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Guarding Gabi - Kathy Ivan

Page 10

by Special Forces - Operation Alpha


  Now, having met Gabi, he felt like he’d been slumbering and was finally coming awake, coming back to life, and he knew she was the reason. Every thought, every touch made him realize he’d been living half a life, and he wanted more. He wanted happiness and love. Hell, he wanted her. And once this op was over, he intended to pursue Gabi with everything he had—to hell with what her brothers or her father felt about it. They still saw her as a little girl, their baby sister. Dylan saw her as a beautiful, capable, intriguing woman, one he intended to pursue.

  His cell vibrated in his pocket, and he pulled it free, glancing at the caller ID. Wolf.

  “What’s up?”

  “Got some intel on that name you asked about.”

  Dylan straightened imperceptibly in his seat. He’d contacted Wolf a couple of days prior, asking him to do some unofficial digging into Amir. Stefan was a good hacker, but there were still places he couldn’t go, backdoors closed to him. But Navy SEAL Wolf Steele had connections in the government that ran deep, and Dylan had no qualms utilizing every one of them if it meant keeping Gabi safe.

  “Tell me.”

  “I’d have called sooner, but I wanted to hear back from my buddy who works in the State Department. Tried going through official channels, and I got the same runaround Carpenter did. They are definitely stonewalling any release of information. Not sure why. Anyway, Amir doesn’t have a record. His passport is clean, and he has full diplomatic privileges within the United States as a representative of his country.”

  Dylan drew in a deep breath. Dammit, was the man Teflon coated? Every time he got a whiff of scandal, it seemed to slide away without sticking. There had to be something, because according to Gabi and Salem, Amir was a monster.

  “I’m not buying it. Nobody’s that squeaky clean.”

  Wolf chuckled. “Agreed. Which is why I decided to go a different route, and asked my buddy to do a little digging. Unofficially, the State Department is chomping at the bit to take Amir down. His brothers cannot legally enter the U.S. They’ve got a list of infractions a mile long, yet Tarik always comes out smelling like a rose.” Dylan heard the rattle of papers over the phone and waited, knowing Wolf had more info to share. “I did find out Amir is definitely stateside. Flew into New York five days ago. Stayed overnight in an apartment he owns, before flying to—”

  “Lemme guess. New Orleans.”

  “Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner.”

  “Explains the ramped up threats Gabi was getting before we left town.” Dylan lifted his cup, pausing to add, “Though I’d be willing to bet he had people watching her long before the threats ever started.”

  “That’s my theory, too.”

  “I’m waiting to meet with Rafe Boudreau, the county sheriff here. He’s also Gabi’s cousin. He’s put out some feelers around the area, looking into any strangers who’ve shown up in the last couple of days.”

  Dylan continued observing people through the plate-glass window, and spotted Dusty heading into the coffee shop. Probably meant Rafe was finished with his meeting.

  “Thanks for the info, Wolf. Lemme know if you hear anything else. Give Ice my love.” He grinned as he said it, knowing how Wolf felt about his brainy wife. The man adored everything about Caroline, who’d earned the nickname Ice on one of their first encounters.

  “Will do. Take care of Gabi and Salem. I’ll check back in with you in twenty-four hours. If you need us to head to Texas, just say the word.”

  “Thanks. Appreciate the offer, and I might take you up on it if things get ugly.”

  “You got it. Talk to you tomorrow.”

  Dylan slipped the phone into his pocket and tossed the now empty coffee cup in the trash. Deciding it might be a good idea to grab another cup before heading to his meeting with Rafe, he stood in line behind Dusty, who practically grunted under the weight of the two to-go carriers he juggled.

  “Let me grab the door for you.” He nodded his thanks to the barista and picked up his second cup and headed out with Dusty. The sheriff’s office wasn’t very far, and he held open that door too, and followed Dusty back toward the conference room.

  He’d met most of the people already seated around the table, including Rafe, and a couple of other local officers. But one man seated beside Rafe caught his attention. Maybe it was something about his relaxed posture. Maybe it was the way his eyes seemed to take in everything happening in one sweeping glance. Or, maybe it was the Texas Rangers’ badge pinned to his shirt, but something deep inside Dylan took notice.

