by DiAnn Mills
“But you’re the one who’s pregnant,” Kariss said.
“Daddy moved my household things to one of their storage buildings. All I have are personal belongings — my clothes, books, baby things.”
“I’m right here.” Their dad came through the door with a box. “I thought when I retired that my backbreaking days were over.”
Vicki swung around from the steps leading to the second level. “Daddy, you love doing things for your girls.”
“Tell my aching body that tomorrow. I suppose this box goes upstairs?”
Vicki giggled, and it felt so good to hear the familiar ring. “All of it goes up here.”
Kariss gave his whiskered cheek a kiss. “Thanks for helping.”
“Both of you are worthless. Hope you’re steering clear of bicycles.”
How awful that she’d had to lie to Vicki and her dad. “It’s healing nicely.”
“Single women need a man looking after them. Both of you should move home.”
Vicki returned from the second floor. Her ultra-thin body had a bit of a pooch. “Oh, you’d love it if we all came back and brought the grandkids.”
He laughed. “Until it came time to buy groceries.” He studied her. “Sweet girl, you’re getting a tummy on you.”
Vicki patted it. “Yep, and it’s going to get a lot bigger.”
“What are we going to call her?” he said.
“Haven’t a clue. May have to see her first.”
“She’ll be beautiful like her mama.” His stomach growled loudly.
“We’ll do a grand lunch today.” Kariss took a small box from her dad. “All the chicken-fried steak and fixin’s that you can eat.”
“Love those artery-hardening foods,” Dad said. “Do they have blackberry cobbler?”
“Desserts are their specialties — chocolate pecan pie, lemon meringue pie, red velvet cake, apple dumplings. You name it.” Kariss followed him up the stairs. “What’s Mom doing?”
“Volunteering at the church library. She loves those books. I think some kind of book club for kids is going on, so she’s putting together certificates and treats for them.”
“I thought she was going to slow down, like you. Do more gardening.”
“Ah, slowing down means giving up. We’ll both work hard till the day we die. Rest in heaven. Mama can plant flowers for Jesus, and I’ll work on building another ark.”
Kariss ducked into the room designated to be the nursery before Dad got wound up on a sermon. She’d forgotten to pray for Jo-Jack, and he died. But she had been praying for Xavier in hopes he found his child. She rubbed her lower back. Odd thing about faith … After the day-care fire, she’d tossed it like a rotten tomato. Claimed she didn’t have any until she got into a desperate situation. Lately she’d been in far too many of those.
She had her 9mm, and she could hold that in her hands. Protect herself from those who wanted her out of the way. Kariss shivered. Why think about such things now? Tigo and Ryan were working on bringing the bad guys in. The Arroyos might be fearless, but they were no match for the FBI. She didn’t really have to worry. Another day or so and it would all be over.
Late afternoon, Kariss and Vicki were finally alone and seated in the living room. Vicki’s eyelids drooped.
“Why don’t you and my niece take a nap?”
Vicki closed her eyes. “Not yet. I have all weekend to rest up. At least my clothes are in the closet and drawers. What’s left can wait until tomorrow.”
“I’ll help.”
“I don’t want to dip into your writing time.”
Kariss laughed. “Fat chance of that.”
“Why?”
The truth needed to be said. “I don’t have an agent or an editor.”
Vicki startled. “What happened?”
“Meredith and I parted ways because of my switch to suspense. No one’s interested in taking me on.”
“What does that mean for your career?”
Kariss shrugged. “I either win or lose. If I don’t have a publishing house interested in this book by the time it’s finished, then I’ll self-publish. Maybe go back to writing women’s fiction.”
“What do you really want to do?”
“My heart isn’t in those books anymore.” Her determination rose with her words. “I want to write fiction with lots of action and high stakes. Give my hero and heroine a time limit to solve a crime then squeeze it.” She caught herself. “Guess I got carried away.”
