by Laura Acton
Giggling, Tracey flipped her hair. “I understand. I’ll do as you requested.” She drew the card to her and placed the paper on the lower counter. “She is one lucky lady, Mr. Broderick.”
Pablo handed over cash so the transaction would not be traced to him, making sure to flash the fake police ID. “No, I’m the lucky guy.” He sauntered out and shifted his body into the waiting car. Two blocks away he pulled off the blond wig and popped out the blue contacts then squinted at Panther. “Hope the note’s contents will royally fuck them.”
“Yes, it will,” Ramon smirked. My surveillance paid off.
Accident Scene – 3:30 p.m.
Lexa leaned in the window of the sedan trying to calm the screaming child and hold her still since she couldn’t pry the door open, the impact wedged it shut. She glanced to the front and noted Bram shake his head. The mother was dead. They called in the crash which occurred as they approached the intersection and stopped to give aid until the firefighters and paramedics arrived. Watching the truck turn left in front of the car left both Bram and Lexa with a sense of helplessness.
“The truck’s driver?” she queried.
Bram’s voice came out quiet, “Gone too.” He focused on the crying child. “Shush, hush now, be still little one. I know it hurts.”
When the girl responded to Bram’s tones better than hers, Lexa backed away and allowed him to move closer. She blew out a breath, sending her bangs fluttering as she spotted the rescue trucks. She rushed forward when they came to a stop, and she recognized the captain. “D’Ante.”
D’Ante Tate took four strides, halting before Lexa. “What is the situation?”
“Both drivers are dead. There is a child in the back. The rear doors are stuck, and she is in a safety seat, not sure of her injuries. She was screaming until Bram started talking to her.”
“Thanks. We’ll take it from here.” D’Ante gave out orders to his men.
Lexa stood back with Bram as the fire crew went to work to pry open the doors and hose down the vehicles with foam to prevent fires. The medics arrived just as the back door popped open. Uniformed officers appeared on scene to direct traffic and begin the investigation. Lexa and Bram waited, knowing they would need to give a statement of what they witnessed.
Fireman Bishop draped the dead woman driver and exhaled heavily. This was the worst part of his job. As a rescue man, he preferred any opportunity, even the slightest one to save a person. Arriving after the fact when he could do nothing always depressed him.
Turning from the wreckage, he spied Lexa McKenna. A bright spot in the darkness of his day. He strode over and said, “Hey, Lexa. Been a while.”
Lexa’s eyes landed on Duke. The last time she saw him was … well, she couldn’t quite recall. “Hi, Duke.”
Bram glanced at the fireman as Lexa said, “Duke, this is Bram De Haven, Bram, Duke Bishop.”
Duke shook hands. “Lexie and I go way back … back to Cold Lake sitting around bonfires on a cold winter’s night. Wild times.”
Cringing inwardly, Lexa assumed Bram didn’t miss Duke’s tame innuendo, and she was sure the guys on the headset didn’t either, though they remained silent. “We went to high school together, hung out with the same crowd.”
Duke grinned. “Yep. And we’ve had a few fantastic dates here too. Perhaps we should go out again?”
Lexa spotted the investigating officer. “Gotta give my statement. We’ll catch up sometime later.” She strode off leaving Duke and Bram together.
“She is a flighty butterfly, but a magnificent one. With any luck, I’ll net her eventually.” Duke peered at the massive constable trying to gauge his reaction, but when his captain called to him, he rushed off.
Bram shook his head. If you had a couple of dates, Lexa is likely done with you. I wouldn’t hold your breath, buddy. He ambled over to Lexa and began to give his statement too.
TRF HQ – Dispatch Desk – 7:10 p.m.
After doing a pass down to Alan, Tia awaited Lexa since they were going out for drinks. She needed someone to commiserate with after her latest disaster of a date. Tia knew Lexa would listen without judgment and she needed to vent to another woman about idiot men.
Loki exited the lockers and spied Tia. He gave her a happy grin. “Hey, you still here? Don’t you get enough of this place?”
“Waiting for Lexa, girl’s night out.”
Ray followed Loki and paused to pat Loki’s back. “Catch ya later.”
