Shaking his head slowly, he said, “I don’t know either, but standing here won’t help. There’s only one person I need to be talking about this with and she’s down on the beach.” Standing to his full height, fortifying himself, he said, “I’ll see you later.”
He stepped off the deck, ignoring the pointed looks being shot his way from Belle’s girlfriends and the sympathetic expressions from the guys.
He walked through the sand, the sight of her warming him as much as the sun. Her back was to him as she wandered slowly down the beach, her eyes on the shore. Occasionally she would stoop and pick up what he assumed was sea glass. Not wanting to startle her, he called her name out softly.
She turned, lifting her hand to her forehead to shield her eyes as they searched the source of her name. He noted the instant she first recognized him. Sucking in a sharp inhale, she stood rooted to the spot.
Her breathing became shallow, the closer he came. As he stopped directly in front of her, she tilted her head back to hold his gaze.
“Breathe, Belle,” he whispered. She let her breath out in a whoosh and he smiled.
Swallowing deeply, she clasped her hands tightly in front of her and tilted her head ever so slightly. “Hello, Hunter.”
“Hello, Belle.”
Her gaze drifted behind him and she licked her lips. He twisted his head around and noticed most of their friends back at the cabin, all eyes on them. “Shit…never been much for an audience.”
“Are you back for a visit with Zac or Jason?” Almost as an afterthought, she nodded, and said, “Or the AL game?”
“Yeah…sort of. I had some vacation days accrued and decided to take them. My camper is still here.”
“Yes, I noticed.”
His gaze jumped to hers, glad she had been aware that he planned on maintaining a presence in the area.
They stood, awkward in their silence, and she finally said, “Well, I should be getting back. I have…uh…work to do today.”
“Work? On a Saturday?”
“Yes…uh…I work lots of…weekends now.”
Pink heat spotted her cheeks and he knew she was lying. Sighing, he said, “Belle, please don’t go. If my presence makes you uncomfortable, I’ll leave. The last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable.”
“No, no,” she rushed, her hand reaching out to his arm before snatching it back. “I just popped by to say hello to everyone and then I needed to go.”
“Belle…”
Dropping her chin to her chest, staring at her toes, she sighed. A rueful chuckle slipped out and she confessed, “You know I’m not a very good liar.”
He stepped closer until he was just a foot away from her, desiring to be close without crowding. “I don’t want you to ever have to lie to me.”
She lifted her head, holding his gaze. “The truth?”
He nodded.
“It’s hard. I’ve taken Brittany home a couple of times and drove past your camper, so I know it’s still there and have been wondering if you were selling it. And wondering how it would be to see someone else in it. Or, if one day, it would be gone, and having to accept that you’d taken it away. I go to work, expecting to see you down the hall or in a room, but have to remind myself that you’ll never be there again.” Her gaze swept over his shoulder to their friends, now gathering at the food tables, and added, “And even here, I’m reminded of what we had and what I lost.”
“I’m sorry, Belle. I never meant for you to be hurt. And,” he gained her attention again, “you’re not the only one hurting.”
She stared for a moment and then slowly nodded. “I see that now. At first, I only felt my pain, because you walked in knowing how this would end and I didn’t. But, I know this was not easy on you either.”
They stood, holding each other’s gazes before he lifted his hand and tucked a wind-blown wisp of hair behind her ear.
“How’s work going?” he asked, truly wanting to know, besides desperately wanting to keep their conversation going.
“Pretty crazy,” she replied. “Mr. Weldon asked me to take over as head nurse, plus we’ve had tons of meetings with the Department of Health, residents, family members, and that’s on top of instituting new policies and just day to day taking care of everything, including hiring a new maintenance worker.”
“How’d that go?” He bit back his jealousy, knowing he had no right to express it.
“He seems okay. A little old, but he had been maintenance for a company in Virginia Beach and retired early. Decided he didn’t like retirement, so when he moved here, he was looking for something to do.”
