“That’s okay. I understand.” He checked his mirrors and relaxed back into his seat. “We should be there in fifteen minutes.”
“Why do you think he was attacked?” Kate asked. “I mean, I know that you don’t know, but do you think it might be to silence him?”
“Does he need silencing?” Travis asked. “Does this case go deeper than just one backpack and one drug dealer?”
“We don’t know. He looked after the backpack. He has no idea if the guy, Axel, works alone or if it’s a gang. The only thing Marl is guilty of is naivety. Of trying to do the best for other people.” She sat up straighter in her seat and half turned toward Travis. “I know what it sounds like. I know it’s an easy thing to say. But Marl isn’t stupid. If he had something to hide, he’d have hidden it. He wouldn’t have left it lying around in his closet to be found.”
“How did the police know he had the stuff?” Travis asked.
Kate looked away. “They were tipped off about the deal. What the police presumed was a deal.”
“To throw them off the scent of the real criminal?” Travis asked. “This Axel?”
“I don’t know. Marl doesn’t know. And I believe him,” Kate said defensively.
We’re getting deeper and deeper into something we know nothing about, his bear told him.
We have no choice. This is for our mate. Travis didn’t like it any better than his bear, but they had to see this through. Until Marl’s name was cleared or he was thrown in prison, then they had to help Kate.
What if Marl is lying and he really was involved? his bear asked.
We deal with that situation when it arises. Until then we trust our mate and her instincts about her brother. She raised him; she knows him.
We thought we knew Annabella, his bear replied. And look how that turned out.
Travis fixed his attention firmly back on the road as they turned off the highway and drove a couple of miles to the hospital. Kate had fallen silent and Travis didn’t know what to say to her to ease her mind. She was worried about her brother.
He was worried about his mate.
“This is it.” Kate pointed out of the window and Travis steered his car into the parking lot. “You don’t have to come inside.”
“Yes, I do. If there is someone out to get Marl, then I intend to be there.” He didn’t add to save you. Kate was strong. She wasn’t the kind of woman who thought she needed saving. But she might be wrong.
“No one is going to try to hurt him with two police officers nearby,” she told him frankly.
“Haven’t you seen the movies where the cops get called away leaving the victim open to assault?” His brows knitted together. “Sorry. I’m supposed to be here to comfort you and tell you everything is going to be okay.”
“I don’t need someone to tell me it’s going to be okay,” she told him as they got out of the car and crossed the parking lot to the hospital. “What I need is someone who has their eyes open and is aware of their surroundings. And I guess being famous means you have to watch your back.”
“It does.” He pulled his cap down over his head and slipped on a pair of sunglasses. “I don’t have an entourage to protect me. Henry is the only member of my security team. So, I’ve learned to take care of myself.”
“Good.” She pushed open the large glass doors and entered the hospital. Immediately they were hit by the smell of disinfectant. It probably wasn’t that strong but to his shifter senses, it was overpowering, blotting out the scent of his mate and those around him. Travis wanted to drag Kate back outside and inhale deeply, filling his senses with her scent.
But Kate kept on walking, heading toward the reception desk. “Hi, I’m here to visit Marl Rodgers.”
“Marl Rodgers.” The receptionist typed the name into her computer and scanned the screen. “He’s in X-ray.” She gave Kate a cursory glance before her eyes rested on Travis. With narrowed eyes, she stared at him for a long moment before her attention snapped back to Kate. “He’s on the third floor. Take the elevator and follow the signs.”
“Thank you.” Kate nodded and turned away from the desk to head toward the elevator.
“And, sir, you might want to lose the cap and glasses,” the receptionist called. Travis pulled the peak of his cap down lower. Had she recognized him? “You look like you’re going to spring your friend or something.”
“Okay. Thanks.” He took his cap off but kept his back to the receptionist as he pressed the button for the elevator.
