Finley’s Feisty Mate (Dixon Pack Book 3) Page 7

  She had so much to do and she was still wanted by the Bull. Haine was her top priority and that was always a concern for her. Tonight, she was going to try to find out what her parents had been up to and why the mob wanted a computer her parents were working on. They wanted the information inside that computer and why would her parents have taken it.

  In his truck, Finn followed her and Haine back to the B&B, saying he wanted to make sure they made it home okay. As they drove, Haine turned the music down and said, “I think Finn likes you.”

  The smile on her little brother’s face made her follow suit. “I think he’s just being nice to us.”

  “Nah, I think he really likes you. He keeps watching you. Do you think you will marry him? Is he the one, sissy?” Haine said with a huge smirk on his face.

  Reaching over, Alex messed up her little brother’s hair and said, “Nah, but he sure is cute. Don’t tell anyone I said that, though.” Haine just smiled then turned, staring out the window.

  As they pulled up at the B&B, Finn was already beside her vehicle, opening her door. She had never been treated like this before. No man had ever been so chivalrous even on the dates in college. Now, she knew what she had been missing as far as manners.

  “Thank you, but do all southern boys open a woman’s car door?” Alex asked, wondering. She really wanted to know if they all did this down south or if it was just Finley Egan.

  She watched as Finn smiled, running his fingers through his hair. “Yes, ma’am, if they were raised right.” Finn stuck his hand out helping her from the vehicle. “My momma, was the sweetest woman I ever knew. From the moment, I could walk and talk, she stressed the importance in how to treat a lady. She made me practice so every time she got out of a vehicle I made sure I was there to help her out. My dad is the same way. He loved my momma and I can remember how he always treated her like a lady. He even brought the groceries in from the car.”

  Alex couldn’t help but smile thinking of Finn as a young boy with blond hair, learning to be a man. “I bet it was a sight to see you as a young kid. I guess she will come into the store and you can introduce me to her. I want to meet the woman who groomed Finley Egan.”

  The smile faded from his face as Finn replied, “She would have liked you, too, because you’re feisty.”

  “Would have?” Alex asked weary.

  “My mom passed away when I was seventeen years old, from cancer.”

  “Oh…I’m so sorry for asking you all those stupid questions. I didn’t know, Finn. I’m really sorry for bringing up all the bad memories.”

  “It was a long time ago and all I have are good memories. She was a wonderful mom. I miss her, but I remember everything she taught me.”

  “I’m tired, sissy.” Haine stood at the front of the vehicle, watching. His shoulders slumped, he looked exhausted.

  “Oh, Haine, of course.” Alex smiled. For some reason, she could see herself sitting up all night talking to Finn on the phone, but she wasn’t a child anymore. “Thank you for seeing us home.”

  “Bye, Finn,” Haine yelled out.

  “Bye, buddy. See you tomorrow,” Finn said. She looked over her shoulder before she closed the door and the man was still there watching her and Haine. He was a true gentleman.

  Walking up the stairs, Alex thought about Finn. Now, the man was in her thoughts. Yes, he’s good looking, then tack on kind, and she couldn’t forget a true gentleman.

  “I like Finn. He makes me feel safe,” Haine said, yawning.

  “He does?” Alex asked, taking his bag off his shoulder. She opened the bedroom door and Haine didn’t waste any time taking his clothes off and putting PJs on. He was asleep standing up.

  “Yeah.” Haine didn’t ask any more questions, and when she came out of the bathroom with her PJs on, her little brother was fast asleep. She wasn’t far behind him. She would look for a cop tomorrow. Like her little brother, she was worn out, ready to crash herself.

  Chapter 10

  Finn watched until the light went out in her window. He had guards watching the house because tonight he needed to do research. Scavenger had to have found something from the information he gave him this morning.

  Walking back to his truck, Finn called his friend.

  “What you got for me?” Finn asked, wanting answers. If he knew why she was on the run, he could find a way to fix it.

