Chapter 25

“Kasey. Corbus keeps taking off with pieces.” Rachel scrambled after the dog as he ran up the stairs.

Kasey flew out of the kitchen and followed them. “Sorry, he’s bored.”

Chris looked over from the makeshift desk they all took turns using and smirked at Steven sitting on the floor. “At least they’re all getting exercise this way.”

“Christopher.”

He turned to see his wife coming down the stairs with the puppy under her arm. “Sorry.” He grinned. “You could go con the guard into taking him for a walk again.”

She shrugged. “It’s not much of a walk.” She sat on the floor with the puppy in her lap. “I wished they’d let me take him for a longer one.”

Chris leaned back in the chair and studied her. “Hopefully we’ll get somewhere with all of this soon and go home, sweetheart.”

Rachel sat back down with the puzzle piece on the floor. “It’s only two days until Yule.” She looked at the tree they had decorated and frowned. “And it doesn’t feel like it.”

Steven looked up from the piece he’d been scowling at. “I’d just like to go home.”

Rachel nodded then smirked. “You mean after you spend a week at the hospital filling in for everyone that’s been covering for you?”

He picked up another piece and studied it. “Yeah, that too.” He bared his teeth to her for reminding him.

Cora looked up from the map she’d been studying while helping Chris. “I know Dade wants out of here so he can go play in the snow.”

Dade, who had been leaning back on the couch staring at the ceiling, grinned over at her. “The snow isn’t the only thing I want to play with, love.”

Owen tossed a pillow at him. “No sex talk, we’re all suffering here.”

Leena laughed and shook her head as she got up and went into the kitchen.

Rhonda was walking beside Patrick as he came down the stairs again. “Corbus stir everyone up again?”

Kasey who was still sitting at the bottom with the puppy in her lap nodded. “At least he’s good that way.” She watched Patrick for a moment. “How many times have you done today?”

Patrick paused for a second and took a few breaths. “Made it six times up and down, so far.” He took another breath. “I’ll have this lung back in shape in no time.” He looked down at Rhonda and winked. They both knew why he was so determined to be able to breathe better.

Rhonda laughed. “And Tara and I will be in great shape by then too.”

Tara got up and grinned. “I’ll take a few turns with him Rhonda, you go do some stretching and keep that back loosened up.”

Rhonda turned when they reached the bottom. “It has been helping.”

Tara smiled as she placed a hand on Patrick’s arm. “It’s probably more Leena’s oil then the stretches, but the scar tissue is softening a bit.”

Rhonda nodded. “That and Owen I’m sure.”

Owen chuckled from the couch. “Working on your back and Pat’s shoulder is turning into a full-time job.” He winked at her. “A sacrifice I don’t mind making, since it’s helping.”

Patrick paused in heading back up the stairs. “It is and greatly appreciated.” He lifted his arm out from his body. “I can move it now without wanting to curse.” He looked up the stairs and took a deep breath, then started back up them again.

Everyone watched him disappear at the top. Gwen turned and smiled at her husband. “It may not feel like Yule, but at least we’re not at each other’s throats.”

Dexter sat up from where he’d been doing sit ups. Staying in one place was hard enough for him, but having to stay in the house was driving him crazy. “Not yet anyway.”

Justin grinned at the man sitting on the floor. “You are starting to remind me of a caged animal.”

Dexter laughed. “Starting to feel like one too.” He stood up and stretched. “I need to go for a run soon or I’m going to go crazy.”

Dade stretched lazily on the couch. “Ya, me too, Bro.” He smirked. “Well not the run part.” He watched the other man tense as he reached into his pocket for his phone.

Dexter hung up the phone and headed toward the door. “Captain Bentley is here for a visit.”

When Captain Bentley walked into the room he motioned to Patrick on the stairs. “I need to speak to you, Detective.”

All heads turned to him where he stood halfway down the stairs. He took a moment to check his breathing then shrugged. “I don’t think we need to run off and hide.” He winked at Tara. “If I don’t turn right around and tell the lot of them what was said, well, you should know by now this group has a way of finding things out.”

