Second Chances: A PAVAD Duet

by Calle J. Brookes

  At first it had made her nervous, but not now. Now it seemed natural, normal. Comfortable.

  When had he shifted from being intimidating to comforting? Was it just something in her that had shifted? “I can’t be everything to them anymore. At least not the older boys.”

  “No. They are wanting to branch out. But you’ve done your job well—they all have the confidence they need to branch out. And isn’t that what it’s about? Preparing them to leave us?”

  She’d never put it that way before. “Does it get easier as they get older?” She settled against his shoulder, and he wrapped his arm around hers.

  He laughed softly. “Not really. Especially when they join the damned FBI.”

  “I didn’t even know he had any plans yet. Let alone the Bureau.” How did she feel about it? She thought of the teams she knew, of the men and women who worked for PAVAD and those who’d worked the other field offices she’d been assigned to. Was that the kind of life she wanted for her son?

  “Georgia didn’t tell me until she’d already been accepted. I had no idea—and I’ll admit I wasn’t too happy. I didn’t want my daughter anywhere near this life.”

  Georgia Ed Hellbrook had one of the best reputations in the division. He had to know that. “She’s very good at what she does.”

  “Yes, she is. And I’m certainly proud. But at the time I knew the battles she would face, being a female and being my daughter. But she was determined—and is stronger than I ever knew.”

  “She and her husband seem very happy.”

  Ed laughed. “They are, now.”

  “They weren’t always?”

  “You’ve probably not heard much about it, but Georgia and Hell used to battle each other almost daily. They hated each other on sight, that was for sure. It took six months for them to get over their enmity, then less than a week to turn things around. I never pictured her with him, that’s for sure.”

  She’d heard bits and pieces, and she and Ally had thought it was a bit romantic—especially seeing the way the couple acted toward each other now. “They’re good together. And Matthew really likes his stepfather.”

  “Hellbrook practically worships her and Mattie. I couldn’t ask for more for them. And apparently I’m going to be a grandfather again. This time from the very beginning.” He tightened his arm around her. Marianna didn’t mind. “It will be different with a newborn. Mattie was a year old when Georgia met his father.”

  “Matthew’s not your daughter’s biological child?”

  “No. His mother died when he was extremely young. His father died a few months before he and Georgia were to be married. Georgia adopted Matthew, then. Matthew had no one else; not really. But it wouldn’t have mattered; his father wanted Georgia to have him, and Georgia would have fought to make that happen. We love him.”

  And that was what mattered to the man who held her. She admired that about him. This man who held her was a good man; the kind of man her oldest son obviously admired. She was glad Nate and Ted, and the rest of her children liked and respected him.

  “We should try to get some sleep…Nate…thank you, by the way. Nate doesn’t form relationships with men very easily. He must really trust you for him to open up like he did tonight. I can’t say thank you enough for that.”

  “Anytime they—you—need me, Mari, I’ll be here, sweetheart. You need to know that. Regardless of how you feel about you and me.”

  “To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about things.” Marianna whispered the words, opening her soul more than she was really comfortable with to add the last part. Maybe it was what had happened to Cody, maybe it was him helping her son, or maybe it was just the semi-dark of the living room, the late hour, and the man himself that had her words slipping free. “Or you.”

  He leaned in closer to her, and she found herself mirroring the movement. “I can deal with that,” he said, as his hands slipped up her arms. “If you promise to at least give me a chance.”

  Closer.

  Marianna didn’t pull away.

  His lips brushed over hers; once, then again. Marianna kissed him back. For the first time since she’d left her ex-husband six years ago, she kissed a man she was attracted to. And didn’t pull away, or feel intimidated, or rushed. Instead, she actually found she liked it.

  Tires squealed and an engine revved on the street less than forty feet from her front room, breaking the stillness of the night. Hard, strong arms wrapped around her and he pulled her to the floor. He covered her with his body, tucking his arms over her head.

  Glass shattered behind him.

  Chapter 21

  Ed rolled her to rest between the couch and coffee table. “Stay here!”

  She didn’t listen, but he didn’t expect her to. She was on her feet less than a second after him. “My boys!”

  “Ed heard Nate or one of the older twins running down the hall. He grabbed the boy when he was about to enter the living room barefoot. “Get to your brothers and stay there! Marianna, my agents are on their way. Get to Bobby and the twins.” He could hear them crying for their mother, frightened by the sounds of something they could not understand.

  He had his weapon pulled free of the holster he’d placed on the end table after the boys had gone to bed; he didn’t want any of the boys to see him with it and make the situation worse. They shouldn’t have been sitting in front of it. That was a rookie mistake on his part, and one he wouldn’t make again.

  Thank God it had been a rock hurled through the window and not a rain of bullets.

  He bent down and grabbed the rock. It was bigger than his palm, and had traveled a decent distance from the road. That told him whomever had thrown it was marginally athletic. It told him little else.

  Painted on the rock in red paint were the words You’re next, Bitch.

