“It definitely appears like a solid connection here. Add in the brown hair, similar build, and profession. We need more evidence and to hopefully find some kind of other link—fingerprint, hair follicle, something. But at least we can start by interviewing the employees at that bar and grill,” Jeb said to them.
“You know who frequents that place, Cassius, don’t you?” Alex asked him.
He held his friend’s gaze. “Soldiers,” he said. That didn’t sit right with any of them. They were all retired military. One of their own could be going around raping, torturing and murdering women, and they needed to figure out who this killer was, and fast.
Chapter 2
“I really appreciate this opportunity, Harper. I know I took my sweet ass time getting back to you, but I had things going on,” Emerson said to Harper. They were sitting at a table in Harper’s discussing hours to work and nights.
“I was truly hoping that you would call back. When you left to finish school and help your family I figured we’d never see you again.”
Emerson couldn’t help the emotion she surely showed in her eyes at the mention of her family. She had left because Blake ordered her to be around him constantly. She was lucky she fought him on finishing up school so she got her degree. Not like that business degree helped her much, but it did help land the part-time job she was doing the last month. She needed change and she needed to be around positive people like Faith, Genesis, and Harper. Faith reached over and squeezed her hand and Genesis gave her a reassuring smile.
“This is my family right here. I feel like I never should have left,” Emerson stated.
Harper squinted her eyes at her. “Sounds like some shit went down. If you need to talk, you know I’m here. You also know the type of town the Sheriff runs.”
“The story of my life, but no worries, and no need to involve the Sheriff. That was months ago that I had some bad times, but I disconnected myself from all that negativity and moved on. I even took a trip out to California, to visit a woman I went to college with. I met her boyfriend and lived it up. Kind of let down my hair.”
“You, let down your hair and lived it up? Miss Organized and schedule everything? Obsessive compulsive, rule-following…” Faith teased her.
Emerson stuck her tongue out at her. “Don’t be jealous because you still need to sleep until one in the afternoon even on your days off,” Emerson shot back. They laughed.
“I need my beauty sleep, and my bed is sooo comfortable. Did I tell you that I invested in a king-sized bed? It takes up most of my one bedroom, but God, it’s heaven. I could lay in it all day,” Faith said, eyes closed as if she was envisioning the bed in her head.
“But you don’t, Faith. You’re taking those self-defense classes at the dojo, right?” Emerson asked her.
“Yes, and so is Genesis, though Genesis doesn’t seem to need that. She knows her stuff, and is tough as nails.”
Genesis looked away, as if uncomfortable with the topic. Emerson didn’t say a word. She didn’t want anyone asking her too many questions either. Even when she thought about what Blake did to her and then what her own sister did, it made her feel sick. Pete made matters worse. What really sent Emerson running out of the town was how Blake found out from Pete that Emerson knew he was sleeping with Felecia, and his friends were, too. The asshole had the nerve to corner her in the parking lot outside work one night and forcibly kissed her. He was an evil manipulative psycho who truly thought she would join the orgy. Thank God a group of guys she knew arrived in their truck. As she shoved Blake away, they came over to assist. If they hadn’t come there, things could have gone quite differently.
She realized that she was zoning out from the conversation but then Faith asked her about the apartment she was renting.
“Where is it?” Harper asked.
“In Benter and about thirty-five minutes from here,” she replied.
“That is going to grow old quickly with 4:00 a.m. closing time,” Faith said to her.
“Have you asked around about any places in Cherry Hill?” Harper asked.
“It’s fine for the next couple of weeks. I’m actively looking. I got a great deal on renting it but had to promise the older couple who own it that I would stay for a least a month. They’re so sweet,” Emerson said to them.
“Emma, you’re a softy,” Faith replied.
“Only a little bit. I’m changing my colors.”
“Oh, really?” Faith asked and crossed her arms in front of her chest. Faith was so pretty, and sweet, same with Genesis and Harper. That was Cherry Hill though. It seemed like most people, both male and female, were attractive.
