Disclaimer: This story is of my own imagination, strange as it is. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Rating: PG-13
Chapter 9
The next morning Rachel woke to find Gabriel gone from the bed. She got up and found his shirt and slipped it on. She went into the bathroom and winced at her reflection in the mirror. Ugh, the morning after, she thought laughing at herself. She saw a new toothbrush sitting on the sink and guessed that Gabriel had put it there for her.
"How thoughtful." She smiled as she picked it up and located the toothpaste.
After brushing her teeth and trying to finger comb her hair, she went looking for Gabriel. She found him sitting at the kitchen table cleaning his gun. His face was serious, his dark eyes focused on the task at hand.
"Good morning." Rachel approached the table frowning slightly.
Gabriel glanced up at Rachel and a smile tugged at the corner of his lips. She looked beautiful first thing in the morning with her hair all in disarray. He also liked seeing her wearing his shirt. The shirt tale fell down just below her knees and the cuffs on the sleeves dropped way past her hands. Damn! He thought to himself. He wanted her again. They had made love several times throughout the night and Gabriel didn't think he had anything left in him. Now here she was standing before him with nothing but his shirt on and he was as hard as a rock. Gabriel put his gun down and pushed his chair back away from the table. Leaning over he snagged the front of his shirt that she was wearing and pulled her towards him until she was straddling him. Rachel gasped when she felt his hardness against her crotch.
"Good morning back." He said as he sought her lips for a kiss.
Rachel laughed and brought her hands up to frame his face, kissing him back. Gabriel's hands found their way under the shirt till they covered her breasts. Rachel moaned and Gabriel deepened the kiss. Rachel began to rock against him as her breathing became ragged.
"Wench!" Gabriel growled his hands moving down to grip her waist holding her still against him. It was then that he discovered she didn't have any underwear on and he nearly came right there. "Dammit woman, what are you doing to me?" He groaned.
Rachel giggled as he somehow managed to get his pants down. He then reached behind him and gripped the back of the chair as Rachel slid down on top of him. Rachel kissed his face and neck as she began to rock faster and harder against him. They climaxed together, Gabriel's hands coming back around and gripping her waist hard, holding her still as he slammed his hips up hard against her. Rachel clung to him; she leaned her forehead against his and tried to catch her breath.
"Good morning." She said again with a giggle.
Gabriel kissed her hard on the mouth. "I thought we'd been through that already."
"Hmmm, I believe your right." Rachel smiled. "And now I think I could use some coffee."
Gabriel chuckled softly, "I think I'm going to need more than coffee to get my body working right again." Rachel slowly rose up and Gabriel sucked in his breath as he slid out of her. "Damn baby doll, I think you killed him."
Rachel began to giggle. She remembered last night when he'd fallen off the bed and began to giggle harder. She put her hand over her mouth, but it was useless.
"Go ahead, laugh it up." Gabriel stood and pulled his pants up fastening them.
Rachel stopped laughing when she once again noticed the gun and all it's parts laying on the table. "Why do you have your gun out?" She asked suddenly nervous.
Gabriel picked up the pieces and began putting them back together. "I'm cleaning it."
"Gabriel, your up to something. I can see it in your eyes." She moved closer to him and placed her hand on his arm. Gabriel stopped what he was doing and looked at her. "What are you planning?"
"I'm going to go and take care of some loose ends." He answered vaguely.
But Rachel guessed his intent and she gasped softly, "No, Gabriel! You can't go after Martin."
Gabriel turned his attention back to putting his gun back together as if he didn't hear Rachel. He checked the clip to make sure it was filled with the proper number of bullets, and then slammed it into the 9-millimeter pistol.
"Gabriel, listen to me. Let the police deal with this. We have the cassette tape. He'll go to prison." Rachel pleaded.
"He'll get off." Gabriel said coldly. "Guys like him always get off on some technicality. He's got money and he can hire the best lawyers. I'm telling you, Rachel, he'll get off."
"You don't know that, Gabriel. Not for sure. We have to let the police do their job." Rachel replied, trying to get it through his brain that the killing needed to stop.
"And you need to let me do mine." Gabriel snapped.
Rachel looked at him hurt. "I thought you said you were giving that up?" She said softly.
Gabriel looked down at the ground not meeting her eyes, "I will do what I must to keep you and Abigail safe."
Tears filled Rachel's eyes and spilled down her cheeks. "If you leave here, Gabriel. If you go and hunt down Martin and kill him, don't bother coming back, because I won't have anything to do with you."
Gabriel's head snapped up and his eyes met hers. He could see she meant it. He sighed and put the gun down on the table. He reached out and pulled Rachel into his arms and held her against him. "Alright, cara. You win. We will let the police deal with it."
Rachel wrapped her arms tight around his waist and pressed her face against his bare chest. "Thank you." She whispered softly. Rachel lifted her head until their eyes met. "I love you, Gabriel."
Gabriel sighed softly and smiled. "You have no idea how much I have wanted to hear you say that." He kissed her gently. "I will be with you every step of the way, Rachel, but you realize I can not go to the police with you."
Rachel nodded, "I understand, but they don't know who you are anyways, right? They only know you by The Hawk. They don't even know what you look like."
"True, but I can't take any chances that they will put two and two together and make some wild, lucky guess." Gabriel released Rachel and headed into the kitchen. Rachel followed him. She saw the coffee pot full of coffee and immediately headed for it.
"Do you think they would guess?" Rachel asked as she poured him and herself a cup of coffee.
"I don't know." He answered as he leaned against the counter and accepted the coffee cup from her. "But I can't risk it. I'll be here if you need me, Rae, but please don't ask me to go into that police station with you."
