A Helluva Holiday

by Jerrie Alexander

  “Up,” he commanded and they went down the stairs.

  Again, Diablo growled. And again, Marcus did a visual and saw nothing. They reached the bottom and he said, “Search.”

  The dog walked down the aisle, stuck his nose just above the dirt floor, and sniffed a straight line to the back door. Marcus opened it and Diablo was headed into the pasture before Marcus called him off.

  “Good boy.” He ruffled Diablo’s fur.

  He took the dog to the motor home, gave him a treat, and let him rest. Marcus went inside where Nate, Dalton, Tank, and the sheriff were gathered around the table.

  “Stop by my office and pick up a badge.” The sheriff stood.

  “Before you go, Diablo picked up a scent in the barn. I don’t know how far he’d have gone because I called him back after he headed into the pasture.

  “You don’t think it was an animal?” the sheriff asked.

  Nate stood too. “Diablo pays little attention to animal tracks unless he’s instructed to. He will alert on anything that feels odd.”

  “You think somebody has been that close to the house?” Tank asked.

  “I don’t know. He growled twice, and that’s really unlike him.”

  “You done here?” Nate asked the sheriff.

  “Yeah. Dalton if you’ll follow me to town, I’ll get you deputized. I have got to work on the murder. The whole town is probably in shock.”

  Marcus glanced at Nate but they both remained silent until they were alone with Tank. “How did the sheriff not connect the murder to the sale of this ranch?” Marcus looked at Tank. “You and Dalton gave him all the facts, right?”

  “Fucking A we did. And Rick Henley’s name came up. We suggested that he’d been sent here to secure the deal for the ranch.”

  Marcus bit back a chuckle. He liked that the new team member has guts enough to take on anybody that questioned his ability. “Sorry. I wasn’t insinuating anything.”

  “I know that.” Tank shrugged shoulders the size of a linebacker wearing his pads. “That sheriff listened to every other word.”

  “Let’s look for that bullet slug, but first see if Diablo will tell us his secrets.” Nate pulled his coat off the back of the chair and put it on. “We’d better figure this out if we’re going to be home for Christmas.”

  “Where’s Kay?” Marcus asked.

  “Putting Kevin down for his nap. She’s offered to take over kitchen duties for a while.”

  Tank shook his head. “Maybe I’ll find me a sweet woman like her and settle down.”

  “Don’t let her fool you. She can kick your ass and mine if she sets her mind to it.”

  “I’ll remember that,” Tank said, cramming his hands into his gloves. He socked his hat down hard. “Outside.”

  Marcus and Nate both laughed at Tank’s use of a phrase most commonly used by rodeo competitors when they were ready for the gate man to turn him and the bull out into the arena. No doubt he was referring to the ride they were about to take with the weather.

  Marcus went to the motor home and opened the door. “You ready to show us what got your hackles up?”

  ****

  Clay stepped behind the curtain in the emergency room only after the nurse gave him the go-ahead. She’d also told him that Sue Ellen had nothing more than a bandage on her arm. She was in shock and upset so the doctor had decided to keep her under observation overnight.

  He slapped a grin on his face as he entered. “There they are. I asked at woman at the front desk where the two most beautiful women in the hospital were hiding and she pointed me in here.” He stopped at the foot of the bed and patted Sue Ellen’s ankle. “It’s a dumb question, but how are you?”

  “Drowsy. They gave me good drugs.”

  “She’ll be up and ready for her new job in no time,” Carol said.

  Sue Ellen shifted on the bed and grimaced. “I hated to hear about June. I promised her to keep it confidential, but now that she’s gone, it doesn’t matter. She was the one who warned me that Vega Industries planned to turn the ranch into a feed lot. She just smiled when I asked her who told her.”

  “It makes sense,” Clay said. “Henley was killed for leaking the truth. June was probably collateral damage.”

  “You protected us with your body. Could have been shot,” Carol said. “Thank you.”

  “It was reflex. A man protects what he cares for.”