“Yes, really. I’m going to not be so nice all the time,” Emerson said, trying to come across serious even though she got intimidated pretty quickly with certain people and certain things. Not her friends. Not here in Harper’s.
“Uh huh. Sure, you are tough, girl. Hey, you should come with us to the fair this Saturday. There’s going to be some self-defense instruction going on by Culter McCabe, the Sheriff’s brother, and a bunch of other guys, too. Even the Waters and Shelton brothers from the MMA fighting gym,” Genesis said to her.
“Is that the class you were telling me about yesterday, Genesis?” she asked her.
“Yup, but you probably should take some beginner classes at the dojo. The MMA place is pretty intense,” Genesis told her.
Emerson nodded. She wasn’t going to let on to the training she had been doing by watching videos and working out on a boxing bag she picked up at a yard sale. She may not be ready to take on a huge, abusive ex-soldier like Blake and his buddies, but she could at least buy herself some time to escape and maybe get some shots in, too. The thoughts really made her feel scared and sick to her stomach, but the reality was, she feared Blake and his friends, and she wouldn’t put it past them to try something if they saw her.
“We can pick you up. Faith and I are going Saturday,” Genesis said to her.
“I can drive here and meet you. Maybe I can just bring my change of clothes and freshen up here since the apartment is in Benter and a distance,” she said.
“Nonsense. Come back to my place and then we’ll head here together for work afterwards,” Faith said to her.
“Well, I for one am glad that you’re back, Emerson. I could use the help, and with Genesis on, as well, I just need to find a couple of more waitresses. I’ll probably have to start asking around. C.C. won’t be coming back for a while or maybe not ever. Her men are so protective of her, and don’t want her out of their sight,” Harper said.
“She’s okay with that?” Emerson asked.
Harper squinted her eyes at her. “She’s in love with them and they love her. It’s part of a ménage relationship, having her men care for her so much,” Harper said.
“They don’t even want her working. They like to keep her to themselves,” Faith said and winked.
Emerson gulped. In her mind she thought about Blake, about his team of men and how they wanted her in their bed, sharing her, and instead took Felecia. That wasn’t love or commitment. It was sex and the men got to screw Felecia, take from her body and with no commitment or strings attached. Her sister was weak. Emerson knew the reality of soldiers, of teams of men like that, and she would be smarter, that was for sure. Her stomach ached as much as her heart just thinking about what could have happened if she stayed. How she would be forced into bed with four criminal soldiers who wouldn’t love her or protect her, but own and use her instead. It made her shiver with fear.
“Well then, tomorrow night is your first night back, but first we get to hang out at the fair, and maybe check out the guys,” Faith said and winked at Emerson.
Genesis chuckled and Harper stood up. “Well, I’ll let you ladies discuss the hot guys that will be at the fair, and I will see you, Emerson, tomorrow night. So Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays are good for you then?” Harper asked as Emerson got up and Harper gave her a hug.
Emerson could barely get ou
t the yes, and thank you as the feeling of being hugged by someone made her feel too much. How could something so simple as a hug be missed? She forced the tears away as Harper pulled back and Emerson smiled. “Sounds great. Thank you.”
“What’s this about working here again?” Ade asked, coming over to see Emerson. He looked her over and gave a smile.
“Yup, she’s back, and going to be working Thursday through Saturday night.”
“No days?” Ade asked her.
“I have an accounting job in Benter for the lady I’m renting an apartment from.”
“Benter? Why not look for something here? Or is the accounting job close to the apartment?” Ade asked.
“Actually it’s closer to Cherry Hill. The guy has a construction company. Phillip and Stone,” she said to him.
“Oh yeah, I know the guy Stone. They come in here sometimes.”
“They do. I have seen them, as well. Very nice guys and they have like eight kids between them and their brothers and wives,” Genesis said.
“That’s right. Such nice families, too. I think Stone’s wife is expecting another baby,” Emerson said and smiled.
