Assuming the envelope had belonged to the individual that had had this office before him, he flipped it over, slid his finger under the flap, and broke the seal. He pulled out a sheet of paper with a typewritten message addressed to him. As he read over the unnerving document, his heart scrambled like eggs inside his chest. The letter read:
Dear Detective Wexler.
Inside this envelope is the original case file documenting the death of Sugar Summers. I’m acutely aware that you know the deceased woman’s daughter, Sandella, and thought this might be of high interest to you. Considering you are the new lead Criminal Investigator for Parris Island, I’d think finding her killer would be of utmost importance.
While I’d much rather speak to you in person than write this letter, I’m smart enough to know that it wouldn’t prove wise. The last man that attempted to do such a thing was found murdered in the woods. With that being said, I’m pleading with you to please reopen the case and bring him down. All of the answers pertaining to Sugar’s untimely and unfortunate death can be found right under your nose if you sniff hard enough.
Welcome to Parris Island,
Simon
Fucking Christ! Braylon scampered briskly across the room and shut the door. With his heart beating like a drum against his chest, he flopped down in his chair, and pulled out the remainder of the contents inside the envelope. He grasped the police report as sweat beaded on his forehead.
He swiped at the sweat then reclined in the chair. Dear God. When he flipped to the second page he almost pissed on himself. In his hands was a bloody image of Sandella’s mother taken right after she’d died.
Who’s Simon? he wondered, rereading the signature at the bottom of the letter. He had no idea who Simon was, but he damn sure planned to find out. And now that someone had felt it necessary that he take a look at Sandella’s mother’s case, he was going to try his damndest to find out who her killer was. He locked the file in his drawer then pondered what to do next.
Sliding the key to the lock inside his pocket, he crossed the room to the door and made his way over to his secretary’s, Victoria’s, desk. How this shit had been thrown in his lap his first day was kind of scary. Downright creepy. Who in the hell knew about him and Sandella? Could this Simon guy be the killer?
Victoria, a brunette with short wavy hair, lifted her eyes from the computer screen. Her lips curved upward. “How’s your first day going?” She popped a breath mint in her mouth.
Crazy as fuck. “It’s going great.” He leaned into her. “Do you by any chance know an employee by the name of Simon?”
Victoria’s brows creased. Thinking, she fisted her chin. “No, sorry. The name Simon doesn’t ring a bell, but if you give me a last name I can check the database for you to find out who he is?”
The last thing he needed to do was to get Victoria involved in something this dangerous. “No, that’s okay.” He’d find out who Simon was on his own.
He thanked Victoria for offering to help him, turned on the soles of his shoes, and returned to his office. After unlocking his desk drawer, he tucked the file regarding Sugar under his armpit, then made his way toward his Hummer. The cool afternoon air rustled against his face as he descended the steps. He clambered in his SUV and cranked the engine.
As he touched the steering wheel the image of Sugar’s bloody, lifeless body flashed inside his head. A part of him wished he’d never seen the photos. Tension knotted his shoulders.
Settling back against the seat, he shut his eyes, then reopened them. Who the fuck is Simon? He shifted the car into drive and pulled out of the lot. Driving down the long road lined with huge oaks, his mind shifted to Sandella. Until he got to the bottom of this, he had to protect her from knowing, he thought, passing the guard’s station.
INSIDE THE MAIN HOUSE Sandella watched Royce climb beneath the covers of his bed. “I’m so glad you’re back, Royce.”
“I’m back,” he said, pulling the linen up to his chin.
“Good night.”
He rolled on his side. “Night, night.” Yawning, he shut his eyes.
Sandella flicked off the lights, rounded the corner, and strolled inside the guest bedroom where she was now staying again. Although she was glad Royce had returned, she was sure going to miss sleeping in Braylon’s bed. And waking up to his handsome face every morning.
