Protective Custody Read online

“What are you doing?”

  “Calling in another favor. I’ll get a uniform down there at your office to escort her out.”

  Calm replaced her anxiety. “That’ll work. Thanks.”

  After he talked a friend into the task, they got permission from a fireman and collected what was left of their things.

  “What about the bungalow?” he asked as he loaded a plastic trash bag with their few remaining possessions into his truck.

  “I’ll call my boss from the road and fill her in so she can contact the insurance company.” She climbed into the passenger seat.

  He slid behind the wheel and rubbed his hand over her thigh. “Will you still be employed after that conversation?”

  She nodded, but she couldn’t be sure. “We have a good relationship, and I’ve made the company a lot of money. She’ll understand why I decided to use one of our properties. Good thing the damage isn’t too extensive.”

  “Thank God you’re fine.” He squeezed her leg. He started the engine. “One of the firemen told me they’re pretty sure this was arson. Lab tests will take a few days, though.”

  “Had to be the murderer.”

  “Who else? Unless you have another stalker you’re not telling me about.” She rubbed her upper arms. The dense brush surrounding part of the property could be hiding a killer. She slid closer to Will as he turned his truck around.

  She covered his hand with hers. “Now what?”

  He negotiated around the fire trucks, then steered toward the dirt road to the main street. “My folks have a little cabin outside the Ocala National Forest. It’s more than a hundred miles away, but we’ll be safe there. I’ll call Ed after we get to the cabin and let him know what’s happened. He had a couple of leads he was following up on. Maybe he’s closer to nailing this son of a bitch. At least there’s someone I can trust.”

  ***

  Ed reread the succinct online article about a young woman who’d been murdered in Gainesville. Hard to pay attention to the news when he was watching Veronica’s every move. He didn’t think she’d noticed his search through her things. She hadn’t tried to use any of the credit cards he’d canceled, or he’d have heard about her displeasure. He allowed hope to flicker that they’d overcome the hurdle of distrust.

  He closed the website and cleared a spot on his desk. If he planned to emerge from the debt Veronica had amassed, he had to ensure Jarity paid him. Friend or no, he couldn’t allow Will too close to the truth. If Jarity ended up in prison, Ed could find himself in the poorhouse.

  Will had caught him unawares when he’d mentioned the Jane Doe killing and suggested it could be linked to the murder Megan had witnessed. Something about that silver earring Megan had found. If there was a concrete connection, Ed wanted to be the first to know.

  He grabbed a tablet out of his drawer, then picked up the phone and called an old union buddy with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. “Sergeant Low, just the man I wanted to speak to. Ed Dawkins here.” He doodled on the tablet.

  “How the hell are you, Ed?”

  “Great, thanks, and you?”

  “Hanging in there until retirement. What can I do for you?”

  He made a large circle on the paper and drew a female stick figure inside. “I’m surviving. I was hoping I could help you out on a case. You all have a Jane Doe in your jurisdiction who I think might be connected to one of my cases. My sources tell me she was found three weeks ago outside Gainesville. What can you tell me?”

  The other man cleared his throat. “She’s probably East Indian, about twenty. Beaten pretty badly.”

  “Hmm. Any suspects?”

  “As a matter of fact, I do have a suspect. Wealthy businessman named Peter Arrow.”

  Where had he heard that name before? He stopped doodling. Last year he’d run a security detail for Jarity and a bunch of his cronies for some expensive meeting at a hotel. Arrow was one of the attendees. “Anything else?”

  “Not sure yet. We’re investigating whether he had anything to do with a Sri Lankan national who ended up in a local hospital, bruised and battered. We finally got out of her that a man named Knopf roughed her up. Guy owns a string of fast-food joints in south Florida, but she refused to testify against him. Just wanted to return to her country.”

  Ed dropped the pencil. Knopf had also been at that meeting, but the Jane Doe in Gainesville had been killed weeks before Megan witnessed the murder here. Could the cases be related? They all tied to Jarity. Ed’s skin felt clammy.