“We all know you’re a gifted writer. This whole family is behind you.”
She sighed. “Thanks. Wish I could convince an agent or editor.”
“Give it time. Are you considering going back into TV work?”
“Nope, sis. The competition is more than I can handle.”
“Isn’t this the weekend for the Gulf Coast Writers Conference?”
“It is. Remember, I didn’t plan to go because of the research.”
“But you could have met with agents and editors.”
“Maybe next year. This is what I’m supposed to do now.”
“Then I’ll simply pray for you.”
Kariss shook her head. “Mom and Dad must have gotten to you.”
“God did. I’ve made too many mistakes, and He’s given me a chance to start over. I want to raise my little girl like we were raised.”
“And have her resent you?”
“Do you resent Mom and Dad’s faith or respect it?”
Kariss didn’t have an answer.
******************
CHAPTER 41
Friday afternoon Tigo studied the squad board. Everything was slipping into place. A sense of satisfaction swept in for a moment, along with an adrenaline rush.
“We have proof that Hershey’s still building vehicle units,” Ryan said.
Tigo turned from the squad board. “A true craftsman.”
“What do you think we should do? He’s arranged for us to meet Cheeky.”
“He did, and we’re grateful. Still, he hasn’t given up his side job.” Tigo nodded. “Shall we take a ride? Talk about our next move?”
“And we need to pick up our disguises.”
“Right. I’ll phone Kyowski. Make sure he’s there.”
Ryan shoved his hands into his pockets. “Love this part of what we do. Taking on a disguise is like being a kid at Halloween.”
“As long as we don’t get ourselves killed.”
“Spoilsport. I’m thinking more like trick and treat.”
“What do your kids say about you?”
“The same as my wife — hard to get me to grow up.”
“That’s what keeps us alive and creative. Hey, I need to cash a check at the credit union for Hershey.”
They changed into jeans and T-shirts before leaving the office. Tigo drove his new bomb, a twenty-five-year-old Ford. He exited the FBI office onto the feeder road, then sped onto the highway.
“I have a few ideas about Hershey,” Ryan sad. “But I want to hear yours first.”
“I’m still in problem-solving mode,” Tigo said. “Bring it on.”
“Idea number one: we could turn around and head back to the office. Ride out what he’s doing until this is over.”
“I agree. We need to keep him happy until we arrest Cheeky.”
“Your turn.”
Tigo chuckled. “We’ve used his daughter as leverage, and he’s been good to us. Let’s thank him and play dumb about his side business. I’d like to find out if this is his season to wear a wire. I even visited the tech squad and brought one.”
“And if he refuses?”
“Show the pics of him building and installing a unit.”
“Tigo, he could pull the plug from our meeting with Cheeky.”
“Not if we assure him his daughter has been fully exonerated from the drug theft and an arrest has been made.” He glanced at Ryan. “The arrest was in Sunday’s paper and in the news.”
“Ever get the feeling that God is guidi
ng us through this case?”
“Not really.” Tigo understood his partner was a strong believer, like Linc. But Tigo’s beliefs about God were based on a deity that created the world, then sat back in his easy chair to see how it all played out. Praying or depending on anything but himself made no sense.
“I think He is.”
“Why? God gave us a mind to figure out things. That’s what we’re doing.”
“You solve this case your way, and I’ll continue to pray for direction.”
“Oh, I caught the sarcasm.”
Ryan threw a glance at him. “Didn’t mean to come off that way.”
“I know. I’m a little touchy about the God thing … and dealing with my mother’s declining health.”
“Is she a believer?”
“The most devoted Christian on the planet. But look at her now.”
“Tigo, we all have a purpose. You and I have ours. Your mother has hers. You told me she kept you from turning into a bad guy.”
When Ryan didn’t add anything more to his statement, Tigo repeated the words in his mind. “What else?”
“Nothing. Just think about it.”
