The Hit Man's Wife

By Joy Ross Davis

The first time Jodie Marshall meets Russell Morgan, he has a gun pointed at her head. In a twist of fate, Russell claims her as his one true love. And even though Jodie loves him, she asks herself one question. How can I let a government hit man take over my life? Will she allow it or will she close the door on him forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: World Castle Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Nov 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958336823

Book preview

Chapter 1

Jodie Marshall sat at her laptop, an old one resting on a battered desk she’d found at a garage sale for thirty dollars and positioned it squarely in front of the double windows in the living room. With a click of her mouse, she resized a photo she’d taken earlier on her old Nikon. When she finished, she added the letters GIM after her signature. As she worked, she tapped her foot and swayed to the beat of Otis Redding’s These Arms of Mine.

Working part-time as a photographer didn’t give her much income, but it helped pay the bills.

At twenty-eight, she longed to be independent, but for now, she was doing the best she could. The medical bills were piling up; the mortgage had to be paid, water and electric, most of them past due.

Her parents had both been killed in a tragic accident, so she had been on her own since she was fourteen. And even though her parents had left her $25,000, the money went fast: room and board, photography classes at a local community college, and a used camera with a telescoping lens. When she’d found an ad for a photographer in Haden, she applied for the job and moved into a small rental house within walking distance.

Nine years ago, she had big plans for her life, none of which had worked out.

She concentrated on her latest photo, adjusted the brightness and contrast, saved it in her documents, and emailed a copy to her other boss, Mr. J. L Fleming of Fleming’s Professional Photography. She loved this job. It was one she could do at home and it gave her another source of income. Income was the key. She needed money.

She’d sent the email and removed her earbuds when someone knocked on her door. Just a minute, she called softly.

Barefoot, wearing soft faded jeans and an old but too-tight t-shirt, she gathered her long white/blonde hair into a scrunchy, straightened it a bit, and carefully lifted herself out of the chair. Since she refused to use her cane, she limped over to the door.

Yes? she asked as she opened it.

The tall, handsome man standing outside brushed at his dark suit coat and then removed his sunglasses. Hello, Jodie, he said in a deep voice in an accent neither American or Irish, but something in between. May I come in?

No, Russell. There’s nothing here for you, she said and trembled. As she tried to close the door, the big man put his hand out and stopped it.

Please, there are things I need to explain. Let me come in for a few minutes.

Or what? You’ll break the door down and force your way in? You’ll overpower this little me with your muscles and your big bad boy strength?

"I’d never force you to do anything. You should know that. Please, I won’t take up much of your time, but there are things I need to say. Please, look at me."

She raised her head and looked up at him and into his striking green eyes. Then she stepped back and opened the door. All right, she said, but you’ll understand if nothing you say affects me in any way.

All I ask is that you hear me out.

Jodie let him in, not thinking about the blue box wrapped in gold, a gift he’d sent her long ago. Russell picked it up and examined it with concern. Did you never open this? he asked as he put the box back on the shelf.

I opened it, but I never used the money inside, she said and wiped a tear from her cheek.

Why not?

Because I wasn’t your whore, Russell.

No, you weren’t. Whores don’t make that kind of money. You should have used it. You could buy yourself some furniture.

Don’t push me.

Sorry, he said and patted an empty spot beside him on the sofa. Please sit down.

She limped forward and plopped down on the sofa, and folded her arms across a full bosom.

Okay, here I am. What’s so important?

He shifted in his seat. Why are you limping? What’s happened?

Jodie laughed before she said, Nothing has happened. Sprained ankle, I guess. Is it too warm in here? Georgia summers. My old AC just can’t keep up with them. I’ll be right back.She adjusted the thermostat and returned. Now, where were we? Oh, wait. The drapes are open, and all that hot sun is streaming through the picture window. I’ll close them. That should help.

I’ll get them. Just keep your seat.Russell closed the drapes.Better? Now that you’re more comfortable, I have something for you.

Look, Jodie said as she fanned herself. I don’t want your money. Keep it.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small box. I’ve come to beg your forgiveness, he said. The truth is that I can’t get you out of my mind. I’ve told myself over and over you’d never forgive me for leaving the way I did.

That’s true, she said just as a timer went off in the kitchen. Let me just check on that. She got up again and limped into the kitchen. She took something out of the full sink and set it aside. Then she went back to the sofa.

