by Wendy Davy
“Sir.” One of his men interrupted, and Alejandro’s heart grew heavy; he sensed his time with Carlos was over. “What is it?”
The tall, well-trusted member of his security team held out a phone. “It’s Santiago.”
Alejandro took the phone. The sun beat down on his skin, and perspiration moistened his forehead. He hated to sweat, hated even more to have to listen to his nephew’s sniveling excuses. “You’d better have good news.”
“Of course, Uncle.” Santiago’s voice sounded assured, even hopeful. “We’ve contacted our security personnel at Bogotá airport. We have seen a video you may find very interesting. If you would use the Internet, we could email the file—”
“Must I tell you again? No Internet. I want nothing that can be traced.”
“Very well. We’ll send a copy by carrier early tomorrow morning.”
Alejandro smiled at Carlos as he finally caught the lizard. “Good job.”
“Thank you, Uncle.”
“Not you. I was speaking to my son.” Alejandro strode across the lawn in search of shade. Several waxen palm tree fronds rustled overhead as a slight breeze picked up, cooling his sweat soaked skin. “Did you find the woman?”
“We’re working on it.” Santiago’s voice took on an excited pitch. “She entered the airport the day you murdered—”
“Watch what you say over the phone, you fool.” He’d been meticulous in making certain his phone was secure, but that didn’t mean Santiago’s was safe. “Where are you now?”
“We’re boarding a flight to the United States.” His voice sounded prideful. “We found a name and an address. We’re going after her.”
Considering this new information, Alejandro would have to put a measure of trust in his nephews, although everything within him warred against it. “I trust you will resolve our little matter within the allotted time?”
“She will be taken care of as soon as we arrive.”
“Contact me if you have complications.” He did have a few acquaintances in America who may be able to step in if his nephews fouled things up. But, he would only involve others as a last resort. If anyone other than his family knew of the incident with the agent, Alejandro could be considered a liability, and he didn’t want to end up in a shallow grave. “And, let me know as soon as you…finish your visit.”
“Of course.” Santiago let out a dark, humorless chuckle that even gave Alejandro goose bumps. “We’ll have some play time first, for payment as to all the trouble we’ve gone to.”
Alejandro could care less what they did to her, as long as she wasn’t breathing by time they were through. “Don’t blow this or you won’t live to regret it.”
13
Cara remained on the porch long after Gage had entered the house, trying to put together pieces of a puzzle that didn’t fit. Jonas a DEA agent? Had she been so caught up in her own career she hadn’t considered Jonas’s long absences as unusual? Why hadn’t he told her about his chosen profession?
Perhaps she just hadn’t paid enough attention to the time passing to realize her brother had morphed from college student to federal agent. A part of her swelled with pride knowing what Jonas had accomplished. But, a larger part feared for his safety.
She’d asked Gage if she was selfish. She didn’t care if she was. She wanted her brother back in one piece. Sighing, she swept her hair from her face and set the rocker in motion. As the afternoon wore on, shadows stretched far across the sand, and the porch lay in semi-darkness. An eerie feeling washed over her, as if someone watched from afar. But, no one appeared on the sandy shores, or loomed in the marshland.
The hairs on the nape of her neck rose anyway, and she fought the urge to run inside.
The clanging of pots and pans echoed from the opened doorway. Reassured Gage was nearby, Cara forced herself to relax. She would not be intimidated by a drug smuggler thousands of miles away.
“Hungry yet?” Gage called from somewhere inside.
Her stomach growled. She supposed she should eat. “I’ll grab something in a few minutes.” She returned, using a loud enough voice to reach him.
“Dinner is already in the oven.”
Surprised, Cara nodded as if he could see her. “A man who can cook,” she whispered. He’d get bonus points for that if she was considering dating him.
She stilled. Dating? Lord, what am I thinking?
The last man she’d dated had broken up with her on their first anniversary. He’d stood her up and informed her of his plans in a text message. She hadn’t been interested in dating since.
