Jack keeps my hand in his. I want to lean into his hold, but I can’t. “Jack…”
“Yeah, I know I need to shower, but I need to speak to you more.” My eyes meet his and suddenly I see his pain and I know that I’m not going to like what he has to tell me.
I move from his lap and sit in the seat beside him. “Thanks,” I say to Giovanni as he hands me a cup of coffee. Jack sighs, rubbing his head the same way I did only minutes ago. “Jack, tell me, please.”
“A body was pulled from the school.”
With my heart thumping in my chest, I sink back in my chair and wait for him to tell me what I already know. The minute I spoke to James’s wife and she said she was worried because she hadn’t seen or had any contact with him since the previous day, I knew. I just knew something bad had happened to him.
“It was Colette.”
I stare at him blankly, hearing the name, but it’s not quite registering. Silence surrounds me and I’m not sure what to say. Jack sits regarding me closely, waiting to see how I’ll react. Giovanni takes his seat at the other side of the table, silently watching. Neither of them speaks and something tells me there’s more to this tale.
Only this isn’t a bedtime story that will help me to sleep. I’m certain this one will bring nightmares.
And I already know there will be no happy ending.
“Maria, I promised myself I’d be honest with you.”
“What else is there to tell me?” I ask, already dreading his answer.
Giovanni nods his head, urging Jack to tell me the rest. He takes a deep breath. “I’m telling you myself because, if I don’t, you’re only going to read about it in today’s newspapers or even see it on the news station. This story is everywhere. Whoever did this…”
“Pete.” We all know it has to be him. Colette being murdered is no coincidence.
Jack nods, agreeing with me. “Colette was butchered before she died.” I feel the colour drain from me as I take in what he’s saying. Bile rises. “A fire officer carried her body out while another carried out the remains of…”
No.
No. Why?
I’m out of the chair and racing towards the sink, throwing up repeatedly. Giovanni is beside me, rubbing my back and running the tap. I close my eyes, fighting back the tears that are building. I don’t get it. Why? Why would Pete do that to her? She was no saint and I wasn’t her biggest fan. But she was pregnant. She was a young girl with a future to look forward to.
I blink rapidly, trying to clear the vision in my head, which I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But it doesn’t work. I inhale and exhale deeply, trying to breathe steadily. Pulling myself away from the sink, I straighten myself out. I turn to face Jack as Giovanni hands me a drink.
“Why her?” I ask, my tears falling as I take a gulp of the cool fresh water
“I’m not sure. She had what Pete wanted, a child on the way. Who really knows. Maria, at this stage we can only guess as to his motives. All I know is he’s sick and I’ll do anything in my power to protect you.”
With my brother still holding me, I take in Jack’s words. “This is all my fault,” I say.
“Maria DeLuca, Colette’s death isn’t on you. Of course we’re all upset by it, but you need to remember she knew what she was getting into with Tony. And Pete, well, he’s crossed the line. I’m sorry, Jack, but I don’t want to see him behind bars. He has to be stopped,” Giovanni says, leaving us both under no illusion of what he means. Death.
Shivers lace my spine. But I know that death is the only way to stop Pete Jamieson. And until he’s stopped, there’s no one in my family who is safe. Pete’s done some terrible things over the years, but this… Giovanni is right. He doesn’t deserve to go to jail. He deserves a slow and painful death. The same torture he’s put his victims through.
An eye for an eye.
I shouldn’t be thinking like this. I’ve always believed that God would forgive sins. But I can’t forgive Pete for what he’s done. He’s stolen an innocent life from a young mother. And for me, that is unforgiveable.
“What about James? Was he there?”
“No. No sign of James.” Jack continues talking but I don’t hear a single word. My mind wanders back to Colette and her unborn child.
“She has an elderly mother. Colette was all she had. Her dad left them when she was only a baby. I don’t know about friends.” I’m rambling on, probably not making any sense.
Giovanni guides me back to the table and Jack takes my hand as I sit down beside him. “Maria, I’ve been to see her mother. An officer was left at her home and her doctor had been called.”
