Sirens drew closer.
A shot sounded.
The gunman clutched his heart and fell to the snow.
Nick looked at Lizzie. She appeared as surprised as he was.
A noise caused them to turn. Burl stepped from behind a boulder. “Looks like I got here just in time.”
In the next second, everything broke loose. Four police sedans pulled to a stop in the clearing. Lights flashed. Cambridge officers sprang from their cars, weapons drawn.
Lizzie was crying and running toward Nick. “You’re hurt.”
“I’m okay,” he reassured her, opening his arms and reaching for her. Her tears wet his neck, and his blood stained her jacket, but they were together, and that’s all that mattered.
“I love you,” he said, pulling her close.
“Oh, Nick, I’ve always loved you.”
* * *
EMTs bandaged Nick’s wound and said he was lucky. Just a few inches more and the bullet would have done serious damage.
Burl stayed around long enough to talk to the police and apologize to Nick for taking a while to get up the mountain.
“Your timing was perfect,” Nick said with a wide smile. He held Lizzie’s hand after the EMTs finished bandaging his side and cleaned the blood from their clothing.
“Check out the warehouse in Tyler that Doyle Manufacturing bought a few months back,” Nick told Chief Carter. “I have a feeling you’ll uncover information that will lead you to Zack Tate. You’ll also find a stockpile of faulty ceramic plates. Harold Doyle took over the warehouse operation and used the substandard plates to prove to his uncle that he could save money for Doyle Manufacturing.”
Shaking his head in frustration, Nick continued. “Or maybe Harold pocketed the profits for himself. Either way, BP had planned to destroy the plates before they sold the company, but somehow that detail got overlooked. Harold shipped the faulty plates to Stratford and Casting, claiming they were the improved inserts for the new tactical vests that went to our active duty forces.”
He glanced at Lizzie. “Soldiers in Afghanistan were issued the less-than-effective vests, like the one I received when I was there. The one I gave to my friend Jeff.”
As the police worked the crime scene, Nick and Lizzie said goodbye to the chief and headed back to town. They had a performance to watch.
After parking in front of the church, they hurried inside, just in time to see Mary Grace walk up the aisle, carrying a doll baby that represented the Infant Jesus. She took her place at the front of the church, where shepherds, including Joey still clutching Lamb, stood to welcome the Newborn King.
Jean waved from the sidelines when she saw Nick and Lizzie, then gently prodded a little boy dressed as a camel to where he needed to stand near the makeshift stable.
Once the children were in place, the pastor, a big man with a resounding voice, read scripture from Luke’s gospel.
“While they were there, the days of her confinement were completed. She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.”
On cue, Mary Grace placed the doll in a small wooden cradle filled with straw. Lizzie smiled and nestled closer to Nick’s uninjured side.
Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he listened attentively to the Christmas story and accepted as truth the coming of the Christ Child. As if he’d been given a new birth like the Infant Babe, Nick’s heart fully opened to the Lord’s love.
He offered a prayer of thanks for Zack. The chief had called on their way into town. Tyler law enforcement had found Zack bound and gagged, but alive and unharmed, in the warehouse. Knowing his old friend had been rescued, Nick could finally relax. With Lizzie in his arms and the children safe, Nick had everything he’d ever wanted.
FOURTEEN
Chief Carter asked Nick and Elizabeth to remain in town until the dirty cops in Lassiter could be rounded up. Jean invited them to spend the night at her house, and the next morning, the children woke early and hurried down the stairs. Lizzie and Nick were drinking coffee in the dining room.
“I told Joey that Santa wouldn’t know where to take our toys.” Mary Grace peered under the tree, disappointment evident on her face.
“You never know about Santa,” Nick said with a smile. “Didn’t you ask him to bring your dad back?”
“Not Santa, Nick. We prayed to the Baby Jesus.”
“My mistake.”
A knock sounded at the door. Nick crossed into the living room and opened it to find Santa, looking surprisingly like the Cambridge chief of police, dressed in the traditional red suit and beard.
“Ho, ho, ho,” Santa said with a wink. “I hear Mary Grace and Joey spent the night at Ms. Jean’s house with you and their aunt.”
“That’s right, Santa.” Nick held the door for the jolly man to enter.
“I’ve also heard that they’re very good children.”
“They’re always good,” Lizzie assured Santa.
“That’s why Santa brought presents.” He lowered a large bag filled with toys to the floor. “But I’ve got something even more special.”
Zack stepped into the house. Mary Grace squealed and ran into her father’s arms. “Daddy!”
Joey stood for a long moment and watched from across the room.
“Sport, don’t you want to give your dad a hug?” Nick worried the little boy had been through too much.
Zack waited, giving Joey time.
Wide-eyed, the little guy handed Lamb to Nick for safekeeping, then opening his arms, he ran to his father.
“Daddy,” Joey squealed.
Tears ran down Lizzie’s cheeks. Nick took her arm and gently ushered her back into the dining room to give the children and Zack time to reconnect.
