Ultimate Kill (Book 1 Ultimate CORE Trilogy) (CORE Series) (48 page)

“I know people and will help her find the best therapist.” Ian glanced at him. “She
is
moving to Chicago, correct?”

“That’s still up in the air.” Not wanting to disturb Naomi, he motioned Ian toward the door and into the hall. “I’m sure you didn’t fly to Georgia to check on Naomi.”

Ian let out a deep breath and crossed his arms over his chest. After glancing around the empty hallway, he said, “One of my agents killed a man today—with an unregistered gun.”

“Yeah, about that. I got the gun off a guy when I was living in Michigan. I never got around to registering it.”

“You were sheriff. Part of your office’s job was to approve permits for firearms.”

“Right. Like I said, I meant to take care of it.”

Ian pinned him with a hard stare. “Who’d you get the gun from?”

“A trucker passing through my county. I can’t remember who he drove for, but his name was Bob Smith.”

Ian arched a brow. “I spoke with the Director of the FBI. He wondered why you not only had that particular gun with you, but chose to use it as opposed to the one on your belt. I admit, I wondered that myself.”

Since Ian hadn’t exactly asked him a question, he chose to ignore it and keep his lies to a minimum. “Did the director say what would happen to Harrison Fairclough?”

Ian cracked a smile. “Thanks to Fairclough, the last three bombs have been found. Had he come forward with the computer and given his statement Monday, I don’t believe the FBI would have ever released Hunnicutt. Regardless, Fairclough filled in the blanks and it’s clear anyone who was involved is either dead or in custody.”

“Will Harrison be charged for his part in the bombings?”

“His attorney said he thinks Fairclough is going to take the deal the Attorney General offered him. Two years for conspiracy, minimum security federal prison. He’ll be out in nine months.”

Club Fed. Not a bad deal. “What, did you speak with his attorney?”

“Of course. I hired him.”

While it was on the tip of his tongue to ask Ian why, he refrained. From what he had heard and experienced, Ian never did anything without an agenda. Whatever, his plans for Harrison wouldn’t happen for several months anyway. Right now, his focus was on Naomi’s health and making sure he stayed clear of a criminal conspiracy charge in Hunnicutt’s murder.
 

“As for Christian Hunnicutt,” Ian continued. “Based on his attempt to murder Naomi, and between what she told the FBI, along with Fairclough’s statement, it’s clear Hunnicutt was the mastermind behind the bombings. According to the director, the FBI is going to further investigate Hunnicutt’s actions during the months prior to the bombings. I’m not sure how much will be made public though. Hunnicutt had many acquaintances in very high places. I highly doubt the Vice President wants to have his name associated with a domestic terrorist.” Ian checked his watch. “The director and I go way back. He’s the type of man you don’t want to cross. Hunnicutt might be dead, but I believe Fitzgerald will do everything in his power to destroy what’s left of Hunnicutt’s name.”

“I’m sure that will give the victims’ families some sense of closure,” Jake said, with little credence in his own words. He never believed in closure. Knowing who had murdered their loved one and the reasons behind the senseless killing wouldn’t bring the victim back.
 

“Let’s hope,” Ian said. “I need to be at the airport.”

“Heading back to Chicago?”
 

“Florida, for a long weekend.”

Jake eyed his boss. Ian claimed he’d made the pit stop in Georgia over an unregistered weapon, and he wasn’t buying it. “Why did you really come here?”
 

“Again, one of my agents was involved in killing a perpetrator.” He held up a finger. “One more thing about that, how is it that the police found your vehicle parked in the street more than five house away from Naomi’s.”

Shit. Ian was trying to blow holes in their story. As his heart sped up, he kept his demeanor calm. “It’s like I told the FBI and the local PD… After I talked with you, I was upset and worried. I’ve only been to Naomi’s twice and most of the homes on her street are a ranch-style like hers.” He shrugged. “When I pulled up, all I kept thinking about was how I was going to explain to her that the man who had been stalking her and killing innocent people—in her name—was now free. It wasn’t until I heard her scream that I realized I was at the wrong house.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you happened to hear her five houses away. It’s also a good thing Harrison Fairclough happened to be there ready to hand over the computer and himself.”

