by Piper Stone
“Cut to the chase,” Antonio said gruffly.
Captain Phillips glared at him until he took a step back.
“It’s all right, Captain. We’re all antsy over this.” She gave a half smile. “As you know, two of the city employees, two council members, have been involved in incidents the past few days. Chris Camden was a good friend of mine. We’ve been close for years. He disappeared from his home without a trace. Molly Jenkins had a tremendous following and was a very active member of city council. She was our fundraiser. They were both primary members of a special committee working on what we titled Veterans Coalition Act. Because of this, we believe foul play is involved in both counts. There have been several threats made against the committee members.”
“By whom?” Riker asked. At least the information the captain had received was correct.
She shook her head. “Well, at first we all thought just overzealous folks who fight anything having to do with the military. Then we suspected that various veteran’s groups might be involved.”
“Whew,” Garcia whistled.
“But?” Riker piped in.
“But,” she said as she shot him a look. “We think the two members were directly targeted and that there’s more.”
“What makes you believe that?” Zane asked.
Mayor Falk glanced at the sheriff who nodded. “Well, in truth, we believe there is at least one additional target and that the bomb threats were used as a smokescreen, sending a message as well. The timing for the bomb threat and the two other incidents is close. During the time of the bomb at the warehouse, we believe the perpetrator was planning on exacting his revenge at the same time.”
“Revenge?” Steel huffed.
Stoker cleared his throat. “As Investigator Nelson noted, the bombs were of military design. The two council members were primarily working on a program for veterans, funding. Too coincidental. Given the fact Mr. Camden was high ranking, his clearance considered Yankee White, one of the top clearances in the country, there’s a possibility there is more going on here.”
Mayor Falk exhaled. “There are many on the Congress floor who believe what the committee is trying to do is actually provide a bill to cut funding instead of provide aid, which is completely wrong. However, the press has tainted our viewpoint. These two individuals were the most vocal and well known, spending time before Congress. Chris was the man who brought the idea to me, given we were friends and he knew I’d understand.”
“If we’re right and based on the information that Stoker and Cooper were able to find, this is indeed nothing more than revenge for an operation that was derailed in Afghanistan years ago.” The sheriff looked from man to man.
Riker allowed a slow breath to escape as he looked at Stoker and Cooper. The operation from years before had certainly been derailed, causing several deaths and an end to certain Black Ops. Stoker’s instinct had been dead on the money.
“May we ask, who is the intended target?” Antonio asked as he crossed his arms.
“Gentlemen, that would be me,” Mayor Falk stated as she glanced around the room. She faltered, her head dropping. “And there’s something else.” She looked toward the sheriff as if asking for support. “I believe, given the information presented to me, that the perpetrator is…” She lowered her head, closing her eyes. When she looked up, her eyes were full of tears. “Is my son.”
Chapter 11
Trinity continued to laugh, her sides hurting. “I can’t believe you did that! You actually scared him off. That is a feat all in itself.”
“The fuckhead deserved worse. That much I can tell you,” Shannon stated, a snarl on her lip. Then she smiled and rolled her eyes. “Who was that guy again?”
“My ex, fake boyfriend. Set up by the studios and yes, they still do that kind of thing.”
“Whoa. I don’t think I’d make a very good actress. I’d probably kill every man who tried to give me shit.”
“Oh, trust me. It has crossed my mind more than once. If I had a gun, I would guess I’d be in some kind of trouble.” Trinity held up the bottle. “Another glass?”
“Why the hell not? I’m not working tonight and Landen, well…”
“He’s a good guy. I like him. Riker says he’s special.” She poured them both another glass.
Shannon inhaled. “He is. I love him with all my heart. We just need to stop being pigheaded. Both of us.”
Trinity held up her glass. “To pigheaded men and a thank you. I don’t know what Chance would have done if you hadn’t come along.”
“Well, you’re welcome. Glad I happened to come along. Was he always like that?”
“Truth is, yes, but I guess I allowed him to become an asshole to me. I don’t know why. He seemed so sweet at first, then he became dominating, which is okay, and I appreciate a strong man, but not his way. I tossed him out my door the night before I left town.” Trinity groaned.
“Good for you.”
“Yeah, but I might have to get one of those guns of my own to keep him out of the state.”
“Does that mean you’re staying?” Shannon asked, a glint in her eye.
“I…” How could she answer honestly? Shrinking back, she closed her eyes, a shiver creating goose bumps.
“Honey, let’s cut to the chase here. I came here to talk to you and yes, Riker told me where you were staying, last night. The whole thing was—”
“I know. I’m so sorry. I know what you must think of me,” Trinity interrupted.
“Let me finish. Okay?”
She shrugged and wanted to crawl under a rock.
“I don’t know the story, but I gathered from our talk that you’re a damn nice girl. I’m a pretty good judge of character. Whatever is being said about you is crap and certainly not an ordeal you should have to go through, especially alone. I just wanted you to know that you have friends and we’ll back you. We’ll stand right behind you if you have to deal with the asshole reporters.”
“That’s what Riker said. He loves this town and his friends.”