So, why did the thought of Gage as a date pique her interest? At first, he’d been grumpy, if not downright surly. But, he did have every reason to be. His life as he’d known it had been stolen by a cruel man, yet he still had agreed to look after her. He’d also shown her a gentler, more caring side when he’d held her as she cried.
“Please come inside before it gets dark, even if you’re not hungry yet.” Gage’s voice reverberated through her thoughts.
She liked the way he spoke. His voice soothed, yet held a tone of confidence and authority. She normally didn’t notice the particularity of voices. Why did she find his so mesmerizing?
A shadow crossed the porch, outlining Gage’s now familiar form, and Cara’s pulse jumped in anticipation. She stood and found him leaning against the doorframe, his left knee bent.
“Are the pain meds wearing off?”
“A little,” he conceded. “I’ll take a couple more before the pain gets too bad. I’d like to show you some self-defense moves, if you’re willing.”
“You think I’m strong enough?” The idea both excited and frightened her.
A half smile quirked his lips. “I’ve taught smaller women than you to take down a two-hundred-pound man.”
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try.”
“Good. We’ll get started after dinner.” He pushed away from the doorframe and gestured for her to follow him inside.
Her unease disappeared as she trailed behind Gage and stepped into the kitchen. A couple of the knotted pine cabinet door’s stood open, and the scents of fresh herbs and spices filled the air. She peeked into the oven’s window. Several fish fillets sizzled in a roasting pan. “Smells delicious.”
“I gigged a couple of flounder in the creek last night.” Gage explained with a hint of contentment in his voice as he shut the cabinet doors.
“You like to fish and cook? That’s a good combination.” She settled into a chair at the small, round table. He’d set out two place settings, including napkins and glasses of ice water. “Why hasn’t some lucky woman snatched you up?” The surprised look he gave her made heat crawl up her neck. “Well, you are kind of nice sometimes, and not bad looking.”
“Not bad looking? Kind of nice?” His lips quirked and then a shadow crossed over his features. “I was close to getting married once.”
“What happened?”
He chopped up veggies and added them to a salad bowl. “Leah couldn’t handle not knowing where I was or what I was doing. How long I’d be gone.”
“She didn’t trust you?”
“I think it was more a matter of her being lonely.”
Cara fidgeted with a set of silverware. “Did you love her?”
He stilled, his knife poised over a carrot. “I thought I did. But, now I’m not so sure.”
“What do you mean?”
He lifted a shoulder, as if answering wouldn’t hurt. “Turns out, it’s been harder for me to lose my ability to do my job, than it was to lose Leah.”
Cara wasn’t sure what to think of his admission. “Has your job always been your top priority?”
“For as long as I can remember.” Gage shifted his full weight onto his left leg as if testing his abilities. He winced and took in a shuddering breath. “At least it was before this happened.”
“God wants to be our number one priority.” Cara was a little surprised at her bold statement. It just came to h
er, so she said it. She gauged his reaction. He looked contemplative, and her hopes flourished. She’d promised herself she wouldn’t become involved with someone who didn’t share her faith.
Not that she was thinking about a relationship with Gage. She swallowed, wishing he’d say something to distract her.
“Well, if He was trying to give me a wakeup call, He sure has gotten my attention.”
“God did not do this to you.” Cara glanced at his leg. “But, He certainly can use it to your advantage.”
Gage grunted. “Yeah. I’d like to see what He’s got in mind.”
“You’ll see. It takes time for Him to work out His plan. Just be patient.”
Gage’s gaze raked over her. “That’s easy for you to say. You haven’t lost your ability to do what you love most.”
Cara chose not to take offense. He’d lost an entire way of life in a way not many people could understand. “You’re right. I don’t know all you’ve been through. But, God does.”
“Yes, I suppose He does.” Gage set down the knife, braced hands on the counter and leaned in. “But does He care?”
