Accidental Bodyguard (19 page)

“Not exactly.”

Claudia caught her breath as Jack pulled her in for a quick hug. She all but stumbled into his chest, but didn't care because of the warm glow that started in her belly and spread up her neck to her face. She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his neck, allowing herself to enjoy the physical contact. It felt good—too good—to be in Jack's arms.

“I really did want to make sure you were all right,” he said softly. “I didn't like leaving you alone.”

“Thanks,” Claudia said, although she wasn't sure why she was thanking him. For caring about her? For hugging her? And maybe for taking care of his mom.

“Stay inside,” he said, stepping back. “I'll be back as soon as I can.”

“Do they have pizza in Dunnellon?” Claudia asked.

He raised an eyebrow, his expression so comical it made her laugh.

“We're not that small of a town.”

“Assuming you and your mom like pizza, how about picking one up for dinner?”

He nodded. “Good idea. Anything else we need?”

“I made a list.”

After Jack roared away in his SUV, once more sending dust swirling into the air, Claudia went to check on Irene. She remained on the sofa with her legs extended and her back propped against multiple pillows. Pookie raised her head as Claudia approached.

“How are you feeling?” Claudia asked.

Irene shrugged. “Jack's gone to get my painkillers?”

“Yes. Are you in a lot of discomfort?”

“They gave me a pill in the ER, but it won't last all night.”

“On a scale of one to ten, ten being the worst, what's your pain level?”

“Maybe you are a nurse,” Irene grumbled. “That sure sounds like nurse talk.”

“I swear I am a registered nurse,” Claudia said, raising her hand as if taking an oath. “Although I usually work with children.”

“Oh, yeah? Are you and Jack thinking about having kids?”

Claudia opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. She blinked.
Kids? Good heavens!

Realizing she was gaping at Irene, Claudia stood straighter and managed to squeak out, “No.”

“Too bad,” Irene said with a sigh. “I'd like to be a grandmother. Two.”

“You want two grandkids?” Claudia asked.

“No, my pain level is a two.”

“Oh. Well, that's pretty good.”

Irene glared at her bandaged ankle. “But it'll creep up if Jack doesn't get back quick.”

Claudia nodded. “Are you hungry? Jack's bringing dinner, but I could fix you something in the meantime.”

“What's he bringing?”

“Pizza. Is that okay?”

Irene smiled. Her first one since returning home. “My boy knows how much I like Gino's pizza. I'll wait.” She released a heavy sigh. “Chuck likes anchovies on his. Not that that matters anymore.”

Claudia pulled a dining room chair closer to the sofa. “Jack told me the sheriff came to the hospital.”

“Yeah.” Irene lowered her gaze. “He came to make sure I was okay.”

“I guess he got worried. He called earlier and left a voice message.”

“He told me. Chuck couldn't understand why I didn't call him back.” Irene shook her head. “I always call him back.”

“What excuse did you give him?” Claudia held her breath. Would Irene admit she'd told Chuck Wheeler she couldn't return the call because her son had taken away her phone? If so, that would prompt more questions. Had she made something up or told the truth?

When Irene didn't answer right away, Claudia closed her eyes. Great. A confession was coming, which meant she'd have to find a new burrow to crawl into and hide. She didn't want to leave this cabin.

“I told him what I should have told him three years ago,” Irene said. She sucked in a deep, shaky breath. “And now we're finished. For good this time, I imagine.”

“Finished?” Claudia opened her eyes and found Irene swiping away tears with an angry motion. “What in heaven's name did you tell him?”

Irene looked down at her hands. “Would you mind getting me a tissue?”

Claudia hurried to the bathroom and returned with a box of Kleenex.

“Thanks.” Irene blew her nose with a loud honk.

Claudia waited, but Irene seemed to be having a hard time knowing where or maybe how to start.

“Would you like a beer?” Claudia asked.
Oh, that's a good nurse, Claudia. Ply your patient with drinks to get her talking.

Irene looked up and nodded. “Hey, that would be great.”

