Love on the Line (Love Beyond Danger Book 3)

by Diane Holiday

  “When I saw the sketch artist’s images, I recognized him from the press picture taken at the hospital. Trish ID’d him too, so I sent units to his house and store. We haven’t found him yet.”

  “What beef could he have with me? This makes no fucking sense.” Wyatt tried to focus on the road, his body on high alert, and his brain struggling to process the information.

  “I don’t have time to explain. Anne’s not answering her phone and could be in danger. I sent a unit to her place.”

  A fist slammed into Wyatt’s heart. “I’m almost there, but why would Blackwood want to hurt her? I mean, if he’s the one who hired Moe Dog and his goons, he gave them instructions not to harm Anne.”

  “Hold on.” John’s voice muffled as he spoke to someone else, then came back on the line. “I gotta chase down this lead. Listen, officially I have to warn you not to enter Anne’s building until after the police have cleared it. Blackwood is capable of anything. Keep in mind what he did to Capello.”

  Cold sweat formed on Wyatt’s forehead, and his insides knotted. Holy fuck. Blackwood had cut off the guy’s hand and ear, and now he might have Anne? “All the more reason I’m going in.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can. Sorry, gotta go.”

  John hung up as Wyatt turned down the road leading to Anne’s apartment complex. He forced air into his constricted lungs. This night had spun out of orbit. Anne could be at the mercy of that monster. She’d never be able to defend herself against him. Wyatt firmed his grip on the steering wheel. He had to keep it together if he was going to be of any use.

  Shit, five minutes ago his biggest worry had been whether he could get Anne to believe he’d never cheated on her. Now, he just wanted to see her alive.

  He swung into the lot of Anne’s apartment complex. He didn’t have time to figure out the answers. All that mattered was getting to her.

  When he spotted her car, his heart vaulted.

  And then his gaze caught the BMW parked beside it.

  Chapter 45

  Anne grabbed the door frame, but slid to the floor, her head pulsing with pain and shock. What kind of psycho was Devon? First he’d proposed, and in the next minute he’d slapped her. None of what he’d told her made any sense.

  She screamed as loud as she could, and he laughed. “You think that old bat across the hall is going to hear you over the storm?”

  Her head hurt to the point of making her nauseous. She needed to escape.

  He yanked her up by her hair. Pain seared her skull. He brought his face close, and his dark eyes bored into hers. “I wasted so much time on your worthless ass. But you know what was actually fun?” He shook her until her teeth rattled. “Hiring Victoria to make you think your precious has-been football player was cheating on you. I overheard her performance, and the crazy bitch nailed it. She enjoyed herself so much I think she’d have done it for free.”

  A zap of electricity jump started Anne’s heart. What performance? This shit got crazier and crazier. Now she had a million questions. “Wh-what are you saying?”

  “I picked your lock and bugged this low-rent, piece-of-shit apartment.” He shook her again, his fingers digging painfully into her arms.

  She tried to break free from his grip, but he held tight.

  “Someone isn’t paying attention. I told you this took a lot of planning. I paid Victoria and her friend to follow Emily until they found a chance for her to overhear them talking. You had a key in your drawer tagged with Pearson’s name. That’s so stupid.” Devon clicked his tongue. “I made a copy and bugged his place months ago. Then I gave the key to Victoria and called her when you told Emily you were headed to Pearson’s.”

  Holy shit. The diabolical maniac had set up the whole sordid thing. Tears welled in her eyes. Wyatt did love her. He hadn’t cheated on her. Their life together still existed, if she could get out of this alive.

  “I’ve stayed one step ahead because I’ve been listening to you both the whole time.” Devon brought his mouth to her ear and whispered, “We’ve even had sex together, just not in the same room.”

  Her stomach roiled. Oh, God. Sick bastard. “Why? Why did you do this?”

  “Boredom. My friend and I make bets for fun. Been doing it for a long time. I always win. Except for once.” Devon twisted his lips into a sadistic frown. “Lynn was a stupid bitch like you. She chose Paulie over me. Paulie…that wimpy little troll.”

