Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12
I nside, at the host stand, was a friend of Caleb’s.
The two men hugged.
Caleb gestured toward Marti. “Paul Reigert, this is Marti Parker.”
“Marti, I’m happy to meet you. You must be something special to get this old man out of the house.”
As her face heated, she put out her right hand. “Glad to meet you.”
Paul shook it. “Follow me. Your room is ready.” He showed them upstairs to the private room they had before.
“Thanks, Paul.” Caleb shook the man’s hand. “I appreciate you always having this room available.”
“For you my friend, it’s always yours. I was sorry to miss you last time you were here. Nancy had a party for work, and we had to go.”
“No worries. The staff took great care of us.”
Paul, who was several inches shorter than Caleb’s six foot four, pulled Caleb in for another hug. “We miss you like crazy, but I’m happy for you. Sis would be happy, too. Maybe we could get together soon. Come out to the ranch or something.”
“I’d really love that, but I’m going to have to decline for the moment. As soon as I can, I’ll have you out. I promise then you can meet Marti’s daughter Sophie who is Danny’s best friend. You can bring swimsuits, and we’ll have a pool party and barbeque. Just not right away.”
Paul’s smile drooped for a moment and then was back in place. “We’d love it. We’ll be there, whenever you say.” He turned to Marti. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too, Paul. I hope to see you and your family soon.”
“Nancy will be tickled to meet you.” He looked at the young blonde server who was hovering outside the open door to the private room. “Oops, got to go. The burden of ownership. Have a great night you two.” Paul closed the door after himself.
“In case you didn’t figure it out, Paul is my brother-in-law. He’s Sarah’s youngest brother.” Caleb held out his arm.
Marti placed her hand in the crook of his elbow and let him lead her to the table and then let him help her be seated.
“It must be hard for him to see you out with another woman.”
“I don’t think so. Sarah’s brothers and sisters have been trying to set me up for years. I think he’s genuinely happy I’ve found someone.”
Marti smiled. “I’m glad I’ve found someone, too. Though I wasn’t looking for anyone either. Since my divorce, I’ve concentrated on Sophie. Vance didn’t care about her. He was angry when I found out I was expecting. I, however, was on top of the world. I wanted children so badly I thought I would break in two when Vance told me he didn’t want children. Of course, when we were dating, he said he wanted them as much as I did. After we were married, he changed his tune.” She crossed her legs as she continued her story.
“Then he said he would do his best to prevent it, short of a vasectomy. He was afraid of the surgery, and he’s a doctor. The wimp. Anyway, I knew I still had a shot. I stopped taking birth control pills and we all know condoms aren’t fool proof. Anyway, I got lucky, and I got my Sophie. He didn’t even fight me for custody. He signed full custody over to me during the negotiations for the divorce. I couldn’t have been happier. She was the only good thing to come out of my marriage.”
“I’m glad you have her. She’s a good girl and you’re a great mother.”
Marti’s cheeks burned. “Thank you. We both do what we have to in order to care for and protect our children. That’s what this whole story has been about for me. Protecting the kids. The more people who know who and what to look for, the safer our community and our kids are.”
“That’s true.” He looked out at the dance floor. “Do you want to dance? I want to feel you in my arms.”
“Sure.” Because they were in the private VIP area, she left her clutch on her chair.
They took the elevator down, just like last time.
Caleb took her hand and led the way to the dance floor.
Just as they stepped onto the floor, the music changed to a love ballad.
He took her into his arms, pulled her close, and swayed his body.
The steps were easy to follow as he led her around the dance floor, never allowing any distance between their bodies.
She relaxed into his arms. Home. She felt like she was finally home. Caleb made her feel safe. Something she hadn’t felt since she started looking into the cartel. How could one person mean so much to another in such a short time? She really didn’t have an answer, but it was true for her. Caleb was her other half. The half she’d been searching for when she married Vance. But he’d been wrong…at least for her. Maybe he found what he was looking for with one of the young floosies he hooked up with while cheating on Marti. She didn’t know and didn’t really care. In fact, she might have to thank him. If it wasn’t for his cheating, Marti might have stayed married to him and never found Caleb.
The way he held her, Marti felt wanted and cherished. They weren’t feelings she’d had before. Vance never made her feel either way. She wondered more than once why she’d married the man.
When the song was over, Caleb stopped. “I want to kiss you right now,” he whispered in her ear.
“Upstairs.”
He grinned down at her, took her hand, and led her off the dance floor and to the elevator.
They passed the same blonde server who had come for Paul, coming out of the VIP section, out of their room.
Marti didn’t think too much about it.The servers were in and out as part of their jobs.
As soon as they crossed the threshold of their room, Caleb pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. He kissed her deeply, thoroughly.His hands moved down her back, and he pulled her closer.
