Slay Bells Ring (An FBI Romance Thriller Book 12) (59 page)

Her empty gaze stared up at him, warning him of what was to come.

It made Dakota sick. He was responsible for sending her around the back of the building, and now they were both done.

He wanted to throw up.

As she approached, she ran her fingers across his dick, and he struggled to move away.

“Playtime,” she teased, leaning down to lick him.

He closed his eyes, trying to not think about her touching him. Never, in all his life, did he think he’d be trying to get away from a beautiful woman handling his junk. It was ironic that this was how he was going out.

“Don’t you like it?” she asked, climbing up his body.

When she sat above him, rubbing her ass against him, he still kept his eyes closed.

“Look at me.”

He refused.

When she slapped him, gouging his face with her nails, he could smell his own blood.

He tried to fight.

Dakota bucked her from his body, and she tumbled to the floor.

When she got up, there was blood in her eyes. “I’m going to cut your dick off in little pieces. I’m going to make you watch too. You shouldn’t be violent with women, Marshal.”

He prayed for help.

Suddenly, she stopped.

There was a chiming from the counter. Heading there, Bonnie stared down at the tablet.

“Well, shit. It seems we have company. Elizabeth Blackhawk is on her way to save you. I told you she was smart.”

Heading toward him, she grinned evilly.

“Too bad I still have a few minutes. That’s all it’s going to take.”

He fought for his life as she held a knife above his body.

“You better hope they move fast.”

With that, she sliced his wrist across the artery. As the blood began running, she kissed him goodbye.

“Good luck, Marshal. Somehow, I’d bet we’re going to meet again. Next time, I’ll have time.”

With that, she raced from the room.

It was time to make her escape.

                 
* * *  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

When they pulled up, all the lights were on in the cabin. It was quiet outside, and she knew they needed to move fast. Already, there was that sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.

The silence couldn’t be good.

That had to mean that they were dead.

It horrified her, but there was nothing they could do. They’d done their best.

Heading toward the door, Elizabeth motioned toward the sheriff, and agents, to head to the back of the cabin. They were taking the front.

Making sure their asses were covered, she pointed at the door.

“Go.”

Ethan booted it, and it flew open, hitting the wall with a thud. In the small cabin, they were able to see everything. On the floor were two dead people, and on the dining room table was a very naked man.

Elizabeth raced in as her husband cleared it. As she approached the table, she saw him spread eagle, very erect, and bleeding from the wrist.”

“My arm,” he said, his voice getting sleepy.

Immediately, she holstered her weapon and trusted that Ethan had her back. She whipped off her belt, grabbing his forearm.

As the agents came through the door, she glanced up. “Call for an ambulance,” she shouted.

They didn't hesitate.

Elizabeth stopped the flow of blood and then squeezed his wrist below the belt. “Hey, Dak! You look at me, okay?”

He stared up at her. “She killed him. He’s next to Delaney. He killed her too. I was next.”

She kept him talking as Ethan approached. He took off his coat and laid it over the man to give him some dignity.

“Hey, look at me,” she said when he started closing his eyes.

Dakota listened.

“If I hadn’t seen you naked countless times, I’d be embarrassed for you right now. A seasoned cop ending up like this. Who the hell trained you?”

“ELIZABETH!” Ethan stated. “Really? Your husband is standing right here.”

Dakota snorted. “You are such a bitch. Are you sure you won’t run off with me and ditch the Native?”

Ethan growled.

“Nah, I got my cowboy and Indian, but I tell you what. If you live, you can stop in and see me anytime. I can always use a friend.”

He smiled. “Deal. I’m feeling woozy and my dick hurts.”

“Yeah, you’re going to have that four hour erection until New Year ’s Eve. If you have any woman you frequent, now would be the time to utilize it. They’ll be impressed.”

The man laughed. “Thank you for making me laugh. I need it right now.”

She patted his cheek. Elizabeth wasn’t in love with him, but she did care. The man had been a piece of her past. How could she forget that?

They had history, and she was learning that the past did matter.

In the distance, they could hear the ambulance.

“I think I’m going to pass out,” he stated. “No, I’m sure I’m going to. I never thought I’d be going unconscious while tied up around you.”

Ethan closed his eyes and prayed for calm.

Elizabeth laughed. “We’ve got you, Dakota. Hang in there.”

He slipped into the darkness.

His blood was still dripping through her fingers as she kept one hand on the wound, and the other on his pulse.

Ethan cut him free. As soon as he was finished, he pointed at his wife.

