Southern Charm (Southern Desires Series Book 5)

by Jeannette Winters

  He opened the door and found Nate holding his duffel bag. “The least you could’ve done was make sure I had a room when I arrived.” Nate brushed past Wyatt and tossed his bag on the bed. “Why are we at this hotel again? I thought you’d want one by the ocean.”

  “Maggie’s staying at this one.”

  Nate turned, arched a brow, and asked, “And you’re keeping an eye on her why?”

  Damn it, Nate. Don’t pull that bullshit on me. I’m not the one hiding something. That wasn’t entirely true, but it was something he could handle. Right after lunch Wyatt was heading back to the mainland. He had leads to follow up on. Normally he’d delegate that task. Right now it was where he wanted to be. Anywhere but here.

  “Figured it was easier since we’re meeting for lunch.”

  Nate walked to a chair by the window, plopped himself down, and asked, “What happened to breakfast?”

  Even though Nate was playing it cool, Wyatt knew this was the first time they’d see each other since their breakup. Nate wasn’t still in love with Maggie, but he was sure he had mixed feelings about seeing her again. If there’d been any other way, he never would’ve involved Nate. This mission is too important to fuck up. You’re the one person that’ll see what I’m missing. “I had a run-in with waffle batter.”

  Wyatt pulled off his soiled T-shirt and tossed it across the room roughly, the frustration from the encounter with Maggie lingering. One meal. One hour tops. Simple.

  “Once again, why are we staying here? I like my food brought to me, not thrown at me.” Nate laughed, but Wyatt didn’t find any humor in it.

  He was glad Nate was lighthearted about all this. What Nate didn’t know was how quickly that was about to change. No doubt once you start talking to her, you’ll see what I have seen. She’s not the same person. As far as Wyatt was concerned, the change was for the better. That didn’t mean Nate was going to agree.

  “Since we have a few hours to kill, why don’t we review the police report?”

  Nate shrugged. “We can look at it a hundred times if you like. I’m telling you, what it says does not match what happened. We need to speak to someone who was actually on site when Johnson was killed. Hell, it doesn’t even mention Johnson, but we both know he was there.”

  The only way they knew that to be true was the DNA he’d left behind in a pool of blood at the scene. Since Johnson’s DNA wasn’t in the system, they had nothing to link it to. However, Wyatt was able to obtain that from Johnson’s parents. We know where he died, and it wasn’t overseas as his parents were told. What he was doing there and why Collins is covering it up are the two facts we need to blow the lid off this pile of lies.

  “There’s something we’re missing.”

  “The only way to find it is by going to Providence and talking to the cops directly.” Wyatt arched a brow at Nate. “Trust me, Wyatt, there’s always someone who will cave and give you the information you want. You just need to find their price.”

  He wished Nate was joking, but time and time again, they used that exact tactic to obtain what they wanted. One problem. We have no idea what they were given or threatened with to shut their mouths in the first place.

  Nate reached into the briefcase he’d rested against the chair. Pulling out several files, he tossed some photos to Wyatt.

  Wyatt looked at the satellite photos of the crime scene. He could make out two choppers on the ground. One seemed to have a person outside, and the other seemed empty.

  “When was this taken?” he asked as he continued to flip through the pictures.

  “Since no one had an exact time of the shootout, I’d say within an hour of Johnson getting killed.”

  Wyatt looked up and asked, “Nothing from the actual shooting?”

  Nate shook his head. “I’m still working on that piece.”

  This puzzled Wyatt. These weren’t choppers for hire. They were US military property. It explained Johnson being there but that’s all. Was this a meeting gone wrong? And why two choppers? Who else was there besides Johnson? These pictures only added more questions to the list. Each time he thought something lined up, he was thrown a curveball.

  Closing his eyes, he tried to recall everything they’d learned so far about that shooting. He already knew Johnson hadn’t been alone because someone had taken his body. It couldn’t be the pilot because he would have flown the other chopper out of there. Who was the other person there? Whoever it was, they knew how to pilot a chopper. Based on the rounds found on the ground, there were multiple weapons. Johnson sure as hell wasn’t carrying only one. There weren’t any guns found on the dead men there either, so someone took the time to collect them.

