Twisted Truths

by Rebecca Zanetti

“I feel the past coming,” Denver whispered, knowing his brother would understand. “It’s climbing down my neck, you know?”

  Ryker settled back into his chair. “Yeah.” His chin lowered. “I sense it, too. They’re so close I can feel them breathing.”

  Sheriff Cobb had been hunting them for years, and he’d come close to finding them a week ago. Denver cleared his throat. “My focus is split, so yours can’t be. You have to keep with trying to find Cobb and Madison before they find us.”

  Isobel Madison was the real name of the lady doctor who’d studied them, the woman they’d known as Sylvia Daniels when they were in the boys home together, and Denver would give anything to never see her again. But his gut told him he’d see her and soon.

  Ryker studied him quietly. “I think you need backup.”

  Hell, Denver needed more than backup. But they had to keep their flanks covered. “Remain on our primary objective while I work this case. As soon as I need anything, I’ll call you.” He looked at his brother. “Are we any closer to finding them?”

  “No. Pacific Northwest is all we’ve got—and we’re guessing on that,” Ryker said. “My gut says they’re somewhere between us right now. We’ll find them.”

  The determination flowing through Denver even felt dark. Like an ending of sorts. “Agreed.” When they found Cobb and Madison, Denver was going to put them in the ground. He needed to end the threat hanging over his brothers’ heads, and he’d do it bloody and fast. But first he needed to protect Noni. “Why don’t you get some—”

  A large hand shoved Ryker away from the camera, and Heath ducked into view. His brown hair was mussed, and his greenish brown eyes were unfocused. “You see Noni and tell her to stop posting your picture on the Internet?”

  “Yes. I found her. She won’t put up any more pictures.” Denver relaxed more at seeing both of his brothers safe and in one place. Then he bit back another sigh. Of course neither of his brothers was sleeping. Why would they be? It was only two in the morning. “You okay?”

  “Definitely,” Heath said.

  Denver took in his older brother. “Love looks good on you.” Heath had just put down a serial killer while saving the woman he loved, whom he was now preparing to marry. “You’re glowing.”

  Heath snorted. “I think the bride is supposed to glow.”

  Denver forced a smile. Heath was a badass who couldn’t glow if he tried. Even so, it felt good to mess with him a little. “In your eyes there are stars filled with little hearts.”

  Ryker grinned, only half of his face visible now. “You’re getting poetic, Den.”

  Yeah, that was him. A poet. “If it don’t rhyme, it’s not a poem,” he murmured.

  Heath stretched his neck. “I’m not sure that’s true.”

  Denver shrugged. Like they’d know a poem, a real one, if it bit them on the ass. “Speaking of which, are you writing your own vows?”

  Heath shook his head. “Hell no. But I think Ryker and Zara are.”

  Ryker’s visible eye widened. “Why do you think that?”

  Heath smiled a little smugly. “Zara said so.”

  The horror on Ryker’s face finally pushed Denver to completely relax. “Just make it rhyme.”

  “Really?” Ryker asked, his expression clearing.

  “No,” Denver said, shaking his head. “God.”

  Heath’s gaze narrowed. “Where are you, anyway?”

  Denver sobered. He’d almost convinced Ryker to stay in place, and now he needed to do the same with Heath. “Noni and I are at the Snowville safe house, and I’m researching her case.”

  “Why did she try to find you?” Heath asked, his eyebrows rising.

  Ryker shoved him aside, half taking over the view. “She’s chasing a baby kidnapped by a gang and they’ve turned on her.”

  The sleep completely deserted Heath’s eyes, and he snapped awake. “We can be there in twelve hours if I drive.”

  Ryker rolled his eyes. “I drive faster than you do.”

  “Do not.” Heath grabbed a chair and dropped into it, setting himself shoulder to shoulder with Ryker. They each took up half the screen, morphing their faces into a parody of a clown mirror. “How is she?”

  “Fine.” Denver shook his head. “Would you guys back away from the camera a little so I don’t go blind?”

  They did so, both looking disgruntled. “Better, Whiney Butt?” Heath muttered.

