Austin

by Stone, Piper

  “You’re different, Austin. Don’t allow Vader to take over. He’s the soldier, not the man I’ve seen inside. Fight for that man because he’s a good friend of mine. When you accept absolute joy in your life, you’ll also find your happiness. Never forget.”

  As he walked away, I had the terrible feeling that I’d never see him again.

  I tossed back my glass of bourbon, glancing into the cracked and frosted mirror positioned behind the wall of bottle, a cold chill shifting down my spine. I could no longer look at the reflection of the man I’d become.

  And that terrified me.

  Exhaling, I jerked up, the vision of the abysmal bar remaining in the forefront of my mind. The darkness was oppressive, the air in the room suddenly stifling. Snake’s words reverberated in my mind, his advice a piece of the past I hadn’t thought about since that night in the dark bar.

  The event had only been five days before his capture. I would bet Snake had experienced a premonition about his death, forcing him to search his soul. I held my head in my hands, fighting the anger and sadness inside.

  It was time to let go of the past.

  A slight sound drew my attention. When I looked over, my cock immediately twitched. Franny. She had that kind of effect on me every time I saw her.

  She was sleeping so peacefully on her stomach, her long curls cascading down her back, one arm resting on the pillow. A sliver of the moon had found its way through the blinds, the single stream illuminating her face like a silver halo. In my mind, she’d never looked more beautiful. Reaching over, I adjusted the sheets, smiling as she purred, wiggling under the covers.

  A cold sweat had broken out across my forehead, the dream more powerful than all the others. I rubbed my eyes and eased the comforter aside. There’d been no question we would share a room, yet I’d never felt so awkward, as if I didn’t belong. The feeling had kept me awake long after she’d fallen asleep in my arms.

  However, there was no other place I’d rather be.

  I padded toward the bathroom, closing the door before turning on the light. As I stared at my reflection, I realized I had the same haunted look I’d seen in Snake’s eyes the night in the bar, the weight of continuing guilt keeping me locked behind Vader’s shield of armor.

  Happiness.

  Wasn’t it an emotion that every human being sought, fighting for any chance if necessary? While I’d never really thought deeply about Snake’s words up to this point, they were a telling statement of his soul, a man fighting unspoken demons for as long as I could remember.

  What troubled me was that I knew he hadn’t found his happiness before he died. He’d never been able to accept himself, either his misgivings or his good deeds. That’s why he’d pushed harder, ignoring the rules.

  Maybe I was doing the exact same thing, my inability to let go hindering me from enjoying any aspect of my life.

  With one exception.

  Francesca.

  She was the light in my life, the kind of center every man needed.

  I exhaled as I turned on the cold water, lowering my head and splashing my face. Now I’d become philosophical. Hell, Snake would be proud.

  Or maybe he’d chastise me for wasting another second of my life.

  Grabbing a towel, I closed my eyes as I pressed it against my face, trying to control my breathing. I didn’t hear the sound of the door opening but the second soft fingers caressed my back, a shiver banked down my spine. I lifted my head and the sight of our combined reflection provided an entirely different set of emotions than before.

  Joy.

  Desire.

  Anxiety.

  Obsession.

  And protective rage.

  Franny kept her eyes on the mirror, a knowing expression on her face as she gently brushed her fingers around the various scars, rising onto her tiptoes to kiss each one, taking her time and willing the pain and heartache away. I was no longer surprised at her gentleness, but I was floored at the way a good portion of my body trembled.

  While every injury had a story, they weren’t worth telling, but her touch was more healing than she could understand. And in those few precious minutes, a feeling of blissful peace replaced the angst.

  There were no words necessary, but her eyes spoke volumes.

  When she turned off the light, taking both my hands into hers and pulling me back to bed, I didn’t fight her actions and I no longer felt as if I didn’t belong.

  She curled against me, placing her hand on my heart.

  “Sleep, my rugged cowboy. Sleep. Tomorrow is a new day.”