“Are you likely to get recognized?” Kate asked. She grinned as he looked sideways at her with one eyebrow arched. “Sorry, it’s just I had no idea who you were.”
“I’ll get recognized. I always do.” He ducked his head and ruffled up his hair so that it hung over his face. Much to the amusement of his mate.
“Come on.” She hooked her arm through his as they stood to one side while people spilled out of the elevator. The shock of recognition passed through him, temporarily knocking him off balance as people flowed past. When the last person had vacated the elevator, Kate stepped forward, guiding him while he stared at the floor. Once inside the elevator, he stuck the cap back firmly on his head.
“I’ll take it off when I need to.” He gave her a sidelong look. “It’ll be okay.”
She didn’t pull her arm away from him as he leaned forward and pressed the button to take them to the third floor. Instead, she leaned into him as if taking comfort from his presence. As the numbers climbed to the second floor, he hoped no one would get in the elevator. However, the doors opened on the second floor and a couple of women in their twenties stepped inside.
One of them stared right at him but he kept his eyes averted, staring at the numbers above the elevator door. After a long moment, the woman looked away and picked up her conversation with her friend.
He let out a long breath. Only when he dared glance at Kate did he see the amusement on her face.
At least we’ve given her something to think about other than Marl, his bear told him.
Great. He didn’t like it. She thought he was a has-been joke.
Thankfully, the doors opened on the third floor and they made their escape. It was only as he brushed past the two women in the elevator that one of them began humming the tune to one of his biggest hits, “Let it Rain.” Travis didn’t flinch, he just kept walking as if he had no idea the tune was meant for him.
“They recognized you,” Kate spoke quietly as she looked at the signs leading to X-ray.
“Yes.” He gave her a tight smile as they walked side by side. Other people were all around them and he felt trapped like a rat in a cage. If word got out he was here, things could turn ugly fast.
This is a hospital, his bear reminded him. We’ll be okay. And if we’re not, at least we’re close to medical professionals.
I’m glad you find it so funny, he told his bear.
Even before he’d become Izzy’s guardian, he’d taken a step back from the public eye. When her mom became sick, he’d focused on Annabella and Izzy and let his career slide. He’d learned that even without a mate, his priorities had shifted. Now, as he walked down the hospital corridor, he felt vulnerable.
Which had never happened before. Ever.
Maybe it’s because we have our mate by our side, his bear told him.
You might be right, it would be hard to protect her if we’re buried under a crowd of adoring fans.
“Marl,” Kate muttered her brother’s name and the world came back into focus. He wasn’t here as Travis Cooper, rock star, he was here as Travis Cooper, mate to Kate.
Kate’s gaze was locked on a young man seated between two policemen, one of whom was cuffed to him. The young man stared down at the floor through one swollen eye, while holding his ribs. He looked like a dejected puppy, and Travis had an overwhelming urge to protect him.
“Marl.” Kate’s voice was louder this time and she stepped away from Travis, heading for her brother.
“Ma’am.” The of
ficer not cuffed to Marl stood up and put a hand out in warning.
“I’m Kate Rodgers, Marl’s sister. I was told I could come down to the hospital and see that he was all right.” Kate hiccupped as she fought to control her emotions. “Can I just sit over there? I won’t touch him.” She held out her hands. “Please.”
“Sit.” The guard eyed her suspiciously as Marl looked at his sister.
“Kate, you shouldn’t have come. I’m fine,” Marl insisted.
“You don’t look fine.” She glanced at the guards who were watching her closely as she took a seat on the other side of the corridor to Marl. “You look terrible.”
“I got caught up in a misunderstanding.” He tried to smile but his bruised face wouldn’t function properly, the swelling making his expression grotesque. Travis wanted to grab ahold of Marl and get him out of there.
When Kate said her brother was younger than her, I didn’t know he was that young. Travis’s bear voiced the same thoughts he’d had himself. Marl had maybe just scraped into his twenties while Kate was nearer forty. No wonder Kate was concerned about her brother.
