by Chloe Lang
“Will do.” Shane got on one side of Cindy, placing his arm around her waist to support her. He didn’t buy her story. Not one damn bit. He tightened his hold, just in case she tried to make a move. “Belle, you stay here until we get back.” He didn’t want her around Kip’s sister until they had her secure.
“Not happening, cowboy.” Belle’s fire was something he liked, liked very much. But he couldn’t let his desires for her get in the way of what he had to do. Not now. Not this close to someone who was connected to Kip Lunceford, the Agency’s Most Wanted. He needed to remain focused.
Corey moved to the other side of the woman. “I’ll be right here, Miss Trollinger, to back up Shane. We won’t let you fall.”
“Please, call me Cindy.”
Lucy held the door for them. “I’ll box up your leftovers and put them in the fridge.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Belle said.
“But I will.”
They walked Kip’s sister out of Lucy’s Burgers. Doc and Belle followed behind.
Cindy looked at him straight in the eyes. “I really can walk on my own.”
“I’m certain you can, but the Doc asked me to help you. That’s exactly what I am going to do.”
Whatever evil you and Kip have cooked up, I’m not going to let you get away with it.
If her story turned out to be true and she was innocent, he still would prepare himself for the worst. Like it or not, she had a connection to Lunceford. She was either working with him or in danger of him. Whichever it was, the team would need to keep her under guard.
“This is a lovely town.” Her words infuriated him.
Destiny was his home. “Just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”
She nodded.
He recalled how he’d learned about Cindy Trollinger.
Still trying to track down Lunceford, Easton Black, the leader of Shannon’s Elite, had told the entire team about Miss Trollinger. The existence of Lunceford’s sister had been unknown until recently, when a data mining exercise back at Langley had uncovered several Internet searches by the woman looking for Kip. Digging deeper, they discovered records of Trollinger’s adoption. Apparently, Kip’s father had cheated on his wife, producing a child several years younger than her half brother.
As they crossed South Street to the corner of the park where one of the four dragon statues sat, Cindy smiled. “Thank you for helping me.”
“What’s the last thing you remember?” he asked her.
“I was driving to Destiny. I stopped in Twin Falls, Idaho to stretch my legs and get a drink. Then I woke up here.”
He glanced over at Corey, who was clearly having as difficult a time believing Cindy’s story as he was. The rest of the trek to the courthouse was done in silence.
Being undercover in a federal prison for three years had taught Shane to trust his instincts before anything else, and his instincts right now didn’t trust a fucking thing that was coming out of the woman’s mouth.
Just as they’d discovered Cindy’s existence, she’d gone missing. For a week. The only reason they knew she had been headed to Destiny was because of the traces the team had placed on her phone and e-mail accounts the very first day.
They entered the room that Paris had gotten ready for Miss Trollinger. It had the latest and greatest medical equipment, thanks to the very generous donations of the local billionaire families in town.
Paris helped Cindy to the bed. “We’ve got it from here, Shane. You and Corey wait outside until we get her settled in.”
“Belle is coming with us.” Corey wasn’t giving any room for argument.
“I’m a nurse. Paris might be glad to have my help.”
Shane put his arm around her shoulder, unwilling to leave her alone with Trollinger. “Who said our date was over?”
Paris smiled. “Go out in the hallway with them, Belle.”
Doc nodded, checking Cindy’s vitals again. “We’ve got it covered now.”
Belle shrugged. “Okay.”
Shane felt his shoulders relax some, but only some.
He, Belle, and Corey went into the hallway.
Belle’s eyelids narrowed, hiding much of her mesmerizing green orbs. “What’s with you two?”
Taking time to appreciate how gorgeous she was didn’t fit the current situation. But even though his guard was up, he did let his gaze linger on her for a little longer than he should have. God, she was something to behold. The whole package. Flaxen hair, soft to the touch. She had the body of a real woman, curves and all. He and Corey knew she had never been to Phase Four and that she had never been in the life. It didn’t matter to him or his brother. First, they needed to make her their own. Later, they could introduce her to the life.
