Jefferson took a sip from his glass.
“You didn't answer the question Gene. Why are we here?” Jefferson asked, his tone shifted to stern.
Gene looked at him. Arrogant bastard. Had it not been for Raven money, Jefferson would have been hard pressed to have had any job in the Reagan administration, much less a cabinet post.
“I'm getting there Jeff. The Raven family has done a lot for you gentlemen over the past couple of decades,” Gene said.
“And it's been greatly appreciated,” Marshall said.
“We've always treated your concerns as our own,” Hamill said.
“The Raven family needs you now more than ever. We don't just want to win. We want a mandate of historic proportions. We want a big enough win to make Washington and the national party take notice,” Gene said.
“You want Jack to get appointed to a key committee right off out of the gate,” Hamill surmised.
“We can't make changes from the outside looking in,” Gene said.
“How can we help?” Marshall asked.
“For starters, get some national party leaders to take notice. Remind them of my family's patriotism and generosity - our commitment to public service. All three of you know people who can help out on that front,” Gene said.
“How much?” Jefferson asked.
“That amount will be determined by how helpful they are,” Gene said.
“No. I mean, how much for us?” Jefferson clarified.
“Five million each,” Gene answered without flinching.
“You, err, Jack has my unwavering support,” Marshall said.
“And mine,” Hamill added.
“That's not bad for starters, but what else are you asking of us?” Jefferson asked.
“I'm asking you to make appearances around the state until Election Day and record some TV and radio spots. All expenses will be paid of course,” Gene added.
Marshall and Hamill nodded in agreement.
“I'll need more than five million. It is generous and a nice start, but I have a lucrative practice now. To take several weeks off would harm my law firm and wouldn't be fair to my junior partners. So unless you can come up with enough money to make it worth my while, I'll have to sit this one out Gene. Pass my regrets along to Jack,” Jefferson said smugly.
Gene thought it over. Inside, he seethed.
“I understand Jeff. I don't want you to lose any money and neither does Jack,” he said as he pulled a couple of leather-bound binders from a brief case on the desk.
He handed one to Marshall and the other to Hamill.
“These are your itineraries for the next few weeks along with scripts for TV and radio spots,” Gene said as both men accepted them wordlessly.
There was a knock at the door and Cyprus appeared.
“Ah, gentlemen. Perhaps we should rejoin the others,” Gene said as Marshall and Hamill each stood and shook his hand before walking out.
“I'm sorry we couldn’t do business Gene. No hard feelings?” Jefferson asked.
Gene chuckled.
“No Jeff, no hard feelings,” he said as he shook his hand.
After the three left the library, Gene looked to Cyprus.
“Well?” He asked.
“It appears local law enforcement found the body. They are in the process of wrapping up a couple of murders,” Cyprus said. “And Susan O'Dell is downstairs. She wanted to tell you in person about the untimely demise of her older brother.”
“Bullshit. She wants to make sure the gravy train will keep rolling. I'll see her in a bit. By the way, has Jack heard about the death of his most recent soulmate yet?” Gene asked.
“The name hasn't been released to the public yet and he apparently has been occupied by the red headed television reporter from Chattanooga,” Cyprus said.
“I can't complain about that. If he's banging a reporter she won't talk,” Gene said.
“Will there be anything else tonight?” Cyprus asked.
“Yes, a small matter,” Gene said as he walked to the desk.
He opened the bottom drawer and pulled out a manila folder and handed it to Cyprus, who glanced over the contents without a word or expression.
“I need something tonight. Can you arrange it?” Gene asked.
“Looking at this, I don't think that will be a problem,” Cyprus said.
***
After Beau and Haley dropped off the evidence and filled out the appropriate paperwork at the lab, they started their return to Stone City.
“Why don't you put the seat back and get some sleep?” Beau asked.
“Don't start that again,” Haley said.
He chuckled.
“I do have a thought. Why don't I just drop you off at your apartment instead of going to the courthouse to pick up your car? I can pick you in a few hours when I come back in,” Beau said.
“That's not a bad idea,” she said.
“Please don't take this the wrong way but I do have a small favor to ask,” he said.
“What is it?” Haley asked.
“Would you let me walk you to your apartment? After what happened with Smitty...maybe I'm paranoid but I'd feel better,” he said.
Haley felt a warm sensation spread through her body.
“I don't think it’s necessary, I'll tell you the same thing I tell Aunt Carly: I'm a big girl. I carry a gun,” she said.
“Smitty carried one too,” Beau said quietly.
Haley looked away for a moment and back to him.
“If it would make you feel better, then escort me to my apartment,” Haley said.
He felt a combination of relief and anxiety wash over him.
“It would make me feel better,” Beau said.
Again, Haley felt increasing warmth. She was thrilled but hoped her face didn't betray her. She decided to ask a question she might regret.
“Why?” She asked.
“Why what?” He asked.
“Why would it make you feel better?” Haley asked.
“What kind of question is that?” Beau asked.
“It's a perfectly normal question. Now, please answer,” she said.
