Cover of Darkness (Witness Security Book 3)

by Jamie Hill

  His face reddened. “Cooking skills. She likes my pancakes.”

  Addie smiled. “Of course she does. They smell wonderful.”

  He motioned for her to sit, and placed a plate of bacon on the table. “How does this smell?”

  She inhaled. “Like about a hundred sit ups, plus a half-hour run. But I’ll indulge anyway.”

  Mitzi reached for a strip of crispy bacon. “You don’t have a thing to worry about. Indulge away.”

  Ben placed a stack of warm pancakes in front of Addie. “I agree. Eat up.” His searing gaze said so much more.

  She sipped from the glass of orange juice he’d set in front of her and tried to compose herself. “Thanks,” she finally murmured. “This is great.”

  He took a seat at the table and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen. “I’ve started a shopping list. I’m going to ask Jordan if she can pick up a few things. We’ve probably got at least five more days here. Any requests?”

  “Eggs?” Addie suggested. “Skim milk? Maybe some Greek yogurt, and ingredients for a salad?”

  Mitzi rolled her eyes and pretended to whisper, “Don’t let her see I added Cheetos and Moon Pies.”

  Ben laughed. “No worries. If you hadn’t, Nick would have.”

  Nick joined them in the kitchen, his hair slicked back and freshly damp. “Nick would have what?”

  Ben waved a hand. “Never mind. We’re making a list for Jordan, hoping she can make a grocery store run for us.”

  He poured himself a cup of coffee. “Put Twinkies and Moon Pies on there, will you?”

  Addie bit back a chuckle, making eye contact with Ben.

  He grinned. “How about Cheetos?”

  “Oh yeah,” Nick agreed. “Cheetos, too.”

  Ben shook his head. “Whatever. Your cholesterol levels are not my concern.”

  Sipping his coffee, Nick faced them. “I heard from Jo this morning. The DA is going to call Addie on my phone at noon. Something about the trial.”

  “Good.” Addie nodded. “I need to speak with him anyway.”

  Mitzi looked hopeful. “You think North agreed to talk? Maybe we won’t have to go to trial?”

  Nick shook his head. “Nobody said that. Don’t get your hopes up.”

  “But it’s possible, right? Didn’t you say the DA was going to speak with North one more time and try to flip him?”

  Addie nodded. “He was. I suppose at this point anything is possible.”

  Mitzi rubbed her hands over her upper arms. “I’m so ready for this to be over. I just want to go home, back to my club, and whatever friends and patrons I have left.”

  Ben scratched his stubbled chin. “Did they tell you that would happen?”

  She stared at him. “What do you mean?”

  Nick stepped in. “He means, usually you don’t get to return to that life. After a trial, our witnesses are generally returned to their last placement.”

  Ben added, “Unless it was compromised, then they’re relocated to another city where they can start over.”

  Addie thought Mitzi might erupt but she couldn’t tell if it would be in anger or tears.

  The woman’s eyes bulged. “Are you fucking kidding me? They said I could go home when this was over.”

  Ben reached out and touched her arm. “They might have meant home to Atlanta.”

  Mitzi jumped up. “Atlanta is not my home! I can’t believe this! After everything I’ve been through, now you’re telling me I may never get to go back to Kansas City?”

  Addie felt horrible for her. She rose and reached for Mitzi’s hand. “Mitzi, calm down. We don’t know anything yet. Let me talk to my boss at noon. Maybe I’ll have some answers for you then.”

  To her surprise, Mitzi grabbed Addie and drew her into a hug. Warm tears fell on her shoulder as the woman sobbed. “Thank you, Addie. Thanks for understanding.”

  With wide eyes trained on Ben, Addie slowly patted Mitzi’s back, trying to comfort her. She raised her eyebrows at him questioningly.

  He could only smile and shrug.

  She understood. None of them knew what was going to happen. They were all in a holding pattern until everything was worked out. The only thing she could control at that moment was how much comfort she gave to the witness sobbing her eyes out. Addie rocked her for a few more minutes, then pulled away and reached for a napkin to dry the woman’s eyes. “It’s going to be okay. One way or another, we’ll make this all right.”

