Hell Is Burning

by Morgan Kelley

  He started laughing.

  Emma wanted to pluck out his eyes and then roll them across the floor.

  “Yeah, no, I’m not giving you my source. It’s confidential.”

  Greyson lifted an eyebrow. “Listen. There’s a dead cop, and you know too much about this case. We have to get the person who did this.”

  “That’s not my problem. I’m a reporter. I report. You’re an investigator. You investigate. See how it works? I don’t come to you and spill the beans, even if a cop is dead. I may need this source down the road. I’m sure you get that.”

  “More people are going to get hurt. Do you want that on you?” Greyson asked, trying to appeal to the man’s compassion.

  “Yeah, not my issue. It sells papers.”

  Apparently, the animal had no soul.

  “How about you tell me what’s going on inside your end of the investigation? You know…from your angle. I’ll give you a fair shot in the media. They eat you two up. You’re like candy to the readers. You’re going to be my Pulitzer.”

  Greyson wanted to hurt him in the worst way. The only thing stopping him was he’d be in the news, and then sued.

  “That’s not going to happen.”

  “Well, then I’ll just keep going with my confidential source, and you can investigate this on your own. If you won’t scratch my back…”

  Enough was enough. Greyson was about to smack the taste from the man’s mouth when his wife took control.

  When he stood, Emma did too.

  “Is that your final answer?” she asked.

  He laughed more.

  That’s when she struck. Emma spun him, kicked out his legs, and patted him down. When she found the recorder, she dropped it on the floor.

  “First, it’s illegal to record people without them knowing,” she stated, pulling out her cuffs. “You being a reporter should know that. This isn't your first day on the job.”

  “You can’t arrest me for this!”

  She dropped her heel onto the recorder, breaking it into pieces. The sound of it being smashed to bits had Greyson grinning.

  “Oh, I’m bringing you in under the suspicion that you’re the killer. You knew shit no one else could, and only the killer would have access to that.”

  “Wait!”

  “Greyson, call for a transport.”

  The reporters around them began buzzing.

  Emma picked up the broken recorder and snapped it in half. “Here’s forty-nine percent of your recorder,” she stated, dropping it in his pocket.

  “Hey! You can’t do that!”

  “Watch me! We own fifty one percent of this business already, and I’m taking my portion of my property.”

  No one said a word.

  Greyson stood as a black and white pulled, up and they entered the building. “Can you transport him to the FBI building?” he asked.

  “Sure thing, sir.”

  They took him away.

  “You can write up a story,” she said to the reporters watching them. “It will be about how we’re not putting up with bullshit. He’s sitting in the tank until he talks. Anyone else who screws with our case will too. He’s a suspect in the murder of four women. Have fun with that.”

  Greyson dropped his arm around his wife as they headed out of the building. “That was really hot.”

  She laughed. Before hitting the street, she turned and pointed at the reporters who were contemplating following them.

  They all stopped dead in their tracks.

  “Stalking will get you a lengthy sentence, and I have enough money to make you rot in jail.” She wasn’t sure she could do that, but it was fun to use this pain in the ass Mason had handed them.

  They scurried away.

  “Yeah, that was really sexy. I love when you do things like that.”

  She took his hand as they headed back down the street. “Let’s get a coffee and regroup. We need to figure a way around this. We can’t take his computer without a warrant, and since we own part of the company, that’s more red tape.”

  He was well aware.

  “I’ll buy you a drink, Detective Croft.”

  She was good with that. “Make it a double. It’s going to be a long ass day.”

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  Across Town

  He watched her.

  There was this sick satisfaction he got from picking the next one. As he sat there in the parking lot, he could see her through the window.

  She was the one.

  She looked just like the one from long ago.

  It was the hair, the body, and the eyes.

  The memories flooded back, and he couldn’t help but feel rage, shame, and hate.

  Oh, her day was coming.

  Before it was all said and done, she’d be dead too. He’d snuff out her sick life, and then move on.

  He couldn’t stop.

  The voice in his head pushed him forward to do what he’d always known he was meant to do.

  Kill.

  Cleanse.

  Remove.

  Those were his duties in life, and he was damn good at them. He wouldn’t let her slip by and be the vile creature.

  She was trouble.

  She was evil.

  She was…

  Dead.

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  After getting their coffee, Greyson was off balance. He could feel eyes on him, and he didn't think they were reporters. Generally, they didn't hide. Plus, his wife had just laid down the law, and they weren’t stupid enough to tail them.

  No, this was different.

  Whoever was following him and Emma was trying to blend in. Croft knew, because he was accustomed to being just like that when he was in the military.

  Someone was tracking them like prey.

  “Emma, honey, we have a situation. I need you to stay calm.”

  She sipped her coffee. “What?”

  “We’re being tailed. I can feel it.”

  She went to look behind them, but instead, he pulled her into his arms and out of the way of all the pedestrians. “Don’t look.”

  She molded her body against his, even as he tried to shield her. “Okay, what do you want to do?” she asked.

  Their vehicle was a few blocks away.

