Justice at Dawn

by Valerie Massey Goree

  Meanwhile, Irene glared in their direction and slowly shook her head.

  “She’s giving us the evil eye, probably because she didn’t want him to share those details. I take that to mean they must be true.” Jabbing a stick into the ground, KC grimaced. “How sad that Irene feels justified in killing three, four souls.”

  Cooper scratched his chin. “Hate encourages people to make rash decisions. But I think Irene believes Travis will hurt her with the knife, and in a way, I don’t blame him.”

  “Yeah. Hurting people hurt people. I pray the detail about Vicky only wanting to scare Sadie is true.” KC looked skyward.

  “Amen.” They’d all be better off if one of the aunts had a conscience. “If we’re to believe Travis, then he probably took the batteries from the vehicles.”

  “And maybe disabled the GPS in Sadie’s vehicle. He certainly has a large bag of tricks. What do you think he’s searching for? Irene hushed him in a hurry.”

  “I don’t know, but that’s why he wanted us out of there.” Cooper scanned the area. They were trapped. The exposed driveway and track lay to their right, the cabin ahead, and thick brush to the left. They might be able to change position, but there was no way they could approach the dwelling or head toward the highway. He sank against the tree.

  “Sorry I dumped your backpack in the trunk.” KC rubbed her abdomen. “I could do with a drink, but the thought of food makes me gag.”

  “This whole trip has been one goof after another. Don’t blame yourself. I take full responsibility for our situation. I’m sorry you have to suffer for my blunders.”

  “W. U. T. B.” She turned to him and smiled.

  “What does that mean?”

  “Water under the bridge. We can’t change the past, so let’s focus on what we can do now.” A frown creased her brow. “Why would he say we must speak loudly? Will he try to sleep, or is he leaving?”

  “Good questions. He could get out the bathroom window, and we’d never know it. One thing for sure, we need to be on the lookout for Vicky. She might be at the other cabin with Sadie, or she might head this way.”

  “Whatever, we’re on our own.” She shrugged.

  “Maybe not.” Cooper patted the cell phone in his pocket. “When I was in the treehouse, I sent a text to Gabe about being on Sadie’s trail, and I provided the location of the cabin. It didn’t go through at the time but might have later. I haven’t been in contact with IRO for twenty-four hours. I’m positive Bowen has arranged for someone to look for us.”

  “That’s good news. It’s about time.” Sighing, she brushed dirt off her jeans. “Since it looks like this will be our home for a while, let’s make ourselves comfortable.” KC moved a little closer to him and straightened her legs. “The pain has subsided. Thank You, Lord.”

  If only he could pull her close and snuggle with her head on his shoulder. Soft music in the background, a flickering fire in the hearth. He sighed at the image. “What a pair of agents we are. Both incapacitated, being held hostage by a kid. Sorry, KC. It’s all my fault.”

  “You’re right to a point, but I want to change the subject. Well, not the subject, but the… I’m confusing myself. Let me just come out with it. After prayer and hard-thinking, I’ve reached a decision. I no longer want to be an IRO agent.”

  The words hit Cooper like a freight train. He jerked to face her. “What?”

  “You heard me. I—”

  “Is it because of our present situation? I know I’ve let you down. What can I do to change your mind? You’re one of the most qualified rookies I’ve ever had. No, KC, you can’t do this to me.”

  “Whoa, Coop.” She glared at him. “This has nothing to do with you. I’m making the decision for me. For my future. Sure, as my trainer you’ve been understanding and accepting of my quirks. I appreciate everything you’ve done, but I won’t continue.”

  Slow to recover from what felt like a gut-punch, he huffed air in and out. He had to be the cause of her change of heart. She’d been so enthusiastic, only to quit at the last minute. Here. Now. “I’ve apologized so many times, KC, but I’m sincere. When I agreed to Bowen’s request to locate Sadie, I had no idea it would be more than a routine training mission. I let my guard down on more than one occasion. If anyone quits, it should be me.”

  “I’m not quitting.” Her words were girded with steel. She tensed beside him, and if she were free to move, she would have stormed away. Far away.

