Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology

by Anthony, Jane

  13

  Mica’s heart was in her throat. She stood next to Rocco in her office looking out the windows next to her desk and a white Chevy Tahoe pulled into her parking lot.

  This wasn’t delivery.

  Rocco patted her on her back which was the only thing that kept her sane as she curled her baby into her arms. And he turned to the televisions to write down the license plates.

  Her entire body was still cold though as she glanced up at Rocco’s strong chin and said the obvious, “A car drove on property.”

  He had eyes and could see for himself, but the words helped her calm her nerves.

  He traced her back up and down and then picked up her keys from her desk and placed them in her hand. “I’ll go down and find out who is here. Be prepared to get in your car and go.”

  No. Her car was too far away. They should just call the police as this was now an intruder situation.

  And if so, she was safe where she was.

  The panic room she’d installed as her suite walls were there in case Ali’s men arrived. She lifted her chin and met Rocco’s gaze as she said, “No. My rooms are built like a bomb shelter. No one can get in here.”

  He crossed his arms and his biceps bulged in his t-shirt. “How secure are these rooms? They might have automatic weapons or brute strength to break walls.”

  Heat rose in her face and not in a cute, turned-on way. She sucked in her bottom lip and let out a sigh as she said, “I should have told you a lot of things.”

  He traced her cheek like he wanted to comfort her when she was the one holding secrets as he asked, “Like what?”

  She ignored how her pulse quickened or how electricity from his touch coursed through her. “Like I know your name is Rocco Hellsworth and you have a… prison… record.”

  This time his cheeks flamed and he backed away from her as he shook his head. “We can talk about that later. I’m here to help and protect you.”

  Right now was all that mattered.

  “The walls are bullet proof, fireproof and even flood proof for a few hours. No man could break through the walls.

  Her brother’s castle when she’d been there for the siege was made of strong stones, but her hotel was modern and hotels were built to code that didn’t typically protect from mass shootings. Hers took everything she could imagine for danger for herself into the design. “I believe in you.”

  He pushed her hair behind her ear and pressed his forehead to hers. His closeness calmed her and made it seem like she was in a cocoon where nothing might get to her as he said, “I won’t hurt you.”

  “I believe that too.” She realized her son seemed content between them as he cooed and smiled.

  Rocco stepped back and nodded at her like they were working together. “Good.” He then backed up and glanced around the suite like he was searching for her defenses. “You don’t have your medical supplies in here.”

  She shook her head. Granted she should have added the refrigerator in sooner, and she never wanted to be inconvienced in her suites with delivery men installing a refrigerator so she pushed it off. Clearly now, a mistake.

  If they called the police, he could stay in here until whoever was in the white Tahoe left. Her heart began to race and her hands began to tremble.

  This was a tell. No! But she shoved her sleeping son Rocco’s arms.

  A second later, her body doubled over in pain.

  She reached for his shoulder. “I need my medicine.”

  He ran his fingers on her son’s scalp, placed him in his crib, and handed her the meds from the cooler bag he had. “Got it… it’s a little melted now.”

  "I hope it works.” She said and took the pills he’d given her.

  But her entire body rolled in pain.

  He squared his shoulders. “I’ll go and get cold medication from you the refrigerator.”

  At least her son was sleeping.

  Danger was out there. Her security team would have called the station already but still, it was time for her to stop him.

  Then Jacob gave a small cry.

  Soon he’d have a large one.

  She ignored the sharp pains that doubled her over and went to get him a bottle.

  Rocco already made it and placed the bottle in her son’s mouth.

  She ignored her pain but pointed toward a cabinet. “Wait. I have a gun. Take it.”

  His face went white and he pressed his hand to his heart. “No. The last thing I need is a firearm in my hand for when the officers arrive.”

  Right. She should have told him before now. She lifted her chin and said, “Rocco-”

  He strode to the door. “Tell me when I get back and don’t be afraid to call for help.”

  “Remember to knock three times fast and one slow one.” She followed him and poked her head out the door.

  No one was here. He reached behind him and caressed her arm for a moment where she glanced up at him as he said, “And look. Don’t come charging for me. Protect Jacob.”

  True. Yes. Her son needed her. Despite how her body was like a train wreck, she nodded. He met her gaze for a second but then she closed and locked the door.

  She returned to her office where her son played on the ground and she crossed her arms as she watched Rocco on her television screen via security camera.

  He was alone and heading down the steps. She picked up her phone and called her assistant as her heart raced.

  As Rocco went into the kitchen though, she saw a dark shadow move stealthily. She pressed her hand to her chest. “Julie, connect me to Cardona.”

  Julie then said fast, “Sure thing. IT is still working on my computer.”

  Mica’s hands trembled as a man came from behind Rocco and knocked him down, smashing her crystal vase over his head.

  Her mouth opened to scream but she was aware of not alarming Jacob. “Have Cardona call me in two minutes.”

  Without another word she hung up.

  Rocco had jumped to his feet and knocked the man back.

  She needed to help. She needed him alive! She picked up her phone again and dialed the police.

  The man who was inches shorter than Rocco pounded against his waist like he was a boxer.

