Shotgun Bride
Auteur·e
Leann Harris
Lectures
17,3K
Chapitres
14
Chapter 1
“You want me to what?” Renee Girouard asked the old man lying in the hospital bed.
Emory Sweeney looked haggard and lifeless. “I want you to marry Hawk.” He turned his head and nodded to the corner of the room where the other man stood, staring out the window.
Renee’s gaze went to Matthew Hawkins. He glanced over his shoulder and met her stare. She searched his face for some clue to explain her employer’s bizarre request, but Hawk’s expression gave nothing away. Her mind flew back to the last time they’d talked. It hadn’t been a good parting. Had he told Emory about their relationship…or what was left of it? But that didn’t make sense.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, directing her question to Hawk.
Hawk’s brow arched, and he turned to face the other man. “Emory, you’d better tell her the reason you want her to marry me. From her expression it looks as though she’s not too taken with the idea.” He leaned back against the wall.
Unfortunately, Matthew Hawkins was handsome as sin: six foot two; wavy dark brown hair; deep, penetrating brown eyes; and a mouth that could be tender and seductive.
Renee pushed aside her thoughts and turned back to the older man. “Are you going to be okay, Emory?”
The colon cancer that had sent Emory Sweeney, the founder and president of Texas Chic to the hospital for surgery had worried everyone in the firm. Renee had visited St. Luke’s hospital numerous times this last week.
Emory took Renee’s hand. “There are some things I need to tell you.”
A chill swept over her, and she had the awful premonition that this man, her boss for the past three years, was going to tell her something that would forever change her life. Maybe she didn’t want to know what was going on. She’d heard a rumor that swindling had recently been uncovered within the company. But what did that have to do with the request Emory just made? And why ask her to marry Hawk?
A look of regret filled Emory’s eyes. “When you came to work for me after your parents were killed in the car accident, you thought it was a lucky twist of fate.”
The turn of the conversation surprised her. She’d been expecting talk of missing money or the reason why she needed to marry Hawk, but Emory was recalling the time he hired her.
“Yes,” she slowly answered. She’d often commented how fortunate it was that she’d gotten the internship with Emory’s company four years ago, after the accident as Emory’s assistant. The job had given her enough money to finish her schooling. Then when she graduated from Texas A&M, she’d been offered a permanent position with the firm. “Of course I remember.”
“Well, it wasn’t a coincidence.”
Her heart beat faster.
“I knew all about you and the tough situation you were facing, and I wanted to help you.”
“I’m glad you did.” She glanced from Emory to Hawk. Their expressions were dark. There was something more here that she wasn’t getting.
“You’d better tell her the rest, Emory, because I don’t think she’s going to marry me if you don’t,” Hawk urged. He moved away from the window and came to the bed.
Renee’s heart caught at the sight of him. He’d always had that effect on her. She thought she’d found the love of her life until—
Emory cleared his throat. “I’ve always known about you, Renee.”
She frowned. “You knew my parents before I was born?”
“I knew your mother.”
But not your father. Although it wasn’t said, the words rang through the room, carrying with them a dark shadow.
She cleared her throat. “Do you want to explain?”
“You’re my biological daughter, Renee.”
Denial sprang to life in her brain, but he continued.
“I met your mom at market in Dallas. At the time, my wife and I had separated. Your mother was young, vivacious and heartsick after being dumped by her fiancé. We had a brief affair. We shouldn’t have, but…” He paused, his memories obviously painful.
“I went back to my wife, and Carolyn went back home. She married your dad after you were born.”
Renee wanted to yell denials at him, but his words made some mysteries in her life fall into place. After her parents’ death, she’d discovered the date of her birth predated her parents’ wedding. That discrepancy had bothered her.
“Show her the birth certificate,” Emory ordered Hawk.
Hawk walked over to a briefcase, retrieved the document and handed it to her. She stared down at the paper. There on the line for the name of the birth father was Emory’s name.
“When Francois Girouard adopted you, the birth certificate was reissued,” Emory explained.
Her mind tried to comprehend the truth that had been revealed to her. “That can’t be true.”
“It is in the state of Texas,” Emory replied.
“Tell her the rest, Emory,” Hawk urged. The intensity of his voice set her nerves on edge.
