Dead Shall Speak (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 10) (60 page)

To ignore her gut feelings or directives would be just plain stupidity on their behalf. Elizabeth had that uncanny gift of predicting when bad shit was on the horizon.

“I hate this,” muttered Jaxon. “I feel like we’re waiting for the next shoe to drop.”

Tony pulled her close, protectively placing her under his arm. “I know, Jaxy. Just hang in there. We’ll head back after this and get something to eat.”

She couldn’t wait.

This was torture.

Chris decided to break the monotony. “So, Tony, when are you and Jaxon tying the knot?”

He smiled down at her. “Soon, I hope.”

She shook her head. “No way.”

He went tense.

Pulling away, she stared up into his aqua eyes. “If you think I’m eloping, you’re out of your mind. That’s not happening.”

That had been exactly his plan. He was about to protest, when she continued.

“I want a white dress, flowers, and a giant cake with us on the top. I’m only doing this once, so it’s going to be epic. I want all your friends there. I want to feel like a princess. After the ‘I dos’ I want to party with all our co-workers.”

Immediately, he relaxed. For a second there, he was convinced she was going to back out. “If that’s what you want, then that’s what you’ll get.”

She hugged him. “It may not be for a few months, Tony. Is that okay?”

When she said no to eloping, he had planned on pulling off a miracle and getting it done sooner rather than later. “Exactly how far off in the future do you plan on pushing this back?”

Jaxon’s eyes filled with tears. “Jagger has to be there. He’s walking me down the aisle. I can’t get married without my brother. He’s my only family, Tony.”

That’s all he had to hear. There was no doubt how much that meant to her.

“Then we wait until he’s free.” For her, he’d wait a million years if it meant protecting Jaxon’s heart.

If this was all his bride-to-be wanted, so be it.

Chris grinned at his friend. “If you want, you can have it in my back yard. Unless haunted mausoleums freak you out. I can keep the witch away.”

Jaxon was confused.

Tony explained that his ‘back yard’ was an actual estate. Chris Leonard was loaded.

She was touched by his generous offer. “Thank you, Chris,” she said, giving the man a kiss on his cheek. “I can’t wait to meet your wife.”

Tony’s heart skipped. Two of the most important people in his life were playing nice. It was a damn good day for him. Well, minus Elizabeth almost dying, the dead sheriff, oh and his brother being a serial killer.

Maybe good wasn’t the right word.

“Where are you going to live?” Merry asked. Until then, she remained silent, watching the interaction between her co-workers. It was good to see that the earlier tension had passed.

Tony braced for it. This was going to be the hardest part. He knew Jaxon loved what she did, and he did too. This was where he assumed the worst would come to light.

“Well, I was thinking about writing a paper about this entire case. I think it’s time I worked on publishing in the journals. So, I think I can do it from Tony’s place.”

His heart quaked. “Our place. It’s always been ours. I was just waiting for you to show up.”

All the female techs sighed.

Chris laughed as they kissed. “Was I this bad?”

The people in the room, who’d been around for his romance with Cyra, began laughing.

Tony replied. “You were a million times worse.”

Chris was about to say something when there was pounding on the door.

“Oh, shit,” muttered Jaxon, moving closer to his side. “It sounds like Elizabeth was right. They appear to be angry.”

Chris headed toward the door. He didn't need to ask who it was. He could hear them shouting outside.

“We have some angry deputies,” he whispered.

Brody stepped forward. “Do you want us to go out and handle it?” he asked. While he didn't want to take Johanna out there, he was well aware that she could hold her own. They would have the best chance at defusing the situation.

“No. We’re not going out, and they aren’t getting in. Elizabeth was crystal clear on that.”

The pounding intensified.

“Open up! This is the sheriff’s department!”

The only saving grace was that they had a steel door and it had a bar. They weren’t getting in, but then again, they weren’t getting out.

“What should we do?” asked Merry. For the first time since working for the FBI, she was worried.

Tony and Chris looked at each other.

“Call the Blackhawks.”

~ Chapter Eighteen ~

As they were heading back to the hotel, her phone began ringing. After answering it, she could hear the panic in Meredith’s voice.

The woman described the situation and then Elizabeth hung up. “Head to morgue. We have trouble.”

Blackhawk floored it. From the way she began furiously typing, he knew it was bad. “The sheriff’s men?”

“Yes,” she replied, as he flew toward the road. “I’m telling them to stay inside no matter what. I don’t need a bloodbath at that morgue.”

“At least the agents are there,” he offered.

Yeah, there was that. If they got inside, the tech team would have some protection.

The rest of the five minute drive was done in silence. Ethan could see his wife from his peripheral, and she was checking her gun. That didn't bode well for what was coming.

As they tore down the gravel road, she unbuckled her seatbelt as she prepared to jump down when they came to a stop.

Ethan wanted to throw up. Now that the shooter was in custody, neither of them was wearing Kevlar. He didn't care about himself, but his wife was a different story.

