Attracted to Fire

by DiAnn Mills

  “Daddy, now that you’re president, I’d like to keep the same agents who are here with me now.”

  She nodded as she listened to his response.

  “I . . . love you too.” Lindsay handed the phone back to Ash and swiped at her tears.

  He took the phone and smiled at her, silently giving his approval, whether it meant anything or not.

  The president coughed, sentiment again clear in his voice. “I’ll make the call to Wade’s wife. She deserves to hear from me that her husband died in the line of duty. Did I hear she gave birth to their second child earlier today?”

  “Yes, sir. It was a boy.” Ash remembered Wade’s excitement . . . and the baby hadn’t been named.

  “Take care of my Lindsay. I’m sure you heard her request to keep the rest of the team together.”

  “Yes, sir. I’m assuming you’ll want her moved as soon as possible.”

  “I’m discussing that now with Scottard and Warrington. You’ll get a call back in a few minutes.”

  While he waited, Ash went over the preliminary report regarding Wade’s murder. Anger burned hot again. How many times had he told himself nothing would happen on his watch? In the rocky terrain surrounding the Dancin’ Dust, a sniper had fired and gotten away. No sign of him anywhere. Ash had failed, just like he’d done with Joel seven years ago.

  Restlessness worked its way through him, and he walked to a back bedroom where Bob was questioning Chip. Ash observed the suspect, who had a habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, with no alibi. His face had broken out in red splotches, and his voice shook. Eyebrows raised. Still claimed he didn’t know anything about the shooting until Wade fell. Chip wept. Not a sign of someone in bed with killers, but he could be a good actor. The guitar-pickin’ statistician was about to face another interrogation when Bob finished. He’d be wearing handcuffs for a long time.

  Ash’s phone rang, and he snatched it up. Warrington. He walked through the house and outside to the patio.

  “We’ve reached a decision. Lindsay is going to stay at the ranch.”

  Shock sent his head pounding. “Sir, do you think that’s wise?”

  “Moving her is exactly what the killer would expect. He made a point to get as close to the ranch as possible and kill one of our own, and then phone the president’s office to brag. Ten more agents are on their way. No one working there leaves until this is solved. A plan is in motion.”

  “I don’t trust Chip Leonard. I sent my reservations about him in an e-mail when Lindsay’s girth was sliced. I think he set Wade up for a sniper.”

  A hummingbird lit on a flowering bush. Another bird called in the distance. The Dancin’ Dust was not a sanctuary.

  “I’ve made arrangements to have him picked up. Looks like he knows something about what’s going on.”

  “I know the ranch has the latest security, but—”

  “Lindsay stays there.”

  “Would you reconsider? She—”

  “Zinders, the decision has been made. I appreciate your persistence, but let those who understand a criminal’s mind handle this.”

  “Yes, sir.” He clenched his fist.

  What kind of plan was that? A plan to get Lindsay killed?

  Two hours later, Meghan blew her nose and shook off the sorrow tearing at her heart. All agents understood death might be the ultimate price to pay for their protectee’s protection. But she’d not processed the extreme nature of her commitment.

  A sniper’s bullet.

  Wade’s new baby son.

  A widow.

  How much worse could it get?

  While Dave counseled Lindsay, Meghan needed air. She stepped out into the cooling evening temperatures—to grab control of her emotions and to pray for Wade’s family. She glanced at Bob, who had taken Chip outside for questioning. Perhaps a change of scenery would open his mind. Chip had to know more than what he was stating. Too many coincidences. Ash had grilled him earlier, and Chip’s story stayed intact. More Secret Service agents were on their way to pick him up. In her opinion, the vehicle couldn’t get there fast enough.

  Her gaze swept to the far end of the pool. Ash’s back was to her, and he seemed to stare out at the pasture dotted with horses and a jeep keeping vigil. He’d known Wade much longer than she had, and he might need to talk. His often-repeated words of “Not on my watch” told her he had much going on in his head.

