The Executioner

Maggie Nash

The Executioner Madeline Smith and Nicholas Garabaldi have a history.

A very bitter

history. When a new job sends Maddie on a team building exercise to outback South-Western Australia she hopes it’s just the distraction she needs to help her get over Nick - but it wasn’t to be. Little did she know that Nick was the new CEO of Gryffin Technology and her new boss and he has every intention of getting her back, whether she wanted it or not. The “Survivor” type camp is very grueling for all of them, and at first Maddie manages to avoid Nick, but after one of the campers ends up missing he decides to stick to her like glue despite her protests. When another camper is found dead, it looks like sticking close to Nick might be a good thing after all.

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The Executioner The Executioner Copyright © 2008 by Maggie Nash This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental. Aspen Mountain Press 18121-C E. Hampden Ave, Ste 221 Aurora CO 80013 www.AspenMountainPress.com First published by Aspen Mountain Press, Nov. 2008 Re-released by Aspen Mountain Press, September 2010 www.AspenMountainPress.com

This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction fines and/or imprisonment. The e-Book cannot be legally loaned or given to others. No part of this e-Book can be shared or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. ISBN: 978-1-60168-316-8 Published in the United States of America Editor: Sandra Hicks

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Maggie Nash

Chapter One

The weather in Albany resembled the overcast conditions Madeleine Smith left behind her in Melbourne the previous morning. Not at all what she’d expected when she had begun her journey to the southern region of WA. Wasn’t it supposed to be hot in Western Australia? She stretched a little, arching her back as she did her best impression of a Siamese cat after a mid-afternoon nap. The sustained yawn that followed came out unforced, and all by itself, reminding her of how long she’d been on the road. Okay, so it wasn’t really that cold. If you stayed out of the wind, it wasn’t such a bad place. She looked to her left as her taxi drove through the back streets of town and saw the most spectacular view of ocean she’d ever seen. The humungous rocky formations and small cone-shaped islands jutting out of the clear blue water, which lapped against pristine-white sand, were quite majestic. It almost made up for the weather. Almost. She shivered despite the view. Her job with Gryffin Technology was a new start for her, and she really needed to make a good impression. The summons to the special team building, adventure weekend came as a complete surprise, especially since she’d yet to commence her new role. However, the CEO’s secretary had been insistent; she was expected to participate, and no excuses

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The Executioner would be accepted. Who was she to argue? It wasn’t every day you get an allexpenses-paid adventure holiday in the wilderness of Western Australia. Besides, after her summons to the weekend, she’d lashed out and bought a wardrobe of new desert-proof clothes. It wasn’t as if she’d get any wear out of them living in Melbourne. She closed her eyes, imagining herself in khaki shorts and a black t-shirt with her hiking boots, walking into the swish office block on the Paris end of Collins Street. Nah. She started giggling to herself but stopped quickly when she noticed the taxi driver peering strangely at her in the rearview mirror. Oh crap. Sitting up straight in her seat, she put her best blank face on. He thinks I’m a loon! Better get back to serious business. The new job, yep…think about the new job and how great it’s going to be. She craved the challenge the opportunity offered. Boy did she need it. Especially as her life pretty much sucked over the last six months since ‘the breakup’. Floating from one loser-job to the next, she’d floundered her way from one end of the business centre of Melbourne to the other. Coffee shop vendors in Collins Street closed their shutters and shut up shop when they saw her coming rather than have her scare away customers with her melancholy ‘woe is me’ attitude. The black clothing fixation she’d adapted for the winter season didn’t help matters any either. What had she been thinking? It took her friends, who ambushed her with their crazy style of ‘intervention’, to break through her depression and bad attitude. How many people have friends who get you drunk, strip you to your underwear, throw you in a cold swimming pool, and refuse to help you out until you agree to get a life? Jodi and Tina had said if she liked being a wet blanket so much she could wallow in the cold water. Oh yeah, that was one hell of a wake-up call all right. Once she got over the angst that they’d actually nearly drowned and froze her to death,

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Maggie Nash she thought about how self-indulgent she’d been. She had been very, very selfish. It still amazed her that her closest friends had stood by her side while she made an idiot of herself over the first man she’d ever contemplated a happyever-after with. Boy did she read him wrong. All that time she’d wasted feeling sorry for herself over the rat! Again — what had she been thinking? She definitely didn’t need to think about Nick. Just because he was tall, dark and had delicious, chocolate-brown eyes… Oh no, he was definitely in the past now. Her new job and life were the future. Maddie did have one thing to thank him for though. If it were not for him, she would never have left her career in staff training to branch out into the new challenge of Human Resource management. The new job was such a great opportunity; she still couldn’t believe she’d been the successful applicant, especially when she didn’t have any experience. Not that she didn’t have the qualifications, mind you, she just never used them before. The highway spread out in front of her as the taxi traveled inland and further away from civilization. Leaning forward she cleared her throat, grabbing the passenger seat in front of her to steady herself. “Excuse me, but where exactly are we going? All I was told was its some place outside of Albany. Is it a resort? A private residence?” The wiry, middle-aged driver blew out a long sigh through thin lips and shrugged his shoulders. “I’m sorry Missus, but I was told not to say anything. Your boss insisted it’s all part of the program.” Smiling her sweetest smile, she leaned closer and put on her sexiest throaty voice. “Come on, you can tell me. I won’t say anything.” He shifted away from her as if he was moving away from a raging bonfire. “He also said I was not to listen to your pleas, and that if I told you anything he would make sure I never got another fare.” “He? Who the hell is he? I haven’t even met my boss yet. How would he

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The Executioner know I would ask you to tell me?” The driver shrugged again. “I dunno Missus. I just do what I get paid to do and keep my mouth shut.” It looked like her new boss was a bit on the heavy-handed side. The poor bloke looked petrified his career in people moving was at an end. Puhlease! This was the middle of nowhere, for God’s sake. No one was going to buy off the competition here. There was no point in pressing him any further. She’d find out soon enough anyway. “No worries mate. I’ll shut up now. Your job is safe.” Visibly relaxing, the driver picked up speed. “That’s cool Missus. I can tell you that it won’t be much longer.” Slumping back against the back cushion, Maddie picked up her handbag and searched for her mobile phone. “No worries. I can wait, and by the way, I’m not married.” “Whatever you say, Missus.” Shaking her head, she gave up on that point. He probably called his mother Missus so he wasn’t about to change for her. Holding up her mobile phone, she looked at the screen. No coverage. She would have to use a landline to let the girls know she’d arrived safely. **** “Where the fuck is she?" Nicholas Garabaldi paced furiously back and forth inside the timber shelter. Maddie should have been there by now. All the other participants had arrived hours ago. He looked at his watch. Damn. She wasn’t that late, but shit, he was anxious to get started. “Who are you talking about Nick?” Nick swung around towards the voice. “I’m just anxious to get this show on the road Gary. Our new Human Resources team leader is the last to arrive and I want to get started as soon as she gets here.”

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Maggie Nash The camp supervisor nodded. “Sure thing, Boss. You’re sure you want to stay out of sight and the activities for the first day?” “Yes, I want the members of my management team to bond first before I surprise them with my plans for the company." He had his own personal plans for Maddie to prepare as well. He had to get it right this time. If she got a glimpse of him too soon, she’d run a mile. Not that he’d blame her—he’d been such a bastard to her last year. “Umm…Nick?” Nicholas turned back to Gary. “Yes? Sorry, my mind was miles away, what did you say?” Gary chuckled. “No worries mate, I just wanted to check in and now that I have, I’ll leave you to it. Catch you tomorrow night at the bush tucker fest.” “Fine, yes, I’ll be there. See you then and don’t forget: any problems call me straight away.” “You’re the boss.” Nick watched as the burly camp supervisor walked away. The weekend promised to be make-or-break time for some of his staff. He’d done this type of team-building exercise before. It was highly successful in rooting out the nonteam players, and those who didn’t know the first thing about innovation and thinking for themselves. Those left at the end became the cornerstones of his business, creating new projects and making buckets of money for themselves in the process. He knew that part of it worked. What he worried about was if he’d done the right thing bringing Maddie here. The last few months had shown him what a coward he’d been. Instead of taking what she offered, he’d pushed her away to the point of making her think he’d been using her all along. Nothing could have been further from the truth. It just scared the pants off him to even think about committing to anyone. So he'd panicked, acted like an absolute prick and ruined the whole thing. It didn’t take him long to realize how wrong he’d been after she’d gone. He

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The Executioner loved her, and damn, he was going to get her back. Somehow, he would make up for all the fucked-up things he made her believe. He just hoped she’d forgive him for the subterfuge to get her to join in this weekend. How else could he get her undivided attention without her running out on him? Sure, it was tricky getting her a new job and then arranging the team-building session in the wilds of WA. But it was fate. He capitalized on the opportunity when it presented itself. She’d understand once he explained. After all the trouble he’d gone to, she bloody well better. Remembering her forthright personality and genuine honesty, he grimaced. He had his work cut out for him, but in the end, it would be worth it. She would come around. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Nick breathed a sigh of relief when he heard the sound of the taxi driving into camp. She was here. Thank Christ! Flicking open the blind just a tad, his heart leapt at the sight of her climbing out of the car. If it was possible, she was even more beautiful than he remembered. Her dark, glossy curls hung down almost to her waist, and those long, tanned, shapely legs…

Like a pre-

programmed reaction, his cock swelled in remembrance of how she used to hook those muscular calves around his thighs as he pumped into her. Down boy. There’s lots of work to do yet, focus on the prize at the end. Running his hand through his hair, he sighed. Oh yeah, and what a prize. Staying out of sight until at least tomorrow night so she would realize the camp actually was legitimate would be a challenge, but since Gary was taking the group out in the bush for most of the activities, he should be free to get ready for the evening. He planned to leave Maddie in no doubt that his feelings were real, and give her no choice but to let him back into her life. Looking out the window again, he saw Maddie lean over to pick up her backpack. Three other team members raced to her side to help and he laughed softly. She always did have that effect on men, even though she never saw it herself. He didn’t feel any jealousy, though. He knew her well enough to know she wasn’t easily impressed by fawning males. She felt things deeply, which 9

