Stranded With Ella

by Shelley Munro

  “Let’s find this kiwi.” Dillon hesitated, his heart overruling his head for once. He wasn’t sure how Connor would take his suggestion. “Connor, I understand you guys want evidence, but it would be less stressful for the bird if we let it go in its own territory. Could we take photos instead?”

  Connor scrambled downward a fraction and jumped the rest of the way to the ground. “That’s what I was thinking. We have two workers under arrest. We’ve got Hana’s photos, and we’ll have footage from Reese Markham’s property. I’ve got my phone.” Connor snapped a photo of the disarmed camera.

  After noting the direction the camera pointed, they separated to search for the trapped kiwi.

  “It’s here,” Dillon said, indicating a fallen tree. He stood aside while Connor took photos. “Once the details get out to the public everyone will be searching for this kiwi.”

  “Yeah, I’m not sure how to get around that.”

  “Ella might have suggestions since she works at the sanctuary.”

  “I’ll give the director a call once we’re done here.” Connor squatted to take a photo of the white kiwi.

  With the approaching day, the bird had huddled in a ball, and it reminded Dillon of the white hat his grandmother used to wear to christenings and weddings when he was a kid.

  “I have enough photos for evidence,” Connor said. “You can let it out of the trap.”

  Dillon propped open the door and stood out of the way. When nothing happened, he moved behind the trap. The kiwi unfurled and shot out of the confined area. Dillon got a glimpse of furry white feathers, strong claws and a black beak before the bird scuttled into a clump of green ferns and disappeared.

  “Did you get a photo?” Dillon demanded. “Ella will be interested.”

  Connor tapped on his phone. “I did.” The pleasure faded from his face. “Let’s get this bastard. Show me the way to Reese’s farm.”

  Dillon led the way through the bush, going faster than they had because they didn’t need to dodge cameras or step carefully because of the dark.

  When the farm came into view, a police helicopter stood near the big silver barn and uniformed policemen swarmed through the yard.

  “Did you get him?” Connor demanded of the first uniform they neared.

  “We did.” Satisfaction rang in the policewoman’s tone. “They’ve already arrested him and flown him out.”

  Dillon spotted Nikolai and headed in that direction. A curse exploded from his mouth when Ella appeared beside him, distinctive with her pink hair.

  “What are you doing here?” He didn’t give her a chance to reply, turning to Nikolai with anger surging through his body. “Why did you bring her here?”

  “She threatened to follow on her own. I figured it was safer if I could keep an eye on her.” Nikolai glanced at Dillon. “I warned her you’d spank her for disobedience.”

  Dillon eyed Ella. He raised his brows and color seeped into her cheeks before she shifted her focus from him. Point made. He turned back to Nikolai. “Is this guy responsible for Hana’s death?”

  “No one has mentioned that. They’re too busy photographing the scene and collecting evidence. There are a few birds in the shed.”

  “Native?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is it safe for me to peek?” Ella asked. “What happened to the kiwi?”

  Dillon lowered his voice. “We decided it was better to let it go. Less stress for the bird and it could return to its own territory.”

  “Good. That’s good. Was it truly a white one?”

  “Yeah, Connor took photos. He said he’d send them to you.”

  “Wow! We thought Manukura was the only white kiwi. Everyone at work will be excited.” She cocked her head and studied the cages. “I wonder if Connor will let me release these birds?”

  Dillon placed a hand on her shoulder and pulled her against his side. “Let’s ask him.”

  Half an hour later, after Connor and his team had photographed the contents of the shed and the different birds, he, Ella, Connor, and Nikolai carried a bird cage each. Dillon toted a pair of kokako with their distinctive bright blue wattles while Ella had a kaka, the ear-piercing shrieks of the parrot informing everyone he’d had enough of captivity.

  “The birds are healthy enough. At least they cared for them,” Ella said, her gaze darting from cage to cage. “I don’t know how they caught the riflemen. They’re so tiny and shy.”

  “Ella, will this be far enough away from the buildings?” Connor asked.

