Brody

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  Madilyn choked back a sob and then let go. She sobbed on his shoulder. The terror she felt was unreal. “I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

  “I know, baby. I know.” Brody sighed. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

  Madilyn couldn’t stop crying. She’d never been as terrified of anything as she was of this. Wilson Delgado, who wanted to kill her and she knew he’d stop at nothing to achieve his goal. He hated Brody and making him suffer was all he wanted. She pulled back from Brody and placed her palm on his cheek.

  “I don’t want him to hurt you either,” she whispered.

  “As much as I hate saying this, I have to. He isn’t worried about killing me. Getting to you will be his way of hurting me. He won’t kill me. He knows taking you from me will be as if he put a gun to my head and pulled the trigger.”

  Madilyn stared at him as tears rolled down her cheeks. “We have to be careful of everything. Everywhere we go, we have to be alert. As Sam said, we can’t let our guard down.” She leaned forward and kissed him. “I love you so much, Brody.”

  “I love you too, Maddie. I always have and I always will.” He stood. “Now let’s go home.”

  Madilyn nodded and started her car. She watched Brody go back to his truck and get in. Once she heard the engine start, she pulled out and sighed with relief when he pulled out behind her. She felt immensely better when she pulled into the driveway and up to the back of the house.

  Chapter Ten

  Brody walked toward her car and stood beside it as she opened the door. She was so pale it worried him. He had to get her inside and protect her. He’d die before he let Delgado get to her. Living without her wasn’t going to happen. For five years, he’d lived without her and thought of her every day, now with her back in his life, he’d be damned if anyone was going to take her away from him.

  He smiled at her as she clutched his arm. Brody’s eyes scanned the yard then came back to her. “I want you to get back in your car and lock the door. I want to check the house. Do not get out of the car. Blow the horn if you see anything out of place or if someone comes up to the car. If I’m not back in fifteen minutes, leave and call Sam. Don’t argue with me, Maddie. Do as I say.”

  Madilyn’s gaze swiftly roamed the yard. “Did you see something?” she asked.

  “No but I want to check the house before we both go in. Please, just listen to me.”

  She nodded and got into the car and locked the door. Brody gave a terse nod and moved toward the house. Taking his weapon from his holster, he entered the house. It was just a feeling he had. He wasn’t sure what it was yet but there was no way Madilyn was entering the house until he checked it out. With his gun held in front of him, he slowly walked through the kitchen and into the living room. Call it a cop’s intuition but he had a feeling someone had been there. He moved down the hallway and into each bedroom, opening closet doors. Nothing was amiss. The feeling of someone being there intensified when he entered his bedroom. He quickly opened the closet doors, encountering no one.

  Brody sighed and put his gun in his holster. No one was there now but he knew someone had been. He quickly walked to the front door and checked the lock, but it didn’t look as if it’d been tampered with. The back door was good, too. He signaled for Madilyn to come in and watched as she practically ran to him, throwing herself into his arms.

  “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.” He told her over and over. Her body shook as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Brody kissed the top of her head. “Come on. Let’s go into the living room so you can rest. He shook you to the core. You need to relax.”

  “Don’t leave me,” she pleaded.

  “Never, darlin’. I’ll never leave you again.” Brody led her to the living room and helped her take a seat on the couch. “Why don’t you lie down?”

  “Will you stay here?”

  “Yes, I’ll just sit over there and watch television. I won’t go anywhere. I promise.”

  Madilyn lay down and closed her eyes while he took a seat in the chair and picked up the remote. He still couldn’t shake the feeling someone had been in the house.

  * * * *

  Two weeks passed with nothing happening. No phone calls from Delgado and no sight of the man from the party. It was as if they’d disappeared. Madilyn wasn’t as jumpy as she was weeks ago. She’d even suggested to Brody that Delgado had given up and moved on.

  “He probably got tired of waiting for us to be alone somewhere,” she said to him.

  Brody shook his head. “You don’t know him like I do. He won’t give up. Something probably came up and he had to leave for a while. He’ll show up.”

