by Dani Pettrey
Gabby added a silent prayer for Tess and her unborn son. And for Finn and his double loss.
Biting into her chicken breast, she tried to shift her focus off the heartache and onto the here and now. The meat was cooked just right—charred by the fire and lathered with vinegar-based Carolina barbecue sauce.
The meal progressed to making s’mores with roasted marshmallows and telling both funny and heartwarming stories about Sam before everyone, one by one, said good night and headed home.
Caleb offered to see Rissi to her house, but she assured him that, while she was thankful for the offer, she was good. Disappointment creased Caleb’s brow, but he simply nodded and headed for his car.
Suddenly Gabby realized it was just her and Finn remaining, along with the constant heat emanating between them.
“Want to go for a walk?” He gestured to the beach stretching out before them.
“Okay,” she said, against her better judgment.
He walked on the ocean side of her, the surf foam tickling her feet as they stepped in and out of the high tide—the waterline nearly reaching up to the dunes.
Moonlight rippled along the surf, skimming across the ocean’s surface. She took a deep breath of the fresh air and gazed up at the nearly full moon.
“Wanna keep walking, or are you ready to head back?” he asked, hope filling his eyes that they’d keep going.
She hated to disappoint him, but . . . “We should probably head back. It’s been a long day.”
“Totally understand.” He shuffled his feet in the sand. “When Noah called about the attempt on your life it . . .” He paused to take a deep breath. “It . . . jarred me.”
“You and me both.” It was the second time in less than a year that someone had tried to kill her. Thankfulness for God’s provision and protection swelled through her.
“No,” Finn said, hitching to a halt.
She stopped, facing him, nervous about what he might say but curious to hear it.
He reached for her hand, and without thinking, she placed it in his. His hand was warm as he intertwined their fingers.
It took him a moment to find his words, but he finally spoke. “I mean it jarred me to the core.” He stepped closer, closing the small gap between them. With his free hand, he cupped her face, and while she knew she ought to pull away she couldn’t seem to move—rooted in place by his consuming touch.
He caressed her cheek, the pads of his fingertips sending tingles spreading through her limbs.
His lips parted. “The thought of losing you . . .” He swallowed. “I couldn’t breathe,” he whispered before pressing his soft lips to hers. Ah, she remembered how good it felt to be held by him. He deepened the kiss, and she melted into it.
As the kiss intensified, his fingers spread through her hair.
Somehow the kiss eventually ended, though in her dizzy state she couldn’t remember how. They walked back to his property hand-in-hand, and after a soft kiss, she entered the loft, said good night, and shut the door behind her. She leaned against the wall, her knees nearly buckling.
What had she just done?
Rage flared hot beneath his skin. The fools had called the number he’d set in place to be used in only the direst circumstances. At least he’d learned of it through the line of communication he’d secured.
As he paced the small space, heat flared hotter, breaking a sweat on his forehead. “No loose ends. Do. You. Understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I want them in and out like ghosts,” he said, his voice harsh.
“Yes, sir.”
He disconnected the call, still gripping the phone, his knuckles whitening.
Cricking his neck, he headed to his bed. He’d find sleep tonight, but those who’d let him down wouldn’t.
Finn stretched out on his bed, his hands tucked beneath his head, though he’d much rather be cradling Gabby’s. Her hair was soft . . . silky beneath his touch. Their kiss had been light at first, his lips brushing over hers, and then it deepened.
He inhaled, releasing it in a stream. He looked at the empty white pillow beside him, wishing her head were there, her hair splayed around her beautiful face. Wished she was his in marriage. Yet that seemed so far from a reality that it squeezed his chest—choking the breath from his lungs.
The moonlight shone through the upper windowpane, a cool breeze sweeping through the lower screen. The air was growing heavy—the sign of another storm rolling in.
He turned onto his side, scrunching the pillow beneath his head. Layla jumped up beside him, her tail wagging. She rolled around on the bed until she got comfortable. Within minutes, she was snoring, but he feared it might be another sleepless night for him.
———
Finn shot up in bed, sweat drenching his skin.
The clock read 3:57.
He rubbed his brow.
When had he fallen asleep?
He stood, heading for the kitchen and a glass of sweet tea. Leaning back against the counter, he swallowed a cool sip, the chill spreading through his lungs.
He took another, then set the red Solo cup down. He’d lost two friends yesterday, one in front of his eyes. And there’d been nothing he could do to stop it.
twenty-five
His board secure in his hold, Finn paddled over the cresting surf to where the tide was swelling into a sweet, curling row of waves. While keeping a protective eye on Gabby, which he didn’t mind in the least, he hadn’t expected to have the opportunity to surf, but Noah had dropped by to see his sister, who hadn’t come out of the loft yet. He said he’d wait around for her, so Finn had taken the opportunity to hit the waves.
Thanks to the string of storms brewing off the coast, the sea was a churning vortex of killer barrels to surf through—just what he needed.
He reached the calm point where stillness resided between the swells. It was the perfect spot—quiet, and yet adrenaline and anticipation pulsed through him.