"Don't worry, Gabriel. I understand. Really I do. I can handle this." Rachel sipped her coffee.
Chapter 10
Rachel spent the afternoon with the police. She brought with her another copy of the cassette tape just in case they never received the one she had sent, but they had it and they had been looking for her. She sat in an interrogation room with Detective Stanford.
"Mrs. Stone, do you have any idea why your husband would want to have you murdered?" Detective Stanford asked.
"No." Rachel answered taking a sip of her soda. "Only what I told you before. Our marriage has been nothing the last year. He spends all his time in Atlanta and rarely comes home. I have suspected he was having an affair with his secretary, but no proof. I wasn't aware that he wanted me dead until I found the cassette tape recording in my mailbox a few days ago."
"You have no idea who put it there?" The Detective asked.
"No." Rachel answered.
"According to the recording, he hired a very well known hitman called 'The Hawk.' He is a very cold hearted, vicious assassin. We can connect at least 30 hits to this man. But this is the first time he has ever accepted a contract on a woman. We are a bit surprised and concerned about this, Mrs. Stone. If he is now taking hits on women, then we need to do everything we can to stop him now. Can you remember if you saw any strangers in your neighborhood over the last week?" The Detective asked.
"No, not really." Rachel pretended to be thinking about his question. This was the tough part. Lying to the police about Gabriel. She had no idea that he had killed so many people and probably more that the police didn't even know about. But he told her that he wasn't doing that anymore and she believed him. She would protect him any way she could.
"We have been looking for the Hawk for many years, Mrs. Stone. No one knows his name and nobody has ever seen him. If you can remember any one, even a delivery guy that you have never seen before in your neighborhood this last week, it would be very helpful. The only thing that we know of about this man is that he is most likely European, so he would have an accent. Does any of this ring a bell?" Detective Stanford asked her.
Rachel made a show of thinking about the past week and a half. She couldn't believe all that had happened in just that short time. Finally she shook her head and sighed, "I am sorry, Detective, but right now I just can't think. I'm still pretty shaken up about my husband attacking me last night."
"It's alright, Mrs. Stone. I understand you are under a lot of strain right now. But if you remember anything later, you call me immediately." He shuffled some papers, and then said, "Why don't you tell me about last night."
With a shaky voice, Rachel began telling Detective Stanford about how she had foolishly flew to Atlanta to confront her husband with the cassette tape. She showed him her airline stubs and told him that somehow Martin has beaten her home and was waiting for her with a gun. She told him that Martin had attempted to rape her and she had escaped him by kneeing him in the crotch.
Detective Stanford wrote down her statement then said, "We had several 911 calls from your neighbors about shots fired. Did he shoot at you?"
Rachel nodded, "Yes, I had run outside and he followed me out and shot at me several times."
"Who was the man in the truck that helped you?"
Rachel blinked, "I beg your pardon?" Her heart pounded loudly in her chest. How did they know about Gabriel being there?
"Several of your neighbors reported a man in a truck stopping to help you. That you got in his truck with him and drove off." The Detective replied looking at her intently.
"Oh, I'm sorry I had forgotten about him. I mean, that's sad to say when someone has just saved your life, but I only vaguely remember him." Rachel answered embarrassed. "I didn't know him. He just happened to be passing by."
"Can you describe him?" The detective asked.
"Why?" Rachel asked afraid. "What does he have to do with this?"
"He could be a witness, Mrs. Stone. If we can find him, he could testify that your husband was shooting at you." He answered patiently.
"I don't see how he could add anything more than what the neighbors saw. Besides, it was dark. The only thing I can remember was that he was tall." Rachel answered a little agitated. "I am sorry, but you have to understand that I was really upset and Martin was shooting at us. What the man looked like was not important to me."
"It's alright, Mrs. Stone, but why didn't you come to us right then, instead of waiting until this morning?" Detective Stanford asked. His tone was changing slightly.
Rachel sighed, "I don't know, Detective. I wasn't thinking straight. The man offered to take me here, but I told him no. I directed him to a friends house and I stayed there for the rest of the night."
"Who is this friend?"
"Her name is Kim Raines. She and her husband are out of the country and I have been house sitting for them. I go and feed the animals, water the plants, etc., so I have a key. Martin didn't know that Kim was gone, so I thought it would be a good place to crash and pull myself together before coming here." It was partly true. Kim and Buck were out of the country and she was house sitting. But Rachel was beginning to worry that the detective was going to find too many holes in her story and not believe her.
Detective Stanford wrote in a file for a few minutes before finally lifting his head to look at her. "Okay, Mrs. Stone. We are through for now. With the cassette tape and your statement we have enough evidence to put out a warrant for your husbands arrest."
"Thank you. Do you think it will take long to find him?" Rachel asked.
Detective Stanford shook his head, "It shouldn't. It will depend if he's gone into hiding or not. What we need to do now is put you into protective custody until he is found."
"NO!" Rachel said too quickly. The detective looked at her surprised. "I'm sorry, I just don't think that is necessary. I'll be just fine."
"Mrs. Stone, you can't be thinking of returning home. He'll most likely come for you again there." Detective Stanford explained.
"No. I'm not going to return home except to maybe pick up some clothes. I don't know where I will go yet, but I don't want to be under police protection. I have a young daughter, detective and I don't want her seeing this on the news." Rachel explained when the detective started to protest. "You have my cell phone number if I'm needed otherwise I plan to go into hiding until Martin is caught."
The detective shook his head, "I don't like this, Mrs. Stone. If something should happen to you. . ."
"I'll be fine, Detective Stanford. You'll be the first person I call if I get into trouble." Rachel smiled sadly at him. That seemed to satisfy Detective Stanford and he told her she could go.
