Finally Found [Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Chloe Lang

  Matt grabbed her hand. “I hate that you had to go through so much with that bastard.”

  “So how do we catch him?” Black asked the team.

  “Boss, why don’t we have Jena research all the tiny churches that are looking for pastors,” Cooper said.

  “Make sure they are in small towns, too,” Carrie told them. “We never lived in any town with a population over twenty thousand.”

  “Excellent suggestion, sis,” Matt said. “I’m sure he stayed out of the big cities not only to keep from being recognized but also to stay away from bigger law enforcement agencies.”

  “How long before you can have something to us, Jena?” Black asked.

  “I can have it done by midnight tonight. Maybe earlier with Matt and Sean’s help.”

  “Perfect.” Black turned to her. “Carrie, you’ve been an incredible help. I have little doubt that we’ll have Willie Mayfield in custody very soon.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  Black addressed his team. “Let’s take a quick break before we come back for our other business items.”

  Jena, Matt, and Sean walked back to the elevator with her.

  “How did I do?” she asked them, feeling better about the situation.

  Sean smiled. “Couldn’t you tell you were a hit with everyone?”

  “Of course she was,” Matt said. “She’s my sister.”

  “And she gave us all we need to track down a guy the FBI has been searching for since the fire in Belco all those years ago.”

  “Sixteen years to be exact,” she said. “I’m sure you have to go back for the rest of your CIA business, so I’ll go to Phong’s Wok and have some jasmine tea until you’re finished.”

  “Chinese again?” Sean teased. “I know the real reason you’re going there. Or should I say the real cowboys you hope to see?”

  She grinned. “They might have something to do with it. Plus, it’s a beautiful day to walk and enjoy Destiny’s Central Park.”

  Matt grinned. “Be careful who you say that to.”

  She laughed. “I remember why. The big controversy about the name. I’ll be extra careful. I shouldn’t get in much trouble, no farther than Phong’s is.”

  “One block is all,” Jena said. “When were done here we’ll join you. Shouldn’t be more than an hour.”

  “See you later,” she said, and punched the elevator button for the main floor. The door closed. Once again she had to go through the security measures. Apparently, TBK and Shannon’s Elite wanted to know who left as much as who came.

  Chapter Twelve

  Carrie entered the Wok and was greeted by Melissa Phong.

  “It’s so good to see you again, Carrie. I hope you’re hungry. The special today is anything you want for free. It’s Hiro’s and my way of welcoming you to Destiny.”

  “That’s very sweet of you, Mrs. Phong, but I certainly expect to pay.”

  “Nonsense, my dear, and please call me Melissa.” The sweet woman led her to the same booth she’d sat in the other day with Josh and Jacob. “Besides, it is time for my lunch. Would you mind if I joined you? I hate eating alone and that way we could have a nice chat.” Melissa poured her a glass of water.

  “That would be really nice. I was planning on only having Jasmine tea until Jena, Matt, and Sean arrived, but I am rather hungry. And I don’t like eating alone either.”

  Melissa smiled and her eyes lit up, once again revealing the family trait that both Josh and Jacob shared. “Then it’s all settled. I’ll go to the kitchen and have Hiro prepare lunch for us. Since you had Chinese recently, would you like something different? Hiro makes an incredible hamburger, though please don’t mention that to anyone, especially our friend Lucy.”

  “Lucy’s Burgers? The restaurant on the southeast corner of the square?”

  “That’s right. Just three doors down from our place. Lucy and her husband Norm are the owners. We would never try to compete with them. Hiro only makes burgers for close friends and family. We will never put them on the menu,” Melissa said in a low tone while leaning in close. Then the woman placed her index finger to her lips in the universal sign of secrecy.

  Carrie smiled since she and Melissa were the only people inside Phong’s Wok, likely because it was just a little after ten in the morning. “Sounds great. I’d like to try one.”

  “You’ll be in for a treat. I’ll be right back.” Melissa walked into the kitchen.

