The Last Execution (41 page)

J.T. grabbed Leigh’s arms. “Talk to me. Are you all right?” He crushed her against him.

“I’m fine,” she mumbled into his chest.

“Well, I’m not.” He never wanted to let her outside the perimeter of his arms. But she stepped back.

“Let’s get this crowd under control.”

Her cool, detached tone and serious take-charge cop attitude opened a relief valve, and he laughed, drawing a curious stare from her. “You got it.”

She surrendered her gun to him and then turned back to the chaos behind her. J.T. understood her frame of mind. He’d been there. Right now, every nerve cell in her body ran on high-octane fuel. For a while, she’d feel ten feet tall and invisible. Later, after the adrenaline wore off, reality would kick in and the shakes would take over.

Would she take another chance on him? Give him another chance to live? He didn’t want to try without her. If she’d allow him, he’d hold her in his arms.

Then he’d tell her how proud he was of her. Then he’d make love to her.

Then he’d tell her she was his girl like he should’ve done when she asked.

Hopefully, she’d be his girl forever.

Hospital security started sorting through the chaos. Gurneys lined up and Ellen was whisked off down the hall. J.T. figured the small puncture in her neck only needed a compression bandage.

Two doctors gloved up and knelt over Doyle Preston. Seconds later the sound of latex snapping as they removed them reverberated through the hall.

“Get this man to OR,” one doctor barked at an orderly. Within seconds, the sniper disappeared on a gurney flanked by two security officers.

Atlanta PD burst onto the scene, bringing with them a completely new set of chaotic activities and questions. J.T. passed off Leigh’s weapon to the sergeant in charge.

APD separated him and Leigh when they took their statements. He willingly complied, after he’d checked on his grandmother and mother. Huddled together, both of them refused to admit to being scared.

His family being in harm’s way shook him to the core. Leigh standing so close to danger terrified him. He’d have to learn to deal, because she’d never leave the force.

****

Friday, May 21, 4:30 p.m.

Leigh rested her hand on the door to room 1411 but didn’t push. She needed a minute to catch her breath. Yeah. A quick deep breath and she’d be ready to join J.T. inside with his mother and grandmother.

APD had taken his statement and cut him loose. Their questioning of Leigh ran much longer. As the shooter, she’d had a lot more explaining to do. At least for now, they’d finished with her. IA would hold a formal investigation, conduct a hearing, and then make a ruling.

The hospital staff and security returned to normal operations. To anyone arriving, everything appeared to be business as usual. Leigh couldn’t imagine normal right now. Not while the image of Doyle Preston as they rolled him away flashed with every blink of her eyes. She could still feel the air move as he’d slashed at her throat. That she hadn’t known his weapon was of little consequence. She’d defended herself. Pure and simple.

Perspiration popped out across her forehead. All the possibilities of what could’ve happened wormed their way deep inside her soul, rumbled and thundered through her until her entire body shook.
Why me?
Lots of cops retired from the force never having fired their weapon except on the practice range. Yet she’d shot another human. Her stomach roiled, threatening to purge itself. The crazed sniper, dropping like a rock at her feet would haunt her forever.

The door opened, and J.T. stepped out. Off balance, she stumbled forward, slamming into his solid body.

“Easy, Hotshot.”

He steadied her as he stepped out into the hall. Then he gathered her to his chest and rested her head against his shoulder.

“Shh. I’ve got you.”

She gave way and let her tears soak the front of his shirt. His strong hands gripped the back of her blouse, swaying slightly, he pressed her tight against him. She slid her arms around him and clung to him. A lifeline. His strong steady heartbeat comforted her.

“I’m glad,” she whispered.

“You better be, ’cause I may never turn you loose.” He cleared his throat. “Seeing you in danger was too much.”

He almost couldn’t finish his sentence. His chest moved as he swallowed hard. Leigh didn’t try to force him to speak. Instead, she sank further against him.