Claudia returned from the refrigerator with two beers. Irene popped her can and took a long swallow.

“Aren't you gonna drink?”

Claudia stared at her can. Since Jack wasn't here, she hadn't intended to drink it. But what could she tell Irene? That she needed to stay sharp in case a terrorist showed up? Deciding to nurse the brew, she opened it and took a small sip.

“Did you ever wonder why Jack is so mad at me?” Irene asked. “I mean, it's not normal for a son to treat his momma the way Jack treats me, is it?”

“Not in my family, anyway,” Claudia replied. “I figured it had something to do with your—” she searched for the right word,
affair
sounding too harsh “—liaison with the sheriff. You know, because he's married and all.”

“Well, yeah, that's part of it. Did you know Jack was a deputy sheriff, worked for Chuck for close to four years?”

Claudia nodded. “Before moving to Miami.”

“Did he tell you why he quit?”

“No.” Claudia leaned forward. So she was finally going to hear that story.

“Well, it's because of me.”

“Because of your relationship with his boss?”

“Because I lied about when some stupid reports were turned in. Now, believe me, I didn't know Jack was the deputy involved until later, or I wouldn't have done it.” She shook her head and took a long pull on the beer. “Or maybe I would have.”

“Why would Jack quit over late paperwork? Doesn't sound like him.”

“Well, I screwed up and was too much of a coward to admit it. One day at work I'd gone outside for a smoke—which I'm not supposed to do except on my break. The reports landed on my desk while I was gone, so I didn't see whose case it was.”

Irene closed her eyes, probably remembering, and gave a defeated sigh.

“It was late in the day, and I didn't want to start entering all that in the computer, so I stuck the file in a drawer and forgot all about it. Two days later Chuck comes looking for the paperwork, and I don't know what he's talking about. I insisted I never got any such-and-such file with so-and-so reports. Chuck went ballistic and Jack got a reprimand in his file over the whole mess. I figured it out later.”

“So why didn't you just tell the sheriff what happened?”

“I should have done just that, except that meant I'd be the one in trouble with Chuck, and by then we had something going on.” She met Claudia's gaze, but quickly looked away. “I didn't want to mess that up.”

Claudia stared at Irene in horror. So Irene let Jack take the fall for her mistake, and he refused to rat out his own mother. No wonder Jack was angry at his mom. That was so not how a mother should treat her son.

Irene looked away from Claudia. “Like I said, I didn't know until later it was Jack. He quit and moved away right after that.”

“You confessed all this to Sheriff Wheeler today?”

“That, and I also told him I wasn't going to be his second banana anymore.” Irene fiddled with the pop-top on the can. “I told him he had to decide between me and Janie Sue, that he couldn't have us both.”

“Wow.” Claudia took a swallow of beer.

“Yeah, wow.”

“How did that feel?”

“Scary.” A small smile tugged at Irene's lips. “But you know what—it felt good.”

Claudia scooted forward and clinked her can against Irene's. “Good for you.”

“I don't know how good it is, but it's done.” She rolled her eyes. “And now I'm done with men.”

Claudia laughed, remembering those were her exact words to Marsali Winthrop a week ago, but decided not to ask if Irene had decided she liked women better than men. What other words of wisdom had Marsali preached that night?

“Never in your darkest hour think you're done with men,” Claudia said. “You just need one that's not a water buffalo.”

Irene choked midswallow. “What?”

Claudia shook her head. “There'll be other men for you.”

“The thing is, I don't want anyone but Chuck.” Irene sighed and looked out the window.

Claudia also looked out at the long gravel driveway and noted how the approach sloped down, away from the house. A vehicle had to get close to be seen, which is why you heard something coming before you saw it.

There was nothing coming right now, but what if someone showed up? Like the sheriff had earlier today.

She set her beer aside. She'd only taken three swallows, but Jack was right. She'd let her guard down too much. What was it about this cabin?

The sun had begun its descent toward the horizon, and she hoped Jack would return before dark. But that wasn't likely. Even in Florida, dark came early in the winter.