Silence moved between them and she cast her gaze back to the bay before asking, “And you? How’re things in Richmond?”
Shrugging, he said, “The case is moving forward. The involved drivers for Matrix Pharmaceuticals are in jail, as well as Linda and a couple of others that worked in health facilities in the northern part of the Eastern Shore.”
She reached out again, this time placing her hand on his arm, her expression earnest. “That’s amazing, Hunter. I always thought you were a talented maintenance worker and, obviously, you’re good at whatever you do.”
Her hand burned warm on his arm and he fought to keep from covering it with his own. “So, are you going to leave? Before getting something to eat?” he asked, holding his breath as he awaited her answer.
She glanced to the side again, at their friends who had settled around the fire pit with plates piled high. Sighing, she nodded. “I’m sorry, Hunter. I’m not trying to be a bitch, but the idea of sitting with everyone acting awkward around us just isn’t what I feel like I can handle.”
His face fell and he nodded sadly. “I’m the one who’s sorry, Belle. Can I walk you to your car? I’m not in the mood to socialize either.”
Nodding, she agreed and they fell into step as they walked toward the driveway near the cabin. She glanced over at Jillian and gave a little wave, receiving one in return.
Stopping at her car, he said, “Listen, I’m going to be in town for the week and if you need anything, just let me know. Or, if you want to talk…well, I’ll be at the camper.”
She offered a little smile and said, “Okay. Thanks.” Opening her car door, she turned her face up to his. “I’m glad we talked, Hunter. I…well, we…well, I’m just glad.”
He closed her door and watched as she backed out of the parking spot and drove down the road, staring until she was no longer in sight.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and twisted his head, seeing Zac and Colt standing behind him.
“You okay,” Zac asked.
“Not really…but hopefully, in time.”
“She know?”
“Nope. And I’m not telling her. At least, not now.” With a chin lift, he climbed onto his motorcycle and roared down the lane, his mind full of what he wanted and how to make it come true.
26
Sunrise had found Belle sitting at her window looking out, her mind whirling, unable to keep Hunter from her thoughts. Seeing him yesterday at the beach had shaken her more than she expected. His hair, a little longer, had her fingers itching to run through it. His T-shirt, straining at the arms and across the chest, had her imagining him without it, so she could trace his tats covering the muscles. His eyes, so blue, pierced hers.
Blowing out her breath, she had closed her eyes, letting the sun warm her face, but the only sight in her mind was his face.
At work, she had moved through the motions but had found herself irritated with Mr. Weldon, knowing he had not called the Sheriff’s Department over the thefts. Wondering if she should contact Colt to see if he had found anything, she had been diverted, answering a call from one of the nursing aides.
Now home, she stood at her stove, stirring tomato soup and considering whether or not she wanted a grilled cheese sandwich. Too tired to give it much thought, she just reached for the crackers instead.
A loud knocking on her front door jolted her out of her musings
. Turning the stove off, she heard Brittany call out her name.
Hustling, she threw open the door, greeting, “Come on in for some soup—Oh, God, what’s wrong?” Seeing Brittany’s pale, tear-stained face, she reached out and grabbed her arm, drawing her into her house.
She pulled Brittany into a hug, but felt her body stiffen. Holding her at arm’s length, her heart pounded as she attempted to ascertain what was happening. “Sit down, sweetie, and tell me what I can do.”
Brittany’s breath hitched as she blurted, “I can’t deal with it anymore.”
Leading her to the sofa, she gently settled the girl and hustled back into the kitchen to grab a glass of water. Taking it to her, she watched as she drank a few sips before placing the glass on the coffee table.
Sitting next to her, she desired to wrap her arms around her again, but uncertainty held her back. “Can’t deal with what, honey?”
Brittany’s hands shook as they fiddled with the ripped threads at the knees of her jeans. She kept her eyes down as she shook her head slowly. “Just everything.” Almost as an afterthought, her voice barely a whisper, “I hate her.”