His thoughts flashed to Gabby, to the feel of her in his arms. He swallowed, focusing back on the wave cresting above him. Picking the line he’d take, he paddled up into its belly. His soul soared as he rode through the tube, carving out as it dissipated.
He shook his head, water flicking off his hair as he headed for shore. He was so tuned in, he hadn’t even noticed another surfer at his three o’ clock. She glided effortlessly over the arch of the swell and down along its foaming and bubbling surface before riding it in to shore. Was that . . . ?
Gabby.
He’d never seen her surf before, hadn’t known she could. He’d thought about asking if she wanted to head out with him for a lesson, but he hadn’t wanted to risk waking her after the long day and late night.
The sun cast into his eyes, making her a beautiful, curvy silhouette in its bright glare.
She shifted out of the sun’s direct rays, and he could see her fully.
Her dark hair was down, wet along her shoulders. No makeup covered her radiant skin. She looked fresh and natural—the short-sleeve rash guard accentuating her womanly figure. He swallowed as her long legs glistened in the morning’s rays, sand covering her calves, her toes squishing into the billowy caramel shore.
She shifted her stance, the sun spilling over the slope of her right shoulder and back into Finn’s eyes. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I didn’t know you surfed.”
Her fingers curled around her Billabong board.
“Where’d you get the board?” She certainly hadn’t brought it with her.
“It’s Kenzie’s. Noah brought it this morning.”
“But where . . . ?”
“ . . . did I learn how to surf?”
“Yeah.”
“There is surfing off Maryland’s shores. Granted not the best, but it’s there and a good place to get a foundation while we were growing up in Annapolis. Then I picked up more through my travels—South Africa, primarily.”
She’d covered a lot of stories acr
oss the world. He could only imagine the places she’d been.
“You’re good,” he said.
“Thanks.” She tilted her head with a smile. “You’re pretty good yourself. You grew up surfing in Melbourne, right?”
“Yeah.” He hadn’t realized she’d paid attention to where he’d grown up—at least for the first fourteen years of his life. Right up until life imploded.
“I got to surf Bells Beach in Victoria once.”
“You never told me you have been to Australia.”
She shrugged. “It never came up.”
He liked the surprise.
“Noah left for the competition when I headed out to surf. He told me not to make you late for work, so I better grab a shower. What time do you want to leave?”
He narrowed his eyes. She willingly agreed to go into the office with him? Even if it had been decided last night, her going without a fight was far from the norm. Rather, he believed the woman lived to vex him.
“Earth to Finn . . .” She waved her hand in front of him.
“Right. How soon can you be ready?”
“Fifteen. Twenty-five, if I grab breakfast.”
“Take your time. I’ll make breakfast.”
“Great. I worked up a good appetite.”
He watched her cut a swath across his lawn, her bare feet skimming along the grass. Man, she was a sight to behold.
Finn glanced at Gabby in the passenger seat beside him. She’d chatted during breakfast and was relaxed as they drove into work. He’d half anticipated she would withdraw after their kiss last night. They’d need to talk about it at some point, but for now he just wanted to hold her hand. He reached toward her, sliding his fingers between hers, caressing her silky skin.
She bit her bottom lip, and her hold tensed.
He knew it was coming, but he wasn’t going to be the one to bring it up.
“I’m sorry,” she began, sliding her hand out of his, leaving it cold. “I’m so sorry. I . . .”
He swallowed. He had no intention of arguing. “I understand.”
She pulled her bottom lip into her mouth, then released it, her shiny lip gloss still on.
He gripped the steering wheel, not wanting his disappointment to show. She wasn’t ready, wasn’t in the same place as him, despite the kiss.
“It’s not fair to you for me not to make up my mind.” She swallowed. “To kiss you when I’ll be leaving again.” She turned to look out her window.
He focused on the road, letting the subject drop, like his heart. He’d tried before to reach that part of her that cared about him romantically, but in the end, she’d left. He wasn’t interested in round two—not if he was setting himself up for the same brutal ending.
She remained silent the rest of the ride, nibbling on her bottom lip, her arms linked over her chest.
Arriving, he cut the ignition, got out, and opened her door for her.
“Thanks,” she said. So much emotion welled in her eyes. Why couldn’t she let a little spill out?
Quite pleased at being first to the office, Finn unlocked the office door, switched on the light, and turned off the security system.
Gabby set her bag on her brother’s desk, feeling like the biggest jerk in the world. What was wrong with her? Giving in to her feelings for Finn meant being vulnerable and ultimately having to give up the job she loved in Raleigh. The former had sent her packing to Raleigh in the first place, and now she had the latter to consider as well.
She cared about Finn. A lot. She just wasn’t ready to be back in that place again. She’d fallen hard over the winter. And against her hopes, it hadn’t eased up. Her heart was still attached to his.
She sank down into Noah’s chair.
Who was she kidding?
She was in love with the guy.
She exhaled, so many words dancing on the tip of her tongue. Just tell him.
She stood, ready to say . . . what, exactly? That she was wrong to pull back, that her heart screamed to jump in fully?
