by Jamie Hill
He couldn’t argue with that. “Okay, well, thanks.”
“Right now, the boys and I are going to get this glass picked up. If you need to have the carpet or furniture professionally cleaned, do it and we’ll pay for that as well.”
He scratched his chin. “Thanks, Janel.”
“No problem. I really am sorry.”
He glanced at Jeremy. “Must have hit it just right, huh?”
The boy’s eyes were wide. “I didn’t know I had it in me!”
Ben chuckled and touched his shoulder. “There’s a big trash can in the garage, and some gloves. Bring enough for all of you, I wouldn’t want anyone to get cut. I’ve got a piece of cardboard that I think will cover the window for now.” He looked at Addie. “Want to help me?”
She seemed surprised, but nodded. “Sure.”
Ben turned to the policemen. “I think we have it under control, officers. Thank you for getting here so quickly, though.”
One of the men said, “We have to file a report, so I need to ask, do you want to press charges?”
“No, I don’t. Thank you.” He saw them out then went to the garage. He helped Jeremy with the gloves and trash can, then found the cardboard and some duct tape.
The boy returned to the house and Ben stood in the garage with Addie for a moment. “Are you okay?”
She rolled her eyes. “I feel like an idiot. After the events of the past few days, when that thing hit and the glass shattered, I dropped to the floor like it was freaking World War Three. Took me ten minutes to stop shaking after the cops showed me the baseball.”
Grinning, he pulled her close and kissed her temple. “I would have too, baby. It’s been one hell of a week. We’re all on edge. Naïvely, I thought things would settle down once we were home. Man, did I call that wrong.”
She pressed a hand to his chest. “I keep telling myself it was just some kids playing ball, but my heart is still racing. I never would have thought I was prone to paranoia, but sheesh!”
He held her tight then released just enough for a kiss. “Come on, sugar. Let’s tape this cardboard in place to keep in as much of the air conditioning as possible. Then I’ll call a window company and see when they can come out.”
Addie waved the duct tape. “Right behind you, which I can truthfully say is not a bad place to be.” She checked out his butt and waggled her brows.
Laughing, Ben opened the big garage door and they headed out to seal up the broken window.
The neighbors cleaned and vacuumed, then made arrangements for a professional cleaner to come in on Monday before they left.
Ben and Addie got the cardboard in place, and when he called a window company, was pleased to hear they could come out that same day. He glanced around the room, which was basically back to normal. “I wouldn’t go barefoot in that area, but I think it’s good for now.”
“It should be fine,” she agreed.
“I know you wanted to head over to your condo and start cleaning up today, but I can’t leave the house unattended until the window is fixed. Unless they get it done early enough today, would it be okay to wait until tomorrow to start on your place?”
“Sure, one more day won’t matter. Do you have to go back to work?”
He glanced at his watch. “It’s only ten. I should, for a couple of hours. I’ll leave there around twelve-thirty and bring some lunch?”
“Okay,” she reluctantly agreed.
“You’ll be fine here,” Ben insisted. “Even if Cole is in town, and we’re not sure he is, he’d have no way of finding you here.”
“You’re right. I’ll be fine.”
He pressed one more kiss to her lips and left with reluctance.
Back at the office, he was pleased to see the others weren’t around. Nick and Jordan were in Atlanta, of course, and he knew the chief had a meeting at ten. He wasn’t sure where Doug and Olivia were, but he intended to take advantage of the privacy. Ben fired up his computer and ran a search on Cole Jessup.
Articles from the trial two years earlier popped up in his search, along with a bunch of photos. He studied the man’s mug shot. Jessup was decent looking, he decided grudgingly. Back then, anyway, before prison took its toll. His blond hair was wavy, and he wore a closely cropped mustache and beard. Ben wondered how different he’d look today.
There were pictures of Addie going to and from the courthouse during the trial. She looked mostly the same, stressed perhaps, but beautiful as ever.
