Arrest of the Heart

by Judy Kentrus

  “Finish it.”

  “Gotta go, darlin. Living in a school sucks. I’ll be glad to get out of this Podunk town. Do me a favor and tell my step-brother, I’ll be in touch.

  Andy

  Lincoln tossed the letter on the bed and turned Jessie into his arms. “He may be in the wind, but we are far from done with Andrew Sayers. And who the hell is his step-brother? What did we miss?”

  “Good question.”

  “I’ll get Reggie on it in the morning.”

  When the rays of moonlight bounced off the stone in her ring, she took a deep breath and announced, “I don’t want to be engaged anymore.”

  Chapter 26

  Lincoln paled and he put a possessive hold on her naked shoulders. “Repeat that.”

  “Earlier, when we were having pizza with our friends, they asked when we were getting married. I said we were still getting used to the idea of being engaged. It was a lame excuse and sounded like a cop-out. We never discussed a wedding date. I don’t want that anymore.”

  Lincoln was getting more confused by the minute. “Jessie, I need you to be perfectly clear. You’re saying you don’t want to marry me?”

  “I didn’t say that!”

  The pounding in his chest slowed and he relaxed his fingers. “Okay, let’s take this one step at a time. What do you mean you don’t want to be engaged anymore?”

  “Sayers’ letter was a reminder of how close I came to dying, and that each day we’re alive is a gift from the Almighty.” Her face and voice softened. “I love you more with every breath I take. I don’t want to go to bed every night alone, and I’m tired of sneaking around every time I want a bubble bath with fruit salad.” She removed his eye patch and placed a tender kiss on each cheek and his weak eye. “I want more rides on carousels with cotton candy, but I want to enjoy them with my husband and our daughter, and hopefully another child or two.”

  Lincoln sighed deeply. “Nothing like giving me a heart attack. I like the idea of a couple more children, but please, one at a time. When?”

  “Oh, nine months after the wedding would be perfectly acceptable.”

  “I didn’t mean that. When do you want to get married?”

  “Julie and Scott did it in three weeks, Russell and Alexis, four, how about we outdo them and get married in two weeks? We wouldn’t have any problem getting the church or a license. We can have a tent erected on the lawn in front of the bandstand and invite the entire town.”

  Lincoln was warming up to the idea. “We won’t have to send out invitations. Just let the Nose Patrol know when, where, and the time. Samantha can make our wedding cake. Julie’s sister owns a party catering business, and I’m sure she’ll help us out with the food.”

  “I know where I can find a maid-of-honor, two bridesmaids, and three flower girls. You’ve got three groomsmen. What about a honeymoon?”

  “Sergeant Taylor-Adams, I’ll take care of that end.” He already had the perfect honeymoon in mind, one that would blow Jessie’s mind.

  “I’m sure you will,” she said, and yawned into his shoulder. “Did we just get outrageously crazy and plan our wedding?”

  “Yes, and you can’t change your mind. Your mother said we’ll have to spend a platonic night in your bed with Edie down the hall. I’m for sleeping on these cushions and you take the bed. We don’t want to attract any night creatures that go ‘oh, oh,’ and ‘yes, yes’.”

  “Very funny. I almost died of mortification that morning in the Long kitchen. I’m comfortable right here. I’ll be up before Edie and chase you out early. What time are we supposed to get in line with Taylor’s Tornado?”

  “All beds are to be in position by ten-thirty in the parking lot across from town square. We are number six in line. Who is our other team member?”

  “Not telling,” she managed, as weariness claimed her body. “I’m on duty till three o’clock, but will be in plain clothes and on call. I won’t rest easy until we get word that they’ve apprehended the smugglers in Stevensville tomorrow night. I’m also concerned about Samantha, but I know Logan and your guys will be on board and won’t let anything happen to her.”

  “I can assure you, Samantha Kingsley can take care of herself. Since Sayers knows about the takedown, I’m wondering if he’ll warn his cohorts.”

  “That dirt bag is concerned about one thing, himself. I wouldn’t be surprised if he let them walk into our sting and isn’t the least bit worried about them ratting him out.”

