Brody (Texas Boudreau Brotherhood Book 3) Read online

  Where is Beth?

  He drove as far as he could down the barely negotiable path, needing to get off the road for a while. By now, the woman had probably reported her car stolen, and the last thing he needed was to be pulled over by the cops.

  Especially that lousy sheriff, Rafe Boudreau. Oh yeah, he had a score to settle with the good sheriff. He was top three on his list, along with his brother. He couldn’t comprehend what Tessa saw in the sheriff, with his cornpone, aw shucks personality.

  Grabbing a couple of branches off the ground, he stacked them around the rear bumper of the car, obscuring it from view as best he could with the leaves mostly brown and brittle. They blended right in with the pockets of rust on this hunk of junk. He pocketed the keys and climbed into the back seat, stretching out on the cushioned bench seat. He needed to lay low for an hour or two, catch a catnap and then try to sneak back to the apartment complex.

  Time was running out. He could practically hear a clock ticking in his head. As much as he wanted to think the cops were inept, between the local cops and the feds, and who knows whoever else looking for him, he needed to grab Beth, get money, and head as far away from this disaster as possible.

  Closing his eyes, his lips curled up in a smile at the thought of Beth at his mercy. Revenge would be oh…so…sweet.

  Brody answered the phone on the first ring. He’d been on edge most of the night, antsy to get back to the Big House. Back to Beth. Checking in with Rafe the night before, he’d slammed his fist against the wall when his brother told him there still wasn’t any info on Evan. The man was a city dude. How was he able to survive in rural Texas without somebody spotting him?

  “Tell me you’ve heard something?”

  “Good morning to you too, grouch.” Rafe’s cheerful voice made him wince, especially since he hadn’t had his first cup of coffee yet.

  “I am not in the mood for your crap today, Rafe. Tell me what’s going on with Stewart.”

  “From the feds, nothing. Same with the state troopers. But I did receive a report of a stolen car.”

  “Where?” Brody stood straighter, getting a gut feeling.

  “Here. In the county, but not in town. The reason I think it’s significant is because it was stolen from the apartment complex where Beth and Jamie used to live until a few days ago.”

  “It’s him.”

  “I think so. Enough to pass the information on to everyone else. Antonio called SAC Williamson, who told him to stick around Shiloh Springs until Stewart is apprehended. He’s heading this way too. Personally, I think he wants to see Daisy again.”

  “Yeah, well, tell him to flirt on his own time. We need to find Stewart.”

  He was here, Brody could feel it. That sick, twisted freak was in Shiloh Springs, which meant he’d come for Beth. Not gonna happen. He’d die before he let Stewart get his hands on Beth or Jamie.

  “Where are you?”

  “Back at my place,” Brody answered. “There were enough people crowded into the Big House last night, so Momma told me to come back this morning. She’s keeping everybody home from church, in case Stewart shows up.”

  “Lemme ask you something, bro. What do you make of Stewart’s sister showing up? Too much of a coincidence?”

  Brody immediately understood Rafe’s concern, because he’d instinctively felt the same when he’d found out Camilla Stewart showed up in Shiloh Springs. Even with advance notice, and Beth saying it was okay, it seemed too good to be true Stewart’s sister would be on a plane to Texas the day after he escaped from Huntsville Prison.

  “Beth swears Camilla is nothing like her brother. She knew Camilla was coming to Texas, and she was going to spend a couple of days with her and Jamie. Apparently, she had some papers Stewart needed to sign, and he’d been balking, so she decided to show up in person and make him sign them.”

  “That’s what Beth told me too, but something doesn’t feel right. It’s got my Spidey senses tingling.”

  Brody chuckled at his brother’s half-hearted joke, though he trusted Rafe’s instincts. His brother had instincts when it came to bad guys and seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to figuring out the criminal mindset, and how to deal with miscreants.

  “If he’s here, close enough to be at her apartment, then I need to get back to the Big House.”

