by Debby Giusti
“He...he tried to...kill me.”
With his arm protectively around her, Zach guided her into her living room. She disarmed the security alarm. Silence filled the house.
“Did you see him?” Zach asked.
She shook her head. “No, but I heard his voice. It was muffled, but with an accent.”
“French? German?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe one of the islands.”
“Hawaii?”
“The Caribbean.” She rubbed her neck. “How did the police—”
“Tyler called them as I left his house. A patrol car must have been in the area. Plus your security alarm sent a signal to the dispatcher.”
Zach pulled out his cell phone and called police dispatch. “I’m at the Children’s Care Clinic. A shooter tried to kill Dr. Jacobsen. He’s on the run. Notify all units. Set up roadblocks. Comb the woods. He can’t get away.”
Disconnecting, Zach stared again into Ella’s face. “You’re sure you’re okay?”
She nodded.
“Why didn’t you call Levi?”
Tears welled in her eyes. “Oh, Zach, I did, but he was already in the house.”
“You think Levi was the assailant?”
“I don’t know, but why didn’t he answer the phone?”
* * *
Zach wouldn’t let Ella out of his sight again. He couldn’t risk losing her. He kept thinking What if? What if his car hadn’t started? What if there had been an accident on the road that delayed him? What if he hadn’t gotten to her in time?
As it was, he’d floored the accelerator and fishtailed out of Tyler’s drive. If anything had been in the road—a buggy, or a herd of cows that had broken out of their pasture—he would have arrived too late.
He fought the lump that filled his throat, thinking the unthinkable, and shoved his way back to the present.
The first officers to arrive on-site searched the woods behind the house. Tyler had alerted post. The military police joined with local law enforcement in setting up roadblocks.
They were dealing with more than a punk kid looking for the next high. The guy hadn’t been searching for drugs. He’d been searching for Ella. To kill her.
Police interrogated Levi. They’d found him groggy with sleep in his house. Sarah, frightened and shaking, had confirmed that he’d been next to her in bed all night, and because of the distance between the two houses, they hadn’t heard Ella’s security alarm.
The cell phone that should have alerted him to Ella’s distress had been inadvertently turned off. At least that was the alibi Levi used. He didn’t know technology and had adjusted the volume of the ring so as not to disturb his wife. In reality, he had turned the cell off.
So much for Zach’s good intentions, which had almost cost Ella her life.
As distraught as the pregnant Amish wife had been earlier in the day, Zach wondered if she might have tampered with the phone in order to ensure her husband could sleep through the night. Zach wasn’t sure that Sarah had been forthright about her relationship with her brother. The two siblings could be working together, which meant Daniel Fisher could be the assailant.
Zach raked his hand through his hair and approached Sergeant Abrams, who had interrogated Levi. “What’s your assessment?” he asked.
“Levi seems sincere and is openly contrite about the phone.”
“What about Sarah?”
The cop sniffed. “She’s harder to read. I can’t decide if she’s sincere or playing us for fools. I’ve got two of my guys heading to her father’s house to question the old man and haul his son in for interrogation. I’m holding Daniel for at least twenty-four hours this time.”
Zach rubbed his chin. “All this could have started with his desire to destroy the twins’ medical records, if he thought Levi was identified as the father. A breaking and entering escalates, and he turns his hatred for Levi against the doc.”
Abrams nodded. “I’ve heard of stranger things happening. The guy’s not wired tight, we know that. Add an overzealousness to defend his sister and anything could happen.”
The cop glanced into the living room, where Ella sat, head in her hands. “How’s she doing?”
“She’s ready to collapse, but if you ask her, she’ll say she’s fine.”
“Any need to take her back to the ER?”
Zach shook his head. “Not that I can determine. Something to calm her nerves might be beneficial, but I doubt she’d take anything more than ibuprofen. She’s strong as a mule.”
A corner of the cop’s mouth twitched. “My suggestion, don’t let her hear you make that comparison. The ladies I know wouldn’t cotton to being compared to a domestic work animal.”
Zach had to smile. “You’re a wise man, Sergeant.”
Abrams patted Zach’s shoulder. “I’m not blind. Something’s going on with you two. I’m not pointing a finger, but getting personally involved in a case makes for mistakes, if you get my drift.”
Zach didn’t know if he was being chastised or counseled. “I’m law enforcement first.”
The cop slapped his shoulder. “I know you are. I’m just telling you what I see that maybe you don’t. Freemont PD can handle the investigation. We’ll keep you in the loop, but let us take the lead. You hover over the doc and be a first line of protection, while we track this guy down and apprehend him.”
“You might be reading more into this?”
The sergeant stared at him. His eyes were filled with understanding and not the condemnation Zach had thought he might find. “I fell in love with my wife when I was working a case. It wasn’t as big as this one, but I can read the signs.”
Zach blew out a stiff breath.
Love?
Abrams had it all wrong. Yes, Zach felt a bit of attraction, but nothing more.