She was breathless when he finally pulled back. Her lips felt swollen, and she lifted her fingers to them. Smiling, she looked up at Caleb. “You have lipstick smeared all over your mouth. Let me get a tissue.” Marti turned to where she’d left her clutch on the chair, only now it was on the table. She stopped, her hand shook, and she looked at Caleb. “Someone moved my purse.”
“Maybe the server we passed did it. You should check to see if anything is missing.”
She swallowed hard and picked up the small, black beaded evening bag. When she opened it, she saw a picture of Sophie and Danny. They were playing in Caleb’s pool. Marti gasped and handed the picture to Caleb.
He turned it over and read the back, his eyes narrowing. “Nowhere is safe for either of them. Back off!”Anger rolled off of him in waves.
Marti’s eyes filled with unshed tears. “What’ll we do now? How can we protect them if they can get that close to them?”
“This doesn’t prove they were close. Lenses are available that can take that picture from more than a half mile away. My security still stands. No one can get in without my express permission. And I’ve got men stationed around the main ranch and riding the range, too. It’s the safest place for you to be. You and Sophie. You know that.”
“I know you’re right, but this,” she pointed at the picture. “Scares me…a lot.”
“I know. Do you want to go home?” He picked up a napkin from the table and cleaned her lipstick from his face.
She closed her eyes for a moment and then nodded. “Please. I need to make sure she’s safe.”
“I feel the same about Danny. Let me call Bethany first and make sure everything is okay. Then we can go home.”
She nodded. “That’s a good idea.”
Caleb removed his phone from his jacket’s inside pocket and pressed a button. “Bethany, is everything okay? Are the kids all right?”
He listened.
“Okay. We’ll be heading home and be there in about forty-five minutes. Just wanted to check.”
He listened again.
“No, we’re fine. Just want to spend some time at home alone. See you soon.”He ended the call and placed the phone back in his pocket. He turned his gaze to Marti. “She said everything is fine. The kids are in bed asleep. Are you sure you still want to go home?”
“Yes. That picture has disturbed me, and I don’t feel like being away from home right now.”
“Okay. Let’s go.” He set a hand at her waist as they headed to the elevator.
Once they were in the car and headed home, Marti felt better. She knew everything was okay, but she still had to check…she had to be sure.
“Thank you for taking me home. Rationally I know Bethany said the kids are fine and are sleeping right now, but I still need to check.”
Caleb placed a hand on her knee. “It’s okay. I completely understand. I’d like to check on Danny myself. I know Bethany would give her life to keep those kids safe, but I still need to make sure for myself.”
Marti took Caleb’s hand from her knee, brought it to her lips, and placed a tender kiss on his knuckles. Then she linked her fingers with his.
“You know the kids will be starting school on Monday. How will we protect them then?”
“I have an operative in place as their new teacher. She’ll keep watch over them while they are at school.”
Marti sighed. She knew without Caleb’s wealth and position, including with the DEA, she would be much more worried about Sophie. She would probably keep her out of school and try to home school her. “Thank God. I was considering keeping her out of school while we are on this case, but that would put her behind her classmates. I don’t want to do that. It wouldn’t be fair to her.”
“No, it wouldn’t, and I think we should keep their world as normal as possible. Both of them appear to be anxious to start school. Although it could be just the chance to use their new school supplies and wear their new clothes. Well, the clothes are in Sophie’s case. I don’t think Danny cares much about having new clothes.” He chuckled.
Marti couldn’t help but notice how stark the landscape was under the light from the full moon. Haunting but beautiful. The mountains rose in the distance, black in the night but still with white tops that the moonlight kissed and made them almost seem to sparkle. Rolling hills with stands of trees dotting the land at distant intervals gave it an ethereal look.
She spoke without taking her gaze from the land outside. “Have you ever noticed just how beautiful it is here?”
Caleb took her hand and squeezed it lightly. “I have on occasion. Is this your first time really paying attention to our land?”
“I don’t know. It feels like it. How I could be so oblivious to my surroundings?”
“You’ve been involved with other things. It’s okay, Sophie deserves the attention.”
Marti smiled. “Have you noticed that she looks at you with the same idol worshiping gaze that Danny does?”
Even though it was dark in the car, Marti was sure Caleb blushed with pride.
“No, she doesn’t. Besides, Danny doesn’t look at me with hero worship. I’m just his father.”
“Well, then Sophie looks at you as her father. She’s never had one. Vance is hers biologically, but you’ve been more of a father to her in just the last two months than Vance ever was.”
“Thanks. I don’t mind her looking up to me. I hope I’m being a good role model for them both.”
