Locked in Temptation

by Brenda Jackson

“And that’s why I need to continue to work. I’ll bet it has something to do with Mandy Clay, Anderson Hopkins and Dr. Langley. I’m convinced more than ever the three homicides are connected.”

  “You’re probably right, but now my main concern is keeping you alive, Lieutenant Ingram.”

  He turned his attention to Stonewall. “Take her home and watch her like a hawk, since it seems you’re doing that anyway. I’m assigning additional cops to patrol the area where she lives.”

  Stonewall stood. “Alright.”

  Joy glared at both men. “Excuse me. Don’t I have any say about this?”

  “About taking a couple of days off? No. My orders.” He looked over at Stonewall before looking back at her. “However, it is your choice whether you want him as your bodyguard.”

  Joy frowned. “I don’t need a bodyguard.”

  Chief Harkins shrugged. “That’s for you to decide, and I’ll let the two of you hash things out.”

  Joy stood, giving Stonewall a there’s-nothing-to-hash-out look before glancing at a picture on the chief’s desk. She froze.

  “What’s wrong, Joy?” Stonewall asked, coming to stand beside her.

  She picked up the sketch and then stared at Chief Harkins. “Who is this?”

  The chief looked at the photo. “That’s the sketch the FBI is circulating of the person responsible for Murphy Erickson’s death. The man has been identified as Jerome Post. He is believed to be Norm Austen’s main man.”

  “Norm Austen?”

  “Yes, the guy believed to have taken over Erickson’s territory. Why do you ask?”

  Joy met the chief’s stare. “Because this Jerome Post is one of the two men I saw today in the car with Effington.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded. “I’m positive.”

  Chief Harkins picked up his phone and said, “I need to speak with Special Agent Felton at FBI Headquarters immediately.”

  * * *

  IT WAS THREE hours later when Joy walked into Stonewall’s home. Adhering to the advice of the chief and Special Agent Felton, she hadn’t returned to her house. It would have been easy for Jerome Post to break into her home and leave anything behind that could harm her or install some sort of listening device.

  “Let’s get something straight, Stonewall. I don’t need a bodyguard.”

  Instead of responding, Stonewall locked the door behind them. He then set the alarm. Turning to her, he said, “You know where everything is, Joy.”

  “I don’t have any clothes with me.”

  “You and my sister are about the same size. She left a few things in the dresser drawers in the guest bedroom.”

  She evidently was in the mood to be confrontational, but he refused to argue with her. At the moment all he could remember was seeing her walking down the steps of police headquarters and then spotting that gun aimed right at her. What if he hadn’t called out to her in time, or been quick enough to return shots at the assailant? He thought he’d experienced stark fear while in jail but nothing could have prepared him for what he’d experienced tonight.

  “Stonewall, we need to talk.”

  He kept walking toward his kitchen, ignoring the fact she was right on his heels. “There is nothing to talk about,” he threw out over his shoulder.

  “I think there is.”

  He turned quickly and had to reach out and catch her when she nearly collided with him. He should not have done that. Touching her, feeling how alive she was, flesh and blood, and knowing things could have been different, that she could be a body lying in the morgue, sent shivers through him. How could he think that he’d almost lost her when he’d truly never had her?

  Dropping his hands from her waist, he took a step back. Seeing no end in sight, he heaved a deep sigh and said, “Fine. Talk.”

  He saw that stubborn look in her eyes and knew she was itching for a fight. He’d taken enough psychology classes to know this was how some people reacted when they’d come close to death. The sudden realization, the unexpected apprehension that there was a limit on their life and that it could be snuffed out at a moment’s notice was enough to terrify anybody. Hell, he’d been terrified for her. He still was.

  “First of all, I want to thank you for—”

  “You did that already and like I told you before, you don’t have to thank me.”

  “But I do. I don’t want to think about what could have happened had you not been there at that precise moment.”

  He didn’t want to think about it, either. In all honesty, he preferred not have this conversation. “Okay, you’ve thanked me twice. Now can we drop it?”

  “I don’t want to drop it.”

  He rubbed a hand down his face. “Then what do you want?”

  She stared up at him and he looked back at her. This time instead of seeing defiance in her eyes, he saw what she’d hidden before. Vulnerability.

  “I want to be held, Stonewall. By you.”

  Without wasting any time he pulled her into his arms and held her tight. He’d held her tight earlier tonight outside headquarters on the sidewalk, but she’d pulled out of his arms because of their audience, when he hadn’t given a damn. But now, here, with just the two of them, she wanted to be held. And dammit to hell and back, he wanted to hold her.

  His kick-ass, tough-as-nails detective, whose career choices meant putting her life in danger every day, had discovered when faced with death she was just as human as anyone else.

  Stonewall wasn’t sure how long they stood there in the middle of his kitchen, and he didn’t care. She felt good in his arms, with her body plastered to his. She was going through her own private hell and he was going through his, because he knew at that moment Joy had come to mean more to him than any woman ever had.

  She pulled back and looked up at him with those gorgeous eyes that could melt his soul. It was then that he leaned in and lowered his mouth to hers.