Shannon wrinkled her nose. “The man has been through a hell of a lot in his life. He’s one of the best. Just a few rough edges. Anyway, you are welcome in my bar, my house, whatever. Okay?”
“I appreciate that. I really do. More than you know.” She chuckled. “A woman who wouldn’t care about shooting a man between the eyes with a smart mouth. I like you.”
“You mean between the legs?” Winking, she patted Trinity’s arm. “I was talking with Jessica. You know that she has connections.”
“Yeah. Wonderful singer.”
“And a great lady and friend. She has an idea or two that you might want to listen to. I know you have a lot to deal with, but if you want this shit to go away, you’re going to have to deal with it head on.”
“Are you and Riker brother and sister?” Trinity laughed again. The woman had a way that put her at ease.
“Very funny. We’re all truthful people who deserve living a good life. I just know what I’m talking about. I can see such courage in you but only you can find the strength to fight this thing head on. You’ll live with guilt and shame for the rest of your life no matter what you do if you don’t. I know a thing or two about guilt.” Shannon took a sip of wine.
“So does Riker. He won’t tell me why. At least not the entire story.”
Shannon groaned. “That’s his story to tell. Even Landen won’t tell me all the details. What I do know about that man is that trust is tough for him. He has the capacity for caring, even loving but he’s afraid. Seems like you suit him well.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“I do. He’s never brought another woman into the bar. I know he’s been with women. He is a man after all, but bringing you to Ziggy’s means you’re something phenomenal. You should keep that in the back of your mind.”
Trinity thought about her words, those of courage as well as the kind of man Riker was. She knew she wanted to get to know him, every part, but at what cos
t. “I will.”
“You know this Chance dude isn’t going to give up.”
“Yeah, I know. I might need to stay somewhere else.”
“I have an idea.” Shannon grinned.
“Chance is the least of my worries. What about this fire? Why hasn’t Riker come back?”
She shook her head. “Don’t do that to yourself. We’ve had some bomb threats and this time, the bomb went off. Ammunition plant so you can imagine. From what little is on the news, the fire has been contained to the point the smokejumping team is just cleaning up the debris. The firefighters have more work to do and the investigation will begin.”
“Terrifying.”
“Yeah, we’ve had our share of shit. That’s for certain. Now, did you kill this woman?”
Trinity choked, and the way Shannon asked, the look on her face was calming. “I did not.”
“Then we’re all good here. How about some dinner? I’ll show you around this illustrious city of ours.”
“You know what? I’d love that.”
“Good. That way I can try and convince you to stay. Yes, I have ulterior motives.”
“You know what? I think I like that you do.” Trinity laughed easily. Maybe a move to a new city would do her a hell of a lot of good.
Riker glared out at the morning light. He’d gone by Trinity’s cabin after leaving the hangar and she wasn’t there, even though her truck was in the driveway. His sixth sense was telling him she was about to run, to flee again, as if running was going to do her any good. He’d wanted to open up to her, to allow her to understand why caring was so difficult for him, but in doing so, she’d learn his ugly secrets. Perhaps, there was no other way.
The fire had left him exhausted and on edge. The chatter regarding the bomb was varied, certain firefighters certain the warehouse was the intended target. The smokejumping team had another theory, a cover up for something else entirely. As if their opinion mattered. Then the visit from the mayor. He was having difficulty wrapping his head around the information presented, even though he was well aware there was much more to the story. Whatever Stoker and Cooper had found was no doubt damning.
The mop-up had been grueling, hours of cutting back brush and certain trees, digging up roots and burning anything considered fuel. Even covering up the remaining embers in an effort to reduce the possibility of a flare up had left every jumper agitated. They were all on edge as concerns increased regarding the arsonist. Whatever the asshole’s prerogative, there was increased fear the bomb threats would escalate, no matter what had been suggested. What if these were two separate crimes?
He pulled the Camaro to a complete stop and leaned back against the headrest. His mind was reeling, a combination of worry and frustration furrowed into his psyche. What the hell was he supposed to do in order to help Trinity? Was there anything that would matter? She was a movie star, a woman who had no idea what she wanted to do. As the car idled at the stop light, he decided that he’d drop by her place one last time. If she asked him to leave, he’d have his answer. Hearing a single beep from the car behind him, he resisted giving the driver the finger. Yeah, the dark and ugly man had breached the surface. Fuck this. Backing away from Trinity was the last thing he wanted to do.
The drive was cathartic, giving him the courage to be the man she needed and when he drove up the long driveway, he held his breath. What in the hell was he going to find? The truck was still parked in the same position as before, lights on in the house. She’d been with someone. Who the hell did she know in town? He cut the engine and waited, as if she was going to rush outside, jump into his arms. When she didn’t, he sighed and slowly climbed out, waiting by the car for a solid two minutes.
Shoving his hands into his pockets, he walked toward the front door, tapping lightly. He heard nothing, no music or other noise, just a dead silence as if she’d already disappeared from his life.
Tap! Tap!
He knocked more vehemently, exhaling as he realized he was already sweating.
