Waiting for Sunrise: Baytown Boys Series Read online

  “You get it?”

  Recognizing Lionel’s voice, he affirmed, “Yeah.”

  “Good. You got a neighbor who’s expecting it. Dade Blade.”

  “You gotta be shittin’ me. Man’s got a name like Dade Blade. Either his parents were high when they named him or he’s a dumb fuck who has no idea how to fly under the radar.”

  A chuckle met his ear and Lionel said, “Just get the shit to him.”

  “And what do I get outta this?”

  “A chance to score some more yourself. You do this and don’t fuck it up, there’ll be more like last time coming your way. Or have you forgotten what I did for you straight up, before you’d ever done anything for me? Trust, my man, goes both ways.”

  His jaw ticked. “I didn’t forget. How hot is this?”

  “Best way to stay cool is to have it move along…no one person holding the merchandise.”

  “Who’s here on my end?”

  “You’re too new to the chain to know that, Simmons. Just get it to Dade each time and he’ll make sure you get paid.”

  With that, he rang off and closed his eyes, his fingers digging into his thigh.

  Hunter roared past Belle’s house, hoping she was not home to notice that he did not stop. The packet of stolen drugs in his pocket felt as though they were burning a hole in him. Keeping his eyes forward, he drove past his camper and pulled into Dade’s short drive next to his old mobile home. Not quite the dump he first assumed it would be, he walked past a kid’s bicycle to the front door and knocked.

  A thin woman opened the door, a baby on her hip. “Yeah?” she asked, her voice sounding blasé at the sight of a large, strange man on her stoop.

  Stepping back to the ground to appear less intimidating, he asked, “Dade?”

  Pursing her lips, she jerked her head toward the left. “He’s out back. Go around.” With that, she closed the door.

  Following her direction, he walked around the building, finding a thin man in a ball cap sitting in a lawn chair, rolling a cigarette. He looked up, his eyes narrowing for a few seconds until a slow grin spread across his face. “New guy? Friend of Lionel’s?”

  At his silent nod, Dade added, “Hell, a fuckin’ neighbor. How convenient is that?”

  “You wanna cut the shit and get to it?” he growled.

  Dade’s eyes narrowed for an instant before his face broke into a grin. “I like a man who knows what he wants.” He held his hand out.

  Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the plastic packet and dropped it into Dade’s hand. He observed as Dade opened and counted the contents.

  Without any acknowledgment, Dade stood and walked the few steps to the back door of his house. Within a moment, he returned and handed him an envelope. “Your pay. Keep doing what you’re doing and it’ll go up.”

  Sucking in a breath, he turned to leave when Dade said, “Lionel says you visit the Pain Center. They takin’ care of you?”

  Staring back, he remained silent.

  Dade chuckled, saying, “Yeah…they got shit there but, most times, want therapy to do the job. You got pain, you come to see me. I’ll take care of you.”

  Ignoring the comments, he turned and walked around to the front and climbed onto his bike, the familiar roar of the engine calming his raging blood. Sucking in a deep breath through his nose, he let it out as he jerked out of the driveway.

  16

  Belle sat in the stands of the town’s baseball field, just over the railroad tracks near the pharmacy and diner. Katelyn and Ginny were on the sidelines, along with some of the men from the American Legion, helping to coach the children. Tori, Jade, and Jillian sat with her, cheering on the children playing.

  On the field, she paid very little attention to the game as long as Hunter was near first base, coaching. The younger children had already had their game and now the older kids were playing. Even from the stands, she could see several of the teenage boys gravitating toward him. She was unable to keep her grin from spreading wide, as she recognized some hero worship in their eyes when he talked to them. Looking unassuming, but powerful, in his AL t-shirt and cargo shorts. Gorgeous…

  “Looks like someone’s got it bad,” Tori smiled, looking at her.

  Realizing she spoke out loud, she laughed while blushing a bright pink. “I honestly had no idea how good he would be at coaching but he looks so natural out there with the kids.”