Chapter 11
Rachel left the police station and drove the rental she had picked up that morning over to Kim's house to feed the animals and pick up the mail. When she was done, she left there and drove around until she was certain she wasn't being followed before heading over to Gabriel's apartment. She entered with the key he had given her.
"Gabriel? I'm back." She glanced down at her watch and saw that it was after four in the afternoon. She got no answer, so she took a quick look around the apartment to find it empty. She spotted a note for her on the refrigerator door.
Rachel,
I had to run some errands; I'll be back soon. Don't worry I didn't go after Martin. I love you - G.
Rachel smiled as she reread the part where he wrote that he loved her. It was all so crazy. "Talk about a soap opera." Rachel laughed to herself as she opened the refrigerator door to see what there was to eat. She also checked the cupboards and found some stuff to make spaghetti and a salad. She also found some French bread to make some garlic toast. Pulling out the ground meat she put it in the microwave to begin thawing it. Forty-five minutes later, she had just pulled the garlic toast out and was finishing up with the salad when she heard a key in the front door.
Gabriel entered the apartment and smelled the aroma of spaghetti and garlic. His stomach growled loudly. "Damn it smells good in here and I'm starved!" He entered the kitchen and came up behind Rachel slipping his arms around her waist and kissing her neck.
"It's about time you got here." She chided playfully, giggling as his beard tickled her neck.
Gabriel turned her around to face him and he kissed her deeply, his tongue sweeping through her mouth as she opened up for him. Rachel melted against him as her arms circled his neck and her fingers found their way into his thick hair. Gabriel backed her against the counter and pressed his body against her. He left a trail of kisses down her neck.
Rachel laughed softly, "Did you miss me, my love?"
"Immensely." Gabriel growled as he continued to nip at her neck.
"Dinner is going to get cold, Gabriel." Rachel complained half-heartedly.
Gabriel lifted his head to look down at Rachel. "Alright, you win." He grinned, "For now."
Gabriel stepped back a let Rachel finish putting the salad together. He left the kitchen and stepped into the dining area to find the table already set. He was sitting down as Rachel came in with the salad and the bread and sat them at the table. She left and returned with the spaghetti. She poured them both glasses of Ice Tea and sat down in her chair to the right of Gabriel. They ate in silence for a while before Gabriel finally asked how things went at the police station.
"It went fine." She began, "They asked questions about you." Rachel said quietly.
Gabriel put down his fork and looked at her closely. "What kind of questions did they ask?"
Rachel wouldn't meet his eyes. She stared down at her plate and suddenly she wasn't hungry anymore. "Just stuff like had I seen any strangers in the neighborhood over the last week, etc."
Gabriel didn't like her tone. She was holding something back from him. He reached out his hand and covered hers with it. "What did they say to you about me, cara?"
"Not much." Rachel answered still refusing to look at him. For some unknown reason she was suddenly frightened. Her heart pounded in her chest and her hands began to shake.
Leaning forward, Gabriel released her hand and caught her chin between his long, strong fingers and lifted her face up to meet his gaze. "Why are you suddenly afraid of me, cara? I would never hurt you."
Tears filled Rachel's eyes. "The detective said that they had linked you to at least 30 deaths, Gabriel. He said that you were a cold hearted, vicious assassin."
Gabriel dropped his hand and leaned back in his chair. Raising his hands up he covered his face with them, closing his eyes he sighed heavily. His hands dropped into his lap and he opened his eyes to look at Rachel. Tears trickled down her cheeks and it broke his heart.
"I had hoped you would never have to hear how many men I've killed, Rachel. I am not proud of it. All I can tell you is that I am done with it and you should never, ever be afraid of me."
Rachel nodded her head slowly believing him. "I kept you out of it. They know that the Hawk is European and has an accent. They also know that a tall man helped me last night. The neighbors heard the gunshots and saw you stop. Apparently nobody got a good look though, because the detective had no description of you. I'm glad now that you didn't go with me. I'm afraid that with your accent and everything they might have suspected."
Gabriel nodded. "I was afraid of that. Did he accept your story of what happened?"
"I believe so. He wanted to put me into protective custody, but I refused. I gave him my cell phone number in case they needed to contact me, otherwise I told him I was staying someplace safe until Martin was caught." Rachel finished. She picked up her glass of ice tea and took a long drink. She put her glass down then stood and began to clear off the table.
Gabriel watched her in silence. Something was still bothering her. He could tell by her body language and by the look on her face. He suspected it had to do with his profession and how many people he'd killed over the years. Gabriel sighed. If only he'd known then that he'd meet someone like Rachel. . . well, he couldn't change that now. If Rachel knew what he'd been up to today, she might be the one killing him. He had spent the day looking for Martin and had found him on the other side of town in a cheap little motel. It hadn't been hard finding him. Gabriel watched Rachel leave the dinning area and go into the kitchen. He knew this would probably be the last night they spent together. By morning, Martin would be dead and Gabriel would be on his way out of the country. He would be breaking his word to Rachel and he knew she would not forgive him of that, but he could not sit back and let Martin Stone get off and come after her again. And Gabriel had another motive. One he hadn't shared with Rachel. If Martin went to trial for attempted murder, Gabriel knew that some how, some way, they would figure out that Rachel knew who the Hawk was and she could find herself in very serious trouble and though Gabriel knew that Rachel would not intentionally give him away, he knew how the police worked and it would be just a matter of time. So after thinking about it all morning, Gabriel decided he needed to take care of Martin himself and let Rachel get on with her life, a life without him.
