The Reunion Mission: The Reunion MissionTall Dark Defender

by Beth Cornelison

  Diaz had joined them for a day trip to discuss business. The senator kept the gun on the boat in case of trouble from pirates or drug runners. He had the gun tucked in the waist of his pants, and Diaz snatched it and threatened them all with it. When Daniel produced his own weapon to defend them, Diaz fired, the senator knocked Daniel out of the way and took a bullet in his Kevlar-protected back. Diaz turned toward his weapon on Nicole and Daniel fired to save her. Initial forensic analysis supported everything they reported, as would later tests. Nicole was confident the case would be closed as justifiable homicide. No mention was made of Pilar, her father or Jake.

  When the Grand Isle police were alerted to Menendez’s possible connection to the attack the week before at the senator’s home, they located him in a small diner near the pier and held him as a material witness. Before they left the Grand Isle police station, Nicole and her father were told that Menendez had clammed up, sitting like a rock, stoically staring straight ahead when questioned. Nicole could only surmise the man’s silence was largely due to his links to Diaz and the criminal gang in Bogotá responsible for killing Pilar’s family. They also learned that the Colombian embassy denied any association with the thug, but produced an extradition request for his for crimes in Colombia. By nightfall, Menendez was on a plane back to South America, and she and her father were released from police custody to return home. As she walked out to the police department parking lot, Nicole breathed a giant sigh of relief to have that chapter of her life behind her at last.

  She couldn’t regret her time with Pilar, though, or that the tumultuous past weeks had brought Daniel back into her life. Pain pinched her heart when she remembered Daniel’s biting assertion that morning that he couldn’t trust her and the cool distance he’d kept from her throughout the day. She’d been as surprised as anyone to see her father and Diaz on the pier but hadn’t had an opportunity to defend herself.

  By the end of the physically exhausting and emotionally wrenching day, when she found Daniel waiting for her in the police department parking lot, her hurt had grown a callus, and she bristled at the idea of having to defend herself. She was tired of proving herself and reiterating her loyalty to him. After all they’d been through, all the past hurts and misunderstandings, she needed Daniel to love and trust her unconditionally.

  She helped her father get settled with a pillow in the passenger seat of his Caddy, then met Daniel, who leaned on the hood of the rental car they’d picked up just that morning. Had it only been that morning? Geez, it had been a long day!

  “You okay to drive him back to New Orleans?” Daniel asked as she approached.

  She nodded. “I’ll stop for coffee somewhere, but I’m fine. What about you? Are you headed back to your grandmother’s tonight?”

  He gazed into the darkness avoiding her eyes. “Probably. For a day or so. I need to see about my leg. Talk to a surgeon about a knee replacement. After that...” He lifted a shoulder in a dismissive shrug.

  She studied his rugged profile in the harsh bluish parking lot lights, and her stomach swooped. His jaw was rigid, and the jumping muscle in his cheek spoke of his lingering anger with her. She sighed, too weary to verbally spar with him tonight.

  Why, oh why, out of all the men in the world, had she fallen so hard, so completely in love with this hardheaded, temperamental, obstinate man?

  Dreading his answer, but needing to know where he saw their relationship, she asked, “Will you call?”

  He didn’t respond for a moment, and with each second that passed, Nicole felt her heart slowly cracking, as if a thin wedge were being driven in one tap at a time. Finally, he lowered his eyebrows in a scowl and shot her a dark look. “I don’t see the point.” Tap. “You and I...have never really fit.” Tap. “I think it’s time we both let go of the fantasy we created that night in New Orleans and admit that we could never work.”

  Tap.

  Tears of frustration burned her eyes. “Daniel, you haven’t given us a chance to wor—”

  “Good night, Nicole.” He pushed away from the hood and popped open the driver’s door. “I’ll get your cats back to you by the end of the week.”

  She gaped at him. Stunned. Stinging. Furious. “Daniel?”

  He paused only long enough to give her one last look, his eyes full of regret. “Take care of yourself. You deserve it.”

  Without another word, he lowered himself into the rental car and cranked the engine.

  Crash. Nicole struggled for a breath as the shards of her shattered heart sliced her chest and left her bleeding inside. She stood motionless, aching to her marrow as she watched him drive away. Only after his taillights had faded into the night did she muster the strength to stumble back to her father’s Cadillac.

  He sent her a worried look as she turned the ignition key and backed out of their parking space. “Everything all right, honey?”

  And because she’d never lied to her father before, she cut a quick glance to him and answered simply, “No.”

  * * *

  Two days later, while sitting out on the porch of his grandmére’s house, Daniel received a text message from Jake saying Pilar and her father had been successfully returned to the safe house in Colombia, and Jake was on his was back to his home in Texas for some recuperative time for his shoulder injury. After reading the message, Daniel set his phone aside and gazed at the bayou, bored out of his skull and missing Pilar and Nicole like crazy. He knew he might never see Pilar again, yet the girl had shown him the joys of fatherhood and given him hope that someday he’d have children of his own.

  Children with Nicole’s stunning blue eyes and breathtaking smile...

  He smacked a fist on the arm of the chair and bit out a curse.