Maggie Nash meant she probably still had feelings for him, although at the moment, the closest feeling to the surface was probably anger. After the weekend, if he had anything to say about it, that would radically change. One last look showed her leading a procession along the fifty meters to her tent, the three adoring sycophants tripping over themselves to follow her in the faint hope she’d grace them with a gorgeous smile. He knew how they felt. He chuckled again as she shooed them away, entering her tent and closing the flap. Looking at his watch, he thought about how exhausted she must be; the trip from Victoria to WA could be very tiring. She was probably too tired to join the group for dinner. He made a mental note to ask Gary to organize a tray for her. Just for tonight, she could get royal treatment. Come tomorrow, Sweetheart, you’re going to learn all about survival of the fittest. A vision of her in tight shorts and tshirt, swinging on a rope from one obstacle to another got him hot all over again. He was going to enjoy every minute of watching her progress from the sidelines. **** Oh crap. The tent flap swung back into place and Maddie quickly tied the ends together. She turned around and checked out her living space, blowing out a sigh of relief. Those guys must have been without a woman too long. She certainly wasn’t feeling particularly sexy with her crumpled clothes and messy hair, and her face must be shiny too. Not at all attractive. The way they ogled her legs and breasts made her extremely uncomfortable. Sheesh! Not only did she have to put up with them during the weekend, but when she got back to Melbourne, she had to work with them. Bloody hell! The tall one, what was his name again? Oh yeah…Jason, what sort of a name was Jason? Anyway, she would have to teach him where her face was because, by golly, he hadn’t found it yet. Those beady eyes of his barely made it passed

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The Executioner her chest. Okay, she knew she was stacked, but did he have to be so blatant? How rude! She laughed, thinking about the short one. His name was Jerome and he didn’t play favorites with her body parts. He started at her feet and slowly moved his eyes upwards until he met her eyes with a sleazy grin. She had his number though. Ever since she hit puberty, she had to deal with pricks like that. The curse of the boobs her girlfriends called it. Yeah, well she perfected every diversionary tactic and put down she could come up with. To top that off, she was a second Dan black belt in Tae Kwon Do, just in case anyone got a little too enthusiastic with their unwanted attentions. She’d used it a few times too, but only in self-defense. Throwing her bag in an empty corner, she flopped down on the camp bed and lay down, her hands behind her head. Thank God, the other guy behaved himself and the camp leader, Gary—the one who looked like an oversized Mick Dundee—he was all business, so all was not lost. Maybe the weekend would work out after all. She was on a fact-finding mission to learn all she could about the personalities behind this new company she'd signed on with, and a bonding session with the major players was just the ticket she needed to achieve her goal. She rolled onto her stomach and sighed, throwing an arm over the side of the camp bed, her fingers teasing the uneven tent floor as she fell instantly asleep. Her body was on fire. Gentle fingers caressed her clit while a warm mouth suckled on one taut nipple. Teeth raked over the tip in pleasure-pain and then suckled before the sensation became too much. She arched her body, moaning in pleasure as waves of heat coursed through her body. Clever fingers trailed along her folds, finding her soaking wet in anticipation of whatever those long digits would do to her. One finger slid in and she gasped. When another joined the first, she almost went over the edge.

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Maggie Nash When he entered her, she sighed at the welcome joining of their bodies. The fullness of his cock sliding smoothly in and out built up an incredible tension she wished would go on forever, but at the same time her body screamed for release. The mouth at her breast nipped playfully on her nipple and she came in a rush, arching upwards and squeezing his cock as her spasms took hold. His own release followed hers and she felt his warm fluid enter and join with her own… “Oh, yes… Nick…” The sound of a wild dog howling brought her back to awareness as she felt someone shaking her shoulder. “Huh?" Oh great. She pulled away from the feel of an unknown hand touching her and smoothed her sweat-soaked hair off her brow. Bloody hell, she hoped she hadn’t been talking in her sleep. “Miss Smith? I have your dinner here. Gary thought you might be too tired to join the group after your long flight.” Rubbing her eyes, she looked up to see who the heck was talking to her. She recognized him from before. One of the idiots who greeted her. Fan-bloodytastic. From the look on his face, he knew what she’d been dreaming of. “Thanks…er…” “Jason. Remember we met when you arrived. We’re both in the same office in Melbourne, so I guess we’ll be seeing a lot of each other." He swept his sleazy eyes over her body, slowing down at her chest. The look on his face gave her the creeps. Oh joy. Sitting up, she moved her arms across her chest, cutting off the bozo’s view of her breasts at the same time. “Everyone had a long way to travel. I’ll be fine, just give me a minute.” He placed the tray on the small table by her head. “The rest of us came in last night so we’re all rested up. Besides”—he touched her shoulder again, holding her in place—“Gary insists, and he’s the boss of the camp. From what I hear, tomorrow is going to be rough, so good luck to you.”

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The Executioner She pointedly stared at his uninvited hand on her shoulder for a few seconds and then turned to glare at his face. “Would you mind?” He blushed, giving her hope that he might be more of an all-talk no-action kind of guy. She relaxed a little, but kept the pointed-staring thing going. He dropped his hand like he’d been attacked by a stinger. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it.” She stood up and opened the tent flap for him. “I’m sure you didn’t. Well, don’t let me keep you. Gotta eat, get some rest. You know how it is.” He looked at the entrance, struck dumb for a few seconds. Maddie shifted her weight from one foot to another and sighed. He got the message finally and slipped out of the tent. She spied him about to turn around and talk to her again, but she was too quick for him. She had the tent flap back in place and tied up within seconds. She slapped her hands together and made her way back to the bed and the cooling meal on the table. That was Jason taken care of for the time being. Maybe he hadn’t figured out what she was dreaming about. If she was lucky. God, she’d thought she was over Nick. She hadn’t dreamed of him in ages, but for a time there, she didn't think they would ever stop. He was a very gifted and generous lover. Her problem was simply that he was only a man she'd had sex with. Her last memory of how good it was to do it with a real boyfriend instead of the battery operated variety. The first thing she was going to do when she got back to Melbourne was get herself a new man. She needed to wipe clean the memories of him if she was ever going to have any hope of moving on. Lifting the cover from the plate, she grimaced. Great. Baked beans and sausages. Her appetite vanished at the congealing sight so she replaced the cover and picked up the bottle of water. As she took a sip, she wondered what the morning would bring, and congratulated herself on having the foresight to eat a big meal when she arrived in Perth. From the sound of things, it was going to be a grueling few days; and oh my God, she hoped it wasn’t anything like one of

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Maggie Nash those TV shows. The ones where they compete against each other and do icky things, like eat rats or something. She’d be on the first plane out of there if they wanted that. The sorrowful howl of a wild dog started up again, only this time it sounded like it was just outside her tent. She hugged her middle against the cooler evening temperature and stared at the roof of the tent as she lay back down. How in God’s name she was going to get some sleep now? This place was creepy at night.

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The Executioner

Chapter Two

Whoever said it was warm in Western Australia lied. It was bloody freezing as they speed-hiked through dense scrub the next morning, heading for some special spot off the beaten track. Although Gary said there was a clearing up ahead, Maddie had her doubts. All she could see was bush and more bush. After a cold outdoor shower with just a canvas sheet for privacy, and a greasy breakfast consisting of leftover sausages, she wasn’t in the mood for any of this. Not that she had any choice. The whole camp population was there on the track. All ten of them. Ouch! Another twig scraped across her calf as she trudged further forward in an attempt to reach the others. Oh Joy. The group had stopped. The sun streaked through to an area where the trees were less dense, so she moved quickly to stand in and soak up its warming rays. Gary clapped his hands and stood up on a fallen log, elevating himself above the crowd. “Gather round folks. Let’s get ready for our first group exercise.” The J-boys—Jason and Jerome—jumped to attention, first in line, to hear the day’s activities. What a couple of brown noses. Maddie slowly made her way over to the group, making a mental note to never look that eager. Geez Louise, if her new boss didn’t take her at face value then they could find someone else. Honesty had always worked for her in the past—if you didn’t count her relationship with Nick. Honesty got her where she is now. Alone, and trying to

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Maggie Nash make a new life for herself; but she would not dwell on that. All men are bastards! She knew that for a fact, but with Nick, she’d forgotten for a while. Not anymore. Playthings, they are just playthings. She intended to use them and have fun, but that was as far as it would go. “Everyone clear on what you’re doing?” Oh shit. What did she miss? “Um, er…actually, not quite, Gary. Could you run that by me again?” Jason raced to her side. As he reached out to take her arm, he changed his mind quick smart when she gave him her best ‘Don’t even think about it’ look. “I’ll look after you Maddie, don’t worry.” Goody. “Thanks Jason. I feel really safe now. Let’s get going and you can tell me what the plan is while we’re on the track." God, she hoped he hadn’t heard her moans last night when he’d come into her tent. Jerome sidled up to her other side and Gary smirked at her. “Looks like you’re in good hands, Maddie. I’ll let the boys explain. See you this afternoon, and remember dinner is at six.” She didn’t know what the objectives were, but she did know their best chance of success was to work as a cohesive team. “Okay guys, what’s the plan?” Jason pulled out a crumpled piece of paper and waved it in front of her face. “Plan? I have the map and we need to reach the checkpoints by a certain time, and then make it back to camp in time for dinner.” Maddie looked around and saw the rest of the group looking at her expectantly. Four faces looking to her for guidance. What a joke. Why did they think she would have any answers? They knew nothing about her. “Look, one of you guys must have an idea about how to go about this?” They alternatively shook their heads or turned away. Just great. “No one?” Jo, the only other girl in the group spoke up. “You look like you’ve done this before Maddie. You have all the right clothes on and your boots look like you’d 16

The Executioner be right at home in the bush.” Maddie laughed out loud. This was absurd. “You’re kidding, right? I borrowed my girlfriend’s hiking boots and the khakis are all new. I have no idea what to do." She looked at them all in turn. “Didn’t anyone here do the Scout thing?” The Bobsy twins actually blushed. Blushed. Oh shit, they were screwed. The other group were already picking up their gear and heading off like they did this sort of thing every other day. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for action. Okay, she could do this. Breathe in, breathe out. “Alright then, what’s the deal again? I missed some of the instructions.” Jason shoved the crumpled paper into her hands. “This is the map we have to follow." He pointed to a red cross at the bottom of the page. “This is where we are now”—he slid his finger across the page to the top where there was a green circle—“and this is base camp. These small blue crosses along the way are the checkpoints where we find a clue as to how to get to the next checkpoint.” Not too tricky. “Okay then. All we have to do is make sure we get on the right path. Anyone got a compass?" Blanks looks met her visual sweep of their faces. “Right. No compass." Shrugging, she picked up her backpack and slid her arms through the straps, pulling it in place on her back. “Not to worry, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so the sun is over to our left, so that makes North right in front of us. We need to go south." She turned completely around and scanned the scrub for signs of a track. “Everyone locked and loaded?” Jerome shrieked. “Huh? I didn’t think we had any guns.” “Sorry mate, it was just an expression. Are you all packed?” Jason smirked lasciviously, tucking his thumbs into the rim of his jeans. “Oh, we’re packing alright.” Jo lightly slapped him over the back of the head with her open palm as she

