Love & Redemption (23 page)

“Who knows that?” Gavin hated to point it out, but there was still someone working with them they couldn’t trust.

“Dan’s the only one besides you, since he’s the one who brought them to me.” She paused for a second before saying a bit too quickly, “He’s also going to stop by and check on me later.”

At least they had ruled him out as a suspect for the spy, because it sounded like Jenessa had a crush on him. Love could bloom under the most stressful circumstances, though—he should know. “Well, I’m right down the hall if you need anything before he gets there.”

“Thanks,” she replied. “Get some rest.”

He hung up the phone just as Shelley came limping from the bathroom, rubbing a towel into her dripping hair.

“Standing isn’t the best,” she said, “but that shower sure felt good.”

Jumping up, he swept her into his arms and off the floor. “Let me help you with the standing part.”

Shelley giggled as he carried her to the bed and lay her down gently, pulling the covers across her.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“A little.”

“Good. I ordered pizza and figured we could watch a movie and relax the rest of the day. Jenessa called and said we earned some time off.”

She nodded. “That sounds good. First, though, I need my mom’s phone number.”

Gavin couldn’t stop his smile. She actually listened to him. That had to be a good sign—a sign their relationship was more important to Shelley than holding a grudge against her parents.

He lifted her hand to his mouth, kissing it softly. “That’s a great idea.”

“But then,” she continued, “you have to cuddle with me.”

“That’s an even better plan. I never want to stop holding you, Shell.”

“Good.” Her fingers caressed his lips. “I don’t want you to.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Shelley lay awake, wrapped in Gavin’s arms, listening to the sounds of early-morning risers out in the hallway. Gavin’s even breathing attested to the fact that he still slept, though from time to time his arms tightened slightly, pressing her closer to his chest. It was the kind of morning she’d often dreamed of, wrapped in the arms of a man who genuinely seemed to care for her. But could Gavin actually love her?

Her mom’s words continued echoing through her mind, making sleep difficult. Janet wanted to have a relationship, wanted to be a family again. She was serious about grandchildren and hoping Gavin and Shelley would get busy making them. Uncertain how to tell her that Gavin wasn’t even really her husband and she didn’t even know if he wanted children, Shelley had put her mother off, saying they’d have to see what the future brought.

At least Janet had shown a bit of backbone where Rick was concerned. When he demanded she hang up the phone and cook him food, she told him it could wait or he could microwave something. That wasn’t anything Shelley ever expected.

Her mom had always been happy to be a traditional housewife, and automatically agreed with Rick about everything in the past. Last night marked the first time she ever put Shelley first. A relationship with Janet would be nice. Shelley just had to figure out how to forgive past hurts like Gavin had suggested.

The thing that scared her was eventually Janet would find out the truth. How willing would her mom be to have a relationship when she found out Shelley hadn’t improved her life? Worse than that, she’d lied to her about everything. Would Janet still be so happy to have her back then?

Sighing, Shelley caressed Gavin’s bare chest, running her fingers through the fine hairs there. She wished this dream of a life with him was actually fact, not fiction. Though it was hard to admit it even to herself, she truly cared for him. The more she learned about him and the more he stuck by her side, the more she wanted him there long term.

“Can’t sleep, wife dear?” His deep voice startled her. “What’s the matter?”

He even called her wife. She knew he saw it as a joke because of their lie, but she could so easily imagine it being the truth. Forcing a laugh she said, “What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“You’ve been restless all night.” His hand stroked down her back, rubbing the muscles. “And you’re very tense. Are you in a lot of pain, or is it something else?”

She twisted more on her belly to lie fully on his chest, propping her head up so she could look at him in the semi-darkness of the room. “The pain’s tolerable. I’ve been thinking about Mom. Feeling guilty, I suppose.”

“Guilty? Why? You did what I asked. You checked in with her. You actually talked longer than I expected.”

“Yes, but I—” She shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

“I understand. You’re upset because we’re lying to her.”

How did he know that? She’d revealed a lot more of herself to Gavin than she normally let people see without realizing it. He saw past her usual exterior gruffness to understand what bothered her.