Chapter 12
Martin Stone sat alone on a lumpy bed in cheap motel room. His clothes were dirty and his normally neatly combed blonde hair was in disarray. The television was on and he was watching himself on the news. So, the little bitch went to the police, he thought to himself. Well it didn't matter. The police would be a minor nuisance, but he would still kill Rachel if it were the last thing he did. Only now, he would make her suffer. He would make her pay for involving the police. He smiled evilly at the television as they flashed a picture of Rachel.
"Yes, my sweet dear wife. You will pay for that!"
He had let his guard slip with Rachel the night before. She had appealed to his humanity, to the man who had loved her once. He had let his guard down, feeling again for her the lust that had driven him to marry her in the first place. But he had paid dearly for that slip. Paid dearly, indeed. She'd gotten away. Someone had stopped and helped her. A man. Who was this man? How did Rachel get a copy of that cassette? Had the man he hired known as the Hawk, tipped her off? If so, why? Well it didn't matter, he would kill Rachel and he would kill this Hawk fellow to if he ever caught up with him. The phone next to the bed rang.
"Yeah." Martin barked into the receiver as he placed the handset to his ear.
"This is Tony, the management." A man with a Hispanic accent said. Martin didn't answer. "Someone called here earlier asking about you."
Martin sat up on the bed. "Did they give a name?"
"No. It was a man and he had an accent. Maybe Italian, I'm not sure." Tony answered.
"You didn't tell him I was here, did you?" Martin asked suddenly perking up. Maybe this evening wouldn't be a total waste after all. Could it be that the Hawk was looking for him? If so, he'd be ready.
"No, sir. I told him nothing. I just thought you'd like to know someone was asking about you." Tony explained quickly.
"Very good, Tony." Martin replied. "Thank you." He hung up the phone and smiled. So, a man with an Italian accent was looking for him, huh? Martin knew that this Hawk fellow was no dummy. He would find him and when he did, Martin would be ready. He began to laugh out loud.
Rachel was finishing up the dishes when Gabriel entered the kitchen. She tried to ignore him, but it was impossible when the kitchen was so small and he practically filled the whole room with his presence. It amazed her that even though she thoroughly disapproved of his profession and he even scared her a little bit, that when he was near her, her whole body came alive. He didn't even have to touch her, just to be in the same vicinity and she turned to mush.
"Have you talked to Abigail recently?" He asked leaning against the counter to her left.
"No, actually I hadn't had time." Rachel answered. She missed her baby.
"Why don't you call her now, before it gets late. I'll finish up in here." Gabriel took the towel from her and began to dry the dishes and put them away. Rachel watched him for a moment, then turned and went into the living room where the phone was.
"Hi Mom." Rachel said when her mom answered the phone.
"Rachel? My god, we have been so worried." Her mom replied.
"Why?" Rachel asked concerned. "What's going on?"
"What's going on? Rachel it's all over the news, even out here. Why didn't you tell me that Martin was trying to have you killed?" Her mom asked.
"Good lord, that was on the news there? Did Abigail see it?" Rachel asked really concerned now.
"Yes, she saw it. It was on before we realized what they were talking about and she was right there watching it. She's been hysterical ever since. I've been on the phone trying to call you at the house, but no answer."
"Mom, why didn't you call my cell phone?" Rachel asked curiously.
"I tried, but it wouldn't go through." Her mom answered.
"I'll have to check it. Is Abigail there? Let me talk to her." Rachel asked.
"Hold on dear, I finally got her to lay down. She was so upset." Her mom stepped away from the phone. A few minutes later, Abigail came on.
"Mommy, Mommy! Are you alright?" Abigail asked upset.
"Yes baby, Mommy is fine. I am so sorry you had to see that. Are you okay?" Rachel asked as tears began to trickle down her cheeks.
"Yeah, but I miss you, Mommy. When are you coming here?" Abigail asked.
"Soon sweetheart, soon." Rachel wiped a tear away with her hand. Gabriel came up next to her and sat down beside her on the couch.
"May I talk to her, Rachel?" He asked softly.
Rachel gave him a little smile and nodded her head. "Abigail, there is someone here who wants to say hello to you."
"Okay, who is it Mommy?" Abigail asked.
"You'll see, sweetie." Rachel handed the phone to Gabriel.
"Hello my little Princess." Gabriel said, his free hand found Rachel's and his fingers laced through hers.
"Gabriel! Guess what, Gabriel? My Grandma bought me a new Beanie Baby. Do you want to see it?" Abigail squealed.
Gabriel laughed, "I would love to see it, Princess."
"I miss you, Gabriel. Are you going to come with Mommy to get me?" She asked excitedly.
"We will see, little one. I miss you too. I just wanted to let you know that I will take good care of your Mommy, so don't you worry about her, okay?"
"Okay, Gabriel." Abigail answered. "I feel better now that I know you are there."
"Good. I'm going to give you back to your Mommy now, all right? You be good girl, now."
"Okay. I love you, Gabriel." Abigail shouted.
Gabriel felt his heart constrict, "I love you too, Princess." He handed the phone back to Rachel, who asked Abigail to put Grandma back on the phone. She finished up her conversation quickly and hung the phone up.
"That's quite a little girl you have there, Rachel." Gabriel said after a few moments.
Rachel looked over at Gabriel. There were tears in her eyes, but she smiled, "She's everything. She's my sunshine."
Gabriel reached out his hand and caressed her cheek. He gently wiped away a tear as it escaped down her cheek. His hand moved into her hair to the back of her neck and he pulled her to him and kissed her. It was a slow kiss. He pulled her across his lap and deepened the kiss. Rachel slid her arms around his neck tilting her head to one side to allow him better access to her mouth. Gabriel explored her mouth slowly with his tongue. His hands slowly and gently roamed over her body. Gabriel knew this would be the last time he made love to her and he wanted it to last.
