Chapter Nineteen

By the time they arrived at the precinct, the rumor mill had gone wild. Federal marshals, FBI special agents, and Internal Affairs officials lined the halls, intent on Lucas, the MacLains, and their perp, Charlotte Pleasant. A few knew of their secret cargo. Only a few. But soon… Harper knew soon there’d be a reckoning.

The farther they walked into the building, the more noticeable it was that those loudest about their dislike of all things MacLain were missing. Those that remained oozed curiosity. Investigators by trade, they sensed a revelation coming, yet Harper saw no distrust in their gazes. No animosity. It was refreshing, because Harper was exhausted, in pain, and all she wanted to do was hide from judgment. Her self-judgment was heavy enough to bear. Her family’s judgment even heavier.

When they’d first arrived, Dane had suggested Harper go home, escorted by Marnie, but neither she nor Marnie were willing to miss the final denouement when the evidence was delivered to Lieutenant Zimmerman. Solid evidence. Not circumstantial. Lucas’s memory notwithstanding, without the journal and the flash drive, the case against the dirty cops would never have gone to trial.

By the time they arrived at the lieutenant’s office, a trail of curious cops had gathered, queuing behind them like a middle-aged-man parade. Lucas and Dane stepped inside the office, escorting a recalcitrant Charlotte.

Door open so all could hear, Lucas dropped the journal on the lieutenant’s desk.

A tall, lean man in his early forties, Zimmerman seemed moments from a smile or a scowl. “What’s this?” he lisped.

Harper cringed, remembering the impediment was the result of Dane breaking his jaw last year.

“Names,” Lucas said, “of cops on Whitman Enterprises’ payroll. Folsom’s plan B.”

“Not much of a plan B,” Harper said. When everyone looked at her, as if she had no place in the proceedings, she stared back, unrepentant. “He’s dead, isn’t he? Joe’s dead.” Finally, that horror had no power over her. He was dead, the tragedy of the last year officially behind her now that Zimmerman had the journal. “These bad cops were willing to kill anyone to stay hidden. Well, there is no hiding anymore.”

Dane caught Harper’s gaze. He nodded, unable to hide how this moment was ripping open old wounds. She felt Lucas’s hand take hers and squeeze.

“You read it?” Zimmerman glanced between Lucas and Dane.

“Cover to cover on the way over here,” Lucas said. “There are a few surprises.”

The lieutenant’s brow arched. “You’re surprised my name isn’t in it?”

Dane stayed quiet, but Lucas shrugged. “Surprised might be overstating it, but yeah. You haven’t been the staunchest supporter of Dane’s quest to find his wife’s killer.”

“I was doing my job,” Zimmerman said. “When you become my age, Sullivan, you learn the job matters. More than anything else sometimes.”

Lucas shook his head. “I don’t agree. In fact, I quit.” Without missing a beat, without returning anyone’s shocked gaze, Lucas pulled Harper’s hand to his mouth and kissed it. “I’ve been a fool.”

Harper froze, gob smacked. Then he tugged her down the hall to a conference room.

“What are you doing?” She turned to see if anyone was following. So far, they were being ignored. To the members of the MPD, the action was taking place in the lieutenant’s office.

“Coming to my senses.” He locked the conference room door, dragged a chair underneath the door, stood on it, and aimed the security camera toward the ceiling.

“Excuse me?” Her mouth had gone dry. “What are you doing?”

“Aren’t you tired of being spied on? I know I am.”

“Okay.” She shook her head, not really knowing what he was on about.

“A year ago, I took you to a restaurant.” She remembered. It was the moment she’d realized he’d never change, that she was falling deeper and deeper in love with a man who would always put his career first. “That night…I wanted to tell you I loved you,” he said.

“You did?”

He nodded, standing before her, looking less confident than she’d ever seen him. “But every time I opened my mouth, I had my dad’s axiom running through my mind. A career is a meal. Love is its seasoning.”

“What? Didn’t your father marry three times?” Meal, seasoning—how like a man to equate love to food.