  A new day. Why did I have a terrible feeling our nightmare was just beginning?

  I stormed into the sheriff’s department, glaring at the deputy sitting behind the desk. While Scorpion’s friend had confirmed the piece that I found had been from a blasting cap, he’d also been quick to remind me that various components could be purchased or acquired by several methods.

  Including the internet.

  It seemed explosives were now big business with every criminal element and drug lord using them. I would be curious as to how the sheriff handled the information or if she’d blow me off as she’d done before.

  Gas leak, my fucking ass.

  The destruction of Franny’s Mercedes and the torching of the buildings were definitely related.

  My instincts were kicking in overtime. Things were gonna get ugly.

  While I’d hated leaving Franny, she was in good hands and at least safe, handling some business remotely. It wouldn’t be long until the reporters figured out where we’d gone, especially given the morning news. The fact that not only my service record but the shadows surrounding a secretive mission had been the breaking news of the morning continued to piss me off.

  Fortunately, I had a feeling Franny would follow my rules.

  Or else.

  At least the thought gave me a smile.

  “Can I help you?”

  “I need to see Sheriff Robertson.”

  “Do you have an appointment?” I could see a look of recognition on the man’s face, the same look I’d gotten when I’d stopped to get gas. Well, fuck them all.

  “Just tell the sheriff I have some information on a case for her. Name’s Austin Bridges. She and I have chatted before.”

  The deputy took his time rising to his feet, hiking his weapon’s holster around his waist before walking down the hall. At least I didn’t have to wait long.

  “She’ll see you now. Down the hall on the left.”

  I didn’t bother with a word of thanks before heading down the corridor.

  “Come in, Mr. Bridges.” She offered me the chair opposite before sitting down, almost immediately pulling a file onto her desk.

  I remained standing.

  “Unfortunately, I have a heavy case load, so I won’t be able to give you much time. What kind of information do you have?”

  I held up a baggie with the cap, waiting as she narrowed her eyes before I placed it on her desk.

  “And what is that?” She pulled the plastic into the light, turning the bag back and forth.

  “I found the piece yesterday after the car explosion.”

  Sheriff Robertson gave me a stern look. “Let me get this straight. You took a piece of evidence from a crime scene?”

  “Somehow I didn’t think your boys were too interested in digging through the rubble. I did what I felt was necessary including having the piece identified by an expert. That is a portion of a blasting cap.”

  Sighing, she put the bag on her desk. “A blasting cap. That doesn’t provide much help and you know it. Plus, I don’t need you meddling in the case. It seems like you have enough issues of your own.”

  I held my tongue. “Sheriff, a state senator was almost killed yesterday by some asshole who decided to make good on a recent threat. And if I had to guess, I’d say that threat was a direct result of her continued questions into the real causes of the recent fires. My question to you is what the hell have you found?” I l
eaned over her desk, staring her straight in the eyes.

  She kept her hard look as she answered. “Mr. Bridges, I suggest you watch your tone of voice with me. As already noted, the recent building fires have been ruled accidents. I’m going to give you the same advice that I gave your girlfriend. Leave it alone. While what occurred yesterday was horrible and I’m certain Senator Montgomery is grateful for your help and ability to keep her alive, one case has nothing to do with the other.”

  This was going nowhere. “So what have you found out about yesterday’s explosion?”

  She hesitated, debating even whether to answer me. Seems I was bad news all the way around.

  “As you are perfectly aware, there was little left of the vehicle. At this point, we’ve yet to find anything conclusive but the investigation is underway. I assure you that my department will find and prosecute the individual responsible.”

  “That’s not good enough, but I’ll give you some additional help. I’m certain that C-4 explosives were used.”

  She seemed exasperated, her face pinching. “Since you’re such a weapons expert, why don’t you explain when and how the perpetrator was able to secure the mechanism under her car.”

  “The where is easy. Her house. The senator spent the night with me at another location, using her second vehicle.”

