Burn in Hell_A Jake Carrington Mystery Read online

  What was it about him she couldn’t walk away from? This was the perfect opportunity for her to get away from him and stop all the questions. To un-complicate her life. If Jake was out of the picture, it would be one down and two to go. Next, she could quit her job, get rid of Phil, and the divorce would get rid of Tom, and—and what? The only problem she could see…she loved Jake.

  She must have taken too long to answer.

  “Kyra?” Jake leaned in, whispered into her ear. “Kyra, don’t leave like this, please?”

  “Jake…” Her voice broke. “I don’t want to make a fool of myself. I can barely keep it together right now.” Though she did hear the hurt in his voice, the plea. Christ, what should she do?

  “Then why don’t I meet you at your house in a few minutes? I’ll send Mia on her way.”

  “Why not just talk to her, Jake, and get it over with?”

  “To be honest, I’m not ready. And because I need to talk. I need a friend.”

  “Only talk, Jake?” She tried to smile, but couldn’t quite accomplish it.

  “Yes. You run the game.”

  “Game, huh? I haven’t had possession yet.” She continued with his metaphor.

  “You don’t realize it, but you’ve had it all along. For two people who only wanted a distraction, we certainly screwed it up. You’ve became so much more to me, Kyra.”

  She didn’t know how to respond. Unconsciously, she wrapped her arms around him, felt his body relax against her.

  “I’ll be home, Jake. I don’t want to socialize with her or get into a clawing match.”

  “I’ll see you in a little while.” When she turned away from him, he spun her back and kissed her. “Kyra, I know I don’t have the right at this moment, but I care deeply for you. Thank you for being there for me.”

  “Christ, Jake! This is so fucked up. I’ll see you at my house.”

  She didn’t understand why she didn’t tell him her true feelings—she loved him. He helped her into her car. Driving away, Kyra watched Jake in her rearview mirror as he walked to the house. She saw Mia in the doorway. Was she eavesdropping? If so how much did she hear?

  “I guess you didn’t have plans with her tonight, did you, Jake?”

  “I did, Mia. I let her know I was running late. She thought she’d be considerate and meet me here instead of at her house. Let’s get back to our conversation. Are you coming over on Monday night?”

  He watched her struggle with her answer. “I want to, but from what I just saw, it doesn’t look like there’s room for me in your life.”

  “Don’t make a hasty decision until we talk, Mia.”

  Her eyes were filled with tears, and it broke his heart. How did he reduce two women to tears in one night? All he wanted to do was the right thing. It was never his intention to hurt either one of them.

  “I’ll call you Monday, Jake. I can’t think right now.”

  Jake walked her to the door, waited until she got in her car and drove away; then he shut the door, leaned his head on it, and tried to gather his thoughts. Turning abruptly, he headed into the garage. Why had Mia shown up unexpectedly? Especially after he’d told her he was busy tonight. Did she really want to reconcile or was she playing games with him? God knows, he wasn’t up to any games.

  *

  Jake knocked on Kyra’s door fifteen minutes later. The first thing he noticed was her puffy eyes. Taking her into his arms, he held her tightly. He didn’t say a word. Kyra was a strong woman and it tore at his heart to see the pain he’d caused her.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Please, Jake. This isn’t anyone’s fault.”

  “Why don’t I come in?” He eased his way through the door, never letting go of her as he closed and locked it. “This has been a difficult weekend, I know. Why don’t we plan something for tomorrow?”

  “I already have plans with Trevor tomorrow, but we can plan something for tomorrow night. I have to have him home by seven.”

  “I’ll look forward to it. Do you want me to leave?”

  “You just got here, what’s up?”

  “I feel like I pushed myself on you tonight.” He shrugged.

  “You didn’t. I wanted to see you. Do you want to talk?”

  “There isn’t anything to talk about right now. Mia and I didn’t talk. I was annoyed she dropped in. I clearly told her we’d talk on Monday when she called today. I expressly told her we had plans. I’d just asked her to leave, right before you rang the bell, Kyra. I didn’t lie.”