  Carol stood, released her sister’s hand, and walked to him. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Her eyes were filled with warmth, so he wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’m where I’m supposed to be.”

  Carol leaned her head back. “This experience has helped me make a decision. The Four Penny Ranch will never be sold. I’m home to stay.”

  “Hallelujah,” Sue Ellen said. “Now get out of here. They’re talking me to a room so I can rest. I can’t do that with you two in the room.”

  “Come on. I’ll take you home.” Clay slipped his hand around Carol’s waist and together they walked to his pickup.

  “Do you believe we’ll ever find out who’s responsible for all this? I mean really. To be so evil you’d kill or destroy lives to get what you want, he’s probably sneaky enough not to get caught.”

  “If the bastard can be ferreted out, Nate and his team will do it.”

  “I hope you’re right.” She sounded so defeated that Clay pulled off the highway and parked on the shoulder.

  “There’s a lot going on right now and you’re under a lot of stress. I want you to know that your decision to stay made me a happy man.”

  “Oh, really.” Her teasing tone begged for the truth. “Why is that?”

  “Because I love you.” There. He’d said it. “I was beginning to doubt it before you came home, but you’ve removed any questions I might have had. I need you more than I need to breathe, but only under certain conditions.”

  “What are these conditions?”

  “That you make your choices with a cool head, and I have to admit that I doubt you can do that now.”

  “You’re wrong.” Her tone was serious and warm. “I love you, and that’s a fact. So it didn’t take us weeks or months to reconnect. I knew it when I walked into the barn and saw you with Rosie. We’ll give this town something to talk about.”

  Clay put the car in park and turned to her. “What did you say?”

  “We’ll give this town—”

  He mentally damned that console between them. “Not that. You said you love me.”

  “I did?” She bit down on her bottom lip.

  Clay was instantly hard. “You did.” He could stop looking at her lip.

  “And what do you think about that?”

  “I love you too.”

  “Thank God that’s settled.” She blew out an exaggerated breath.

  “Not quite.” He dropped the truck into drive and turned around.

  “Where are we going?”

  “My place. Your house is too crowded and I’m not making love to you in the barn. At least not the first time.”

  “With me. You’ll make love with me,” she corrected him.

  “I like that even better.”

  He slid into his parking spot, opened her door, and kissed her even before she’d unbuckled her seatbelt. They stumbled and fumbled their way up the stairs. Once inside Clay turned around and lifted her so she was straddling him.

  “Bedroom,” she whispered.

  “On our way.” He hurried across the small space hoping she wouldn’t notice that he was a lousy housekeeper. He tossed the bed covers to the floor with one hand and slid her body down his until her feet were on the floor. “I’ve waited a long time for this, so don’t hurry me.”

  ****

  Carol felt the heat in his dark eyes. “I’m here for the long haul. Take your time.”

  “I intend to.” His words were almost a growl as he captured her mouth and swept his tongue inside. His kiss was hot, demanding, and sensual, sending that heat to her lowe
r belly. His hands caught the hem of her blouse and pulled it over her head.

  She groaned when he placed feathery kisses across her neck down to her bra. Her nipples, anticipating his touch, were swollen and needy. He pulled a rigid tip into his mouth and nipped her through the material.

  “Clothes off,” she managed to say.

  Clay backed up and smiled at her. “As you wish.”

  Carol sat on the bed to slip off the boots she’d borrowed, but Clay reached down and tugged each one off. Then he toed his off, kicking them out of the way. She stopped undressing and watched as he jerked his pullover off and tossed it toward the boots. His muscular chest had a sprinkling of dark hair on it that ran down over defined abs and disappeared… She lost her train of thought as his jeans and underwear came off in one motion.

  “You’re beautiful.”

  “You, babies, puppies, and new born foals are beautiful.” He gently pushed her back, unbuttoned her jeans, unzipped them, and then tugged them off. “But I am not beautiful.”