He looked her straight in the eyes. “What do you mean?”
“Fine. Don’t tell me. I just don’t understand why you were being so…so rude to Cindy.”
“How were we rude?” Corey asked. “We helped her get here from Lucy’s, didn’t we?”
“Yes, but the look on both your faces was unmistakable to me. You don’t care for her. Just because she’s related to Lunceford doesn’t mean she’s like him.”
“It also doesn’t mean she isn’t, Belle.” Shane still found it hard to believe that Kip’s sister was actually on the run from him. He would need more than just the woman’s word to be convinced otherwise, and so would the rest of Shannon’s Elite.
Corey leaned against the now closed door to Cindy’s room. “She’s been on the team’s list for some time. We believe she could be the key to finding Kip.”
Hearing Corey open up so freely with Belle about Agency business was strange to Shane, though Black’s new team wasn’t covert like he’d been.
“I don’t trust her.” Shane fired off a text on his ROC, the encrypted Agency device, to the rest of the team. They would all want to know about Trollinger.
Belle shook her head. “Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?”
“That’s in court, sweetheart. The Agency rarely has to deal with the justice system.”
Her green eyes locked in on him. “I can only imagine.”
He needed to get her away from here, away from Trollinger. “Shouldn’t you be headed to the hotel to bake? I’ll be happy to take you.”
“Going to be quite the event,” Corey added, clearly on the same page about hoping to get Belle to leave.
“Like I said, you two are acting so weird. No. I’m staying. The baking party will have to start without me.”
Paris opened the door. “You may come in now.”
They walked into the room. He made certain to remain next to Belle and to keep his hand within a fraction of an inch from his Glock. He immediately noticed something that added to his misgivings. “Doc, no IV? I thought she was dehydrated.”
“A little, but nothing to worry about. I think she fainted because of stress more than anything else, but I want to keep her here under observation for the night.”
“Is your patient up for some questions?” Corey asked.
Doc nodded. He, too, knew the risk of her being in Destiny and also being Kip’s only living flesh and blood. “But it’s up to her whether to answer you or not.”
“I’m happy to answer any questions you have for me.”
“You were contacted by a friend of mine, Miss Trollinger. Mr. Black. Do you remember him?”
“Yes. I do. He’s with the government, right?”
“He is.” Shane continued studying Cindy’s demeanor, looking for any clue she might be lying, but so far he hadn’t discovered any.
Black had sent agents to her home in Idaho, but had found the place empty. When they’d checked with her boss about her whereabouts, he told them she’d resigned, saying she had personal issues she wanted to work through. She’d only been at the job for a few weeks. Very suspicious. “I’m sure you have a ton of questions for Mr. Black about your brother.”
“I do.” She sighed. “I
read everything I could about Kip on the Internet. I guess you all know what kind of things he’s done, don’t you?”
“Yes, we do.” Corey rubbed his chin, a sure sign that he was still on the fence about whether to believe the woman’s story or not. “What brings you to Destiny, Miss Trollinger?”
“I’m not my brother, you understand. I’ve read so much about him.” Her hands began to tremble. “You can imagine how shocked and horrified I was. Sharing his blood sickens me.”
“That still doesn’t answer the question, Miss Trollinger.” Shane remembered the e-mail the team had discovered that Cindy had sent to her cleaning lady. Trollinger had told the woman she was headed to Destiny. “Just why are you here? Who are you looking for? Your brother? He isn’t here. Perhaps you could shed some light on his whereabouts.”
“I can’t. I have no idea where Kip is, but I’m here because he has been sending me messages, saying he wants to meet me. I’m terrified, of course. I didn’t know where to turn.” Cindy’s eyes welled up. “I came to Destiny to find Mr. Black. He is here, isn’t he? That’s what his message said.”
