Tempt the Night

by Dixie Lee Brown

  Irene opened the refrigerator and grabbed a loaf of bread. “What kind of sandwiches would you like?”

  “I have a very specific request from Marco. Turkey sandwiches, potato chips, and Señora Irene’s yummy cookies.” They all laughed together.

  “I’ve gotten pretty attached to that boy. I can’t tell you how happy I am you’re staying, Maria.” Irene placed turkey cold cuts, mayo, and mustard on the counter by the bread.

  Mac and Maria stepped up beside Irene, and they all started putting sandwiches together. After a moment of silence, Mac couldn’t stay quiet. “Is somebody going to let me in on what’s wrong?”

  If it was possible, the room got even quieter . . . until Irene, dropping her knife on the counter, made them all jump. “Tell her, Maria. This isn’t something you can keep to yourself. There are other people involved.”

  Maria had finished her first sandwich, placing it carefully in a plastic bag, and quickly laid out bread and meat for another one. When she was finished, she sighed, wiping her hands on her apron. “Hernandez called the house this morning to speak with me. He said that if I returned to him of my own free will, he wouldn’t try to take Marco. My son could have a life here or somewhere safe. But if I don’t go back, he’ll take Marco and raise him as his son.” Maria delivered her news looking at the floor, clearly defeated.

  Anger flared, and Mac’s jaw clenched in response. “He’s got a lot of nerve after being run out of here last night.”

  Irene finished the two sandwiches she was working on and cut them in half angrily. “He was the last person I expected when I answered the phone, and he surprised me so much I wasn’t thinking. I should have transferred the call to Joe, but . . . ” She took a deep breath.

  Mac met Irene’s gaze. “Don’t blame yourself. Hernandez is the one at fault here.” She turned to Maria. “You have to tell Joe as soon as he gets back. Ty needs to know, and Brady. Maria, for Marco’s sake you can’t keep something like this a secret.”

  “I should just do as he says—go back to him. Marco would be safe. You’d be safe.”

  “You can’t, Maria. That man has no conscience. He’s already killed to get to you. He’ll kill you too, and he won’t care that he promised Marco would be safe. That promise is worthless.” Mac shoved the two sandwiches she’d made into baggies, then paced in a short circle. “Damn it! Irene, where are the chips?”

  Irene huffed. “You keep talking. I’ll get the chips and the cookies.” She opened a large pantry on the back wall.

  Mac put her arm around Maria’s shoulders. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make it sound like this is easy or that I know what you should do, but I’m not going to let you sacrifice yourself. Paddy would never forgive either of us. This right here,” she swung her arms wide, “is the best shot we’ve got.”

  “That’s right, and if you won’t tell Joe, I will.” Irene slapped the chips down on the counter so hard Mac envisioned eating very small pieces later. “In fact, I’m going to call him right now. Do you want to talk to him, or should I?”

  Mac hid a smile. Apparently, when Irene got fired up, there was no stopping her.

  She stuffed the food in a large tote and shoved it toward Mac. “You go. Take care of Marco. I’ll take care of Maria.”

  Mac gave the slight Mexican woman another hug, received a halfhearted smile through a haze of tears, and strode from the room.

  Outside the dogs were loose, and Marco was delightedly throwing sticks for them to retrieve while Brady watched from the driver’s seat of the Gator. Nick and one of the men Mac had seen in the dining area this morning stood beside the vehicle, talking and laughing with Brady.

  This place—these people—seemed good for him. He laughed easier and was more relaxed. Maybe he had changed since he’d been here. Maybe this life was just the one he needed to keep him sane. She envied the peace on his face as he chuckled at Marco’s antics.

  The dogs made a beeline for her when they smelled the food. They must have remembered her from last night, because after a cursory smell, they raced back to Marco.

  Brady hopped from the Gator, took the bag from her, and placed it in the back of the vehicle beside a case of bottled water. “Nick is bored. Do you mind if he comes along?”

  Mac tried to hide her disappointment. “The more, the merrier. We have plenty of sandwiches. Hope you like turkey, Nick.”

  “I’m not the least bit fussy.” He climbed into the back.