Chris motioned to the couch. “Have a seat, Captain.”

The Captain sighed and took off his boots before going over and sitting between Dade and Owen. He looked from one to the other. “You could slouch or something at least and make me feel bigger.”

Owen grinned. “This is slouching.”

“Oh.” He shook his head then turned to Chris. “Any luck on identifying the location of the hotel?”

Chris set the papers down he’d been flipping through. “Unfortunately, we’ve got a list of roughly thirty possible towns or cities.” He sat forward. “Pat traveled quite the distance with the group, so we’re working from the areas he circled on the map.” He shrugged then stood up and leaned against the end of the couch. “Not the most scientific approach, but the only option we have available.”

Patrick had managed to get to the chair and sit without feeling short-winded. “That’s if it is in one of the places we stopped.” He frowned. “I couldn’t take notes in case they were found.”

Captain Bentley sat forward. “Of course not. So how large of an area are we dealing with?”

Patrick glanced to Chris and nodded. Chris shrugged. “From Northern Canada to the middle states.”

The Captains mouth dropped open as he looked at Patrick. “Covered a few miles?”

Patrick shrugged. “And a bit.”

The Captain pulled out his wallet and passed a card to Chris. “You call this person here and if you need any photos or anything…” He frowned at Patrick. “From anywhere, they will likely be able to come up with them for you.”

Chris nodded and read the card.

Steven who remained sprawled on the floor paused and looked up at him. “So, the reason you needed to talk to Patrick was?”

Owen grinned and motioned to the puzzle pieces scattered all over the floor between Rachel and Steven. “As you can see, he’s not good at fitting pieces together, so you better keep it straight forward for him.”

The Captain smirked before sobering and looking back at Patrick. “I’ve received a message from Betty today.”

All movement in the room paused and waited for him to continue. He looked down at his hands then back to Patrick. “According to her, one of Walt’s new recruits is to just carry on until he returns.”

Patrick leaned forward and studied him for a moment. “He’s gone?”

The Captain shrugged. “From what she found out he’s gone away for a bit.”

Patrick frowned. “Where?”

“She didn’t know.” He sat back. “I’ve had no luck getting any information from this Bob character either. He’s either a great liar or he knows nothing.”

Patrick grinned. “That one knows nothing and it’s better that way. He can’t take pressure at all.”

Kevin had stopped in the kitchen doorway with Cora to listen. “So, what does this mean for us?”

The Captain turned to look at them. “I’m not sure exactly.” He reached into his coat and handed Patrick a cell phone. “It’s new and unlisted. Betty is going to let you know if she hears anything else.”

Jean set the wool down she’d been untangling for Gwen and looked over at him. “If this man is gone for now, can we go home?”

Patrick exchanged looks with Dexter and sat back. He watched the Captain struggle with the decision. “You do need to come up with a new plan, Captain. You can’t keep the lot of us holed up here forever.” He studied the other man for a moment. “If he’s gone off to lay low for a while, it will give us a chance to locate this motel and possibly find Jack.”

The Captain stood up and paced over to the window. When he turned, all eyes were on him. “I don’t want to have to keep all of you, but I have no way of guaranteeing your safety.”

Rachel looked up at him from the floor. “We’ve had to look over our shoulders before…”

Steven frowned at her. “Slightly different scenario, angel, Charlie was crazy but not in an unpredictable way.”

She shrugged. “This Walt is crazy too and probably won’t ever want to go up against us again…”

Steven hissed out a breath. “See, it’s the word probably that has me worried.” He reached out and caught hold of Corbus before he could get to the puzzle pieces again. Grinning at the small victory he looked over at Patrick. “What do you think, Pat? You know all the players.”

Patrick stood up and walked over to the Captain. He leaned against the chair and thought for a moment. “Walt was fairly freaked out when the ladies pinned him against the wall and took his gun, without ever actually touching him.”

The Captain put his hands in his pockets. “You think he’s running scared then?”

Patrick shrugged. “What I think is he’s off to tell the tale to Jack, if he is still alive.” He put his arm around Rhonda when she came over and perched on the arm of the chair. “If that’s the case, I think they’ll wait until Jack is able before they try for us again.”