Belle nodded. “Yes, he lives in Destiny now.”
“But he’s away,” Corey informed. “He’ll be back tonight.”
“Please. I need to talk to him. I need his help. Kip is a monster. We have to find him. We have to stop him.”
Shane pulled Belle in tighter. “Why should we believe you, Miss Trollinger? Why would a sister turn on her brother?”
“I never knew I had a brother. I don’t know him. I don’t want to know him. He’s a killer.” The woman wiped her eyes. “He’s a monster. Please. I need your help.”
Still no sign of deceit. She was either telling the truth or an incredible actress.
Do I trust my gut on this?
* * * *
“What kind of help, Miss Trollinger, do you want from us?” Looking down at Kip’s sister, Corey wondered how much truth the woman was telling them.
“Check my purse. I received a letter from Kip. He knows about me and that scares me to death. Belle, would you mind getting it out and reading it for everyone?”
“Sure thing.”
She nodded and started to step forward, but he blocked her. “I’ll get it for you.”
Even though Cindy was in a hospital bed, he didn’t want Belle any closer to her than she was.
He grabbed the purse from the side table where it had been placed and handed it to Belle.
She reached in and pulled out an envelope. “Are you sure you want me to read it, Cindy?”
“Yes, Belle. I trust you. Mr. Black, Shane, and Corey are my only hope.”
Before Belle could begin reading the letter, Jason Wolfe, the sheriff of Destiny, and Dylan Strange, who never was without his sunglasses, walked into the room. They were two other members of Shannon’s Elite.
“Shane, I got your text and brought Dylan with me.” Jason walked over to the bed. “Miss Trollinger, I have a few questions for you.”
“Hold on, Sheriff.” Belle’s traits of protectiveness, caring, and kindness were in full force for Cindy.
Corey wasn’t sure they were warranted now. He and Shane had witnessed Belle’s wonderful motherly instincts firsthand with all the orphans that were already at the Boys Ranch, but especially with Juan.
God, she was the perfect woman for him and Shane, but the timing wasn’t right for a serious relationship.
Shane was obviously moving too fast. He’d only just gotten released from prison. Even though Corey could see them eventually going forward with her to see where it might lead, he knew they needed to keep it casual for now. Belle had made it clear that’s what she wanted, too. In another year or so, maybe then he and Shane could get more serious with her, but not before.
“Belle, I only want to talk to Miss Trollinger,” Jason said. “She might have some information that would help us find her brother. That’s all.”
“She’s already been answering a ton of questions, Sheriff. I’m about to read a letter she got from her brother that she wants us all to hear.”
“Read on,” Dylan said.
Belle nodded and began reading.
Dear Cynthia,
Let me introduce myself. I am your brother.
I know that may come as a shock to you, but I am. Knowing my bastard father gave you up for adoption is something I can’t even get my head around.
I have no family. You’re the only one left. I ask you to keep this letter secret because there are people looking for me. Yes, I’ve done some terrible things in my life. If you do a Google search, you’ll see tons of write-ups about me—some true, most exaggerated.
I’m sorry for all the wrongs I’ve done, but believe me, I’m a changed person now.
To prove my intentions are pure, I’ve left a present for you. Enclosed is a key to a mailbox at a UPS location in Seattle. Your gift is inside. I wish I could’ve brought it to you or gotten it closer to your home, but things are a little difficult at the moment for me.
I’ve also attached the directions to the store and number of the box.
I want to meet you. When the time is right, I will come to you.
Looking forward to meeting you in person.
Love,
Your brother,
Kip
Cindy looked visibly shaken. “So you see why I came to see Mr. Black. I’m terrified Kip will find me.”
Corey knew the woman’s letter might just be the lead the team needed to capture Kip. Was the bastard really in Seattle?
Chapter Three
Belle sipped her wine, taking a break from peeling apples. Her hand was beginning to ache. Thank God, she had a team of helpers that had been assigned by the two women who were in charge of the event. The matriarchs of the town, both in their eighties, were the sweetest women she’d ever known.
