Unbridled Passion: A Riverton Crossing Novel

by Savannah Maris

  “Thank you, officer.” Vanessa and Max hurried back toward her house while the officer watched.

  As soon as she was through the back door, she found the burner phone and called Nathan.

  “Hey, beautiful. Is everything okay?”

  “No, yes, probably.”

  “Ness, what’s happened?”

  “Some drunk guy came up to me on the beach. I told him to leave us alone, but he wouldn’t listen. I called nine-one-one. Max bit him and pinned him to the ground until right before beach patrol arrived. They arrested him for public drunkenness. Nathan, I was so scared.”

  “I’m on my way.”

  “No, you don’t need to come down here. I just wanted to tell you.”

  “I’ll see you in less than an hour.”

  “It’s okay. We’re back inside. The officer told me to walk in the opposite direction for the next week. Max did great, but it scared me when he bit the man. I’ve never seen him in action before. They won’t take him, will they?”

  “Do you have the officer’s name? I’ll call him when I get there.”

  “Yes. Thank you for Max. For everything you do for me.” She sobbed as the fear started to subside.

  “Baby, please don’t cry.”

  “I’m sorry. I…it could have been bad if Max wasn’t there.”

  “Yes, it could. You need to decide if you want to stay there or come back with me tonight. Give Max a treat for his good work today. I’m walking out now.”

  Nathan ate up the distance between his office and Evan’s in just three long strides. “Evan, I’m going to Vanessa’s. You need to come with me.”

  “Why? What’s going on?”

  “Official business. We need to check on our witness.”

  “What the hell happened?”

  “Some drunk douche accosted Vanessa on the beach today. Max took the guy down. I need to check on her and make sure nothing is going to happen to Max.”

  Evan followed Nathan out of his office. Once they were on the road, Evan placed a call.

  “Hey, darlin’. How’s my boy?” He chuckled. “I’m riding with Nathan to check on a witness, so I’ll be out of the office for a while. Text me if you need me.”

  Nathan’s fingers were tapping on the steering wheel. They weren’t in pursuit, so they couldn’t use the blue lights. He was focused on the road until he heard Evan’s part of his conversation.

  “Ginger, that’s Nathan’s story to tell. Right now, she’s our witness. You can play twenty questions with him later as to anything else. No, I didn’t know Thomas and Cat spent the weekend with them. I know, darlin’, but he’ll tell you when he’s ready. I love you.”

  Evan disconnected the call and turned toward Nathan. “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you spent the weekend with Vanessa?”

  “What? We weren’t alone.”

  “First, I’ve never seen you like this over a woman, not even Diane. Second, I’ve never known you to pursue a married woman. Third, you’ve never been reckless before. I’m just concerned, that’s all. And so is Ginger.”

  Nathan took a deep breath. “I told you yesterday how I felt. To answer your questions, no, she’s nothing like Diane. I enjoyed Diane, but I didn’t need her. I have this pulling need for Vanessa. I wouldn’t have pursued her if she wasn’t married to an asshole.” He shrugged. “I wouldn’t have chased her then if she hadn’t filed for divorce. But she did. Finally, I’m not being reckless. I’m playing by the fucking rules set by the state of South Carolina.” He quickly cut his eyes toward Evan. “We’re rarely alone and never for thirty minutes or more—hence the reason you’re with me now. We haven’t had sex. I can count on my fingers and toes the number of times I’ve kissed her, and most of those were just a peck. You don’t need to be concerned, and neither does Ginger. I’m a big boy, Evan. I’ve got it under control.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  “Yes. I-am-sure.”

  Evan held up his hands. “Okay, okay.”

  By the time they pulled into Vanessa’s driveway, Nathan’s knuckles were white. It was a miracle the steering wheel was in one piece. He threw the vehicle in Park and jumped out. The door of the house flung open when he was about halfway there.

  “Nathan!”

  “Hey, beautiful,” he said as he picked her up and kissed her lips before she squeezed his neck.

