Hazard Play (16 page)

She turned over and punched the pillow in an effort to get comfortable. “Well, you were stupid, Tess, but stupid isn’t fatal. You’ll live.” It was then the tears started and continued until she fell into an exhausted sleep.

* * *

Tess checked out of the hospital the next morning. Lucius had told her that the police had caught the kidnappers. He and Bailey would be at the police department to give official statements before starting back to Portland. Since the men had confessed in hopes of a plea bargain, all she had to do was give a written statement. That was fine with her since it meant she wasn’t required to travel to Portland for a trial.

She would not be seeing Bailey. She wasn’t sure what she would do if and when she saw him next. She still had a slight headache and, truthfully, she didn’t think she was up to another rant from His Surliness. 

She decided to check out of the hotel and drive a rental car back to Reno to catch an earlier flight to Boise. It was better in the long run. She’d lost sight of the fact that she’d taken this job as a lark, determined to follow her attraction for a bounty hunter, but with no strings attached. Instead, she’d become blinded by her passion for him.

Tess packed and was on the road in an hour. The Reno airport was crammed with tired, but happy, vacationers headed home to their jobs and ordinary lives. Why did she feel she was moving away from something? She cleared security and stopped at a kiosk to buy the latest People magazine, a Diet Coke, and some malted milk balls. She settled down to wait the three hours before her flight departed.  Halfway through her magazine, she dozed off.

A warm hand on her shoulder awakened her with a start. “What?” she murmured. Opening her eyes, she saw a very sober Bailey looming over her.

“Running away from me?” he said quietly.

“How did you get through security?” She wasn’t ready for another confrontation.

“Official business. The Tahoe police cleared it with Homeland.” He repeated, “Running away from me?”

She sat straighter as he took the chair next to her. She took in his familiar face and wondered again how she was going to forget his strong features and passionate eyes. He exuded power, yet all she could remember was the feel of his hands on her body and how they caressed her so gently at first and then so passionately. She mentally shook her head.
Get a grip, Tess
.

“No, as I recall from our last conversation, or tirade to be more accurate, I’m fired. Send me my check in the mail.” There, that was well said. Not too snippy, just stating the facts.

“Look, Contessa—”

“Your former employee’s name is Tess, if you don’t mind.”

“Tess, I admit I was a little extreme—” He held up his hand as she was about to speak. “Let me finish. I was an ass.  I don’t remember much of what I said. I thought I’d lost you and it was my fault. I went a little crazy.”

“So you thought you’d fire me to make it easier on you?” she said dryly.

“You’re not taking any prisoners, are you?”

“That’s your job, isn’t it?  I’m a ‘brainless Jane Bond’ playing spy games, didn’t you say? Lucius told me you caught the bad guys. Congratulations.” If she kept it impersonal, she could do this.

“The local police had to wait a couple of hours, but the men showed up at the charter airstrip and surrendered without a fight. How’s your head, Con—Tess?” Bailey leaned forward, but she carefully drew back before he touched her.

“It’s fine. What about the company bosses?”

“We contacted the Portland police and they put out an APB for them after finding the office empty. It looks like they left in a hurry. The place was trashed, file folders on the floor, cabinets empty.” 

Bailey reached over and took a couple of malted milk balls and ate them. “The police found some shredded documents and that was about it. They confiscated what computers were there, but they were support staff units and probably won’t have anything we could use to build a case.”

“Will you be able to get Lucius off? He doesn’t deserve to go to jail.” Tess turned in her chair to look at Bailey.

“He explained to the Tahoe police his part in everything. He didn’t spend any of the money he appropriated and he has records that he put it back into the victims’ accounts, so it looks good. I’ll be there to testify about how he helped after I found him. I’m hoping the judge will be lenient about his skipping bail and not contacting the police in the first place.”

“That’s a relief. I really like Lucius.” She sighed and stretched in her chair. “What time is it? My flight leaves at three o’clock.”

“We need to talk before you leave.” Now, it was Bailey who was not looking at her.

“About what? I think we’ve covered everything.”

“Are you going to let me apologize?”

“I haven’t heard anything remotely like an apology. As my boss, you are well within your rights as an employer to fire me...and you did.” Tess congratulated herself on how well things were going. She was totally in control. “What else is there to say?”

Bailey stood up and took her hands in his. He drew her to a standing position in front of him. “Contessa, I’m sorry I hurt you. It’s the last thing I wanted to do. I would never have forgiven myself if something had happened to you because of me.” His eyes burned into hers and she couldn’t look away.

Okay, control at about sixty percent
. She took a deep breath. “Apology accepted. Anything else?”

“What about us?” He pulled her closer. She could feel the heat coming from him.