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Maggie Nash walked past. “Keep it in your pants, you perve!" She walked over to Maddie and started to walk beside her. “Don’t worry about lover-boy there. He’s all talk.” Maddie laughed. “No worries, I figured that one out for myself last night when he brought dinner to my tent. I’ve been handling dickheads like him all my life.” “I’m sure you have, what with boobs and legs like yours.” “Yeah, the curse of the boobs!” They turned and looked at each other before they both burst into gales of laughter. “I think I’m gonna love working with you, Maddie.” “I was just thinking the same thing, Jo.” “When you two women have stopped gossiping can we get started?” Maddie turned back to Jason and smiled. “Sure. Just make sure you can keep up with us. We’d hate for you big macho guys to get lost.” Turning back to Jo, she smiled as the woman nodded in silent agreement. They both picked up the pace and headed down the track while the blokes scurried to catch up. Maddie smiled to herself as they both tunneled through the branches and further into the scrub. Jerome had dropped his water bottle in the rush and the other two guys just gave up and ran. This day just might be fun after all. **** Nick drove back into camp mid-afternoon. The ice-filled Esky in the boot contained the special dinner he’d ordered for Maddie. Not that treats would sway her that much, but she did love her oysters and prawns. He’d driven back to Albany that morning to get fresh ones from the fish markets. It was a long trip so they’d better bloody well be good. The Margaret River Verdelho he had chilling in the camp fridge would go perfectly with the meal he had planned. Nothing like a smooth, white wine and finger food for a sexy meal. The

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The Executioner strawberries had been a bit trickier to get. The best strawberries in the country came from Victoria, so he had his assistant find a gourmet deli in Perth that flew them in. He’d smothered them with Kirsch and castor sugar, like his sister suggested. Fuck, he felt like a sissy doing all of this. He never did this sort of stuff. The most he’d ever done was take women out to restaurants, but these were not his normal surroundings, and Maddie was not just another woman. As he pulled his cargo out of the back of his Land Rover, he spied Gary moving quickly towards him and he didn’t look happy. “What’s up mate? Activities not going well?” “We have a problem.” What the hell? “What sort of a problem? Is someone injured?” “I’m not sure. Possibly.” Shit. “What do you mean possibly? What the fuck is going on, Gary? Out with it!” Gary winced, his worried expression narrowing even further. “One of the group has gone missing.” Nick’s heart stopped dead in his chest with a thud. “What? Not Maddie? What do you mean ‘gone missing’?” “No, it isn’t Maddie. It’s one of the other group. The leader signaled me at the second checkpoint around midday. We’ve been searching for the missing man ever since, with no luck. I’m on my way to contact the Bibulmun people to see if they can lend us a tracker or two.” “What about the police? Have you called them in yet?” “It’s too soon for the police. They don’t want to know until it’s been at least four hours. I don’t want to wait that long before we get the experts in. Quite frankly, I reckon we have a better chance of finding him with the blackfellas than the cops anyway.” “Do what you have to do. I’d better get out there and help with the search. Is Maddie’s group okay?” 19

Maggie Nash “They’ve made all the checkpoints so far; at this stage we can safely assume they’re fine. In fact, before this idiot got lost, her group was already ahead.” Nick smiled, thinking how determined Maddie could be. She loved a challenge and she certainly wasn’t letting him down. He just hoped she was safe. Until they found their lost camper, he wouldn’t stop worrying about her. “I’d be surprised if she wasn’t ahead. She hates to lose." He carried the Esky towards the supply hut, gesturing for Gary to follow him. “Is there someone who can take me to the search site?” “I’ll only be about five minutes. I just need to get the sat phone to take back out to the site. I’ll use that to contact the trackers.” “Great. I’ll get some extra water bottles and meet you back at the Land Rover in five.” The minutes ticked by as Nick waited in the Land Rover for Gary to return with the satellite phone. He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, the engine already on, getting the air-con cranked up. It might have been cold last night, but it was bloody hot in the afternoon around here. Hopefully the camp fridge would keep all his food fresh while he was out searching. Being further inland than Albany, at least the wind wasn’t a problem. Tap, tap, tap. Damn. Where the bloody hell is Gary? Maddie’s well-being weighed on his mind, as well as the prospect of facing her anger. He originally thought he could stay out of sight until they got back to the campsite, but now it looked like their reunion was going to be sooner than he originally planned. They also wouldn’t have the luxury of privacy to deal with her expected anger. He would just have to cop it sweet, because there was no other choice. As the boss it was his responsibility to make sure all the members of his team returned safely, and he would have to make his presence known if worst-case scenario happened and they had to involve the local police. As long as Maddie was safe, he could deal with the fallout later. Gary finally returned with the satellite phone and set it up in the back seat

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The Executioner while he made the call. Not waiting to see if he’d even buckled up, Nick shoved the four-wheel-drive into gear and headed towards the dirt track that lead to where the group was searching. The trip around the back roads Gary had given him before the group had arrived came in handy right now. Although he was glad he had insisted on easy access in case of trouble, he was pissed that the occasion arose for the contingency plan to be used. “Fair go, mate!" Gary grabbed the back of the driver’s seat to steady himself as the Land Rover took off into mid-air after dipping into a large pothole in the track and coming out the other side. “Sorry. Are you okay? This track isn’t what I’m used to driving on. I didn’t see that pothole coming.” “No worries. Blimey, I conked my head though. Good thing the search area is just up the road a bit. I may not survive the trip otherwise.” Nick laughed as he caught Gary’s eye in the rearview mirror. “Your version of ‘just up the road’ is different to mine, mate." The sunburnt bushie smiled in his characteristic, low-key way. His lips thinned out and the bottom lip pouted slightly while the right side kicked up just a fraction. You had to look really close to see that kick, but the accompanying twinkle in his eyes made it all the more laconic. There was none like him in the city. He epitomized the archetype the movies portrayed as the real Aussie. Every time Nick spent time with him, he found himself thinking about using words like ‘crikey’ and ‘blimey’. It was bloody scary. Thunk. The Land Rover careened to the side of the track as a large object collided with the roo bar. Nick steered back to the middle, easing on the brake and pulling to a stop as the vehicle threatened to overcompensate and fly off the track. “What the fuck was that?” “Stay in the car while I have a butcher’s hook,” said Gary as he grabbed his air rifle from over the back seat. “You won’t need that, will you?”

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Maggie Nash “It could be an injured animal. I can’t let it suffer. No way to treat anything out here.” Nick shivered. It wasn’t something he thought about often, but it really was a cruel world out in the bush. Cut and dry, life or death. Hopefully, the creature was just stunned and would get up and run away any minute. They didn’t have much time. He wanted to get to the search site and make sure Maddie was okay. “Fine. Do what you have to do, but make it quick. We need to keep moving.” Gary closed the door to the car and started walking slowly to the front. “No worries mate. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Gary’s body bent over and Nick stretched forward in his seat but it wasn’t far enough for him to see what it was that Gary was looking at. At least it didn’t appear dangerous. Gary wasn’t running or shooting, so that was a good thing. Standing up, Gary did a three-sixty, shading his eyes with his free hand while the air rifle hung loosely by his side. A few seconds later, he returned to the car looking a bit nonplussed. “Buggered if I know what it was.” “It got away then? Any damage?’ “Nah, the roo bar took the impact, but there is some fur stuck in the grill. If I didn’t know better, I’d reckon it was a Dingo, but they’re too small to give us such a bump as that one.” “So what else could it be?” “Fucked if I know mate. Not our problem now. We need to get to the site. At this rate the trackers will get there before us.” “I’m just happy we didn’t have to shoot anything. I’m not into killing animals.” Gary laughed. “One month in the bush and you’d change your tune, city boy.” “Don’t even think about it. Not going to happen. The city and me are joined at the hip.” “Just like you want to be with Ms. Smith.”

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The Executioner “Yep, exactly. But if you tell her, you know I may have to get over my aversion to killing animals, don’t you?” Gary put his arms up, palms out in surrender. “My lips are sealed boss. No one will hear it from me." He mumbled something under his breath. “What was that?” “Nothing. I just reckon people will have to be blind not to notice considering the way you look at her when she doesn’t know you’re watching. I can’t wait to see how you go when you’re face-to-face. Hoo wee, the sparks are already pretty high voltage.” “Yeah, well we won’t get a chance to get anything started if this missing camper isn’t found." The track widened up ahead, becoming a rough turning circle. Nick parked close to the nearest walking track, roughly pulling on the hand brake before they both got out and unloaded the supplies and the sat phone from the boot. “Looks like the trackers have been here already.” Nick looked around him, stumped. There was no one and no equipment that he could see. “How do you figure that?” Gary walked over to the bush track, the phone slung over his back, and pointed to one of the salt bushes near the ground. “See that small bend in the branch?” “Yes?” “That’s the mark Eddie leaves to show where he’s been. It’s his trademark. He only uses salt bush and it’s always the same branch.” “Eddie is one of the trackers then?” “Yep. One of the best there is. His family has always been trackers in the Bibulmun tribe for generations back.” “That’s great. Now which way should we go? After Eddie?” “Not yet. We can catch up on the progress at the checkpoint with the team leader. Then we will know where we’re at.”

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Maggie Nash “Sure thing. By the way, I didn’t ask, who is the missing person?” “One of the guys from your Sydney office. Chris Yates I think his name is. Do you know him?” “Not really, but I know who he is. He’s no dummy, so I can’t believe he just wandered off. He must have fallen and hurt himself.” “I hope he’s conscious then, or we might not find him. He’ll have to yell like the dickens for us to find him if he fell down one of the ridges.” Fuck. This was sounding worse by the minute. One of the campers came towards them from deeper down the track. The grim look on his face did nothing to make Nick feel any better. “Have you found him, Sam?” “I don’t know how to say this, Boss, but yes, we have. And it’s not good news.” Nick moved forward and touched the man on the shoulder. “Is he okay?” Sam broke down then, his face crumpling in horror. “No. Some wild animal got him.” Nick stiffened. Fuck. “How badly is he injured?” “He’s dead.”

