Cover of Darkness (Witness Security Book 3)

by Jamie Hill

  He opened the door for Addie and she climbed in. Ben went around and got in his side, then closed his door and looked at her. “Can you believe we’re finally alone?”

  “Yes, I can. Now that Mitzi’s gone, we can start to put this case behind us.”

  He put the Jeep in gear and headed to his house.

  She slapped her thigh. “Oh, shoot. I was going to ask if you could swing by my house. I’m running out of clean clothes.”

  Ben glanced at her sideways as he drove. “I can, or you could use my washer. You’re not going to work tomorrow, are you?”

  “Jim says I should take one more day. It’s a good thing, because I’ll need some time to put my condo back together.”

  “I’ll help with that. I really don’t want you going home by yourself just yet. I’ve got paperwork to wrap up tomorrow but I’m thinking it should only take a half a day. I thought I’d ask Evan if I might take the afternoon off. I’m sure he’ll say yes.”

  “That would be great. Let’s just go to your house, then. I don’t need more clothes tonight.”

  Staring at the road he murmured, “You don’t need any clothes tonight.”

  * * *

  Addie stared at Ben’s sleeping form in the dark bedroom. A shard of moonlight danced through the window blinds, illuminating just enough for her to see his outline. His chest rose and fell rhythmically with his breathing. She couldn’t believe that he was the one who’d slept all day, yet here he was, sound asleep again and she was wide awake.

  Not that he hadn’t put in a good evening’s work. They’d barely made it through the door before their clothes were off and they were making love against the kitchen wall. The second time had been on the sofa, and after they ordered and ate Asian food, they’d finally made it to the bedroom. The third time was a charm for Ben, he’d fallen asleep soon after and was sleeping like the proverbial log.

  She ran her fingers through his hair lightly and marveled at how peaceful he appeared. Twenty-four hours earlier he’d been dodging bullets and climbing down a ladder to escape a burning building. She couldn’t imagine a life where that was normal, and wondered if he felt that way, too. Was it normal for him, just another day on the job? Or did it scare the hell out of him and Nick, too?

  Mitzi had admitted how frightened she’d been. Addie knew men weren’t as apt to be so open about their feelings, especially macho US Marshals who carried badges and guns.

  She traced one finger down the bridge of his nose, and wondered if he realized how classically handsome he was. She’d seen him in a suit one day and jeans the next. He looked just as good in one as the other. His beard was thicker than he liked it, she knew that he preferred to keep it to shorter scruff. Addie ran her palm over his jaw. She loved how his beard felt against her skin. Short or long, she didn’t care.

  Ben opened one eye. “I dreamed something was crawling on my skin.”

  “Just me, molesting you. Sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you.”

  He stretched and draped an arm over the sheet covering her waist. “No problem. Can’t sleep?”

  Addie shrugged. “Too many thoughts running through my head, I guess.”

  “Like what?”

  “Hmm?”

  He shifted slightly to focus his gaze on her face. “What kind of thoughts? When I was a kid and couldn’t sleep, I’d always crawl in bed with my parents. They’d ask me what I’d been thinking about, you know, what was keeping me awake. I started talking about things, and before I knew it, it was morning and I was waking up in my own bed.”

  “Pretty profound parenting there.”

  He grinned. “Maybe, or maybe they just wanted me out of their bed.”

  “That too. So, were you scared?”

  “When I climbed in bed with them? No, not scared, really. I just couldn’t sleep.”

  She shook her head. “Last night, when someone was shooting at you, then you realized the building you were in was on fire?”

  Ben chuckled. “Hell yes, I was scared. So was Nick, and if he tries to tell you differently then call bullshit on him. Mitzi was too, but she held up really well. Didn’t freak out or anything.”

  “I might have freaked out.”

  “You won’t ever have to be in a situation like that.”

  “I hope not, but you never know. Is that the worst spot you’ve been in?”