  He leaned down and kissed her between her breasts, running his tongue across the edge of her bra as he reached around and unhooked it. Almost as if holding a china cup, he held her in his hands, kissing and nibbling on one side and then the other. She was ready to beg for more when he lifted his head and grinned.

  “Remember, I’m in no rush.” He slid her panties off and joined her on the bed.

  His erection pressed into her thigh as he renewed his attention on her breasts. She explored the firm muscles in his back, the slope down to his waist, and the best butt a man had ever had.

  He settled himself between her knees and unhurriedly, tantalizingly, kissed her eyes, her cheek, and then neck. He continued his trip down her body, touching and kissing, driving her need to its highest peak.

  “This is so much better in real life than in my dreams,” he murmured against her stomach.

  “You dreamed about me.”

  “I did. More than once.”

  He’d driven her to desperation. She needed him. Needed a release that only Clay could give her. His hand slipped down between her thighs, and she lifted her hips in a silent offer. Slowly he inserted a finger.

  “Please,” she whispered. She opened her legs wider, wanting more. Her fingers dug into his flesh, pulling him closer. “Please,” she groaned louder, ready to beg for release.

  “But there’s a lot more I wanted to do.” He smiled again.

  Her heart ripped open. “Later.” The sound was a mere whimper.

  His hand pushed against her thigh, and she spread her legs, giving him easy access. He rolled away and covered himself before returning to her.

  “What took you so long?” She smiled as her rose above her.

  “If you must know, my hands were shaking a little.”

  “I like that.” His dark eyes locked on hers as he slowly slid inside. She wrapped her legs around his hips and savored every second of his entry.

  “You’re like a furnace.” His words made her tighten around him. His hips moved slowly, allowing her to adjust as he picked up the tempo.

  “I won’t break.”

  “Good to know.” His lips crashed down on hers as he slammed deep inside her body.

  Carol matched his rhythm, losing herself as need consumed her body and mind. Lost in hot and blinding passion, she clung to the edge. When his fingers slipped between them and rubbed her most sensitive spot, she exploded.

  His motion picked up as he set a blistering pace and then exploded inside her. His head tilted back and his face was taut as he pulsed through his climax.

  His body went ridged for as second before he dropped his forehead on hers. His chest rose and fell rapidly. They lay there for a few minutes before he lifted up and smiled down at her.

  “That was far better than a dream, wasn’t it?”

  “Yes it was.” He rolled over on his side, and Carol rested her head on his chest. She smiled when he reached over and gently cupped her left breast. “Think we’ll be like this forever?”

  “Damn right I do.” He ran his thumb across her nipple.

  “You don’t think I should go home?”

  “No.” He pulled her into his arms. “You’re right where you belong.”

  She snuggled against him. “I’ve been thinking.”

  “That could be a good thing or a bad thing.”

  She smacked his bare chest with the palm of her hand. “When I marry, I might change the name of the ranch.” Her eyes glittered as she lifted up and kissed him.

  “Are you proposing to me?” He swallowed hard. She had his full attention.

  “Well, I have no intention of becoming your mistress.”

  Was this really happening? Could any problems, which no doubt they’d have, be hashed out later? “Then I accept. I’d like you to consider allowing me to buy Sue Ellen’s half of the ranch instead.”

  “I think that’s a brilliant plan.” She rolled on top of him.

  Chapter 8

  Marcus and Diablo walked to the spot where Sue Ellen had fallen. He turned, standing with his back in the direction that the bullet had to have travelled and extended his arm. “We need to search that area.”

  “Got it.” Tank, wearing a cap, gloves, and a sweatshirt walked a straight line away from Marcus.

  “Why doesn’t he wear a coat?” Marcus asked Nate.

  He shrugged. “Maybe his thermostat is broken.”

  “Very funny.”

  Marcus and Nate split up. Each took one side of the direct line Tank was walking. Finding a piece of lead buried in anything was going to be difficult, but they stayed at it until Kay stepped out on the porch and called them into the house.

  “What’s up?” Nate asked.

  “Are you crazy?” She planted her hands on her hips. “The weatherman said its twenty-eight degrees out there.”

