Her Man Flint (5 page)

Chapter Eight

A loud banging roused Adriana out of a deep, dreamless sleep. “What is that?” She pulled the pillow over her head.

“Adriana, let me in,” a muffled voice insisted, then the banging started again.

Easing herself off the mattress, she stumbled into the living room to the front door.

Still half asleep, her fingers groped with the chain lock, her hand-eye coordination on the fritz.

“Crap.” She yanked at the lock. “Stop making that noise! I’m coming,” she screamed, the chain finally giving way.

Adriana opened the door and found Billy standing in the hallway. He looked as if he hadn’t slept all night and his features were grim. “What’s wrong?”

“I think we should sit down.” Billy closed the door and guided her toward the sofa.

“Just tell me what’s going on, Billy. It’s Flint, isn’t it?” Adriana’s heart picked up its pace. If something had happened to him she’d never forgive herself for leaving him in Lindsey’s arms yesterday. Jealous or not, she should have stayed.

“Yeah, it’s Flint.”

Those few words registered pure terror inside her. “Oh God, no.” What if she never saw him again?

“Calm down, Adriana. Flint’s not dead. But he’s in big trouble. He called me a few hours ago and told me Lindsey Warren was killed in his apartment. He’d left her yesterday afternoon to go looking for you. When he got back, he found her on his bed with a bullet in her head.” Billy’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “He was afraid the police would think he killed her, so he packed some things and got out. According to a friend of mine, the police received an anonymous tip and have been at Flint’s apartment since early this morning. They have an APB out for him. He’s in real trouble with what I’ve been able to gather from my source at the Denver P.D. They think he killed her.”

“But—” Adriana couldn’t believe what was happening.

“Why else would he run from the scene?” Billy said, playing devil’s advocate. “And what’s worse, I’m afraid they’re going to find out he’s with DNS and that’ll make matters worse. His cover will be blown. Do you have any idea where he’d go?” Billy paused to catch his breath. “He needs to turn himself in quickly and quietly, Adriana.”

“Why would I know where his is? Flint and I haven’t exactly been on stellar terms lately. I’m lucky he talks to me at all. You’re the one he called, not me, remember?”

She couldn’t believe this. Who killed Lindsey? Ryan Hartford.

But more importantly, how had Flint dealt with finding Lindsey dead? Would he blame her? After all, he’d probably been out looking for her when Lindsey was murdered?

Her mind raced, contemplating where Flint would go. Where could he hide out until the heat was off? Somewhere secluded. Somewhere no one knew about.

A light flashed in her consciousness. His Uncle’s cabin in Aspen. That’s where he had to have gone. She’d bet her own life on it. But she wasn’t going to tell Billy. Not yet.

“I don’t know, Billy. I just don’t know,” she lied. She hoped he believe her.

“All right, but if you think of anything, call me as soon as you can. I’m going to run down to the precinct and find out what actual evidence they have to link him, other than the fact that her body was found in his apartment. If I find out anything, I’ll call you. Try not to worry.” He rose and went to the door. “Even if I don’t learn anything, I’ll call you tonight.”

“Okay, Billy. Talk to you soon.”

Adriana watched him leave, already planning her trip to Aspen.

When Billy was gone, she jumped up to go to her bedroom to pack. She planned to find Flint and didn’t care one way or the other if he’d be happy to see her or not.

* * *

Flint stepped onto the front porch of his uncle’s redwood cabin and took in a deep, cleansing breath. The place was breathtaking. All green and lush.

At this elevation, he could see for miles. In the distance were snow topped mountains, even though it was still early fall. The air felt crisp and the scent of pine lingered.

The place was intoxicating, almost to the point of lulling the senses. So peaceful, but Flint felt anything but tranquil at that moment.

Memories of the prior afternoon rushed back to remind him he was probably a wanted man. The Denver police were surely looking for him by now. And, Adriana knew Lindsey was dead.

Lindsey’s lifeless face popped into his mind, and with it came the intense feeling of guilt. He knew if he had stayed with her, she’d still be alive today. That tore him up inside. Unfortunately, he’d have to live with that fact for the rest of his life. But he couldn’t allow guilt to screw up his ability to survive. He had to think clearly if he wanted to get out of this mess.

Flint turned and walked back into the cabin.

He’d drink a cup of coffee, then take a nice hot shower and try to sort out things.

