“They found a body.”
“What?” Kevin immediately fixed on the wooded area. Like ants at a picnic, forensic units covered the ground where the shot had originated.
“Rick wants River down here to see if she can identify the victim.”
“Not going to happen.”
“Why not?”
“Because I gave her a shot that will knock her out for a while.”
“That will make Rick happy.” Sarcasm laced Troy’s response.
“Tough shit.” Kevin paused remembering the unsteady way River had made her way toward him when she exited the bathroom. “The stress was taking its toll on her.”
“And you couldn’t watch her decline. Right?”
“Could you? She threw her guts up the minute she hit the bathroom.” Kevin glanced toward River’s bedroom door.
“Getting in a little deep with her, aren’t you?”
“I’m doing what I was trained to do. Help. Just drop it, Troy. Tell me what’s going on.”
“Like I told you, they found a body. His remains were poorly hidden behind some brush.”
“Hidden? As in he didn’t get there on his own.”
“There are drag marks from one of the large pines to where we found him. Here’s where it gets weird.”
“It’s already weird.”
“His hands are missing. Whacked off.”
“What the fuck?” Kevin reached for the door, then stopped. He couldn’t leave River alone.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but it’s getting uglier by the minute,” Troy worried.
“Why cut off his hands?” Kevin circled the dining room, unable to stand still.
“Off the top of my head, the killer could be sending a message to someone or they don’t want the man’s identity discovered too quickly, but there could be any number of reasons.”
“Tortured?” Kevin stopped pacing.
“I don’t think so. No one has admitted to hearing any screams and based on the small amount of blood found near his body, my guess is he was dead before he lost his hands.”
“No identification on him, I assume?”
“No, which is why Rick wants to see if River can identify him.”
“Tell him to take a picture.” Kevin was back at the window. Rick was headed in Troy’s direction.
“You can’t protect her indefinitely,” Troy warned him. “You’re not giving her the credit she deserves. She’s been through hell and made it this far.”
Troy was right. Still, Kevin was glad River wouldn’t be forced to view the dead body. For a civilian, she’d seen more than her share. A picture would have to do. As for protecting her, he wouldn’t be here to do that forever. While he was with her, though, he didn’t think he’d be able to pull back from that stance.
“Anything else?” Kevin asked. “Did they find anything else?” he asked as he dropped to the sofa.
“Not that I’m aware of. Here’s Rick. Ask him, and while you’re at it, break the news about River.”
“What about River?”
Rick’s voice boomed through Troy’s speaker.
“She’s asleep.”
“Then wake her up. How the hell can anyone sleep with all this shit going on?”
“Because I gave her some help,” Kevin admitted. “It will be hours before she’s awake.”
“You gave her a sedative? Now?”
Yep. Rick was pissed. “If I’d known there was going to be a body…” He’d have done the same thing.
“You damn well knew I’d need to talk to her, regardless. Now I need to know if she recognizes the dead man.”
“Take a picture. I did what I determined was best for her. I’d do the same for Shayne, Josie or Cat. If it makes you happy, River will be spitting mad at me when she wakes up.”
“You didn’t tell her that you slipped her something? Oh, man. You’re not helping your case much, are you?” Rick asked.
“What’s with you and Troy?”
“You’re attracted to her. Why do we have all these screwed up relationships on this island?”
“There is no relationship,” Kevin snapped. “How was he killed?” he asked, quickly diverting the conversation.
“Garrote. The coroner will have to make the official call, but I saw my share overseas.”
“Then the guy sliced off his victim’s hands and took them with him?” Kevin had seen a lot of depraved things while serving, but he was having a hard time digesting the same sort of evil on this quiet island.
“Appears so at this point. We haven’t found the appendages.”
“And no rifle?”
“Wasn’t with the body,” Rick answered.
“It didn’t get up and walk away. Who took the shot? The victim or the guy who killed him?”
“At this point, I have no idea. I’ll be back after we clear the scene,” Rick told him. “In the meantime, I’m sending a picture of the victim to your phone. Show it to River when she wakes up. I want to know if she’s seen or recognizes him.”
“Roger, that,” Kevin said as the dial tone sounded in his ear. A couple of minutes later his phone pinged. Kevin studied the picture. The deceased’s age and coloring were similar to the man he’d seen on the beach. If this was the same guy who attacked River on the causeway and outside her door, why was he dead and who killed him?
16
River came awake, fighting her way through a dense fog. She stretched, the action triggering aches and pains which brought her fully awake. She was in her bed and the room was dark with the exception of the light creeping under the closed door. It was enough though, that she could make out a small figure sitting in the corner. She shimmied up on the bed, untangling herself from the covers.
“It’s me,” Shayne announced. “Kevin guessed you’d be waking up soon. I didn’t want you to be alone and wonder what was going on.”
River threw her legs over the side of the bed. The clock on the nightstand told her it was after 7:00 p.m. She covered her face with her hands. As her senses sharpened, she heard the voices coming from the living area.
“Who’s here?” she asked, running her hands through her hair.
