Flawlessly Executed (Dark Horse Guardians Book 3) (25 page)

He glanced at her lovely profile as she read a magazine with the map light on. Her blonde hair was swept away from her face and she looked like an angel. He wanted to surprise her with the big diamond ring he had spent half his life’s savings on, but wanted to choose the right moment. He’d decided on the dinner at the French restaurant Monique so loved on the waterfront in Portland. Lara had the reservation made for the coming weekend. Usually filled with confidence, the thought of Monique saying no to his proposal knocked him down a peg. There was always the chance that she would refuse him.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Bettencourt mused. I love her and she’s the one for me. Monique turned and smiled at him.

“What…did you say something?” she asked sweetly.

“No, just thinking you’re quiet.” Bettencourt said.

“I’m trying to distract myself with this magazine. The funeral made me cry a lot.” Monique confessed. “I’ve never been to anything like that before.”

“I know, love. In was sad but beautifully done. I’ll miss Jake. He will be fondly remembered.”

Bettencourt noticed the dashboard light up and the Bluetooth phone call rang through. He clicked the button on the steering wheel and Ben’s voice boomed over the speaker.

“Hey Bett. Thanks for helping today. There’s something I need to talk with you about. Can you come by the house tomorrow?” Ben sounded serious.

“Yeah. What time?” Bettencourt replied.

“How about 9:00 AM, I’ll make you breakfast.” Ben said.

“Hell, Yeah. See you then.” Bettencourt said, and he clicked off the call.

“I wonder what that was about.” Monique peered at him innocently.

“Oh, probably business.” Bettencourt murmured. But, he knew it was serious business, and kept the subject matter to himself for the time being.

~ Ben ~

He knew that Bettencourt would love the simplicity of fried eggs and Applewood smoked bacon, with a side of potatoes and onions, and fresh Italian bread lightly broiled in the oven. Ben focused on the multiple tasks in the kitchen ignoring the anguish burning in his heart for Jake Wilson. From experience, he realized if he kept busy enough, the memories would linger in the back of his mind, and surface only when he was alone.

He was alone now flipping bacon in a frying pan, yet thinking of the jokes he played on Jake throughout their twelve years together. He remembered the warmth of Jake’s handshake just over a week ago on the last mission. Guilt haunted him: why didn’t he see this coming? Jake would still be here if he had been man enough to take him by the shoulders and shake some sense into him. Hot grease from the bacon spattered on his hand and he reached for a towel. He didn’t realize he was crying. It wasn’t sobbing, but his eyes were clouded with tears.

As Ben splashed cold water from the sink faucet onto his face, a knock on the kitchen door brought him to the present. Bettencourt was standing on the back porch, he was early. Bettencourt was always early.

“Hey Bett,” Ben said as he opened the door, “Come on in and make yourself a coffee.”

“Thanks, don’t mind if I do.” Bettencourt slapped Ben as he walked toward the coffee pot on the kitchen counter. “How’re you doing, Chief?”

“Making breakfast and wanting to talk with you.” Ben replied, avoiding the real question.

“What’s up?” Bettencourt sipped his coffee.

“I want you to work for me.” Ben smiled, “It’s not as if you don’t already, you know?”

“Yeah, I know.” Bettencourt smiled back.

“I want you to think it over. It’s a lifestyle change. Not like the police department. The pay and benefits are a lot better.” Ben teased.

“But the hours suck.” Bettencourt needled him back.

“That’s what I love about you, Bett, you’re a man who speaks the truth.” Ben smiled.

“I’m asking Monique to marry me this weekend. How do you think this will go over with her?” Bettencourt wondered aloud.

“One way to find out.” Ben said with certainty.

“Yes, that’s true. But if she shoots me down, I don’t know what I’ll do.” Bettencourt was serious. He sat across the cooking island from Ben and their eyes locked.

