Pieces of the Past (Witness Security Book 1) (22 page)

She stared straight ahead, but remained leaning against him. “What did you dream, Doug? What did little Doug Jackson see for his future?”

“First of all, my real name’s not Jackson. That’s the alias I use for the job.”

Her jaw dropped and she stared at him. “You’re kidding me! What’s your real name?”

He smiled. “I couldn’t tell you. That’d be breaking a Witsec rule.”

“Oh, and we’re not allowed to do that. Right. Uh huh. Yeah.”

He laughed. “No, I was going to say we’d broken enough as it is. Aw, what the hell? One more won’t get me fired. My last name is Jernigan. Douglas Patrick Jernigan, son of Martin and Elizabeth Jernigan.”

“Jernigan.” She tried the name on for size. “It’s nice.” They continued talking as they stared straight ahead. “Are your parents still around?”

“Dad died a few years back. Mom lives pretty close to me, in a small rural town just outside of Topeka.
Silver Lake, Kansas
. She’s retired now, does a lot of volunteer work, and watches Daisy for me when I go on assignment.”

“
Silver Lake sounds nice. Oh, and Daisy? Ethan loves dogs.”

“Daisy loves boys. They’ll be a perfect match.”

“So what did little Doug Jernigan want to be when he grew up?”

“Same thing as my daddy, of course. A United States Marshal. Only I didn’t smoke two packs a day for thirty years. He’s lucky he made it to sixty before the cancer got him.”

She nuzzled her face against his shoulder. “Your dad was in service, too. That’s nice. My dad was a stockbroker.”

“No wonder he has so much money.”

“Speaking of money, the twenty-five thousand was a surprise. That’ll go a long way toward the kids’ education.”

“Good. I’m glad they did that for you. So what did little Christine White want to be when she grew up? Somebody’s wife and mother? Or did you have grander plans?”

“Well, being a mother is about as grand as it gets. But I started college to be an accountant. That’s where I met Larry. I got pregnant and dropped out, while he went on to get certified. So I guess I had grander plans, but they got sidetracked. And I decided I liked the whole ‘wife and mother’ business. Is that so wrong?”

“It’s not wrong at all. I’m sorry you got sidetracked, though.”

She looked at him. “I’m not. It brought me to where I am today.”

Doug chuckled. “In a safe house, on the run from a Columbian drug cartel?
”

Swatting his chest, she shook her head. “I wasn’t thinking of the big picture. I was thinking more along the lines of sitting here on the sofa with you.”

“Hold that thought.” Doug rose and killed all but the dimmest of lights. He listened in the hallway, then crept back over to the sofa.

“All quiet?”

“Seems to be. Ben’s crushing candy on that stupid game. Whatever, as long as he’s occupied.” He returned to his spot and drew her into his arms. “Now, where were we?”

“We were discussing grand plans.”

“No, I think we were getting ready to do this.” He touched her chin and drew her face forward for a kiss.

Christine melted into him. Each time he kissed her she fell a little more in love. She wrapped her arms around his neck and instead of climbing on his lap, she pulled him down on top of her until they were prone.

He kissed her hungrily and their bodies shifted, his leg pressing between her thighs. She felt the firm ridge of his erection and bucked against it to feel more.

Groaning, he rested his forehead against hers. “Damn it, Christi. I want you in the worst way.”

“I’m right here.”

He chuckled. “You know who else is right here? Two US Marshals with guns, your parents and your kids.”

She grinned. “Which of those pairs worries you the most?”

“You’ll say the kids but I’d have to say the men with weapons.”

“Aw.” She felt between them and cupped his crotch. “I’ll bet you have a bigger weapon than either one of them do.”

“Sweet talker.
Keep that in mind. When this is over, flattery will get you everywhere.”

Her heart lurched and she couldn’t help asking, “What if it never gets over? What happens then?”

He shook his head. “Can we cross that bridge when we come to it?”

“Yes. But I won’t wait forever. I want you, too.”

Doug grinned. “What do you intend to do about it?”

“I don’t know. I might catch you off guard sometime and have my way with you.”

“Give it your best shot, baby.”

She threw her head back and growled. “Frustrating!” A thought occurred to her and she smiled slyly. “There’s always the garage. I’ll bet your car’s pretty roomy.”

He laughed. “I haven’t done it in the car since college, and Nina Caputo’s little Mazda was
not
roomy. The back of my truck, on the other hand, made a pretty nice escape when decked out properly.”

“I’d like to hear more about that.”

