Truth Avenged (Green Division Series Book 1) (17 page)

“
You deserve the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”  She gave him a flirty smile.

He put his hands on her thighs and caressed them.

“Yes, I do.”  He ran his hands up the back of her shirt.  “Do I need to remind you of all the things I’ve done for you.”

“
And to me.”   She said in way too seductive a voice.

“
That too.”   He unclasped her bra.

“
I’ll tell you.”  She ran her hands down his front, but all she felt was the padding of his bulletproof vest. 

“
It can wait.”

“
Oh, you beg me to tell you, now it can wait.”

“
It can wait.”  He repeated.  There were priorities.  And the story came in at number two.

She put her hands to the sides of his jaw and they met in a mutual wanting kiss.

“I’m not complaining about your uniform.”  She unfastened the top button of his shirt.  “But, your vest is getting in the way.”

“
Feel free to take it off.”  He kissed her ear while she continued her task.  She pulled the uniform shirt from where it was tucked into his belt and disposed of it beside the couch.  His vest shared the same destination.  The floor.  His white tee shirt followed suit.

In the bright light shining from the overhead fixture, the average
person’s flaws would be visible versus the concealment of night where she’d seen him nude the previous night.  But she couldn’t find any on Tuck, she begrudged him for that.  His chest was tight and muscular, peppered with a sparse amount of dark hair.  His six pack was sickening since he’d told her he barely worked out.  She on the other hand, had to work for her somewhat fit body.  His face was chiseled and his dimples inviting.  She admired him in the light and leaned into his embrace, kissing his Adam’s apple and worked her way down to the center of his chest.

“
Your gun is poking my thigh.”

“
Which one?”  His hands massaged the inside of her thighs, rubbing the thin cloth of her shorts.   

“
Leave this one ready and loaded.”  Her hand wandered south and she rested her hand on his lap.  “Take the other one off.” 

He laughed.  “
Did you really say that?”

“
I thought it was sexy.”  Her shyness had disappeared.  MIA.  She’d give herself to him in every way possible.

“
You have no idea.”  Tuck pulled her shirt over her head and her bra fell with little assistance.  He buried his face in between her breasts and laid soft kisses, pulling her into him, working his way east to the tip of her breast.  Everything about her turned Tuck on.  She was not the classic Cinderella beauty, not delicate in any way.  She had a curvy muscular build, though in true girl form, she believed her figure left a lot to be desired.  Tuck disagreed vehemently.  She arched her back in response to his treatment of her breast and he continued rubbing against her pleasure point.  She held onto his shoulders.

             
“Let’s go to the bedroom.”  She said in an excited whisper.  He moved the fabric of her shorts out of the way and furthered his intimate massage.  She inhaled deeply in enjoyment.  “Never mind.” 

“
Couch will suffice, huh.”  He grinned.

“
Don’t you dare move.”

he leaned into his kiss as h
e continued to bring her higher.

BZZZ, BZZZ, BZZZ

His phone vibrated on his belt. 

“
You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.”  He said in frustration.

She leaned her head into his neck feeling the same way and Tuck pulled out his phone from its clip on his b
elt.

“
Hello.”  Tuck held his phone to his ear.

“
Hi, Tucker….are you busy?”  Jen, one of the dispatch center’s long sitting dispatchers noticed his preoccupation.  Tuck’s husky breathing hadn’t been as muted as he thought.

A little busy
.  “What do you have?” 

“
ATV accident in Greenwich.  I couldn’t get a hold of Ryan and the OD said to start you.”

Are you fucking kidding me
? Tuck thought.  He loved his job, but this was one exception.  He could be writhing in ecstasy with Chance, but since that ass decided he didn’t want to answer his phone again, Tuck would have to pick up his slack.

“
Where?”

“
Off the Ryback Road, in the old Tanner Farm’s field. Underage party at number 193.  Intoxicated males took a four wheeler for a ride and rolled it over.  Minor injuries, we’ve got the ambulance on the way and the SO has a couple deputies going too to deal with the party.”

