Chapter 24 #2
Alexia had been so quiet, huddled under a blanket all during the time the cops had remained on scene.
There’d been dozens of questions asked, but at the end of the interrogation, the police had left, satisfied justice had been done.
I half laughed as I stood studying the water. Sensing a presence, I was surprised when my old partner joined me on the deck.
“Carrie,” I said, and the tone brought a smile to her face.
“A very nice woman let me in. I hope that’s okay.”
“Of course. Just surprised to see you.”
“How is Alexia doing?”
Shrugging, I wasn’t certain how to answer because I honestly didn’t know.
“As well as can be expected. She’s safe.
She’s alive. She just found out her boss harbored a fugitive for years.
She was almost killed with a machete after being kidnapped again by the same man who avoided being on death row because some people didn’t want to either admit a mistake or were following the mayor’s directions.
But I’d say in all, she’s doing pretty well. ”
She leaned against the railing, staring out at the ocean just like I’d been doing. Five seconds passed. Another ten.
“Not that I don’t enjoy your company, but did you drop by for a visit, or did you have something on your mind?”
She turned slightly, chuckling under her breath. “The other girl who was kidnapped is doing just fine. I thought you’d want to know. She was taken to the hospital for observation, but you saved her life along with Ms. Martino.”
“I’m glad and thank you. What else? I know that’s not it.”
“You left me a long message. Remember? You spouted off a lot of information that yes, I’ll use with discretion. As you might imagine, there’s a lot to process and several careers that could be ruined.”
“I know. I just thought you could use some background in what I’ve been dealing with.”
“You do know you’re no longer a member of the agency. Right?” There was a hint of admonishment in her tone, yet she was genuinely amused at the lengths I’d gone to.
“Yeah, I get it. You know what kind of man I am.”
“Always seeking justice. I admired that about you. Even when you stalked me. Bastard.”
We both laughed and at least the tension that had comprised our relationship for years wasn’t nearly as strong as before.
“As crazy as it sounds, doing so helped me get inside his head.”
“I’m glad for that. You saved Alexia. Twice. That’s something special.” When she looked over her shoulder at the door, I knew exactly what she was doing since the other four members of Raven Intel were still inside my house. We were supposed to be decompressing.
Preparing for another mission should it rise in ranks.
Even though I wasn’t certain if I was interested.
“So you’re going to tell me there’s no truth to the rumor that you and those guys in there are part of some covert organization who goes around demanding justice. Right?”
I glanced toward the door, able to see Hudson and Kendrick in a heated conversation. “They’re just my poker-playing buddies.”
“Uh-huh. Whatever you say.” She took a few seconds. “I will admit. Whoever the Justice Served guys are, and I assume they’re men. Maybe I’m wrong, but they’re heroes within the agency. I just wanted you to know that.”
“Interesting. Good for them. Whoever they are.”
Her laugh was short. “All kidding aside, Maverick. You should be careful. Take care of yourself. It looks like you have a lot to live for. Thank you for the information. I’ll handle it with kid gloves.”
“Any idea what might happen to Samuel Wells?”
“I haven’t heard officially yet, but my guess is the execution will be put on hold, and new trial set in motion although with your evidence of his actual involvement, my guess is he’ll be set up in a secure setting where he can get help.”
I took a few seconds, rubbing my jaw. “That’s for the best.”
“Alright then. I’ll leave you alone.” She walked to the door. “Just one last thing. You felt your life was in danger, which was why you shot Steven Wells. Correct?”
After all these years, we still had each other’s backs. “Yeah, correct.”
“Good. Understood. Take care, Maverick. Maybe I’ll see you some day at a book signing.”
As she left, I shook my head, only to realize I was being watched by the woman I’d fallen in love with. How did I know I was in love? Because all I’d thought about was protecting her without care for my own life. Truly. I would have lay down and died for her.
But I had to admit, I’d much rather enjoy the time spent together very much alive.
Alexia walked closer, taking her time as she did. “What did your old partner want?”
“Just to see if we were okay after our ordeal.”
“You know the reporters are making the five of you out as heroes. I have to agree. They’re also curious if you left a message anywhere like you did with dealing with some other criminals.
What was it you used to write on buildings and trees, cars?
Oh, yes. Justice served.” She wrapped her arms around me.
As soon as she did, I pulled her close. “No, of course not. That would be a crass thing to do.”
She shook her head and rubbed her hands up and down my arms. “You’re not a very good liar.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I lowered my head and she lifted hers, but for now, just being close was all we needed.
Sighing, she tipped her face toward the ocean, sadness streaming into her eyes. “Looks like I might be out of a job.”
“You never know.”
“You know what? I’m okay with that. For now. I need a little time for myself and to learn how to live again. Who knows. Maybe I’ll take up writing, become an author. I might even rival a guy I know.”
“A guy, huh? Who is this guy? I already hate him.”
“Oh,” she purred while rubbing her fingers across my shirt. When she curled the material in her fingers, I drank in her perfume. “He’s very handsome. A little rough around the edges, but brilliant if you ask me. I find myself falling madly for him.”
“You are, huh?”
“Yes. I am. Although I need to take it a little slow right now until I’m sure about myself.”
I rolled my hand down her hair, marveling in the silky feel. “Lady. Take all the time you want. I’m not going anywhere.”
With my lips hovered over hers, I waited for a few seconds, maybe to give her a chance to back away. Yet she leaned further in, offering her permission.
I captured her mouth, enjoying the incredible sensations and the sense of relief by having her safely in my arms. Yet the moment took on a life of its own, passion roaring between us. The kiss became rougher, my needs more intense and the way she melted in my arms was everything I’d ever desired.
When I finally pulled our lips free, we both took gasping breaths, laughing when we heard four pairs of hands clapping.
Her smile was wide and she threw them a look. “Be careful, boys. You might need to put your missions on hold.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” I added.
“For how long?” Chase asked, the twinkle in his eyes unsettling.
She shrugged, eyeing me carefully. So I answered for the both of us.
“Maybe for the rest of our lives.”