Meyers and Angel hid in the darkness waiting for Jack and Nick to leave the mansion. Meyers and his FBI tools had listened in so knew they’d be gone long enough to get the job done. When Nick came back from getting food; his son would be gone. What was she doing? Stealing one child to get another back? Nick’s car pulled out of the driveway and the two slipped through the gate before it closed. Angel heart pounded so wildly she thought it would burst through her chest. Her palms broke out in a sweat. Meyer’s pounded on the back door hoping Kath would think it was Nick returning ,unexpectedly.
Kathy was setting the table when she heard the pounding. She hurried to the back door.
“What did you forget?” She threw the door open and found A woman and a masked man were standing there. Fear took over and she quickly tried to close the door but the man was too strong the force knocked her to the floor. Her only thought was of Nicky and to get to the panic button for the alarm.
“What do you want?” Kathy gasped.
He pulled Kathy from the floor and shoved her onto a kitchen chair.
“Do you know who my husband is? What do you want with my son?” she said defiantly.
“Why do you think I’m here, Kathy?”
Angel’s whole body shook as she stared at the woman who had ruined her life, stolen her life and the man she loved. Finally after all this time she could take her life back. All she had to do was pull the trigger and one part of her nightmare would be over.
Meyer’s watched as Angel raised her hand with the gun. The clenched jaw and the look of determination in her eyes said more than words ever could. It pained him to think Angel was going to have to die but her and Dempsey were two of a kind. Killers who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. A coupe of rabid dogs he’d have to put down. He was doing the world a service by taking them out. He just had hoped things would have gone differently with Angel. After all this time he had to admit she would never truly be his.
Sounds from the baby monitor brought them both back to the reality of the situation.
“Go get the kid. There should be a maid here somewhere. Take care of her.”
Angel turned to leave the room. Kathy screamed and lunged for Meyer’s and the gun. Angel kept on going. She wanted to see Nick’s son. To hold the child that should have been hers.
Kathy scratched and clawed and managed to get the mask from his face. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight. She knew this man and she knew he hated her husband. Why was an FBI agent in her home holding a gun on her? Why was he interested in her child. Kathy stomped his foot, breaking free she ran for the panic button.
“You really shouldn’t have done that.” He aimed his gun at the fleeing woman and pulled the trigger.

You get two of everything. It’s all I’m going to eat while I’m here,” Kathy said.
“Are you sure you’re not pregnant again?” Nick grabbed her and twirled her around until she giggled.
“Hey, another crack like that and you’ll be sleeping on the couch permanently. Wow, now I’m dizzy.” she sat down in the closest chair. She smiled and giggled again. He knelt down in front of her.
“I’m sorry baby. Are you okay?”
She grabbed him and pulled him to her. They shared a long passionate kiss.
“I came her to eat not watch live porn. It’ll be cold by the time we get there if you two don’t stop.”
“I think we need to find Jack a woman,” she teased.
“Okay I’m out of here.” Jack turned and headed to the door.
Nick took his keys and hurried after him. “I’m setting the alarm,” he yelled to Kathy.
“I want something with chocolate too,” she yelled after him.
Nick rolled his eyes and shook his head. “She’d tell me if she was pregnant again right?” He said to Jack.
“They tell us when they’re ready it’s got nothing to do with us. God, you two are nauseating.”
“Yeah but when was the last time when you were nauseated. It’s been too damn long Jack.”
“That’s just it. I’m afraid it’s been too long. There hasn’t been anyone serious since Ellen.”
“It’s going on thirty years for God’s sake. What are you a monk?”
“I said there was no one serious. I didn’t say I wasn’t getting any. Ellen died last fall, cancer. Suzy’s been emailing me pictures of the family. I’ve got 3 grandkids I still can’t believe it. Two girls and a boy. She wants me to come and see them but it sounds like Jim is still blaming me. Suzy’s a big fan of Kathy she couldn’t believe that I knew her.”
“I’m sorry about Ellen but maybe you can’t put the past behind you now start over with Suzy and Jim. I’ll get Kathy to sign some stuff if you think she’d like it. Hey they could come up and see us. I think Kathy misses her adoring fans that’s why we’re here. They spoil her rotten at home.”
