Toxic

by Debra Jupe

Gracie gazed at Vivian, her brows raised.

  “I’m leaving in a few hours for a tropical island without extradition until this Mike situation blows over. I can’t wait to lie on a sandy beach, gazing into the clear, blue water with some sweet thing bringing me spiked drinks with little umbrellas.”

  “Sounds lovely. At least someone will come out of this with a happy ending.” Gracie paused. “What about Mickey? Is he going with you?”

  Vivian shook her head. “I brought Mickey on as leverage in dealing with Mike. The guy’s useless. He talks a good game, but he’d sell me out in a heartbeat.

  I can’t believe he’s Mike’s son. No balls whatsoever. I cannot keep a nutless man on my team.” She twisted to the men. “If our good friend Ethan did his job, they’ll soon find Mickey’s body, along with a suicide note confessing to being brains to this operation and murdering his father.”

  Gracie’s heart crashed into her chest and fell into the pit of her stomach. Ethan had killed Mickey in cold blood and set him up for his father’s murder. God, she could pick ’em.

  Vivian gazed pointedly at Ethan. “Are we ready?”

  “Plants are loaded. Should I send the people on their way?”

  Gracie eyed Vivian’s gun. She wondered if this would be a good time to push Quinn and attempt an escape. How far would they get before Vivian could set her site to aim and shoot. But she also had to consider Ethan and Reed were probably armed.

  “We do have one small problem.”

  Vivian’s hackles rose. “Which is, Mr. McCarthy?”

  “One of the taillights in the semi was broken and needs to be fixed before the shipment leaves.”

  “Not an issue.” Vivian pressed her palm against her forehead. “Still, it pisses me off these things always happen when I’m in a hurry. Replace the bulb. We don’t want to draw any added attention on the road.”

  “That’s the catch. The light is already swapped, but it’s still out. Malcolm believes a ground wire has gone bad or maybe there’s a connection problem. Someone’s left for a power meter and some wire now. The lamp can be repaired, though not quickly.”

  “Do whatever. As fast as possible. We need to rush and wrap this up. I’m getting a bad feeling.” Vivian’s gaze rested on Gracie and Quinn. “In the meantime, take them to the back woods behind the nursery and do what is needed to be done.” She spun to leave but stopped. “Do either of you know if that nitwit took care of Krystal?”

  “I didn’t see Krystal,” Ethan said.

  Reed nodded at Gracie and Quinn. “I didn’t realize Krystal was with them.”

  “Then one of you will have to handle that little hitch, too. Let’s get moving, gentlemen.”

  Ethan snatched Gracie’s upper arm. He jerked her forward and attempted to guide her to the truck’s opening.

  Reed nudged Quinn’s shoulder. “Come on, Quinn.”

  “It’s now or never, Gracie.” Quinn ducked to dodge Reed, and then stepped around him. Hands out, she shoved him hard enough that he lost his balance and toppled onto the dirty, truck’s floor.

  Everything stopped. Except for Quinn. She took off in a full run toward a stunned Vivian. Quinn leaped in the air and clutched onto Vivian’s shoulders, attaching to her. Vivian turned in circles, her arms flailed as she screamed. “Shoot her. Somebody put a bullet in the little bitch, damn it.”

  Quinn was small but had large hands. She placed a palm over Vivian’s face, her legs wrapped around the larger woman’s middle again, and holding on as if she was taming a bronco upside down.

  Ethan tugged at Gracie’s arm. She planted her feet using her weight to anchor herself. If Quinn was willing to put everything all on the line, so was she.

  Ethan yanked her to him, his face in hers. “Stop fighting me.”

  “You’re not killing me.”

  With an exasperated expression, he released her and stepped away. An astonished Gracie stood motionless. Ethan swiftly closed in on her, scooped her into his arms, and flung her over his shoulder. He placed an arm over her butt and rushed her out of the truck.

  Gracie knew it was useless to fight him. Her fate appeared to be sealed.

  She fought to keep focused. She’d find a way out, and she would live through this. He couldn’t kill her on his shoulder. He’d have to put her down to set up and finish her off. The moment her feet touched the ground, she’d be hauling ass.

