“The only person he has befriended in prison is Lee Harris. From my investigations, I have discovered Lee protects Robertson. For that protection, Lee receives gifts from Robertson. Harris has a younger brother, Larry Harris, who has been in and out of prison since he was eighteen. I suspect he placed the rose petals on Lacy’s car. He comes to visit his brother every week and they seem to have a close family connection. Their father left when they were just children and their mother was a heroin addict. Both men have had their share of run-ins with the law. I need evidence to prove I am right about Larry Harris being responsible for the rose petals.” After the rose petal incident, Dylan had been jittery, paranoid. It had been torture waiting to see what Bret would do next. He had tried to talk his way out of the new assignment in Charlotte, but Tate wouldn’t let him beg off. Said he needed his expertise in gang activity before there was all out war on the south streets of Charlotte. It wasn’t a good time to leave Lacy alone. Another time he would relish the change in his case load. He missed the thrill of undercover work, but Lacy was what was most important in his life.
“Do you have an address?”
Dylan took out a card and handed it to Scott. He scanned the address before tucking it into his pocket. “I’ll check it out and see what I can find out.”
“Thanks, I’d appreciate your help. Beth said you are a great investigator. Robertson is a braggart who believes himself smart and important, even invincible.” Dylan could feel the rage bubbling in his stomach. The same rage he felt each time he spoke Robertson’s name. “I want him to stop terrorizing Lacy.”
“Naturally you’re upset. I’ll give it my full attention.”
Dylan slapped Scott on the back. In a threatening tone he replied, “I hope you know how much Michelle means to Lacy and me. Don’t break her heart.”
“I wouldn’t dream of hurting Michelle. I admire her.”
Josh pulled up to the curb and honked the horn. He lowered the passenger window. “Are you ready to go?”
Lacy opened the front door and struggled to roll Dylan’s huge suitcase across the threshold. In three long strides, he hurried to take the suitcase. He rolled it to the side and pulled her into his arms. His lips met hers and the kiss seemed to go on forever. He left her lips and whispered in her ear. “I’ll miss you.”
A tear slipped over Lacy’s flawless cheek. He wiped it away with his thumb. “I love you, Dylan.”
Josh shouted from the car. “He’s not going off to war, Lacy. He’ll be back in a few days.”
Lacy held him tighter. “Please be careful and come back as soon as possible.”
Again, he gave her a long, lingering kiss. “I promise I won’t be gone long.”
He pulled away and loped to the car. Lacy waved to Josh. “Take care of him.”
“I promise.” Josh threw Lacy a kiss. She reached out her hand as if to catch it.
She lingered on the porch watching them drive away. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell Josh to turn the car around. Gripping his hands into fists, he fought his fears. He looked over his shoulder watching her until they turned the corner and he could no longer see her. He kept telling himself over and over that Lacy would be fine. Bret was restricted to his cell and couldn’t communicate with anyone outside the prison walls. There was no way he could cause her harm. Nevertheless, he still had an eerie feeling.
Chapter Sixteen
Scott snapped a picture of the man that had just left Larry Harris’ home. He had taken photos of everyone who had come and gone. He had pulled Larry Harris’ phone records. If Robertson was contacting him, it wasn’t by phone. The only calls he received and made were from his wife and a couple of friends that he didn’t think had a connection with Robertson. It was possible Larry had another phone. Maybe he used a burner phone so his calls couldn’t be traced.
Yesterday Scott had put a tracker on Larry Harris’ car but that hadn’t been much help. The only place he had gone was to his supplier’s home to buy drugs. While there had been a lot of traffic in and out of his house, all of them had been customers buying drugs.
“Wait just a minute.” A red Mercedes pulled in front of Harris’ home. The driver got out and looked over his shoulder as if he feared being followed. He stood out like a sore thumb since he was wearing a designer suit. It was obvious he wasn’t comfortable in his surroundings.
Harris’ customers looked like gangsters, but this guy didn’t fit the profile of someone needing cocaine or pot. Scott snapped several photos of him. The man reached into the window of the car and pulled something from the seat. It was a large, manila envelope. Obviously nervous, he kept looking over his shoulder as he walked toward the front door of Harris’ house.
