Witness (Guardians Book 1) Read online

  “Doesn’t matter. She knows I was in the hospital and that you and Dallas drove me here.”

  “Fuck! See? I told you they would watch you.”

  “But she still thinks you’re brothers, so she doesn’t know everything.”

  He dragged his hands down his face. “This isn’t good, baby.”

  “How involved do you think she is?”

  “More than you think. It’s not good. We’re not sure if she’s involved voluntarily, or if she’s just a patsy, but there are too many red flags to ignore.”

  “What do you need in order to be sure?”

  “We’re working on that, sweetheart. We can’t get a warrant to search the house without probable cause and evidence to support our claim, so we just have to wait.”

  I set my hands on his chest. “My mom keeps stuff locked up in a wall safe in her closet.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I could get you into the closet, unlock the safe, and you could find out what she’s up to.”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  Brock frowned. “Bailey, you’re not getting involved in this.”

  I grabbed his chin. “I’m already involved.”

  “You’re not getting further involved.”

  I smiled. “They’ve already demanded I bring you home to meet them, so it’s the perfect cover.”

  “No.”

  I sat up. “We can go tomorrow. All my injuries are healed, I don’t look like I was kidnapped and beaten to a bloody pulp, and we can come up with a story for them. Something minor that they can believe since they know I was in the hospital anyway.”

  “No.”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s not gonna happen,” he stressed, sitting up as well.

  I slid off the bed and stalked out of the room. I heard Brock call for me, but he didn’t catch me until I was already in the great room and facing Brock’s partners. “I can get into my mom’s safe.”

  “Come again?” Dallas asked.

  “My mom keeps stuff in a safe in her closet. She doesn’t know I know about the safe, so if you want to know what she’s doing, I bet you dollars to donuts the evidence is in there.”

  “No,” Brock snapped.

  “How will we get in there?” Jaxon asked.

  “No,” Brock snapped again.

  I ignored him. “I will take Brock home to meet the parents, so to speak. They seem to think they know about him and have asked to meet him.”

  “Not gonna happen,” Brock said.

  “Would they be able to find out that you’re FBI?” I asked.

  “Not. Gonna. Happen.”

  “No, Bailey, his cover’s buried. They will only see private security,” Dallas answered for Brock.

  “Perfect. Then it’s settled.”

  Brock shook his head. “Hell no.”

  “It’s a good idea, brother,” Dallas said.

  “No.”

  I grinned. “I’m gonna go pack.”

  * * *

  Brock

  I HEADED TO the master bedroom, following Bailey inside. “Babe, this has to go through the proper channels. There’s no point in packing right now.”

  “How long will that take?”

  “A day or two,” I said.

  “Are you still out tonight?”

  I nodded. “I’m leaving in about an hour and then I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  She bit her lip and nodded as she leaned against the bed.

  “I have a family thing to go to, otherwise I’d stay.”

  “It’s totally fine, Brock. Seriously. You can’t work your job twenty-four, seven without a break. It’s unhealthy.”

  I crossed my arms and smiled. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.”

  I closed the distance between us and stroked her cheek. “We’re not playing the nothing game, Bailey. That doesn’t fly with me.”

  “It’s stupid.”

  “What’s stupid?”

  She smiled, although it looked forced. “Just going to miss you.”

  “Same, baby.” I raised an eyebrow. “Why is that stupid?”

  “Because I’m supposed to play it cool and not feel like I’m losing my best friend when he’s only leaving me for one night.”

  I chuckled. “That’s not stupid.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Yeah, it kind of is.”

  I leaned down and kissed her. “Well, then I’m kind of stupid too.”

  Bailey snorted, dropping her head. “You don’t need to say that.”

  “Hey.” I lifted her chin. “Are you worried about being here with Dallas?”

  “No. I like Dallas.” She smiled, this time genuinely. “And Jaxon.”

  “As soon as it’s safe, we’ll go out.”

  “Really?”

  “I promised you a real date, remember?”

