Debbie’s focus shifted from admiring the house to ogling Derek’s biceps. “I just love a man who takes charge. Anything you say, Detective.”
Merry watched a hint of red creep into Derek’s cheeks. She turned and opened the gate, a sly grin on her lips.
There’s hope yet, Deb. Keep working your mojo.
***
By four p.m., the van was empty and the house crammed full. Since the square footage was almost half of her other place, the rooms were quite a bit smaller, so her belongings took up every conceivable space. Merry stood in the entryway leading to the miniscule living room. Most of the decorations were superficial and boring. The place lacked the warmth and comfort of home because it looked like it had been staged. All of the pictures and mementoes of her life with Harold and Joshua were packed away, leaving the living area almost sterile.
Merry fought the urge to walk over and clock Mitchell upside the head. Even though he hadn’t said much during the entire process, just his presence made her skin crawl. Knowing his dirty hands touched her furnishings made her almost physically ill.
From the kitchen, Debbie yelled, “Okay, boys! Who needs a beer?”
Swallowing the nasty responses on the tip of her tongue, Merry said nothing. She wanted to be alone, though understood suspicions would be aroused if she insisted everyone leave the second the last item was unpacked. Turning toward the kitchen, Merry heard both men respond in unison behind her. “Me!”
“Then come on out to the back porch, boys. While our new homeowner gave you two instructions on the proper placement of her things, I made an early dinner. I’m sure it’s enough to refuel your empty tanks.”
“If she didn’t have eyes only for you, I’d be taking that home with me tonight. God, I could get lost in those mounds for hours. Still can’t believe you haven’t hit that yet.”
Though the comment was meant to be heard only by the ears of Derek, Mitch’s deep voice made it across the room and into Merry’s. She’d kept her smart mouth in check long enough. Spinning around, she lit into Mitch. “Hit that?! Seriously, Mitch, you should have bought this place because the décor is from the era you seem stuck in. No wonder your wife left you and your relationships last about as long as the common cold!”
Mitch’s face turned whiter than his shirt. Derek stared at her like she’d just spoken in Hebrew and announced she was an alien. Merry heard Debbie let out a small gasp from the kitchen. The tension in the house was heavier than the humidity outside, and just as uncomfortable.
“I was just…” Mitch stuttered.
“Don’t even try, Mitchell. Nothing you say from this point forward will make up for that garbage you just spewed out.”
Derek tried to intervene. “Merry! Calm down before you have an aneurysm or something. Your face is beet red!”
Ignoring her brother, Merry continued her tirade. “Thanks for dropping in—unannounced, mind you—and for helping Derek. It’s time you leave before I really lose my temper. I won’t have anyone talk that way about my friend—or any female for that matter—at least not in my presence. Whatever sick, twisted shit roaming around in your head spills out from that cesspool you call a mouth when you’re alone is your business. In this house, it’s mine. I won’t have it. Period. Again, leave before I hit you with something.”
Mitch never said a word. He gave a curt nod to Derek and left, unwilling to look Merry in the eye. Derek shot her an ugly look and followed his partner outside. Merry stood in the doorway, shaking as the adrenaline crash hit.
“I’m assuming I should say thank you for sticking up for my honor, though I have no idea what in the hell just happened.”
Just a teaser of what I really wanted to say to the bastard.
The shakes hit hard and fast. Merry stumbled over to the couch and sat down. “What just happened was I let that egotistical knuckle-dragger know I won’t tolerate his bullshit, warped views on sexuality and women. God, he’s a Neanderthal.”
Debbie leaned against the doorframe and crossed her arms. “Yeah? Well, we already knew that from years of being around him. Not falling for that, so try again.”
Merry huffed. “I’m just sick of his mouth. Never have liked him, and being around his negativity today got to me. Must be the heat.”
Derek tromped through the front door. He stopped in the middle of the living room and held his hands up in frustration. “What was that all about? Why did you let that stupid remark bother you so much? You know he didn’t mean it.”
