Brody

by Susan Fisher-Davis

  “Get up. We’re moving right after I call Morgan. I think I’ve let him stew enough for the past few days,” Delgado told her.

  Madilyn sighed and sat up. She wiped the tears away, refusing to let him see her fear. She stared up at him. “What does it matter if I see where you take me? You’re going to kill me.”

  “I’m not taking any chances with you. You’ve already tried getting away once.”

  “Yes and you told me you’d kill me if I tried again. Which makes no sense since you tell me you’re going to kill me anyway.” She shook her head.

  “I don’t have to make sense to you. All I have to do is get Morgan in a position to see me kill you.”

  “Then you’ll let him go?”

  Delgado laughed. “I really don’t think I can. I know damn well he’ll come after me. No matter where I’d go, I’d be looking over my shoulder and I don’t want to do that.”

  “But you said you wanted him to suffer by killing me. You lied the entire time,” Madilyn’s voice rose.

  “I was going to let him live, but I don’t want him looking for me.”

  Madilyn shook her head, confused. “He’s not going to suffer at all then. You just want to kill us both.”

  “He’ll suffer when he sees you die. I’m going to let him live for a while, just to watch the pain he’s in. Just like the pain I was in when I watched the woman I love die.”

  “You had her killed!” Madilyn shouted.

  Delgado strode over to her and put his face close to hers. “It doesn’t matter,” he said through clenched teeth. “My wife died because she was fucking your man and he’s going to pay for it.” He pushed her back onto the bed. “If I wanted to be really horrible, I’d rape you, but I’m not into that.”

  “Thank God for small favors,” she muttered as she glanced at his fly.

  “You can say whatever you like. You’ll be…” The ringing of his cell phone interrupted him. “What is it?” He listened to the caller then laughed. “Fantastic. What? Of course you can kick his ass, just don’t kill him.” He hung up and laughed. “It seems my man has Morgan. He’s going to teach him a little lesson about fucking with another man’s wife, and then you and I are going to take a ride.”

  * * * *

  The water thrown on his face woke him up. He coughed and spit the water out. A burly guy stood in front of him. Brody blinked the water from his eyes and glared up at him.

  “Wake up, pretty boy,” the man laughed.

  “Fuck you.”

  The man burst out laughing. “I want you to wake up so I can kick your ass.”

  Brody pulled against the ropes holding his hands. “How about untying me, and we’ll see who does the ass kicking.”

  “I can’t do that. I have to take you somewhere when I get a phone call.”

  Brody grinned. “You’re afraid I can kick your ass.” He grunted when the man slammed his fist into his jaw. Brody spit blood out. “It’s pretty fucking bad you have to have a man tied up so you can beat him up. Untie me you asshole.” His head snapped back when he took a shot to the chin.

  “Keep talking. All you’re doing is pissing me off. I’m not stupid enough to untie you.”

  “But you are some stupid.”

  “What the fuck do you mean?” The man fisted his hand in Brody’s hair and pulled his head back.

  “I mean you’re a stupid motherfucker—” A fist to his cheek stopped him. Brody could feel his eye swelling shut.

  “I can do this all day. Just keep talking.”

  Brody tilted his head forward and spit more blood out. He slowly raised his head and glared up at the guy. “You might be able to do it all day with me tied to a chair but you untie me and we’ll see just how long you can.”

  “Shut up.” He threw a fist at Brody’s face, snapping his head back.

  Brody kept his head back trying to catch his breath and figure out how to get out of this. He heard the cell phone ring and listened as the man answered it. He spoke in low tones then hung up.

  “Looks like we’re going for a ride.” He walked toward Brody and cut the ropes binding him to the chair. “Get up.” He wrapped his hand around Brody’s arm and pulled him up from the chair. Brody put his head down and tackled the man. They both tumbled to the floor. Brody sat up, straddling the man. His fists pounded into the man’s face.

  “Tell me where we’re going,” Brody demanded.

