“I don’t have to tell you how damn lucky you are to be alive, Mr. Goodman,” Officer Gentry said as he closed his notebook.

Zach clenched his fist as the memories continued to surface. He was sweating, beads rolling down the back of his neck. He’d never be free of the nightmares.

“But, this is a huge damn mess. One man dead, another injured, two more arrested. What in the hell is going on?” Officer Gentry snickered and looked over at Detective Waters. “Glad you boys are handling this one. We’re just part of the clean-up crew.”

Detective Waters nodded, exhaustion riding his face. “And this case just gets more complicated.”

Zach grimaced as he looked up, eyeing the detective as well as the two police officers standing in his hospital room. The details remained a blur, but he was aware that Thomas was dead, Marcus or Mark Peters hospitalized. Thank God for Camden’s expert shot, alleviating Marcus as a threat. “I appreciate your help.”

“And the evidence against Zach?” Mitchell’s question was pointed.

“The fingerprints were easy enough to replicate. The two men certainly wanted you implicated,” Detective Waters huffed. “All charges are in the process of being dropped.”

Mitchell exhaled. “I think we all need a long vacation after this.”

“We can say the same about your cooperation,” Detective Waters stated then shook his head. “However, by all rights, we should arrest the three of you for interfering with a police investigation. This might be Texas, boys, but that hot-dogging shit just won’t fly. You’re going to have a hell of a lot to explain to a judge.”

Mitchell smiled as he stepped closer. “You don’t want to arrest us, Detective, especially since we helped you recover several million dollars.”

“And finalize a case that’s been open for ten years?” Camden added. “My guess is the FBI will be especially happy since this crossed several states.”

Zach rubbed his arm as he watched his buddies work their magic. Money and revenge. To think Jeff Parker had kited the money years before, depositing it into offshore accounts was only part of the game. “What about Ken Logan? Has he been arrested?”

Detective Waters gave Zach a look as if considering whether to answer the question. “With the evidence that Ms. Jeffries provided, yes, he’s on lock down. His partner had no idea that Ken had been a part of the consortium years before. Nice little business they had set up if you ask me. Developer, architect, exiled Indian Chief. They certainly lied to enough people, including several of the Indian tribes from California to the Mississippi. Damn convoluted shit.”

Zach winced as he tried to sit up. At least there were no broken bones.

“I think the patient needs to rest now, gentlemen. We’re happy to give you a full statement in a few days. Does that sound reasonable?” Mitchell looked from one to the other, his expression one of full command.

“Yeah. That’ll be okay. Just make certain you bring him to the station as soon as he’s been released from the hospital. And don’t say a word to the damn Press. They’re all over our department, vying for a National piece on the news.” Detective Waters placed his hands on his hips. “I have to admit, damn good work. But you didn’t hear that from me.”

Camden held up his hands. “Not a word to anyone.”

“Okay then. Get some rest.” The detective nodded toward Zach before ushering the police officers out the door.

“The damn news is all over the place already,” Camden added. “You’re a celebrity to some, a kink monster to others.”

Zach swung his legs onto the floor. As if he gave a shit what the Press thought.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Mitchell demanded.

“I have to see her, make certain she’s all right.” Zach wasn’t going to take no for an answer.

“I just checked on her. She’s fine. She wasn’t the one who fell out of a fifteen-story building.” Camden gave Zach a look then grinned. “Think you have nine lives, buddy.”

Zach laughed then groaned. His ribs hurt like a son of a bitch. “I’m fine. The dumpster was in the perfect position.”

“Uh-huh. You were lucky as shit. Follow the doctor’s orders,” Mitchell said with a lilt in his voice.

“I will. After I see her.”

“Hardheaded asshole.” Camden helped him to his feet. “Incidentally, we found another location for the building.”

“You’re talking business now?” Zach groaned as he took two steps forward, teetering for a few seconds.

“Never stops. Stocks are skyrocketing, the Board of Directors is giddy and we’re all alive.” Mitchell nodded to Camden.

“If you ever get us involved with anything like that again, I swear to God!” Camden teased as he laughed. “Just glad you’re okay. We thought we’d lost you.”

“Yeah. I know.” Zach exhaled, images of his father’s face one he’d never forget. To think the man had been in prison for years, serving time for an unrelated incident while he was plotting revenge. He continued having difficulty wrapping his mind around the various evidence. Maybe he never would. What he did know was that he was free from the horrors, his guilt from the past and had Cassandra and her visions.

“Let’s give our boy some time. We have a hell of a lot of work to do in the upcoming months.” Mitchell turned then tilted his head, grinning, his eyes twinkling. We have a new architectural firm as well.”

“What? You didn’t tell me you were going to do that. She deserved a chance. She’s damn good at what she does.” Zach could hear the nasty tone in his voice.

“Are you going to tell him, or should I?” Camden winked at Mitchell.

“Nah. The boy deserves to wait after the shit he’s put us through.”

“Tell me now or I swear to God!” Zach raised his finger.

“Maybe I should tell him, boys.”

Zach’s heart took an extra beat as he heard her voice, her strong and beautiful voice. Turning, he breathed a sigh of relief. “Baby.”

“I hear you’re not the model patient. How would I ever have guessed?” Cassandra walked into the room, a smile on her face, tears welling in her eyes.

“Come here. Oh my God. I just…” Zach inched closer.

“I think we should leave these two alone.” Mitchell patted him on the arm as he turned his attention to Cassandra. “I’m so glad you’re all right.”

“I think I have three heroes to thank for that. You guys are amazing,” she purred.

“All in a day’s work at Rush Enterprises,” Camden teased.

“Later. We will talk,” Mitchell directed toward Zach.