  “I didn’t think you did, but you’re obviously wound up, so let’s talk.”

  “Talk is overrated. Why don’t we go out and grab a drink?”

  “I’m not in the mood for a drink. I want to stay home tonight…”

  He grabbed her, kissed her hard. He ran one hand up and down her back as the other hand held her head to his. Jake tightened his grip as she tried to push away. He needed this woman tonight and it wasn’t talk he needed from her. Releasing his grip on her, he pulled back and looked into her eyes. They were still standing right inside her front door.

  “Kyra,” he choked out.

  “Jake…did you only come over for sex tonight?”

  He released her, stalked around the room. “No…yes…I don’t know. I only knew I wanted to be with you. I didn’t plan anything else.”

  “Okay. Why don’t you come into the kitchen and I’ll fix you a drink?”

  “I don’t want a drink, Kyra. I want you. The way you felt the night Tom attacked you is the way I’m feeling right now.” He sat down on the couch, rested his head in his hands. He laughed a bitter laugh. “Christ, I’ve never been this twisted up in my entire life.”

  *

  She sat down beside him drawing him into her arms. She’d no intention of letting him leave tonight. Kyra knew he needed her. Brushing her hand over his hair, she gently kissed his forehead and whispered in his ear.

  “Why don’t you come to the bedroom with me?”

  “Kyra, I didn’t mean…I don’t want to use…”

  “Shush, come.”

  Together they got up, Kyra leading the way to her bedroom. She made love to him the same way he made love to her on that night, with a gentle tenderness. It didn’t lack passion, but it was more comfort and acceptance. She held him while he slept, not able to get her thoughts off Mia. Why did she show up tonight when he asked her not to? And let’s not forget, Kyra, Jake told you he cared deeply for you. Why at that moment? Was he trying to make Mia jealous? Did she even hear him say it? She couldn’t bring the moment back clearly in her mind. She was so hurt when she saw Mia there. Didn’t he whisper it in her ear? Surprised at the tears falling from her eyes, she wiped them away—wondering—at what moment in time had she fallen in love with Jake Carrington? It killed her to watch the pain ride across his face. Even in sleep, all she wanted to do was protect him. One thing was clear to Kyra—she and Mia needed to meet so they could talk. Tightening her arms around him, she tried to sleep, but it eluded her. Wouldn’t it be best for both her and Jake if she gave him to Mia? It would be one less complication in her life. Kyra knew deep down in her heart she was the wrong woman for Jake, but could she give him up?

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Kyra hadn’t slept all night. Her mind never shut down. She watched Jake come awake, jerk; then relax when he realized where he was.

  “How is it possible you’re awake before me?” he asked, one eye open.

  “Because I didn’t sleep. It’s still early, go back to sleep.”

  He looked at her and she smiled. “I don’t want to sleep.” He smiled back.

  “Let me guess what it is you want to do?” she said, playfully. Kyra’d come to a decision during the long night. And though it hurt, she knew she would do the right thing by Jake.

  “Is that an offer?” He rolled over, pulling her on top of him.

  “Oh, I thought you wanted breakfast,” she said demurely.

  Laughing. “Only if you’re breakfast.”


  “Wow, you’re in luck. I am.”

  An hour and a half later they sat at the kitchen table. Kyra enjoyed watching Jake cook. “I could get used to this. I hate cooking.”

  “I find it relaxing, besides, I like to eat.” Jake dished out eggs onto her plate.

  “Hmmm! This is good. Oh, by the way, I have to leave here by nine-thirty to pick up Trevor.”

  “It’s only eight o’clock, Kyra. Are you kicking me out?”

  “No. No. Eat, relax. I just wanted you to know my schedule today. I don’t want to be late. I still need to shower and dress.”

  “What are you doing with him today?”

  “We’re heading to the beach. I promised him.”

  “Why can’t I go?”

  Kyra played with her eggs, moving them around her plate. How did she answer him? She looked up, saw he was staring at her, waiting for her answer.

  “I…Jake…”

  “It shouldn’t be that hard to answer the question, Kyra.”