“Same group as last night minus Cat and Josie.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t hear anything. I didn’t even hear you come in. Last thing I remember is Kevin giving me something for nausea.” She reached for the bedside light.
“About that…” Shayne hesitated.
River flicked on the light, blinking a couple of times. Then it hit her. “The shot wasn’t for nausea, was it?”
“No, it wasn’t.”
“Is he out there?” River rose, throwing the covers back over the bed with more strength than was necessary.
“Yes, and he shouldn’t have done what he did without your consent, but in his defense, he was genuinely worried about you.”
“That still didn’t give him the right…”
“No, it didn’t, but you feel better, don’t you?”
“That’s beside the point,” River snarled. They were interrupted by a tap on the door.
“Can I come in?” Kevin asked.
“I think I’ll join the others,” Shayne said as she got out of her chair and rolled it toward the door. It dawned on River that Shayne had been seated in River’s office chair, which shouldn’t have surprised her. She didn’t have a guest chair in the room.
Shayne muttered something to Kevin as he stepped aside to let her pass. Closing the door behind him, he leaned his back against it. Silence permeated the room.
“I suppose you’re wanting an apology.”
“Why couldn’t you have been honest with me and asked if I needed something?”
“Would you have said ‘yes’?” he asked, pushing away from the door.
“Do you know why I live in the woods—alone?”
The wheels behind his dark eyes were turning. “So, no one bothers you?”
“It did help keep the straggling paparazzi away, but t
he main reason behind the move was to show my aunt I wasn’t too fragile to live on my own. She thought I would break. I had to prove to her and myself that I wouldn’t—that I could face the deaths of my family and survive it,” she said, closing the distance between them. “And I did. I don’t like others making decisions for me.”
The Adam’s apple in Kevin’s throat bobbed with each swallow. She was mesmerized.
“A body can only take so much. You’ve had one thing piled on another these last few days.”
“I understand that, but you didn’t ask me how I was doing—if I was okay.” Her gaze moved from his throat to meet his eyes.
“I didn’t have to. I saw how you reacted to the shooting.” He met her stare.
“Yes, getting shot at scared the hell out of me, but I’m more terrified of someone else being hurt or killed on my account.” He was so close now she felt the heat from his body. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
He tucked a stray hair behind her ear then rested his hand at the base of her neck. The gesture was tender and erotic, which didn’t make a damned bit of sense.
“You were sick because you were worried about me?”
As she nodded, he framed her face with his hands and lowered his mouth to meet hers. The kiss took her breath away. It was searing and demanding. Surprising herself, she returned it with the same fervor—the same heat. Enough heat, she thought she might melt into a puddle on the floor. He nipped at her lips from one corner to the other before teasing her mouth open. She pressed against him as their tongues met in a frenzy. When he slipped his leg between hers, she straddled it, rubbing her core against his muscular thigh, trying to relieve the growing ache deep inside her. His mouth traveled down her jaw, nibbling at her ear and suckling the lobe. Her hands burrowed under his shirt, tracing the taut muscles of his back.
A knock on the door startled her. Jumping back, River untangled herself from his arms. What the hell was wrong with her?
“I’m assuming you two have settled things since we haven’t heard any shouting.”
“Go away, Gib.” Kevin’s voice was gruff.
River covered her face with her hands. God. What had she been thinking?
“I’m sure you’d like nothing more,” Gib continued, “but there’s a room full of people out here with things to discuss.”
Oh, shit. Had they guessed what was going on? Of course, they had. River’s cheeks burned.
“We’ll be right out,” Kevin answered.
Taking a deep breath, River summoned her courage and faced Kevin. “My apologies. That shouldn’t have happened.”
He smiled.
“It wasn’t very smart considering all that’s going on.” She took another step away from him. What the hell was he grinning about? He clasped her chin, stopping her retreat.
“It has nothing to do with what’s going on. We’ll pick this up later,” he promised.
“Like hell we will. It was a mistake.” She pushed his hand aside and turned toward the door.
“Why was it a mistake?” Kevin asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I like my privacy. I like being alone. Sex is complicated and messy.”
“Messy?” Kevin’s eyebrows rose.
“Messy as in messing up people’s lives.” She shrugged off his hand.
“Do you understand the difference between sex and a relationship?” His grin had disappeared. Both anger and confusion now laced his tone.
“I’ve had sex, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“I’m asking if you’ve ever been in a relationship with someone—someone special?”
“That’s none of your business.” She grabbed the doorknob and stepped into the hall. “I’m going to freshen up.” Which was true. She also wanted to wash the taste of him from her mouth or it would be hell to concentrate on anything else.
The knock on the door had also knocked some sense into her. She had no business getting involved with anyone. Her life was littered with the dead and injured. She had no desire to leave any more bodies in her wake. Besides, she was damaged goods. There was a black hole in her heart where her family used to reside. She didn’t believe there was enough left of it to share with another person.
Contrary to what she’d insinuated, she understood relationships. Her mom and dad had one she would never be able to replicate. River had also had sex for the sake of sex. She’d found it unsatisfying. She’d hoped the words thrown at Kevin would be enough to change his mind—to force him away.