  A flicker caught her attention. She managed an upward peek. Flashing red and blue lights entered the nursery and sped in their direction. Relief shrouded over her. Krystal was alive and had called the authorities. Within seconds the scene shifted into mass chaos. Sirens blasted; people screamed and scattered in all directions. A gunshot rang out into the mess.

  Ethan ignored the happenings and carried Gracie into a blackened, wooded area beyond the gate. A shadowy figure followed them. Gracie wanted to shriek from elation. The police were here. Within the matter of seconds, she’d be free.

  She pounded on Ethan’s back. “It’s over. Someone’s behind us. The judge will go easier if you release me.”

  But he ignored her and kept traveling. He stopped at a small clearing and dropped her to her feet. The person behind came into view and closed in on them. Gracie’s heart sank. Reed. She was sandwiched between the two men. The ordeal may be over, although she feared they’d kill her before they made an escape. She knew too much. But Gracie wanted answers first. She wanted the truth.

  “Where is Quinn?” Ethan asked Reed. “You were supposed to get Quinn.”

  Reed ran a hand over his bruised jaw. “I tried, but she was a quick. I managed to wrestle her off Vivian. She popped me in the chin. Then she went back to Vivian and started pounding her. After that, the authorities showed up and I needed to evacuate.”

  “Good call.”

  “Speaking of call, we got the word to disappear.”

  “’Bout time.”

  Gracie waved a hand. “Um, excuse me?”

  They looked to her.

  “So, what am I supposed to be doing?”

  Ethan grinned. “This is an excellent opportunity for you to escape.” He closed in, stepping to her, and lightly brushed his lips over hers. “Take care and be happy, sweet Gracie.” Ethan spun her in the direction of the strobe lights and gave her a gentle push. “Go.”

  “Bye, Gracie,” Reed called.

  Gracie took a few stumbling steps, and then whirled around to look behind her. Both men were gone. Confused, she continued forward and arrived to much shouting, flashing lights, and people everywhere. A line of about twenty people, all Mike’s employees, stood with their hands on top of their heads, while uniforms marched in front and behind the group.

  A stretcher was being wheeled out of the truck. Quinn lay on her stomach atop the gurney. Gracie gasped and rushed to Quinn’s side as she was guided down the ramp.

  She clutched her hand between her own. “Quinn. What happened?”

  “I was shot. Vivian put a bullet in me. My life flashed before my eyes.”

  “She’s going to be fine,” said the technician who walked beside them.

  “No, I’m not. I keep seeing the light, and my grandma keeps telling me to come with her.”

  Gracie glanced at the EMT, alarmed.

  He shook his head. “A flesh wound.”

  “Where was she shot?”

  “In my butt.” Quinn turned toward the EMT. “Don’t you have pain killers? I’m dying here. The least you could do is give me something to be comfortable while I pass on into my next life.”

  The technician nodded to his partner, and they stopped. The man dipped into a kit and produced a needle and inserted the medicine into Quinn’s IV bag. “This ought to make you better.”

  “I don’t feel anything. That wasn’t enough. I need more drugs.”

  “Quinn,” came a voice from behind. “Calm down.”

  “Krystal.” Gracie dashed to her. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”

  “I’m fine and happy you are too, alt
hough everything has certainly turned chaotic since we were last together.” Krystal smiled as she looped an arm through Gracie’s. She glanced at Quinn, who snored loudly. “What happened to her?”

  “Somebody shot her.”

  Krystal chuckled. “Told you.”

  “Got her in the butt.” Gracie continued to relate the version of the craziness that occurred, concluding with Ethan’s and Reed’s odd meeting, ending with the men vanishing like ghosts.

  “So Ethan and Reed are both involved?”

  Gracie shrugged. “I’m clueless.” She paused. “You took quite a chance sneaking off the way you did, but I’m happy you made it to call in reinforcements. Quinn and I were close to being goners.”

  “I’d love to take the credit, except I didn’t do anything but get away. The police were already here before I reached a phone.” Krystal lifted a shoulder. “I guess we’ll never get the whole story.”