“She is looking for a place in Cherry Hill, Ade, so if you hear of anything, let her know,” Faith said to him.
He squinted and then pulled out his cell phone. “I think I know someone who mentioned a place. It’s further out though. It would take fifteen minutes to get here from there, but private. A cottage on a ranch,” Ade said.
“Who owns it and is renting it?” Genesis asked.
“Those guys the Sheriff knows. The ones that are friends with Athena’s brothers. They moved out here like six months ago. I think one of them works as a Texas Ranger,” Ade said.
“Lawsen. I think I have some pictures too because I thought maybe Tyler Brown was going to stick around for a bit, but then he got called out to South Carolina for some special training or something. Anyway, I know Tyler said it’s pretty nice. A fire pit in the back, outdoor grill, and really nice inside, as well.”
“Sounds like heaven. Can we go see it?” Emerson asked.
“Let me contact the Sheriff and see if he has a contact number for Cassius. Hold up.” He turned around and waited for the Sheriff to answer. Emerson hadn’t seen Kane McCabe in quite some time. He probably didn’t remember her at all, but he would know if the place was a good choice or not.
“Okay, are you sure? Yes, she’s right here,” Ade said and covered the mouthpiece. “He said he’ll call and see if you can go by now. If you can, he’ll bring you up so you can find it and introduce you to Harley. I guess he’s the one taking interested tenants and showing the place.”
“Okay, if it’s not a problem,” she said and Ade shook his head and they waited.
“Now? Oh, great. Okay, so she can head to the department and meet you there? Even better. Thanks, Sheriff.” He ended the call.
“He’ll meet you here and then you can follow him to the place.”
“Oh, that’s so nice of him. He isn’t too busy?” Emerson asked.
“Are you kidding me? Don’t you remember how Cherry Hill works, Emerson?” Genesis asked and smiled.
“The Sheriff always looks out for the people of Cherry Hill. He also makes sure that any single women moving here find a safe place, so there’s no trouble.” She swallowed hard and Ade chuckled.
“You’ll be fine and get used to it. Plus living in town we can hang out more, and maybe do those self-defense classes together? It will be awesome,” Faith said, all enthusiastically.
Emerson wasn’t too sure, but then again, she needed to take those classes. She needed to keep on this path of a new life, a new view toward everything, and the reality that she ultimately only had herself to rely on, except of course for Faith and Genesis, who acted like she never left and picked up their close friendship right where things were left off a year ago. She loved this town, and the kindness that surrounded it. No negativity. That was what she focused on.
* * * *
“He’s bringing someone over right now?” Raven asked Harley.
“Yup. I’m going to walk over and open up the windows and wait for them to arrive. I’ll help you guys finish with the fencing out back when I’m done,” Harley said and then took the key from the wall hook and headed out the door. Kane didn’t say who it was, just that he might have someone interested in renting the place and could they check it out.
As he walked across the yard, he felt really good about the place. It had been a sort of therapy for him and his brothers, fixing up the cottage and adding the extra touches. Not that they thought they would get more money for it, but more so that as they started the project, it turned into pride and accomplishment. It truly helped them heal a bit. He unlocked the door and inhaled, smelling the fragrances still of fresh paint, cut wood, and new home. As he heard the vehicles pull up front, he walked back toward the front door and had to duck to go out of it.
The Sheriff gave a wave as he got out of the SUV and met a woman by a black and white Jeep Wrangler. Harley was shocked at the sight of the woman. She had long brown hair in abundant waves to her ass. An ass that stood out in dark blue jeans that were skin tight. When she turned around, the waist length floral blouse she wore exposed her skin on her belly but also a cropped tank top in white and very abundant breasts. Her face was gorgeous. She was young, and as she walked closer, appearing shocked at him standing there—perhaps his height that was intimidating—she looked back at the Sheriff. Kane placed his hand at her back and smiled.