“Be careful,” he hissed, as she was out of the vehicle and drawing the deputys’ attention.

They looked pissed and that worried him.

“What do you two want?” she called.

Deputy Richmond turned, his face awash with anger. “Where is he?”

She watched them move toward her and Ethan.

“Who?”

“We got a call from the coroner. He wanted to confirm that Douglas Carlton was dead.”

“Yeah, he is.”

Deputy Trey Stephens looked surprised.

“Really?”

“Yes,” she stated. Maybe this wouldn’t be too bad after all.

“How did it happen?”

Ethan moved closer to his wife. He could tell by her stance she was expecting the worst. If her instincts said this was going bad, he was going to be ready. His eyes tracked their hands. If they went for their sidearms, he was going to take them both down.

“Why don’t you call the state police and ask to speak to your buddy Davvy. It seemed that he hated the FBI and wanted to make his boss proud. He took a shot, and didn't realize that wind plays an important part in trajectory.”

“You’re lying,” Deputy Richmond stated.

“I’m afraid not. Your boss is dead, and you have our sympathy. He was a good man.”

Ethan knew she nearly choked on that. While normally, she’d call it as she saw it, this wasn’t the time or the place to provoke two men this close to the edge.

“We want to see him.”

She shook her head. “That’s not how this works. The state police are running this one. You want to view him, you’ll need to contact their coroner’s office and go through them. They haven’t pulled trace yet. You can’t risk contaminating him.”

“Our friend didn't do this. You’re covering it up. You probably killed him and are framing him. We know how you bitch Feds are.”

She didn't bat an eyelash.

“No, stupid was Davvy’s downfall. He thought shooting at us was a good idea. I do believe this state electrocutes still, doesn’t it, Ethan?”

“Yep. Davvy is going to the chair for being a cop killer.”

That enraged him.

Ethan wished his brother was there. Maybe with the two of them, they would have the ability to intimidate. He didn't want to see his wife or child get hurt.

“You’re going to take us to see him,” Deputy Richmond stated.

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Elizabeth saw his intent. He lunged for her, trying to grab her arm. It was the worst thing he could do. The second his hand touched her, she twisted, going under his arm. She pulled her gun, had him on his knees, and the barrel pressed to his throat.

Ethan took that as his signal to move. He plowed into the other deputy, knocking him to his ass. As soon as he rolled him over, the man surrendered.

“That looked very unsatisfying, Ethan,” Elizabeth stated, moving her finger to the trigger.

“It was. I was hoping he’d put up more of a fight. Then, I could beat his face in.”

Deputy Richmond didn't move, but he did swallow. His Adam’s apple bobbed.

“Now, what’s to stop a hormonal, bitch FBI agent from taking your life?” she asked. “Maybe I should teach you what happens when you try to knock around women.”

He raised his other arm in surrender.

“Here’s the total truth. Your boss showed up. He was doing his job. Your crazy ass fellow employee took a shot and killed him. We didn't set him up. Davvy made a huge mistake, and he’s going to have to pay for it.”

The man listened.

“Do you want to make a huge mistake too? You tried to assault me. I’m female.”

“Strike one,” stated Blackhawk.

“I’m pregnant,” she added.

“Strike two,” her husband said.

“I’m crazy and likely to take your fucking head off.”

“Strike three.”

The other deputy whimpered when Ethan stood on the back of his neck.

“Now, you’re getting back on the crazy train and heading to your office. If I see you again, I’m going to shoot you. I’m not even kidding. I’m sick of this town and the hillbilly nonsense.”

She reholstered her gun. Right before she gave him his back, she unloaded it.

“I’d head out.  Call the state police and ask them to verify my story. They will.”

The man raced back to his vehicle.

“You better take your friend,” Ethan said, pulling him to his feet but leaving the cuffs on him.

They watched him awkwardly run toward the deputy’s vehicle.

Elizabeth laughed as they tore out of there. “That was the highlight of my day.”

Ethan shook his head. “Do I need to even tell you how wrong it is that you were nearly in a fist fight?” he asked.

She simply grinned. “No, I’m aware. I didn't start it this time, at least. That should make you feel a little better.”

Oddly, his wife had a point.

A twisted, skewed, and very scary one at that.

Inside the morgue, the staff waited in anticipation. Without windows, they couldn’t see what was going on. Instead, they all stood by the door, waiting.

When Chris’s cell beeped, he read the message.

‘You can open up. It’s all clear.’

He yelled out. “How do I know you’re not the crazed cops?”

Another text arrived:

‘I am crazed and I’m going to boot your ass back to FBI West if you don’t open this door. You’re pissing me off.’

He laughed. “It’s the boss. Open up.”

When they walked in, the team gave a cheer. Chris, on the other hand, merely stared at them. “No one’s covered in blood and you’re smiling. Did they run away when you arrived?”