“I go back to Greenview and my patients. You, I assume, take Lucius back, collect your check, and wait for the next case.” She purposely acted like she didn’t know what he meant.

Bailey leaned over, never taking his eyes off of her, and gently brushed his lips over hers once before gradually deepening the kiss. Tess drank it in like she was dying of thirst.
Damn, control out the window.
She broke contact.

“Bailey,” she struggled to catch her breath, “the adventure is over. We knew how it was going in, and we’re grown-ups. Not kids who believe in forever after.” She took her hands from his and stepped back. “It obviously wouldn’t work for me to go with you on cases. I’m not a professional and you’d go crazy when I got in the way. There isn’t much call for bounty hunters in Greenview and I can’t see you settling down to what, become a farmer?”

“I told you before you don’t know everything about me. Maybe I don’t plan to be a bounty hunter forever.” 

“Then there’s the other problem.” She grinned ruefully.

“Tell me.” He put his hands on her shoulders and smiled the devastating smile that she’d first noticed a hundred years ago. Or so it seemed.

She shivered. “It wouldn’t help either of us. It’s not something that can be ‘on command’, so I think we better say good-bye…it’s been fun.” She touched his face, tracing her fingers down his cheek.

Bailey caught her hand. “Don’t go. Wait for me and we’ll fly back to Boise together.”

“There’s no reason to do that.” She turned to go.

“How about this?” Bailey took her in his arms and his mouth captured hers in a searing kiss. 

She was drawn into the maelstrom of feeling that his touch brought her. It was good-bye for her and she didn’t hold back. Her mouth opened to receive him and her tongue eagerly explored the recesses of his mouth. She laced her fingers through his hair and molded her body to his. The airport lounge ceased to exist in the whirlwind of physical sensations that overtook her.

He deepened the kiss. She pressed closer and his hands moved up the channel of her spine, kneading her skin. Her knees weakened and she leaned into his strength. This time, she would not pull away. She had no choice and she wanted to remember what every nerve ending felt like when she was back home.

Bailey, breathing hard, ended the kiss and looked at her, his eyes demanding more.

She swallowed. “Yes, there is that. But, we knew we were...compatible in that way. It doesn’t change anything.”

The first call for boarding sounded over the loud speakers.

Bailey remained silent, staring at her.

Tess picked up her carry-on. “I have to go.” She didn’t dare touch him again. She turned and went to the gate, showing her ticket to the attendant. 

At the last minute, she paused, wondering if he was still there. It took every ounce of her will to resist the urge to run back and tell him she loved him. She took a ragged breath and kept going.
Control back to one hundred percent
. So why did she feel so lousy?

Tess returned to her normal pattern of life in Greenview. She gave a considerably watered-down version of her Tahoe vacation to her friends and
wished
it would’ve been that ordinary. She was glad to be back caring for her patients and touched by their obvious happiness to see her. Getting back into her nursing routine and healing others helped her accept the loss of the man she loved.

Bailey.

Now, if she could just forget him.

After feeding Pyewacket White Albacore tuna for dinner two nights in a row and catering to his every whim, he’d finally forgiven her for deserting him. He was back to hogging her pillow and twining his body around her legs at every opportunity. The big black cat kept her company when she couldn’t sleep and went into the living room to watch television all night. She was lucky to have him.

She didn’t hear from Bailey. She told herself it was what she wanted. She’d been the one to end it when he came to her in the airport. He hadn’t been thinking logically when he’d asked her to wait for him. She’d done them both a favor by avoiding a messy breakup after their physical passion for each other had burned out.

Now, if only the damned dreams would go away. It was during the nights, when her conscious will was at rest that he came to her. He was everywhere; picking a daisy from her yard to tuck behind her ear, walking hand in hand along Lake Tahoe, chasing after her to demand a kiss. Her nights belonged to him.

They’d memorized one another’s bodies through touch and taste. Some mornings, she woke up and reached for the other side of the bed, positive that he would be there because she’d felt his arms around her. Her body would feel heavy and sated, her breasts tender from his attentions.

The tangled sheets would remind her of how she’d wrapped her legs around him as they reached for and tumbled over the edge of their passion. She would lay in bed for a while, unable to face the day until her body became her own again. Then she would get up and start her day.

The phone rang the second week back as she was finishing up the breakfast dishes. Hurrying to pick up the receiver, she hoped it wasn’t bad news about one of her patients.

“Miss…um...I mean...Tess?”

She would never forget that dear voice. “Lucius, it’s so good to hear from you. How did you find my number?”

“Don’t you remember, my dear, you gave it to me at the hospital the last time I visited you?”

“Of course. I was so excited I didn’t stop to think. Are you all right? What did the judge say?” She felt her cheeks warm with embarrassment. “I wanted to contact you, but it was a bit awkward, you know?”