Rachel had never seen this side of Gabriel. In the past, their lovemaking had been fast and almost rough. He was being so gentle with her now that she wanted to cry. His left hand covered her breast and she groaned softly as he squeezed and kneaded it gently. His fingers made quick work of the buttons on the front of her blouse and he pulled it open, slipping his hand inside touching the bare skin of her belly. With a quick flick of his fingers, the front snap of her bra unsnapped and her breasts fell out into his waiting hand. His mouth left a trail down her neck to minister to each breast. Rachel moaned arching her back. Gabriel tightened his hold on her with his right arm to keep her from falling back. Suddenly, Gabriel stood, scooping her up in his arms. He carried her to the bedroom and laid her down on the bed. Kicking his boots off, he lay down beside her and picked up where he'd left off in the living room. Gabriel took his time with her. Both of them alternating the dominating role, but it was Gabriel who finally made the last move, when after 45 minutes of foreplay, he finally positioned himself between her legs and made her completely his.
Chapter 13
Rachel woke up a short time later. Never had she felt so loved before in her life. She had seen a gentle side to Gabriel tonight and all the scared, uneasy feelings that she'd had before where now all gone. She turned over to find Gabriel gone. Frowning, she sat up and turned on the bedside lamp. On his pillow was a single red rose and a folded piece of paper. Rachel smiled as she picked up the rose and smelled it. It had a strong, sweet aroma. Picking up the fold paper, she opened it and began reading the note Gabriel had left her.
Rachel,
By the time you read this, it will be done. I'm sorry, but I could not allow Martin to live. He would have come after you eventually and if he had gone to trial, they would have discovered our relationship and you could have gone to prison for lying about knowing me. I couldn't let either happen. I know I am breaking my word to you. And I know you could never forgive me, so I will leave and you'll never hear from me again. Knowing you and Abigail are safe will be enough for me. I will love you always.
Gabriel.
"Nooooo." Rachel cried out as she crushed the paper to her chest. She fell back and curled up into a ball and sobbed. She wasn't sure how long she'd been lying there, when she heard a knock on the door. Thinking it might be Gabriel, she jumped up, slipped her underwear on and grabbed his discarded shirt, slipping it on and buttoning it as she ran through the apartment to the front door.
"Gabriel?" Rachel exclaimed as she unlocked the door and threw it open. It was not Gabriel and Rachel could only stare dumb founded as Martin stood there smiling.
"Hello Rachel, my dear." He said and he punched her in the face knocking her out.
Gabriel had parked his truck a few blocks down from the motel and walked the rest of the way in; his 9-milimeter pistol was tucked into his waistband at the small of his back. All of Gabriel's senses were on full alert as he made his way carefully towards Martin Stones door. Thankfully, Martin's room was located towards the back of the motel and away from the main office and the street. As he approached Martin's door, Gabriel reached behind him and removed his gun, flipping the safety off with his thumb.
Gabriel frowned when he saw that Martin's door was partially opened. Taking one last quick look around him to make sure no one was watching, Gabriel pushed open the door. Glancing around carefully, the room was empty. He spotted a piece of paper on the bed, but ignored it as he checked the bathroom. Once Gabriel was convinced that the room was empty, he moved to the bed to read the note.
Hawk,
If you ever want to see Rachel alive again, come to the warehouse at 16953 West Moreland Drive. We will be waiting.
"Son of a bitch!" Gabriel growled as he crushed the paper in his fist and threw it across the room. Turning he picked up the motel phone and dialed his apartment. No answer. Gabriel angrily picked up the phone and tore it out of the wall, throwing it across the room also. How did Martin know he was coming and more importantly how did he find out where Rachel was? Gabriel was furious. If Martin harmed one hair on her head, Gabriel would show him a whole new meaning to the word "torture." Looking around the room quickly, he located the waded up piece of paper. Retrieving it, he left the motel room and made his way back to his truck.
When Rachel came to, she found her self tied to a chair in what appeared to be a large wear house. She tested the ropes and found them to be tight. She winced slightly when she leaned her head to the side and bumped her left cheek against her shoulder. The whole left side of her face hurt, especially her jaw. Looking around her, there were boxes and crates lining the walls with her basically sitting in the center of them. They formed a large "U" around her. Next to her was a small table with some rope sitting on it. Rachel wondered where Martin was and wondered what had happened to Gabriel.
"Ah, your awake, good!" Rachel turned her head to see Martin rounding one of the crates; he had a gun in his hand.
"What are you doing, Martin?" Rachel asked frightened.
Martin approached her tucking the gun into the front of his waistband. "I've been waiting for your boyfriend, setting a trap." He turned to look down at her and smiled. "Do you realize, Rachel, that I will be famous? I'll be known as the man who brought down the Hawk. The most notorious hitman of our time."
"You're an idiot, Martin. Do you think he is stupid enough to walk into a trap?" Rachel asked. "Do you think he won't know? He's a professional, Martin. You'll be dead before you know what hit you."
"Shut up, bitch!" Martin screamed at her and he slapped her hard. Rachel's head snapped to the side as stars exploded in her head. "He will pay for what he did and you will watch your lover die." Martin turned and stormed off.
Tears ran down Rachel's cheeks. She said a small prayer for Gabriel and sat back to wait. Rachel wasn't sure how much time had passed, but she nearly fainted when she saw Gabriel carefully make his way around the crates and boxes towards her. His gun was drawn and at the ready as he slowly made his way through the maze towards Rachel.
"No, Gabriel, it's a trap." Rachel called softly. She wasn't sure where Martin was, but she didn't want to alert him if he was nearby.
