One Word

by Anne Barwell

  To his credit, Doug narrowed his eyes. “No bullshit, Donovan. Ethan doesn’t have time for it. Amy tracked him no problem, but….” He took a deep breath. “Just as she found him, the signal died. For whatever reason, his phone went dead.”

  “I DIDN’T sign up for any of this.” Gary glared at his phone before holding it back to his ear and listening to whatever the person on the other end had to say. “It was supposed to be straightforward.” He grimaced. “I wasn’t the one who bloody shot her!”

  Ethan glanced at the barn door. Did he have enough time to make a run for it while Gary was distracted?

  “Don’t even think about it!” Gary hissed at him. Still talking on his phone, he moved closer to Ethan. “No, I’m not alone. Some bloke from the inn I’m staying at knows too much.”

  Knows too much?

  That kind of comment never ended well. Especially in this kind of situation.

  What the hell was Gary talking about? He hadn’t shot…. Ethan replayed the argument he’d overheard earlier. Jane had talked about someone who’d died. But the only person who’d…. Oh fuck.

  “What happened with Ms. Fitzgerald was an accident.” Ethan swallowed and repeated his earlier words, hoping like hell he could get through to Gary and make him understand he wasn’t a threat. “I’ll testify on your behalf. I’ve already told you that.”

  The color drained from Gary’s face. “Don’t call me again,” he said into his phone. “I’ll deal with this. Don’t worry about it. Yeah, I’ll do what needs doing. You’ve already implicated me in a murder. I don’t have anything to lose now, do I, you bastard? And no, don’t worry. You won’t hear from me again, as long as I don’t hear from you.” He turned his attention to Ethan. “You didn’t know, did you? Don’t deny it. I can see it on your face. You’ve only just figured it out!”

  “Know what?” Ethan had a feeling playing dumb wasn’t going to work, but he figured he’d give it a shot anyway.

  Shit. Why had his mind helpfully supplied that wording?

  “Don’t play games with me. I’m already wanted for murder. What’s one more?” Gary raised his gun. “Why did I take you with me? This whole thing has gone to hell in a handbasket.” He glared at Ethan as though it was his fault.

  “Umm….” Ethan really didn’t want to answer either of those questions, but he didn’t want to end up dead either. It figured, didn’t it? He’d finally found someone he wanted to be with and this crap had to happen.

  Gary glared at him. “Well?”

  “You’re one of the bank robbers,” Ethan blurted out. “Ms. Fitzgerald—Jane—figured it out, and that’s why you were arguing.”

  He backed away, into the wall behind him. Something sharp jabbed at his back, and he winced. Probably a nail. Great. Just what he needed to round out this perfect situation—a case of tetanus. If he survived long enough to worry about contracting it, that was.

  “I didn’t know, I swear.” Ethan knew he was babbling but couldn’t make himself stop. “I was only using the lane as a shortcut. I didn’t know either of you were there until I heard you arguing. Why don’t we talk about this calmly? Someone’s probably found her by now, so it’s not as though I can tell the police something they don’t already know.”

  “It’s a bit late for talking. Nice try, though.”

  “I’m only going to slow you down,” Ethan said. Backtrack, you idiot. “Umm, I don’t mean you should kill me. I heard you tell that guy you didn’t before, so why start now? Let me go, and it will look better, right?”

  “Right.” Gary didn’t sound convinced. “And what’s to stop you leading the cops right to me?”

  “Leave me here for them to find. It will slow them down. I can tell them you went the other way or something.” Ethan could see Gary didn’t believe him. Hell, he wouldn’t in Gary’s position either.

  Keep calm.

  Ethan felt sweat dripping down his face, but he didn’t make a move to wipe it.

  “You expect me to trust you?” Gary shook his head. “Honestly, how stupid do you think I am? I’m not about to leave any loose ends. I might be new at this, but I’ve seen enough cop shows to know that’s the first thing that gets anyone caught.”

  “You don’t have to be the bad guy—”

  A beeping noise interrupted them.

  “What the bloody hell is that?” Gary snapped. “It’s coming from you.”