“Oh c'mon Haley,” he said.
She noticed he was squirming again. Good, she thought. That's a good sign.
“I have a right to know,” she said.
“I never said you didn't,” Beau countered.
“Then tell me. You're not afraid to are you?” Haley asked as he looked away.
That was it. He was afraid. Suddenly she worried she pushed him too far.
“It's just...after what we've seen today. I worry about you being alone. I know we've not known each other very long but uh, I'm not sure I could stand it if something happened to you,” Beau said.
Haley could see the worry etched on his face. Her heart soared.
“Listen, I'm just giving you a hard time,” she said.
If she only knew, Beau thought.
“I'm flattered that you care so much. For what it's worth, it feels like we've known each other for much longer,” she said.
He smiled. That's good too, she thought.
“Why are you smiling?” Haley asked.
“I was thinking the same thing. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I'm more comfortable talking to you than just about anybody else,” Beau said.
“I know what you mean. I feel the same way,” she said.
“I have a confession to make if you promise not to laugh,” he said.
“I won't...unless it's funny - and then all bets are off,” Haley said.
“When you first joined the department I really wanted to ask you out but one the big reasons I didn't was that I was afraid to because I didn't think we'd have anything in common or would have anything other than work to talk about,” he said.
“You mean you noticed me?” She asked.
“Notice you? I used to hang around after my shift ended just so I could see you,” Beau admitted.
“Really? I didn't think you knew I
existed. You really used to wait so you could see me?” Haley asked.
“Yes I did. Are you creeped out?” He asked.
“No, now I'm beyond flattered. You should have asked me sooner out you big doofus,” she said.
“I also didn't think you would want to go out with me. I figured you could do a lot better and you knew it,” Beau said.
“Better? Are you kidding? Why would you think that?” Haley asked.
“Because you're beautiful and you can have your pick of any man you want,” he said.
She started to speak and hesitated.
“You just called me beautiful — again,” Haley said.
“Don't you own a mirror? Of course I did. I was raised to speak the truth,” Beau said.
“And you didn't think I'd go out with you?” She asked.
“No, I didn't and I didn't know you were related to Chet until you told me on our second date,” he replied.
“You're the fantasy of every woman in the department and you didn't think I'd go out with you. I don't believe this,” Haley said in complete surprise.
“What did you just say?” Beau asked.
“That I couldn't believe you wouldn't ask me out because you thought I'd say no,” she said.
“No, the first part. What fantasy?” He asked.
“Are you blind? You don't notice the female officers swooning over you? Or that woman reporter? You don't see that?” Haley asked.
“A lot of women flirt. I don't pay any attention to that,” Beau said.
“They're not flirting. They're throwing themselves at you,” she said.
“Now you starting to sound like Marcus. Besides, there's not that many single women in the department,” he said.
“Don't be naive. The married women are the worst. They want to do more than flirt, ring or no ring,” Haley said.
Beau looked at the driver's side mirror.
“Are you on the level?” He asked.
“Yes, I am. I'm not joking,” she said.
“Makes me wonder,” Beau said.
“About what?” Haley asked.
“Were you one of them?” He asked.
“One of who?” She asked.
“One of the women that fantasized about me,” Beau said with grin as Haley turned a deep red.
“That's not a fair question,” she said.
“Well, you're the one that said I was the 'fantasy of every woman in the department.' You're a woman - we've already established that you're a beautiful one at that. Seems like a fair question,” Beau said.
“I don't feel like talking anymore,” Haley said, her face still blazing.
“Aw, c'mon now, don't be mad. I was only teasing you a little. You don't have to answer any questions. You don't have to answer to me in any way. I was only playing around,” he said.
Haley just nodded.
“I know you were,” she said quietly.
Even though the conversation came to an abrupt halt, the rest of the trip to Stone City passed pretty quickly as each had time to think. They pulled in the apartment complex. Beau stepped out and picked up Haley's equipment bag and followed her.
As they walked up the steps she went first and he had to admit, as tired as was, he enjoyed the view for all three flights.
Haley unlocked the door and flipped on the light as they walked in. She shut the door behind them and locked the door lock and dead bolt.
“No bad guys. Feel better?” She asked.
He smiled.
“Yes I do,” Beau said as she took the bag and set it on the floor next to her couch.
“Have a seat,” Haley said gesturing to the couch.
He sat down and looked up at her.
“I want to apologize again. I'd never hurt your feelings - at least on purpose,” he said.
Still standing, she nodded.
“I know silly. I'm not mad,” she said as she walked toward him. “In fact, it's the opposite.”
She reached out and took his hands. He pulled her toward him and leaned forward. Their lips met, tentatively at first, then they began to kiss in earnest, as their tongues wrestled. Haley pushed him back.
“I need a shower. You don't want me like this,” she said.
He pulled her back to him and kissed her deeply as his hands roamed over her back slowly.
“Yes I do. Please, I don't think I can wait that long,” he moaned.
“Mmmm. You just said please,” Haley managed to get out as she straddled him and felt an impressive bulge.