“Hey, I’ve got an idea.” Ben leaned in, “Lara’s tight with Monique. They talk about stuff like this. Have Lara do some groundwork for you. You know, test the waters…”

“I never thought about doing that,” Ben saw a light come on in the big man’s brown eyes, “You’re right. Where’s Lara? I’ll ask her right now…”

As her name was mentioned, Lara walked through the kitchen doorway, “Is that bacon I smell cooking?” she asked. Ben and Bettencourt simultaneously looked at her.

“What…” Lara asked, “Why are you guys staring at me like that? Did I do something, or do I have a big spot on my shirt?”

“Sit down, Lara. We need to have breakfast and talk,” Bettencourt persuaded her.

“Jeez, why do I feel like I’m being set up for something here?” Lara half joked.

“Because you are.” Ben laughed.

~ Lara ~

Monique agreed to have lunch with Lara the following day. Still reeling from the grief of the funerals, Lara drove to the firm to meet with Finn Murphy. She had left him unexpectedly holding down the fort and dreaded what could be awaiting her. As she made her way up the staircase, she heard Finn’s voice booming from her office. He was already there and on the phone with someone. He lived with his Bluetooth ear clip and she wondered if he fell asleep with it connected to him at night.

“Hey, Lara!” Finn greeted her happily.

“I missed you,” she hugged him and felt the camaraderie radiating from him.

“How are you doing, darlin?” Finn looked into her face, holding her shoulders.

“I’ll be all right, Finn.” Lara gave him a weak smile, “I want to thank you for running things here. In fact, I wanted to meet with you today to discuss an idea I have.”

Looking serious, Finn sat on the sofa and she sat next to him. “I’ve got to be brutally honest with you Finn, I thought running Stone and Associates was going to be my dream job, but it isn’t. I’m not great with the financial stuff and the managerial piece is not my cup of tea either.”

Finn’s eyes met hers as if he feared what was coming next, “Anything I can do to help?” he whispered.

“Yes, there is something. I want you to be in charge here. Run the place. Take the helm as Eliot did.” Lara said.

“What about you?” Finn queried.

“I want to step back into design. I want to buy back the bungalow and work for Stone and Associates, I’ll remain a silent partner with you. I’ll increase your salary accordingly. What do you think?”

Finn stood and paced around the room. He removed the Bluetooth from his ear and dropped it into his pocket, “It’s sort of like that old saying – be careful what you wish for? Is that what you’re telling me? You really
don’t
like it up here at the top?”

“Exactly,” Lara said, “I miss design and all of the creativity and crazy stuff that goes with it. It’s what I truly love. It’s probably why I miss Eliot. He taught me so much about design and we used to have field trips together, go treasure hunting at salvage yards for just the right piece. I miss the happy look on the client’s face when the project was done. I miss the contractors, especially Tony.” Lara felt breathless waiting for Finn’s response. He was usually so easy to read.

“Okay, I’ll do it.” Finn crossed the room and hugged her. “I’m sorry you’ve been overwhelmed, darlin. But if this is what you want, then this is what we’ll do.”

Tears of happiness burned Lara’s eyes. “It is what I want. Thank you, Finn.” Those were the only words she could say at the moment. She had a lump in her throat and couldn’t seem to speak.

“When do you want to start this new routine?” Finn wiped a tear from her face with his hand.

“Right away. Today, if you’d like. I’ll contact the attorney and have the paperwork done.” Lara replied with relief in her voice.

Finn left the office for a few appointments while Lara contacted John Maxfield to draw up the documents. She felt as if a ton of bricks had been removed from her shoulders. It was as if she could breathe again. Maxfield accommodated her schedule and said he’d be there the next day with the deal sketched out. Lara sent a text to Finn asking him to put her on his schedule last thing tomorrow.

Betty came in and Lara told her about the new arrangement. “Oh, I’m so happy, Lara!” Betty gushed. “We love Mr. Murphy so much around here. It is a great idea. You’ve been through so much, my dear.” Betty embraced her and Lara felt warmth and goodwill emanating from her.

“Would you help me pack some stuff up today? I’d like to go over to the bungalow. The auctioneer will be there and I want to talk with him. I want the place. It’s a perfect space with a central location. I feel at home there.” Lara whispered.