It was her turn to squeeze his knee. “Oh, you have been. I don’t think that is something you ever need to worry about.”
He placed his right hand on top of her left one, where it rested on his knee. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
Caleb turned onto the driveway to his home. One of the security guards lifted the gate as the Lamborghini approached. He drove straight through with only a wave at the guards.
The driveway was long and straight, making it difficult to see the house. But it didn’t take long before the lights from the house came into view.
Marti placed a hand on Caleb’s thigh, anxiety building. “Bethany will wonder what we’re doing home so early, especially since you called her.”Marti’s pulse raced, and she couldn’t wait to look in on Sophie and see her sleeping.
Caleb squeezed her hand. “I know but I’m not ready to tell her the truth yet. I don’t want her to be afraid and she will be if she knows.”
She shook her head and gazed at Caleb. “I don’t think you’re giving her enough credit. She is smart and strong. She can handle it. Besides she has to have noticed the extra security around the ranch.”
He nodded. “I know. Maybe it is time. I want her to be prepared, too.”
“This is for the best. Trust me.” She turned her gaze to their hands, and she squeezed his knee.
“I do trust you. You know my secrets, after all. And it will be good not to have to disguise what I do anymore.”
She smiled. “That’s the spirit. Let’s go home.”
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I couldn’t agree more.”
After parking in the garage, Marti and Caleb walked into the house, holding hands, supporting each other for what was to come.Now that they were home, her heartbeat was returning to normal.
Bethany was in the kitchen, taking popcorn from the microwave.
“Hey. What are you two doing home so early? I told you everything was fine. You’ve barely been gone two hours.” She looked down at their joined hands. Her eyebrows lifted and she cocked her head. “Well, it doesn’t look like you’ve had a fight, so what gives?”
Caleb walked over to her and kissed her on the forehead. “We just needed to come home. We’ll be right back. I need to talk to you about something. It’s important but we need to check on the kids. Trust me, it will all make sense in a little bit.”
Caleb and Marti headed for the stairs. At the top, they separated and went to their children’s bedrooms.
Marti looked in and Sophie was sound asleep, her giraffe clutched in her arms. She entered and tucked her baby back in and then backed out of the room.Marti met Caleb in the hallway.
“Sophie was fine. How about Danny?”
“Sleeping like a log. Let’s go talk to Bethany.”
Nodding, Marti clutched Caleb’s hand. “Let’s go.”
They walked back to the kitchen.
When they arrived, Caleb brought Marti’s hand to his lips and kissed the back before releasing her. “Sis, I need you to sit down. We have something to tell you.”
Eyes wide, Bethany’s hand flew to her throat. “Oh, my God. You’re getting married. I’m so happy for both of you. It’s about time. I?—”
“That’s not it.” Caleb released Marti’s hand.
She felt bereft, but she knew he needed to have all his attention on Bethany.
“Sis, I’ve got something to say, and I need for you to listen carefully.”
Bethany sat at the kitchen table. “Okay. I’m sitting, now tell me what’s going on. I’ve felt the tension the last few weeks and, considering you two have been so close, I don’t know where the feeling is coming from. Maybe from all the guards you have around the ranch. Why do we need the extra security?”
Caleb ran a hand through his hair and then around the back of his neck. “I don’t know how to say this other than to come right out and say it. I’m a DEA agent. I have been for about four years. It’s been my job to cut off the supply of drugs coming into the Bozeman area.”
Shaking her head, Bethany sagged in her chair. “DEA. I…I can’t believe that I didn’t know…didn’t suspect…something. You’re good at being undercover, apparently from everyone.”
Caleb sat in the chair on her right and took her hand in his. “There’s something else you need to know. Jamison isn’t missing.” He paused and swallowed hard. “He’s the head of the cartel here in Bozeman. He’s running drugs across our land, and I’m determined to catch him and put him in jail before another agent ends up killing him. If you see him, you can’t let him sweet-talk you into anything. He’s not the brother we thought we knew. The extra security is because he’s made threats against Marti and Sophie. I believe he’ll try to run drugs out of the new barn. Don’t go anywhere near it until this is over. And don’t trust Jamison. He’s not the brother we knew. He threatened to kill us and would have if my DEA colleagues hadn’t chosen that moment to enter. Do you understand, Bethany, he’s not the Jamison we knew. He’s not a good person at all.”
Bethany closed her eyes, and her lips trembled, but then she nodded.
Marti thought she looked as if she was willing all of this mess to go away.
When Bethany opened her eyes, they were glassed over with unshed tears, she focused on Caleb. “How can that be? What could have made him do something like that? The reason can’t be money. We have more money than we will ever spend.”
Caleb shrugged. “I don’t know. Power. Money and power are the greatest motivators.”