  He seemed to think about it. “No. I’d say the worst was at the courthouse in Chicago a couple years ago. I was shot in the shoulder, and the witness who was supposed to testify was killed. Time stood still on that one. I can barely remember the trip to the hospital, or the surgery. I remember the rehab, though. It hurt like hell.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He gazed at her quizzically. “Thanks. What’s wrong, Addie? Personally, I was feeling pretty damn good. Warm and comfortable, and content for the first time in a while. But you, not so much.”

  She smiled. “I’m all those things too, no worries. I just started thinking about your job, and wondered if dodging bullets was normal for you. If it is, I’m not sure I can handle it.”

  Ben frowned. “I wouldn’t say it’s normal, but it happens. You should understand that in your line of work. You’re not exactly prosecuting angels in the outfield.”

  Addie chuckled. “Oh, I know. I do understand. I’m just trying to wrap my head around it is all.”

  He studied her face. “So what happens if you decide you can’t handle it?”

  She ran a hand over his bare chest. “Let me rephrase that. I’ll have to learn how to handle it. That’s what I meant.”

  He smiled. “Failure is not an option?”

  “Definitely not.”

  “Whew.” He kissed the palm of her hand. “You scared me there for a minute.”

  “Sorry.”

  “You see, if we have a deal breaker like that between us, then we need to talk about it up front.”

  “Before things get too serious,” she agreed.

  “Right.” He scratched his chin. “Problem is…”

  Addie leaned on his chest so their faces were inches apart. “The problem is, we’re already serious.”

  “Very serious.” He gazed into her eyes.

  “We don’t have any deal breakers, Ben. I’m just trying to learn more about you.”

  “I’ve got a few things to learn myself. I was blindsided today when the chief mentioned your ex-husband. I know you called him your ex, but I’d never heard you use the word ‘husband’ before. That’s why I didn’t pipe up and say you’d be staying with me.”

  She was shocked. “Oh, God. I’m sorry! I just assumed you knew. Cole and I were married for nearly five years.”

  “Cole,” he repeated as if the word left a bad taste in his mouth. “Please tell me his last name isn’t Decker.”

  Addie smiled. “No, it’s Jessup. My name was Jessup when I graduated from law school and was hired by the Dallas DA’s office. But after everything that happened, I was quick to take back my maiden name. I moved here to get a fresh start. Too many memories in Dallas.”

  He nodded. “In the interests of full disclosure, I should tell you that Markham isn’t my real name. We use a different name when we’re working, so that our witnesses don’t have to know who we actually are.”

  She was stunned for the second time in as many minutes. “Seriously?”

  Ben grinned. “Oh, yeah. As you can imagine, not all of our witnesses are innocent bystanders like Mitzi. Most of them are guilty of something. And we all have families we want to keep safe. Doug has three kids. Nick and Jordan would like to have one. Who knows, maybe after this weekend they’ll have some news for us.”

  “Whoa! Slow your roll there, buster. Nick and Jordan want to have a baby?”

  “Well, Jordan does, mostly, and Nick wants whatever’s going to make Jordan happy. He’d laugh if he heard me say this, but he’ll be an amazing dad.”

  Addie thought about the other marshal, and the steps he’d taken to protect them all. “I thi
nk so, too. Now, back to you. If Markham isn’t your real name, then what, pray tell, is?”

  He smiled. “Mason’s the name I was born with. These days I don’t hear it much, unless I go home. There’s a big Mason family contingent in Nebraska so be prepared. Mom had six siblings, and Dad had five. Most of them still live in the greater Lincoln area. Christmas is a madhouse, I’m warning you now.”

  It warmed Addie’s heart hearing him speak about his family…and including her. She was falling hard for the man. Oh hell, I’ve already fallen. “Duly noted. My family might not be as big, but they’re serious about their holiday traditions. All the ornaments on the tree have names and dates on them, and if possible my sister and I try to be there to hang them. Mom bakes like her life depends on it. Expect cookies in the mail from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.”

  He gazed into her eyes. “I love cookies.”