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The Executioner

Chapter Three

It was late afternoon when Maddie’s team reached the last checkpoint. It still had a little blue flag attached to it, which meant they were the first to get there. Yay us. Taking a long swig from her water bottle, she stood back while Jo grabbed the small token of their victory and waved it madly through the air. “Yes! Strike another blow to manhood. Sisters rock!” Too tired to do much more than smile, Maddie spied a fallen log that had her name on it. “Yeah…we sure do. Don’t tell them this, though, I’m knackered.” Jo trotted over and slumped down on the log beside her. “Oh, thank God. I thought it was just me.” “You too? I was beginning to hate you because of your stellar wonder-bra performance.” Jo laughed. “I know you mean that in the nicest way, of course.” “Of course." Looking up she saw the three men staggering towards them. “At least we’re doing better than those guys.” “Oh yeah, it’s so much fun beating them on this challenge. As the boys approached, the walkie-talkie attached to the checkpoint buzzed loudly. Maddie walked over and picked it up, wondering what to do with it. How the heck did the thing work anyway? Jason ambled towards her, a smug look on his face. “You hold down the red button to speak, and then they talk back.” 25

Maggie Nash “Thanks for the tip." She did as instructed and spoke into the receiver. “Hello? Anyone there?” “You’re supposed to say ‘over’ when you sign off.” She threw him a withering look. Who cared if she used the techno-geek jargon? Static came through the speaker. “Miss Smith? Is that you? Over.” Jason coughed beside her. Damn him for being right. “Maddie Smith here; is that you Gary? What’s up?" She glared at Jason before signing off, “Over!” “There’s been some trouble. We want you all to stay put until we can get to you. In the meantime, no one is to be left alone. Is that understood? Over.” “What sort of trouble? Over.” “We’ll tell you when we get there. Do you understand my instructions? Over.” “Yes. Over” “Good, we’ll be there soon. Stay put. Over.” “Sure thing. Over." Oh shit. That did not sound good. Not good at all. The rest of the group moved to where she was standing. They must have figured something was up because they were all looking at her funny. Great. What did she tell them? Not that she knew much anyway, but it was better not to panic them. Okay, deep breath. Smile. That’s a start. Jason was the first to speak. His skinny shoulders bent over and his beady eyes narrowed even further. “What was that about? Do we get a reward for being first?” Trust him to want some recognition. She didn’t know him well, yet, but she already gathered he liked to be the center of attention. “You never know, Jason. But that wasn’t what the call was about. We have to stay here until Gary comes to get us. Apparently there’s been some sort of trouble.” The group collectively gasped. Oh great. That was what she didn’t want. The last thing she needed was panic. As much as she wanted to reassure them, the sick feeling in her stomach had her worried this was something really bad. “It’s 26

The Executioner probably nothing. Maybe even part of the program to see how we react to stress.” Jo came to her rescue. “Yes, that’s probably it. Part of this team-building shit. Let’s just sit down in the shade and wait patiently to be picked up. I for one would be grateful for a ride back to camp. It’s getting hot out here." She winked at Maddie and then moved back to sit on the log, taking a drink from her water bottle as she took her seat. Jerome, Jason and the other guy, whose name she couldn’t remember, followed suit and found somewhere to sit down. Jason took off his jacket and made a big deal about setting it down before painstakingly bending himself in half as he dramatically lowered himself to the ground. Maddie reached Jo just in time to stifle her laugh as she turned her back turned away from the group. “Oh my God,” she whispered. “Is he for real?” Jo nodded. “He’s such a dickhead. I am so glad to be off his floor at work. He drives me mad. He’s a pervert and a prima donna. A really bad combination. Why he’s here at this course is beyond me. He keeps getting passed over for promotion, and trust me, he applies for everything that comes along. He even applied for your job.” That explained a lot. “So he’s not a team leader then?” “Nope, he’s still an advisor. He wants to be a team leader so he can boss everyone around. Oh how he would love to be able to do that.” “Good thing I applied then." She laughed. “I almost didn’t you know. I missed the ad in the paper, but someone sent it to me by email. I have no idea who, but whoever it was, I have them to thank.” “That’s weird. You didn’t recognize the email addy?” “Nope, never saw it before. When I replied to say thanks, the email bounced.” “Wow, that’s strange. All I can say is I’m glad. You saved a lot of us from a fate worse than death.” 27

Maggie Nash Maybe it was pretty weird. She should have tried harder to find out where the email had come from, but the point was moot now. She had the job and it looked like it was going to be fun from what Jo had to say about the company. The J-boys being the exception, but she could handle them. Her life had purpose now and she almost felt ready to trust men again. At least she thought about ‘he who should not be named’ only a few times a day now.

The revs of a four-wheel-drive engine broke through the lethargy that had descended upon them all while they were sitting there in the blistering heat. Maddie looked in every direction but couldn’t quite figure out where the sound was coming from. There must be a track somewhere. A ride back to camp was definitely welcome. Gary probably knew better than anyone how to access the checkpoint from a bush track, but she still wondered which direction they would come from. The men all jumped up from the ground and started fussing with the equipment in an apparent attempt to appear in control of the situation. Oh puhlease. Just one look at them and any idiot could tell they had no freaking idea what they were doing. Maddie and Jo stood up and moved towards where the engine noises were now clearer. The sun reflected off the windows of the black Land Rover, which was still some distance away in the maze of thick brush. Two men were inside the cab, one of them Gary, but the driver’s face was shaded by a red baseball cap, making it impossible for Maddie to see who it was. He was probably one of the other camp workers she’d seen packing the gear for them before their trek. Gary got out of the car and started hacking his way through the thick brush, towards the group. His grim face did not bode well. What the hell was going on? Under his ruddy complexion he was white as a sheet. Obviously something bad had happened. Maddie reached him before he made it to the rest of the group. “What’s this 28

The Executioner all about? And don’t tell me nothing, because the color of your face tells me it’s something pretty bad.” Gary looked up at her approach and stopped. His body slumped and his eyes were bloodshot. “Miss Smith, I was hoping I could talk to you first. I need your help to keep everyone calm.” This was sounding worse by the minute. “Calm? Okay, you’re scaring me now. Out with it. What the hell is this all about?” “One of the other campers was savaged by a wild dog. Unfortunately, he didn’t survive the attack.” Holy shit.“Oh my God." She hugged her middle and bent over slightly as all breath flew out of her chest in one foul swoop. Speech was near impossible but she did manage a whisper in reply. “Excuse my French, but… Oh. My. Fucking. God!” Gary reached out and gently touched her shoulder. “Now you understand why we need to treat this very carefully. I’m telling you because you’ve shown some great leadership skills in this session, but you can see it’s probably better we don’t tell the others until we get back to camp.” Thinking about the J-boys and their panicky tendencies, she nodded. “Oh yeah, the men are wimps, but Jo can handle it. She’s cool.” Shaking his head, Gary started to move towards the group. “No, for now we’ll just get them back to camp. The sooner the better. Just follow my lead.” By the time they reached the rest of the motley crew, everyone was standing with their backpacks all in place and ready to go. Shame they weren’t this enthusiastic at the start of the day, but Maddie was happy the exodus could get started as soon as possible. The sorrowful howl of a wild animal in the distance reminded her of the urgency to move fast. She picked up her pace and overtook Gary to speak to the group. “Great going team. Gary is here to help us back to the campsite. We get a reprieve because we hit the checkpoint first.”

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Maggie Nash The smug smiles of satisfaction from the boys almost made her laugh. They think they did it all themselves, the idiots. If it hadn’t been for her and Jo leading the way… But that didn’t matter anymore. They needed to get back to camp and if she had to feed their egos to get them there quicker, then so be it. The howling began again, only this time it didn’t sound so far away and it was accompanied by snarls. Bloody hell. They had to get out of there. “Shit. What was that?" Jason jumped to attention and headed for the track. “Some wild animal we should try really hard to avoid,” she answered. Gary arched his eyebrows at her words but stayed silent. The group followed his instructions without question. Before long, they were all packed into the Land Rover and on their way back to camp. The driver was a weird one, though. There was something familiar about him she couldn’t quite put her finger on. His hat was low obscuring his face and he said absolutely nothing the whole trip back. Most likely, he was too shocked by the events, but still, something about him nagged at Maddie. From what she could see of him, he had great shoulders and strong forearms. Although she was directly behind him, Jerome had squashed in next to her, effectively blocking an opportunity to catch a glimpse of him in the rearview mirror. She was curious to see if the face matched the ruggedness of his back view, but as soon as they arrived in camp he ducked out of the driver’s seat and hot-footed it over to the cabin at the edge of camp. So much for him. The rest of the crew edged out of the van and Gary addressed them all when he had their attention. As predicted, the J-boys freaked and immediately asked to be taken to the nearest airport. Jo was a little more controlled, although when you looked at her clenched fists you could see how really shaken she was by the news. “So what happens now, Gary?” Jo asked. “We stay in camp until the police get here and question us. The other group is already here and we need to support each other through this. Show everyone 30

The Executioner what a great team we can be.” “When can we leave?” asked Jason. “I want to get the hell out of here. I’m not waiting around for some hungry animal to decide I’m next on the menu.” “We won’t know until after the police get here. They have to drive up from Albany, but they should be here within the hour. I’ll keep you informed. In the meantime, get some rest before dinner. We’ll have our tucker at six o’clock in the mess tent. I want all of you there, so no wandering off.” Jerome spoke up loudly. “No way am I wandering off. Shouldn’t we stay in pairs to keep safe?” Gary smiled slightly, that thin upper lip curling again. “Nah mate. We should be fine inside the camp. Those dingoes are more scared of us than we are of them.” “Not the one who got Chris, apparently.” “Not dingo. ‘E was Executioner. Dere be bad spirit. ‘E hunt and kill white man." The newcomer was an indigenous man Maddie hadn’t seen before. The whites of his eyes were a stark contrast to his black irises and dark skin. Gary shook his head and walked over to the stranger. “Fair go, Eddie. None of us believe that old story. Besides, that monster is supposed to attack at night. This was in broad daylight.” “ ‘E my cousin, brother, ‘E tell the mob about big, red dog with tongue of fire. It bad and bring bad spirit. It kill women, children. No one safe.” “That will be enough, Eddie. We don’t want to scare everyone unnecessarily. Thanks for your help today, mate. I’ll drive you back to your camp.” “No worries mate. I walk faster than your car. Executioner is bad, bad spirit. Not dingo, bad man. You be careful, unna?” Gary waved him on. “We’ll be fine, mate. We’ll let the police handle it. We can take care of ourselves.” Dumbfounded, they all watched as the blackfella walked off into the bush.

