Southern Comfort (14 page)

"Where will you go?  And if you run, won't it make it look like you're part of whatever your husband is into?"

"Excuse me?"

"To the feds. Surely you have to know that they're watching you as well. You are married to the man."

"And in the process of divorcing him."

"But still married."

"Shit. Shit, shit, shit." If she booked David an airline ticket, her credit card could be traced and it would be easy to figure out where he was. "Oh my god, Riley, what do I do?  He's my child. I have to protect him."

"I think you need to call the FBI and tell them everything you know."

"Are you serious?"

"Dead serious."

She thought about it, but only for a few seconds. He was right. She was innocent so there was nothing to fear. She hadn't known where the money came from that she took from Rick and she would turn it over to the law if that's what it took.

"You're right. I just want to make sure David is safe. He hasn't done anything and if something were to happen—" She couldn't even finish the sentence. The enormity of it all hit her like a freight train.

The tears came, in torrents, accompanied by sobs she tried to muffle by covering her face with her hands. She'd never known fear like this. Her entire being was consumed by it.

Whatever doubts Riley had harbored were gone. He wasn't a mind reader, but he was pretty good at reading people and he knew she was being truthful with him. What he saw now was an innocent woman who'd gotten caught up in something out of her control and a mother who was in fear for her child's life.

However foolish it was, that brought out something in him that didn't emerge too often. The need to be a hero. He knew in that instant that he was going to do whatever it took to save both Annie and her son.

"Annie, honey." He moved to sit on the bed and gather her into his arms. "I'm here. I'm here and we'll get through this. We'll make sure David is safe. I promise."

"How can you promise that?" Her words were choked with tears.

"Because I believe in you." He pushed her back and held her at arm's length. "Now listen to me. I can get David here. I'm not without friends and I can get him here safely. You and he will move to the ranch with me where I can keep an eye on you.

"We'll call the FBI and get them to send whoever they need to send to talk to you and you can tell them everything you know. And whatever happens, I'll be right here with you. All the way."

Analise had never loved anyone more than she loved Riley in that moment. What he was offering was so huge it was almost unbelievable and she realized it was a true gift of love. But she also knew that she couldn't let him put himself in harm's way. It wasn't a matter of worrying that something might happen and she'd never be able to forgive herself, it was a matter of allowing him to put himself in whatever cross-hairs there were out there for her and David.

She wiggled out of his grasp and straightened as best she could. "Riley, I – god, I don't even know how to start to tell you what that means to me, but I can't."

"You can't what?"

"I can't let you put yourself in danger for me. I need to leave and I mean leave Cotton Creek. I'm not going to bring trouble down on you or anyone else here. It's not right."

"It is right and you're not letting me do anything. I'm offering."

"Why?" She suddenly needed to hear him say it. "Why would you do that?"

"Because you're my –"

"Friend?  Riley, this goes way beyond the call of friendship."

"You're right."

"Then why?"

He looked at her and once more she was caught in that timeless moment, lost in his eyes and filled with emotion so overwhelming that it nearly robbed her of her breath. His right hand moved up to cup the side of her face.

"You know why, Annie."

"I need to hear it."

His eyes searched hers and he moved closer, never breaking eye contact. "Because I'm falling in love with you."

The whole world went silent and shrunk to the size of that one small room. Nothing else existed, there were no other thoughts in her head except for the echo of his words. Then another thought crept in. Was this real?  Maybe she'd died in that crash. Maybe she was in a coma dreaming this.

"Could you pinch me please?"

"Pardon?"

"Pinch me, Riley."

"Why? Is something wrong?  Do you feel –"

"I just need to know this is real."

He sagged visibly. "Damn Annie, you scared me."

"I'm sorry but – but you said…"

"I said I'm falling in love with you."

"As in you like me and that like could be more in time, or you've already moved into the something more but it's not quite certain, or you think you might –"

"I love you."

Her mouth stopped working. He loved her?  Riley Morgan loved her? 

"Annie?"

"I – oh god, Riley, it doesn't feel real."

"Why?"

"Why?  Because … because you're you. You're the guy on the movie screen, the one I dreamed about for so long, the one I cooked up fantasies about. You're him and you're you – you're the two men I base everything that's perfect about a man on, the one I write about and dream about and want more than anything."

"Well, here I am honey. Telling you that I love you and waiting to hear that I'm not in this by myself."

There was no thought for her injuries. Analise launched herself off the bed and onto his lap, her arms curling around his neck. "I love you, Riley Morgan."