The Captain nodded then sighed. He looked over at Chris then to Dexter before nodding to Patrick. “You three get on the list and find the damn hotel and I’ll send a whole army in if I need to. I don’t want to have to worry for the rest of my career that everyone here is safe.”

Patrick squeezed Rhonda into his shoulder. “We’ll pull out all resources and get on it Captain.” He looked around at the hopeful look the others had. “Just as soon as Yule has been celebrated and everyone here has had a few days’ time alone with their hearts.”

The Captain smirked then nodded. “Fine.” He glanced around at everyone. “I know I don’t have to tell all of you to lie as low as you can and stay off the radar, but I am anyway. Keep in touch and no taking chances.”

Everyone nodded. Dexter looked around the room and smiled. “I’m staying until Pat is one hundred percent, so I’ll keep an eye on things.”

Patrick smiled. “Appreciate it.”

The Captain headed slowly to the door again. “Who needs a ride home?”

Dade stood up and looked around. “We’ve got it covered.”

The Captain nodded then put on his boots. He looked around at the group of people and hoped he was doing the right thing. “Be safe.” With that he walked out.

There was a long silent pause from everyone in the room. They wondered if things had just gotten better or worse.

Gwen sighed as she stood up. “So, what’s the plan?”

Kevin looked at Jean for a long moment, before sighing. “I vote we break until Yule then meet back here for our planned dinner and plot out a plan then.”

Patrick walked over with Rhonda still under his arm. “Aye a bit of a break then regroup sounds about right.”

Chris caught his excited wife against his chest. “I agree.”

Leena paced from the kitchen rubbing her belly. “Everyone keeps their cell phones on them at all times, set the group’s number to speed dial?”

Everyone nodded. Patrick looked down and handed the new phone to Rhonda. “Do you want to take a gander and see what my number is so we can give it to everyone?”

She smirked and took the phone. “Of course, and I’ll put everyone’s in yours.” She frowned at the small buttons then looked over to Tara. “Okay, so Tara will navigate the buttons and I’ll go get my phone so I can give her the numbers.”

Tara smiled and got up. “Would love to.”

Rachel put the last piece of the puzzle back into the box then got up. “I guess we collect up our stuff and head home then.”

Steven looked up at her from the floor. “Who gets to go dig out all the cars?”

She smiled down at him sweetly. “Well, I don’t think actually using a shovel will be a real issue, Doc.” She flicked her tongue ring out at him then grinned.

He pointed to Dade, Owen, and Chris from where he was sprawled on the floor. “You, you and you are coming to help me get this done in record time.”

Dade nodded. “I have no problem speeding up us going home.” He winked at Cora as he headed to get his jacket.

Justin stood up and looked around. “Do we leave the house set up as a dormitory?”

Patrick chewed the inside of his cheek for a moment. “Aye, let’s just leave it as is for the time being, in case things change without warning.” Kasey looked over at him with worry in her eyes. “It never hurts to be prepared.”

She nodded then stooped down and picked up the puppy. “Are you ready to go home, Corbus?” The puppy licked her face. “Me too.”

Rhonda looked up from the phone Tara was programming. “So, Yule, what time?”

Cora paused in collecting up things and looked around. “Dinner at six?” Several of the others nodded. She looked over at Rhonda. “Six it is then.”

Rhonda sat in the suddenly empty living room and looked over at Patrick standing by the window. “They certainly didn’t take long to go.”

He turned and smiled at her. “Do you blame them?” He chuckled. “They probably wanted to go in case the Captain changed his mind.”

She nodded then looked around. “Where did Tara and Dexter go?”

Patrick nodded towards the basement door. “Tara wants to take advantage of the beds left behind and is getting a hand moving things around a bit.” He looked at the bed in the living room. “Dexter will be set up here for now.”

Rhonda blew the stray hairs from her face. “We’re going to have privacy and space?”

He grinned. “Aye.” Care to join me upstairs, lass?

You are still in the recovery period Patrick.

I’m getting’ there.