Gabriel met her gaze and raised a finger to his lips, indicating for her to remain silent. Gabriel carefully moved around the large warehouse until he convinced that Martin was not there. He returned to Rachel and began to loosen the ropes.
"Are you alright, cara?" He asked as he worked the knot at her wrists. He eyed the bruise forming along her cheek and jaw angrily.
"I am fine, but we need to get out of here before Martin returns." Rachel exclaimed.
"Too late for that, my dear." A voice came from behind Gabriel. Rachel gasped as Gabriel spun on his heels raising his gun. Martin fired a shot and it struck Gabriel in the shoulder spinning him to the ground, his gun skittering away.
"Gabriel!" Rachel screamed as she frantically worked at the ropes that bound her wrists. Gabriel had loosened them, but they were still knotted together, keeping her hands from escaping. Tears formed in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks, she couldn't allow Martin to kill Gabriel.
"Don't worry my dear, Rachel. I didn't kill him, yet." Martin moved closer and kicked Gabriel in the stomach. Gabriel grunted at the blow.
"Stop it, Martin." Rachel spat at him. "You act a mighty big man attacking a man when he's wounded, but you're nothing but a coward!"
"Shut up, bitch." Martin backhanded Rachel across the face. Blood trickled down her chin were he'd split her bottom lip.
Gabriel struggled to his feet and stood to his full height he towered over Martin. Blood oozed from his left shoulder as he glared at Martin. "I will kill you for this."
"Bold words coming from someone on the wrong side of the gun." Martin stated haughtily. "So you are the infamous Hawk. Funny, you don't look so bad now. By-the-way, you're fired." Martin began to laugh.
Rachel continued to work the ropes at her wrists and they fell away. Her movement distracted Martin long enough for Gabriel to attack. He lunged at Martin grabbing at his hand that held the gun forcing Martin's hand up in the air. The gun went off and Rachel shrieked falling to the ground and covering her head with her arms. Martin and Gabriel fell to the ground and the gun skittered away. Rolling over Martin came up on top and he punched Gabriel in the jaw. Gabriel blocked the next blow and managed to throw Martin off him. Both men jumped up and faced off.
"I will kill you, you bastard! You ruined everything for me." Martin ran head on at Gabriel. Gabriel easily side step Martin and tripped him. Martin fell and slid across the floor. When he came up he was holding his gun again. Martin laughed hysterically, "So, we are back to where we began."
Rachel looked around her frantically. She saw Gabriel's gun a few feet away and while Martin was distracted with Gabriel, she slowly crawled over to it and picked it up.
"So now you die, you bastard!" Martin hissed and fired his gun at Gabriel. The bullet hit him in the right shoulder this time flinging him back to the ground.
Rachel stood up bringing Gabriel's gun up and pointing it at Martin. Martin saw her, but too late. Rachel fired the gun repeatedly until it was empty. Martin stared at her stunned. He opened his mouth to say something, but blood spilled out instead. He slumped to the ground dead. Rachel dropped the gun and rushed to Gabriel who was slowly rising to his feet.
"Gabriel." Rachel cried. She tried to support him as best as she could. "I've got to get you to a hospital."
They could here police sirens getting closer, "No time, cara." He grimaced in pain. "Get my gun." Rachel hurried over and picked up his gun and returned handing it to him. "Now, sit." Gabriel commanded tucking the gun in his waistband at the small of his back.
Rachel shook her head. "Why? I don't understand?"
Gabriel pushed her towards the chair she'd been sitting in earlier. "I will not allow them to frame you for Martin's murder. Now sit and let me tie you up."
Rachel sat and Gabriel quickly retied her wrists together. The sirens were getting closer. "Gabriel, please. You must go."
Gabriel finished and came around to face Rachel. "You will be alright, Rachel. You and Abigail can start over."
Rachel looked at him confused, "Aren't you. . .?" But suddenly she understood.
Gabriel leaned over and kissed her tenderly. "I love you, cara." He whispered. Gabriel straightened, turned and left the warehouse without looking back.
"I love you too, Gabriel." She whispered back as tears fell down her cheeks.
Chapter 14
One year later
Rachel stood at the kitchen sink washing dishes. It had been a long year. Once the police had arrived at the warehouse and found her tied up and Martin dead, the case was over. They interviewed Rachel extensively about the man known as the Hawk, but Rachel swore she never saw the man who killed Martin. They finally gave up and left her alone. Rachel inherited everything, including a 10 million dollar life insurance policy on Martin. Rachel stuck that money away in a special account for Abigail for when she was older. She sold the business and after getting rid of everything that reminded her of Martin, she and Abigail finally began to live their lives again. Of course it wasn't easy without Gabriel. Rachel constantly thought of him and wondered if he was okay. Abigail had returned from Grandma and Grandpa's and was now in the first grade. She was such a smart little girl and was looking more and more like her mother.
Rachel heard the doorbell ring just as the baby began to cry. Taking the gloves off, Rachel made her way to the playpen that sat in the living room and she looked down and smiled at the baby boy that lay there grinning up at her. "Well hello there, my little handsome boy." Rachel grinned back at the dark headed, brown-eyed wonder. She scooped him up and made her way to the front door as the doorbell chimed again.
Opening the door she saw a man she'd never seen before, "May I help you?" Rachel asked.
The man stared at the four-month-old baby stunned. The baby looked just like his father, the man thought to himself. His gaze moved to Rachel. "Are you Rachel Stone?"
"Yes, I'm Rachel Gray, I go by my maiden name now." Rachel answered a little wary of the strange man.
"My name is George. I'm Gabriel's cousin." He stated staring at the baby again in Rachel's arms. "Boy is Gabriel gonna freak when he hears he has a son."