In most of the shots she was flanked by the same man and woman, who he knew to be her parents from photos she’d shown him on her phone. Ben was glad they’d been there for her. He suspected had they known what was happening in her marriage that they’d have been there much sooner.
He knew enough about abuse victims to understand that she’d probably been too ashamed and afraid to tell them the truth and ask for help. Addie spoke highly of her father. Ben was certain if Mr. Decker had known the truth, he’d have beaten the crap out of smug Cole Jessup. Most fathers would. Ben felt the same urge merely looking at Jessup’s photo.
In the articles about the trial, most of the details had been kept private, so he didn’t learn anymore about what had happened. Anything he wanted to know, he’d have to ask Addie. Ben’s gut churned at the thought. He didn’t really want to know any of it, but knew they’d need to have that conversation someday.
It was the here and now that concerned him the most. What was Jessup up to, and what could he do to stop the man?
Ben picked up the phone receiver and dialed one of the detectives he worked with frequently.
“Eichem,” the man answered.
“Rod, it’s Ben Markham.”
“Markham! How are things in the Marshals Service?”
“Oh, you know. If I told you that I’d have to kill you.”
“So pretty much normal, then.”
“Pretty much. Got a question for you, though. Concerning a condo break-in a couple of days ago.” He gave the detective Addie’s address.
“Hmm, let me pull it up and see what we have.” There were several moments of silence before he added, “No fingerprints and no hard evidence. Victim was an ADA. Investigating officers were given to believe that the break-in might have been tied to one of her cases.”
“Possibly, but that case has been wrapped up. I’m thinking it was a personal matter. The ADA in question testified against her husband in a domestic abuse case a couple of years ago in Texas. He went away for eighteen months.”
“And now he’s out?”
“Apparently so.”
“Did she mention this to the officers who caught the call?”
“I don’t think so. I’m not sure she made the possible connection until later.”
“Okay.” He seemed to process the information. “So what are you looking for, Markham?”
“Protection for the ADA.”
“Can you explain the Marshals Service interest in the case, or would you have to kill me for that, too?”
Ben chuckled. “No, this one is personal. She’s a friend of mine.”
“What’s the ex’s name?”
“Cole Jessup. He was a lawyer in Dallas and went to prison there.”
“Sounds like we’re wishing he would have stayed there.”
“We are. Can’t see anything good from his being here. The break-in, especially, makes me nervous.”
“Let me do some checking and I’ll get back to you.”
“Thanks, Rod.”
“You bet.” The detective ended the call.
Ben set the phone down then glanced up as Doug entered the bullpen, Olivia behind him. “Hey,” he said to both of them.
“Hey.” Olivia took her seat behind her desk, across from him.
Doug stood over Ben’s shoulder. “New case?”
Ben smiled. His moment of privacy was over. “Not really. Just a little something I’m looking into.”
Leaning down, Doug inspected the photo on the computer. “Who�
�s the mug?”
“Cole Jessup. He’s Addie’s ex-husband.”
Doug glanced at him. “Addie, our new ADA, Addie?”
Ben nodded. “One and the same.”
“Her ex is a jailbird?”
“Her ex is a wife beater. She testified against him and sent the bastard away for eighteen months.”
Olivia added, “Not nearly long enough. Now he’s out and possibly causing trouble.”
Doug frowned. “That sucks.”
“Yes, it does.” Ben closed out the page on his computer just as the chief returned from his meeting.
“Markham, how’s your house? Everything okay?”
“It’s fine.” He smiled. “It was an errant baseball. Nothing terroristic.”
“That’s a relief. I know a good glass guy. Did you call anybody?”
“Yeah, I used your friend. He’s going to make it out today.”
Olivia exclaimed, “What happened to your house? I was only gone for a couple hours this morning.”
“Everything is fine.” Ben relayed the morning’s events. “Addie was frightened at first, until she realized what had happened. The neighbor kid felt bad and his mom was all over herself apologizing. Addie’s there now, just waiting for the window guy to show.”