“Stop sticking up for him, Derek. I realize he’s your partner, but that doesn’t excuse what he said. It was rude and demeaning, and again, I won’t tolerate him treating Debbie like she’s just a thing rather than a human being. Period.”
“Thanks for trying to protect my honor but the defense wasn’t necessary. I’ve had that boy’s number for years. I can detect a dog when one comes sniffing around. Now, I won’t let this day end on a sour note. Come on and eat. I didn’t slave over a hot stove in this heat just to have it go to waste. Mitch is a big boy. He’ll get over it.”
Debbie turned and walked out to the back porch. Derek continued to stare at Merry, studying her face for an answer. She stood and shrugged her shoulders. “Stop looking at me like that. The bastard had it coming.”
Derek didn’t say a word in response. Merry moved past him and followed Debbie outside, Derek right on her heels.
Well, I wanted them to leave early. Bet they won’t stay long after that little incident.
***
Delicious meal over and three beers each later, the atmosphere on the back porch lightened up. Merry didn’t say much during dinner. She let Debbie take control of the conversation as she flirted and laughed with Derek. Instead, she stared out to the pond and recalled how she learned how to swim quite by accident in the pool at her old house.
It was late one night, a few weeks after Harold’s funeral. Numbed by grief, she had decided to put an end to her suffering. Take herself out on her terms by jumping into the deep end of the pool. It would be over quick, and from what she’d read, drowning wasn’t painful—just scary while one fought for air. Yet the minute her body went under, her will to live overpowered her limbs. When her feet touched the bottom, her muscles kicked in and forced her back to the surface.
It was at that precise moment the trajectory of her life shifted.
The alcohol left Merry pleasantly relaxed. She wasn’t much of a drinker, only cracking a cold one maybe twice a year. One full bottle of 151-proof rum and the horrible hangover that lasted two-full days when she was a senior in high school wiped out her interest in booze.
“Sis? Did you hear me?”
Merry blinked twice and looked over at Derek. “Uh, no. Sorry. What did you say?”
Derek reached out and patted Merry’s arm. “I asked if you wanted another beer.”
“Oh, no. Think I’ve had my quota for the year. Do you really think you should have another before you go? I don’t think getting a DWI will sit well with your captain.”
Derek stood and laughed. “No, it certainly wouldn’t. Don’t worry about me because I’m done for the night. Thought you and Debbie might like another before we leave.”
“I think we should probably call it a night, Derek. Let our gal here get some rest. We’ll plan a housewarming party soon, once she gets her new nest all fluffed and ready.”
Merry exchanged glances with Debbie, her eyes conveying gratitude.
“Okay. Well, let me use the facilities, and then I’ll take you back to your car Deb.”
Merry and Debbie remained silent until Derek was inside the house.
“You sure you’re going to be okay? I can stay the night if you want some company.”
“And mess up your chance of an amorous evening with my brother? No way. Look, I’m fine. Stop worrying so much about me. Judging by the way he’s been fawning over you all afternoon, I’d say you need to concentrate on Derek, not me.”
Debbie’s cheeks and neck turned bri
ght pink. “It’s not just my imagination then, is it?”
Derek’s heavy footsteps kept Merry from responding verbally. Instead, she smiled and shook her head. She gave Debbie a conspiratorial wink and stood. “Thanks again for all the help, but I really am beat. It’ll take me a few days to get settled in, so how about lunch Thursday or Friday?”
“Sounds great.”
Merry heard the coldness in Derek’s voice. She turned around and found him standing at the back door, a strange look on his face. Grabbing her plate and glass, Merry made her way toward him, studying his rigid posture through her peripheral vision.
“Do you want some help with the dishes?” Debbie asked as they walked past Derek into the kitchen.
“You two have done enough today. I’ve got this.”
Debbie set her dishes in the sink and then moved over and hugged Merry tight. “Love you, sweetie. Call me if you need me.”
Merry nodded and went over to embrace Derek. Though he hugged her back, she could feel the tension in his muscles. “Love you, bro.”