“A misunderstanding.” Kate arched an eyebrow and looked directly at Marl, who in turn glanced sideways at the prison guards. The guy was not going to talk freely with them sitting there.
Kate glanced up at Travis. All he could do was smile reassuringly. It didn’t matter how famous he was. He had no control over the situation.
Just as we have no control over what happens to Izzy, his bear said. We can only try to persuade the courts that she belongs with us.
Just like Kate needs to persuade the courts that Marl is guilty of nothing more than a bad decision to help a friend. And Travis was going to help her every step of the way.
Chapter Eight – Kate
“You shouldn’t have come, Kate.” Marl’s bottom lip trembled before he drew in a deep breath and steadied his nerve. He’d changed since his arrest. He used to be so open, so in touch with his emotions. Marl was one of the sweetest people she knew, but now he wore an outer shell to protect his soft inside and she hated it. She hated everything about the situation.
“I had to see you. I wanted to check if you were okay.” She glanced sideways at the two prison officers, wishing they would take a break and leave Marl alone. She knew it was totally not going to happen, but she wished it all the same.
“I am okay. I’m going into X-ray and then they’ll fix me up…” He blinked several times before he added, “And send me back.”
“I’ll get hold of a lawyer this week. Someone to take your case.” Kate looked sideways at Travis who was hanging back, not interrupting her visit with Marl. Yet she could sense him there, could feel him. Which was weird, but true. It was like they were connected on a level she could not comprehend.
“I have a lawyer,” Marl replied.
“I’m getting you a better lawyer. Not an overworked public defender.” Her brow wrinkled as she looked down at the tiled floor. She wanted to tell him everything, but she couldn’t. This was between her and Travis. But being here with Marl tested her resolve.
“I don’t want you getting into debt for me,” Marl said fiercely. “You’ve done enough already without you ruining your life by borrowing money.”
“You know I’d do whatever it takes to get you out of prison,” Kate told him firmly.
Marl shook his head in warning. “Not whatever it takes.”
“Marl.” Kate reached out her hand, but the prison officer not cuffed to Marl jerked forward to stop her. In her peripheral vision, she saw Travis rush forward and the prison guard leaped to his feet and positioned himself between Marl and Travis.
“Do you want something?” the prison officer asked.
“I was just checking that Kate was okay.” Travis rolled his shoulders and the tension left his body as he held up his hands in surrender. “I didn’t mean anything.”
“Do I know you?” The prison officer leaned closer to Travis who still wore his cap and sunglasses.
“You might.” Travis gave a brief smile and reached up for his sunglasses, sliding them off carefully as he revealed his face. “I’m in disguise.”
“Travis Cooper!” The prison guard forgot his job and where he was for a moment as he grinned broadly.
“I’m trying to keep a low profile,” Travis warned the prison officer as heads turned to look at them.
“Sorry.” The prison officer shook his head and chuckled as Travis slid his glasses back on. “I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone famous in my life.”
“You know Travis Cooper?” Marl hissed at Kate, who was watching the interaction between Travis and the guard.
“Yes.” She nodded as she turned her attention back to her brother. “You know who he is?”
“Travis Cooper?” Marl’s brows knitted together. “You don’t?”
“I do now, but when I first met him, no, I didn’t.” She shook her head and even the prison guard cuffed to Marl looked surprised. “I had no idea who he was.”
“‘Let it Rain’?” the prison guard asked in surprise.
“Nope.” Kate shook her head, feeling foolish.
“You need to get out more,” Marl told her, looking brighter as he teased his sister. “Wait, how do you know him and what’s he doing here?”
“We met on the beach. We clicked and now we’re dating.” Her throat constricted. The lie had begun.
“Dating? Travis Cooper?” Marl asked.
“I usually just call him Travis, Marl Rodgers.” Kate glanced sideways at Travis. “He’s a good man.”