  This thorough cleanup had Mark Collins written all over it. Every detail said major covert op. Was it possible this was a mission, and people were once again being told a boatload of lies? It sure as hell wouldn’t surprise me.

  Something still nagged at him. Mark hadn’t approached Maggie for no reason. He was warning her about something. Was it not to talk to him? That’d be a wise move in Mark’s eyes, but Maggie, if you’re working for them and part of this cover-up, trust me, you’ll go down with them.

  Wyatt passed the pictures back to Nate and said, “I’m heading to Rhode Island right after lunch. I’ll need you to keep an eye on Maggie until further notice.”

  “I was a cop, Wyatt. I should be there, not you.”

  That was true, but he wasn’t going to be the one staying behind with Maggie. This wasn’t just about getting the job done. He needed distance from her, not tomorrow, but today. His tone was sharper than he’d meant when he answered. “I call the shots. I’m going.”

  Nate got up and headed toward the door. “You’re right. This bad decision is all on you.”

  He wasn’t going to argue with Nate. Staying was a far worse choice. “Where are you going?”

  Nate didn’t even turn. “I didn’t fly all night just to sit in a hotel. I’m heading to the beach and catching some waves while I can.”

  Before the door shut, Wyatt called out, “Lobby at noon.”

  He could tell Nate was pissed. Probably thinks I don’t trust you. You’re wrong, Brother. It’s me I don’t trust. Not here. Not with her.

  Chapter Three

  Randi wanted to pack and leave the hotel, so she didn’t have to face Wyatt again. As soon as she’d arrived back in her hotel room, she called Mark. It went directly to voice mail. She tried a second and third time, still unable to make contact.

  She needed to heed his warning not to blow her cover now. Doing so limited who she could contact for help. Outside of Mark, she only knew of two others. Don Farrell, although he’d proven himself loyal, didn’t face the same challenges. He was a civilian. Oh, so am I. The only difference is the world doesn’t know it. If they find out, I’ll be a civilian behind bars.

  That left only Kevin, Mark’s younger brother. She knew he’d understand her predicament better than anyone else. Not only was he still in hiding with Marina Brimlow, but he was on the ground during that shootout. They shared the weight of the guilt. Each would always wonder what they could’ve done differently. It wasn’t a good place to be—reliving the event over and over again, never finding any peace. Neither of them had any control to stop it, just as they hadn’t had that horrible day. Randi knew if it hadn’t been for Kevin and Lionel, she and Marina wouldn’t be alive now. And Kevin and Marina wouldn’t have found each other.

  It was hard to imagine anything positive had come out of that horrendous ordeal. Yet, through all the tragedy and death, Mark, Don, and Kevin all seemed to have found their soulmates. These men just as easily could’ve been in the same place Johnson was. Nothing about what they’d shared was easy. It hadn’t been only their lives on the line. Each of these men risked their lives to protect the one they loved. It was something right out of a spicy romance novel. Like the beautiful, white lily that grows in the desert heat. You can’t explain it, just treasure it.

  Over the past few mo
nths, these three men had become her closest friends. They bonded on a level of trust that most people couldn’t relate to. The knowledge they held was something they couldn’t share with anyone. There was no doubt that none of them would break that code without discussing it with the others. Randi knew the women they loved didn’t know everything. Not because they couldn’t be trusted, but for their own safety and sanity things were best left unsaid. It’s hard holding all this deep inside, but at least you all have someone to comfort you. To hold you when you feel like you’re about to break.

  That was exactly how she felt. Everything inside her was broken in pieces, and the glue that would’ve normally held it together wasn’t there anymore. Somehow Maggie always knew what to say, usually something crazy as hell, to make her laugh. It’d been so long since she’d laughed.

  Doing so with Wyatt earlier felt so foreign. It was wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. I never wanted it to end nor do I ever want to feel it again.