  “Dylan, glad you’re here. Sorry for the delay.” Rafe ran a hand through his hair in an impatient gesture, before waving a hand at the man who’d caught his attention.

  “I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, Dax Chambers. He had a couple of meetings in Austin yesterday, and stopped by on his way back to San Antonio. I’ve known Dax a long time, and he’s got a mind like a steel trap, and with his connections, I figured he might give us a fresh perspective on dealing with Amir.”

  “Chambers.” Dylan’s impression of the other man rose when he stood and shook his hand.

  “Good to meet you, Mr. Roberts. Sounds like you’ve got a bit of a mess on your hands.”

  Dylan barked out a laugh. “You might say. Appreciate any input you an offer.”

  “I understand you’re working with Samuel Carpenter.” At Dylan’s nod, he continued. “Our paths have crossed a couple of times, when he lived in Dallas. Pretty damned fine set up he’s got.”

  “We’d worked together on a case that crossed over into my backyard, so to speak.” At Dax’s raised brow, he decided to elaborate. “Costa Rica. One of his employees got into a hostage situation, and a couple of Boudreaus came down to aid in the rescue.”

  “Boudreaus?”

  “Cajun ones, not the Texas ones.” Dylan grinned at Rafe’s groan. “Apparently cousins to the sheriff.”

  Dax looked at Rafe. “Didn’t know you had Cajun cousins.”

  “Bro, there are Boudreaus everywhere.” Rafe pointed to a chair on the other side of the table. “Let’s get started.”

  Gabi stumbled into the kitchen, guided by the scent of freshly brewed coffee. She moved on pure instinct. Sleep had been elusive, so she wasn’t functioning on all cylinders. A huge dose of caffeine might give her the energy to open her eyes all the way.

  “Morning, sunshine!”

  Gabi’s hand froze on the handle of her coffee mug and scowled. Nobody should be that cheerful first thing in the morning. “Morning, Aunt Patti.” Even to her own ears, her words sounded growly.

  Her aunt chuckled. “Grab a seat, sugar, and I’ll get you some coffee. Extra strong.”

  Gabi’s shoulders slumped, but she let go of the mug’s handle, and plopped onto the chair at the kitchen table. This was Aunt Patti’s domain, and she definitely didn’t want to cause waves. Not until she’d had at least a cup, or twelve, of coffee.

  “Here you go. Rough night?”

  Instead of answering, she doctored her coffee the way she liked it and took a sip, feeling the warmth begin seeping into her bones. This was one addiction she had no intention of giving up.

  “Couldn’t sleep.”

  Aunt Patti sat across from her, with her own cup of coffee. “Thought I heard you and Dylan come in late last night. Anything you want to talk about?”

  She started to shake her head, but stopped. Aunt Patti was smart, and she’d been like a second mother to her for half her life. If there was anybody who’d give her sound advice without judging—

  “I think I’m falling in love with him. Dylan.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt heat spread into her cheeks. She couldn’t believe she’d just blurted it out.

  “Is that a bad thing?” Aunt Patti didn’t seem shocked or even surprised, though she watched Gabi closely.

  “I—I don’t know. I mean, I’ve only known him for what, a week?”

  An enigmatic smile played across her aunt’s lips. “For some people, a day is long enough to
know what the heart wants.”

  “You?”

  “Uh-huh. People may not believe in love at first sight, but I knew from the moment I met him, he was the man I’d someday marry.”

  “You and Uncle Doug didn’t have a long courtship? I thought you had been dating for a long time before you got serious.”

  “Oh, we dated quite a while, but we both knew how things would end up. We’d end up together.”

  Gabby looked at her aunt like she never seen her before, wondering how she’d never known this about her and Uncle Doug. Though she shouldn’t be surprised. She couldn’t imagine the two of them with anybody else. They fit.