  When Jessie pressed her head deeper into his shoulder, Linc grabbed the handmade quilt from the bottom of her bed and adjusted two soft pillows at the end of the bench. “Enough talking. Make yourself comfortable.” He bundled her in his arms on the wide cushion under the windows. They shared a contented sigh and gazed at the night-black sky full of wishing stars.

  The weather had cooperated for the town’s biggest annual event. There wasn’t a parking space to be had in the area closest to the festivities. Souvenir and food vendors were already setting up around the park. It promised to be a fun-filled day.

  Before taking Taylor’s Tornado to the drop off location, Lincoln spoke to Logan to confirm all of their agents were in their assigned places. A number would be roving throughout the spectators, who were already staking out their space along Main Street to watch the race. The security level had been raised on the train, as well as keeping an eye out for Sayers. Lincoln doubted the murderer would show his face. He also contacted Reggie to prioritize the identity of Sayers’ step-brother.

  Lincoln lowered the tailgate on his truck before shaking hands with George Boehm, one of his agents who worked security at Long and Barrows. “Thanks for your help.” They set the lightweight bed on the black pavement.

  “Where are Scott and Russell?” Linc checked the connection on the Jolly Roger flag attached to the curve of the iron headboard. “Their spot is in back of mine. Have you seen their bed?”

  “Oh, yeah,” George said. “With you living in Laurel Heights, you miss all the gossip at Long and Barrows. Susan and Vicky were upset that the bed could only hold one person, so Alexis Long entered a bed for Mary Maids.” George noticed a black pick-up truck entering the drop off area. “Here they come.”

  “Man, when you design beds, you go all out,” Lincoln said, when Scott got out of the truck. One bed was themed “Bridge over troubled waters,” and displayed a bridge that resembled the famous London Bridge, complete with short towers. The thin aluminum spans extended from the back to front of the spindle bed. Cut outs resembling a rolling sea bordered the turquoise blue mattress cover.

  The Bumble Bee Express, painted black and yellow, supported four papier-mâché beehives. Large frolicking bumblebees danced across the bedding.

  “What do you think?” Russell asked, coming from around the back of the truck. His outfit echoed the theme of the bed, right down to the giant bumble bee on the back of his bright yellow golf shirt.

  “You guys go all out. Taylor’s Tornado is plain. Edie added the pirate theme.” Linc forgot to tell them the secret to winning the race was to keep the bed free of all extra decorations. “Where are Billy and the rest of your crew?”

  “He’s fishing with the Kelly brothers, but will be here in a little while,” Scott said. “Connor and Brandon volunteered to be part of our teams. Julie and Alexis are changing in the motor coach. Jessie and Edie are with them.”

  “Speaking of your girls, why don’t I go check on them?” George offered and walked across the street.

  “Don’t forget about the barbecue at my parents’ house. They’ve invited your future mother-in-law and the rest of the town council. It’s Henry’s way of thanking them for giving their final approval on the resort. My father is thrilled you want in on the project. I’m sure you know about the newly discovered Utica Shale Formation and the drilling for natural gas. You were smart to purchase that building and property. This area will be jumping.”

  “That’s in addition to the Marcellus fault the judge is negot
iating on the property from my inheritance. As for the party, Jessie and I won’t be able to get away until the town has settled back to semi-normal. You could do us a favor and take Edie with you this afternoon.” Lincoln paused and shook his head. “I need to ask you two an important question, but I’m having a hard time concentrating. Russell morphed into a bumblebee, right down to his yellow knee socks and black sneakers. If you don’t get stung by a real bee, it will be a miracle.” He smiled at his other best friend. “You look like something out of Percy Jackson, right down to your tunic with a life-sized picture of King Neptune thrusting his trident.”

  “I’ll also be wearing a ridiculous gold crown. Julie wanted me to wear my blue frog costume, but I told her there was no way I could run in webbed feet. You should talk.” Scott tugged on the pointy end of the red bandana round Lincoln’s head. “You’ve ditched your shirt, and there’s a skull and crossbones painted on the back of your black vest. All you need is a saber attached to the red sash around your waist.”

