Dead and a Happily Ever After (Tallulah James Mystery #5)

Chapter 1

I sat in Jessop's truck, wondering why this was happening to me.

Honestly, I knew why. My soon-to-be ex-husband had escaped from jail and said he was coming after me.

Why? Because I had spent the money he had hidden in my car and under the bed.

I knew that would cause some trouble, but I had no idea how much.

It would take me years to repay my best friend, Tallulah, for helping me out of that tight spot.

Jessop left me wondering what he was up to, though. I mean, he'd gotten off and put a baby inside of me—which he didn't know—before he had made a quick exit due to my tears. He was currently having a heated conversation with his brother on the sidewalk.

The Hallen guys were stubborn and idiotic. I could think of a few more words to describe them, but I'd keep them to myself.

I looked up at the front window of Tallulah's apartment and wondered what was going on with Detective Riley. Their relationship troubled me more than it should. Was I envious of their ability to communicate without speaking? I thought it was beautiful, if not strange and invasive.

My thoughts turned abruptly to my current situation when Jessop climbed into the cab of his truck. He glanced my way, letting his eyes rove over me, before starting the engine and pulling away.

My heart always fluttered in his presence no matter how much I pretended otherwise.

Since we had sex, it had roared to life stronger than ever.

His six-foot-two toned physique was the result of years of physical labor.

I knew that Tallulah had set him straight about my tears during the most beautiful moment of my life.

He was the father of my baby, and I needed to tell him that.

He was a family man, and I knew he would support me every step of the way, but I was being selfish.

I needed to know that he would be there for me, no matter what.

I wanted him to want me. Nobody else. For the first time in my life, I wanted to be loved for myself and not for other reasons.

To Aiden I'd been a possession. To Jessop, I needed to be more than the mother of his child.

As we drove, I looked out the window. We passed oak and maple trees, as well as others I couldn't identify. It wasn't until we reached the far end of the road, where the landscape turned to farmland, that I faced Jessop. "Where are you taking me?"

He gripped the wheel firmly and replied, "Trust me. You'll see soon enough."

I said, irritated, "I do trust you. However, I'd like to know where we're heading."

He sighed loudly, looked my way, then returned his attention to the road ahead. "A friend of my brother's has a cabin in Vermont. It's far enough away to be safe from Aiden."

"Hmph. Seriously? Carlisle is in bed with Jane, who is—I don't know—Aiden's."

"Carlisle has no clue where I'm taking you. He wouldn't tell anyone though," he said.

"I thought you said—"

"Rhodes. My younger brother. You remember him?"

"Of course, I remember Rhodes. I'm just used to you always referring to Carlisle." I nestled into my seat. "Isn't it a long drive to Vermont?"

"Look, Pen. I just want you to be safe. I'd go to the ends of the earth to protect you.

So please stop asking questions." His eyes lit up with sincerity as he reached over to squeeze my hand.

"We have a lot to talk about. But first, we're heading to Vermont.

I'm going to stop along the way to pick up supplies and warm clothing for us. Their winters are harsher than ours."

I looked at his massive hand holding mine and felt both excited and terrified to be here with this man. I wrapped my fingers around his and held on tight. Jessop grinned. "I've never been to Vermont before." I laughed. "Actually, I don't recall ever leaving Tennessee either."

"That's something we're about to change." He winked. "Then maybe we can try somewhere else. Someplace warm. You would look great in a bikini."

I blushed as I realized he was flirting. I wondered how he would react to seeing me pregnant and wearing a bikini. I promptly asked, "What's going on between Carlisle and Jane?"

He shot me a glance. "Carlisle should talk to Tallulah and tell her the truth. He loves that woman, and it's killing him to stay silent."

"So, he isn't with Jane?" I asked cautiously. "Because that's how it looks."

"He understands that. Look, Pen, I want to tell you what is going on, but I can't. Just know that there never has been—and never will be—anything between my brother and that woman. Carlisle is taking action to stop Aiden and Jane's illicit operations. Please don't ask me for more."

I sat back and continued to watch the scenery pass by, thinking about what he said. I believed him. Honestly, I didn't think he had ever lied to me.

But what was Carlisle up to? Detective Riley and his two coworkers flashed into my mind. Was their presence related to having Jane released from prison?

"Ugh!" I groaned. "I am onto you and your brother. I only wish your older brother had the foresight to speak with Tallulah first. He has crushed her heart numerous times, but this time with Jane was particularly painful. He must know that. He can't be that dense."

Jessop huffed out a brief laugh. "No, he isn't." He sighed. "Where would Aiden go?"

I blinked hard at the question. My ex was not someone I wanted to think or talk about, but I guess I didn't have a choice. I wanted him caught.

"Penelope, does he have any friends he'd go to for help?"

"How the hell should I know? He never told me anything. All he did was hit me."

"Once we're farther away from Sugar Briar, we're going to talk about that asshole."

"You can talk as much as you want, but I'm not saying anything. We'll be divorced soon enough. He can rot in hell for all I care."

"Well, that's an adult thing to say."

"Jessop Hallen, you can—" I screeched as Jessop slammed on the brakes, grabbed my face, and crushed his mouth to mine. Tingles shot through me and settled deep in my core. He was a very good kisser, and what he did with his tongue had me burning.

He slowed the kiss but continued to thoroughly consume my mouth. I met his heated gaze. "You are now mine to protect, Penelope Bailey." He smiled. "You can talk to me, knowing it won't go any further." He kissed me again.

It wasn't my fault that I looked down to check out the bulge at his crotch.

He laughed. "Eyes up here, babe." He smiled broadly as I forced myself to meet his gaze. He grinned as he got us moving.

I cleared my throat and admitted, "I really don't know who Aiden would go to. Tate died, and Trevor is in prison." I shrugged. "He said he was coming for me." I took a deep breath. "I think we should go back and use me as bait. Catch the bastard."

He shook his head, so I continued, "I don't want to be looking over my shoulder, Jessop. I want this over and done with." I paused. "Turn the truck around."

"Like hell I will!" He roared.

"I trust you to keep me safe." I placed my hand on his arm. "He wants me. This thing can and will end quickly if I'm around and he has easy access to me."

Jessop was angry at my suggestion. The twitch in the corner of his eye was a giveaway. I knew he had decided to return to Sugar Briar when his shoulders drooped. He didn't like the idea, but he accepted that I had a point.

"Pen, you do precisely as I say. No messing around."

"I promise."

"You're staying with me. It's not negotiable."

I burst into laughter. "Why on earth would I want to negotiate about staying with you?" I winked and looked out the window so he wouldn't see the amusement on my face.

He may have messed up our first time together, but I always wanted to be with this man. Being in his home would be a good opportunity to discuss the baby I carried.

Waiting a couple of extra days wouldn't be an issue either.