  “I figured you’d say that. I’m pulling up to the apartment complex now. I want to talk to the lady whose car was stolen. It hasn’t been sighted yet, but he can’t stay hidden forever. Dusty’s gonna drive by Old Man Johnson’s cottage, check and make sure nobody’s been snooping around looking for Beth and Jamie.”

  “Keep me posted.”

  “You got it. Talk to you later.”

  Brody hung up and headed for the kitchen. His apartment wasn’t big, only a one bedroom, but it was enough until he settled down. He’d tried living in Austin, figuring he’d spread his wings outside Shiloh Springs. Not his brightest idea. Within a year, he was back. The furniture he’d splurged on when moving he’d placed in storage, until Tessa’s place had been trashed. He’d loaned it willingly. What good did it do sitting in a storage unit, gathering dust? Now it was at the Old Johnson place, where Beth and Jamie lived. He liked the thought of them sitting on his furniture, making a home with things he’d picked out. Maybe someday…

  He dumped grounds into the coffee maker, added the water and turned it on. Despite what everybody said, he didn’t really care for those pod-type coffee makers. There was something satisfying about being able to measure out the grounds and watching while it brewed. This morning, he needed the sharp kick of caffeine. He’d barely slept, thinking about Beth and their kiss.

  It had been exactly how he’d imagined it. He wasn’t sure when their friendship had started growing into something more. Something special. Now he wished he hadn’t wasted so much time worrying about what others would think, whether they’d approve. So much time lost he’d never get back. But he refused to dwell in the past any longer.

  He loved Beth. It had snuck up on him, but didn’t change the fact. He was head-over-heels, totally and deeply in love with the woman, and he didn’t care who knew. Things would change once Stewart was back behind bars. The good thing was this stunt he’d pulled would add a whole new batch of charges against him, and he’d be spending the rest of his foreseeable future being bunk mates with the rest of the male population of Huntsville. He was pretty sure this time, Stewart wouldn’t be getting out so easily.

  The text alert pinged on his phone, and he swiped the message open. The lab tech had texted he’d sent an e-mail with the findings Brody was waiting for. There it was, in black and white. The forensic lab confirmed the fire at the Summers barn was deliberate.

  Arson.

  He read through the rest of the report, frowning. As he’d suspected, gasoline had been the accelerant used. Not much help, because gasoline was readily available, a cheap and easy source. They’d tested the charred wood samples, as well as the broken pieces of glass, the ones that hadn’t been sent to the crime lab to look for any DNA or fingerprints. Hopefully he’d get their report within the next day or two. Since it was Sunday, he was lucky he’d gotten the lab report. It was too much to hope for a twofer.

  He’d let Greg know as well as the insurance company. Greg had headed back to San Antonio after answering his questions, depressed and worried his family’s property was being targeted by an unknown person. This was going to devastate that family, and he felt guilty he had to share the bad news with them. But it was his job, his responsibility. On the bright side, if you could call it a bright side, this confirmed there was a serial arsonist working in Shiloh Springs.

  The real job was just beginning.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Even with everything going on around her, Beth felt like she was walking on air. Brody had kissed her! And what a kiss! It had curled her toes and made her feel all tingly inside. She took the stairs two at a time, practically skipping her way to the kitchen. Pulling up shor
t, she spotted Heath seated at the table, a mug of coffee in one hand and a tablet in the other. A frown of concentration marred his otherwise handsome features.

  “Good morning.” His voice rumbled before he took a deep swallow of coffee. “Momma left breakfast warming in the oven. Said she had a couple of things she had to do this morning, but she’ll be back.”

  “Thanks.” Pouring her own cup, she took a sip, and looked out the window over the sink. Bright sunlight shone on the back vegetable garden, and she could see one of the barn cats sneaking across the grass. She smiled, knowing the first thing Jamie would want to do was head out to play with the kittens. With all the excitement of the last couple of days, she’d left her sleeping upstairs.

  Laying his tablet on the table, Heath studied her, before propping his elbows on the table and resting his chin on his hands. “I had a long talk with Dad last night. He explained to me what’s been going on. Anything I can do to help?”