  “Let’s walk as far as those trees.” She pointed to the group of four trees ahead of them.

  “You first, Ella,” Dillon said. “Your kaka is giving me a headache.”

  “And if you keep glaring like that, we’ll suspect Ella is giving you a headache,” Nikolai said.

  Dillon bit his tongue, aware that he deserved every one of Nikolai’s comments since he and Josh had given Nikolai such a hard time when he’d hooked up with Summer. In truth, they’d given their sister headaches before she’d left Eketahuna for the big bad of Auckland. Summer had grown a backbone to thwart them and decided on Nikolai, who was a decent bloke. Nikolai treated Summer well, and their love and respect showed in their intimate smiles and surreptitious caresses. That earned his brother-in-law a pass.

  Ella set down the cage and opened the door. The parrot hopped toward the open gap and peered out. He strutted from the cage, flapped his wings and took off. Dillon caught the flash of scarlet beneath the bird’s green wings before the parrot disappeared over the hill.

  They released the other birds, one cage at a time. The tiny riflemen headed straight for the branches of the closest trees while the kokako followed the path of the kaka. The pigeon, or kereru, took off with a laborious flap of wings. For an instant Dillon wondered if the bird would make it, such was the effort it expended. But finally, the heavy bird flew toward the reserve, the whop-whop-whop of its wings audible long after it disappeared from sight.

  “Do you need us for anything else?” Nikolai asked Connor. “Statements or anything like that?”

  “We will be busy here for a while,” Connor said. “Why don’t you come to the police station tomorrow morning? We’ll take your statements then.”

  Dillon nodded agreement. “We’ll be there.”

  “Summer will be glad to cuddle me,” Nikolai said. “I’ll get to sleep in a bed tonight with my sexy wife instead of on your uncomfortable couch.”

  Dillon ignored him and turned to Ella. “You can go home now. The guys that broke into your place are in custody.”

  Ella blinked once. “All right. I’m due back at work the day after tomorrow. I take it we’re walking? Shall we go?” She strode off and powered up the hill with long strides.

  Nikolai cuffed him over the head. “Numskull.”

  “What? What did you do that for?”

  “Ella likes you. I have no idea why, but she does. Ask her to stay with you.”

  “I’m heading back to Afghanistan next week. They contacted me this morning and told me they want me back.”

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  “I’m telling you now.” Dillon followed Ella, and Nikolai fell into step with him. “It will be at least six months before I’m home in New Zealand again. Anything could happen.”

  “Did you talk to Ella about it? Ask her what she wanted to do?”

  “No.”

  “Fool.” Nikolai shot him a look. “Women like us to ask for their opinions. Something I’ve learned from your sister.”

  “Not talking about it,” Dillon snapped. “Ring Summer and tell her to meet you and Ella at the road. I’ll give you a lift there.”

  Of all the stupid, pigheaded men. Ella stomped up the hill, fast enough to make her muscles burn. She’d presumed he’d wanted her with him, that she’d made progress and they sat on the same page. A mistake on her part.

  Idiot.

  She wouldn’t make the same one again.

  If Dillon Williams didn
’t want her in his life. Fine. She’d move on without the angst and complications that came with the grumpy man.

  Ella reached the hill summit and took the most direct route to Dillon’s house. The sooner she packed her bag and left, the faster she could reach the haven of her home. Then, and only then, she could shout and scream and stick pins in a Dillon-type figure.

  And if the ghost made an appearance—Hana—Ella would direct her to Dillon because she was done with this. From what Connor had told her when she’d had a quick word, it sounded as if they’d helped to catch the people responsible for Hana’s murder. Didn’t that mean Hana could move on to wherever ghosts hung out once they’d settled their affairs?

  Whatever.

  She was done.

  13 – Dillon Makes A Mistake

  Ella hadn’t spoken to him since they’d left the neighbor’s place. Dillon shot her a side glance and noticed her set features, her tight jaw. Her don’t-mess-with-me vibe.

  He let out a sigh, every part of him wanting to go to her.

  He didn’t.

  Not wise, for one. Soon he’d be back in the thick of war.