  “Alexandria Marsh, age twenty-four, went to Northwestern and graduated with a double major-Accounting and Computer programmer. She’s very smart, too. Graduated with a four-point-O. Two weeks ago, her parents Peggy and Ross Marsh were killed in a car accident.

  “Get this. The police report said that nobody saw the accident but their vehicle was found in a ravine, both of their necks were broken. The report said it was an accident but I can read between the lines, Finn. This wasn’t an accident. But since nobody saw anything, they ruled it an accident.”

  This information got Finn’s attention. What if the person who killed her parents was hunting her. It would explain why she was so scared. “Peggy and Ross Marsh were smart, too. They were both computer programmers and did well for themselves. Shame, because their business was thriving. The estate has not been claimed yet by Alexandria. I did a search on your girl, too, and get this, she is wanted for assault in Chicago. And you’re going to fall over when I tell you who she assaulted.”

  “Who?”

  “None other than Dominic ‘The Bull’ Santora.”

  “From the Malton family?” Finn asked. Something wasn’t adding up. Assault? Really? That had to be a lie to get a warrant for her arrest. What would somebody like Alex be doing with The Bull? He was a killer and nothing else. What the hell was going on. None of this made sense to him. Alex and her parents didn’t seem like the type of people to do business with the Malton family.

  “Did you hear me, Finn? The fucking Bull.”

  “I heard you. Call Ramey and ask for the favor he owes me. I want to know what the man wants with Alex. And Scavenger, this goes no further. You got me, man?”

  “You don’t even have to tell me that, Finn.”

  “I know but you know I cover all of my basis. Alexandria means a lot to me.”

  “I’ll get back to you once I find something.” Scavenger hung up. He would need to talk to Arden now. If Alex and Haine were on the run from the Malton crime family, they would need protection, a lot of it.

  He tilted his head up, staring at her window, not wanting to leave her. He wanted her and Haine on pack grounds where he knew she would be protected. He turned toward the woods and twirled his finger in the air. The guards were in wolf form and knew what that motion meant. She was protected now since the pack knew Alex was his mate. They protected their own and Alex and Haine were his to protect.

  Picking up the phone, Finn dialed Arden’s number. “Anything wrong?” Arden asked.

  “Yeah, I’m on my way to you right now. I found out who Alex is and I think I know why she is on the run.”

  “We will handle whatever it is, Finn. She’s your mate and Haine will be pack, too. We don’t drop our own no matter what trouble they are in.”

  Finn hated like hell that he was going to have to tell him about this. “I hope you feel that way once I tell you.”

  “Just say it.” Arden was never one to wait for any kind of news. “Explain it to me now so we can come up with a plan.”

  He explained what he heard from Scavenger and waited until Arden recalled who Dominic Santora was. He didn’t have to wait long before he replied, “The mob in Chicago?” Arden’s voice raised as he repeated the exact same thing he was thinking.

  “None of this adds up, Alpha. I don’t see how Alex could be mixed up with someone like Santora.”

  “I agree, but we need to know what is going on so we can protect her and Haine. Now I know why she’s so scared. Assault?” Arden laughed on his side of the phone line. “She assaulted Dominic ‘The Bull’ Santora. She weighs, what, one hundred thirty pounds. They don’t even r
un in the same circles. I don’t get it. Why would the Malton family want that kind of publicity going after a young woman who has just lost her parents? I agree with you Finn, this stinks. I need to make some calls. We need help if we’re dealing with that caliber of people. Good news is if they are on our land and we will know if they step one foot in New Hope.”

  “Alpha, I know this is asking a lot and I don’t want to put the pack in harm’s way. Maybe it would be better if I took Alex and Haine and we left until I can find out what’s going on.”

  “Finn, you’re pack and we always protect pack. That includes your mate and family. Plus, she needs our help and there isn’t a better place to protect her then here. Get that thought out of your head. I will be waiting for you when you get here.”

  “Thanks, Alpha. I don’t know what to say.” This was why Finn loved his pack. They were family, and when one needed help, they all jumped in.

