Distant Obsession
Page 17
Lilah hesitated then offered an answer. “I think I know, Reece.”
“Really?”
“Yes. The woman that was killed in bed with Ben that night this all started; she was Pierce’s secretary. Ashley told me when she came down to visit, the affair had been going on for a while.”
“So?”
“Ash also stated the woman was bragging to her girlfriends about going to work in my husband’s office at the senate. I bet she gave that drive to Ben as payment for a lucrative government job. Somehow, Pierce found out, and that’s why they were both murdered.”
“Makes sense. Probably that phone call you overheard the night you flew to Chicago for the art show was the Senator trying to blackmail Ackland. Given his background, I’d say that was a big mistake on your husband’s part.”
“But the two of them worked together, why would he do that to a friend?”
Reece snickered. “Lilah, these piss pots have no friends. They’ll screw you just to make another buck. The greenback beast is their lord and master. No, your husband got caught at his own game.” He removed the thumb drive and shook it in the air like a magic wand. “And this, my love, is the bullet that will take down Ackland, and likely others in the company.”
“Good.” Her enthusiasm was almost contagious. “How do we do it?”
“Oh, I do adore a feisty woman, but in this case, Angel, we’ll just place the ammunition in the gun. Someone else will pull the trigger.”
“Who?”
“My friend, Charlie, at the Defense Contracting and Auditing Agency. He’s got the connections into the Justice Department. When I fly up there next week, I’ll give him the drive and ask that he keep us apprised of the case. They’ll probably run a sting operation to catch the bastard red handed.”
“What do you mean?”
“This data unit simply provides motivation for the crime; as of yet it doesn’t implicate Ackland to the deed. Don’t worry; the investigation units are clever. They’ll bait the asshole and lure him in like a pigfish.”
“Why the smile?”
“I love when a mystery comes together.”
She grinned back. “Maybe you should have been a private detective.”
“Maybe you’re right.”
Lilah worked her fingers alone the inside of his leg. “I know how to make that smile turn broader, if you’re up to it.”
He took her by the hand. “Always with you, my love. Now where’s that damn bedroom?”
Lilah stood and tugged him into the hallway. “Maybe we should just do it here on the floor; give the neighbors a real thrill.”
He canvassed the large bay window exposing their every move to the entire cove. “Nope, more likely they’d have us arrested.” He slapped her playfully on the butt, and she pranced down the hallway with her lover close behind.
Epilogue
Perched atop her deck, Lilah reached out with all her senses and sampled the wonder of her new life tucked within the Cherokee Valley. Everything was different, because of one central element; Reece. No longer would she exist in a hollow shell, walk among the frigid spirits of a corrupt city, with its crowded friendless streets. The nights in a cold bed, with no lover to provide warmth and pleasure, words to sooth her sorrows, or praise the simple things; those painful memories were gone.
Like the mist rising above the lake beyond Lunar cove, burned off by the brilliant rays of sunlight cresting the ridgeline; Reece had vanquished the vapors haunting her thoughts. Through the bay window, inside what once was a self-induced cave of solitude, her white knight poured two mugs of coffee. His handsome bold features, fearless attitude, and unwavering support had driven the beasts from her nightmares.
Because of you my love, because of you.
A masculine arm descended from above, deposited her beverage on the table, then graced her shoulder with a powerful, yet gentle, carcass of five strong fingers. “Here you go. Added a cinnamon stick to your cup.” Reece chuckled. “Sweets for the sweet.”
“You’re such a card.” Lilah sipped from the steaming brew. “Hmmm. You can make my coffee anytime.”
Reece removed his sweatshirt and draped it across her back, as if he’d read her mind. Lilah absorbed the residual heat from the man she adored and grasped the hand massaging her neck. “God that feels good. Careful, don’t want to spoil your new wife.” The last word floated between them, and without further exchange, they shared a lover’s gaze, until Reece recanted their vows at the altar last week. “Always and forever; body, mind, spirit and soul.”
Like the first moment her new husband sited his commitment; the perfect phrase from the perfect man dipped down into her psyche, touched her essence, strengthened her resolve, and assured their eternal bond.
“I love you so damn much, my husband.”
Reece chuckled. “Good to know. Wait till tonight. You’ll love me even more.”
She pinched his thigh playfully. “That’s not possible.”
