Meant to Be: Southern Heat Series

by Jenna Harte

  Another option would be to take care of business on his own. He had a pretty good imagination. He could conjure images of Sydney in his shower. Instead, he let out a gasp as the cold pelted his body. The situation would be funny if it weren’t so sad and frustrating.

  It was clear to him that Sydney was in Charlotte Tavern because of him. Well, of course, she was. Northerners didn’t exactly know of Charlotte Tavern. While she didn’t come specifically to reunite with him in a romantic way, she certainly considered it a possibility. That was the sad part. There’d been a time when he’d have taken her back in an instant. Not anymore.

  Intellectually, he understood now that she hadn’t abandoned him. But in losing Sydney, followed by betrayal and heart-wrenching loss in Iraq, Mitch lost a part of himself: the part that could trust and love. There was no way he and Sydney could go back to those first idyllic days filled with hope and happiness.

  Then again, Sydney wasn’t really Sydney anymore, either. She was still beautiful and smart, but she was… different. She wasn’t as fragile or naive as she’d been in college. Neither was he. He supposed the hardships of life changed her too.

  She was also more outspoken, which was sexy in its own way. She’d drunk moonshine without a care to how it might affect her behavior. Well, either she didn’t care or she trusted him. He’d have preferred the former. He didn’t need her thinking he was some sort of good guy or hero, because he wasn’t. And he wasn’t going to trust her back. But while he could keep his heart in check, he was having a difficult time keeping his libido in line. Especially since it was clear she was open to getting naked with him.

  The thought of it had Mitch sticking his head under the cold spray again. Let it go. Right now he had more important things to think about, such as who attacked Jenny and wanted Sydney dead.

  He finished cleaning, dressed, and, with a deep breath to build his guard to Sydney’s charms, entered the kitchen. She stood over the sink, looking out the window.

  “Ready to go?”

  She turned, gave him a wan smile, leading him to think she was ruminating on her guilt again. “No breakfast?”

  He hadn’t even thought about breakfast. If she was going to stay, he’d need to get some groceries. “I need to make a stop at Chelsea’s. We can pick up something along the way if you want.”

  “I’ll get something at the hospital.”

  “Just give me a minute.” He grabbed a reusable shopping bag with the local grocery store logo on it and went to the mudroom. He grabbed a couple of Mema’s casseroles and a few pounds of venison. “Let’s go.” He escorted Sydney out and helped her into his truck, setting the bag in a bin in the bed of the truck. As sophisticated and feminine as she was, she didn’t look all that bad in his passenger seat. Mitch shook his head of the thought as he rounded the front of the truck. They didn’t speak until he pulled in front of Chelsea’s house. Her grass was getting long, and he made a mental note to cut it for her soon.

  “You coming in?” He opened Sydney’s door.

  “Sure.”

  He led her up the walk, taking note of other chores that needed to be done. The rainspout was starting to pull away from the house. One of the window screens had a tear, probably from the limb on the tree next to the house that needed trimming.

  “Mitch?” Chelsea came to the door in old sweats and an army T-shirt. Seeing it was a reminder of why he was here.

  He held up the bag. “No one thinks a bachelor can cook for himself. I’ve got more food than I can eat in my lifetime, so I thought I’d share it.”

  She sighed. She knew as well as he did the gift wasn’t because he had too much. But he’d made a promise to her brother, and he’d take care of her whether she liked it or not. Still, he’d try to do it in a way that didn’t make her feel like she was his charity case. She worked damn hard to make her way in the world.

  “I’ve got Mema’s casseroles.” He swung the bag like a carrot on a string. “And ground venison. You make the best venison burgers of anyone I know.”

  “Even your mother?”

  “Yes. But if you tell her, I’ll deny it.”

  Chelsea laughed. “Come in. Hello, Doctor Preston.”

  “Please, call me Sydney.”

  Mitch handed the bag to Chelsea, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  “I guess you’ve heard about Jenny Taggard.” Chelsea took the bag to the kitchen.

