“He’d canvas the ones nearby. He’d also look for you at your sister’s house and in Marblehead, anywhere you have an obvious connection. I was thinking you could stay with Riley Adair while we’re gone, although I’d still prefer Scarlet since she’s trained to protect you.”
“I won’t need to be protected if Thanos can’t find me. If he’s even still alive, which doesn’t seem likely. Who’s this Riley?”
“She and Patch are living together. I expect they’ll announce their engagement soon.” He smiled. “You’ll like Riley. She’s a professor at Trimountaine University in Cambridge. Very intelligent. She was also a victim we rescued and knows first-hand what it’s like to be hunted.”
Arden hesitated for a moment. “Fine. If she agrees, I’ll talk to Jim about the animals.” She let her arms drop. “I can be reasonable, and I’m not looking to make myself a target again.”
“I’ll admit I was a tad dictatorial. I could work on my delivery.”
“You definitely should.” She walked past him toward the bedroom. “I assume we leave soon?”
“I’ll fix this door so a hungry bear fresh out of hibernation doesn’t break in while you’re gone. We intend to fly out of Boston this evening, so I have a couple of hours to spare. As I said, Luna is trying to narrow down our search area to a specific target.”
“I’ll be ready whenever you are.”
He nodded and headed outside, presumably to get her tools from the shed. Arden packed a bag with enough clothes to last through the weekend. She hoped to be home by Monday—one way or the other. After loading a box with dog food, bowls, leashes, and toys, she set everything in a pile and turned to study Brody.
He stretched to screw in the new doorjamb. The muscles in his arms were clearly defined beneath the short sleeves of his T-shirt since he’d taken off his jacket. His face was symmetrical perfection, and those discerning blue eyes that analyzed everything never failed to make her heart flutter. She forced herself to look away.
“Do you need help?”
He glanced over before returning his attention to the task at hand. “You can hold the door in place while I rehang it.”
“Just tell me what to do.”
After he lifted the door into position, she gripped it and held tight while he hammered the pins through the hinges. Pressed up against him while he raised his arms over her head to reach the top hinge, each breath she took smelled uniquely of Brody. Woodsy. Male.
“You can let go now.”
“Huh?” She dragged her attention away from how damned tempting he was. Would always be. “Oh, sure.” After stepping away from his intoxicating nearness, she sat on the couch and lifted Henry onto her lap. The purring cat eased her frazzled nerves.
Brody tried the door a few times. It swung freely without rubbing and locked easily. “Looks good. I’ll put away the tools, and then we can leave.”
“Thank you. I appreciate you fixing my door.”
“No need for thanks. I’ll be right back.”
After setting down the cat, Arden swept up the wood shavings, dumped them outside, and returned the broom to the utility closet. After locking the back door, she took the spare key from its hook and dropped it into her purse. She was waiting at the window when Brody returned.
“Let me grab my stuff, and we’re out of here.”
A few minutes later they cruised down the access road, the dogs riding quietly on the rear seat of the big Suburban. She stared out the windshield at the trees flashing by and couldn’t help thinking that maybe leaving her home wasn’t such a bad idea, even if it was a waste of her time. At least she wouldn’t have to look at the lake for a few days, wondering when Thanos’s body would surface. The hair on her arms rose just thinking about it. She didn’t believe for a minute he’d made it out of the water alive.
“What’s bothering you?”
Arden turned at his quietly spoken question. “Nothing. I’ll be behind on my honey orders by the time I get back, but that isn’t the end of the world. Did you call your friend?”
“Not yet. I’ll do that while you run in to talk to your neighbor.”
“What if she says no?”
He slowed to turn up the driveway. “Riley will be happy to have your company. Patch has mentioned she prefers to stay occupied while he’s on a mission. She’s very supportive of what he . . . we . . . do, but she worries, of course.”
“She wouldn’t be human if she didn’t.” Arden clamped her jaw shut after the snappy comment. She couldn’t help feeling the sting of his words. Apparently, this paragon was a better woman and soon-to-be wife than she’d ever been.