Irene turned back to Claudia. “Are there any more beers in the fridge?”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

J
ACK
FOUND
C
HUCK
W
HEELER
exactly where he knew the sheriff would be—in his Ocala office where the decor hadn't changed in the last three years. Dusty awards and commendations covered the walls. Two worn leather chairs sat before the same heavy oak desk piled high with paper. A police scanner squawked in one corner.

Chuck slumped in the swivel chair behind the desk, obviously deep in thought.

Jack rapped on the door. When Chuck looked up, the expression that crossed his face could only be described as pained.

“How'd you get back here?” Chuck demanded. He sat up straighter, but didn't rise.

“Ralph Munroe was on duty and let me in,” Jack said, entering the office. “I need to talk to you.”

Chuck stared at him with a hard look. “I know why you're here. Irene told me.”

Disappointment shot through
Jack sharp as the twist of a knife. He'd expected his mother's betrayal, but couldn't she have kept her mouth shut just once? And why did she have to lie so emphatically to him about her blabbing?

“Exactly what did she tell you?” he asked.

“That she lied about those reports, that you had turned them in on time.”

“What reports?”

“Come on, Jack. The Crawley murder three years ago. The reprimand, the reason you quit and moved away.”

Jack dropped into one of the leather chairs. “She told you about that
today
?”

“A little too late, I know.” Chuck shook his head. “A lot too late. Your momma sure has got some issues.”

Stunned into silence, Jack didn't reply.

“She claimed she didn't know it was your paperwork until after. Anyway, I'm sorry, Jack.”

Jack nodded.

“But you should have said something, son. You didn't need to resign over something that wasn't your fault.”

Jack cleared his throat. “It would have been my word against hers.”

“And you didn't want to get into a pissing match with your momma.”

“She needed the job worse than me. Plus, I didn't want to take the chance of something similar happening again.”

“Your momma sure is a pistol,” Chuck said on a sigh. “I guess she told you she broke up with me.”

“She did?”

“Told me I had to choose between her and Janie Sue, which basically means between her and my job as sheriff.”

Jack nodded. “And you've been sheriff a long time.”

Chuck shifted in the chair. “Maybe too long.”

Of all the surprises thrown at him this evening by Sheriff Chuck Wheeler, the fact that he was considering retirement was the most shocking. Jack almost laughed, remembering how he'd once intended to follow in Chuck's footsteps and run for sheriff when he stepped down.

“Anyway,” Chuck said, “I figure you're here to discuss removing that reprimand from your record. Consider it done.”

“Thanks. But what's the point?”

“Aren't you thinking about coming back to work for me?”

“Uh, no,” Jack said.

Chuck frowned. “Isn't that why you came home?”

Jack hesitated. Based on that comment, his mother hadn't blabbed why he'd come to Dunnellon, after all. The purpose of this visit was to clarify Claudia's situation and ensure Chuck's silence, but apparently there was no need to clarify anything.

“I'm just here for a visit, Chuck. To check on my property.”

“Then why are you in my office?”

“It doesn't matter anymore.”

The sheriff snorted. “I get it. You came to tell me to stay away from Irene. Maybe ask what my intentions are?”

“Like I said, it's irrelevant since you two are done.” Jack rose.

Wheeler's gaze bored into his. “Your job's open if you want it. You were the finest deputy I ever had.”

“Thanks, but I've got a job.” And right now it was protecting a witness. One he'd grown too attached to.

The sheriff made another dismissive noise. “What? Private security? You need to wear a badge, son. It's what you were made for.”

“That's your opinion.”

“Maybe so.” The sheriff nodded. “But I know you, Jack, and I'd bet a passel of prize-winning bird dogs that you miss that badge.”

“I'll see you around, Chuck.”

Jack left the office with the sheriff's words echoing in his ears. Did he miss the badge? The authority, the power that went with it?

No way. He loved his job in Miami, the constant party that was South Beach, the thrill of bright lights, the media exposure around Protection Alliance's clients. Although, of course not every gig involved a celebrity. Some assignments could get boring. But a deputy's work could also become mind-blowingly tedious at times. Yeah, Miami was too hot in the summer, but summers up here were no cruise to Alaska, either.