Scott placed the lazer microphone on the dashboard of his vehicle. Larry Harris stepped out on the porch. “Sebastian Robertson sent me.”
The man handed Harris the manila envelope which he opened and peered inside. From where Scott was sitting, he couldn’t see what was inside the envelope. “All the money’s there. Now, do you have something for me?”
Harris took the manila envelope and went back into the house leaving the man to pace back and forth on the porch. He returned shortly with a brown briefcase. He handed it to the man who did not take the time to look inside. Without saying another word, the man hurried down the steps and returned to his car. When he pulled away from the curb, Scott followed him. He bet every cent he had in his pocket the man would deliver the briefcase to Sebastian Robertson.
****
Long legs crossed at the ankles, Scott popped the cork on the bottle of wine with an expert press of his thumb, then filled Michelle’s glass. Excited, she leaned in and kissed his lips before she gulped the wine. “Thanks, honey.” She brushed back a loose strand of hair. Lacy thought she looked blissful and gorgeous. At Scott’s request, she had worn the emerald green dress. She was so happy it was as if Chad Grey never existed. Gone was the sticky haze of grief that had followed her since Chad Grey had been arrested for murder. As Lacy sat back in the comfortable, leather seat, she pondered how much Scott had changed Michelle’s life.
Lacy giggled. “I’m not a connoisseur, but I think wine should be sipped.”
“You’ve got to try this wine, Lacy.”
Lacy wrinkled her nose. “I’ve never liked wine.”
“You’ll like this wine. It’s the expensive stuff.”
Lacy took the glass Michelle handed her and let Scott pour red wine in her glass. She held up her hand. “That’s enough.” She took a sip. “It is good.” Lacy placed her hand over the rim when Scott offered to top off her glass. “I’m fine.”
Michelle shoved her glass toward Scott and he poured more wine in her glass. “Lacy keeps her mind and body pure.” She raised the glass in a toast. “I wish I possessed your strength and discipline.”
Rarely did Michelle get sappy, but the wine was already working its magic. With a laugh, they clinked glasses. “I wish I had your spirit and courage.”
The moon filtered through the open sunroof of the stretch limo and the night air felt wonderful against her skin. It wasn’t the first time she had ridden in a limousine. The day her parents were buried, she and her sisters had taken a limousine to the funeral. The limo had been nothing like the one Scott owned. Scott’s limo had a built in bar, plush seats, and an interior spacious enough to sit eight people comfortably.
The memory made her sad. She forced the depressing scene from her mind. Tonight was a night for fun and enjoying her friends. School was hectic and she had little time to indulge in a night out. She would make the most of it.
Molly held her glass for Scott. “I can’t believe I’m in a limousine headed to some high class club in Charlotte. I could get use to gracious living.” She tasted the red wine. “I’ve died and gone to heaven.” With a regal tilt to her head, she asked, “Do you have any caviar?”
“Sorry, I hate the stuff.” Scott opened a console adjacent to the seat and Molly chose a bag of potato chips. “James
, my chauffeur, keeps snacks in case he has a long wait.”
Molly placed her hand over her mouth to keep from giggling. “Your chauffeur’s name is James?
“Yes, he’s worked for my father for ten years. He’s like part of the family.”
Again, she had to smother a laugh. “I can’t wait to hear you say, James bring the car around.” She offered him a dip into her bag of chips. He took a chip and popped it into his mouth.
Michael leaned back in his seat and tapped his finger on his knee in time to the ‘Boss’ singing ‘Hungry Heart’. He passed one of the beers Scott had brought for the men to Stan. “Thanks man.”
Michael tapped his beer bottle against Stan’s. “To a night of fun.”
“Top me off.”
Scott poured more wine in Michelle’s glass. “Your wish is my command.”
“Molly and I haven’t had a night out in forever.” He wrapped his arm around Molly’s neck and kissed her on the cheek. “Doesn’t she look pretty?”