  This was bad. If her son wasn’t here, she’d scream and run to help, but she knew she couldn't leave this suite. The operator answered and said, “911. What’s the nature of your emergency?”

  She hoped her voice didn’t scare her son as she spoke fast and said, “This Mica Murphy at the Breakers Resort. I’d like to report a break in--my bodyguard is currently taking a beating.” Her father once said police respond better to guns so she studied the screen and saw a gun holstered at the man's side.

  She swallowed. Any moment she could lose Rocco. “They’re armed and intend to kill me and my infant son if they find us.”

  “We’ll send a police car.” The operator asked, “Are you and your child in a safe location?”

  Rocco’s face was being used as a whipping post. She stood taller but told the operator, “We’re fine, but my bodyguard won’t be.” And then the CEO voice she’d honed in herself for years took over. “Send the squadron because I intend to shoot if anyone comes in this room.”

  “A car is already en route.”

  Without another word she hung up and walked to the TV.

  She winced like she’d been hit and not Rocco, but then she saw Rocco take the food processor and crash it on the man’s head.

  He fell back and Rocco had the advantage in that moment.

  The police needed to get here soon. What was taking so long? Her phone rang and she considered ignoring it but read her lawyer's name.

  Rocco had the intruder on his knees and she answered, “Cardona. What do you have for me?”

  “You can tell Rocco Hellsworth he’s free and clear,” Cardona said. “His record has been expunged."

  Just in time. The assailant kicked Rocco back and took a good swing.

  Then Rocco used his elbow and knocked th
e man down.

  How strong was his elbow? She’d never seen one used as a crowbar but all she said to her lawyer was, “Good.”

  She hung up and paced her office, her eyes on the screen.

  In the distance she heard sirens.

  Rocco took a swing and knocked the man’s face back as if payback for an earlier hit.

  Her son laughed as he shook a rattle.

  The sound seemed shocking, given her high adrenaline and she went to her knees, kissed his forehead and said, “Jacob, you’re why I’m staying here and not running after Rocco.”

  She stood and returned her attention to the TV just as the invader pulled out his weapon and aimed the gun at Rocco. She covered her face as she said, “Oh no.”

  Rocco jumped on him without hesitation. Her entire body couldn’t move until she saw the gun hit the ground and she said out loud, “Oh. Yes.”

  But then the intruder knocked Rocco on his backside and she jumped. “No.”

  Rocco bounced back and used his legs to knock the other man down too and she clutched her waist like that might help her keep herself together as she said, “Yeah.”

  And then the police swarmed into her hotel lobby and kitchen and surrounded the men.

  For one second she couldn’t breathe, but her son banged the rattle and it rattled her nerves. Rocco was okay. She trembled and clutched her hands clutched together. “Jacob, it’s all over. The police are here. We’ll just wait a few minutes.”

  The police then handcuffed both men and she lowered her hands as she asked her baby, “What are they doing?”

  Her heart was in her throat. Rocco’s record was now clear but he had no idea. She scooped her son up, confident she could handle this calmly.

  When she spoke, people listened. But holding Jacob softened her--yet she couldn't put him down. She squared her shoulders and descended the stairs like she was a queen.

  Then she strode into the kitchen with the strut of the CEO in full control, despite her baby, and she lifted her chin, met the brown eyed officer’s gaze head on and asked to be polite, “Hello?”

  “Ma’am?” He nodded.

  Seriously? Rocco and now this officer. The word grated against her skin like she was cheese as she asked, “What’s going on?”

  The officer nodded his head. “We just arrested everyone.”

  She glanced outside and saw Rocco being put in the back of the police car. Her heart dropped in her chest, but she turned toward the officer and said, “Including my bodyguard.”

  “Which one?” The officer took out a white sheet of paper.

  Notes would be more efficient on modern tablets all connected seamlessly but that day had not arrived here in Taylor Pass. Mica let out a small sigh and pointed, “The one in the black jeans, blue t-shirt.”

  He fixed his hat, nodded like he understood, and said, “We’ll take that into consideration at the station.”

  Her gaze narrowed. This was too much so she asked, “Why are you taking him to the station? He was doing his job for me. He should get a reward.”

  The officer said, “If he’s innocent, we’ll let him go.”

  Insane. He’d done nothing wrong. She’d call her lawyers and ensure everything went according to her demands. She was absolutely done arguing. She checked her back pocket had her car keys and said, “I’m following.”

  His gaze was clear. “You’re safe here.”

  Maybe for now, but the intruder wasn’t her ex’s family. He might be a hired hand, but she wasn’t sure. So she shrugged, headed to the refrigerator to grab some bottles and said, “I’m not safe. Not without… my bodyguard.”

  The officer opened his pad and read notes as she packed four bottles in a bag with ice. “I read in the files that the FBI believes foreigners might be tracing you.”

  At least he understood something about her situation. She zipped up the bottle container and said, “My ex’s family wants me dead which is why I need Rocco.”

  She didn’t blink as she met his stare until he said, “You can meet us at the station once it’s all sorted out if it makes you feel better.”