  “Noni is fine. Now go back to your warm beds and keep dreaming about chocolate fountains and place settings,” Denver said, wanting to discuss anything in the world besides Noni. “Have either of you set a date to get hitched?”

  “No.” Ryker’s jaw firmed. “Not until we’re done with the past. With all of it.”

  Yet another reason Denver had to get Noni and the baby settled and safe. He had one last job to do afterward that would guarantee his brothers made it to their weddings. “Agreed.”

  Heath craned his neck, trying to see behind Denver. “Where is she?”

  Denver held on to his patience with both hands. “In bed.”

  Amusement filled Ryker’s eyes. “Ohhhhhhh,” he said, grinning.

  Heath clapped him on the back. “Yeah. In bed, huh? In that house all by yourselves with no chaperones? Hmmm. Yet you’re not in bed.”

  “Maybe she kicked him out,” Ryker mock-whispered.

  Heath glanced at Ry. “Didn’t you buy him that book about how to please a woman?”

  Ryker frowned. “I thought you bought him that?”

  “Well, shit,” Heath said slowly, his lips tipping up. “Nobody gave him a book. He probably sucks in bed. No wonder she won’t let him in.”

  Ryker rubbed his jaw and focused back on Denver. “Don’t worry—I can draw you a couple of diagrams. You know. With the important places circled.”

  Denver couldn’t help but snort. Sometimes his brothers were twelve years old again. Not that they’d had a normal childhood, but still. “Would you guys grow up?” He reached for the button to disconnect the camera.

  “Cut us off, and we’ll fly there in three hours, airport security be damned,” Ryker said easily, losing his smile.

  Denver paused. “Considering I don’t know where the baby is, it’s better if you stay there. For now.”

  “He just wants the place to himself,” Heath mock-whispered to Ryker. “He has a girl there.”

  Ryker snorted. “Seriously, Denver. We’re not done yet. Talk.”

  Denver wanted to snap his brother’s head off for asking, but there was basis for the question. His brothers cared about him or they wouldn’t push so hard. A lot of people didn’t have that in life. He thanked God he did. “I’m fine. Haven’t had a drink in two days and don’t miss it.” Not completely true, but he wasn’t jonesing or trembling, so all was good. Maybe he’d spent too much time in a bottle since leaving Noni, but he refused to use alcohol any longer. It was the woman sleeping down the hallway that had his full attention. He needed to end the threats hanging over everyone he cared about, and to do that he had to be at full throttle. “Don’t worry. I’m good.”

  Ryker studied him and then stood. “Fair enough. Send me the address for the motel where you were attacked and I’ll get surveillance in place—I’ll call in a favor or two. There’s a good chance Cobb and Madison have sent forces to track you down. They had to have seen the postings Noni put up on the web.”

  Denver’s gut roiled. “I know.” Sheriff Cobb and Dr. Madison had soldiers and mercenaries on the payroll. “I’ll e-mail you the info on Noni’s rental car. It’s still in the parking lot of the motel and needs to be returned. Have somebody do it. Keep me informed.”

  Ryker nodded. “Call me when you have a plan. I’m going to check our security.” He turned and strode away.

  Heath moved closer to the camera. “E-mail me the searches you’re running. I’ll do some from here.”

  Denver looked at him. Lines had cut into the sides of Heath’s mouth, and his eyes were on full alert. “Can’t sle
ep?”

  “No. They’re coming, man. Our enemies are getting close. I can feel it,” Heath said. “Just send me something to do.”

  Denver leaned to the side and e-mailed the information he’d gathered. There was no way to sleep when a threat breathed, so he didn’t bother arguing with Heath. If Heath was feeling it, so was Ryker. But Ry would prowl their property while Heath helped with the search. “Thanks.”

  “No problem. If you need me, call me.” Heath pursed his lips, obviously searching for words.

  Denver shook his head. “I can’t talk about her. Not right now.” It was too fresh, and she was too close. He couldn’t think straight.

  Heath, true to the brother he was, nodded. “Okay. I get that, I really do.” He just stared at him as if looking for words.

  Denver’s chest heated. “You’re a good brother, H,” he said softly.