“That’s the first time Joey’s spoken since Annabelle died.” Dabbing her eyes, she peered around the corner into the living room. Joey was chatting as if he needed to catch up on all the things he hadn’t said in the past thirteen months.
Reassured by the family reunion, Liz turned her attention back to Nick. “We wouldn’t have this happy Christmas morning if it weren’t for you. You put it all together, Nick, and told the police where to look to find Zack.”
“All the pieces were on the flash drive. The chief said Harold is under arrest, and Colin Doyle is being questioned to see if he knew what was going on. They’re also weeding out the dirty cops.”
“I suppose you’re going back to Fort Rickman after Christmas.”
“I’ve got extra leave. I thought I’d stick around for a while longer.”
“That would be nice.”
“I’m glad you think so.” He drew her close, his eyes twinkling. “I don’t have a gift, but there’s something I want to give you.”
He pulled a small heart cut from red construction paper out of his pocket.
She smiled. “You made it when you were playing with the children.”
Nick nodded, throwing her a lopsided grin. “It’s my heart, Lizzie. You’ve always had it.”
Her eyes filled again, this time with tears of joy. “I asked God this Christmas to free me from the past. But it found me— You found me, Nick. I’m not sure if you realized that when you left, you took my heart with you.”
He pointed to the ceiling. “Do you see what I see?”
Lizzie followed his gaze to the beam above them and the clump of mistletoe that hung from a bright red ribbon.
“You know what that means?” he teased, his eyes playful.
“I’m not sure.”
“It means I’ll have to kiss you. At least once, maybe twice, probably three time to make sure.”
“Make sure what?”
“That you know I love you.”
“Hmm.” She smiled. “You mi
ght have to kiss me more than three times to ensure I get the message.”
“Whatever you say, ma’am. Like any good army guy, I aim to please.”
Then his smile ended, and his lips lowered to hers. Lizzie lost count of his kisses, but she didn’t tell him to stop. She’d never tell him to stop because she’d been waiting her entire life for this Christmas filled with love.
* * * * *
SPECIAL OPS CHRISTMAS
Susan Sleeman
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
—Proverbs 16:9
To Paul and Cailin, for believing.
Paul, you never question this calling or me disappearing into my office for hours…even over Christmas break. You support me and, believe me, I know I’m blessed. I love you.
Cailin, you gave up time with Mommy over Christmas break, and you never asked why. But you did discover you and your daddy have a love for Australian TV shows, and that’s pretty cool. Thanks, Boogie Ma Shoo Shoo… I love you.
Glenda Cook, when I say there’s a new book, you say, “How long before I get to read it?” There are great English teachers in the world and then, above all of those, there’s you. Thank you.
Dad, you gave me everything money can’t buy, and those are the best things. And Mom, you never fail to be there when I need you.
Emily and Elizabeth, you are amazing editors. I love what you have to say and I love the way you think! Thanks for letting me be a part of this team!
Sandra, I’ll never stop saying thanks for giving me a chance. And for brainstorming with me when I get stuck. Now that’s when it gets fun.
Dawn Lucowitz, Kimberly Buckner, Donna Moore, Christina Nelson, Lesley Cooper, Laura Ott, Laura Harris, Heather Edge, Shalawn Avery, my FCA family, my Culbreth family…and the list goes on… Thanks. For praying, for cheering, for reading, for promoting, for listening and for loving.
Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
ONE
Captain Travis Chapman readily served wherever his country needed him. All Green Berets did.
But this?
“I realize this operation is a bit unusual.” Colonel David Waters grabbed a marker and approached the whiteboard in the small Fort Bragg briefing room.
Unusual? Try earthshaking.
Travis tugged at his collar and swallowed down the unease threatening to bring up his breakfast. He had to find a way out of this assignment. For once, he didn’t care what the team needed. This was personal. He’d do anything else. Go anywhere other than the Army Research Institute in Orlando.
Getting quickly and quietly behind enemy lines and creating insurgencies. That he knew and thrived on—it was how he lived and operated day to day. But working with Claire at the institute? With the woman who’d left him feeling as if a grenade had exploded in his chest, his heart still a torn mess two years later?
Not that.
He shifted in his chair and watched Waters ink Combat Action and Tactics Simulator on the board in bold red strokes. He turned, his dark brows thick as caterpillars drawn together, his perpetual scowl fixed on his broad face. “As I mentioned, your familiarity with CATS makes you the ideal candidate for this Op.”
CATS. Claire’s pet project to develop a lower-cost alternative to the army’s current simulated training program. Travis had spent weeks by her side working out kinks in it. Discussing enhancements for the prototype. Getting to know her and...
Not going there again.
“Is there a problem with this assignment, Captain?” Waters’s penetrating gaze raked over Travis.
Travis sat up straighter and dug his nails into his palms, the pain biting into his skin and keeping him on task. “No, sir, but with all due respect, are you sure this Op is appropriate for our team?”