“I’m pleased for you, Kate.” Marl’s voice, soft and gentle, was genuine. “Listen, you should forget about me and move on. Live your life, have babies, and be happy.”
“Don’t be so dramatic,” she told him bluntly. “I can do all of those things and still fight for your freedom.”
“Kate. No.” Marl shook his head.
“Look me in the eye and tell me you are innocent,” she told him.
“Kate…” Marl shook his head. The prison guard next to him was looking the other way but listening intently; this was not the place for this conversation.
“I know you weren’t involved in any crime. I know all you are guilty of is your own stupidity and I intend to prove that, and Travis has agreed to help.” There, she’d laid it out, there was no going back now.
The prison officer stopped looking the other way and instead looked at Travis who was signing an autograph for the other prison officer. Then his eyes rested on Marl. Something shifted in his expression. Did having someone famous believe in you give you some kind of respect, some kind of protection? If so, she’d take it.
“Are you dating him for his money?” Marl asked suddenly. He’d blindsided her and she opened and closed her mouth several times before she answered.
“No, I’m not dating him for his money.” Her brows knitted together as she defended herself. “I’m dating him because he makes me laugh, he’s got a kind heart and he likes me. He likes me a lot,” she forced herself to add.
“That’s okay then.” Marl looked at her out of the corner of his eye as he glanced toward Travis. “Maybe he’ll write a song about you.”
Kate burst out laughing. “I don’t think anyone will write songs about me.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, ma’am,” the prison officer told her.
Kate’s head snapped back. “It’s a habit.”
“You’re as good as any rock star,” Marl added. “At least you are to me.”
“There is something to be said for a woman who raised her little brother,” the guard said.
“We’ve been sitting here a while,” Marl explained. “We don’t have a lot else to talk about.”
“Marl Rodgers.” A nurse called Marl’s name.
“Here.” The guard put up his hand.
“You should go.” Marl stood up as the prison officer rose to his feet. “And think over what I said. There’s no point in me being free if you have
made a prison for yourself.”
“What about your X-ray results?” Kate asked.
“I’ll be okay,” Marl assured her. “The most I have is broken ribs.”
With that, the guard led Marl into the X-ray room. Kate got to her feet, her knees weak as she turned and walked toward Travis. What would Marl say when he found out the truth about her relationship with Travis?
“I’ll make sure someone gives you a call when we get back to the prison,” the guard who had been talking to Travis said.
“Thanks.” Kate nodded. “That’s so kind of you.”
“Good to meet you, Stan.” Travis thrust his hand out and the prison officer shook it.
“Good to meet you, too, Travis.” He held up a piece of paper. “My wife will be thrilled with the autograph.”
“My pleasure.” Travis reached out for Kate’s hand as she drew closer and she slid her hand into his, welcoming the warmth and strength that flowed between them. “Are you okay?”
Kate nodded. “Yeah.”
“Can we get out of here?” he asked as the prison officer settled himself down in the chair outside the X-ray room.
“Yes, please.” She nodded and they turned away from the room where Marl was and walked away. But she knew she could never walk away from him forever. She had to help him. Which meant she had to agree to be Travis’s fake fiancée.
“He seems like a good kid.” Travis pressed the button to call the elevator, his hand firmly holding onto hers. It was as if he were anchoring her to the world when all she wanted to do was float away.
“He is.” Kate nodded. “He never got into trouble when he was younger. He’s always appreciated the sacrifices I made so that we could stay together.”
“You don’t have to try to convince me of his innocence.” Travis stepped back as the elevator doors opened and a handful of people stepped out. He ducked his head, looking down at the floor until the elevator emptied.
Kate leaned into him as she took a big shuddering breath. “Are you just saying that?”
“No. His concern about the money. About you not getting yourself into trouble on his account. He loves you. I don’t think he’d put you through all this if he were guilty.” Travis jabbed his finger at the ground floor button.
Fake Fiancee Mate - Single Shift Page 5
