Saving Sophie: Book Seven In The Bodyguards Of L.A. County Series (36 page)

“McCabe,” Detective Owens hollered as he ran, stopping next to him.

Stone rolled to all fours, shakily gaining his feet. “He’s down there.”

An officer hustled over, shining his flashlight over the edge. Stone followed the beam, staring at the gore, needing to see that the man wouldn’t be getting back up to come after Sophie.

“Get somebody into the basin,” Owens directed. “Are you okay? Do you need an ambulance?”

He shook his head. “No, I—”

“We’ve got a rifle and a phone over here,” someone shouted.

“He was setting up again when I found him,” Stone explained, following Owens to where another cop stood several inches from the evidence.

“Give me that pen.” Owens took it from the officer and crouched down. “Let’s figure out who’s on the other end.” He pressed redial with the tip of the ballpoint. The phone rang once.

“Is she dead? Did you finish it?”

Stone’s gaze sharpened on Owens’ as he recognized Eric’s voice from their encounter in the Bangor Police Department hallway. He nodded his confirmation to the detective.

“We’re wrapping this up right now.”

“Who the hell—”

“Mr. Winthrop, this is Detective Aaron Owens from the Los Angeles Police Department.” Owens pointed to a female officer with a phone at her ear.

“Go,” she said, and within seconds a huge commotion filled the background of Eric’s phone line.

“That should be Bangor PD taking him into custody,” Owens said.

“It’s about damn—”

“Stone! Stone!”

He looked up, watching Sophie break away from Shane and sprint forward. She launched herself into his arms, the force knocking him back a step.

“You’re okay.” She clutched his face in her hands, kissing him. “You’re okay.”

He moved further away from the scene the cops would want to process. “I’m fine.” He kissed her again. “I’m fine, Soph.” He hugged her, gripping her tight. “It’s over. You don’t have to worry anymore.”

“Where’s the man?” she asked as rain dripped down her face.

“He’s dead, and Eric was just arrested.”

“He’s going to jail?”

He nodded. “For a long, long time. Let’s get the hell out of here and dry off.” He walked away, achy and relieved, still holding Sophie as he started toward the house.

Eric sat on the bottom bunk in his disgusting cell
, waiting for the guard to tell him his attorney was here. He pulled at the uncomfortable, baggy blue jumpsuit as he looked down at the ridiculous sock-and-sandal combination he was forced to wear. For eighteen days he’d been stuck in insufferable conditions, waking at the crack of dawn to the shouts of the jail staff and groans of the dirty man above him. And he was expected to sweep and mop floors that were a hopeless cause and eat food that was little more than slop. He stood as an officer came to his metal and reinforced-glass door. “It’s about time.”

The portly man chuckled, shaking his head. “What’s your rush? You’re not going anywhere anytime soon.” The guard let him out and walked him down to the visiting area. “Arms out and spread ‘em.”

Sighing, Eric complied, enduring the indignity of being patted down.

The guard buzzed open another door. “Go ahead in.”

He walked into the sterile room where other men spoke with their public defenders or family members and took a seat across from the man who wasn’t doing his
job
. “Why am I still here?”

Paul folded his hands, looking comfortable in the superior-quality threads of his Armani suit. “I’m working on it—”

“Not hard enough.” He leaned in. “Do you know what it’s
like
? I shower once every two days. The ‘milk’ is powder and water, and there’s no privacy when I need to use the bathroom. It’s humiliating.”

“I’m sure it is, but at this time I don’t see the judge reversing his decision on your bail. The prosecution’s case is solid, and they have enough evidence to consider you a threat to Mrs. McCabe’s life.”

Mrs.
McCabe. He barely suppressed a scoff. She was still married to the longhaired fool. Sophie and her husband had ruined everything. She was supposed to be dead. He was going to sit in here and suffer while Stone McCabe took the money that rightfully belonged to him. “I never tried to hurt Sophie. I was set up. I want out of here.”

His attorney held his gaze. “I’m going to fight for you in the courtroom, Eric, but you’re looking at life. If we’re lucky I’ll get you a shot at parole.”

“
Parole
? What happened to ‘Eric, I’ll take care of this?’”

Paul leaned in close. “I’m going to give it to you straight. I owe you that much. You’re fucked. Prosecution is airtight. I haven’t found any loopholes so far. The cops were real careful with this case—no mistakes that I’ve seen. We’ll consider it a miracle if I can get you out in fifteen.”

