One to Save

by Tia Louise

  “I can’t wait to make that official.”

  Her expression is still agitated. “So what happens now?”

  “Nothing.”

  She pushes all the way to sitting, the sheet clutched under her arms. “You think you can get away with it?”

  “Sloan was in the wrong place committing a criminal act. Patrick’s theory is his handlers will sweep it under the rug, protect the shareholders and the Reynolds name from what was clearly happening when he was killed.”

  “What was clearly happening?” Her voice is so quiet, just above a whisper.

  “He was engaging in criminal activities with a prostitute.”

  Her eyes slide closed. “Star.” It’s not a question, and she doesn’t give me time to speak before continuing. “And you killed him.”

  We’re quiet a moment, and I can see her internal struggle. “What are you thinking?”

  She shakes her head slowly. “I never understood... I guess now I never will.”

  Catching her chin, I make her look at me. “Understand what?”

  “How he could be so duplicitous. Smooth. Seductive even. When we were engaged, he was completely different.” Her eyes shine with forming tears, and my stomach tightens. “For the longest time I stopped trusting myself, my ability to judge people.”

  I reach for her, smoothing her hair away from her beautiful cheek. A tear falls, and I touch it with my thumb. “You lived through hell.”

  She sniffs and wipes her cheeks roughly. “It was all a lie. He lied to me every day.” Taking my hand, she threads our fingers. Her strength shines in her eyes. “You helped me learn to trust myself again. I’m so lucky to have you.”

  “I’m pretty sure I’m the lucky one in this scenario.” She lifts her chin and smiles, and I kiss her hand. “I wanted to kill him for hurting you.”

  “Shh!” Pulling it away, she lightly touches my lips. “I’m always safe with you.”

  I’m ready to show her how much more than safe she is, how loved and appreciated she is as well, when her phone rings from the kitchen.

  “That’s Elaine with Dex.” She’s up and heading for it before I can do anything more.

  Sitting alone in our bed, my eyes drift past the light-olive colored walls, out the window and over the miles, over time, to that night. I can still hear the sounds of Star’s life being choked from her body, still feel the rage at the overwhelming knowledge that he’d touched Melissa that way. My jaw tightens, and I know I’d do it again. I’d kill him every time. Control be damned.

  Patrick’s right. We have to ride this out, track down whoever’s blackmailing Star, handle that asshole, and then put this case to rest.

  Melissa’s back. Her shirt’s over her head, and she goes to the dresser to pull out a fresh pair of panties. Red lace. I smile, thinking it’s only a few more hours until we’re back in bed together.

  “Elaine’s bringing Dex home, so you’d better get dressed.”

  Throwing back the covers, I stand and catch her by the hips, running my fingers under the elastic of her underwear. “I like where your head’s at with these.”

  She gives me a little grin and a quick peck on the lips. “Later, soldier. For now we have to get dressed.”

  I smile at her using Stuart’s and my favorite “diminutive.” It started when we’d first joined the Corps, and a civilian kept calling us soldier.

  My pants and boxer briefs are where I quickly discarded them earlier. “It’s not like Patrick and Elaine ever worry about being discreet,” I say, stepping into them.

  “Listen.” She stops in front of me, and I stand, pulling up my jeans. “I’m serious about what I said earlier. No more secrets.”

  Her blue eyes are so round and beautiful. I grab her by the waist, pulling her into a hug. Her hands rest on my bare chest. “No more secrets,” I repeat.

  “Promise me?”

  A slow kiss, a little nip on her bottom lip, and I meet her gaze. “I promise.”

  * * *

  The next day, Patrick and I are in my car speeding to Raleigh. He explains the latest in our evolving case as I weave us through the morning-commuter traffic.

  “Toni’s getting panicky. She wants us to find a safe place for Camille.”

  My teeth clench, tightening my lips as I think. “Did you explain to her that’s not something we’re prepared to do?”

  “Whoever this is knows exactly where the little girl goes to daycare, her schedule, everything.”

  “And we still don’t know what this fucking ‘friend’ wants?”