  It wasn’t fair to expect Ella to wait for him. So many contingencies he couldn’t control.

  “Are you sure this is how you want things to end?” Nikolai asked in a low voice. “I was an idiot with your sister. It took me ages to realize it was better for us to be together than apart. And it pissed me off when she dated someone else. You don’t want that Dillon. Your expression when you watch the woman gives you away. Last night didn’t sound like a couple who should separate.”

  “Butt out,” Dillon said with a growl. “It’s none of your business.”

  Nikolai raised his hands in surrender. “Don’t mind me. When are you flying out to Afghanistan?”

  “Wednesday,” Dillon said. “My cover injured himself during a night recon.”

  Nikolai nodded, but Dillon could tell he had a lot more to say. To his credit, he took Dillon’s warning to heart and didn’t verbalize more of his opinion. With an uncertain future, it was best if Ella moved on without him. The dart of pain to his chest, the echo in his mind took him by surprise. A grunt emerged, earning a questioning glance from Nikolai. Dillon ignored the silent offer to listen to whatever was going through his head. Instead, he kept walking.

  When they arrived back at Dillon’s house, Ella stomped to his bedroom. The thumps and bangs hinted at her temper. Guilt made Dillon steer clear. This woman—this spitfire of a woman with her pink hair and attitude had gotten to him and that silent acknowledgement upped his remorse. Upped his irritation.

  “I’ve called Summer. She’s coming to collect us in half an hour,” Nikolai said. “You coming with us?”

  Dillon shook his head. “I need to do a few things before I take off on Wednesday. When are you and Summer flying back to Auckland?”

  “Monday afternoon.”

  “I’ll come and visit before you leave. I have to speak with Dad about looking after Rufus and my alpacas, anyway. Connor wants to take our statements tomorrow morning.”

  “I’m ready.” Ella lifted her chin in a sassy show of defiance.

  Dillon watched her, taking in everything and committing it to memory. Her pink hair. Her curvy figure. Yes, it was the right thing to do—let her go—but it still hurt like a bitch. Much more than he expected, given their short acquaintance.

  Dillon gave Nikola and Ella a lift to the landslide.

  Nikolai lifted his hand in farewell. “Catch you tomorrow.”

  Ella walked away without another word. Sorrow sliced through Dillon’s gut yet again as he drove back to his house. Sex always fucked up everything.

  * * * * *

  Ella tossed and turned until the bedcovers twisted into impossible knots. Finally, she flopped onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She’d wondered if nerves and fear might hit after the break-in but the emotion that roiled through her reeked of anger. Bloody Dillon Williams. That bearded, bad-tempered behemoth had crept into her heart. He’d stolen it the second she’d let down her guard.

  The louse.

  At least something good had come from this debacle. They’d helped to stop a poaching ring and it looked as if they might’ve discovered the truth about Hana’s death. Silver linings. The sex had been good. A break in a dry spell was never a bad move. Yep. Silver linings.

  “Ella. Ella. Ella.”

  The air took on an icy coolness that pebbled goose bumps across her arms.

  “Go away,” Ella snapped and closed her eyes.

  “Ella.”

  This time the voice sounded the same but different. Different enough to arouse her curiosity.

  A petite woman with long, loose black hair stood in the middle of her bedroom. She wore jeans, a pink T-shirt and a denim jacket embroidered with pink roses. A pair of stout boots completed her outfit. Somehow, despite the darkness in her bedroom, Ella spotted her without difficulty. She’d been a stunning woman. One perfect for Dillon.

  “Hana?” Ella croaked.

  The woman smiled. “Yes.”

  “Why are you here? Those were the men who killed you.”

  “Yes.” Hana lost her smile. “They intended to scare me. That’s all. I remember falling. I must’ve hit my head.”

  “Doesn’t matter if it was an accident or not. They should’ve come forward and confessed.”

  “They were frightened. Please tell Connor.”

  “I will.” Ella frowned and sat. She propped her pillows against the headboard for comfort. “What happens now? To you, I mean.”