  “You’ve got me there,” Lincoln agreed with a laugh. “We’ve been through a lot over the years, and have had each other’s backs through good times and bad. But look at us. The three Musketeers have been reduced to King Neptune, a bumble bee, and a pirate. There’s something wrong with this picture. I couldn’t decide which one of you to ask to be my best man, so I’ve decided to ask you both.”

  “We’d be honored,” they answered together and shook Lincoln’s hand. “Have you set a date for the wedding?” Russell asked.

  “Yes. It’s two weeks from tomorrow.”

  Scott’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re kidding, right?”

  “Does King Neptune rule the sea?”

  Whistles and catcalls drew their attention when their wives, Jessie, and the girls approached them from across the street. Susan was an adorable mermaid and Vicky a sparkling bumble bee. Edie, a sassy female pirate, wore a red bandana around her head and waist to match her Uncle Daddy.

  Scott’s mouth dropped when he saw Julie’s costume. Since she had to run, she’d forgone the typical leg-constricting mermaid fin and went with shiny sea green iridescent leggings with a black fishnet design. Her black and green halter top was splattered with colorful jewels and doubloons. She’d done a Marie and wore sequin-covered high tops, the color of gold coins. She was wearing that damn blond wig that got her in trouble the first time they’d met. Scott was glad the tunic covered his zipper. He had second thoughts about letting her be seen in public in that sexy get-up. They would definitely be sneaking off some time that afternoon for a little treasure hunting.

  Russell was also in a state of shock. He’d never seen a sexier bumble bee in his life. Alexis’ wide-necked black-Spandex suit, molded to every curve of her lithe body. Her long legs were encased in yellow and black ringed thigh highs, and she wore black laced ankle boots. Two springy bumble bees attached to a headband bobbed when she walked. In the center of the black velvet choker around her neck was her bumblebee pin. Along with her million dollar smile and the teasing gleam in her eye, she was twirling a black and yellow duster with lots and lots of feathers. She definitely knew what he liked.

  Lincoln had wondered why Jessie wanted to keep her costume a secret. Now he knew. Her black mini-skirt, that barely covered her ass, had sharp handkerchief points that emphasized her beautiful legs. Calf-hugging black suede boots came to just below her knees. It was the red, off the shoulder ruffled blouse and large gold hoop earrings that made her look like the sexiest lady pirate he’d ever seen. The red bandana about her head highlighted her reddish gold hair.

  “Hi, Blackbeard,” she grinned, exaggerating her police strut before doing a twirl in front of him. “How’s this for a costume?”

  “You look too damn sexy.” He leaned in close and whispered for her ears alone. “Tell me you are not wearing those sexy black bikinis under that tiny skirt.”

  “Wouldn’t you like to know?” she said and fluttered her eyelashes.

  “Jessie, this is not the time or place to play games. Yes or no!”

  “No. I’ve got on black Spandex tights. Satisfied, Blackbeard?”

  “Uncle Daddy,” Edie interrupted, “Susan and Vicky are going to be flower girls with me in your wedding.”

  He raised a brow at his future wife. “So, it’s a go?”

  She slipped an arm about his waist and smiled at Julie and Alexis. “Lisa Kay will be my maid-of-honor. We’ve got two bridesmaids, and three flower girls. Julie and Alexis will coordinate with Lisa for attendant’s gowns, and we need dresses for the girls. I already know what I’m going to wear.” Jessie wanted to carry on tradition and wear her mother’s wedding gown. “Julie called her sister. Mardi suggested a combination barbecue and buffet. She’s got a new smoker that she’s wanted to use for a big party. We’ll finalize the menu next week and give her a head count. She’s emailing me the name of a friend who is a great florist. She’ll basically cater the entire wedding and arrange delivery and set up of the tent, tables, and chairs. I called Robby, and his band is available for the wedding.”

  Lincoln couldn’t believe all they’d accomplished. “You did all this while getting dressed for a race?”

  “Linc, you’re forgetting the most important thing. We’re women and can multi-task.” Julie kissed him on the cheek. “We are thrilled to be a part of your wedding. Please don’t expect your day to be perfect. After all, you will have three little girls in the wedding party.”

  “I’m not worried. I plan to ask Billy to be an usher. I’ll toss in a new rod and reel if he’ll keep an eye on the mischief makers.”