Rachel went still at Gabriel's name. She blinked several times before answering, "I'm sorry, did you say your Gabriel's cousin?"
George nodded. "Yeah, but he don't know I'm here. He'd kill me if he did."
Rachel opened the screen door and invited George to come in. "Can I get you anything to drink, George?" Rachel asked as they settled in the living room.
"No thanks, ma'am. I can't stay long. Like I said, Gabriel doesn't know I came here. So I gotta make this quick." George clasped his hands together nervously. "What's the boy's name?" George asked pointing at the baby Rachel settled in her lap.
Rachel smiled, "His name is Michael Gabriel Monteleone."
"He looks just like Gabriel." George stated softly.
"How is he?" Rachel asked. "The last I saw him he was wounded."
"Aw, he's fine as far as that's concerned. He healed up real quick like." George answered. "It's his heart that's still needs mending, Ms. Gray and that's why I've come."
"Please call me Rachel, George."
George nodded, "He needs you, Rachel. He's miserable and he's driving everyone crazy."
Rachel looked down at little Michael. "He's the one who walked away from me, George."
"I know. He thinks he doesn't deserve you and that you'll never forgive him for breaking his promise to you that he wouldn't go after your husband." George explained.
"Where is he?" Rachel asked meeting George's gaze.
"Italy." George stared at the baby as he played happily with a toy Rachel had given him. "I realize that it's none of my business, but Gabriel deserves to know he has a son."
"I know." Rachel sighed. "I've wanted to tell him, but I wasn't sure where he'd be or if he was even alive."
"Will you go?" George asked hopefully.
Rachel nodded. "As soon as I can arrange it. I don't know what I'll do with the Abigail."
"Bring her. Rosa, Gabriel's mama would be honored to keep them for you while you work things out with Gabriel, especially when she finds out she has a grandson." George grinned.
Rachel nodded smiling, "I look forward to meeting her."
Three days later, Rachel knocked on the door of Rosa Monteleone's home. George had called ahead of time to tell Rosa that Rachel was coming. He deliberately left out the part about the baby. Rosa opened the door and smiled.
"You must be Rachel, yes?" She asked in a heavy Italian accent.
Rachel nodded, "And you are Rosa?"
Rosa nodded and grabbed her into a bear hug. Rosa was a robust woman. She was short with salt and pepper hair that was wound tight at the nape of her neck in a bun. Rachel could tell she'd been beautiful in her younger years. Gabriel had his mother's eyes. Rosa noticed Abigail hanging shyly back behind her mother.
"Hello my dear. You must be Abigail. Gabriel has told me much about you." Rosa smiled.
Abigail clung to her mother's leg. "Abigail, say hello to Mrs. Monteleone."
"Oh please, that is such a mouthful for such a little one." Rosa replied. "All the grandkids call me Mama Rosa. Your little Abigail may call me that too." She gave Abigail a big smile. "Do not be frightened of me little one. You'll get used to me in good time."
Just then Michael began to cry from his car seat that sat on the ground next to Rachel. Up until then, Rosa had not noticed it. Rachel leaned over and undid the belt holding him in and picked him up.
"Rosa, I'd like you to meet your Grandson. His name is Michael Gabriel." Rachel smiled.
Rosa stared stunned at the little boy who looked just like her own son. Tear's welled up in her eyes as she reached for the little tyke. Gathering the baby in her arms, she gazed lovingly at him, stroking his cheek with her fingers. "Gabriel never mentioned that you two had had a baby." Rosa glanced up at her.
Rachel smiled sadly at her, "Gabriel doesn't know."
"I'm glad you have come, Rachel. Let's get you and these dear ones settled, then I'll direct you to Gabriel's home." Rosa walked off and Rachel picked up the car seat and followed with Abigail leaving the rest of the luggage on the front porch.
"Anthony, would you be a dear and get Rachel's things off the front porch and bring it to Gabriel's room?" Rosa called to a young man as they passed the kitchen.
"Alright, Mama." Anthony answered and hurried off to the front door.
Rosa led them down a long hall, and then stopped in front of a closed door. "This was Gabriel's room when he lived at home. There should be plenty of room for you and the two little ones. I have a crib you can use. I will have Anthony bring it."
"Thank you, Rosa. You are being so kind to us." Rachel said sincerely.
Rosa opened the bedroom door and ushered them in. "You are family, Rachel." Rosa answered simply. "And besides, I have you to thank for bringing my son back to me and getting him to quit that horrible business."
Anthony entered the room with the luggage and soon disappeared to retrieve the crib. A few hours later after Rachel had showered and changed her clothes, she left the sleeping kids in the room and went to find Rosa. She located her in the kitchen getting dinner ready.
"You still have a few hours left before Gabriel will be home. He has been working with his Papa at the shop." Rosa said as she saw Rachel enter the kitchen.
"What does your husband do?" Rachel asked.
"He makes furniture. Gabriel is gifted at it, like his Papa, but things changed when he had to leave." Rosa answered turning to Rachel. "The key to Gabriel's house is right there on the table along with directions on how to get there. It's within walking distance, so you don't need a car."
"I can't thank you enough, Rosa." Rachel began, but Rosa cut her off.
"My dear, it is I who shall be thanking you. I love my son dearly, but if you two don't work this out, I'll kill him myself. He is driving us all crazy with his bad moods and sulky attitude. Now go. I will watch over your babies. They will be fine, most likely Abigail will sleep on through the night. I'll feed the little one when he wakes." Rosa shooed Rachel out of the house. "I won't expect to see you until tomorrow."
Rachel laughed, "Unless your son is stubborn."
Rosa laughed too, "He is, but you'll just have to be more stubborn."
