“I’ve got bad fucking news,” Vin stated as he got off the phone with the jail.
Justice was sitting at the desk going over the files with Sam and Gunny.
“What?”
“That was my friend, Davie. He said that Paul was released on bail twenty minutes ago.”
“What?”
“I guess he had a good fucking lawyer and a week in jail was enough time for him to think about what he did wrong. He has a court appearance two weeks from today.”
“So in the meantime he’s free to go around and fucking harass Ellie again? This is fucking bullshit!” he yelled out, causing everyone in the office to look at him.
Sam placed a hand on his shoulder. “Sometimes the system sucks. Just call Ellie at work and let her know. Make sure someone is there to pick her up after work,” he told Justice.
“I can’t believe this.” He texted his brothers and then called Ellie. He wished he were with her right now as he told her. The sound of her shocked voice, the silence, and then her pretending to be brave.
“I’ll be fine. You go back to work. I’ll let you guys know when I’m done here,” she told him and he hung up the phone.
“How did she take it?” Gunny asked.
“Like a fucking trooper. She’s scared.” He heard the texts go off on his phone and looked down at his brothers’ responses. He quickly texted back, and Seno said he would meet her at the office before she left.
“Okay, so when do they want to do this raid on the warehouse?” he asked Gunny.
“Wednesday night. Our sources say a delivery of women and art is coming in. We got the warrants to search Sentinel’s and Phillip’s homes and offices, plus to bug their phones,” Gunny told them.
“We also got another connection to those murdered women. They were hired through a call girl company, half-legit, if you can believe that, which was connected to the manager at Venero’s,” Sam stated.
“You don’t mean Kelly York?” Justice asked. Sam glanced down at the text.
“Yep, that’s her.”
“Shit, she was so concerned over Tiffany. She was playing us,” Justice stated.
“Well, then maybe we ought to go have another chat with her?” Vin suggested.
“Sounds good. Let’s go,” Justice said, and then Gunny and Sam gathered their things to head out and assist with the raid set up for Wednesday.
* * * *
“So, how are things with you guys and Ellie? Making progress?” Vin asked as they headed out of the department toward the unmarked police cruiser.
Justice got into the driver side and started the engine. “Really good. Honestly, it’s incredible.”
“You sound shocked, Justice.” Vin chuckled.
“Well, I guess I sort of am still in shock. We wanted this—me, Hunter, Seno, and Mace—for so long. We went through some stupid shit with stupid women. Especially Hunter.”
“You mean because of his issues about his leg? Man, he’s come so far, and has accomplished so very much. He’s a role model for other soldiers, other amputees.”
“You don’t have to tell me. I thought he was doing all right, until Ray Ann.”
“Ah hell, that bitch is a conniving two-faced witch. What she said that night at Casper’s was frigged up.”
“It’s funny you bring that up because that’s when I saw a change again in Hunter. We had just met Ellie.”
“That’s right. Sam was with Moira and Ellie. So what do you mean that you saw Hunter change?”
“He was angry, but he was also hurt even if he didn’t say so. The four of us are close, and if one is not on his game or has something on their mind, the others just know. It’s crazy. But meeting Ellie that night, hearing her stand up for Hunter, not even knowing him, was incredible and showed such character. From there on out, meeting her in other places, trying to get to know her, became a combined effort. We were all on board. We all were attracted to her.”
“Shit, I remember your face when she came out of the back room at Tratorra’s with Phillips and Sentinel. Holy shit, I thought you were going to do something stupid.”
Justice chuckled. “I almost did. But then you guys had the party after Hunter’s race, and things just happened naturally between us and Ellie.”
Justice was quiet a few moments as they drove down the highway.
“She’s been through a lot. It really fucking pisses me off to know that Paul is out there somewhere, free to roam the streets and maybe even be dick enough to try and hurt her again. How the hell are we going to handle this, Vin? What if something happens to her? What if one of us gets there too late if he tries to hurt her again? I love her. We all do.”
“I understand your fears, and rightfully so, after everything that has happened. But you can’t smother her. You can’t constantly be with her even though having her in your arms gives you the peace of mind you need.”
Justice looked at Vin and then back at the road. “You get it, don’t you? You feel the same way about Moira?”
Vin thought about it a moment. He and his brothers had their own issues that held them back from accepting their feelings for Moira. Link had a bad relationship with a woman he adored who cheated on him, and Sam was a workaholic who never dated.
“I can see myself feeling the same thing, but I’m not sure it’s going to work out.”
“Why not? Don’t Sam and Link care for Moira, too?”
“Sam hasn’t spent much time with her, and he’s always working or coming up with an excuse to leave. Link has put up a wall since his ex cheated on him. Moira and I haven’t even kissed.”
“What?”
“I’m serious. I feel like such a dick because she’s given me numerous opportunities to kiss her, and I wanted to kiss her, but then I thought about my brothers and I can’t make that next step without them. It wouldn’t be fair to them.”
“What about to Moira? Your brothers may eventually come around as they spend more time with her and let down their guards. Moira could give up on you guys completely if you keep hurting her like that.”