  “It’s not hard—I don’t want to insult you.”

  “I see. You don’t want me hanging out with your son.”

  “See, I knew you’d get mad. It’s not that at all, and yet it is. Trevor’s been through so much lately. I don’t want to add to his stress.”

  “And how would I add to his stress?”

  Shit! “Jake, I don’t know where we’re going. Or what’s going to happen with you and Mia. It would kill Trevor if he got attached to you and then you weren’t his life anymore.”

  “You don’t want to be with me, Kyra?”

  Why were men such a pain in the ass? “I do want to be with you. But you really don’t know what you want right now. Do you?”

  Hurt shone in his eyes. He stared at her and sat there without answering her.

  “Jake, be honest, it’s not going to hurt me. I’m tough, remember?” Or at least I’m trying to be.

  He picked up her dish and his, walked over to the sink. He turned on the water and started to wash them. Kyra walked up behind him and put her arms around him, then laid her head against his back.

  “I really care for you, Jake, but Trevor comes first. Right now he needs stability in his life. Please understand?”

  “I do understand. I’ll call you later anyway. Decide what you want to do tonight. I’ll pick you up here at eight.”

  *

  Trevor was so excited. He talked the whole way to the beach. There weren’t many people at the shore today. Kyra’s head was spinning. She laid out their blanket and took out his sand toys while watching him run to the water. She took her book from her bag and put it on the blanket, afraid to take her eyes off him. Every fifteen minutes or so, Trevor would run back to the blanket and then back to the water’s edge.

  Kyra was getting dizzy with the routine. This time he sat down on the blanket and started talking.

  “Mom, why doesn’t Grandma Russell like you?”

  “Trevor, sometimes grown-ups put their noses where they don’t belong. Grandma Russell puts her nose in the wrong place all the time. Why?”

  “Well, she and Daddy got into a fight about you.”

  “Trevor, it’s not polite to eavesdrop on someone’s conversation.” God, she wished she could have been a fly on the wall.

  Trevor ignored her. “Grandma Russell called Daddy stupid. She said she couldn’t believe how he pushed himself on you, and in front of a cop.” He took a deep breath.

  “Trev, I’m sure your grandmother would be upset if she knew you were telling me this.”

  “I don’t care. She’s mean.” From the mouths of babes, she thought. Kyra didn’t correct him because he was right.

  “Mom, what are charges?”

  Oh boy. “Sometimes—when someone gets in trouble with the police—there are charges levied against them. Why?”

  “Because Daddy asked Grandpa to make the charges go away and Grandpa said, really loud, ‘Not this time.’” The bastard thinks he can get the charges dropped. I’ll sue the whole Goddamn system. Don’t show Trev how you feel, calm down.

  “Then Grandpa cursed.” Trevor giggled. “Do you want me to tell which one?”

  “No, Trevor. Just because an adult curses, you’re still not allowed, understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good, now go play.”

  “I’m not finished, Mom. Grandma Russell yelled at Daddy for a long time, too. She said something already hit the papers. Daddy said he was sorry, he got drunk. Grandpa told him it wasn’t an excuse. Grandpa yelled at him the way Daddy sometimes yells at me.”

  She knew it was wrong, but she didn’t tell Trevor to stop this time.

  “Grandpa and Grandma Russell took turns yelling at Daddy. I think they forgot I was there.”

  “I’m sure. Sometimes, Trevor, grown-ups get angry and they fight, but they still love each other.”

  “Not always. You and Daddy don’t love each other anymore, do you?”

  “No, we don’t, but we both love you. You understand, Trev?”

  “Yes.” He stood up. Surprised her with a kiss and a hug before he ran down to the water and played with his toys.

  Kyra played the conversation over in her mind. She wanted to ask Trevor questions but thought better of it. He didn’t deserve to be put in the middle. She was sure of one thing—Tom had to be pissed at his parents. Well, it was about time they made him take responsibility for his actions. On the ride home from the beach, Trevor asked, “What’s custody?”

  “Custody?”

  “Yes, Grandpa Russell said Daddy blew the custody thing. Grandpa was mad because of all the people he had taken care of to make it work for Daddy.”

