Credible Threat

by Heather Woodhaven

  At the sound of a throat being cleared, Kurt’s hands dropped away and he broke the kiss. Rebecca dropped fully into her seat, well, what was left of it. Delaney stood in front of the still-open driver’s door with her hands on her hips and a smirk on her face. The officers standing next to the SUV chuckled, openly staring, and one let out a hearty “Woot.”

  “If you’re ready,” Delaney said with slow emphasis. “And for future reference, the tinted windows don’t do much good if the door is open.”

  “He was bleeding,” Rebecca said and realized it really didn’t make sense as an excuse.

  Delaney’s smirk evolved into a toothy grin. “If you’re okay, Kurt, we’ve discovered a road that leads to where we believe the shooter waited. One of the officers discovered an electronic box used for an invisible trip wire. The shooter was probably alerted in plenty of time to get into position.”

  The air evaporated from Rebecca’s lungs. Any normal fugitive would never have the resources to electronically secure a hiding spot in the woods.

  “Who is this guy?” Kurt exclaimed. “Why don’t we have his identification yet?”

  “Why would he hide here? Unless it was a test,” Rebecca murmured.

  “Test? What are you talking about?”

  “At the offices, he said he didn’t want to kill me, but I wouldn’t let it go. Maybe he set up the invisible trip wire more as a trap than security.”

  “To see if you’d let it go?” Kurt’s stomach twisted.

  Delaney shook her head. “The officers are about to search the Hummer.” Delaney pointed at Rebecca. “Are you okay if we examine the shooting scene, or do I need to take you back to the hotel while they do?”

  “I think I’m fine.”

  “Why don’t you ride with Delaney?” Kurt’s question sounded more like an order. He kept his gaze straight ahead.

  It felt like a vise around her throat. They’d kissed a moment ago and he was already pushing her away. It was as if she was a human yo-yo. “Yes, that makes sense.” She blinked away the burning sensation of held-back tears. “Since I don’t have a fully functioning seat,” she added. She knew it wasn’t the real reason he suggested she get away from him, but she couldn’t help but try to save face in front of Delaney.

  Delaney’s smile had faded. There was no fooling her, either. “Yeah, that seat isn’t safe,” Delaney said. “I could use the company. Some weirdo stocked the CD player with nothing but classical music.”

  * * *

  He was pretty sure Do not kiss your protectee, especially in front of other law-enforcement peers was probably an unwritten rule in the Marshals service. Kurt followed the blue van through the forested area near the Hummer. Behind, and to the right of the vehicle, was a hidden dirt path that wound up a hill to the cliff area. While it was not wide enough to be a standard road, he felt sure they could make it.

  Delaney drove painstakingly slow, no doubt keeping a sharp eye out for more trip wires. Kurt hated that he hadn’t been observant enough to spot one on the way in. His failure had put Rebecca in harm’s way yet again.

  He’d caught the look of hurt on Rebecca’s face when she’d left the SUV to ride with Delaney. That kiss had made everything so much more difficult. He tried so hard not to wear his heart on his sleeve, but he rarely succeeded. It was part of the reason he worked alone so much of the time. Self-preservation. Which is why he needed Rebecca as far away as possible while close enough that he could still protect her. He was losing his heart, and fast, and if he didn’t reel it back in, she’d take it with her across the country.

  The SUV hopped around the uneven terrain as he followed behind the van until they reached the top of the cliff. Delaney exited the van first, her hand on her weapon. She pointed to the tire tracks heading in the opposite direction down the hill. “Tread makes me think it’s a small ATV. Better call it in and get the police on it.”

  He walked the ledge until he found the perfect spot to view the entire road below. Right beside his foot was a patch of blood. A couple of feet beyond it, the shell of a hollow point, the bullet of choice to go through a windshield, rested in a groove of dirt.

  “You hit him.” Delaney looked over her shoulder, the phone still on her ear. “Yeah, we’re going to need a kit. We’ve got a blood sample.”

  The amount of blood suggested a scratch more than a direct hit. It appeared he’d barely nicked the man. So much for his sharp-shooting days. He didn’t hold on to hope that it had slowed the man down, but at least it had scared him enough to move on after one bullet. “Let the police take the lead on this. Let’s get Rebecca back to town. Is the judge back?”

  Delaney hung up and nodded. “Deputy Marshal Eric Ashton just delivered him to his house. He’s personally overseeing the construction crew. He says windows go back in today before they work on the interior. He’ll also install the alarm and surveillance system.”

  “Good, but I don’t think the judge can stay there. This guy has surprised us at every turn. He beat the system we set up before. I wouldn’t put it past our suspect to kidnap the judge as a way to get to Rebecca.”

  “This whole thing seems pretty extreme to cover up mortgage fraud.”

  He agreed. While the fraud did constitute millions, the lengths the supposed security guard went to just to silence Rebecca surprised him, as well. Was it possible there was more they’d yet to uncover?

  “Let’s go back and coordinate with Ashton to make a new plan.”

  She nodded and went back to the van.