“I know she’d love it.”
“That’s one thing you can’t get in Brody is Chinese food you have to drive all the way to the Cities to get it.”
Jack rolled his eyes. “You’re starting to talk like them I think you’re getting an accent.”
“They don’t talk funny,” Nick said angrily.
“You wouldn’t notice because you sound like them and Kathy’s career is going to be ruined.”
“Hey, she doesn’t sound funny either. There are plenty of celebrities from Minnesota.”
“Yeah but aren’t they all named Anderson?”
“Ass,” Nick growled.
“I’ve really missed you too, Nick.”
“Come back with us invite Suzy and Jim up. I bought a pontoon you’ll love it. Wait until you see hockey on my big screen. When they take someone down it’s so real it almost hurts.”
“God, what have they done to you. Does Kathy know about the pontoon?”
“She bought it for my birthday she just doesn’t know it yet.”

The hills were shrouded in fog, a late summer heat wave moved in. The air was damp and smelled like summer dying. There was a finality to the end of summer and coming of winter. Life like nature had made a full circle.
Nick ran his hand along the cool granite of Angie’s headstone. He brought flowers to her grave every week since her murder. He touched the smiling cherubs carved on its face in memory of the child that died with her. The chubby cherubs reminded him of little Nicky. His mother always said when God closes a door. He opens a window. He had taken something precious from Nick but he had given him a loving wife and beautiful son. Kathy played the role of mother and wife flawlessly as with all her acting roles but there was no acting now. Her love for him and their son was real and moved him beyond words. He came to Minnesota to escape the death and pain of L.A. leaving Kathy and the broken dreams of a life with her behind but fate had other plans for him. He had found a new love and a new life here if only briefly with Angie. Life had taught him a hard lesson; there was no escaping his past or who he was. No amount of water could wash the blood from his hands. He said his goodbyes and left the cemetery. It was time for him to rejoin the living.
Nick stood on the deck at twilight and listened to their howl. The song of the wolf filled him, called to him. He knew their song and knew their purpose. His spirit ran along with them lost in the thrill of the chase. Pure adrenaline driving them forward to their goal past the pain, past the fear they ran as they had since the beginning. Like him they would run until their end. He had found their dark primal place long ago. He felt the blood rush through his veins predator to predator they connected. Then came the kill and neither found pleasure in that. It was a matter of survival, no malice of thought only the need to exist. Survival at any cost was a concept he understood. He’d always lived in their world of kill or be killed. Embracing the primal side of himself is what allowed him to survive. That was the way it was only he doubted they gave a second thought to their prey. They went un haunted by the ghosts of those they killed. He was Sheriff, supreme predator and he hunted men.

Nick woke with a start. “No,” he groaned sitting up in the chair. He looked at his hands but there was no blood. It had been months since he’d dreamt of Angie and the child that died with her. When God closes a door; he opens a window his mother always told him. He looked around the room. Kathy and little Nicky were gone. Nick stood slowly his body protesting the hours spent sleeping in the chair. He gritted his teeth and took a step grateful Kathy wasn’t there to see him struggle. The clock on the wall said 10:00 and sunlight flooded the room. Nick looked both ways down the hall but Kathy and little Nicky were nowhere in sight. In the distance he heard the faint sound of Kathy’s voice.
“Please just leave us alone.” Kathy pleaded with the obnoxious man as she tried to shield little Nicky from his camera.
“Come on just one shot you owe it to your fans.”
“I owe them my talent. Not my life.” she hissed. The man reached out his hand to touch Nicky. A look of shock and fear crossed his face as he flew into the wall slide down onto his well fed ass. His camera hit the floor shattering into several pieces. Nick stepped over him and wrapped his arms around his wife and son. Kathy’s eyes welled with tears enjoying the safety she felt in his arms. A momma bear had nothing on her Nick.
“Send me the bill,” Nick growled. The terrified man nodded from his position on the floor.