Fear held her back. Fear her heart would get broken again. But Finn was nothing like Asim. Why was it so hard to wrap her head around that?
Finn stood from his desk. “I’m going to let Hal know he can go.”
“Hal?”
“The night guard. I’m surprised he hasn’t checked on our entry.”
“Gotcha. I’ll go make some coffee.” She stood and moved for the small kitchen.
Finn nodded and disappeared down the hall. She’d barely slipped a clean filter into the basket when he came tearing into the room, his gun drawn.
“What’s wrong?” she asked as he pulled her close and moved her behind him.
“They’re dead,” he whispered close against her ear.
“What? Who?”
“Hal and the drug runners. I need to clear the office.”
She kept in step with him, leaning against the wall just behind his shoulder before they rounded the corner.
She grabbed her purse as they stepped past Noah’s desk, retrieving her Springfield 9mm. “I’ll help.”
Finn arched a brow but didn’t ask.
The steel cool in her palm, she helped him clear the office.
“Where’d you get a gun?” he asked, slipping his into the back of his pants.
“I bought it years ago.”
“I didn’t even know you knew how to shoot.”
“Please. With an older brother like Noah? He taught me and Kenz before we’d even graduated high school.”
The front door opened, and Gabby aimed her gun at it as Finn retrieved his.
Emmalyne entered and hitched midstep.
“Sorry,” Finn said, returning his gun to his back waistband.
Gabby lowered hers and slipped it into her purse. She always carried it with her, except the night of the gala. That little sequined clutch had nearly ended her life.
Emmalyne didn’t move. Her gaze fixed on Finn. “What’s going on?”
“They’re dead.”
“Who?”
“Hal and the prisoners.” Finn lifted his phone.
Emmalyne’s round eyes widened. “What?”
“I need to alert the rest of the team,” Finn said, dialing and excusing himself.
Five minutes later, he returned to her and Emmalyne. “Caleb is nearly here. But I had to leave messages for Logan, Rissi, and Noah.”
“Rissi and Noah are at the competition in Topsail,” Gabby said. “Where’s Logan?”
Emmy leaned against the edge of her desk. “It’s his day off, and he’s on a deep-water fishing expedition. Most likely out of cell range for the day.”
“What happened?” Caleb asked, striding in, his shoulders rigid.
“Hal’s dead in the hallway, and the drug runners are dead in their cells.”
“How?”
“No clue how they got in here, but it looks like a professional hit. All with a single shot to the head. And the weird part is . . . the way the bodies are lying, it almost looks like they all lined up at their cell doors and . . .”
“Just took it?” Caleb’s brown eyes narrowed.
“I don’t know.” Finn shook his head. “I’m basing it off my first glance at the crime scene. I’ll know more after I determine the bullets’ trajectory, study the blood splatter, etc., but that’s what it looks like.”
“Was the security system on when you came in?” Caleb asked.
Finn nodded. “Yes.”
Caleb released a heavy exhale. “That makes this even more frightening.”
“I agree. They either knew the code, which is a terrible possibility, or they figured out a way to bypass it.”
Caleb raked a hand over his cropped hair—quite similar to Noah’s, except for the tinge of blond. “I’m hoping the latter,” he said, pushing off the desk he’d been leaning against and moving around to sit at his desk. “I’ll get started on the video footage.”
“I’ll help.” Emmy moved to Caleb’s side. “Two pairs of eyes are always be
tter than one.”
“Agreed,” Finn said. “I’ll put a call in to the ME’s office before I start processing the bodies. Then I’ll do a full sweep of the office. Maybe we’ll get lucky and find a fingerprint on the security system, the door handle, the windows . . .”
“Need any help?” Gabby asked.
“Sure,” he said. “I never turn down an extra pair of hands. Unless you feel it might be too upsetting.”
Too upsetting? This crime scene couldn’t possibly be worse than some of the atrocities she’d witnessed in South Sudan.
twenty-six
Rissi’s heart raced as she settled into her waist harness, spreading her kite out in front of her in the water. The wind was perfect and should fill the kites quickly once the race started.
“You and me, Dawson,” Travis said, wading farther out against the oncoming tide.
“Don’t count me out,” Noah called.
The three were frontrunners for bragging rights and the coveted challenge trophy.
At the starting horn, the wind quickly caught her kite. It billowed and lifted. Her board skimmed over the restless seventy-degree surf. Spurts of water streaked over her toes, tickling them as she glided over the ocean’s surface on her kiteboard.
She caught a glimpse of dolphins off to her nine. Their fins arched above the waterline, then dipped below as they swam alongside the competitors.
Pulling on the right string, Rissi shifted to grab the best stream of air, gliding in front of Noah.
“Let’s see what you got,” he said with a playful smile.
Her board rushing over the cresting waves powered by the kite’s tug was nothing short of the best adrenaline rush she’d ever experienced.
Glancing over her shoulder at Travis falling farther behind both her and Noah, she smiled. It would be so satisfying to beat him and his obnoxious attitude.