“Certainly,” Betty said. “Let me get some boxes. I’ll be right back. I’ll get one of the office boys to carry them for you.”

The door softly closed and Lara looked around the room; she knew she was making the right decision because there was joy in her heart for the first time in months. Finn was perfect for the job. She should have thought of this from the beginning. Betty returned with the boxes and helped her pack. Lara drove to the bungalow with a smile on her face for the first time since she could remember.

The man who owned the auction house was standing on the porch of the bungalow. Richard Wallace was a big man, heavy-set, with a beard wearing a barn jacket and a hat. He looked like a Yankee all right. He waved as Lara pulled into the driveway and helped her carry the boxes into the bungalow.

“When would you like to have the auction?” Richard queried. “I’m flexible this time of year.”

“I’m buying it.” Lara informed him happily. “No auction needed. I’ll pay you the fee or whatever you want, but I’m buying it. And, all of the landscaping equipment, too.”

Richard Wallace removed his hat and scratched his head, “You sure?”

“Yes,” Lara shook his hand. “Write up a bill of sale right now. I’ll give you a bank check. I have my reasons.”

The auctioneer did as he was instructed and the bill-of-sale was written in his handwriting. Lara signed it and gave him the check for the bungalow and all of the landscaping equipment. She made a photocopy and handed it to him.

“My attorney will go over this tomorrow; I’ll get back to you with any details that need to be ironed out.” Lara offered.

Wallace thanked her and stared at her for a long moment. “Thank you, Ma’am, I must say this is a first for me. I’ve never had this happen before.”

Lara sighed, “Well, there’s a first time for everything.”

As Richard Wallace left the driveway, Lara’s phone vibrated and it was Monique. “Come over to the bungalow, and bring lunch!” Lara pleaded with her. “I’m getting hungry.”

“Sure thing, see you in a few minutes.” Monique clicked off.

Lara wandered through the rooms of the bungalow as if in a trance. Hawk was still there, she could feel him. But it wasn’t the deep anguish she felt the week before; something else was happening inside of her. It was as if she couldn’t get close enough to him. She combed through the place looking for any sign of him living there.

The kitchen contained his pots and pans, what few there were. His mismatched plates and silverware were still in the cabinets. She would bring the cardboard boxes and trash bag with his clothing back with her tomorrow and put them where they were. The shower in the bathroom had the soap he used. She took the bar and held it to her nose and closed her eyes. It was as if he was there, laughing at her. Poking fun at her sentimentality. She touched the towel he showered with and found a laundry hamper with a few soiled socks and a shirt. She vowed not to wash them. It seemed ridiculous, but she wanted to keep them as they were.

In the hall closet she found his favorite denim jacket. He often wore it to landscaping jobs. Trying it on she realized it was way too big for her. Hawk was six foot four and she was five foot nine, but she wrapped the jacket around her knowing she would wear it from time to time. When she put it on it felt as if he was hugging her. There was a ticket stub in the pocket. One movie pass. He went to the movies alone and watched a romantic movie, a tear-jerker. She wished she had gone with him. The date was August 15
th
; he was installing her garden then. She remembered him talking about the movie one morning on the porch.

In the other pocket she felt a metal object. It seemed fairly heavy. She pulled out a stopwatch, the type a railroad engineer would have used. It had to be ancient. She remembered him showing it to her when she first met him. It was something he found in a pawn shop. Her fingers traced the details. It was not a fancy one but utilitarian in its design, just like Hawk.

Monique brought her out of her reverie with a rap on the door, “Hey, are you in here?”

“Come into the kitchen,” Lara replied.

The two sat in the kitchen and immediately started chattering, “What’s new with you?” Monique asked.

“I’m wiped out from the last few days. I feel as if I have no energy left.” Lara sighed.

“You’re grieving, Lara, it is okay to feel that way.” Monique said. “I’ve never been to a more moving service than Jake’s. I felt as if I knew him after meeting all of his friends. He must’ve been a great guy.”