She tilted her head to the side. “I don’t. I’m willing to leave it all up to you and my guys.” Then she looked at the ladies. “I’m sorry if that makes me appear to be…”
Ginny Kendall waved her hand. “It makes you appear to be in charge of your own life.”
“And your choice not to see the scum-sucking asshole, pardon my French, is a perfectly valid one.” April nodded as she said that.
“Absolutely.” Brittany Phillips nodded.
“What Ginny and April said.” Penelope smiled.
“I’m with them.” Rebecca was nodding her agreement.
Knowing these women of strength didn’t count her a coward made Leesa feel better.
“I want a piece of this,” Jason said. He ran his hand down Leesa’s back then kissed her hand. She did notice that he and Phillip exchanged a look. They’d had that like-mind thing going on between them, she knew, since before they’d ever come to Texas.
“I’m sure you do,” Adam replied. “And you’ll have it. It’ll be just you, me, and the spook, here.” She’d learned that Marc Jessop had ended up working for the CIA before his return to Lusty. “But you have to promise that you let us handle the creep. No matter how tempting it might be for you to haul off and punch his lights out.”
Jason looked at Adam. “I’ll cede this moment, this time, to you. But only because I know how seriously you take your job. And because I do understand there are elements in this situation that I don’t understand.”
Leesa knew Adam took his job very seriously, too. One of the bits of lore she’d heard was of the day Adam had crashed through a plate glass window in his attempt to save Chloe Rhodes Jessop from the same criminal who’d assaulted her younger sister, Carrie Benedict, years before.
As it turned out, Chloe had saved Adam’s life by killing her assailant when that miscreant had aimed his gun at Adam.
What she didn’t know was what Jason meant by elements he didn’t understand. Leesa didn’t worry about it overmuch at the moment, though. She’d get it out of him when they were alone.
Adam’s expression turned serious. “All right then. Let’s go pay our respects to the gentleman at the bar.”
* * * *
Jason had heard all the stories about the many “adventures” his cousins here in Lusty had experienced over recent years, including the hair-raising incident involving his own brothers and his sister-in-law, Bailey. He’d been shocked when they’d related the tale of Bailey having been stalked by a killer. But now, loving Leesa, his feelings had gone way beyond shock. He couldn’t imagine the terror Chance and Logan must have felt, knowing their woman was being held at knifepoint.
He understood down to his soul that if the moment ever arose, he’d put himself between Leesa and danger of any kind without a second thought. Sometimes the love he felt for that woman rose up and humbled him, nearly bringing him to his knees. Jason Benedict was self-aware enough to understand that, since coming to Lusty, he’d begun to change. Until this moment, he hadn’t known what to think of those changes.
Jason also figured the reason the incident with his brothers and Bailey came to mind was his inner voice telling him that Adam Kendall may be his laid-back, slightly laconic, and somewhat wry-humored cousin, but he was also a well-trained cop—one who knew his job well and one who considered the safety of every member of his community his sacred duty.
But as he walked with the sheriff and the retired CIA operative to confront the man who’d, at one time, put hands on his woman in violence, he knew the depth of those changes within him, and he owned his emotions. Adam knew those emotions, too, because he and his brother had gone through their own trial-by-fire with their wife. That was why Adam had asked for his restraint.
Thank God I came to Lusty. And thank God I found my Leesa.
Leesa was his, and he’d do whatever was needed to keep her safe.
As they neared the bar, he saw Angela Stone standing behind the chest-high polished wood in front of a man who had an opened beer in hand. Bryce Jordan. Angela appeared to be listening intently to whatever Jordan was saying to her.
Since Adam headed toward Jordan’s left—which would put him between Jordan and the door—Jason headed to Jordan’s right. Marcus gave him a slight nod, and Jason understood why when Marcus took up his position about half an arm’s length behind Bryce Jordan.
“Hello, Sheriff.” Angela nodded to Adam then faced Bryce Jordan. “I believe these gentlemen wish to speak with you.”