  Sniffling, Mitzi nodded and took the napkin to wipe her eyes. She pushed her mostly eaten breakfast plate away from the edge of the table and stomped to the door. “I’m going to take a shower.”

  “That’s a good idea.” Addie offered a small smiled. “Get cleaned up, then relax and rest for a while. We won’t start any trial prep until I’ve spoken with the DA.”

  Mitzi gave one final nod and left the kitchen.

  Addie inhaled and blew the breath out. She glanced at Nick then settled her gaze on Ben. “Don’t you guys prepare these people for what’s going to happen? Why would she think she’d be able to return to Kansas City?”

  He shrugged. “We only met her a couple of days ago. The marshals who brought her in to the program should have gone over all that with her.”

  Nick stepped up. “I’m sure they did. But it’s a stressful time when witnesses join Witsec. The list of rules, including do’s and don’ts, is incredibly intimidating.” He looked at Addie. “It’s like, seriously, two days of indoctrination. I expect Mitzi was overwhelmed by it, as anyone would be.” He raised his eyebrows. “On the other hand, we all met Tom Stone.”

  Addie thought about the Atlanta marshal and a shiver ran down her spine. It wasn’t often she met someone who was murdered later that same day.

  Ben shook his head. “Yeah. I don’t like to speak ill of the dead, but he didn’t seem like the sharpest tack in the box.”

  “Not that it matters anymore. Mitzi’ll be fine. She’s just feeling the stress right now.” Nick went to the stove and reached for the griddle. “Anyone for more pancakes?”

  Addie glanced at her plate. She’d lost her appetite. “No, thanks.” She smiled at Ben sadly. “Breakfast was great, though. Thanks.”

  He returned the smile. “Anytime.” Lowering his voice, Ben added, “Preferably at your place, a couple weeks from now when this is all over.”

  Addie’s heart thudded. “Sounds good to me.”

  Nick glanced over his shoulder. “We all invited?”

  Ben waved him off. “You’re not even invited to this conversation.” He turned back to Addie and reached for one of her hands. He squeezed it gently then pressed a kiss to the palm. “We’ll talk more about this later.”

  She batted her eyelashes. “Promise?”

  “Absolutely.” His gazed could have seared right through her.

  Addie sighed.

  * * *

  Shortly after noon, Addie heard Nick’s phone ring. He answered, then passed it to her.

  “This is Addie,” she said.

  “Addie, it’s Jim,” her boss, the DA, replied. “How are you doing?”

  “We’re okay. It’s strange, kind of stressful, but everyone is making the best of it.”

  “Good. It certainly isn’t anything I would have planned for you, but I know you’re up to the challenge.”

  “I’ll be fine. I wish I would have thought to text my parents, though. Mom’s called a few times and it’s hard not to answer her.”

  “Would you like me to phone her?”

  “I would, thanks. I know she’ll just keep trying, and if I don’t answer she’s going to worry.”

  “I’ll do it as soon as we hang up. I’ve got the number in your file. I’ll tell her you were called away on a confidential case, but that you’re fine, and you’ll be in touch when you can but it might be a week or so.”

  “Thanks, Jim. I guess that answers my next question. Is the trial still on?”

  His sigh was loud through the phone. “I went to spea
k with Ryan North myself today. He’s not budging his position. They’ve got him really scared. So yes, the trial is still on. Jury selection is slated to begin Tuesday.”

  Addie inhaled, and blew the breath out. “Okay. This is what we’ve been planning for. It’s not what we hoped would happen of course, but our case is strong. We’ll be ready.”

  “That’s what I wanted to hear. Thank you, Addie. Keep in touch. If you need me, have the marshals give me a call, no matter what time it is. I’ll make myself available to you. I appreciate what you’re doing, and the office is here to support you, whatever you need.”

  His words touched her. “Thank you, sir. I appreciate that. We’ll be fine, and we will stay in touch. Goodbye.” She ended the call, and returned the phone to Nick.