  “Go to hell.” The man’s fist connected with Brody’s jaw, knocking him onto his back. The man jumped up and ran toward him. Brody was ready for him as he kicked his foot out and caught the man in the groin. He doubled over. Brody got to his feet and punched the man in the kidneys.

  “You’re going to take me where you’re supposed to.” Brody took the man’s gun from inside his jacket and aimed it at him. “Get up. We’re leaving.”

  “Delgado will kill me.”

  “I’ll kill you if you don’t take me or tell me,” Brody growled. “I know he wants me to watch him kill Madilyn, so tell me now and I’ll let you live.”

  The man laughed. “You won’t kill me. If you do, you’ll never find her.”

  “You’re right.” Brody nodded. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t shoot you until you do.”

  The man’s eyes widened. “You can’t do that.”

  “Try me,” Brody said quietly. When the man didn’t say anything, Brody pointed the gun at his leg. “Now.”

  “All right. All right. I’m supposed to meet him at an abandoned warehouse outside of town.”

  Brody knew the warehouse he was talking about. It had been a sawmill, at one time. He nodded. “Come on. We’re going to the sawmill, and you’re going to let Delgado think you’ve got me. I will have this gun pointed at your head at all times and once I call the sheriff, he’ll have a rifle on you.” Brody grinned. “Trust me, the sheriff won’t hesitate to take you out. Now, let’s go.”

  Brody got into the back of the car and kept the gun on the man as he drove toward the warehouse. Brody called Sam to let him know what was going on. Sam told him he was on his way. When they pulled up to the warehouse, the man got out and opened the back door. Brody stepped out.

  “Remember what I said. I’ll kill you in a heartbeat.” Brody walked in front of him. “Make any sudden move or try to let Delgado know and I’ll turn around and shoot you. Understand?”

  “Yes,” the man muttered.

  They slowly entered the warehouse. Brody stopped to let his eyes adjust and he almost ran forward when he saw Madilyn on her knees in front of Delgado. He stood behind her with a gun pointed at the back of her head and a grin on his face as he saw Brody.

  “The time has finally arrived for my revenge.” Delgado laughed.

  Madilyn’s hands were bound behind her back and tape over her mouth. Tears streaked down her cheeks. Brody wanted to rush toward her and take her in his arms. He stared at her. When her eyes met his, she glared at him. What the hell? Then it came to him. She believed the lie he’d told Delgado.

  “It was a lie, Maddie,” he told her and watched as her eyes widened. Then she closed them tightly as tears squeezed through them.

  “What are you talking about, Morgan?” Delgado demanded.

  “I never knew Abby was married. It was a lie I told you so you wouldn’t kill her before you and I met up. Abby lied to both of us, Delgado. She hid it well. Think about it. She hid things from you too. She was seeing me for six months. How many months did she lie to you before you found out?”

  “Shut up,” Delgado yelled.

  “You can’t accept the fact your wife lied to you, cheated on you, and God knows what else behind your back. You’re blaming me for her death when I had nothing to do with it. Why do you think she cheated? You made her miserable, you piece of shit. She was happy with me and that just tears you up. Someone else made your wife happy. Not you.”

  “Shut up!” Delgado’s face was red with anger.

  Brody tried to get Madilyn’s attention but she wouldn’t loo
k at him. He wanted to let her know to be ready to move.

  “The truth hurts, doesn’t it, Delgado? Your wife was in love with me. Did you know she told me she’d leave you to run away with me?” Madilyn looked over at him. Brody’s eyes caught hers. “She wanted to go wherever I wanted her to. Abby was willing to run when I told her.” He almost sighed with relief at the slight nod of her head.

  “You filled her head with lies. Do you know how much she pleaded for her life? She begged. She swore you were only friends.”

  “What does that tell you? She lied up until the end. To you and me both. Why don’t you just let us go and move on?”

  “I’m going to kill you both. It will make me feel so much better.” Delgado shoved the gun against Madilyn’s head.

  Brody glanced around then back to Delgado. “You’ll go to prison or die here.”