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Maggie Nash Maddie didn’t know what to think. This trip is just getting better and better. The last six months was a picnic compared to this mess. She felt as though she’d stepped onto the set of The X-Files. Any minute now, Mulder and Scully would appear to investigate the strange phenomenon. Jerome was the first to speak. “Anyone else spooked? I’m spooked. Geez, what the fuck have we landed in here? Gazza, you have to take us to Albany airport and now. I refuse to stay here any longer.” “Hold your horses folks,” said Gary as the rest of the crew started speaking at once. “We’ll transport you all out of here as soon as the police give us clearance and not before. Don’t believe that story about the spirit dog. It’s an old legend. No one has ever proven it, so forget about it.” As the group broke up and walked to their respective tents still muttering, Jo fell into step with Maddie. “I guess our team camp is over now. I can’t believe Chris is dead.” “Did you know him well?” “We went out on a few dates when he was in the Melbourne office.” “Oh, I’m so sorry Jo. You must be doubly shocked.” Jo stopped walking and her face crumpled. She brushed her tears away as Maddie comforted her with a hug. “I’ll be okay. It’s not like we were still together or anything, but it’s pretty hard to comprehend that someone who was so vital, so alive, has been killed. To die this way is just horrible.” “Is there anything I can do? Do you want me to sit with you for a while?” Drawing away, Jo half smiled. “No, I’ll be okay. Thanks anyway. I think I’d rather have some time to myself for a bit. I’ll see you at dinner.” “If you’re sure?” “Yep. I’ll be fine. You go and get some rest.” “Okay, but I’m here if you need me.” Jo opened her tent flap and turned back. “Thanks Maddie. I appreciate it.” Walking the extra distance to her tent alone, Maddie’s thoughts turned to 32

The Executioner Nick. How would she feel if anything happened to him? The thought of him coming to harm made her feel sick. As much as she was used to the fact they weren’t together any more, if she was really honest with herself, she still loved him as much as she ever did. The bastard! And she probably always would.

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Maggie Nash

Chapter Four

Nick paced back and forth in the tent while he waited for Maddie to arrive. So far he’d successfully avoided being recognized by her in the car, and when they got back to camp, he had all but run away. But it was time to let her know he was there. He couldn’t think of any other way to get her to himself before the police arrived and watched their every move. Privacy was what they needed. Besides, he was needed to organize the mass exodus after the police finished, and he wanted to speak to Chris Yates’ family personally. That was all for later though. Right now his stomach churned at the thought of how he’d unwittingly put Maddie at risk by bringing her here. Whether she liked it or not, he wasn’t letting her out of his sight from now on. He heard footsteps coming toward the tent and he braced himself for the confrontation. The tent flap opened and Maddie walked in, her face remote and her shoulders slumped. She didn’t notice him as he came towards her. “Maddie,” he whispered. She looked up, startled, and gasped. “Nick!” Before she could protest, he swept her into his arms and kissed her. She tasted better than he remembered. He teased her lips with his tongue and she opened for him. As their tongues dueled, he moved his hands over her firm buttocks, drawing her against his body, desperate for any contact with her. Her familiar scent teased his nostrils as he broke off the kiss and gently pressed her

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The Executioner head against his neck. “Oh God, Maddie, it could have been you out there. Thank God you’re okay.” She pulled back in his arms slightly, looking up at his face with those amazing eyes of hers. “Nick? What the hell are you doing here?” “I missed you.” She pushed herself completely away from him and stepped backwards. “You waited six months, and then traveled all the way to Western Australia to tell me that now?” “I know I’ve been a bastard. You have no idea how much I regret what I did to you. I was scared shitless of my feelings for you, so I took the coward’s way out and ran away. Do you think you can forgive me?” Turning away from him, Maddie crossed her arms across her chest. Nick held his breath as he waited for her reply. After all the bullshit in the past, she deserved the truth and he hoped she recognized it at face value. Sweat trickled down his face as the minutes ticked by. She can’t reject me; I won’t let her. He moved toward her and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. “Tell me what you’re thinking, Maddie. I’m dying here.” She whipped around to face him, her eyes luminous with unshed tears. Oh fuck, he hadn’t wanted to make her cry. “Geez Maddie, I’m sorry. Shit, don’t cry.” Holding her hand up to stop him, she smiled. It was a sad smile, but a smile nevertheless. “You know, if someone asked me yesterday if I would forgive you for the way we broke up, I would have told them no way in hell.” He held his breath. Hope snuck into his heart, but he didn’t dare interrupt her and spoil things. “I still dream about you, Nick, but it’s difficult to get past the betrayal. It took me a long time to get over that, and now I’m just beginning to get my life back together again. I’m not sure I’d be doing myself a favor if I let you back into my life.”

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Maggie Nash “You can trust me, Maddie. I’ve changed. I won’t ever let you down again.” “I hope you mean that. After the atta…the accident, Jo told me she and Chris had been in a relationship, and it got me thinking—how would I feel if anything happened to you? But you see, I still have this lack of trust thing happening. Ever since I saw you with that witch—excuse me, girl—the night we broke up, I have a hard time believing you won’t do it again.” “I didn’t have a relationship with her, Maddie. I just grabbed her and kissed her so you would believe that I was a bastard and make it easier for the breakup. Stupid dickhead that I am, I actually thought I was doing you a favor. If you let me, I’ll work the rest of our lives making it up to you, Maddie. The last six months have been hell for me. It just took me a while to work out why. Fuck, Maddie, you have to know I love you.” Her face paled. “You have a funny way of showing it. You knew where I was. What took you so long?" She moved to the bed and sat down. “Hang on. Did you just say you love me?” He knelt down in front of her, his hands covering her shoulders, squeezing gently. “Oh yeah, I did. I meant it too. Especially the fuck part.” Maddie covered her eyes with her hands. “Now I know this isn’t happening. I’m having a delusional moment. Must be all the crap that happened today. If I open my eyes you won’t be here. No way would womanizer, Nicholas Garabaldi, be here with mousey old Maddie Smith, vowing to stay with her for the rest of her life." Nick laughed. “This is no dream, Maddie. I’m here and I’m telling the truth." He cupped her face and kissed her tenderly, her soft, warm lips responding. “And just so you know, you are not now, nor ever have been, mousey. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever known.” “You’re just saying that so you can get into my pants.” “That too.” She opened her eyes and shoved him away from her again, the sexy laugh

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The Executioner he’d missed so much echoing in his ears. “We’ll get to the love and commitment bit later. You still haven’t explained what you’re doing here. First of all, how the hell did you know I was here?” Oh shit. He known this was coming, but he'd hoped to have more time to schmooze her first. If he answered that question now, he’d have to tell her about the arrangements he made for her job. He wasn’t sure— No, he knew she wasn’t going to take that well. Better to duck that until he was more certain of her feelings for him. Besides, his hands were itching to touch her and his dick throbbed in memory of how it felt to be deep inside her body. Can we just get to the fuck part now? “You haven’t answered my question. I asked first, remember?” “I’m not sure I can until I have all the facts.” He jumped to his feet and sat down next to Maddie on the bed, sitting close, but careful not to touch her. “Just tell me how you really feel about me. Tell me what your gut is saying to you right this minute.” She turned to face him, her expression shuttered. He watched as she took a deep breath and blow it out, taking her time before she answered him. “Before, I said that if someone had asked me if I could ever forgive you yesterday, I would have said ‘no way’.” “But your answer is different today?" He held his breath, scared shitless about what her answer was going to be. She turned her head away, her voice becoming softer. “Yes, today is different. When I saw how devastated Jo was about Chris’ death, I thought about how I would feel if it had been you. Despite what happened between us, I realized I still love you, and that’s not going to change." “Thank bloody Christ!” She dodged him as he reached for her, shaking her head. “Hang on a minute, I’m not finished.” Oh shit. “I might still love you, but that’s a far cry from being able to trust you again.

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Maggie Nash You’re going to have to prove yourself to me. From now on, no more lies.” “I promise. I don’t want to stuff it up again. Can I please kiss you now?” She turned back and smiled at him. “You’d better, because if you don’t, I’m going to melt here. I’ve been having multiple hot dreams lately, all of them starring you. Let’s see if the reality lives up to the dream.” She’d been dreaming about me? No shit! He reached for her and she met him halfway. Their mouths melded together as their hands found each other in almost frenzied movements. They lay down together on the bed with Nick leaning over Maddie’s face. He stared down at her for several seconds, savoring the sight of her beautiful face staring up at him, her eyes burning with passion. He stroked her cheek, loving the feel of her satiny skin. So soft. Tracing her mouth with his tongue, she opened and surprised him with her probing. She tasted him like she was dying of thirst and he was the only water. Oh shit. He needed to slow things down. He needed to see to her pleasure first. His needs were secondary. It had been a long time since they’d last made love and he wanted to do it right. Shifting his mouth to her cheek, he kissed his way down to her shoulder. Sliding her shoulder strap aside, he continued a pathway towards her wonderful breasts. She moaned as his tongue flicked under the edge of the tank top. He slid his finger under and moved the material down, exposing her tight, pink nipple. “So beautiful.” “Ah…" She nearly jumped off the bed when he licked around the sweet tip then latched on, suckling her, tasting her. She was so responsive and he was getting hot. His jeans were tight and painful against his hard on, but this was for Maddie. He would ignore it for now and make sure she was in no doubt about how much he cared for her. His free hand moved to her other breast and shifted the material aside, allowing him to nip and suck his way across to take the other nipple that was

38

The Executioner anxiously awaiting his attention. Maddie writhed in pleasure as he continued his tasting session, alternating from breast to breast. “Oh God, it’s been so long.” ‘I know, Sweetheart. I want to make it so good for you” He moved his hands towards her shorts, making quick work of the button and zip before sliding them down her hips. Nudging his nose across her mound, he inhaled her wonderful scent. Fuck, she smells good. “Ms. Smith. Can I come in?” His head went up at the sound of a voice outside her tent. Fucking hell. “Who the fuck is that?” he whispered. “It sounds like Jason; one of my group.” “Tell him to go away!” She grinned at him as she placed her hand at his crotch, making him shudder with pleasure. “I’m not dressed for visitors, Jason. What do you want?” “Gary sent me to get you. The police are here and they want to question us all.” Shit, they’d both have to go then. “Tell him you’ll be there in a few minutes," he whispered. "I’ll come with you." He rolled off her and stood up. “Thanks for telling me, Jason. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” The voice persisted. “I can wait for you if you like.” Nick mouthed ‘no’ as he glared at Maddie, who grinned back at him mischievously. She hesitated, poking her tongue at him before answering Jason. “Nah, that’s okay, I’ll be fine.” “You sure?” “I’m sure.” Nick jumped up and peeped through the crack in the tent opening to make sure Jason walked away. “Shit, he’s got the hots for you real bad, hasn’t he?” “Nothing I can’t handle.”

