Lone Star Burn: Lone Star Escape (Kindle Worlds Novella) (2 page)

Beau stretched, yawning as he rolled out of bed. Bear stood by the door looking at him, ready to go out. The sun shone in through the windows and he shuffled off to the kitchen. When he opened the door, the dog barreled outside, almost knocking him over as he did every morning. He shook his head, creeping over to the coffee pot. While it brewed, he sat at the counter, opening his laptop. Clicking on his emails, he scanned, bored because business had been slow lately. His last job had been in Dallas and was quick, easy. A simple missing person case, and he had found the runaway girl quickly enough. She was hiding out in a hotel downtown with her boyfriend the parents didn’t approve of. The problem with being a private investigator was that business wasn’t always steady. Sure, he had enough money from his days as a Navy SEAL. He had stacked all his money away, not needing it while living on base, at the governments expense and being provided for. That rainy day fund had bought him this farm five years ago, allowing him to move into the country, to live in seclusion. His job mostly took him into Dallas, but he could escape back here, to the small town life when he wasn’t on a case. It suited him. No nosy neighbors, no disruptions. He puttered around in his greenhouse, growing potatoes, rye and barley to make his own vodka. Once he had a successful batch, he planned to try and sell it, once and for all getting away from the secretive life he led. Though he was selective in the cases he took, he came highly recommended to the rich and powerful in the big city. He had high rates but was tired of chasing cheating husbands, runaway spoiled rich kids and finding leaks in multi-million dollar companies. He wanted out, wanted a quiet peaceful life.
And with this email
, he scanned through thinking to himself,
he could possibly get out and live comfortable without worry until his vodka took off.

An attorney in New York city was looking for a woman who had stolen a lot of money from his client and disappeared. He claimed his sources showed she was in Texas, but he wasn’t sure where. The man wanted her found and was willing to pay double the usual fee. That struck Beau as odd though. First, how had an attorney in New York found out about him? Who referred him? There was also the amount he wanted to pay. When someone wanted to pay that much, it usually tended to be illegal or shady. They only wanted to know where she was, claiming if found, they would have their own people come and confront her for the money. Something wasn’t right. Curiosity got the better of him though. He clicked the file to see what had been sent to him. The photo showed a scrawny blonde woman, who looked like life had kicked her down and trampled her. His breath caught in his throat as he realized who the woman was. Though she no longer looked so run down, it was unmistakably his new neighbor. Though this file called her Julie Chaney. He scrolled through the pages, showing her boyfriend, a Jimmy “Skull” Mannetti was wanted for assault and battery, drug possession and trafficking and they thought she was somewhere hiding Jimmy and the money he stole from his boss. The boss, was a Joey Ciminelli. A quick search on the internet gave Beau the info he needed. The mob boss was wanted on charges for racketeering, drug running and more. Apparently he took off before his arrest. So either the pretty blonde next door was a hard criminal running from her boss who she stole from or she was in danger. The reports mention something about a witness the feds had in their pocket that could put him away for good. His bet was that she was the witness and there was a leak in the FBI. This leak hadn’t known where she was exactly, only a state. They must have flown in to Dallas before driving her out here.

Leaning back, he rubbed his hand over his eyes. Scratches at the door drew his attention away. He closed the laptop, letting Bear inside. His beast slid across the floor to his bowls and began eating noisily. Beau poured himself a cup of coffee and sat back down. This explained her wary behavior yesterday. She had looked so frightened when he made his presence clear. Before that, he had seen a carefree woman, beautiful and happy. The way she spun around, arms stretched wide, he couldn’t remember a time he had felt so happy, and over nothing but sunshine and grass. He grabbed his cell phone from the counter and dialed up a friend of his in the FBI field office in Dallas. Thomas Holmes was someone he used for leads on hard cases. They had served together and remained close.
“Beau, what is it today? Cheating husband, runaway heiress?” His friend laughed, jovial for such an early hour.
“Hey T-Man. How’s being a G-Man treating you?” His friend rambled on about his wife and new baby, happily living a life that Beau claimed to never want. His parents had an unhappy marriage and he suffered for it. They tried to play him against each other or flat out ignored him. He had counted down the days until he turned of age and could join the military.
“So, what is it you need this time, bro?” Beau sighed.
“I need info on a wit-protection. I know you can’t give me details, but I need to speak to the agent in charge. I think their witness is in danger.”
“Man,” he could hear Thomas groan on the other end. “You know I can’t discuss that kind of thing.”
“No, I know man, I just,” Beau got up, pacing his kitchen. “I only need to warn the agent in charge.”
“Look, what’s the witness name? I’ll see what I can find out.” Beau gave him the info, and promised to get to Dallas soon for drinks before hanging up.

