How to Kill Your Boss (24 page)

Chris Isaak’s dreamy, soulful voice blared from his pants with “Wicked Game,” the song I used to love but now hated.

“Fuck,” he grumbled and reached back to pull the cursed distraction from his pocket, never taking his eyes off mine. He laid it on the step above my head and continued to claim my body with the thrust of his hips.

A woman’s slinky voice came from the phone. “Reed. Reed? You there, baby?” He must have swiped his finger across the answer button by mistake.

It couldn’t have hurt worse if he’d used tweezers to dig a hole through my chest and pull my heart out piece by piece.

“Mother fucker,” he shouted and pushed himself off me.

“Who’s calling?” I whispered hoarsely. He didn’t answer and scrambled for the phone.

The voice asked, “Baby, is someone with you? Is it her?”

He put the phone to his ear and stumbled to the kitchen. “What?”

Something snapped inside me. I followed, naked, aching and suffering a frustration the likes of which I’d never known. “Who is she, Franklin?”

He turned, flashed me an angry glare, and shook his head—a warning not to interrupt.

“This better be important,” he snapped to the sexy phone bitch.

I couldn’t seem to catch my breath. My eyes filled with angry, salty tears that burned like acid. I’m pretty sure my heart stopped beating for a moment, or two, or three thousand.

Suddenly, I wore my nudity like a bright red, beaming, blanket of shame. I covered my breasts and stumbled backward. Ouch. Ouch, ouch, ouch. This pain was too much. I turned, scrambled into my clothes and couldn’t get out of that house fast enough.

The long, gravel drive made for a great distraction. I couldn’t seethe properly because I had to concentrate on not breaking my ankles in a pothole or tripping on a large rock.

Damn phone. Damn song. It was a special ringtone just for her. Who, in the name of all that was holy, was she? Why did he jump to attention whenever she called? Why was he always so angry? Why didn’t he block her calls? Why did I care?

Because he’s beautiful and mysterious and dangerous. Because I’d fallen and fallen hard. Dammit. I was head over heels for a man so far out of my league I may as well have come from Mars.

I needed to blow off steam. So I walked the dusty, unmaintained terrain of the gravel road. Not sure where I was headed or how long I needed to exert to feel better. Heck. I didn’t even know where I was. Eventually, I reached the end of the driveway and stood at a crossroad.

I could travel left or right. To the left, the remnants of a dirt road, overgrown with weeds, tall grass and wildflowers led to a vibrant cluster of trees standing watch over a small pond. To the right, the road wound through a dark stretch of pines and by the sound of it, led to a busy street, perhaps a highway. I fought the urge to turn right and run. Hitch a ride home, or maybe somewhere else. How easy would it be to disappear? Not that I wanted to, but I could understand the temptation.

I stood, contemplating. A car approached from behind, crunching across the rocks and pebbles. It rolled to a stop at my side.

“Where you going, Killer?” Franklin’s voice set my heart into a jig.

I stole a quick glance over my shoulder. “I was about to head to the pond down there.”

“It’s not safe.”

I crossed my arms and turned, this time resting my gaze on his. “Neither are you.”

“I know, baby.” He got out of the car and came to my side. “Being with me won’t be easy. I’m asking the world of you. I’m painfully aware of what you’ll have to sacrifice. Don’t for a second think I won’t make it worth your while. Nobody knows you like I do. No one can love you like I can.”

His words disarmed me, the way only he could. I turned into him, wrapped my arms around his middle, and rested my head against his chest. His heartbeat pumped loud in my ear, filling me to the brim with a heady dose of serenity. I loved that sound.

“Who is she?” I asked.

“Sasha, my ex,” he whispered, combing his fingers through my hair.

The ex? If she was an ex, why was she still present in his life? “Why does she call you all the time?”

He stiffened, pressed a kiss to the top of my head, and mumbled, “She’s my boss.”

A slap across the face would have shocked me less. Well, that put a new wrench in the grinding gears. “Jesus, Franklin. It just keeps getting better and better.” I pulled away from him and tried not to let the pain, jealousy, and insecurity show on my face. I was a big girl. I could handle this little hiccup.

He released a frustrated breath and shoved his hands in his pockets. “We need to head back. Get in the car.”