Startled, Cara quieted and closed her eyes. Lord, he’s hurting much deeper than physical pain. Bring him peace. Bring him closer to You.
She took a moment before meeting Gage’s eyes, and spoke what was in her heart. “God loves us. Don’t you think He hurts when we hurt?”
“I…” Several moments passed, as if a war raged on inside him. “I don’t know.” His voice lowered an octave. “Do you think He does?”
Moisture gathered in her eyes, and she fought to contain her emotions. If only she could get across to Gage how much God loves His children. “You said you’re not an unfeeling, uncaring robot. Well, neither is He.”
Gage tightened his hold on the counter until his knuckles turned white. “I just don’t understand. Why did He give me this deep desire to be in law enforcement and then allow my abilities to be taken away? All I ever wanted to do was to help people.”
“Who says you can’t still help people? You’re helping me.”
“That remains to be seen. Mercado is still a threat.”
“Jonas is working on that side of things.”
“Regardless of what Jonas is able to accomplish”—Gage’s gaze delved into hers—”Mercado and I aren’t finished yet.”
A prickling of fear gripped her, but she let the subject drop as Gage plated the flounder, salad, and a couple of rolls and brought them to the table. He focused on his food as he ate. Whether he was lost in thoughts of the past or more concerned about the future, Cara could only guess.
When she couldn’t take the strained silence anymore, Cara set aside her plate. “I hope you’re not thinking about some kind of revenge.”
He brought his gaze up. “Wouldn’t you be?”
“Not if it’s outside of God’s boundaries.”
Gage sat back and interlaced his fingers. “With or without boundaries, I want him off the streets.”
“Mercado knows you’re an agent. You can’t go back in undercover.”
“I don’t need to. Next time he won’t see me coming.”
14
After dinner, Gage led Cara to the detached building he’d converted into a gym, to teach her a few defensive tactics. “The Coast Guard used this building for storage.” He flipped a switch and fluorescent bulbs illuminated a treadmill, various weightlifting equipment, and a large area covered in red and white gymnastics mats. “It was a chore getting these things delivered to the island.”
Cara spun in a circle as she took it all in. “All you’re missing is a boxing ring.”
Although the place could use some fresh air, Gage shut the door securing them inside, blocking off the ocean’s sounds. “Yeah, well, it’s not so easy boxing without a partner.”
“No. I suppose it wouldn’t be.” Compassion sparked in her sea-blue eyes. “There are a lot of things that can’t be done alone.”
“I’m OK with that.” But, as Gage spoke the words, his inner core ached for something he couldn’t explain. Rather than dwell too long on disconcerting thoughts, he turned his mind toward the task at hand.
In order to show Cara a few self-defense moves, he was going to have to put his hands on her, hold her close. She had changed into a pair of navy-colored sweat pants, and a matching tank top—both of which were appropriate for training, but the outfit accentuated her curves, and he had a difficult time not noticing.
Gage’s heart beat faster and he had no doubt the vein in his temple showed his racing pulse as his gaze roamed over her.
“Is what I’m wearing OK?” She plucked at her shirt, giving him a momentary glimpse of her smooth, narrow waist.
He couldn’t put two words together, so he nodded.
If he didn’t focus, Cara could end up without the knowledge necessary to fend off her would-be attackers. With that thought in mind, he stepped close and clamped his fingers around her thin wrist.
“Try to get away.”
Cara’s eyes widened, and then an understanding crossed her features. “You don’t waste any time, do you?” She tried to wrench away but her muscles were no match against his. “You’re too strong.” She yanked harder.
“Tell me to release you.” He held steady, keeping her within his control.
“Let go.”
He shook his head. “Say it louder. With more force.”
“Let me go!” She yelled as she twisted her arm.
“That’s better. Let your assailant know you won’t go with him without a fight.”
