Blackstone's Heart (Blackout Security Inc. Book 1) Page 15

Lance smirked. “That was a complement. Krista, over the last few weeks, and this is the part that confuses me, I’ve started to like you. No not like boss man does, but like one of my teammates. I don’t trust people easily, but I find myself trusting you.”

  Krista could tell the Marine was uncomfortable with voicing these thoughts. So she reached out and laid a hand on his forearm. “Thank you Lance. That means a lot to me. You and the other guys of Blackout mean a lot to Ethan. I want you, all of you to know that because of that fact alone, you all mean something to me.”

  Lance nodded in understanding. Suddenly feeling vulnerable, a feeling he hated, he turned away and moved to the fridge. He could feel Krista studying him as he moved around the room. He finally returned to the island and met her gaze.

  “What?”

  “Do all you guys know how to cook? I thought the Marines trained you for combat, not cooking school.”

  Lance laughed, genuinely laughed. Outside of his teammates and family, it had been a long time since he laughed in front of someone. “Actually, Ethan and Tony taught me. When I got my house after we set up Blackout, I thought, ‘hey dumbass you might get hungry.’ So, Ethan and Tony volunteered to teach me.”

  Krista giggled into her mug. “I will say Ethan is a hell of a cook. He’s made me a few meals. Of course, Ruby is a helluva cook so he had a good teacher.”

  “What about my mom?” Ethan asked walking into the kitchen.

  “Oh Lance was just telling me how you and Tony taught him to cook and I told him that you had a good teacher since your mom’s such a great cook.” Krista explained.

  Ethan moved to her and kissed her forehead. “Yeah she is. So, how you feeling babe?”

  Krista shrugged a little. “I think I’m still a little numb. Like it hasn’t fully sunk in that he’s gone. What about his parents?”

  “Your mother was on her way to get them and bring them to your parent’s house when Ethan came to get you.” Lance said from the stove.

  “Good. Well, want to fill me in?” Krista inquired, meeting Ethan’s eyes.

  Ethan didn’t want to talk about this, but knew that she needed to know. “Wilson says the guy dressed like a doctor and that’s the most likely way he was able to walk right in and no one noticing him. As for the package and letter, Jimmy and Cain have the letter and Wilson has… the package.”

  Krista took a slow breath. “Alright. When, um, when was Jerry…”

  “Wilson said approximately around six this morning.” Ethan finished.

  Krista frowned. “But the date on the letter and package were dated yesterday.”

  Lance pulled out a large meatloaf from the oven. “Yes, but Ethan, Wilson and your father think this asshole is forging the postmarks.”

  Krista looked from Lance and back to Ethan. “I can see it in your eyes, you guys think he’s here in Austin don’t you?”

  “Yes we do. I won’t lie to you Krista; I just feel in my gut that the bastard is here.” Ethan nodded.

  Krista fell silent. She watched as Ethan and Lance started plating up dinner. If Ethan was right, and she believed he was, she knew that now her security would be beefed up big time. Either Ethan or one of his guys would be with her at all times. Or at least that’s what she suspected would happen. All she could do know was wait and see.

  ***

  Krista sat in the living room trying to work while Lance and Ethan were watching some action movie. Sighing, she shifted her position on the couch then stared back at her screen. Nothing. For the first time in nearly six years she had a severe case of writer’s block. Growling she practically slammed the laptop closed, got to her feet and stormed into the kitchen.

  Ethan and Lance watched. When Ethan started to get up, Lance stopped him. Something passed between the men and Ethan nodded and sat back on the couch. Lance stood from the armchair and headed for the kitchen. He found Krista leaning against the counter next to the coffee pot.

  “You okay?” Lance asked.

  “No. I’m scared, I’m pissed, I’m hurting and to top all of that off I have writer’s block from hell.” She answered, her voice hitching. Lance moved to her side. Taking a breath, Krista continued. “I’ve always been able to use my writing to help me deal with all the emotional bullshit in my head, but now? Nothing.”

  “I don’t know what it’s like to be a writer, but I do know what it’s like to not have a release for the emotional shit.” He said.

  Krista took a sip of her coffee and glanced over at him. “So, what do you do then?”

  He chuckled softly. “I used to drink or go looking for a fight. Once I got into the Marines, I would go to the range or hit the gym.”

  “As much as getting rip roaring drunk sounds appealing, I doubt it would be a good idea right now.” She smirked.

  “Yeah, probably not.” He agreed.

  “Lance, I don’t know what to do. I’m scared and I hate feeling scared. Christ, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder whenever I leave the dammed house!”

  Lance quickly snatched the mug from her hand when he saw her whole body trembling. He turned and placed the mug on the counter and when he turned to face her once more, he found his arms full of a shaking and sniffling Krista. Having very little experience with crying women, except his mother, Lance awkwardly closed his arms around her.

  “It’s okay. It’s okay to be scared.” He whispered.

  “I don’t get scared Lance. I…just…don’t.” She cried.