  “You’re so close to the end of your training. If you’re not quitting, what do you call it?”

  Arm crossed over her bandaged side, she stared straight ahead. “I’ve never quit anything before. Quitting to me indicates giving up, surrendering. I’m doing no such thing. I’m resigning. During the past twenty-four hours I’ve reevaluated my life goals. There’s a difference in accepting a choice you’ve made, and in changing the trajectory of your life.”

  Powerful words, but they meant little to Cooper. Yeah, she could return to the movie business, but why would she want to be anything but an agent? A job for which she was infinitely qualified. “All right, KC. I see I can’t change your mind.”

  “You don’t get it, Coop.” She looked at him and the heat from her stare tunneled into his soul. “This is not about you. I made this decision for my life.” Her tone brooked no argument.

  He turned away. What happened to their earlier camaraderie, dare he say, closeness? He reviewed the conversation. When had her attitude changed? Ah, yes. When he accused her of making this decision against him. Well, that’s what it felt like. She was deserting him. And the longer they’d been together the more he’d envisioned a future for them, not only as agents, but as a couple. Had he ever spoken of his feelings for her? No, but couldn’t she tell from the way he’d treated her? Her rigid posture next to him stopped that sentiment. As independent as she was, he should have realized she’d brook no interference in personal decisions. He cleared his throat. “I get it. Sometimes it takes a while for words to penetrate my thick skull. You have every right to change your mind.”

  She bristled.

  “I don’t mean…that only women change… I’m getting in deeper and deeper. Tell me why you no longer want to be an agent, and what you’ll do instead. I promise I won’t interrupt.” He rested against the tree and waited. Time to keep his mouth shut.

  After a minute or so during which he thought he’d explode with anticipation, she turned to him, an inscrutable expression on her face. He’d prefer anger or some other emotion he could identify. “When you told me about my birth mother’s cancer, my world came to a halt. I’d pictured myself as a wife, a mother, an agent, and although I tried to act as if all was well, deep down, I knew I had to make changes.”

  The gut-punch hit him again. “I’m so sorry for the way I gave you that information. I was a callous jerk.”

  She didn’t contradict him. “Your bedside manner could use some work. Anyway, none of us knows how long we’ll be on this earth. There’s a good chance my years will be limited. As I said back then, I can’t adopt all the kids I’d always imagined because I don’t want to saddle a husband with children after I’m gone. So instead of adopting, I want to work with kids to make life better for as many as I can. I want to go back to school to get a degree in counseling, and then apply for a position at a place like Riverview Children’s Center.” She nodded her head once as if adding a period to her words.

  “But you could still be an agent.” At least then, he’d get to see her.

  Silent seconds whispered by.

  What a selfish oaf I am.

  “No, Coop. If my health is compromised, I won’t be able to give my all to IRO. An agent in the field and chemo treatments don’t exactly go together. However, as a counselor, I can schedule sessions around future problems…” Her voice trailed as if she ran out of words.

  He had nothing to add. His guilt weighed in his stomach, as heavy as a chunk of lead. How could he have been in her company for so long and yet not under
stand her core being? Of course, she would want to give one hundred percent to any endeavor she tackled. He hung his head and folded his arms. His jacket sleeve rode up exposing his watch.

  Time. They had nothing but time—

  Poking KC’s arm, he said, “It’s six o’clock.”

  “So?”

  “We have to let Travis know we’re still here.”

  “I’ll do more than yell at him. I’m going up there.” She rose to her knees.

  “No, KC. Irene will warn him.”

  “Let her. You can’t tell me what to do. I resigned, remember?” KC struggled to stand and then ventured one step through the brush.

  A sharp retort, and a bullet whizzed over her head.

  Cooper pulled her down as a second shot hit the tree behind them.

  41

  Rubbing the spot on her hip that hit the ground, KC wished she could soothe her bruised ego as effectively. How foolish to disregard Travis’s warning and carelessly disclose their exact location. “Sorry, Coop.” She cupped her mouth and yelled, “We’re here, Travis.”

  “Yes, we are,” Coop added his response before patting the leaves beside him. “Come, KC. We have lots to talk about.”