He knew he couldn’t bring Lindsey back, but he sure as hell could find the man who killed her and put him where he belonged—behind bars.

* * *

Adriana pulled her Porsche onto a graveled side road and shifted it into park.

Grabbing her purse, she found the small atlas she’d bought and studied it, trying desperately to remember where Flint had told her his uncle’s cabin was located.

Think Adriana
.

She stuffed the map back inside her handbag and pulled the car back onto the main road.

She was driving blind, but she had to find him, and she had to do it before it got dark. She’d have to spend the night at a motel if she didn’t, then try again in the morning. The area was new to her, and the last thing she needed was to get lost in the woods.

Speeding down the road, she wondered what Flint was doing at that moment. Was he devastated over Lindsey’s death? Would he be happy to see her, or would he try to send her away?

As another hour passed and the sun dropped low in the west, casting an array of orange-purple-red hues in the east, it was quite a sight, but Adriana couldn’t enjoy it. She’d have to find a motel.

It angered her she was so close to Flint, but she wouldn’t get a chance to see him tonight. She’d have to be content with talking to him in the morning, after she found the cabin.

She stopped long enough to pull out the map again to find the nearest town. She prayed they’d have accommodations. Although, she was pretty confident this close to Aspen, any town would have a motel of some size.

Fifteen minutes later, Adriana pulled up in front of a motel, its sign flashing vacancies.

When she got out of the car and looked around, she realized why. The place probably had an outhouse for facilities. If she weren’t so darn tired, she’d keep driving.

Adriana grabbed her purse and headed into the motel’s office. Maybe if she requested their best room, it would at least be clean.

A cowbell jangled loudly overhead when she opened the door and entered, turning all heads in her direction. Three elderly men sat at a small round table inside, playing some sort of card game. All three stopped long enough to check her out before turning back to their game.

Adriana walked to the counter where a blonde-haired clerk stood.

“Can I help you?” the younger man asked.

She smiled. “Yes. I’m going to need a room for the night”

“Okay. Will that be all night?” He glanced over at the older men, grinned, and looked back at Adriana. The men smiled at one another as if they shared a private joke.

She stared back, wondering what they find so amusing?

“Do you get much hourly business here?” At her inquiry, Adriana heard the old men snicker.

“You’d be surprised,” the clerk answered and winked at her.

Adriana frowned. “I’ll be staying all night.”

“Would you like a single or a double?”

“A single, please.”

The Geriatric group behind her laughed again.

Adriana spun around and glanced from one to the other.

She was going to regret asking, but did it anyway. “What’s so funny about requesting a single?”

“Can’t get a man, huh?” one asked and gave her a toothless grin.

“What?” Had she heard him right? The old goat had some nerve.

“Most of the women who come here are waiting for a man to show up. You asking for a single must mean you don’t have one coming,” the youngest of them said.

“I’m looking for someone,” Adriana hissed.

The old men eyes got big as they looked at each other, then commenced to straighten their collars.

“We’re all married, but what our wives don’t know, won’t hurt um,” the oldest of the men said, then winked at her.

Adriana stared at them in total dismay. What the hell were they talking about? Then it dawned on her what she’d said and she felt her face burn with embarrassment. If she hadn’t been so tired she would have caught on to their outrageous proposition sooner.

“No! I meant,” she said flustered. “Oh, just forget it.” Her attention turned the desk clerk. Maybe he’d help. “Do you have a room or not?”

He nodded. “Yep, sign here, and of course, I’ll need a credit card or cash in advance.”

“Right.” Adriana opened her purse and took out her credit card and handed it to him. He quickly ran it through a machine, then gave it back.

The clerk winked at her again. “Thank you, Adriana.”

Adriana signed the receipt, grabbed her key and left the office, never so happy to walk out of a place in her life.

Dirty old men
. At her car, she opened the trunk and grabbed her bag. She’d make sure she locked her door securely that night, especially with the likes of those lechers lurking about.

After a lukewarm shower in water Adriana was sure swam with amoebas, she lay on the lumpy old mattress and stared at the map.

Why couldn’t she remember what Flint told her about where his uncle’s cabin was located? Was she losing it, too?

Her mind drifted back to the very beginning of their relationship. It’d been new and exciting. Every minute with Flint had been exhilarating, he’d been so giving in every way. If she hadn’t known better, she would have thought he loved her. What a crock that idea was.