  “You don’t know—”

  “I do know, Madilyn.” Brody wrapped his fingers around her biceps. “I’m sorry but I know him. He’s evil and once he gets an idea in his head, he won’t let go. He’s ruthless. Please don’t think he’s gone or won’t come back if he is. I can’t have you thinking you’re safe until we get him on something and lock him away. Tell me you won’t do anything foolish.”

  Madilyn agreed with him but now since nothing had happened at all, she was convinced Delgado was gone and wouldn’t return. He’d seen he couldn’t get to her so he left. She continued to tell herself this for days. People came into the shop and wandered around while Madilyn stood at the counter. Kaitlyn was in the office working on shipments. When Sam entered the shop, Madilyn felt the blood drain from her face. She was always afraid Sam was there to tell her Brody was injured or worse. Anytime she saw Sam enter the shop, she was so afraid he was there to give her bad news.

  “Madilyn…” Sam stopped at the counter and reached into his pocket. “Is this the man who spoke to you at the party?” He handed her a sheet of paper with a man’s picture on it.

  She gasped when she saw it. “Yes, that’s him. Where did you get this?”

  “Mark pulled him over for drunk driving last night. As soon as I saw him this morning, I thought he fit the description you gave.” Sam folded the paper and stuck it in his pocket. “I did some background checking on him and he’s a known associate of Delgado. There’s a warrant on him so I can keep him until Butte sends someone to get him. I just wanted to see if it was the man who spoke to you.”

  Madilyn grinned up at him. “I’m so glad he’s in jail. Does Brody know?”

  “Yes. He wanted to tell you but he’s out on a traffic accident.” Sam smiled at her. “You two can celebrate later.” He chuckled when Madilyn’s cheeks turned pink. “Where’s Katie?”

  “In the office working up orders. I’ve never seen her so happy, Sam. She loves owning the shop. The new sign will be up tomorrow.” Madilyn grinned. Kaitlyn had changed the name to Katie’s Florist and Greenhouse.

  Sam shook his head and grinned. “She’s very happy. Did she rope you into helping her move this weekend too?”

  Madilyn nodded. “Of course and had me ask Brody too.” She laughed. “I don’t mind helping. I’m thrilled to death for her.”

  “Me too. Well, I’d better get back to the office before Betty Lou sends out the National Guard.”

  Madilyn burst out laughing. “She would, too. I’ll tell Katie you stopped by and thanks for showing me the picture, Sam. Have a great day. Mine just got better.”

  “Doesn’t mean to drop your guard. Until we have Delgado, be on your toes.”

  Madilyn nodded. “Yes, sir.”

  “Smart ass,” Sam muttered as he strolled away.

  Madilyn chuckled as she watched him go out the door. Two women coming in stopped to stare at him. They watched him saunter away before coming inside. Madilyn smiled at them.

  “Can I help you ladies with something in particular?”

  “I’ll take one of those,” one woman said, pointing toward Sam.

  Madilyn burst out laughing. “I can’t help you with that but anything in here, I can.”

  The women sighed and laughed. Kaitlyn came from the back and stood beside Madilyn.

  “These women were int
erested in your brother,” Madilyn teased.

  Kaitlyn snorted and gazed at the women. “I doubt if Sam will ever settle down.”

  “Oh, honey, I don’t want to marry him,” the woman said.

  Kaitlyn and Madilyn laughed. The women headed for the greenhouse. “What was Sam doing here? Is everything all right?” Madilyn explained why Sam had stopped by. Kaitlyn grinned at her. “That’s great. One bad man down and one to go. I think Sam and Brody will get Delgado before too much longer. Then we can all go back to normal. Whatever that is.”

  Madilyn nodded and headed toward the greenhouse to see if anyone needed help. She couldn’t keep the smile from her face as she thought about the man being in jail and not getting out anytime soon. The state of Wyoming would send someone to pick him up from Butte and fly him back. She wondered what the warrant was for but hoped it kept him in jail for quite a while. The thought of him getting out and coming back to Clifton was something Madilyn refused to think about. All that needed done now was for Delgado to be caught for killing his wife. She shivered although the heat in the greenhouse was stifling.

