Getting up at the crack of dawn to take a cool shower and walking in on Murphy shaving hadn’t helped. He had been wearing nothing but shaving cream and a pair of jeans that hugged his long, muscular legs.
Of course, she’d been suffering the aftereffects of her dream, and his eyes dropped to her chest where her pebbled nipples poked through the shirt she wore. Heat had flooded her cheeks, and his eyes, and she still burned from the hunger in his stare. Murphy had torn his eyes away and turned back to shaving.
She stared at his back and the scars peppering it. Her heart broke for him. When she met his eyes in the mirror above the sink, his had been cold and lifeless, challenging her to comment on what she saw, daring her to feel pity. It wasn’t pity she felt; it was desire. Desire to touch him and hold him and listen to his story as he had hers.
She had backed out of the bathroom and shut the door behind her, face flaming. She never did get that cold shower.
Looking down between the seats, she noticed a cell phone plugged into the lighter. “You have a phone.”
Murphy didn’t take his eyes off the road. “Yes.”
“Does it work?”
“Do you need to call someone?” he asked gruffly. The scowl on his face was as dark as ever.
Sara scoffed quietly. She had absolutely no one in the world to call. “No.” Her tone matched his.
He cast a glance her way but said nothing.
They hit a rut in the road. Sara bounced sideways, the seatbelt jerking her into her seat after she bounced into Murphy’s arm. The engine powered down as Murphy eased around a sharp curve. Minutes later, they were heading up the hill to her cabin.
When it came into view, Sara stifled a gasp. Only a steel frame remained of her Jeep. Damn Stephen. Anger rolled through her, searching for an outlet. She had been so busy being scared she hadn’t allowed herself to be angry over what happened to her.
Murphy bumped her shoulder with his. She glanced over to find him watching her.
“What?” she snapped.
To her surprise, the corner of his mouth tilted in a way that made her pulse kick up. Though this wasn’t a smile, it was sexy as hell. That little tilt to his lips made him more rakish than a man had a right to be.
Her lips twitched despite her sexual frustration and desire to be angry.
“It’s okay to be angry, Sara.”
She frowned. “You’re happy because I’m angry? That’s twisted, Murphy.”
He grinned. Mercy, she could easily fall for this man. Her spirits lifted. From the backseat Abby giggled, picking up on the lighter mood.
“I am angry,” she said with conviction even though she smiled like a fool. “I’m angry with Stephen for burning my Jeep. I liked that car.”
Murphy parked in front of the cabin and shut off the engine, his expression somber when he turned to her.
“Get what you need and make it quick. I don’t want to be here long.”
Sara nodded and reached for the door handle. “Are you coming in with me?”
“I’ll stay here with Abby. Best she doesn’t see this.”
“Right.” She didn’t tell him she didn’t want to go in alone because the place gave her the creeps since Stephen had destroyed it. But, Abby didn’t need to see it either. It would only scare her. She explained to Abby and went to do it before she lost her nerve. Knowing Murphy watched her back gave her strength to go alone.
As quickly as possible, she packed some notebooks and pencils Stephen hadn’t found, clothes that weren’t shredded, and Abby’s doll. They didn’t have much. Not many personal effects anybody could trace to them, so it didn’t take long. She grabbed Abby’s deck of cards, coloring books and crayons and toys. Hurrying outside, she handed the bags to Murphy, who stood in front of the truck.
Murphy took the bags, slung them over a shoulder, and herded her into the front seat. He tossed them into the back while Sara checked on Abby. When he finished, he climbed in beside her and brought the powerful engine to life. After a thumbs-up from Abby, he maneuvered down the hill and headed for home.
As they drove away, Sara couldn’t help but think another chapter in her life had been closed. She was really, truly in Murphy’s debt now. She had no vehicle, no money and nowhere to go. She feared to think what would have happened if she hadn’t found him. Pure luck. Fate, maybe.
Where would they go from here?
* * * *
“I’m going to town.”
Murphy grabbed his parka off the hook on the wall and shrugged it on. Sara jumped up from the sofa and hurried to his side.
“Town? Why?”
He didn’t tell her he had the same uneasy feeling he’d had many times on missions when the enemy was nearby. They were hidden here, but he wouldn’t underestimate the man chasing Sara. He needed to do some recon before he decided on the best action. He wouldn’t go off half-cocked and risk their lives.
“I won’t be gone long. Stay inside the cabin and lock the door behind me.” He pinned her with a hard stare. “Do not leave for any reason. No bird watching, Sara, no walks.”
She stiffened. “I wouldn’t risk my daughter’s life again. Not after the last time. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but I’ve learned from them.”
She turned and walked into the kitchen. Damn, he hadn’t meant to insult her. She still blamed herself for losing her daughter on that hike and he doubted she would ever forgive the mistake. He didn’t want to dredge up what happened, but dammit, he needed to know she would stay inside.
Raking a hand through his hair, he cursed softly. When had his life gotten complicated?