“I don’t think he’ll bother us again.” Kathy said sniffing back her tears. She looked back over her shoulder to see two security guards help the man to his feet. Her husband was a man born centuries too late. A man who would have been king, a warrior king who would have taken the thrown by his own hands. A man who would have fought great battles and won. He stood there before her magnificent and powerful. So sure of his place in this world and she knew she’d never be able to deny him anything again. He had placed his future in her hands and for too long she had denied him his legacy, her legacy. She had watched a man die by his hand yet felt no fear. His fierceness tempered by a gentleness that moved her as he cradled their son. With Nick as his father all would be safe in his world.
Nick saw her staring at him. “What? He looked at her brows furrowed. “Am I doing something wrong?”
“No, I just realized I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”
Nick sat down with her on the bed. “It took you long enough.” He leaned down and gently brushed her lips. “I’m the luckiest man alive to have the two of you. I love you with all my heart and soul, baby, always.”
Tears slid down Kathy’s cheek and she touched Nick’s hand
“I’m trying to feed him but he’s not cooperating. They said it can take some time but I worry about him not eating. There‘s so much to learn.” she said letting out a big sigh.
“We’ll get through this together. If it was chocolate milk I’m sure we wouldn‘t be having this problem,” he murmured brushing his lip against hers. “Maybe it’s time for our first father son talk.”
“Ha, ha. If he’s anything like his father you’ll be having a lot more of those.”
“I hope to hell not,” Nick sat down next to her on the bed and took Nicky in his arms. “Listen young man you’re only a day old and you’re already giving your mother a hard time. That’s my job until you’re a teenager. We love you and want you to cooperate is that understood?” Nick tickled little Nicky’s belly and got a drool filled smile. Kathy unhooked her nursing bra hoping for success this time. Nick reached out and stroked her breast. Kathy closed her eyes and groaned.
“It’s been so long, baby,” he whispered, nuzzling her ear.
“I know I’ve just felt so…” he put his fingers to her lips.
“You don’t have to explain anything. But you’ve never been more beautiful or more sexy to me,” he said brushing his lips against hers.
He wasn’t like the others she had sensed that from the first time she’d looked into those dark, mysterious eyes. Kathy both hated and respected the violent side of Nick. Sometimes she felt his violent nature drew violence to him like sharks to blood. The malevolence seemed to be never ending. Even in this peaceful place it had touched him.
Kathy saw the look of love in his eyes for her and little Nicky and she felt sad she had wasted so much time ruled by her fear. She felt over whelming pride at being loved by this fierce, passionate man He had chosen her as lover and mate, to be the mother of his children. As she watched him with little Nicky she knew there would be more children. Nicky would be a big brother and guardian so much like his father. His strength and determination apparent at only hours old. He was his father’s son and because of that there would be battles to come.
Little Nicky’s arms began flailing and he let out a scream. “So this is how it’s gonna be.” Nick said shaking his head and smiling. “You’re up mom.” He handed the fussing baby over to Kathy and crossed his fingers. “Now the two of you just relax.” He stroked his son’s face as Kathy placed little Nicky to her breast.
Loud sucking noises came from Nicky and he stopped fussing. “I think it’s working.” Kathy said excitedly.
Nick smiled and shook his head. “I think we’re going to have our hands full with him. I think this was from that time on my desk when I was working late and you showed up wearing nothing but that coat,” Nick said gently rubbing his sleeping son’s belly.
She shot him an angry look. “You didn’t tell anyone about that did you?”
Nick cleared his throat and remained silent.
“Oh my God, they must think I’m the town whore,” she whispered so not to wake Nicky.
“No, baby they think I’m the luckiest man alive.”
“Men,” she said shaking her head in disgust.
“Just remember you’re out numbered now two to one and I think we need a pontoon.”
“I draw the line at a pontoon you can get a bigger boat. You’re getting into this Minnesota thing way too much. And don’t even think about hunting.”
“That’s my girl.” He loved it when she told him what to do. And right now he was so in love with her he’d jump off the roof if she told him to.
“Always, Nick.” She touched his face and kissed him. “I think this is the most perfect moment,” Kathy said wiping tears from her cheeks.
“I think we’ve earned it.” He rested his head on hers. “It is perfect isn’t it. Like it was always meant to be.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to let him out of my sight not even when he’s thirty.”
“I know baby. I know,” He smiled down at their sleeping son.