  Rebecca stared out the window as if neither of them existed. And while he wanted to talk to her privately, to help her understand where he was coming from, it would do no good. She would still be leaving soon, and it might be easier on both of them, if she stayed mad. He hopped into the SUV, found the classical radio station and let Chopin accompany him all the way back to the resort.

  Delaney and Rebecca had already made it to the hotel hallway when he joined them. Delaney reached for the doorknob. “Hold up,” he called. He’d forgotten to let Delaney know he’d placed a marker in the hinges. He was trying to be a better leader, but letting other people into his thought process wasn’t second nature yet.

  “I placed a—” He exhaled. The small piece of blue paper he’d stuck in between the door and the frame on the hinge side was on the floor. The paper was the same shade as the carpet, so in the event the door was opened an intruder wouldn’t notice it on the ground when he left. The do-not-disturb sign still hung on the door, so it was unlikely to be housekeeping.

  “Get out.” He took Rebecca’s hand. She squeezed his hand and ran with him toward the exit of the building. Kurt pulled his weapon and scanned the outdoors.

  Delaney had her weapon out, scanning behind them. “What’s going on?”

  “I need you to evacuate the building. I’m taking Rebecca to the off-site location. Tell Deputy Ashton to get the judge and meet us there.”

  Her eyes widened. “What?”

  “Someone’s been in the room. I placed a marker as a precaution after the bomb at Justice Linn’s place. I think we need to utilize our off-site location.”

  “Kurt, are you sure—”

  “Clear this wing of the hotel and call SWAT and ATF to check the room.” He knew Delaney wanted him to give up protection of Rebecca to the police. Rebecca seemed to take a step closer to his arm, as if she was also aware of what Delaney was about to say.

  Delaney resigned herself to a nod. “I’ll guard you until you get back in the vehicle.”

  “Call me the moment they find out what’s in the room.” He swallowed hard. “I hope I’m overreacting.” If not, everyone in the resort was in danger.

  “You and me both,” Delaney answered as she ran toward the resort office to start the evacuation process.

  He let go of Rebecca’s hand. “Stay close behind me.” She placed a hand on his back,
which helped him focus, knowing exactly where she was. He kept his weapon down low until he put Rebecca in the back seat of the SUV. He scanned the roofline and any other venues around him that could be used by a sniper. Nothing. He hopped into the driver’s side.

  “I know it’s an awkward situation, but do I really have to sit in the back seat?”

  Kurt almost groaned. The woman seemed to thrive on conflict, more specifically resolving conflict. Couldn’t they just leave things unsaid and let them fester like normal people? “The windshield has been compromised once. It’s safer for you to be in the back, especially if someone is watching.”

  “Oh. Was that the reason you had me ride with Delaney, as well?”

  He saw the hope in her eyes from the rearview mirror. His gut twisted, but he couldn’t deal with it at the moment. “Can we discuss that later? I need to focus on getting to the boat launch. We can’t have anyone follow us.”

  “That’s what’s been bothering me. There’s no way that guy could’ve beat us from the cliff to the resort and set up a bomb in time.”

  “True. And you’re probably right. I probably overreacted, but after the pipe bomb slipped past our noses and the trip wire...”

  “You don’t want to take any chances with our lives. It was the right call.”

  He didn’t want to mention the story he vividly remembered from his training days. A man in WITSEC had stepped out of the program. The guy had returned home and turned his doorknob. The bomb had made sure he never took another breath.

  Kurt hadn’t realized how on edge he’d been since the pipe bomb incident until now. He had knots in his neck. He prayed he was wrong and nothing came of the hotel marker being moved, but mostly he prayed that the Lord would help them keep everyone safe.

  He pulled into the shared marina that all local law enforcement used. It had the most security. “Come on.”

  “I didn’t know the Marshals had a boat here.”

  He laughed. “That’s the point.” The sheriff boat had big lettering on all sides, but the Marshals preferred to stay under the radar. The philosophy was true about everything they did. They were most effective without the whole world knowing how they worked.

  On any other day, he would’ve relished the chance to take the boat out for a spin. Lake Coeur d’Alene was twenty-five miles long, three miles wide at one point and had over one hundred miles of shoreline. There was so much potential for someone trying to hide, which was why the Marshals owned a boat.

  After a seven-mile drive on the water, far from prying eyes, they would reach a near-invisible boat dock. Nestled on one of the many eastern foothills, it was far from any highway, advantageous for safety. They used it only in the most extreme case, as it was difficult to access and devoid of cell signal. The last time they’d used it was two years ago for a witness about to testify.

  Their soles tapped in rhythm on the wooden pier. The waves slapped against the hull of the boat. A bald eagle cried out as it dove for unseen food. The area served as a migratory spot for the eagles, so it wasn’t an uncommon sight, yet it still took his breath away every time he saw the majestic creatures.

  The breeze carried Rebecca’s curls away from her face. “I love this place. I love the sounds, the sights... I hate that we’re running away from something instead of to something.”

  He stepped over the edge of the boat and took her hand to help her. He steeled himself just in time for the reaction his heart made at her touch. “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  She stepped fully on board and faced him. “I’m saying you were right. We need to be sensitive to what the Lord has for us, but it’s time to make a plan.”

  The way she talked as if they were a couple took him off guard.