“I’ll be back soon,” he announced and walked out the door. Sara was upset, but his gut feeling made him uneasy. He had to go check a couple things out, then he would deal with hurt feelings.
He went to Al’s garage first. When he pulled up alongside a police car, his gut feeling plummeted. Yellow police tape barricaded onlookers from crossing the crime scene and the sheriff stood scratching his head inside the open garage doors. The small crowd who had gathered looked both stunned and shocked as they stared inside and whispered about the tragedy.
Even before he got out of his truck, Murphy knew he’d caused this. He never should have involved the people of this town.
Walking up to the police tape, he ducked under and crossed to talk to the sheriff.
He had only met Sheriff Tomes once or twice since he’d been here, but his first opinion was a good one. Dwight Tomes had been sheriff for twenty years in this town and seemed capable of handling a case like this.
“Jon Murphy,” he greeted. “You’re walking on my crime scene.”
“I need a word with you.” Aware they were being listened to by half the town, Murphy added, “In private.”
“I’m a bit busy here…”
“It’s about what happened here.”
Tomes narrowed his eyes, barked orders to his deputies, and led Murphy to his squad car where they wouldn’t be overheard.
“Okay, you have my attention.”
“I can give you the name of the man who did this.”
Tomes masked his surprise, but barely. “Okay, let me have it.”
“Stephen Benchley, from Chicago.”
Tomes raised an eyebrow and scratched his head. “I’m not up on big city stuff, but isn’t that one of the brothers who just got that mob boss, Marcello Bonelli, off on a murder charge a few months ago?”
Murphy had no idea if that was true or not, but from what Sara told him about the family, it sounded right. “I’d place money on it.”
“Can you tell me how you know this?”
“No, but I can tell you this man is dangerous, so if you are able to find him, use caution.”
“If?”
“He won’t be here long.”
“And how do you know this?”
“Let’s just say I’m becoming familiar with the family. Take it with a grain of salt, Tomes, but that’s where I’d start looking.”
“Nothing I could tell you would make a difference. You aren’t going to get Benchley. I just wanted you to know who was responsible.”
Tomes shook a cigarette out of a full pack sitting on the dashboard. “Damn,” he said, putting one between his lips. “I quit two months ago.”
Murphy watched him light up and roll down the window. He felt sorry for the man. The case was all but solved and there was nothing he could do about it. It wasn’t everyday a guy found out one of his own had been murdered by a powerful Chicago lawyer and even if he could prove it, he was screwed and would never stand a chance of proving it.
He had no doubt Stephen Benchley was responsible for this. Too much of a coincidence. Towns like this didn’t breed killers.
“We haven’t had a murder here in fifteen years and the last one was a domestic dispute when Leann Jensen caught her husband cheating with the bank teller and shot him.”
Murphy remained silent, letting Tomes come to terms.
“I wish you’d tell me what the hell a Chicago lawyer is doing in my town. What reason did he have to murder Al?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It does to me.” Tomes dragged heavily on his cigarette. “You leave town, you let me know, okay? I’m not giving up on this, and I don’t give a damn who Stephen Benchley is. He killed one of mine and I’m damn well going to see this through.”
Murphy nodded and opened the door. “Good luck, Tomes.” He walked to his truck. He didn’t look back as he drove away. Tomes would never pin this on Benchley. Benchley would be too careful and he had experience covering his tracks. His luck would one day run out. Murphy planned to have Sara far away when it did.
There was a good chance Stephen Benchley knew where Abby was. If Al hadn’t talked, then Franklin probably had. Or would. Murphy couldn’t risk staying here any longer. One man was already dead. He wouldn’t be responsible for more bloodshed.
As he drove to his cabin, he studied the tall pines and mountain peak surrounding him. He couldn’t protect Sara and Abby here. There were too many places to hide that made them vulnerable to attack. In order to protect them, he needed to focus all his attention on that alone. He couldn’t do that here. He needed someone to take over the role as Sara’s keeper so he could eliminate the threat.
Only one person could do that.
His mother.
For Sara, he would face her.
* * * *
Sara stewed over Murphy’s behavior for hours after he returned. He had been withdrawn and tense ever since. He hadn’t told her what he’d done in town or why he’d gone. She knew something had happened. He was being stubbornly silent about it. His version of protection was to keep her in the dark. It was driving her nuts. She wanted to know what he’d done so she could be prepared for what lay ahead. If it had something to do with Stephen, she deserved to know.
She waited until Abby went to bed to confront him. He stood in front of the window. Keeping watch. Something had definitely gone wrong and she had a feeling she knew what.
“Stephen knows where we are, doesn’t he?” she asked, dreading the answer, but knowing it.
Murphy ran his hand through his hair and made it stand on end. Normally she would have thought his hair too long, but on Murphy it was very appealing. It made him look rugged and untamed, especially with the five o’clock shadow. An exciting change from clean-cut, GQ style men with smooth hands and even smoother lines. The world she’d married into didn’t have real men. Murphy was a real man, strong, virile and potent. And to think she might have gone through life never knowing the difference.