“
I’ll be there in about fifteen.”  Greenwich was two towns down the road from Lyman, where Chance resided.

“
I’m sorry.”  He put the phone back on his holster.

“
Me too.”  She sat up from his lap and pulled her shorts into their appropriate position.  “Duty calls.”

Tuck disappeared into the bathroom and emerging a few minutes later suited up and ready to go back on the road.  Chance had dressed as w
ell.

“
I’ll make it up to you.” 

“
You are such a—” She wrapped her arms around his back and leaned into the bulletproof vest she loved so much.  “Tease.”

“
Not by choice.  Do you want me to come back tonight?  It’ll be late.”

“
You better.  You need to finish the job you started.” 

“
Gladly.”  He cupped her behind and kissed her deeply.  “Get some sleep.”

“
How am I supposed to sleep now?” 

He walked away smiling and closed the front door behind him.  She sunk into the couch exhaling deeply.  Sexual fr
ustration at its peak.

*****

In the hours after Tuck left to attend to his duties, Chance had eaten a light dinner, watched TV, read on her iPod, and finally tried to relax by taking a hot bath.  None had been effective at warding off her hunger for him.  This was dangerous and she felt like she was playing with fire.  Would his job be okay with their relationship?  The last thing she wanted to do was get him reprimanded.  She would talk about that with him when he returned…maybe.  If she could think clearly enough to do so. 

Tuck called from her doorstep for her to let him in.  She dried off, wrapped the towel around her, and went to the door to let him in.  His jaded face told her he needed sleep more than he did sex, but his face instantly lit up at the sigh
t of her in a towel.

After closing the door he was instantly against her. 

She pulled back from his lip lock.  “Wait.”

“
What’s wrong?”

“
Will this—us—get you in trouble?”

Tuck thought.

“I don’t want to be the reason you get fired.”

“
I don’t think it will be a problem.”  Kerr possibly would give him a lecture, a loud angry finger pointing tirade, but Tuck had no hand in the investigation.  Kerr booted him, they had little room to reprimand him.  That was how he reasoned it in his mind at least. 

“
Tuck…”  She could see the pistons firing.

“
It’s fine, trust me.” 
It should be fine
.

She settled back into his arms and he reclaimed her lips.  He pulled at the knot of her towel and
it draped down, exposing her backside before she could catch it.

“
You do know my house is close to the road.  Any car passing by will get a nice view of my ass.” 
And the police
.  She remembered after the fact. 

“
It is a nice view.”  He grinned.  She pulled the towel around her back and walked to the bedroom.  Once she crossed the threshold, he pressed his body into her back and wrapped his arms around her center tugging the knot of the towel again.  The towel slid down to the floor. 

“
Can you shut off the light?”  In the full light of the room, Chance felt exposed and vulnerable. 

Tu
cks hands glided down her body, from her breasts to her hips, holding her against him.  “You are beautiful.”

“
No I’m not.”  She laughed at his statement. 

“
Yes, you are.”  He kissed the back of her neck and swayed their bodies.  “I want to see you while I make love to you.”

“
I look better in the dark.”  She wanted the light off.  Now. 

Tuck put space between their bodies and admired the view from behind.  Then he guided her so she faced him.  He started at her neck and moved his way south.  He kissed her
bruised rib, continued his way around her wounded side, and then kneeled.  He worked his way down her thigh to her knee.  Chance’s heart warmed.  He rose to his feet and rested his hands on her hips, looking down at her body then back to her eyes.

“
You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes upon.  Don’t argue with me.”  He wasn’t saying the line to get her in bed.  It wasn’t to make her feel better.  He meant it.  “This is one argument you’ll lose.”

She put her hands around his neck.  Tuck unclippe
d his gun belt and tossed it aside.  He wanted to shut his cell phone off, but he was still on call
.   I love my job…I love my job…I love my job.
  He reminded himself.

