Witness Protection (The Witness Series)

by Bec Botefuhr

  “Hello James Clancy.”

  He smiles at me. “James is fine.”

  “No, I like James Clancy.”

  He laughs. “How is the case going Ryder?”

  “So far so good, no more crap since the last death.”

  “Fingers crossed it stays that way, I came in to say you have a visitor.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes, sorry buddy but Janelle is here.”

  Ryder stiffens, so heavily it catches my attention.

  “Why is she here?”

  “I don’t know. She is on her way in.”

  James Clancy disappears just as a gorgeous woman walks into the office. She is tall, with long black hair and bright green eyes. She is wearing a designer blouse and skirt, and looks the image of money and fashion. She is stunning.

  “Ryder.” She smiles and he growls.

  “Janelle, why are you here?”

  “I wanted to talk.”

  Her gaze falls on me, I don’t move off Ryder’s desk.

  “Who is this?” She smiles fakely.

  “This is Ari, she is a friend.”

  “Well Ali, if you don’t mind, I would like to speak with Ryder?”

  “It’s Ari!” I snap.

  Ryder takes my arm and leans in close. “A minute baby?”

  “Fine.”

  I storm out and walk into Nate’s office. He is on the phone but smiles when I come in. I take up the same position on his desk, that I had on Ryder’s

  “Yeah, I got it. What are the reports for that? Send them through.”

  He hangs up and smiles up at me. “What’s up, Ryder kick you out?”

  “Actually he did.”

  “Oh?”

  “Janelle is here.”

  Nate stiffens too.

  “Janelle?”

  “Yes, Janelle. Who is she?”

  “His ex-wife.”

  “And she is here because?”

  “Fuck’s me, she has been away for a good year. It’s complicated.”

  “Well, I don’t like it.”

  Nate grins. “Oh?”

  “Shut up, I am a little jealous ok.”

  “Join the club.”

  “You are jealous?”

  He grins again. “Yep.”

  “That’s kind of funny.”

  “Come on, let’s go get a bite to eat.”

  “Sound’s good to me.”

  We walk out and Ryder is in deep discussion with Janelle.

  “Janelle.” Nate greets her gruffly when we walk in.

  “Oh Nate, how wonderful to see you.” She practically purrs.

  She leans in and kisses him fair on the lips, I crinkle my nose. Ugh.

  “Yeah, I can’t say the same. Ryder, we are going out for something to eat.”

  “I am going to be out tonight, business.” He manages to say, not once taking his eyes from me.

  I feel that jealousy again, it is clear to all of us who he will be with tonight. I turn away with fury, I shouldn’t be jealous, there is nothing to be jealous about. I plant on a fake smile.

  “Right, fine. We are going.” Nate mutters.

  “See you buddy.”

  Nate tugs my arm, and I give Ryder a look, it must be a good one because he curses under his breath and grips my arm, pulling me in and slanting his lips over mine. His kiss is hot, hard and deep. He pulls back leaving me breathless.

  “Don’t look at me like that baby, I will see you tomorrow.”

  Nate tugs me away and I manage to capture Janelle’s glare. Oh, so that didn’t go down well. Good, in your face.

  “What did he say to you?” Nate asks.

  “He said don’t look at me like that and that he will see me tomorrow.”

  “There is a lot of issues between those two, she was the love of his life. There are big scars.”

  “Yeah it doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out.”

  “So, we are all alone tonight, what do you say we do?”

  “Movies, beer, and maybe a snuggle or two.”

  Nate laughs. “Deal.”

  Nate and I spend the entire evening joking and laughing. We snuggle on the couch and watch movies, and laugh stupidly at the funny parts. He is becoming a strong part of me and I adore him, he is without fail the best friend I have had in a long time. We plod off to bed around midnight, both tired and yawning.

  “Thanks Nate, I had fun.”

  He smiles. “Me too, you are the best thing that has happened to us in a long while Ari.”

  I blush. “Yeah well, you guys aren’t so bad to have around either.”

