“I wasn’t implying anything, Mr. Wagner. Just stating it seems your wife was…clumsy.”
“Yes, Carrie was. The medication she took for her migraines could make her a little dizzy and out-of-sorts.” He was proud of himself for coming up with that answer so quickly. Medications always had side effects like that, and he knew for a fact his wife was sometimes dizzy on her migraine meds. But they didn’t know she only got them once every few months.
Shu steered the conversation back to his original line of questioning. “What happened the day your wife disappeared, Mr. Wagner?”
“I honestly don’t know, Detective.” At least that was true. “I went to work that morning and she was getting ready to do some laundry. I think she also had plans to have her nails or hair done—or something like that. When I returned from work at six o’clock that evening, her car was gone. There was a note that said her mother wasn’t feeling well and she needed to drive to New Mexico. I called her mother and she knew nothing about it, so I suspected foul play and contacted the police. There were a few of her things missing, but nothing important. Just some clothes and toiletries. The police didn’t find any trace of her phone or credit cards being used after the day before she went missing and there was nothing unusual in their usage before that. I checked the transactions and calls myself. Her car was never found either.” Look sad. Grief should start replacing your shock. “I honestly don’t know what happened to my wife and daughter, Detective. Apparently, my wife had issues she didn’t share with me. After she was gone a few days, I started thinking she must have been having an affair and ran off with the guy. While I’m not surprised my daughter ran away, I can’t think of any other reason why my wife would have intentionally disappeared. Now, I’ve answered your questions, and I have a few of my own for you.”
Arching an eyebrow, Shu closed his notepad and placed it with his pen into his jacket pocket. “Certainly, Mr. Wagner. What would you like to know?”
“For starters, if it wasn’t Alyssa, then who killed my wife? What are you doing to find them? Clearly, I didn’t do it, since I haven’t left Tampa in several months. And what are you doing to locate my daughter? I want her home and safe again.”
The detectives stood and Wagner didn’t like the look in Shu’s eyes. It was as if the man could see right through him. “We’re doing everything we can to answer those very questions, Sir. But at the moment it’s still an active investigation. As soon as we arrest a suspect, you’ll be the first to know.”
* * *
“I must say, I’m not exactly surprised to see you, Jake.” Dr. Trudy Dunbar tapped her frameless glasses further up on her nose. “I’ve been waiting for you to come talk with me about your past, but after knowing you for three years, I had almost given up.”
Jake grunted as he stared out her office window which overlooked the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa. The landscaped waterfront walkway was a popular area for residents and tourists alike, and was currently bustling with its usual activity. “Let me guess. You’ve known I was a tortured soul because what I thought I could hide from everyone is as plain as the nose on my fucking face.”
By the time Jake had emerged from the shower, long after the hot water ran out, Nick was gone. Not that he expected anything different, since he’d done everything but kick the kid out of the condo. In the past, Jake hadn’t cared when a relationship ended. He just brushed himself off and moved on. But with Nick, Jake felt like his heart had been ripped from his chest. And the thing that sucked was it was all his fault.
While he’d been moping around the condo, his gaze had fallen on the framed pencil sketch Ian’s fiancée, Angie, had drawn of his face several months ago. At the time, Jake had been startled to see what he looked like through the artist’s eyes—sad. That three-letter-word, while very common and lacking in intensity, basically summed up his life. Yeah, he loved his job and his friends, but something was missing. Sometime in the very recent past, things had changed and he found himself wanting more.
Angie had said she wanted to sketch him again when he found the love of his life and was truly happy. And he still remembered telling her, while he didn’t think it would happen, if he did fall in love with someone, he’d hoped the guy was a male version of her. His exact words had been “…kick-ass and tender, all wrapped up in one beautiful package. And not afraid of his kinky side." And what had he done this morning? Just when he’d found the one person who fit the bill, he’d pushed him away.
Frustrated, he’d left his condo and driven aimlessly for a while before ending up in the parking lot of the building which housed Trudy’s office. In addition to being one of the psychologists The Covenant referred their members to, if needed, Trudy was also his contact in Friends of Patty. She’d been the one to help him make Alyssa and her mother disappear. He’d gotten to know her better when a friend of hers had been dating his brother, Mike, a couple of years ago. While the romantic relationship hadn’t lasted, Jake and Trudy’s budding friendship had. But this was the first time he’d ever sought her help about his own life.
Eyeing him curiously, Trudy confessed, “I don’t know about everyone, but to me, it’s been obvious for a long time. So, tell me, what is it about this relationship with Nick that’s different than your past relationships?”
Jake shrugged. “If I knew that, I wouldn’t be standing in your office, interrupting your lunch hour—which again, I apologize for.”
Toasting him with her can of Diet Coke, she smiled. “As long as you don’t mind me eating my salad while we talk, it’s no problem.” She cocked her head. “Tell me about your father. I know things weren’t good between you two before he died.”
His shoulders tensed—a reaction he knew the good doctor hadn’t missed. “What’s there to tell? He was an arrogant bigot and a first-class homophobe. End of story.” It seemed he’d been saying that a lot lately…maybe he should just admit that it really wasn’t the end of the story.