Michael smiled at Molly. “You are beautiful. I can’t believe you have four children.”
Michelle slipped into the seat between Michael and Stan. She handed Michael her glass of wine. “Try this.”
He took a sip of the wine. “Yummy.” His finger circled dangerously close to her cleavage. “Honey, you look hot in that dress.”
She downed the rest of the wine in her glass and giggled. “I haven’t paid for it yet. I guess it still belongs to Lacy.” She placed her forehead against his. “I couldn’t afford it. I had a moment of weakness.”
“It must have been a moment of insanity. Next to Lacy, you are the most frugal person I know.”
Michelle giggled again and whispered something in Michael’s ear. Both turned and looked at Scott. The sultry look on her face made Lacy blush. It was obvious she told Michael that Scott was the reason she bought the dress. She had wanted to impress him.
Scott’s lips curved when he heard Michelle giggle. Lacy leaned over and whispered in his ear. “Maybe you shouldn’t let her have anymore wine.”
Scott sat back in the seat observing Michelle with an amused look on his face. “I can’t seem to tell her no.” Long, thick lashes outlined eyes the color of dark chocolate. Wearing a black suit, he looked perfect. He had impeccable taste in clothes.
“She’s happy.”
“I hope I can always make her happy. She’s the most exciting woman I’ve ever met.”
“You love her?” Lacy asked.
His eyes moved to Michelle. Pleasure lit up his face. “I do. She’s like no one I’ve ever met. I fell in love with Michelle immediately. I admire her sharp mind, stubborn streak, and her devotion to the people she loves.”
“Michelle can’t take any more let downs. I hope you have her best interest at heart. A lot of people don’t make it back from what she’s been through.”
“Dylan said the same thing, but with more warning.”
“Dylan is loyal to his friends. He is a good man.”
Scott tapped his glass against Lacy’s. “I can’t argue with that.” His expression changed. “Are you okay?”
Lacy thought about her parents’ death, almost being raped by Bret, Chad Grey attempted to murder her, and last losing Billy. She had had her share of tragedy. She had to swallow to keep from crying. “Yes, I’m fine. I have the love of a great man and the devotion of friends. Just the cure for what pains you.”
It was a surprise when Scott called and said they were going to Charlotte to meet with Dylan. When Michelle told him Michael, Stan, and Molly were visiting, he said bring them along. Since Molly was short and voluptuous, Michelle found her a red dress to wear. It was simple, definitely nothing fancy, but it looked right fetching on her darker skin. Michael and Stan insisted on going the way they were dressed, jeans and button up shirt. Lacy hoped they were not denied entrance to the club.
The limo slowed in the heavy city traffic. Michelle and Michael stood through the sunroof waving and yelling at people on the street.
Scott eyed her over his glass of wine. Lacy asked, “Is something wrong?”
“No, I find it odd that you and Michelle are friends. You’re so soft and feminine, while she is tough, full of fire, and states exactly what is on her mind. You’re polar opposites.”
“I don’t make friends easy because of my shyness. I was lucky to get Michelle as my roommate. I never once felt uncomfortable in her presence. She has a way of breaking through barriers.” That first day of meeting Michelle popped into her memory. She was able to break through her reservations and their friendship was immediate. No matter the circumstances, Michelle had always stood by her side. After her parents’ death, it was Michelle that helped her cope with the pain. When Juan was kidnapped, it was Michelle who had driven her to Twelve Oaks and stayed by her side until he was safe at home. It was Michelle who saved her from being raped by Bret Robertson. She couldn’t have asked for a better friend.
Lacy took a sip of wine. She breathed and closed her eyes for a few seconds. When she opened her eyes, Scott was still staring at her waiting for more information about Michelle. If he wanted to know more, he could ask her. To steer him away from the subject of her best friend, she asked, “Why are we going to Charlotte to meet with Dylan?”
“I have some information about Robertson.”
She gripped the stem of her glass tighter. Just the mention of Bret had her heart pounding in fear. She knew Scott had a better reason for driving all the way to Charlotte to meet with Dylan. “Wouldn’t it have been easier to call him on his cell?”
