by Mari Carr
Harrison tucked a stray hair behind her ear. “Life is strange. You can either accept that and live happy or fight against it and be miserable.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Don’t go all philosophical on me. I’m running on empty right now and am not in debating shape. Give me a day or two and I’ll figure out why what you just said is total hooey.”
Harrison kissed her on the cheek. “I look forward to the argument.”
Alexis took a deep breath and forced herself to stand up. If she sat much longer, she’d drift off to sleep. She walked to the sink to dump her now-cold coffee and rinse out the cup. Then she got her purse and jacket from her locker. She also grabbed the bag she’d stuffed with dirty clothes. She was no stranger to pulling all-nighters at the hospital if one of her patients needed her to remain close by, so she always kept a couple extra outfits on hand. She’d used up all her spares during the past few days.
Harrison kissed her goodbye. It was a platonic buss, but it still managed to turn her on. This was getting ridiculous.
She wasn’t a stranger to one-night stands. Given her commitment to her work, brief flings were all she usually had time for. The problem was in the past few years she hadn’t even bothered with that. She’d told herself it was because she didn’t need sex—apart from the relief provided by her vibrator—but in truth, it was due to her feelings for Harrison.
She’d fallen for him long ago, the crush she’d harbored on her professor had blossomed to full-fledged love when their association had turned to friendship. After learning about the Trinity Masters and understanding what he expected from a relationship, she’d tried to cast those feelings aside, ignoring them, discounting them. She’d invited men back to her place in hopes that one of them would make her forget Harrison. It hadn’t worked, and eventually she’d stopped trying. She was paying for that now. Too many years of harboring hidden desires for the man had been unleashed, and it would take a hell of a lot longer than three weeks to work it all out of her system. The word forever drifted through her mind.
She hesitated when she walked by Michael. She had no idea how she felt about him. For most of her adult life, she’d focused her attention on Harrison. Now that she was being asked to consider a serious relationship with someone else, she wasn’t sure how to act. He’d been her boss and her nemesis for ten years. And while the past few days had proven they were more than compatible in the bedroom, that didn’t translate into a love affair.
Michael tugged her hair, his face proving he understood her uncertainty. “I’m struggling with this too. Let’s not get worked up about it yet. Baby steps.”
She considered what they’d just done—his fingers in her ass, his cock taking her more roughly than any lover in her past—and laughed, feeling her cheeks flush with the memory. “We may be a bit beyond baby steps.”
He shook his head. “No. Sex is easy. It’s the rest that’s going to take some work.”
“We only have three weeks,” she pointed out.
“Lucky thing we’re brilliant, quick studies.”
She rolled her eyes. “Humble much?”
“You know me. And I know you. We’re a lot closer to sorting this out than you realize. Just hang in there, okay? No freaking out.”
She tilted her head. “I don’t freak out.”
His mischievous grin told her he was trying to push her buttons, daring her to continue. She had just enough pride to fall for it too.
She lifted her face. “Kiss me goodbye.”
She’d meant the request as a challenge to counter his. What she hadn’t expected was the look of genuine delight on his face.
He bent his head and kissed her, the touch so gentle and loving it took her breath away.
Fuck. That backfired.
She placed her fingers to her lips when he released her and took two steps back. “I have to go.”
Michael winked, perfectly aware that he’d taken her off-guard. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Harrison walked her to the door and offered her one more brief kiss. She left the room without another word.
She’d lied to Michael.
She was totally freaking out.
*****
The young man watched Harrison Adams kiss the pretty doctor. Neither of them saw him. His mother had always told him he was very good at disappearing, blending into a crowd. She hadn’t meant it as a compliment. Most of the time, she’d been annoyed when she’d realized he’d been hovering, watching, listening.
She should have been ashamed—not annoyed—considering what he’d been forced to watch her do. Women were nothing more than sluts—pawns to be used and then discarded. His mother fit that category, so did the whore he’d had murdered in the alley in Chicago. Good riddance to both.
It was the only lesson he’d ever learned from his father. After all, dear old dad had fucked his mother until he was tired of her and then left. What his father hadn’t realized was he hadn’t just thrown away the whore. He’d left his son as well. Left his boy with an inept, stupid woman who knew nothing about how to raise a child, how to feed her son, clothe him, keep him safe.
He grinned as he considered the payback. His father was suffering a devastating loss. Killing those two women had been a stroke of genius. They’d left his father weak, vulnerable. Soon, he’d discover the link between Harrison, his father and that damn symbol. Once those lines were drawn, he could find a way to bring the whole thing crashing down on their heads.
His eyes narrowed as Harrison watched the doctor walk away. For some reason, Harrison Adams had stepped in after his father left his mother, sending money to help them get by. The monthly checks had kept a roof over their heads and food on the table.
Then, when he was only nine, Harrison had abandoned them too. The young man considered Harrison’s crime the worst of all. His father hadn’t known of his existence, so he hadn’t realized his son needed him. Harrison had simply cut them off without a word. Left them penniless. His mother had turned to dancing to earn money, becoming a two-bit stripper. When her body began to sag and the money on stage dried up, she’d earned a living by lying on her back. Stupid cunt.