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Maggie Nash Maddie pulled her shorts back up over her hips and did them up. Her top was already back in place, covering up those magnificent tits he’d just left. Damn the bloody police. You’d think they could have waited another half an hour. “I guess not. You’ve been beating them off with a stick since you got tits.” “Charming!” “I meant that in a good way.” She laughed. “I know, but you have an interesting way with words sometimes, Garabaldi.” He winked at her. “And you love me for it.” “Ha. You’ll keep. I’d better go and see what those cops have to say.” “I’ll come with you. I’m not letting you out of my sight again. They probably want to talk to me anyway.” “Why would they want to talk to you?” Good move, Garabaldi. Shit. Time to face the music. “I was going to tell you this sooner, but we got distracted.” “Tell me what?” Oh fuck. She’s going to be pissed. “I’m the CEO of Gryffin technology.” “What!” Yep, she’s pissed. “I’m your new boss.” **** “You’ve got to be kidding me!" Maddie stared Nick squarely in the face. His guilty look said it all. “No, I can see you’re not.” She ducked out of his way, avoiding contact as he reached for her. “I can’t deal with this right now." She stormed out of the tent, muttering as she walked down the path to the mess tent. “So much for total honesty.” Nick caught up and matched her stride for stride, but wisely didn’t touch her. She felt like decking him and one touch would be all she needed to follow

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The Executioner through on the burning impulse. “It’s not like I wasn’t going to tell you, Maddie. When I saw you, all rational thought flew out the window.” Bloody hell, he hadn’t changed at all. He still believed a few charming words would have her falling at his feet. Not this time buster! “I said I don’t want to talk about this now, and I meant it.” “I’m not going to leave it like this, Maddie. We will talk.” She picked up the pace, breaking away from Nick as she sped towards the mess tent and the waiting police. “Sure, fine, whatever. Right now I have an appointment with the cops.” One of the cops, dressed in the distinctive blue shirt and confederate-style hat, stood near the entrance to the tent. She quickly came to the conclusion that the other newcomer had to be a plain-clothes detective. He was a tall man with a serious expression and looked straight through her to Nick as he walked behind her into the tent. Gary ushered them both over to the man. “Detective Terry Morgan, this is Nicholas Garabaldi, the CEO of Gryffin Technology; the company who hired the camp this week and boss of the man who died." Nick and the detective shook hands as Maddie felt the distinctive itch of annoyance at being ignored. Typical chauvinistic attitude. “This is Madeleine Smith, one of our HR team leaders. She led the other group today on the hike.” Maddie’s heart leapt a little at Nick’s inclusion of her in the conversation. The detective reluctantly turned to look at her and nodded, ignoring her outstretched hand. She let it drop as she spoke. “If you have any questions, I will be here.” She turned to move away, but Nick wrapped his arm around the shoulder, drawing her to his side. “We will both be here, so let me know what I can do.” Maddie caught Gary smirking at Nick before he shuttered his expression to speak to the detective. “We’re using this tent for interviews and when they are 41

Maggie Nash done, we can get everyone packed and transported back to Albany tomorrow morning for a flight back to Perth. I have a chartered plane standing by.” The cop intervened. “If you leave tomorrow, it will be when we give the go ahead.” Nick stiffened. “Surely we don’t need to hang around longer than that? It was an animal attack.” “We’re treating it as one at the moment, but we can never rule anything out. I’m just cautioning you.” The sound of an animal howling in the distance sent shivers down Maddie’s spine as she remembered what Eddie said earlier. “This was an attack by a dog, wasn’t it? Eddie, the tracker, said he didn’t think so.” The detective snorted. “You shouldn’t listen to local fairy stories, Miss. I know Eddie, and his imagination can be pretty wild sometimes. Never you mind Miss, we’ll figure it out.” What a jerk. She tensed at the detective’s condescending attitude but held her tongue when Nick drew her closer to his body. Alrighty then, she would let that one go. For now. Gary jumped to her defense. “Eddie was pretty convincing, Terry. Even though I don’t believe a word of it, stranger things have happened in this area and you know it.” “There’s never been any proof on the mumbo jumbo so far, and we won’t find it this time. If it wasn’t a dingo, then it was a man." He looked pointedly at Maddie and smirked. “No way could a woman do that much damage.” Shivering with revulsion at what the poor man must have gone through, Maddie turned her head away from the detective. It was obvious he enjoying making her squirm, but he had yet to learn she didn’t scare easily. Breaking away from Nick’s hold, she headed toward one of the tables where the buffet dinner was waiting for them all. “I’ll leave you big strong men to deal with your men’s business. I’ll just park 42

The Executioner my sweet, little self down over there and get myself a bite to eat.” Nick threw back his head and roared with laughter as he followed her and sat down on the bench across the table from her. “What are you doing here, Nick? Why aren’t you over there with the big men, doing men things?” He winked at her and then reached across the table for her hand, covering it with his large, warm palm. “I’d rather be over here with your sweet, little self.” Snatching her hand back, she stood up again. “Fine, but since I just lost my appetite, I’ll settle for a cup of coffee. Back in a minute.” She met up with Jo at the hot water urn. “Hey Maddie, I didn’t know you knew our CEO. He’s so cute; how’d you manage that?” “He's my ex. I didn’t know he was the CEO, and I haven’t seen him for six months. It was a complete surprise to me.” “One you’re not happy with?” “I hate being lied to.” “Aw... I think it’s kinda romantic.” “Romantic? I don’t think dishonesty is romantic at all.” “Oh come on, Maddie. Think about it. He went to a lot of trouble so that he could have your undivided attention. It must have taken him months to plan this. Now if that isn’t love, then I don’t know what is.” Jo had a point, and Maddie did get all gooey inside when she thought about the effort he'd gone too, but she was still angry enough to make him suffer a little longer. She smiled as a plan formed in her mind. Jerome came rushing into the mess tent, his breathing coming in gulps and starts, verging on an asthma attack. Gary led him to a chair to sit down. “Settle down, mate. What the hell happened to you?” “There’s been another attack,” he said in between wheezes. Bloody hell. Maddie moved closer to the mob surrounding Jerome so she could hear what he was saying. An arm slipped around her waist and she felt,

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Maggie Nash rather than saw, Nick offering his body as comfort and protection. Considering how her body turned icy cold the instant Jerome announced the attack, his warmth was definitely welcome. “Who was attacked?” the burly detective asked as he stepped up in front of Jerome. “And where is he? We have to help him if we can.” Jerome’s face crumpled and he covered it with his hands. “It’s too late. He’s dead. Just like Chris.” “Are you sure? He might still be alive. Show us where he is.” “No. I can’t go out there again. He’s dead all right. No one could survive an attack like that. His throat was ripped open, for God’s sake!” A collective gasp sounded through the tent followed by sudden silence as the group realized the implications of what was just said. For a tent that contained at least ten people in a confined space, it was possible to hear a pin drop. Nick spoke quietly to a clearly traumatized Jerome as he steered Maddie toward the front of the group. “You have to tell us who it is and where we can find him. We can’t leave him outside.” Jerome’s shaking hands dropped from his face as he answered Nick’s questions. “It’s Steve. Steve Marsh. He’s down behind the toilet block. I heard a noise so I went to investigate. That was when I found him." Tears trickled down his distressed face. “Oh God, we were hiking together just this afternoon.” When the detective and his uniformed companion left the tent with Gary, the remaining group breathed a sigh of relief. No one wanted to be anywhere near the scene, especially Maddie. Grabbing her drink, Maddie sat back down at the table she’d vacated before all the fuss had started. “How soon can we get out of here Nick?” Nick joined her, sitting right next to her this time. She could feel his body heat permeating her cold skin and even though she was still mad at him, it was definitely comforting to have him right there beside her. His arm snaked around

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The Executioner her shoulder and she felt herself being gently pulled towards the heat. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. The calm before the storm. His warm breath brushed her ear as he bent his head to whisper to her, sending shivers across her scalp. “How are you holding up, Maddie?” She turned her head and accidentally brushed her mouth against his chin. Shit. He smiled at her accidental touch, his chocolate colored eyes distracting her even more than the arm around her shoulder. “Um…” He reached up with his free hand and smoothed a curl behind her ear. “You’re very quiet. That’s not like you at all, Sweetness.” She shivered at his gentle touch and resisted the urge to sink into him further and absorb his strength. Get a grip, Maddie. “I’m fine, really. It’s a lot to take in. Two violent deaths in less than twenty-four hours. Anyone would be upset.” “I know. You seem to be handling it pretty well. I was just wondering if you wanted to talk. Sometimes that helps.” “What’s there to talk about? I only met them both yesterday. They’re dead. It’s horrible, but there’s nothing I can do about it." If only that was the way she really thought. It would make coping much easier. “Aren’t you scared? Jeezus, I know I am. That creature has tasted blood now and could come after any of us.” “It be no animal. It be the Executioner!" Instinctively leaning closer to Nick, Maddie gasped at the fierce black man standing in front of them. “Stop scaring everyone, Eddie. You’ll have to clear off if you don’t shut your trap!" Gary rushed over to where they sat, looking apologetically at Nick as he tried to steer the tracker out of the tent. ‘It’s okay Gary. He’s trying to be helpful,” said Nick. “We don’t need that kind of help,” said the detective as he joined the group.