  She walked to his side. His arms were crossed, and his features were stone hard. Although he didn’t acknowledge her, she stayed, not sensing animosity.

  “How long have you known Wade?”

  “Four years. Four good years.” No signs of emotion touched his face.

  “His family too?”

  “I’m his daughter’s godfather. Hope I can attend the funeral.”

  She chose to say nothing. Let him take the lead. Sometimes silence offered more consolation than questions.

  He turned to her. “Is this a first for you?”

  “I’ve never lost a fellow agent like this. I’m angry, hurting for his family . . . and feeling responsible in some ridiculous way.” She swallowed a mixture of sympathy and regret. “Wade was murdered on the day of his son’s birth. He didn’t step in front of Lindsay to stop a bullet or try to prevent a kidnapping or anything that makes sense.” She wanted to say more, but she’d come to help Ash.

  “I understand. A sniper pulled the trigger. Trained killers don’t feel. It was a job. Something to collect a paycheck.” He blinked, and she quickly averted her gaze. “This isn’t the first time I’ve lost an agent.”

  “I imagine that makes it feel even worse.”

  “Surfaces bad memories and deepens resolve.”

  His nickname of A2Z made sense. “I’m really sorry.”

  “Thanks. Looks like the rest of us will stay on Lindsay’s detail.”

  “I gathered that from listening to her phone chat with the president.”

  “And no one receives any time off until further notice.”

  She’d been fine with the mandate, but the other agents had talked about needing a break.

  “After talking to Warrington, other things make me wonder if those in DC are working in Lindsay’s best interest.”

  “In what way?”

  “She’s staying on the ranch. The consensus is the killer expects her to be moved, and the security is tight here. We’ll get ten more agents tomorrow.”

  Why? She couldn’t support DC’s thinking. “That does sound strange.”

  “I’m sure it has to do with keeping the media in the dark about her location . . . and the priority of the security updates already in place. They should be here anytime to take Chip into custody.”

  “Does he know?”

  “Not yet. Ethan will have a tough time with this.”

  “Can I talk to Chip?”

  His whole body turned to her. “Why? Do you think he’s innocent?”

  “I’d rather approach him as a friend. See if he lets something slip. He did indicate an attraction to me.”

  “Go ahead. I’d love for him to hang himself.”

  Chapter 31

  Meghan considered removing Chip’s handcuffs, but he was a smart man and would see right through her ruse. Hostility burned in his eyes. Not at all like yesterday evening, when everyone laughed and teased, and he and Lindsay had entertained them.

  She smiled, hoping to calm him. “I don’t know why you’re again suspected of ruining our operation here.”

  He stiffened. “I was innocent then, and I’m innocent now. Someone has set me up to take the fall, which means whoever is responsible will continue.” He leaned forward. “I’m in handcuffs, while someone is planning the next move.”

  She slid into a chair across from him. “Tell me about your afternoon with Wade. I don’t want to believe you’re involved, but the evidence is stacked against you.”

  “Wade and I were friends. It happened so fast. Incredible.” He shrugged. “Horrible.”

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nbsp; “All it takes is a split second to end a person’s life.”

  “What bothers me is I thought Wade had stumbled. I even teased him about it. What was I thinking? I thought snipers existed overseas, Mexico, or in big city crime, not in rural West Texas.” Chip kept his gaze focused on her. He didn’t pause in his speech or show any of the other signs of deceit.

  “I’m sorry you had to witness it.”

  “I won’t forget it either. Wade was an exceptional guy. New baby and all. Now that little boy will never know his dad. While we were running, he talked about taking him fishing, watching football games together. He laughed about his little girl’s antics and was excited about going home in a couple of weeks to see his family. When this is over, I’m going to Ohio. Tell his wife how much he cared for them.” He paused, all the while holding her gaze. “A2Z suggested I consult an attorney. Can’t do that with these cuffs, and my dad can’t get close enough for me to give him a name.”

  “We’re only doing our job. Ash is taking precautions because you look like a person of interest.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t appreciate his tactics. He didn’t say one word about Wade. Strictly business.” Chip’s words rippled with sarcasm. “If that’s what it takes to be a part of the Secret Service, then I’m glad I shovel horse manure.”