“Leigh, aside from scaring the shit out of me, today made me face reality. I can’t lose you. Seeing Preston lunge at you drove home how helpless I was. For the past couple of days, not one part of my life has been under control. You had it together. You stood your ground. Damn, I’m proud of you.”

“Thank you. Hearing you say the words helps.”

She leaned back and looked up at his beautiful face. Love shined from his eyes like a beacon, and her world righted itself. He might not say the words, for now, she was okay with that. “I can’t seem to turn off the waterworks. Delayed reaction now that everything’s over.”

“Cry all you want.” He kissed her forehead. “Shooting somebody is a hell of a lot harder than people think. The aftershock can be a bitch.”

“You’ve killed people, haven’t you?” She regretted asking when the spark in his eyes dulled. “Stupid question. Don’t answer that. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’ve killed. That’s something I’ve learned to live with. Taking another human’s life never got easier, but I understood the responsibility came with the job.” He leaned down, resting his forehead on hers. “Did I mention how proud I am of you?”

“You did. Say it as often as you like. I love hearing it.” Leigh hoped her words reflected her emotions.

The door opened, and Roxanne stuck her head out into the hall. “Oops. Am I interrupting?”

“And if you are?”

J.T. smiled at his mother, and Leigh saw the same mischievous look she’d received from her own son. J.T.’s eyebrow rose as if he waited for his mother’s parry.

“I’d say get a room. Mama’s worried you’d left without saying goodbye.” She rested her hand on Leigh’s arm. “Come in, when you’re done.” With a wink, she disappeared back into the room.

J.T. shook his head. “I can’t get over the change in her. I hope she sticks around this time.”

“Did you learn how your grandmother broke her hip?”

“Yeah. My mother’s wallet had fallen out of her handbag. Nana ran outside to catch her, but Mama was already gone. Nana slipped and fell on her way back inside.”

“Oh. God.” Leigh gasped. “Inadvertently, your mother did cause the fall.”

“Yeah. She’s hurting.”

“She blames herself.”

“More like she was afraid I’d blame her.”

“I’m glad you talked things out with her.”

“Me, too.” He glanced toward the hospital room. “We’d better go in for a while. Then I’ll drive you home.”

She reached for the door but paused. “I drove. My car’s in the parking lot.”

“We’ll get it in the morning.”

“Why? You’ll have to drop me off at home on your way to work.”

“Grandmother’s in the hospital. The sniper’s in custody. I’m taking vacation time.”

“Again, with the four-word sentences,” she joked. In reality, she didn’t care if he talked in short sentences the rest of his life as long as they were together. She wouldn’t say that out loud because he’d frozen up the last time she’d put him on the spot. “Besides, I need to pick up Ethan,” she said instead.

“Let me try again. I can do better.” He leaned down so close his lips brushed her ear. “We’ll pick him up in the morning. Because tonight, I want to take his mother home with me and make love to her all night long.”

The look on his face was positively delicious. Lighthouse-beacon bright, love beamed from his eyes.

“Now that’s a sentence I can get into.”

“Here’s another. Life without you wouldn’t be worth living. I love you, and I should’ve told you sooner. I’m sorry for being a coward and not telling you the minute I knew.”

Before Leigh responded, he tugged her up on her toes and kissed her.

Hard. Possessive. Forever.

She was breathless and weak-kneed when he released her.

“I love you, too.”

An instant before his lips crashed down on hers, Leigh heard him mutter, “Thank God.”

Epilogue

Friday, May 28, 11:30 a.m.

Leigh stood at the top of the courthouse steps in the hot Georgia sun. For the first time in months, she breathed in freedom from worry. Breathed in peace. She lowered her gaze to the man waiting at the bottom and soaked in his love.

“I guess this is it for us.” Wearing a navy blue designer suit and matching heels, Karen joined Leigh on the walk down. “I’m glad things worked out for you and Ethan. And from what I can see, for you and your agent.”

“I’m grateful and can’t thank you enough.” Leigh shook Karen’s extended hand.

“My pleasure.” The attorney waved at J.T. and headed to her car.