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Maggie Nash “Thanks for the tracking mate, but you’re not needed here now. I can get the uniform to drive you back home if you like.” “You deny what in front of you. I have warned. Now it up to you." The proud tribesman turned around and walked out of the tent, leaving behind him a hushed silence. Memories of an ABC documentary she’d seen recently came back to Maddie. “I’ve heard about the Dreamtime legends. There had been things that have happened in the past that can’t be explained.” The chauvinistic detective looked derisively at her as if she was a total dipstick. “No one believes all that bullshit, Miss. This is a simple case of a wild dog. Nothing more. Once my boys find it and cull it, it’ll be all over.” Nick slid his arm off her shoulder and clasped her hand with a gentle squeeze. “Does this mean we can leave?” “As soon as the forensics crew get here and give the all clear.” “When’s that likely to be?” asked Maddie, desperate to get the hell out of there. “Shouldn’t be more than three hours, tops.” Jerome staggered upright from where he’d been sitting, tension written all over his tear-streaked face. “Three hours. What the fuck are we supposed to do for the next three hours, stuck in this flaming tent?” Jo hugged him tightly. “Don’t worry Jerome. We’ll find something fun to do. I know; there’s a scrabble board around here somewhere. I just bet you’re a whiz at that.” Maddie exchanged a look with Nick. No way was she playing scrabble with that sook. Nick smiled back at her and drew her aside. “Come on over to the corner with me, Maddie. I can see you’re exhausted. You can lean on me and have a sleep while we wait. Gary is organizing cars to take us back to Albany, whatever time tonight this business is wrapped up.” Sleep? That sounded so good. She was really tired. However, what was that

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The Executioner glint in Nick’s eyes? What was he on about? Who cares. What could he do while they were in the same place as everyone else? Sleeping on his shoulder was so much more tempting than playing word games with the whiners from hell.

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Maggie Nash

Chapter Five

Nick woke to find something soft snuggling in the crook of his neck. Not something, someone—Maddie. Her scent surrounded him as her warm breath tickled his skin. When she shifted in place and rubbed up against him, his dick he grew so hard it hurt. Fuck. Sometime during their nap, she had crawled onto his lap and the right place on her body was now rubbing against the right place on his. Bloody Hell. Hopefully she wouldn’t move anymore so he could get it under control before he had to stand up. A cold shower would be have been good around about now. Jeezus, she felt bloody good though. Not that he would have wished it on anyone, but the plus side of this situation was how she’d forgotten to be mad at him. With any luck, after this was all over, she would still be as forgiving and give him another chance. A commotion at the tent entrance woke Maddie and she stretched to look around her. God she looked adorable with her hair mussed and her eyes not quite awake. Much as he didn’t want to, he looked over at the duo approaching him. The detective looked grim and Gary’s face was white as a sheet. “You guys look like you’ve got some bad news.” “I suppose you could say that. The forensics team discovered something which puts a completely different light on the situation." Maddie shifted and stood up abruptly, pulling her shirt down and tucking it

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The Executioner into her pants. “What do you mean?” “Yes, Detective Morgan, explain what you mean. It must be pretty bad considering how Gazza here looks like he’s about to puke all over the place at any minute.” The detective’s face was flushed and his eyes bright as he began to speak. “It appears the deaths may have had human involvement.” “What? I thought it was a wild dog?” “That’s what it looked like initially, but the forensics team and the coroner found some evidence that this may not have been an animal attack.” Nick stood up, all body parts completely back to normal. “How can that be? There were claw marks. The violence was extensive.” The detective moved his eyes around the room, looking at all their faces and ending at Gary, who nodded at him. “Tell them, Terry.” He sighed and took in a deep breath, breathing it out slowly. He lowered his voice. “All right, but this information is not to be shared with anyone at all. It’s important that it doesn’t get out. I’m only telling you now because Gary here has vouched for both of your alibis.” “Alibis? We’re suspects?” whispered Maddie. “Not now, but in homicides we have to consider everyone.” This was getting worse by the minute. If the detective didn’t tell them what the fuck was happening, he was going to ring his neck. “Homicide? Okay, out with it. What the fuck happened here?” “All right, all right. I’m trying to tell you.” “Then tell. Spill!” “The claw marks were done post mortem. Both men were killed by a bullet to the base of the skull, execution-style. The claw marks were made after they were already dead.” “Why would someone do that?” “To cover up the murders, I suppose. To make it look like it was a wild dog,

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Maggie Nash like we initially thought. As usual, the perp did something stupid.” “But you thought it was a wild dog,” said Maddie. The cop straightened up, on the defensive now. From the look of things, he really didn’t like women. That must really be getting in Maddie’s craw. Go for it Maddie! “If I had a chance to spend more time at the scene, I would have found the evidence just the same.” Yeah, right. Dickhead. “So what does this mean for us? Can we leave now?” “I’m happy for you to go to Albany, but I must insist you stay there until we’ve concluded our questioning.” Shit. Another delay. “How long will that take?” “That depends on what we find. I’m sure you can be on your way in a day or two. Just make sure you give us your contact details so we know where to find you if we need anything else.” “Sure thing. We’ll be on our way then. Gary? Maddie and I will be leaving as soon as we’re packed. Can you give me a hand to pack the stuff in the back of the Land Rover?” “I did it already, Boss; when you and Miss Smith were asleep.” Maddie’s eyes moved around the room. “What about the others? We can fit a couple more in the Land Rover. We can’t leave them here.” Gary piped in before Nick could answer. “The other cars will be arriving any minute. There’s more than enough room for them." Way to go Gary. Note to self—send the man a bonus. He could finally have Maddie to himself for a while. “Great. We’ll go get your stuff, Maddie, and then we’ll be on our way." He turned to the detective. “Gary can give you our details. I guess we’ll be talking to you soon, Detective.” “You can count on it, Mr. Garabaldi." He nodded at Maddie. “Ms. Smith, until we meet again.” “I can’t wait.” 50

The Executioner Hiding a laugh, Nick steered Maddie towards her tent before she could get any further up the cop’s nose. She was definitely a fire cat. His fire cat if he had anything to do with it. “So who do you think did it?” asked Maddie as Nick maneuvered the Land Rover through the last stretch of dirt road before the highway. “Your guess is as good as mine. Although I suppose I’m leaning towards a local because of the tie in with the local Dreamtime legends.” “True, but then someone could have done that on purpose to make it look like it was a local.” “Yes, that’s also a possibility. I’m quite happy to leave all that investigating to the police. Chances are if they don’t find any concrete evidence in the next twenty-four hours, they probably never will.” “That’s a cynical attitude.” “No, just truthful. The stats prove that most solved crimes are solved in the first twenty-four hours. We may never find out who did this, or why.” “That’s a scary thought. What if it’s someone in the company? Someone we work with every day? God forbid, share an office?” Despite the obvious fear in her voice, Nick felt himself smile. “So you’ve decided to stay with the company then?” Maddie laughed. “I don’t have any other offers at the moment, so I might as well stay until something better comes along." She turned to face him and winked. “Besides, I have a few bones to pick with the boss. I have to stay until I get those sorted out.” He turned and touched her cheek. “I’m so glad you’re staying. I thought I’d never get you to speak to me again.” She leaned into his hand, rubbing the soft skin against his palm. “Seeing how upset Jo was about Chris’ death, and the lost opportunities she had, made me realize that we really need to grab hold of what we love in this life." She turned

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Maggie Nash into his hand and placed a kiss. The Range Rover lurched to the side as they hit something large on the road. Holy shit! Maddie fell forward, but luckily, her seatbelt kicked in and stopped her before her head hit the dashboard. Nick pulled the car off to the side of the road and turned off the ignition. “Jeezus Maddie, I’m sorry. Are you okay?" He unbuckled his belt and leaned over, running his hands over the outside of her arms and ribs. She pushed him away, laughing. “I’m fine. Wow, I didn’t realize my kiss actually stopped traffic.” “Oh shit, Maddie. I’m sorry. I should have been watching the road.” “Nah, it was my fault. I distracted you.” “And what a distraction. I suppose I should get out and check the car for damage. Would you like a bottle of water from the Esky while I’m at it?” “Yes, that would be great." She took his hand and stroked his palm, reminding him of how she made his blood burn. “Thanks Nick.” “Keep that up and we’ll need some ice to cool off as well.” She laughed as he climbed out of the driver’s seat and moved towards the back of the car. As he reached the tailgate, he heard a loud scream. Maddie! Running to her door, he wrenched it open only to see a terrified Maddie frozen in place as a hand circled her neck and the barrel of a gun bit into the side of her forehead. “Don’t even think about trying something heroic, Garabaldi!” “Jo? What the hell are you doing?” “I’m going to take away from you, what you took away from me. The love of your life!” His mind ticked over. He had no idea what she was talking about, but the longer he kept her talking, the more chance he had of thinking of a way to save

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The Executioner Maddie. “What do you mean? Before this camp, we’d only met once or twice.” She tightened her grip on Maddie’s neck and he heard a soft whimper. Fucking hell, he had to do something. Her eyes were shifting from Maddie’s face to his in a frenzy. He couldn’t predict what she would do next. “You moved Chris to Sydney just when we found each other. You didn’t even give us a chance to stay together.” “Chris?" Bloody hell, this must be the girl who’d been stalking Chris. Chris had come to him soon after he’d taken over the CEO position, begging to be transferred because this woman was bothering him. Chris had never given him her name though. “I’m sorry Jo. I didn’t know. I would never keep lovers apart. See all the trouble I went to for Maddie and me to get back together?” Her expression grew fierce. “You wouldn’t have helped me. You were in it with him!” Maddie opened her mouth to speak, but Nick shook his head to silence her. “He asked me for a transfer. Maybe he didn’t feel the same way as you did.” “He loved me! He just needed more time to get to know me. You convinced him he was needed in Sydney. It’s all your fault! You ruined my life and now I am going to ruin yours.” Her grip on the gun tightened and he moved forward. She shifted her aim from Maddie to him. “Stand back. I will use this gun. I have before.” Horrific realization dawned on him. Jo was the executioner Eddie was talking about. “If you loved Chris so much, why did you kill him?” “He betrayed me! He was corrupted by some hussy in that evil city you sent him to. He forgot all about me. When I tried to talk to him out there on the bush track, he told me to stay away from him and then…then he laughed at me! He told Gary to put us in different groups. I had to make him pay. I deserve better than that.”