  Both marshals gazed at her. “The trial is on?” Ben asked.

  She nodded. “North is scared. He won’t fold. I mean, I guess he could, at the last minute. But it’s not looking good. We’ll need to be ready.”

  Mitzi watched from the doorway. “We’ll be ready. That son of a bitch is going down.”

  Chapter Five

  United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth

  Leavenworth, Kansas

  “Let’s go, North.”

  Ryan glanced at the two guards who’d come for him. The one who’d spoken was short and stocky, and kept glancing around nervously. The other, a tall dark-skinned man, was more hands-on. He grabbed Ryan’s arm and shoved a bullet-proof vest over his orange jumpsuit. They both wore Kansas Department of Corrections uniforms, but he’d never seen either of them before.

  “You think they’re gonna try something?” Ryan asked nervously. “Why aren’t you wearing vests?”

  “Nobody is trying anything on our watch,” the taller guard muttered. “We’ll be fine. Get your ass in gear. We’ve got an hour’s drive once we get you to the van.” They fastened a set of handcuffs around one of his wrists, and pulled his arms behind his back to attach the other cuff.

  Ryan winced. “Can’t you leave them in front, man? My ankles are shackled. It’s not like I’m going anywhere.”

  “That’s for damn sure.” The shorter guard tugged at the cuffs, as if making sure they were secure, but didn’t make a move to change them.

  Sighing, Ryan shuffled along, a guard on either side of him.

  They reached the doors and were buzzed through to go outside. He was happy to see a DOC van waiting for them, with other prisoners who apparently needed to be transported to the state capitol city of Topeka. He didn’t particularly want to be alone with his guards, who’d already shown a lack of compassion as far as he was concerned.

  Another corrections officer waited by the door of the van. They herded him up the running board and Ryan climbed in, taking the last remaining seat near the front. He counted only three other inmates, but that was enough. At least he wasn’t by himself with four guards, including the driver of the van.

  Ryan settled in and allowed one of the officers to fasten his seatbelt. Two of the men took seats behind the inmates and the third sat in the front seat with the driver. The van headed out, and Ryan closed his eyes and tried to relax.

  His lawyer would meet him at the courthouse with a suit of clothes for him to change into. Ryan wasn’t sure if his mother would attend the trial or not. She’d been understandably angry when he’d been arrested, but she was his mom, after all. He really hoped she’d show.

  The highway was flat and smooth between the two cities. When the ride grew bumpy Ryan opened his eyes and noticed they were no longer traveling on the interstate. The road was barely paved, more like a dirt path. “What the hell?” he muttered.

  The inmate across the aisle looked out the window. “This ain’t right.” He turned his gaze to the front. “Hey, man! Where you taking us?”

  The van came to an abrupt stop. The guard next to the driver turned around and waved a gun. “Straight to hell, gentlemen. Straight to hell.” He pulled the trigger and shot the man who’d questioned them.

  Ryan felt bile rise in his throat. Two more shots sounded behind him, but he didn’t turn around. He knew the other two inmates were dead.

  For a brief instant, he felt relief that they’d taken time to put a bullet-proof vest on him. He was going to make it. He’d survive a shot in the arm or leg. But a little extra insurance wouldn’t hurt. Recalling a verse from his past he murmured, “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name…”

  His lips froze when he spotted the handgun pointed directly at his head. He couldn’t remember the next line of the prayer. Not that it matters much at this point. Ryan closed his eyes one final time.

  * * *

  Topeka, Kansas

  Ben loaded the last of the suitcases into Nick’s truck.

  Mitzi watched from the kitchen doorway. “I don’t understand why we had to pack if we’re coming back here.”

  “Just being prepared for anything,” he replied. “We don’t know what’s going to happen. A lot depends on how long the trial lasts. We might stay somewhere different each night. We’ve done that before.”

  “This is ridiculous. We’ve been perfectly safe here. You people worry too much.”

  Nick stood next to her. “We’re paid to worry. And I hate to break it to you, but the next couple of hours worry us the most. If Antonio DeMarcus is going to make a move, it’ll be now. This is basically his last chance before the trial starts.”

