Unthinkable Games (LIttlemoon Investigations Book 3) Page 19

  “Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?” he asked, glancing over.

  Justin could see the pain he was feeling. “Yes. The thing about Tori is that she’s a soldier to the core. You’re going to knock her off her feet, but she’s going to get back up and fight. When she’s over the initial shock, she’s going to see that you’re not to blame for this.”

  He hoped so.

  “You’re blood. In the end, that’s what matters. When did you find out about her?” he asked.

  Beau ran his hands through his auburn hair. “One day, I was watching the news with my mother. All of the sudden, she began crying during this one story. I didn't understand what was going on.”

  “Which news report was it?”

  “It was the one where Victoria and her husband solved the hundred year old murder in Kentucky.”

  “So, your mother admitted it?”

  “She wasn’t easy to break, but she did. When she admitted the truth, I didn't know what to do. All my life, I’ve been alone. This kind of shocked me.”

  “What was your first instinct?” he asked, trying to get a measure of the man before him.

  “Honestly? It was to hate my mother. She stole thirty two years of family away from me. I had a brother and sister. That’s all I’ve ever wanted my entire life, and to find out that she was aware but hid it…it crushed me.”

  “Is that what you want?” Justin asked. “To have her in your life?”

  Beau closed his eyes. “More than anything.”

  * * *

  She was drifting.

  Claire could hear her name, the frantic calls to her, and the taste of Beckett on her lips. Somehow, she didn't believe she was dreaming. His scent was lingering around her, even as the warmth receded.

  While she wanted to stay in the cocoon of peace, where her heart wasn’t hurting, she couldn’t.

  As she floated up, she went to their voices.

  Claire went toward his.

  “Claire,” he frantically begged, only stopping CPR to wipe his eyes with his soggy shirt sleeve. “I need you to come back to me.”

  No response.

  Just as he prepared to begin chest compressions, she began sputtering, pushing all the water from her lungs.

  Beckett rolled her to her side, allowing her to purge it all from her body. When she was done, he pulled her up into his arms.

  His heart still pounded wickedly.

  Julian held her hand. “Claire, what happened?” he asked, when her eyes fluttered open.

  “Hit in the head. Someone…” she muttered, closing her eyes once more.

  “The ambulance is coming,” Tori offered, pointing out the sirens in the distance.

  Standing, Beckett refused to let her go. He was going to carry her to meet them. Leaving a trail of kisses across the crown of her hair, he thanked the universe for her life. While she may hate him forever, at least she was alive to do it.

  He’d carry that on his shoulders after he found out that she was okay.

  “We’ll follow in our car,” offered Tori. “I’ll grab you both some dry clothes.”

  “Thanks,” he said, still cradling Claire against his body. She was shaking, and he wanted her to warm up in the worst way. He was willing the dissipating heat from his body into hers.

  Anything to make sure she was okay.

  He wanted Claire to be fine.

  “Take care of my sister,” Julian warned, knowing the look on Beckett’s face. He had no intention of blaming the man for this, since they were both equally guilty.

  “I will,” he promised.

  It wasn’t like he could do any worse. After all, he nearly got her killed.

  * * *

  Monday Mid-Morning

  Two Hours Later

  There was never a moment in his life where he was more frightened than he was then. While Claire was out of danger, she was also out of sight.

  No one wanted to leave her alone, but the ER doctor wanted to make sure she had some cat scans, x-rays, and medical evaluation before they saw her. Plus, she had that wicked gash in her head that had to be dealt with.

  While she was behind closed doors, the three sat in the waiting room.

  It was hell on all of them, but more so Beckett. As they brought her in on the gurney, he’d been asked a slew of medical and personal questions regarding Claire.

  Was she allergic to anything?

  He had no clue.

  When was her birthday?

  He wasn’t sure.

  Did she have any medical conditions?

  Not to his knowledge.

  It had been hellish, because Beckett learned something very important. He’d wasted time.

  He was madly in love with her, but he couldn’t tell them if she got hives when she was stung by a bee. The time he’d lost being an asshole was something he could never get back.

  The truth of the matter was that he was wrong.

  And now he might pay for it.

  While Claire was alive, she might not want to see him again. It was something that he needed to face, whether he liked it or not.

  Julian’s voice pulled him back from his thoughts.

  “Do you think I should call mom?” he asked his wife.

  Tori shook her head. “Not until we find out how bad it is. If she’s okay, there’s no reason to get Clarissa worked up. She’s going to want to come here, and that’s bad for all of us. If we have someone going after us, the last thing we need is your mother as a target.”

  Julian agreed.

  “I can’t believe someone would do this to her,” Beckett muttered.

  Julian could. They were obviously doing something to work the killer up. As soon as they got a chance, he was going to revisit the people they’d interviewed, and check out the house again.

  “No one goes anywhere alone,” stated Tori.

  That was going to be a huge issue. Beckett was pretty sure he was the last person that she would want near her. After all, he’d broken her heart, and then nearly caused her death.