“Dad was wrong. I don’t know why I’m surprised.” Lucas threw his hands up and let them fall, looking helpless…and strong, and sexy. Somehow, even his bruised and battered face added to his allure. “He died alone and lonely.”

“You’re afraid of being lonely. Who isn’t?” She shook her head. “You’re an amazing guy, Lucas. I don’t think you’ll be alone for long.”

He studied her, and she saw his sadness. It broke her heart. “I hope you’re right.” Lucas stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. He glanced at her lips, as if asking permission for something.

“What are you doing?”

“Explaining.” He kissed her sweetly, gently, and winced. Harper saw his tongue dart out and lick his latest wound. A split lip from the air bag deploying in the Chevy.

“Explaining?” She kissed around his injuries, which was hard, because after today, there wasn’t much skin left that didn’t have a bruise or abrasion.

“Dad was buried in his uniform, wearing three wedding rings on a chain around his neck. Three failed marriages, sacrificed to a job he knew would be there, no matter what. Unlike his wives. Unlike my mother.” He cupped her cheeks, dropping a gentle kiss on her lips, and this time it didn’t look like it hurt. In fact, he seemed interested in exploring more of the same.

“Three’s a big number when you’re talking marriages.” It explained much. Lucas’s reticence to commit. His drive to be the best cop he could be. “You’re not your father.” Though she had to admit Lucas was repeating his father’s mistakes.

“I love you.” He held her close, holding her gaze as if his words weren’t enough to convince her. Harper melted against him, because she knew…probably always knew he loved her, she just had never been sure he loved her enough. He pressed his lips to her forehead, kissing her, hugging. “And I’m claiming you.”

“Claiming?” She liked it. It was making her tremble, and her knees were growing weak. His touch was creating wonderful shivers, and arousing jolts of pleasure she’d come to associate only with Lucas. She felt greedy, and wanted more.

“Tell me you love me,” he said, nibbling her lips, dropping kisses on her cheeks, her chin, her forehead, and finally on her lips, dipping his tongue inside, only teasing, withdrawing just as she welcomed him inside.

She sucked in a ragged breath, fearing her legs would give way. “I do love you, Lucas.” He’d gotten her so hot and bothered, thinking had become impossible. Feeling was all she was capable of, but feeling was what always got her in trouble. “It’s just—”

“I’ve loved you since the moment I met you.”

“Huh?” His hands were roaming under her shirt, caressing her skin, reaching, cupping her breast.

“Remember?” he said. “At the Dublin House.” She felt a sheen of perspiration form on her skin as he licked her lips, dipped his tongue inside, and pulled her hips toward his, making her feel his arousal. “I thought you were the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen. I couldn’t take my eyes off you.”

“I remember.” She sighed, her eyelids drooping, as she swayed in his arms.

“Then you noticed me back, and your big green eyes knocked me for a loop. I never wanted anyone so much in my life.” He devoured her mouth, kissing her like only he knew how. “I knew.”

“You knew?”

Lucas ran his lips along her neck, inhaling deeply. “I knew you were the one.”

All she could do was hold on and try to stay standing as pleasure made her weak and happy. Then his words replayed in her mind. “Excuse me?” She pulled away from him.

Lucas’s smile was gentle. “That’s all you have to say? I declare myself and you say, excuse me?”

Harper pushed at him, but with a size and strength advantage, he didn’t move. “What exactly are you saying?” The cool air coming from the overhead vent sent a chill through her, and what seemed perfectly natural moments ago seemed crazy now. She pushed again, trying to be released. Lucas relented, sliding her down his body until she was standing on her own two feet again. He projected patience and love. He wasn’t playing fair. “We want different things.”

He wiggled his brows. “I’d say we’re of one mind.”

“Sex?” Exactly what she’d thought. He was lonely and playing games.

“That, too. Excuse me.” She heard humor in his tone and didn’t like it. This was serious. “I’m a guy. I don’t always have the right words.” He shrugged. “But I’m a guy that loves you.”