Ella glanced up, and their gazes met.
A warmth flooded over him, a feeling that was a bit disconcerting and took him by surprise. Maybe there was some truth to what the cop had said, after all.
* * *
“I’m going to Atlanta.” Ella held the invitation to the symposium in her hand and waved it at Zach. “You’re worried about my safety, but I’ll be safer in Atlanta than around here.”
She glanced at the policemen who were still combing through her house, looking for clues. “A man almost killed me. He broke into my clinic last night and he came after me again tonight. There’s something he wants, and I’m afraid it’s that he wants me dead.”
Zach stood staring at her as if he wanted to talk her out of making the trip to the city.
“I won’t tell anyone where I’m going,” she rationalized. “The clinic is closed until Monday. I’ll keep my cell on, and I’ll call you when I arrive.”
“I’m going with you.”
“What?” She hadn’t expected him to acquiesce so easily, which only proved he was as worried about her safety as she was.
“So you agree that I’ll be safer in Atlanta?”
“I hope so. It doesn’t seem to be working out so well around here.”
The calmness in his voice and his dark gaze made her even more afraid. She had to face the truth that someone wanted to do her harm.
“I’ll be all right, Zach. You don’t need to go with me.” Although as the words came out, she knew their folly. She did need Zach. She needed his arms to support her and his strong shoulders to lean on when the darkness became too intense.
He had come to her rescue once again, in the nick of time. If he hadn’t...
She shivered, thinking of what could have happened, what had almost happened.
“I’m going with you,” he repeated. “That’s non-negotiable. I’ll call the hotel and get a room across from yours. Tell the director that someone will accompany you. You ca
n’t go into the city alone, even if it seems a safer place than Freemont.”
She knew he was right. “The invitation includes a guest, but I don’t want anyone to know why you’re with me.”
“Tell them I’m interested in learning more about the research. Helping the local Amish has been a priority for the commanding general at Fort Rickman. I’ll brief General Cameron when I return, so you’ll be telling the truth.”
“Your boss will let you off work?”
“I’ll get a pass. That won’t be a problem. I’ll let Sergeant Abrams know, but I’ll ask him to keep the information to himself.”
“You suspect someone in law enforcement?”
“Not at this point, but the fewer individuals who know your whereabouts, the better.”
“What about Sarah Miller, in case she needs medical care?”
“She could be involved, Ella.”
“That’s ridiculous. Do you suspect Levi, as well?”
“I’m more prone to question his wife’s motives because of her brother.”
Ella turned away and hung her head. Zach’s words cut into her heart. What had she done by coming to Freemont? She was destroying a young couple who had done nothing wrong.
Letting out a deep sigh, she turned back to Zach. “I’ll call the director and let her know. We can leave tomorrow morning.”
“You can’t stay here tonight.”
“Maybe I can stay with Wendy or my receptionist.”
Tyler stepped into the room. He had evidently heard the last portion of their conversation. “You need a place to stay?” he asked.
“I do.”
“My fiancée has room at her house.” Tyler moved closer. “I’m sure Carrie won’t mind. Zach and I can keep watch throughout the night.”
“Sounds good,” Zach said. “I’ll head to my BOQ first thing in the morning and pack a bag for Atlanta. I also want to stop at CID headquarters and brief the chief before he heads to the airport.”
Tyler pulled out his phone. “I’ll call Carrie and confirm the plans with her. There shouldn’t be a problem.”
Once he had left the room, Zach took Ella’s hand.
“This won’t last forever,” he said, as if he could sense her unease. “The local police will track down the attacker. Or he’ll make a mistake, and they’ll catch him before—”
She stared at Zach, knowing what he was thinking but couldn’t say out loud.
There would be a next time. She wasn’t safe anywhere, and if the police didn’t put the pieces together fast enough, the next time could be fatal.
Then a thought caught at her heart. What if the danger that confronted her turned on Zach? What if something happened to him when he was trying to protect her?
The assailant had to be stopped. Before he hurt Ella, and even more important, before he harmed Zach.
FOURTEEN
“You’ve been too gracious,” Ella said as she hugged Carrie goodbye the next morning, and then handed her bag to Zach.
“Anytime you need a place to stay,” Tyler’s fiancée said, “don’t hesitate to call me.”
Ella nodded and then hugged Tyler. “You and Zach did a good job keeping the ladies safe last night, but I don’t think either of you slept.”
He smiled and shrugged. “Zach and I are used to running on no sleep. Plus we spelled each other for an hour or two.”
As Zach placed Ella’s luggage in his car, Tyler added, “I needed to force him to grab a few z’s. I don’t think Zach’s slept in days. Keep talking as you drive to Atlanta to keep him awake.”
She laughed. “I’ll be a chatterbox. He’ll ask me to shut up.”
“I doubt that.” Tyler looked at her knowingly, as if he realized something special had developed between them. Was it that obvious?