Ryan and his faith were confusing at best, and right now wasn’t the best time for Tigo to get irritated about a subject that meant nothing to him.
At Hershey’s shop, Tigo and Ryan went through the routine of keeping an eye on those standing outside and waiting for Hershey to unlock the door. He had a customer, a black woman with short, tight shorts who was having a problem choosing what kind of firearm to fit her purse. The situation reminded him of Kariss.
Once the woman paid for her weapon, Tigo made his way to Hershey with a box of fifty bullets for his 7mm Remington Magnum.
“What’s up? Why are you here?” He blew out a sigh. “You know I’m watched.”
“Just wanted to thank you for a good job and pick up a box of ammo.” He set the box on the counter.
“I’ll know tonight or tomorrow. Looks like things are almost in place for the buy. That’s fifty-seven dollars.”
Tigo pointed to the box. “It says seventy-five.”
Hershey frowned. “Yeah. Seventy-five. I’ll text after the meeting.”
“Good,” Tigo said. “Did you see an arrest was made in the drug theft?”
“I did. Appreciate it. Though we already knew my daughter had nothin’ to do with it.”
“We have another request.”
Hershey eyed him. “What?”
“Wear a wire.”
“The answer’s no.”
Tigo gave him a half smile. “More money in it.”
“How much?”
“Another five grand.”
Hershey hesitated, then cursed. “Okay. But not my phone. That’s the first thing Cheeky takes when we meet.”
Tigo pulled out a pin light typical of what was used to look down the barrel of a gun to make sure it was clean.
Hershey slipped it into his pocket. “I don’t understand why this is necessary when I’ve held up my end of the bargain.”
“Call it insurance. Like the guys outside waiting on your nod to waste us.”
Hershey smirked. “Anything else?”
Ryan had been quiet until this, which was his usual manner. “We’re watching you. One slip and your rear’s in prison for a long time.”
Shortly after Vicki had fallen asleep, Kariss received a call from security that a flower shop van wanted to make a delivery. Working with Tigo and Ryan had made her somewhat smarter, and she wasn’t going to let any strangers near her home.
“Just ask the driver to leave them with you, and I’ll be right there. Go ahead and sign the delivery slip and tell the driver thanks.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She had no clue who’d send flowers since she wasn’t seeing anyone, and she hadn’t sold a book. Grabbing her keys, she drove to the security gate. There, placed outside the small building were two dozen red roses with baby’s breath. Whoa. That brightened her day.
With the aid of the guard, she carefully positioned the crystal vase into the floorboard of the backseat and inched back to her condo. Once inside, she positioned them on the dining room table, their sweet fragrance filling the air.
She lifted the card from the bouquet and opened it.
Vicki,
I hope these flowers convey my hope for your happiness in your new home. Kariss will take good care of you, and I know you’ll be happy. I’m so sorry for the many ways I’ve hurt you.
Wyatt
Kariss’s first instinct was to toss the embossed card in the trash. Vicki would never know Wyatt had sent the flowers. He was up to no good, and this was just a ploy to win her sister over to something that benefited him. His attorney probably suggested it before she filed for child support.
“What beautiful roses. Who are they from?”
Kariss wanted to crumple the card. But Vicki was capable of making her own decisions.
“Sis? What’s wrong?”
“They’re not for me. They’re for you. From Wyatt.”
Vicki’s eyes widened. “Why on earth would he send me flowers?” She walked to the table and touched a petal. “Can I send them back?”
Kariss saw the torn look on her sister’s face, the mix of love, hate, and probably self-loathing for how she’d allowed Wyatt to affect her emotions.
“What would that prove? They’re beautiful, and roses are your favorite flower. Accept his gesture and enjoy them.”
Vicki inhaled an open blossom. “I’d like to know why. The last time he sent flowers was when he’d been unfaithful.”
“I didn’t know that.”
She shrugged. “I gave them to a neighbor. I wanted him out of my life, but now that will never be because of the baby.”
