Operation: Endeavor (When The Mission Ends)

by Christi Snow

  “Detective Barnes, how are you this morning?” God, she hoped her voice didn’t sound as breathy to him as it did to her and that he couldn’t hear Colton grumbling in the background.

  There was laughter in his voice when he answered. “Well, since it’s afternoon, I’m guessing the day is going pretty well for you.”

  She flushed with embarrassment.

  “Ahem…well…” Honestly what could she say to that? Probably best to just ignore it. “So what can I do for you today? Do you have any news on Hannah?”

  Colton sat up, looking suddenly fierce and concerned. He mouthed to her, “What?”

  She turned her back to him waving him aside with a single finger raised to let him know she’d tell him in just a moment.

  Brian continued talking. “Well, first I’ll tell you the good news. The baggie didn’t have drugs in it. It was some sort of herbal supplement, but we did find something else in the lining of the bag which concerns me.”

  “What?” Her stomach lurched with sudden tension.

  “Unfortunately, as part of an ongoing investigation, I can’t disclose that information.”

  “Is the investigation my case or anything to do with the bookstore?” Her stomach clenched in fear.

  “No, it’s not. But Penelope, I think you probably should file a missing persons report on Hannah. I think she could be in danger. It looks like she’s gotten mixed up into something really bad.” That was not news she wanted to hear. She closed her eyes and leaned her head into her hand. Colton’s hand rubbed her back and she was glad he was there.

  “Did you find out anything at her apartment?”

  “No, and I asked around. Nobody’s seen her for several days. If you file a missing persons report, I can do other things to see if I can track any movements by her. Do you know anything about her family? Maybe have an emergency contact in her employee files?”

  “No, I checked when she stopped showing up. I don’t have any other contact information for her.” She shook her head as she thought back over the holes in Hannah’s employee records. She hated to think that there wasn’t anyone else out there missing her. “Okay, so a missing persons report. How do I go about doing that?”

  “Just come down to the police station and I’ll walk you through it.”

  “Okay. I’ll be there within the hour.”

  As she hung up, she turned worried eyes to Colton.

  “What’s going on?” he asked.

  Penelope filled him in on the situation with Hannah.

  “Why didn’t you mention all this going on before now?”

  “I don’t know if you’ve noticed,” she gestured over to the toys spread all over the room, “but we’ve been a little preoccupied.”

  “I guess that’s true, but I don’t like the idea of one of your employees bringing trouble to you or the store.” Colton frowned fiercely. “Go get showered and I’ll drive you down to the police station and then to work.”

  She kissed him right in between his eyebrows where the skin wrinkled from his frown. “I’ll accept that very kind offer.” She emphasized offer, subtly pointing out that he’d just issued a command rather than a request. “I accept because the Bus is in the shop for the week and I’m out my ride, not because you just ordered me to do so.” She sashayed out the hall and into her bedroom.

  * * *

  When Colton got to the bookstore to deliver Penelope, he decided to go in and see what he could find for educational material. She was surprised when he parked and turned off the motorcycle, but when she saw where he headed in the bookstore, she just grinned at him.

  “What?” he said quite innocently.

  “Nope, I’m not going to say a damn thing. Go explore. Have fun.” Her voice lowered. “Maybe you can find some really interesting reading that we can discuss in depth later.” She had a sparkle in her eye.

  Yep, there it was. His ever-present erection was back. Would their chemistry ever reach a non-combustible stage? He sincerely hoped not. But at this point, it would be okay for it to cool down just a bit so that he could stop worrying about embarrassing himself in public. Maybe he should hang out in the history section. At least until his libido calmed down enough so he didn’t look like a pervert, reading erotica in the corner of the bookstore with a hard-on.

  He made it to the erotica section when Penelope disappeared into the recesses of her office. Amazing how his erection was directly tied to her presence and that evocative scent of honeysuckle which floated on the air when she was around.

  He found several novels with promising premises to explore and was surprised by just how much erotic romance there was. Penelope had a fully stocked section including several copies of all the books by Celeste DeMarco, the same author she had so many books by at home. Hmm, interesting. He’d have to check out those books more closely when he got home.

  Alix wandered by just as he was narrowing his choices. He flushed in embarrassment as she took the books out of his hand to examine what he’d picked out.

  “I don’t think…” he started, trying to pull the books back from her.

  “Nonsense. There’s some good stuff in this section, but there’s also some that won’t work for you.” She looked him up and down as if judging his sexual tastes. Please, let the ground swallow him up right now.

  She shuffled through the pile of books. “This is a good one,” she said about the one featuring a female helicopter pilot. “This one…” she paused to peruse the back of it, “no, this one isn’t for you.” She re-shelved it. “No to this one and this one. I think they’re really a bit too sadistic for your tastes.”

  Oh fuck, this was embarrassing to have Pen’s older aunt going through his erotica choices.

  “Ooh, you’ll like this one. Perfect for you.” Yep, that was the BDSM one. And nope, he was never going to ever be able to get an erection again after this scarring event. This was completely humiliating.