Her gaze met Hawk’s. Had he known the circumstances surrounding her birth? Was that the reason he’d acted the way he had? Her brow furrowed. But that didn’t make sense. If he’d known who she was, wouldn’t he have wanted to marry her?
“I didn’t interfere in your life because it would’ve been wrong,” Emory explained. “You had parents who loved you. And if I had tried to be part of your life, too many people—my wife and son, your parents—would’ve been hurt. Now…
“I always kept up with you, Renee. When your folks died, I wanted to be sure you were taken care of.”
Suddenly the revelation was too much for her. She stumbled to the chair by the head of the bed and sat down. “Even if that’s true, why do you want me to marry Hawk? And why tell me now?”
Hawk moved around the bed and squatted in front of her. “Because Emory’s worried that when he announces you as his daughter, the person or persons who kidnapped and killed his son ten years ago might try to do the same to you.”
She turned to Emory. “What’s Hawk talking about? I know that whoever took your son was never caught, but why do you think I would be in danger?”
Emory’s eyes filled with grief. “The police were almost sure that someone in my family was connected with David’s kidnapping and death. Nothing could be proven, but I fear once I announce that you are my daughter, whoever went after David will come after you.”
She’d heard the rumors that someone close to Emory had been involved with the young man’s disappearance, then death, but she’d discounted it as unfounded gossip.
“So how will marrying Hawk change anything?”
“If anything happens to you, my estate will go to him, and whoever is behind this will gain nothing. My family knows Hawk’s history and they know how devoted he is to me. Besides, with Hawk still being a cop—and a lawyer for the Houston PD, it makes him a double threat.”
“What’s to stop them from going after Hawk, too?” she asked in desperation. “I mean, cops get killed in the line of duty.”
“The way I’ve drawn up my will. If something happens to both you and Hawk, then the entire estate goes to charity. Besides, Hawk can take care of himself.”
With a sixth-degree black belt in karate and his years spent as a patrol cop with the police department, she had no doubt that he could take care of himself and could protect her. But she needed time to digest the truths she’d just learned.
“I need to think about this.”
“I know this is a lot to dump on you, Renee,” Emory said. “Only, with the cancer, I don’t have a choice.”
She stood and placed the birth certificate on the bed. “I can’t decide this now.” Grabbing her purse, she started for the door.
“Renee,” Emory called out.
She paused at the door and looked over her shoulder.
“I hadn’t planned on telling you like this.”
“When had you planned on telling me, Emory?” Hurt and bitterness rang in her words, made all the worse by Hawk being there to witness it.
“If things had worked out, I would never have told you. But I’ve run out of time. I had hoped to ease you into the position as president.”
The pain in her heart expanded.
“Why didn’t you plan on telling me?”
“Because I didn’t want to disrupt your life. But now…my board of directors will understand my desire to give my company to my child. It will make things easier for you.”
“You have other family members,” she pointed out.
“And who do you propose I give it to? The person who’s stealing from me or the person who killed my son or maybe the person who’s being paid only to come to work and drink?”
Silence enveloped the room.
Emory’s explanation should’ve helped. Maybe it would when she got past the pain of betrayal. Why hadn’t her mother told her? If she’d lived, would Carolyn Girouard have ever told Renee the truth? She pulled open the door and raced down the hall. She didn’t stop until she slipped into her car. Collapsing in the front seat, she let the tears fall that she’d been holding at bay. Now not only was her future in doubt, but her past was, also.
Hawk stared at the closed door. “I don’t think that went too well.” His statement fell into the quiet room.
Emory sighed. “She’s a levelheaded woman. One of the best I’ve ever met. What we unloaded on her caught her off guard.” Emory’s eyes narrowed as he studied Hawk. “But I wonder? Is there something between you and Renee? Her reaction when I announced I wanted her to marry you seemed rather intense. Is there something I should know, Hawk?”
Damn, Hawk thought. The cagey old fox saw things others didn’t. Hawk was surprised that Emory hadn’t caught on before now about the relationship between Renee and him, but they had taken pains to keep it quiet. Too bad Emory had such a blind spot about the rest of his family. Or maybe he didn’t and that’s why he wanted this marriage to happen.
