In the Shadow of the Shield (Secret Lives Series Book 2) (13 page)

“Don’t you get it, Diana? I
do
give a damn. Maybe too much of one. Hearing you say you talk dirty to other men for money cut me straight through the heart. Apparently I’ve gone and gotten myself hung up on you. You know about my mother. I can’t go through that again.”

“For crying out loud, I’m not working on the streets. I only make some easy money saying a few choice things that lonely men want to hear.”

“Whatever.” He dismissed her with a wave of his hand as he headed toward the door. “Thanks for calling me about the phone call.”

“Where are you going?”

“Home. Have a good night, Diana.”

“I wish you would stay for a while.”

“Are you going to quit that job?”

“No. I like it.”

“Then there is no reason for me to stay.” He stopped, his hand on the doorknob, and he turned to look at her. She detected the tiniest hint of sadness mixed with deep desire in Carter’s eyes—almost enough to make her call Rick right then and give her final notice. Instead, she reached up with both hands and pulled Carter’s face toward hers, planting a hard kiss on his lips.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said when she pulled away. With a low, throaty growl, Carter lifted her up against his chest and crushed his lips to hers. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and her arms around his neck. He turned and pressed her back against the wall as his tongue sought deeper access. Diana experienced a frenzy of desire as she gave him what he wanted. Her shaking hands worked the buttons open on his soft flannel shirt, only to find another layer of clothing keeping her from feeling his skin against hers.

“Why do you wear so many layers of clothes?” She groaned against his lips. Instead of answering, he carried her back to the living room they had just left and placed her gently on the sofa, never once breaking their kiss.

“I should go home,” he murmured as Diana loosened the last button on his shirt and pushed it off of his shoulders. “Every cell in my brain is telling me this is a very bad idea. I’m supposed to be mad at you.”

“Why? Why is this a bad idea? There’s nothing to be mad about,” she whispered, her own voice husky with desire as her hands found their way under his t-shirt. She sucked in a breath as the hardness of his chest became hers to explore freely.

“There are so many reasons, and none of them seem very important right about now.” He nipped at her ear as his hands roamed across her sweater, settling on top of her breasts.

“Then stop worrying about it. I’m not,” she whispered against his ear as she tugged at the hem of his shirt. “Take this off.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He sat up and grinned as he yanked the t-shirt over his head. Her own sweater was off in a heartbeat. Carter sucked in a breath as his fingers trailed over her hot skin to the black lace that made up the cups of her bra. “Even better than I imagined.”

“You have been imagining my underwear?”

“Not the underwear.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her right breast. His tongue trailed lightly over to the same place on the other one, where he planted a series of little, burning kisses atop the lace. “What I might find
inside
it.” His fingers followed the line his kisses had made, slipping inside the flimsy material. “
So
much better.”

She arched into his touch with a moan. “Carter,
please
. Don’t start anything you don’t intend to finish.”

“Oh, I intend to finish. It might take me a good long while, but I’ll finish.” His hands slipped behind her back and unhooked her bra with one quick, expert motion, pulling it from her body and tossing it across the room. Diana pushed herself up against the arm of the sofa into a slight sitting position.

“I’m not sure I like how easily you were able to do that.”

Carter chuckled against her throat. The vibration spread over her entire body, setting fires in its wake. “I was married once, you know.”

“I forget the little details.” The feel of his hard body against her soft one was almost more than she could stand. Pushing her hands against his chest, she made just enough space to work the button on his jeans. Carter pushed her hand away.

“Not yet. If you do that, we will be done before I’ve really gotten started.”

“We wouldn’t want that,” she managed to squeak out as Carter ran his tongue over the already overly sensitive and supercharged nerve endings at the base of her throat.

“No, we wouldn’t.” He kissed another burning trail up the side of her neck, along her jaw, and ended at her lips. Without waiting for permission, his tongue found hers, as his hands did a little exploration of their own. She grew a fast appreciation for Carter’s experienced fingers.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been frisked so thoroughly, Officer,” she murmured against his neck when Carter moved to her ear. His breath was hot, his touch amazing.

“I’m sure I have a thing or two to learn, but I’m good at being a rookie.”

Diana giggled as she trailed her fingers down his back, finding the firmness of his backside. “I think you’re doing okay, but if feel you need a little practice, I’m here to help.”

“Mmmhmm.”

“It’s time to lock me up and take me in, Officer.”

“Not yet. I just have to search you a little more—for your safety and mine. Are you hiding any drugs?” He slid a finger along the waist of her jeans.

“No, sir.”