  Delgado laughed. “I’m not going to do either. After I kill your woman, Gus will kill you while I’m heading for Canada.”

  “Now you see, that’s where you’re wrong.” Brody glanced over his shoulder. “Isn’t that right, Gus?”

  Brody watched Delgado’s eyes go to the man behind Brody then back to him. “I pay him enough not to do anything stupid. You don’t have enough money in the world to get him to betray me.”

  “Maybe not, but I do have his gun. Maddie, run!” Brody shouted as he shot at Delgado. He felt Gus’s hand grab onto his shoulder as Delgado fired back. Blood splattered his face as the bullet hit Gus between the eyes. Brody spun around and fired at Delgado again.

  “Maddie! Get out of here.” He fired his gun to where Delgado was hiding. “Now!” He watched her run out the door and then ducked when Delgado shot at him. “Give it up, Delgado. You’re surrounded.”

  “Fuck you! I’ll die first.”

  “I don’t have a problem with that,” Brody mumbled. He saw Delgado stand and aim his weapon toward him when his body jerked and he fell to the floor. Brody slowly made his way toward him and stared down at Delgado lying in a puddle of blood flowing from his shoulder. “Looks like it’s going to be prison.”

  Delgado moaned and stared up at him. “Why didn’t you just kill me?”

  “I would have if I’d been the one to shoot you. I believe it was the sheriff who shot you.” Brody shook his head. “He knew I’d kill you if I had the chance.” Brody stared down at him. “Damn you, Sam.” Brody called him. “Get an ambulance and the coroner. You got Delgado in the shoulder.” Brody laughed as he listened to Sam on the phone. “Of course I’m disappointed you only wounded him.” Brody glanced down at Delgado. “If he tries to run I’ll shoot to kill.” He turned toward the door when it opened. Madilyn came running toward him. He caught her in his arms and slowly removed the tape from her mouth.

  “I’m so sorry,” she cried.

  “For what?” He asked as he untied her hands.

  “Letting him get me.”

  “Oh yeah. You and I are going to have a talk about that.” Brody pressed his lips to hers. “I could’ve lost you.” He tried to deepen the kiss as her arms moved around his neck but it hurt too much.

  “I’m also sorry I doubted you. When I heard you tell him you lied about knowing she was married, I should’ve realized it was a trick. I’m so sorry. I believe you.”

  When the door opened, Brody moved her behind him, and then he sighed when he saw Sam enter. “Please tell me you missed when you shot Delgado.”

  Sam huffed. “I don’t miss. I hit him exactly where I aimed.”

  “Damn it,” Brody muttered. “I suppose him sitting in prison will have to do.”

  Sam nodded and glanced at Madilyn. “Are you all right? Did they hurt you in any way?”

  “I’m fine, Sam. I just want to go home.”

  “You’ll need to come to the department to make a statement. It can wait until tomorrow. You need some rest. I’m sure you haven’t had much lately.”

  “Thank you, Sam. I am tired.” Madilyn gazed at Brody. “You look terrible.”

  “He had me tied to a chair and hit me. I’ll be fine.” Brody winced when Madilyn put her fingers to his busted lip and then his swollen eye.

  “I know,” she whispered.

  The paramedics came through the door with a stretcher and headed toward Delgado. He shouted out in pain as they lifted him. Brody grinned. “Damn shame you’re in such pain, Delgado.”

  “I’ll get out and kill you, Morgan,” Delgado shouted.

  “Threatening an officer of the law, Delgado?” Sam stepped forward. “There’s some added charges.” He glanced at the paramedics. “Get him out of here. Deputy Mark Shaw will follow you and stay posted outside the room.”

  “Do you think he’ll get out of going to prison?” Madilyn asked.

  “Not a chance in hell, baby. He’s going away for a long time. We’re free of him.” Brody hugged her to him. “Let’s go home.”

  “Do you need to go to the hospital, Brody?”

  “No, I’m fine. We’re going home, Maddie. I want to sleep for about a week.”

