by Mari Carr
There were too many things hovering over their heads. They ignored all of them, opting instead to focus on the easy friendship growing between them and the hope that—in the end—this would all work out.
The waiter delivered their dinner. Michael laughed when Alexis stole a bite from both of their plates.
They were just about to order dessert and coffee when Harrison’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and frowned. “I need to take this.”
Michael nodded as Harrison stood to walk away from the table. He heard his friend say, “Price,” as he headed for the front door of the restaurant and just like that, the relaxed mood was broken.
“Skip dessert?” Alexis asked.
“Yeah. I’m not really in the mood.” He waved to the waiter for the check.
Harrison returned to the table quicker than Michael expected.
“I have to…” Harrison paused.
“You need to go,” Michael finished for him, not bothering to hide his irritated tone. Add another secret to the pile.
Harrison started to nod and then stopped. “Will you come with me?” He looked from Michael to Alexis. “Both of you.”
Michael was shocked by the request. He could tell it hadn’t been an easy one for his friend to make. “Of course.”
They quickly settled the tab and then Harrison led them to his BMW. “We should ride together. I’ll fill you in on the way to Jonathan’s house.”
“Jonathan’s house?”
Alexis took the backseat, gesturing for Michael to take shotgun. “You’d have to twist into a pretzel to get your long legs to fit back here.”
Harrison was quiet as he maneuvered the car onto the city streets. Michael gave him time to compose his thoughts. It was clear Harrison was shaken up.
Finally, he said, “Gunner found Jonathan’s body tonight. It appears he committed suicide in his home office.”
Michael sucked in a deep breath. “No. He wouldn’t have done that.”
Harrison gave him a sideways glance that proved he wasn’t so sure, but Michael was.
“I mean it, Harrison. Jonathan was upset about Janet and Sylvia, but he wasn’t suicidal. He was just tired, stressed out about the idea of someone following him and his concerns about the fire.”
Harrison’s jaw tensed. “I was having him followed.”
“What?” Michael barked. “Why?”
Harrison did a mirror check before changing lanes. “At first, it was simply because I was worried about him. He was muttering some distressing things and suffering from paranoia.”
“Paranoia you exasperated when you had someone follow him.”
Harrison’s face betrayed the guilt he felt and Michael silently cursed. They needed to work together to find out what had really happened to Jonathan. Not point fingers and assign blame.
“I’m sorry,” Michael said quietly.
“You’re right. I did make it worse. I believe Jonathan’s death, as well as those of his wives, are connected to another threat that’s been lodged against the Trinity Masters. Or more specifically…me.” He added the last word so softly Michael almost missed it.
Alexis leaned forward. She’d been silent during the entire ride. “Someone is threatening you?”
Harrison sighed. “I’m not, I can’t…”
Harrison was closing the door in their faces again. It appeared there were limits to how much he was willing to share. Unfortunately, they didn’t have time to press for more when Harrison pulled off to the side of the street, parking there rather than pulling into Jonathan’s driveway. He turned off the car.
The house was surprisingly dark.
“Why isn’t the ambulance here yet? Or the police?” Alexis asked. “It shouldn’t take them this long to answer a call.”
“They haven’t been called,” Harrison replied. “Gunner is alone in the house. Jonathan used a silencer on the gun, so the neighbors didn’t hear anything.”
Michael was confused. “How did Gunner know to look for him?”
“He saw a suspicious shadow, someone leaving Jonathan’s house from the back door over an hour ago.”
Suddenly, Michael understood. “Gunner’s been following Jonathan.”
Harrison nodded. “Along with several other men from Price’s security firm. They’ve been taking shifts.”
Michael crossed his arms. “So that’s why Gunner was at the church.”
“Yes. He was going to relieve the man who’d kept watch the night before there. Neither of them realized Jonathan had changed his plans. Gunner was just about to leave and head here when he saw the smoke and heard the first screams. By the time he got to the building, that beam had fallen, blocking the exit. If Gunner hadn’t kicked down the other door…” Harrison let them fill in the rest. While there had been too many burn victims, the outcome would have been much more devastating if Gunner hadn’t found a way to get them out.
“Who was in the backyard?” Alexis asked.
The lines around Harrison’s mouth grew more pronounced. It was obvious he didn’t like dragging Alexis into any of this. “We don’t know. By the time Gunner got there, the person was gone. He started to return to his post in the front, but he said he got a funny feeling that something was wrong.”
“Police instinct,” Michael said. “He and I discussed that concept once.”
Harrison looked toward the house. “He knocked on the door, intending to pretend he was just stopping by to check on Jonathan. When there was no answer, he tried the knob. The door was unlocked. That’s when he found Jonathan and called Price. Price called me.”
“Why wouldn’t he call 911 too?” Alexis asked.
Harrison didn’t reply. Michael knew the answer. They were there to make sure Jonathan hadn’t left anything behind that might lead the authorities to the Trinity Masters.
Harrison changed the subject. “Can you take a look at the body, Lex, and tell if it was a suicide or a homicide?”
She frowned. “I’m not a cop, Harry.”
“I know that. But can you tell the difference?”
