“Great set tonight, guys.” Ethan held up a shot glass, and each of the men did the same. “Long may yer big jib draw.”
After the group helped Ethan clean the pub and lock up, they all headed to their homes. Since everyone lived within a fifteen-minute walk of the pub, nobody had to worry about driving after they’d been drinking. They’d get their asses kicked by their father and uncle if they even tried it.
The slight nip in the April air was typical for the time of year, but after being behind the heat of the stage lights all night, the chilly wind was a blessing. Aaron waved at each of the men as they broke off and went to their homes. He and Keith lived the farthest from the pub. By the time they got to the end of Harbour Street, it was just him and Keith.
Keith strolled next to him in silence, a look of contentment on his face. It was an expression all his brothers had since they met the loves of their lives. Again, Aaron felt that twinge of jealousy.
“She’ll get the hint eventually.” Keith dropped his big hand on Aaron’s shoulder as they turned on to Main Road.
“I’m not worried about it.” Aaron laughed.
“I heard you were helping Father Wallace with the one-hundred-year anniversary of Holy Cross.” Keith dropped his hand and shoved them into the pocket of his ever-present leather jacket.
“Yeah, I’m there practically every week anyway.” Aaron had been coaching the baseball team and basketball team for the last couple of years.
“Still coaching the boys?” Keith asked.
“Yep, it’s a lot of fun. Reminds me of when we were kids, and Uncle Kurt used to coach us.” Aaron smiled.
“I’m proud of you, A.J.” Keith stopped as they walked in front of his property.
“Thanks?” Aaron stared at his brother with a raised eyebrow.
“Don’t look at me like that. Sure, you’re a, what is it Sandy calls you? Oh yeah, whore boy.” Keith chuckled as he punched the code into the panel next to the gate.
“Fuck off.” Aaron shoved him as they walked through the large iron gate.
“Seriously, you’re a damn good cop.” Keith stopped at the path to his own house.
“How much did you have to drink tonight?” Aaron laughed.
“Not too much that I couldn’t kick your ass if I wanted to.” Keith held up his fists in a boxing stance.
“I don’t fight with senior citizens.” Aaron snickered as he bounced back to avoid a playful swing of a fist from his brother.
“Okay, boys. It’s time for Keith to come in and go to bed.” Aaron and Keith glanced up at the open door.
Emily smiled at them as she crooked her finger at Keith. Like a lap dog, his brother’s tongue practically hung out, and he gave Aaron a wink as he dropped his hands.
“Sorry, bro, I got someone else to play with.” Keith wiggled his eyebrows as he practically ran up the steps to his house and pushed his blushing wife into the house.
“Lucky bastard,” Aaron grumbled as he trudged his way to the small bunkhouse at the back of the property.
Aaron pushed open the door, kicked off his boots and headed for the small kitchen. Even after a fun night of playing music and tossing back a few with his brothers and friends, he still felt empty.
Over the last couple of months, he’d been drifting back to the last time he’d been in a serious relationship and the only one he could remember was high school. Bethany was the only steady girlfriend he’d ever had in his life, and he could never get her out of his mind.
Aaron had been head over heels in love with the girl, and the night of their prom, he’d shown her just how much he did. Then the next day, as if it meant nothing, she met him on the beach and dumped him. The same night he had planned to propose to her.
The beginning of grade twelve, Aaron, Cory, and Joey had made a bet on who would graduate with the highest average. Each month they put twenty dollars into a jar in their rooms and on the day report cards went out, the highest grade average got the money.
It turned out to be six hundred dollars, and Aaron won by three marks. He’d gone out the week before and put an engagement ring on hold and paid when he won the bet. He’d planned to propose to Bethany at the end-of-the-year bonfire the high school students had on the beach.
He’d been so nervous as he watched her walking across the beach but when she stopped in front of him, and she pulled away when he reached for her, his heart had dropped. Two minutes later, she tore his heart out when she said she was moving to the mainland with her father and sister. Since Aaron was in shock, Bethany was halfway up the beach before he thought to run and stop her. It didn’t change her mind because she told him to leave her alone and left him with a crushed heart.
