Ryan: Jagged Edge Series #8 (Alpha-Male Romance Suspense, Military)

by A. L Long

  The only person to contend with was the driver, who was nowhere to be found. Standing up, I slowly walked over to Evelyn, who was still mourning her brother’s death. Keeping my gun pointed at her, I held tight to the grip as I ordered, “Stand up, Evelyn.”

  Her face lifted with enraged fury in her eyes as she stared at me. I knew she was angry and bitter, but her brother was a criminal and needed to be stopped. Just as she stood, Ash and Cop came down the alley to where we were. When they finally reached me, I said, “Nice shot guys. Did you see the driver?”

  “Wait, we didn’t fire our weapons, Hyatt, and what driver?” Ash inquired.

  Looking around the alley, there was no one else around. If it wasn’t Ash or Cop, it had to be one of the other guys. “What, then who?” I asked confused.

  Just as we were trying to figure out who shot Gallo, Peter, Sly, and Gainer appeared with the driver of the car in their custody. As they walked towards us, I heard Sly yell out, “Look who we found.”

  I was glad that they caught the driver before he could escape, but that still didn’t explain who shot Gallo.

  ~****~

  With Evelyn and the money in NYPD’s custody, everyone could finally relax. Come to find out, Evelyn was part of Gallo’s operation, putting on a front for everyone that her husband was away on business when in fact he had left her some time ago once he found out about her extracurricular activities with her brother Morris. It was actually Evelyn who had all the money, so in order to keep him quiet, she paid him a healthy check every month. The funny thing about the whole thing was that every piece of art in her so-called art room was fake. Everything was there for show. When she wasn’t able to get her hands on the real thing, she had replicas made by the same artist that did the forgeries for Morris. As for the money, the cops had no clue how much was really supposed to be in the bag. Of the two hundred and fifty thousand, there was only one hundred and fifty left inside. I didn’t know what my brother did with the rest of the money, and I really didn’t care. I guess in a way he got a piece of Gallo too.

  After a short debriefing with Peter and the guys, I was ready to finally go home. One more night at the hotel, and then Charlie and I could begin building our lives together. I was still angry with her for showing up in the alley and putting her life in danger, but when she explained to me why she did it, I couldn’t help but love her for it, and when we got home I was going to show her how much.

  Assisting her into the car, I rounded the front and got behind the driver’s seat. As I began to back up, her voice cracked, “I’m sorry about not listening to you at the hotel. I just needed to make sure you were going to be okay. I couldn’t bear to lose you again.”

  I wasn’t sure how long her tears had been collecting, but they began to spill and her breath hitched as she began to sob. Placing my hand on her cheek, I leaned over and placed my lips on hers. Her lips were swollen with emotion, salted by the love she had for me. Bringing my hand across her cheek and to her neck, I pulled her in closer, letting her know just how much she was loved. I wanted to give her so much more than this, but couldn’t. Once we were at the hotel and in our room, my confessions of love would be known.

  Reluctant to let her go, I rubbed my thumb across her cheek, wiping away the last of her tears, and said, “Let’s go home.”

  ~****~

  As we pulled up to the hotel, the valet was already waiting to take the next car to the valet parking garage. Giving him another twenty, I handed him my keys while another employee helped Charlie out of the car. The second I was next to her, I placed my arm around her shoulder and kissed her on the head. If I were to die tomorrow, having this right now would be all I would ever need. The concierge was waiting at the door as we stepped inside. I was hoping that he didn’t expect a tip because the smallest bill I had left was a hundred and I wasn’t about to give it to him for holding the door. Giving him a friendly smile, we headed to the elevator before we were stopped by the sound of a man’s voice. “Mr. Hyatt. I have something for you.”

  Charlie and I stepped up to reception to receive whatever he was holding for us. As he pulled it from underneath the counter, he explained. “A young man dropped this off earlier. He said it was very important that you get it.”

  Taking the manila envelope from the man, I nodded my head and said “Thanks,” before heading to the elevator. I wasn’t sure what was inside, but opening it up in front of him wasn’t an option.

  The minute we stepped inside the room, Charlie went off to take a bath while I poured myself a drink to wind down. As I sipped my drink, I stared at the envelope like it was going to open itself. After fifteen minutes of deciding what to do, I set my glass down on the coffee table and picked up the envelope. Holding it in my hands, I tested the weight, thinking there was more inside than paper. Flipping it over, I rubbed my finger under the flap, forcing it to pull away from the glue that held it closed. Dumping the contents on the table, my confusion began to set in as I stared at two bundles of Benjamin Franklins staring back at me. Scratching my head, I took another pull of my whisky before picking up the white envelope hidden underneath the bundles of cash.

  Feeling like maybe I should be wearing gloves or something, I took off my t-shirt and pulled the pocket knife from my pocket. Holding onto the envelope, with the material of my shirt between my hand and the paper, I slid the knife under the sealed flap until it was open. Inside was a letter, which I also pulled out while still keeping my hands covered in my shirt. As I unfolded the letter, my heart began to race as I began to read it.

