After filling the duffel bags with shoeboxes, he flung them over his shoulder. Then he grabbed handfuls of hangers and draped the clothing over his arm. Loaded up like a pack mule, Crockett exited hercloset.
He and Alexandra went downstairs and outside to Crockett’s truck. Using his key fob, he retracted the cover, then laid her clothing in the bed. Rarely overcome by emotion, Crockett was still too angry tospeak.
“I’m sorry,” she said, breaking the silence. “I made a terrible mistake based on an incorrect assumption.” She placed her duffel bag next to the clothes. “The house was dark. Ben must’ve been in the basement. I put you and Danny at risk.” Rubbing her arms over her wool coat, she tilted her face to his. “I fucked up,Crockett.”
He stroked her arms. Had to confirm she’d stopped trembling. “You placed yourself in a dangerous situation and scared the hell out of me. I am damn furious with you,Alex.”
With a sweet smile, she leaned up and kissed hischeek.
“It’s going to take a helluva lot more than a peck to get back on my good side.” Grasping her hand, he headed toward the frontdoor.
“Alexandra! Hey!” Mandy bustled down the sidewalk. “Ben’s here. You guys wanna grab somedinner?”
“I’m moving out,” Alexandrasaid.
“What?Now?”
“Your boyfriend is being arrested for kidnapping. Fortunately, Crockettand—”
“What?” Mandy gaped at her. “Kidnappingwho?”
“Me,” Alexandra said. “He’s crazy anddangerous.”
“Ben has talked about you nonstop,” said Mandy. “I’m sosorry.”
“Mandy, you might want to change your locks and get yourself a new boyfriend,” said Crockett. “Alex, let’s finishpacking.”
Mandy stared at him, her face ghost-white. “Yeah, wow. I…I don’t know what to say.” In silence, she followed Alexandra and Crockett inside andupstairs.
With his cell phone pressed to his ear, Danny asked, “How long until back up arrives?” He listened, then said, “Got it. Thanks.” After hanging up, he addressed Ben. “Mr. Jenkins, you have an outstanding warrant for conspiracy to distribute narcotics across state lines. My buddies at the DEA will be paying you a visit in your jailcell.”
“If you need additional evidence, I snapped these the last time I was here.” Crockett showed Danny the pictures on his phone. “We interrupted quite aparty.”
“I can see that.” Danny eyed the photos. “Forward those tome.”
Alexandra handed Mandy her housekey.
“The cage car is here.” Danny unholstered his gun. “Please get up, Mr. Jenkins. We’re goingdownstairs.”
Once Ben had been loaded into the back of the car, Danny said goodbye to Crockett andAlexandra.
“I’m so sorry,” Alexandrasaid.
“Are you okay?” Dannyasked.
“Yes,” she said, but Crockett wasn’tconvinced.
Crockett hugged his cousin. “Thanks for doing this. Jesus, I owe you. I would have killed that son of abitch.”
With hands on his hips, Danny turned his full attention on Alexandra. “You.” He pointed. “Stay out of trouble.” Danny climbed into his SUV and droveaway.
“I’m beginning to think that’s an impossible task,” Crockett said to her. “Follow me home. Are you capable ofthat?”
She swallowed. “Yes.”
“I have a second assigned parking spot. Park to myright.”
“Thank you, Crockett.” She hugged him. Though still angry, he hugged her hard.Goddammit, she scared the living hell out ofme.