Derek pulled back and stared into his baby sister’s face. “Love you too, Sis. Behave yourself.”
Merry forced a smiled. “Always. Same goes for you two.”
She watched them walk out to the moving van. In seconds, they were gone, a cloud of dust following right behind them. Satisfied they were out of sight, Merry made a beeline for the kitchen. She pulled out the dog food from the back of the cabinet, along with Percy’s bowl. After filling his dish, Merry headed outside toward the barn, glad this was the last time she’d have to lock Percy up alone.
17
7:00 p.m. Saturday night
Derek pulled up behind Debbie’s car and parked. “Well, here we are.”
“Thanks for giving me a lift, Derek. I don’t know about you, but it seems really strange to be sitting in front of this place knowing Merry doesn’t live here anymore. I’ve had a lot of great times in there over the years.”
Derek nodded while he stared out the windshield to the front door. “Yep, so did I. Of course, there were a lot of bad times as well. Can’t blame her for wanting to leave.”
Wiping a straggler tear from her cheek, Debbie cleared her throat. Derek felt the shift in the air.
“She has us to help her pick up the pieces. Carry the load when it becomes too heavy. No one in this world is tougher than my bestie. You are such a rock for her. She’s lucky to have you as her brother.”
“Thanks. I’m not sure I agree with the second part one-hundred percent, but the first? Absolutely.”
Debbie reached down and grabbed her purse from the floorboard. She scrounged for her keys and said, “May I ask you something?”
Keeping the groan of irritation inside, Derek answered, “Of course. What’s on your mind, Deb?”
Producing her best smile and smoldering stare, Debbie turned her face toward Derek’s. “What did Mitchell say about me that sent Merry into such a tizzy?”
“That certainly wasn’t the question I expected,” Derek said, laughing.
Scooting closer, Debbie whispered, “Were you expecting something more along the lines of why haven’t you kissed me yet?”
Unable to control himself, Derek felt the bulge press against the seam of his jeans. In all the years he’d known Debbie, this was the first time they’d ever been alone together for any extended period of time. She was beautiful and sexy as hell, and being this close to her, feeling the sexual heat roll off her in waves, was hard to resist. He was surprised at the throaty rumble in his voice when he answered, “Which question do you want me to answer?”
“Both.”
She was so close Derek felt her warm breath graze his lips. “Mitch thinks you’re hot and wished you didn’t have eyes only for me. Because if you didn’t, he wanted to take you home and ravage you. Doesn’t understand why I haven’t yet.”
Debbie followed Derek’s gaze to her chest and grinned seductively. Sensing he was close to caving in, she licked her lips and whispered, “Neither do I.”
Hand controlled by his libido, Derek reached out and cupped a handful of her heavy breast. When she moaned, his dick turned to marble. He let his lips hover just above the skin on her neck, enjoying the way Debbie’s flesh quivered.
“My place or yours?”
Debbie pulled away from Derek’s embrace. “Mine’s closer. Follow me.”
In a flash, she was out of the van and in her car. With her intoxicating sensuality no longer at close proximity, he tried to clear his head. Think rationally. His hard cock had other ideas. It won the battle between mind and body. Derek started up the truck and followed Debbie home.
Derek knew he was dancing on thin ice. Though he’d always been attracted to Debbie, he steered clear for a variety of reasons, including what he’d told Merry. However, the long-standing friendship between his sister and Debbie was only a minor reason Derek had never let his other brain take over and give in to temptation. That was also the major reason he’d never married or remained in a committed relationship for any extended period of time:
He simply did not trust women.
Period.
Hadn’t since the awful night his mom crashed her car.
The memory of seeing her mangled body crumpled in a heap inside the destroyed vehicle made him shudder. He could still smell the gas leaking from the tank. The sound of sirens in the distance and the muffled screams of agony from the driver’s seat were just as clear in his mind as the night he heard them. Ethel Mae Clarke’s last words sent chills up his spine.