“So?” What changed? A year ago he’d said he loved her, but he still had no intention of having a future with her. She shook her head, not yet willing to call him out on that, but the last thing she wanted was a man who married her because it was his last resort. Harper shook her head again. He was not getting away with this.

“I’m trying to do better.” He kissed her on her nose. “To tell you what I feel.”

“How do you feel?” What Harper hoped he’d say and what he was going to say could be miles apart.

“I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Harper’s jaw dropped. Lucas chuckled. “Marry me.”

“Kids?”

“A million.”

Harper didn’t know how to react. She didn’t trust it. Him. This didn’t feel right. “So you’ve quit your job, Marnie told my boss I have the flu, and you eat like a horse. How will we live?” She stepped into his arms again, and it felt as if she were floating in air, still skeptical, but enjoying the ride.

Lucas frowned. “I hadn’t thought of that.” She burst out laughing. That she believed. Lucas did want a future with her. “All I thought of was the choice. You or my job.”

“What? Who asked you to make that choice?”

Lucas’s mouth dropped open, and he blinked a few times, stymied. “You’re more important than my job.”

“I would hope so, but a person needs to make a living, and if you’re lucky, you’ll find something that matters. You, as a detective, Lucas, matter. Look what you’ve done in the last year. You’ve saved us. Saved us all.” She hugged him, pressing her face to his chest, stunned that what had been so impossible was now within her reach.

“Shit. I’m such an ass.” He raked his fingers through his hair. Gorgeous, charming, heroic, he was everything Harper ever wanted in a man.

“Don’t worry. We’ll live on love.” She squeezed him tightly.

Lucas kissed the top of her head. “So what does this mean?”

“I thought that was decided,” Harper said. “I’ll be your sugar mama and we can live happily ever after.”

“Oh, yeah?” He twirled her in his arms. “So, you’ll marry me? Today.”

“Nope. I’m a MacLain. We have weddings. Big weddings.”

He settled and laughed, kissing the tip of her nose. “Yes. A wedding.”

“It can wait until we save up for one.”

“No waiting. I have money enough for even a MacLain wedding. My father always married up. Money isn’t a problem.” Lucas dropped his forehead to hers. “But you’re right. I like what I do. I’m good at it. I’ll go talk to Zimmerman and ask for my job back.” He laughed. “This changes everything.”

“Yes.” Harper nodded. “I’m not on birth control, I’m ovulating, and there is a good chance we’ve already started our family.”

Lucas blinked. “I meant I wouldn’t work so many hours.”

Harper burst out laughing. “You have no idea what work is until you have a child to take care of.” She kissed him good and hard.

Lucas’s phone rang. “Sullivan here.” He frowned. “We’ll be right there.” He hung up. “More surprises. Let’s go.”

They hurried to the interrogation room. The lieutenant, Dane, Marnie, and her mother were inside. Charlotte was sipping coffee, oblivious to the tension in the room.

“What’s going on?” Lucas shut the door after him, and it clicked, sealing them in.

“Mom.” Marnie turned to her mother. “Tell them what you told us.”

Charlotte put her coffee on the table, and then nervously nudged the paper cup with her fingertips. “My boss isn’t local.”

Lucas caught Dane’s gaze. “I’d assumed a dirty MPD cop had hired her.”

With a nod, Dane indicated Charlotte should continue. “There’s more.”

“First, tell me who hired you.” Lucas put his hands on his hips.

Charlotte shrugged. “Ask Caleb Smith.”

“Caleb?” Harper didn’t see the connection. Caleb had nothing to do with the MPD and certainly nothing to do with Whitman Enterprises.

“He knows who wants the flash drive and journal…who was willing to pay me top dollar for it,” Charlotte said. “Smith is working with the feds. The FBI.” She winked at Marnie and then arched a brow, nodding.

“Bullshit.” Lucas glanced around, reading the room to see who believed Charlotte, or not. “Smith spread a rumor I stole Whitman Enterprise money. He wanted the FBI to tail me, to protect Harper. He wasn’t working with them. Shit, he was fucking with me.”