  Even as a little girl, she’d always known Douglas and Patti weren’t like everybody else. She could remember her own mother, before she passed away, remarking on how much love Douglas and Patti had, and how it was a shame they couldn’t have children. At the time, to a little girl, it didn’t make sense, because she knew she had a bunch of cousins who lived with her aunt and uncle. It wasn’t until she was older, and sat down and asked her daddy, she found out every one of her ‘cousins’ was adopted. Troubled youth in the foster system, orphaned boys, and young men who needed the love and guidance a family could provide. They took these boys, desperately needing love, and made them into a family. Gabi found it remarkable and selfless, the generosity and giving spirits these two people possessed. They shared a love for each other and for their family rivaled only by her own.

  “I’ve always admired you and Uncle Douglas, the way you changed all the boys’ lives. They love you so much. Not that I’m surprised. You have always been like a mother to me. After Mama died, I kind of—floundered—but you helped me, more than I’ve ever told you. I love you, Aunt Patti.

  “I love you too, Gabi.” Her aunt brushed away a tear. “You are and have always been a blessing to us.” She reached across and patted Gabi’s hand. “I want you to be happy. To have what I’ve found with Douglas. And I like Dylan.”

  “So you don’t think I’m crazy, falling head over heels, for a man just like my dad?”

  Patti laughed. “I never expected anything less. You are definitely your father’s daughter, and Gator made sure you were raised right. Between him and your brothers, I can’t imagine you falling for anybody who didn’t measure up to their example.”

  “Gator Boudreau is a hard act to follow. He’s always been bigger-than-life. I never expected to find somebody who could measure up. But I think he does.”

  “Baby girl, once this whole mess with Salem is over—and trust me, it will be, one way or another—you grab onto your chance at happiness with both hands and don’t let go. If you love him, fight for him. Forget what everybody else wants or expects from you, and do what’s right for you. Everything else will fall into place.”

  Gabi stood and hugged her aunt. “Thank you.” Refilling her coffee mug, she paused in the doorway. “I think I’m going to pick up some lunch when I head into Shiloh Springs, and take it over to Salem. Might cheer her up. Maybe I’ll pick up something special while I’m there. Daisy’s Diner still have cherry pie? Cherry is Salem’s favorite.”

  “What a good idea, and yes, Daisy does baking on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Call it in and have her put some aside for you, before it’s all gone.”

  “Thank, Aunt Patti. Love you.”

  “Love you too, baby girl.”

  Gabi made her way back upstairs to her room, a smile tugging at her lips. Knowing her aunt approved of Dylan, and could foresee a future for them—priceless.

  She looked up Daisy’s number on her cell and called in an order, deciding on fried chicken with all the fixings and ordered a whole cherry pie, knowing Salem would enjoy the treat. Heading into the shower, she had a spring in her step.

  “Today’s gonna be a good day.”

  14

  Gabi stood behind three people in line at the cash register at Daisy’s Diner, waiting to pick up her order. Salem mentioned she’d been craving sweets the last time Gabi had talked to her, just the day before. Cherry pie was one of Salem’s favorite things, and Gabi intended to spoil her. It wasn’t like she’d gotten a lot of special treatment lately.

  As she moved one step closer to picking up her order, she turned when she heard the door open, checking to see if she needed to skootch forward a little more for the person to get inside. A tall brunette stepped inside, someone Gabi had never seen before.

  She studied the newcomer, noting the expensive clothing and handbag, not something she’d expect to see in small town Texas. It looked more in tune with downtown Dallas, or maybe walking the catwalk at New York Fashion week. But the shoes? Drool almost pooled in her mouth at the site of those five-inch heels. Royal blue with stiletto heels, they were to die for, and she couldn’t help staring. Heck, she might have been raised a tomboy, but she still appreciated a good pair of heels when she saw them, and the ones on the stranger definitely cost a pretty penny.

  Gabi gave the woman a tentative smile when their eyes met, and the other woman returned the friendly gesture.

  “Could you help me, miss?” The woman’s voice held a lovely French accent, something Gabi hadn’t heard since leaving New Orleans. A wave of homesickness swept through her, one she quickly quashed before answering the woman’s question.