Bryce Jordan looked at Adam then turned to look at Jason. “You’re the one was sitting next to the bitch. Don’t let her fool you. You get her in the sack, you’re likely to freeze your balls off.”
“Now, that’s just plain not nice,” Adam said.
Jason’s impression, now that he’d seen his face, was that, while Bryce Jordan may once have been an attractive man, those days were past. He looked weathered, and his complexion, Jason thought, could use some sun. He knew the man had spent a few years in prison, but he also knew he’d been out for a couple of years. He still has a jailhouse pallor.
Jordan switched his attention to Adam, who must have pinned his badge on his belt loop as they’d walked over. “What the fuck do you want? I’m not breaking any laws. I’m just sitting here, having a beer.”
Adam’s stance appeared casual, but Jason knew that, in this case, appearances absolutely were deceiving. “Actually, if you’re sitting here and plotting revenge on a person that would result in a chargeable offense—maybe planning on how you’re going to carry out that revenge—you are breaking a law.”
“Fuck you. I saw you over there, too. What the fuck does it matter to you if I want to have a few words with my ex? She file a restraining order against me?”
“Not yet,” Adam said. “And what it matters to me is that it’s my job to protect the people of my town against anyone or anything I perceive to be a threat.”
“We ain’t in no town. I’d be willing to bet that you don’t actually have any legal jurisdiction here at all, do you?”
“You’d lose that bet,” Adam said. “The town of Lusty recently annexed this piece of land, and therefore, it now officially includes the roadhouse.” Adam looked at Jason. “It just made everything easier for everyone, under certain circumstances.”
Like the one we’re in now where we’re all having a chummy conversation. Not.
Bryce sighed, and then he spun around on his stool. He blinked when he saw Marcus there, standing tall and buff, arms folded, and a scowl on his face.
“Look, it’s a free fucking country, and I can go where I want to go. I can speak to who I want to speak to. That fucking bitch sitting over there put me in jail, and I mean to have my say to her, whether you like it or not.”
“I asked her if she wanted to speak to you,” Adam said. “And she said no. It may surprise you to know that I’ve read your file, Jordan, and the transcript of your court-martial. The only person who put you in jail was you. Leave here, Mr. Jordan. Go back to Dallas and carry on with your life. There’s nothing for you here but more trouble than you can possibly handle.”
Jason could see that Bryce Jordan was pissed. He scowled over toward the back of the dining room where Leesa sat. Jason didn’t follow his line of vision. He knew Phillip was watching and would make sure to distract their woman so there was no chance of her returning her ex’s stare.
The sound of Leesa’s laughter assured him that there were others also seeing to it she didn’t worry about what was happening here at the bar. And the sound of that laughter drew him. He turned his attention back on Bryce Jordan then met Adam’s gaze.
“I’m heading back to the table.”
The look Adam gave him then told him he was doing the right thing. And that was nice, because he had been doing his best to get to know these cousins and let them get to know him.
But at that exact moment, the only thing that mattered to Jason was Leesa. And in Jason’s estimation, he’d already been away from his woman lo
ng enough.
* * * *
He knew how to make a plan, and he knew how to be patient. He’d thought that, by now, he’d have been off living his new life of leisure. Everything was ready for him to retire. He just needed one more thing. He just wanted to close one final case, as it were. Get one more really big payday. Leesa Jordan had the information he needed. And he’d have that final piece of his own cosmic puzzle very, very soon.
Everything is under control. I just have to be a bit more patient. True, finding another agent in the vicinity had given him a moment, but when he understood that Alvarez—fuck that hyphenated name he was going by now—lived in this town, he wrote the bastard off as being no threat at all.
He knew the bureau he’d worked for this past twenty years. Not a one of those so-called managers would give Alvarez the time of day. They could say they were all for equal rights based on sexual orientation, but that was just talk.