  Heath grinned. “I’m a great brother. So are you.” He glanced over his shoulder and then back. “We’re all in this together. Please don’t forget that.”

  Denver relaxed. Yeah. They were family, and that’s what mattered. “I won’t. Try to get some sleep.”

  “You too.” Heath wiggled his eyebrows up and down. “With Noni…”

  “Dork.” Denver chuckled.

  “I know. Later.” Heath clicked off.

  Denver took a deep breath and went back to work. An hour later, he had more information, but his head hurt. He glanced around the room. Nowhere to sleep. He headed down the hall and nudged open the door to the bedroom. The dim hall light spilled inside to illuminate the woman on the bed.

  Noni slept quietly on her side, her silky hair spread over the pillow. She took up barely a quarter of the bed. Something welled up in his chest, and he let his throat fill. She was so damn close.

  Every night when he closed his eyes and tried to sleep, he saw her face. Smelled her scent. Not once had he let himself hope that he’d see her again. Touch her again. He’d figured his short time with her would have to sustain him for the rest of his life. The time when he’d almost had a life—a real one with her. He’d whispered “Good-bye” as he’d left town, and he’d meant it, even though his chest had felt like somebody had sliced into him with a blade.

  Yet now she was within his reach. Somehow it hurt worse knowing that he would have to let her go again.

  He was so fucking tired. She was so fucking close. Without allowing himself to think about it, he snapped off the hall light and moved into the bedroom, gingerly lying down next to her.

  She didn’t move. Her breathing was even and her sleep seemingly peaceful.

  He reached out and rubbed some of her smooth hair between his fingers. Soft and silky. Her scent of orchids wafted around him, settling him. It had amused him from day one that a woman from one of the coldest areas in the world would have such a warm smell. Like every day was a peaceful vacation.

  He fell asleep surrounded by her, and for once the nightmares stayed away.

  * * *

  Noni slowly came awake with a heater at her back. The smell of male and forest filled her senses.

  Denver.

  She stilled and listened to his even breathing. He was asleep. Good. She took a moment to feel his presence in bed again. Some of the happiest times in her entire life had been with him in bed. Man, she’d fallen for him fast and hard. They’d dated for only about three months, but she could remember each and every detail as if it were yesterday. The feeling of him in bed was right.

  Yet it wasn’t. It couldn’t be. For months after he’d left, she hadn’t slept in her bed. She’d watched television until falling asleep on the sofa in her living room.

  She couldn’t do this. Be with him like this. Everything feminine in her wanted to turn around and snuggle into his arms. But he’d be gone soon, and she knew it. Why torture herself? The room was still dark, so dawn hadn’t yet arrived. She slid from the bed as quietly as she could, turned, and backtracked to the doorway.

  He slept on his back on top of the covers, his huge body taking up most of the bed. His movements were nil, but his breathing even. How tired had he been? A lock of his black hair had fallen onto his forehead, and her fingers itched to push it away. To caress down his hard jaw and muscled neck to that wide chest. She’d once spent an entire morning kissing that chest.

  Man, she missed him. Even now, with him near and her so pissed, she missed those moments. When he had been hers to touch.

  Enough wallowing. It was beneath her, and she was stronger than this. There was no choice. She swallowed and gathered her courage, stepping out of the room and quietly shutting the door. After a quick trip to the one bathroom, she tiptoed into the living room and surveyed the computers. The materials from her backpack were spread over a table, and other manila files and yellow notepads were scattered around.

  Forgoing her notes for his, she flipped through them. A small—very small—part of her felt guilty to be going through Denver’s things. The other part, the one he’d abandoned alone in a bed in Alaska, didn’t give a hoot. The man would never level with her, so she’d be the detective on this case.

  The file held a bunch of notes and pictures of redheaded women. Something about the Copper Killer murderer. She pushed it aside and opened another file labeled DR. MADISON. A picture of a beautiful woman with black hair and cold blue eyes was taped to the inside cover.

  “See anything that interests you?” Denver asked from hallway entry.