Marti sat at the table next to Bethany. She placed a hand over hers. I can’t imagine what she’s going through. What if it were one of my brothers? Would I be able to handle it as well as she is? “Unless Caleb is successful, we may never know what he wanted and why.”
The other woman sat straighter. “What can I do? No matter what, he’s still my brother, and I love him.”
“The best thing you can do is be aware. Remember to keep the kids safe, because I won’t be around much while I’m trying to find Jamison. I must find him.” Caleb slammed his right fist into his left palm. Then he ran a hand through his hair. “I just wish I could talk to him and convince him the best thing would be to give himself up.”
Bethany shook her head. “You know as well as I do, that will never happen. He won’t go to jail. You know he won’t, not if he can help it. He’d rather die than sit rotting in prison.”
“I don’t want him to die. He’s my brother, too, and I want him to live. I’m trying to make sure that happens.”
Bethany stood. “I’m going to bed. I can’t do anything about this until you have him in custody, then I’ll make sure he has the best attorney my money can buy.” She pointed at Caleb. “You can’t have anything to do with that.”
Caleb nodded and stood. “I know but I trust you to take care of him.”
She wrapped her arms around Caleb’s waist and leaned her head on his chest. “I’ll do the best I can.” Bethany lifted her head and stared into her brother’s eyes. “You know he won’t willingly accept help from us. It will be against his nature. He was never one to accept help. Even being a billionaire from our stock options in the companies you started wasn’t enough. I just want to cry, and I can’t even do that because he’s brought this all on himself.”
Caleb wrapped his arms around Bethany. “We’ll do our best. That’s all we can do. Now, you go to bed. We’ll talk more about what to do about Jamison if I capture him.”
She shook her head. “When you capture him. When . Not if.”
He nodded. “When I capture him.” He kissed the top of her head. “Go to sleep, Sis. We’ll talk again later.”
“When?”
“Soon.” He pulled out of her embrace.
When he released her, she turned to Marti. “Goodnight. I’ll talk to you in the morning.”
Marti wished she could help the young woman. “Goodnight. And Bethany?”
She turned back. “Yes?”
Marti reached up and squeezed her arm. “Everything will work out. We have to have faith.”
Bethany looked from Caleb to Marti and back again. “Having faith is one thing but working to make sure the best happens can make all the difference in the world.”
Caleb nodded and crossed his arms over his chest. “And that is exactly what I’ll do.”
Bethany nodded. “Well, goodnight. See you in the morning.”She left the kitchen.
Marti and Caleb remained.
“How about something to eat or a glass of wine before we go to bed?” he asked Marti.
“I’m not hungry, but I’d love a glass of wine, maybe out by the pool. We can look at the stars.”
“Sounds perfect.” He got two wineglasses from the cupboard and the Malbec on the counter next to the refrigerator. After he’d poured the wine, he took the glasses to where Marti stood by the sliding glass door and handed her one. “Shall we?”
“Yes.”
He opened the slider and waited for Marti to step through before he followed her.
Once outside, they settled in two lounge chairs on the side of the pool.
Marti kicked her shoes off and was quiet. She gazed up into the heavens and watched the stars.
“What are you thinking so hard about?”
“School. The kids start school on Monday, and I’m not afraid to admit I’m worried.”
He sipped his wine. “Don’t be. I told you I had an agent settled in as their teacher. She’s the best. She’d give her life for them, if need be.”
She shrugged. “I’m sure it’ll be fine, but I’m a mother, and I worry.”
“Come here.” He clasped her hand and tugged her over onto his lap. “I don’t want you worrying about the kids. I know, as a parent, we can’t help but worry, but I’ve put a great person in there to protect them.”
Marti leaned her head against his chest and cuddled into him. “This is nice.”
Caleb held her close and rubbed her back, gently going up and down. “It is. If only we could stay like this.”
“I know. But we can’t. Unfortunately, we have children who will be up with the sun?—”
Caleb chuckled. “I’m up with the sun, then the kids get up, and then you, missy…” he kissed the top of her head. “Are up last at around eight.”
Marti leaned back and looked him in the eyes. “I’ll have you know that I rarely get up so late. Until we came out here, I was always up first. But Sophie hadn’t discovered horseback riding or Danny. Being here has been so good for her.”
“For Danny, too. I want you here Marti—you and Sophie—for as long as I can have you. I want to explore this thing between us…make sure it’s not just adrenaline and libido talking. Make sure we’re feeling the same way.”
“I’d like that, too.” Marti wondered if she was making a mistake. Living with Caleb and dating him, too, could be the wrong thing. What if they decided it wouldn’t work? What about the kids? She’d have to think about this more and decide if this was really what she wanted to do…or not.