  If steam came out of her ears like those cartoon characters she wouldn't be surprised. She'd never had patience when it came to men who didn’t recognize her authority so she lifted her eyebrow and said in her commanding tone, “I’ll follow the last police car out of here, my lawyers will meet us there, and you will give me a moment with my guard, before you cart him off like some… ruffian.”

  She’d almost said criminal but changed her mind. No need for the police to get the wrong idea and besides her vocabulary was a weapon she could yield in ensuring her orders were followed.

  She grabbed diapers, fixed her bag, and walked outside.

  The police officers had the two men in separate cars. However one icy glance at the officers had them stepping away from the vehicle that contained Rocco.

  The back window was open and she juggled her baby as she stood next to the car. “Rocco.”

  His hands were still cuffed behind his back. He met her gaze and she noticed his left eye would be black and his bottom lip was puffed out. “Mica, this man won’t get to you ever again.”

  But he didn’t know he was free. She’d bring him back and explain. For now she glared at the officers who were now all heading to their cars as she said, “I’m following you to the station.”

  He softened as he peeked at Jacob and then back at her as he shook his head. “Don’t. They’ll send me back to prison now, but at least this time it’s for a good cause.”

  Absolutely not. This wasn’t how she directed her life. She wished she’d told him earlier what she'd done. “You’re not going to prison for me.”

  He turned and whispered as if afraid they might be overheard by a recording device, “You don’t understand. I escaped. This is the end of the line for me.”

  She leaned in and her body tingled to hold him as she said, “I’ll see you at the station. You’re free. Don’t admit anything to anyone.”

  Without another word she backed up and headed to her car.

  A minute later she emerged from her underground parking lot, and watched the police car with Rocco leave.

  This was stupid. Her spine was like steel but she patiently placed her son in his car seat, checked the straps and jumped into the front seat.

  Her Jaguar purred and she headed down the mountain, keeping a small distance from the police while she called her lawyer. Once she was patched through she didn’t wait for introductions. She was back to being the CEO as she said, “Cardona, Rocco’s been arrested for protecting me.”

  “You are in danger, Miss Murphy?” Cardona asked.

  She put her blinker on once she made the fork in the road that led to the small town, but her shoulders softened.

  “I’m following his police car.” She’d cry or drink later, probably the second part, as she never cried. Her medications after birth to get rid of the poison had destroyed her ability to breast feed, which had hurt her, but hadn’t caused tears. In a calmer tone she said, “I’ll need legal ensuring I get him out of the Summit County police station right away.”

  Cardona said, “I’ll have someone there to represent your interests and meet you. Turn on your GPS so I know where you are.”

  Perfect. She stopped at a red light, changed her phone setting and said, “Good. I don’t want to wait too long. Jacob’s already fussy.”

  “I’ll be as fast as I can, as always,” Cardona said.

  Now if Ali’s family was also tracing her tracking app, a police station wasn’t a bad place to be until she could get out of town.

  She stopped her car and gassed up. Once Rocco was out and in the car with her, it was time to move on. She’d turn that tracking app off and ensure no one found her unless she wanted to be found.

  With Rocco at her side. He’d make this all endurable just from being in the empty passenger seat.

  14

  Four walls. The mirror in front of him was clearly one-s
ided in the holding cell. Three white walls. One mirrored wall. Four chairs. On Table with two on each side. This was more like a movie than the rougher cell he’d been in, but the cop on the ride had noticed his Saks jean logo. Maybe they put him in the rich people cell. Cops were probably staring at him on the other side. Rocco assumed they were probably wondering why the prison system doesn’t just tattoo numbers into the skin that can’t be removed.

  It would make identification even easier.

  But it didn’t matter.

  This was the end of the line. Soon he’d be back in his orange jumpsuit, though he’d probably be moved to a more isolated and guarded cell.

  Mica’s whispers of freedom made no sense.

  Escapees tended to give regular prisoners too much hope. Soon he’d be a number and not a person.

  The door handle turned. He sat up and the officer came in, put his badge on the table and took the seat opposite him.

  Rocco glanced at it and noticed the four digits 4973. It might be nice to start thinking of guards as numbers instead of people with faces and families.

  Maybe this time, he’d be a better prisoner as he'd accomplished what he needed to.

  His mother had agreed to get cancer treatment. Mica was safe for now and hopefully hired herself better help if they were after Jacob. If the other man was a hired killer like his brother had been, then she needed an army.

  This time, he’d disappear into the system until no one remembered him. He’d been innocent the first time, but the prison break was all him.

  The officer took his badge back, as if he'd given Rocco enough time to read the numbers, and folded his hands. Rocco’s entire body was pumped with adrenaline in preparation of another stint behind bars. “Mr. Hellsworth.”

  Wait. Huh? His name? He widened his legs taking up more of his seat while he waited for the end of any rights. He was still handcuffed. “No one’s called me Mister in years.”

  The officer stood.

  Rocco’s hair was standing on end, but the officer unclasped the handcuffs, freeing his hands. Rocco’s eyes widened as the officer then said, “Your lawyers are here.”