Stranded (Military Investigations)

by Debby Giusti

Surely he didn’t think she was Audrey.

  His smile widened. His fingers wrapped through hers. “You...you...didn’t leave me.”

  “Oh, Frank, I’ll never leave you.”

  Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks.

  She moved closer to him. His other eye opened. “Now...I...see you.”

  “I haven’t even combed my hair.”

  “You...you’re beautiful.”

  “Do you remember what happened?”

  He nodded ever so slightly. “I...saved...you.”

  She smiled. “That’s exactly right. You saved my life.”

  His brow wrinkled. “D...Duke?”

  “He’s fine. Evelyn claims his sense of smell returned, since he was able to find you in the rubble. I’m sure you heard him barking.”

  Frank wrinkled his forehead. “I...I heard...your voice. You...gave...me...will to live.”

  “Oh, Frank, I was so wrong about you and about law enforcement. You were trying to find the truth, and I kept holding back information.”

  The words gushed out. Colleen couldn’t stop them. “Briana’s death had taken me to the depths of despair. I’d turned my grief into a need to bring all those involved with drug trafficking to justice.”

  She shook her head, frustrated at her own actions. “Only I was headstrong and foolish to take on Trey and his operation. You kept trying to protect me, but I wasn’t sure of where I stood with you. I’d been so determined to bring Trey down that I almost got myself killed and you killed, as well.”

  Frank rubbed her hand. “Before...thought I was invincible...didn’t need God...didn’t need anyone. Dated a girl. She...must have known. Only person...I...I...loved was my...self.”

  “You’re not that man any longer. You’re not self-serving or self-centered. You’re a wonderful man who has a bright future ahead in law enforcement. You check every detail and make sure hearsay isn’t taken as fact. I thought Trey had caused Briana’s death, but Steve Nelson was to blame. I went after the wrong man.”

  “Trey...led you to Steve.”

  “You’re right. Colby stopped by after work last night. He said the photos on the memory card revealed even more drug dealers involved in Steve Nelson’s far-reaching operations. The resort is being cleaned out in Colombia, and the DEA is going after traffickers throughout the Southeast. Colby called it a good day for law enforcement.”

  “Be...cause of you.”

  “Because you helped me find the memory card.”

  Frank smiled.

  “Colby said Anderson, the cop I contacted in Atlanta, was tied in with Trey. He’s been arrested.”

  “Vi...vian?”

  “She confessed to smuggling drugs into the US and provided information about others involved. Colby said the judge will take that into consideration.”

  “I’m...sorry...I...”

  She smiled. “Didn’t believe me?”

  He nodded.

  “You were being that wonderful investigator who I’m beginning to think I love.”

  His eyes opened a bit wider, and the smile that filled his face made her heart soar with joy.

  “I...love...you, Colleen.”

  Her grip tightened on his hand, and she bent over his bedside. His condition was still fragile, and he had a long recuperation ahead, but Colleen wanted him to know the way she felt. She had waited too long to tell him the truth.

  “I love you, Frank.”

  She gently lowered her lips to his, and for one long moment the earth stood still.

  Pulling back ever so slightly, she added, “And I’ll never leave you.” She smiled. “Cross my heart.”

  His eyes closed, and he fell back to sleep. Resting her cheek against his hand, she gave thanks to God for bringing this wonderful, strong man into her life.

  TWENTY-FOUR

  Frank sat on Evelyn’s front porch and listened for the sound of tires on the driveway. Seeing Colleen’s new red Mustang convertible, he hurried down the steps and opened her door as she pulled to a stop.

  Before either of them spoke, he reached for her and pulled her into his arms. Their lips met, and the lingering kiss did more for him than all the physical therapy he’d been having over the past five weeks.

  Evelyn stood in the open doorway and waved. Duke bounded around her and barked with glee, causing Colleen to push away from Frank and laugh.

  “Are you jealous of Frank?” she asked as the dog danced at her feet. She patted his sleek coat and scratched behind his ears.

  “How was your flight?” Evelyn asked from the porch.

  “Easy. I’m enjoying working short domestic flights again.”

  “And we like having you spend time between trips with us.”

  Frank grabbed her carry-on from the backseat. “The Mustang suits you.”

  “Oh? Is it the color?”

  “You mean because it matches your hair?”

  She laughed. “I didn’t think you noticed.”

  “I notice everything about you.”

  “Be still my heart. I like having a man who’s observant.”

  “And I like your hair loose around your face. It suits you just like the car.”

  He ran his hand through the curls that fell free around her shoulders. Leaning close, he inhaled the flowery scent of her shampoo, which made him want to kiss her again.

  She giggled. “Looks like you’re feeling better. Did you talk to Wilson?”

  “He’s wants me back doing CID investigations as soon as I’m ready.”

  Colleen narrowed her gaze. “What’d you tell him?”

  “Next Monday. I’m ready.”

  She nodded. “I know you are.”

  “What smells so good?” Colleen asked as they followed Evelyn into the kitchen.