  Lance looked to his left just in time to see Ethan walk in. He threw his friend and boss and pleading look for help. Ethan moved to them and gently pulled Krista from Lance’s arms and into his own. Krista clung to Ethan as her cries became harsher, like she was purging herself of the feelings coursing through her. Lance watched as Ethan scooped Krista up and walk away. Sighing, Lance returned to the living room. A few moments later Ethan returned to the living room.

  “She alright boss?”

  “Fuck Lance, she’s tore up about this whole thing. I don’t know how to help her and it’s killing me.”

  Lance ran a hand over his shaved head. “I don’t know what to tell ya boss. This is worse than that shit in Iraq. It’s more personal.”

  Ethan leaned back on the couch and laid his head against the back. “I know. Christ, I know she’s strong but I have no idea how she’s going to bounce back from this. Or if she will.”

  Lance got up and moved to sit next to his boss and friend. “Ethan, listen to me. Remember when I told you my full story? I told you that I was damaged. You told me that I was full of shit.”

  Ethan snorted as he recalled that day. “Yeah, yeah I remember. I told you that you were stronger than you knew and that you would find out just how strong one day.”

  “Now I’m saying the same thing. Your woman is one of the strongest women I know besides my mother. Krista will pull through this and you’ll help her do that Ethan. She needs you to be her rock right now. That’s how you’ll help her.” Lance said.

  Ethan stared at his friend and teammate in shock. He had known Lance Archer for over a decade now and that was the most heartfelt speech he had ever heard out of the man. “Damn, I think you missed your calling buddy.”

  Lance smirked, “Fuck you.”

  Ethan laughed. “Well, I’m gonna turn in. You good?”

  Lance nodded. “Yeah, I’m good. I’ll be leaving about 0600 in the morning.”

  Ethan patted Lance on the shoulder before he stood and headed upstairs. He slipped into the darkened bedroom and in the darkness could make out Krista curled up in a ball in the middle of her bed. Quietly he stripped and then slipped between the sheets with her. Without waiting, Ethan pulled her close. He felt her tense body relax the second she was securely in his arms.

  “Just hang on to me now baby. I’ve got you and I’ll hold you through this. I love you Krista.” He whispered.

  “Ethan.” Krista breathed.

  Chapter 14

  Ethan came awake slowly. He reached over t
o pull Krista to him but found her gone. Tossing off the sheets, he pulled on his pants and headed out of the room. He had just reached the foot of the stairs when he heard voices coming from Krista's office. He moved to the door as he heard Krista speak.

  "I know Stacey. God I still can't believe it. This is like something out of a movie or..."

  "One of your novels."

  "Stace, I just don't know what to do. In a few hours I'm meeting with his parents. They're going to blame me. I know they will."

  "Kris, they won't blame you. Tessa and Carl would never blame someone that Jerry loves, I mean...loved. Dammit."

  Ethan slipped into the room as Krista looked up. She reached out for him. He took her hand and moved behind her chair. "I get what you mean. I think it’s starting to set in ya know? It’s been only three days but, I’m starting to feel again."

  “I hear you Kris. The first day or two after we were told I just shut down.” Stacey sighed then cleared her throat. "Kris, I don't want to sound like an insensitive bitch here, but what..."

  "The book release." Krista finished.

  "Yeah."

  "Well, what are the bosses saying about it?"

  "They're saying it's your call. You want to move forward with it, we can. You want to wait, they'll do that too."

  Krista was silent. Ethan took that opportunity to lift her out of the chair. He sat and pulled her down onto his lap. She curled into him, her relief shining in her eyes. "Let me...let me talk to Tessa and Carl. I'll...um...I'll let you know tonight."

  Stacey sighed. "Honey, there's no rush. Okay? The book isn't slated to go live for another three weeks. We've got time. Take the rest of this week and the weekend. Think about this long and hard okay. Your fans will understand and will support you. So will I and the rest of the house here. You're hurting. You need to grieve."

  "I know. Okay, I'll get with you next week then. Thank you Stacey."

  "Anytime Kris. Let me know what his parents are doing for the services. We will definitely do something."

  "Will do. Talk to you soon." Krista agreed and ended the call.

  "You weren't there when I woke up." Ethan sighed as he held her.

  "Sorry. I woke up and couldn't fall back asleep. Figured I'd get that nasty call out of the way." Krista replied laying her head over his heart.

  "Who was that anyway?"

  "My publisher, Stacey Carlin. She and Jerry were old friends before he went off to Hamilton. He reached out to her when I finished Dress Blues. She doesn't know my real identity before you ask."

  Ethan nodded resting his head atop hers. He just sat there holding her, listening to her soft breathing. When he glanced down, he saw she had drifted off to sleep. Slowly he rose, holding her securely he moved into the living room. He eased them both down on the couch and tugged the throw blanket over them. Within minutes he too was once more asleep.

  ***

  Krista paused at the door for a moment. Inside the house she grew up in waited Jerry's parents. Did she have the guts to face them knowing that in a twisted turn of fate she was the reason their son was dead? Would they blame her for what happened?

