Explosive Force

by Lynette Eason

  She sighed. “I’ve never been a star reporter.” She shrugged at his frown. “Yes, I’m good at my job. Yes, I can write an excellent article. And yes, I can be like a bulldog with a bone. But I’m not cutthroat. I won’t step on someone else to get to that next rung on the reporting ladder. So...what does that make me?”

  “Admirable,” he whispered.

  “But John Robinson,” she said as though he hadn’t spoken, “now, there’s a man who’ll go behind your back and do whatever it takes to get a story. No matter the consequences or the fallout.”

  “He’s a jerk.”

  “Yes, he is. But he also gets the job done. So, is that what I need to be? A jerk?”

  “No.” He clasped her hand. “Please don’t even go there.”

  She sighed and blinked. “I’m sorry. I’m thinking out loud.” She paused. “You don’t think Robinson hates me enough to blow up my house, do you? You don’t think he would be so desperate to keep me out of the loop on not only the training center bombing, but the Red Rose Killer story, that he’d do something like this to throw me off?”

  Nick threaded his fingers around hers. “I don’t know, but you shouldn’t jump to conclusions until you talk to him. Does he even have any experience handling explosives?”

  His touch grounded her. Centered her. Made her very aware of him. “As far as I know, he doesn’t have any background dealing with explosives. Then again, I guess if someone’s desperate enough, it’s not hard to find out what you need to know. He’s been awfully territorial. I mean, you saw him at church—and then after my house blew up. He’ll do anything to get a story. I think I need to talk to him.”

  “Look, Heidi, you’re a good reporter with good instincts. But don’t let your emotions start getting in the way. Get the facts before you act.”

  Heidi drew in a deep breath. “Of course. You’re right.”

  “Why don’t you get a good night’s sleep and we’ll take care of whatever needs to be taken care of in the morning? For now, I think you need to relax and take some time to regroup.”

  She nodded. “I think that’s a good idea.”

  He stood and pulled her up. For a moment, she simply stared into his eyes, thought he might say something else, but then he cleared his throat and took a step back. “Good night, Heidi.”

  “Good night, Nick.”

  In her bedroom, she drew in a deep breath. Somehow she’d ignored the spark of attraction that had flared when she’d stood in front of him in the living room. She had other things that needed her focus. Not chasing a romance with a man who was so gun-shy around reporters. She pulled her small recorder from her pocket and spoke in detail the conversation she’d overheard. Then with more reluctance than bravado, she grabbed her phone and dialed John’s number.

  “Hello? Robinson here.”

  “Did you blow up my house?”

  “Did I what? Heidi? What are you talking about?”

  “Did you blow up my house? Are you so threatened by me that you want to get rid of me? To kill me?”

  For a moment silence echoed back at her. “You’re a piece of work, Heidi. I know we’re rivals, but for you to accuse me of that is really low. Especially for you.”

  He sounded so sincere that guilt immediately flooded her. She swallowed. “I’m...I’m sorry, John. I didn’t want to ask. I just figure I need to cover all my bases.”

  “Well, you don’t have to worry about me being the one trying to kill you.” He gave a short huff. “I’ll admit to being willing to profit from all the trouble you’re having, but I’m not the one instigating it.”

  “Wow. Thanks.”

  “Hey, it’s just the way it is.” He paused. “But no, I’m not trying to kill you.”

  “Well, I appreciate that. I’m...sorry I practically accused you of doing so. I know how false accusations can hurt.”

  “Exactly.” He paused. “You wouldn’t want to give me an interview, would you?”

  She laughed. “Good night, Robinson. I’ll see you around.”

  So, if it wasn’t John, it had to be the guy she’d seen at the training center. She picked up the recorder and worked out her thoughts on the machine. It always helped to go back and listen and make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything when she worked on a piece.

  A light knock interrupted her. She opened the door to find Nick standing there, a speculative gleam in his eyes. She raised a brow. “What?”

  He set a glass of water and some ibuprofen on her dresser. “Just in case.”

  “Ah. Yes, that’s a good idea. Thanks.”

  “Night again.”

  “Night.”

  He turned, paused and turned back. “Heidi?”

  “Yes?”

  “I couldn’t help overhearing your apology to Robinson.”

  She flushed. “I suppose you think I should have waited to confront him in person.”

  “I don’t think it matters. Were you wrong? You don’t think he was involved in blowing up your home?”

  “It sure sounded like that on the phone. I wouldn’t mind having concrete proof, but if I were to go with my gut, I’d say he wasn’t involved.”

  “And you apologized.”

  “Of course. I try to do that when I make a mistake.”

  He shook his head. “If I hadn’t seen it, I don’t know that I would have believed it.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Thanks.”

  “No, I need to be thanking you. It was refreshing. I needed to see that—as a reminder that everyone is different and deserves to be judged based on who they are, not based on preconceived notions. Like you said in the car before you slammed the door in my face.” She winced and he smiled. “I deserved it.”

  “Sorry about that. I kind of lost my temper a bit.”

