And he would hate Bethany for keeping him and his child apart. No matter what she did, no matter what happened, one thing was certain. She was going to lose Morgan again.
Bethany grabbed Morgan's hands and pulled him inside the small, wooden gazebo. Draping her arms around his neck, she pressed herself against him.
"I realize that we don't have a future together," she said. "I know that when this is all over, you're going to leave Birmingham. But I want you to know that—"
He laid his big index finger over her lips, silencing her. "I'm not so sure anymore what I'm going to do when this is all over. I'd like to promise you that we have a shot at living happily ever after, but I'm afraid I don't believe in fairy-tale endings."
"Neither do I. I haven't in a long, long time."
"Then all we can do is take things one day at a time and make the most of every moment."
"I love you, Morgan." She gazed into his steel-gray eyes and watched them warm and soften to a smoldering blue. "I've always loved you, and I always will."
Capturing her face in his big hands, he swooped down and took her lips in a kiss of pure raw passion. She responded with desire equally as strong and a need that brooked no obstacles to its fulfillment. While he ate at her mouth, his tongue probing, his teeth nibbling, Morgan cupped her buttocks, lifting her up and against his throbbing sex.
She clung to him when he eased her down to the floor of the gazebo, slowly, carefully, until she rested beneath him. Nuzzling her throat, he lifted her dress up to her hips and then linked his fingers inside the waistband of her panty hose and beige silk panties. After ripping the underwear down and off her body, he hurriedly unzipped his slacks and freed his sex from the confinement of his briefs. He told her in no uncertain terms what he was going to do to her, then thrust into her, possessing her completely.
He moaned a few more earthy, erotic phrases as he hammered into her, but he soon reached a point where he could no longer speak. Only the most primitive utterances rumbled from his throat. Bethany urged him on by her hot, sensual words and wild, undulating body.
They mated there in the tiny gazebo in the woods, under the stars. Mated with a raw, savage passion that possessed them both completely, to the very depths of their souls. And when fulfillment claimed them, first her and then him, their cries rent the soft sweet silence of the night, like a razor-sharp blade slicing through silk.
* * *
Chapter 15
« ^ »
Morgan hated crowds, especially when he was on an assignment and his client was the center of attention. He had tried to talk Bethany out of taking part in the fashion show at the mall, but she'd been adamant about not allowing outside forces to control her life. The pre-autumn fashion show was an annual event that she had participated in since opening her first boutique.
Even though he'd hired half a dozen security guards for crowd control—to keep out Jimmy Farraday fans—he would feel better if Hawk was here, too. But he thought it was important to keep Hawk on guard at the hospital. If Prescott's attacker could find a way to get inside the ICU, he'd kill Prescott before he had a chance to regain consciousness. And if WHNB's roving reporter came out of the coma, Morgan wanted Hawk on the scene when he started talking.
Linc Prescott had been swamped with visitors, most of whom weren't allowed to enter the intensive care unit. Morgan realized that just because all three suspects had stopped by to check on Prescott's condition, their actions neither confirmed nor disproved a damn thing. Hawk had told him that Vivian had cried and moaned and put on an Academy Award-winning performance of grief when she'd been allowed to see Prescott. And Tony had talked to his co-worker, assuring him that he'd pull through and the assailant would be caught and brought to justice. Seth Renfrew had not gone in to see Prescott, but had asked numerous questions about his condition.
The last model slunk down the runway, which had been set up in a central location, convenient for the five clothing stores that were participating in the event. The announcer finished her speech and invited the audience to attend the in-store parties, hosted by the five different establishments.
Gripping Bethany's elbow, Morgan cut a path through the swarm of reporters and curiosity seekers hovering around her. His formidable presence kept the vultures at bay, but it did not quiet the bombardment of questions.
He had breathed a sigh of relief when he'd noticed Tony Hayes hadn't put in an appearance today. But Seth had arrived with Eileen and James before the fashion show began two hours ago. And Vivian Crosby lurked about in the midst of the crowd. Several times, Morgan had caught her staring at Bethany. There was something about that woman, something strange in her eyes. Just at the thought of her, apprehension tightened inside his stomach.