“Yes I did,” Beau said as she started rocking back and forth on his lap.
She stopped rocking and leaned forward, opting to nibble lightly on his bottom lip. As she did, she started to unbutton his shirt. Haley ran her palms across his muscular chest and drug her finger tips over the smooth skin.
While she was stripping him of his shirt, his fingers deftly opened each button of her blouse. Beau reached behind her and quickly unsnapped her bra. Her firm 36C breasts were free as he pulled the bra away. His hands rubbed her breasts as Haley arched her back and moaned.
“Mmmmm. P-please. Let's-let's go the bedroom,” she said as she pulled away.
He stood up and in one motion, swept her up into arms, and started carrying her to the bedroom. With her arms around his neck she continued kiss him. The bedroom door was open and he walked in and gently placed her the bed. He pulled her blouse off of her, leaving her bare from the waist up. He slid to his knees and untied her shoes and pulled them off, along with her socks.
Even her feet were beautiful, he thought as he reached up and unbuckled her belt and unbuttoned her pants. As he unzipped the slacks she raised her butt off of the bed. He pulled her pants down to her ankles before taking them off of her. He looked at her underwear. Haley wore a light pink thong.
Beau hooked his thumbs in the waistband of the panties and again she raised up for him to pull them off. He accommodated her.
Haley realized she was bare naked as he leaned forward and kissed her.
“Lay back,” he said as she complied. Beau pulled her legs apart and started kissing the inner thigh of right leg.
Haley moaned loudly and trembled slightly as his tongue and lips slowly worked their magic. His hands caressed her legs slowly as she parted her legs even more. She bit her lip to keep from screaming. She had lovers before but none so accomplished. No one had ever taken her to such heights of ecstasy. Tears formed in her eyes as her body writhed in pleasure. Haley tried to speak but found it nearly impossible to put together a coherent sentence.
“Oohh. So gooood. Don't stop. Oooh,” she managed to get out as she grabbed the back of his head and pulled.
Over the course of forty minutes, Beau took her to the edge three times and each time, he would slow down and start building up her again.
“Please,” she whimpered. “I can't take much more,” she squealed in between moans after her third trip to the edge of orgasm.
Instead of slowing down, he increased his pace. Her body started shaking slowly at first and the speed of the trembling increased as her breathing became shallower. Haley's thighs clinched his head in a scissor grip and her whole body shook as she did her best to keep her squeal as low as possible.
Wave after wave of pleasure washed over her so hard that she saw stars. After about thirty seconds, her body went limp and all she could do was gasp for air.
Beau softly kissed her inner thigh as he gently rubbed the palm of his hand across her flat stomach.
He silently stood and then reached down to untie his hiking boots. He kicked them off and pulled off each sock as Haley watched every move. Her eyes burned with lust as he unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants. Haley sat up on the edge of the bed and unzipped his pants. Her fingers slipped inside the waistband of his underwear and she looked up at him, their eyes locked on each other. Haley pulled his underwear down with his pants as his erection sprang free. She didn't know if she should impressed or afraid when she saw it. Beau stepped out of his clo
thes and Haley gripped him near his base. He moaned audibly as her lips upturned into a smile.
“I hope you're not disappointed,” he said.
“Mmmmm. Disappointed? Happy girl is more like it,” she said with a smile.
“Please, let me...I need to be inside you,” he moaned.
He dug into his pants and produced a condom.
“Someone was hoping to get lucky,” she said.
“I try to be prepared for any emergency,” Beau said.
Haley used her teeth to open the plastic wrap and slid the condom in place.
She smiled and stood up. Haley put her arms around his neck pulled his head down. They kissed deeply and he reached down and cupped her backside with his hands. Beau picked her up off of the floor and she wrapped her legs around his waist
He stepped forward and placed her gently on the bed. With her hands in his, he pressed them back over her and kissed her deeply. He felt the gasp come up from her throat and entered her. Her body responded and he gradually started to increase his speed.
He looked deep into her eyes. No words spoken. They were not needed. Each reveled in the bliss of the moment. For once, Haley enjoyed her big bed as seemingly every inch was used as they rolled about, flawlessly changing positions - no clumsiness, two bodies working in sync.
Beau felt it. He had reached the point of no return. Before he could speak, Haley arched her back and let out a soft cry. Her body shook and her cry grew a little louder. At the same time, Beau felt himself release. He spasmed several times and Haley collapsed on top of him.
She rested her head on his chest and he embraced her tightly. She looked up at him grinning. He leaned forward and kissed her.
“That was...I can't think of a word to describe it,” Beau said.
“Let's start with amazing,” Haley said.
He kissed her forehead. That's when he noticed the tears on her cheeks. With his right hand he tenderly brushed them away.
“What's wrong?” He asked.
Haley smiled softly and tried to snuggle in closer.
“Nothing, silly. I'm happy, that's all,” she said.
He ran his hand down her side and rested it on her bare hip before sliding it over and rubbing her backside.
Assassin's Redemption: Stolen Memories, #1 Page 17