  “From me?” Ethan looked at him blankly. “Oh.” He suddenly realized what it was. “It’s my phone. I forgot to charge it. The battery is low.”

  “Give it to me!” Gary waved his gun.

  Ethan kept his movements slow and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

  Gary snatched it from him, threw it on the floor, then smashed it with his boot. “I don’t believe it. You talk about trust and this whole time you had your phone in your pocket and turned on.”

  “I didn’t know. I forgot it was there, I swear.” Ethan bit his lip. He wouldn’t plead. He’d keep his dignity. “Please, I didn’t know.”

  “You’re definitely far more trouble than you’re worth.” Gary pointed his gun at Ethan again, his finger tightening on the trigger. “You’ve just ruined everything.”

  “TURN OVER. Turn over!” Doug swore at his car and turned the key in the ignition again. “Stupid thing. I could have sworn I’d fixed it this time.”

  “We’ll take mine.” Donovan was already climbing out of the police car when the engine finally turned over. He jumped back into his seat, then slammed the door shut as Doug put his foot down and raced down the driveway. “Could have been worse,” he said. “We could be speeding to the rescue in Heidi’s Land Rover.”

  Doug shuddered. “I really don’t see why she loves that thing. Even with the siren, my car’s less conspicuous.” He turned right when they reached the road.

  “I hope you’re not thinking about—”

  “Of course I’m not going to use the siren. Honestly, Donovan, give me some credit. The last thing we need is this bloke knowing we’re onto him.” Doug rolled his eyes. “If Amy’s right, Smith’s holed up not far from here.”

  “Maybe he thinks we won’t look this close.” Donovan held on to the handle on the inside roof with one hand. In his other he held Doug’s cell phone. If Gary had found Ethan’s phone….

  Be safe, Ethan. Don’t do anything stupid. Please.

  “Maybe the battery died.” Doug glanced at him.

  Ethan had forgotten to charge it before he’d come to Oakwood the day they’d met. Surely he wouldn’t have done it again?

  Oh crap. Of course he would.

  Donovan kicked himself for helping Ethan set up an aural alert app the day before. “Those things like to tell you loudly when that happens,” Donovan muttered. “This guy is already wanted for murder. It doesn’t take much to send someone like that over the edge.”

  If he thought Ethan had left it on in order to tell someone where he was….

  We might already be too late.

  “Stop the car.” Donovan checked the information Amy had sent. He peered out the window. “We’re here. At least we’re supposed to be, if she’s got this right.”

  Doug hit the brakes, then backed up a few feet before pulling over to the side of the road and stopping the car completely. “She’s got it right. I’ve never known Amy to be wrong about stuff like this.” He got out of the car and pointed. “The road from here to the old barn still exists, although it hasn’t been used in years.”

  “Yeah, I know. I run that way sometimes when I want a change from my usual route. Maybe he thought he could hole up there and no one would notice?” Donovan handed Doug back his phone. Luckily, Sally’s kids had sport after school today. They walked their dog near that barn and often played in the field nearby. “If we take the car any closer, they’ll hear us.”

  “Stay close,” Doug said. “You know I’m including you in this against my better judgment, right? We confirm they’re in there and wait for backup.”

 
“Two against one, and you have a Taser,” Donovan said. “That’s doable.”

  “Donovan….” Doug tossed Donovan a stab vest. “At least put this on so you have some protection. This guy is probably armed, and he’s dangerous. I know you’re worried about Ethan, but don’t do anything stupid.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. Wait for backup.” Donovan yanked on the vest. He hadn’t used a weapon in years, and he’d vowed after Afghanistan he’d never use one again. But this was Ethan’s life on the line.

  Just as it had been the lives of his team then.

  He didn’t have a weapon. He didn’t need one. If this bastard had hurt Ethan, he’d go down for it. One way or another.

  To hell with looking back. He had a future to look forward to, one he would fight for.

  Donovan sprinted for the barn, Doug close behind him.

  Tire tracks were visible at the edge of the gravel, as though someone had edged off it briefly before returning to the road. Someone had driven through there recently. Had Ethan left a clue?

