Justice Healed (9 page)

"Um, would you like to come in for some coffee?"

It was sweet to invite him in, but if he accepted he'd want to take things further than a kiss.  He was pretty sure her father was home and Tanner hadn't been caught necking with a girl on the couch since high school.  Besides, they'd had three cups of coffee at the restaurant.  He wouldn't sleep all night as it was. 

He shook his head.  "I don't want to wake up your dad.  How about a mov
ie on Wednesday night?  There are a couple of good ones showing at the mall in the city."

"That's sounds good.  I haven't seen a movie in a long time."

The air was thick with tension and Tanner didn't know how to make it better.  There seemed only one solution.  He ran his hand from her shoulders down her arms and then pulled her close to his own body.  Bending his head, he captured her soft lips with his.  At first he thought he'd misread her signals, but then her mouth parted under his and his tongue delved into the warm cavern. 

She tasted of chocolate and coffee and something unique and indescribable.  He angled his head so he could deepen the kiss and her arms
crept around his neck, pulling him down.  His groin tightened painfully and only the layers of winter wear kept him from pressing her curves as close as he could get her. 

At some point, they'd moved and she was leaning back against the house, her fingers tangled in his hair.  He lifted his head and looked down at her drowsy, well-kissed expression.  Her lids were half-closed, her cheeks flushed, whether from the cold air or the heat of their kiss, he wasn't sure.

"That was a hell of a kiss, honey."  His voice was hoarse and he didn't bother to hide his reaction to her innocent seduction.  She licked her lips and he had to stifle a groan.

"It certainly was.  I'm not sure I've ever been kissed quite like that." 

He brushed her cheek with his fingers, knowing exactly what she was talking about.  Something major had happened here on this front porch and it was more than just the meeting of their mouths.  In fact, the entire evening had been leading up to this.  He'd been lonely for so long, had gotten used to the feeling.  In one night, Madison Shay had knocked him off his comfortable path and made him remember what it was like to feel.

"I haven't either."  He pressed a quick kiss to her lips.  If he didn't leave now, he would start thinking of all the reasons he should stay.  "I'll call you, okay
?  About Wednesday?"

She nodded and he stepped back
, instantly missing the feel of her body.  He lifted the keys from her fingers and unlocked the door.  "I'll wait until you’re inside and I hear the lock."

She didn't say anything for a moment.  "Thank you for dinner."

He pushed a stray hair back from her face, her skin like satin under his fingers.  He felt her tremble under his touch.  He was in big fucking trouble with this woman, and surprisingly he didn't mind.  He was scared as hell.

"Thank you for coming.  Go on inside.  It's cold out here."

Tanner stood there while she entered the house, the door closing behind her.  He exhaled slowly as he listened for the fall of the deadbolt, then turned to head back to the SUV.  He swung into the driver's seat and quickly checked his phone.  He'd had it on silent during the date and grimaced when he saw six messages from Seth. 

He punched a few buttons
until he had Seth on the line.  "Seth Reilly."

"Sorry, I just got your message.  What's up?"  Tanner asked.

"Shit, man.  I was worried about you.  I've got a murder in Harper.  Jared and Logan are here, too."

"Jared and Logan?  Why are they there?"

Seth sighed.  "Because we're not sure if it's drug related or the vigilante.  Can you come here and look at the crime scene?  See if it matches your drug murders?  Logan and Jared are here as they've seen the most action from the vigilante."

Tanner started up the engine.  "I'm on my way.  Give me directions."

Seth rattled off the location and Tanner turned on the siren and lights.  So much for a hot romantic evening.  This night was going to end in a stone-cold murder.

* * * *

Tanner pulled up to the old barn as close as he could get to the yellow tape surrounding the scene.  There were various law enforcement vehicles scattered around and one helicopter.  Looked like Jared had called in his DEA friend, Jason Anderson.  Tanner showed his badge to the deputy on watch and ducked under the tape, striding to where Seth, Jason, Jared, and Logan stood.

Even from this distance, with nothing but lights brought in by the cops, Tanner could make out the bloody scene.  He turned on his flashlight and shined it down on the body.

"Have you decided anything or were you waiting for me?" he asked. 

Logan slapped him on the back.  "It's just not a party unless you're here, man."

Tanner walked around the body looking for similarities and differences to his own crime scenes.  "I could have passed on this party tonight.  I had a date."

He knew he'd be setting off a shit storm by telling them, but Logan was always on his case about finding a woman.  Shit, Logan didn't want to be tied down but he sure as fuck liked to see other guys with one woman.  Maybe it simply cleared the field for him.

Seth chuckled.  "A date, huh?  Wait until I tell Presley.  She'll want to double date."

Tanner shook his head.  "No way.  Presley is walking, talking trouble.  I don't need any
more stress in my life."  He grinned at his friend.  "No offense.  I'm not sure I could handle all the excitement."