  “You don’t need to say anything, Finn. This is what a pack does. I haven’t forgotten your help when Quinn arrived in town. Just get here and we will talk more once you arrive.” Arden hung up.

  Finn worried that Alex would leave in the middle of the night or something worse, Dominic Santora finds out where she is.

  “You find that bitch,” Dominic said. “I want that information and I know she has it. They would have given it to her.” If Ramone Malton found out he had been taking money from the accounts, he was a dead man. The only reason Malton hadn’t figured it out was he always made a profit. Ramone never checked behind him. Malton trusted him, and he had to make sure it stayed that way.

  “Mr. Santora, I’m sorry. I don’t know where she is or how to find her. I’m a lawyer not a private investigator.” Dominic narrowed his eyes at Jackson Peters who was sweating like a pig.

  “You are dripping all over your desk, you fool. Get yourself together. I want her found so do what lawyers do best and find someone who can find her. I don’t want to use any of my contacts and have word get back to Money.”

  “Money?”

  “Um, yeah, don’t you know anything? Money, as in Ramone Malton.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve never heard anyone call him that.”

  “Only a few can call him that and live. Ever since he was young, he knew how to make money. It didn’t take long before the nickname stuck. But if I were you, I wouldn’t call him that.” Dominic thought the man was going to have a heart attack the way he was sweating. “Why the hell are you sweating so much?”

  “I’m just nervous, and when I’m nervous, I sweat.”

  “Hire someone then, but you better find that girl if you know what’s good for you. I thought you said this would be easy. She’s not going to live to see the light of day once I find her.”

  “That wasn’t our deal Mr. Santora. You said—”

  “I don’t care what I said!” Dominic screamed. Jumping up, Dominic grabbed the lawyer and slammed him against the wall. Putting his face right up to his, Dominic muttered, “And clean this place up. It stinks of sweat in here. Damn, man, you’re supposed to be sophisticated.” Dominic threw his hands in the air.

  “I’ll…find her…I will. I will.”

  “You better or you’ll be next. I can get any lawyer to do this shit. With both of them dead, I can get a forger to sign her name just as good as she can. Just remember that if you know what’s good for you…”

  “I promise…I’ll find her.” Smoothing his tie, Dominic left the dingy office. Slamming the door behind him, Dominic needed to find that girl. She had to have that information. He had Jerome check every computer at her home and parents’ business, and the files weren’t there. What the hell was he thinking? Why did he leave the computer with them?

  He had to have the codes to transfer the money. He was supposed to see Money tonight and if he got suspicious, he was a dead man. Dominic picked up the phone and called his best guys. He didn’t want to use anyone connected to the Malton family but time wasn’t on his side.

  Ramone Malton was smart and he needed to put the money back until he could cover it. This last deal he had going would do that. Then he could take over the Malton family.

  Chapter 11

  “Alex, you okay?” Haine asked her. She sat in the chair, staring off into space. She’d been thinking about Finn and what she had learned. Shifters? It was still to unreal to comprehend, but she seen it with her own eyes. No way to fake a man sprouting fur over his body.

  Smiling, Alex went to Haines’s bed and wrapped her arm around him. “Yep, how about you, buddy. Did you sleep good?”

  “I did. I like this bed. It’s like mine at home,” Haine pointed out. She knew he missed home.

  “Haine, what do you think about New Hope? Do you like it here?”

  “I like it, but I miss my stuff and my friends. Can I get online and talk to them?” Haines’s wide eyes looked up at her in hope. She knew he needed some stability. Maybe New Hope could provide that for them both. Maybe she could rent a small house and Haine could meet some kids his age.

  “No, Haine, not right now. I know you don’t understand any of this and to be honest, I don’t understand most of it myself, but I know someone is after us. These people are not good. I will find someone to help us, but give me some time, okay?”

  Haine nodded. “I’m hungry.”

  “You’re always hungry, but I am, too. Come on, lazy bones, get up and get a shower so we can go downstairs and eat.”