He pulled into the parking lot of the general store, still debating the pros and cons of a career choice. What was that about? He'd never even considered a move back home before. The idea was ridiculous. His life was in Miami now.

Working for Lola paid a lot more than working as a deputy sheriff in Marion County. But, man, maybe he did miss the badge. Working for justice instead of just cash could be a lot more satisfying.

Wasn't that why he was helping Claudia?

* * *

C
LAUDIA
LOOKED
UP
when Jack pushed backward through the front door balancing two pizzas, three plastic grocery bags and a prescription package. A delicious garlicky fragrance accompanied him inside, reminding her she was hungry. On the sofa, Pookie came to all fours and sniffed the air.

From the tight set of Jack's jaw, things hadn't gone well with Sheriff Wheeler. His gaze lingered on the beer cans beside the sofa, and he shook his head.

“I see you ladies are having a party.”

“Oh, it's hardly a party,” Irene told her son, reaching for one of the boxes. “Claudia would only let me have two beers until she knew what pain medication I'd been prescribed. Get down, Pookie.”

When the dog leaped to the floor, Irene opened the box, and the enticing aroma intensified as steam escaped into the air. “Lordy, this smells good, Jack. And you remembered my favorite.”

Claudia moved to the kitchen to retrieve plates and napkins. Was Jack pissed because his mom had a few beers? When she returned, Jack met her gaze and held it.

“Did you even hear me drive up?” he asked.

“Of course we did,” Irene said. She removed a slice, melted cheese dripping over the edges. Pookie watched her master with pleading liquid eyes.

“I knew it was you,” Claudia added. She handed him and his mom a plate. “I recognize the sound of your engine by now.”

“Were we supposed to greet you at the door like some conquering hero?” Irene asked. “Sorry. I've got a busted ankle.” Closing her eyes, she bit into the pizza, making small noises of delight. Pookie whined.

Jack placed the second pizza on the table, pulled a chair next to Claudia and sat. “You need to stay aware of your surroundings.”

“I am,” Claudia said. But of course Jack was right. She should have gotten up to confirm the approaching vehicle was indeed him. Was it the beer? She hadn't even finished one. And, man, she was hungry. Lunch seemed like a long time ago.

She reached for her own slice of pizza. Mushroom, green pepper and extra cheese. One of her favorites, too, but anything would be good right now. She broke off a dangling string of cheese, took a huge bite and decided this was the best pizza she'd ever tasted.

“It's delicious. Eat,” she told Jack, and bit into her pizza again.

“Where's your gun?” he asked.

“In the bedroom,” she answered. “Locked and loaded.”

“Won't do you much good there.”

Claudia narrowed her eyes at him over the pizza. Was she supposed to carry it with her in the cabin? Maybe strap on her shoulder holster? Irene would love that.

“Are you expecting some kind of trouble tonight, son?” Irene asked, glancing between Claudia and Jack.

Jack hesitated, then reached for a slice of pizza. “No more than any night.”

No one spoke for a few minutes as everyone ate. As Irene chewed, she stared at Jack with an expression that morphed from curious to suspicious.

When she reached for a third slice, Irene asked, “Did you get my meds?”

Jack tossed her a small plastic bag. “I also got everything on your list,” he told Claudia. “But I guess I should have bought more beer.”

“There's one left. Go get him a can, Claudia.”

“No thanks,” Jack said.

Chafing under Jack's disapproval, Claudia remained silent. She wanted to know what happened with the sheriff, but that would have to wait until later. Maybe when they were in bed. She took another slice of pizza. Where would everyone sleep tonight? Would she sleep beside Jack again?

“What are you on the run from, Miss Claudia?” Irene asked.

Claudia stopped chewing and looked up, mouth full.

“I know it's got to be something, what with such concern over approaching cars. Not to mention target practice for a nurse.”

“Mother,” Jack warned.

“You got a mean husband, honey?”

