For All to See (Bureau Series Book 1) (22 page)

M
adelyn went
to sleep that night cuddled in Nathan’s arms. She thought the worst was behind her. Tau was dead and Jim had started the healing process. Instinctively, she stretched out in search of Nathan. They usually woke entwined in one another’s arms. When her fingers didn’t find the treasure they sought her eyes flew open.

The house was quiet. No sizzling noises came from the kitchen. The shower wasn’t running. The smell of him faded from the sheets and the air. She jumped out of the bed, forgetting about her injury until the throbbing ensued. Ignoring it, she hobbled through the bedroom.

She peeked around her bedroom door, but didn’t find him in the kitchen or living area. He wasn’t in the bathroom or on the patio. His papers were not strewn across the kitchen table like the days before. Madelyn stood in front of the wardrobe and clutched to hope. She yanked the door back.

An empty space yawned where his bag had been.

It looked just like the one in the center of her chest.

Her knees gave out and she crumpled to the floor, staring at the vacant space. Numbness settled over her like a comforting blanket. Losing your heart should hurt more. She should scream and cry from the agony.

But if she cried she suspected she’d never stop. Madelyn resigned herself to the numbness, unable to think of all that she had lost in the span of a few weeks.

After a while she peeled herself off the floor and limped into the kitchen. She couldn’t eat anything, but maybe Deacon was hungry. A small pile cluttered the island’s counter top. Her chest expanded.

Immediately she recognized the Glock, but she moved closer to inspect the rest. The pile consisted of the gun, a cell phone, and a note. Madelyn braced herself on the counter’s edge before she began.

The boss called and I had to fly to Miami. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you. Keep these close. If you need anything, call me. - Nathan

Numbness shattered and anger pulled ahead. He didn’t even say goodbye. Not even a parting kiss. Madelyn screaming like a wild animal. She ripped the note into shreds. Limp-running she hurried into the bedroom with the gun and her phone.

Call him? He hadn’t even given her his number.

Madelyn thrust the two devices into the drawer of her nightstand and slammed it shut. How had she thought she’d be fine when he left? Maybe because she’d thought she’d have earned a proper goodbye.

She turned her attention to the bed. The pillow he used hung halfway over the edge. Madelyn snatched it and ripped the pillowcase off. Next came the sheets. She hurled them into the dirty clothes basket, and then replaced them with fresh linens. Pleased that the reminders of him were out of sight, she retreated to the shower to wash the scent of him away.

****

The next week flew, despite her sterile attitude. She threw herself into work out of fear for idle time and her wondering mind. She’d actually contemplated flying to Miami, only she had no idea where he lived. She’d even looked up the FBI field office in Miami, but chickened out when she thought about how pathetic it would sound when she tried to explain why she needed to talk to him.

Since, school was still out she decided to work on the philanthropy that had been so dear to her and Nichole. She labored long hours each day to raise money for the new football field.

Each day she forced herself out of bed and into the shower. Dressed in her best professional outfits, she spent her days scouring the island for supporters. She used her cunning mind and good looks to wrangle two island hotels and three restaurants into pledging substantial donations to the cause. She also worked several local high rollers at the country club into donations.

Amadi came by every night to check on her. And after every visit Madelyn told him she was fine and he didn’t have to trouble himself. But each night he showed up at her doorstep.

His visits were never long or intrusive. He talked to her about his business, his troubled students, or his man whore of a cousin. Madelyn liked to listen to his troubles. They made her forget hers for a time. And when she was being honest with herself she could admit that Amadi’s company was comforting. It made her feel like she and Deacon weren’t completely alone.

The night before Madelyn was due to have her stitches out she sat on her bed. Her hand rubbed over the puckered skin of her thigh. The cut made her think about the nightmare. Her mind drifted from one facet of it to another.

Soon, she began to think about Jim Gallow. She replayed his life story in her mind, lingering over the good parts and trying to understand the bad ones.

Suddenly, she realized it hurt her less to forgive Jim than to hold on to her hate for him. Jim wasn’t innocent in the story of his life. He had free will to do with what he chose. He had repeatedly chosen wrong, but he was, in a sense, a scarred man. The wounds of a broken child had festered into his adulthood and continued to torment him.

Quickly, her mind jumped from Jim to Adrian Tau. She wondered what events in his life, if any, had led him astray. She wondered if he had been born a killer due to some cross wiring of the brain or made one by his universe. Had he been abused in childhood? Neglected?

She would never know the answers to her questions and yet she wanted to do something to make her world right again. Maybe she could help children overcome their scars. She could help them deal with their demons. And just maybe, they would not lose their way.

Then and there, Madelyn decided she was going to go back to school, get her Ph.D. in child psychology, and become a therapist. That was her way of making good come from this horrible situation. It could bring honor to the dead and hope for the living.