  Nodding, Jillian replied, “I know that for Grant, working with the youth teams for the America Legion has meant a lot to him.”

  Tori added, “I think for Mitch, Grant, Ginny, and Lance…because of being police officers, they feel like they’re always seen as just that…police officers. But, coaching gives them a chance to meet the kids, teens, and their parents on a different level. Less intimidating.”

  “And influential,” Jade said. “Lance feels like he has a chance to make a real difference.”

  She silently wondered about Hunter’s motivations. Would some of the kids who lived near them see him in a different light…not just the big man on a motorcycle, but someone who could help them if they needed it?

  “Hey, Belle, looks like Hunter wants you,” Madelyn said, bumping her shoulder.

  She jolted from her reverie and looked back to the field, observing Hunter moving toward the sidelines and staring her way. Standing, she carefully made her way down the stands and walked toward him. As she neared, she noticed his eyes dropped over her from head to toe and warmed at the appreciative smile on his face.

  Reaching him, she instinctively placed her palms on his chest as his hands reached for her shoulders. “Hey, sweetheart, what is it?”

  “You see Brittany today?”

  Confusion crossed her face as she tried to remember. “Uh...just out on the field a little while ago. Why?”

  “She’s wearing a big T-shirt, which isn’t unusual, but when she pushed her sleeves up earlier, I got a look at some bruises on her upper arms. As soon as I saw them, she dropped the sleeves back into place. I didn’t approach because she seemed skittish, but I wondered if she would talk to you about where she got them.”

  “Oh, my God,” she exclaimed, eyes wide, her head jerking around to look for Brittany. She dropped her hands and began to turn away, when his fingers squeezed slightly on her shoulders bringing her attention back to him.

  “Gotta be cool, babe. Don’t scare her away when you talk to her. Just let her know that she can talk to you…just like always. You’re good with her…keep that communication open.”

  She nodded, but he was not finished.

  “She got a boyfriend?”

  Jerking her head back, she said, “No…she’s too young—”

  “Belle,” he interrupted. “You gotta know not every girl waits…”

  Pinching her lips together, she nodded. “I know, but to be honest, I’m more afraid it might be her mom.”

  Now, Hunter’s lips tightened. “Okay, stay cool, but see if you can talk to her. Last I saw, she was hanging over to the side,” he said, jerking his chin toward the other side of the stands.

  Nodding, she said, “I’ll go now.” Hesitating, she looked up and asked, “Will I see you at Finn’s?”

  A smile slipped over his lips. “Wherever you are…that’s where I’ll be.”

  Hating to part, she concentrated on finding Brittany. Searching for just a few minutes, she found her sitting alone on the far side of the town stands. “Hey girl, I wondered where you were.”

  Brittany lifted her hand to shield her eyes as she looked up at her, a smile on her face. “Hi, Belle.”

  She plopped down on the seat next to the young girl and was glad for the sunglasses she wore, allowing her to visually search Brittany’s arms without appearing to do so. With her large T-shirt sleeves hanging to her elbows, there were no bruises visible.

  “So, how are you doing? I haven’t seen you in a couple of days.”

  A shrug was the reply.

  “I thought maybe you could come by
this afternoon. We could spend some time together, if your mom won’t mind.”

  “Not like she’d even notice,” Brittany said, her voice as sullen as her words.

  “How about after lunch? You come by and we’ll hang for a while.” She watched the flare of interest spark in her eyes. Shoulder bumping her, she prodded, “Come on…you know you want to.”

  A tiny smile curved the pretty teenager’s lips and she nodded. “Yeah, sure.” Seeing the game breaking up, she said, “I gotta go but I’ll come by in a little while.”

  “Good, sweetie. Looking forward to it.” She watched as Brittany walked away, observing the thin lines of the young teenager’s body. Calling out, “I’ll have something for us to eat,” earned her another smile and a wave.

  Blowing out her breath, she wondered how bad Brittany’s home life was and if there was anything she could do about it.