Rhodes scratched his head. “Addie’s there? What the hell is she doing there?”
Ben inhaled. He’d mistakenly let that slip. “Oh, well, she, uh—”
The chief smiled. “Markham, when will you figure out that I pretty much know everything? I don’t care if you date the new ADA, as long as it doesn’t interfere with either of your jobs.”
Doug piped up, “So now you’re dating her? When did things get serious?”
Ben’s desk phone rang and he reached for the receiver. “Saved by the bell. Markham.”
“Ben, it’s Rod Eichem. I’m afraid I don’t have good news for you. Since we’ve got nothing on the break-in, we can’t really offer your friend any protection at this point.”
Ben scowled. “So you’re telling me we have to wait for her to get hurt before the police can do anything to protect her?”
“Can the Marshals Service do anything?”
“Not officially.”
“So whatever you’re doing unofficially, keep it up. If anything happens, and I mean anything, call me and we’ll take another look. We don’t want her to get hurt, Ben. We just don’t have the resources to protect everyone who gets threatened in one way or another.”
Ben sighed. “I understand. I’m keeping an eye on her for now. It’s her going back to work that I’m concerned about.”
“On the bright side, the federal building she works in is one of the most secure buildings in the city. She’ll be fine there.”
“Yeah.” Ben didn’t voice any more of his concerns, such as keeping Addie safe on the trips to and from work. “Thanks, Rod.”
“Keep in touch.”
Ben hung up the receiver and looked at his coworkers. “There’s nothing the police can do until Addie gets hurt or threatened. Then they’ll take another look at her case.”
Olivia’s eyes widened. “Did they say that?”
Ben shook his head. “They might as well have.”
Rhodes said, “Their hands are tied, just like ours. We don’t have the means to put everyone under surveillance, either, though at times like this I wish we did.”
“I know,” Ben agreed. “I get it. I just don’t like it.”
“You’ll just have to keep your eyes on her, unofficially.”
Doug added, “Yeah, you know—nights and weekends.”
Olivia tried to hide her smirk as she shuffled papers on her desk. “It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it.”
Ben rolled his eyes. “I never thought I’d be saying this, but I miss Nick.”
Doug chortled. “Are you kidding? He’d be all over this.”
Ben shot each of them a look and folded his arms across his chest. “Yeah, but I expect it from him.”
* * *
Addie kept busy doing a deeper clean of the living room where the glass had fallen. The window replacement people showed up earlier than expected and were finishing up when Ben arrived home with lunch at one.
“It looks great.” He inspected the work after they’d left. “I’m impressed that they got out here so quickly. Maybe mentioning the chief’s name helped.”
She shrugged and examined the bill. “They said you were a priority, so maybe. They’re proud of their work, that’s for sure.”
Ben smiled. “Fast service doesn’t come cheap, I guess. I’m happy with it, and I’m not paying.”
Addie swatted his shoulder. “What an attitude!”
He grabbed her hand and pulled her close, slipping his hands around her waist. “You got a problem, lady?”
She smiled. “I’ve got a few, but nothing that a kiss won’t help.”
He nuzzled their noses together before pressing his lips on hers.
Addie slid her arms around his neck and pulled him close. She’d been on edge all morning but now, in Ben’s arms, she felt relaxed and happy. Ben was strong. Ben was safe. Ben was hers. She kissed him back, then pulled away and batted her eyelashes. “Thank you.”
He smiled back. “For what?”
“For everything. Being here for me. For wanting me even with the mess that’s hanging over my head.”
“Oh, I want you all right. I was just wondering if we had time to—you know—before we ate lunch.”
Addie laughed. “To you know? Aren’t you sweet? Yeah, I thing we have time to you know. Lunch can wait.” She reached for his lapels and pulled him down the hall to the bedroom.