A new day dawned for Madelyn. She had some direction for her jumbled life and she was having her stitches removed. The stitches gone would be a sign of healing from the madness.

M
adelyn washed
the day off of her body, and then toweled off. The soreness in her leg was bearable and the swelling had dissipated. But here in the quiet of her home she could finally admit her heart was broken. Life direction or not.

She wrapped in the fluffy white terry cloth and sat on the edge of the tub.

“Where’s your phone?” A husky voice boomed from across the room.

Madelyn’s heart jumped into her throat, blocking her scream. His burly frame towered in the bedroom doorway. And she was immediately more terrified than she’d been during her encounter with Adrain Tau.

She feared if she blinked the man she loved would disappear. She was afraid that her sanity had snapped and her mind was giving her exactly what she wanted.

“Where’s your phone?” he barked.

“In the night stand.” She squeaked the words through a constricted throat.

Nathan turned his back on her, stalked to the bedside, and yanked open the drawer. He pulled it from the depths and stomped back to the doorway. His finger depressed the on button so hard she thought it might break. The screen lit his scowl.

“Would you look at that? Fifty-seven missed calls.” He held the phone out to her…like she could see it from across the room.

She finally found her voice. “What are you doing?” Well, kind of. The force she’d been going for fell flat. But considering the circumstances…

Nathan took a step into the doorway and dropped his duffle bag. Two day’s growth hid his dimple and gave him an air of danger. Or was that his narrowed eyes?

He shoved a hand through his hair. “I get that you’re mad. I should’ve woken you, but you could’ve at least answered one of my calls. You could’ve tried to hear me out. You could’ve called me.”

“Call you?” she shouted and surged to her feet. “I didn’t even have your number.”

His lips pursed.

At least the scowl was gone
.

“Any one of these seven-five-three numbers would’ve done the trick. Or you could’ve used my cell number, which I saved into your contacts before I left.”

“My what?”

“Your contacts. Your phone book inside your phone.”

“They have those?”

“Seriously?” His eyebrows grazed the ceiling.

“I’ve never had a cell phone.” She threw up her hands.

“Never?”

“No. My grandmother never had one and my mom wouldn’t let me have one. When I was finally out on my own I didn’t have anyone to call.”

“Well, if you’d known how to use the damn thing, would you have called me?”

“No,” she lied.

“Why not?”

“Because I’m mad at you.”

“Why?”

“Because you broke my heart, you big jerk.”

He crossed the room in two strides and knelt in front of her barely covered body. “I’m mad at you, too.”

“Me? Why?”

“Every time I called it went straight to voicemail. I had to get Amadi to come check on you, so I knew you were okay. You stubborn pain in my ass.”

His scent filled her lungs and her heart raced. With his face only inches from hers she longed to kiss him, to touch him, to slap the crap out of him for hurting her. The confusion of emotions ordered her to remain still, motionless and quiet, while her brain worked over time. There were so many things that she wanted to know. So many things she needed to know.

Nathan was quick. Before she knew it he had her hand in his grip. She tried to wiggle it free, but he held tight.

“Madelyn, ask me why I left?”

“No,” she said…stubbornly.

“Please.”

“Fine. Why did you leave me?”

“I left you because I had to go to Miami. I had to review and sign off on the final case report.”

Madelyn narrowed her eyes at the lame excuse. She inhaled to let him have it, but he continued.

“I also had to talk to my mother.”

“Your mother. Why? I mean, of course you’d talk to her, but why are you telling me—”

“I had to talk to her to get something.”

She was still no clearer on his justification for leaving her heartbroken and alone without so much as a goodbye.

Nathan pulled a small, antique box from his pocket and held it out to her. Breath caught in her throat. He opened the lid. A delicate white-gold band scrawled with intricate loops and vines to the base of a solitary round diamond against black satin. Its clear shimmer flecked wildly in the low light of her room.

“This ring belonged to my great-grandmother. She and my great-grandfather lived sixty-seven years of marriage dedicated to one another…through good times and bad.” He pulled her chin up to meet his gaze.

“Madelyn Garrett, I am in love with you. I’d like to spend the rest of my life with you, through the bad and the good to come. Marry me?”

She could not hold still any longer. She flew into his arms as the tears streamed down her face. She clutched him so tight and so fast that they both sailed back. They sprawled over the tile floor. Madelyn buried her face in his chest and never wanted to let him go. When he peeled her up from his warmth she tried to fight him.

“Are you going to answer me?” he asked in a gruff voice.

She nodded, clawing her way back to him. “Yes!”

He didn’t let her pass. “Was that a yes you’ll answer me or a yes you’ll marry me?”