  “Toni seems to think he’s after you.”

  Silence fills the car. My eyes flick to my partner’s. “What the hell?”

  His face is dead serious. “Her last letter referenced ‘the big guy.’ Her idea is you’re the biggest guy connected to the case in every way—physically, financially, professionally...”

  “Then fucking come get me,” I growl. “Why go through her?”

  “Safety. Insurance.” Patrick releases a long exhale. “Our man’s smart, which is not good. Going directly to you will only get him killed.”

  “Damn straight it will.” Tightening my grip on the steering wheel, my thoughts go immediately to the ones I’ve left behind. “You should’ve told me this before we left today. Melissa and Dex are home, unprotected—”

  “I think they’re okay for now. I told Elaine to be aware of their surroundings, take precautions if she notices anything suspicious.”

  “You told Elaine?”

  “Of course.” His hazel eyes narrow at me. “You need to tell Melissa more than you do. She’s a tough chick.”

  “She’s a beautiful, smart woman.”

  “But you didn’t tell her about Toni.”

  “I’ll tell her when we have answers. I’d rather tell her our solution than our problem.” My promise to her yesterday lurks in the corner of my mind. “What makes you think they’re not in danger?”

  “Toni said the letter is very specific. She was too afraid to fax it. Doesn’t want it out of her possession in case he goes after Cammie.”

  “That’s not going to happen. This asshole’s not going after anyone.”

  Soon we’re pulling into the parking lot of the Skinniflute, the biker bar where Star works and where we’ve met on several occasions in the past.

  “I can’t believe she’s still at this dump,” I grumble as I lock my car.

  “Working her way through college.” Patrick’s dressed in his usual Skinniflute attire—faded blue jeans, a black tee, and combat boots. I’m in slacks and a thin navy sweater. I’m no fucking biker, and I don’t have to dress like one.

  “She could get a job in an office. Be a secretary or something respectable for a change.”

  He heads inside the all-wood establishment with neon beer ads shining in the windows, but I take a moment to text Mel.

  You okay?

  It only takes a moment for her to respond. The boys are hilarious. Just like little men. Wish you could see them.

  Me, too.

  Everything okay?

  I pause a moment, considering. So far nothing new.

  Working on the Nikki problem?

  Shit. I made this trip without telling her. And other things.

  Tell Patrick to call her. She loves him.

  I will.

  Check this out. A picture of Mel kneeling beside my little boy in a tiny tux appears on my phone, and my chest warms.

  I love you both.

  We love you more. Want us to stop by the office?

  No. We’ll talk tonight. Be safe, okay?

  This is Wilmington, babe. We’re good.

  I exhale deeply. I can’t believe some new asshole is threatening my family. He’d better be ready for the hell he’s inviting.

  It takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dim interior of the establishment. A few pool tables are situated in the back corner, and the usual cast of regulars in their faded jeans, leather vests, and bandanas are stationed around t
he center bar.

  Lylah, the other Amy-Winehouse-looking waitress, is hanging on the polished wood separating them laughing and talking trash. It’s just after noon on a Tuesday.

  We slide into a wooden booth and she calls back over her shoulder. “Toni! Got a couple of regulars in your section.”

  Toni, a.k.a., “Star,” walks out, and I’m surprised to see she hasn’t changed her look since the last time we saw her. Instead of the blood-red lipstick, jet-black hair, and white tank showing off her matching sleeve tattoos, she’s wearing a navy shirt-dress and leopard print cardigan. Her hair is smooth and hanging down her back in chestnut waves, and while she still has the cat-eye makeup, her lips are a pale shade of glossy pink. She’s a ringer for Melissa. It’s the look we used to trap Sloan. The only thing missing is my fiancée’s sapphire-blue eyes.

  “Thanks for driving up,” she says in her low smoker’s voice. “I know it’s a haul, but I didn’t know what else to do.”

  “No worries, girl,” Patrick steps forward and kisses her cheek. “You look great. How’s school treating you?”