  Just then, the doctor came out and motioned to them. When all three stood, he shook his head. “I’m sorry--family only.”

  That was one more claw to his heart.

  “Sure. Okay.”

  He sat back down.

  Before Julian could walk away, he grabbed his arm. “Tell her I’m sorry. Please tell her that I…”

  He stopped himself. He wouldn’t say the ‘L’ word. He couldn’t. Beckett knew he had already missed that boat. It had sailed, leaving him behind.

  “Never mind,” he muttered.

  Julian patted him on the shoulder. He knew how the man felt. The emotions running through Beckett were hard to swallow. “We’ll tell her,” he said.

  Beckett simply dropped his face into his hands as he waited to find out his fate.

  All he could hope for was a miracle.

  Inside the room, Claire rested peacefully on the bed. On her head was a large bandage, covering the stitches she had gotten. Other than that, she only looked fine, with the exception of being tired and worn out.

  “Hey,” Tori whispered, not sure if the woman was asleep or awake.

  Claire opened her eyes. “Hey.”

  It was hard not to be disappointed. She really hoped to see Beckett. The doctor had told her that he dove into the water to resuscitate her.

  He was her hero.

  But then again, it appeared that he didn't want anything to do with her.

  As if reading her mind, Julian took her hand. “He’s not family, so he has to stay outside.”

  Well, that was a little better.

  Maybe.

  The doctor spoke up after checking her vitals. “We’re going to keep your sister in observation overnight. She took a pretty good crack to the skull, but she should be okay.”

  Julian was glad. It was one less person he had to worry about. Plus, he knew what was coming by way of plane. There was going to be a shit-mess happening at the house. At least now Tori would
have some privacy when she was ambushed.

  “How about all the water she inhaled?”

  The man listened to her chest. “She should be good. We’ve given her some antibiotics, and with some rest she’ll be fine. It’s obvious that she wasn’t under long, and the actions of her rescuer saved her.”

  They all knew it.

  “If you need anything, ring for a nurse. Take care of yourself, Ms. Littlemoon,” the doctor offered.

  Claire slid lower into the bed, her head pounding, as the meds started making her loopy. “Is he okay?” she asked, knowing that her brother wouldn’t lie to her.

  “No. He’s scared out of his mind.”

  “He saved me.”

  Tori took her other hand and held it. “Yes, he fought for you.”

  “I don’t know what to think,” she stated.

  “How do you feel about him?” Julian asked, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek. “We won’t tell him anything you say.”

  “I love him. That first second I saw him, I knew. It’s weird, because I never thought I’d fall for anyone, but I did. I just feel like I’m fighting a battle I can’t win. I don’t want to go to war anymore, Jules. I want to find peace.”

  Tori squeezed her hand. “Then walk away from him. He’s going to be an uphill climb. If you aren’t sure, leave him.”

  That hurt her heart.

  “Yeah, I thought so.” Tori knew the look on her face. She recalled having this same inner battle over Julian. He wanted all, she was broken inside, and didn't feel she was worthy of love. He’d made her see she was. “If you love him, fight for him. He’s going to screw up. He’s going to make you hurt, but he’s also going to make you feel.”

  She knew it wouldn’t be easy.

  “I need to think. Can I be alone?” she asked.

  They would give her some space.

  “Do you want us to tell him something?” Julian asked.

  Claire shook her head and then winced. “No. Just tell him I’m asleep. I really just need some time to think.”

  They each kissed her on the cheek.

  “Call us if you need us,” stated Julian. “We love you, Claire. I’ll fire him if you ask me to. You’re blood. That’s always going to come first.”

  She didn't doubt a word he said.

  All she doubted was her heart.

  And the man who owned it.

  He was still sitting out in the lounge. Beckett Rand looked like hell. He was pale, his hands had some stains from her blood, and his eyes showed that he carried the misery of the world.

  When he saw them coming, he jumped up. “Is she okay?” he asked, desperate to see her.

  Julian nodded.

  “When can I see her?” he asked. Already, he planned on sneaking in to apologize. Then, if he got caught, they could toss him out on his ass.

  “She wants to be alone.”

  That spoke volumes.

  The man actually staggered as if physically hit. Nothing prepared him for those words. He really believed that sweet, gentle Claire would forgive him.

  He didn't deserve it, but he had hoped.

  Now, he had nothing.

  “I see.”

  “Give her time,” Tori offered. “She almost died. Give her the night. She needs to rest.”

  “I’ll stay.”

  “She won’t see you, Beckett,” Julian warned.

  He didn't care. “I need to tell her I’m sorry before I leave. I need to let her know that I was a fool to hurt her.”

  Tori didn't judge, and she didn't kick a man when he was down, but it had to be said. “She’s really hurting. You went over the edge. I’ve been on the receiving end of that, and it sucks. You took her heart and broke it.”

  He was well aware.

  “That’s why I’m going to stick around until I can apologize. Then, I’ll head out.”

  “So, you’re leaving?” Julian asked.