  Anne winced at Devon’s raised voice, anticipating another blow from him. But he seemed to be in the midst of some sort of tirade, wanting to gloat. Maybe she could use it to her advantage. If only she could find a way out.

  “You know what happened to Lynn?” He sneered, narrowing his eyes. “I torched her. Same way I did my family.”

  Anne’s mouth went dry, and her knees buckled. If he was sick enough to kill his own family, she didn’t have a prayer. And he’d confessed to committing murder. Goosebumps trailed up her arms. No way he’d let her live now.

  “That’s what I do to people who cross me.” He let go of her and paced, but not far enough away for her to make a move. “My old man was an abusive alcoholic, and my mother spent all of her time fawning over my brother, the big sports hero. What a joke. Not a brain in his head. But it’s okay. I gave them what they all deserved. You see, I’m a fair person, Anne. Wouldn’t you agree that I’m fair?”

  A splitting headache and fear for her life made it hard to keep up with his rantings. The only thing she’d agree to was that he was completely insane.

  He grabbed her, jerking her body close. “I asked you a question. Don’t you think I’m fair?”

  She trembled. “Please let me go.”

  “You sound like Louie. Remember him? The scum who slapped you in the alley and messed up your face? He didn’t follow my orders and got what he deserved too.”

  Her lungs flattened, and she strained to breathe. Oh, God no. Not another confession. How many people had Devon murdered? She’d be just another unsolved case.

  “I took my time with Louie. He begged me to stop. I made him pay.” Devon shook his head slowly. “You all had chances. I gave you a shot at making the right choice, but you didn’t. So now the talking is done, and I’m going to give you what you deserve too.”

  He was going to kill her. It was now or never. She jerked her knee up as hard as she could, aiming for his groin, but Devon was quicker. He jumped back, releasing her just in time.

  With a vicious backhand, he knocked her to the ground.

  She bit her lip, and her mouth filled with the copper taste of blood.

  He yanked her back up. The whites of his eyes shone, and spittle gathered in the corners of his mouth like a rabid animal. “That was pitiful. I’m toying with you right now. You’re not too bright, so I’ll make this clear. You’re about to die.”

  Every muscle in her body quaked, and she fought to keep control.

  Devon brought his face to within an inch of hers. “When I’m done with you, Pearson’s next.”

  No, not Wyatt. He didn’t know Devon had a key to his place. The bastard could enter in the middle of the night and kill Wyatt in his sleep. Adrenaline surged through Anne’s body. She might not make it, but damn if she’d let this psychopath get away unscathed.

  She yanked her head back, then smashed her forehead against his nose. A crunch sounded, and Devon released her, cursing and bringing his hands to his face. Blood gushed from his nostrils. She pivoted and tried to run for the door, but he snaked an arm around her waist, snatching her back.

  “Change of plans, bitch. I planned to set a fire, but now I’m going to kill you with my bare hands.” He threw her onto the floor. She landed on her back, and her breath whooshed out. Before she could recover, he straddled her and wrapped his hands around her neck.

  He pressed his thumbs into her throat, closing off the airway. His eyes bulged, and blood continued to flow from his nose.

  She writhed beneath him and clawed at his hands, gasping for air. Pressure bu
ilt in her head, and little spots of light appeared before her eyes. God, no. This was how she’d die. She’d never see Wyatt again, or her sisters, or their babies. Her entire life she’d taken care of everyone she loved, keeping her pain to herself and handling her own battles. What she wouldn’t give now for some help. She couldn’t beat this monster on her own.

  Tears streamed down the sides of her face, and she thrashed, but nothing loosened Devon’s iron grip. Just as the room began to turn black, he let go.

  Someone growled, and his body flew off of hers. She gulped for air, clutching her neck, and looked up to see Wyatt hurl Devon across the room.

  “Run. Get out of here,” Wyatt yelled over his shoulder, pure rage in his eyes.

  He grabbed Devon, slammed him into the wall, and punched his stomach.