My eyes drop to the table as I think about that poor elderly woman having to deal with burying her daughter and her… I need to stop my thoughts before I’m sick again.
“I’ll take care of any expenses.”
“Maria, this isn’t your fault.”
“He’s dangerous,” I blurt out, but we all know that. I’m stating the obvious.
“Yes, he is, but we’ll get him,” Jack says in what I’m sure is his comforting voice that he no doubt spoke to Colette’s mother in. At the moment, though, it just sounds patronising.
I stare at him in disbelief, wondering if he’s heard himself. My jaw tightens at his words and at my own thoughts. “Well, so far no one seems to be doing much to get him. Why is he allowed to carry on hurting, frightening, and committing the ultimate crimes? Is it going to be me next?” My body shudders as my tears fall.
Chapter Thirty
Jack
I lean forward and wrap my arms around her. It’s all I can do as her tears fall. She doesn’t resist me. She needs someone to blame, and if I’m it, that’s fine with me. My eyes fall on Giovanni and I see a conflict of emotions on his face. He’s hurting for his sister and he’s so fucking angry. Angry enough that he would kill to protect his family. And I don’t blame him. Fuck, he’s not the only one. I’m thinking the same. I don’t care what the consequences would be for me with my job. My only concern now is to keep Maria safe.
Maria’s reaction is natural; this was bound to happen. There’s only so long someone can put on a brave face, pretending that this isn’t affecting them.
I have no answers to give her that will make any of this fucked up situation better. I’m feeling as helpless as she feels scared. Holding her in my arms doesn’t ease the pain. But I do know, or at least I hope, I will be the one to catch up with this bastard and make him pay for all the crimes he’s committed.
I can’t allow Pete Jamieson to hurt her, not again.
“Maria, talk to me,” I whisper, rubbing her back, trying to comfort her. But even I know my touch won’t be comforting to her now. Her silence speaks volumes.
“You need a shower,” she finally says without moving. I smile and Giovanni does the same, knowing that she’s back with us, thinking about now and not drowning in her sea of thoughts.
“I do, and you could help wash away yesterday.”
“That’s my cue to leave.” Giovanni takes his leave of the kitchen and I don’t feel even the slightest bit guilty in making him uncomfortable in his own home.
“We should be the ones leaving, heading upstairs,” she says softly, breaking loose from my hold. “I feel as though we’re imposing on Giovanni.”
“Maria… do you really believe that’s what your brother thinks? He wouldn’t have it any other way. He loves having you here.”
“I know that, but he’s used to staying in the city. All our day-to-day routines have been turned upside down.” She frowns and shakes her head at me. “We really need to get you in a shower.”
“Will you join me?” I ask, just wanting her close to me and wanting to be the distraction she so desperately needs right now.
She cocks her head to the side, eyes brighter and full of mischief. “I can wash your back.”
“Keep looking at me like that and that won’t be all you’ll be doing.”
She stands and takes my hand, pulli
ng me from the chair. My body aches. It’s no wonder; I’ve been on the go for over twenty-four hours. As we walk through the house, I’m surprised at how quiet it is. “Where is everyone?” I haven’t seen anyone else since I arrived back. I had expected everyone to be here, or at least for Teressa to be in the kitchen doing what she does best and cooking up a storm.
“I’m hoping still sleeping. Daisy was ill yesterday. Lou and Mark must be exhausted,” she tells me. “So, hopefully, the girls won’t disturb you when you finally get to sleep.”
I like the sound of the finally getting to sleep part.
“What about Joe?”
“He had a few things to take care of in the city. I’m sure one of Giovanni’s men has gone with him. I asked him to check on the clubs as well, while he’s there.”
That makes sense. I’ll check in with him later on, when he gets back here.
Entering the bedroom we’ve shared, I start to undress. Maria is right; my clothes stink of smoke. I’m beginning to hate the smell as much as she does. I look in the closet, and if we’re going to be staying here much longer, I’m going to need to go home and grab some more clothes. I’m sure Maria is in the same position.