And after two weeks, you disappeared, she said as she came back. That’s what you did.

I did, yes. I left you without so much as a word of where I’d be going or what I’d be doing. He leaned forward and propped his elbows on his knees. But Jodie, I couldn’t tell you. You’d have been in danger. I couldn’t let anything happen to you.

Is this a confession? Jodie asked and blotted another tear. If it is, then you’ve come to the wrong place. The church is down the street.

Russell sat back and rubbed his forehead. It’s partly a confession, but I’ve come here to do two things. One is to explain why I left and where I’ve been. The other is to ask you to marry me. He opened the box and revealed a stunning gold band with an enormous diamond solitaire in the center.

Jodie laughed out loud, then covered her mouth to soften the sound. Oh, please. Get out, Russell, she said in a louder voice and forced herself off the sofa. Leave me alone and go away. We had two weeks of beautiful days and nights, and then, when I woke on, what was it—the fifteenth day?—you were gone. That was a year ago, and I haven’t heard from you since, so the answer is no, an unequivocal no as in N.O., she said as she backed away from him.

Please, sit down and let me show you this, he said as he wiped his brow. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a packet of papers. This is the mortgage to this house. Paid off. And this is the amount of money you have in your bank account as of an hour ago. Russell showed her a receipt for a deposit of $25,000. And this is your new savings account, he said as he showed a paper with her name on it and a deposit of $50,000.

Go to the window and take a look outside. Russell waited for a smile as she saw the two new cars outside, one red, one blue.

One of those is yours, whichever you want. The other I’ll keep for myself.

What are you doing, Russell? she asked and balled her fists, trying to buy your way back into my heart?

I’m trying desperately to show you that I love you. I want you to marry me. I want to take care of you. My life isn’t complete without you in it. It’s the simple truth.

Jodie stared at him, winced, and dropped into a nearby chair.

Please, Jodie. I’ve loved you from the moment we met. I’m begging your forgiveness and asking you to be my wife, he said as he put the papers back into his pocket.

This is nonsense, all of it. Besides, I love someone else. Oh, and when you disappeared, you left a little something behind. She limped over to the sofa table. I see you have a new pair, but a second one always comes in handy, she said and tossed him a pair of sunglasses. You know where the door is.

Okay, he said and stood. I’ll go, but I’ll be back tomorrow.

Don’t bother. I’ll be working tomorrow, she said, sweat dripping down her back.

Well, then, I’ll make sure to come by after you get off work. I have something I need to show you. And by the way, you can quit your job, he said and straightened his coat. Whether you like it or not, the money is real."

Jodie yelled and poked him in the chest. You can’t come in here after a year and think you can re-order everything in my life! I owe you nothing. Nothing! And I certainly won’t be your whore. So, keep your money and get out, Russell.

She stood holding the door open. When he came near, she kept her eyes trained on the floor.

Look at me, Jodie, he said.

She looked up and took in his 6’4 frame and broad shoulders. Those shoulders. Those mighty shoulders. All right, she said. I’m looking."

He planted a kiss on the top of her head. I’m serious. I’ll keep coming back until you realize you still love me as much as I love you. I’ll keep coming back until you agree to marry me.

Yes? And then what? You’ll disappear again? Tears rolled down her cheeks.

He wiped away her tears with his thumbs, and then he put his hands on her shoulders. No, I will never do that to you again.

That’s exactly right. You’ll not get a second chance to break me, Russell.

He moved a stray strand of blonde hair from her face. I want a second chance to prove I love you.

Jodie moved away from him. I don’t want you, and I don’t need you, Russell. Do I have to call the police to get you out of my house?

Russell opened the blue box and took out the contents. Then he slapped it into her hand and leaned down close to her, his face even with hers. He gritted his teeth. You were never my whore, Jodie, he spat, his green eyes ablaze with fury, his finger poking her chest. Understand? I loved you then, and I love you now.

Get out, she said and slammed the door.

As soon as he was gone, Jodie steeled herself. In one hand, she fisted the wad of cash from the box. With the other, she wiped away the tears that had spilled onto her cheeks. When the baby cried, she put the money back in the box and went to him.