  Beth slid onto the chair across from Heath. “Everybody’s doing what they can. Rafe’s got the locals keeping watch for Evan. Antonio’s dealing with the FBI. He told me Mr. Williamson, his boss, wants him to stick around Shiloh Springs until Evan’s captured. I really hope he’s caught soon, so everybody can go back to their normal lives.” Her hands tightened around the mug, and she whispered, “I hate this. My problems have turned everybody else’s live upside down.”

  “Tell me what your gut feels, Beth. Do you think Evan will run for the border, maybe head to another state?”

  She shook her head. “He’ll come after me. He hates me for not standing by him when he was arrested. I’m not sure what he expected—he tried to kill my sister! Planned to kill me. All for money. Somehow in his twisted logic, he thinks I’m the bad guy because I gave it all away. Except he doesn’t believe I gave it to the county. He thinks I keep a big chunk for myself.” She gave a bitter laugh. “He’s the one who got us into so much financial trouble I may never be able to dig myself out of the hole he created.”

  “From what I’ve read of his depositions and his plea deal, that’s the impression I got too. He’s narcissistic. He has delusions of grandeur. Thinks he’s above everyone else, including being above the law. Sound right?”

  “You’ve pretty much pegged him. I can’t believe how blind I was. Maybe I deluded myself, because he was so different when we first met. Even when we first married. I thought I had the perfect marriage. Which goes to show you how big a fool I am.”

  “I don’t know you. Haven’t got a clue who or what you’re all about. But I know my family wouldn’t take you in, wouldn’t consider you part of it, if you were a fool. Brody wouldn’t care for you if he considered you unworthy. And my parents are good judges of character.”

  “They only know me because of Tessa.”

  Heath slowly shook his head. “They met you through your sister, true. But they care about you because you’re a good person—or so I’m told. You’re a loving mother who’d do anything to protect her child. You’re raising her on your own. You picked up and moved halfway across the country to start over. I wouldn’t call that a fool. I’d call that a strong, determined woman who can do anything she sets her mind to.”

  Beth met his stare straight on. “You are definitely a Boudreau.”

  A beautiful smile changed Heath’s entire face, taking him from slightly dangerous to stunning. “A name I proudly claim.” Standing, he walked to the coffee pot and poured another cup. “I’m not the type to pussyfoot around, so I’m going to ask you outright. What are your feelings for my brother?”

  “Brody?”

  “Yeah, Brody. Momma said you’re his.” He made the statement sound like it was a done deal.

  “I…we’re…feeling our way. He’s been a very good friend.”

  “Is that all he is to you—a friend? Because if all you feel is friendship, tell him. Don’t play coy or toy with him, he deserves better.”

  Beth jerked back at the vehemence in the Heath’s voice. It was obvious he cared about his brother, and didn’t want to see him hurt. Wasn’t it a good thing she had no intention of hurting him?

  “I would never intentionally hurt Brody. I care about him a great deal.”

  “Bah, I hate wishy-washy sentimentality. Either you love him or you don’t.”

  Beth’s eyes widened at the anger on Heath’s face, but somehow, she knew it wasn’t directed at her. Somebody’d hurt him badly in the past, and he still carried the scars.

  “What is between Brody and me is personal and it’s private. All I can say is I’ll never intentionally break his heart.”

  Heath studied her face, weighing her words. Finally, he took a deep breath and nodded. “Good enough.”

  Beth let out the breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “You sure I can’t get you some breakfast? Suddenly, I’m starving.”

  Heath chuckled and nodded, grinning. “Sounds good.”

  Brody had barely climbed behind the wheel of his pickup when his phone rang. Blasted thing wouldn’t stop pinging this morning. Messages from the Austin lab. Rafe. The fire station. Everybody kept pestering him when all he wanted was to drive out to the Big House and see Beth. Especially knowing Stewart might have been in Shiloh Springs, he wanted—needed—to keep her and Jamie safe.

  “What?”