“It’s not a lie though, Shell.” He palmed her cheek, trailing his thumb across her mouth. “Not really.”

Flutters of anxiety trembled through her. “It isn’t?”

“Well, maybe the exact circumstances.” He laughed. “After all, I’m not some multimillionaire or hot shot in acquisitions.”

“I don’t care about that, and neither does Mom. That was for Rick’s benefit.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “But we aren’t married and desperately in love.
That’s
what she cares about.”

“Maybe not the married part,” he agreed, “but...”

Shelley opened her eyes, meeting his. “But what?”

“I thought I lost you when that bomb exploded. The thought of never seeing your face again, never getting to kiss you...” He blew out a heavy puff of air. “It was the worst feeling I’ve ever had.”

“Worse than finding out Crystal cheated on you?” She didn’t want to hurt him by bringing that up, but it was something she really needed to know. Did he care about her that much already?

“Lots worse.” There was no hesitation in his voice. “I never loved Crystal. I understand that after meeting you. What I feel for you is so different.”

Does that mean he...loves me? He can’t possibly know that already.

She rolled off him and scooted up the bed, putting her head on the pillow next to his. “Might be a little early to talk about love, but I’m glad you feel something for me. I’m starting to really care about you, too.”

“The way I feel about you is more than simple caring.” He closed the space between them to kiss her lips with a whisper of touch. “I care about you more than I thought possible, more than I’ve ever cared for anyone. I didn’t expect that when we first met, but sitting by your bed in the hospital proved it to me. I love—”

Shelley leaned into him, cutting off his words with a deep kiss. “Don’t say it,” she whispered, backing away. “There’s too much that could go wrong before we stop S.A.T.O.” Or he might change his mind. If he said it and then took it back, that would crush her.

“Not saying the words doesn’t change the truth. Of all the places I could have hidden that day at the opera, I found you. Something drew us together. There must be a reason.” He kissed her cheek. “And I
do
love you, Shell.”

The oxygen seemed to leave the room. She couldn’t catch her breath, and her entire body trembled. Though she wanted to say it back, the power of speech had left her. She could count on one hand the number of people she uttered those words to. All of them had died or abandoned her when she needed them most. Words didn’t count. Maybe they cursed.

Gavin stroked her cheek softly with his thumb, finally shrugging one shoulder after the silence stretched out several seconds. “It’s okay. If you don’t feel the same way yet, I can wait.”

There was a hint of sadness in his voice, no matter what he said about it being okay.

Grapping his hand, she drew it to her mouth and kissed his palm. “It’s hard for me,” she managed to say. “You must know that I—”

A loud pounding on the door broke the relative quiet of the room, causing them both to jump.

Gavin’s eyebrows narrowed. “Expecting company?”

She shook her head, staring at the door as anxiety trilled down her spine. “Do you think they found us?”

The pounding repeated itself, and Gavin slipped from the bed. “Stay here,” he whispered.

“No way.” Shelley jumped up beside him, grimacing at the jolt of pain that flared in her leg. “I’m a skilled fighter, you’re not. I’ll check the door.”

Grabbing something off the dresser, Gavin curled his fist around it. “You’re injured.” He opened his palm, showing her the small pepper spray can. “I picked up some supplies while you were in the hospital.”

Uncertainty tore through her as the pounding renewed. Surely Terrance and Stephen would have broken down the door by now if it was them. Besides, Gavin was right—she wasn’t in top fighting form. And if he planned to be an agent for Nick, he’d have to learn how to take care of himself.

She nodded once, and Gavin moved to the doorway before she could change her mind.

After he peeked out the peephole, his posture relaxed marginally. “It’s not them,” he said, “but I’m not sure we want to see who’s out there.”

He undid the security latch and opened the door a few inches.

“Hart?” Ken Travers sounded surprised. “What are you doing here?”

Gavin snorted. “I could ask you the same thing.”

“I came to get help. Let me in.”

“That’s not a good idea,” Gavin responded.

“Please.” The pleading in Ken’s voice didn’t seem feigned. The man was desperate. “Someone abducted my six-year-old niece and her nanny. I think it was S.A.T.O.”