“Yeah, home sounds good.”

Franklin escorted me to the passenger side and held the door while I situated myself. He jogged around the car and slid in, suave and calm. He turned the ignition, then switched it back off and roughed his hand over the top of his head. “I have to go out of town for a couple days. Wrap up a few things.”

“Sure. Okay.” I was pretty sure my teeth ground together loud enough for him to hear.

“Hey.” He reached over, brushed a strand of hair from my face and rested his hand on my shoulder. “When I get back, it’s just you and me, all right? I’m taking a long overdue vacation.”

“Perfect. Sounds lovely.” I was happy, but too frustrated to show it.

He slid his hand around the nape of my neck and pulled me forward, resting his forehead against mine. “No drama. No murders. No phone calls. Just us.”

I nodded and slunk back in my chair.

“Tatum, are you jealous?” he asked, wearing his aggravation like a second skin.

I shot him a glare. Maybe I was. I definitely was, but I sure as heck wasn’t going to admit it.

I watched his fingers tighten around the steering wheel, extend in a long stretch, then clench tight again while he stared out the window. “There’s absolutely no reason for you to be jealous. You broke up my fucking marriage.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” How dare he blame his failure on me.

“I tried living a normal life. Dating, marriage. I couldn’t. It meant nothing without you. As hard as I tried, she wasn’t you.”

How did I reply to that? Nothing about any of this was normal. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything,” he whispered with a catch in his throat. “When I get back, I’m locking you away until you don’t hate me anymore.” The sincerity in his tone made my heart bleed. I didn’t want to fight, argue, or be jealous. I wanted his smile back.

“I’m afraid you can’t lock me away. I have to clear my name of murder. Oh, and I have a company to run. I’ll be too busy for silly stuff like your sexy muscles and killer blue eyes.”

“Hmm.” No smile, but he almost smirked.

“By the way, your undercover gig is up. You’re fired.”

Shaking his head to hide the twitch of his lips, he started the car. “Suits me. Does this mean you want to keep the company?”

Did I? “I think I do.”

“I’m happy to hear it.”

“I know absolutely nothing about running a business.”

“If anyone can make it on spunk alone, it’s you.” This time he flashed a panty-melting, cocky grin.

“Maybe.”

He reached into the glove box and pulled out a black scarf. “I’m going to blindfold you now, only for the next few miles. Need to keep the safe house safe.” He wiggled his brows and pulled the fabric tight between his hands.

“You’re enjoying this a little too much.” I leaned forward and let him tie the silk around my head.

“It’s this, or knock you out again. You woke up too cranky for my liking last time. I’d like to avoid a repeat of that scene.”

I couldn’t see, but Lordy, I could feel his heat, his lips dangerously close to mine. My internal temperature spiked and I started to pant. “How long will you be gone?”

“Not sure yet. A few days, maybe four. I’ll miss the funeral. I’ll also be out of contact. Listen…” He paused to meld our mouths together for a long, slow kiss. “Masters is still MIA. We don’t know what he’s up to. Promise me you’ll not go anywhere alone. Don’t leave the house if you can avoid it. Let us get that fucker first.”

“I’ll be good, I promise. Besides, Mom will be with me.”

I heard the squeak of leather, and emptiness rushed over me when he settled back into his seat. “Good. That’s good.”

He reached over to cup my cheek and rub his thumb across my lips. “You don’t hate me.”

I leaned into his touch and kissed his wrist. “I do. But I think I love this blindfold. Can we play with it later?”

The small, dank chapel seemed quite fitting to have Wallace’s funeral. I’d arrived early and found a seat in the front. Everyone from Cruse Investigations had shown up. Each person wore a grim expression and avoided eye contact with me.

No way was I in the mood to face the questioning glares and whispers. Mom scooted close and wrapped an arm around me. I heard Nan’s voice before she sat in the pew directly across from me.

Although her eyes were red and swollen, her make-up and hair appeared fresh. The small clutch she carried overflowed with tissues.

She looked my way, then shot from her seat when she made the connection. My heart dropped a few inches then bounced into my throat and stuck there. Oh man, she looked appalled, striding toward us with righteous purpose. I was about to stand to meet her when she stopped and shot a scornful glance over my head.