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Maggie Nash That’s right, keep her talking. He inched closer with his feet. He stared at Maddie, waiting for the opportunity to tell her to make a move. “How did you do it? You were with the other group.” Maddie asked. “That was easy. It turned out to be more convenient to be in the other group, so I came prepared. You had no idea what I was doing, and the guys, well they are just idiots. They were too busy worrying about snakes and spiders to notice anything.” A few inches more and he could pounce. Sweat poured down the back of his neck as the seconds ticked by. Keep her talking. He flashed Maddie what he hoped was clear message to move away on his signal. “How did you slip away?” “Those wimps, Jerome and Jason, kept taking breaks so I faked a toilet call when I caught the flash of Chris’ shirt through the trees. It was easy, really. One gun, a silencer, and a stuffed dog-claw bottle-opener I bought in a souvenir shop in Perth.” “But why did you kill Steve?” “He caught me trying to get rid of the weapons. I couldn’t let him turn me in, now could I? Not after I’d come so far.” Bloody hell, she was crazy. She had to be stopped. It was now or never. He nodded at Maddie and showed her his hand, just out of Jo’s sight. Three fingers, two fingers, one… Go! In a flash of movement it was all over. Maddie jumped clear of the car as Nick grabbed Jo’s wrist, making her drop the gun. Maddie swooped and picked it up, holding it on Jo like a pro while Nick tied her up. After calling the camp using the sat phone, they sat holding each other while they waited for the police to arrive and take Jo away.

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The Executioner

Chapter Six

Nick didn’t leave Maddie's side for the whole of following week. He arranged everything with his usual smooth precision, including a hotel room with twin beds. He told her he didn't want her to feel pressured, but he would still be there for her if she needed him. It was a side of him she'd never seen before, and if she hadn't been so emotionally drained from the recent events, she would have probably thought about how sweet his behavior was. It wasn't until Friday that the police allowed them to leave Albany and return to Melbourne. In all of the time since Jo's arrest, neither of them had spoken as much as one word to each other about their ordeal. By an unspoken agreement, it remained in the background, waiting for another time when she was ready to let it out. For now, it was just too scary to contemplate, and Maddie didn't even want to think about how she had been totally taken in by a coldblooded murderer. She'd liked Jo. How could she have been so wrong about someone? She'd even been looking forward to working with her. Not for one second had she suspected that beneath that friendly, good-natured façade that Jo allowed her to see was lurking a psychopathic bitch with revenge on her mind. They caught a taxi from the airport after the long red-eye special from Perth came to a stop in front of Nick's house in Brighton. Maddie sat forward in her seat and frowned. Although, in a way she was relieved because she really didn't

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Maggie Nash fancy spending time in her apartment alone, but it was sort of annoying that he hadn't given her a choice in the matter. "Why haven't you taken me home?" Nick handed his credit card to the taxi driver before turning to her. He looked tired and strained, but he gave her a half smile before answering. "I figured your family would be waiting at your place, and I thought you might not be ready to face them just yet. If I'm off base, I'll be happy to drive you over in a little while. Just let me offload all my stuff and I'll get my car out." Oh jeez. She hadn't thought about her family. Of course, they would be waiting, and she wasn't ready to face them just yet. Maybe tomorrow, but not now. Nick really was very sweet when he put his mind to it. "No, no, that's fine. You're right about my family. I didn't even think about facing them yet. Staying here for a while is probably a good idea." She placed her hand on his cheek and leaned forward, kissing him lightly on the lips. "Thanks Nick." He smiled then finished his transaction with the taxi driver before helping her out of the car. Surprising her, he cupped her face in his large hands and kissed her back, his lips soft and tender. The driver finished removing the bags and coughed loudly. They drew apart, but not before Nick winked at her and her heart kicked up a beat. His eyes never left hers as he waved off the driver. "Thanks mate," he said as the driver started the engine and drove out of the driveway and down the street. "We should go inside" The heat between them intensified as Nick took hold of her hand. Why now? They'd been in each other’s company for the last week and not one sexual thought had crossed her mind. Now all it took as a very sweet gesture. And of course, there was that look in those incredible melted chocolate colored eyes. He was still looking at her, holding her hand patiently. She should really say something, but she was worried her voice wouldn't come out right. The back of her throat felt tight as she made an effort to answer the questions in

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The Executioner his eyes. "Okay." Oh, that was brilliant Maddie! Smooth talking. Way to let a man know you're confident and in control. Nick smiled at her, the look in his eyes telling her he knew exactly what she was thinking and as his gaze lowered to her breasts, almost like a switch had been flipped —her nipples puckered in response. Somehow, they were in the house and Nick slammed the door, dragging her with him towards the hallway that she knew led to his bedroom. "The luggage?" "Don't worry about it. We can get it later." "Whatever..." she said, as Nick kicked open a door and pulled her through into his bedroom. Letting go of her hand, he moved to the window and drew the curtains. The overwhelming scent of Nick wrapped around her like a big blanket and she sighed. He came toward her, the fire she'd glimpsed before still burning bright in his eyes. "I love you Maddie, and I need you like I've never needed anyone in my life." Her eyes filled with hot tears as her heart slipped back into place. "I love you too Nick, and I nearly lost you." In seconds he was right in front of her, his large hand wiping a tear from her cheek. "Oh Jeezus Maddie, don't cry. I didn't mean to make you cry. I just want to love you, to leave my stamp on you so there you have no more doubts. Please don't cry." She smiled through the torrent of tears that were now falling down her cheeks. "I'm just crying because I'm so h…happy." She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. She felt that kiss down to the depths of her soul, with every minute particle of her heart. She wanted to take in his essence so it never had a chance to escape. All of her pent up feelings from when he left her, and

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Maggie Nash then found her again poured out. Her mouth moved firmly at first and when he hesitated, she thrust her tongue through to his warmth and savored him. Her Nick. His own body kicked into gear and he joined in, tongues tangling together as they each sought each other's essence. Her heart fluttered in her chest and sent spirals of heat directly to her breasts and between her legs. No one ever affected her like Nick. He broke off the kiss on a groan and moved his lips over her jaw and catching that sensitive spot just under her ear. She could feel his smile against her skin as he spoke. "I love it when you take the initiative Mads. You drive me crazy and I love it." She sighed as he continued his assault on her skin while his fingers worked on her buttons. He slipped the shirt off her shoulders, baring her pink lacy bra to his gaze. She must need a new cup size she thought, as her nipples fought to gain their freedom from the restraint of the lace. "Beautiful," whispered Nick as his hot gaze swept over her breasts. One long elegant finger slipped first one and then the other strap over her shoulders. His hot mouth moved down to the valley between her breasts and kissed her before nuzzling her bra cups out of the way and baring her nipples to the cool evening air. Wanting more, Maddie reached behind her back and unhooked her bra, slid it down her arms before letting it fall to the floor. Nick groaned and immediately moved one hand to a bare breast while his mouth suckled the swollen tip of the other, grazing it playfully with his teeth. Maddie gasped at the mixture of pleasure and pain, and thrust her body forward in an effort to feel more. Her heart did a little flip flop when he looked up and stared into her eyes, a look of raw passion dissolving all her defenses. "I used to think foreplay was overrated until I met you Maddie," he whispered, smiling against her skin. "But I'm a convert now. Watching you get off turns does amazing things to my stamina."

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The Executioner Maddie pulled his shirt out of his jeans and ripped open the buttons, smoothing her hands over the smoothness of his muscular back. She cried out as he tugged on the end of her breast, sending a jolt of pleasure straight to her core. "Normally I would agree with you Nick," she panted. She placed her hands either side of his head and nudged him upright, reaching for his mouth with hers. "But right now I need you inside me." She kissed him with everything she had; telling him with her mouth exactly what she wanted to be doing right now. He growled, and wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her from the ground and backing her toward the bed. They fell down on to the soft mattress together, their mouths never losing contact. Clothes disappeared as they desperately reached for each other and suddenly he was inside her. She shuddered at the intense pleasure. She needed this. She needed Nick. Her legs wrapped around him as he began to move in her body. He filled her completely, but there was no pain, only a deep pleasure as he rubbed his body against her. The pleasure built and she arched her hips, taking him deeper still and increasing the rhythm. Each time he moved, the pleasure built and Maddie felt herself falling over the edge, releasing the tension as wave after wave swept through her body. Nick gave one last thrust as he followed her with his own climax, his body shuddering as she felt him empty himself inside her. "Maddie…" "I know. I love you too, Nick." He kissed her brow as he gently slid out of her and moved next to her, wrapping his arms around her and nestling her head against his chest. "Then I hope you'll forgive me when I tell you I lied." She lifted her head and poked him in the side with her finger. "You what?" He laughed, and kissed her forehead again. "Nothing bad. I wasn't really worried about your family invading you."

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Maggie Nash "You weren't?" "Nah, I just wanted to get you in my bed." "Lucky for you that's where I wanted to be too." "Oh yeah," he sighed. "It was a lucky day that I met you Maddie, and I'm never going to let you go now. You're stuck with me." Maddie moved quickly and straddled his body, her hands either side of his head as she leaned forward. "Oh yeah? As long as you're good," she laughed. He moved suddenly, reversing their positions, his face close to hers. "I'm always good." Then he showed her just how true that statement was.

****

Three months later… The sun was shining and the temperature was uncharacteristically warm for a Melbourne winter. Leaves floated across the driveway of the chapel in South Yarra and fluttered inside where a large crowd of wedding guests waited for the arrival of the bride. Nick stood at the altar. His brother, Paul, waited beside him as he took a deep breath and smiled at him. The music began and he turned around. Oh shit. The most beautiful bride ever born floated toward him. He didn’t even notice what she was wearing, because he didn’t get past her beautiful face. In her eyes, he could see the love she felt for him shining through. The love he thanked God for every day. How did he get so lucky? This was definitely the right thing to do. It felt so right. Maddie reached his side, and her father gave her hand to his. The touch of skin against skin sent tingles of sensation throughout his whole body, and he felt

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The Executioner his smile widen, if that was at all possible. He leaned close and whispered in her ear. “I love you, Maddie, and I am so ready to spend the rest of my life with you.” She beamed at him and whispered back, “I love you too, Nick, and if you ever mess up again, I’m going to kick your bloody arse!” He threw back his head back and laughed so loud the priest looked alarmed. “It’s okay, Father,” he said. “I hope to continue laughing with my beautiful, funny, and smart-mouthed wife forever on.” The priest smiled and nodded. Everything was as it should be.

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Maggie Nash Thank you for your purchase of The Executioner by Maggie Nash. More stories set in Australia can be found in the anthology Boys Down Under now available at www.AspenMountainPress.com. Stay up to date on contests, drawings and new releases by joining our newsletter: https://app.e2ma.net/app/view:Join/signupId:1400893/acctId:1400720

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