  “I’ll try. What can I do for you?”

  “I was wondering if there are any antique stores in the area? I’ve never been to this town before, and decided to stop by on my travels and look around. What is you Americans say—window shopping?”

  Gabi took another step closer to the register, and the woman kept pace, her gaze taking in everything inside the diner. She couldn’t help feeling the diner didn’t quite measure up to this woman’s standards. Haute cuisine wasn’t on the menu at Daisy’s. Good old-fashioned home-style cooking, stick-to-your-ribs meals were the norm, the way the townsfolk liked it.

  “You’re in luck. There’s an antique store a couple of blocks down, right off Main Street. Two blocks up and turn right. It’s a couple of shops from the corner. It’s called Golden Oldies.” She grinned. “Sounds like a music store, but it really more of a collectibles mart and some pieces picked up at estate sales.”

  The other woman nodded, her dark hair with its fashionable cut swinging forward to frame her face. She glanced down at her watch, before again switching her gaze back to meet Gabi’s.

  “Sounds like a good place to start. I’m not really familiar with American stores, or anything Texas really. I had business in Houston yesterday, and another meeting in Dallas later in the week. I decided instead of flying, I’d rent a car and drive across your interesting state, stopping along the way to see if I could discover any unique finds.” She held out her hand to Gabi. “Where are my manners? I’m Jennifer.”

  “Gabi?” Daisy stood behind the register, a cardboard box on the counter. “Your order’s ready.”

  “Great, thanks!” Handing the money to Daisy, she picked up the meal, and turned. Jennifer still stood behind her, an odd expression on her face. “Nice meeting you, Jennifer. Have fun exploring the antique store and Shiloh Springs. It’s a great little town.”

  Walking toward the door, she pushed it open with her hip, and glanced back at Jennifer. Something about the woman seemed a bit off, but she chalked it up to being a fish out of water, a city woman in a small town. Her eyes met Jennifer’s and a chill of unease sent a shiver down her spine. Though the other woman smiled and gave a little wave, Gabi noted the smile didn’t reach her eyes, which were cold as ice and filled with something she couldn’t identify. But all the little hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention, and a sense of unease settled over her.

  Carrying the box over to her borrowed car, she placed it on the floorboard in back to keep it from toppling over, and then climbed behind the wheel. Aunt Patti had loaned her Antonio’s car, since he was in Dallas and didn’t need it, and it gave her some freedom to get around easier, instead of depending on Dylan.

  S
tarting the car, she pulled away from the curb onto Main Street, glancing in the rearview mirror. Jennifer stood on the sidewalk outside Daisy’s Diner, watching her. She gave a visible shudder, trying to shake the feeling there was something off about the other woman. Hell, she’d be gone by later today, heading on to the next small town and the next antique store.

  The scent of fried chicken wafted up from the back, and her stomach rumbled in hunger. Time to head for the cabin and Salem and a big piece of cherry pie.

  Stepping out of the diner and onto the sidewalk outside, the woman watched as Gabi’s car drove down Main Street, before pulling out her cell phone and dialing a programmed number.

  “What have you found?” The icy chill of the voice on the other end brought an equally vicious smile to her lips.

  “Greetings to you too, dear brother.”

  “Are you in Texas?”

  “Of course. I followed the GPS coordinates you provided. They led me to a horrible little town in the middle of nowhere. It’s called Shiloh Springs.”

  Hearing the faint sound of typing, she knew he was searching the internet for information about the Texas town. She shuddered as the hot breeze played against her skin. Who in their right mind would live in such a godforsaken place? It was barely civilized, especially the so-called diner she’d just left.

  “It’s barely a stop on the map I’ve pulled up. How are you planning to locate Gabi Boudreau? She’ll be hidden, attempting to keep me from the woman who carries my heir.” Her brother sounded tense, and she knew his search for his unborn child wore heavy on his nerves. He rarely snapped at her, but over the last few days, he’d been almost unbearable.

 

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