Chapter 15
Gabriel stepped through his front door tired. He'd been up since 5 a.m. and he was ready for a shower and bed. Suddenly he stopped, all his senses on high alert. Someone was in his house. He bent and pulled up his right pant leg and pulled out a small revolver from the inside of his boot, that he still carried with him. He heard movement in the kitchen and he quietly made his way to the swinging door that separated the kitchen from the rest of the house and pushed it open hard slamming it against the wall. He brought the gun up and pointed it at the stranger.
Rachel was holding a spoon and tasting some spaghetti sauce when the kitchen door slammed open and Gabriel came charging through hold a gun. Rachel screamed startled and dropped the spoon. It clattered to the floor.
"Rachel!" Gabriel breathed surprised. He lowered the gun immediately. He was too stunned to say more.
After getting her heart back down in her chest and beating normally again, Rachel smiled, "Hi Gabriel."
Gabriel didn't return the smile. "What are you doing here and how did you get in my house?"
Rachel ignored his cool tone, "I'm here to see you and your mother gave me a key."
Gabriel's mouth dropped open, "My mother?"
Rachel turned the flame off on the sauce and turned to Gabriel. He stared at her as if he wanted to devour her. Rachel smiled, so he did still want her, even if he was pretending as if he didn't.
"I've missed you, Gabriel." Rachel stated walking up to him. Gabriel didn't say anything, but continued to watch her as she approached him and placed her hands on his chest. Leaning forward, Rachel breathed in his musky scent. "Didn't you miss me, Gabe?"
She had never called him Gabe before and he liked it. "You shouldn't have come, Rachel." He said, trying to keep his breathing normal. Trying desperately to not let her affect him. It wasn't working.
Rachel ignored his statement and began to unbutton his shirt. She pulled it open and pressed her lips to his bear chest. She heard Gabriel suck in his breath in a hiss. Pushing his shirt further open, Rachel found a scar above his heart. She stopped, staring at it. Tear's formed in her eyes as she pressed her lips to it. She flicked her tongue across the puckered skin as Gabriel gave in and wrapped his arms around her.
"Cara." He breathed as he buried his face in her hair. Rachel raised her face up for his kiss. Without hesitating, Gabriel captured her lips with his as his tongue swept through her mouth. Rachel melted into him, clinging to him as he plundered her mouth.
"My god, how I've missed you." He said gruffly into her ear as he nipped at her earlobe. He bent suddenly and swept her up into his arms and carried her out of the kitchen to his bedroom. There lovemaking was rough and fast. Gabriel lost all control as Rachel clung to him urging him. When it was over, Gabriel pulled her into his arms and held her close. He was afraid that he would wake up and find it was all a dream.
"You realize that I will not let you go now. You are mine, Rachel." Gabriel stated possessively.
"I wasn't planning on going anywhere accept to get the kids from your mother." Rachel answered smiling happily.
"You brought Abigail?" He asked, clearly missing the "kids" part.
"Mmm hmmm." Rachel answered tracing her fingers along his chest.
Gabriel thought a moment, then his hand stilled on her arm. "Wait, you said 'kids.'"
"Yes, I did." Rachel answered chuckling.
Gabriel moved forward pushing Rachel onto her back. He flipped on a small lamp next to the bed and looked down at her. "What did you mean by 'kids'?"
"I meant exactly that." Rachel laughed. "Abigail and Michael."
"For god sakes, Rachel don't play with me." Gabriel answered his eyes wide, his hands beginning to shake.
"You have a son, my love." Rachel finally gave in smiling. "He's beautiful and he looks just like you."
"I have a son? Really?" Gabriel fell back against his pillow.
"His name is Michael Gabriel Monteleone." Rachel sat up and looked down at the man she loved more than anything.
Suddenly Gabriel moved forward. He reached up his hand and caught Rachel by the back of the head and brought her down for a kiss. "I love you, Rachel."
"I love you too, Gabriel." Rachel smiled.
"I want to see him." Gabriel said climbing out of bed, locating his clothes. "Abigail too."
Rachel jumped up and put her clothes back on and hurried after Gabriel who was already heading out the door. "Gabe, wait for me." Rachel laughed not even bothering to put her shoe's on.
A few minutes later they arrived at his parents home and Gabriel burst through the door. "Mama! Where's my son?" Gabriel yelled as he headed for the kitchen.
"He's in here, Gabriel, and for goodness sakes, keep your voice down." Rosa chided her son as he hurried into the kitchen. She had just finished giving Michael a bottle and he gave her a good belch just as Gabriel entered the kitchen. "Ah, just like your Papa." Rosa grinned.
Gabriel stared at the baby boy in wonder. He swallowed hard as Rosa stood up and handed his son over to him. Rachel entered the kitchen in time to see Gabriel gathering Michael in his arms. He turned and looked at Rachel with a silly grin on his face. Things were looking up. He had a family now.
Gabriel kissed Michael on top of his head and held him close. "We will get married immediately." He said to Rachel. "I also would like to look into adopting Abigail if it's alright with you?"
Rachel smiled, "I think Abigail would like that, but we should ask her first."
Gabriel nodded and handed the squirmy Michael over to her. Gabriel looked around for his mother, but she had conveniently left them alone. He looked back down at Rachel. "I never dreamed this would happen. I was prepared to live my life without you."
"Well I wasn't prepared to live my life without you, Gabriel. I love you and I am here to stay."
Gabriel leaned forward and kissed Rachel tenderly. "And I will love you always."
Two weeks later, Gabriel and Rachel were married. Six months later, he adopted Abigail who had already begun to call him 'daddy'. One year later, Rachel gave birth to a daughter. They named her "Hope."