She shrugged. “Maybe. Yeah. I think I could.”
Harrison seemed satisfied with that answer. They got out of the car. Michael was surprised by how dark the house was until he realized the streetlight in front of Jonathan’s house was out. The blackness of the night hid their approach, so it would be difficult for any of the neighbors to see them, let alone describe them.
As they reached the front door, Gunner was there. He opened it without speaking and then gestured to his left with his head. They walked to Jonathan’s office in silence. While the rest of the house was dark, the light in the office was on.
Gunner looked at Alexis curiously.
Harrison acknowledged the man’s silence. “It’s okay. You can speak freely in front of Alexis.” Then Harrison pointed to the flashlight Gunner was carrying.
Gunner switched it off. “This light was on in here when I came in, so I left it. I just finished checking out the rest of the house. It’s clean.”
Michael swallowed heavily when he looked at Jonathan’s body. He was leaning back in his leather chair. Without the trickle of blood running along the side of his face, a quick glance would lead someone to believe he was just sleeping.
Alexis started for the body, but Michael grasped her hand. “Don’t touch him, Alexis. Just take a look. Tell us what you think.”
She didn’t seem to like the request, but she nodded her assent. Leaning closer, she studied the bullet wound for a long time. When she stood, she glanced at Gunner. “You’re FBI, right?”
He nodded.
“Then you must have your own opinion about this. Murder or suicide?”
Gunner didn’t reply immediately. Michael could see the curiosity on Gunner’s face. Alexis wasn’t part of the Trinity Masters, and that fact concerned the man.
“I think he was murdered,” Gunner said at last.
Alexis nodded. “So do I. So why did you say it was a suicide?”
Harrison took the letter and immediately tucked it into the chest pocket of his jacket. Gunner looked like he wanted to insist Harrison read it, but he remained silent. “There’s nothing else in the house that would lead anyone to the Trinity Masters?”
Gunner shook his head. “Nothing. Price told you about what he found at the church?”
Harrison nodded once. “Yes.”
Michael waited for one of them to explain the finding, but neither man said anything more. Resentment at being kept in the dark ate at Michael’s gut.
“We need to leave,” Harrison said at last.
“What about him?” Gunner asked.
Harrison glanced at his watch. “Wait thirty minutes and then call 911. You can tell them you were stopping by to check on a friend who’d just lost his wife. Tell them you became concerned when he didn’t open the door. You’re FBI. You know how to play it.”
Gunner nodded. “Okay.” He hesitated. “Are you sure you don’t want me to investigate what’s in that letter?”
Harrison sighed. “No. I’ll take care of that.”
Michael grasped Alexis’s hand and the two of them followed Harrison out of the house. Michael could feel Gunner’s curious stare burning a hole in the back of his head as they left.
There was no way they’d escape a questioning from Price tomorrow. Gunner and Price were partners, they shared everything. That thought caused the ache in Michael’s chest to reappear.
It was becoming apparent Harrison would never offer the same complete honesty.
They were quiet as Harrison made his way back to the city. Michael felt as if he was drowning with too many concerns dragging him down. Here he was, sitting in a car with the two people he cared most about and he’d never felt lonelier.
Michael rubbed his eyes as he thought about Jonathan. The man had always been a larger-than-life character, filling any room he entered with boisterous laughter and cigar smoke. He had been quick with a joke or a crazy story and he hadn’t known a stranger. It just didn’t seem possible that his life should have ended with so much sorrow, so much violence.
A few months earlier, Jonathan had been on top of the world—a promotion at work, two beautiful wives, a nice home. He’d had it all. Ninety days later, nothing.
Life was so short, so fleeting. It made Michael even more impatient to settle his own future.
He turned to Harrison, intent on opening the conversation, but he stopped. Harrison had been his best friend forever and Michael had never seen such utter despair on his face. Something was wrong. Really wrong.
Michael turned away, looking out the window once more. His friend was on the edge of a breakdown, that much was clear, and one word from Michael could push him over the brink. Michael refused to do that to him.
Then Michael realized where they were.
Home.
Alexis didn’t say anything as Harrison passed the garage and pulled into a parking space on the street. He turned off the car. Harrison kept a tight grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles white with the pressure. He didn’t look at either of them, simply kept his head down.
“Lex. If—”
“Let’s go upstairs, Harry.”
His fingers loosened a little. Michael watched Harrison swallow heavily.
“Michael.”
Michael reached over and put his hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “It’s been a rough few weeks. What do you say we give ourselves tonight off? Take a step back for a little while and just let it all be.”
Michael felt the tension leave Harrison as his shoulders relaxed. “Okay.”
Alexis grasped both of their hands, claiming her place between them as they walked into the building together. If the doorman thought there was anything strange about Harrison and Michael coming home with one woman, he was professional enough to hide his surprise.
The silence between them continued when they reached the top floor. Harrison led them to his apartment and unlocked the door. He turned on the lights as they entered.
Michael followed them in, working hard to let go of his anxiety over Harrison and the Trinity Masters.
Alexis deserved their attention, their care. They’d asked her to take a big step out of her comfort zone and since then, she’d given herself over to them, to the experience, without holding back anything.