Rhonda looked at the basement door, then back to him. How there are you?

He held out his hand. Well enough to try.

Really? She stood up and took his hand.

If you don’t mind doing most of the moving.

She grinned up at him. At this point I’d carry you up the stairs if I could, Patrick Blaine. She paused after going up a few stairs and looked at him with concern. You better not stop breathing or something. I couldn’t even begin to explain to Tara what happened.

Patrick chuckled and put his arm behind her to speed her up. If you even have to try to explain to her then she can’t be much of a nurse at all to not understand basic anatomy and the workings of it.

She hesitated then made sure to smack his good arm.

When they reached the bedroom, she studied him for a second. “You’re sure you don’t need a nap after so much exercise already?”

He gave her an exasperated look. “I’m not taking a chance of napping away one bit of time we have to be alone.” He frowned and pushed her gently with his stronger arm. “We’ve had people in our face since I got home, and they could very well return in a moment’s notice.”

Rhonda tried not to smirk at the impatience in his voice. “I know, I just don’t want to set your recovery back.”

He snarled at her playfully. “I spent months in your company when I couldn’t lay a hand on ya’ without causing pain.” He paused to close the door and lock it. “Then I spend many lonely nights thinking of you, when I can’t be with you.” He backed her toward the bed slowly. “When I am with you again, I’m a wounded mutt with the strength of a baby.” With slow deliberate movements, he reached out and grasped the back of her head lightly, pulling her closer to him. “I’ve not been able to think of anything but touching you for days, but had one person or another constantly appearing when I get a second alone with you.” He loved the feel of her hand moving up his shoulder and weaving into his hair. “Now we’re alone and I’m out of patience.”

He pulled her head back lightly and looked at her brown eyes watching him. His eyes traveled down to watch her chest rise and fall in heavy breaths of anticipation.

Turning slowly, he sat on the bed without letting go of her. With his weaker hand, he reached up and undid the buttons of her top, brushing it aside to reveal the dust of freckles that filled his mind late at night. Her perfect small breasts rose and fell with her shallow breathing, her dusky pink nipples hard. Unable to wait any longer, he leaned over and ran his tongue over one hard peak.

I’m scared you’ll get hurt.

He gripped her waist and moved across to the other one. We’ll take it slow, as much foreplay as you can stand, I don’t want to have to stop and wait to finish. She held her breath when he took one nipple into his mouth and sucked on it lightly.

I don’t need foreplay, I’ve wanted this since the day you kissed me and left.

Trying to keep it slow was hard when his mind was clouding over with her, but he fought to remember to breathe evenly. Perfect. You’re so beautiful and perfect, Rhonda. Her hand slipped from his hair as she reached and pull her shirt away, off her body.

Patrick lifted his head to watch her. Releasing her, he slowly moved back on the bed. Using one arm, he propped himself on the pillows. With a shaking hand, he reached down and undid his belt and pants. You’ll have to help.

She moved onto the bed on her knees and pulled the pants down over his hips. Once she pulled them down over his feet she moved back up and undid his shirt. Leaving it to hang open she looked down at the light bandage covering his chest.

Don’t give it a thought. He grabbed the front of her jeans and looked up at her. Pulling her closer he ran his tongue over a nipple again. Get these off.

She was shaking as she struggled to take her jeans off. Keep talking to me like this, Pat. It will help us to remember to breathe.

As he watched the pale skin of her stomach being revealed he was having trouble remembering to breathe at all. He looked slowly up to her eyes. I don’t want you to remember. I want you gasping as you ride me. As she slid her underwear over her slender hips, he licked his dry lips. You have no idea how much I wished I could move as a man should right now.

She held his eyes for a moment then moved her hand slowly down over her waist to the moist, pale red hair between her legs. With slow deliberate movements, she pushed her hand between her own legs and placed a finger in the wet heat. His eyes didn’t miss any movement she made. As his eyes grew darker, she lifted the same hand to his mouth. Breathe. His eyes moved to her face briefly as his wet tongue wrapped around her finger.