“Yeah, yeah. Enjoy your time with Maurita.” Loki sighed. Ray would be going to pick up his girlfriend from the airport, Lexa was busy, perhaps Dan might want to hang out, at least for a bit. His thoughts stopped as a gorgeous raven-haired woman stepped out of the lift as Ray stepped in. It took a moment for him to recall the councilwoman.
Lorelei assessed the dispatcher. “Ms. Walsh, a pleasure to see you again.”
“Ms. Ravenwood.”
No competition, Lorelei concluded. “For a while, I thought you didn’t bother to give Dan my messages, but he explained he’s been swamped lately and didn’t have a chance to call me.” Lorelei smiled at the attractive male officer. “Hello, I’m Lorelei Ravenswood. Who might you be?”
Becoming tongue-tied as the woman spoke to him, so far out of his league, he said, “Um, Loki.”
“Loki? Like the Norse God of Mischief?” She beamed.
“Nickname, but yeah. Real name is Dante Baldovino.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Dante.”
Dan spotted Lexa departing as he headed out of the locker room at the same time Jon, Bram, and Nick did. As a group, they walked towards the exit. Surprised to see Lorelei since the PR tour ended earlier, Dan halted. “Lorelei?”
Everyone stared when the councilwoman moved closer to Dan.
“I realize you’ve been busy, but after the tour today I began thinking we might grab dinner. Everyone, including you, needs to eat. My treat. We can catch up, and well, I have a hot tub at my place.” She gave him a subtle wink.
Shocked Lorelei behaved so forward in front of his teammates, Dan flicked his gaze around. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Lexa, and she didn’t appear too happy. Jammed between a rock and a hard place, Dan couldn’t turn Lorelei down if he wanted to maintain the ruse of dating anything in a skirt. The other guys would never for one moment believe he would reject a blatant offer.
A bit miffed at the woman’s frontal assault, yet trusting Dan, Lexa smiled. “If you will excuse me, I’m heading out for drinks with Tia. Catch you all in the morning.” She threw a cheeky grin at Dan and boldly said, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t. Remember, it’s a school night, and the headmaster,” Lexa gave Jon a playful smile, “will sever your head if you stay out too late.”
Lorelei eyed the woman, and her intuition ran the flag up the pole … the petite officer was jealous.
“Yeah, sure.” Dan thought fast, someplace where he would have witnesses in case Lexa questioned his actions. “There is an excellent restaurant not too far away. Fire Stick Grill. You can follow me there.”
“Fantastic.” Lorelei linked her arm in Dan’s and led the way out.
Loki shook his head and sighed as Dan entered the elevator with Lorelei, Tia, and Lexa. “Man, Dan has all the luck with beautiful ladies.”
Bram swung his arm around Loki’s shoulders. With his ma still staying with Gina’s, Bram noted Loki appeared a tad forlorn. “Well, I know a little lady who would be delighted if her Uncle Loki came to supper.”
Perking up, Loki smiled. “Thanks. Love to come over.”
Jon glanced at Nick who appeared distracted. “What’s on your mind?”
Pulled from his musing, Nick continued to stare at the elevator’s doors, the niggling thought would not die. He sensed jealously in Lexa and something he couldn’t put his finger on with Dan … like he was uncomfortable to accept Lorelei’s invitation. Strange, perhaps there’s history. “Nothing.”
“You planning anything special with Christina on the
fifteenth?” Jon asked as they headed out.
“No, she is out of town, interviewing with a theater in Vancouver.”
Damn, if she moves away, Nick will likely go back to his lonely life. Not that I wish her ill, but I sure as hell hope Christiana sticks around. “Join Jen, the boys, and me for meatloaf tonight?” Jon extended an invite.
“Not tonight. Appreciate the offer though.” Nick was dragging and wanted a rare early night, especially with the fourteenth around the corner.
The Pack Has Lexa’s Back
57
February 14
TRF HQ – Briefing Room – 7:05 a.m.
Tia sauntered into the conference room, her arms and hands full, carrying a huge vase filled with red roses, a rectangular package, and an envelope. All eyes riveted on her as she made a beeline straight to Lexa, wearing a bright smile. “Lexa, these were delivered for you earlier.”