“Sis, you need rhino skin. You still love him despite the many times he’s hurt you. The pain isn’t going to vanish overnight.”
“I keep telling myself that turning all of my affections to this baby will make Wyatt disappear.”
“We’ll work on it.”
Vicki blinked back the tears in her pretty brown eyes. “I’m going to put away a few boxes.”
Kariss lifted the vase of roses. “Put this on the lonely table in the nursery. Big and little girls love flowers.”
Vicki took them and nodded. “I’m glad I’m here. You’re good for me.”
Kariss laughed and planted a kiss on her cheek. “That works both ways.”
“Anything you want to talk or rant about or whatever, you can depend on me.”
Not about the Arroyos or the mess she was in. Kariss didn’t dare tell Vicki about helping Xavier either.
CHAPTER 42
Friday afternoon, Tigo and Ryan picked up their disguises, then said their good-byes for the weekend. Tigo’s thoughts were preoccupied with what needed to happen to close this case.
When Hershey gave them the okay, they’d make their sale and nail Cheeky and a list of other Arroyos. In the meantime, Bates and Masterson were under heavy surveillance. Theoretically, they had a sound plan. But between the lines was the potential for too many things to go wrong.
His next stop was the dentist’s office — his friend the dentist who never hurt him or made him feel badly for needing laughing gas. After Tigo made a few complaints about the dentist who’d done the root canal, he got numbed up. He leaned back and closed his eyes while the dentist inserted a post where Dr. Nightmare had completed the root canal. Next, impressions were taken for a crown. An hour and a half later, he made an appointment for the permanent crown and headed home. The numbness started to wear off, which made him feel more human. He needed to make a bank deposit, but no way until his mouth moved the way he wanted it.
Once at home, he sorted through mail while sitting beside his mother. His stomach growled, and he reached for a glass of iced tea, pleased that he no longer dribbled down his chin. Normally he liked to cook, but the situation with the Arroyos and the detail to making sure it all happened had him too
wound up. He didn’t want to eat alone one more night. Of course Natalie would join him, but he couldn’t talk work.
In short he was lonely.
He picked up his personal cell phone and stared at it, wondering if his thoughts were foolish … desperate. Maybe this had more to do with the novocaine wearing off than reaching out to a friend. He could claim wanting to know about her afternoon or making sure she was safe. Friends stuff.
For that matter, he could call Ryan or Linc to see if their families had plans tonight. Although those situations usually made him feel uncomfortable simply because he had nothing in common with them.
Still staring at his phone, he clicked on the Word Family game. His turn again. He’d beaten her the last game, but she was still one up on him. Studying the letters, he slipped the word lead under a previous word, giving him twenty-eight points and Kariss seventeen. He touched Play and Submit.
He thought about her at the office. She had a way of staring into her computer screen as though she were taking a glimpse into someone’s soul. Her brown curly hair framed her face, wild-looking yet always in place.
Five minutes later, she texted him.
HOW LAME THAT WE R PLAYING A WORD GAME ON A FRI NIGHT?
He laughed and keyed in his response.
I’M HUNGRY & BORED.
He waited for a response.
LATE DINNER HERE 2. VICKI’S MAKING PECAN-CRUSTED TROUT, SALAD, SWEET POTATO FRIES & ROLLS. SHE SZ U CAN COME.
WHEN?
NOWZ FINE.
WHATZ 4 DESSERT?
THAT’S UR JOB.
He grinned and glanced at his mother’s sleeping form. He should stay, but nothing remained of her but a shell. He wouldn’t be gone long, and Natalie had his number. “Do you mind?” he said to his mother.
How many times had she urged him to get out more?
I’LL TAKE U & V 4 ICE CREAM.
ITZ A DEAL.
After changing from his grungy work jeans to a more upscale brand, Tigo kissed his mother good-bye and told her he’d be back in a few hours.