  “That could be good news. It’s probably too cold to snow.” Tank removed his cap and dragged his hand though hair that had been cut exactly like Gibbs on television.

  “Don’t believe it,” Marcus said. “That’s an old wives tale. Nobody can figure out this winter.”

  Kay poured coffee for them and joined them at the table.

  “We’ve got more to do outside,” Tank said.

  “You can warm up first,” Kay said. “And where’s your coat?”

  “I hate them.”

  A loud noise came from down the hall. “Where’s Kevin?” Nate asked.

  “In his playpen. Carol gave him a small pan and a wooden spoon this morning. After he woke from his nap, he hasn’t stopped banging on it.”

  “Have you heard from the hospital?” Nate hung his coat on the back of his chair, pick up his coffee, and walked to the window facing the barn.

  “No. If I don’t hear from Carol soon, I’ll call the hospital,” Kay said, wincing when a new set of bangs rang out from the playpen. “You’re going to have sandwiches for lunch. If Carol gets back in time, I’ll see if she wants to use the smoked ribs or freeze them for when Sue Ellen comes home.”

  Marcus set his cup on the counter. “I’m going to check email. Maybe somebody has a lead that will help us.” He and Diablo stood.

  “I’ll check with Dalton.” Nate nodded over a fresh set of clanging from the other room. “See how things are going in town.”

  Tank grabbed his cap. “I’ll go with Marcus. We still haven’t walked the route that upset Diablo.”

  Marcus had barely shrugged on his coat when he opened the door to the motor home and had to remove it. Tank took a seat at the table, and Diablo jumped up onto his favorite perch so he could look out the window.

  “This won’t take a minute.” Marcus logged on and opened the Lost and Found, Inc. business email. “The daily update from home reads like a robot sent it. I’ll bet the guys we left at home are bored but happy not to be out in this shitty weather.” He opened a new email from one of the Dallas narcotics detectives and read out loud. “Word is out that Vega put a hit on Rick Henley.
Henley must have told June Waller in confidence. Apparently, confidential wasn’t in her dictionary.” Marcus stopped and reread the last part of the email. “This doesn’t make sense. Vega has purchased two feed haulers and a couple of flatbed trailers. He’s having a suspected chop shop in Plano customize them. Why?”

  Tank opened the jar of peanuts setting on the table and poured himself a handful. Diablo lifted his head, sniffed the air, and then lay back down.

  “Diablo can’t have nuts of any kind and he knows it,” Marcus answered the questioning look on Tank’s face.

  “What kind of customization do you need on a grain truck?” Diablo listed his head and stared at Tank. He shook his head at the dog. “Sorry buddy.”

  “Or a flatbed? Somebody needs to take a look at one of those trucks.” Marcus dialed the office.

  “Lost and Found. How may we help you?” Reed Ballatori said.

  “You sound like you’re having fun,” Marcus laughed.

  “Loads. Tell me you need me in the field.”

  “I need you or one of the men who is capable of being stealth.”

  “I’m the definition of stealth.”

  “Then get somebody to cover for you because you need to sneak into a custom shop in Plano and find out what bells and whistles are being added to certain trucks.”

  Reed Ballatori had been part of the team for a few months. His time in special ops had left him a little on the bitter side, but damn, he was smart and an important addition to the business. Marcus explained the situation carefully and gave Reed all the information he needed to make this op work. Reed knew who Carlo Vega was and how dangerous this could be.

  “I’ll text you some pictures and an overview of what I learn.”

  “Vega will have guards twenty-four seven, so be careful.”

  “I’ll be in and out without anybody knowing it.”

  “Good enough.” Marcus ended the call. Opened a bag of dog treats and handed one to Tank. “Give him this.”

  “Here you go.” Tank tossed the snack into the air and Diablo deftly snagged it on its way down. It was gone in two chews.

  “Okay you two.” Marcus texted Nate and Dalton the information and the assignment he’d given Reed. “Let’s take that walk.”