Trinity opened the door, her face filled with relief. “I wasn’t certain who was at the door.”
“Reporters?”
Shaking her head, she looked around him, her eyes pensive. “Worse. Oh, Riker. I couldn’t sleep. I know you have your job and it’s important to you, but I have no idea how Laney and Shannon, any of the other women deal with this.” Grabbing his arm, she kissed him on the cheek, the closeness lingering.
He breathed in her perfume, closing his eyes as a series of electric jolts rushed into his system. “I told you I’d be fine.”
“Shannon told me not to worry, but I’m not her. She’s much stronger than I am.”
“You’re much stronger than you realize.” The moment was awkward then he was flooded with relief as well as an unusual emotion, unbridled desire as well as love. Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her off her feet, pressing his face into her neck. “I’m glad you’re still here.”
“I’m not running from this. I’m tired of fighting the past. I just...” Her voice was strangled. Well, I’m just glad you’re here.”
“What did you mean by you weren’t certain who was at the door?” Easing her down, he brushed hair from her eyes.
Trinity blushed and looked away. “Nothing.”
Riker cupped her jaw, forcing her to face him. “Not nothing. Who was here?”
Swallowing hard, she gave him a waning smile. “My ex. He’s a real prize. That much I can tell you.”
“What did he do?” The ragged feeling of anger boosted deep inside, a primal need to protect her.
“He just…” Pulling away, she took backwards steps, her actions full of nerves. “He has some notion that I’m going to go back to Hollywood with him.”
“The man has another thing coming.” When she smiled, the knowing almost surprised expression crossing her face, he could feel the heat cresting along his jawline. “You don’t want him here.”
“Hell no, but I know, Chance. He won’t take no for an answer. He’ll use this situation with Jack Spartan against me, trying to force me to leave.” Trinity huffed.
“What’s the asshole’s name?”
She exhaled before answering. “Chance Reynolds. He’s nothing and means nothing to me.”
“If that asshole bothers you again, so help me God.”
“I’ve changed, and I don’t think he likes that very much.” She blinked several times, a dark shadow crossing her face. “I never understood how violent he was. I guess I had an idea of what men should be like and at the time, he fulfilled certain desires. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
Chance Reynolds. He made mental note of the man’s name. Violent. If the man tried anything again, he would have no problem beating the asshole to death. “Where is this fucker?”
She held out her hand. “Don’t. Shannon made it very clear that the man wasn’t welcome.”
“Shannon?”
“Rugged woman with big gun.” She laughed after saying the words. “Don’t look so surprised. You were right about your friends, about this town. You’re very lucky that you have a real family.”
“They are important to me. I guess I never really understood how much.” A single shiver slithered down from the back of his neck. Trinity was right. He was very lucky.
“We all take what we have for granted. Shannon dropped by to make certain I knew she would have my back. The rather formidable woman happened to arrive at the perfect time. She helped me throw the asshole off the property.”
Riker shook his head, anxiety eating at his stomach. “She’s a great gal. When she makes friends, they’re for life.”
Trinity gave him a heated look. “Are you here to chastise or provide comfort?”
He closed the distance, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. Even the simple touch was enigmatic. “Neither. Actually, I have something I want you to help me with. Are you game?”
“Hmmm… Depends on what you have in mind.” Her expression was coy.
; “You can’t say no. Against the rules. Remember, I’m in charge.” While he was teasing, the few words prodded his inner being. He wanted nothing more than to take control. Why now? Why this woman?
“Mmm… Even after my rather disgusting experience with Chance, I still like the sound of that. Do I need to change?” She took a step back, turning in a circle.
The tight blue jeans and simple red shirt made his cock stiffen. “Nope. Grab a jacket. A little breezy where we’re going.”
“Now, you have me intrigued.”
“We have a stop to make first.” He refused to tell her anything as he drove, yet the way she kept her hand on his leg continued to leave him aching with longing, his testosterone on overdrive. This woman, this beautiful and almost delicate flower, had her grip around his heart.
“You’re not going to tell me at all, are you?” Trinity pushed as she leaned over, licking his earlobe.
“If you keep that up, we’re heading straight back to your place. Seems mine is being used.”
“Shannon and Landen?” Her question was full of eagerness.
“Yeah. I told them to get out, but they ignored me.” Riker snickered. “Not that I mind. Not really.”
“Well, I think the dinner she and I had last night was eye opening, even for a woman who certainly has more control over her life. I told her she was a fool. She told me to suck it up, face my fears. We had a hell of a lot of fun and drank way too much.” Trinity laughed. “Long story.”
“Balls to the walls kind of woman and if she convinced you to stay in town for a while, I’ll give her the place.” Grinning, he gripped her hand, moving her fingers to his crotch.
“You are one bad boy.”
Riker laughed, surprised he was able to let go so easily and could tell she was feeling much better. Still, there were so many unanswered questions, so many things to interfere with their happiness, but perhaps neither could hide any longer. He thought about the reason her ex had popped into town. No doubt to take her back, as she said. Chance was the last reminder of her past or Tinsel Town that she needed to deal with right now.