  Carrie looked out the big glass window onto the park. People were scurrying about, getting ready for the big paintball event. It was obvious to her that everyone got involved with the affair. She thought about Ethel O’Leary and her two husbands, Patrick and Sam, whom she’d met right here at the Wok. Ethel was a grand champion of the game and had invited her to join in the festivities.

  I wonder if I could take out that eighty-year-old woman. She grinned. I doubt it, but it would be fun to try.

  Fun? Until coming to Destiny she’d never had much fun. Now, only being in the wonderful town a couple of days, she couldn’t seem to stop smiling. She’d been horseback riding with Josh and Jacob not once, but twice. Enjoyed a picnic. A barbeque. And she knew that having lunch with Melissa was going to be a blast, too. She has such a cute personality. These were wonderful memories she was making. She could imagine living in Destiny for the rest of her life. She thought back on the few memories she had from her childhood filled with darkness and fear.

  Then her mind drifted back to Josh and Jacob. She couldn’t stop thinking about them. In time, things might get more serious with them. She was already falling fast. But was that fair to Josh and Jacob to continue dating them without telling them the whole truth about her memory loss?

  Melissa returned carrying a white pot and two matching cups. “Jasmine tea, right?”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  Melissa sat down across from her in the booth and filled their cups.

  She took a sip, enjoying the warmth and aroma of the tea. “Delicious.”

  “I’m glad you like it.” Melissa smiled. “You looked deep in thought when I came out of the kitchen. Is everything okay, Carrie?”

  “Everything is wonderful. I just need to stop being so negative.”

  “My motto is to try to take things one day at a time and enjoy every moment we’re given. You might want to try it, too.”

  “You’re a wise woman, Melissa Phong. I will try, but my old habits are going to take time to change. I’ve just never known real happiness like I’ve found in Destiny. So I’m scared it will all be taken away from me like everything else has been before in my life.”

  “Sweetie, worry like that will make you an old woman.” Melissa smiled, making her feel even more at ease. “You’re in Destiny now where we all take care of each other, so you have nothing to fear. My son, Jacob, had so many problems when he arrived in Destiny. But just look at him now. Both my boys are so happy.”

  “I thought Jacob was your nephew?”

  “Biologically speaking, that’s correct. But from the heart, he’s Hiro’s and my son. You know he changed his last name to Phong, but that’s all part of his story that he should tell you. Not me.”

  That explains why he seems to understand me so well. He has a past, too.

  Hiro came out from the kitchen carrying their plates. “Two Chinese-American burgers for two beautiful women.” He placed them on the table.

  The burgers looked and smelled delicious and were surrounded by fries.

  “Thank you, Mr. Phong.”

  “Hiro, please.”

  She nodded. “Chinese-American burgers with French fries. Quite the international lunch you’ve made for us.”

  “Take a bite of the burger, Carrie. I want to see your reaction.”

  “Hiro, let the girl enjoy her lunch,” Melissa said with a wink. “I have no doubt she’ll love it.”

  “It’s okay. I can’t wait to try it.” Carrie took a bite and marveled at the blend of Asian and American flavors. “How did you d
o that? I love it. It’s like nothing I’ve ever tasted before. You’re a master chef, Hiro. I want the recipe.”

  The man smiled and shook his head. “It’s a family secret, Carrie. I’m sorry, but any time you want a burger I would be happy to make one for you. No problem at all.”

  “Thank you so much.” She took another bite. “So good.”

  “Speaking of my boys…” Hiro said.

  Melissa laughed. “We weren’t speaking of our boys, honey.”

  “Oh well, you should’ve been.” Hiro kissed his wife on the cheek. “Since we’re not busy, do you two ladies mind if I join you for a few minutes?”

  “Absolutely,” Carrie said, dipping a fry into the special sauce. “The more the merrier, Hiro.”

  Hiro sat down. “Now about my boys, Carrie. Don’t you find them very good looking?”

  “Hiro.” Melissa slapped his hand lightly. “Stop.”

  Carrie giggled.

  “Now, honey, it’s a fair question,” Hiro said. “Besides, Carrie laughed, so I know she doesn’t mind.”

  “Well, yes, Hiro. Josh and Jacob are very attractive.”