She took in Brittany’s appearance, carefully observing how pale and thin she was. How her hands were shaking and her shoulders slumped. How her eyes were downcast, not seeming to take anything in. Fear slithered through her stomach and she had to force the words from her mouth. “What happened, Brittany? Please tell me, what happened? I promise…” she reached over and placed her hand on the smaller one and gave a squeeze, “you can tell me anything and I’ll help you.”
The silence was cold in the room, causing her stomach to clench in fear.
Taking a shuddering breath, Brittany said, “She’s got some men over…partying as always. I was in my room, and she came in.”
A shiver ran over the young girl’s thin frame and she jumped up to grab an afghan from the back of a chair. Shaking it out, she placed it over Brittany’s shoulders and wrapped it around the front of her, enveloping her in as warm a cocoon as she could. Sitting back down, she said, “Go on, honey…talk to me so I can know how to help you.”
Her voice was barely above a whisper, as she said, “She said she didn’t have no money.” Her chin quivered. “I knew that ‘cause we didn’t have any food in the house. She shoots it all up.”
Belle’s heart stuttered and she tried to swallow past the lump in her throat.
“She said, if I’d let one of her friends come into my room and play for a while, he’d give her the money she needed.”
Gasping, she jumped from the sofa, her heart pounding, and knelt at the terrified girl’s feet. Getting close, she held her hands, rubbing them gently. “Oh, baby, baby…”
Brittany looked up, her wide eyes on her and rushed, “I said ‘no’. I didn’t care if she ended up dead on the floor from not having her fix…I said ‘no’.”
Nodding, her head, she said, “Okay. Okay. What…did…”
Brittany’s hand snaked out from the blanket and she wiped her nose. “I heard her…she was mad. Told the man that he could do what he wanted anyway.”
“No, oh no,” she gasped.
“But I crawled out the window,” Brittany said. “I got outta there.”
Throwing her arms around her, she pulled her close, rocking her back and forth gently. “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry. You’re safe…you’re safe.” Her mind raced as anger boiled throughout her body. She kissed the top of Brittany’s head and moved to grab her phone from the coffee table. Without thinking, she dialed.
“Belle? Hey—”
“I need you. You’ve got to come now.”
“What the fuck? Be there in two minutes.”
The phone disconnected and she tossed it to the sofa, wrapping Brittany back in her arms. The young girl looked up and sniffed. “Who’d you call?”
Blinking, she realized she did not think beforehand…she simply called the first person who came to her mind. Swallowing deeply, refusing to overthink her decision, she said, “Someone who can help.”
Hunter leaped out of the camper, his boots slamming onto the asphalt as he ran toward Belle’s house. Within a minute he was throwing open her door and rushing inside. Uncertain what would greet him, he stumbled to a halt at the sight of Brittany, engulfed in a blanket, her pale, wide-eyed face staring up at him with Belle’s arms wrapped tightly around her.
Forcing his wildly beating heart to slow, he was not sure he trusted his voice, so he caught Belle’s gaze and tilted his head slightly.
She looked at Brittany and said softly, “Sweetie, I’m going to talk to Hunter for a moment in the kitchen…okay?”
“I thought he was gone…thought he’d left.”
“He’s back for a little bit. He’s a good guy and can help.”
“I thought he broke your heart,” Brittany whispered, her eyes darting between Belle and him.
“We’re still friends,” she rushed. “He just lives somewhere else now, but…” her eyes darted up toward him, “we still care about each other.”
He watched the conversation play out and jolted as he heard her words, his heart praying she was telling the truth. He gave a quick nod and watched her face closely, but it gave no other indication of her feelings, other than softening ever so slightly. As she turned her attention back to Brittany, so did he, his hands fisting at his side.
Brittany heaved a sigh and nodded. Belle squeezed her hands again and said, “You stay right here. I’ll talk to Hunter and fix you a cup of hot chocolate.” Standing, she walked past him toward the kitchen.