  * * *

  WITH THE TASTE of his tongue Joy knew this is what she needed. To be devoured by him. And he was kissing her with an intensity she felt all the way to her toes. She didn’t want to think how close she’d come to dying tonight. How close she’d come to never experiencing this again. This mind-blowing kiss that only he could deliver. The feel of him holding her. Making love to her. Had it taken her almost losing her life to realize how much life she was yet to discover with Stonewall?

  At the moment it was hard for her to think. He was dominating her mouth in a way that had her senses riding the edge of being not enough and almost too much. Stonewall had the ability to make you forget your name. Hers was Joy, right? At that moment she wasn’t sure and would answer to practically anything.

  He deepened the kiss, and not to be outdone, she began devouring him like he was devouring her. She wasn’t sure at what point they began tearing off their clothes. It really didn’t matter. All that mattered was that they both felt the need to be skin to skin. She refused to consider their actions or how out of control they both were. The only thing that mattered to her right now was that she was alive because of him, and more than anything she was grateful for another chance to be with him.

  She felt him lift her in his arms and place her on his kitchen table. Her thighs automatically parted when she felt the hard surface touch her back. “I can’t make it to the bedroom, baby,” he whispered close to her lips.

  Neither could she, but she didn’t have the mind to tell him that. Right now her mind was filled with him, so much of him, and all the things she knew he was about to do to her. Things she wanted him to do. Needed him to do.

  Joy couldn’t hold back moaning his name when she felt his fingers ease into her, at the center of her very existence. He began stroking her, sending all kinds of sensations skyrocketing through her body. When his fingers delved deeper, massaging her
clit, a restless throb of desire tore through her. And then it happed, the explosion of all explosions, and before she could recover, she felt him above her on the table, as well.

  Before she could ask whether the table could hold both of their weight, he’d eased inside her and begun thrusting hard, pounding, and filling her with sensations she felt only when he was inside of her. He was breathing hard and heavy, his hands clutching her hips. His entire body was filled was sexual energy that he was transmitting to her.

  Suddenly, he slowed his pace, nearly came to a stop and she knew why. He’d realized he wasn’t wearing a condom. She tightened her legs around him and whispered, “It's okay. I’m on the pill.”

  He leaned in and kissed her, and immediately her senses were being overtaken by his feel, scent and taste. Slipping her arms around his muscled back, she held on tight as he began riding her hard again.

  Suddenly he snatched his mouth away and let out a loud yell of her name when he exploded inside of her. Feeling the essence of him flooding her insides triggered something deep within her, and she felt herself dissipate in tiny sensual pieces. She cried out his name, and when another orgasm hit her hard, she screamed it at the top of her lungs.

  He whispered fiercely in her ear, “I don’t want to be just your diversion any longer, Joy.”

  * * *

  A RINGING SOUND jarred Joy awake. She opened her eyes to find herself stretched out on top of Stonewall.

  “That’s your phone, Joy,” Stonewall’s husky voice said. He reached over and handed it to her. She glanced at caller ID and didn’t recognize the number.

  “Hello.”

  “Detective Ingram?”

  Joy moved to lie beside Stonewall. She pushed a mass of hair from her face. “Yes, this is Detective Ingram.”

  “I’m sorry to be calling you so late. Henry would be upset if he knew.”

  Joy glanced over at the clock as she rubbed a hand down her face. It was three in the morning. “Who is this?”

  “Edith Dunmore. You told me to call if I saw something suspicious.”

  “And have you?”

  “I’m not sure. Stanley needed a late potty break, and Henry told me it was my time to take him out so I did. I was scared out there by myself. I didn’t want to run into any animals. Did you know there are bears in these parts? I remember seeing a coyote one day. That’s why I always walk Stanley on a leash.”

  Joy rubbed her hand down her face again, hoping the woman would hurry up and get to the point. “What did you see that was suspicious?”

  “A car.”

  “A car?”

  “Yes, a car, and it was parked in one of the coves. I watched it, wondering why someone would be out here so late at night. Then the men got out and went to the trunk.”

  “Did they take anything out of the trunk?”

  “A shovel.”

  “And what did they do with the shovel, Mrs. Dunmore?”

  “I didn’t stick around to find out. I hurried back home and told Henry about it, and again he thought I was seeing things. He says I do it all the time.”

  “Do you?” Joy asked the woman.

  “Not all the time. The doctor accused me of having early stages of dementia.”

  Joy could somewhat believe that. “But you’re sure of what you saw?”

  “I think so. Do you want me to call the police and have them come out and take a look? Henry is going to be mad if I do. But I don’t think he minds me calling you. He likes you.”

  Joy found that hard to believe. “Where is Henry now?”

  “He went back to sleep. Umm, maybe I should call the police. They’ll come with their blue lights flashing and make a lot of noise. Can I request that?”

  Joy shook her head. “Why would you want to?”

  “It will give the neighbors something to talk about. We need excitement around here.”

  Lordy. Joy was convinced the woman was loony. “Look, Edith, would it make you feel better if I came out?”