  Mitzi shook her head. “But he wants North, not me. All I can do is identify the shooter. I can’t tie North to DeMarcus.”

  Ben pulled their vests from the truck and handed one to each of them. “You’re thinking too logically, Mitzi. These guys don’t look at it the same way. They don’t care who they have to hurt. If they want to take someone down, then down goes everyone around him.”

  Nick fastened his vest and looked at her. “Strap that thing on. We need to get going.”

  The two of them headed for the truck.

  Ben stepped into the kitchen and glanced around to make sure they had everything they’d come with.

  Addie came down the hall, apparently doing the same thing. “I think we’ve got everything.”

  He smiled, then placed the last vest he carried over her head. He pulled her hair out of the back while she tightened the side straps.

  She glanced up at him, smiling sheepishly. “Sexy.”

  Ben gazed up and down her body. “Everything you put on looks sexy. You could be wearing a parka with snow pants and I’d still think you were smokin’ hot.” He leaned in for a quick kiss.

  Addie patted the vest covering his chest. “Right back at’cha, handsome. I’m so ready for this to be over so we can get our lives back to normal.”

  He grinned. “But—we won’t be living together anymore.”

  She smiled seductively. “Says who?”

  Unable to resist, he drew her into his arms and they kissed again.

  Nick stuck his head in the doorway. “You know, we do have a trial to get to. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can get this case over with. Or maybe you two don’t want it to be over? Maybe you like this sneaking around.”

  With great reluctance, Ben released his hold on Addie and they separated. He winked at her.

  She winked back.

  He turned to Nick. “Can we just go? We’ve been ready for hours.”

  Nick motioned. “After you, Romeo and Juliet.”

  Addie went first, muttering to Nick, “Get that all out of your system now, funny man. Once we’re back in civilization, I expect you to be discreet with your comments. You hear me?”

  He made a face at Ben and pulled the door to the house closed behind them. “Duly noted, darlin’.”

  She froze. “I hate that particular term of endearment. You got that noted too, hotshot?”

  “Uh, yeah. Right.” Nick exchanged another glance with Ben.

  Ben smiled. “Noted.”

  They climbed into the truck and left the little house that had been their h
aven for the past week. Ben hadn’t minded the place. As Mitzi had mentioned, it’d been a quiet week, without as much as a hint of danger. He just hoped they’d be able to say the same about this trip to the courthouse by the time it was over.

  The best part of the week had been spending time with Addie. They’d whiled away hours talking and getting to know one another. He’d also learned more than he needed to about Nick, and Mitzi, for that matter. But the woman was okay. He felt sure his friends would agree, for a dominatrix, Mitzi had turned out to be a pretty normal gal.

  The worst part had been spending so much time with Addie, and not being able to be with Addie. They’d done some kissing and a little making out in the dark, but he was ready for more. She’d agreed that she was, too.

  “Let’s get to that courthouse,” he slapped his palms on his knees.

  “We’re going, we’re going.” Nick kept an eye on his rearview mirror as he drove.

  Ben did as well, but never spotted anything out of the ordinary.

  They were two blocks from the courthouse when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen before answering. “Yeah, boss.”

  “Markham, tell Pierce to abort! Do not go to the courthouse. I repeat, do not go to the courthouse.”

  Ben blinked. “Nick, the chief says don’t go to the courthouse. And by ‘says’ I mean that he’s shouting.”

  Nick looked around. “Where does he want us to go?”

  “Chief, where do you want us?”

  Nick’s phone rang and he answered with Bluetooth, which everyone could hear. “Yeah, babe?”

  Jordan’s voice was frantic. “Nick, Ryan North and the van load of inmates headed to Topeka were all shot dead. Stay away from the courthouse!”

  Nick took a sharp right and continued driving. “We got that, we just don’t know where the hell we’re supposed to be going.”

  The chief spoke to Ben. “Come to the office. You’ll be as safe here as anywhere. Just keep your eyes open on the way.”