  “Mac, meet Steve Logan.” Brady directed her attention to the stranger.

  She extended her hand, and his grip was firm and warm. “Nice to meet you, Steve.”

  “Same here. Nice day for a picnic.”

  “You’re welcome to come too.” Mac liked him right away. His smile was kind and sincere. Somewhere around midforties with dark brown hair graying at the temples, he was still a very attractive man.

  “Thanks, but I’ve got work to do, unlike this yahoo.” He grinned as he jabbed his thumb toward Brady.

  Brady chuckled. “It’s about time you did some work around here. While you’re at it, would you keep an eye on the house?”

  Steve snickered and cocked his head toward Mac. “He’d be lost without me.”

  She laughed. “Obviously.”

  “Hey! Stop encouraging him, and get in the Gator. Marco, time to go.” Brady winked at her.

  Mac skirted around the front and climbed in the passenger seat. Brady lifted Marco over the sidewalls with one hand. Mac and Marco waved as Brady put the vehicle in gear, gave it some gas, and peeled out. Marco was talking Nick’s ear off in the back, and Dillon and Ribs ran ahead of them, searching out the best smells, obviously excited to be included on the adventure.

  It was warm for October. The breeze in her face cooled her, and she closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the smell of pine trees. At peace for the first time in days, she put off telling Brady about Hernandez’s call, needing a few minutes to pretend that life was normal again. She wasn’t ready to go back to reality when Brady parked the Gator next to a slope covered with evergreens.

  Marco whooped and jumped to the ground. Nick followed him, snagging the backpack and slipping it over his shoulders.

  “You sure, man? I can get that.” Brady strode to the back of the vehicle.

  “You’ve got enough on your hands.” He smirked and glanced toward Marco, already heading up the slope.

  “Thanks.” Brady grabbed four bottles of water and the bag containing their lunch and stuffed everything inside the backpack, then helped Nick cinch it down so it would be comfortable to carry.

  “Marco, wait up,” Mac called after the boy, hurrying to catch up as the dogs raced for the Plateau that loomed up ahead, their noses to the ground. She wasn’t an expert with children by any means, but she’d feel better on this steep slope, with its thick brush and downed trees, if someone was close to Marco. Apparently, she was that someone for now.

  “Mac? Do you know why the plat . . . toe is my favorite place?” Marco fixed her with a serious stare.

  “No. Why?”

  He pointed up the mountainside. “Because no one can sneak up on me up there.” The sadness in his voice took her breath for a moment.

  Brady had told her of the tragedy in Marco’s life but hadn’t shared the name of the kidnapper. Who would hurt this little boy? Hernandez? Someone else? She reached out to touch his shoulder. Not today—no one would hurt him today.

  They kept moving, climbing steadily upward. Brady and Nick soon caught up, and they veered toward the right, where Mac could see the flat-topped rock formation ahead. Another fifteen minutes, and they scrambled onto the Plateau.

  She stood at the edge and swung in a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree circle. The view was to die for. She could see the compound, the beautiful crystal-clear lake beyond, and snow-capped mountains in every direction shining brilliantly in the sun’s rays. Brady appeared silently behind her and hugged her to his chest.

  “It’s gorgeous. Thanks
for bringing me here.” Mac turned her face so she could press her lips to his jaw.

  He held her gaze. “It’s never been quite this beautiful before.” He kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry we couldn’t spend the day alone.”

  “Me too.” A different sadness gripped her, along with the sense of time running out.

  Nick approached, holding out the iPad. “It’s for you, Mac.”

  She took the device and instantly recognized Darcy, Cara, and Rayna surrounded by racks of clothing on hangers.

  “Okay, Mac. See anything you like?” Cara panned her tablet to zero in on a selection of sweaters.

  Brady kissed her ear. “I’ll be over there with Marco if you need me.”

  Mac stared longingly after him as he and Nick walked away. She’d much rather spend the day with him than trying to convince these women to stick to the list she’d given them. Not only didn’t she need anything else, but she wasn’t in the right state of mind for shopping. By the sound of the giggling and chattering coming from the iPad, however, Cara, Darcy, and Rayna were in fine form. Unwilling to dampen their excitement, she forced herself to take a deep breath and relax, sat with her legs dangling over the side of the flat rock, and resigned herself to the task at hand.