  Slowly, he brought his mouth to hers and kissed his wife. He wasn’t sure who was stalking him, and he needed that mouth to mouth contact to steady his nerves.

  Croft couldn’t believe he was about to say this.

  Pulling away, he scanned the area from behind his sunglasses. “We’re going to trap them.”

  “Okay, what do you need me to do?”

  It made him sick that Emma was going to risk herself. It was worse that he was going to use them both as bait.

  “There’s a side street a block up. We’re going to head down it, and then into the alley. You hide, and I’ll lure him in.”

  She laughed as they started walking. “Not happening. I’m not letting my husband get holes in his body. That pisses me off.”

  “You’re my backup. If someone goes for me, put a bullet in them.”

  He wasn’t messing around. There was too much on the line. Someone killed a cop, and they had crazies dogging their every step.

  This was an emergency.

  “Deal. Don’t ruin my Croft. I like him how he is,” she stated as they turned down an alley.

  He stood in the shadows until he saw someone coming in to follow them. He didn't hesitate. Greyson pulled his gun and grabbed the man. When he pressed him to the wall, gun to his throat, recognition dawned.

  Before he could let him go, there was a knife to his back right above his spinal cord.

  “Shoot him, and you die,” came the female voice.

  Then he heard another.

  “Put down the knife or I put your brains on the wall,” Emma stated, her gun to the woman’s head. “I see that wrist flinch, you’re one dead bitch.”

  “Croft, call off your wife,” Dimitri Gideon s
tated. “We’re only doing our job.”

  Greyson could relax. He holstered his weapon the second the woman moved away from his body.

  “Are you out of your mind?”

  “Apparently,” he stated, “but we need to talk.”

  He laughed. “You have a cell phone.”

  Dimitri lifted his sunglasses. “Mrs. Croft, it’s a pleasure.”

  She stared at him in confusion. “What are you doing following us?”

  He glanced over at Greyson. Obviously, the man didn't clue his wife into this.

  “Like I said, we need to talk.”

  “Who’s the woman?” Emma stated, her gun still in her hand. “She’s lucky she’s not dead. I don’t like people who hold knives to my husband.”

  Dimitri looked around. “That’s my sister, and associate, Katerina. She was just doing her job.”

  Greyson glanced over at his wife. “It’s okay, Emma. Dimitri is safe.”

  She holstered her weapon. “Move, and I’ll shoot you,” she warned the woman. “I’m not even yanking your chain.”

  The woman took a step away from Greyson Croft but kept the grin on her face.

  “Can we meet for lunch?” Dimitri asked. “We need to share some information with you.”

  Greyson had to know. “Have you been following me for two days?”

  He shrugged. “Yes, and that’s what we have to discuss. There’s a bistro not far from your place. Meet us there at noon.” Dimitri handed him the card and motioned to his sister. They headed out of the alley.

  “Watch your back!” he called.

  Greyson wanted to be sick.

  “Babe, what was that about?” Emma asked.

  He stared down at her. “We have to head home and talk.”

  Emma didn't like that at all. “Why do you sound like you’re about to freak out?”

  Oh, maybe because he was.

  “I’ve done something, Emma. I’m not proud of it.”

  She stared at him. He genuinely looked worried. It was hard for her not to run parallels with what Brynn had done.

  God!

  She wanted to be sick.

  “What?”

  “I broke the law, and I need to come clean.”

  Well, this couldn’t be good.

  * * * Croft & Croft * * *

  It didn't take them long to get to the house and safely behind locked doors. All the way up in the elevator, Greyson wouldn’t speak, and that made Emma a nervous wreck.

  A million scenarios were running through her mind, and each one was worse than the previous one.

  It was like the time he was planning on playing the corruptor’s game, pushing her out of his life.

  She was terrified.

  Once upstairs, they headed in. In the middle of the living room, he faced her.

  “Please don’t hate me, and please don’t divorce me.”

  She stared at him wanting to puke.

  If he was throwing around the ‘D’ word, bad things were coming. That was enough to make her freak out.

  “I don’t hate you, and I won’t divorce you, but please tell me what the hell is going on! Why is the man Randall Mason hired to give us those letters following us? What did he mean by ‘doing his job’?”

  It was all because of the letters, so he might as well go with them.

  “Come with me.”

  She followed him into their bedroom. Inside, he pulled his military footlocker from the closet. Emma noticed that he’d locked it again, and that was odd. After the last time, when he told her the truth about his job in the military, he’d left it unsecured.

  He wanted her to have access to all his secrets.

  Now, it was locked.

  This was bad.

  “I can explain.”

  “You probably should,” she stated. “We promised no secrets, and you’re hiding something. I don’t like that. No, I hate that. It’s like lying, Grey. We both know what that gets you.”

  He pulled the letter that Randall Mason had left for him out of the locker. Greyson held it in his hand, hoping he could find a way to tell her the truth without losing his wife. Already, he could see how angry she looked.

  It was clearly written on her face.

  “Did you read your letter from Randall?” he asked.