“Yeah, there’s something you should know.” Hawk slipped his hands into the back pockets of his slacks. “Renee and I have been seeing each other.” He wasn’t going to reveal the depth of their relationship. He didn’t want to think about the Heaven he’d experienced in her arms.
Emory smiled. “Then this request I’m making of you won’t be any hardship, will it?”
How could Hawk tell the old man that they had broken up when Renee had started talking about marriage? He’d already made that mistake when he was a cop going to law school, and he didn’t want to fall into the trap again. Renee hadn’t been able to live with his bad attitude toward marriage and had broken off their relationship. He hadn’t spoken to her since their parting argument two months ago.
“No, it won’t,” he lied. “I’ll make arrangements for us to get the marriage license.” Hawk picked up the birth certificate and put it back into the briefcase.
“I don’t think any of my family will be thrilled. That’s why I’m counting on you, Hawk. I’m going to call my lawyer, have my will changed. I can sign it after I watch you two get married.”
“Then I need to go find Renee and see if I can convince her to apply for the license today or tomorrow,” Hawk murmured, thinking out loud.
“There’s a charity reception we’re holding on Saturday night. That might be a good time to announce your marriage.”
Hawk wondered if he could talk Renee into marrying him. She didn’t seem to be taken with the idea.
“Hawk, thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me, Emory. I want your company to continue to survive and grow. It won’t happen with any of your relatives at the helm.”
Emory closed his eyes. “I know.” Defeat rang in his tone.
As Hawk walked out of the hospital, his thoughts were of Renee and this marriage. Whether or not she wanted to marry him, she was going to need him. Things were going to get rough. The reaction of Emory’s family—his sister Eloise, her husband Thomas, their son Todd, and Emory’s late brother’s daughter Stacy—would be explosive. They were jackals waiting for the old man to kick the bucket so they could pick the bones dry. He didn’t doubt each of them had plans about what to do with the money Emory would leave them. He’d heard talk among them about selling the company. Yes, Renee was going to need help.
When Emory confided to him about Renee being his daughter, Hawk had been shocked. Emory’s attitude toward Renee when she came to work for him now made sense. When Emory had asked him to marry Renee, Hawk hadn’t been able to deny the old man his request. Emory had been a lifeline for Hawk since he’d been a teenager. Any success in his life had been because of Emory’s support. He couldn’t walk away from the old man’s need.
Even if Emory hadn’t asked him to do this favor, Hawk would’ve thought of some way to protect the lady, because she was going to be in danger.
Renee’s hands shook so badly she couldn’t get the key in the ignition. Grabbing her purse, she slipped out of the car, locked it and started walking across the parking lot toward the city park and zoo. Maybe she could outwalk her thoughts.
The early spring day was perfect, with flowers blooming in the cultured gardens and the smell of honeysuckle in the air. She wished she could appreciate the beauty, but her mind kept replaying the stunning revelations of the morning.
She stopped by a bench and sank down on it. Emory Sweeney was her father. Not Francois Girouard—the man who’d raised her, loved her, picked her up when she’d fallen off her bicycle—but Emory Sweeney, the brash president of Texas Chic. Emory was an extravagant, outspoken maverick who’d made his millions in the sixties through a chain of retail stores, selling Texas chic apparel before it became popular.
How could it be true? As she thought further, little pieces of memory seemed to come together. The discrepancy between her birth date and her parents’ wedding. Renee had assumed that Francois had been her father. And then there were no pictures of him holding her as an infant. The pictures only started after she was three. Her mother explained that fact by saying they were destroyed in a fire.
Thrown into this mess was Emory’s request that she marry Hawk. The dynamic, handsome man had every female at Texas Chic vying for his attention whenever he showed up at company functions or visited Emory. He was the dangerous male who sent their blood racing, but Renee knew he had vowed never to commit to one woman after his disastrous first marriage and ugly divorce.
Marry a man who despised wedded bliss? When hell froze over, she vowed.
But there was something else to consider. She was pregnant and Hawk was the father. She took a deep breath. She had eventually planned on telling him, but she hadn’t yet come to terms with her situation. She wanted this baby, but hadn’t decided how she was going to deal with single motherhood.