  Hunter walked into Finn’s after helping put away the sports equipment and making sure all the children had been picked up or had rides to their homes. For the first time since arriving in Baytown, he truly felt like he belonged and he knew that a big part of that was the woman he wanted to lay eyes on.

  Not disappointed, he watched as she walked toward him, her pastel flowered sundress swinging about her hips with a bright yellow ribbon holding back her hair. His smile stumbled as he observed uncertainty in her eyes. Determined to remove that specter, he stalked forward, clasping her body to his and leaning down to claim her with a kiss. Managing to keep it chaste, he nonetheless felt the softness of her lips straight to his cock. Leaning back before the evidence of his ardor was visible to everyone, he tucked her underneath his arm and escorted her toward the back where their friends were gathering.

  He noticed the smiles sent their way but as he glanced down, saw Belle’s face pink with a heated blush. “You okay?”

  Her eyes darted up to his and she offered a tremulous smile. Standing on her toes, she whispered, “Yeah…just feels weird to be the one that they’re all speculating about. I’ve done it plenty with them, but to be on the receiving end…it’s a little unnerving.”

  He squeezed her shoulder and said, “Are you happy? With me?”

  “Of course!” she gushed.

  Grinning, he said, “Then soak it in, babe. You’re so giving to everyone else, it’s time you were the center of their attention. Anyway, they’re all looking at me, wondering why you let me hang around you.”

  She playfully slapped his chest and rolled her eyes. “I know for a fact, they’re happy we’re together.”

  Pleased with her words, he settled into a booth, gently pulling her down with him. Ginny, Grant, Mitch, and Tori were sitting across, with Jade and Lance next to them. Madelyn and Zac were at a table that had been pushed right next to the booth. Jillian was helping Katelyn, while Brogan and Aiden ran the bar. Colt and a few of his deputies came in and hung with the group as well.

  After a few minutes of small talk and digging into the food that came their way, Hunter turned to her and asked, “What did you find out about Brittany?”

  Her face fell, and she replied, “Nothing yet, but she’s going to come over this afternoon for some girl time. I’m hoping to find out more then.”

  “What’s the latest?” Ginny asked. “I used to take her home from the games but now that she’s older, she says she prefers to walk. I’m never sure if that’s true or if she’s anxious about a cop driving her home.”

  Belle looked at the others and said, “Brittany comes over a lot…I think she sees a kindred spirit in me, and I suppose, it’s true.”

  “Something you need to report?” Mitch’s firm voice carried across the table.

  Looking first at Hunter before sliding her eyes back to Mitch’s, she said, “Brittany’s mom is not the best.”

  Mitch’s lips pinched tightly and he nodded. “She’s had some trouble with us, but mostly public intoxication and a few minor altercations in the neighborhood.”

  “I think Brittany likes to come over because I feed her and we can just talk.”

  “Her mom could afford food if she didn’t keep losing jobs because of showing up high to work,” Grant stated.

  “Oh, my God,” Jade cried. “That’s horrible.”

  “I’d like to see the back section of the mobile home park cleaned up, but since it sits on the county-town line, it’s a fucked-up place to monitor. We technically don’t have jurisdiction, although the County Board of Supervisors, along with Colt’s Sheriff Department, have given us leave to patrol there. But, what we find, we have to call it into his office.”

  “That’s insane,” she said, shaking her head. “I never thought about it like that. No wonder some of the houses back there are unkempt and have questionable renters and owners. Although I do hear the park owner is systematically stopping leases of those who rent, saying that he’s going to shut it down until he can renovate, start over, and keep it clean.”

  Colt’s eyes were on Hunter as he said, “Guess you hear a lot from where you’re at, don’t you?”

  Keeping his voice even, Hunter responded, “Some. Gets a little loud, but I’ve heard worse.”

  Nodding, Colt continued to stare, adding, “Be good if you let me or Mitch know of anything specific.”

  Mitch’s gaze moved silently between the two men, finally settling onto Hunter.

  “Keep my nose outta other people’s business,” Hunter replied. “But, I got no problem giving you a call when it’s needed.”