She drew back the drapery shielding the window and peered down at the guest cottage. The light in the foyer clicked off. Because she missed Braylon and had some great news to share with him, she sure hoped he was on his way up to see her. Having showered earlier, she pulled a nightgown from the drawer and slid it over her head.
With her back turned toward the mirror, she looked over her shoulder to glance at herself. The peach silk fabric dipped low in the back and clung to her figure. Willa would probably disfavor her wearing the elegant, seductive gown inside her house. I wonder how Willa and Drake are going to feel about me dating Braylon?
She was in way over her head. He’d never said they were dating. In fact, he’d stated they were just friends. Friends, huh? Friends have no business doing what we’ve been doing.
Sandella slid her feet into a pair of white furry slippers and shrugged on her matching peach silk robe. Her hand glided along the rail of the staircase as she descended the steps. She glanced around the kitchen in search of Braylon, but he wasn’t there. After all that wild sex they’d had this morning and considering today had been his first day of work, you’d think he’d at least come see her. Disappointed, she folded her arms across her breasts.
After waiting at the table another ten minutes for him to show up, annoyance brewed like boiling liquid inside her. The least he could’ve done was come say hi. Or I miss you. Or how was your day? Was it possible he’d gone to bed without coming to kiss her good night? Even though she’d wanted more than just a kiss from him.
A frustrated breath expelled from her mouth. She felt her lips pouting. That’s it! She scooted back the chair, padded across the plush carpet of the living room, and stormed out the side door.
Sandella stood on the step of the cottage knotting the sash on her silk robe. The door cracked open. As soon as their gazes connected her pent-up frustration dissolved.
Braylon wore a tight navy shirt and white sweatpants. “I was just coming to see you.” His lips curled upward.
Well, you’re too slow. “You were?”
“Yes, I’ve been thinking about doing this.” He dropped his head to hers, letting his lips linger above her slightly parted mouth. “All day.” He slid his tongue inside her mouth kissing her intimately. God, she loved kissing him, she thought, moving her tongue with his. Sizzling heat shot straight to her core.
He broke their kiss and she walked in. He flicked on the light and boldly assessed her. A sheen of light glistened in his eyes like he cared deeply for her.
The tremendous success revolving around SugarKanes caused her to smile. “I have some great news to share with you.”
“What’s that?”
Ecstatic, she inhaled a deep breath. “SugarKanes sold two hundred pies this week!”
“Seven hundred? That’s great! I knew you could do it. I bet the numbers are going to double, maybe even triple, by the end of next week. You’re destined for greatness, baby.”
“You think so?”
He swiped a finger over her chin. “I know so.”
Blushing, her eyes transferred from his face to the counter. A brown envelope sat on top on his laptop. “I see you brought your work home with you.”
He looked back at the envelope then back at her. A dull light settled in his eyes. “Oh, that’s nothing. I was just reviewing a case.”
“You got your first case already! Ooo. Let me see!” When she went toward the file, he grabbed her elbow. He spun her around.
“My work has to remain confidential. Don’t go near it.”
She stuck out her lower lip. “Ahh. Can’t you just give me a little hint about your first investigati
on?”
He draped an arm around her waist and drew her to him. “No. I’m sorry, I can’t.” His hand ran up and down the silky fabric covering her back. “The color peach looks nice on you.”
“Thanks.” His job as a criminal investigator for the Marines really interested her. Darn…she really wanted to know what his first case was all about.
“I must say I’m a little disappointed that you’ve already taken your bath because I was hoping to bathe you.” He put a finger to her cheek. “I’ll do it after I make love to you,” he said, unknotting her robe.
She grabbed his wrists. “Royce is back.”
“He is?”
“Yes. I picked him up today.”
“That’s good.” His fingers worked diligently at the knot on her sash. “You smell good,” he said, inhaling the cherry mist she’d sprayed on her neck right before walking downstairs.
“I’ve got to get back to the main house. Royce will have a fit if he wakes up and I’m not there.”