  "Don't Krista." Ethan said.

  "Huh?" She jumped, looking up at him.

  "Don't blame yourself. This wasn't your fault in any way, shape or form. You hear me?" He stated.

  She nodded. Squaring her shoulders, she opened the door and walked into the house. She and Ethan were greeted in the front hall by her mother. Debbie pulled Krista tightly into her arms. Krista shuddered and clung to her.

  "It's okay honey." Debbie whispered.

  "Where..."

  "They're waiting for you in the living room with your dad."

  Krista released her mother and walked to the living room. Debbie faced Ethan. Before he could blink, she was pulling him to her and hugging him for all she was worth. "Thank you Ethan. Thank you for staying with her."

  "You never have to thank me for that, Debbie. I will always be there for her." Ethan sighed, hugging her back.

  Debbie pulled back and just looked at him a moment. Ethan had no idea what she saw, but whatever it was pleased her. She gave a curt nod, looped her arm with his and steered him to the living room. The scene they walked in on both warmed and broke Ethan's heart. Krista was in the arms of a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Jerry, and the man next to them had his arms around both women.

  "Oh Krista."

  "Tessa I'm so sorry."

  “Thank you.” Tessa said.

  "You must be Ethan. Jerry told us about you. I'm Carl Summerland." The older man said releasing Tessa and Krista.

  "Hello Mr. Summerland. I'm sorry we're meeting this way and I'm deeply sorry for what happened to Jerry." Ethan nodded, shaking Carl’s hand.

  "Thank you. I understand you and your company are helping protect Krista." Carl said.

  "Yes sir."

  Tessa stood and moved to her husband's side. "Jerry told us you were a Marine. That all your men were."

  "That's right ma'am. Myself and my Alpha team all served in the same unit and were teammates then and now." Ethan replied.

  "When you find him, this psycho that took my boy and terrorized Krista, I want you to make him hurt. I know he needs to pay for his crimes but…but you can make it a painful trip to the courthouse can’t you?" Tessa demanded.

  "We can and we will Mrs. Summerland. I may have only known your son a few weeks, but I think he and I would have been good friends had we the time. I swear, I'll make this man feel every ounce of pain he's caused." Ethan vowed.

  ***

  Krista helped her mom and Tessa set the table while the men were in the backyard. "I like your Marine Kris." Tessa smiled a little.

  "Um, well he's not mine exactly." Krista shrugged.

  "Oh? I see the way he looks at you. He's yours baby." Tessa countered.

  "I told you Tess, she wouldn't believe you." Debbie grinned.

  "You two are horrible you know that." Krista grumbled.

  The older ladies laughed. Tessa cleared her throat. "Oh, I didn't think I could laugh again after what happened. Thank you, both of you. Now, Krista what will you do about your book?"

  "Actually, that's something I wanted to talk to you and Carl about." Krista said.

  The men chose that moment to walk in with the food. "Meat's on." Nick declared.

  After everyone was seated, Tessa picked up the conversation. "What was it you wanted to discuss with me and Carl about the book?"

  "I spoke to Stacey this morning. She says if I wanted to hold off on release we could." Krista answered.

  Carl frowned. "Why would you do that?"

  "Well...um, I really don't know why."

  "Krista, Jerry was so proud of you and your work. What was it he used to say, ah yes, 'Why cancel the party because of a hurricane? Let's rock and get me another drink." Carl laughed.

  The whole table erupted into peals of laughter. Krista remembered the night that saying was born. She, Jerry, and her brothers were in Miami. It had been storming its ass off due to the tropical storm off the coast. But Jerry hadn't cared. Neither had half the city for that matter. He had yelled at the top of his lungs, standing on a table of all things, "Why cancel the party for a hurricane! Let's rock and get me another drink!"

  "Ohhh, he loved to say that." Krista sighed, holding her sides. "So, you think I should move forward and release as scheduled?"

  "We dammed well think you should. If you postpone, you're telling this guy that he's getting to you. You want to beat him? Keep going forward." Carl answered firmly.

  "He's right. You and Jerry worked hard on this series. He would want you to rock on and release this book in style." Tessa added, a tearful smile on her face.

  Krista smiled a little and reached over to squeeze Tessa’s hand. "Yeah, yeah he would. Alright then, I'll release Midnight Green just as we planned. For Jerry."

  "That's our girl." Tessa nodded, patting Krista's hand. Tessa stood slowly. “Excuse me.”

&nbs
p; Krista quickly pushed back her chair and hurried after Tessa. She found the older woman in the living room, sitting on the sofa and crying quietly. Krista sat beside her and pulled Tessa into her arms. “Sshh. I’m here Tessa.”

  “My…Jerry. Oh Krista…it hurts.”

  “I know Tessa, but you’re not alone. Jerry is watching us and he’ll give us strength. We’ll catch this guy and when we do he will pay. I promise you that.” Krista whispered.