“He is so not coming over to visit—over my cold, dead, worm ridden body. It’s never going to happen, Elizabeth Rene Whitefox-Blackhawk.”

She snorted when he threw her whole name down. It was funny as hell. “He grows on you. You’ll see. Before you know it, you’ll be BFFs.”

Ethan knew that it would be a cold day in hell when that happened.

They could bet on it.

                 
* * *  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

Christmas Eve

Monday Three A.M

Hospital

The team was wrapping it up.

After Dakota received some blood and got stitched up, he found himself waking in a room. He wasn’t quite sure how he got there, but he was damn glad to be alive.

Then he remembered his partner.

His heart ached. He loved working with her. Delaney Moore was a damn good Marshal, and she didn't deserve to die.

She’d be missed.

When he opened his eyes, he wasn’t alone. To his right was Callen Whitefox.

“Great. I’m surprised you didn't smoother me while I was out,” Dakota said, sitting up.

“I thought about it, but then I’d go from a hospital gown to an orange jumpsuit. I’d rather go home to my woman. You know…ELIZABETH.”

“Touché. You made your point, Director. Still, you weren’t tempted?”

Callen shrugged. “Nope.”

“What made you change your mind?”

Elizabeth took naked pictures of you. I figure if you hit on my woman ever again, I’ll have something to use against you. Your dick, which I hear the whole team saw, will be on a billboard.”

He stared openmouthed.

“You’re kidding right?”

Callen smiled ferally. “I don’t know…am I?” Before Callen could torment him further, in strolled the woman in question.

“Hey,” she said, going to sit on Callen’s bed. “Ethan is cleaning up the scene, our techs are working on the trace, and everyone and their mother is looking for Lottie Tipton AKA Bridget Melrose.”

“She’s in the wind?”

She nodded. “To add insult to injury, Dak, she took Delaney’s phone and sent us a parting message.” Elizabeth tossed him her cell so he could read it for himself.

‘The game isn't over. I’ll be back. It was nice seeing you, Marshal. I’m sure we’ll meet again. Next time, it won’t only be your blood spilled. You and I both know who I want next. Xoxo Lottie.’

“Yeah, this isn't over,” he stated. “I’m going to find her and get justice.”

“Who is she talking about?” Callen asked.

“Me,” Elizabeth offered. “Right?”

He told her everything the woman had said while she had him captive. “She’s going to be back with a vengeance. Her heart is set on you. In her mind, you’re the only competition smart enough to play the game.”

She wasn’t surprised.

“When she does, we’ll be ready. For now, this is your area, Dak. We took out half the team and got you a name. I reckon the Marshals can take over from here.”

“And if I need you?”

Callen gave him a look.

“You just call. I know she’s going to regroup. Just let me know when and where. Next time, Lottie is going down. I can guaren-damn-tee it.”

He grinned at her. “I’ll keep you on speed dial.”

She nodded. “Watch your back, Dak. I get the need for revenge, but just make sure you don’t cross that line. Once you do, there’s no going back.” Elizabeth thought back to her own past, and the choices she had to make.

Dakota dwelled on it. “I hear what you’re saying, princess. I’ll keep it in mind.”

She snorted. “No one’s called me that in a long time.”

Callen glared. “Pictures.”

The Marshal shut his mouth.

“When can I get out of here?” he asked. “I need to get on the road. I have a crazy to catch.”

She glanced down at her watch. “Probably today. We’re heading out ourselves. We have the jet ready for Callen and the team. It looks like we’re going to make it home for Christmas after all.”

He shrugged. “It’s just a holiday.”

Elizabeth hopped off the bed and crossed to his. “When you find love, Dak, it’ll be so much more. Merry Christmas.”

She gave him a hug and whispered in his ear. When she pulled away, she was grinning.

“I’ll go take care of the paperwork to get you both sprung.” With that, she headed out.

When she was gone, Callen had to know. “What did she say to you?”

“That she’s leaving you for me.”

He growled and struggled to get out of bed. “I’m going to kill you. With one good arm, I should be able to get the job done.”

Dakota just laughed. “Chill out. She just gave me a gift. It’s the best one I’ve gotten in seven years.”

“What was it?”

He smiled, his lips sealed. “Just the gift of hope.”

Epilogue

Across Town

Christmas Eve

She couldn’t believe they were going to do it. Johanna was surprised that she had it in her. Everything in her life was about order and following the rules, and now she was going to break them by marrying her partner.

They had to be out of their minds.