Bateman kept the door of the roadhouse under surveillance as the evening progressed. He’d known Jordan had left Dallas and checked into the motel out by the interstate. He’d given him directions to Lusty and had mentioned that, occasionally, Leesa had been known to stop in here for a drink.
He’d chuckled as Jordan had pulled into the parking lot earlier, parking in the corner closest to the state highway to do some less than professional surveillance of his own.
He’d kept Jordan in sight and then smiled when he saw another arrival—Leesa Jordan with Jason Benedict and his silent, none-too-swift-looking cousin. The three had entered the roadhouse, and he sat back, ready for this to be over.
Bateman blinked. What the fuck? That dumbass was actually going into the place, instead of waiting outside for his ex to come out. What the hell did he hope to do? Confront her in there, take a shot at her in front of all those witnesses?
Fuck me. He had one job. All he had to do was follow her, then lure her to him when no one else was around. Well, no one but himself. The plan called for Bateman to be Jordan’s witness that he’d done nothing “wrong”. Having an alibi was like having a “get out of jail free” card. That’s what he’d told Jordan. It wasn’t fucking rocket science.
Bateman shook his head. No wonder he’d gotten his ass thrown into jail before. He could have pled guilty and acted all contrite that he’d lost his cool and hit his wife. He could have claimed a moment of passion. But no, he had to double down on that stupidity and ensured he’d serve a couple years.
He never would have served any time at all if he’d been just a bit smarter.
If he comes out with his ex in tow, I’ll follow him. Despite what he’d said to that dumb ass sheriff, he didn’t really have to have the bastard in cuffs to get the information he needed. That had just been something he’d come up with on the fly, something to satisfy the dumb bastard and Alvarez. Who he wanted at his mercy was Leesa.
Jordan was no killer, but he was no hero, either. And Leesa? Classic Miss Goody Two-Shoes. Once he had his hands on her, Bateman knew he’d win. With his Glock in her face, the broad would spill her guts and tell him what he needed to know. Especially since he will have killed her former old man right in front of her. He’d kill her, too, and stage it so that the old classic tale of a demented moron committing a murder-suicide would be told once more. He’d act all sorrowful that Jordan had gone off and he, Bateman, had been unable to protect the broad. Then he’d file his report and be on his way to where Jerry Levine’s secret stash was hidden, waiting for him.
It really is a damn fine plan. And one he’d formulated while still in Kabul.
While undercover, he’d overheard a conversation between Levine, and another one of their group, Johnny Post, about his “emergency fund.” He’d told Post that he was the only one in the group to know about it, and as far as Bateman had been able to determine, that was the truth.
Then Levine had smirked as he told Post that he wasn’t going to mention it to Jordan—but that he’d confided in that man’s woman. By then, everyone knew the couple would be splitting, because Jordan couldn’t keep it in his pants.
“I told Leesa that I’d made a new will but left it at the old family farmhouse. I gave her the directions to that place in an envelope and asked her to keep it for me—just in case.” Levine had laughed then. “That woman is tough and honest, so my secret is safe with her.”
“Why her?” Post had asked.
“Because, some day, when this is all over and he’s drooling at my lifestyles of the rich and famous existence, I’m going to tell that asshole Jordan about it and watch him explode when he finds out.” Levine had spat and shook his head. “I hate that fucking moron.” Then he shrugged. “I was a bit high when I did it, and maybe I shouldn’t have, but like I said, my ‘secret’ is safe with her.”
Bateman had been pulled out of Kabul leaving Levine, and Leesa, who’d been wounded, behind.
Bateman had waited and bided his time. Levine was finally ordered back to the States, and Bateman made plans to head to Fort Lee. He’d get the location of that hidden money out of the bastard. After all the shit I’ve been through, being posted in Kabul undercover, nearly getting my ass shot off, I deserve that cash.
But the stupid bastard Levine had gotten himself killed in a car crash the day before Bateman was to fly out. He’d seen photos of the accident. The vehicle had been reduced to a pile of twisted, melted metal, and Levine had been identified only by his dental records.