  Oh, do we ever. She settled near him, making sure to keep a space between them.

  “Don’t try that again.” Travis appeared behind Irene and propped the weapon on her shoulder. “Come seven o’clock, I’ll be out here with my little knife.” He retreated inside leaving Irene on guard.

  So much for KC talking to him about his anger. “Should we move? He knows where we are.”

  “I don’t think so.” Coop cocked his head. “He’s probably known our location all along and could have shot us at any time. I don’t think he wants us dead. He’s toying with us and using Irene as leverage to keep us here.”

  That made sense. Travis already threatened to harm Irene, and if he had a walkie-talkie as he said, he could pass on threats Vicky made toward Sadie and the children.

  She sighed. What was he doing inside the cabin? In the past, KC would have blurted out her questions, but now that she planned to leave IRO, she held back. She just wanted to walk away from the situation, with no lives lost, and her dignity intact.

  Meanwhile, Coop sat in silence. Was he waiting for her to begin the discussion? To be fair, she did owe him a more comprehensive explanation. Basically, she’d wasted his time and IRO’s resources. “OK, Coop. I know I’ve blown it. Will I have to repay IRO?”

  “No. We always have a percentage of trainees who either don’t make the cut or quit. The company absorbs the cost, weighing that against having the best trained personnel possible.”

  Brief and to the point.

  “Do you understand why I’m leaving? Did I make myself clear?”

  “You did. I shouldn’t have doubted you. Your decision was so sudden, is all. It’s not like you dropped any hints along the way.”

  When did she make the decision? Fifteen minutes ago or when he’d told her about her birth mother? Or even earlier? She squinted into the brush, the leaves and twigs blurred. Scenes from the past five weeks flashed in her mind as if presented in a slide show. Everyone featured Coop. His look of astonishment when they first met. Disappointment in her when she disobeyed his directive. The smile that enhanced his handsome face when she excelled in a training session.

  Her heart flipped. KC, when did you fall in love with him? She glanced sideways and quickly turned away. Good thing he couldn’t see her face. Her dream of adopting a houseful of kids always included a husband, but not until recently had that person taken on a living, breathing persona.

  Heat from his leg so close to hers burned through her jeans. To increase the space between them, she crossed one leg over the other, but that didn’t ease the sensation. Whew, she was hot. She fanned her face with her hand.

  Coop had let his guard slip occasionally to indicate he might be interested in her romantically, but no way could she saddle him with another wife who might leave him.

  “Are you all right?” His question squelched her thoughts.

  “Uh, yes.” Keep it together. “Is there anything else you need to know about my decision?”

  “Just to be clear, you’re not leaving because of this botched mission, are you?”

  “Certainly not. From all I read and studied, we followed procedures correctly.”

  “That remains to be seen. There will be a company review of everything that happened.”

  KC pursed her lips. “How were we to know about Vicky’s involvement? And Travis?”

  “I should have been more alert and observant.”

  Short responses. Is that what she could expect until they were rescued? Why not? She’d disappointed Coop and taken advantage of his tolerant nature. “What will happen to me now?”

  “Once we’re back in San Diego, we’ll complete the separation paperwork.”

  A sharp pain stabbed her abdomen. She doubled over.

  “Hey, what’s going on?”

  “My stomach was fine for a while, but it’s acting up again. And I’m hot.” She dabbed at her forehead with the edge of her jacket.

  Coop placed his hand on her brow. “You’re burning up. Your wounds might be infected. I need to take a look.”

  “No, please. If they are, what can you do about it?”

  He pulled himself up and hollered, “Hey Travis, we need water, please. I’ll give you the rifle.”

  “Coop, don’t.”

  “You need hydration. He doesn’t know we still have my pistol.”

  Irene, who’d been sleeping, lifted her head and looked their way. She turned and said something over her shoulder.

  Travis did not appear.

  “He might not be in there.” Coop grabbed the rifle. “I’ll get as close as I can, and if possible, enter the cabin.”

  “Unless Irene alerts Travis.”