  She laughed. “Me too.” Madilyn wrapped her arm around his waist as he put his arm around her shoulder. They told Sam goodbye and headed out the door to go home.

  When Brody pulled up to the back door, they both sat in the car not moving. He reached his hand over to her. “Are you really all right, Maddie?”

  She nodded. “I am now. I’m so glad to be home and with you.”

  “Come here.” Brody whispered. She slid across the seat and Brody pulled her across his lap. He laid his forehead against hers. “We’re fine now. He’ll never hurt us again.”

  Madilyn’s fingers ran lightly over his busted lip. “I’m so sorry they did this to you.”

  He tried to smile but it hurt too much. “It’ll heal. All of it will heal and we’re going to move on with our lives. I love you, baby. We’re going to get married and raise our babies here.”

  “Yes. I want that so much.” A tear rolled down her cheek. Brody caught it with his finger. “I wish Sam would’ve killed him, though.”

  “Sam goes by the book. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he’d killed Delgado for the hell of it. Although, I’m sure Sam wanted to.”

  “I didn’t know Sam was so good with a rifle. I’ve never heard of him shooting. I remember he had Wyatt Stone shoot the man in the church tower at Becca and Jake’s reception.”

  “Sam told me about it. He had to try to talk the guy down. He knew Wyatt could take the shot and not kill him.” Brody shook his head. “I’d hate to choose between the two of them who’s better. Let’s go inside and get some rest. A shower sounds good right about now.”

  She nodded and slid across the seat. They went inside and headed for the bathroom. Brody took her hands in his and gazed into her eyes. “I want you so much but I’m exhausted.”

  Madilyn smiled up at him. “We have all the time in the world now, deputy. Let’s shower and take a nap. Maybe when we wake up…” She shrugged.

  Brody chuckled. “You got a deal.” They took a shower and then slept.

  * * * *

  Two hours later, Madilyn woke up and glanced over to Brody to see he was still sleeping. Slowly crawling from the bed, she made her way across the room when her gaze fell on his utility belt laying across the chair. Quickly glancing at him again, she reached for the handcuffs on the belt and removed them. She tiptoed back to the bed and crawled up his body softly so as not to disturb him. Madilyn slowly raised his arms to above his head and handcuffed him to the headboard. Sitting up to straddle him, she ran her fingernails down his chest. He jerked awake.

  “Maddie? What are you doing?” he asked in a sleepy voice.

  “I’m putting you under house arrest, Deputy Morgan.” She laughed softly.

  “What…” He tried to move his hands but glanced above his head to see them handcuffed. He narrowed his eyes at her. “Just what do you think you’re doing, Madilyn?”

  Madilyn grinned down at him. “Payback’s a bitch, Brody.” S
he laughed when he pulled at the handcuffs.

  “Un-cuff me,” he growled.

  “No.” She leaned down and kissed him. “I won’t hurt you. I’ll be gentle,” she whispered against his lips.

  “Madilyn…” His plea ended on a groan when she ran her tongue down his neck to his chest. “I want to touch you.”

  Madilyn sat up. “It seems I wanted the same thing when you had me in this, uh…predicament, and you didn’t listen. Just relax, baby. I’ll take care of you.” She kissed her way down his chest to his nipples and ran her tongue over them. He squirmed.

  “Damn it. Take these off me,” he groaned.

  She laughed. “No. I’ve got you where I want you, Brody Morgan.”

  “You’ve always had me where you wanted me,” Brody said.

  “Telling me things like that will not grant your freedom. I intend to have my way with you.” She smiled against his stomach when he growled low in his throat. Madilyn felt his erection under the sheet as she straddled him. She pulled the sheet back, wrapped her hand around him, and kissed the head, making him hiss out a breath. Her mouth moved down the length of him and back up, taking him deep into her mouth. She sucked on him and ran her tongue around the head. His hips rose up off the bed. His groans encouraged her.

  * * * *

  Brody’s hands jerked against the handcuffs. Damn it! She was killing him. When her tongue ran down the length to his balls, he growled. He refused to beg. Hell, he needed to beg.