  “Give me a kiss.”

  I lean forward and he presses his lips to mine.

  “Night cowboy.”

  “Night sweetheart.”

  I plod off to my bed and sink into it. I think of Ryder and my heart clenches, jealousy still lurks deep inside. I pick up my phone and hesitate, will he be mad if I text? What the heck, it won’t hurt. Things have been a little better with us since the night he came into my room. Since then, he kisses me often, touches me when we sit alone together, but he hasn’t pushed me in any way to go further. I thought it was because he cared and wanted to take it slow, but what if it is because he doesn’t want any more period?

  I missed you tonight.

  He responds quickly, which makes my heart flutter.

  Missed you too baby.

  You missed out, we watched old Clint Eastwood re runs, you know GI, you could learn something’s from him.

  Oh yeah? Sounds fun. I know all the Clint moves baby, all of them.

  I bet you do, what are you doing?

  Business.

  That’s it, business?

  That’s it.

  Well ok then, I suppose I should let you get back to it.

  Get some sleep, I will see you in the morning.

  Ok then, night GI.

  Night baby.

  * * * * * *

  It’s about time she stopped whimpering. I was sick to death of hearing her pathetic panting. Get over it love, I raped you, deal with it. After slitting her throat very slowly and watching her eyes bulge, I wrapped and bagged her. She would make a special treat for my little friend. Oh yes, I have the perfect place to hang her, I just have to find the right moment.

  If the little tramp ever stops flaunting herself around that cop, she might actually realize she is being stalked by a dangerous killer. She is making a damn joke of me, and my life’s work. She thinks she is safe, protected by her little fuck buddy but she isn’t, oh no, she isn’t. They might be able to protect her there, granted I won’t get close enough but I have plans, oh yes, I have plans to drag her out and away from them. It’s all about timing.

  I peer down and the lifeless body wrapped in a plastic tarp. Good riddance, the girl was a drag. Sobbing and hyperventilating like a mental patient. Honestly, it surprises me she ever got fucked in her life before me, I was doing her a damned favor. Silly little girl, she was no more than a waste of good clean air. One less skank to deal with. I pick up my binoculars and peer out the motel window and over to the huge apartment complex.

  Near impossible to get into, guards at every damned entrance. There was a back dock through, where the restaurant was stocked, with the right timing I could get in un noticed. It is about time little Maya learnt she can’t hide from me and it is about time she got some fear pumped into her. The idiot wasn’t going to make a fool of me any longer, no, it was time for her to get her present.

  CHAPTER 5

  “Ari, hey.”

  I groan and roll over, too early, go away.

  “Come on sweetheart, up and at em.”

  I glare through bleary lashes at Nate, who is leaning over me with a stupid smile on his face.

  “Nate, go away.”

  “Come on, James is here to speak with us and Ryder just got home. Breakfast time, up you get.”

  “What does James Clancy want?”

  Nate grins. “He hates that you know? That you call
him James Clancy.”

  I wave an uninterested hand.

  “He has news, come on, up.”

  “Fine, fine, I am coming.”

  I stand and run a brush through my morning hair, then quickly pull on some pajama bottoms, I wasn’t getting dressed nicely, it is too darn early. When we get into the kitchen/dining area, James Clancy is standing and chatting to Ryder. My heart thumps seeing Ryder, I missed him. He turns to see me and gives me a smile and a wink. Damn James Clancy for being here.

  “Well, she lives.” James Clancy says, turning.

  “Yeah yeah, what’s up James Clancy, I was having a nice sleep.”

  He gives me a look, but keeps the smile. “I have news.”

  “You catch him? Good, I need some sun.”

  “No, sorry.”

  I huff. “Damn.”

  “Another girl went missing a few days ago.”

  My blood just about stops pumping and my scalp prickles.

  “She…could have been anyone. Girls sneak off all the time.”

  “She was blonde, in her teens and out alone.”

  “She could have a boyfriend.”

  “No, she had no boyfriend.”