His only chance now to get his hands on that money was getting that letter from Leesa Jordan.
Bateman shook his head. He kept an eye on the time and wondered if Jordan had chickened out. He really had thought the man was hotter-headed than this. He should have at least gotten his sorry ass tossed out of that roadhouse by now. That would be good for me. It would just play into the story he’d be telling that dumbass sheriff.
Bateman jerked his attention back to the front of the building. The door opened, and Jordan strolled out—alone. The man headed to his car and got into it, looking for all the world as if he was simply leaving a bar after a drink or two and heading home to the wife and kids.
Probably chickened out.
Bateman considered the situation then started his car. He’d follow Jordan and ensure that the asshole went back to his room for the night. Then he’d have to reconsider.
Did he take a chance of letting Jordan in on his secret? Maybe that was the only way he was going to get his hands on the man’s ex. He’d have to think and make a decision soon. He needed out—out of the agency and out of this hand-to-mouth existence. He was tired of making pittance compared to all the fucking scum he’d helped to get off the streets. More got away than were ever caught. He wanted what he deserved—to live like a rich man.
The back of his neck had been itchy lately. Coupled with the call he’d received from his superior giving him hell for his attitude here in Lusty, Bateman was fast coming to one solid, certain conclusion. His window—the space of time he had in which to act—was closing.
I should move now. Get it done now.
Bateman nodded. Yes, that was what he’d do. Decision made, he closed the distance between his car and Jordan’s. He knew exactly what he was going to do.
Chapter Seventeen
“I really don’t know why y’all couldn’t have filled me in on that last little bit of information before now.” Leesa scowled at Adam then turned her frown on her own men. Both Jason and Phillip raised their hands.
“I didn’t actually fill your men in until now, either. I just told them that there was something more going on here than what appeared on the surface.” Then Adam sighed and ran his hand through his hair.
Around them, the music played, some people danced, and others just sat and chilled, beer on the table and, in some cases, food as well. Angel’s Roadhouse mid-week was busy—and busier later in the evening, once Lusty Appetites closed.
For Leesa, the sheen of date night had dimmed, some. Of course, she was relieved that her ex had been sent packin
g without incident. But for some reason, she didn’t feel settled. She didn’t know why, and that just ticked her off. But that’s not Adam’s fault.
It wasn’t. But Lusty’s sheriff was as much of a control freak as she’d ever seen. If only on principle, she felt she needed to protest that. Leesa mentally counted to ten, and then she met Adam’s gaze. “I’m all for you and whoever else you delegate to have a hand in this situation stepping up and doing your thing. However, you need to know that, after fifteen years of wearing the uniform of my country and submitting myself willingly as a pawn to the United States Army, I am not interested in carrying on that little habit, now that I’ve mustered out. This situation became my situation when others took action to make it so. I don’t believe in stepping forward without all the intel, and neither, Sheriff Kendall, should you.”
“Point taken.”
Leesa couldn’t recall the last time she’d made waves and actually stood up for herself so adamantly. Well hell, that felt good. There was no room for embarrassment for her outburst to blossom, either. Adam had just agreed with her and his wife, Ginny, was giving him a “so there” look.
“I’ve given you all the solid intel I can,” Adam said. “And for this op, you’re not alone, feeling a bit in the dark. We just have to carry on and do the best we can and trust the others who are in charge and in possession of all the twists and turns to do their jobs, too.”
Leesa blinked, and then she offered Adam a smile. “Well, I just bet that frosts…you.” Man, my language from my army days really wants to creep in at the damnedest times.
He caught her correction and grinned. “You have no idea. The one good thing is that, with any luck, you’re out of the mix. Bateman’s boss told him he was not to involve you any further in his case.”
“That’s good, then.”
“I’m surprised Adam isn’t growling over the incursion into his domain. Big brother here is the most alpha of all the alpha males in this family—well, except for Marc’s big brother, Robert.” Jake grinned at Marc and shot his brother Adam a side-glance.
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