He followed, her kitchen still keeping them in sight of Brittany on the sofa. He watched silently as Belle moved to heat milk in the microwave and then squirt chocolate into the cup.
She stirred it and then walked back to Brittany and handed it to her. “Here, drink, honey, and I’ll be right over there.”
Brittany took the cup but then blurted, “I ain’t going back—”
“No. I won’t let you go back. Now, here, drink and let me talk to Hunter so he can help us.”
Moving into the kitchen again, she stepped closer to him and stared up into his face. He fought the urge to pull her close, to take the worry from her eyes. Remaining quiet, he let her talk.
Keeping her voice low and even, she leaned forward and said, “Her mom’s a junkie…parties a lot. Brittany keeps to herself, locked in her room when men are over.”
His eyes narrowed, knowing the direction the story was heading, but forced his breathing to steady.
Her words, spoken softly, came out in a rush. “Her mom’s out of money and wants Brittany to let the men in her room and if she does, they give her mom the drugs she wants.” She leaned in and placed her hand on his arm, her eyes pleading, her voice catching in her throat. “Hunter, her mom is trying to pimp her daughter for drug money.”
The feel of her hand on him shot through his body, which was welcome considering her words froze him deep inside. The desire to rage was tamped down, knowing Brittany was carefully watching. Nodding, he calmly said, “I’ll take care of it.”
Her fingers flexed on his arm. “But how?”
He leaned down closely and held her gaze. “Babe, you called me…why? Why me?”
“I…uh…I…I don’t know…I just…”
“Why Belle? Why me?”
Her breath left her body in a whoosh as she admitted, “I knew you’d help. I knew I could trust you to take care of her. I just knew…”
Nodding, his lips curved ever so slightly. “Yeah. In here,” he tapped his forefinger over her heart, “you knew. I’ll always be here for you.”
Standing straight, he walked to the door and said, “You two stay here and stay locked in.”
Belle glanced between him and Brittany’s wide eyes, and rushed to him, catching his arm as he was about to leave. “Hunter, what are you going to do?”
He turned and looked at her face, full of concern, and said, “Don’t worry about me, sweetheart. I’m just going to take
out some trash.”
With that, he walked out the door, determination firmly planted on his face.
After placing a call, Hunter stalked straight to Brittany’s house, immediately noting the difference between her mother’s and Belle’s houses. Garbage cans overflowing. Beer bottles and cans strewn on the ground in the vicinity of the garbage cans. Two men in lounge chairs in the front yard, one appearing high with a sloppy smile on his face and the other wasted, passed out.
He slowed as he stomped by, his finger out, pointing at them. “Stay,” he ordered. “I know who you are, where you live, you move a muscle and I’ll hunt you down. You do not want the shit-storm I’ll rain down on you if I have to waste my time doing that.”
The sloppy smile man’s eyes widened as he slurred, “Damn man. Chill.”
He walked over, towering above the man and growled, “You tell me to chill again and I’ll ram my fist down your throat so far, I’ll grab your worthless balls and pull them out your mouth.”
He turned, not giving the man a chance to think of a response, and stalked to the front door, banging loudly. “State Police. Open up!”
He tried the door and, finding it unlocked, threw it open, calling out his warning once more. The sight of Brittany’s mother on the floor, passed out, greeted him, her clothes hanging off her, a man scrambling up, trying to zip his pants.
“Don’t move, asshole. Don’t move a fuckin’ muscle.”
The man, heavyset, his beady, dark eyes glaring at him, said, “Who the fuck are you?”
A slow smile curved his lips. “Your nightmare, man. I’m your fuckin’ nightmare.”
27
Within ten minutes, Mitch and Grant pulled up, Ginny right behind them. Colt and four of his deputies, one a female, came a minute later. Zac, with a volunteer EMT, pulled up in the ambulance, parking in the front yard.
Waiting for Sunrise: Baytown Boys Series Page 20
