Page 60

T wo weeks later…

Charmaine

“I think we have everything we need, Ms. Douglas. I do appreciate you taking the time.” Agent Wilshire smiled as he stood. “The information you provided was… highly informative.”

I was already standing, eager to get on with my life. “What will happen to Alfaro?”

He shrugged and closed his paper file. “If I or the CIA have anything to do about it, he won’t see the light of day again.”

“And the others involved?”

“It’s up to the various prosecutors since this involves several cities. Including Chicago.”

Nodding, I glanced at my watch. For the last week and a half I’d been in DC meeting with various law enforcement agencies as well as the justice department.

They’d grilled me on my account of what had happened both in El Salvador and at the ranch in Luray.

They had everything they needed to make charges against Alfaro as well as the Russian Pakhan.

There was also a long list of offenders who’d been involved in various illegal activities.

It would take months to sort through the information from the jump drive. I felt a sense of calm that this part of my life was almost over. Time to begin a new chapter.

He held out his hand, giving me a look that was centered around respect. I’d been open and honest, cleansing my soul and in the process determined to keep Maddox from being blamed for certain decisions he’d made.

He’d left DC days before and I missed the hell out of him. But he had a barn to rebuild and a life to return to.

“Are you planning on returning to investigative reporting?” he asked with a smile on his face. “You’re very good at it.”

I had to laugh. I’d had a long conversation with Maddox about that very subject.

I think the last words had been that he refused to allow me to.

Why was just thinking about his dominating personality created a wave of heat?

“Honestly? I think I’m going to write a book.

Don’t worry. Not about the past few months. ”

He laughed. “You’ll do well. I’m sorry about Brian. From what I heard, he was a good man.”

“I wish he’d been honest with me.” At least I hadn’t been stonewalled in learning how helpful Brian had been to an ongoing investigation.

My ex had agreed to help the Feds in gathering evidence on two of the partners in his firm.

They’d been bought off by the Bratva, various cases brought in front of them riddled with issues.

While Brian had cheated on me, he’d been a hero.

The fact he’d stumbled onto Alfaro and the Raptor had been by accident, or so it seemed.

He’d been killed by a man he’d worked with for years.

While I certainly hadn’t been allowed to learn every detail, it was easy to read between the lines. I shook the agent’s hand. “I’m still surprised he brought me into the situation.”

“Yeah, unfortunate, but Brian knew what he was doing. He was feeling the pressure. The partners discovered they were being set up. At least the Chicago police caught his killer.”

“That doesn’t make it any less difficult.”

“No, but at least he has justice.”

My chest felt heavy and had since I’d realized Brian was killed. He’d been my husband, someone I’d thought I could trust. We’d had good years. I’d decided to remember those and not his betrayal.

In a way, doing so was allowing me to move on with my life.

The notoriety had been overwhelming. I’d just wanted to get my life back, not see my face plastered on every news program. My fifteen minutes of fame needed to be over.

“Incidentally, I understand your parents have no desire to return to Illinois?”

Now I laughed. “No. They are enjoying Colorado more than I thought possible.”

Even my mother, God love her, had started volunteering at the horse sanctuary Kage and his fiancée owned. My mother who’d told me throughout my life that she didn’t like animals.

Miracles never ceased.

He scratched his head and walked me to the door. “Maybe I need a change in venue. DC is crowded.”

Somehow, I knew he was talking about more than just the traffic. “I’m sure they’d love to show you around.”

“I might take them up on it. Take care of yourself, Ms. Douglas.”

“You won’t need me to testify?”

“I doubt it. I’ll talk with Mr. Price, but you’ve been more than helpful. Plus, your article has been a perfect blueprint.”

He opened the door and I walked into the corridor. “I’m glad it could help. One last question. What about my friends who died for the cause?”

“Alfaro provided information about where their bodies had been taken in exchange for leniency.”

“You’re kidding me.”

“Not at all. Unfortunately, Mr. Alfaro has yet to realize neither the CIA nor the FBI make deals with criminals.” He winked. It was good to see the man had a sense of humor.

“Thank you for facilitating that. I appreciate it.”

“Certainly, the least I could do. Go enjoy your life. You’ve earned it.”

I backed away, taking a deep breath as I headed down the hallway. For all the years I’d been so enthusiastic about journalism, I realized I’d been searching for something more fulfilling in my life.