  In the end, she’d had a blast, laughing until her cheeks ached like she used to with Paddy. She’d relented on a few items of apparel simply because her new friends were having such a good time she couldn’t bear to let them think she didn’t appreciate their efforts. She could always return them as soon as the whole Hernandez thing was resolved—especially the dress.

  They’d gotten it in their heads that she needed a dress—for what she wasn’t sure—and they’d apparently asked Brady’s opinion on color before leaving. The dress they chose was sleeveless, yellow—the same color as the pullover Brady had bought for her at Goodwill—with a skirt that flared at the waist. Cara looked terrific in it for whatever that was worth. Darcy accessorized with an off-white knit sweater that fit loosely and hung open in front.

  By the time they’d picked out running shoes, black flats, and yellow heels, the battery in the iPad was running low. Already feeling guilty and overindulged, Mac was more than ready to quit, but Rayna had one more purchase in mind.

  “You need a jacket, Mac. The weather in Montana can turn cold anytime. And boots too. Snow gets deep.”

  “No, really. I won’t be here that long, and anyway, I live in Alaska. I’ve got plenty of winter apparel at home. You’ve done enough.”

  “Are you blind, girl? Have you seen the way Jim looks at you? As long as I’ve known him, he’s never shown more than a passing interest in a woman. He’s in love with you, Mac. Look at him. How can you even think about leaving?” Rayna threw her hands in the air, clearly exasperated.

  Mac glanced over her shoulder to where Brady, Nick, and Marco were searching for something on the ground, while the dogs lay nearby, still panting from their run. As though he sensed her gaze on him, Brady looked up, smiled, and winked. Aside from the fact that he wouldn’t allow himself to get attached to her, he was probably the kindest, the best-looking, and the most desirable man she’d ever met. Too bad about that first item on the list, because it definitely made all the rest meaningless.

  She forced herself to return his smile, then swung back to the iPad and Rayna’s face. “Brady’s great. I could probably get used to having him underfoot if I let myself, but I’ve got things to take care of in Alaska first. Clearing my name and making sure that sleazeball, Hernandez, never sees the light of day again take priority. I owe Paddy at least that much.” She shrugged and blinked rapidly, unwilling to cry in front of these three. They had the uncanny ability to see right through her, and they’d probably know that Brady was part of the reason tears came so easily.

  “Okay . . . look around a . . . what we can . . . ”

  One second Darcy was talking, and the next the screen in front of Mac went blank. The battery must have died. Probably the only way she could have won that argument. Mac sat still for a moment, just breathing and willing the tingling in her eyes to go away. When she was sure she had herself under control, she stood and walked toward the others.

  No sooner had she gotten to her feet than Brady was beside her. He looked at his watch. “Wow. Two hours. Does that qualify as marathon shopping?” A teasing sparkle shone from his eyes.

  Mac gasped. “No! Two hours? Really? Did you eat lunch? Marco must be starving.”

  Brady stepped into her, his arms drawing her against him. “If we were hungry, we would have eaten. Marco wanted to wait for you . . . and me too. It looked like you were enjoying yourself. Did you get everything you’ll need?”

  A short laugh burst from her. “More than I need. Those ladies wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’ll probably return most of the things. Hope you had plenty of money in your bank account.” She forced a smile, but it soon faded. Spending his money on her just seemed wrong. “I don’t care what you say, Brady, I’m going to pay you back.”

  He slid his hand behind her head, holding her still while he brought his lips down on hers in a scalding kiss. When he finished, she was breathless.

  “The clothes are a gift, Mac. You’re not going to pay me back. My job pays extremely well. All my living expenses are covered. I’ve missed having someone to spend money on, so please don’t take that away from me. In fact, I think we should do it more often.” Before she could argue, he took her hand and tugged her toward a grassy spot where the backpack waited. A few feet away, Nick and Marco reclined on their backs, pointing at the clouds while the two dogs rested nearby.

  “Hey, are you two hungry?” Brady pulled out the sack with their lunch and started emptying the bag.

