The worst part was she wouldn’t be able to save him from the pain. Since acquiring people who matter, she had found it increasingly difficult to keep her heart safe.
Now, she was going to be risking it all.
“What about you, Ethan?” she asked.
They had one major rule in their marriage—no lies. “If I was Tony, I would want to know, but I’m a control freak. I’d want to hover over the situation, micromanaging it. I’m not easy going like Callen. I can’t just sit back while fate screws with me.”
Of course the men were each going to pick a different end of the spectrum. Why was she shocked?
“What would you prefer, angel?” Callen asked.
She didn't know.
Before she realized that love was the most important thing in the world, she would want to know, but now… Elizabeth would trust the ones who cherished her to protect her when her heart was on the line.
She would trust these two men with her life.
“I honestly don’t know.”
Ethan had a sure fire way to make her feel better. “How about we get ready for bed, call Wyler, and you can see the kids?”
That did cheer her up. In fact, she ran for the large king size bed and jumped onto it.
“I’m ready!”
Both men laughed.
Pulling out his tablet, Callen got into position beside her. When they heard the ping of the video call being answered, they also heard squeals. It was an hour earlier back home, so the kids were still up.
“Hi, Dad!” Elizabeth called enthusiastically.
When he heard her voice, the Blackhawk grin came out. “Sweetheart! I’ve missed you! I didn't expect to hear from you.”
She missed him too. Here was an older version of her Ethan, and she loved him like he was her own father. Over the last few years, he’d become just that.
“I like to surprise you, Dad. How are you?”
He laughed. “Your dogs are out of control. Are you sure that Cyra likes us? They just ate another pair of shoes. I think they have some leather deficiency.”
Ethan immediately sat up. “Please tell me it wasn’t one of mine.”
Wyler laughed at the look on his son’s face. “I’m sorry, son. The black ones with the tassels are dead.”
“I’m going to kill those dogs.”
Callen laughed along with Elizabeth. “I’m betting your genius idea of getting two fluff balls doesn’t seem like such a good idea now.”
Wyler turned the tablet toward the floor. Sitting there, flanking EJ and Cat, were the two dogs. They were protectively watching over them.
On second thought, what was a pair of shoes anyway?
“They’re damn lucky they’re cute,” Ethan stated. Yeah, and he also had no doubt that they’d watch his children, keeping them safe. They were lousy shoe hounds, but excellent guard dogs.
Elizabeth whistled and both dogs’ ears perked up as they searched for her in the room. “I think they’re trained perfectly.”
The men knew that Cyra had somehow conspired against them. The dogs greeted her at the door and listened to her commands. It had to be a girlfriend code thing. There was no doubt that the women had somehow plotted against them.
“Can I see the kids?” Elizabeth asked, eagerly bouncing on the bed.
Wyler got down on the floor and held the tablet for the two kids. When she saw them, her eyes filled with tears.
“Kitty Cat, I love you so much.”
Catherine touched the screen and batted her big green eyes. “Momma.”
Elizabeth’s heart skipped in her chest. “Yes, baby, it’s me. I’ll be home soon. I promise.”
Then, EJ, true to form took the tablet and tried to eat it.
“That’s your son,” Ethan said. “He’s going to eat us out of house and home.”
Callen snorted. “That’s okay with me. I’ll work five jobs just so they’re happy.”
No one doubted that. Callen loved his children with all he had. He was working damn hard at giving them the idyllic childhood that he only dreamed of as a boy.
“EJ, I love you.”
Immediately, he listened to the sound of her voice. When he realized she was on the tablet waving at him, he grinned. He had a dimple in his one chubby cheek.
“He’s so damn sweet.”
Then, they heard their other terror. Unfortunately, CJ liked to play parrot, repeating everything. Now, he was running in circles yelling ‘damn’ as loud as he could.
“Callen James Blackhawk!” Ethan said, raising his voice.
It had the desired effect. The boy stopped in his tracks.
“CJ, momma loves you.”
He wandered over to the tablet. “Hi, my momma. I miss you. Hi, dadees. I cop.”
It was hard to miss that he was dressed up in a play costume and carrying fake pistols. He looked pretty damn cute too.
“You’re my handsomest man,” she crooned. Her son was looking more and more like his father with every passing day. She’d missed the last month with all three of her baby birds.
“You come home, Momma?”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I will soon, baby. I promise. I’ll be home before you know it. Then we can make cookies and watch movies.”
“Yay!”
With that, he took off running, singing a song about the joys of cookies.
Wyler’s face returned to the screen.
“How’s the new housekeeper working out?” Ethan asked. “You’re not searching for pie, are you?”
Callen snorted. “The Blackhawks love their pie, especially Wyler.”
“As a matter of fact, Callen James,” he admonished, “I’m not getting pie in the house anymore.”
Ethan lifted a brow, catching the last part of that sentence. “But you’re still having dessert often?”
He didn't say anything.
Elizabeth slapped herself in the middle of the forehead. “Oh Christ! Please tell me Bly isn't making pie deliveries again.”
