Tracked by Trouble (Bad Boys Need Love, Too #3) (31 page)
Read Tracked by Trouble (Bad Boys Need Love, Too #3) Online
Authors: Calinda B
Deafening applause filled the air a week later, as the lights went on in the rented community room.
“Go, Zed!”
“The movie’s great, Jeff!”
“Awesome movie!”
“That’s my Uncle Zed!” Rickie said to anyone who would listen. He threw his arms around Zed’s neck and grinned. “You saved Murphy and his mom and a bunch of other sea lions!”
“Thanks, buddy, but it wasn’t just me.” Zed returned the hug. “Murphy had a lot of support.”
The community center had pushed back the movie reveal and celebration, since the accident had left Zed reeling.
“Yeah, but you won! You won, Uncle Zed!”
“In more ways than you could know. Hey…go help your little sis. She’s trying to pull down the tablecloth on the food table.”
“Oh, no!” Rickie cried. “Cerise, stop it!” He raced toward her.
“Good job, Zed. Proud of you.” Mitch patted Zed on the back. “And you,” he said to Jace.
“Thanks, man. We’re a team. We’re going for an Olympic medal next.” He grinned at Zed.
“Oh, we are, are we?” Zed lifted his eyebrows, then shook his head. “Don’t take all the credit. My arms and legs did the work. But let’s not go for the high speed theatrics that followed next time, okay?”
“You got that right. Shit. Between the three of us, we’re going to pay off fines for years.” Jace grimaced.
“At least no charges were filed against us. We had enough witnesses to testify to Lawson’s wicked deeds, from the park ranger, to the onlookers on the highway.”
Beck sauntered toward Zed, holding two plastic flutes of champagne. Her eyes were filled with love as she looked at him, making his heart melt even more. It seemed to be on insta-melt when he looked at her.
I love her so goddamned much,
he thought.
As soon as she reached him, he pulled her toward him for a kiss. He leaned in close to her ear and said, “I’m the luckiest man in the world to be with you. Maybe Waldo was waiting for you all these years. That trumps any marathon win.”
“That makes me the luckiest girl in the world,” she countered. She inched away and lifted her glass. “Everyone, grab a glass. Let’s toast this guy!”
The crowd of family, friends and well-wishers reached for glasses, bottles and cans. When everyone held their drink aloft, Beck said, “To the greatest guy, my guy, whom I adore. To everyone who helped save Murphy and his mom. To pushing past obstacles for the win!”
“Here, here!” someone called.
They tapped cans and glasses with whomever was close and all took a sip.
As everyone milled about, Jace pulled Zed aside. “You doing okay?”
“As well as can be expected,” Zed said, slinging his arm around Beck’s shoulder to pull her close. “The beauty by my side and in my heart helps.”
“Is your mother still refusing to speak to you?” Jace asked.
Zed shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. She needs to take her grief out on someone.”
“Yeah, but she shouldn’t take it out on you,” Beck retorted, fire in her eyes. “I don’t like the way your mother treats you.”
Zed gave her a squeeze, thankful for the support. It made him love her all the more.
“How’s Lawson?” Jace asked.
“Still in a coma. I don’t think he’s going to make it. That’s what the doctors say, anyway.”
They all shook their heads.
“Maybe it’s for the best,” Jace said. “This way, his secrets die with him.”
“I dunno,” Zed said. “I don’t think mom sees it that way. She now thinks I’m some reckless character who got into a pissing match with my brother. She even knows he had a gun and tried to shoot me, but still, it’s all my fault.”
“That’s sick.” Beck looked like she could spit fire, like a sexy female dragon.
“Well,” Jace said. “Let’s not focus on that. Let’s celebrate the win. Can you believe it? I still shake my head. You won! You whooped that guy’s ass. He was pissed, too. He thought he had it sewn up. You should have seen his face when you crossed the finish line first.”
The door to the community center opened, giving Zed a flash of blinding sunlight. A cute, petite brunette entered the room, her eyes scanning the crowd. When they landed on him, she practically flew in his direction.
“Cousin Zed!” A five-foot blur of energy launched in his direction.
Zed blinked at the woman, seeking recognition. “Avilon? Avilon Ferguson is it really you? I haven’t seen you for years!” He wrapped his arms around her, giving her a huge squeeze. At family gatherings in the past, she’d always been one of his favorite cousins. A warm woman, she always had a smile to spare and a shoulder to lean on.
“I know, right? I’ve been traveling the world. Spending time in exotic locations, trying to save the planet. Just returned from Tobago where we built some reefs.”
“How’s that working out?” Zed asked. “The saving the planet part.”
Avilon laughed. “Sometimes I think it’s a ‘spin my wheels’ operation but it makes me feel good.”
Zed grinned. “Meet the love of my life, Beck Tosetti.”
“Beck, it’s my pleasure!” Avilon instinctively hugged her. “It’s about time this guy found a good woman.”
Caitlin, having seen the woman, hustled to where they stood. “Avilon! It’s been years! To what do we owe the pleasure?”
“I just returned from Tobago. When mom told me of Zed’s accomplishments, I had to see him for myself. All of you, really. I’m moving to Port Townsend.”
“Seriously? That’s wonderful!” Caitlin threw her arms around the bubbling young woman.
“Wow, Avilon. That’s great news.”
Surrounded by friends, warmth and love, Zed soaked in the good vibes. It had been quite a journey to get to this place. The rewards, from the marathon win, to the renewed friendship with Jace, to the beautiful woman who’d captured his heart – it had all been worth it. And while he was sorry about his brother, well, if his secrets could be guarded, shielding the family from shame and scandal, maybe that was a good thing.
The community center door opened once again and a tall man in uniform entered.
A marine.
Zed cocked his head to look at him, an antsy, unsettled feeling forming in his belly. The soldier looked to be about six-foot-four. Close cropped dark hair.
Doesn’t look familiar.
The male stepped toward the person closest to him and said something.
The woman pointed at Zed.
The soldier stepped smartly in Zed’s direction.
The queasy feeling in Zed’s gut grew with each approaching step.
The man came to a halt in front of Zed. “Zed Farrell?” The male looked at him with piercing goldish-green eyes, the color of a dark forest.
“Yeah, that’s me,” Zed said cautiously, sensing his friends move closer around him for support. He pulled Beck tightly to him.
“I’m Sergeant Devlyn Andrews with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Sorry to interrupt the festivities. We are conducting a federal investigation and I’d like to ask you a few questions about your brother, Sergeant Lawson Farrell.”
So much for resting on my laurels,
Zed thought.
At least I’ve got a good woman, a lot of great friends, and a new attitude to see me through.
END
The Daily Grind:
An award-winning web designer and certified SEO specialist, Calinda B has worked in the Internet industry as a web page designer/developer since the early 1990's. She has also taught web site design and computer graphics at community colleges in Northern California. In addition to writing, Calinda B creates fine art, music and scuba diving, enjoys kayaking, and bike riding. Calinda B makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with the love of her life and her two cats. She is currently working on her next book, as usual.
Calinda writes paranormal, contemporary, erotic romance and sci-fi.
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