  Stop it! You made the only decision you could. Look at the contrail of pain and hurt you two have already left behind you. How could he put his heart at risk again? Just two days ago, she’d broken her promise not to tell her father about their plans. How could he trust her allegiance in the face of that betrayal? No, he’d already suffered enough anguish over Nicole, her self-serving father and her lack of faith in him.

  Because...my daughter...loves you.

  Daniel shifted restlessly in the rocking chair as the senator’s words replayed in his mind. Nicole’s father had saved his life...for Nicole. That sacrificial gesture didn’t jibe with the ugly picture of the senator he’d locked in his brain for the past five years. Readjusting his perception wasn’t comfortable. Neither was admitting he could have been wrong about what had really happened that morning in the hotel room in New Orleans….

  I think you’re the one who has a problem with your heritage.

  I love you both. Love you….

  With a growl of consternation, Daniel ground the heels of his hands in his eyes and leaned his head back on the rocking chair. Why did things between him Nicole have to be so confusing, so complicated?

  If you love her, you will not say it is too complicated and walk away.

  If he loved her? Enfer!

  He’d loved her since the day he met her. That was what had made her betrayal hurt so much. Except...if he were to believe Nicole, she hadn’t betrayed him. She’d been rebelling against her father’s ideals, but she’d been invested, she’d wanted to be with him, given him her heart.

  The buzz of his phone cut into his frustrating rationalizations.

  Snatching up the phone, Daniel checked the caller ID, secretly hoping it was Nicole, but saw his partner’s number instead. “So Alec,” he said by way of greeting, “Erin kick you to the street yet?”

  “Hello to you, too,” Alec returned, sounding happier than ever. “And, no, for some reason, Erin loves me and seems quite happy to put up with me.”

  Daniel twitched a small grin, relieved to have the distraction. “She’s a keeper.”

  “That she is. Especially after seeing her endure twelve hours of labor. The woman is my hero.”

  Daniel sat up straight. “Labor? She had the baby?”

/>   “This morning. A boy. He’s a little small, since he’s a couple weeks early, but he’s got strong lungs and a head full of his mother’s blond hair.” Pride filled Alec’s voice, and Daniel couldn’t help but smile.

  “That’s wonderful. Congratulations to you both.”

  “Thanks.” Alec heaved a contented sigh. “I tell you, Lafitte. I never thought life could be this good. Marriage, family...you should try it.”

  “Yeah, maybe someday.” He let his gaze drift out to the dock where he and Pilar had fished, and his heart twisted.

  “Someday? Dadgum, Lafitte, haven’t you kept Nicole waiting long enough? When are you going to wise up and tell her how you feel?”

  Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “That ain’t happening. Just a couple days ago, I told her we were through.”

  “Through? Wha—” Alec huffed. “What’s that word you called me? Coullion?”

  Daniel cocked his head, surprised to hear Alec tossing the Cajun term back at him, the term he’d used to shake Alec out of his stupor when he was prepared to let Erin slip away. “Yeah, coullion.”

  “Because I’d say it applies to you, too. You’re a stubborn fool if you give up on Nicole. I was only with her a few hours, but I could see how much she loved you. Do not let her get away, Daniel. I will come down there and kick your ass if I have to.”

  Daniel grinned. “I wouldn’t presume to pull you away from your wife and baby like that.”

  “So you’ll call her? Apologize? Beg her for a second chance if you have to?”

  Daniel groaned and shook his head. “I— It’s not that simple.”

  “Yeah, well, hard isn’t in your vocabulary,” Alec countered. “I’ve seen you take on three armed guys with your bare hands and come out alive. I’ve seen you get past security at a drug lord’s fortress and get back out without even waking the guard dogs. ‘Not that simple’ merely means you have to dirty your hands a bit.” Alec paused, and Daniel heard the cry of a baby in the background. “Look, the nurse just brought Ethan in. I need to go.”

  “Okay. Well, give Erin my best.”

  “Daniel, do you love her? Because that is what it boils down to, man. If you look at it that way, it is real simple.”

  Daniel squeezed the cell phone, and his chest tightened. “Yeah. I do.”

  “Then do right by her, okay?”

  Nothing is too hard if it is also what is right. The judge’s stilted English bounced through his memory.

  “Thanks, Alec. Congrats again.” Daniel disconnected and set the phone aside. Do right by her.

  An energizing warmth flooded his body when he whittled away all the debris that had been cluttering his view of his relationship with Nicole. Alec was right. If he loved Nicole, wasn’t that all that really mattered? Couldn’t they sort out all the rest if they clung to their love for each other? After all, their feelings for each other had already survived the tempest of the past five years.

  He glanced down at his knee brace and began calculating his next moves. Before he could ask Nicole to build a future with him, he had to settle a few matters. He wanted to schedule his knee replacement surgery and get on the road to recovering full use of his leg.

  And he had unfinished business with her father.

  * * *

  Three days later, Daniel knocked on the door to Senator White’s garden district mansion in New Orleans. The woman who’d been with Nicole on the day of Pilar’s attempted kidnapping answered his summons and smiled when she saw him. “Daniel LeCroix, my hero! How nice to see you again.”