He wiped at the cold sweat blooming across his brow, barely able to tolerate the idea of staying incarcerated for another minute, let alone fifteen years to the rest of his life. Luckily the authorities hadn’t linked him back to Johnston Sanders’ death. He’d held his breath for days while the police investigated the moron he’d hired to kill Sophie. “You’ve already thrown in the towel. Maybe I need a new attorney.”

“You’ll have to make that decision, but they’ll tell you the same thing.”

His heart pounded and his hands shook. Why wasn’t Paul scrambling to appease him the way he had for the last several years? When he issued threats people were supposed to
listen
and take action. “Find a way to get me out.”

“I’ll see what I can do, but as I said, the judge isn’t going to reverse his decision on your bail. You need to prepare yourself for that.” Paul stood.

“Wait.” He scrambled up. “Where are you going?”

“My daughter has a school function in an hour. I’ll contact the courts later this afternoon.”

“Now. I want you to do it right this minute.”

“I’ll take care of it.” Paul walked off, leaving him alone.

Sitting, he slammed his eyes shut, trying to gather himself as the guard called him. With little choice he got to his feet and went back to his cell, staring at the dirty, chipped walls and unsanitary toilet in the corner while his “roommate” hummed and did whatever it was that he did in his bunk.

He grew nauseous while the man above him grated on his nerves. This would be his life for months to come until he had his day in court. Paul had assured him he was doing everything he could to make sure he wouldn’t go to prison, but the evidence against him was staggering—the dozens of pictures of Sophie’s bruises, the reports David had compiled that the police had found on his computers, the sums of money he’d transferred out of his accounts around the time Sophie started having trouble in Los Angeles, and Dylan Matthers had decided to open her mouth and tell Clyde about the little incident in her apartment.

Everyone had turned against him. The newspapers were calling him a monster when he was the real victim. For once his money and influence didn’t appear to matter. Everyone had written him off.

He jumped, startled by the loud buzz echoing through the cellblocks, and cringed when the door opened. Lunchtime. He hated leaving his cell.

“Let’s go. Everyone out,” the portly guard hollered.

Swallowing, Eric stepped from the cell, glancing toward the small slit of window in his room and the barbed wire keeping him from his freedom.

“Hey, artist.” Someone bumped into him from behind.

He stood straight, sweating, as the disgusting, beefy man who’d been hitting on him since he arrived ran a hand over his butt. “You ready for me to make you my bride?”

Several men laughed.

Eric took another step forward. “Get away from me.”

“I keep asking you for a date but you won’t give me one. I’m about to take what I want.” He grabbed Eric’s crotch. “It’s a little small, but I’m not picky. See you in the showers.” He grinned and walked by.

Eric leaned against the wall, his legs buckling. Tomorrow was his shower day.

“Keep moving,” the guard said.

“I—I need a minute.”

“Keep
moving
.”

He glanced back at the guard then at the man who would “date” him whether he liked it or not. He looked to the tall railing keeping him secure four stories up from the solid concrete floor, ran forward, and climbed.

“Get down!”

