“We have protocols set up. I’m to notify my Senior Vice President, Mr. Jones, first. Then he’ll notify authorities as needed,” she said.
“Are these local accounts?” Evan kept a straight face as he nonchalantly asked the questions. He wasn’t in interrogation mode, but he was definitely fishing for information.
“The deposits are made here, but the accounts are all over the Southeast. None of the money so far has been deposited into an account that belongs to anyone here,” she said.
“I see. So you think you’re gonna like this job?”
“Yeah. I really do. I audited personal accounts before so now it’s just on a bigger scale. Maybe I’ll find out their dirty secrets,” she said as she wiggled her brows.
“You always were nosey, Cat,” Kayla said.
“I found out who left nasty letters in your locker in high school, didn’t I? Forget Sherlock. Maybe I should change my name to Catherine Holmes.” She laughed.
Ginger noticed the concerned look on Mitchell’s face as a flush crept across Kayla’s, and Thomas’s jaw was ticking. “Mak?”
“Oh, shit! I think I’ve had too much wine. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me,” Cat begged.
Kayla looked at him with sadness in her eyes. “Sally Crawford. It was a long time ago, Mitch. We’ve moved past it,” she said with a smile as she wiggled her left fingers. “You’re fine, Cat. This is your celebration dinner.”
The music changed and broke the awkwardness of the moment. “Good Night” by Gloriana came on, and Cat leaned toward Thomas. “Do you remember the first time we heard this song?”
The memory settled in Thomas’s eyes as a smile spread across his face. “Yeah. If I remember correctly, you had too much to drink that night, too. You and Kayla went to a party and called me to pick you up since you couldn’t drive. We dropped Kayla off first because you were on my way back to school.” He stroked a finger down her face. “That night we shared our first kiss.”
“What? You never told me that! Either of you,” Kayla said.
Thomas and Cat ignored her and from the look on their faces, they’d be leaving soon.
Evan hadn’t taken his hand off Ginger throughout dinner. She watched his eyes and knew he was replaying conversations in his head. After the day he’d had he needed a break, and she knew exactly how to give it to him.
The sun had almost set by the time Thomas and Cat left, but Ginger wanted to go for a walk. When she and Evan stepped outside, the sky was brilliant shades of pink, purple, and orange. It was absolutely beautiful. As they walked toward the hill overlooking the river, he asked, “How are you feeling?”
“Today was a good day. Mitchell and Kayla went to the store and bought grapes when I took a nap. They’re wonderful!” she said with excitement dancing in her eyes.
He laughed. “I’m glad you’ve found something new to eat. Are you drinking enough water?”
“Yes, babe. I’m doing just what the book and doctor say to do.”
“Are you resting enough?”
She stopped and pulled his face to hers. “I’m good. We’re good.”
“I just feel like I’m missing out.”
“On what, nausea? Babe, there’s nothing to miss, right now. We read the book every night. There’s a lot going on, we just can’t see it.”
“I know, but I want our children to know I’m here, too. That I’m protecting them.”
“This one knows. He or she feels your hand every night. I tell him every day where you are and you’re out making our town safe to grow up in. Our future children will know because they’ll have an older sibling to tell them.” They stopped on the hill to look toward the sun setting across the river. He stood behind her with his arms wrapped around her and chin rested on her head.
“You called the baby he.”
“I also called the baby she.”
With humor in his voice he said, “You said him twice. See, you know it’s a boy, too.”
“Whatever you say,” she giggled. For his sake, she hoped it was a boy because he’d freak if it was a girl. It’d serve him right, though.
“Darlin’, do you mind if I call Ben real quick?”
“No, do you want me to leave?”
“Absolutely not. I haven’t been with you all day, but I need to give him some information.”
“Sure.”
He placed the call and Ben answered quickly. She heard his voice, but the words sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher. As Evan began to speak, Ginger turned in his arms while she held his gaze. She fisted his shirt and pulled down as she bent her knees. Evan’s eyes widened as a playful smile lit up her face.