  “A Detective Horvath with your sheriff’s office inquired about the Jane Doe too. He’s working a human-trafficking link. So what do you have for me?” Low asked.

  “Actually, doesn’t look like anything. My case is definitely unrelated. Sorry to have bothered you, buddy. Good luck on that case.” He hung up before the other man had a chance to ask questions.

  He was sure of one thing. Jarity was in this thing up to his slimy neck.

  Chapter Ten

  Ed wolfed down the rest of his sandwich when the garage door’s motor engaged. Normally he hated when Veronica went out for a long lunch with her girlfriends, but this time he was grateful to have beaten her home. Most guys would probably call her on her deceptions, but not him.

  In a few days he’d have tiny cameras installed in his own damn bedroom while Veronica took advantage of the gift certificate he’d bought her for a full day of beauty at her favorite spa. Years of investigating predivorce cases had taught him a thing or two about untrustworthy spouses. Not that there’d be any divorce here, but if Veronica decided to move the cash, he needed to know.

  He clenched his jaw at the clack of heels on the tile floor in the hall. The bedroom door flew open, and she stumbled in. The smell of stale beer and cigarette smoke drifted to his nostrils. “Eddie Bear. What are you doing home?” She let out a loud hiccup, then giggled. “Oops.”

  “Have fun with your girlfriends?”

  “Sure did.” She kicked one shoe across the room. It landed on her vanity, knocking over the mob of bottles and jars. Another giggle. Hobbling toward the closet, she dropped her purse on the floor.

  She wore a strapless dress and black fishnet stockings. Damn sexy. Why would she dress that way to go out with her friends? She pulled off the other shoe, then wriggled out of the dress. Bending over, she wrestled with her garter straps, yanking and tugging and growling until she worked off her stockings.

  “When are you going to give me the money for the casino guy? He called again this morning.”

  He fisted his hands. What the hell did she want the money for? Was she giving it to a lover? The notion turned his stomach. If he didn’t reel her in now, he’d be hammering a nail into his own coffin, even with the cash he’d soon get from Jarity. “Give him my number. Tell him to call me.”

  She straightened and met his gaze with surprisingly sober eyes. “Why?”

  “I’ll deal with him, man to man.”

  “He doesn’t know who you are. I don’t think he’ll even speak to you.” She pushed her tits forward and took a step toward him, wearing only her thong panties. Sliding her hands under her breasts, she lifted them higher, then rolled the nipples between her fingers. They puckered and tightened into perfect little pink marbles.

  No! He tamped down his desire. “Tough shit. Tell him I’m your husband and I control the money in this household.”

  The muscles around her jaw twitched. She peeled off her panties and lifted one leg onto the bed. Sliding her fingers over her pussy, she separated her lips, giving him a glimpse of her button.

  He sat on the bed, his gaze riveted to her slit.

  With one hand, she tugged on her nub, then slipped a finger into her entrance. Then two, three. In and out, in and out.

  She was good, totally fucking hot, but he refused to cave.

  She withdrew her fingers, dragged them through her folds, then brought them to her mouth. Sucking them between her lips, she licked her juices from her skin. “Mmm. You like the taste too,
don’t you?”

  His cock grew harder, but he couldn’t give in.

  She returned her fingers to her pussy, glided them over her bud and rubbed her cunt. She panted and moaned and sighed. “Oh God, Eddie. I’m gonna make myself come.”

  He couldn’t make himself look away.

  She knelt on the bed, lifted onto her knees and continued her self-gratification. “You know what I need?” When he didn’t answer, she went on. “I need a big cock, daddy. Please. Would you fuck me?” She rolled her hips seductively, inched toward him.

  His mouth went dry, but he couldn’t. Wouldn’t.

  She unzipped his pants and yanked them lower. Grinning, she stared at the tent in his boxers. He pushed off his pants and stretched out.

  If she stopped before he came? Well then, he’d just whack off. But it was too damn late to go back.