Wyler said nothing.
Callen spoke up, “Dad, get off that crazy train. It’s only going to derail and kill everyone onboard.”
“Do I comment on your sex life, son? Have I ever teased, admonished, or commented on the women before our Elizabeth? Trust me—there were some winners. In fact, I think I lost count of the women you took to your bed. You pretty much worked your way through the Rez.”
Callen flinched beside Elizabeth.
Immediately, she took his hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly. They all knew Callen hated his life before their union. If anything, he was ashamed.
“I know I did, Dad.”
The older Blackhawk looked angry.
All three of them stared at the man, still in shock. They didn't expect him to take a shot at his son. Normally, he was easy going. It was where Callen got it from.
“Dad,” Ethan began, getting ready to defend his brother. The last thing he wanted to see was Callen hurting over his past. They had all made mistakes, Wyler included.
“If I want to have sex, I think that’s something that should be between me and the other person. If my sex life is an issue, I can move back to the Rez and out of your house.”
What the hell was this?
Ethan closed his mouth when his wife placed her hand on his wrist. It was a clear signal.
This wasn’t the time or place.
“Sorry, Dad, we won’t ever bring it up again,” Elizabeth offered. “You’re right. It’s not any of our business, and we shouldn’t bust you about it. The pie conversation is dead. The next time any of us bring it up, it will be about real baked goods.”
His cheek twitched.
Yeah, Wyler was stirred up. Something was going on there. Before anyone could say anything else, the man continued.
“I need to see to the kids. Cindy leaves in a little while, and she’s going to help me get them wrangled and into bed. I’m glad you’re safe, Elizabeth. Have a good night.”
They didn't know wh
at to say.
Never had Wyler cut them off so abruptly, especially when they were only teasing him.
This was new.
Awkward.
Bizarre.
“Goodnight, Dad,” Ethan stated right before the man ended the video call.
Callen was surprised. “Holy shit! What did we do to set him off? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that mad before.”
They weren’t sure.
“If he’s back with Bly, she’s not getting her damn job back,” stated Elizabeth. “We just got rid of her, and Cindy is freaking Mary Poppins. Plus, she likes me. If he asks us to take her back, you have to be tough and say no,” she said, staring at her husband.
“Why do I have to say no? Why can’t you be the one who wears that bull’s-eye?” he asked, teasing her. “There are two other people running this household. How did I get nominated to be the bad guy?”
“You’re tougher than I am. He puts on that dopey Blackhawk grin, and I’m toast. He can’t do that to you because you’re male and immune.”
Ethan laughed. His wife had a point.
“Please keep evil Bly away, Ethan. There’s no one to switch around my coffee mugs, comment on my panties, or make our lives hell.”
Callen spoke up, “I comment on your girly things all the time.”
She punched him.
“Shit! I didn't miss that while you were away!”
Ethan was amused, and for his wife, he would easily take one for the team. “She’s not coming back. I promise. Cindy is really good at her job, and she’s here to stay.”
“Do you think we hurt his feelings?” Callen asked.
They all rolled onto their backs in bed and stared at the ceiling.
“I hope not,” stated Elizabeth. “We may have to stop the hating on his Native babe, which is going to suck. I can’t stand her. I don’t know if I can fake my way through that.”
“Maybe we should have her over for dinner and bury the hatchet.”
Elizabeth and Ethan stared over at Callen.
“Are you insane?” Elizabeth asked, appalled by that suggestion. Once you let evil back in, you can’t get it to leave. Bly is like the bad things that come through when you play with a Ouija board. No one needs her haunting our house.”
Yeah, not happening.
He laughed. “Come on. Think about it. How awkward would that be? She’d be a nervous wreck. We can spin this in our favor. Ethan can stare at her with that cold empty gaze, you can give her the disapproving look, and I can snicker the entire time.”
They started laughing.
“Your deviousness is sexy,” Elizabeth admitted. “I kind of like that plan.”
Callen grinned. “Thank you. I’m learning from the best.”
Ethan pulled out his tablet, opened it, and then pulled up Elizabeth’s shirt. This was something he’d missed doing the last month.
“What are you up to?” she asked, watching him curiously.
“It’s bedtime, so I thought that I’d go back to reading to Charlie.”
That made her grin and go to mush all at once. “Ethan Blackhawk, I couldn’t love you more if I tried.”
“What are you reading her?” Callen asked.
“It was a toss up, but I picked ‘I Can Lick Thirty Tigers Today’, by Dr. Seuss. I was torn between his more popular ones, but I figured she’d hear those in school. Why not be original?”
Elizabeth started laughing. “I’ve never heard that one,” she added. “This should be interesting.”
“It will be.”
With that, they all curled up, and Ethan Blackhawk took a few minutes to help his wife forget the mess brewing around them. For that moment, they were just a family, loving their unborn child.
“This is nice,” Callen stated, running his hand over the baby bump.
“Yeah, it really is,” she replied.
Ethan grinned. If anything, he knew how to calm his wife.
This wasn’t his first day at the rodeo either.