  “That you know of.” I tremble.

  “We are doing everything we can Ariana.”

  “My name is Maya!” I snap, exploding with emotion. A tear streams down my face.

  “Hey,” Ryder says, gripping my chin. “You are safe.”

  “And she isn’t, she is alone with a sicko who will slit her throat, oh God, I am going to be sick.”

  “No, you aren’t, breathe.” Ryder encourages.

  “She will die, and here I am sitting in a nice apartment hiding. He wants me, and he is going to keep killing until he gets me.”

  “No, he is going to kill with or without you, he is a killer Ari, it is what they do.” Nate says gently, handing me a cup of tea.

  “Tell me you have something, anything.” I whisper.

  “We do actually,” James Clancy says, sipping his coffee. “He took her from a street, it just so happens the building on that street had security. His face was covered but we have matched body type, weight and height on the data base and come up with a strong suspect.”

  “Go on.” I whisper.

  “Bill Jules, thirty year old man. He did time about five years back for assault and violence, then he just went off the radar. After digging further we found out he lived briefly in Miami, where he was charged again for assault but he managed to run and no one has seen or heard from him since. Credit cards, licenses, the lot have just ceased. His mother and father lived out west, split up, abusive relationship. Father is locked away, mother is heavily into drugs.”

  “So he could be dead and you are way off.” I mutter.

  “I am not finished. His mother is blonde, blonde as blonde can be and pretty. She had him when she was fifteen and she treated him badly. He got taken when she was twenty and put into the foster system.”

  “Blonde?” I whisper.

  “And she had him when she was a teen. It fits. His mother abused him, she was a whore in his mind, or so he said at his first court case. He also said his day was not done. Could be nothing, but, I am thinking he is a strong lead.”

  “Yeah well how do you find someone who has disappeared off the radar?” I ask.

  “He will stuff up, there will be a trail somewhere, we just have to find it. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for a man who looks like this.”

  He hands me a photo and I yelp, oh sweet Jesus.

  “Why didn’t you show me this before?” I whisper.

  “You recognize him?” Ryder asks.

  “Those eyes, that is him, that is the murderer.”

  I stare down at the grey eyed man. Bald, clean shaven, young looking and handsome. He looks so…normal. They always do though, don’t they?

  “Are you sure?” Nate asks.

  “Those are the eyes I saw, without fail.”

  “He could have changed his appearance, but keep an eye out all the same. We have upped security around the building and we will have police monitoring the place. He won’t get near you.”

  I nod weakly. “Thanks.”

  “Any more info bud?” Nate asks.

  “No, that’s it.”

  “Are you sure you are good here with her today?”

  “Wait what?” I gape.

  Both cops turn and smile at me.

  “We got to do some work, a few hours at most. James Clancy will stay with you.”

  “It’s James.” James Clancy mutters.

  Ryder winks at him and Nate laughs.

  “So you are having me babysat?” I snap.

  “Aw, now stop that behavior. It is a few hours.”

  “Baby sat.” I pout.

  “I was thinking we could go to the pool.” James Clancy pipes up.

  My eyes beam. “Really? We can go swimming?”

  “Sure, not so bad now eh?”

  I grin and clap my hands. “Oh James Clancy, we are going to have fun!”

  “Look out buddy, your day just got a whole lot more interesting.” Nate grins, tapping James Clancy on the back.

  “I will keep her under control.”

  I laugh and spin, heading back to my room. “I am getting dressed.”

  “Yeah, I gotta take a shower then I will be ready to go.” Ryder says, following me.

  Nate gives us a look, but says nothing.

  “I will be out here with some food, when you two are finished getting ready.”

  I duck into my room and Ryder follows, luckily for me my room is down the hall.

  “Finally.” He murmurs, pulling me in and pressing a long, hot kiss to my lips.

  “I missed you last night.”

  “So you said.” He grins, pulling off his shirt.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Having a shower.”

  “Ummm, in my room?”

  “With you.”

  “Wait, what? No.”