Ethan snorted. “No, she kicked the one deputy’s ass. It was something to see.” If he didn't make it a joke, he’d lose his mind. This whole thing didn't sit well with him.

As if reading his mind, Elizabeth quipped, “The family that kicks ass together, stays together.”

He took her hand in his, ignoring the look she was giving him. He didn't really care if she didn't want to hold his hand. It wasn’t an option. Ethan needed that little measure of reassurance.

“The coroner is on his way in,” she offered, as a tech prepared to lock the door. “He just pulled in as the deputies hightailed it out of here.”

Tony was glad that the sheriff would be leaving. He knew having the body around was making Jaxon queasy. She really hated fleshy.

They all headed into the main area until the other man arrived. He greeted them all right before he pulled back the zipper on the body bag.

Chris watched him. He hated handing over the dead to other people. It always rubbed him the wrong way. Today was no different.

He pulled out his clipboard. “Okay, COD is going to be bullet to the head. From the look of the hole it created, it was a large caliber bullet.”

Elizabeth rattled off the details. She’d seen the gun.

“We’ll take him back and release him to family.”

Chris nearly lost it. “Seriously? You’re not going to do a full autopsy on him?”

The man shook his head. “From what I was told, the killer shot at three Feds, and the sheriff died in the crossfire, right?”

Ethan replied, “Yes, Doctor.”

“Then there’s no need to waste taxpayer’s money. He was killed by a bullet. There’s no mystery here. I have the witness’ statements, and that’s enough for me.”

Chris looked appalled as the man zipped the bag back up and headed out.

“I can’t believe this.”

Elizabeth patted him on the shoulder. “Pisses you off, huh?”

It really did. “That wasn’t an autopsy. I could have signed off on that paper. That was shoddy work.”

She shook her head. “Not everyone can have a Doctor Leonard working for them.”

He wasn’t happy.

“Okay, troops. Let’s pack up. I want you all back at the hotel and away from here. If the deputies return with backup, they can come in here and do their worst. You won’t be here to be causalities in the craziness.”

They weren’t going to say no. If the bosses were letting them leave, it was time to go.

“Head out.”

Before Elizabeth could walk out the door, she was stopped by Agent Madden. “Ma’am, what do you want us to do?” she asked. Surely, there had to be something to work on. Johanna didn't want to head back and be stuck alone with her partner. If she was, they would be getting naked.

Not that she minded, but still. It was a bad idea.

“I’m glad you asked, Johanna. You’re going to get to play with the bosses tonight. Grab dinner and head to our room. Meet us there in two hours. We’re not done working for the night.”

She was relieved.

Broderick Seaton didn't look happy. After all, he had plans for the night, and they didn't include work.

“Okay team, let’s head out.”

                                *   *    *

He hated being away all day. What he really wanted was to skip work and spend all day with his new blushing bride. Slaving away was useless to him when he could be by her side and enjoying their time.

Hopefully, she wouldn’t fight him.

As he arrived at home, he noticed nothing looked out of place. The windows were intact, the door was locked, and he was grateful.

He was really getting tired of chasing down worthless women. They were grating on his last nerve. If his sweet wife put up a fight, he was putting her in the ground.

No ifs, ands, or buts.

He hated to think about that, doubting her from the start, but he was having a terrible track record. Finding a good woman was so damn hard!

Inside, he called to her. “Bonnie, my sweet, are you awake?”

As he unlocked the five padlocks on the door, he peeked in. There she was in all her glory, right where he left her.

That was terrific.

“Hi,” she said meekly.

“How was your day?” he asked.

“It was a little lonely being stuck here. Other than that, it was okay.”

He was pleased that she was being polite. He really hated when they cursed and raged at him. This was a good sign. Maybe being kind to her was the way to go. “I’m sorry about that.”

She played nice, trying to build a rapport. “If you don’t mind, I really have to pee. Can I use the bathroom?”

He nodded, pulling a knife from his back pocket. “Do I have to warn you again?”

She shook her head. “I swear that I’ll be good.”

Staring at her, he weighed his options. “This is your one chance. Please don’t make me hurt you.”

Bonnie didn't doubt that he was dead serious. The minute he said it, a mask of viciousness settled across his features.

No, she knew better.

She was going to bide her time. One day, he’d leave her alone as he went to work. That’s when she’d leave. For now, she’d hope to make him trust her.

“I won’t run. Thank you for trusting me,” she said, as he unbuckled her wrists.

He watched her head into the bathroom. When she was done, she peeked out. “I noticed there’s a tub in here. Can I take a shower too? If it’s not a problem.”

He was surprised.

This was new.

Not one of the women prior to her ever asked him that before. They were too busy worrying about running.

“Yes, I guess so.”

“Do you have any clothes I can put on? It’s chilly in here,” she asked, hoping she didn't push him too far. It was obvious that he was crazy. Who knew when he’d snap?