  She tore at his underwear and freed his erection. Smiling triumphantly, she straddled him. He shut his eyes and enjoyed the erotic sensations. She tightened around his shaft like a boa constrictor. But her bite was poisonous, just as fatal as the snake’s deadly grip.

  She rocked her hips, took him all the way inside and raked her fingernails painfully down his chest. “Will you give me the money, Eddie Bear?” Her voice grew higher, like a little girl’s.

  He said nothing. She slowed her pace, but he grasped her waist and tunneled in and out of her, pumping like his life depended on it. She struggled against him, flailed her arms, but he kept going.

  He exploded inside her, hot and wet and incredibly powerful.

  As soon as he let her loose, she shoved off him, panting, and narrowed her eyes to slits. “Don’t ever do that again.”

  “I couldn’t help myself. I’m sorry.” He’d never forced a woman, hated the idea, but she’d been torturing him with sex for a long time, always getting him to that point of no return, then holding his erection hostage until he met her demands. Well, no more.

  She composed herself, smoothing her hair down. “I want that money.” She set her hands on her hips.

  He shrugged. “Tell the guy to call me or give me his number and I’ll phone him.”

  She compressed her lips into a line, and her nostrils flared. “I don’t think that’s a good—”

  “Tough. If he wants to get paid, he’ll have to talk to me. End of conversation.” He got off the bed, his heart pounding.

  “But, but—”

  “I’m through discussing it. I’m taking a shower. I have to go back to work.”

  He hoped to God she’d learn to live with his new rules. Heaven help him if she didn’t.

  ***

  Will’s eyes appeared to be on the road, but the firm set of his jaw betrayed that his thoughts were elsewhere.

  “My boss said she stands behind me,” Megan said. “She gave me the go-ahead to close the office for a few days and hire a new assistant when I get back.”

  “Good. That’s good.”

  “How much farther?”

  “Another half hour to the cabin, but there’s a shopping center about twenty minutes up the road. I thought we’d pick up some new clothes that don’t smell like smoke.” He gave her an easy smile that instantly warmed her. “We’ll get a few days’ worth of groceries too.”

  “How long can we hide out? Bad enough this has turned my life upside down, but how can I ever make this up to you?” She sighed heavily.

  Will’s hand closed over hers, warm and reassuring. “Ed’s good. We’ll have a break in the case anytime now. I’m sure of it.”

  She prayed they would.

  After a shopping spree at a discount store, they loaded their purchases into the back of the truck.

  “I wish you’d have let me pay for some of this stuff, Will.” She snapped her seat belt. “You wouldn’t be stuck in the middle of this mess if it weren’t for me.”

  “Hey, I love that song.” He started the motor.

  “Huh?”

  Rolling his eyes, he hummed. “You know, ‘Stuck in the Middle With You.’ Great song.”

  “I’m serious. I hate that I’ve monopolized your life the past few days.”

  He backed out of the parking spot. “Maybe I’m hoping the rest of my life will be all about you.”

  The emotional thumbscrews tightened. Having to make a choice between the love of her life and loyalty to Gram was so unfair. Yes, Gram had raised her, worked hard so Megan could go to college and make something of herself. But didn’t Gram want her to be happy? To be true to her heart? Wasn’t that what love was all about?

  Shouldn’t Will’s mother want the same for him? He needed to know what his mother had said that night at the country club. After they settled in to the cabin later, she was going to tell him.

  But before she did, she’d call Gram and explain the truth about Will. Maybe Gram would surprise her and come around.

  Yeah, right.

  Gram would have to understand that with or without her approval, Megan had to follow her heart. She rifled in her purse and found her cell.

  “Who are you calling?” Will’s tone sounded almost accusatory.

  “Gram.”

  He glanced at her, and she read the worry in his narrowed eyes. “Give me enough credit to know I’d never divulge our location, Will.” The man was only trying to protect her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

  A grin highlighted his handsome profile. “It’s okay.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

  When she turned on her phone, there was a message waiting.