“I know. Believe me I know that I’m pushing her away, but I need my brothers on board with this. It’s what we discussed years ago, and what we ultimately want, but I just can’t get through to them when Link is in pain, and fears rejection and Sam is scared of opening up his heart and providing for a woman. They have trust issues. We all do.”
“Well, don’t give up on them or on Moira. She’s perfect for you guys. If they can see that, and the four of you can come together and take a chance, then maybe Link will open himself up again and Sam will be on board too.
Just then Vin’s cell rang. “It’s Sam.” He answered the call. “Say that again?”
Vin looked at Justice.
“What is it? What’s wrong?”
“Kelly York is dead.”
Justice slammed his hand down on the steering wheel. “Where? At the gallery?”
“Yes, one of the delivery guys walked into the back storage room and found her. Her throat was slit.” He told him and then told Sam they were almost there. Sam said he would meet them there.
Vin disconnected the call. “I have a bad feeling about this.”
“So do I. Someone wanted her dead before we had a chance to talk with her.”
“Let’s hope whoever killed her screwed up and we can get some footage off the security cameras.”
“That’s right. Maybe the killer didn’t know about those,” Justice stated as they approached the entrance to the gallery spotting all the police cars and special crime scene unit.
“We’re getting close in this investigation, and someone is trying to cover their tracks. This is going to help us nail them, I just know it.”
“I hope you’re right. Too many people are dying.”
* * * *
“Kelly’s dead. What the fuck is going on, Renaldo?” Luke asked as he ran his fingers through his hair and paced the inside of the new office at the restaurant.
“We
need to get out of here. It’s obvious that someone is onto our entire operation. I’m not going down,” Renaldo said as he looked down at the desk and started grabbing some things he needed. “Not after all these years of creating this gold mine. Call the airport and get the jet fueled up before the fucking cops arrive and lock us up.”
He heard the gunshots and jumped backward looking up, seeing the hole in Luke’s forehead between Luke’s eyes before Luke fell to the rug.
“You?” Renaldo asked as the shooter came into view, his gun pointed right at Renaldo.
“You’re a greedy fuck, and you crossed the line.”
“What? How? You got your pay. Why the fuck would you do this? Everything was working out perfectly.”
“It’s not perfect. When I have her, it will be perfect.”
The shot rang out, and Renaldo fell back into the chair in shock.
* * * *
It was late and Ellie was on the phone with Unc.
“Are you sure one of them is going to pick you up from work? I can be there in ten minutes.”
“Yes, Unc, Hunter and Seno are on their way. I just can’t believe this entire mess is happening. Luke was shot and killed in the office at the new restaurant this afternoon and Renaldo is missing. It’s so crazy.”
“I told you that Renaldo Sentinel was bad news. I didn’t like the fact that you were working for him either. His reputation on the streets says it all.”
“I know, Unc. As much as I disliked him hitting on me, and trying to get me to go out with him, he was still very charismatic, and his love for art was impressive. To think that he’s involved with the illegal prostitution ring and the stolen art is shocking.”
“Not from my perspective. He’s a greedy bastard and someone finally gave him what he deserved.”
Ellie wasn’t surprised by Unc’s dislike of the man. Being a retired cop, Unc didn’t have much patience for the criminal element. Her uncle Brian hadn’t either. The way he died in some convenience store robbery was crazy. They never found the shooter, but the two other men were found weeks later dead in what the police thought was a shooting war. She took a deep breath and released it.
“Text me when they get there. Are they taking you home?”
“No, I packed a bag this morning. I’ll be going to their place, and then I have an early meeting tomorrow to close out this project. You know what’s really crazy? The realtor who posted the restaurant, which is still under construction, has received over a dozen calls about buying it. No one can do anything until Renaldo is found dead or alive.”
“Who even cares? Just cut your ties with this whole thing and move on. I really wish you had a less dangerous job, Ellie.”
“I’m in advertising, marketing, and designing. How less dangerous of a job can this be?” She laughed.
“You should consider coming to Ray Ray’s and working with me. Maybe you and I can open up our own place?”
She leaned back in her chair and smiled. “That was your and Uncle Brian’s dream. It would have been nice.”
“We could still make it a reality. Our dream.”
She heard the sadness in his voice. “So much has changed, Unc. Meeting Justice, Hunter, Mace, and Seno and surviving being attacked by Paul have put life into perspective.”
“And?”
“And, I love them. I want to have a future with them. They’re good men, Unc.”
“I wouldn’t know. You haven’t exactly introduced them to me. You’ve only told me about them over a week ago at the bar.”
“I’m sorry. With everything that has been going on and dealing with work, I should have made time to introduce you to them.”
“I am your only family.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Oh, Seno is texting me now. He’s outside with Hunter. They’re on their way up. So I’ll talk to you tomorrow and we can make plans?”
“How about lunch?”
“I’ll have to check with Justice.”
“Why?”
“I think because of the investigation, and because Paul disappeared. They don’t want me going anywhere alone, and I honestly don’t want to either.”
“Well, you’re always safe with me. Remember that. Maybe tell the bodyguards that you’re in good hands.”
