by Davy, Wendy;
Skylar gasped for breath. “You’ve been shot?” A small hole in his jacket indicated the point of entry. Concerned, she slowed. “Let me take a look at it.”
“We need to keep moving. Come on.” He took her hand in his and picked up the pace.
Skylar ran with him as he led her down ravines and up hillsides, past an overflowing creek and toward a steep embankment. Slade’s complexion had paled and perspiration lined his brow. A glance at his jacket revealed more blood loss, as evident in the dark, moist stain broadening across the material.
She indicated a nearby fallen tree. “Let’s rest a few minutes. We need to try to stop the bleeding.” She managed to use a stern voice, although her heart raced and her hands shook.
“I’m all right. I want to get out of here as soon as possible.”
“If we don’t take a break, we might not get out of here at all. You could pass out.”
“Point taken.” Slade relented, allowing her to guide him as he sank onto the log.
Skylar knelt beside him, unzipped his jacket, and peeled it off his shoulders. Blood soaked into his shirtsleeve. Lifting the material, she cringed. A bullet had sliced across his skin, leaving torn flesh and dark bruises behind. “That’s got to hurt.”
“It’s not so bad.”
“You don’t have to pretend. I can see the pain reflected in your eyes.” She tugged the hem of her T-shirt from her jeans, ripped off a piece and folded it and then pressed the square against the puncture.
“Physical pain I can handle. It’s the emotional part I’m not so good at.” He averted his gaze. “I’m going to have to let Sarah know I wasn’t able to get her money back.”
“She should understand that you did everything you could, including risking your life.”
“She never wanted me to go undercover to begin with.” His eyes looked haunted, his thoughts distant. “Sarah never blamed me for any of it. Lily didn’t either. But I hold myself accountable.”
Skylar wanted to know more, but only if he was ready and willing to share. She gave him time, hoping he would fill her in as she ripped off another piece of her shirt, tied it around his bicep, securing the square cloth piece against his skin.
He lowered his sleeve, readjusted his jacket over his shoulders. Resignation flowed through his posture; his usually proud shoulders slumped. “Days before Lily was kidnapped, Sarah told me she’d seen a dark van driving around her neighborhood a couple times. She said she thought she’d seen the same van after picking up groceries and during a trip to the post office.”
A chill coursed through Skylar. “Aston was learning their routine. Following them.”
Slade nodded. “I told Sarah I’d check into it. But I was on a high-profile case and I wanted to impress the client, so I spent the weekend working instead of investigating my sister’s concerns.” He pressed a hand to his shoulder, wincing as more blood seeped through. “The following Tuesday, Sarah called me around four o’clock. Frantic. Lily had been snatched from the playground at daycare.” Slade’s voice hitched. “Witnesses reported seeing a full-size black cargo van nearby during that time frame.”
“And you blame yourself.”
His gaze sought hers. “I am responsible because I put my own selfish ambitions before the wellbeing of my family.”
Even though Slade couldn’t have known Lily had been in danger, he’d probably heard the sentiment many times from others. How it wasn’t his fault and that Aston Barnes had been fully to blame. She wouldn’t play into the same recitation. She’d save him the lecture. “If you want to own this, no one but God can convince you otherwise.”
Slade acknowledged her answer with a semi-smile. “Your honesty is refreshing.”
A stab of guilt pierced her, deep within. If she’d been totally truthful, she would’ve told him about her past when he’d asked. He’d shared his deepest regret with her and it was only fair that she return the favor. “There’s something I need to tell you, but I’ve been putting it off because I’m afraid of your reaction.”
“I won’t leave you unprotected, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He spoke in a low voice, much like when he attempted to coax her into trusting him over the phone.
Skylar needed to believe he would stand by her, to experience his fierce loyalty. “At first I was worried you would no longer want to protect me if I told you about my past, but now that we’ve been through so much together, losing your respect would hurt more than anything Aston Barnes could ever do to me.”
****
Slade couldn’t imagine what Skylar could’ve done to cause the fear swimming in her gorgeous green eyes. A part of him didn’t want to know. He wanted to keep his image of her as is, in pristine condition. She’d shown courage, strength and compassion. Add her admirable traits to his physical attraction, and he was hard pressed not to fall head-over-heels for her. But no one was without fault. If she had something to tell him, he needed to hear it with an open mind.
First things first. “I’m going to need stitches and antibiotics, before infection sets in. We need to get to the hospital and then contact Forest Lake’s Sheriff’s Office. I want to file a report with Deputy Landers.”
“All right. After that, we need to talk.” She stood and helped him to his feet.
He’d underestimated his blood loss; dizziness ensued, and he swayed.
“Whoa, hold on.” Tucking herself under Slade’s good arm, Skylar supported a portion of his weight. “Everything looks different during the daylight, but I think the road is north of here.”
“That’s my girl.” He said the words on impulse. He didn’t have the right to call her his…yet. He glanced her way to judge her reaction as they walked.
A frown marred her brow.
“Guess I overstepped?”
Skylar shook her head. “It’s not that. It’s just I haven’t been anyone’s girl for a long time. Not since…Jake.”