Anyway, enough reminiscing. Concentrate, Adriana.

Flint told her about his parents being killed when he was very young and his Uncle Robert had taken him in and raised him. He’d obviously been an important influence in his life, and that’s when he’d told her about their annual fishing trips to his uncle’s cabin. On Evergreen Road.
That’s it.

She picked up the map and found it right away. Not too far from Goose Lodge, where she was staying.

She’d get up first thing in the morning, and drive out there and surprise him.

Feeling relieved, Adriana lay back onto the pillow. As soon as she dozed off, a knock came from outside the door.

She eased herself up and nearly jumped out of her skin when a mouse ran over her foot. Her heart pounded a mile a minute against her ribcage as she opened the door. The clerk from the front desk stood outside, smiling.

“Yes,” Adriana asked. “Is there a problem?”

“No.” He shifted from one foot to the other. “I was just wondering if you needed something—anything at all?”

Adriana in no way liked the way the man looked at her. “Not that I can think of.”

“I couldn’t help but overhear what you told the boys earlier. If you’re looking for companionship, I’m not married, and… well… available.”

Her jaw dropped. Why would he think she needed company? “You know, that’s really sweet of you, but I’m not looking for just any man. It’s one in particular. Sorry.” She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but she was tired, and this whole pickup thing embarrassed her. She could get a man. Any man she wanted.

“Goodnight.” She attempted to close the door, but his foot blocked her attempt. The man’s once smiling face turned dark and angry.

“You think you’re too good for me, don’t you?”

“Of course not. I’m dating someone, that’s all.” It was a lie, but he didn’t know that.

“Sure you are,” he said sarcastically. “But you know what? I don’t care about that. I think you should be nice to me, or I just might have to call our local constable here in Goose Lodge and tell him about the little bag of stash I found in your room.”

Adriana was aghast at his implication. “Are you trying to blackmail me?”

“Blackmail’s such a harsh word. I’m just saying you could find yourself in a bit of trouble if you’re not a little nicer.”

“You know what?” Adriana glanced at his nametag. “Rodger. I don’t have to be nice to you if I don’t want to be.”

It took nerve to pull this on a woman. How many others had he played this little game with?

“You know, Rodger. I think I’ll take my chances with the constable. You see, the thing is, you repulse me.”

This time he’d messed with the wrong woman. Adriana was going to make sure when she got through with him, he’d think twice about doing this to anyone else.

“I’m going to tell you this just once, so pay attention. You ever try to blackmail another woman, I’ll make sure you never walk again.” Adriana spun him around and wrapped her arm around his neck, flipping him to the floor. “Have you got that, Rodger? Are we straight?” Adriana placed her knee on his throat, cutting off his oxygen. “A shake of the head will be sufficient.” She smiled when he shook it vigorously. “Now get up and get out while you still can.”

When he’d gone, Adriana locked and chained the door.

She’d bet money he’d think long and hard before he tried that little trick again. And, if Adriana ever got wind of that he’d try to pull this stunt on another unsuspecting woman, she’d come back and hurt him bad.

Chapter Nine

Flint opened his eyes, instantly alert, listening to the crunch of gravel outside the cabin. Who the hell was here?

Quickly as he could, he threw on his jeans and ran to the front door to look out the window. Adriana’s red Porsche pulled up out front.

“How did she find me?” As far as he knew, only two people knew about the cabin. His Uncle Robert and himself. The darn property wasn’t even registered to Robert because he thought it best not to in his profession. Instead he’d titled it under an assumed name.

His uncle had been with the DNS long before Flint was even out of high school, and had been the catalyst at helping him get in when the time came.

So, how the hell did Adriana find me?

Searching his memory, he tried to recall if he’d told her at one time about the cabin? He might have. They were together for over a year. Though, most of that time had been spent at the DNS, but if they had any down time, they’d spent it making love and talking.

He could still remember the first time with her. She was so wild—so uninhibited. Every time he’d been with her since had been amazing to say the least. Just thinking about it stirred his blood, and with her only a few feet away, now was not the time to become aroused. She had her good Doctor Spock to keep her head on straight. Why would she need old bad boy Flint?

He didn’t bother to throw on a shirt as he opened the front door. Adriana had stepped onto the porch.

“Hello, Dray. What brings you to this neck of the woods?”