  She handed him back the two books which she’d deemed appropriate for him and then pulled off one of the Celeste DeMarco books. But she didn’t add it to his pile. Instead she held it close to her chest while she looked seriously at him. “I see what’s going on between you and Penelope and I approve. I think you’re a good match for her although she may not see it quite yet.” She glanced back toward Pen’s closed office door, with a shake of her head. “Although she seems pretty happy today, so maybe…” She looked back at him, then down at the book in her arms, as if deciding something. She quirked an eyebrow at him before asking, “Have you seen Penelope’s tattoo?”

  He nodded. “Yes, it’s gorgeous.”

  “Has she told you the story behind it yet?”

  He shook his head. “I keep meaning to ask, but then get distracted.” Damn, there went that blush again. He was never coming into this bookstore again. He was never going to live this down.

  She just smirked at him with a knowing smile. “I think you should read this one first. I think you’ll find it very enlightening.”

  Obviously, she was trying to tell him something about Penelope, so he added the book to his pile.

  * * *

  As Colton walked out of the bookstore after paying for his books, he called Chris on his cell phone. “Hey, Chris.”

  “Hiya, Colton.”

  “Want to go grab some dinner with me?”

  “Seriously? I figured you would be completely wrapped up in Penelope’s arms by now.”

  Wait a minute. How did he know that? But then he remembered it was Chris who sent her out to the patio at the party on Saturday. He always did have good instincts.

  He laughed. “I would if I could, but she’s working late tonight.”

  “Aw, so I see where I rank in your social calendar.”

  “Well, hot girl vs. annoying younger brother. Was there ever really any doubt?”

  Chris laughed. “I guess not.”

  “Is Cassie home?”

  “Naw, she’s working late all this week trying to get ahead so she can sp
end more time with Jake after he gets home on Saturday.”

  “Okay, so just you and me. What do you think? You up for some pizza and beer?”

  “Sure. You want to come by and ride together or meet somewhere?”

  “I’m just around the corner at the bookstore so I’ll come by. Besides that way you can be the designated driver since you’re finally driving again.”

  “And there we have it, the real reason why you invited me out.”

  Colton just chuckled. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.”

  * * *

  As Colton slid into the booth of the crowded sports bar, he pushed Chris’s beer over to him.

  “Thanks.”

  “No problem. How’s the PT going on the leg? You seem to be moving a little bit easier.”

  Chris scowled at him. “It’s not going as fast as I’d like, but I’m making progress. Don’t worry. I’m gonna make your deadline.”

  Colton took a sip of his beer. “I have no doubt about that. We have a couple of meetings next week for Mad Rob, once Jake’s in town. We need to go sign all the legal papers to set up ownership of the business with the lawyers and then we can take over ownership on the de Havilland.” He’d taken Chris by to see the plane earlier in the week and he was just as sold on the plane as Colton.

  “Good luck getting Jake out of Cassie’s grasp. I swear, I’ve never seen her this excited before. While I’m happy for her and Jake, it’s damn nauseating. I may have to come crash at your place to get away from the lovebirds for a while.” Chris scowled at him. “But judging from the shit-eating smile you’ve had on your face all evening, I probably won’t be any better off there. I need to find a place of my own,” Chris muttered.

  Colton hated that their happiness caused Chris pain, but he truly was at a loss about what he could do to help. He hated not having control of the situation. He should be able to help. That’s what he did. He took care of their problems.

  Chris took a long drink off his beer then rubbed his left thigh in agitation. “So I’m guessing things are going well between you and the fair Penelope?”

  Colton couldn’t stop the grin that slid onto his face again. “Yeah, I think you’d be safe in saying that.”

  “What’s up with all this young love? It’s enough to make a guy sick…or at least thankful enough to embrace his confirmed bachelorhood.” Chris took another swig of his beer and a haunted look flashed across his face.

  As Colton watched, he considered and pushed his own beer away. He had a feeling tonight Chris needed it more than he did, so he’d be the designated driver.

  The pizza was delivered by their very attractive waitress. She was perky and definitely sending off enough available vibes toward Chris that it would be hard to miss. He hadn’t even given her a second look since they placed their order. As she walked off, Colton gestured toward her. “You should get her number. She’s interested.” Chris didn’t even give her a glance.

  “Naw, I don’t think so.”

  They were having a good time and he didn’t want to do anything to change that. If Pen had taught him anything over the last couple of days, it was there were times when it was better to back off. This seemed like one of those times.

  They were quiet as they watched the game on the bar TV and inhaled the pizza.

  Their waitress walked up. “Can I get you guys another beer?”

  He looked over at Chris. “I’m gonna just stick with one for tonight, but if you want to have more, I’ll drive us home.”

  “Are you sure?” At Colton’s nod, Chris handed his empty to the waitress. “Sure, I’ll take another. Thanks.”

  As she walked back toward the bar to retrieve his other beer, Chris asked, “So did Penelope ever hear anything more from whoever broke into the Bus?”

  “No, and it just doesn’t make any sense. That took some serious planning to do what that guy did with photographing everyone as they came into the party, printing the photos, and then breaking into her Bus to leave the threatening note. Just for that art photo she gave to Julie? I’m just not buying it.” Colton noticed a significant tightening to Chris’s jaw when he said Julie’s name. If he hadn’t been watching for it, he would have missed it completely.