* * *
Friday Morning
Tony was up and into a pair of old beat up jeans before Jaxon was even out of bed. When she rolled over, he assaulted her mouth with his own, kissing her senseless. It was his biggest pleasure each morning, and he had no plans of ever stopping.
When she tried to pull him back into bed, it made Tony laugh. “God, sweetheart! I wish I could, but if I don’t get my ass to that dig site, Elizabeth will chew me up and spit me out.”
Jaxon understood.
“I want you to stay in the morgue and hang out with Chris and Merry. Don’t go wandering around alone,” he stated.
“Are you siccing babysitters on me?” she asked.
Pulling Jaxon up from the bed, her naked form went into his arms. “I’m getting you fiancée sitters. There is a huge difference.”
Jaxon stared up into his eyes. “Think about me?” she offered. Releasing her, he took her hand in his to kiss the finger where her engagement ring sat.
“How could I not? You’re going to be my wife. You’re all I think about.”
Her heart stuttered in her chest.
“I’ll pop in later to see you. Try and behave,” he ordered, right before winking at her.
“I love you, Tony,” she called.
“I love you more, Jaxy,” he offered right before the door closed behind him. There was never a truer sentence spoken for him. She was his heart, his soul, and now his future.
Heading downstairs into the breakfast room of the hotel, he found his buddy having coffee. He was just the man Tony wanted to see.
“Chris?” he called, getting his attention.
Glancing up, Doctor Leonard saw the man heading his way. Chris struggled to keep a neutral face. “Yeah, Tony?”
“I need to talk to you.”
Shit!
The panic filled him.
“About what?”
“I’m being sent off to the dig site for the day. Can you keep an eye on Jaxon? I have that weird feeling in my stomach that something bad is brewing, and I can’t quite put my finger on it.”
He swallowed his coffee and also the panic that welled up in his throat. “Sure, that’s an easy one.”
Tony offered the man a fist bump. “When this is all over, how about we get together and have dinner? I want Jaxon to meet Cyra. I think they’ll like each other.”
Chris agreed. They would like each other, if their husbands were still talking when this case ended. “That’s a great idea. We should get together for a BBQ. I’ll have Lyzee and the family over too.”
Tony grinned. “That’s an awesome idea. We’re like one big happy family. This is so new to me, but amazing. If I ever forget to tell you, you’re like a brother to me.”
Chris’s heart squeezed in his chest.
“Same here, Tony.”
“I have to run. I’ll text you later,” he stated, heading toward the door. At the exit, he turned. “Thanks for being such a good friend. I love you, man.”
When he was gone, Chris dropped his head onto the table as he was filled with guilt. He knew then and there that they were all in big trouble.
In fact, they were now three days past screwed.
It was more like ‘no dinner, sex in the car, and dropped off at the curb for a taxi’ screwed.
Well, shit.
This was going to be a disaster.
He could feel it…
* * *
Oh, they were going to pay.
The fucking Feds were a pain in his ass. If he had anything to say about it, they’d be running for their lives when it was over.
They thought they were so damn great, by coming into the town and showing everyone up.
Well, they were wrong.
They may have a killer to find, but they needed to be scared away. Then the real police could step in and take care of business. They would get it done.
In Kentucky, the backwoods citizens had a different kind of justice. Here, the locals handled their own.
It was easy to fix what was broken in their eyes.
All they needed was a gun.
While that half breed bastard thought he could run this town, he was very wrong.
They had a lesson to learn.
Unfortunately for them, it would be a painful one that they wouldn’t see coming. He’d watched them come out of the hotel all smug, thinking they were smart.
Well, they weren’t.
It pissed him off.
Maybe he could find a way to scare the hell out of them, or send them packing. Then he’d be a hero. No one wanted them there, and he could man up and take care of business. If one of them bled out, that would make it even better.
Half-breed blood was a good way to christen the dirt under their feet.
In his head, he knew it was wrong, but he didn't care.
Someone had to stand up to them, and he had the perfect way.
All it would take was one shot.
One perfectly aimed bullet, and they wouldn’t be so damn smug.
Now would they?
He laughed, knowing the perfect location which would give him the best vantage point. Once they arrived, he’d take care of the problem at hand.
For them, it wouldn’t be a good day.
See, he knew those woods like the back of his hand. He’d grown up there, lived there, and would likely meet his maker there. So, he’d risk it all for the town he loved.
Plus, he’d teach them that they couldn’t be assholes in his town. While they were looking for a killer, he’d throw them for a loop.
He’d make them scurry.
He’d show them the meaning of killing them with kindness.
Now, he had a job to do. It was time to teach them a lesson. Hopefully, it would make them pack up their shit and run for their lives.
Someone had to pay and bleed.
They’d insulted the good folks of Belleville.
Now, he’d pay them back.
One bullet at a time…
* * *
Elizabeth, Ethan, and Callen avoided getting coffee at the hotel. They knew that the team would converge on the free food like the locust in a plague, so they headed into town to the coffee shop.
Dead Shall Speak (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 10) Page 24