After saying their goodbyes, Ella slid into the passenger seat, nodding her thanks to Zach before he closed the door and hurried to the driver’s side.
They both waved, and as they drove away, Ella turned to watch Tyler and Carrie fade from view. “They’re a great couple, and they had high praise for you, Zach.”
He smiled and turned onto the road that would take them into Freemont and then to the interstate. “They’re good people. I thought they’d be married by now, but they’re both taking their time and getting to know each other, which is probably smart.”
“Carrie said it wouldn’t be long.”
“Tyler insisted I get some shut-eye last night. You probably coerced him into taking care of me.”
Ella held up her hands and laughed. “I plead innocent. He recognized the fatigue lining your eyes. He’s a smart guy who wanted to help out. Friends like that are hard to find.”
“You’re right.”
She patted his hand. “I’m relieved you got some rest. I must admit that I slept, as well. Probably for the first time since the attack.”
She glanced out the window and then asked, “Have you learned anything new about Mary Kate’s condition?”
“She’s responding to treatment, so evidently there’s improvement.”
“Which is what we want. Did you contact Corporal Powers’s unit?”
“They’re keeping him under watch, although he’s allowed to visit his wife at the hospital. The main concern is that he might do something rash and hurt himself. They don’t seem to think that he’ll hurt anyone else.”
“That’s a tough way to come home from a war zone.”
“The counselors and medical personnel working with our PTSD soldiers are top of the line. I’m satisfied that he’s getting the best care possible.”
“What about Mary Kate?” Ella asked.
“The military hospital at Fort Freemont is staffed with highly competent physicians and other medical personnel. Mary Kate will pull through.”
Ella shook her head. “I don’t want to think of what could happen.
“They’re doing everything possible to ensure she improves.”
“I’m sure they are.” Ella glanced at Zach. “Before you, I had never known anyone who was career army.”
“What’s your assessment now that you know me?”
She hesitated, weighing her words. “You’re a great guy, Zach, with a big heart. Even though you try to put up a tough front, down deep you’re a softy.”
“Is that right?” He laughed, causing her heart to flutter. “That’s somewhat like the way I see you.” He flicked a quick glance at her before he turned his eyes back to the road. “You’re ever the medical expert, spouting information and speaking in long sentences.”
“Really?” Her cheeks burned.
“Maybe you feel the need to prove yourself. But...” He hesitated a moment. “I don’t see a medical professional when I look at you. I see a very interesting lady with a big heart who must love children and wants to make the world a better place. Your husband was the intellectual. You were the heart.”
Moved by Zach’s comment, Ella glanced out the window.
He touched her hand. “Am I right?”
She turned back to face him, seeing the openness of his gaze. “You said I was perceptive, Zach, but you seem to be, as well.”
“An investigator puts the pieces together. You’ve mentioned your husband a number of times. All I did was make the connections.”
“Just as you said, Quin was all head. I like to think that I am more heart. Unfortunately, we couldn’t seem to find a midpoint that worked for both of us.”
“I’m sorry.” Again, Zach reached for her hand, only this time he didn’t let go.
The highway stretched before them, taking them to Atlanta for a symposium that would highlight her husband’s work.
Zach was right; for all her attempts to appear strong, she was apprehensive about what the day woul
d bring. She appreciated the warmth of his touch and was grateful for his friendship and support.
But wasn’t it more than friendship? Something much more? The special agent with the understanding gaze had wormed his way into her heart.
Confronting the medical research team who had worked with Quin would be a challenge. Thankfully, Zach was with her. No matter how strong she tried to be, she couldn’t have faced them alone.
* * *
Navigating Atlanta traffic made Zach realize he was a country boy at heart. Even early in the day, the connector that led into the heart of the city was sixteen lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic.
At least the front desk personnel at the hotel were accommodating. He had requested a room across from Ella’s when he’d made his reservation, but he’d ended up on the twelfth floor, while she was on the seventh. Thankfully, the staff was able to make the change, which placed Zach three rooms away from her.
“You’re worried about my safety,” she said as they rode up in the elevator.
“I can’t turn off being a special agent,” he answered, although there was far more to it than that. Someone was out to do Ella harm. Even though she had left Freemont, and hopefully, the danger remained there, Zach wouldn’t let down his guard.
“Let’s stick together, okay?” he said with a smile. “Then I won’t have to worry quite so much.”
“Did you want to check my room to make sure no one’s hiding in there?” Her comment was offhand, but Zach realized she understood the importance of being cautious.
“Now you’re thinking like someone in law enforcement.” He took the key from her, swiped it against the sensory pad on the door and stepped into the room. Quickly, he checked the closet and bathroom and under the bed, before motioning her inside.
“Everything looks fine,” he assured her. “I’ll be three doors down on the opposite side of the hallway. Room 712. What time do we need to head to the symposium?”
“Let me check the welcome packet.” The large manila envelope had been waiting at the front desk for Ella. She pulled out a number of papers and searched through them.