One way or another, someone was going to catch them. She didn't doubt it. When it came down to it, they were going to get ‘Blackhawked’.  All they could hope was they didn't lose their jobs.

If they did, she was blaming Brody. It was his sweet smile, blue eyes, and sexily tousled hair that lured her in. It made Johanna forget what she was thinking.

Yeah, this was all his fault.

Now, she was standing outside the church, waiting for him. While they wanted to do the justice of the peace, it was Christmas. The only people around were ministers, so they figured what the heck.

Brody was on his mission, and she was getting nervous.

When she saw the taxi pull up, her heart began pounding in his chest.

Here was her husband to be.

As he raced across the snowy walkway, he didn't stop from pulling her into his arms and planting one hell of a kiss on her lips.

“Oh, Joey, I love you so much,” he said, ignoring the chill in the air. He wasn’t wearing a coat since he’d opted to don a tux.

“I love you too, Brody. Are you sure about this?”

He’s never been more sure in all his life. This was his other half and soulmate.

“Yes, honey, I am. Are you?”

He paused, waiting for her to reply. Broderick was nervous. This woman had the power to make or break him.

“I’m sure too.”

He grinned. “You look beautiful.”

Johanna glanced down at the dress she was wearing. Fortunately for them, she’d been a bridesmaid in a black and white wedding. It’s the only reason she had a white dress.

“Thank you,” she said, as he pulled her beneath his arm. “No matter what happens from here on out, I promise to love you for the rest of my life.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “I will too, Brody, even if we get separated.”

“I won’t let that happen. I promise.”

She knew it was a vow he couldn’t possibly keep, but she knew his heart. He’d fight to do it. Broderick was her champion.

“Shall we?” he asked, pointing at the church. “The minister is waiting.” He held out the paper in his hand. “All we need is his signature, and we’re man and wife.”

Her heart skipped. “Let’s do it. I want a husband for Christmas.”

In minutes, she’d get her wish.

“Then let’s make that Christmas wish come true.”

He led her down the sidewalk and to the large doors. Once inside, their union would begin. Broderick Seaton couldn’t help but worry.

When this got out, would they be separated?

Would the Blackhawks really have the heart to take her away?

He hoped not, but that was a chance he’d have to take.

Inside, he helped her out of her coat. “Oh, Joey, I’ll never forget this day.”

She smiled. “You shouldn’t. Technically, you’re marrying your sister.”

He laughed. “Really? In a church?”

She heard the music. “Walk me down the aisle, Brody. Let’s do this together.”

There were no more beautiful words to his ears.

“Absolutely. I’d have it no other way.”

Together, they entered.

They were about to be one.

                 
* * *  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

Christmas Morning

Damascus

They were home.

As the plane landed, they knew their children had already been flown back from Quantico with armed escorts. It made their hearts skip to know that they were about to be a family once more.

              While Callen should be in a hospital, he wouldn’t do it. There was no way he was missing his family or the holiday. They fought too hard to get this done. Now, they were going to be together.

Finally.

As they each helped Callen into the house, they found Wyler sitting there. He’d flown back before them to make sure everything was ready.

He’d insisted.

They deserved this one moment as a family.

When they entered the house, they all knew it would be their last holiday there. Soon, it would be going up for sale. The stone monstrosity was going to be someone else’s castle.

They had no choice.

Yet, for now, they’d celebrate the house that love built.

Inside, Wyler greeted them.

“I didn't know if you three were going to make it or not.”

Callen wouldn’t miss this for the world. “My kids won’t spend a holiday without me. I don’t care if there needs to be a hospital bed under the damn tree.”

They knew this was costing him. Across his forehead there were beads of perspiration. The jostling of the flight and ride had to be brutal on his healing body.

He was a trooper.

“Where are they?”

Wyler moved cushions on the couch so they could get him settled in. “I heard the boys moving around not too long ago,” he offered, hitting the lights on the Christmas tree. “They’ll be down soon.”

They couldn’t wait.

It didn't take long to hear the running upstairs. CJ, EJ, and Cat were racing around. When they heard whispers on the stairs, each waited for their kids to peek around the banister.

CJ was first, and he immediately saw her.

“MOMMA! I got what I wanted!”

He raced toward her, and she scooped him up in her arms. EJ was right behind with Cat as the tail. They took her to her knees and she didn't mind.

This was heaven.

Right there, she was at peace.

Screw the world. The baby birds gave her happiness.

“What about us? You’d think we were invisible,” Ethan teased. While he wanted hug time, he was so damn happy that his kids had a family.