Morgan ushered Bethany into the boutique where Eileen, Seth and James waited to congratulate Bethany on the success of the fashion show. Customers poured into the store, jabbering nonstop while they made a beeline to the refreshment tables.
Anne Marie hurried to her mother's side. "Great show, Mama. The clothes from Bethany's Boutique were by far the best of the bunch."
"Of course," Bethany said. "My fashions are always the hit of the show."
While mother and daughter chitchatted, Morgan scanned the horde of women milling around inside Bethany's Boutique, sipping champagne and nibbling on fancy hors d'oeuvres. He tensed immediately when he saw Vivian Crosby enter the store.
He stayed at Bethany's side, like a huge, protective shadow, while she accepted congratulations, answered questions and welcomed everyone. Vivian lifted a glass of champagne from the waiter's silver tray and browsed casually through the boutique. Seth escorted Eileen over to Bethany and the three discussed the fall fashions.
Keeping watch over the large assembly, Morgan frequently checked the entrance. Adrenaline soared through his body the minute he spotted Tony Hayes. Several ladies recognized him immediately and fluttered around him like moths around a flame.
Now, he had all three suspects inside Bethany's Boutique, each one a potential danger. But surely, no one in his right mind would chance an attack in public. Regardless, he didn't dare let his guard down for a minute.
Vivian approached Eileen. The two women exchanged a few words and a cordial hug, then Vivian glanced toward Bethany. Morgan's body tensed. He'd already seen this woman lose control. He suspected that Vivian Crosby was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Morgan took a mental picture of each suspect's whereabouts. Vivian and Seth were only a couple of feet away to the right, flanking Eileen. Tony Hayes was less than a foot away to the left, talking to James Farraday, Jr. Had Eileen told the boy that Hayes was his half brother? Or was Hayes filling him in on the news right now?
A young uniformed officer entered the boutique and searched through the crowd. He came straight to Morgan.
"Mr. Kane?" Officer Beldon asked.
"Yes."
"Lieutenant Varner instructed us to inform you that Linc Prescott has come out of the coma," the policeman said. "The lieutenant and your associate. Mr. Hawk, are waiting to see Mr. Prescott. The doctors are examining him and think he'll be able to make a statement within the hour."
Bethany squeezed Morgan's arm. "Oh, thank God, Linc is going to be all right. Now, if only he can identify his attacker, then maybe we'll find out who really killed Jimmy."
"Ms. Wyndham and I will leave shortly and go straight to the hospital," Morgan said.
"Yes, sir. Lieutenant Varner thought you'd want to be there when Mr. Prescott makes his statement. I've been sent to escort y'all straight to the hospital."
"I need just a few more minutes here," Bethany said.
"Then I'll wait outside—" the policeman nodded to the entrance of her shop "—until you and Mr. Kane are ready to leave."
When the young officer made his way through the crowd, Vivian left Eileen's side and walked over to Bethany, stopping directly in front of her. Holding out her hands in supplication, Vivian said, "Bethany, I—I want to apologiz
e for the way I acted yesterday. My only excuse is that I haven't been myself since Jimmy was killed and then poor Linc was found … nearly dead."
"I understand you've been upset since Jimmy's death." Bethany's voice was calm and sweet, but Morgan felt her take a cautious half step backward. "You should be happy knowing that Linc has come out of his coma."
Vivian grabbed Bethany's hand. "Thank you for being so forgiving. And thank God that Linc is going to live. If he can identify his attacker, then perhaps the police will reopen Jimmy's murder case. There's a chance you might go free, after all, isn't there?"
Bethany jerked her hand out of Vivian's grasp, but Vivian immediately manacled Bethany's wrist, then slipped her other hand into her jacket pocket and pulled out a knife.
"I can't let you live! Not after what you did to Jimmy!"
Gasping, Bethany's eyes widened in surprise. "No, Vivian. No!"