  Interesting! “Daddy and I are divorcing, Trevor. Who you get to live with has custody of you. It means to take care of you. I want custody of you and so does Daddy.”

  “I want to live with you, Mommy.” It warmed her heart when he called her mommy.

  “Me too, Trev. When we go to court, you can tell the judge what you want, okay.”

  *

  Tom paced his living room, checking his clock every two minutes. 6:55. That bitch had better be on time or he’d call the cops, report Trevor missing. Two can play her game. Annoyed when the bell rang at six fifty-nine, he answered the door. Trevor ran in, excited.

  “We went to the beach today, Daddy.”

  “Great, Trev. Be a good boy and go to your room. I need to speak with your mother.”

  Tom watched Trevor run over to throw his arms around Kyra and kiss her good-bye. As soon as Trevor cleared the living room, he said, “Why don’t you come in, Kyra, for a few minutes?”

  “I’m not coming in, Tom. I already told you I’m not going to be alone with you. What do you want to talk about?”

  “Do you always have to be such a bitch, Kyra?”

  “Safety first, Tom.”

  “All of a sudden you’re afraid of me? I can’t believe this,” he spit out.

  “All of a sudden? You tried to rape me, Tom. Don’t play innocent.”

  “It was a mistake.”

  “Oh, you bet it was. If there’s nothing else, I’m tired. Good night.” The bitch turned away from him. He wanted to smack her, but balled his fists by his sides instead.

  “Kyra, we need to make decisions about Trevor. You know—school, shopping, vacations?”

  “I know, Tom, but I think the courts will decide a lot of it, so why don’t we wait it out?”

  “You bitch. You think you have the upper hand now. Well, you don’t. Nothing’s changed.”

  “We’ll see. Good night.”

  He slammed the door, stormed into the kitchen to grab a beer. Tom steamed over her attitude for a good half hour, before paying any attention to Trevor.

  Should he take Trevor and disappear? His parents would help support them, he was sure of it. They would get over their anger. And that was a first, it being directed at him. He couldn’t let Kyra win. Damn, her winning was a real possibility at the moment. What a bitch she wa
s, not dropping the charges. Kyra knew he was drunk, she should have understood. She wasn’t the woman he married. He started the divorce proceeding hoping she’d come to her senses and stop gambling. That didn’t work, so he went after custody, to teach her a lesson. From what little he was able to glean, she wasn’t gambling anymore, but it was far too late for her to get custody. His father already put everything into motion for him. Once he had custody, he was sure Kyra would come back to him. How stupid was he? Everything was blowing up in his face. She’d never come back now, that was clear. If he couldn’t have Kyra, he’d make sure no one else could either.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  There were benefits to starting your morning making love. It seemed to energize Kyra. She kicked Jake out around seven then hopped into the shower before heading in to work.

  “Don’t you look well rested,” Dina said.

  “I’m good. Busy weekend.”

  “So, you’re still seeing Jake?”

  “I am.” The phone rang, interrupting them.

  “It’s your line, Kyra.”

  “Okay, I’ll take it in my office.” She walked in, closed her door, and settled herself into her chair and grabbed the phone. “Hello.”

  “Good Morning, Kyra.”

  Crap! “Morning, Phil.” What did he want now?

  “I haven’t heard from you in a while and I thought I’d call and say hello.”

  Something’s up, but what? Icicles jab at her spine. “Thanks, Phil. Did you have a good weekend?”

  “I did. Did you?”

  She knew he didn’t call to bullshit, so why didn’t he get to it? “Yes.”

  Phil laughed and it grated on her nerves. “Still talking in one-syllable words I see.”

  He’s baiting me, pull it together. She didn’t need this stress after the weekend she’d had with Jake and Mia. “I was taught to speak only when I have something of value to say, Phil.”

  Laughing, he replied, “It’s always smart to hold your tongue. I wanted to touch base because I heard Jake Carrington is now heading Missing Persons. Is that correct?”

  If he asked the question, she understood he already knew the answer. “Yes.”