  “You didn’t have to come down here, but I’m glad you did,” she whispered.

  The sound of a throat clearing from behind Nathan caused them to pull apart.

  “Evan was in his office, so I brought him with me.”

  Vanessa’s face flushed as she smoothed down her pants and stuck out her hand. “Sorry, Evan. Good to see you.”

  “You too, Vanessa. What happened today?”

  Vanessa recounted the whole story for them as she gave Nathan the beach patrol officer’s card. While Evan followed Vanessa inside, Nathan called the officer.

  “Officer Turner.”

  “Good afternoon. This is Officer Nathan Cox with the Riverton Crossing Police Department. I’m following up on an incident involving Vanessa Harper.”

  “Yes, Officer Cox, how can I help you?”

  “She tells me that Max bit someone.”

  “Yes, the man who harassed her.”

  “Is there going to be an issue with the dog? She’s worried about losing him.”

  “She tells me that he’s professionally trained.”

  “Yes, I got Max for her protection when I can’t be with her.”

  “There was a couple who witnessed the whole incident. She doesn’t need to worry about her dog.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nathan walked inside. He rubbed Max on his way to the sunroom where he found Vanessa and Evan. She turned toward Nathan with watery eyes.

  “Well?”

  “Officer Turner said there’s nothing for you to worry about. Max is in the clear.”

  “Oh, thank goodness.”

  “Are you okay?”

  She hesitantly reached for his hand but stopped when she glanced at Evan. “Yes, thank you for coming down.”

  Nathan narrowed his eyes and entwined their fingers. Silently questioning her, he tilted his head. “Evan knows how I feel about you, Ness. Yes, we’re here on official business, but that doesn’t change who you are to me. We haven’t done anything wrong.”

  She nodded. “I know, but—"

  Evan held up his hand. “Vanessa, it’s okay. Nathan is a straight shooter. He knows what’s at stake if he messes up. I don’t think he will.” He shook Vanessa’s hand and bumped Nathan’s fist. “I’m waiting outside. Don’t forget you’re expecting a call from Columbia, so we’ve got to get back.”

  Nathan agreed. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  When Evan walked out, Nathan cupped Vanessa’s face and gently kissed her. He pulled back and watched as her eyes slowly opened. “I would’ve killed him, Ness. If he hurt you, I would’ve killed him. It’s a good thing he only got to meet Max.”

  Vanessa bunched Nathan’s shirt in her hands. “I’m glad it was just Max because now that I know what life is like with you, I don’t want to find out what life without you feels like.”

  His eyes closed as he laid his lips on her forehead. “You won’t have to, but I’ve got to get back for that call. Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll see you as soon as I can.”

  35

  “Nathan, you’ve got a call from Columbia on line one,” Randy’s voice came through the intercom.

  “Nathan Cox.”

  “Officer Cox, this is Janice from the forensics lab in Columbia.”

  “Good evening, Janice. What do you have for me?”

  “I just got the results from the leaves and flower you sent up yesterday and thought I’d give you a call before I leave. They’re Nerium Oleander. The same variety that was found in the coffee creamer.”

  “Can you send that report to me?�
�

  “Yes, you should have it in a few minutes.”

  “Thank you, Janice.”

  Nathan walked to Evan’s office. “What time are you leaving?”

  Evan looked at the time on his computer. “Shit, I should’ve already been gone. Why?”

  “Columbia called and said the leaves and flower match the variety of oleander found in the coffee creamer. I want to talk with Charles and Linda.”

  “Tonight?”

  “Yeah, the report is being emailed over now.”

  “Let me run home and have dinner with Ginger. Call Linda and have her meet us at the jail.”

  “I’m going to pick up some creamer before we go over, too.”

  Evan shook his head and chuckled. “You want him to think it came from his house.”

  An evil smile crossed Nathan’s face. “That’s the plan.”

  “Get it set up. I’ll see you there in an hour.”

  “Tell Ginger hello for me. I haven’t seen her in a while. Is she showing?”