  A couple of yards from the barn, Donovan glanced over his shoulder to check Doug was with him. Doug indicated a pile of timber a distance from the barn door, and they both ran for it, then crouched down behind it.

  “You saw the tire tracks,” Doug said. It wasn’t a question.

  “Yeah.” Donovan studied the barn. Thank God he hadn’t started on the repairs he’d promised Sally yet. The door still had a plank missing, so it would be a good place to scout from. No point in rushing in without sizing up the situation first. The only other option was the window at the top of the hayloft, but he didn’t have a ladder and didn’t want to risk any noise alerting Gary Smith that he had company.

  He heard voices before he reached the door.

  “Why don’t we talk about this like reasonable men,” Ethan said. “We both know you’re not going to shoot me or you would have done it by now. Threatening doesn’t count.”

  What the hell was he doing? Was he trying to get himself killed?

  Doug put one finger to his lips and placed a warning hand on Donovan’s shoulder as he crouched down beside him. “Back up,” he whispered.

  There wasn’t much light inside the barn, and it took a moment for Donovan’s vision to adjust.

  Ethan stood to the right of the door, his back to the far wall. He turned slightly and Donovan saw his face—a nasty bruise was forming on one cheek. Fuck! The bastard had hit him.

  Gary paced directly in front of Ethan. He held a gun, and his hands were shaking. “You know who I am. I’m not going down for this. I’ve taken too many risks already. I can’t let you live.”

  “You’ve already said that.” Ethan stood his ground. “Shoot me, then. Go on.”

  Even if Gary wasn’t a killer, he held a gun. He could shoot Ethan with it, even if he didn’t intend to.

  Donovan shifted on the balls on his feet. Gary’s car was parked inside, directly in front of the barn doors. If Donovan could get into the barn without being noticed, he could use it as cover. He needed to be closer to take Gary down, to get that gun away from him.

  Carefully, Donovan edged the door open.

  Don’t make a noise. Please don’t make a noise.

  Finally the door opened wide enough. Donovan slipped through quietly and ducked behind the car.

  Gary tightened his finger on the trigger.

  Ethan closed his eyes.

  No, no!

  Donovan dived into the barn toward the car just as Gary lowered his gun. It wasn’t just Gary’s hands that were shaking now—he looked nervous as hell and kept glancing around the barn as though waiting for something to jump out at him.

  “Fuck you,” Gary yelled at Ethan.

  “You’re a decent bloke, right?” Ethan’s voice shook. Either he was very brave or one hell of an idiot. “You won’t shoot. You’re not a killer. What happened before was an accident. We won’t get far. Give yourself up and I’ll testify on your behalf.”

  Ethan looked away from the gun, past Gary toward Donovan, and his eyes widened.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Donovan saw Doug sneak in behind him through the still-open door. So much for obeying his own orders and waiting for backup. But then, Doug had never been one to stand back when he thought others needed his help.

  Luckily Gary’s back was still to them, and his attention was focused on Ethan.

  Donovan put his fingers to his lips. If they could get the jump on Gary before he realized they were there….

  Ethan nodded.

  God, no. You idiot! Don’t nod.

  Gary jerked his head to the side just as Donovan dived back toward cover. “You told me I could trust you!” He pointed his gun at Ethan again. “Come out where I can see you properly, Mr. Campbell. Do it! Or I’ll shoot your friend.”

  “Okay.” Donovan stood, making sure to keep his stance nonthreatening. He raised his hands and moved out from the cover of the car. Behind him, he heard Doug let out a sharp breath. “Let Ethan go and we can talk.”

  All Donovan had to do was stay calm and stall for time. He still had Doug as backup. Gary hadn’t spotted him yet, and Donovan intended to make sure it stayed that way.

  Ethan tried to back away from Gary, but he had a wall behind him. There was nowhere to go. He stumbled. Gary moved quickly, closing the distance between them. He jammed his gun against Ethan’s side.

  “Let me go, or I’ll kill him,” Gary threatened.

  “You don’t want to do this, Gary. I’m not armed.” Donovan kept his arms raised. “Take me instead and let him go.” He took a few steps closer. “I’m more valuable as a hostage to you. I can help you. I know the area. He doesn’t.”