  He took another long swig of his beer before he agreed with Colton. “Maybe he saw the cop that night and decided whatever he was after wasn’t worth the heat.”

  Colton nodded. “I certainly hope so. We don’t need any more drama with this group. It’s time for some smooth sailing.”

  “I’ll drink to that!” Chris tipped his beer at Colton before taking another drink.

  Colton settled into the booth to watch the basketball game and keep an eye on his little brother. He didn’t know how to help anymore besides being there to prop him up with everything he was going through.

  A couple of hours and several beers later, Chris was toast.

  “Damn, it’s been too long since I’ve had more than a couple of drinks. My tolerance isn’t worth shit anymore.” He gave a sloppy smile at Colton’s direction. He scowled back down at the beer he was currently working on. “No booze and no women. I’m not a very good bachelor, am I?” He looked back up in question at Colton, but kept talking like only one who’s feeling no pain could. “Think they’ll take away my man card for that? Damn, do I even have a man card when I’m not a man anymore?”

  Okay, maybe letting Chris drink a few too many beers wasn’t his brightest idea. He’d been hoping it would help him relax, not make him even more morose. God, he really didn’t know what kind of advice to offer here, but a thought occurred to him. He looked at Chris thoughtfully and decided now was probably as good a time as any to breach this bridge.

  Colton spoke quietly. “Chris, do you think maybe the issue isn’t so much related to an injury as it is related to a specific person?”

  Chris became perfectly still and looked up at Colton with eyes that had suddenly become guarded. Bingo.

  He spoke very low and Colton could hear the edge of dread in his voice. “What are you talking about?” Chris said, rubbing his left thigh.

  “I’ve noticed something the last few days.” He took a deep breath before proceeding into this very touchy minefield. “Something happened between you and Julie, didn’t it?”

  There was no imagining the stark pain that flashed through Chris’s eyes before he shut them and lowered his head into his hands. He ran both of them through his hair in agitation.

  Colton watched as he clenched his jaw over and over again. Finally he seemed to have control and he looked back up at Colton with his eyes blazing in determination. When he spoke, his voice was firm and harsh. “No. She’s with Aaron and they’re good together. I died. She met Aaron. End of story.”

  “That’s not the end of the story, because you didn’t die, Chris.”

  Chris shook his head in denial. “In this, I might as well have. There’s no discussion here Colt. Drop it, okay?”

  Colton couldn’t argue against those hurting, pleading eyes. “Okay, but think about what I said.”

  Chris gave a clipped nod. “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yeah, let’s head back to Cassie’s.”

  * * *

  The next morning, Colton was still troubled by Chris’s reaction. Penelope was asleep in his bed when he got home. She settled into his arms as soon as he crawled into bed and it made his heart ache for Chris. Chris needed this in his life, but from everything Colton could see, he’d completely given up on the idea of love.

  He scowled into his coffee cup.

  “Hey, what did that coffee ever do to you?”

  He looked up surprised to see her. He hadn’t even heard her walk in. “What?”

  She picked up her own cup and leaned against the counter. She tilted her head to the side as she asked him, “Is everything okay?”

  He shook his head to clear the cobwebs. “Yeah. Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind. Hey listen, was Julie dating or serious about anyone before she met Aaron? Like mayb
e last year around this time?”

  The surprise showed on her face before she shook her head. “No, not anyone I know of. Why? Are you already thinking about dumping me?” She gave a light chuckle. “Because I’m thinking things between her and Aaron are getting pretty tight. He’s asked her to move in with him.”

  “Really?” Well damn, that wasn’t good news for Chris’s prospects.

  “Yeah, but she’s debating telling him no. She thinks things are moving too fast between them and isn’t ready for that yet. I think there may be more to the story, but Julie’s pretty tight-lipped about these things.”

  She sidled up behind him at the breakfast bar and nuzzled the back of his neck. “So why are we talking about Julie’s love life when our own is so much more exciting?”

  He turned on the barstool and tucked her body in between his legs to give her a thorough kiss. “I have no idea.” There was a knock at the door. “Hold that thought.”

  There was a kid at the door holding a clipboard and package, looking bored. “Are you Colton Robertson?”

  “Yes.”

  “Kay. Sign here.” Colton signed and the kid handed him the small package. Colton sighed in relief. Finally.

  He shut the door and moved into the kitchen. He wasn’t going anywhere until he was sure what this package held. He ignored Penelope’s curious look while he cut open the tape. Inside was a small velvet bag. Opening it, he poured out the ring into his palm. He released the breath he hadn’t even realized he’d been holding.

  “I wasn’t sure I’d ever see this again.” He was surprised to hear how gruff his voice sounded.

  “What is it?”

  He looked up at her and smiled. He knew his relief showed through. He finally had it back and that little thing made his mom feel closer. He closed his eyes for a moment and tightened his fist over it. He had it back. “My mom’s wedding ring. Dianna was supposed to return it in my stuff, but she didn’t. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see it again.”

  He caught the flash of tenderness and her slight sniffle. “Is that why you guys have been fighting?”