When Brody pulled up in front of Jim’s home, she got out and gave the door a shove. Marching up the front walk, she rapped hard. A minute later, her neighbor opened the door and raised a brow.
“This is becoming a habit.”
Letting out a deep breath, she forced a smile. “I’m here unannounced, seeking favors.”
“What can I do for you?” He stepped back, and after glancing over her shoulder at the Suburban, gestured her inside. The door shut with a click behind her.
“I have to take off for the weekend. Would you mind feeding my animals?” She pulled the spare key from her purse and held it up. “I’m taking the dogs, so just Henry and the rabbits and chickens. Maybe collect eggs for me and put them in the kitchen, if you don’t mind.”
“Of course I don’t mind.” He laid a hand on her arm. “You look stressed. Is your ex-husband bothering you?”
“No, nothing like that. I’m not thrilled to be going, but he thinks it’s necessary. I hope to be home by Monday, maybe sooner. If I’m delayed, I’ll call you.”
“Anything you need.” He gave her an encouraging smile. “If Henry looks lonely, I’ll bring him over here to keep me company.”
“Thank you.” The heaviness in her chest eased at his effort to cheer her up. “He’d love that. You know where the food is in the shed and how much—”
“I remember. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“I won’t. I appreciate this, Jim.”
“I’m happy to help.” When she edged toward the door, he opened it. “Try to enjoy your time away, even if you don’t seem thrilled to be going.”
“Good advice.” A rueful grin surfaced. “It could happen, I suppose.”
“Take care, Arden.”
“Thanks. I’ll see you in a few days.” She walked back to the car and got in.
Brody met her gaze as he put his cell on speaker, turned on the engine, and backed up to swing around in a circle. “We should be there by early evening, Riley. I appreciate this.”
“I’m glad to have company while you’re gone. Noah has been acting like this mission is business as usual, but I get the feeling it won’t be so simple.” The woman’s voice held more than a hint of uneasiness.
“We’ll do our best to make it just another op. Either way, Patch will return without a scratch.” He laughed softly to ease the tension. “Okay, maybe a scratch or two, but nothing worse. He knows how to keep his head down.”
“I’m counting on it. I’ll see you when you get here.”
“Thanks, Riley.” He disconnected and turned onto the main road before glancing over. “You’re all set. Riley’s looking forward to having you.”
“What did you tell her about us?”
“Just that someone close to me needs a safe place to stay. She won’t ask questions, but I’m sure she’ll listen if you want to vent.” He gave her another quick look. “I know you’re frustrated. I am, too.”
Arden leaned back in her seat and stared at the winding road ahead. “I just want the cops to get the results back on that blood. I hope it belongs to an animal. Then I can stop worrying.”
“That would be ideal.” He was quiet for a minute. “No matter what happens, I’ll make sure you’re safe.”
“I know you will.” She closed her eyes to hold back tears. Keeping people safe was what he was all about.
; Chapter Ten
Arden shut the door and stood quietly in the entry until the Suburban’s engine rumbled to life. After Brody drove away, she pushed clenched fists into her pockets and headed toward the kitchen. Riley stood at the stove, stirring something in a pot that smelled heavenly of fresh herbs. Hero and Heidi, along with Riley’s Australian shepherd, Stormy, sat on the tile floor, staring pointedly at their bowls.
“I’ll give all three of you your dinner in just a minute. You’d think you were starving, for heaven’s sake.”
“I can feed them.” Arden crossed the room to pick up the bag of food she’d brought.
Riley turned, still holding the long wooden spoon. “Did Wolf leave?”
“Yes.” Food rattled into the bowls, punctuating her short reply.
“I totally get how you’re feeling. It’s never easy when Noah goes on a mission, but I’m adjusting.” She hooked a strand of dark brown hair behind one ear and produced an encouraging smile. “The whole team is skilled and precise. They don’t take unnecessary risks. I’ve witnessed them in action.”