Zach lifted his middle finger before grinning. He waited until the guys had left before gripping her arms, pulling her into a hug. “I thought I’d lost you.”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily.”

“I just…” He pulled back and brushed the tip of his finger across her cheek. “You scared me to death.”

“Neither man was going to kill me. I knew that. He wanted you there, to finish what you’d started all those years ago. If only I’d understood the visions sooner. I could have…”

He placed his finger across her lips. “We can’t think that way. Without your visions, we both might have perished.”

Cassandra nodded. “You need to rely on yours more.”

“We’ll see if they come to me any longer,” he answered as he looked away. “To think that he waited. Ten years allowing me to think I’d killed him. Bastard.”

“Zach, you have to let this go. You were protecting your mother, your family. You don’t have any ghosts hanging over your head. You can live and enjoy. He’s gone from your life.”

“But is he?”

She brushed the tip of her finger across his cheek. “The spirits were trying to guide you. When you finally listened, you knew what to do. Now, you must move on.”

“As long as you’re here.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

* * *

Cassandra stood with her arms crossed, gazing at the three paintings she’d selected to bring to her new office. They were special, a reminder that she’d merely been a conduit for knowledge, spirits who refused to allow exacted revenge to occur. They were also the most hopeful, highlighting the goodness of mankind.

At least that’s what she’d chosen to believe. Shuddering, she refused to fall into another moment, fear and uncertainty taking over. They were all healing, moving forward.

Tap. Tap.

Hearing a knock on the door, she glanced over her shoulder, smiling. “Diego. How nice to see you. Come in.”

Diego took tentative steps inside, nodding as he surveyed the perimeter. “I like this. Suits you. Jeffries Designs. Nice ring.”

Shrugging, she was glad to have Diego on her side. The man was still picking up the pieces after Ken’s arrest and the entire firm was suffering. Trust was vital in Dallas. Going out on her own had been the best decision she’d made in a long time. Well, one of two. A quick glance at the clock reminded her that Zach would be here in fifteen minutes.

The man did not like to wait.

“I wanted to drop off your check and congratulate you.” Diego handed her an envelope.

“Check?” As she opened the flap, she gasped. “I didn’t earn this.”

Diego grinned. “You did. You almost died because you were sucked into a ruse. I also wanted to apologize. I had no idea what Ken was involved in. There were no red flags when he sent the email, demanding that you be placed in charge of the design for Rush. If I’d known…” His words trailed off. “I have no idea what to say to you.”

“Not your fault. Besides, I have a confession to make.” The fifteen thousand dollars would go a long way to paying rent for the new office, and allow her time to secure new clients. “I thought you were involved.”

Shrugging, he nodded several times. “I don’t blame you. I came on too strong. I guess I need to keep apologizing.”

“Not necessary. I hope Myers and…”

“Just Myers and Associates,” Diego finished. “I don’t think obtaining another partner will allow me to sleep at night.”

Cassandra smiled. “Understandable.” An awkward tension settled in.

“Well, I should be going. And for the record? Zach Goodman is a lucky man.”

“I think I’m the lucky one. Thanks again, Diego.” She sagged against her desk after he left. The weight of the visions, the premonitions and her realization that she was forever changed because of the circumstances continued to remain a tight noose around her neck.

Growling, she dropped the check on the desk and walked toward the window. Now, wasn’t the time for being frustrated over things she couldn’t control. The view from her second-floor window was peaceful, a wash of color from the flowers and trees in the small garden. She’d selected the two-room office for this reason alone.

Palming the glass, she enjoyed the heat of the sun, the way the streaming rays highlighted the vibrant hues. This was a new chapter in her life and one she wasn’t going to go alone. She could almost feel Zach’s presence, knew that he was very close. Their electric tethering had only increased, but the connection was more about passion, wild and intense. As she heard the outer door, she bit back a moan. He was seconds away.

Just before she turned, she noticed someone standing in the parking lot. A man. And he was looking up at her window. A cold chill trickled down her spine.

“Hello, beautiful.”

Swallowing, Cassandra caught a hint of Zach’s reflection and her entire body tingled. “My sir. You’re right on time.” She turned slowly, admiring his sly smile, the way his eyes flashed a combination of amusement as well as desire. Her nipples were already hard, her pussy clenching from heated anticipation.

“Of course.” He closed the door and advanced. “Besides, we have an appointment.”

“Mmm…” She walked around the desk. “Yes, sir. We do.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her lips against his then eased back, winking.

“Tempting, but not until later.” Zach’s eyes never leaving hers, he pulled the hardback chair from the corner, one they’d purchased together for this very purpose and set it in the middle of the room. When he sat down, he patted his lap.

She remained quivering as she unfastened her skirt, wiggling until the material hit the floor. Kicking the material to the side, she pursed her lips as she slipped her fingers under the thin elastic of her thong. As she shimmied out of her panties, she realized she was panting. Everything about this man she adored.

“Such a bad girl.”

“I am.”

“You need strict discipline.”

“Yes, sir. I do.” The moment he pulled her over his lap, placing the flat of his hand against the small of her back, she closed her eyes, allowing the tension to ease. This was exactly where she needed to be.

Smack! Crack!

The two hard spanks were scintillating, creating beads of perspiration along the back of her neck. Moaning, she tried to stay in position.

Pop! Whap!

“You have my very soul,” he whispered as he continued issuing the spanking, peppering one slap after the other.

Crack! Whap!

As the spanking continued, she fell into a place of pure bliss.

Whack! Crack! Pop!

Exhaling, she shivered. Then a vision popped into her mind, a face, a smile, the man at the window. The picture. Her father. A knowing.

Remember…

And she did.