  “You also promised me a ring…and sex.”

  I chuckled. “That I did.”

  “Can I call you just to talk to you?”

  I pulled a cell phone out of my pocket. “Burner number two. I also have a burner. Just for us to talk and text.”

  Now she grinned and let out a long breath. “Thank you,” she breathed out as she wrapped her arms around my waist.

  I stroked her hair and then lifted her chin. “You sure you’re okay?”

  “Yes. Go. I’m good.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’m just going to have no one to entertain me.”

  “Make Dal watch the Notebook or something with you.”

  “First, I’m not going to cry and blubber all over Dallas, that I plan to save for you.”

  I chuckled. “Thanks…I think.”

  “Second, does he even have the Notebook?”

  “You might be surprised.”

  “Go. We’ll watch some shoot ’em up movie or something.” She turned me toward the door and pushed me gently into the hallway.

  “What happened to the Notebook?”

  “I told you, I’m saving that for you.”

  Before we reached the mouth of the hallway, I turned so I could kiss her without prying eyes. “Love you.”

  She smiled. “Love you too.”

  I gave Dallas a nod and then headed out the door.

  * * *

  My parents lived in a quiet neighborhood in Felida, a suburb in Vancouver, Washington. It was the gathering place for most family events, and tonight was my niece’s tenth birthday. I parked the car on the street and headed inside, immediately accosted by Molly, who was three. “Unca Bwock, Unca Bwock!” she squealed.

  Molly belonged to my middle sister, Anna, who was married to William Walker. The couple also had a son, Billy, who was six, and the baby, Callie who was one.

  “Hey there, beautiful. How’s my favorite Molly?” I lifted her into my arms for a kiss and she wrapped her legs around my waist. Her dark hair had been pulled up into pigtails on the sides of her head, but they appeared to be coming loose.

  “Good. Auntie’s making Ewizabeth’s cake.”

  “Is it chocolate?” I asked.

  “It’s chocolate,” she squealed. Molly squealed everything.

  I chuckled and set her on the floor. “I’m going to say hi to your mom, okay?”

  Molly nodded and ran off to play.

  I walked into the kitchen to find Anna elbows deep in sink water, my eldest sister, Kristen frosting Elizabeth’s cake, and my mother sliding food into the oven.

  My baby sister, Payton, stood staring into the refrigerator, but when she caught sight of me, she clapped her hands and made a run for me. “Brocky.”

  I laughed and caught her as she flew into my arms. “Hey, sissy.”

  “Oh my god, it’s been forever.”

  “Super-secret assignment,” I said.

  “You could still call,” she said, frowning up at me.

  I kissed her cheek. “I’ll make more of an effort.”

  She grinned. “That’s all I ask.”

  “Where’s everyone else?” I aske
d.

  “Gordon, Dad, and William are out on the deck. You want a beer?” Kristen asked.

  I shook my head. “On assignment.”

  “I thought you were off for the night.”

  “But not off duty, sis. I could be called at any minute for any reason.”

  “Right,” she said, and smiled. “Pop?”

  “Coke would be great.”

  Payton grabbed one from the fridge and handed it to me.

  “Thanks. I’ll go see Dad.” I headed out the back and onto the deck.

  “It’s the prodigal son,” my father said, standing and pulling me in for a hug.

  “Hi, Dad.”

  Dad nodded to the soda in my hand. “Still on duty?”

  “Yep.”

  “Lizzie will be thrilled you broke away for a bit.”

  “Wasn’t gonna miss it.”

  I hung out with the men until it was time to grill and then I helped with food, heavy lifting, and anything else the women asked of me.

  After dinner, cake, and singing, kids were relegated to the basement and the adults congregated in the family room to recharge. I took a few seconds to send Bailey a quick text, and then joined my family. Payton was scheming with Anna, and the reason I knew she was scheming was because her lips were moving.

  “Whatever you’re up to, I’m not interested,” I said.