Arden leaned against the counter. “I’ve never met the rest of the Counterstrike team. Have you known Patch, uh Noah, long?”
“We met last October when he saved my life.” Her voice softened. “I was damaged both physically and mentally after I was abducted. Noah stuck with me through it all. He’s the best man I’ve ever known.”
“I’m glad you had someone to help pick up the pieces. When your world crumbles, you need that kind of support.”
“Sounds like you’re speaking from experience.” Riley pulled a baguette from the oven, sliced it, and put the chunks into a basket. “Dinner’s ready. I hope you’re hungry.”
“Actually, I am. Today was stressful, and I didn’t eat much lunch.”
Riley ladled stew into bowls, and they carried the food to the table. “Are you and Wolf old friends? As close as the team is, they keep their personal lives private. And he’s even more of an enigma than the rest.”
Arden sniffed deeply as the aromatic steam rose from the bowl. “Yum.” She picked up her spoon and thought about her answer before blurting out the truth. “We were married.”
The other woman stared, her jaw hanging open slightly. “I had no idea.”
“Our son was killed. We didn’t make it through the aftermath.”
Riley covered her mouth, and her deep blue eyes teared up. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say.”
“It was a long time ago, not that I don’t think about River every day. Our divorce wasn’t contentious. We still care about each other, but . . .”
“Counterstrike?”
Arden nodded. “Such an all-consuming and dangerous passion was more than I could handle at the time. Even now, I don’t think I’m strong enough to accept the way he lives his day to day life.”
Riley laid her hand on her arm and squeezed. “I bet you’re stronger than you think. When I was at my lowest, I dug deep to find the fortitude to go on. Any woman with the gumption to take on a man like Wolf has plenty of courage.”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Arden took a bite of stew. “Is his alpha male attitude the reason the team calls him Wolf?”
“I think it’s because he’s such a loner. Even though women . . . uh . . .”
“Throw themselves at him? Not a newsflash. He doesn’t even notice. It was one of his most endearing traits.”
Riley dropped a piece of carrot to Stormy, then nodded toward the two huskies snoozing some distance away. “They’re better behaved than my beggar. What do you do, Arden? I assume you live in Vermont since Noah mentioned that’s where Wolf went earlier this week.”
“Up in the wooded northern part of the state. I raise bees and sell honey. My life is pretty simple, and I like it that way.” She buttered a piece of bread. “Brody told me you’re a professor.”
“I teach biology. I’m also working on clinical trials for a new Alzheimer’s treatment. It’s not a speedy process, but I’m hopeful this will be a huge breakthrough in battling the disease.”
Arden’s breath caught in her throat. “That’s amazing. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. I have a personal stake in its success since my grandfather has the disease. He’s doing incredibly well.”
“Wow. I’m beyond impressed. You obviously have plenty to keep you occupied while Noah is away on a mission.”
Her smile was wry. “The fact that I frequently meet myself coming and going helps.”
They finished their meal, chatting about less personal topics. Riley was interesting and thoughtful. By the time they put away the food and washed the dishes, Arden had completely relaxed in her company.
She dried her hands on the dish towel before hanging it up. “If you have work to do, I hope you won’t feel like you have to entertain me.”
“Actually, I do have midterms I need to grade, so I’ll leave you to your own devices.”
“In that case, I’ll take all three dogs for a quick walk, and then I intend to go to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“They would love that. Thank you.” Riley waved a hand. “Please make yourself at home while you’re here, and just ask if you need anything. I’ll show you to your room whenever you’re ready.”
“Okay. I’ll be back shortly.”
After bundling up against the cold and leashing the dogs, Arden headed outside. The storm that had left heavy snow in Vermont had only dusted the Boston streets before moving out to sea. She and her canine crew strolled through the quiet neighborhood of older homes, pausing now and then as the dogs peed on shrubs. When her cell rang, she pulled it from her jacket pocket, hoping it was Brody.
