by Betty Womack
“Hey, Carol baby.” Gordon had gotten dressed and was buttoning his shirt, obviously waiting for her to change her mind about him having to leave. “I’m gonna get ready to go. Anyway, I have to get to the bus station. I don’t want to miss my ride out of town.”
Her head jerked up as his words sank in. “Bus station? You hate riding the bus.” She shoved the letter into her purse. “Where are you going?” She didn’t love him but didn’t really want anything bad to happen to the no-good bum. “What are you really going to do?”
He peered out the window before gathering up his belongings that were scattered over the living room. “Aw hell, Carol. I have friends coming to pick me up.”
“You were skipping out without letting me know?” She scowled at him.
“Ain’t like it would be the first time, babe.” He looked out the window once more. “I made a sale last night, so I’m fixed for cash for a while.”
“Did you ever consider taking a real job?” She remembered a time when he could have been almost anything but a lowlife. “Stay out of trouble, Gordy. I’ve had all I can handle.”
He looked out the small slit window panes in the door, groaning as if he couldn’t wait to leave. “I’m planning to start up a new business in Brownsville, close to my buyers.”
“What are you selling, Gordon?” She punched him on the shoulder. “It can’t be legal or you wouldn’t be so nervous.” Her voice broke with emotion. “I forgave your whoring and drinking, but this is too much. I wasted a lot of time trying to believe you would straighten up. I was wrong.”
She pushed him against the door. He spread his arm out, resisting her heavy-handed tactics.
“Come on, Carol girl. So what if I sell a few things over the border?” He held his arm out to keep her away. “I don’t want to be like everyone else. I am my own man. It’s not your business how I make my money.”
This was it, the final cutting of their ties of any kind. “You can wait out front. I don’t want to see the trash that’s picking you up.” She took a final look at Gordon before going into the kitchen. He looked like a pathetic boy in a man’s body. Angry as she was, pity weighed heavy on her heart.
* * * *
Baron flipped on the overhead light in the truck, checking the data on the warrant he’d carried for four months. He couldn’t ignore the facts or delay doing what he’d been paid to do any longer. Gordon Bell had finally crossed the proverbial line, and he was going down. The snitch they’d been paying for months pointed out the apartment where Bell’s chicks lived. The Feds had carried out a surprise bust to the place and found illegal weapons, drugs, and a dozen underage girls being groomed for a brothel in Mexico.
He couldn’t wait on Sham any longer. Having him for a backup was great, but he could do this on his own. He shivered and turned off the air conditioner. Tired of being wet and tired of waiting, he drove out of the fast food parking lot and headed for Carol’s place. Doing this alone might not be the best way, but the chicks had said Bell planned to make a run for it today. Damn it. He hit Sham’s number on his cell phone, breathing easier when he heard his partner’s voice.
“Yeah, Sham. It’s been confirmed that Bell is making a run for the border today.”
“You wait until I get there.” Sham didn’t ask, he ordered. “We don’t want him injured in this fracas.”
Baron laughed. “He gives up quietly, no problem.”
“You wait.” Sham always sounded serious, but this time he was icy. “I’ll meet you there in five.”
“I’m already counting, partner.” Baron closed his phone and inhaled a deep breath.
He knew Sham was trying to carry the arrest off with as little trouble as possible. He was probably right. But, something about that Bell guy pissed him off. Yeah, something all right. Carol. She had probably gone through hell with that loser, and she still felt protective of him. Maybe someday, she’d feel that deeply for them.
Maneuvering around slower traffic, he wondered where Sham had been for the last half hour. He’d supposedly been picking up new warrants at the Sheriff’s office, but that wouldn’t have taken so long. Shit, he was thinking like a jealous wife. Sham was the best lover and friend he’d ever had and the most faithful. And his ability to keep him on an even keel was unbelievable. Yeah, he loved the guy.