Now it appeared she wouldn’t have to. But darn, she didn’t want to be like an unwanted rash that he’d acquired. And that’s what she would be. They had talked about marriage before or, correction, she’d talked about marriage after they’d made love, but he’d grown remote and said he didn’t want to go in that direction. As Renee had dressed that night, he asked why she was upset. She glared at him, asking if he had just wanted to have sex. He hadn’t responded. She told him she wouldn’t be available any longer.
She hadn’t spoken directly to him since that night two months ago. Whenever he showed up at Texas Chic offices, she made sure they didn’t cross paths.
Would the child look like his father? Would Hawk welcome the news? Did it even matter? Suddenly she was going to have a husband, a baby and gobs of money. It was a dream situation that should bring joy. But all she felt was trapped. She felt she was on a runaway train and she couldn’t get off until she reached the final destination, whatever that was.
“I was wondering where you disappeared to.” Hawk’s voice jerked her out of her thoughts.
She hastily wiped the moisture from her eyes and tried to get her emotions under control before she faced him. “I needed to clear my head before I got into my car.”
He sat down beside her, and his gaze probed hers. It appeared he wanted to say something, then shook his head and looked out into the park.
“Emory wants to announce our marriage and the news that you’re his daughter at the reception he’s holding Saturday night.”
Shock raced through her. “I haven’t decided if I can go through with this request. It’s ridiculous. I don’t need you to protect me. If I’m really Emory’s daughter, he can afford to hire an army of security guards.”
“True. But Emory wants to drive home the point to his family that they will lose their company if anything happens to you.”
“What’s your motivation? Why do you want to do this?” she demanded.
“Your safety.”
“Oh, please.” She fell silent for a moment, then the doubt popped into her mind. “You think someone would come after me?”
“I do. Emory’s family wants his money. You being named the heir would mess up their plans.”
“I can’t believe—”
Hawk’s hand shot out and he grasped her chin, forcing her eyes to his. “Believe it, Renee. I was there when Emory’s son was kidnapped. All the indications pointed toward someone close to Emory being responsible for the tragedy. The kidnapper knew too many things about David’s habits and schedule. It wasn’t just a lucky break that they caught him alone.”
Renee’s heart broke. Emory kept the last picture of his son, his sophomore-year school picture, on his desk.
“We want you to be safe.” When she didn’t respond, he added, “You didn’t have trouble with the idea of marrying me the last time we talked.”
She wanted to throw her purse at him. “You did.”
“This isn’t about me. It’s about you.”
She wondered if her safety was really his main concern, or did the change in her status to wealthy woman have anything to do with his change of heart? But that didn’t make any sense. From his actions, Hawk had never been interested in Emory’s money. “Then why even mention I’m his daughter?” she asked.
“Because Emory wants to be sure you’ll get the company. I also think he wants everyone to know you’re his child. Looking death in the eye makes you see things differently.”
She raised her brow in skepticism.
“That’s my guess.”
Too many feelings were bouncing around inside for her to know what she felt. Hawk wouldn’t marry her because he loved her, but he would marry her to protect her? Somehow she didn’t buy it.
“Renee, why don’t we go and get a marriage license? If you can think of a better way to address the problems that are sure to crop up, then we can consider it. But if we have the license, then we’ll have that option.”
A sick feeling settled in her stomach. “I don’t think things are as dark as you paint them. Besides, the problem will be solved if I just tell everyone I don’t want Emory’s company.”
“Don’t be foolish.”
Anger raced through her. She stood. “I’ve done that before, haven’t I, Hawk? I guess my actions will be consistent.”
As she walked away from him, she heard him mutter a curse.
Renee pulled the High Point file from the accounts receivable filing cabinet. Emory had called the office late in the day and asked to see the account. She glanced around the empty office, peering into the shadows. The normally busy room took on a sinister feel. She tucked the file under her arm and walked into the hall. Although a few people were still in the building, a chill settled over her. She raced back to her office, grabbed her purse and headed toward the elevator. She hugged the file to her chest as she waited for the elevator. When it arrived, she breathed a sigh of relief.
When the elevator doors opened on the parking garage level, a car stopped before her, making her heart race. Hawk jumped out. “Why are you here this late?” he barked.
Relief made her light-headed. “Emory wanted to see this account.”
He continued to glare at her.