  Noni jumped, her lungs compressing. “I’m just getting started.” She would not feel bad. “I read about the Copper Killer case in the newspaper. He was a serial killer who focused on redheads. They caught the guy here in Snowville, right?”

  “We caught the guy,” Denver said, not moving. He leaned against the door frame, his hair mussed up, whiskers covering his square jaw. His ragged T-shirt was wrinkled and his jeans ripped, and nothing in the world had ever looked so delicious. Sexy, tousled, and dangerous.

  Noni cleared her throat. A pulse set up between her legs. So that’s why he had been in town. To catch a serial killer. “That wasn’t in the news.”

  “It wouldn’t be.” He pushed away from the door frame and moved toward her, holding out his hand. “My records.”

  She clutched them to her chest. “I’m not done snooping.”

  “Yes, you are.” He grasped the manila folders with two fingers and pulled.

  She could fight him, but in a tug of war, she’d probably lose. Or at least get a paper cut, and those sucked. “Who is Dr. Madison?”

  At the question, his lazy indulgence disappeared. A flash of heat hit his eyes, and for the moment, he looked every bit as deadly as he’d warned her that he could be. Barely leashed violence poured off him in a heat she could actually feel. “Nobody,” he said, his voice guttural.

  Noni gaped at him. At the change in him—in a second. “Right. I, ah, I can see that.”

  Then the gates closed. A veil fell over his expressive eyes, effectively shutting her out.

  She exhaled. “I’d forgotten that look.” When they’d dated, every time she’d asked about his life, about his childhood, he’d shut her out. And she’d let him. Oh, she’d sensed the pain in his past, and she’d just accepted him, knowing someday he’d open up to her. Someday he’d feel free enough, safe enough, to confide in her. “I was such a clueless idiot,” she muttered, finally letting the truth in. Even when they’d been together, he hadn’t let her know him.

  “No, you weren’t,” he said gently. “I’m good at playing a part. Really good.”

  Fury lashed her. She jumped up, sending the chair flying back. He had fooled her, and he had done a good job of it. But there had been moments…real moments. She had to trust herself and what she felt. Could she shake him? Get him to admit it was more than just a part? “Oh, baby. You’re not that good.”

  “No?” he asked silkily.

  “No.” She levered up right into his face, finally trusting her instincts. “I may not know the details of your life, of
your big secrets, but I know you a little bit, asshole.” She slapped a hand on his chest. Hard. “Whether you like it or not, you revealed some of your true self.” While she didn’t know the facts, she knew his heart. Whether he liked it or not. Since he’d shown up in her motel room, she hadn’t had time to really think. No way would he hurt her. He might be dangerous, but she was safe. Well, probably. “You’re not such a mystery.”

  “Maybe,” he said, pressing his hand over hers. “It doesn’t change anything. We’re gonna find this baby and get you safe. Then I have another job to do.”

  “Jobs,” she sputtered as his heart beat so steadily against her palm. “Tons of jobs, right?”

  “No. Just one.” His hand completely covered hers, and she couldn’t move it. The way he’d said the words gave her pause. Such finality in each syllable.

  Her gaze dropped to the files in his other hand. “Dr. Madison?”

  He slowly nodded.

  “You’re trying to find her?” That’s what he did, right? He found people or things. His detective agency found the lost. That’s what he’d always said.

  “Yes.”

  She swallowed. “Then what?” Instinct chilled her, but she didn’t know why. Tension choked around them. “What happens to Dr. Madison?”

  “I’m going to kill her.” With that, Denver released Noni’s hand and moved around her to the computers. “Now. Let’s find that baby.”

  Chapter

  5

  Denver finished the dry cereal, his gaze on the computer. Ah shit. The Kingdom Boys had sources on the dark web, where they sold drugs. Anything and everything, including kids, could be sold there. He kept his expression stoic since Noni was in the room, but a fire burned in his chest. They had to save that baby.

  She watched another monitor from the ripped orange chair.

  The office chair he sat in barely held his weight, protesting every time he moved. “Store. Today.”

  “You’re back to talking in incomplete sentences,” she muttered.

  So long as he got his point across, who cared? “Okay.”