  “No. I still can’t bear to open it. I still have it sealed and in my desk. I want to be sick every time I think about it.”

  He understood.

  “I’ve read mine about one hundred times and each time I do, I want to be sick too.”

  Before now, he’d never told her that. She was surprised. “What’s in your letter?” she asked, moving closer.

  “I’m sorry,” he said, handing it to her.

  With gentle fingers, she opened it. Emma didn't doubt that it was going to hurt her. She could tell by the look on Greyson’s face.

  ‘Dear Greyson,

  You’re in danger. If you’re getting this letter, then I’m gone. I’m not really surprised. I’ve lived a long life, and it’s my time. The man before you has worked for me for years. I consider him my family. Dimitri will help you. Trust me when I say that you’re going to need it. What’s coming is bigger than the head of the FBI. If I was murdered, then Dominic Marianna is going to try and take you out. The only way he can do that is through your wife. She’s your weakest point. I know you don’t trust me, but please believe I love her dearly. She’s like a child to me, and was the brightest part of my life this last year. I’ve already insured that she’ll be safe, and you both will find out what I’ve done shortly. Be her shield, but use the means I can offer you.

  Protect her.

  Use all the assets I’ve left you, and when the time comes, Dimitri will handle the rest.

  See you on the other side, my boy, but hopefully not for a long time.

  Randall.’

  Emma looked up at him. “He’s wrong. I’m not your weakest point. Now you need to tell me how you’ve broken the law,” she stated.

  “I hired Dimitri to watch our backs. He’s been tracking us and keeping his ear to the ground to find out who wants us dead.”

  She watched him. “And?”

  “I hired a mercenary. Isn't that enough? When I read that letter, and saw Dominic Marianna’s name, I lost it. I can’t lose you, Emma. If that happens, I’m as good as dead. I’ll snap and lose it. I’ll kill anyone who hurts my woman.”

  He took a deep breath and cut her off.

  “He put his hands on your body at that party, and I nearly killed him. Imagine what kind of monster I’d become if he took you. I’d be unstoppable.”

  She was well aware.

  It was time for a reality check. “Greyson, that’s a tad bit caveman-y, don’t you think?”

  He started pacing. “Trust me. I’m well aware.”

  “So, we have a mercenary working for us. Did you run him?”

  Croft laughed. “He has no past and no history. He’s a ghost. I know he’s dirty. I know he’s broken the law, and I didn't care. I hired him to keep my most precious asset safe.”

  She slugged him in the gut.

  “Hey!”

  “I’m not your property, Greyson Croft. Yes, I get all warm and fuzzy when you play master of the manor. Yes, it gets me hot and bothered when you’re in control, but listen to what you just said. In bed, I’m yours. I’ll own it. You’re the man, and I love it. In life, I’m your partner. This is something you should have told me. I never should have been kept out of the loop on this.”

  He got that. “So in bed…”

  She gave him the look. “That’s not what you were supposed to take away from this conversation, and you know it!”

  “I know. I was trying to make you smile for me.”

  And she did--on the inside.

  “I hired a killing machine to keep you safe, and it was so very wrong. Maybe it was a moment of weakness, but it happened, and we have to face the reality of what I’ve done. If this ever gets out...”

  She
couldn’t be mad, even if his actions could cost them both their jobs. Her Greyson was torturing himself over all this. As he paced, she couldn’t help but notice more gray was beginning to pepper his hair above his ears. The stress was getting to him. He was aging before her eyes.

  “I have a solution,” she offered, trying to save him.

  “What? Do you want to adopt him too?”

  She let the iciness of his words go. Emma knew he was rattled, and that’s when her sexy pirate was at his weakest.

  “Hire him.”

  “What? I already did. Did you zone out on the last part of our conversation, Em?”

  “No, you hired him as a mercenary. I’m talking about putting it on paper and making it legal. We need to upgrade our security at Terrace Glen, and we need some silent help too. He probably has a million shell companies covering his ass, so tell him to pick one, pay him on the books, and if this goes to hell in a handbasket, our asses are covered. We hired a private security firm to cover our assets. That’s normal when you’re filthy rich. Oh, and there’s emphasis on the dirty part.”

  He stared at her.

  “You know that’s not entirely legal, right? That’s like out of the frying pan and into the fire.”

  She laughed. “Oh, well, my instance of breaking the law isn’t nearly as bad as yours. Who are you to judge?”

  He laughed.

  “That’s actually a good idea, Emma.”

  “Yeah, and had you come to me with it weeks ago, I would have suggested the same thing. This aged you, and there was no reason. We’re partner’s, Greyson, remember?”

  Yeah, he did.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She went into his arms. “Now that we settled that, I have another problem.”

  He stared down into her emerald eyes. “What’s that?”

  “All this talk about me being property turned me right on. So, you’re obligated to take care of me. Your wife is all hot and bothered, and you owe me for this one.”

  He blinked. Had his wife just…?

  “I want you to take me to bed, Greyson. I want your hands all over me, and I want you to be the man in our relationship.”