  A glimmer of happiness had broken through the dark cloud that encapsulated her. She couldn’t allow herself the liberty of it happening again. She might be trapped in Hawaii for a few days, but after that she was back to the façade. Thinking her life could be anything other than what it was, was foolish. Especially not with Wyatt. He’s the last person I should smile with, be happy around. If he knew the truth, he’d hate me.

  A shudder ran through her. There was no way Wyatt could hate her any more than she hated herself. She didn’t act on her feelings, but she felt guilty for having any physical attraction to him. Now she was hiding away in her room, hoping not to bump into him again until the unavoidable lunch took place.

  She looked at the clock on the wall again. It wasn’t broken, yet time seemed to almost come to a stop. Is this day ever going to end? Grabbing her cell phone, she started to call Mark but ended the call. Scrolling through her phone, she found Kevin’s number.

  Randi understood why he couldn’t attend Johnson’s funeral. Both he and Marina were still in quarantine on one of Don’s undisclosed, secluded properties. Right now I’m almost jealous. No one in their right mind would ever want to trade places with those two. Although they didn’t have any immediate health issues after being infected with the virus, it was too early to tell if any problems would develop. Please don’t let that be the case. She’s a sweet woman, and they deserve a happily ever after.

  Randi might have stopped believing in it for herself, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t possible for others. Marina had lived a hard and painful life. If anyone should spend the rest of her life with a smile on her face, it was Marina. Maggie would have wanted that.

  Knowing Marina was bubbling over with love for Kevin after all she had gone through eased the pain of losing Maggie. It was as though she hadn’t died in vain. With Kevin, Mark, Don, and Johnson’s help, they were able to prevent the terrorists from obtaining the virus. If it hadn’t been for Marina’s quick thinking all those years ago, the world would be such a different place today. A much scarier, crueler one.

  Instead of calling Kevin, she texted him. “Are you free to talk?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll call now.”

  “Roger,” Kevin replied.

  She still wasn’t sure what she was going to say, but it beat looking at the clock one more time.

  Randi dialed his number, and Kevin picked up immediately. “What’s up, Graham?”

  It was nice being called by her last name instead of Maggie. Although they knew she wasn’t Maggie, no one acknowledged her as anything else.

  “Checking in. How are you? How’s Marina?”

  “Still no signs of any complications.”

  That was wonderful news. She’d seen firsthand what the virus could do. If the vaccine hadn’t worked, both Marina and Kevin would’ve suffered a horrible death. Knowing Marina had developed a biological weapon, even by chance, was shocking. She’d risked her life to ensure it didn’t make it into the wrong hands. And the fact that Marina’s father, General Floyd, was killed trying to get his hands on it and the formula blew her mind.

  Proves that the apple can fall far from the tree. I can’t believe they share the same blood line. That man was pure evil, and she’s an angel. Randi knew Marina carried guilt for creating a virus that paralyzed and killed a person within seconds of ingestion. It hadn’t been Marina’s intent. What had started as research for a cure for one aliment became something unimaginable. No matter how Marina was feeling physically, Randi was positive she was in pain mentally. Some wounds are harder to see than others. I know that all too well.

  “I’m glad to hear that.”

  “I don’t think you called just to check on us.”

  “No. I was trying to reach Mark. His phone is going directly to voice mail.”

  “He was deployed overseas again. That’s why he left immediately after the funeral.”

  Mark had told her they’d be speaking soon, but she knew things changed at a drop of a hat with him. He never was in one place very long. Randi could only imagine what it was like to be married to someone like Mark. Leading a team isn’t easy. Leading one of the top SEAL teams must make it nearly impossible to have a personal life. Yet somehow Mark managed to do so. She’d met his wife, Hannah, briefly. They were as different as people could get. Mark was hard, loud, and demanding. Hannah was sweet, quiet, and a natural giver. And I bet she worries like crazy each time he leaves.

  Randi knew Kevin could always reach Mark for her, but she wasn’t going to play that card unless she was desperate. If Mark has any time at all, it needs to be for his wife. This is something I’ll just have to handle on my own. “I guess it will wait.”