  “I love cookies, too. And snow. I’m crazy about snow.”

  “Doug has horses on his ranch in Silver Lake. He’s got this little carriage, and every year during the holidays they invite people out for rides, and carols, and eggnog.”

  Addie couldn’t wait. “I’d love to do that.”

  His gaze didn’t waver. “I’d love to do that, too.”

  She leaned up for a kiss, and it quickly turned into something more.

  Without breaking their lip-lock, Ben fumbled on the nightstand for a foil packet. He ripped it open and rolled the condom on.

  Addie straddled him and worked her way into position.

  Leaning up, he buried his face in her neck and hair as they rocked together. “I love you,” Ben murmured in her ear as they bucked in rhythm.

  She nearly lost it right then, but struggled to maintain her composure. “Oh sure,” she deadpanned. “But can you say it with your pants on?”

  Ben snorted. “I assure you, I can.”

  “All right, then.” She pulled back just enough to look him in the eye. “I love you, too.”

  He smiled. “I knew it all along.”

  * * *

  Addie did a combined load of their laundry the next morning after Ben had left for work. She wandered around the house, tidying things up and inspecting as she went along. They’d christened several of the rooms already but the weight bench in his office appeared to have potential, and she planned to mention that when he came home.

  Home. Could she feel at home in his house? The answer was an unequivocal yes. It wouldn’t take much at all. The house could use a few of her things, but she’d be happy anywhere as long as she was with Ben.

  He loves me. Her head told her it was fast, but her heart didn’t care. She loved him, too. An evil, niggling voice in her head reminded her that she’d loved Cole, once, too. This time felt different.

  She’d had reservations from the start of her relationship with Cole, but had stupidly pushed them aside because she wanted the fairytale life he’d offered. Had she been thinking clearly she’d have known that people don’t change just because someone wants them to. Cole had always been possessive with a jealous streak that got nasty when he drank. Addie told herself he’d have no reason to be jealous once they were married. She never imagined that he wouldn’t actually need a reason.

  Ben was different. Nothing about him set off the warning signals that had ruled her dating life since the trial and subsequent divorce. Ben was strong and gentle at the same time. Ben was safe. She had no doubts about that.

  A different type of worry nudged her subconscious. Is that why you want him? Because he’s safe?

  “No,” she said out loud, firmly. “That’s not it at all. Ben’s a wonderful man.” Handsome, sexy, smart, funny…she could continue listing traits all morning, but decided she didn’t need to. She knew what she wanted, and she didn’t have to convince herself or anyone else.

  She did need to tell her parents, though. Her father was easier to reach since he was a school teacher, and took summers off. Her mother had flexible hours as a real estate agent, and was usually available. But she’d talked to her the last time. Today, she felt like talking to her dad.

  He answered after just a few rings. “Hello.”

  “Hi, Daddy. How are you?”

  “Addie! I’m fighting with some crabgrass right now and the weeds are winning, I’m afraid. So I’m glad for a break. How are you? Is everything okay? Are you at work?”

  “Slow your roll, Pops. I’m fine. I’ve got a couple of days off because of a big case I just finished up. It required a lot of overtime.”

  “Days off? You should have come home, Ad. We’d love to see you.”

  “I’m sorry, I guess I didn’t think of that. I just, um, well, I met someone, Dad.”

  He cleared his throat. “Met someone? What kind of ‘someone’ are we speaking about?”

  “Believe it or not, he works for the US Marshal Service. His name is Ben—” She debated which name to use and decided the pseudonym might be safer. “Markham. He’s pretty awesome. I know you and Mom will approve.”

  “You best let us be the judge of that. When will we get to meet this awesome man?”

  “Not sure. He’s busy at work, and there’s a lot going on right now.”

  “We could come there. It’s short notice for this weekend but we might be able to swing it. Or next weekend.”

  “Um, Dad, hang on a minute. Our relationship is new, and I’m not quite sure he’s ready for the Spanish Inquisition you’re bound to give him. What do you say you give us a bit more time to ourselves? Don’t worry, he’s not going anywhere. You’ll get your chance with him. Just remember, he carries a gun.”