Irritation replaced the relief she’d felt. “I wasn’t aware it was in my job description to check in with you.”
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Renee, something could’ve happened.”
She wanted to tell him he was imagining things, but she recalled her uneasiness in the accounting office. “How did you know I was here?”
“I went back to your apartment to talk to you about us getting married.”
“You’re not going to let this idea drop, are you?”
“No.” There wasn’t any room for argument. When Hawk got that look in his eye, it was a sure sign that not even the Marines would be able to move him. “You ready?”
“I’m going to take this file to Emory tonight.”
Hawk nodded. “I’ll follow you.”
Too bad he wasn’t as diligent two months ago, when she’d walked out of his life, she thought as she headed for her car.
“Get down,” Hawk suddenly shouted.
His yelled command stunned her. He lunged for her at the same instant she heard a shot echo through the empty garage. A second shot immediately followed. She felt the sting in the side of her head, then staggered, falling against the closest car. A warm stream of blood ran down her neck.
Panic raced through her as she crouched with her back to the door.
Hawk crouched beside her. He examined her head. “We need to get you to the hospital.”
“Is the shooter still out there?” Her eyes scanned the darkness of the parking garage. She felt a trickle of moisture run down the side of her face. She touched it and came away with blood on her fingers.
“Just keep down, and I’ll get you out of here.”
She latched on to his words. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and supported her as they ran toward his vehicle. She noticed the blood on his sleeve. He helped her slide into the front seat, then climbed over her, started the car and floored it.
“Your arm,” she murmured.
He glanced at her. “Don’t worry about me.”
She felt dizzy. She leaned back against the seat. She could’ve died or worse, her baby could’ve been hurt or she might miscarry. Secure in the knowledge that Hawk would take care of her, Renee relaxed. It was her last conscious thought.
When Hawk pulled into the emergency entrance of Herman Hospital, he breathed a sigh of relief. He had called ahead on his cell phone, and people were outside waiting for them. His tension shot up 100 percent when he glanced at her and saw that she was still unconscious. Leaping out of his car, he raced around and helped the attendants pull Renee out and place her on a gurney.
“What happened?” asked one of the nurses.
“Someone shot at her,” Hawk answered.
“From the looks of your arm, it appears you were in the way.”
“It’s minor.” Hawk tried to follow Renee but was stopped by the nurse.
“Let’s take a look at your arm,” the nurse commented.
Hawk wasn’t interested in getting the wound tended, but the nurse had a determined look in her eye that told him she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. He thought about flashing his badge, but knew he wouldn’t be any help to Renee in the E.R.
He nodded. “Afterward, you’ll check on the woman I brought in.” When she hesitated, he added, “I’m a cop.”
She didn’t look convinced until he produced his badge.
“You got a deal, Lieutenant.”
After his arm was cleaned and wrapped, the nurse went to check on Renee. Hawk couldn’t sit still. Adrenaline still raced through his veins.
Someone had tried to kill Renee. There was a slight possibility that what happened tonight was a random crime, but he didn’t buy that scenario. He had a feeling the crime had been directed at her. Emory’s fears were well-founded, and he was going to have to stick closer to Renee than her skin.
Needing to report the incident to the police, he went back to his car, grabbed his phone and dialed Houston PD and told the operator what had occurred, then asked for his ex-partner, Tony Ashcroft, who was now a homicide detective. In minutes Hawk would have to answer a lot of questions.
But then again, the police weren’t the only ones who wanted answers.
“I don’t know anything else, Detective Ashcroft,” Renee said to the HPD detective. Her head pounded.
The tall, athletically built man closed his notebook and slipped it into his pocket. He was thirty-five, with a youthful appearance that probably fooled a lot of people into believing that Tony Ashcroft was younger than his years. Yet, from the looks he exchanged with Hawk, Renee had the feeling that the detective wasn’t easily fooled.
“If you remember anything more, please contact me, Ms. Girouard.” He handed her his business card.
She nodded.
Ashcroft looked at Hawk. “I’ll call you later and let you know what we’ve uncovered.”
When he left, Renee asked, “You know Detective Ashcroft?”
“Yeah, Ash and I were rookies together. I went to law school and he became a detective.”
Her eyes fluttered closed.