“I know what I know.” Charlotte shrugged, not at all upset Lucas doubted her. “I have my sources. Marnie knows I know people, don’t you, girl?”

Marnie shook her head. “Stop lying, Mom.”

Charlotte’s bottom lip jutted out. “It’s true.”

If Charlotte was lying, Harper couldn’t tell. She seemed more indignant that her daughter didn’t trust her word. That in itself was hard to swallow given their history, but it seemed to Harper the woman believed what she was saying. She was obviously insane.

“Smith is why we had to move fast,” Charlotte said, “to take the journal. I didn’t want to. Nope. But Smith wanted the journal and was using the feds to get it, so we had to move in. I thought I was playing him, but Smith was playing me. I fucked up. Didn’t have a plan B. Always a mistake.”

Marnie glared at her mother. “You’re wrong. If what you say is true, Caleb would have had to pull a triple blind.” Seeing Harper’s confusion, she clarified. “A grift. A complicated one. Playing us, Charlotte, and the buyers.”

Charlotte sipped her coffee. “He’s good.”

“Why should we believe you?” Lucas eyed the old woman.

“Don’t believe me.” Charlotte’s smile was feral. “Ask Smith. My sources say he’s an undercover fed. All hush-hush. Recruited out of college.” She snickered. “Can you see that? Smith, a college man?” Marnie folded her arms over her chest, shaking her head. “Secrets like this never stay secret. He’d better watch himself.” Charlotte nodded. “He’s made powerful enemies.”

“Is that a threat?” Marnie asked.

“He’s looking for my boss. The boss.” For the first time ever, Harper saw fear on Charlotte’s face. “Whitman Enterprises is one of many. The boss needs that quiet. Smith has bitten off more than he can chew.”

“But you’re willing to snitch.” Lucas turned toward Zimmerman. “Is this why she’s not in holding? You’re making a deal with her? She’s as trustworthy as a scorpion on a turtle’s back.”

Charlotte shrugged. “Girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. Do you see my boss here saving my ass? No. That’s up to me. Always need a plan B. Isn’t that what I always taught you, Marnie?”

Marnie turned her back on her mother. Harper could see her chin quivering. “Yup. That’s what you taught me, Mom.”

“Well, then.” Lucas’s smile couldn’t have been wider. “Charlotte, we have lots to talk about.” Dane and Lucas exchanged glances. “This is what Folsom was referring to.”

Dane nodded. “Joe said Whitman was accountable to someone. But why would Smith want in on this unless he is with the feds?”

Marnie seemed baffled. “You don’t believe her. Right? Mom, tell them you’re making this up. Caleb never went to college. He could never be in the FBI.” Charlotte shrugged.

Zimmerman lifted a hand, indicating they should stop talking. “This doesn’t leave the room.”

“I want immunity and witness protection. I want to start over.” Charlotte sniffled, the image of a put-upon mom. “My daughter doesn’t want me around. Maybe I can have a do-over.”

There were shouts in the hall and banging on the door. “Lieutenant—” A uniformed officer poked his head in. “We’ve rounded up the last of the men on the list, but some are resisting arrest.”

“Is that the ruckus I’m hearing?” Zimmerman stood. “Lock it down.”

“Will do, sir.” He smiled at Dane and Lucas. “You in?”

Lucas turned toward Zimmerman. “I respectfully request my job back, sir.”

“Granted.”

Harper and the others emptied into the hall, leaving Charlotte in the interrogation room, cuffed to the table. Detectives, officers, and staff all participated in the ruckus down the hall, all right. It was a full-on donnybrook. Punches were thrown, office supplies, chairs, and other paraphernalia were hurled, used as weapons. Ten people in all had lost their minds.

Lucas, Dane, and Zimmerman rushed to the scene, pulling apart fights.

Lucas pointed her back into the interrogation room. “Go! And Marnie, too! Back in the room!” Then he ducked when a swing came his way, took the officer down, and restrained him with the cop’s own cuffs.

Harper and Marnie hurried, hovering at the door, peeking down the hall. “Who do you call when the cops are fighting?” Harper said. She didn’t like this. Not at all.