  There was a look of surprise on her face. “All right. I’ll bite. Why are you so certain?”

  “Because, Sheriff, this was found in front of her house.” I eased the Leatherman into my hand, holding the bag in the air. “A tool designed specifically for the military, one that allows the holder to work with C-4 plastics. Take note that it’s engraved with the soldier’s moniker, something the majority of servicemen and women acquire when involved with certain operations.”

  “Yourself included.” She narrowed her eyes and I could almost swear there was a hint of recognition in them as she studied the piece.

  “Are you trying to get at something?”

  “I find it curious that you lied to me, Mr. Bridges. You didn’t fly in recently. As a matter of fact, you arrived in the country almost two months ago.” She pulled open the file she’d retrieved, selecting and tossing a piece of paper in my direction. “Now, if the recent fires hadn’t been deemed accidents, that would actually place you on the top of my list of potential perpetrators. You see, I’m well aware that very often working with fire and explosives becomes addictive. Given your recent selection of a relationship, I find that curious.”

  I didn’t bother glancing at the piece of paper. She’d found the flight I’d taken to Seattle, spending weeks hiking toward Montana. I merely put the Leatherman in front of her, the initials where she could see them. “I suggest you take a good look at this, Sheriff, as well as dusting the knife for fingerprints. Now, I’ll give you a piece of advice. I’ve worked with hundreds of explosives. I know their sound, their smell, and the way they work. The arsonist obviously wanted to cover his tracks by having you believe that gas was the issue on those devastated properties, but you’d be wrong.”

  She didn’t say anything for a few seconds. Huffing, I pushed the knife further across the desk. “Find the owner, Sheriff Robertson. And when you do, make certain and search his property. Where there’s one brick of C-4, there’s likely a lot more. Just be careful and hire an expert to handle them.” Turning sharply, I walked toward the door.

  “Mr. Bridges. I’ve known Senator Montgomery for a long time. I made a commitment to her that I would continue to look at the evidence regarding the fires. She’s a good person and an even better representative of our state, but she does have enemies.”

  “What are you trying to say to me, Sheriff?”

  “Stay out of her life. If you care about her, leave her alone. She doesn’t need to have a haze of controversy shadowing her illustrious career. You’re not good for her.”

  Snorting, I walked out the door.

  Francesca

  Anger.

  I’d learned a long time ago that feeding into my anger wasn’t good for my work in the Senate or in my personal life, but right now, I was enraged. I couldn’t stand the crap the sheriff had said to Vader and I knew he hadn’t told me everything. I paced the floor, already stir crazy from remaining in Hawk’s house. While I remained grateful for the beautiful accommodations, the longer I stayed holed up pretending that my life wasn’t falling apart, the worse I knew the situation was going to get.

  Plus, there was an arsonist out there prepared to take out another building, a family’s life and livelihood. It was only a matter of time. With the sheriff buying into the accident bullshit as well as the debacle with the press, I felt cornered, like a caged rat. Hours had passed. Hours of worrying, fear keeping a knot in my stomach.

  “Stop worrying,” Vader said from behind me.

  “I’m not certain how you can even say that. That’s all I’m doing is worrying.” I stood staring out the windows, longing to have my life back. Even the gorgeous landscaping hadn’t done anything to lighten my mood, the foreboding hanging over my head refusing to go away. What the hell was I missing? “Did the sheriff even comment on the utility knife?”

  “Not really. Hopefully, she’ll check for fingerprints, but I have my doubts.”

  “Then I’m going to demand some action.”

  Vader placed his hands on my shoulders, rubbing gently. Every time he touched me, my breathing became easier, but today I was so overwhelmed that his light caress almost brought tears to my eyes.

  “Look, give it some time. That’s all we can do at this point and I know you find that hard to believe coming from me. What we can’t do is poke the bear.”