  There was hesitation on the other end. “I guess so. But I don’t want you to get out of bed just to come out here. Those men might be gone by then.”

  Joy thought there was no need to make the point that they might be gone when the police with flashing blue lights got there, as well. “It’s no problem. I should be there in half an hour.”

  Joy hung up the phone to find Stonewall staring at her. She told him about the Dunmores. “Do you think she actually saw something?” he asked her.

  “Not sure. But Oliver Effington is still missing.”

  “In that case, shouldn’t you call the police?”

  She chuckled as she eased out of bed. “I am the police.”

  “I mean on-duty officers to go check things out. Your boss gave you time off.”

  “I know, but technically the Mandy Clay case is mine. I shouldn’t be gone long. Keep the bed warm till I come back.”

  Stonewall eased out of bed, as well. “If you think I’m letting you drive all the way out there by yourself, then you’re crazy.”

  She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Being a die-hard protector, are you?”

  “Whatever.” He leaned down and brushed a kiss across her lips. Then another. “We never did have a talk,” he whispered against her moist lips.

  “We will. I know you don’t want to be my diversion any longer. Just so you know, you’re not.”

  “Then what am I?”

  If she told him now, exactly how she felt and what she wanted, chances were they would delay leaving by getting back in that bed. So she said, “I’ll tell you when we get back and have more time.”

  He stared down at her, as if weighing her words. Then he nodded. “Okay. Our clothes are in the kitchen. I’ll get them.”

  Joy was about to head for the bathroom when she thought it would be best to at least let Sanchez know what was going on. She didn’t have to worry about waking up the baby since his wife and their son were gone for the weekend.

  “Hola.”

  “Juan, this is Joy.”

  “How are you doing? I heard about tonight. I thought of calling you, but it was late.”

  “I’m doing fine, just shaken up some.”

  “Understandably so. That boyfriend of yours is a keeper. Do I need to repeat that?”

  “No, I heard you. The reason I was calling is to let you know I just got a call from Edith Dunmore.” She told him about the conversation she’d had with the woman.

  “She sounds like a nutcase. Do you want me to go and check things out? You’ve been through a lot tonight.”

  “No, I’m awake now and I’m closer to Sofia Valley than you are.”

  “Since when? Your place is on the other side of town.”

  “Yeah, but I’m not at my place. The Feds didn’t want me to return home until they check over the place.”

  “Makes sense. But are you sure you don’t want me to meet you out there? I don’t like you going alone.”

  “I won’t be alone. Stonewall is driving me.”

  “Okay, but if you need me, call me.”

  “I will.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  “THIS AREA LOOKS sort of eerie at night,” Stonewall said, bringing the car to a stop and glancing around.

  “Not used to places with no streetlights, are you?”

  He heard the teasing tone in Joy’s voice. “Whatever. What I’m really not used to are neighbors who are not within hollering distance.”

  “That’s why people move out here. They want their space and to get back to nature.”

  He glanced at the house that looked completely dark. He was hoping this Edith person had taken a stiff drink and was knocked out in a sound sleep. That way he and Joy could leave Sofia Valley and retu
rn to his place and have that talk.

  “Wait here. I’ll be back in a minute. This shouldn’t take long.”

  “Maybe I should come with you. It looks pretty dark in there.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m on official police duty and you’re a civilian. Just stay put. I’ll be back.”

  “Just so you know, if you don’t come back after what I consider a reasonable amount of time I’m coming after you, police business or not.”

  * * *

  JOY KNOCKED ON the door and thought that while Edith might be glad to see her, she figured Ole Henry wouldn’t. Especially this time of night. He would be mad at both her and Edith for waking him up for nonsense.

  The door opened at the same time a porch light came on. “Detective Ingram?” Edith whispered.

  Following her lead, Joy whispered back, “Yes, it’s me.”

  “No flashing blue lights?”

  Joy shook her head, hearing the disappointment in Edith’s voice. “Sorry, no flashing blue lights. I came alone.” That wasn’t totally true but there was no need to mention Stonewall sitting in the car.

  “Oh. Come in. Henry is asleep, and I can take you out the back door to where I saw the car.”

  Joy entered the house, and the moment she stepped across the threshold, she felt a hard hit to her head.

  * * *

  JUAN SANCHEZ TOOK another sip of coffee while reading the documents he’d gotten from Joy. Boring shit. But that was all part of being a cop. He hadn’t been able to get back to sleep after Joy’s call. He missed his wife and son, true enough, but he’d gotten a funny feeling in his gut that just wouldn’t go away. So he’d stayed awake and decided to finish reading the stack of files he’d brought home from the office.

  Reading the information on the Dunmores was about to put him back to sleep when suddenly something had him lifting his brow. Both of the Dunmores at one time had been medical professionals? Didn’t sound anything like the two strange-acting people Joy had told him about. Interesting.

  A short while later the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. In the report they’d received on the Dunmores, a layout of the house they owned was included. It had been built in the early sixties by a man who believed the next war would destroy the world, and he had built a bunker underground. It was a huge bunker with tunnels that led to heaven knew where.