They’d come so close to losing each other last year to death and to other people. There were no questions, no recriminations they both had strayed and it would either destroy them or bring them closer. They had survived it all with a stronger bond, one no one could sever and now there was little Nicky. Nick wasn’t a man to walk away from his child. Even through the one night stand with her ex or her dalliance with Ben he never questioned or doubted that the child she carried was his and she respected him for that. They had survived their brief affairs with others to create something so remarkable.

The beginning

Kathy shook her head and rolled her eyes. The ultrasound wasn’t able to tell them the sex of the baby but she didn’t need a machine to tell her she was going to give Nick a son.
“You’re doing great Kathy. I see a mass of black hair.” Kathy squeezed Nick’s hands until he thought they were going to break. "I’m so proud of you baby,” he said brushing back the sweat soaked hair from her face. You‘ll have to explain to our daughter why she‘s named Nick Junior.”
“Once more Kathy. It’s … a boy! You were right,” Dr. Larson said smiling. Kathy laid back onto the bed tears streamed down her face. Tears of joy and tears of relief.
“I knew you could do it, Kathy,” he said wiping the tears from her cheeks.
“Why isn’t he crying,” Kathy said struggling to sit up. “Is he alright?”
“Do you want to cut the cord dad? It looks like mom won the bet you got yourself a boy. I don’t know how you waited to find out. I’m not one for surprises,” Dr. Larson said.
Nick rose and walked to the foot of the bed. He cut the cord that had bound mother and son for the last nine months. The child was now a flesh and blood part of Nick’s world. The baby opened his eyes, looked at his father and screamed at the top of his lungs.
“Nick has that effect on people,” Kathy said, crying happy tears.
“I don’t think we’ll have any trouble knowing when he wants something,” Nick said proudly.
“Here you two can hold him for a minute. Dad, you look like you could use a cup of coffee. We need to get him ready for his debut. The paparazzi have been sniffing around.”
An angry look flashed across Nick’s face. “They’ll get a picture of him if and when were ready. Nobody comes near him.” Nick took the baby in his arms, he was so small, so fragile. He laid their child in Kathy‘s arms.
“Look what you did,” Nick said smiling.
“Look what we did,” Kathy chided. “He’s so beautiful Nick and so…” Nick and Kathy quickly counted fingers and toes.
“Perfect, just like his mother.” Nick leaned over and kissed her. “I knew you could do it.”
“Nick, I’m a mess don’t look at me.”
“You have never looked more beautiful to me.”
“Okay you two I’m going to start crying in a minute,” Dr. Larson said sniffing. She’d never seen two people more in love or devoted to each other and knew that devotion would be showered on their child.
“I’ll let Jack know then I’ll be right back.” He bent over and kissed her again.
Nick walked out and headed for the waiting room. Rose jumped to her feet a look of apprehension on her face. “Well…” Rose said.
“It’s a boy and they’re both doing fine.” Rose threw her arms around Nick and kissed his cheek. Tom slapped him on the back and shook his hand. “Brody just grew by one,” Tom said proudly hugging Rose. “We better hit the road honey, It’s almost dawn.”
“I didn’t realize it was that late,” Nick said shaking his head. “Thanks for being here. It means a lot to us. Here I got a picture of him on the phone.”
“ Look at all the hair. He’s just beautiful. We’re so thrilled for the two of you. Call us when you bring him home.”
“You bet,” Nick said.
“Well how does it feel dad?” Jack said throwing his arms around Nick. “You look like hell.”
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. Lets go find some coffee.” The two men headed for the elevator and the cafeteria. “Great it doesn’t open for another hour.” Nick pushed the button on the machine and watched as the various plastic wrapped food items spun past. Nick settled on a Danish and chocolate mini doughnuts for Kathy. “Don’t look at me like that I’d eat the wrapper right about now.” Nick sat down at a table and Jack brought him coffee.
“Let me see that son of yours,” Jack said holding his hand out for the cell phone. “Just don’t screw this up like I did Nick. They always have to come first.”
“I know Jack.” Nick mumbled his mouth full of Danish. “I don’t want to be gone too long. I guess the paparazzi are on the loose. I don’t want them bothering Kathy and the baby.”