  Most of the people were just walking around. It was too hot to be out there for a long time. Madilyn moved back into the air-conditioned foyer. Kaitlyn stood at the counter waiting on a customer. She raised an eyebrow at Madilyn.

  “It’s so hot out there. I just needed a break.”

  “No problem. I wasn’t reprimanding you, I was just wondering if you were all right.”

  Madilyn laughed. “You are the boss, though.”

  “Pffft. Please, we’ve been together for five years, we aren’t employer employee, we’re friends who work together.” Kaitlyn smiled at her then smiled at the customer. “I’m sorry. Let’s get you a beautiful bouquet.”

  Madilyn headed back toward the break room to get some water. It was unbearably hot today but she felt sick earlier in the morning so it couldn’t really be the heat. She lifted the bottle to her lips and froze. Oh no! Was it possible? Pregnant? She ran her hand over her flat stomach and then headed for the office to look at the calendar. When was her last period? Madilyn sat at the desk and spun the chair around to face the calendar behind the desk. She counted the days since her last period. She wasn’t due for another week.

  She blew out a relieved breath. It was just the heat. She wanted a baby with Brody but not yet. They just found each other again and she wanted to wait a while before having a baby. She jumped when Kaitlyn cleared her throat from the doorway. Madilyn glanced up to her.

  “Are you all right? I know I just asked you a few minutes ago, but I want to make sure.”

  “I’m fine Katie. It’s just the heat.” Madilyn sighed. “I thought for a moment I could be pregnant but I’m pretty sure I’m not.”

  Kaitlyn tilted her head. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m not due until next week, so I’ll know for sure. I felt sick this morning but never thought anything of it until the heat was making me feel sick. Thing is, in the five years I’ve worked here, the heat’s never made me sick before and it’s been hotter than this.”

  “I think you need to pick up a pregnancy test to make sure,” Kaitlyn said softly.

  “Oh, I can’t. If I go in the pharmacy and pick one up, it’ll be all over town I’m pregnant.” Madilyn shook her head. “Brody would hear about it before I’d even have a chance to take the test. Another week isn’t going to make a difference.”

  Kaitlyn sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

  Madilyn nodded. “Katie, you know how this town is. Do you remember when Olivia went into the pharmacy to get a test for Emma? The entire town had Olivia pregnant by at least five guys, even though she’s never been with any of them.”

  “Yes. Poor Liv. But I hear where you’re coming from. The gossip in this town is amazing. Though sometimes it isn’t gossip, it’s the truth. I wish I would’ve listened. I never would’ve married Kevin and put myself through the pain.”

  Madilyn put her arm around her. “But you also wouldn’t have this shop now. So, it turned out just fine for you and you’re going to have a beautiful baby.”

  Kaitlyn beamed. “I am. But you know what? I’d still have the baby even without the shop. The shop is a bonus. It still amazes me Kevin had me as beneficiary. We took the policies out right after we married but I thought he’d change it to his slut.”

  Madilyn burst out laughing. “I can’t believe you said that.”

  Kaitlyn laughed. “Why not? It’s what she was.” She sobered. “I’m sorry I shouldn’t speak ill of the dead but I don’t like cheaters.”

  “I’m with you there.” Madilyn headed toward the door. “I’m going to run over to the apartment and get some more clothes.

  “No. Madilyn, you’re not supposed to go anywhere alone.”

  “The man’s in jail, Katie, and I don’t believe Delgado’s still around and even if he is, he won’t grab me. He has other people doing his dirty work. It’s not far and I’ll be right back. I promise.” Madilyn hugged her then left.

  She drove her car to the complex since the heat was so bad. She parked and ran up the stairs to her apartment. As she unlocked her door and pushed it open, someone put a cloth over her mouth. She struggled as she felt herself losing consciousness then everything went black.

