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    'Twas The Night
    'Twas The Night
    'Twas The Night
    Ebook229 pages3 hours

    'Twas The Night

    By Linda Wisdom

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    About this ebook

    Nothing could send Ukiah Jones running except something shocking. Two of his best buddies got hitched and eternal bachelor Ki was determined not to be number three. Now he was holed up at the friends’ jointly owned Lake Tahoe cabin over Christmas until he felt it was safe to come out.

    There was only one, make that three, problems.

    The cabin was taken over by a lady on the lam and two young kids. His masculine safe haven was quickly cluttered with toys and filled with the
    noise of kids singing Christmas carols. What didn’t help was Ki’s response to their beautiful and very mysterious protector.

    But it wasn’t about to stop there. Not when Sydney and the kids wanted him to play not only Santa, but daddy!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLinda Wisdom
    Release dateDec 1, 2012
    ISBN9781937791629
    'Twas The Night
    Author

    Linda Wisdom

    Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California.

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      Book preview

      'Twas The Night - Linda Wisdom

      ‘TWAS THE NIGHT

      Linda Wisdom

      A JOYRIDE ROMANCE

      Published by Joyride Books, PO Box 258, La Honda, CA, 94020

      Formerly He’s A Rebel

      The Smashwords Edition

      Copyright © 2012

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.

      ISBN: 978-1-937791-62-9

      Cover by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg

      ‘TWAS THE NIGHT

      By Linda Wisdom

      Prologue

      You're not listening to me, Leo. I'm quitting. I'm getting out of the business.

      This is a joke, right? You're trying to give me an ulcer by claiming you want out. No tricks, Sydney. Just tell me when you're coming back to D.C., which better be within the next twenty-four hours. I need you for an upcoming assignment. It's right up your alley. No one can handle this the way you can. Listen to me, babe. This is too important for you to take off and play Mommy.

      Sydney Taylor looked out the phone booth's dingy Plexiglas siding toward the black Jeep Cherokee she had parked nearby. As far as she was concerned, the only things important in her life were the two small faces plastered against the windows. They watched her with anxious expressions as if they feared she would suddenly disappear from their sight. She pictured her superior, sitting behind his desk dressed in a rumpled gray suit and chewing on a cigar. She once told him he always looked and sounded like one of those sleazy theatrical agents you'd see in a thirties movie.

      I'm not coming back, Leo. To D.C. or to the agency. I know you don't like people quitting, but when have I ever done what you expected me to?

      Never! Syd, you're killing me here! Leo Birch, director of a government agency that handled international crimes, screamed through the telephone. Nobody quits us and you know it. His voice suddenly turned cajoling. What are you looking for? Perks? No problem. Whatever you want, sweetheart. We're here for you, you know that.

      Syd shook her head. Leo's idea of keeping his people happy was to use bribery in the worst way. He'd flush out their weaknesses and use them to his advantage. It was a well known fact among the agents. The best story was Chaz Roberts spending a hot weekend with the actress of his dreams. Sydney tried to remember if she'd ever made jokes about seducing a particular man. She quickly quashed the images that played havoc with a long-denied libido.

      We can do this real easy; He took a deep breath. You can have your own Sweet Treat franchise.

      Syd groaned. He'd headed straight for her weak spot. The Sweet Treat candy shops carried her absolute favorite candy and everyone knew it. If anyone wanted a little help they'd just mention a box of the candy and she was theirs.

      Great try, Leo, I really appreciate the thought, but no thanks. I've got two kids to look after now. She thought of her niece and nephew who needed her more than the agency ever needed her.

      You think I don't have a heart? You think I don't have feelings? This may be hard for you to believe, but there's blood running through these veins, Syd. The veins I'll probably have to open because you're killing me here. You won't have to worry about those kids while you're in Marseilles. I'll have my secretary find the best boarding school in the area. Hell, we'll even pick up the tab. You won't have to worry about a thing while you're gone. They'll be well taken care of, her boss assured her. They want a pet. I’ll arrange it. Anything they need they’ll get while you’re doing what you do best.

      Leo, they don't need a boarding school and they don’t need a pet. They need security, she told him. They lost both parents in one fell swoop. Right now, all they have is me, and I intend to make sure they don't lose me because I've gone out on some insane assignment of yours and I don't come back. They need to know there's always someone there for them. Don't worry, I'll send you my resignation in writing, so everything will be official. You won't have any problem replacing me.

      Won't have any problem? Damn right, I won't! But I don't want to go to the trouble of training someone else and I don't want your damn resignation! I want you back here, so I can send you on your next assignment!

      No.

      Come on, Syd. I'd make a better mother than you would. Sorry, honey, it's just not in your mental makeup.

      Syd tried to visualize the balding Leo singing a lullaby while chomping on one of his favorite cigars that made a stink bomb smell like roses. It wasn’t a pretty image.

      You forget, Leo. I have an edge. I can stand being around children. Don't talk to me about whether I can do this or not. If I can disarm a bomb without breaking a nail, I can handle two kids.