I’m coming, little love, she said and sat down on the end of her bed. Come here. She lifted the three-month-old out of his bed and winced at the pain it caused in her hip. Mama’s got you, she said, as she positioned him carefully then tested a bit of formula on her wrist. Everything’s going to be okay. Mama’s right here with you.

Chapter 2

The next morning, Dr. Russell Morgan, a computer technologist and whiz at developing new tech programs for certain private businesses, sat at his desk, still fuming from his encounter with Jodie Marshall. Her use of the word whore had thrown him. He spent the evening calling in favors from old friends, giving each one a specific task and instructions to text or e-mail him.

He’d barely slept, so he grabbed a cup of strong hot coffee and opened his laptop, charging his phone as he did. Several emails waited for him, but first, he searched Mercy Hospital, the only hospital in the tiny town of Haden, Georgia, blistering hot in the summer and barely cool in winter. He couldn’t understand how people lived here. In his native Ireland, the clime suited him much better. He missed his homeland.

But he had no time to waste thinking about it. He had work to do. As angry as he was about yesterday’s whore comment, he tried to put it aside and concentrate on the task at hand. His mission, in spite of his rage, was still the same. He wanted to marry Jodie. He had to convince her that he still loved her. He knew it would take a miracle, but during his disappearance, he’d thought of no one but her. And when he’d finished that job, he came back to the States to find her and get her back in his life.

She’d be safe with him now. No worries about foreign agents trying to find her to kill her to seek revenge for what he’d done. He found the phone number and called Mercy Hospital.

My name is Dr. Russell Morgan, he said to the woman who answered.

Yes, Dr. Morgan. You must be new here.

I am, yes, and I need a bit of help.

What can I do for you?

I have a new patient, but I don’t have medical records for her. Could you check to see if she has been at Mercy during the last year?

Sure, I can check for you, the woman said. The name?

Joanna Marshall.

Give me a moment, she said. Oh yes, she said as she shuffled through some papers. She was a patient here a few months ago.

Would you perhaps give me the prognosis for my notes?

Of course, just give me your hospital code.

Russell shifted in his chair. I’m new here and haven’t been assigned a code.

I see, she said and took a deep breath. I’m sorry, Sir. Without your code, I can’t give out any information, but if you’d come by tomorrow, your supervising physician can get your code quickly.

Yes, I’ll come by tomorrow. Thank you.

He was as good a liar as he was a marksman, a professional requirement for the last eighteen years of his life. At thirty-eight, he’d hoped to be rid of the need to lie to nearly everyone, but his new job required even more of those expert skills.

Russell called a number on his phone, gave the details, and waited for a text. When his phone rang, he answered quickly. Were you able to get into their computer? he asked.

Easy, the man responded.

Thank God for small towns, Russell said. Send me everything.

It’s a big file. I’ll shoot you an email.

When his laptop dinged, he checked his email, opened the file, and found her right there in front of him. Joanna (Jodie) Marshall, patient number 45378. Attending physicians: Dr. R. Scott, Dr. H. Barstow, Dr. J. Halloran.

Three doctors? he whispered to himself. Why did she need three attending doctors for a limp? Russell called the man he’d just talked to. Did you see this file?

Yep, your girl’s been in some serious medical trouble, my friend. Be sure to read the whole thing.

Thanks a lot, Chin.

No problem. Took me all of two minutes to hack their system. I spent the rest of the time scanning the info. Still have a copy of the medical dictionary?

Yep, Russell said and hung up.

He sat on the sofa with his laptop and a soda, then spent the next few hours going over Jodie’s medical reports.

Pelvic fracture. Clean, surgery required.

The limp.

Critical blood loss. Four transfusions.

My God, he whispered.

But it was the last page that stopped him cold.

Emergency C-Section. Placenta Previa. Delivered: Baby boy 10 pounds, 2 ounces.

Russell flipped through his medical dictionary until he found the term.

Placenta previa can cause severe bleeding during pregnancy and delivery. Severe, life-threatening vaginal bleeding (hemorrhage) can occur during labor, delivery, or in the first few hours after delivery. Pre-term birth. Severe bleeding may prompt an emergency C-section before baby is full term. Survival rate for mother and baby 3 out of 10.

He focused on one term: life-threatening. Survival rate: 3 out of 10.