  “Ouch. Thanks for the hit to my ego,” Kevin laughed lightly.

  Kevin was so different from his brother. Although both were deadly in the field, Kevin had a sense of humor while Mark didn’t crack a smile.

  “I thought you might be indisposed,” Randi teased.

  “Trust me. I would be if I could get her out of the lab. She has to triple check every result.”

  Because she knows what could happen if she’s wrong. “Marina is dedicated. We’re lucky to have her on our side.”

  “You ain’t fucking joking. If those bastards had gotten their hands on her . . .” Kevin’s voice grew louder.

  It had been too close. Randi couldn’t imagine what it had been like, trapped in the same room with someone you love and have no ability to help at all. Knowing at any moment they could pull the trigger, and she would’ve been killed. Must’ve been hell. But it’s over.

  If Marina was spending so much time in the lab, it was possible it wasn’t as over as she thought. “Does she think that?”

  “That the virus is still a threat?”

  Randi got quiet. It was a fear that they would always have. They knew too much. “Yes.”

  Kevin’s voice softened. “Marina will always worry. And the truth is, they’ll always be looking. No matter how much we want to believe it’s finished, it’ll never be over. There’ll always be another scumbag working their way up to take the last one’s spot. That’s why we do what we do, Graham. Someone’s got to protect this country from those bastards.”

  What protection am I? That was what Maggie did. “What you do.”

  “No. I mean we.”

  “Kevin, you know I’m not really a Marine.”

  “Graham, when you signed the reenlistment papers a few years ago, you became a Marine. And when you fought alongside us, risked your life, got shot, and continued to fight, you proved you were a Marine.”

  His words touched her heart, yet guilt still lingered. “But Johnson–”

  “Knew the risk. He died a hero,” Kevin stated firmly before continuing. “He did his job. Made sure Marina made it out of there alive. You did yours by making sure she stayed that way.”

  Randi could only imagine how difficult it’d been for Kevin not to have been on the chopper with her and Marina and having to trust that she’d protect h
er for him.

  When Kevin continued his voice was softer, more consoling. “We can’t save everyone. That’s the hardest part of this. Honoring the dead by remembering to live.”

  His statement wasn’t just about Johnson. She knew it was a reminder about Maggie. “Kevin, did Mark update you about my sister’s . . . umm . . . old boyfriend?”

  There was silence on the line, which said Kevin was out of the loop. She wondered what else Mark hadn’t told him. It was understandable since Kevin wasn’t in the position to assist in any way. Until Marina gave them the all clear, they weren’t leaving quarantine. The good side is, they’re there together.

  “Tell me about him.”

  Funny. I don’t know a damn thing except he’s handsome and strong and leaves me at a loss for words. I doubt that’s the information you’re looking for. “His name is Wyatt McVeigh. I’d guess he’s in his late thirties.”

  “No date of birth?”

  “He wasn’t my boyfriend,” Randi shot back frustrated. It was bad enough she’d never met the man before yesterday. Maggie did have a busy life, but if she’d known how much Wyatt had meant to her, Randi would’ve made time for an introduction. Guess it didn’t matter since she dumped him anyway.

  Kevin snorted, mumbled something under his breath, and then said, “Description.”

  Sexy as hell. “Six foot two. Dark hair, dark eyes, and a beard.” Never was a beard person before. On Wyatt it looks good.

  “Can you get me a picture of him?”

  I never should’ve brought this up. “Why?”

  “I’ll put him in the database and see what it spits out. He dated your sister. She’s dead. I want to look for a connection.”

  “Kevin, we both know Floyd and JT had the Marines in North Carolina killed. Wyatt had nothing to do with it.”

  Kevin’s tone turned deadly serious. “Graham, Johnson is dead because someone leaked information. Top secret information. Add his name to a list of others. Derrick Nash’s wife and daughter, Daniel Thomas, and the other three Marines who died along with your sister. Mark and I know there’s someone else out there. Someone who knew at least one of these deceased. Until we know for sure that McVeigh wasn’t that person, he’s a suspect. Do you know where to find him now?”