  “I’ve got a rib roast in the oven, and Isaac selected fresh corn from the Amish Craft Shoppe for us, along with homegrown lettuce and an apple pie for dessert.”

  “You always spoil me, Evelyn.”

  “Ron’s joining us for dinner.”

  “How’s he feeling?”

  “Strong as an ox.”

  Colleen laughed. “Is he still working out?”

  Evelyn nodded. “He has to keep in shape to keep up with me.” She winked at Colleen, who laughed again.

  Her joy was infectious, and Frank’s heart soared. “Let’s go for a drive.”

  She looked confused. “I...I just got here.”

  “I know, but there’s something I want to show you.”

  She glanced at Evelyn, who smiled knowingly but didn’t say anything.

  He took her hand and hurried her to his truck. He held the passenger door for her, and lowered the back for Duke. They were soon heading along the country road they’d traveled weeks before.

  They passed Dawson Timmons’s house. Frank turned at the next intersection and headed north for a little over three miles.

  “This area is so beautiful.” Colleen’s smile said as much as her comment.

  He stopped at the top of a small rise and helped her out. Duke jumped from the rear and immediately chased after a gray squirrel that scurried up a sturdy oak.

  Frank pointed to a small pond and the gentle rise where more hardwoods grew.

  “I thought a house overlooking the pond might be nice. The trees would provide shade in summer.”

  Her eyes widened with surprise. “You’re buying the land?”

  “I went to the bank, but I haven’t signed the papers yet.”

  “Does that mean you’re getting out of the army?”

  “Not now. I’ve got ten years on active duty already. I’ll stay in for at least ten more before I retire from military service. I thought farming the land, raising a few hea
d of cattle, might be something for the future. I’ll live here for the next three years while I complete my assignment at Fort Rickman. When I’m transferred, I’ll still need a place to come back to for vacations and to visit Evelyn.”

  Colleen turned to look at the expanse of land. “It’s lovely. A good place to call home.”

  “How would you feel about living here?”

  She took a step back. “I’m not sure what you’re saying.”

  He laughed, realizing his mistake. “Looks like I got ahead of myself.”

  Digging into his pocket, his fingers touched a small box. He pulled it out. “I’m not overly romantic, and I may not have the right words, but I love you, Colleen. You’re my everything, and I never want to spend a day without you. Will you—”

  He opened the box. “Will you marry me?”

  * * *

  Colleen’s heart stopped for a long moment as Frank removed the solitaire diamond and held it out ready to put on her finger.

  “Will you marry me?” he asked again when she failed to respond.

  Tears filled her eyes. She brushed them away, knowing her cheeks would blotch and her mascara would run, but she didn’t care. All she cared about was Frank.

  “Yes,” she almost screamed, holding out her hand. He slipped the ring over her finger, then he pulled her into his arms.

  “I love you.”

  “Oh, Frank, I love you, too.”

  They kissed under the shade of the oak tree. Duke fetched a twig and raced back to where they stood, wrapped in each other’s arms. He danced at their feet, trying to get their attention until another squirrel caught his eye. Then he bounded off in pursuit, while Frank pulled Colleen even closer, and she nestled in his arms.

  His kisses were as sweet as the wildflowers blooming on the hillside and as warm as the sunshine overhead.

  This land, their home, would be the perfect place to seal their love and raise a family.

  Colleen glanced at the ring and then raised her lips again to the wonderful man, the strong and determined man with whom she planned to spend the rest of her life.

  God had answered her prayers. Every one of them.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from HIDDEN AGENDA by Christy Barritt.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed Stranded, the seventh book in my Military Investigations Series, which features heroes and heroines in the army’s Criminal Investigation Division.

  Each story stands alone so you can read them in any order, either in print or as an ebook: The Officer’s Secret, book 1; The Captain’s Mission, book 2; The Colonel’s Daughter, book 3; The General’s Secretary, book 4; The Soldier’s Sister, book 5; and The Agent’s Secret Past, book 6.

  In this story, Special Agent Frank Gallagher is ready to return to duty after recuperating from a war injury when a tornado drops flight attendant Colleen Brennan into his life. She’s running from a drug trafficker and doesn’t trust law enforcement. Frank fears he’s lost his edge and doesn’t know if he can trust his investigational ability or his heart.

  I want to hear from you. Email me at debby@debbygiusti.com or write me c/o Love Inspired, 233 Broadway, Suite 1001, New York, NY 10279. Visit my website at www.DebbyGiusti.com and blog with me at www.seekerville.blogspot.com.

  Wishing you abundant blessings,

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense story.

  You enjoy a dash of danger. Love Inspired Suspense stories feature strong heroes and heroines whose faith is central in solving mysteries and saving lives.

  Enjoy six new stories from Love Inspired Suspense every month!

  Connect with us on Harlequin.com for info on our new releases, access to exclusive offers, free online reads and much more!