“You mean Nick junior?” Jack teased.
“She said I get to name the next one. Let’s head up and I‘ll introduce him to his uncle Jack.”
“The next one,” Jack said looking at Nick out of the corner of his eye. “I never thought I’d see the day Kathy would settle down.”
“She’s going to make a great mother. If she’s as passionate about this as she is everything else. The poor kid will never be out of her sight.” Nick and Jack walked into the room. Kathy sat on the bed holding Nick Jr. in her arms.
“How you doing Kath?” Jack asked.
“I’m so happy Jack. I don’t ever remember being this happy. He’s so incredible. Do want to hold him?” she asked.
“Come here to uncle, Jack,” he said scooping Nick Jr. up in his arms. “You certainly are an arm full.”
“Eight pounds three ounces. He‘s so beautiful.” Kathy’s face glowed with pride.
“Definitely not your typical homely baby. You two did good.”
“I almost forgot,” Nick said handing Kathy a package of chocolate covered donuts. “The cafeteria was closed it was the only chocolate left in the machine.”
“Thanks Nicky. I don’t know what I want more food or sleep.” She yawned as she ripped open the package.
“You three need some alone time and I need some sleep. I’ll see you three tomorrow.”
Jack bent over and kissed Kathy on the cheek. “I couldn’t be more proud if you were my own daughter.”
“Thanks Jack,” she said her eyes filled with tears. Where was her own father during this momentous event. Absent as always. Maybe she thought things would be different with her expecting his first grandchild but she had heard nothing from him since she told him about the baby.
“Later Jack,” Nick said waving little Nicky‘s arm at him. Jack shook his head and rolled his eyes.
Nick turned back to Kathy her eyes were closed she was asleep. “It’s just you and me kid,” he whispered. He walked over to the window and stared at the sunrise. The new life in his arms greeting the new day, the first day of his life. The fear and uncertainty Kathy must have felt washed over him. He like her had no one to guide him in this new chapter of his life. They were starting off together in unfamiliar and uncharted territory. There was no margin for error with this precious little being depending on them making the right decisions. He bent his head down and kissed his sons cheek. That hole, that emptiness that had followed him around for the last thirty years had finally been filled. He now knew what it was like to be complete. Little Nicky blinked his eyes and yawned. “I think you’ve earned a nap you’ve had a big day.” Nick laid him down and covered him with a blanket. Kathy was still sleeping peacefully so he sat down in the chair and closed his eyes.

Kathy turned off the water after cleaning the mess Nicky made at lunch time. He had managed to get more food on the floor than in his mouth. She was glad to start him on solids he was always hungry. Demanding like his father but in a way that made her want to give. There were no sounds coming from the living room so she peeked around the corner. She found Nick on the floor with Nicky sleeping soundly on his chest. Kathy smiled and grabbed the camera. She took several pictures and then stared at her two men, he was his father’s son. His hair was growing in dark and thick and he had his father’s devilish dimple. She had never seen a more devoted father they were inseparable.
“You want to grab him mom or I’m going to have to spend the night down here.”
She bent over and gently picked him up. Nick grunted as he rose from the floor.
“He’s a handful I don’t know what we’re going to do when he starts walking.”
He took Nicky from Kathy’s arms and carried him upstairs to the crib. They’d left it in the master suite with them; neither wanting him out of their sight. In one swift move he gently threw Kathy onto the bed; pouncing on her like a cat on it’s helpless prey.
“When were you going to tell me about the movie? Am I going to have to tickle it out of you.”
“You know I’ll scream and then we’ll wake him up. How did you find out?” She whispered glaring at him.
“It’s my job to know things.”
“I guess I was a little embarrassed they want me to come out and read for the part. Can you imagine?”
“No one’s seen you in almost two years, baby.”
“They just want to make sure I’m not fat after the baby. Am I fat Nick?”
Nick rolled his eye. She wasn’t bony like before she was soft and curvy and he loved her new body.
“No, baby you’re built for comfort.”
“Am I a car or what?”
He ran his hands down her body. “You’re like the Ferrari, sleek, hot and always a wild ride.” He kissed her and felt the familiar passion stir.