“
Get glasses.”  She looked at his lips.

“
You need to open your eyes.”  He leaned forward to kiss her, but then pulled back.  “You have no idea how god damn beautiful you are.” 

“
Not nearly as gorgeous as the man standing in front of me.”   The one who made her feel so safe, comfortable, and secure despite her insecurities.  “Who is wearing far too many clothes.”  She tugged at his tucked in shirt.  “Not fair.”

Tuck fixed that problem.  Clothing hit the floor, cha
ir, and dresser.  He wasn’t particular.  The confidence she lacked, he made up for.  He had every reason to be confident.

“
There.  I evened the playing field.”  He pulled her against him.  She gripped his biceps and rested her face on his chest.  Tuck took hold of her backside and lifted her, laying her against the bed. 

“
You’re making it very hard to not fall for you.”  She admitted.  “And I don’t fall easily.”

“
You can fall,” he whispered, his lips brushed hers.  “I’ll catch you.” 

Their discussion ended and their bodies finished the conversation.

*****

Chance laid aside Tuck
’s chest, his arm wrapped around her back.

“
Story time.”  Tuck said.

“
It’s late.  We can talk tomorrow.”

“
Come on.”  He spanked her behind playfully.  “I want to hear it.”

“
It’s a long story.”  She picked up her head and looked at him.  He waited for her to continue.  “Okay, remember you wanted me to tell you.”

Chapter Eleven

Tuck left her house shortly after sunrise.  Chance slept in.  She could get used to the hours she’d kept since the accident.  And she’d enjoyed her pleasant slumber while being held in Tuck’s arms.  What the past week had brought.

Chanc
e sat in her pajamas, Abby harassed the hell out of her.  She called the nursing facility where Joseph Hyde resided, but didn’t get far.  They informed her that he had Alzheimer’s and was disabled from a severe stroke.  He couldn’t carry on a conversation and they wouldn’t allow her to talk to him. 

Great.  So, she called Hank Fitton, the one located in Flagstaff.  A young man answered the phone and informed her that Mr. Fitton had passed more than a year ago.  The phone book lied.  She
thanked the man and hung up. 

The last hope she had was Hank Fitton number two, located in Albany.  But, with only a P
.O. Box, she had little to work with.  Albany was not a small town like her hometown.  She couldn’t stop in a store, ask a local, and be pointed to his house.  This was a city.  She could call the local police, but they wouldn’t give her his address, or his phone number.  Hmmm…but they would tell Tuck.  No, she decided against asking him, she’d asked enough of him and shouldn’t involve him further.

Think Chan
ce.  There has to be something you aren’t thinking of
.  She could write Mr. Fitton a letter and ask that he call her.  What were the chances he actually would though?  None. 

The Registry of Deeds.
  The thought hit her.  She lunged for her laptop and turned it on.  The keys ticked ferociously.  Within five minutes she had the address of Mr. Hank Fitton.  No phone number, but a hell of a start.  She could drive out there and speak to him.  Quite a ride to take on a gamble he was: 1) alive, 2) lived at the address listed, and 3) was willing to speak to her.

She did a reverse search on the address listed in the Registry of Deeds and she got a hit on the internet.  There was no phone number, but the property was listed for sale on a real estate listing. 

YES.  She could call the real estate agency and simply request to speak directly to the owner.  It was her best shot. 

“
Milton-Smith Real Estate.”  A man answered.

“
Hi, I was calling about a listing you have in Albany.  I wondered if I would be able to get more information.”

“
Certainly ma’am.  Which listing are you interested in?”

“
1122 Lincoln Avenue.”

“
Do you want to set up a tour of the property?”

“
Well, I wondered if I could speak directly to the owner of the property.  You see, I live all the way up in Maine and I don’t want to waste a trip all the way down there if it would be possible for them to answer my questions.”

“
What are your questions?  I’d be happy to try to assist you.”