“I think I’ve made that clear.” She attempted to peel away his fingers with her other hand. His grip didn’t budge.
“I’m bigger and stronger. You won’t be able to pull away.”
“Then what do I do?”
“Bend low, lean in, and bring your elbow up against my forearm. I won’t be able to keep my hold on you.”
Cara did as instructed, and she slipped from his grasp. A triumphant smile crossed her lips. “I did it.”
The innocence in her smile and the light in her eyes lifted his spirits. “Yes, you did.”
As if his opinion mattered, Cara responded to his approval with an even wider smile.
His heart shifted as she touched him on a deeper level, a place he hadn’t allowed anyone access to in years. After Leah had bailed on him, and his run in with Mercado, he’d all but shut down. Having Cara breathe some of the life he’d lost back into him both refreshed and terrified him. How could he open himself up again? What kind of woman would want a partial man?
His leg throbbed as if a reminder of the man he would never be again.
Cara’s smile faded. “Are you all right?”
“That remains to be seen.” Before she could ask what he meant, he widened his stance. “Let’s try this again.”
Gage practiced the move with her several times, alternating sides until he was convinced she would remember what to do.
“I think I’ve got this one down.” She rubbed her wrists. “I hope the other moves don’t hurt so much.”
“Sorry. I prefer to take things slower.” He took her hands in his, smoothing his thumbs over her wrists. Warmth radiated from her swollen skin and guilt nudged him. “Do you want to stop?”
Determination shone in her gaze. “No. Show me something else.”
“All right.” He released her. “Think about my body’s vulnerabilities.”
She looked at him as if he’d lost his mind. “There’s not much about you that’s vulnerable. Except for…you know…” She glanced at his groin area and color rose to her cheeks.
“That’s a given. Now, think of another area you can target.”
She thought a moment, and tucked stray strands of hair behind an ear. “Your eyes?”
“Yes. And ears. Boxing the eardrums can throw a guy off balance. The nose is a good spot as well. Use your palm to ram upwards against it.” He took her hand and demonstrated the move in slow motion.
�
�Anything else?” She looked eager, as if soaking in his words.
“The throat is vulnerable. Straighten your fingers and press here.” He took up her hand and placed her fingers on his throat. “Press down on the jugular notch. It produces a gagging reflex almost instantly.”
“Like this?” She applied a little pressure.
“Yes, but in a real situation, you’d want to use a lot more force.” He gave Cara a moment to take it all in before he circled behind her and wrapped an arm around her neck. “You may not see your attacker coming. Use your elbows and knees as weapons.”
She elbowed him in the gut.
“Good. But, I’ve still got you in a choke hold. Swing your arm around like this.” Gage showed her how to dislodge his arm. “Now use your elbow.”
She did as instructed, ramming her elbow against his mid-section.
He tightened his muscles against the pressure. “Not bad. Now, as soon as you get free, run.”
Cara lunged away and he allowed her to cross the room to safety. She looked pleased as she faced him. “I got away from you.”
“This time.” Gage crooked a finger. “Come here.”
She shook her head. “You’ll have to catch me.” A challenge gleamed in her eyes as she lunged away.
Gage enjoyed the brief game of cat-and-mouse—it took him less than ten seconds to corner her. “Nice try.” He grabbed her by the waist and tossed her over his shoulder before carrying her to the mat.
He paused, wanting nothing more than to end the training without having to teach her this next move. But, he owed it to her, and to Jonas, to prepare her for the multiple motives of an attack. Steeling himself, he flipped her onto her back and covered her soft body with his, pinning her to the floor.
Cara’s eyes widened, and she bucked and flailed her arms, but his weight prevented her from escaping.
His chest squeezed tight, and it was all he could do not to release her and apologize. “Remember my weak spots,” he whispered into her ear.
Cara fought with renewed strength. She attempted to lift a knee, but didn’t have the room to move. She aimed fingernails at his eyes, but he caught and held her arms to her side.