  “I understand.” He drew in a deep breath. “Anyway, thanks. Say, I figure you have tomorrow off since I doubt anyone is going to expect you to work after losing your home. Would you like me to take you into town to shop for some things?”

  “I was going to ask Felicity if she wanted to go with me, but I know she has to work tomorrow.”

  “So, is that a yes?”

  She nodded. “It is if it won’t inconvenience you any.”

  “It won’t. Maybe getting off the base will help.”

  She frowned. “Do you think it’s safe?”

  “As safe as staying here.”

  “That’s not a very good argument.”

  “True. I’ll watch out for you. We can watch each other’s backs.”

  “All right, sounds good.”

  “Perfect. Good night.”

  He left and she carried the water and medicine to the end table. She shut the door and got ready for bed, feeling safe in the home of the man who seemed to want to hold her at arm’s length and pull her close—all at the same time. She sighed and decided not to get too comfortable. As she’d learned the hard way, feeling safe didn’t mean she was.

  * * *

  Nick took a sip of the coffee his grandfather had made and thought about what he’d accidentally overheard. Heidi had actually apologized to Robinson. Since when did reporters apologize? Especially ones who were as competitive as those two. He had a feeling if the shoe was on the other foot, Robinson wouldn’t have had the gumption to do the same as Heidi. The reporter who’d covered his mother’s death sure hadn’t. But Heidi had. To someone she didn’t even like, no less.

  Nick had to admit, it said a lot about her character. She hadn’t known he was listening—albeit unintentionally. When he’d realized she was on the phone, he’d started to walk away, but stopped when he heard her say Robinson’s name. He’d been ready to offer his comfort if Robinson lit into her, but it had sounded as if they’d had a civil conversation. Not exactly friendly, but at least she hadn’t become upset and hadn’t needed his interven
tion. A strong woman, she could take care of herself.

  Except when someone was blowing up her house.

  “You okay, son?”

  His grandfather stood in the doorway, dressed in his pajamas and long robe with matching slippers. “I’m okay. You look dapper.”

  “Have to dress a little better when we have company.”

  “We don’t have company often.”

  “Exactly. Now, what’s eating at you?”

  Nick raised a brow. “What do you think?”

  Gramps laughed. “Yeah, I thought so.”

  “I don’t know what to do about her.”

  “Take it one day at a time.”

  “Hmm.” He sighed. “I have to admit that I’m worried someone’s going to succeed in killing her before I find who it is.”

  His grandfather slipped into the chair next to him. “I would say that’s a real problem.”

  He met the older man’s eyes. “How do I take care of her, Gramps?”

  “Don’t know what else you can do short of taking her off base and hiding her away somewhere.”

  “An idea I’ve thought of, but doubt she’ll go for.” He paused. “She’s getting to me.”

  “I know.”

  Of course he did. “I overheard her apologize to someone just now. A reporter. Apologizing. It struck me.”

  “Right in the heart?”

  “Something like that.”

  “You’ve wanted an apology from a reporter ever since your mother died and they printed that ridiculous story.”

  “I guess you’re right. And hearing hers...well, I think it just healed something deep inside me.”

  “You need to tell her that.”

  Nick smiled. “I will.”

  His grandfather stood and bid him good-night, then disappeared down the hall to his bedroom.

  Sitting at the table in the quiet with only a soft glow coming from the light over the sink, Nick considered the next steps in the investigation. They’d confirmed the training center explosion was deliberate. Residue identified it as C-4. Easily set off with a timer.

  “Which explains why he was in such a hurry to get away from the training center,” he muttered.

  It was obvious the man in the hoodie was after Heidi and pretty determined to shut her up for good. Although, Nick had to wonder what purpose it would serve to kill her now. She’d already talked to OSI and Security Forces and told them everything.

  Then again, he supposed it would help if Heidi weren’t on the base to accidentally run into the man she could identify. Which, if that was the concern, meant he was on the base frequently. Or lived on it.

  There’d been no word from Justin on the progress being made in checking the visitor logs, but Nick knew that was like looking for the proverbial needle in the haystack. He sighed. And running it around in his head all night wasn’t going to help matters. But one thing did concern him. Did the person who wanted Heidi dead know she was staying with him and his grandfather? He couldn’t help thinking about that possibility.

  Nick rose and glanced out the window to see a Security Forces vehicle stationed in front of his home. He knew there was another one at the back.

  He took a weapon from his safe, then stepped out onto the front porch. With a wave to the airman in the car, he started his trek around the perimeter of his home.

  Nothing caught his attention. There were no moving shadows that made him jump, no mysterious sounds that he needed to investigate. All was still.

  Back inside his home, he locked up, then checked all the windows. Still unable to relax—and knowing he wouldn’t sleep if he tried—he kept the gun with him and stretched out on the couch, ready to defend his home and protect the woman he was growing to care about way too much.

  NINE

  Shopping with Nick had seemed like a good idea last night. Unfortunately, in the light of day, Heidi’s indecision weighed on her, leaving her embarrassed that Nick had to see her at her worst. Indecisive and incredibly picky.