      Syd held the receiver away from her ear as her ex-boss screamed every threat known to man and a few new ones even she hadn't heard of. And she knew, and created, a lot of them.

      Very inventive, Leo. I swear, no one can come up with threats the way you can. All I’m going to say is get over it. I'm outta there.

      You can't stay away and you know it. You need the danger and excitement. You feed on it the same way a vampire feeds on blood.

      Sydney grimaced at his comparison. Thanks, Leo, that really convinces me I need to get out while I still can. Look at it this way. You always accused me of never doing what you want me to do and now I'm proving you right.

      We'll find you!

      I doubt it. You may be good, but you always said I was better. Without a hint of guilt, Syd hung up.

      She offered a reassuring smile to the children inside the vehicle as she walked back to her Jeep. She opened the door and looked at the little girl and boy ensconced in the back seat along with two dogs leaping from back seat to front.

      Are we going home, Aunt Syd? the little girl asked with a solemn, wide eyed gaze.

      She reached across the seat and brushed the child's bangs away from her eyes. No, Heidi, not right now, but I promise we'll go somewhere very nice.

      Are we running away? Daddy always said your boss wouldn't let you quit, the boy told her. If he won't let you quit, you'd have to go away.

      No, I won't be going away, she stated emphatically.

      What are we going to do, Auntie Syd?

      Syd's heart clenched as she thought of her brother. Shane, her twin brother who hadn't deserved to die. Shane, her peace loving brother who protested when a mugger wanted his wife's purse and lost his life as a result. She thought of Jenny, also dying because she fought back when confronted with the sight of her husband's bleeding body. And she thought of Syd, the woman who vowed never to marry. Syd, who told her brother it was a good thing he wanted kids, because she doubted she'd be a good mother, and who was now in charge of two children’s' lives.

      Syd, who never flinched when facing a gun or a knife, and who was now scared to death as she realized her future had made a 180 degree turn.

      She patted the honey blond curly wig that concealed her copper penny hair and shifted in the tight jeans and sweater that revealed the curves she normally didn't advertise. With the heavy makeup covering her face, she looked as if she belonged on a street corner cooing, Hey sailor, new in town?

      We're going to take a vacation, Jamie, she assured her nephew as she started up the engine. Believe me, we're going to have a lot of fun.

      Chapter One

      I can't believe my eyes! Ki, wha'cha doin' out this way at this time of year? Jedidiah, owner of Jedidiah's Stop & Shop, greeted the man who walked into the small store.

      Ki Jones's craggy face broke into a smile. Hi Jedidiah. How are you doing?

      The tourists keep me busy. He watched Ki wander through his general store filling a blue plastic shopping basket with the necessities of life. Namely, beer, Doritos, pretzels and cheese. Ain'cha gonna pick up something other than junk food? My Sarah would have my hide if she knew I was lettin' you pick up food guaranteed not to fill your belly.

      We always leave plenty of staples up at the cabin, so I'm sure there's more than enough up there to keep me from starving. Ukiah, aka Ki, juggled a few candy bars in time to the Barking Dogs doing their rendition of Jingle Bells over the store's loudspeaker. I figured I'd pick up a few extras before I got up there. Anything been happening around here other than the tourists?

      The older man shook his head. Not near as exciting as when you boys are up here. You four always gave us old timers somethin' to talk about!

      Ki smiled. Only Jedidiah would consider him and his three friends boys, when they were all pretty well past the thirty mark.

      We believe in doing our best, he said modestly. "Say, is Zeke still around?''

      Sure is. Knowing Zeke, he'll probably outlast us all just cause he's so ornery. Jedidiah shook his head in amazement. Word is he built another still right after the sheriff dismantled his old one. Sheriff went up there snooping a couple weeks ago, but he couldn't find anything. He told Zeke he better not hear of him selling the stuff or he'll spend the rest of his days in jail. You know Zeke, he told the sheriff to put his advice where the sun don't shine.

      Ki thought of the liquor Zeke, an old hermit who lived nearby, brewed. He and the others used to say only a tiny sip burned holes in your stomach. The sheriff ought to give up looking. Zeke's smarter'n all of us put, together, I heard the only reason the other still was found was because a fisherman got lost and stumbled onto it.

      That's true. I'm surprised you're back up here since it hasn't been all that long since the weddin'.

      It seemed like a good idea. Ki reached for a box over his head, then winced as sore muscles protested. He had no idea his buddy could grab him and throw him against the wall so easily. Oh, well, if he hadn't been so plastered he would have thought about ducking. The idea he shouldn't have made the remark about Tripp's wife-to-be in the first place didn't even occur to him. After all, the nickname he'd used was what they had called her back at Beckett! Some guys can be mighty sensitive.

      Can't believe you're all gettin' married. Jedidiah looked stunned. Hell, I never thought it would happen. We thought you would all stay bachelors like you all vowed to do. Boy, you're not thinkin' of gettin' married, too, are ya?

      Ki burst out laughing. Me? What woman in her right mind would have me?