  The man brought his hands together. “I knew it. You like them, too. You’re a beautiful woman, so the three of you will go together very well. Just think of the cute babies, Melissa.”

  Melissa slapped his hand again, this time a little harder. “Oh my God, Hiro. Don’t scare the girl off. Give her a chance to know our boys better.”

  Carrie loved how these two got along together. They were deeply in love and were so cute and playful with each other.

  “What more is there to know, Melissa?” Hiro asked. “Josh and Jacob are handsome, kind, smart, and hard workers.”

  Yes, they are.

  Hiro looked her straight in the eyes and smiled. “They would be a catch for anyone, but they like you, Carrie. So what do you say?”

  “I do like them, Hiro, but we’ve only been horseback riding twice.”

  “Don’t forget the barbeque last night that they went to,” he said. “And I know they’ve been working since early this morning on making your date tonight very special.”

  “I’m sorry, Carrie, for my husband’s lack of manners. But as you can see, there’s no stopping him. He’s always been a hopeless romantic.”

  “Romance is how I won your heart, angel.” He grabbed her hand and brought it up to his lips. “And if the truth be known, I hear wedding bells in the air for our boys and this beautiful girl.” He laughed. “You said you wanted my hamburger recipe, Carrie. This is the only way you will get it.”

  “I’m not sure how to respond to that.” She reached across the table and grabbed the dear man’s hand and squeezed. “But I promise to take everything you’ve said under consideration and get back to you later.”

  “After the date tonight? Melissa and I were engaged after our second date, Carrie, just so you know. And we’ve been married for thirty-two years.”

  The door opened and in walked Matt, Sean, and Jena.

  “Over here,” she said. “Saved by the cavalry, Hiro.”

  “That’s telling this old goat,” Melissa said, giving Hiro a kiss. “But I love him just the way he is. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

  “Neither would I,” she said as images of their sons flashed in her mind. It was easy to see that Josh and Jacob had all the good qualities of their parents. Oh my God, I don’t have a nice dress for our date tonight.

  “Hamburgers?” Sean said. “Did you get takeout from Lucy’s?”

  Melissa sent her a knowing wink. “What do you think, Sean? We serve Chinese food here at Phong’s. Not burgers.”

  She was serious about this being a family secret. Carrie felt good that she’d shared it with her.

  “But if you’re in the mood for a burger,” Melissa continued. “Lucy and Norm can deliver here if you’d like.”

  “No,” he said, none the wiser. “I’d rather have Hiro’s famous sesame chicken, if that’s okay.”

  “Crispy beef for me, please,” Matt said.

  “And what about you, Jena?” Melissa asked.

  “Orange chicken with brown rice, please.”

  “Sit down. All of you. I’ll bring a couple of orders of crab puffs. I know how much Matt and Sean like them.”

  Carrie sent a wink to her and Hiro. “Thank you both.”

  Jena sat down next to her and Matt and Sean sat across from them.

  Being very anxious about her date and having no dress, she turned to Jena. “I need an outfit to wear for tonight. Do you know where I can buy one?”

  “I sure do. Once we’re finished with lunch, you and I are going shopping. Believe it or not, we have a great boutique right here in Destiny called Lisa’s Dresses and More.”

  “Why don’t you take Carrie to Riley’s Body Decorations, sweetheart,” Sean said. “They have dresses, too. And you know how much I love you in them.”

  “Riley’s Body Decorations? That’s a funny name for a dress store,” Carrie said.

  “That’s because it’s primarily a tattoo parlor,” Matt said.

  Jena shook her head. “Sean MacCabe, you know they only sell clothes that would be appropriate for Phase Four.”

  Carrie had seen the club when she’d ridden into town with Josh and Jacob. “Is that a dance club?”

  Sean laughed and Matt grinned.

  “Let’s just leave it at this, Carrie. They do dance there,” Jena said. “I can tell you more about it when we have our girl shopping trip, okay?”

  “Sure,” she said, more than a little curious about Phase Four.