  He laughs, and tugs at my shirt. “You have a beautiful body under there, and I need to touch it. Don’t argue, my hand is trembling for your pretty ass.”

  Can’t argue that. “I don’t know, I am not like the tall, gorgeous blondes you date.”

  He laughs and slides my shirt over my head, then lets his eyes travel over my body.

  “No, you aren’t. You are tiny, like a pixie and you have a hot body.”

  “It is all small and pathetic.” I frown.

  “No, it is delicate and beautiful.”

  “I don’t have double D’s.”

  He grins again. “No, perhaps not. Those little mounds are beautiful all the same, why do you think you aren’t gorgeous?”

  “I have a round face, so Nate says. I have tiny little legs and a tiny little body, my boobs are half a hand full. I am just not up to standards.”

  “Want to know how I see you?”

  “Not really.” I huff.

  “You have a beautiful face, it is this little oval shape and you remind me of a doll. You have gorgeous brown eyes and thick luscious hair. Big full lips that are far nicer than most I have kissed. You have a gorgeous body, flat and curvy at the same time. Not an ounce of fat. You are tiny, and I love it because I am not. I want to wrap my arms around you and protect you. I think you are stunning because you are different, and that is something.”

  I blush and fumble with my fingers. “You do?”

  “Oh yeah, now strip and let me see what I have missed out on.”

  I do so, slowly, his eyes are on me the entire time. When I stand naked before him, my heart is pounding. What is he thinking? Is he turned on, turned off?

  “Shit,” He growls. “Well shit.”

  “You don’t like it, I am sorry.” I cover my breasts but his hand lashes out to tug them down.

  “I say shit because, fuck you are beautiful…more beautiful than I imagined.”

  “Don’t lie to make me feel better.”

  He drops his cl
othes quickly and I gape down at his erection which is standing proudly. It occurs to me then how much that thing will hurt, boy, will it hurt.

  “Does that look like a lie?”

  “I…oh…I…”

  He steps forward and I step back, still in mild shock.

  “I won’t bite baby.”

  “That…is big.”

  “Thanks.” He grins and I shoot a glare his way.

  “We aren’t going to…”

  “Fuck? No, but you are going to touch me, and I am going to touch you.”

  I blush again and feel my tongue snake out and slide around my lips.

  “Now get in that shower, we don’t have long.”

  Ryder lifts me and places me in the shower, then steps in. He pulls my body close to his and I tremble all over. God, his skin is soft and so warm, his body is toned and sleek. He reminds me of a panther, a dangerous, beautiful creation. He lowers his mouth and claims me in a deep, hot kiss. Our tongues combine and our moans melt together.

  One hand is pressed on the tiles above my head and the other slides down my body, over my breasts and down my hips. He circles my bottom and presses me closer, then slides his hands around the front. Oh. Yes. When his fingers slide into my sex, I moan. The hot water has every nerve ending alive and I am extra sensitive. He tweaks the hard little nub and then edges my legs further apart.

  “Spread your legs.” He demands hoarsely.

  I do as he asks, and I can feel his erection jutting out heavily against my belly. He slides his finger around and around, then slowly inserts it. I moan and grip his arms, as slowly he presses a second in. When he begins moving them in and out, my body coils so tightly I want to explode. The pleasure is too much.

  “Touch me.” He growls.

  I hesitate, then slowly reach out to take his thick erection in my hands. He growls when my fingers curl around him.

  “Your hands are so fucking tiny, but so good, so good.”

  I move slowly, sliding my hand up and down his shaft, then slowly twirling my fingers around the head. He is throbbing in my palm and hard as stone. I slide up and down, squeezing a little as I do. His fingers move faster and faster until we are both moaning and clenching. I find it hard to concentrate as I stroke him and he strokes me, but the pleasure continues to build.

  “Ryder.” I breathe.

  “Come.”

  I grit my teeth, fighting back the urge to do as he says. He growls and thrusts his fingers harder and faster.

  “God dammit, come.”