  “Ms. Desoto, Ms. Laine?” A uniformed man came up behind them. “My name is Officer Ted Cheek. Your assistance is needed. Will you come with me, please?”

  She and Krystal glanced at each other then followed him to a waiting SUV.

  He opened the back door and indicated for them to get in. “My superior wants to speak with you.” He gestured to a female sitting inside. They stopped in their tracks, their mouths dropped.

  The well-dressed blonde woman sat in the backseat. “Gracie, Krystal. I’m Special Agent Becca Bonatch, and I work for the Bureau of Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.”

  Chapter 29

  Gracie sat on her pier, her bare feet dangled in the water. She drew a deep breath, mixed with contentment and frustration. Early evening. Yet the finality of the day seemed incomplete. Like something was missing.

  A light touch on the top of her shoulder startled her out of her own little world. “Am I interrupting?”

  She glanced at her guest before her gaze returned to the river. “No, of course not.”

  Krystal slipped out of her flip-flops and lowered next to Gracie.

  She peered at Krystal’s belly with a grin. “How’s the mamma to be feeling?”

  “Queasy.” Krystal slid her hand over her stomach. “I still can’t believe I’m forty and pregnant again. After three kids, I thought I was done birthin’ babies.”

  “It’s wonderful.” Gracie’s grin stretched across her face. “And Charlie is so happy.”

  Krystal chuckled. “I swear the man turns bright red every time someone brings up how I got this way. They rib him constantly at the nursery.”

  “I’m glad the two of you decided to run the place together.”

  “Me too, since he’s more familiar with the business end. The financial and employment factors are going to be challenges because the company wasn’t doing well economically, and I’ve got to replace all the employees who are sitting in jail because they worked for Vivian on the side.”

  “I have faith in you two.”

  There was a short pause.

  “Speaking of work, I heard from Quinn today. She sends you her best and said to tell you her butt’s healing nicely.”

  “Good. How does she like Florida?”

  “Loves it. She met a guy at the beach, and she’s crazy about him.” Krystal paused to roll her eyes. “A professional alligator wrestler.”

  Gracie giggled. “The heart wants what the heart wants.”

  Another peaceful quiet settled between the friends as they watched the lazy river flow past them.

  “How’s your heart?” Krystal finally asked.

  “Better.” Gracie swallowed hard. “I only wish I’d gotten closure. An honest goodbye.”

  Ethan’s mysterious departure four weeks ago left her riddled with questions. Becca explained as much as the law allowed the night of the bust, but she wondered where she’d fit in to all this.

  Krystal gazed at the water’s swirls for a long moment, deep in thought. “Would you take an honest hello?”

  “Huh?”

  A tiny grin played at her lips. “What would you do if Ethan showed up, right now?”

  Gracie couldn’t imagine where Krystal dreamed this up. The pregnancy must’ve affected her. “Won’t happen. He’s gone, and he’s not coming back. Even Becca said he can’t return.”

  “He cared for you. Maybe that’s enough to make him reappear.”

  “Doubtful.”

  “Could be he’s afraid you’ll reject him.”

  “If he were truly interested, he’d still do something to see me.”

  Krystal glanced toward the backyard and smiled. Gracie gradually turned to follow Krystal’s gaze. Her insides froze. Krystal slowly stood, offering a hand to Gracie. Gracie clutched onto her friend. Her legs morphed into rubber as she struggled to her feet.

  Krystal released Gracie and gave her a gentle push. “He’s waiting for you.” Krystal stepped around her and strolled the short distance over the dock. She waved before she headed around the house and disappeared.

  Gracie’s world remained suspended in the moment as she watched Ethan standing at the top of the pier. His gray eyes smoldered, his gaze attached to hers. Hands in his pockets, he slowly walked to where she waited. Her heart sped up with each step. He stopped in front of her.

  “Hello.”

  Gracie opened her mouth, but the words became trapped in her throat. She couldn’t believe he was here.

  “You’re not talking to me? Do you want me to leave?”

  “No.”