I should have been there for you, Jodie, he whispered to no one. I should have been there, he said and kicked over the garbage bin.

Her words played in his mind. When you disappeared, you left something behind. He got up, paced, and ran a hand through his dark hair. She wasn’t talking about the damned sunglasses! You idiot, he yelled. Not the sunglasses. You left her pregnant, and she nearly died having your baby.

Russell slammed his fist on his desk, crushed an empty soda can, and then threw it against the wall. You stupid, stupid, irresponsible jerk! he yelled. No wonder she hates you!

Then his phone rang.

What is it? he asked, his voice louder than he intended.

Hey, what’s up? Are you okay?

Fine. You? He rubbed his hand while he talked.

Thought you might want to know Jodie’s had some company this morning, Harry said.

What kind of company? Russell opened the fridge and got out a bottle of orange juice.

I’m assuming it was a neighbor. Stayed an hour or so, then left. Are you going over there?

Later, he said and took a swallow of the juice. I have some things to pick up first. Did all of you read the medical report?"

We did.

He slumped into a chair and rubbed his temples.

We know what you know. That’s the way we work, remember? We’re a team. A better question might be what are you going to do about it?

She hates me, threw me out of her house, told me she didn’t want to be my whore. He downed the rest of his juice and threw the empty plastic bottle against the wall.

Your what? Harry almost choked on a cough.

My whore. She doesn’t want to be my whore.

Why would she say that? He asked and cleared his throat.

I sent her a gift, a blue box with sixteen thousand dollars inside. She doesn’t make much money, so I thought it might be helpful.

Well, that’s a good thing, isn’t it?

At the time, I thought I was doing the right things. I paid off the mortgage to her house and filled up her bank accounts. I wanted to help her. Today, I opened the blue box, but it was still full of money. She hadn’t used any of it, he said as he paced the floor.

Listen, Russell, you have some serious work to do, the most serious work you’ve ever had to do. I hate to mention it, but you’re not listed on the birth certificate. It says ‘Father Unknown.’ Look, I’m no expert, he said and cleared his throat again. I think she hates you for leaving her, but let her rant and rave. Let her punch you a couple of times.

Punch me? I hadn’t thought of that.

Sure, she’s angry, very angry. She needs to vent that anger.

I can do that, he said and opened another bottle of juice.

You could start by filling up her house with baby furniture and formula, buying her a new camera and computer. That’s the easy part.

I told you. She won’t even allow me inside!

Oh, please, you can get inside anyone’s house. It’s part of what you do, remember? And you certainly know how to treat a woman. You’ve dealt with plenty of them. You can do this.

She’s not just a woman. It broke my heart to hear her call herself my whore. Tore me up, he said as he crushed and threw another empty can at the wall.

Then get to work. Make her life easier. If you love Jodie as you say you do, then do something about it. The hard part is going to be convincing her that you’re not going to cut and run again.

And how will I do that?

Oh, I think you know how. You have to give her something you can’t buy in a store.

I’ve already done that, Harry. She has my baby. I left her pregnant, and she almost died. So, I don’t see how I can fix this.

You can’t break someone’s heart if they don’t love you. Jodie’s angry and afraid, but I think she still loves you. Besides, she threw you out, didn’t she?

Oh, yes. She didn’t want me around. He threw the empty juice bottle in the garbage can.

Well, there’s your answer.

Chapter 3

After he’d showered and changed clothes, Russell left the hotel and stopped at a cellphone company where he bought two new phones. He stopped at a baby store and bought diapers, wiping cloths, a few once-piece outfits the clerk showed him, and assorted items that came highly recommended for new mothers.

On his next stop, he went to an electronics store where he found exactly what he wanted: a brand new DSLR camera with film cards for storage and a new telescoping zoom lens. But before he got into his car, he noticed the furniture store right next-door. He bought a baby bed, a dresser with a changing station, a high chair, a baby car seat, a portable baby rocking seat, and several other items recommended by the clerk, all to be delivered tonight.

Sir, I forgot one thing, the clerk said. Do you have formula? We have cases of the newest baby formula. It’s considered one of the best on the market, and it’s doctor approved.

I’ll take a case, Russell said, just put it with everything else.

For extra money, speedy delivery was an option he liked. With a car full of baby supplies, he headed toward Jodie’s house. With his phone in its holder in the car, he voice-dialed a number.