      There's the catch. She wouldn't be in her right mind! Jedidiah cackled, slapping his knee in delight.

      He grinned. Yeah, well, I'm still doing things in my own way. Steve and Tripp might like being shackled to one woman, but I'm happier knowing I can pick up and take off whenever I want without having to explain anything to ‘the little woman’. He used his fingers for air quotes.

      Jedidiah nodded. I hear ya. Say, you're not going to stay up at the cabin for Christmas, are you? I'd think you'd be going out to see your mom.

      He shook his head. I've got a deadline snapping at me, and I need some peace and quiet to finish my book. I figured the best place to do that was the cabin. What made it easier for me was my mom and her husband decided to take their belated honeymoon now. Privately, Ki's idea of celebrating the holidays was to take off for a warm climate and generally take an even warmer woman with him.

      Who're you writing about now? I remember that last book about that man who killed all those people in that small town. It was downright scary. You seemed to get right into his nasty little mind. How he got away with all those murders for so long was amazing. Whose mind are you gettin' into this time?

      Ki paused a beat before answering. Thomas Baskin.

      Woowee, that's one bad man. Jedidiah shook his head in amazement. I read all about him. The newspapers said he'd get married, then kill his wives. He was like that Bluebeard guy. Did you talk to him?

      Ki nodded. Yeah, I just spent the last three months in Chicago interviewing him. Believe me, he's as bad in person as the media made him out to be. Trouble is, he comes across so charming that it takes you a minute to remember that it was his charm that killed a lot of women. He turned his head and looked out the window toward the parking lot as he heard the heavy thump of a truck door close.

      His attention immediately zeroed in on the new customer. Will you look at that I'd say your class of clientele is looking up.

      The older man's eyes almost bugged out as he watched a curvy blond-haired woman gingerly walk up the concrete walkway toward the glass doors. Dressed in electric blue spandex pants, matching suede half boots and a fuchsia fake fur waist length jacket, she would have caught any man's eye. But it was the body encased in the figure hugging clothing that caught Ki's eye. Talk about a compact package of femininity! She was more than enough to make a man and all his important parts stand at attention.

      Something tells me she should have turned left instead of right at the crossroads; Ki said wryly, unable to keep his eyes off the length of leg. She looks as if she's heading for a night at the casinos instead of a ski lodge.

      A quick blast of icy air hit the two men as the woman pushed the glass door open and stepped inside.

      Excuse me, gentlemen, she said in a syrupy southern drawl. But ah was wonderin' if y'all could tell me how to get back to the main highway? I seem to have lost my way.

      Jedidiah puffed up. Why, I sure can, miss. He walked over and immediately rambled off a set of directions. Ki hung back and pretended to study the back of a box of crackers while he surreptitiously studied the woman.

      He always liked his women petite and fluffy, and no way this woman would be considered petite. He figured she had to stand a good five-ten in bare feet. She had a lean body that looked more like it belonged to a professional athlete than a party girl, tousled, honey-blond shoulder-length curls that would do Dolly Parton proud and enough makeup on her face to cover five women.

      He'd guess she wasn't all that much younger than his thirty-three years, although thanks to modem science it was getting more difficult to tell a woman's age. That was when he noticed her eyes. She tried to project a guileless nature, but her eyes gave her away. They were too sharp and watchful. They didn't fit the picture of the party girl she was conveying, but he doubted most people, especially men, would notice her eyes except the incredible color when they could look at her delectable body instead. He would hazard a guess that she had catalogued everything, and everyone, in the store within five seconds of walking inside. They weren't the eyes of a fluff brain.

      He wondered why she felt she had to put on an act.

      Then the most logical thought came to mind. She could be on the run. If anyone knew about a person with a predator's skill, it was him. He'd met more than his share over the years as he traveled the country meeting with and interviewing major criminals as subjects for the increasingly popular true crime books he wrote.

      As if sensing his thoughts on her, the woman turned her head and looked over her shoulder at him.

      No woman has eyes that intense shade of blue, he thought, feeling them probe him from head to toe. He was convinced she knew everything about him from his shoe size up to the tiny scar in his scalp from a badly thrown pitch during a junior varsity baseball game in high school.

      Is there a problem, sir? she asked in that drawl that threatened to suffocate him in tons of cotton candy.

      Not a one, sweetheart. Not a one. Just enjoying the view. He flashed his trademark grin. The one that had seduced more than one woman into falling into his arms and his bed. He held his hands up in surrender as if he was about as dangerous as a tiny kitten.

      Not by a flicker of an eyelash did she indicate that she found his rugged good looks fascinating or that his grin sent waves of heat through her body. She turned around as if he wasn't worth the effort. She picked up several packs of gum and breath mints and pulled a couple of bills out of her jacket pocket. Who could I talk to about finding a place around here to rent or lease?" She spoke to Jedidiah.

      The older man replied. This time of year, places are usually already taken. A lot of people like to come up for skiing during the holidays. But you can check at the real estate office to see if there's anything available. He then went on to give her directions.

      Ki took his time loading up on

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