Marnie’s hand gripped the door casement so tightly, her knuckles had faded to white. “Cops. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.”

Lucas delivered a particularly brutal right cross to a gorilla of a detective. Harper gasped, thinking Lucas probably split his knuckles on the brute. “I never liked that guy.”

“We should close the door.” Marnie glanced down the hall and saw more scuffles, more cops getting cuffed. The usually unflappable Marnie was afraid.

“My coffee’s cold.” Charlotte sat forgotten at the table.

Marnie ignored her, but Harper couldn’t help noticing Charlotte’s wistfulness as she stared at her daughter…she loved Marnie. It was sad to see, because Charlotte was the most unlovable person Harper had ever had the misfortune to meet.

Harper’s phone rang. Marnie jumped, bit off a startled squeal. She slammed the door shut, and leaned against it as Harper noted the caller ID. “Oh!” Harper clutched the phone to her chest. “It’s the school!”

“Answer it!” Marnie said.

The noise from the brawl forced Harper deeper into the room. “This is Harper.”

“Harper, hello. This is Mrs. Nougat. I wanted to offer you the position at Smyth Road School.”

Forcing a professional acceptance through lips that wanted to babble was harder than Harper would have expected, but she did it. Mrs. Nougat set up an appointment, and it was done.

Smiling ear to ear, she turned toward Marnie and caught her touching her tiny belly. “Wouldn’t it be great to be pregnant together?” Dream job, dream life, dream hero—what more was there to want? Harper poked her head into the hall and saw the fighting had stopped and the dirty cops were being carted away. She stepped out into the hall, wanting to tell Lucas.

Marnie followed, excited. “You’re pregnant?”

Lucas handed off a cuffed detective to a uniformed officer. Even over the commotion, he’d heard Marnie’s words. “Give me time!” He laughed, walking toward them.

Harper clapped her hands. “I got the job!”

Lucas laughed. “Of course you did! I love you, Harper MacLain.”

Cops chuckled and ribbed Lucas, because the battle was won. The dirty cops were cuffed and the good guys were commiserating and satisfied. Manchester Police Department had cleaned house. Once again the heroes, risking their lives for those in need, arrested the bad guys. She’d never been so proud in her life.

“I forgot something.” Lucas fell to one knee, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a ring. “I’ve carried it in my pocket since that swanky restaurant. Do you remember the restaurant?”

She slapped his shoulder. “Of course I remember the restaurant!” She felt like such a fool.

“I was going to propose. Then I choked. I’m my father’s son—a cop first and foremost. It’s not fair to ask you to live that life. I knew it a year ago at that restaurant, and I know it now. A cop’s spouse lives an uncertain life, always wondering if their loved one will come home. It’s a dangerous life, and bringing a child into it, knowing there’s a chance I’ll orphan my kid…it scares the hell out of me, Harper. I set the stage to propose at the restaurant, but I couldn’t take such a selfish leap, not when we were so happy as we were. It took losing you to make me realize what a fool I was.” He took her left hand in his, placed a one-carat diamond ring on her finger, and kissed her knuckles. “Life without you, Harper—that scares me more than any of the unknowns or statistics out there. Leaving the force would be like sacrificing a limb, but I’d do it to keep you.”

“Oh, Lucas. I’m from a family of cops. I always knew what I was getting into when I fell in love with you. We can do this. I promise.”

He nodded, smiling. “I don’t have to make the mistakes my father did. Maybe if he’d met someone like you.” He stood and pulled her into his arms. “Can you forgive me? Better yet, forgive me later. You haven’t said you’ll marry me yet.”

“I did, too!”

“No, you didn’t. Say it now. Marry me, Harper. Say you’ll marry me.”

She held his cheeks and kissed him. “I’ll marry you. Just someone try to stop me!” Harper laughed. He lifted her off her feet and kissed her with a thoroughness she’d come to crave.

With her family about her, and the promise of adding to it, Harper was one of the lucky ones. The one she loved, loved her back.