Seth laughed.  "None taken.  I handle it just fine.  Wouldn't have it any other way, honestly."

Jared groaned.  "Can we stop with the woman chatter?  Tanner, what are you thinking?"

Tanner looked up at Jason who had yet to speak.  "Sorry to see you again under these circumstances.  But in this case, I think the DEA isn't involved.  This looks like the vigilante to me, not like the drug related murders I've been seeing.  There's no torture here, just a clean kill.  What made you think it was drug related?"

"The deceased was a known drug mule," Jason replied.  "Same cartel that's been trying to take over the drug route through this area."

Tanner snapped off his flashlight.  "I've never seen this guy.  How did the vigilante find out about him, I wonder?"

Jared crossed his arms over his chest.  "I arrested him about six months ago for possession with intent to deliver."

Seth shook his head.  "And I arrested him last week for using his girlfriend as a punching bag."

"Charming guy," Jared observed.  "The vigilante does have a way of choosing his victims."

Jason's pocket buzzed and he pulled out his cell, looked at the screen,
and then sighed.  "Shit.  I need to get out of here.  We've got a big bust going down at the border."  He tucked his phone away.  "I'll leave the crime scene guys here as a favor from your friendly federal government.  Unfortunately, I can't help much with a vigilante murderer.  I could call in a profiler if you like."

Jared looked around.  "I don't know about you guys but I think we should take him up on his offer.  A profiler couldn't hurt."

The men nodded in agreement.  "Then I'll talk to my friend at the FBI.  He'll tell me the name of the best.  I'll call you."  Jason turned on his heel and was gone.  The coroner nudged the men aside so he could begin gathering evidence.

"Are you still happy about the vigilante, Logan?" Seth asked. 

Logan scowled.  "I've never been happy about it.  I just haven't obsessed about it like you all have.  But yes, I think it has gone too far.  I'm tired of getting dragged out of a warm bed to come to a murder scene."

Jared waggled his eyebrows.  "Just how warm was the bed you left?  Scorching?"

"Warm enough."  Logan snorted.  "Give Seth the hard time.  He's the happily married man just back from his honeymoon."

Seth had a grin a mile wide.  "No comment.  Tanner's the one with a date tonight."

Three sets of eyes swung his way and Tanner just shook his head.  "A gentleman never talks.  Madison is a lady.  A real lady."

Jared laughed.  "He's got it bad.  Next thing you know there will be a wedding.  Damn, I hope this love
shit isn't catching."

Tanner shoved at Jared shoulder.  "Shut the hell up.  It was just a date."

But Tanner knew it had been much more.  He wasn't ready to call it love, but he was ready to admit to the deep connection he felt when he was with Madison.  The only question in his mind was if he was worthy of it.  He'd messed up so many things, he sure as fuck didn't want to mess this up with her.  She was too special. 

Reed Mitchell was standing on the steps of the library Monday night when Tanner finished his AA meeting.  To Tanner's complete and utter surprise, Chris had actually shown up.  He'd refused to sit next to Tanner but he could see the shock on Chris's face as he took in
the identities of the other attendees.  Tanner was sure Chris hadn't known that most, if any, of those people were battling alcoholism. 

Chris had sat in the back, slumped down in the chair, with his hat pulled down as if it would keep him anonymous.  He needn't have worried.  No one in that room would ever speak about anyone else.  Tanner had tried to talk to Chris when the meeting ended but he'd bolted from the room and out of the library so quickly he'd practically left marks in the tile.

Tanner was just happy Chris had shown up.  It was progress. 

Reed pushed up the brim of his hat and grinned.  "Catching up on your reading?  I've been standing out here for fifteen minutes freezing my nuts off."

Tanner slapped Reed on the back.  "Call me the original bookworm.  How did you find me and what are you doing here?"

"I asked Logan.  He wanted to talk to you but he's on duty tonight.  I've been deputized in his stead."

"Isn't that a demotion for you?" Tanner joked.  "Come on.  There's a pizza place on the next block.  My treat."

Reed shoved his hands in his pockets.  "If they have heat, I'm in."

It was a quick walk to the restaurant and they settled into a table before ordering two coffees and a large with everything but anchovies.  "So what did Logan want to talk to me about that was so important he sent you?  It's not another murder, is it?"

"No, it was the conference call you missed with Marshal Evan Davis this morning."

"Shit, I wanted to be there but I had two deputies call in sick with the flu.  I was out on a call.  What was it about?"

A smile played around Reed's mouth.  Reed was a good man, a smart cop, but something of
a mystery.  Women loved him, men wanted to be him, and Reed didn't appear to give a damn either way.  He was dedicated to his job and little else.  While Logan played at being a ladies’ man, Reed didn't play at anything at all.  Tanner doubted Reed had ever pursued a woman in his entire life, yet he was never short of female companionship on the rare occasions he took time from his work. 