Ignoring her, Braylon jerked her off her feet. “He’ll be just fine for the next fifteen minutes.” He strode inside the master bedroom and lowered her to the bed.
Unable to resist him, she hiked her gown up to her hips and spread her legs. “Can you make that five minutes instead?”
“As hard as my dick is, I can make it two.” He pounced on top of her like a leopard.
Chapter Eight
Salmon croquettes sizzled in olive oil inside the hot frying pan on top of the stove. Beside the stove on the counter, the Keurig hummed, brewing a small cup of raspberry tea. Sandella inhaled the mixed aromas, sliced a tablespoon of butter into the simmering grits, added a dash of salt, and then stirred.
As the meal settled into its last stages of cooking, she walked over to the window. She slid her hands inside her apron. Two birds perched on the branch of her favorite oak. They began pecking each other beaks.
Ahh, they’re in love. Like me. Last night after they’d made love, she’d left the cottage and come back to the main house. Just as she’d crawled into bed, Braylon emerged in the doorway and ended up joining her. They’d made love three times last night and eventually she’d fallen asleep with him holding her.
Braylon had no clue how deeply and madly in love she was with him. It’d been on the tip of her tongue to tell him last night after they’d made mad passionate love the last time. But she couldn’t. She didn’t believe in women announcing their undying love for a man first. It just wasn’t right.
For all she knew he might never love her and might very well end things once Willa and Drake returned. Who knew? As charming and as handsome as he was, she was certain the women on the base would eventually make a move, if they hadn’t done so already.
Lord help me. He’d captured her heart like no man ever had. Having sex before knowing where the relationship was headed…why in the world did she let this happen?
“It smells delicious in here.” Braylon startled the heck out of her.
She turned around sharply. “Good morning.”
“You’re up and going early, but then again, you’re always are. A hardworking woman is tough to find these days, especially one that’s genuine.”
So are you saying that I’m your woman? Darn it. Why didn’t she have the nerve to ask the questions she deserved to know the answers to? Like…where did she stand with him? “That’s what I hear. Would you like some breakfast?”
He looked at the time on his watch. “Normally I don’t eat a heavy breakfast, but this smells too good to turn down. And I love salmon croquettes.”
Just as she pulled a plate down from the cupboard the phone rang. She hefted it from its base and dropped it to her ear. “Hello.”
“Sandella, darling. Good morning.” It was Willa.
She placed a hand over the mouthpiece and softly whispered, “It’s your grandmother.”
Braylon smiled, then nodded. “Oh.”
“How’s everything going, darling?” she asked, in her usual southern, sophisticated drawl.
“Everything’s fine. I picked Royce up from Gladys’s yesterday, and he’s so happy to be home.”
Braylon pressed his chest up against her breasts, cupped her butt, and nibbled the crook of her neck. Chills engulfed her. Oh God, not while I’m on the phone.
“Yes, he’s more comfortable at home. How’s your health doing?”
Braylon hiked the apron to her hips, smashed his erection up against her stomach, and slid his hands down her jeans straight into her core. When he slid his tongue inside her free ear, her knees buckled.
Her eyes closed halfway. Bucking against his probing fingers, she palmed his shoulder to steady herself against his hard physique. Licking her parched lips, her breath hitched. It was a darn shame she exuded no control in another woman’s kitchen.
“I asked, how’s your health?” Willa’s voice snapped her from her trance.
“It’s good. Real good,” she said, referring to Braylon’s enticing ministrations more so than her well-being.
“How’s that grandson of mine treating you?”
“Oh Willa,” she purred. She removed his hand from her sex so she could think better, then covered the mouthpiece of the phone. “Stop it,” she mouthed, playfully hitting the back of his hand. He burst into loud laughter then went over to the sink to wash his hands.
“Sandella, is that grandson of mine bothering you? I mean, I heard him laugh, and you seem mighty distracted.”