“Yep, that’s why you’re not stupid enough to fall in love again.” Aaron chugged a bottle of water and then headed to his bedroom.
The buzzing next to him made him want to take out his weapon and shoot whatever was causing it. He lifted his aching head off the pillow and glanced at his cell phone vibrating on the nightstand. He snatched it off the night table and cursed when he saw the number on the screen.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Aaron hit ignore and groaned at the time.
It had been almost three in the morning by the time he got home and then a little after four by the time he finally passed out. He didn’t think he was that drunk, but his pounding head told him otherwise. His headache only intensified as he saw Jocelyn’s number on his phone at seven in the morning.
He tossed the phone on the table again and flopped back on the bed. When the phone vibrated again, he flung his arm over his eyes and groaned a string of curses that would make a sailor blush.
“What the fuck do you want?” Aaron didn’t bother to look at the number on the phone as he answered.
“Aaron Jacob, is that any way to talk to your mother?” Aaron cringed as he pulled the phone away and glanced at the time.
It was after eleven, and he hadn’t even realized he’d fallen asleep after the first phone call. Now he had to explain his nasty attitude toward his mother of all people.
“I’m so sorry, Mom. I didn’t know it was you.” He kicked off the heavy quilt and sat up on the side of the bed.
“A.J., that’s not the way to answer the phone for anyone.” Kathleen O’Connor always had a way of making him feel as if he was eight years old and chastised for being a naughty boy.
“I know, and I’m sorry.” Aaron knew no explanation was going to make his mother understand how he’d answered the phone.
“I just wanted to let you know we have some old friends over for our Sunday family supper.” His mother began.
Aaron squeezed his eyes shut as he held in the curse that threatened to escape. Kathleen O’Connor’s famous family supper had become much more than the family gathering. It had become more of a community potluck with the number of people she continually invited for gathering.
“Mom, in all the years you’ve had Sunday family supper when did you ever call to tell me who you were inviting?” Aaron teased her all the time about needing to build a bigger house all the time.
“Well, these are probably going to be a little uncomfortable for you,” his mother confessed.
“Mom, please tell me you didn’t invite Jocelyn and her friend Kylie?” Aaron groaned.
“Heavens, no. Those two are … I’m not going to say what I think of those two but the guests coming today… well, they…” His mother stopped.
“Mom, who is it?” Aaron couldn’t understand why his mother acted so evasive.
“It’s Lewis Donnelly and Allyson.” His mother’s tone was apologetic.
“Okay.” Aaron’s heart felt as if it stopped in his chest.
“Bethany’s not here. Lewis moved back with Allyson and her son. The poor girl lost her husband. Poor man got killed overseas.” His mother, always the soft heart.
“That’s terrible.” Aaron forced out the words but what he wanted to say was, ‘Where is Bethany? Is she back in Newfoundlan
d? Is she married?’
Fuck! What is wrong with me?
“You’re still coming to supper, right?” The tone said it wasn’t a request, it was an order.
“Yes, Mom. I’ll be there. Why would you think I wouldn’t?” Aaron sighed.
“You were so crushed when Bethany left. I thought it might be too hard to see her family.” His mom always knew how to get to the point.
“Mom, that was thirteen years ago,” Aaron replied, but it still stung like it was yesterday.
“Yes, and you still haven’t been able to settle down and find the right girl because she was it for you. Cora said that years ago.” His mother returned with a roll of his eyes.
Cora the cupid. His father’s younger sister was supposed to have some weird gift and knew when couples were meant to be together. He remembered her telling him Bethany was the one for him back then, and he believed it. Then she left and as far as he knew, it was the only time she was ever wrong.
“Yeah, I know I’m the only strike on her perfect cupid record.” Aaron chuckled.
“It’s not a strike yet.” His mom singsonged before she told him she loved him and reminded him to be there on time.