Oblivious to her surroundings, to the shocked cries from onlookers and to Morgan's quick movements, Vivian raised the shiny blade into the air, preparing to strike. Shoving Bethany behind him, Morgan stepped in front of her and reached for Vivian's arm just as she lunged with the knife. The sharp edge ripped through Morgan's jacket and shirt, nicking the skin beneath. He tore the knife from Vivian's hand and subdued her with a minimum of force.
She fought him like a wildcat, screaming curses at Bethany. "You killed Jimmy! I know you did! I don't care what Linc tells the police. You can't go unpunished!"
The young officer rushed back inside the boutique from his post at the entrance. He called his partner, who was waiting outside in the patrol car. Two of the security guards followed close behind him. The crowd closed in around Morgan and the screeching Vivian. Officer Beldon fought his way through the throng, hurrying toward Morgan.
"Ms. Crosby just tried to attack Ms. Wyndham," Morgan said.
Officer Beldon helped Morgan shackle Vivian with handcuffs, and then Morgan turned her over to the policeman. The security guards parted the crowd, allowing the officer to drag her, kicking and screaming, through the horde of startled onlookers.
Morgan made a quick survey of the boutique. Seth hadn't left Eileen's side. But Tony Hayes had disappeared.
Bethany noticed the bloodstain on Morgan's jacket. "You're hurt. Vivian stabbed you before you got the knife away from her."
"It's just a scratch, honey," he said.
"I don't believe you." Bethany tugged his jacket off his shoulder.
He allowed her to remove his jacket, but wished he hadn't when she cried out in alarm. He glanced at his nicked arm. Bright red blood trickled from the wound, turning the sleeve of his white shirt to scarlet.
"We need to get you to an emergency room," she said.
"I'm all right. I've cut myself worse shaving."
"Don't be so damn macho," Bethany said. "I have a first aid kit in the office." She led Morgan over to a velvet Victorian sofa, glared at the two women sitting there until they moved. "Sit down. I'll be right back."
Lifting his injured arm, he reached for her, then winced slightly when a sharp pain shot through him. "Dammit, Beth, come back here."
But she didn't heed his command. He jumped up off the sofa. James and Seth and Eileen rushed toward him, along with a dozen nosy patrons eager for the sight of blood. They inadvertently blocked his path.
"Hey, man, are you all right?" James asked. "That bitch was crazy, wasn't she?"
"Thank God you were here to protect Bethany," Eileen said. "I had no idea Vivian was unbalanced. She's been so dear and kind since Jimmy's death."
Morgan shoved his way through the bevy of concerned and curious. Scanning the room again, he couldn't find Anne Marie. And Tony Hayes was still missing.
"Where's Anne Marie?" Morgan asked, his voice one octave above a roar.
"She was here just a few minutes ago," Eileen said, then turned to Shelly Harris, who had taken over as manager of the Galleria boutique in Lisa Songer's absence. "You were talking to Anne Marie. Did you see where she went?"
"The last time I saw her, she was walking toward the office with Tony Hayes."
Morgan broke through the crowd, plowing a wide path as he ran toward Bethany's office.
* * *
She knew exactly where she kept the first aid kit. It would take only a minute to get it and return to clean and dress Morgan's wound. Bethany rushed into her office. She stopped so quickly that she reeled backward when she saw Tony Hayes holding a gun to Anne Marie's head.
"Come on in and close the door," Tony said.
"Mama!" Anne Marie's blue-gray eyes swam with tears.
"What are you doing? What do you want?" Bethany's instincts told her to rush forward, to attack, to remove her child from Tony's dangerous clutches. Common sense warned her to be careful.
"I want you and Anne Marie to come with me. Right now." Reaching behind him, Tony turned the doorknob, opening the door that led into the storage room. "We're going to go out the back way before anyone knows that we're gone."
"Morgan is right outside. If I don't return with the first aid kit, he's going to come rushing in here."
"That's why we're leaving. Now! Come on!" He backed out the door, dragging Anne Marie with him.
Bethany followed like an obedient puppy. She didn't dare take any chances with her child's life.
"Get that back door open," Tony told her. "Go on outside. We're right behind you. If you scream or try to alert anybody, I'll shoot her. And you don't want that, do you?"
"No, I don't want that." Bethany followed his instructions to the letter, fear gnawing away at her insides like a strong acid.