  “I have to try.” He struggled to his feet. “And if the kid isn’t in there, I’ll subdue him when he returns.” One step and he stopped. “I’d like to help Irene, but I won’t untie her. She’s proven to be our foe. I’ll move her from the doorway so Travis can’t use her as a shield.” He gave KC a brief smile and stepped through the vegetation.

  Irene hollered, “Don’t come any nearer. Travis’ll be back soon. He never stays gone for long.”

  Sidling to the edge of the porch, Coop asked, “Where is he? I’m getting food and water.” He entered the cabin, and Irene turned and talked to him.

  KC couldn’t hear the conversation. She drew the pistol, balanced it on a sturdy branch, and aimed it in the general vicinity of the door. If she couldn’t hit Travis, at least she might be able to provide cover for Coop. But then the kid would know they had another weapon. Her hand shook so much she abandoned the idea. How could she be burning up and shivering at the same time?

  Clutching a plastic bag, Coop pushed Irene’s chair along the porch.

  “Hey, what are you doing? Travis won’t like it.” Irene dragged her feet. “I hear him whistling. He’s coming.” She yelled, “Travis, Cooper’s on the porch. KC’s all alone. Help.”

  Coop should have gagged the woman. No way could he re-enter the cabin and surprise Travis now. KC wrapped her hand around the pistol, prepared for a surprise visitor of her own.

  A sharp blast shattered the middle living room window, glass shards missing Irene and Coop by inches. She screamed while he hopped down the steps and almost dove into the brush.

  “Are you all right?” KC prodded Coop until he responded with a nod.

  “That was close. I guess Irene alerted Travis because she didn’t want to be accused of aiding and abetting the enemy.” He rested against a tree and blew out a breath.

  “You accomplished two out of three goals. Moved Irene from the door and collected refreshments.”

  “Yeah. But number three would have ended this fiasco.” Coop handed her a bottle of water, an orange, and an energy bar.

  “The night is young. We might yet ha
ve an opportunity to subdue Travis when he tires. If he tires.” Holding the bottle out to Coop, KC said, “Open please, but I don’t want anything to eat.”

  “Sure.” Coop opened two bottles and downed his while KC sipped hers. “You won’t believe what the kid’s done. He’s lifted floorboards in the living room and bedroom. Irene claims she doesn’t know why.”

  Smacking her lips, KC sighed. “That water is so good. Are the holes big enough for him to get through?”

  “Yes. There’s dirt around the holes. Irene seems to think Travis is off his meds and is losing touch with reality. I don’t blame her for being wary of the boy.”

  “All of which could be true. From my work at the children’s center, I remember reading that youngsters with Oppositional Defiant Disorder aren’t usually treated with meds. But Travis could have other issues that require medication.”

  “Or Irene could be lying.” The last of Coop’s orange segments disappeared into his mouth.

  Her chills eased and although refreshing, the liquid did little to relieve her fever. “Thanks for the water, Coop. I’m surprised Travis hasn’t reacted to you moving Irene, and I don’t think she told him you entered the cabin. He would have mentioned that for sure. What do you think he’s up to?”

  “I don’t know. He doesn’t need an escape route, or a hiding place.” Coop opened another bottle of water and unwrapped an energy bar. “You should rest, KC. Are you warm enough? Want my jacket?”

  “I’m all right, thanks, considering…” The ill-will she’d felt toward him earlier evaporated. She sat as close to him as she could, knees bent and head against the tree. Did he scoot an inch nearer? She bit her bottom lip. Why did it matter? After they were rescued—and they would be rescued—she’d leave IRO and probably never see him again. But in their present circumstances, being in close proximity was necessary, and important. And comforting.

  KC forced her thoughts away from Coop and the future she would never have with him. Instead, she focused on Jaxson and his similarity to Travis. Why would the kid pull up floorboards? Was he searching for hidden treasure? She smiled. Whoa, KC. Movie scripts won’t work here. If not, then could he be seeking a final showdown with the authorities? When the cops arrived, he’d be able to sneak under the house. Shoot from various locations yet keep hidden. Even run into the woods. He said he didn’t want to live with either aunt and hated his school, so maybe he wanted to end…