He smiled just before he kissed her, and it was
the
kiss of her dreams. The kiss that promised passion, comfort, companionship, friendship, protection and love. It promised all of that, but more than anything it promised what she wanted most of all. Home.

Not home as in a place to hang her hat, but home as in that one person you can invest everything in, that person you can bare your soul before and know that whatever your shortcomings, you will be forgiven and whatever your strengths you will be respected.

Riley's kiss, his arms tight around her – it said
here is your home
– and she latched onto it knowing that she would never willingly let go.

For that one brief moment, life was more wonderful than anything she'd ever dreamed. And then reality returned.

She pulled back from him. "I love you, Riley, and that's why I have to leave here."

"No. You're not leaving. Now listen to me. I have a friend who works for the Justice Department. I'm going to call him and get him to fly to wherever your son is and bring him here and then you're going to tell him everything you know. About your husband, his business and that money you took."

"You don't think I'll go to jail do you?"

"No. I don't. But I do think you have to tell them everything you know."

"I know and I will, but if that crime boss or whatever he is sent that guy down here, who's to say he won't send someone else?  Riley, I can't let you or anyone here be put in harm's way."

"You're not asking. I'm telling. You're staying with me. You and David. And I'll protect you."

"But what if someone tried to do something to Cody or her family?"

"We're going to let the police chief know what's going on. And the Sweets. Hell I'm gonna let everyone I know hear the truth."

"I don't know that I want everyone knowing."

Riley fell silent for a minute, his eyes searching hers. "You come from a small town, right?"

"Yes."

"And in that small town, what would the people do if someone threatened one of their own?."

"Today?  I don't know. I've been gone a long time."

"So when you were a kid."

"Well, I guess they'd stand together. At least most of them."

"And that's what we do here. Trust me on this, Annie. Cotton Creek folks look out for their own."

"I'm not one of their own, Riley."

"But I am. And you're mine."

"Am I?"

"Do you want to be?"

"I do."

"Then it's settled. Now, get back in that bed while I go find your doctor and see about getting you out of here."

She gave him a kiss on the cheek, did as he requested and got back into the bed. Her mind went into a whirl. If Rodrick and his family had taken money from someone in organized crime and that person was trying to use her and David as a threat to get their money back, maybe the safest bet was just to give them what they wanted.

Then again, if she did that, did it make her an accomplice to something illegal?  She wished she knew the answers. She wished David was here with her where she could see that he was safe. And she wished Riley would hurry up and get back.

Chapter Twelve

Rodrick felt like the only guppy at a shark convention. Gina, her father Giancarlo, and two of Giancarlo's associates sat around the table in the conference room of one of Giancarlo's businesses. Rodrick could feel sweat trickle down the center of his chest, his back and sides.

Giancarlo had just laid the cards on the table. He wanted the rest of his money and he wanted it now. He'd sent a man to Texas to take care of Analise but the man failed. So now it was up to Rodrick to take care of things. Get the money. By any means necessary.  I

"Bring me the bitch's head," were his final words.

It took every ounce of self control he could muster to keep from leaping from his chair and fleeing. Rodrick was terrified as he looked around the table at the people assembled. "I understand. I'll make arrangements to leave as soon as possible."

"No need." Giancarlo nodded to one of his associates who slid an envelope across the table to Rodrick. Inside was an airline ticket.

"Tony will be accompanying you, Ricky.  For protection."

Rodrick looked at the man who'd given him the ticket. Tony. He knew from talking with Gina that Tony's job was enforcing Giancarlo's will. Which meant that if Rodrick didn't get the job done, Tony would. Only Tony would add Rodrick to the body count.

"Understood. Will there be anything else?"

"No, that's all Ricky. Have a safe flight."

"Thank you sir."

As he stood, so did Gina. She followed him outside. "Ricky, you have to get this done. For us."

"I know. I will."  He didn't believe the words coming out of his mouth but hoped she did.  He couldn't even think about doing what was demanded of him.

"Promise?"

"When have I ever let you down?"  It was the safest response he could muster at the moment.  His heart was beating way too fast and nausea was bubbling up his throat.  He was scared he was going to have a heart attack.

She kissed him and for a split second the passion she inspired almost washed away the misery, fear and guilt. Almost. Then he remembered who she was.

"Hurry back to me, Ricky."

He nodded and turned away. If he was lucky, very lucky, he'd never see Gina or her father again.