“No. He’s not bothering me.” At least not like you think he is.
“Then what has him so tickled this early in the morning?”
“It must be something he’s reading in the paper,” she fibbed.
Braylon curled his fingers into a circle, then flicked his tongue through the hole as if he was eating her pussy. Her mouth dropped open. He stood over the stove cracking up.
“All righty then…well, Drake and I should be back any day now. As I’m sure you already know, his mother hasn’t died yet. The woman is one helluva good faker. But anyhow, if you start feeling ill or need anything, don’t hesitate to give me a call.”
“Thanks, Willa.”
“No, thank you, Sandella. I appreciate everything you do for me and my son. Tell Braylon I’ll see him soon.” She ended the call.
She placed the phone back on the receiver. “I can’t believe you!”
Braylon gave her a lusty grin. “Yes, you can. And you liked every bit of it, too.” His cell vibrated against his hip. He pulled the cell out of his clip and spied the caller ID. “It’s my brother, Sonny. Wonder why he’s calling so early in the morning.” He hit the button on the screen. “Hello.”
Payback is hell. While Braylon stood talking on the phone with his brother, Sandella reached inside his pants and pulled out his cock. At the sight of his heavy veined dick, her mouth watered.
She dropped to her knees, wrapped her fingers around his shaft, then lusciously curled her mouth around his swollen head. As she pressed her lips down his thick length, his eyes became huge and disbelieving.
Wagging a finger at her, he swallowed. “I…I…will,” he stuttered, incompetent to finish his sentence. He moaned and the deep noise made him sound like he was strangling. Without saying goodbye, he tapped the screen, then placed the phone on the counter.
“Now this is just wrong.” He palmed the back of her head.
“Mmmm, hmmm.” She hummed on his pulsating member. Sausage for breakfast had never tasted better, Sandella thought, her head bobbing up and down.
BRAYLON’S FEET damn near shuffled as he walked hurriedly inside his office, his keys jingling deep inside his pants pocket. He flicked on the lights, locked the door behind himself, hastened behind his desk, then plopped down in his chair. Never in his life had he been this slow when getting to work. Taking another shower after the hot sex he’d engaged in with Sandella had resulted in this.
The time on his desk flashed to 7:49 as he sought to catch his breath. Damn, he was only eleven minutes e
arly, he thought, berating himself for succumbing to Sandella before leaving the house. But then again, there wasn’t a man on this earth who would’ve been stupid enough to refuse such advances.
He hit the power button on his computer thinking he had to get to work at least thirty minutes early from now on. Fooling around with Sandella this morning had had him rushing to the office again today. She’d sucked him like a pro. Waking up to a good breakfast and a mind-boggling blow job was something he could get used to. If the two of them ever got married, he’d have to buy them a house close to the base. Jesus, why does the word married keep popping up in my head?
Focus. Focus. He shook his head. He reached inside his desk, pulled out Sugar’s file, and spread it open on his desk. After Sandella had fallen asleep last night, he’d opened his work laptop, pulled up the criminal database, and had found out the name of the guy that’d been found murdered in the woods. The guy’s name was Marc Jackson.
He entered Marc Jackson’s name in the search box to read over the case that’d been long ago forgotten, again. A picture of the blond-haired white man with light green eyes posted to the top right hand corner. He clicked to the number two at the bottom on the page.
“Now that’s interesting,” Braylon said. The thick-browed Forest Greene had handled Marc Jackson’s case. His boss’s boss, Forest, had concluded in the report that Marc Jackson had been shot by a hunter. However, there was no substantial evidence supporting the conclusion.
“Morning, Detective!”
Braylon’s head snapped up from the screen. Forest’s head inched between the space of the door and the frame. A wicked smile lifted his wide-spread lips. Never mind knocking. “Good morning.”
An evil light sparked the man’s green eyes. “I see you barely got here on time again today,” he remarked.
Marrying the Marine-epub Page 10