  Meghan formed her words carefully. “Do you suspect anyone on this ranch of committing the crimes?”

  He shook his head. “If I did, I’d be shouting his name.”

  “I have another question for you. Did you plant the scorpion in my room, or do you know who did—even as a joke?”

  “No, Meghan. At one time I was interested in you. But no more. I don’t like being used.” He took a breath. “I’ve been thinking about the scorpion incident. The loose wire above the duct in your bedroom was the only spot in the whole house that was not secure.”

  “I thought you said the wire was missing, not loose.”

  “It had been pried on two sides.”

  “Don’t you find that unusual?”

  “Which is why I’m bringing it up again. Maybe the contractor forgot to nail it down when the remodeling was done. Maybe I’m being paranoid. Maybe I’m a little scared too. I’m not used to having a friend murdered right beside me. Worse yet, I’m not used to being blamed for crimes I haven’t committed.”

  Chip needed to be long gone from the Dancin’ Dust. If he was innocent, then the truth would surface, and he’d be exonerated. Lindsay should be moved too. Keeping her here risked her life—and possibly those who guarded her. How many agents did Warrington have to lose before he realized an investigation needed to be launched internally? Meghan rubbed the chill bumps on her arms. Not sure she could voice the thought of someone within the Secret Service betraying them. Thinking about the downside of her assignment only blocked her from using the skills she’d been taught to keep her protectee safe.

  Get past Wade’s death, Meghan. You have a job to do.

  She turned her attention to Chip. Later on tonight, he’d be gone, and Ethan wouldn’t handle that well. Chip’s account of the loose wire mesh in the attic bothered her. She’d run this past Ash. Better to have him grumble about her mentioning something trite than to find out later that it fit into the bewildering scheme.

  “You have fond memories here, or you wouldn’t have returned to help your dad.”

  “I do. Most folks don’t understand my love of horses and the outdoors.”

  “I do a little, but not to your extent. I bet your mom loved to hear you sing and play.”

  “She did the best she could.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Mom was deaf. She felt the music through the soles of her feet, and she read lips.” He offered a grim smile. “She clapped in perfect time. Even danced with Dad.”

  Meghan’s heart sped. “Did she teach you how to read lips too?”

  “She did.” He quieted, as though remembering. “I wanted to be a part of her silent world, and reading lips helped me accomplish it. We used to sign back and forth to each other too.”

  “You must have loved her very much.”

  “I did. I was one of those kids who didn’t rebel, so arguments were few in our household.” He took a breath. “When we did disagree, it was a silent argument.”

  She smiled, but her insides twisted. Chip read lips. She’d seen him looking through binoculars around the ranch. He knew every word the agents said. Had he sold them out?

  Chapter 32

  Meghan studied the tormented look on Ethan’s face as Chip was escorted to a Secret Service SUV. Three agents had arrived to transport him for further questioning.

  “Dad, I want you to know I have no idea who shot Wade.”

  Ash opened the vehicle’s door and Chip, with his hands cuffed behind his back, slid into the backseat.

  “Dad, Mr. Burnette will get this cleared up, and I’ll be back in time for church on Wednesday night.”

  Although Ethan’s clenched fists indicated his anger, a tear trickled down his weathered cheek.

  Chip’s face could have been etched in stone. “I’ll take any test they have to prove my innocence. I don’t have anything to hide.”

  “This is not right.” Ethan choked back his words. “I want to call Mr. Burnette and get this settled.”

  Ash closed the door and turned to Ethan. “Sir, we understand your feelings—”

  “No, you don’t. You have no idea what it’s like to see your son hauled away like a criminal. Chip had nothing to do with Wade’s murder or slicing that girth. Y’all are looking for a scapegoat. Someone is sabotaging your assignment here, but it isn’t my son.”

  “Ethan—”

  “It’s Mr. Leonard to you.” He watched the vehicle turn around and drive through the front gate.