“How about knives or needles?” His palms ran over her hips. “Anything sharp that might poke me?”

“Nope. But you are welcome to check.” She giggled as his fingers trailed toward the button on her pants.

“For your safety and mine,” he repeated, his voice so thick with desire all she could do was moan in response.

Light suddenly flooded the living room as a car pulled into the drive. Headlights shone through the sheer curtains. “Jackson! I forgot about him!”

“I thought he was gone for the night.” Carter groaned as he rolled off of her and onto the floor. Diana pulled her sweater over her head and bolted off the sofa as the front door swung open. She uselessly tried to smooth her hair and straighten her clothes as her son entered the room.

“Why are you always here when I get home?” Jackson snapped as soon as he saw Carter.

“Jackson!” she snapped. “Mind your manners already.”

She glanced around the room.
My bra! Oh crap, where did Carter toss it?

“Sorry,” Jackson mumbled. “I’m going to bed. See you in the morning, Mom.”

“Good night, son.”

Jackson disappeared up the stairs.

“I totally forgot he was coming home tonight,” she said when Carter started laughing.

“It’s okay. It’s sort of like being in high school again. Instead of waiting for your dad to catch us, I have to worry about your son. Keeps things kind of hot, you know?” He wrapped his arms around her, and planted a soft kiss on the top of her head.

“I don’t know, I think we were doing okay keeping the heat up on our own.”

“Not too shabby for a couple of old folks.”

“Who’re you calling old?” Diana slugged him lightly on the arm. “Speak for yourself, old man!” Still trying to find her lost bra, she glanced around the room.

“Lose something?” Carter asked.

“Um, you have any idea where you tossed my bra?”

“No worries. It’s right here.” He pulled black lace from his pocket and dangled it in front of her, grinning. “It was hanging off the television. I didn’t think you would want your boy to see that.” She reached for it, but Carter was too quick, stuffing it down the front of his shirt. “Sorry, lady, I’m holding this thing here for ransom. I know how you women like your bras and panties to coordinate. I figure it’ll drive you crazy not having a matched set.”

“That’s plain cruel, Officer Ryan. There must be some kind of code against holding satin and lace for ransom.” Diana tried to slide her hands up under his shirt, as much to feel the hardness of his chest once more as to retrieve her undergarment.

He sidestepped her. “Sorry, ma’am. I’m off duty right now. I’ll have to check back with you tomorrow, say about two in the afternoon.”

“
Carter
! Come on, you can’t leave me like this.”

“Oh, I can, and I will.” He pulled on his flannel shirt and buttoned it, leaving her bra under his clothes. “I will return tomorrow to finish investigating.”

“Investigating?”

“My theory that you are hiding more than one of these sexy little numbers somewhere in your possession.”

“Will there be a body search?”

“Only way to be thorough, ma’am.” He tipped an imaginary hat and strolled to the front door.

“Any chance of you finishing the job tonight if I tell you I’m hiding marijuana on my person?”

He laughed and pulled her in for a kiss so hot her clothes practically melted to her skin. “I promise to investigate thoroughly tomorrow. Maybe Jackson will feel like catching a movie or something.” Carter winked at her and pressed a quick kiss to the tip of her nose.

“You know, I think he mentioned something like that.”

“Good. Get some rest. You’ll need it.” Before she could reply, he was gone. Carter Ryan was developing quite a habit of leaving her hanging.

Chapter Twelve

Diana: Hello ladies, anyone still awake?

Cyndi: Hey, Di, you know I’m up.

Diana: Hi, Cyndi.

Cyndi: Are you still mad at me?

Diana: No. I guess I was just frustrated. You are my friend—I expected you to be supportive.

Cyndi: Don’t you get it? That’s why I wanted you to know what the guys were saying.

Diana: I know your intentions were good, but I really don’t need to know what they are talking about, okay? Like I said, Donnie’s been gone a year, and no one, aside from you girls, and now Carter, has reached out to me. The whole ‘we take care of our own’ and ‘thin blue line family’ is a sham as far as I can tell.

Cyndi: I’m sorry, Di. I really am. I don’t know why things happen the way they do. I wish I could change things.

Diana: It’s okay. But, I really need you to understand that I am ready to move forward in my life.

Cyndi: Does Carter know about your Saturday nights?

Diana: I told him today.

Cyndi: How did he take it?

Diana: About as well as Jason took it when he found out about your dancing at the club.

Cyndi: Ugh! That well, huh?

Diana: I think he has forgiven me though. *cheeky grin*

Cyndi: Really?

Diana: Yeah. He just left but only because Jackson came home a little too soon.