  * * * *

  Brody left the Sheriff’s Department at lunchtime and headed for his ranch. He entered his home and laid his Smith and Wesson 9mm on the counter. He turned toward the refrigerator to make a sandwich when he froze in his tracks. A red rose lay on the table. That was Delgado’s M.O., his method of operation. He’d sent Brody a red rose to remind him of Abby once a month on the anniversary of her death. It was her favorite flower. Brody told Holt about it but that was another dead end. It couldn’t be proven it was from Delgado. Son of a bitch! What did it mean this time? He slowly moved toward it but didn’t touch it. He started to shake. It was a message and Brody prayed it didn’t mean what he thought it did.

  Reaching for his cell phone, he dialed Madilyn’s number and got her voicemail. He called the shop but Kaitlyn told him Madilyn left two hours ago since she wanted to pack more clothes. Brody swore. What did she think she was doing, going to her apartment alone? Brody picked up his weapon and ran outside to his truck. He drove like a lunatic to get to Madilyn’s apartment. He ran up the steps and pounded on her door. There was no answer. He used the key she’d given him and entered her apartment. It was eerily quiet.

  “Madilyn,” he shouted as he went from room to room. He entered her bedroom and sat on the bed. Brody knew Delgado had her. Brody reached into his pocket for his cell phone when he noticed a piece of paper on the nightstand beside the bed. He leaned over and read it.

  How does it feel to lose the woman you love?

  Brody stared at the note until his eyes blurred. He called Sam.

  “Delgado has Maddie,” he said when Sam answered.

  “How do you know?”

  While Sam listened, Brody explained about the red rose and the note he found.

  “Don’t touch anything. I’m on my way,” Sam told him.

  Brody hung up but he knew there would be no evidence Delgado had been there. He was too good at getting in and out no matter what the situation. Whether it be taking something from someone or murder, he knew how to cover his tracks. He was too smart and that scared Brody more than anything did.

  A few minutes later, Sam arrived and dusted for fingerprints.

  “You won’t find any. He’s good,” Brody told Sam.

  Sam glanced at him. “I still have to do it.” Sam straightened and narrowed his eyes at Brody. “Why didn’t you tell me every damn detail, including the rose, which you failed to mention?”

  “I’d forgotten about it until I saw it. You might want to dust for prints at my place too.”

  “Is the rose still there?”

  Brody nodded. “I didn’t touch it. As soon as I saw it, I called Maddie. When she didn’t answer, I called Katie then came here when Kat
ie told me Maddie had left two hours ago to pick up clothes. She wasn’t supposed to leave the shop without me.” He paced. “Christ, Sam. That bastard will kill her just to torment me.”

  “We’ll find her. He’ll get in touch with you.”

  “I don’t think so. I think he’ll just kill her.” Brody ran his fingers through his hair. “I have to find her. I can’t lose her again.”

  Sam nodded. “I’m sure he’ll call to tell you he has her if only to play with you. We’ll put a tap on your phone but if he’s as smart as you say he is, he won’t stay on there long enough to let us home in on him. But if he uses a cell phone to call you, we can narrow his location down by the tower it pings off.”

  “I just hope he calls,” Brody muttered.

  Sam moved around to dust for fingerprints while Brody paced. Once Sam finished, Brody drove to the ranch with Sam following him. They went inside the house and Sam took pictures of the rose lying on the table. Then he began dusting for fingerprints. He shook his head when he finished.

  “I don’t think we’re going to get anything. There’s nothing on the rose stem, or petals, and the note is clean, too. You’re right, he’s smart.”

  “He’ll kill her, Sam, just to hurt me. He won’t do anything to me. He told Maddie about this being payback. Although I didn’t kill Abby, he blames me that she’s dead.”

  “We’ll do what we can to find her.” Sam sighed. “Too much shit going on in this little town lately.”

  “I know. Maddie told me about Jake and Becca then Gabe and Emma. What happened to the sleepy little town where nothing ever happened?”

  Sam shook his head. “I wish I knew. The only trouble back when we were younger was us.”

  Brody smiled. “The bunch of us sure raised hell.” He sobered. “I have to find her, Sam.”

  “I should notify MEPA, missing and endangered person advisory.”

  “I’d rather not notify anyone yet. Let’s see if he calls me first. If you notify MEPA, the media gets involved. He’ll kill her for sure,” Brody told him.