I’d found it.

In a quiet ranch in the middle of nowhere with a rugged man who refused to allow himself to be called a hero.

But I could.

The elevator was taking its time and I leaned against the wall, tingling from the thought of going… home. I’d already made arrangements for everything left in Chicago, selling a few items and having the rest shipped to the ranch.

Now I was eager to enjoy the onset of spring in the mountains.

As I stepped onto the marble foyer, I felt a sense of relief. If only the man of my dreams was here. That would be the tastiest icing on the cake. Laughing to myself, I headed out the doors into the sunshine.

A slight squeal caught my attention and I resisted flinching. Not everyone was out to kill me.

“I’m sorry. My daughter just had to meet you. I hope you don’t mind. You’re her hero.” The woman’s smile was genuine. She held a little girl by the shoulders, trying to keep her daughter from jumping up and down.

In the girl’s hand was a pad and bright purple pen. “Ms. Douglas. Can I have your autograph?”

“Well, of course. What’s your name?”

“Amber. When I grow up, I want to be just like you.”

I wanted to laugh and tell her to choose another profession. “I have no doubt you’ll be an incredible journalist. Just remember, spend time reading books. Lots of books.” I scribbled my name, trying not to laugh out loud. I’d certainly never thought I’d become a role model. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” the woman said. “You made her day.”

“No, you both made mine.” I watched them walk away, the little girl stopping once to turn and wave at me. That was perhaps the best send-off for my retirement. And I was all alone.

A sudden rush of electricity forced me to suck in my breath. I stood where I was as the light breeze wafted a hint of aftershave swirling around me. Sandalwood with a touch of citrus and exotic spices.

“I see my woman is famous.” Every time I heard Maddox’s voice I tingled deep inside.

“I don’t know about that. Plus, I’m not certain I want to be famous.”

“You obviously don’t have a choice.”

“Maybe I need rescuing.”

He chuckled from behind me, drawing close enough that every inch of skin tingled. “Does that mean you’re eager and willing to live by my rules?”

“Rules. Who said we needed any?”

Maddox spun me around to face him, the grin highlighting his dimples. “You definitely need rules, lady. Don’t worry. I’ll keep you in line.”

“What if you can’t?”

He lowered his head until our lips were almost touching. “Then I think you know what will happen.” As he captured my mouth, I melted into his arms and realized it didn’t matter where we were or where we lived, home would always be in his arms.

My mother had once told me I’d been running from myself based on the time spent in an orphanage. I’d always thought she was right. After everything that had happened, all the dangerous moments and uncertainty about life and death, I realized something very important.

I’d been running to something special. Until now, I just hadn’t understood what that was.

A family of my own creation like the one my amazing parents had made for me.

Four months later…

The sun was bright in the sky, barely a cloud.

Salsa music played through speakers that had been installed in every guesthouse.

The light breeze provided comfort from the intense humidity if only for a little while.

I’d made freshly squeezed lemonade for the crew and we were out putting the finishing details on the latest, greatest dude ranch this side of the Mississippi.

Plus, I had a huge surprise for Maddox that should arrive any time. Hopefully, he wasn’t angry with me. If he was, I’d lock him out of our bedroom.

Our bedroom.

I still couldn’t believe I was sharing a bedroom, a house, and a life with the fabulous man.

Even if he could be a pain in the ass.

But I had him under control even though he thought it was the other way around.

I’d started writing a book, a romance novel of all genres. I was lucky. I had my own personal alpha male to provide inspiration.

Nothing could be more perfect than a day like today.

“Goddamn, it’s hot,” Maddox growled as he rubbed sweat from his face with his arm. “Why is it a million degrees?”

“Because it’s summer, goofball,” I told him, laughing as I continued watering the flowers in the huge pots. I glanced up at him standing on the ladder and knew he was without a doubt the best-looking man in the world. “We need to get finished. We have our first guests rolling in later today.”

“Yeah, I know.” He continued grumbling. “Your fault.”

“My fault.”

Oh, yeah, baby. He was even sexier today. Maybe it was how he looked in the sun. Like a true god.

Especially dressed in faded blue jeans, work boots, and nothing else. With his skin kissed by the sun and his hair in a constant state of being tousled, he could grace any calendar.