Shouts and jeers filled the hallway as he gasped for air, glancing around at the sea of blue jumpsuits. He made eye contact with his potential husband, turned, and let himself fly, closing his eyes, ready for the end.

~~~~

Sophie stood in her shop, smiling as she handed off her latest sale. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, honey.”

Business was booming now that she was back in the press’s good graces. She was once again Lily Brand’s sweetheart and latest survivor instead of the irresponsible woman who fled from arrest warrants and caused life-threatening accidents with her carelessness, as they’d painted her to be just weeks ago. “I hope you’ll come again,” she said as the older woman walked out and Stone stepped in, wearing carpenter shorts and a white t-shirt, his hair tied back in a kerchief. Her stomach tightened with the rush of tingles as she grinned. “Hi.”

He walked up to the counter, leaning over to kiss her lips. “Hey.”

“How’s the day off?”

“Not too shabby. Murphy and I just about have all the pavers down. He’s home napping.”

It had taken them almost three weeks to repair the house after the fiasco on the cliffs. Now that doors, windows, and flooring had been replaced, they were moving on to the bedroom patio. Stone had been starting on their latest project as she walked out the door this morning. “Sounds like you’ve been busy.”

“A little.” He pulled her back for another kiss. “You look good, Soph.” He slid an appreciative glance up and down the slim-fit, side-slit, black-ruched maxi-dress. “Can you get away for lunch?”

She shook her head. “Carolyn left early today. I wanted her to relax since she’ll be here tomorrow and Saturday morning by herself.”

He frowned. “Is something going on Saturday?”

“Mmhm.” She smiled, taking his hand, playing with his fingers.

“Oh, yeah? What?”

“I’m going to a wedding.”

Eyes playful, he pulled her hand to his mouth, nibbling her knuckles. “Maybe I could be your date.”

“Definitely.”

“I need to talk to you about something.” He nipped again.

“Okay. What’s going on?”

“Come here.” Gesturing with his head, he tugged her out from behind the glass counters and hooked his arms around her waist. “So, I got some news.”

She swallowed, not sure she was going to like it. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.”

Unease started weighing on her shoulders. “Stone, what is it?”

He sighed. “Soph, Eric killed himself this afternoon.”

She blinked, surprised, trying to feel something. “Oh.”

“I thought you would want to know. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before the press starts in again.”

“I don’t know what to say or…think…or feel.”

“You don’t have to say anything, and you’ll think and feel whatever you want when you’re ready.”

“I imagine I should be relieved or maybe a little sad or maybe even happy, but I’m just glad he’s out of my life.” She kissed him. “How do you feel?”

“He was a disgusting human being who hurt you. If there’s a hell, I’m sure he’s burning in it.”

She nodded. “I guess that sums it up.”

He locked his arms tighter around her. “I don’t want to talk about him. He doesn’t have anything to do with you and me anymore.”

She smiled and snagged his lip. “Consider the topic dropped.”

“I love you, Soph.”

“I love you too.” She straightened the hem along the neck of his shirt. “Do you want to pick something up for dinner tonight?”

“Sure.”

“What do you want?”

“You.”

She grinned. He always said that. “I was thinking we could grill—maybe salmon.”

“Sounds good to me. Then I’ll have you for dessert.” He nibbled her ear. “Maybe for an appetizer too.”

She shivered with the anticipation. “I could handle that, especially since I won’t see you tomorrow night.”

He shook his head. “Nope. Can’t have the bride and groom seeing each other before the wedding.”

“Even though we’re already married.”

“Don’t piss on tradition, Soph.”

She laughed, and he grinned. “Got it.” She brushed her fingers along the back of his neck. “So I talked to Lily this morning about the donation we want to make to the
Escape
and
Freedom
lines next year. Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

“As far as I’m concerned it can’t happen soon enough. That trust has bad juju connected to it. Let’s make good things happen with the money.”

“Do you know how lucky I am?”

“About as lucky as me.”

She smiled, loving her husband desperately. “Lily wants us to meet her at her office at five to sign some paperwork.”

“I’ll be there.”

“She said she wants to grab a picture of us too.”

He frowned. “Why?”

She shrugged. “She didn’t say, but I’m assuming it won’t be a big deal.”

“If you’re not worried, I won’t be either.”

She smiled. “I’m not.”

The shop door opened, and she pulled away as two women came in, staring at Stone with naked lust shining bright in their eyes. She smiled again, so thankful that he was hers. “Good afternoon, Ladies. Welcome to McCabe Jewelry.”

“I’ll let you get back to it. See you in a couple hours.” He kissed her again with a bit of heat. “My wife will take good care of you,” he said to the women and walked out the door.

Stone’s white shirt and khakis billowed in the warm
winds as the parade of pretty little girls started down the sand path in their flower girl dresses. Emma, Kylee, and Olivia held hands, except for when they stopped occasionally to toss petals from the baskets hanging on their arms as they passed chunky cream-colored candles lit in delicate glass vases along the way. Abby came next in a pale-blue, sleeveless, above-the-knee getup, stopping at the flower-filled arbor facing the waves. He looked down at Murphy by his side when the pup’s tail started to wag and lost his breath when Sophie appeared by the last row of chairs in her simple, open-back, A-line gown. She was stunning, walking his way, smiling as small wisps escaped her fancy up-do and her dangled earrings caught the light of the setting sun. She stopped next to him, handing off her pink hydrangea bouquet with one yellow tulip nestled among the blooms to her Matron of Honor.

“You look beautiful, Soph,” he murmured.

“Thank you.”

“Stone. Sophie. Please join hands,” the judge who married them at the courthouse said, leading them through their vows for the second time as they stared in each other’s eyes. Turning to Shane standing next to him, Stone took the ring he originally put on Sophie’s finger and slid the simple silver back in place. She did the same, swearing the identical promises they had only months ago, but this time when he spoke to her he meant what he said, knowing he would love her for all the days of his life.

“I now pronounce you man and wife…again. Stone, you may kiss your bride.”

He stepped closer, sliding his thumb along her cheek, stroking her soft skin while the surf pounded on the coast. “I love you, Soph. So much.”

She smiled, blinking back tears. “I love you too.”

He captured her mouth in a long, warm kiss as their friends clapped. Easing away, he laced their fingers. “Looks like you’re mine for good.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Should we go party?”

She grinned. “Absolutely.”

They walked arm in arm past their guests, making their way over the walking bridge to the tent on the cliffs above.