Once outside, Tony motioned for Bethany to move closer. When she did, he tightened his hold on Anne Marie, slipped his gun into his jacket pocket and stuck the hidden revolver in Anne Marie's ribs.
"Get my car keys out of my pocket and don't try anything," he warned Bethany. "When we get to my car, you're going to drive. Anne Marie and I will sit in the back seat."
* * *
Morgan Kane stormed into Bethany's office, calling her name. James followed closely behind him. Noticing the door leading to the storage area was open, Morgan drew his gun from the shoulder holster and dashed into the cluttered room. After quickly giving every inch of the place a visual examination, he closed his eyes momentarily and cursed himself. Why hadn't he gotten to Bethany's office quicker? Dammit, why hadn't she listened to him when he told her not to leave his side?
How long had it taken him to get away from Eileen and Seth and James and shove his way through the crowd? Three minutes? Four? But four minutes had obviously been enough time for someone to abduct Bethany.
Not Vivian Crosby. And not Seth Renfrew.
Tony Hayes! Had Tony panicked when he'd overheard Officer Beldon explaining that Linc Prescott had come out of the coma? Did Tony know that it was only a matter of time until Prescott identified him as his attacker?
Morgan jerked open the outside door. He spotted Bethany running alongside Tony Hayes, who held Anne Marie close to his side. Dear God in heaven, Hayes had them both. Bethany and her daughter!
"Get the police," Morgan yelled to James. "Tony Hayes has Bethany and Anne Marie!"
Aiming his Sig, Morgan pulled off a warning shot. Anne Marie screamed. Bethany stopped dead in her tracks. Tony Hayes jerked Anne Marie behind the nearest vehicle and motioned for Bethany to come to him.
Morgan ran out into the parking lot, his long stride rapidly spanning the distance between him and his objective. Tony Hayes pivoted quickly when Morgan was only a few yards away. Clutching Anne Marie in front of him, he jerked the gun out of his pocket and placed it against her temple.
"Don't come any closer, Kane, or I'll blow her head off!" Tony said. "Bethany is driving the three of us out of here, and if I see one cop following us, neither of them will come out of this alive. Do I make myself clear?"
"Perfectly," Morgan shouted.
Tony glanced at Bethany. "My car's right over there." He nodded to the left. "Go
open the doors and get behind the wheel. Once Anne Marie and I get in the back seat, you take off, straight down 459."
Bethany looked at her child. All color had drained from Anne Marie's face. She trembled from head to toe.
"Don't hurt her," Bethany said. "If you do, I'll find a way to kill you."
"Go get in the damn car!"
Bethany did as she was instructed, praying that Morgan could save them. Right now, he was probably blaming himself for what had happened. But it wasn't his fault. No one could have foreseen the events that enabled Tony to abduct Anne Marie or instigate her own flight from Morgan's protection.
For every backward step Tony made, with Anne Marie in tow, Morgan moved forward slowly. He was close enough now to put a bullet in the man's head, but maybe not before Tony squeezed the trigger on his own gun and ended Anne Marie's life.
A young couple drove into the parking space behind Morgan. Damn, that's all he needed. Innocent bystanders.
Bethany unlocked Tony's classic GTO, got in and started the engine. Tony made his way to the car, hauling Anne Marie with him. He shoved her into the back seat, aiming the gun at her the whole time. Once he was settled, he reached out and snatched the long scarf from around Bethany's neck. She gasped.
"Get going! And don't slow down for anything. You and sweet little Anne Marie are my ticket to freedom."
Bethany glanced over her shoulder. "What are you going to do with my scarf?"
"I said start driving!"
Bethany shifted from Park to Drive and pulled out of the parking space. Glancing in her rearview minor, she saw Tony tying Anne Marie's hands behind her back.
The young couple who had parked behind Morgan got out of their Ford Mustang, both of them laughing and totally oblivious to the drama being enacted around them.
Morgan turned to them, brandishing the big Sig in his hand. The woman screamed and held up her hands in surrender.
A MAN LIKE MORGAN KANE Page 24