  “What makes you think we’re up to anything?” Payton asked.

  “Because you and Anna have your heads together and you’re whispering,” I said. “You never whisper, sissy. You have two levels. Loud and louder.”

  Payton snorted.

  “Am I wrong?” I challenged.

  “FBI agent, honey,” my dad pointed out. “Brock doesn’t miss anything.”

  “Okay, fine,” she said. “I have a friend—”

  “No,” I interrupted.

  “She’s gorgeous. You’ll adore her.”

  “No.”

  Kristen leaned forward and raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

  “What do you mean, why not?” I asked. “I don’t want to date one of Payton’s bimbo friends.”

  “Hey!” she argued. “My friends aren’t bimbos.”

  “You’ve met someone,” Kristen said.

  “Kris,” I droned.

  She gasped. “You did meet someone.”

  “Someone who should have been an FBI agent,” our father said. “She never misses anything either.”

  Fuck. Dad’s right.

  “Who is she?” Payton demanded.

  “A girl,” I said.

  She threw a wadded-up napkin at me, hitting me in the eye. I smiled and lobbed it back at her. Unfortunately, she was ready and caught it.

  Payton’s phone pealed, and she answered the call. “Macey, hey. You’re never going to guess. Brock’s got himself a woman.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut and dropped my head back. Shit.

  “Oh my god, you know who it is,” Payton said. “Yes, you do. Don’t you dare lie to me. Macey. Sisters before misters. You suck. Fine. Whatever. ’Bye.”

  At least I can trust Macey.

  “Who is it?” Payton demanded again.

  “Leave your brother alone,” Mom said. “If he’s met someone, he’ll tell us when he’s ready.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said.

  She smiled.

  I checked my watch. I’d planned to stay the whole night, but I missed Bailey too much. “I should get back.”

  “I thought tonight was your night off?” Payton said.

  I cocked my head. “What?”

  “Macey said Dallas was on, so you could come tonight.”

  “Things changed.”

  “She just told me,” she argued, pointing to her phone. “I thought we were going to hang out.”

  I leaned forward, settling my arms on my knees. “Payton, Macey isn’t privy to our schedules. She wouldn’t know.”

  “Don’t go all agenty and shit on me,” Payton snapped.

  “Language,” our mother admonished.

  “Sorry. Don’t go all agenty and crap on me.”

  “Well, that’s my cue,” I said, and rose to my feet.

  Payton scowled. “We barely get to see you, and when we do, you stay for what, a couple of hours? What’s up with that?”

  “Walk me out, sissy,” I said.

  Payton stood with a huff and followed me after I hugged the rest of my family goodbye. Payton walked out with me, her arms crossed, her body tight. At the car, I wrapped my arms around her. “We’ll spend some time together soon, Pay. I promise.”

  “It’s been almost a month.” Her body was still tight.

  “I know, buddy. It’s been a really intense assignment.”

  “And the woman?”

  I leaned back and studied her face. “You keep the secret, yeah?”

  She grinned as she jumped back. “Yes. I will totally keep the secret. You know I will.”

  I did know she would.

  “I met her a few weeks ago, and holy shit, she’s amazing.”

  “What’s her name? What does she look like? How old is she?”

  “I can’t tell you that, Payton.”

  “Okay, then just tell me one thing,” Payton said. “Is she ‘the one’?”

  I drew my eyebrows together. “She’s most definitely the one.”

  Payton cocked her head. “Why the long face?”

  “Nothing, Pay.”

  “Do you have to convince her she’s the one?”

  “Maybe a little bit,” I admitted.

  “Ooh, she sounds perfect.” Payton jumped up and down again, clapping her hands. “When do I get to meet her?”

  “Soon, sissy. I promise.”

  She threw her arms around my neck and squeezed. “I forgive you.”

  I chuckled. “Thanks, sis.”

  Payton stepped back. “Do you really have to go back tonight?”

  “I really have to go back, but I promise, dinner as soon as this is all over.”