  His lips curved. “No, you’re not speaking to me or no, you don’t want me to go?”

  “I want you to stay. I haven’t decided if I’m talking to you yet.”

  He scrubbed a hand over his face. “Fair enough.”

  “I have questions.”

  “Of course you do. But if you won’t talk to me, you can’t ask them, can you?”

  “It’s been a month.”

  Ethan ducked his head. “I needed to tie up loose ends.”

  “Okay.” Gracie combed her fingers through her hair and cleared her throat. “So you and Reed are U.S. firearm agents for the American Tobacco and Firearms. Becca told us that much. What she didn’t explain, was your actual relationship with her.”

  “We used to be partners, Gracie. She recently became my boss. We still have a connection, but there isn’t nor was there ever anything romantic between us.

  What you witnessed the day of the funeral was just me comforting her. This was her first big case, and Mike’s death was a definite blemish on her record.” A corner of his mouth lifted. “You didn’t notice that double sized rock on her left hand? I couldn’t afford something like that on my salary.”

  She took a moment to digest the information. “You work on task forces undercover, right?”

  “We’re specifically assigned to anti-smuggling operations. In this case, our task was to capture gunrunners. Since most illegal arms traders go unnoticed, they’re hard to track down. Vivian was especially difficult to pin because she was so good at covering her tracks.”

  “How did you end up at the nursery?”

  “Mike suspected the plants were stolen for a specific reason and internal. He called in a private detective friend, and he made the discovery. Mike summoned the department. From the amount of product disappearing meant lots of weapons had to be going across the border. Agents were covertly put inside the plant farm.” He looked at her. “Gracie, this was big. Vivian had people shipping her weaponry from all over the country and filtered them through Mike’s place.”

  This news stunned Gracie. She’d known Vivian for years, and while she thought of her as odd, her amount of deviousness continued to shock.

  “We advised Mike not to tell anyone about this, unfortunately we were too late, he’d already confided in Mickey. He had no idea his son was involved.”

  “Did you know Vivian was in charge when you first came in?”

  “Not right away. After we arrived, we discovered Vivian’s link immediately, although we thought her a midd
leman and someone else ran the show, which is what she wanted everyone to believe. She created the illusion an individual above her called the shots. It was brilliant. She understood, correctly, the authorities wouldn’t be interested in a middleman. They’d want the people on top and take their time for the big capture.”

  “When did you discover she was the top dog?”

  “The night you and your little team was at the nursery. We come to believe she might be running the show, but had no proof. Then Reed and I surmised she may be arrogant enough to keep her records right in the open. Sure enough, Reed was able to break into her work computer and found she kept her logs and manifests in plain sight.”

  “You were involved in the actual smuggling?”

  “Yep. Reed and I are always a part of the whole shebang, documenting everything. Undercover means we participate.” Ethan smiled. “I can’t give you any details on infiltration or our duties. We don’t reveal our secrets.”

  “Did you tell Mike after you discovered Vivian’s activities?”

  “We went to our superiors, first. Although unusual, we explained the situation to Mike as a courtesy. But he wanted to confront Vivian and insisted we turn a blind eye to Mickey’s involvement. I tried to convince him to keep quiet or he might mess up our whole investigation, instead he did things his way. In the end, it cost him his life, and Mickey’s still going to prison.”

  “Did Vivian try to kill you and set you up for Mike’s death?”

  “No. Ortiz did that. He’d joined Vivian’s organization before me, and she counted on me instead of him. He even made an attempt on his own life to throw us off. He was jealous. We had a showdown at the nursery. After I took care of him, a couple of his besties turned up at my place—well you met them.”

  Ethan wet his lips, his eyes darted about before setting his gaze on Gracie. He looked her square in the eye. “Just so you know, finding you with Vivian was one of the scariest moments in my life.”

  “Frightening for me, too.” Gracie raised both shoulders in a careless shrug. “Sad she got away.”

  “I’m good at what I do. I don’t make errors or do stupid stuff to put myself in any more danger than possible, but I made a lot of mistakes on this assignment. My ass got reamed from the bigwigs.”