He slumped back into the stool at his counter, staring into space. That they didn’t know exactly where she was or him, was good. He used a P.O. box in Dallas, so that’s where they were thinking the woman was. He would wait to hear back from Thomas before responding to the email. He was going to have to turn all that money down. If this was what he thought, them trying to find her to take her out, then he would have to keep her safe. Being alone over there wasn’t good. This Ciminelli family could already have guys in the Dallas area. Beau filled a second cup of coffee and headed to the door. He slipped his sneakers on and called Bear to follow. Beau made his way across the yard, to the kitchen entrance on Mara’s porch. Squinting from the bright sun, he cursed himself for rushing out without his hat. He hoped it didn’t put her off that he only wore a white tank top and baskbetball shorts. He could see her sitting inside at the island in the kitchen, slumped over something. Bear barked before he could shift the coffee cups to knock, gaining her attention. He smiled, trying to look pleasant and not spook her. Her eyes widened as she slid off the stool. She stood, staring at him for a moment. He raised the mugs, tilting his head. Slowly, Mara moved to the doors, unlocking them to slide open.
“Morning, I figured since you just arrived yesterday, you may not have gone grocery shopping yet. Coffee?” Silently, Mara moved so he could come in. Bear started to follow but Beau stopped him.
“Stay,” he commanded. She laughed a little. Such a quiet sound, like her voice just wasn’t used to making it.
“No, it’s ok, he can come in. I wouldn’t be able to tolerate the sad puppy eyes he’s giving you right now.” Without waiting for an invite, Bear pushed himself past them, plopping down on the floor next to the island. The coffee in the mugs sloshed slightly at the pressure of being moved by the large dog. Beau shook his head, handing a cup to Mara.
 

“Thanks, you’re right, I haven’t got anything here yet. I was just making a list.” She accepted the cup, taking a quick sip.
“I wasn’t sure how you take it, but I drink mine black. I can run back for sugar and milk if you need it.” She shook her head.
“Really, this is great. I need the caffeine. I have a lot to do today.” She motioned for Beau to take the other stool, gracefully shifting herself into the high seat. Her bare feet dangled, pink painted toes pointing towards the floor she couldn’t reach while sitting. Her long blond locks were piled high on top of her head. She looked like she had just crawled out of bed as well, with her baggy tee and tiny shorts. As if suddenly self-conscious at his perusal of her, she tugged at the shirt. Beau forced his eyes to move back up to hers. He wanted so badly to tell her everything, but he couldn’t. Not yet. There was no point in scaring the woman unless necessary.
“So, a bed and breakfast huh? This is a great home for that. It’s huge and there’s plenty of room.” He felt nervous. Small talk wasn’t something he was in good practice with. Keeping to himself mostly, Beau didn’t have to manage in social situations. Mara shifted in her seat.
“Yea, hopefully I can get it off the ground quickly. I have to build a website and get it out there.”
“Yea, and tourism here is growing because Tony finally opened up to let people in. The hotel can’t sustain everyone, it’s not that big.”
“That’s what I’m hoping, plus there’s lots of hiking trails around, so maybe family vacations, romantic getaways. I hope if I can build a good enough business, that I can start hosting small weddings too.” He liked that she had plans, ideas. She seemed motivated and this town could use something like that.