  Meghan saw the agony in the older man’s green eyes, an intensity that she’d seen in father and son. Chip might be involved with this, but not Ethan. “I’m sorry,” she said.

  “I know you didn’t have a thing to do with this. You’re a good girl, and you saw the goodness in my son.”

  But she was one of the agents who thought he might be involved. “They need to find out who’s responsible for Wade’s murder. Then he can come back.”

  “And that will happen tomorrow. Zinders, I want to make a call.”

  Ash handed him his personal cell, and Ethan punched in a number. “Don’t any of you fancy Secret Service agents leave. I want you to hear this.”

  Meghan didn’t move. Neither did Ash nor Bob.

  “Mr. Burnette, this is Ethan Leonard. We have a problem at the Dancin’ Dust, and I’d like for you to speak to the president about it. Yes, sir, I can hold.” Ethan glared at Ash and Bob. “I’m not surprised at this kind of treatment from A2Z, but Bob, you came across as a good man, just like Wade.” He lifted his chin. “Yes, the problem here is Chip’s been taken by the Secret Service as a suspect in Wade Enders’s murder.” Ethan listened, his eyes glistening.

  Meghan saw the respect in Ash’s face for Ethan, but she wasn’t surprised.

  “You think having him taken from his home in handcuffs is merely procedure? Harsh treatment, don’t you think? My boy has a clean record.” Ethan’s face reddened. “That’s all I ask. If you can speed the process and get him back on the ranch, I’d appreciate it.” He snapped the phone shut and drew in a ragged breath. “Mr. Burnette’s going to talk to the president about what’s been done to Chip.”

  “I’m sure the Secret Service in conjunction with the White House will expedite matters.” Ash stepped toward Ethan. “You and I have had our problems. What I’d like for you to understand is Lindsay’s not just here to regain her health. She’s been threatened.”

  Ethan’s eyes narrowed. “And you think Chip is part of that too?”

  “Sir, it’s our job to keep Lindsay safe, and that means dealing with anything and everything suspicious. What would you do if Chip was threatened? Wouldn’t you want every precaution taken to ensure his safety?”
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  Well said, Ash. Meghan would have been hard pressed to form such a sympathetic and honest reply.

  Ethan shook his head. “This has all gotten too complicated for me. I’d just like for all of you to leave and give me back my son.”

  “We’d all like that, Mr. Leonard. Hopefully we can oblige you soon. Your home has been disrupted, and a horrible crime’s been committed.”

  Ethan eyed Ash for several moments. “But my son didn’t commit it, and Mr. Burnette believes in his innocence too.” He walked into the stables.

  Meghan turned to Bob and Ash. “Do you think Ethan is a part of a conspiracy?”

  Bob rubbed his massive hands. “When I was a kid growing up in New Orleans, I discovered many a father who had no clue what his kids were doing. When the authorities picked them up, the fathers took the word of their kids. Every time.” He looked toward the stables. “I’d say Ethan would believe in Chip’s innocence no matter what comes out of this. The man lost his wife, and Chip is all he has left. His son is his hope for a legacy. No man wants to consider his own flesh and blood capable of murder.”

  “I agree with you.” Meghan pressed her fingers into her aching neck muscles. Another long day, where thoughts and suspicions had bombarded her mind. She glanced at Ash. “What do you think?”

  Ash hesitated, as though pondering her question. “I think until we have the killer in custody, all of us have to assume Chip’s involved and Ethan is aware of it. If any of us look away for one second, Lindsay or one of us could be dead. You’ve heard me say enough about no one going down on my watch. Well, it happened today. No one knows better than I do what that means. I suspect anyone who looks at me cross-eyed. Wade is the second good friend I’ve lost, and I have no qualms over how a confession is obtained from Chip, Ethan, or whoever else might have the answers.” His narrowed gaze revealed his pain. “Being termed A2Z helps me get the job done. I trust all of you will come to me with anything and everything that might be related to solving Wade’s killing and ensuring Lindsay’s safety.”