“Okay, then you’ll appreciate me more as your stud master. I’ve got something in mind that’s going to… Well, let’s not spoil the suspense.”
A spark fired through her lower torso and Lilah recalled the nights of physical wonder since their first coupling. “God in heaven, how do you do it?”
“What?”
With four fingernails, Lilah caressed his distinguished profile; his temple, his cheek, his lips. “Every moment we’re together, every touch of our flesh, you push me higher. I’ve never felt so content, so…complete.”
Reece stroked the lobe of her ear. “Then why the hint of concern at the edge of your smile?”
Lilah redirected her focus to the Jenny May parked along her dock.
He answered for her. “It’s Ashley, isn’t it?”
Lilah resisted the cloud trying to quench her spirit, but his stare would not cease. “Yes.”
“Come here, love.” With gentle determination, Reece lifted Lilah from her seat, carried her to the rocker chair, settled her across his lap, and enveloped his wife with both arms. “It’s impossible to promise absolutes in our uncertain world, yet with every thought, ever nerve in my body, I’m certain, your sister will be returned to us.”
“But how do you know that, Reese, how?”
“I’m not being ethereal or unearthly, but I’m convinced He wouldn’t bring us out of our combined pit of loneliness only to toss us back into some other emotional abyss. We’re together for a reason Lilah, and I know in my heart Ashley will be part of what we are. It’s hard, I know, but please, trust me on this.”
“I do my love, I do.”
As if on cue, the phone in his pocket rang. “Yes. Hello, Sheriff. She is? When? Where? Fantastic. I appreciate that.” Reece terminated the call.
Her skin flushed in anticipation. “It’s Ashley, isn’t it?”
He kissed her forehead then each eyelid. “A young woman matching her description has been located in a small hospital thirty miles south.”
“Is she…is she alive?”
He gave a gentle nod. “She had a fall, was in a coma for seventy-two hours, but came out of it several days ago.”
“Then why didn’t she call? I don’t understand.”
“Short term loss of memory. Sheriff told me the doctor implied such conditions were common in this type of trauma, but in most cases, it’s only temporary.”
“Did he say how long?”
“No need. She was calling for you in her sleep last night. That’s how they identified it was Ashley.”
Her body trembled with both relief and trepidation seconds before tears flooded her cheeks.
“Shhhh. It’s all right, Lilah. Your sister is fine. I told you, He brought us together for a reason, and it wasn’t to share sorrow, only good things.”
Lilah whimpered and wept like a child, till he pulled her closer. For an eternity, they didn’t talk; simply rocked back and forth. With each stroke of her back, touch of her face; all the tension, the fear, the sadness melted away into th
e warmth of his chest. The moisture dried, the sniffling ceased, and her breathing settled, until Reece finally inquired, “Ready to visit your sister?”
Lilah lifted her gaze to the soothing affection displayed in his visage. The blue sparkle in both eyes captured her heart. “I love you, Reece.”
“I know angel, I know.” One last squeeze and a soft carcass from his lips. “Now let’s go get my new sister-in-law.”
The End
Other 5 star reviewed novels by Michael Davis (excerpts at Davisstories.com)
SHADOW OF GUILT - “I couldn't put this book down and give it 5 stars.” Webb Weaver Reviews
BLIND CONSENT - “A riveting thriller that will hold you captive start to finish!” We Write Romance
VEIL OF DECEPTION - "Full of hidden twists and turns that keep you going OMG!” Love Romance
WHISPERS OF INNOCENCE - “The opening scenes suck you in and never let you go.” Night Owl Romance
Other 5 star reviewed novels by Ciara Gold (excerpts at www.ciaragold.com)
CELESTIAL DRAGON – “Celestial Dragonis a compelling read that carries the reader into a magical world that this reader could envisage and feel.” Fallen Angel Reviews
A NOBLE SACRIFICE – 2008 Eppie Winner; “This book was a real pleasure to read." Nightowl Reviews
ELIZA’S COPPER PENNY – “This was a wonderful novel filled with twists and turns that offered excitement and romance.” Long and Short Reviews
THE KEEPER OF MOON HAVEN – “A refreshing paranormal romance that reads like a perfectly blended historical, suspense, and fantasy fairy tale, KEEPER OF MOON HAVEN will easily appeal to lovers of all genres.” Romance Junkies
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