  Hana frowned. “I haven’t finished here. You and Dillon—”

  “Stop right there,” Ella snapped. “There is no Dillon for me. He’s an arrogant, bossy jerk, and I don’t want him in my life. Go away. Bother Dillon and leave me out of this. He’s leaving soon. Returning to Afghanistan.”

  “I thought… The two of you are perfect for each other. He radiates happiness when he spends time with you. You give him something I couldn’t.” Hana frowned and faded until she was no longer visible.

  The chilliness lifted from her bedroom. Ella rearranged her pillows and closed her eyes. Perhaps now she could sleep.

  * * * * *

  Dillon arrived at his parents’ place not long after seven and before it was fully light. His mother was in the kitchen and the scent of pancakes filled the air. He took a seat at the kitchen table where he’d eaten meals as a child.

  “You walked? Why didn’t you ring? Steven could’ve met you.”

  Dillon shrugged. “It didn’t take long.” The truth, it had given him time to decide he’d made the right decision. Hana had died because he hadn’t been there for her. Ella had almost died too because of the poaching mess. It was much better if he returned to Afghanistan and did his job. Let Ella move on. Hana too.

  “Nikolai said you’re returning to Afghanistan.”

  His mother was watching him with an eagle eye—the one she’d used when they were kids and suspected they’d been up to mischief. Mostly she’d been right, but not this time.

  “Yeah.”

  “You’ll want us to look after your stock.”

  “If you can. If not, I’ll arrange for someone else to take care of them. It’s not as easy with the blocked road.”

  “We’ll do it. Gives your father something to do. The warmer weather will arrive soon. We’ll bring Rufus home and check on your alpacas every second day. Cliff will be happy to help if we need to go away for some reason.”

  “Thanks, Mum.”

  “You’re welcome. Summer said there was something between you and Ella.”

  Dillon waited for a beat while he dealt with his temper. “Summer has a big mouth, and in this case, she has no idea what she’s talking about. Ella is a nice girl. We’re friends. That’s all.”

  His mother pulled a face. “Nice. Oh, dear.”

  Dillon took the less is more approach. Always better with his mother. He shrugged. “We’re expected at the police stati
on to give a statement.”

  “Nikolai and Summer told us. A terrible business. Poor Hana. At least, we have a better idea of what happened to her and why. Are you sure you need to go back to Afghanistan? I know you miss Hana. I—”

  And there went his mother again. “Mum, someone needs to keep an eye on Josh. Besides, I signed up for this.”

  A harsh sigh rippled from his mother. “I worry,” she said simply. “One son is bad enough but two plus a son-in-law in the same business.”

  Dillon grinned. Only his mother could reduce war to a work-like matter. “What’s for breakfast? Can I do anything to help?”

  “Set the table for me.”

  Dillon stood and made quick work of the task he’d undertaken since he was five. Nikolai and Summer arrived, his brother-in-law cradling their son. His father appeared carrying two bottles of milk and the newspaper.

  “Ah, a full house,” he said. “I understand you have to report to the police station this morning.”

  Talk turned to the poaching.

  “Rumors are already floating around the town,” his father said. “I never added to them, but the speculation made for interesting eavesdropping.”

  “We suspect the poaching has been going on for a while,” Summer said.

  “It pisses me off that it was happening under my nose,” Dillon said.

  “I should’ve noticed something,” his father said. “I didn’t. Neither did the cops who investigated Hana’s murder.”

  “Hopefully, we’ll learn more soon. I hated suspecting someone in the district might’ve been responsible for Hana’s death. I loved that girl,” his mother said. “I’d hoped for more grandchildren.”

  “Make do with one grandson,” Dillon said in a firm voice. “You want more, you guilt Summer and Nikolai.” He almost laughed at the expressions on Summer’s and Nikolai’s faces. His humor died a fast death when he spotted Hana standing in the kitchen. She wore faded jeans, a Groot T-shirt and her favorite denim jacket.

  “Brrrr! It’s chilly all of a sudden,” his mother said.

  Dillon continued to gape at Hana.