*****

Analise was nervous, for several reasons. First there was the fact that Rodrick had apparently gotten himself into serious trouble, not only with the government but with people in organized crime. Second, she was on her way to Riley's where she would be staying.

She looked over at Cody who was behind the wheel of her old red pick-up. Cody had argued that Analise could continue to stay with her.  She could protect Analise just as well as Riley. He was having no part of that. Analise would be staying with him. As would her son, David, as soon as he arrived. Cody had managed to convince him to let her pick Annie up from the hospital and bring her to his ranch.

So now, here Analise was, her belongings jostling around in the back of Cody's truck, about to get her first look at Riley's home. "So, you haven't really said much about what I told you, Cody."

"What's to say?  Your ex is an idiot who got himself into a mess and it's threatening to spill over onto you. But Riley's friend in the Justice Department is going to bring your kid here and you'll both be safe at Riley's."

"You make it sound so simple."

"Sometimes it is. You just gotta believe, Annie. Look, you haven't done anything wrong so the Feds don't have any bone to pick with you. You can turn over the money you took from your ex to them and you'll be out of the picture."

"It's not the government that concerns me."

"You mean the goons?" Cody scoffed. "Girl, please, you're in Texas and we protect what's ours. If anyone shows up here threatening you, they're gonna be in for a world of hurt."

"I don't want anyone getting hurt."

"No one's going to be. Trust me, Annie. It's all going to be okay. You just have to have a little faith."

Analise nodded and turned to look out of the passenger side window. She wanted to believe that everything would be all right, that there would be no danger to David or to anyone here in Cotton Creek, but she was still scared.

"Here we are." Cody announced as she braked to make a right turn onto a dirt road.

Analise perked up, paying more attention as they made their way up the road. Pasture fence lined both sides of the road.  A few scraggly dotted the pastures and she saw quite a few cows in the pasture on the left side of the road.

As the house came into view she leaned forward a bit. She's tried so many times to imagine it in her mind and it wasn't what she'd anticipated. She reminded herself that her mental images of Riley and his ranch had been formed before she realized he was also Nate Bridges. She'd thought him to be a small rancher who probably had little excess and lived in an old home.

The house  was big and in pristine shape. It reminded her of an old country farm house, with a wide, wraparound porch. Dormer windows graced the second story of the front of the house. Painted a soft sand color with darker trim, the home gave the appearance of stability and comfort.

It could have been built last week or a hundred years ago. As they got closer she realized just how big it was. On the other side of the drive stood several structures, two large barns and three other smaller buildings.

There were horses in the pasture near the house, several pick-up trucks and a tractor parked near one of the larger barns. Riley's truck was parked near the house.

Cody pulled up behind his truck and stopped. "I'll help you get your stuff moved inside."

"Thanks, Cody." Analise reached for the door handle and just as she did, Riley stepped out of the house onto the front porch.

It literally took her breath. How she wished this was the sight she would always see, him coming out of the house to meet her as she came home. She scolded herself for her romantic yearnings and got out of the truck.

She waved and walked to meet him. Nothing could have surprised her more than for him to scoop her up in a hug. "Welcome home, Annie."

Once more she had that yearning inspired vision of happily-ever-after and for a moment she indulged herself, returning the hug. "Thank you so much for letting me stay here."

"I wouldn't have it any other way." He set her back on her feet and released her. " Now, let's get you settled in. Looks like Cody's trying to pack mule everything in one trip."

Analise laughed as she looked Cody's way. Sure enough, Cody was laden. She had a box under her right arm, and was pulling a piece of luggage with the same hand. There was a  box in her other arm, with a stack of clothes on hangers tossed on top.

"You leave us anything to carry, half-pint?" Riley asked as he walked by her to look into the bed of the truck.

"Few things. Where do you want these?"

"Just take them inside and put them in the den. We'll get them squared away."

"You got it."

Analise grabbed the messenger bag containing her laptop and tablet, her purse and a small travel case from the back, leaving Riley to get the last two boxes.

"I spoke with David just before we left the hospital. Your friend, Kade and a woman, Cia, I think was her name, flew up and met him last night. They're leaving today. David said that Kade and Cia think it's best if they drive. They don't want to take a chance on alerting anyone of David's movements."

Riley nodded. "Yeah, Kade called a few minutes ago. Said it would take about 4 days. They're not gonna push it and want to make sure David's not being followed."

"Do they think he might be?"

"They aren't sure. The department they work with doesn't normally handle this kind of case, but the head of the division said he'd make an exception, so they have a team of people looking into your husband and his associates, along with that mob guy."

