A Death Wish Read online

  “Yeah, tell me something I don’t already know,” Katherine interrupted.

  Holding up his hand, he gave her an authoritative look. “However, I have to convince the men in that room that he isn’t a national threat and that his life has been handled in an exemplary fashion.”

  Now, she could see the same mask John used to hide behind. “And what are you leaving out?”

  Exhaling, John looked up toward the ceiling before answering. “We need his testimony.”

  “Why? To capture some of the other bastards?” Katherine groaned. “I’m sorry. I’m pissed off and worried.”

  “No need to apologize. What I’m about to tell you is attorney-client privilege. I’m at risk so keep this to yourself.”

  “And you know that I will. I just need to know what he’s dealing with.”

  He nodded several times. “Snake gave up names and all were confirmed to have been a part of a very brutal gang based out of the Caymans. His story and timing checks out, but there’s no evidence that he even existed there or had anything to do with various crimes. Also, the men who were a part of this gang. The majority were killed, and the rest are serving long prison terms. There were two raids in three separate years. From what I’ve been told, the FBI still wants Snake to testify to the activities that he witnessed in order to keep the imprisoned members behind bars. At least one of them is up for parole.”

  “He’s not going to testify and risk his family. You, of all people, should know better.” Parole. Snake wouldn’t be able to live his life, at least not normally.

  “The fact remains, Katherine, that he’s admitted to his participation in organized crime. His only protection, if any of these men are paroled, is to provide additional evidence.”

  She held her breath as she thought about what he was saying. John was correct in all aspects, but she knew Snake well enough that the man would take the fifth, if for no other reason than to protect Logan and… She couldn’t even say the words. The picture she’d found on the floor of the jeep remained in her purse in a sealed envelope. There hadn’t been any additional time to ask Snake about what she’d found. Perhaps she was afraid of his reaction, or of her own. “I understand. I’ll try and talk to him when I can, but I doubt he’ll listen to me.”

  “I have a feeling he’ll listen to you. He was terrified when I talked to him on the phone.” John remained quiet for a full minute. “I’m glad you’re both all right and I’m so sorry about Frank. When you left that message, at first, I thought you’d lost your mind, but I know you. I know when something isn’t right.”

  “How did you find out Frank’s plans?”

  John snickered and winked. “You’ve always told me that I could have turned to the, what did you call it? Oh, yes. The dark side of man, a place allowing the beast harboring inside to break free of his chains, attack at will. I think that’s a direct quote.”

  Katherine couldn’t help bursting into laughter. “We did have some interesting arguments.”

  “Yes, we did. And you know what? I miss those times. I really do.” His words were laced with sadness. “To answer your question, I cornered Frank after making a few phone calls.” He looked over his shoulder before he whispered. “Between you and me. I think the gun I held in his face did the trick.”

  “You didn’t!”

  “Oh, yes, I did. The man confessed to sins I’m not entirely certain what to do with.”

  She smiled as heat rose from her neck to her cheeks. She’d loved the man once and for all his bravado and bullshit, he had a good side. “Thank you. I still can’t believe the entire story.”

  “He overheard the challenge you offered to Mr. Driscoll in your office that day and put the plan in motion. It was easy enough to find the money transferred into the hitman’s account, some goon just out of prison. Seems Frank was in a hurry to see you dead. He knew that Snake would eventually tell you about the tragedy at Woodmont. Granted, the evidence that Snake amassed was surprising to a hell of a lot of people. No one knew about the cover up.”

  “Does it really matter?” Katherine had seen the news reports, heard the accusations levied against both the Canfield Oil Refinery as well as certain ex members of the military. A shitstorm was on the horizon. She’d seen the morning news the day before, the picture of Frank being taken away from his home in handcuffs. The man would fight the charges. There was no doubt. God, life was a mess.

  “You bet. I have no doubt that your proposed stronger laws will pass with flying colors,” John said, his tone of voice full of admiration.

  “I don’t know if I care any longer.”

  He dropped his briefcase and grabbed her arms, shaking her gently. “I was a terrible husband and an even worse friend, but I do know you. I know the strong and vibrant woman inside. You are a bulldog when it comes to an issue or a friend who is in trouble. I’m proud of you. I’m damn proud of you for being the woman you are. Fight for what you believe in. Fight for the man I know you’re in love with.”

  She was surprised at his encouraging words but could see his smile was genuine. “I do love him. I don’t know why, but I do.”

  “Love comes in many packages if you allow your heart to open. I never allowed myself to see what was right in front of my eyes. I’ll never forgive myself for what I put you through and when I realized you were in danger, I just…” Groaning, John squeezed her arms. “I knew I had to do everything to find the answers.”

  “Thank you for everything you did.”

  They both heard a door open, footsteps moving close.

  “Mr. Wallace. You’re wanted in the interrogation room.” The woman’s voice was clipped, perfunctory.

  “I have to go. I’ll let you know the outcome as soon as I have the final ruling.” John took a step away then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in for a hug. “Fight, Katherine for everything you want because you deserve it.”

  She could feel tears forming in her eyes and the last thing she wanted to do was start to cry. “I will.”