“
I’d rather speak to the owner if it’s possible.”

“
Not to be rude, but that is why people hire real estate agents.  We handle the questions.”

“
And I’m a customer, possibly a paying customer, so I’d like to speak to the owner if it can be arranged.”

The agent let silence linger. 

“What is your name?”

“
Chance Phillips.”

“
Your phone number?” 

Chance gave it to him.

“I will give your information to the owner, it will be at his convenience to call you.  He’s a cross old man, so you’d be wise to take me up on my offer to assist you.”

“
No thank you.  I’ll wait for…the owners call.”  She almost leaked out Fitton’s name.  Since the agent hadn’t mentioned it, it could have tipped him off.  She’d saved herself.

Chance hung up the phone and let out a deep breath.  She had one opportunity to break the ice with the cross old Mr. Fitton. 

Chance showered and kicked around the house for once listening to the doctor’s advice of taking it easy.  The phone beeped, but it wasn’t him. 

Sigh
.  Out of the house.  She needed out of the house.  She grabbed her keys and went for a ride to the store down the road.

Chance rummaged through the store in search of lunch.  There were not many options, but it was better than what she had at her home.  Her parents had stocked her f
ridge well, but in true fashion nothing looked appetizing. 

“
Chance!”  A voice said behind her.

“
Amy.” 

“
Oh my God.”  Amy ran over and hugged her.  “You look good, considering!  You almost seem glowing.”  Amy was tall and built like a gymnast.   Wearing skinny jeans and a leather jacket that fell at her navel, she didn’t look like a tired house mom.

Chance blushe
d.  There was a reason she had a glowing appearance.

“
I’m feeling pretty good, considering.”

“
They still haven’t caught them?”

“
No.”  If they’d caught them, everyone would know.  It wouldn’t be a secret.  “But, they are trying their hardest.  I’m trying to have faith in them.”  Chance picked an Italian sandwich from the deli case.

“
We need to get together soon and catch up.”

I
’ve heard this before
.  Chance thought.  Amy was a good friend, but had a busy home life.  What happens to everyone when they grow up, she supposed.

“
We do.”

“
I’ll ditch the hubby and kids soon and we can hit the town.”

“
I look forward to it.”  Chance smiled. 

“
I have to go, but you take care.”

“
Thanks.”  Amy walked to the register.

Chance
’s phone vibrated in her pocket.  It was an out of state number.

“
Hello.”

“
Is this Chance?”

“
Yes, it is.”  She felt a surge of adrenaline.

“
I’m Hank Fitton.  The real estate agency said you had some questions you needed to ask me directly.”

“
Yes, sir.”  Chance walked to the register, dropped the items in her hand and mouthed to the clerk that she’d be back, she was going outside.  “The questions I have aren’t about your house though, I wanted to talk to you about John White.”

Silence. 

“Who is John White?”

She could tell
instantly he knew who Squirrel was.

“
I believe he was a man you served with during World War Two.”

“
I served with a lot of men.  I don’t remember a John White.”

“
I have a picture of you in a squad photo with him.  You must remember him.”

He huffed.  “
If I remember correctly, there was a John White involved in a car accident and killed before we deployed.”

Chance didn
’t buy his insincerity. 

“
Are you sure he didn’t die in a plane crash?”

“
NO.  He died in a car accident.  I didn’t know the man.  Why are you asking these questions?  Are you interested in my house, or not?”

“
I’m trying to find the truth.  I know he didn’t die in a car accident.  He died in a plane crash in the North Woods.  Why did the government cover it up?  Was it an accident?”

“
Miss, I don’t have time to waste on your nonsense.  If you are looking for information on Squirrel I suggest you go to the military.”

“
If you didn’t know him, how do you know his nickname was Squirrel?”

The phone line went dead.  Chance hit redial.  It went to voicem
ail.  She left a message with her phone number.  Then dialed again.

“
I will call the police if you continue this.”  He picked up and threatened.