Tanner would trust Reed with his life.  There weren't many people he could say that about.  In fact, the list was comprised of the five lawmen in the group plus his deputy, Sam.

"The Marshal wants our help."

Tanner wrapped his hands around the steaming coffee cup.  "Okay, with what?"

Reed's lip curved up slightly.  "He wouldn't say.  Said he couldn't."

Tanner laughed.  "So he wants our help with something but he can't tell us.  Do we have to be blindfolded the entire time as well?"

"Luckily he didn't mention it.  He asked us to help him guard something that was being transferred from the border of Canada down to Colorado.  Right through our jurisdictions."

Tanner stroked his chin.  "He's a U
.S. Marshal.  I'm guessing it's a prisoner transfer."

Reed nodded.  "That's what the rest of think.  As for Colorado..."

"Florence."  Tanner finished the sentence for Reed.  "Holy shit, it must be one bad dude if they're taking him to Florence.  That place has the worst of the worst."  Tanner frowned.  "Why aren't they flying him?  Wouldn't that be easier?"

"Jared asked that question but Davis simply said that no one would expect the cargo to be driven instead of flown."

"Then he's expecting trouble.  When do we get details?  We can't plan until we know what we're dealing with."

The waitress placed the piping hot pie in the middle of the table.  Tanner's stomach growled.  He'd missed lunch since he'd been shorthanded.

"Davis promised to let us know a week ahead.  He can't tell us any sooner than that.  Damn, this is good pizza.  I've got to come visit Springwood more often."

Tanner chuckled.  "We do have good pizza.  The owner had a restaurant in Chicago at one time."

Thinking of Chicago made Tanner think about Madison.  He'd been busy all day but it hadn't stopped him from replaying their kiss a dozen times or more.  Maybe he could call her tonight.  Just to say hello and see how her day was. 

"So when do I need to mark this on my calendar?" Tanner asked.

"That's the thing.  Davis doesn't know.  Apparently they only give him about five days notice.  They don't give any warning to the guy being transferred.  From what I've heard, they just show up in his cell and move him."

"And that's where we come in." 

"Exactly," Reed replied, signaling to the waitress for a coffee refill.  "We arm ourselves and make sure this guy gets to Florence.  Piece of cake."

It didn't sound all that difficult.  The prisoner would be in cuffs and shackles, probably riding in an armored vehicle.  It was a babysitting job at best. 

"Let everyone know I'm in.  It sounds like a nice break from domestic disputes, cattle rustling, and Saturday night drunken fights."

"Don't forget drug cartel murders."  Reed helped himself to another slice. 

Tanner grimaced.  "That's not the usual around here.  I can't wait until Jason Anderson can help us turn this tide around."

"Did you give him the picture of your wife's new man?"

"Fuck.  Logan tell you about that?"  Tanner didn't give a shit that Reed knew, but it was fun to bust his balls a little bit.

Reed grinned.  "He did.  I guess Logan can't keep a secret."

Actually, Logan was as tight-lipped as they came.  He'd kept Tanner's secret regarding his Monday night meetings for years. 

"I did.  Anderson said they would run it through facial recognition."

"Fuck technology.  What does your gut tell you?"  Reed was an instinctual cop, rarely wrong.

Tanner leaned forward and set his coffee cup on the table.  "I think Fenton Jacks is somehow messed up in this drug war.  It's too much of a coincidence him showing up when he did."

"Then I don't envy you.  At some point, you're going to have to tell your ex Jacks is a criminal.  It ain't going to be pretty."

It was going to be hell on earth.  Somehow, Abby would blame Tanner. 

"I could send her a text."  Tanner tried to keep a straight face. 

"Hell, why not a message in a bottle?  It'll get there eventually."  Reed laughed.

Tanner sobered.  "I don't want my kids mixed up in this.  Shit, I don't want Abby in it either.  If Jacks hurts them in any way, I'll take him out myself."

"The rest of us will be right there with you."  Reed's eyes had narrowed and his expression grown cold. 

If Jacks so much as harmed a hair on their heads, Tanner would make the man wish he'd never been born.  Family was everything to Tanner, and no one was going to mess with his.

* * * *

Madison was having dinner on Thursday with Sherry, Lisa, and Carrie and no one was more surprised than Madison herself.  She found she actually liked spending time with Lisa and Carrie.  Whatever they'd been as kids, they were different now.  Carrie had even pulled Madison aside and apologized for being a "total bitch."  Apparently, she'd been as insecure as Madison but it had manifested itself differently. 

Carrie checked her watch.  "I only have a sitter for an hour and a half.  Hubby has the night shift.  Spill it.  Inquiring minds are dying to know."

"We had fun.  Monday and Wednesday.  We went to see that new car chase movie.  It was okay," Madison answered primly.  She wasn't one to talk about her relationships much.  If she'd ever had any worth talking about that is.