  Chapter Thirteen

  With his cousin in the passenger seat, Jacob drove his truck next to TBK’s company jet at Walden-Jackson County Airport. He killed the engine and turned to Josh. “I’ll get the interior set up while you get the plane fueled.”

  Josh nodded and jumped out of the truck.

  Grabbing the flowers and champagne, he walked up to the plane, smiling. He could tell that Josh was just as excited about their date with Carrie tonight as he was.

  “Hey guys.” Cooper Ross waved and walked over with Brock Grayson from Shannon’s Elite’s jet, which was parked next to TBK’s. Both men dressed a lot like Dylan Strange and the rest of the men on Black’s CIA team. Dark suits. Sunglasses. “Where you two headed?”

  “We’re taking Matt’s sister to Red River, New Mexico, for a steak dinner,” he told them.

  “We just met her today,” Brock said. “She’s very impressive and quite beautiful. Good for you two.”

  “What about you, guys?” Josh asked. “Where are you headed?”

  “Thanks to your date’s list,” Cooper said, “we’ve got leads for a cult leader that’s been on the FBI’s most wanted for many years.”

  “Willie Mayfield. We know.” Anger welled up inside him for the pain the bastard had brought on Carrie.

  Josh nodded. “She told us all about the asshole last night.”

  “He’s the worst kind of criminal. Abusing women and children.” Brock took off his sunglasses and brought out the crucifix that was on a chain around his neck. “And stealing from churches.”

  “I hope you catch him soon,” Josh said, the venom in his tone unmistakable.

  Brock returned the chain back under his shirt and put his sunglasses back on. “Cooper and I are flying out tonight and will be interviewing for the next few days several members of churches that are on the list that Carrie gave the team.”

  “And we get to do something I’ve never gotten to do in my seven years at the Agency,” Cooper said with a grin. “We get to return money to its rightful owners. Treat Miss Dixon well tonight, guys. She’s one of the good ones in the world, that’s for sure.”

  “We know.” Jacob shook the two men’s hand and headed into the plane as Josh headed to the hanger to get someone to bring out the tanker truck to the jet.

  Jacob began preparing the cabin for Carrie’s arrival. He made sure that the champagne was chilled and that the roses we
re placed on a special-made table for such decorations so they wouldn’t turn over. Then he started looking through the songs on his iPad for just the right one. He had brought the cord to plug it into the jet’s sound system. He wanted tonight to be something very special for Carrie, something that would keep her smiling. He knew in his heart that he would never forget this evening with her, just like with their horseback date and picnic or the moment she’d stepped out of the car at the barn when they’d first met. Nothing he could do or say would change how he felt about her.

  Josh came into the cabin. “Looks nice, Jacob.”

  “Thanks, but I’m having trouble picking out the right music.”

  Josh nodded. “Let me see if I can help.”

  He handed his iPad to him.

  “No. No. No.” Josh flipped through the list quickly. “How about this?” he asked, holding out the iPad for him to see.

  Jacob looked at the screen. “Good job.” Wolfe Mayhem was Destiny’s local band and their latest CD was of romantic ballads, featuring Kaylyn singing lead. “Kaylyn has a great voice. These songs will be perfect for our date tonight.”

  “I agree. Jaris and Chance definitely found their match.”

  “They sure did.” He plugged in his iPad to the plane’s cord to the sound system. “And you know, Josh, maybe we have, too.”

  “You might be right. I sure do care for her a lot already.”

  “Me, too.”

  Josh nodded. “I thought so. I always thought we’d end up with one of the local women, one that was fully immersed in the lifestyle. I doubt Carrie even has a clue about BDSM.”

  “I’m sure she doesn’t. But in time we can introduce her to it.”

  “What if she doesn’t respond to it like we do, Jacob? What then?”

  “Then it won’t matter to me. I would choose her over the lifestyle any day.”

  Josh smiled. “Sounds like you’ve fallen for her completely already.”

  “Yeah, I didn’t realize it until I answered your question. What about you?”

  “Same answer, though I suspect she has a submissive streak. I believe she would enjoy BDSM as much as we do.”

  “I guess we’ll have to wait to find that out. For now, vanilla all the way.”