“I know it’s Friday night, and I’m with my girl.”
He followed her lead and sat on the ground. As soon as his ass made contact she pushed him back as he tried to listen to Ben, but he couldn’t take his eyes off her. “Um. I have some information for you then I’m gonna enjoy my night.”
Ginger straddled Evan’s legs as she worked his belt then unfastened the button and slid the zipper over the bulge in his jeans. “Yeah, um, a couple of my officers gave me enough information today for you to investigate the bank.” Ginger took his cock into her mouth, and he swallowed hard. Her mouth moved up and down his cock as a moan worked its way up her throat. While she watched him, she rose on her knees and slid her panties to the side before she guided his finger to her core. The heat in her eyes couldn’t be mistaken for anything but love. As she slipped his finger out and moved it to his mouth, he opened to lick her juices from it while she lowered herself onto his hard cock.
She knew he hadn’t expected the erotic scene she was giving him by the look on his face. As she slowly rode him, she saw his control start to falter. “Ben, yeah man, I need to go. I’ll call you when I leave for the office in the morning,” he rushed to say. His eyes rolled back in his head as his lids closed when he disconnected the call. Ginger’s arousal from watching him flooded her pussy, and she now understood why he thought watching her was an aphrodisiac because she couldn’t get enough. He cupped her ass as she moved. “Darlin’, please tell me you’re close.” She finally let out the moan she’d been holding in. His eyes focused back on her while his fingers gripped her ass tighter and his arms helped her ride him harder. She whimpered and squeezed her eyes shut as her inner muscles contracted. “That’s right, darlin’,” he said through every thrust as he came deep inside her. With both of them panting, they couldn’t move. He pulled her down on top of him and finally calmed enough to speak between breathes. “Holy shit. That was hot as hell.”
Ginger smiled as her breathing began to slow. “So, you’re saying you enjoyed that?”
“Hell yeah. You seemed to enjoy it, too.”
“Mmmm, I don’t want to move.”
“If we don’t, we’ll get eaten by bugs.” Evan said with a chuckle.
They righted themselves then walked toward the house arm in arm. “So you’re working tomorrow.”
“Yeah, but we can still sleep in. I need to meet the weekend volunteers and Ben.”
33
It was Saturday morning and Evan didn’t want to leave Ginger in bed so he rolled over and placed his hand on her belly. He gently stroked his thumb back and forth as he silently told his little guy he was there. For the first time, he briefly thought about the baby being a girl, but the thought left almost as quickly as it came. He wasn’t ready to raise a daughter so he sent up a little prayer. He knew boys. He knew what to do with boys–play sports, teach them about cattle and horses, how to treat a woman, how to protect those they loved. He reasoned with himself if they had a son first then he’d have practice protecting his sister before he ever met his wife. It’d be second nature. He felt a peace settle in his heart by the time he finished his thoughts. That had to mean something.
Ginger stirred so he moved his hand to see if she was getting up or changing positions when she reached for her crackers and water. Her routine. Since it was working, he wasn’t messing with
it. He watched in awe because she was growing a baby inside her body. She was the most beautiful woman on the face of the planet, and she was his. He knew she wasn’t very far along, but he cataloged some of the changes he’d seen this week. Her breasts were fuller—no wonder they were more sensitive—and her hair had changed, too. He didn’t know how to describe it, but it was different. She was only taking one nap instead of two, maybe he needed to ask to make sure. He pushed the sheet farther down her body and noticed nothing else had changed. He looked forward to the day her tummy had a bump for him to feel.
“Are you finished taking inventory?”
“Just assessing. How many naps are you taking now?”
“Usually just one in the early afternoon. Why?”
“Making sure I’m keeping up with the changes.”
“You see changes?”
“Your breasts are fuller.”
“Yeah.”