There was a debt to be paid. Harrison Adams owed him for his desertion and the female doctor looked like a good place to start. He’d been surprised when she’d noticed him in the emergency room. No one ever saw him. He’d covered his tracks well and earned a reward for his quick thinking.
He was tired of toying with his mouse. He’d spent the past year gathering as much information as he could on Harrison Adams, following him, tormenting him while searching for a way to bring the man down. The symbol had worked as an effective trigger. Each time Harrison saw it he blanched and then worked quickly to conceal it. Ultimately, the symbol and what it stood for would be Harrison’s downfall.
But until then…
Dr. Alexis Jenner was going to come in handy. He’d seen her with Harrison and the other man from the funeral three nights earlier. The trio had gone out to dinner at a fancy restaurant and he’d struggled to figure out which man she was fucking. After all, both Harrison and Michael Austin—his hacking software had given him that name in less than ten minutes—continually touched her.
He’d come to the hospital to survey his handiwork from the fire, to revel in the fruits of his labor and to hopefully catch a glimpse of Michael Austin. Then fate had rewarded him when he’d seen the doctor and Harrison.
He’d listened at the door as the two men fucked her. Another whore. Another cunt he could use.
The young man was born to be powerful, while men like his father, Harrison Adams, Michael Austin and Damon Corzo weren’t worthy to lick his boots. They were harmless. Stupid. Puppets dancing on the end of his strings.
And soon he’d cut them all loose, let them drown in a sea of their own ineffectiveness.
Then, he would be there, ready to step in. To take over. To claim the legacy they’d all conspired to keep from him.
It was time to initiate his next
move. Harrison’s lingering look as Alexis Jenner walked away confirmed that the doctor was important.
Very important.
Chapter Five
Michael looked up at the knock at his door.
“Come in.”
Harrison walked in, glancing around the room. “Is he here yet?”
Michael shook his head. “No. Though I expect him any minute.”
“He didn’t give you any indication of why he wanted to see both of us? What the emergency is?”
Michael leaned back in his chair as Harrison claimed one across from his desk. He’d received an urgent call from Jonathan this morning asking for a meeting with him and the Grand Master in Michael’s office. His friend had been suffering from a serious bout of depression since losing his wives. Michael couldn’t begin to imagine how he was carrying on after such a tragic loss.
“No. He didn’t want to get into it over the phone. He was very upset, insistent.”
Harrison frowned, and Michael was struck by the same unnerving suspicion that his best friend was harboring a secret. He’d felt that way for months, but whenever he tried to broach the subject, Harrison shut him down, claiming Michael knew everything he needed to know.
“You don’t have any clue what it might be about, do you, Harrison?”
Harrison shook his head, but there was a brief moment of hesitation that told Michael his friend was being dishonest. It didn’t sit well with him. In the past, he would have sworn Harrison confided in him about everything. Knowing Harrison was keeping something from him hurt more than he cared to admit.
“Harrison.” Michael started to ask what was going on, but he was interrupted by another knock on the door.
Harrison rose, inviting Jonathan to enter. Jonathan was aware of Harrison’s role as Grand Master. It was traditional for the established members of the society to be introduced to their leader after twenty years with the organization. By that time, members were bonded in trinities and would then assume the duty of recruiting.
“Jonathan,” Michael said as he stood and shook the man’s hand. “How are you holding up?”
Jonathan shrugged, the dark circles under his eyes answering Michael’s question. “I’m okay.”
It was a lie, but Michael let it pass as Jonathan and Harrison both sat down.
Jonathan didn’t beat around the bush. “Someone is following me.”
“What makes you say that?” Michael asked.
Jonathan rubbed his eyes, exhaustion written in every movement he made. “I don’t know. I’ve felt this way since the funeral, but I chalked it up to grief, thought it would go away.”
Harrison didn’t seem surprised by Jonathan’s confession. “Are you working on any projects at work that would cause someone to be interested in your whereabouts?”
Michael suspected the question was a deflection. Jonathan worked for the Army Corps of Engineers. He’d spent a great deal of time overseas throughout the years, designing and overseeing construction in the Middle East. While he had traveled to many hotspots during his career, he had never taken part in anything controversial or particularly dangerous.
Jonathan shook his head. “I’ve considered that, but I was promoted after my last deployment. It’s taken me some time to adjust to my new administrative role, and the truth is I’m involved in nothing right now that would be of interest to anyone.”
It sounded to Michael like that last statement applied to Jonathan as well.
Then Jonathan leaned forward, rested his elbows on his knees, looked very closely at Harrison. “I don’t think Janet and Sylvia’s car crash was an accident.”
Harrison frowned. “What makes you say that?”
“They’d driven on that country lane once a month for years. Janet could have taken that turn blindfolded. And I don’t understand why the car exploded on impact with the tree. It shouldn’t have done that.”
It was believed Janet and Sylvia would have survived if the car hadn’t caught fire after striking the tree. No one had considered checking into the accident because it hadn’t felt suspicious, but it appeared to Michael that Harrison was suddenly regretting that oversight.