“Here, go and get washed,” she says, thrusting a towel into my hand.
“Will you join me?”
“We’ll see. On you go.”
I want to question her, make sure she’s okay, but I know she needs a few minutes to herself.
With a sigh, I nod, my shoulders sagging. I reluctantly leave her sitting on the bed and enter the bathroom, leaving the door open. I don’t want her to feel shut out. Turning on the shower, I remove the rest of my clothes and stare into the mirror above the sink.
I look like shit.
I’ve aged about ten years since this investigation first started. Running my hands over my face, I realise I really need to get a grip. I’m letting myself go. This beard needs a good tidy up and I could do with a haircut.
McKenzie you really need to sort yourself out!
I turn away from the mirror and step into the shower, relaxing as the warm water cascades over me. I tilt my neck back, allowing the water to splash over my face. And all I can think about is Maria’s reaction to Colette’s death. I’m not surprised she was sick. Fuck, the poor guy that brought her out of the building had the same reaction.
I don’t need to open my eyes to know Maria is in the bathroom. I smile and open my eyes when I hear water running from the sink. She’s standing in front of the mirror, naked, brushing her teeth. So, she is joining me, after all.
Maria steps toward the shower and I hold out my hand. She takes it and steps in beside me. I feel whole when she’s near me, complete. She completes my life.
“You okay?” I ask. She nods, tilting her head back, letting the warm water pour over her face before pushing her hands through her long, dark hair. My gaze roams her body, and even though she looks incredible, she’s still losing weight. All the stress is playing havoc with her and that gets to me. Guilt has been eating away at me because I can’t stop that bastard and it’s making her ill, although I’m sure she won’t admit that.
She opens her eyes and smiles. It’s not a weak smile but one full of unspoken promises. She grabs the shower gel and squeezes a big dollop into her hands.
“Turn around,” she instructs, her voice low but still full of authority. I turn and face the wall. My eyes close as soon as I feel her hands on me; soft circular motions as she washes my back. It feels so fucking good. Her hands glide over my back and up toward my shoulders, where she pauses for a moment. My heart is hammering in my chest and I can hear her ragged breathing. She kneads and massages deep into my shoulders. I thought I was relaxed, but I feel the tension roll from my body with each movement.
“Good?” she whispers.
“Yes.” The smell of smoke is now gone. I find myself groaning as her hands leave my shoulders and start working down my back. My eyes spring open as her hands slide around my waist. “I don’t think so,” I say, turning to face her.
I bring her hands back up to my shoulders. Lowering my face to her, I wrap my arms around her, pulling her flush to me. Her hands don’t stay on my shoulders for long as she grabs my face, closing the final bit of distance between us as her mouth meets mine. Breathing in, I slip my tongue into her mouth. She moans softly as mine entwines with hers. Ecstasy. She moves closer to me as I slide my hands up her back, grabbing her hair in my fist. She deepens our kiss and my passion grows stronger.
Releasing my hold of her, I take a step back, my eyes roaming her face. “I want you. I need you.” She’s breathless and wanting, and I’m about to give her exactly what she wants.
I drop to my knees, parting her legs. Stealing a glance upward, I see she’s already panting and bracing herself against the cold wall. Slowly, I trail sweet kisses up and down her thigh, listening to her soft moans before doing the same on the other leg. Her legs push together, and I’m forced to part them farther, giving me better access.
She wriggles against me as I take my first taste. I grab her arse, trying to keep her still, hold her in place where I want her, feasting on her arousal. She cries out, wanting me to stop yet carry on sucking gently and teasing slowly. She grabs my shoulders, fingernails clawing me as her pleasure intensifies.
“Jack!” My name falls from her lips as she thrusts against me, surfing through the waves of her climax.
Keeping my mouth where it is, I continue sucking her gently, and then circling her clit with the tip of my tongue, over and over until I can’t take any more. I stand slowly. We’re both soaking wet and she’s leaning back on the cold tiles to steady herself. I study her, taking in the vision before me; breath-taking.