Doug rubbed his nose on hers. “Someday. We can’t spill all our secrets in one night. Gotta save some of the magic for our next date.”

“I guess. Just sayin’, you passed up a sure thing, buddy. Might not want that word to get out to your friends.”

Brushing her hair aside, he nuzzled her earlobe. “Keep in mind that I didn’t realize this was going to be a date. I’m not, shall we say,
prepared.
If you get my drift.”

She shoved him off gently. “You said the magic words, right there. That’s a deal breaker. I mean, it has been, ever since the college incident.”

“I totally understand.”

Christine straightened her clothes and hair, muttering, “What kind of a
guy isn’t prepared twenty-four seven? You could lose your man badge for that, you know.”

He laughed, and drew her close again. “The kind of a
guy who doesn’t jump everything in a skirt. I’m always prepared when the time is right.”

Her heart melted. “Now who’s the sweet talker? I’m sorry to be so pushy. I just thought the time felt pretty right to me.”

Doug adjusted the waistband of his jeans. “I feel your pain, I really do. But you said something last night I just can’t get past.”

His comment surprised her. “What did I say?”

With one finger below her chin, he raised her face to meet his gaze. “You said you weren’t proposing marriage, you were just looking for a little comfort. I’m sorry, Christi, that isn’t good enough for me. I want the proposal, the marriage, the whole deal. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. We both know it’s soon, and starting a relationship under these circumstances isn’t the best idea—”

Her gaze was glued to his. “My mom said so.”

“Ben did, too. But they don’t know how we feel about each other. At this point, they don’t need to know. You do. I love you, Christine White Scott Stewart. If you’ll have me, I plan to marry you and change that name to the last one you’ll ever need. I can’t guarantee what it’ll be, other than it’ll start with a ‘J’.”

Tears streamed her cheeks. “It doesn’t matter what the last name is, as long as ‘Doug and Christine’ are the first names. I love you, too, Douglas Patrick Jernigan Jackson. Yes, I’ll have you, as long as you remember
that I come with an enthusiastic ten-year-old and a moody seventeen-year-old.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ll keep this just between us for now, otherwise we’ll never hear the end of everyone’s opinions.”

“Agreed.” She pressed her lips on his for a sweet kiss. Mouths still touching, she murmured, “Are you sure we can’t slip out to the car and do it? You could pull out real fast at the end.”

He laughed. “Are you kidding me? Once I get in there, I’m never going to want to leave.”

Chapter Twelve

Federal Courthouse

Chicago, Illinois

Larry Stewart scratched his freshly shaved chin. He’d worn the beard for so long, he felt naked without it.
The suit his lawyer brought him was a size too big. He didn’t realize he’d lost so much weight in prison, but apparently he had. Tugging at the collar just made it worse, but the tie irritated his neck.

“Stop fidgeting.” His lawyer glanced around. “You look fine.”

“I don’t give a shit how I look. I’m uncomfortable as hell.”

“And I don’t give a shit about that. Take it easy. It’s going to be a long day.”

He still fretted. “What does she want to see me about? I thought we said all there was to say.”

“Feds are still fishing for the money.
Tell them, or don’t tell them. Either way, the cartel will have it out for you. If you ever get out of prison, you’ll go directly into Witsec.”

He raised his brows. “With my family?”

“Probably not. She divorced you. If you get out, I’d expect her to file a restraining order that says you have to stay far, far away.”

Larry frowned. “You keep saying ‘if” I get out of prison. You could be more optimistic.”

“All depends on how the trial swings. If we get a sympathetic jury, you might be okay.”

And then I’m off to Rio with my seventeen million dollars.
“I’ll be okay,” he affirmed.

His lawyer gave him an odd look.

Larry smiled.

* * * *

Christine tugged at her skirt as they were bustled in the back door of the courthouse.

“Stop fidgeting.” Doug glanced around
warily. “You look fine.”

“I don’t care how I look
. This dress is just plain tight. I appreciate Sam getting it for me, but not all size sixes fit the same.”

“She was nice to do it. She felt guilty about lying to us when she came to the house to pretend to take descriptions of E and your mom.”

“I can’t believe you called her and asked for a favor.”

“What? You needed a dress. She owed us a favor. It all worked out.”

“Hope I never owe you a favor. You’re relentless.”

“Damn straight.”

Ben met them inside. “All clear in here. They’re holding Larry over there. The
FBI will take you in when you’re ready.”

She nodded
. “Ready as I’ll ever be. I just want this to be over.”

They escorted her to where
Gilford waited.