  “Yes. Fortunately, Kevin says she’ll pull through.” He glanced at Sydney, giving a quick shake of his head, hoping she understood that he didn’t want her to share any details of what was going on.

  “As if there was any doubt. That girl is stronger than an ox.”

  Sydney walked over to look at the pictures sitting on Chelsea’s piano. She studied them, smiling at the one with Mitch and Chelsea’s brother, Brian, covered in mud, grinning like loons.

  “That was after a football game in high school.”

  “Did you win?”

  He gave her an affronted look. “Of course.”

  “No other teams could beat them with Mitch at quarterback and Brian at receiver.” Chelsea shouted from the kitchen before coming back into the room. “Can I get you coffee or something?”

  “No. I need to get Sydney to work.”

  “Will you be seeing Jenny? Is she taking visitors?”

  “I planned to see her, but I don’t know the visiting routine.”

  “If you call before you go, the hospital should be able to let you know if she’s accepting visitors,” Sydney said, as Mitch pressed a hand to her back to guide her toward the door.

  He didn’t miss the speculative look Chelsea gave him and then Sydney. Once Chelsea told Lexie about his and Sydney’s visit, he’d have some explaining to do. Not that his denials of a relationship would do any good. Ever since Lexie found her own happily-ever-after, she was determined he’d have one too.

  “I’ll be by in a couple days to deal with the lawn.”

  And again, she sighed. “You really do spoil me, Mitch. You go above and beyond.”

  He smiled, leaned over, and kissed her head. “I’d do it for Lexie. I’d do it for you.” She was his sister now, since her brother wasn’t there to help her anymore. She smiled, and he winked in return.

  “That was her brother in the football picture?” They’d been in the truck for several minutes before Sydney asked the question.

  “Yes.”

  After a few moments, she asked, “He’s the one with you in the picture in the Middle East on your fireplace mantle.”

  Mitch gritted his teeth. Up until a couple of days ago, there were two topics that were off limits with him. One was Sydney. The other was Brian. “Yes.”

  He waited for her to ask more questions, but she remained silent. He glanced at her. She was looking out the side window. He frowned, hoping that she understood without him saying that he didn’t want to talk about Brian.

  They arrived at the hospital and pulled in next to her car.

  “I want to take a look at it.” Mitch put the truck in park. “It doesn’t appear Jenny made it to the car, which is why it wasn’t taken in as evidence, but still…” He dropped off as tears welled in Sydney’s eyes again. “It’s not your fault, Syd.” He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket.

  She gave a strangled laugh. “I hope you get more for Christmas. I may go through them all.”

  “I’ve got plenty.” Mitch helped Sydney from the truck. “Don’t touch the car yet.” She stood to the side as Mitch rounded the sleek black Audi. He knew from the investigation the night before that Jenny was found several feet away from the car. In the backseat, a stack of magazines sat untouched. Proof that Jenny hadn’t made it to the car. “Are these the materials she was coming to get?”

  “Yes.”

  Mitch moved away from the car toward the area several feet away where Jenny was found. Rain had washed away the blood and, unfortunately, any other evidence that could have been there. But Mitch looked anyway. “Unless the first
responders found something last night, he didn’t drop anything, or if he did, it got washed away.”

  Sydney remained quiet so he looked up.

  “You okay?”

  “No. But there’s no fixing it.”

  He stepped to her and rubbed his hands down her arms. He meant it to be a comforting gesture from a cop to a victim. But the moment he touched her, he wanted to pull her into his arms and make all the ugliness go away.

  She didn’t help by leaning into him, resting her head on his chest. “I’m sorry I’m not stronger.”

  “What?” He gently pushed her back so he could see her face. “You’re strong as hell.”

  She shook her head. “If I was stronger, I wouldn’t be going through your handkerchiefs like there’s no tomorrow… and… I wouldn’t be so afraid.”

  “Syd.” He used the crook of his finger to tilt her head so she could look him in the eyes. “Being sad or afraid isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign you’re human and smart.”