  She finally stomped out of the last store, crossed the street and found a booth in the small café. He followed at a brisk trot and handed her the two bags he’d so chivalrously carried for her. “Hold on to these. I’ll be right back.”

  Fortunately, since it was two in the afternoon, the café’s busy lunchtime rush was over and only a few stragglers remained. When he returned, he set in front of her a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a caramel drizzle. He’d gotten himself the same, along with a cinnamon roll that he set in between them. “Let’s eat.”

  She blew out a breath and couldn’t help the smile that wanted to curve her lips. “Thanks. I’m sorry I’m such a lunatic when it comes to shopping. I’m just so particular and I loved my wardrobe. Before it was incinerated, anyway.”

  “It’s okay. Shopping for clothes can be hard.”

  “And I don’t really need that much. Not with wearing a uniform every day.”

  “I get it.”

  “And I’m not used to shopping with a guy. You make me nervous.”

  He slid around to sit beside her. She’d chosen a corner booth for a multitude of reasons. The most important one being it was away from windows and doors and she didn’t have to worry about someone shooting her in the back. “I don’t want to make you nervous,” he said as he scooted closer.

  She cleared her throat. “Ah. Well, that’s not helping.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you’re a little close.” And he smelled really, really good.

  “I like being close to you,” he said softly.

  “You do?” The squeak those words came out on could not belong to her.

  “I do. You’ve gotten under my skin, Heidi Jenks, and I’m really not sure what to do about it.”

  “I...um...hope you’re not asking me for advice, because I’m really not sure what to—”

  His lips cut off her words. She froze, unsure what to do. Then instinct took over and she closed her eyes, lifted her hand to cup his cheek and let the lovely sensation of being kissed by Nick Donovan wash over her.

  When he lifted his head, the tender expression in his eyes was nearly her undoing. “Well, I suppose that’s one thing to do when someone’s under your skin,” she whispered.

  He grinned. Then shook his head. “Like I said, I like you, Heidi. A lot. And I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

  “Why? Because I’m a reporter?”

  “No, you pretty much opened my eyes on that one. I’m not worried about your motives or that you’re only out for a story. I’ve seen your heart. You’re very good at what you do and you put others first. It’s obvious you care and that’s why people respond so well to you.”

  Tears welled before she could stop them. One dripped down onto her cheek and he swiped it away with a thumb. “Thank you for that,” she whispered. “I needed to hear it. I need someone to believe that I’m not the anonymous blogger and that I have integrity. I mean, I know it, and usually, that’s enough. But this time, I think I just need others to see it, too, I guess. Which is probably stupid.”

  “It’s not stupid,” he said. “It’s human.”

  She smiled. “I’m definitely human. With all of the shortcomings and failures that come with it, but I’m trying to rise above those, you know?”

  “I know. I’m right there with you.”

  “You? You seem pretty perfect to me.”

  He let out a low chuckle. “Trust me, I’m far from perfect.”

  “Oh, that’s right. You do have that whole distrust of reporters thing.” She sighed. “But you definitely have a reason to feel that way.”

  “I told you. I don’t feel that way about you.” He leaned over and kissed her again. A light, sweet, comforting kiss that she wished could go on forever. It made her forget about the troubles surroun
ding her, the fear and anxiety, the despair about her lost home...everything.

  When he pulled back, he enveloped her in a hug that took away what breath she had left. “I trust you, Heidi.”

  * * *

  Nick listened to the words coming out of his mouth with something resembling shock. Had he just told Heidi, a reporter, that he trusted her?

  Apparently. And the funny thing was, he did. He’d seen her in action. She was a go-getter and good at what she did, but she didn’t step on other people or lie to get her story.

  He looked down at her. “Are you all right now?”

  “Yes. I’m much better. Thank you.”

  “Ready to do more shopping?”

  She groaned and he laughed. They finished the cinnamon roll and the hot chocolate, making small talk, and Nick realized not for the first time that he could fall for this woman.

  And he really shouldn’t.

  Why not?

  Because she was a reporter.

  But he trusted her, right?

  Until he didn’t.

  “You ready to go?”

  She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Sure. I guess so.”

  For the next hour, they continued their shopping, with Heidi a little more relaxed and Nick a lot more conflicted. He liked Heidi. A lot. He’d been honest with that statement. And while he trusted her in the moment he told her he did, he wondered if that would last. Then he was disgusted with himself for his wishy-washy feelings. He should be able to give her the benefit of the doubt.

  His gaze followed her reflection in the storefront glass as they passed a shop advertising fresh fudge. He grabbed her hand and pulled her inside.

  “Whoa.” She lifted her head and inhaled deeply. “Mmm. The smells in here are intoxicating.”

  “I have a really hard time resisting fudge—and strawberry shortcake. What’s your favorite dessert?”

  “Besides chocolate turtle cheesecake? Chocolate turtle fudge.”

  “Give me a pound of the chocolate turtle and the peanut butter cookie crunch,” he told the woman behind the counter.