“Harley Lawsen, meet Emerson Banks.” Harley couldn’t help but to check the woman out. She was stunning. And her eyes… Holy shit, they were a deep green like he’d never seen before. Her lips were lightly glossed, hardly any makeup, and she wore a tiny little gold and diamond pendant around her neck that fell at her thin, tanned throat.
“Hey, Sheriff. Nice to meet you, Emerson,” Harley said and reached his hand out for her to shake. She looked him over and he felt it everywhere. It was the oddest thing. When their hands touched, holy fuck, it surprised him, as a wave of heat went through his fingers, up his arm and through his body. She pulled away as she smiled but couldn’t look up at him. She avoided his gaze, and probably his height. She was intimidated.
“Nice to meet you, Harley,” she said and as she turned toward the Sheriff, Harley caught the scent of her shampoo and couldn’t help but to inhale. He looked at the Sheriff, and Kane looked serious.
“So, Emerson is currently renting a place in Benter but farther out. She’s starting to work back at Harper’s again and won’t be getting out of work until 4:00 a.m. at least. That drive will be a worry,” the Sheriff said with concern. Emerson placed her hands on her hips, making the shirt rise again and giving Harley another peek at her flat belly and abs. She had one hell of a body on her. He rubbed his jaw as she glanced at him then at the Sheriff.
“I told you that there’s no need to worry. I can handle things fine.”
“Famous last words. Humor me, Emerson. We’ve had a series of dangerous events happen around Cherry Hill and Central Valley that makes myself and the other men of both towns more assertive in providing precaution and protection to our citizens. Especially single ones,” he said and the knowledge that she was single made Harley get an ache in his gut. “Well, let’s see the place and see how you like it,” the Sheriff said and as they headed toward the door the Sheriff’s radio went off.
“Damn.” He answered the call from dispatch. “I’ll be there in two minutes. Sorry, Emerson. Do you want to reschedule looking?”
“No need to. I’ll take care of her, Sheriff,” Harley said without thinking.
“I know you will, Harley. Let me know how things work out,” the Sheriff said and then headed to the SUV and down the driveway.
“So the place has one full sized bedroom, and a second smaller bedroom or office, whatever works for you. A full bathroom, living room. It’s all new,” he said as she walked inside.
“Oh my God
, this is gorgeous,” she stated and immediately ran her feminine hand along the granite countertops. Then she went to the cabinets, all custom-built by him and his brothers. “These cabinets are so unique, and cool. I’ve never seen anything like them.”
“They’re custom made, that’s why,” he said to her and couldn’t believe she noticed these things. He had several men and women look at the place and no one showed such appreciation for the work. In fact, the women seemed intimidated and maybe fearful because he looked so wild and untamed with his beard, the tattoos and muscles.
“It looks brand new.”
“It was here with the house when I bought it. Decided to redo the place completely.”
“Well, you did an awesome job. It’s very neutral, and definitely good quality.”
“How do you know that just from looking?” he asked as he crossed his arms in front of his chest.
She looked at him and then appeared scared. She turned away. “I can tell. I’ve lived in a few apartments, seen some construction work too so I know some things. Do you mind if I go look at the bedroom and the other room?”
He uncrossed his arms and tried to not act so snappy. He was out of practice and it didn’t help that the first woman he spoke to in a while had to be so damn gorgeous and sexy. He felt tongue-tied and that was fucking stupid.
* * * *
Emerson was trying not to be fearful or show how intimidating Harley was. Jesus, the man was huge, and super tall, had muscles and tattoos and looked untamed. His eyes, though, holy God, were green like the color of ivy. He seemed so hard and intense, and she knew he was a soldier. It unnerved her, made her feel like running, but then she reminded herself that she was a new woman. Had a changed attitude toward everything in life and everyone. She had to focus on herself and not let anyone get in the way of her happiness and her freedom. She got out of a terrible situation, and away from a dead end path of pain. She could handle having this guy as her landlord. She needed to face her fears head-on.
Cherry Hill 15 - A Love to Kill For Page 2