  “Ms. Jackson, I wanted to let you know your grandmother’s EKG was fine. I’m still waiting for blood-work results, but I did notice her balance has deteriorated slightly. She’s scheduled for a CT scan tomorrow, which will tell me more.”

  A sigh slipped out.

  “What is it?” Will’s voice was filled with concern.

  “I was hoping they’d know something by now, but they’re waiting on test results.”

  “These things can take time.”

  She nodded and tried for a smile. “I’m just impatient.” He’d been so wonderful. She wished Gram would give him a chance and get to know him. They drove the rest of the way in comfortable silence. Will turned onto a dirt road that snaked through a thick brush of low palms and tall pines. “We’ll be there in a minute.”

  No one could possibly track them all the way out here in the middle of nowhere. Finally they arrived at a clearing. A cabin with rough-hewn shingles and a wraparound porch sat beside a stream. The second she opened the truck door, the rhythmic clicking of crickets drifted to her ears and calmed her. “Will, this is…lovely.”

  He circled to her side. “We used to spend long weekends here all the time, but as far as I know, my folks rarely come anymore.”

  The mention of his parents made her stiffen. “You’re sure it’s okay to be here?” She left out the with me, but from his barely audible grumble, he understood what she meant.

  “Of course. It’s fine.” He lifted their things out of the bed and started toward the porch.

  Megan breathed in the fresh air and took in the quiet beauty of the place.

  Will reached behind the porch light, then held up a silver key. “Voilà. My folks never change the hiding spot.” He unlocked the weatherworn door and waved her inside.

  The floorboards complained as she entered the main room. White sheets draped most of the furniture. Sunlight filtered in from three windows and illuminated a spiderweb in the corner near the stone fireplace. The place wasn’t too musty, but opening the windows would do a lot of good.

  Will walked past with their things and ducked through an archway into a short hall. “Bedrooms and bathroom are back here.”

  She entered the master behind him. King-size four-poster bed, dark wood walls and even a fireplace, a smaller version of the one in the living room. “Not too bad for being empty for a while.”

  “My folks have a local woman who comes by once a month to air the place out, make sure everything is working
, change the linens.” He set the bags on the bed, then unclipped his cell from his belt. “Think I’ll step outside and check in with Ed.”

  “You get service here?”

  He nodded. “We passed a tower a mile or so back.”

  She prayed when he returned he’d have good news about the case. Maybe she’d also have something positive to share after she spoke to her grandmother. She drew a deep breath and pulled her cell out of her purse. Suddenly tense as a spring, she hit the buttons.

  Gram chatted about the weather, ranted about the food and the staff and gossiped about the other residents.

  “Did you tell Dr. Odell I was feeling poorly? He came by yesterday and poked and prodded me, stuck a needle in my arm.”

  She swallowed hard. “Well, I noticed the other day you were having more trouble walking than usual. I’m concerned about you, Gram. That’s all.”

  Gram didn’t say anything for a long beat. “How come you haven’t been to see me today, sweet girl?”

  “I’m sorry. I’ve been tied up. I’ll get over there as soon as I can. But I have to tell you something.” She rubbed her neck, which ached with tension.

  “What’s that, honey?”

  “You remember Will.” She cleared her throat, prayed she could get the words out. “He’s a nice guy, Gram. And he’s done so much for me.”

  “Spit it out, child. What you trying to say? That you and him are dating again?”

  She allowed herself a tiny measure of relief. “Yes, we are.”

  Gram’s silence sliced through her. She always clammed up before she pulled out her big guns.

  “Are you there, Gram?”

  “I thought we’d settled this, Megan. You ain’t heard nothing I’ve been telling you your whole life. I worked all those years to support you, to make you into something I never had no opportunity to be, someone I could be proud of.”

  Did that mean Gram wasn’t proud of her? She rubbed her temple to ward off a stabbing pain.

  “And why did I have to do that? Hmm? A man just exactly like that Will, that’s why. That no-good father of yours refused to take responsibility. Oh, he had himself a good time with your mama all right, but when it came home to roost, he took off. You wait and see, Carolyn. He’ll do you wrong.”