“You know damned well why I’m here. What happened? Why did you run away from a crime scene?” Her emerald eyes flashed at him. God he loved her fire. Her nerve. No one ever talked to him like this. Not even his uncle.

“I was sure I wouldn’t receive a ‘Get Out Of Jail Free card.’ And I sure as hell didn’t like the idea of being stuck in a cell when I could be out trying to find Lindsey’s killer. You do know I couldn’t have murdered her, Dray?” His fury ignited. “But Hartford would. He’d beaten her that morning. He somehow got into my apartment while I was gone and finished the job, setting me up at the same time. Two birds with one stone, so to speak scenario. You believe me, right?” He watched her face for any sign she didn’t, but saw none. A noise from above made them react, both reaching for a gun they didn’t have as a squirrel jumped off the roof of the cabin onto a nearby tree.

“Damn,” Adriana cursed.

“You do believe me, don’t you, Dray?”

“Yes, I believe you, but the police might not. You did leave the scene of a crime without bothering to report it.”

“That’s not true. I called the Denver police from a pay phone. I couldn’t just leave Lindsey like that. She deserved better.” His heart tightened like a vise. He thought of Lindsey and how she’d looked when he’d last seen her alive ate at his gut.

“Did they know it was you calling?”

“No. I didn’t give my name. I knew I’d be their prime suspect. She was, after all, in my apartment. I assumed they’d want me to turn myself in, but I need time to find out where Hartford was when she was murdered. He killed her. I know it. I just have to find proof, then I’ll go to the police. I can’t do me or Lindsey any good sitting in a jail cell. Do you understand that, Dray?” It was important to him that she did.

“Yes, I understand, Flint. So where do we start?”

Flint rubbed at his day old stubble. “First thing we need to do is have breakfast. I’m starved. I’ll have a couple of eggs, some bacon and, oh, some homemade biscuits would be good.”

“Yeah, that sounds great.” She walked into the cabin. “You’d better get started on that.”

He followed her inside. “But, Dray. I don’t know the first thing about cooking.”

“I’d say it’s about time you learned. What would you have done if I hadn’t shown up?”

“Dray, sweetheart.”

Her eyes narrowed in on him. “Don’t sweetheart me, Flint Morgan. I haven’t forgotten the little scene I walked in on with you and Lindsey. If you want to eat, then you’d better learn to cook.”

He frowned. “Okay, but don’t complain when it tastes like shit.”

Flint headed into the kitchen. There had to be a few donuts left from the day before. To hell with cooking a big breakfast. He needed to get started on the investigation before the trail got cold anyway.

* * *

Adriana glanced around the cabin, impressed with all its amenities. On one side of the room, there was a small efficiency kitchen that held a microwave, coffee/cappuccino maker, a stainless steel refrigerator and matching stove, and a table with two chairs.

On the other side of the cabin was a massive stone fireplace, a country style oversized sofa and a matching chair. A large cabinet sat in the corner. Adriana assumed it held an entertainment system. On the floor in front of the fireplace lay a cheesy bearskin rug. How anti-PETA was that? What kind of a man was Robert Morgan?

Adriana’s gaze swept the entire cabin, noting the place looked like a man’s love shack.

She snorted. “Nice place.” She turned to find Flint standing in the kitchen. He looked lost.

“Yes it is. Uncle Robert still uses it when he needs to get away.” Flint opened the refrigerator and stuck his head inside.

“Yeah, I’ll just bet he does,” Adriana said under her breath.

She glanced around and cringed. “Does this elaborate cabin have a bathroom by any chance?”

“Yes. It’s on the other side of the bedroom. Through there.” Flint pointed to a door, which obviously led to the cabin’s only bedroom.

“Thanks.” Adriana opened the door and stepped inside. The bedroom looked like it was straight out of an old spy flick. A Leopard skin print spread covered the huge four-poster bed that completely took up the space in the room. At the headboard was a stack of black and gold chenille pillows on one half, the other side had obviously been slept in. Adriana shook her head. The room was totally vulgar. To her, Robert Morgan was a womanizer, in the worse sense of the word. Now she knew where Flint got his attitude. What was that old adage? The fruit didn’t fall far from the tree. In this case it seemed to fit.

Adriana opened the door to the bathroom. The décor was the same. Men. All they thought about was sex. Sex, and the DNS.