I wished I could lay you down and savor you, love you like you should be. He was beyond caring if there was pain involved and reached up and grasped her hair to bring her face closer to his. Let me inside, now, I’ve had months of waiting to be there. With his bad arm, he grasped her hip and gently pulled. Pain shot through his shoulder blade but he ignored it and continued to pull her closer to him.

Her legs were shaking as she straddled him. He was so much larger than her, she could barely reach a leg on either side of him. With one hand on his good shoulder she balanced herself and reached her other hand down to wrap around the hard length of him. When he caught his breath, she looked up quickly to his face. He had his head thrown back and his eyes closed. Pat?

He took a slow breath and clenched his teeth. I’m fine. It’s been so bloody long and I’ve wanted you so badly. Patrick took a few more breaths as her hand moved down him slowly. Reaching around her slight body he grasped the back of her thigh and squeezed it. Rhonda. Pain or not he didn’t care. He grasped her leg again and lifted her quickly impaling her on him in one movement. He almost cried out, not entirely from the pain of lifting her, or too deep of breath he taken. She was hot, wet, and tighter than he’d ever imagined. And he’d imagined it often.

She gasped and held herself there not moving. Look at me, Pat. Are you all right? His head slowly lifted and he opened his eyes too look at her. The need in his eyes almost made her cry out. If it had been pain, she would have gotten up and gotten dressed faster than he could have stopped her, but it wasn’t.

His hand squeezed her hip, hard. He lifted her by bending his knees up slightly and moved her slowly back down the length of him. Move for me. He pulled her body closer to his face and gently bit one nipple. She cried out and moved up slowly again. He could feel her whole body shaking and cursed silently wishing he could take her the way he wanted.

Taking a few shaky breaths, he reached up and grasped her hair again pulling it gently so she would move up the length of him again. Dropping his hand to her neck he pushed her back down hard causing him to go deeper into her and squeeze the whole length of him. When I’m able I’m going to have you every way possible, lass, but you have to finish this for us this time.

She moved back up and let him push her to slam down hard onto him. After several minutes, her body was shaking and he was covered with a thin sheen of sweat. I need to, now, Patrick. His hand squeezing her neck was the only sign she got he heard her. His weakened arm moved to let her use his hand for some leverage as she gripped his other shoulder hard and pushed her own body up and down him. When his good hand reached up and squeezed a nipple, she groaned out loud and moved faster. It was only a few movements more and her whole body was vibrating with the powerful orgasm that went through her.

When he grunted, she slowed her movement and her eyes flew open. He was gasping trying to focus on breathing as he exploded inside her. Leaning forward she rested her forehead on his. Breathe, please, just breathe. His hand moved up to gently cradle her head as his body shook still. She heard him take a few short controlled breaths and realized he was still breathing and not in pain from it.

He ran a gently hand down over her scared back and smiled to against her mouth. We need to practice that a lot more. He felt her mouth form a smile against his. And maybe work on stamina a bit too. She chuckled softly. Possibly kissing while moving would be a nice touch.

She kissed his mouth softly. All of that could take a lot of practice.

Patrick took a few slower breaths. Aye, it could.

She leaned back and caught her breath, feeling him still deep inside her. Are you sure you’re all right? She wiped a hand over his damp brow and studied him.

He smiled at her. Just a bit winded, but if I were any more right, I’d float away. He closed his eyes for a second and exhaled. You feel so good, lass, but as much as my brain wants to, my broken body has had it for this round.

She moved off him slowly and reached down to pull the blanket from the end of the bed up over him. Scrambling off the bed, she hurried over and pulled on her robe. “Do you need me to get you anything?”

He slid slowly down into the bed, pulling the covers up as he did. Looking at her all sexy and sated he winked at her. “Only to get that ass back over here and lie down with me.”

She laughed. “Oh, I think I can manage to do that.” She stood there and looked at him for a moment. He was flushed but looked more than all right. “But you have to promise to try to rest a bit.”

He held up the cover. “A promise I’ll have no problem keeping.” She snuggled against his shoulder and rested her hand on his waist. “Rest with me a while.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” She smiled against his shoulder as she listened to his breathing settle when he drifted off to sleep.