~~~~

Delicious meals had been eaten and cake served. Sophie rested her head against Stone’s shoulder as he turned her around the dance floor, surrounded by the people they loved most. Everything about the night had been perfect. The stars and moon shone bright, and the lights in their house glowed warm while the man she adored held her close.

“Are you ready for Hawaii?” He said quietly next to her ear.

“Mmm.” She lifted her cheek from his chest. “I wish we could’ve taken the whole two weeks Ethan offered you.”

He shrugged. “Ten days is good enough for me. I know how important the fashion show is.”

“Not as important as you.”

“Yeah, but I think I’m going to like watching my wife walk the runway from the front row.”

She grinned. “It is pretty fun.”

He wrapped his arms tighter around her, pulling her closer. “I’m just glad things will finally start settling down around here after you, Abby, and Lily finish up with this final round of publicity. With Shane heading off to the mountains and a few of the newer guys handling the out-of-town duties, I won’t have to travel as much.”

“Mmm.” She was thrilled with the idea of having Stone here in LA most of the time. “It’ll be nice getting back to the way things used to be…sort of.” She smiled. “I’m pretty sure I forgot to tell you Carolyn’s willing to take on a few more hours, and I’m thinking about bringing on another sales person part-time, which means I can work from home more often.”

“Sounds like a perfect time to think about starting our family.” He kissed her. “I want to make a baby with you, Soph.”

She looked across the tent at Sarah’s large belly while she and Ethan danced, then at Hailey and Austin cooing and smiling down at their growing son. There was nothing she wanted more than to carry Stone’s child. “We could try tonight.”

He grinned. “You’ve got a deal.”

She laughed. “You’re going to be such a great daddy.”

The song ended and Lily approached. “Hey, guys. I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have to head out.”

Sophie broke away from Stone to hug her boss. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“I wouldn’t have missed it.” Lily handed over a thin box. “I wanted you to see this now. I had them put a rush on it.”

“Oh. Sure.” Sophie took the box, tearing at the paper when Stone nodded for her to go ahead. She pulled free next month’s issue of
Trendy
, gasping. “Lily,
look
at this. It’s
beautiful
.” She touched the gorgeous image of Stone staring into her eyes, kissing her knuckles among the headlines on the cover.

Lily had convinced them to pose for several shots after their meeting Thursday evening, saying she and the fashion editor of
Trendy
wanted to pull something together for an upcoming article.

“I thought so too. You’re both stunning.”

But that wasn’t it. The page exuded love and tenderness.

“The media seems to be fascinated with you right now, so we’re capitalizing on it.” Lily took the issue from Sophie and flipped to a two-page spread showcasing half a dozen pictures of the worst of her bruises Dylan had captured with her camera. Next to it was an article discussing the statistics of domestic violence, then on the opposite page, she and Stone walked together in the ocean surf, snuggled close while they talked and smiled. The crazy photographer had yelled and demanded for over an hour, but he’d also captured a photograph of genuine affection and kindness in the aftermath of a nightmare.

“Thank you so much, Lily.”

Stone stepped closer, angling the page his way. “I wasn’t thrilled with Zenn or whatever the hell his name is, but this is actually great.”

“I want women to see this. Everyone deserves what you two have.” Lily kissed Sophie’s cheek, then Stone’s “Have fun on your trip. I’ll see you next week. Stone, take good care of her.”

“You know I will.”

“I love this,” she said as Lily walked off, still admiring the page. “I love that everyone will get a chance to see the way you love me.”

“It’s nice.”

She shook her head, touching his cheek. “It’s amazing. You’re amazing, Stone. You gave me a chance to escape and find myself again.”

He closed the magazine and pulled her against him. “I decided a long time ago that the night you missed your bus and got into my car was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

A fork tinged against glass, then another and another.

He smiled. “I guess I should probably kiss you.”

She grinned. “I definitely think you should.”

He pulled her closer, and she happily closed her eyes, accepting the warmth of his embrace.