Gretchen Hollingsworth, being a miracle worker in the kitchen, was the lead today. Ethel O’Leary, known for throwing the best parties, would be in charge tomorrow of the Thanksgiving meal.
Gretchen, carrying a clipboard, came over to her station. “Are these dear girls doing a good job for you, Belle?”
She nodded, looking at the three young women that had been recruited from Destiny High. “They are doing a wonderful job. They are the best apple peelers in the county and deserve a blue ribbon.”
The girls smiled broadly.
“That’s great. How are you doing on time?”
“We’re about done peeling the apples. I’ll start them on making the crusts next.”
Gretchen looked down at her notes. “Your pies are scheduled for ovens three and four at five sharp.”
“We’ll be ready, won’t we, girls?”
“Yes,” the trio said in unison.
Gretchen smiled and went to the next station, where the pumpkin pies were being made. Betty Anderson and her daughter Kaylyn were in charge of more high school girls who were helping.
“Girls, I’m going to stretch my legs. You finish up and come get me when you’re done.”
“We will, Miss White.” Rylie Gold was a senior at the high school and the daughter of Zac Gold. She was quite a beauty and quite charming. Mr. Gold was a single parent who was clearly doing a wonderful job with Rylie.
Belle grabbed her wine and walked around the Dream Hotel’s kitchen.
At the chocolate cake station, Jena Dixon-MacCabe and her mom were surrounded by a group of students, including Jena’s five-year-old daughter, Kimmie.
At other stations around the kitchen were women who had become friends to Belle. Jennifer Steele, owner of Steele Ranch, and Phoebe Blue, fiancée to the Wolfe brothers and sister to Shane and Corey, were in charge of the brownies. Megan Knight, Nicole Coleman, and Erica Strange were tackling Belle’s least favorite dessert. Minced Meat Pie. Yuck.
You should’ve been here by now, Amber. Where are you?
Belle was anxious to talk to her sister about what had happened with Shane and Corey. It was clear that things were
moving to something more serious than she wanted.
Amber and two of her three husbands were busy with the plans for the official opening of the Boys Ranch, which was a week before Christmas. More orphan boys would be arriving then, and the dorms had to be completed. Juan was so excited.
My sweet Juan.
He and the other boys were on another dragon hunting quest with Cody Stone, Amber’s most playful spouse. Belle loved all the boys, but especially Juan. He’d been with her the longest. In Chicago, Amber had brought him to her after discovering a drug dealer was using him.
Covered in flour, Paris walked up to her. “You look like something is on your mind. Everything okay?”
Belle loved all the women in Destiny, but especially Paris, whom she’d grown extremely close to. “All good. About to get the girls on making crusts. How’s it going with you?”
“I’m not that good in the kitchen, but thankfully, I’m not the only woman helping the girls at the cookie station. But I wasn’t talking about the baking. You’re wondering about Kip’s sister and if her story is true, aren’t you?”
“You sound like Shane and Corey. Why shouldn’t we believe her?”
“Because she’s Kip’s sister, that’s why. You and I both know—hell, the whole town knows—what kind of man he is. That letter you read doesn’t make any sense to me. Who writes letters today? No one, and definitely not someone like Kip, who is a genius when it comes to computers. Why wouldn’t he have sent her an e-mail or text message?”
“I did think that was strange, but that still doesn’t mean Cindy is lying. She seems so sweet. Didn’t you notice how shaken she was after I read the letter?”
Paris smiled. “You might be a stickler about rules and tough on the outside, Belle, but you have a very soft heart. You want to believe the best about everyone.”
“Why not? Most people are good inside. That’s what I believe.”
“Just be on your guard in case you’re wrong, okay?” Paris pointed behind her. “Your sister just arrived.”
She turned around and saw Amber being greeted by several women.
