better. But I can’t not give her one. Not while she’s sitting there, making the place beautiful just by being herself.

  “I needed that.” She leans in, kissing my cheek.

  “Me too.” I reluctantly let her go, before reaching over to the pizza box. “Did they give you any trouble?”

  “Nope.” She shakes her head. “But when I realized you get absolutely everything known to man on your pizza, I ordered myself a personal pepperoni and sausage.”

  My laugh is self-indulgent. “Hey, I lose a lot of calories going around with that one all day.” I nod to Rambo. “I have to eat to keep up with it, and to build muscle.”

  “Oh I’m not bashing you, because whatever you’re doing-” she looks me up and down, “-is working fine as fuck. Thank God for sweatpants season.” She purses her lips.

  “You’re good for my ego, Stelle.”

  “I’ll be good for whatever you need me for.” She winks.

  This woman is a pro at flirting, and damned if I’m not slightly blushing. Having a seat next to her, I pull my pizza to me, opening the lid and inhaling the meats, veggies, and spices all mixed together. My stomach growls loudly as my mouth waters.

  “You gonna eat it, or make love to it?” She gives me a look.

  “I can eat it and make love to it.” I let loose with my own little wink, before taking a bite and then licking my lips. “I’m talented in most things I decide to do.”

  I watch as she rubs the pearls in her ears. “I just bet you are, Ransom. Anybody have a nickname for you?” She takes a drink of the can of Coke she got out of my fridge. “Like handsome?”

  “Because it rhymes with Ransom? Haha, you think you’re the first person to say that?”

  She finishes chewing her own bite. “Nah, but I think I’m probably gonna be the last.”

  I like this, the little claim she’s laid on me, the gauntlet she’s kind of thrown down. Stella’s a lot like her dad. When he makes his mind up about something, there’s no changing it, and it seems as if she’s made up her mind about us. Thank fuck, because my mind was made up a long time ago. “You can call me whatever you want, sweetheart. Ransom, handsome, God as you
’re coming – I answer to it all.”

  She giggles. “I just bet you do.”

  “Get called God a lot? Hasn’t happened in about eight months or so, but maybe soon?”

  There’s a glob of pizza sauce at her mouth, I lean in, brushing it off with the pad of my thumb. When I do, her tongue snakes out, wetting my flesh. It sends a tremor through my body, and I do my best to keep my shit together.

  “Play your cards right, handsome. We’ll see how long it takes.”

  We stare at each other – for how long, I’m not sure – but eventually Rambo barks, breaking the mood between us. “You need out, bub?” He prances around, letting me know he does.

  “You’re good to him.” She watches as I slide the back door shut, filling his water dish.

  “He’s good to me, we make a good team. And just so ya know, we might be on the lookout for a third. Tryouts are tough, though.”

  She slides off the stool, throwing away her paper plate. “I think I’m up for it.”

  I hook my arm around her neck, kissing her cheek. “I think you are, too.”

  “How many times has your boss asked you out?” I’m resting with my side against the couch, Stella curled up on the other side, Rambo between us. We’re watching something on TV, barely, instead we’re talking about anything and everything.

  “Like ten times, probably.” She runs her hand through her hair.

  I’m trying not to notice the way her shorts ride up her thighs, but she’s changed and fuck they’re short. “And you’ve always said no?”

  “Yeah, he’s never been my type, not ever. He left me in that examination room when that guy was in there. Fuck, the other day, there was a spider and I killed it while he screamed. I want my man to be a man, like you.”