“Do we have a date for the wedding?”
“Should know this week. We can get our marriage license any time you’re ready.”
“We’ll plan lunch one day next week. Feel like eating breakfast before I go to the station?”
“Yes, but sausage still isn’t sitting well.”
“How about French toast?”
“Sounds delicious,” she said with a smile.
On their way to the kitchen, they heard pans rattling then Kayla’s head popped up over the island. “French toast?”
Ginger giggled. “Were you listening?”
“Nope, I just had a taste for it. I was going to make bacon. Think you can handle that?”
“Let’s not take any chances. Go outside, darlin’. I’ll bring you some coffee.” Evan shooed her out the doors as he told Kayla he’d help her cook.
“Mitch is still sleeping, so I’d appreciate it.”
With Ginger settled outside, he and Kayla got to work. They started with the bacon so the smell would be out of the house before Ginger came back. As they cooked, Kayla smiled as though she had something profound to say. “You know, Evan, doctors have proven pregnant women can do more than just lie around for nine months, right?”
“I know. What are you saying?”
“Ginger needs to exercise, live life. She can’t just stay locked up.”
“She said she’s been swimming. Has she?”
“Yes, that’s not what I’m saying. Y’all need to go do things when you’re off. I just don’t want her going stir crazy and getting depressed.”
“I hear you, but until we arrest Frank she needs to stay put. I haven’t thought about her getting depressed. We’ll bring her car back next time, or maybe I’ll buy her something to leave here. Good idea. Thanks Kayla.” He gave her a quick hug.
“Why are you hugging my woman?” Mitchell’s scratchy voice broke through his thoughts.
“Because she’s looking out for mine.”
“Speaking of, where is yours?”
“Outside in case the smell of bacon makes her sick.”
“I’ll wash the table so we can eat out there,” Mitchell said.
“Here, take these with you so Ginger feels like she has something to do,” Kayla said handing the plates and flatware to Mitchell.
“Is she getting depressed, Kayla?”
“No, I just don’t want her to, though. This should be a fun and exciting time.”
Evan nodded because she was right. He had to admit if he got up every morning expecting to vomit, he’d get depressed too. He wanted her to enjoy being pregnant because he planned on keeping her that way often.
When they settled at the table, he asked, “So when are we changing the room next to ours into the nursery?”
“Is that what you want to do?” Ginger asked excitedly.
“Do y’all have a problem with that?” Evan looked at Mitchell and Kayla.
“Not at all.” Kayla gave him a big smile.
“Great. Now that’s settled, I’ve been meaning to ask you about the apartment in town.”
“What about it?” Mitchell looked curious.
“When I’m on duty at night, I’d like Ginger and me to stay there. That way I don’t have to drive far when I’m done, and Ginger is right there if she needs me.”
“I think that’s a great idea. I know I don’t want to rent it, but I hate it’s not being used either,” Mitchell said.
Evan heard Kayla mumble something to Ginger that sounded like sun and planet, but wasn’t sure what that meant. When he looked at them, they were both grinning as their eyes danced. Must be some kind of girl thing.
Before they finished breakfast, his phone vibrated. “Riverton.”
“What time are you going to the office? We’ve had a development.” Ben’s voice came through the phone.
He looked at his watch then at Ginger. “I can be there in twenty if it’s not an emergency. Ten if it is.”
“Ten would be preferred.”
“See you in ten.” He left the table in search of his boots, badge, and gun. With everything he needed, he walked to the door where Ginger was waiting on him. “I don’t know what’s going on. I’ll call when I can. I love y’all,” he said before he kissed her then bent to kiss her tummy. When he stood back up, she had tears in her eyes. He had to find out when the waterworks stopped. The tears gutted him every time.
“We love you too,” she said fighting back tears.
As he pulled out of the driveway, he hit the blue lights. His unmarked car was fun to drive at those speeds, but he’d rather it was Betty. He thought it’d be fun for him and Mitchell to take the cars to the old drag strip and pit them against each other. He’d work on that.