Cyndi: Well, well, well…

Diana: I know, right?

Cyndi: You really like this guy?

Diana: Yes, I do. It is kind of crazy since Donnie is the only man I have ever been with. My high school sweetheart and only love. I don’t really know how to do it again.

Cyndi: Like riding a bike. Things fall into place when you are with the right person.

Diana: I enjoy spending time with him.

Cyndi: I bet you do! *winks*

Diana: Aside from being seriously hot, he is also smart, cute, and super sweet.

Cyndi: You sound happy. I am glad. I know you have had a tough year, and I only want what’s best for you.

Diana: Right now, rediscovering who I am as a woman is what’s best for me. You and Jason have the best intimate relationship of anyone I know. He is totally hot for you all the time. Imagine if he was suddenly just gone? Donnie and I weren’t as amorous as the two of you, but I felt his loss deeply on all levels.

Cyndi: I get it. I don’t know how I would get through the day if Jason wasn’t constantly trying to get a little. LOL. Seriously though, I really do understand. I’m sorry I came on so strong yesterday.

Diana: It’s okay. I won’t hold it against you. LOL

Cyndi: I’m glad. *hugs* I’m going to head to bed now. I’m glad we had a chance to talk.

Diana: Me too. Guess I’ll call it a night too.

Cyndi: Love you, girl. Take care.

Diana: Right back at you.

Diana turned off her computer and headed to bed. As she passed Jackson’s room, she could hear the television on. Pausing, she almost knocked on his door, but thought better of it. She didn’t need to apologize to her son for being an adult. He would have to learn to live with the fact that his mother was entitled to a life too.

As it turned out, her son had plans for the day, so he left around noon with the promise to be home by dinnertime. By two, Diana was pacing the house, anxious to do something. She was full of nervous energy, and she could only think of one way she wanted to burn it off. If only Carter would hurry up and get there.

When she almost couldn’t stand it anymore, there was a knock at the door. Carter never seemed to use the doorbell. She would have to ask him why sometime.

Dressed in her favorite jeans and a deep burgundy v-neck tee, Diana was ready for anything Carter had to offer. She pulled the door open with a huge smile.

“Grab your coat. I got a text from Lookie Louie a few minutes ago.” Okay, well almost anything. She definitely wasn’t prepared for that.

“Hang on.” She ran to the closet, grabbed a heavy jacket and her purse, and ran back to the door. Carter was halfway down the steps as she locked the front door and ran after him.

She didn’t speak as he backed the truck out of the drive and raced toward the interstate, a million ideas filling her mind. “What did Louie want?”

“He found something he thought we might be interested in.”

“Did he say what it was?” Carter’s cryptic behavior was starting to get annoying.

“Nope. But he said we would really, really want to see it, and he wasn’t comfortable sending a picture just in case.”

“Just in case, what?”

“Someone found out it was him.”

She had no response to that, and Carter had all his focus on driving as fast as he could on the interstate without breaking every single law on the books, so she watched out the window, contemplating Louie’s big discovery. Five minutes later, Carter parked the truck on the same side street as before. Louie was standing at the corner smoking. When he saw Carter, he quickly dropped it on the ground, rubbed it out, and kicked it into a storm drain.

“Seriously, Louie? You gonna stand here and smoke a joint while you’re waiting for a cop? How many brain cells you got left anyway?”

Louie stuffed his hands in his pockets and kicked at an imaginary rock. “I got a medical condition.”

“You got epilepsy? Cancer?”

“Uh-uh.”

“Then you ain’t got a legal medical condition.” Carter stuck his hand out. “Give me the rest of your stash.”

“That was it. Just the one. I’m all out.”

“You and I both know that’s a load of crap. Give me your stash, or I will be forced to look for it.” Carter rested his hand on the butt of the pistol slung on his hip.

Louie pulled his hands from his pockets and raised them in mock surrender. One hand was closed in a fist. “All right, man. No need to get all nasty.” He tossed a little plastic bundle to Carter. Carter opened the bag and dumped the contents down into the same storm drain Louie had tossed his joint.

“You’re killin’ me, man.” Louie clutched his chest in a mock heart attack. “Why’d you have to go and do that? Such a waste of good, homegrown product.”

“You’d prefer I arrest you and take you in?”

“No.” Louie shook his head emphatically.

“Then shut the hell up.”

“Fine. Okay. Sorry, man.” To Diana he said, “Why’s your man being such a weenie today?”

Diana shrugged and hid a smile. Carter
could
totally be a weenie sometimes. It was part of what made him so endearing to her.

“So, why are we here?” Carter asked Louie.