She chuckled. “Okay, bye.”
She disconnected the call and grabbed her things. As she was pulling on her coat, the secretary came in. “The florist called and said there was a delivery for you. They’re behind, so they want to deliver it tomorrow. Is that okay?”
She smiled. “Flowers, from who?”
“They didn’t say. I can find out.”
“No, that’s okay. Just have them bring them tomorrow because I’m leaving now.”
“I figured as much. There are two really good-looking men out here that say they’re picking you up.”
She smiled wide. “They sure are.”
“You are so lucky. They’re gorgeous, Ellie.”
“Thank you.”
Ellie grabbed her purse and headed out of the office. The moment she saw them she walked into Seno’s arms and hugged him.
“Hey, gorgeous. I missed you.”
“I missed you, too,” she said, and then he kissed her quickly on the lips. Hunter reached out his hand and she gave him hers. He brought it to his lips and kissed the top of her hand as he looked down into her eyes.
“Can’t wait to get you home,” he stated with promises in his eyes.
She felt her nipples harden and her pussy leak in anticipation. “I can’t wait to get home.”
They walked out together, hand and hand, with her heart filled with love and with people watching them as they left together. She thought about Unc and how she hadn’t introduced the men to him. She suddenly felt guilty and wondered if she had insulted him. Unc had taken good care of her after Uncle Brian died. She loved him. He was such a good friend, and yes, he was family. This family was going to expand with the Lawson men, too, and they all needed to meet him.
“There’s someone I want you to meet,” she told them and felt instantly better just thinking that they would meet Unc and hopefully Unc would like them. She texted him and then asked Seno and Hunter to head to Ray Ray’s.
Chapter 12
“Are you sure, Sam?” Vin asked his brothers as Justice and the other detectives went over the information they had between the coroner’s reports, the surveillance videos from both the art gallery and the construction sight of Sentinel’s new restaurant.
“It’s the same guy, and looking at the height alone, our killer isn’t Sentinel. Someone else killed those women, Kelly York, Phillips and now it looks like they took Sentinel with them,” Sam told them.
“Shit. What the hell could we have missed? Is there someone else, a higher-up involved with this whole scam that none of us have identified?” Justice asked.
“Justice, we should call Gunner and send this stuff to him immediately. His team has been on this investigation from the start, and trying to take down the mastermind behind the illegal art and the prostitution ring. Maybe the investigators have another lead, a person of interest?” Sam asked.
“Call him. Do it. We don’t have anything else,” Justice said. Sam pulled out his cell as Vin starting pulling everything they had onto the computer so they could send Gunner all of it. Feeling frustrated and not having anything else to do at the moment, he called Hunter to check on Ellie. They were stopping for dinner before heading to their place.
* * * *
Hunter excused himself from the table to take a call from Justice. He smiled at Ellie as she laughed at something Unc said and Seno smiled. When she had said she wanted them to meet a very important man in her life, it nearly gave him a heart attack. Then she told them all about Unc, Ray Ray’s, and her uncle Brian who died in a convenient store robbery gone badly.
“Hey, Justice, what’s going on?”
“A lot of crap. This case is hell. How’s our girl?” he asked, and Hunter smiled as he leaned agains
t the wall closer to the bar and watched Seno, Ellie, and Unc talking. Then Seno got up and headed toward the men’s room.
“She’s doing great. We stopped by Ray Ray’s. Her good friend Unc works here.”
“Unc? Who is that?”
“Apparently like a father to her. I guess this is the man we need to impress in order to get his good wishes for us to be with Ellie.”
Justice chuckled. “That serious, huh?”
Hunter turned toward the doorway as he spoke. “He’s a nice guy, but definitely protective of Ellie. We’re learning a lot about her, and her uncle Brian who was killed in a robbery. She really has gone through a lot, Justice. I want to keep her safe, and help her to be happy.”
“I want that, too. Give her a kiss for me and maybe I’ll see you later tonight.”
“You may not come home?” Hunter asked.
“I’ll try my hardest, but there’s a killer out there, and before he strikes again, we need to figure out who he is.”
“Well, be safe. Hope to see you later. Bye.”
* * * *
“So what do you think of Hunter and Seno?” Ellie asked Unc. He held her gaze and he looked unsure.
“I hate to say it, but they’re nice. They’re also big guys filled with muscles, so I suppose they’ll keep you safe.”
She smiled. “All four of them are big guys with muscles, Unc.” She took a sip of her wine.
“When do I get to meet the other two?” he asked.
“Well, Justice is working with some other detectives and, I think, the Feds in regards to the murder investigation.”
“Feds?” he asked.
“Yeah, it’s pretty intense. I worry about him. This person who has killed these women, and apparently Luke Phillips, may have Renaldo. Hunter just told me about it on the way over here.”
“Well, thank goodness you weren’t with Sentinel when this person attacked. You could have been killed.”
“I know. It’s scary. But I’m safe, Unc,” she told him, covering his hand with hers.
“You sure are. I’ll protect you and be here for you like always.” She smiled as Hunter returned.
The American Soldier Collection 8: She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 15