* * *
Addie and Ben cleaned up after lunch, and then he drove her to the condo to finally survey the damage there. Her nerves were on edge as he pulled onto her street.
He glanced from side to side. “What you need to do is to stay aware. Notice the cars parked on the street. Do you recognize them as your neighbors’ cars?”
She gazed at each of them, embarrassed that she really didn’t know most of the people who lived near her, let alone what they drove. An old blue car caught her eye and she grinned. “Oh, look at that! A Dodge Dart, just like the one I drove in college. My first car. I loved that thing.”
“Wow,” he replied dully, obviously less enthused. “That heap looks like it could be your old car.” He pulled into her driveway and parked.
Ben turned to Addie and squeezed her hand. “You ready for this?”
Her gut clenched, but she nodded. “As long as you’re with me.”
He squeezed her hand. “I’m not going anywhere. We’ll do this together.”
She nodded again as they released hands and exited the Jeep. Addie led him to the front door and unlocked it, then slowly stepped inside.
The condo looked the same as the last time she was there, except for the layer of black dust which covered everything.
“Fingerprint powder,” he commented, apparently noticing it at the same time she did. “A necessary evil.”
Smiling up at him, she leaned up and gave him a quick hug.
He smiled. “What was that for?”
“For being here with me. I’m not sure I could do this by myself.”
Ben cupped her face in his hands. “As far as I’m concerned, you never have to do anything by yourself again for as long as I live.”
“Aw.” She turned her head to kiss one of his palms. “Does that mean you’ll be standing up there with me at the next trial when I have to make opening arguments?”
He grinned. “Maybe not. But I’ll share diaper duty fifty-fifty. How’s that?”
Her heart soared. “Make it sixty-forty and I’ll consider it.”
“Whatever you want, babe.” Ben pressed a gentle kiss to her mouth.
The exchange was just the lift she needed to get started. Glancing around the room she said, “Trash bags are in the kitchen cabinet to the left of the fridge.”
&nb
sp; His gaze followed hers. “I’ll bring the whole box,” he deadpanned.
They spent the afternoon sorting through everything that had been damaged, and salvaging what they could. Her mail had been torn to bits. Photos were removed from frames and ripped into tiny pieces. Addie didn’t say aloud what she was thinking, about how personal the attack suddenly felt.
In the bedroom she found her clothes had been removed from drawers and the closet and strewn about the room. Fighting back tears, she dumped armloads of things into her hamper. It was all getting washed, dirty or not.
She threw back the comforter on her bed and cringed when she discovered the sheets had been shredded with a knife. “Holy hell!”
Ben came to the doorway and looked in. “Shit. Addie, none of this makes sense. If it’d been done by any of DeMarcus’ goons, they wouldn’t have done this kind of damage.”
Addie couldn’t hold the tears back any longer. Angry and hurt, she yanked the ruined sheets off in pieces and threw them across the room. “It’s too much! This is more than I can bear!”
He drew her into his arms. “No, it’s not. We’ll get through this together, just like we said. The person who did this is a coward. You’re brave and smart, and together we’re stronger than ever. We’re not going to let this asshat win.”
Her shoulders shook as the tears fell. “Why didn’t I expect this? I, of all people, knew how angry he used to get. Did I think we could put him away and he’d come out a rehabilitated man?”
“Some people do. Lots of folks would do anything to keep from going back to prison a second time.” He rubbed his thumbs over her cheeks, wiping away tears.
Addie sniffed. “And then there’s Cole, who doesn’t seem to have learned one damn thing in the last two years.”
Ben glanced at the sheets. “This was vicious, to be sure. We’ll need to be extra vigilant. I wish I could offer you police protection but the detective I spoke with today didn’t think that’d be possible.”
She shook her head. “I don’t need it.”
“Well, I think you do. I’ll be driving you back and forth to work for a while until we get this straightened out. It’s not much, but you’ve got me.”