Regardless of what tomorrow would bring, tonight was for her.
And…if he was being completely honest…for him too.
Because he was starting to fear tomorrow would mark the beginning of the end.
*****
Alexis sensed the tension, misery and sadness permeating the stillness of Harrison’s apartment. She hadn’t protested when she’d realized where he was driving because this was where she wanted to be.
Her heart was breaking for both men. They’d lost a friend tonight and they were suffering. She longed to ease some of their pain, to find a way to help them forget for a little while. “Where’s your bedroom, Harry?”
Harrison pointed down the hallway. “At the end.” He didn’t move, so she took the first step.
When she turned around, neither man had followed. She smiled and then rolled her eyes, hoping to alleviate the heaviness in the air. “Do I need to spell out for you what happens in the bedroom? Because I can tell you this, it requires all of us.”
Michael chuckled and, for the first time tonight, she spied a smile on Harrison’s face.
Harrison turned to Michael. “It sounds like our lady is horny,” he joked.
Michael crossed his arms in that domineering way that never failed to make her panties wet. “It sounds like she’s trying to take charge again.”
She shrugged, refusing to be intimidated. “I’m always in charge, Tin Man.” She giggled when he narrowed his eyes. She started toward Harrison’s room again. A quick peek over her shoulder told her Michael was following—fast. She picked up her pace, running toward the room, laughing when Michael caught her at the doorway. He picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder before she had a chance to even think about fighting him off.
Harrison was right behind them. Even though he was there, he seemed somewhat removed from them. Alexis tried to push away the feeling that Harrison had been holding back with her and Michael since the beginning of this affair. She’d first noticed it in the doctor’s lounge. It almost felt as if he was stepping aside, making way for Michael.
Michael tossed her on her back in the middle of the big bed and then crossed his arms as he looked down at her. She pushed up on her elbows, the pose thrusting her breasts out. Neither man failed to notice.
“Do you want to reconsider your comment about exactly who’s running the show, Alexis?”
She pretended to consider Michael’s question and then shook her head. “Nope. Not really.”
Harrison rolled his eyes and pulled a chair over to the bed. He sat down as if expecting a show. “We’re not in a public place now, Lex. Which means you’re going to have to deal with the fallout from poking the bear.”
These men issued the most delicious threats. She sat up slowly, running her hand along her neck before allowing it to drift lower. She cupped one of her breasts, increasing the pressure of her squeeze. Michael watched her through lowered eyelids, not moving until she whispered, “Poke. Poke.”
Michael sprang into action at her taunt, grasping her upper arm and pulling her from the bed. Too many things happened almost simultaneously and Alexis had a difficult time keeping up as Michael dropped to the edge of the mattress, tossed her over his lap and pushed her skirt up to her waist. Her thong did nothing to hide her ass, nor did it offer her an ounce of protection when he lifted his hand and brought it down on her bare flesh.
She jerked, struggling to escape, but Harrison joined the game, kneeli
ng in front of her and Michael. He placed a firm hand on her back, holding her in place.
She looked over at him accusingly as Michael continued to spank her.
Harrison’s grin was anything but contrite. “I warned you. Besides—” He moved his hand to her ass as Michael paused. Harrison ran his fingers along her slit, finding the damning evidence. She was soaking wet. A fact he showed her just before he lifted his fingers to his mouth and licked her juices off.
“Besides,” he repeated, “you love this.”
She bit her lip, refusing to give the cocky bastards the satisfaction of being right.
Harrison looked up at Michael. “Looks like she needs more convincing.”
Michael didn’t speak. Instead, he lifted his hand and brought it down on her now-sensitive skin. She tried to resist giving herself away with a hungry groan. After all, she was a grown woman, and the idea of a man spanking her like a naughty child pissed off her feminist side. But she couldn’t deny how much she loved the burn.
When Michael paused once more, Harrison was there, dipping two fingers inside her. Her pussy clenched. It wasn’t enough.
“Please,” she whispered.
Harrison stilled the motion of his fingers thrusting deeper. “What?”
He’d heard her, but the asshole intended to make her beg. Pride warred with need. Then she swallowed heavily and gave in. “Please. I need more. I need you. Inside me. Now.”
Michael ran his hand along one cheek of her bottom. “Your ass is on fire. It’s as red as that pretty hair of yours and hot to the touch.”
His voice was almost reverent. He was enjoying this act as much as she was. Then she remembered Michael’s reserve in the doctor’s lounge, the restraint he’d showed when he came. She wouldn’t let him do that again. Nor would she let Harrison remain aloof. They’d asked her to keep an open mind about their seduction. Now she expected them to follow through on the bargain as well.
She slid off Michael’s lap and reached for the zipper of his pants before he could drag her back into her former position. His breathing became deeper when she spread the placket and wrapped her hand around his hard cock.
“Jesus,” he murmured.
Alexis looked over her shoulder. Harrison was still kneeling next to her. She sensed his indecision as half of him appeared ready to retreat while the other half remained spellbound on the motion of her hand as she stroked Michael’s erection.