“
I found the plane Mr. Fitton.  I found it in the North Woods.  I can tell you are lying.  You are the only one left that can tell the truth.  Please, tell me the truth.”

“
I told you the truth.”  Anger came across clear in his voice.  “Now, leave me alone.  If you call me again, I will call the authorities.”

CLICK

So much for Mr. Fitton being of assistance.  Chance opened her car door, threw her cell phone inside, and sat down.  She was no longer hungry.  Instead she continued her ride in no particular direction, going whatever way the car charted

After two hours of driving around, she returned home.  She sunk into
the couch and a picture of Squirrel stared back at her.  She swiped the files on the coffee table and sunk her head into her hands.  She was frustrated and at a dead end.

*****

Tuck’s shift had passed without much excitement.  The public followed the law accordingly on that shift.  He checked a few hunters, spoke with a couple hikers, and in general played the role of a Maine Guide. 

Tuck drove to Chance
’s at the end of his shift at 8 p.m.  He turned onto Chance’s street behind a swanky Audi that was out of place in the small town.  The vehicle pulled into Chance’s driveway.  With no room in her small driveway because the Audi blocked it. Tuck parked on the street and shut of his headlights.  Paul crossed the walk with flowers and a paper bag in hand.  Tuck’s disappointment overwhelmed him.  She was just another Claire.  Worse.  He didn’t love Claire, not like he did Chance.  He picked up the compass from his center console and griped it tightly. 

I give up.  I
’m done.  I knew better.  I knew
.

Chance o
pened the door and Paul hugged her and kissed her cheek lovingly.  Chance returned the affection.  Tuck looked away.  They weren’t “friends” and he was a fool.  A stupid blind fool.  Tuck put his hand on the key to start the engine, but when he looked up Chance had spied his vehicle in the darkness.  She waved to him.  He opened his driver’s door with the compass still gripped tightly in hand.  He’d return it and leave for the last time.

“
Hi Tuck.”  Chance smiled at him as he approached.

“
It’s fixed.”  He tossed it in the air to her and turned his back.

“
Where are you going?”

“
Home.  Enjoy your evening with Paul.”  He took a few more steps.

“
Hey, what the hell is your problem?”  Paul said heated.  Anytime he saw Tuck, he’d been a short tempered prick.

Tuck t
urned, but settled his anger before he did something he’d regret.  He opened the truck door and left without saying a further word.  It took an incredible amount of restraint for him to do so.

Tuck was angry and hurt.  He thought she was different.  And th
ough he’d only known her for a short time, he fallen for her.  And what a dumbass he was for allowing himself to do so.

His phone rang beside him.  He sent the call to voicemail.  No more than a few seconds passed and it rang again.

“Just friends, huh,” Tuck said upset.

“
Yes, we are,” she said as upset as him.  “One of my best friends, but you have it wrong.  There’s something you need to know.”

“
Tell Paul.”  He hung up.

Chance called again.  He sent her to voicemail
again.  She didn’t get a hint.

*****

“What was that?”  Paul looked at Chance’s devastated face.  “Is there something going on between you and him?  Chance?”

She opened the door and walked inside.  Paul followed behind closing the door.  She wiped her eyes. 

“Wait—did you—did you sleep with him?”  Paul asked in disbelief. 

Chance
’s eyes answered the question without her saying a word.

*****

Tuck opened his door and dropped his gear on the floor.  How dense was he.  His phone rang.  Ever dependable.

“
Yeah.”  He answered not bothering to put on a happy front.  The dispatcher gave him the information he needed. 

“
Alright.  Yeah.  Got it.”  He hung up the phone.  On the bright side, a late night hike would distract his reeling mind. 

*****

Please call me
.
  Chance texted Tuck.

Call Paul
.
  He returned.

Chance stared at her phone, his text angered her.

If you’d let me explain…

Her phone rang.

“Tuck.”

“
No, let me talk.”  His tone was less than forgiving.