Whether he left under his own steam or at her demand, he was going and so were the rest of them. Relationships of any kind were dangerous—for her and for them. She’d been successful at avoiding them until now. This group had snuck under her radar. The women had welcomed her. The men were protective and respectful. None of them had a gleeful desire to dig into her history. Then there was Kevin. Damn. There was that flutter again.
But being around her put them in danger. Today proved that. She couldn’t let it happen again. It was obvious they weren’t going to simply leave because she asked them. They were men of honor. So were the women. They cared. It wasn’t going to be easy to chase them away. One painful idea came to mind. She was going to have to hurt them to keep them safe. Hopefully, she could pull it off without them seeing through it.
When she joined the others in the living room, they were all chowing down on sandwiches. Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks were spread across the coffee table.
“There’s a plate for you on the counter,” Gib told her.
“Thank you.” River glanced at the sandwich and chips topped with a napkin. His kindness was making the next move even more difficult.
“You’ll probably need the energy later on,” Gib joked. “Ouch!”
“Excuse him,” Shayne said. “He’s either charming people or annoying them.”
“What do you mean? I’m always charming,” Gib said, rubbing his arm where Shayne had smacked him.
“Have a seat.” Kevin indicated the space next to him. The sparkle she’d seen in his eyes earlier was gone. She’d managed to do some damage. She was about to take a sledgehammer to what was left of this attraction.
She ignored him as she marched into the kitchen and pulled a bottle of wine from the small rack on the counter. Gib started to rise. The cold, icy stare she gave him did the trick and had him retaking his seat. Her heart hurt. She felt like she’d kicked a puppy. They were kind people who wanted to help, but their assistance could put them in danger.
The room remained quiet while she opened the bottle. She filled her glass then raised it. “I want to thank you all for everything you’ve done.”
“What’s going on?” Kevin asked, breaking the silence.
“I won’t be taking advantage of your time or your kindness any longer.”
“You’re not taking advantage of us,” Shayne grinned. “We’re friends.”
“We’re acquaintances,” River corrected her in a cold, business-like tone. “And while I appreciate your help and the offer of friendship, I prefer my singular lifestyle to this room full of people.”
Shayne’s sparkling smile morphed into a thin, tight line, the edges turning down. Her eyes dulled, covered by a thin sheen of moisture. River turned away from her.
“What the hell happened between the two of you in there?” Colt’s head snapped in Kevin’s direction.
Eyes narrowing, Kevin didn’t respond. Instead, he glared at River. “My friends are trying to help you. Is this how you repay them?”
“That was your idea. Not mine. I should have said no when you first suggested it. If you’ll let me know how much I owe you for your security and the food, I’ll get the funds to you.”
“You don’t owe us a damn thing,” Steve said. He set his beer on the table with a loud thud. River thought the glass top might have cracked. It was the least of her problems.
Troy pulled his wife to her feet and headed for the door.
“Hold up, Troy,” Ric
k said, standing to face the two. “I still have questions regarding the shooting I need to ask River. I need you and Kevin to stay behind so we can go over the events of today.”
His one, sharp, emerald-green eye bore into her. “Gib, would you take Shayne home?”
“No problem. You can pick her up at Colt’s,” Gib told him. “Josie and Cece are visiting Cat. We’ll keep her company until you get there.”
But Gib didn’t head to the door. River took a step back from the counter as he stormed toward her. The charmer wasn’t so charming anymore. He leaned over the breakfast bar—his lively grey eyes had transformed into steel. “I don’t know what brought this on, but whatever it was, you had absolutely no reason to hurt Shayne.”
River’s back was so damn straight you could have hammered her into the ground like a steel rod. Her jaw was clenched so tight it had to hurt. Her eyes though—Kevin swore there was sadness in her crystal blue eyes, or it could be a reflection of his own mood. He was caught somewhere between anger and sorrow.
“What the hell is wrong with you? If this is about…”
“Let’s get on with this so I can get out of here,” Troy snapped. “I don’t give a damn why she’s got a burr up her ass. I need to get to Shayne.”
Kevin dropped the subject for now. He’d find out what was going on with River after everyone had left.
River opted to stay in the kitchen. She was working on her second glass of wine—her other hand clutched the bottle, posed for another pour. He hadn’t seen her drink, but then again, he didn’t know crap about her, except that ugly portion of her childhood, and how she felt in his arms. After the way she’d treated his friends, all interest in her should have died. It hadn’t, but now wasn’t the time to puzzle it out.
“Do you recognize this man?” Rick held up his phone. There was no way River would be able to make out the face from where she stood. Kevin assumed the action was a tactic to bring her closer for the discussion or, it could be Rick was still pissed enough that he was making her come to him.
River slid from behind the granite breakfast bar, after topping off her glass of wine. Her eyes narrowed as she approached Rick’s extended hand. As soon as she saw the photo clearly, Kevin bet she’d stop in her tracks. Six feet out, she did.
Run, River, Run Page 10