  “Yeah, but I know Karate and Judo—”

  “And three other Japanese girls,” she finished his joke for him. “It’s cool, Dad. Ben is great, and as soon as we can swing it we’ll come for a visit. His family lives in Lincoln, so we’ll be able to do double duty.”

  “Well, we won’t hold that against them. Lincoln, huh? What did you say his last name was?”

  “Never mind. Don’t you go looking up him or his family. You’ll meet him soon, I promise.”

  “You understand why we get concerned.”

  She sighed. “Of course I do. But I’ve grown up since I met Cole, Dad. I’m a little wiser to the ways of the world, I guess you could say.”

  “Wise you may be, but you’ll always be our baby, Addie. Never forget that.”

  “I never could. I should let you get back to that crabgrass. Tell Mom I called, and I love you both.”

  “Love and miss you.”

  “Love and miss you too. Bye, Daddy.” She ended the call feeling wistful.

  A loud thud pelted the front window of the house and Addie heard glass shatter. Something flew past her and she dropped to the floor, feeling around for the phone which had hit the ground before she did.

  Oh, God! Her hands shook as she dialed nine-one-one. “Please help me,” she told the dispatcher. “I think someone’s trying to kill me.”

  Chapter Nine

  Topeka, Kansas

  Cole glanced around the seedy motel room. It was nothing like the four-star hotels he used to frequent, but since prison he’d become a lot less choosy. Plus, having his own outside entrance to the room was handy.

  He stacked supplies on the queen sized bed and took inventory. Rope, duct tape, flashlight, pliers, nippers…probably more than he’d need, but he liked to be prepared. Being in the big house had given him time to do that. The only thing there was plenty of in prison was time. He’d formulated his plan and gone over and over it, until he knew it word for word.

  The whole thing hinged on him finding Addie alone and unaware. He could hardly wait.

  Cole dropped into a chair and opened the state map he’d purchased from the last convenience store. He was trying to recall the most direct route from Topeka to Omaha, not having traveled it in a long time.

  He found the highway and traced it north with his finger. “Looks like highway seventy-five north will take me right where I want t
o go.” He studied the map for alternatives, but determined that was probably the best route. It was a decent stretch of road with four lanes and no toll stops, which was a bonus. The less chances he had to take was all the better.

  Cole chuckled. His whole plan was one crazy chance after another, but he’d thought about it for too long to back out now. Addie had to pay for what she’d done, and her parents, too. The one thing he hadn’t decided was who would go first, and who would get to watch. In the end, it didn’t really matter. Before long they’d all know how he felt about what they’d done. And by that time, it’d be too late for any of them.

  * * *

  Topeka, Kansas

  Ben raced home as quickly as the law allowed. At times like this, he wished marshals had flashing lights they could stick on top of their vehicles. Trouble was, Nick might use his all the time.

  He turned the corner onto his street and saw two police cars and a small crowd gathered in front of his house. He had to park a couple of houses down, and then jogged to his front door.

  An officer raised a hand, but before he could speak Ben had pulled out his badge.

  “I’m US Marshal Ben Markham. This is my house.”

  The man read his badge then stepped aside. “Go on in, Marshal.”

  “Thanks.” He stepped in hesitantly, unsure what he was going to find.

  Addie stood next to two other uniformed officers. His neighbor Janel from across the street was there also, with her son Jeremy and another boy he didn’t recognize. Confused, he gazed at Addie.

  She held up a baseball. “The weapon.”

  Ben blinked. “A baseball?” He looked behind the neighbors where glass from his front window had shattered, covering the living room.

  Janel appeared truly apologetic. “I’m so sorry, Ben. Jeremy and his friend Tommy were playing in the yard. I had no idea anything like this could happen. I’ve already called my insurance agent and we’re covered completely. Choose any window company you want and we’ll pay to have it replaced.”