Quickly, she finished up in the bathroom, admiring the huge tub. She planned to use it later. Hopefully the water would look a little cleaner than the stuff at the motel where she’d spent the night.

In the kitchen, she found Flint sitting at the table, his mouth stuffed with a powered donut and a mug of coffee in his hand.

“What happened to the bacon and eggs you were talking about?” She glared at the half eaten donut in his hand.

“I thought this would be healthier for me.”

Adriana caught the hint of sarcasm in his tone.

She grabbed a cup and poured herself some coffee, then sat across from him at the table.

“Your uncle has quite the decorative savvy. That bedroom is… ah… what’s the word I’m looking for? Oh yeah—tacky.”

“I’m sure he’d be hurt to hear you say that, Dray.”

She shook her head. “Please, Flint, a bearskin rug, Leopard skin print sheets. What’s that all about? Who’s he trying to seduce?”

He grinned. “You, I’m sure, if he were here.”

“How old is this man, anyway? Wouldn’t he be a bit past his prime?”

“Actually, I’m going to let you decide that. He’ll be here this evening.”

“What? Why?” She was in no mood to deal with an older version of Flint, not after the night she’d had. And where were they all going to sleep with only one bedroom. If Flint had some kinky idea that she’d go for a threesome, he’d better think again.

“Uncle Robert is going to do some legwork that I can’t. He’s not wanted by the Denver police like I am. Anymore questions?” Flint graced her with the smug look she always hated.

“Fine!” She ripped the donut out of his hand, and dunked it into her coffee.

* * *

Flint frowned at Adriana for the tenth time that day. She really got on his nerves. First, she completely trashed his uncle and his cabin, then had the nerve to gripe about not having anything to eat. Women. Who needed them?

He picked up his jacket and left the cabin. He needed some fresh air and time away, or he was afraid he’d strangle her. He took the foot trail down to the stream where he and his uncle used to go fishing.

Memories of those carefree days flooded him, a time when his uncle seemed larger than life. Robert Morgan was a real man, one who never let anyone or anything get in his way—a man Flint tried to emulate in his life and career. Robert had been the best-damned agent DNS ever had, and when he retired, he’d been sorely missed. Flint loved and admired him, and when Adriana had purposely cut him down, he resented it. She had no right to do that. Not when she didn’t even know him. But that was Adriana, always jumping to her own conclusions.

Plopping down onto a huge rock, Flint listened as the water rippling over the stones in the stream and inhaled the fresh mountain air. A person could get used to such tranquility. Actually be happy here.

He watched the fast-flowing stream, the water moving through it so crystal clear you could see fish swimming around. It’d been years since Flint had been here—years since he’d spent time with Robert. He’d been too busy at DNS and hadn’t seen much of him since he retired.

Unfortunately, Robert’s visit wouldn’t be a pleasure trip, but Flint would be glad to see him again. He just hoped Adriana would try to be civil to him, though, he wouldn’t hold his breath.

* * *

Adriana clipped up her hair, and eased herself down into the water, moaning with pleasure as the warmth engulfed her body. This was definitely better than the shower she’d had the night before.

She laid her head back and let her mind drift to the argument she and Flint had earlier that afternoon.

It was obvious Flint loved his uncle, and the man could do no wrong in his eyes, but to jump down her throat because she thought his cabin’s décor was gaudy pushed the boundaries. Why did all men stick together? From what she’d seen so far, Robert Morgan had to be a playboy and had raised his nephew to be the same.

Now she knew why Flint acted the way he did.

She’d dozed off until she heard a creak. Her eyes flew to the door where a tall, dark-haired man with very intense gray eyes stood, his gaze locked on the water.

He smiled wryly at her. “Well, hello there.”

Adriana’s crossed her hands over her breasts and tried with little success to cover them.

He continued to stare.

Adriana swallowed hard. “Who are you?”

He cocked an eyebrow as if to challenge her. “I was about to ask you that same question.”

“Adriana.” She peered over the edge of the tub, looking for her towel. It was on the floor, just out of reach.

“Of course, the fabled Adriana Kent. It’s a pleasure to finally meet. Flint has told me a lot about you.” He leaned his shoulder on the doorframe, quite content to stand there all day, if need be.

“And you are?” She glanced at the towel again.

“I’m sorry,” he said, straightening. “I just assumed you knew. Robert Morgan, at your service.”

Adriana’s jaw dropped.