“Are you feeling sick, Renee?”
Her eyes popped open. “No,” she lied, pressing her fingers to her lips. “I was trying to go over what happened to see if I could recall anything new.”
“Did you?”
“No.” She paused. “But there is something bothering me.”
Caution entered his eyes. “What exactly is that?”
“Why were you so sure something might happen?”
He flushed. “I had an itch between my shoulders.”
“What?”
“Sometimes cops get a feeling—” He shrugged.
Her eyes widened. “Are you talking about intuition?”
“Yeah. I couldn’t shake this feeling that something wasn’t right. I went to your place, but you weren’t there, so I drove to your office.”
He moved to the side of the bed. His fingers lightly brushed back the strands of hair that had caught on her bandage at her temple. A look of tenderness crept into his eyes, making her breath catch. It was the look that had stolen her heart before everything had fallen apart.
“Your father was right. Someone doesn’t want you to inherit his company.”
“I don’t believe anyone—”
“When I went to Emory’s locked drawer to get the copy of your birth certificate, it was open, which means someone knows.”
She knew he was right, but didn’t want to accept it. “What if I publicly say I don’t want Emory’s money?” She felt as though she was trying to push a boulder uphill.
“You could, but what if that won’t make a difference? Emory has already decided that no matter what, his family won’t get the company.”
She didn’t have an answer for that.
“And what if the killer decides you’re a threat to them while you’re still living? Emory might change his mind if you die before him. The danger’s not going to go away.”
His arguments were ugly and persuasive.
“Emory’s solution seems the best way to deal with the problem,” he added.
“By marrying you?”
He nodded.
“My own personal bodyguard.” Her gaze met his. She felt his will pulling her to agree. There was such passion in the man, and she knew that only too well. But his passion—his loyalty—was for Emory, not her. Her eyes fluttered closed, not wanting him to see her pain.
“I’ll think about it, Hawk.”
“You do that, Renee.”
He walked out the door, leaving Renee staring at the closed door.
Renee knew he was going to break her heart again.
After making sure that a private guard was posted outside Renee’s door, Hawk made his way to Emory’s room. “Emory, you were right. Someone’s after Renee.” Hawk explained what had happened.
“Is she okay?” Emory demanded, his expression full of anxiety.
“Yes.”
“How are you?” Emory glanced at Hawk’s arm.
“It’s nothing.” He rubbed the back of his neck to ease the fear twisting the muscles into knots. “I was almost too late.”
“So I was right to be concerned when you discovered the drawer open,” Emory sighed.
As Hawk had told Renee, when he had gone to get Renee’s birth certificate from a secured file in Emory’s office, he’d found it unlocked. The key hadn’t been in the place Emory had said it would be. When Hawk informed the older man of the situation, he offered to come up with a protection plan for Renee. Emory insisted that marriage between the two of them was the best way to keep her safe. “I’m afraid so. Now I think Renee believes us.”
Emory frowned. “After you two get married, we’ll announce it to the world.”
Hearing Emory speak of that event brought Hawk a mixed bag of feelings. With his track record of a failed marriage and his parents as a miserable example, Hawk didn’t expect he would be good at being a husband. And yet…
He slipped his hands into his pockets. “Do you have the files that the private detectives gathered when your son was kidnapped? I’d like to look at them along with the police records. Maybe I can see something with a fresh eye after all these years.”
“All right, Hawk. I don’t want anything to happen to my child. Or to you.”
“If I have anything to say about it this time, Emory, you’ll not lose this child. You have my word on it.”
Of course, Hawk didn’t know if he could live up to the promise, but he would die trying.
“All right, Hawk, you win.” Early-morning light streamed into her hospital room, outlining Hawk’s tall frame as he leaned against the wall. Her breakfast tray was untouched, a testament to the fact she would throw it up if she ate. “We’ll get married, but it will be in name only,” she warned. Since she didn’t see another way out of the mess, they would marry, but she wasn’t willing to risk her heart again. “No sex.”
Hawk stared at her, then nodded. “Then let’s go down to city hall and get the license.”
“Sounds good, then you can drive me to work.” Too bad that it didn’t sound romantic. It sounded more as if they were closing a business deal.
But, of course, that was exactly what they were doing.