“Maybe we should go down stairs and take a test drive. It’s been a while.
“Are we talking about sex or the car?”
“I don’t know. Let’s just hurry before he wakes up.”
Kathy grabbed the baby monitor and they held hands as they headed down the stairs.
“Maybe we can take a nap when were done,” Kathy whispered.
“Sounds good to me.”
Kathy sighed and snuggled into his arms. She was more happy with her family and life than she ever could have dreamed possible.
“What about another baby next year?”
“Only if we can have a daughter as beautiful as it’s mother. You know me. I am always ready, willing and able to do my part.”
“You are such an animal,” she giggled.
“But that’s what you love about me, baby. Why don’t you set this movie thing up and we’ll all go out. Uncle Jack wont believe how much he’s grown. You can tell me anything and I’ll support you in anything you want to do. I don’t ever want you to doubt that I want you to be happy.”
She smiled. “I am Nick. I am.” She pulled him down on top of her and they made love until they collapsed, blissfully sated

Nick wasn’t sure which emotion was more overwhelming shame or guilt for his part in her corruption. This woman who had been sharing his bed and his life for the last 6 months had been a 16 year old girl. Today she turned 17. Emotions swirled in his mind. She was nearly half his age they had shared everything for these last few months, from Wild Turkey to an insatiable lust for each other. He’d never been so enraptured by a woman before or so perfectly in tune. They always knew what the other needed or was feeling and for the first time he knew he was in love.
“I’m sorry I never asked when your birthday was.”
“That’s okay,” she said smiling. She threw her arms around him and kissed him. He wanted to pull away but couldn’t.
“I’ve got to hit the store we’re out of whiskey. Can’t have a birthday party without that.” What was he saying she wasn’t even old enough to drink. He’d seen a crystal figurine of an angel in a local shop and had thought of her. He had to acknowledge her birthday no matter how disturbing he found it. It would make a nice birthday gift and memento. In his heart he knew their affair had to end. But a piece of him would always love his Angel. There would be two hearts broken when this affair ended.

Nick woke blinking trying to focus his eyes. Every part of his body ached and throbbed. Angel was snuggled up against him. She sucked in her breath when he touched the bruises on her wrists. He was all too familiar with the marks handcuffs left behind.
“I don’t listen,” she said lowering her eyes.
“Bastard.” Nick brought her wrist up to his lips and kissed it.”
“Have you been doing this along time?” she asked
“Too long,” Nick replied.
The day was spent with Carlos, coke, booze and more coke. There was no faking it like he had so many times before. Carlos watched Nick like a hawk. Nick tested the coke and got the color he wanted.
Screw Ramos Carlos thought he would kill this asshole and take the money and the drugs, make it look like the gringo double crossed him. Angel would make a nice diversion.
“Pure, eh,”
“Righteously pure.” Nick nodded the buzz already told him that.
“We decided to call you Tre in honor of the three men you killed. My cousin wasn‘t so upset he was cheating on her so his days were numbered anyway.”
Nick didn’t need a nickname to remind him of what he’d done. He looked at the girl perched on the ottoman and thought about the night before. He’d have to make sure she escaped the mess that was to come. These guys were heavily armed and it would no doubt be a blood bath. He was wondering how he was going to survive this, now he had to worry about her.
“I want you to have her. I see the way you two look at each other.”
“No, I meant no disrespect Carlos, lo siento.”
Angel hurried to his side and crouched at his feet like a puppy. He felt her body shaking as she leaned against his leg.
“She’s very beautiful but I’m bored with her if you don’t want her I’ll sell her. I’m sure she’ll bring a fine price. Consider her a gift in honor of our deal.”
Things were going from bad to worse in Nick’s mind. Nick pulled her head up gently by the hair her eyes were wide with fear.
“I hope you haven’t beaten the life out of her I like my women with some fight in them.”
“Why do you think she has so many bruises. You enjoy, hasta manana”
“What the hell am I going to do with you?” He said looking down at her. She crawled into the big leather chair with him.
“That’s what I was afraid of,” he whispered.
Angel unbuttoned his shirt, the wound at his side had been weeping.
“I should change that,” she said.