A wave of jealousy struck, but Slade shoved it aside. Of course she’d dated before. She was in her mid-twenties. But still. The thought set him on edge. “So it’s been a while?”
“A few years. Jake left me when things got difficult.” She lapsed into silence.
Slade wanted to throttle the guy for leaving Skylar during hard times. “I’m not going anywhere. No matter what happens.”
She didn’t say anything. Didn’t need to. The cautious hope rising in her eyes said it all.
22
Skylar sat next to Slade in the sheriff’s office, nerves stretched to their breaking point. Her gaze kept straying from Deputy Landers to the holding cells in the back. She never wanted to see the inside of a cell again, and here she sat, not twenty feet away. Would she be accused of stealing Uncle Winston’s money and end up in one of those tiny, confined spaces? The possibility made her lightheaded.
Slade squeezed her hand, breaking her from her thoughts. He’d looked weary ever since the emergency room physician had given him pain meds. They hadn’t stayed long in the hospital. Hadn’t needed to. The bullet had skimmed through his flesh, leaving a gash requiring only a few stitches. He’d be sore for a few days, the doctor had warned, but Slade had refused prescription painkillers. Now, his questioning gaze zoned in on her. They hadn’t finished their conversation about her past. But she would fill him in. Soon.
Deputy Landers finished writing inside a notepad and flipped the book closed. “With the detailed information you’ve provided, we have everything we need to for an arrest warrant for both Aston Barnes and Ike Mayhew. We’ve been suspicious of those two for some time. Never had enough evidence to bring them in.” Setting down his pencil, Deputy Landers turned compassionate eyes toward Skylar. “I appreciate your assistance in bringing these men to justice, considering what all you’ve been through.”
“I’m just glad this is almost over.” Although there weren’t many others in the small office building, every curious glance her way made her edgy. The sooner she got out of there, the better. “C-can we go now?” she ask
ed, making no attempt to mask her trembling voice.
Deputy Landers nodded. “It’s our turn to handle these guys. Can I give you two a lift somewhere?”
“We could use a ride to my cabin,” Slade suggested. “I need to have a talk with my sister, and Sky needs a safe haven until Barnes and Mayhew are detained.”
Skylar’s stomach churned. Slade didn’t know who she’d been or what she’d done. Would he retract his offer of protection once he found out?
23
“You call this a lakeside cabin?” Skylar allowed her jaw to drop as she stood before Slade’s three story log home, complete with massive floor to ceiling windows, wrap around deck furnished with cedar Adirondack chairs, rope hammock, and a large stone fire pit. Nestled in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains and bordered on one side by the lake, Slade’s home was an oasis. “This is more like a resort.”
“Well, the house is made of wood, and it is located on Forest Lake.” Slade’s expression softened as he led her up the porch steps, a man clearly at home surrounded by the forest, hillsides, and crystal clear lake water.
“Until now, I thought places like this only existed in my dreams. Either you’re an extremely humble man, or you’re spoiled.”
As they approached the door, he laughed. “I haven’t been called spoiled since Sarah and I were kids. She always accused my parents of siding with me when we argued.”
“Where are your folks now?”
“They retired to Florida. We see them on special occasions, but for the most part, it’s just us. Don’t pay any attention to the stories my sister tells you,” he warned, but his eyes held mischief. “She tends to exaggerate.”
She’d seen the business side of Slade as he’d dealt with Aston and Ike, but being invited into his personal life intrigued her. Learning more about him somehow felt…right. No doubts remained; she wanted to be a part of his life. But in order to have any kind of lasting relationship, she’d have to tell him what she’d done. As she prepared to enter Slade’s home, her nerves kicked in.
Either Slade would accept her as is, or not. The “not” possibility made her hesitate.
Slade placed a warm hand at the small of her back. “Don’t worry. You and Sarah will get along fine.”
“It’s not that.”
“No? Then what is it?” Slade asked, a mixture of concern and curiosity written on his face.
First instinct had her scrambling for an acceptable answer, something that wouldn’t expose her fears. But he deserved the entire truth. After all, he had shielded her from bullets. “I think there’s something happening between us, more than our current circumstances allow for. I’d like to get to know you, maybe see if there could be an ‘us’ after all this is over.”
His features softened into a breathtaking smile. “I’ve been thinking something along those same lines.”
Skylar swallowed, moistening her dry throat. Caution held her back from embracing the excitement jolting through her. “You have to know what I’ve done before you can decide what you really want. And, for now, I need to know if I’ll be welcome in your home before I take a step inside.”
Something shifted beneath his cobalt irises and his expression sobered. “All right. Tell me. What is it you’ve done that you think is a deal breaker?”
Her knees weakened and her heart palpitated, but Slade’s hand remained on her back, giving her much needed encouragement. “About five years ago, when I was working for an accounting firm in Asheville, North Carolina, my employer pressured me to skim money from wealthy clients’ accounts. I refused, but then he threatened to fire me.” She wiped damp palms on her jeans. “My grandmother was in an assisted living facility, but she was running out of money. If I didn’t help cover the costs, she would’ve been evicted. I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t lose my job. I didn’t know what else to do, so I helped steal the money.” Shame heated her cheeks, and she paused, waiting for Slade’s rebuke. But he didn’t react, didn’t pull away. He waited as if sensing more to the story.