Hey, Harry. It’s me again. Can you get a few of the chaps together for a moving job? I bought some things for Jodie and the baby. I need help unloading. Meet me there in an hour if you can.

Well, that’s a good first step. Traffic’s a bit heavy, so we’ll be there when we can.

She’s in a bad way physically, financially. The baby, though I didn’t see him, is listed as healthy. She needs help, but she’d never ask for it.

"We talked about that, Russell. Let it go. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something. By the way, does Jodie know why you left? Does she know you didn’t have a choice?"

I tried to explain she would have been in great danger, but by that time, she wasn’t listening. She thought everything I told her was a lie.

She’ll get over it, Russell.

Maybe, but I have to do something to help her and the baby. I have to, he said as he turned the corner. It is the very least I can do for them."

Does she know that you know about her condition and about the baby?

No, of course not, Russell said as he neared her house.

Meet you there in a bit.

When he drove into the driveway, a van pulled in behind him. To his utter surprise, the moving van pulled onto the side of the curb. He got out of the car and waved at the driver.

You’re early, he called. Great!

He walked over to the van, reached into his pocket, and handed the driver and his helper two one-hundred-dollar bills. I appreciate it, chaps.

Russell walked to the front door and knocked several times.

A woman opened the door, someone he’d never seen before. She was tall and thin with long dark hair and a pretty face. Yes?

Hello. I’m Dr. Russell Morgan. I’ve come to bring some things for Jodie and the baby.

Jodie hasn’t mentioned you to me, and I’ve never seen you in our neighborhood, she said and parked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. She’s in a long session of physical therapy.

She didn’t know I was coming. It’s a surprise for her birthday.

Her birthday? the woman asked and wiped her hands on the apron.

Yes, it’s tomorrow.

The woman opened the door and put a hand on her forehead. Oh, my. You’re right. Her birthday. I’d forgotten. I’ll need to get her something.

How about this? Russell handed her a simple but humorous birthday card in a blue envelope. I picked it up on my way here.

It’s perfect. She’ll get a laugh out of it.

Then he handed her three twenty-dollar bills. Maybe you could take her to get hamburgers or something. Or Chinese food. Does she still love chicken fried rice?

The woman smiled and stepped aside. She does, yes. My name is Jayne Oglesby. I live next-door.

Russell noticed her jeans and t-shirt, the tennis shoes, but most of all, the sallow look of her face. She was obviously tired. Nice to meet you, Jayne. And thank you for helping Jodie. She needs help.

Yes, yes, she does. She puts on a good show, but she’s lost weight, she’s too pale, she barely eats. She thinks only about Rusty. She loves that child. I’ve tried to talk to her, the doctors have talked to her, but no one can get through to her.

I’ll give it a shot, but she’s angry at me, so she won’t listen.

Why is she angry? She’s never said anything.

"I’m the baby’s father, but I left her a year ago and never contacted her. I didn’t know she was pregnant, but then, I never called to check. Until yesterday, I hadn’t seen or talked to her in a year. So, by rights, she should hate me."

She won’t hate you for long, Russell, Jayne said and patted his arm. I’ve wondered about who fathered Rusty. Now, I know. It’s strange, though, Jodie’s never mentioned you to me. Odd.

She’s never mentioned me at all?

Not a single time, and I didn’t have the courage to ask. It was her business, not mine. I hated the fact the little fella’s birth certificate lists ‘Father Unknown.’

She hates me for abandoning her.

Oh, Russell, Jayne said, Jodie’s heart is spilling over with love to give. Did you know she won’t kill a bug? Instead, she gets it into a cup and sets it free outside, even spiders.

She does. I’ve seen it myself.

I’m sorry, please come in. I’ve been yammering while you’re standing there holding a box. Come in. Come in.

Okay, chaps, Russell called behind him, move out. There’s work to do. And Jayne, you can supervise, tell us where to put things.

Well, there are three bedrooms, tiny rooms, but we’ll take the biggest one right across the hall from Jodie’s room. Let’s start there. Oh, I know, she said. We can use that one as the baby’s bedroom. Then we’ll use the one next to it for storage.

All the baby furniture is white to match Jodie’s bed. Do you think that’s okay?

Sure, it’s perfect.