Shit. Can’t they give us one freaking day without a disaster?

“Let him in, Gavin.” Shelley limped to the chair, grabbing the robe off it and tying it securely around her waist. “We have to help him.”

Fear clutched at her heart. She wished she believed Paul wouldn’t kill the child—but she didn’t. He’d already given orders that killed some at the mall. What was one more life?

***

Gavin sat on the bed, leaving the chair open for Ken. Glancing at Shelley next to him, he noticed she looked paler than normal. He didn’t know if that was from the shock of hearing S.A.T.O. had a child or from the pain she suffered. Not that Gavin felt the greatest himself. His cheek throbbed. He’d never had stitches before, but it wasn’t the most comfortable sensation.

Besides that, he wished he knew what she’d been about to say before Ken knocked. Now there was another crisis. Just as Shelley had pointed out, so much
could
go wrong before they solved this case. He wished he could send her back to Sayle where she would be safe, but he knew she’d never do it.

She clutched his hand, but turned her attention to Ken. “Tell us what happened.”

“My brother-in-law called a few hours ago. He asked me not to tell any officers about the call and begged me to meet him in private.” Ken ran a hand through his blond hair. “I parked a few blocks from his house and snuck in the back door. They said if he involves the cops, they’ll kill her.”

Though her hand tightened further in Gavin’s, Shelley’s voice was calm when she asked, “What makes you think S.A.T.O. is involved?”

“Because of what the other nannies at the park said.” Ken’s face fell, no longer the cocky, carefree jerk looking to bed an unsuspecting woman—he looked old and tired. “They described a man who matches Stephen’s description. I guess he came around the park the last few days, and they thought he might have taken pictures. My niece’s nanny told the others he talked to her in the parking lot, asking her a lot of questions yesterday.” He ran a hand over his face. “Another nanny at the park witnessed him push them into a van this morning.”

Did they plan to use the child to get the diamonds? Ken didn’t have them, though, Jenessa did. Supposedly the boss of S.A.T.O. was a smart man. He should realize Ken had no control over what happened with the jewels.

“What did they demand from your brother-in-law to get her back?” Gavin asked.

“Money.” Ken closed his eyes. “Brent is the CEO and primary shareholder of Walker Investments, the stockbroker agency.”

Gavin whistled. “Walker Investments has
big
money.”

Did that mean the diamonds weren’t important, or they wanted cash for something else? He wished he knew what S.A.T.O. was after.

Shelley turned to him, confusion on her face. “You know something about his brother-in-law?”

“Only by reputation,” Gavin answered. “Everyone in this area has heard the stories.” As far as his personal life, most of the stories were bad ones for the man. His family had suffered a lot of heartache in the last four years. “I’m sorry about your sister, Ken.”

“Stupid cancer. Ruined everything. Left Brent without his best friend and Emma motherless. All the money Brent had, and it wasn’t enough to save Kelley.” Tears filled Ken’s eyes, but he blinked them away. “We have to rescue Emma. She’s all I have left of my sister.”

“We will.” Shelley leaned forward and patted Ken’s knee. “Don’t worry.”

Gavin forced down the flare of jealousy that rose from watching her touch Ken. She was offering sympathy, not herself, but Gavin still didn’t like him anywhere around her. Just because Ken loved his sister and niece, that didn’t make him less of a sleaze.

Mentally shaking himself, he knew he had to focus on the real issue. “Did S.A.T.O. make an actual demand for money? I thought they wanted the diamonds. Tell us everything.”

“They called Brent at his office right after the abduction, before Brent had time to figure it out himself and call the cops. The other nanny reported what she saw, but Brent convinced the officers that everything was okay. He told them Rose and her boyfriend took Emma to visit Rose’s family for the week. That’s how he knew what the nanny had reported to the cops and had the description of the man who took them. The cops told them when he talked to them, and he confirmed the man was Rose’s boyfriend.”

“Wait. Who’s Rose?” Shelley asked.

“Rose Tilden, Emma’s nanny.”

Shelley’s brow wrinkled. “Is she possibly involved in this? Maybe Stephen offered her a payday to help them get Emma.”