“Well, in order, I am quite well. I haven’t had an asthma episode since my bogus attack two weeks ago.”

“That’s wonderful, Lucius.” Tess smiled at the remembrance of the little man’s acting. It had been so convincing to the kidnappers.

“It helped my case that the authorities caught the CEOs and they are being held accountable for their scurrilous activities. And Judge Simpson is an eminently fair-minded individual. He quite properly chastised me severely for not immediately going to the authorities when I first discovered those miscreants’ foul deeds. And of course, skipping out on bail.” His voice quivered with emotion. “I don’t mind telling you I would not have been surprised had he ordered me to jail immediately. It would have been deserved, to a degree.”

“But...he didn’t, I’m assuming.” Tess sat down at the kitchen table to get comfortable.

“Oh, dear, no! I had a very good attorney and she presented my case so well that the judge ended up sentencing me to community service. And guess what I have to do?” The man seemed positively gleeful.

Tess laughed. “I have no idea, Lucius. Tell me.”

“I’m to serve as the accountant for the elderly residents at several of our assisted living homes in the Portland area. Clarissa was quite pleased about that.”

“Clarissa?”

“Er...I...my attorney, Clarissa Beaumont.” He cleared his throat. “I told you about her. I went to Lake Tahoe to speak with her about her aunt and uncle’s finances.”

“And you’re on a first name basis. Lucius, are you holding out on me? Are you two an item?”

“An item? I am courting Miss Clarissa, if that’s what you mean. She is a remarkable woman. Why, you should see her portfolio! It is a model of sound financial planning.”

“Well, she’s smart
and
lucky if she’s realized what a catch you are.” Tess meant it.

“You’re too kind. But what about you and Bailey?” He paused. “I may not be very worldly, but anyone watching the two of you could tell you cared for each other.”

“Lucius, please stop.” Tess could barely speak because of the lump that caught in her throat. “It was an intense time and yes, he and I...connected. I’m not convinced it would’ve survived the reality of everyday life.” She sighed.

“Oh, dear, I didn’t mean to make you sad.” Lucius sounded distressed. “I want you to be happy.”

“Don’t worry. I’m fine. I’m glad everything worked out for you.” She smiled to herself. “Lucius, thanks for calling me and filling me in on your good news. I need to get to work, but I’ll keep in touch, I promise.”

After getting his phone number and reminding him that she wanted to meet his Miss Clarissa some day, Tess hung up. Later as she drove to her next case, she decided she was glad she hadn’t asked Lucius if he’d heard from Bailey since the inquiry.

* * *

That evening, Tess stopped at the Cuddle Inn. She told herself she was simply restless and wanted the homey companionship of Greenview’s townspeople. Still, she heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Dan at the bar. She was glad it wasn’t his night off.

“Tess, I haven’t seen you since you got back.” Dan gave a friendly wave from the end of the bar.

“I know. I’ve been busy catching up and getting back into the swing of things.”

“Do you want the regular?”

“Actually, I think I’ll have a soda water with a squeeze of lime.” She was feeling better already. Greenview was a good place to live.

“You got it. It’s on the house.” The bartender set the drink on a coaster in front of her. “I haven’t heard from my favorite nephew since you two left. What’s the deal?”

“Well, I don’t know.” She hoped her discomfort didn’t show too badly. “Since I’d finished the job for Bailey, I left for home before he did. I’m sure he had a lot of details about the case to close.”

“Hmm. You haven’t heard from him?” Dan wiped down the bar where a customer had just left.

“No, but I wouldn’t expect to.” Boy, that was an understatement. She would just as soon Dan started a new topic of conversation.

He shook his head. “I hope he’s all right. It’s not like him to disappear. He usually checks in because the family worries when he goes on those jobs. He may act like it’s not dangerous, but I know different.”

“I’m sure he’s okay.” Tess knew firsthand how dangerous this particular trip had been...and not only because of the bad guys. Her scrapes and bruises were already fading, but she wasn’t sure about the long-term prognosis of her heart.

“Now that you’re back, how about coming to poker night?”

Her heart dropped. She wasn’t sure she could ever look at a deck of cards again without reliving her time in Lake Tahoe.
With Bailey.
“I’ve got a lot of things to catch up on.”

“No sweat, kiddo. Let me know.” Dan left to tend to his customers. Tess finished her drink and left.

When she arrived home, Pyewacket was unusually vocal. Tess sat down in the big chair, resolutely pushing away the memory of Bailey sitting in it. Holding her. Kissing her. The cat jumped up in her lap and she started petting him. He arched beneath her strokes, purring in a deep, rumbling tone.