“Later.” Nick carried her into the bedroom. What he was about to do was stupid and wrong but sometimes what the mind wants takes a back seat to what the body demands.
“Jesus,” Nick groaned sinking back onto bed. He touched his side and his hand came back red with blood. “It’s all your fault,” Nick said jokingly.
Angel hurried to the bathroom for a towel and pressed it to his side. She jumped back as he reached out for her. She sat at the corner of the bed quivering.
Nick grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. “Let’s get one thing straight. I don’t hit women, never have never will.” He stroked her gently. “What happened can never happen again. Being distracted now could get us killed. Do you understand me?”
Angel nodded. “I’m sorry I didn’t please you.” She hung her head and pulled away.
“Angel, you were very, very good. It’s just…complicated.” Nick stroked her face trying to reassure her. He wasn’t thinking clearly and wanted to kick himself for getting involved with her. She could either be an asset to him or a liability.
Nick could tell by the look in his eyes Carlos was doing a double cross. Nick’s instincts told him this was going to end badly and they were usually right. Carlos grinned as he pulled the gun from his waist band.
“This time I won’t miss,”
Nick’s heart thundered in his ears.
“I hope you enjoyed her as much as I’m going to enjoy killing you. When I’m done with you our little Angel she’s going to wish she was dead.”
Carlos was close enough to take out but Nick didn’t think he could do it without getting shot. Carlos had seen Nick in action and would no doubt be expecting it. Angel walked out of the bedroom distracting Carlos long enough for Nick to make his move. Nick kicked the gun from his hand it slid across the tile floor and landed not to far from Angel. Carlos pulled out a knife he had sheathed on his belt he slashed out at Nick and the tip of his blade sliced Nick’s cheek. The two men mad a lunge for the gun but Angel got to it first. She held it with two hands trying to steady her shaking hands. Nick thought if she fired now it could hit either one of them.
“Angel, chica you don’t want to hurt Carlos,” he said slowly inching his way towards her.
“Stay away I heard what you said.”
“I wasn’t serious. I’d never hurt my Angel.” He moved his hands apart in a non threatening gesture. Nick moved in on Carlos hoping to disarm him before someone died. Carlos turned and lunged at Nick. The gun shot echoed in the room and Carlos slumped to the floor. Things had just gone from bad to worse any hopes of reasoning with Carlos died with him. 18 months of undercover work shot to hell. Tears streamed down Angels face and the shaking got worse. She raised the gun back up as Nick approached her.
“Give me the gun Angel honey we don’t have much time. If they heard it they‘ll be here soon.” Nick took another step forward and put his hand on her gun, Angel let it slip from her grasp. He took her by the shoulders and shook her. “Listen you didn’t do this, I did. If they think you did it they’ll kill you. If I killed him it was a drug deal gone bad and maybe I’ll get through this. Do you understand?”
Angel nodded, what had she done? She had killed to protect this man.
Nick scrambled for paper and pen he wrote and address and fished keys from his pocket. “You wait until dark and get out of here. If you can’t get to my car head to the highway. You stay at this address until someone comes for you.” He put his father’s cross around her neck. “They’ll know what this means if I don’t get out of this.” Nick felt his luck had run out maybe it would bring her good luck now and she would escape this life with Carlos. She touched the bloody cut on his cheek her eyes wide with fear.
“Go now hide and don’t come out no matter what you hear.” Her life had gone from bad dream to nightmare. She’d escaped her abusive father only to become Carlos’ sex slave, now she had killed a man she wasn’t sure if her life was worth saving. All she knew was she didn’t want this man to die. Nick took her and kissed in a way that sent shivers down to her toes.
“Please, go. I‘ll come for you if I can,” he whispered.
Angel heard the shouts of Carlos’ men as she ran out the back door and knew he was going to die.
Nick threw the gun on the floor when the men ran through the guest house door and raised in hands. They checked Carlos on the floor and found he was dead. One of them hit Nick with the rifle butt and the lights went out.
Angel watched from the garage as they dragged him into the main house. She couldn’t tell if he was alive or dead. She looked down at his blood on her hands and she cried until she had no tears left. She headed for the highway at nightfall and prayed he’d come for her.