“Forgive me, son.”
The events of that night so long ago ranked as number two on the biggest mistakes of his life. The after effects of number one on the list crept out from the shadows. Derek sensed time was short before the lie stepped into broad daylight, destroying everything.
So, before sins of the past demolished his future, Derek decided to let his shields down and find comfort—no, escape—inside the arms of Debbie Rutherford.
***
Tad Tompkins snorted another line of coke from the coffee table. He needed the bump to clear his head after watching the local news. Ever since last week, when the news broke about Peppy, he’d been a nervous wreck. Paranoia set in after he heard about Mookie. He’d lost his two street dealers and was now forced to sell the entire shipment from Memphis on his own.
There was simply no way he would consider bringing others into the fold. Too risky. Even if he did get lucky and find replacements who weren’t affiliated with any gangs—which was a deal breaker in his book—Tad was too nervous to involve more outsiders. Whether it was the coke talking or simply inborn instincts, Tad knew when to listen to his gut.
And his gut told him to remain a loner—at least for a while.
But that wasn’t the only thing bothering him.
Almost a week had passed and he hadn’t heard one peep from his partner, which was completely out of the norm.
At first, Tad chalked it up to him being busy with the investigation into Mookie’s death, which was now being referred to on the news as a homicide. The second he heard the report, Tad went into disaster preparedness mode. He destroyed the burner phone he used to connect with his cohorts, thinking any minute the cops would bust his door down after viewing De’Shawn’s cell phone.
He removed all but one of the heroin bricks the next night under the cover of darkness, making so many trips to the underground tornado shelter in his neighbor’s yard, he’d lost count. The departure of the old bat was a blind stroke of luck. His neighbor decided to move into an assisted living center and put her house on the market last month. That was the only positive during the previous week.
For the next five days, Tad waited on pins and needles, jumping every time the phone rang or a vehicle drove by. He paced a hole in the living room rug while he mulled over whether to hit the clubs and at least try to make some money back. With no idea how the investigation was going, his mind conjured all sorts of ugly scenarios.
&n
bsp; His biggest fear was whether other cops knew about him and were simply waiting to pounce.
He knew the video he sent to Mookie had been watched, so who viewed it?
But the one disturbing thought pushing him closer to a mental breakdown was Am I next?
Desperate for cash and unable to shake away the sensation something was really wrong, he caved and went clubbing on Thursday. Fortunately, things hadn’t changed much in the last five years. He ran into quite a few of the fools he used to party with and made a nice profit.
But hitting the club scene was tiring, dangerous, and beyond risky. Word would spread about “that guy” who sold drugs, eventually tickling the ears of the security guards or club owners.
Brain in overdrive and heart pounding, Tad stood and went to the bathroom. His motto had always been to live for the moment, so he wouldn’t waste another stuck inside his house cowering like some whiny bitch.
While the hot water pounded his back, Tad made up his mind. He’d give the guy one more day. If he hadn’t heard from him by early Monday morning, he would call in the big guns. Remind them of exactly what was at stake, and how easily lives could be destroyed in seconds.
Inside the steamy shower, Tad muttered, “If Theodore Paul Tompkins goes down, I damned well won’t go alone.”
***
Mitch polished off another beer and belched. He waited for his eyes to focus while peering at the small screen of his cell. Surprised the time was after ten p.m., he stood and went inside to piss and grab another brew. He stumbled a bit while he walked up the steps from the porch to the back door and wondered exactly how many beers he’d already downed.
When he reached the fridge and found the empty twelve-pack, he had his answer.
Too drunk to drive to get more beer, yet not trashed enough to pass out, Mitch retrieved the bottle of whiskey from the back of the cabinet. The hooch had been sitting on the shelf for years, one of the last remaining items left behind after Serena divorced him. Though he knew he’d regret the decision in the morning, he ignored the small voice warning him inside his head. He didn’t even bother with a glass. Instead, he simply unscrewed the cap and took a hefty swig.
Night Court Page 14