  While the police and private security were keeping a lookout for Andrew Sayers, many of the citizens were placing private bets on who was going to win the race. Luckily, no fights had broken out. Taylor’s Tornado had the best odds, but the Bat Mobile, Lisa Kay and Sam Morlock’s last minute entry, was heavily considered to knock Taylor’s Tornado out of the champion position. They asked Peter, Edie’s friend, to ride the Bat Mobile.

  Being in the race gave Jessie a good excuse to hang out with the teams, as well as keep an eye out for Sayers. Lincoln had raised a brow when he saw her shove her cell phone down the neckline of her sexy blouse. She’d just finished checking in with headquarters when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

  She turned and a big grin broke out on her face. “Treig! What are you doing here?” He was in a wheel chair and the pants leg on his jeans had been cut off, exposing the white cast that was being supported by a leg brace. The bruises on his face had faded, but the pallor of his skin hadn’t returned to a healthy pink. It didn’t matter, he was here. She was surprised to see the female ABC agent who attended the meeting earlier in the week. Her jeans emphasized long shapely legs, and the clinging bright blue sweater was proof she was well endowed. Black sunglasses shielded her eyes from the noon-day sun.

  “You know Jackie. She’s had my back from time to time.”

  Jessie jokingly wondered if the woman had his front, too, remembering the box of condoms and her brother’s penchant for a variety of females. “Thanks for bringing Treig.”

  “I must say, you certainly don’t look like a police sergeant.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment, brother dear. Does Mom know you’re here?”

  “I just left her. She’s sitting with Mr. and Mrs. Long. They invited me to the barbecue they’re having after the race. Mom mentioned, as acting Mayor, she’ll have to give the welcoming speech and officially start the race. This will be a first for the Taylors. Dad would be proud.”

  “Lincoln, Edie, and I intend to keep Dad’s winning streak. I still haven’t told Lincoln the identity of our fourth team member.”

  “Jackie filled me in on what’s going on and she’ll be at the take down in Stevensville tonight. I should be there to get those murdering thieves.” His voice was laced with frustration. “Anything else I should know about?”

  Jessie wanted to tell Treig her ex-husband attempted to kill her, but i
t could wait until they were alone. She held out her left hand. “Make sure you’re here two weeks from tomorrow. We’ll email you the details.”

  “Fantastic!” he grinned and drew her in for a big hug.

  Jessie squatted down next to the wheelchair and swallowed the tightness in her throat. “Would you take Dad’s place and give me away?”

  “I would love nothing more. Where is my best friend and your soon-to-be husband?”

  “Right here,” Lincoln said, and shook hands with Treig. “This is a surprise.”

  “I hear congratulations are in order.”

  Lincoln smiled at Jessie. “They are.”

  He was about to thank the ABC agent for bringing Treig, but a blond haired woman wearing a purple and white striped shirt and purple pants, came running toward them. She was frantically waiving a sticky note in her hand.

  “Boss,” she said hurriedly, and didn’t watch where she was going. Her shin caught the end of the metal brace holding Treig Taylor’s leg, and she went flying.

  “Oh, shit,” she mumbled, feeling like a damn fool.

  “Are you okay?” Lincoln asked, grasping Cindi’s arm to help her stand up. “Do you hurt anywhere?”

  “Just my pride.” She gave Jessie a half smile. “Sorry for being so clumsy, but this is important.”

  “Are you sure you’re not hurt?”

  Cindi just shook her head and let her eyes settle on the very handsome man in the wheelchair.

  Jessie made the introductions. “Treig, this is Cindi, Lincoln’s very efficient assistant. She’ll be moving to Laurel Heights to help Lincoln set up his new office.”

  Treig took her hand and noticed the raw scrapes on her skin. “Hi, Cindi. Looks like you did some damage to your lovely fingers. Better wash the dirt off and put on some first aid cream before it gets infected.”

  “Nice to meet you, Treig, and I will as soon as I give my boss this important message.” Cindi looked down at the ground and the pink sticky wasn’t there. With her luck, someone had stepped on the note and it was attached to the bottom of their shoe.