Carlton and Elizabeth Carrington’s black limo eased away from the curb. A strong, warm hand slid around Leigh’s waist. J.T.’s touch never failed to electrify her skin. He’d had to wait outside the courtroom, but his presence and support had helped her through the hearing, the wait while the judge deliberated, and today when he’d given his decision. Relieved her ordeal was over, she turned into his arms.

“Let’s get out of here.” Leigh rose up on her toes for a kiss.

“Just waiting on you,” he said with a shrug of his shoulders.

He smiled a one-sided grin. He’d probably worn a path through the pavement while fretting over her being inside without him to protect her. She’d probably never convince him she didn’t need protecting. But then she wouldn’t try. She loved that part of him. He wore the hero-slash-defender badge well.

His dark hair gleamed under the bright sun. As usual, even dressed in jeans and a Falcons jersey, he set off a firestorm of hormones in her body. Without questioning her, he tightened his grip, and walked her to his new SUV.

Seated, she considered the odd choice he’d made. For him to part with his Corvette and purchase a vehicle the size of Indiana was way beyond weird. Yet this morning he’d picked her with no more explanation than a smile. Leigh leaned back, closed her eyes, and breathed in the new car smell. J.T. slid behind the wheel and the engine hummed to life. The interior improved dramatically with leather and male scent mixed.

“Thank you for being here for me.” Cool air caressed the perspiration off her face.

“I love you, remember? There aren’t enough Marines in the state to keep me away.”

J.T.’s hand settled on her knee. As usual, his touch sent multiple emotions racing through her system. She felt stronger, safer, loved, and incredibly sexy whenever they came in contact. She rolled her head to the side and opened her eyes, knowing his probing emerald gaze rested on her face.

“You bet I remember. Knowing that you loved me helped me get through the Internal Affairs investigation, the hearing with Jason’s parents, and Doyle Preston’s death.”

“None of which was your fault. Carrington was murdered, and Preston died on the operating table.”

“But I don’t say thank you enough.” She stroked her fingers down his arm.

“Glad I could be of service.”

“I appreciate all the ‘services’ you provide.” Tension in her body eased at the sound of his husky chuckle. “And because the Carringtons finally realized Jason was a monster, they’ve backed off and decided not to pursue a relationship with Ethan, for now. When I tell him about his father, which I will someday, they asked me to tell Ethan they would like to meet him. If he’s interested and willing.”

J.T. caught her hand and then kissed her palm. She leaned toward him, allowing his internal strength to pass into her.

“I’m sorry you had to go through all this crap.”

“I’m glad they finally learned the kind of man Jason was.”

“Shit.” J.T. spit out the word on a cloud of disgust. “They knew. Good riddance to the lot of them.”

“You’re right. They helped create his personality. Now that IA’s wrapped up their investigation, I can get back to work.”

“I didn’t figure it would a problem. Your bullet didn’t kill Preston. Not your fault he didn’t keep his ass in bed.”

“I’m ready to move on.” Truth was Leigh hadn’t spent much time worrying about Internal Affairs. Her son remained priority one. “Poor Ethan. How do I explain Jason to him?” She resisted the urge to pat her loose curls into place. “At what age do I try?”

“Will you be okay if he decides he wants to have a relationship with them?”

“I’ll have to be. If, and that’s a big if, the Carringtons stick to the bargain and let me tell Ethan when he’s old enough to understand.”
Understand?
She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at such a ridiculous statement.

“We’ve got lots of time to work through that.”

Her heart jammed into the back of her throat. He’d used the word “we” again. Since the shooting, he’d added the word to his vocabulary, lumping the three of them together as if they were one big happy family. She prayed he meant it. Hopelessly in love, she couldn’t imagine life without him.

He backed out of the parking spot but stopped in the middle of the lane. In one quick motion, he drove back into the slot where they started. He put the gearshift in park, drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, and stared straight out across the hood. The nerve in his jaw twitched. Her heart rate sprang from normal to crisis.