A heavy hand rested on my shoulder and a low, gruff voice warned Nan to return to her seat. I looked up into the weary eyes of Leland Waters, dressed to the hilt in a black suit and tie.

I relaxed into the warmth of mom’s embrace. Uncomfortable scene avoided. Thank goodness. Leland sat next to me and stared straight ahead. I leaned toward him and whispered a “thank you.” He only nodded.

“Why are you here?” I asked

Keeping his voice low, he chuckled. “Keeping the peace, obviously.”

“Did Franklin ask you to babysit?” Silly question. Of course he did. I’d be a fool to think Mr. Overprotective would leave me to fend for myself.

“What do you think?” Leland tipped his head and winked.

I introduced mom to Detective Waters, then the ceremony started. It was short and sweet. Thank the good Lord above. To my surprise, Nan took the stand and gave a heartfelt eulogy. She glanced at me once and her voice quivered, but she regained composure quickly.

I didn’t join in the funeral procession or burial, afraid of facing the wrath of Nan. I understood her rage. She believed I’d killed her boss, whom she obviously had a thing for by her behavior of late, so it was only natural for her to lash out. But jeez, ever heard of innocent until proven guilty? Quite frankly, I was hurt she’d turned on me so fast.

Leland insisted Mom and I join him for lunch. He took us to a quaint little Basque restaurant, owned by his best friend, in the Madison Valley neighborhood. We received royal treatment, especially when Leland mentioned we had come from a funeral. The food knocked my socks off, but the wine was to die for. I indulged in a few glasses too many.

Leland, much to my surprise, opened up about his wife and the cancer that took her life several years ago. He acted the noble gentleman and host, and hung on Mom’s every word. I liked him. Too bad he was a grouchy old coot on the job. I’d be cranky, too, if I had to deal with people like me on a daily basis.

He saw us safely to our car, followed us home, and walked us to the door. I’d have to thank Franklin later. Although I hated the idea of a babysitter, it was nice to be followed around by someone with whom I was familiar.

Mom and I settled on the couch. She’d arrived late last night, which meant our catching-up time had been put on hold. I knew she’d inquire about the police escort, so I laid it all on the table.

“Mom. I know about Dad. I know what he was.”

Her face paled.

“I don’t understand why I was kept in the dark. I don’t know how much you know or what you can tell me. I just want you to know I love you, and I forgive both of you for lying to me my entire life.”

“Tatum.” Her shoulders slumped. Her gaze fell to the floor.

I laid a hand on her thigh. “You don’t have to explain if you don’t want too. I get it. Well, not really, but I understand if there’s things you can’t say.”

She raised her face to look at me. I wasn’t met with her usual demure expression. It was tough and calculating. “No. I was briefed back home. They told me what you were going through here. It’s time you know the whole truth.”

Briefed? Not the reaction I’d expected. This was going to be good.

She turned to face me, tucking a leg under herself. “I worked with your father. That’s how we met. We were undercover, posing as husband and wife.” The pink tinge of her cheeks morphed to a red glow. “Your dad, well, he was irresistible. He’d always been a ladies’ man and I knew he’d never settle down with one woman.”

Ladies’man? Dad?

“He made his advances early on. I fought him off, unwilling to be another notch on his bedpost. He was gorgeous. I was lonely. We had worked so close for so long, eventually I couldn’t resist him any longer. We had one night, one night of weakness. I told him we could never act irresponsibly again. He respected that.” Her eyes glassed over with tears. “But you came along after that one night and everything changed.” She reached out to rub my arm. “Best thing that ever happened to me.”

“Mom.” I tried to swallow past the thick wad of shock and disbelief that stuck in my throat.

“Let me finish, honey. I retired as soon as the agency learned of the pregnancy. They didn’t allow mothers in the field, for obvious reasons. Your father, much to my surprise, was thrilled. He insisted we marry. Promised to take care of us. I’d already fallen in love with him. He didn’t love me, not in the way I wanted, but I knew he wouldn’t let either of us go, so I married him.”

My heart broke for her. To love someone and give your life to him, knowing he didn’t love you back, had to be the deepest kind of pain. A loneliness so vast and hopeless it’d be impossible to claw your way from its abyss.

“There were other women. I pretended not to know, but he always came home to us.”