She set the items down and stepped back, as curious as the rest of them as to who dared send Lexa cut-flowers on Valentine’s Day. When they had drinks two days ago, Lexa said nothing of a new guy, but perhaps that was because Tia had been drowning her sorrows and busy maligning all men after her last relationship ended so terribly.
Lexa’s brows bumped together in a scowl as she gazed at the roses. Her eyes moved to the box of chocolate butterflies and landed on the touching, unsigned note. Butterflies … tiny, graceful, beams of light and color … enchanting proof beauty emerges from darkness.
“Who are those from?” Loki blurted out what everyone wanted to ask.
Lexa shrugged her shoulders and pulled out the white card she found in the flowers. After she read the message, her lips pursed like she’d been chewing a lemon rind as so many red flags flew. Her mind raced as fury grew, almost to the point where she considered pulling her Glock to shoot Dan. How dare he do this? How stupid can Dan be? Is he trying to get us fired? He just ruined everything I worked for. Dammit, I should’ve never listened to my heart.
When Lexa failed to respond, Loki’s mischievous eyes flashed, and he snagged the card from her. When she growled, he scampered away to protect his biceps. After reading, his face screwed up as his narrowed eyes stared at Dan. “Dude, what the hell?”
“What?” Confusion lit Dan’s face.
Loki waved the little card. “You damn well know what! How can you sit there and pretend you don’t?” Loki’s cussing and the direction of his anger intrigued the others.
Jon stood, strode to Loki, and ripped the paper from him. He read, and his eyes raked Dan with freezing contempt as he took several steps toward him. His fist began to clench. “Not cool, Broderick! Lexa deserves respect!”
Bram popped up and positioned himself between Jon and Dan who had risen in a defensive move as Jon approached him. Bram placed a hand on Jon’s chest stopping him. “Give me the note.” He skimmed the missive. Conflict warred in his blue-green eyes as Bram focused on Dan. “Care to explain?”
“Explain what?”
Bram held out the typed card. “This!”
Dan’s eyes widened with disbelief as he stared at the offensive message. Lexa, Thanks for doing Blondie Down Under specially for me. Tonight, I’ll give you the hard ride you enjoy. D.B.
Inhaling a sharp breath, Dan’s gaze sought out Lexa, having to step to the side to peer around Jon. “I did not send this!” He flung the card on the table and in a fit of unexpected and uncontrolled rage, Dan lashed out at the flower container sending the contents flying across the conference table.
Ray tried to catch the flying flowers but taken by surprise, he moved too slowly. The glass fell, shattering on the ground, and scattering four dozen long-stemmed roses around Ray’s feet.
Dan’s action stunned everyone.
Rising from his seat, Nick reached out and picked up the source of fury. Scanning the words, his initial thought was to reprimand Dan verbally, but he held off as his logical mind overrode his emotional reaction and presented him with facts in evidence. This does not fit Dan’s behavior pattern. He is respectful of women. Dan would not treat a lady … Lexa in particular, in this manner.
Glancing over Boss’ shoulder, Ray inquired, “What the hell is Blondie Down Under?”
“Hair dye for lady parts down below,” Loki uttered.
All the guys’ eyeballs, except Dan’s, landed on Loki at his statement. Dan’s gaze remained locked with Lexa’s, silently willing her to believe him.
“How the heck do you know that?” Ray gaped at Loki.
Bug-eyed, Loki’s focus kept bouncing between Dan and Lexa, finally landing and staying on Lexa as he distractedly answered Ray. “High school science project. Comes in purple, blue, red, blond, pink …”
Lexa’s gaze concentrated on Dan. She perceived hurt, anger, concern, and honesty in the sapphire depths. She recognized the truth … he didn’t send these. If not him, then who? She released a long breath. “Oh, crud.”
Her words had everyone turning to her.
“Lexa?” Nick’s apprehension grew noting Lexa’s washed-out complexion and detecting a bit of fear in her gaze.
She turned hazel eyes to the man she claimed as a father figure, the one who supported her without questioning her abilities. “I might have a stalker.”