  The others’ attention was diverted when Jillian and Katelyn brought more food and Colt waved goodbye, heading toward the door. Her gaze shifted nervously toward Hunter, feeling the tension radiating off him.

  Giving her another shoulder squeeze, he turned to the food, avoiding Mitch’s penetrating gaze.

  17

  Belle threw open the door and greeted Brittany with a huge smile. “Come on in, sweetie. Follow me, I’m in the back.”

  The teen stepped into her house and moved into the bedroom, where she had clothes out all over the bed. “What on earth are you doing?”

  “I’m going through some of my clothes and before I give any away, I wanted to see what might fit you.”

  Brittany’s eyes grew wide and her smile brightened her face. “Wow…I’ve never seen so many clothes.”

  “Oh, honey, I always feel like I have very few compared to most of my friends who need work clothes. Since I wear scrubs every day, my other clothes don’t have to be so plentiful.”

  Brittany bent over the bed, her fingers gently trailing over a light blue sundress with yellow daisies over the skirt. “Why are you getting rid of some of these?”

  Laughing, she stood with hands on her hips, and said, “You know what, Brittany? Most women worry constantly about their looks. They feel too skinny, too chubby, not enough boobs and ass, too much boobs and ass. Hair not right, makeup not right. Lordy, honey, it’s a wonder any of us get out of bed each day! And that was me. I matured early and was always self-conscious. I like to eat and, while I take care of myself, I know these curves are here to stay. So, it’s time to get rid of a few things that are too snug and I no longer want to keep hanging in my closet just waiting to see if those ten pounds are going to magically disappear.”

  Brittany’s eyes drifted over her body as she talked and her grin widened. “You’re so pretty.”

  “Thank you, sweetie. So are you, but I know what it’s like to not have clothes that fit very well, and so I thought I’d like to see if any of these work for you.” Looking down at her bed, she said, “There are four sundresses and two skirts for you to try, as well as two pairs of jeans, two pair of shorts, and about six shirts. The bathroom is through there, so get started.”

  She sat on the bed while Brittany picked up a handful of clothing items and headed into the bathroom. Coming out a few minutes later, Brittany’s face was beaming.

  “One of the pairs of jeans was too big, but these are great. And this shirt is fabulous!”

  She met he
r smile, noting the jeans fit well and the peach colored top with three-quarter sleeves and gathered bodice was perfect. “That is super flattering on you,” she enthused. “The color is wonderful for your tanned skin.”

  Brittany headed back in, this time coming out twirling, the blue daisy sundress swirling about her legs. It was just a tad large, but overall looked adorable on her. Her eyes landed on the bruises on the teen’s upper arms, but she chose not to ruin the moment by mentioning them. She stood and walked over to her and pinched the sides of the bodice slightly. “I can do a quick stitch up the sides to make this fit better and it would be perfect.”

  Brittany ran her hands down the skirt of the dress and said, “I feel like a princess. I’ve never had anything so pretty in my life.”

  “Then I’m thrilled they’re going to you,” she enthused. “Now, go on and try on the other things.”

  By the end of the next hour, Brittany had her arms full of most of the clothes. Together, they walked into the living room and she instructed her to lay them on the sofa while she got them something to drink.

  Settling a few minutes later, she noticed Brittany’s gaze often drifted to the clothes and her brow would lower as though deep in thought.

  “What’s wrong, sweetie?”

  “I was just wondering if you’d mind if I left the clothes here. I could come to get them before school if I was going to wear something that day.”

  Understanding flooded her and her heart ached. “Your mom, right?”

  Nodding, her face drooping, Bethany said, “She’d either take them for herself or to sell, or just get pissed that I had something so pretty.”

  Her voice soft and full of understanding, she said, “Of course, you can keep them here.” Silence moved between them and she continued, “My mom was usually drunk and always had men over. Growing up in that was really hard. I had my grandmother’s house to escape to, but no other real friends. Then, when Grannie moved to the nursing home, I would try to get there, but unless I took the bus, it was hard.”