  First of all, I want you to be assured that I am alive and well. Secondly, I know exactly what you’re thinking, and yes, it was me. I killed that son of a bitch. I had too. He was scum of the lowest kind, and an oxygen thief. He needed to die. So, here I am writing you this stupid letter. Seems like I fucked up things pretty good. In no way did I mean for any of this to happen, bro. Please, believe that. I just wanted to do something that you could be proud of. Do you remember when we young, how much trouble we used to get into? Stealing Mom and Dad’s car for a joy ride. Hiding behind that big oak tree behind the house so we could smoke the cigarettes we stole from the corner drug store. I guess you had the common sense to grow up. I, on the other hand, could never get past the thrill getting caught. Mom and Dad were always so proud of you. Even after you left to join the service, you were the only son they talked about. For the longest time I blamed you for all my problems, but then I realized it wasn’t you, it was the fact that we were different. If Charlie hasn’t already told you, I know that we aren’t true brothers and that my real mother died in jail after giving birth to me. See, it’s like this: I was born to be bad. It’s in my blood. Anyway, I hope the money will help you and Charlie out. You two were always meant to be together. It’s my way of telling you that I’m sorry for putting you through so much shit.

  Take care, your brother,

  Josh

  P.S. Please don’t come looking for me, you will just be wasting your time. Oh yeah, one more thing, I’m sorry about the memorial. I never should have destroyed it. Just didn’t think I was worth the trouble. If you don’t mind, could you remember me as one of the good guys?

  EPILOGUE

  New town, same life. Even though leaving Manhattan was the hardest thing I had ever done, I knew it was best for me to leave and start over. So here I stand in my plush penthouse apartment, one year later. Taking a sip of my scotch on the rocks, gazing out my floor-to-ceiling window, wondering what this magnificent town was going to bring me tomorrow. I always liked the nights in LA. It seemed to be the only time that the big city came to life. I love the rush of a city at night. It was like escaping into a whole different world where every fantasy could be lived.

  It was also the time when your worst nightmares could appear, and believe me, I had my share. Downing my drink, I reflected the night always brought back one in particular. I will never forget the look on my brother’s face when he realized I was dead. God, how I hated do
ing that to him, but it was the only way to break free.

  Looking back at that day at Willow Crossing, it was amazing how one tiny pill could make anyone think you were dead. It could slow the heartbeat just enough to make it seem like you were dead. A little bit of animal blood as a prop could make it that much more real. With a little planning and a little money anything was possible. Luckily for me, I ran into the right man who needed a little help himself. The hardest part was finding a body. “Good old college academics and those donor lists,” I thought to myself with a chuckle. Who would have thought that a body being donated to science would actually be my savior? And with a little help from my needy coroner friend, I would soon be nonexistent. Free to start over.

  Grabbing my suit jacket from the barstool, I casually put it on, making sure to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror above the expensive accent table. There was always something about a man in a suit that women seemed to go crazy for, and with the money I’ve made, I always made sure my closet was brimming full with the best designer suits money could buy. Picking up the keys to my Jag from the table, I smoothed back my blond hair and adjusted the collar of my freshly pressed shirt. Tonight was my night off and I really wanted to have some fun.

  As I rode the elevator down to the parking garage, the memory of what I left in Manhattan came aboard. Thinking back, the only downside to my plan was hurting the one person I loved most. I guess for every action there is a reaction, and the reaction was a new life for me. Besides, he’ll survive. With the only woman he ever loved at his side and the men he served with watching his back, he’ll do just fine. As for me, I am alive and well living in California. I’m no longer Josh Hyatt, born of a convict and raised by a mom and dad who couldn’t be honest to the son who brought them so much joy. That man died a long time ago, and a new man was born.

  Smiling to myself at my new reality, the elevator door opened and a gorgeous brunette got on. Checking out the curves on this beauty, I needed to get me some of that. Inhaling the scent of her perfume, I casually leaned over and asked in a sultry low voice, “That scent you’re wearing is breathtaking. What is it, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  The minute she turned and our eyes met, I knew this was going to be easy. There was a hunger inside those emerald eyes that couldn’t be mistaken. At least there was one thing I didn’t regret. Watch out LA, Xavier London is in town.

  About the Author

  Some would call me a little naughty but I see myself as a writer of spicy thoughts. Being an erotic romance writer is something that I never imagined I would be doing. There is nothing more rewarding than to put your thoughts down and share them. I began writing four years ago and have enjoyed every minute of it. When I first began writing, I really wasn’t sure what I was going to write. It didn’t take me long to realize that romance would be my niche. I believe that every life deserves a little bit of romance, a little spice doesn’t hurt either. When I am not writing, I enjoy the company of good friends and relaxing with a delicious glass of red wine.

  I hope you found Ryan enjoyable to read. Please consider taking the time to share your thoughts and leave a review http://amzn.to/2q3QLTS. It would make the difference in helping another reader decide to read Gainer and all the books in the Jagged Edge Series.

  To get up–to-date information on all my upcoming releases click on the following linkhttp://bit.ly/2qIoqAY

  and add your information to my mailing list. There is also something extra for you when you join.

  Coming 2018!!!!!!

  Sirius: Hidden Truth

  Read all the books in the Jagged Edge Series

  Hewitt: Jagged Edge Series #1

  Cop: Jagged Edge Series #2

  Hawk: Jagged Edge Series #3

  Sly: Jagged Edge Series #4

  Ash: Jagged Edge Series #5

  Gainer: Jagged Edge Series #6

  Chavez: Jagged Edge Series #7

  Other books by A.L. Long

  Shattered Innocence Trilogy

  Next to Never: Shattered Innocence Trilogy

  Next to Always: Shattered Innocence Trilogy, Book Two

  Next to Forever: Shattered Innocence Trilogy, Book Three

  To keep up with all the latest releases:

  Twitter:

  http://twitter.com/allong1963

  Facebook:

  http://www.facebook.com/ALLongbooks

  Official Website:

  http://www.allongbooks.com

  Goodreads:

  www.goodreads.com/ALLong