  “Let’s face it. She’s your sister. I’m not going to stick around and have to face her every day knowing what I had. I can’t. I’m not strong enough to do it. I made a huge mistake, and it’s cost me my future. I’ll walk because I don’t want Claire to hurt.”

  They stared at him.

  Julian replied, not sparing the man his feelings, “Then you don’t deserve her. You’re being a coward, Beckett. It’s easy to run. It’s hard to stay. I thought you were an entirely different man. Good luck.”

  With that, he walked away, disgusted at the entire thing. While it wasn’t his business, he couldn’t help it. Claire was in love, and the man was going to beat her down even more.

  Tori watched her husband go. “Don’t run, Beckett. She loves you. Don’t run. You only get one chance in life to be truly happy. She’s your chance.”

  She wasn’t supposed to say anything, but she did. The two of them needed a little intervention.

  “Tell Claire you’re sorry and let her decide. You took her choice away when you got mad. Now you need to trust her enough to make that decision. Give her something more important than an apology. Believe in her.”

  Tori patted him on the arm before she headed out after her husband. It was out of their hands. Now, it came down to the man who screwed up, and the woman who had to believe he could change.

  Either way, they’d help Claire through it, because that’s what family did.

  The Littlemoons always stuck together.

  No matter what.

  * * *

  He was overjoyed when they left.

  It gave him the perfect opportunity to sneak in and look around. While he was irritated that she didn't die, this would have to work.

  Now, he could watch them, studying them until they found him his treasure. He grinned wickedly as he thought back to his father and grandfather.

  They would be so proud of him.

  He was about to achieve their lifetime dream.

  There was gold waiting for him. It would be his legacy and theirs too.

  He could already see it happening.

  * * *

  Airport

  Monday late afternoon

  The ride was quiet.

  In all honesty, what did you talk about? They’d exhausted the normal conversation, and Justin didn't have much more to say. He was worried.

  Not only for the man he was bringing there, but for his relationship with his sister-in-law.

  Tori had always been there for him, and now he felt like he was betraying her. It went against everything he knew to be right. He was a Marine. They rushed in and saved the day.

  Was he doing that or causing more harm?

  He didn't have a clue.

  “This is an interesting place,” stated Beau.

  “Yeah, Cloverdale has a killer.”

  Beau looked over. “My sister is going after a killer?” That didn't sit well with him.

  Justin wanted to laugh. “Yeah, she’s used to it. Don’t look so freaked out. She’s with Julian. He’s more than her shadow. Nothing is going to happen to her.”

  He appreciated that the man was worried about Tori. It only cemented in his mind that this was a good decision.

  “I hope she’s okay.”

  “Yeah, from the report Julian sent back last night, they’re on a glorified treasure hunt. It should be more fun than scary.”

  Beau laughed. “You have a very interesting job.”

  He was well aware.

  “I never thought I’d be anything more than a Marine, but the nightmare just got a little too much for me. They began eating away at me. Tori had the same issue.”

  “Is she better?”

  Justin was going to warn him, despite the situation it put him in. It was to protect Tori, and he only hoped that if she found out, she would see it that way.

  “She has PTSD. It hasn’t been an easy road for her. When my brother started dating her, he nearly lost her. She went into a VA and didn't intend to come out.”

  That broke Beau’s heart. While he knew the woman didn't owe him any typ
e of relationship, she was still his sister. When his mother was gone, Victoria was all he had left on this planet.

  She was the tie to his blood.

  “I’m glad she has your brother,” he admitted. “I can’t imagine facing PTSD alone. I had some buddies take their lives over it.”

  “It’s brutal.”

  Yes, it certainly was.

  The car got exceptionally quiet.

  “What are you going to do now that you’re not in the military?” Justin asked.

  “I think I’m going to become a cop. I always wanted to make sure justice was served. I hate seeing the underdog getting the shit kicked out of him.”

  He understood.

  “We’re almost there.”

  Beau’s hand shook. “Do you mind if I smoke?” he asked, pulling out a pack. “I’ve tried quitting, but it’s not easy being in the military. I keep promising that after this pack, I’m done.”

  Justin completely understood. What else was there to do in the desert but smoke and kill insurgents?

  Yeah, he knew what the man was saying.

  “I had the same problem when I first got back. It’ll take time to get through it. For the record, you’re not heading to the firing squad, but go ahead,” he stated. “Roll the window down. The rental company gets bitchy.”

  Beau did what he asked.

  As they headed down the darkening road, the house loomed up ahead. “That’s ‘The Killing House’,” stated Justin.

  Beau was appalled. “That’s a horrible name, and it makes me sick just hearing it.”

  He had to agree.

  After parking, Beau crushed out his smoke.

  “Are you ready?” Justin asked, whipping out a text to his brother.

  The man took a deep breath. “Yes. I am.”

  Together, they headed toward the house.

  Julian heard his phone as they sat on the couch reading over the map and journal. When he scanned the text, he stood and headed toward the door.