“If only I’d known God then, maybe I would’ve realized I’d had other options. I would’ve known He would never leave us or forsake us.”
Moments passed, Slade’s expression didn’t waver.
Nothing gave her a clue as to his thoughts so she continued. “One of the clients caught on, and police detectives investigated. They traced the illegal transfers to my office computer and my login ID. Although my employer was using me, and the police found all the stolen money in his personal accounts, I was convicted for my involvement.”
A muscle in Slade’s jaw twitched, and he glanced away.
Would Slade abandon her as the others had done? Would a man who served justice, sever his connection with a criminal? If she had to leave, she’d rather do it before entering his home and his life. “Please. Say something.”
His gaze searched the surrounding hillsides for several long heartbeats. “Is that why Jake left you?” His words were low. Controlled.
Skylar nodded. “He demanded the engagement ring back. Said he couldn’t be associated with a thief. It would damage his reputation at his father’s law firm.”
Slade’s pulse pounded at the base of his throat. He clenched a fist, and his knuckles cracked. With a quick nod, he met her gaze. “Then he didn’t deserve to have you.” He inserted the house key, unlocked the deadbolt and eased open the grand, mahogany door. “Welcome to my home, Sky.”
24
“You still want me to come in?” Skylar blinked. Could it be Slade had accepted her as is?
As an answer, Slade increased pressure on her back, guiding her across the threshold. Once they were inside, he shut the door, cupped hands on her face and steadied his gaze on hers. “Did you pay your dues? Take the punishment for your crime?”
She nodded.
“Did you ask the Lord to forgive you?”
“Yes. Of course I did.”
“Then, you’ve made amends for your crime, and you’ve been forgiven by God. You’re not the person you used to be when you made the choice to steal. You’ve been made whole in Christ. A new creature.” He grinned. “A beautiful creature, if I may add.”
“I just told you I was a thief. I’ve acted like the man who stole money from your sister, and you’re flirting with me? I…I thought you’d hate me.”
“You’re nothing like Aston Barnes. You’re a compassionate, warm-hearted, vibrant woman. And I’m blessed to have you here with me.” Slade dipped his head, placed a feathery kiss on her lips, and then stepped back. “Come on. Let’s find Sarah and Lily. I’m anxious for you to meet them.” He turned and strode into the cabin’s great room.
Wow, Lord, is this the man You have planned for me? Please let it be, because I think I’ve just begun to fall in love with him.
Acceptance. Forgiveness. Isn’t that what she’d been searching for? Even as she allowed herself to begin to dream of a future with Slade, reality sank in. She wasn’t out of the woods yet; not with Uncle Winston’s money still unaccounted for.
Skylar quelled her emotions and followed Slade farther into the house, her gaze immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows and toward a vaulted ceiling supported by wide cedar beams. A classic stone, wood-burning fireplace took up an entire wall. Comfortable looking, yet rustic furniture occupied the living space. Hardwood floors accentuated the cabin’s appeal, and so did the fresh scent of lemon detergents.
“This place is amazing,” Skylar said.
“Thanks. Sarah likes to keep the cabin spotless.” Slade turned and gestured toward the pristine kitchen, open to the great room. “She’s always cleaning something. She says she wants to earn her keep. I keep telling her she doesn’t need to, but she won’t listen.”
Skylar ran a finger along the back of the leather sofa, the soft material cool against her skin. “Maybe it’s more than that. When my life is spiraling out of control, performing normal activities grounds me. Organizing and cleaning might make Sarah feel better.”
“There’s still hope. Once Aston’s arrested, the sheriff’s office will look at his electronic devices. Maybe they’ll find something on his laptop.”
“Barnes knows his operation’s been compromised. He might’ve already deleted the files.”
Before Skylar could respond, a door slammed open from one of the back rooms and a blonde woman burst through, eyes wide and streaked with tears. “Slade!”
“Sarah.” Slade spun toward her. “What’s wrong?”
Her bare feet slapped against the hardwood floor as she ran. She barreled into Slade’s chest, bounced back and fisted a hand in his shirt. “It’s Lily. She’s gone! I can’t find her.”
Slade’s features hardened. He placed hands on her shoulders. “Have you checked under the beds? In the closets?”
“I’ve looked everywhere.”
“Then we’ll look again.” Slade glanced at Skylar. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Slade and Sarah took off down the hallway and climbed steps to the second floor.
Skylar’s chest squeezed tight. She had inadvertently revealed Slade’s first name to Aston. What if he’d used his online resources to find the cabin and snatch Lily? No. She wouldn’t jump to conclusions. There could be a plausible explanation. Maybe Lily had stepped outside to play, or she could have fallen asleep somewhere. Both scenarios seemed plausible, but her unease grew as Slade and Sarah continued to call out for Lily.
Skylar paced the room until her cellphone rang. She plucked it from her purse and checked the caller ID, read the name, and sank onto the sofa as her legs gave out.
25
“Uncle Winston.” Skylar breathed a sigh of relief. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”