Lisa waggled her eyebrows.  "Two dates in three days.  Very good.  When do you see him again?"

"Friday.  He's fixing me dinner at his house and then we're going to watch some movies."

Sherry nodded.  "Then you're going to have sex with him?"

Madison felt her cheeks get hot.  "That's kind of a personal question.  All we've done is kiss so far."

"How was it?"  Lisa grinned.  "I bet it was hot.  The
sheriff looks like he knows his way around a pair of lips."

That was the understatement of the year.  Tanner was the best kisser ever.  Madison didn't have a ton of kissing experience but she'd be willing to bet her medical license Tanner was in a league all his own.

"It was hot," she admitted.  "But I'm not sure I'm ready to sleep with him."

Carrie tapped her lips with her finger.  "Well, it's the third date."

Sherry and Lisa nodded as if Carrie had said something very wise.  Madison looked from one to the other.  "So?  It's the third date?  Is that supposed to mean something?"

"That's the
get naked
date.  Everyone knows that," Sherry answered. 

Madison sat up in her chair.  "I didn't know that.  Maybe Tanner doesn't know it."  She smacked her forehead.  "How did I not know this?"

Of course she knew why.  She'd had very few third dates.  The vast majority of the men she dated never made it past date number two.

"Calm down."  Sherry patted her shoulder.  "You're going to get yourself all worked up.  It's only sex.  You've had sex before.  You're not a virgin."

"I might as well be," Madison retorted.  "I haven't had much luck when it comes to sex."

The women laughed and Carrie leaned across the table.  "I think you will with the sheriff.  I'm guessing he's had some experience.  Damn, he's good looking.  If I wasn't a happily married woman, I'd be all over it."

"Me too," Lisa joined in.  "I usually like my men younger, but for him I'd make an exception."

"If everyone thinks he's great, how come he wasn't dating anyone?"

Sherry looked around the dining room and then leaned forward.  "He dates women out of town.  I heard he was seeing a widow over in Harper for awhile."

Madison didn't like the twist of jealousy inside her.  She'd always felt the emotion wasn't a positive one.  "Do you think he's still seeing her?"

Carrie's eyes went wide and she slapped her glass down on the table.  "No way.  Tanner Marks does not dabble with women."

"We never said it was exclusive or anything," Madison said, her m
ind running over every word he'd spoken, looking for trouble.  "I mean, I couldn't get angry with him for it."

Lisa's brows drew together.  "I would.  If a man asks you out three times in one week he better not be laying the pipe anywhere else."

Madison almost spit out her tea.  "Laying the pipe?  Oh God."  She couldn't stop the fit of giggles at the very elegantly dressed Lisa's choice of words. 

Lisa waved her hand in the air.  "You know what I mean.  Laying the pipe.  Slamming the sheets.  Tapping the keg.  Whatever you want to call it."

They were all laughing, the sound turning several heads in the restaurant.  Madison wiped the tears from her eyes.  "I don't want to call it any one of those things."  She sighed.  "I want it to be making love."

"You're a romantic."  Carrie smiled.  "But sometimes it's okay if it's just hot and raunchy."

"I'm not a romantic," Madison protested.  "I'm practical, down to earth.  I'm a doctor."

"A
doctor who's fixing to get laid proper for the first time in her life."  Sherry grinned.  "You lucky girl.  Be sure to wear your new underwear."

Madison groaned.  Just when she was relaxed and comfortable around Tanner, a spanner was thrown in the works.  How could she be calm, cool, and collected tomorrow night when all she would
be thinking about was sex?

* * * *

"
Come on in."  Tanner took a step back so Madison could enter his house.  Her gaze quickly scanned the interior decorated in shades of brown and blue.  It was clearly a male dominated home.  There were no comfy pillows on the sofa or a crocheted throw on the back of a chair.  There was a large German Shepherd with a wagging tail who was crowding around their legs trying to sniff her.  Tanner caught the animal by the collar and tugged him back.

"Easy, Scout.  Let the lady get in the door and get her coat off."  He smiled apologetically.  "We don't have too many visitors so he gets excited when people come over."

She held out her hand so Scout could get her scent.  Apparently he approved.  His tail wagged even faster and he pulled at Tanner's grip. 

"Sit."  Tanner's commanding and deep tone had an immediate
effect on Scout.  His bottom went down to the floor in a second.  Madison had to fight the urge to sit down herself.  His voice was that compelling. 

"He's sweet.  Scout?  There's a character in my favorite book
—"

Tanner laughed.  "Mine, too.  I didn't do very well in school but I did like
To Kill a Mockingbird
."

"How many dogs have you named Scout?"

Tanner chuckled and helped her off with her coat.  "I swear this is the first.  Although I did have a black Lab named Atticus and a cat named Finch."