“What happened when you came out to him?”
Jake didn’t answer for a few moments. Pushing off the window frame, he wandered around the office, looking everywhere at once, but not seeing anything at all. “I didn’t come out. At least not to my family. Somehow, dear old dad found out his son was a faggot and tried to beat it out of him. Three months later, I graduated high school and enlisted in the Navy the same day. We spoke maybe a dozen words to each other until he croaked a few years ago.”
“What else happened?”
“Nothing.” The word instantaneously burst from his mouth…no thought needed…or wanted.
Trudy sighed, placing her elbows on her desk and giving him a look which said she was calling him out on his bullshit. “I’ve dealt with many difficult patients over the years, but I have to say, you’re in the top three of the most stubborn. I know there’s more to it, Jake. You know it, too. And until you admit it and deal with it, then you’re never going to get past it. Is that what you want? Or do you want what your friends seem to be finding for themselves lately? The one person who makes your life complete.”
Hell, yeah, he wanted what his friends had found…the question was, did he deserve it?
CHAPTER 18
Mentally rolling his eyes, Nick took the last seat at the restaurant table after Kat, Kristen, and their friend, Kayla London, had claimed their own. He’d spent the past two and a half hours with them in a furniture store, picking out everything he needed to fill his apartment. Kristen and Angie had previously purchased the smaller things, such as kitchen, bedroom, and bath accessories, without him—thankfully. They’d kept the color schemes neutral and masculine for him, but insisted he pick out the furniture, wanting him to be comfortable with the choices. Who knew there were so many fucking options when it came to furniture—style, type of wood, and upholstery. Back in California, his bed didn’t have a headboard and the only furniture he had was simple and functional. When the torturous, selection process was over at last and he’d signed the receipt and scheduled the delivery of
the pieces for the six room apartment, he’d been grateful for their help.
As a big thank you, he’d invited them all to lunch at a Red Robin in the same parking lot as the store. But he was now regretting the decision as the conversation turned to The Covenant. The Trident women were all submissives at the club, as well as Kayla, who was a member with her wife/Domme, Roxy. At least the foursome had a table in the back with no one nearby who could overhear their sometimes racy discussion.
“Hi, can I get you something to drink?”
Nick turned his gaze to the pretty brunette waitress handing him a menu. It was obvious to everyone he was the only one at the table she was interested in serving…or servicing, if her flirty grin was any indication. Not encouraging her, he eyed the others. “Ladies? Beer, wine, soda?”
The girls exchanged looks, then laughed as Kristen tossed her car keys at him. “Since we just made you designated driver, dear brother-in-law, it’s margaritas all around.”
Oh, boy. Shaking his head in amusement, he glanced back up at the waitress. “Looks like a pitcher of margaritas for my ladies, and I’ll have a Bud Light, since I have the feeling I’ll need one.” He would switch to soda or water after the one, otherwise, he’d probably have to call Ian or Devon to come get them all.
While the waitress went to get their orders, Nick opened his menu and scanned the choices. Unfortunately, his mind went where it’d been wandering off to ever since he’d left Jake’s condo this morning. After getting dressed and grabbing his duffel, he’d stormed out and hailed a cab back to the compound. Knowing the girls had already put things away in his apartment, he’d gone there to take a shower and change. But Kristen had seen him arrive and cornered him about the shopping, inviting the others along to help. Angie wasn’t able to join them, having flown to New York last night for a long weekend which included a baby shower for someone. Jenn hadn’t been able to come either since she was working. Figuring it would take his mind off Jake, Nick had reluctantly agreed to the shopping trip. The man’s refusal to open up was getting to him and he had no idea what to do about it. If he was smart, he’d say screw it and go visit his folks for a few days. But that was the last thing he wanted to do when things were so messed up at the moment between Jake and him.
“Nick?”
He lifted his head to see the three women were staring at him. Apparently, he’d zoned out for a few minutes. “I’m sorry, what?”
Kristen laughed. “We were wondering if you wanted to meet one of Kayla’s co-workers. Felicia just moved to the area and is really nice. And she’s vanilla, so we thought she would be perfect for you. I mean, since you’re not exactly into the lifestyle.”
A lightning bolt moment struck Nick and he bit his lip before quickly finalizing his decision. “Actually, I was wondering if I could talk to you all about something, but it has to stay between us.” He pointed at Kristen. “Especially you. I don’t want my brothers to know about this conversation. At least not yet.”
The women all glanced at each other in confusion, before turning back to him. Sitting to his right, Kristen placed her hand on his arm. “The best I can do, Nick, is to promise not to tell Devon as long as he doesn’t ask me a direct question about whatever it is. I won’t lie to him. I get enough spankings from him and don’t need to earn any more than necessary.”
His eyes moved to Kat who took a sip of the margarita the waitress had just handed her. “Benny gave me a get-out-of-a-spanking card because he had to break our plans for a night out last week for an assignment, so I’m in.”
Kayla toasted him with her own sweet drink. “I get off on being punished, so your secret is safe with me, too.” Behind her, the waitress’s eyes had grown wide and wary, however, she didn’t say a word about their comments. “But I think this means we better order our food, because I don’t think one pitcher of these babies is going to be enough.”