  “Boss, got another fire. A bad one.” Jeff Barnes’ voice was low and serious, enough so Brody felt a surge of adrenaline spike through his blood. Brody scrubbed a hand across his face, barely refraining from banging his head against the steering wheel. This day kept getting better and better.

  “Where?”

  “Santiago’s, the old Tex-Mex restaurant, the one that closed a few months ago. Crews on site, but it’s a bad one.” Jeff’s voice lowered perceptibly before adding, “I think it might be arson.”

  Brody let loose a string of curses, frustration eating away at what little control he had remaining. Things were escalating if the arsonist had struck again. It had been less than twenty-four hours since they’d struck the Summers’ barn for the second time, now this?

  “I’m on my way. Call in extra backup if you need it from Burnet County. I’m on my way.”

  “I’m on it, Boss.”

  Brody pulled out of the apartment drive and headed west. Santiago’s was located about twenty minutes or so from where he lived, and he stomped on the gas, hoping to cut that time in half. The restaurant had closed a few months ago. Brody knew they’d had trouble with a variety of things, including failing health inspections. It also wasn’t in the best location for foot traffic and tourists, not being in the city. Matter of fact, he was surprised it had stayed open this long, although it had been popular with the high school crowd on Friday and Saturday nights. Trucks full of teens would drive there, load up with to-go bags and then head out for the lake. More than once they’d been called in to douse bonfires left unattended by that crowd. Businesses couldn’t sustain itself with that kind of clientele, which probably led to their closure.

  Black plumes of smoke spiraled upward the closer he got. Jeff hadn’t exaggerated the seriousness of the blaze, and he anticipated needing the additional support from the next county. He maintained a good relationship with the fire chief in Burnet County, and they had a mutually agreed plan of assistance any time it was needed. Looked like this morning they’d be taking advantage of that.

  Slamming on his brakes, he raced from his car toward the area where he spotted Jeff, giving orders and directing the men of his company. The Burnet Company worked side-by-side with his team, rallying to contain the fire and keep it from spreading. Fortunately, there weren’t any nearby buildings to catch fire, but the tree line behind the restaurant was rife with downed branches and bushes desperately in need of water. It was a sad fact Texas was in the midst of a dry spell, and a lot of people were praying for rain. The natural vegetation alongside roadways and in unincorporated areas was especially hard hit, dry and broken. A perfect conduit for sparks to ignite into out-of-cont
rol blazes.

  “Hey, Boss. Burnet County FD is handling the western half of the building, and we’re containing the right side. Two-in, two-out teams are checking for anyone inside. So far, no casualties. Burnet has another tanker on the way.”

  “Good. Who called it in?”

  “Anonymous nine-one-one call. Only on the line long enough to report the fire, then hung up.”

  “Got it.” Brody surveyed his surroundings, watching his men work in a synchronized, well-organized fashion that might appear chaotic to civilians, but each member of his company knew their job, their responsibility, and performed their assigned tasks with exacting precision. Huge plumes of water sprayed the building, attacking from both directions. The flames, which had been shooting skyward when he’d arrived, were already diminishing, being contained by the men and women ringing the building.

  He spotted Burnet’s captain and jogged over to meet him, waiting while he radioed information to his company. The firefighters from the neighboring county worked well, right alongside his own men and women, and he felt a surge of pride even with a company as small as Shiloh Springs, they performed on a level most smaller stations couldn’t match. All the extra hours of training, learning to work as a unit, paid off as the fire inside the restaurant was contained.

  “Thanks for helping out. Things could have gone south pretty quick.”

  Burnet’s captain nodded, shaking Brody’s outstretched hand. “Glad we could help. Rotten way to start a Sunday, though.”

  “Yeah, it is. What’s your impression? You’ve been on scene longer than me. What started this?”

  Brody watched the other man closely, noted the slight tightening of his muscles, the stiffening of his spine. He could almost quote verbatim what the other man would say, but he figured he’d at least see if his suspicions were correct.

  “Hard to tell without getting a chance to examine the scene, once the fire’s out.”