  “You’d do that?” Gary didn’t look convinced. “Why?”

  “Please, Donovan. Don’t.” Ethan sounded horrified. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “No.” Gary raised his gun. It was only a matter of time before he stopped using it like a security blanket and shot someone. If Donovan was reading the situation right, this guy was inexperienced and nervous—a combination with a tendency to go bad very fast. “You both think I’m a joke, don’t you? You don’t think I’ll use this. You’re wrong.”

  “Murder isn’t going to solve anything.” Doug stepped out of his hiding place. Had he come to the same conclusion as Donovan? “We know who you are. You’re outnumbered, and backup is on the way. Lower your weapon, Mr. Smith, and it will go easier on you.”

  “I don’t believe you! I’m not stupid. I’ve seen enough movies to know what happens next.” Gary glanced around again, panicked. His finger twitched on the trigger.

  “Down!” Donovan yelled. He hit the ground just as Gary fired. The bullet screamed past him, barely missing him.

  “Donovan!” Ethan yanked free from Gary, then tackled him to the ground.

  Donovan rolled and came up on his feet just in time to see Ethan knock the gun out of Gary’s hand. It went flying.

  Both Donovan and Doug dived for the gun. Doug got there first. “The game’s over,” he told Gary. “You’re under arrest.”

  Ethan tried to get away, but Gary grabbed his ankle. Ethan struggled, but Gary’s grip was too strong.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” Gary muttered. “You’re my insurance.”

  “Like hell,” Donovan growled. He’d had enough of this crap. Gary wasn’t armed. Not anymore. He sprinted over.

  Ethan rolled onto his back, then kicked out at Gary, trying frantically to get away from him. Gary’s grip loosened. Ethan tugged himself free, but Gary wasn’t giving up that easily. He reached for Ethan again.

  “Get away from me,” Ethan hissed, kicking out again.

  “He told you to get away from him.” Donovan pulled Gary off Ethan and spun him around. Gary’s eyes widened in fear. “You’re not touching him,” Donovan growled. “Ever. Again.”

  He punched Gary in the face. Hard. Then let him go.

  Gary slid to the ground. He whimpered.

  “Self-defense,�
� Doug muttered. He handcuffed Gary, dragged him to his feet, and then ushered him outside, reading him his rights as they left.

  “What the hell did you think you were doing? You tackled someone with a gun. Fucking hell, Ethan.”

  “I thought he’d killed you! I thought he’d killed you.” Ethan trembled. “I saw you go down. I thought…. Oh God.”

  “We’re okay. We’re both okay. Come here.” Donovan pulled Ethan to him and held him close, wrapping his arms around him tightly. “I’m not that easy to get rid of.” He kissed the top of Ethan’s head.

  Ethan buried his head on Donovan’s shoulder. “Good,” he mumbled. “’Cause I’ve decided I want to keep you.”

  “That’s good.” Donovan couldn’t help but smile. “I was thinking the same thing about you.”

  Chapter 15

  “I’M FINE. Really.” Ethan sipped the hot tea Heidi had made and leaned back into Donovan’s embrace. Donovan had stayed close by his side since they’d held each other in the barn, and to be honest, Ethan wasn’t in a hurry for him to stop anytime soon.

  Heidi poked her head around the living room door. “Doug’s on his way,” she said. “Can I get either of you anything else?”

  “Ethan says he’s fine,” Donovan said, “but we’re going to sit here awhile. Let me know when Doug’s here?”

  “Sure.” Heidi smiled. “I’ll be in the kitchen with Harry.” After they’d arrived back at the inn, Dr. Harry McKenzie had shown up to check they were okay. “We’re having a coffee before he leaves. I figured I’d let you guys have some privacy. Sorry for interrupting.”

  “You’re not,” Ethan said. He tightened his grip on Donovan’s hand. “Tell Dr. McKenzie thank you.”

  Heidi nodded and disappeared back into the kitchen.

  “If you don’t want to stay here, that’s fine too,” Donovan said. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have answered for both of us. The last thing I want to do is start making decisions for you.”