  I chuckled, shaking my head. “That’s exactly what I’d like to do. With one huge spear.” I wasn’t the kind of woman who just stood back and watched things happen. That’s why I’d gotten such a nasty reputation among a certain group of constituents. Patience wasn’t one of my virtues, especially when someone I cared about was being crucified in the press. Hell, all five of the men from the unit, the Montana Bad Boys as the assholes had started calling them, had been burned in effigy on every freaking network channel. I only wondered how long it would be before the entire situation they’d been forced to deal with for a second time was going to go national.

  That wouldn’t bode well for the outcome.

  I heard the heavy knock on the front door and cringed, expecting the worst.

  “Relax. No one is getting in who doesn’t belong. Period.”

  Vader’s voice had shifted into a menacing tone. The man was carrying his weapon at all times, just like the others, all prepared for a fight. Things weren’t just going to get ugly. They could get bloody. Sighing, I studied his reflection as he moved out of the living room, giving me space. When I heard Reaper’s voice, although he went by Nash in his day to day world, I felt some sense of relief. Maybe having more of the guys around would make a difference to my nasty mood.

  Groaning, I closed my eyes, leaning my head against the glass. I’d tried tea to soothe my nerves then coffee to boost my adrenaline. Nothing seemed to work and everything tasted bitter. Was it still too early to start drinking? Heavily? The thought gave me a slight smile.

  Until I heard the ring of my phone. The shit was nonstop, the reporters finding my private cell phone number somehow. The first thing I was going to do after the crap was over was have the number changed.

  Or move to another state.

  The last option seemed the best, although I couldn’t live without Vader ever again. I glared at the screen, taking a deep breath. I wasn’t going to be able to avoid the asshole any longer. “What do you want, Mitchell?”

  He snickered in the same conceited manner he always did when he was gloating. “Were you avoiding my calls, darling?”

  Darling. That meant the asshole had something up his sleeve. I didn’t take the bait, remaining silent.

  “Fine. So much for having a pleasant conversation,” he continued. “You really thought that you could h
ave a torrid affair behind my back? And in a sleazy motel? My God, you’ve sunk to a new level, Senator.”

  A sleazy motel. I wasn’t going to take another opportunity to remind him that I’d found him in a similar motel with Barbie number three or maybe five. Why bother? “My personal life is none of your concern.”

  “Like hell it isn’t. You seem to forget something vital in our divorce agreement.”

  What the hell was he talking about? “What are you getting at, Mitchell? I’m busy.”

  “What I’m getting at is that you haven’t signed over our property as required.”

  “Yeah, so what? You took your sweet time with the stocks.” I wasn’t in the mood for this shit.

  “I suggest you read over our agreement.”

  “Cut to the chase.”

  “We’re still married.”

  The same shit the reporter had tossed out. This felt more like a setup.

  I pressed my hand over my mouth, trying to remember every codicil of the agreement that I’d signed almost two years ago. I’d done everything I could to put it out of my mind for so long, but… Oh. My. God. He was right. Although infidelity meant nothing to the normal couple, in my renowned position, it was gasoline for the raging fire, another piece of fodder for the reporters to chew on and my enemies to use against me. “Stay out of my life, Mitchell.”

  He laughed. “I’ve already placed a call to my attorney. I think a new agreement will be in order, one that is far more equitable, as least for me. And, as a bonus, I plan on ruining you. Be prepared, Senator, when I’m finished, you won’t be able to get a job as a school superintendent. Oh, and that boyfriend of yours? What’s his name? Austin Bridges? Well, given his military legal troubles, I think a phone call is in order to a general I know in the Marines. I’m certain they’re going to want to hear what I have to say.”

  The call ended and I stared at the screen for several seconds. Why had I been so damn stupid? Why had I allowed him to get a win? I swallowed hard, my hand shaking. I had to fight fire with fire. I knew enough about Mitchell to realize that he would make good on his threat, especially with regard to Vader. The jerk had told me more than once that if he couldn’t have me, no one could.