 
“I don’t believe that was Harrison’s intent,” he said, sticking to their story. “When I got to the house, I went in through the opened gate. Harrison was there in a panic, telling me he heard Naomi scream, too. Together we went inside through the kitchen. I guess that’s when he picked up the steak knife—I don’t know, I was ahead of him and rushing into Naomi’s room. When I saw Hunnicutt with her…” He glanced away, the memory of Naomi bound in a tub with her wrists slit brought back the fear and agony. “As soon as Hunnicutt reached for his weapon, I shot him.” He looked at Ian. “I’m sure anyone in my situation would have reacted the same way.”

“Because it was self-defense. You or him, and if you die, so does Naomi.”

“Exactly.”
 

Ian checked his watch again. “I’m glad we have that straightened out. Your unregistered gun will not be returned to you. You will have to pay a fine—out of your pocket, not CORE’s. If you have any other unregistered weapons, I suggest you take care of them properly.”

“Yes, of course,” Jake said, relieved. He’d been worried the evidence would leave a trail of doubt and the Feds would investigate further. He hadn’t expected to worry about Ian, though. Then again, his boss was so damned by the book.
 

“Then I’ll see you at the office on Monday. I still have that cold case I want you to work on.”

“Can we make it Tuesday?” he asked, hoping he wasn’t pushing his luck. “The doctor said Naomi would be discharged Friday. I’d like to give her a couple of days before travelling.”

“Tuesday it is.” Ian took a step forward and offered his hand. “I’m grateful Naomi is alive and Hunnicutt is no longer a threat. Good job.”

Jake shook his hand. “Thank you, sir.”

Ian’s grip tightened as he pulled Jake closer. “But,” he began, his voice low and intense, “don’t ever break protocol and go rogue on me again. The FBI and Woodbine PD might buy your bullshit story, but I don’t. I find it fascinating that a trucker named Bob Smith just so happened to sell you a Russian handgun and Hunnicutt’s Russian bodyguard is still missing.”

“I don’t know anything about that,” Jake said, looking Ian directly in the eyes.
 

“Of course you don’t.” Ian smiled and released his hand. “Give Naomi my best,” he said and, with a nod, he headed down the hallway.

After Ian turned down a corner and disappeared from sight, Jake puffed his cheeks and let out a deep breath. Shit, Ian knows. Based on his parting words, he wasn’t going to do anything about it. That assurance slowed his pounding heart, but didn’t stop his mind from racing. Were there any other tracks they hadn’t covered? Could the FBI discover evidence they hadn’t thought about and find a way to bring him up on murder charges?

“Jake?” Naomi called.

He rushed into her hospital room. “Hey,” he said with a smile and approached her bed. “How you feeling?”

“Like someone shoved white hot pokers into my wrists.”

He moved toward the door. “I’ll get the nurse to bring you pain medication.”

“No, wait.”

After pulling the chair closer to her bed, he took a seat. “What do you need?”

“Was that Ian I heard in the hall?”

“Yeah. He stopped by to see how you’re doing.” Worry lines creased her forehead. He reached over and smoothed them away. “He also had a few questions.” Since the two of them had had enough lies between them, he refused to hide the truth and told her about their conversation and his concerns.

“I don’t think you should worry,” she said, the relief clear on her face. “He
is
expecting you to be back at work on Tuesday. I’m glad he’s giving you an extra day. Considering I can’t move my wrists and hands, you’ll be on your own with the packing.”

“I’m sure I can manage a couple of suitcases,” he said, not wanting to be presumptuous and assume she was ready to move in with him permanently.
 

She gave him a tired smile. “My kitchen dishes aren’t going to fit in a suitcase.”