  She waved a finger at me. “I will hold you to that.”

  I chuckled. “I know you will.”

  I gave her one last hug and waited for her to walk back into the house before climbing in my car and driving back to the safe house. I parked, nodded toward Jaxon, and then let myself inside.

  Dallas sat in the chair by the window, the television on low, but not off. Bailey was stretched out on the sofa, a blanket covering her, and she appeared to be asleep.

  I closed and locked the door and walked into the great room.

  “Why are you here?” Dallas asked, although he had an expression on his face that indicated he knew exactly why I had returned.

  “How is she?” I whispered.

  “Quiet.”

  I cocked my head. “Is she upset?”

  Dallas shrugged. “How would I know?”

  I glanced down at Bailey. She was so beautiful. “Did you give Mase our schedule?”

  Dallas shook his head. “Why?”

  “She told Payton I was scheduled off tonight.”

  “Ah. Yeah, I may have mentioned that.”

  “Well, thanks for that,” I droned.

  “Sorry,” Dallas said with a tone that indicated he didn’t actually give a fuck, and rose to his feet. “I’m gonna hit the hay. You got her?”

  I nodded, and Dallas headed back to his room. I sat on the coffee table and leaned over to stroke Bailey’s hair. “Hey, baby. Time to go to bed.”

  She mumbled, but didn’t open her eyes.

  “Hey, beautiful,” I said as I stroked her cheek.

  Her eyes blinked open and she smiled. “Hi. What are you doing here?”

  “Missed ya.”

  “Mmmm.” She licked her lips. “I missed you too. How was your family thing?”

  “It was good. Next time you’ll come.”

  “I will, huh?”

  “Definitely.” I settled the blanket tighter around her.

  She smiled sleepily. “Thanks for the text.”<
br />
  “You’re welcome.” I raised an eyebrow. “Why didn’t you text me back?”

  “I wanted you to have some space.”

  “Aw, babe, I don’t need space from you.”

  She giggled quietly. “I think that might be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”

  “Better than ‘I love you’?”

  “Close.”

  I leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Do you want to go to bed?”

  “Not alone.”

  “I can’t, babe. Not with Dal here.”

  “Oh, right. What about accidentally ‘falling asleep’ together on the sofa?” she asked. “And maybe a little heavy petting under cover.”

  I chuckled. “Borderline, but I’m game. I’ll get changed.”

  I walked back to my room and pulled on a T-shirt and shorts, heading back to the family room. I stretched out on the sofa and waited for Bailey to settle in front of me before pulling the blanket over both of us and ‘accidentally’ falling asleep with my hand cupping her breast.

  Bailey

  “WHERE’S BROCK?” I asked as I wheeled my bag out into the foyer. Two days had passed since my announcement of the plan, and I preemptively decided it needed to happen, even though the plan still didn’t have a firm date.

  “Out,” Jaxon said. He sat in my favorite chair, his long legs crossed at the ankles resting on the coffee table in front of him, and a guitar nestled in his lap. Yet another football game was on… how they found them when it wasn’t even football season, I didn’t know.

  “So, so helpful, Jax. Thanks.”

  He grinned. “You’re welcome.”

  “But, seriously, where is he?”

  “Seriously. He didn’t tell me.”

  “He’s not going to bail on the plan, is he?”

  “It’s a good plan, Bailey.”

  “Again, doesn’t really answer my question, Jax.”

  Jaxon cocked his head with a smile. “He’s not going to bail on the plan, Bailey. He’s not happy you’re involved in it, but he won’t bail on it.”

  I nodded and sat on the sofa facing the agent. He had dark hair, the greenest eyes I’d ever seen, and he was tall and big. Taller and bigger than Brock, but not quite as pretty with his chiseled jaw and very patriarchal nose. “You really play guitar?”

  “No, I just like to hold them.”

  I rolled my eyes. “How long have you been playing?”

  “So, this is what we’re doin’, huh?” he asked, and paused the television.

  “What?”