  His agents and security detail burst through the doors, using the key Marianna had given them earlier.

  Ed ordered them to search the perimeter, and the neighboring streets, though he knew it would do no good. Whoever had tossed the rock had accomplished what he’d set out to do.

  Marianna and her kids were too damned vulnerable here.

  He joined her in the younger boys’ room. “Pack a few bags for you and the boys. You’ll all come home with me tonight. I have tighter security, and plenty of room.”

  “But—”

  “No buts. If you’ll join me in the hall?” He wasn’t changing his mind. Not with seven kids to think about.

  She followed him into the hall. He showed her the rock and it’s cryptic message. “Do you really want to take the chance that something else will happen with the boys around?”

  He knew she didn’t, but dammit, he hated pressuring her like this. Hated pressuring her in any way. But what else was he supposed to do? They could only increase security so much. And even with that tighter security, someone had managed to get close enough tonight. They couldn’t close her street down; that wasn’t in the least bit possible.

  And he was prepared to explain that to her if necessary.

  “Oh, God.” She covered her mouth with her hand—a bleeding hand.

  She’d been cut. He pulled her to him, studying the injury. It was shallow, and joined by at least four others along her arm. The other arm was clear, most likely protected by his body when the glass had rained around them.

  “Marianna, the boys…”

  “Yes. Yes, of course.”

  Nate, Bryce and Collin were behind them; Ed had seen their doors open. He turned to them. “Boys, pack a few changes of clothing, and your school supplies. Anything else you deem necessary for a few days. If you forget anything I can have my agents get it.”

  Nate only nodded, then grabbed his brothers by the shoulders. “Come on, guys. Mom, you worry about your own stuff, we’ll get the others’ together, ok?”

  Chapter 22

  After they got the kids settled at Ed’s house, Marianna finally let some of the tension wiring her snap free.

&n
bsp; Someone had threated her, planned to hurt her. And had they acted half an hour earlier, her son would have been in that living room, directly in the path of that rock, all of that flying glass.

  She had five nice-sized cuts in her arm, and she’d been well out of the path of the glass. And Ed’s arms had protected her from the worst of the glass.

  His back had had more than a dozen small cuts and nicks. She’d cleaned him up while Nate, Bryce, and Collin had gathered their brothers and supplies.

  The boys had understood quickly that there was no other option she was willing to take. Not with them.

  The bloodied shirt on Ed’s back had frightened them all. Her included. He’d barely made a sound, though, while she’d cleaned him up. He’d just done what he could to calm the boys. The younger three hadn’t understood, but Ed had managed to reassure them that it would be a great adventure to sleep at his house for a little while. Nate and the twins had carried the three younger boys to the agents’ cars—Ed had refused to let her drive her van until he’d had it checked over by one of PAVAD’s mechanics, just in case.

  The younger three were now finally asleep in Matthew’s room. It had bunk beds and they’d admired the mural on the wall.

  Ted and Nate were sharing another guest room, and Bryce and Collin still another. Marianna was in Georgia’s old room, but she was too anxious to sleep.

  This was a very large house, especially for only one man and a visiting grandson. And it shouted wealth. Marianna couldn’t help but be uncomfortable in such a place. Did he ever get lonely here?

  Marianna knew she wouldn’t sleep, probably not for the rest of the night. How could she?

  He’d told her he’d be down the stairs in his office, and that’s where she headed.

  She needed someone right then, and she wasn’t too proud to admit it. More than that, she wanted that someone to be him. That didn’t make her weak, she told herself, that made her human. Normal, even. Not just vulnerable.

  He sat at his desk, files spread in front of him. He’d changed clothes again—into a soft sweatshirt and running pants. She’d never seen the director of the PAVAD division so casual. So approachable.

  He looked up when she knocked. “How are the boys?”

  “Sleeping. Finally. At least the younger four.”

  “The older three are probably still worried. I know I would be if it were my mother in danger. You’ll be safe here. I upped the security a few years ago, plus there are two teams of agents out there. Not to mention the nine foot stone wall surrounding the place.” He stood and met her halfway, the redirected her to a black leather couch that was identical to the one in his office at PAVAD.

  Marianna was glad for his warmth. “What’s going on, Ed? How am I supposed to deal with this?”

  “One hour at a time. At least that’s how I dealt with it when I was the target a few years ago. You’ll get through this. I can promise you that.”

  He surprised her by pulling her against his chest and just holding her. His hand tangled in her hair.

  His arms were strong, warm, and tight around her. She needed that. Marianna laid her head on his shoulder as the torrent of tears flooded over.

  Chapter 23

  Ed spent most of the morning on the phone with the head of the Indianapolis Field office. Every instinct he possessed told him that everything started there.

  But he would end it in St. Louis.

  A few moments after he’d returned from lunch, he had a list of possible suspects waiting on his desk. The twenty-two names would have to be narrowed down considerably, but it was a start. He’d have Hellbrook or Brockman take a look for anything he might be missing.