Loki felt about two-inches tall as he realized he jumped to conclusions in accusing Dan based on the initials. D.B. could stand for Daniel Broderick, but also Dante Baldovino and a plethora of other names.
Jon whipped around. “A what?”
“Why?” Bram voiced at the same moment.
His heart seized at the comment, and Dan pulled hard on his control, remaining silent, allowing Lexa to explain the reference to the dye. Though his mind started reviewing all the times he was with her recently, wondering why and how he could’ve missed a threat to her safety.
Lexa drew in a breath, centering herself before she circumvented gender in her explanation using vague references. “I bought a box of the blonde dye four days ago for a friend. And no, I’m not telling who because they were too embarrassed to buy it for themselves.”
Bram’s thoughts went right to Dan and his pink predicament. Would Dan go to Lexa with a problem like that? Lexa was vague, so perhaps he did. Lexa would help without making him self-conscious. His eyes moved to the other gifts and spotted the butterfly chocolates, which sparked a memory of the fireman. Duke Bishop … D.B.
Jon turned to Tia. “Who delivered these?”
The intense gunmetal eyes boring into her as if she were to blame, disconcerted Tia. “Three separate deliveries while you all worked out. Average, non-descript couriers. I can pull the video logs.”
“I’ll help,” Loki offered.
Nick stopped them from moving. “Wait. Lexa, you received an envelope and chocolates too. Do you have any idea who could’ve sent you these things?”
Her eyes went back to them. The sweet message on the chocolates now soured her stomach.
“Could it be that firefighter … Duke Bishop? His initials are D.B.” Bram shifted closer to Lexa, no longer needing to be a buffer between Jon and Dan.
“Who is Duke?” Dan’s hands balled into fists.
Jon noted Dan’s reaction before he took several steps back from the rookie, regretting his earlier action. When am I going to learn to slow down with him? What the hell makes me want to jump down his throat? Jon pushed those thoughts aside to focus on the more significant problem at hand.
Lexa reached out for the envelope as she answered, “An old friend from Cold Lake. Dated him a while back. I don’t think he would do something like this. It is out of character for him.”
She slipped a finger into the envelope’s crease and tore it open. Lexa hated that her hand shook slightly as she pulled out the sheet. The paper fluttered to the table as Lexa pushed her chair back and rose. “Perhaps I don’t know him all that well … now.”
Lexa needed to move to cover the tremors coursing through her body. Old images of what happened to her on Valentine’s Day when she was six
teen flooded her mind based on the words contained in Duke’s letter.
Lifting the single piece of paper, Nick perused the contents.
My Elusive Butterfly,
We are good together. I want a chance to show you how well we fit. You shot me down right before Valentine’s twice now, but I’m willing to try a third time. Don’t shut me out again. I want to take you to Chez Larousse tonight and prove to you I’ve changed. I’ll pick you up at eight. Be ready.
Duke.
Dan eyed Lexa, recognizing someone trapped by terror. Though wanting with every fiber of his being to go to her, pull her into his arms, and tell her he would protect her, Dan stayed firmly rooted in his spot. He couldn’t react how he desired. Clamping on his stoic mask, he let Boss go to her instead.
Noting Lexa’s agitation, Nick set the missive down and went to her. He laid a hand on her shoulder. Her jump and slight shudder worried him. “What did Duke mean by you shooting him down twice?”
Bram and Jon both reached for the note.
Trying to remain calm and professional, Lexa struggled. No way in hell she would reveal to the guys she had been raped by an unknown assailant. It would make her appear a fragile victim in their eyes, and she would not permit that to happen. The only person aware was Boss, and he never judged her weak.
She spoke words Boss would understand, without fear of him revealing her secret to the others. “When I was sixteen, I went out with him a couple of times. He asked me to the Valentine dance, and I said no. Then I dated him a few times here. He asked me for a fourth date on Valentine’s, and I turned him down and didn’t return his calls.”
Nick’s only outward reaction to the news was a tightened grip on Lexa’s shoulder as he made the connection she must’ve. Inwardly he wished to embrace her but understood Lexa’s need to appear strong and capable and her desire to keep the assault private. He would maintain her confidence.