  Anne’s heart stopped, and the room blurred as relief quickly turned to dread. Wyatt was still recovering from the last fight. He had two fractures, and now was up against a martial arts expert. She labored to get air through her swollen throat, making her dizzy.

  Devon karate chopped Wyatt in the ribs.

  Anne cringed. That blow must have landed on his broken one. The bastard had deliberately attacked Wyatt’s weak spot, knowing where to hit.

  She pushed off the floor, her gaze darting around the room to find anything she could use as a weapon.

  Devon delivered a round kick to the back of Wyatt’s knees, but Wyatt reared up, using his weight and size to smash Devon once again into the wall.

  Anne blinked rapidly to try to bring the room into focus. Blood pounded in her ears, keeping time with her throbbing head. She had to do something.

  Her gaze locked on the big conch shell Wyatt had given to her at Ocean City. She fumbled to pick it up from the coffee table.

  Damn her trembling fingers. Every second mattered.

  At last she managed to get a grip.

  Seeing double, she staggered toward the men, who struggled in a hold on each other like the wrestlers in a heavyweight match.

  Devon freed an arm and gave a sharp whack to Wyatt’s kidneys.

  Hot fury fueled Anne’s muscles.

  Wyatt let go of Devon, took a quick step back, and punched him hard in the gut, dropping him to his knees.

  With Devon’s back to her, this was her chance. She raised her arm, and with all her might, she bashed the shell down onto his head.

  He grunted and went limp, sliding the rest of the way to the ground.

  Her body collapsed, every ounce of energy draining from her limbs.

  Wyatt caught her as sirens sounded and lights flashed through the windows.

  “Help is coming. Hang in there, baby.” He wrapped her in his arms, and rocked her, kissing the top of her head. “Oh God. I thought I might have been too late.”

  She shook uncontrollably, but the thumping of his heart under her cheek assured her they’d survived. Clenching his body, she melted against him. “I love you so much.”

  Together they’d beaten that soulless beast.

  The nightmare was over.

  Chapter 46

  Wyatt gazed down at Anne, snuggled in a blanket on his couch as the first rays of sun shined through the window. His heart wrenched. Last night he could have lost her to that psychopath.

  The dark circles under her eyes, bruises on her face, and worry lines etched across her forehead made him wish the sick freak had died. At least he was in custody, and it didn’t sound like he’d be driving his high-end cars ever again.

  Poor Anne had been whisked off to the hospital, just like the night of the alley assault, and later questioned by the authorities. In the aftermath of that and surviving Devon’s attack, she had to be exhausted.

  Wyatt eased onto the sofa and wrapped an arm around her. “How are you doing?”

  “Okay, but your rib, is it—”

  “Shh. I’m fine.” He kissed her temple and stroked her arm. “All that matters is you’re all right.”

  “I was so scared. I thought I’d never see you again. Never be able to tell you I loved you and I knew Devon had put Victoria up to that crazy shit.” Anne shuddered and nestled against him.

  He pulled the engagement ring out of his pocket. “I’m hoping you want this back.”

  “God, yes.” She held her hand out and he slipped it on her finger. “I’m so sorry. I’ll never take this off again.”

  “It’s not your fault. I saw what you walked in on. Pretty convincing, not to mention sick.” On both Devon and Victoria’s parts. She sure seemed to relish every second of what she’d done.

  Anne shook her head. “I can’t believe all the horrible things Devon did, meanwhile walking around like some sort of patron saint, fooling everybody.”

  Wyatt’s phone dinged, and he stood. “John’s here. He promised to brief us as soon as he could.”

  Anne picked up her mug, and Wyatt opened the door for John. His bloodshot eyes, five o’clock shadow, and wrinkled clothes were clear indicators he hadn’t slept either.

  “You want some coffee?” Wyatt asked.

  John nodded. “More than a junkie craving a fix.”

  “Have a seat, and I’ll bring you some.”

  “Thanks.” John walked to the family room and took the chair across from Anne. Wyatt brought him a cup and sat beside her on the couch.

  “How are you holding up?” John asked.