  He offered a polite smile to the housekeeper. “And you, Sarah Beth. Are the Whites home?”

  The clack of shoes on hardwood preceded Nicole’s appearance behind her father’s housekeeper. “Daniel!” Her expression was both heartbreakingly hopeful and cautious. “Come in. What...what brings you here?”

  Sara Beth took her leave, and Daniel focused on the woman who’d filled his dreams for the past ten years. Though surprise and concern filled Nicole’s face, he couldn’t help but notice how the past several days of rest and nourishment had put more color in her cheeks and flesh on her bones. She looked beautiful, and his heart responded with a pure, sweet pang of affection.

  “I can’t stay long. I’m on my way to the surgery center for my knee replacement now, but...I have some business to discuss with your father first. Is he home?”

  Her brows furrowed with suspicion. “Yeah, but...what business?”

  “Where can I find him?” he asked, purposely avoiding her question.

  She stood back, worry etched in tiny lines around her eyes. “He’s in the den. I’ll take you.”

  Heart drumming, he followed her to the spacious room at the back of the house, already repaired after the gun battle with the kidnappers from a few weeks earlier.

  “Dad, you have company,” she said rousing her father from the television.

  Senator White stood slowly and faced Daniel, his curious, somewhat wary expression matching Nicole’s. “LeCroix.” He offered his hand and Daniel shook it, meeting the man’s eyes squarely.

  “Senator. Are you feeling better?”

  He tipped his head a bit. “Still a little sore and moving slowly, but I’m doing all right. What can I do for you?”

  “I have something important to ask you.”

  Nicole moved next to her father, biting her lip. “Daniel, what’s going on?”

  He met her eyes briefly before giving her father his full attention. “Senator, I’ve been in love with your daughter since her prom night ten years ago. I believe I’ve demonstrated my willingness to do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it costs me my own life.”

  White glanced at Nicole, then gave Daniel a brief appreciative smile and tight nod. “Indeed you have.”

  “Sir, I promise you that nothing will change in that regard. I will always love, protect and defend her, no matter your answer.”

  He quirked a bushy gray eyebrow. “My answer? I haven’t heard a question yet.”

  “Dad!” Nicole scolded.

  Daniel wiped his hands on his pants and cleared his throat. “You’re right. Senator White, will you grant me the honor of your daughter’s hand in marriage?”

  Nicole gasped, and her hand flew to her mouth.

  White grinned and regarded his daughter with love in his eyes. “Daniel, my boy, I’ve learned not to make decisions where my daughter’s life is concerned. She’s a headstrong and capable woman with a mind of her own. If you want to marry her, she’s the one you need to ask.” He turned back to Daniel, adding, “For my part, however, I give my blessing and wish you many years of happiness.”

  Daniel twitched a grin, relief pricking the bubble of tension filling his lungs. Shifting his cane, he faced Nicole, his heart thundering. “Nicole, I—”

  “Yes!” she cried and flung herself at him so hard and fast he dropped his cane in order to catch her. As a result, his balance faltered, and they nearly toppled.

  Senator White laughed. “Honey, once again, I didn’t hear a question.”

  Tears of joy leaked onto her cheeks, and she pulled back from his embrace just far enough to send him a grin. “Sorry. You were saying?”

  He flashed a lopsided grin. “I was wondering if you’d drive me to the hospital, so I don’t have to put my car in long-term parking.”

  She mock-scowled and poked him. “Of course, I’ll drive you. Anything else?”

  He captured her face between his hands and sobered. “Only this...I love you. I’ve loved you for years, and I promise to love you the rest of my days on this earth. I can’t imagine my future without you in it.” He pulled a small pouch from his pocket and took out his grandmother’s ring. “Mémère wanted me to give this to my bride.” He slid the antique ruby and diamond ring on her finger. “Will you be my wife?”

  Fat tears dripped from her spiky eyelashes, but a smile of sheer bliss and love lit her face.

  “I love you, too, Daniel LeCroix.” She w
rapped her arms around his neck and kissed the breath from him. “I’ve waited a long time for this moment. And through the years, my answer has never changed. Yes, I’ll be your wife. Absolutely yes.”

  * * * * *

  Tall Dark Defender

  To my wonderful editor, Allison Lyons.

  Thanks for all you do!

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Excerpt

  Chapter 1

  The lights weren’t supposed to be off.

  Irritation, tinged with a tickle of uneasiness, skittered through Annie Compton. She fumbled in the predawn darkness to jab her key into the lock at Pop’s Diner. Her boss, Peter Hardin, was supposed to have left the outside light on to deter burglars and to illuminate the front door for the employee who opened the diner in the morning. Today, Annie was said employee with the unenviable responsibility of showing up at 5:00 a.m.

  She grumbled under her breath as she groped on the shadowed door to locate the lock’s slot. The door moved unexpectedly. Just a fraction of an inch, but enough to catch Annie’s attention. A bolted door shouldn’t have wiggled that much.

  Annie pulled the handle, and the heavy glass door swung open. Her pulse spiked. Turning on the front light wasn’t all her boss had neglected when he closed the restaurant last night.