  An affectionate smile stretched Evan’s lips. “Yeah, there’s definitely a little person in there.”

  “I can’t wait to see her. Hopefully, soon.”

  Evan walked toward the door as Nathan went back into his office to make a few phone calls.

  “Nathan? Is everything all right?” Vanessa asked.

  “Hey, beautiful. Everything is fine. I’m just calling to tell you that I’m going to be in a place where I can’t take phone calls for the next few hours. If you need me, send a text, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “I’ll talk to you in the morning.”

  “Good night.”

  Nathan disconnected that call and picked up his office phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Ms. Gregory, it’s Nathan Cox. Would you please meet me at the Sheriff’s office?”

  “What? Why? Is Charles all right?”

  “As far as I know he is.”

  “Then why do you need to see me?”

  “I have some questions to ask you regarding the specimens we took from your property yesterday.”

  “Um, well, I don’t know…”

  “Ms. Gregory, I’m asking for you to come speak with me to help me understand some things.”

  “It’s getting kinda late, Officer Cox. Can we do this another day?”

  “I’ll be more than happy to have someone pick you up.”

  “Are you arresting me?”

  “If I were arresting you, I wouldn’t be calling and asking you to come to the Sheriff’s department. I’d just be showing up with an arrest warrant.”

  “Yeah, right, that makes sense. Sure, I can meet you there in about an hour.”

  “That works. I’ll see you there.”

  The next call was going to be less pleasant, but under the law, it had to be done.

  “Hello?”

  “Mr. Chesterfield, this is Nathan Cox with the Riverton Crossing Police Department.”

  “What can I do for you, Officer Cox?”

  “I’m letting you know that I’m on my way to the Sheriff’s Department to question your client, Charles Harper, about some evidence we’ve discovered. I thought I’d give you a heads up in case he requests your presence.”

  “What kind of evidence?”

  “That, you’ll have to find out at the jail, sir.”

  “Are you serving another warrant on him?”

  “I don’t know yet. That depends on his cooperation and involvement.”

  “Shit. I’ll be there in thirty. Do not talk to him until I get there.”

  “That’s fine. His mistress has been invited to this party as well. See you soon, Mr. Chesterfield.”

  Nathan walked out of his office. “Randy, I’ll be at the Sheriff’s Department if you need anything. Chief Riverton will be meeting me there, so let Rodney know he’s next highest rank on duty.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Nathan left the office in route to the Sheriff’s department via the grocery store. He purchased the same name brand and size coffee creamer that the Harpers had in their kitchen. Pulling into the parking lot, he brought the bag with the creamer, and a folder containing pictures of the house prior to anything being removed and several reports. He looked at his watch as he walked toward the central desk and noted he had time to get two interrogation rooms prepared. As he cleared the door, he heard his name.

  “Cox!”

  Nathan turned to see Sam walking toward him. He stuck out his hand to shake Sam’s. “Hey man. Are you questioning both of them?”

  “Yeah, I want Linda across the hall from Charles. Evan should be here any minute.”

  “Anything I can help with?”

  “Maybe sit in the room with Charles. That way I know someone will stop me from strangling him.” Nathan chuckled.

  “Yeah, maybe Evan should handle that one.”

  Nathan turned to the desk clerk. “I need Charles Harper brought to interrogation room 3A, and his attorney will be arriving momentarily. Also, a woman by the name of Linda Gregory will be here shortly. Please put her in room 3B.”

  “When would you like the inmate brought up?”

  “Give me fifteen minutes to get the room set up. Chief Riverton should be here any minute. Please send him in as soon as he gets here.”

  “I’m here.” Nathan heard from behind him.

  “Thank you for your help,” Nathan said as he saw the young officer blush.

  Evan shook his head and chuckled. “When does it stop?”

  “Shut the hell up.”

  “I don’t know which one she was looking at more, you or Sam.”

  “I don’t give a shit. I’m not interested.”

  “Me either,” Sam chimed in.