  Len buzzed the intercom, their signal that he had a visitor. Ed pressed a button and told Len to send the visitor on in. Some of his tension lessened. “Dan? You doing ok?”

  His friend had been a bit consumed with his daughters lately, and they hadn’t had much time to catch up with one another.

  Dan snorted. “Things have gotten a bit more complicated recently. That CCU coordinator position still open? I’m going to have to take it.”

  “Yes. It’s open and yours, if you want it.” Ed had suspected Dan would come to him eventually. It happened to every agent at some point or another—the need to leave the field. Now was just Dan’s time.

  ‘Yes. I really don’t see much choice. I need to be home every night.”

  “Something going on with one of the girls?”

  “You might say that…It’s the doc…”

  Ed knew Dan had strong feelings for Allison Brewster. “What about her?”

  “She’s pregnant with twins. We confirmed it yesterday.”

  Ed knew his surprise had to be reflected on his face. Of all the things Dan could have told him, this wasn’t very far up on the list. Dan was four years younger than Ed was. The idea of having newborns at that age? Wow. “Are you happy?”

  “In so many ways, yes. In others, I’m terrified. But I am determined to be there for these kids. No matter what.”

  “Then congratulations.”

  “Thank you. It does mean some changes, that’s for sure. Ally and the kids are moving in soon. And I need a nine-to-fiver. That’s just the start.”

  “The position is yours. Can you start in a week?” That should give him and Len time to iron out some details, and time for him to speak with Hellbrook and the other CCU team leaders. “And Dan? If you need anything, let me know. These kids are going to be damned lucky to have you as a father. Don’t ever forget that.”

  ***

  He wished his friend the best, but couldn’t help but feel a hint of envy. Dan was in for a life filled with kids, chaos, and laughter. And Ed knew Dan and Ally Brewster would do it right. He was sure Dan understood how lucky his second chance really was.

  Second chances were really difficult to come by; he doubted one waited for him.

  But if he did have one in the works somewhere…he could only damn well hope it was with one certain woman.

  Chapter 24

  Ally’s news stunned her and worry for her best friend clouded her mind for most of the day. Ally faced a difficult adjustment ahead. Marianna hoped the other woman knew what she was doing.

  But Ally seemed willing to at least take a chance at a new life with Kelly’s father.

  She was a heck of a lot braver than Marianna. Marianna sighed, questioning the resolve that had sustained her for the past six years.

  She’d kissed Edward Dennis, and enjoyed it. She hadn’t felt threatened by or been turned off by his touch. No, she’d actually enjoyed him. That—coupled with the shattered window and threat—had had her awake for the rest of the night.

  By the time she had to get the boys up and ready for school, she was beyond exhausted. Thankfully, they had a somewhat light load in the lab at the moment.

  Someone knocked on her office door, and Marianna looked up. It was the runner—the young man responsible for the delivery of the mail and interdepartmental material. “Yes, Jacob?”

  “A special delivery van just arrived with a bunch of packages for your department from the Indy lab. I thought you’d want it right away.”

  “Thank you.” Marianna took the package and studied it for a moment. It was the size of a loaf of bread, and the post return said the Indianapolis address. The box was taped heavier at one end, in a pattern she’d seen hundreds of times if not more. She pealed at the tape, reminded again of the lab assistant who’d taped packages in this manner. She was still a close friend of Marianna’s; they kept in touch through email nearly every week—Gabby had definite obsessive-compulsive tendencies, hence the excessive tape. She pulled the first strip free, finally, as she walked toward the lab Payton occupied. The package most likely contained the documents Marianna’s former supervisor at Indianapolis had wanted her and Payton to consult on.

  Today was as good a day as any to get started. It might actually distract everyone from what had happened recently.

  Marianna pulled
the rest of the tape free from the box and slipped open the flap, just as the fire alarms began to ring—and smoke billowed out of Payton’s lab.

  Marianna dropped the box and ran toward the lab, yelling the younger woman’s name. Oh dear God, Payton.

  Chapter 25

  When the fire alarms rang out, Ed was clear across the building from his office, in a meeting five floors up. The text from Len arrived seconds later—multiple explosions in the lab!

  Marianna.

  Ed ran for the stairs. Protocol demanded he evacuate safely, but these were his people. And he would do his damnedest to keep them as safe as possible. And it was Marianna. He’d promised her—and her sons—that he’d keep her safe. He wasn’t about to break his word because of the damned protocol he himself had written.

  He ran for the central stairs leading to the lower floors. He passed someone else fighting the flood of evacuees. Dan. Of course Dan would go toward the fire. He had the most to lose out of anyone else in this building.

  Ed gave a quick prayer of thanks that it was Georgia’s day off and she was nowhere near the building before he shouted instructions to Dan.

  The two of them could search the lab so much faster than one.

  Dan turned left, toward hallway A and his daughter and Dr. Brewster. Ed turned right.

  ***