Doug leaned over and whispered, “You’ll be fine. I love you.”

Bolstered by his strength once again, she nodded. “Thanks. Me too.”

She followed
Gilford and smiled when she heard Doug mutter, “Me too? That’s all I get?”

The door closed behind them.

“You know what you’re going to say?” the agent asked her.

Christine nodded. “I think so.”

“He’ll be handcuffed, but the cuffs won’t be attached to anything. A guard will stand behind him, far enough back to give you some privacy—but not too far back.”

“Thank you.”

He opened the door and motioned for her to go in.

Christine took a step and paused. Larry was dressed in a nice suit and was completely clean shaven. For a moment, she was taken back in time to happier days.

He sneered, and she snapped out of the fog.

“One final plea, I’m told.” He examined his fingernails. “Where’s the money, honey? Wish I knew! Wish I had a secret stash somewhere, but I don’t. The truth hurts, doesn’t it baby?”

“It hurts your kids, that’s for sure. As long as you don’t tell anyone, we’re on the cartel’s radar. Does that make you happy, Larry?”

He looked at her. “Not much makes me happy these days, Chris. Frankly, I could give a shit
or less about what happens to you. You left me in my darkest hour. Divorced me when I went to prison. How do you think that made me feel?
We took a vow
. You said you’d stand by me in good times and in bad.”

“Our vows didn’t say anything about standing by you through felonies and misdemeanors.
You screwed up, not me. If it makes you feel better to blame me, then do it. But don’t take it out on our kids. They love you, Larry. For some stupid reason, they still love you.”

His eyes flickered. “Bullshit. You and your parents have poisoned them against me.
I’ll never see them again.”

“We didn’t. They know the truth, so if they’ve been poisoned it’s by your hand. I
’ve never said a bad word otherwise.”

He appeared uncertain. “I wish I could believe that.
I think about them a lot.”

Taking advantage of what seemed to be his moment of weakness, she pressed. “Do this for them, Larry. They still care about you. The kids will never be safe until you admit where the money is.”

Larry jumped to his feet. “Bullshit! It’s all about the money, and what the FBI wants.” He made a move for her but the guard stepped between them. “I’m done with this bitch,” Larry told the man. “Get her out of my sight.”

Shaking, she hurried out the door.

Doug was waiting for her. “Are you okay? What happened?”

She shook her head. “He’s crazy. Let’s go. It’s all going to hinge in the trial. Larry won’t admit a thing, not even for the sake of the kids.”

He put an arm around her. “I’m sorry, babe. You’re right, he is crazy.”

Ben placed a hand on each of their arms. “Let’s go, friends. They’re bringing Stewart out and everyone’s headed to the courtroom.”

“This way,” a court assistant instructed.

They followed her a few steps, when a commotion arose behind them.
Loud yelling preceded the ominous sounds of gunfire.

Christine’s world went into slow motion as Doug shoved her to the ground. She felt his body lying across hers, and then more weight on top of him. A volley of automatic gunfire filled the room, echoing off the walls as glass shattered and people screamed.

A moment of silence was followed by return gunplay. Not rapid fire like the first, but a steady stream of shots.

“Cease fire!” someone yelled.

“Shooter is down!” someone else called.

“Target is down! Target is down!” another more frantic voice.

She tried to raise her head but was totally pinned. “Doug, can you move?”

“Ben, can you move?” Doug repeated.

One by one the men rolled off and the three of them looked at each other. Ben’s shoulder was bleeding. “You’re hurt!” Christine cried.

“I’m okay.” He shook his head. “Are you hurt?”

She checked her extremities. “I don’t think so. Doug?”

“I’m fine.” Grabbing each of her arms, he examined her quickly to make sure. “I don’t see anything.” He turned to Ben and pulled back the corner of his suit coat. “Fuck, you’ve been shot. Tearing off his own coat, he held it to Ben’s wound. “Christi, apply pressure. I’ll get a medic.”

He climbed to his feet amidst the smoke and rubble and looked around.

Ben winced when she pressed his wound.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. Guys, I see a lot of people down. I’m not sure I’m a priority.”

“You are to us.” Doug muttered. “Hang on.” He rushed off, leaving her and Ben to stare at each other in shock and amazement.

“What the hell just happened?” she whispered.

“Someone is interested in postponing this trial, I guess.”

“
That’s putting it mildly.” She couldn’t see anything besides people frantically moving around.

Doug returned. “We need to drive you to the hospital. First estimates are twenty people wounded. We’re not waiting in line.” He held a hand out to Christine, and pulled her to her feet.