  Anne leaned against Wyatt. “Better now that the monster’s in custody.”

  “I’m sorry he got to you. It shouldn’t have happened.” John frowned.

  “Stop. You and Wyatt keep apologizing. No one could have predicted this. Devon was insane. If anything, I’m the one who should have known. I spent the most time with him.”

  “Well, I can’t change it, but I can make sure he never walks free again.” John took a sip of coffee. “Everything I’m telling you is off the record because this is an ongoing investigation, so keep it between us.”

  “Understood.” Wyatt squeezed Anne’s shoulder.

  John continued, “We found the recordings he had from both of your places and what’s on them would be enough to put him away even without the physical evidence we have now.”

  Wyatt’s skin crawled, and his hands itched to get another chance to punch the psycho. Twisted fuck had listened to their private conversations. “What physical evidence?”

  “Last night, I sent a unit to Blackwood’s storeroom, and two cops were already there in response to a nine-one-one call his partner had made. Turns out, the guy had found a box of what we think are souvenirs from people Blackwood killed.”

  Anne shivered. “Must be the ones he bragged about. His own family, some poor woman, and the guy who attacked me.”

  “That was Capello. The DNA test came back positive on him from the assault in the alley. Now, we think an earring in the box might have been his. We sent it out to test for matches to him and Blackwood.” John glanced at Anne. “We also found out more about the bet.”

  “Was his partner the one he’d made it with?” Wyatt rubbed Anne’s arm.

  “Yeah. They go back to college. Been betting on stupid shit for years. He claims he had no idea Blackwood was a psychopath. The wager was that Blackwood could get a ring on Anne’s finger in three months.” John shifted. “He was running out of time and got desperate.”

  “You should have seen his face when I turned him down.” Anne pressed a shaky hand to her mouth, and Wyatt’s heartrate throbbed in his forehead. If only he could have gotten to her faster.

  He brushed back a strand of her hair and guided her head to rest on his shoulder.

  “You won’t have to worry about him ever again.” John scrubbed a hand over his chin. “His partner turned over financial records that he says will prove tax fraud as well. And Victoria has been questioned. She’s going to pay for her part in all of this, too.”

  “She never mentioned Blackwood. Just told me the super let her in,” Wyatt said.

  “Blackwood warned her she wouldn’t get paid if
she said anything about him hiring her. She used the spare key he’d made to enter and lied to you about the super.” John stood. “I gotta get back downtown. They’re bringing in Moe Dog and his goons. They aren’t getting off scot-free, either.”

  “I’ll walk you out.” Wyatt took the mug from John.

  John glanced down at Anne. “You put up a hell of a fight against a maniac. I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “It’s a good thing Wyatt showed up when he did, but thanks.” She gave him a half-smile that didn’t reach her sad eyes.

  Wyatt’s chest tightened. He’d have to fix that.

  He followed John out the door, pulling it partially shut behind him.

  John stopped on the landing and faced Wyatt. “I’m sorry, man. I didn’t account for dealing with a psychopath. If I’d thought for one second that Anne was in danger—”

  “Let it go. We’re good.” Wyatt held up a hand and shook his head. “The important thing is she’s safe.”

  John blew out a breath and nodded. They stood in silence for a while as people came and went from the building, carrying groceries, taking out trash, performing normal everyday tasks.

  Wyatt gripped the railing. It would be nice to get back to normal again. “Hey, next time we grab a beer, let’s not make it a biker bar.”

  “Hell, no. And you’ll be buying, as usual, loser.” John clapped him on the back, keeping his hand there for a second as he looked Wyatt in the eyes.

  They’d been friends long enough to not need words.

  John smirked and jogged down the stairs, calling over his shoulder, “If you want to keep that classy woman, get a shower and a shave, baboon butt.”

  Wyatt grinned and leaned back against the cool, hard concrete surface of the wall. With a sigh, he forced away all the what ifs hammering in his head. He’d come so close to losing Anne. Thank God the craziness was over. He pushed off the wall and opened the door.

  Time to get back to the woman he loved and start the rest of their lives…together.