Analise blew out a breath. "As much as it scared me to think about going to the police, I'm glad you called your friend. I guess he'll want to talk to me when he gets here?"

"Said he would. You okay with that?"

"Yes."

He stopped at the first step of the porch to face her. "You sure?"

Analise nodded. "I am."

"Well, all righty then. Let's get this stuff in and get you settled."

She smiled and followed him inside. Yesterday she hadn't been sure she was okay with talking to the FBI about Rick, but she'd lain awake all night thinking about it. Even if it meant giving back the money she'd taken and put in trust for David, she knew it was the right thing to do.

If Rick and his family had stolen from people, the money needed to be returned. If they'd stolen from some mob guy then the money was tainted and she didn't want it anyway. She had enough to help David, and her book sales were earning her a decent living so they'd both be okay.

The moment she stepped inside Riley's house she stopped cold. "Oh my."

It was beautiful. Warm and inviting. The front room stretched the entire width of the house. Warm terracotta tile for flooring was scattered with thick rugs.  An enormous fireplace dominated the right side wall  and was balanced with deep cushioned furniture in earth tones. The seating area took up the entire right side of the large room, while a beautifully polished and quite large dining set occupied the left side of the room.

"This is beautiful, Riley."

"Thanks." He gestured to the framed opening on the rear wall of the room. "Kitchen's though there to the right and my room to the left. Upstairs has three bedrooms, all with their own baths. Laundry is behind the kitchen."

"Can I look?"

"Sure, but don't you want to put your stuff away?" He looked over at Cody who was piling stuff on the couch. "Might as well bring that to the bedroom."

"Which one?"

Analise noticed the way he hesitated before he responded. "The front room upstairs." He started for the framed opening. A short hall held another opening to the kitchen. Across from it was a door that she could see into as they passed. Riley's room. A staircase was at the end of the hall.

He led the way up the stairs. It was not so much a hall as a niche, with doors on all three walls. Riley went through the center door and she followed. It was an enormous room, with two dormer windows, probably the ones she saw when she arrived. A big poster bed sat between the windows with nightstands flanking each side. There was a large dresser on the wall adjacent to the door and a dressing vanity graced the adjoining wall.

On the other side of the door was a sitting area and a door leading into a well-appointed bathroom. Riley put her things on the bed and got out of the way as Cody dumped the load she carried onto the bed.

"Okay, I gotta bolt."

"Thank you for bringing me." Analise put down her things on the bed and went to Cody to give her a hug. "And for putting me up."

"Don't mention it. House's never been so clean and I'm damn sure gonna miss your cooking."

"Well, maybe I'll get lucky and she'll do some cooking here." Riley interjected. "And if she does you're welcome anytime, half-pint."

"Thanks, bud. Okay, I'm outta here. Call me later Annie?"

"You know I will."

She and Riley watched Cody leave and then an awkward silence fell. She wasn't sure what to say and apparently neither was he. Words had been spoken between them and she feared it was those words that were making them both uncomfortable.

"Look, I know you probably have stuff to do, so don't let me hold you up. Is it okay to put my stuff in the closet?"

"Put it wherever you want. This is your home – I mean until – you know."

"I do. Thank you. And maybe after that, I could take a walk around your ranch?"

"Absolutely. Okay, I'll leave you to it." He gave her a kiss on the cheek and turned to leave.

Just as he reached the door she called out to him. "Would it be okay if I fixed dinner?"

"Girl, I never turn down a home-cooked meal. Just go through the kitchen and fix whatever you want."

"Okay, thanks. What time do you want to eat?"

"I like to eat early – around seven?  I should be done by six and that'll give me time to clean up and have a beer."

"Perfect."

"And I have my phone if you need me."

"I'll be fine. Thanks."

"Okay, see you later."

"Yep."

She watched him leave before going to one of the windows and looking out. It wasn't long before she saw him walk out into the front yard. He stopped and looked back, his gaze going to the window where she stood.

Analise's breath caught in her throat as their gazes locked. Finally she collected her wits enough to raise one hand and wave. He returned the wave with a smile before continuing on his way. She watched until he disappeared around the side of the barn and then sat down on the bed.

Staying here was going to be a challenge. She knew she was in love with him, but she was afraid to make too much out of it, despite his confession to her. What she wanted to do was to jump him. What she should do was to take it slow, let their friendship come back to the foreground. That's where they were comfortable and at ease with one another.