  Marco rolled over and hopped to his feet with a huge grin. “Señorita Mac, you talked for a long time.”

  Mac caught him as he launched himself at her. “I know. I’m sorry, Marco.” She hugged him close for a moment, savoring the feel of his small, warm body cuddled next to hers.

  Soon, he began squirming, pulled loose, and accepted his lunch from Brady. Instead of dropping down to unwrap the food and start eating, Marco handed the items to her.

  Touched, words failed her. She smiled at Marco and glanced over his head at Brady. He grinned and winked, and Mac felt sure he’d coached Marco. It was a thoughtful gesture, and Marco had benefited by having a father figure for a day. Brady was always surprising her.

  She dropped her gaze to Marco. “Thank you. What a nice thing to do. You’re such a gentleman, Marco.”

  He beamed and glanced at Brady, who motioned slightly with a water bottle. “Sit, señorita. I’ll bring you water.”

  Mac walked a few steps and dropped down near Nick, who was already munching on his sandwich. Marco stopped at her elbow and handed her the bottle, then sat beside her and opened his lunch.

  “Thanks,” she said again, ruffling his hair.

  “Cute kid,” Nick said from her other side.

  She sensed Brady’s presence behind her before he spoke. “With what that kid’s been through, he’s not only cute—he’s friggin’ amazing.”

  Nick shrugged and went back to eating. Mac smiled to herself. Did Brady realize he was getting attached to the boy? Maybe his self-imposed rule wasn’t as hard and fast as he’d like to believe.

  Chapter Nineteen

  BRADY GLANCED SIDEWAYS at Mac as she held Marco across her lap while he slept. The boy had worn himself out running, jumping, and searching every crevice for arrowheads. He’d found a few too, and his excitement had been contagious. Everyone should get to be a boy at some point in life. That time was overdue for Marco.

  Clearly Mac was sleepy too, and the midafternoon sun wasn’t helping. She blinked her eyes slowly, and her lengthy lashes stayed down longer each time. Strands of dark hair whipped around her face as they raced toward home at the Gator’s top speed.

  In the back, Nick was alert and watchful. Brady couldn’t help wondering about the man. What was his story? He’
d been quiet, keeping to himself, since he’d arrived here, and today was no different. Nothing wrong with quiet . . . unless it was a method to hide something. Joe obviously trusted him, though, and Joe was seldom wrong about a man’s character.

  Brady applied the brake and slowed the vehicle as they approached the shed where it was kept. The dogs had arrived ahead of them and were lying in front of their kennels, panting.

  Mac stirred and smiled sleepily over Marco’s head, which was resting on her breast. “Thank you.”

  He smiled back, confused. “For what?”

  “I haven’t thought about Paddy since we left the house earlier. You make me believe I might heal someday.”

  “Not only heal—you’ll be better and stronger, sugar. It’s the natural order of things.” Brady would have taken his right hand off of the steering wheel and reached for her if the uselessness of his bandaged left hand hadn’t made it impossible to maintain control of the Gator at the same time.

  Her gaze homed in on his with a speculative gleam. “Good to know. That’s true for you too, right?”

  Shit! He should have seen that coming. Obviously, she wanted to fix him, but she didn’t know how sick he was. “Don’t, Mac. What’s broke on me won’t heal. I’ve seen it on the battlefield too many times. The best I can do is learn my limitations.” Brady guided the Gator through the open doorway and parked it beside two others.

  He turned off the key and looked at her, so close to telling her that she’d brought hope into his life for the first time in years, but the words stuck in his throat. What if he was wrong?

  Nick leaned forward suddenly, resting his arms on the seatback between them. “I’m goin’ back to Alaska in a few days. Got me a job ferryin’ a brand spankin’ new jet up for a friend. I know you’ve got unfinished business up there, Mac, so if you’re ready, you’re welcome to go with me.”

  “She’s not ready.” Brady hammered each word home as he studied Nick’s expressionless gaze. Was he simply offering a favor, a free ride? Or did he have an agenda that involved a double cross? Slowly, he became aware of Mac glaring at him, anger flashing in her storm-filled eyes.