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  http://www.harlequin.com/harlequinexperience

  ONE

  Bailey Williams froze, the page from her novel half-turned and candlelight dancing across the words. The book slipped from her hands. Instead of retrieving it, she pulled the blanket tighter across her shoulders.

  What was that sound?

  The raging storm outside had already toppled some large tree branches into the yard. Power had gone out more than three hours ago, and the nighttime—deep and blinding—had fallen in the blink of an eye.

  She was supposed to leave today, but there’d been no boats coming or going from Smuggler’s Cove. So she was stuck here, in this huge old house, on a creepy island in the middle of a subtropical storm.

  Could things get any worse?

  She squeezed her eyes shut as she remembered the events of the past several days. Events that included losing one of the best employers she’d ever had. That involved losing the job she’d held for the past eight months. That comprised the prospect of starting over again. Going somewhere new. Finding another job.

  Mr. Carter had died a week ago today. She’d stuck around, trying to get his affairs in order. She’d planned his funeral, cleaned his house and prepared food for guests who’d come into town.

  She felt like the only family the man had, yet she wasn’t family. She was simply Mr. Carter’s nurse, someone who helped on occasion with meals and housework and offered a listening ear. She mourned the man as if she’d been his daughter. In a way, the man had come to feel like a second father.

  Another crash sounded, and her lungs tightened. What was that? Had the wind sent something toppling into the house? Had one of the shutters come loose?

  She tugged the blanket even tighter around her shoulders. The October day had already been frigid before the power had gone out, the heat along with it. She’d tried to start a fire but had been unsuccessful.

  Reaching into the drawer of the table beside the padded chair in her bedroom, she grabbed a flashlight. She flicked the switch to the on position. The light waned, blinked, flickered, but finally shone brightly.

  Thank goodness. At least that was working in her favor.

  As soon as the thought entered her mind, the flashlight went black, the room along with it. A draft must have whispered extinction orders across the candle that burned on the table beside her chair. Two lights in two seconds—it was a double whammy of darkness.

  Bailey hit the flashlight against her palm. Tapped the top of the light. Shook the batteries back and forth.

  The sweet beacon of illumination wouldn’t come back on.

  Perfect. She frowned.

  She was going to have to check out the sound, whether she wanted to or not. She couldn’t simply stay in her old bedroom, huddled on the big, comfy chair until the storm passed. For more than one reason. Buckets of rain could be flooding into the house. The bay could have climbed the shores, reaching the porch, in which case she’d need to evacuate. For all she knew, this whole island could be in danger of washing away. The place seemed like little more than a sandbar anyway. Or what if lightning struck nearby, started a fire even? There were so many things that could go wrong, so many reasons not to stay in her room hiding.

  Her throat constricted as she stepped into the dark hallway that snaked through the east wing of the estate. She thought her eyes would have adjusted to the darkness by now, but not even a hint of light reached the interior of the house, especially not right here.

  In broad daylight, the place was spooky. On a stormy night, it was terrifying.

  She first thought about going downstairs. But the idea caused hazy fear to engulf her, making her feel light-headed and unsteady. She changed course and hurried in the opposite direction, away from the massive staircase that led to the front door and instead toward the door at the end of the hallway.

  She passed one closed door. Two. Three
.

  Each one made her tense, made worst-case scenarios flash through her mind like a broken reel from a horror flick. Images of people hiding. Madmen lurking. Danger awaiting.

  Her walk turned into a run. She reached the end of the hallway, her destination. Her hands trembled on the doorknob, but finally she managed to twist it.

  The moment she threw open the door, purple light flashed from the alcove upstairs. Her heart raced.

  Lightning. Just lightning.

  No figures lurked in the shadows.

  Maybe she shouldn’t have been reading that mystery novel earlier. The story had put too many spooky ideas into her head.

  Before she could second-guess herself, her fingers gripped the iron handles of the spiral staircase that twisted upward to the widow’s walk. Bailey would have a bird’s-eye view from there of anything going on outside. Floods. Fires. Downed trees.

  She rushed up the steps at a dizzying pace until she reached the enclosed landing up top. The stretch was narrow with windows on each side. There was only one bench and a lonely spider plant. She usually liked to come up here alone, especially when she needed to think. Right now, it would serve as a lookout.

  Still clutching the blanket around her shoulders, she took her first step.

  The only time she could catch a glimpse of anything in the darkness was when lightning lit the sky. The first strike showed her the Chesapeake Bay. Angry waves roiled there, charging forward before beating against the sandy beaches of the island. The second strike showed her several massive tree branches that now littered the yard.

  Where had that crash come from earlier? Had a window broken from the gale-force gusts outside? Had a tree fallen onto the garage? Blown the pier away?

  Speaking of which, maybe being up here wasn’t the best idea. Not with this storm raging. All she needed was for the wind to make a projectile of one of those live oak trees lining the walk leading to the front door. She’d be a goner, and it would be her own doing.

  Thunder shook the cool, water-dimpled windowpanes. As Bailey stood there, the glass rattled as the deep sound rumbled and rumbled some more. The growl reached all the way to her bones.