  “Something you need to share? You haven’t told me how Charleston went,” Nathan said as they walked toward the interrogation rooms.

  Sam shrugged. “It was good, and we have an understanding.”

  “Uh huh.”

  “What?”

  “She seems nice, Sam.”

  “She is.” Sam ran his hand down his face. “Let’s get this set up.”

  Evan looked at Sam. “Who’s on video?”

  “I’ll go make sure we have someone running both cameras.”

  Once Sam left the room, Evan looked at Nathan. “You want me to handle him, and you take her?”

  Nathan opened the creamer and removed the safety shield before he closed it and set it on the table. “I want him unless he just pisses me off. With the evidence, one or both of them are guilty.”

  Evan didn’t have time to answer before the door to the room was opened, and Charles walked through in his orange jumpsuit and with his hands cuffed in front of him.

  When Charles saw Nathan, he tried to turn around. “I don’t want to talk to him.”

  “I think you need to take a seat, Charles,” Evan said from across the room. “We have a few questions to ask you.”

  Charles huffed a breath of air before he sat in a chair at the table in the center of the room. “Can you take the cuffs off?”

  “Let’s leave them on to see how well you can behave. Would you like some coffee?”

  “Sure.”

  “Cream and sugar?”

  “Yeah.”

  Nathan stuck his head out of the door to speak with the officer standing outside. “Would you bring us three coffees and some sugar?” When he closed the door, he walked to the opposite side of the table while Evan took a seat in a chair in the far corner. “Charles, I need you to walk me through some things.”

  “Why don’t you ask my wife?”

  “Actually, I have. I also want to let you know that Linda Gregory is in the exact same room across the hall. I’ll be speaking with her in a few minutes.”

  “What? Why is Linda here? She doesn’t have anything to do with me going to see Vanessa.”

  “Well, you see, there have been some developments over the last few days.”

  Knock, knock.

>   “That’s probably Mr. Chesterfield.”

  “You called my attorney?”

  “Just in case you need him even though I hope you’ll decide to cooperate with us.”

  Mr. Chesterfield walked in dressed casually, not in his court suit. “I told you not to talk to him, Officer Cox.”

  “Mr. Chesterfield, I just offered him coffee and let him know that I need some information from him and that Linda is across the hall. You can watch the video if you don’t believe me.”

  Evan stuck out his hand. “Wayne, we didn’t ask him any questions. We want this one by the book.”

  Charles looked at each of the men in the room. “What does that mean?”

  Evan gave Wayne his chair and leaned against the wall with one ankle crossed over the other, and his arms crossed over his chest. Nathan sat back down and continued, “We figured you and Linda are the best people to ask about the developments.”

  Mr. Chesterfield looked at his client. “Charles, you don’t have to answer anything, but if you want to, I’m here to make sure this doesn’t go too far.”

  Nathan pulled the pictures of the Harpers’ house out of his folder. “Charles, do you recognize this picture?”

  Charles rolled his eyes. “You know I do. That’s my house with Vanessa.”

  “Yes, that’s the couch with her blood on it. Oh, wait, never mind, you’re waiting for trial on that, aren’t you?” Nathan moved that picture back to the folder and put another picture in front of Charles when a knock sounded on the door.

  Evan opened the door to let the officer in with the coffees and sugar. “Thank you,” he said as the officer walked out.

  Nathan gave Charles the coffee as he moved the picture of the kitchen in front of him. “Now, Mrs. Harper told me, and she’s willing to testify in court to everything I say to you, that you fixed her breakfast in the mornings and her to-go cup of coffee every day. Is that correct?”

  “Yeah, so? I don’t love her and hate that she’s the reason Linda and I can’t be together, but I wasn’t always a complete ass.”

  Nathan’s lips slightly tilted. “Now, isn’t it true that you only did it so you wouldn’t be late to work?”

  “I had ulterior motives. So what?” He poured the sugar in his cup. “Can I have some of that creamer?” He nodded toward the creamer on the table.