She shut him up with a kiss so hot and passionate it left them both panting. Her hands cupped his face. “Yes, I’ll marry you. But you should know as of the end of the school year, I’ll be an unemployed PHD student. And—”

His lips cut her off, and she fell into his safe arms. He pulled back, breathless. “I think I can handle a saucy co-ed in my bed.” He placed the ring on her hand, scooped her up, and then laid her on the bed. “Or yours.”

“
I
, Nathan Reed, take you, Madelyn Haines, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”

Madelyn remembered looking onto the rolling azure water and cotton candy sunsets when she’d lived on Tortola and thinking she’d never seen or heard anything more beautiful.

How wrong she’d been.

The sky faded from yellow to fluffy pink. The waves washed onto the shore. And yet, she couldn't spare them a single glance. She could have married Nathan in a white washed courthouse or here in paradise. The setting didn’t matter after all.

Planning a wedding tested every one of her student-hardened nerves. Added to the endeavors of doctorate level schooling, house hunting—since Deacon didn’t get along with the front doorman—and planning from a distance, it had been quite a bit harder than she had ever imagined.

And for what?

The ring he slid onto her finger didn’t matter. Nor did the ring she slid on his, though she did like the look of it.

Taken, ladies.

His attentive dark eyes. His sturdy shoulders. His dimple and square jaw. His love. He was all that mattered.

The preacher announced them husband and wife. The crowd of their friends and family applauded.

Oh, but wait, the kiss
…

Nathan stepped forward. His hand cupped her nape while his other hooked around her waist. He pulled her to his mouth and kissed the breath right out of her. The man of God coughed. So, of course, he dipped her low and deepened the mating of their mouths.

When the whoops and hollers of the crowd grew to record highs Nathan straightened, but kept her close.

The crowd dispersed into Harvey Thompson’s beach-front mansion for the reception. When she’d found out Harvey’s home was the one on the beach where Nathan had first attacked her she’d overcome her embarrassment about their first meeting—with Nichole’s angel for support—and had booked his restaurant for the catering too.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“I love you.”

His smile… She sighed like a sap.

Blooming ginger plants and lobster claws lined the path leading into the mansion’s reception area. Loud cheers and music boomed through the massive carved wood doors.

Nathan tugged her into his arms and smoothed a kiss over her lips. “Well, Mrs. Brewer, it sounds like we’re missing a good party.”

Madelyn tried to hide her blush against his stunning suit. It was her first time to hear her new name and it startled her. He wouldn’t let Madelyn shroud herself in his chest. He grabbed her chin and tilted it up. His gaze kept dropping to her mouth. “Are you ready for this?”

“Not if you keep looking at me like that.”

He pinched her bottom and she squealed. “Do we have to go in?”

A burly voice from behind answered her before Nathan could. “Yes! If I have to be here, so do you two.” Keen Hunt laid his huge hand out for his partner.

Nathan shook his hand. “Good to see you.”

Keen turned his clear blue eyes on her. He extended her his hand, and when she grabbed it he tugged her from Nathan’s arms, and spun her around. The ivory silk organza of the Monique Lhuillier gown looked whirled like a rich dessert. The pleated bodice of the strapless masterpiece moved with her, while the rose embroidered A-line skirt swayed past her and coiled back again.

“Madelyn,” Keen bowed his head. “You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.”

“She is,” Nathan agreed. “But she is also the only bride you have ever seen.”

“True. I don’t make a habit of attending
these
kinds of functions.” Keen nodded.

Madelyn hugged the athletic man around the waist. “Hey, good lookin, I didn’t think you were going to make it. Wasn’t the treatment center supposed to keep you busy with rehab for a couple more weeks?”

Keen gave Madelyn a sly smile she recognized from her short time in Miami. “They decided to let me go early.” He half-shrugged his good shoulder.

“He’s a fugitive,” Nathan chimed.

“Look, they were lucky to have kept me as long as they did.” Keen shoved his hands in his pockets.

“So,” Nathan began. “What’s next?”

“After the festivities here, I’ll hop on a plane and take off for a few weeks. I need to leave it all behind for a while.” Situating his suit jacket over his tender and broad shoulder, Keen continued. “But don’t worry. I’ll be back at work making your life hell about the time you get back from your honeymoon.”

He put emphasis on the word honeymoon
.
He arched his eyebrow and gave Madelyn a grin that made her blush. Boy, she was an easy target for these two boys.

Keen turned to the door. “Now enough about me. Let’s go celebrate!” He threw open the doors and the small crowd erupted in cheers.

The band announced, “Mrs. Madelyn Brewer and Mr. Nathan Brewer.”

For the next hour they were passed around from hug to hug through the small, yet imposing legion of well-wishers.

Madelyn’s former students gathered around, thrilled to see her again. They all made a painstaking effort to impress her with their fancy attire and manners. She missed them so much and spent time catching up.