“I would rather tell him in person.”
“You’re scaring me.”
“He asked me to do some investigating in his absence. It may be nothing.”
She was just about to ask more questions when he peered out the window and announced. “We’ve arrived.”
Michelle dropped down in the seat next to Scott and grabbed the half-full bottle of red wine. She handed it to Molly. “Will you put this in your purse?”
When Scott tried to pry the bottle of wine out of Michelle’s hand, she gritted her teeth and gripped it tighter. “I’ll buy you a bottle inside, Michelle.”
She relinquished her hold on the bottle. “Do you promise?”
“Yes, honey, I promise.”
“I’ve got my fake ID in here somewhere.” Michelle began to rummage through her purse. She held it up for everyone to see. “I found it.”
Lacy grimaced knowing Michelle would have one hell of a hangover in the morning. She would be lucky to make it to church. Rarely did she miss Sunday morning service. After all the wine she had consumed, it was doubtful she’d feel like going in the morning.
James opened the back door and they all piled out of the car. He was tall with light chocolate skin. His head was shaved slick. He wore a dark, navy jacket.
Outside she paused, took a deep breath of air, then struggled to keep from coughing. Fumes from the many vehicles on the street polluted the night. She was glad she didn’t live right in the middle of a busy city. In fact, she yearned to be at Twelve Oaks. Crowds had always made her uncomfortable. She looked for Dylan but she didn’t see him anywhere. Maybe he was inside waiting for them.
Scott replied, “James, after you park the car, come inside the club. I don’t know how long we may be staying.”
“Okay, Scott.”
Again Lacy was impressed with Scott. It was obvious James was more than just a chauffeur who worked for the family.
Scott tucked his arm into Michelle’s and guided her toward the front entrance while they followed. A long line of people waiting to be admitted inside wrapped around the side of the building. Loud music spilled out onto the streets.
Then she saw him. Propped against the windowsill, Dylan pushed away and hurried toward them. He had only been in Charlotte five days but it felt longer. Lacy found herself running toward him in her eagerness to see him, to hold him. He lifted her off her feet in a tight embrace before pressing his lips agai
nst hers. He whispered in her ear, “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
He pushed her at arm’s length so he could look her. “Nice dress.” The royal blue dress fit her body like a glove. She remembered the day her mother had bought it for a party she had planned to attend with her father. They never made it to the party. Both died in the accident a week before the party. It still had the tag on it when she chose it from her closet.
She placed her hand on her bare chest. It had a plunging neckline. If not for her desire to please Dylan, she wouldn’t have worn something so risqué. “Thanks, it was one of my mother’s.”
“You look amazing.” He twirled her around so he could see the back of the dress. “We may have to sneak out to the limo and have sex.”
He twined his fingers with hers and led her toward the others waiting on the sidewalk. “This was a nice surprise.” Dylan bumped shoulders with Stan. “How’s it going without me?”
“Marcy looks better in pants than you do.”
Molly hit him on the arm. “You told me Marcy was fat and had a wart on the end of her nose.”
Dylan kissed Molly on the cheek. “He lied.” He shook hands with Michael. “Hello, Michael. How was the ride?”
“Amazing, I’ve never ridden in a stretch limo before.”
Michelle wobbled toward Dylan. Craning her neck so she could look into his face, she leaned into him. She gave him a crooked smile then hiccupped. “Hello, Dylan.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “I can see you are already three sheets into the wind.” Of course Dylan would lecture her on the evils of drinking when she sobered up. He liked to stay in control so he never drunk more than two beers at a time. Liquor was off limits altogether. Drugs and alcohol had been a big part of his life before Tate took him off the streets. Never would he revert back to his old life.
Scott nodded his head at the doorman and they were let inside. He didn’t even have to give his name. At the door, a woman in a short skirt and stiletto heels ushered them to a table. After everyone was seated, she placed her hand on Scott’s back and said, “Let me know if you need anything.”
Blood of the Falls (Twelve Oaks Farm Book 4) Page 22