“It’s a safe assumption,” he admitted.
Sara clamped a hand over her mouth. She’d known, yet it still hit her hard. “I have to go. I can’t stay here.”
She spun on shaky legs, ran into the bedroom, pulled her bags from the closet and tore open dresser drawers, spilling the contents of one in her haste. She had brought danger to Murphy’s doorstep and she could never forgive herself for it. If she left now, maybe she could save him from further trouble.
She’d been a fool to believe Stephen wouldn’t find them. Another stupid mistake that could very well get Murphy killed. She was such a fool. And she had done it again. Fallen for the fantasy. The knight in shining armor who would solve all her problems and take away her troubles. Murphy didn’t do it with charm and charisma, but with a scowl and gruff attitude. He was a knight just the same. And she had fallen for it hook, line and sinker. Now she’d put him in danger. Would she never learn?
Bras and panties spilled onto the floor. With a frustrated cry, she dropped to her knees and began picking them up. A hand landed on her shoulder and she looked up to see Murphy crouching beside her. He stilled her hands and cupped her chin.
“Sara,” he said in a soft, firm voice.
“I have to go,” she whispered in a voice that pleaded with him to understand.
“I know, but you have to slow down and take a breath before you hyperventilate.”
He was listening. Relief flooded her and she took a deep, calming breath. “Okay. I’m better now. I’m so glad you understand.”
He looked confused. “Understand?”
“That I have to leave now. I appreciate everything you’ve done for us. Thank you so much. I only wish I’d been able to repay you.”
A scowl replaced his confusion. “We’re leaving together, Sara.”
“What?”
“You’re not going anywhere alone.”
“Yes I am. I have to. I can’t ask you to leave your home for me.”
“You aren’t asking,” Murphy said darkly.
“And you aren’t going.”
She hadn’t made a stand about anything in a very long time, but this was important to her. She owed Murphy so much more than she could ever give and she wouldn’t let him endanger himself for her sake. He had done enough already. She met his eyes and tilted her chin up to support her stand. If she hadn’t been certain he wouldn’t hurt her, she would have retreated when she saw the thunderous expression on his face. Mercy, he was mad as a hornet, but it felt too damn good and she wasn’t backing down.
She’d spent too many years letting people bulldoze over her. Time to take back her life, and that began here.
“This isn’t the time to be spreading your wings,” he growled.
“It feels rather good.”
His eyes darkened to a pewter gray. “Sara,” he warned.
“No, Murphy, not this time. I will not have you put yourself in danger because of me. I have taken care of Abby and I until now and I’ll do it again. I could never forgive myself if Stephen hurt you.”
“Not going to happen. Now pack your things and try not to scare your daughter.”
Her eyes widened and she glanced over his shoulder to see Abby sitting up in bed with her head cocked and a puzzled expression on her face. Sara instantly pulled away from him and grabbed a pair of panties next to his boot so she could stuff it in her bag. Her face flamed when he handed her a pink lace bra. She snatched it off his finger and stuffed it away before rising to her feet and moving to join Abby.
“We’ll leave in the morning.” Murphy left the room.
Sara opened her mouth to correct him, but decided not to. He wouldn’t listen anyway. Stubborn man. She’d just have to prove it to him by slipping out while he slept. She’d done it before and if she could sneak out of a house protected by guards and a state-of-the-art security system, including cameras mounted on the walls surrounding the fortress and steel gates barricading the entrance, she could slip out of a cabin with a single lock on the front door.
She would do the right thing this time.
This wasn’t the ideal way to say goodbye, but he’d left her no
choice. One way or another she had to protect him from Stephen, and leaving him behind was the only way she knew. She would figure out what to do after she was gone.
With that in mind, she began to explain to her daughter, hoping someday Abby would forgive her for taking her away from the stoic man she had grown to love.
Chapter 10
Murphy cracked open an eye in time to see Sara tug Abby toward the front door. Early morning sunlight filtered through the window and the fire had burned down to embers, leaving a chill in the air. He readjusted his position on the sofa and watched her pull the little girl toward the door. Abby shook her head and dug in her heels.
Damn fool woman was trying to leave without him.
“Sara,” he said softly. She turned, her eyes wide when she noticed him lounging on the sofa. She stiffened and stopped tugging on Abby’s hand.
“Did you sleep there?” she accused.
Expecting her to make a run for it, he’d slept on the sofa. It had been damn uncomfortable with his feet hanging off the end, but no way would he let her run away from him. She’d done enough of that already.
Murphy swung his legs to the floor and ran his fingers through his hair. “Give me a minute to lock up and we’ll go.”
He rose from the sofa and walked into his bedroom before she could argue. If she decided to run anyway, he would catch her before she hit the drive, so he took only a minute to lock things up. He had packed their bags the night before, after dark. Sara stood where he’d left her, watching him as he secured the cabin.
“Why are you doing this?” she asked when he turned off the lights and nudged her toward the door.
Murphy's Law Page 10