Hope had his heart pounding again. “Remember I have a thick skull. Does this mean you’re coming to Chicago, for good?”
 

“For the best reason.” When she tried to raise her arm, she winced and squeezed her eyes shut. “Damn it. I want to touch you.”

He moved to the edge of the bed and stroked her cheek. “There’ll be plenty of time for that,” he said, wishing he could hold her and show her how much he loved her. “In the meantime, you need your rest and pain meds.” He gave her a lingering kiss, then pressed his forehead against hers.
 

“I love you so much,” she whispered. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

“I couldn’t give up on us.” His hands shook as he gently cupped her cheeks. “I love you, Naomi. You’re all I’ve ever wanted.”

“Good.” Her smile filled his palms. “Because I was thinking about doing one last name change.”

“
Brunhilde
?” he asked, grinning.

She chuckled. “Not quite. How about Mrs. Naomi Tyler?”

“That has a nice ring to it. But isn’t the man supposed to be the one who proposes?”

“Then what are you waiting for?”

He looked into her beautiful blue eyes and peace settled in his soul. He’d spent so many wasted years trying to forget her, to hate her for leaving him, when all he’d ever wanted was to have her back in his arms. Now he would have her as his wife. His heart soared with the prospect of their future. There might not be any kids, but there would be the two of them. And that was enough.
 

“I love you more than anything,” he said, before giving her quick kiss.

“Even when I’m bossy?”

“Especially when you’re bossy. Naomi, will you be my wife?”

Tears filled her eyes and she gave him a watery smile. “Yes,” she said with a catch to her breath. “I love you, too. Forever and always.”

*

Two month later…

Bloomington, Indiana

2:30 p.m. Central Daylight Saving Time

Vincent D’Matto handed his wife a package decorated with Noah’s Ark wrapping paper and a giant pink bow. “Last one,” he said, just as Benny toddled over and wiped his frosting covered fingers on Vince’s khaki pants.

Anna looked at the stain and shook her head. “At least he stopped eating crayons.”

While the women in the room chuckled, Anna rested the box on her pregnant belly and opened the card. “This is from Aunt Faye,” she said, tearing off the wrapping paper. After she lifted the box’s lid, she pushed the tissue paper aside and let out a dreamy sigh. “It’s darling.” She held up a pretty pink dress. “I love it.”

With two boys, they’d been living with a masculine color palette. Now Vince was in pink overload. Not that he minded. They needed a little pink in their lives.
 

“Thank you for throwing us this shower,” Anna said to her sister, and then she thanked the rest of their twenty plus guests. “How about some cake before Benny eats it all?”

As the women made their way into the kitchen for cake, Vince leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek. “Today was nice,” he said, placing his hand on her stomach. Beneath his palm, the baby kicked. “Holy cow, did you feel that?”

Anna winced. “Uh, yeah. From the inside. With the way she’s been moving, I think our girl will be kicking a soccer ball before she even starts walking.”

“I can’t wait to meet her,” he said, gently pressing Anna’s belly hoping for another kick. “I know she’ll be beautiful, like her mother. I just can’t wait to see how beautiful.”

“And healthy,” Anna added.

Yes, and healthy. The cysts the doctor had found on their baby’s brain had, as Anna’s obstetrician assured them initially, gone away on their own. In less than six weeks, they would have a perfectly healthy little girl to complete their family.

Vince had always considered himself fortunate, but now he knew what it felt like to be blessed.
 

Anna’s cousin, Gina, who had flown in from Albany, walked over carrying two plates of cake. “Here you go,” she said, handing them each a plate.

Anna grabbed Gina’s hand. “I’m so thrilled you were able to come today. I’ve missed seeing you.”

Gina patted his wife’s hand, then knelt in front of their chairs. “I wish I could have come two months ago.”

“Your house was under construction, Mario was travelling and you have four kids,” Anna said. “Your life is so busy, it makes my head spin just thinking about how you deal with it.”