I take a step toward her, intent on turning her around so I can take her hard and fast, but I’m stopped as she takes my cock in her hand. My skin tingles as I watch her glide her hand up and down my length. Shit. It’s my turn to steady myself. I lean against the wall with my left hand, and with the other, I grab onto her body, balancing myself in the shower as she takes control.
I’m lost because I want to keep my eyes on hers, but at the same time, I want to look down and concentrate on what she’s doing to me. Yet, all my eyes want to do is close. Controlled breaths. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.
It doesn’t work. With each stroke, the pace quickens and so does my erratic breathing. Only Maria could have my body in knots.
“Kiss me,” I demand, as her fist starts pumping. She captures my lips, sliding her tongue deep into my mouth, and I groan. Our eyes are fixed on each other and our kiss is broken. I thrust back and forth as my climax builds.
So close.
So, fucking close.
I hold my breath, biting on the inside of my mouth. Her hand slows and I cry out her name as pleasure shoots through my body. Her lustful, heavy eyes are still on me and I see as much pleasure in her eyes that I feel.
I wrap my arms around her and pull her tight to me. God, I fucking love this woman.
I drag us both to the floor of the shower and sit down. She takes a minute before turning and straddling me. I smile, totally taking advantage of my view. “You certainly know how to make a man forget.”
“About?” she asks, returning my smile.
“Everything,” I say, placing a sweet, lingering kiss on her tender lips as the water continues to fall around us. As comfortable as I am, I know we should both consider moving because I can feel my eyes get heavier with each passing second.
“Come on, sleepy, let’s get out and get you into bed.”
“Can you snuggle in with me?”
Since Maria, I’ve learned to appreciate our time together and there’s nothing better than snuggling in bed and feeling the warmth of her body as I drift off to sleep.
“Yes.” That’s all I need to hear.
Chapter Thirty-One
Maria
I wander from the kitchen and into the lounge with a cup of tea in my hand. Teressa is cooking, and it
smells delightful. When I left her, she was making fresh pasta, and had beef cheeks slowly cooking. My mouth was watering as she told me what was for dinner; slow cooked beef cheeks in a ragu sauce with fresh pasta and homemade focaccia bread.
My brother has been locked in his office for most of the day. I have no idea what he’s doing, although I suspect trying to keep up-to-date with the running of the restaurant which he should be doing in the city. Lou and Mark have taken the girls outside for a walk in the fresh air. Daisy, although feeling better, still looks a bit off colour.
I left Jack sleeping soundly in comfort. I lay snuggled into the warmth of his body until he fell asleep, before leaving him in bed. I did try to sleep, but too many thoughts ran wild through my head.
Part of me wishes he hadn’t told me about Colette, but the other part is glad he did because it has made every damn news channel on the TV and radio today. Such a waste. I knew Pete was capable of some bad things but this… my body shudders at the thought of what he subjected Colette to. He’s evil. Pure evil. I know Jack and his officers are doing everything they can to find Pete, and I shouldn’t have taken my anger out on him. But there has to be something he and his officers are missing.
I know Pete is coming for me. There’s no doubt in my mind. It’s only a question of when and who he will hurt first to get to me, because if I know Pete as well as I think I do, he’ll pick a target and wait for my reaction.
Taking note of the time; two p.m., I get myself comfortable on the sofa and allow myself to relax. Jack spoke about going out this afternoon. He wants a haircut and to get his beard trimmed and tidied up. It does need it, but I don’t plan on waking him up. He left here at six a.m. yesterday and got back just after eight this morning. He’s tired and I plan on letting him catch up on his sleep. After all, he needs to keep his wits about him and his strength up. I’m sure Teressa will ensure he eats a proper meal tonight. I could put money on it that he didn’t eat anything yesterday. Probably survived the day with drinking coffee to keep him awake and alert. That sounds about right. I smirk to myself.
Love and Truth Page 17