“Jonathan—” Michael started to reassure his friend it was nothing more than an accident, but Jonathan persisted.
“I know you don’t believe me. Ravings of a grief-stricken man, right? Anything I say can be chalked up to that. It’s why I haven’t said anything. But…”
“But,” Michael prompted.
“I attend Sunday services at Mercy Lutheran Church.”
Michael reared back. “The church that burned down?”
Jonathan nodded. “I was actually supposed to serve as communion assistant this past Sunday, but I couldn’t…” He paused and Michael had to look away. Jonathan was a strong, proud man. Seeing him in so much pain was hard to face.
“You couldn’t go?” Harrison said softly.
Jonathan linked his fingers in front of him. For a moment, Michael thought his friend was trying to pull himself together, but there was something in his posture that betrayed anger—outright fury. “Some days are better than others. That morning, I just couldn’t get out of bed. I called another member of the congregation, a friend of mine, and asked him to fill in for me. He was the fatality in the fire.”
Michael released a sigh. When it rained, it poured. He wasn’t sure how much more his friend could take. “Jesus. I’m sorry, Jonathan.”
“I think that fire was set for me. A warning.”
“Warning?” Harrison asked.
Jonathan nodded. “A way to let me know I’m not safe. Anywhere.”
Michael straightened his spine. “No. That’s not true. I think this is just two very terrible coincidences happening close together.”
Jonathan set his jaw. “Why was Gunner at the church?”
Harrison’s gaze narrowed. “What are you suggesting?”
Jonathan shrugged. “Nothing. I’m just curious.”
Jonathan’s tone didn’t suggest that at all. It sounded a lot like an accusation. Did he seriously think the Trinity Masters were responsible for the death of his wives and the fire at the church?
Michael leaned forward. “You surely don’t think we had anything to do with this.”
Michael looked to Harrison for support and was surprised when his friend didn’t say anything. Then pieces of the puzzle started falling into place. Harrison’s lack of astonishment over Jonathan’s assertion about being followed. Gunner’s unexplainable presence at the church. Had Harrison sent the FBI agent there? And if so, why?
“Harrison?” Michael said, trying to force his friend’s hand.
Harrison didn’t respond at first, and then he crossed his arms. His slow response wasn’t lost on either of the other men. “I think it would be wise for this conversation to end here. Go home, Jonathan. Get some rest. Perhaps after a few nights’ sleep you’ll begin to see things more clearly.”
Michael spied pure rage on Jonathan’s face.
“Grand Master—” Jonathan started.
Harrison raised his hand, cutting him short. “Michael is correct—I also believe these two occurrences are simply a coincidence—but just in case, I don’t think it would hurt to scrutinize both your wives’ accident and the church fire. I’ll contact a couple of Trinity Masters who have the means to investigate these situations covertly.”
Michael wondered if Harrison really did intend to follow up. It was clear Jonathan didn’t believe he would. As far as Michael knew, Gunner and Price were already launching an investigation into the church fire. That much had been discussed openly in Gunner’s hospital room yesterday. Had that conversation been real? Or had they simply said those things for Michael’s benefit?
At the time, Michael couldn’t understand the Trinity Masters’ interest in the fire. Now, it was clear there were facts that weren’t being shared with him. It irritated him, rubbed against the grain.
Jonathan stood to leave. “I’ll be in touch, Grand Master
.”
Michael had never heard a more genuine threat in his life, but Harrison took it in stride.
“I’ll call you if I discover anything, Jonathan. You have my word on that.”
Michael nodded his farewell, holding his tongue until Jonathan had taken his leave and he and Harrison were alone once more.
“What the hell is going on, Harrison?”
Harrison sighed. “The man is distraught and looking for someone to blame. He’s chosen the Trinity Masters. I hope that with time and rest he’ll come to see—”
Michael stood up, slamming his hand down on his desk. “Don’t. Don’t fucking tell me you’re not seriously concerned about what he said. Or that you didn’t have something to do with Gunner’s presence at the church. Something’s going on and I want to know what it is.”
Harrison clenched his jaw, his face going stony. He wasn’t going to tell him. “Michael—”
Michael’s temper flared. “I thought we were partners, Harrison.”
Harrison stood as well. “Actually, we’re not. Not yet. And I think you’re forgetting your place, Michael. I’m the Grand Master. I’m responsible for the welfare of the Trinity Masters. The decision of whether or not I choose to take you into my confidence is mine and mine alone.”
“You’re not your fucking father. You don’t have to carry all of this alone.”
Harrison’s face flushed, his own anger starting to emerge. “You act as if you question my abilities.”
Michael waved his hand dismissively. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Perhaps you’ve taken Jonathan’s side in this?”
Harrison’s words pierced.
“You know I haven’t.” Then Michael forced himself to ask the question hovering in the back of his mind. “What happens if Alexis says yes? If we become a triad? Will you confide in me then?”
Harrison didn’t reply immediately, the silence telling.
“I see,” Michael said quietly.
“There are some things I need to deal with on my own.”
Michael shook his head. “I don’t agree. But clearly my opinion doesn’t matter.”