“Oh, yeah, right. Follow me. You won’t believe it, man. I’m telling you, it’s some crazy shit.”

Louie shuffled along, babbling about something she couldn’t really follow. By the time they were at the house, she couldn’t stand it anymore. “Louie, would you please stop talking and show us what you found?”

Carter grinned at her. “You want a job as a cop? You got that attitude
down
!”

“No, thank you. I’m just freezing to death here, while this guy babbles on about his lost pot or whatever.”

“No, ma’am, this ain’t no vegetation I’m babblin’ about,” Louie cut in as he led the way to the back of the house and headed toward the detached garage. As they got closer to the building, Diana could see a heavy padlock attached to the old style barn doors. The two windows on the west side were covered in something black, blocking their view of the inside. Louie continued to the back of the building, and stopped in front of another window covered in black. “You got a flashlight?” he asked Carter.

“You didn’t say I needed one,” Carter replied, obviously annoyed. “There’s three in my truck.”

“Wait, I have one,” Diana said, digging around in her bag.

“Is there anything you don’t have in there?” Carter asked her.

“I’m like a Boy Scout—always prepared.” She pulled out a flashlight and handed it to Louie. “Okay, show us.”

Louie pushed up on the window until it was open all the way. Pushing the black curtain out of the way and shining the flashlight into the building, he gave them a smug look. “See?”

“Holy crap.” Carter let out a long, low whistle.

“What?” Diana asked.

“Here, take a look.” He handed her the flashlight and she stepped in front of the window to peer inside. “What is all that stuff?”

Two long tables were set up side by side. On one table was a large roll of plastic wrap on a stand that contained a very large cutting edge. The other table had several dozen rectangular, plastic wrapped packages. A fine, whitish powder coated the floors and tables.

“Meth. A whole shit loada’ meth,” Louie blurted.

“Shhh!” Carter smacked the back of Louie’s head. “Don’t call attention to us.”

“Sorry, man,” Louie whispered.

“Where did it all come from?” Diana asked.

“Someone has been, or was, very busy cooking something.”

“Recently?”

“I don’t know, Di. I can’t imagine they were doing it last night. This sort of haul would take a long time to make. And we didn’t smell anything the other day.”

“Can I say something now?” Louie asked.

“Of course,” Carter replied.

“This ain’t been cooked recently. I was crashin’ there pretty often, and until the other night, I ain’t heard or seen no one for a good long while.”

“Could it have something to do with Donnie’s death?” Diana asked, not sure she really wanted to know.

“It would support the theory that his death wasn’t an accident.”

“What if someone he knew was involved in this and they found out he knew?”

“That’s what I’m thinking.” Carter handed her the flashlight and closed up the window. “I’ve got to figure out where to go from here. I could call it in, but then we might lose any chance we have of finding out if Donnie’s death was a murder.”

Louie had wandered toward the front of the building, but now turned and ran back toward them. “They’re here!”

“Who?” Carter demanded.

“Shhh! They’ll hear you!” Louie whispered, panic all over his face.

“
Who
will hear me?”

Instead of answering, Louie grabbed Carter and Diana and shoved them behind a stand of hedges.

“I saw that little pothead hanging around here earlier.” A man’s voice carried through the branches.

“You think he found our stash?” a second man asked. The voice sounded vaguely familiar to Diana.

“Nah. I think he was sniffing out a place to crash.”

“Can he get in?” the second man asked.

“I got it locked down, but we need to start thinking about a place to move our stuff. We’re working on borrowed time. Especially since Ryan has been poking around too.”

Diana shot Carter a glance, but he held a finger to his lips and a palm to his ear. He wanted to hear everything the men said.

“I know. I let Schmidt know. We’re moving it tonight, after dark. Schmidt says he found a place.”

She sucked in a breath.
Schmidt.
She knew that name. Donnie had worked with Mark Schmidt most of his career. Damn. There really were dirty cops. A tiny little piece of her died in that moment, knowing her husband possibly lost her life because of it.

“Look, Wilkins, this place better be a good one. I don’t see why we can’t just sell the stuff. Schmidt said he had a couple of buyers lined up.”

Carter balled up his fists. She could see he was getting angry.

“Not yet. Not with Ryan and Massey’s wife poking around. We need to sit on it long enough to get them to back off.”

Now she knew why that voice was so familiar. The phone call. She tapped Carter’s arm, but he shook his head. She pulled out her cell phone and tapped out a text.

Diana: One of those men is the one who called me!

Holding out the phone to him, Diana tugged on Carter’s sleeve and showed him the screen.