“So, where did you move from?” He asked her, trying to just make conversation. She fidgeted, showing how nervous she was. He could see she was trying to think. The clues just kept adding up. Either she was afraid to admit where she was from, being the thief she was accused of being, or she hadn’t fully learned her cover story the Feds gave her.
“Chicago.” She didn’t elaborate. He pushed more.
“Any family down here? I’m just wondering why a beautiful woman like you would move to the middle of nowhere by herself. Do you have friends around here?”
“No, I just wanted a change. A slower pace of life. I’ve always wanted to live in Texas.” She pushed the mug of coffee away from her.
“So, I have a lot to get done today…” She trailed off and he took the hint. He took the cups and moved toward the door. Bear jumped up to follow.
“Well, if you need anything, I’m next door. Maybe I can make you a welcome dinner tonight?” She looked at the floor, her toes wiggling.
“I don’t think so, but thank you. I just have a lot to get done.” Wow, it wasn’t often Beau was shot down by the ladies. It threw him off his game.
“Ok, I understand. Some other time then,” he backed out, and she said goodbye as she closed and locked the door. He stood there a moment then turned to head back home.

Beau spent the day wondering what Mara was up to, trying to figure out the truth in this situation. He moved about his greenhouse, not really paying attention to the tasks he was doing. His body was on autopilot while his brain drifted off. The ringing of his phone finally pulled him from his trance. A quick look at the screen told him he had been out here for hours. The sun was setting and he swiped to accept the call from Thomas.
“Bro,” the man exclaimed. “You’re in some deep shit. I got pulled into the Directors office for my inquiries on that girl.”
“Sorry man, I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”
“Nah, it’s ok. She’s in some deep shit. She has testimony to take down a crime family. But I can’t get more than that. Wanna tell me what this is about?”
“I can’t, sorry you got in trouble. I’ll get ahold of you when I can get into town.” He hung up, shoving the phone back in his pocket. A sleeping Bear woke as Beau exited the greenhouse. He had been in there almost all day. Now the air was cooling off as the sun set. Spring time was great. Hot days, cool nights, without the stifling summer heat yet. He wiped sweat from his brow as he headed towards his house. A man in a suit strode around the corner and Bear began barking. The dark shades and suit told him this was probably the FBI. He figured that if Thomas got talked to about the case, that he would have had to tell them it was for his PI friend. He wasn’t mad. Hopefully he could get the answers needed.
“Beau Belmont?” The man asked.
“That’s me. Can I help you?” He held onto Bear’s collar, trying to keep the barking dog next to him. The man pulled out his badge, flashing it at Beau.
“Agent Parker. Travis Parker. Can we talk?” Beau nodded, leading the man into his kitchen. The agent stood by the door, shoving his sunglasses into his suit jacket as Beau pulled a beer out of the fridge. He offered Agent Parker one, but he shook his head.
 

“What can I do for you,” Beau slid onto the stool, sipping on the ice cold drink.
“Why are you asking about a witness? A Julie Chaney.” He crossed his arms, leveling his gaze at Beau.
“Are you the agent in charge?” 
“I’m the one here asking the questions.”
“Because she’s in danger. I know she’s next door. I need to warn the agent in charge.”
“Why would you think she’s in danger and how do you know who she is?” The man’s posture stiffened.
“Because someone from New York just tried to hire me to find her.” Beau opened his laptop, pulling his email back up.
“What is it you do for a living, Mr. Belmont?” The agent finally moved into the kitchen, coming to a stop next to Beau.
“I’m a PI. I don’t advertise. I go by references. So I don’t know where they found my information. But they only want me to find her. They claim she stole a lot of money from their client.”
“Do they know where you are?” Beau shook his head and turned the computer towards the man so he could look through the file he was sent.
“No, my mailing info and everything goes to a P.O. box in Dallas. There’s nothing linking me to this house. It’s under an LLC name. I cherish my privacy.”

Agent Parker scrolled through the file, shaking his head.
“I can’t believe this,” he mumbled to himself. “One fricking day, and we already have a leak.” He stood, running a hand through his hair. Beau kept quiet as he watched the man pace, mumbling to himself. He stopped abruptly, glaring at Beau.
“You were a Navy SEAL, correct Mr. Belmont?” His eyes widened.
“Yes, but those records are supposed to be sealed.” He began to feel defensive.
“It seems we both have friends that can get us info we aren’t privy to.” Agent Parker moved to the counter once more, bracing himself against it. He leaned in towards Beau. “So you may or may not have guns or weapons on hand that you could easily access?” His voice lowered to a whisper. Beau narrowed his eyes at the man.
“Why?”