Less than ten minutes later, he pulled into the station where Ben was waiting outside. “What’s up?”
“Let’s go to your office. I don’t think you’re going to like this.”
They were greeted by a few officers on their way inside, but no one stopped them for long. As soon as he walked in, he saw the sealed envelope sitting in the center of his desk. He held it up to Ben, “You’re not gonna like these either. I wanna make copies before you take the originals.”
“Those from your officers?”
He nodded. “Tell me what’s happened.”
“I sent my agents out to Frank Smith’s grandmother’s place yesterday. They looked around and found his personal vehicle so they knocked on the door. No one answered so they waited. They didn’t know if he was passed out or what, but once it was dark and no lights turned on they became concerned. Since he’s a person of interest, we were able to secure a search warrant. According to my agents, the house was ransacked.” He showed Evan the pictures on his phone. A struggle appeared to have taken place. Evan knew Frank was a big boy so he’d have to be under the influence of something for someone to have gotten the upper hand. Other pictures showed beer cans, liquor bottles, and drug paraphernalia lying around.
“Maybe his party turned violent.”
“Maybe,” Ben acknowledged.
Evan called Sheriff Cahill and put the phone on speaker for a report. He informed them his deputies didn’t find the Judge’s truck yesterday, but did find he kept his boat in dry dock at a place in Cloverville. It was closed by the time they arrived, but they were going back and would let Evan and Ben know as soon as they found out anything.
He’d made copies of the statements for Ben, and they were discussing them when there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”
A man in his sixties whom Evan hadn’t met yet stuck his head in, “Chief, I’m John. I volunteer on the weekends.”
“Nice to meet you. Is there something you need?”
“Miss Ruby Johnson is here and seems a little agitated. She wants to speak with you, sir.”
“Thank you. Will you show her back please?”
“Yes sir.”
When he disappeared, Evan looked at Ben and shrugged. “What do you think this is about?” Ben asked.
“No clue, but I guess we’re getting ready to find out,” Ev
an said.
There was a tap on the door before it opened, and John ushered Ruby inside. She stopped instantly when she saw Ben.
“I didn’t know you were busy,” she said. Her hands shook as she rubbed her palms down her fitted jeans.
“Ruby, this is Ben Stevens with the State Police. Anything you need to tell me you can say in front of him.”
“Judge Bishop called me this mornin’,” she blurted.
“What time?” Ben asked.
“About thirty minutes ago. As soon as I hung up, I came here.”
“What did he say?” Evan asked as calmly as he could because he didn’t want her any more nervous.
“He asked if I could get in touch with Deputy Smith.”
“Are you sure that was this morning and not last night?” Ben questioned.
“I’m sure. I had a date last night and didn’t take any calls,” she said with frustration.
“Ruby, tell us the whole conversation.”
“Anyway, he asked and I told him all I have is a cell number.”
Evan glanced at Ben. “I thought you said his cell was at his place.”
“It is.”
“What number do you have, Ruby?”
She handed Evan a piece of paper. “That’s not his regular number.”
“His personal car still at his grandmother’s?”
“Yep,” Ben confirmed.
“The Sheriff has his patrol car, so what other vehicle does he have?”
“Judge Bishop’s boat,” Ruby said.
Evan and Ben looked at her quizzically. “Care to elaborate?” Evan asked.
“I was goin’ to, but y’all keep interruptin’ me. The Judge said to tell Frank a boat was tied down where the creek splits from the river. You know, the creek that feeds into the swamp?”
“I’m familiar,” Evan said. “Keep going.”
“So then he said to tell Frank to meet me where Harley was found.”
“Did you call Frank?” Evan asked.
“I did on my way here.” She sounded apologetic. “The Judge said I could help Harley and…” Ruby didn’t get to finish that sentence.
Unfinished Business Page 26