“I may not have learned ‘cat-speak’ yet, but I think I can safely conclude you’re a pretty happy camper.”
Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy for people?
After a few minutes, Pyewacket was satisfied and jumped down. Tired, Tess headed for the bedroom. Maybe she’d worked hard enough today that she wouldn’t have any dreams at all. As she passed by the telephone stand, she noticed for the first time her message light was blinking. She pressed the button.

“Tess, this is Lucius.” She heard a faint wheeze over the phone. “Bailey’s in trouble. He called me from Ashland, Oregon asking for my help.” A cough. “Pardon me for a moment, my dear.” She heard Lucius draw on his inhaler.

“There, that’s better.”

She could hear a deep breath that sounded easier.

“As I was saying, I had returned from a delightful dinner with Miss Clarissa—she doesn’t go back to Tahoe until next week—and the phone quit ringing as I was letting myself into my apartment. I heard the end of a message from Bailey, saying he didn’t have much time to talk. But he was able to tell me where he was located.”

Another raspy inhalation, followed by the whooshing sound of the inhaler. “He said he was in trouble and could I help him. Suddenly, I heard a crash and then nothing—“

The message ran out. The next message began…

“—This is Lucius. I’d hoped to catch you home, but since you aren’t, I’m leaving for Ashland, Oregon on the next flight. I’ll be at the Ashland Springs Hotel on Highway 99, 212 East Main Street. I’ve booked you a room. Please hurry.” The beep sounded, signaling the end of the message.

What on earth was he talking about? Bailey was in trouble? Tension coiled in her stomach and snaked through her body. She cursed the fact that she’d never bothered to set the clock function on the answering machine. All she knew was that Lucius had called sometime after dinner and before nine o’clock.

She paced back and forth, her mind racing through any plausible risky scenarios and coming to zero conclusions. Dan’s words came back to her.
“...He may act like it’s not dangerous, but I know different.”
She bit back a sob as tears suddenly threatened to spill.

Nothing could happen to Bailey. She had told herself she could live without him, but she’d never considered the possibility that he could be hurt. Gone for good.

I can’t let that happen.
She couldn’t pretend Bailey didn’t mean anything to her. In fact, he meant
everything.
She’d felt more alive since she had met him than at any other time in her life. Her existence pre-Bailey had been fulfilling, but she couldn’t fool herself any longer that she hadn’t been missing something.

That something was a man who drove her to distraction, but still made her laugh. She loved him and she was going to tell him. Even if he laughed in her face.

Her mind made up, Tess called her boss and told him that she had to leave town for the weekend on a personal emergency. She hoped to be back in three days, and she’d call if she were held up.

Mary was happy to feed the cat. Since Tess couldn’t even explain to her own satisfaction why she was rushing to Bailey’s “rescue,” she told the woman it wasn’t serious, but something that needed her attention. Tess rang off and an hour later, she was out the door with an overnight bag and headed to her Ashland.

The drive would give her time to figure out what she was going to do once she reached Ashland. Hopefully, together Lucius and she could help Bailey. It was about 350 miles from Greenview to Ashland and she figured she could make good time by driving late at night. She hoped Oregon’s finest weren’t patrolling too heavily.

* * *

Tess pulled into Ashland at four-thirty in the morning. She drove straight to the hotel Lucius had mentioned, checked in and fell onto the bed fully clothed after setting the clock to ring at nine. She figured she had to be somewhat awake when she spoke to Lucius and it was too early to go looking for his room.

When she went to the front desk the next morning, the clerk gave her a note from Lucius. Dear Tess, my plane was delayed, so I will go directly from the airport to the restaurant by the hotel and meet you at noon. I hope we’re not too late to help Bailey. Affectionately, Lucius.

The clerk told her Lucius had called in the message earlier that morning and had made him write down his words verbatim. Tess smiled at the picture of her friend issuing instructions long distance.

At a loss and with no idea about where to start looking for Bailey, Tess decided to walk downtown and learn the layout.
Jeez, Tess, now you’re even sounding like him.

She wore what the typical tourist would wear—denim capris, a tee shirt, and sandals. She had no idea what the well-dressed heroine would wear to a rescue but it was too hot for black leather and camouflage gear. She smiled at the ridiculous picture.
Better to laugh than fall apart.
A crying puddle of mush in the middle of the street wouldn’t save Bailey.

Taking a last look in the mirror before leaving her room, she thought it was a far cry from the outfit she wore for dinner at Friday’s Station. Remembering the dress Bailey had given her and the look in his eyes when he first saw her in it brought the memories rushing back. She couldn’t let anything happen to him. One affirming nod in the mirror and she left the room to find the man she loved.

It was the Oregon Shakespeare Festival season and the streets of Ashland were busy with crowds of people shopping, eating at outdoor cafes, and sightseeing. Nearly every store window advertised some kind of play or musical production tickets for sale.