Feeling confident, Baron drove on, turning the corner to the street where Carol lived. Okay, he’d wait on Sham. For a while. He used the field glasses to check out the front of the unit, swearing because of the fog on the windshield. He switched on the air and waited for it to clear. The place appeared to be deserted, but most criminals kept their heads down when they were getting ready to run.
He sat up straighter to get a better look at the front door. The darkness and rain made him uncertain if he’d seen the door open or if the rain had distorted the scene. Hell no, the door had opened. Time to act. He started the truck and coasted to the driveway. His hand was on the door handle when Sham’s car pulled in behind him. He got out, turning his collar up, and waited for Sham. He looked upset, waving his arms like a madman.
“Hold up a minute, Baron.”
“Wait? Why the hell this time, partner?” Baron swiped at the rain pouring down his face.
“I went home to see if Carol needed anything.”
Baron gave him the hurry up gesture, palms up and a scowl on his face. “And did she?”
“She wasn’t there.” Sham scrubbed his face with his hand. “I figure she called a taxi and that means she came here, probably to get her car. Or…”
“Fuck.” Baron imagined the worst—Bell forcing her to go with him as a shield. God help Gordon if he’d hurt her. “Come on. I’m not waiting.”
“Let’s go.” Sham pulled his weapon and pointed to the small house, a silent signal to move in.
Moving along the hedges, the door was partially concealed from view. Sham stopped short, touching Baron’s arm to get his attention. Baron didn’t have to ask why. Gordon Bell had walked out of the house and was heading for the garage.
The rain muffled their footsteps, and Gordon Bell froze in his tracks when the muzzle of a Glock pressed against the back of his head. The stupid idiot thought he was being robbed. “Hey, take it easy, man. I don’t have any money, but you can have my watch.”
Sham flashed the beam of his flashlight on their captive’s face, holding his shield up. “Are you Gordon Bell?”
“You know I am, you fucker.” Bell squinted in the high beam.
“You can come with us the easy way or the hard way, Bell.” Baron kept his voice low, trying to avoid a scene. “You’re under arrest for illegal arms sale, drug trafficking, and transporting women for the prostitution trade. All crimes against the country, among other things.”
Gordon attempted to turn around, but Sham pushed him back against the garage door. He jerked hard against the cuffs on his wrists, kicking at Baron’s shins. “You got nothing on me. I can prove I’ve been here minding my own business. Just ask my wife.”
Carol’s voice cut through the chilly air. “I’m not his wife, and I’m not sure I know either of you.” She stood out in the rain, looking angry and hurt. “Why did you do this to me…to us?”
Sham moved in her direction, but she held her hand up to stop him. “We were going to tell you, beauty, but we ran out of time.” Holstering his weapon, he took another step. “This has nothing to do with us. Nothing. Let me explain what happened.”
“No. No need for more talk.” She pointed to Bell and then crossed her arms at her waist. “I don’t know all he’s done, but I know you used me to get at him. You’re no better than he is.”
Baron put a comforting arm around her shoulders, but she pulled away. “Give us a chance to make sense of this, Carol. It’s not like it looks.”
“I’ll come by tomorrow to get my things.” She gazed at her ex for several seconds, turning away with a final barb. “I hope you’ll be gentlemen and leave before I get there.”
Chapter F
ourteen
Still reeling from what had happened the night before, Carol refused to cry. She didn’t know who she was angriest at, Gordon, Baron and Sham, or herself. The way she had fallen so fast for two men wasn’t her style. It was not realistic and it was foolish. She had really wanted that beautiful dream and to be on solid ground for the first time in her life.
She sat on the bed, frowning at the piles of junk she had been sorting through. There wasn’t anything of value. Just like her life, there was nothing worth salvaging.
What few items she valued were at Baron and Sham’s house.
The letter from New York had fallen onto the floor during the fury last night. She picked it up and read the message again. Here was her chance at something good. Hell yes. She’d take that chance and become someone new, someone with purpose and a reason to get up every day. No more tumbleweed life for her.