The anticipation she shouldn’t have been feeling dissolved as she frowned at the vaguely familiar number before swiping to connect. “Hello.”
“Arden, it’s John. How are you?”
Brody had inherited his father’s deep voice. The booming tone brought back a flood of pleasant memories. Family holidays in their Marblehead home. Visits to D.C. where the senator gave them an insider’s tour of the capital. Losing the cherished relationship with Brody’s parents had been one of many regrets after their divorce.
“If you’re calling me, you must know life has been an adventure recently. I hope you and Rosemary are well. I miss you both.”
“We miss you, too.” He paused for a moment. “Brody asked me to light a fire under the lab processing that blood the deputy found. I tried to call him just now, but he didn’t answer.”
“Your son is probably on a plane somewhere over the Atlantic.”
“I figured, but I wanted to share what I learned.”
Arden’s pulse quickened as she turned the dogs to head back. “Did the authorities get the results so soon?”
“Only a preliminary work-up. The DNA tests will take longer to process.”
Her grip on the leashes tightened. “The blood is definitely human?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t belong to Thanos. The hemoglobin levels indicate it’s from a woman.”
She stopped walking and released a huge sigh of relief. “So, I’m safe from that madman?”
“We know he didn’t crawl out of the lake and bleed on the cabin floor.”
“He drowned.” She spoke with finality.
“The bastard deserved what he got, Arden. Don’t doubt that for a minute.”
“Brody said the same thing. I appreciate you calling me, John. I’ll definitely sleep easier tonight, and I’ll probably go home in the morning.” She closed her eyes. “Damn.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Sorry. I just realized I don’t have any transportation.”
“Brody keeps a pickup he rarely drives in Marblehead.” Her ex-father-in-law’s voice took on a decided edge. “Take an Uber there and drive the truck back to Vermont. From what my son told me, he got you into this mess. Let him work out the logistics of getting his vehicle home.”
She couldn’t help smiling. “You know, I thi
nk I’ll do that. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. If you get down this way, I hope you’ll come see us.”
“I would love to, but I don’t travel much. I promise to stay in touch, though.”
“I suppose that’ll have to do. Bye, Arden.”
“Bye, John.” She disconnected and slid the phone into her pocket before glancing down at the dogs. “We can go home. That’s a good thing, right?” When Heidi cocked her head and gave her a puzzled look, she smiled.
She’d go back where she belonged. Hell, maybe she’d even go to that concert with Jim. It was time to let go of the past and focus on the future.
Once and for all.
* * * *
“What’s bothering you? You’re normally pretty stoic, but this is taking quiet to the next level.”
Brody jerked out of his morose thoughts to discover Patch sitting opposite him as they flew through the night on their way to Islamabad. He glanced around the cabin of the Counterstrike private jet at the rest of the team, all of whom appeared to be sleeping.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean you haven’t done more than grunt a few times in response to questions I’m pretty certain you didn’t hear. If there’s something on your mind, I’m willing to listen.”
He let out a deep breath and unclenched his hands where they rested in his lap. “I’m worried about Arden. I’m sure Riley told you I was bringing her a guest for the duration of our mission.”
“She texted me before we took off, but I didn’t have a chance to talk to her.”
“I’m not one hundred percent certain that bastard Thanos is dead. Since leaving Arden unprotected at her home wasn’t an option, Riley agreeing to take her in means a lot.”
“She’s more than happy to help out any friend of yours. You know that.”
“Yeah, and I’m grateful. Arden is safe in Boston, and honestly, I’m pretty certain Thanos is dead. That’s not why I’ve been so non-responsive.”
Patch gave him a long, level look. “Then what’s on your mind?”
“She shot that asshole and watched him sink under the ice in the lake behind her cabin. I’m afraid the knowledge will eat at her.”
Imminent Danger (A Counterstrike Novel Book 3) Page 12