  “Still. I should be able to hold it together.”

  “Why?”

  She turned her head away. They stood silent for a moment.

  Then she took a deep breath and looked at him. “I’ve got rounds to make.”

  Despair haunted her hazel eyes. Like her whole world was ending. He wanted to make it easier. A minute hadn’t gone by since he’d first seen her in Charlotte Tavern that he didn’t want to kiss her. But the urge to do so now was beyond any he’d felt so far. He wanted to kiss away her fear and guilt. He wanted to see her smile and laugh.

  It wasn’t the time or place, but Mitch wasn’t one to conform to convention. He slipped a hand along her neck, using his thumb to tilt her head. His other hand banded around her back and pulled her against him. He had a moment to register the surprise in her eyes. But when his lips touched hers, she didn’t pull away. The softness of her lips, the taste of her mouth, and the small mewing sound that escaped her throat wrapped around him, creating an escape for him as well as her. He forced himself to keep the kiss gentle, soothing, even though with each caress of his lips on hers, he wanted more. Her fingers clung at his shirt, holding him tight. With effort, he lifted his head.

  Her puzzled eyes stayed on his when he pulled away.

  “You have rounds to make.”

  She stared at him another moment, but then, with a shake of her head, she started toward the hospital. Mitch fell into step with her.

  “I don’t need an escort into the hospital.”

  He flinched at the terseness of her voice. Especially since he was pretty sure she’d found as much comfort in his kiss as he did. “No. But I want to visit Jenny and Kevin.”

  She let out a huff and brought her hand to her brow, as if rubbing away a headache. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

  He studied her as they walked. “It’s okay. I’m going to let hospital security know to be alert for anyone suspicious and to escort you between buildings.”

  She looked at him.

  “Someone tried to kill you… nearly killed Jenny, during the day in this parking lot. You shouldn’t be wandering around between buildings without someone with you.”

  “Yes. You’re right. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry. Be safe.”

  They walked the rest of the way into the hospital and to Jenny’s room without talking.

  “Hey.” Jenny’s weak but friendly voice greeted him as he poked his head in the door.

  “Mitch. Any word?” Kevin sat by Jenny’s bed. The messy hair and stubble on his face suggested he’d been there all night.

  “Sydney is with me.”

  “Yes, please come in.” Despite everything, Jenny was still able to muster a smile. It was like a piece of the sun lived in her. It was something Mitch thought he’d had once, but it burned out long ago.

  Sydney rushed to Jenny, and the two women clasped hands and chattered.

  Mitch nodded for Kevin to step to the corner of the room to discuss the case. He knew Jenny would want to know, but he’d let Kevin share with her what little they had.

  “What have you learned?”

  Mitch put his hands on his waist and looked down for a moment and then up into Kevin’s dark eyes. “Not much.” He studied Kevin to see how well he’d take hearing that Sydney was the intended victim. Kevin wasn’t a hothead, but when it came to matters of the heart and nearly losing the love of your life, Mitch knew emotions could get the best of people. He didn’t want Kevin bowling Sydney over with accusations. She was doing enough of that herself.

  Deciding he looked okay now that Jenny was going to be fine, Mitch shared what he knew. “It looks like the attacker mistook Jen for Sydney.”

  Kevin glanced over at Sydney with narrowed eyes. “They don’t look alike.”

  “She was wearing Sydney’s raincoat and heading to her car.”

  Kevin looked back at Mitch, anger and sorrow mixing in his eyes. Just in case, Mitch shifted himself between Kevin and Sydney.

  “Who’d want to hurt her?”

  Mitch shook his head. “She doesn’t know.”

  “Then why do you think she was the target?”

  “She was attacked in New York several months ago. It was similar. She was in the parking lot. A stab to the back.”

  “Jesus.” Kevin ran his fingers through his already-unkempt hair.

  “I haven’t talked to the detective on the New York case yet but, according to Sydney, they thought it was a random attack.”