They both helped Ben up. “I’m fine. Don’t fuss.” He took a step and almost went back down.

“Arm around the neck, come on buddy.” Doug nodded to Christine and they flanked Ben,
draping his good arm over Doug’s shoulder for support. “We’ll take it easy, but let’s get the hell out of here.”

Mass confusion ensued, and they walked right out the door. An officer stopped them on the sidewalk, and Doug flashed his badge. “We’re US Marshals protecting a witness.”

“Crap!” The cop became flustered. “You need an ambulance.”

“We’ll drive. Where’s the closest hospital?”

“I’ll give you an escort. Flagg!” He grabbed another cop. “Lead these US Marshals to the hospital, then get your ass back here. There may be more.”

“Yes sir!”

They bundled Ben into the Expedition and Doug fastened his seat belt so it held the bunched up jacket on the wound. “Let’s go,” he ordered.

Christine hurried into the car and buckled up. She watched Doug with amazement. She’d never seen him in crisis mode, and it was a sight to behold. Her heart
was bursting with pride.

At the hospital, they could tell that m
ost of the ambulances hadn’t arrived yet. Ben was rushed by gurney into an examining room.

“He’s a US Marshal,” Doug advised, “and he’s armed.”

A nurse removed Ben’s gun and the badge clipped to his belt. “Hang on to these. You’re not supposed to have guns in here, but given the circumstances, I don’t think anyone’s going to complain for a while.”

“Thanks.” Doug tucked the gun in the back of his pants, and pocketed the badge.

Christine suddenly started shaking, and couldn’t seem to control it.

He’d been checking the scene, but once he realized her condition he pulled her into his arms.

Neither of them spoke.

His cell phone vibrated, and he answered it. “Chief. Yes, we’re all right. Ben took a bullet in the
shoulder, but I think he’ll be okay. Christine and I brought him to the hospital. It was a cluster-fuck there. We didn’t stick around waiting for an ambulance.”

She watched his face, and could tell when something changed. He looked at her.
“Okay, we’ll check it out. Thanks. I’ll keep you posted.” He ended the call.

Her heart thudded. “What?”

“Larry and his lawyer were shot. His lawyer died at the scene. Larry’s been rushed to emergency surgery.”

She blinked, trying to process the news.
Larry?

His phone vibrated again and he answered it. “Jackson. Yes, we’re here already. We’re in the ER waiting room. Okay.” The call ended.

“Who was that?”

“FBI keeping tabs on us. Gilford is coming to get you.” Before he finished the sentence a detail of armed agents led by Gilford swooped in and ushered them to a room in the back.

“Is your marshal okay?” Gilford looked over both of them.

“He’ll make it. GSW to the shoulder.”

The agent turned to Christine. “Your ex-husband wasn’t so lucky. He’s got bullets in several major organs and it’s really just a matter of time. Doctors are going to try and operate, but he asked to see you first.”

“Oh God.” She thought she might be sick.

“You don’t have to see him.” Doug scowled. “No one would blame you.”

“No, I’ll
go.” She glanced over her shoulder as she was whisked away, leaving Doug behind.

Through swinging doors, she entered the crowded room where Larry was being treated. The floor was littered with bloody rags and instruments. A doctor barked at her, “You’ve got two minutes
before we take him to surgery.”

She nodded and approached the bed. Covered with blood and bandages, he looked dead already. “Larry?”

He opened his eyes. A small smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “Chris, you came. I’m so glad. I was thinking about what you said. I realize what I did wasn’t fair to the kids…or you. I wish I could go back and change things.”

Gripping his hand, she squeezed. “Larry, be strong. There’s still time. When you get better—”

He winced. “Chris, stop it. I won’t get better. Now listen to me. There’s a locker at the bus station, number three-fifty-seven. You got that? Three five seven.”

“Three five seven,” she repeated, tears streaming her face.

“The password is our anniversary date. Inside you’ll find some stuff, and directions to another locker in a different town. Next password is Rusty’s birthdate. In that locker you’ll find the overseas bank information. Take the money, Chris. Seventeen million. Buy the kids whatever they need. Buy them whatever they don’t need. Just make sure they know their daddy loved them, and he did right by them in the end.” He closed his eyes.

“Larry, no!”

His eyelids popped open once again. “I wish I could have done right by you. I was wrong, Chris. I was so wrong. I’m sorry.” He closed his eyes again, and slumped.

Alarms and buzzers went off.