  She went back to the chair and turned her computer on. She needed to do a search of the FBI and see which office she would need to contact. Who knew if people in the FBI were paid off, too? She seen first-hand that the local police in Chicago were on the take.

  She liked it here in New Hope. Everyone treated them like family. She couldn’t say enough about the people. Everyone was trying to help them out. Why, she didn’t know, but she wasn’t turning it down. That old saying about don’t look a gift horse in the mouth was true with everyone she had met and it alarmed her. The fear was always around when she felt happy. The what ifs were constantly making an appearance in her mind. But no matter, Alex decided to go with it.

  Once the house was sold, she would be able to buy her and Haine their own home. No matter what, she wasn’t going to sign her name to any document giving her brother’s future away. She had to have answers. “Ready.” Alex lifted her eyes and smiled at her little brother who was now standing at the door waiting for her. It was breakfast time and Haine loved breakfast.

  “Let’s go.” Alex got up and followed Haine out the door. When she got downstairs, she was surprised to see Finn and a young boy sitting at the table. She couldn’t help but look around the room, curious to why Finn was here.

  “Hey.” Even his deep sultry voice made her body melt. He looked good in a T-shirt that fitted his body where she could see each of his muscles underneath.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey, Haine. I want you to meet a friend of mine. This is Lucky Marshall and he’s going to be at the bakery today helping out. You guys are the same age.”

  “Hey.” Haine’s voice was low but she knew her little brother and the shyness would be over soon enough. She would give him one hour and they would be talking and having a good time. Lucky stuck his hand out to her and shook it.

  She smiled as Lucky gripped her hand holding it firmly for a few seconds longer than normal. She got the feeling that Lucky was trying to get a feel for her.

  She sat across from Finn, wondering why he didn’t introduce them at the bakery. Why was he here this early? “Charlotte called me and invited me to breakfast. She is the best cook in town.” Alex looked away embarrassed that she assumed he was here because of her. Come on, Alex, stop thinking like that. You can’t have him. Why did she think it was because of her? This was good. She didn’t need any complications in her life. Especially now.

  She hated the fact that her little brother couldn’t have a steady relationship with his old friends. Hopefully, he could have fun while she worked. The
little boy was smaller than her brother even though Finn said they were the same age.

  “Do you like video games?” Lucky asked Haine.

  “Yeah, but I don’t have any of mine here. I have my IPad and that’s it,” Haine answered.

  “I brought mine, too.” Lucky said, holding up his.

  “Well, I hope you folks are hungry because I just couldn’t stop this morning. Plus, I knew Finn and Lucky were coming. I made lots of bacon,” Charlotte said, bringing in a large plate of eggs and bacon. “And for those of you who don’t like eggs, I have pancakes. Yes, Lucky, I made some with blueberries, too.” The smile on the little boy’s face was contagious. He was a cute little guy.

  “Thanks, Miss Charlotte,” Lucky answered.

  “I know you guys will be busy today. Simone has a birthday party to bake for and she will need your help.” Charlotte sat at the table with them. “Shall we say grace before we begin?”

  Alex glanced at her little brother because he always said grace at their table when their parents were alive. “Haine, you want to help me out and say grace for me? In my house, we hold hands.” Her little brother smiled, and reaching out, they all joined hands.

  She figured Finn’s hand would be rough but she was wrong. It was callused, but it held warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time. They all bowed their heads and Haine gave the sweetest prayer she had ever heard. The prayer included their parents and his hopes that they were looking down from heaven and protecting them. It was only a prayer a young child could give and it broke Alex’s heart.

  Alex had to wipe tears away before the prayer was over so Haine didn’t see her crying. “That was a beautiful prayer, Haine. Thank you.” Charlotte distracted her little brother long enough for Alex to get her composure back. She could tell Finn was watching her like a hawk, but she couldn’t make eye contact with him yet. Even when she pulled her hand away from Finn’s she was shocked that she liked his touch. More than she thought.