  Grabbing his briefcase, he walked toward the open door.

  She’d made a few decisions during the course of the last few days, but nothing would ever matter again if she couldn’t spend her life with Snake.

  For some reason, she anticipated the worst regarding the outcome. From the hours spent talking to the police in the Caymans, the arduous flight back to Houston, the conversations with the FBI regarding Frank Sapino, the dead man, the various possibilities of why they’d been targeted as well as dealing with the relentless press, she was exhausted, bone weary.

  And the end wasn’t in sight.

  Snake stood on the sidelines of the stadium, watching the various people as well as reporters clamoring to get close. They couldn’t get enough of the ‘Super Senator’ or so the press had deemed her over the last few days. Katherine was a superwoman as far as he was concerned and had saved his life. His thoughts drifted to the boat explosion and the gunman, the bullet only missing him because of her outcry. The entire situation seemed surreal.

  He’d only been allowed to see her once since their return and even then, they hadn’t been alone. But John had visited often, serving as his attorney after being detained by the FBI. He was more than grateful for the help and John’s almost daily updates regarding Katherine and her tenacious bulldozing techniques. Chuckling, he could only imagine just how far she was going to go.

  Rubbing his eyes, he thought about his earlier conversation with Camden. At least the man had anticipated a resignation. The leave of absence would allow him to figure out what in the hell he was going to do with the rest of his life. Logan had refused to stay away and while he was happy to have company, family, he hadn’t been the same since the FBI had closed the case, convinced his testimony wasn’t going to provide enough additional evidence to make a difference in any of the current convictions.

  He’d been sent out to live a normal life. Whatever that would entail. He had made the decision to stop lying to himself and those around him
. That might be the toughest thing he was going to do but he was determined to take responsibility for his past as well as his present.

  Unfortunately, he continued to look over his shoulder. Perhaps that would never change. Yeah, he’d been told the possibilities he was being stalked were not viable given the status of the men who were currently incarcerated, but the information provided to Pepe had been brought to the man specifically if for no other reason than to keep Snake on edge.

  He’d called Katherine a single time after being released a few days earlier with no return phone call. Perhaps she needed time. Perhaps she’d realized that she would never get anywhere given the fact many people would forever see him as a criminal. A senator certainly couldn’t be seen with the likes of him. He bristled then folded his arms when Katherine took the stage.

  God, he wanted to have the woman in his arms. He missed just talking with her, let alone the closeness, the way she responded to his needs. Then there were her own. After the crowd quieted down, she inched closer to the microphone.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming. I’m here to make a statement.” Katherine looked over the audience.

  Snake could tell her heart wasn’t in the press conference. He’d read her various statements and knew that her entire world had been altered. He still wanted nothing more than to sit and talk with her, explain the rest of his story, if only she would listen.

  “I’m here to announce that I’ll be leaving for Washington D.C. later today, presenting congress with an important legislative bill regarding oil rigs and refineries. This bill, if approved, will provide the toughest regulations to date regarding drilling. I’m very proud of the work of my staff and hope that this will be a win for the environment.” Katherine held her head high.

  Every reporter seemed to have their hand up, vying to find out more.

  “Senator Wallace, what’s the status of Canfield Oil Refinery?”

  “Senator Wallace, can you tell us about the attempt on your life?”

  “Senator Wallace, what happened on the trip to the Cayman Islands?”

  Katherine seemed exasperated but kept her cool. “As I said, I’m here to make a brief statement and as you can imagine, I cannot discuss an ongoing criminal investigation. What I am also here to tell you is that at the end of this month, I will be resigning my position with the senate.”

  Snake took several steps forward and into the light. This he hadn’t expected. He continued moving closer, his heart racing. Why was she resigning?

  A collective murmur floated throughout the stadium.

  “And to answer your question, I will be returning home to my law practice. Thank you for your time.” Katherine immediately walked to the back of the stage but scanned the audience. She stopped short after looking in his direction.

  And directly into his eyes.

  They both remained unblinking for a full minute and suddenly there was no one else around, no sound or concept of where he was. He wanted to reach out. He wanted to touch her face. Taking another long stride, he stopped short when he noticed her expression, one of…

  Contempt.

  Katherine sharply turned and walked off the stage.

  Snake knew in his heart that she was walking out of his life forever.

  Two Weeks Later

  Katherine sat in the car, her fingers tapping on the steering wheel. The time spent in Washington had been grueling and she was more than happy with her decision to resign. The bill had passed, albeit not unanimously, but still, a victory. Canfield’s stock had plummeted and there were pending charges. Rush Enterprises, on the contrary, was doing well and had agreed to be the charter member of a brand-new organization working with oceanographers and engineers, designing a state of the art off shore oil rig.

  Everybody was happy. Too bad she was miserable. She’d thought about calling Snake on several occasions, but she knew he needed to get his life together and she needed to rid herself of the demons buried so deep inside. While she was happy to be home, she remained disjointed. After several late-night wine sessions with Cecilia, she’d finally accepted the reason why.