  She slips in across from us and picks up a cardboard coaster. Lylah appears smacking gum and looking every bit the biker chick with her side ponytail, short shorts and tight tank. She’s still sporting the look—Priscilla Presley hair and red-velvet lips.

  “What can I get you fellas today? The usual?”

  “You bet.” Patrick drops a twenty on her tray. “And a little privacy.”

  Lylah’s eyebrows rise. “When have I ever been a concern?”

  Star cuts in. “Just get us the drinks, Lyle.”

  Her friend spins around and swings her hips back to the center of the room. I turn my attention to the woman in front of us. “Show us what you’ve got.”

  Her dark-brown eyes flicker slowly over mine, and her face flushes. I don’t know what that’s about, but she reaches into her sweater pocket. The letter is folded into a small square, and we watch as she spreads it open on the table then hands it to me.

  Ms. Durango,

  If you follow my instructions, your daughter will be safe, and you can return to your normal life. If you involve the authorities in any way, be sure my offer is null and void. I will make good on my threats.

  You have one task: Let the big guy know I’m coming for him. Let him know if he tries to run or retaliate in any way, you and your daughter will suffer for his crimes.

  It’s time to pay up, and revenge is a dish best served cold.

  Signed,

  A Friend

  Anger fires in my chest at the nerve of this fucker. “This is about money.”

  Star’s voice is soft. “It says revenge. And crimes.”

  She’s looking pointedly at me like all that bullshit means anything. I’m ready to punch whoever this is in the face for harassing a mother and her child.

  “It doesn’t make any damn sense,” Patrick interrupts. “I thought Sloan didn’t have any family left.”

  “His parents died years ago,” I say. “Melissa was his only wife as far as I know, and they never had children.”

  Leaning back in the seat, I try to think. “My job is putting criminals behind bars or turning bad guys over to the cops. It could be anybody.”

  Star’s doe eyes are round with worry. “What do we do?” She blinks and a tear falls. “I can’t have this asshole threating Cammie. She’s too little. She wouldn’t understand. She’d be so scared...”

  Her voice goes high, and I reach across the table to grasp her hand. “Look at me.” When I’ve got her attention, I put as much meaning behind my words as possible. “I won’t let anything happen to you or your daughter. I promise.”

  She blinks a few times, eyes glistening with unshed tears, but I can see her body start to relax. “I believe you. I do. I just wish...”

  Her voice trails off, and Patrick jumps in. “Has your daughter ever lived with you or has she always been with your sister?”

  “She’s always been with my sister.” Star’s voice drops a few decibels. “I’m no kind of mother for a little girl.”

  He sits back with a deep exhale. “Well, that fucks my plan.”

  “What are you thinking?” Patrick might color outside the lines, but he’s smart. He’s good at our job, and I’ve learned to trust him.

  “Your condo’s sitting empty in Princeton, right?” I nod, and he continues. “I was going to say Toni and Cammie can hide out there until we solve this. Stuart’s across the hall, and Walt won’t let anybody suspicious past him. The parking garage is secured... Unless it’s too stressful for the baby.”

  “It’s a good thing you’re so fucking smart, partner. Otherwise your screw-ups might be more noticeable.”

  Star looks from Patrick to me. “I don’t understand.”

  Patrick leans forward and smiles that ridiculous smile of his that makes women act like idiots. “How would you like to live like a queen with your little girl completely safe while we figure this shit out?”

  Her brow lines, and I almost laugh. She’s unaffected by his charm—probably because she’s already been there. “Can you be a little more specific?”

  He gestures to me. “This guy has a huge, two-bedroom penthouse condo in Princeton with a doorman, secure parking, and my Marine older brother right across the hall. I think you and Cammie should stay there until we’ve nailed this fucker. He’ll never know where you are, and if by some chance he figures it out, he’ll have three layers of security to get through.”

  Star’s eyes flicker to me again, and a note of relief is in her voice. “You’d let me stay at your place?”

  “Of course. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself. You’re in this situation because of me. This idiot wants me. It only makes sense.”