Shaking his head at them again, he grinned. It was nice to have them to talk to, since anyone else would probably look at him as if he were nuts. After the waitress wrote down their lunch order and practically ran away, he guzzled half his beer for courage, then leaned forward on his elbows. “Shit…um, sorry, didn’t mean to curse. I just realized, I don’t know where to start.”
From his left, Kat softly spoke. “How about at the beginning?”
“Right.” He inhaled deeply and then let it out in a rush. “For starters, I’m gay.”
Silence fell over the table for a moment, then Kayla chuckled while the others grinned. “Well, damn. Didn’t see that coming, but welcome to my end of the rainbow, Nick.”
Kristen opened her mouth, closed it, and then opened it again. “Okay, so that explains a few things, like why I’ve never heard you talk about dating any women. But then again, I never heard you talk about any guys. And obviously there’s a guy who you want to talk about. Anyone we know?” She paused and then her eyes widened. “Oh. My. God! It’s someone from the club!”
A blush spread over Nick’s cheeks as the other girls squealed. Kayla raised her hand in the air like a student in a classroom. “Oh, I know, I know. Is it Matthew? He recently broke up with the Dom he was seeing.”
“Ah, no, it’s not.” His face warmed even more. It was evident they thought he was interested in a submissive. “Uh, damn…um, well…you see…it’s…uh…”
“Oh, just spit it out, Nick.”
“Jake.”
He shifted uncomfortably in his chair as the women stared at him with eyes and mouths wide open before turning their gazes to each other and then back to him again. “Damn, didn’t see that coming, either.” Kayla extended her half empty glass to Kat. “Fill me up, girlfriend, because we’re going to be here a while.”
* * *
Blinking at the sunlight streaming through the high windows of his new apartment, Nick stretched the muscle kinks from his body while lying on the floor of the bedroom. Last night, he’d grabbed the pillows the girls had placed in his closet, along with a blanket, and made an impromptu bed. As a SEAL, he’d slept in far worse conditions, so even without a mattress, it felt like he’d spent the night at the local Hilton. But he would’ve rather have spent it in Jake’s bed.
While part of him had wanted to track the man down yesterday after his lunch with the girls, they’d convinced him to give Jake a little space. Hopefully, the Dom would miss him and want to work things out. So, instead, Nick had gotten a little drunk with the ladies and Ian had not been thrilled when he had to come with Boomer to drive them all home. After crashing in his oldest brother’s guest room for a few hours and sobering up, he’d borrowed one of Trident’s spare pick-up trucks and done some fun shopping, which could only include a visit to Best Buy. An hour and a half later, he’d walked out with two huge, flat-screen TVs, a stereo system, desktop computer for his office, and the necessary accessories for all of them.
He’d spent the evening hooking everything up, then searching the web for anything he could find on BDSM. While he had done some basic reading on the subject a few times after that first night with Jake two months ago, he’d been denying he was a submissive, so he hadn’t really concentrated on the information. During his talk with the women earlier in the day, he’d realized there was a lot more to the lifestyle than what he’d observed at the club. Sometime around one a.m., he’d shut down the computer with a new appreciation for the life Jake, his brothers, and their teammates had found.
His research also cemented what he’d come to realize by now—he was a sexual submissive. If someone had told him that three months ago, he would have laughed his ass off. But it had taken someone as mentally and physically strong as himself to make him realize that, and also to top him. Emotional strength was needed as well, but Jake clearly had some things he needed to work out before he got to that point. However, Nick was willing to wait because he believed the man was worth it. Now he just had to convince Jake of that fact.
* * *
Jordyn Alvarez threaded her way through the throngs of travel
ers at Tampa International Airport. To the people around her she appeared to be just a weary businesswoman returning from or heading to another meeting in another city. She doubted anyone would believe she was a former jewel thief turned U.S. government spy and assassin. But that was the whole point. She could blend into any situation with ease and no one would be the wiser.
She’d come so close to not returning that bastard’s phone call. Most women in this messed-up world may think T. Carter was God’s gift to the female gender, but she wasn’t one of them. At least that’s what her brain and heart said…her body seemed to disagree whenever he was within fifty feet of her. And that sexy, baritone voice of his tended to vibrate in her pussy no matter how much she hated it.
The son-of-a-bitch had known how to press her buttons and get her to help his friends. He’d played the female-teenage-abuse-victim card and she hadn’t been able to refuse. Child molesters and abusers were the cockroaches of the earth in her book—and Oliver Wagner was now on the first page of said book.
With her carry-on bag on her shoulder and not needing to retrieve any luggage from the baggage claim carousel, she headed to the rental car area to find a nice, non-descript vehicle. While she loved fast cars, they tended to be attention-getters, and in her profession, it was the last thing she needed. Maybe after this unsanctioned gig was done, she’d take some time off and do something fun—like beat the living daylights out of Carter. But it would mean she’d have to get close to him and that was something she refused to do ever again.
Topping the Alpha: Trident Security Series Page 13