She stood up, pumping her fist above her head. She would be a winner, alone or in a crowd.
The burst of power dissipated, and she sank onto the bed, staring morosely at the scattered clothing and art supplies.
She stood and walked to the window, noticing it was unlocked. Damn that man. Gordon never could shut a drawer or lock a window. After securing the window, she went back to the task of piling her things in the boxes, quitting after a few minutes. What was wrong with her? Normally getting away from somewhere promised excitement and something new to see and do. Now, she wasn’t certain about starting her life all over again.
You know what’s holding you back.
She didn’t want to think about Baron or Sham. They had used her like a dirty rag, not caring about her feelings or how she had planned to share her life with them. Okay, Gordon was guilty of some major crimes, and she never wanted to be linked with him again, but it probably wouldn’t have hurt so much if a stranger had arrested him. Seeing those two cocksure, strong guys reduce Gordon to a handcuffed and helpless looking had crushed her. No, she wouldn’t soon forget how they had used her weakness for them and sex to get what they wanted.
That’s bullshit, lady. You hopped on them like hot wax and loved every second of it.
Now what? Go over there and act like nothing happened? No, something had happened, and she had sent them packing, without letting them explain anything. That was just one more of her faults. Baron and Sham had treated her like a special prize, and she knew they wouldn’t have done any of that if she’d been just a pawn. Somehow it had all become a mixed-up mess.
She picked up the letter from New York and read it once again. What a screwed-up situation she’d gotten into. Yes, she wanted that job with all the perks, and she loved the idea of the fun she could have in that city. Yeah, sure, but fun with whom? She’d found what she wanted here in Denver.
There was only one thing to do now. She grabbed her purse and hurried out the door to her car.
You want it all.
* * * *
Baron sipped his brandy without tasting the expensive liquid. His thoughts were across town in a small one-bedroom apartment. What was she doing, thinking? He scoffed at his musings, knowing Carol hated him with all her passion. If only he could turn back time and rearrange the events.
“What are you thinking about?” Sham joined him at the window and stared out at the drizzle falling on the lawn. “I miss her too.”
“Maybe I wasn’t thinking of her.”
“Your mind has been on her and nothing else.”
What was the use? Faking anything with Sham couldn’t be done. “Okay, so I miss her like I’d miss my right hand. What are we going to do about this?”
Sham shrugged and sat on the sofa, closing his eyes as if he could get Carol out of his mind if he couldn’t see any of the reminders she’d left behind. “I found the portrait she drew of the three of us. She’s probably got a broken heart right now, Baron. And we hurt her terribly.”
Baron had relived the image of her standing in the rain, a look of disgust on her beautiful face, a hundred times. Before her, he hadn’t worried too much about what people thought of him. He had to make it right with her and Sham. “Okay. Here’s what we do. We’ll just go over there and tell her how we feel.”
“She isn’t interested in how we feel.” Sham slumped down on the sofa. “Anyway, she probably took off to get as far away from us as possible.” He sat up and tossed a pillow onto the floor. “I’m going out for a while.”
“I still say my way is the best. Direct and honest.” Baron followed Sham to the door. “Want me to go with you?”
Sham had his hand on the door handle when the doorbell rang.
* * * *
Carol tried to calm her racing pulse while waiting for the door to open. What would she say? Something cool, or sexy? None of the above, probably. Afraid she would appear the total ditz, she squared her shoulders as the door swung open. Sham stood in the doorway, his smile breaking down all the aloof greeting she’d planned.
“May I come in, Sham?” It seemed like an eternity before he reached for her hand and drew her into the entry hall.
“You never have to ring the bell, beauty.” He closed the door and watched her remove her wet huaraches. “Come into the living room. It’s warmer in there.”
Damn, why did he have to be so sweet? He probably wanted to toss her out of the house.
“I have a lot to say, Sham, to both of you.” She felt light as a feather when his strong arm hugged her waist. “About last night and other things.”