Claudia shook her head and swallowed. “I'm not married.”

“Abusive boyfriend, then?”

“It's nothing like that,” she said.

Irene nodded. “But it's something.”

“Nothing you need to know about, Mother,” Jack said.

“I see,” Irene said in a long-suffering tone. “I'm just your poor injured momma who has to remain ignorant of what's going on. That doesn't seem fair to me, Jack.”

Claudia shot Jack a look. He glared at his mother.

“I told you all my secrets, honey,” Irene said softly to Claudia.

Claudia sighed, placed her half-eaten slice on the plate and set it aside. “It's safer for you if you don't know.”

Irene's eyes widened, and Claudia realized her mistake. She'd just made an admission. Now Irene would pester her until she'd ferreted out the details.

“I spoke to Chuck tonight,” Jack said, surprising Claudia—and Irene, too, from the look on her face.

“What about?” Irene asked.

“Why did you tell him the truth about the Crawley murder reports?”

Irene raised her chin. “I thought it was time.”

“Why now?”

She shrugged. “Because we're through, so it doesn't matter anymore.”

Feeling as if she were watching a tennis match, Claudia watched mother and son dance around the long overdue conversation they needed to have. Jack didn't seem so much angry at his mom as confused. Irene was defensive, but standing her ground. Now that the truth was out, perhaps they could discuss past mistakes and move on.

Jack leaned forward. “You've broken up before and didn't tell him.”

“Yeah, but in the past, I always left the door wide open for him to walk back through. But after talking to Claudia, I realized I deserve something better.”

“You do,” Claudia said, ignoring Jack's unbelieving glance.

Irene smiled. “Thank you, honey.”

“Well, of course you do, Mom,” Jack said. “But what if he comes sniffing around again? Then what?”

“What's done is done,” Irene said with a note of finality. “I love Chuck, but I've wasted enough time on him.”

“Good for you, Irene,” Claudia said.

“I know I've made mistakes, but I've finally come clean. And you can thank Claudia for that.”

Jack's intense green eyes locked with Claudia's. She shrugged, and he gave her a smile that sent her pulse racing.

Irene sighed. “Can we change the subject? I want to enjoy the rest of this fine Gino's pizza.”

“Gino said to tell you hello,” Jack said.

Listening to Jack and his mom discuss their old friend, Claudia nibbled on pizza. Still chatting with Irene, he flipped open the second pizza box and took a slice. Claudia smiled, enjoying the simple pleasure of watching him eat.

But Jack was right. She'd let her guard down too much tonight, even to the point of having a beer. He'd been right to disapprove. What had happened to lull her into a sense of safety?

Jack had happened to her, that's what. He made her feel safe, and that was nuts.

With a sickening jolt, the truth hit her. She was falling in love with Jack. Murderers were hunting her, and she was besotted with her bodyguard, a man she barely knew, a man she shouldn't trust.

Or were these fears more of Carlos's insane paranoia? Her ex had messed with her head until she didn't know what was real anymore.

Maybe she
could
trust Jack. Or maybe history was repeating itself and she couldn't trust her own emotions. She tossed her pizza back in the box.

“I'm not feeling so great,” she said, coming to her feet. “I think I'll go lie down.”

* * *

M
AKING
AS
LITTLE
noise as possible so as not to wake Claudia, Jack entered the bedroom two hours later. She lay on her side, her back toward the door, and appeared to be asleep. He stripped down to his briefs and stretched out on the bed beside her. She continued to breathe regularly and didn't stir.

So much for his plan to let the women sleep together. Maybe he ought to make a bed on the floor.

On his back, still wide awake, Jack stared at the ceiling. He and his mom had spoken for hours about nothing much at all, really—past mistakes, old friends, neighbors, a lot of gossip—the best conversation they'd had in years. Until her eyes began to droop. He'd called it a night, deciding it was easier to leave her on the sofa.

What had caused the turnaround between them? His worry over her fall? Because she'd told Wheeler the truth about what had happened so long ago? Or maybe it was the softening influence Claudia had on them.