  His phone vibrated, but he needed her safe before he answered. He hurried her to the center of the aluminum boat. Like most of their law-enforcement boats, it had a fully sealed cabin where he could drive safely without being in the open. He unlocked the trunk that doubled as seating and pulled out two ballistic vests and two life jackets. “It’s not the most comfortable thing, but I need you to wear both. Ballistic on first.”

  He pulled out his phone. His contact at the FBI had texted him.

  We’ve identified your guy. You’ve got yourself a big problem.

  ELEVEN

  There was very little room to move in the tin box with windows. She bumped into Kurt twice trying to maneuver to the seat next to the radio controls.

  “I need your phone.”

  She handed it to him without question. He placed the phone in a thick, zippered bag similar to the one he’d used when he’d first showed up in her life. Even though she wasn’t supposed to use her phone unless there was an emergency, it had been a small comfort to have it. Without her computer, she had no way of communicating with the outside world. “I thought your IT guy already made sure there was no spyware.”

  “He did, but the situation has changed. We need to take extra precautions.” He cranked the engine and drove like a madman on the choppy waters.

  “You seem more upset than usual.” She had to almost yell. There was not one, but three motors on the back of the boat. If it had been summer and there wasn’t someone intent on taking her life, it might’ve actually been fun. The way Kurt’s jaw muscles were working stressed her out. He had new information, she was sure of it. “What is it?”

  “We now know the identity of the security guard that’s been trying to kill you.”

  “Oh?” His tone suggested the man’s identity had significance. “Is it a name I would recognize?”

  He gave her a sidelong glance, as if trying to decide whether to share the information or not.

  “Information is power,” she said by way of encouragement.

  He smirked. “One you have to use responsibly.” He sighed. “He used to work for a private military in a different country.”

  “Used to?” They passed some floating houses that were occupied only in the summer months.

  “My source says he was equivalent to our Special Forces. The US, on occasion, contracts the private guys, but, according to my friend, the pay is minimal. They’re hungry and not picky about the work, so when we’re done using them...”

  “Mr. Cabell snapped him up?”

  “It appears so. That’s not the problem.” He turned a sharp corner as the wind whipped up some impressive waves. The lake narrowed as they left the tourist zone, as she liked to call it. Inlets covered in evergreen trees jutted into the water until it resembled a winding river.

  “I’m a little afraid to ask.”

  “You should be. I can deal with one former contract soldier. Now that we know who we’re working with, we can outnumber him and beat him at his own techniques. But the FBI got an alert that a group of mercenaries entered the country. They used to work for the same private military. The Bureau had to make sure they weren’t on FBI assignment before letting me know.”

  “You’re not saying they’re coming here, are you?”

  “I’m saying it’s likely they are here, as of today, or they’re arriving right now.”

  The hull crashed through another wave. Her stomach dropped, more from the news than gravity. “They want me dead that badly?”

  He frowned but didn’t reply, which was answer enough. His phone buzzed and he lowered the throttle. He lifted the phone to read it, but she managed to catch a glimpse, as well.

  Tried to call. You must be out of range. Hope this comes through. Bomb disarmed. Attached to light switch. Everyone safe.

  It had to be from Delaney. “The light switch had the bomb?”

  “The light switch would’ve been the trigger. I’ve seen it before, often in meth labs.” He hung his head and exhaled before pressing the throttle back to full speed. “I had hoped I was wrong.”

  “That’s why the guard—the private military guy—was
able to try to shoot us and set the bomb so fast. He assigned someone else to the bomb. How’d they know where we were?”

  “If they have the training and technology that the FBI described, it wouldn’t have mattered that we cleared your phone of spyware. We need to be thankful the mercenaries just arrived, or we likely would’ve been ambushed last night. Let’s get you to safety so I can make that plan. I’m going to demand reinforcements. It might be tricky since officially these military guys don’t exist. For now, I’m going to need you to help keep watch.”

  The next ten minutes passed in tense silence, not counting the buzz of the motors and the slaps the boat made when hitting waves. It seemed surreal. The speed decreased and Kurt made a sudden turn. She lost her balance and fell backward. His arms wrapped around her. The motors died. He cradled her head in his elbow while his other hand caught her lower back. He’d kept her head from hitting the controls.

  “Thank you.”

  His eyes softened. “It was my fault. I almost missed our turn.”

  She lifted her chin to see his face and, for a moment, it almost appeared as if he considered kissing her.

  He pulled her up to standing, a small smile on his face. “You’re not making it easy on me, are you?”

  She blinked, replaying his words in her head. “You mean keeping me safe?”

  He shook his head. “No, that’s not what I mean.” The motor hummed back to life as he gently pressed the throttle. The small inlet opened up when he turned the second corner to reveal a pier, hidden from sight from the main waters. “Welcome to Ambush Alcove.” He raised the trunk lid and grabbed some weapons stashed there. “We have a little hike.”

  “Why do they call it Ambush?”

  “Because hopefully that’s what we’ll be able to do if anyone comes near here. It’s situated like a fortress because once we get to the cabin we can see everything for miles. We can see someone approaching from every direction and we can—”