Amadi and Ekene had been to Miami to visit her and Nathan’s new digs, but it had been nearly a month since she had seen them. So, they enjoyed their time together, dancing and laughing.

Nathan’s mother, April, showed up with her man friend, Howard. Her poor husband—
wow, she had a husband
—referred to him as her “boy toy” when his mom wasn’t around. The hottie was young enough to be Nathan’s brother. It didn’t matter to him that the man was a psychologist with a highly reputable practice in Miami. But, with some prodding from her and the permanent smile on April’s face, he took it in stride.

Madelyn and April were well on their way to a truly great mother and daughter-in-law relationship. They’d grown close in the short time she’d been in the States. From Nathan to helping victims of trauma their interest aligned. And they were both pretty darn stubborn.

Nathan’s family from Georgia even made the trip to attend. Madelyn watched now-you-just-call-me-Uncle-Preston twirl his wife, Sarah, across the dance floor.

“Don’t look too long, or else they’ll have you out there dancing until your feet fall off.”

Madelyn turned to find the most vibrant red hair she’d ever seen. It cascaded down the fine-boned features of woman very near her age. “Thanks for the tip. My dance card is about full, especially in these heels. Barefoot on the beach was the way to go.”

“It was a lovely ceremony. I can’t believe you lived here and gave it up for my smelly cousin.” She smiled and Madelyn noticed the sprinkling of freckles on the apples of her cheeks. “I’m Ava Shepherd.”

“Madelyn Gar…Brewer. Well, that’s going to take some getting used to.”

“I can’t even imagine.”

“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m glad you were able to make it.”

Ava placed her hand over her chest. “I’m just sorry we missed the rehearsal dinner. It’s Ford’s fault. I swear, I don’t know how my brother is so good at his job when he can’t get anywhere on time.”

“It’s because I’m so good at my job I can’t get anywhere on time.” Ford, Madelyn guessed, bumped shoulders with Ava.

“Always so humble.” His sister rolled her eyes.

“Wife, I see you’ve meet the hell raisers of my youth.” Nathan stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle.

“I think they’re still perfectly capable of raising hell,” Madelyn corrected.

“I like her already.” Ford winked and held out his hand. “Welcome to the family.” He patted the back of her hand.

“What kept you from free steak and lobster?” Nathan asked.

“A loony with a pipe bomb and four hostages.” Ford crossed his arms as casually as if he were talking about a shot off the back nine.

“You’re in law enforcement too?” Madelyn awed.

“I can’t believe they let him either, Madelyn.” Keen stepped into the circle. He held his hand flat at about crotch level. “Yeah, they lowered the bar the day they let this kid in.”

The two men exchanged ultra-slow-mo punches to the kidney and jaw.

“Wow, the mean age just dropped a few decades.” Ava looked down her nose at them.

“Oh, come on,” Keen scoffed.

“Don’t make me make you squawk like a chicken in front of all these people,” Ford warned.

“What was that?” Keen put his hand to his ear. “The sun’s rising? The roosters are crowing.”

Madelyn had no idea what they were talking about, but already her sides cramped with laughter at the look of horror on Ava’s face.

They both stalked toward her one step.

“I swear, I deal with psychopaths all day.” Ava’s stark green eyes narrowed. “I don’t need crazies while I’m on vacation.”

They took another step toward her.

“I’ll hold her. You tickle her,” Ford said.

“No way. Last time I held her and got clobbered in the goods, while you ran away like a sissy.” Keen put up his hands.

Nathan’s laugher filled her ear and his heaving chest rocked her back and forth. He wiped tears of laugher from his cheeks. “He ran,” Nathan wheezed out the words, “because Ava…threatened to tell Aunt Sarah…where he kept his girlie mags.”

“How old were y’all?” Madelyn asked.

“College.” Ava clamped her lips together fighting back a laugh.

Then Keen and Ford both doubled over in laughter.

“So, Ava, what do you do that you deal with psychopaths all day?” Madelyn wanted to know.

“The Bureau.” The porcelain-skinned beauty smiled sweetly.

“Seriously? Did y'all make a pact as kids or something?” Madelyn put her hands on her hips and looked at them one at a time.

Nathan wove his fingers in between hers. “We all have our own reasons for joining.”

“Okay, I know why Nathan joined the Bureau. And I’m ninety-eight percent certain you two boys joined so you could shoot bad guys. But Ava, what made you join the FBI?”

Ava’s green eyes widened in surprise. “I assumed you knew.”

“It’s your story to tell, Av, not mine,” Nathan told her.

Nathan’s big hand settled on her shoulders and turned her to face him. “Love, it’s not exactly wedding appropriate conversation.” When she narrowed her eyes at him, Nathan leaned down and kissed her. “It’s a long story. There’ll be plenty of time to tell it, since we’re at the beginning of our forever.”