They had a wonderful mother.

That’s all that mattered.

The boys raced toward them, but Cat stayed with her mother. Elizabeth picked her up, giving her lots of kisses. “Daddies missed you,” she whispered, before gently placing her on Callen’s lap.

“Oh, Daddy,” she said, touching his slinged arm. “You got boo-boo.”

“Kiss me and make it better,” he stated.

Cat crawled up his body and did just that. The pain was incredible, but he didn't care.

He’d never care.

This was all that mattered.

Ethan grabbed Charlie from his father. “I think there are presents under the tree. Santa said CJ gets blue, EJ gets green, Cat is red, and Charlie is silver.”

They tore at the tree like little Native hellions.

Elizabeth laughed as Wyler tried to record the mêlée. It was chaos.

The three of them laughed.

Callen patted his lap as Ethan put Charlie in her playpen. She was playing with ribbon.

Taking a seat, Elizabeth cuddled gently against him. Ethan moved behind them to drop a hand on each of their shoulders.

“Merry Christmas,” Ethan stated. “I love you both.”

Elizabeth’s eyes filled with tears as Callen placed his good hand on her belly.

“I love you both too,” Callen stated.

Elizabeth dropped a kiss to his cheek as Ethan placed one on the crown of his head.

“We did good,” he offered, not talking about their jobs, but their life.

They didn't disagree.

“This is all that matters,” Callen stated. “They are all that matters. I think I figured it out.”

They both looked over at him. “What?” they said together.

“This is what it’s all about. It’s about family.”

“Amen,” Elizabeth stated.

“Merry Christmas,” they said together.

And it was.

                 
* * *  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

Two Weeks Later

Elizabeth sat packing their home.

It made her sad to leave there, since all of their children came home from the hospital to the nest. It bothered her that she was worrying about a crazy, but it had to be done.

The family had to get out.

There was no way she was willing to take a chance. It wasn’t going to be easy on any of them.

Callen was in physical therapy.

Ethan was holding down the fort.

She was pregnant.

All she could hope was that the new home they were building would be safer. It wasn’t easy to pick a plot of land, but when Chris Leonard mentioned that there was space near him and Cyra, it was a no brainer.

Maybe a new spot would be cathartic.

It would symbolize a fresh start.

A new beginning.

That was all she really wanted. Bonnie and Clyde had them freaked out, and she couldn’t risk her family. Familiarity only went so far.

Now it was about prevention.

As she sat there, Callen was trying to help out. His mobility was coming back, but it wasn’t easy. At first, it was a pity party.

Then, when they told him he couldn’t hold and feed his next child if he didn't get stronger, that kicked his ass into gear.

He was hitting it hard.

Callen wanted this last child to heal him, and the baby had in so many ways. His child had given him a reason to fight, and fight hard.

Sitting there, she could hear Ethan’s Mustang in the driveway.

“He’s home,” she said, standing.

Callen moved to her side, dropping his good arm around her waist. His brother had sent a text, stating that he had to see them ASAP.

It had to be big if he was leaving work early.

When he rushed in, flushed from something, they braced for it.

“What’s wrong?”

He handed her a sealed bag. Inside, there was a note addressed to her.

“Lottie isn’t done.”

‘Elizabeth,

Run while you can. I’ll see you again for another jolly holiday. It may not be this year, or next, but we’ll meet again. When we do, I won’t mess around. I’m taking what matters most to you.

Catch me if you can.

If you don’t, the blood will be on your hands.

Bonnie.’

“She’s insane,” Callen stated, tightening his grip on her. “If she tries to touch you, I’ll bleed her myself.”

She didn't doubt he’d do it.

From the looks on their faces, it was crystal clear.

“I’ll be okay,” she stated. “We’re moving, and we just need to do this quietly.”

Ethan leaned down to kiss her. “I love you.”

She smiled sweetly. “I love you too. Now, can you help Callen carry these boxes out to the garage? I can do it myself…”

“NO!” they blurted together.

It made her laugh.

When they grabbed the things she’d packed, Elizabeth waited until they left the room. Then she reread the letter.

“Screw you, Bonnie. I’m ready. If you want a piece of me, we’ll play the game. It’s on. I owe you for shooting my husband. You’re going to bleed for me.”

With that, she headed to the garage. All the while, her thoughts were spinning. It was time to take matters into her own hands.

There was no doubt in her mind that this was going to be one hell of a grudge match.

It was written in the stars.

It was going to be nothing less than epic.

It was going to be…

Killer versus killer.