  She’d spent the last few weeks making adjustments to her life, ranging from significant ones due to her law practice to those that few would understand. Learning how to shoot had seemed necessary, even though she hated the concept of guns. However, protection was never far from her mind and the nightmares continued.

  She eyed the mailbox and the long road, taking several long breaths before turning onto the gravel. Rail fences lined the path and she could see dozens of horses and cattle as well as men and women working. There were a half-dozen buildings, and as she pulled up behind a row of trucks, she marveled at the incredible old house. The beautiful Victorian farmhouse was picturesque with an oversized front porch and an inviting swing. This was a place someone could call home.

  Remaining in the car, she tried to control her nerves and figure out what to say. Were there any words that would make a difference? Exhaling, she grabbed her purse and opened the door. Huffing, she snagged the single photograph and when she stood, she slid it inside her back pocket. At some point, she would ask him the question that had been on her mind for weeks. Her legs remained wobbly as she attempted to walk toward the front door. For all she knew, he’d throw her off the property and he had good reason to do so. But she would try.

  She stepped up onto the porch and shook her head. There were no pretty flower in pots, no decorative flag on a polished pole. Not a single feminine touch.

  Tap. Tap.

  As soon as she knocked on the door, she had to fight to keep from running away. What a freaking coward she’d turned out to be. After a few seconds, she heard footsteps, but the man opening the door wasn’t who she expected.

  “Can I help you?” His voice was husky, deep and he had the same crooked smile and intense eyes, but the man was younger and thinner, yet he wore a sad expression.

  “Is Snake here?”

  He narrowed his eyes then smiled, extending his hand. “Senator Wallace. I know you. I’m Logan, Snake’s brother.”

  “No longer senator. Just Katherine.”

  He held her hand, his eyes sweeping up and down. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect to see you here. Please come in.”

  She walked over the threshold and was immediately drawn to the quaint environment. The floors were polished wood, the woodwork lightly stained and the lighting modern. She heard chirping and buzzing sounds, which reminded her of video games. “I hope I’m not intruding.”

  “Of course not. Maybe you can put a stop to the brooding.” Logan winked. “I’ll be right back. Let me grab his sorry ass. Make yourself at home. Living room is right over there. Don’t mind the fighter pilot. He’s on a hot streak today.”

  Fighter pilot. Breathing out, she inched forward then took a step into the living room. A little boy sat on the couch, his fingers moving rapidly, and his face pinched in full concentration. She watched as he skillfully maneuvered his plane as he was being shot at, racking up dozens of points every few seconds. She was mesmerized by his face and his tenacity.

  “What are you doing here?”

  His question made her jump. She bit her lip before turning around. “I wanted to see you.”

  Snake held a blank look, his eyes boring into hers. “Why? You have a life.”

  Katherine could barely breathe. “Not without you.”

  After a few seconds, he softened and advanced. “I’m no good for you. You must know that by now.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. You’re the only good thing in my life. Please, don’t push me away.”

  His face contorted, he reached out, touching her face. “God, I’ve missed you.”

  “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you. My entire life means nothing without you. I don’t care what we have to go through, as long as we are together.” Tears slipped past her lashes and her lower lip quivered.

  Yanking her against his chest, he rubbed his hands down her bac
k, squeezing. “Don’t you ever terrify me again. Ever.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  Laughing, he eased back. “I know what you need, and we’ll take care of that later.” Crushing her mouth, he thrust his tongue inside, the kiss wild and full of frenzied passion.

  Katherine shivered as his hands roamed her body, his cock grinding against her stomach. She heard giggling and stiffened.

  “Ahem. Can you both come up for air? Please?”

  Snake broke the kiss and winked. “Stop your complaining. You’ve been pushing me about calling her.”

  “Yeah, I have, ‘cause you’ve been in such a foul mood,” Logan said then laughed. “I thought we might see if Katherine would like something to drink. That is, if you aren’t going to run her off.”

  “I think I might just keep her.” Snake gazed into her eyes. “Unless you have a hot date.”

  “Very funny. I was hoping I could stay for a while. If that’s okay, I mean,” Katherine whispered, and her pussy clenched when he clasped their hands together.

  “I’ll wrangle something together. Are you going to introduce Katherine?” Logan nodded toward the living room.

  “Long overdue. Come.” Snake’s grip was firm as he walked into the living room, laughing as the little boy hung over the back of the couch. “Tyler, I’d like you to meet someone special. This is Katherine and you might be seeing a lot of her.”

  “Tiger, Papa. My name is Tiger.”

  Katherine began to shake, tears filling her eyes and she tried to smile. She could sense Snake was watching her reaction. Now, she was glad she never mentioned the picture she found. But she’d known the little boy was Snake’s son, his with Kaylee. In her terror, Kaylee had taken the little boy away. “Very nice to meet you, Tiger and I adore the name.”

  “Did you know I have a papa and a daddy?” Tiger asked, bright eyed, his dimples widening.

  “I think that’s pretty wonderful,” she managed.

  “Okay, Tiger boy. You can play for another fifteen minutes, then it’ll be time to get ready for bed.”