Baron turned away from the window, his gaze warm and inviting as he walked toward her. “That’s good, babe, and we have a lot of explaining to do.” Less reserved than Sham, he kissed her firmly on the lips. “Woman, you have no idea how good it is to see you.”
She held out her hands to keep him at arm’s length. “We met in such a rush, and everything went so well, so beautifully. I let myself fall in love with both of you. I refused to think for more than a second that it was going too fast, that you may not be in the same place as me.”
Sham touched her shoulder to stop her. “None of this is your fault.” He brushed rain droplets from her cheek. “We’re just happy that you are here, so we can tell you everything about our lives.” He glanced at Baron. “Isn’t that right?”
“Every word.” Baron took her purse and dropped it on the coffee table. “I’ll get a throw for you while Sham makes tea. It’ll warm you up.”
She laughed because of their deliberate attempt to make her feel comfortable enough to stay for a while. “I’m not going to run away. But I would love that tea.”
Sham hurried to the kitchen, and Baron brought a beautiful cashmere throw for her to snuggle in. She sat in the middle of the comfortable leather couch, and they sat on either side of her. She sipped the strong tea and sighed.
Sham tucked the coverlet around her shoulders and put his arm around her. “Do you want to talk now?”
“Yeah, I think I had better get this out.” He took her cup and set it down on the coffee table. “I think it was clear from the first I live a different lifestyle than most women. I am damn discriminating in my choices.” They listened intently.
“I want to say this up front. I know you were only doing your job, and it was only a matter of time before Gordy got in over his head. He just never grew up.” She inhaled roughly, the pain still there because of that no-good bum. “I shouldn’t have gone off the deep end like that, but I am who I am.” She struggled to find the words that would tell them who she was and why. “At one time I loved that idiot, but he took my devotion for granted and used my love to act like a street creep because he always had a home to crawl back. I finally couldn’t take it any longer.” The memories still hurt and talking about it was extremely difficult. “He’s kind of like a kid brother to me now. I never want to see him hurt.”
Baron took her hand, squeezing gently. “Loyalty is a gift most people don’t appreciate.” He paused for a second before forging ahead. “We’ve been in this business together for four years. Bounty hunte
rs, to be exact.” He glanced at Sham. He nodded, and Baron went on. “We got a tip Gordon might be passing through Denver. We didn’t know he was connected to you. This job had been in the works awhile before we met you, babe. I just hope you’ll want to come back with us. We’ll never keep anything from you again.”
She bunched her shoulders, searching for honesty on the faces of the two men she loved. “Then you turned off my power. And, you’re not repairmen at all?” Curious and relieved, she had more questions for them. “You sure had me fooled and left a satisfied customer that night.”
“It seemed to be the easiest way to see if Bell was in the house. Imagine how surprised and happy I was to find you instead..” His mood seemed to have lightened. “We can manage small time stuff, babe. It’s a bit of a cover if anyone gets curious.” He pressed his forehead to hers, looking into her eyes. “Are we okay now? God, I hope so.”
She scrambled up on her knees and hugged them both, laughing, happy to be free of the unsaid things and bursting to share. “I want to stay with you, but will you want to stay with me?”
Sham chuckled, pulling her onto his lap. “Okay, what’s going on?”
“I have a job offer in New York.” She became breathless with excitement. “My own office, a decent salary, and a place to live.” She kissed his lips and looked at Baron to see his expression. “I have to try it. Are you coming with me?”
“New York.” Baron grinned and nodded his agreement. “Hell, I’m game.”
“Me too, beauty.” Sham fell over on top of his two loves, laughing when she pulled on his braid. “I feel like taking a swim in that pool you never use. You two coming?”
Carol knew it would be another adventure. Every minute with her men filled her life with pleasure and adventure. She removed her top, laughing, after Baron spanked her ass and ran ahead of her. “Hey, you two.” Her skirt dropped to the floor, along with her thong. “It had better be heated.”