  “Okay, then!” She actually smiles, and relief shines in her eyes. “I’ll call Nan and see if I can get the baby tomorrow...? Is that too soon?”

  “Not at all.” I give her a reassuring smile. “Go home and pack. I’m sure you’re worried about your daughter.”

  Her eyes flood again, and she jumps out of her seat, rounding the table and giving me a tight, unexpected hug. I lightly touch her waist as the scent of honeysuckle drifts around us.

  “Thank you so much.” Her voice cracks.

  Star might be a tough girl, but her Achilles is Cammie. Having Dex has shown me the power of children. They can bring even the hardest characters to their knees.

  “I gave you my word. I’m going to fix this.”

  * * *

  On the drive back to Wilmington, my thoughts are preoccupied with what this asshole wants from me, and how I can find him so I can rip his dick off and shove it up his ass. Patrick’s preoccupied with his smartphone, and it reminds me of my text chat with Melissa.

  “That was a smart move with Star,” I say, catching his attention. “I’m glad you thought of it.”

  “It just came to me as we were sitting there.” He exhales a laugh. “I’m glad you’re not pissed I volunteered your place without asking.”

  “Nah, it was good.” Pausing a beat, I continue to our “other business.” “You had a chance to talk to Nikki?”

  He nods, looking back at his phone. “Seems Captain Asshat is also Captain Hypocrite. He fucked her.”

  That makes me wince. “Shit. When?”

  “The night before he pulled out last time.”

  Fuck. My grip tightens on the steering wheel. “I can’t believe he’d screw up like that.”

  “Ah, give him a break.” My younger partner stretches in his seat. “He never planned to come back from Saudi.” We’re quiet a moment, and my thoughts go to how messed up Stuart was when he did come back.

  Patrick breaks the moment with a laugh. “So I’m officially off the hook. At least my office fuck-up was also a set-up.”

  “I’m glad you’re both on a leash now. Makes my job easier.”

  “I am a happily married man. That is the truth.”

  “As if we don’t have en
ough shit going on.” I grumble. “Is she going to sue us?”

  “No fucking way. It was consensual—apparently very consensual. It’s why I never made any progress with her. She was hoping to get back in his pants when he came home. Ahhnd now she can’t work with him.”

  “So she’s pissed about Mariska?” Jealousy is a fucking nightmare to deal with. I rub my brow, trying to think. “I don’t have time to train somebody new.”

  “I thought you hated Nikki.” His laugh irritates me.

  “She’s a terrible secretary, but at least we know her weaknesses.” Filtering through my options, I land on one. “Maybe if I talked to her...”

  “Won’t work. This is more than simple jealousy. She pulled some stunt in Montana, got Stuart all riled up, ran Mariska off. She said she’s too humiliated to stay.”

  “What kind of teenage drama is this?”

  “Don’t yell at me. I tried to keep her out of their way.”

  Frustration twists in my chest. I’ve got a fucking psycho threatening Star and now the Princeton office is a circus. “I’ll talk to Stuart and see what he thinks.”

  “It’s possible if I asked her to stay, told her we need her, the office can’t run without her—”

  “Just hold off on that. I don’t want to make any false claims.”

  He chuckles as we’re pulling into the parking lot of his and Elaine’s condo. “I’ll run more background checks on Sloan tonight. See if he has any nutjob relatives we overlooked.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see if I can come up with anything.”

  “You might try talking to Melissa about it. She was married to the guy.”

  That reminder burns my chest. “Yeah, we’ll see.”

  My eyes flicker over Patrick’s shoulder as I pull out, and I catch Elaine standing in the doorway. She’s watching me with a worried expression that bothers me, and I drive a little faster than legal to get home. Patrick should have told me this case had gotten so specific. I never would have left Wilmington today if I’d known.

  Quickly killing the car in our driveway, I hustle up to the door when I see something that slows my pace. Three large black suitcases and my duffel bag are stacked on the porch. My eyes travel over the house, and I can see the flicker of the television through the sheer blinds in the kitchen. Melissa and Dex are here, but clearly something’s wrong.