  “Random attackers don’t normally follow their victims around the country.”

  “No. I’ve got a list of possible suspects. Sydney doesn’t think any of them would hurt her, but it has to be someone who followed her from New York to here.”

  “That would be a small list.”

  Mitch nodded, and hesitated for a beat before asking, “Did you talk to Jen?”

  “She says she didn’t see or hear anything.”

  “Nothing?” Mitch tried to keep the disappointment out of his tone.

  “She said it was raining hard. She felt the stab…” Kevin paused. Mitch waited, knowing Kevin was picturing his wife’s attack. “She felt it. Went down. She couldn’t even say what direction the person left in.”

  “No sense of height? Gender?”

  Kevin shook his head.

  Mitch put a reassuring hand on Kevin’s shoulder. “It’s okay. We’ll find him. I’m heading in to call the New York detective, see what I can get, and share what I know. In the meantime, I’ve set up protection for Sydney and will be talking to hospital security about being extra diligent.”

  Kevin nodded.

  “You okay?”

  Kevin looked over at Jenny, as if he wanted to make sure she was still there. A twinge of jealousy pinched at Mitch. Had he and Sydney once looked at each other like that?

  “We’re good.”

  “Take care of Jenny. I’ll call you later.” Mitch patted Kevin on the arm and then went to Jenny’s bedside. “How you doing?”

  “I’m feeling blessed at the moment.” Jenny was one of those glass-half-full people. In fact, the glass could be empty and she’d still be glad to have a glass.

  Mitch nodded toward Kevin. “He treating you okay? Because, you know, I can take you away from all this.”

  “I love having you as my backup, but so far, Kevin’s a keeper.”

  Mitch smiled, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek. “Get better.” When he straightened, he directed his gaze toward Sydney. “Call me when you’re done. I’ll pick you up.”

  “I have my car.”

  “You can follow me home then.”

  Jenny’s eyes widened in surprise.

  Mitch nodded toward his partner. “Kevin will explain.”

  Chapter Ten

  Mitch walked into the Charlotte Tavern Police Station and headed directly to his desk.

  “McKenna! My office.”

  Had Beth narced on him after all? “Sarg.” Mitch entered the office.


  “What’s the word on Taggard?” Sergeant Wallace nodded for Mitch to sit.

  “Jenny is going to be fine. I saw them both this morning.” He sat on the edge of the seat to avoid a rogue spring in the chair.

  “And the case?”

  “It appears to be mistaken identity.”

  Wallace’s perceptive cop eyes narrowed. “Who’s the intended?”

  “Doctor Sydney Preston. According to her statement, she lent her raincoat to Mrs. Taggard and sent her to her car to pick up some reading materials.”

  “Why would anyone attack the doctor?”

  “She doesn’t know, except she was attacked in a similar fashion several months ago in New York.”

  Sergeant Wallace sat back. “Does she have ideas?”

  Mitch shook his head. “No. I’ve put together a list and will call New York. But she says she hasn’t had any threats before or since the attack in New York.”

  “It has to be personal.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Keep me posted.”

  “Yes, sir.” Mitch stood. Once dismissed, he headed back to his desk.

  Several officers asked him about Jenny and Kevin on his way, but he was focused on the next task at hand. He stopped by Detective Kripke’s desk.

  “Do you have the evidence from the scene of Jenny Taggard’s attack last night?”

  “I’ve put a report on your desk. No forensics and nothing from the canvass of potential witnesses.”

  Just what he was afraid of. “Do you think you could pull traffic cams on McAlister and Casper streets, checking for the car owned by Jagger Talbot? And can you contact the car rental place at the county airport to get the information on a rental from Doctor Patrick Andres? Check if either of the cars are on cam from noon to 4 p.m. yesterday.”

  “The rental place might not give the info without a warrant.”

  “Let me know if you have a problem. I’m going to talk with Andres and will get it then if necessary. Let me know if there are any other vehicles that seem suspicious.” Mitch left Kripke, returning to his desk.