Aaron tossed his phone on the bed and scuffed his way to the shower. If he was going to see Bethany’s family, he was going to look his best. He had no idea why, but they weren’t going to be able to go back and tell Bethany that she made a good choice in dumping him all those years ago.
“That’s not the least bit pathetic.” Aaron groaned to himself.
Chapter 3
Bethany felt guilty for not telling her sister and dad she was back in Newfoundland. She’d call them when she finished with the job Craig had sent her to do.
She arrived the night before, but exhaustion kept her from doing anything productive. Bethany went straight to the hotel and plopped down on the bed, but she couldn’t put it off anymore. She needed to make her way to the small office where Randy Knight worked.
It was a little after nine by the time she made her way to downtown St. John’s and got to the sixth floor of the office building on the end of Water Street. It was a new building, and Craig said the rent was cheap because they were trying to fill the building fast. He’d given her the code to the office and told her Randy was aware she was dropping in to meet with him, but Craig didn’t tell him how soon.
Of course, he didn’t know the real reason she’d been sent to meet with him. She pushed open the door and entered the tiny reception area that didn’t appear used. She took a couple of steps toward the closed office door but stopped when she heard angry voices coming from inside.
Bethany moved to hear the voices and see if it was possible to eavesdrop on the argument. As she got closer, it became easier to distinguish the conversation between two men and woman. She saw an open bathroom door next to the office and stepped inside in case they came out.
“I told you I couldn’t send any more orders. I’ve explained all this to your other guy. My boss is getting suspicious and is already asking questions about my invoices. Your boss needs to back off.” Bethany recognized Randy’s voice.
“You won’t be dealing with the boss anymore. You’re dealing with me, and I need more, and you’re gonna fuckin’ get it.” The tone of the other man’s voice made Bethany shudder.
“Give it a couple of months, and I’ll place another order. I assure you.” Randy’s voice quivered.
“Melvin, baby, calm down.” A female voice cooed.
“Go down to the car, and I’ll deal with this. You did your job already, now go.” The other man roared.
“You’re such a prick. I’m out of here. Good luck with this dicktard, Randy.” The woman snapped.
Bethany pressed her body against the bathroom wall as the door opened and slammed shut again as she heard the unmistakable sound of spiked heels clicking against the hard floor as the woman stomped out of the office. Bethany held her breath until she heard the click of the other door closing. She probably should have tried to get a glimpse of the woman, but she was afraid of being seen.
“Now, place the fuckin’ order or you know what comes next.” The man’s voice sounded sinister.
Bethany closed the door to the bathroom, leaving it open a crack. It was enough to see out, but nobody would notice at a glance. At least that was what she hoped.
“Be reasonable. If I order too many of these drugs and supplies, we’re going to get caught. Then we’re both up-shit creek.” Randy sounded a little braver with that statement.
“Place. The. Order.” The man didn’t even seem to be hearing Randy.
“I’m not doing it. Not now.” The sound of a chair scraping the floor startled her.
“I said order it now,” the man shouted.
“Jesus Christ, put the fucking gun away.” Randy’s voice squeaked, and Bethany sucked in a breath.
“I don’t have time for you or this shit,” the man snapped.
The next sound was two loud pops and a thud. Bethany covered her mouth to contain her gasp as the door to the office opened, and a man sauntered by the opening of the bathroom door. Bethany wanted to close her eyes to ensure he didn’t see her but she had to see the man who might have possibly just ended the life of her co-worker.
At first, all she saw was the back of his head. Dark, thin hair pulled back into a short ponytail. He was wearing what looked to be a tailored business suit with black shoes. Almost as if he sensed her, he turned. Bethany pressed her lips together and eased back enough so she could still see him and hoped he didn’t see her. When his dark eyes scanned the bathroom door, she held her breath and prayed harder than she ever had in her life.