The crease between Waters’s brows deepened and his eyes remained riveted on Travis. “Didn’t mention the team. Just you and your qualifications. You know the facility and CATS.”
And Claire.
Even now, with Waters watching him intently, Travis could get lost in thoughts of her. The smell of her perfume with a hint of lavender in direct contrast to her down-to-earth personality almost lingered in the air. He could see her sparkling eyes behind designer glasses and wondered for the thousandth time what would’ve happened if she hadn’t rejected him.
Waters shifted on the balls of his feet, his impatience written on his face. “Is there something you need to tell me, Captain?”
I once believed in a forever kind of love and, thanks to Claire, now I don’t. Yeah right. Like he’d tell Waters that.
“No sir. I just need the Op details so I can catch my flight.” He opened the briefing folder. “So are they looking for me to participate in the final testing and give the simulator a Green Beret seal of approval?”
“Negative. It’s more involved than that. One of the prototypes and the equipment specs were stolen from the institute last night. Primary investigations by project director Claire Reed points to an inside job, though I must say she’s having a hard time believing anyone on her team could do this.”
At Waters’s first mention of Claire’s name, Travis’s brain snapped to full attention. “Why an inside job?”
Waters raised his index finger. “First, few people outside the staff would know the value of Reed’s breakthrough. She’s taken a technology that has cost us billions of dollars and made it affordable, which means if it was available on the black market, even small guerilla groups would have the money to turn our own training against us.”
Travis shuddered at the thought of the many insurgent groups he’d trained over the years as he imagined similar groups whose values opposed America’s using the U.S. Army’s exacting standards to train an unlimited number of soldiers.
“Exactly,” Waters said, clearly picking up on Travis’s thoughts. He rested on the edge of the table and lifted another finger. “Second, the only sign of the theft—other than the missing equipment—was a problem with the internal cameras. They were either disabled or malfunctioned last night around 2300 hours for about an hour, but the institute’s external security wasn’t breached.”
Sounded like an inside job to Travis, too, but it didn’t explain why his skills were needed. His deployments usually took him to sub-Saharan Africa in covert operations, not hunting down a thief in the United States. “Won’t local investigators handle this breach?”
“No, this requires covert skills to keep the investigation under wraps. Plus, in addition to locating the thief, you’ll provide protection for Reed.”
“Claire needs protection?” The words shot out of Travis’s mouth before he could filter them.
Waters eyed him for a long moment before replying. “Yes. We believe she’s at risk for abduction and we need to put our strongest man in place to keep her out of the enemy’s hands.”
Questions swirled in Travis’s brain, mixing with concern for Claire. “I don’t understand. If the thief got what he was after, why would she be in danger?”
Waters’s jaw firmed and his eyes narrowed. Travis knew his commanding officer well enough to know he wasn’t going to like the next words out of the colonel’s mouth. Travis braced himself for additional bad news.
“Because of the simulator’s value, the project team opted to keep certain details out of the written specifications,” Waters said, pausing to flex the muscles in his jaw. “That way, if the technology ever fell into the wrong hands, the prototype would be u
seless without this additional information. Of course, the data is on file at a secured location, but other than that, Reed is the only person who possesses the information. Security makes stealing the written documentation impossible so—”
“The only way the thief can deploy the prototype is by obtaining the specs from Claire,” Travis finished as a sense of foreboding settled over him. “Which means if this really is an inside job then the thief knows she alone holds the key and will likely force her to share it.”
“Hence her need for protection.”
Travis knew all about obtaining information from noncompliant subjects, and he couldn’t abide the thought of Claire in this situation.
And maybe being killed once she provided the information.
The room closed in on him. Feeling as if he were strangling, he dug at the knot on his tie. He wanted to help Claire, really he did, but could he let go of his personal feelings long enough to achieve this goal on his own? “Seems to me deploying the entire company would be more effective than sending one guy.”
Waters shook his head hard, the steely resolve he was known for darkening his eyes. “A team of twelve would alert the institute staff to the problem. No one knows about the theft but Reed and her superiors at the institute. We want to keep it that way so we don’t send the thief into hiding or force him to act immediately on abducting Reed. You’ll go in under the guise of testing the latest equipment so you can stay close to Reed and quietly investigate the theft.”
Stay close to Reed. Close to Claire. A distraction that could threaten his performance.
“You can handle this alone, Chapman.” Waters crossed his arms and leaned back, his shoulders remaining in a hard line proving he didn’t intend to back down. “You’ve gathered intelligence on enemies before and have plenty of experience in capturing high-value targets. Simply consider this thief high-value and you’ll succeed. After your initial assessment of the situation, I’ll entertain requests for deploying additional support as long as you keep in mind that this operation remains on the Q.T. until I say otherwise.”
Holiday Defenders : Mission: Christmas Rescuespecial Ops Christmashomefront Holiday Hero (9781460341254) Page 8