Her heart pounded so hard in her chest that she was sure the man would hear it. For some reason, he stood in the middle of the reception area staring at the bathroom entrance. When he took a step toward the door, Bethany was sure he saw her.
Thankfully his phone jingled, and it distracted him. He put it to his ear and turned away, but Bethany had memorized every feature of his face and the scar across his forehead. She had an excellent memory for faces.
“I’m on the way down now. Stop being a bitch,” he snapped as he opened the door and left the office.
Bethany pressed her back against the bathroom door and slid down the wall until she sat on the floor. She tried to slow her heart rate and prayed that she didn’t just hear what she thought.
After what seemed like hours but was probably only a couple of minutes, she stood up on shaky legs and slowly opened the bathroom door. She peeked out to make sure nobody was there and stepped toward the office where she’d heard Randy and the man.
The door was open, and it was quiet. Eerily quiet. Bethany held her hand to her chest as if it would slow her heartbeat to a normal rhythm. Slowly, she stepped into the office and scanned the room.
At first, she didn’t see Randy and exhaled in relief. She stepped further into the office and turned. All the air whooshed out of her. Randy lay in a pool of blood on the floor behind his desk. His eyes were vacant, and Bethany didn’t need to check to know he was dead.
“Oh, God.” Bethany stepped back until she was outside the room and with trembling hands pulled her phone from her purse.
Ten minutes after she’d called nine-one-one, the reception area filled with first responders. Bethany sat next to the reception desk with her hands curled around a cup one of the officers handed her. She couldn’t lift it to her lips with her trembling hand without spilling it over herself.
“Ms. Donnelly, I’m Constable Blake Harris. If you feel up to it, can you tell me what happened?” Blake eased into the chair next to her.
“I came from the head office to meet with Randy. My boss. Oh… I need to call my boss. He needs to know about this. The guy just shot him. Right there in that room. He didn’t seem fazed over it.” Bethany glanced up at the officer.
“We can call your boss, but I need you…” His phone rang and cut Blake off.
Bethany placed the cup of
water on the table next to her chair and rested her elbows on her knees. She covered her face with her hands and tried to calm her frayed nerves.
“She can describe the guy, so we need Melinda Fox on this,” Blake spoke into the phone. “How close are you?”
The rest of the conversation faded as she tried to tune out the sounds around her. She heard someone take another man’s life. Never in her wildest dreams did Bethany expect to be able to say that. Nor did she ever want to. It wasn’t comfortable to know she was the only one that could identify the murderer.
“Ms. Donnelly, my sergeant is in the building and wants to be the one to question you.” Blake crouched in front of her, and she lifted her head.
“That’s fine.” Bethany nodded and dropped her head into her hands again.
Bethany didn’t bother to lift it again when she heard the hushed voices of the officers around her. She listened to a couple of female officers as well as another male. She only looked up when someone touched her shoulder.
“Bethany?” She stared into the face of one of her old friends.
“Jess?” Bethany couldn’t believe she was looking at Jess O’Connor.
“I didn’t know you were back.” Jess sat next to her and wrapped her arms around Bethany.
“I came back yesterday for work and had come to meet with …” Bethany stopped and pulled back from Jess. “You’re a police officer?”
“Yep, and I’m not the only one.” Jess nodded her head toward Blake and another man with his back to her.
“I don’t know Blake.” Bethany glanced back at Jess.
“Not Blake.” Jess nodded. “Him.”
Bethany turned her head to where the other man turned. The recognition on his face probably mirrored her own, and she completely forgot how to breathe as he stepped slowly toward her.
Aaron O’Connor stood in front of her larger than life. His hair was a little longer than he wore it in high school but still thick, light-brown waves that she loved running her fingers through back then. His features matured and the five o’clock shadow looked sexy as hell. Then there were those blue eyes that always held a glint of mischievousness and the dimples that not only showed when he smiled but when he pressed his lips together. For a moment she forgot what she was doing there and just stared at the man who broke her heart.
Dangerous Witness (O'Connor Brothers Book 7) Page 3
